CONFIRMED Duffy joins Stoke City on loan

[Bladesman]

No one really knows how that conversation went. Only Duff and the gaffer.

The tone of it will determine where fault lies.

Don’t ASSUME Duff is the guilty party here. He is getting on, looking to secure what will most likely be his last pro contract. Has 1 year left with us and as such is free to sign a pre-contract in 5 short months should it become apparent an extension with us would not be offered.

Is he perfectly within his rights to politely ask the gaffer where he stands in this regard ?

Equally, if he’s gone in all guns a blazing demanding contract discussion .........

2 sides to every story. We are only partially privy to one of them as things stand !!

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Yeah and he knows how the gaffer works. He isn't going to talk current player contracts during a transfer window.

Wilder has operated in the same way since he arrived he isn't going to change suddenly because Duffy has randomly decided with a few weeks before the season starts he could with a few bob more (despite the promotion bonus).

 

[DronnieBlade]

Yeah and he knows how the gaffer works. He isn't going to talk current player contracts during a transfer window.

Wilder has operated in the same way since he arrived he isn't going to change suddenly because Duffy has randomly decided with a few weeks before the season starts he could with a few bob more (despite the promotion bonus).

Maybe.

Maybe the lads great with his feet and thick as pigshit in other life skills. I dunno !

But if someone was to approach me in a polite fashion, with a request, and I am an understanding leader / manager, do I ostracise said individual for making said request, or do I politely respond “not for now fella, come and see me in x weeks” ?

I strongly doubt that Wilders handling of this situation has been textbook. Not saying he is in the wrong, but that he could have handled it better. Maybe !

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[Bill Johnson]

Maybe.

Maybe the lads great with his feet and thick as pigshit in other life skills. I dunno !

But if someone was to approach me in a polite fashion, with a request, and I am an understanding leader / manager, do I ostracise said individual for making said request, or do I politely respond “not for now fella, come and see me in x weeks” ?

I strongly doubt that Wilders handling of this situation has been textbook. Not saying he is in the wrong, but that he could have handled it better. Maybe !

UTB

You do know that even hinting wilder is not omnipotent but might be human carries the death sentence on here don't you?

Bit like having the temerity to suggest Billy might get selective game time in some people's eyes.

 

[Yewsman]

Duffy signed a new contract which took him to the end of this season. The contract included a clause which gave him an automatic pay rise on promotion to the PL (and presumably a bonus as well). He now apparently says he wants another pay rise now even though he signed the contract. He will be in October. He had the chance of playing PL football for the first time in his life albeit he would have had to fight for his place but that applies to all the players. He has shown in the past that when we try and replace him he is still better than the replacements and who knows what would have happened had he knuckled down this season and tried to get in the team? He might well have done so; sadly we shall never know. Had he got in the team and played well he might have justified another years contract (and possibly a pay rise) to take him to the end of 2021 season when he would be nearly 36 but to give him a pay rise now and a possible extension when he has not shown that he can make the step up to the PL either in terms of footballing ability or age would be foolish for the club.
I am a massive Duff fan but he has got this one badly wrong. I really hope he will eat some humble pie and ask to come back out of the cold but I fear it is too late.

 

[DronnieBlade]

You do know that even hinting wilder is not omnipotent but might be human carries the death sentence on here don't you?

Bit like having the temerity to suggest Billy might get selective game time in some people's eyes.

Wilder, believe it or not given the down to earth persona that he so convincingly projects, would do well to have a long searching look in the mirror occasionally. He just might be in danger of believing his own hype !

I mean, look at how bad that turned out for moi ?

Arrogance on steroids .

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[Bill Johnson]

Wilder, believe it or not given the down to earth persona that he so convincingly projects, would do well to have a long searching look in the mirror occasionally. He just might be in danger of believing his own hype !

I mean, look at how bad that turned out for moi ?

Arrogance on steroids .

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[Pedro Verde]

No squad number for Duffy which is not surprising
As others have said shame he couldnt find it within himself to give it until January to see how things progress

 

[Bladesman]

Duffy signed a new contract which took him to the end of this season. The contract included a clause which gave him an automatic pay rise on promotion to the PL (and presumably a bonus as well). He now apparently says he wants another pay rise now even though he signed the contract. He will be in October. He had the chance of playing PL football for the first time in his life albeit he would have had to fight for his place but that applies to all the players. He has shown in the past that when we try and replace him he is still better than the replacements and who knows what would have happened had he knuckled down this season and tried to get in the team? He might well have done so; sadly we shall never know. Had he got in the team and played well he might have justified another years contract (and possibly a pay rise) to take him to the end of 2021 season when he would be nearly 36 but to give him a pay rise now and a possible extension when he has not shown that he can make the step up to the PL either in terms of footballing ability or age would be foolish for the club.
I am a massive Duff fan but he has got this one badly wrong. I really hope he will eat some humble pie and ask to come back out of the cold but I fear it is too late.

I think Duffy has fucked it completely. No squad number suggests to me it is over and there is no way back.

 

[Kozzy_is_my_Dad]

He was class again in the latest friendly and looked hungry.

 

[Sean Thornton]

I'm hearing Wilder kidney punched him as well.........

 

[Yewsman]

What an idiotic thing to say. How can the club "mutually" agree to terminate his contract. If Duffy hasn't got a contract lined up then he will collect his £20k per week or whatever for turning up at Shirecliffe 5 days a week. If United don't want him at the club then the best they can do is put Duffy on gardening leave but they'll still be paying him his £20k pw for sitting at home for the duration of his contract.

Brilliant bit of fucking management.

I think the club have said he can go on
1. a free transfer OR
2. they will agree mutually with him to terminate the contract. Mutual termination means he will be paid up for the remaining months of the contract with probably some reduction for accelerated payment.

The advantage to Duffy with this is that in the case of 1 the club he is joining do not have to pay a transfer fee so they can afford to pay him a signing on fee or higher wages but he won't get his salary from SUFC once he leaves. In the case of 2 above, he gets his salary for the term of the contract and so can probably accept a lower salary from the club he joins which might mean they will offer him a 2 year contract.
Either way it helps Duffy to find a new club more easily and he becomes a more marketable player. He will want to have regular football at his age. I think the club have been fair with him.

 

[Bruce Wayne]

Derby are sniffing for an attacking midfielder according to SSN. Duffy would do a good job there.

 

[bromtom]

Well he has got a squad number really, 21, they've not given it away and if he comes back he'll have it you imagine.

It's whether he comes back in or not that's the question.

 

[SteveBlade]

If we play a few and look like a disjointed mess, give him his money.

 

[BigBed]

No number in the squad!
Sad times.

 

[BanbridgeBlade]

Can see it from both sides.

He’s 36 or whatever age, he wants to make sure his family get the payday to see him into retirement or a longer guaranteed contract.

Wilder won’t have someone try & dictate to him, especially when he only has 1 maybe 2 seasons left at the top level. And if he gives in to him he’ll have a queue looking for more.

If he stays I’m happy because he’s given us some great moments & is still a quality player on his day. If he leaves I’m a Blade & I’ll cheer on whoever Wilder seems fit to take his place.

 

[guancheblade]

Football is a weird business isn't it?

Imagine any of us not being happy with our current terms of employment and not being able to speak to the boss about it without fear of being shown the door. Farcical.

Personally I think both sides of this can share blame. Duffy shouldn't have flaunted potential interest at other clubs when his demands weren't met and Wilder shouldn't have so quickly forgotten Duffy's contribution over the last three years and been as knee jerk in his reaction, just because he despises footballers' agents.

 

[wizadry]

It's well documented

I don't know anything - but I don't see why he should be asking for/demanding either

Again, I haven’t seen any evidence as to what you’re suggesting. It seems to me that people are just taking Wilders side and that’s it, that’s fine but it could turn out to be a very dumb decision or another astute bit of management, again, only time will tell.

 

[Akinbiyi]

Again, I haven’t seen any evidence as to what you’re suggesting. It seems to me that people are just taking Wilders side and that’s it, that’s fine but it could turn out to be a very dumb decision or another astute bit of management, again, only time will tell.

The minute Chris hands Duffy a contract because he’s asked for one is the minute he risks losing the dressing room. Simple as that

Everyone will want one. Everyone will be asking for one. Everyone will be demanding one.

And when he’s just got a wage rise for promotion why exactly does he deserve one?

 

[Akinbiyi]

I think the club have said he can go on
1. a free transfer OR
2. they will agree mutually with him to terminate the contract. Mutual termination means he will be paid up for the remaining months of the contract with probably some reduction for accelerated payment.

The advantage to Duffy with this is that in the case of 1 the club he is joining do not have to pay a transfer fee so they can afford to pay him a signing on fee or higher wages but he won't get his salary from SUFC once he leaves. In the case of 2 above, he gets his salary for the term of the contract and so can probably accept a lower salary from the club he joins which might mean they will offer him a 2 year contract.
Either way it helps Duffy to find a new club more easily and he becomes a more marketable player. He will want to have regular football at his age. I think the club have been fair with him.

Huge flaw in your plan there... the source of your info is known for talking bollocks.

If he could go for free regardless they’d just terminate his contract now.

 

[DronnieBlade]

The arrival of Ade Akinbiyi on Jan 12th 2019 gave everyone a headache. He’s a natural born shit stirrer.

-DB x

.

UTB

 

[Akinbiyi]

The arrival of Ade Akinbiyi on Jan 12th 2019 gave everyone a headache. He’s a natural born shit stirrer.

-DB x

.

UTB

Strange comment from someone who keeps saying he’s ‘not convinced’ by our 24 goal record signing.

 

[DronnieBlade]

Strange comment from someone who keeps saying he’s ‘not convinced’ by our 24 goal record signing.

Strange ?

Buckle up buttercup. Thaas seen nowt

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[RegBlade]

Talking from a clearly footballing standpoint, Duffy has previously been the only player who could be brought in when things haven't been working who would ALWAYS vastly improve our performances as a team, as well as results at the same time. This is why for me he has had a lasting durability within an ever changing squad of players. Have we brought in alternatives this transfer window who can step up and have that same impact? The likelihood is yes we have (having more money to do so is obviously a huge bonus in that aspect). But until those said players have stepped up to the plate and shown they can give us that dymanic that Duff had (and probably still does have) then the worry is always there about losing somebody who has been an indispensable fall back option to us. This contract issue that MD has brought into the fold has been a massive detriment to both club and player because I have no doubt that if called up he could still play a very important role for us, even at the highest level. I feel like both club and player have lost out in this scenario. Wilder has acted correctly, but it's an absolute shame that this is how it ends with Duff. UTB.

 

[DronnieBlade]

Talking from a clearly footballing standpoint, Duffy has previously been the only player who could be brought in when things haven't been working who would ALWAYS vastly improve our performances as a team, as well as results at the same time. This is why for me he has had a lasting durability within an ever changing squad of players. Have we brought in alternatives this transfer window who can step up and have that same impact? The likelihood is yes we have (having more money to do so is obviously a huge bonus in that aspect). But until those said players have stepped up to the plate and shown they can give us that dymanic that Duff had (and probably still does have) then the worry is always there about losing somebody who has been an indispensable fall back option to us. This contract issue that MD has brought into the fold has been a massive detriment to both club and player because I have no doubt that if called up he could still play a very important role for us, even at the highest level. I feel like both club and player have lost out in this scenario. Wilder has acted correctly, but it's an absolute shame that this is how it ends with Duff. UTB.

Has he ?

Know this as fact, I assume ?

UTB

 

[Yewsman]

Huge flaw in your plan there... the source of your info is known for talking bollocks.

If he could go for free regardless they’d just terminate his contract now.

If the Club unilaterally terminate his contract they would be liable to pay his wages for the remaining term. That is unless he has given them grounds to summarily dismiss him which there is no suggestion of. He is not going to unilaterally cancel his own contract and lose his wages.
As he is under contract they could demand a fee before allowing him to leave.

 

[RegBlade]

Has he ?

Know this as fact, I assume ?

UTB

In my humble opinion yes. No detriment to the likes of Sharp (who I'll use as another example as a player brought in often when things aren't going to plan) but his role in comparison to Duffy isn't comparable as Bill doesn't alter how we play as a team. We have always been a more fluid outfit with Duffy involved and the only player signed by Wilder who can be compared to MD in that aspect is possible somebody like McGoldrick, who to be fair had almost always been first choice since his arrival anyway (and rightly so). Duffy has fended off plenty of younger replacements, and until somebody comes in and shows me what Duffy can give us on the pitch, then yes I'll stick my neck out on that one. I wont be the only one doing that.

 

[Akinbiyi]

If the Club unilaterally terminate his contract they would be liable to pay his wages for the remaining term. That is unless he has given them grounds to summarily dismiss him which there is no suggestion of. He is not going to unilaterally cancel his own contract and lose his wages.
As he is under contract they could demand a fee before allowing him to leave.

It’s meant to be a ‘mutual termination’ thus there being no fee. Or a free transfer to someone before the deadline.

In translation - utter bollocks.

 

[BushBlade]

Has he ?

Know this as fact, I assume ?

UTB

Do you know otherwise? As a fact?

 

[itsinyerblood]

Regardless of whether you're pro or anti Duffy, Wilder has made it clear that no one will undermine his authority. Long-term this will be a positive thing and impact well on club discipline.

Entering into an agreement has to mean something, otherwise chaos becomes the order of the day. From what I've seen Wilder will not tolerate even the appearance of disruption amongst his players. All this talk of the roles of agents in today's game, well Duffy's agent was party to Duffy's last agreement, so he'll have been instrumental in building the contract that MD presumably signed happily. One of the reported aspects of Duffy's request for a new agreement, including the announcement that two other clubs were in pursuit of his signature, were surely designed to have raised Wilder's intolerance towards anyone who considered it appropriate to ask for even more midway through an existing agreement.

Whatever you think about this matter, take a moment and try and imagine what possessed Duffy, at this moment not a first team shoe-in, and his agent to push for improved terms, knowing that in Wilder they would face a determination not to succumb to any player who hadn't long since signed an improved agreement.