Read on Twitter
If you're pinning blame on Lai for lack of spending at WBA then your target is misplaced. He has done exactly as he said he would 4 yrs ago. The issue lies with how that budget was allocated, and where it was spent? And that falls to those employed on his watch.
Bilic wanted a striker (or 2) ages ago. Also wanted a new goalkeeper (Grbić) & is pursuing Grant, who hasn't played a single minute of 20/21 football. Gray hasn't played any football either. Deeney does slightly better - an 89th min sub (last month). All 3 would need to catch up
But, on the flip side, *if* WBA go down they do so without being in any great hock, with saleable assets and going into a Championship where their budget should be greater than most clubs combined. They *should* stand a chance. Best case scenario they stay up anyway - all is good
Final questions are whether a bit more financial muscle towards wages would make a difference? The Premier League 20/21 is bonkers. All bets seem off. And it feels like WBA are on the outside looking in. As for Lai? As you were since '16. He said this would be his Modus Operandi
Of course the biggest problem is that WBA have pretty much got every major strategic decision wrong since '14. Papered over cracks, trying to fast-peddle back to where they were a couple of years before. And that alone requires a period of recovery. This is STILL that period.
Ironically, the one thing they got right was the appointment of Bilic. And he did a great job last season. But when it comes to judging results it is inevitable the manager becomes the fall guy. Always. Players, directors can weather the storm. Managers rarely do.
