Match thread

[SW4Baggie]

Phillips is a busted flush.

Shame used to be one of my favourite players, strong, quick, good technique, was direct, used to have a great shot.

All gone.

Jeez give him a chance he's been injured................

Yes, but he got that injury in 2017!

Phillips is shot unfortunately - he was fantastic for 6-12 months but then injuries and his mental block seem to have finally got the better of him. Sadly the decision to give him a 3 year deal last summer when there was interest in him looks like a mistake.

I agree, SW4. We are making the same mistake we have made with other club good servants such as Brunt & Mozza - extend their contracts when they are past their prime to a point where they are on massive wages, and have zero resale value. Phillips had value at 28 years old. Nobody will take his contract now as he approaches 30, and will be 31 when contract expires and leaves on a free.

We should sell before 30 when players have value, and pick up experience in the likes of Ivanovic/Barry etc for their final contract if they aren't washed up.

Agree completely.

Get players at around 21-22 on long term contracts and look to sell to reinvest when they’re around 25-26. Prospective players who see they can use the club as a stepping stone are more likely to sign in their early 20s too.

As I’ve said before, I wouldn’t pay any more than a nominal fee for a player over 27, and being in 1 year deals for 30 onwards and top up the squad with youth academy players and older heads on frees such as Ivanovic and to a lesser degree Peltier.