At what stage is enough enough?

[Munchkin]

In terms of Dale Stephens.

Seems there is a reluctance to sign a new long term contract, at what stage do the club accept enough is enough and allow him to leave?

Surely the club can't let him leave for nothing at the end of the season but also have to weigh up what's best for the team on the pitch. Tricky one.

I would like to think it's reviewed in January when we have other options lined up, will have a better idea on Norwoods ability and of course our league position. Hopefully it's then a case of final offer or goodbye.

Thoughts?

 

[hans kraay fan club]

Decision in January, depending on our position, and value of any offers received.

 

[Grombleton]

I'm not currently fussed, but if we reach January and there's still no sign of a deal then i'll begin to panic. If no deal we have a month to sell him and get in a replacement.

 

[Prince Monolulu]

 

[marshy68]

Decision in January, depending on our position, and value of any offers received.

This seems the most sensible route to take.

 

[Giraffe]

For this reason I would be surprised if he is still with us come the end of August. That seems like the best solution for everyone, and I am confident we will still have a stronger squad.

 

[Springal]

We can't cash in now, as long as he isn't being disruptive or whatever then we just let his contract run down or possibly cash in in January if any suitors are still around.

 

[clippedgull]

I'm not currently fussed, but if we reach January and there's still no sign of a deal then i'll begin to panic. If no deal we have a month to sell him and get in a replacement.

Of course, he may wish to stay and run his contract down and also talk to other clubs (is it from 6 months before end of contract?) to sort out his future.

 

[BBassic]

I will be very surprised if he's here by the end of this window. Honestly I'll be a touch surprised if we see him play another competitive game for us.

We have options in the middle of the park with Sidwell, Norwood and Towell and if he's not willing to sign a new deal I can see us trying to cash in sooner rather than later.

With this in mind I said the same thing this time last season about Dunk and look what happened there.

 

[Brian Fantana]

Of course, he may wish to stay and run his contract down and also talk to other clubs (is it from 6 months before end of contract?) to sort out his future.

I believe the 6 months in advance thing only applies if he is talking to foreign clubs. Might be wrong though.

 

[Triggaaar]

For this reason I would be surprised if he is still with us come the end of August. That seems like the best solution for everyone, and I am confident we will still have a stronger squad.

Strong squad, yes, but unless we get very good money and we can spend it on a good replacement, then we'll have a stronger squad with him.

Only reason to sell is if we need the money (can use it).

 

[Frankie]

Dont Worry , Be Happy

 

[Da Man Clay]

I'm more relaxed now we have Norwood. Wait until January and see where we are. If we're 5 points clear he may sign a new deal.

 

[Garry Nelson's Left Foot]

Depends on his attitude. If it's good I'd be tempted to keep him all season and let him help get us promoted. If we go up he'll sign, if we dont...it'll be a failed gamble. It's not my money though, so it's easy for me to say gamble.

 

[GOM]

Seems there is a reluctance to sign a new long term contract
.......
Thoughts?

And how do we know there is a reluctance ? I have heard nothing to that effect, other than people thinking there is.

 

[Springal]

And how do we know there is a reluctance ? I have heard nothing to that effect, other than people thinking there is.

Because he has not signed?

 

[Pavilionaire]

This is all a moot point. Tony Bloom knocked back every bid for every one of our stars this summer and Norwood confirmed that he was sold on the Albion precisely because of Bloom's commitment NOT to sell.

I fancy that Stephens WILL be here at the end of the transfer window, I reckon he knows if we're out of the promotion picture he'll be sold in January, but if we're in the picture he'll be offered a new contract and either he'll sign it or let the current one run down then leave next summer for a massive signing-on fee and wages.

I agree with Bloom's policy. The one thing we have going for us when compared with Newcastle, Norwich and Villa is squad stability and familiarity with the teams in this division. If you start selling your best players to trouser some cash then you've lost that team bond that was so carefully built up last season.

 

[Pavilionaire]

Also, I think he can do a bit better than Burnley.

 

[Superphil]

Because he has not signed?

What is this long term contract he's been offered? How long, how much, what are the clauses?

 

[Nixonator]

Madness to 'cash in' on him now. He's a tremendous player and my player of last season.

I really rate Norwood but Dale is the superior option, particularly in the big games.

Hold out until January and see where we are. I really don't think he's the type of player to kick up a fuss, very grounded.