[urlwww.superleague.co.uk/article/31531/kirke-in-dark-over-leeds
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The plot thickens.

I actually do feel a little sorry for him: it does seem badly/unfairly handled.

No don't feel sorry for either him or bailey.
Right decision to move them on.

Was told last year was wanted, this pre season told that first team performances would be limited, and decided to go. Was just blocking the youngsters. Thought you would have been happy!!!!

Blooming heck, we piggy backed him for long enough

I know he wasn't well loved by most but it is a little harsh to have your employer shift the goalposts like that late on.

Because he's ended up at Wakey it doesn't look too bad but what if they and no other SL club had any room left to fit him in by that stage. Like I said, he wasn't a favourite but doesn't mean he doesn't deserve a fair chance to sort his future out.

Also he got told he wasn't going to get much game time in 2015 NOT that he had to leave so really he could've stayed and picked up a wage here for another year knowing he probably wouldn't have to contribute (yes yes I know, cue the he never did anyway line but there's a difference between not taking many carries and happyily knowing you'll be sat in the stands most weeks.) So a bit fair play to that.

Why is he confused? Clearly he isn't.

:qh9sto09

Kirke's confusion may only be down to Kirke.I think it's because they're bringing on the younger players. They've got to look to the future.'"

"Me and Bails (Bailey) got told at the same time"

So Bailey wasn't told back in April he'd be moved on then after the missing training incident.

Don't feel sorry for the guy at all.How he managed to eek out almost a decade at the club will always be a mystery to me

Mr Kirke must have a completely different view on his importance as a player to this club to most people to think that the loss of himself (and Bailey and Clarkson for that matter) must trigger a massive shopping spree to cover the loss. Facts are he, and they, were blocking a route for the younger players and Hetherington has finally seen this and got rid.

Be interesting to see how he goes this year at Wakefield with the spot light on and where he will be expected to put in a considerable shift, without the luxury of hiding behind more established players.I feel it may be beyond him.

He was told in April to find a new club, this is his last at Leeds.

As for Kirke, don't know why people are picking up on his comments. He is right, they only got rid to make the Mossop signing. That failed and no replacement, but he was still gone. He is only saying it like if is. Difference is that despite the no signing, we are probably better off.

BM tried to get rid of bailey this time last year. hated his attitude

Or maybe Kirke was also told in April to move on, but there has been some journalistic license used to exaggerate how little time had to sort it out..?

I guess if you have been somewhere 9 years, only having about 5 months might feel like 'late notice' for having to sort out alternative employment.

A part of me lacks too much sympathy because (as others have said) if Kirke looked objectively at the facts (ie. his age, amount used, others around him, etc) he should have thought on 'hmm, I might be close to the front of the queue if they do decide to give someone the chop'.

For my money Kirke acquits himself very well with his comments. He was obviously asked about his departure from Leeds, gives his understanding on what transpired and makes it very clear he holds no ill feeling about how he was treated.

I also don't understand the downer on him as a player promoted by some. He was never a superstar, but he did the job he was asked to in accordance with his abilities and (presumably as he was with the club for 10 years) the expectation of the [size=150coaches[/size he played for. I can not think of a club in Superleague that doesn't have players who perform the same sort of role that Kirke did for Leeds. If you want to watch a team where everyone is a superstar, I suspect you are watching the wrong sport. What you're after may be found in Manchester or Chelsea where the money of foreign zillionaires ensures that even the guy that makes the tea has a PhD in hot water infusion.

I've totally forgot about him already