CaptainOx

Oh definitely, it's clear there was an issue against Morris. But he didn't help himself and ultimately the club and fans were the ones to pay the price whilst he skipped off into the distance. In the long term, in a weird way, it might be the making of your club again. Always expected Warne to be the right man, he knows what is needed to get out of this league, and his recruitment is coming together now, it was always going to take time. At the level above? Who knows. Rotherham have continued to struggle to survive despite him going, so suggests it wasn't just him lacking in ability for the Championship.

I know it is, but that is the point I'm making. Even within restrictions and caps relating to the business plan, in comparison to what a lot of the rest of the league can pay, it is a hefty fee (happy to disagree on the definition of hefty haha!) alongside wages - which given Charlton are spending some dollar and have offered him new deals, must be a decent whack as well. The fact you're in this league is a joke, and I know it is mostly all down to the decisions and dealings of a former owner, but it just really brings it home, how much damage that individuals can cause to football clubs who are the heartbeats of their local communities. Football should be able to be played out by results and performances on the pitch without the potential for owners to negatively impact things so much. Really hope they hurry up with this regulator and that it actually has some impact. The damage caused at so many clubs over the years has happened too many times.

CBT is a seriously impressive signing for you lot, and as if the rest of L1 needed any reminder, just shows how ridiculous it is that you're in this division. Operating within a business plan and still able to drop a chunky fee way beyond the majority of clubs*. Personally see the top 2 being 2 of yourselves, Bolton and Posh now. You're absolutely motoring, full of confidence and more importantly there seems to be some genuine belief in the fan base once again - that Burton moment could be talked about for years to come. Posh by far and away the best side we've played and Bolton just seem to keep adding to a decent squad already with games in hand. Not convinced by Pompey and I think fan pressure may play a big part down there. If you could either go up in the top 2, or collapse entirely, it would be greatly appreciated. Living in Derby, I get married the week after the play-off final to a Derby supporter from an entire family and extended family of Derby supporters. So a 2legged play-off semi, or even worse, the final against you, would not be the emotional situation required in the approach to the wedding 🤣 *We've gone out today and spent an extremely chunky fee given our history, one that has caught a lot of fans by surprise with the initial interest and reports. We'll have to see how that goes.

Just on our financial situation - I don't think we're gambling but our gradual increase to the budget each season is financed by our newish rich owners. It isn't lobbing money that doesn't exist at it, rather an increase to playing budget that is far greater than we have seen under previous ownerships as they have the ability to provide it. Wages are up, but we aren't in a position to go and throw many substantial fees around. We have historically needed a chunky sale or two every season to help with the budget but the new ownership has meant this is less imperative but every club at this level is a selling club if a sizeable offer comes in. Current owners completed their takeover in September 2022, having been part of the board and minority shareholders prior to that. They're in a different ballpark of ownership to anything we've ever experienced which is why someone like Cam Brannagan is on the highest wage packet in the club's history as part of his new deal signed when Blackpool had triggered his previous release clause prior to the 22/23 season. They are also funding the new stadium project with planning application due in imminently. In this window so far, we've seen 4 season long loans ended early due to recall and injury, as well as a player move on permanently. 2 half season loans have come in, so budget wise we've still got room to manoeuvre in this window. I don't believe there is any increase expected unless a player suddenly becomes available that the manager and board want to push the boat out for. Elsewhere in the league, Charlton's new owners seem to be keen to spend some money with the JCH and Ladapo interest as well as the fees spent on Conor Coventry and Macaulay Gillesphey. Bolton seem to be able to strengthen as required, not sure on their financial situation any more whilst Peterborough always seem to work on selling a player a season to fund additions from lower down the period.