OK - not read all of the posts on this thread, but overall they are very positive about the appointment.
IMO
Did Lowes have to 'go'? Yes
Have we replaced him with the right man? We've replaced him with the best available at this time, but I have my serious doubts as to whether it'll work out. (England debacle in the World Cup). Ideally the 'world class coach' would have been brought in at the end of the 08 season.
How will it work out with Lowes in the camp? The players didn't seem to gell with Jimmy overall. I can see there being some festering issues here. It's a very unusual situation and to be honest it reminds of the situation when Anderson went and Plange took over - he was on a hiding to nothing.
What should we expect this year? There will be a 'new boy' bounce so we'll win a few but I'll be surprised if we finish higher than I predicted at the start of the season - which was 6th.
So overall I can't say I'm overawed, but I'll go with a half full glass rather than half empty.
I still think the full glass is still some way off.