Dale Stephens Summer 2016 shenanigans (Merged Thread)

[Hotchilidog]

A refreshingly honest message from Dale. At least he didn't try and palm us off with some BS platitudes. That said part of me just wants to chuck a bucket of cold water over his head and say "Wake the f**k up" you can still get to the Premier League with the Albion! Shouldn't he at least acknowledge the limb that the club have gone out on to keep him and the belief that they have in him to be a key part of a successful side.

I would be so tempted to give him the bird at the next game, but as I want him to play well and resestablish his winning partnership with Kayal i'll give him my wholehearted support. It's vital that we as a fanbase rise above this to enable Dale to contribute. The moment he appears to be slacking though, he should get both barrels from everyone.

I really admire the nerve of the club in sticking to their guns and not taking the easy money. This is a good team and they have done brilliantly to keep it together, I hope that their faith is rewarded.

 

[Ernest]

Hope he doesn't need extra training all the way till January and never plays a match

 

[Stat Brother]

It's on the Argus website. Go and have a look.

I don't want to know that badly.

 

[Tyrone Biggums]

He better start next game otherwise what was the point.

 

[Simster]

Not impressed with that tweet, as I haven't been the whole saga. "I will honour my contract". Too ****ing right you will - like we honoured yours when you were injured and also at times quite underwhelming.

It's a shame he couldn't use words to mend any bridges, hopefully it will be in performances. That's if his delicate mentality/"fitness" is no longer a problem.

Harsh, IMO. He's a bit raw having missed out on a chance to play in the top flight on treble his current salary. However, if he's still moping and putting in underwhelming performances in two months time, I'll be as annoyed as you are. I guess the next few weeks will tell us more about the bloke's character.

 

[Psychobilly freakout]

Stephens said: "This isn't an apology but an explanation that you deserve. Yes I did submit a transfer request earlier today, which I was reluctant to do.

Dale Stephens hits out at Albion for denying him Premier League chance
Albion have no fears over Stephens after he misses out on move
Talking Point: Promotion possible for Albion without a prolific return from the strikers....and here's the proof
Transfer Deadline day - who's on the move at Brighton and Hove Albion?
Albion chief says transfer window has been a success
"The football club have been aware for 5 weeks I wanted to leave to fulfill my and every footballers ambitions of playing in the Premier League.
"I'm 27 years old and recognised this could be my final opportunity to do so, which is why I feel disappointed my chance was taken away.
"I prefer to give you honesty rather than shy away from my actions now the window is closed."
Stephens, who is out of contract next summer, added: "I respect and understand your frustration as this is your football club. I have 10 months remaining and will honour my contract."

I see absolutely nothing wrong with that at all, I think the club weighed up how much it would cost to replace Stephens and thought it worth keeping him and losing out on the transfer & agents fee's for Stephens and the new player brought in as cover.

Makes sense for us to keep him in the big picture, and can actually have some sympathy for Dale if he never makes the Premiership, its all well and good calling Burnley tin pot which they seem to be, but it is the Premiership and wishing to pitting your skills against the best is understandable.

 

[CHAPPERS]

If Stephens wanted a move so badly for the last few weeks he's have submitted a transfer request in the summer. He didn't, his 'dream' clearly wasn't worth the 10% of his transfer fee he'd miss out on if he had done.

Tosser.

 

[Munchkin]

One thing is for certain, Dale Stephens is being badly advised.

For me that tweet means he loses the fans but more importantly his team mates.

Last night I was ecstatic we had managed to keep him, this morning I feel gutted we didn't take the money on offer and get rid.

We quite obviously now have a player who's heart isn't in it and that will reflect on his performances despite what everyone may think IMO.

 

[Captain Sensible]

The club took his chance away? They have given him a contract, he was injured for much of it, and the club want him to stay to the end of the contract. What he has to do to get to the prem is get this club up into it, or put in top performances this year that earn him a Prem contract next year.
The tweet won't have helped his relationship with the fans.

 

[Farehamseagull]

Not impressed with that tweet, as I haven't been the whole saga. "I will honour my contract". Too ****ing right you will - like we honoured yours when you were injured and also at times quite underwhelming.

It's a shame he couldn't use words to mend any bridges, hopefully it will be in performances. That's if his delicate mentality/"fitness" is no longer a problem.

Why? It's an excellent, honest tweet.

What is he supposed to have said, 'I didn't mean to hand in the transfer request, I'm really, really sorry etc..."? What would be the point in that, he would be lying and would be criticised for it.

I admire his honesty. He just did what 99% of players would have done in the same boat.

I also admire the club's resolve this summer in rejecting the bids we've had but do wonder in this case whether it was such a wise move.

 

[Tekanne]

I totally agree it will depend on how he knuckles down and performs on the pitch and you are correct it is easier for me to be more measured in my response because I have known the situation for a while. That's what I mean about having time to be accepting of the situation allows you to produce a nore measured response.

Dale obviously thought the club stance might change in these last weeks - He has not had enough time to get used to the final outcome yet. Once he does he will be as good as he ever was. Maybe even better because he has something to prove to the fans now that he can be professional and committed.

Chris and the Chairman wouldn't have tried so hard to keep him if they thought he wouldn't get over the disappointment of what has just happened to him. That's why I said he should have waited before making a public declaration of his feelings.

When someone punches you in the eye the automatic response it to punch them back. Not a good comparison I know but much as I didn't like the tone of his response I don't think it will reflect on how he will feel in 5 or 6 days time

I am convinced you are Chris himself.

 

[Paul Reids Sock]

I'll be honest, I give him a lot of respect for that Tweet. He could have just tried to brush it under the carpet but he has been honest - some won't like that but it's an explanation and better than Kazenga's 'Disappointed...' and then being deleted

Dale will get a move to the Prem probably at the end of the season. I think he will be disappointed/angry for a couple of weeks but knows that he has to knuckle down and perform for a club to spot him and sign him whether in Jan or at the end of his contract. If he sulks and doesn't play well then it will still be the same clubs after him - there is no guarantee that either of them will be Premier League clubs come the end of the season.

Spoke to our mutual friend last night who says the club should be charged with kidnap - made me chuckle. But I am pretty sure that he understands why he has not been allowed to move. One thing though - I don't think this was ever about the money - it was genuinely about trying to test himself in the best league in the world

 

[Napier's Knee]

There is one lesson Stephens needs to take from this: he needs a much better agent than the one he has now. Stephens has been very badly let down by his agent who could have resolved all of this a good few weeks ago. The Albion were always going to play hardball, Burnley were always going to offer bottom dollar - up to his agent to sort that out or find another club

 

[CHAPPERS]

Why? It's an excellent, honest tweet.

What is he supposed to have said, 'I didn't mean to hand in the transfer request, I'm really, really sorry etc..."? What would be the point in that, he would be lying and would be criticised for it.

I admire his honesty. He just did what 99% of players would have done in the same boat.

I also admire the club's resolve this summer in rejecting the bids we've had but do wonder in this case whether it was such a wise move.

Transfer request on deadline day? Do me a favour.

 

[Thunder Bolt]

Only after we'd turned down an offer and the player cracked the shits.

Right now, i'd say Stephens privately has cracked the shits with the club.

You don't know how Bridcutt would've played after we turned down the offer and then accepted a second offer, because he didn't play.

Wait and see is the scenario here. I suspect his team mates will expect a degree of effort.

 

[The Wookiee]

Wouldn't it be interesting if we get promoted end of the season, Stephens becomes out of contract and no premier league clubs come in for him !!

 

[NooBHA]

I am convinced you are Chris himself.

LOL LOL - Maybe you are correct ?

Nah I jest of course. Chris doesn't have time to go on social media

 

[ATFC Seagull]

Harsh, IMO. He's a bit raw having missed out on a chance to play in the top flight on treble his current salary. However, if he's still moping and putting in underwhelming performances in two months time, I'll be as annoyed as you are. I guess the next few weeks will tell us more about the bloke's character.

Maybe - and as I said some good performances and it's water under the bridge to me.

As I've said before, I have no problem with players wanting or asking to go. But at the end of the day they have a great lifestyle - people like us pay pretty much our entire disposable income following our club in order for someone like him to live like a king whilst playing for it. I don't expect undying loyalty to our club for this but I do expect 100% effort and a recognition of what a privileged position they are in. Sulking about having to play for us (which is what this tweet is) and not putting in that 100% effort are a kick in the teeth to the supporters of the club.

That and a recognition that contracts work 2-ways for the club and player - and that in Stephens case that is more than just hypothetical, as he has drawn months worth of wages from the Albion whilst being completely indisposed.

 

[Ernest]

There is one lesson Stephens needs to take from this: he needs a much better agent than the one he has now. Stephens has been very badly let down by his agent who could have resolved all of this a good few weeks ago. The Albion were always going to play hardball, Burnley were always going to offer bottom dollar - up to his agent to sort that out or find another club

His agent should have told Burnley or whoever make a proper offer in line with what other teams are paying or go away , I'm sure Bloom would have sold at £10million ish

 

[Norman Baker suck my lozenge]

Wouldn't it be interesting if we get promoted end of the season, Stephens becomes out of contract and no premier league clubs come in for him !!

If we gat promoted I'll present match of the day in bra and crotchless knickers.