Funny that Nixon releases that story the weekend after Wembley. I’m sure it’s just a coincidence that Neil’s agent is likely negotiating a new contract at the moment too. would be shocked if Neil went but would always applaud the job he did. Came in as a teenager playing left back in league one, dropped towards the end of the promotion season, then stepped up well into the championship and captained us over the line into the prem. Cirkin i’m probably more worried. 12 months on his deal and can imagine him wanting to move back down south near his family if given the chance.
From stead OTR who has Neil connections ‘Last I heard on outgoing was Bundesliga interest towards backend of last season but reliably informed - “He’s not going to be leaving in the prem man” and then on new contract “Not sure yet probably aye”‘ So do one Alan Nixon
Neil is definitely replaceable, everyone in the squad is. I don't want us to be in a position where we are having to replace players before signing positions of need though.
No where near as simple as that for me. It’s about personality, attitude and identity. It’s about team spirit and the right characters, connections and relationships. It’s so much more than just getting the best players, those intangibles are absolutely vital and are key to our recent success. I’ve no appetite to rip the heart out of that personally.
Was speaking very broadly there because I agree with you. The unspoken part of recruitment is the actual person themselves.
Of course. Ability wise though there’s plenty so long as they fit the squad anyway he’s not going anywhere
If Neil did go then technically that would make Enzo a 5 million transfer. Enzo showed how good he was playing deeper when Neil went off in the final. If it ended up that Hendo came in on a free would thet be considered good business. Enzo and Hendo for 5 million?
Hope he turns out as good as our last Northern Ireland pick up, love these signings low risk with everything to prove, show us what you’re about matty lad
I do think Neil will be a Prem quality midfielder in a couple of years. With all the talk of our play style and bringing in pace and power, when Le Fee signed there was plenty talk of him being a brilliant press resistant midfielder in a deeper role than the 10, which obviously he isn't. Very excited about that prospect when hes got lads like Mayenda, Mundle and Isidor to find, amongst others.
Thats it for me, Neil loves this club...hes shown it more than many, for him to finally earn a good Prem wage and play top level football for us, I cant see why he'd leave.
Over the course of the contract yes, but it would actually be +10m for this year as Neil’s sale is upfront according to PSR and Enzo’s is split across 4 years
Makes me feel old seeing he's 1 month older than my daughter. My lad was asking me about Henderson and then I realised he left 6 months before he was born.
Small caveat, over the course of the contract up to a maximum of 5 years* Originally there wasn’t a restriction but with Chelsea putting players on 8 year contracts, they brought it in
If we didn't go up he was leaving as we couldn't match what he wanted. He is on very low money now so the increase was substantial. That's why the contract got held till the end of the season to see where we ended up, as it affects our ability to offer him a good deal. I would be surprised if he didn't sign a new deal here, now we can offer better wages.
Agree. I thought the money we got for Hendo was cracking business. Didnt rate him that highly at the time. Well that went well. Ended up being one of the 1st choices on the Liverpool team sheet. Neil will be as good given time.
Hope Neil stays, seeing a local lad lead the team out at Wembley and lift the Play-off Cup was special. I know sentiment should play no part in footballing decisions, but I rate Neil, if he could be more consistent he would be the player we all know he can be.
Nixon has posted another story about the players hitting a premier league jackpot, anyone know what’s been said?
Getting a new deal and having that security might lead to him becoming more consistent, he’s still quite young himself really.