I don't think its the move that irked people Boss, it was the nature of the move and the way it was handled.
In what way? He was out of contract. We offered him a deal. Norwich offered him a deal. He accepted Norwich's offer and we agreed a price with Norwich. He didn't go on strike or owt did he? It's the risk the club takes when not tying players up to deals.
To be honest I don't know much about that mario I just thought a few people on here were a bit annoyed cos he'd decide against stopping with us,
The reports from the club (was it Hill or Rowing) that they had tried to contact him and he wasn't returning calls or speaking to the club certainly didn't help. We did a lot for him, developed him and showed him a lot of loyalty which didn't seem to be repaid. Maybe not everybody shares that view but quite a few fans that I speak to do and this part of the reason they don't want him back. His form since he left us hasn't helped him but even so he has burnt bridges with some fans.
I said at the time he shouldn't have left when he did as it would harm his footballing career. Stay with us another year, come back from injury then move if you want to. Then he would have probably got a better move and be getting first team football like he deserves. Saying that though, if someone offered me a **** load of money to do the same job for a bigger and better company I wouldn't turn it down and I don't think many others would either. Can't hold a grudge against that.
Suppose it works both ways - we let his contract run down too. He's a cracking player. The best we've produced in 10/20 years in my opinion and would love him back.
I'm in the welcoming back brigade too. I can't fault him for what he did, but if what Mario said is true then that is poor form. Unfortunately that is what the majority of modern day football is all about and it happens often. I for one would seriously welcome him back, but if not then we must make Mellis more important.
Based on what would we like him back for? None of the club's who have took him on loan haven't tried to make the deal permanent or take him on loan again. I guess it's either they can't match the wages Norwich are paying him or he's not pulled up any trees at these clubs?
Trust me, the claim in your first sentence is untrue, Lee. But it's all irrelevant because there's more chance of us signing Frank Lampard.
And what about the Boro rumours? Been mentioned in a few places today. "more chance of us signing Frank Lampard"- What a pity he'd never consider it if what you're saying is true after how we developed him at the club. Football, eh!
Bang on, but the problem is it's not the same job. From first team regular and playmaker to bit-part player who can barely find himself a space on the bench to sit & count his money. Makes me ask the old question as to whether professional footballers actually enjoy playing the game. If he's not bothered and just enjoys the benefits the extra wedge brings, fair enough & good luck to him.
I bow to your greater knowledge here Andy, I was simply quoting Hill (or Rowing). Like I said its this kind of thing that tarnishes a player and fans, rightly or wrongly, let passion for their club cloud their judgement. I'm guilty of this myself.
It lost a bit of credability at the point you mentioned the report was from Hill or Rowing there Mario.
He would have returned but BFC would have first needed to have been interested. And if you go on Player, and search back to last Summer, there is a 20 minute interview on there where Jacob explains how much he appreciates what BFC did for him. An interview he asked to do.. As for Boro, I think on paper it's a good fit for him. But then I thought that about Norwich.
TBH I've seen him live once and always watched out for him on TV...for me the lads gone at Championship level..the dirty ba****d Brown from Leeds has seen to that,I don't hold anything against him..players move on..and clubs move them on,I think it's more than likely Jacob will be looking down the leagues soon for regular football.
SSN saying 3 year deal with option for 4th at boro Norwich City FC @NorwichCityFC 9m City can confirm Middlesbrough have signed midfielder Jacob Butterfield on a three-year deal for an undisclosed rumoured at 1-1.2 mil so doubled what they paid