I hear what Shep is saying but something still stinks of ********

Why make the following public on the ! 29th June ! if they had withdrawn the contract offer on the 16th???? And you see why Shukes thinks hes been stabbed int he back.

Breaking News
SHUKER 'SET TO STAY'

REDS boss Andy Ritchie has given his strongest hint yet that winger
Chris Shuker could stay at Oakwell.
Speaking exclusively to www.barnsleyfc.co.uk from Spain, Andy said:
"We have had more positive discussions with Chris and it looks as
though he will be staying.
"It looks as though it will definitely be sorted next week and I am
happy that Chris will stay with us. It makes things a bit easier so
we will be able to have a closer look at what we need to do.
"Hopefully we will be able to sort out a few players".

 

Could that mean after getting no better offers he rings Ritchie up on his hols and tells him although my deadlines up can you have a word with the chairman for me.I'm sorry but he tried this game last year if it wasn't financial he should have got in touch to sort things out.Its no good when the birds flown the cage.100% behind Mr Shephard on this one.

 

The bit that doesn't add up is Ritchie saying that Shuker

is now likely to sign and that makes things easier. As in we don't have to carry on looking to fill that slot. We don't have anyone for that slot or Ritchie wouldn't have said that.

 

If we do sign him

We'll have played him at his own game and called his bluff.

In the same position, I'd have offered him a reduced contract from the original