Les Reed said as much in a previous interview. He said the club had for some time compiled dossiers of possible targets of both players and staff with suitable qualities. When someone new was needed the groundwork was already done, it makes good business sense to do so. He also said the short list of four were from the original list of targets.
He did. It's ancient history now but the Adkins sacking makes much more sense now we know they do that.
Just back from that beach and hitting the cold beer, so clearly I am not too stressed. I am near Asos, by the way for those who asked, and I am going to accept the conventional wisdom of believing the Board so that I stop looking for problems that don't exist - promise ... Except, a little conspiracy theory goes a long way. Thanks for the comments guys, and enjoy that UK sun while it lasts.