Originally Posted by Saint Paul C View Post
Thinking about this situation with Lovren, I'd be inclined to make him aware of his contractual responsibilities to the club and that he signed a 4 year commitment to us for the provision of his services to perform a specific function for that duration. If he's not willing to do that then I'd place him on gardening leave to cool off and discuss with his legal advisors. Once he's realised that Southampton FC hold all of the cards needed to win the case we'd then be willing to discuss next steps.
However, if he takes the path of conflict with the club I'm of the opinion that writing off £8m to prove our point is a cost worth taking because it will be a once-off situation. Obviously, no wages are paid for non performance if contracted duties due to refusal to work.
This is a game of brinkmanship I'd be happy to play this time around.
I agree. This the one case when I'd be happy for the club to play real hard ball with a player.
I totally agree on this one. What is the point of having a fixed contract of say four or five years ,which gives the player security, if they are not adhered to. I would really play hard ball and say yes you can go, the balance of your contract must be payed off in in full by the player and then a transfer fee on top. The only trouble is it would never work!