New deal for Osman

He wonÂ’t play as many games but an experienced player to bring off the bench.

Fantastic servant of the club and a great figure to have in the squad, especially for the youngsters. His attitude is nothing to be taken for granted – he loves Everton and always gives his all. He will be an important squaddie for the rest of this season and next season.

Bring on Lille.

Sometimes I think IÂ’m living in the Matrix and Osman is the glitch (the cat).

There are three positions that IÂ’ve thought are a priority in strengthening: they are right back, a creative midfielder, and striker... but, after this news, I would say just buy a shit load of midfielders.

HeÂ’s definitely still a good option to use sparingly or as a substitute in order to get the most out of his energy levels. IÂ’m interested to see what purchasing power and players RM will have in mind in the coming transfer windows.

That canÂ’t be right seen as though it says this year extension takes him through to summer 2016.

People keep trying to say "Ossie bashers" when Blues comment on his overall contribution to the team, although the fact is, whether you rate Ossie or not, the quality of performances over the years have been very poor.

Although the Ossie ranters will keep talking crap about his excellent performances week-in & week-out, which is bollocks.

Look, I would luv Ossie to perform at a top standard every time he plays, but the fact is, the ladÂ’s a well below average Prem midfield player. Please stop talking about Ossie as if the lad can make a big difference, he canÂ’t.

We need to lower the age down a bit. Osman has been finished for years. Time to hang Â’em up, Leon.

Good career from a decent enough player but time has moved on. How many "experienced" players does one club need? Yet more bench time and u21 football for the kids.

He can pass a ball, his experience has value and IÂ’m sure heÂ’s a nice lad to have about, but as many of the above posters outlined, there was absolutely no need to offer this now if at all.

HeÂ’s a loyal player so heÂ’d want to hang around anyway. Even if he didnÂ’t, do you see a queue of clubs lining up for an ageing lightweight midfielder? I really donÂ’t. Fair enough if he came back into form, then he can make the argument then, but recently heÂ’s been poor to anonymous.

Leon has played well for the club in the past, I will never argue heÂ’s not had a solid career with us, but heÂ’s nearing the end of his career now and itÂ’s time to move on. ItÂ’s not like he hasnÂ’t earned a fair wage in the last 10 years!!

DonÂ’t get me wrong, he has been a great servant to the club he loves but there has gotta come a time for sanity to reign over sentiment and for him to be cut loose (Hibbert too maybe) and fresh blood brought in.

Worst player in the squad after McGeady and Robles.

On one hand I do like the fact that Everton is a family club and we have a strong team spirit and treat people well - it's a factor that may play into helping us recruit players and certain types of players too (i.e. we don't have too many total dicks) - but we have to benefit that with prudency and pragmatism. Leon has had a testimonial, released his book and had a chance to show if he can cut it in the premier league. I don't think we had to give him a new contract as well.

A wonderful riposte to the unnecessary stick he receives..

Nice riposte!

As for keeping Hibbert and Osman, I think RM values the team/club ethic that was developed under Moyes (not the bottling bit, but the fighting spirit I imagine) and is keen to keep that identity. I was surprised that he didn't want to ship out the old manager's favourites, but I guess they bought into RM's ideas and he felt they were a good influence and also (perhaps more importantly) a known quantity.

For those who think he's just too nice a guy, get a load of how he treated Distin when he threw his toys out of the pram. Poor Sylvain, I thought he might have played his last game for us. Luckily he seems to have made things up with the boss. Anyway regardless of what we think, and the change in playing style, the new boss seems to equal the old boss for sheer bloody mindedness when he's in the mood, so if he likes Osman, a new contract he shall get.

An excellent servant to Everton Football Club.

He should be put to sleep and his parts sold off for pies. Or something. Mathematically speaking, every squad has to have a player you are least fond of, and since Robles and Hibbert don't play that often and McGeady hasn't been here long enough, most go for Osman.

Let's vote the shittest player out the squad every week. In six months we'll have Ross Barkley left - in goal.

HeÂ’s still got something to offer as he proved tonight, but regardless of that you could name a weakness in every player in our squad. Some just canÂ’t help picking on the little guy. Yes, heÂ’ll get knocked off the ball sometimes, but heÂ’s also got quick feet and is one of the few we have that can pick a pass and dribble past players.

With only six months left on his deal, we have extended it by a year which us absolutely the correct move at his age. Some of the posters on here are talking as if we have given him a seven-year deal.

If we were to buy a replacement squad player for next year, even pick up a free or a loan, signing on fee and wages would be higher than Osman's probably so it's a good bit of business.

By the way I love the timing of this thread, all those loathing comments just before he goes out and has a stormer! Ha ha!

As for my view? Lightweight, too slow and can't head for shit, but outweighed by his positional sense, ability to pick a pass and occasional cracking finish. Truth is we haven't got anyone else as good in that position so for me he's a very valid squad player.

Good on you Ossie lad!!!

Or, trust that the manager is trying to balance youth with experience and that you can't simply hand everyone a sack when they hit a certain age and replace them with a twenty-four year old international.

He's a squad player who loves the club and has a thing or two to teach the youngsters and he can also be a valuable asset on the pitch as we saw last night.

I hope he is aiming for him to be included as a coach after this season, otherwise I think it is a bad move.

We are supposed to get closer to the top 4, not further away from it.

Sometimes Roberto is too nice, and this proves it.

Sadly I think it is just another delay tactic because he lacks the funds to replace him with a top quality player.

I think Martinez has done good in removing average players, but I had hoped he would have aimed higher than this.

The cavalry charge manager who hasn't got the guts to actually, err... charge, engaged in an unseemly tug of war with the dopey percentage playing Presbo for the services of the much maligned Ossie.

How many people would that piss off?