I actually think these are decisions made by cool footballing heads who know the direction they are going in and what they need to get them there. I do also strongly agree that it would have been very appropriate to have been able to give then the send off they deserve last Saturday.
I thought on Saturday that Clint looked like he was saying farewell as he waved to the crowd after the match. It's a poor show that we were not given the chance to offer up a proper farewell to some of better players. The decision to not renew these contracts would have been made way before Saturday.
What a fast clear out. I an just disappointed with the Ale decision, but perhaps it is based on emotions and not facts. Even so, I would have liked him to stay for at least one more season.
I just told my wife about these players leaving, and her instant response was...'oh, so it's like the great escape.' She clearly been married to a QPR fan for a few years.
Sad to see some of them go and it does properly feel like the end of an era now. That said, if JFH has ambitions and wants to bring in new players that can give us a proper promotion push next season that has to be good news. Interesting to see where some of them will end up.
I read earlier that Ale would not have his contract renewed, I for one am really saddened by that. OK, he has lost any speed he may have once had but there is nobody else at the club that can pick a pass like he can. Also Clint, what a servant he has been, played through the pain barrier on many an occasion. To both of them I wish them well and thank them wholeheartedly for they have given our club.
I remember away at Spurs 3 years ago when they were flying with Bale etc that Alie and Granero ran them ragged at White Hart Lane and it looked like we had found the answer. Typically we managed to lose the game 3-2 I think and soon after Alie got injured.....
Given Burnley and Brightons performances this year with the aid of our rejects from this time last year, I might have a few quid on Rotherham getting promotion next season.
I cant speak for Ale's knee's but I don't think he was ever same after he shaved that beautiful gaucho duster off. Made him look a real "predator" in the midfield. As for Samba it's been like getting married to the woman of your dreams who you've waited years for, 'cos she won't go all the way until the wedding night, and then having her arrested and sentenced to 30 years hard labour before you even had a chance to consummate the marriage. I loved Samba, Tony Fernandes could have changed the club badge to a turkey taking a dump and I wouldn't have cared a jot if he would have just given the 6 million quid investment a chance to make a return. I mean for ****s sake we've been relegated playing loan dregs while slightly over-committed lads like Samba are held up as an example of what not to aspire to and left to rot. What a bloody shamble we are. We deserve an FFP/stupidity fine for the way we treated Samba if nothing else. Traore - should not have been given another contract. how many games did he play during his last contract? not many, more FFP waste..... Rob Green - Poor position for important goals (never forgot him standing inside the goal at West Brom and then doing the confused face when the goal was given) Overpaid given average level of performances, but he did have 1 very good season and set a decent clean sheet record of 8 in a row I think. Stood up well for us in the big games. Well done for that and thank you. Yun - There's a whole story about what happen with this guy but as it may have Tony's finger prints all over it I would imagine the truth will guarded like a state secret. What the **** happened? Goburn - If Ale hadn't played as many as he did, this guy would have been in most weeks, lazy business. Over all not a bad day, I think Clint may benefit from a break with the club and then return at some level at a later date. And a sad farewell to Ale who is without doubt got to be one of the nicest guys to wear our colours, warm wishes to them both.
TF doesn't pick the team, several managers have come and gone since Diakite's been with us, the fact he hasn't played for us for over two years should tell you all you need to know. Yun, no story there, just not good enough, harsh but true. Gobern? Ali was the reason this guy didn't play? Really? Other than that, agreed.
I have a soft spot for fruit cake, I honestly think Tony did buy Yun as a matter of fact Frome, he did the same with Park Ji Sung and admitted it was part of our Asian branding programme, just like the preseason tour to play the lady boys of Thailand. A spade is a spade. Not a lightweight, hand bound soil relocation tool.
There will be more to follow no doubt Hoilett Karl Henry Jay Emanuel Thomas Sandro Fear Caulker Angella and Konchesky gone back to their clubs Did we buy Tozer?? Looks like another new squad next season !!!
