Difficult to argue in the face of such blinkered intransigence. I'm really not sure how a core squad of Barron, Clark, Coppinger, Fitzpatrick, Freestone, Henderson, Hollund, Jones, Knowles, Lee, McAvoy, Midgley, Miller, Shilton, Stephenson, Strodder, Tennebo and Westwood should have been expected to make the playoffs at an absolute minimum. Nor do I see that squad as evidence of an overwhelming budget, and nor do I remember many predicting a playoff push in the summer of 1999. But if that's what people want to insist on then it's pointless trying to argue. Let black be white with no grey allowed.

The next season saw initially underwhelming signings in James Sharp, Steve Baker (on loan), Barry Ferguson (on loan) and a fading Tony Lormor. Tinkler was the only "big money" signing when he arrived in October/November. We were hardly flashing the cash, not in those first two playoff seasons. To suggest the playoffs were almost preordained is bloody daft.

he broke the club record transfer fee twice within a week or so of taking over, spending 6 figure sums on freestone and jones. they were both on silly money for their ability.

the likes of coppinger, fitzpatrick, shilton and mcevoy all dropped down from big clubs and were on the sort of wages pools had never paid in the past, as was strodder.

getting that team to 7th out of 24....its good, but not earth shattering. certainly not comparable with what cyril knowles did imo.

as for saving us from relegation...jeez another often quoted gem. someone remind me what our league position was when he took over before im sick.

nobody has said he was shyte in his first spell here.