The Mail Bag
Don't you like Our Phil?
Comments (47)
In the last several months (although it has apparently always been the case) I have noticed Phil Neville has come in for some harsh and incessant criticism from a section of Blues' supporters. Simply put: why is this the case? Why do some Evertonians regard our captain as little more than a liability?
Personally speaking, I think he has been an excellent servant to the club since his arrival ? his extended contract and promotion to captaincy supports this view. Furthermore, outside the Everton community, I have found amongst colleagues a universal respect for Neville and likewise in the media; Sky and BBC seem to be in plutonic love with our Pip.
I suppose one could argue that he is ill-equipped in a defensive capacity but our backline last term was remarkably sound. Again, it could be argued that he opts too readily for longball oriented football. But, when Phil does indeed employ such a tactic, it appears more out of necessity than preference and when we take into account the loss of key players in recent months, the option of bypassing midfield can be condoned if not wholly understood.
So, in closing, if anti-Neville feeling is universal among Bluenoses then I feel a little disappointed with my brethren.
Neil Styles, Posted 08/09/2008 at 14:35:33
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The issue people have is that he gives the ball away and struggles to slip a pass when played in midfield. In defence of Phil he is not a midfielder and should only ever play there if we have no alternative. While he is not outstanding he is a decent right back and has the odd great game. He is a good pro and a good figure to represent our club.
Well, if you let your own standards drop that's up to you. Everyone has a go at Hibbert for wasting a pass or two, this man is no different. Oh by the way, he?s got 60 odd caps... no, I can?t belive it myself.
I like Phil Neville as a person, he comes accross very likeable, but he is simply not good enough.
He can?t pass to a blue shirt! that?s why he gets so much stick. It speaks volumes that I?ve come across more pro-Kirkby supporters than I have fans of Pip!
I?d like to give this Lars character a go at right back.
He can?t pass to a blue shirt! that?s why he gets so much stick. It speaks volumes that I?ve come across more pro-Kirkby supporters than I have fans of Pip!
I?d like to give this Lars character a go at right back.
Nev’s alright. He does a decent job at right-back. As far as I’m concerned, he’s a much more accomplished footballer than Hibbert. Hibbert is great if you just want someone snapping, terrier-like at the heels of a tricky winger.
Pip just needs to realise his limitations and accept that he’s a full back and not a fantastic one at that. He could learn a lot from Carsley.
Pip just needs to realise his limitations and accept that he’s a full back and not a fantastic one at that. He could learn a lot from Carsley.
We are all entitled to our opinions, but at this difficult period, let's give all the support we can, and let's hope the new boys settle in quickly, to push us up the table. And with some of the injured lads due back, then Davey Moyes will be able to settle to his best formation.
Phil Neville ?remarkably sound?? ? Are you fuckin blind??? The guy is the lowest common denominator in our team and therefore the weak point...
I admit that it is not his fault that Moyes picks him but he is, without doubt, one of the worst footballers to ever put a blue shirt on. And the fact that he gets on every match without fail only exacerbates the dissent.
I admit that it is not his fault that Moyes picks him but he is, without doubt, one of the worst footballers to ever put a blue shirt on. And the fact that he gets on every match without fail only exacerbates the dissent.
I’ve nothing against him as a person. It’s not great however when your most experienced central midfielder can’t pass to ball to a team mate.
I?ve got nothing against Phil Neville at all, and I was at the Pompey game where he was one of our best players (2nd half especially). Of course there are tons of Evertonians who can?t stick him or Hibbo... and Faddy before we sold him. Don?t know why, they just need a scapegoat to direct their frustrations at maybe?
The problem I do have though, is he is captain. Just like I had a big problem when Stubbsy was club captain (towards the end). If they aren?t the first name on the teamsheet, then they shouldn?t have the armband.
For me, Tim Cahill is the perfect captain of our great club. A great tole model on and off the field, and arguably our best player when fit.
The problem I do have though, is he is captain. Just like I had a big problem when Stubbsy was club captain (towards the end). If they aren?t the first name on the teamsheet, then they shouldn?t have the armband.
For me, Tim Cahill is the perfect captain of our great club. A great tole model on and off the field, and arguably our best player when fit.
Ciarán puts it somewhat extravagantly, and booing and carrying on at him from the sidelines and not getting behind him doesn’t help. However, Neil, I agree with the thrust of Ciarán’s point. Phil is a great guy, but, really, he is no better than an average Championship player, if that. Every time he has the ball I’m thinking, ’who on the oppo is it going to end up with this time?’ - and that’s regardless of whether he’s at FB or in midfield.
I?m with you Neil, I think he takes some unnecessary stick. I don?t think there are many better RBs in the Premier League, and I also think he does a decent job as a holding midfielder.
He is also a born leader, I can see the positive impact he has on other players performances when he?s in the side. Take his communication and motivation away and I think our performances would suffer.
He is also a born leader, I can see the positive impact he has on other players performances when he?s in the side. Take his communication and motivation away and I think our performances would suffer.
Neville has no skill, there lies the problem. His redeemimg feature is he never hides, unlike some players. If he has booted the ball high into the crowd six times, then he will just keep on doing it.
"For me, Tim Cahill is the perfect captain of our great club."
You may have a point there and I think Cahill could well be captain if he wasn?t injured for half the season every season. Neville on the other hand plays consistently week-in, week-out...., consistently badly but still he makes it onto the pitch, plays his heart out for the team and in positions he is not comfortable in, but does it anyway when numbers are low.
That?s why he?s captain.
You may have a point there and I think Cahill could well be captain if he wasn?t injured for half the season every season. Neville on the other hand plays consistently week-in, week-out...., consistently badly but still he makes it onto the pitch, plays his heart out for the team and in positions he is not comfortable in, but does it anyway when numbers are low.
That?s why he?s captain.
Duncan, he may not be the first name on your teamsheet, but I bet he is on Moyes’s!
Steve, ’no better than an average championship player’ is a gross exaggeration. An average championship player does not represent his country or Man U on many occasions.
I honestly believe you guys that are slating him are rating a defender solely on his attacking ability. OK he’s not Cafu, or even Glen Johnson, going forward but he’s an excellent defender and leader.
Steve, ’no better than an average championship player’ is a gross exaggeration. An average championship player does not represent his country or Man U on many occasions.
I honestly believe you guys that are slating him are rating a defender solely on his attacking ability. OK he’s not Cafu, or even Glen Johnson, going forward but he’s an excellent defender and leader.
When we beat the RS 3-0 Neville played in midfield and I didn?t hear anyone slagging him then, he does waste possession though.
I agree; he gets shit from everywhere and he doesn?t deserve it.
Agreed he isn?t the best player in the world, but he tries and never goes missing.
I have been listening to people giving The Yak shit in the St End; enough said....
Agreed he isn?t the best player in the world, but he tries and never goes missing.
I have been listening to people giving The Yak shit in the St End; enough said....
We know he’s not the greatest footballer, but his commitment is something we all demand from our players as Evertonians. He’s deffo a good squad player to have and I think his off-field activities are to be commended. Sure he loves giving his interviews and getting in the media, but I would much rather have a model professional like him representing our club (rather than the likes of Pennant, Barton, etc..)
His inability to pass the ball, or cross the ball was evident against Portsmouth. He doesn't seem to be able to pass the ball to a blue shirt.
For the first goal against Portsmouth, had he attempted to jump for the ball, before the trow-in, then we would not have conceded the throw in, from which Portsmouth scored.
Why have Everton given him a 4-year contract, when Everton have said that we only give short contracts to 30+ people?
For the first goal against Portsmouth, had he attempted to jump for the ball, before the trow-in, then we would not have conceded the throw in, from which Portsmouth scored.
Why have Everton given him a 4-year contract, when Everton have said that we only give short contracts to 30+ people?
Neil perhaps we should have taken him on in a media capacity then, would have saved a lot of wages on a very average player.
For one his distribution is terrible......
He is the only one who will open his mouth out of the whole team... did you hear Howard commenting before the Portsmouth game about a problem with his center halves and lack of communication? And the next game they where at it again; we need leaders and he is the only one we have who tries to be one, although Cahill does too when fit. I think he is an ok full back, far better than Hibbert, and does not deserve the amount of stick he gets... I don't think he would get so much if he was a home-grown scouser.
I have no problem with Neville at right back he does a fine job there mostly but he's never a midfielder! I think he had that one class game against Pat Viera where he totally owned him all game but one game does not mean that that is your best position and that was for Man Utd anyway! God I hope with this Jacobsen chap coming in that Moyes doesn't put Neville in midfield but I can see it cos he ain't going to suddenly drop the captain, is he!! I just hope he gets played out or just stick with him at right back! like I said, I don't have a problem with him as long as he isn't in midfield!
I think all this anti-Neville feeling is mostly correc ? I think it must be in his contract not to pass to a Everton player. I keep on being told how much of a motivator he is, but were was he when the players needed lifting after the Fiorentina gam? It goes against everything DM has been doing over the past few years, giving a overrated 30-year-old a 4-year contract, he may be versatile but if Everton need to more to the next level he shouldn?t be there. So when we play Stoke on Sunday, no doubt DM will find a place for him... WHAT A PLAYER!
He’s a terrific ambassador for our club, tremendous pro, dedicated, loves it here, and has superb organisational skills.
He’s apparently a firm favourite with the Top Balcony boys - they just want him to boot the ball up there AFTER the game though
He’s apparently a firm favourite with the Top Balcony boys - they just want him to boot the ball up there AFTER the game though
Some of the anti comments are way OTT. Neville is certainly a competent Premier League footballer.
To say that he is the lowest common denominator and the biggest problem in our line-up is ridiculous. This guy has won everything with United, so if he?s not good enough for the top 4, how the bloody hell did Utd manage with him in their team?
He has his limitations, but to say he can?t pass to a blue shirt is bollocks.
To say that he is the lowest common denominator and the biggest problem in our line-up is ridiculous. This guy has won everything with United, so if he?s not good enough for the top 4, how the bloody hell did Utd manage with him in their team?
He has his limitations, but to say he can?t pass to a blue shirt is bollocks.
Richard Parker:
’but to say he can?t pass to a blue shirt is bollocks.’
Er, no mate it’s not. I’d love to see the stats but I reckon atleast 60% of his ’passes’ go astray - either to one of there players or in the stands
And I’d also say that of the remaining 40% of pass completetions, I reckon most of them are back to Howard
’but to say he can?t pass to a blue shirt is bollocks.’
Er, no mate it’s not. I’d love to see the stats but I reckon atleast 60% of his ’passes’ go astray - either to one of there players or in the stands
And I’d also say that of the remaining 40% of pass completetions, I reckon most of them are back to Howard
Phil Neville has many fine qualities and seems to be a pretty decent guy. Footballing wise he is a man-marker pure and simple and would be at his best stifling talent, a role he carried out superbly for Man U in the absence of Roy Keane.
Unfortunately, he simply has no creative side to his game whatsoever but among Everton defenders he is certainly not alone in this fault. I just wish AvdM had a fraction of his attitude. I detest hearing any Everton player being abused from the stands. What does anyone think this will achieve?
It doesn?t matter about universal respect, it?s whether he can pass the ball and retain possession that counts. On both counts he fails miserably and a contract extension of 4 years is laughable and smacks of panic.
He’s very lucky to have become a millionaire out of something he appears to have no talent for. Technically he’s one of the worst players i’ve ever seen.. EVER!!
Fact... we have not had a top class right fullback who can distribute the ball properly for YEARS!! I've watched EFC for years and the best 2 RB?s I've seen were Alex Parker and Tommy Wright... the 3rd best was Stevens... Neville is the best on the books and he is a better distributer than Hibbo and has been involved in goals we have scored. As it has been mentioned before, he played consistently in great Man Utd sides, we just got him a bit too late.
I raised this subject last season and I don’t think much has changed. At the time the TW consensus was:
1) Very nice, likeable guy - good family man (dodgy interior decorating skills, though!)
2) Reasonably good leadership skills (both on the pitch and probably more so off it - i.e. the training ground, dressing room - which might be what Davey appreciates most).
3) Genuinely seems to care for the club and is about as ’true blue’ as any of today’s mercenary players can be (or as an ex-Manure can be).
4) Not afraid to face the cameras or media on behalf of the club.
5) Average Premier League defensive midfielder - with little creativity, but solid when needed to be (although tends to foul more times than necessary).
6) Better as a Right Back, but his poor distribution and lack of attacking vision limit his ability in that role.
I don’t think many would argue too much with that general view of last year, and I don’t think much has changed since the start of this season either.
I was also surprised someone his age got such a long 4-year contract (even in these days when contracts are often meaningless). All I can suggest is Davey seems him as a future assistant or coach who will still be involved in the club even if in future years he loses the armband and sends more time on the bench or out of the first team.
My own personal gripe is that I do find his regular ’We Must Do Better’, ’We Will Raise Our Game Next Time’, ’I’m Happy With The Way Things Are Going’ rallying cries in the media both annoying and sadly predictable. Perhaps I’m too old and cynical for all this optimism and team-building jargon he comes out with. Sometimes a little pre- or post-match silence or realism/honesty might be quite refreshing.
1) Very nice, likeable guy - good family man (dodgy interior decorating skills, though!)
2) Reasonably good leadership skills (both on the pitch and probably more so off it - i.e. the training ground, dressing room - which might be what Davey appreciates most).
3) Genuinely seems to care for the club and is about as ’true blue’ as any of today’s mercenary players can be (or as an ex-Manure can be).
4) Not afraid to face the cameras or media on behalf of the club.
5) Average Premier League defensive midfielder - with little creativity, but solid when needed to be (although tends to foul more times than necessary).
6) Better as a Right Back, but his poor distribution and lack of attacking vision limit his ability in that role.
I don’t think many would argue too much with that general view of last year, and I don’t think much has changed since the start of this season either.
I was also surprised someone his age got such a long 4-year contract (even in these days when contracts are often meaningless). All I can suggest is Davey seems him as a future assistant or coach who will still be involved in the club even if in future years he loses the armband and sends more time on the bench or out of the first team.
My own personal gripe is that I do find his regular ’We Must Do Better’, ’We Will Raise Our Game Next Time’, ’I’m Happy With The Way Things Are Going’ rallying cries in the media both annoying and sadly predictable. Perhaps I’m too old and cynical for all this optimism and team-building jargon he comes out with. Sometimes a little pre- or post-match silence or realism/honesty might be quite refreshing.
Unfortunately most teams have a whipping boy.
Everton are no exception I can go back to Jimmy Husband, Derek Temple.
Believe me if Phil Neville was to leave tomorrow the boo boys would have someone lined up for the Stoke game.
At least Phil Neville has been there seen it all and done it all.
I have no doubt whatsoever he can take all the agro from the boo boys and prevent the half wits ruining the career of one of the younger lads.
Everton are no exception I can go back to Jimmy Husband, Derek Temple.
Believe me if Phil Neville was to leave tomorrow the boo boys would have someone lined up for the Stoke game.
At least Phil Neville has been there seen it all and done it all.
I have no doubt whatsoever he can take all the agro from the boo boys and prevent the half wits ruining the career of one of the younger lads.
I agree that he is a nice guy and says all the right things but sadly he is just not good enough. If he was, I doubt Fergie would have let him go. With him and Hibbert both trying for the right back spot, this must be our poorest position. As for our new sinning, Jac, I will give the guy a chance before passing any judgement.
"one of the worst footballers to ever put a blue shirt on"
"He?s very lucky to have become a millionaire out of something he appears to have no talent for. Technically he?s one of the worst players i?ve ever seen.. EVER!!
And he used to play for Man Utd?
"He?s very lucky to have become a millionaire out of something he appears to have no talent for. Technically he?s one of the worst players i?ve ever seen.. EVER!!
And he used to play for Man Utd?
The continued missed point about Phil Neville is that he?s DM?s eyes & ears on the pitch - he may have flaws in his game at a technical level, but he?s a great leader, great reader of the game, gives encouragement at all times and leads by example with his passion for the cause.
I?d rather have him as captain than anyone else on our books - Everton have an awful lot to thank him for regardless of the mindless abuse he takes, even from his own support.
Some Evertonians are way over the top when it comes to having a pop at their own, and should be ashamed of themselves. It's a sad fact that there is a certain group of Everton fans that share a brain cell.
I?d rather have him as captain than anyone else on our books - Everton have an awful lot to thank him for regardless of the mindless abuse he takes, even from his own support.
Some Evertonians are way over the top when it comes to having a pop at their own, and should be ashamed of themselves. It's a sad fact that there is a certain group of Everton fans that share a brain cell.
P Nev.So bad he’s got International caps. P Nev so bad he’s got more medals than the rest of the team put together!Hated just like hibbo(once a hero), just like Carsley (now a hero)Football fans eh!
"Don?t you like Our Phil?"
Erm, NO!
Erm, NO!
How predictable is that that this has been turned into a popularity contest...?great leader?, ?brill attitude?, ?does a lot for charity?...........bloody irrelevant!
If we look at him objectively from a footballing point of view..Phil Neville does not belong in our team..he is simply not good enough.
It was also pretty predictable that we had the old ?he played for Man Utd and England - so he must be good? cliche wheeled out...
No, that doesn?t mean he must be good...that means he?s been a lucky sod and won a bunch of medals from the bench and got an england call up on the basis of the club he sat on the bench for...what it indicates - is a miracle!
What actually shows us if he?s any good are his displays on the pitch, and im afraid that in either right back or midfield he?s a liability.
Perhaps the person who suggested I was wrong in labelling him as the lowest common denominator on the team - could actually tell me who they think is the worst player who tends to get on the pitch week in, week out...
p.s My dislike of Phil?s footballing prowess does not indicate that I advocate booing him on the pitch... personally I think any fan who boo?s a player while they are on the pitch - needs a good slap.
He is still shít though!
If we look at him objectively from a footballing point of view..Phil Neville does not belong in our team..he is simply not good enough.
It was also pretty predictable that we had the old ?he played for Man Utd and England - so he must be good? cliche wheeled out...
No, that doesn?t mean he must be good...that means he?s been a lucky sod and won a bunch of medals from the bench and got an england call up on the basis of the club he sat on the bench for...what it indicates - is a miracle!
What actually shows us if he?s any good are his displays on the pitch, and im afraid that in either right back or midfield he?s a liability.
Perhaps the person who suggested I was wrong in labelling him as the lowest common denominator on the team - could actually tell me who they think is the worst player who tends to get on the pitch week in, week out...
p.s My dislike of Phil?s footballing prowess does not indicate that I advocate booing him on the pitch... personally I think any fan who boo?s a player while they are on the pitch - needs a good slap.
He is still shít though!
What have Alan Ball, Alex Young, Jimmy Husband, Colin Harvey, Peter Reid, Tommy Wright, Neville Southall and Gordon West got in common? They were all great Everton players and legends every one. Oh, and they were all slagged off unmercifully at Goodison at some time in their careers. Maybe towards the later part of their time here but, if they were being picked, maybe because at that time there was no-one better, they were bound to play.
Neville is nowhere near the best full back I?ve seen over the years, I?m with Trevor Lynes on that score, but if he?s the best we have at the moment he?s going to be picked. And like Hibbo, he knows before he?s kicked a ball that he?ll get slaughtered for the smallest mistake but he doesn?t hide. Unlike Hibbo he will go looking for the ball and if we are unfortunate to have him and Hibbo in the same team, he?ll always take the ball from him.
Cut the guy some slack, if he were to refuse to play we could then give him some hammer but no player will play his best game with some of the monkeys we have watching at Goodison on their back.
Will you still be saying that whenever he appears in midfield at the weekend?
I have sympathy for him, because it’s not his fault, it’s moyes!
NOT picking players for central midfield who are quite clearly crap at that position seems to be one lesson that our Mr Moyes seems destined to repeat ad-infinitum.
he may be a manager with potential, but he’s also one that can frustate the hell out of people with his seemingly endless repetition of selection mistakes.
I have sympathy for him, because it’s not his fault, it’s moyes!
NOT picking players for central midfield who are quite clearly crap at that position seems to be one lesson that our Mr Moyes seems destined to repeat ad-infinitum.
he may be a manager with potential, but he’s also one that can frustate the hell out of people with his seemingly endless repetition of selection mistakes.
Bill Jones is spot on. if it wasn’t for Neville taking the stick, Ossie would get it. Every team has one and every team has supporters who jump on the barracking bandwagon. He does a job, takes his millions and doesn’t whinge. Rather have him than some whining brat who thinks he’s Pele but has the backbone of a whelk.
Ciaran, while I appreciate your views, doesnt every team have a best and worst player? if they didnt, then they’d have to be clones wouldnt they?
Neil
Its bcause he’s fukin shite mate
Its bcause he’s fukin shite mate
Phil Neville has his limitations, many of you have stated them so I won’t repeat them again. However, he is our best captain...FACT.
He has represented England around 60 times I think, and yet some people still think he is shite.
He has won countless trophies in his career, more than the rest of the squad, and still some people think he’s shite.
He is renowned for being an excellent professional and he is a leader. He is not our best player but then I don’t want our best player (i.e. Arteta or the Yak) as captain. I want someone who the players respect and who is going to bark out instructions, encourage teammates etc.
Some players offer more then their footballing ability to the teams they play for. Duncan or Tommy Grav used to get the crowd fired up. The Dogs of War would get the team wound up by getting stuck in.
Neville’s experience and organising are important tools in a defence containing Lescott, Yobo, Valente, Baines etc.
If he was good enough for Alex Ferguson’s squads for 10 years, and David Moyes for the past 2 or 3, I’ll back their judgement over some idiots any day...
He has represented England around 60 times I think, and yet some people still think he is shite.
He has won countless trophies in his career, more than the rest of the squad, and still some people think he’s shite.
He is renowned for being an excellent professional and he is a leader. He is not our best player but then I don’t want our best player (i.e. Arteta or the Yak) as captain. I want someone who the players respect and who is going to bark out instructions, encourage teammates etc.
Some players offer more then their footballing ability to the teams they play for. Duncan or Tommy Grav used to get the crowd fired up. The Dogs of War would get the team wound up by getting stuck in.
Neville’s experience and organising are important tools in a defence containing Lescott, Yobo, Valente, Baines etc.
If he was good enough for Alex Ferguson’s squads for 10 years, and David Moyes for the past 2 or 3, I’ll back their judgement over some idiots any day...
What I love about this site is the constant moaning at Phil Neville and the ridiculous abuse he gets. Some earlier say one of the worst ever which is a joke, People have short memories Hottinger, Ward, Tiler, Thomas,Jackson to name a few . He is a decent right back and does a good job but any mistake he makes gets slaughtered, Arteta can waste countless free kicks and corners, Anichibe can mis control the ball countless times and lescott can goto sleep and concede a number of goals and thats ok. My biggest annoyance is that despite good service to the club both on and off the field people give him a hard time but are prepared to forgive and forget and want another chance for a waster like Van der Meyde who in my opinion is a true disgrace to this club.
"NOT picking players for central midfield who are quite clearly crap at that position seems to be one lesson that our Mr Moyes seems destined to repeat ad-infinitum."
Hmm, I think bad grammar. NOT picking them would seem the right way. PICKING those players would be the one lesson Mr Moyes seems destined to repeat.
Hmm, I think bad grammar. NOT picking them would seem the right way. PICKING those players would be the one lesson Mr Moyes seems destined to repeat.
Yes greg, thanks for the grammar lesson.
Neville is crap... but of course he played for England. Along with Heskey.
Neville is crap... but of course he played for England. Along with Heskey.
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1 Posted 09/09/2008 at 04:51:37
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