We signed a lot of players pre-season 17/18. Is it possible that the new owners were involved before December that year?
Conway seems a pretty sharp cookie to me & it's great that he is being very hands on with things. I guess at some point a new CEO will be appointed, but as far as I can see he is doing a great job in the interim. This may also be speeding up the signing process, as he will have greater authority to spend the club's money.