We all know Macey has left us and signed for Arsenal. As he was out of contract but under 24, the clubs still need to agree a deal otherwise it will go to a tribunal who will decide on a compensation amount to Rovers. The 2 clubs did manage to make a deal to avoid a tribunal and Higgs seems very happy with the deal. Here is more info on the deal Youth-team goalkeeper Matt Macey, has been snapped up by Premier League Arsenal last week after Rovers received an undisclosed fee up front for the goalkeeper in addition to various clauses that will trigger additional financial payments if and when Macey's career progresses. Arsenal are also set to send a side to Bristol to face Rovers in a pre-season friendly within the next two years as part of the deal. Higgs said: "It was disappointing to lose Matt. I thought we had an agreement to keep him at the club, but his agent advised him to pursue his interests elsewhere. We offered him a three-year deal, but that was turned down, so it was then a case of making sure that we got the best deal possible and I'm very happy with the agreement that I struck with Arsenal." Taken from the post http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/Kennet...istol-Rovers/story-20000632-detail/story.html
however, positives from this, we get some cash now to spend to improve the team now which is urgent. we get more cash from arsenal in future additional payments which will help. no doubt we will have a sell on clause. and we get to see arsenal at the mem, may be a young team but this is arsenal, their youngsters are quality. we get all this when macey wasnt going to feature for us anyway. happy days for me
A downside of the new academy system is that clubs who nurture young player now get less in terms of compensation. The reality of football in Bristol is that both clubs will need to develop talent and sell it on.
