I think Lee Charnley needs to carry the can for some of what's gone on. Apparently deals are taking for too long to complete and other clubs are jumping ahead of us. I totally understand that financially we cannot compete with most of the league and in truth a 20million pound player will have better clubs chasing him than us. The malaise is what concerns me and that lies at the feet of Charnley.
With respect to Rafa, whether he would or wouldn't have kept us up if he had a few extra games is a matter of opinion. Failing to beat you or Villa in the run up was a concern but we picked up some results against teams which I think had little to play for near the top. I suspect he might have (had he had 5 games more perhaps) but it's all moot because we went down anyway. With respect to this season, 17th is a success. If he manages that with what we presently have he will have done well.