IF we are getting a new coach it must be for 2020 start if they are to have any advantage in the 2021 "War Chest". If not it would be pointless. If Pay stays on next year its very poor form from the Board.
The only positive you could possibly take out of it if the Board insist on continuing with Pay 2020, is if Holbrook is appointed Director of Coaching.
He would be free to scout around with Hughes looking for talent, recruit from UK and/or conduct a far reaching review of our operations, training set up, with a respected old boy in say Terry Lamb etc. Could also put together a cutting edge group of assistants in a sensible time frame rather than rushed.
We could live with that I reckon. It would be professional and measured, long term and more assured of success with that 8 million we have to spend.
The players would also know the plan going forward and the succession plan would be in place so performances should improve.
Pay would have some sort of dignity with that and possibly a role after Holbrook takes over if the Board still feel its advantageous.