Quote bren2k="bren2k"How do you know that for certain, and how can you 'ignore' the money issues? He claimed he was owed 50 grand - that would be hard for anyone to ignore. I would imagine the main reason he wanted out was exactly that - and the resultant breakdown in the employment relationship. And possibly the fact that his employer is a mentalist.
Anyhow - time will tell - it's a bold signing, but if he can help drag us through the middle 8's and retain a SL place, it will prove to have been an astute one.'"
We do know that for certain.
Locke had become an expensive fixture due to injury and re-injury. He couldn't get back in the team because he was being played out of his position by a 21 year old ex-Salford academy player. He had a few indiscretions off the field. One in France and he didn't endear himself to the management by going diving in the Manchester ship canal when he was 'recovering' from injury. His relations with MK deteriorated further when MK publicly commented about players not putting effort in but happy to take the cash. He decided to resign out of the blue, using money as an excuse.
The money side of things has two sides to every story...
Salford are pursuing Locke for money owed from the player, apparently. A significant amount too. Reading between the lines from what both sides have said, is that it involves advances of pay. I'd hazard a guess that the money thing is an excuse to get out of a bad situation for Locke.
I personally hold nothing against Locke. He had one good game for us, and that was his first away to Hudds. From my point of view we can't miss what we never had. Every Salford fan is happier that we still have Evalds who has kept someone of Locke's calibre out of the team.
It's all water under the bridge now though. He did nothing for us, but that doesn't mean he'll do nothing for you guys. After all, he's not become a bad player, he's just got no form. Fresh start might be just what he needs.