That all depends on whether the EFL rules are clear as to the requirements that we fell foul of, that delayed final submission.

I think the point is that the appeals process needs streamlining. Let's not forget, as well as the club, there is a player left in limbo while this drags on.

What nobody seems to be picking up on - yet again we seem to have a news black out from the club itself. No apparent effort from the club to give the fans direct updates. I don't know, could be part of EFL rules - but surely they could confirm what state the appeal is at ? Rather than us having to rely on conflicting reports from various media outlets. For those criticising the EFL, there is potentially millions at stake from promotion (we could debate all night whether O'Brien would make that much difference), with potential for them to be sued by other clubs. IF the rumours are true, and we only missed the deadline because of an additional clause that didn't need to be added - I would imagine it will become potentially complex.

So has the appeal decision been made ? Latest from Telegraph would infer we are still waiting EFL decision.

What would be very interesting - have they always insisted on this relegation clause in these alleged circumstances ? If not, I am not certain how they can reject the appeal. However, this is the EFL, who thought that Buckley deserved a red card for gently throwing a ball at a players head (in obvious jest rather than with malicious intent)

Is it not possible for the EFL to impose further checks that are outside the scope of what is reasonably required ?

I would agree - down to Rovers what contract we offer and any clauses in it

JRC has been one of our better players recently

Ignoring everything else - when did we miss the transfer deadline previously?

You have to remember the constraints that our DoF is working under - John Williams never had such constraints. I am not saying that he wouldn't do a better job - but that the situation isn't the same as when John Williams successfully ran the club.

I actually thought this was a dig at EFL.

For me this potentially stops with the CEO. There should have been proper planning prior to even the start of the window - going through each potential scenario with dummy runs to ensure requirements fully understood, estimate timings etc. It ain't rocket science. Also, even if not directly involved, swanning off to Birmingham on transfer deadline day is unbelievable. Even allowing for the farce of what happened - what if one of our earlier targets became available at the last minute, and he is stuck on the M6 ? I will add one caveat to this (based on what is currently happening in wider industry). The owners could be directly at fault (besides choice of staff) if they have cost cut administration staff to a level that makes it difficult to do their jobs to the appropriate level for times like this. Though even this would also involve the CEO

When did John Williams cheaper Season Tickets come in - this will have influenced attendance as well.

Could be that EFL delayed the checks on contract situation - and that is the defence ? TBH who knows - just wait and see - but doesn't look good.

Doesn't matter how many deals you do - look at Chelsea and PSG

Yes, the more this goes on, the more worried I become. It would be so easy to put out a message - could even by a teaser - eg 2 signed, but who, find out at 10. Lack of anything makes me worried they are just trying to line up their excuses for the media

What is even stranger is that they announced Markanday going out on loan. We just have to hope that the signings are that good that they wanted to make a big announcement rather than it being hidden amongst the chaos of transfer deadline night (not holding breath though).

If rumours are true - nobody offered £10m. Did we not get £15m for Armstrong in the final year of his contract ? Not unreasonable to expect similar for BBD. Though the same argument holds - he only moves if he/agent wants to.

BBD's agent holds all the cards - even if we agreed a deal with another club - we can't force BBD to move. (unless we can come up with a deal with his pre-contract club)

If he gets back to form and we end up top 6 - even better promotion - couldn't give a monkeys.

Even though probably only a rumour - it shows how far down the pecking order he has gone that there is even a rumour that he would go to Millwall. No offence to them, but it isn't long ago that he was rumoured to be interesting lower premiership clubs. After a good start to the season, his form has fallen off a cliff.

?

Liverpool v Chelsea was hardly a good advert for the best league in the world 🙂

I think the biggest change is how the Premiership hoover up talent at youth level and from the lower leagues. Anyone decent not picked up by Premiership sides is invariably picked up by relegated teams with parachute payments. You could probably add the Bosman impact - previously it wasn't as much of a worry if a players contract was up - as the club held his registration. None of these pre contract agreements back then. I always remember the season we sold Jim Arnold - and bought Terry Gennoe, Ian Miller and Norman Bell (if my memory is correct). I am sure, even then we had two transfer lists depending on whether Everton stumped up the cash for Arnold (excellent keeper btw).

Though frustrated - I am prepared to wait for the end of the window before I judge. I am sure we are treading the usual gambit of trying to get the best we can with our limited transfer and wage budget. I also wouldn't be surprised if they are waiting to see what happens with Diaz - as it has the potential to drastically change the landscape. Our DOF seems to be getting some stick - but it can't be easy given all the variables in play.