I agree with what Rob's saying to a large extent and whilst the board are getting bashed for their appointments post Lambert, let us not forget that most of us bar Carabuh were pretty happy to get Hughton when he was appointed. Now I can't really defend the appointment of Adams as I along with pretty much everyone else just could not see it succeeding. But since McNally has been with the club:
Lambert - Looked like a big gamble on someone with limited previous success but some experience - Great appointment
Hughton - Looked a good move for a solid manager to steady the ship, some previous success and good level of experience - OK appointment (Delayed sacking let the board down and I think was the main reason for the questioning of their judgement)
Adams - Cheap, inexperienced, minimal previous success - Stupifying move, no matter what you think of Adams performance over his short reign (Adequate at best) it was always a very misguided appointment and I still can't get my head round why it was made.
So with a recent record of one good, one bad and a bland middling effort the board at least whilst in its current incarnation has not done so bad.
Who ever gets the hot seat next my expectations will be relatively low, if we make the playoffs I will be happy, from here as long as the new incumbant has us heading in some sort of coherent direction and looking better at the end of the season than when he starts.
Not sure who it should be, I reckon Phelan will get the gig, I wouldn't be overwhelmed with that given his lack of managerial experience, but as long as he takes it as caretaker till the summer and no long term contract then it could be OK. My hope would then be either Phelan succeeding or in the summer or whenever a better candidate came along, we could move quickly for the person we want.
To that end, I would have to say that if Everton don't improve soon Martinez could become available and I'd certainly take him! Attractive football and he would be good for giving the club some footballing identity from youth to 1st XI.
But thats all by the by because he'd have to get sacked first and that probably won't happen.
Bah!