STFC: Why the Skipper Jumped Ship

Gordon Greer never had it so good.

The Scottish defender originally arrived in Wiltshire with Swindon Town in dire straits. Maurice Malpas appeared to be guiding the club swiftly towards League Two before Danny Wilson arrived.

Greer was brought in to tighten up the leaky defensive line while Hal Robson-Kanu and Owain Tudur Jones came in to improve the midfielder.

It was cagey at times but it worked and Greer's contribution was crucial. So much so that the fans practically prayed for his permanent signiture.

Luckily it didn't take long before Greer signed a two year deal last Summer.

A typical centre back was a perfect candidate to captain the side which he did with confidence. His last gasp equalising goal against Norwich City was an iconic moment of a great season which the club fell at the last hurdle - something Greer missed out on due to his kung-fu kick on Deon Burton at The Valley during the Play-Off Semi-Final 2nd Leg tie with Charlton Athletic.

That moment of madness (which is truth changed the game) proved to be his last contribution in a Town shirt.

Why was this?

Brighton and Hove Albion's interest was known via the media for some weeks but for some reason, possibly holiday related, we never read direct quotes from our captain stating that he wanted to remain at the club.

The club maintained their desire to keep Greer but would listen to offers that met their valuation of Greer.

...and when that bid came in it was accepted and perhaps to the surprise of the club, Greer was willing to make the move.

Since then, Greer has spoken out with very nice things to say about his time at Swindon. He stated that he approached Swindon Town chairman Andrew Fitton about a new deal when the Brighton interest emerged. Fitton stated that the club would only talk contracts in October, a club policy that has been in place since Fitton's consortium saved the club. Greer was unhappy with this and moved to Brighton on a 3 year deal.

Fitton has been quoted saying such things along the lines of 'no commitment in football' which suggests that the club are not happy with Greer, which is stating the obvious.

I wish Gordon Greer all the best at Brighton because he did a great job during his time at the club but something doesn't quite sit with me.

Greer was club captain, a guarenteed starter and was most definately going to be offered a new deal in October, something Fitton and Greer have both indicated. October is only three months away, why couldn't he wait? I would assume that a fat 3 year deal with a pay rise could be the reason? Who can blame him? Young family and all but I think the club took a risk with Greer (injury prone at Doncaster Rovers) and our reward is a move to Brighton because the club wouldn't break policy.

Hmm....

What are your thoughts?

Was Fitton right to not offer Greer a new deal immediately?

Will we regret letting Greer go?

Make your comments below



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