PEARCEYWoodcote RoyalHampshire Royal I agree that Murty has earned a fair wage while he was/is playing for us, but in this day of mega-rich Prem footballers, he could have increased his wealth by moving on every couple of years. How much is Akinbiyi worth, for example.
He didn't and stayed with us. He is one of the reasons that we are where we are now. I will go to the testimonial regardless of who it's against and my entrance money will help charity as well as recompensing Murty for not lining his pockets with sign-on fees etc.
Agree with every word and I, too, am delighted Murts is getting this well deserved reward.
Isn't it odd how some fans trip over themselves in their haste to defend players like Sidwell, who displayed real greed in the manner that he left this club, yet begrudge another, who has given us 10 loyal years of service, one testimonial match on the grounds that he's a millionaire
I don't give a fcuk how much money our club captain has stashed away, I WANT to say a big thank you to him for all that he's done for us by making my small contribution to his retirement fund ................I'll be buying a ticket whether I'm on holiday or not.
Nice one, Mr Chairman.
You have to use the word "begrudge" dont you Woodcote. Those of us against are not trying to "begrudge" Murty anything. Testimonials are IMO outdated for todays top flight footballers. Yes Murts has been loyal but so have the club to him standing by him in his early days at the club when he was injury plagued and by offering him a three year contract last year.Indeed I was under the impression the three year deal was a sweetener to Murts as he was not going to get a testimonial. He is very well paid for his loyalty.The days of testimonials should in my view be eradicated at this level and are more relevant in the lower leagues where players are not so financially secure.
Well that's the beauty of a testimonial. If you don't think it's a worthwhile cause then don't go.
I've no problem with people saying such games shouldn't be needed any more, but it seems rather petty to be actively against them happening. You make it sound like the club and Murty are conning fans out of money.
Besides, a testimonial has always been about long service. Players weren't 'loyal' in the days when they played for £20 and a packet of woodbines either - they just weren't allowed to move unless clubs let them, even if their contract ran out.
