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    Transfer business, finances and MB

    Posted by Ninja on 8/8/2025, 8:29:42

    I know that unfathomable back-to-back relegations and the building of an incredible new stadium come at a cost, but our attempt at immediate bounce back is questionable so far.

    We were told lessons had been learned, but we’ve put together, in the main, a bunch of free transfers with very little spent on transfer fees. Particularly in comparison to the huge income from parachute payments and transfer fees. Furthermore, the team is imbalanced to the point that MB is having to stick to a 3 at the back system of a poor RE era. Seemingly because we have too many CBs of great quality! Just seems a bit disjointed and we should be further on.

    The gap between income and expenditure is vast. I know the accounts will eventually catch up and tell the picture, but a bit more information now would help. Wages still an issue with the likes of Chong and Marvelous, etc.

    I think a CEO or board update that goes beyond programme notes, would be really valuable. If there are financial and logistical challenges, then share a bit more and help build trust.

    Wishing MB the best of luck tomorrow and for the season - he’s got a job on his hands evolving this squad into something that can challenge. I like him and think he’s got potential - he may have to adapt quickly to his preferred 4 at the back if the 3 isn’t working. He needs to be strong and if it upsets a few players, then so be it.

      Re: Transfer business, finances and MB

      Posted by Sandgrounder on 8/8/2025, 10:17:07, in reply to "Transfer business, finances and MB "

      The LWB situation is really odd. It was almost certain that Doughty would go, and the fact that his replacement so far is an out of contract, unfit player we (or anyone else) could’ve signed weeks ago is concerning. I imagine Dodgson was first choice but we missed out, for whatever reason. Perhaps we have possible premier league loan options that we’re waiting on.

      RWB is also an issue. Jones’ injury is obviously unfortunate, but we signed a player who can play there (Odoffin) knowing he wouldn’t be available for several months. So what’s the plan until then? Walters plays every game? Lonwijk? Again maybe a premier league loan for short term cover?

      We haven’t replaced the creativity of Aasgaard, unless Chong is nearly fit / staying and been earmarked for that role? Or Clark? We have a lot of deeper lying midfielders - Saville, Walsh, Baptiste, Fanne, Nakamba but creativity is lacking.

      Strikers - some good signings made but we don’t have a central ‘hold up’ number 9 if Nordas isn’t trusted. So we need to change our tactics entirely from last season or sign someone there.

      A lot of numbers brought in (and some quality, to be fair). We have a lot of good individuals, but gaping squad holes remain. I don’t think anyone at the moment knows what our best formation / team is, probably including Bloomfield. Hope everything is a bit clearer in a months’ time…

        Re: Transfer business, finances and MB

        Posted by Notorious D on 8/8/2025, 11:22:01, in reply to "Re: Transfer business, finances and MB "

        +1.

          Re: Transfer business, finances and MB

          Posted by Earls on 8/8/2025, 11:10:39, in reply to "Re: Transfer business, finances and MB "

          All of that, really.

            Re: Transfer business, finances and MB

            Posted by Music Critic on 8/8/2025, 10:54:18, in reply to "Re: Transfer business, finances and MB "

            Nail on head

              Re: Transfer business, finances and MB

              Posted by Hatters88 on 8/8/2025, 10:51:23, in reply to "Re: Transfer business, finances and MB "

              ""RWB is also an issue. Jones’ injury is obviously unfortunate, but we signed a player who can play there (Odoffin) knowing he wouldn’t be available for several months.""
              Odoffin from what I can work out is primarily a CB who has filled in at RB, has he even ever played at RWB?

                Re: Transfer business, finances and MB

                Posted by Sandgrounder on 8/8/2025, 11:12:52, in reply to "Re: Transfer business, finances and MB "

                It’s not his primary position but I think it was mentioned that he was an option there when he signed

                  Re: Transfer business, finances and MB

                  Posted by Music Critic on 8/8/2025, 11:25:23, in reply to "Re: Transfer business, finances and MB "

                  That, IMO, is part of the problem. There are too many positions/players where there is an attitude of 'oooh, he'll do for that position if we need him to play there'.

                  A good utility man is valuable. Too many of them is not desirable and nor is playing too many players in areas of the pitch that aren't necessarily their main skill/strength

                  Wing back/full back is such an important position these days, we need specialists there. I'm not sure, apart from Walters, if we have a single out-and-out full back in the squad either. No good if we ever want to go 4 at the back

                    Re: Transfer business, finances and MB

                    Posted by Hatters88 on 8/8/2025, 12:17:48, in reply to "Re: Transfer business, finances and MB "

                    100% this.....

                      Re: Transfer business, finances and MB

                      Posted by Ninja on 8/8/2025, 11:49:55, in reply to "Re: Transfer business, finances and MB "

                      And Walters seems a liability!!!

                        Re: Transfer business, finances and MB

                        Posted by Sandgrounder on 8/8/2025, 11:30:42, in reply to "Re: Transfer business, finances and MB "

                        Add Bramall to that - think he’s as much of a LB as LWB. But yes, full back / wing back (Doughty excepted) has been a problem position for 2 seasons.

                    Re: Transfer business, finances and MB

                    Posted by Ninja on 8/8/2025, 10:23:43, in reply to "Re: Transfer business, finances and MB "

                    Couldn’t agree more with your last paragraph.

                    The LWB/RWB one is a huge issue and it seems we are going to push a system purely because we have an embarrassment of riches at CB. It’s becoming a false economy and creating issues in other positions and our style of play. If he makes it happen, we have the next Pep on our hands!

                      Re: Transfer business, finances and MB

                      Posted by Ostrich spotter on 8/8/2025, 10:21:57, in reply to "Re: Transfer business, finances and MB "

                      I think to be fair the West Ham loanee can play there, whether it's his best position or not remains to be seen. However, that hasn't stopped us in the recent past! We all surely remember Chong?

                        Re: Transfer business, finances and MB

                        Posted by Sandgrounder on 8/8/2025, 10:24:32, in reply to "Re: Transfer business, finances and MB "

                        Yes good point, I’d forgotten him! Hopefully see him get some minutes in the league cup and EFL trophy

                      Re: Transfer business, finances and MB

                      Posted by EastEnder on 8/8/2025, 9:39:58, in reply to "Transfer business, finances and MB "

                      Whatever they put out, people will pick it to pieces or accuse them of not telling the truth.




                        Re: Transfer business, finances and MB

                        Posted by Ostrich spotter on 8/8/2025, 10:19:40, in reply to "Re: Transfer business, finances and MB "

                        Show me any football fans forum where different views and opinions are not voiced. It's a fact of life we all see things differently. At least if we are given the facts it will allow all to sift out ill informed guesses and/or those seeking to divide

                          Re: Transfer business, finances and MB

                          Posted by Ninja on 8/8/2025, 10:13:19, in reply to "Re: Transfer business, finances and MB "

                          That’s not a reason not to do it.

                          Most reasonable people will appreciate the transparency and challenges.

                          The vocal minority that don’t, can do one. You need broad shoulders to run a successful business.

                            Re: Transfer business, finances and MB

                            Posted by HH on 8/8/2025, 10:00:10, in reply to "Re: Transfer business, finances and MB "

                            I appreciate that is largely tongue in cheek, but by that bar, the club should say nothing, ever.

                            It would be a spectacularly low bar and completely thin skinned, just because some people, mostly loons, will never, ever be pleased.

                            I would say, honestly, the vast majority of fans, can handle the truth and honesty. And it might even help shut down some of the absolute moon howlers.

                            Re: Transfer business, finances and MB

                            Posted by joey diconio on 8/8/2025, 9:57:09, in reply to "Re: Transfer business, finances and MB "

                            Poor buggers

                            Where’s my violin


                            Truth seeker / snide

                              Re: Transfer business, finances and MB

                              Posted by bbb on 8/8/2025, 9:54:31, in reply to "Re: Transfer business, finances and MB "

                              Oh well, best to say nothing to the peasants then.

                                Re: Transfer business, finances and MB

                                Posted by crumpsall on 8/8/2025, 9:48:46, in reply to "Re: Transfer business, finances and MB "
                                MIB

                                Absolutely the case. And/or move on to their next point of attack.

                                Re: Transfer business, finances and MB

                                Posted by Hatters88 on 8/8/2025, 9:05:25, in reply to "Transfer business, finances and MB "

                                ""MB is having to stick to a 3 at the back system of a poor RE era. Seemingly because we have too many CBs of great quality! Just seems a bit disjointed and we should be further on.""

                                Have to agree, but MB has added to this mis-balance of "quality" CBs, two of our signings this summer have been players who are primarily CBs. How ever good they are was signing two more CBs really a priority?

                                Re: Transfer business, finances and MB

                                Posted by Toddingtonsteve on 8/8/2025, 8:56:48, in reply to "Transfer business, finances and MB "

                                I’d genuinely suggest you have a look at the last published accounts, which was our year in the prem. while our costs will have decreased, we’ll still be carrying some of them and our income is lower. If I remember even with the huge PL money our profit was only £42m, and that was basically accounted for in capitalised costs of the bobbers stand and player acquisitions. With players leaving some of the latter will unwind this season but income will be much lower. The stadium is the thing that will change our financial base permanently, and that needs to be the boards priority

                                  Re: Transfer business, finances and MB

                                  Posted by Buzzard on 8/8/2025, 9:28:27, in reply to "Re: Transfer business, finances and MB "

                                  Yup

                                  The blinkered view of many of our fans is quite something.

                                  Re: Transfer business, finances and MB

                                  Posted by Zobra The Greek on 8/8/2025, 8:34:11, in reply to "Transfer business, finances and MB "

                                  How much have Stockport and Huddersfield spent?

                                    Re: Transfer business, finances and MB

                                    Posted by Ninja on 8/8/2025, 8:49:53, in reply to "Re: Transfer business, finances and MB "

                                    How much did Stockport and Huddersfield get from parachute payments and transfer fees?

                                      Re: Transfer business, finances and MB

                                      Posted by EastEnder on 8/8/2025, 9:44:07, in reply to "Re: Transfer business, finances and MB "

                                      Most lower division club transfers do not cost much money as the fees are proportionate to the far lower wages on average than in the Top 2 divisions.

                                      Unless you expect us to be spending £10m on a Premier league player.


                                        Re: Transfer business, finances and MB

                                        Posted by Earls on 8/8/2025, 10:03:53, in reply to "Re: Transfer business, finances and MB "

                                        Nobody is expecting us to pay £10m on a Championship defender. There’s a middle ground. How about a couple of million on a League 2 striker with more than six goals last season? Or on a mid-20s LWB from a less monied League 1 rival?

                                          Re: Transfer business, finances and MB

                                          Posted by Zobra The Greek on 8/8/2025, 10:21:24, in reply to "Re: Transfer business, finances and MB "

                                          Look at the top scorers in League 1 last year.
                                          Most are late 20's/early 30's (Apart from Jatta).

                                          Matty Stevens scored 16 goals last year for AFC Wimbledon, and how did he look last Friday?

                                          How many did Elijah score in his first season at Wallsall?

                                          I don't know where this obsession with spending money has come from. We've seen before it guarantees absolutely nothing. Just because a lot of our signings have been free, it doesn't mean they're no good.

                                          Name some of these League 1/2 players we should be spending £2 million on.

                                            Re: Transfer business, finances and MB

                                            Posted by jimmyp on 8/8/2025, 19:26:45, in reply to "Re: Transfer business, finances and MB "

                                            Not only dies it not mean that they're no good, it doesn't even mean that they're 'free', given that a signing bonus in lieu of a transfer fee is not at all uncommon.

                                            That fat dickhead will be about in a bit, telling me I know fuck all but ignore him, he doesn't even understand his agent mate's pillow talk. Or much of anything at all.

                                            COYH, Jim

                                              Re: Transfer business, finances and MB

                                              Posted by E5 Hat on 8/8/2025, 12:10:28, in reply to "Re: Transfer business, finances and MB "

                                              Assgaard and Ali spring to mind…

                                                Re: Transfer business, finances and MB

                                                Posted by Sandgrounder on 8/8/2025, 10:27:45, in reply to "Re: Transfer business, finances and MB "

                                                Elijah had a much better scoring record in league 2 (better than I remembered) than Tovide or Gbode - checked this last week when we were linked with Tovide as I was interested in the comparison (although we were signing him for the championship rather than league 1)

                                                  Re: Transfer business, finances and MB

                                                  Posted by Zobra The Greek on 8/8/2025, 10:47:37, in reply to "Re: Transfer business, finances and MB "

                                                  Elijah had 8 goals in 30 games for Walsall when he was 21.

                                                  Tovide had 7 in 29 for Colchester.

                                                  Gbode's goal contribution stats are not great, but he sounds like a player with a lot of potential.

                                                  "While his goal involvement stats on paper don’t suggest a huge amount of productivity – just one goal and one assist – his presence in the side has given a struggling side something it’s been desperately needing – energy.

                                                  Operating across the forward line - sometimes playing through the middle, sometimes working the flanks – Gbode has been a willing runner who has helped the team build more of a high-pressing game that has helped Coleman start to turn around the team’s below-par performances.

                                                  While the results have still been hard to come by, there’s no doubting the improvement in application and effort across the team, and Gbode’s boundless energy and willingness to chase lost causes has been a major contributor to that."

                                          Re: Transfer business, finances and MB

                                          Posted by Zobra The Greek on 8/8/2025, 8:55:27, in reply to "Re: Transfer business, finances and MB "

                                          Well, I’m guessing the parachute payments are going towards the stadium, and as a contingency in case we can’t shift the last of our big earners.

                                          As someone posted elsewhere, maybe the transfer fees are in reserve for when we get out of this division? Of the right quality players aren’t available, why waste money we’ll need to strengthen in the future or players who aren’t at the level we need?

                                            Re: Transfer business, finances and MB

                                            Posted by EastEnder on 8/8/2025, 9:45:08, in reply to "Re: Transfer business, finances and MB "

                                            Wasn't Murphy a couple of million at least.

                                            Charlton didn't exactly spend a fortune on players and they are a league above yet have done so good business (mostly from us).


                                            Re: Transfer business, finances and MB

                                            Posted by RADSB on 8/8/2025, 9:12:39, in reply to "Re: Transfer business, finances and MB "

                                            People see us in decline at the moment. MB has to build a new team and it will evolve. It can take time as many clubs have found such as Sunderland.

                                            If we are doing very well in January then that will make us more attractive - turned a corner and the ambitious and well run club tags will all return. So there could be a major signing or two in January to see us over the line and be an investment for the Championship. We'll also need a fighting fund for the Championship.

                                            Mr J.C. Lomax having been called upon to give his opinion upon the proposed formation of a Town Club, said he was most emphatically in favour of a proposed Luton Town Football Club - 11th April 1885

                                              Re: Transfer business, finances and MB

                                              Posted by HH on 8/8/2025, 9:15:36, in reply to "Re: Transfer business, finances and MB "

                                              Sunderland finished 5th in this league after their double relegation.

                                              Right now, I'd take that. I would also take being back in the PL in 7 years, like they managed.

                                              Re: Transfer business, finances and MB

                                              Posted by HH on 8/8/2025, 9:07:16, in reply to "Re: Transfer business, finances and MB "


                                              Fair points Zobra, but I don’t fully buy the “wait and see” approach. If we want to bounce back, we need to give MB the tools now, not hope better options show up IF we go up. A Jam tomorrow strategy doesn't make much sense IMO.

                                              I get being cautious, but with the income we’ve had, some visible investment in key areas beyond (like LWB beyond Bramhall) doesn’t feel entirely unreasonable. I appreciate the club is probably trying but things are beginning to feel a tad underwhelming.

                                              And we know things don't always get better towards the end of the window.

                                              A bit of clarity from the club would go a long way.

                                                Re: Transfer business, finances and MB

                                                Posted by Zobra The Greek on 8/8/2025, 9:17:02, in reply to "Re: Transfer business, finances and MB "

                                                I suspect the club feel that the squad (with one or two more additions) is more than capable of getting promotion. If we look at things from an objective viewpoint, every single commenter I’ve seen who aren’t Luton fans think we have by far the best squad in the league, and are clear favourites.

                                                Watching Wells movement on Friday, I’m convinced he’s an he’ll do the business. Yates feels like an upgrade on Morris. The keeper seems far more positive than TK. The only position we’re weaker in is LWB. Which is the one position it’s odd we didn’t go for first as Alfie leaving was inevitable.

                                                  Re: Transfer business, finances and MB

                                                  Posted by Music Critic on 8/8/2025, 10:33:11, in reply to "Re: Transfer business, finances and MB "

                                                  Good post

                                                  The window has not been poor but it's not been a thrill ride either

                                                  The keeper looks very good and Yates is proven at this level. Strange that Yates is not fit though. Strange but unsurprising. Wells might give us 25 good games this season. The rest are, let's be honest, all unknowns

                                                  A forward thinking/creative midfielder or two and a full back/wing back or two are needed. Possibly another forward if we want to go 4-3-3 eventually

                                                    Re: Transfer business, finances and MB

                                                    Posted by HH on 8/8/2025, 9:19:11, in reply to "Re: Transfer business, finances and MB "

                                                    Yeah, completely agree with that.

                                                    I think we will see at least 1-2 arrivals and 3-4 departures before the window closes.

                                                  Re: Transfer business, finances and MB

                                                  Posted by Ostrich spotter on 8/8/2025, 9:07:13, in reply to "Re: Transfer business, finances and MB "

                                                  The current structure of the squad will not result in promotion any time soon.

                                                    Re: Transfer business, finances and MB

                                                    Posted by Zobra The Greek on 8/8/2025, 9:09:14, in reply to "Re: Transfer business, finances and MB "

                                                    JFC. That’s the spirit.

                                                      Re: Transfer business, finances and MB

                                                      Posted by Ostrich spotter on 8/8/2025, 9:14:45, in reply to "Re: Transfer business, finances and MB "

                                                      Can you not see the squad is not balanced? Can you not see there is zero creativity? So near yet so far. Yates is a great signing but he will need service, Keeley also a big positive. Most, if not all, of the other decent signings in this window are centre halves and this is the one position we were already pretty strong in.

                                                        Re: Transfer business, finances and MB

                                                        Posted by Zobra The Greek on 8/8/2025, 9:31:43, in reply to "Re: Transfer business, finances and MB "

                                                        I not sure I buy this we have too many CBs argument.

                                                        We essentially replaced Burke with Nigel (potentially as a long term replacement for CM is he gets sold) and brought in a left footed CB in Kaldini.

                                                        If we get a couple of injuries (which seems to be what happens these days) suddenly we look light at the back.

                                                          Re: Transfer business, finances and MB

                                                          Posted by Sandgrounder on 8/8/2025, 11:11:16, in reply to "Re: Transfer business, finances and MB "

                                                          Yes, but he had 10 in 25 in his second season at Walsall so at the point we signed him his goal scoring record was much better, seemed like less of a punt.

                                                          Tovide is highly rated and seemed like a reasonable signing, less sure on Gbode.

                                                            Re: Transfer business, finances and MB

                                                            Posted by Ostrich spotter on 8/8/2025, 10:16:22, in reply to "Re: Transfer business, finances and MB "

                                                            The injured fellow? (I appreciate I should possibly narrow this down a little more!). The expected resurgence of Andersen.

                                                      Re: Transfer business, finances and MB

                                                      Posted by Ninja on 8/8/2025, 9:06:27, in reply to "Re: Transfer business, finances and MB "

                                                      Maybe, be good to know what the plan/strategy is. An updated 2020 strategy outlining the future would be timely.

                                                    Re: Transfer business, finances and MB

                                                    Posted by bbb on 8/8/2025, 8:38:07, in reply to "Re: Transfer business, finances and MB "

                                                    Over the last couple of seasons, alot more than us when you factor in player sales.

                                                      Re: Transfer business, finances and MB

                                                      Posted by Zobra The Greek on 8/8/2025, 8:50:07, in reply to "Re: Transfer business, finances and MB "

                                                      My point is, which I’m sure you won’t agree with but I’ll make it anyway, that it’s league one, and it’s incredibly difficult to tempt young championship standard players to drop down. These are players who would command a large transfer fee. Birmingham were a one off (stansfield was on loan there before they spunked 10 mill on him).

                                                      So my guess as to the reason we’re not spending shit loads of money is that it’s because the players just aren’t there. We bid for Kelman. He didn’t want to drop down. Al Hamidi doesn’t want to drop down. The majority of the best players in league one last season are now in, or likely will be in, the championship this season.

                                                      I agree we still need a new LWB, but I think we have good firepower with Yates, Wells, Alli.

                                                        Re: Transfer business, finances and MB

                                                        Posted by Ninja on 8/8/2025, 8:53:10, in reply to "Re: Transfer business, finances and MB "

                                                        That’s definitely a challenge, agreed. Probably one of many. I still think we’re an attractive club in league 1. Just down from top leagues, news stadium on the way, etc.

                                                        I just think it’s worth an update, particularly after a very difficult 18 months and to put people in the picture a bit more.

                                                    Re: Transfer business, finances and MB

                                                    Posted by J in C on 8/8/2025, 8:31:17, in reply to "Transfer business, finances and MB "
                                                    Sarah

                                                    After one game you post this guff

                                                    Legend

                                                      Re: Transfer business, finances and MB

                                                      Posted by StreatHat on 8/8/2025, 8:53:19, in reply to "Re: Transfer business, finances and MB "

                                                      Get your head out of your arse. He makes some perfectly valid points, in a reasonable way.

                                                        Re: Transfer business, finances and MB

                                                        Posted by StreatHat on 8/8/2025, 8:53:18, in reply to "Re: Transfer business, finances and MB "

                                                        Get your head out of your arse. He makes some perfectly valid points, in a reasonable way.

                                                          Re: Transfer business, finances and MB

                                                          Posted by Ninja on 8/8/2025, 8:49:01, in reply to "Re: Transfer business, finances and MB "

                                                          I know talking about Luton and football is not your thing on (ironically) a Luton FC message board.

                                                            Re: Transfer business, finances and MB

                                                            Posted by J in C on 8/8/2025, 9:24:43, in reply to "Re: Transfer business, finances and MB "
                                                            Sarah

                                                            your throwing negatives again

                                                            I think it's been a good window and have the patience to see it work

                                                            Legend

                                                              Re: Transfer business, finances and MB

                                                              Posted by Ninja on 8/8/2025, 10:30:40, in reply to "Re: Transfer business, finances and MB "

                                                              You see them as negatives, I see them as having a view and debating. We can’t always live in a lovely world with no accountability and sparkly fairies.

                                                              There has been some promising acquisitions, but I am concerned about the system we are playing and the balance in the team/certain positions.

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