Was this one of the key factors for Hughton being let go? I think even the most staunch defenders of the club acknowledge that we need serious investment in the squad to compete next season taking into account our recent performances. But whenever new signings were made during CH's reign, they were eased to the starting 11 very slowly and he generally stuck with 'the old guard' for 1-2 months at least, maybe until he could mould them defensively?! Could we afford to stick with much of the same team at the start of next season and be playing catch up? Perhaps this was a factor that came into Bloom's thinking when making the commitment to spend more on the playing budget - which I presume he will do.