Howson didn't have to go. He could have signed the contract that was offered to him, which would have been more than his current wages, but a lot less than the one Norwich offered. Re-signed for Leeds, played out of his skin, then renegotiated in the Summer once he'd powered us to the premiership with a series of virtuoso man-of-the-match performances, which is what would have certainly happened if he'd stayed. Because that's how football works, isn't it. If this high-risk strategy had failed, Howson would have been left, stuck on a championship contract, with no chance of a Bosman deal because he'd carry a £5m price tag. And that would mean someone like Norwich would be far less likely to want him as they'd have to pay a fee (more up-front cost) rather than spending more on wages spread over he term of the contract. So his chance of playing in the premiership would have gone for another 12 months at least. I guess he did want to stay, in an ideal world. But I guess the lure of premiership for a season and a half, plus a threefold pay rise and a financial contract that will give him a lifetime of security was enough to sway the deal. And I don't really blame him. >>Kind of irrelevant really. Parker told the truth. He didn't want to go but Ken wanted the money.<<
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