As I quoted in the other thread I was disappointed not in the fact that Leonard like Bentley wanted to pursue their dream of higher level football, but the fact that Bentley and Payne chose to turn down a better contract with the club that helped them establish themselves, signing a new contract does not mean they are never going to find a bigger club, it means that the club will get a better deal from the transfer and that the player has shown loyalty to that club and the supporters by doing so, I just don't understand a player whose first knee jerk reaction to another club paying interest is turn your back on the club you play for week in week out and do your best to make it look like playing for Southend is holding back their talent and they have to get out as soon as possible.
On a positive note Leonard stating he does not want a transfer is a very good sign, this club is looking to go further and from the signings we have made staying for one more year he could be playing in the Championship next season anyway (fingers crossed)
Signing a new deal reduces the chance of them signing for a bigger club. The new club suddenly has to pay more to prise him away reducing the chance of the move happening, and reducing the money the player can then get in contract terms.
It is not in the players interest to sign a contract if he wants to leave. He doesnt owe us loyalty, the most he has to do is honour his contract.
Leonard has given us 6 seasons, thats a long time and has shown enough loyalty already.
This wont have been a knee jerk reaction, he wants to play higher and has watched Payne and Bentley move up and will have had this in his mind long before any offers came in.