Tricky, I dont think that the last season saw much, if any improvement in the team when compared with the previous season. That always has to be an aim, as the squad becomes more experienced, yet has failed to happen.
They have stood still and Billy does not rate the squad good enough to get promotion and is very open about that opinion.
It comes down to whether or not, firstly, is ND prepared to invest more £m's on top of the £6m pa to keep afloat and on top of the £60m he is owed. If he isn't, by BD's own admission, he cant get any more out of the squad, so BD obviously isn't the right man.
If he is prepared to spend, then secondly, he has to consider who is the right person to be spending it. BD hasn't got a great record in expensive signings (ask them at Derby) but he wants "stellar signings", who could prove to be expensive flops! Or, he may fall out with them and leave them out of the team. Or is it SM, who has many contacts in the game and MAY understand the philosophy of building a promotion winning squad without splashing on 3 or 4 expensive signings, so MAY look at strengthening in a more circumspect and varied manner.
In addition, it may be that SM may generate a more positive atmosphere around the club, who may grind his axe in private with the board rather than in public and who may get more out the present crop of players.
I can't see the point of saying that Billy "kept us up" and so it is stupid to sack him! We want promotion next year and Billy has failed twice with this squad and admits he can do nothing more!
I say, move on, but get him back if we start to look like we are going to get relegated!