Nixon just tweeted this, pretty much what we already know. Loan would probably be better depending on if there was major interest in Pope next summer if he performs well again when he’s back:

BURNLEY. Keeper Tom Heaton signed up with a new agent. Finding a good move in January on agenda. May be a loan all the same.

Inevitable, and probably for the best that he moves on. We have two very good keepers and we have backup - he deserves to start but not ahead of Hart, or Pope.

A shame, but there we go.

SGr wrote:Inevitable, and probably for the best that he moves on. We have two very good keepers and we have backup - he deserves to start but not ahead of Hart, or Pope.

A shame, but there we go.

I agree with all that, I’ll be sad to see him go but he’s too good to be sat on a bench

Burnley1989 wrote:I agree with all that, I’ll be sad to see him go but he’s too good to be sat on a bench

So is Pope.

Would be very sad to see Tom go elsewhere. As has been mentioned, what will Nick Pope do when he is fully fit. Can't see him sat on the bench for too long after proving he is one of England's best.
The arrival of Joe Hart may well see the departure of two of our finest keepers. Shame.

Loan is best for all concerned.

Reassess in summer what we want for next season.

When will we know Pope's condition?

We didn't need Hart in the first place. I'm not saying we didn't need a keeper at the time (although it wasn't a massive priority) but we should of invested in a young keeper!

At the time, I think we did need Hart. The Premier League isn't the place to be starting an inexperienced young keeper. It's not gone to plan, but unlike some of the posters on here, most of us can't see into the future.

Hart's not gone to plan, so lets get Tom back in the starting team.

BigChaCha wrote:We didn't need Hart in the first place. I'm not saying we didn't need a keeper at the time (although it wasn't a massive priority) but we should of invested in a young keeper!

It was exactly what we needed, Heaton hadn't played so who knew how he'd be, the other two keepers were injured.

box_of_frogs wrote:Hart's not gone to plan, so lets get Tom back in the starting team.

Not going to happen unless Hart picks up an injury.

FactualFrank wrote:At the time, I think we did need Hart. The Premier League isn't the place to be starting an inexperienced young keeper. It's not gone to plan, but unlike some of the posters on here, most of us can't see into the future.

Starting an inexperienced young keeper worked out alright for us last season.

FactualFrank wrote:At the time, I think we did need Hart. The Premier League isn't the place to be starting an inexperienced young keeper. It's not gone to plan, but unlike some of the posters on here, most of us can't see into the future.

Playing Devils Advocate here....

Tom Heaton injured shoulder and up steps Nick Pope (an inexperienced young keeper)... Last Season... clean sheets, Burnley finish 7th and England call ups....

Sorry Frank but that blows your argument out of the water.

I was anti-Hart at 1st, but then was growing towards him... but his seeming inability to come for crosses and marshall his defence (which at times looks completely lost) has rekindled my antipathy...

Get either Tom back or Nick Pope (when fit) ....

Lets face it thats the difference this season (if the rumours of unrest in the dressing room is to be believed) and start again.

Tall Paul wrote:Starting an inexperienced young keeper worked out alright for us last season.

Wasn't a young inexperienced keeper though was he?

Grumps wrote:Wasn't a young inexperienced keeper though was he?

Why? How many Premier League games had he played previously?

Heaton can go for me, organised well but he's our third best goalkeeper now so has to leave

How far away is Pope? Can we even factor him into any what happens in January thinking?

I am led to believe that city still pay 50% of Harts wage for this season only. If this is the case we would be looking to get shut come next summer and keep Heaton

If Tom really is destabilising the dressing room by being disgruntled about not starting (and I do use the word IF!) then he has to go. This is Burnley- there is NO player who is bigger than the club. We either pull together or we fall apart.

Interesting bit in Nixon’s article is that Tom’s got a new agent....this could be the source of things; and the reason why Tom is seemingly looking for a move.

Top Claret wrote:I am led to believe that city still pay 50% of Harts wage for this season only. If this is the case we would be looking to get shut come next summer and keep Heaton

Why it doesn't mean he gets a pay rise here, he's not on loan his wage here wont change

Targetman wrote:Why? How many Premier League games had he played previously?

Who mentioned Premier league? Certainly not the post I was replying to

Start with Tom, better understanding with back four. Get rid of Hart for a profit.

MT03ALG wrote:Start with Tom, better understanding with back four. Get rid of Hart for a profit.

Our best premier league finish was achieved without Tom organising the back four, so what is it you actually think he will do?. If you want rid of Hart, then the best option is to wait till popes fit, because he was the one behind our successful defence.

There is too much conjecture, let's get rid of all 3 of them just to make sure and replace them with Joe Neenan

BurnleyPaul wrote:If Tom really is destabilising the dressing room by being disgruntled about not starting (and I do use the word IF!) then he has to go. This is Burnley- there is NO player who is bigger than the club. We either pull together or we fall apart.

All very well, but what if Heaton is right in that in his opinion (and mine for that matter) he is the best at being a Burnley keeper (great all round keeper AND organising those in front of him to play the way when we have been so solid at the back) and not just a great shot stopping keeper like Hart?

The criticism directed towards Joe Hart is similar to that directed towards Tom Heaton around 2014/15.

JohnMac wrote:The criticism directed towards Joe Hart is similar to that directed towards Tom Heaton around 2014/15.

I don’t think I’ve ever seen such a divided opinion, for the record I think Heatons great but he’s not untouchable. I think those that watch us week in week out know where the current problems are and it’s certainly not Joe.

Agreed and it is obvious Joe is showing better in training.
Tom was criticised for not commanding his area, Pope took us up another level but could do little when the back 4 went on holiday around March/April.

Hart may well end up as No1 long term, I don't consider that a major problem.

It may not be what the fans want but the game isn't about the fans. Who could deny Tom or Nick a move to a bigger club?

Would it not be Mecer though that reports to Dyche on who looks the sharpest in training, hence Joe is looking the best at the moment.

Oh and whilst we weren't leaking goals for fun let's not forget where we finished in the 2 seasons Tom was No1.

Rick_Muller wrote:All very well, but what if Heaton is right in that in his opinion (and mine for that matter) he is the best at being a Burnley keeper (great all round keeper AND organising those in front of him to play the way when we have been so solid at the back) and not just a great shot stopping keeper like Hart?

Whether Tom is right or not he (and you) needs to accept that there can only be one manager and at Burnley that person’s name is Sean Dyche. It is the manager who makes the decisions.

We saw after Judas Horseface abandoned us in 2010 just what happens when players start to work against a manager....

BurnleyPaul wrote:If Tom really is destabilising the dressing room by being disgruntled about not starting (and I do use the word IF!) then he has to go. This is Burnley- there is NO player who is bigger than the club. We either pull together or we fall apart.

Interesting bit in Nixon’s article is that Tom’s got a new agent....this could be the source of things; and the reason why Tom is seemingly looking for a move.

I’m pleased you’ve used the word if. I know Tom well enough to say I’d be amazed at any suggestion. Tom will want to move on if he’s not getting playing opportunities but not for one second do I believe he’d cause any instability. He’s as sound a bloke as you will ever come across.

Think that the main difference in our defending this season is the desperation to be in their space rather than facing the ball in defense. Most obviously at corners where everyone seems to want to charge to the goal line rather than deal with the ball. Whether its a response to how the keepers need it to work or not I can't say, except it isn't working.

If either Heaton or Pope go due to Hart that will be a serious mistake. In my opinion.

My opinion from afar:
I’m not privy to ‘goings-on’ behind closed doors at BFC, however it would appear the source of our current problem is the Joe Hart signing, maybe he’s ‘too big for his boots’ , not ‘Burnley type”, so to speak. I’m not knocking his performances for Burnley, but let’s look back at his recent predecessors: Heaton barked out his orders to the defensive unit , Pope came for, and got, most high balls into the box…………Hart does neither.

Whatever the problem is, it needs to sorted in short order, the league table is starting to split in to 3 distinct groups, and it doesn’t take a brain surgeon to guess which group we’re in!

My guess is Hart is with Burnley to boost his confidence and value on the open market, and will be gone in the January sales frenzy, leaving Heaton and Pope to sort out who’s #1.

The hatred, envy and questioning of Joe Hart and his ego and presence is proper small town burnley mentality.

Hes a winner. A top player. And if we dont like that ornour players dont we deserve to struggle!

I think the questions are relevant, not seeing hatred or envy.

My guess is Hart is with Burnley to boost his confidence and value on the open market, and will be gone in the January sales frenzy, leaving Heaton and Pope to sort out who’s #1.

I think most PL clubs won't touch Hart with a ten foot pole. Heaton and Pope are different matters. We are going to be stuck with Hart for a while, like it or not is my guess.

I think a 6-0 or a 7-0 will do it. Then Heaton might get a look in. Keep playing as we are and it's only a matter of time.

If we keep up the leaking of 4/5 goals max a game Hart will stay first choice.

Anybody who puts our current inability to keep a clean sheet down to Hart, need to actually watch the game.

By the end of the season, we will have one England keeper.

I hope it is Pipe, as he is the best.

If Hart remains in the team, it will be him....although, if he continues to make saves, he could go.

Heaton will go in January, unless he is played.

If we are relegated, all three will be gone!

Pipe?

Dyche signing Hart will prove to be a big mistake. Mark my words.

dermotdermot wrote:Dyche signing Hart will prove to be a big mistake. Mark my words.

Fully agree. And I think it already has. We simply didn't need another keeper at that moment in time.

Claretto wrote:Fully agree. And I think it already has. We simply didn't need another keeper at that moment in time.

Yes we did

Grumps wrote:Yes we did

No we didn't, Legzdins could have played.

dermotdermot wrote:Dyche signing Hart will prove to be a big mistake. Mark my words.

This

Hart was never a good fit for Burnley.

We've had incredibly bad luck with injuries to goalkeepers, you can see why we signed Joe Hart at the time. Although would we have signed him had Lindegaard not injured himself?
The problem for any keeper out injured is how do you get back to your best without playing in games that test you at your highest level?
Personally I hope we keep both Nick Pope and Tom Heaton because they will be invaluable in our Championship campaign.
The rest can go for me!