Been “very good”? He really hasn’t. His continual presence in the first team over the last few years is the biggest indicator of our failed defensive recruitment. An utterly below par player.
Very few players have been consistently "very good" for us over the past few years. Mariappa is certainly not one of them. Consistently "very out of his depth" would be far more accurate.
Mapps was only supposed to be a backup to our backups and was only brought in because he was a free agent and we had a spare slot in the home grown requirement of our 25. This was highlighted by the fact that he wasn't used until half way through Walter's season, he had to rely on Mapps more and more, then subsequent managers did so too. That was the time, either January or summer 2017, that the defence needed major improvements. Marriappa was very professional and did his job as best as he could within his limitations.
We all know he's not good enough to be a regular for us, even at Championship level these days, but I'll be sad to see him go, he's always been a model pro, and is one of the last remaining links to the pre-Pozzo days. If Mapps, and Deeney leave, who's our longest serving player then that isn't bound to leave? Cleverley?
You are right up there along side "The Lord Doyley" IMO Mapps, you were never our greatest player, but you were ever reliable and always gave of your best for the team. So thank you for your service and good luck for the future.
I will remember him for always giving it 100% effort whatever he was asked to do on the pitch, and being a model professional off it. No billy big nuts from him. No I demand to play. No I want to leave. No I’m bigger than the club. Good luck to him on his next challenge.
I still think the club should have said something with a thanks, he did play for us 340 times in two spells. There can't be too many players who have made that many appearances for us.
100%. When he was signed, it was like he was more supposed to be a senior pro, with a good character to have around the dressing room and who might play a few early cup rounds. The fact that he played so often was really a symptom of our negligence in defensive recruitment. I bear him absolutely no ill will. He has been a true servant to the club.
Lovely guy, lovely mum but not good enough for our first 11. If he leaves without a thank you from the club it will be saddening.
I totally agree unfortunately the Club has lost its Turkeys for the staff at Xmas and a kids party thrown in culture . Its now ruthless, once you are out the door " don't come back" attitude
Oh yes, of course, been here since the pre-Prem days (although it's not certain that he'll stay I guess!)
4 possible scenarios I think... 1. There's currently wrangling going on relating to money owed from his previous contract, and a "thank you"/announcement will happen once all is sorted 2. The club are currently negotiating with Mapps over a new contract. 3. He's been paid a retainer to stay available in case we need him back before the window shuts. 4. The club don't give a ****
I think it is pretty obvious the club are still considering bringing him back for another year depending on how the transfer window goes.
How would that land with Maps? “We want something better, but if no-one will join us, will you please?”
By now, he would have been picked up if he was on the market. He has an emotional attachment to the club, so I think the most likely scenario is he has been kept on a retainer. It looks like we'll sign Troost-Ekong, but Mapps may still be re-signed, but only if Dawson goes. I think we need 6 CB's this season. From what I've seen Mapps will be far more reliable than Sierralta, so I'd definitely welcome him back. What I think will happen is T-E signs for an "undisclosed" fee, Dawson goes to Burnley (or whoever) for around £5m and we get Mapps back. We sign two CB's lose one and make £5m on the deal. A typical Pozzo transfer.
3. Is an interesting idea. Never known it to happen before (in football). Perhaps Gino has paid all of our released players 'retainers', which is why we haven't got a pot to piss in?
Championship football, with the club he loves, for several grand a week probably does it. We are realistically the best he could get- if he continues playing in England. Could probably earn more in the MLS
I hope its all well meaning and ok. But utter radio silence... even Pearson got mentioned in dispatches. I truly do look forward to someones book in 5 years or so explaining the last 18 months.
I suspect they are just making some video involving him, as they did with Holebas and Gomes. It is a little odd not to announce first, but the communication at the club is beyond a joke so there it is.
He would fit in with the rag a muffin team we have right now. If he stays then it's not a bad back up. He may have one more year in him so playing at a level more to his style won't be the worst thing.
Also, I've heard that Wilmot might count as club-developed through being on our books before the age of 19 or something, which would reduce the need for Mapps
Still nothing. Either didn’t want the fanfare or had a falling out with the club. I cannot see him coming back unless we are desperate (give it time !)
Did the club ever publish a 'thank you' for Mariappa after Duxbury admitted it was a mistake not to have done so up to this point? Anyway, Mariappa was included in the latest squad for Jamaica but has withdrawn to finalise a deal with a new club. I've no idea which country the club is based in let alone who the actual side is, sadly.
No I don't think they did really. Maybe like with Pearson they parted on bad terms? Did sound like Mariappa was rejecting the contract offered to him for whatever reason.
What would the 'thank you' even say? How do you thank someone who consistently performed badly and made mistakes which contributed to our relegation? It world be like sending a posthumous thank you to the captain of the titanic for skilfully steering the ship out of port.
Mapps gave years of solid service. Deteriorated in latter years but was a backup and always did his best for the club. Wasn’t his fault the club didn’t strengthen the back line and injuries often brought him into the team. The analogy is shjt and is an insult.