I think you are pretty much spot on with your assumption that Robbo is now looking to see this season out and re-build in the summer and like it or not, we are going to have to accept that he will be given the opportunity to do this.
With just over a week to go in this transfer window I would be surprised if any significant signings are made. Robson has made it clear that he only wants players that have proved they can play in the premiership and I doubt any players of that standard would sign for us given the current state of affairs (league position, fans after the manager’s head, players being publicly criticised).
Handing out contracts to players before you have had time to asses them is poor management no matter how you look at it but I doubt many were upset at the time when the likes of Tonge, Morgan and Monty were tied down following some impressive performances in the premiership.
Speaking from a purely personal point of view, I was happy that Robson came out and criticised the players after the derby because I though, Paddy aside, they were absolutely shocking. Of course Robson is to blame also but he takes his knocks every time the fans turn on him and I for one am glad the players didn’t get off scott free. From a management perspective it was probably an unwise move, but I will not get on his back because I agree with what he said.
