As good as he is, we need to strengthen in other areas so a decent fee could go towards that
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according to Wales Online with Birmingham leading the way apparently;-
https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/...nship-18801404
If he does leave, there's surely no need for another keeper - Joe Day can be the back up and George Ratcliffe could be third choice.
As good as he is, we need to strengthen in other areas so a decent fee could go towards that
I can’t see Etheridge being keen on a move to Birmingham, I don’t see them competing at the top end of the championship next season
didn't we get a hefty offer for him after relegation from a prem team ?
in hindsight would have been great to take that!
Birmingham sounds about right. He's not going to any club who like to build from the back or need a keeper with the ball at feet. He's the worst goalkeeper i've ever seen when kicking the ball from the floor or a back pass, on times he couldn't even clear the opposition midfield. The rest of his game is sound though.
We could do something really novel and see if the player being described as the best prospect in the Academy this time last year might be up to the task and I saw quite a lot of Joe Day playing for County where he never struck me as a poor kicker despite playing on an awful pitch. Day was bought here to be back up keeper when it looked like one of Smithies or Etheridge would be leaving and he did well on loan at Wimbledon - I think our need for reinforcements is greater in other positions (e.g. right back).
The reality is that Etheridge has a year left and rather than lose him for nothing next year, it makes sense financially, particularly as we’ve already been told that most of this summer’s business will be frees, loans & swaps.
The pandemic has made things even worse.
We obviously need to make cutback on wages especially to add in other positions. It's a no brainer for me if we can get a fee.
Yep, agreed. Etheridge and Pack/Bamba will both go, as we have cheaper cover available for both positions.
In fact, you can see the wage bill falling almost as you watch - Richards, Ward, and now possibly Ethers and Pack or Bamba. Let's hope they spend that money wisely.
Smithies has been absolutely brilliant this season, such a positive. Wouldn't mind Etheridge going, no idea of his wages/contract but should get at least £5M.. no? Although having said I'd be happy for him to go, still think we'd need better back up for Smithies, as someone else has alluded to in this thread, Joe Day - My ****ing god he is awful and stealing a living.
No surprise.. he's a great stopper and a lovely guy. Sad to see him go if it happens.
With a year left on Etheridge’s contract, we’re more likely to get in the region of £2m, which sounds like a familiar number*...
As for the others, I’d like to see Pack, White and Flint moved on. Bamba will probably stay as a player/coach.
*Kieffer Moore transfer fee.
Ultimately he's far too good for the bench in the championship. He should be starting for a good Championship club and if it wasn't for the form and quality of Smithies then he would be for us.