Rumours linking Jermain Defoe to a slightly unexpected playing extension are certainly intriguing, but have our attention for sure.
The aging strike veteran had widely been expected to retire at the end of this season, such is his minimal involvement the past year or so, but if sources are to be believed, Rangers still value his contribution as a player and want to extend him for one more campaign.
In truth, like Steven Davis, Defoe has looked after himself magnificently and shown no signs of slowing down when he’s had his moments on the pitch.
Indeed, Steven Gerrard preferred him over younger competitors for the shirt v Cove, and started with his ex-England team mate up top – being rewarded with an excellent 25-yard goal.
Defoe still has it – his brain is still as quick as it always was, and surprisingly his body isn’t deteriorating half as quickly as we’d have expected.
Does he have another season in him?
Like Allan McGregor and indeed Davis, his career has earned him the right to choose when he’s ready to hang up his boots.
He’s a special striker, and he’ll never stop scoring as long as he’s on that football pitch.
But we do hope, sensibly, if he gets another year, he accepts a more modest wage than the £65K (or £35K depending on who you read) that he’s on now.
We can’t afford a fringe squad member to be the highest earner on the payroll.
But he’s still invaluable, and his wisdom will always be welcome, whatever role he plays.
Agree , with more shares v investment just issued we need to steady our ship . Yes if he takes a wage cut no with a big thank you if he doesn’t .
I’d guess he’s definitely staying put seeing as he adorns one of the newly erected flags on Edmiston Drive! I think we should be doing all we can to keep him around. When he plays, he usually scores. When he’s not playing he is invaluable to our squad as whole. I really hope there is an aim to get him into the coaching staff by the end of next season too.
I think Defoe can still make a contribution. If he played every week I think he would easily score 25-30 goals a season. I’m not suggesting he should or even could play every week but the guy is a natural goal scorer and we are a team that make lots of chances. And his play around the box when not scoring is better than he is given credit for. I agree about the wage cut though. It’s ridiculous for us to pay £65k a week for someone that has played as infrequently as he has this season.
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