Bet365 showed up a few minutes later if that's any use. Personally I don't mind the gambling ones, alcohol, vape, whatever. It could advertise the dark web to me if it wanted, whatever shows up isn't getting clicked (intentionally anyway) or imprinting on me. But I get the principle of the stance.

Did the policy change?

I had thought the original plan was for them to be sold in the concourse? Also surprised they're 'back', I thought they'd be available from the start of the season. Sounds like they're good though, gonna have to try one some time.

Would still like to see us sign Styles. A LWB of superior quality to the two we already have, and at least from the clips I've seen, could replace Rothwell's running from midfield. I know Barnsley fans said he was better as a fullback than midfielder, but he could have the potential to grow into the role. I think with us already having two LBs on the books, it's pretty much the only signing I can think for us to make in that position. I do agree our two aren't fully up to it on current evidence, but a club with our resources can't afford to carry 3 left sided defenders all of whom we paid a fee for. But one who can ably (hopefully) fill another position seems ideal. Pickering probably first choice for when we play a back 4, Styles for when we switch to a 5 (I don't like calling it a 3). Styles to challenge for a midfield berth when we play a 4, unless Pickering is playing poorly enough and/or the competition in midfield is too strong, at which point he plays LB. Plus Styles is young, promising, playing for an in-form Hungary, and doesn't seem to be too expensive. Probably good resale value if it comes to it. Him and 2 CBs (one class, one decent) and I'd be pretty happy with our defence. Plus midfield options would get a boost. Makes sense to me.

What he was on, or what he was offered? Because I really don't think he was on 12.5k pw upwards here. Most rumours, supposed spreadsheets of player wages etc seem to put him on more like 5-8k. Quadruple that is 20-32k.

Can't be on much at Cov. Can only see it being a problem if another club is interested, which I've heard nothing about.

Actually I'd say everyone (well, most) seemed on board with the need for it to take time until we won the first 3. Then delusions of promotion this season returned.

Ahh yes, Downing. It wasn't a few hundred k though, think it was rumoured to be about 100k. Barely registers for a club like ours, but it was indeed money on a CB.

Was free.

I think the last was Williams. Even he was a LB/CB. And he was about 300k. This one sounds closer to ten times that. Last time we paid decent money would probably have been Duffy, at I think about 1 mill? Scott Dann before that. Unless I'm forgetting someone...

Who is 'we' though? You mean people on here, right? Because the only time I've seen the club say 5-6 was when GB and JDT came in. Since then we've recruited 3, so another 3 is perfectly consistent with what they said. If you or anyone else was expecting 9 in total when they said 6, more fool you. I'll assess whether we are stronger, weaker or the same as a squad after the window closes. Depends on if the 3 left are quality, but we will be left with less experienced players in total regardless. If they are good enough we might end up stronger in our first 11 and bench when everyone is fit, but thinner when injuries bite, relying on youth players to step up (which they may...or may not). For now though we are definitely weaker and signings need making ASAP.

Still definitely rather have Lenihan and Van Hecke than those two.

Let me get this straight, you're more confident in the defence where we have lost 3 players and replaced 1? That's a baffling stance but at least your prozac works.

Anel was. But instead we're in a tight hole...

Actually he scored 25 goals in a Championship season.

I say this every time, yet someone always feels the need to object to links being in here too. Even though links will obviously spur discussion.

So, why can't we use our wits, knowhow and resources now, with more money, to get a better player than we will end up with for almost no money next year? It's weird when people act like anyone here thinks it's our own money. Obviously we don't. The club's money affects the level of player we can buy, which affects our success and enjoyment as fans. I'm quite coherently making the argument we would be better off getting the money to spend on a replacement now rather than kicking the can down the road a year to when we won't get money for a replacement. At no point did I say I can't wait to buy myself a mansion with the 15 million, so don't straw-man me please.

And what would happen next season when we have no BBD and no money to replace him?

Most clubs in this league have higher turnover than us and whilst we could grow it a bit, it won't be by orders of magnitude. And that's if we had a competent CEO at the helm, we certainly don't. Our wages are probably one of the highest to turnover ratios in the league, although that may have been addressed a little this summer, depending who we still bring in and what we pay them. The existing rules are also in essence guided by turnover, as our losses are to a large extent dictated by our turnover. The advantage for us under these supposed new proposals is the owners being able to inject more. If they do indeed wish to.

Doesn't have the pace for it.

And all the figures reported in the press. Beats no source at all. It might not all be 100% on the mark for the exact figure, but turning 3.5 million into 1 million is clearly miles off base.

Nah nah, JH has decided that's wrong because it goes against the arguments he's been making. It's only around a million. Source: Trust Me, Dude.

Fair enough, we mean it in different senses then, you mean actual qualifications. Like Shania Twain though, that don't impress me much. Coaching isn't even part of the job description so far as I'm aware. I want a proven record when I go in for surgery, not someone who just has the qualifications.

To clarify, Broughton is not highly qualified as a DoF at all. It's his first time in the role.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/footballleagueworld.co.uk/everton-reportedly-make-official-approach-for-blackburn-rovers-forward/amp/ If this is right, then Nixon's version of 'close' means 'about to make a bid'.