COLUMNIST JOHN HOLMES
Who's to blame?
By John Holmes : 27/08/2007 : 
Comments (33) :
With word finally emerging from the club with their take on the Fernandes defection some idea of what has gone on can now be gained. It goes without saying that, for all his faults of workrate, Fernandes was a potentially outstanding signing who could have elevated us to the next level and, what's more, he was precisely the kind of player we require at this time to dominate the midfield both defending and going forward.
Comments (33) : Firstly, those who see it as some elaborate plot by Kenwright to sell the Kirkby deal are living in la-la land. He may not have been straight in the past but if you credit him with the nouse to come up with such an elaborate plan then surely he has the ability to achieve his aims without such schemes. In reality of course, if the board shoulders any blame it is due to incompetence rather than deceit.
Fernandes himself seems a little bemused by the whole affair claiming to be surprised by the rapid turn of events and largely I suspect this is genuine. He certainly could have kicked up a fuss and seems to rather too easily have rolled over and had his belly tickled by a bundle of Euros but ultimately, on the initial evidence, he seems to have more done what he's told than agitated for a change of plan.
Everton claim that they were almost there with the complex paperwork before a rival bid derailed the transfer. I do actually believe this, although questions might reasonably asked about why Everton transfers always seems to take that little bit longer than everyone elses and whether, had we pressured the Premier League to move a bit faster, we might have avoided this situation. That is something we may never know and will have to live with the consequences of.
The real culprit behind this seems, increasingly without doubt, to be the third-party owners of Fernandes who have apparently behaved in a fairly despicable manner in leading Everton to believe they had an agreement and seemingly reneging on it at the last minute for a few extra bank notes wafted under their nose. Herein lies the problem of third-party ownership. Their decision was not about football, it was not about good relations between clubs, it was not about the best interests of the player. It was simply a case of follow the club with the biggest cheque book and to hell with decency.
It's a great shame for Everton in footballing terms and I genuinely feel sorry for Moyes. He will have to manage the outcome of this debacle and it seems he has been a victim of the kind of behaviour of which he is the antithesis. Whatever your view of Moyes abilities, his decency, respect for fellow professionals and honourable nature shine through his dour persona. To find himself, frankly, screwed over in this manner and left with a gaping hole in his plans with little time to patch it up is sickening.
Reader Comments
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John, great article. You are spot on about this whole affair. We lost out on a class player, due to the one thing that seems to dictate football these days.. money. These greedy outside investors don’t care about football, or even there players. They just want to make as much money possible on there investments. These 3rd party companies are like slave owners, dictating where player should go, to make them as much money as possible. With FIFA washing there hands we any involvement, more and more players from more lenient leagues are going to be bought up by rich business men, who don’t have any interest in the game, but just want to make a fast buck.
Its sad as we were used as there pawn in there game, to make money on a extremely talented lad, whose got a great future ahead of him. I strongly believe that he really wanted to join us, but his future is controlled by others.
Its sad as we were used as there pawn in there game, to make money on a extremely talented lad, whose got a great future ahead of him. I strongly believe that he really wanted to join us, but his future is controlled by others.
James,
I’m purely discussing the Fernandes transfer not the other issues. Like you I felt let down by the Rooney sale, the King’s Dock failings and the phantom Fortress fund; however, to assume that everything Kenwright has done since is a lie and a media manipulation is a somewhat paranoid stance to take. In this instance, judged on its own merits, it appears Everton were at worst naive and slow rather than disingenuous.
I’m purely discussing the Fernandes transfer not the other issues. Like you I felt let down by the Rooney sale, the King’s Dock failings and the phantom Fortress fund; however, to assume that everything Kenwright has done since is a lie and a media manipulation is a somewhat paranoid stance to take. In this instance, judged on its own merits, it appears Everton were at worst naive and slow rather than disingenuous.
James... I agree entirely with your sentiments, this deal stinks and along with the ’previous’ form it needs a full investigation from a budding Carl Bernstein or Bob Woodward... coincidence after coincidence ... can’t be a coincidence.
Somehow... I don’t think we can expect the incisive investigative journalism that is required from the likes of Dominic King. So even if there have been shenanigans then the culprits have probably got the media in their back pocket anyway...
Somehow... I don’t think we can expect the incisive investigative journalism that is required from the likes of Dominic King. So even if there have been shenanigans then the culprits have probably got the media in their back pocket anyway...
At last a pro Everton correspondent who gets his very sensible views published without having them relegated to 24th reply to some crank’s ravings!The whole saga of the Fernandes ’signing’is regretable but any sensible person who has the sense to log onto the Official Club site will by now have discovered the whole truth behind the mess.
Clearly all the blame lies with Fernandes and his owners as we know our Chairman did everything in his power to make him our player.
Just why Evertonians have to behave like screaming dervishes whenever we lose out in the transfer market is beyond me and any other sane person.This club is in the best possible hands on and off the field-let them get on with the tremendous job they are doing!
Clearly all the blame lies with Fernandes and his owners as we know our Chairman did everything in his power to make him our player.
Just why Evertonians have to behave like screaming dervishes whenever we lose out in the transfer market is beyond me and any other sane person.This club is in the best possible hands on and off the field-let them get on with the tremendous job they are doing!
Richard, you know I’ve done some defending of the current regime against some of the wilder conspiracy theorists on this site. Because that’s what I believe. But I have to say, your kind of apparently mindless 100% support for the Board doesn’t help!
In case you’ve not noticed, we’ve just a lost an exciting new signing who we were promised you know! I don’t think for a moment that Bill and Co are the Evil Manipulators - but they are hardly fucking perfect!
Marshy thinks Bill is the Devil. Doddy thinks he’s God. Perhaps the truth is somewhere in between?
In case you’ve not noticed, we’ve just a lost an exciting new signing who we were promised you know! I don’t think for a moment that Bill and Co are the Evil Manipulators - but they are hardly fucking perfect!
Marshy thinks Bill is the Devil. Doddy thinks he’s God. Perhaps the truth is somewhere in between?
If anything was signed with Fernandes’ agent / owner why no mention of legal action or compensation, especially 5 days before the transfer deadline?
Something doesn’t seem right and it hasn’t been made any better by the official statement on the Everton website.
Personally I think Yak will sign on Wednesday and be a good addition to the squad, but I’d rather we were spending the money on a good playmaker.
What really concerns me is that this might be the start of something that pushes Moyes away from Everton and to potentially one of several other clubs who who happily give him millions to spend every season with little concern!
Something doesn’t seem right and it hasn’t been made any better by the official statement on the Everton website.
Personally I think Yak will sign on Wednesday and be a good addition to the squad, but I’d rather we were spending the money on a good playmaker.
What really concerns me is that this might be the start of something that pushes Moyes away from Everton and to potentially one of several other clubs who who happily give him millions to spend every season with little concern!
Mr McPherson I agree wholeheartedly with everything you say, I suspect like you I am not paranoid and I see it like it is. Mr Holmes, for you not to see the whole picture is, I think, naive.
I suspect that Yakubu will not sign and the nigh on £20m transfer "war chest" will never be heared of again.
Remember the Shearer "bid" amongst others?
I dearly hope I’m wrong.
I suspect that Yakubu will not sign and the nigh on £20m transfer "war chest" will never be heared of again.
Remember the Shearer "bid" amongst others?
I dearly hope I’m wrong.
Seems clear that the third party owners have played the market and we’ve lost out. Hard to take but we have to move on.
I feel this to be an excellent article, written with a sentiment very close to my own.
I am still confused, though.
Good article. It’s sad that we must blame people, when he could have been settling into the squad by now, and preparing himself for Bolton.
Life goes on, let’s get Yakubu in now and shut the window nice and tight.
I am still confused, though.
Good article. It’s sad that we must blame people, when he could have been settling into the squad by now, and preparing himself for Bolton.
Life goes on, let’s get Yakubu in now and shut the window nice and tight.
I pretty much agree with the opinion that we?ve been stitched up by the agent and his crew but I still have to place some blame on the club , If an agreement had been reached on friday night then why wasn?t someone banging on fernandes? door with pen and contract in hand ? but , as has been said before , let?s just forget this now and hope like hell that DM and his chief scout have a back up target , the UEFA cup starts in 3 weeks AND THE WINDOW SHUTS IN 4 DAYS so we need an eligible player ASAP
Manuel Tavares Fernandes signs for Valencia.
(Sang to the tune of Tavares, Heaven Must Be Missing An Angel)
Everton must be missing a midfielder,
Missing a midfielder now cos he’s fucked-off to Valencia somehow,
Showers the shit you feed us comes in showers,
And we take this shit for hours,
How many more hours do we take this shit and golden showers,
Ooh Everton Everton ,
Ooh Everton Everton,
Ooh Everton Everton,
Ooh I’m captured by your spell (Ooh, ooh)
that’s why you get away with dragging me through such hell (Oohoohooh),
You’ve got your yes vote Wyness,
You can drop the charade of by new players for us that’s why I know,
Everton must be missing a midfielder,
Missing a midfielder now cos he’s fucked-off to Valencia somehow,
Apologise to Tavares
(Sang to the tune of Tavares, Heaven Must Be Missing An Angel)
Everton must be missing a midfielder,
Missing a midfielder now cos he’s fucked-off to Valencia somehow,
Showers the shit you feed us comes in showers,
And we take this shit for hours,
How many more hours do we take this shit and golden showers,
Ooh Everton Everton ,
Ooh Everton Everton,
Ooh Everton Everton,
Ooh I’m captured by your spell (Ooh, ooh)
that’s why you get away with dragging me through such hell (Oohoohooh),
You’ve got your yes vote Wyness,
You can drop the charade of by new players for us that’s why I know,
Everton must be missing a midfielder,
Missing a midfielder now cos he’s fucked-off to Valencia somehow,
Apologise to Tavares
I am in no way an apologist for the Board of EFC, but in this case they appear to have done everything by the board in order to get this transfer deal done, only to be gazumped at the last minute by a better offer.
The club could not have moved any earlier in the transfer window as the Premier League would never have sanctioned any deal involving third party ownership while the Sheff Utd legal case was going on and then the Tevez transfer to Man United.
We then had to negotiate with the player, Premier League, his agent, Benfica and the 3rd party who own 50% of his rights, so it was hardly a simple deal and would take time.
Yes we could have got him to sign a £30k a week contract for 5 years, but we could have ended up with a player we could not play, who?s rights we did not own and had to have flogged him on for a loss. The Premier League could have not ratified any potential deal after all.
All the while we were hearing positive news from the club and the media suggesting the deal was done. It obviously appears that at the same time agents and third parties were hawking their player around Europe to get themselves a better deal.
One came along and they took it. Can anyone on here say they would not have done the same?
However one person who could have changed the situation was Manuel Fernandes as he could have insisted on signing for Everton. He didn?t. Presumably CL football, a better wage etc made him accept an offer. Again who hasn?t played two employers off against each other? I certainly have.
If anything the board have once again been too trusting in people?s good faith and word. This is where they fucked up, but I can?t see whet else they were supposed to do.
The club could not have moved any earlier in the transfer window as the Premier League would never have sanctioned any deal involving third party ownership while the Sheff Utd legal case was going on and then the Tevez transfer to Man United.
We then had to negotiate with the player, Premier League, his agent, Benfica and the 3rd party who own 50% of his rights, so it was hardly a simple deal and would take time.
Yes we could have got him to sign a £30k a week contract for 5 years, but we could have ended up with a player we could not play, who?s rights we did not own and had to have flogged him on for a loss. The Premier League could have not ratified any potential deal after all.
All the while we were hearing positive news from the club and the media suggesting the deal was done. It obviously appears that at the same time agents and third parties were hawking their player around Europe to get themselves a better deal.
One came along and they took it. Can anyone on here say they would not have done the same?
However one person who could have changed the situation was Manuel Fernandes as he could have insisted on signing for Everton. He didn?t. Presumably CL football, a better wage etc made him accept an offer. Again who hasn?t played two employers off against each other? I certainly have.
If anything the board have once again been too trusting in people?s good faith and word. This is where they fucked up, but I can?t see whet else they were supposed to do.
I stand to be corrected by the historians, but I think it was on transfer deadline day in 1983 that Howard Kendall’s attempt to sign Terry Curran on a full-time basis failed due to last minute demands by the player’s agent. Howard ruefully observed at the time that in his day if you wanted to play for a club you turned up to sign the contract with a pair of boots in one hand and a pen in the other. But instead TC brought his agent and some new demands and the rest ought to have been history but Kendall chose to forgive and forget and wasted valuable money a few months later and bought Curran anyway. Since his next signing was Andy Gray, we too forgave and forgot. What Howard and the Everton board at the time would make of third party owners and the agents of the 21st century is anybody’s guess. But in the aftermath of the disappointment about Manuel Fernandez, it is worth remembering some others. AJ and Baines reputedly turned down offers of more money to play for the Blues. Jag spent his summer waiting to come. With some of Europe’s finest at the door, Cahill and Arteta signed new contracts. Which shows to me, at least, that there are still players out there with a pen in one hand and their boots in the other, so to speak. If we learn anything from this sorry mess, then it is surely that however much we may need a particular type of player ( and Manny was cetainly that) we need a particular type of person even more.
I agree with John a good article, at this point I believe we should move forward and be thankful he did not sign as it would have been another "Bilic" signing with no commitment to the club. We should look at the want away players who left and were they finished up, Barmby, Xavier, Gravesen, just to name a few. In conclusion I wonder what influence Nuno Valente had on Fernandes's decision!!!
........somebody mentioned Woodward & Bernstein- yep, "follow the money"- that’s what Fernandes did- and it’s not a bad rule when measuring the dealings of the current Everton board.......
Anybody know where the nigh on $18m was coming from to buy Manny & Yak, anyway? With Manny?s defection and the possible "no work permit" for Yak, it does make you question the Board?s intentions. I hope Yak?s signing goes through Wednesday because, if it doesn?t, there?ll be a lot of loyal fans just like me feeling conned.
Ecellent article John but I am concerned on two fronts. 1, The Manny affair but 2, whether the Yak will indeed be an Everton player before Friday. What also bothers me is that the Money for these transfers only became available after the season started. Why was the money not made available earlier or even at the end of the last season so players could be purchased similar to AJ, Lescott to prepare the squad for Europe. I know people will elaborate on the theory of Kenwright to sell the Kirkby deal and coupled with the Fortress Sports Fund, NTL, Kings Dock, Wayne Rooney (and we can now add Fernandes) surely we have not be sucked in again.
In this general acceptance of the Everton board’s whimsical explanation it does not excuse this policy of waiting until August to add to crucial parts of the squad. Why did we not nail down Fernandes in May/June? Did we not have the money? Did Moyes not fancy him? Was he seduced like a love struck teenagerrby Gonzalez after watching Copa America when he’s have been better sticking to Fernandes who’s been test driven for 5 months? Were the board hopeing to wait to the last minute to squeeze a better deal? Where has the £20-30m appeared from to suddenly fund this lavish spending?
I hope Yakubu signs on Wednesday but he is grossly over priced at £11.25m and we have no one to give him the ball. Hope he likes balls smacked over his head because he’ll be chasing them into the advertising hoardings very soon.
We’ve missed a golden chance to have a player who even in 3-5 years time would only be coming into his prime. We could have built a team around him, Arteta, Yobo, Baines, Lescott, Cahill, Johnson & Vaughan. If injury free he would maybe worth 3 times what he’s went for now.
Someone has to shoulder some blame. The policy of waiting so long to identify targets or sanction the spending or actually making offers is crass stupidity. Look at the rapier speed Man City, Fulham & West Ham have concluded their transfer business. This board are increasingly appaering to be rank amateurs in finalising transfers. Look how long it took to nail down Baines & Jagielka earlier in the summer. The Baines deal seemingly had to wait on Beattie being sold so where all of a sudden has the extra money appeared from? Did Moyes threaten to walk without a fresh injection of funds?
Whatever the truth in early August we suddenly entered panic buy mode. Moyes like a young child in sweet shop.
I’m not sure I trust any of the custodians of this club anymore.
Inept, naive administration off the field coupled with uninspiring football on it.
I hope Yakubu signs on Wednesday but he is grossly over priced at £11.25m and we have no one to give him the ball. Hope he likes balls smacked over his head because he’ll be chasing them into the advertising hoardings very soon.
We’ve missed a golden chance to have a player who even in 3-5 years time would only be coming into his prime. We could have built a team around him, Arteta, Yobo, Baines, Lescott, Cahill, Johnson & Vaughan. If injury free he would maybe worth 3 times what he’s went for now.
Someone has to shoulder some blame. The policy of waiting so long to identify targets or sanction the spending or actually making offers is crass stupidity. Look at the rapier speed Man City, Fulham & West Ham have concluded their transfer business. This board are increasingly appaering to be rank amateurs in finalising transfers. Look how long it took to nail down Baines & Jagielka earlier in the summer. The Baines deal seemingly had to wait on Beattie being sold so where all of a sudden has the extra money appeared from? Did Moyes threaten to walk without a fresh injection of funds?
Whatever the truth in early August we suddenly entered panic buy mode. Moyes like a young child in sweet shop.
I’m not sure I trust any of the custodians of this club anymore.
Inept, naive administration off the field coupled with uninspiring football on it.
I agree there’s a real question out there still about why the signings have been left so late. My intial belief was Moyes had had this money all summer but decided to change his strategy to making a couple of big signings after making a lot of smaller ones failed. I’ve changed my mind since and accept the view that there’s been a cash injection (possibly from Robert Earl and, admittedly, possibly to sway the vote although I sense it had a mininmal effect). My suspicion is we didn’t sign Fernandes earlier in the summer because we couldn’t afford him. Moyes said as much at the end of last season. If you want to lambast the board, there’s your ammo. Failing to find the money at the right time rather than inventing it or creating elaborate smokescreens.
Yes, the third party investors are greedy - but so is that snake tongued tosser Fernandes. His excuse was that his mate in the Valencia team had a word with him about how great the paella was out there, and so naturally he could then forget about the fact that he’d shaken hands and given his word on coming to Everton. No honour, no class. Obviously I am naive believing that this should mean something with a modern footballer. He showed his true colours - and they were not Blue. No matter how promising a player he was, this just goes to show that even if he had been a success for us he would have buggered off at the first sign of more money elsewhere. I hope he rots in the Valencia reserves. What a twat.
I can understand everyone being dissapointed about not getting Manny cos he looks a great prospect but I hardly think he is ready to "dominate the midfield" like Steve suggests,I think he would have added a nice bit of flair but that we would be a little lightweight in the position especially when things werent going Mannys way in games! Arsene Wenger is always whinging cos Fabregas is always gettin kicked around the field more than the ball,I hope Moyes can find a player now with a bit more balance like we have in Arteta! Chin up blues! (lets also not forget Pienaar)
I was disappointed with the Fernandes news but its happened and we move on - speaks volumes of the lads character that is head can be turned so quick - like Fernandes I sat thru saturdays game and so maybe Manny thought f**k that - am sure Moyes has alternatives - I do believe the money is there for another top class signing its just a case of who is available. Not sure about Nolan, a poor mans Joey Barton for me but if he signs I will be hoping Moyes has seen something I havent yet.
Being an eternal optimist - Juan Roman Rilquelme is apparently available at 10 mill and the number 10 shirt is still free - well theres optimism and just plain fantasy - let see what happens and get behind the boys whatever the outcome.
Being an eternal optimist - Juan Roman Rilquelme is apparently available at 10 mill and the number 10 shirt is still free - well theres optimism and just plain fantasy - let see what happens and get behind the boys whatever the outcome.
Good artical above but my own opinion is that we fucked up on what could or would of been one of Evertons greatest players.Before we new about any bid from Valencia Moyes had said after the match he expects him to sign on Sunday! Sunday comes and Valencia reveal they have agreed to sign Fernandes.Tuesday comes along giving Everton time to think of something to say about this saying that there had been a bid on Saturday so obviously on enquiry was made probably wed or thur which then puts a rocket up the clubs arse to sort this deal out.We should of snapped him up at the end of last season instead we waited until the season started and now missed out with 4 days to go.Like every Evertonian we are starting to get used to this & we can only hope that they do have someone lined up with quality to play in the centre of the park as we cant go throughy another game with that central midfield again.
It’s quite simple, we dragged our arses to the finish line and there should be no excuse for the incompetence when someone speedier broke the tape first. I disagree blaming the investors though as it appears Benfica were the driving force, although you are right about the fact it is all about the money and how soon they will get it, how great their share is, etc. Third party investors complicate matters in England to such a degree that they should carry a portion of the blame (otherwise, this would never have been an issue) but it was Benfica who pushed the matter to suit their own agenda.
The reason the blame should lie with our board is quite simple. We were not prepared to pay an inflated £12m until we had been rejected by Porto for Gonzales (plus the whole Riquelme catastrophe). Suddenly, Manuel’s worth it and the board slowly start making their move. However protracted and difficult this may have been it should have been concluded long ago because that’s when it should have started. Moyes showed a lack of faith in Fernades by not wanting him immediately upon completion of his loan so the outcome shouldn’t be too much of a surprise.
Looking at this and a whole catalogue of other fiascos (such as Kings Dock and our own fans being suckered into the ’no plan B’ embarrassment) and ask yourself one question. Let’s face it, nobody actually wants to move to Kirkby, they just accept that it is a reasonable financial option, given our current circumstances. So, now that we have taken the offer no-one wants but we were apparently too afraid not to take, does any Evertonian trust the board to deliver the mediocre stadium we’ve seen or will it be even worse than that, if and when we get it?
The reason the blame should lie with our board is quite simple. We were not prepared to pay an inflated £12m until we had been rejected by Porto for Gonzales (plus the whole Riquelme catastrophe). Suddenly, Manuel’s worth it and the board slowly start making their move. However protracted and difficult this may have been it should have been concluded long ago because that’s when it should have started. Moyes showed a lack of faith in Fernades by not wanting him immediately upon completion of his loan so the outcome shouldn’t be too much of a surprise.
Looking at this and a whole catalogue of other fiascos (such as Kings Dock and our own fans being suckered into the ’no plan B’ embarrassment) and ask yourself one question. Let’s face it, nobody actually wants to move to Kirkby, they just accept that it is a reasonable financial option, given our current circumstances. So, now that we have taken the offer no-one wants but we were apparently too afraid not to take, does any Evertonian trust the board to deliver the mediocre stadium we’ve seen or will it be even worse than that, if and when we get it?
I’m bemused as to why (according to the club statement) the deal was agreed to the satisfaction of all four interested parties by Saturday morning, with club officials working through the night, but Fernandes wasn’t signed up on Saturday?
Fernandes was there on Saturday,why weren’t contracts signed before the Blackburn game?
Fernandes was there on Saturday,why weren’t contracts signed before the Blackburn game?
One thing is forgotten in all this. The Premier League chief is a self avowed Liverpool FC fan so he would not be rushing around to help Everton particularly after the West Ham/Sheffield United fiasco.
PLEASE STOP THE PARANOIA!!!
we did not sign manny earlier in the summer for two simple reasons; 1) as someone else pointed out there is no way the Premier League/FA would even look at such a deal while the Sheff Utd -v- West Ham issue was going on (look how long it took unit to sign Tevez!!) and 2) We didnt have the fucking cash! We only got the money when Robert Earl released cash for player purchase.
Even if you insist on blaming Everton FC then it is illogical to blame BK, as chairman he is not responsible for the running of the club, a chairman is simply an ambassador/figurehead for any company, wherease the CEO is responsible for the running of the club and ensuring transers etc run smoothly so blame Keith Wyness!
we did not sign manny earlier in the summer for two simple reasons; 1) as someone else pointed out there is no way the Premier League/FA would even look at such a deal while the Sheff Utd -v- West Ham issue was going on (look how long it took unit to sign Tevez!!) and 2) We didnt have the fucking cash! We only got the money when Robert Earl released cash for player purchase.
Even if you insist on blaming Everton FC then it is illogical to blame BK, as chairman he is not responsible for the running of the club, a chairman is simply an ambassador/figurehead for any company, wherease the CEO is responsible for the running of the club and ensuring transers etc run smoothly so blame Keith Wyness!
Fair point Ronan. I didn’t think of it that way and was always reluctant to believe BK was ready to sell us down the river or misrepresent us. I accept he could possibly fight a little harder in the boardroom on some issues but I have no trust whatsoever in Wyness and have found him greatly falling short in almost every area, particularly PR. To say bumbling, inept and irresponsible doesn’t even cover it.
Ronan, Just a thought mate but seeing as Robert Earl has been involved for months, why didn’t he release the money earlier, instead waiting until a couple of weeks before the Kirkby vote was due in...
In fact why would a successful businessman put money into something that he doesn’t own in the first place?
In fact why would a successful businessman put money into something that he doesn’t own in the first place?
Small consolation in the whole manny afair was that just after he defected to Valencia, he got to watch Villareal hammer them at the mestalla 3-0!!!!
Matt, I was assuming someone would point that out, Robert Earl completed his share purchase nearly a year ago, why did he only release cash on July? the honest answer is I don’t know! I can understand him handing over £20m to improve the squad but why august and not june I have no idea, maybe he was waiting on further clarity on the kirkby move? he thought yes would win so released the cash? who knows
When I first read the title ’Who’s to blame?’ I almost didn’t bother reading it, thinking it to be yet another tiny-minded club besmirching exercise.
How wrong I was. Instead, I read with amazement as, with little or no evidence, John Holmes skilfully laid the boot into the third party who owns Manuel’s registration.
What’s going on here? I asked myself. Toffeeweb has let itself down badly with this one. They’re letting EFC off Scott free!
Thankfully, James McPherson restored the reader’s peace of mind, wasting no time wading in with a fabulous tirade containing all the old faves: NTL, Fortress Fund, Kings Dock, Wayne Rooney, it’s a disgrace, blah blah blah, rant rant rant...
Thank god for guys like Jimmy. Where would we be without them?
How wrong I was. Instead, I read with amazement as, with little or no evidence, John Holmes skilfully laid the boot into the third party who owns Manuel’s registration.
What’s going on here? I asked myself. Toffeeweb has let itself down badly with this one. They’re letting EFC off Scott free!
Thankfully, James McPherson restored the reader’s peace of mind, wasting no time wading in with a fabulous tirade containing all the old faves: NTL, Fortress Fund, Kings Dock, Wayne Rooney, it’s a disgrace, blah blah blah, rant rant rant...
Thank god for guys like Jimmy. Where would we be without them?
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1 Posted 27/08/2007 at 17:54:01
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In what has been a summer of mudslinging, I do not wish to question the integrity of a fellow Evertonian's belief system, no matter how much I disagree with it.
However, for my own clarity of mind John, I would just wish to at least understand how your unswerving faith in Kenwright means that he survives (in your book) beyond any kind of scrutiny.
Can I ask that when the words, Fortress Sports Fund, NTL, Kings Dock, Wayne Rooney (and we can now add Fernandes) are mentioned,what thoughts come to your mind?
I am comfortable with making an informed judgement based on the on the above. I believe there is evidence to say that Kenwright has clearly demonstrated incompetence followed by (and here's the real crime)manipulative use of media/communication to distort/fudge call it what you like the reasonings for these 'mishaps'.
As I say, no desire for mudslinging, but with respect sir, I really do believe that you are being extremely naive in your assumption that Kenwright is above the modern day phenomena of 'spin doctoring'. Yes, he's not alone...but he sure as hell does it!
Have you never come across 'good news days' and 'bad news days' and the imperative need to 'bury' the latter in any way possible.
Kenwright is as Machiavellian as they come. For him to act the way he does and continue at the helm, he has to. Let's not forget...not one person/institution has apparently ever made an enquiry into Everton (somewhat odd don't you think..in this age of excess speculation around and acquisition of football clubs?).
This is football...so let's no let it get to "the grassy knoll" conspiracies...however...let's make no mistake that Kenwright has form and that he has used PR for his own advantage on numerous occasions.
For that reason, I have long since stopped trusting him. In the context of the above examples, please tell me what keeps you going?
Two final points...
1. David Moyes in his post match interview gave the game away...could he be more vague in whather there would be signings? Remember, Fernandes was at the match...!This is 7.15 ish... so the silence (from the club could theoretically run from Saturday evening and not yesterday)
2. Kenwright...could trash mine and other (growing) numbers' views by simply revealing details (not content - but dates) of correspondence with/between the club and the FA Premier league in resolving this issue. That would clearly show intent on the part of the club. My guess is that there was none.
I think the onus is on Kenwright to demonstrate this. Else with his form...he's fair game now.