The mysterious case of Nathan Craig's contract ...

[CP Gull]

Well, it appears the Herald were right all long last week (my apologies!) in listing Nathan Craig as one of the players who are still under contract.

As to how that is the case, I really don't know as it has, at least as far as I am concerned, never been reported anywhere be that the OS, the BBC or indeed the Herald itself that he was contracted beyond this summer.

As confirmed here, he signed a two year deal under Martin Ling in the summer of 2012....

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/18204672

So, it would appear that at some stage Craig has been offered and signed an extension to that deal ... only the club didn't publish that fact, which seems a little strange. I can only assume that this must have been done under Martin Ling as I feel pretty sure that Alan Knill wouldn't have done it and likewise neither would Chris Hargreaves.

The only other scenario I can imagine is that rather than "just" a two year deal that he originally signed it might have been a two year deal but with an option (exercisable by the player) of a third year ... which he will now be taking up. This is much like the situation with Shaun Cooper who may well be taking his option up for a further year to his original 6 month deal ... given his awful record with injuries in recent seasons.

On reflection, I think this scenario is the most likely i.e he is taking up an option, but both are possible. However, it does beg the question as to the sense in offering a raw youngster with undoubted talent but likewise undoubted frailties too, such a long term deal. Of course, if you feel a player has such talent that he is destined for much bigger things then in order to protect your asset/investment and maximise any potential future transfer fee it is understandable that you might want to tie him down to a long deal, but conversely it can be a costly and painful mistake if you rush to make a judgement on one so young and inexperienced .... remember Lloyd Macklin and his 3 and a half (if I remember correctly) year deal under Paul Buckle! :no:

Personally, I wouldn't mind seeing Craig back here next season as his range of passing and dead ball delivery (although young Cameron is rapidly catching him up!) is easily the best in the club, in my opinion, but he quite simply has to add more to his game if he is ever going to make it. A stint in the Conference Premier next season might just make or break him, but of course his transfer listing may mean that might not happen, least ways not at Plainmoor anyway.

[Richinns]

He has never been able to live up to the pace of the real thing unfortunately. Looks good in pre-season and in reserve fixtures but every time I have seen him in a first team game he looks lost. Saturday was a prime example!

I have no idea where this extended contract comes from but I am less upset that he has extended it than the cash sucking vulture that is Shaun Cooper, who has basically taken cash out of the hands of paying fans for absolute nothing.

[Dave]

Agreed on NC Rich, I didn't realize he was on the pitch until about 5 minutes to go, he's not good enough, apart from set pieces offers little or nothing, can't carry a passenger on the hope of getting the odd free kick in the right place. Luke Young on the other hand is everything NC isn't, go on CH at least have a word.

[CP Gull]

Agreed on NC Rich, I didn't realize he was on the pitch until about 5 minutes to go, he's not good enough, apart from set pieces offers little or nothing, can't carry a passenger on the hope of getting the odd free kick in the right place. Luke Young on the other hand is everything NC isn't, go on CH at least have a word.

Totally agree there Dave.

Most Argyle fans seem staggered that Sheridan has released Luke Young ..... "his best passer" (his words not mine, from a few weeks back in an interview with Radio Devon) and he is also excellent from set piece delivery too. Probably get something offered to him by a League club (Exeter?) but would love to see him next year at Plainmoor.

[Fonda]

I think Craig has ability, but to see the best of him you'd have to pretty much build the team around him, and he just doesn't justify that. He's not got the game to play anywhere in a standard 4-4-2. He has to play centrally so is wasted on the wing - but he can't be relied upon to perform in a central 2. Any team that plays with 3 in midfield could do a lot worse though. With others to do the 'hard yards' his range of passing as the advanced player in a midfield 3, could be very effective. We'll never know.

[arcadia]

Hope he stays and proves the doubters wrong.

[Jeff]

If he (Craig) wants to move closer to home, I'd wonder if he rocks up at Chester given they have been relegated? Would seem an ideal fit at a level he would have a chance to show something