We are in a very tricky position

[H4usuallysitting]

Everybody knows we need defender's.... so, even average one's are going to be top dollar

[Woolly Mammoth]

The D of F has put the club in very difficult position, because at best even if we get a CB to sign on the dotted line, he will most likely not only be mediocre to average, he will cost way over the odds.
I would consider that poor strategy and planning and foresight and vision. There is no method or research, in fact it is negligence, incompetence and inefficiency which is what the D of F flirts with in most of his attempts to negotiate a deal.
In other words he is unqualified to do his job, and the only party to suffer every time is the club, time after time, and he keeps getting away with it time after time.

[Statto]

Agreed. This idea that we save money by waiting until the last minute is an oversimplification. Yes, the selling club's bargaining position weakens as the clock ticks, but so does ours. And this year our very public capitulation in the early games has massively accelerated and amplified the weakening of our position.