ToffeeWeb - Season 2009-10

The Mail Bag

February Fest?

During continuing big freeze the warming news announced today of the return to training of Mikel Arteta, Victor Anichebe and Phil Jagielka - albeit in tentative cotton wool strapped steps cannot have come soon enough.

Looking at the fixture list ahead and the prospect of the month of February throwing up the possibility of 7 matches in 28 days, including Europs Cup-ties, The Derby, Man United, Chelsea and Spurs, and a possible FA Cup tie, February will undoubtedly be challenging. It may be a massive ask to expect or even consider that our long-term casualties will have any influence upon the outcome of these matches; however, even as bit-part players, I am certain that they will have a galvinising effect upon morale within the squad.

With a near full strength squad to choose from, the uknown quantity of Donovan, the return of the Afcon players and precocity of Rodwell and Coleman, will we see the green shoots of recovery? And will we stride on into the spring with a renewed vigor and final flourish to the season?

Onwards Evertonians.......we shall not be removed.
Peter Laing, Liverpool Posted 08/01/2010 at 13:57:44

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Danny Burke
1 Posted 08/01/2010 at 20:04:49

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I cant wait to get the missing lads back. Even though they will take a while to get going and we may not see the baest of them untill next season, the morale boost to the squad and having options on the bench may make all the difference. We may even go on a late charge for Europe.

Sorry I got carried away there.

Brian Garside
2 Posted 08/01/2010 at 21:18:19

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So this means unbeaten for the rest of the season!!!

The returning players will not be at their best before next season. They may play bit-parts but nothing substantial. We shall trust in what we currently have and hope beyond hope that Moyes will blood some youth, ie, Coleman.

As for Moyes saying that youth gets its chance at EFC, I say BOLLOCKS!!! He only plays the youngsters when there is no other alternative.

Now is the time for some respectless youthful aggression to be allowed to wield its head. Play Coleman RM, Pienaar LM. Hibbert/Neville get cover, we attack down the right and Baines and Pienaar are reunited on the left. Moyes gets to keep his tried and trusted whilst playing the boy and we get attacking options on the left.
Donovan will do well in attack, especially well suited to do well against Arsenal, I feel... Now who is getting carried away?

Keith Glazzard
3 Posted 08/01/2010 at 21:41:12

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The news about Victor, the Jag and especially Mikel is very welcome, but these players must not — and will not — be rushed into action. The squad without them — having suffered its own injuries which are on the mend — will have to cope with January and February, as important as it is.

March to the end could be crucial — at either end of the table..., and I don’t say that lightly in this very different kind of season. Fully fit and strong for the fight, that’s when they’ll make a difference for us.

Let’s hope we’ll miss Donovan when he goes, but not that much when we need him less.

James Stewart
4 Posted 09/01/2010 at 19:12:16

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I would hardly call Donovan an unknown quantity.

I was really surprised at the amount of rubbish people have written on here before he even kicked a ball.

Didn’t do too badly today now did he now. Muppets!

Iain Love
5 Posted 09/01/2010 at 21:34:08

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Obviously, when we get all our players back, we will do better, I think the league (ie 4th) is beyond us now and to get back into Europe for next season will be great. The cups provide our only hope this season, but they are a lottery. I would settle for playing good football from now till the end.

Donovan looked decent today and gives us a threat on the right; wouldn’t mind seeing him paired up with Coleman.

What would our best team be though? Heitinga is looking better all the time, Ossie was decent today and, with Donovan on the right, where does that leave Bily?

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