You can't deny, though, that it would have been nice to start this new era by building on the previous few years' hard work, being able to attract better players, and improve the squad in the wake of our sales. It feels like we are currently starting a new era we could have started after having finished 17th last season; and in that sense, this is a big missed opportunity. Players should be jumping at the chance to come to us under Ron, and our previous season's highly visible work. But we are instead seen as a risk, and (conjecture alert) possibly the reason why some (not all - I am aware of well-documented other reasons for some players) targets are waiting until closer to the deadline before finalising any move.
From the inevitable press reaction waiting for any slips to the own brand kit and our current transfer dealings (we are not generally - nor do I believe we should be - in this era a team who takes other team's unwanted players, preferring to control our own transfer demands), this regime's (including Cortese) shortcomings are clear for all to see. In regard to the kit, we are almost wearing our shortcomings on our sleeves (or near enough).
I am prepared to accept we need to consolidate this season, and transfers are about putting together a squad to compete rather than improve on eighth place this season. I'm not even that bothered that transfers haven't happened yet - as I know they will do. I simply have one gripe at this point: and that is that we have messed up a massive opportunity to progress and build from a high point.
And yes, I know we almost went out of business five years ago. And yes, I will change my point of view if we get the targets we are supposedly after.
