Martinez looking to reward Baines with new contract

, 13 June, 51comments  |  Jump to most recent
'Important to keep the club's best players'
Roberto Martinez has indicated that Leighton Baines should be rewarded for his recent star form with a new deal at Everton as he looks to keep the best players at the club. His comments come after Bill Kenwright's own suggestions last week that talks are planned with the England international over an extension to his current contract which expires in 2015.

Speaking in the second part of his interview with evertontv, Martinez agreed that keeping the team together was an important part of the job.

"Rewarding players who have played phenomenally for the football club [is important] and I think Leighton falls into that category," Martinez said.

"Leighton has been one of the top performers at the football club and I think it's important to reward that and make sure he can kick on with the next chapter of his career with Everton.

"That's important for the club as a whole, not just the dressing room."

The Mirror suggest that Everton are willing to double the 28-year-old's wages to £65,000 a week in order to fend off interest from Manchester United who, just like last summer and in January, continue to be linked incessantly with a move for the fullback. No official approach was ever made from Old Trafford and Kenwright says that he has told former manager David Moyes not to come back for the Blues' Player of the Season.

 

Reader Comments (51)

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Jamie Tulacz
1 Posted 13/06/2013 at 23:15:09
An absolute must for our star performer. Despite all the rumours can still see him staying as a born and bred Evertonian! Keeping all fingers crossed
Steven Telford
2 Posted 13/06/2013 at 23:32:23
IS he a born and bred Evetonian?


Is it just my computer or has toffee web placed some very tacky and intrusive "spam like" adverts"?

Dirk Clarke
3 Posted 13/06/2013 at 23:41:49
Everyone relax... Baines isn't going anywhere. My girl on the inside, Sue the blue, tells me he is a big fan of the man from Spain who is destined to end our pain!
Paul Ferry
4 Posted 14/06/2013 at 00:14:38
Dear Lord, Leighton is on 32500 quid a week!!

Crazy money in the real world, I know, but this is not the real world and there are people paid more than him elsewhere and perhaps one or two at The Old Lady who are not fit to lace his boots.

One of the top 15 players in Europe apparently and hiss own self-effacement and modesty is I bet the sole reason why he has not caused storms.

Give him what he deserves.

He ought to be the best paid player at the club, even though he is a full back and not a glamarous striker like say ... well .......

He will stay. His wages will be doubled. He will sign a longer-term contract.

And a decade or so from now we on here will be calling him an Everton legend

Patrick Murphy
5 Posted 14/06/2013 at 00:24:22
Steven #526 I've been getting some weird things on my PC as well today, words highlighted randomly and pop ups which my browser is supposed to stop, but the last couple of hours it seems to have ceased happening.
Patrick Murphy
6 Posted 14/06/2013 at 00:26:18
It's a pity that he is so quiet and unassuming because if he had been a bit more vocal he would make a good Everton Captain, not that PJ is not a good captain in his own right. It does seem strange that compared to the likes of Andy Carroll demanding £100,000 a week that LB is on such a low salary in comparison. Mind you enough to buy 10 decent sized houses every year, it's ok for some.
Karl Masters
7 Posted 14/06/2013 at 01:24:57
If there is one player who deserves to be on big money it's Leighton. A consistent performer all season every season and at a very high level. Not just a couple of good months and then in demanding a pay rise or a transfer like some!
Phil Sammon
8 Posted 14/06/2013 at 06:25:29
I honestly don't know how he copes on such a pittance. Is there some kind of relief fund I can donate to?

But seriously, he is my favourite Everton player of all time. Such a gifted player who works hard and creates so much, yet not an ego in sight. An absolute model pro and a great lad.

Sign that contract Bainesy!

Jason Robinson
9 Posted 14/06/2013 at 06:47:46
I really think if any player deserves an improved contract, it's Barnes; he has been our most consistent and creative player for a while. He defends well, attacks well and scores goals. He is a player we must keep if we are to progress.

The people having the weird things happening with their PCs, sounds like you have a malware infection so you will need to run some kind of anti-malware software to get rid of it. It can be a bit tricky sometimes depending on the virus; may I suggest Malware Bytes. Good luck.

Steven Telford
10 Posted 14/06/2013 at 08:28:14
Patrick #351: Yes, it now stopped on mine too. I was suspicions because it was Football-style spam adverts. and was only happening on ToffeeWeb.
Dan McKie
11 Posted 14/06/2013 at 08:51:17
Everton love a good contract renewal or two when the transfer window opens. We didnt spend 'x' amount on that player to come here, because we gave Baines and extra 30k a week. We are investing in keeping our best players etc. etc.

This one is very much deserved though, but could be done anytime. If Baines goes, it will be for Champions League football, which he deserves a shot at.

Thomas Windsor
12 Posted 14/06/2013 at 08:54:59
Give the lad a good pay rise and keep him here, Kenwright.
Kevin Tully
13 Posted 14/06/2013 at 09:06:10
Baines signing a new contract is the most important signature of the summer. Lescott has been informed he is surplus to requirements at City as well – he's got to be worth £4-5M.

Roberto likes a back three, so Jags, Distin, Lescott, with Baines & Coleman playing further forward on the wings would offer a solid defence, with plenty of pace. Don't forget, Lescott was keeping Baines out of the side with his performances at left back, and chips in with a few goals.

I have often said Baines would be even more effective playing further up the pitch, the amount of running he has to do during a game was ridiculous for our most creative player.

Paul Melarange
14 Posted 14/06/2013 at 09:18:21
The first thing Martinez and Kenwright should do is sort this out with Baines, our best and most consistent player for the last couple of seasons by far. Hopefully no one goes apart from a couple of squad players and we replace them. Keep Baines for a couple more seasons and if he keeps up this sort of form if he does eventually want to leave we should get at least £30 million for him!
Dan McKie
15 Posted 14/06/2013 at 09:48:46
Lescott is on City silly money though, Kevin, and is over 30 himself. There has got to be some good mid 20's centre backs out there, and if Duffy is good enough, he will be wanting to play too. If we are going to go the 3 centre backs route, then who better than Jags and Distin to help Duffy through his first few games?
Tony Draper
16 Posted 14/06/2013 at 09:56:05
"Rewarding players who have played phenomenally for the football club [is important] and I think Leighton falls into that category," Martinez said.

Superb choice of words, Roberto!
That's the style.

Like all above, I'm sincerely hoping that Leighton is offered and signs a new rewarding long contract. With talk like Roberto's as the opening gambit, I'm encouraged.

Kevin Tully
17 Posted 14/06/2013 at 10:01:53
I would guess Lescott would still give good value for another 3-4 seasons, Dan. He knows this will be his last move, and I doubt he will be getting offers from any bigger clubs than us. Heitinga was reportedly on £50-60k a week, so that's probably the maximum Lescott would be offered outside a top 4 club.


Distin is 36 this year, which is a worry really. Although still pacey, I would say this is probably his last season as a first-choice central defender. I would be happy to see Duffy as back-up to those three, slowly taking the place of Distin as time moves on.

It looks like we may be signing Alcaraz on a free though, he is the same age as Lescott. I haven't seen much of him, but he's probably worth a punt for nothing.

Sam Hoare
18 Posted 14/06/2013 at 10:37:24
Kevin, might it not be that wingbacks takes away from Coleman and Baines ability to overlap the winger which is what has brought about so much success for them? To be honest it feels like they have been playing wing backs anyway.

As for Lescott, I think I agree with Dan that I would prefer someone a bit younger if we're gong to spend £4-6m. I think Bruno Martins Indi looks like a very good Distin-esque CB who could be available for about that amount.

Phil Sammon
19 Posted 14/06/2013 at 10:58:32
Sam Hoare

I agree about Baines and Coleman. They rely on a wide midfielder to cut inside to create space for them. If they were out and out wingers then they just wouldn't get the same space.

I also agree that they play as wing back already in our back 4. As far as I can tell, Martinez's 3 at the back system simply adds in a central defender that isn't needed. Baines and Coleman have terrific stamina and I think they cope well getting back and going forward in a back 4.

I'd welcome Lescott back despite his messy exit. Good player and still held in high regard by our players.

Drew O'Neall
20 Posted 14/06/2013 at 11:02:55
This spells the end for Fellaini - we don't have two players on £70k a week.
Kevin Tully
21 Posted 14/06/2013 at 11:17:04
In the first halt half of the season, the Baines / Pienaar axis worked brilliantly, but that was soon nullified, especially after we played Swansea at Goodison.

Our right hand side has never posed the same threat in years. Coleman can play as an out-and-out winger though, guys. I think Baines was washed out the second half of the season, and will be more consistent in a 3-5-2.

The key is to have players who are comfortable with a change of formation if the original plan is not working, I think we were that set for a 4-5-1, especially when playing away from home, we found it difficult to adjust midway through a game.

Matt Doyle
22 Posted 14/06/2013 at 11:29:30
Fully deserved — and please insert enormous release clause!
Kev Johnson
23 Posted 14/06/2013 at 11:32:53
Much as I admire Baines being ever-present last season, I don't think it did him any favours. He did tire in the last few months. I wonder if Roberto is one for rotation? If so, we have a ready made replacement in Oviedo, who seems to be a good fit for a wing back position. Of course, while Baines was playing a blinder it was hard to rest him, but playing every game caught up with him eventually.

I think some players benefit from a rest and others just lose their rhythm and find it hard to get back in the groove. One of the many judgement calls a manager must make, I guess.

Andrew Ellams
24 Posted 14/06/2013 at 11:29:40
Wigan played a 4-3-3 in the cup final which changed to a 3-4-3 when Espinoza came forward. The difference there with Everton is they had Boyce on the other side that could come across into a more central position to cover. I'm not sure either Baines or Coleman would ever make that 3rd central defender.

If Martinez comes in and tries to make players fit a formation, won't we just be back to the Moyes fitting square pegs in round holes scenario?

Drew Shortis
25 Posted 14/06/2013 at 11:39:53
Andrew
I think it is a mistake to assume that Martinez will come in an try and force a new system on a team if he does not have the personnel to play that system!

As it happens I think we could play three centre-backs and let Coleman and Baines get forward more as proper wing backs as that suits their game. We will have to wait until the pre-season games to get an idea of how Roberto sees Everton evolving tactically.

Personally I would like to see us experiment with a 3-2-3-2 system with two up front (possibly with Mirallas just behind Jelavic), three in midfield, two wing-backs, and three centre backs. This system could prove to be very strong in defence or attack with the wing-backs either boosting the defence or the midfield up to 5, depending on the needs of the game at that time.

Baines and Coleman would be ideal for a system like that and I think it is essential offer Banies a much improved new deal to end the transfer speculation surrounding him! I can't believe he isn't on a better wage than he is now!

Ged Simpson
26 Posted 14/06/2013 at 12:18:58
I like that formation too Drew
Ross Edwards
27 Posted 14/06/2013 at 12:36:16
"Born and bred Evertonian"

Er, isn't he an RS?

Andrew Ellams
28 Posted 14/06/2013 at 12:47:46
I certainly wasn't assuming Drew, just pointing out that quite a few people on here seem to be of the opinion that Everton will play exactly the same way as Wigan next year.

I like the idea of 4-2-3-1 and I think it will fit well with the players we currently have as long as Fellaini plays in the 2 next to Gibson. We may need to buy somebody with a bit more creativity to play between Pienaar and Mirallas in the 3 and whether or not the strikers we have available are good enough is up for debate, I would say no.

Chris Cumisky
29 Posted 14/06/2013 at 12:51:52
Well I know for a fact that "the Dutchman" is on £55k a week NET so it's money well spent.
Ross Edwards
30 Posted 14/06/2013 at 12:55:26
"The Dutchman"

Is his identity secret Chris or something?

Kevin Tully
31 Posted 14/06/2013 at 13:04:04
Whelan confirms Coyle replacing Martinez at Wigan.
Ross Edwards
32 Posted 14/06/2013 at 13:15:13
Oh God, we're going to hear DW moonlighting on SSN and the BBC for the next week bleating about Coyle and Martinez and reminding us all for the 200th time that he broke his leg.
Ray Roche
33 Posted 14/06/2013 at 13:22:50
Did Whelan break his leg? Fuck me...! Who knew that?

Maybe now we'll see if all this talk about half of Wigan's team trotting out at Goodison next season has any grounding. Now they've installed Coyle they can get on with buying/selling players just like we are...

Eric Myles
34 Posted 14/06/2013 at 13:37:57
Steve #526, it's been well publicised that he's from a family of RS supporters.
Ray Roche
35 Posted 14/06/2013 at 13:52:00
Eric, I saw Baines asked that question in an interview, red or blue, and he played it down saying that he wasn't particularly a supporter of them or us when he was young.
Paul Andrews
36 Posted 14/06/2013 at 13:57:43
Ray, 598

I take it that is you being sarcastic mate?

We are not getting on with buying or selling anyone. As per usual.

Colin Burns
37 Posted 14/06/2013 at 14:24:49
I like the sound of that 3-2-3-2 formation, Drew. You have to design a system and tactics for the players you have and this seems ideal to me — Roberto may need an assistant!!
Phil Sammon
38 Posted 14/06/2013 at 14:50:06
Baines' dad or uncle was an RS and took him to the games. However Baines has said that he used to sneak to Goodison without telling them.

Can this PLEASE be the last time the topic is raised.

Michael Kenrick
Editorial Team
39 Posted 14/06/2013 at 15:02:20
Hopefully to wrap this up, Phil, this is what we have compiled in Baines's Player Profile:

He was also a local lad from Kirkby... and the inevitable question of whether his boyhood preference was for Everton or Liverpool was confounded by interest in both clubs. This quote from FourFourTwo would seem to sway the evidence in favour of the Dark Side:

"As a boy I supported... Liverpool. As a local lad I used to watch from The Kop when Robbie Fowler was making his name. I started out at Liverpool's Centre of Excellence and although it was disappointing when nothing came of it, I was lucky that both Wigan and Wolves wanted to sign me."

However, a more complete account was presented in this Guardian piece:

"I was only young, though, and I didn't like the hustle and bustle of the stands. I lost interest in Liverpool, but I still loved watching football. I was at the 1995 FA Cup final [aged 9, when Everton beat Manchester United 1-0]. I went through a spell of liking Blackburn Rovers because they had Alan Shearer and Chris Sutton in attack. And then I started watching Everton properly when I was about 14. My mum wouldn't let me go on my own but my cousin was three years older than me so we'd get the bus, 50p from Kirkby, and then hang around outside until we could sneak in.

"We'd wait until they opened the gates after 75 minutes for the early-leavers to go. There were stewards on the gates and if they were in a good mood they would wink and let us in. One guy, in particular, used to look out for us. But sometimes, if we were unlucky, there would be a jobsworth on the door and we wouldn't get to see anything."

Jamie Barlow
40 Posted 14/06/2013 at 15:04:03
So is he a red or a blue Phil?

Didn't he go to the cup final in 95?

Jamie Barlow
41 Posted 14/06/2013 at 15:07:23
Sorry Michael, didn't see that.

It seems he was forced into supporting the shite until he knew better.

Good lad.

Andrew Ellams
42 Posted 14/06/2013 at 15:24:57
Does it matter? We know what he is now
Phil Sammon
44 Posted 14/06/2013 at 15:36:09
Exactly Andrew.
Nicholas Page
45 Posted 14/06/2013 at 16:25:39
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/22888155

makes watching the rugby more interesting.

carry on

Steven Telford
46 Posted 14/06/2013 at 16:23:55
A slight twist of topic, but why not s the forum is seems slow since the management issue was settled.

Who are the best "boyhood Blues" who did or did not play for us?

Nicholas Page
47 Posted 14/06/2013 at 16:32:44
fowler
the scourge
coppell?
Steven Telford
48 Posted 14/06/2013 at 16:48:28
Mcmanaman, - 2 of them
Andrew Ellams
49 Posted 14/06/2013 at 16:54:55
Carragher, Owen
Nick Armitage
50 Posted 14/06/2013 at 18:15:41
Ian Rush was better than any of them.

Imagine if we had him and Sharp in that 80s team.

Steven Telford
51 Posted 14/06/2013 at 19:50:11
I did not know Rush and Owen were blues
Paul Andrews
52 Posted 15/06/2013 at 05:54:19
How long are they going to wait to give Baines the improved contract?
Moyes is back from holiday next week,he will start to make his signings before Utd go on their tour of Asia.
Any chance we can get Leighton signed up this week?

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