Tom Barkhuizen was preferred — higher reputation in this fixture.
Cause
A more highly rated alternative was available.
Outlook
Repeated incidents may damage dressing-room status.
Repeated transfer talk is becoming a distraction
Minor
Cause
Stage: loose rumour. The national press has carried the story. The link is speculative for now. The same rumour keeps coming back. The talk has begun to distract him.
Stage: negotiations are opening. Briefings from the interested club leaked. It would be a lateral move. He has no special loyalty holding him in place. The talk has begun to distract him.
Outlook
Expectations may build after a stand-out moment.
Has agreed personal terms with Crewe Alexandra — only the medical to go
Serious
Cause
Stage: personal terms agreed. Briefings from the interested club leaked. It would be a lateral move. He has no special loyalty holding him in place. The talk has begun to distract him.
Tom Barkhuizen was preferred — higher reputation in this fixture.
Cause
He is rested to protect a player close to a transfer.
Outlook
Likely to settle unless repeated within the next few weeks.
His move to Crewe Alexandra has collapsed at the last moment
Major
Cause
Stage: the move collapsed. Briefings from the interested club leaked. It would be a lateral move. He has no special loyalty holding him in place. The talk has begun to distract him.
Outlook
Manager intervention may be required if it persists.
Stage: concrete interest. The interested club has formally approached. It would be a lateral move. He has no special loyalty holding him in place. The talk has begun to distract him.