The last eight seasons in the PL we have finished within the range of 41 - 49 points per season. Given we’re exactly on target for that this season with 23 points at halfway it hardly needs a computer to predict we’ll finish between 42 - 48

But Hodgson inherited an already established, experienced and expensive squad, pardew didn't. Hodgson done what was asked, playing the worst football we've seen since we've been in the league. Better than doing a bad job and seeing us relegated but he didn't do a great job, even if he spent 80 million we would have played the same.

The only manager we've had who completely exceeded expectations was pulis who performed a miracle, after that pardew gave us a top 10 finish with an fa cup final, our second best season In the clubs history. With viera being an inexperienced manager taking over a club going through a huge transition, bookies faves to get relegated I'd say his so far exceeded expectations. Roy done what was needed, thanks but I'm so glad he is no longer manager.

Every manager has to deal with injuries, he inherited a squad that included pva, wan bissaka, cabaye, Loftus cheek, Townsend, who would all arguably walk into our starting 11 now. It also included a 30 million pound striker and defender. We also had the 8th highest wage bill in the league at the time. Poor Roy I don't know how he managed it.

Allardyce came In because he knew the squad was good enough to keep up, 6 months work with a great bonus at the end, he was never interested in the job long term

Exactly.

The only reason we have now spent money is because Textor has joined the board so it is quite clear that Parish's strategy was to find a Roy like manager who could keep us in the PL on a shoe string budget until he could get new investment.

Credit to Parish and especially Roy they managed to achieve that with the added bonus that most of the players we have brought post Roy have been a hit. That is not an easy thing to do just look at how much money Brighton have spent on flops compared to us.

One more point

I think talk of £30 mil strikers is a bit of a reach knowing his contribution. RLC and Cabaye left at the end of the season have played some fantastic football and were never adequately replaced.

Allardyce took some time to turn things around hence the £40 mil January window. He also made reference to recruitment a few days before he quit his two and half year contract.

With regard to Viera and this season I think he and our recruitment have been excellent overall. The division is harder than ever before. The acquisition of two young ball playing centre backs and Gallagher has given us the tools to play on the front foot albeit at the possible expense of aerial / defensive solidity. I guess that's the trade off.

Biggest difference for me is I actually enjoy watching us play and spend the week looking forward to match days - we’ve very quickly become a really good side to watch.