Your last statement answers your own question, of why cover was not originally brought in. Probably it was the same with Adam Wharton, except that one worked out.
Because Roversfan99 said that Batty has never shown that he could play for the first team, so we should have signed another left sided defender. Your first statement puts doubt on that.
Are trying to say Batty has never shown the potential to play at championship level. Strange how he was regularly picked at his age group for England. Something has happened with Batty, as he now seems not interested, whereas he used to be the out-ball for everyone.
I don't go as regularly now. Train strikes and midweek or late kick-offs, as well as price, effect this. I will probably be going even less next season, I am getting out of the habit.