Lambert: Weimann & Benteke WILL stay

[Risso]

I'd like to think that they owe the club a debt of gratitude for giving them the platform where they have been able to show their abilities; time will tell.

I don't believe that any side owes the other side anything.  Both were happy to enter into what they believed were mutually acceptable contracts, and if a bigger club comes in with an offer of big money then I'd expect both would be off.  The only logic in football is money these days, shame, but that's the sad truth.

I strongly disagree, particularly with Wiemann. A lot of time, effort and money has gone into his development, for him to clear off after one decent season would be a poor way to repay the club.

He might argue that if his goals help keep us up, he's repaid the club in spades.  But whatever, that's bringing old-fashioned values like morals into football.  They don't exist in today's Premier League I'm afraid, I Spurs or Liverpool come in with a big money offer I expect he'd be tempted, as would Lerner.

[dave.woodhall]

I wonder what Crewe, Genk and Sheffield United fans think of this debate?

[eastie]

I'd like to think that they owe the club a debt of gratitude for giving them the platform where they have been able to show their abilities; time will tell.

I don't believe that any side owes the other side anything.  Both were happy to enter into what they believed were mutually acceptable contracts, and if a bigger club comes in with an offer of big money then I'd expect both would be off.  The only logic in football is money these days, shame, but that's the sad truth.

I strongly disagree, particularly with Wiemann. A lot of time, effort and money has gone into his development, for him to clear off after one decent season would be a poor way to repay the club.

He might argue that if his goals help keep us up, he's repaid the club in spades.  But whatever, that's bringing old-fashioned values like morals into football.  They don't exist in today's Premier League I'm afraid, I Spurs or Liverpool come in with a big money offer I expect he'd be tempted, as would Lerner.

Seeing the fuss he kicked up to get his move when we made a bid i suspect if one of the top clubs came calling he may try to force the issue- hopefully not.

[martin o`who??]

I don't think Lambert will get the final say.

No, their agents will.

[Chris Smith]

I wonder what Crewe, Genk and Sheffield United fans think of this debate?

It's a fair point. The only one I can speak of with any real knowledge of is Crewe, and my mate accepts that developing and selling young players is the only way a club like them can keep going as a league club. So the difference, I suppose, is that in that situation you have a willing seller whereas we wouldn't be.

[dave.woodhall]

I wonder what Crewe, Genk and Sheffield United fans think of this debate?

It's a fair point. The only one I can speak of with any real knowledge of is Crewe, and my mate accepts that developing and selling young players is the only way a club like them can keep going as a league club. So the difference, I suppose, is that in that situation you have a willing seller whereas we wouldn't be.

It's also, in reality, the only way we can succeed. The bottom line is that no club in the country could hang onto a player the Manchesters want.

[villa for life]

I don't think we should be overly concerned about losing either. One of the things that I like about the players Lambert buys is that they are  not bigger than the club. Even though it's been a pretty poor season, I like to think that it is a stepping stone onto bigger things. If Benteke or Weimann don't want to be part of that, it's their decision. I like this team because nobody is bigger than the team or club itself.

[mr underhill]

i'm going to like the team  a lot less if we get relegated

[mr-villa]

Sorry posted in wrong thread