I'm with you on that Rod - and thanks as always Norway for posting it. Personally I can't stand fence-sitting journalism. Do your homework (which Clive clearly has to a reasonable extent) and get our attention by speaking your mind. As for the sensitivities of highly paid inadequate footballers, **** 'em. As many on here keep repeating, this is supposed to be 'a man's game'. Sexist as that may sound, what it means is the competitors have to be prepared to take the knocks on their way to glory and/or the bank. In the lines of work I've been in, there are invariably those that, through their own diligence and adult responsibility, find themselves carrying light-weights whose only purpose occupationally seems to be waiting for payday. Fact of life maybe and not much most can do about it, but let's not buy into rubbish by giving these prats a glowing testimonial (written or otherwise). 'A bit harsh' indeed. (Times I hear that lilly-livered cliche!)
While I'm on the subject, what I can't fathom is why football clubs don't seem to terminate the contracts of under-performing players who are unlikely to attract a transfer fee or similar. After all, these contracts are essentially employment contracts subject to disciplinary and standard HR practices. Joey's fate it seems, depends on the outcome of a disciplinary hearing on the grounds of gross misconduct which equates to summary dismissal. Whilst disciplinary process is one way of dismissing someone fairly in law for conduct-related reasons, capability procedures address poor-performance. Where an employer can show evidence that they have done (through re-training and similar means) all they can to improve the performance of the employee in question, and failed, they have the right to terminate the contract. Dear Mr Hulse, My office at 9am next Monday mate. Love from Mark!
Because then the player can seek another club and end up getting more money as hes effectively being paid twice. Its better to let them stew and the wasters like Vine wont leave but others who want to get their career on track will move on after a while.
Its a problem Whittingham suffers severely with. I can't read his Match Reports because by the time you've sifted through all the off the point blather, you've forgotten who's playing, what League we're in and why we're on this earth. Simon Skinner is the man with proper reports.
Can't speak for you Stan but I'm certain my reason for existence is to wind up Norwich and Liverpool fans on a regular basis Its great having a purpose in life!
