Tickle is under contract and going nowhere. In fact I believe he is having contract talks this week with Hull about extending.

Just adding the latest rumour. McKinnon, Ellis and Briscoe are all contracted as well, and I'll believe they're all leaving when it's announced. I'll personally be surprised if all 3 go, and amazed if we're stupid enough to part with Tickle unless he kicks up a fuss. I think we should offer him a 4 year deal now to see him out to around retirement.

Thats a long deal for a 29 year old Carl.

Just turned 29, though, and he'd still only be 33 and a half at the end of it. That's younger than Ellis will be at the end of his deal, and only a year older than Manu will be at the end of this year with most people saying Manu should be offers 2 years easy. He also has at least as good an injury record as both. His workload for regular 80 minutes and impeccable goal kicking warrant recognition of his importance to us IMO, loyalty works both ways.

Totally agree. A 4 year deal for one of our best players, in his prime as a forward, with a great injury record would be a very welcome piece of recruitment news.

Agree there, theres a difference in class between him and Ellis though.

Indeed, but there may well be a massive difference in terms of value to the club, Tickle has proven himself in a FC shirt, 4 years is a good deal to offer now, Ellis has done nothing in an FC shirt yet, no doubt he will go well, but Tickle has "been there, done it and got the t shirt" for FC.

Tbh I thought Carl meant a 4 year extension, i'd happily give Tickle a deal till the end of 2014.



I'd also look at were our youngsters seem strongest, in 2 or 3 years we might loss one or two talented back rowers because we have older players, past their best on big deals.

Which is countered by a difference in how much both players have done for us over the past 6 years. I appreciate where you're coming from with regards to Ellis' class meaning he's worth the possible risk, but I'd just say that Tickle's performances and proven importance to us over a significant period earn that right every bit as much albeit in a different way IMO. Would also take him up to a testimonial.

Didn't he sign for 2007?

Do you mean 2015?? 2014 would be a 1 year extension to his current contract

You are indeed correct, one year extension.