The problem here is they knew it was doubtful, maybe even very doubtful, but we’re still going through the appeals process. The deadline for squad list submission surely has to be after the deadline for appeals. I will not mention this point again. 😀

I can accept, but don’t agree with that assessment. Do you consider this to be Broughton’s fault then? Just one further point, how does he make sure the CEO or club secretary signs the relevant forms?

Where have I said it’s a conspiracy… If not the CEOs, whose responsibility is it that we dont’ have a functioning football workplace environment?

Why is that a duty though? - it’s a game of football, there’s no need for executives (of any clubs) to be meet at every single match - it certainly shouldn’t be chosen over other more important duties (let’s say ensuring transfers go through smoothly)

The only thing being read into it as far as I can see is that he chose being on a jolly to overseeing transfers on deadline day. It’s not the only thing that caused this mess but it certainly didn’t help

‘Not my fault guv - i did my part’ The problem (or intention maybe) of the club having such a convoluted recruitment process is there’s always someone else you can blame.

The players probably will so why shouldn’t the fans!

Of course if you ask Sky, everyone was on zero titles at that point…

I’ve no idea on the legal implications but as I mentioned earlier I’m not sure having clubs needing to submit their squad lists prior to the deadline for transfer appeals is a great idea. From a restriction of trade point of view, that’s what I’d be looking at.

Surely they should be embarrassed by nearly everything that’s happened under their watch?

Did he say what that target was? I’m just wondering whether it could be covered by selling a player before his contract runs out instead… Then all season ticket sales could be ‘bonus’ money and they could be sold at a far more appealing price.

I’m pretty certain we’ve established that they don’t.

He doesn’t even look the part though…

We’re going to need a very big banner!

Perhaps no one should meet the claim their seat deadline and then all send a poorly worded email the following morning to explain why they should still be able to have it.

Clearly a CEO shouldn’t be micromanaging but surely the instruction should be more than ‘raise £x’

He probably has one that’s given to fans and goes straight into his deleted folder

Typo or has this brought back Derek Shaw memories?

Perhaps a 24 hour ‘grace period’ could be introduced but with the condition that the player cannot play for, lets say, the first fortnight. I guess, as others have said, any leeway and clubs will try to push their luck even further. Regarding O’Brien potentially losing five months of his career, this is only because the transfer fell through AND the 25 man squad list thing - in the past he would now just be fighting for his in their first team. Surely, if nothing else, the submission of your squad lists shouldn’t have to take place until after the deadline for any appeals on failed transfers has passed? I wouldn’t have the squad lists at all, I’m not sure what the purpose behind them is, or was intended to be. Of course, we wouldn’t be discussing any of this if our club knew how to do basic admin!

I think your point of it being so public is a very good one. Most of the day to day ‘administrative’ running is done ‘behind closed doors’ without any spotlight on it at all. It makes you wonder how often they make such stupid errors. People bemoan, rightly, how late season tickets go on sale - maybe they just forget to do them. Somebody mentioned there are currently no shirts for sale in the club shop - maybe the order for more suffered ‘technical difficulties’ too. I’m sure there are countless further examples

As with most things, the reality is always somewhere between the two extremes. Although at this moment in time I’d suggest the reality is much nearer one extreme than the other! We need this to change and to change fast - a big step would be the reintroduction of people taking accountability for their actions, or being made to by others ‘above’ them. But the club will always get somethings wrong, it will never be to blame for everything either.

You might be stuck with me now…

Of course it depends when you start the clock as well…

I think it’s because people hoped this transfer was a sign of a much needed change in ambition. The move collapsing was bad enough but has been added to by that amateurish statement.

Eventually…it’s been biting us on the bum for years