Oh, I think that his agent was definately after one big last move, probably to Man Utd and that's why Jose turned down the contact extension...I don't blame Jose for wanting that big move while his stock was high after the summer, but now it has failed to materialise and too much water has gone under the bridge. It's just one of those things that happen in football, but I have no doubt that his thanks to the club and fans is sincere. I am also grateful for his fantastic service to the club, that doesn't alter just because he has moved on.
I used to. Not anymore. Think our Les has got a bit too carried away with his role since Cortese left. Often happens when an individual has power and little accountability.
Jose Fonte is a good person. Better than most in this game. Better than those who try very hard to say the right thing all the time.
Nice words which he didn't need to write, but probably should have so glad he's said something. Whether you believe it or not it's nice to have a farewell. Not really sure why anyone cares about whether Fonte was in the wrong or if the club were. Bottom line was that he is in decline and we got a great deal. Had no transfer request been made or no fuss about us not offering him an extension he was after, I would still have sold him. Last summer probably.
He could have been. Who is going to correct him? The only other persons involved would have been Fonte & his agent (maybe some backroom staff at St Mary's, but they would be working for Reed). We all know what Fonte said about it. No press who cover Saints are anywhere near the "inside" anymore. They are all spoon-fed stuff, often straight from Reed. Even the SFC media department play catch-up within their own club. I expect the truth is somewhere in the middle.
Nice words and clearly written by him, which means more to me personally. Even room for some Osvaldo based banter. Good man.
I don;t think people mean genuine as in did he write it or someone else. They mean does he mean what he is saying or is it "brand protection?" Is his intention to thank the fans or is he doing it because that's what would look best and protect his brand.
I can believe that, but I was just pointing out that some people choose to believe one and not another.
I think he is a good person too. I just don't think he is blameless here over what has happened. Nor the club. Which is why I find it odd that some point the blame at the club and some at Jose.
We will never know the truth, unless Fonte brings out a book in a few years time! My personal feeling is that we should have kept him, given him a testimonial etc. but then it's not my money that pays his contract. Reed hasn't steered us wrong in the past, so all we can do yet again is trust the club and hope we keep marching on.
Past caring about why. He is gone. We are very short at CB. I presume the black box is currently drowning Les in potential replacements, smoke bellowing from the printer as it churns out name after name Sent from my SM-N910F using Tapatalk