MEHMET DALMAN OPENS OUT ON TRANSFER WINDOW

Cardiff City chief Mehmet Dalman provides compelling boardroom insight into 'intensely frustrating' transfer window
By Paul Abbandonato



Wednesday 6th February 2019



Cardiff City thought they had landed key targets, only for deals to fall down at 11th hour


Cardiff City chairman Mehmet Dalman has opened up on the "intensely frustrating" January transfer window that saw the Bluebirds miss out on key targets, yet still leaves them with a real fighting chance of avoiding relegation.

Dalman and the Bluebirds hierarchy worked incessantly to try to land new players to bolster Neil Warnock's Premier League team.


They thought they had some deals over the line, only to be left disappointed for one reason or another.

The Emiliano Sala tragedy defined Cardiff's transfer window, their £15million record signing being in the private plane that disappeared in the English Channel.

Other strikers Cardiff then targeted didn't want to come for superstitious reasons, while other players still were reluctant to commit because they felt without Sala's goals the Bluebirds might be relegated.

But with Oumar Niasse and Leandro Bacuna on board, the fans fully behind them and the incredible team spirit Warnock has fostered, Dalman is confident Cardiff will take this battle right to the wire.


Mehmet Dalman, Neil Warnock and Ken Choo worked their socks off to try to get deals over the line, supported by Vincent Tan
The 2-0 win over Bournemouth on a highly emotional Cardiff City Stadium evening has given renewed belief after a harrowing few days and victory at Southampton this weekend would lift the Bluebirds out of the bottom three.

It was Dalman and chief executive Ken Choo who burned the midnight oil to try to land Warnock's targets.

Reflecting upon what happened, Dalman says: "It just went to pot. I read Neil's comments ahead of the Bournemouth match about it being a hugely frustrating window and that's how I would describe it too. Intensely frustrating.

"We had so many just about over the line, yet for one reason or another weren't able to do it.

"We had targets and we went after them aggressively. Vincent (Tan) was magnificent in supporting us in terms of budget. In fact, at times he over-ruled us by wanting to go after even bigger names and financial packages. If anything, it was us trying to rein him in a little.

"So where does this leave us? With a battle on our hands, we accept that, but there's no reason why we cannot get out of this if we produce the type of performances seen at Arsenal and against Bournemouth.

"I have belief in this team, belief in Neil and his coaches Ian Blackwell and Ronnie Jepson. And let's remember, we have signed two in Niasse and Bacuna, newcomers who can make their own mark in different ways."


The big January move, of course, was for Sala.

Dalman reflects: "We put real effort into that one, it went on for weeks and weeks. These were big numbers for us, Cardiff City don't spend that sort of money on players normally.

"Neil and Ken worked really hard on it. But peoples' attitudes changed towards us after the tragedy. Some felt superstitious and didn't want to step into Sala's shoes. Others were concerned we might be relegated and chose not to come in the end.

"The club itself went into a state of shock. Because I'm not based in Cardiff, perhaps I didn't appreciate it as much as I should have done as chairman. I can see my manager, the executive, other members of staff were badly affected.

"It took five to six days to even start getting over what happened and the whole while the clock ticked towards January 31 and the closure of the window.

"That said, we did try for other strikers. It didn't stop us. But for one reason or another we weren't quite successful."


One name the Bluebirds were heavily linked with was Club Brugge's Brazilian hitman Wesley Moraes , who at 22 was seven years younger than Sala.

The Belgians initially demanded £30m for their striker, but the Bluebirds thought they had struck a deal closer to the £20m mark, which would have included bonuses based upon Moraes keeping Cardiff up.

"It's no big secret we were in for him," reflects Dalman.

"We thought we had managed it, but Brugges' argument was a good one. 'Look, we don't have enough time to get a replacement,' they said, and I could understand that.

"As such, we couldn't get it over the line. But the thought process was the correct one. A young, hungry player who could perhaps give this club seven, eight, ten years of service.

"In the end we looked at the sums of money and Neil wondered if he was really better than Kenneth Zohore at his very best? That's the key, though, getting Zohore back to the level we know he is capable of."


Two other targets Cardiff were on the brink of landing were Monaco defender Almany Toure and Nice midfielder Adrien Tameze, players aged 22 and 24 respectively and who fitted the profile of the younger signings Cardiff were seeking.

Dalman spent countless hours on the telephone to his counterparts at the two French clubs and also met the players in person to try to sell them the Cardiff dream.

It seemed he had succeeded in the two cases — only for the Sala tragedy to have a bearing and change mindsets somewhat.


Of Toure, he explains: "I had two to three hours with him to convince him of our project. He would have been a free transfer, this for a player valued at £10m just a year earlier.

"We were on the brink, but suddenly Eintracht Frankfurt came in and we had to compete with that. They were offering Europa League football.

"Look, as a general rule of thumb, no Bundesliga side should be able to beat a Premier League club to a player's signature and how the future is to pan out, but Toure watched us against Newcastle and part of him felt he could be playing Championship football next season.

"Neil, myself and Ken had a discussion about it and in the end felt the financial demands made the deal impractical.

"Toure could have come in to play right-back or centre-half, he's equally comfortable in either position. But Bacuna can do that too, it was important we got a defensive body in and we've done that at a reasonably modest fee."


The talks with French midfielder Tameze were also constructive and he could yet end up at Cardiff City Stadium in the summer, with Aron Gunnarsson, Harry Arter and Victor Camarasa each out of contract. It is an area of the team the Bluebirds know they have to bolster, whatever the fate of that current trio of midfield men.

The Tameze deal was on-off, but Dalman had just about rescued it again and Cardiff were ready to pay £8m for their man.

Dalman says: "We had a very nice chat with him, agreed terms, but at the end of it he said 'There's just one other person I need to talk to'."

That person was Patrick Vieira, the France and Arsenal legend who is these days manager of Nice.

"Patrick told him' Look, you start every game with us, you're talented, wait until the end of the season and then make a decision on your future'," continues Dalman.

"Do you know, if that were one of my players that's exactly the advice I would have given, too.

"Shortly afterwards I got a lovely email from Tameze saying 'Sorry', but also leaving the door open for us at the end of the season should we choose to embark down that route again.

"He didn't want us to think he had let us down, but I guess what happened with Tameze sums up the window for us. We worked really hard on the deal, put a huge amount of effort in and thought we had got our man, only to end up frustrated and disappointed at the last minute."


Of course, nothing could prepare Cardiff for what happened with Sala and that affected everything.

However, Dalman emphasised: "Let's remember, we do have two new players on the books. Niasse was signed up before Sala and has thus far given a really good account of himself.

"Don't underestimate him and the impact he can have here. Neil rates him really highly and we're already beginning to see why.

"Bacuna offers the kind of versatility every team needs and again Neil is delighted to have him on board.

"For differing reasons, we didn't end up with some of the targets we were after. But I really feel we have enough quality and depth to the squad to give it a right old go until the end of the season.

"And what the Sala tragedy has demonstrated is just how united this club is — board, manager, players and most importantly the supporters.

"There is more of a togetherness here than there has been for quite some time. That is simply priceless, you can't put a figure on it. The unity will be a vital factor in our favour during the relegation fight."

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A very interesting read that maybe sheds some light on the difficulties of getting players in during the notoriously difficult January Transfer window

A very interesting read that maybe sheds some light on the difficulties of getting players in during the notoriously difficult January Transfer window

If true about tan aswell it shows he still as enthusiasm for the club? But going forward the future looks brighter with mammet and Ken at helm
Whatever league we end up in.

A very interesting read that maybe sheds some light on the difficulties of getting players in during the notoriously difficult January Transfer window

Hmm. That is one way of looking at it. Another way is maybe we lack a bit of football competence? I think it’s obvious for most that we lack quality in a few departments. Why leave that to January? The wheeling and dealing should have started the moment summer window closed. That way it would not go to “the wire”, and we would not loose out on almost every target we go for. And another thing. Missing out on every target should tell the club something about it’s attraction.

A very interesting read that maybe sheds some light on the difficulties of getting players in during the notoriously difficult January Transfer window

Yeah I think he's a most impressive character ,and whenever he puts out a statement it's very well done. It'd be good to hear from him more often

A very interesting read that maybe sheds some light on the difficulties of getting players in during the notoriously difficult January Transfer window

Hmm. That is one way of looking at it. Another way is maybe we lack a bit of football competence? I think it’s obvious for most that we lack quality in a few departments. Why leave that to January? The wheeling and dealing should have started the moment summer window closed. That way it would not go to “the wire”, and we would not loose out on almost every target we go for. And another thing. Missing out on every target should tell the club something about it’s attraction.

Possibly, but none of that matters at this point. You're wasting your time revisiting mistakes except to learn from them for the future. We are where we are and we've got what we've got, so the only thing to do is use real and existing resources to achieve the objective. Let's not forget that we have some very good players, the best manager in Britain in terms of getting the best out of scant rescources, a very committed fan base and a new positive rhythm in the team.

A very interesting read that maybe sheds some light on the difficulties of getting players in during the notoriously difficult January Transfer window

Hmm. That is one way of looking at it. Another way is maybe we lack a bit of football competence? I think it’s obvious for most that we lack quality in a few departments. Why leave that to January? The wheeling and dealing should have started the moment summer window closed. That way it would not go to “the wire”, and we would not loose out on almost every target we go for. And another thing. Missing out on every target should tell the club something about it’s attraction.

Possibly, but none of that matters at this point. You're wasting your time revisiting mistakes except to learn from them for the future. We are where we are and we've got what we've got, so the only thing to do is use real and existing resources to achieve the objective. Let's not forget that we have some very good players, the best manager in Britain in terms of getting the best out of scant rescources, a very committed fan base and a new positive rhythm in the team.

Offcorse IT matters at this point. I’m not wasting my time, I’ve got time to spare. But i agree. We need to learn from our mistakes. Not the first time this have happened, is it? But maybe we can blame Warnock come may. But I agree. To good games on a bounce now, with tactics from this century.

A very interesting read that maybe sheds some light on the difficulties of getting players in during the notoriously difficult January Transfer window

Hmm. That is one way of looking at it. Another way is maybe we lack a bit of football competence? I think it’s obvious for most that we lack quality in a few departments. Why leave that to January? The wheeling and dealing should have started the moment summer window closed. That way it would not go to “the wire”, and we would not loose out on almost every target we go for. And another thing. Missing out on every target should tell the club something about it’s attraction.

Possibly, but none of that matters at this point. You're wasting your time revisiting mistakes except to learn from them for the future. We are where we are and we've got what we've got, so the only thing to do is use real and existing resources to achieve the objective. Let's not forget that we have some very good players, the best manager in Britain in terms of getting the best out of scant rescources, a very committed fan base and a new positive rhythm in the team.

Offcorse IT matters at this point. I’m not wasting my time, I’ve got time to spare. But i agree. We need to learn from our mistakes. Not the first time this have happened, is it? But maybe we can blame Warnock come may. But I agree. To good games on a bounce now, with tactics from this century.

I’m certain if you go back to August Warnock said he wanted the teams
THat got promoted to have a chance in his league, he was happy with summer business whether that’s a mistake we will see come May but I for one am enjoying this season (with the exception of the sala incident of course)

A very interesting read that maybe sheds some light on the difficulties of getting players in during the notoriously difficult January Transfer window

Hmm. That is one way of looking at it. Another way is maybe we lack a bit of football competence? I think it’s obvious for most that we lack quality in a few departments. Why leave that to January? The wheeling and dealing should have started the moment summer window closed. That way it would not go to “the wire”, and we would not loose out on almost every target we go for. And another thing. Missing out on every target should tell the club something about it’s attraction.

Possibly, but none of that matters at this point. You're wasting your time revisiting mistakes except to learn from them for the future. We are where we are and we've got what we've got, so the only thing to do is use real and existing resources to achieve the objective. Let's not forget that we have some very good players, the best manager in Britain in terms of getting the best out of scant rescources, a very committed fan base and a new positive rhythm in the team.

Offcorse IT matters at this point. I’m not wasting my time, I’ve got time to spare. But i agree. We need to learn from our mistakes. Not the first time this have happened, is it? But maybe we can blame Warnock come may. But I agree. To good games on a bounce now, with tactics from this century.

So where have the club failed, Tameze decided to make his choice at the end of the season and seems keen if were in the PL still. Toure was offered Europa League so decided to go that way and was not impressed with our performance against Newcastle. Brugge wouldn’t let Moraes leave. In my eyes the club done everything they possibly could to get these deals done. Even to the point where they were willing to go overboard with money. Let’s see where we are at end of the season. Our last two performance should make us optimistic rather than pessimistic. So let’s be positive.

A very interesting read that maybe sheds some light on the difficulties of getting players in during the notoriously difficult January Transfer window

If true about tan aswell it shows he still as enthusiasm for the club? But going forward the future looks brighter with mammet and Ken at helm
Whatever league we end up in.

Totally agree

A very interesting read that maybe sheds some light on the difficulties of getting players in during the notoriously difficult January Transfer window

Hmm. That is one way of looking at it. Another way is maybe we lack a bit of football competence? I think it’s obvious for most that we lack quality in a few departments. Why leave that to January? The wheeling and dealing should have started the moment summer window closed. That way it would not go to “the wire”, and we would not loose out on almost every target we go for. And another thing. Missing out on every target should tell the club something about it’s attraction.

Possibly, but none of that matters at this point. You're wasting your time revisiting mistakes except to learn from them for the future. We are where we are and we've got what we've got, so the only thing to do is use real and existing resources to achieve the objective. Let's not forget that we have some very good players, the best manager in Britain in terms of getting the best out of scant rescources, a very committed fan base and a new positive rhythm in the team.

Offcorse IT matters at this point. I’m not wasting my time, I’ve got time to spare. But i agree. We need to learn from our mistakes. Not the first time this have happened, is it? But maybe we can blame Warnock come may. But I agree. To good games on a bounce now, with tactics from this century.

I’m certain if you go back to August Warnock said he wanted the teams
THat got promoted to have a chance in his league, he was happy with summer business whether that’s a mistake we will see come May but I for one am enjoying this season (with the exception of the sala incident of course)

Hmm I’m certain if you go back, and even further back than Cardiff in Warnock’s managerial career you would find his love for cart horses rather than footballers pretty transparent. Being happy with the squad? Yes, he might be pragmatic in his statements. But playing a right back as striker, a center half as Right back. Central midfield as winger dosent exactly communicate him being “happy” with any squad, does it?

Good read that...

A very interesting read that maybe sheds some light on the difficulties of getting players in during the notoriously difficult January Transfer window

Hmm. That is one way of looking at it. Another way is maybe we lack a bit of football competence? I think it’s obvious for most that we lack quality in a few departments. Why leave that to January? The wheeling and dealing should have started the moment summer window closed. That way it would not go to “the wire”, and we would not loose out on almost every target we go for. And another thing. Missing out on every target should tell the club something about it’s attraction.

Possibly, but none of that matters at this point. You're wasting your time revisiting mistakes except to learn from them for the future. We are where we are and we've got what we've got, so the only thing to do is use real and existing resources to achieve the objective. Let's not forget that we have some very good players, the best manager in Britain in terms of getting the best out of scant rescources, a very committed fan base and a new positive rhythm in the team.

Offcorse IT matters at this point. I’m not wasting my time, I’ve got time to spare. But i agree. We need to learn from our mistakes. Not the first time this have happened, is it? But maybe we can blame Warnock come may. But I agree. To good games on a bounce now, with tactics from this century.

So where have the club failed, Tameze decided to make his choice at the end of the season and seems keen if were in the PL still. Toure was offered Europa League so decided to go that way and was not impressed with our performance against Newcastle. Brugge wouldn’t let Moraes leave. In my eyes the club done everything they possibly could to get these deals done. Even to the point where they were willing to go overboard with money. Let’s see where we are at end of the season. Our last two performance should make us optimistic rather than pessimistic. So let’s be positive.

The club pulled of one signing of what looked quality. One signing. When everyone else chose, did not come. Had other business.. we failed, right?

A very interesting read that maybe sheds some light on the difficulties of getting players in during the notoriously difficult January Transfer window

Hmm. That is one way of looking at it. Another way is maybe we lack a bit of football competence? I think it’s obvious for most that we lack quality in a few departments. Why leave that to January? The wheeling and dealing should have started the moment summer window closed. That way it would not go to “the wire”, and we would not loose out on almost every target we go for. And another thing. Missing out on every target should tell the club something about it’s attraction.

Possibly, but none of that matters at this point. You're wasting your time revisiting mistakes except to learn from them for the future. We are where we are and we've got what we've got, so the only thing to do is use real and existing resources to achieve the objective. Let's not forget that we have some very good players, the best manager in Britain in terms of getting the best out of scant rescources, a very committed fan base and a new positive rhythm in the team.

Offcorse IT matters at this point. I’m not wasting my time, I’ve got time to spare. But i agree. We need to learn from our mistakes. Not the first time this have happened, is it? But maybe we can blame Warnock come may. But I agree. To good games on a bounce now, with tactics from this century.

So where have the club failed, Tameze decided to make his choice at the end of the season and seems keen if were in the PL still. Toure was offered Europa League so decided to go that way and was not impressed with our performance against Newcastle. Brugge wouldn’t let Moraes leave. In my eyes the club done everything they possibly could to get these deals done. Even to the point where they were willing to go overboard with money. Let’s see where we are at end of the season. Our last two performance should make us optimistic rather than pessimistic. So let’s be positive.

The club pulled of one signing of what looked quality. One signing. When everyone else chose, did not come. Had other business.. we failed, right?

Unfortunately, in the 50 odd years I have watched us, it has never been easy persuading top players to come here. It has been a regular theme throughout all this time, decent players linked with us but never quite coming off. Maybe if we avoid relegation, we may convince a few to join us if it looks as if we are not just a one season flash in the pan.

A very interesting read that maybe sheds some light on the difficulties of getting players in during the notoriously difficult January Transfer window

Hmm. That is one way of looking at it. Another way is maybe we lack a bit of football competence? I think it’s obvious for most that we lack quality in a few departments. Why leave that to January? The wheeling and dealing should have started the moment summer window closed. That way it would not go to “the wire”, and we would not loose out on almost every target we go for. And another thing. Missing out on every target should tell the club something about it’s attraction.

Possibly, but none of that matters at this point. You're wasting your time revisiting mistakes except to learn from them for the future. We are where we are and we've got what we've got, so the only thing to do is use real and existing resources to achieve the objective. Let's not forget that we have some very good players, the best manager in Britain in terms of getting the best out of scant rescources, a very committed fan base and a new positive rhythm in the team.

Offcorse IT matters at this point. I’m not wasting my time, I’ve got time to spare. But i agree. We need to learn from our mistakes. Not the first time this have happened, is it? But maybe we can blame Warnock come may. But I agree. To good games on a bounce now, with tactics from this century.

So where have the club failed, Tameze decided to make his choice at the end of the season and seems keen if were in the PL still. Toure was offered Europa League so decided to go that way and was not impressed with our performance against Newcastle. Brugge wouldn’t let Moraes leave. In my eyes the club done everything they possibly could to get these deals done. Even to the point where they were willing to go overboard with money. Let’s see where we are at end of the season. Our last two performance should make us optimistic rather than pessimistic. So let’s be positive.

The club pulled of one signing of what looked quality. One signing. When everyone else chose, did not come. Had other business.. we failed, right?

I don’t see it like that at all. But if that’s the way you see it then so be it.

A very interesting read that maybe sheds some light on the difficulties of getting players in during the notoriously difficult January Transfer window

Hmm. That is one way of looking at it. Another way is maybe we lack a bit of football competence? I think it’s obvious for most that we lack quality in a few departments. Why leave that to January? The wheeling and dealing should have started the moment summer window closed. That way it would not go to “the wire”, and we would not loose out on almost every target we go for. And another thing. Missing out on every target should tell the club something about it’s attraction.

Possibly, but none of that matters at this point. You're wasting your time revisiting mistakes except to learn from them for the future. We are where we are and we've got what we've got, so the only thing to do is use real and existing resources to achieve the objective. Let's not forget that we have some very good players, the best manager in Britain in terms of getting the best out of scant rescources, a very committed fan base and a new positive rhythm in the team.

Offcorse IT matters at this point. I’m not wasting my time, I’ve got time to spare. But i agree. We need to learn from our mistakes. Not the first time this have happened, is it? But maybe we can blame Warnock come may. But I agree. To good games on a bounce now, with tactics from this century.

I’m certain if you go back to August Warnock said he wanted the teams
THat got promoted to have a chance in his league, he was happy with summer business whether that’s a mistake we will see come May but I for one am enjoying this season (with the exception of the sala incident of course)

Hmm I’m certain if you go back, and even further back than Cardiff in Warnock’s managerial career you would find his love for cart horses rather than footballers pretty transparent. Being happy with the squad? Yes, he might be pragmatic in his statements. But playing a right back as striker, a center half as Right back. Central midfield as winger dosent exactly communicate him being “happy” with any squad, does it?

1. Patterson is not a right back. He’s played in that position but he isn’t a right back.

2. Manga was playing right back all last season so Warnock was obviously happy to stick with it.

3. Teams that don’t invest heavily after getting promotion are usually the ones that do better in this division.

A very interesting read that maybe sheds some light on the difficulties of getting players in during the notoriously difficult January Transfer window

Hmm. That is one way of looking at it. Another way is maybe we lack a bit of football competence? I think it’s obvious for most that we lack quality in a few departments. Why leave that to January? The wheeling and dealing should have started the moment summer window closed. That way it would not go to “the wire”, and we would not loose out on almost every target we go for. And another thing. Missing out on every target should tell the club something about it’s attraction.

And why would you choose to look at it your way.Yes we could have done like Fulham which is the model you seem to be talking about but spunkin your money all at once gets you where?It is right to see who could make the step up and then spend accordingly if you have to.The bit about Vincent Tan will be an eye opener and some of the anti-Tan multi's will have to rethink their strategy.

A very interesting read that maybe sheds some light on the difficulties of getting players in during the notoriously difficult January Transfer window

Hmm. That is one way of looking at it. Another way is maybe we lack a bit of football competence? I think it’s obvious for most that we lack quality in a few departments. Why leave that to January? The wheeling and dealing should have started the moment summer window closed. That way it would not go to “the wire”, and we would not loose out on almost every target we go for. And another thing. Missing out on every target should tell the club something about it’s attraction.

And why would you choose to look at it your way.Yes we could have done like Fulham which is the model you seem to be talking about but spunkin your money all at once gets you where?It is right to see who could make the step up and then spend accordingly if you have to.The bit about Vincent Tan will be an eye opener and some of the anti-Tan multi's will have to rethink their strategy.

re-think ?, I dint realise that they were capable of thinking in the first place ..

I think Sala would have been the catalyst to get the other deals done especially with the French targets.

I think Sala would have been the catalyst to get the other deals done especially with the French targets.

Sadly, we'll never know; and the situation has given the likes of Scandinavianbluebird (and others) the opportunity to go down the negative 'my glass is half empty' route again...

Seems to me that the whole City backroom team have worked their socks off during the January Window (and probably in the build up, too) but we don't get to see that, so it leaves it open for these people too do their worst

The whispers, rumours and downright mischievous gossip of recent days/weeks has likely resulted in Mehmet Dalman's comments and defence of his colleagues...

And still people ask why the club are so intent on keeping things 'in house'?

Very true, the simple fact is we are not a “big club” compared to many other premier league teams and are always going to struggle to sign top quality players

However, both on and off the field we are improving every year

If we can stay up I believe we will be able to attract and sign a few better quality players in the summer

Last edited by oohahhPaulMillar on Wed Feb 06, 2019 5:01 pm, edited 2 times in total.

I think Sala would have been the catalyst to get the other deals done especially with the French targets.

Sadly, we'll never know; and the situation has given the likes of Scandinavianbluebird (and others) the opportunity to go down the negative 'my glass is half empty' route again...

Seems to me that the whole City backroom team have worked their socks off during the January Window (and probably in the build up, too) but we don't get to see that, so it leaves it open for these people too do their worst

The whispers, rumours and downright mischievous gossip of recent days/weeks has likely resulted in Mehmet Dalman's comments and defence of his colleagues...

And still people ask why the club are so intent on keeping things 'in house'?

Couldn't agree with you more - spot on.

A very interesting read that maybe sheds some light on the difficulties of getting players in during the notoriously difficult January Transfer window

Hmm. That is one way of looking at it. Another way is maybe we lack a bit of football competence? I think it’s obvious for most that we lack quality in a few departments. Why leave that to January? The wheeling and dealing should have started the moment summer window closed. That way it would not go to “the wire”, and we would not loose out on almost every target we go for. And another thing. Missing out on every target should tell the club something about it’s attraction.

Possibly, but none of that matters at this point. You're wasting your time revisiting mistakes except to learn from them for the future. We are where we are and we've got what we've got, so the only thing to do is use real and existing resources to achieve the objective. Let's not forget that we have some very good players, the best manager in Britain in terms of getting the best out of scant rescources, a very committed fan base and a new positive rhythm in the team.

Offcorse IT matters at this point. I’m not wasting my time, I’ve got time to spare. But i agree. We need to learn from our mistakes. Not the first time this have happened, is it? But maybe we can blame Warnock come may. But I agree. To good games on a bounce now, with tactics from this century.

So where have the club failed, Tameze decided to make his choice at the end of the season and seems keen if were in the PL still. Toure was offered Europa League so decided to go that way and was not impressed with our performance against Newcastle. Brugge wouldn’t let Moraes leave. In my eyes the club done everything they possibly could to get these deals done. Even to the point where they were willing to go overboard with money. Let’s see where we are at end of the season. Our last two performance should make us optimistic rather than pessimistic. So let’s be positive.

The club pulled of one signing of what looked quality. One signing. When everyone else chose, did not come. Had other business.. we failed, right?

Unfortunately, in the 50 odd years I have watched us, it has never been easy persuading top players to come here. It has been a regular theme throughout all this time, decent players linked with us but never quite coming off. Maybe if we avoid relegation, we may convince a few to join us if it looks as if we are not just a one season flash in the pan.

Same period of time supporting, but in my opinion,nobody back in the dark days of hooliganism,would touch us with the proverbial barge pole,some of our very own supporters were to blame,some even happier to wallow in the reputation we had back then until Vincent Tan came,it was still in the main,the same,we have paid a heavy price since the 80's imo.as the saying goes"you reap what you sow" and the hooligan element sowed some shit back then,be honest,would you,if you had the money back then,have invested? I very much doubt it

the deal for tameze could still have been done by giving a low release clause if we did get relegated. an experienced deal maker would have gotten that over the line.

the failure to sign much needed players in the summer left us scrambling to get these deals done in january, which is a big ask.

i've always thought we need a proper footballing CEO, one that has contacts, knows football, and can get deals over the line. someone in the mould of john williams.

we should never be out of ideas and instead have players pushed to us by dodgy agents, like the sala deal. we should identify who we want, and then go out and sign them.

A very interesting read that maybe sheds some light on the difficulties of getting players in during the notoriously difficult January Transfer window

Hmm. That is one way of looking at it. Another way is maybe we lack a bit of football competence? I think it’s obvious for most that we lack quality in a few departments. Why leave that to January? The wheeling and dealing should have started the moment summer window closed. That way it would not go to “the wire”, and we would not loose out on almost every target we go for. And another thing. Missing out on every target should tell the club something about it’s attraction.

Possibly, but none of that matters at this point. You're wasting your time revisiting mistakes except to learn from them for the future. We are where we are and we've got what we've got, so the only thing to do is use real and existing resources to achieve the objective. Let's not forget that we have some very good players, the best manager in Britain in terms of getting the best out of scant rescources, a very committed fan base and a new positive rhythm in the team.

Offcorse IT matters at this point. I’m not wasting my time, I’ve got time to spare. But i agree. We need to learn from our mistakes. Not the first time this have happened, is it? But maybe we can blame Warnock come may. But I agree. To good games on a bounce now, with tactics from this century.

So where have the club failed, Tameze decided to make his choice at the end of the season and seems keen if were in the PL still. Toure was offered Europa League so decided to go that way and was not impressed with our performance against Newcastle. Brugge wouldn’t let Moraes leave. In my eyes the club done everything they possibly could to get these deals done. Even to the point where they were willing to go overboard with money. Let’s see where we are at end of the season. Our last two performance should make us optimistic rather than pessimistic. So let’s be positive.

The club pulled of one signing of what looked quality. One signing. When everyone else chose, did not come. Had other business.. we failed, right?

Unfortunately, in the 50 odd years I have watched us, it has never been easy persuading top players to come here. It has been a regular theme throughout all this time, decent players linked with us but never quite coming off. Maybe if we avoid relegation, we may convince a few to join us if it looks as if we are not just a one season flash in the pan.

Same period of time supporting, but in my opinion,nobody back in the dark days of hooliganism,would touch us with the proverbial barge pole,some of our very own supporters were to blame,some even happier to wallow in the reputation we had back then until Vincent Tan came,it was still in the main,the same,we have paid a heavy price since the 80's imo.as the saying goes"you reap what you sow" and the hooligan element sowed some shit back then,be honest,would you,if you had the money back then,have invested? I very much doubt it

hooliganism didn't help. but other clubs with a massive hooligan problem found people to invest and then managers and players to follow.

as for Tan I think he has been really good here but, and its a big BUT , had Sam not come bought this club { hooligans and all } and put it all in motion TG and then VT would still be oblivious to our existence.

I know you hated hooliganism but it wasn't responsible for everything that went wrong.

Interesting to read that Dalman had to keep Tan in check over finance packages for transfers, seems MD doesn’t want a repeat of last time and that is exactly what the club needs in a chairman

Great to see the club going for it.

Great read!
EXCITING TIMES AHEAD IF WE STAY UP AND THE CLUB KEEP HAVING THIS AMBITION!

VINNY IS A BLUEBIRD

A very interesting read that maybe sheds some light on the difficulties of getting players in during the notoriously difficult January Transfer window

Hmm. That is one way of looking at it. Another way is maybe we lack a bit of football competence? I think it’s obvious for most that we lack quality in a few departments. Why leave that to January? The wheeling and dealing should have started the moment summer window closed. That way it would not go to “the wire”, and we would not loose out on almost every target we go for. And another thing. Missing out on every target should tell the club something about it’s attraction.

Possibly, but none of that matters at this point. You're wasting your time revisiting mistakes except to learn from them for the future. We are where we are and we've got what we've got, so the only thing to do is use real and existing resources to achieve the objective. Let's not forget that we have some very good players, the best manager in Britain in terms of getting the best out of scant rescources, a very committed fan base and a new positive rhythm in the team.

Offcorse IT matters at this point. I’m not wasting my time, I’ve got time to spare. But i agree. We need to learn from our mistakes. Not the first time this have happened, is it? But maybe we can blame Warnock come may. But I agree. To good games on a bounce now, with tactics from this century.

I’m certain if you go back to August Warnock said he wanted the teams
THat got promoted to have a chance in his league, he was happy with summer business whether that’s a mistake we will see come May but I for one am enjoying this season (with the exception of the sala incident of course)

Hmm I’m certain if you go back, and even further back than Cardiff in Warnock’s managerial career you would find his love for cart horses rather than footballers pretty transparent. Being happy with the squad? Yes, he might be pragmatic in his statements. But playing a right back as striker, a center half as Right back. Central midfield as winger dosent exactly communicate him being “happy” with any squad, does it?

1. Patterson is not a right back. He’s played in that position but he isn’t a right back.

2. Manga was playing right back all last season so Warnock was obviously happy to stick with it.

3. Teams that don’t invest heavily after getting promotion are usually the ones that do better in this division.

Exactly my point in Warnock was happy with the team he had in the summer granted he may have wanted one or two more but he said he was happy

I agree with you on their positions as well. No idea why this Scandinavianbluebird keeps harping on about Paterson? Every one but him seems to know Paterson isn’t a right back. He could fill in if needed but he's not a right back and Neil Warnock was happy playing Bruno Manga there, as he clearly didn’t feel the people he brought in would be any better

It still grates on me that our fans just think that if we bid for a player that that’s it, we have signed them. I actually find it refreshing that Vincent Tan was willing to offer better deals in an attempt try to sign those players. Mehmet Dalman mentioned it and it's a shame we didn’t get one or two more over the line. But this team has shown all season that they can compete with teams from 10th downwards in this league and that is what will have kept us up if we stay up

If we do stay up next years business I’m sure will hopefully be better standard of playersbut this year isall about survival and it will be a miracle if we do

I’m looking forward to the rest of the season two solid performances in a row I’m not going to dwell on a transfer window that could have been this or that etc just going to enjoy the rollercoaster ride and hope we stay up

I think Sala would have been the catalyst to get the other deals done especially with the French targets.

Sadly, we'll never know; and the situation has given the likes of Scandinavianbluebird (and others) the opportunity to go down the negative 'my glass is half empty' route again...

Seems to me that the whole City backroom team have worked their socks off during the January Window (and probably in the build up, too) but we don't get to see that, so it leaves it open for these people too do their worst

The whispers, rumours and downright mischievous gossip of recent days/weeks has likely resulted in Mehmet Dalman's comments and defence of his colleagues...

And still people ask why the club are so intent on keeping things 'in house'?

The situasjon has given?? Are you on drugs? Its not to do with any negativity my not so bright friend. Its all pragmatic about our last two transfer windows. Not all that good, are they? At least every fan and pundit with half a brain cell agree with me.. City should be working as we speak for the next window. And if you think a 70 year old manage trying to survive the premiership, and Ken Choo is has enough hours to do the work you sir are deluded..