Shifty Cat wrote:
Yep, very good news and also great we're nailing down the better players to decent length contracts
At first I was stunned by the long contracts we are offering. I got it with TJ and Batchelor - still relatively cheap and of course young.
Now though we've had a few three year deals for what are much older players. It's not that long ago two years was considered a long time at this club or most clubs.
I didn't get it at first but I think I do now though in reality I'm probably miles off. I'm guessing that a player over say 25 will take less per annum if he gets a more secure longer deal. This means our yearly cost is reduced, that may explain the odd splash out.
Again I'm guessing these deals appeal to UK players more. I used to think it was a risk but I suppose if the player drops a bit in that time he could go out on loan. If it's a bad injury I assume he gets his insurance pay out and off he goes.
If on the other hand he stays fit and on form then it's a win win.
Is it wise to offer long term deals to players in return for a more settled squad and easier to manage finances or is there a risk of a lot of players getting complacent and losing their mojo
We'll see I suppose however having a vibrant youth set up should counter that risk imho and with 5 year deals available for those who shine the incentive is clearly there.
I think it's the right way but only time will tell if it works - I hope so because we'd really start to become a force again if it does.