The biggest danger is losing DKD who we would obviously struggle to replace. Middlesbrough are due to sell Hackney for around £20m n so you would expect they will have money to spend. Boro would be an tempting move for both football and family reasons.
We've a longstanding tradition of losing our captain. Luca's the first we've had in a while who hasn't been poached. I think by announcing him as captain though, we've made the decision that we're not selling him in this window at least. It'd be a strange thing to do if we're on the verge of accepting a bid from Wycombe for example. I think it's probably a bit of a statement by the club to try and get fans back on side.
He's probably the right choice from the current squad, though the cynic in me can’t help but wonder if part of the reasoning is to maintain — or even boost — his asking price.
That was the point I was making, particularly having worked in the industry. You don’t make a thing of announcing that, if you’re selling him. He was already captain. It wasn’t necessary. So yeah, as you say, I think it’s a ‘line drawn under it’ and call to arms of sorts. Feel free to bump this when he joins Wycombe on deadline day.
On speaking to mladen he said we would sell others and keep dkd unless silly money...now naming numerous players as captain and back ups for me means they expect outgoings...mladen did say he expects Roberts to only play part time...I honestly expected luca to be leaving who still could go
How can Mladen know how much football Roberts is going to play, surely down to the head coach to decide not a senior analyst
Surely the board can see if we can keep this squad of hungry young players together. We could climb back to the championship where money would be more forthcoming. Speculate to accumulate. At least give CH a chance for God's sake.
Maybe Conor said .......Mladen we need another CB cos Roberts will prob only be able to play half the time, oh and a couple of RBs would be nice as we haven't got any. I'm sure he's crackin on.
Totally understand where you are coming from and agree, just wanted to highlight the point never say never it's not beyond the realms of possibility, it's highly unlikely but if a bid came in that met our valuation then there's a decsion to be made. It's a smart move and if Luca was having any doubts then this has surely enforced how he's viewed at the club by the staff.
Delighted with this. Never was part of this “he’s not the same since he’s been captain” nonsense. It’s just lazy commentary on people who have a dip in form. Luca is a very good player and I can’t think of a better leader for the players. Hope he kicks on with this vote of confidence.
Don't think he was ever interested in going to Wycombe, why would he go to a smaller club , they may have a rich owner but so do we , hopefully he and the rest have bought into Conners plans and way , if he gets back to proper fitness he's a genuine top player in this league.
I don’t think you need to have worked “in the industry “ to work out that Connell is staying now he’s been reconfirmed as captain for this season mate. It’s quite obvious now that he’s going nowhere unless someone comes in with a ridiculously high offer that we couldn’t refuse to turn down.
Yeah bang average can't argue with that. You would want more from your captain and probably one of the higher earners though.