On the training pitch outside, our goalkeeping coach, Michael, was putting Pope through a relentless drill focused on the speed and accuracy of his distribution. Every save had to be followed by an immediate, precise throw or kick to a designated cone. In our system, the goalkeeper was the first attacker. There was no time to rest.
After the session, I had a quiet word with Dougie Freedman in my office. He had the transfer window figures in front of him. We were still within budget, but the window closed in a matter of weeks.
We discussed the two positions I had identified as vulnerabilities: the backup CAM and the second mobile striker. Dougie had a shortlist. We agreed to move quietly and decisively. No names were committed to paper. No leaks. The work would happen in the background, as it always did.
