Our Bashley

[sinkov]

It seemed odd when asked immediately after the win at Middlesbrough he said, "It was the end of an era".

The obvious conclusion to that statement is that he is not being offered a new contract and he is leaving Turf Moor in June.

The way he has led the line this season I think he deserves at least one more year.

Your thoughts?

I was shocked by his comment, seems as you say BT, he's been told there's no new contract and he can find himself another club in summer. He fits in so well with the way Vinni wants us to play, and he has PL experience, so I'm amazed he isn't getting another year, I don't see the downside to it.

[The Bedlington Terrier]

I was shocked by his comment, seems as you say BT, he's been told there's no new contract and he can find himself another club in summer. He fits in so well with the way Vinni wants us to play, and he has PL experience, so I'm amazed he isn't getting another year, I don't see the downside to it.

Brutal springs to my mind sinkov. He's done enough IMHO to earn another year at least.

[outwoodclaret]

There comes a time for the parting of the ways. There was with SD and now Bashley will depart with the heartfelt thanks of all. He has achieved 3 promotions to the EPL with ONE club. That may not be unique but it is special. He scored the opening goals in the promotion winning games against Wigan at the Turf back in 2014 and now again at the Riverside. He hasn’t been frozen out by VK who has continued to pick him despite bringing new strikers into the club. Legend.

[The Bedlington Terrier]

There comes a time for the parting of the ways. There was with SD and now Bashley will depart with the heartfelt thanks of all. He has achieved 3 promotions to the EPL with ONE club. That may not be unique but it is special. He scored the opening goals in the promotion winning games against Wigan at the Turf back in 2014 and now again at the Riverside. He hasn’t been frozen out by VK who has continued to pick him despite bringing new strikers into the club. Legend.

Hear, hear Sir Outwood, nothing lasts forever but I'll be sorry to see him go.

[sinkov]

Brutal springs to my mind sinkov. He's done enough IMHO to earn another year at least.

Brutal indeed, but not totally surprising. When Vinni was talking before his return to the Etihad, he said something on the lines of 'there'll be smiles and high fives, but behind the smiles there is a ruthless winning machine.' I've no doubt whatsoever that behind Vinni's smile and affable exterior, there also lurks a ruthless winning machine, and if that means spewing Ash out, then Ash will be spewed out, whatever.

Still not convinced it's a wise move though.

[Swissclaret]

I don’t know if we will ever know the whole story. Certainly VK has expressed the importance he attaches to the experienced members of the squad. Maybe AB wants to move on, be a big fish in a small pond.

[Vintage Claret]

Ashley Barnes has had a great season, showing that he had the skills required to perform in a flowing footballing side, which we are this season.

Obviously from the comments last night we will not be seeing Ashley play for us next season, whether that was his or the clubs decision. I would like to wish him all the very best for the future wherever that may be.

[sinkov]

I don’t know if we will ever know the whole story. Certainly VK has expressed the importance he attaches to the experienced members of the squad. Maybe AB wants to move on, be a big fish in a small pond.

If the club wanted to keep him Swiss, they'd offer him another contract wouldn't they, or an extension, but they haven't, so surely it can only be the club instigating the parting of the ways ?

[army88]

If the club wanted to keep him Swiss, they'd offer him another contract wouldn't they, or an extension, but they haven't, so surely it can only be the club instigating the parting of the ways ?

Gents maybe he’s just thought the premiership is just a step too far this time , I knew when to quit at the best level id played as my body told me it was time.

Maybe Ash had felt that and would like to contribute most weeks at a level he’s comfortable at for a season or so.

Good luck to him anyway.

[Swissclaret]

If the club wanted to keep him Swiss, they'd offer him another contract wouldn't they, or an extension, but they haven't, so surely it can only be the club instigating the parting of the ways ?

Sinkov, we don’t know that the club did not offer him an extension and he turned it down.

As army has said, he may feel it’s too much going into the PL and would prefer to see out his time at a lower level - unless SD sees him as an answer to Everton’s problems!

Like everyone, I really wish him well in whatever he decides to do. He has been doing his badges, so perhaps he is looking at that side of the game.