No complaints with that for me. Question now is what happens to those players still under contract that Hurst doesn't seem to be a fan of? Frozen out and hope they leave? Offered mutual termination with a reduced pay out? Given a chance in the squad? Will be interesting to see.

Don't look like we have many acceptable strikers left in the squad.

Spot on for me with Williams, Gibson, Morais and Rose all to leave.. I have a feeling Hurst see's Waterfall being useful next season.

Be surprised to see a decent majority of the 'Under Contract Next Season' crew still here come pre-season.

There’s not anyone who’s gone who I would have offered a deal to.  

Think he’ll want to shift some of those under contract but that is not for today.

Be positive if the 3 offered contracts sign, think we will probably only get Coke though.

Quoted from MaccasBoots

No complaints with that for me. Question now is what happens to those players still under contract that Hurst doesn't seem to be a fan of? Frozen out and hope they leave? Offered mutual termination with a reduced pay out? Given a chance in the squad? Will be interesting to see.

Probably put amongst the hundreds of names to be circulated to the NL and EFL clubs and told they can look for another club if they want to.

With those under contract and offered deals its already a squad of 22 so he will need to offload a few contracted players if those that were offered contracts sign.

Quoted from 123614

Don't look like we have many acceptable strikers left in the squad.

did we anyway?  ;)

Happy with all that, Would like to hope all 3 offered contracts re-sign but cant see it

If we can get rid of Rose, Williams, Morais & Gibson then that'll be even better

Quoted from LocalLadGTFC

Spot on for me with Williams, Gibson, Morais and Rose all to leave.. I have a feeling Hurst see's Waterfall being useful next season.

They are not down to leave, they are still contracted to the club next season.

Quoted from MaccasBoots

No complaints with that for me. Question now is what happens to those players still under contract that Hurst doesn't seem to be a fan of? Frozen out and hope they leave? Offered mutual termination with a reduced pay out? Given a chance in the squad? Will be interesting to see.

In his interview after Cambridge he heavily inferred the budget he's been given means he can afford to freeze them all out, and he'd been very clear with those players that would be the case if they chose to stay.

Did we have relegation clauses in the contracts of any of the players still under contract? Sorry if already been covered

Quoted from Chrisblor

In his interview after Cambridge he heavily inferred the budget he's been given means he can afford to freeze them all out, and he'd been very clear with those players that would be the case if they chose to stay.

That's the impression I got too. Let your career end here, or do something about it and leave.

For those who haven't seen the list

Players not offered new terms

James Hanson

Matt Green

Stefan Payne

Sam Habergham

Joe Bunney

Ludvig Öhman

Julien Lamy

Alhagi Touray Sisay

Cameron Painter

Jock Curran


Still under contract:

James McKeown

Danny Rose

Luke Waterfall

George Williams

Sean Scannell

Montel Gibson

Ira Jackson Jr

Filipe Morais

Max Wright

Lenell John-Lewis

Joe Starbuck

Duncan Idehen


Offered new terms

Luke Hendrie

Elliott Hewitt

Giles Coke


Options taken up

Ollie Battersby

Mattie Pollock

Harry Clifton

Luke Spokes


Offered professional deals

Luis Adlard

Evan Khouri

Jaz Goundry


Returning to parent club after loan

Jay Matete

Rollin Menayese

Kyle Bennett

Jake Eastwood

Works for me, I’d like to see the 3 senior players offered deals sign but imagine Coke will be the only one who’s likely to commit.

As many posters have said already it’s how Hurst can with trim or get a tune out of the ones left and add relative quality that matters most.

I don’t expect to see much movement or activity for a bit now until the deals all expire on what is it June 30th?

Somewhat surprised to see we took up the option on spokes, he looks some way off being even 3rd choice at NL level to me.

Quoted from 123614

Don't look like we have many acceptable strikers left in the squad.

We didn’t have any acceptable strikers in the squad

Quoted from Madeleymariner

With those under contract and offered deals its already a squad of 22 so he will need to offload a few contracted players if those that were offered contracts sign.

no he doesn't - he made that crystal clear in the post Cambridge interview. As someone said we could even furlough them for the next couple of months and then let them train with the youth
Since people like Gibson, Williams & Rose will be travelling long distances to work it's not going to be a very attractive proposition

Frightening that 6 of those 12 under contract are not wanted and 4 of those 12 will be amongst the highest earners. Thanks Holloway/Fenty

i'd be gobsmacked if Skinflint Fenty hadn't included relegation clauses alongside his infamous Covid clauses. The chance to save a few thousand pounds would have ensured that!
Anyone know what the magnitude of these clauses are usually? i.e. are wages cut in half, or just reduced by 10%?

No great surprises there, and realistically still another four or five to get shut of by hook or by crook. What underlines the challenge ahead for me though is that if you go back in time to the 15/16 Conference season and select your best 15 from that bunch, there won't be many names you'd swap out.

McKeown
Tait
Gowling
Pearson
Nsiala
Townsend
Robertson
Disley
Clay
Nolan
Arnold
Monkhouse
Amond
Bogle
Pittman

You can make an argument for LJL for Pittman, and I know some wouldn't have Monkhouse in there at all, but when you consider this lot only just got us over the line I think it becomes clear we have a hill to climb next season.

So Ohman was still contracted after all. Yet another lie from Holloway.

Of those still contracted, there is nothing to stop Hurst putting those that he really doesn't want on the transfer list, for a minimal fee, to put there names out there, which would save the club having to pay them off

Would expect Rose, Scannell, Gibson, Williams and Morais to go by either mutual termination or free to join another club.

That players under contract section is a haunting reminder at how bad Holloway's recruitment was and how many stupidly lengthy contracts were seemingly and blindly dished out where most managers would have demanded a trial for a few weeks at the very least

Slightly sad to see Habergham and Lamy go, I'm sure we find suitable and maybe better replacements but those two weren't that bad.

Quoted from Poojah

No great surprises there, and realistically still another four or five to get shut of by hook or by crook. What underlines the challenge ahead for me though is that if you go back in time to the 15/16 Conference season and select your best 15 from that bunch, there won't be many names you'd swap out.

McKeown
Tait
Gowling
Peason
Nsiala
Townsend
Robertson
Disley
Clay
Nolan
Arnold
Monkhouse
Amond
Bogle
Pittman

You can make an argument for LJL for Pittman, and I know some wouldn't have Monkhouse in there at all, but when you consider this lot only just got us over the line I think it becomes clear we have a hill to climb next season.

Pretty astonishing isn't it really when you compare the quality of that squad, to pretty much every side we've fielded since our return to the league... and we finished 4th in the NL that season, 21 points behind the leaders.

My number 1 to get rid of would be Scannell spent the whole season sitting on his @rs not being fit, much what he has done at other clubs the previous couple of years, he hasn't managed even half a season in the last 4 years

I'm sure that Mr Hurst's ear will be on full agent call burn now - both with the get rid set and new incomers.

Ground and training improvements could be one way to bring players in - no hoofball to beat the divots and throwing the dartboard away !!

Here's a quick thought, Jon Nolan recovering from injury - cheeky short loan to get him playing time?

Question - would there be a no social media reporting clause in contracts for those he wants out who are still contracted?

Quoted from Gainsbro_Mariner

Would expect Rose, Scannell, Gibson, Williams and Morais to go by either mutual termination or free to join another club.

That players under contract section is a haunting reminder at how bad Holloway's recruitment was and how many stupidly lengthy contracts were seemingly and blindly dished out where most managers would have demanded a trial for a few weeks at the very least

Slightly sad to see Habergham and Lamy go, I'm sure we find suitable and maybe better replacements but those two weren't that bad.

wonder if Habergham's injuries was a concern - he seemed to pick up several injuries in the few games he played, and he doesn't seem to have any pace.
Tells me that Hurst has already got a left back lined up!

Quoted from toontown

Somewhat surprised to see we took up the option on spokes, he looks some way off being even 3rd choice at NL level to me.

I’d beg to differ, thought Spokes had some excellent games given the jump he’s had to make. Think he’ll be a good NL player next season.

Quoted from forza ivano

wonder if Habergham's injuries was a concern - he seemed to pick up several injuries in the few games he played, and he doesn't seem to have any pace.
Tells me that Hurst has already got a left back lined up!

Ironically saw him in the gym last week in Lincoln doing stretches and on the bike. You are probably right, wish the guy the best anyway, he's had a tough time. Thought he played quite well though.

Quoted from forza ivano

no he doesn't - he made that crystal clear in the post Cambridge interview. As someone said we could even furlough them for the next couple of months and then let them train with the youth
Since people like Gibson, Williams & Rose will be travelling long distances to work it's not going to be a very attractive proposition

Frightening that 6 of those 12 under contract are not wanted and 4 of those 12 will be amongst the highest earners. Thanks Holloway/Fenty

i'd be gobsmacked if Skinflint Fenty hadn't included relegation clauses alongside his infamous Covid clauses. The chance to save a few thousand pounds would have ensured that!
Anyone know what the magnitude of these clauses are usually? i.e. are wages cut in half, or just reduced by 10%?

Think a 25% cut is standard.

No complaints with the retained list for me but I think there will be a good few more of the contracted players going over the coming weeks and months.

Quoted from pontoonlew

I’d beg to differ, thought Spokes had some excellent games given the jump he’s had to make. Think he’ll be a good NL player next season.

He seems like a good lad but that's generous. He'll have to improve significantly to be a regular next year (hopefully he can).

Quoted from MeanwoodMariner

He seems like a good lad but that's generous. He'll have to improve significantly to be a regular next year (hopefully he can).

With a decent backroom staff he could flourish

Under Fenty we were led to believe that Hurst was given a competitive budget and left to get on with it. After the Amond interview we found out that it wasn't the case, he was fighting with one arm tied behind his back all the time. Under the new regime he will be given a competitive budget and he will be left alone to spend it as he sees fit. So it looks like we will see a more proactive approach to recruitment this coming season and Hurst will get what he wants rather than what was the cheap option.

I cannot express the sense of relief that Green is going......

...not because he's a poor player but that we can look forward to a future where every third post on here isn't about how sh*t Matt Green is!

Gonna have a big squad already without offloading players.

All the good players we’ve lost over the years when out of contract and then you look at the ones we’ve given 2/3 year deals to. Ridiculous  ;D

Spokes should be the Clay equivalent next year. The willing workhorse in midfield who's 3rd/4th choice. We need much better if we want to win the league but Spokes will be a reliable deputy.

I'd be somewhat surprised if Hewitt particularly signed. A league club will offer him a contract I'm sure.

Waterfall will probably be very useful as a 3rd choice CB, however, I hope he's told Williams, Morais, Scannell, Gibson and Rose to find themselves new clubs.

The legacy of Holloway is long and sad though isn't it? Rubbish, high-earning players on long contracts.

A proper pre season set of training sessions and games should prove how fit some of the fringe players could become and how many can shake recurring injuries.

Max Wright is an enigma - very good when fit, but constanty picking up problems - last chance saloon !

Looking forward to all of the released lists coming out and the usual armchair experts putting names forward - it's what the closed season is all about.

Quoted from ginnywings

Think a 25% cut is standard.

No complaints with the retained list for me but I think there will be a good few more of the contracted players going over the coming weeks and months.

I bet the players who got us promotion didn't get a 25% increase

Quoted from mimma

Under Fenty we were led to believe that Hurst was given a competitive budget and left to get on with it. After the Amond interview we found out that it wasn't the case, he was fighting with one arm tied behind his back all the time. Under the new regime he will be given a competitive budget and he will be left alone to spend it as he sees fit. So it looks like we will see a more proactive approach to recruitment this coming season and Hurst will get what he wants rather than what was the cheap option.

I read it just the same. The budget will be by far the biggest Hurst has had with us at that level and he won't have outside interference. I hope Hurst's ability to spot a gem, combined with offered better terms and improving facilities for prospective players to see when they look round will mean we can recruit better than last time.

Our best chance to get promoted is next season. We can't blow it.

That is the biggest waste of time statement ever. So basically, in a nutshell:

- everyone who is under contract is staying
- everyone who is out of contract is gone
- everyone who had an option, we’re keeping
- those out of contract who we’d like to keep have been offered new deals, but clearly they’d all prefer to be somewhere else as they haven’t accepted.

No news there at all.

Quoted from golfer

I bet the players who got us promotion didn't get a 25% increase

We probably called it a "change of division" clause, so we could invoke it (-25%) whether moving up or down  ;)

At least 10 of the still under contract players need to move out to make way for the New Mariners.

I wish PH all the best in his search for much better quality players than the rabble who called themselves a team last season!
:) :) :) :) :) :) :) :)

Quoted from Heisenberg

That is the biggest waste of time statement ever. So basically, in a nutshell:

- everyone who is under contract is staying
- everyone who is out of contract is gone
- everyone who had an option, we’re keeping
- those out of contract who we’d like to keep have been offered new deals, but clearly they’d all prefer to be somewhere else as they haven’t accepted.

No news there at all.

You'd rather them have said nothing & we wait until the photographs from the first pre-season session to see who's about?  Interesting take that's for sure.

Quoted from GhostDan

You'd rather them have said nothing & we wait until the photographs from the first pre-season session to see who's about?  Interesting take that's for sure.

Unfortunately for Luke Spokes that would've been nothing new.

Quoted from Heisenberg

That is the biggest waste of time statement ever. So basically, in a nutshell:

- everyone who is under contract is staying
- everyone who is out of contract is gone
- everyone who had an option, we’re keeping
- those out of contract who we’d like to keep have been offered new deals, but clearly they’d all prefer to be somewhere else as they haven’t accepted.

No news there at all.

Where exactly did it say the players already under contract will all be staying?

Glad we had options on Clifton, Pollock and Spokes..

Runaway really did leave a mess with the contracts he gave out with most of them!

Quoted from mimma

Under Fenty we were led to believe that Hurst was given a competitive budget and left to get on with it. After the Amond interview we found out that it wasn't the case, he was fighting with one arm tied behind his back all the time. Under the new regime he will be given a competitive budget and he will be left alone to spend it as he sees fit. So it looks like we will see a more proactive approach to recruitment this coming season and Hurst will get what he wants rather than what was the cheap option.

To some degree I hope this isn't the case. Holloway was pretty much left alone and look where that got us. Some oversight and asking Hurst sensible questions about his recruitment is a healthy thing and good management. I have never recruited anybody without talking it through with my boss or allowed anybody who reports to me to make a recruitment decision without a discussion with me.

Quoted from GollyGTFC

Where exactly did it say the players already under contract will all be staying?

What I mean is, those players (who are clearly unwanted) are not in agreement with the severance offers that the club have proposed to them, so as things stand, they are staying. They are under no obligation to leave. I just think you might as well release a list once you have an idea of who might actually be leaving, rather than those who the club is contractually obliged to keep if no agreement is reached.

I remember reading Tony Ford’s autobiography and he just turned up at pre season training despite Buckley telling him he was not in his plans. But he had every right to stay.

I just think you might as well say it how it is - Hurst has already said publicly that Morais, for example, will not play for the club again as he’s not in his plans. The ‘retained’ list doesn’t say that.

Quoted from toontown

Somewhat surprised to see we took up the option on spokes, he looks some way off being even 3rd choice at NL level to me.

Amen.

Hope Coke signs, players like him at his age are perfect for that level

I wouldn't write off any of the players we have still under contract, they arent likely to have many offers elsewhere, hurst might be willing to give them another chance, and were playing at a lower level, even though the quality difference isnt always obvious, theres a fair few players who can produce in none league but not in league 2. Bring in some quality around them, a fresh start and a better environment, we could be chanting any one of their names next season

I think spokes will be a good player, got a bit of his first season under his belt and in some games looked very good and can take decent set pieces. Think some fail to forget the huge leap in standard he has made from lowly taunton .

Another is Duncan idehan, played far to early by Holloway but certainly has enough about him to come through and shine. Has a bit of pace too which we are lacking.
And how about we give scannel a chance? He certainly is playing below his level and people saying he’s lazy is not right. Had a few injuries yes but that can happen. If he applies his self and doesn’t get injured then he could be one of the best players in the nl next season.

Gibson doesn’t do it for me.

Jackson could be lethal in front of goal given some decent service.
And there lies the problem- service. Something we have lacked for a few seasons. 3 new players in the midfield for me.

Rise has seen his best I’m afraid but can be a bit part in his twilight years.


Of and thank god Matt green has gone. Never see the best of him because that best was 5 years ago.

Quoted from BobbyCummingsTackle

To some degree I hope this isn't the case. Holloway was pretty much left alone and look where that got us. Some oversight and asking Hurst sensible questions about his recruitment is a healthy thing and good management. I have never recruited anybody without talking it through with my boss or allowed anybody who reports to me to make a recruitment decision without a discussion with me.

In your business case the boss will know what is needed from any new recruit.  In football the directors do not have any knowledge of what makes a professional footballer and how to make teams play. They should leave the disisions to the manager, who is after all an ex professional footballer.

Well that list is just the start isn't it. I'd expect that several of those contacted players will be moving on elsewhere in the next couple of months and most won't be sorry to see them go.

Quoted from Gainsbro_Mariner

Would expect Rose, Scannell, Gibson, Williams and Morais to go by either mutual termination or free to join another club.

That players under contract section is a haunting reminder at how bad Holloway's recruitment was and how many stupidly lengthy contracts were seemingly and blindly dished out where most managers would have demanded a trial for a few weeks at the very least

Slightly sad to see Habergham and Lamy go, I'm sure we find suitable and maybe better replacements but those two weren't that bad.

Lamy not good enough, Habergham never fit enough

Quoted from WHYWONTYOULETMESIGNUP

Hope Coke signs, players like him at his age are perfect for that level

I wouldn't write off any of the players we have still under contract, they arent likely to have many offers elsewhere, hurst might be willing to give them another chance, and were playing at a lower level, even though the quality difference isnt always obvious, theres a fair few players who can produce in none league but not in league 2. Bring in some quality around them, a fresh start and a better environment, we could be chanting any one of their names next season

It wouldn't bother me if we were left with only 2 or 3 of those signed for next season. Most have contributed to our relegation.

Having looked at the list it does not mean that those under contract will actually be part of Hurst's plans. It merely means they have a contract for the club to pay their wages. I feel sure that many on the list will never pull on a town shirt again.

Those whose options have been taken up and professional terms offered are the players who Hurst wants. To me, his squad for next season is these 7 plus Macca, LLJ, Wright, and possibly Waterfall and Jackson as squad players, 14 in total.

It does seem contrary to belief on here that Hurst does not fancy Hendrie, but whether he stays along with Hewitt and Coke we will have to wait and see. I'd like to see both Matete and Menayese return but while Menayese might I think Matete will not want to play in the NL.

Finally, it's good to see that Hurst can do what he wishes with his budget to get us promoted. JS and AP have faith in him so let hope and pray Hurst get players he wants and promotion will be our next season.

Gutted about Sisay.

It’s started. Love to see PH going about his work in the summer.

He unearthed some gems previously, and I’m sure we will get some more this summer

Quoted from Heisenberg

What I mean is, those players (who are clearly unwanted) are not in agreement with the severance offers that the club have proposed to them, so as things stand, they are staying. They are under no obligation to leave. I just think you might as well release a list once you have an idea of who might actually be leaving, rather than those who the club is contractually obliged to keep if no agreement is reached.

I remember reading Tony Ford’s autobiography and he just turned up at pre season training despite Buckley telling him he was not in his plans. But he had every right to stay.

I just think you might as well say it how it is - Hurst has already said publicly that Morais, for example, will not play for the club again as he’s not in his plans. The ‘retained’ list doesn’t say that.

In comparison any conversation that Hurst would have with the current squad is nothing compared to the one Buckley would have had to have had with Tony.

Quoted from Abdul19

Gutted about Sisay.

He’s probably more gutted.

Frankly I’m not gutted about any of it.
If anyone had risen above the stench of failure at any point in the last 9 months we would not be faced with the dross of the next year.

Quoted from Abdul19

Gutted about Sisay.

If history teaches us anything it’s that Town should never sign players from Welsh clubs. Chris Jones, Chris Llewelyn, Richard Hope, Touray Sisay. I actually quite liked Marc Goodfellow but even then I can’t ever forgive him for hitting the woodwork at Orient.

Are there any noteable exceptions?

Quoted from Poojah

If history teaches us anything it’s that Town should never sign players from Welsh clubs. Chris Jones, Chris Llewelyn, Richard Hope, Touray Sisay. I actually quite liked Marc Goodfellow but even then I can’t ever forgive him for hitting the woodwork at Orient.

Are there any noteable exceptions?

Did Jolley (Christian, as opposed to the blasphemous Jolley) arrive from Newport? One for the fail list.

Can see Scannell, Gibson, Rose, Morais, Williams and Starbuck being told they have no future here and made available for transfer. Dont think the Cull has finished yet.

Quoted from Poojah

If history teaches us anything it’s that Town should never sign players from Welsh clubs. Chris Jones, Chris Llewelyn, Richard Hope, Touray Sisay. I actually quite liked Marc Goodfellow but even then I can’t ever forgive him for hitting the woodwork at Orient.

Are there any noteable exceptions?

Shaun Cunnington of course

Quoted from Theimperialcoroner

Shaun Cunnington of course

Didn’t Graham Rathbone sign from Newport?

Quoted from Poojah

If history teaches us anything it’s that Town should never sign players from Welsh clubs. Chris Jones, Chris Llewelyn, Richard Hope, Touray Sisay. I actually quite liked Marc Goodfellow but even then I can’t ever forgive him for hitting the woodwork at Orient.

Are there any noteable exceptions?

Pat Glover from Swansea Town? But possibly that was a free!

Quoted from mimma

In your business case the boss will know what is needed from any new recruit.  In football the directors do not have any knowledge of what makes a professional footballer and how to make teams play. They should leave the disisions to the manager, who is after all an ex professional footballer.

(1) they can check the person has the right character and mindset for the club. There was a lot of talk about culture and ethos. Not that Hurst isn’t aligned with that.
(2) it shows senior management give a damn and it sends a message
(3) there was talk about using whatsisname who does know about football to help Hurst
(4) it’s always good to be sure.
(5) it’s an opportunity for the player/employee to get a better sense of where they’re going to be working and who for.

In my job I got interviewed by a director 4 tiers above me, who doesn’t know anything about my job, not because of micromanagement but because they want to get the right person not just someone technically competent for the role. The company is very very successful.

Didn’t realise the Maccies in Kingston had such tiers of management. But they are very very successful.

Quoted from louth_in_the_south

Didn’t realise the Maccies in Kingston had such tiers of management. But they are very very successful.

Sussed me out. 😂

Quoted from Poojah

If history teaches us anything it’s that Town should never sign players from Welsh clubs. Chris Jones, Chris Llewelyn, Richard Hope, Touray Sisay. I actually quite liked Marc Goodfellow but even then I can’t ever forgive him for hitting the woodwork at Orient.

Are there any noteable exceptions?

Des Hamilton ;)

Quoted from Abdul19

Des Hamilton ;)

Touché. I’ll treat you to a recent photo of Disco Des. Positive message, not sure why he had his shirt off though.  

[img]https://t0.gstatic.com/licensed-image?q=tbn:ANd9GcSFDMdm3GH6GiSTmaPVa2750zasH23qW-42cENJgfF6JXin5wiTjUyzv0fqRxPG[/img]

Quoted from KingstonMariner

(1) they can check the person has the right character and mindset for the club. There was a lot of talk about culture and ethos. Not that Hurst isn’t aligned with that.
(2) it shows senior management give a damn and it sends a message
(3) there was talk about using whatsisname who does know about football to help Hurst
(4) it’s always good to be sure.
(5) it’s an opportunity for the player/employee to get a better sense of where they’re going to be working and who for.

In my job I got interviewed by a director 4 tiers above me, who doesn’t know anything about my job, not because of micromanagement but because they want to get the right person not just someone technically competent for the role. The company is very very successful.

It would also be a good idea to remember that someone who wears fluorescent pink boots, has an armful of tattoos, and has a ridiculous hairstyle is not necessarily a good player.

Quoted from Abdul19

Des Hamilton ;)

Josh magennis, although only on loan

Can’t say I’m sad to say any of them go. A couple in there gave me a good memory or two but nothing more.


I’d imagine there’s some on the contracted list that have also had a difficult but justifiable conversation about their careers. I wonder if any approach the club for an agreed pay off and look elsewhere?

The likes of Gibson will surely either be frozen out or just end up back in Sunday league? Williams I’m unsure about, I think there’s a player in there but I don’t think Hurst trusts him and I can’t see him being the type of player that will dig in on a Tuesday night away at some god forsaken place...

Quoted from KingstonMariner

(1) they can check the person has the right character and mindset for the club. There was a lot of talk about culture and ethos. Not that Hurst isn’t aligned with that.
(2) it shows senior management give a damn and it sends a message
(3) there was talk about using whatsisname who does know about football to help Hurst
(4) it’s always good to be sure.
(5) it’s an opportunity for the player/employee to get a better sense of where they’re going to be working and who for.

In my job I got interviewed by a director 4 tiers above me, who doesn’t know anything about my job, not because of micromanagement but because they want to get the right person not just someone technically competent for the role. The company is very very successful.

I work for a family business but it’s a billion £ plus one represented across the World and we do something very similar but also if someone is joining our team one of us will meet them first to see if they’re going to be a good fit. I wonder if any clubs ever get the senior players to run the rule over new recruits (that aren’t their mates) to see if they’d fit with the group ?

Quoted from ex-merseymariner

Josh magennis, although only on loan

I use to work at the club when he signed.

Remember he use to play as a goalkeeper i believe, and was in most peoples eye, just a big guy up front who didn't really do much.
Then played once/twice and told to go back?

He's just scored 20 goals in league 1 for Hull who have just won the League 1 title....  ;D

Quoted from Jarmo.Is.God

I use to work at the club when he signed.

Remember he use to play as a goalkeeper i believe, and was in most peoples eye, just a big guy up front who didn't really do much.
Then played once/twice and told to go back?

He's just scored 20 goals in league 1 for Hull who have just won the League 1 title....  ;D

Sending him back was the only way we could afford to sign Malvin Kamara. And who’d want to miss out on an opportunity like that?

Quoted from Poojah

Sending him back was the only way we could afford to sign Malvin Kamara. And who’d want to miss out on an opportunity like that?

Wow...

Didn't he sign a similar time to someone else who's older brother was a good pro?
Can't remember his name for the life of me

If we have an option on a player and we keep him surely he wont be given a 25% pay cut if applicable to the other players. If not offered the same wage surely the option can't be enforced. If so some players 25% pay cut others not  =  disharmony

Was it an Ameobi?

Toni Ameobi

jesus god he was awful

The stuff with the players we don't want but who are under contract is just a bit of a negotiating game. We tell them we won't pay them up and can afford to have them rotting in reserves all season. They say that's fine and they can't find another club. Then either they break and say they've been offered something but on less so we'd need to pay up the difference or we break and say we won't pay up the full year but how about 3/6/9 months severance to go get a new club and never darken our door again. Would be amazed if anybody stays for a full year, completely frozen out but equally amazed if they find new clubs and we don't have to pay a penny.

Ouch, there it is!

Quoted from HertsGTFC

I work for a family business but it’s a billion £ plus one represented across the World and we do something very similar but also if someone is joining our team one of us will meet them first to see if they’re going to be a good fit. I wonder if any clubs ever get the senior players to run the rule over new recruits (that aren’t their mates) to see if they’d fit with the group ?

The difference being, that football runs in tight circles (unlike some defenders we’ve had!) and we all know that players, managers etc talk to each other so, it’s easy to find out someone temperament

Quoted from HertsGTFC

I work for a family business but it’s a billion £ plus one represented across the World and we do something very similar but also if someone is joining our team one of us will meet them first to see if they’re going to be a good fit. I wonder if any clubs ever get the senior players to run the rule over new recruits (that aren’t their mates) to see if they’d fit with the group ?

A role for Disley

Quoted from LocalLadGTFC

I have a feeling Hurst see's Waterfall being useful next season.

Not so sure.  We've taken up the offer on Pollock, he's made an offer to keep Hewitt and I'd be amazed if he doesn't go back in for Menayese.

That's 3 first choice centre-backs straight away and then we've got Idehen for another year too.  Fair enough Hurst may well favour a back 3 but I still don't see Waterfall fitting in his plans.  Even with a back 3, I'd see Pollock, Hewitt and Meyanese as the first choices with Idehen as the back up.  Waterfall would be a quite expensive cover player, even with any relegation clause in his contract.

There's also the fact that he's generally had a very, very poor season.  Confidence is a big consideration always but he hasn't done the basics right for so long.  No doubting that we'll need a warrior type at the back for certain games but I'd see Pollock in that role and Meyanese showed once he settled he's quite happy in that role at the back.

Of the list itself, no major surprises.  I think Hendrie can maybe consider himself lucky to be offered a deal after a quite disappointing season.  In his defence it does seem he's played the majority of the season with various injuries so hopefully with a proper pre-season and some S&C work he can come back as the player of 18 months ago.  

Can't imagine Coke will have a load of clubs lining up for him, despite his excellent form for.  Hewitt's stood out in a team that finished bottom of the pile.  There's no doubting that he's a hundred times better at centre-back, but I'm not convinced he'll have clubs lining up to sign him.  His record still shows his largely a bit part player in two sides that have been relegated from the last three seasons.  

Hurst's interview about not having to worry about freezing out the deadwood is good news to say the least.    Feel very confident knowing this and that Hurst's budget will actually be competitive (as in not just words, eh John?) plus we've offloaded some of the higher earners from the last two seasons.

Quoted from Hagrid

jesus god he was awful

If he existed as described in the Gospels, he was awesome.

Quoted from HertsGTFC

I work for a family business but it’s a billion £ plus one represented across the World and we do something very similar but also if someone is joining our team one of us will meet them first to see if they’re going to be a good fit. I wonder if any clubs ever get the senior players to run the rule over new recruits (that aren’t their mates) to see if they’d fit with the group ?

I can see where you are coming from but football is a very specific skill set. I’ve employed some of the nicest, kindest, most helpful people who have been totally useless at their jobs but everyone covered for them. But I wasn’t a football manager.

Quoted from TheRonRaffertyFanClub

I can see where you are coming from but football is a very specific skill set. I’ve employed some of the nicest, kindest, most helpful people who have been totally useless at their jobs but everyone covered for them. But I wasn’t a football manager.

I once had a manager with graduate and post graduate qualifications and he was quite simply "an educated idiot"! His nickname at work was Captain Chaos!!

Out of favour players will soon be fed up of travelling over here for training only, with no chance of getting games to advertise themselves, apart from very occasional reserve games which often get cancelled.

If players then invent or actually incur slight injuries, can we also insist that they travel to see Dave Moore for treatment, not languish at home?

For clarification on current contracted players, if they move out of their own volition to other clubs ( On a transfer list - free transfer out available to them), at what point do we stop paying them, and surely, there is no pay up of contract if they negotiate a sign on fee themselves to the new club?

Don't know much about him, but would be good if Khouri follows suit:

https://www.grimsby-townfc.co.uk/news/2021/may/goundry-pens-first-professional-contract/

Graham Rathbone would fit in very well with the current team.   He often gave free kicks away for leaning on the backs of forwards.

There was a period of about 5 games in the autumn of Jolley’s first full season where Hanson and Green looked the real deal. As did Town. Hanson in particular. A shame it all went to excrement.

Quoted from marinerdazza

There was a period of about 5 games in the autumn of Jolley’s first full season where Hanson and Green looked the real deal. As did Town. Hanson in particular. A shame it all went to excrement.

Yes, they looked very good in the 3-1 win at Walsall. What high hopes we had after that.

Quoted from diehardmariner

Not so sure.  We've taken up the offer on Pollock, he's made an offer to keep Hewitt and I'd be amazed if he doesn't go back in for Menayese.

That's 3 first choice centre-backs straight away and then we've got Idehen for another year too.  Fair enough Hurst may well favour a back 3 but I still don't see Waterfall fitting in his plans.  Even with a back 3, I'd see Pollock, Hewitt and Meyanese as the first choices with Idehen as the back up.  Waterfall would be a quite expensive cover player, even with any relegation clause in his contract.

There's also the fact that he's generally had a very, very poor season.  Confidence is a big consideration always but he hasn't done the basics right for so long.  No doubting that we'll need a warrior type at the back for certain games but I'd see Pollock in that role and Meyanese showed once he settled he's quite happy in that role at the back.

Of the list itself, no major surprises.  I think Hendrie can maybe consider himself lucky to be offered a deal after a quite disappointing season.  In his defence it does seem he's played the majority of the season with various injuries so hopefully with a proper pre-season and some S&C work he can come back as the player of 18 months ago.  

Can't imagine Coke will have a load of clubs lining up for him, despite his excellent form for.  Hewitt's stood out in a team that finished bottom of the pile.  There's no doubting that he's a hundred times better at centre-back, but I'm not convinced he'll have clubs lining up to sign him.  His record still shows his largely a bit part player in two sides that have been relegated from the last three seasons.  

Hurst's interview about not having to worry about freezing out the deadwood is good news to say the least.    Feel very confident knowing this and that Hurst's budget will actually be competitive (as in not just words, eh John?) plus we've offloaded some of the higher earners from the last two seasons.

I'd be amazed if Pollock is with us on the first day of next season. He's our one decent saleable asset and can comfortably play at L2 level, maybe higher in the right setup. I suspect he will be sold.

Pollock hardly featured towards the end with his operation, so won't clubs want to see if he has fully recovered before risking any bids?

Need a centre half with some pace to play alongside Pollock

Nice to know Kingston works for a very, very successful company and Herts family business is a billion£ plus company. Only one word to say

SPONSORSHIP   Please    ( sorry that's 2 words )


Just a thought.

With the best will in the world, I tend to think that there won't be too many suitors for a defender of a club which finished bottom of the League with the worst goal difference in the division. We earned significantly fewer points per game when Pollock was playing than when he wasn't.

Obviously, not much fault lies at his feet, especially with his injury problems, but I think you'd struggle to say he had anything like a good season. I expect he'll do a good job in the National League, providing the rest of the team is good enough.

Quoted from acko338

Out of favour players will soon be fed up of travelling over here for training only, with no chance of getting games to advertise themselves, apart from very occasional reserve games which often get cancelled.

If players then invent or actually incur slight injuries, can we also insist that they travel to see Dave Moore for treatment, not languish at home?

For clarification on current contracted players, if they move out of their own volition to other clubs ( On a transfer list - free transfer out available to them), at what point do we stop paying them, and surely, there is no pay up of contract if they negotiate a sign on fee themselves to the new club?

That's the sad thing really, Williams and Rose have actually done what we as fans always like to see and moved to the area and seem to be happy here.

Perhaps with a proper pre season and a decent manager last year, they might have actually been decent for us. Rose did actually have a couple of games where he genuinely looked good (though not enough) but also looked woefully unfit and i believe was injured for the last stretch of the season according to Hurst at least.

Williams...well he looked brilliant in patches and anonymous in others, but was never given a stretch of games in a settled position at any point in the season. Was brought back from the wilderness and then subsequently disappeared again, so we can probably assume Hurst isn't a fan.

Quoted from sam gy

That's the sad thing really, Williams and Rose have actually done what we as fans always like to see and moved to the area and seem to be happy here.

Perhaps with a proper pre season and a decent manager last year, they might have actually been decent for us. Rose did actually have a couple of games where he genuinely looked good (though not enough) but also looked woefully unfit and i believe was injured for the last stretch of the season according to Hurst at least.

Williams...well he looked brilliant in patches and anonymous in others, but was never given a stretch of games in a settled position at any point in the season. Was brought back from the wilderness and then subsequently disappeared again, so we can probably assume Hurst isn't a fan.

Williams might be the type of player to thrive in a team that is going well, I'm hoping that is proven correct next season providing he is still with us.

Quoted from IrishMariner

Williams might be the type of player to thrive in a team that is going well, I'm hoping that is proven correct next season providing he is still with us.

Whether we've seen it or not, we know Williams has (or at least had) ability. Joke all you like about the Welsh national team, he was in their squad at a major tournament in which they found themselves in the semi-final and would end up in the top 10 of FIFA's world rankings shortly after. Conference-level players don't do that.

Did injury do for him? I don't know, but I hope and wonder if we can get a proper fitness and sports science team in place for next season then he may well yet turn out to be a pleasant surprise for us.

Quoted from Poojah

Whether we've seen it or not, we know Williams has (or at least had) ability. Joke all you like about the Welsh national team, he was in their squad at a major tournament in which they found themselves in the semi-final and would end up in the top 10 of FIFA's world rankings shortly after. Conference-level players don't do that.

Did injury do for him? I don't know, but I hope and wonder if we can get a proper fitness and sports science team in place for next season then he may well yet turn out to be a pleasant surprise for us.

i've been a fierce critic of his as i believe he does have talent, shown by his cameo at Mansfield, but has he got the fight and bottle? i dont think so.

7 Caps no doubt is not something too be sniffed at but when you arent getting in the matchday squad when theres places available on the bench, just begs the question

Quoted from DB

Nice to know Kingston works for a very, very successful company and Herts family business is a billion£ plus company. Only one word to say

SPONSORSHIP   Please    ( sorry that's 2 words )


Just a thought.

I’m sorry low down the food chain I’m having Monday morning breakfast when the top people are on Sunday dinner

Quoted from KingstonMariner

I’m sorry low down the food chain I’m having Monday morning breakfast when the top people are on Sunday dinner

I know how it goes. I was worked for one of the largest companies in their field. MD had his own dining room and chef; directors in their dining room with their own chef and managers had their dining room with their chef, all on the top 3/4 floors. The peasants had a cafe in the basement! I know my place.

we will not see williams or rose in a town shirt again it's obvious paul hurst rates neither , both been no where near 1st team squad even put kids on bench in front of both , not sure what kind of players we are looking for in national league but these two wont be involved , also think we've  seen last of hewitt but menayese will sign because clough doesn't rate him at all played midfielder at centre half in front of him & i can't see anybody else in lge taking a punt , coke will perhaps sign think hendrie will move on all guesswork on my behalf after all it is now pre season bullcrap talk

My take on how I think things will work out...

GK - James McKeown - Stay
MID - Danny Rose - Stay
DEF - Luke Waterfall - Go
WING - George Williams - Go
WING - Sean Scannell - Go
FWD - Montel Gibson - Go
FWD - Ira Jackson Jr - Go
WING - Filipe Morais - Go
WING - Max Wright - Stay
FWD - Lenell John-Lewis - Stay
MID - Joe Starbuck - Stay
DEF - Duncan Idehen - Stay
DEF - Luke Hendrie - Go
DEF - Elliott Hewitt - Stay
MID - Giles Coke - Stay
GK - Ollie Battersby - Stay
DEF - Mattie Pollock - Stay
MID - Harry Clifton - Stay
MID - Luke Spokes - Stay
DEF - Jaz Goundry - Stay

Leaving us with:

GK - 2
DEF - 4
MID - 5
WING - 1
FWD - 1

The only player I'm really bothered about us retaining is Khouri. Not wanting to go overboard but in that run of games he showed enough to make me think he's going to be a bit of a find. I hope we haven't gone down the usual route of 1 year contract for a first year professional as I think we risk losing him. I'd go 3 years with an extra year option. Genuinely.

Quoted from immariner

The only player I'm really bothered about us retaining is Khouri. Not wanting to go overboard but in that run of games he showed enough to make me think he's going to be a bit of a find. I hope we haven't gone down the usual route of 1 year contract for a first year professional as I think we risk losing him. I'd go 3 years with an extra year option. Genuinely.

The lad obviously has earned his promotion to the 1st team squad and I hope he turns out to be a great player for us but the last few games he played I thought he looked a bit out of his depth.

Quoted from arryarryarry

The lad obviously has earned his promotion to the 1st team squad and I hope he turns out to be a great player for us but the last few games he played I thought he looked a bit out of his depth.

Blimey. Give the kid a chance. What do you expect. He has come out of the youths and playing at the bottom of league 2 so he’s not going to be Wayne Rooney

Quoted from arryarryarry

The lad obviously has earned his promotion to the 1st team squad and I hope he turns out to be a great player for us but the last few games he played I thought he looked a bit out of his depth.

Out of his depth … compared to some of the excrement who played for us last season I thought he looked world class at times

Quoted from dapperz fun pub

Out of his depth … compared to some of the excrement who played for us last season I thought he looked world class at times

I thought he looked decent at times and could do better at other times, but not world class.

He played out of position in a team that was a solid league 2 team by the end and didn't look out of place, looked tidy with decent technique. I've been rinsed on the ol' red crosses but I think he could end up making us money. Not sure there's any other player in the squad we can say that about. I just hope he signs and continues to progress.

i tend more to arry's pov. thought he was ok, much better defensively than offensively, as he doesn't seem to have much pace or trickery.
just wonder whether Hurst sees him as a potential left back

Regards William's.....whilst admittedly I have not been his biggest fan I would rather keep him than Spokes......ideally keep neither in all honesty. But William's can control and run with a ball and showed some good dribbling at times...not seen that in Spokes.
Possibly wages, possibly attitude at training and  work rate weighing against him as part of the reason he has been frozen out.

As a Welsh international, probably thought he was below his leval

Quoted from immariner

The only player I'm really bothered about us retaining is Khouri. Not wanting to go overboard but in that run of games he showed enough to make me think he's going to be a bit of a find. I hope we haven't gone down the usual route of 1 year contract for a first year professional as I think we risk losing him. I'd go 3 years with an extra year option. Genuinely.

Adrenaline gets lads through their first few games and then they often struggle especially if the team is struggling as he did.  But he has one great advantage, he’s genuinely left sided.

When I saw Khouri for both the youth and reserves he was a central midfielder.  A combative playerwho sat and protected the defence who recycled the ball relatively well to others.

I don't know if he's been developed into a left sided player but it was a surprise to see him in that role.  Wingback is a bloody hard position to play, even for an experienced player never mind when making your first real run in the team.

There were times when he struggled a bit but for his first run in the team, in a tough position and possibly out of position I think he did fairly well.  Any little dip could perhaps be put down to tired legs too.  Definitely one who's worth a contract and seeing how he develops.  

Quoted from diehardmariner

When I saw Khouri for both the youth and reserves he was a central midfielder.  A combative playerwho sat and protected the defence who recycled the ball relatively well to others.

I don't know if he's been developed into a left sided player but it was a surprise to see him in that role.  Wingback is a bloody hard position to play, even for an experienced player never mind when making your first real run in the team.

There were times when he struggled a bit but for his first run in the team, in a tough position and possibly out of position I think he did fairly well.  Any little dip could perhaps be put down to tired legs too.  Definitely one who's worth a contract and seeing how he develops.  

That really puts into context how little Hurst rates certain players that he was in the team ahead of them, playing out of position, and is only a YT.