So John Stones ( Everton ) wants a transfer. Of course this has nothing to do with interest from Chelsea. Transfers of players MUST be restricted to the 'close season' - and NOT be extended into ANY part of the season ( including January ). I might accept a case for loan signings - but even that situation is a bit of a nonsense, and doesn't allow for youngsters ( or even squad players ) a chance to be developed / used to fill vacancies. The transfer window in August and January is divisive for managers who fear players being poached. I believe that all players (under contract ) should be made to wait until the end of a season before they can change clubs. Of course, there will be people who will state that being a footballer is no different to any other employee with a contract to 'work' - but we all know that being a footballer is not the same as any other 'profession.' ( in most jobs, if you became ill your boss would have to use what he's got - and not go out and get a temporary replacement ) = this is not exclusive to football, but happens because of the money that exists ( in the Premiership ). Mr. Stones was 'working', as a 19 year old in 2013, at a 'rubbishy' firm called Barnsley when his current boss paid £3 Million to rescue the lad from L1 obscurity - and gave him a 4 year contract - which Stones voluntarily extended a year ago. A contract that undoubtedly pays well and gives him a lot of professional 'protection.' Now Stones wants to walk away from his 'commitment.' - Sorry, did I say "commitment ?" - that would imply 'Loyalty' - and THAT definitely is not on his agenda. I would make Stones wait until next June. The only exceptions to this circumstance, ( for any player ), is if the potential 'buying' club was in a higher division, or indeed, a lower division. ( I would eat ANYTHING you care to ask if Stones next goes to a club in L1 ), or if his Club went into administration. At Gillingham (occasionally), we are under threat of our players being bought by other 'higher league' clubs - but THAT is usually how we have to {financially} survive . But I wouldn't be happy if one of our players decided to go to another team in the same division when the season has already begun - but, then, what would you do with him ? He is hardly going to give YOU any 'real' commitment if you choose to play him - and he'd not want to get injured because that would kill off any move - so you leave him out and YOU lose the benefit for which you paid £millions.
No knowledge of this story but it highlights a problem with football as a whole. I suppose rightfully any player should be able to move to another employer as and when he chooses, however, also like any other business, if you are given training and experience by that employer, then you have to repay personally any costs incurred by your ex-employer. The problem with football unlike your average worker, it is financially rife, so your new employer can buy you out of any situation. That is not on the same level playing field, as shall we say, the following faithful of the club and the working class, who struggle to make ends meet. So if football wants to be on a different footing financially, it can't have it both ways. Contracts are there for a reason. Personally with out swearing, i think the game is already grossly obscene. Jimmy Hill with all good intentions opened up the gates for the corporate elite and Billionaire owners unwittingly. Brian Clough kick starting a trend with Francis. Caps need to be in place, but with a corrupt FIFA, football finances are just going to keep spiraling upwards with Sky and the British Government, regardless of party as its aids. No pun intended with the word aids, but it is a decease, one completely out of control. 1992 virus. I think it is down to lower league club chairman to say no, you are under contract and not going anywhere, regardless of figure offered. Look at Dack as example, seriously i wouldn't care if someone offered £3M for him, we really do need to look at the longer term picture for the club and fighting off the elite. Not for Sale in bloody great big letters. It's the only way we will ever heal this infestation of our game. It's about the supporters as well, passion and loyalty, if player decides to move to another club beyond planned arrangements, then he deserves the wrath of the highest order. Stop letting the money rule the game and make it clear to players, if you betray us then expect to be rewarded very vocally for your greed. If you fail to respect the badge, then you deserve no respect yourself, that's the ultra rules imo. Sorry if ive strayed slightly from topic.
brb The only time you strayed was when you said FIFA is corrupt. Don't you understand that Blatter insists that he is "clean" !!!!!!!!!! - now duck - there are low flying pigs around. It is hard to see when (if) money will stop ruling in football. The figure for Stones started at £20M- then, if we are to believe rumour - it has doubled ( and still not finished ). At our 'humble' level, somebody will come in for Dack with 'silly' money that Scally wont be able to resist. I understand that if we sell our best young players, we'll never progress - but - the players that we've sold for decent money in recent years have not been at the Club at the same time as each other - and whilst it's been great to find these promising youngsters, the money hasn't been enough to buy enough quality to make the next step up. Our result at Birmingham showed that we're not ready for Championship football - not without buying the quality that will be needed to survive. I hate the disparity of funding in the game - Television rights and its' money has a stranglehold on football. People cannot afford to pay £50 to £80+ for EACH Premiership game - but many can afford to buy a TV package at a fraction of the price - BUT- then they'll insist on wanting to watch so called 'Top' games. This kills attendances at lower League levels - which forces clubs like Gillingham to sell Dack etc to make up the shortfall in finances. ----------------- I said I have no problem with THAT - but, with Stones he is showing absolute contempt for Everton - but he wont care what reaction he'll receive from the Toffee fans - because he'll go to Chelsea and be given a huge amount of money as well as a new set of 'adoring' fans.---- and in the meantime he wont play for Everton - because his head wont be right (De Gea ).
Unfortunately when money is involved you'll struggle to change anything, television money controls the game, even changing the fixture time/day to suit viewing times. The biggest shame of it all is it's the fault of the little man, every time some one signs up with Sky sport they are adding to the money pool that is corrupting the game.
grumpygit - hence why i dont subscribe! after all why would a Gills supporter want to see Pamper games
