Warky. I actually DON'T think Mick needs huge backing in the summer. That may sound odd, as he clearly DID in January. They are completely different, due to players being under contract, and clubs being very very reluctant to sell in January. Sadly, we weren't able to compete on that front. However, I expect us to go down the free transfer route again this summer, the same as last summer. To me, this isn't a disaster at all, as there will be an absolute bucket load of players available. This is the first summer since god knows when, perhaps 00/01 when the squad does NOT need mass overhaul. We have areas where it's patently obvious we need improvements. A few players ie Edwards will leave in the summer. I would imagine if we could add 6/7 new additions, we'll do rather well next season, and sod it I'm even going to say whatever division we're in
I agree with Westy...i think there will be an abundance of premiership players dropping down to the championship next season, as clubs will be looking to offload relative high earners.
Westy, Mick hasnt been seriously backed with any cash since he arrived here and I am disgusted with the lack of any additional funds in January when we were in the play-off places! A couple of shrewd signings would have made all the difference and Evans has missed a golden opportunity yet again!
No Thanks! We've been down that route with Jewell and look how that turned out! We need talented players that are on the way up and not on the way down! Nahki Wells for example would have been a terrific signing at £1 Million and yet Huddersfield snapped him up! Who did we end up with? Oh yeah Paul Green who cost sod all and was a cast off from Leeds.
Who Mick wanted and thought would enhance our team....the same player thats keeping out our most prolific midfielder in Anderson out of the team (ok, so only 3 golas, but at least he attacks and IS a right midfielder). What does that tell you about Mick?
That's a winning point Stretchy, IMO. Confusingly you can't even accuse MM of being loyal to his players, Anderson was also a player MM brought in while manoeuvring in the Transfer Market last summer. I do understand your point JWM, £1 million on the right signing could make all the difference, but firstly none of us can be sure if Mick would have targeted the same players under different circumstances. Secondly, a fit and firing SEB could make all the difference, and he was free. A final point is that it's too easy to forget the renewed investment in the academy, it doesn't come under FFP but it still comes out of ME's wallet, its just investment that wont have immediate impact.
While I would love investment Warky, January was in my eyes the time for it to happen. I do not see mass transfer fees going around this summer, I would be surprised if we spent more than 500,000 in fees. With us sitting in the position we were, I think with a bit of backing we may well have ended up in the top 6. This isn't yet a dead duck, but tonight at Yeovil ( I didn't realise they were unbeaten in 5 either .... ) a win is absolutely essential. If Mick can add some tidy free transfers to the key areas we require, noticeably wingers, then if we're in the Championship next season I think we'll do quite well thank you. Keane claimed players wouldn't move here due to geographical reasons for goodness sake. Absolute garbage. Would Paul Jewell sell you a football club? Also, we no longer have the clown that was Simon Clegg thank christ doing business. We're clearly trying to adhere to FFP, which although frustrating, with the wages other clubs in this division are paying will mean when the restrictions come in, we'll be major players. I mean, just off the top of my head Blackburn are paying guess who 40.000. Forest chucking the cash around. QPR HOPEFULLY going to bottle it, then implode. Birmingham and Bolton are in financial meltdown..... I quite liked Mick's summer haul last season. How he sold us, a club going absolutely nowhere, and clearly with no major financial backing to the likes of Berra etc I have no idea. I also love how Mick uses the loan market - signs players in areas he's unhappy with, clearly with a view to a permanent contract like with Tabb and McGoldrick for a start. I am absolutely convinced we'll be top 6 without doubt next season with Mick incharge. Continuity is the only way for this to happen, and I think we're heading very much in the right direction.
