I think few people thought him mad but understood him to be a realist. The problem was getting to that next level under his guidance. Like many others, I think he found his level to be good in the Championship but lower echelons of the Premier league. Sad, because he came across as a great guy...
I think they will keep digging as they are desperate for a decent centre back. Not sure if Maguire would be top of my list - there must be a world shortage of them. Maybe they could take Duffy?