TruBlueBrad wrote:
Firstly, I just explained that he looked no more uncomfortable than anyone else who's asked about their contract status. It didn't appear he was hiding anything. I think a few people weren't impressed with his interview, but that wasn't solely based on his response to his contract status.
His Dad and Bryce have both been on record repeatedly as saying he'll be a one club player. Obviously things change and the unexpected happens, but I have faith that as long as we're offering a fair deal he'll sign. I don't believe a return home looms at all.
Contract negotiations generally play out over time. There is plenty of time for this to get done. As I explained, and you acknowledged, the same fear was going on with Murphy two years ago and it all turned out fine. It was a complicated deal.
This very thread started with Swann saying it was close and as Cazz just pointed out, it doesn't really suit Gibbs to sign early when his value is still rising. The longer it takes the more leverage they have to negotiate from.
I'd imagine the deal is 85-90% done, maybe more, and they're haggling over the minor details. They may have even put it on hold until mid-season to allow Bryce to start the season without the worry of it. As you just pointed out we may be into someone ourselves and uncertain about how much we'll have to offer over the next few years. We may be trying to front load his contract while we have space.
Anything could be happening and I don't see the point in getting bent up about it now.
But not all players wait til the end of the year when they're value is higher. Club would surely prefer to put this to bed sooner than later. Swann said it was close and now who knows? It's been a while since Swann's comment.
Reality is we don't know. You yourself said 'you imagine'.
One eye open, as I said.