maffffGunny Fishcake Another example of football contracts not being worth more than soiled toilet paper, he signed a new three year deal only months ago.
Two year dealgenome Harsh on Jaakkola but I'd actually quite like us to go for Ruddy as a replacement.
I'm torn on what to do
- Jaakkola said he didn't come in to sit on the bench, if he doesn't get starts this season I wouldn't be surprised to see him angling for a move.
- Bond, assume he's gone.
- If we bring another player in what will that do for harmony (as above)
- If it's a younger keeper on loan what message does that send to the likes of Legg, Ward and Southwood with their progression and longer term opportunities?
- If it's a player like Rudd, you'd imagine that's going to be a 2/3 year deal, again, what does that suggest about progression?
I wonder if one of the younger keepers has caught Beasant/Jaap's eye? Legg got rave reviews and was pulled back for the bench last season, Ward seems to be quite decent (and outlasted Moore/Bond) and Southwood - much younger but a lot of hype and potential with this lad, comfortable on the ball too.
For me, I'd probably start with Jaakkola (who we signed for a reason..) and Legg on the bench, keep assessing the others (maybe loan Southwood out and have Ward 3rd choice/u23 keeper), give Legg (21)/Ward (20)/Southwood (19) goes in the cups and if one really stands out then progress them (or give them a go if we have any dead rubber games). Getting a chance hasn't hurt Butland, Pickford, Onana, McCarthy etc.... although is that resigning ourselves to another development season (meaning we might lose Obita, Moore, Kelly, Swift etc.. after next season ends)
Be interested to know if we would have loaned Bond out if we'd known about this.
Jaakkola may as well leave if he is not first choice now