I'm not sure what I expected from this window. I think most of us knew we'd lose AWB and my hope was that a replacement would be lined up and ready to bring in. I guess we couldn't move on anyone until AWB was sold though, or we compromise our position to negotiate for a better price.

For me, this is why we couldn't do much early business, our transfer plans are massively affected, even dictated, by whether we sould Zaha and AWB. I expect that is the real problem for us with transfers, big enough to not be forced to sell but not financially stable enough to turn down an offer that is just too good. So we have to play the waiting game each window, to see if we are going to keep hold of our players or are going to be paid well and need to rebuild.

While it's frustrating, I can't help but feel this is our best option, doing minimal (quality) deals that truly add to the team and squad without crippling us financially. Whenever we've 'got our man' in the past, like Cabaye, Benteke and Sakho, we have had to pay the top price and while it was the right thing in my opinion, we have felt the financial pinch for some time afterwards. Difficulty with dealing this way is that you are placing a lot of faith in new signings being able to do their job and any flops have a massive impact as we don't have the depth to cover their failings.

One thing that would be more reassuring in the future is some evidence for us supporters that the club is being pro-active. That plans are in place should Zaha be sold, that scouting and contact was made and interest lodged for targeted players ahead of the window. Over the years, it continually feels like we are reflexive in our dealings and ultimately a lack of foresight and planning is what is causing us problems. All jokes aside, I can't believe this to be true of a Premier League club but it's hard not to make that conclusion when we are always slow to do business every window.

One can understand the supporters concerns and frustration.

Only 2 weeks to the close of the 'Window' and no replacement for AWB.Uncertaintly over whether Zaha will be departing and in any event there is not a great deal of time to secure a replacement.A forward line of the mis-firing Benteke, injury prone Wickham and Sorloth who hasn't stepped up to the plate in the PL etc etc etc.They read reports of Luca entering the final year of his contract.In the midfield they see McArthur who is in his early 30s and Meyer who hasn't really impressed and might never be effective.

A lack of faith in the club's recruitment and uncertainty as to whether the ownership issue is having an affect on recruitment.In terms of the ownership, Parish has said that the sale of Zaha would make it more challenging to find new investors.

I have spoken to a plethora of supporters and not one is approaching the season with any positivity, indeed doom and gloom abounds.Need a good transfer window to change the mood but many have given up any hope that this will happen.

Edited by Willo (25 Jul 2019 9.55am)

Good post.

Even the "you don't know what you're talking about just wait and see" brigade seem to have quietened.

There is the tiniest part of me thinking maybe, just maybe, but highly unlikely.

As mentioned endless times, any new arrivals would have to settle in anyhow but I feel if any transfer activity will happen it will be a case of damage limitations. Beginning to feel that the prophetic 'Dazza' post was fake news also.

Each season we seem to have ended with what would look to be mid-table obscurity leaving fans frustrated as we hit groundhog day with a bad start to the season and no progression from the last.

I fear this season however we will be very much looking like genuine relegation candidates, without the familiar pundit approach of "they'll be safe, too good to go down', Best hopes being a disaster from three teams other than us.

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

This is the first season since we came up to the Prem that I really feel pessimistic and see us as true relegation fodder.
Our best defender gone, the rest of the first choices injured (currently), no new centre forward (so far), Wilf probably leaving and the likes of Luka not signing up for the future.
Our Manager is a thoroughly nice man but he is at the latter end of his career.
If we can stay up then this season then the future may be brighter with things settling down and a new plan but right now I have some real fears for the months ahead.

Edited by The Dolphin (25 Jul 2019 12.38pm)

This is very willo and expected after at least 5 games but my man I think it is spot on.

Window slams shut in a couple of weeks and doubtful the Club will now sell Wilf without sufficient time to find suitable replacements.
Thought Roy was keen on bringing in Batman (and possibly Robin too!!) at end of last season and what on earth is happening as regards Luca's contract extension talks.Cannot reasonably cope with losing his formidable presence and goals.