United in talks to keep benji. If we can pull this off it will be amazing. Worth about 10 points a season. 🧡🖤
Absolutely, like the other two won't be easy to replace, it's him and Fuchs physically attributes and energy that helps us play how we do, he is hitting his peak so if we can get him tied down for another couple seasons will be huge, more chance than keeping Fuchs
Like our previous successful spells this century, key was not letting too many go at same time, if you lost both Fuchs and Harkes you're in bother trying to fill that void like for like so bear keeping one of them at the very least
On Saturday it was his driving run into the box and cut back the set up the best chance (the double save), against Sevco it was Harkes who cut out the ball in midfield that led to our goal, he scored the derby winner then tracked back to clear the ball away at the end after Mulgrews last ditch tackle (if Harkes hadn't then Cummings had an easy finish), not to mention the nutmeg and shot v dundee that would have been goal of season of boy blocked, was Harkes driving from midfield that led to our goal vs County, equalised at Celtic Park
He is better than people realise, 2 goals and 2 assists plus all the other work he puts in as highlighted above
Agreed, get them all on two year deals, a longer term contract usually foreshadows a serious injury
They all seem like model professionals who can improve and it would be nice to tie them here before the January window opens, then at least we may get some replacement income for the summer
Agreed Shedka & can I add the best of Harkes is yet to come.
Every player during his career is in one of three different places, 1) improving, more to come 2) peaking/peaked 3) deteriorating, seen better days.
Last one sounds a bit harsh but it's true. Here are some examples
Improving & more to come - your Harkes, Kerr Smith (obviously), Chalmers (Saturday apart!)
Reached their peak & staying there - Siegrist, McMann, Edwards
Past their best - Clark, Reynolds (no offence, they have seen good days & still do a very good job)
Each station lasts about 5 years 1) can be age 20 - 25 2) can be 25 - 30 3) can be 30 - 35. With variations obviously.
Depending on several ifs, Harry Souttar being one of them, hopefully funds will be made available to strengthen for next season but meantime anyone have a list of players who are out of contract at the end of the season?