I think many posters forget where we’ve been the last 20 yrs. I think we are still punching above our weight against many teams we are grouped with. Possibly the only ones doing better imo are Brighton and Brentford. We are a potential biggish club in the making, but with no European football/massive wages/recent history to sell to marquee signings, it’s not gonna happen. Neither is European football in the next 5-6 yrs (minimum). With that in mind I think VO has one hand tied behind his back. For that reason, I believe he’s done ok.
Think the DOF is a sensible position to have, and it might be more productive in the coming years once we are more established in the PL. As a fan for nearly 60 yrs, it hurts to acknowledge the reality of our current position, but hey it’d been miles worse without the seasons last match heroic’s at Brentford.