Not disputing that someone could have been signed earlier - but isn't it about getting the players you really want. Take Niasse as an example (I'm not sure he's high on our list or we'd have gone that one done sooner I'd have thought). But if he is/was and there are other clubs interested, there...
Much as it pains me to say it, because I think we're doomed without at least one good striker, it shouldn't be forgotten that absolutely THE most important thing is that a club with our history doesn't take reckless gambles and end up in financial trouble. If that means we can't afford to...