There is an argument he has prepared for.next season since 1 November.
If he was aiming to compete and win every game this year, then Gutho, RCG, Joffa and Cartwright would still be here (or all would have been adequately replaced), Lane would be in the team, and Matterson would've spent more time on the field.
He was happy for the team to be a poorer side and have less chance of winning matches by making those decisions, so I don't see why he would just not bother playing Brown any longer. Once Moses returns, Brown should be just told he can have some 'gardening leave'.