3 hours ago
(5 hours ago)DeesideRed Wrote:(8 hours ago)Salvatore Matrecano Wrote: The failing to capitalise on Paul Harts exciting young team when it needed a bit of investment was the worst bit. Instead it was allowed to crumble in the space of a few months ending with bringing in Joe Kinnear and the inevitable consequence the following season.
It stemmed from that play-off defeat to the Blades. I genuinely believe that team would have grown in the Premier League instead all the talent was sold and the rot started.
Hart's side massively over-performed. I recall Doughty/Arthur referred to the switch of emphasis to Hart's young players as some kind of 'Plan B'. I don't believe they ever thought they would do as well as they did. As I said earlier, the owner was overseeing a managed decline and they just got lucky that year because of Hart's relationship with his academy players. As Salv says, at the moment some real backing was required Doughty declined.