I'm not sure on specifics but I believe Pilks suffers from shin splints and as a result plays in pretty constant pain and is always on light training. He also seems to gave a recurring knee issue. That said I see no reason not to offer him a new contract on his day he's one of out best players and can turn matches for us.
He's also probably the best of our wide men at getting into the box and supporting the striker. When snoddy has it on his wing Pilks is always looking to get in at the far post, Snodgrass doesn't do that nearly as much.
Was hoping the signing if Redmond would allow him some time off to get right fit but then Redmond gets a knock
Should we really be looking to keep players that have a really good game now & then, often with poor performances in between. Surely we need more consitancey than that. Both Hoolanhan and Pilkinington are far too hit & miss for my liking.
Sorry cc, but IMO, Pilks has played well in each game so far this season - can't say the same about last season; but I think a replacement would require major investment.
Supers, although I'm sure there are not many on big wages I think rather than renewing contracts the board will be focused on which players they can move on to cut the wage bill
Yep, I've no doubt a growing Premier League side will be trying to cut the wage bill this summer, to help us get out of the massive debts we have. We won't let Pilks' contract run close to the summer unless we're interested in extending it, which as he still seems like a key player in our squad, I think we will be. Short of truly, truly awful form, at the time we sort it out, we won't know for sure that we'll be relegated (which is the only position in which we'd need to reduce the wage bill), so as with nearly all our contracted players, his new contract would no doubt include a wage cut and a release clause in the event of relegation.
I agree DH, and it's good to know that his injury was only 'dead leg' on this occasion: http://www.setanta.com/ie/pilkington-doubtful-for-latvia-friendly/? With the pace of the PL game, rotation of players is always going to be a factor as well.
I´m a great fan of all that he does But he doesn´t do it often enough, Being injury-prone holds him back From showing us all his best stuff, Without that he´d be a dead cert For a new two or three more years, But even so I think we should Do just that, despite the odd fears. OTBC
Would like to see Pilks stay, I think replacing him would be pricey. I agree he is inconsistent at times, but he's done the job this season so far. Redmond will be a huge player for us, I have no doubt whatsoever he will play for England in the future. Unless injuries or mentality really hamper his progress I think he'll be a £20 million pound winger one day.
Had a feeling it might have been nothing too serious. He got a right old kick of a West Ham player in the first half when clearing the ball (which the ref some how completely missed), has a feeling that might have been the source of the issue.
