Happinesstan

I like to escape to reality, every now and then.

Aye, it's hardly an essential profession. But if he's travelling on general airlines he's not really adding to the problem. If he's going everywhere by private jet, different story.

Yeah. I think people are [understandably] just worried that they won't survive the cost of living crisis long enough to see our first new signing.

My only concern, and I assume it is relevant to every transfer, is that he might begin to wonder "What might have been" if the chips are down. When you're the least glamorous choice I think you run that risk a little bit more. I have no worries though if he signs as I am confident we know what we are doing.

I'm sure this makes a huge difference. Certainly helped us get Trippier. Might explain why we're linked with so many Bournemouth/Burnley players.

I don't either but I don;t doubt there is a loophole. The original contract is included in the impact on FFP, right? So a £100 mill player on a 5 year £20mill per year contract would be £40 mill per year, in reality, right? You could offer a yearly increase in the original contract, which I assume would be applied to FFP, but if you renew the contract each year, it moves the goalposts a little. Maybe?

Selling players for less doesn't sound like a sound business model. Fuck FFP.

Train of thought had me comparing our current position to Man U in the early 80s. Historic club looking to get back to the big time. It took them 13 yrs [approx] to win the title. I think we have an advantage in that we have our Fergie, without going through the Atkinson period. We could go out and buy the most expensive players on the market [Gary Birtles anyone?] and end up with nowt, or we can buy the players that Howe wants and can develop into the most expensive players on the market. Evidently the first method might win us a domestic cup, or two. But long term the latter method is more likely to shorten the long term.

It sounds to me that we're most likely trying to minimise our initial fees. It seems small change but does support the idea that we are doing things within the rules. Might make getting our targets a little more convoluted, but we appear to have started early so there is no stress. I'd like to think we're playing it tight with Botman and Ekitike because we need to in order to secure our bigger target.

Yeah. So if we sign somebody on a 3 year contract the full value will impact on FFP, within the three years, but a 5 year contract gives us a bit more wiggle room. Would that be right?

FFP is 3 years, isn't it?

If I was an agent I'd release a story to say it was my fault.

I've no reason to doubt that is what they hope for, but I also recognise a maturity wherein if they fall short they won't be hoying their toys out the pram.

I thought your point was we need to improve our possession stats.

Wolves had 64% possession, away to Burnley. But they lost.

If it was me I'd slap the money down for Cannibaga, because it's a no-brainer. Then I'd focus on some prospects for RW, CB and FW. That's based on having a sensible transfer policy. I won't complain if we go out and spend £500mill replacing the first XI but I can't see that happening.

48% vs Burnley 50% vs Arsenal. If we are thinking Wood will be leading the line next season then those stats are reliable. But I'm hoping it will be Wilson.

Yeah, me too. I'll be delighted, and I'm sure Trippier and Bruno will be also, if we manage to avoid the bottom half all season and finish somewhere between 10th and 6th.

Yeah, I know, but I don't think he really meant it like that.

Neither do I, but I think he's got another 3 years [at least] on the pitch and he'll be here long after his playing career is over.

Trippier.

"Patience is key" is a direct quote, like.

And the mantra "Patience is key" contradicts that how?

We've got no idea what Bruno and Trippier were promised, but going on Trippier's interview where he made it sternly clear that Patience is key, I'm not concerned in that respect.

I know we haven't.