All the top teams have continuity and consistency. George Burley at Ipswich couldn't get promotion for four or five years in a row, but they stuck with him and look what they have done. Now at Maine Road they have to start all over again bringing in a new manager and new staff, bringing in new players. They have got to start the whole process all over again. Nobody is quite sure what has happened at the club, but Joe is his own man.
City have a history of replacing managers and lacking stability.
My understanding was that this was to be a period of stability for the club which makes today's news puzzling. The trouble is most clubs want instant success these days. John Barnwell, chairman of the League Managers' Association, also criticised Royle's sacking. He has done a fantastic job under very difficult circumstances. Look at what Joe actually achieved.