COLUMNIST JOE JENNINGS

Believe

By Joe Jennings :  21/09/2007 :  Comments (3) :

When it comes to Everton in Europe, one word springs to mind immediately. Cursed. "The expression of a wish that misfortune, evil, doom, etc., befall a person, group, etc."

I have only ever seen three European games at Goodison due to my young age, I've waited a long time. Craving the European atmosphere, the special games under the floodlights. The committed, never-say-die attitude of the players. The old lady rocking. Thursday night was quite simply a shambles. The lack of creativity, the lack of ideas, the ticket fiasco, the penalties. The whole night was a huge let-down and I feel sickened that 37,120 fans had to pay to watch that. We are victims of our extreme loyalty, that's for sure.

I feel for Andy Johnson. When that second penalty was given, it was clear the players shirked the responsibility. The penalty itself was shocking and could potentially knock us out but those who are going to get on his back are mindless idiots. It was so evident he eagerly wanted to blast it home and send us all home happy. Yakubu was far from impressive but I'm still confident of his abilities

Yes, the tie in Ukraine will be a mammoth task, almost an impossibility. But we are Everton ? we don't do things the easy way, we should know that by now. If you're still breathing, you're still alive. The players have to believe that we can go to Ukraine and get a positive result. Do we really want to exit Europe in the light nights? The fans who are going to Ukraine are going to have to sing their hearts out, constant noise because the boys in blue will need it. I still have faith, perhaps blind faith but what's wrong with optimism?

As for Villa on Sunday, let's get behind the lads. Andy Johnson will need a song or two. If anyone needs lifting at the moment, it's him. Give him the motivation, desire and belief. He's got a habbit of aggravating the Villa faithful. Three points is paramount to lift the team, the manager and most of all the fans. A win on Sunday and everything looks rosy, we'll probably be occupying a top six place after seven games which is a good, solid start.

Call me crazy, but I genuinely believe we can go to Ukraine and beat Metalist. The motivation will be massive. This team can achieve, perhaps not on evidence of Thursday night's performance but we need a break in Europe and going through to the groups could be our catalyst. Keep the faith, sing your heart out and be proud to be blue. We can spur on our lads to make our European dreams become a reality, we can't let it slip away. Finally, back Andrew Johnson, the support of us will be a huge confidence boost. When the goal does arrive, let's hope it's worth waiting for.

"While you're still breathing you're still alive and we'll do all we can to stay alive." ...

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