20 Aug 2026 11:22:15
Just a question really to see if what I am thinking may have some plausibility in it.
I have a feeling we have been so slow and quiet in the window so far is a couple of things happening at the same time.
1) New boss came in at a time where the WC was happening and never got the chance to assess his full squad at the start of pre season but working with the kids has given him hope we have some gems there he can work with.
2) Edwards leaving at the start of July and being just very childish and petty around it skewed a few of our plans and we were playing catch up.
3) Hughes is out the door in less than 3 weeks and couldn't care less either, I mean I know he is a professional but will not be 100% focused anymore.
4) Once we knew all this was happening we waited until pre season was over to let Iraola and the team in charge of transfers zero in on what we actually wanted and how we portray that project to others (I believe we have Barcola wrapped up just payment structure holding it up but will happen).
What do you all think on that or am I just reading into things that may not be there?
20 Aug 2026 11:59:58
Definitely think point one is a reason.
Good points though.
20 Aug 2026 12:24:49
Completely agree. The real kicker was point 1. In a non-champs season, you'd expect the players to be back from their hols by mid-June, so Ai could've got a better view on what we had and what we need by early July. As it was, he didn't get his full squad together until mid-August, which has had a knock on effect.
I believe we will be stronger in the longer term with Ai's approach - he really wants to unearth the gems in our club/academy.
You could take the approach, as Chelsea/Alonso have done, to be more scattergun, but that has never been our way, and I am very happy about that. The last time we tried it was spanking the Suarez money over a few players, and that really didn't work.
20 Aug 2026 12:33:53
It certainly makes you think and wonder a bit. Edwards had made it known he wanted to leave last September, but he was kept on for some reason. Hughes has been flirting with the Saudi League since January. And, we had a coach who was not performing well. I'm not privy to any inside information in any shape or form, but it still makes you wonder how and why such a chaotic situation on the "management" front was allowed to develop and grow.
Things got righted a bit since Gordon has stepped back in, but then I wonder if that's temporary or if he's staying? And, if you factor in the recent equity sale, which must have taken months to sort out, and which certainly involved Gordon, maybe this is the answer for the delayed actions and reactions from across the pond?
20 Aug 2026 12:35:34
We make way too many excuses for this sporting hierarchy that commissions self-aggrandising puff pieces about them being the smartest in football.
The whole point of the hierarchy that has been created is that it can change the coach or parts of the hierarchy, and maintain continuity.
One release clause. One season long loan. That is all they have managed to do in this transfer window so far.
20 Aug 2026 12:54:59
Can someone tell me what has "Irola has to assess players" got to do with plugging the obvious gaps in the squad?
We don't have a rw. Period. No matter how Irola assesses his squad, the answer is we don't have a rw. Same goes for cdm and rb.
20 Aug 2026 12:56:01
Let's just say that the old school approach of a much envied scouting network and doing things quietly and efficiently is not FSG's modus operandi.
They have sometimes been efficient and quiet, but other times screwed the pooch for an entire window (on more than one occasion).
I think it is symptomatic of their interest in more than one sprit. They lack the focus we expect and this will always be an issue with us fans.
20 Aug 2026 14:37:19
Should have said sport, what the hell is a sprit anyway.
20 Aug 2026 15:03:04
Sea, you thinking of the Spirit in the Sky?
I believe the FSG chaps are quite devout!