Edit: this is in response to JD at the top of the page.
At no point have they cited money as a reason not to sack him. That's an assumption you've made.
I believe they have a plan, and ricki is a big part of it and had contributed and bought into it.
It pisses me off (and you'll notice I've changed my tune on this) that they've turned this season from one where we had ambitions of a top 2 finish, to one where they are forcing a style on to the players midway through in the name of this grand plan. It's all fine having a 5 year plan, but you should still be trying to win the league every season. It's interesting that Ifill said something similar on twitter a wee while back, but coming from a different angle - read into that what you will.
I realise the season isn't over yet. We are only 3 points from the top 6. But my personal thoughts on goals from the start of the season hasn't changed: top 2 is an excellent season, job well done. Top 4 is good. Top 6 is below par, but just acceptable. Anything outside of the top 6 is a complete and utter failure. Lets see what happens.