Roberts was 27. 27. Wasn't like an old man. He would have been as much value in another 12 months. Surely if not even more after more than 1 successful season at this level. We didn't even look to offer a 2 year deal and sell in 12 months and reduce the impact of replacing and entire team/squad. Again. The plan I'm fine with. At a rate of replacing 1 or 2 at most per window. Allowing new players or the next batch who were waiting in the wings to then make progress. Ie progress with already established players. Not try and progress an entire squad with only 1 or 2 players who remained in total.
Personally I would have loved to see Mark stay. There are some things more important than money and spreadsheets and I think it was a massive mistake. I can see that a statistical model might tell you to optimise profit. Not saying I agree with it. I completely agree with everything you have written.
Sorry. It wasn't a rant at you if it came across like that. Still in frustrated mode Personally. Just felt that at 27 if the spreadsheet says optimum it ought to be tweaked a little bit. It's reminiscent of luke Steele being too old. Only this time we haven't replaced Roberts with a 40 yo centre half