This is what I agree with. For me Redknapp did a good job, and had us finishing in the league where our first team and squad deserved to finish. Last year we actually finished above that in terms of talent, but we all know Chelsea had a disasterous league season and that bumped ourselves (and Arsenal, Saudi Sportswashing Machine) ahead of a superior side.
This year I'd say we have the 4th best team, and the 4th best squad, in the Premiership. People keep saying that we lost Modric/VDV so are weaker than last season and that is true. But Arsenal lost RVP (who almost single handedly dragged them up two places last season) and that has weakened them far more significantly than us losing Modric AND VDV. So if we finish 4th this year? As far as I am concerned it is where this first team and squad (at least with seven days to the transfer window closing) SHOULD be finishing. So if that is where we've finished then AVB has done a good job and it's been a good season. If we finish 3rd? Then AVB has done a very good job. If we finish 2nd? Then, and only then, will I regard this season as an excellent season.