January window, 2026.

[ramAnag]

Its an interesting to concept, but one I don't buy into, the simple fact is whenever a team gets promoted, most of that team are going to be below the standard required for todays premier league, even the serial yo yo teams, i.e. Burnley, Southamton, Norwich, Leeds etc. have shown this.

Whats required on promotion is a planned and well funded building of a squad able to compete with the well funded lower half teams in the prem. Sunderland are a case in point, some shrewed acquisitions and a manager who knows his stuff, but they spent north of £150 million last summer.

In terms of Derby, they have some players who could cut it at prem elvel, but would need serious money spent on the squad, but I'd think Clowes would be able to attract investment in if we got promoted.

It was a shambles last time Derby went up, Davies hadn't a clue and we were buying cheap dross to fill the squad.

SO if we did fluke promotion, I'd not be unhappy, but we won't so no worries there.

I suspect you’re right Swale, but don’t rule it out entirely. We’re only four points off the top six and five off third. A minor miracle considering we didn’t really start performing until late October.

I’m not sure who we’ve got who’d cut it as a starter at Prem. level, possibly JWZ but, keepers are a little bit different.

Your example of Sunderland is interesting and encouraging. They were certainly outsiders for promotion last season and I’d have had them down as relegation favourites this season. That’s not going to happen and they seem to be a great example of how to bridge the gap between Championship and the top flight without buying massive ‘names’.

[SithHappens]

I think we should just invest in bubble wrap.

[Ram Pant]

Following Wembley, Billy D went off, according to the press of the day, on a 2 or 3 week holiday. We started enquiring about players when he got back. By then most, if not all, of the players we could afford had been snapped up. Just before the season started, the board, well aware of the fans angry mood at the apparent lack of decent signings (it was very apparent), the board, without talking to BD, went out and paid 3 million odd for Earnmore. BDs "revenge" was to not pick him very often and sat him on the bench.

22 League apps (mostly from the bench IIRC, esp in BDs time, 16 of the apps were as a sub), 1 goal. 2 FA Cup games, 1 goal. 1 League Cup game, 0 goals. Total disaster of a signing.

[macstheman]

Thanks for reminding about that season, I thought I had erased the Poisoned Dwarf from my memory! 😡

[SithHappens]

It really was a **** show. Didn't help with Davies refusal to commit to staying immediately after the final.

I remember us being in for a 6 million striker but I don't remember his name, then when we signed Eddie Lewis it was obvious we were doomed.

When he said after he wished it had been Preston it was disrespectful.

[Ram Pant]

It really was a **** show. Didn't help with Davies refusal to commit to staying immediately after the final.

I remember us being in for a 6 million striker but I don't remember his name, then when we signed Eddie Lewis it was obvious we were doomed.

When he said after he wished it had been Preston it was disrespectful.

If only that had proven an on the spot sackable offence

[swaledale]

Following Wembley, Billy D went off, according to the press of the day, on a 2 or 3 week holiday. We started enquiring about players when he got back. By then most, if not all, of the players we could afford had been snapped up. Just before the season started, the board, well aware of the fans angry mood at the apparent lack of decent signings (it was very apparent), the board, without talking to BD, went out and paid 3 million odd for Earnmore. BDs "revenge" was to not pick him very often and sat him on the bench.

22 League apps (mostly from the bench IIRC, esp in BDs time, 16 of the apps were as a sub), 1 goal. 2 FA Cup games, 1 goal. 1 League Cup game, 0 goals. Total disaster of a signing.

I mean where do you start with the dross that was bought? Calamity Claude?

[macstheman]

I see Morton have employed him, I expect they'll fold soon!

[SithHappens]

I see Morton have employed him, I expect they'll fold soon!

Clod?

[macstheman]

Sorry, no the Poisoned Dwarf!