Kouta in 2006 & beyond

[WTTF]

Whilst reading through a few threads, I've come across a bit of a common theme that I'm a little unsure of. It seems that most people are of the opinion that 2006 will be Kouta's last year and I'm wondering why this is?

Ok, so his contract expires at the end of 2006 & he turns 33 next January. The only thing that could stop him playing on into 2007 is his body, the way we use him and his desire.

Kouta played a hell of a lot of minutes this season, with the vast majority of that time on the ball. We can't ask or expect him to do that in 2006, he needs to be rested a little more and other blokes in the midfield need to step up to the plate.

He is such a good clearance player, that we haven't had the luxury to do this the past couple of seasons. Pagan needs to bite the bullet and either give him a 5 minute spell on the bench every quarter or so, or let him rest in a Forward Pocket for a while.

If we were to go down this track, I can't see why Kouta couldn't play on into 2007, spending more and more time as a forward.

 

[stokesy]

If we have another poor year let him retire.

 

[deluxeman]

Kouta is on a big contract now that expires at the end of next year.
For him to play on he will need to take a huge pay cut and thus could potentially like some of his fellow teammates hold the club out for ransom and when the club don't budge, he will retire.

 

[Blues_Man]

Kouta is on a big contract now that expires at the end of next year.
For him to play on he will need to take a huge pay cut and thus could potentially like some of his fellow teammates hold the club out for ransom and when the club don't budge, he will retire.

lets give Kouta the benefit of the doubt before we place him in Campo's league

 

[deluxeman]

lets give Kouta the benefit of the doubt before we place him in Campo's league

I am giving him the benefit of the doubt but just in my opinion, it would take a very good reason for a player to take a pay cut of probably around 50% if not more and considering he won't be around for the next Carlton premership, I have my doubts.

 

[Effes]

Thank god the contract is ending......4 times the recruiting budget

 

[mushda]

He can retire when he wants. He has been an absolute champion for the club. We need some experience to guide our young team through the next year or two and set them up for the future. With Campo gone the only older players we have left are Kouta and possibly Lappin. It's really up to him when he feels it's time to stop though, he knows his body's capabilities better than anyone else.

 

[av76]

You reckon he could play 2-3 more seasons if his hearts in it. He's seems pretty healthy except for some knee niggles. What he does at the moment (i.e. clearances and shepharding for others around the fall of the ball) doesn't require superspeed and he's not getting any weaker. He's was slow all year and still made a massive contribution...as long as his reactions stay good he should be able to play on for at fews year...if he's motivated to do it!

 

[pumped]

I would like to believe that neither money no position on the ladder would affect Kouta's decision. So long as he has a passion to play this should be the only factor.

He is financially secure and should be able to enjoy his footy even if the side is losing. If he can play with passion it is more likely that the side will aswell. I for one am not concerned about losses so long as we play real committed footy.

From Kouta's point of view he will be a long time retired. So long as he is fit, passionate and capable why should he retire?

 

[mojo31]

I can just imagine the contract negotiations at the end of next year.

Well Anthony we wont be able to offer you 1 million dollars for 2007 (600k +400k marketing allowance).

I am happy to take a cut guys for the good of the team.

Great Kouta thats what we want to hear.

(Dave Allison) " We have 4 offers on the table from other clubs. They are prepared to offer a 6 year 1.5 million a year deal. If you dont offer something similar he will walk."


Thanks for your service Kouta and we will you well in the future.

Press conference called.

"It is with sadness and regret I am retiring from football. My knee just wont take another pre season and I dont want to let the club down. Blah blah blah.


The problem is trying to get Kouta to play in 2007 on 300k or something reasonable. Off the bench and as an impact player he could play at least another year (ala Riccardi) but has to be on the clubs terms (performance based and 1 year deal)