COLUMNIST JOHN HOLMES

Waiting for Confirmation

By John Holmes : 19/07/2007 :

Comments (10) :

Like most Evertonians I'll be spending the day refreshing the OS waiting for confirmation of the signings of Vogel and Pinear. Both seem reasonably likely to be joining and without wishing to get ahead of myself I thought it was interesting to note how these transfer came about amid increasing panic about the lack of signings by Everton.

For all the trailing of rumour pages the Vogel reports initially surfaced on the OS on Tuesday and neither Vogel or Pinear had (to my knowledge) been linked with the club before that day. If their signings are confirmed in the next 48 hours then I hope it will calm the hyperventilating mob who have claimed that Moyes has no plan and is doing nothing behind the scenes. This summer's activity, at Goodison at least, seems to suggest that the paper's are of very little use in telling us what is going on. They've confidently predicted the signings of Nugent, Richardson and Koumas without there ever being a confirmed bid from Everton, yet completely missed out on two signings until the last minute and incidentally also failed to report contract negotiations for Cahill and Arteta until the deals were done and announced.

It may be frustrating for the fans but it seems to be Everton's modus operandi to keep things undercover as far as possible and that's fine with me as long as it brings results. I sense some fans will still find things new grumbles but the reality is Moyes is doing exactly what he's always said he would this summer: Not move quickly and work quietly to get the right players at the right price.

It remains to be seen if these two will add the missing ingredients to our midfield although they seem solid enough signings on paper. A nagging similarity with Valente and VDM hang about my mind - experienced pro with glowing club record and gleaming Ajax star gone somewhat off the boil - but with plenty of time to go and money (we think... we hope) still to be spent the squad is already looking far healthier.

Reader Comments

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Connor Rohrer
1 Posted 19/07/2007 at 12:11:25

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I dont think you can compare them to AVDM and Valente. Pienaar is a very skillful, pacy player who has underachieved because Dortmund underachieved. My only problem from him is he is a bit lightweight and plays in a similar position to Cahill. I can see Moyes turning him into an Arteta. Sticking him out on the wing. I think that would be best for him because it keeps him away from the rough and tumble. From what I have seen of Vogel he is a Moyes type of player. Hardworking, experience with a decent passing range. Hopefully he can help us retain possesion more.

Shaun Asthon
2 Posted 19/07/2007 at 12:17:27

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Even Vogel looks unlikely now, Real Betis (who i thought where the club who RELEASED him) are now demanding a fee!

John Holmes
3 Posted 19/07/2007 at 12:31:57

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The comment about Valente and VDM was somewhat flippant don’t take it seriously. But I agree Pineaar looks a little on the small side although I don’t think that precludes him success in the Premier League I’m just worried about our midfield as a whole being somewhat lacking in presence with Arteta and him and Cahill who despite his bounciness is not a powerful player. I just wonder about our ability to battle out a result without a five-man midfield if we were to play all three which hopefully we will.

Allan Southall
4 Posted 19/07/2007 at 12:58:13

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Its a good job we have the giant Leon Osman to boss our midfield really eh.

Ger Johnson
5 Posted 19/07/2007 at 15:27:47

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All the points you’ve made a good John, but hopefully we will land Vogel despite the ’snag’, and he can anchor the midfield nicely, with Jagielka as his understudy! :-)

At risk of sounding like I’ve just played a season of Football Manager, does anyone think if we did get Vogel and Pienaar, (or even just with Jags) would a 4-1-3-2 be successful - has anyone used this in the Premiership to good effect of late? Chelsea maybe?

With Vogel or Jagielka in the hole, covering the back four and spraying the passes to Cahill, Arteta and Pienaar/McFadden and the two front men, could be a nice setup?

albert velthuijsen
6 Posted 19/07/2007 at 18:36:40

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Bill and Keith are clowns.

I just pissed myself we can’t even get players for free..WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON.

sean
7 Posted 19/07/2007 at 18:56:29

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soz bar this but didnt know wer to put this comment but did any1 notice that on evertonfc.com the squad for the US tour does not include VDM?
hope he isnt leaving cos he luks to be gettin a gud preseason under his belt.

Jason Broome
8 Posted 19/07/2007 at 18:45:37

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Patience people, we will get them... It just wouldn’t be Everton if it was easy.

David Barks
9 Posted 19/07/2007 at 19:30:26

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This snag with the Vogel signing isn’t Everton’s doing. This is Betis screwing around. They are demanding a fee now after saying they had released him, while the player says they owe him money. It will all be washed away and he will be here, but like Jason said, it just wouldn’t be Everton if a signing went through with no snags.

Keith Harrison
10 Posted 19/07/2007 at 22:51:51

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John, read all your articles, and watched most of your films (sorry mate -had to get that one in !!).
They are always well thought out and balanced and provide a sea of calm compared to the majority of the hysterical ramblings on here.
In Moyes I’d like to trust, and on last nights showing, any mystery class midfielder will be more than welcome. Arteta shoulders far too much burden, and the rest of the team are only too happy to give him it.

Someone to take the weight off Mikky’s shoulders is a must, as given injury or suspension to him, we are pretty average.