“Never count the big man out” – 75% of Stacey West readers want Matt Rhead to sign a new deal

Matt Rhead is close to being offered an extension to his current terms and that seems like a popular choice amongst Imps’ fans.

514 of our readers have voted as to whether they want him to remain at the club, with 58% sending a resounding yes and a further 27% thinking they should build a statue of him outside the ground. Only 15% thought it was time to move on, but in the interest of balance we’ve included tweets from all three voting categories below.

The main issue those who are against a new deal see is a lack of game time and the one-dimensional way we set up once he comes on the field. There’s no doubt his unique skill set does see us go long, his mobility issues mean he has to be partnered up top so we inevitably end up in a flat 4-4-2. That adds pressure on the midfield and often sees us by-pass some very talented players.

However, when he comes on he gives everyone a lift, the crowd and the players on the field. He’s clearly a popular figure and has earned the right to be adored by the home fans. He’s the longest-serving player at the club, he has 50 goals from 174 outings and any new deal would likely see him through the 200 appearances barrier. 

That is remarkable for a man who came into the professional game at 27 and is currently 34-years-old. To put some perspective on that, Percy Freeman hit 64 goals in 152 outings. He’s classed as an all-time legend of the club. 

Is Rheady a legend? That’s a debate for an other time, but the discussions over a new deal do, in the main, seem to be what the fans want.

 

Voted get rid – but that sounds too harsh ! IF we go up I just can’t see him getting any more game time than he’s had this year -he’s probably got another year left in his legs playing more regularly-for that reason only I’d let him go

— Phil Kaberry (@Redimp73) February 4, 2019

Hate to say it but it depends on if we go up. If we do then I would actually keep, but loan out for a season, with a recall clause. He's good, but we can do better if we go up

— Kate Jackson (@kjackson1984) February 4, 2019

It's a difficult decision. We all know how fans views can change instantly, look at how people turned on Farman. Does Rheady just want to be a bit part player? if there's a coaching option then what a player to look up to, have around the squad and be taught by.

— Nez… (@nezdanny) February 4, 2019

The guy still had the ability to change a game, he wears down defences and draws players away from others, love his character and would hate him to ever play against us again #Rheady #ManMountain

— Sam xXx (@SammyImp) February 4, 2019

How many unemployed statue makers are there? I bet there's a lot. A Rheady statue would be massive. Have to be! That would keep one statue maker busy for years or a small team going for ages. He should be carved as a public service…and put on the Cathedral!

— Thermawatt (@Thermawatt) February 4, 2019

He offers something few other players can in the modern game, also is so good at upsetting & annoying opposition players it gives us an advantage, as long as he is happy playing a part time role on the pitch and right for both sides financially we have to offer him a new deal

— Dave Tindall (@dtimp) February 4, 2019

Wealth of experience. Excellent mentor. Will no doubt be reduced terms so won’t make a massive impact on wage bill. Loan with recall clause an option. Had a part to play this season and will do again next. Never count the big man out.

— Andrew Taylor (@ataylorlincoln) February 4, 2019

We become too predictable when he is on the pitch. Defenders let him win the header and focus on the 2nd ball. Refs penalise him all tje time. He is good at what he does but in L1 je will be out his depth. Keep for coaching…..

— Chris Steadman (@impsteaderz) February 4, 2019