Maximising Our Assets and Squad Depth

Selling players who want out can be sensible, but we need to squeeze value and strengthen depth. A Scottish spine plus a few smart foreign additions gives us the best chance domestically and commercially.

To be fair, there are players who clearly want away and holding onto them rarely ends well. That said, being in a stronger negotiating position now means we can try to shape deals to our advantage rather than just letting talent walk out the door. We should treat those who want off differently from the ones we're actively trying to sell — the approach has to fit the situation.

When players want away

Truth is, if someone wants to leave you often get a better outcome by cutting a deal at the right time. You keep leverage where you can, push for add-ons, sell-on clauses or structured payments rather than a fire sale. There will be cases where flexibility is required — players like Bajrami fall into that category — and we should be pragmatic. The objective is clear: maximise the asset for the club, not simply rush to accept the first offer.

Why a Scots spine matters

Last season showed the danger of running thin across the squad. Having a core who know the league — Scots or those used to the SPL — is a huge advantage. They understand the tempo, the physical demands and the bit-by-bit battles that grind out points. New signings that add depth are welcome, but they should sit alongside a reliable spine that keeps us steady through the long grind.

Smart recruitment, not gambling

Bringing in a few quality players from abroad can spice things up. Yes, it's a roll of the dice sometimes, but it can also attract new followers and commercial interest. The key is sensible scouting and research. DM will have his own view on who fits his system — that's right and necessary — but the club’s scouting must back that up with proper due diligence across markets. Get the scouting right and we stay competitive now and build commercial resilience for tomorrow.

So overall: be pragmatic with departures, insist on getting value, keep strengthening depth with a clear Scottish core, and be smart when we reach into foreign markets. That's how you balance performance and profit without selling the store.

Written by Macnaughten: 8 July 2026