Once were Loiners wrote:
Simmo - you've just explained exactly why he might prefer to stay. He knows he's a reserve at Leeds. But he's behind a player who has famously missed a lot of games. Given Miller is probably reserve stand off with Handley then moving to fullback, he could get a fair few games through that route as well, as he's effectively covering four positions. He's likely to have more opportunities to play for Leeds than most clubs as a reserve.
No other SL would want him as a starter, so he'd be in exactly the same position somewhere else, except maybe get fewer games. Quite possibly ditto for one of the better Championship sides.
If his only other option is to play first team for one season at a poor Championship team, he'll have very little chance to impress anyone. Not to mention playing in front of tiny crowds in a team that gets beaten regularly isn't everyone's cup of tea.
Also Arthur, come on, 50k for 3 years aged 33? That's not happening. He's not Ryan Hall or even Tom Briscoe. All he's got is the contract he's on. Wherever he goes after that its likely a semi-pro gig on far less than 50k or just retiring. The only way that would change is if he resurrects his career Lazarus style, which seems very unlikely wherever he plays. In his position I would definitely hold out for the same money even if I knew Leeds didn't really want me.
Don't get me wrong, he's been a failure at Leeds and as a fan I would prefer someone else in that role for next year. But we don't know if any decent side has actually shown any interest in him being anything other than a reserve, and just because we might want him to leave doesn't mean he's wrong or lacking ambition to think he's better off staying. Making up pretend options for him seems more about people wanting to see him go than the real situation he's in.
Yes mate, get your point.
And I guess everybody is just different and wants different things out of their career.
But he's getting bagged every week at Leeds and clearly the club want rid.
Not a very nice situation to be in as a player.
I personally don't think he will be first choice replacement if Handley or Fus get injured.
But perhaps he does - and agree with you, maybe he's backing himself there.
But in comparison to the Myler situation, for me I would have done the same as Myler.
He could get 3 good years at York, with possibly a shot at SL.
I don't think Olpherts has that ability, or that belief in himself.
Statistics: Posted by Simmo71 — Fri Nov 24, 2023 3:57 am