Lack of competition

I think teams are nullifying Payne and Obrien and the rest can’t adapt (due to some of them being poor) and we have no width and overall the bench is bab so we can’t change or add any quality.

 

Even if those that have left were still here the starting line up would be the same, so not really reducing competition as those in the team know they are safe.

We need to bring some competition in but I don’t think we have lost any with those that have left or those that have been told they can

 

If i was that lot i would be thinking lost 3 nil lost 4 nil and i still cant get on the bench.......... i am ouuta here

 

I think thats what Hopkin is hoping, but if the information is correct with regards some of wages some of these players are on you can understand them staying.

 

I understand they want to get the same pay, BUT they need to be thinking long term and they need to play football. We have two players who haven’t played for at least a year. If they are not going to play football what are they going to do? Sometimes you have to take a back step both financially and career wise to restore your confidence.

 

Think what we really need to think is can we afford to keep on doing what we're doing?

Yes we want rid of the likes of Wright, Gibson, Riley but all of them would walk on to our bench right now.

I don't think we can afford to do what Liverpool, Utd, City and Chelsea do and just not pick players in the squad that should be.

Yes, we want to sell them but we're shooting outselves in the foot in this minute and just replacing these players with players just making numbers and not a difference.

 

Gibson shouldn't have been on the bench on Saturday as we had the superior Luca Colville.

 

I don't see why the likes of Reeves, Wright, Jones,Riley will go if its correct the money they are on, you'd like to think as good pro's they'd prefer to be playing football, I'm not sure it's about confidence, I'd think it's more Hopkin doesn't like what he see's in their application during training etc.
Reeves and Jones have as you say been out over 12 months again I don't think in Jones case he'll not play again at a lower level, with regards Reeves and his injury/mental situation if he can't get this head right to play for Bradford City it could be he's not in any mental condition to play football for any club ?.

 

I don't think it's how they're in training. They can't be that bad not even to make the bench.

I think it just boils down to him wanting them out due to the wages they're on. Forcing them on but as shown so far they're in no rush to leave and I can't blame them.

While paying them you should be using them.

 

At the end of the season.

I wouldn't leave now. Would you?

 

After the fresh hope of December what a totally abysmal January it has been so far - the shocking results, appalling and characterless performances from the players, very dodgy management from Hopkin and the all too predictable shambles in the transfer market! Only at City could we dampen the growing positive feelings in such a complete way - at least we have not left open any chinks of light to allow for any misunderstanding of the mess we are in!!

 

I get your gist but I'm not convinced that other than the next pay packet, that the future has such significance. Plus, a year out.... Will their be many takers?

 

Disagree.

Football is a very short career. If the financial package is right then nothing else really matters.

They'll all find clubs if if they've a year not playing as they will keep fit(have to train with the club) and have a decent agent that will get them a move.

I just think we can't afford to be playing these mind games in the position we're in.

We can't complain about a high wage bill then not play the high earners. Might as well pay them all off as we're wasting money paying them for nothing.

 

Hopkin may want them out, but they are contracted to Bradford City and on good money were told, so I agree they should have been on the bench if fit.

 

I doubt it on what I have seen but if they had been on the bench and maybe come on it may show other clubs what they are getting.......ah sorry Euston we have a problem here.
They are here for the full duration.

 

Hopkin is trying to force them out which is fine because he wants to reduce the wage bill. Get that but when you look to the bench and lucky if most could play for a non league team then it's extremely foolish not to be using them.