The Hotel End

The Hotel End => Cobblers Corner => Topic started by: Its_nice_to_michu on February 19, 2020, 11:54:22 am



Title: Out of contract
Post by: Its_nice_to_michu on February 19, 2020, 11:54:22 am
With a large potion of our squad out of contract next season is it time to give Curle a new contract or do we hold fire and look at what other options we have going forward.

Personally i would like to see a different approach football wise which i dont see KC doing while he is our manager.   

We are in a very good position and this is the first time in a few years the board can take there time and have a good look around to see who is up for taking the club on.

UTC


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: west stand oap on February 19, 2020, 12:00:40 pm
You say 'we are in a very good position' which is therefor due to the current manager so why change?
Yes the product could be more entertaining but we are still 'a work in progress' so wait until we become the finished article and see how good we are then.


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: memyhead on February 19, 2020, 12:30:12 pm
Our form is currently dire so why KT would even entertain the prospect of offering KC a new contract is beyond me...

KC has thankfully stabilized the club but with no promotions in his 18/19 year managerial career, and the fayre being served up, i'd let his contract run down...

If we make the play-offs and put up a committed show in those games, then perhaps talks can take place, but I honestly can't see us making the play offs...

This season, L2 has been atrocious, yet we've still not showed regular consistency in a very poor division...

Tisdale or Nathan Jones for me but not sure KT has the finances/budget to entice either of them

It's all about opinions afterall!


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: Deepcut Cobbler on February 19, 2020, 12:41:19 pm
https://www.northamptonchron.co.uk/sport/football/cobblers-boss-keith-curle-gives-latest-his-contract-situation-1849184


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: GrangeParkCobbler on February 19, 2020, 13:16:16 pm
Managers (IMO) shouldn't be on more than a one year rolling contract. They can go from hero to zero in no time.

Curles position is interesting as yes, he has got the team challenging towards the top end of the table, the team under his management had a great cup run which brought in an extra 15-20% additional money on this years turnover, and if it is indeed true he has achieved this on a reduced budget. So you could say he has done what it says on his tin.

But what then? Is he the man to take the team and club forward? How much does his (non-) football affect gates, which despite being in a better position in the table this year than last are actually lower on average than they were. How many fewer season tickets did we sell? Did we sell any half-seasons?

All that has to be taken into account by the man at the top.

Realistically, should we do anything before the end of the season? If we make the playoffs or even get promoted then he's probably deserving of an extension, on better terms than before. If we don't will he entertain a new contract on lesser terms than before? Who knows!

For me....i'd not renew his contract, as the boring brand of football overrides the possibility that we might finish 7th. For others finishing 7th would be seen as a huge success "considering where we were a year ago"...…

All about opinions......and there's probably only one or two peoples opinions that count.....KT and DB.

As for the players....will they be looking for contracts now, or will they wait and see what league we are in? The club won't offer big pay increases now because "we might go up"......from that list of Anderson, Hoskins, Williams, Oliver, Turnbull, how many would you like to see us hold on to?


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: ClarenceInDefence on February 19, 2020, 13:19:39 pm
Our form is currently dire so why KT would even entertain the prospect of offering KC a new contract is beyond me...

KC has thankfully stabilized the club but with no promotions in his 18/19 year managerial career, and the fayre being served up, i'd let his contract run down...

If we make the play-offs and put up a committed show in those games, then perhaps talks can take place, but I honestly can't see us making the play offs...

This season, L2 has been atrocious, yet we've still not showed regular consistency in a very poor division...

Tisdale or Nathan Jones for me but not sure KT has the finances/budget to entice either of them

It's all about opinions afterall!

We were in the bottom 2 when KC took over with only 7 points in 10 matches. He kept us up comfortably and even came close to mounting a promotion challenge around March time. He rebuilt the squad on a reduced budget, has brought in some very good players and there is an excellent team spirit within the squad. We're 8th in the table and only out of the play-offs on goal difference, with a game in hand. We reached the 5th round of the cup and were the only L2 team to reach that stage, earning the club a significant financial windfall.

We may have lost the last 3 league matches, but all have been narrow defeats. Two of these were against the side top of the table and another against one of if not the divisions form team in Port Vale, a game which we otherwise had been the better side in.

Prior to that we had lost just 3 games in 22 in all competitions, including emphatic wins away at League 1 Burton and a draw at home to Championship side Derby County.

On the basis of what KC has manged since he took over I'll be amazed if he isn't offered a new contract and it's beyond me how that being a very strong possibility could be beyond anyone at this point.

8-10 defeats in the next 14 could possibly change things, but that won't happen.


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: ClarenceInDefence on February 19, 2020, 13:23:16 pm
Managers (IMO) shouldn't be on more than a one year rolling contract. They can go from hero to zero in no time.

Curles position is interesting as yes, he has got the team challenging towards the top end of the table, the team under his management had a great cup run which brought in an extra 15-20% additional money on this years turnover, and if it is indeed true he has achieved this on a reduced budget. So you could say he has done what it says on his tin.

But what then? Is he the man to take the team and club forward? How much does his (non-) football affect gates, which despite being in a better position in the table this year than last are actually lower on average than they were. How many fewer season tickets did we sell? Did we sell any half-seasons?

All that has to be taken into account by the man at the top.

Realistically, should we do anything before the end of the season? If we make the playoffs or even get promoted then he's probably deserving of an extension, on better terms than before. If we don't will he entertain a new contract on lesser terms than before? Who knows!

For me....i'd not renew his contract, as the boring brand of football overrides the possibility that we might finish 7th. For others finishing 7th would be seen as a huge success "considering where we were a year ago"...…

All about opinions......and there's probably only one or two peoples opinions that count.....KT and DB.

As for the players....will they be looking for contracts now, or will they wait and see what league we are in? The club won't offer big pay increases now because "we might go up"......from that list of Anderson, Hoskins, Williams, Oliver, Turnbull, how many would you like to see us hold on to?

If KC stays on then I would expect Oliver and perhaps one from Anderson/Hoskins to be kept on. It wouldn't surprise me if Turnbull was offered a contract on reduced wages, which he would possibly reject. Everyone else will be let go IMO.


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: GrangeParkCobbler on February 19, 2020, 13:59:25 pm
Looking back over his tenure i'm surprised that there seems to be a discernible pattern in results......for example when he was appointed we actually went on a run of only 1 defeat in 9 games, this was followed by a period of no wins in 8, which was immediately followed by six wins in seven games.
Straight after that came one win in 12, or 2 wins in 16 if you prefer.....which then went to 8 games without defeat, before ending the season with 2 wins from the last 9 games.

Into this season we go, when we only won two of the first 10 in all competitions, followed by just two defeats in the next 15 games, then one win in 6 followed by the previous good run of 9 games without defeat....and now onto 4 straight defeats.

It does always seem to be boom or bust, KC is still searching for that consistency.


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: BackOfTheNet on February 19, 2020, 14:17:58 pm
Ignoring the last 3 games, we're definitely harder to beat under Curle and that has seen us steady the ship and improve our league position.

We're also harder to watch though!

I personally don't think we'll make the play offs now, but if we do (even if we get knocked out in the semis) it would probably be churlish to deny Curle a new contract because he'll have reached the expected level of success, even if that success came at the expense of entertainment value.

If we don't get there we'll have only really been treading water this year and, coupled with the dismal football on show, that isn't really good enough, especially when you consider the overall poor standard within L2 at the moment. If we don't make the play offs then personally I'd be looking for a new manager rather than offering any new contracts.


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: WasRambo on February 19, 2020, 14:36:09 pm
Curle and the players are as good as we're going to get.When will people realise we're the Cobblers not Real Madrid - a club whose history consists as much about staving off extinction and avoiding re-election as it does promotion glory.

Whilst their styles are obviously different, Curle's timeline closely mirrors Wilder's albeit it will probably not end in a run of non-stop swashbuckling victories to secure us the title.

We've got probably the 75th best budget in the league (if that) and the 75th best ground and support. We've probably got the 75th best manager and players too.

Why do people persist in believing promotion to L1 is some kind of thing we should always be challenging for. The resources just don't match the dreams - get over it.

If we make the play offs - and I think we might well do - Curle will have done a decent job. If he gets us up (and do people not actually think he is trying his nuts off to get that elusive promotion?) he will have done a great job.


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: Deepcut Cobbler on February 19, 2020, 14:42:30 pm
Curle and the players are as good as we're going to get.When will people realise we're the Cobblers not Real Madrid - a club whose history consists as much about staving off extinction and avoiding re-election as it does promotion glory.

Whilst their styles are obviously different, Curle's timeline closely mirrors Wilder's albeit it will probably not end in a run of non-stop swashbuckling victories to secure us the title.

We've got probably the 75th best budget in the league (if that) and the 75th best ground and support. We've probably got the 75th best manager and players too.

Why do people persist in believing promotion to L1 is some kind of thing we should always be challenging for. The resources just don't match the dreams - get over it.

If we make the play offs - and I think we might well do - Curle will have done a decent job. If he gets us up (and do people not actually think he is trying his nuts off to get that elusive promotion?) he will have done a great job.

Hallelujah...https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y8AWFf7EAc4


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: Battery Man on February 19, 2020, 14:58:57 pm
Curle and the players are as good as we're going to get.When will people realise we're the Cobblers not Real Madrid - a club whose history consists as much about staving off extinction and avoiding re-election as it does promotion glory.

Whilst their styles are obviously different, Curle's timeline closely mirrors Wilder's albeit it will probably not end in a run of non-stop swashbuckling victories to secure us the title.

We've got probably the 75th best budget in the league (if that) and the 75th best ground and support. We've probably got the 75th best manager and players too.

Why do people persist in believing promotion to L1 is some kind of thing we should always be challenging for. The resources just don't match the dreams - get over it.

If we make the play offs - and I think we might well do - Curle will have done a decent job. If he gets us up (and do people not actually think he is trying his nuts off to get that elusive promotion?) he will have done a great job.

I agree, I think sometimes certain people can get a bit carried away, In all my lifetime we have been mainly in league 2 occasionally flirted with league 1 (and for a brief moment got close to Championship) and a few times come close to the drop. In fact just surviving by the skin of our teeth on one occasion. I have been watching us since about 83 time and love a good season but expect a bad one, that way I am not disappointed to often. I remember stopping going for the last few years of Cardoza's reign because I didn't agree with what he was doing then I missed out on the Wilder era. So I have since decided to just go and enjoy the good and put up with the bad.


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: GrangeParkCobbler on February 19, 2020, 15:34:47 pm
Oh no....the old ‘we’ve always been crap so always will be crap’ argument!

Might as well give up now!  >:(


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: guest3063 on February 19, 2020, 16:24:43 pm
I think there could be as many as 19 players out of contract this summer - if I'm wrong I stand to be corrected. The list is as follows :-

Out of contract : David Cornell, Reece Hall-Johnson, Alan McCormack, Jordan Turnbull, Sam Hoskins, Andy Williams, Scott Pollock, Jay Williams, Shaun McWilliams, Vadaine Oliver, Michael Harriman, Ryan Hughes, Camron McWilliams, Jack Newell, Billy Waters, Sean Whaler, Bradley Lashley, Paul Anderson & Mark Marshall.

Under contract (only 10) : Joe Martin, Charlie Goode, Ryan Watson, Harry Smith, Nicky Adams, Chris Lines, Matt Warburton, Morgan Roberts, Steve Arnold & Ethan Johnston. 

Some of our promising youngsters that haven't really pushed on this season are out of contract including Shaun McWilliams.


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: West Stand on February 19, 2020, 16:50:36 pm
Small point, but Morgan Roberts is under contract to summer 2021.


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: guest3063 on February 19, 2020, 17:22:41 pm
Small point, but Morgan Roberts is under contract to summer 2021.

Correct, the transfermarket website is clearly wrong in this case and probably in some others  ::)


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: Manwork04 on February 19, 2020, 17:46:13 pm
Oh no....the old ‘we’ve always been crap so always will be crap’ argument!

Might as well give up now!  >:(
I know mate, I think this is a sad reflection on the attitude of certain people, Some people are happy with the status quo and others strive for betterment.
There are numerous examples of clubs on their arse that have improved themselves and now are regulars in the championship and even the prem.


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: Manwork04 on February 19, 2020, 17:47:17 pm
And as for Curles contract........ ;D
Nathan Jones all day long.


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: GrangeParkCobbler on February 19, 2020, 18:44:26 pm
And as for Curles contract........ ;D
Nathan Jones all day long.

Agreed, he’s been gone too long!


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: Manwork04 on February 19, 2020, 19:01:51 pm
Agreed, he’s been gone too long!
;D


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: Grove on February 19, 2020, 19:17:25 pm
I know mate, I think this is a sad reflection on the attitude of certain people, Some people are happy with the status quo and others strive for betterment.
There are numerous examples of clubs on their arse that have improved themselves and now are regulars in the championship and even the prem.

Heaven forbid we could even strive to be as good as Burton Fleetwood and Accrington. I remember when Rochdale had never been promoted , they are pretty good at staying there now, something we never manage, but hey ho, its ok were just a division 4 side eh


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: Dan on February 19, 2020, 19:18:06 pm
And as for Curles contract........ ;D
Nathan Jones all day long.

Find myself agreeing with you more and more by the day Manwork  ;D :-*


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: GrangeParkCobbler on February 19, 2020, 19:46:49 pm
Heaven forbid we could even strive to be as good as Burton Fleetwood and Accrington. I remember when Rochdale had never been promoted , they are pretty good at staying there now, something we never manage, but hey ho, its ok were just a division 4 side eh

And as for Luton, Oxford, Doncaster, Bristol Rovers, Lincoln, Tranmere and Shrewsbury, who do they think they are? When they were relegated to non-league you'd think they could have just all accepted their fate, rather than messing about in the Championship and League 1 like all of them are doing now!  ;D


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: Stig on February 19, 2020, 22:18:29 pm
I think there could be as many as 18 players out of contract this summer - if I'm wrong I stand to be corrected. The list is as follows :-

Out of contract : David Cornell, Alan McCormack, Jordan Turnbull, Sam Hoskins, Andy Williams, Scott Pollock, Jay Williams, Shaun McWilliams, Vadaine Oliver, Michael Harriman, Ryan Hughes, Camron McWilliams, Jack Newell, Billy Waters, Sean Whaler, Bradley Lashley, Paul Anderson & Mark Marshall.

Under contract (only 11) : Reece Hall-Johnson, Joe Martin, Charlie Goode, Ryan Watson, Harry Smith, Nicky Adams, Chris Lines, Matt Warburton, Morgan Roberts, Steve Arnold & Ethan Johnston. 

Some of our promising youngsters that haven't really pushed on this season are out of contract including Shaun McWilliams.

Pretty sure RHJ is 1 year with option of another, so we won’t be taking that up as he not been making the squad!

Thought Roberts contract was up but might be wrong

One thing for sure going to be interesting summer


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: everbrite on February 19, 2020, 22:21:10 pm
We were in the bottom 2 when KC took over with only 7 points in 10 matches. He kept us up comfortably and even came close to mounting a promotion challenge around March time. He rebuilt the squad on a reduced budget, has brought in some very good players and there is an excellent team spirit within the squad. We're 8th in the table and only out of the play-offs on goal difference, with a game in hand. We reached the 5th round of the cup and were the only L2 team to reach that stage, earning the club a significant financial windfall.

We may have lost the last 3 league matches, but all have been narrow defeats. Two of these were against the side top of the table and another against one of if not the divisions form team in Port Vale, a game which we otherwise had been the better side in.

Prior to that we had lost just 3 games in 22 in all competitions, including emphatic wins away at League 1 Burton and a draw at home to Championship side Derby County.

On the basis of what KC has manged since he took over I'll be amazed if he isn't offered a new contract and it's beyond me how that being a very strong possibility could be beyond anyone at this point.

8-10 defeats in the next 14 could possibly change things, but that won't happen.

Decent enough comments Clarrie; am bemused at the many negative comments on here since the Walsall game when common sense and a cursory glance at the stats suggest otherwise. Dear old Manw4  has established himself as prolific agent of frequent and increasingly absurd comments. He is not alone aided by a few others who all wish KC to fail and with him the team ::) We have one member criticising Hoskins; our leading scorer incidentally and then belittles him for scoring from penalties! Are we suffering from some ad hoc personality syndrome? We really should heed Wadeys comments forget the personal bickering against players and Manager; simply get behind the team/Manager and give the best support we/you can.


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: guest3264 on February 20, 2020, 05:09:10 am
And as for Luton, Oxford, Doncaster, Bristol Rovers, Lincoln, Tranmere and Shrewsbury, who do they think they are? When they were relegated to non-league you'd think they could have just all accepted their fate, rather than messing about in the Championship and League 1 like all of them are doing now!  ;D
Just for balance, why did you not mention some of the following?
Notts County
Chesterfield
Wrexham
Halifax
York
Darlington
Barnet
Yeovil
Stockport
Torquay
Plus another dozen Ex-league clubs I could name!


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: GrangeParkCobbler on February 20, 2020, 07:18:53 am
Because in the context of the post I was pointing out that those clubs had been POSITIVE and had been on an upward trajectory.

Then Mr Positive comes along to point out the negative clubs, the ones who haven't come back......strange!!


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: guest3264 on February 20, 2020, 07:27:29 am
Because in the context of the post I was pointing out that those clubs had been POSITIVE and had been on an upward trajectory.

Then Mr Positive comes along to point out the negative clubs, the ones who haven't come back......strange!!
Balance is NOT negativity. Chesterfield have built an excellent Stadium but have failed on the pitch.

I want a 14,000 capacity stadium with executive boxes and conference centre and a footballing team competing in the top half of   League 1............but I have wanted that for decades and I am loosing patience now!


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: singcobb on February 20, 2020, 08:01:13 am
With the exception of a few old farts on here who can remember the heady days of our one flirtation with the top flight of English football most of you will have started supporting the Cobblers when we were in the fourth level, having brief ups into the third level, but mostly being a mid table side with a few frantic relegations battles thrown in. This was the product on sale to you, so what else did you expect?
Did you expect this to change just because you became a supporter? You knew what you were getting into from the get go. If you wanted higher level football you could have made the short journey up to Leicester or down to Watford.

I do wonder if some people on here buy a Ford Escort and expect it to magically turn into an Aston Martin.

Now before all you hot heads jump on me. I would love to see us playing regularly in a higher division, however I know that I bought an Escort and by bolting a few bits on it I can get it to go a bit faster sometimes, but at the end fo the day it is still an Escort.


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: GrangeParkCobbler on February 20, 2020, 08:22:07 am
I get what you’re saying Sing....

What version of the Escort did you start with though?

If you buy your Mk1 and it gets a bit clapped out you get the mk 2, then the 3 etc, each one better than before....

Hey, it’s still a Ford Escort, but one that’s a lot better than the one you had originally!


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: guest49 on February 20, 2020, 08:47:55 am


What version of the Escort did you start with though?


Very much a readers wife.


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: Knockingonabit on February 20, 2020, 08:57:12 am
I can't remember much about it but I watched them at the County Ground before there were floodlights so thanks for the Old Farts comment   ;D.

We now have Evers castigating Manwork for his extreme views and then telling us we should get behind the team come what may. Good grief!

Most are between the extremes, there are those that put results above everything else whilst others detest the current style.

Personally I didn't go to the Swindon game. A combination of foul weather and the prospect of decent players booting it towards the opponents corner flag resulted in me feeling as if I just couldn't be arsed.

Cant remember the last time I felt like that.


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: Manwork04 on February 20, 2020, 09:10:06 am
Very much a readers wife.
;D ;D ;D


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: singcobb on February 20, 2020, 09:13:22 am
I get what you’re saying Sing....

What version of the Escort did you start with though?

If you buy your Mk1 and it gets a bit clapped out you get the mk 2, then the 3 etc, each one better than before....

Hey, it’s still a Ford Escort, but one that’s a lot better than the one you had originally!

This is true, the Mk3 doesn't get involved in quite so many relegation battles. Even the Cosworth that will give you a good speed will blow the turbo after a while.


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: everbrite on February 20, 2020, 09:17:12 am
Just for balance, why did you not mention some of the following?
Notts County
Chesterfield
Wrexham
Halifax
York
Darlington
Barnet
Yeovil
Stockport
Torquay
Plus another dozen Ex-league clubs I could name!

Oh dear GPC Oh dear


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: Manwork04 on February 20, 2020, 09:18:51 am
My dream car back in the day was a Ford Escort México, my mate had one, you could open the drivers door with a 2p coin
They are now going for £40k + !!!


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: WasRambo on February 20, 2020, 09:20:28 am
I know mate, I think this is a sad reflection on the attitude of certain people, Some people are happy with the status quo and others strive for betterment.
There are numerous examples of clubs on their arse that have improved themselves and now are regulars in the championship and even the prem.

I think of myself .more as a realist than pessimist

Am I settling for mediocrity? No. Do I dream? Yes

I just wake up...


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: WasRambo on February 20, 2020, 09:29:50 am
Of course there will be clubs that go on a sport and climb a division or two but looking back over the last 60 years, the divisions dont actually move that much do they?

As for some of the examples quoted, Fleetwood and Burton have had plenty thrown at them and are probably at their level now. Average L1 sides. Accrington? Pretty sure they'll be back bottom half of L2 within 5 years. Not sure their shed is anything to aspire too either.

£50m I reckon. That's what youd need to get to the Champs and have a chance of staying. When a Sheikh arrives with that kind of dosh I'll get excited. Until then I'll do what rational peoe do and manage my expectations


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: Manwork04 on February 20, 2020, 09:30:13 am
I think of myself .more as a realist than pessimist

Am I settling for mediocrity? No. Do I dream? Yes

I just wake up...
I’ve always been a believer in if you want something bad enough you can have it, so I just think it’s such a waste at NTFC as I think we could be a decent L1 outfit pushing for the Championship, we need the infrastructure in place to help, look at Oxford and even Boro’s grounds compared to Sixseats it embarrassing.


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: Charlatan on February 20, 2020, 09:33:06 am
With the exception of a few old farts on here who can remember the heady days of our one flirtation with the top flight of English football most of you will have started supporting the Cobblers when we were in the fourth level, having brief ups into the third level, but mostly being a mid table side with a few frantic relegations battles thrown in. This was the product on sale to you, so what else did you expect?
Did you expect this to change just because you became a supporter? You knew what you were getting into from the get go. If you wanted higher level football you could have made the short journey up to Leicester or down to Watford.

I do wonder if some people on here buy a Ford Escort and expect it to magically turn into an Aston Martin.

Now before all you hot heads jump on me. I would love to see us playing regularly in a higher division, however I know that I bought an Escort and by bolting a few bits on it I can get it to go a bit faster sometimes, but at the end fo the day it is still an Escort.

Good post Singcobb. The same applies when  you buy a terraced house and then moan you're surrounded by houses and there's no off-street parking!


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: Manwork04 on February 20, 2020, 09:33:53 am
Find myself agreeing with you more and more by the day Manwork  ;D :-*
You sound like a well balanced and astute individual with a higher IQ than average.


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: ClarenceInDefence on February 20, 2020, 09:46:42 am
Heaven forbid we could even strive to be as good as Burton Fleetwood and Accrington. I remember when Rochdale had never been promoted , they are pretty good at staying there now, something we never manage, but hey ho, its ok were just a division 4 side eh

Fleetwood aren't the best example to use as they are being bankrolled and have one of the biggest wage bills in League 1.

Looking at the bottom half of the table in that division, you will see fairly recent League 2 sides Tranmere, Wimbledon, Rochdale, MK, Shrewsbury, Lincoln and Accrington. None of these are 'flourishing' however and staying up another season is about the best they can currently hope for.

If it hadn't been for the expulsion of Bury, the points deduction for Bolton and Southend becoming a basket-case of a club, all of these teams would in be in a relegation dogfight this season.

There's nothing wrong with aspiring to get promoted and become an established and competitive side in the above tier, but from clubs of about the Cobblers size, those who have managed that without being bankrolled are very few.

Rotherham are the best example I can think of and are a model that could perhaps be emulated with the right long-term planning.


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: GrangeParkCobbler on February 20, 2020, 10:32:47 am
Oh dear GPC Oh dear

What? Oh dear what?

Another fantastic insightful post by you!


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: DrillingCobbler on February 20, 2020, 11:36:45 am
No need to look at contracts at the minute, wait until we know what division we are going to be in first...promotion would change the budget, and the dynamics of any squad we would need to have in place come August.

Of course, we run the risk of losing a Turnbull or another one of our better players by dithering. But thats football, at our level.

As for Curle. If the season ended today, Id like to see him stick around. But there's still a quarter of the season left so no need to make that call just yet.

I have no concerns about his long term footballing style. I think if he is here come August, we will see us evolve into a more pleasing to the eye, side. Its subjective I know, but results come first and until this last 3 games (allowing for the terrible start we'd made), it was working well for us. Is it a blip, have sides sussed us out? Will KC change the tactics in the coming weeks? Ill ignore his interviews, opposition managers read them and he isn't stupid. Far from it! They are just soundbites, bits of feed that every club across the land churns out. Not to be taken seriously...

Im alot more patient these days, I remember having big debates on here in the Calderwood days with Grove and Hamster, I couldn't stand his football and argued that with the budget we had back then we should have been far more successful. Grove defended him, now Im finding myself doing the same with Curle from time to time!  ;D

Looking back, whats the real difference? A Josh Lowe and a Martin Smith aside, we are probably running at similar financial-results expectations as we were back then. I back my argument now when I see, stick Ricky Holmes in this team and the whole dynamics of it would change. Unfortunately we do not have that player, nor do we have the £ to buy one. Our only chance is that in the Summer our manager finds one on the cheap and we get a good 12 months out of him. Ricky came here, at what 27? Couldn't get into a sh1t league 2 team, before that he was at Barnet. Complete and utter luck in many ways how it turned out. Graham Carr found Hill and Morley etc. Same thing. Sammo brought in Courtney Herbert, 2 goals in his first 3 games and a wonder one at Bury included in that. Then what happened?!

I cant help but come to the conclusion that KC has not made that big lucky signing yet that changes everything, but in the meantime has stabilised us and massively improved us in a short space of time.

So in summary? See what occurs!


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: everbrite on February 20, 2020, 11:54:28 am
What? Oh dear what?

Another fantastic insightful post by you!


Bit ironic from you as the underlying feature of some of your posts is a drip by drip negativity. A reasonable example is your article on successful L1 clubs which was criticised by BBS for lack of balance . I think he is right but that is just my opinion. Rightly or wrongly to some you give the impression of having an agenda on KC and the Chairman for that matter. To me your best efforts relate to NTFC financial matters, attendance statistics and travel arrangements via BR. Most of these if not all are free from bias and make worthwhile read; IMO of course. Why you chose to follow or appear to follow the jaundiced views of a few on here is beyond me. Seems a waste of talent. Still each to his own.


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: everbrite on February 20, 2020, 12:02:14 pm
No need to look at contracts at the minute, wait until we know what division we are going to be in first...promotion would change the budget, and the dynamics of any squad we would need to have in place come August.

Of course, we run the risk of losing a Turnbull or another one of our better players by dithering. But thats football, at our level.

As for Curle. If the season ended today, Id like to see him stick around. But there's still a quarter of the season left so no need to make that call just yet.

I have no concerns about his long term footballing style. I think if he is here come August, we will see us evolve into a more pleasing to the eye, side. Its subjective I know, but results come first and until this last 3 games (allowing for the terrible start we'd made), it was working well for us. Is it a blip, have sides sussed us out? Will KC change the tactics in the coming weeks? Ill ignore his interviews, opposition managers read them and he isn't stupid. Far from it! They are just soundbites, bits of feed that every club across the land churns out. Not to be taken seriously...

Im alot more patient these days, I remember having big debates on here in the Calderwood days with Grove and Hamster, I couldn't stand his football and argued that with the budget we had back then we should have been far more successful. Grove defended him, now Im finding myself doing the same with Curle from time to time!  ;D

Looking back, whats the real difference? A Josh Lowe and a Martin Smith aside, we are probably running at similar financial-results expectations as we were back then. I back my argument now when I see, stick Ricky Holmes in this team and the whole dynamics of it would change. Unfortunately we do not have that player, nor do we have the £ to buy one. Our only chance is that in the Summer our manager finds one on the cheap and we get a good 12 months out of him. Ricky came here, at what 27? Couldn't get into a sh1t league 2 team, before that he was at Barnet. Complete and utter luck in many ways how it turned out. Graham Carr found Hill and Morley etc. Same thing. Sammo brought in Courtney Herbert, 2 goals in his first 3 games and a wonder one at Bury included in that. Then what happened?!

I cant help but come to the conclusion that KC has not made that big lucky signing yet that changes everything, but in the meantime has stabilised us and massively improved us in a short space of time.

So in summary? See what occurs!


 +  -  balanced interpretation of current situation!


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: WasRambo on February 20, 2020, 12:11:17 pm
I’ve always been a believer in if you want something bad enough you can have it, so I just think it’s such a waste at NTFC as I think we could be a decent L1 outfit pushing for the Championship, we need the infrastructure in place to help, look at Oxford and even Boro’s grounds compared to Sixseats it embarrassing.

This is the thing though, as fans we all "want" but you have to be realistic about what you can actually get. You can class me as a pessimist if you like. If it were the case that we had the means to be all you wish for but were just no good at realising it, I'd agree.

But we don't have the means to be a championship club do we? So why come on hear and moan about the stand, the team, the players, when you have zero means of controlling or influencing any of those things? It's a waste of time and emotion and most of the time, just a place for people to try and prove how much cleverer they are than someone else...


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: guest3063 on February 20, 2020, 13:20:57 pm
Pretty sure RHJ is 1 year with option of another, so we won’t be taking that up as he not been making the squad!

Thought Roberts contract was up but might be wrong

One thing for sure going to be interesting summer

You're right about RHJ. Roberts signed a 3 year deal in 2018.


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: GrangeParkCobbler on February 20, 2020, 14:20:09 pm

Bit ironic from you as the underlying feature of some of your posts is a drip by drip negativity. A reasonable example is your article on successful L1 clubs which was criticised by BBS for lack of balance . I think he is right but that is just my opinion. Rightly or wrongly to some you give the impression of having an agenda on KC and the Chairman for that matter. To me your best efforts relate to NTFC financial matters, attendance statistics and travel arrangements via BR. Most of these if not all are free from bias and make worthwhile read; IMO of course. Why you chose to follow or appear to follow the jaundiced views of a few on here is beyond me. Seems a waste of talent. Still each to his own.

I don't know why i'm bothering to answer, but I will, one last time!

Stop with the personal attacks, I have asked you previously, i'm now telling you!

Negativity? In this instance no, read the post again.....my post was a direct answer to those who say "we have always been a lower league club, get over it"....to me THATS NEGATIVE. Don't aspire to be anything else and you never will be anything else. I used examples of teams who had dropped out of the league and had come back stronger, not accepted relegation and just stayed non-league, actually recovered and all the examples I gave are playing in a higher division than we are now. HOW IS THAT NEGATIVE?

Then BBS comes back with a list of teams "to add balance", those who haven't come back.....to me THAT'S NEGATIVE. And then of course you come back with a cheap shot as if to say ner ner ner..........whats that all about?

Yes, I have an agenda on KT.....to me he came along, bailed us out in our hour of need (he wasn't the only one in the race at the end, he admits that himself), but since then no progress, either on or off the pitch. The underlying debt is bigger than ever, he's overseen some questionable managerial appointments, none of which have really worked out. He oversaw the 5USports saga, yet to be fully explained, and through his associate he has loaded debt onto the football club to the tune of £5.5m, half of that directly attributable to the 5USports fiasco. Consider that the latest balance sheet actually lists the East Stand as it is now as an asset of the club, and worth over £2m on that same balance sheet, you could argue that the true profit and lost is running at nearer £-8m
That's before I start talking about the redevelopment or lack of it, no plans, nothing. Where is the vision for the club, where does our chairman see the club in 3/5/10 years time? Nothing!! James Whiting runs this club!

And KC, yes I have an agenda there, my agenda is that the entertainment being served up on the pitch is dross in the main. It might be successful, it might win more games than not, but it is boring. I'm not the only one in that boat. Again we are relying on loan players rather than try out our own crop of youngsters, despite the fact that this club has said countless times we won't rely on the loan route.
The "anti-football" coupled with the poor facilities at Sixfields, the lack of entertainment, the overall matchday experience from parking in a muddy field to the broken windows, old worn out seats, skeleton of an east stand, all combine to make me not attend home games.
However, I did buy a half season ticket the year we were going up under Wilder as I had taken in quite a few games in the first half of the season and liked what I saw. This in turn led to me buying a full season the following season, and also one each for my three kids. Then the wheels fell off on the pitch under successive managers and I didn't renew. There was no thought in my mind to buy a half season this year because the product on the pitch did not entice me to do so.
I do attend a great many away games as the game itself is just a small part of the day out, the travelling, the different towns and cities with the different pubs etc just about make the 90 minutes palatable.

So there, that's my view, that's my opinion......I don't expect anyone in particular to agree or disagree, in fact I don't care.


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: GrangeParkCobbler on February 20, 2020, 14:37:39 pm
Fleetwood aren't the best example to use as they are being bankrolled and have one of the biggest wage bills in League 1.

Looking at the bottom half of the table in that division, you will see fairly recent League 2 sides Tranmere, Wimbledon, Rochdale, MK, Shrewsbury, Lincoln and Accrington. None of these are 'flourishing' however and staying up another season is about the best they can currently hope for.

If it hadn't been for the expulsion of Bury, the points deduction for Bolton and Southend becoming a basket-case of a club, all of these teams would in be in a relegation dogfight this season.

There's nothing wrong with aspiring to get promoted and become an established and competitive side in the above tier, but from clubs of about the Cobblers size, those who have managed that without being bankrolled are very few.

Rotherham are the best example I can think of and are a model that could perhaps be emulated with the right long-term planning.

And that's what it comes down to, long term planning, of which we seem to have none! I'll take your Rotherham and raise you a Doncaster. My memories of Doncaster being the tinpot side playing at Belle Vue before the ground mysteriously burnt down and they went to pot, wen't non-league...and look at them now.
Even our old friends from the fens, a good business model, have brought players in over the years, sold them on a great profit and have stayed out of League 2 with breif forays in the championship......can now afford to turn down £9m enquiries for Ivan Toney because they are well run and have a plan in place. And thats with McAnthony running the show and Barry Fry pulling the strings. FFS if they can do it......!!
But then look at MK....in my view the best facilities outside the Premier League......not got them very far has it?

There is no easy win, no quick fix, no right way and wrong way, you need a lot of luck along the way....and a plan!

Whats the plan for this club? Does anyone know?


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: Charlatan on February 20, 2020, 15:18:54 pm
No need to look at contracts at the minute, wait until we know what division we are going to be in first...promotion would change the budget, and the dynamics of any squad we would need to have in place come August.

Of course, we run the risk of losing a Turnbull or another one of our better players by dithering. But thats football, at our level.

As for Curle. If the season ended today, Id like to see him stick around. But there's still a quarter of the season left so no need to make that call just yet.

I have no concerns about his long term footballing style. I think if he is here come August, we will see us evolve into a more pleasing to the eye, side. Its subjective I know, but results come first and until this last 3 games (allowing for the terrible start we'd made), it was working well for us. Is it a blip, have sides sussed us out? Will KC change the tactics in the coming weeks? Ill ignore his interviews, opposition managers read them and he isn't stupid. Far from it! They are just soundbites, bits of feed that every club across the land churns out. Not to be taken seriously...

Im alot more patient these days, I remember having big debates on here in the Calderwood days with Grove and Hamster, I couldn't stand his football and argued that with the budget we had back then we should have been far more successful. Grove defended him, now Im finding myself doing the same with Curle from time to time!  ;D

Looking back, whats the real difference? A Josh Lowe and a Martin Smith aside, we are probably running at similar financial-results expectations as we were back then. I back my argument now when I see, stick Ricky Holmes in this team and the whole dynamics of it would change. Unfortunately we do not have that player, nor do we have the £ to buy one. Our only chance is that in the Summer our manager finds one on the cheap and we get a good 12 months out of him. Ricky came here, at what 27? Couldn't get into a sh1t league 2 team, before that he was at Barnet. Complete and utter luck in many ways how it turned out. Graham Carr found Hill and Morley etc. Same thing. Sammo brought in Courtney Herbert, 2 goals in his first 3 games and a wonder one at Bury included in that. Then what happened?!

I cant help but come to the conclusion that KC has not made that big lucky signing yet that changes everything, but in the meantime has stabilised us and massively improved us in a short space of time.

So in summary? See what occurs!

Good post again Drilling  :)


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: everbrite on February 20, 2020, 15:40:17 pm
I don't know why i'm bothering to answer, but I will, one last time!

Stop with the personal attacks, I have asked you previously, i'm now telling you!

It was not a personal attack at all and am sorry you interpreted it as such. From your lengthy response I don’t think you really considered it as such. In any case please accept my apologies for any comments made!


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: Coolcat on February 20, 2020, 19:26:16 pm
Fleetwood aren't the best example to use as they are being bankrolled and have one of the biggest wage bills in League 1.

Looking at the bottom half of the table in that division, you will see fairly recent League 2 sides Tranmere, Wimbledon, Rochdale, MK, Shrewsbury, Lincoln and Accrington. None of these are 'flourishing' however and staying up another season is about the best they can currently hope for.

If it hadn't been for the expulsion of Bury, the points deduction for Bolton and Southend becoming a basket-case of a club, all of these teams would in be in a relegation dogfight this season.

There's nothing wrong with aspiring to get promoted and become an established and competitive side in the above tier, but from clubs of about the Cobblers size, those who have managed that without being bankrolled are very few.

Rotherham are the best example I can think of and are a model that could perhaps be emulated with the right long-term planning.
You say Fleetwood aren't the best example, then with your claret specs, nay binoculars, spout utter rubbish by citing Lincoln City as one the examples of clubs not flourishing!
If Lincoln City with 6000 season ticket holders, successive promotions and more than holding their own in League One isn't flourishing...then what you make of a club with half that in STHs, a shell of an unfinished stand (how many years?) and seemingly unable to comfortably escape League Two or remain in League One for more than two seasons, well...!


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: Tabasco Kid on February 20, 2020, 19:51:41 pm
Very much a readers wife.
;D ;D ;D


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: EB Claret on February 20, 2020, 19:56:53 pm
I’ve always been a believer in if you want something bad enough you can have it, so I just think it’s such a waste at NTFC as I think we could be a decent L1 outfit pushing for the Championship, we need the infrastructure in place to help


True enough but as the Glimmer Twins said;-

You can't always get what you want
But if you try sometimes you just might find
You get what you need

Fingers crossed!


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: ClarenceInDefence on February 20, 2020, 20:06:56 pm
You say Fleetwood aren't the best example, then with your claret specs, nay binoculars, spout utter rubbish by citing Lincoln City as one the examples of clubs not flourishing!
If Lincoln City with 6000 season ticket holders, successive promotions and more than holding their own in League One isn't flourishing...then what you make of a club with half that in STHs, a shell of an unfinished stand (how many years?) and seemingly unable to comfortably escape League Two or remain in League One for more than two seasons, well...!

What does Lincolns 'successive promotions' have to do with it? We're talking about ex-League 2 clubs and how they are doing in League 1 following a promotion. I say in my post if you look at the bottom half of the table, you will see a high number of teams that have been in League 2 over the last 5 years. Lincoln are 15th and have played 2-3 games more than the majority of the teams above and below them, they will likely finishing in the bottom 6-7 teams. They are doing 'OK', but they are not 'flourishing' in that division this season and IMO will struggle again next year. They and the other clubs mentioned in my post are benefiting from the expulsion of Bury, leaving only 3 relegation places, a large point deduction given to Bolton (who played the first 6-7 matches with a team of 17-19 year olds as they barely had any 'senior' players under contract) and a Southend team who is absolutely terrible and as a club are a basket case looking every inch like the next Bury. These clubs have been 'gifted' an extra season in that division, but it's just a stay of execution.

None of these clubs are 'flourishing' they are making up the numbers. I'd wager the majority, if not all of these (Wimbledon, Rochdale, Accrington, MK, Shrewsbury and Lincoln) will be relegated over the following 2 seasons. Tranmere were promoted in successive seasons, and they will be comprehensively relegated this year. They have won a paltry 5 matches in 30 so far - is that 'flourishing'?

Lincoln 'flourishing' in 15th? Quite the opposite.


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: Melbourne Cobbler on February 20, 2020, 20:13:06 pm
Whatever the opinions barring a dreadful run of results Curle will be offered a new contract. Given the performance of the previous managers post Wilder KT will need to have taken leave of his senses to roll the dice given his medium/long term plans? On the off chance KT doesn’t,  Curle will be offered a job elsewhere in days. Most chairman would take the Curle effect in a heartbeat. Percentages show our next manager will lead us into a relegation battle despite being an outstanding candidate on paper. Entertainment is generally viewed as a luxury or added bonus. Like it or not fear of relegation is the most powerful motivation in this game by a mile.


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: everbrite on February 20, 2020, 21:00:27 pm
Whatever the opinions barring a dreadful run of results Curle will be offered a new contract. Given the performance of the previous managers post Wilder KT will need to have taken leave of his senses to roll the dice given his medium/long term plans? On the off chance KT doesn’t,  Curle will be offered a job elsewhere in days. Most chairman would take the Curle effect in a heartbeat. Percentages show our next manager will lead us into a relegation battle despite being an outstanding candidate on paper. Entertainment is generally viewed as a luxury or added bonus. Like it or not fear of relegation is the most powerful motivation in this game by a mile.

It is desperately sad to read some of the recent posts criticising the team/KC; plus the ongoing critical analysis of the Chairman. You have to admire the stamina of the critics who basically keep on posting the same monotonous opinion as if that will make any difference.... see Rambo's comments on this.  Without busting a gut we can finish in the top half of the table; or we can make the top 7 (or top 3  8) ). As Curle has commented crowd input matters so perhaps we have a part to play.


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: everbrite on February 20, 2020, 21:26:58 pm
.................................................

Whats the plan for this club? Does anyone know?

I suggest 'survival'......without it we are in deep trouble!


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: Manwork04 on February 21, 2020, 00:15:50 am
Whatever the opinions barring a dreadful run of results Curle will be offered a new contract. Given the performance of the previous managers post Wilder KT will need to have taken leave of his senses to roll the dice given his medium/long term plans? On the off chance KT doesn’t,  Curle will be offered a job elsewhere in days. Most chairman would take the Curle effect in a heartbeat. Percentages show our next manager will lead us into a relegation battle despite being an outstanding candidate on paper. Entertainment is generally viewed as a luxury or added bonus. Like it or not fear of relegation is the most powerful motivation in this game by a mile.
Absolute bollox, Curle will be gone by the end of the summer or we will have less than 2000 season ticket holders FACT.


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: Dr Feelgood on February 21, 2020, 03:49:32 am
It was not a personal attack at all and am sorry you interpreted it as such. From your lengthy response I don’t think you really considered it as such. In any case please accept my apologies for any comments made!
;D ;D ;D


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: Dr Feelgood on February 21, 2020, 03:51:07 am
Theres still plenty of games left. I think we'll make the playoffs but Curlio will really need to learn from his mistakes and quickly.


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: guest3264 on February 21, 2020, 04:32:10 am
Absolute bollox, Curle will be gone by the end of the summer or we will have less than 2000 season ticket holders FACT.

I suggest you improve your spelling Manwork, the word 'fact' is spelt 'OPINION'!


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: Melbourne Cobbler on February 21, 2020, 07:10:32 am
Absolute bollox, Curle will be gone by the end of the summer or we will have less than 2000 season ticket holders FACT.

I love it when you do this mate, fancy a wager on this as well? At this rate I'll be able to afford the club myself.


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: Melbourne Cobbler on February 21, 2020, 07:15:12 am
Thats a tenner on this and double and or quits says you you attend enough games to make it better value to buy a season ticket. You're a man of honour so I trust you to tell me whether you have or not?


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: Knockingonabit on February 21, 2020, 09:02:33 am
I know nine people who regularly attend and everyone dislikes the current style of play. Even when we were challenging for a top three place discussion normally focused on the hoofball rather than possible promotion. I expect Curle to be the manager next season come what may but if we are still in Division 2 then I am sure a fair few will be thinking long and hard about renewing their season tickets. As a matter of interest how many season ticket holders are there currently?


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: Deepcut Cobbler on February 21, 2020, 10:00:24 am
If all of you don't renew your season tickets, what will you do on a Saturday/match day instead?  ;D


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: everbrite on February 21, 2020, 10:42:50 am
Theres still plenty of games left. I think we'll make the playoffs but Curlio will really need to learn from his mistakes and quickly.

 ;D ;D


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: bungle on February 21, 2020, 12:28:09 pm
Curle is manifestly a competent lower league manager. He can organise a defence, he knows how to grind out results, his signings have generally been successful and his teams generally finish in the top half of the division.

That might sound like a low bar of competence, but his immediate predecessors (Page, Austen, Hasselbaink) all failed to clear it. In this respect, I would say he is comfortably in the top 10% of the managers we have had during the Sixfields era (and I'm sure that his win percentage would bear this out). I would also go as far as saying that in the Sixfields era, only Wilder and Gray have been manifestly 'better' than Curle in terms of style of play.

We could do - and frequently have done - a lot worse than KC. Sacking him would be a risk because history suggests that the chances of us bringing in someone better are pretty low.

On the other hand, there are two big question marks over his future:

1. Can he deliver a promotion? and
2. Is he either willing or able to evolve the team into something more dynamic, unpredictable and attractive in terms of personnel and style of play?

I see Curle as very similar to Atkins and Boothroyd, both of whom had similar strengths and weaknesses and both of whom faced similar questions during their tenure. In the case of Boothroyd, the answer to both questions was no. In the case of Atkins, the answer to the first question was initially 'yes', but when he tried to evolve it failed miserably and ended ultimately in relegation, albeit from a higher division.

I think we'll have a fair idea on the promotion issue at the end of the season. Given our personnel and budget I would say that a play-off spot finish is a reasonable expectation. If we fail to make the play-offs it should raise alarm bells about Curle's capacity to maintain a sustained challenge at the top of the table. If we make the play-offs but lose out then it will at least be a tangible sign of progress.

The question of Curle's capacity for tactical evolution will take longer to answer, but if I were KT I would be asking him some tough questions about personnel and lack of a plan 'b'.

In short, if we make the play-offs then I would very much be in favour of keeping him but with the caveat that he should be asked some tough questions about his plans for tactical and personnel evolution. If we fail to make the play-offs then it might be time to consider some alternative options. 











Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: DrillingCobbler on February 21, 2020, 14:19:20 pm
Pretty much agree with Bungle, word to word. Perhaps other than the last line; 8th,9th,10th would still show decent progress, however it depends on how its 'achieved' in during the busy end of the season. Lots of football still to be played and all that...

I still though, often look back at Chris Wilders promotion, Boothroyd's near miss as well as and even Carr's. All 3 started off pretty much in the same position, bottom 3 of the football league. I think its fair to say that all 3 had similar first 'part seasons', namely stabilising us. During their first full seasons, Carr finished 8th if memory serves me right, Wilder 11th. In Wilder's case the 2nd half of that season was a massive improvement, given we were just above the drop zone around Christmas time. He then made some game changer signings in the January window (Ricky being the main one) and we finished the season very strongly. Prior to that window, we were awful. Negative, and often very direct. He simply didn't have the right players to really get us entertaining, Id say KC still has that issue to a large extent. We still don't have a proven decent goal scoring striker, although the lad on loan from WBA is showing promise.

Unlike KC's main critics, I try not to look at his previous record and be negative about it. To use an over used saying in football, its all about the fine margins. Curle was a penalty shoot out away from promotion at Mansfield. You cant get any closer than that! Then he'd be on a par with Carr, ie one promotion in the football league. Spin? Yes. But factually, still correct. On the flip side, he didn't deserve to get that chance, having robbed us in the semi finals!  ;D But that simply enforces the fine margins argument here...

So for me, its all about what he does here. What happened before he showed up, is pretty irrelevant.

Like Bungle says, Id want (if I was chairman) reassurances about the evolvement of the playing style, personally though Im absolutely comfortable that he doesn't intend to hoof it for ever! I attended a sponsors evening a while back and sat on his table, and he talked about this in some depth. Remember last season, when we spent 2 or 3 games trying to play 'total football'? Yeah, we lost them. A gig joke was made of it but those results were the catalyst to going back to a direct style.

Personally, I think we now need to try and play the ball more. We are at a tipping point after the last run of results, and performances. It will be interesting to see how we set up tomorrow, but I've a feeling that we will try and play the ball through the middle a lot more than in recent times. Just a hunch. Happy to come back on here at 5pm tomorrow and be proved totally wrong though!!  ;D

I do believe that his somewhat monotoned interview style gives people the complete wrong impression of him. Meet him, he's a top bloke, very intelligent, has a great sense of humour and has a presence that you'd hope a football manager would have. I don't think any of these attributes come across at all when he's on the wireless, or indeed in front of a camera. If they did, I believe many others would have a different view of him than they currently do.





Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: guest3264 on February 21, 2020, 15:49:33 pm
Drilling, you mention KC's monotone voice. To prove this I have never heard the second half of one of his interviews because I have drifted off in my concentration!


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: Grove on February 21, 2020, 16:59:21 pm

Bit ironic from you as the underlying feature of some of your posts is a drip by drip negativity. A reasonable example is your article on successful L1 clubs which was criticised by BBS for lack of balance . I think he is right but that is just my opinion. Rightly or wrongly to some you give the impression of having an agenda on KC and the Chairman for that matter. To me your best efforts relate to NTFC financial matters, attendance statistics and travel arrangements via BR. Most of these if not all are free from bias and make worthwhile read; IMO of course. Why you chose to follow or appear to follow the jaundiced views of a few on here is beyond me. Seems a waste of talent. Still each to his own.



Yeah do as you are told GPC, stick to what you do best  ;D

Oh and Everbrite, you keep making things up and being condescending, that's your forte


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: guest3086 on February 21, 2020, 19:56:04 pm
Evers***e condescending? You should be ashamed.


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: Larry on February 21, 2020, 20:11:28 pm
Curle is manifestly a competent lower league manager. He can organise a defence, he knows how to grind out results, his signings have generally been successful and his teams generally finish in the top half of the division.

Based on that view and considering our previous managers I'd sign him for life.


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: Tabasco Kid on February 21, 2020, 20:48:12 pm
Based on that view and considering our previous managers I'd sign him for life.
Really?
Why are you so pro Curle? Im very very curious. Please respond. Ta.xx


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: GrangeParkCobbler on February 21, 2020, 21:06:35 pm


Yeah do as you are told GPC, stick to what you do best  ;D

Oh and Everbrite, you keep making things up and being condescending, that's your forte

No comment!  :D


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: Manwork04 on February 21, 2020, 21:23:09 pm
Thats a tenner on this and double and or quits says you you attend enough games to make it better value to buy a season ticket. You're a man of honour so I trust you to tell me whether you have or not?
;D I can’t take the attending bet because your right, I am a sucker for NTFC. 👍


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: Melbourne Cobbler on February 22, 2020, 09:24:31 am
;D I can’t take the attending bet because your right, I am a sucker for NTFC. 👍
Bugger. It was a long shot but I thought your frustration might get the better of you and you’d cover the bet? You have to get up very early in the morning to catch old Manny out.


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: Larry on February 22, 2020, 10:08:44 am
Really?
Why are you so pro Curle? Im very very curious. Please respond. Ta.xx

Because I've learn't that managers aren't magicians and he's doing a decent job with the players and budget available. Constantly changing managers is the direct cause of our problems.


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: Clarity on February 25, 2020, 14:28:11 pm
https://www.northamptonchron.co.uk/sport/football/chairman-thomas-says-cobblers-have-started-discussions-over-new-contract-curle-1890685


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: Manwork04 on February 25, 2020, 15:23:50 pm
https://www.northamptonchron.co.uk/sport/football/chairman-thomas-says-cobblers-have-started-discussions-over-new-contract-curle-1890685
Sweet Jesus.


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: Another Pedj on February 25, 2020, 15:39:58 pm
https://www.northamptonchron.co.uk/sport/football/chairman-thomas-says-cobblers-have-started-discussions-over-new-contract-curle-1890685

FACT!


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: Dan on February 25, 2020, 16:31:32 pm
Sweet Jesus.

Shall not be commenting further  ;D


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: GrangeParkCobbler on February 25, 2020, 18:20:41 pm
Shall not be commenting further  ;D

Best not to..... ;D


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: Vintage Cobbler on February 25, 2020, 18:25:06 pm
A timely boost for the coming season ticket sales!!


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: west stand oap on February 25, 2020, 18:28:58 pm
Our prayers have been answered!


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: Dr Feelgood on February 25, 2020, 18:31:25 pm
Another season of hoofball..cant wait


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: Melbourne Cobbler on February 25, 2020, 18:33:07 pm
Sweet Jesus.
What could have been. A lovely crisp £10 note could have been winging its way to me as we speak? Don’t tell me if you buy a season ticket, I don’t think I could bare it.


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: GrangeParkCobbler on February 25, 2020, 18:43:34 pm
A timely boost for the coming season ticket sales!!

You'd imagine the queues would be already forming outside the ticket office....


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: west stand oap on February 25, 2020, 19:47:13 pm
Steve Phillips has twice said tonight that KC has done a great job.


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: Dr Feelgood on February 25, 2020, 19:48:49 pm
I just listened to the KT interview on Youtube and Curlio will be here next season even if we dont make the Playoffs..


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: GrangeParkCobbler on February 25, 2020, 20:44:14 pm
I just listened to the KT interview on Youtube and Curlio will be here next season even if we dont make the Playoffs..

Will he? Even if he gets offered a wage reduction?


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: memyhead on February 25, 2020, 21:00:16 pm
I just listened to the KT interview on Youtube and Curlio will be here next season even if we dont make the Playoffs..

Next season & beyond judging by that interview  ::)


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: BMON on February 25, 2020, 21:04:32 pm
Next season & beyond judging by that interview  ::)

oh no he won't
insider


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: Dr Feelgood on February 25, 2020, 21:14:00 pm
Next season & beyond judging by that interview  ::)
If the season gets ugly and we slip to midtable I think KT may have to re-evaluate.


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: WadeyCobbler on February 25, 2020, 21:21:10 pm
We're having our best season for 4 years I'm not surprised KC is being considered for a new contract.


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: GrangeParkCobbler on February 25, 2020, 21:31:12 pm
We're having our best season for 4 years I'm not surprised KC is being considered for a new contract.

That doesn't say a lot about the last three years!!

We lost only one game fewer than Macclesfield in the league this season.....still think he's doing a fantastic job?


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: Larry on February 25, 2020, 21:52:59 pm
That doesn't say a lot about the last three years!!

We lost only one game fewer than Macclesfield in the league this season.....still think he's doing a fantastic job?

Well, we have won more than twice as many games as Macclesfield.


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: GrangeParkCobbler on February 25, 2020, 22:01:36 pm
Well, we have won more than twice as many games as Macclesfield.

Both facts are facts! Depends which side of the fence you sit on then!


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: EB Claret on February 25, 2020, 22:11:08 pm
Both facts are facts! Depends which side of the fence you sit on then!

I've got splinters!
It could be argued that Curly has improved us and should be given the chance to carry on.
Or, He could be thanked for doing what he was asked to do, and wished all the best for his future elsewhere.


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: Melbourne Cobbler on February 25, 2020, 22:42:08 pm
To reiterate, getting rid of Curle is about 10% of the decision. Who comes next is the real decision and dwarfs giving Curle the boot by a mile. Statistically the next bloke is most likely to be a disaster and will plunge us into a relegation battle? I confess it doesn’t mean you shy away from doing it. It just makes the Curle out mantra a bit pointless unless there is an obviously better option put up at the same time? Case in point and genuine question. Who would take any of our previous managers over Curle post Wilder? I recall they all received general approval at the time of their appointment, that didn’t last did it? I’m afraid the sensible, if possibly uninspiring decision is to stick with Curle?


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: everbrite on February 25, 2020, 23:17:43 pm
To reiterate, getting rid of Curle is about 10% of the decision. Who comes next is the real decision and dwarfs giving Curle the boot by a mile. Statistically the next bloke is most likely to be a disaster and will plunge us into a relegation battle? I confess it doesn’t mean you shy away from doing it. It just makes the Curle out mantra a bit pointless unless there is an obviously better option put up at the same time? Case in point and genuine question. Who would take any of our previous managers over Curle post Wilder? I recall they all received general approval at the time of their appointment, that didn’t last did it? I’m afraid the sensible, if possibly uninspiring decision is to stick with Curle?

This is a reasonable balanced comment.


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: EB Claret on February 25, 2020, 23:36:16 pm
To reiterate, getting rid of Curle is about 10% of the decision. Who comes next is the real decision and dwarfs giving Curle the boot by a mile. Statistically the next bloke is most likely to be a disaster and will plunge us into a relegation battle? I confess it doesn’t mean you shy away from doing it. It just makes the Curle out mantra a bit pointless unless there is an obviously better option put up at the same time? Case in point and genuine question. Who would take any of our previous managers over Curle post Wilder? I recall they all received general approval at the time of their appointment, that didn’t last did it? I’m afraid the sensible, if possibly uninspiring decision is to stick with Curle?

Thank goodness for that, I can get off that fence now! ;)


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: guest48 on February 26, 2020, 08:41:49 am
This is my opinion, if we don't offer KC a new contract, we need to go for a "hungry" manager, someone who has a future, like our former loanee Ian Evatt up at Barrow. Curle is 57 years old, with all due respect, his best days are behind him, he's never going to do a "Wilder" and take a team to the Prem. Lets have someone who has something to prove !


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: threeinabed on February 26, 2020, 09:02:43 am
shame

https://www.northamptonchron.co.uk/sport/football/chairman-thomas-says-cobblers-have-started-discussions-over-new-contract-curle-1890685


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: CobblerForever on February 26, 2020, 10:32:28 am
This is my opinion, if we don't offer KC a new contract, we need to go for a "hungry" manager, someone who has a future, like our former loanee Ian Evatt up at Barrow. Curle is 57 years old, with all due respect, his best days are behind him, he's never going to do a "Wilder" and take a team to the Prem. Lets have someone who has something to prove !

If we are still in League 2 we ought to be an ideal choice for a hungry manager - in the Top 5 for average gate this season + money spinning Cup run this season + some decent players = every opportunity for improving and delighting. League 1 would be a tougher prospect in comparison though perhaps not for someone really hungry with Board backing.


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: GrangeParkCobbler on February 26, 2020, 10:39:26 am
Look at all the other clubs near the top of our division, plenty of young inexperienced managers amongst them, mostly first managerial jobs, the likes of David Artell....himself a central defender like a Curle but a completely different idea of how to play football and manage accordingly.

You get an old experienced head in when you’re in trouble, someone to steady the ship, exactly what Curle was brought in for. He’s done the job he came to do, that’s all.


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: CobblerForever on February 26, 2020, 10:43:29 am
I've got splinters!
It could be argued that Curly has improved us and should be given the chance to carry on.
Or, He could be thanked for doing what he was asked to do, and wished all the best for his future elsewhere.

KT needs to be convinced KC has a plan for improving us not reward him for what he has already done. He needs to also define what he means by improving. Clearly KC has been a financial success - all that lovely dosh from the Cup Run.


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: sxcobbler on February 26, 2020, 10:55:40 am
KC has done a good job for the Club & KT ......the test is: Do the owners want to take the Cobblers to the next level or are they content to have made some money & be safe???

Are they likely to spend money :

On a better more expensive Manager

Improving the Squad

Completing the East Stand

Installing Safe Standing.....?


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: CobblerForever on February 26, 2020, 11:05:24 am
Curle being 57 means he was 29'ish when the Back Pass Rule was introduced (to discourage time-wasting and unduly defensive play after the 1990 World Cup was described as exceedingly dull, rife with back-passing and goalkeepers holding up the ball). All of his formative years would have been spent in a mindset that obsessed about seeing out a match. Being a few years older than Curle I remember even the most gifted sides of the pre Back pass rule era seeing out games by shifting the ball from one defender to another before returning it to the Goalkeeper and over and over again. I can't help believing that this mindset still infects his thinking. We keep defending leads rather than asserting our superiority and taking advantage.


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: guest3264 on February 26, 2020, 11:06:17 am
Managers are judged on results so KC has achieved on that judgement BUT football is an entertainment industry and he has failed on that judgement. The crowds have not increased by floating fans attracted by exciting football.

Personally I would say thank you but appoint a manager who wants to impose a positive footballing system, utilising some of our promising younger local players to attract crowds!


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: SteveRiches on February 26, 2020, 11:09:48 am
Agree with Barton Cobbler (above). Curle did the job of keeping us in the Football League now that contract is expiring. I can't see how any supporter now wants more of his hoof-it-and-chase it stuff. Get a young up-and-coming manager with desire and zest and knowledge of up-and-coming players in the lower leagues. It is of course faintly possible that Curle's tactics will scrape us into the playoffs in which case let him continue and see if he gets us promoted then give him his chance to prove me wrong. If he then had what it took to progress I'd be happy for him. Unlikely! I go to games now out of loyalty and to still be part of a conmunity which I value. Our hoofball is dross.


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: west stand oap on February 26, 2020, 11:33:52 am
Constantly changing managers gets you nowhere. KC can so far only be judged on this season as he so often said last season he was 'playing with someone elses jigsaw'. KT alluded to the fact that KC has done a good job of moving out a lot the players he inherited (many with the wrong attitude) and was mostly happy with his signings and loan signings.
When you bring in a new manager invariably he will not want about half of the current players and want to bring in his own signings. Many of the signings we made before this season started were given 2 year contracts so a new manager would have difficulty moving them on.
We are currently in the top 7 and were the only div.2 team to reach fa cup round 4. Regardless of us finishing in the play offs or not I am happy for KC to be given another year to implement further changes in the summer and see where next season takes us.
Yes I would prefer to see an improvement in the product on offer but several sides have come to us this season playing the ball around nicely and gone home with no points, such as Exeter, Plymouth and Crewe.


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: Battery Man on February 26, 2020, 11:40:47 am
I am not convinced either way by Keith Curle, however, I have enjoyed going this season for the first time in 3 seasons, we are playing better and winning more games. Curle has done what the board asked of him in cutting the wage bill and moving the team up the league. I would give him another season and a change of direction if I was in charge, I would tell him I wanted more football from the team and go for promotion, surely it has to be better to keep a manager who knows the team and has been here a while, if he continues to play hoofball and doesn't follow whats asked then look to get rid of him then. For me I would give him a 1 season extension with aims for the season of more football, increase attendance and promotion. I think like most that we will not go down under Curle but I believe he has done enough this season to see if he can move forward with a team and win a promotion.


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: MK_Cobbler on February 26, 2020, 12:38:27 pm
Is it 15 seasons that Curle has been manager, reaching the playoffs once with no promotions?

There can't be too many worse records in the lower leagues?


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: Knockingonabit on February 26, 2020, 12:44:14 pm
Is it really so difficult to get a competent manager who's first instinct is to press home an advantage rather than protect it?


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: guest49 on February 26, 2020, 12:46:47 pm
I think the cup run has probably bought himself another contract. His team have just generated hundreds of thousands of pounds for the owners.
In terms of the crowds, he has his work cut out to build those too much. It is a tough one because you can never be certain of how much is down to success/entertainment and how much is pure cost and apathy towards the club nowadays. Remember 1985 and the crazy queues down Abington Avenue to 97/98 with the 30-40k people, to the Bradford final and half the amount travelling. It's a lot more complex than the style of football, the world is a different place, even since the Bradford game. I have no idea what our actual potential is in the bottom two tiers and beyond that is pie in the sky.

Anyway, give him another year regardless. Flip it on its head, he's due a promotion!  ;D
The only thing certain is that we'll still be playing to a shell of an East Stand.


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: guest48 on February 26, 2020, 13:02:03 pm
Yes I would prefer to see an improvement in the product on offer but several sides have come to us this season playing the ball around nicely and gone home with no points, such as Exeter, Plymouth and Crewe.
But they are all above us in the League table  :-\


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: clarkeysntfc on February 26, 2020, 13:41:25 pm
It's a totally wrong assumption that L2 is a league where good football can't be played, and won't prosper.
The facts are that all of the top 3 sides in this league currently pass the ball.
Bury and MK last year passed the ball.
Luton under Nathan Jones passed the ball, as do Accrington.
We did not play hoofball under CW or Calderwood.

Quite simply League 2 is not a a hoofball league.

The football Curle plays is largely boring and ugly. Yes we have won more games this season but I can probably count on the fingers of one hand the number of home games where I've left feeling entertained.


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: Larry on February 26, 2020, 18:38:53 pm
Both facts are facts! Depends which side of the fence you sit on then!

I was just pointing out you seem to be using meaningless trivia to criticise the team.


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: EB Claret on February 26, 2020, 18:54:30 pm
But they are all above us in the League table  :-\

On the other hand, FGR, Crawley, Salford, Carlisle, Macc all passed the ball around and they are below us. All this proves is there is more than one way to win football matches. As fans you pay your money and you get what you're given!


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: GrangeParkCobbler on February 26, 2020, 19:55:44 pm
https://www.northamptonchron.co.uk/sport/football/thomas-cobblers-are-overachieving-relative-our-budget-1996137


The spin machine is whirring away!!

If this is true and our Chairman thinks we are "overachieving" then what does that say? We have a top 10 to mid-table budget apparently.

The question i'd then ask is why does the fifth best supported team in the league only have a mid-table budget? Something is badly wrong with the business if that is indeed the case. Seeing as playing budget is measured against turnover to comply with FFP rules, either we are not making as much money as some "lesser" teams, or the purse strings are pulled that much tighter here than they are at some other clubs.

Either way, nothing to "celebrate" as such......is it?? If Curle is overachieving and doing a great job on limited resources my question to the chairman is "why are the resources being limited?"


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: guest2995 on February 26, 2020, 20:05:37 pm
Keith Curle must watch the Real Madrid v Man City game and wonder if his teams even play the same sport


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: Larry on February 26, 2020, 20:20:08 pm
Keith Curle must watch the Real Madrid v Man City game and wonder if his teams even play the same sport

I hope you appreciate the irony of that comment, considering his football career.


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: Manwork04 on February 26, 2020, 20:32:12 pm
I hope you appreciate the irony of that comment, considering his football career.
Quick question, are you a peanut popper?


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: Larry on February 26, 2020, 20:40:49 pm
Quick question, are you a peanut popper?

Keep your chimp under control.


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: guest49 on February 26, 2020, 20:50:48 pm
https://www.northamptonchron.co.uk/sport/football/thomas-cobblers-are-overachieving-relative-our-budget-1996137


The spin machine is whirring away!!

If this is true and our Chairman thinks we are "overachieving" then what does that say? We have a top 10 to mid-table budget apparently.

The question i'd then ask is why does the fifth best supported team in the league only have a mid-table budget? Something is badly wrong with the business if that is indeed the case. Seeing as playing budget is measured against turnover to comply with FFP rules, either we are not making as much money as some "lesser" teams, or the purse strings are pulled that much tighter here than they are at some other clubs.

Either way, nothing to "celebrate" as such......is it?? If Curle is overachieving and doing a great job on limited resources my question to the chairman is "why are the resources being limited?"

I’m just disappointed he didn’t get “under promise, over deliver” in there. He’s always been good at managing expectations.
At least he’ll have a heavily subsidised season with the cup run.


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: Manwork04 on February 26, 2020, 20:51:35 pm
Keep your chimp under control.
Thought so.


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: EB Claret on February 26, 2020, 21:05:23 pm
Keith Curle must watch the Real Madrid v Man City game and wonder if his teams even play the same sport

Real and City play almost exclusively in the middle of the pitch and avoid the penalty areas if possible. We play almost exclusively in the penalty areas and avoid the middle of the pitch, so yes you're right, different game altogether. ;D


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: Vintage Cobbler on February 27, 2020, 06:08:50 am
https://www.northamptonchron.co.uk/sport/football/thomas-cobblers-are-overachieving-relative-our-budget-1996137


The spin machine is whirring away!!

If this is true and our Chairman thinks we are "overachieving" then what does that say? We have a top 10 to mid-table budget apparently.

The question i'd then ask is why does the fifth best supported team in the league only have a mid-table budget? Something is badly wrong with the business if that is indeed the case. Seeing as playing budget is measured against turnover to comply with FFP rules, either we are not making as much money as some "lesser" teams, or the purse strings are pulled that much tighter here than they are at some other clubs.

Either way, nothing to "celebrate" as such......is it?? If Curle is overachieving and doing a great job on limited resources my question to the chairman is "why are the resources being limited?"


t seems to me our leader is preparing the ground to spin a success story out of possible failure.  He will claim there has been progress this season and through the club’s media man highlight a conveyor belt of young talent (pity we don’t see them on the pitch very often and then only for a few minutes) combined with a stream of news about the Community Trust.  The man of the people who delivers good for all.

The upward curve of progress since his arrival in 2015 continues at pace as evidenced by the the 5th year of “positive discussions” and “conversations” with NBC.

I am wondering if KT’s contract was up for renewal at the end of the season and assuming it was the supporters' decision whether or not based on his performance we would renew it.


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: guest2995 on February 27, 2020, 07:07:31 am
I hope you appreciate the irony of that comment, considering his football career.
There is no irony


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: Manwork04 on February 27, 2020, 09:37:56 am

t seems to me our leader is preparing the ground to spin a success story out of possible failure.  He will claim there has been progress this season and through the club’s media man highlight a conveyor belt of young talent (pity we don’t see them on the pitch very often and then only for a few minutes) combined with a stream of news about the Community Trust.  The man of the people who delivers good for all.

The upward curve of progress since his arrival in 2015 continues at pace as evidenced by the the 5th year of “positive discussions” and “conversations” with NBC.

I am wondering if KT’s contract was up for renewal at the end of the season and assuming it was the supporters' decision whether or not based on his performance we would renew it.

The really sad thing is most of the support base still think he saved the club and therefore as the “important man with all the money” should be respected and given infinite time to defeat the evil council.


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: Deepcut Cobbler on February 27, 2020, 10:11:53 am
The really sad thing is most of the support base still think he saved the club and therefore as the “important man with all the money” should be respected and given infinite time to defeat the evil council.


The sad thing is the majority of the support base don't frequent this board to be able to read all of the 'truth' on here... ;)


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: west stand oap on February 27, 2020, 11:48:58 am
As we have now had our budget explained perhaps we now also have the reason to why none of the players we had cash bids in for in January joined us.


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: Coolcat on February 27, 2020, 11:59:53 am
Agree with Barton Cobbler (above). Curle did the job of keeping us in the Football League now that contract is expiring. I can't see how any supporter now wants more of his hoof-it-and-chase it stuff. Get a young up-and-coming manager with desire and zest and knowledge of up-and-coming players in the lower leagues. It is of course faintly possible that Curle's tactics will scrape us into the playoffs in which case let him continue and see if he gets us promoted then give him his chance to prove me wrong. If he then had what it took to progress I'd be happy for him. Unlikely! I go to games now out of loyalty and to still be part of a conmunity which I value. Our hoofball is dross.
But our 'hoofball' style has destroyed the two most 'tippy tappy' sides in the league (Crewe and Exeter) and more entertaining than the latter, at SJP and certainly at home!


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: Coolcat on February 27, 2020, 12:01:47 pm
But they are all above us in the League table  :-\
That isn't necessarily hoof v tippy tappy football though, as Curle's tactics won the day on those occasions!


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: GrangeParkCobbler on February 27, 2020, 12:16:15 pm
As we have now had our budget explained perhaps we now also have the reason to why none of the players we had cash bids in for in January joined us.

Thomas mentions that even loan players cost money, and anything we paid out was over the budget....but fails to mention that the estimated £650k from the cup run was also over the income budget.

We should be happy that he supported the manager by allowing him to bring in a couple of loan players and a free agent in the form of Mark Marshall who KT also rather bizarrely says ‘has done a good job’....despite the fact he’s hardly featured in the team!


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: guest3264 on February 27, 2020, 12:55:17 pm
The really sad thing is most of the support base still think he saved the club and therefore as the “important man with all the money” should be respected and given infinite time to defeat the evil council.

KT has done more to keep the club trading than you have with your continuous negative keyboard pontifications!


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: guest48 on February 27, 2020, 13:06:18 pm
Thomas mentions that even loan players cost money, and anything we paid out was over the budget....but fails to mention that the estimated £650k from the cup run was also over the income budget.

We should be happy that he supported the manager by allowing him to bring in a couple of loan players and a free agent in the form of Mark Marshall who KT also rather bizarrely says ‘has done a good job’....despite the fact he’s hardly featured in the team!
Don't forget that Billy Waters, who was rumoured to be on a decent wage, left us in that period.


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: EB Claret on February 27, 2020, 14:12:10 pm
The really sad thing is most of the support base still think he saved the club and therefore as the “important man with all the money” should be respected and given infinite time to defeat the evil council.


99% of fans that I talk to know nothing about this forum and while they all wish the East Stand was finished, think we are lucky to have KT. Consequently the community ownership revolution is currently a non starter.


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: ClarenceInDefence on February 27, 2020, 14:42:34 pm
If the season gets ugly and we slip to midtable I think KT may have to re-evaluate.

Zero chance of that happening, we'll finish 8th at worst.


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: guest3338 on February 27, 2020, 17:22:13 pm
Zero chance of that happening, we'll finish 8th at worst.
How can you be so sure when we are only 4 points ahead of 9th with 33 points still to play for?


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: GrangeParkCobbler on February 27, 2020, 17:30:23 pm
How can you be so sure when we are only 4 points ahead of 9th with 33 points still to play for?

The saving grace for now is that Bradford and Forest Green (9th and 10th) are on poor runs themselves.......but we still have to play both remember, so defeats to both would tighten things up somewhat. Cambridge on a good run, and we still have to go there, even Newport who are 12 points behind us have two games in hand, win both...and we still have to go there too!

If we were in the positions of some of those teams we'd still be thinking we could reach the playoffs with a good run.


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: Vintage Cobbler on February 27, 2020, 17:50:02 pm
99% of fans that I talk to know nothing about this forum and while they all wish the East Stand was finished, think we are lucky to have KT. Consequently the community ownership revolution is currently a non starter.

99% of fans think we are lucky to have KT.  You're 'aving a larf!

Usually I meet up after home games with 4 other friends, all STHs, one is a member of the Trust, the others loyal supporters since the County Ground days.  Excluding me and my views, all 4 are no lovers of KT saying he has not delivered on anything at all. None are activists in any way, one is a life member of the Trust who signed up when it was originally formed.

I am not saying this is scientific or anything like it. I don't know but 99%?  Come on.


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: EB Claret on February 27, 2020, 18:18:12 pm
99% of fans think we are lucky to have KT.  You're 'aving a larf!

Usually I meet up after home games with 4 other friends, all STHs, one is a member of the Trust, the others loyal supporters since the County Ground days.  Excluding me and my views, all 4 are no lovers of KT saying he has not delivered on anything at all. None are activists in any way, one is a life member of the Trust who signed up when it was originally formed.

I am not saying this is scientific or anything like it. I don't know but 99%?  Come on.

I was only talking about the people I know.


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: GrangeParkCobbler on February 27, 2020, 18:37:13 pm
As I've said before, the vast majority (not 99% but still a very high figure) don't give a monkeys about anything other than having a football club to watch play 23 times a year.

They don't care about wage budgets, the price of the burgers, the shortage of real ale in the bar, the broken windows, the cold hand dryers or anything.

Very few actually look at the football club, the way they perceive that it is run, the annual accounts showing bigger debts every passing year. Very few care about the shell of an East Stand because they don't sit in there, never have and never will do.

That is why you'll struggle to ever change anything, that and the fact that the information is not really out there. The fans knew we were in trouble when the buckets came out......and until that happens again they'll keep turning up without much else bothering them.


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: guest2995 on February 27, 2020, 18:38:25 pm
If it wasn’t for KT we would be dead and gone .
He annoys me and I don’t like his bluffing but he has got the welfare of the club at heart , I believe .


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: GrangeParkCobbler on February 27, 2020, 18:46:43 pm
If it wasn’t for KT we would be dead and gone .
He annoys me and I don’t like his bluffing but he has got the welfare of the club at heart , I believe .

See, how do you know this? KT himself admitted that just before he bought the club there were other interested parties.....once they found out the club was going for a pound, the 10.5m was being written off etc, other people would have taken the same deal as he made.......

How do you know that any one of those other parties wouldn't have done better.....or worse? We don't!

If it wasn't for KT....there would have been someone else......

If he was the ONLY player at the 11th hour you could justifiably say that "if it wasn't for KT......"...but he wasn't!


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: everbrite on February 27, 2020, 18:55:20 pm
author =clarkeysntfc link=topic=19295]
....... where I've left feeling entertained.
[/quote]

Best stick to ice skating?


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: EB Claret on February 27, 2020, 19:02:51 pm
As I've said before, the vast majority (not 99% but still a very high figure) don't give a monkeys about anything other than having a football club to watch play 23 times a year.

They don't care about wage budgets, the price of the burgers, the shortage of real ale in the bar, the broken windows, the cold hand dryers or anything.

Very few actually look at the football club, the way they perceive that it is run, the annual accounts showing bigger debts every passing year. Very few care about the shell of an East Stand because they don't sit in there, never have and never will do.

That is why you'll struggle to ever change anything, that and the fact that the information is not really out there. The fans knew we were in trouble when the buckets came out......and until that happens again they'll keep turning up without much else bothering them.

In a nutshell.


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: everbrite on February 27, 2020, 19:03:58 pm
Quick question, are you a peanut popper?

Relax Boots he has sounded out yr alter ego ;D


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: GrangeParkCobbler on February 27, 2020, 19:26:31 pm
Poll on the HOtelenders section on FB....

Would you offer Curle a new contract?
Currently 67 unreservedly yes
59 yes if we male the playoffs
34 no


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: Dan on February 27, 2020, 19:34:25 pm
Poll on the HOtelenders section on FB....

Would you offer Curle a new contract?
Currently 67 unreservedly yes
59 yes if we male the playoffs
34 no

With that in mind, that is a huge swing against Curle if we drop out of the top 7......


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: Shoemaker on February 27, 2020, 20:03:32 pm
A little heads up

All football will be cancelled within the next couple of weeks so I wouldn’t worry about anything cobblers related for a couple of months.



Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: everbrite on February 27, 2020, 22:14:01 pm
See, how do you know this? KT himself admitted that just before he bought the club there were other interested parties.....once they found out the club was going for a pound, the 10.5m was being written off etc, other people would have taken the same deal as he made.......

How do you know that any one of those other parties wouldn't have done better.....or worse? We don't!

If it wasn't for KT....there would have been someone else......

If he was the ONLY player at the 11th hour you could justifiably say that "if it wasn't for KT......"...but he wasn't!

Lord give me strength  ::)


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: EB Claret on February 27, 2020, 22:51:37 pm
See, how do you know this? KT himself admitted that just before he bought the club there were other interested parties.....once they found out the club was going for a pound, the 10.5m was being written off etc, other people would have taken the same deal as he made.......

How do you know that any one of those other parties wouldn't have done better.....or worse? We don't!

If it wasn't for KT....there would have been someone else......

If he was the ONLY player at the 11th hour you could justifiably say that "if it wasn't for KT......"...but he wasn't!

He was the only one who actually DID anything.


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: guest48 on February 27, 2020, 23:43:24 pm
See, how do you know this? KT himself admitted that just before he bought the club there were other interested parties.....once they found out the club was going for a pound, the 10.5m was being written off etc, other people would have taken the same deal as he made.......

How do you know that any one of those other parties wouldn't have done better.....or worse? We don't!

If it wasn't for KT....there would have been someone else......

If he was the ONLY player at the 11th hour you could justifiably say that "if it wasn't for KT......"...but he wasn't!
100% True


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: Melbourne Cobbler on February 28, 2020, 03:30:41 am
100% True
It’s also 100% true that if my auntie had bollox she’d be my uncle. Just saying.


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: guest48 on February 28, 2020, 09:37:27 am
It’s also 100% true that if my auntie had bollox she’d be my uncle. Just saying.
But do you know if she has ? I DO know what GPC has said is 100% true, I was told from the horse's mouth.


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: BackOfTheNet on February 28, 2020, 09:44:09 am
See, how do you know this? KT himself admitted that just before he bought the club there were other interested parties.....once they found out the club was going for a pound, the 10.5m was being written off etc, other people would have taken the same deal as he made.......



That's the key line there. There were other people in the wings, but it was KT and DB that negotiated the deal, wasn't it?


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: everbrite on February 28, 2020, 09:45:46 am
As I've said before, the vast majority (not 99% but still a very high figure) don't give a monkeys about anything other than having a football club to watch play 23 times a year.

They don't care about wage budgets, the price of the burgers, the shortage of real ale in the bar, the broken windows, the cold hand dryers or anything.

Very few actually look at the football club, the way they perceive that it is run, the annual accounts showing bigger debts every passing year. Very few care about the shell of an East Stand because they don't sit in there, never have and never will do.

That is why you'll struggle to ever change anything, that and the fact that the information is not really out there. The fans knew we were in trouble when the buckets came out......and until that happens again they'll keep turning up without much else bothering them.

Sorry for criticism but I believe most of your  comment is inaccurate, untrue and worst of all sheer subjectivity. We have survived as a club because of the staunch support from fans who you chose to belittle. Shameful comment.
 
Have replaced 'malign' as it is impractical.


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: ClarenceInDefence on February 28, 2020, 12:15:32 pm
How can you be so sure when we are only 4 points ahead of 9th with 33 points still to play for?

If we only win 3 and draw 3 from our last 11 matches, getting barely over a point per game in that run-in, we would still finish on 67 points. Because of goal difference FGR would need 22 points from their last 11 games (6 wins, 4 draws 1 loss needed at least) to finish above us. Anyone below FGR would need an even better point haul to finish above us. Not impossible, but not likely in reality.

If we did only finish on 67 Bradford would need 16 or 17 points to finish above us. They could possibly achieve that, but considering they've only won 3 out of their last 15 (against Morecambe, Stevenage and Mansfield, all at home) and have a ridiculously difficult run-in, (Plymouth (h), Salford (a), Exeter (a), Colchester (h), FGR (a), Crewe (h), Cobblers (a)) it wouldn't surprise me if they fall short.

All that of course is supposing we only manage just over 1 point a game from over the last 11, but I'm confident we'll do better than that. 4 wins, 3 draws, 4 losses and we'll finish on 70 points, and because of goal difference Bradford would then need 20 points from their run-in, which I'm confident won't happen.


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: Melbourne Cobbler on February 28, 2020, 13:15:42 pm
But do you know if she has ? I DO know what GPC has said is 100% true, I was told from the horse's mouth.
Probably not. Do you know with absolute certainty what the outcome would have been regarding NTFC if someone else would have taken over? I’m guessing probably not? Just trying to make the point that whilst true, it’s all a bit irrelevant conjecture?


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: everbrite on February 28, 2020, 13:54:49 pm
100% True

Echoing Melly's comment - nobody would necessarily disagree but its a very bold statement to say 100%. As I understand it there were others on the sidelines but remained inactive allowing KT to proceed with uninterrupted negotiations.


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: GrangeParkCobbler on February 28, 2020, 15:07:59 pm
Sorry for criticism but I believe most of your  comment is inaccurate, untrue and worst of all sheer subjectivism. We have survived as a club because of the staunch support from fans who you chose to malign. Shameful comment.

To be quite honest, I don't care what you chose to believe. You may be right, you may be wrong......hey ho.  Consider your last comment about staunch support......we have survived the last few seasons due to the money that the owners have put in to keep us afloat.....you can see that on the balance sheet and it is also mentioned in the accountants statement.

I quote directly from the last set of submitted year end accounts....

Section 2 The financial statements indicate that the company has insufficient cash reserves to continue trading without securing additional funding

Section 10 The Company incurred a net loss before exceptional items during the year of £2,194,406. As at 30th June 2018 the Company had current liabilities of £5,232,088 and net liabilities of £2,411,967. These conditions......indicate the existence of material uncertainty which may cast significant doubt about the Company's ability to continue as a going concern

Section 11  Northampton Town Ventures owns a controlling interest in the company. At the year end the company NTFC owed £1,291,028 (2018: £1,291,027) to Northampton Town Ventures Limited
 Belle De Jour Limited  is a related company by virtue of common directors who control both companies. At the year end the company (NTFC) owed £2,562,997 (2017: NIL) to Belle De Jour Limited

What proportion of our fanbase know this?

How am I "choosing to malign" our fans?


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: guest48 on February 28, 2020, 16:11:19 pm
That's the key line there. There were other people in the wings, but it was KT and DB that negotiated the deal, wasn't it?
Rumour , at the time, was that the deal was negotiated by others with NBC.


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: Larry on February 28, 2020, 16:37:23 pm
Relax Boots he has sounded out yr alter ego ;D

Well spotted Evers, worth a read.


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: guest3338 on February 28, 2020, 17:16:49 pm
If we only win 3 and draw 3 from our last 11 matches, getting barely over a point per game in that run-in, we would still finish on 67 points. Because of goal difference FGR would need 22 points from their last 11 games (6 wins, 4 draws 1 loss needed at least) to finish above us. Anyone below FGR would need an even better point haul to finish above us. Not impossible, but not likely in reality.

If we did only finish on 67 Bradford would need 16 or 17 points to finish above us. They could possibly achieve that, but considering they've only won 3 out of their last 15 (against Morecambe, Stevenage and Mansfield, all at home) and have a ridiculously difficult run-in, (Plymouth (h), Salford (a), Exeter (a), Colchester (h), FGR (a), Crewe (h), Cobblers (a)) it wouldn't surprise me if they fall short.

All that of course is supposing we only manage just over 1 point a game from over the last 11, but I'm confident we'll do better than that. 4 wins, 3 draws, 4 losses and we'll finish on 70 points, and because of goal difference Bradford would then need 20 points from their run-in, which I'm confident won't happen.
Stats stats stats!
...and we've just 3 points out of the last 15, but that one doesn't suit your argument.

You said we have zero chance of finishing mid table which is 9th-16th given how precise you like to be with your info right?
Fact is we are currently only above Port Vale in eighth on goal difference and four points better off than Bradford in ninth with a superior goal difference of 7.
It's simply not true to suggest we have zero chance of finishing below 8th.
Thats clearly your view but nothing else. No amount of 'stats' will prove otherwise.




Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: Another Pedj on February 28, 2020, 17:22:27 pm
Rumour , at the time, was that the deal was negotiated by others with NBC.

Which others?


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: ClarenceInDefence on February 28, 2020, 20:52:09 pm
Stats stats stats!
...and we've just 3 points out of the last 15, but that one doesn't suit your argument.

You said we have zero chance of finishing mid table which is 9th-16th given how precise you like to be with your info right?
Fact is we are currently only above Port Vale in eighth on goal difference and four points better off than Bradford in ninth with a superior goal difference of 7.
It's simply not true to suggest we have zero chance of finishing below 8th.
Thats clearly your view but nothing else. No amount of 'stats' will prove otherwise.




Yes, me and my pesky 'stats' and 'rational analysis' yet again! These show that I'll very likely be right though......

By saying there was 'zero chance', I was obviously speaking my opinion! Do I have to state 'IMO' every time I post?

You asked me my reasoning and I gave it to you. We may lose 5 more matches but I think we'll get 14-16 points from the other 6 and that will very likely prove to be enough to finish no lower than 8th.

It's also a very arguable point that 9th position represents 'mid-table' in the first place - I say that's a top 10 finish. 'Mid-table' is anywhere from 11-18th. Top 10 - Mid-table 11-18th - Bottom 6. Don't let your arbitrary defining of 'mid-table' detract from your argument though.


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: everbrite on February 28, 2020, 21:17:06 pm

What proportion of our fanbase know this?

How am I "choosing to malign" our fans?

I suggest to you that quite a few fans care about the Club; why are the attendances holding up reasonably well? Why are there always long queues at the food bars etc? Why is the support generally so enthusiastic at most away games?  One of the things KT said at the very first takeover meeting that he was surprised and delighted by the extent of the underlying goodwill shown by the supporters. After Oxford that was an eye opener for him.
You queried malign; well there is a certain of arrogance displayed by the first edited comment.
For the second edit you only have to read your opening para to get a gist what is to follow.
Of course you are fully entitled to comment thus but at least give the Supporters some modicum of respect.


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: guest3338 on February 29, 2020, 09:05:51 am
Yes, me and my pesky 'stats' and 'rational analysis' yet again! These show that I'll very likely be right though......

By saying there was 'zero chance', I was obviously speaking my opinion! Do I have to state 'IMO' every time I post?

You asked me my reasoning and I gave it to you. We may lose 5 more matches but I think we'll get 14-16 points from the other 6 and that will very likely prove to be enough to finish no lower than 8th.

It's also a very arguable point that 9th position represents 'mid-table' in the first place - I say that's a top 10 finish. 'Mid-table' is anywhere from 11-18th. Top 10 - Mid-table 11-18th - Bottom 6. Don't let your arbitrary defining of 'mid-table' detract from your argument though.

You said there was 'zero chance of us finishing mid table, and that we would finish no lower than eighth'.
Clarence, you can be no more certain of that than you can of avoiding coronavirus (Mods, was I the first to get it in?). Any fool can look at the current league table and see it suggests we are likely to finish no lower than 9th but even then there is not the absolute certainty. Do you really need a paragraph of picked and weighted hypertheticals to explain that? Don't you think that process makes you look rather stupid? My question was raised in the knowledge that there was no way you could defend the statement, something I was pointing out and no more, but thanks for dragging me in.
An arbitrary dissection of a league table (into three) is not one of three equally divided parts but one in which you chose the sizes of each part to suit your argument, just as you have done. You've got it the wrong way around again then Clarence.




Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: Grove on February 29, 2020, 11:05:45 am
I suggest to you that quite a few fans care about the Club; why are the attendances holding up reasonably well? Why are there always long queues at the food bars etc? Why is the support generally so enthusiastic at most away games?  One of the things KT said at the very first takeover meeting that he was surprised and delighted by the extent of the underlying goodwill shown by the supporters. After Oxford that was an eye opener for him.
You queried malign; well there is a certain of arrogance displayed by the first edited comment.
For the second edit you only have to read your opening para to get a gist what is to follow.
Of course you are fully entitled to comment thus but at least give the Supporters some modicum of respect.


Not really a big shock considering we 'could' have been going out of business, fans were hardly likely to be hostile towards him



Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: everbrite on February 29, 2020, 11:58:50 am
Not really a big shock considering we 'could' have been going out of business, fans were hardly likely to be hostile towards him


KT had a fairly hostile time at Oxford with fans very bitter at the Clubs failure to progress up the EFL. Their fans had an exaggerated high opinion of their Club!


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: ClarenceInDefence on February 29, 2020, 12:09:43 pm
You said there was 'zero chance of us finishing mid table, and that we would finish no lower than eighth'.
Clarence, you can be no more certain of that than you can of avoiding coronavirus (Mods, was I the first to get it in?). Any fool can look at the current league table and see it suggests we are likely to finish no lower than 9th but even then there is not the absolute certainty. Do you really need a paragraph of picked and weighted hypertheticals to explain that? Don't you think that process makes you look rather stupid? My question was raised in the knowledge that there was no way you could defend the statement, something I was pointing out and no more, but thanks for dragging me in.
An arbitrary dissection of a league table (into three) is not one of three equally divided parts but one in which you chose the sizes of each part to suit your argument, just as you have done. You've got it the wrong way around again then Clarence.




Yes, and as I state in my previous reply this was clearly MY OPINION! Do you not grasp the notion of 'figure of speech'? There's 'zero chance' of us winning the league this season - sure it's mathematically possible, but there's ZERO CHANCE! Do you get it? Or do I need to write IMO or 'I think' after every short statement?

I also say there is 'zero chance' of us finishing mid-table, not 'zero chance of us finishing 8th'. My 'finish lower than 8th' is a separate statement and is also, clearly, my opinion. I wouldn't define 9th as 'mid-table' myself, hence my opinion that we have zero chance of 'mid-table'.

Can you also grasp the notion of 'context' and how that applies in relation to my posts on this particular thread?

My post saying their was 'zero chance' of us finishing 'mid table', which has clearly got you all hot and bothered was in reply to Dr Feelgood's post where he states:

If the season gets ugly and we slip to midtable I think KT may have to re-evaluate.

Why would KT need to evaluate if we finished 9th as opposed to finishing 8th? IMO it would be foolish to re-evaluate Curle's position on the basis of finishing 2 places outside the play-offs as opposed to 1, and then claim we finished 'mid-table' like it means anything rather than being an arbitrary breaking up of the table.

Sticking with context, GPC has posted that FGR, Cambridge and even Newport could catch us, but going by that line of thought you could say we can still finish in first place! Both may be mathematically possible but they're both so unlikely that it's barely worth mentioning.

As to my breaking up of the table being arbitrary, deciding to break the table up into three is itself arbitrary. Why not break it up into 8 groups of 3, or 6 groups of 4? Or a top 10, a middle 4 and a bottom 10 etc? Of course no-one had attempted to define what their idea of 'mid-table' was when throwing the term around and how it would/should influence KT's decision on Curle's contract if we ended up finishing 'mid-table'. My breaking up of the table was arbitrary to illustrate this, that was the point - well done for spotting this!

You say 'Any fool can look at the current league table and see it suggests we are likely to finish no lower than 9th'. So what's the problem then? My opinion is not just based on league standings, it's based on form, fixtures, goal-difference, the standard of teams behind us etc. I fully expect us to finish no lower than 8th because I'm confident we'll pick up enough wins when comparing Bradford's and ours relative fixtures. You fancy our chances of still finishing 9th, which obviously means a lot.

'Thanks for dragging me in'. Thanks for dragging you in? You were the one who asked me to justify my statement, I didn't drag you into anything. You asked, I replied, you became annoyed - and you still can't grasp the idea of someone using figure of speech on a message board about football.


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: guest3338 on February 29, 2020, 12:57:59 pm
Yes, and as I state in my previous reply this was clearly MY OPINION! Do you not grasp the notion of 'figure of speech'? There's 'zero chance' of us winning the league this season - sure it's mathematically possible, but there's ZERO CHANCE! Do you get it? Or do I need to write IMO or 'I think' after every short statement?

I also say there is 'zero chance' of us finishing mid-table, not 'zero chance of us finishing 8th'. My 'finish lower than 8th' is a separate statement and is also, clearly, my opinion. I wouldn't define 9th as 'mid-table' myself, hence my opinion that we have zero chance of 'mid-table'.

Can you also grasp the notion of 'context' and how that applies in relation to my posts on this particular thread?

My post saying their was 'zero chance' of us finishing 'mid table', which has clearly got you all hot and bothered was in reply to Dr Feelgood's post where he states:

Why would KT need to evaluate if we finished 9th as opposed to finishing 8th? IMO it would be foolish to re-evaluate Curle's position on the basis of finishing 2 places outside the play-offs as opposed to 1, and then claim we finished 'mid-table' like it means anything rather than being an arbitrary breaking up of the table.

Sticking with context, GPC has posted that FGR, Cambridge and even Newport could catch us, but going by that line of thought you could say we can still finish in first place! Both may be mathematically possible but they're both so unlikely that it's barely worth mentioning.

As to my breaking up of the table being arbitrary, deciding to break the table up into three is itself arbitrary. Why not break it up into 8 groups of 3, or 6 groups of 4? Or a top 10, a middle 4 and a bottom 10 etc? Of course no-one had attempted to define what their idea of 'mid-table' was when throwing the term around and how it would/should influence KT's decision on Curle's contract if we ended up finishing 'mid-table'. My breaking up of the table was arbitrary to illustrate this, that was the point - well done for spotting this!

You say 'Any fool can look at the current league table and see it suggests we are likely to finish no lower than 9th'. So what's the problem then? My opinion is not just based on league standings, it's based on form, fixtures, goal-difference, the standard of teams behind us etc. I fully expect us to finish no lower than 8th because I'm confident we'll pick up enough wins when comparing Bradford's and ours relative fixtures. You fancy our chances of still finishing 9th, which obviously means a lot.

'Thanks for dragging me in'. Thanks for dragging you in? You were the one who asked me to justify my statement, I didn't drag you into anything. You asked, I replied, you became annoyed - and you still can't grasp the idea of someone using figure of speech on a message board about football.

And how many paragraphs of waffle is that?!

Ok Clarence, I'll repeat one final time before I let you have the final say.
You said we will finish eighth at worst to which I asked how can you be so sure when we are only 4 points ahead of ninth with 33 points still to play for?
Nobody in their right mind can be sure of that!
Carry on though, I'm sure you are preparing now to provide us all with more revelatory thoughts, stats and figures.


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: ClarenceInDefence on February 29, 2020, 18:36:04 pm
And how many paragraphs of waffle is that?!

Ok Clarence, I'll repeat one final time before I let you have the final say.
You said we will finish eighth at worst to which I asked how can you be so sure when we are only 4 points ahead of ninth with 33 points still to play for?
Nobody in their right mind can be sure of that!
Carry on though, I'm sure you are preparing now to provide us all with more revelatory thoughts, stats and figures.


You still can't drop it! Are you feeling alright?

You're full of s***, there was nothing wrong with what I said, it was my opinion stated as a FIGURE OF SPEECH, this board is full of people stating their opinions as if they are fact, so why the issue with me? I only replied with my reasoning originally because you asked me for it. The fact you didn't accept my explanation after I gave you it but chose to attack instead me says a lot more about you than me.

You accused me of 'dragging you into it' when you asked the question in the first place and sent back an argumentative reply. Now when I reply back you throw insults around and flounce off, before getting digs in on today's match thread!

I look forward to you dragging other posters over the coals when they post their opinions as if they are fact, should be fun!






Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: guest2995 on March 01, 2020, 19:14:14 pm
Yes, and as I state in my previous reply this was clearly MY OPINION! Do you not grasp the notion of 'figure of speech'? There's 'zero chance' of us winning the league this season - sure it's mathematically possible, but there's ZERO CHANCE! Do you get it? Or do I need to write IMO or 'I think' after every short statement?

I also say there is 'zero chance' of us finishing mid-table, not 'zero chance of us finishing 8th'. My 'finish lower than 8th' is a separate statement and is also, clearly, my opinion. I wouldn't define 9th as 'mid-table' myself, hence my opinion that we have zero chance of 'mid-table'.

Can you also grasp the notion of 'context' and how that applies in relation to my posts on this particular thread?

My post saying their was 'zero chance' of us finishing 'mid table', which has clearly got you all hot and bothered was in reply to Dr Feelgood's post where he states:

Why would KT need to evaluate if we finished 9th as opposed to finishing 8th? IMO it would be foolish to re-evaluate Curle's position on the basis of finishing 2 places outside the play-offs as opposed to 1, and then claim we finished 'mid-table' like it means anything rather than being an arbitrary breaking up of the table.

Sticking with context, GPC has posted that FGR, Cambridge and even Newport could catch us, but going by that line of thought you could say we can still finish in first place! Both may be mathematically possible but they're both so unlikely that it's barely worth mentioning.

As to my breaking up of the table being arbitrary, deciding to break the table up into three is itself arbitrary. Why not break it up into 8 groups of 3, or 6 groups of 4? Or a top 10, a middle 4 and a bottom 10 etc? Of course no-one had attempted to define what their idea of 'mid-table' was when throwing the term around and how it would/should influence KT's decision on Curle's contract if we ended up finishing 'mid-table'. My breaking up of the table was arbitrary to illustrate this, that was the point - well done for spotting this!

You say 'Any fool can look at the current league table and see it suggests we are likely to finish no lower than 9th'. So what's the problem then? My opinion is not just based on league standings, it's based on form, fixtures, goal-difference, the standard of teams behind us etc. I fully expect us to finish no lower than 8th because I'm confident we'll pick up enough wins when comparing Bradford's and ours relative fixtures. You fancy our chances of still finishing 9th, which obviously means a lot.

'Thanks for dragging me in'. Thanks for dragging you in? You were the one who asked me to justify my statement, I didn't drag you into anything. You asked, I replied, you became annoyed - and you still can't grasp the idea of someone using figure of speech on a message board about football.

You and Beds are now competing for the biggest bores on the site and currently tied for the most amount of drivel written


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: ClarenceInDefence on March 01, 2020, 19:59:13 pm
You and Beds are now competing for the biggest bores on the site and currently tied for the most amount of drivel written

And you are the forums most boorish poster.

You find it equally worthy to insult me when this has naff all to do with you, as you do to comment on yesterday's result.

Youve posted some vile, poisonous guff this season about not only myself but other posters, players and manager, regularly tub-thumping for the latters sacking. You're an embarrassment.

You are in a League of your own for the forums most arrogant, bullying, clueless fool. Is there anything you posted over the last year which hasn't turned out to be laughably incorrect?

Still think we will finish lower in the league than last year? Still think KC signed too many 'ageing, injury prone' players? Still think Cornell is our most 'saleable' player? Do you still think Morton and Olyainka coming from Arsenal and WBA academies 'means nothing' when figuring out the chances they would be quality signings?

Why don't you toddle off until we next lose so you can come back on here and hammer out your bile.


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: Manwork04 on March 01, 2020, 20:34:51 pm
And you are the forums most boorish poster.

You find it equally worthy to insult me when this has naff all to do with you, as you do to comment on yesterday's result.

Youve posted some vile, poisonous guff this season about not only myself but other posters, players and manager, regularly tub-thumping for the latters sacking. You're an embarrassment.

You are in a League of your own for the forums most arrogant, bullying, clueless fool. Is there anything you posted over the last year which hasn't turned out to be laughably incorrect?

Still think we will finish lower in the league than last year? Still think KC signed too many 'ageing, injury prone' players? Still think Cornell is our most 'saleable' player? Do you still think Morton and Olyainka coming from Arsenal and WBA academies 'means nothing' when figuring out the chances they would be quality signings?

Why don't you toddle off until we next lose so you can come back on here and hammer out your bile.
:o


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: Melbourne Cobbler on March 02, 2020, 06:40:28 am
You and Beds are now competing for the biggest bores on the site and currently tied for the most amount of drivel written
I’ve been after that title for months!


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: Horsham Cobbler on March 02, 2020, 08:09:48 am
I’ve been after that title for months!

Don't despair, with a decent performance over the coming weeks you might scrape into the Play-Offs  ;D


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: Melbourne Cobbler on March 02, 2020, 09:54:43 am
Don't despair, with a decent performance over the coming weeks you might scrape into the Play-Offs  ;D
That’s exactly the kind of positivity that’s been missing from this forum of late.


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: GrangeParkCobbler on March 02, 2020, 10:09:45 am
He's a tough taskmaster...…

https://www.northamptonchron.co.uk/sport/football/morton-gets-half-time-roasting-curle-despite-another-standout-display-2005745


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: west stand oap on March 02, 2020, 12:01:26 pm
When was the last time we extended a manager's contract?


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: guest2995 on March 02, 2020, 12:23:46 pm
And you are the forums most boorish poster.

You find it equally worthy to insult me when this has naff all to do with you, as you do to comment on yesterday's result.

Youve posted some vile, poisonous guff this season about not only myself but other posters, players and manager, regularly tub-thumping for the latters sacking. You're an embarrassment.

You are in a League of your own for the forums most arrogant, bullying, clueless fool. Is there anything you posted over the last year which hasn't turned out to be laughably incorrect?

Still think we will finish lower in the league than last year? Still think KC signed too many 'ageing, injury prone' players? Still think Cornell is our most 'saleable' player? Do you still think Morton and Olyainka coming from Arsenal and WBA academies 'means nothing' when figuring out the chances they would be quality signings?

Why don't you toddle off until we next lose so you can come back on here and hammer out your bile.
Once again proving you are the most boring contributor that ideals the most drivel . Very well done indeed .


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: guest3359 on March 02, 2020, 15:38:49 pm
When was the last time we extended a manager's contract?
Wilder was on a rolling contract so technically a day before he left.
Boothroyd was as well so possibly last manager extended like this was Calderwood?


Title: Re: Contracts & Curle
Post by: guest3063 on May 03, 2020, 18:59:19 pm
I think there could be as many as 19 players out of contract this summer - if I'm wrong I stand to be corrected. The list is as follows :-

Out of contract : David Cornell, Reece Hall-Johnson, Alan McCormack, Jordan Turnbull, Sam Hoskins, Andy Williams, Scott Pollock, Jay Williams, Shaun McWilliams, Vadaine Oliver, Michael Harriman, Ryan Hughes, Camron McWilliams, Jack Newell, Billy Waters, Sean Whaler, Bradley Lashley, Paul Anderson & Mark Marshall.

Under contract (only 10) : Joe Martin, Charlie Goode, Ryan Watson, Harry Smith, Nicky Adams, Chris Lines, Matt Warburton, Morgan Roberts, Steve Arnold & Ethan Johnston. 

Some of our promising youngsters that haven't really pushed on this season are out of contract including Shaun McWilliams.

List of players out of contract this summer.


Title: Out of contract
Post by: Irchy cob on May 31, 2020, 07:47:23 am
Apologies as I’m sure this has been posted elsewhere but can anyone list the players who will be out of contract at the end of June? Looking at other league one and two clubs and they are - understandably - releasing pretty much everyone out of contract so I would pretty much expect a similar cull for us. It will be very interesting to see what happens with Curle who is OOC.


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: Deepcut Cobbler on May 31, 2020, 08:13:14 am
It was...
We won't publish our lists until we know what division we will be in...  ;)


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: Irchy cob on May 31, 2020, 08:15:13 am
It was...
We won't publish our lists until we know what division we will be in...  ;)

Thanks for that - it’s a massive list and some popular/important players are on there, some very difficult decisions are going to be made. I still can’t believe that joe Martin was given a 2 year deal.


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: clarkeysntfc on June 01, 2020, 07:59:34 am
I suspect that there will be a marked downward pressure on wages across L2 this summer (and possibly L1 / Championship too), so this will make for an interesting window.


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: Irchy cob on June 01, 2020, 08:33:31 am
I know the situation is incredibly uncertain - we don’t even know if or when next season will take place - but I would like to think that at least a few of those OOC (Pollock and Turnbull spring to mind) will get offered new terms. As others have pointed out it will depend on what league we’re in, but looking at other L1 and L2 sides they are effectively getting rid of all of those out of contract.


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: Winslow Lee on June 18, 2020, 21:07:33 pm
Bit of a worry when you look at some of the players contracted for next season that aren’t good enough, Martin, Lines, Warburton to name but a few.


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: CobblerForever on June 18, 2020, 21:34:58 pm
Warburton might just go back to teaching.


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: clarkeysntfc on June 19, 2020, 07:37:30 am
Warburton might just go back to teaching.

Needs to go to a club with a style of play where he might get a kick.


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: memyhead on June 19, 2020, 07:48:16 am
KC out of contract...


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: everbrite on June 19, 2020, 08:44:45 am
KC out of contract...

... and?



Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: claretparrot on June 19, 2020, 08:46:50 am
Needs to go to a club with a style of play where he might get a kick.

Have to feel for him, actually. The team that gave him his 'big chance' have not provided an environment where he could ever have succeeded. Have to assume he'll be released and other L2 clubs will assume he just wasn't good enough (which maybe he wasn't).


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: Saint Cobbler on June 19, 2020, 08:56:31 am
Anyone with an ounce of talent will surely walk away from a team forced to play like we do. 


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: Irchy cob on June 19, 2020, 09:25:00 am
Is there a bit of an elephant in the room - we are one of only a handful clubs in English football that has a BAME manager and as such are probably seen as progressive (if only they knew that his tactics are very much from the old school and that’s being generous) - if we were to not offer him a new contract I wonder how that would be seen from a PR perspective? Don’t get me wrong, I’m not in favour of tokenism and people should get judged on results not the colour of their skin but ultimately KC has got us into the playoffs which I’m assuming would have been KT’s objective at the start of the season. Now the style of play and tactics are another matter entirely.


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: Battery Man on June 19, 2020, 09:41:52 am
Is there a bit of an elephant in the room - we are one of only a handful clubs in English football that has a BAME manager and as such are probably seen as progressive (if only they knew that his tactics are very much from the old school and that’s being generous) - if we were to not offer him a new contract I wonder how that would be seen from a PR perspective? Don’t get me wrong, I’m not in favour of tokenism and people should get judged on results not the colour of their skin but ultimately KC has got us into the playoffs which I’m assuming would have been KT’s objective at the start of the season. Now the style of play and tactics are another matter entirely.

Good point, I think it would be difficult for the club to not offer the new contract from a PR perspective, however, from a footballing prospective do you just offer a short extension on the contract he has, say until January and change his target to start playing attractive football and not hoofball. I don't know if that would be an option, but if the club make his targets difficult and not to his liking then maybe he resigns and finds another role somewhere else which takes away the PR problem.


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: claretparrot on June 19, 2020, 09:45:34 am
Good point, I think it would be difficult for the club to not offer the new contract from a PR perspective, however, from a footballing prospective do you just offer a short extension on the contract he has, say until January and change his target to start playing attractive football and not hoofball. I don't know if that would be an option, but if the club make his targets difficult and not to his liking then maybe he resigns and finds another role somewhere else which takes away the PR problem.

Not sure if constructive dismissal passes the Daily Mail test any better than just letting someone go at the end of their contract  ;D


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: memyhead on June 19, 2020, 10:04:11 am
KC is out of contract, so it would be exactly the same situation he was in at Carlisle (ie they let his contract expire and didn't offer him a new one) his race should be absolutely irrelevant.

He's done a decent enough job but I believe he's taken us as far as he can. He will never change his style of play and has said as much. Absolutely no plan B.

I just don't think our talented youth lads will ever get a proper look in under KC, eg sticking on Anderson last night rather than Pollock.

Personally, i'd be happy to be mid to upper L2 trying to play half decent football and properly blood the youth.

Tisdale is still available & would fit that remit but I think KT will probably offer KC another year.

It should all become a lot clearer after Mondays game.


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: Irchy cob on June 19, 2020, 10:32:16 am
KC is out of contract, so it would be exactly the same situation he was in at Carlisle (ie they let his contract expire and didn't offer him a new one) his race should be absolutely irrelevant.

He's done a decent enough job but I believe he's taken us as far as he can. He will never change his style of play and has said as much. Absolutely no plan B.

I just don't think our talented youth lads will ever get a proper look in under KC, eg sticking on Anderson last night rather than Pollock.

Personally, i'd be happy to be mid to upper L2 trying to play half decent football and properly blood the youth.

Tisdale is still available & would fit that remit but I think KT will probably offer KC another year.

It should all become a lot clearer after Mondays game.

I can’t really disagree with any of that - unfortunately (in terms of the style of football) I would be amazed if he doesn’t get offered another contract. It’s so frustrating as he clearly has charisma and (most of) the players seem to like playing for him but ultimately he is no better than a very average mid table league two manager.


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: GrangeParkCobbler on June 19, 2020, 10:46:40 am
Ultimately the Chairman makes the decision to hire or fire, and there's nothing from KT that suggests KC isn't doing a good job in his opinion......

There has been no real groundswell of dissent from the stands, and the financial implications of falling crowds despite being higher in the league are going to get lost in the Covid situation which is going to play havocwith every club's finances this season.

I believe he'll get an extension, if he wants it.


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: threeinabed on June 19, 2020, 10:53:01 am
essentially KC came in to steady the ship, he did that.

the next step was improvement to push for a play off place, he did that.

if he is kept on, i would like to think the next step is a improved style of play, but with keeping the upturn in results.

if that happens, i will be happy.


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: Fred_NTFC on June 19, 2020, 11:05:05 am
It's not direct football that I necessarily have the problem with as yes, of course I'd rather be attractive but you can also be efficient from open play if you have the right blend of pace & power. The difference is Curle almost totally relies on the percentages, set-pieces, largely ineffective long-throws & we hardly ever look dangerous as an attacking force for sustained periods, the flair players end up looking like they're playing with shackles on.

We actually have shown a few times that we can mix things up (As he has, for instance Curle's Mansfield side were reasonably pleasing on the eye) & I actually rate this squad as being pretty decent in footballing ability when compared with some of the absolute dross that's come before, I'd even say it's got more depth than a few of our league-one campaigns.

The frustration is he is not willing to change. Things seemed to have somewhat clicked at Grimsby with us striking a new balance, yet instead of continuing that way he's got utterly back to basics. We are fairly lucky compared to most other squads in this division in being able to change shape, style or indeed personnel & yet he doesn't seem to have worked out how to change the momentum of a game going against us. I would say I disagree with his substitutions around 80% of the time & if you look at the stats, teams seem to basically work us out as the ninety minutes goes on. At least if he were introducing some unpredictably to the equation then we might cause some level of surprise or panic for opposition defences, but Cheltenham would have known exactly what they were going to get & could train & plan accordingly.

Sport, to some degree at least, is about uncertainty & that's where I find Curle's approach very stifling on my ability to enjoy a game. I know exactly what's coming. One of the reasons I think Wilder is such a great manager is he has the ability to adapt & change depending on circumstance, I remember away at Mansfield where he bizarrely decided to throw all the big lumps up top together. Later on he changed things around & admitted his mistake after the game. I seriously question whether Curle can ever change.


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: CobblerForever on June 19, 2020, 11:31:11 am
On the SkySports coverage it was obvious that Ryan Lowe and Jobi McAnuff knew exactly how the Cobblers were going to play and they played exactly as they anticipated. The Cheltenham manager Michael Duff suggested the same after the game. We need a much more substantial element of surprise or a whole different approach. Olayinka probably gave us the only element of surprise yesterday evening. Morton gave us a quality others lacked.



Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: EB Claret on June 19, 2020, 14:43:58 pm
On the SkySports coverage it was obvious that Ryan Lowe and Jobi McAnuff knew exactly how the Cobblers were going to play and they played exactly as they anticipated. The Cheltenham manager Michael Duff suggested the same after the game. We need a much more substantial element of surprise or a whole different approach. Olayinka probably gave us the only element of surprise yesterday evening. Morton gave us a quality others lacked.



OK, everyone knows how we play but it can be effective, ask Ryan Lowe, his Plymouth side were well beaten at Sixfields. Last night we just didn't perform well enough in either penalty area. When we mixed up play a bit and played a few passes we carried more of a threat. I can't see why Olayinka and Morton were signed unless this was the plan going forward.
KC will probably get a new contract as we acheived our pre-season aim and reached the play offs, maybe a new deal should be a rolling contract.


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: Winslow Lee on June 19, 2020, 18:17:13 pm

Tisdale is still available & would fit that remit but I think KT will probably offer KC another year.


Tisdale is a good shout and at least has a few promotions on his record. If I was KT I would be giving it some serious consideration.


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: west stand oap on June 19, 2020, 19:15:56 pm
The problem is if we were to change manager the new man would not fancy half of the present squad and it would take a few transfer windows for him to assemble his own team, as it did KC. Therefore we become a "work in progress" again for at least another season.
Personally I think KC has probably been our best manager since CW and has not made as many duff signings as the previous managers. However, I agree we need to start playing more football, it is supposed to be a game played on grass but I wish I had a £ for every time this season I have said "up it goes again" as we launch it in the air again.
Obviously this tactic can be successful (as it was at Burton) but Cheltenham came prepared and nullified our threat quite easily. Everbody knows how we play we need another dimension.


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: Winslow Lee on June 19, 2020, 19:45:36 pm
The problem is if we were to change manager the new man would not fancy half of the present squad and it would take a few transfer windows for him to assemble his own team, as it did KC. Therefore we become a "work in progress" again for at least another season.


Isn’t now the perfect time with so many out of contract. If KC stays and gives players multi year contacts when he fails again next year there will be even less room for manoeuvre than at present.


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: Larry on June 19, 2020, 21:56:15 pm
Does anyone seriously think for one second that KT would sack a manager that got the club to the play offs, given the record of his three previous appointments? He's more likely to give him the job for life.


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: memyhead on June 19, 2020, 23:03:16 pm
Does anyone seriously think for one second that KT would sack a manager that got the club to the play offs, given the record of his three previous appointments? He's more likely to give him the job for life.

He wouldn't be sacked...his contract is up  ::)


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: 1971cobbler on June 20, 2020, 13:05:31 pm
The problem is if we were to change manager the new man would not fancy half of the present squad and it would take a few transfer windows for him to assemble his own team, as it did KC. Therefore we become a "work in progress" again for at least another season.


I reckon every single team in lge2 who survives to play into next season will be a "work in progress"?


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: Coolcat on June 20, 2020, 14:45:33 pm
The general consensus on here seems to be, that if Curle could just find a way of losing at least some of his stubbornness and be prepared to mix it up a little, the vast majority would be happy. Signings, blend of youth ( though don't really get the love in with Pollock being some Messiah - Morton by a country mile!) and not a drastic but adaptable change of style would see a renewal of contract and stability...and of course, hopefully promotion!


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: Hallsy02 on June 20, 2020, 14:48:31 pm
The general consensus on here seems to be, that if Curle could just find a way of losing at least some of his stubbornness and be prepared to mix it up a little, the vast majority would be happy. Signings, blend of youth ( though don't really get the love in with Pollock being some Messiah - Morton by a country mile!) and not a drastic but adaptable change of style would see a renewal of contract and stability...and of course, hopefully promotion!

Agreed but he’s a stubborn wank3r so it won’t happen and he will lead us to a bottom half finish next season. Curle Out


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: everbrite on June 20, 2020, 21:36:42 pm
The problem is if we were to change manager the new man would not fancy half of the present squad and it would take a few transfer windows for him to assemble his own team, as it did KC. Therefore we become a "work in progress" again for at least another season.
Personally I think KC has probably been our best manager since CW and has not made as many duff signings as the previous managers. However, I agree we need to start playing more football, it is supposed to be a game played on grass but I wish I had a £ for every time this season I have said "up it goes again" as we launch it in the air again.
Obviously this tactic can be successful (as it was at Burton) but Cheltenham came prepared and nullified our threat quite easily. Everbody knows how we play we need another dimension.

When you have an Oliver in the team there will be hoofs.  There is nothing like a good hoof like we did at Burton which led to goals. So my advice to KC:  plenty of quality hoofs and wont I love it as hoofs result in goals ;D .  Served us well in the past .


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: everbrite on June 20, 2020, 21:46:53 pm
I reckon every single team in lge2 who survives to play into next season will be a "work in progress"?

Keep the present team as much as possible (but goodbye Morton and Wharton) and with a bit of luck only 3 or at a pinch 4 new players.


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: CobblerForever on June 21, 2020, 10:57:06 am
Just in case any of us think Keith is limited we currently have Hasselbaink being treated as a talking head for the Leeds v Cardiff game about to start. Curle over Hasselbaink any time.


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: threeinabed on June 21, 2020, 13:06:37 pm
Just in case any of us think Keith is limited we currently have Hasselbaink being treated as a talking head for the Leeds v Cardiff game about to start. Curle over Hasselbaink any time.

agreed

trying to win games, by whatever method is much better than sitting back and accepting a slow painful death every game


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: Alfred on June 21, 2020, 18:24:23 pm
agreed

trying to win games, by whatever method is much better than sitting back and accepting a slow painful death every game


In the current climate KT will take L2 midtable Keith as the safe option next season.


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: Winslow Lee on June 21, 2020, 20:00:44 pm
agreed

trying to win games, by whatever method is much better than sitting back and accepting a slow painful death every game


It would have been interesting to see what would’ve happened if KC’s period in charge with his anti-football style had coincided with Bayo being at the club, get the feeling it could have been very successful but painful to watch.


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: rebelspawn on June 24, 2020, 09:53:47 am
It would have been interesting to see what would’ve happened if KC’s period in charge with his anti-football style had coincided with Bayo being at the club, get the feeling it could have been very successful but painful to watch.


Don't we already know the answer to that? Boothroyd got us to a playoff final playing anti-football and with bayo up top. He was also a stubborn manager who inexplicably dropped bayo for the final.

We lost the final spectacularly and we all know how the following season went.

There are many parallels to this season. I just hope Keith sets us up correctly for the final.


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: everbrite on June 24, 2020, 11:08:56 am
Don't we already know the answer to that? Boothroyd got us to a playoff final playing anti-football and with bayo up top. He was also a stubborn manager who inexplicably dropped bayo for the final.

We lost the final spectacularly and we all know how the following season went.

There are many parallels to this season. I just hope Keith sets us up correctly for the final.

Different set of players for a start so that’s one parallel debunked. We have played Exeter twice and won 3-4 aggregate so that’s another parallel debunked. Our form to Wembley with Boothroyd was poor. Even the two legged affair with Chelts was disappointing. Based on Monday’s game form and confidence is good. Personally I think your parallel scenario is without basis or fact. As an Admin suggested too many Managers on here full of personal comments on how to manage a team. Then those opinions where shattered by KC on Monday. The only parallel you have is with Cov-19 as that could influence both teams selection.


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: rebelspawn on June 24, 2020, 11:28:59 am
Different set of players for a start so that’s one parallel debunked. We have played Exeter twice and won 3-4 aggregate so that’s another parallel debunked. Our form to Wembley with Boothroyd was poor. Even the two legged affair with Chelts was disappointing. Based on Monday’s game form and confidence is good. Personally I think your parallel scenario is without basis or fact. As an Admin suggested too many Managers on here full of personal comments on how to manage a team. Then those opinions where shattered by KC on Monday. The only parallel you have is with Cov-19 as that could influence both teams selection.

I don't think you understand what Parallels means in this context. Just because you highlight some differences it doesn't jut erase the similarities.

We have made the playoffs with a manger that splits opinion. Playing a brand of football that sections of the fanbase do not like. The play relies heavily on set pieces and utilises throw-ins and hitting 'good areas' of the pitch early. These are all parallels to the Boothroyd season that resulted in the last visit to Wembley. The fact that we currently have different players to that season doesn't erase the above points.


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: everbrite on June 24, 2020, 13:19:02 pm
I don't think you understand what Parallels means in this context. Just because you highlight some differences it doesn't jut erase the similarities.

We have made the playoffs with a manger that splits opinion. Playing a brand of football that sections of the fanbase do not like. The play relies heavily on set pieces and utilises throw-ins and hitting 'good areas' of the pitch early. These are all parallels to the Boothroyd season that resulted in the last visit to Wembley. The fact that we currently have different players to that season doesn't erase the above points.

Beginning to think you have used parallels in error - when 'similarities' is more grammatically correct and accurate!  The differences you say don't erase the argument is a proposal of convenience. The differences prior to Monday alone demolish your argument. You should be aware that during the season
the team have raised their game several times so that should be a factor to consider prior to forming opinions on. As far as I can remember of Boothroyds season(s) there were very few if any of mitigating examples of decent displays. That run in compounded with the loss to York quickly followed by a truly negative display at Wycombe summarised Boothroyds season. This season we have had several decent displays which alone dismantles your paralled theory. Like the way you ignore the Covid-19 pandemic which ironically throws form out of the window as proved by last Monday.


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: rebelspawn on June 24, 2020, 13:27:32 pm
Beginning to think you have used parallels in error - when 'similarities' is more grammatically correct and accurate!  The differences you say don't erase the argument is a proposal of convenience. The differences prior to Monday alone demolish your argument. You should be aware that during the season
the team have raised their game several times so that should be a factor to consider prior to forming opinions on. As far as I can remember of Boothroyds season(s) there were very few if any of mitigating examples of decent displays. That run in compounded with the loss to York quickly followed by a truly negative display at Wycombe summarised Boothroyds season. This season we have had several decent displays which alone dismantles your paralled theory. Like the way you ignore the Covid-19 pandemic which ironically throws form out of the window as proved by last Monday.

noun
plural noun: parallels
1.
a person or thing that is similar or analogous to another.



Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: Deepcut Cobbler on June 25, 2020, 08:40:03 am
Not just transfer fees and players wages that come into any financial decisions on players:
https://www.northamptonchron.co.uk/sport/football/cobblers-spending-agent-fees-revealed-2894675


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: west stand oap on June 29, 2020, 12:56:19 pm
KC will have a busy day tomorrow with 18 player's contracts expiring. They are Cornell, Hall-Johnson, Turnbull, J.Williams, Harriman, McCormack, S.McWilliams, Hoskins, Anderson, Marshall, Oliver, A.Williams, Pollock, Whaler, Newell, Hughes, c.McWilliams, and Lashley. I can see several being offered new contracts but with some it may depend in which division we are playing.
Under contract for next season we have Arnold, Martin, Watson, Lines, Adams, Warburton, Roberts and Johnston. Goode and Smith are contracted for 2 more seasons.


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: Welly Cobb on June 29, 2020, 20:20:28 pm
Who do we want to keep for League one then? Oliver definitely. McCormack probably. Hoskins sure.


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: Shadowstorm on June 29, 2020, 20:46:21 pm
Prepare for some of the youngsters to leave, as for contracted players wouldn't be surprised to see Warburton leave. First up KC new 2yrs contract,


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: clarkeysntfc on June 30, 2020, 07:04:45 am
KC will have a busy day tomorrow with 18 player's contracts expiring. They are Cornell, Hall-Johnson, Turnbull, J.Williams, Harriman, McCormack, S.McWilliams, Hoskins, Anderson, Marshall, Oliver, A.Williams, Pollock, Whaler, Newell, Hughes, c.McWilliams, and Lashley. I can see several being offered new contracts but with some it may depend in which division we are playing.
Under contract for next season we have Arnold, Martin, Watson, Lines, Adams, Warburton, Roberts and Johnston. Goode and Smith are contracted for 2 more seasons.

I've done a strikethrough of the players who I'd definitely release. Harriman is TBC. I left off the kids as I doubt many will go. I can't see Jay Williams getting a new contract though.


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: guest2995 on June 30, 2020, 07:49:36 am
Hopefully Goode will stay now and there might be a possibility of both Wharton and even Morton playing in a division above. Olyanka might also be a good loan acquisition for a season .
Not the right time to talk about who to release today - everyone has done us proud over the last week


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: Irchy cob on June 30, 2020, 08:39:43 am
I think that it is inevitable that hall-Johnson, Cornell, Andy Williams (and probably Jay Williams for that matter) and Anderson will get released, question marks over Shaun McWilliams but he may get a short term deal while he recuperates, Marshall was outstanding last night and might warrant another year and I think Harriman is very underrated and is definitely worth another contract as he has played at league one level most of his career. Don’t know about the other young players but Turnbull, Hoskins, Oliver and McCormack are all no-brainers - the only proviso may well be that they might have better offers elsewhere on the table.


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: guest2934 on June 30, 2020, 09:49:47 am
Hopefully Goode will stay now and there might be a possibility of both Wharton and even Morton playing in a division above. Olyanka might also be a good loan acquisition for a season .
Not the right time to talk about who to release today - everyone has done us proud over the last week

Reading this gives me a shiver of excitement. Add a couple of years for the boss.

You could not have written this if we had lost.


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: Monty on June 30, 2020, 10:22:12 am
I did make a sort-of prophetic joke at this stage last season that we should put a bid in for a certain Nicky Adams who doesn't appear to want to play in L1, having left both us and Bury after promotion. Well since I posted that and he did indeed leave Bury again for us (although them not paying him certainly helped) I can't help but wonder what his plans are this time around.


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: clarkeysntfc on June 30, 2020, 10:53:14 am
There will be massive downward pressure on wages this summer across the lower leagues, and I expect even those retained will be looking some sort of wage reduction.


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: Deepcut Cobbler on June 30, 2020, 11:37:43 am
I did make a sort-of prophetic joke at this stage last season that we should put a bid in for a certain Nicky Adams who doesn't appear to want to play in L1, having left both us and Bury after promotion. Well since I posted that and he did indeed leave Bury again for us (although them not paying him certainly helped) I can't help but wonder what his plans are this time around.

He did joke about it last night during interview but said that he'll stay this time.

Joel Byrom has tweeted: "Congratulations NTFC. Nicky Adams will have his CV sent out to all League Two managers by the morning. It's too windy in League One!"   ;D


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: west stand oap on June 30, 2020, 13:17:05 pm
Perhaps we should be hoping that WBA get promoted to the prem. as it would give us more chance of getting Morton back next season. I doubt they see him being ready for the prem. and as we have moved up a division and he has appeared to enjoy being with us we must then have a good chance.


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: everbrite on June 30, 2020, 19:42:29 pm
Perhaps we should be hoping that WBA get promoted to the prem. as it would give us more chance of getting Morton back next season. I doubt they see him being ready for the prem. and as we have moved up a division and he has appeared to enjoy being with us we must then have a good chance.

if it was the Championship a good chance.  But he will probably play for WBA for remainder of this season  and then see how he does. Should be interesting!


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: Manwork04 on June 30, 2020, 19:48:38 pm
GIVE MARK MARSHALL A NEW CONTRACT.


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: southofthecounty on June 30, 2020, 20:33:06 pm
GIVE MARK MARSHALL A NEW CONTRACT.

So much this. Seemed to be able to beat full backs with ease.


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: everbrite on June 30, 2020, 20:53:39 pm
So much this. Seemed to be able to beat full backs with ease.

Came on and did the job well. His simple pass to Hoskins was class who put it away with aplomb. The thing is that the Exeter full backs were not up to much. Sterner tests ahead?


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: Clarity on June 30, 2020, 22:34:51 pm
Came on and did the job well. His simple pass to Hoskins was class who put it away with aplomb. The thing is that the Exeter full backs were not up to much. Sterner tests ahead?
Aplomb... reckon only ever used in football  :)


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: Air-Dan on June 30, 2020, 23:04:58 pm
I think we should do everything we can to keep the XI who played the last two games, including loanees.

Marshall also deserving of a new deal.

Build from there and replace as appropriate.



Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: guest2934 on July 01, 2020, 02:33:42 am
if it was the Championship a good chance.  But he will probably play for WBA for remainder of this season  and then see how he does. Should be interesting!

I doubt it very much, and he cannot represent WBA in the play-offs if they drop into it.


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: guest2995 on July 01, 2020, 07:34:54 am
KC will have a busy day tomorrow with 18 player's contracts expiring. They are Cornell, Hall-Johnson, Turnbull, J.Williams, Harriman, McCormack, S.McWilliams, Hoskins, Anderson, Marshall, Oliver, A.Williams, Pollock, Whaler, Newell, Hughes, c.McWilliams, and Lashley. I can see several being offered new contracts but with some it may depend in which division we are playing.
Under contract for next season we have Arnold, Martin, Watson, Lines, Adams, Warburton, Roberts and Johnston. Goode and Smith are contracted for 2 more seasons.
I think one of the issues here is that some of the players who are still in contract are the weakest and the ones that should be moved on .
For example , Smith , Lines , Martin and Warburton . It’s questionable if these are division 2 standard let alone division 1 .
McCormack is a difficult one . He should really only be offered a new contract on a pay per play basis .


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: CobblerForever on July 01, 2020, 12:07:04 pm
I think one of the issues here is that some of the players who are still in contract are the weakest and the ones that should be moved on .
For example , Smith , Lines , Martin and Warburton . It’s questionable if these are division 2 standard let alone division 1 .
McCormack is a difficult one . He should really only be offered a new contract on a pay per play basis .


Broadly I agree with you and credit for mentioning the elephant in the room - McCormack. I wouldn't offer a renewal as he's the past and we need to back the younger players. He's done a fine job for us but he doesn't last 90 minutes generally and has missed a lot of games.

Curle has been using Smith to replace Oliver when he's started to flag. Is this how it needs to be or is Oliver carrying a minor injury he can manage from game to game and recover from now ? Oliver is certainly pivotal to all we do going forward.

On the evidence of the playoff final I'd favour Marshall over Adams. That's only one game though and Marshall had the considerable advantage of playing against a side that appeared to have lost it's way and mostly only had 10 players on the pitch.

It all depends on the Budget of course. It would be great to keep Wharton, Turnbull, Arnold and Goode together but three of those could well not be here next season (Goode - probably our most marketable asset, Turnbull out of contract and Wharton not ours anyway).

I'd want to keep Hoskins and the younger lads with potential. Harriman is a keeper at the right price as well. Morton would be an excellent signing and delight everyone.

Perhaps Curle has a rabbit or two to pull out of his hat. We are after all a League One side now.


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: Shoemaker on July 01, 2020, 14:06:40 pm
As I understand things it’s no surprise we don’t know whose staying or going as technically we are managerless as Keith Curle was only contracted to June 30th and the fact a new deal hasn’t been signed suggests he’s off elsewhere....


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: Battery Man on July 01, 2020, 14:17:00 pm
As I understand things it’s no surprise we don’t know whose staying or going as technically we are managerless as Keith Curle was only contracted to June 30th and the fact a new deal hasn’t been signed suggests he’s off elsewhere....

I took it from interviews with Curle that they were waiting for the season to be over before sorting out his contract then they would follow that with the players. As Curle said it was unfair for players to know their options without knowing who the manager was. I would be suprised if he goes elsewhere unless KT doesn't offer him a new deal. It's his first promotion and I would have thought he would like to see where he can take us to.


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: Deepcut Cobbler on July 01, 2020, 14:28:58 pm
KC is doing player interviews this week, I assume from that that he's staying?


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: Shoemaker on July 01, 2020, 14:39:18 pm
Not if the sixfields pen has gone missing again......


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: Deepcut Cobbler on July 01, 2020, 14:40:17 pm
Not if the sixfields pen has gone missing again......

The infamous... ;D


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: Shoemaker on July 01, 2020, 14:47:43 pm
The infamous... ;D
;D  ;D  ;D


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: CobblerForever on July 01, 2020, 15:43:35 pm
Curle's interview after the match on Quest suggested that he was excited by the prospect of making the Cobblers a top half of League 1 side and he would be looking for another promotion.

It sounds like it's down to the Chairman to offer something appropriate.


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: southofthecounty on July 01, 2020, 15:49:20 pm
Aplomb... reckon only ever used in football  :)
And Scrabble


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: Charlatan on July 01, 2020, 16:14:00 pm
Curle's interview after the match on Quest suggested that he was excited by the prospect of making the Cobblers a top half of League 1 side and he would be looking for another promotion.

It sounds like it's down to the Chairman to offer something appropriate.
That's the impression I got as well.


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: ntfclad on July 01, 2020, 16:17:24 pm
Expecting managerial contract announcement and retained list by the end of the week....


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: threeinabed on July 01, 2020, 17:26:55 pm
curle wouldn't get a better offer than a league one club that is currently financially stable

if he gives up his first chance to manage in that division after a promotion - then he isnt the man he says he is


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: west stand oap on July 01, 2020, 18:17:19 pm
KC has previously managed a team in division 1 when he was at Notts County - surprisingly sacked with a 45% win record.


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: Dan on July 01, 2020, 18:25:59 pm
I'd be surprised if people like Lines, Warburton and Martin aren't told that they are surplus to requirements.


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: GrangeParkCobbler on July 01, 2020, 19:44:05 pm
KC has previously managed a team in division 1 when he was at Notts County - surprisingly sacked with a 45% win record.

Poor results (2 wins in 11), poor team disciplinary record and falling attendances prompted his departure.

Then Chairman Ray Trew said "Attendances at Meadow Lane have dropped in recent weeks and this has made this a business decision as much as a footballing one, because fans are obviously key to the club and their support is essential."


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: ntfclad on July 01, 2020, 20:42:18 pm
Don’t understand where this Curle leaving talk has come from


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: Another Pedj on July 01, 2020, 21:26:55 pm
Shoey. You need a long memory to recall the last thing he got right


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: Saint Cobbler on July 01, 2020, 21:28:34 pm
I'd be surprised if people like Lines, Warburton and Martin aren't told that they are surplus to requirements.
And Smith


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: everbrite on July 01, 2020, 21:40:32 pm

..................We are after all a League One side now.

 ;D  Love it 8)


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: everbrite on July 01, 2020, 21:42:22 pm
As I understand things it’s no surprise we don’t know whose staying or going as technically we are managerless as Keith Curle was only contracted to June 30th and the fact a new deal hasn’t been signed suggests he’s off elsewhere....

Simply quite wrong or woman trouble


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: Shoemaker on July 01, 2020, 21:42:44 pm
Shoey. You need a long memory to recall the last thing he got right
In fairness I said that we are now managerless , that’s right isn’t it ?
I’ve no idea whether KC will sign ,whether he wants a big pay increase to stay or whether he will be offered more money elsewhere....
We are currently managerless though  :o


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: everbrite on July 01, 2020, 21:45:43 pm
And Smith

Smith is here for next season or two. 3 Year Contract


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: BackOfTheNet on July 02, 2020, 06:19:28 am
And Smith

I like Smith. He's behind Oliver in the pecking order at the moment but he's a decent player if given the right service.


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: threeinabed on July 02, 2020, 06:28:49 am
And Smith

not comparable to the other 3 you have mentioned


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: guest2995 on July 02, 2020, 07:20:41 am
Smith is here for next season or two. 3 Year Contract
Smith is nowhere near good enough for division 1 and was a major disappointment in division 2 .
Technically he is appalling .


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: BackOfTheNet on July 02, 2020, 07:38:17 am
Smith is nowhere near good enough for division 1 and was a major disappointment in division 2 .
Technically he is appalling .

I strongly disagree with that. If anything he's a better technical player with the ball at his feet but, despite his height, isn't as effective in the air as Oliver, it's just that he tends to see more aerial balls coming his way than balls into his feet.


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: threeinabed on July 02, 2020, 07:55:41 am
Smith is nowhere near good enough for division 1 and was a major disappointment in division 2 .
Technically he is appalling .

wrong


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: threeinabed on July 02, 2020, 07:56:04 am
I strongly disagree with that. If anything he's a better technical player with the ball at his feet but, despite his height, isn't as effective in the air as Oliver, it's just that he tends to see more aerial balls coming his way than balls into his feet.

agreed - although he did make williams goal with his head


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: Saint Cobbler on July 02, 2020, 08:54:36 am
Smith is nowhere near good enough for division 1 and was a major disappointment in division 2 .
Technically he is appalling .
Agree with this.


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: guest2995 on July 02, 2020, 09:48:33 am
I strongly disagree with that. If anything he's a better technical player with the ball at his feet but, despite his height, isn't as effective in the air as Oliver, it's just that he tends to see more aerial balls coming his way than balls into his feet.
I don’t see it .
His body positioning is consistently wrong , his control is not great and his passing is nothing short of poor .
He is a physical presence and that’s about it .
I am not having a go for the sake of it but he is not a division 1 footballer .
He and Warburton were big disappointments last season and I am sure KC would like to offload them both if the truth was told .


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: TheShoeArmy1897 on July 02, 2020, 10:08:11 am
Dont know where the hate on Smith comes from. As a back up option, can't see why not.

6 goals in 21 apps across L2 and FA Cup is not a horrendous return.
Any better and he wouldn't have been in L2
Saying that he also has experience in L1 so adds to the squad

He has another 2 years on his deal, can't see anyone paying anything to get him off our hands so regardless whether anyone rates him or not I would imagine he's at Cobblers next season!


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: everbrite on July 02, 2020, 10:51:48 am
Shoey. You need a long memory to recall the last thing he got right

 Is this right Shoey? ;)


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: everbrite on July 02, 2020, 10:58:47 am
Smith is nowhere near good enough for division 1 and was a major disappointment in division 2 .
Technically he is appalling .

His goal at Stevenage was good and vital 3pts!


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: everbrite on July 02, 2020, 11:04:40 am
I don’t see it .
His body positioning is consistently wrong , his control is not great and his passing is nothing short of poor .
He is a physical presence and that’s about it .
I am not having a go for the sake of it but he is not a division 1 footballer .
He and Warburton were big disappointments last season and I am sure KC would like to offload them both if the truth was told .

 ;D Opinions ah opinions.


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: memyhead on July 02, 2020, 11:13:47 am
Be worth listening to The Cobblers Show on BBC radio Northampton tonight (6pm)

Host Marc Webber just replied to my tweet (asking about the possibility of any exclusive breaking news on the show) saying "I suspect we'll have some breaking news"






Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: Welly Cobb on July 02, 2020, 11:43:14 am
His other tweet does suggest that the players will be finding out today at least.


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: ntfclad on July 02, 2020, 11:58:38 am
I think we all will


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: memyhead on July 02, 2020, 12:15:42 pm
I think we all will

Any inside knowledge ntfclad? Any surprises?


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: DrillingCobbler on July 02, 2020, 12:19:31 pm
Id very much like to see an evolution, not a revolution...

Clearly though, unlike previously, financial factors and the uncertainty of when crowds will be allowed back in, a likely big drop in commercial revenue etc will be a much bigger factor.

In an ideal world. Id release Williams and Hall-Johnson. Plus Joe Martin and Chris Lines (I understand they both have got another year) and probably Cornell (I have never seen the point of having two decent keepers in the lower leagues, would much rather the £ be spent elsewhere). Marshall? Tough one, played so well in the final, and has obvious 'impact player' attributes. Anderson...yes, if we are looking to push on rather than just try and stay up...

I would certainly keep Oliver, Hoskins, Turnbull, Harriman and McCormack,  (even if the latter doesn't play 50% of the time). Id also be gutted to see McWilliams or Pollock released...

For next season, on my shopping list (again ideal world) would be a goal scorer to replace Williams (even on the assumption we are able to keep Morton), a left back, a centre mid and a back up goal keeper.

So 4 in...probably about 6 or 7 out. See where that takes us...we've got to be realistic.


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: guest2995 on July 02, 2020, 12:25:13 pm
Dont know where the hate on Smith comes from. As a back up option, can't see why not.

6 goals in 21 apps across L2 and FA Cup is not a horrendous return.
Any better and he wouldn't have been in L2
Saying that he also has experience in L1 so adds to the squad

He has another 2 years on his deal, can't see anyone paying anything to get him off our hands so regardless whether anyone rates him or not I would imagine he's at Cobblers next season!
Be careful of your words - I don’t “hate” Smith at all .


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: claretparrot on July 02, 2020, 12:37:35 pm
Id very much like to see an evolution, not a revolution...

Clearly though, unlike previously, financial factors and the uncertainty of when crowds will be allowed back in, a likely big drop in commercial revenue etc will be a much bigger factor.

In an ideal world. Id release Williams and Hall-Johnson. Plus Joe Martin and Chris Lines (I understand they both have got another year) and probably Cornell (I have never seen the point of having two decent keepers in the lower leagues, would much rather the £ be spent elsewhere). Marshall? Tough one, played so well in the final, and has obvious 'impact player' attributes. Anderson...yes, if we are looking to push on rather than just try and stay up...

I would certainly keep Oliver, Hoskins, Turnbull, Harriman and McCormack,  (even if the latter doesn't play 50% of the time). Id also be gutted to see McWilliams or Pollock released...

For next season, on my shopping list (again ideal world) would be a goal scorer to replace Williams (even on the assumption we are able to keep Morton), a left back, a centre mid and a back up goal keeper.

So 4 in...probably about 6 or 7 out. See where that takes us...we've got to be realistic.

Agree with this down to a player. For me, so much will hang on who we can keep/bring back on loan.

If we could take Morton, Turnbull, Wharton, McCormack and Oliver into next season, and keep the ones under contract, we'd have a fantastic foundation. The back three and front two would be plenty good enough if they can consistently perform at the standard set in the last two games (big if).


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: Deepcut Cobbler on July 02, 2020, 12:49:38 pm
If we could afford them, I would keep both McCormack and Anderson, playing Anderson in a similar role as Macca for them to split the 'old head' responsibility/influence throughout the season.


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: Robas on July 02, 2020, 12:57:48 pm
I'll make a case for another year for Andy Williams. Make of it as you will.

He was on the pitch for 1791 minutes in league games and scored 9 goals.That is one every 199 minutes or 0.45 goals per 90 minutes. Quite respectable, in fact very respectable.

He is still (in my opinion) he best finisher we have on the books who is a permanent signing.

Yes, his best days are behind him.However, coming off the bench late in games when an additional striker is required then this makes some sense as who else are we going to sign with his natural ability to do that sort of job?  I cannot believe that wages are going to be the issue.

Also we have, I think, 19 players out of contract + the loss of our three loan players. Some continuity would also be helpful. 


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: cox23jam on July 02, 2020, 13:10:41 pm
Squad next season
GK: Arnold/NEW GK/Lashley
CB: Goode/Turnbull/NEW CB (Wharton)/NEW CB/J. Williams
RB: Harriman/LOAN RB
LB: Adams/Martin
CM: McWilliams/McCormack
CM: Watson/Pollock
ACM: Hoskins/NEW ACM
ST: NEW ST(Morton)/NEW ST/Warburton/Roberts/Johnston
ST: Smith/Olivier

Approx. 7 new signings required - although not all permanent
New GK to compete with Arnold
2 x CB's to start/back-up
New RWB probably someone on loan to compete with Harriman
NEW CM/ACM - depending if McWilliams is viewed as CM or in more attacking role
2 x ST's Morton or quick striker plus a more all-round striker a younger version of Williams with hopeful some potential
Plus maybe a couple of the U18's - Harding, Price not sure which of them are being released


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: ntfclad on July 02, 2020, 13:46:54 pm
Any inside knowledge ntfclad? Any surprises?

Can’t see Williams staying but not sure whether that is a surprise or not.


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: threeinabed on July 02, 2020, 13:53:01 pm
If we could afford them, I would keep both McCormack and Anderson, playing Anderson in a similar role as Macca for them to split the 'old head' responsibility/influence throughout the season.

anderson isnt half the player mccormack is

one ran the show in 2 out of 3 play off games - the other made a token appearance from the bench a couple of times


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: memyhead on July 02, 2020, 15:14:05 pm
Anderson is not the answer for a (hopefully) progressive L1 club...


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: ntfclad on July 02, 2020, 15:17:04 pm
On the way shortly


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: GrangeParkCobbler on July 02, 2020, 15:17:52 pm
Cornell gone.....he’s just tweeted out


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: ntfclad on July 02, 2020, 15:18:15 pm
Cornell out the traps early announcing he’s gone on Twitter


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: ntfclad on July 02, 2020, 15:20:24 pm
Two are pretty  :o :o


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: Irchy cob on July 02, 2020, 15:31:36 pm
Two are pretty  :o :o

Do you mean 2 of the departures are a surprise?


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: ntfclad on July 02, 2020, 15:37:56 pm
Do you mean 2 of the departures are a surprise?

It’s out now Irchy! Turnbull and McCormack released


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: Irchy cob on July 02, 2020, 15:41:29 pm
It’s out now Irchy! Turnbull and McCormack released

Bloody hell that’s a bit of a blow - still in KC we trust I suppose.


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: Battery Man on July 02, 2020, 15:42:23 pm
Quite pleased with the retained list, gives us something to build on for League 1. Nothing about Curle signing a new contract but I am assuming he has as he is talking about who's gone and why.


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: clarkeysntfc on July 02, 2020, 15:48:01 pm
https://www.ntfc.co.uk/news/20202/july/retained_list/


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: the grumpy old man on July 02, 2020, 15:48:53 pm
I had forgotten all about Billy Waters. I thought he was going to be a good player for us when he signed, pity it didn't work out.


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: ntfclad on July 02, 2020, 15:49:34 pm
Quite pleased with the retained list, gives us something to build on for League 1. Nothing about Curle signing a new contract but I am assuming he has as he is talking about who's gone and why.


Just the formalities left on a two year deal


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: everbrite on July 02, 2020, 15:49:44 pm
Be careful of your words - I don’t “hate” Smith at all .

He expressed it as an non threatening opinion cleverly disguised as an third party adjective. It did not appear to be an expression of intense loathing or even a threat. Perhaps Coolie and Rebel can comment?
Just an opinion tho :)


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: GrangeParkCobbler on July 02, 2020, 15:53:10 pm
Surprised with some but not others.....the youngsters who showed a bit of promise and got near the first team (Hughes, Jay Williams) you could look at in two ways, they were decent enough and showed promise, but didn't have enough to break into a League 2 team so even less chance in League 1.

McCormack, decent enough but not getting any younger and financially we can not carry passengers, a player who might be fit only 50% of the time is taking up valuable suad space, money could be better spent elsewhere.

Turnbull, the big surprise for me......first team regular, decent performer, and chipped in with 5 goals this season......

Marshall seems to have had a clause giving him an automatic extension.....i'm glad he's stayed anyway as he offers us something else.

Thanks to all those who will no longer be pulling on the claret shirt......


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: Aitobs on July 02, 2020, 15:53:23 pm
Looking forward to watching whichever clapped-out journeymen, non-league upstarts and teenage PL loanees we can sign on the minimum wage next season


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: lordjord on July 02, 2020, 15:54:16 pm
McCormack I would have liked to see in a player coach role, shame we only get one season from him, but I do get it. With Turnbull I assume its a financial decision. Came in the January when JFH was splashing the cash, we were in league 1 at the time also and with the current Covid situation assume its a case of biggest earners are gone.

There will be an unprecedented number of players available this year fighting for deals so whilst its sad to see them go, I understand the reasoning. Hell of a way for those players released to bow out though after a playoff final win.

There are some retained players I would be happy to see move on who i doubt we will be able to actually sell. Martin, Lines and Warburton have struggled at lg 2 level so cant see them making the jump, Smith needs to show improvement also IMO.

Going to be an interesting summer!


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: tcobb on July 02, 2020, 15:55:26 pm
No real surprises apart from Turnball maybe, but the rest thats fair enough.


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: TheShoeArmy1897 on July 02, 2020, 15:58:47 pm
Sad to see Turnbull go but have pointed out, he was the last of the winter 2018 JFH signings with 5SU money

Can't imagine he was on a small wage then and although he's done well under Curle, probably doesn't warrant what he was on

That's all conjecture but reading between the words of what Curle's said, that's what I'm imaging.
He clearly has wanted to clear out and re-structure from the start. I'm sure we could afford what Turnbull was on but with Goode the better CB and priority to keep and more signings needed, could we have JT as one of the highest earners in the squad or would he have taken a deal at less cash... probably not

Either way it's still a massive shame. I really liked him. He was best mates with Hoskins off the pitch too so a little worried if that has some effect on that deal. I just don't want to see him sign now for a direct rival.

The rest of the list I can pretty much say was expected other than maybe McCormack but at 36 and with an even more packed schedule next season maybe it isnt so much of a surprise..

Just want to see who we get in the door now!


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: GrangeParkCobbler on July 02, 2020, 16:00:53 pm
https://www.northamptonchron.co.uk/sport/football/curle-explains-reasons-behind-turnbulls-shock-exit-cobblers-2902292


"The current situation"......reads as COVID related.
"The clubs situation" .......reads as......??????


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: Charlatan on July 02, 2020, 16:02:09 pm
No real surprises apart from Turnball maybe, but the rest thats fair enough.

I fully agree.


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: BackOfTheNet on July 02, 2020, 16:04:20 pm
Very surprised at Turnbull not being offered anything - who knows, maybe he has something else already lined up so we moved straight on?

A shame but not a surprise about McCormack. On his day he was our best player, but the fitness issue means he's probably too much of a risk in the current financial climate.

Also sorry to see some of the youngsters go, but you never like to see home grown talent released. Hopefully they will find their way into non-league football and earn their way back into the league.


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: clarkeysntfc on July 02, 2020, 16:08:07 pm
https://www.northamptonchron.co.uk/sport/football/curle-explains-reasons-behind-turnbulls-shock-exit-cobblers-2902292


"The current situation"......reads as COVID related.
"The clubs situation" .......reads as......??????

The COVID situation could see clubs fall like dominoes, the news from Wigan yesterday being the first of many I am sure. He's just talking about running the club to a budget which is sustainable given the likelihood of football in empty stadia beyond the end of 2020.


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: Winslow Lee on July 02, 2020, 16:13:51 pm
So is there any mention of Martin, Lines or Warburton who are clearly not good enough and probably won’t feature at all next season? would have liked to have seen them at least made available for free transfers.


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: clarkeysntfc on July 02, 2020, 16:19:15 pm
So is there any mention of Martin, Lines or Warburton who are clearly not good enough and probably won’t feature at all next season? would have liked to have seen them at least made available for free transfers.

I would imagine conversations have been had but the bottom has fallen out of the market for footballers wages in the lower divisions and it may be that nobody else can offer them anything like what they earn now so might be tough to shift, especially for someone like Lines.


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: observer1 on July 02, 2020, 16:47:20 pm
Turnbull absolutely should have been offered something, without doubt. I'm sure he's realistic and understands the financial pressures affecting the club. It's the same across the board, so he's going to find the same wherever he goes. Following Curle's logic, he won't be fully motivated to play anywhere simply because he's on less money than he was with us? I think he has more about him than that and to suggest otherwise is disingenuous by Curle. Jordan has a clear affinity with this club and the fans, is a core part of the team, and should be here with us next season if he wants to be and it sounds like a big part of him does.

Isn't he supposed to be best friends with Hoskins? What if Hoskins now decides he wants a fresh start as well and doesn't sign a new deal? Further ramifications. Ripping up the heart of the team just like we did in 2016.

The reasoning behind McCormack makes more sense and he'll have clubs queuing up for his services. Anderson I feel sorry for, but he wouldn't necessarily get the games in L1 so hopefully he can find a L2 club quite quickly.




Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: Welly Cobb on July 02, 2020, 16:49:02 pm
A lot of recruitment to do then. Do wonder what the financial situation is truly like with us, and most of the English league.


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: Irchy cob on July 02, 2020, 16:53:34 pm
As always whether or not they are good decisions will depend on who we bring in to replace them - hopefully KC has some irons in the fire and his recruitment record is pretty good. The thing I am a bit concerned about is that McCormack was a massive character and leader and he will take some replacing. As others have said Turnbull is probably the bigger blow - he has a lot of experience for his age and is consistent and versatile but like has been said above he (and waters) are the last of the hasselbaink big earners. I agree with what others have said about Martin, warburton and lines - none of them are really good enough at league 2 level let alone league one.


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: guest3338 on July 02, 2020, 16:54:21 pm
Best defender and best finisher gone. Agree we should have offered Turnbull something. Think we should also have made Anderson and Williams an offer. Feel sorry for Dai. Arnold didn't do anything wrong in these last three games but he wasn't exactly tested either.
There's also a few under contract, the likes of Warburton and Martin, that we are going to get stuck with but maybe the higher division will suit Lines.


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: Dan on July 02, 2020, 17:31:00 pm
Turnbull and Macca are the only two who will be missed in league 1.


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: Shoemaker on July 02, 2020, 17:31:29 pm
A lot of recruitment to do then. Do wonder what the financial situation is truly like with us, and most of the English league.
Dire I should imagine


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: clarkeysntfc on July 02, 2020, 17:43:06 pm
What if Hoskins now decides he wants a fresh start as well and doesn't sign a new deal?

Would that really be the end of the world?


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: Coolcat on July 02, 2020, 18:08:15 pm
I had forgotten all about Billy Waters. I thought he was going to be a good player for us when he signed, pity it didn't work out.
Strangely, I was thinking (during the playoff final of all times!) about what happened to Billy! Did he go on loan to Cheltenham...or come from there?
He'll end up at St Albans City...where I think I last saw him score!


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: Coolcat on July 02, 2020, 18:11:51 pm
Best defender and best finisher gone. Agree we should have offered Turnbull something. Think we should also have made Anderson and Williams an offer. Feel sorry for Dai. Arnold didn't do anything wrong in these last three games but he wasn't exactly tested either.
There's also a few under contract, the likes of Warburton and Martin, that we are going to get stuck with but maybe the higher division will suit Lines.
Was so excited when Warburton signed from Stockport - a prolific goal scorer is a prolific goal scorer...erm wrong!
Flop!


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: Saint Cobbler on July 02, 2020, 18:29:13 pm
Turnbull absolutely should have been offered something, without doubt. I'm sure he's realistic and understands the financial pressures affecting the club. It's the same across the board, so he's going to find the same wherever he goes. Following Curle's logic, he won't be fully motivated to play anywhere simply because he's on less money than he was with us? I think he has more about him than that and to suggest otherwise is disingenuous by Curle. Jordan has a clear affinity with this club and the fans, is a core part of the team, and should be here with us next season if he wants to be and it sounds like a big part of him does.

Isn't he supposed to be best friends with Hoskins? What if Hoskins now decides he wants a fresh start as well and doesn't sign a new deal? Further ramifications. Ripping up the heart of the team just like we did in 2016.

The reasoning behind McCormack makes more sense and he'll have clubs queuing up for his services. Anderson I feel sorry for, but he wouldn't necessarily get the games in L1 so hopefully he can find a L2 club quite quickly.



Agree with this. Surely something could have been worked out to keep a key component of our defensive formation.


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: GrangeParkCobbler on July 02, 2020, 18:34:28 pm
It doesn't even sound like he was offered a contract......ok if you offer him half the salary and he refuses fair enough, but to not offer him anything strikes me as very odd. The reasons offered by KC don't sound right as surely Jordan will be in the same boat anywhere else, he won't get what (inflated) salary he was on here....unless someone bigger is already lined up.

We are now left with two of our pretty solid back 3 having gone, assuming Wharton doesn't come back. I'd like to see who we can get for less.


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: everbrite on July 02, 2020, 19:07:41 pm
It doesn't even sound like he was offered a contract......ok if you offer him half the salary and he refuses fair enough, but to not offer him anything strikes me as very odd. The reasons offered by KC don't sound right as surely Jordan will be in the same boat anywhere else, he won't get what (inflated) salary he was on here....unless someone bigger is already lined up.

We are now left with two of our pretty solid back 3 having gone, assuming Wharton doesn't come back. I'd like to see who we can get for less.

Perhaps Coventry have lined him up if so his wages might not take such a big hit.  Think you hit the nail on the head he was on an inflated salary and presumably KC assumed he could do better at an acceptable salary level.

ps  We don't know what was said between the player and KC; there could be a dozen reasons why he has gone.


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: CobblerForever on July 02, 2020, 19:18:22 pm
We always talk about a busy pre-season rebuilding. This one's going to be even busier.

Turnbull leaving unexpected and a big disappointment.

You have to say that Curle and his team have done an astonishing job keeping motivation and spirits up in these circumstances.

Every league club must be desperate for some certainty of their income going forward. FWIW Thomas was talking about increased income streams from IFollow whilst we cannot attend but that's to be decided and proved.

The Age of Uncertainty beckons.


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: everbrite on July 02, 2020, 19:18:49 pm
https://www.ntfc.co.uk/news/20202/july/retained_list/

Thanks Clarkie


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: Manwork04 on July 02, 2020, 19:20:52 pm
Jordan Turnbull was one of the best defenders in L2, he could also do a job in midfield if needed.
Big mistake in letting him go.


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: guest2995 on July 02, 2020, 19:21:32 pm
Turnbull is quite a shock .
I do know that he was the next highest earner after KVV at that particular time and so I suspect it’s down to wages .
I do wonder if there is going to be another announcement on some of the players under contract being available for a move because Lines , Warburton , Martin and Smith are not good enough .
I think it’s the right decision on Macca . You can’t pay for someone who plays half a season and three quarters of a game .
Cornell is very unlucky but he may have wanted a move .
Hoskins deserves another contract and I’m pleased for him - if he signs it !
Harriman is also fortunate but did well in the last two games at least . Not a wing back though .


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: CobblerForever on July 02, 2020, 19:22:54 pm
Perhaps Coventry have lined him up if so his wages might not take such a big hit.  Think you hit the nail on the head he was on an inflated salary and presumably KC assumed he could do better at an acceptable salary level.

ps  We don't know what was said between the player and KC; there could be a dozen reasons why he has gone.

Hi Evers,

Jordan's comment on Twitter was "Massive thank you to everyone @ntfc and most importantly the fans for always supporting me.
I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at the club and I feel very proud to be part of this group of lads winning promotion.
finally, I want to wish the club every success in the future.#ntfc"


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: everbrite on July 02, 2020, 19:27:45 pm
Looking forward to watching whichever clapped-out journeymen, non-league upstarts and teenage PL loanees we can sign on the minimum wage next season

So Smith, Oliver, and Marshall are NG! 



Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: bungle on July 02, 2020, 19:44:00 pm
Releasing Turnbull is a big, big call. This promotion was built on the back of a solid back three. Now two of its members are out of the building. (Imperative that we keep Goode at all costs.)

Curle seems to think that Turnbull would have been less motivated if offered less money. Perhaps that's true, but he doesn't strike me as a player who has ever anything less than an excellent attitude and a desire to succeed.

Much will depend on the players he brings in to replace Wharton and Turnbull. I suppose that the nature of this crisis is that a lot of players who would normally be under contract somewhere will suddenly be available. It will be very much a buyer's market.


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: Shoemaker on July 02, 2020, 19:47:13 pm
Has the chairman made a statement yet??
I’ve a hunch that KT will be trying to sell the club.

The last time we were in league one he said that we needed extra investment to be able to compete at league one level and the Chinese investment charade ensued.

Obviously it’s the same this time round (probably worse with BCD ) so I can’t see anything other than a struggle as the chairman explained last time round....

I think KT would be off like a shot if he wasn’t tied to the club because of the land deal and the profit involved.
Tongue in cheek this promotion is probably the last thing KT needs as he will need to invest in the squad to make it competitive and the fans will soon find out if he has that intention and he has to start work on the stand....
Wasn’t there something about a July deadline??

He seems very quiet for a chairman whose club has just gained promotion....
Too quiet...

On the other hand maybe he is keeping quiet until Keith has signed , a couple of players have resigned and there is news on a start date for the redevelopment and some extra investment !!!

Time will tell.


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: everbrite on July 02, 2020, 20:01:53 pm

He seems very quiet for a chairman whose club has just gained promotion....
Too quiet...


You do realize the Chairman is in LA ??  You only pop up when the Club enters a period of uncertainty and come out with unsubstantiated rumours. Bet Pedji is investigating you now. You never enlightened us all on here what you issue was with the Trust?


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: Shoemaker on July 02, 2020, 20:44:39 pm
One positive in this situation is that we have few contracted players which at this time with things as they are is a plus.
No one knows what lies ahead but I’d rather be a chairman with say 15 players to pay rather than some clubs who have 25.
KT has kept the club afloat and paid the wages through all this which is great but it must be a testing time for him and everyone involved in football ownership.
It’s a hunch and only a hunch that if the right offer came in he would sell (I know I would)
He was honest enough to say that extra investment is needed to make the cobblers a viable league one club and that must still be the case.
The fact that other league 1 clubs may be in a worse situation than us offers hope.
The fact that we have been promoted is good and without being a gloomy sod I think we need to be realistic.
If we can stay up beyond our normal two year dalliance with league one it will be a great achievement and will offer a foundation for the club to establish itself in a very tough league.

I’d be treating staying up as much as winning promotion.
It may be that KT is here for the long run and if he delivers a redeveloped ground and a sustainable league one club then I think he deserves every penny of profit that he could make on a potential sale.

One things for sure playing the likes of Sunderland and Ipswich will be better than Macclesfield and Morecambe.

If things fall right and KT backs the club I think he has every chance of walking away with a well deserved profit.
He will be happy
The fans will be happy and the club will be in a far better state than when he took over...

It’s another chance for the club to grow and move forward but as fans we’ve been here before.

Let’s hope this time it isn’t a false dawn...

UTC


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: GrangeParkCobbler on July 02, 2020, 20:47:01 pm
I thought the chairman was in Florida?

Anyway, there’s a deal on the table with a deadline of 31st July which could see work restart on the stand. I suppose we’ll have an idea of the chairman’s intentions in just four weeks time.


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: Welly Cobb on July 02, 2020, 20:49:29 pm
Would be ironic if we finally get a completed stand at a time where you aren't allowed into the stadium anymore.


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: Shoemaker on July 02, 2020, 20:51:56 pm
Would be ironic if we finally get a completed stand at a time where you aren't allowed into the stadium anymore.
Wouldn’t that be typical  ::) ;D


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: everbrite on July 02, 2020, 20:54:10 pm
One positive in this situation is that we have few contracted players which at this time with things as they are is a plus.
No one knows what lies ahead but I’d rather be a chairman with say 15 players to pay rather than some clubs who have 25.
KT has kept the club afloat and paid the wages through all this which is great but it must be a testing time for him and everyone involved in football ownership.
It’s a hunch and only a hunch that if the right offer came in he would sell (I know I would)
He was honest enough to say that extra investment is needed to make the cobblers a viable league one club and that must still be the case.
The fact that other league 1 clubs may be in a worse situation than us offers hope.
The fact that we have been promoted is good and without being a gloomy sod I think we need to be realistic.
If we can stay up beyond our normal two year dalliance with league one it will be a great achievement and will offer a foundation for the club to establish itself in a very tough league.

I’d be treating staying up as much as winning promotion.
It may be that KT is here for the long run and if he delivers a redeveloped ground and a sustainable league one club then I think he deserves every penny of profit that he could make on a potential sale.

One things for sure playing the likes of Sunderland and Ipswich will be better than Macclesfield and Morecambe.

If things fall right and KT backs the club I think he has every chance of walking away with a well deserved profit.
He will be happy
The fans will be happy and the club will be in a far better state than when he took over...

It’s another chance for the club to grow and move forward but as fans we’ve been here before.

Let’s hope this time it isn’t a false dawn...

UTC


Blimey who massaged your funny bone?


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: everbrite on July 02, 2020, 20:55:12 pm
Would be ironic if we finally get a completed stand at a time where you aren't allowed into the stadium anymore.

 ;D


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: guest3338 on July 03, 2020, 08:11:17 am
One positive in this situation is that we have few contracted players which at this time with things as they are is a plus.
No one knows what lies ahead but I’d rather be a chairman with say 15 players to pay rather than some clubs who have 25.
KT has kept the club afloat and paid the wages through all this which is great but it must be a testing time for him and everyone involved in football ownership.
It’s a hunch and only a hunch that if the right offer came in he would sell (I know I would)
He was honest enough to say that extra investment is needed to make the cobblers a viable league one club and that must still be the case.
The fact that other league 1 clubs may be in a worse situation than us offers hope.
The fact that we have been promoted is good and without being a gloomy sod I think we need to be realistic.
If we can stay up beyond our normal two year dalliance with league one it will be a great achievement and will offer a foundation for the club to establish itself in a very tough league.

I’d be treating staying up as much as winning promotion.
It may be that KT is here for the long run and if he delivers a redeveloped ground and a sustainable league one club then I think he deserves every penny of profit that he could make on a potential sale.

One things for sure playing the likes of Sunderland and Ipswich will be better than Macclesfield and Morecambe.

If things fall right and KT backs the club I think he has every chance of walking away with a well deserved profit.
He will be happy
The fans will be happy and the club will be in a far better state than when he took over...

It’s another chance for the club to grow and move forward but as fans we’ve been here before.

Let’s hope this time it isn’t a false dawn...

UTC



Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: lordjord on July 03, 2020, 09:48:41 am
Keith needs to essentially rebuild the spine of this side now. Two left footed CB's gone, RHJ could play CB also so 2 or 3 new CB's needed. We need another midfield destroyer. Prior to McCormack we had missed someone in that roll for years, an essential spot to fill. Two new forwards needed also, hopefully one is Morton, another pacy lad would be beneficial so we have two little and large combinations.

There has yet to be any confirmation on when the next season is starting has there? I wonder if clubs will wait for that before signing anyone. With the number of players out of contract also I wonder how big of an effect the transfer window will have. We brought in Harriman quite late this summer didnt we? It wouldnt surprise me if similar happened this year, with players taking reduced terms instead of having nothing at all.

Still a huge amount of uncertainty, I would be surprised to see any incomings any time soon!


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: Irchy cob on July 03, 2020, 09:55:06 am
Keith needs to essentially rebuild the spine of this side now. Two left footed CB's gone, RHJ could play CB also so 2 or 3 new CB's needed. We need another midfield destroyer. Prior to McCormack we had missed someone in that roll for years, an essential spot to fill. Two new forwards needed also, hopefully one is Morton, another pacy lad would be beneficial so we have two little and large combinations.

There has yet to be any confirmation on when the next season is starting has there? I wonder if clubs will wait for that before signing anyone. With the number of players out of contract also I wonder how big of an effect the transfer window will have. We brought in Harriman quite late this summer didnt we? It wouldnt surprise me if similar happened this year, with players taking reduced terms instead of having nothing at all.

Still a huge amount of uncertainty, I would be surprised to see any incomings any time soon!

I’m pretty sure that the clubs are unofficially working towards a start for the new season of 12th September, in which case it won’t be massively different to usual with a couple of months for off season/pre season. Like I’ve said previously I’m not adverse to KC having a bit of a clear out but it all hinges on the recruitment, especially as we are in a higher league where we will need more quality.


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: Deepcut Cobbler on July 03, 2020, 10:40:47 am
One of the bigger clubs in League Two or one of the lesser clubs in League One?
Manage your expectations, we are not such a big draw for recruitment in this League, which means that WBA will probably want Morton to be at a club with greater potential.
That'll go for anyone else who's in the frame, persuading any player to come to us. COVID-19 will help for players unsure of their financial futures but not necessarily of the quality that people on here are expecting/demanding.
Manage your/the expectations before slating the club, recruitment isn't anything like Championship Manager.


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: Parklands Cobbler on July 03, 2020, 10:41:00 am
Turnbull will be a loss but KC has a budget and big earners just have to go if the club cannot afford them.
A greater loss in my opinion will be losing Goode as i think we probably will with a lot of clubs not surprisingly showing interest in him.


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: observer1 on July 03, 2020, 10:59:21 am
Turnbull will be a loss but KC has a budget and big earners just have to go if the club cannot afford them.
A greater loss in my opinion will be losing Goode as i think we probably will with a lot of clubs not surprisingly showing interest in him.
Thomas made positive noises around keeping Goode when he appeared on It's All Cobblers To Me's post promotion live stream. But time will tell.

It's going to take one hell of an offer it seems for us to even consider it, and I imagine most clubs will be more measured in their approaches this summer than they might otherwise have been.


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: CobblerForever on July 03, 2020, 11:45:37 am
Not only is it a very significant Buyers market at present there must be a number (I was going to say numerous) of clubs facing insolvency. Just think - contracts to honour, no season ticket money yet (I'd vouch that in most recent previous seasons most clubs will already have banked the bulk of this), pre-season with little income coming through the door, the actual season delayed at best with severe restrictions at worst and the actual product without crowds not as exciting/enticing. It must be a minefield to manage.

One thought - would a UK subscription to IFollow set at the same rate as the cost of a full season ticket (give or take a few £ sterling) work ?


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: west stand oap on July 03, 2020, 11:51:07 am
I see that Ipswich, Derby and Birmingham are again being touted as interested in Cornell.


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: Madrid Cobbler on July 03, 2020, 12:21:03 pm
Disappointed to lose McCormack, Cornell and particularly Turnbull. Agree with others here that the latter was a purely financial decision, whatever KC said in his interview (which I thought was otherwise spot on about the difficulties of letting players go). Let's face it, Turnbull will probably be taking a pay cut wherever he goes. I prefer Cornell to Arnold, and I think he's going simply because he's out of contract and Arnold isn't. That, at least, makes some sense. I think McCormack would probaly still have a lot to offer in L1 but I imagine he's on good money and he's also an injury risk, so I can accept that one as well.

I was hoping that Warburton and particularly Joe Martin might be on their way, but they are obviously still under contract. Not a fan of Lines either, though  I think he has the ability to play at L1 level. I just don't think he'll ever be suitable for a KC style gameplan.

We need Hoskins to sign and I hope Harriman will too. Not sure that Oliver will be so effective in L1 but certainly deserves a contract offer. Let's hope we get at least one of Morton and Wharton too. Without at least 2 or 3 of all these, we're looking at a major rebuild again just when we were hoping for continuity.

To finish on a high note, I'm pleased about Marshall - I think he'll be a very good player for us.

Anyway, in KC we trust - at least for the moment!


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: CobblerForever on July 03, 2020, 12:44:32 pm
Ryan Lowe said that it is common for players to have in their contracts a clause including an automatic pay rise on winning promotion (between 10 and 15% he suggested). Given that we've just kept Marshall because of a clause in his contract regarding promotion it seems likely that we will also have these clauses - another cost going forward.

Lowe also "expects a ‘crazy’ rush to make signings when the EFL announce a start date for the 2020/21 season".

From the same article - The new season is expected to start sometime in September, with the EFL holding talks with League One and League Two clubs this week on the subject.


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: Melbourne Cobbler on July 03, 2020, 16:16:10 pm
Mac & Turnbull gone, I’m devastated. I understand Mac in a way with the injuries and struggling to complete 90 minutes. But our biggest squad requirement post Wilder was, well McCormack. I will be really interested to see who is lined up to replace him, but we need a big influence on the squad both on and off the pitch. Turnbull was absolutely magnificent for us, a great player at this level and it is going to be a big ask to fill both those players boots. Keith Curle has delivered and then some, so his decision will be respected. However, in the unlikely event those players happen to read this, I would like to thank both of those players and all the others who contributed to one of the greatest memories I have in a lifetime of supporting the club. God bless you.


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: CobblerForever on July 03, 2020, 16:37:19 pm
Mac & Turnbull gone, I’m devastated. I understand Mac in a way with the injuries and struggling to complete 90 minutes. But our biggest squad requirement post Wilder was, well McCormack. I will be really interested to see who is lined up to replace him, but we need a big influence on the squad both on and off the pitch. Turnbull was absolutely magnificent for us, a great player at this level and it is going to be a big ask to fill both those players boots. Keith Curle has delivered and then some, so his decision will be respected. However, in the unlikely event those players happen to read this, I would like to thank both of those players and all the others who contributed to one of the greatest memories I have in a lifetime of supporting the club. God bless you.

They are both on twitter. Send them a message on that.


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: Why? on July 03, 2020, 18:33:11 pm
Expect Hoskins to delay resigning, until he finds out where Turnbull ends up.


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: west stand oap on July 03, 2020, 18:42:42 pm
That is pure speculation.


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: Gonzales on July 05, 2020, 14:26:14 pm
No matter how much Curle says it wasn’t financial with Turnbull, everything he said showed it clearly was. Turnbull wasn’t just the highest earner at the club from my understanding he was one of the highest earners in league two and wasn’t massively far off the £4K a week Adam Rooney is being paid by Salford. Whilst it does sound a bit silly that we didn’t even try to offer him something and seemed to assume he’d be less motivated... My guess is some preliminary discussions were had and they weren’t remotely close.

Macca, yeah he played an important part in the playoff games but he didn’t play enough games to justify keeping him around. I’d imagine the priority for the squad will be to have a smaller squad of first team quality supplemented by the academy products and a few loans and as such someone who plays less than half the games is a luxury we can’t afford.

Dai probably told the club he was leaving before the playoffs started hence why Arnold played instead.


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: OCoole on July 05, 2020, 14:35:54 pm
No matter how much Curle says it wasn’t financial with Turnbull, everything he said showed it clearly was. Turnbull wasn’t just the highest earner at the club from my understanding he was one of the highest earners in league two and wasn’t massively far off the £4K a week Adam Rooney is being paid by Salford. Whilst it does sound a bit silly that we didn’t even try to offer him something and seemed to assume he’d be less motivated... My guess is some preliminary discussions were had and they weren’t remotely close.

Macca, yeah he played an important part in the playoff games but he didn’t play enough games to justify keeping him around. I’d imagine the priority for the squad will be to have a smaller squad of first team quality supplemented by the academy products and a few loans and as such someone who plays less than half the games is a luxury we can’t afford.

Dai probably told the club he was leaving before the playoffs started hence why Arnold played instead.

I think that is a very good assessment of what likely happened in each case.


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: cobbler151 on July 05, 2020, 14:48:03 pm
Expect Hoskins to delay resigning, until he finds out where Turnbull ends up.

I cant see why anyone would care if he did. Don't get me wrong he's been good servant, however he's found his level and very replaceable


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: everbrite on July 05, 2020, 17:03:58 pm
I cant see why anyone would care if he did. Don't get me wrong he's been good servant, however he's found his level and very replaceable

He is our leading scorer all the same.


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: Deepcut Cobbler on July 05, 2020, 18:08:19 pm
No matter how much Curle says it wasn’t financial with Turnbull, everything he said showed it clearly was. Turnbull wasn’t just the highest earner at the club from my understanding he was one of the highest earners in league two and wasn’t massively far off the £4K a week Adam Rooney is being paid by Salford. Whilst it does sound a bit silly that we didn’t even try to offer him something and seemed to assume he’d be less motivated... My guess is some preliminary discussions were had and they weren’t remotely close.

Macca, yeah he played an important part in the playoff games but he didn’t play enough games to justify keeping him around. I’d imagine the priority for the squad will be to have a smaller squad of first team quality supplemented by the academy products and a few loans and as such someone who plays less than half the games is a luxury we can’t afford.

Dai probably told the club he was leaving before the playoffs started hence why Arnold played instead.

Probably offering nothing would be received better than offering Turnbull less than 50% of what he was on previously.


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: guest2995 on July 06, 2020, 08:35:57 am
No matter how much Curle says it wasn’t financial with Turnbull, everything he said showed it clearly was. Turnbull wasn’t just the highest earner at the club from my understanding he was one of the highest earners in league two and wasn’t massively far off the £4K a week Adam Rooney is being paid by Salford. Whilst it does sound a bit silly that we didn’t even try to offer him something and seemed to assume he’d be less motivated... My guess is some preliminary discussions were had and they weren’t remotely close.

Macca, yeah he played an important part in the playoff games but he didn’t play enough games to justify keeping him around. I’d imagine the priority for the squad will be to have a smaller squad of first team quality supplemented by the academy products and a few loans and as such someone who plays less than half the games is a luxury we can’t afford.

Dai probably told the club he was leaving before the playoffs started hence why Arnold played instead.

I think KC identified that it was an entirely financial decision Turnbull left .
If you think he was behind KVV and Taylor in earnings at the time , it shows you how much we were over paying players to come here at one stage and how far we under performed .
Those days are gone for most clubs now but i see Bolton are still paying over the odds despite their position.


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: threeinabed on July 06, 2020, 08:52:29 am
I think KC identified that it was an entirely financial decision Turnbull left .
If you think he was behind KVV and Taylor in earnings at the time , it shows you how much we were over paying players to come here at one stage and how far we under performed .
Those days are gone for most clubs now but i see Bolton are still paying over the odds despite their position.

I agree - KC has said it was purely financial with turnbull


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: Deepcut Cobbler on July 06, 2020, 10:56:19 am
It wouldn't surprise me if Ryan Watson wasn't playing in our claret next season...


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: Irchy cob on July 06, 2020, 11:27:54 am
It wouldn't surprise me if Ryan Watson wasn't playing in our claret next season...

What makes you say that mate?


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: Deepcut Cobbler on July 06, 2020, 12:34:27 pm
What makes you say that mate?

I haven't any inside information.
He's a solid player, 7+/10 each time he plays, the sort that goes about his business without being extravagant and I believe will have attracted attention.
His goal in the final and performances in the play-offs would have also made other clubs notice him.
Aside from his performances, the dyed hair would have been an indication that he was probably wanting to be noticed.
We could get some good money for him.


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: Deepcut Cobbler on July 06, 2020, 15:12:28 pm
https://www.ntfc.co.uk/news/20202/july/kc_new_contract/   ;D 8)


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: guest2995 on July 06, 2020, 15:46:16 pm
Obviously I am one of KC’s biggest critics - not on a personal note but only because of the style of football .
In the grand scheme of things , I am pleased he has signed a new contract because stability means a lot when you gain promotion at our level .
When we play with commitment and show the mentality we displayed in the last 2 games I can stomach the football . I just think it’s hard to maintain that over a season and when it goes against you it’s dire .
I am pleased for KC though and it is deserved on the back of how it turned out in the end .


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: Shoemaker on July 06, 2020, 15:54:39 pm
We will continue to make difficult decisions..... :o :o

Is that manager speak for ‘ you won’t see Charlie Goode in claret again’

I wonder....


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: tcobb on July 06, 2020, 16:18:29 pm
Will be nice to see the same manager in place for next season. Last two times we've been promoted we lost the manager both times. Let's see if stability is the key to building a future league one team.


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: Shoemaker on July 06, 2020, 16:31:36 pm
Will be nice to see the same manager in place for next season. Last two times we've been promoted we lost the manager both times. Let's see if stability is the key to building a future league one team.
Yes


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: Madrid Cobbler on July 06, 2020, 18:34:37 pm
I cant see why anyone would care if he did. Don't get me wrong he's been good servant, however he's found his level and very replaceable

Hoskins is a VERY important player in KC's way of playing and is not easily replaceable. Even though he wasn't our best player in either the Cheltenham or Exeter games, he played well in both and I don't think it's a coincidence that we lost the only playoff game he didn't feature in (and when he was replaced by a technically more gifted player). He's a much better and more important player than a lot give him credit for on here and every manager since Wilder has seen his value..... oh, and he's still getting better.


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: EB Claret on July 06, 2020, 19:40:14 pm
For the last few years quite a few people have been rightly saying that the club needed to find an identity. KC has definitely given us that, even if not everyone likes it :P



























Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: Deepcut Cobbler on July 10, 2020, 21:22:33 pm
https://www.ntfc.co.uk/news/20202/july/back_room_staff/


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: guest3264 on July 11, 2020, 04:21:12 am
For the last few years quite a few people have been rightly saying that the club needed to find an identity. KC has definitely given us that, even if not everyone likes it

If I had to choose between Austin's pretty losing football or KC's direct promotion winning football it is amazing how my principles go out of the window!
I admit to being two faced, because the Cheltenham and Exeter games were superb and blots out my memory of some of the games earlier in the season!

I would hope that KC will develop a more pleasing expansive football from our new position of strength, especially if two or three of our promising youngsters are involved.



























Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: everbrite on July 11, 2020, 09:09:57 am


I suspect they are not good enough just yet. Pollock is the nearest to making the first team squad. Who is your benchmark player ‘a la Jacobs’?


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: cobbler151 on July 12, 2020, 00:59:41 am
We will continue to make difficult decisions..... :o :o

Is that manager speak for ‘ you won’t see Charlie Goode in claret again’

I wonder....

At end of every year , we always fall in to  this sort of talk.  Bayo, Holmes, Osman, Jackman, Pierre, Jacobs to name a few. If we don' see him or Hoskins again , good luck to them and we move on.


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: Gen.Disorda on July 13, 2020, 09:39:36 am
For the last few years quite a few people have been rightly saying that the club needed to find an identity. KC has definitely given us that, even if not everyone likes it :P

How different is that identity to that of Carr's side? There is definitely a difference in terms of personnel but how often do managers get that lucky with non-league signings 




























Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: Aitobs on July 13, 2020, 14:14:51 pm
Now confirmed by the club that Sam Hoskins has signed a new two-year deal, which will extend his stay at the Cobblers to seven years.

He's just had his best ever season for us, and as a result I've gone from actively wanting him out of the club to being indifferent towards him. Hopefully Curle can continue to get some kind of tune out of him in League One.


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: BackOfTheNet on July 13, 2020, 14:31:38 pm
Excellent news about Hoskins. At the risk of reigniting the debate, he's such a valuable player for us. Yes, his end product is sometimes frustrating (although much better over the course of last season) his sheer enthusiasm and endless, intelligent running worries defences and causes gaps to appear that others can exploit, even if he himself doesn't get the ball.

The amount of free kicks, lost causes and backtracking tackles he wins can't be underestimated either.

Welcome back aboard, Sammy!


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: DrillingCobbler on July 13, 2020, 14:36:57 pm
Excellent news about Hoskins. At the risk of reigniting the debate, he's such a valuable player for us. Yes, his end product is sometimes frustrating (although much better over the course of last season) his sheer enthusiasm and endless, intelligent running worries defences and causes gaps to appear that others can exploit, even if he himself doesn't get the ball.

The amount of free kicks, lost causes and backtracking tackles he makes can't be underestimated either.

Welcome back aboard, Sammy!

Yep......


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: Irchy cob on July 13, 2020, 15:30:11 pm
And he’s a very good penalty taker.


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: everbrite on July 13, 2020, 15:47:00 pm
And he’s a very good penalty taker.

Cheered me up no end 8) What the heck is Oliver upto? As for Turnbull what on earth is he thinking ::)


Title: Re: Out of contract
Post by: RowN on July 13, 2020, 16:07:40 pm
I bet the bloke a few rows from me will be spitting feathers now with Hoskins resigning!

Looks like I’ll have another 2 years of hearing him complain!! N.b. Must buy some new earplugs!!