Morgan Whittaker

I know, he signed for us, but what might have happened if we’d signed him when we actually wanted to sign him?

Morgan Whittaker was a top target for us in the summer of 2021, and despite the deal dragging on, we were certain we’d sign him. Russell Martin had gone to Swansea and deemed Whittaker surplus to requirements, and we fancied our chances on loan – he was schooled locally, and there’s little doubt he would have got plenty of game time under Michael Appleton.

All through the window, we kept hearing how a deal was closed, and it seemed to be more or less complete on deadline day. I got my usual call from the club on the day to let me know what was happening, and Morgan was the signing we were sealing. I got another call at 8pm saying we were waiting on Swansea to sign a player, and it would all be done.

At 11:00 pm, a gutted Morgan was returning to Wales, as Martin had vetoed the move at the eleventh hour. Club staff were distraught; we’d put all our eggs into one basket, and dropped the basket. Cue a six-month spell of few goals and little attacking intent before we did finally sign Morgan.

You can read all about it here