Chip and Chase said:
Where to start with this article? In my opinion, there is not a shred of journalistic integrity in it. It is nothing but a thinly veiled smear against one faction of the board, and us fans as well, by another faction. It really reflects poorly on the credibility of its author.
First off, Richie uses the term "salary sacrifice" to describe accepting a reduced salary for personal reasons. Salary sacrifice us where you accept benefits (eg a fully maintained car) in lieu of salary to reduce your tax burden. Very poor journalism there to start with.
Next " the players are understood to be.....". Richie, if you know they are upset, come out and say they are. Don't cover your a$&e with that weasel phrase.
And where have club officials come out and referred to them being greedy? As far as I have seen, the club has been nothing but professional in its approach to this. And to be honest, the players in question haven't been over the top in anything they've done or said either. It's all been played out in the media so far.
And does he really think that players have not been able to afford real estate on the money they have been paid? Or does he expect us to believe that? What a bewildering comment.
He talks about how them staying with the club has meant they have made four GFs in seven years. Well, yes. And I'm damn sure that that has been a reward in itself. What sort of monetary value do you put on that?
He refers to the source close to the club (who is fanning these flames). Not hard to guess who that is. And if it's who I think it is, well, he might be close to a few players, but he is on the outer with the people that matter. This is why he is happy to be said source .
And what about the comment about fans turning on them. Generally, I don't think we have. I for one am grateful for the years of service they have given the club and the great ride they have given me as a fan. But it's hard not to be disappointed with the way this is being portrayed as panning out.
If they do leave, they'll go with my best wishes and thanks. But to say I'm not disappointed would be wrong. Does that mean I have turned on the players? Absolutely not. As long as they give their all this year with the intent of sending Gift, and anyone else who might end up leaving, out as GF winners, then that is all I can ask. The future will take care if itself.
Blow-ins on the board? I'm not sure whom this is referring to. But if the club is bringing in board members with expertise and savvy at the expense of the " sausage roll eaters " as Jack Gibson used to call them, them that is a good thing that will help ensure the longevity and growth of this great club.
And while the player unrest may be real, this article shouldn't be given consideration as anything but fluff journalism based on speculation and comments from disgruntled insiders.
