Hogwild
Player Valuation: £30m
First, let me say this IS NOT about bashing @The Esk. I think he is a good fellow who passed along in faith information he had either gleaned or been given by those who were, or at least claimed to be, well connected. There is a difference between someone being wrong and someone lying or being a WUM.
For those who doubt that, ask yourself if you believe the club, or Koeman at the very least, thought our window would go, and end, as it did.
Given, though, that Esk has some sort of relationship with people of that connected ilk I have questions and/or feedback that I hope he can convey back to them to let them know how people who love this club are feeling.
1) I believe that at the very least we were in at varying times for Witsel, Carvalho, Koulibaly, Sissoko, Ghezzal, Kone and Gabbiadini - potentially more. Given that we have soundly and repeatedly been turned away by those we thought could move us forward, and with current evidence seeming to indicate that we did not have a viable plan "b" (I'm sorry, but replacing John Stones with an equally capable but 10 year older model, signing Southamptons 2nd keeper, signing a mercurial winger to complete our matched set of already mercurial wingers, bringing in west hams cast off 3rd or 4th striker on loan and acquiring an admittedly boss CM does not constitute a viable plan "b")....how does the club plan to change their approach to build the club into what we want it to be? What will they do to avoid a repeat performance in January or next summer when, if they don't do something, we will also be trying to replace our ace striker?
2) part of the reason for the Stones sale was so we would have the ability to increase wages. Given the business that was done, it would appear we have wasted that. Surely that is generating conversation at the highest levels. Furthermore, while I'm am not arsed about net spend in and of itself, the fact that ours is at best neutral this window understandably raises questions. Frankly, the club owes us answers on this subject. Why, when we have money (the tv money if nothing else) and we have not just a stated desire, but actual business purpose to raise the wage bill are we dickering with Napoli over 5M or letting Moyes not sell Kone, or leaving Sissoko to be taken by Spurs. If we thought Gabbiadini and Sissoko were what we needed then showing intent would be asking those clubs weeks ago what the number was and immediately matching it with add ons for performance. Offers they could not say no to. If we had offered Sunderlands ownership 25m for Kone I think we would have him. At the end of the day,having the players our manager needs to ensure success on the pitch are worth more to the club than 10-15m. This transfer window has only emphasized that point....
I guess the main question is where do they plan to go from here as this part of the plan seems to in no uncertain terms have been a massive disappointment.
If nothing else thank you for providing an avenue with which I could voice all that.
For those who doubt that, ask yourself if you believe the club, or Koeman at the very least, thought our window would go, and end, as it did.
Given, though, that Esk has some sort of relationship with people of that connected ilk I have questions and/or feedback that I hope he can convey back to them to let them know how people who love this club are feeling.
1) I believe that at the very least we were in at varying times for Witsel, Carvalho, Koulibaly, Sissoko, Ghezzal, Kone and Gabbiadini - potentially more. Given that we have soundly and repeatedly been turned away by those we thought could move us forward, and with current evidence seeming to indicate that we did not have a viable plan "b" (I'm sorry, but replacing John Stones with an equally capable but 10 year older model, signing Southamptons 2nd keeper, signing a mercurial winger to complete our matched set of already mercurial wingers, bringing in west hams cast off 3rd or 4th striker on loan and acquiring an admittedly boss CM does not constitute a viable plan "b")....how does the club plan to change their approach to build the club into what we want it to be? What will they do to avoid a repeat performance in January or next summer when, if they don't do something, we will also be trying to replace our ace striker?
2) part of the reason for the Stones sale was so we would have the ability to increase wages. Given the business that was done, it would appear we have wasted that. Surely that is generating conversation at the highest levels. Furthermore, while I'm am not arsed about net spend in and of itself, the fact that ours is at best neutral this window understandably raises questions. Frankly, the club owes us answers on this subject. Why, when we have money (the tv money if nothing else) and we have not just a stated desire, but actual business purpose to raise the wage bill are we dickering with Napoli over 5M or letting Moyes not sell Kone, or leaving Sissoko to be taken by Spurs. If we thought Gabbiadini and Sissoko were what we needed then showing intent would be asking those clubs weeks ago what the number was and immediately matching it with add ons for performance. Offers they could not say no to. If we had offered Sunderlands ownership 25m for Kone I think we would have him. At the end of the day,having the players our manager needs to ensure success on the pitch are worth more to the club than 10-15m. This transfer window has only emphasized that point....
I guess the main question is where do they plan to go from here as this part of the plan seems to in no uncertain terms have been a massive disappointment.
If nothing else thank you for providing an avenue with which I could voice all that.
Last edited:
