The Mail Bag
Team to face BATE Borisov
Comments (38)
Team released on the official site — apart from a few, it’s a creche, boys!
Everton: Nash, Coleman, Duffy, Hibbert (c), Bidwell, Osman, Forshaw, Baxter, Rodwell, Yakubu, Agard.
Mark Pendleton, Posted 16/12/2009 at 14:13:58
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
Well; DM and the art of surprise.
Having in previous years put momentum and maintaining a good run as paramount, even to the extent of playing most players twice a week, he now stuns us with something very revolutionary. I felt sure that, having only just rescued some kudos after a truly shitty run of results, he’d be tempted to maintain an upward curve and keep the team humming. Obviously not :)
Intrigued that Mustafi’s not there, having been on the bench recently. He clearly sees Duffy as the more ready of the two. I just hope that, if we get a penalty, Tony Hibbert takes it. That’s assuming he hasn’t already planted a 20 yarder into the top corner.
Having in previous years put momentum and maintaining a good run as paramount, even to the extent of playing most players twice a week, he now stuns us with something very revolutionary. I felt sure that, having only just rescued some kudos after a truly shitty run of results, he’d be tempted to maintain an upward curve and keep the team humming. Obviously not :)
Intrigued that Mustafi’s not there, having been on the bench recently. He clearly sees Duffy as the more ready of the two. I just hope that, if we get a penalty, Tony Hibbert takes it. That’s assuming he hasn’t already planted a 20 yarder into the top corner.
Normally I would always prefer the team to be the strongest possible; however, given the fact that we cannot get any further in our group and that we have some must-win league games imminent, then I can understand and agree with the team named.
At least Moyes has had the decency to name the team the day before the game to give supporters the opportunity to either go or stay at home, by-passing the furore that Mick McCarthy is getting at Wolves for last night's fiasco.
Going to be interesting.
With snow and sub zero temperatures forecast I am surprised to see Osman risked and I am also surprised Wallace misses out unless he is injured as well, of course.
I don’t know if BATE will like the conditions either. They may be from Russia, but isn’t it a bit warmer in the South than around Moscow?
With snow and sub zero temperatures forecast I am surprised to see Osman risked and I am also surprised Wallace misses out unless he is injured as well, of course.
I don’t know if BATE will like the conditions either. They may be from Russia, but isn’t it a bit warmer in the South than around Moscow?
The Sunday game was always going to be by far the most important, and Moyes has done the right thing in protecting players for that.
But he’s taken a step or two beyond anything we could have forecast. The OS doesn’t give the bench (quite rightly at this stage) but I will be even more surprised than this if he doesn’t have a game-saving option or two on it.
I wanted Baines protected. Jake Bidwell - show us how its done.
But he’s taken a step or two beyond anything we could have forecast. The OS doesn’t give the bench (quite rightly at this stage) but I will be even more surprised than this if he doesn’t have a game-saving option or two on it.
I wanted Baines protected. Jake Bidwell - show us how its done.
Forshaw and Bidwell are not even listed as squad members on uefa.com. I hope the club have ensured that they are eligible!
Graeme.
You could just see us being disqualified for fielding ineligible players! Surely not?
You could just see us being disqualified for fielding ineligible players! Surely not?
No word on who makes the subs bench? Will be interesting just how young the whole set of options are tomorrow, or if Moyes will have a couple of ’big guns’ to throw on if needed.
Shame no place for Femi Orenuga, been dying to see him get a chance this season. He is the speedy winger we need!
Biwnell is a England U17 LB; do not know much about Forshaw.
Biwnell is a England U17 LB; do not know much about Forshaw.
Graeme/Karl - I think Gavin covered the B list thing on a previous thread.
Looking at the line-up again, the second surprise is how ’attacking’ it is (waits to be seen of course).
Coleman we know quite a bit more about by now. Jake Bidwell is rated as an attacking LB. Forshaw, according to the OS, a ’playmaker’ and Baxter we know as a potential finisher. Plus two in attack - no doubt about Agard’s job.
I’m looking forward to it.
Looking at the line-up again, the second surprise is how ’attacking’ it is (waits to be seen of course).
Coleman we know quite a bit more about by now. Jake Bidwell is rated as an attacking LB. Forshaw, according to the OS, a ’playmaker’ and Baxter we know as a potential finisher. Plus two in attack - no doubt about Agard’s job.
I’m looking forward to it.
Having travelled to the Stobart Stadium a couple of times this season I can say that Adam Forshaw is a winger. Mustafi played right back both times I saw him and with Duffy being much taller than him Im not surprised to see him play at centre back alongside Hibbert.
I find it an odd selection for a couple of reasons.
1. Carlo Nash.
Why play a goalkeeper at the end of his career? I guess you could call it a reward for his patience sitting on the bench the last couple of years but why not try a younger keeper like Iain Turner? Turner was once highly regarded and had a decent loan spell in the lower leagues. Surely what he needs now is games? No point recalling John Ruddy but how about Lars Stubhaug? A young keeper who has more of a future then Carlo Nash surely?
2. Adam Forshaw.
Where did this guy come from? Surely if your going to give a young midfielder a chance then James Wallace is next in line? Wallace has been on the bench plenty but somehow Forshaw has leap frogged him into a start. Seems a little unfair that Forshaw has come out of nowhere. Feel a bit bad for Wallace really.
1. Carlo Nash.
Why play a goalkeeper at the end of his career? I guess you could call it a reward for his patience sitting on the bench the last couple of years but why not try a younger keeper like Iain Turner? Turner was once highly regarded and had a decent loan spell in the lower leagues. Surely what he needs now is games? No point recalling John Ruddy but how about Lars Stubhaug? A young keeper who has more of a future then Carlo Nash surely?
2. Adam Forshaw.
Where did this guy come from? Surely if your going to give a young midfielder a chance then James Wallace is next in line? Wallace has been on the bench plenty but somehow Forshaw has leap frogged him into a start. Seems a little unfair that Forshaw has come out of nowhere. Feel a bit bad for Wallace really.
Dick - I guess that should Howard be injured Nash would have to step up. He needs the game should that happen this season.
I would have bet on Wallace for this one - we might find out more later.
I would have bet on Wallace for this one - we might find out more later.
Bloody hell, I know i said I wanted to see the kids play but I never though he’d actually do it. Thursday’s match has just got interesting.
For all those who wanted to see few changes I do understand where you’re coming from but I fail to see how, if we lose, that confidence will be dented. Just look on it as a friendly.
Am looking forward to seeing what the future may hold. I’m sure they’ll all relish the chance to play and show off what they’re capable. Bet if Bate sent a scout over the in last few weeks then they’ll be abit pissed off mind!
For all those who wanted to see few changes I do understand where you’re coming from but I fail to see how, if we lose, that confidence will be dented. Just look on it as a friendly.
Am looking forward to seeing what the future may hold. I’m sure they’ll all relish the chance to play and show off what they’re capable. Bet if Bate sent a scout over the in last few weeks then they’ll be abit pissed off mind!
If I’m not mistaken, which I often am, with regards to the players not being registered I don’t think the club has to register any of its players for the competition that are under 21. Well you don’t on Football Manager!
Now that team is intriguing. The one thing I always have faith in no matter how bad injuries or first team performances are is our youth system, it will be fascinating to see some of the latest wonderkids. I am a bit surprised to see Rodwell in there as I think he needs a rest.
Forshaw and Bidwell both featured in the Milk Cup winning sides of the past two years. The last I heard, Wallace was still injured.
Forshaw and Bidwell both featured in the Milk Cup winning sides of the past two years. The last I heard, Wallace was still injured.
Be interesting to see how the "boys" get on in this match - hope it all goes well for them.....by the way if anyone is interested, Landon Donovan’s "news" conference is on live - hope it’s good news for us
http://la.galaxy.mlsnet.com/t106/index.jsp
http://la.galaxy.mlsnet.com/t106/index.jsp
Ossie back? This will be fun....
Let me give you TWO cast-iron Christmas certanties:
1: Everton will start to win
2: despite not being able to buy a win since he was injured, the people who have continually slaughtered Ossie will squirm and claim Ossie’s return to the side and our return to winning ways are purely coincidental.
Let me give you TWO cast-iron Christmas certanties:
1: Everton will start to win
2: despite not being able to buy a win since he was injured, the people who have continually slaughtered Ossie will squirm and claim Ossie’s return to the side and our return to winning ways are purely coincidental.
I’ll be really interested to see the reserve team playing. I think it is a shame that 18 year old Jack Rodwell cannot have a rest!! He will probably be a planned sub.
Is the game live on the box?? For those wanting to watch via the interweb...
http://www.myp2p.eu/broadcast.php?matchid=58439∂=sports
Is the game live on the box?? For those wanting to watch via the interweb...
http://www.myp2p.eu/broadcast.php?matchid=58439∂=sports
Apologies to all - I know it was a bit rude to side-track from the theme of this post, but if you’re like me you can’t get enough of Everton news - we don’t sign players that often!
I agree Thomas - I would have put my house on Rodwell getting a well deserved rest, and Wallace getting a long awaited start! Oh well, lets see how this one pans out!
Its on Channel 5 Thomas
So, David Moyes has put his cards on the table and named the starting XI for tomorrows match against BATE.
It will obviously upset some people that he is "downgrading" the competition, but I think his reasons are valid and he should not be criticised too harshly. The fact that he has named this team some 24 hours ahead of the game speaks volumes for his honesty - at least now the fans will decide well in advance if they go or not.
I wonder, though, what the subs bench will look like, and if they will have to fit cribs on the benches?
So the starting 11 have been announced 24 hours ahead of the match.
Now I understand that the match is a non-event for us, but like many other supporters I bought my ticket as soon as they went on sale. I bought the ticket in good faith that I would see our first team eleven and not our reserve team. Yes, I understand players need a 'rest' but my expectation is, come matchday, we will be treated to the best and not 5 players who are making their first appearance. Come on Everton, play or dish out free pies and coffee as a good will gesture...
And what if you get treated to the best game you have seen in months Ken? Will you pay for your Pies and coffee on the way out?
Our Board and manager get slated for everything on here, so in my opinion, this is a welcome approach from both - I bought my tickets ages ago but am looking forward to seeing the youngsters in a competitive match.
Anyone who is strapped for cash now has the opportunity to miss the game and will not be short changed like Wolves fans were at Old Trafford last night.
Despite his many failings, this highlights the integrity of Moyes - and I for one appreciate it.
Anyone who is strapped for cash now has the opportunity to miss the game and will not be short changed like Wolves fans were at Old Trafford last night.
Despite his many failings, this highlights the integrity of Moyes - and I for one appreciate it.
I’m glad Baines is out — I thought Hibbert could do with another rest... but happy Yakubu can play without pressure... I wouldn't be fussed if he didn’t score — he doesn’t have the first teamers behind him.
Surprised to see Osman get a run so soon — I thought maybe Moyes would keep him in cotton wool for a bit longer after what happened with Yobo but I suppose that was a soft tissue injury.
All in all this is a good move for the team as we need to fully concentrate on getting 3 points from Birmingham on the weekend and they would totally be up for playing us.
Surprised to see Osman get a run so soon — I thought maybe Moyes would keep him in cotton wool for a bit longer after what happened with Yobo but I suppose that was a soft tissue injury.
All in all this is a good move for the team as we need to fully concentrate on getting 3 points from Birmingham on the weekend and they would totally be up for playing us.
Gerry - putting this team out doesn’t downgrade the competition. We have already qualified and can’t improve our position in the group, but in any case the 3 points at stake on Sunday would always have been much more important. Previous performances in this cup, with the best teams we had on the day, have eaned this luxury.
Ken - we bought our tickets in the full knowledge that a reserve team might be put out, but I hoped that this would give starts to Coleman and Duffy. I also wanted Baines protected, but didn’t know how. Moyes came up with Bidwell and the three things I wished were granted. Baxter is no surprise, and we’re told that Wallace is injured so Forshaw gets a chance. Agard, a quick striker, partners Yakubu.
So Hibbo, Rodwell, Osman and the Yak form the central spine with young fit lads playing around them. It could all fall apart, or might work.
And I do sympathise with your pies and coffee idea - but if you’re within shouting distance do you think you could manage two pies?
Ken - we bought our tickets in the full knowledge that a reserve team might be put out, but I hoped that this would give starts to Coleman and Duffy. I also wanted Baines protected, but didn’t know how. Moyes came up with Bidwell and the three things I wished were granted. Baxter is no surprise, and we’re told that Wallace is injured so Forshaw gets a chance. Agard, a quick striker, partners Yakubu.
So Hibbo, Rodwell, Osman and the Yak form the central spine with young fit lads playing around them. It could all fall apart, or might work.
And I do sympathise with your pies and coffee idea - but if you’re within shouting distance do you think you could manage two pies?
Osman? Him aside, the team looks pretty strong. I am assuming Wallace is injured? He hasn’t been on the bench of late at all so either he’s injured or?? Billy Kenny?
OK confirmed in the Echo that young Wallace is injured.
Moyes has done exactly the right thing, and as many have said, naming the team in advance gives people who haven’t bought a ticket an option.
And just to clarify, players under 18 who have been with the club 2 years and aren’t registered with Uefa can be registered as little as 24 hours before the game.
And just to clarify, players under 18 who have been with the club 2 years and aren’t registered with Uefa can be registered as little as 24 hours before the game.
Just to put a little perspective on things for those who are unhappy about the team that’s being put out. Just imagine if we had to win tonight to get through. Moyes has already proved he does not want to disrespect this competition and so would put a full team out. Would we all not then be wishing for the situation we actually find ourselves in? Where we actaully have the luxury of being able to rest some players.
Just sit back, relax and enjoy what I hope will be a performance full of effort and hopefully abit of skill.
Just sit back, relax and enjoy what I hope will be a performance full of effort and hopefully abit of skill.
Excellent selection given our current situation, my guess is that Rodwell will be rested on Sunday meaning either Heitenga moving into midfield or two up top with Saha and either Jo/Yak?
Why are people so surprised with this team selection? Davey did exactly the same thing in Alkmaar previously when we qualified with a game to spare — and on that occasion I seem to remember Alkmaar losing at home in Europe for the first time in about 50 years!
"it’s a creche"
Awesome, suddenly I’m enthusiastic about watching the game, instead of the dead rubber it promised to be, it now becomes a game that’s interesting to those that want to see what talent exists amongst the youngsters while being an advertisement for the kids, it’ll bump a few of their values up a bit should they be sold and also serve to gauge their readiness to step up.
There are so many things to be taken from this game when all we’ve taken from a lot until now is more injuries. With the run of games we’ve got coming up, this game (and the sheer luck against Chelsea) could be the turning point of our season, especially if the kids get a result.
COYB
Awesome, suddenly I’m enthusiastic about watching the game, instead of the dead rubber it promised to be, it now becomes a game that’s interesting to those that want to see what talent exists amongst the youngsters while being an advertisement for the kids, it’ll bump a few of their values up a bit should they be sold and also serve to gauge their readiness to step up.
There are so many things to be taken from this game when all we’ve taken from a lot until now is more injuries. With the run of games we’ve got coming up, this game (and the sheer luck against Chelsea) could be the turning point of our season, especially if the kids get a result.
COYB
Karl, sorry to burst your bubble, but BATE are from Belarus. And I’m pretty sure these guys are used to a touch of frost and a nip in the air. You can be thankful we played them away first and that we’re not over there now.
As for the team selection, I’m chuffed to see these lads get a run out. Anyone who suggests DM should’ve kept a strong team line-up is quite an idiot. These games are coming thick and fast, the last thing we need is more bloody sicknotes. It's a no-brainer.
As for the team selection, I’m chuffed to see these lads get a run out. Anyone who suggests DM should’ve kept a strong team line-up is quite an idiot. These games are coming thick and fast, the last thing we need is more bloody sicknotes. It's a no-brainer.
I actually wish he had rested Hibbert and Rodwell as well. Yakubu and Osman will benefit from the run out. Hopefully.
The Echo or Daily Post mentioned that Turner is injured and I think Moyes actually said himself in the paper that he would have put Turner in if he was fit tonight.
I — like some of you — don’t know too much about Forshaw, he seemed to appear from nowhere last year in all the Youth team reports and quickly moved on to the Reserve team. I am excited by this guy, almost every report mentions at least one genius piece of play from Forshaw to create a chance.
I — like some of you — don’t know too much about Forshaw, he seemed to appear from nowhere last year in all the Youth team reports and quickly moved on to the Reserve team. I am excited by this guy, almost every report mentions at least one genius piece of play from Forshaw to create a chance.
The official site says he’s come back from a long injury which might be why this name has taken some of us by surprise.
Add Your Comments
In order to post a comment to the MailBag, you need to be logged in as a registered user of the site.
Or Sign up as a ToffeeWeb Member — it's free, takes just a few minutes and will allow you to post your comments on articles and MailBag submissions across the site.
© ToffeeWeb
-sm.jpg)
-sm.jpg)
-sm.jpg)
-sm.jpg)
1 Posted 16/12/2009 at 17:31:44
Report abuse