ONE of the first bits of business Roberto Martinez must complete is to tie down Leighton Baines on a long term contract.
While the player himself has said nothing publicly about a desire to move on, it must surely be playing on his mind that he has the talent to attract interest from a host of Champions League teams both here and abroad.
Any team would benefit greatly from what he contributes both going forward and defensively and with just little over a week gone since Martinez was unveiled as manager, the Spaniard has made it clear he has no intention of cashing in on one of the finest full-backs in Europe.
Even if we did sell him for a big fee, how do you possibly find an adequate replacement?
The simple answer is you don’t because there aren’t any out there.
Although I’d much rather we kept him, if Marouane Fellaini were to leave I’d be less inclined to shed a tear. Midfielders/forwards are much easier to replace than specialists like Baines.
But if we managed to keep both, restored Nikica Jelavic’s footballing amnesia and brought in some decent players with pace then I don’t think any of us would have much reason to moan.
Robert Beard, Walton
DON’T let Fellaini go. Sell him for 24m to whoever wants to pay that amount.
His passing and heading are weak, gives away far too many stupid fouls, slow reaction, lets the side down far too many times, is not consistent or reliable.
We have played better when he is not in the team. Going by the clips I’ve seen Leroy Fer is more accomplished, has a deadly accurate shot and heading ability, and is also a more influential player on the pitch. He is what we need to drive the team forward with purpose, not a quick pirouette and sideways pass either too short or behind the player.
Bring Fer in and lets see what he gives the team going forward.
Colin Gorton
