Quote: NickyKiss "It’s top news because as pointed out, not only is he a very good player but he’s one who would’ve been a nightmare to replace for anything under very good money. As much as I’d love to see Sutton and Bateman stay, they’re both easier to replace. In Batemans case in particular it’s still a tough ask to get somebody anywhere near as good but when you think we’ve already got Farrell, Lockers, Joel Tomkins and Isa, we may just decide to look to spend the money in other areas.'"
I agree. It might have been on Mike's board but I posted more of less the same thing that I thought of the three Gildart was the one who we needed to keep the most even if currently this season his form has been questioned by some or Bateman was considered more of the finished article and better player at the minute. I would also like to keep both Sutton and Bateman as well. Bateman's qualities are obvious and I think Sutton will mature into a top class prop but if they go they don't leave such a gaping hole in the side.
I read his blog on the official site earlier today before this announcement and I thought then he was staying. It just wasn't written in a non committal way, seemed forward looking and would have been a strange one for the club to publish if the announcement was he was off and I had seen rumours of a signing being announced today. So glad my optimism has been rewarded and I am looking forward to watching him for the next three seasons.
If he sees his contract out then that is all we can ask. He should be raring to go v the Wire this weekend.