New Contracts?

[pauliewalnuts]

Ron was on £15K at Feyenoord, 25-30K with us.

Whether its £20k, £25k or £30k, doubling his salary for his last big contract sounds about right. When we signed him he was unproven in the Premier League and hadn't looked too good playing for Holland. Since then he's become our captain, is a genuine leader around the club and was one of the best defenders at the World Cup. People will point to his injury track record (which is strengthened with him being out right now) but without seeing the stats, I would guess he's played around 75% of our games since he joined. If we don't pay it, our rivals will. How much would it cost us to replace him? What message would not signing him be sent to other players? If his agent is trying to barter salary negotiations, that can only be a good thing as it shows an intention to stay.

I want us to keep Vlaar too, but surely there's a pretty big difference between doubling his salary if he's on 20k a week and doing it if he's on 30k a week? It also isn't just about what he's going to be on, it is about what it does for the general salary framework of the club.

I can't be arsed to work out how many games he has missed through injury, but he has appeared in 62 PL games for us, and we've played 85 since he has been here.

That means he has missed 27% of the league games in the time he has been here, so your guess is probably about right.

He has never really been dropped, and has always been "a starter" - at least I don't think so - so it is pretty safe to assume that was down to injuries.

I agree with you, it looks more notable because he's injured at the moment, but that is enough games missed for his injury record to be of some concern, in my opinion.

I totally agree, if you look at the £4m or so we would probably get for him, and the hassle involved in finding a replacement for him, and the question of whether we trust Lambert to do that in January, then all of those things are arguments against selling him.

However, if, say, his agent wanted a four year deal on 60k a week (and that's just a figure picked at random, but one which isn't totally unimaginable) at the age 29, then with the age factor and the injury record, I wouldn't want us to pay that.

[Malandro]

Might as well offer Warnock a new contract now

[Villafirst]

Any further news on a new contract for Delph? He will have time on his hands to contemplate the situation with his recovery from surgery.....

[LTA]

Out till January according to Sky.

[Gregorys Boy]

Out till January according to Sky.

Oh shit that is a blow.

[Le Lapin]

I reckon Delph is gone. We have left it too late to be in a bargaining position. Red Scouse etc. will be sniffing around at this stage.

[peter w]

Well when you're talking of trying to relieve people of their contracts there's no point in talking about your best player(s) having new contracts because they won't sign them.

[john2710]

I think we need to resign ourselves to both Vlar & Delph going during January & that could well be a fatal blow.

They will attract better offers then what we can / are prepared to give them. Saying that I'd still be disappointed in Delph, after all the support he had during the first 3 years where he did feck all.

[peter w]

We'll keep them until the summer. Maybe not Vlaar but Delph definitely.

[eamonn]

Well, that's ok then.

I can imagine Delph is feeling conflicted as he's a good lad. I think the best we can hope for is he signs a long term deal with the assurance that he can go in a year if he wants provided our valuation is met (wouldn't be surprised if there is a similar agreement with Benteke). His star might not be as high in a year to 18 months time though so his agent is probably pushing him into leaving.

[Smirker]

I think we need to resign ourselves to both Vlar & Delph going during January & that could well be a fatal blow.

They will attract better offers then what we can / are prepared to give them. Saying that I'd still be disappointed in Delph, after all the support he had during the first 3 years where he did feck all.

His comments in the summer as well. Said he wanted to sign a new deal. I would be pissed off if he leaves but I'm expecting Delph, Vlaar and Benteke all to go.

Disappointing.

[ozzjim]

If were them, I would be telling my agent to get me to a club who have the slightest bit of ambition.

[OzVilla]

If were them, I would be telling my agent to get me to a club who have the slightest bit of ambition.

Absolutely, I wouldn't sign right know if I were them.

With Vlaar's WC behind him he'll be looking for a bigger Club in the Champions League or Man Utd.

Benteke probably needs a move to kick on by playing with better players that provide better service.

Delph might be the best bet to stay but he'll be easily tempted if a Club with any semblance of ambition comes calling.

Plus Lerner might just want to cash in anyway regardless.

[Villafirst]

I see Vlaar has admitted talks have taken place over a new Contract and the situation is ''on-going'' according to the B'ham Mail today.

[PaulWinch again]

If were them, I would be telling my agent to get me to a club who have the slightest bit of ambition.

Indeed.