I really don’t think that’s what had happened at all. The “new gang” took full control in the summer. I think from there most people said that there would be changes but the manager would get the chance to prove himself under the new footballing structure. I don’t think there was any suggestion that 8th was acceptable, not when Berrada is saying the objective is to win the title in 2028. Which is in 3 seasons.
Now do I think keeping ETH was a mistake? Yes, absolutely. I argued heavily for his removal, and was hugely disappointed and upset he remained in post. However, the reality is that there was an enormous amount of fan pressure to keep him because he had won a trophy, and be given the right to prove himself under a proper footballing structure and with backing in the summer.
This put Ineos in a lose-lose situation. If they sacked him, fans would’ve been up in arms; and if the new manager had a sticky start it would’ve unravelled quickly in terms of atmosphere. In the end they stuck with a manager that the majority of fans wanted - however ill informed those fans were and misdirected those petitions were - and we are where we are. I have no doubt they are regretting that decision now, but I do wish the fan base would take some accountability for this mess too. They applied enormous pressure to keep Erik, which was stupid, and now many of the same people (not saying you) have the gall to turn the finger on Ineos.
Everything I’ve seen about restructuring behind the scenes is extremely positive. The people brought in are best in class. This was never going to be a quick fix, and Ineos know that. I am certain they have a list of replacement candidates, many of whom have already been interviewed in advance. I’m looking at this and their success or failure over a 3-5 year window.