Ipswich Town column: City’s corruption highlights need for good recruitment

For those football fans for whom the Premier League is the be-all and end-all, the prospects of a three-week international break weren’t appealing.

Thankfully for those supporters, the footballing gods delivered what is likely to be the story of the season, as Manchester City were found guilty of 115 charges for financial breaches of Premier League rules.

Many clubs have reportedly begun looking into compensation options, or have already been for some time. The possibilities and ramifications of the guilty verdict feel endless. This, coupled with City's almost certain appeal, means the story is far from over.

For now, talks of the potential benefits for Ipswich Town have been relatively muted. However, if City were to be relegated this season as punishment, it would significantly boost Town’s chances of survival.

The story is another reminder of the importance of clubs being financially compliant with the Premier League, as Everton, Nottingham Forest and Chelsea know all too well.

Town spent just over £189m on players this summer and recuperated roughly £16.5m according to Transfermarkt. Mark Ashton said over the summer that the owners had instructed him to push ‘right to the limit of financial fair play’.

Players justifying transfer fees is more important than ever and, to me, the early signs are positive.

The new-look forward line and central midfield have certainly caught the eye, and Issa Diop has had a solid start.

Given the scale of Town's investment, scrutiny of every major recruitment decision is inevitable. For the second time in two seasons, Blues fans are concerned about goalkeeper recruitment. Gary O’Neil’s dropping of Kjell Scherpen against Everton felt decisive, if a little harsh on the Dutchman.

While I feel the giant ‘keeper should have been given longer to settle, we need consistency between the sticks, and Christian Walton now needs an extended chance.

Town have started well, but if performances go south, they may have little room to stretch their budget further in January.

City’s plight is a reminder that clubs operating near financial limits cannot afford too many recruitment mistakes.