One thing we’ve struggled with in recent years, whenever we’ve had a decent season, is we’ve lost our best, often too cheaply in my view. The best thing that could happen now, in my opinion, would be confirmation that Duff isn’t leaving. He’s done wonders this season but it’s only a start and I feel if we can keep him, we can get stronger whichever league we end up in. Lose him, and I fear we may see some of our more promising players also leaving, and we may well be back at square 1. I know the club, and Duff, can’t ever give a guarantee, as you never know what’s round the corner, but I’d hope he doesn’t fall for a Huddersfield type offer - we could certainly be a better team than them next season if he stays.
I personally don't think we'll keep him, if we don't go up. I think a Champ team will come in for him. Massively hope I'm wrong, as I'd love to see what he could achieve with us next season, with a full pre-season and two windows. We'll see...
How can we confirm Duff isn't leaving? Nobody knows what's around the corner. We could say today he will definitely be here next season, but then what? Tomorrow Duff might get sacked for a disciplinary matter. Duff could leave because he's been offered more money elsewhere.
Nigel Pearson has another season to run on his Bristol City contract but just wonder if he will move on at the end of this season and then perhaps BC may look at Duff. Put it this way, if they do come calling then I'd no doubt he'd go there. Much closer to home, bigger budget etc.
He doesn’t have a track record for leaving jobs so quickly, like the likes of Val, so I wouldn’t rule it out. He’ll need some assurances on what levels of fees we’ll be holding out for for key players and backing he’ll have for next season’s squad
A reputation of long service to his two previous clubs and someone who’s bought into a medium term plan. He’s not going anywhere… yet…
Re Khaled's 'big and exciting news' comment, I was wondering whether it could be connected to Michael Duff and that he's extended his contract / recommitted to the club. I know it can never be guaranteed and a club could come in with an offer he can't refuse but as lethytyke says above, he doesn't have a track record for leaving clubs quickly and when he joined he did say that it was the project that excited him and I think it was described as getting back to the Championship and stabilising in it.
Whilst we are talking about Mr Duff, what are the words to the "We've got Michael Duffy" song please.....
If he were to leave I hope to god we get someone in and the squad settled early enough to hit the ground running and not take from August to October to get up to speed like we usually do.