Summer window

Whatever happens with Clarke, or any of the other possible targets, the first one to go will be a very important transfer.

It's the one that will establish to other clubs how they need to deal with us.

But I'm sure the club know that better than I do, and I imagine those who've said the club have a fairly precise valuation for all the players will be right. If we get pushed around once another club will try it on too, and I'm not sure I see us letting that happen.

 

Tbh, if KLD spent all his several billions on Sunderland and was left penniless but we won the European Cup, I would not be too upset.

But of course we cannot go bust and be put into administration etc that would be dreadful.

There has to be a middle ground?

I just don't see very successful clubs in the sense of winning leagues and cups, either breaking even or making a profit. I think that model had gone since mega rich individuals/countries sovereign funds, now are in the ascendant. The FA has allowed it to happen and for the foreseeable future this newish breed of owners don't care if they lose money. They want the kudos of a world beating sporting 'bauble'. £300m for PSGs best player to move to Arab lands!

The sustainability model will consign us to also rans.

 

Some good insightful truths.

 

Pritchard was desperate to move, for personal reasons, but he's showing no signs of going.

Batth as well ...

... I never pay much attention tbh.

 

Supporting your team is more than just winning trophies. I would never want us to risk our long term future for short term success. The sustainable model is 100% the right approach, we can have success with that and win trophies

I hate clubs that just spend money, i want us to do things the right away and thats what we are trying to do

 

My point is they bought a club invested in it in whichever way that was achieved and then used a model or format which worked for them to build a successful sustainable club in any other business apart from football they would be seen as a great success story.

 

Get real mate, most of the PL are also rans.

Nothing we can do will change that.

We've made massive progress but you seem to think that's ground to a halt and we can't make more without spending money.

You may be right ...

... I'm just happy watching some of the best football I've had the pleasure to see in fifty years.

 

Why do people just believe reports all the time, we have no idea if he is unhappy or not

 

He was happy just a couple of weeks ago, but I think it is really eye opening that he wants to play in the Premier league because there are obviously a load of professional footballers who would rather not play there. Lol

 

I certainly go with your last bit, some of the goals we scored last year were some of the best in over 50 years watching Sunderland playing!

In ancient times during the Olympics, the Greeks said we play sport, for the love of the game, the Romans replied, that's why you don't win anything.

I'm just an old cynic.

 

It feels like there’s not much value in high level football other than money these days tbh

 

Rumours on rtg bid accepted for Tom Cannon

 

Just as well it's not you making the decisions then because you clearly don't understand

 

Seems to be working well for Brighton

 

Wigan and Portsmouth won the FA Cup and Leicester fluked the league ...

... who'd have predicted any of that tbh.

 

Heard nothing mate since my last words on it. Would be an excellent signing. Here’s hoping…

 

Also rans not?

 

A club like Brighton finishing 6th in the Premier League does not make them also rans

 

No, they have just qualified for Europe and are able to pay big fees for players while holding out for big fees for their players because of their ability to trade players.

 

Its like talking into the void this