That's my take on it as well. Whilst Tomkins had a shocker against Fulham he was ok in his other 3 starts and 3 sub appearances. I suspect his new contract will see him on reduced wages given his current place in the CB pecking order. I would hope Clyne's wages will be brought more in line Ward's.

ON a general note regarding our finances, with several of our Academy players doing well in lower Leagues last season (especially Rak-Sakyi, Phillips and O'Brien) Parish may be hoping that if he can get them loans to clubs in a higher league (the Championship clubs in the case of those three players) they might be ready for 1st team consideration in 24/25. Unfortunately, we don't seem to have a RB in the Academy who has made an impression out on loan.

Tomkins yes. Ward and Clyne no.

This is a ridiculous shout. We're home to three of the best young talents in the prem (MG, EE and MO) - Doog scouted them all.

Lol

Hardly needed much scouting did they!

Perhaps just me Robbo however I didn't know much about any of them before their arrival nor did I envisage their success to the extent it has played out.

I think Freedman is obviously operating within fine margins. Even the likes of BHA have hd x times more failures than they have had successes, with more finance and a superior set up.

Problem for me is we have probably only had one real window where investment with sincerity played out and I'd suggest that was out of absolute necessity as oppose to ambition. We've lived off of that almost singular period for a bit now but were we to see any repeat I'd suggest things would be looking up.

Johnstone, Andersen, Guehi, Doucoure, Eze, Olise all good buys with even the likes of Richards contributing meaningful cameo parts when necessary. I wouldn't argue against Hughes however much can and has been said about Edouard and Mateta however strikers are often cited as hardest to find, recruit and find success with.

Now Zaha's got a bit of green grass ahead of him here... and finds Ambrose... not a bad effort!!!!

Excellent news, but that is it now, no more extensions

“That’s a joke son, I say, that’s a joke.” “Nice boy, but he’s sharp as a throw pillow.” “He’s so dumb he thinks a Mexican border pays rent” “ “Son… I say, son, some people are so narrow minded they can look through a keyhole with both eyes.”__ Forhorn Leghorn