I'm sure there will be something in the contract, if he is not fit to play again I think he would decide to walk away anyway. I think the situation will become clear by the end of the season.

Why should it affect our chances of a top 4 finish? If he's paid off before the season starts, it won't count on the cap. So the club can behave ethically, do right by one of the players it chose to enter into a contract with knowing he had problems, and still be in with a chance of finishing 4th (if Agar is sacked).

If that is what his contract states then YES

Is that too difficult to understand?

You were bitching about how unfair it all seems.

What's the point in whingeing over something you have little knowledge of and certainly zero influence in?

Influence I have none, employment law knowledge I have plenty. I am not stating what is fair or otherwise, I am stating what is right for Hull FC, we cannot continue carrying someone who isn't performing the duties for which they were engaged, I have said (repeatedly) that I wish Martin all the best, but as a club we need to look to the future.

No one knows what deal we entered into with him so let's not anyone pretend that they do.

I will be gutted if he doesn't play again, which seems the likeliest outcome at this stage, as he is a class centre and was for us even though way off being anything like fit.

But, as I keep saying, it's a chunk of cash we committed to [iknowing[/i it could all go tits up. If there isn't some sort of break clause in there, we'd be legally obliged to honour the contract by keeping him on the playing staff and hoping he's fit at some point in the season, or by paying it up before the season starts.

And you think the best way for him to recover from his illness would be if his contract was terminated without a penny of compensation going his way? Nice.

Not sure anyone has pretended to?

where have I said any such thing? I would just like the situation resolved.

As Staffs has said, I'd much rather see him playing for FC again having sorted out whatever his issues are, that would be the best outcome for all, in my opinion.

I don't claim to know what's going on but I don't believe he will play for Hull FC again.

Don't know if its been mentioned already and tbh I can't be arrised to look back, but if he is suffering that badly from whatever depression it is then maybe Sean longs Twitter could shed some light on it.. as to me it seems he seems to be enjoying himself quite well for a man on 'compassionate leave'.. both should stop 'robbing' the club and leave imo if either actually gave a toss about hull FC..

Stupid move by the club anyway and if it now means us having to pay up the second year then its even more laughable

You strongly implied it when you said:









If that's not saying we shouldn't pay him up, I don't know what is.

then you're misunderstanding me, he should be paid reasonable recompense, but not a full years salary, IF he isn't capable of fulfilling his contract.

The drawback is,we could actually do with a player of his quality.Like some others I can`t see him wearing a Hull shirt again.

I hope he enjoys the train to Liverpool and then going to a concert with Longy tonight.

Wont the insurance kick in though to pay his contract? I was off last year for 12 weeks on full pay but if we go over the 13 weeks then it is SSP for another 3 mths then a insurance kicks in and pays you 80% of your wage.

End of the day....does it matter if we are paying him...surely his health comes 1st?????

Backtrack all you like, it was pretty clear. If he isn't capable of fulfilling his contract he is entitled to have it paid up - just as he would if he suffered a physical illness or injury.

no back tracking here, just you making stuff up.

Id be more ashamed if we did stop paying him.

I'll make this clear, I am not suggesting we do any such thing, what I believe we should do is clarify the situation so both parties can plan for the future, IF we end up paying him off then we should retain his registration. I hear different things, from that he is incapable of playing, to that he and Long are holding the club to ransom.

If its stress then he will be lucky to get out of bed...a close relative of mine had/has it and its not very nice at all.How are they holding us to ransom?

I would hope the club have a duty of care to their employees and treat him with the respect he deserves. If he is not ready by the start of next season then maybe looking at releasing him? Obviously I don't know the legality of his contract, but I would expect any reasonable employer to support a new member of staff, no matter what their role is, but there comes a time when the employer has to think of what's reasonable and economical.