I think we need to be careful with how we remember Thommo's time in charge of Sheffield. Because let's make no mistake, Sheffield and Thompson (and G) were the bench mark when Todd and Lordo took over. They were where we needed to be.
While where both clubs are at present, are very different, and the way in which we completed that challenge was phenominal, lets not forget just how big those rivalry games were in the league in Lord's first few years, that playoff final where we lost, was one of the most competitive games seen on these shores, and that took two teams. To notch down Thommos entire reign, is to not appreciate just how far we have come, and just how big our achievements are.
The Thing Thompson didn't do, was have any coherent plan of how to get back at us, what we have built, was just too big a challenge, when you are at somewhere for so long, it's easy to get stale.
And I'd say the biggest issue, was the culture Thompson built, that was now so engrained in the club it was going to eat away at any set of players that were there. It's a culture of Blame and Fear, We have a culture of Standards, you hit our standards on and off the ice, or you don't last.
Fascinating next chapter awaits at Sheffield and the League.