Eh, yes, of course it would.
How? Would they be OK with challenging for Europe all of a sudden?
We finished 5th with Alan f***ing Pardew in charge.
I know that. I'm not saying it wouldn't be possible, but the board don't want us to challenge for cups or be in Europe (because that would mean we would get relegated ). Why would that change?
If getting a really good manager just meant we'd finish 10th instead of 15th it wouldn't really matter.
The board's ambition is one thing, but you asked if a great manager would make a difference, and the answer is yes, of course. Will they appoint a great manager? Of course not.
Your last statement suggests that you actually do think a good manager would make a difference so I don't really understand what you're getting at. Last season we finished 10th. Using your own calculations, with a really good manager we could have been competing for a place in Europe.