Wombles made a comment on the Hummel thread that crystallised something I've been thinking about for a while:
Although the on field performances have struggled this season, there is good things happening. Training facility, sponsorship, stadium development, new -odd named - bar.....Could be worse!
Its become obvious that Derek has a medium to long term vision, not just for the Rugby team but for Wasps as a brand/club and is prepared to invest in the people who will develop and deliver that vision. The men's rugby team has to be the foundations for that vision so it would be interesting to know how he sees it going.
When Lee was appointed he must have sat down with Derek and Stephen to discuss that vision and the role the men's rugby team is going to play in delivering it. Does Derek want to see an Exeter approach of building a team based around local talent with outsiders brought in where necessary and take a long term approach or a Bristol/Sarries approach where instant success is needed and, within limits, money is no object? (In Sarries' case there seems to have been no monetary limits either)
Did they discuss the style that they they want the rugby team to play? Is winning more important than style? Presumably this will be reflected in to the women's game and netball?
Obviously Covid has had an impact but I can't see it changing a vision, perhaps the timescales and financial resources.
FWIW, looking at the investments to date I think Derek wants to see a team built around Wasps developed players and that the Academy is going to be the pipeline, with the odd star or senior players brought in where needed. That strikes me as the best way to build a brand and loyal fan base, rather than a fickle fan base that's only there for the wins and will disappear in bad times. It also strikes me as the more financially sound approach.
I also think from what Lee has said that its not going to be all throwing the ball around with gay abandon with the motto that we'll score more than them. Attack and free flowing rugby based on a solid forwards platform appears to be the approach, but obviously there are trade-offs, especially with salary caps either imposed from the outside or because of financial constraints.
Its a shame the club is so coy about sharing the vision (unless I've missed something), I think whatever it is it will generate more loyalty and understanding in the fan base and make for more informed discussions on here and elsewhere