StephenH
David Ginola
We could cherry pick average players all day long
1970-2019
With the very odd stroke of luck. These then went to Man United and Real Madrid or where abducted by Chelsea.
We could cherry pick average players all day long
@Denmark Spur I think the full rumour was he initially asked for 150K, the club after several rounds of negotiations actually offered him 150K and he (agent) then came back and said they wanted 180K, and several people in the club felt betrayed by the bait and switch, hence the odd not playing at the end of last season.
I'd have to say, he and Eriksen have been consummate professionals on the pitch (we really have no idea the truth off), he seems very happy in the group and is doing his part.
I hope we finish better than 3rd, get to QF/SF of CL, have new stadium and make a real push to retain him and Eriksen.
I know Levy really doesn't like it, but a renewed contract for both of them, with some kind of "reasonable" release clause might work for all parties if it means we get another couple of years out of those guys.
I think we have to assume they have been total pro's off the pitch as well - absolutely no way they would be playing otherwise, not under Poch.
I know the whole bait and switch thing was rumoured/reported, and its entirely believable, we just dont know for sure. As I heard it here Poch went in to bat for Alderweireld at the £150k and felt betrayed by their consequent moving of the goal posts.
If I had to guess, regardless of £150/180k, I would suggest the release clause would be the real stumbling block.
I doubt Levy is a fan at all, he likes to exercise control over contracts, know with certainty where things stand - a release clause kills that completely. Particularly if it is at a "reasonable" amount.
If we are going to be paying a player a big wage (in the context of our pay structure) then I don't think it's unreasonable to expect a definite term commitment in return. Not 'ok I'll take £150k pw but if something better comes along you have to let me leave.' Simplistic perhaps (e.g someone like Eriksen might want a release clause linked to specific clubs only) and I appreciate it can work the other way if a manager decides a player is no longer in his plans - but insisting on a release clause feels somehow incompatible with the kind of commitment Poch would be looking for.
We will have to adapt as we step up the levels in terms of players/contracts etc, for sure.
But as Glenda says, and specifically under Poch, we have a real and tangible ethos around commitment which release clauses do contradict.
And the only way a player is agreeing to them is if they are achievable, which means the player is potentially to be lost at any time.
Levy in particular, but Poch as well, hold a longer term strategy very dear, its got us where we are, I dont see room for inviting those kind of issues.
Just looking at Toby's senior career and he has only played 250 games. Not that many for someone nearly 30.
Not sure really (without dissecting the reasons why), just thought it didn't sound many. (although looking closer that is only league games).Is it like car mileage? Does that mean he’s got a lot more to run, or that he’s injury prone?
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@Denmark Spur I think the full rumour was he initially asked for 150K, the club after several rounds of negotiations actually offered him 150K and he (agent) then came back and said they wanted 180K, and several people in the club felt betrayed by the bait and switch, hence the odd not playing at the end of last season.
I'd have to say, he and Eriksen have been consummate professionals on the pitch (we really have no idea the truth off), he seems very happy in the group and is doing his part.
I hope we finish better than 3rd, get to QF/SF of CL, have new stadium and make a real push to retain him and Eriksen.
I know Levy really doesn't like it, but a renewed contract for both of them, with some kind of "reasonable" release clause might work for all parties if it means we get another couple of years out of those guys.