The 2. Bundesliga is fairly comparable, especially when you consider the status of the club we signed the players from. Hannover were in the Bundesliga last season.
Same reason he'd watch the 17-18 season, See how we approached the season with transfers/tactics etc get any information he can which would help him with the battle this season. Like you said, the shotgun scatter approach to signings in the 17-18 season and the negative tactics should make him wary of doing the same. But on the other hand the reliance of the team that got us promoted the season before in the 16-17 season which ultimately got us just outside the play offs before they were dismantled should give him encouragement to give the lads a chance.
I'd hope any such research would highlight how reliant we were on set pieces. Something we really need to improve on.
I don't believe I did Jay. I don't ever recall Lindsay say he was happy at Barnsley. If my memory serves me right, he was reflecting on the season past and commented on his understanding and enjoyment in playing alongside Ethan Pinnock. He ended the piece by saying he was looking forward to the new season ( never said who with though.) When the article was published, we had already heard the rumours that he wasn't prepared to talk to the Club about extending his contract. At that point, he might have possibly known he was being lined up for either a move to France or another EFL Club. By saying what he did, I believe in all good faith, I was asking the open question " has he had a change of heart." ? Clearly he hadn't and we now know what followed.