Breaking news: Windass threatens to walk out on Hull
play me or let me go
Dean Windass is set for showdown talks with Hull boss Phil Brown after being left out of the side for the 2-2 draw with Everton.
Writing for his ITV blog, the veteran striker has expressed his frustration at not being part of Brown’s plans and says of this weekend’s clash with Arsenal: “Whether I’ll be involved or not is another question.”
39-year-old Windass, who scored the winning goal to propel Hull into the Premiership this season, has so far been a peripheral figure for the Tigers and was left out of last weekend’s squad to play Everton altogether.
On his blog, Windass writes:
“It was the first time in 18 years that I’d been fit but wasn’t involved and it hurt like hell.
“I’ve got a meeting with manager Phil Brown this week to discuss my future and if he tells me that this is the way it’s going to be then I will have to consider my options.
“I’m not one of these footballlers who doesn’t mind picking up a cheque every week for not playing and I also don’t want to train every day and then end up taking the dog for a walk on a Saturday.
“At the start of the season the manager made positive noises about me saying I had a role at the club this season and I want to see if this is still the case. If not then fine, but tell me and I’ll go and play somewhere else.”
Footballers’ blogs are usually a bland affair and in a day where every modern player’s utterance is screened for the slightest off-message word, it’s refreshing that a player is so honest – and that even in his late thirties, Windass’ desire is as strong as ever.
It’s also to his credit that he’s come straight out and said what’s on his mind rather than leaking it through agents to the press.
But it does present Phil Brown with a dilemma. On one hand you have a Hull legend who is champing at the bit to start and you know will give his all for the team, and has scored goals for other unfancied Premiership teams.
On the other, at 39 Windass is no spring chicken and Hull are a level above last season, meaning Brown has had to adjust his tactics accordingly.
But with Craig Fagan’s injury, Windass could be just the player to have in reserve, and Brown will know ‘The Daddy’ will be fired up next time he steps on the pitch.
One thing’s for sure, even at 39 Dean Windass is still the type of player who’d be an asset to whoever he played for, and his blog post will certainly have alerted several Championship clubs.
What do you think: was Dean Windass right to vent his frustrations? And can he do a job for Hull in the Premier League?
He’s past it for the Premier League. Thanks Deano for everything, but time to move down a notch or two and bang the goals in elsewhere.
It’s the equivalent of a Google employee whining about being marginalised by a younger colleague and saying that he’s going to talk to the bosses about it.
There’s nothing ‘wrong’ with it (I doubt Premier League contracts prohibit blogging about your ‘work’) but it’s bad form. Be honest, yes, but show your employer and your boss some respect by keeping it private until it’s sorted out one way or the other.