I've been pondering a theory regarding our transfers across the last couple of years.
We know that we can't afford big fees and that we're sticking to a wage structure, to protect the financial future of the club. We have spent big in our own terms, and we all know that we haven't got several of those signings right, just yet. Many of those players are for the future, bright youngsters: McBurnie, Brewster, Mousset, Ramsdale, Lowe, Bogle, Berge - who will sign within our wage structure, given their age.
Alternatively, we couldn't even afford the wages of some free signings and Premier League dross and filler such as Wilshere, Welbeck and others.
So, my wondering is, whether Wilder has been bargaining exclusively with PL money - because beyond that, our owners are skint compared to the rest of the division. I wonder whether Wilder has thought "I'll never have this sort of money at any other time, invest it now". In doing so, he's gone for youngsters to try and ensure the longevity of the squad, in the hope that some blossom and grow and we either have a great squad a few years from now, or we sell one or two for profit over the coming years. He's basically playing in the casino, only using the free chips that they give you when you sign up.
Now, I'm not saying he's deliberately expected us to go down this year, we'd all rather stay up. However, I'm wondering whether Wilder has tried to ensure the future of the club if we did, by trying to invest wisely, to act as a true custodian of our club. It's a gamble, as not all of those will come good and of course, under our current pressures, many don't look like astute signings - instead, they look like what they are - up and coming pros, on a lower wage structure against seasoned top-level footballers.
Of course, you might have all realised this long before me and I might just be slow on the uptake! UTB.