just a hunch but:

(i) Why sack: Webber needed to do something to avoid failure being pinned on him, and a manager is an easier change than writing off your summer signings by replacing them in Jan. It was a sensible time to take the gamble.

(2) Why Smith? Because he became available & Webber figured he'd get less blame if it all failed having tried a 'proper' manager than if it all failed having gambled on Lampard.

Posted By: CWC, Mar 2, 21:09:43