" From what I have heard, both are excellent performers but I can't help feeling that some of the opinions they express are damaging to their own interests."

Both men offer sincere and coherent opinions about a subject they care deeply about, have given a large part of their lives to, and have earned the right by dint of sheer creative effort to speak their mind.

If you dismiss what people like this have to say on the grounds that it is tactless. You are missing a trick. In fact the bloody movement has missed so many tricks - its a wonder it exists at all!

At what point can they speak their mind - there won't be any point after they've retired. To refuse to book Tom or John because they've had the temerity to mention on mudcat that they need and deserve a few breaks - well its like not playing having Georgie Best in your team cos he had long hair. Its that stupid.