I think Val's budget was the 2nd/3rd worst in the Championship which has in recent years had far bigger gulfs in class than L1. I still think in L1 if you have a poor side, if you're fit and well organised you could finish mid table. I'm not too bothered about the budget side of things as long as I see a side that genuinely looks like it gives a crap and puts in a shift - as was the case with Val's side.
I've wondered whether we have a few out of contract players lined up who'll be announced early next week after their contract has expired where they are now. I know there's nothing stopping us from announcing them now. Just putting 2 and 2 together and probably getting 5.
Conor's had the dartboard and pork scratchings removed from the smoking room. Proper training this summer.
Reading something today that also said from Tuesday a new affordability window for the PL opens and some teams are waiting for this to open. Whilst on face value this shouldn’t affect us it could be the catalyst for chains to start to happen as well.
I don’t know about astute. Clarke was furious about the fitness levels last season & wanted his own man in. Hourihane would’ve seen all that