There's not a manager in the history of football that didn't want a couple of players to improve his squad. One of the reasons Coppell has such a good relationship with JM is because he is equally as prudent and equally doesn't want to spend over the odds on players. Therefore if someone did come along that Coppell thought was worth the money then ive no doubt JM would stump up the money. It's wages that will prove to be the stumbling block as far as JM is concerned and its wages that will narrow down an awful lot of the market for Coppell..
Up until now we've done well to keep hold of players that have been crucial to our development over the last 5 or 6 seasons. We've been able to build a togetherness and team ethic by this method without spending excess money on individuals. Sidwell's departure and the speculation concerning Shorey and to a lesser extent Lita means that those elements that were our strength are going to be severely tested.
In my opinion keeping hold of Shorey during this window was more important that bringing in any of the numerous names that have been bandied around on these boards. To have lost another vital cog in our success so soon after Sidwell would really have sent a negative message out to players, fans ( although most seem to take that view anyway) and opposition alike.
If we're not going to compete on the financial level of the majority of this league then we need to continue to concentrate on the things we do well. Of course we will lose out on potential signings and inevitably individual players will leave us but if we can keep this to minimum of 1 a season ( and make sure they leave on our terms ) then thats the best we can hope for.
As depressing as it sounds to most fans, every season we spend in the top division, mixing with the big boys but doing it on our terms should be viewed as a success, not as a reason for the wrist slashing that is going on at the moment.
