From what I understand he is...if not more!

What an interesting video, thanks for posting it.

All seems to add up to what a lot of us felt, and what SP has been saying: We have paid the going rate to build a genuine premier league team (as opposed to some journeymen who got lucky for a year) and as a result are having the longest day in the sun in CPFC's 113 year history. No small thing that, especially given the shocking state of the club when SP and co took it on.

To achieve this however, we have all but maxed out on wages and transfers, and now something has to give. Best routes seem to be:

1. Increase incoming revenue through commercial stuff (done, and done well according to the video).

2. Increase incoming revenue through stadium expansion (doing, and so far looking very good).

3. Sell players as well, or better, than we buy them (so far only Bolasie has gone for big bucks whilst in his prime - perhaps accept bids for Townsend or PVA, guys we'd like to keep but could improve upon or replace in-house?).

4. (And to me this is the big one) Get full value from the existing investments. Benteke, Cabeye, Sakho and Townsend are exactly the type of minimal upgrade on the promotion players that cost significantly higher wages. All have class and ability but have ranged from good to OK to disappointing in performance level in return for that massive outlay. Compare this to Zaha, Luka and even now Wan-Bissaka, who have performed excellently and fully earned their wages, including increases.

Getting performances is tricky of course, these are human beings susceptible to loss of confidence and form no matter what money they are on, but we’ve put our eggs in these baskets and have to make the best of it.

5. Have a cheaper squad. The academy is there for a reason. It’s highly unlikely that the likes of Kirby, Lokilo, Dreher or O’Dwyer would be an instant upgrade on Townsend, Kelly, Sorloth or Schlupp, but they might not be very much worse, might ultimately be as good or better, and would certainly be cheaper. Roy favours experience and seniority, but if the club deliberately leave gaps in the squad for the youngsters then he will have to work with them.

What you suggest is a recipe for disaster with all these youngsters, personally i would rather struggle in the premiership than be a big fish in the championship

Edited by TheBigToePunt (19 Jul 2018 1.20pm)

I was reviewing the other PL teams transfer activity for this summer and I didn't realise quite how huge West Ham's shopping bill is. SSN had it at around £95 million, with no player sales. Liverpool have spent over £100m but they were CL finalists; West Ham nearly got relegated. Given they spent quite a bit last summer too it does make you question the whole FFP thing (I'm sure it can be explained by someone with a better understanding). It also looks like Wolves are going to top £50m and even Cardiff are nearing £30m. It looks like this season is going to be even tougher to stay up.

That's an interesting site seemingly run by a clever analyst and a f***wit all rolled into one

How certain are you of that; bearing in mind both Mutch and Sakho were/are on c.£55k???

That's an interesting site seemingly run by a clever analyst and a f***wit all rolled into one