1 yr contract, and EFC option to extend another year should we choose to.
Contract terms different from the one last year also (apparently)
Michael Keane
Re: Michael Keane
Yeah this 100% has to happen, and in fully convinced it will.
Ideally we have Branthwaite fit and healthy next season. This means either Tarks or JOB as his partner, and Keane 4th choice.
I still think JOB will be back up RB so we'll see Keane at CB if he shifts over there to cover an injury, but in theory Keane should see a lot less game time next season... but he's been a valuable player this year and I'm pleased he's done enough to earn a renewal.
Re: Michael Keane
It is if he is continuously compared to Fictitious Figment FC's superb up-and-coming Centre Back, or the like.
Re: Michael Keane
I think you are just not happy unless you are moaning about something.
Hes 4th choice. That being said hes played well when called upon this season.
Not having to buy a CB for cover is good as we clearly have a lot of positions we need 1st 11 quality for.
Re: Michael Keane
He’s been fine.
Probably had his best season for us.
Would still let him go for a free if I could go back in time so we could use obrien more and get a proper right back, but with Europe a very real possibility there’s no issue in keeping him on for next season.
I suspect for a manager, having a character like Keane knocking about who’s happy being a fringe player and won’t sulk if he’s not playing makes their job a lot easier.
Probably had his best season for us.
Would still let him go for a free if I could go back in time so we could use obrien more and get a proper right back, but with Europe a very real possibility there’s no issue in keeping him on for next season.
I suspect for a manager, having a character like Keane knocking about who’s happy being a fringe player and won’t sulk if he’s not playing makes their job a lot easier.
Re: Michael Keane
I think he is absolutely OKAY as a player, but I’d rather he wasn’t here for another year personally.
If he’s not here another year it removes that safety blanket, it forces the club to go into the market. Maybe we sign a top cb and Jake becomes the 4th cb. Maybe Tark does. Maybe we sign a back up and nothing changes, maybe we sign a back up and he’s worse. Who knows.
I personally would rather Michael Keane wasn’t here for another year, but equally have said fair play to him.
Surprised this is such a controversial view to be quite honest.
Re: Michael Keane
It's absolutely not, I am a big fan of the lad but to progress it's a very safe choice to keep Keane and not to the chance on o Brien and new fullbacks. Some of it may be a financial decision but in terms of progression it's not the most progressive choice. We get into Europe then it's a good deal because of the sheer volume of games, if we don't it's not as good a decision in my opinion.brap2 wrote: ↑Sat Apr 25, 2026 9:31 am I think he is absolutely OKAY as a player, but I’d rather he wasn’t here for another year personally.
If he’s not here another year it removes that safety blanket, it forces the club to go into the market. Maybe we sign a top cb and Jake becomes the 4th cb. Maybe Tark does. Maybe we sign a back up and nothing changes, maybe we sign a back up and he’s worse. Who knows.
I personally would rather Michael Keane wasn’t here for another year, but equally have said fair play to him.
Surprised this is such a controversial view to be quite honest.
Re: Michael Keane
I think people just ignore the financial side a lot, and I understand it's not an exciting part of modern day football, but it's still a huge driving force in decisions clubs make.
You don't let a player go on a free if you then have to replace them by spending money when there's other areas of a team that need huge investment.
Keane ended up being 3rd choice not 4th because the club didn't invest in a right back, but in the summer they absolutely will... That leaves 4 CBs which is what we need, but all the money then goes to the correct areas to strengthen correctly.
He's also had a good season, so really there's nothing to complain about imo.
Now if he starts ahead of JOB next season at CB then I might start to be more annoyed about his role in the team, but I doubt that'll happen.
You don't let a player go on a free if you then have to replace them by spending money when there's other areas of a team that need huge investment.
Keane ended up being 3rd choice not 4th because the club didn't invest in a right back, but in the summer they absolutely will... That leaves 4 CBs which is what we need, but all the money then goes to the correct areas to strengthen correctly.
He's also had a good season, so really there's nothing to complain about imo.
Now if he starts ahead of JOB next season at CB then I might start to be more annoyed about his role in the team, but I doubt that'll happen.