I don't hate players for wanting to earn more money or trophies at other clubs. I do hate the booing they receive if and when they come back as I think its counter productive, and how many of us wouldn't leave our job for a better paid one any way - not many I bet. What I do get concerned about, is why they feel they need/want to leave. Why so many are sold. I don't believe its because we have the only players that other teams want. I believe its because, ultimately other clubs know we will sell, and the players know we will sell them if a suitable deal comes in. In terms of fulfilling their ambitions, players probably know we won't really win anything because we won't be able to build a strong enough or consistent team, so lets move to a more successful club now. Was Fonte not allowed to play in Europe so that he wasn't cup tied? Was he not played because of something in his contract? Don't know, but I think it is really strange that he didn't play. A bit of a kick in the teeth for him I would imagine.
This transfer saga is a really odd one for saints fans. I would really hate to see him leave because of the journey we have all been on together. However, it actually wouldn't effect the team much in my opinion. He is 33 and this season has been noticeably worse than last. Perhaps has another year of first team football with us at best. The only issue is that it would be losing a presence in the dressing room and that he is our captain. But Virgil is a ready made replacement in my eyes, keep him another season and Fonte leaving will make no difference.
It's his last chance for a big pay-day and % of the transfer fee, and at 33 he hasn't got much longer, so take the money and run, Virgil is the one you need to keep.
We'll if you think that leaving a clear issue with your club captain and, let's be honest, talisman, unresolved is the way that top leaders would go about things, I don't really know what to say other than I couldn't disagree more. That's simply sweeping issues under the carpet and just waiting for them to come back and bite you. Ultimately it isn't that hard to resolve issues like this. You simply have to draw a line in the sand. Issue that ultimatum and stick to your guns. In this case, sign the new contract or we'll accept that offer from x club. And that's regardless of who his agent is or what recent international success he had.
Bloody hell Jose, what is your problem? Not happy with earning in a week what a Doctor earns in a year, and the average football supporter would take 3 or 4 years to earn? All respect lost.
We know there's a very real chance Virg will leave this summer. And IMO the more likely outcome - unless we improve dramatically next season he will most likely leave Summer 2018 anyway.
I agree, but on the other hand, how long do footballers work at that salary for? 10yrs at a push then they're retired
Yeah, give Fonte the wages of one of our brave soldiers. See how he likes sitting on his arse for months and getting pissed in Salisbury pubs. That'll learn him.
Though I 100% agree with your point flt... I'd sure as hell take a league title then a relegation battle (hell even relegatiom itself)!!
The British armed forces are not "officially" still in Helmand province. So he'd be a bit lonely out there, unless he has special forces training. I think being quite well known will make it difficult for him to blend in though.
He is after a bumper final pay day. I would think its a new deal at Southampton or a move to United and 18 months with Jose
You would like to think that an increase on his current deal would be enough, however the Euro's win would up his stock in China and make his retirement very comfortable. Cash in and invest then
