The Prophet

Good post.

I'm still digesting it all really, but undoubtedly a poor window. It feels like there's a couple of things at play: 1) PSR. PSR is not only limiting our transfer spend, but our mentality too. Rather than be bold or innovative, we've become incredibly risk adverse, placing a handicap on the pool of targets we're willing to bid on in fear of buying a dud. 2) Executive upheaval. Staveley leaving and Mitchell being appointed has definitely caused disruption of sorts. It might not be sinister, but it felt chaotic and had a reactive feel to things. 3) An inability to shift players. Fair enough, it was a slow market, but to still have all of Targett, Trippier, Longstaff, Almiron and Wilson on the books when we were allegedly willing to listen to offers for all of them is a poor showing and is unhelpful from a PSR perspective. Usually I struggle to grumble with our incoming transfer business, but this was undoubtedly a blip and the narrative of the window will only put the pressure on Mitchell and Eales moving forward. I fully expect the former to start to implement changes in the coming months, along with a PR campaign including new contracts and a stadium announcement from the latter.

Shall I fire up a "rate the window" thread then?

I think we could see an overhaul of the recruitment department in the next couple of weeks.

There's some superb takes on here tonight.

They'll be asking themselves some tough questions.

We're still good enough.

Fair. When does that close?

Mad Lewis and Hayden are still at the club.

PIF are ruthless though, they don't tolerate second best.

Did we sack this off then?

Howe undoubtedly loves a white lie in his press conferences. It's not to say everything he says is rubbish, but I struggle to take him at face value.

I don't think they'll get toxic, but I agree it does feel like a big game in terns of the mood music

Edwards contradicting Hope re Guehi.

Chalk another one off the list.

Aye, hard to know what's happened given the reporting. The initial noises were that Mitchell was assessing the squad.

Don't really have any issues with his persona, as long as the club continues to grow under his watch.

It feels like her leaving and Mitchell coming in mid-window has seen our planning go out the window.

Seen his arse there

Wasn't a bid was it? We've probably been making loads of enquiries today, just this one went public. I agree it all seems rather chaotic though.

Why are some of our fans gasping for the worst case scenario