Haha, I don't think it was solely based on that game, more that I'd had enough of watching him go haring into central midfield and committing to tackles he was never going to win and leaving a gaping hole behind him throughout the season. Thankfully, I can't remember seeing him do that much this season so either he listens more to Silva, or the change of formation and tactics mean there aren't opposition players running through the middle unmarked that often. He still switches off though - pretty sure Evans was his man for the second goal on Saturday but there's no doubt he's playing better than last season and that block on McClean was heroic on Saturday. And to follow it up with the free kick was the icing on the cake...
I've seen on TV and read several interviews with Holebas where he has said how great it is at Watford under Silva. Who would ever have thought that he would be the go-to guy for a feelgood story?
Evidence of another cheeky grin Certainly a much happier Holebas this season. For me, he's one of the unsung heroes - and played a big part in the winning goal yesterday (ok, he scuffed the shot but it still led to the chaos that Cleverley finished off with aplomb).
Hopefully we’ve simply restructured his deal – reducing his weekly wages, but extending his overall contract which would protect him in case of injury or dramatic loss of form. Then we need to sell him for a fee in the summer. If we’ve given him a contract because we think he is in any way good enough, then I’d definitely start worrying about those running the club.
Clearly happier here than he looks despite being on the bench but might feel he will be back in the first team soon enough (which is probably right..)
Holebas quote: "I never even knew I had signed it until my agent told me. I then just sat on the floor and pretended I had an injury to try and get out of having to stay another two ****ing years. I've had enough of this ****"
I'm not unhappy with this contract extension, he is a far better player than many on here give him credit for.
What an odd odd decision. If he was 23, nearly 24, I’d understand it but this makes no sense when you figure out he’s 10 years older than that. Logic would say we’ve signed him to a contract so we don’t lose him for nothing. But he’s only going to worth a nominal amount anyway given his age and recent pedigree. So that logic doesnt work. Next logic would say, we’ve signed him up for 2 years with him knowing that he won’t be first choice but given his character, I can’t see this being true either. He’s likely signed because it’s good money at his age and his family are settled. I like the guy. And I don’t think he’s a bad player. But he’s on his way out and this decision is non-sensical. We need to be sorting ourselves out defensively, not rewarding ageing defenders who haven’t played well for quite some time.
My bet is he's recently reached a level of games which triggered a clause giving him the option to extend. I very much doubt this was top order of business for the club.
Going by his interview the club approached him. He said he like it here now, after a few ups and downs so is happy to stay a bit longer. I understand contract extensions for the likes of Doucoure and our other top players, but Holebas very much felt like he was a player on the way out. Passed his usefulness. I am surprised they want him around for longer, as he's a poor defender with a questionable attitude. This makes me think the club are finding it hard getting players better than him to the club, which is a worry. The only other alternative I can think, is they see him as a backup and will push Zeegelaar further forward as a back up winger. Hopefully we'll still sign a good left wing back in the summer.
One year maybe, but I've never heard of someone getting a 2 year extension under those circumstances. A one year contract is vaguely understandable. 2 years is baffling.
If you watch the interview on the official site, it's exactly this. He doesn't even try to hide it. What's baffling is why the club wanted to give him another two years!
Most likely, probably triggered after his 50th League appearance for the club which was around the end of November, I think.
Yes it is a bit odd. I could be wrong. But equally it could be that the two extra years end up costing the club the same as or less than one year if he's taken a pay cut with more appearance/performance bonuses.
A week to go until the window closes and unfortunately, the grumbling Grecian with the low-slung crotch is still here and gives every appearance of preparing for another season with us. Hopefully Massina will be more or less ever-present and we'll see very little of the thin moustachioed moaner, most especially his pathetic patent "long throws" direct to their full backs, his rubbishy unthreatening free kicks and useless corner kicks.
