Some of the (more sensible) suggestions seem a tad defensive minded to me.
The replacement needs to be a playmaker, someone who will score and provide assists more so imo.
I was predicting a pessimistic 12th-8th place.
After Saturday now, I think we have the ability to be top 6 if things click.
I think we need good quality central midfield cover / the ability to rotate there whether Hamer goes or stays.
Today, even I was slightly concerned about Eccles at RWB. After he'd settled down (I assume a bit nervous) he was decent. I still thing he is better as a defensive midfielder but I think the coaching staff must be doing stuff right.
One thing from him I saw today (although granted his first half was forgettable) was his strength. Was able to hold off two Leicester defenders simultaneously and then play a pass.
I always think back to Dujon Sterling (granted a different league). Didn't even look like a professional footballer at first. Ended up having a really good 3 quarters of the season.