[Ooh aah Paskin]

The problem with Manny's contract is when it was actually signed. If he signed it before he got injured (so pretty early on in the season) then why not announce it? Manny getting injured was bad luck and that can't be construed as the Board's fault in any way, it would just be unfortunate.

However, if Manny signed this contract AFTER he was injured possibly on the advice that a return to playing was forecast (in fact he did play but relapsed) then the issues arise. I still have no issue with them offering him an extension if, at the time, he was expected to fully recover and play a part even if this was after his injury. But it should have been announced.

Hindsight would show it was a possible mistake but injuries are weird things, no-one can really tell how they will heal.

IMO not announcing this at the time or even when Shaun's was announced makes it look like the Board are hiding something. They may have got a bit of stick over it given the current circumstances but failing to highlight it until the retained list smacks of a cover up.

I wouldn't be overly surprised to find out the contract was only just offered post Christmas!