Cricko, what's going on? I used to pretty much agree with most things you penned on here, but lately, you are sounding ultra bitter!!
I don't mean to be disrespectful, but I think you're opinion of RM's running of the club and Paul Sturrock's ability is becoming blurred. We all know the history over the past two seasons, but I fail to see how a club bereft of transfer budget, and a reputation in tatters has any bearing on the ability of a PROVEN manager at this level?
You say that any manager who wasn't desperate for a job would have walked - implying he has little chance of employment elsewhere - Well Tilly didn't walk did he? And the treatment of him was far worse than Sturrock is receiving. I don't see it as Sturrock putting up with this because he has no other choice, I see it as an honourable man who wants to see the job through to the end, and is probably enjoying the challenge, despite his obvious frustrations.
It's easy to say we could have got a younger manager in at the start of the season - yes, we probably could have - but would that have been the right time to take a punt on an unknown quantity when we had absolutely no playing squad which had to be rectified immediately? No, of course it wouldn't. The situation needed an experienced hand who had the reputation, pull and contacts to bring together a squad which was competitive at this level, and that is exactly what he has done - If he could do that in 3 weeks, imagine the outcome if he is allowed a full close/pre season and the ability to bring in more players.
Where we have come from is irrelevant - the fact we were in the Championship a few seasons ago has no bearing on our fortunes now - clubs such as Bradford and Luton have in recent history been in the top flight, and now look at both of them? We are a mid table League Two club right now, and given what we all feared back in August, I'd take that every day of the week.
Next season, if given the right mix of time and budget, then yes, I would expect us to be challenging more prominently, and I think Sturrock would accept that too. I just don't buy into this negative vibe surrounding him i'm afraid, and as easy as it is to question some of the poorer purchases, perhaps it would be more beneficial to concentrate on the good ones and build on those.