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Viking Chat => Viking Chat => Topic started by: Chris Black come back on March 10, 2024, 06:07:42 am

Title: Contract renewals
Post by: Chris Black come back on March 10, 2024, 06:07:42 am
Some tough decision for McCann this summer for the out of contract senior lads:

Here’s the pen - Luke Molyneux, James Maxwell, Bobby Faulkner, Zain Westbrooke

Jury out - Ben Close, Richard Wood

Thank you for your service - Jon Taylor, Tommy Rowe, Harrison Biggins
Title: Re: Contract renewals
Post by: Silkscarf on March 10, 2024, 06:32:42 am
So you’re saying Close and Wood are his only tough decisions?

What about those with longer contracts that haven’t impressed him enough.

Title: Re: Contract renewals
Post by: mushRTID on March 10, 2024, 06:40:22 am
Some tough decision for McCann this summer for the out of contract senior lads:

Here’s the pen - Luke Molyneux, James Maxwell, Bobby Faulkner, Zain Westbrooke

Jury out - Ben Close, Richard Wood

Thank you for your service - Jon Taylor, Tommy Rowe, Harrison Biggins

Agree with your renewals and releases.
Jury out on Wood but I’d be tempted to keep.
Let Close go for me.
Is Anderson out of contract?
I’d also let Lawlor go if he can find a new club.
Title: Re: Contract renewals
Post by: Silkscarf on March 10, 2024, 06:42:12 am
Anderson has another year. Others?
Title: Re: Contract renewals
Post by: Padge_DRFC on March 10, 2024, 06:59:53 am
He needs to be ruthless. We are where we are because of the squad. 2 of the 3 players on loan that have really improved us I would say with certainty won't be here next year as well.
Title: Re: Contract renewals
Post by: DonnyBazR0ver on March 10, 2024, 07:34:31 am
We shouldn’t assume all of the out of contract players want to stay. It's never just a case of saying 'sign here'.

There's always surprises and I'm sure nobody including McCann need reminding about Danny Andrew
Title: Re: Contract renewals
Post by: normal rules on March 10, 2024, 07:51:58 am
Biggins played well yesterday. ?
Title: Re: Contract renewals
Post by: graingrover on March 10, 2024, 08:19:23 am
It is more a question of the belief and trust between player and GM more than our opinion of any individual of course .
He has lifted most of our squad out of mediocrity recently and his latest additions are all worth signing subject to relationships and contact terms offered .
Title: Re: Contract renewals
Post by: roversdude on March 10, 2024, 09:54:36 am
I’m unsure with Wood, if we can get a younger experienced version I’d let him go.
Personally I’d keep Biggins, think we have options on some who are out of contract
Lawlor, Close, Taylor and Tommy Rowe can go the latter two with a tear in my eye
Title: Re: Contract renewals
Post by: Butchers Red on March 10, 2024, 10:42:24 am
Woody MUST stay - simple as.

Apart from the undeniable fact that he can still do it at this level-borne out by the recent run of form in the 8 games he's played, it's his nouse and know how which even big Tom has benefited from - the likes of McGrath, Faulkner and Olowu would be lost without him pulling their strings.

And not just in games, he may not play all season but on the training ground and his general presence at the club cannot be understated.

After all - he's not going to command big wages so it's a no brainer for me.
Title: Re: Contract renewals
Post by: Alan Southstand on March 10, 2024, 11:07:30 am
Just to remind everyone of the current situation with who will be out of contract  this summer:

5 loans: 5

Adelakun
Craig
Waters
Lo Tutala
Nixon

Youngsters/former youth players: 5

Kuleya.         
Bottomley.     
Ravenhill.       
Degruchy.     
Faulkner

Senior Players: 10

Molyneux
Biggins.         
Taylor.           
Close.           
Westbrooke
Rowe.           
Seaman.       
Wood
Lavery.         
Maxwell

And we should add Biamou to the above senior list.


Title: Re: Contract renewals
Post by: roversdude on March 10, 2024, 11:12:58 am
Totally forgot about Lavery and Seaman
Title: Re: Contract renewals
Post by: Butchers Red on March 10, 2024, 11:30:26 am
Just to remind everyone of the current situation with who will be out of contract  this summer:

5 loans: 5

Adelakun
Craig
Waters
Lo Tutala
Nixon

Youngsters/former youth players: 5

Kuleya.         
Bottomley.     
Ravenhill.       
Degruchy.     
Faulkner

Senior Players: 10

Molyneux
Biggins.         
Taylor.           
Close.           
Westbrooke
Rowe.           
Seaman.       
Wood
Lavery.         
Maxwell

And we should add Biamou to the above senior list.



Just My Opinion;

Sign Adelakun at "almost" any cost
Craig - no chance he's been amazingly good.
Waters - good squad player - sign.
Lo - Tutala - as with Adelakun - simply MUST be signed.
Nixon - again sign him up - tremendous potential in the lad.


All 5 youngsters worth keeping as fringe / loanees

Senior Players

Molyneux - Keep
Biggins.  - Keep       
Taylor.     Release     
Close.       Keep   On low wages
Westbrooke Keep
Rowe.        Keep on low wages   
Seaman.     Release 
Wood         KEEP ! on low wages
Lavery.         Release
Maxwell      MUST KEEP -
Title: Re: Contract renewals
Post by: Dare to dream! on March 10, 2024, 11:33:53 am
I’d be minded to let Maxwell go - he’s quality but he just seems to be another injury liability.

Someone who plays 90% of the season with slightly less quality would add more value to the team.
Title: Re: Contract renewals
Post by: Fal on March 10, 2024, 12:12:50 pm
Biggins was fantastic yesterday, covered every blade of grass. He may not be an outstanding player but would be a great squad player so I would personally keep.


I would also offer Wood a years extension.
Title: Re: Contract renewals
Post by: DonnyEl on March 10, 2024, 12:34:27 pm
Full list of expiries

2024
3-James Maxwell
6-Richard Wood
7-Luke Molyneux
10-Tommy Rowe
11-Jon Taylor
14-Harrison Biggins
19-Charlie Seaman
24-Zain Westbrooke
27-Liam Ravenhill
28-Bobby Faulkner
29-Jack Degruchy**
30-Tavonga Kuleya
31-Caolan Lavery
32-Ben Bottomley
33-Ben Close
36-Maxime Biamou
Title: Re: Contract renewals
Post by: Dougiebulletheader on March 10, 2024, 01:16:44 pm
Agree mostly with Butchers apart from releasing Close he's a chocolate fire guard..melts as soon as it gets hot..
Title: Re: Contract renewals
Post by: Bessie Red on March 10, 2024, 02:40:18 pm
Full list of expiries

2024
3-James Maxwell - keep
6-Richard Wood - keep (1yr)
7-Luke Molyneux - keep
10-Tommy Rowe - not keep
11-Jon Taylor - not keep
14-Harrison Biggins - not keep
19-Charlie Seaman - not keep
24-Zain Westbrooke - keep
27-Liam Ravenhill - not keep
28-Bobby Faulkner  - keep
29-Jack Degruchy** - not keep
30-Tavonga Kuleya - not keep
31-Caolan Lavery - not keep
32-Ben Bottomley - not keep
33-Ben Close - not keep
36-Maxime Biamou - keep (1yr)
Title: Re: Contract renewals
Post by: DearneValleyRover on March 10, 2024, 03:10:36 pm
Adelakun (offer a contract)
Craig (try for a full season loan)
Waters (not for me)
Lo Tutala ( try to sign, loan of better permanent)
Nixon (Offer a contract)

Youngsters/former youth players: 5

Kuleya.         (Let go)
Bottomley.     (Let go)
Ravenhill.       (Let go)
Degruchy.     (Let go)
Faulkner.      (New contract)

Senior Players: 10

Molyneux (new contract)
Biggins.         (Let go)
Taylor.           (Let go)
Close.           (Let go)
Westbrooke.  (Let go)
Rowe.           (Let go)
Seaman.      (Let go)
Wood.         (Offer contract)
Lavery.         (Let go)
Maxwell.    (Offer contract)
Title: Re: Contract renewals
Post by: Padge_DRFC on March 10, 2024, 03:15:35 pm
Adelakun (offer a contract)
Craig (try for a full season loan)
Waters (not for me)
Lo Tutala ( try to sign, loan of better permanent)
Nixon (Offer a contract)

Youngsters/former youth players: 5

Kuleya.         (Let go)
Bottomley.     (Let go)
Ravenhill.       (Let go)
Degruchy.     (Let go)
Faulkner.      (New contract)

Senior Players: 10

Molyneux (new contract)
Biggins.         (Let go)
Taylor.           (Let go)
Close.           (Let go)
Westbrooke.  (Let go)
Rowe.           (Let go)
Seaman.      (Let go)
Wood.         (Offer contract)
Lavery.         (Let go)
Maxwell.    (Offer contract)

Pretty much agree bar Wood. I actually think he'll retire anyway. Molyneux not fussed either way. Adelakun main focus.

We have got to sign a decent keeper!
Title: Re: Contract renewals
Post by: selby on March 10, 2024, 04:44:01 pm
  Is Goodman out of contract ?
Title: Re: Contract renewals
Post by: ncRover on March 10, 2024, 04:54:45 pm
Wood’s job has been made a lot easier by the improvement in the midfield. He has been good recently but I don’t think he’s absolutely essential for next year, even if he does fancy it.
Title: Re: Contract renewals
Post by: Cramby10 on March 10, 2024, 05:07:27 pm
Adelakun (offer a contract)
Craig (try for a full season loan)
Waters (not for me)
Lo Tutala ( try to sign, loan of better permanent)
Nixon (Offer a contract)

Youngsters/former youth players: 5

Kuleya.         (Let go)
Bottomley.     (Let go)
Ravenhill.       (Let go)
Degruchy.     (Let go)
Faulkner.      (New contract)

Senior Players: 10

Molyneux (new contract)
Biggins.         (Let go)
Taylor.           (Let go)
Close.           (Let go)
Westbrooke.  (Let go)
Rowe.           (Let go)
Seaman.      (Let go)
Wood.         (Offer contract)
Lavery.         (Let go)
Maxwell.    (Offer contract)
agree with all that barring Westbrooke. He’s a must in my opinion.
Title: Re: Contract renewals
Post by: Chris Black come back on March 10, 2024, 05:09:19 pm
  Is Goodman out of contract ?

2025
Title: Re: Contract renewals
Post by: ravenrover on March 10, 2024, 05:30:17 pm
Diidn't GM say we had an option on Zane?
Title: Re: Contract renewals
Post by: Petche on March 10, 2024, 05:50:26 pm
Full list of expiries

2024
3-James Maxwell
6-Richard Wood
7-Luke Molyneux
10-Tommy Rowe
11-Jon Taylor
14-Harrison Biggins
19-Charlie Seaman
24-Zain Westbrooke
27-Liam Ravenhill
28-Bobby Faulkner
29-Jack Degruchy**
30-Tavonga Kuleya
31-Caolan Lavery
32-Ben Bottomley
33-Ben Close
36-Maxime Biamou

Need to be ruthless and cut the size of the squad to free up funds, offer contracts to Maxwell, Westbrooke and Molyneux. See what Biamou has to offer and can stay fit for the remainder of this season. The rest can go for me.
Title: Re: Contract renewals
Post by: roversdude on March 10, 2024, 06:11:22 pm
Is Jones out of contract?
Sure we have options on some including Zain
Title: Re: Contract renewals
Post by: Chris Black come back on March 10, 2024, 06:30:44 pm
Is Jones out of contract?
Sure we have options on some including Zain

Jones is 2025
Title: Re: Contract renewals
Post by: adamtherover on March 10, 2024, 06:46:43 pm
Is Jones out of contract?
Sure we have options on some including Zain

Jones is 2025
I thought Jones just another year in the summer?
Title: Re: Contract renewals
Post by: Campsall rover on March 10, 2024, 07:08:37 pm
Is Jones out of contract?
Sure we have options on some including Zain

Jones is 2025
I thought Jones just another year in the summer?
That is another year after this season Adam
Title: Re: Contract renewals
Post by: graingrover on March 10, 2024, 07:59:18 pm
Why would he let most of them go ? I think he will release a handful ..Ravenhill , Taylor , Close , Seaman , Degruchy , Lavery and maybe Bottomley if he manages to sign TLT .
Title: Re: Contract renewals
Post by: Petche on March 10, 2024, 08:44:48 pm
Why would he let most of them go ? I think he will release a handful ..Ravenhill , Taylor , Close , Seaman , Degruchy , Lavery and maybe Bottomley if he manages to sign TLT .

Because most of them are not good enough and are responsible for where we find ourselves.
Title: Re: Contract renewals
Post by: roversdude on March 10, 2024, 09:44:46 pm
I thought Jones got a year last summer meaning OOC this summer
Title: Re: Contract renewals
Post by: Colin C No.3 on March 10, 2024, 10:43:06 pm
Biggins played well yesterday. ?

Surely if we’re handing out contract extensions we have to judge players on their contributions while they’ve been here. Not just for the last few weeks when basically they’re playing for their livelihood’s.

But I do feel Biggins is worth persevering with. GM obviously feels there’s real potential there & at the end of the day you can look at xg’s until you’re blue in the face but if your manager sees something in a player well, that’s why he’s where he is & you are where you are. Sat engulfed in reams of data as it were.
Title: Re: Contract renewals
Post by: ncRover on March 11, 2024, 08:15:26 am
Diidn't GM say we had an option on Zane?

I think he did and GM rates him very highly - praising his vision and calmness. He is a very underrated player for us.
Title: Re: Contract renewals
Post by: NickDRFC on March 11, 2024, 08:54:48 am
Biggins played well yesterday. ?

Surely if we’re handing out contract extensions we have to judge players on their contributions while they’ve been here. Not just for the last few weeks when basically they’re playing for their livelihood’s.

But I do feel Biggins is worth persevering with. GM obviously feels there’s real potential there & at the end of the day you can look at xg’s until you’re blue in the face but if your manager sees something in a player well, that’s why he’s where he is & you are where you are. Sat engulfed in reams of data as it were.

Give it a rest.
Title: Re: Contract renewals
Post by: DonnyOsmond on March 11, 2024, 11:02:17 am
Keep
3-James Maxwell
6-Richard Wood
7-Luke Molyneux
24-Zain Westbrooke
28-Bobby Faulkner
32-Ben Bottomley


Let Go
29-Jack Degruchy
30-Tavonga Kuleya
31-Caolan Lavery
14-Harrison Biggins
19-Charlie Seaman
10-Tommy Rowe


Other
36-Maxime Biamou - TBD
27-Liam Ravenhill - 3 month deal
33-Ben Close - Dependant on wages
11-Jon Taylor - 3 month deal
Title: Re: Contract renewals
Post by: NickDRFC on March 11, 2024, 11:24:36 am
Definitely keep
Maxwell - really good player, even with his chequered fitness record he’s worth a deal for me
Molyneux - starting to deliver on his promise, hope we still sign a player to compete for his place but definitely worth a deal for me
Westbrooke - big fan and he made us tick earlier in the season

Would probably offer
Faulkner - haven’t seen enough to really form an opinion on him but probably worth a new deal to see if the promise materialises
Biggins - McCann has played him in a new role and is seemingly getting the best out of him. Can’t see him being on big money so if he maintains this form he’s worth a new deal for me
Biamou - assuming he gets up to fitness whilst with us over the next couple of months

Not sure
Bottomley - literally no idea if this kid is any good
Kuleya - had a couple of promising cameos but is he good enough?
Ravenhill - as above
Wood - if we can get a player in a similar mould but 5-10 years younger I’m not sure he’s worth it

The rest can go for me, Rowe & Taylor regrettably but I feel if we were to offer them a new deal it would be based on sentiment as opposed to merit.
Title: Re: Contract renewals
Post by: Draytonian III on March 11, 2024, 12:47:55 pm
Is Faulkner still out injured ?
Title: Re: Contract renewals
Post by: DearneValleyRover on March 11, 2024, 02:05:55 pm
My problem with Westbrooke is that he’s prone to injury. We need to move away from that type of player, he may well be influential when he plays but if he’s unavailable for 12 plus games that’s not very helpful
Title: Re: Contract renewals
Post by: GazLaz on March 11, 2024, 03:45:31 pm
We may not have a choice in keeping some of them.

I’d keep Maxwell and Faulkner.

Molyneux has been ok this season but we could certainly find better. Westbrook is good but will only ever play half of a season. Biggins has been ok as well but again, he’s an ok league 2 player, we could certainly find better without much looking.
Title: Re: Contract renewals
Post by: RoversInSpain on March 11, 2024, 04:10:11 pm
Adelakun (offer a contract)
Craig (try for a full season loan)
Waters (not for me)
Lo Tutala ( try to sign, loan of better permanent)
Nixon (Offer a contract)

Youngsters/former youth players: 5

Kuleya.         (Let go)
Bottomley.     (Let go)
Ravenhill.       (Let go)
Degruchy.     (Let go)
Faulkner.      (New contract)

Senior Players: 10

Molyneux (new contract)
Biggins.         (Let go)
Taylor.           (Let go)
Close.           (Let go)
Westbrooke.  (Let go)
Rowe.           (Let go)
Seaman.      (Let go)
Wood.         (Offer contract)
Lavery.         (Let go)
Maxwell.    (Offer contract)
Completely agree on that DVR, just the one exception being Westbrooke.
The rest have contributed to a position of 20th in Division 4 (upto 19th with recent form) and have only improved due to realising they need a new contract and better players arriving in January. Wood has come back and looked calm and measured and probably has one more season in the legs to help a new CH or two bed in with us, not sure where McGrath is?

If we can also offload one of the keepers, Olowu. And sadly take a long hard look at Miller’s situation.

Grant will do the right thing, after all it’s his career on the line, failure at Donny won’t leave too many attractive alternatives for him or Cliff
Title: Re: Contract renewals
Post by: ncRover on March 11, 2024, 08:06:32 pm
We may not have a choice in keeping some of them.

I’d keep Maxwell and Faulkner.

Molyneux has been ok this season but we could certainly find better. Westbrook is good but will only ever play half of a season. Biggins has been ok as well but again, he’s an ok league 2 player, we could certainly find better without much looking.


I’ve been looking for some realistic transfers for the summer but I can’t really find an out of contract left-footed attacker who is better than Molyneux for that position. One for a permanent deal anyway…
Title: Re: Contract renewals
Post by: graingrover on March 11, 2024, 08:21:11 pm
I would not imagine GM seeking a big clear out ..far from it ..The reason we have been poor is down to injuries as the improvement in the  last ten games shows .We have a good squad though three of the best are loanees .I think GM will add five  or six new signings at most plus three or four loanees again .
Title: Re: Contract renewals
Post by: ncRover on March 11, 2024, 09:12:07 pm
I would not imagine GM seeking a big clear out ..far from it ..The reason we have been poor is down to injuries as the improvement in the  last ten games shows .We have a good squad though three of the best are loanees .I think GM will add five  or six new signings at most plus three or four loanees again .

Replace those loanees with the injured Lawlor, Close and Taylor and we would still be in a relegation battle.
Title: Re: Contract renewals
Post by: DonnyBazR0ver on March 11, 2024, 09:19:24 pm
I would not imagine GM seeking a big clear out ..far from it ..The reason we have been poor is down to injuries as the improvement in the  last ten games shows .We have a good squad though three of the best are loanees .I think GM will add five  or six new signings at most plus three or four loanees again .

He's openly said the squad needs trimming  although to what degree we don't know. A number of factors may determine that, including the form of a few players for the remaining games.

I think we just have to hope GM continues to do most of our business early in the window and avoid hanging on for players to make their minds up.

Title: Re: Contract renewals
Post by: Colin C No.3 on March 12, 2024, 07:19:18 am
GM also said that he knows where the squad needs strengthening & has spoken to the board about ‘certain players’ but obviously at this stage of the season it’s a case of identifying players you might like but getting them to sign is a whole new ball game.

With the three loanees coming in January that have made a massive difference (along with Wood playing regularly) GM clearly knows he is able to bolster the squad with good players (Faal played his part too until he thought the grass might be greener) & I sincerely hope he can get two of them to sign permanent contracts with us.
Title: Re: Contract renewals
Post by: Jonathan on March 12, 2024, 07:31:40 am
I still think there needs to be a degree of ruthlessness going into the summer as it stands to reason that if we want to challenge at the other end of the table then we need to take our chance to switch things up where we can.

That said, it’s also worth considering whether Biggins (for example) is playing for a contract and it’s too little too late (as a cynic might say) or if, after nearly 2 years, we have finally found the right role for him where he can do the things he’s good at and not the things he’s not. He’s given us a decision to make, as has Richard Wood. The others that we should be seeking to renew are the obvious ones mentioned elsewhere, but we do need to balance that out by taking the chance to clear the decks a bit where we can.

I can also foresee some transfer listing of players under contract, especially in the goalkeeping department. We’ve seen more recently why we simply cannot expect to challenge with Jones and Lawlor as our primary options. No pun intended, but we really dropped the ball there last summer. 
Title: Re: Contract renewals
Post by: IDM on March 12, 2024, 07:35:14 am
Do we need such massive amounts of player turnover.?

Trim the squad a bit by all means - although with recent seasons the amount of injuries has justified a bigger set?

Perhaps we need a small handful of new players - in the big scheme of things 4 or 5 newcomers who are expected to be regular starters makes a huge difference to the team.

The “same players” who got us to within a gnats cock of the relegation places - with the January additions - also have shown promotion form (results wise) in the last 8 games, plus before that we had the odd game like MK Dons with the performance to boot.

What we haven’t had until relatively recently is consistency.  The January recruitment has in the main been very successful, so perhaps that’s the scale of what we need in summer?

A few key additions to the squad might just be enough to make the rest of them “tick” much more effectively and with better outcomes, as opposed to wholesale changes?

As to who those players are/should be, is up for debate obviously..  I haven’t seen enough play in person to make any judgements myself but what I do agree on is that decisions shouldn’t be made on emotions.
Title: Re: Contract renewals
Post by: roversdude on March 12, 2024, 07:41:49 am
I think it’s fair to say Grant has a ruthless streak and will make decisions that he has said himself are hard to make from the human side of things
Title: Re: Contract renewals
Post by: DonnyBazR0ver on March 19, 2024, 09:22:11 pm
Just worth a bump of this thread with Maxwell being the first renewal to be announced.

A good start to proceedings. Its probably fair to say other offers will have been made. Maybe some know they need to show more in the remaining games? Who knows.
Title: Re: Contract renewals
Post by: DearneValleyRover on March 19, 2024, 09:31:51 pm
Hoping there aren’t too many more
Title: Re: Contract renewals
Post by: Avsuptem on March 20, 2024, 08:10:43 am
Am I the only one who doesn't buy the dismissive insinuation that a player has only improved recently because they are 'playing for a contract'?  With the odd exception I cannot imagine any professional footballer ever going into a game with the mindset that I am not going to bother playing the best I can.
Title: Re: Contract renewals
Post by: Jonathan on March 20, 2024, 08:56:24 am
Am I the only one who doesn't buy the dismissive insinuation that a player has only improved recently because they are 'playing for a contract'?  With the odd exception I cannot imagine any professional footballer ever going into a game with the mindset that I am not going to bother playing the best I can.


I would agree that players are not deliberately entering a game with the mindset that “I am not going to bother playing the best I can.” However there will specifically be times when players go into games motivated to push that bit extra, and it stands to reason that contract expiry / renewal could be one of those determining factors. In fact I’d say it probably is.

As much as we don’t like to admit it, we’re probably all a bit like that in our professional lives aren’t we? When there’s a key deadline to meet or a promotion opportunity to impress for I’m sure most of us would acknowledge we give that bit more than on a run of the mill working day. I do, I wish I didn’t and I wish my team always gave absolutely everything they have, but life isn’t like that. It’s not deliberate and the differences in mindset and approach are often subtle but the outputs noticeable. Footballers are just human beings like the rest of us.
Title: Re: Contract renewals
Post by: DonnyBazR0ver on March 20, 2024, 11:44:18 am
Totally agree with that.

Just referring back to Biggins, his recent form has been good however, he's lucky that McCann has given him the licence to be the more attacking of the midfield three. When asked to play a more disciplined role, he tends to struggle to be more careful with the ball, giving the ball away too cheaply and being slow to recover. He just doesn't seem as composed or as quick in thought n possession as Craig, Westbrooke or Bailey, although perhaps on a similar level to Broadbent in general play.

For these reasons, I would struggle to warrant a new contract to a player who's limited and less flexible than others. Could we find better attacking midfielders, who could also adapt and tuck in when needed?
Title: Re: Contract renewals
Post by: Avsuptem on March 20, 2024, 11:55:34 am
Am I the only one who doesn't buy the dismissive insinuation that a player has only improved recently because they are 'playing for a contract'?  With the odd exception I cannot imagine any professional footballer ever going into a game with the mindset that I am not going to bother playing the best I can.


I would agree that players are not deliberately entering a game with the mindset that “I am not going to bother playing the best I can.” However there will specifically be times when players go into games motivated to push that bit extra, and it stands to reason that contract expiry / renewal could be one of those determining factors. In fact I’d say it probably is.

As much as we don’t like to admit it, we’re probably all a bit like that in our professional lives aren’t we? When there’s a key deadline to meet or a promotion opportunity to impress for I’m sure most of us would acknowledge we give that bit more than on a run of the mill working day. I do, I wish I didn’t and I wish my team always gave absolutely everything they have, but life isn’t like that. It’s not deliberate and the differences in mindset and approach are often subtle but the outputs noticeable. Footballers are just human beings like the rest of us.

I take your point and a competent manager should have a multitude of ways to motivate his players to get that little bit extra performance, that's his job. Brian Clough was brilliant at this, often involving reverse psychology.  Stuart Pearce's story about how Cloughie brought him back down to earth after being selected to play for England by getting him to fix his wife's iron is a classic.
Title: Re: Contract renewals
Post by: RoversInSpain on March 20, 2024, 02:21:01 pm
Am I the only one who doesn't buy the dismissive insinuation that a player has only improved recently because they are 'playing for a contract'?  With the odd exception I cannot imagine any professional footballer ever going into a game with the mindset that I am not going to bother playing the best I can.


I would agree that players are not deliberately entering a game with the mindset that “I am not going to bother playing the best I can.” However there will specifically be times when players go into games motivated to push that bit extra, and it stands to reason that contract expiry / renewal could be one of those determining factors. In fact I’d say it probably is.

As much as we don’t like to admit it, we’re probably all a bit like that in our professional lives aren’t we? When there’s a key deadline to meet or a promotion opportunity to impress for I’m sure most of us would acknowledge we give that bit more than on a run of the mill working day. I do, I wish I didn’t and I wish my team always gave absolutely everything they have, but life isn’t like that. It’s not deliberate and the differences in mindset and approach are often subtle but the outputs noticeable. Footballers are just human beings like the rest of us.
Yes totally agree, very good post , Jonathan
Title: Re: Contract renewals
Post by: ncRover on March 20, 2024, 03:40:55 pm
A good Litmus test for the players with expiring contracts would be:

- Would a promotion rival want to sign them?

Biggins has picked up and done alright but he still fails that.
Title: Re: Contract renewals
Post by: selby on March 20, 2024, 05:50:35 pm
  Well he played 82 games for Fleetwood between 2017 and 2022 and were Fleetwood mostly in division 1 and up there in Division 2 while he was there, so yes someone going for promotion might look at that him 28 yrs old done it before and take a punt.
  2020/21 on loan at Barrow 22 games
Title: Re: Contract renewals
Post by: sedwardsdrfc on March 20, 2024, 09:54:21 pm
On the playing for a contract thing I think there’s something too it. Not specifically about any of our players just more generally.

You train all week to be at the top of your game in a very competitive sport where there’s not a lot between players on an individual level. Just a small increase in effort across the weeks of training will probably show itself on a match day.

Not saying it’s a lack of professionalism it’s only normal that you have a natural level of effort which subconsciously increase with a feeling of jeopardy about your future
Title: Re: Contract renewals
Post by: ravenrover on March 21, 2024, 08:18:46 am
Could it also be called playing for your place in the team when selected ie Biggins rather than playing for a contract?
Title: Re: Contract renewals
Post by: ncRover on March 21, 2024, 09:05:01 am
  Well he played 82 games for Fleetwood between 2017 and 2022 and were Fleetwood mostly in division 1 and up there in Division 2 while he was there, so yes someone going for promotion might look at that him 28 yrs old done it before and take a punt.
  2020/21 on loan at Barrow 22 games

Barrow narrowly stayed up in L2 that year.

Fleetwood stayed up on goal difference the year he was a regular and our Wellens / McSheffrey team took up a relegation spot.

But that doesn’t necessarily mean much. In my own opinion using my eyes he isn’t a promotion standard player.
Title: Re: Contract renewals
Post by: Jonathan on March 21, 2024, 09:22:12 am
Could it also be called playing for your place in the team when selected ie Biggins rather than playing for a contract?

Likely to be an element of that too. There are lots of factors that motivate us, aren’t there.
Title: Re: Contract renewals
Post by: Colin C No.3 on March 21, 2024, 09:55:23 am
Could it also be called playing for your place in the team when selected ie Biggins rather than playing for a contract?

Likely to be an element of that too. There are lots of factors that motivate us, aren’t there.

Women, beer, football.

I’m a simple soul.
Title: Re: Contract renewals
Post by: Reg of the Rovers on March 21, 2024, 10:03:20 am
Could it also be called playing for your place in the team when selected ie Biggins rather than playing for a contract?

Likely to be an element of that too. There are lots of factors that motivate us, aren’t there.

Women, beer, football.

I’m a simple soul.
As George Best once said "I spent a lot of money on booze, birds and fast cars. The rest I just squandered".
Title: Re: Contract renewals
Post by: pib on March 21, 2024, 03:54:04 pm
A couple more players have agreed terms according to GM in the below article.

https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/sport/football/doncaster-rovers-boss-grant-mccann-reveals-contract-update-at-league-two-club-4564252
Title: Re: Contract renewals
Post by: ravenrover on March 21, 2024, 04:36:36 pm
He spoke about it in his pre match pressie with Dee Dah
Title: Re: Contract renewals
Post by: steve@dcfd on March 21, 2024, 05:28:58 pm
He did say a few when talking to Radio Sheffield
Title: Re: Contract renewals
Post by: Alan Southstand on March 21, 2024, 06:18:44 pm
Also mentioned about not wanting a huge turnover of players in the summer.
Title: Re: Contract renewals
Post by: mushRTID on March 21, 2024, 06:24:01 pm
I reckon Wood, Westbrooke and Moly are all signing.
Title: Re: Contract renewals
Post by: DonnyBazR0ver on March 21, 2024, 06:37:53 pm
I wouldn't be surprised if Biggins was 'Granted' an extension too.
Title: Re: Contract renewals
Post by: Spud on March 21, 2024, 06:48:06 pm
I reckon Wood, Westbrooke and Moly are all signing.

Hope you're right.
I wouldn't mind Biggins too, Grant seems to be getting a tune out of him too.
Title: Re: Contract renewals
Post by: graingrover on March 21, 2024, 07:18:37 pm
The forum has changed as has the whole atmosphere around the club since Grant told them the aim was to head the table for the ( then ) next  18 games .We are doing so much  better , players and supporters .
Title: Re: Contract renewals
Post by: adamtherover on March 21, 2024, 09:50:10 pm
The forum has changed as has the whole atmosphere around the club since Grant told them the aim was to head the table for the ( then ) next  18 games .We are doing so much  better , players and supporters .
or.... At that time he signed quality loan players?
Title: Re: Contract renewals
Post by: bedale rover on March 22, 2024, 02:01:27 pm
More to do with the return to health of one Richard Wood
Title: Re: Contract renewals
Post by: ravenrover on March 22, 2024, 03:40:02 pm
Timothee is for me the key signing
Title: Re: Contract renewals
Post by: mushRTID on March 22, 2024, 04:13:47 pm
I wonder if one could be Biamou?
Title: Re: Contract renewals
Post by: Metalmicky on March 22, 2024, 05:13:07 pm
Timothee is for me the key signing

Don't forget he is contracted to Hull until August 2025 - with an option for another year also...  I honestly don't think we could get him - not in our price range I fear.
Title: Re: Contract renewals
Post by: ravenrover on March 22, 2024, 06:02:20 pm
Correct, I meant of the Jan signings
Title: Re: Contract renewals
Post by: ncRover on March 22, 2024, 08:04:21 pm
I wonder if one could be Biamou?

Way too early to offer him one after years out.
Title: Re: Contract renewals
Post by: karldew on March 22, 2024, 08:14:12 pm
Timothee is for me the key signing

Don't forget he is contracted to Hull until August 2025 - with an option for another year also...  I honestly don't think we could get him - not in our price range I fear.

Even a season long loan agreed early wood be nice.
Title: Re: Contract renewals
Post by: Alan Southstand on March 22, 2024, 08:46:17 pm
Interesting discussion point - of the 5 loans we currently have:

How many would you keep, ideally?
Who would you keep, ideally?
Do you think we have a chance with any of them becoming permanent next season?

For me, I’d definately have TLT & Craig back for a season long loan
Adelakun to become a permanent?
Jury out on Nixon
Waters not for me
Title: Re: Contract renewals
Post by: The Dav on March 22, 2024, 08:48:59 pm
I’d agree with all your points there Alan.
Title: Re: Contract renewals
Post by: Reg of the Rovers on March 22, 2024, 08:54:12 pm
Interesting discussion point - of the 5 loans we currently have:

How many would you keep, ideally?
Who would you keep, ideally?
Do you think we have a chance with any of them becoming permanent next season?

For me, I’d definately have TLT & Craig back for a season long loan
Adelakun to become a permanent?
Jury out on Nixon
Waters not for me
100% agree Alan, the three you mention have been season changers. We should do our absolute best to keep them. Nixon ok without being spectacular, but good cover given that Sterry and Maxwell are both pretty delicate! Waters behind Hurst and Molyneux, but way ahead of Taylor - in so much as he does manage to get on the pitch.
Title: Re: Contract renewals
Post by: ncRover on March 22, 2024, 09:04:00 pm
The only way we get TLT and Craig back next year is if we go up.
Title: Re: Contract renewals
Post by: Alan Southstand on March 25, 2024, 04:22:26 pm
Let’s be fair here, out of the 11 senior players out of contract, there are some easy decisions:

Molyneux
Biggins.         
Taylor.           
Close.           
Westbrooke
Rowe.           
Seaman.       
Wood
Lavery.         
Maxwell
Biamou

Out of those, Maxwell has already signed.

Seaman & Lavery are shoe-in’s to be released.
Taylor has to be on a very sticky wicket. Which leaves:

Molyneux
Biggins.             
Close.           
Westbrooke
Rowe.           
Wood

2 out of those 6 may also have signed. But, there’s the more junior players also:

Bottomley
Degruchy
Kuleya
Faulkner?
Ravenhill

There’s only Faulkner I’d keep (that’s if he’s ooc) out of those 5. We still have Flint, Goodman and Straughan-Brown.



Title: Re: Contract renewals
Post by: roversdude on March 25, 2024, 04:46:49 pm
The meeting with Grant and Cliff now has other members of the coaching staff plus other special guests - could these be players who’ve signed