Should the next manager be one identified as capable of going on to manage the side in the Premier league, or just a solid proven Championship type (Warnock/Lambert) who can get us over the line and then worry about what lies ahead after that?
Out of the 3 scenarios you paint I'd go for the first one Sparks.
Give the guy a million quid bonus if he gets us up and then walks. I think you need a different type of manager to get you out of the Championship than to keep you in the Premiership. Some have managed it, but the exception and not the rule. The same for many players.
I see WoL are suggesting we only need 2 new signings to provide a serious challenge next year. For me, it will come down to the manager we get and the style he wants to play. Many of us suggested we have the players to perform in a 4231 / 4141 formation so if the new man goes that way, I'd say 4-5 players given what we've got with 6-7 going out (given the returning loan players we have).
Bringing Declan back into the fold together with Fabio, add another 1/2 decent full back and the back 5 is sorted. Centre mid doesn't look far off but a defensive mid with Dikgacoi or Gunner moving on might help. Another winger to supplement what we already have and a couple strikers, moving a couple on. If ALF has another season with us (can't remember when his contract is up) I'd have him as an option up top in a 4231 formation.
Let's see what happens on the first point before worrying about the second.
If it wasn't for Slade's new role a pairing of DJ upstairs and Bellamy as head coach would have been interesting.
It'll be interesting to see how Newcastle players do in the Championship if they come down and the players stay. They didn't look up for a relegation battle, so Tuesday, Saturday, Tuesday won't be to their taste.