Nope I can't make it go on as a workable link on this device I have! You'll just have to take my word for it that it's a mildly interesting story. Apologies.
If I was on 90k a week and coming to the end of my career I don't know if I'd be too hasty in moving which would most probably more than halve my weekly wage.
I really dont know why people are criticising him. Put yourself in his position - would you swap the current best performing employer in your business for a poorer performing one where you would have to work weekends and take a 75% pay cut? People always seem to forget when it comes to football - IT IS A JOB. Nothing more, nothing less and if anyone tinks otherwise they're kidding themselves.
Bridge doesnt turn up for training wrecked, doesnt try and run away from the ball when he does get on the pitch, doesnt openly badmouth the fans of his own club, doesnt instigate physical altercations on pre-season tours that result in good people losing their job, doesnt arrange visits to see his favourite surgeon to have his knee reconstructed BEFORE signing for his new club and his manager who actually wants to sell him praises him for his professionalism and being a good bloke. You're right, the 2 cases are identical.
It's the club's fault, they created the situation. Sitting around doing nothing is unambitious though whichever way you cut it, regardless of money. He's talented, had offers, but nowt on £90k wins. Can't blame him but doesn't make it right. Also doesn't mean he shouldn't be criticised for it. He is, after all, a footballer.
Maybe in the summer he thought he had a chance of forcing his way back in and has since found he doesn't?
I think Man City have a large number of players in a similar position. They'll want to off load them, but they won't go. Unless they get a large settlement, like Stephen Ireland.
If this goes on much longer, I think if he looks back on his life when he can no longer play a competitive game, he’ll study his bank balance, smile, but then wish he had played more. All those games he could have been involved in but preferred to stand on the sidelines may haunt him. He can never get that team mate camaraderie back and the feeling he’s always done something worthwhile. If he’d played he would still have a good bank balance (maybe not as big!) but still healthy. A sad little man in my book.
But he's hardly played for 2 seasons, not reason why he won't play for 2 years after his Citeh contract has expired in the Championship on smaller money than he might have expected and just play for the love of the game...
Can I ask what job you do? And do you do it for 'the love of it' or would you gladly take a 300% pay-rise to work for the current best company in the country and weekends off? IT. IS. A. JOB.
I suppose you're a member of the NP fan club then? Being on a footballer's wage is a bit different to any normal job, you'd think some could perhaps sacrifice a small percentage of money in order to actually play football.
