The reality is, 2 of our best players went to a 'bigger club' who were in PL last season. Hamer even got a taste of that and both now earn 2/3 times more than they did before, with a better chance of going up this year.
That's how football works, it's not nice for us but... the way it is. Barnsley lost Thomas and Kitching to us, we now play in Championship, they were also a kick away from being back in Championship but are struggling to get going in League One.
We are still miles off it, I listen to Robins and I do kind of get what he is saying about where we are, where we want to be, reality check, etc. However what I do not agree with is how we are 18 months on and still have not replaced Hamer, the gap in that midfield is GAPING and yet we go into the window and splash money in others areas.
It's just my opinion but we have a very average championship midfield, that's with Sheaf who is out more and more it seems. We are poor at left back and we lack any real leadership.
Kelly, Fadz and Godden were experienced pro's who other players respected and they gave us that edge. I look at the team now and without knowing the players, I don't look at Lati and see a captain. I don't look at Eccles and see a captain. Sheaf also but at least with the latter he leads by example and that's the type of players I wanted to see us bring in. We lack an energy, a tempo and I wonder is that the players just not knowing or wanting to do it, or are they just confused with the the system?
We are 4 games in, so by no means is it panic stations but I'm really not impressed with what I have seen both on the pitch but also from recruitment, not so much investment but where we have invested.
Rant over, enjoy the start of the week everyone.