By close of play on 14th August our squad will effectively be locked for choosing the team v Leeds. We have at most 8 positions where we might be adequate (and perhaps only 6 where we should be happy). Subject to injuries as this assumes Tarkowski and Branthwaite fit. So, yes we have some quality. No, we are nowhere near where we need to be to have a solid, stress-free season. Both can be true.

It certainly isn’t yet a crisis. It equally isn’t yet comfortable. Unless and until our issues are addressed, as many people will see the worst case scenarios as see the upside. The pressure is on the club to deliver on that “unprecedented” narrative they created when in reality what we should have been briefed to expect steady progress, some a bit later than ideal and with more left to do in future windows. Kinnear contributed to this unease and unmet expectation with that misjudged comment.