I think they will say that -

There was a budget for improvements to the ground, ie the pitch, the infil etc, and a playing budget. Both would have been agreed at the start of the season, and both would have separate.

NW could have gone and attempted to buy Ashton at the start of last season, but it would have been at the expense of signing other players. He did not so I can only assume that he was of the opinion that the attackers at his disposal were good enough.

I am sure that the signing of Ashton was partly financed by this seasons transfer budget, hence the statement by the board that funds would need to be found by transfers or a reduction in wages this season.

Posted By: KentonCanary, Oct 30, 08:28:20