Squad Size. Hughes being backed.

Supported by a record £1m a year sponsorship and commercial activities according to Sparks . No idea what merchandise sales brings in tbh. Youth sales add to the mix plus the odd £10 to take players off our hands type deals?

 

Although I don’t know the finances at the club my answer would be whatever it takes to take the club in an upward direction after 5 years of regression under his leadership, didn’t West Ham fans try to get to Sullivan and Gold at a game against Burnley? Considering our owner has seen us drop over 30 places in the footballing pyramid I’d say our fan base has either been more forgiving or placid than many clubs would be in similar positions.

 

I don't care if he doesn't spend another penny. He should just pack up and p1ss off.

 

A lot of pressure for the coming season to deliver promotion now.

2-3 year contracts to all the new signings I think, if it turns out we have signed a few duds and they don't deliver, we are stuck with these players. The 3 year deal for Oliver is eye watering for a 30 year striker for example.

Im really looking forward to seeing out it all pans out and hopefully we are in for an exciting and ultimately successful season

 

I reckon there needs to be at least 6 outgoings.

Kelleher
Threlkeld
Staunton
Cousin-Dawson
Charlie Wood (loan)

Then there might a be a surprise loan out such as Sutton or East.

Got a feeling Kian Scales will stay on.

 

Ah yes, can you see any of them being worthy of a place on the bench, even with 7 subs (5 permitted)?

 

The 3 year deal did make me do a double take, but if we were fighting off interest from this league and the league above, it may have been the only way to secure his services. The fact that we've done that to make sure we land our target is very different to previous years when we've just given up and moved on if we can't secure a sought after player on an 18th month deal with all the Seabrooks they can eat. Also, don't forget that there were quite a few on here and in the twittersphere that were getting very excited a few weeks ago at the rumour about Shane Long. Even at the end of his 3 year deal, Oliver will still be a year younger than Long is now.

 

No chance Sutton or East going out on loan. Gilliead for me is the one that could be the surprise departure.

 

Even a year ago we’d have given up and to quote Adams ended up with our 5th choice who would be no Lee Angol!

A refreshing change of pace going all out to get those we feel can take us to where we want to go, it may need some patience at the start but at least we’re recruiting with purpose and a plan.

Regarding his age people were complaining a few weeks ago we had a lack of experience, we’ve now brought in this two and Smallwood plenty of experience and at a higher level.

 

Some folk ignore the fact he covered the losses when Edin went berserk and over budget. Covid wont have been easy either. Here we are now, debt free, a decent manager and a competitive squad. Hopefully a new start....

Rupp isnt bleeding the club dry so thats something anyway.

 

Hughes likes Gillead I bet he is a starter in the first game in the deeper role he played at the end of the season. Cue the announcement later today that he is gone

 

Without doubt it’s the success of the off field activities and what is turning out to be a successful academy which is allowing us the bigger budget. But employing the right people is down to the ownership and senior management

 

The gamble is we go up this year with a squad that is competitive in league one. Next year will see modest speculation in the transfer market.

 

Olivers three year deal is probably no different that what is being offered to “in demand” players. Either that or miss out? It shows we are going for it?

 

Your first 5 , totally agree. The rest no.

 

Like him or loathe him, ( I’m on the fence) you can’t knock him/club for obtaining financial stability after the COVID shit show. Far better in fact than lots of other clubs!

 

I dont see Gilli going anywhere. Looked decent CM last term, can 'do a job' on the wing if numbers short. Seems very well liked within the squad. Not sure if you noticed in the training videos but he was leading his fitness groups...

Id be very very surprised.