[boingboing1989]

Looking across all the games last season, I can't think of that many opposition right backs that were that much better than Furlong.  He was good in the air and made some great last ditch tackles when his wing back/winger went missing. Had hoped that someone would step up from the academy but no.
I don't think he's a spending priority and it could be difficult to find a replacement.

He was our player of the season for me, best season he's had with us and Corberan really got the best out of him. But, he's proven to have his limitations under previous managers so if he has to go he goes.

[MarkW]

Pulis played with 5 centre backs so what’s your point

That going from:

Furlong - Bartley - Kipré - Townsend

To

McNair - Ajayi - Bartley - Heggem

Will have a profound impact on our ability to progress the ball up the pitch, and may stifle both our attacking ability but also hinder our ability to retain possession

[Albionic]

Replacing DF is not a priority currently,

[tucka9]

We need to tie this man down to a new deal, was good last season and looks even better this season! Looks to be a leader and play with a lot of maturity going forward and defending these days.

[LiamTheBaggie]

That going from:

Furlong - Bartley - Kipré - Townsend

To

McNair - Ajayi - Bartley - Heggem

Will have a profound impact on our ability to progress the ball up the pitch, and may stifle both our attacking ability but also hinder our ability to retain possession

I thought your point was extremely clear.

The instructions for the full backs under Pulis are totally different to how Carlos sets up his side.

Furlong is often our outlet - something that would never have happened under Pulis.

[MarkW]

I thought your point was extremely clear.

The instructions for the full backs under Pulis are totally different to how Carlos sets up his side.

Furlong is often our outlet - something that would never have happened under Pulis.

I've got to say I've been really impressed both with Heggem and especially Furlong. His ball to Fellows in the first minute on Saturday was excellent. He also had a great pass for Maja's goal Vs Stoke

[Fritzl Palace]

Furlong is comfortably our most improved player since Corberan took charge.

[LiamTheBaggie]

Furlong is comfortably our most improved player since Corberan took charge.

Agreed - and that's both defensively and going forwards.

Few seasons ago we were looking to ship him out but he's now pretty much the first name you pick.

[Fritzl Palace]

Agreed - and that's both defensively and going forwards.

Few seasons ago we were looking to ship him out but he's now pretty much the first name you pick.

Very much so, I was extremely critical of him, and rightly so as he was poor both defensively and offensively, but he has stepped up massively and deserves immense praise for it.

[gazberg]

He really has turned it around. In fact he will be a big miss if he walks for free at end of the season.

Crazy how people buckle down with things and improve when their futures up for grabs.

[SmethDan]

No idea how true but I've read a couple of rumours online to suggest we're in negotiations over a new deal.

[Fritzl Palace]

No idea how true but I've read a couple of rumours online to suggest we're in negotiations over a new deal.

Would make sense, whether he accepts or not is a different thing I guess as I cannot imagine there would be a pay rise as part of it given that we are trying to clip the wage bill somewhat

[mulliganstired]

Would make sense, whether he accepts or not is a different thing I guess as I cannot imagine there would be a pay rise as part of it given that we are trying to clip the wage bill somewhat

The old promotion linked pay rise might do it

[halifax_baggie]

The old promotion linked pay rise might do it

Please no, we need younger and better
Age and resale value will be non existent 

[beechyboy90]

Well he is 29 this October do a 2 year deal max

[gazberg]

Well he is 29 this October do a 2 year deal max

Tricky one really. 29 will probably want 3 at least. If he keeps his form up then he will get it somewhere too

[halifax_baggie]

Well he is 29 this October do a 2 year deal max

But no resale value and relatively high salary !!

[bradleysrocket]

But no resale value and relatively high salary !!

How much would it take to replace him with like for like quality, proven in this division?

[costa blanca baggie]

How much would it take to replace him with like for like quality, proven in this division?

I'm confident our new owners will already have worked out the pros and cons of this dilemma. They're doing a good job so far.

[MarkW]

How much would it take to replace him with like for like quality, proven in this division?

Why do they need to be proven in this division? Heggem wasn't and he's doing fine.

[hardtobeat]

People seem to have a fixation with age ! Given the improvement in fitness, dietary standards etc turning 30/31 is no longer the beginning of the end for professional sportsmen . If Darnell maintains his recent injury record I see no harm in tying him down for another 3 years or 2 years with 12 month option . He is still improving as can be witnessed by his performances so far this season !

[halifax_baggie]

People seem to have a fixation with age ! Given the improvement in fitness, dietary standards etc turning 30/31 is no longer the beginning of the end for professional sportsmen . If Darnell maintains his recent injury record I see no harm in tying him down for another 3 years or 2 years with 12 month option . He is still improving as can be witnessed by his performances so far this season !

At my age I have no fixation whatsoever about age or fitness. However the underlying problem is still the financial situation within the club, where the utmost care must be taken with regard to player salaries and length of contracts together with maximising future resale value. So when looking at player contracts the player market must play a part in the decision. The club has shown over this transfer window the ability to find and loan/buy players that could possible be at least equal or better than those released or contracts expired. I'm confident the club will not sign players or resign players with limited shelf life and no resale value

[tommcneill]

Players are now hitting peak at 30-34, Darnell has improved no end the last 2 years.

Im a fan myself. Always liked the lad.

[halifax_baggie]

Players are now hitting peak at 30-34, Darnell has improved no end the last 2 years.

Im a fan myself. Always liked the lad.

They do  say that you can prove anything with statistics. If possible could you please provide a link to your claim relating to players peak being 30 to 34. If that is statistically correct  I wonder why so many clubs don't seem to have squads dominated by that age group and why so many players on the current available list with no club fall into the older age group?

[KN22]

Players are now hitting peak at 30-34, Darnell has improved no end the last 2 years.

Im a fan myself. Always liked the lad.

He has improved massively and I would have no issue at all with him being rewarded with another deal. I remember having an argument with an erstwhile poster on this very forum who claimed that Furlong was only ever picked because of nepotism. Utter rubbish!