Sunderland chairman Niall Quinn believes the Premier League has missed a great opportunity to really heat up things in the middle of the table.

The Black Cats chief is referring to the league's decision to not have a four-way play-off for the fourth Champions League spot which he believes would be great for those clubs sitting from fourth to seventh.

Quinn says the race at the top of the table for the title is always exciting and the relegation battle is a massive part of the game but nothing much happens in the middle of the table so he was unhappy that the league decided against it despite a majority of the 20 chairman wanting the play-offs.

"The excitement at the top and the bottom of the table is amazing and the chase for a Champions League play-off spot could have spiced up the middle," Quinn said.

"More chairmen wanted to introduce it than those who didn't but the rules state that such a decision must have a two-to-one margin in favour and we didn't have that.

"There were a lot of reasons for and against introducing such a system and certainly more pros than cons for Sunderland so I voted in favour."

Quinn continued: "The big four naturally were uncomfortable with the thought of losing one of those coveted spots that they have pretty much carved up between them in the past. This was the opportunity to open it up a little but that chance has gone now.

"The subject was discussed thoroughly and fairly and I accepted the decision but who knows it could have been really good."