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Transfer Meltdowns
The transfer season seems to be truly upon us. Demarai Gray’s long-rumoured transfer away from the club has finally come to fruition; Reece Brown is on trial at West Ham seemingly much to the consternation of many fans and now David Cotterill is being linked with a move away to Brighton and Hove Albion.
While I think the Dimmy news went down about as well as could be expected, it appears there have been a collective meltdown from various fans about the prospects of Brown being allowed to look for another club while the emerging news about the prospect of another player with a release clause has caused the amount of apoplexy I’d expect on social media.
As always, I can only tell you what I think and what I’ve heard and ask you, the reader, to make up your mind for yourselves.
With respect to Brown I’m much more circumspect than others. There has been rumblings about his application for a long, long time and Gary Rowett has addressed it from time to time saying that Brown needed to show the right application to get into the team. It would appear that those warnings have not been heeded and Brown now finds himself searching for another club to continue what should be a promising career.
I’m not going to deny it’s a sad and frustrating situation; sad because it appears a talent is being wasted and frustrating because like most people I wish more could be done to stop that from being wasted. Unfortunately, as much as help can be offered a player has to be willing to accept that and if all that help and advice is ignored then there is nothing that can be done. As I said on Twitter and Facebook, Thomas Edison’s quote springs to mind: “Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration”.
From speaking to people (unconnected with the club I have to add) who know the situation intimately it does appear Reece is at the point of no return where his career is concerned; either he knuckles down and makes something of it or he follows his current path and finds himself becoming another “what could have been”. It does appear he’s completely burned his bridges at St Andrew’s – and with tribunals only coming into play if Blues offer him a new deal equal to or more than what is he on already then I can’t see us getting a fee for him either as I very much doubt that deal would be forthcoming.
It appears it’s silly season in the newspapers too. David Cotterill has been linked with a £1M move to Brighton with Mail reporter Joe Bernstein claiming that there is a release clause in place. I’m not sure whether this is reported because Cotterill signed a new deal around the same time as Dimmy and thus it’s been assumed there is a release clause; all I can say is that from the conversations I’ve had with my own contacts I’m assured that there are no release clauses in Cotterill’s contract – or any one else’s for that matter. Whether that will transpire to be true or not only time will tell.
Tags: David Cotterill, Reece Brown, Transfers
65 Responses to “Transfer Meltdowns”
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If you’re feeling down have a read of this, it’s sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face – http://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/premier-league-scouts-may-work-aston-villa-young-players-warned#:dZ2W0o1ONV4cXA
Frankly, I think that any player that would prefer to play for another club (especially another championship club) should be sold, regardless of whether they have a release clause or not.
Luke that would be giving any player that wants to leave a licence to dictate to his employers so what is the point in a contract.
I think you’ve answered your own question tbh.
Because without a contract, there’d be no transfer fee involved. If a player wants to leave Blues and there’s a club that will pay their market value (or release clause), why hang on to them? As Brian Clough once said, if you’re loyal, you’re loyal. If you’re not, you’re not.
I agree Luke but it’s giving me a nervous meltdown !! Kro
Its a very important transfer window for us to be honest. Its not about chasing down the playoffs thats a bonus, i think we lack the depth in the squad and the real consistency for that to happen. We are clearly performing way above our natural finishing position (and long may that continue). For me its about having only 1 first team recognisable forward who has just come back from an injury and is now injured again, as clearly Brock needs abit more experience in English football. 3 recognisable wide players, 1 of which is a relatively untried performer and youngster at this level and as well have Viv has performed in the time he’s been in the 1st team, it has showed over the last few weeks. (which is to be expected). 1 of which has had a long term injury and is now linked with a move away. The signings we make in this window will give the rest of the team an idea of where we are looking to be in the future not just this season but going forward into next. If the signings aren’t inspiring (they don’t have to be expensive to be inspiring) then it allows the team to sit back and question what direction the club is looking to go in. Then you have a problem amongst the playing staff of ambition and when you see your colleague leave you suddenly start to see theres a lot more then Birmingham out there. KRO!
At the end of the day, if a player wants to leave, the best thing to do is let them go. There’s no point keeping a player that isn’t fully committed. No matter how important they are, if a player’s heart isn’t in it, you’re not going to get your money’s worth, so you may as well cash in.
I think GR has earned the right to do what he thinks is right, he hasn’t done too much wrong so far. Dimmi is gone and we’ve got some money in the bank and it’s still early, GR will get it done. In GR we trust!
On seeing your name I thought “I can’t remember submitting that!” I DO agree with you though.
can we fully trust …most expensive signing Brock… enough said
bare in mind I am wearing my “Rowett Revolution” T-shirt at the moment
A release clause has to be in the clubs eyes a large enough amount to replace that player if he wants to leave so I think you are right DAN about cotts contract , selling to a rival that is also chasing promotion is not good business unless you have a good replacement and the price is right to strengthen the team in another position.and so making our team stronger.we do need to be quick in signing players to be able to hit the boards running now our squad as been weakened with the sale of gray ect ,as a injury crisis in the window would not be welcome,
Players come and go. They are normally loyal to the Club whilst here but that loyalty is transferred with their movement to another Club. We as fans are no different. We only feel loyalty to players whilst they are here. “The King is dead…..long live the King” has always applied. The big difference is that WE could never transfer our Club loyalty.
Have to agree with that. Personally, I don’t get attached to players.. seen too many favourites leave over the years. If they stay, fine, but if they go, that’s fine too. Someone will always take their place.
Grainger, Claridge, Forssell, Lazaridis. Four players who have never been replaced in terms of their representative value in the divisions they played in, or the importance of connecting with the fans. Oh, and I’d give my right arm for a young Brian Hughes just now!
Blimey yeah. Cracking little player was Hughes. For me, the player who has never been replaced since he left (love him or loathe him) is Robbie Savage. What I wouldn’t do to have a younger him in the team now.
Was toying with putting Sav in the list, but wasn’t sure what reaction it would get! I adored him in a Blues shirt and was genuinely gutted when he left, even though it was a messy divorce. Him and Aliou Cisse in the middle always gave the opposition an interesting 90 minutes if nothing else! Hughes was a very classy player in the old 1st division, could make something out of nothing.
I know it’s more about development than results but I would like to see our U21s win a few more games.
That’s what you get for doing away with the reserve leagues. The Central League and Football Combination are sorely missed. I saw lots of cracking reserve games in the 60s and 70s. Saw some real stars too.
I agree. I used to really enjoy watching the reserves when it was men v men. The youngsters soon learnt what it was like playing against hairy ar*sed pros and they soon sank or swum, but at least you knew whether they would be likely to cope in the 1st Team. The problem with kids football is that the players are often allowed to do their fancy tricks without being physically punished as in adult football.
Quite often, it was young players plus first team players either keeping match fit whilst they weren’t in the first team, or players coming back from injury. I saw a lot of great players in the reserve leagues back then and it helped the kids grow, playing alongside these top professionals. The main thing was, it was competetive football. Like you mentioned, the kids were often battle-hardened by the time they reached the first team.
The SUN are reporting that Reece Brown has signed for West Ham on a month long loan deal
That’s what we’ve been talking about!
I asked the question on Boxing day after DC was left out of the 18 for the xmas fixture with Sheff Wed whether this was down to outside interest in him. I was told he was still injured, which didn’t sit well with me, this was after BCFC had said he was available for selection again after recovering well. He was then also left out of the 18 to face Brentford in the following match, OP told me he had picked up a knock, I call shenanigans behind the scenes.
Hope you are incorrect but it sounds very suspicious. So much must go on behind the scenes before it becomes public. How do purchasing clubs know about release clauses. Is it before or when they make an enquiry? Last to know anything are the loyal supporters. Even worse in the old days when we had to rely on the Mail and Tom Ross kept most things close to his chest. However there was always something worth a read in the Argus. Excuse the drift to nostalgia.
I would have thought that the best way of learning about release clauses is through a player’s agent … the one who really benefits out of any deal.
Grey played on Boxing Day – he was rubbish but he did play
DC meaning David Cotterill, not Demarai Gray.
I have no problem with “release fees” being included in contracts but the fee should be the MINiMUM price offered before negotiation. Transfers should be based on current value not an estimate 12 months before. Should Vardy be allowed to leave Leicester for his 2014 value?
All one way traffic at the moment, not so sure about Cotters though.
I just hope the dreams and aspirations of Bluenoses are realised in this window or there will be some sorrows too.
This release clause business is a nonsense.Its the players and agents having their cake and eating it.
“Yes I’ll sign the contract with my own terms and conditions agreed but I want a get out if something better comes up.”
spot on, like I said why have a contract at all. lol
I think that sums it up very well.
Yeah, God forbid anyone looks out for their own future in a career which is short and be ended completely in one freak moment of bad luck.
C’mon Dan,they have it good as it is.This clause with a reduced fee is just them looking for more isn’t it?
More like God forbid if they have to go out and get a proper job like the rest of us at the end of their career if you ask me.
Sorry Al, but that career bull you hear from media and players is garbage.
How is the career short when they can go on to coach, manage, become an agent or move into media, etc.
No different to a technician in a dealership on a bonus system which for some at around 40 gets too much as age catches up with you.
Many other trades/skilled people have to move into related trade jobs as they get older and/or have serious accidents reducing their career and earning potential.
How many builders die at work compared to footballers?
None of these people earn £5k to £100k a week.
Most players don’t coach or manage.
You only have to look at some recent ex-Blues to see how they can fall on their luck.
Fact is – I know in their shoes I’d be looking to maximise how much I earn so I’m not going to blame them for doing the same.
Agree
Who told them they have no choice ? They chose to be footballers and they knew from the start of it that its a short career. I feel for the one`s in the lower league who can`t demand the world owes then a living. Success breeds greed I`m afraid and that means its the one`s at the top are the greedy one`s and they have more than enough in the bank to last three life spans, so sorry dan if you think about it that blows your argument because its the rich ones who have the clout to be greedy as they can demand it, other can`t.so its those that deserve your pitty. Just consider this, Mr Rooney could purchase two houses @ half a million pounds each, Five one hundred thousand pound cars, and then do exactly the same again the next month and the next month and the….Not just once a year not just once a life time BUT every single month of the year. He may have to miss one month to pay his income tax (poor bugger) Now that’s what I call a nice little investment just in case he lives to be 450 lol
So because the 1% at the top of the tree make gazillions, the rest should be treated with contempt?
Nice logic there fella.
Your missing the point Fella, Its the 1% who can make these demands because they are in demand, The rest are not in such a position. Its a bit like saying Electricians can charge what they want and maybe do but that is the case regardless of the jobs life expectancy so I am saying footballers at the top can do this and its got nothing to do with your excuse about short careers. Just my opinion.
I doubt that’s even the likely reason behind it, Dan! More like greedy agents squeezing as much as they can get out of their clients. I’m sure Dimi came up with that pathetic release clause all on his own….NOT!
Clubs may as well let them go when they refuse to sign unless they get a clause. and if it could be agreed by all clubs that they are not allowed to put such terms in the contract that would stop clubs losing out
I get the feeling that it’s a pivotal moment in Rowetts Blues tenure , if he fails to bring in decent signings either loan or permanent i think blues fans will turn and apathy will set in again .
Fingers crossed he can pull it off
I think your right mate, This could be a big change in the way fans view this club and if they are not satisfied I really do think gates could seriously fall if it coincides with some bad results in the next two months. I think the only thing that could arrest the situation is some good news from H/Kong, .but will that be to late.
I did comment a few days ago that we should put a weakened team out in the FA Cup but at this rate we won’t be able to because we will only have 18 players left. I am a DC fan but £1m is good business. Reece Brown seems to be going the same way as Ravel Morrison but if he has gone (albeit on loan) that’s the second England U20 player to leave us in a week and that has got to be worrying, So with Gray, Brown and maybe Cotterill leaving that leaves the squad looking extremely light. GR needs to move fast and decisively.
At the moment, we have 17 of the squad that were on duty against Brentford (minus Vaughan.) We have Cotterill to come back, but not much behind him. I suppose Thomas could come in (he’s not cup-tied) but Duffy couldn’t, he’s cup-tied having played in the first round for Burton. Only thing is, as you said, not many players can be rested.
I disagree! ONE million is shocking for someone who is not only an International but amongst the leaders for the past couple of seasons for assists. Let’s not forget the goals he scores too & we have nobody close to him for set pieces. If 1 mill is good business for a player like that we may as well open our doors, slap a tenner on everyone & let all clubs help themselves.
What is relevant is the way GR has strongly claimed that DC has been sorely missed and need him back Asap. If this Brighton news is genuine and he goes then what on earth is happening. Don’t think for a second that anyone is going to pay £1m for him. This insults every bluenose intelligence.DC will only move on if he is discontented or has the opportunity to earn more. If GR wants him to stay-he will -if it’s about money then we have it don’t we(?). Just don’t get suckered into believing £1m is up for grabs.
This is getting worrying it now looks to me as if Cotterill has possibly been held back pending a possible transfer if so then we have been fed misinformation by the manager, and the club, who assured us he was injured as did Dan.
Daniel on that point can you assure us you are not being paid by the club in any capacity i.e. in a PR role?.
I can confirm he was injured.
I met him that evening in London after we smashed Fulham.
…’Who put the ball in the back of the net? Who put the ball in the back of the net?
Who put the ball in the back of the net? Who put the ball in the back of the net?
Half the f…ing team did.
Half the, half the team, half the, half the team, half the, half the team. Half the f…ing team did!’
Great day. One to remember!
Tony
I’m actually offended you’ve asked me that question.
No, I do not work for the club. I wouldn’t work for the club either – something I have often reiterated.
Daniel if you are offended I apologiz, that was not my intention, however you are close to club insiders
How else am I supposed to get an idea of what’s going on behind the scenes Tony? My crystal ball is out of action and I’m not telepathic…
I think after the Brentford win fans were looking forward to new additions only days away from January. This will no doubt happen but the mini shock of rapid departures of Gray and Brown coupled with potential DC move is something we didn’t expect. Clarity now needed by the club to prevent the new year starting off with the wrong vibes..
Like the clarity when Fulham were supposedly after Rowett? That’ll be sometime next week then lol.
On the subject of Rowett, with the money from Gray is it not possible to use some of this to get Gary a new contract?
I know players are important, but for me the biggest signing we could make in January is that of our current manager.
Is Brown the proverbial ‘thick’ footballer? That would explain not keeping his bosses happy. Look at that 140 year dinner picture in the Mail. His development squad teammates took the effort and had the respect to dress formally (lounge suit and tie) while Reece dressed casually smart. I have no doubt he told was the dress code was and it was on the invite although common sense would make it obvious if black tie wasn’t stated. Looks like he didn’t care or wanted to rebel.
Some money may be for GR ‘s wages , and cotterill maybe leaving to make more spending money , at least I hope that is what he might be sold for , most managers like to clear a team down a bit to get the sort of team squad they have in mind , and a couple of stars often go , but we are getting stronger in a overall capacity throughout the squad , and must keep our eye on the light at the end of the tunnel , GR I feel needs to act fast in this window , it wouldn’t take much to start a stampede unless we have one quick signing to keep our faith , especially a biggy to start with …kro
I think a lot of us, if we are honest with our selves can understand why players would want bigger wages if they can get them, I mean, we all would. What hurts the fans is when we believe we have formed an affinity with a player, and it seems mutual. We sing their name in the Tilton, they wave back, or wink… life is great. But then the reality hits us when we see that invisible affinity just evaporate as the player suddenly seems more than keen to jump ship, leave us and join another club that to be fair a lot of the time is no bigger than we are… it hurts when that happens, getting slapped round the face by a bigger cheque book… we can understand it, but we bloody well don’t like it.
Sometimes it is difficult to sing anymore… but you manage to force the words from the bottom of your stomach, as you look around the pitch hoping to see a reaction from the players… asking yourself, ‘do they hear our chants?’ ‘All of the emotion in our every word?’ ‘Or are they just here for cash, using us a financial stepping stone onto greater pay?’ Then a cross from the wing to the far post 1-0 !!!! we’ve scored… suddlenly nothing matters anymore… its 1-0 !!!! January comes and goes… and we do it all again next summer… The greatest thing about our club is its fans, every single one of us… we will never be sold on for a couple of quid… Keep right on… it’s all we can do… and we do it with pride. #KRO
My single favourite quote that.
For me Cotterill is worth more to the team than 1m, having someone good at set pieces breaking the deadlock in a drab 0-0 game can be worth quite a few points come May. He can be wasteful in possession at times but I think he gives us something different than the direct running of VSO and Maghoma, a little more vision and ‘cuteness’ in the final third, so I’m surprised to see people saying 1m would be good business. Just my opinion. As for wages etc there are more players than coaching staff at any one club, so basic maths says they won’t all get well paid football related jobs. If I could do my job 60 miles down the road for twice the money then I would be off!
I’m sure the Donny fans thought the same when we “stole” Cotts for free last year. If he was more consistent we would’ve stood no chance of signing him in the 1st place and he would’ve been poached by better teams last season. On his day he is worth multi-millions but “better” teams in the Premier could not afford to risk his off-days or even his off-minutes during a game.
we were robbed of 1.25million lol