Defour out for the Season

[jojomk1]

"He's already said he wants to end his career with us or back in Belgium"

Given he's most likely on the best financial deal of his life at the mo I can't see any argument with that statement

And so (given his current wages and injury history), we are hardly likely to get any takers for him unless we let him go for next to nothing

We've seen some financial disasters over recent years (Wells and Walters being examples) and, sorry to say, this signing is up there with them especially when we take up the option of an extra year whilst he is lying on the treatment table at the time (probably had to hold him up from his bed whilst he signed

[jojomk1]

Some strange posts on here. Surely, what we all want is for the operation to be a great success, for Stephen to be fit and ready for a new season and for him to be our standout midfield star once again.

Well, if that miracle happens it will be like a new signing - sorry but couldn't resist

[Royboyclaret]

Some strange posts on here. Surely, what we all want is for the operation to be a great success, for Stephen to be fit and ready for a new season and for him to be our standout midfield star once again.

Absolutely right.

Far, far too early to be writing off the greatest technical talent we've had at the Club since JImmy Mac.

Mac was 31 years old when Lord sold him to Stoke City and for long enough it resembled a World War in Burnley such was the resentment with his transfer. Steven Defour will be 31 years old for pretty much all of next season and will probably have a great appetite to pay back the Club that's shown patience in him beyond the call of duty.

As fans, let's stick with him and hopefully watch a brilliant footballer for much of next season.

[Colburn_Claret]

It's easy to say he wasnt worth it, due to the game time hes had, but it isn't his fault he has a bad injury. On his day, and I know they are few, hes technically the best player we've had in 30 years.
Hindsight a wonderful thing, I just hope he recovers completely this time, and gets a chance to show us once more what we've missed for the last 2 seasons. It cant be easy for him, despite what some people think.

[IanMcL]

He is an immaculate player. I look forward to full health and fitness and some more wonderful moments.

[Fretters]

If he can come back for pre season, he could be massive for us again next season. The 2017 pre season did him the world of good and he missed out on that in 2018.

As for this season, thank God for Ashley Westwood who I think has stepped into the Defour role brilliantly.

[Bosscat]

Some strange posts on here. Surely, what we all want is for the operation to be a great success, for Stephen to be fit and ready for a new season and for him to be our standout midfield star once again.

Well said m8

[ElectroClaret]

As for this season, thank God for Ashley Westwood who I think has stepped into the Defour role brilliantly.

Spot on, Fretters. Westys been excellent.

[Fretters]

Spot on, Fretters. Westys been excellent.

I have no idea what the Villa fans were seeing.

[Nonayforever]

It's a bit strange that the club management have to wait for a surgeon to tell them what fans knew months ago.

[Woodleyclaret]

He will be raring to go next season in our push for 7th

[Bin Ont Turf]

I don't think we'll see him again, such a shame.

[Spijed]

We've seen some financial disasters over recent years, like every other football club

So true.

[Paul Waine]

It's a bit strange that the club management have to wait for a surgeon to tell them what fans knew months ago.

Hi Nonay, you are right. I've got this niggle in my leg this evening. Can the experts on here tell me how to treat it? (I'm not wasting any time calling my GP). Thanks in advance.

UTC

[ClaretShaun]

£15m or so for half a season in three full seasons, almost definitely four (wait and see) and highly likely zero back.

Hopefully we keep to the policy one import every 2-3 years, stick to players we get output from

[Herts Clarets]

I’d almost forgotten he plays for us.

He doesn't. He just gets paid as though he does.

[Tricky Trevor]

Our three most creative players have missed so many games between them. Some hard decisions have to be made. With the emergence of McNeil I’d be getting Brady off the wage bill, he has rarely looked a £13m player, and sadly saying bye bye to Steven Defour. JBG needs to step up as well but is probably worth keeping.
IF we stay up we have been very lucky to get away from this avoidable situation. Our lack of goals from anywhere but strikers needs addressing. Scott Arfield and George Boyd were perfect for our side. We need similar.

[mdd2]

Defour will be with us until he is OOC or his contract is terminated by mutual consent. Whilst I don't think it is likely, he may be fit enough by August to do the kind of job he did last season or perhaps even be of value coaching our youngsters given what CT posted about his appearances with the under 23 players

[jrgbfc]

At least we've had some kind of contribution from Defour. What will Walters be on, 20-30k a week for 2 years that we may as well have flushed down the toilet.

[ClaretShaun]

At least we've had some kind of contribution from Defour. What will Walters be on, 20-30k a week for 2 years that we may as well have flushed down the toilet.

£15m for what will end up being a single 4/5 month spell is burning money then flushing it down the toilet. Defour hasn’t been useless outside of that.

[ClaretTony]

We’ve signed injured players. Naki Wells was one and I think Blake was when we first signed him.

Wells was, Blake played a couple of times and then needed hernia surgery. Wells was just a tidying up thing, he'd played in the play-off final for Huddersfield. Defour has hardly played now in over 12 months with a few months more to go.

[ClaretTony]

At least we've had some kind of contribution from Defour. What will Walters be on, 20-30k a week for 2 years that we may as well have flushed down the toilet.

It's always unfortunate when players get injuries. I remain convinced that Walters would have proved to have been an excellent signing had he not got that injury at Blackburn.

[JohnDearyMe]

It's always unfortunate when players get injuries. I remain convinced that Walters would have proved to have been an excellent signing had he not got that injury at Blackburn.

Is Walters out for the season? Not heard any updates on his return

[ClaretTony]

Is Walters out for the season? Not heard any updates on his return

He's still officially on loan at Ipswich I assume but it is unlikely he'll be fit enough to play again this season. He's back doing some training, he said that when he was with Sky for the Spurs game, but the injury he got was a bad one.

[AlargeClaret]

Poor signing all things said, but you have to take chances at our end of the market and quite an expensive folly. Not that he's not a talented player (he is indeed) but apart from the occasional cameo he's been nothing more than an usually injured bit part player. I hope he gets himelf fit and can see out last couple of years in a less demanding leauge.

[alf_resco]

http://www.uptheclarets.com/messageboar ... =2&t=37242" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Looks like my hat's safe.

[Steve1956]

Great player,loved watching him play for my club,will he see out the last 12 months of his contract if we get relegated,he would smash the Championship.

[bfcjg]

When players sign a contract we have a legal and moral obligation to pay them. No doubt there will be a non playing clause in a contract ?