News: Ash Leaving - Soon to be Official?
By Phil Hollis
January 18 2012
News reports this Wednesday evening would appear to suggest that Chris Ashton is indeed leaving Northampton Saints.
AN ASH DASH FOR THE EXIT?
Northampton's local newspaper, The Chronicle & Echo, published the following at 21.32pm this evening...
"UNCONFIRMED reports are stating the Chris Ashton has told Saints he is leaving the club at the end of the season.
The England winger’s contract runs out at the end of the season and he has been heavily linked with a big money move to Saracens.
Saints have tried to hold on to the winger but director of rugby Jim Mallinder revealed there had been no discussions over a new contract as Ashton had not indicated he wanted to stay at Franklin’s Gardens.
Saracens technical director Brendan Venter revealed the club was in discussions with Ashton and said there would be an announcement in the next two weeks ahead of the Six Nations.
Now the BBC is reporting that Ashton has told the club he is leaving at the end of the season, with Saracens the presumed destination..."
And BBC reporter, James Burridge, also tweeted the following tonight...
"EXCLUSIVE @bbclookeast @bbcsport_ticker Chris Ashton tells @SaintsRugby he's leaving club. Decision imminent with @Saracens #rugby..."
The Daily Mail will this morning report...
"The England wing Chris Ashton has been dropped by Northampton for Saturday’s sell-out visit of Munster in the Heineken Cup.
Ashton’s omission follows continued speculation that he is set to join Saracens next season.
Sportsmail understands that Ashton has told Northampton of his decision to move, which prompted Jim Mallinder — the club’s director of rugby — to leave him out for the high-profile pool match to be played in Milton Keynes in front of a 22,000 crowd..."
So, are we finally at the "end-game"?
Let's hope so because, if comments on ComeOnYouSaints.com over the last few days weeks are to be believed then let's just get it done.
Contrast that with the dignified exit of Roger Wilson back to Ulster, announced earlier today, one wonders where agents believe a player's interests really are.
Will someone just announce something, please, cos I'm bored with the whole circus...
News: Ash leaving - Soon to be Official?
Posted by: ComeOnYouSaints.com (IP Logged)
Date: 18/01/2012 23:37
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Re: ashton leaving
Posted by: Dave Jackson (IP Logged)
Date: 18/01/2012 21:55
No great surprise, wish him well. Somehow think he may come to regret it in future but we have plenty cover and Saints is bigger than one player... Lets try and let him leave with a trophy.
Re: ashton leaving
Posted by: Edward (IP Logged)
Date: 18/01/2012 21:57
I hope that's true. I could stomach that, just about. Nice tweet by the way Chris. I couldn't have put it any better myself. Good luck to him. Onwards and upwards.
Re: ashton leaving
Posted by: ChrisG (IP Logged)
Date: 18/01/2012 22:03
Well someone in the know said he'd signed for a London club in the Premiership, there's only one isn't there?
Re: ashton leaving
Posted by: desbralass (IP Logged)
Date: 18/01/2012 22:10
Is this an official announcement?
Bridesmaids no more.
Bridesmaids no more.
Re: ashton leaving
Posted by: propajob (IP Logged)
Date: 18/01/2012 22:15
From the Chron
Published on Wednesday 18 January 2012 21:32
UNCONFIRMED reports are stating the Chris Ashton has told Saints he is leaving the club at the end of the season.
The England winger’s contract runs out at the end of the season and he has been heavily linked with a big money move to Saracens.
Saints have tried to hold on to the winger but director of rugby Jim Mallinder revealed there had been no discussions over a new contract as Ashton had not indicated he wanted to stay at Franklin’s Gardens.
Saracens technical director Brendan Venter revealed the club was in discussions with Ashton and said there would be an announcement in the next two weeks ahead of the Six Nations.
Now the BBC is reporting that Ashton has told the club he is leaving at the end of the season, with Saracens the presumed destination.
REST OF COPY
Published on Wednesday 18 January 2012 21:32
UNCONFIRMED reports are stating the Chris Ashton has told Saints he is leaving the club at the end of the season.
The England winger’s contract runs out at the end of the season and he has been heavily linked with a big money move to Saracens.
Saints have tried to hold on to the winger but director of rugby Jim Mallinder revealed there had been no discussions over a new contract as Ashton had not indicated he wanted to stay at Franklin’s Gardens.
Saracens technical director Brendan Venter revealed the club was in discussions with Ashton and said there would be an announcement in the next two weeks ahead of the Six Nations.
Now the BBC is reporting that Ashton has told the club he is leaving at the end of the season, with Saracens the presumed destination.
REST OF COPY
Re: ashton leaving
Posted by: Chris B (IP Logged)
Date: 18/01/2012 22:16
Funny time in the evening for Ashton to go into Mallenders office...
Edit:
What does that line usually mean when the BBC is concerned?
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2012:01:18:22:18:34 by Chris B.
Edit:
Quote:http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/16551828.stm
Northampton's Chris Ashton has told the club he will not be playing for them next season, BBC Look East understands.
What does that line usually mean when the BBC is concerned?
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2012:01:18:22:18:34 by Chris B.
Re: ashton leaving
Posted by: Matthew (IP Logged)
Date: 18/01/2012 22:33
The same report has just been on telly, complete with stock footage of Ashton (it had Geraghty in it too).
Re: ashton leaving
Posted by: Ben_D (IP Logged)
Date: 18/01/2012 22:35
Not unsurprising having admitted to wanderlust in previous years. He's moved house every year since he's been in Northampton. I get the feeling it's in his nature.
Having watched him develop I can only say it's been an absolute pleasure, he's been a star with my son and has always had a chat with him when the opportunity arises. All the best to the young man. I can only hope you leave with your first Premiership winners medal packed in your bag.
Oh and can I suggest we get him a pair of gloves as a leaving present!
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2012:01:18:22:41:27 by Ben_D.
Having watched him develop I can only say it's been an absolute pleasure, he's been a star with my son and has always had a chat with him when the opportunity arises. All the best to the young man. I can only hope you leave with your first Premiership winners medal packed in your bag.
Oh and can I suggest we get him a pair of gloves as a leaving present!
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2012:01:18:22:41:27 by Ben_D.
Re: ashton leaving
Posted by: walks10 (IP Logged)
Date: 18/01/2012 23:00
2 departure announcements on the same day, a nice exciting arrival for next season would be nice to balance the books please
Re: ashton leaving
Posted by: ChrisG (IP Logged)
Date: 18/01/2012 23:02
Like the glove suggestion Ben and perhaps if any money left over a flask and a nice little stool?
Re: ashton leaving
Posted by: St Marlowe (IP Logged)
Date: 18/01/2012 23:13
Very sad, looks like me and MoANjAm were wrong. I see it's not about the money (see my strap line) but I hope he has take them for many, many Rand.
He will be missed and I think he will miss this club, but friendship is important, so if that is why is going fine.
So Good Luck Chris and thanks for the finishing
David L
What if there were no hypothetical questions?
- Live wrong and preposterously
He will be missed and I think he will miss this club, but friendship is important, so if that is why is going fine.
So Good Luck Chris and thanks for the finishing
David L
What if there were no hypothetical questions?
- Live wrong and preposterously
Re: ashton leaving
Posted by: Flinstone Saint (IP Logged)
Date: 18/01/2012 23:22
Oh well! 
Now, about this game at the weekend........
----------------------------------------
Please sponsor me for Saints with Heart [www.justgiving.com]
Now, about this game at the weekend........
----------------------------------------
Please sponsor me for Saints with Heart [www.justgiving.com]
Re: News: Ash leaving - Soon to be Official?
Posted by: Saint Dom in Hanoi (IP Logged)
Date: 18/01/2012 23:51
Every man has his price: money, friendship, change of scenery.
May the circus be over soon....
.
*I could agree with you - but then we'd both be wrong...*
May the circus be over soon....
.
*I could agree with you - but then we'd both be wrong...*
Re: News: Ash leaving - Soon to be Official?
Posted by: St Marlowe (IP Logged)
Date: 19/01/2012 00:37
Daily Mail - Chris Ashton has been dropped by Northampton for Saturday’s sell-out visit of Munster in the Heineken Cup.
If that is true, and he really didn't bother to even discuss terms with the club, I suspect that Jim will hold to his word, and we will not see him in a Saints shirt again.
David L
What if there were no hypothetical questions?
- Live wrong and preposterously
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2012:01:19:00:43:31 by St Marlowe.
Quote:Daily Mail
It is understood Mallinder and Ashton clashed at training on Wednesday morning, prompting fans on Twitter to talk of a ‘hissy fit’ from the England wing.
Ashton returned to action two weeks ago, following a four-week suspension for pulling the hair of Leicester’s Alesana Tuilagi. He played in last Saturday’s win over Scarlets but said he wanted his future cleared up by the end of January.
Saracens have yet to comment officially, although Brendan Venter, their South African technical director, said last week that talks had started and an announcement might be made within the next two weeks.
If that is true, and he really didn't bother to even discuss terms with the club, I suspect that Jim will hold to his word, and we will not see him in a Saints shirt again.
David L
What if there were no hypothetical questions?
- Live wrong and preposterously
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2012:01:19:00:43:31 by St Marlowe.
Re: News: Ash leaving - Soon to be Official?
Posted by: MoANjAm (IP Logged)
Date: 19/01/2012 06:06
It is 'understood' that Chris Ashton will NOT be leaving SAINTS..
..yet!
"sup·port·er"
Noun:
1.A person who approves of and encourages someone or something (typically a public figure, a movement or party, or a policy).
2.A person who is actively interested in and wishes success for a particular sports team.
..yet!
"sup·port·er"
Noun:
1.A person who approves of and encourages someone or something (typically a public figure, a movement or party, or a policy).
2.A person who is actively interested in and wishes success for a particular sports team.
Re: News: Ash leaving - Soon to be Official?
Posted by: StBleach (IP Logged)
Date: 19/01/2012 06:34
Telegraph
seems like him and Mallinder had words - as you would expect.
"Chris Ashton’s tempestuous recent relationship with Northampton appears to have reached breaking point after the England wing reportedly stormed out of the club following a training ground argument with the club’s director of rugby, Jim Mallinder."
Im so glad this nonsense has now come to an end and that he will not be seen in the Green Black and Gold again
seems like him and Mallinder had words - as you would expect.
"Chris Ashton’s tempestuous recent relationship with Northampton appears to have reached breaking point after the England wing reportedly stormed out of the club following a training ground argument with the club’s director of rugby, Jim Mallinder."
Im so glad this nonsense has now come to an end and that he will not be seen in the Green Black and Gold again
Re: News: Ash leaving - Soon to be Official?
Posted by: Viggo (IP Logged)
Date: 19/01/2012 06:50
Any chance of some good news coming out of the club ?
Re: News: Ash leaving - Soon to be Official?
Posted by: Duckonstilts (IP Logged)
Date: 19/01/2012 06:50
Oh well. Any chance we can keep digger instead?
Re: News: Ash leaving - Soon to be Official?
Posted by: andysaint (IP Logged)
Date: 19/01/2012 07:01
Good luck Chris, if you don't want the Saints we don't want you. The club will always be bigger than him. This is all getting a bit football for my liking hope it doesn't show the class of Chris but I think the Saints have behaved impeccably here. I hope they just get it announced now. To be frank I'd rather Elliott plays anyway v Munster, Ashton is clearly not match fit and it saves Foden time wondering where Ashton has gone next. I suspect Chris is very worried about his England chances.
Re: News: Ash leaving - Soon to be Official?
Posted by: walks10 (IP Logged)
Date: 19/01/2012 07:02
it all leaves a very bad taste in the mouth and while understanding there are always reasons for wanting to leave the way it has been handled has been dreadful. Agents have got a lot to answer for, but the player must take some responsibility and hope he learns from this.
As for the 'it's not about the money' i guess we will never know because of course he would say that, to say otherwise would alienate him completely.
As for the 'it's not about the money' i guess we will never know because of course he would say that, to say otherwise would alienate him completely.
Re: News: Ash leaving - Soon to be Official?
Posted by: DSAINT (IP Logged)
Date: 19/01/2012 07:13
Given where Chris Ashton's head has been lately then this is a good move for us, equally it frees up Ben Foden and we have seen how clinical he can be when not covering Ashton's gaps.
If the move also frees 200k in our salary cap or even the marque player then surely Jim can be canny on who he brings into the squad? Potentially a more influential player than a winger.
Saying all that it has been a real pleasure to watch and support Ashton's rise to one of the worlds top Union wingers? I hope that the move makes him happy personally and financially.
I just have a sneaking suspicion that when he looks back on his career he may have some regrets about how this has been handled by his agents and his lead.
A red card for his return to the Gardens, what odds??!!
I wish him well, and enjoy chasing all those box kicks at the Fez Heads!
"Rugby is a game for big @#$%&. if you're not a big @#$%&, you get hurt. I wasn't a big @#$%& but i was a fast @#$%& and therefore I avoided the big @#$%&." - Spike Milligan
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2012:01:19:07:15:10 by DSAINT.
If the move also frees 200k in our salary cap or even the marque player then surely Jim can be canny on who he brings into the squad? Potentially a more influential player than a winger.
Saying all that it has been a real pleasure to watch and support Ashton's rise to one of the worlds top Union wingers? I hope that the move makes him happy personally and financially.
I just have a sneaking suspicion that when he looks back on his career he may have some regrets about how this has been handled by his agents and his lead.
A red card for his return to the Gardens, what odds??!!
I wish him well, and enjoy chasing all those box kicks at the Fez Heads!
"Rugby is a game for big @#$%&. if you're not a big @#$%&, you get hurt. I wasn't a big @#$%& but i was a fast @#$%& and therefore I avoided the big @#$%&." - Spike Milligan
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2012:01:19:07:15:10 by DSAINT.
Re: News: Ash leaving - Soon to be Official?
Posted by: ChrisG (IP Logged)
Date: 19/01/2012 07:19
Few conflicting stories doing the rounds over night and parts of the Mail story about Twitter are fabricated so what else? Let's wait and see eh, though I'm not holding my breath.
Re: News: Ash leaving - Soon to be Official?
Posted by: St Francis (IP Logged)
Date: 19/01/2012 07:26
Slow news week? Not much happening in the run up to round 6 of the Heiny, not too many interesting games for the weekend? OK, let's put the Ashton story back in the microwave and serve that up again.
It might even be true, but who cares? We've filled our columns.
It might even be true, but who cares? We've filled our columns.
Re: News: Ash leaving - Soon to be Official?
Posted by: Lloydie (IP Logged)
Date: 19/01/2012 07:29
Loved your tweet Chris G!
Agreed the difference in exits between Sarge & Flash is palpable, but lets remember that Flash lost his Father last year and I am sure this is a major factor in his decision.
A change of club will to him be the best option, not sure myself if Sarries play the right brand of rugby for him but as St M says friendship is very important.
Thanks for the memories Flash, but "the Saints go marching on" enjoy watching from the side lines.
Agreed the difference in exits between Sarge & Flash is palpable, but lets remember that Flash lost his Father last year and I am sure this is a major factor in his decision.
A change of club will to him be the best option, not sure myself if Sarries play the right brand of rugby for him but as St M says friendship is very important.
Thanks for the memories Flash, but "the Saints go marching on" enjoy watching from the side lines.
Re: News: Ash leaving - Soon to be Official?
Posted by: St Owen (IP Logged)
Date: 19/01/2012 07:34
[quote=Phil H]Contrast that with the dignified exit of Roger Wilson back to Ulster, announced earlier today, one wonders where agents believe a player's interests really are.
Will someone just announce something, please, cos I'm bored with the whole circus...[/quote]
Couldn't agree with this more. Shame really. I'm sorry to see him go, but not disappointed if that makes sense.
Taking all emotion out of it, as an asset he's hardly been good value this season.
I hope he does well in the future nonetheless.
[quote=DSAINT]equally it frees up Ben Foden and we have seen how clinical he can be when not covering Ashton's gaps./quote]
This too. I think Foden has been playing excellently of late. And credit to Jamie Elliott too, if i'm being honest with myself I don't really think missed Ashton while he's been absent - mostly down to Jamie.
You can't always get what you want, But if you try sometimes well you might find, You get what you need.
Richards/Jagger
Will someone just announce something, please, cos I'm bored with the whole circus...[/quote]
Couldn't agree with this more. Shame really. I'm sorry to see him go, but not disappointed if that makes sense.
Taking all emotion out of it, as an asset he's hardly been good value this season.
I hope he does well in the future nonetheless.
[quote=DSAINT]equally it frees up Ben Foden and we have seen how clinical he can be when not covering Ashton's gaps./quote]
This too. I think Foden has been playing excellently of late. And credit to Jamie Elliott too, if i'm being honest with myself I don't really think missed Ashton while he's been absent - mostly down to Jamie.
You can't always get what you want, But if you try sometimes well you might find, You get what you need.
Richards/Jagger
Re: News: Ash leaving - Soon to be Official?
Posted by: Saint Tim (IP Logged)
Date: 19/01/2012 07:52
To be honest getting this settled is good news for the club. We can then move on. I am sure Jim wil have some canny signings lined up. He hasn't let us down yet.
“Those who desire to give up freedom in order to gain security will not have, nor do they deserve, either one.”
Benjamin Franklin
Tetleys Block F E143
“Those who desire to give up freedom in order to gain security will not have, nor do they deserve, either one.”
Benjamin Franklin
Tetleys Block F E143
Re: News: Ash leaving - Soon to be Official?
Posted by: Saint Dom in Hanoi (IP Logged)
Date: 19/01/2012 08:15
Beginning to wonder if Ashton might be the new Henson...
Is he beginning to believe in his own hype?
Without substance and evidenced facts, all we can do is speculate and read between the lines. Flash has every opportunity to come out openly and explain his position, but he hasn't - and, what is perhaps worse - the part of Saracens, Edwards and Venter in all this is beginning to stink.
It really mustn't spoil Saturday's game. An Ashton Exit Saga is the last thing Saints need.
Let's get it over with quickly and clinically and move on.
And look forward to playing Saracens in the future - and beating that irritation/jinx will be even more important.
*I could agree with you - but then we'd both be wrong...*
Is he beginning to believe in his own hype?
Without substance and evidenced facts, all we can do is speculate and read between the lines. Flash has every opportunity to come out openly and explain his position, but he hasn't - and, what is perhaps worse - the part of Saracens, Edwards and Venter in all this is beginning to stink.
It really mustn't spoil Saturday's game. An Ashton Exit Saga is the last thing Saints need.
Let's get it over with quickly and clinically and move on.
And look forward to playing Saracens in the future - and beating that irritation/jinx will be even more important.
*I could agree with you - but then we'd both be wrong...*
Re: News: Ash leaving - Soon to be Official?
Posted by: Jazzman (IP Logged)
Date: 19/01/2012 08:25
If the rumours are true there won't be many, if any of these in the future. A collector's item? I am sure Claire hasn't erased it, so I guess it is still available
Perhaps too, there will be the odd Saint's shirt signed by CA appearing on EBay soon?
Perhaps too, there will be the odd Saint's shirt signed by CA appearing on EBay soon?
Re: News: Ash leaving - Soon to be Official?
Posted by: tedge (IP Logged)
Date: 19/01/2012 08:45
Would it be sensible or reasonable not to pick him for Saints at all for the rest of the season (when available) ? A falling out is one thing (if true) but shouldn't pragmatism dictate that a player of his quality, still under contract and available,ought to be used ?
Re: News: Ash leaving - Soon to be Official?
Posted by: shizlebot (IP Logged)
Date: 19/01/2012 08:54
At the end of the day people come and go all the time in the work place and to the players it is their place of work.
As with somebody leaving from your place of work you might think they are making the wrong move but you thank them for their hard work and wish them well for the future.
You then recruit to cover their position and move on.
SO COME ON YOU SAINTS, LETS HAVE 'EM ON SATURDAY.
As with somebody leaving from your place of work you might think they are making the wrong move but you thank them for their hard work and wish them well for the future.
You then recruit to cover their position and move on.
SO COME ON YOU SAINTS, LETS HAVE 'EM ON SATURDAY.
Re: News: Ash leaving - Soon to be Official?
Posted by: MoANjAm (IP Logged)
Date: 19/01/2012 09:02
Last word on this from me; this evenings' hubub was due to a quote from the Daily Mail.
I give up with you lot sometimes!
now then; Munster!
"sup·port·er"
Noun:
1.A person who approves of and encourages someone or something (typically a public figure, a movement or party, or a policy).
2.A person who is actively interested in and wishes success for a particular sports team.
I give up with you lot sometimes!
now then; Munster!
"sup·port·er"
Noun:
1.A person who approves of and encourages someone or something (typically a public figure, a movement or party, or a policy).
2.A person who is actively interested in and wishes success for a particular sports team.
Re: News: Ash leaving - Soon to be Official?
Posted by: StBleach (IP Logged)
Date: 19/01/2012 09:05
At times like this I think it's good to draw strength and gain wisdom from the words and sentiments of previous players. I am reminded of what Ben Cohen once said and what he would say today... "Chris who? "
Re: News: Ash leaving - Soon to be Official?
Posted by: Edward (IP Logged)
Date: 19/01/2012 09:08
Quote:tedge
Would it be sensible or reasonable not to pick him for Saints at all for the rest of the season (when available) ? A falling out is one thing (if true) but shouldn't pragmatism dictate that a player of his quality, still under contract and available,ought to be used ?
While I agree that we should be using what we have I think the best course of action is to keep him fit and ready for selection should Vas, Elliott or Cato not be fit.
His attitude recently has been awful. He hasn't looked interested at all. If this has been the case while his future was up in the air, what chance that it will improve once it is confirmed elsewhere? Not much IMO.
Make no mistake, I am gutted about this, he has scored some great tries for our club but nothing less than 100% is acceptable once you cross the line. Can anyone honestly say he has put 100% in since RWC?
Now, where did we leave that Digger?
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2012:01:19:09:34:30 by Eddie P.
Re: News: Ash leaving - Soon to be Official?
Posted by: St Owen (IP Logged)
Date: 19/01/2012 09:14
Quote:tedge
Would it be sensible or reasonable not to pick him for Saints at all for the rest of the season (when available) ?
No.
Quote:tedge
A falling out is one thing (if true) but shouldn't pragmatism dictate that a player of his quality, still under contract and available,ought to be used ?
Quite correct. Surely we have to play the best team whoever that is. If Ashton is not the best option available, due to injury, form, commitment then no he shouldn’t be picked ahead of others. But to drop him permanently because he’s off is foolhardy to me. Get every ounce of talent out of him while we can I say, if he’s willing to give it.
Whether Ashton is capable of securing a starting spot on merit will remain to be seen.
You can't always get what you want, But if you try sometimes well you might find, You get what you need.
Richards/Jagger
Re: News: Ash leaving - Soon to be Official?
Posted by: tedge (IP Logged)
Date: 19/01/2012 09:35
My attitude towards Ashton, and for that matter Roger Wilson, is that they are quality players who have always given 100% for their club. As professional sportsmen they are entitled, when their contracts are ending, to seek out the best possible financial deal they can obtain in return for plying their wares.
My reaction is huge disappointment that Saints were either unable or unwilling to match any offers they might have received elsewhere. We will never know the reasons or what factors persuade the Coach down a particular route or if it was beyond his control. Either way JM will not harbour grudges and neither should we. Any players leaving at the end of the season remain Saints until they go and I would expect nothing less than 100 per cent from them in the meantime.
My reaction is huge disappointment that Saints were either unable or unwilling to match any offers they might have received elsewhere. We will never know the reasons or what factors persuade the Coach down a particular route or if it was beyond his control. Either way JM will not harbour grudges and neither should we. Any players leaving at the end of the season remain Saints until they go and I would expect nothing less than 100 per cent from them in the meantime.
Re: News: Ash leaving - Soon to be Official?
Posted by: Saint Dom in Hanoi (IP Logged)
Date: 19/01/2012 09:36
Doesn't it all depend on what's going on in his head? If he's truly professional, he should give his all and play for the shirt until May, at which point he belongs to "somewhere special". But if his head's not right, he's more of a hindrance than a help.
And, if there's any truth in yesterday's rumours about a hissy fit at training, he may find himself suspended by the club, who may fine him as well.
Either way, he will be England's problem for a while and then, if/when he returns to the tender care of Nick J and JM, we shall see...
*I could agree with you - but then we'd both be wrong...*
And, if there's any truth in yesterday's rumours about a hissy fit at training, he may find himself suspended by the club, who may fine him as well.
Either way, he will be England's problem for a while and then, if/when he returns to the tender care of Nick J and JM, we shall see...
*I could agree with you - but then we'd both be wrong...*
Re: News: Ash leaving - Soon to be Official?
Posted by: Saint Tim (IP Logged)
Date: 19/01/2012 09:47
Tedge,
What we may place as a value on Chris and what another club may do could be very different values. If we are close to the salary cap and cannot match the required salary - or feel the need to strengthen the squad elsewhere and that other club feels no such pressure then these are going to happen.
That Chris is moving on is not the issue to me. Players will move much more now we are a professional sport and they seek to maximise their earnings. It is the manner in which it has all played out. Now we could criticise jim and the club on this but to date this is the only player that I remember that this has happened - if of course you ignore Ben C.
I am much more inclined to put the blame on the player and his agent. If I remember rightly his leaving Wigan was acrimonious as well with him being dropped for the final games.
“Those who desire to give up freedom in order to gain security will not have, nor do they deserve, either one.”
Benjamin Franklin
Tetleys Block F E143
What we may place as a value on Chris and what another club may do could be very different values. If we are close to the salary cap and cannot match the required salary - or feel the need to strengthen the squad elsewhere and that other club feels no such pressure then these are going to happen.
That Chris is moving on is not the issue to me. Players will move much more now we are a professional sport and they seek to maximise their earnings. It is the manner in which it has all played out. Now we could criticise jim and the club on this but to date this is the only player that I remember that this has happened - if of course you ignore Ben C.
I am much more inclined to put the blame on the player and his agent. If I remember rightly his leaving Wigan was acrimonious as well with him being dropped for the final games.
“Those who desire to give up freedom in order to gain security will not have, nor do they deserve, either one.”
Benjamin Franklin
Tetleys Block F E143
Re: News: Ash leaving - Soon to be Official?
Posted by: Saint Dom in Hanoi (IP Logged)
Date: 19/01/2012 09:53
"Nothing in his life became him like the leaving it; he died as one that had been studied in his death to throw away the dearest thing he owed, as 't were a careless trifle". - (Macbeth, Act I, Scene IV).
Flash may not be dead, but he's dead to me if he walks out on Saints in this fashion.
You only have to look at the example of Roger Wilson to see how these things should be done.
*I could agree with you - but then we'd both be wrong...*
Flash may not be dead, but he's dead to me if he walks out on Saints in this fashion.
You only have to look at the example of Roger Wilson to see how these things should be done.
*I could agree with you - but then we'd both be wrong...*
Re: News: Ash leaving - Soon to be Official?
Posted by: ChrisG (IP Logged)
Date: 19/01/2012 10:06
Don't read too much into what the papers are reporting at the moment, some of it may be very untrue (but whats new there eh?)
Re: News: Ash leaving - Soon to be Official?
Posted by: Bob Stainsby (IP Logged)
Date: 19/01/2012 10:14
No comment until his current employers make an official statement
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Re: News: Ash leaving - Soon to be Official?
Posted by: just saying ... (IP Logged)
Date: 19/01/2012 10:39
Can't help but compare the integrity of how Roger Wilson's move has been handled in comparison to Chris Ashton's rumoured departure.
Players are a long time retired, so can fully understand why Chris would want to move if the offer is as good as the rumours suggest. I would be interested to know if his people did at any point ask Saints what was on offer for him to stay? I don't believe his representatives have done his reputation, and their reputation any favours in this process - and I can't help but wonder how much good "rugby" advice comes within their commercial advice. However, if they have secured a megabucks deal for Chris I doubt they will worry.
With his try scoring record I am certain that he would be picked to play, if his form, fitness and mental approach are right. So if he hasn't been picked I trust the coaching team that there will be a good reason. With all the talk there must be a level of distraction and it is possible that they didn't feel he was completely focussed for the Munster match
On his day he can be a match winner and if he is going then best to thank him for what he has done for Saints and wish him all the best.
Players are a long time retired, so can fully understand why Chris would want to move if the offer is as good as the rumours suggest. I would be interested to know if his people did at any point ask Saints what was on offer for him to stay? I don't believe his representatives have done his reputation, and their reputation any favours in this process - and I can't help but wonder how much good "rugby" advice comes within their commercial advice. However, if they have secured a megabucks deal for Chris I doubt they will worry.
With his try scoring record I am certain that he would be picked to play, if his form, fitness and mental approach are right. So if he hasn't been picked I trust the coaching team that there will be a good reason. With all the talk there must be a level of distraction and it is possible that they didn't feel he was completely focussed for the Munster match
On his day he can be a match winner and if he is going then best to thank him for what he has done for Saints and wish him all the best.
Re: News: Ash leaving - Soon to be Official?
Posted by: tedge (IP Logged)
Date: 19/01/2012 10:48
All points taken although comparison between Wilson's and Ashton's departures is not really fair. Wilson is 30 and wanted to go back to his roots to end his career so I doubt his agent was ever asked to "shop around" for best offers. It was simply a case of Ulster (presumably) wanted him and he wanted to go so arranging a deal would be reasonably straightforward.
Ashton is younger, still in the early stages of his career and a current international with maximum earning potential. We might quarrel with the way his agent has handled it but in pro sport these days ceste la vie.
Ashton is younger, still in the early stages of his career and a current international with maximum earning potential. We might quarrel with the way his agent has handled it but in pro sport these days ceste la vie.
Re: News: Ash leaving - Soon to be Official?
Posted by: ChrisG (IP Logged)
Date: 19/01/2012 10:52
All academic now
Re: News: Ash leaving - Soon to be Official?
Posted by: Ben Johnson (IP Logged)
Date: 19/01/2012 10:53
Maybe Chris is a bit miffed that we don't value him as highly as he values himself.
He's going to Saracens because we weren't prepared to pay him what they've offered. I hope for his sake that they don't mess him around, if things have gone pear shaped with the Saints.
Best get ready for the 'something special' press release i s'pose
Come On You Saints
He's going to Saracens because we weren't prepared to pay him what they've offered. I hope for his sake that they don't mess him around, if things have gone pear shaped with the Saints.
Best get ready for the 'something special' press release i s'pose
Come On You Saints
Re: News: Ash leaving - Soon to be Official?
Posted by: Ben Johnson (IP Logged)
Date: 19/01/2012 10:56
I'd best eat my words, fair play to Sarries for not rubbing it in with a silly press release.
And thanks to Chris, if we meet Sarries in the AP semi/final I doubt you'll be playing!
Come On You Saints
And thanks to Chris, if we meet Sarries in the AP semi/final I doubt you'll be playing!
Come On You Saints
Re: News: Ash leaving - Soon to be Official?
Posted by: tedge (IP Logged)
Date: 19/01/2012 10:58
Actually Ben he didn't even want to talk to Saints so possibly it never even got as far as an offer from Saints. If true it suggests he wanted to leave whatever
Re: News: Ash leaving - Soon to be Official?
Posted by: Bob Stainsby (IP Logged)
Date: 19/01/2012 11:03
Goodbye Chris, Good Luck
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Re: News: Ash leaving - Soon to be Official?
Posted by: Ben Johnson (IP Logged)
Date: 19/01/2012 11:09
Quote:tedge
Actually Ben he didn't even want to talk to Saints so possibly it never even got as far as an offer from Saints. If true it suggests he wanted to leave whatever
good point tedge, I hope he explains why one day.
Come On You Saints
Re: News: Ash leaving - Soon to be Official?
Posted by: Bingo Bango Saint (IP Logged)
Date: 19/01/2012 11:31
Ashton has just tweeted that he is joining Sarries next season but its all saints until then.
I think he meant its all Saints Wanderers till then.
I think he meant its all Saints Wanderers till then.
Re: News: Ash leaving - Soon to be Official?
Posted by: Saint Tim (IP Logged)
Date: 19/01/2012 12:21
I know it has been announced today, but I wonder when it was signed and more critically when it was agreed.
But apart from that intrigue. Play him if he is performing in training. If he isn't don't. Seemples.
“Those who desire to give up freedom in order to gain security will not have, nor do they deserve, either one.”
Benjamin Franklin
Tetleys Block F E143
But apart from that intrigue. Play him if he is performing in training. If he isn't don't. Seemples.
“Those who desire to give up freedom in order to gain security will not have, nor do they deserve, either one.”
Benjamin Franklin
Tetleys Block F E143
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