Tom Cairney season 26/27

[C Block]

In your honest opinion, what does this coming season hold for Tom Cairney?
There seems to be a recurring theme so far with every player that we've been linked with, and that being their age is 22 !
The club and the supporters owe Tom Cairney a lot, but Alvaro Arbeloa doesn't owe him anything, and I just don't see how Tom fits in,
For us as a club to move forward in my opinion we need a squad so strong that the likes of Tom Cairney and Harrison Reed can no longer get a place in the squad, we're a long way off that time at the moment, so what do the next ten months hold for Tom ?
NB if got announced next week that Tom was moving on there would be an absolute meltdown in the Fulham support base.

[bencher]

I fully support the idea of HR moving on (with our thanks, especially for GOTS), but I think a new manager will want to keep a club legend like TC to help him with lots of things, especially this season. He also still has something to offer on the pitch in certain scenarios.

[hovewhite]

I fully support the idea of HR moving on (with our thanks, especially for GOTS), but I think a new manager will want to keep a club legend like TC to help him with lots of things, especially this season. He also still has something to offer on the pitch in certain scenarios.

also helping integrating the style of play and the arriving new players and maintaining the team spirit

[JimmyConway]

In your honest opinion, what does this coming season hold for Tom Cairney?
There seems to be a recurring theme so far with every player that we've been linked with, and that being their age is 22 !
The club and the supporters owe Tom Cairney a lot, but Alvaro Arbeloa doesn't owe him anything, and I just don't see how Tom fits in,
For us as a club to move forward in my opinion we need a squad so strong that the likes of Tom Cairney and Harrison Reed can no longer get a place in the squad, we're a long way off that time at the moment, so what do the next ten months hold for Tom ?
NB if got announced next week that Tom was moving on there would be an absolute meltdown in the Fulham support base.

I understand the sentimental part of players at clubs. Certainly would not see a meltdown from the base more the case we have to move on being the sensible position. I would not have offered him another season personally but perhaps the powers be might have had in back of there mind if Marco left we still have someone at the club whose seen it all before? I would be quite sure the club will honour TC in appropriate way hopefully not a statue as don't think he gets near JH as club man and his not winning World Cup with Scotland. Perhaps have a lounge in riverside stand named after him? We have to also remember he has been handsomely rewarded by the club when it's mentioned the fans and club owe him a lot?
On the playing side you would imagine less time if as some say the new manager is a press type style but we will have to wait and see how Arbeloa shapes the team. 

[roberto w6]

TC: I'd give him a player/coach role to transition into a pure coaching role once he has stopped playing, maybe in a season's time. He was always an intelligent footballer so hopefully that translates into successful coaching. He'd still worth keeping for 20 minute appearances when he can bring some craft (albeit left-footed only) to a match.

HR: Again, I'd keep him for another season. If TC brings us class, vision and style for the last 20 minutes of a game where we've become void of ideas, HR is like a terrier and will harrass the opposition when that is needed.

I think there is still a role for both for one more season

[Andrew]

There is a counter point of view that says Marco under used Tom and a manager from Europe, where they value an older statesman in the team more than we do, especially one that can pick a pass and has a level of cunning and can dictate play may yet have more of a season than last.

We really will not know until the season gets underway and it will depend on what style we actually do play.

[Nick Bateman]

In case other critics of Cairney think he is "past it", in his very last game he scored one of the contenders for best Fulham goal of the season. Hope the new manager recognises Tom Cairney's worth.

[WindyCity]

There seems to be a recurring theme so far with every player that we've been linked with, and that being their age is 22 !

And that's excellent news!!  And fingers crossed we actually get some of these starlets across the line.  One thing to be linked, another to actually acquire.
And yes, for a team 'moving on', players like TC and Reed should really not be part of the plan.  We of course thank them for their service and both have produced some FFC thrills along the way, but now a new coach and a look to future improvement. 

[WindyCity]

I fully support the idea of HR moving on (with our thanks, especially for GOTS), but I think a new manager will want to keep a club legend like TC to help him with lots of things, especially this season. He also still has something to offer on the pitch in certain scenarios.

See, this is part of the problem.  If a team wants to move forward, get better, look to future improvement you just can't keep fan favorites and 'legends' in the team.  It's crazy.  Those are not valid reasons to keep any player in the club.  JMHO

[bill taylors apprentice]

Anyone who doesn't appreciate the benefit of a couple of older, experienced heads is missing the point.

When you look at the cost of all the backroom staff, keeping a couple of these players on is nothing.

[WindyCity]

Anyone who doesn't appreciate the benefit of a couple of older, experienced heads is missing the point.  When you look at the cost of all the backroom staff, keeping a couple of these players on is nothing.

I don't think it's about missing the point at all.  Has nothing to do with 'costs'.  It's about a couple spots in the team that could be taken by promising prospects and the team getting better and younger along the way.

[Bobsffc]

It's not just the need for experienced heads in the squad, but it's also the simple fact that TC even now is one of the few players who can come on the pitch and change the course of the game for the better. He has done it so many times over recent seasons that, to my mind, it seems open and shut. He probably isn't a starter...and there will be  games where he wouldn't feature as a sub. But there are many many times when games have called out for his vision and technical brilliance - the last game being a case in point.

[FishaPrice]

Tom has generally been an impactful sub whether we are chasing the game, or trying to retain some possession while holding onto a lead. I suspect he can still be useful in that capacity. Additionally, I can see the value in having some experienced senior players around for mentoring young pros.

[blingo]

For me he sits between top 6 championship and bottom 6 premier standard. He's good, but not THAT good that he'd be overly missed. He's beeen a good servant to FFC but well paid for it too.
I don't in any way consider him a legend status player.

[I Ronic]

His experience working under several managers has it's use. Moans and groans from less experienced players can be countered with 'I've played for a lot worse' 'just try it before you make your mind up' and as mentioned he can and has come on and changed games in the past.

[bill taylors apprentice]

Anyone who doesn't appreciate the benefit of a couple of older, experienced heads is missing the point.  When you look at the cost of all the backroom staff, keeping a couple of these players on is nothing.

I don't think it's about missing the point at all.  Has nothing to do with 'costs'.  It's about a couple spots in the team that could be taken by promising prospects and the team getting better and younger along the way.

Not so much during a game but "Promising prospects" who quietly sit in awe of their seniors will not bring to the group what the likes of TC can.

 

[Bal_13]

I'd also add that TC's wages seem to be (relatively) low (£35,000 pw as per Capology).

Bearing in mind, as other posters mentioned, last season's performances suggested he still has plenty to offer this team on the pitch, not to mention all the off the pitch benefits (player mentorship, supporting AA, been there done that etc.), I think he will have a role next year.

Probably won't win a new contract but definitely worth his place this coming year.

Reed I think it's time to respectfully thank for his contributions and sell to a Champ club who will start him.

[Mickeyboro]

I fully support the idea of HR moving on (with our thanks, especially for GOTS), but I think a new manager will want to keep a club legend like TC to help him with lots of things, especially this season. He also still has something to offer on the pitch in certain scenarios.

See, this is part of the problem.  If a team wants to move forward, get better, look to future improvement you just can't keep fan favorites and 'legends' in the team.  It's crazy.  Those are not valid reasons to keep any player in the club.  JMHO

Let's not chuck out the baby with the bathwater. Tom 'gets' FFC, he has a big role to play as a new management team tried to get to grips with an unfamiliar squad and league.

Hanging on to Tom is the best thing we could do. He is more than just a player.

[hovewhite]

Hopefully he will be around for what could be his last hurrah as a great servant to the club.

[Twig]

I'm all for reducing the squad age and easing out older players but it has to be based on performance/ merit. In TC's case I think he clearly did enough in his sub appearances last season to show that he still has plenty to offer in that role.

As to Blingo's assessment, I respectfully disagree. Way, way better than Championship standard, a solidly Prem quality player.