In terms of budget everyone seems to focus on over achievement, under achieving seems to go under the radar. Hard to argue that in 2019/20 Stoke with the 4th biggest budget achieved results/position equal to the cost.
Focus on a single figure to explain a seasons performance is misleading. Wage spend can be different to budget, depending on other factors. A total budget doesnt have to be spent for example.
If a "once in a lifetime manager" makes such a difference to teams over a number of seasons then that in itself points to it being more than the budget. It isnt just us who have had such an experience. One season fine but over 3 or 4 ?
Yes you can to a degree buy success but only if the other tools are also there to achieve it.
In terms of MR, as good as he is for us and he has been very good he is still like everyone else and will misjudge or make errors. In our case those errors are highlighted more because we don't have funds to invest in a squad of depth in quality. That in part because the owners make the club live within its means, something I think all clubs should. The cracks in his armour will come and go, if we out perform budget again I wouldn't be surprised. That will be because of the skill sets within the club won't it? And for the 5th season running ?
Am sure MR will consolidate us in this division irrespective of budget and that in its self is a huge success.
Enjoy it while it lasts and just maybe dream a little more realistically