I'm sure you guys have read the most recent article where Coates has commented on this transfer windows spending. He touched on some sound and sensible points (although we as fans probably wont like it) that as a club we cant continue to spend in the manner that we have in the past, and drew reference to the 20+ million spent on 3 players last summer. It was interesting to note that he felt that it was not sustainable to continue in the manner in which we have in the past and noted that it was non viable to have over 25 players. We currently have 28 of which 3 will/have gone out on loan meaining that we technically have a full squad - although some would argue that there is a large proportion of the squad that are potentially past it or not up to scratch. So inevitably it will be a case of 1 in 1 out which makes perfect sense, however we are potentially blighted by one core issue that has rumbled on over several seasons. We have several players who, for want of better words are not fit for purpose yet they hold a position and salary demand within our squad. The value of said players in nominal due to their ability and/or lack of play and hence are likely to only be approached by lower division teams, meaning a probably wage drop. So firstly these players are unlikely to WANT to move on, secondly we are unlikley to recoup an serious value to reinvest back into the squad and finally any new player replacing them will be of higher quality and hence demand a higher salary! One of the points that Coates has made is that he is trying to REDUCE the wage bill! This then leads to whether or not we sit with what we have and muddle on, or we off load some of the player with added value, the most likely two being Jones and Cameron. Whilst we can argue the toss over their ability and value, this will likely result in a loss and will probably restrict us in replacing them with quality. So in defence of the "great capped one" he is now operating with one hand tied behind his back when the quality of the league appears to be stronger than ever. However as most will acknowledge - it is a self created one!
Collins is flying back to complete his 400k move to Notts Forrest which confirms the Geoff Cameron deal is all but done!
Smither's I totally agree with everything in your first post matie... It was obvious I think? to most fans that we would not be spending millions on players this summer... As I see it we have two major problems. TOO many deadwood players as you said. And 2nd Pulis has NEVER used the GOOD player's we DID have and some.. i.e. Pennant, Palacious are NOT played often enough.. it's self inflicted sorry TP it's your'e fault YOU sort it out.
