New deal for Osman

, 6 November, 53comments  |  Jump to most recent
Leon Osman has agreed a one-year extension to his Everton contract that ties him to the club until the summer of 2016.

The veteran midfielder has now played over 400 times for the Blues and was rewarded for his service with a testimonial match at Goodison Park against FC Porto in August.

His existing contract was due to expire at the end of the current season.  



Reader Comments (53)

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Paul Andrews
1 Posted 06/11/2014 at 16:31:03
We’ll deserved contract extension.

He won’t play as many games but an experienced player to bring off the bench.

Minik Hansen
2 Posted 06/11/2014 at 16:32:15
Well Ossie, I hope you enjoy your time here, here’s for a good, stable, run of form to help us with the European games, cup games and as a good sub in the PL.
Dave Pritchard
3 Posted 06/11/2014 at 16:35:32
RM does seem to want to keep the experienced players. Not against that in principle. Always a risk when players are getting contracts into their mid-thirties though.
Oscar Huglin
4 Posted 06/11/2014 at 16:39:18
Good. He deserves this. He doesn’t deserve the derision he gets from some posters.

Fantastic servant of the club and a great figure to have in the squad, especially for the youngsters. His attitude is nothing to be taken for granted – he loves Everton and always gives his all. He will be an important squaddie for the rest of this season and next season.

Bring on Lille.

Richard Reeves
5 Posted 06/11/2014 at 16:37:07
Dear, oh dear...

Sometimes I think I’m living in the Matrix and Osman is the glitch (the cat).

There are three positions that I’ve thought are a priority in strengthening: they are right back, a creative midfielder, and striker... but, after this news, I would say just buy a shit load of midfielders.

Paul Kelly
7 Posted 06/11/2014 at 16:45:31
Assuming El Bob extended it so as he wouldn’t be snapped up on a free come January... :) ?
Charlie Barrow
8 Posted 06/11/2014 at 16:53:29
Nothing against the guy at all but the reality is he is an impact player for the last 20 minutes - he can’t last a full game. He’s ok on the ball but a real liability as a defender - the way Alan Hutton went past him as if he didn’t exist in the Villa game was just embarrassing.
Jonathan Matthews
9 Posted 06/11/2014 at 16:53:05
He’s been a class act during his career and his experience will help bring on the youngsters trying to make it through to the squad. It took too long for him to get his England acknowledgement but age catches up with us all I suppose.

He’s definitely still a good option to use sparingly or as a substitute in order to get the most out of his energy levels. I’m interested to see what purchasing power and players RM will have in mind in the coming transfer windows.

Tony J Williams
10 Posted 06/11/2014 at 17:04:01
Bit part player now, but obviously Bobby wants him around... the same as Hibbert.
Mike Gaynes
11 Posted 06/11/2014 at 17:19:37
Still a great value for the club, and a class act from head to toe... (a small distance, admittedly). He will win games for us off the bench, mark my words.
Tom R Owen
12 Posted 06/11/2014 at 17:19:36
Surely Eto & Barry are far better "experienced " players than Osman
Add to them Jags Howard how many "experienced" players do we need.
Good squad player but please enough!
Phil Walling
14 Posted 06/11/2014 at 17:24:36
Pleased for Ossie but no doubt we will be reading of similar deals for Kone - to allow him time to get fit - Alcaraz, Gibson and Robles ere long !
John Raftery
15 Posted 06/11/2014 at 17:32:19
Brian (6) His existing contract expired next summer. This extension takes him up to the summer 2016.
John Daley
16 Posted 06/11/2014 at 17:33:19
"..he still has a year and a half to run on the existing contract"

That can’t be right seen as though it says this year extension takes him through to summer 2016.

Colin Williams
19 Posted 06/11/2014 at 17:29:08
Joke, people keep trying to convince themselves and others that Ossie’s been a top player over the years They couldn’t be further from the real truth!! One of the most overrated players I’ve ever seen at this or any Premier League club.

People keep trying to say "Ossie bashers" when Blues comment on his overall contribution to the team, although the fact is, whether you rate Ossie or not, the quality of performances over the years have been very poor.

Although the Ossie ranters will keep talking crap about his excellent performances week-in & week-out, which is bollocks.

Look, I would luv Ossie to perform at a top standard every time he plays, but the fact is, the lad’s a well below average Prem midfield player. Please stop talking about Ossie as if the lad can make a big difference, he can’t.

Tony Marsh
20 Posted 06/11/2014 at 18:05:35
Good servant or not Leon has had his time here. We have the oldest average age for any team in all the English football leagues .Osman, Barry, Howard, Distin, Alcaraz, Jagz, Baines, Eto are all in the 30-something gang.

We need to lower the age down a bit. Osman has been finished for years. Time to hang ’em up, Leon.

Brent Stephens
24 Posted 06/11/2014 at 18:25:38
The contract would have been signed earlier but there was a dispute about a buy-out clause - apparently Everton insisted on one - I’ll leave you to guess how much.
Dave Duggan
25 Posted 06/11/2014 at 18:19:07
Waste of wages as he just isn’t good enough! Hasn’t been for a while. 30-40k a week or whatever he must be on could be better spent elsewere IMO.

Good career from a decent enough player but time has moved on. How many "experienced" players does one club need? Yet more bench time and u21 football for the kids.

Chris James
28 Posted 06/11/2014 at 18:53:59
Totally ridiculous decision. Osman hasn’t had a good game yet in 2014. He was never a strong physical presence and now he looks off the pace too.

He can pass a ball, his experience has value and I’m sure he’s a nice lad to have about, but as many of the above posters outlined, there was absolutely no need to offer this now if at all.

He’s a loyal player so he’d want to hang around anyway. Even if he didn’t, do you see a queue of clubs lining up for an ageing lightweight midfielder? I really don’t. Fair enough if he came back into form, then he can make the argument then, but recently he’s been poor to anonymous.

Leon has played well for the club in the past, I will never argue he’s not had a solid career with us, but he’s nearing the end of his career now and it’s time to move on. It’s not like he hasn’t earned a fair wage in the last 10 years!!

Peter Bell
30 Posted 06/11/2014 at 19:03:54
The new contracts given to both Hibbert and Osman gives me the feeling that Roberto doesnt have the balls or ruthlessness to be a top manager. These players should have both been told thanks but no thanks
Christopher Brierley
31 Posted 06/11/2014 at 19:02:04
Scraping the barrel. He just doesn’t cut it anymore and the odd game where he does play out of his skin isn’t worth the deal he has been given. If I have to see him robbed of possession and him getting powder puffed knocked off the ball in a game I will go nutty. Every time he plays these days it seems to happen at least twice.

Don’t get me wrong, he has been a great servant to the club he loves but there has gotta come a time for sanity to reign over sentiment and for him to be cut loose (Hibbert too maybe) and fresh blood brought in.

Brent Stephens
33 Posted 06/11/2014 at 19:12:43
Christopher #31, you say you don’t rate him and he gets knocked off the ball - at least twice a game! I think that suggests what I’ve always suspected, that some see just a few bad bits and slag him whereas ALL players make errors but nowt said. Out of your own mouth.
Gavin Johnson
34 Posted 06/11/2014 at 19:19:38
I'm lost for words. I thought his current contract ran out next summer, and an extension on that would have been hard to swallow. However this just takes the piss! I'm not going to knock him and say he hasn't got something to offer. I think he can do a job coming on for the last 20-30 mins of a game, but how's he going to be in 2016?! A complete waste of wages for me.
Paul Dark
35 Posted 06/11/2014 at 19:34:30
Quite simply shocking.

Worst player in the squad after McGeady and Robles.

Chris James
36 Posted 06/11/2014 at 19:31:30
Brent #33 Fair enough to challenge the naysayers.
Despite my Osman annoyance I usually don't sanction getting on the players' backs, but as a counter can you offer some examples of what Leon currently actually does do well for the team? I know Robbie can see something, but I'm struggling.
Mark Tanton
37 Posted 06/11/2014 at 19:36:41
When you consider Gerrard's future is uncertain, Osman continuing to win new contracts is an absolute scandal of sentimentality.
Joe McMahon
38 Posted 06/11/2014 at 19:49:41
Peter Bell - spot on!
Jonathan Matthews
39 Posted 06/11/2014 at 20:35:56
... And then he scores. So what do we know? ;)
Chris James
40 Posted 06/11/2014 at 20:42:48
Mark #37 that's exactly the point isn't it.
Gerrard looks like he could be moved on at Liverpool, Lampard released by Chelsea, United let Ferdinand and others go (eventually). City move on Barry and Lescott.
There's no sentiment at the top clubs with ageing players, managers, chairmen, whatever. It's not a bad thing, that's just the way the game is - it's not like the players are left struggling for money or anything, they earn more in a year than many of us will in a lifetime.

On one hand I do like the fact that Everton is a family club and we have a strong team spirit and treat people well - it's a factor that may play into helping us recruit players and certain types of players too (i.e. we don't have too many total dicks) - but we have to benefit that with prudency and pragmatism. Leon has had a testimonial, released his book and had a chance to show if he can cut it in the premier league. I don't think we had to give him a new contract as well.

Paul Andrews
41 Posted 06/11/2014 at 20:59:34
A tidy first half from Leon, topped by a great finish.

A wonderful riposte to the unnecessary stick he receives..

Michael Kenrick
42 Posted 06/11/2014 at 21:52:56
Great goal by Ossie tonight. Those clever feet we thought had almost deserted him.

Nice riposte!

Gavin McGarvey
44 Posted 06/11/2014 at 22:05:51
It does seem a bit like Leon read this thread before playing tonight, as he fairly rammed that shot down his critics throats. My mate rates Osman as a solid 6 or 7 out of ten every game, and I think that's fair enough, occasionally a little better than that, occasionally a little worse, but generally there or thereabouts.

As for keeping Hibbert and Osman, I think RM values the team/club ethic that was developed under Moyes (not the bottling bit, but the fighting spirit I imagine) and is keen to keep that identity. I was surprised that he didn't want to ship out the old manager's favourites, but I guess they bought into RM's ideas and he felt they were a good influence and also (perhaps more importantly) a known quantity.

For those who think he's just too nice a guy, get a load of how he treated Distin when he threw his toys out of the pram. Poor Sylvain, I thought he might have played his last game for us. Luckily he seems to have made things up with the boss. Anyway regardless of what we think, and the change in playing style, the new boss seems to equal the old boss for sheer bloody mindedness when he's in the mood, so if he likes Osman, a new contract he shall get.

Peter Jones
45 Posted 06/11/2014 at 22:50:17
Well in Ossie. Great player and still best midfielder at club. You say he hasn't played well this season. No stand out performances but check whether he's playing when we we win.
Daniel Joseph
46 Posted 06/11/2014 at 23:00:56
A refreshing change for a guy to get a better contract and then go out and show he’s worth it by scoring, instead sitting comfortably with a wedge in his back pocket.

An excellent servant to Everton Football Club.

Sam Morrison
47 Posted 06/11/2014 at 22:57:53
Can pick a pass, quick feet, puts in a shift, scores goals every season for ten years... GETS KNOCKED OFF THE BALL NOW AND THEN!

He should be put to sleep and his parts sold off for pies. Or something. Mathematically speaking, every squad has to have a player you are least fond of, and since Robles and Hibbert don't play that often and McGeady hasn't been here long enough, most go for Osman.

Let's vote the shittest player out the squad every week. In six months we'll have Ross Barkley left - in goal.

Brent Stephens
48 Posted 06/11/2014 at 23:17:30
Chris #36 - tonight as an example?
Carl Sanderson
50 Posted 06/11/2014 at 23:40:30
Congratulations, Ossie – well deserved.
Brian Wilkinson
51 Posted 07/11/2014 at 00:03:53
Well in, Ossie. I said last week Ossie has a goal or two left him in yet.
Karl Masters
52 Posted 07/11/2014 at 01:15:05
400 odd games does not happen by accident. Nor does 70 odd goals from midfield.

He’s still got something to offer as he proved tonight, but regardless of that you could name a weakness in every player in our squad. Some just can’t help picking on the little guy. Yes, he’ll get knocked off the ball sometimes, but he’s also got quick feet and is one of the few we have that can pick a pass and dribble past players.

With only six months left on his deal, we have extended it by a year which us absolutely the correct move at his age. Some of the posters on here are talking as if we have given him a seven-year deal.

Aidan Wade
53 Posted 07/11/2014 at 06:42:41
Well done Ossie, well deserved.

If we were to buy a replacement squad player for next year, even pick up a free or a loan, signing on fee and wages would be higher than Osman's probably so it's a good bit of business.

Graham Mockford
54 Posted 07/11/2014 at 07:40:06
I think this can best be described as a thread of two halves!
Dave White
55 Posted 07/11/2014 at 08:34:43
I am going to stop reading anything on TW involving Leon, the vitriol is frightening! He is clearly the ultimate marmite player in the side.

By the way I love the timing of this thread, all those loathing comments just before he goes out and has a stormer! Ha ha!

As for my view? Lightweight, too slow and can't head for shit, but outweighed by his positional sense, ability to pick a pass and occasional cracking finish. Truth is we haven't got anyone else as good in that position so for me he's a very valid squad player.

Good on you Ossie lad!!!

Stephen Karnes
56 Posted 07/11/2014 at 08:36:38
Let's just institute a Logan's Run type policy and kill everyone once they reach thirty.

Or, trust that the manager is trying to balance youth with experience and that you can't simply hand everyone a sack when they hit a certain age and replace them with a twenty-four year old international.

He's a squad player who loves the club and has a thing or two to teach the youngsters and he can also be a valuable asset on the pitch as we saw last night.

Dave White
57 Posted 07/11/2014 at 08:40:38
Ah Logan's Run! Jenny Agutter never looked fitter!
Dave White
58 Posted 07/11/2014 at 08:41:43
I'd like to rephrase....'truth is we haven't got anyone else who is as good at what he does well in that position.'
Peter Jones
59 Posted 07/11/2014 at 09:01:16
@ David #55 , For someone who can't head he has scored the best headed Everton goal of the last ten years and that was far from the only headed goal he has scored. Otherwise fully agree.
Dave White
61 Posted 07/11/2014 at 11:07:55
Peter 59 - Sorry, you're quite right. When I wrote that I was thinking more defensive/ball winning heading in the middle of the park. I'll never forget that Larissa goal!
Brent Stephens
62 Posted 07/11/2014 at 11:20:09
Talking of heading, I noticed the lad (lad?) won a number of headers in the middle of the park last night. Admittedly not normally his strong point, but he was "up" for it last night.
Jimmy-Åge Sørheim
64 Posted 07/11/2014 at 14:08:44
I think RM has made another mistake in handing Osman yet another year.

I hope he is aiming for him to be included as a coach after this season, otherwise I think it is a bad move.

We are supposed to get closer to the top 4, not further away from it.

Sometimes Roberto is too nice, and this proves it.

Sadly I think it is just another delay tactic because he lacks the funds to replace him with a top quality player.

I think Martinez has done good in removing average players, but I had hoped he would have aimed higher than this.

Malcolm Bell
65 Posted 07/11/2014 at 15:43:56
"Can’t head for shit". I seem to remember Vincent Kompany being out-jumped by Ossie to score the winner against City. Ossie knocking himself unconcious in the process. And he’s got the best two feet in the BPL.
Kieran Riding
67 Posted 12/11/2014 at 18:25:27
Rumours of an additional chapter to his book called " I've always followed Real Socieadad and its my dream to play in La Liga "
All over social media.
Darren Hind
68 Posted 12/11/2014 at 19:55:09
What a thought

The cavalry charge manager who hasn't got the guts to actually, err... charge, engaged in an unseemly tug of war with the dopey percentage playing Presbo for the services of the much maligned Ossie.

How many people would that piss off?

Max Wilson
69 Posted 13/11/2014 at 12:03:04
Mr Dave White likes Jenny Agutter and our Ossie. First, JA, I once had the misfortune to live next door to her in Paderborn, aged 12 I played with her bro Jonty. She was 4 and if she didnt like the game we were playing or if you didnt notice her, she'd pretend to faint. Mother with a fag in her gob used to arrive screaming at you. Lovely. As for LO, if only Naismith and McGeady possessed his technical skill and positional sense,at the same age, a lot of us would be happier when we saw them on the team sheet. He still has something to contribute even now , which is what a lot of us are saying. As for the BEWK. Its on my list, is it on yours?

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