In his press interview today, Jol said that Mark Schwarzer had rejected the Club's new contract offer. Reports are that Mark wanted a clause written in to guarantee him first team football and Jol wouldn't agree to this. Presumably at the root of this is that we are chasing Slekelenberg - and while his name also came up in the press meeting, Jol hinted that he might be too expensive. Presumably (again) this was said as a bit of transfer 'gamesmanship' by Jol.
I don't think we can give him a written clause to say he will be guaranteed first team football, as much as he can guarantee his kicks will go to a Fulham player. I think he's been a great keeper for us this season, the penalty saves and other crucial saves have helped win us points, but there have also been games where he has made crucial mistakes, along with his kicking that puts pressure back on us. We need to bring in another younger but experienced keeper like Stekelenberg who will strengthen the defense.
Reports are coming in from Italy that we're close to getting Maarten Stekelenburg "Roma are set to sign a new goalkeeper in the summer transfer window as Maarten Stekelenburg looks set to leave, with Fulham a likely destination" Source: http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2013/05/roma-looking-for-new-goalkeeper-as-fulham-move-beckons-for-stekelenburg/
It is with a heavy heart I say this, but he should move on next season. Stek will come in and Etheridge will be groomed to be the future number one. Thanks for everything Mark, it's better to burn out than fade away...
I voted for him for player of the year as I think he has saved a lot of points for us. But as Bandit say with heavy heart he needs to move on an us to sign a new keeper. Thanks Mark.
Not really, Bidley. Schwarzer just stated there had been no written offer and he would require a guarantee of first team football. That just means we have held talks on an offer but not reached the point of formalising it. Indeed, why would we make a written offer if we disagree on such a fundamental point? The Daily Mail is mischief making, as usual.
As much as I like mark Schwarzer and all he has done for the club I think that believing he should have a number 1 guarantee clause in his contract at the age of 40 is just hopeful thinking. Due to his age we should be looking at our next possible keeper even if mark had had the season of his life. If he really wants guaranteed first team spot due to the World Cup I suggest he goes to hull who require a keeper! Stekelenberg would be a great signing especially for the reported 4 million euros ( approx 3.4 mill)
Agreed. Schwarzer has been arguably the best keeper we've had in the Premier League (I know others prefer Van der Sar, but I did say 'arguably') and I'll be sad to see him go. From his point of view, of course he's going to want to be playing next year to give him every chance of going to one last World Cup. From the club's point of view nobody should have a guaranteed first team place written into their contract. This season Schwarzer has been at times every bit as good as ever before, and at other times a long way short of his best form. We need to sign a new senior keeper, and if we do I can't see Schwarzer staying to fight for a place given that he's out of contract. I think, sadly but correctly, we've seen the last of him.
Not too surprisingly Mark is a bit miffed at the moment: "MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) -Veteran Australian goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer says he plans to leave Fulham after the English Premier League club signed Netherlands international Maarten Stekelenburg from AS Roma in a four-year deal. Schwarzer told News Limited newspapers on Thursday "I've been hearing that for a while, so it's no great surprise and I'll be looking for another club." Source: http://www.cbssports.com/general/story/22357792/goalkeeper-schwarzer-set-to-leave-fulham Elsewhere he says has not been kept informed (another example of Jol's man-management style ??). Whatever, he's been just top drawer for the Club and it's sad to see him going this way. He's always said he wants to stay at the top next season to fight for his Aussie World Cup place, although at the moment their qualification is far from guaranteed. But apart from one of the promoted clubs I'm not sure where he could go in the PL. Seems to me that the Bundesliga is the better option. Best wishes to him.
So let me get this right. He declines the offer on the table and then moans that he has not been kept informed of proceedings? Why should the club keep him up to date with the signing of another goalkeeper? Do we need his blessing. It always gets fractious when a contract comes to an end, however, im with the club on this. Wait for a few weeks for a definite decision from MS and we could lose the chance of signing one of Europes best keepers. Schwarzer has been immense for us from when he first came and I will be sad to see him go. Terrific servant to ffc.
I think Schwarzer's perfectly entitled to go elsewhere if he doesn't think he'll get first team football, given that his contract is up, and we're perfectly entitled to sign another goalkeeper regardless of the situation with Schwarzer. Nobody has acted badly, nobody has any reason to feel badly done by and everyone can and should part happily. I'm sorry to see Schwarzer go, but it's the right decision for the club. Good luck to him, wherever he pitches up next.
Hear, hear. A great servant but if he decides to move on then so be it and good luck to him. I hope he finds what he wants.
