Welcome Back, Tommy!

Steve Ferns 31/08/2007 80comments  |  Jump to last
Before Mikel Arteta came to prominence, Tommy was the darling of the Gladwys Street. He was also my favourite player, he?s the kind of enigma style player that I like. My previous favourite was Limpar, whom I unashamedly rated higher than Kanchelskis. I think that Tommy is a real Everton player. Why? Tommy is passionate, he?s frustrating, he blows hot, he blows cold. He can at his best, be the best (how else would he have got to Madrid?).

Tommy is what I like to call a conductor. He is the kind of midfield general we need. Has anyone ever seen Tommy shy from the ball? Has he ever not offered a pass? I know Arteta does this, but he does not have Tommy?s size, build, or presence to seriously play in the middle and so he?s best out on the wing coming inside to influence play.

I loved Tommy from the day he signed. All those who ask what he did in the first four years either:
  1. have never played football to a decent standard,
  2. did not go to the games,
  3. do not like football to be played beautifully.
I remember the first time we saw Tommy. Me and my mate Johno went up to Preston for what was then our annual pre-season game. Tommy was billed as the opposite of Gazza. Mad Dog, the big butch enforcer. He burst through one-on-one with the keeper and we all expected him to leather it straight past the keeper, instead he feinted and hit a delightful chip over the keeper. From that moment on I knew Tommy was special.

So why did people moan about him for 4 years? Can anyone remember our team? a typical team would have been: Gerrard and a back four of Watson, Weir, Stubbs and Unsworth. With Pembridge, Gemmill and Alexandersson joing Tommy in Midfield and Super Kev or Big Dunc up front with Radzinsky.

Is it any wonder he could be so frustrating? How could you pass to any of them? Alex wouldn?t bomb down the wing. Pembo, I was won round by the fella, but he really did get the jitters if he got over the halfway line. Gemmill, a pass to him was like a pass to the opposition. Tommy wouldn?t hoof it to either of the big fellas and the opposition always watched Rad for the ball over the top and Rad was so slow mentally that my nan would have beaten him to it. That usually meant Tommy dithered time and time on the ball looking for killer pass.

He also saw the ball so rarely as Unsworth and Stubbs really mortar bombed the oppostion looking for Ferguson, whether he played or not, that Tommy would get so frustrated that he would run round the pitch demanding the ball. Also if he ever lost it he would go on a mission to get it back such was his passion.

Further, some say good then past it now. 31 years of age past it? Has he lost that legendary pace? Oh he didn?t have any? Has he had a bad injury? No? Then he can?t have lost his touch. The only thing is he hasn?t played much. Then surely he must have plenty in the tank for an old man? Moyes will get him fit. If there?s one thing he?s good at its getting hardworkers into the best shape of their lives. Tommy is one of those.

Tommy is passionate. Did we not hear stories have how he hung a picture of big Dunc above his mantle piece in Spain to remind him of Everton commitment and dedication. I hope it is true. Tommy is passionate and I hope that his passion allows him to kick off the dust.

Imagine Tommy taking the ball off the back four and looking to pass to Pienaar, Arteta, Cahill, Johnson or Osman with a killer trademark reverse pass. Makes your mouth water.

Tommy?s on a free. He?s 31. he offers craft and guile. He knows how to awaken a crowd, however you feel about badge kissing, fist waving or clumsy tackles, he could always get the Glawdys to life even in the darkest of the Walter days.

The only question over Tommy was his defensive capabilities. Moyes knows all about this. The year we finished 4th was due to Moyes saying to carsley "sit" and telling Tommy to forget about defending, and so playing 4-5-1 to accomodate this. Tommy has the craft, the vision, the touch, the passion. He?s on loan, costs nowt but wages, he knows half the team. He loves the fans. How can we lose?

One last point, lets forget about the whole "mad dog" tag. And he?s an attacking midfielder, not a defensive midfielder. The mistake about that comes from Germany. Following Beckenbouer, Germany likes a sweeper in front of the back four who picks up the ball and sprays it around, "quarterback" style. The position requires no real tackling ability as the game is different to ours and whilst we have Carsleys in England, they have Matthaus in germany (did you ever see him make a tackle?). That?s the kind of role Tommy grow up playing; once he got to behind the front one or two he found found his niche.

And that?s it. Play Tommy in the Cahill role, forgive him his defensive deficiencies and his refusal to make a simple pass and enjoy the entertainment. I have enjoyed few everton games as much since Tommy left as I did when he played.

Tommy is a real Everton player, just like McKenzie and Limpar. He?s flawed, he?s frustrating, he?s an engima, but boy am I glad he?s back.

Welcome home, Tommy.

Reader Comments

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Ben Dunn
1   Posted 31/08/2007 at 14:38:34

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You've got a point.. I'm glad he?s back in a way.. he is a great player. But only one question.. why not play Tim Cahill in the Tim Cahill role once he?s fit?
Danny Gorman
2   Posted 31/08/2007 at 14:42:25

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Steve, in the period that mad dog played for us I did go the games and can i catergorically state that I hated the bald prick. I state this because i found him to be a fake and phony and all that fist waiving and badge kissing utterly pissed me off when he played shite most of the time he was at our club.

I remeber the first time I saw tommy in a friendly away at blackburn - we got beat and I think he got sent off.
Matt Willey
3   Posted 31/08/2007 at 14:41:28

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Hi Steve, couldn’t agree more with you mate... Tommy is quality, he always came across as a bit mental in a Grant Mitchell sort of way but he can certainly play a bit; along with his generally strong Everton performances the guy also has a great international pedegree (remember his Danish side thrashing England in their last meeting). Personally I love the ’edge’ to his game, I think his acquisition will allow Arteta a bit more freedom too... at the very least it will give us another dimension. I just can’t wait for Mentalist VS Metalist in the UEFA cup :-)
Brian Finnigan
4   Posted 31/08/2007 at 14:51:53

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Thanks Danny.....I’m relieved that I am not alone.
Paul Smith
5   Posted 31/08/2007 at 14:56:39

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I think that point number 1 applies to you in that case Danny.
Dan johnson
6   Posted 31/08/2007 at 14:52:34

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Gravesen brings Euro experience is a full international and is an excellent addition to the squad. The key word being SQUAD. He was probably our best player in an aging squad under smith/moyes, now he has to accept he’s here just as a support plyaer as our squad in terms of quality has sky rocketed since he left.
Danny Gorman
7   Posted 31/08/2007 at 14:59:17

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Absoulutely Paul, unless you count West End Under 10’s or St Bedes High School team. But do you really suggest that you should have played football to a reasonalbe standard before you can comment??

Does that mean I cant say The Feeling are shite because I wasn’t in The Smiths??
jack
8   Posted 31/08/2007 at 15:01:38

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When i heard Gravensen had signed for themighty blues i was so excited he was my hero when he was at goodison and i reakon he is more creative and has more flair about himself then what tim cahill has
Nathan
9   Posted 31/08/2007 at 15:02:57

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Good summary, people claim he was only good for us in the last 6 months to a year he was with us, but it was only during that time we were putting a good team together. Now that we have a quality team, for a low risk loan this could be a very good signing. COYB
Danny Gorman
10   Posted 31/08/2007 at 15:13:52

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Don’t get me wrong boys - I think that its an ok sigining for no risk - but you cant reasonably excitied about this he had his best six months with us now he’s past it
Peter Singer
11   Posted 31/08/2007 at 15:02:44

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I hate it when people, even serious people, not journalists classify him as a defensive midfielder. He definitely isn’t one and is utter shite if he’s used as one, luckily Moyes already knows that.

And while we’re bleating about the lack of creativity in midfield, let’s not forget another important factor: versatility. Not individual versatility but rather having different types of midfielders in the squad. Remember, there is room for seven on the bench in Europe and that makes a big difference. As far as our attacking midfielders go, we have Arteta with his all-round flair, deadly spot-kicks and ability to hold the ball up, Timmy’s aggressiveness and heading, Osman’s and McFadden’s unpredictability (which admittedly is a dangerous gamble as it can fire in both directions), Tommy’s strength and enthusiasm and Pienaar also has whatever he has, I don’t really know.

Not to mention that if he’s going to be deployed alongside Carsley and AJ, TV commentators will be having a truly torrid time. :)
Eric Olin
12   Posted 31/08/2007 at 15:03:01

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I agree with Dan Johnson. I think it’s he will turn out to be a good loan signing. I think it was easy for DM to bring him in as he knows what the "Mad Dog" is good for and also his limitations. I can’t see him as more than a benchwarmer at this point. He’ll provide cover and also something different if we need to chase a game at the end. It’s a long season and I for one would like to see us give the domestic cups a go as well as the UEFA Cup. I remember DM saying we’ll have to get more quantity as well as quality in order to be able to competete at all fronts this season. On another note, I can’t wait ’til the European matches. I’ve always wondered just how good a top three Ukrainian side is... ;)
middleastblue
13   Posted 31/08/2007 at 15:31:04

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Well said Danny, he is frustrating and I also remember him as absolute crap at times.
Chris Wright
14   Posted 31/08/2007 at 15:46:25

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Nah he was shite. And I have played West Cheshire League football and have had a season ticket for 10 years. One good game in 5 and that was it. Also when he went we got Arteta and we all quickly forgot about the Grav. He is average at best, he wasn’t good enough for Celtic and who did we beat to his signiture....Man U, Chelsea, Arsenal oh no it was Championship Sheffield Utd. I wonder if he is past his best... I believe he played very well against Preston in a preseason game about 5 years ago. Right I’m glad I’ve got that off my chest.
Peter Singer
15   Posted 31/08/2007 at 15:58:29

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I wonder if all those people who start bashing every player at the very moment they sign feel stupid later, when it inevitably turns out that some of the signings were actually good.
Carl Wright
16   Posted 31/08/2007 at 16:07:04

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Bought to be a bench player, nuff said
Mark
17   Posted 31/08/2007 at 16:04:16

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Always amazed me Madrid bought him as a defensive midfielder, I mean did they ever look at him? This article is spot on, play Tommy up the park and you have got a really good creative alternative to Arteta. We all know that we needed to get some alternatives, Tommy knows the place and the fans, get him fit and let him loose!!
Brian Waring
18   Posted 31/08/2007 at 16:09:26

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While I like Gravesen,and do think he is a very good player.I do think some fans are going a bit over the top.Words like quality and class are being attached to him,and I’m not being funny,but class and quality he aint.
Martin Downey
19   Posted 31/08/2007 at 16:06:14

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To say Thomas Gravesen is an inconisistent player is a bit of understatement. In the space of a minute he can perform the most awesome piece of footballing skill and then fall over the ball flat on his face leaving the opposition with a clear run on goal. I feel we’ll witness this again. But it has to be said that his form for us before his ill fated move to Real was excellent and was largeley responsible for us being so high up the league at that time. We floundered a bit after he left and although we hung on for fourth place, missed him badly in our disastrous foray into Europe the next season. On balance I think he will be a very useful addition to the squad. He has experience and on his day can be awesome. Let’s hope his errors, and he will make them, will not be too costly, and this will prove to have been one of Moysey’s better pieces of transfer business.
David Bromwell
20   Posted 31/08/2007 at 16:07:12

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Well done Steve maybe our best signing of the summer !! Graverson was always interesting to watch and sometimes showed real quality.He always makes himself available and I hope he is on the bench tomorrow.He would always be in my team before Osman or McFadden.I hope he is still able to play as he did when he left and if this is the case he will be in the team every match and the level of entertainment will increase. Welcome back Tommy.
Steven Birch
21   Posted 31/08/2007 at 16:34:14

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Tommy, is one of the most frustrating players ive ever seen in a blues shirt....but he’s also one of the ones that excites me the most.

if we can find a way to accomodate him he will be a great asset to us. those of you saying he’s a benchwarmer are wrong though, he should jump straight into midfield on saturday. Get neville out of central role, put him at right back, kicking hibbet out the team because this season he has been atrocious.
Martin
22   Posted 31/08/2007 at 16:37:25

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Here’s what Gravesen will give us: Squad depth and presence in midfield - something we sorely lacked vs. Blackburn.

He’s a known quantity who, at 31, isn’t exactly ancient just yet. I think he’s still got something to offer - it’s not like he’s been injured or suddenly become a bad player.

Bottom line: He’s only on loan. We’re only paying his wages. And he certainly can’t hurt the team.
Thomas David
23   Posted 31/08/2007 at 16:54:21

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"Tommy was the darling of the Gladwys Street."

Are you having a laugh? 6 good months in 4 years.

Can’t believe we’ve got this cheerleader back.
Mark P
24   Posted 31/08/2007 at 17:00:00

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Crikey, lets take Gravo for what he is, a good all round midfielder who can pass the ball better than most.

At 31 he is by no means acient, he always had a good engine, a real box to box player.

He can pass better than Cars, and Nev combined. He can play simple and short or hit the runners.

He would be ideal in the middle with Jags, Ossy and Arteta, until Cahill returns. He will get the ball from Jags or the back 4 and use it to by time then hit the runners.

Anyone who was at the Blackburn game has got to know that much as cars is a good defensive midfielder he couldnt pass a beachball 5 yards without giving it to the opposition.

At Europe level we need to keep the ball, Gravo will keep the ball, and he can tackle.

Put it this way Yobo has just won a tackle and passed it to Jags in Midfield who do do you want Jags to give it to to keep posession and launch an attack, Cars or Gravo?

Julian
25   Posted 31/08/2007 at 17:15:15

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I got the the "Limpar was better than Kanchelskis" bit at the start, realised the author was mental, then stopped reading!
Jim Oldfield
26   Posted 31/08/2007 at 17:14:24

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Tommy WILL do a job for us, when we need him.i.e. he IS agreat squad player to have about. If nothing else he is a "character" and we just do not have anyone else to kick ass !
Baz owen
27   Posted 31/08/2007 at 17:19:45

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play graveson every fourth game and we will win everything.
Chaz
28   Posted 31/08/2007 at 17:24:39

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Don’t forget the main thing is that we can finally ditch Hibbert and put Nev in his proper role at RB now.

Riquelme for Everton - now that would be interesting...
jockmcdoq
29   Posted 31/08/2007 at 17:23:36

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Essentially this is a no risk signing. If he really is past his best, then he will simply be a squad player and one with good experience to be called upon as shall inevitably be necessary. Alternatively, if he can rekindle his previous best form for us, then certainly he is a starter for me, perhaps even on the right hand side once Cahill is back
Peter Nickson
30   Posted 31/08/2007 at 17:20:35

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Enigmatic. Sometimes frustrating. A polariser of opinion. Loved by most, hated by some. Capable of sublime artistry or headless chickenry! Strong, but not in the tackle. Unpredictable. Some say a bit mad. A leader. Carsley’s twin. Error prone. Passionate. Induced a smile and a groan. Honest and hardworking. Inspirational and imperfect - a true human being. If only everything in life was as interesting. Welcome back Tommy, I hope you do well and help to bring success to this proud club of ours.
Keith Glazzard
31   Posted 31/08/2007 at 17:18:21

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With midnight not far off and a trip to Ukraine booked, Tommy’s return has to be welcome. The squad is a bit bigger, and a lot stronger where it needed to be. Who will play, where, when and alongside whoever in which role? We’ll have to wait and see.

I don’t think its getting your excuses in early to say that there are no easy games in Europe - its just true. And there is an argument to say that to get over the first hurdle we should field as many international and European players as we can find on the night.

If the poor old 31 year old can still run around the park, he could do us proud.
Markus Steinbauer
32   Posted 31/08/2007 at 18:17:07

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In one thing you are absolutely right: I am german, and for me Gravesen always has been a defensive midfielder, as i saw him as a young player at HSV and he played kind of a Beckenbauer role. Als o played defender there. English fans always are like: "Oh no not again he is no DM". But i think you got the point, its the different approach to football.
Rich P
33   Posted 31/08/2007 at 18:09:36

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Peter Nickson - that was quite beautifully put mate!

I was as sad about losing his personality from the place as his ability on the pitch.
How people can call him a phoney when he has never said a bad word against us and has clearly tried to keep the door open since he left. Badge kissing and the like is a bit naff, but if there’s anyone that seems to have a bit of loyalty about them it’s Grav.

Many of our fans aren’t happy unless they’re moaning about something or preferably, someone.
Billy Brad
34   Posted 31/08/2007 at 18:51:14

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Steve, I will have to disagree. I always feel you should never go back to a club once you have left.
I think it is another desperate buy, trying to fill a position we should have filled in May/June and fnd ourselves having to scrap around near deadline day looking for freebies. By the way I am not moaning, Moyes has said many times in the past that Gravesen frustrates the life out of ye. Typical Everton though, watch out for the 11th hour bid for Deco for a couple of million !!!!
stu jonno
35   Posted 31/08/2007 at 19:30:36

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some seriously short memories on here, he was by far our best player and probably still wont be far off judging by our other centre mids, he was our top assissts by a mile, so stop moaning critisizing and being general doom and gloom mongers and get behind the team for fucks sake !!!
arthur jones
36   Posted 31/08/2007 at 20:06:12

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I used to love tommy g , he was often the one class player in what was a really crap team , he only started to look really good when he started to get players on the same wavelength as him alongside , a good deal by DM ,
DAZ
37   Posted 31/08/2007 at 20:45:32

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WELL DONE MOYES NOT THE THE BEST PLAYER AT TIMES BUT HE LOVES EVERTON CAN T WAIT TO WATCH YOU THANKS DAVE
Dennis Marshall
38   Posted 31/08/2007 at 20:44:00

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When i heard about grav, i kinda laughed, and wasnt sure if it was a laugh of gleeful hysteria or a laugh of utter dispair. One thing is for sure, he binded the team in that few months of the season when we finished fourth. Whether we finished fourth due to other ’big teams’ floundering is another question, but we finished fourth, and tommy was a large part of that. Why? See above, he was released of his defensive duties, went looking for the ball, and knew what to do with it when he had it. Before that season, i dont particularly remember any games where he really stood out, but when the 4-5-1 was deployed (a masterful stroke by moyes or just fluke he happended to play defensively at old trafford that game and it worked enough to get a 0-0 , again, another question!!) Grav was the man. In opta stats blah blah blah he was the best performing midfielder, meaning he got most assists etc, as Arteta does these days, so we can’t complain at having another midfielder, who is not necessarily ’creative’, but does set up goals none the less. One concern i have about the arrival of Grav, he was the man we needed for a 4-5-1, but having spent £19.85m on two class forwards, are we going to revert back to a 4-5-1? I don’t think so. I can’t see Grav playing in a 4 man mid, as proven by his time since he departed. I only hope he is bought for away European games, where i’d not blame Moyes for diverting back to 4-5-1.
Marky Mark Mark
39   Posted 01/09/2007 at 00:07:08

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I?d rather have signed Tommy Gunn
Phil Montello
40   Posted 01/09/2007 at 00:45:41

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tommy did take a couple of seasons to show some consistency,but i can remember great goal v west ham 5-0 win and important solo effort v villa to push for europe.rousing the gwladys street during a stoppage which proceeded a smashing free-kick v bolton in epic 3-2 win.in his last season he was immense superb curling effort v palace,important pens in 1-0 wins and threading superb passes to bent in the successful 4-5-1 of that memorable season.true he did often play a 5yd pass to the opposition then do something spectacular like 1st half of cup tie v norwich- we looked average when he went off injured.welcome back tommie,tommie-graves-on!
Greg Murphy
41   Posted 01/09/2007 at 01:01:17

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For the first four seasons he did SFA. He scored precisely seven goals which is a woeful return for a so-called creative midfielder. In fact, it took him until his fourth season to even find the net beyond October. In his fifth season, ?erm the good one?, which he started by issuing an ultimatum to Moyes that he?d be off if we didn?t make Europe (!!) he somehow managed to notch five goals by Christmas (two of which were because he assumed pen. taking duties) and then sodded-off. 12 goals in 143 appearances. Arteta (his replacement!) has already got 13 in 88. Cahill, whose arrival in summer 04 gave ?mad dog? a total ?this is how you do it? kick-up-the-jax is currently on 27 in 82. Gravesen? He did naff-all for four years. Had four good months and it was enough to hood-wink a good load of Blues as well as the balloons at Madrid. The bloke?s a posturing fraud with the most telegraphed pass in football!
James Cannon
42   Posted 01/09/2007 at 01:34:42

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Smacks of desperation this. I never rated Gravesen, or if your a Real Madrid Scout; Lee Carsley. Gravesen suited the nickname MAD DOG for one reason. He chased his own shadow. Poor signing, and YES I AM A SEASON TICKET HOLDER AND HAVE BEEN FOR NEARLY 10 YEARS. He’s an overpaid, badge kissing mercenary who couldt get into a crap Celtic team. Class player my arse. He doesnt deserve to eat Arteta’s shit.
Kieran Doyle
43   Posted 01/09/2007 at 03:59:52

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Smacks of desperation? How desperate do you want James when Moyes had what 2 days to get someone in before the deadline? That was basically the only signing he could pull off. At our stage in squad depth we need the numbers, he been brought in to add squad depth, he’s been here before, while he’s not world class he’s ceratinly better than some players in the team for fucks sake i.e. our Captain for example who I personally think is shite. Hibbert can piss off as well. He’ll be good for morale, great in the dressing room, can play a blinder every couple of games or so. Good for the squad (I say squad and not Team)..simple as that and if ya cant see that then well..so be it. Why you comparing him to Arteta? Not the same sort of player mate..there is no comparison..so dont bother. Wish some people on here would take a deep breath and write something more senisble than childish drivel.
Kevin Sparke
44   Posted 01/09/2007 at 04:36:09

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... wish some people on here would take a deeper breath and curb their instinct towards adding Ad hominem arguments to back up their flimsy theories...

And anyone who doesn’t agree with me either:

1. Cannot read

2. Doesn’t go the match

3. Walks like a ladyboy and wears knickers

Tommy G was all to often found wanting when the game was crying out for a strong player to stamp his authority, rather than stamp on other players and buzz around ineffectively but rather annoyingly like a wasp at a barbecue...

...Except for 4 glorious months when we played 4-5-1... my heart leaps with joy in expectation of a return to that sometimes effective but always aesthetically challenging system to accommodate the nuttiest Dane since Hamlet
Jonathan L
45   Posted 01/09/2007 at 08:30:28

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Interesting mix of views. Gravesen a good, free squad player. We need the numbers.

More important was the comment that Neville has to play RB ahead of Hibbert. Hibbert has to go
steve lyth
46   Posted 01/09/2007 at 10:45:57

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Danny Gorman, bit strong that,we always got 100% from Tommy, I for one am made up he is back.
Alan Rodgers
47   Posted 01/09/2007 at 10:51:46

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Good grief ! Gravesen makes Carsley look a cultured footballer. The facts are he was crap for us except half a season ,Madrid couldn’t wait to ship him out and he was a flop at Celtic. BUT he’ll get a great cheer when he comes on and I’ll be cheering too . There’s something about Tommy !
Matt Sheff
48   Posted 01/09/2007 at 11:42:47

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good stat about tommy G, mike tyson asked HIM for an autograph!
Peter McCann
49   Posted 01/09/2007 at 11:42:08

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I agree with every word of your article.Its great for Tommy to be back and Moyes will again get the best of him.
I wish his knockers would seriously look back at Tommy’s Career at Goodison.They would realise he was our best player for more than the last 6 months!!

Welcome back Tommy!!!
James Cannon
50   Posted 01/09/2007 at 12:52:50

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I dont buy this "only had a few days before the window shut" rubbish. He’s had since it opened to get as many squad members in as possible. I’d love to see us storm into Europe yet I see another 05/06 season. We’re not equipped for a 50-60 game season. Lets hope I’m wrong....
Dan johnson
51   Posted 01/09/2007 at 13:33:18

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Well if my memory serves me correct the reason Madrid purchased mad dog is because Benitez was so worried about Liverpool not getting into the champions league due to Evertons good start, that he tried to sabotage Evertons season by telling any spanish scout who would listen what a talent graveson is. This led to Madrid coming in with the cheque book.

Benitez the dirty snide fecker!
Jesudian Ipoh
52   Posted 01/09/2007 at 13:43:56

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yes...nobody can stop EVERTON now from finishing top 4.......BEAT LIVERPOOL ( DIRTY TRICKY TEAM ) ......

HAPPY BLUE MAN
Chad Schofield
53   Posted 01/09/2007 at 13:30:14

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OK, so no Requielme or Appiah... but I wholeheartedly agree with the article, and here’s something for all those that are looking forward to seeing Tommy in an Everton shirt again (sure his haters will twist this):

Gravesen, who rejected the chance to join Sheffield United, said: "I’ve always said I would never want to come back to any club in England other than Everton ? I am an Everton player.

"In my five years here we improved all the way and we ended on a high and that is what I want to achieve again. This is a great feeling.

"It is always difficult to come back to a place but I hope it goes well. It is very important for me after being given another chance in the blue shirt."
Andrew Ryan
54   Posted 01/09/2007 at 14:16:05

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Hell yeah. We are ready for the big pay back.
Andy Lea
55   Posted 01/09/2007 at 16:14:04

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Paul Smith

Interested to know how a high a level of football you have played to?

My recollection of TG is this - when the opposition had possession he was always where the ball had just been, running round like a maniac which led people to believe he had put a shift in. With EFC in possession he could be useful, always wanted the ball - remember him against Palace away when he was very destructive and highly effective but unfortunately these performances were few and far between. I remember his better performances being in a 5 man midfield and his more frustrating showings in a 4.

All that said he is back, squad is bolstered, no money has been risked, gutted Rilquelme didnt happen but we move on and hgope TG can be a success as and when he is played.
Bill Goodall
56   Posted 01/09/2007 at 17:14:07

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He loves Everton, Loves playing for Moyes and can be forgiven for not turning down the oppurtunity to play for one of if not the biggest club in the world. He came on aginst Bolton and the intensity of our team changed and we won. Welcome back Mr Grav.
Mark Perry
57   Posted 01/09/2007 at 17:25:25

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Train home from the Rebock, for all those who slated Gravo?s signing, I say this:

YOU KNOW NOWT ABOUT FOOTBALL.

After he came on we had a creative midfielder other than Atreta, and someone who can keep posession, unlike Cars who again demonstrated his total lack of passing ability.
stu jonno 9
58   Posted 01/09/2007 at 17:46:45

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GET IN THERE

1 TOMMY GRAV THERES ONLY 1 TOMMY GRAV WOOHOO
Dennis Marshall
59   Posted 01/09/2007 at 19:26:15

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Welcome back Grav. Can anyone who went to the game tell me how Pienaar played, any good?? And to the bloke who said hibbert has to go, or at least drop down to the bench, i completely agree, he’s shocking far too often.
Ray Robinson
60   Posted 01/09/2007 at 19:49:22

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Pienaar did ok. Ran up amd down enthusaistically, got back to help the defence out a lot but going forward, never seemed to want to take a man on.

Cannot play in the same team as Osman. Both too lightweight. If anything, Osman seems to have a few more strings to his bow. Looks no more than a reasonable suad player.
Neil Seasman
61   Posted 01/09/2007 at 20:28:23

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He played one pass to Arteta today that no one else on the team would have seen and it was right on the edge of their 18 yard box. We’ve got him on a free and he’s showed me already that he can make a difference to what we’ve got already. One last thing, lets get Jagielka in the middle of midfield and have Neville at full back from now on please.
Anthony Newell
62   Posted 01/09/2007 at 21:05:48

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As a mate said to me at a game a few seasons ago, the problem with Gravesen was that the players around him weren’t of a sufficient quality to see what he could see first, to get on the end of a pass etc etc. The difference now, is that the quality level of the team is much higher now. I think there a few good seasons left in Gravesen on the evidence of today and I’m glad that someone can provide the killer ball other than Arteta. Gravesen from the off against Man U
Danny Mullally
63   Posted 01/09/2007 at 21:39:14

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Made up with the result today, as well as the impact of Tommy G, but lets not get too excited yet!
I have always been a big fan of mad dog but he is similiar to that Keving Nolan fella when the plaudits come calling he starts to belive his own hype and tends to play shite again. He done it with us, at Madrid when he got four consecutive starts, and I just want him to keep his head down and work for the team.
For me the best man today was Osman again. He is infuriating sometimes but he worries the fuck out of defences cos he just pops up out of nowhere in killer positions. He linked up well today I thought just the sitter was a bad one.
tony gee
64   Posted 02/09/2007 at 00:21:41

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an absolute joy not having Tony Hibbert or Alan Stubbs anywhere near the team...

we actually had a back 4 today that looked the part...

up front looked good..AJ just needs to get one and the floodgates will open,,

once we have cahill arteta gravesen and phill in midfield with todays defenders and strikers we will have a team worthy of wearing the royal blue...

nothing but the best is good enough..
Barry Jones
65   Posted 02/09/2007 at 09:29:22

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TG has been bought as a squad player, and a good one at that! As DM stated its the best bench that we have had in years. For all those that have earlier knocked TG on this forum I would just like to remind them that a corner of that quality has given us two points we would have otherwise not have had. On another note the back four looked great! Im so excited over the prospect of this season. COYB!
Terrymarsbar
66   Posted 02/09/2007 at 10:26:24

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Moyes brought Graveson back to do a job..because he knows he can do it.
He actually gives us somebody to play the ball through the midfield..yes he can be erratic..but on occasion can also be genius..And with the better players around him that we have this time around his performances should be even more productive.
Terrymarsbar
67   Posted 02/09/2007 at 10:55:08

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Danny Gorman,Brian Finnigan,middleastblue,Chris Wright,Greg Murphy,James Cannon...etc,etc..Would you like red or brown sauce with your words?..Id just like to quote Peter Singer , who said "I wonder if all those people who start bashing every player at the very moment they sign feel stupid later, when it inevitably turns out that some of the signings were actually good.
Nil Satis
68   Posted 02/09/2007 at 11:24:58

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For the first four years Tommy tried to win every match by himself. No wonder he made mistakes. He was knackered. At least he has some decent players with him now. Remember how nervously we finished that season he left. Tommy has a real empathy with the crowd and I am so pleased DM brought him back after the Fernandes debacle left us one piece short of the jigsaw. Yes it might be a one season signing before we find the right man for the job in the long run - but in the meantime enjoy.
franky cedric
69   Posted 02/09/2007 at 13:00:53

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terrymars bar..

little less attitude please sweet sister....
Mark Perry
70   Posted 02/09/2007 at 13:18:20

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Franky Cedric....I think they should eat their humble pie while watching Gravo over the comming season.
Mickey Bean
71   Posted 02/09/2007 at 13:42:38

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Madrid really wanted Carsley, they just said go buy the baldy fuck from everton.

On a more serious note, Grav is a sqaud player who cost us fuck all bar wages. At his best he?ll prove a damn good addition, at his worst, he?s warming the bench.

If Arteta is having a bad time (as he does in some games) then Grav is a good replacement.

Nough said.
Barry Walsh
72   Posted 02/09/2007 at 22:16:48

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I can?t believe people on here. Stuffed by Fernandes, snubbed by Requelme Moyes he gets a stop gap midfielder at the 11th hour on loan to fit in as and when. With Hibbo and Neville that?ll be quite often then. Tommy was actually one of the star players - and we are now third! FFS whats your beef.
jack
73   Posted 03/09/2007 at 00:01:48

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oooohhhhhhhhhhh tommy tommmyyyyy

tommmmyyyyyy tommmyy tommyyy tommyyy GRAVESENNNN

Chris Masey
74   Posted 03/09/2007 at 11:59:01

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Excellent article Steve. What I find most interesting is reflecting on the quite ordinairy squad we were forced to support back in the Walter Smith era. Gemmill, Pembridge, Alexandersson, just completely average. I remember watching Tommy lead a memorable fightback against Bolton for us to win 3-2. I still think that was one of the greatest performances I have ever seen a goodison, right in front of the Gwladys, he covered every blade of grass, made all the goals, and scored the winner. I thought he was effective when he came on against Bolton, and I can’t wait for the United game.
Chris Masey
75   Posted 03/09/2007 at 12:04:12

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You stupid stupid people, the fans that expect the impossible, the fans who will never accept players fo what they are. Tommy G was the best player we had in his time, if you can name a better one I want to hear it. It certainly wasn’t big Dunc, who holds legendary status for only turning up at Derby matches. Shame on you people, because when Tommy worked his magic, the whole crowd called his name, and it must be the silly few above who didn’t join in. I am sickened to read some of the above.
Paul Harrison
76   Posted 03/09/2007 at 16:01:27

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totally agree with your article, the team today has much more quality for him to play alongside. we suffered more after he went than when rooney joined the mancs. welcome back tommy
Paul Tran
77   Posted 03/09/2007 at 17:00:19

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A great signing for free. Gravesen was inconsistent and over-rated last time, but I think he will benefit from having better players and more importantly, better movement around him. I always had the impression he felt he had to do more than he needed. With better players he will hopefully keep it simple - as he did effectively on Saturday.

If you just regard him as a squad player with some quality, he’s a good risk-free signing.
Eric Holland
78   Posted 03/09/2007 at 19:55:46

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I agree with the majority good no risk signing. Gravesen over Neville or Carsley any day. Neville to RB Hibbert to Right off, you could see the difference in the middle when he came on at Bolton. COYB.
Dom Eaton
79   Posted 03/09/2007 at 23:43:37

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Great article Steve, check out the number of response’s!!! I sometimes wonder if some of the guys that post on this site have
1. ever been to Goodison and
2. support the mighty blues?
Danny Gorman, you must be supporting the wrong team mate or got abducted by aliens for a couple of years whilst Tommy was with us. The guy was our playmaker in the season that we sold him at christmas, we would never had finished 4th if not for him, seem to remember we struggled in the second half of the season, the guy fcuked off for 90k a week, think even I may jump ship for that sort of money. Tommey is blue through and through and Mosey can handle him. Can’t believe that with the squad we now have some of you are still complaining. Agree he will not be first choice with Tiny back, but for me what an awesome supper sub.
Dom Eaton
80   Posted 04/09/2007 at 00:12:11

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Chris Masey
Just read your post and totally agree, read mine, i’m a tad shocked by some of our so called fellow supporters.
Laurence Gifford
81   Posted 04/09/2007 at 07:07:02

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Everton 1 Liverpool 0. Gravesen played like a man possessed. His touchline interplay with the supporters and the ballboy was hilarious. For me, Gravesen epitomised the team. Losing him to Madrid was like losing Rooney. I’m thrilled he’s back.
Laurence Gifford
82   Posted 04/09/2007 at 07:24:30

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to Kevin S. "the nuttiest Dane since Hamlet". You’re wrong about Hamlet too. He feigned madness. "I am but mad north-north-west: when the wind is southerly I know a hawk from a handsaw." Likewise Tommy.
Justin
83   Posted 04/09/2007 at 13:20:02

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I’m chuffed he’s back and think you make some good points about the make-up of the evrton team during his first spell.

I don’t think he’ll start too many games but to have his quality coming off the bench as he did on saturday is a real bonus
Victor Deakins
84   Posted 04/09/2007 at 17:05:38

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YES. GRAVESEN BACK IS A WELCOME ADDITION BUT WITH HIM AND CARSLEY AND JOHNSON MAY LEAD TO SOME PROBLEMS WITH PLAYER RECOGNITION. IMAGINE ALL THREE IN THE SIX YARD BOX AWAITING A CORNER. ALL SAID ALL THREE PLAYERS ARE SOLID AND PROVIDE THEIR OWN ATTRIBUTES TO THE FIELD OF PLAY. SPEAKING OF DANISH PLAYERS, I WISH WE COULD HAVE GONE FOR LAUDRUP (BRIAN) BEFORE RANGERS GOT HOLD OF HIM. INSTEAD OF JOINING A MICKEY MOUSE LEAGUE WHERE ONE OF TWO TEAMS ALWAYS WINS THE LEAGUE, OUR MANAGER AT THE TIME (ROYLE) COULD HAVE SPENT AND GOT HIM. MIND YOU THE TEAM BACK THEN IS CHALK AND CHEESE EVEN IF WE DID HAVE CALIBRE PLAYERS SUCH AS KANCHELSKIS, STUART AND FERGUSON. BACK TO THE GRAVESEN ISSUE AND I WONDERED IF MOYES WAS GOING FOR A TEAM OF BALDIES. PITY HE DID NOT GO FOR TRUNDLE AFTER ALL. (NO DISRESPECT TO PEOPLE WITH HAIR LOSS) WITH REGARDING THE UEFA CUP DRAW I MUST SAY I HAD NEVER HEARD OF THE OPPOSITION. I JUST HOPE THAT DOES NOT TURN OUT TO BE AN OMINOUS STATISTIC. TWO WEEKS UNTIL THE NEXT FIXTURE. A CERTAIN PLIE OF EXCREMENT FROM ALONG THE M62. ANOTHER ASININE KICK OFF TIME TOO I UNDERSTAND. IN THE EVENT OF A (PLAUSABLE) EVERTON VICTORY WE CAN ALL START TO BELIEVE THAT THIS TEAM IS GOING PLACES. UNTIL THEN LETS NOT START COUNTING OUR CHICKENS UNTIL THEY ARE HATCHED. IN ANY EVENT I AM REASONABLY SATISFIED WITH EVENTS THUS FAR.
MD
85   Posted 04/09/2007 at 17:08:35

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Very good article - couldn’t agree more.

Players, like Gravesen, who CAN play the beautiful game do make mistakes and are frustrating at times but do win games, do entertain and do have the balls to try something different even if it does fail now and again.
Football in my book should be thrilling and exciting, with skilful players showing courage and audacity and taking risks, giving us edge of the seat moments, flashes of brilliance to remember for years, pictures of rabble-rousing, fist clenching and something to laugh about.
That’s entertainment and worth going to watch and I am thrilled that Tommy Gravesen is back because he?s that type of player.
He?s also a colourful character who can lift his team mates and fans not only with his skill but also his commitment and rabble-rousing antics.
I accept his mistakes but I’d prefer to see him try a surging run through the middle, beating one, beating two and then failing, falling over or whatever than another hit-it and hope hoof up the field to AJ to chase from one of the hardworking but talentless cloggers in the team. What?s memorable about that? That’s not the beautiful game. Its boring, boring, boring and gives possession straight away.
Before the signing of Yakubu and Gravesen I feared AJ may go the way of Beattie (what with the substandard service they have both received) and his goals and confidence dry up. Now there is a decent strong strike partner to share the attention of the opposition?s defence.
Likewise Gravesen lightens the load on Arteta and doubles the number of creative and damaging players the opposition have to worry about. So hopefully we?ll have two strikers who can get into the high teens perhaps even break 20 goals. At first couldn?t believe it was Beardsley who did that last and then I remembered how bad we have been, so lacking in flair and creativity.
Things are improving year on year and Moyesie is assembling a decent squad with solid, reliable performers but the team has needed more craft and guile, a couple (ie not one) of players who can offer something special. We also need and at times have lacked a talismanic leader who can drive the team on, get the crowd going.
I reckon TG will be a key player for us this season, not a bench warmer, and he?ll be signed for a further year because he?s both a big personality and a very good creative player and no-one else in the team has both these attributes. Welcome back.


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