2018/19 Leighton Baines

[Lanolin]

I'm certainly not annoyed by this or anything, but I don't think it's quite the no brainer some seem to think. Baines is possibly my favourite ever Everton player, he's been outstanding for us, but his injury record over recent years has been poor, he's not got the legs to get up and down like he used to, and if we're honest in the last game he played he was absolutely horrific. I have no doubt that if we needed to call on him for the odd game here and there next season he wouldn't let us down, but would you fancy him coming into the side for 15-20 games if Digne was out for a couple of months? I'm not sure I would.

 

[Ring master]

I expected baines to get a 1 year deal as a back up,did not expect jagielka to though,if reports are right

 

[big nev lookalike]

I would let both of them go. Neither are capable of being first choice anymore and surely the whole point of being a squad player is that they could be first choice in case of injury or loss of form. If it is true that we are looking to have an outfield squad of 20 players then surely we need players who could be first choice.

 

[Lelouch]

If that's true that Everton are preparing to give those two contract extensions then I feel sorry for all those who think it's great news because it'll wind me up. It means that the club are going nowhere fast and have zero ambition.

Everton re-signing two past-it veterans. Two squad places that could and should be used to build for the future of the club.

Enjoy your "goads".

It's for one season so funds can be allocated to more important positions instead of wasting money on a backup who might not even start 5 games.
Not rocket science.

 

[Tez]

No. And you have no idea what the value of the contract will be.

No you're right I don't. I would hope it is reduced but I think some people's expectations that it will be "£20K a week" are somewhat misplaced.

I'm with you Dave I think the two of them should be moved on now but if we're going to keep one I think it should be Baines on a one year deal given what else is slated for this summer in-out wise.

Going from what came out yesterday I think it will be Baines for another season and Jagielka released. All the sites are saying the club are in negotiations for a contract with Jagielka but if you see the quotes he just says he needs to speak to him even though they've already come to an agreement with Baines. Doesn't look good for Phil.

 

[CouchPotato]

It is important to have experienced "teachers" to teach the kids a thing or two about judging situations which is very vital for the defence. That will give the youngsters a chance to get different, yet non conflicting, perspectives about different scenarios.

 

[Amw79]

Can see the merit in a 1 year extension for Baines, but personally think I would prefer a young backup to Digne.

Jagielka should be released.

 

[BirkenheadBlue]

I would let both of them go. Neither are capable of being first choice anymore and surely the whole point of being a squad player is that they could be first choice in case of injury or loss of form. If it is true that we are looking to have an outfield squad of 20 players then surely we need players who could be first choice.

So... you think we're going to be able to attract "first choice" calibre players in specialist positions like left back, who will in all likelihood get < 5 games next season?

It's different for the likes of centre backs or centre mids, where they're covering for > 1 player - more chance of opportunities etc... we're just not in a positon to get top quality back ups for specialist roles.

 

[GwladysBlue]

It is important to have experienced "teachers" to teach the kids a thing or two about judging situations which is very vital for the defence. That will give the youngsters a chance to get different, yet non conflicting, perspectives about different scenarios.

“Gather in lads, today I’m going to teach you how to bottle big games”

 

[Tez]

At the end of the day, Lucas Digne is our first choice left back. We are looking at bringing in six players in the summer and none of them are a second left back.

Our options are taking a chance on a young player when we're already going to be doing that in several other positions or giving a decent older player a one-year extension.

I completely understand why the club have weighed things up and decided to do it. If the recruitment of previous regimes had not been so poor and needed correcting so severely then Baines would be leaving and we're just replace him but that isn't the case.

 

[Nymzee]

No issues with this for 12 months.

We need to allocate the transfer funds elsewhere before a back-up LB.

 

[big nev lookalike]

So... you think we're going to be able to attract "first choice" calibre players in specialist positions like left back, who will in all likelihood get < 5 games next season?

It's different for the likes of centre backs or centre mids, where they're covering for > 1 player - more chance of opportunities etc... we're just not in a positon to get top quality back ups for specialist roles.

I think that is what we need to do in the left back position,as you say it is a specialist position and Baines is not the answer. As to who that’s not my job.

 

[davek]

It's for one season so funds can be allocated to more important positions instead of wasting money on a backup who might not even start 5 games.
Not rocket science.

Oh boy.

"More important positions". Can you imagine how much we'd be ribboned if we had to turn to those two in a chase for the top 6?

 

[davek]

No you're right I don't. I would hope it is reduced but I think some people's expectations that it will be "£20K a week" are somewhat misplaced.

I'm with you Dave I think the two of them should be moved on now but if we're going to keep one I think it should be Baines on a one year deal given what else is slated for this summer in-out wise.

Going from what came out yesterday I think it will be Baines for another season and Jagielka released. All the sites are saying the club are in negotiations for a contract with Jagielka but if you see the quotes he just says he needs to speak to him even though they've already come to an agreement with Baines. Doesn't look good for Phil.

Baines/Jagielka = no difference to me.

They'd get playing time and they're not good enough.

It signals a failure to move on from the past.

It's just not right, and everyone knows it.

 

[GrandOldTeam]

We need cover at left back.

He's as good a cover as we can expect.

Priorities needed elsewhere, later we can look at someone keeping Digne on his toes.