It is being reported that our new Club Captain (well I presume he is, although the Club haven't said anything official) is in talks about an extension to his contract - http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/fulham-fc/2012/08/13/exclusive-fulham-duo-close-to-agreeing-new-deals-82029-31610765/
Bred was interviwed after Norway's game yesterday. While the translation in this article is not brilliant it seems that he (or more specifically his Agent) were using it to put pressure on the Club. No problems with that. What got me a little concerned was the 'decsion this year where I end my career' statement. We know his current contract ends next summer, I just hope the Club are not suggesting that he extension for Brede would only be for a further year (because of his age). http://www.tv2.no/sport/fotball/landslag/hangeland-ikke-i-naerheten-av-aa-forlenge-med-fulham-3852775.html
Yeah, he can't wait to join the queue for "The Loftus Road Experience" - a whole 1 hour guided tour down tin pot alley and only 15 quid.
I know we do not have the financial clout to offer great wages to our team. But we must make some effort to retain and encourage. I do hope that the clubs hierarchy have not adopted a financial mind set more suited to a championship clubs wage structure.
I don't think it's the amount of wages, it's the length of contract. We know Jol is under pressure to reduce the average age and he also has previous with offering shorter contracts. Incidentally, who has the bigger hand in contract terms? Does Jol have that big a hand in it or is it mostly the board?
I've always assumed it's the board - or at least the chief exec. Incidentally, Jol's current deal only runs to the end of the coming season although the club has an option to keep him for another year. I wonder if that effects how players approach their contract negotiations. I see Hangeland's agent is Rune Hauge. I had to Google to see why I recognised the name and it's because he was at the centre of the George Graham bung scandal many years ago. I'm sure he's a reformed character these days!
Jol has confirmed that while negotiations on an extension of Hangeland's contract have 'gone quiet', the Club are keen to sign him up for a further 2 years (at least) - http://www.london24.com/sport/fulham/jol_discusses_contract_talks_with_star_defender_1_1525193 I think this is Jol waving a carrot, by saying 'long term is what we want', but reading between the lines 2 years is what they have so far offerred and that is the stumbling block.
I hope a contract agreement can be sorted for Brede, because I would hate the central defenders role to be taken by Sender los.
