Marco Silva has supporters on the Grand Old Team forum reacting, after the boss revealed the futures of Phil Jagielka and Leighton Baines will be decided in the next few weeks.
The boss will sit down with Director of Football Marcel Brands on the back of our trip to Crystal Palace, to decide whether or not we should be retaining the services of the soon-to-be out-of-contract veteran duo.
Baines seems the most likely to earn another years stay on the Blue half of Stanley Park, with Silva noting that discussions have already begun with the left-back, in which the boss’ plans for the 34-year-old were laid out.
Jagielka, on the other hand, will sit down with Silva in the next few days to a week to learn his fate, having been the regular go-to man when injuries have ravished our defence.
“They have all the respect of ourselves,” Silva said during the week. “They are fully focused on what we want in our desire and our goal as a team. They are there, they are there working really hard for us to achieve what we want because it is the most important thing.
“You are talking about our captain, our sub captain, they are really important players, and they deserve all our respect.”
Should Baines and Jagielka both earn another years stay at Goodison Park, it will bring their Toffees careers to a potential 13-years, having joined Everton in the summer of 2007.
Not every supporter the Grand Old Team forum, however, are keen to see the duo reach the 13-year mark…
“I personally wouldn’t, I’d look to bring someone in, but I can certainly see why the club are doing it particularly if we think one of the youngsters may be ready to make the step up imminently” – KillenEFC (April 26, 07:35)
“If Baines is happy to be back up and take a pay cut then I’m fine with that” – Mikey_Fitzgerald (April 26, 08:40)
“I think that if all we are talking about is a reserve left back, it makes sense. You want to try and minimise the turnover of players where possible as it creates disruption. If they think Robinson is ready the following season, then they can promote him. If not, we’ll address it next summer.” – ToffeeBlue9 (April 26, 08:41)
“I feel sorry for all those who think it’s great news because it’ll wind me up. It means that the club are going nowhere fast and have zero ambition. Everton re-signing two past it veterans. Two squad places that could and should be used to build for the future of the club.” – Davek (April 26, 09:10)
“I imagine they won’t be on anything like the same level of wages they’re on now. Having good pros around can be a benefit, particularly when we’re looking to bring in young players.” – Buskwhi2 (April 26, 09:14)
“I feel much better about Baines getting a one-year extension than I do the prospect of Jagielka getting one. Baines has value for another year, Jagielka does not.” – Tez (April 26, 09:15)
“He’s done well enough when called upon this season to be backup for Digne next year. And while we don’t know the exact contract details, it stands to reason that it’ll be on reduced terms. There’s enough to be done to the squad this summer without unnecessarily increasing the number of players we need to bring in.” – BirkenheadBlue (April 26, 09:19)
“I don’t think it’s quite the no brainer some seem to think. Baines is possibly my favourite ever Everton player, he’s been outstanding for us, but his injury record over recent years has been poor, he’s not got the legs to get up and down like he used to, and if we’re honest in the last game he played he was absolutely horrific.” – Lanolin (April 26, 09:19)
“I would let both of them go. Neither are capable of being first choice anymore, and surely the whole point of being a squad player is that they could be first choice in case of injury or loss of form.” – Big Nev Lookalike (April 26, 09:20)
“Can see the merit in a 1-year extension for Baines, but personally think I would prefer a young backup to Digne. Jagielka should be released.” – Amw79 (April 26, 09:25)