"Holgate’s current contract expires next summer so it puts United in a position of power when it comes to pushing through a good deal as the League One side would not want to lose out on £1m." I know business is business, but it makes me sick that multi-billion pound organisation need to leverage their "position of power" to strangle a skint League 1 club over 'life changing' revenue.
That's the nature of football unfortunately. Great shame that we are held to ransom but the money / potential addons could be vital, even though it might not be the sum we all had hoped for. Ideally we will be building a link with Manchester United and get the pick of some of their younger talent - could be win win in that respect. Also shows the great work that's going on in our academy. Some excellent talent in, just hope we continue to nurture them and make good money!
Sell on clause? trouble is that will only work if he doesnt make it as if he does a Stones and makes it to their first team he would be likely to stay there a long time
Holgate isn't anywhere near the quality of Stones, and I'd be surprised if he ever got there. I'm surprised Man Utd are bothered. McNair and Blackett at a similar age are head and shoulders above Holgate. He'll be lucky to get a game in the reserves. £1m plus sell on is a decent deal for me. Regardless of contract length. He's easily replaced with that brass. I get the emotion of having one of 'your own', but I'd be happy for this one to go through.
The game is sick. We've always had to sell players, but the balance of power has so totally shifted that clubs like ours have virtually none left. All it needs is another mediocre season and it could finish my interest (what's left of it) for good.
I don't think he'll ever be as good as Stones is, or will be, but McNair and Blackett are about two/three years older than Mason. Being coached at United and playing alongside a better calibre of player, who knows how he might turn out. If he does get a move to Manchester United, and we pocket a million quid, then it's a good move all around.
