Something definitely doesn't seem right. The question is if it's because Smith and the coaches are shit, or are the players too shit and incapable of playing any better.
I think the story that a number of players agents were told they were not part of the plan is plausible.
They’re still professional players who in most castes will want to play beyond this contract. You’d think they would want to put themselves in a good position for the next deal.
It happens, look at Chelsea, if players collectively decide not to give 2 fucks they don’t.
They have cast iron contracts and Agents.