[Albion] James Milner [13/06/25 - new one-year deal]

[JBizzle]

I would say it’s borne out of confusion.
If he’s in Fab‘s playing plans for next season, why not say in his quotes?
If not, why not say he’s a player/coach? This would formalise his actual role, and imply back up player.
As it is, some people are (understandably imo) perplexed about why a rarely-playing 39yo is getting a playing gig.
Not the finest bit of club comms imo.
But it’s not that important either.

Sorry, I'm confused. He's been offered a playing deal as a player. Why do we need people to clarify that a player signing a new playing contract is in fact a player?

 

[pocketseagull]

I swear he's had maybe one good game for us and often looked a liability. Sure he's being kept on as Snood Patrol but don't think he has much to offer on the pitch.

 

[Paulie Gualtieri]

I'm disappointed in you. All that space to fill and you left it empty. I accept that it's possible the Milner signing will prove to be a shrewd piece of business but somehow I doubt it.

Exactly why we need him, see Wolves and Forest

 

[brighton_tom]

On the same day as that Guardian article there was one on the club website (penned by our own @Not Andy Naylor). These quotes really stood out for me - from Yankuba Minteh:-

View attachment 204253

I think that says it all. I guess he's basically a player coach at this point. If Fab, the other players, and Tony see value in having him around then who are we to argue. Even if he spends the season on the bench, there's value in having a personality like his around the team who's played at the very top and won it all.

 

[DJ NOBO]

Sorry, I'm confused. He's been offered a playing deal as a player. Why do we need people to clarify that a player signing a new playing contract is in fact a player?

Head coach Fabian Hurzeler said, “I’m really pleased we will have James with us again this season.
“Last season he wasn’t able to help the team on the pitch as much as he would have liked, but around the squad his experience is invaluable, especially for the younger players.
"He’s a great guy to have in our environment, who is always there for me and the team. I’m looking forward to working with him again.”


That sounds like a coach to me. Do you think it says first team contender?

 

[Cheshire Cat]

Barry 653
Milner 638

15 appearances 2023/4
4 appearances 2024/5

Might need at least one further extension to get there

i don't think any could accuse Milner of being a sick note after 638 games. Older and maybe slower and more injury prone possibly.

Reminds me of when we had an aged Frank Worthington for a season, who outclassed the whole rest of the team put together despite his legs having gone and no longer any pace whatsoever.

 

[Dancin Ninja BHA]

Joke decision, it's actually made me quite annoyed that they're wasting wages on him for another year.

He's not good enough anyway, where's he going to play? God help us if he becomes an emergency right back due to another injury crisis next season, it will be carnage.

 

[Hugo Rune]

With such a young squad, his leadership, experience and example setting is very much welcome both on and off the pitch.

When he played last season, it was like having a manager on the pitch. Perfect for when we need to shut-up shop (and didn't last year against Forest, Wolves, Leicester etc).

He looks like part of the coaching team in this picture which effectively, is what he'll mostly be doing very well indeed.

 

[DJ NOBO]

With such a young squad, his leadership, experience and example setting is very much welcome both on and off the pitch.

When he played last season, it was like having a manager on the pitch. Perfect for when we need to shut-up shop (and didn't last year against Forest, Wolves, Leicester etc).

He looks like part of the coaching team in this picture which effectively, is what he'll mostly be doing very well indeed.

View attachment 204254

Wouldn’t be surprised if he becomes to Fab what Charlie Oatway was to Gus Poyet.
Slightly different characters, mind

 

[Doc Lynam]

Very happy with that, great to have his experience and professionalism at the club.

 

[Greg Bobkin]

Joke decision, it's actually made me quite annoyed that they're wasting wages on him for another year.

He's not good enough anyway, where's he going to play? God help us if he becomes an emergency right back due to another injury crisis next season, it will be carnage.

See @DJ NOBO – I told you there was ANGER

I'm glad this thread has fired back into life, it makes me realise how many football experts and people with intricate knowledge of the BHAFC first team there are on NSC!

 

[Mancgull]

On the same day as that Guardian article there was one on the club website (penned by our own @Not Andy Naylor). These quotes really stood out for me - from Yankuba Minteh:-

View attachment 204253

And that is the reason summed up by Minteh.

 

[Seagull58]

needs 16 appearances to break Barry's record.

not sure how likely that is really?

I suspect it will happen with 16 sub appearances from the 75th minute onwards. Quite possibly promised by Fab.

 

[Albumen]

I'm bookmarking this.

 

[Harry Wilson's tackle]

I'm disappointed in you. All that space to fill and you left it empty. I accept that it's possible the Milner signing will prove to be a shrewd piece of business but somehow I doubt it.

I was thinking!

Christ.

 

[The Fits]

Why does anyone question this? We need senior players and leaders and he’s pretty much the number one in the game for longevity, being a role model, temperament etc.

 

[WATFORD zero]

If they need a grumpy old git to slap down kids with cornrows, manbags, neck warmers and manbuns, I'm free tuesday and thursdays and far cheaper

*edit* If it's alright with TBMBE, PBOBE and FHYMIPL, it's alright with me

 

[Harry Wilson's tackle]

Joke decision, it's actually made me quite annoyed that they're wasting wages on him for another year.

He's not good enough anyway, where's he going to play? God help us if he becomes an emergency right back due to another injury crisis next season, it will be carnage.

Boo!. BOO! Boo.
Boo.

 

[Harry Wilson's tackle]

If they need a grumpy old git to slap down kids with cornrows, manbags, neck warmers and manbuns, I'm free tuesday and thursdays and far cheaper

*edit* If it's alright with TBMBE, PBOBE and FHYMIPL, it's alright with me

There's slapping down, and there's Milner slapping down

 

[Van Cleef]

Lots of positive reactions on here which surprises me. Yes, he was used mainly as a "closer" later on in his career, but for us, when he has played, he just seems off the pace. I hope you lot are right and I'm wrong.