None of us can be quite sure why the downturn inform happened or indeed when. There have been glimpses that something wasn't 100% and then like the FA cup against Chelsea when everything is forgiven.
For Baines to say what he did, for the attitude of the players there clearly is something majorly wrong. I have posted on other threads that for me keeping Stones was going to cause a problem in that save the odd occasion clubs rarely keep players who want out. It's the old rotten apple thing and whilst many had applauded the statement of intent the worry was how the club the moved forward in respect of changing his attitude, getting him to withdraw the request and sign a new contract
Some will say what has that got to do with RL , well for me it's a major thing. RL without doubt will had been treated as top man yet the attention will have shifted in terms of star player status, RL will have been the highest paid but once Chelseas massive offer was turned down the club would have wanted to Stones to sign a massive new contract which possibly would be on a par elevating JS to star man status at what is( and it's going to offend some, a mid table team average wage paying premier league team.)The fact that no new contract has been signed speaks volumes and it is clear to all that The development of JS has stalled he hasn't broken into the England team as a guarenteed starter and as is normal he will no doubt be making his discontent to other players who will know what will have been offered.
RL is far from stupid he like the vast bulk of players at Everton really doesn't have any loyalty to Everton he is at a key moment in his professional life. He will know from players at other clubs what they are planning for next season he will know from the press that the money in the PL next season will be vast and then he will look at what he's got, he will know that the chances are that next season if he stays at Everton he probably won't score as many as this season and he will know that as things stand he is probably going to drop down the Belguim pecking order unless he somehow raises his profile and with the WC just two seasons away he can't afford for any hiccups
People go on about other clubs players being mercaneries and are conned when a player kisses or thumps the badge but those actions are hollow for every player is in it for number one and in RL we are now seeing through his performances and indeed his words that he is no different and will be gone before next season.
