I cannot see Tom sitting on the bench game after game if Pope is Dyche's # 1, it would be nice but I don't see it happening, as for his wage rise he deserves being on around about the same level as the other first team squad.
Burnley are prepared to double Pope's salary from £15,000 to £30,000-a-week as a reward for his performances and a deterrent to Newcastle, who may be in need of a new goalkeeper come the end of the season.
According to The Sun, Burnley boss Sean Dyche has decided that Pope will remain as the club's number one and will be offered a new deal that will see his weekly wage boosted from £15,000 to £30,000, warding off potential interest from Newcastle United.
The newspaper says that Dyche will then think carefully about what to do with Heaton, with the possibility that he could be offloaded this summer.
I doubt that!
I cannot see Tom sitting on the bench game after game if Pope is Dyche's # 1, it would be nice but I don't see it happening, as for his wage rise he deserves being on around about the same level as the other first team squad.
Great position to be in, having two England keepers playing for a place in our first team!
We cannot expect one of these excellent keepers to be nothing more than a bench warmer. Given Tom will be 32 next month and there will always be the worry that his shoulder might "go" again, I can see why SD would let him go.
You raise the question of his age.
Goalkeepers play on a lot longer than outfield players.
You could argue that Tom is nearing his prime at 32.
It would be a big mistake to offload.
Personally I think Tom is still number one.
Not much in it, I agree, but you have greater height and reach from Pope on the one hand and better distribution, a wiser head and possibly better positional play from Tom on the other.
There are four/five other players I would let go before Tom!
But of course its whether he will wait to get his position back that is the main issue.
But of course its whether he will wait to get his position back that is the main issue.
I guess Sean is waiting to see how Nick does for England as it sounds like Southgate plans to give him game time.
If we want to carry on improving in this league,we need to keep both keepers and pay the going rates to both of them,Popeye deserves his raise for the way he has performed this season ..UTC ... KTF
I think Tom is old enough and wise enough to know nothing ever remains the same...