I think the question of him continuing is complex. No doubt he has been given a tough hand in his tenure. I applaud him on striking a nice balance of pragmatism and development affordably. I for one did look at some windows wishing for some more youth and expansiveness but the squad in total now has a lot of appreciating assets on the plus side of the development curve. And the veterans have been crucial and more than rational placeholders.
He also leveraged the right assets for finances in Richy, Onana and Gordon. Defense is more crucial at the bottom of the table and rarely matches attackers price tag. I flirted with a Pickford sale, hindsight that would have been disastrous. Holding onto Branthwaite likely more impactful than Amadou last summer.
And one thing I give him massive props is even under the shoestring budget he has kept an eye on succession in deals. Its been a horrible oversight in many of our teams not planning for likely sell ons windows prior to exits. Chermiti factored likely Dom's departure years out, O'Brien likely Branthwaite's. Now Alcaraz with Doucoure. I think this summer is still going to be a rude awakening in just how many holes there are to fill but he's been able to keep at least a little attention on the importance of overlap in positions changing hands.
In terms of longterm I think the argument for him staying is that the squad stylistically isnt likely to change in the next two odd years at least. Moyes is empowered so I don't see the Friedkin's pushing progressive ball dominance football in the coming seasons if ever. With that in mind I think Thelwell has more of a case. He seems to understand deliberateness but also the importance of some mercurial magic in parts of a squad. That is very Moyes-esque. Its not pure grunt its blue collar but with splashes of style. I think if Moyes wasn't the hire I would have advocated to look elsewhere but with that settled I see no reason why Kevin shouldn't stay. If accidental they seem to be kindred valuing similar things.
Factor to note I did find interesting was in his media brief him stressing the difficulties still this summer. I would just say I think this coming window could be a real challenge still financially. Yes wages being cleared will help but some stalwarts or at least known commodities are walking on a free. Moyes improving our placement should help some recruitment but we are still going to be in a tight spot. I think thats also an argument for Kevin. I dont think we are out of the woods yet in regards to the restraints so moving on would make me wary
