I think we’re underestimating Smith and Shakespeare.
Smith did a fine job at Walsall, Brentford and the one that most parallels our situation, Villa where he got them up from the Championship when they were in all sorts of trouble.
His recruitment at Villa was also excellent with many of the players he identified still playing in Emery’s team.
I also think that he deserves more credit for getting 9 points out of 8, let’s not forget with the same outfit that stunk the place out against Bournemouth.
Ultimately he was probably a penalty save against Everton away from keeping us up when we’d been shocking before he got here.
I appreciate that Norwich didn’t go well last year, though they ended up significantly lower in the league than when he left them.
Shakespeare also understands the culture that is required at our club for success as well as being an excellent coach.
I’d also welcome the appointment of Potter though he was at a brilliantly run club at Brighton.
The thought of Gerrard makes me think I’ll be renewing my ST in League one this time next year.
