We'll see how it shakes out, I guess. I don't know. I don't think this represents much of a shift in attitude for Schneiderlin, to be honest. He doesn't seem to seek out publicity, but he's always been pretty blunt with the press and straightforward about his ambition. He came to Saints because he thought he would get playing time and it was a good place for him to develop, not because of any NC-inspired voodoo. If the right team comes for him-- mainly Arsenal I think-- he'll want to leave. I think that would happen even if Cortese and Pochettino were still here. But at the same time, he seems happy to work hard while he's here. I'm sure he's made his intentions clear to the directors, because he strikes me as the kind of guy who would always make sure his intentions were clear. It seems like a professional, and frankly somewhat honest thing to do. Not sure that making sure the team knows you'd like to go to certain clubs if you get the chance is the same as demanding to leave. Even if it were, I still think it's vastly preferable to the MP/AL "I want to stay, really I want to stay. Goodbye." move.
2009 in administrations with three good players in Kelvin, Lallana & Schneiderlin to our name and a bunch of journeymen and average youngsters. Fast forward to 2014, a new state of the art training ground, one of the greatest players of all time managing the club and the current count of about 11 very good players for this level still in the squad and an estimated £70m to rebuild. Next season might be a struggle but I fancy our chances to survive. New season, new coaches, new players, new dream
Similar scenario to Lallana. He's on a long contract. I would say £25m would probably sway our board but they should really be dismissing anything shy of £35m. Schneiderlin is a top top player and I would think if other clubs suspected he would be available you would be in a massive bidding war and not just PL clubs. HE is much more attractive to other clubs than Lallana IMO.
If players heads are turned so easily and they are happy to disregard contracts , then it just saddens me .
I have not read all the nine pages but of all the outgoing potential transfers this season this one saddens me the most. I have rated Morgan since he first came through the door from Strasbourg all those years back. Thought he had the potential to be become a great midfielder and when those who sit around me in the Kingsland doubted him in those early days I stuck up for him and was vindicated. Was hoping he would be Saints captain for the forthcoming season as well. What the hell am I going to do with those nine shirts with his name and number on them from the last 6 seasons! I hope he stays I really do but it just doesn't seem like it is going to happen.
Agree that Koeman now faces a massive challenge. Normally a new manager comes in and assesses his squad, come first day of preseason training he's not going to have a squad and those that are left are going to be pretty demoralised. Its alright saying we have bundles of cash but to replace so many excellent players for similar is a very tough ask if not nigh impossible, any club or agent we do business with will be out to fleece us. If a couple more players go which now seems inevitable, I really fear for us. On a positive note Koeman is a renowned figure and must have a vast network of football contacts. As fans we may have to lower our expectations (again) next season and stick by him and the team, because imo if we're still a PL club come next May I will be delighted. May seem a bit dramatic but I'm sure we're going to see a lot of new faces and it's going to take time for them to gel as a team and settle into the area.
Had time to consider all the goings on lately and I for one dont believe the Board are as clueless as some on here suggest. They are faced with a mass exodus and play their cards as best they can: 1. Appoint a new manager - Koeman appointed - great manager with good previous record 2. The Board knew which players wanted out - many people on here suggest we simply refuse the sale and we move on - never that simple and this isnt 1990 or before - players and particularly agents hold all the cards so the job of the Board is to get as much money for the player if it is clear they wont stay and have a good replacement lined up. 3. It took longer to recruit a manager than usual considering they would have known their top 5 months ago - why is this? My view is that we were reviewing througout the interview process who each managerial cadidate would like to bring in and how likely they were going to be able to bring in (due to status and relationships with possible replacements) 4. We already have a great portfolio of potential replacements through our outstanding scouting network. 5. Koeman suggests his English should improve so he takes 2 weeks off after signing contract - why is this? To me, he already knew some players would be going (Shaw and Lallana and possibly DL and MS). He sanctions this as they have replacements lined up. 6. This way our new manager doesnt take any rap - a) not keeping players, b) the players look worse as they leave before meeting the new manager, c) the fans are not against the new manager as he needs time to gel the team - it buys the new manager more time to do his job The only caveat for me for the above if if Koeman suddenly resigns - then we are definitely in the **** as it would indicate he knew nothing about this and he wont tollerate it. So - if he stays it is all an elaborate and detailed plan to move the club forward and if he goes can someone please turn out the lights...
I'm not even reading this thread as the views will probably be those that appear in the Lallana and Shaw threads...just reiterate that MP is probably the worst thing to happen to this club. Part is also due to Nicola leaving, but none of us fully know what was going on there. Not that players wouldn't have left at some point, but they wouldn't have left all at the same time.
I'm going back under the duvet. This one would hurt. But come on. Of all the players we have seen over the years at SFC, Morgan is as consummate a professional as you can get. Yes, Saints have developed him, but he has also developed the club. For the decision to stay when we went into League One he deserves his moment in the sun. He is, as he often reminds us, a professional footballer. It's his job, and like anyone doing a job he looks to play on a bigger stage and earn more money. If Morgan goes I shall hold the memory of a superb player who conducts himself with great dignity. There is no "head turning" or agent pressure here. His actions will be those of a very bright young man who is looking to his future. My admiration both for his footballing skills and his personal conduct will not be diminished by seeing him in an Arsenal shirt. I'll question his judgement if he turns up at Spurs!
Put it this way,Morgan moving the deal has probably all been done,signed and sealed and the fans will be the last to know ala Shaw,Lambert,and Lallana,all these deals were set up and done before the World Cup and probably before last season was finished,these deals go back months and months. Not sure Cortese would have stopped them going ahead players seem to do exactly how they are told by agents/families etc.Expect Morgan to go and to go to Arsenal,and I think we're all naive to think it ain't going to happen. Forget visions,promises,bonuses,Cortese,Poch, players will only think of themselves when the big clubs come calling.
Agreed and I think it makes us more difficult to replace with good players. If they side us as a side haemorrhaging players why would they want to join
How to stop a Dutchman tweeting master class. Poor Ron, never has a man stepped into a crapper week of management.
