I think you are probably right and this is all getting blown out of proportion. However, I will say this, if Downing is trying to get a move away this is clearly the right time (2 years on contract)... But after we stuck with him through his injury last year and allowed the platform to rejuvenate his England career if he was to leave us now he would instantly move to the top of my shit list.
While Barry and Milner going were definitely disappointing, I feel like I can understand why they made the decision, and we did get fair value for them. It will be the same with Ash, it will hurt but again I can understand if he feels like he needs to move on. Downing leaving now though would be unforgivable for me.
I will say though that the longer the board waits to sort out the manager situation the more likely that things like this are going to happen and we are going to be looking at another season just like last season. Nothing against Ged but we clearly need to bring in somebody younger with some vision because this team needs to be rebuilt this summer - I'm not saying crazy money should be spent but there have to be a bunch of comings and goings.
Thing is, we clearly need a new "5 year plan" to try and make another push for the champions league. Even if Ged makes a full recovery, does anybody see him here in 5 years at the age of 68? We need someone who has the time to build a new squad.