The Mail Bag
Saturdays team
Comments (41)
I was speaking to a friend earlier who's been watching the lads training this week and he reckons through sources in and around Finch Farm that the squad's going too look something like this:
Howard; Neville, Yobo, Lescott, Valente; Arteta, Rodwell Jagielka Baines; Osman, Yakubu
I definitly think it will get the win against Blackburn, although the midfield and wingback frailties would definitely be exposed against the bigger boys. I think Baines is awesome and will shine in our attacking play down the wing...
Simon Kirwan, Posted 14/08/2008 at 18:50:43
Comments
Note: the following content is not moderated or vetted by the site owners at the time of submission. Comments are the responsibility of the poster. Disclaimer
Since I live in the USA I haven't had much of a chance to see the youngsters in action so I would appreciate some guidance from the locals on this matter but I was wondering about Kissock. In all the build up to Saturday the talk has been of Rodwell or possibly Gosling starting for us. The thing that strikes me is that we will likely have two defenders in midfield (Baines and Neville or Jagielka).
Rodwell is described as a centre half or midfielder so I assume he is more the defensive type midfielder than the Ronaldo type. That would leave us with a very negative looking midfield to support the lone striker Yakubu and the situation would be the same if we used Gosling (normally a right back) in midfield. Neither of these guys have any Premier League experience.
Kissock on the other hand was highly rated as a youth team member and presumably his stint in Scotland would have prepared him better for premiership action than Rodwells youth/reserve stints or Goslings limited time at lower division Plymouth.
Another thing I find odd is that Baxter who like Kissock has been described as too small is closer to first team action apparently despite the fact he is only 16. Am I missing something? Did Kissock go from "promising youngster" to "no hoper" whilst at Scotland ?
"I prefare the other way having a man who not only loves the club but has helped us move forward year on year with out selling our sole."
He has sold an awful lot though hasn’t he? Like our training fields (we lease Finch Farm off the council), the club store and has remortgaged Goodison to the hilt. I think we have lost more of our ’soul’ than you think mate...
"(I am all for staying at Goodison)"
So you want to stay at goodison...how are we going to fund a redevelopment of the stadium? My dad is an architect and he says redeveloping one stand alone will most probably have an impact on more than just that bit consdiering its age and contruction. Imagine the scenario, liverpool over in stanley park with a new super stadium worth 400m and us in a patched up Goodison Park with huge debts. I think the way forward is to work with the council to find a new site in the city, find a willing partner to help finance it with us and move. Easier said than done though! :-)
He has sold an awful lot though hasn’t he? Like our training fields (we lease Finch Farm off the council), the club store and has remortgaged Goodison to the hilt. I think we have lost more of our ’soul’ than you think mate...
"(I am all for staying at Goodison)"
So you want to stay at goodison...how are we going to fund a redevelopment of the stadium? My dad is an architect and he says redeveloping one stand alone will most probably have an impact on more than just that bit consdiering its age and contruction. Imagine the scenario, liverpool over in stanley park with a new super stadium worth 400m and us in a patched up Goodison Park with huge debts. I think the way forward is to work with the council to find a new site in the city, find a willing partner to help finance it with us and move. Easier said than done though! :-)
FFS! Stay close to your radio tomorrow, all being well there's some good news coming..... how??? Talk about rabbits and hats!
Brian does that tie in with this season’s Sky money being paid today and thus makes Billy Bullshitter a liar yet again saying we had funds available already? When do you know Black Bill is lying? Easy, his mouth is open. When he annually comes up with bullshit and his myopic fans lap it up and believe it spouting shit like he is one of us then more fool them, I stopped believing anything that charlatan had to say years ago and rumours like yours will only:
(a) prove he bullshitted about funds being available all summer when in reality he has had to with until this payment
or
(b) it’s more bullshit from Ross and his clowns at the instruction of Billy Liar and the board to appease the pandemonium that will be the fans at this Saturday’s opener with no new signings
Kenshite out - NOW
(a) prove he bullshitted about funds being available all summer when in reality he has had to with until this payment
or
(b) it’s more bullshit from Ross and his clowns at the instruction of Billy Liar and the board to appease the pandemonium that will be the fans at this Saturday’s opener with no new signings
Kenshite out - NOW
Sadly I think you?re right with that line up, Simon.
I hope the Yak has a good breakfast cos he?s not going to get very well fed with that lot in midfield.
Expect Baxter and/or Vaughn to come on as impact players in second half.
Predictable but it may just work. Hope so.
I hope the Yak has a good breakfast cos he?s not going to get very well fed with that lot in midfield.
Expect Baxter and/or Vaughn to come on as impact players in second half.
Predictable but it may just work. Hope so.
Not expecting any signings today - even if there are, don’t think they’d be able to sort out the whole International Clearance thing to allow them to play on Saturday anyways.
Personally, I think Baines is a liability defensively and will be much better further up the pitch. Just means that the other guys aren’t constantly having to worry about covering for him when he goes off on his runs or gets beat for height or dives in too early on his man.
We’ll do Blackburn with the team stated above. WBA as well. For Portsmouth (and 90% of other teams) we need a new man or two though, so hopefully finally see some new faces in the next week.
Fingers crossed.
Personally, I think Baines is a liability defensively and will be much better further up the pitch. Just means that the other guys aren’t constantly having to worry about covering for him when he goes off on his runs or gets beat for height or dives in too early on his man.
We’ll do Blackburn with the team stated above. WBA as well. For Portsmouth (and 90% of other teams) we need a new man or two though, so hopefully finally see some new faces in the next week.
Fingers crossed.
I was chatting with a mate, who had been speaking with his uncle about a friend who had been watching the squad in training and reckoned that if they are lucky the Blues might actually have 2 or 3 fit players ready for the game on Saturday. He said that if you don’t get injured in training then you’re not trying hard enough.
This really helped me understand where the team motivation comes from. Moyes is so keen that the work rate is high, he’s happy for there to be more players injured that there are fit ones to play in matches.
Any way, the team against Blackburn will be, erm, Howard and, erm Neville and erm, that’s it. But we still have a great chance to secure the points. COYB. NSNO . YOU GOTTA LAUGH!
This really helped me understand where the team motivation comes from. Moyes is so keen that the work rate is high, he’s happy for there to be more players injured that there are fit ones to play in matches.
Any way, the team against Blackburn will be, erm, Howard and, erm Neville and erm, that’s it. But we still have a great chance to secure the points. COYB. NSNO . YOU GOTTA LAUGH!
I think the team will be:
Howard
Hibbert
Yobo
Jagielka
Lescott
Arteta
Osman
Neville
Baines (Maybe)
Yakubu
Vaughan
The only difference I can see are in the Vaughan and Baines position. 451 would see either Rodwell or Gosling in the team instead of Vaughan.
The reason I say this is because I think Moyes tends to stick with his tried/tested/regular players. Namely HIBBO!!! Which also frees up Neville as a utility Midfielder in times of desperation... Like this FIRST game of the season.
PS PLease god NO injuries on Saturday.
Howard
Hibbert
Yobo
Jagielka
Lescott
Arteta
Osman
Neville
Baines (Maybe)
Yakubu
Vaughan
The only difference I can see are in the Vaughan and Baines position. 451 would see either Rodwell or Gosling in the team instead of Vaughan.
The reason I say this is because I think Moyes tends to stick with his tried/tested/regular players. Namely HIBBO!!! Which also frees up Neville as a utility Midfielder in times of desperation... Like this FIRST game of the season.
PS PLease god NO injuries on Saturday.
If Captain Fantastic doesn’t weasel his way into a midfield berth, I’ll eat my hat. "England Midfielder" Phil Jagielka and Neville will probably hope to bore the opposition to death. Let’s at least hope the club have invested the AJ money in something - even complimentary amphetamines to make sure the home crowd manage to leave the ground awake. If Baines plays - and that’s a big "if", I expect him to be shifted to RB, where he’ll undoubtedly look like a fish out of water.
Roll on January. Let’s hope we’re not in the bottom three by then.
Roll on January. Let’s hope we’re not in the bottom three by then.
I have a very very very weird hunch that we will see a new signing tomorrow. We’ll only know the name once the teamsheet is read out.
We’ll be doing a ’Gravesen’, mystery man coming off as a sub.
FFS it can’t be worse than half the feeding crap this summer! COYB
We’ll be doing a ’Gravesen’, mystery man coming off as a sub.
FFS it can’t be worse than half the feeding crap this summer! COYB
Brian, is it Arshavin?
Keiron, Gosling played ok on the right wing against PSV, in Arteta?s role, that said he doesn?t look premiership standard.
Kissock looks about 4 foot tall, even Osman towers over him.
Baxter played midfield against PSV, in more of an attacking role, I think he could do well for us later this season.
Rodwell was employed in central midifield, considering he was playing against PSV I thought he did alright, although they got past him a few times. The best thing about him was his attitude, if an opposition player got the ball he just got on with it and didn?t sulk. Jags looked better in this role in the second half IMO.
Kissock looks about 4 foot tall, even Osman towers over him.
Baxter played midfield against PSV, in more of an attacking role, I think he could do well for us later this season.
Rodwell was employed in central midifield, considering he was playing against PSV I thought he did alright, although they got past him a few times. The best thing about him was his attitude, if an opposition player got the ball he just got on with it and didn?t sulk. Jags looked better in this role in the second half IMO.
re: Brett,
Hibbert is injured...he’s been injured for some time....
Hibbert is injured...he’s been injured for some time....
Thanks Jeremy, just remembered about Hibbo!
Neville dropping to RB leaves a gap in MD that I guess only one of the kids can fill.. I wonder whether he will put a youngster in at RB instead, to keep Capt. in Midfield.
This aint doing my Fantasy Team any favours, i know that!
Neville dropping to RB leaves a gap in MD that I guess only one of the kids can fill.. I wonder whether he will put a youngster in at RB instead, to keep Capt. in Midfield.
This aint doing my Fantasy Team any favours, i know that!
Howard; Neville, Yobo, Lescott, Valente; Arteta, Rodwell Jagielka Baines; Osman, Yakubu
Gary Rimmer, I’m not being funny here but how many of that line up do you think are playing for us for love of the city or the shirt??
I stopped believing that back in the 80’s when Bob Latchford et al threatened to go on strike after a successful season unless they got more dosh!
Rooney loved this city and the club and look what happened to him!
I’d love it if Joe Royle managed a team of scousers (or at least Evertonians) I’d have a lot more pride in the team no matter where they finished, but most of our fans would not agree. Its success at all costs these days and has been since Mick Lyons retired, mate!
Gary Rimmer, I’m not being funny here but how many of that line up do you think are playing for us for love of the city or the shirt??
I stopped believing that back in the 80’s when Bob Latchford et al threatened to go on strike after a successful season unless they got more dosh!
Rooney loved this city and the club and look what happened to him!
I’d love it if Joe Royle managed a team of scousers (or at least Evertonians) I’d have a lot more pride in the team no matter where they finished, but most of our fans would not agree. Its success at all costs these days and has been since Mick Lyons retired, mate!
Let's face it boys, Moyes hasn?t got much choice at the moment has he...?!?!?! The team basically picks itself.
Problem is, what will happen when we get a few more injuires and suspensions down the line?
At this rate we are gunna go nowhere but backwards.
Problem is, what will happen when we get a few more injuires and suspensions down the line?
At this rate we are gunna go nowhere but backwards.
This is pointless, theres nothing to speculate on because we’re down to the bare bones - the team picks itself
Howard
Neville
Yobo
Lescott
Valente
Arteta
Jagielka
Rodwell
Baines
Osman
Yak
We dont have any other players!
Howard
Neville
Yobo
Lescott
Valente
Arteta
Jagielka
Rodwell
Baines
Osman
Yak
We dont have any other players!
Moyes needs to get them fighting for each other like when we finished 4th. It’s going to be a difficult season, but if he can rally the team together we can give it a good shot. I know it’s hard to at the moment, but try and look on the brightside-our defence is one of the best in the prem and if we can keep clean sheets and feed the yak we can win many games this season.
Yes team selection is a simple task for the season opener - but it should not have been. We chose to sell Andy Johnson at a time when we also chose to let Victor Anichebe go to the Olympics.
In choosing these options we did so in full knowledge that (1) both Tim Cahill and James Vaughan were not fully fit and (2) we were not even close to signing 1 single player to bolster our anorexic squad.
Add to that pre season injuries that always occur and you see the predicament. My point is about the factors we had choices over - those 2 decisions were not in the best interests of our club. They were in the best interests of the 2 individuals concerned.
Yes we got good money for Johnson but if Davey Moyes can?t spend it then it is a meaningless amount. To make matters worse, Vic picks up an injury that won?t stop him playing in China but bet the last quid in your pocket will mean him missing games for us.
I am not a doom monger and have tried very hard to remain optimistic all summer (as I have for most of my 54 years supporting the blues). But we keep making dumb decisions. I hark back to selling James McFadden when we had no need to last season when we had a semi 2nd leg to play against Chelsea, all to play for for 4th place as well the Uefa cup. Dumb or just skint? Which is it Bill?
The name Jerko Leko is being mentioned.
Just another one to add to the list of people we wont sign then Jason. No sign of Tiago either eh.
Its all bollocks mate, we wont sign anyone.
Its all bollocks mate, we wont sign anyone.
Any news on the announcment Brian mentioned for the radio? Or is he telling porkies like everyone else
I would start with Yobo in midfield before Neville or Jagielka. He has far more composure on the ball and i beleive he has played there for Nigeria in the past!!
You will never see Neville or Jagielka skin someone the way he did last weekend to win the penalty.
You will never see Neville or Jagielka skin someone the way he did last weekend to win the penalty.
Yobo couldnt pass water, jags would be way better in midfield.
Your mate’s been watching them in training.....he’s good...managing to work that team out.......the way its going Moyes can walk out (which I don’t want) because the team picks itself........it will be a poor PR stunt to bring someone onto the pitch tomorrow.......
Dont be like that Dave, theres still 4 minutes to register a player in time for the game tomorrow!
James, I almost got my hopes up reading Brian’s comment....radio is on....but then I remembered this has been said dozens of times this summer.....it’s 3 minutes now....
Deadlines gone, thats 3 months wasted - well done Everton.
Moyes wont walk out - he’s made of sterner stuff than that. He’ll dig his heels in and fight his way out of this. That’s what we should do. There will be 11 lads on the pitch wearing an Everton shirt and representing our club tomorrow. The design may have changed in the 48 years I have been following the club but it still means the same things to me as it di all those years ago. We should get behind those lads whoever they are. Unfortunately I will have to do that in front of a TV set here in OZ where I now live but I would love to be at Goodison tomorrow (even if it is falling to pieces).
I am surrounded here b, and often meet, would be scabby heads, Manure and Chelski supporters. When they hear my voice they always ask me the same questions - "are you a scouser"? followed by "are you red or blue"? The answers are "yes" then I look them in the eye and say "I am an Evertonian always have been and always will be". That rattles the buggers because they can see the mad glint in my eyes when I start talking about Everton. As the conversation develops they usually mumble something about me being "one eyed". I SEE NO F*>##"G SHIPS!!!!
Come on the blues!!!!
I am surrounded here b, and often meet, would be scabby heads, Manure and Chelski supporters. When they hear my voice they always ask me the same questions - "are you a scouser"? followed by "are you red or blue"? The answers are "yes" then I look them in the eye and say "I am an Evertonian always have been and always will be". That rattles the buggers because they can see the mad glint in my eyes when I start talking about Everton. As the conversation develops they usually mumble something about me being "one eyed". I SEE NO F*>##"G SHIPS!!!!
Come on the blues!!!!
Now its your turn James- we’ve still got 16 days...and after all Blackburn and West Brom should be okay if we can keep all 11 players on the pitch for 180 minutes
Has anyone seen the film Beau Geste? I’m bringing my boots on Saturday just in case and I bet I can pass as well as half of our midfield.
Apparently accorinding to the bbc football gossip page everton are close to signing thiago becasue he is impressed with BK.
*Talk about rabbits and hats!*
Horse & Hound have a simply wonderful article on rabbit hunting this month, includes some essential style advice. If you want to know what hat is hottest this season and don’t wish to look like a complete beagle bashing charlatan then I can only suggest you pick up a copy.
Horse & Hound have a simply wonderful article on rabbit hunting this month, includes some essential style advice. If you want to know what hat is hottest this season and don’t wish to look like a complete beagle bashing charlatan then I can only suggest you pick up a copy.
Just watch Tiago being Bill’s guest at the game with the guarantee that he will "sign in the morning" and then on Monday we will find he’s signed for Atletico Madrid.
I think we should forget about who evers going to sign for tomoorow & just get behind the 11 lads on the pitch wearing Blue!
No matter who starts tommorow the team will be alot better thyan the S*ite that was playing for us when Moyes took over....Weve Only really lost Carsley & Johnson from are starting 11 last season and with the likes of Rodwell, Baxter, Kissock etc in contention for tommorowwe should be Proud that weve got some talented home grown players coming through
Weve got enough about us for tommoros game to beat Blackburn so just get behind the lads for tommorow, new signings will come before the end of the window
No matter who starts tommorow the team will be alot better thyan the S*ite that was playing for us when Moyes took over....Weve Only really lost Carsley & Johnson from are starting 11 last season and with the likes of Rodwell, Baxter, Kissock etc in contention for tommorowwe should be Proud that weve got some talented home grown players coming through
Weve got enough about us for tommoros game to beat Blackburn so just get behind the lads for tommorow, new signings will come before the end of the window
"new signings will come before the end of the month"
Stephen, are you related to Frank Carson at all?
Stephen, are you related to Frank Carson at all?
Just because Rodwell, Gosling etc are next in line to play for Everton’s starting 11 it doesn’t mean they are any more talented than any other Premier League teams youth players. They have got along way to go to prove they merit first team football in the Premiership. Can anyone tell me why when Moyes has the opportunity to bring decent players in on loan he chooses not to? We don’t have much money and so should be doing all we can to bring more experienced and talented players to the club. Portsmouth have just signed Jerome Thomas on loan, he would have been an ideal replacement for Pienaar and could have gave us good cover when everyone is fit again. The man is a fool!
Although that 1st team probably does pick itself, it’s the sub bench i’m having trouble picking!!!! Playing 4-4-2 I’d pick:
Howard
Neville Jagielka Yobo Lescott
Arteta Osman Rodwell Baines
Yakubu Vaughan
Subs:
Turner
Gosling
Valente
Jutkiewicz
Baxter
err... Kissock?
err... Wallace?
Howard
Neville Jagielka Yobo Lescott
Arteta Osman Rodwell Baines
Yakubu Vaughan
Subs:
Turner
Gosling
Valente
Jutkiewicz
Baxter
err... Kissock?
err... Wallace?
I’ve just heard from a friend that EFC have put the subs bench back in the cupboard as there’s no one to use it tomorrow :0)
We’re the only team in the country that has a subs stool!
© ToffeeWeb
-sm.jpg)
-sm.jpg)
-sm.jpg)
1 Posted 14/08/2008 at 20:05:52
Report abuse
Whilst there a some out there who would happily see us owned by any Tom, Mohamed or Roman, managed by some far a field mercenary. Have 11 so called super stars with no love or conection to the city play for us just so we MAY win a trophy. I prefare the other way having a man who not only loves the club but has helped us move forward year on year with out selling our sole.
No matter what happens with the ground move (I am all for staying at Goodison) at least he asked us, give us a vote.If at this time we have hit a little choppy sea I for one won't be jumping ship. Roll on Saturday and ONWARD EVERTONIANS.