Ah bollocks. I think there's more to be considered here. Maybe he really liked Koeman and was pissed off to lose a second manager in 2 years. I can understand why he would doubt the potential for the club and whether he even wanted to be here any longer. There's no way in hell VVD would have signed a 6 year contract if Koeman had already left IMO (not that I'm comparing the 2, VVD has been an impeccable professional). Look at the season we have had, do you not think maybe Fonte knew what was coming? If he didnt want to be part of it thats his call, nobody should question his commitment or loyalty after everything he's done for the team. He has stuck with us through the worst times and led us to the best of times. He has had the benefits himself including national callups that led to a Euro champs medal but good on him , the club hasn't done that for him. He's the last man standing, every other player has moved on to big money contracts, 3 managers have gone since we made the Prem. If that was my job at any other place of employment I know how I would feel. Saints have been good to him and vice versa so it wont be a whim. He's conducted himself professionally as far as I'm concerned but its so bloody sad to see him go with people telling him to **** off. Stop being self entitled spoiled twats for a minute and think about how many games he has led the team through where you've applauded and sung his name with good reason. He's led us to record achievements and its ended but dont be so quick to assume its all his ego out of control and no blame lies with the club unless theres clear evidence. I'm sick of mob mentality on the web, everyone piles onto the same thing without any idea why. I say good luck to him and lets move on, he's been a great club legend and I'm grateful for the success he's helped bring.
West Ham are in advanced talks to sign defender Jose Fonte from Southampton, according to Sky sources.
He's publically lied about not being offered a new contract (he has!). He's showed us respect? Again, don't think so. He was pretty quiet last summer when we were begging to know what was going on in his head. So no, with what I've heard, he's lost my respect. Just another mercenary.
I said from the moment he handed in his request that we must remember how long he's been here and how good he's been for us and us for him. No slagging for me, but I also don't understand all the "he's been professional" comments either. He has not been perfectly clean here and I suspect neither has someone senior at the club. A relationship has broken down and we don't really know why, so why some choose to defend him and some chose to blame him I don't know. Laces hit the nail on the head for me. He seems to be making an odd choice (and it isn't about future financial planning - he really doesn't need to worry there). Clearly something has happened to make that relationship fall apart. We don't know what it was so why guess and why apportion blame? He's going. Move on. No aggressive abuse from me. No massive weeping or thanks either. Just a 'thanks' and 'goodbye' Shame
Les Reed said that Fonte had been very professional, so my guess is that his problem is with Les Reed. Let me explain....before I was perfect , I made enemies the same as any kid...a good ruse was to speak nicely about them....then stand back as they looked vindictive.
Meh, prefer Yoshi anyway so I'm just not bothered about Fonte going elsewhere - he's just another footballer following his wallet so I'll not give it another thought other than wondering who his replacement will be, if we even buy to replace him. Suspect we already have plans to move Stephens up the pecking order and save a few quid which doesn't fill me with excitement, but it also doesn't really bother me overmuch. Makes Les look a bit silly again though as he said we'd only let Fonte go if we had a replacement lined up - if that replacement was already in the squad, then nothing needed to be said about the conditions required to allow Fonte to bugger off so just empty posturing to the media from Les. As I said, Meh about Fonte, he's not the Messiah, he's just another professional sportsman who used to play for us.
He's better than Yoshida though. Didn't Les state that he would only be sold if we have a replacement as good lined up?
He's been better than Yoshida, but he is older now. There has been some muted criticism of Fonte before he handed in his notice....quite a few people thought he was at the point of being replaced (and were ashamed for thinking it).
Couldn't care less. He's a professional footballer and a while back I decided I was only interested in what they do on the pitch for Southampton FC. I don't believe anything they say and I'm not interested in anything they get up to off the pitch, their opinions - anything. They are very flawed and strange human beings. One moves off the end of the conveyer belt - meh.
This won't go through unless we bring in a replacement and with the bid for Sakho rejected that looks some way off.
I still don't think Sakho is even on our radar. Fonte is having a medical today apparently so it's happening.
http://www.espnfc.co.uk/southampton...te-fielding-several-opportunities-claude-puel Sounds like we are thinking of replacing him with Jack Stephens. Mind-boggling if we don't get a replacement in.
