Curran signs for Linfield

**Steve Bruce** · 25/06/2007, 10:26 AM

On a full-time deal.

That gives us 7

Mannus
Thompson
Stewart
Downey
McAreevey
Curran
Gault

Apparently we are looking at players further afield, so the possibility of 2 more full-timers. We are getting closer and closer to a full-time setup. It's good to see and it will put us in a stronger position to compete in the Setanta and in Europe.

**Graemerz** · 25/06/2007, 11:03 AM

Surely its time we handed full time deals to Mulgrew, Dickson, Ervin and O'Kane if we can hand out full time contracts to an Irish League journeyman...

**Steve Bruce** · 25/06/2007, 11:18 AM

Originally Posted by Graemerz

Surely its time we handed full time deals to Mulgrew, Dickson, Ervin and O'Kane if we can hand out full time contracts to an Irish League journeyman...

I agree.

I'd also give some of our brightest young prospects full-time contracts eg Billy Joe Burns, Fergil Burke etc. A couple of hundred a week would suit these lads as well as apparence bonuses. At 16/17 they will be happy with that sort of wage.

That IMO is the future and it would be the best way to develop these youngsters and give Linfield a better chance for the future. Also if we progress in Europe the market value of these young lads will go through the roof which would in turn keep Linfield financially secure(in saying that, we are still well within in our budget).

**Graemerz** · 25/06/2007, 1:26 PM

Originally Posted by Steve Bruce

I agree.

I'd also give some of our brightest young prospects full-time contracts eg Billy Joe Burns, Fergil Burke etc. A couple of hundred a week would suit these lads as well as apparence bonuses. At 16/17 they will be happy with that sort of wage.

That IMO is the future and it would be the best way to develop these youngsters and give Linfield a better chance for the future. Also if we progress in Europe the market value of these young lads will go through the roof which would in turn keep Linfield financially secure(in saying that, we are still well within in our budget).

Billy Joe Burns, totally. Fearghal Burke though, I'm not 100% sure if he's the kind of player we need... Is George Stewart still with us?

**Steve Bruce** · 25/06/2007, 1:57 PM

Originally Posted by Graemerz

Billy Joe Burns, totally. Fearghal Burke though, I'm not 100% sure if he's the kind of player we need... Is George Stewart still with us?

I think he is mate. But not totally certain.

I have to say, my attendance at underage and Swifts games is very poor, So i'm not the most qualified to know the different players and how good they are. I just remember Burkes name being mentioned at the AGM last year.

**SolitudeRed** · 25/06/2007, 10:23 PM

Seven full timers eh the Blues are well on their way to going pro! Do any other IL teams have Full timers? remember hearing that the Glens have a couple can't remember who though!

**Steve Bruce** · 26/06/2007, 9:07 AM

Originally Posted by SolitudeRed

Seven full timers eh the Blues are well on their way to going pro! Do any other IL teams have Full timers? remember hearing that the Glens have a couple can't remember who though!

They had 3 as far as I know.

Hamilton, Simpson & I think Ward possibly Holmes, but not sure. There was definately 1 other guy. Needless to say, only 1 is worth his salt and even then, the baggage with him to me outweighs his great ability.

**Graemerz** · 26/06/2007, 1:34 PM

Originally Posted by Steve Bruce

They had 3 as far as I know.

Hamilton, Simpson & I think Ward possibly Holmes, but not sure. There was definately 1 other guy. Needless to say, only 1 is worth his salt and even then, the baggage with him to me outweighs his great ability.

W*nko McDonagh was full time, I think.

**Steve Bruce** · 26/06/2007, 1:56 PM

Originally Posted by Graemerz

W*nko McDonagh was full time, I think.

4 then. And they are still sh1t

**SolitudeRed** · 29/06/2007, 7:51 PM

I heard that the Linfield Supporters club are having to put a substantial amount towards paying Currans wages or something? What is that about I thought Linfield's finances would have been in decent enough shape what with the money they get from the IFA for Windsor and all the prize money they've earned.

**David** · 30/06/2007, 1:28 AM

Originally Posted by Graemerz

Surely its time we handed full time deals to Mulgrew, Dickson, Ervin and O'Kane if we can hand out full time contracts to an Irish League journeyman...

What if they don't want to go full time?