Where did it all go wrong then?

Alex Neil's first big mistake - not overhauling the squad after his first season. But not doing it after the second season was the real killer - he owed them nothing at that point and last summer should have seen the back of at least 5 players who are still here now, as well as the Big Money Want Away Bellends (Klose, Brady, Naismith).

Lambert was loyal to his own players but quickly recognised that you have to get rid of the previous regimes dregs early before you can really build anything.
His treatment of Docherty was masterful. Drop a s**t player from the team, but somehow get him snarling and hungry to play, then get good performances out of him when he's called upon, before getting rid at the next opportunity.

You can talk about scouting setups and heads of recruitment till the cows come home. Alex Neil must have seen first-hand enough opposing Championship players in the 6 months from his appointment to Wembley to be able to make a move for some hungry, capable lads who would have improved the squad.

Posted By: MIKEWALKER, Nov 28, 11:30:24