Le Fondre

[TheGog]

Just seen his goodbye post on instagram.

“ disappointed with how the season panned out and how certain people treated me but that’s for another day.”

Can’t be LJ, NM or McDermott as he’s thanked them in the first paragraph.

I wonder what’s been going on.

[DaveF]

I really can't be bothered with all these player goodbyes and cryptic, attention seeking pish.

You signed, you got paid. Bugger off.

[Paulie Walnuts]

Wonder if he wanted to stay but was told no chance?

[Trinity Hibee]

I really can't be bothered with all these player goodbyes and cryptic, attention seeking pish.

You signed, you got paid. Bugger off.

Exactly. Didn’t mind him here but either say it all or nothing.

[JimBHibees]

I really can't be bothered with all these player goodbyes and cryptic, attention seeking pish.

You signed, you got paid. Bugger off.

:greengrin

[JohnM1875]

Only one thing for it, get him on Longbangers.

[Paul1642]

I really can't be bothered with all these player goodbyes and cryptic, attention seeking pish.

You signed, you got paid. Bugger off.

Perhaps a bit harsh. He played well for us and his attitude on the pitch always looked good to me.

Seems like a professional guy so the question now is are these certain people still at the club and if yes is this something for us to worry about?

[SlickShoes]

Injured himself playing golf. As much as he looked a good player he messed up his own season.

[Pedantic_Hibee]

I really can't be bothered with all these player goodbyes and cryptic, attention seeking pish.

You signed, you got paid. Bugger off.

****ing ruthless.

I love that.

[Unseen work]

I really can't be bothered with all these player goodbyes and cryptic, attention seeking pish.

You signed, you got paid. Bugger off.

I’m the same, trying to make the club look even worse when he knows the fans aren’t happy by saying someone never treated him well and being very vague

[Hermit Crab]

I really can't be bothered with all these player goodbyes and cryptic, attention seeking pish.

You signed, you got paid. Bugger off.


Nutshell.

[Since452]

I really can't be bothered with all these player goodbyes and cryptic, attention seeking pish.

You signed, you got paid. Bugger off.

Exactly. Off you pop.

[USA_Hibee]

Just say what you mean or not at all. What's the point..

Good luck for the next move.

[SHODAN]

Lmao Adam you're 37 not 17, get over it.

Maybe one of the disruptive influences and that's why he was one of the first out the door?

[mcohibs]

Guy’s pushing 40, posting like a teenage lassie that’s just been dumped.

[Onceinawhile]

Lmao Adam you're 37 not 17, get over it.

Maybe one of the disruptive influences and that's why he was one of the first out the door?


just ignore them, they are jealous hun xoxox

[hibee-boys]

Just seen his goodbye post on instagram.

“ disappointed with how the season panned out and how certain people treated me but that’s for another day.”

Can’t be LJ, NM or McDermott as he’s thanked them in the first paragraph.

I wonder what’s been going on.

“That’s for another day” You might as well come clean now ALF as I get the sense that nobody will really give a flying xxxx by next week🤷🏼

[Alfred E Newman]

Perhaps a bit harsh. He played well for us and his attitude on the pitch always looked good to me.

Seems like a professional guy so the question now is are these certain people still at the club and if yes is this something for us to worry about?

The professional way would have been to have said his goodbye and left it at that. No need for the cryptic message.

[Bobby's Cinema]

I hope he doesn't come on here then looking for sympathy. :hilarious

Made a decent contribution, probably met expectations. Don't know where he's headed next but up here I've seen enough to say he could possibly get you 8-10goals next season at the top end of the Scottish championship.

[blackpoolhibs]

Off you pop ALF, you came you contributed very little and now you have left, you will not be remembered by most fans in 6 months time.:taxi

[Davy Mac]

Aww FFS, what a load of Tom Kite.

What was he expecting, a Haring type departure? Jeez, even Hanlon & Stevenson would have been ushered out the back door if given half a chance, so don't think your anything special.

[Pretty Boy]

Undoubtedly a good player.

With his bleached hair and 'u ok hun?' goodbye message also undoubtedly a teenager girl in a 40 year old mans body.

[MWHIBBIES]

I really can't be bothered with all these player goodbyes and cryptic, attention seeking pish.

You signed, you got paid. Bugger off.

Aye, a toxic work environment is fine as long as you get paid.

[Hannah_hfc]

Bit of a strange, defensive reaction on this thread given the general chat of the message board has been focused on the mess behind the scenes at the club, along with players been made to feel unwelcome.

I’m interested to know who he’s referring to and if it has been a similar experience for other players.


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[MWHIBBIES]

Bit of a strange, defensive reaction on this thread given the general chat of the message board has been focused on the mess behind the scenes at the club, along with players been made to feel unwelcome.

I’m interested to know who he’s referring to and if it has been a similar experience for other players.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Correct.

Mere days after this place was up in arms about Hanlon and Lewis havig to pay for tables, we're suddenly on the side of those running our club when another player is upset.

[Hibernian Verse]

Aye, a toxic work environment is fine as long as you get paid.

Wouldn't happen down the coal mines etc etc etc

[Stairway 2 7]

Aye, a toxic work environment is fine as long as you get paid.

Where does he say it was a toxic environment or is that you making that up? He'd have been paid handsomely for his 5 goals in 29 games. He did a decent effort but not bothered about him going either. Everything else is just speculation

[MWHIBBIES]

Where does he say it was a toxic environment or is that you making that up? He'd have been paid handsomely for his 5 goals in 29 games. He did a decent effort but not bothered about him going either. Everything else is just speculation

Nothing he done on the pitch is relevant in this thread imo.

My point is something has upset him. It's not okay because his wages were paid. It's not the first rumour of some crap happening behind the scenes.

[K-Zazu]

Another dud signing. Cya

[Rumble de Thump]

Nothing he done on the pitch is relevant in this thread imo.

My point is something has upset him. It's not okay because his wages were paid. It's not the first rumour of some crap happening behind the scenes.

People coming out with various negative and unsubstantiated rumours about the club when the team is doing poorly is standard. I certainly wouldn't be using it to try to back up any kind of point.

[Stairway 2 7]

Nothing he done on the pitch is relevant in this thread imo.

My point is something has upset him. It's not okay because his wages were paid. It's not the first rumour of some crap happening behind the scenes.

It is if its about him not getting offered a contract as suggested in the pm forum, I doubt he'd be happy with that but teams have to be roofless. Making up things about toxic atmosphere is mad, Paul and Stevenson were wanting to stay and apparently ALF too. He'll be wealthy so if it was toxic he wouldn't be upset about not getting the further year

[ChuckNor]

He had a clause in his contract that would have triggered an extension if he hit a certain number of appearances. I understand Ben Kensell told him that he would not play if he was close to triggering the clause and asked him to agree to get rid of the clause. He reluctantly agreed but the whole experience left a massively bitter taste in his mouth. Several members of the squad were unhappy with his treatment.

[Wilson]

“That’s for another day” You might as well come clean now ALF as I get the sense that nobody will really give a flying xxxx by next week🤷🏼

:-D

[MWHIBBIES]

He had a clause in his contract that would have triggered an extension if he hit a certain number of appearances. I understand Ben Kensell told him that he would not play if he was close to triggering the clause and asked him to agree to get rid of the clause. He reluctantly agreed but the whole experience left a massively bitter taste in his mouth. Several members of the squad were unhappy with his treatment.

If this did happen, ***** patter from Hibs.

[NC1875]

He had a clause in his contract that would have triggered an extension if he hit a certain number of appearances. I understand Ben Kensell told him that he would not play if he was close to triggering the clause and asked him to agree to get rid of the clause. He reluctantly agreed but the whole experience left a massively bitter taste in his mouth. Several members of the squad were unhappy with his treatment.

Another masterclass from Kensell if true. The boys an absolute twat, can’t believe he’s still here.

[Wilson]

If this did happen, ***** patter from Hibs.

Hibs should watch their clauses. If they're automatically extending contracts of players in a failing team then they'd deserve pelters for that. Rewards should be for more than just turning up. Fighting fire here might be the only thing Kensell has done well!

Any sympathy for the player left with the real lack of achievement from the group.

[Gordy M]

So we are saying that Nick Montgomery, whose job is on the line cant play one of his strikers as the CEO is saying we wont honour a clause im a contract? If thats the case Montgomery was hard done by, and why wouldnt he say that when he left?

[JimBHibees]

Another masterclass from Kensell if true. The boys an absolute twat, can’t believe he’s still here.

This likely happens relatively regularly as unpalatable as they might seem. Not great on a personal level though if true it could be seen as protecting the club.

[Since452]

Am I missing something? Don't see a lot wrong. Hibs didn't want to trigger an aging players clause that would automatically mean he was here next season? A player that was part of a god awful season? Is that bad? Surely he'd have known that was a possibility when he signed the contract?

[Stairway 2 7]

So we are saying that Nick Montgomery, whose job is on the line cant play one of his strikers as the CEO is saying we wont honour a clause im a contract? If thats the case Montgomery was hard done by, and why wouldnt he say that when he left?

Monty not being utterly rotten because ALF who scored 5 in 29 upfront plays a few more games is wild. Players are frozen all the time in football to not make a target if they aren't doing it, football is roofless I'm glad hibs are being for the first time in years. If he'd scored 15 goals plus before he hit the games target he'd have played and been here next year, he didn't.

We need rid off about 15 players regardless of past service or sentiment

[Since452]

So we are saying that Nick Montgomery, whose job is on the line cant play one of his strikers as the CEO is saying we wont honour a clause im a contract? If thats the case Montgomery was hard done by, and why wouldnt he say that when he left?

Were we obliged to honour it or was it a choice?

[TrinityHFC]

He had a clause in his contract that would have triggered an extension if he hit a certain number of appearances. I understand Ben Kensell told him that he would not play if he was close to triggering the clause and asked him to agree to get rid of the clause. He reluctantly agreed but the whole experience left a massively bitter taste in his mouth. Several members of the squad were unhappy with his treatment.

Absolutely the right thing to do if he wasn’t going to be part of the plans. Petrie did the same thing with players a few years back.

[NC1875]

This likely happens relatively regularly as unpalatable as they might seem. Not great on a personal level though if true it could be seen as protecting the club.

Surely we shouldn’t be putting that clause in his contract in the first place ? Then we don’t get the negative press that goes along with it when we have to backtrack and piss off the player.

Kensell doesn’t have a clue and the sooner he’s gone the better.

[Smartie]

Bit of a strange, defensive reaction on this thread given the general chat of the message board has been focused on the mess behind the scenes at the club, along with players been made to feel unwelcome.

I’m interested to know who he’s referring to and if it has been a similar experience for other players.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Spot on.

[Stairway 2 7]

We're Marseille unable to attract players last summer after this or were worried about bad press? Nah they signed well and had a good season. Well done Kensell, it's what all clubs do

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.thesun.co.uk/sport/21683042/eric-bailly-man-utd-marseille/amp/

MANCHESTER UNITED defender Eric Bailly is set to be left out of at least three of Marseille's remaining Ligue 1 fixtures, as the French side look to avoid having to sign him permanently.

[Smartie]

He had a clause in his contract that would have triggered an extension if he hit a certain number of appearances. I understand Ben Kensell told him that he would not play if he was close to triggering the clause and asked him to agree to get rid of the clause. He reluctantly agreed but the whole experience left a massively bitter taste in his mouth. Several members of the squad were unhappy with his treatment.

Not the hardest of rumours to believe... and would explain plenty.

[Since452]

It's a shame more players didn't have the same clause. Then we wouldn't have to keep them next season either.

[Alfred E Newman]

So we are saying that Nick Montgomery, whose job is on the line cant play one of his strikers as the CEO is saying we wont honour a clause im a contract? If thats the case Montgomery was hard done by, and why wouldnt he say that when he left?

Are you honestly saying that he failed because Le Fondre missed some bottom six games? It's well documented that our defensive frailties and playing style eventually cost Monty his job. It's also acknowledged that we have far too many fringe players on lengthy contracts contributing very little. I think given Le Fondre's age the club has done the right thing here.

[Tyler Durden]

People will believe any p*sh these days won't they?

He's been available for pretty much every squad since February has he not? If he missed games, it was due to injury. Monty wasn't denied the use of a player.

[Greenio]

He had a clause in his contract that would have triggered an extension if he hit a certain number of appearances. I understand Ben Kensell told him that he would not play if he was close to triggering the clause and asked him to agree to get rid of the clause. He reluctantly agreed but the whole experience left a massively bitter taste in his mouth. Several members of the squad were unhappy with his treatment.

Says who?

[O'Rourke3]

Am I missing something? Don't see a lot wrong. Hibs didn't want to trigger an aging players clause that would automatically mean he was here next season? A player that was part of a god awful season? Is that bad? Surely he'd have known that was a possibility when he signed the contract?How did you feel when it was John O'Neill?

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[Gordy M]

Monty not being utterly rotten because ALF who scored 5 in 29 upfront plays a few more games is wild. Players are frozen all the time in football to not make a target if they aren't doing it, football is roofless I'm glad hibs are being for the first time in years. If he'd scored 15 goals plus before he hit the games target he'd have played and been here next year, he didn't.

We need rid off about 15 players regardless of past service or sentiment
If you are a manager and being told who you can and cannot play by the CEO then that is def affecting your job. Would you say the same if it was Maolida? That shouldnt be happening......if it did. That was my point.

[Jones28]

I really can't be bothered with all these player goodbyes and cryptic, attention seeking pish.

You signed, you got paid. Bugger off.

This.

[Stairway 2 7]

If you are a manager and being told who you can and cannot play by the CEO then that is def affecting your job. Would you say the same if it was Maolida? That shouldnt be happening......if it did. That was my point.

Maolida done what was required to get a new contract so he 100% would have been played to trigger it. This only happened because he scored a few goals. It literally happens all the time and managers get on with it. He was allegedly told not to play 1 player we were pish in the 29 games he played and he was out when he injured himself playing golf which couldn't have helped

[Springbank]

Can imagine alf wages being spemt more productively next season than on a guy with a golfing injury

Good decision from the Board imo

[Gordy M]

Maolida done what was required to get a new contract so he 100% would have been played to trigger it. This only happened because he scored a few goals. It literally happens all the time and managers get on with it. He was allegedly told not to play 1 player we were pish in the 29 games he played and he was out when he injured himself playing golf which couldn't have helped
So, if this is true, Ben Kensall should be commended on doing so?

[Scottie]

I really can't be bothered with all these player goodbyes and cryptic, attention seeking pish.

You signed, you got paid. Bugger off.
Well said Dave, **** the lot of them they wanna try being a bricky then they'll have something to complain about :aok:

[B.H.F.C]

You hear about this type of thing all the time, clubs not wanting to play someone because of contract clauses or whatever. I think we’ve just tried to do the best for ourselves. It’s not as if players are desperate to honour contracts they’ve signed when the find out something better is out there for them.

[ancient hibee]

Same thing happened with Fenwick. Not exactly unusual.

[Stairway 2 7]

So, if this is true, Ben Kensall should be commended on doing so?

Not really, he's just doing the same as pretty much every chairman does, it obviously wouldn't just be him deciding ALF hadn't done enough for a new contract, he would just be the figure head

[1875Sean]

How did you feel when it was John O'Neill?

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Sure John o’Neil didn’t play due to a large appearance fee rather than triggering an extension

[blackpoolhibs]

It is if its about him not getting offered a contract as suggested in the pm forum, I doubt he'd be happy with that but teams have to be roofless. Making up things about toxic atmosphere is mad, Paul and Stevenson were wanting to stay and apparently ALF too. He'll be wealthy so if it was toxic he wouldn't be upset about not getting the further year

FFS where are we going to put the helipad?

[Billy Whizz]

He had a clause in his contract that would have triggered an extension if he hit a certain number of appearances. I understand Ben Kensell told him that he would not play if he was close to triggering the clause and asked him to agree to get rid of the clause. He reluctantly agreed but the whole experience left a massively bitter taste in his mouth. Several members of the squad were unhappy with his treatment.

I’d heard this too. Is this the same CEO who gave him the contact in the summer, cutting it a few months later!

[Hibbyradge]

I really can't be bothered with all these player goodbyes and cryptic, attention seeking pish.

You signed, you got paid. Bugger off.

Hear hear.

[Tyler Durden]

Jesus

IF true. Alf “reluctantly” agreed. So he agreed to change a legally binding contract. That’s his call. He hasn’t been mistreated in such a scenario.

Although I think this is probably bollocks tbh

[Silky]

I’d heard this too. Is this the same CEO who gave him the contact in the summer, cutting it a few months later!

Or is it a player who didn't do enough to merit said extension?

[NC1875]

If I had to believe ALF or Kensell I certainly know which one I’d choose.

[Forza Fred]

Simple answer is for the club not to include clauses in players’ contracts that they don’t want to honour.

Presumably in original discussions whenAlf signed they thought it was ok, and then pitched it to Alf.

I’d rather we were known as a club that 100% honoured contracts, than one that had to be watched because they looked for ways not to be held to them.

[Northernhibee]

Simple answer is for the club not to include clauses in players’ contracts that they don’t want to honour.

Presumably in original discussions whenAlf signed they thought it was ok, and then pitched it to Alf.

I’d rather we were known as a club that 100% honoured contracts, than one that had to be watched because they looked for ways not to be held to them.
It’s a concern that if we’re in for a decent player who has a few offers on the table that if they phone up someone like ALF and says “hey, what are this club like” and they’re told “not good, I wasn’t happy with how I was treated” that we could miss out.

Word travels.

[MWHIBBIES]

Jesus

IF true. Alf “reluctantly” agreed. So he agreed to change a legally binding contract. That’s his call. He hasn’t been mistreated in such a scenario.

Although I think this is probably bollocks tbh

The option would've been accept the new deal, or not play again. So yeah, not really great treatment.

[marinello59]

The option would've been accept the new deal, or not play again. So yeah, not really great treatment.

It's not great.
It beggars belief that clause was inserted in to the contract of a player in the twilight of his career in the firs place.

[JimBHibees]

Sure John o’Neil didn’t play due to a large appearance fee rather than triggering an extension

Exactly that

[Stairway 2 7]

It’s a concern that if we’re in for a decent player who has a few offers on the table that if they phone up someone like ALF and says “hey, what are this club like” and they’re told “not good, I wasn’t happy with how I was treated” that we could miss out.

Word travels.

Marseille did the same Eric Bailey on loan from Man U, they told the manager not to play him last 3 games as they didn't want him this season. They went on to sign some great players this summer and got to the Semi of the Europa only getting beat by last night's winners. I wonder when they put out Villareal and Benfica in the 16 and quarters if their fans thought the way they froze Bailey was affecting morale and recruitment 😆

We put in a clause we didn't want him next year so said you'll either no play before hitting the target like loads of teams do or you can cancel clause and play, up to you you'll be getting paid either way. He's obviously not happy getting not kept on but if he banged them in we would have triggered the clause and gave another year

[Stairway 2 7]

The option would've been accept the new deal, or not play again. So yeah, not really great treatment.

It's a performance based career. Perform well and you get new contracts, it's happened for over 100 years, they now get paid handsomely for the stress of having to perform. If he performed to target he would have got a second year, he didn't unfortunately

[MWHIBBIES]

It's a performance based career. Perform well and you get new contracts, it's happened for over 100 years, they now get paid handsomely for the stress of having to perform. If he performed to target he would have got a second year, he didn't unfortunately

The new deal was nothing to do with performance, though. It was based on appearances. Hibs then wanted to change the deal when it no longer suited them and were going to leave him sitting out until the end of season if he didn't agree. If that is indeed what happened, it's ***** patter from Hibs, no doubt.

[Stairway 2 7]

The new deal was nothing to do with performance, though. It was based on appearances. Hibs then wanted to change the deal when it no longer suited them and were going to leave him sitting out until the end of season if he didn't agree. If that is indeed what happened, it's ***** patter from Hibs, no doubt.

Eh what of course the new deal was on performance if he performed and scored like Maolida we would have said play him past the threshold. He didn't perform so we did the same as all serious clubs do and said you won't play over the limit as you haven't performed. We then said choice is yours don't play and you'll still be paid like usually happens in football or rearrange the deal if you want to play.

I'm glad some on here aren't in charge, we'd do the right thing by everyone and every player would get their contract extended every year regardless of performance, football is tough and performance based. If he performed he'd be there next season

[Smartie]

The new deal was nothing to do with performance, though. It was based on appearances. Hibs then wanted to change the deal when it no longer suited them and were going to leave him sitting out until the end of season if he didn't agree. If that is indeed what happened, it's ***** patter from Hibs, no doubt.

It really is.

Reneging on your word and on contracts is a terrible patter.

Especially considering ALF was probably one of those who came close to meeting expectations we’d have had of them last season.

It’s amazing how he’s turned into an injury-prone, problem character charlatan within the space of 24 hours when he was fairly popular before.

[Smartie]

Eh what of course the new deal was on performance if he performed and scored like Maolida we would have said play him past the threshold. He didn't perform so we did the same as all serious clubs do and said you won't play over the limit as you haven't performed. We then said choice is yours don't play and you'll still be paid like usually happens in football or rearrange the deal if you want to play.

I'm glad some on here aren't in charge, we'd do the right thing by everyone and every player would get their contract extended every year regardless of performance, football is tough and performance based. If he performed he'd be there next season

I’d say I’m glad some on here aren’t in charge - going back on their word, changing contracts etc but we wouldn’t be worse off… we’d be exactly where we seem to be under that nice Ben Kensell and co - in a f’ing mess.

[Stairway 2 7]

I’d say I’m glad some on here aren’t in charge - going back on their word, changing contracts etc but we wouldn’t be worse off… we’d be exactly where we seem to be under that nice Ben Kensell and co - in a f’ing mess.

It's not going against your word. The word was the same as with all players perform and we'll renew. He didn't so we're not going to play you and trigger it. We renegotiated once that was clear. Probably should have done what most clubs do and not renegotiate and not play before the clause was triggered, even if ALF obviously wouldn't want that it would keep the fans happy it seems

[Not In The Know]

The new deal was nothing to do with performance, though. It was based on appearances. Hibs then wanted to change the deal when it no longer suited them and were going to leave him sitting out until the end of season if he didn't agree. If that is indeed what happened, it's ***** patter from Hibs, no doubt.

Considering how many games he missed through injury it must have been a very low number of appearances to trigger the clause . Another footballing admin masterclass from someone at the club.

[The Modfather]

It's not going against your word. The word was the same as with all players perform and we'll renew. He didn't so we're not going to play you and trigger it. We renegotiated once that was clear. Probably should have done what most clubs do and not renegotiate and not play before the clause was triggered, even if ALF obviously wouldn't want that it would keep the fans happy it seems

It doesn’t reflect well on the club either way. If what they did was fine and not underhand then it’s simply another poor signing and yet another bad hand dealt to the manager(s).

Get results or you will be sacked. Oh and that back up striker we signed for you a few months ago, if he won’t change his contract you can’t play him. Best of luck with Doidge and Landers though.

[CapitalGreen]

Are people really surprised that clubs renegotiate contracts? It happens all the time to add/remove clause, changes wages/bonuses or increase/decrease the time remaining.

One of the first things our previous CEO did when she arrived at the club was to try and renege on a contract when she offered Butcher and Malpas a reduced payment so they’d agree to end their contractual agreement early. When they refused to accept a payment below what they were contractually entitled too they were stopped from working and placed on gardening leave. Not so much outrage about that decision.

[jeffers]

Considering how many games he missed through injury it must have been a very low number of appearances to trigger the clause . Another footballing admin masterclass from someone at the club.

The number was pretty low, surprisingly low imo.

Some of the other contract decisions we’ve made however make the ALF one look like good judgment in comparison. I think we handled his contract situation badly. The additional year was based on appearances, not performance. He’s a player I liked, would happily have given another year to, until I heard he was on pretty good money. So given the massive overhaul the squad requires I’m now of the opinion we reached the correct decision regarding ALF. I just don’t like the way we went about it.

[Smartie]

Are people really surprised that clubs renegotiate contracts? It happens all the time to add/remove clause, changes wages/bonuses or increase/decrease the time remaining.

One of the first things our previous CEO did when she arrived at the club was to try and renege on a contract when she offered Butcher and Malpas a reduced payment so they’d agree to end their contractual agreement early. When they refused to accept a payment below what they were contractually entitled too they were stopped from working and placed on gardening leave. Not so much outrage about that decision.

You’ve got to be prepared for the consequences that follow such actions though. As a fan base we could get on board with the consequences of treating Butcher and Malpas that way, we’d probably be split on the Paul Fenwick and John O’Neil situations. Your point is fair, I guess - it happens, and it would be naive to think otherwise.

Was this a smart move at a smart time though? That, I guess, is what we have an issue with, as it will likely have had consequences (pissing off the player and allies within the dressing room).

Given we have a number of players many fans would like to “move on” right now though… it’s maybe something we’re going to have to get used to over the coming months.

If I was talented, self-respecting and thinking about joining Hibs in some capacity over the next wee while, I’d be giving it very serious thought, and I’d certainly not be leaving anything secure to make the move.

[Jones28]

The number was pretty low, surprisingly low imo.

Some of the other contract decisions we’ve made however make the ALF one look like good judgment in comparison. I think we handled his contract situation badly. The additional year was based on appearances, not performance. He’s a player I liked, would happily have given another year to, until I heard he was on pretty good money. So given the massive overhaul the squad requires I’m now of the opinion we reached the correct decision regarding ALF. I just don’t like the way we went about it.

Probably as good a statement as can be made on the issue and aligns with my views perfectly.

I disagreed with a few last night that the club should be chastised for it and do feel that thats just football, it happens all the time all over the place. Christ we've just shunted two club legends out the door, one of whom did not want to leave, I'm not going to get upset about Adam Le Fondre not getting an extra year on good money. I'd rather give his wage to Hanlon and Stevenson and keep them on another season.

[mixumatosis]

https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11672/11473228/bolton-let-adam-le-fondre-pursue-dream-move-abroad

Seems he was fine asking for the terms of his contract to be changed when it suited him.

More than once.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.coventrytelegraph.net/sport/football/football-news/coventry-city-closing-adam-le-3039719.amp

[Stairway 2 7]

It doesn’t reflect well on the club either way. If what they did was fine and not underhand then it’s simply another poor signing and yet another bad hand dealt to the manager(s).

Get results or you will be sacked. Oh and that back up striker we signed for you a few months ago, if he won’t change his contract you can’t play him. Best of luck with Doidge and Landers though.

The signings have been poor but our squad was better than half of the top 6, the management was awful. Derek McInnes wouldn't have been 8th with Vente, Youan, Maolida, ALF and Boyle to play

[ian cruise]

If I had to believe ALF or Kensell I certainly know which one I’d choose.

Thing is Kensell isn't out here denying it, it's just part of the modern game. Football is a business and the club does what it needs to in order to protect itself. It's not great, but it's part of the game and has been for a while.


I can't think of any previous examples of Kensell lying to fans, he's normally criticised for being too honest and blabbing too much.

[GordonHFC]

Contracts get re-negotiated in all forms of business all the time. Circumstances change.

[Since452]

The new deal was nothing to do with performance, though. It was based on appearances. Hibs then wanted to change the deal when it no longer suited them and were going to leave him sitting out until the end of season if he didn't agree. If that is indeed what happened, it's ***** patter from Hibs, no doubt.

Again, i don't see much wrong with that. Happens all the time. Sounds like Hibs said to him "you wont be playing from now on as we don't want to keep you next season and playing you means that we are obliged to keep you, if you waive that part of your contract then at least you might get some game time before you move on at the end of the season". Plenty to criticise Kensell for but sounds to me he's been pretty reasonable here.

[Carheenlea]

Doesn’t appear to be any performance related clauses within Kensell’s contract, which is a major administrative error.

Continues to pick up the excessive salary despite relentless failure in the position.

[Paulie Walnuts]

The signings have been poor but our squad was better than half of the top 6, the management was awful. Derek McInnes wouldn't have been 8th with Vente, Youan, Maolida, ALF and Boyle to play

:agree:

If McInnes had been manager this season then we’d have finished 4th and I’ve little doubt about that.

With the right man in charge this squad is absolutely nowhere near as bad as is made out. A horrendous manager has made them look infinitely worse than they are.

[Gettin' Auld]

The number was pretty low, surprisingly low imo.

Some of the other contract decisions we’ve made however make the ALF one look like good judgment in comparison. I think we handled his contract situation badly. The additional year was based on appearances, not performance. He’s a player I liked, would happily have given another year to, until I heard he was on pretty good money. So given the massive overhaul the squad requires I’m now of the opinion we reached the correct decision regarding ALF. I just don’t like the way we went about it.
Those two things are linked for any player though. Perform better and more appearances will follow.

[Tyler Durden]

The number was pretty low, surprisingly low imo.

Some of the other contract decisions we’ve made however make the ALF one look like good judgment in comparison. I think we handled his contract situation badly. The additional year was based on appearances, not performance. He’s a player I liked, would happily have given another year to, until I heard he was on pretty good money. So given the massive overhaul the squad requires I’m now of the opinion we reached the correct decision regarding ALF. I just don’t like the way we went about it.

If you're going to post in this manner - as if you are privy to the facts - you may aswell just spell out exactly what the terms were.

[Brightside]

Doesn’t appear to be any performance related clauses within Kensell’s contract, which is a major administrative error.

Continues to pick up the excessive salary despite relentless failure in the position.

He's just brought in 6m investment.

[jeffers]

If you're going to post in this manner - as if you are privy to the facts - you may aswell just spell out exactly what the terms were.

They already have been. The terms of his contract meant if he played x number of games he’d get another year :confused:.

[Northernhibee]

He's just brought in 6m investment.

And the footballing side of the club is a complete ****ing shambles.

[GordonHFC]

He's just brought in 6m investment.

But isn't the 6M investment only the purchase of existing shares by the Black Knights from the Gordon Family. We have no idea how much extra will be made available to spend. Or am I getting this wrong?

[Hibernian Verse]

Kensell won't be going anywhere. Hopefully he's leaving the football side to Malky Mackay now and BK can focus on the commercial side of the business which he excels at.

[flash]

But isn't the 6M investment only the purchase of existing shares by the Black Knights from the Gordon Family. We have no idea how much extra will be made available to spend. Or am I getting this wrong?

Pretty sure you are wrong Gordon but not an expert on such matters.

[Hibernian Verse]

But isn't the 6M investment only the purchase of existing shares by the Black Knights from the Gordon Family. We have no idea how much extra will be made available to spend. Or am I getting this wrong?

The £6m cleared our debts, with only the covid loan remaining. The accounts should look very healthy when we eventually see them.

We don't know how much is available to spend because no football club will divulge how much they have to spend in a transfer window. When have we ever known the budget?

[The Modfather]

He's just brought in 6m investment.

How much of that will be eaten up by another bottom 6 finish, a second management team sacked and paying off a squad not for for purpose?

[SickBoy32]

But isn't the 6M investment only the purchase of existing shares by the Black Knights from the Gordon Family. We have no idea how much extra will be made available to spend. Or am I getting this wrong?

This is my understanding too. Based on how Lorient have performed, i remain sceptical that this ‘investment’ will show any tangible benefit / improvement for the Club.

Cannot get my head around folk excusing the shambles Kensell has created either, he has failed massively at his main role - running a successful club.

A sales manager on an obscenely inflated salary, who has bit by bit sucked the soul from the club. Be that through monetising EVERYTHING, or just appointing a succession of poor managers.

Good point made by a previous poster, doesn’t seem to be any performance KPIs in his contract, funny that 🤑

[CapitalGreen]

But isn't the 6M investment only the purchase of existing shares by the Black Knights from the Gordon Family. We have no idea how much extra will be made available to spend. Or am I getting this wrong?

No the Gordons didn’t sell any of their shares, new shares in the club were issued meaning the money from BKFC goes to the club not the Gordons.

[nonshinyfinish]

The £6m cleared our debts, with only the covid loan remaining. The accounts should look very healthy when we eventually see them.

We don't know how much is available to spend because no football club will divulge how much they have to spend in a transfer window. When have we ever known the budget?

Different £6m (actually £5.something I think). The Gordons wrote off that debt owed to them in exchange for new shares.

BKFC also bought new shares for £6m.

[hibsbollah]

Bit of a strange, defensive reaction on this thread given the general chat of the message board has been focused on the mess behind the scenes at the club, along with players been made to feel unwelcome.

I’m interested to know who he’s referring to and if it has been a similar experience for other players.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Exactly.
Some brutal reactions so far to a proper pro expressing his frustration at a ****ty organizational culture that we all know exists and hasbeen remarked on often enough on here.

Best of luck ALF.

[lugz]

I really liked ALF when he was fit could see how clever a player he was, if anything too clever for this level. Would have kept him another year.

[Hibernian Verse]

Different £6m (actually £5.something I think). The Gordons wrote off that debt owed to them in exchange for new shares.

BKFC also bought new shares for £6m.

Ok good info thanks

[Tyler Durden]

They already have been. The terms of his contract meant if he played x number of games he’d get another year :confused:.

Which, without context is pretty meaningless. You said its a low number - what's the number? At what point in the season did the discussion happen?

He'd made nearly 20 appearances by the end of October before getting injured. He played virtually every game in March and started the first game in April when results were crucial to achieving top 6.

Are you suggesting that in the middle of that run of games in March, Hibs told him he wouldn't be playing any more unless he waived his contract clause? If that were the case, it's a bit of a bigger deal. Context matters here..... Since you've got the facts maybe you can help us understand the details more clearly?

[jeffers]

Which, without context is pretty meaningless. You said its a low number - what's the number? At what point in the season did the discussion happen?

He'd made nearly 20 appearances by the end of October before getting injured. He played virtually every game in March and started the first game in April when results were crucial to achieving top 6.

Are you suggesting that in the middle of that run of games in March, Hibs told him he wouldn't be playing any more unless he waived his contract clause? If that were the case, it's a bit of a bigger deal. Context matters here..... Since you've got the facts maybe you can help us understand the details more clearly?

I was told about the clause months ago. 20 games was the target he needed to meet was the figure I was given. Exactly when I cannot remember, nor did I find out when the conversation had taken place with ALF about him waiving the clause. I want to say it was around about the time of his injury because I think I posted about on the PM board questioning how many games he’d play once fit. I can’t say that for sure though.

[Rick Rude]

Outside the Livi game don't think he's done much since coming back from injury. Wouldn't have been upset if he'd stayed another season but if he's on a decent wage then probably best it's used elsewhere.

[Tyler Durden]

I was told about the clause months ago. 20 games was the target he needed to meet was the figure I was given. Exactly when I cannot remember, nor did I find out when the conversation had taken place with ALF about him waiving the clause. I want to say it was around about the time of his injury because I think I posted about on the PM board questioning how many games he’d play once fit. I can’t say that for sure though.

Thanks

So that is pretty shocking. Sign the guy in July and he would've been on track to hit 20 games in October/November. Doesn't reflect well on McDermott or Kensell to include that sort of option a guy turning 38 this year

On the flipside, we had a change of coach in that period and sounds like this would have left ALF with the option of going in January if he didn't want to waive the clause.

What a shambles though.

[jeffers]

Thanks

So that is pretty shocking. Sign the guy in July and he would've been on track to hit 20 games in October/November. Doesn't reflect well on McDermott or Kensell to include that sort of option a guy turning 38 this year

On the flipside, we had a change of coach in that period and sounds like this would have left ALF with the option of going in January if he didn't want to waive the clause.

What a shambles though.

Some of the other contract decisions we’ve made are even worse imo. Giving an option of another year to a player who still looked well capable of contributing next season wasn’t that bad. People will have their thoughts on whether he’d done enough to merit that extra year or if he was too expensive and that’s a fair argument. However when I heard we wanted to opt out of the other year the reason I was given was to get the overall age of the squad down.

[Smartie]

Some of the other contract decisions we’ve made are even worse imo. Giving an option of another year to a player who still looked well capable of contributing next season wasn’t that bad. People will have their thoughts on whether he’d done enough to merit that extra year or if he was too expensive and that’s a fair argument. However when I heard we wanted to opt out of the other year the reason I was given was to get the overall age of the squad down.

I’m an employer and bizarrely enough, I’m at a course on employment law today.

Obviously I operate in a very different sphere to Hibs but if there’s any truth in the last part of your post then I’d suggest that is discriminatory and Hibs will be lucky that ALF has chosen to agree to first, amend the contract and then second, to walk away quietly.

[jeffers]

I’m an employer and bizarrely enough, I’m at a course on employment law today.

Obviously I operate in a very different sphere to Hibs but if there’s any truth in the last part of your post then I’d suggest that is discriminatory and Hibs will be lucky that ALF has chosen to agree to first, amend the contract and then second, to walk away quietly.

That’s what I was told. Whether that’s what was said to him, or Paul or Lewis is another matter. I think in sports, especially one where the majority of players are in their 20s you can probably can use age as a factor in your decision making without it being deemed discriminatory.

[Smartie]

That’s what I was told. Whether that’s what was said to him, or Paul or Lewis is another matter. I think in sports, especially one where the majority of players are in their 20s you can probably can use age as a factor in your decision making without it being deemed discriminatory.

Sure - it’ll obviously be fine to be offering a 37 year old a year with another year option where you might offer a 19 year old a 5 year contract, apples and oranges, sound business decisions etc.

But amending a contract part way through? Or telling a manager not to pick a player so he doesn’t trigger an extension when his play and efforts merit it, in order to get the age of the squad down? I think that’s shaky.

[jeffers]

Sure - it’ll obviously be fine to be offering a 37 year old a year with another year option where you might offer a 19 year old a 5 year contract, apples and oranges, sound business decisions etc.

But amending a contract part way through? Or telling a manager not to pick a player so he doesn’t trigger an extension when his play and efforts merit it, in order to get the age of the squad down? I think that’s shaky.

I thought the whole premise was nonsense to be honest, sort of decision a bureaucrat would make rather than a football person. I don’t think it ever got to the stage that Monty was told not to pick him, but that’s assuming my recollection of the timeline is accurate.

[overdrive]

I thought the whole premise was nonsense to be honest, sort of decision a bureaucrat would make rather than a football person. I don’t think it ever got to the stage that Monty was told not to pick him, but that’s assuming my recollection of the timeline is accurate.

How far into the season was he asked to change the contract, out of interest?

[jeffers]

How far into the season was he asked to change the contract, out of interest?

See post 110.