I see Hughton, Rafa and even Pardew as being essential in stopping the club from collapsing at various points, Ashley lucked out with the first two in particular
It is certainly a misconception that Robson inherited a decent team, only three players survived from Keegan’s reign: Barton, Lee and Shearer and all three were physically diminished.
He was never particularly well backed in the transfer market either in my view, he worked miracles.
Would actually be massive if Bournemouth beat Man City in the FA Cup this weekend.
Suddenly you potentially have Forest or Brighton, Villa, Bournemouth, and Fulham all distracted by a trip to Wembley and their biggest chance to win a trophy for at least a generation.