If players could resign...

Earlier today Paul Lambert offered up his resignation to Norwich in an attempt to force through a move to Aston Villa. Norwich of course rejected the resignation, having been in deep negotiations over compensation with Villa. So it got me thinking, if players could resign as freely as managers where would it leave us as a club? And where would it leave the Premier League?


Of course I'm not talking about Bosman transfers here as they already exist, but instead imagining a world where players can resign from their contracts when they feel disillusioned with their current clubs. I know it's not realistic and I'm thankful for that but let's have a look at how things could be so different.

Looking at departures from our current squad, at the top of the list would obviously be Luka Modric, a player that has frequently sought after a move to a Champions League Giant. If the option was available there is little doubt that he'd be handing in his P45 instantly. Another first teamer who could be tempted if a rule like this was to be enforced is Gareth Bale. He has never held the club to ransom to force his way out of the club but with reported interest from the likes of Barca it would certainly be tempting for the Welshman.

Then of course there would be the squad players discontent with their current squad status. We'd be bidding farewell to the likes of Sebastien Bassong, Vedran Corluka, Giovani Dos Santos, Niko Kranjcar and Steven Pienaar, players that simply are not getting enough games.

However on the plus side Jan Vertonghen would already have been finalised. Having expressed his desire to join us continuously and with no strong link to keep him at Ajax, the Belgian would already have his squad number and be in training for next season.


Eden Hazard would also be wearing the Lilywhite of our club if he truly meant his comments back in February regarding his future. A player of his class and composure is something that would compliment our side perfectly. A player of the class to help us form a stronger attacking threat. But of course that is all ifs and buts.

Fans always witter on of the need to have players who have the desire to perform for the club. A football world like the one I have described would make sure that the players who want to play for the club are able to and finally prove to us fans whether pride is such an important ingredient in the recipe of success.

Of course this is all hypothetical and there are positives and negatives to the idea, but with any decent player likely to leave at the drop of the hat if Man Utd or Barca show interest, clubs like ours would suffer in the long term. I guess it shows us that though football looks unfair with player power taking over, things could always be worse.

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