Why is there this counterargument now that we are under no obligation to reveal our budget?! Who is asking for that? Saying "we havent had clarity on our budget" would not be necessary or relevant had we got a budget agreed, or even almost agreed, and wouldnt have been said. I think you are just believing every single rumour and bit of gossip that you read which is up to you but ultimately not proof that a budget has been agreed even if we have interest in each of these supposed players, which we wont. And then using these bits of gossip to speculate about our supposed transfer kitty. "Hanging on to the managers every word." He said numerous times including a week ago that he lacked clarity from Venkys and sounded frustrated. Made numerous references to them having other business interests which certainly did not indicate that the budget was sorted bar a few minor technicalities and just needed finalising, he sounded totally in the dark. Venkys past history of disinterest doesnt bide well either and certainly doesnt prompt the sane mind to assume that everything is in place and in hand but just not rubber stamped.

Yeah, saying that a budget is agreed does not mean disclosing how much the budget is. Strawman argument. Specifically and repeatedly declaring a lack of clarity tells its own story and its the same old story.

I dont think the only alternative to "ive had no clarity from India" is "i know my exact budget is £x."

Saw this on twitter. Its an impressive record.

No I havent, I would be skeptical about such vague rumours. It would make no sense for Mowbray to have been so dismissive only last week. If you like to believe that it is all a ploy and everything is in hand, fair play ?

10 years worth of history, Mr Defensive.

It seems like teams are already starting to make transfers. Norwich have made a few, and QPR and Reading have both made their first signing. Not sure how good any of the players are that they have signed mind you. Brentford have bid for Ivan Toney according to Sky Sports. Lots of activity further down too. You do suspect that unless Venkys suddenly get their act together that there is even more potential than usual to lag behind in such a small window before the season starting and also with less money meaning that you will get more teams going for the same players, ie free agents and loans. Not that I am saying that we should have signed anyone yet but I bet the budget is still "lacking clarity."

I dont understand why we would prioritise a central midfielder over replacing the inept Bell though. That position would be under winger too in terms of priorities if possible once the critical issues are addressed. Totally agree that obviously we need a goalkeeper, well 2, because Mowbray has managed to create a situation in which we have none. CB we have Williams or Wharton, which is no worse than having Bell at LB, but it goes without saying that both positions are ones in which we lack the quality of player to even get in the top half. In central midfield, prior to any departures, we have Travis, we have Evans who is a very able partner, we have Downing who is our best player on the ball, then obviously Davenport and Johnson beyond that.

I think he has made the most saves in the league but I may be wrong.

Bell is 4 years older and I do not see where this hidden competent left back is. It would be crazy to prioritise a midfielder over a left back. I cant see Whiteman signing at all.

Very true, but that means that ultinately our defence will remain incapable of keeping the number of goals conceded down enough for us to challenge. There are free agents from this league, Morgan Fox, Tyler Blackett, George Friend, Steven Kingsley, all of them are very limited. You would think it will require a bit of imagination and a loan or someone from this fabled "European scouting network" if we are to find anyone worthwhile.

Olsson is 32, was never the best defender and seemingly has struggled for fitness easily. If he hadnt played for us prior would be be mentioned? Would like to think theres better elsewhere.

Everytime I have seen him he has made numerous saves and has looked a decent goalkeeper. I think he would be a good signing but I dont necessarily think that we could afford 500k on a player at the moment, we have the disadvantage of Venkys dallying and I dont see why he would necessarily choose us. I thought you expected a keeper from abroad?

Should have only played there.

What do you make of his year at Rovers and how he was used?

It is not something (Mowbrays treatment) that chaddy seems willing to judge. Burnley were linked the other say. Surely that cant happen based on his refusal to move?

What is crazy?

Id swap him for Gallagher! But yeah hes not been the best but scored a few after the lockdown including v us.

They have Robert Glatzel who they signed from Germany who started to settle towards the end of the season.

Where has that reason even come from? I suspect if Pep got on the phone he would reconsider...

He was wasted all season out wide. Instead of being a fantastic signing, he became a decent signing.

Its an absolute outrage that Mowbray had Reed plugging away (often ineffectively) out wide because "he didnt know the position." I dont think I've seen anyone this season bar Kalvin Phillips in this league who plays it better, positionally, reading the game, keeping it simple, neat and tidy.

The focus should be on a solid and sturdy defence. Ball playing centre backs, really attacking full backs, no, we need to stop the goals going into our net first.

He has spent much of his young career under Mowbray. If a Prem team wants him, which im not convinced about, he will wanna go and we will struggle to stop him. The way football works.

I dont think you have really grasped the argument. Brentford away I think we were dominated which I expected even before we got an early goal. We got a dodgy penalty, as did they. But I think we definitely do have a problem against lower teams, 15 points in 14 games v the bottom 7 is really poor. That being said, our record against the top team isnt great either. The 4 points v Brentford came in good performances but defensive ones. We certainly dont play "much better, attractive, attacking and potent football" against them, thats for sure! All that matters is results. Harris has done an excellent job even if he is a prick.