He's probably in a similar position to what Steven Davis was in last year and we were happy to let him see out that last year ... I think Long will be the same. Which is probably best for all, I think.
That too. And maybe him staying 1 more year is fine...but this summer is about flipping a lot of squad, and Long is clearly in range of that. I'd rather make the space for some young striker.
Same. All things being equal, I'd be most happy to go into next season with Ings, a big signing, backed up by Obafemi/a youngster signed from the lower divisions who can be groomed for a larger role. Keep Long if that isn't possible/offers aren't forthcoming, but I wouldn't hesitate to move him on if the deal was right.
I've enjoyed Shane's time here, he's a good pro who never causes any trouble, but all sentiments aside, I'd be happy for him to start a new adventure elsewhere. I imagine we could get £4M of some newbie like Norwich. And his experience, fitness & speed would certainly benefit someone for a season or two.
I liked DLTW's reply but on further consideration I'd sell him. We need to build for the future and Long wont be what we need. We should be clearing the path now for the next era and to do that we have to shift the baggage. Much as I like the guy he is no Lambert and I'd be happier if he moved on. I would hate to have to rely on him for another season, it been torture for the last two.
If Long wants to stay, I’m happy to keep him. Always gives his best, seems to be well-liked in the locker room. We will, or should be looking to upgrade at striker so he will likely be a bench player, but that seemingly hasn’t bothered him. But if an offer comes in, and Long wants to go where he can be in the first team or get a longer contract then I would not stand in his way. One of those odd situations where a player has both earned the right to leave if he wants while simultaneously also being somewhat expendable while also being useful if he stays, too. Like I am pretty much exactly 100% neutral about it. No extension/new deal though. That would be crazy. I wasn’t even that excited about the last one we gave him.
I don’t think anyone will match his salary and give him a long contact so selling him would be unlikely. Koeman got him playing well and looks like Hassenhuttl will too. An important squad player, but as above I probably wouldn’t give him another contract but don’t want him leaving.
Id keep him til January and then make the decision. Depending on his form id offer a 1 year extension until 2021 with a wage cut or he can leave for free at the end of the season.
Shane needs a run of games to hit any sort of form. Although he has a use as a sub just because of his running, if we are to keep him as a bit part player, I doubt we'll see any better results than the start of this season. Seems unfair to everyone to start this cycle again. I really hope we get a offer that suits him.
Can't see him taking an extension with a wage cut....that would be insulting and unlikely to happen. It would be better for him to wait and leave on a free.
Surely if he leaves he will be getting a pay cut anyway? No way someone will be offering out £60k to a 33 year old Shane Long. Unless he goes to China or the US perhaps.
Yes, but at least he'd have his final year on a high wage and would be able to negotiate a very nice deal as a free agent.
It's possible something can be worked out. Long is still a useful player, he's just not very useful to us at his salary. One of the newly promoted teams could offer to take him on loan and pay 1/2 his salary. That way Long still gets his money, and a chance at first team football which could raise his value for his next contract more than riding the bench here. We save 1/2 his salary, the other team gets a good striker for a newly-promoted side at a not-terrible price, without having to commit themselves to a long term deal if they get relegated. Everyone wins.
I don’t see everyone winning with that. We likely strengthen a newly promoted team who we will be competing against (and by this I mean in league positions), while paying half the salary for them. I’d say we either sell him or keep him for his last season, where he no doubt will be of use to us next season.
Despite his recent form, I would be tempted to sell him if the appropriate offer was made but with us selling Austin, Gabbi, Corillio and Gallagher, I would understand if he was offered an additional year
