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This is the problem though, he should have been more than a bit part player. He was good enough to warrant getting 30 mins of game time pretty much every game, especially in the first half of the season where Leckie was just plodding around looking content to collect his pay cheque and do nothing to earn it. People's reactions are not over the top in my opinion, the reactions are a result of seeing "one of our own" leave for a reason that is likely PK's coaching philosophy of "I don't make substitutions even when it is blindingly obvious that they need to be made".

If he caused any problem within the playing group or wasn't pulling his own weight in training then better for him to try a new environment. If it's anything otherwise then its a big fuck up from PK and co. Nurturing a player that supports the club from young should be priority.

I reckon his 70 odd goals and 3 consecutive Golden Boots might have something to do with that don't you. In any case though, be it lack of game time or whatever, by end of season you can't say Stef's form warranted any more game time.

I think there's some huge overreactions in this thread. We all loved Stef from a purists point of view, and he obv was able to stand up in the finals last year when we needed him to. But lets be totally honest, he's nowhere near the level of the starting front three, and Tilio had gone well past him as well. Tbf i'd argue even Bos posed a bigger threat on the showings of the seasons past, where he regressed in all honesty. Don't get me wrong, i'd still have him on our books sub-100k in a heart beat cos a) there's def potential in him and he's young, and b) he's a fan's and marketers dream, but let's not kid ourselves that he's worth any more than that, esp when we have a cap to deal with. And you know what, i reckon we'd have had an offer on the table for around that amount. At his point in his career he has to decide whats best for him; is he content to be a bit part player in a championship contending side, trying to force his way in, or does he go elsewhere seeking more minutes to establish himself. I'm sure it was a hard decision for him and ultimately he's moving for more game time and to further his career, i don't think its a sleight on any of the parties tbh. Let's hope he smashes it and returns to us when he's established.

I usually agree with you but I think you've been a bit quick to jump on the 'forum negativity' bandwagon here bt. The comments I've seen here have been generally of disappointment, nothing more. The few that are calling for PK to move on have been doing so anyway prior to this. He showed enough signs last season to be played more. His decline is a direct correlation to his game time/management. And damn right if he's putting in the club, or PK, should be aiming to do everything they can to nurture him further exactly for this reason. Whether he got the yips is extremely subjective. However even then game time is 99% of the solution.* Working within the sporting coaching scene i can guarantee you that. *this is specifically related to when you have barely played any competitive matches.

Most players never play for their childhood clubs. Fewer still score for them. Even fewer score in a derby or win silverware. He has done all this. Wish him well in the rest of his career. I suspect nothing will truly top what he's already achieved.

He was never given a chance this season, really sad to see him go

I consider that his lack of game time directly contributed to his decline in performance. As you said, at the start of the season his performance was fine, but declined from there.

Had to happen. I updated the squad list only an hour ago. No surprises so far really, except I didn't realise Lesiotis had been injured. We wait on Sutton, Griff and Raphael.

Fair enough re the calling for PK's head types, although obviously like all of us the City feedback we get has been painted from a lot of different sources and there's been quite a few reactions from both sides of the fence from all my different conversations that I think are overreactions. For the record, I'm disappointed he's going too. I envy the connection that gets made to clubs like MV and Broxham for example. Now i dont rate him much, but how good would it be to have a player that is just with us for the journey and becomes a bit of a legend of the club on pure longevity. I prob see Stef in that not good enough to start at a decent team, but a good A League squaddie category and until i see enough evidence to the contrary he's going to struggle to shake that in my mind. Much like a Fitzy etc At a personal level more game time is definitely the answer, but not in a team environment where you are underperforming and there is red hot competition for spots. It's where the lack of a reserves league badly hurts our developing products in Australia imo.

For a kid with raw talent, who could absolutely come on and create attacking opportunities, and who was developed by the club, as a true fan of the team he played for, it would have been devastating to watch from the bench week after week, especially when he knew the game needed a spark ... only to not get any real chance or minutes ... no minutes in the GF either. I remember a game where he ran on for about 15 seconds, then the final whistle went Fuck the way PK managed this kid. Killed a crucial year of his development. I don't blame him for leaving ... I hope he scores against us, runs to PK and stares him down.

This is going in the "Current Squad" thread as well. Griffiths, Sutton and Raphael are the other three according to my information.

I read the reaction as mainly one of sadness and disappointment, that one of our own who grew up loving the club, a Foundation Member no less, and who gave us moments to remember on the field, is leaving. I think I'd be disappointed if the fans didn't react that way. I wish him all the best for the future.

Where’s the huge overreaction? I do agree with your view though, people are just disappointed that’s all.

Very saddened by this news. Cola gave his heart and soul to this club. If his departure really is due to PK then I join the "PK out" chorus.

If I remember correctly at the start of the season he got no minutes at all, game after game. The media enquired about it and PK mumbled something about the process and that he needs to work harder. I reckon damage was done earlier in the season, also perhaps negotiating a new contract back then.