If it was only a verbal agreement then can't blame Ross for joining Luton although I am somewhat surprised at his decision to go full time at this stage of his career...?
Good luck to the bloke who was magnificent for us over two seasons.
Good Luck to Ross. A leader on and off the pitch who always gave 100%, conducted himself properly and will be an asset to any club that he plays for. Can't blame him for wanting a shot at league football as he has worked hard to overcome some bad injuries and deserves a chance as has huge ability and the correct attitude. Will be welcome back at Welling any day, all the best to Ross and hopefully we'll get someone else lined up soon.
his way of doing it seems a bit underhand if you ask me
I don't blame him for going higher as most players would jump at the chance but you don't make verbal agreements and then delay and delay hoping to get signed. If he just tells Jamie that he might sign for someone else then it isn't as if Day will stand in his way. There are better ways to do things
-- Edited by J on Monday 2nd of June 2014 01:50:20 PM
Sounds like he was keeping his options open. Not a nice way to treat Jamie, under who he has flourished and developed as a player. I know we don't know all the circumstances but surely the decent thing was to say that he was waiting to see what else was on offer. Surprised League 2, even Luton, is that appealing if he has a decent job outside football. Excellent player for us shame he has to go like this.
Really sad to see Rossco go as he has been excellent for us in two seasons. Personally I dont think you can blame him for wanting a crack at League football even if it is for 5 years.
Also a top bloke off the pitch whenever I spoke to him. Good luck Ross
Gutted he's left and a bit surprised it's Luton. Due to injury he didn't the best of seasons and will he get regular football there?
The club's website sounds like they're not too pleased with the U turn and also at the 'unnamed' striker who would have got record breaking wages. I would have thought we could never offer the money we once did in the old conference days?
If the player's heart isn't in it then maybe it's for the best. Like others have said, I'm surprised he's chosen to go full-time this far into his career.
As for the player who would have been our highest paid player ever (we know who it is) but has gone to a lower league side. That just goes to show they're just in it for the money, and we don't want that. He better pray he has a good season otherwise he won't play at this level again.
Disappointing the way it has come about. Can't blame him for going, the move is a big one, but surprised given his day job, and disappointed as I am sure Jamie is that he effectively promised to sign with us.
On a slightly different note, I wonder why we announce players are retained why they aren't. I hope there aren't any others out there not officially signed.
Re: Pugh, let's at least name him, Dartford offer more money and less travel, can you blame him? They will also win most games next season, will we? Not a tough decision really. As much as I would like him back to Welling it was never that likely.
As someone who writes a lot of press releases, i can tell you the club are MORE than disappointed. Good grief, that is a very open and honest message - and i like it!
Franks to Luton = no brainer, can't believe we held on to him for so long.
Laf to Luton = excelled at conf south, found his level and test at premier, thought he'd grow into it this coming season, but can't see how he'll fit in that team at league level but do wish him luck and congratulations on becoming professional.
Im slightly worried now. That`s seven of what would of been a starting eleven last season gone now. Obo,Franks,Hudson,Dyer,Clarke,Guthrie,Laffeyette. Lets hope the new signings and whoever else is brought in can measure up and hit the ground running.
Initially was a tad annoyed with Roscoe, but you really can't blame him for wanting to go to a higher level and see if he can make it full time. People are acting as if he's 35, he's 28 and still has plenty of years left in him. Probably a late bloomer due to injuries, focusing on forging a career etc. Who's to say he won't improve further playing with better players and training more often.
Not sure about the comment saying he didn't have the best of the seasons. First season 10/10, second season probably still a 9! What were people expecting him to do - bang in 30 league goals? In his second season teams were more aware that he was our dangerman and he got lumps kicked out of him every game, was a miracle that he didn't get injured more often. Pace, strength, work rate and a good footballing brain, probably not a natural finisher but if he was he would be playing a lot higher than Conf/League 2. I think he'll more than hold his own.
Yes, it's easy to blame him and say it was a bit underhand, but we were a bit naive not getting him to sign on the dotted line. I only hope that isn't also the case with the likes of Gallagher and Butcher.
I'm gutted, absolutely gutted. He's left an enormous hole to fill and I wish him good luck at Luton, but we'll continue to progress under Daisy. COYW
PS. Well done Loui Faz for your part in getting him here in the first place!
Im slightly worried now. That`s seven of what would of been a starting eleven last season gone now. Obo,Franks,Hudson,Dyer,Clarke,Guthrie,Laffeyette. Lets hope the new signings and whoever else is brought in can measure up and hit the ground running.
Franks and Dyer left over five months ago. Clarke was excellent but age was catching up with him, or so people say, and was expensive for all his other qualities. Obo has been replaced immediately, I am sure Day must prefer the new guy.
We have numerous young, hungry players experienced beyond their years at a higher level.
Truth is no-one knows how we will fair and whether the replacements brought in are up to the task other than Day, Ash and co. How many had you heard of (generic, not aimed at you).
Although disappointed to lose Ross I was expecting him to go initially to a lower level for more money, or because of injuries. I was delighted to see him stay. All the same, we have done a lot of business very early, and that's a good thing. On the assumption others from last year retained are actually retained and have already signed then there is still a lot to be very, very positive about.
Look back 5-10 years. I'm happy. You should be too.
-- Edited by Kevin on Monday 2nd of June 2014 08:52:40 PM
Not sure why some people always feel the need to defend players, whichever way you look at it he has shat all over the club and the fans. Yes the chance to move up a level and go full-time is a big one, but there are ways of going about it.
To those saying we should have got him to sign, if he was making excuses as to why he couldn't make it and then was on holiday, there's naff all they could have done. The club's done nothing wrong here, Jamie is always open and honest with the players and deserves the right courtesy back. Don't forget it was Jamie who brought him from a far lower level and gave him the platform to get to where he is now.
As good as he's been for us, Conference football was his level and I'd be amazed if he starts for Luton. Back at Conference South level within 2 years.
As for Pugh, I'm not sure his heart has been in it for a few years now, and if players want to play a division below for a smaller club just for money then they're not the sort we want anyway.
Not sure why some people always feel the need to defend players, whichever way you look at it he has shat all over the club and the fans. Yes the chance to move up a level and go full-time is a big one, but there are ways of going about it.
To those saying we should have got him to sign, if he was making excuses as to why he couldn't make it and then was on holiday, there's naff all they could have done. The club's done nothing wrong here, Jamie is always open and honest with the players and deserves the right courtesy back. Don't forget it was Jamie who brought him from a far lower level and gave him the platform to get to where he is now.
As good as he's been for us, Conference football was his level and I'd be amazed if he starts for Luton. Back at Conference South level within 2 years.
As for Pugh, I'm not sure his heart has been in it for a few years now, and if players want to play a division below for a smaller club just for money then they're not the sort we want anyway.
My comment about him not having the best of seasons was this year only, he was still excellent but didn't look as sharp as the first year with us. I know we were never going to attack as much and better defenders etc. but some of his turns, pace seemed a touch slower (injuries?). I'm surprised he wasn't snapped up after our Conf South season.
My comment about him not having the best of seasons was this year only, he was still excellent but didn't look as sharp as the first year with us. I know we were never going to attack as much and better defenders etc. but some of his turns, pace seemed a touch slower (injuries?). I'm surprised he wasn't snapped up after our Conf South season.
And for that reason, we need to remember what he gave us, as well as what we/the club/Jamie gave to him. Would we have won the title without him, or done nearly as well this season? Not a chance
I don't know any more info than is on the press release (haven't listened to Jamie's interview yet which may mention him), but I can't imagine it's a case of him saying he's on holiday or whatever to avoid committing, as some have suggested. I think it much more likely he's shaken hands with the full intention of signing, someone from Luton has had a word weeks later and been amazed he hasn't actually signed on the line, and thrown a load of dosh his way. I remember seeing an interview with him at the end of the title winning season where he said he still had dreams of making it as a pro, and that plainly wasn't going to happen with us. It wasn't a last minute "oh let's sh*t all over Welling for a laugh" decision and you can't begrudge him the move even if the circumstances aren't ideal. Whilst he might have shaken hands - it is still June, plenty of time to secure a replacement.
Whatever your thoughts on his morals, let's not have all this incredibly bitter "he found his level" or "he'll be back in the Conf South soon" nonsense. Funny how nobody thought this 48 hours ago. If you'd asked me for one player I felt it vital to keep for this season, it would have been Roscoe or Gallagher (Faz and Healy pretty much a given while Daisy is still here) and I'm pretty sure most would feel the same.
-- Edited by Ashford Wing on Tuesday 3rd of June 2014 09:35:53 AM
Are we convinced that Pugh was the player referred to? Could it not have been Adam Birchall, given the amount of money Bromley seem to be spending?
That is a very good point.
Another thing to consider is that the deal isn't 'done and dusted'. What happens if it falls through? Would the club welcome him back? Would he want to come back after what has been put on the website?
How about Matt Godden from S****horpe who's gone to Ebbsfleet as an outside contender? Birchall must have been done and dusted before the Lafayette business I'd have thought. I see Ademola's gone to Bromley too (from Dover). They must be spending again if they can outgun Dover. Our path is different and though it can be frustrating hopefully the new young guns can come good. We still need a striker mind!
As for Roscoe he's the one leaving so people are entitled to their views. If he were to be so sensitive that a few comments would put him off should there be another u turn situation (can't see it myself) then too bad.
Great player for us and a smashing fella but we're entitled to feel disappointed if we want to.
How about Matt Godden from S****horpe who's gone to Ebbsfleet as an outside contender? Birchall must have been done and dusted before the Lafayette business I'd have thought. I see Ademola's gone to Bromley too (from Dover). They must be spending again if they can outgun Dover. Our path is different and though it can be frustrating hopefully the new young guns can come good. We still need a striker mind!
As for Roscoe he's the one leaving so people are entitled to their views. If he were to be so sensitive that a few comments would put him off should there be another u turn situation (can't see it myself) then too bad.
Great player for us and a smashing fella but we're entitled to feel disappointed if we want to.
Agreed. I think people can be a little too sensitive on here at times, and sensitive on some of the players behalves as well. If you have grown up as a junior footballer and gone on to play semi-pro, Conf Prem and/or league football, I think they can take a little bit of banter, criticism and/or praise when it comes their way. If not, if they are that weak minded, then they wouldn't have made it this far. That's meant in general, not at Ross specifically.
Good luck Ross, it's your decision. Shame how it came about of course, but I am sure it wasn't an easy one for him after shaking hands on a deal, he doesn't strike me as the mercenary type.
Faz had better have signed though!
-- Edited by Kevin on Tuesday 3rd of June 2014 06:03:15 PM
Signing for Dartford was financially advantageous because he has been given the chance to coach the Academy teams as well, with his playing contract as well effectively giving him full-time employment.
He may think they're the 'bigger' Club (richer anyway!) but as things stand he's the one at the lower level.
Does anyone really blame Pugh? I don't know what else he does workwise but it sounds like football is his livelihood. It doesn't seem like he's going any further in football so can anyone seriously blame him for wanting to make the best living possible?
Does anyone really blame Pugh? I don't know what else he does workwise but it sounds like football is his livelihood. It doesn't seem like he's going any further in football so can anyone seriously blame him for wanting to make the best living possible?
I guess it all depends on whether he wants to play at the highest level possible or make the best living possible.
Tony Burman has guaranteed him a first team place and told him that the team's style would be based around his style. I cannot see that Jamie Day could have made such assurances especially as he still thought we had Ross Lafayette at the time.
I feel that Had we have got Pughy we all would have compared him to how he was when he was scoring goals and as soon as he stops people would have started getting negative .."He's not the same player" etc etc. plus he's had his fair share of injures and that may hamper the amount of games he'd have played and once again negativity would creep in.
before its questioned I know that this isn't the reason for him not signing..!!!!
But in General sometimes i think its better for players not to return as they seem to be remembered for past glories.
Also the team the player returns to has changed and so has the style of play. - (Faz, Healy and Jamie the only ones the club has from pughy's time at the Wings)
not being a wings follower as long as others are there any players that have returned and done better or just been average or worse.