I would rather roll with the multiple backup options we already have at CM and LB than spend money on players who would be backups this season and obsolete next season. There simply isn’t an urgent need for reinforcements there.
I think a player who would do a better job of it than Eccles would cost quite a lot of money - more money than I’d be prepared to spend on a backup six months before a likely promotion.
He has the talent and versatility to play in any of the three CM midfield roles. Not sure why people were dismissive of my suggestion that he could feasibly fill in for Grimes if needed. I hope he sticks around next season and beyond.
We are obviously short of forwards but the bench has plenty of options otherwise, we’ve had far weaker squads. All three of our outfield signings from this season are there, and two of them weren’t cheap.
It’s not a leading question, I am honestly wondering if there has been an official explanation for the rise. If all we have is Google Gemini and the IFS then it appears we don’t. I’m personally not sure why mental health claims would spike like that.