If reports are true about Bale being happy to just sit on the bench for the money, then he has gone way down in my estimation. All that talent going to waste because of greed. He must be a multi-multi-multi millionaire by now. And he will likely get 300k+ wherever he goes anyway. Bonkers.
I think you’re being harsh on those of us who have looked at it objectively. No-one is writing Marty off, I have just said that if he wants to go then I have no issue because I think he is ok. Not much more. He’ll do a job. If however the club want to progress then I think Matt may not reach a new level. We’ll see.
Agreed. Big ‘if’ though. Based on a SW poster...? Based on someone thinking he may be on holiday with a Fulham player.....? Even at Fulham there are no guarantees of a first team place- I’m sure someone once said if you want a guarantee, but a washing machine
Be interesting to know if Saints ever put buy-back clauses into the contracts of players we sell. In most cases, probably not because we usually sell fairly decent players to bigger clubs who wouldn't accept them. However, in this case (if it actually happens), we'd be selling one of our own to a team not as good as us, so a buy-back clause might be quite a good idea.
I don’t think I’m being harsh on those of you who don’t think he’ll make it. I just don’t share your objective assessment - though of course I respect it. As you say, we’ll see.
I don't think that Matty has ever been truly fairly treated by some Saints fans and he was shamefully picked on by a section of SMS when he first broke into the team. A lot could depend on the system Ralph is looking to use as Matty is much more comfortable as an orthodox LB but lacks the pace to be a truly effective LWB and maybe Ralph will be looking at somebody a bit more versatile. His crossing ability alone is an asset to the squad though IMO.
He said post season that having got the team playing with two formations he wants to itroduce a third for more flexibility in games. So a flat back four with pace is just one of those options.