just seen that Alan Smith is nearly fit again. this is a player who was good last year in the championship maybe a bit slow for the premiership now but could still prove useful. also he is apparently a key member in the dressing room. i was wondering what people think should happen offer him a new contract much lower wages (for a footballer anyway) so we can keep him as a squad player or to see if we can sell him.
I'd like to keep him, albeit for a lower wage. Apparently a very good influence in the dressing room, that said, will he get a game? Would the money be better spent elsewhere?
We need as much of our budget as possible and he seems happy enough as cover, so I'd offer him a 2 year deal on half the money to cover Tiote for the 5 games or so he'll be suspended every season and to play in the cup games/sqaud depth.
If he'd accept that I'd be happy enough to see him stay. He's been a great player in his day and even though his legs have gone a bit, he's still got a good head and heart.
I think if he has any potential value in terms of a transfer fee the club should take it and use it to pay for a younger player to cover Tiote. Andreas Ottl is available on a free so that could cover his signing fee and he'd likely take a lower wage than Smith is currently on.
I would take any fee above 1mil for him definitely, but I cant see a PL side wanting him nor a CCC side even paying half his reported wages.
This. Can't fault his commitment to the club but he no longer performs at prem level. If we get an offer take it and if not then say adios at the end of his current contract.
