Let's be honest mate, none of us on here know if we do or don't have to sell players. It's all pure speculation. The OP has obviously looked at the annual accounts and has made some well thought out assumptions. But let's not ignore the fact that they are assumptions. For starters, we as fans are only privy to financial information that is a year old. Secondly, we have no idea what discussions are going on between the club and the FA with regards to FFP.
I will add that I'm glad it's this way. If detailed and recent financial information was public, and we were under pressure to reduce overheads to satisfy FFP, then the vultures would be circling around our best players.
I personally suspect that there may be a departure or 2 required, firstly to trim the wage bill and secondly for a cash injection to allow us to redress some of the imbalances in the squad (lack of centre forwards etc.). I doubt it will be Smyth or Eze that will go (although if someone came in with stupid money, I suspect both would have their price). But I could see someone like Smithies, Freeman or Luongo going. I also think we'll be trying hard to shift some of the more expensive fringe players like Sylla, Cousins etc.
My biggest concern this summer is the fact that Perch, Ned and Robinson are all out of contract. Of course losing Robinson will be a blow. But let's face it, going into the last year of his contract all of us on here thought he was a write off, he'd barely kicked a ball. Obviously from there he's found some terrific form this season, it's just unfortunate that it's happened in the final year of a 4 year contract. Ned has been a great servant, and we are a far better side when he plays, but he is also hugely overpaid and has been since the day we signed him. Perch I'd let go anyway, always injured and his form has swayed from awesome to downright awful over the course of his contract. Each of these departures in isolation wouldn't be a train smash, but I worry about 3 first team defenders leaving at the same time with very little in the coffers to replace them with.
I will add that I'm glad it's this way. If detailed and recent financial information was public, and we were under pressure to reduce overheads to satisfy FFP, then the vultures would be circling around our best players.
I personally suspect that there may be a departure or 2 required, firstly to trim the wage bill and secondly for a cash injection to allow us to redress some of the imbalances in the squad (lack of centre forwards etc.). I doubt it will be Smyth or Eze that will go (although if someone came in with stupid money, I suspect both would have their price). But I could see someone like Smithies, Freeman or Luongo going. I also think we'll be trying hard to shift some of the more expensive fringe players like Sylla, Cousins etc.
My biggest concern this summer is the fact that Perch, Ned and Robinson are all out of contract. Of course losing Robinson will be a blow. But let's face it, going into the last year of his contract all of us on here thought he was a write off, he'd barely kicked a ball. Obviously from there he's found some terrific form this season, it's just unfortunate that it's happened in the final year of a 4 year contract. Ned has been a great servant, and we are a far better side when he plays, but he is also hugely overpaid and has been since the day we signed him. Perch I'd let go anyway, always injured and his form has swayed from awesome to downright awful over the course of his contract. Each of these departures in isolation wouldn't be a train smash, but I worry about 3 first team defenders leaving at the same time with very little in the coffers to replace them with.
Great post mate.
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