Robins and the current strategy has been in place for nearly three years. Bayliss was in the system already. McCallum is the first we have sold from the development pool, and the whole plan was always to buy players with potential, develop them and sell on at a profit. As such McCallum's sale is completely in line with the Club's oft stated strategic direction.
I don't know the figure but I guess somewhere between 10 and 15 players have been brought in for "development" in that time and so far three, Westbrook, Hyam and McCallum have become regulars. Bear in mind there will also be some wastage in the form of players who do not kick on, but in the meantime consume wages. I would hope we are able to move on a development player for over £1m every year - 18 months.
Players like McCallum & Bayliss attract value for their future potential, not their current performance. Bayliss was regularly the target for criticism last year. A Bayliss out and a James Allen in actually strengthens the squad, even though the latter is valued at less in the market.