I don’t think you are in a minority, concern for the club being solvent goes right across the terraces . I would agree with almost everything you say here, because there is no doubt it is a balancing act. What I would say is that ,on the basis of wanting Roy ,to obtain his own ambition of progression to top ten the correct balance to enable that doesn’t appear to be there, certainly as things stand , hopefully finances are not so restricted that this will apply at the end of this window. In the long run when we stop chasing Roy’s ambition the game will be up. Insolvency would be every bit as close with relegation . So I just hope that when this club knows it losing three seasoned pros ,as is the case it has a solid practical and financial plan to maintain the balance of any team Roy puts out to fulfil his ambitions for progress.

I wouldn’t expect to sell one player for huge amounts and someone get two better players for the same money. But, I’d say it’s realistic to improve the “squad” like I said. In a hypothetical sense, you sell a player who’s got top 6 potential and hope to replace him with 2 players of top 10 ability. That would be my idea of improving the squad, even if the first team is momentarily worse off.

Parish won’t leave us exposed in 3-4 positions. Just 1. Deja vu-lnerable

Seriously though, after seeing the short list of clubs not relegated since our promotion that’s basically the top clubs plus Everton, and not including Newcastle, Parish has done a brilliant job using sensible means.

One out to afford two in was always the way for us to go. Just have to have good scouting/recruitment and continuity with managers to see it through.

Each summer feels the most crucial one. Aren’t they all now? When wasn’t there one? Now we have several sought after young players rather than 2-3 older players to replace not being fit enough, I know which situation I’d rather be in. The decision now must be which to replace when you have several fancied by top clubs. This isn’t easy compared to knowing roughly when one is going to move on so don’t expect perfection.

Isn’t it 5 players in 4 outfield positions we’re at the mercy of big clubs using the right strategy?

Andersen/Guehi
Eze
Doucoure
Olise

Edited by Rudi Hedman (26 Jul 2023 5.49pm)

COYP

Maybe but you end up with several unhappy players who don’t want to be there.

Yes I’m told the deal is done despite what the press & others are saying, we will see I suppose but I’ve been told it’s done & just a matter of time before it’s announced.

Gray is also likely & we still want a striker which seems to be where most of the money we have will go.

I will tell you for certain that no deal is done with Franca. He was on the Flamengo bench last night.