I agree with a lot of what you said Johnthebaggie!
How we laughed at Villa when they protested and cried about getting Mcleish, the bloke never had a chance and they are no better off now then when he left, yet here we are now doing the same thing.
There was probably only 1 or 2 appointments who would of pleased everybody if this forum is anything to by - Moyes, Jol, Sherwood, Hughton, Mackay, Mcinnes, etc to name a few 50% of our fans would of accepted, the other 50% would of moaned.
Nobody wanted Alan Irvine but the fact is he is here now so why not give him a chance, people may well be proved right and he may be a disaster, but the same was said when we appointed Gary Megson and he didnt do too bad did he? Also playng wise - Billy Jones and Gareth McAuley were written off a few years ago for having the nerve to be bettering themselves and joining Albion despite not playing in the Prem, people are given chances, its how they take them but at least give them the fair opportunity.
I think Irvine does have to hit the ground running, but if we have 12 points after 6 games nobody will be saying a word, if come xmas we are in the s**t then all our worst fears are confirmed but whether we want him, like him or whatever he is here, so hopefully by the time the season comes we can give him a chance.
As somebody said above, i remember the dark old days and when you think back to those days, these arent so bad after all, 5 years in the premiership on the bounce, nice ground, a good academy (few bits need ironing out), not in debt, and the chance between now and the start of the season to build a new team, can think of worst positions to be in.