I've seen numerous posts dreading the January transfer window because of what happened in 2017 but personally I think it's a totally different scenario this time around. The problems last time were well documented with 6 or more first team players including all of the better players having contracts that were up after promotion from league 1. We failed to offer new deals on the fear that we'd lose out on profit if we were relegated straight back. Hence we sold cheap in January because they would have gone for free in the summer.. This time we're not ruled by fear of not making a fast buck - we have billionaire owners who can stand to gamble a little. Promotion to the Championship is worth £6 million plus for a start so why jeapordise that with a fire sale? All the better players are still in contract for at least 18 months and there are only a few fringe players (Davies apart) whose contracts will be up in the summer. In my mind we can afford to lose Moncur, Hedges, Isgrove and their ilk because we already have good cover in their positions and if anything should be looking to improve on them. Players like Moore, Mowatt, McGeehan, Dougall, Pinnock, Lindsay etc are on long contracts so if a bid comes in we can just turn it down unless they have a release clause like Potts did. It doesn't make business sense to sell these players because they can get us promoted and will be worth much more in the summer. If someone offers £3 million for Pinnock, we are in a good position to just say no - they'll be back in the summer with a bid for £5 million. The summer allows us to plan for next season and get any new players up to speed. West Ham have turned down £32 million for Arnautovic who's on a similar length of contract - they'll get closer to £40 million in the summer. I'm far more optimistic at this window than I was last time
Agree with a lot of that, the worry for me at the moment is that we've gone nearly two weeks since Potts left and we don't have a compensating signing. If we lose points today against an improving Bradford side, one against who Brad shone in the away game, then I think that's near criminal, particularly given the stated policy of "we'll only let people leave if we have someone lined up to come in". The FA Cup break was the perfect point to bring someone in and give them time to get integrated into the squad. Therefore, whilst I agree that I don't think this window will see a mass exodus a la 2017, until we get to a point where we are either striking first or at least replacing simultaneously I will continue to think we are a not approaching transfer windows in the best way.
Well you've more belief than me . If someone offers 3m for Pinnock I think they'll sell him . The early sale of Potts indicates they are prepared to sell at the right price . I'll come back to you on 1st Feb .
There's nothing we, as fans, can do about the incomings and outgoings, but this window may well give us an idea of where we're headed. In my eyes, Patrick Cryne owned the club he loved but had to sell his saleable assets to keep the club afloat or risk bankrupting himself and ultimately the club. Chien & Co now own the club that they don't love, it's just a business, and folk in business want to return a profit. So will he cash in his prize assets to earn a quick buck? Or will he invest long term to get us up amongst the mega money of the game? As others have said, my default setting is to dread transfer windows. Will this be the one that changes my mindset, or is it business as usual???
I still think, like with any club, it's about the right price. We sold Bradshaw and Potts because the buying club met, probably exceeded, our valuation. In my opinion we got more than either of them are worth so if that money is put back into building the first team squad then I think it's good business. If it's not then it's not. I also believe if the valuation of any of our players is met, they'll be sold. I don't think this is a failure on the club's part, it's just how it works.
Not many clubs where it doesn't in the end, it's all about timing, as the OP says we could still cash in on a number of players in the summer. Selling multiple players mid season would likely have a detrimental impact on the season.
You are not wrong Simon Doesn't stop us worrying We all want the best, just some show it in different ways, that's opinions! I will be happier when the players we have are all on contracts drawn up by the current regime. Hoping they don't have silly release clauses and are tied down to ensure maximum return should we lose someone. The fact we have turned down 2 mil for Mama certainly signals intent.
My sentiments too Exile. We allegedly have replacements ready to come in, where are they then? Give Daniel a better chance and bring in that extra quality replacement, rather than tie one arm behind his back. We should be strengthening before weakening.
I agree with Exile. I'm a little concerned that we have not replaced Potts and there are no credible rumours of players coming in.
Should have someone in early next week according to Darfield-Red. Who is usually spot on. Not necessarily a replacement for Potts though.
Darfield Red is pretty reliable so fingers crossed. I thought we needed a couple of additions before we lost Potts so I'm hoping he's just the first of two or three players we sign.
On the other hand, have a look at the Ayr United website about their young players and bids in the January window. Shankland would be a great prospect with 28 goals in 26 games this season. Look at the Club Statement, though. do you think we could appoint just one of the Ayr United directors to our board? I like their style and their recognition of their fans' feelings.
Per the Chronicle we are awaiting international clearance for an under 23s development squad player. Nothing else immediately on the horizon