The whole "free pass" thing was and is an understandable reaction to the events of last season and the general malaise over the last few and beyond.
We had just gotten rid of a universally unpopular manager and I also think the club and fans are still reeling from still more disappointment and frustration overhanging from the destruction wrought by Koeman and Walsh, failure at a time of unprecedented enthusiasm and expectation in the PL era.
In comes a young manager who is seen to be ambitious and progressive, despite what could be best described as a very patchy career with signs of promise but also of warning. "Free pass" comes from an almost universal desire to see him succeed where others have failed miserably, and a recognition that we can not afford any further quick hire and fire managers.
That's where free pass begins and ends. It is obviously diluted with this alarming slump. No Everton manager gets carte blanche to oversee performances and results every bit as concerning in their character as many of those under his recent predecessors.
As a bottom line, free pass to me is a patient acceptance of the status quo in league position with the necessity to see gradual but consistent improvement. Silva must at the least maintain last season's league position whilst offering some encouragement that things will improve and at least the occasional good result in the sort of game that we have come to expect nothing from. At present, with the caveat that it is early days and at a time of big change, I am not seeing those signs in the main. I find it difficult to find circumstances to excuse recent performances and results, whilst not at all expecting miracles.
The club to me is punch drunk and fatigued. It is primarily Silva's job to get us out of this and build methodically with Brands. He has been able to make good signings and is highly paid in a position some would argue he is very lucky to have. I keep hearing there is no patience in football and there isn't. He needs time and will get time but he also needs to own all of our problems and find a way. I didn't like his moaning regarding the budget and this and that. He must show us what he is made of and do it soon.
