Toby signs for Spurs - official.

Yes Fran, that is exactly what they will do. And they will regret rushing in to the sweet shop waving their wallet, because they've realised that we already had our hands in our pocket getting out the agreed change for the bar of Tobyleronloan.

 

I think I can now safely place Atletico in the Unholy Trinity -

Liverpool
Spurs Atletico

 

I don't see how the fact that Atletico doesn't take contracts seriously reflects on us. It only reflects on them. Anyway, I hope then that we will take them to court nad prove that we were right, and they were wrong. Otherwise it will all remain a speculation.

And also, It will be interesting if Les finds the middle ground with Atletico and strikes a deal for Toby, different than the one pre agreed. I take it you will bemoan that move.

 

I think people are going a little over the top with just how good Toby is. I've seen the word world class mentioned. Can't remember if it was on here or Saints Web but that's just ridiculous. He aint Vincent Kompany (not that Vincent Kompany is really Vincent Kompany anymore). I desperately want him to join because without doubt he is an excellent defender but he is replaceable just as Lovren was before him.

The moral compasses of the majority of football clubs these days are highly questionable. It seems to be fine to lie and cheat to get an advantage. I for one am proud that our club is not one of those. Does that give us a disadvantage in these occasions?... Probably but then so be it.

 

How exactly would other clubs have a field day? Have you ever seen a loan agreement like Toby's before? Option to buy with an option to cancel the option to buy! We'll never be in that situation again surely. Anyway, I'm not disagreeing with anyone on here really. I'm simply saying that if it were my business and if I deemed Toby as critical as many feel he is, and if I didn't care two hoots about the means to the end provided I got my way, then I'd be outbidding Spurs to get my man. Of course, we may already have done that. Like I say, pure speculation but I suspect that Channonfodder is spot on about the way we conduct ourselves hence my own personal speculation.

 

Because, what it says is 'you can sign an agreement with Southampton, then break the agreement and force them into a bidding war to give you what you want'.

It makes us look desperate. We're better off, for reputation's sake, walking away, taking them to court and scouting out a new defender to sign.

 

It may give us a short-term disadvantage in the Toby deal, but in the long run we will be seen as a club you don't mess around with. Not just the moral high ground, but the financial integrity high ground as well.

 

I do agree, no matter how very, very sad it'll make me to see Toby in a grubby white shirt.

 

Van Beek please.

 

This is[has] turning[turned] out exactly as I feared and wrote about the other day. Naivety is a word that springs to mind, I'm afraid.

 

Not immediately replaceable though really.. Our transfers are decided upon way in advance of transfer season.. Not all players are available each summer,and it may just so be that all of our eggs were in the Toby basket when this ordeal began. The recruitment team won't want to scramble any old player in to the club. So, yes it may give us a disadvantage when dealing with dodgy Spaniards (jest..) but overall will help us to build the right squads.

 

I wouldn't even mention this if I were you or you'll end up in some crazy conversation like I did. You've got to allow for the fact that some posters don't fully read posts and just go off on one.

 

Don't forget the Black Box! We will have a few targets lined up already to replace Toby, just as we do for all positions, including those in management.

 

Saints or some Saints fans? If Saints then I can't agree.

 

Aren't they? They haven't waited to see how the legalities pan out have they? Whisked the lad off to London for a medical without waiting to see (or care) if Southampton have first call.

 

Oh cos Spurs have copies of our agreement with Atletico do they? Do yourself a favour mate, they are well entitled to bid for a player who they believe / been told is up for sale.

 

Anyway he was rubbish and got subbed off in his last game when he had to play some good Europeans (Wales!)

 

Strange isn't it. I feel much more upset about this than Clyne going - there was just an emotional attachment to Toby somehow, and he seems like a really nice bloke too.

A shame, but we march on...

 

Don't worry I know all about the black box. What if Toby was already the decided target though and the box says 'Oh ****' - hence the legal action!

 

I don't have a copy of our agreement, and no one on here has one either, but somehow, strange as it may seem, everybody and his dog is talking about this 'unknown' agreement. Its not too far stretched to assume that Spurs had a little bit more knowledge than us. Mate.