A lot of people are worried how much he is on. I’m not fussed. A 36 year old ex-England international who has won the champions league and the premiership would cost £3-5m? Plus wages. He is free on a year contract. Pay him £50k a week and he is still cheap.
For me what he achieved in the past should be much less of a consideration regarding salary than what he can offer in the now. I suspect he got a hefty sign on fee too as always happens with free transfers did to lack of fee. He played less than 10 full matches last season. And did an interview saying he thought he played too much football. Taking that into consideration I think it's a huge waste of salary personally.
Embarrassing mindset ? He took out a full page in the Echo when he realised the manner of his leaving. , and he had to be ADVISED even to do that !
And none of us have ever done things wrong in the past. I'm very much of the opinion to let bygones be bygones. It really, really, really doesn't matter.
Indeed, fans holding a grudge of 10 yrs plus especially those that are older really shows off a child mentality. Rather strange IMO. I kinda get it, He delivered so much success to the club, he definitely deserved his big move.
Yeah, I mean of course he didn't handle his departure terribly well (and neither did some others), but to be angry still about it. I don't really see the value in that. I'm not exactly blown away by the signing. I mean, it's alright. He'll have value that we don't see, and might play a few games here and there. But it is what it is. If the club think it's worth doing, and it doesn't impact the budget a whole lot, crack on.
Not really sure what he offers? And at 50k/wk that’s still £2.5m / year. Not saying no but Weeman (experienced) is a yes but unsure with this.
Now I’m childish ? I never spared him a thought once I calmed down when he left . As soon as I heard he might be back , I remembered how he left .. I admit I bear a grudge , always have done . I don’t appreciate being called childish though .
It's also worth pointing out that football fans worldwide are heralded as an example of forgiveness and for letting bygones be bygones.
I guess this ranks slightly above a 3rd choice keeper in terms of excitement rating. I don’t see how this weakens us and I’m not aware of any academy players in his position being blocked. Welcome back Adam, sorry I called you a c u next Tuesday
As others have said, I am neither excited or not excited by this. Yes, he was a twat beard, probably still is. In the scheme of things though it is what it is. He will be good for the youngsters, and even some of our flourishing Championship regulars. One year contract, with a view I am sure to go into coaching. a bit of a win win as even though he was a prat, he probably still loves the club. The fact that he left and won the Champions League, the Premier League, got England call ups, etc does somehow prove he was right for his career to do so. Maybe he will become a Saints fan once again now the job side of football is coming to an end.
Don't think he was a Saints fan before was he? Swear I read somewhere years ago (while still here) that he supported Everton.
Maybe it’s just me but I’m just not buying this great big return to where it all started bullshit. Without any ill will towards Walcott or Lallana they both left the ‘big’ club Arsenal and Liverpool when they weren’t up to it anymore and instead of going back where it all began like there was some irresistible force pulling them back home they both moved to what we could call rival clubs in Everton and Brighton. Then, when they weren’t good enough for our rivals even, only then did they feel the need to come and play for the club that gave them their start. It’s the usual mercenary money grabbing bollocks dressed up in sentimentality to appeal to the fans fond memories. For me twat beard is 4 years too late. Even 12 months too late. Or 6 months. He was no where to be seen when he was needed and might have been useful.
If we are still going down the route of getting decent young players his experience alone could be worth its weight in gold. When we were relegated we didn't have many if any decent experienced players to help them so If the club are trying to address this then there are no complaints from me. I'm getting to old to care about what he did 10 years ago.
