Occasionally players might take geography into account, particularly if they have families, but nine times out of ten they follow the money. The usual press conference nonsense about wanting to play at the highest level possible etc etc is utter rubbish. Players will drop a division if the money is better. Sadly this means that we will lose out on players who go to a few league one clubs as well as to championship ones. Which just demonstrates how well we have done to get back up in the first place. Some fans want us to pay big wages to get that couple of high quality signings who might make the difference but that's potentially a great way to ruin the team spirit that might be so important and we shouldnt pay what we cant afford. It's the usual dilemma that we face in the Championship. I think Smith and Icky will leave and if they can get significantly more money elsewhere good luck to them. We have to rely on shrewd signings rather than big signings.
Just rumours but Ihiekwe wanted by Derby and the takeover is in serious doubt.
If Ickys agent has spent all summer trying to get money out of Derby then he wants sacking. Anyone with half a brain would be giving that club a massive swerve.
As for Smith can easily see him being a bit part player at a Cardiff / Hull on 12-15k a week which unfortunately we cant pay. And in the grand scheme of things should we be going much higher anyway on our offer for a 30 year old player with not much more re sale value ?
Well that's two more out of the door, and while I expected it, I didn't expect them to move to our massive neighbours down the road.
Can't say I blame them, they were clearly offered more jingly jangly and don't have to move house. I just hope for their sake they don't end up not being paid as has happened in recent times at Hillsborough.
It may turn out to be a blessing in disguise, new blood and all that. Onward and upward.
Some fans are up in arms about this but there was nothing the club could do about it. You cant force players to sign extended or new contracts and the fact is that virtually every Championship club and a few League One clubs can afford to pay more than we do. Smith and Ihiekwe have both been great for us but neither are good enough to justify us breaking the bank and jeopardising our stability. At their ages they are going to go where they can get the most money. Full stop. I cant fault them for that. It has always been so. Porterfield took us up and immediately dropped two divisions to manage the Blades and took Towner and Stancliffe with him. These two will do well for Wednesday in League One but with respect to them neither has set the world on fire in the Championship and both are replaceable. I would prefer they werent going to Wednesday but take comfort in the fact that The Massive are having to resort to pinching our ex players to give them a fighting chance.
Ps we have done it to other clubs with other players. We picked up Sadlier for no fee when his contract ran out at Donny for example. There is no loyalty in football. Players have short careers and make as much money as they can while they can. All you can ask is that they give 100% for you while they are with you. These two have definitely done that.
Smudge and Icky were stand out League One players for us. Their development and the level at which they played were largely down to our manager and they may well find life at S6 is not as comfortable and rewarding (professionally) as it was at NYS. That said, I'm grateful for the entertainment they provided us with over the past few seasons and I wish them well.
As for starting the season short, let's see what happens. I'm quietly excited and optimistic at the thought of new players with different skillsets which might help us mount an effective campaign in the Championship.
I would agree completely with your last paragraph Glenn and share your optimism.
I think what's upset so many is the manner in which this business was conducted, what with Warne publicly saying he was confident he would retain at least one, maybe both players only to see both jump ship within hours of making the statement. Add in the fact they both went to our fiercest rivals only contributes to the sense of betrayal and humiliation felt by many, maybe even the manager. Personally I think it could be a good opportunity for the club to move forward.
We've signed Peter Kioso from Luton for an undisclosed fee. Plays in the right wingback position. Only in his early 20s with Championship experience. Welcome aboard lad.
Two out, two in. Fresh faces and perhaps a different style of play. New club for them so should be up for showing what they can do. Plenty of reasons to be upbeat about the club's chances of putting a wedge in and hopefully enjoy a longer stay in the Championship.
