To me the bit before the comma contradicts the bit after it.
What I was thinking, I tried to analzye every possible meanging in my head and only came up with they were the only good players in a shit team...and without them...even shitter?
I can understand it - we've been dog-awful with them in the team for a few years now. Why not freshen things up completely. Not to say I agree with it, but I understand the thinking