Thorn is not blameless, his tactics and naivety have cost us points this season. He certainly had a say as scout and manager in bringing players such as ROD, Baker, Bell and Mcdonald however I don't believe he had any say in the new contracts offered this season as Dulieu pretty much admitted it was done to increase the value of the squad and I don't believe Mcdonald was his first choice at all, that isn't to say he was forced on Thorn just he wasn't his first choice.
Analogy time. In my living room, I have an X-box 360 which shows HD films. I also have a Virgin Media TiVo box with which HD channels are as standard. Whilst this set up, to other people might be envious, and if I were to sell this equipment I'd probably get a good price, in my living room, that equipment will never reach its full potential as my TV hasn't the capacity for HD. My point being, I have great tools in my home entertainment set-up but just not enough. This, I feel is the situation at City, and not just on the pitch.