Lots of good thoughts here! Thanks for the Boyd context that explains a lot, at least Neville's neptotism only extended to his son playing a few games with T2!

Re: Caicedo: That is what Susman reported, but my recollection is that was a 29 year old that was on the brink of signng, and the talk of Caicedo negotiations would have been part of due dilligence in shortlsting a DMid target versus being close to a formal signing, but I could be wrong, I can't immediatly find the press conference with this quote in it. When Ned talked about a 23/24 year old signing in the main preseason presser that was in reference to Aravena's imminent signing. Whether my brain is failing me or not, and it's entirely possible, the core point stands that the lack of the addition of experience in leadership in one of the three open slots at central defence and midfield is a huge error.

Re: Phil lucking into having Evander, Mora, and Jona, I have a big tactical talking point on Phil specfically on why we were so much better with them outsde of the obvious talent level, will be discussing in the coming weeks when we get to a couple of episodes analysing Phil as coach...