I agree that Clough's two main issues were his penchant for an injury prone player and his failure to address the centre half problem. But on the second I think he had mitigating circumstances.
Maguire was sold against his wishes. Then he shipped out Butler and dropped Collins. Both of who had been god awful in pre season and then Collins ignored instructions. He tried to address it by bringing in a supposed leader in McCarthy who on paper was a decent signing but actually was another crock and a pile of shite. He then went with Jay Mac and Bash at centre half and they did well through December into January. I still think he should have strengthened in this area but around that time most on here were very happy with Bash and McEverley at centre half until McEverley had an awful run of form.
I think ultimately Cloughs signings cost him but his ability to get the best out of the players (Flynn, Murphy, Doyle, Brayford, Baxter and Harris as examples) plus the fact that he knew where we needed strengthening meant he should have been given till Christmas at least.
The way Phipps hung him out to dry in his statement considering where the club were when he took over and where he left it (with two cup semi's from division 3 chucked in) lost him all respect for me.
No wonder the players are spineless fuckers with no sense of responsibility given the attitude of their superiors.