Let's say

[Alpine White]

I’m trying to imagine the oft mentioned assurances made by Ridsdale to Neil when West Brom came sniffing. I didnt expect the conversation to have gone like this...
Neil: So if I stay what guarantees can I expect from you in order to improve the squad and give me a chance to take the next step?
Ridsdale: Ok Alex let’s take it one step at a time.
1) We’ll get rid of hugill cos he's shite but moyes is delusional and will pay us good bruv
2) We’ll fuck about looking for that new keeper you want but ultimately you've had teppi so don't bite the hand that feeds neil lad.
3) We’ll sign a former pne legend that's going to bang 15 + goals in this season and fans favourite with 2 kisses from all the fans on his return.
4) We’ll sign a new centre half from the gem pool that is league 1
So, what do you think? Persuaded?cha?
Neil: Show me that contract, I can hardly wait to get down tet pub for a few scoops wi our kid hunts

I imagine more like:

Neil:
So if I stay what guarantees can I expect from you in order to improve the squad and give me a chance to take the next step?

Ridsdale: We've got full confidence in you Alex. You're still young and improving, so I think we can work together on this. You've seen for yourself what happens if you get into the spotlight too quickly. Here at PNE less will be expected of you and we can play the long game.

Neil: That's true. I don't want to face another sacking at this stage of my career. That could easily happen at West Brom, just like Norwich screwed me over after I got them up. Having said that, I would like to know we are building something here.

Ridsdale: well on the infrastructure side, you know we hope to build the new training facility some time soon. In the mean time, we are moving on to get the Springies pitch sorted, which should reduce injuries. That will give you a much more available squad, so that should see us a few places higher at least.

Neil: Yes, injuries was a big problem last term.

Ridsdale: the reality is we've got to be prudent. I'm not talking balancing the books because we are blessed with a generous owner, but in general we need to sell to buy. So, we wont block players getting a chance in the Prem and sell for the best money we can. We will reinvest some of that in building up a more reliable squad, given that you agree with me that was our biggest problem last season.

Neil: well, yes, but we also conceded too many goals.
Ridsdale: yes, and Hunts and Clarke are getting to the end of their careers. So it sounds like we're agreed, a centre back is top priority and should see us on the verge of the play-offs.

Neil: all sounds good. have you got anyone experienced in mind though to add to the squad?

Ridsdale: I've got an idea of an experienced striker we could bring in. He's even scored for England.

Neil: Oh, that sounds ideal. Where do I sign?

 

[Tino]

I suspect the conversation was as much along the lines of "we won't sell any of our key players in the summer" as it was "we'll splash the cash on reinforcements".

Yes I know we sold Robinson but I think that was already known at that point he would be leaving.