Opportunity Before Loyalty

They say that loyalty no longer exists in football. For instance, take the Ronald Koeman situation. After making promises to Southampton fans about his commitment to the club, he was unveiled as Everton`s new manager this week.

Everton are, historically, a more illustrious club than Southampton. But Koeman has proved that he is not a man of his word by heading for the St. Mary`s exit door as soon as a seemingly better challenge rears its face.

Koeman has done a magnificent job at Southampton. After Mauricio Pochettino left for Spurs, several key players also walked out, leaving Koeman with just a handful of players on his first day in the job. To turn that situation around and lead the club to a sixth place finish was a massive achievement.

But, my point is, why make promises you don`t intend to keep? Rather than commiting to the club, why not just say it how it is? ‘I`m happy here but as soon as a bigger club comes in, I`m off`.

Gary Rowett seems like a loyal man. He maintained professional conduct during reported interest from Derby County and Fulham. And so far, so good – he is still Blues manager. But all seemed rosy in Koeman`s garden until Everton declared their interest.

Rowett will, undoubtedly, manage in the Premiership one day. Unless that is with Blues, who could honestly stand in his way if that offer arose?