Dave, as I said on another thread, I feel his future will be as more of an 'impact sub', or cover in case of injury. I hope CH and co allow him to see out his contract here.
I hope he stays, he's needed for his leadership qualities as much as anything! I notice the article author quotes his source as the Daily Fail, so probably not much in it!
I thought he had a great game on Saturday. Really led by example and reminded me of him at his best. I also wonder if his interview about the need to attack WBA might have been a message to CH on behalf of the players. But maybe I'm reading too much into it.
Let's be honest, Holty's best days are behind him now so if he's not going to be happy playing second fiddle to the Wolfman I say let him go. CH needs to build his own team and look to the future, there are too many City fans with 'Holt' coloured glasses. He has been fantastic for us and we wouldn't be where we are now without him, but IMO he has only been a shadow of his previous self this season. Yes, playing up front on his own hasn't helped but like it or not this is the way CH likes to play so perhaps it might be best if he moves on. I have said it so many times, but there really is no room at all for sentiment when it comes to Premier League football. The rewards for success are immense for both player and club and because of this it also has to be so ruthless at times. If he's happy to be used as an 'impact' sub going forward then yes, perhaps he could still do a job next year but at his stage of his career with only a year or two left playing, would he really want that ? I think not. Whatever happens, thanks for the memories Holty you will never be forgotton please log in to view this image please log in to view this image please log in to view this image please log in to view this image please log in to view this image please log in to view this image
He was back to his marauding best on Sunday - his touch wasn't quite there on occassions but he bullied Olsson and McCauley all afternoon and made one goal and scored another. He won't start many games next year but having him on the bench to ruffle up defenders when needed means he has a place here next year (I hope).
The story is a bit of a rehash, with added post match interview info from the weekend. I think after last Summer he wont make much fuss of it all, but to be honest it would not surprise me if he was not with us at the start of the next season. I personally can see him playing with RVW up front and it will be more the want for a last challenge and probably something now closer to family. I think he could do a job for someone like Celtic plus he would get some champions league time. Whatever happens he has been great hasnt he!
To me he certainly has a future but of a more secondary nature than up to now or as JR said an impact sub. Great talisman still and would hate to seehim go elsewhere.
I would imagine pretty much every player in the squad is unsure of their future truth be told. Those out of favour must be looking for a move and those who have done well could be poached by other clubs. Holty will either have to accept the transition from leading the line, being the captain and key player to potentially playing second fiddle to the Wolf for the rest of his contract. He has the choice of staying, getting 100% fit and fighting for his place here or leaving to become the main man at a lesser team in England or heading up the road to Scotland.
I think it's all down to what he wants really. If he stays here, he's going to be second, maybe third choice depending on who we bring in. If RvW gets injured or we play with 2 strikers (doubtful!), he'll be on the team sheet no doubt. Certainly as an impact player from the bench he'll be helpful, he did it very well when Kamara was starting. But, it's whether he wants that. He could easily force a move to a newly promoted side like Hull, which is in the right neck of the woods for him. Personally I'd like him to stay for one more season, as I do think he's got something to offer on the pitch, as well as being an important figure off of it.
Certainly don't want him to go but I think that Holt has done enough to justify getting what is best for him.Hull or possibly an aspirational Championship team from t'North. Would be happy to see him stay though.
I think he will stay and still have a role to play next year. I do think there will be more flexibility about formations next year when the attacking options have been improved further. CH has played two strikers at times this season and I can see him doing so again. Holt also makes an excellent impact sub when City have to chase the game. He is still important to the team and I think he'll stay.
I did think it was strange that he wasnt part of the kit unveiling. Its a small point but he is normally (as club captain) one of the models for our new kit. I guess this could either signal that he is not going to be a key player next season (rather he will be a squad player) or that he is off?
Good point about the kit video mind you Wes is always about in them too. As for Holty I'd like to see him keep at the club, even though this season I'll have to admit I've not been too impressed with some his performances and in some way his attitude, but in fairness at least his honest and not some snake who is courted over dinner by another clubs chief executive. His a legend though and our leader I just hope we see some of the vintage Holt next year perhaps we might even buy players who work to his strengths, we've had sloppy finishing there has been a lot of games we've hardly had the chances.
Footballers are commodities. They know it. Blimey Mancini said he knew the score. Laudrup said no manager would last for 26 years like SAF has in this country, certainly in southern Europe. I think Holt's timing was perfect when he made his statement about the style of play spoiling his chances of impressing and scoring. Coupled with his after match statement about his future, I am sure he has dropped a hint to all concerned that he has his use when the team plays a style that suits him. Personally, I think he is past his real value for us. Of course the style didn't suit him, but he did look like someone just out to hurt the opposition and thus make a point, than contribute to the team as he used. No POTS fir him this season. I am hoping that many are right and that we are going to play a different style next season and if that is to be built around RVW and any other new boys, then I don't see Holt playing much part at all. And it's no good feeling sorry for him. He made his point last summer so the King is dead, Long live the King.
Chris Hughton said that he'd asked Holt to play a 'different' more difficult roll this season, which as you would expect Holty did. One of the big differences against WBA was Howson's more forward attacking roll which gave Holt more freedom, it's all he needs, a bit of service! He's not done or over the hill yet I want him to stay and play up front with RvW, HE IS OUR INSPIRATIONAL CAPTAIN, and we still need that on the field, no one else really does it. Don't judge him on his goal tally, he hasn't had the chances this season because of our style of play!
