Talks on contract opened with Cuellar

[sid1964]

I would see how Carlos does whilst Dunn is out of the side...IF he does ok then I would consider giving him a new contract, but on the same terms as he is on NOW!!, I would be amazed if another club would pay him 35k a week, in this country or in Spain.

[bertlambshank]

My mate (one of the original five 'supporters representatives') had another meeting with AM the other week, and reckons he told him that Cuellar is our best defender and wanted to keep him but Lerner wanted him off the wage bill because of his contract running out. So if true, maybe it's a good sign re:wages. Then again, it's probably a good idea even if we end up selling him, as at least we'll get a fee.

If that is true and I have no reason to doubt it,we really have given up.

[Bottom Right 89]

Thing is, three managers in a row have been unsure about him in his favoured position, so there must be something in that.

I think Carlos' problem is that he gets on with it and just wants to play so they can stick him at at right back and he doesn't argue, almost like a utility player. If they played Dunne or Collins out of position they're more likely to question the manager. Personally I think he's the best defender we have so good news if we're trying to keep him.

[pauliewalnuts]

My mate (one of the original five 'supporters representatives') had another meeting with AM the other week, and reckons he told him that Cuellar is our best defender and wanted to keep him but Lerner wanted him off the wage bill because of his contract running out. So if true, maybe it's a good sign re:wages. Then again, it's probably a good idea even if we end up selling him, as at least we'll get a fee.

I agree.

Mind you, the flip side is that Carlos can turn down a new contract, go somewhere else on a free and kerching it in by getting a big signing on wad in the absence of a fee.

Until recent events, I'd have put money on his going to Rangers. Can't imagine that's going to happen now.

[Concrete John]

Until recent events, I'd have put money on his going to Rangers. Can't imagine that's going to happen now.

Maybe that's why the timing of that is what it is.  He wanted to go back to Rangers, but can't now so is open to staying?

[PaulWinch again]

I like the idea of him staying but he must be played more.

[Concrete John]

I would see how Carlos does whilst Dunn is out of the side...IF he does ok then I would consider giving him a new contract, but on the same terms as he is on NOW!!, I would be amazed if another club would pay him 35k a week, in this country or in Spain.

And if they did that and he played well, his wage demands would go up and they'd be blamed for not signing him up earlier.

[asgpaul]

I like the idea of him staying but he must be played more.

I'd like to see him given a run at CB with Clark alongside him.

[TaxDodger]

Sign him up. He's quite clearly our best centre half and has played well when called upon this season. I'd rather sell Dunne to be honest.

[TheSandman]

I'm happy to hear this but very very surprised. Hopefully, an agreement will be reached and he will get a run in the side. Though I'm not holding out much hope as I think he fancies a move home and regular first team football which he hasn't had previously with us.

[Phil from the upper holte]

He's our best defender yet he's hardly played him? i know he was injured but there was a period he was no-where near the team, utter bollocks from the ginger ninja

[Dante Lavelli]

he told him that Cuellar is our best defender and wanted to keep him but Lerner wanted him off the wage bill

He thinks he is our best defender yet doesn't play him.  This does not add up, as there have been numerous opportunities to select him where he hasn't.  He's either lying/misquoted or Collins and Dunne have clauses stipulating they must play when fit (MON/Faulkner would not be that stupid would they?!).

[darren woolley]

I would be happy if he signs a new deal.

[villanic]

I hope Carlos sign’s a new deal but also hope his good form over the last few games hasn’t been to earn a better deal or a good move at the end of the season but rather down to his desire to cement a place in the team.

[Percy McCarthy]

I understand the scepticism regarding my post.

Assuming my mate reported what was said accurately, I can only assume that AM not picking Carlos, when fit,
 was something to do with thinking that CC wouldn't be staying because of his contract situation,
 and preferring to use the players still here beyond the summer.

 Further to this point, however, my pal reckons that AM can't go public on what he thinks of certain others as he wants to try and sell them in the summer.