I'd be surprised if other clubs aren't spying (watching FFS). I think we should build a dossier of all the clubs doing this and request the EFL apply similar punishments, it could break the league. Interesting that neither Oxford nor Ipswich are in the championship next season.
Losing Romeu played a big part in our general decline. He was never the quickest but he could read the game, retain and pass the ball better than nearly every other premier league player when we had him. If he had pace we would have lost him years before to a top club. Brilliant move.
That's how I look at the players and positions too. If we lose Aribo and Edozie then it's pretty balanced, especially if we occasionally play with two strikers (so we can also play 442). Then Fraser could be counted as a winger and perhaps Matsuki as a CM.
I think we should throw all the money we've raised from the sales of KS and Tall Paul (transfer and wages) at trying to lock in Fernandes, Ramsdale, Dibling and THB (in that order). If we can keep those four we will have a very good window.
I thought Fraser was actually quite good for us in the championship last time. Got forward well (in a Russell Martin team) and put a shift in defensively. We should never have offered him a contract but I'd rather keep him as cover than pay him to play for another team.
During the 23/24 promotion season there were many times he was our best attacking player and the best defensive player in the same game. We will miss him this season.
I'm considering moving from the family stand now my son has turned 15. I found it difficult to control the swearing this year (mine not his) and we're considering moving to Northam Standing. I've never had a season ticket there before. Is he too young?