Mountain wrote: ↑Sat Dec 04, 2021 8:52 am
O'Leary did well, but that squad had a few record breaking transfers, most expensive British teenager, most expensive British goalkeeper, most expensive British player (and world record for a defender) etc. And while he brought through youngsters, and there were some great memories, ultimately his legacy was to be part of the group that broke the club chasing the dream of throwing huge sums at rising what...6 or 7 places up the table? I fully appreciate Ridsdale was the central player in that, but O'Leary was not blameless. And then you have the shadow cast by Bowyer, Woodgate, the book etc. Frankly, given what happened afterwards, I wish that era never happened.
Bielsa has transformed players and the club in a far more positive way.
O'Leary's side wins. But a 4th or 5th placed Premier League side with an eye watering wage bill should always beat a team that is 18 months out of the Championship and keeps a much tighter rein on wages. The person who enjoyed the O'Leary era most of all must be Seth Johnson
Was going to write something similar DOL inheritated a team that were 5th the season before.
He also inheritated one of the best youth teams in the country all about to break through.
He also was at the Club that were the biggest spenders. We all know that cost 17 years.
MB inherited a team of journeymen struggling in the Championship
MB inherited a youth set up with the U23's playing in the 3rd tier of their age group. Other teams weren't doing that well either.
Not sure about this season but weren't we 19th in last season spending stakes (signings + wage bills).
Its very difficult to fail when you are among the big spenders with the power to buy all your rivals best players (although Olly had a good stab at failure). Sadly the more I think about the DOL time we became one of those clubs (or tried to be) and think he got very lucky that a CL semi is on his CV as it had more to do with what he inherited and the spending power he was wrongly given than his ability as a manager.
MB's success is far greater IMHO he's taken the whole club forward and when he does eventually say goodbye its critical we get the right man. That person will inherit a very good situation.