We rarely know the real facts behind transfers. It is interesting that from your perspective we don't know whether it was Pardew that sold those players (even though he has previous) but we do know Parish insisted on Zaha. is that fact or suits the narrative?

We have had some poor windows, however they have got better, we will always end up with the odd Jordan Mutch, every club does, but thee is a lot of rebuilding to do which with some management stability will be a lot easier.

Lastly, while there are undeniably weaknesses in our squad, when you consider the injuries we have it clearly isn't as bad as everyone assumed.

My understanding of the Murray transfer, as told by Glenn himself, was that Parish told Pardew that if the right offer was made, then Murray would need to be sold. Bournemouth duly obliged, with what in all fairness seemed a lot of money for the player.

However Parish has now said that it was Pardew and the coaching staff that recommended Murray be sold as he wasn't deemed good enough for the Premiership.

Was Pardew merely letting Murray down gently ? Or did Parish insist he be sold ?

I guess we'll never know.

Old, Ungifted and White

I'm not sure going on holidays when we're managerless is trying your best. Neither is starting the season with ONE striker, then going through 2 windows with only 2 keepers, none of whom are good enough. If that's his best, we'll, maybe there's never going to be a good well prepared squad at the start of a season.

If you look at Freedman's position, what is he? He's a scout. It seems as if he doesn't have any sway on the actual decisions and if the transfer moves are made too late or don't happen, then so be it. The manager can make do with unacceptable resources a manager you would want to hire wouldn't accept before he gets the job. If freedman was the manager he wouldn't accept it but because he's not in a position or listened to or doesn't want to risk his own position, it seems nothing's said.

You can only hope that this summer Roy doesn't walk, which I'm half expecting him to, and it all comes together regarding squad dealings. Shouldn't be too hopeful or you'll be very disappointed when we're ready to go with issues that only a Sunday team in league 6 that meets in the car park at 9am has.

We may benefit from the window starting before the first league game. Something Parish voted against, but claims it's hard to get deals done, but wants that deadline 3 games into the season so those 3 plus more are effectively written off and we're perennial relegation strugglers, 'with better squads than Burnley' and i.e - half the league.

COYP

We know that Pardew looks after his cosy relationship with the owner first and foremost. Everything else comes a very far 2nd. It happened at Newcastle and here. Acquiescence in that relationship is only so good. Both should raise a few questions on views and plans that can be answered. Pardew was more interested in maintaining his long term contract at both clubs, and up there it was safe enough to keep him from relegation and in the job. But down here it was actually his downfall. He should've been presenting why we shouldn't be spending £10 mil net and need to reinvest in another left back and a def mid now, not let's see how desperate we are so we pay more for not one but 2 left backs we could find better if we looked around months ago when we knew it was a problem.

Parish had what he wanted. An acquiescent manager but it ended up costing millions more, Pardew his job, and Parish serious questions over what the hell we're doing. Then there's the open and expansive football with Pardew followed by slow and patient possession based football under De Bullsh1t. Parish clearly doesn't know enough about football. Freedman does, but what is he allowed to do and say? Let us continue with 2 keepers, we know that. The striker debacle last summer he only had 10 days influence, so even less likely he's going to say 'Look Steve, this is totally unacceptable madness to have one striker. You do realise any player can get injured this afternoon?'

COYP

Nope. Croydon-boy me.

That old chestnut gets dragged out once a week by those who have run out of proper arguments.

As a matter of interest one could always show the opposite side of the coin by telling a similar story about Manchester City

Not so long ago there was a team doing quite well in the top league but then they got ahead of themselves thinking they should go to the next level. That worked out very well for them.