The trend is still there with Tp get to the magical forty points and then struggle for remainder of season. What are the positions worth to Club's with new deal from broadcasters? Thought Tony had a strong hand going into negotiations for new contract and available transfer funds before the dip in form and if we don't stay in top ten Pulis might get new extension to contract but outlay on player's might be curtailed
The budget is the budget it won't vary depending on where we finish in the league table by much if anything, a lot of the merit payments go to the players by way of bonuses.
His contract is a different kettle of fish. On the one hand a top half finish is still more likely than not and that would probably get him an extension although a poor end to the season might see the board delay until the early part of next season. He's not going anywhere so there is little or no point in having him on a long contract it will only cost us more if we sack him.
Tony talking down the club and managing our expectations is all part of him keeping his job with the lowest level of achievement possible e.g. 40 to 50 points poor efforts in the cups and safety first football. He will not change our current position is not a platform to develop it is a danger to him because it comes close to raising the bar and making his life more difficult.
Part of me would love board to take leave of their collective senses and throw £100m at him just to see what happens and give him a new challenge in managing our expectations.
As ever I wouldn't expect a different manager to get better results but they might achieve them without the miserable hang dog conservatism that Tony Pulis embodies.