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I also think a goalkeepers career is slightly different in terms of pathways to that of an outfield player. Victor was only 23 when he signed that deal (a baby for a goaly) and it's important for him to be a number 1 in the spotlight for attracting widespread attention.Ironically our plight in this division probably works to his advantage because he gets lots to do!! To move to a bigger club at that age he suddenly runs the risk of becoming lost as a number 2 waiting for an injury to stake his claim.There is only 1 position a goalkeeper can play,there's only 1 in each team and the chance of injury is far less than an outside player.
So why not speculate wildly that the management team might be aware that players worth a lot of money are offered contracts, and that those contracts might be as much as we can afford without jeapordising the club but that the players have a sense of their worth and can opt for better money and bigger clubs, so ultimately don't sign?
Or, to shake things up a bit, speculate this, and then speculate the complete opposite. And then back again. Why not? You've clearly got lots of time.
Below is part of an article from the Advertiser published in early October 2023 about the Ollie Rathbone contract situation and the discussions to extend it.
I must say, reading between the lines I find the club's apparent lethargy a bit disturbing.
If this is typical of how they go about things it's hardly surprising that we don't retain our better players.
"At the start of this season it looked like an agreement was close to being brokered with the 26-year-old who has become a key man since his move from Rochdale in 2021.
However, it could now be the New Year before any resolution is reached.
“To be honest, it's cooled off a little bit,” Rathbone said. “I’d had a positive conversation with the manager just before opening day (August 5) and I came out of the meeting thinking it was really close to being agreed.
“But it was in the midst of the transfer window and the club then said it wasn’t something they could do at the time, which was disappointing but I understood.
“The ball's in their court as to when talks start again. It's cold at the moment.”
Boss Matt Taylor is keen to wrap up deals for Rathbone and other top Millers performers well before their terms expire rather than risk them becoming free agents and departing AESSEAL New York Stadium for no fee.
“Ollie is a fantastic player and a good addition to any team,” the manager said. “He's our captain when Sean Morrison isn't selected. I still think it can get resolved, although there is nothing immediate on the horizon.
“Everyone is comfortable with it, including Ollie. Once it gets past January, you're at the 18-month mark and looking towards the 12-month mark. Then you run the risk of what's happened at the club before with players leaving for nothing.
“A lot will happen between now and the end of January. The plan is to keep securing the majority of our better performers and Ollie certainly fits that description. He won't be the only player I will be pushing the board to secure on a new deal.”