Proof the owners did not lie down.
Quote from: PaulWinch again on August 05, 2021, 08:28:16 PMProof the owners did not lie down.From Purslow's broadcast earlier tonight, it's clear that Grealish was eyeing a move even when he put pen to paper on his new deal last September. Fortunately, the board had the foresight to set a (high) value for the release clause. I doubt Lerner or Dr Tony's people would have had the sense to do the same.Onwards and upwards now. Grealish = Yorke = Platt = Gray. We'll improve on last season's eleventh place finish.BTW, thanks for your efforts, Jack. Could have been a legend. Now will be merely a footnote in the history of two clubs. Maybe more.
Given there is no ratboy thread anymore I'd like to state that I hope he doesn't return again. Not at 31,32,33 and so on. Door firmly closed, don't come back.
His priorities were to play at the highest level which for most gifted footballers is their aim. I have no doubt that had we made Top 4 he'd have stayed. We didn't and are unlikely to do that for at least another 2 seasons by which time he's missed out on a lot of top level football given he probably has only another 5 years left being at his peak. Basically, he's outgrown us for where we are now.
Absolute guesswork on my part but I can see Liverpool and Spurs sniffing around Watkins, possibly as soon as January. Obviously we reject their advances but if Watkins wobbles and they offer stupid money (£85m+) we already have a decent insurance policy with Ings so the impact will not be as bad.