Retained and released

[Eggs]

I would sell him for whatever I could get

.....suspect we would have to let him go on a free, in that way we wouldn't have to pay up his contract and he could negotiate a decent signing fee. Probably the only way he would go and the only way somebody would take a chance on him.

 

[caught]

I agree mate. He brought him here on a free and Martinez would obviously have felt a responsibility toward him given old associations. I wouldn't call it ruthless, but I'd say he's been strong there in casting him one side the moment his contract ran out.

Assuming Alcaraz wanted to stay - he's made a habit in his career of seeing out a contract and leaving on a free. Martinez referenced this when he first signed. I'm sure there will be people adamant that he'd have continued to 'steal a living' from us if a contract was offered but I'm not sure anyone can be certain of the situation.

 

[davek]

I'll just pick myself up off the floor then

With Distin leaving and Galloway not ready yet (and a very young Stones still learning his trade), it'd have been easy for RM to give Alcarez a 12 month contract.

The fact that he hasn't confirms that - despite all the nonsense about him being 'too soft' (ask Distin!) - Martinez can and will act decisively.

 

[davek]

Assuming Alcaraz wanted to stay - he's made a habit in his career of seeing out a contract and leaving on a free. Martinez referenced this when he first signed. I'm sure there will be people adamant that he'd have continued to 'steal a living' from us if a contract was offered but I'm not sure anyone can be certain of the situation.

That's true. We dont know if he indicated that he preferred to leave. But I find it hard to believe a player of his age will get a better deal than the one he had at Everton and if offered an extension wouldn't have taken it.

 

[kithnou]

With Distin leaving and Galloway not ready yet (and a very young Stones still learning his trade), it'd have been easy for RM to give Alcarez a 12 month contract.

The fact that he hasn't confirms that - despite all the nonsense about him being 'too soft' (as Distin!) - Martinez can and will act decisively.

I think he knows he couldn't possibly keep any credibility or respect with the entire fan base if he kept Alcaraz. Easiest decision he will make all summer is to let him go.

 

[Brendan Janus]

Antolin Alcaraz, great name though !

Might get him into the Paraguayan film business !!

 

[davek]

I think he knows he couldn't possibly keep any credibility or respect with the entire fan base if he kept Alcaraz. Easiest decision he will make all summer is to let him go.

He backed Alcarez to the hilt after Kiev. I really dont think he gives a shiny one what others thought of his choices.

 

[kithnou]

He backed Alcarez to the hilt after Kiev. I really dont think he gives a shiny one what others thought of his choices.

I think the fluff that comes out of his mouth for the world to hear and what he really feels are very different

 

[caught]

That's true. We dont know if he indicated that he preferred to leave. But I find it hard to believe a player of his age will get a better deal than the one he had at Everton and if offered an extension wouldn't have taken it.

Ordinarily I wouldn't give it a second thought, as we're used to players coming into their mid-thirties looking for one last payday, but I think Alcaraz is a little different, personally, and probably a more interesting character than your typical player. Where he ends up might be telling. I like the idea of Martinez making a tough call and getting rid but I'm not totally convinced.

 

[davek]

I think the fluff that comes out of his mouth for the world to hear and what he really feels are very different

Damned if he does, damned if he doesn't: let's Alcarez stay on = he's not listening/he wont oust his old favourites; gets rid of Alcarez = he had to/easy decision for him to make.

Blah, blah, blah.

 

[when i score we riot]

BOATS

 

[when i score we riot]

HOES