It really is bloody great to have a player stick around. Since we got promoted to the Premier League I feel like a jilted lover. Don't want to fall in love again because I just know my heart will get broken. Takes me at least two seasons, sometimes three to really love a player. By that point they're being offered to anyone with a cheque book. - according to the press i mean.
But, before the first sell happened, we actually were the most stable club in the land. In five years, only one player had managed to wriggle free from us. So when they started leaving, that's what made it feel more shocking!
I'm hoping to see stabilisation now they are signing longer contracts. I know it's to get a better deal, but I think it also reflects the players confidence in the club. It is harder to get out of a longer contract because the price goes up, so I don't see them all as chancers who think that contracts aren't worth the paper they are written on...they are willing to stay longer. I look forward to the day when we don't sell our best players, but merely move on players who can't get many starts....then we will be big time.
