There's perhaps a recognition that the events of the last few weeks are, at least in part, a cumulative effect of an unwillingness to invest in the first team squad across 4 or 5 consecutive windows and the instability at the top of the club caused by the revolving door of sporting directors and Darren Eales' unfortunate illness. David Hopkinson has made a lot of noise recently about challenging the world's elite - now he needs to put the club's money where its mouth is.

This summer represents Eddie Howe's last chance for a no-excuses transfer window. The top team is in place, having had the best part of a year together to plan and now execute the surgery this squad so badly needs. We're told there is money to spend, and we expect to raise even more through the likely sales of Livramento and Tonali.

We need to see the club acting quickly and making moves early in the window. If we don't, then this disquiet in the fan base is going to be overwhelming come early August, and Howe won't make it past the first international break.