New West Bromwich Albion technical director Luke Dowling has confirmed this week that if other clubs are willing to match our valuations for players in the January window, we will sell.
The open confirmation doesn’t really come as a surprise to many fans at all really, in fact being so open about it is the main surprise given how close to the chest things are usually kept – even if it’s open educated knowledge.
Technical director Luke Dowling: West Brom shouldn't be afraid to sell in January, although main message to squad will be stay and see out the season #wba https://t.co/PboXK8Dln5
— Matt Wilson (@mattianwilson) October 17, 2018
So Dowling does deserve some credit from his interview with the E&S, although it is fair to say the announcement was couched in not being afraid to do deals for long-term interests and he restated he had confidence that the club had the right recruitment plans in place to cover for any losses.
Sounds like a very honest assessment and to a certain degree, the kind of transparency many of the fans want from the club. Not sure these particular comments are going to be well received by some though #wba
— Andy Floyd (@andyfloyd26) October 17, 2018
The board shouldn't be afraid to invest either. Imagine what Big Dave could do with a few more quid. Speculate to accumulate and all that.
— Colin Griffiths (@Pengadil) October 17, 2018
I think all he is saying is there are times when we made the wrong decision out of fear – Evans should have gone to Leicester for £23m. No question.
— John May (@JohnWMay) October 18, 2018
So what happens if we’re in the top two going well and we have 4 acceptable bids for players , even if we will /can replace you going half un do everything and risk is it & the Millions what come with a place in the prem
— Jason Wheeler (@lebouf1976) October 17, 2018
Here we go
Sell sell sell
— gayle force wind ???????????????????????? (@theconemaster) October 17, 2018
If any go I’d assume in order of desirability
Phillips
Jrod
Gibbs
DawsonIf we are confident that we can cope without them and/or replace with prem ready players then why not
However the list of the ones we want to move on ,would be different— me (@matthews_boing) October 17, 2018
Nah, the club has a fantastic new ethos mate…
Rest on your laurels…
What can possibly go wrong!?!? #wba
— Kieran Wentz (@kieranthebaggie) October 17, 2018
I like this bloke already, calls a spade a spade.
— /pɔːl/ (@TheDelaney24) October 17, 2018
Whilst there is some sense in what he says on this particular topic, as the social media comments from fans giving their response shows, it is a frustration given where we sit in the league at this moment in time so it’s not the perfect message on that front – even if the balance is again, this news is hardly a grand secret.