Mondays press carried words from Malky Makay that he was hoping to bring in some new players to strengthen his squad in January. The comments were as you'd expect from any manager approcaching a transfer window. But since then Cardiff City issued a statement slamming Mackay for his comments and stating there would be no money in January after they feel Mackay overspent in the summer.
For the first time the reason behind Iain Moody's sacking becomes apparant as well.
On Monday Malky said
"It would be great if we can bring in three quality additions to the squad," said Mackay.
"I would look to strengthen all three departments in terms of a defender, a midfielder and an attacking player."
"I will talk to my chairman (about January) who will then discuss it with his board of directors and our owner and I will take my lead from them," he said.
"It's up to them then what financially they want to spend in January. I've got my lists of players, whether they be permanent targets or loans for various positions. We've got to try and strengthen again.
But the response, released by CEO Simon Lim on Monday evening says:
"Tan Sri Vincent Tan was extremely upset to read quotes from the Manager concerning the possibility of new recruits, before he had been informed whether funds would be made available. He believes that doing so unfairly raises supporter expectations, placing unnecessary pressure on the club.
"His view is that due to the funds already committed, including the originally authorised summer transfer budget of £35m that rose to £50m in total, including add-ons, the Manager has been fully supported. The overspending of £15m has upset Tan Sri greatly, resulting in the removal on Iain Moody as Head of Recruitment. As such, he has stated that not a single penny will be made available in January.
"Having been the highest spending promoted club and the seventh highest spender in the Premier League last summer, the owner believes that the Manager has been given the best possible chance of retaining our Premier League status."
While these might be the thoughts of the owner you would never see a club like Manchester Utd or Arsenal air their dirty laundry in public like that.
Mackay is working against adversity and the only hope on the footballing side is that Mackay and his players remain professional and keep getting results.
But his position as manager must surely be untennable and it has to be a matter of time before he leaves or is sacked.