Flawed Chelsea policy opens exit door for Cole
Loyalty, money and a club’s youth-first policy have conspired to back Ashley Cole and Chelsea into corners. But where’s the common sense?
With Ashley Cole rejecting Chelsea’s opening offer of a year-long extension to his contract that runs out next summer, the traditional debate has arisen among Chelsea’s fanbase. Did the club score an own goal or did the player show a lack of respect to his employers and supporters?
The controversial left back has apparently turned down Chelsea’s opening offer, though it is not entirely clear on what grounds he has made his decision. There are some observers claiming it’s all about the money, but the commonly held belief is the brevity of the deal. Chelsea have recently adopted a policy similar to that in place at Manchester United and Arsenal whereby any player over 30 years of age whose contract is expiring will not be offered an extension longer than a year. The new stance has already seen Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka leave Stamford Bridge, and Cole could be the next to exit in that fashion alongside Frank Lampard, who finds himself in a similar position.
Full story: http://bleacherreport.com/tb/d8JBZ