please log in to view this image The only two I'd keep from this lot is Woodman and Aarons. The Aarons contract discussions seem to have gone quiet all of a sudden but he is a class player. With Woodman I don't want another Fraser Forster situation as I rated FF highly and was well pissed off when we let him go. Outside of that the rest can be cut loose for me which will free up some valuable squad space for more quality additions.
And here are the contract running out at the end of NEXT season.... please log in to view this image By then there's probably only Krul, Anita and Colo (at a push given his age) who I'd retain.
Looking at the above stats and bearing in mind that bothg Manu and Cisse are out of contract in 18 months I'm convinced both will go in the summer.
There are only three players I would still want at the club in July 2017 and that would be Rolando Aarons, Tim Krul and Woodman. Maybe move Steven Taylor in to a PR type role as his footballing years seem to be over. Everyone else should be moved on as soon as possible in my opinion, obviously with replacements sought
Krul should be sold if you can get some decent money for him, his kicking is woeful. Elliot, now I've seen the bloke only a few times but one thing I did notice is that he looks like a leader, he was doing the 'huddle' talk pre-game against us, his kicking is better than Krul's and he seems to command his two centre halves a lot better than Krul, it's no coincidence your defenders look sharper with him behind them I think. Just my view, obviously I've only seen him a handful of times.
I'd add Mbabu to Albert's list of ones to keep. There's enough potential there to make it worth holding onto and seeing if he can develop when his chance comes.
Steven Taylor - it could have been a brilliant career. I think perhaps he and Andy Carroll could go to councilling together. Oh but for those injuries... ...surely Taylor can't expect a new deal?
He'd be a decent signing for someone like Boro if they come up. Time for us to wish him all the best and say goodbye though.
I see a lot of weight taken off the wage bill there. It's all very good saying "let them go" but there's some hefty numbers there. Keep for certain: Krul, Mbabu, Aarons Keep for squad depth: Tiote, Anita, Colocini (possibly, not sure at that age...), Cisse (depends on replacements) Get rid Taylor, Williamson, Marveux, Gouffran, Riviere, Obertan Woodman, don't know enough about to judge.
If Krul isn't able to dislodge Elliot when he's back from injury, I cant see him signing a new contract - so he'll be off. As it stands, why would Woodman sign a new contract, if he's going to be 4th choice keeper, unless he gets assurances on being loaned out. Same with Mbabu, I don't see any benefit for him to sign on again, especially if defenders are signed and he gets pushed further down the pecking order. Will Aarons ever be fit enough to play football? As for the rest, their times up and they need moved on asap.
Mbabu and Woodman definitely need loans to the lower leagues. Woodman is a long way away because of his age. The other consideration with him is will he actually sign a contract? He may just head to Palace with Pardew and his dad.