... was his departure announced before the end of the season? Why wasn't he on the Wembley team sheet and also the player's photos? And what's stopping him playing for Brighton as some believe ... ... I don't believe he'll go out on loan as some believe. There are other 18 year old's playing in the PL, why not him.
I think mainly cos Brighton have multiple wingers a bit further down the line than him development wise. He was magnificent on Saturday, but he was shocking 3-4 games before that and Saturday was in reality his 3rd decent game for us. I don’t doubt he has the tools in good time.
I don't see him starting but Brighton may well sell players, as they do, and he'll get the odd game ... ... I just don't believe he'll go out on loan because we'd have been the ideal club.
He could still sign on loan here yet Would be a big surprise to see him get PL minutes at Brighton next season.
Would love to know why it was done the way it was. I very much doubt it was Watson demanding to sign then, or announce it. Just glad he got his chance to leave on a high. I have never doubted his commitment tbh. Personally think he is in the Brighton squad next season. I think he is one of our young players who are underrated by many. Fair enough I suppose as he hasnt played many first team games. For me though I think he looks a really big talent. Hope he smashes it personally and is another brilliant advert for being part of our academy.
He’s going to be a quality player isn’t he, canny gutted to lose him. Didn’t understand thr booing at thr time either, whether you were happy with his decision or not
I think his 'redemption arc' sums up our season to be honest. How many of our Wembley heroes were written off, not just by us as fans but Mayenda couldn't get a game for ****ing Hibs. I thought Tommy was done after that Bristol City away performance, i've never seen anything like that before in my time as a SAFC fan, but whoever it was that either put an arm around him or kicked him up the backside deserves all the credit. My guess is Proctor to be honest, local lad to local lad. Proctor was doing most of the team talk before extra time vs Coventry, doubt there was much tactical being said but I bet he was drilling into the lads stuff about the fans.
I've always assumed it was announced due to the news being leaked from the Brighton side. There's been a lot said about booing him but I can't recall it being that bad at home . Can't comment on away games . I still think he was badly advised and hope for his sake it works out well.
I think in this day and age it would have always come out one way or the other (his lasses dad is Ian Hart ffs). I think the club did it when they did so it could be on their terms and communicate with the fans the best way they could rather than the rumour mill swirling. Also think they did it earlier so that everyone knew where we stood going into the playoffs and we didnt get any negativity going into those games. RLB said the whole way we might still need him and the squad agrees with that, boy did RLB get it right and manage it so well.
Really don't know the in's and out's of Tommy decision to move..but i'm guessing its about money..it normally is. After the Bristol away game ( I think ) I didn't see Tommy ever putting a SAFC shirt on ever again, he played that bad. but fair play to RLB, he placed his trust in the kid and for Tommy he now leaves the club a legend and I for one am happy with that, Good luck to him
We might never know, but Brighton have tracked him for a long time, as they do. Often the players they sign are almost unheard of to most. They may have thought that if he started playing every week and played well and kept scoring goals, they'd have had hot competition. He still has a lot to learn, especially I'd say off the ball, but that can be taught easily. He is a serious prospect though, and if there is a sell on, I wouldn't be surprised it came out way.
I’ve said it time and again. As supporters we think we know what makes a good footballer. We don’t. What we see is what’s on the pitch. We see the players for 90 minutes once or twice a week and based on that we assess them. We don’t see what the coaches see who will be constantly assessing them.
All I know if that he categorically cannot and will not play in the play-offs as Brighton won't let him. In the contract, innit.
Great what the kid done for us last weekend but I am happy with the fee we received for him off the back of very few appearances, he might go on to great things and I hope he does but in the here and now I think we got a good deal for him.
I wouldn’t want us to loan him. I’d want us to use any loans on players that will make an immediate impact for us in the premier league - difficult to find I know, but it’s what we should use them for. Thank you to Tommy for that excellent goal and getting us promoted, but I’d prefer him to leave now on a high.
The lad has a lot of potential and I wish him nothing but luck for the future, but £10m is a brilliant deal for someone who has had a handful of good games (this is before the goal at the weekend). He is miles behind Mundle currently in ability, another player who I think can still massively improve. We have cover in Le fee and Isidor but it will be interesting to see where we go in the market.
Wish we got a player in return mind they’ve got so many decent wingers/10s who are being sent out on loan.
Did anyone see the footage of Ballard celebrating our Wembley win on the pitch... he definitely said to Watson stay, please stay, or words to that effect...
