Unconfirmed rumour - has anyone else heard anything? A Liverpool fan friend of mine texted me this afternoon with the news that Fulham have released Danny Murphy on a free transfer. I can't find any online confirmation from the club site. Has anyone heard anything? I hope my mate has got it wrong.
I would suspect that it is media twisting a story to fit their agenda something we have spoken about on here before. The truth is Murphy's contract has come to an end and if he moves he will be on free if he doesn't sign a new contract with us. Saying he has been released is stretching it. They'll probably say the same about Pogrebnyak.
They are indeed saying that SuperBri which illustrates how the stories have become twisted. The confusion (and I believe it was started by Sky) is between 'released' and 'a free agent' (because their contract is up). I believe the following article gives the correct story as of today; that is the future of Danny (and others) has yet to be resolved - http://news.ladbrokes.com/en-gb/football/premier-league/veteran-duo-and-dempsey%e2%80%99s-fulham-futures-in-doubt_106786.html So far as Danny is concerned, Mrs Murphy has tweeted that she, "cannot comment because it is not my place to do so" and later "Thanks for all the good luck messages for Danny but I'm afraid someone has got it very wrong". Whatever, he is in discussions with the Club and the matter is on hold till he returns from his hols.
Phew! That sounds like the most likely explanation - I hadn't realised that the 'free transfer' list was released yesterday. Next time I see my friend, I'll tell him he's an idiot!
Yeah, my Dad phoned me up in a panic yesterday but I told him that it is just those players whose contracts expire by 30th June or before and are therefore Free Transfers. Ledley King is on Spurs list for example but they aren't releasing him. Interesting though that the Independent reports today that AJ has been released because a contract length couldn't been agreed. It also says that Murphy is in ongoing negotiations with the club and the Pog is now a free agent (which we knew).
i jumped the gun my sister texted me to say that danny murphy was on the next table to them in greece yesterday, i said he is our ex captain, it seems that he and ffc are in negotations, lets hope he gets another year ffs
That list with the players who's contracts expire.... why isn't Stephen Kelly on it? I'm fairly sure his contract is up too.
A good question FI. The only reason I can think of is it's a 'technical' point in that Kelly's contract isn't up until after 30th June which is the Prem. League's cut off date : http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2009/June/KellySigns.aspx That said it is all very confusing. For example, also not on the Premier's official list are Danny Hoesen and Jesse Jorenen whose contracts I'm fairly certain do expire on 30th June. A PS on Mr Kelly - I see he has become a 'Guest Columnist' with the Mirror to cover the Euros.
I have heard this about Murphy as well via searching online Apparently AJ has gone and BH Risse also...
I can see Murphy staying here, Pogrebnyak on the other hand will move on. When he came here I was skeptical given his goalscoring record and history of injuries. After his superb start there were a few names on here who couldn't wait to gloat that I had been wrong about him. Funny that no-one popped up when he finished with 1 in 9 games at the the end of the season. If he's asking for too much money then I think we can find better elsewhere. If he's reasonable then for a free transfer it would be worth it just as long as we signed another striker (Rhodes would do just fine)
I would have liked to keep Pog but I'm not too upset with us losing him. I would like Rhodes as a replacement but the player I really wanted was Bas Dost from Heerenveen but it appears he has signed for Wolfsburg. I think we've really missed out. As for Danny Murphy, I can see him signing a player-coach contract. I hope that's the case anyway. I want him to stay at the club far beyond his playing days.
I've always questioned Murphy and Jol's relationship on the field. I am sure if Jol could find a decent replacement he would. Clear as day we need Murphy for another season but i do expect even less game time for our loyal captain.
I think Murphy will remain a regular unless a replacement is signed this summer. There isn't an obvious replacement in the squad who could come in straight away and do a job. The closest I can think of is Kasami, but he won't be rwady for first team football week in week out just yet. I can see Murph being rested for cup games and the odd league game but he will feature.
You would hope that Alistair MacKintosh has given all these players who's contract need renewing or to re-sign, an ultimatum to sign by July, so that we are not left searching for last minute replacements or end up with too many in the squad. For instance if Pogrebnyak and his agent haven't signed by July 1st I'd say let him go, and go after someone else. You would hope by now AJ has already been told there is now no offer on the table and is a free agent.
