Of all the players to have left us in recent times, he's one I still look out for. A great left sided player who in my eyes was destined for great things at one time, for both club & country. He managed over a hundred consecutive league games for us, which also writes him into a nice piece of Saints history. When he moved to the Bridge I didn't really resent him (unusually for me), it kinda felt he had earned that move, although we certainly seemed to be going places as well! He did okay at Chelsea, but sadly seemed happy with being a squad player. A few years down the line & he's earning more money than he probably ever dreamed of at City, but if I could lend him one small piece of advice, it would be something along the lines of; 'Go & play football son, because when you look back, the millions will seem rather tarnished.' City can't buy you love......but maybe a tiny Island.
He thought the grass was greener but you dont get any greener than the st marys pitch What is he, just turned 30, i hope he gets a few good seasons in - he is better than sitting in the reserves or warming the bench
He's a good lad, but kinda of systemic of modern day english players who seemingly appear happy to play little football, but still pick up their £50k a week (if not more). I'd have more respect if a player like him dropped down to another club, possibly in the Championship and took a big pay cut just so that he could play regular football. I just can not feel "sorry" for any professional footballer in his situation, regardless if they once played for Saints or not.
I feel sorry for what might have been, rather than pitying his existence. Should have made that clearer.
Good advice, HR. Football isn't a job, it's a passion. Who ( in his right mind ) wouldn't want to be playing every possible minute?
Harding isn't our greatest ever fullback, but he surely doesn't deserve some of the criticism he gets. He does a pretty solid job most of the time and his delivery is good
I wouldn't feel too sorry for him. Wayne earns 90k week, he has 36 England caps (28 more than MLT) he has Premiership, FA Cup and league cup winners medals. Are there any other players that have come through the Southampton youth system and ended up being more (financially or sportingly) successful than that? I know Wayne (a bit) and it wouldn't surprise me if, when we return to the premiership, he once again pulls on the red and white strip of Southampton.
I agree with this statement entirley, there's nothing to feel sorry about. He has done really well for himself! Also he has been playing football.. He couldn't get involved at Manchester City so he went on loan to West Ham in January where he made 18 appearences before the end of the season. I wouldn't put him down as a money man, I think he's a lot more humble than that - football means a lot to him
