Just a thought but maybe the NES appointment is being pushed by Brands more than people think.
Clearly our current squad is much better in a low block counter attacking style. NES can implement this with success. Two 7 place finishes and cup runs.
he has proven to get the best out of some average players - we have lots of those.
He is very much a coach and concentrates on the first team leaving everything else to DOF.
The clubs financial performance in recent years, plus failure to qualify for Europe, might mean we don’t have a lot to spend this summer.
This appointment means we don’t need a massive turnaround in squad - same key positions as we targeted under Carlo. This gives Brands a better platform from which to carry on his work in reducing the squad numbers and balancing the books.
Moshiri is also no doubt telling Brands he wants a risk adverse appointment. Do you think he’s willing to roll the dice with the stadium work starting soon? I think he will be happy for some solid midtable finishes and no worrying relegation battles.
I suspect that NES will be brought in for continuity. Brands, as a DOF, could be looking at this management cycle lasting 3 season. Pushing for Europe while continuing to balance the books, change the squad and gives time for his recent changes to the academy set up to start showing outcomes. Plus stadium is nearly done so Moshiri is happy.
At the end of that cycle, if we are not progressing to a level on the pitch I imagine we wouldn’t offer a new contract and we would look to bring someone else in. If he’s done well, he might stay.
