Ben Watson

[Reds73]

It's the Skipper's birthday today.

Ben is now 35.

Should we give him the 2 year deal that he is apparently asking for?

Very tough one - as long as it is reasonable wages then yes.
if we get promoted then we shake hands and thank him for his services and let him move on

[optimistic_red]

From Wikipedia

At the outset of the 2008–09 season, Watson had one year left on his contract at Palace. The club reportedly offered him a new contract that would have made him Palace's highest-paid player, which was subsequently turned down. He also turned down a move to Nottingham Forest, who claimed he was demanding too high a salary,[10] amidst rumours that he was seeking an offer from Queens Park Rangers.

[Strawberry Avenger]

A year.

SA.

[Sniffer Dog (Admin)]

A year.

SA.

Trouble is I don't think he will accept a year. He apparently has 2 year offers from elsewhere.

[Dog and Bear]

Offer him a 2 year he has earned it. He could always leave after 12 months if it's not working out for whatever reason.

[Salvatore Matrecano]

I think he will take an offer from down South, he lives in London and his family is there. If I was him I wouldnt choose a 5 hour daily round trip if there was something comparable locally.

[ThePromisedLand]

Unless the PL was beckoning...

[Salvatore Matrecano]

He’s been great for us this season but another year older and in the PL? No chance.

[Paplane]

I think he will take an offer from down South, he lives in London and his family is there. If I was him I wouldnt choose a 5 hour daily round trip if there was something comparable locally.

But he's an auto pick in the starting 11 up here with us. That must mean a lot.

[Tricky]

I think he will take an offer from down South, he lives in London and his family is there. If I was him I wouldnt choose a 5 hour daily round trip if there was something comparable locally.

But he's an auto pick in the starting 11 up here with us. That must mean a lot.

Not if he can earn the same nearer to home. He is in the twilight of his career now and will want to get as many good pay days in as he can. If he has been offered more or the same over a longer period, that means at least two more years of financial stability for him and his family. Loyalty only goes so far Pap, but family must always come first!

[GaribaldiRED]

Forest should definitely try to keep Watson. If he needs 2 years then give it to him. Forest need him both on and off the pitch.

[Tricky]

Forest should definitely try to keep Watson. If he needs 2 years then give it to him. Forest need him both on and off the pitch.

Agreed