[Salopbaggie]

I would love Demari Gray, been watching his progress since he was a kid, but as we already have at least 4 players in his positions?? Other positions first I think.

[Blue Baggie]

STOP STOP STOP
We don't need any defenders or strikers.
We need midfield players.
Livermore - Phillips - Sawyers need to be dumped - none of them can run for more the 10 yards.
A good midfield will take pressure off the defence and get the ball to the strikers where they may score a goal.
Leave them 3 anywhere near the first team and we can forget it.

[Zinman]

No, our primary objective should be a decent manager.

[Baggiebob(BBB)]

I cannot see why Grosicki hasn't been given more opportunity for 1st team. I mean he's a proven scorer for both Nation and 2nd team, so why not.

Also I cannot see many players, other than those who are older and need to keep playing, wanting to join an ailing side.

As for Managers, Bilic now Sam will find it an almost impossible task without finances to buy better players, and that is not forthcoming, so we need to accept our fate if this doesn't happen, and enjoy the Championship being our level. Or for those of you who wish to remain in the Prem, we need new owners.

[Blue Baggie]

I cannot see why Grosicki hasn't been given more opportunity for 1st team. I mean he's a proven scorer for both Nation and 2nd team, so why not.

Also I cannot see many players, other than those who are older and need to keep playing, wanting to join an ailing side.

As for Managers, Bilic now Sam will find it an almost impossible task without finances to buy better players, and that is not forthcoming, so we need to accept our fate if this doesn't happen, and enjoy the Championship being our level. Or for those of you who wish to remain in the Prem, we need new owners.

Agreed about Grosicki and while we are on the subject how about Kipre? I remember Luke stating we would not buy anyone unless they improved the team? He must deserve a game or two ?

[Dingle-Dingle]

West Brom manager Sam Allardyce has revealed how new Brexit regulations have already harmed his plans for the January transfer window. (TeamTalk)

That`s funny, does not seem to have harmed any of the "Big six" transfer plans. Seems every player in Europe is linked to them.

DD

[Baggievicar]

West Brom manager Sam Allardyce has revealed how new Brexit regulations have already harmed his plans for the January transfer window. (TeamTalk)

That`s funny, does not seem to have harmed any of the "Big six" transfer plans. Seems every player in Europe is linked to them.

DD    

Yes, but livestock transport rules have changed, so we can't bring in the donkeys we were after.

[Salopbaggie]

West Brom manager Sam Allardyce has revealed how new Brexit regulations have already harmed his plans for the January transfer window. (TeamTalk)

That`s funny, does not seem to have harmed any of the "Big six" transfer plans. Seems every player in Europe is linked to them.

DD    

Yes, but livestock transport rules have changed, so we can't bring in the donkeys we were after.

And the club never saw this coming???? This is part of post I posted on here back in 2015/16 (2016 Transfer Thread):

"Yep as I have been looking into this for a while and have posted on it a few times. Until Article 50 takes full effect so 2 years (apx) after it is implemented all is well, after that time all European players will become overseas players.

In order to get a work visa for an overseas player, the player must be of "the highest standard", there is a specific wording but I cannot remember what it is and I am to lazy to look it up at the moment. To meet the criteria for a visa, over the previous two years the player has to have represented their country at a minimum of 75% of category A games, where they were eligible to be called up, (the lowest type of game that counts as category A is a qualifier for a major competition). The players country also has to be in the worlds top 70 countries (on average over the previous two years) in the U.E.F.A. rankings. Both of these conditions are measured from the date of application"

I am not saying these are the same reason which have caused the issue but it sounds like it. If us fans saw this back then, how did the club miss it?

[Slick_Footwork]

The club will be well aware of the legislation change and that the protocol for signing an EU player now matches that of signing players from the rest of the world.

A friend of mine works for a club (outside of top flight) and this was the first topic of discussion the moment the UK voted to leave the EU. Every club know this.

Sam's comments that it makes things more difficult are fair though as you know have to obtain a work permit for any player, regardless of where they are from. Obviously the extra paperwork does 'hamper' plans because it means extra waiting time and negotiating for players who might not get a work permit approved.

That doesn't mean you can't sign them though...

The reality is, you're highly likely to be able to get who you want, you just need to "justify" it now. There are plenty of none EU players playing in the Premier League who fail to meet the "criteria" but still get a work permit because it's fairly easy to justify offering them the job. Douglas Luiz at Villa is a recent example. Not too long ago we had one too, Claudio Yacob. Take a look on the number of dodgy south American's playing in the lower league who wouldn't get into their country's A or B teams and you'll see how easy it is.

So why it is hampering, it's hardly fatal. The fact we are actually looking abroad at lesser known players is somewhat refreshing at least.

[Salopbaggie]

My point is, so if the club where aware of issue then why where they wasting time looking at players they knew they could not have. Douglas Luiz would get a valid work visa, he plays for Brazil (and has done at three levels) he has 5 qualifying games under his belt in 2019/20 which hits the 75% of games which Brazil has played. Brazil itself is at the required level for a national club. Yacob I can not remember how he got round the problem. The question is are EU players going to be prepared to jump through all the hoops when they can play at a top class club in the EU with no problems at all.