by RedRedWine » Thu Jun 03, 2021 8:21 am
There's been speculation for weeks, clearly talks of some kind have taken place (assume Derek has a clause in his contract that allows for this?); after the game on Monday Derek said in his post match interview "nothings been signed or agreed" - which to me confirms that discussions have taken place at the very least. He's in a really great position, provisionally a league one manager with a proven track record of success at every club he has been at.
If Derek is to move on to the Bantams, possibly because he views the Bradford City job as a more exciting challenge and an interesting proposition long-term, then surely he goes with everyone's blessing(?). Regardless, I think we need clarity one way or the other so we can get on with putting a decent squad together for next season. We will need a replacement as soon as possible, so that we are in a position to give our out of contract players some certainty going forwards - the very least they deserve.
In addition to losing Derek, my concern would be losing a large proportion of the existing squad who are out of contract. Derek is a manager that seems to collect players on his travels, and players trust him with their careers. Stockton, Wildig, O'Sullivan and Mendes-Gomes have improved massively during Dereks 18 month spell here; would they follow him if they had the opportunity? Obviously the likes of Yann Songo'o, Toums (lives in Harrogate) and Nathanial Knight-Percival have openly said they are here for the manager.
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