The Mail Bag

Signing Dempsey

I recognise Everton do not have the 7mio to 10mio required to sign Clint Dempsey on top of their first priority of signing Steven Pienaar this offseason. But Dempsey behind Jelavic, with the way Dempsey plays in space, links so cleverly, works so hard and scores and creates so much seems a perfect match for this Everton team.

So here is a suggestion to make it happen: Go make a pitch in America. Everton could become "America's Team". We have a very popular Tim Howard, get a commitment from Landon Donovan to return at the end of the MLS season in December with a commitment to stay for 18 months. This suits US Coach Jurgen Klinsman who is encouraging his top players to play in Europe ahead of the World Cup in 2014. Add Clint Dempsey and Everton's profile in the wealthiest country in the world would go above every English team except Man Utd. I would not rule out a Sports Illustrated cover of the 3 of them and immense coverage in the US of the Everton team, every week.

Don't tell me there is not one US businessman who can't see the financial opportunity from that and make an investment into Everton - even if Robert Elstone could not generate the additional merchandising and commercial income in US by becoming Americas team in the Premiership.

Just a suggestion, could work for all parties.
Graham Broyd     Posted 30/04/2012 at 19:05:22   Comments (33)

Off the hook again

They've done it again. The double act are safe and it will be a brave man who complains now. The Blue Union seem (though I hope I am wrong) silenced. To criticise David Moyes now would appear to be churlish. Our hopes, as in the past, have been raised for next season.

What has changed, though? We have a class striker at last and, to be fair to David Moyes, he appears to be a masterly signing. Gibson, too, looks good. You know what, I expect there might be talk soon of Champions League next year...

Do we have a new attacking David Moyes? Do we have a coach who will finally make demands of his chairman? Are we on the verge of a new dawn? Is there a buyer round the corner? And has our good and usual end of season made us more attractive to buyers?

It has often been a criticism of Moyes's critics that they disappear when things go well. Things are going well now so I think it is a fair time to be honest. Kenwright has been saved again and he just doesn't deserve it. Moyes has made many of us forget just how culpable he is for the utter dirge that was inflicted on us before Christmas. The fundamental flaws that appear at the start of every season have not been addressed because Moyes appears to be clueless about why they occur.

The double act are back in favour; here we go again.

Andy Crooks     Posted 30/04/2012 at 18:58:25   Comments (42)

Tim Cahill - Still a Legend?

I have noticed an increasing number of critical comments on ToffeeWeb about Tim Cahill this season. They seem to focus on two things: his weaknesses as an out-and-out frontman (and the lack of goals this season), and/or his weaknesses as a traditional central midfielder (slow, lack of creativity).

For the record he is in my opinion an Everton legend ? the goals he has scored, his attitude on and off the pitch, he embodies the Everton Way.

His record for Everton is: Appearances 254 (21); Goals 68

We got him in July 2004 for £1.5m from Millwall.

What do people think? Is this the start of his decline in influence or can he produce another good few seasons. Does he deserve to see out his career here as he is increasingly used as a sub only?

Take a look at this YouTube documentary; I am proud that he has been a Blue:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LZ5QTpFtg4Y

Ben Dyke     Posted 30/04/2012 at 18:04:21   Comments (52)

Where to strengthen... Who to sell

First of all, let me start by saying that after our semi-final capitulation I was one of the people calling for the head of David Moyes. I still stand by that reaction but also realise that we're stuck with him for the foreseeable future and I accept that.

With that said however, there have been a couple of very interesting news stories on the site lately that have made me think that just maybe he ain't as bad as all that.

The first is the one where he states he'd love to keep Pienaar and will have a word with Bill to make it happen. That's great news. It means Moyes isn't so clueless that he can't see we're a much stronger team with some creativity on that left flank. The other article that got me thinking was the one where Moyes is quoted as saying this:

"We've now got a forward who can score (Nikica Jelavic) but maybe we are lacking a bit of creativity. I can see pictures and directions of where we should be going that will probably help us progress again. That's what I will talk to Bill about."

Now to me that sounds like someone who knows what he wants and is going to make sure he gets it. So, ToffeeWebbers, which positions would you like to see us strengthen and who would you sell to finance this?

For me I'd cash in on Rodwell and Jagielka. Both are young, great players on their day and most importantly in terms of cash value, they're English. Using the money from those sales (and some for the bank of course, heh) I'd make sure we get cover at LB for Baines, a pacy Right winger plus an all round midfield player. If there's one thing Moyes used to be good at it was finding gems in the lower leagues (Jags, Lescott, Arteta) and bringing them up to snuff.

We absolutely must not sell Fellaini, Baines or (and I can't really believe Moyes would) Jelavic. Those are the players our team should be built around.

Paul Mackie     Posted 29/04/2012 at 10:19:53   Comments (106)

Toxteth Riots and Everton

Reading an article in the Sabotage Times where the author talked about what song was #1 in England at the time of different riots (Mods and Rockers, Brixton, etc). Certainly a different slant on civil unrest. (Did you know the #1 hit during the Notting Hills riots was ?When? by The Kalin Twins?)

Anyway, towards the bottom of the article, the premise had gotten old and I was just skimming. My eyes went straight past Toxteth but halted a couple words later on Liverpool. So I slowed down and read. Now THAT was a fucking riot. Yikes! I did a little googling and read further. It occurred to me then to ask TWers their memories since most of you are from Liverpool. What do you recall? I mean eyewitness stuff. Because the history of it alone reads ugly as fuck.

Oh, and here?s our roster that season. Which of them were instrumental on our great mid-80s teams?

Goalkeeper
Seamus McDonagh

Defender
John Bailey
Michael Lyons
Kevin Ratcliffe

Midfielder
Asa Hartford
Howard Kendall
Steve McMahon
Gary Megson

Forward
Gerry Mullan
Eamon O'Keefe
Graeme Sharp

Manager
Howard Kendall

James Flynn     Posted 27/04/2012 at 19:36:10   Comments (51)

The One-Touch Maestro

After watching Jelavic start scoring for the blues, I think we all noticed his one -touch finishing.

I couldn't believe how prolific he has been with this method of scoring though.

His last 44 goals for Rangers & Everton have only required 47 touches. His last 27 goals have all been one-touch finishes !

Have we finally found a striker as good as big Bob Latchford?

Kevin Tully     Posted 26/04/2012 at 22:36:07   Comments (62)

Why I love ToffeeWeb

Having been a reader of Toffeeweb since the early days, I thought I'd just congratulate the boys on a fantastic product. I'll trawl other sites but will always come back pretty quickly as I feel I might be missing out on something.

The Mailbag is my favourite, always passionate and nobody has anything coming anywhere near it. Quite a few regulars posting and I reckon it's like having mates that you just haven't 'met' ? who wouldn't want to have a beer with Doddy or Marshy, polar opposites but both with the same hope at heart?

So keep those letters coming in, just love ranting at the computer screen. Look forward to the day when we can get all the ToffeeWebbers together in the one place for a few coldies.

David Stewart     Posted 26/04/2012 at 15:45:23   Comments (74)

New Kits?

I'm not saying that these are the new EFC kits but I found them on Twitter!

Would love the away shirt, Phil Neville did say his favourite was the away shirt and he is fond of orange (fake tan and highlights).

Not overly happy with the third shirt but pointless anyway when we have a blue kit and an orange kit!

Update: A reader has confirmed that these are a fantasy kit design. Scroll the comments section for more alternatives culled from Twitter ? Ed

Andrew Fair     Posted 26/04/2012 at 11:31:40   Comments (83)

Europa League

I know this is really clutching at straws for some reward for this season, but if Newcastle finish 4th and Chelsea win the Champions League do we into the Europa League?

My understanding is this:

• The Champions League gets 4 entries (But can have 5 if the winners finish outside the top 4 – i.e Liverpool in 2005).
• The Europa League gets 3 (for 5th, FA Cup and League Cup winners.)

But if the FA cup finalists are both in Europe already by other means, 6th place gets that Europa League spot. But that would be Chelsea who would be in the Champions League in this scenario!

Would we get an entry for 7th in that case?
Adam Wareing     Posted 25/04/2012 at 16:47:13   Comments (53)

Come on, Toffees, come on!

Dear Evertonians,

Greetings from Mr Ognjen Mojovic, proud Evertonian from Bosnia! Somewhere in February this football season, I started to support EVERTON FOOTBALL CLUB!

On this occasion, all I can say is THAT THERE GONNA BE A SHOW, WHEN THE EVERTON BOYS ARE THERE!

Sincerely caramelizated,

NEWSWEETTOFFEE
Ognjen Mojovic     Posted 25/04/2012 at 15:56:04   Comments (21)

Never beat Liverpool

I have been struck in recent weeks about the number of fans who will never forgive Moyes for the Semi final, for the result at Anfield and generally his record against Liverpool. To me it seems a disproportionate reaction to a few results. The debate about how poorly we played or team selection has been thrashed out but what did get me thinking about one question.

Would you rather never ever win against Liverpool, but always be in the top four and good chance of a league title each year or always beat Liverpool but never finish higher than 5th place?
Tim Locke     Posted 25/04/2012 at 12:46:28   Comments (62)

Blue Union

Whilst I have been an active supporter of Blue Union in their aims and objectives to influence positive change at Everton, I am curious as to their lack of action and statements in recent months and was wondering if anybody knows what their current position is?

Peter Laing     Posted 25/04/2012 at 11:53:13   Comments (101)

Pienaar, come or go?

I?m just wondering what the next move is going to be with regards to Steven Pienaar.

David Moyes is in a difficult situation: he never should have sold the guy in the first place. Spurs' style of football currently doesn?t suite him, he needs to be surrounded by ball players.

It would make perfect business sense for Moyes to push for another loan deal, but I?m almost sure Spurs would not entertain the suggestion. My guess is they?ll sell for about £4.5M.

Then there?s the salary issue as well. What he?s currently earning at Spurs he can easily get elsewhere. Should he sign for us, this would cause havoc within the camp with regards to salary structures.

Any way this is looked at, Everton ultimately looses. Questions will need to be asked: Why was he not given an improved contract in the first place instead of now having to cough up a wage increase and massive transfer fee?

Ricardo Humphries     Posted 25/04/2012 at 06:57:39   Comments (17)

Right-hand side AGAIN...

Okay, I know this topic has been done before... but on Sunday it showed more than ever that if we could attack from both flanks we are a very tasty team.

Against Man Utd, Tony Hibbert produced a master class of crossing which earned us two vital goals against the Champions; however, for me, it was a bit of a one-off.

We all know we need a genuine right winger and a pacey right back; if we can keep the core of this team in the summer and add a new dimesion to the right wing would could be in for a good season, so who's out there? On the cheap, of course:

1. Zaha from Crystal Palace ? young fast full of tricks.

2. Hoillet ? another young lad with pace to burn.

3. Scott Sinclair ? bag of tricks with pace.

4. Jarvis ? not the best but could be the cheapest good work rate decent cross.

5. Landon Donovan ? although I didn't want to put landon in due to his age (or his sell on value) he is quality and loves the club.

Any thoughts? Who would your top 5 be for our right-hand side problems?

Sean McKenna     Posted 24/04/2012 at 21:49:36   Comments (7)

Simple Question, Simple Answer?

As the season comes to a close, I suppose the time comes to review the season.

Despite our recent form, enjoyment and trying to believe the fact that we may actually have a striker who can score goals, I still don't think I can overlook the first half of the season.

So I guess my question is:? Is it worth going through that abysmal, atrocious, disgustingness to enjoy ourselves come the turn of the year?

Why does it happen every year? How can it be changed? What the hell is going on???

Maybe not so simple...

Andrew Yates     Posted 24/04/2012 at 21:51:35   Comments (30)

Chasing the money?

With just four games left to play, what can we expect from David Moyes in terms of team selection and tactics?

As far as the fans are concerned, little can be achieved which will lessen the disappointment of not making a second trip to Wembley. But the bean counters in this cash-strapped club will probably see it differently. With nigh on £1M resting on each league position, there is every reason to expect the manager to go all out to hang on to 7th spot. Indeed, I suspect that the income difference between 7th and say the budgeted 10th is far more than even a Cup victory would garner.

So how will `our man` approach this task? One thing we can certainly rule out is any thought of trying out the youngsters. The likes of Rodwell, Duffy and Vellios will have to wait for another day ? or season, I'm afraid. Also, the pleas we hear for more experimentation involving the senior squad will also be ignored and I fully expect the line-up we saw on duty at Old Trafford to see out the campaign.

Which, of course, brings us to approach and tactics. I have to say I was amazed to hear Moyes use the term 'gung-ho' applied to how he approached the 4-4 draw but, hey, maybe he's been stung into a more positive mindset!

Somehow, I think not, and am already lowering my expectations for this weekend.

After all, 'keeping it tight' got us where we are, so why gamble that precious 7th on a whim?

Richard Dodd     Posted 24/04/2012 at 14:28:39   Comments (38)

Questions and Answers

What did the 4-4 draw at Old Trafford tell us?

1. The team has spirit and a resilient attitude
2. Man U are not as good as yesteryear and are vulnerable at the back
3. We can create and convert chances when we need to
4. Jelavic is our most natural striker probably since Gary Lineker

What questions does it pose?

1. Why can?t we play on the front foot more often?
2. Has Cahill had his day?
3. Can we afford not to buy Pienaar?
4. Will Osman ever step up to the plate in a ?big? match?
5. Can Jagielka and Heitinga play together effectively?
6. Just how reliant are we on Fellaini, Pienaar and Jelavic?

Lots of simple yes / no answers (and a few more longer ones), but the real questions all centre around David Moyes.

1. Why did he approach yesterday's game so gung-ho, against all his principles of the last 5/6 years?
2. Was it a one-off aberration and will he return to form for Fulham, bring Cahill back in and revert to type?
3. Why oh why did he not do this against Liverpool?
4. Was this something of a swansong as his last chance to beat one of the Sky 4 before he leaves?

The more I think about it, the more convinced I become that his approach was based upon the knowledge he is planning to leave.

Not withstanding Stubbs?s recent comments, his whole approach to the game, and his tetchy response when questioned beforehand about a possible negative attitude, suggest to me he has made his mind up to move on.

Why else potentially anger us even more and possibly take a real stuffing by going so gung-ho? Does he feel he has nothing to prove and is sticking two fingers up at those of us who question his tactics and his mindset?

Of course, one alternative is that he has had a brain transplant and now intends to attack teams from the off and play a more expansive style of football ? any takers?

Has he come to the conclusion that he can go no further and wants a fresh challenge? And, almost as a demonstration of his ability to any potential suitors, did he set out to visibly try and demonstrate how attacking he can be? ? Spurs anyone?

Many of us reach a point in our careers and jobs that we realise it's either time to move on and take up a fresh challenge or just leave because we have become stale. Moyes earns a phenomenal amount of money and will never be short for the rest of his life, so a short-term period of unemployment would not phase him. He is also so well loved by the media that his name will always be put forward for any job and he knows that.

Stubbs says he is at the crossroads... is that coded language telling us he?s off if the right offer or opportunity is available? Was yesterday evidence of this?

Jim Hourigan     Posted 23/04/2012 at 18:15:19   Comments (53)

KITAP4! ? Now that I like...

What a difference a week makes. There is nothing intrinsicly wrong with Keeping it Tight (KIT) ? Fergie will be berating his players for not KIT.

The trick is how you approach the other bit of it, how you get your 1 or 4. You can fluke 1 or 2 and Fergie might say we had 4 flukes, but hand on heart it's pretty hard to fluke 4... you've got to buy the tickets to win the raffle.

When Moyes gets it right, especially the initial team selection and then subs (Hibbo vs City) the more Moyes inclined (MMI) then berate the less Moyes inclined (LMI)... and the reverse happens when circumstances change, as they did on Sunday. It's an interchangeable batton to whack each other with.

The MMI seem happy with the status quo of KITAP1... swings and roundabouts, 7th or whatever 50-something points and wonder "Why all the fuss, why change?"

The LMI are driven crazy by the odd glimpse of how good it could be, the inconsistantcy, mostly thought to be self-inflicted and think "Why can't the bugger(s) do it, or at least set out to do it, EVERY week???"

So, Dave Wilson not withstanding, it's still no good to, of your own choosing, sitback at 1-0 and try and play rope a dope; again WE have to be lucky ALL the time, they just need the odd mistake.

While United are most times a better team than Liverpool, they are not the force they were 3 or 4 yrs ago. But the two games just gone are still pretty much for comparison terms Apples vs Apples.

So why the two vastly different performances; is it "Shit happens" vs "We had a good day at the office"?

Is it "Can't" or "Won't"?

Will the Real David Moyes STAY STOOD UP.

And put one of those fingers on each hand UP.

And be proud to be outta your mind and outta control.

And one more time, loud as you can, how does it go?

"Cause I'M THE REAL DAVY, yes I'M THE REAL DAVY!!!"

And maybe the real Davy will STAY stood up. (For more than one or two games...)

Derek Thomas     Posted 23/04/2012 at 02:12:15   Comments (14)

Will success prolong the agony?

Nobody on Merseyside was happier than me after our team's superb performance at Old Trafford this afternoon.

Although I don't get too exercised by the alleged boredom of Moyes's tactics, I have to admit that the approach to today's game gave new heart to supporting Everton.

However, I was brought back to reality on my way out of the Freshy when one of our brigade remarked "Well that`s bought Kenwright another peaceful pre-season!"
Now I don't believe for one minute that 'Cleggy' will get away with another transferless summer but I can see what the old boy meant.

I have, for some time, felt it was only David Moyes's ability to keep us at the north end of the table that has prevented our club from imploding and the ceremonial burning of season tickets becoming a regular matchday feature.

That belief was enhanced by the very sensible decision of the Blue Union to suspend their protest marches because the team was doing so well. I ask you, who cares a flyng fook about boardroom shenanigans when your team is scoring four goals a game?

However, it does beg the question as to what occurrence ? other than bad results ? can possibly have an impact on the boardroom?

Nobody of my aquaintance EVER wants Everton to lose merely to put pressure on BK, so I think we can be very confident that the longer Our Davey and his squad continue to perform at their present level, the current regime will endure.

More's the pity!
Richard Dodd     Posted 22/04/2012 at 19:10:31   Comments (28)

So just what IS the value of EFC?

The latest Forbes Rich List, published today, shows Manchester United as the richest club on the planet with Liverpool in 8th spot, Spurs at 11th and Manchester City at 13th.

Not altogether surprising, perhaps... but, unlike Deloittes, who use only turnover in compiling their lists, Forbes also factor in fixed assets, debts, and a whole bag of other criteria to determine a club's 'richness'.

It's the figures attributed to the clubs' value that surprise me. Man Utd are deemed to be worth £1,396M; Liverpool £385M; Spurs £351M; and Man City a mere £275M.

On that basis, it seems to me that the value of EFC must be very much a minus figure, so how could Kenwright & Co possibly hope to get 'their' money back?

Any views on this one?

Richard Dodd     Posted 19/04/2012 at 18:30:39   Comments (71)

An Alternative

When David Moyes eventually leaves Everton, I will feel a degree of anxiety. Whatever one's views of him are, it seems to me that he is, at the very least, a safe pair of hands. I don't subscribe to the view that we would have been relegated without him; we might have been... but maybe we would have won a trophy and played better football. It's all conjecture and opinions.

It has been my view for some time that we are stale and a change must come. I don't believe that Kenwright will sack Moyes and, despite my long running criticism of him, I believe sacking him would be to some extent unjust and would most certainly reflect badly on Everton. I do believe his time has run it's course, though, and I think and hope that he would accept a decent offer from elsewhere.

I think he will go to Celtic and I think it will be sooner rather than later. His defenders sometimes deflect criticism by asking who will replace him. Yes, there are always flavours of the month: Holloway, Rodgers, Lambert, Poyet and now Martinez. Any one of them might do a good job or it might well be disaster. Of those I've mentioned, I'd probably choose Lambert. He seems to me to have some of the attributes of Moyes but with a little more flair.

The critics of Moyes are often asked to put up an alternative or shut up. Well, here's my choice, a name I first suggested a few years ago and was roundly mocked for, Glenn Hoddle.

A super player who set out his teams to play proper football. He lost the England job because of flakey religious beliefs. A very strong character capable of dealing with flair players, As Dave Wilson recently said, his dropping of Gascoigne demonstrated a ruthlessness that David Moyes lacks.

His academy has him in contact with grass roots European football. He has still the reputation to attract good players and there are few of them who can look down on his footballing ability. Gary Neville said recently that England could do worse than appoint him for the Euros.

Most importantly he has something to prove, or, as he puts it, "unfinished business". He is experienced, can develop young players and, importantly, won't cost a lot.

This is not a Moyes Out rant. Merely a recognition that, realistically, his reign will soon end and we need to think of alternatives.

Andy Crooks     Posted 18/04/2012 at 20:29:40   Comments (175)

The best fans

As we are still coming to terms with the disappointment of Saturday, I am just proud to be a supporter of Everton Football Club. Like the hundreds of Bluenoses who made The Green Man their watering hole on Saturday, some fans came up to me and asked me why I supported Everton when they heard my accent.

A bit like a comparison to Bryan Hamilton's goal from 1977 that never was and explanations afterwards ? it's difficult to explain why. I feel you are are part of a big family. Very masonic like but something other teams would be envious of. We share glories and disappointments but one thing no-one can take away is the true loyalty of our fans. Players come and go, managers and chairman alike... but the fans are the heartbeat of any club.

As someone who has no family connection with Liverpool itself, I will always count myself a true blue.

Here's to happier times in 2012-13.

COYB!
Lee Marman     Posted 18/04/2012 at 12:38:35   Comments (16)

What happened to Roy of the Reds?

Everton and David Moyes owe fans a full explanation of what happened to Royston Drenthe. Just as he appeared to be making a positive contribution to the future of the club, he disappears for two weeks, then he's suspended, banned from the training ground and left out of the most important game of the season. Now he may turn up at Liverpool next August.

It?s not enough to dismiss this as an internal disciplinary matter. His absence may have cost us a place in the final. Was he actually negotiating with Liverpool just a few days before the semis? Was there an illicit approach by Liverpool to secure his services at the end of the loan period? Was there another of those "gentleman's agreements?"

If only to put paid to the rumors and speculation we should be told what really happened and not have to wait for Moyes Memoirs. It?s not like we have a thriving local media determined to dig up the truth.
Jack  Molloy     Posted 17/04/2012 at 17:51:34   Comments (83)

Alex Young question

I was asked by Tabacula for the words to Alex Young's song as they are finishing off a documentary about him.

Now I only part know this song to the Scottish Soldier. Does anyone know the rest of it?

There was a forward a Scottish forward
His name was Alex Young He played for Everton (or this line might be 'He came from far away
To see the Everton play'?)

There was none bolder With deep broad shoulder
His name was Alex Young He played for Everton
He scored a hat-trick for Harry Catterick............

I think it it then goes on to mention St John from Motherwell?

Also does anyone know our versions of the Green Grass of home, The Holy Ground once more, or The Wild Colonial Boy?
Derek Turnbull     Posted 17/04/2012 at 17:06:33   Comments (2)

The Bad guys always win

Three humiliating losses this season alone to the Dark Side, and an embarrassing record against them during the past 10 years. Why do the dark sides, the baddies always seem to win? I?m just thinking out loud here, so no scientific basis for my arguments.

Those teams who tend to win things always seem to have a nasty element to them ? they are teams we love to hate. Why is that? What is it that they have and we don?t? ? Apart from money, and maybe more trophies as of late?

To me, it seems to be a constant streak of tension, scandals, nasty players, nasty managers... We seem to want to be the nice team, The People?s Club, the underdogs, the good guys.

I have no problem with that ? but I?m starting to think you need a small bit of arrogance to score goals and win things.

If you are not Barcelona, then you need to be a bit cocky and cheeky and brazen to get that bit between your teeth and shoot and try things which you normally might not do ? take the risk, ask questions of the opposition and go for the win. It?s no good trying to be the nice guys ? that will not win you anything.

And when you get plaudits for your form, for your manager ? does that mean you have to slip back into the role of the underdog and be nice once more? On Saturday we looked like a team who were happy with themselves ? as it is ? 11 good friends, good spirit, lovely lads ? but missing Peter Reid, Tommy Gravesen, Big Dunc, Lee Carsley and a crunching tackle from Phil Neville.

So here?s my question: Are we afraid to win? Are we afraid of the limelight? Are we afraid to be big again, winners, and therefore unpopular?

So those of you who say ? no bad boys on our team please?. Think twice about that. It?s not all about money ? it?s about being brazen, chancing your luck and bloody using the wind (or was it a hurricane after such a good run?) in your back to go into such an important game with your heads up and all guns blazing to for once and for all be counted and show what your made of.

The footballing talent is there ? the badness, bite and crunch and cheek are missing. Get the balance right and you have a good chance of success. And don?t be afraid to win and to elbow your way to the top. You can get back to being nice after the match if you want.

Kevin  O'Regan     Posted 17/04/2012 at 08:33:29   Comments (12)

Martinez the next Everton manager?

Whether Wigan get relegated or not Martinez has got to be worth thinking about as our next manager. His philosphy is there for all the world to see.

He goes for the win! He's beaten both Liverpool and Arsenal away this season, something Moyes hasn't achieved in 10 years! It's more than Moyes had done when we took a chance on him 10 years ago!

We know we aren't going to get a Hiddink or Mourinho so we have to look at lesser managers who have potential. It's what we've always done!

We've always given our managers time but the amount of time we've given Moyes is incredible given the fact he's bottled every big game of his tenure. He's had more than enough chances, more than enough money (especially in his own pocket)! to build a team to play attractive football and win a cup!

He isn't capable, he's losing fans (3000 down on last season). What more evidence do people want?!
Tommy Gibbons     Posted 16/04/2012 at 21:57:05   Comments (172)

Accentuating the positive

Well, none of us is celebrating just now. But as a slight antidote to most current threads let?s see if there is any light at the end of the tunnel. I don?t necessarily think it is a gorilla with a flashlight.

(1) We didn?t lose 5-1. We lost by the odd goal in a game of three errors and three goals. Moyesie cuts with the cloth he has and he clearly feels that we cannot go out and out on the attack with the resources we have. (Does anyone remember when Joe Royle tried to go attacking one Xmas I think, and Sheffield Wednesday put five past us ? something like that?)

(2) Why do we have only these limited resources? Because the main man can neither get investment nor sell us. That is where the true blame lies. His continuing failure. But this situation cannot persist forever (can it?).

(3) Although Beelzebub?s spawn have the Indian sign on us, the fact that they so raise their game is a compliment. They are genuinely afraid of us now. Did anyone read Carragher?s words today?: ?One of the biggest games I?ve played in, right up there with the Champions League final.? FFS. What does that say about how we are perceived? Against us, they flatter to deceive. The RS comet is currently shining at its brightest just before it falls from the sky.

(4) We aren?t actually that far away from them. We are above them in the league (we would be on 53 points to their 41 if we had won instead of losing against them).

(5) When we do spend money, we get a centre forward for £5m whom most pundits would prefer over the one on whom the Shite spent £35m. We may not like it, but spending £125m makes a difference. Whilst they have money to burn on players like Suarez (I hate the git, but he has talent), we lose Arteta to appease the banks, and lose our other creative player in Pienaar who is then cup-tied.

(6) I don?t know what our flying Dutchman did, but I suppose he had to be disciplined, which then left us bereft of that spark of extra creativity when it might have made a difference.

I am as disappointed as anyone. But it?s not yet time to retire to the garage with the bottle of whisky and the loaded revolver. Manure on Sunday. Let?s give Whisky Nose a fright before that lot get crowned again.

Tony McNulty     Posted 16/04/2012 at 20:01:36   Comments (34)

Every cloud...

Like everyone else on here, I am nothing short of devastated with Saturdays result. Living down South and being in the Forces means I'm not a season ticket holder, but I managed to move heaven and earth to get me and my Dad tickets for the game. We sat in different sections but were just happy to get in.

I don't want to go over the game, what went wrong, God knows I've done it a thousand times in my head and watched the fucking thing three times in the hope Sylvain doesn't do that pass (he does). I just want to mention the day and the atmosphere.

I didn't have far to travel, around 30 miles from here to Wembley but still got to the ground early to soak up the atmosphere. The walk from the High Street up to the ground, we were surrounded by blues, all singing, having a bevvy, having a laugh. We didn't go the boozer we just sat on a grass verge by the railway station and had a few cans. Even the coppers joined in with the banter and had a good laugh with us all.

I then had to go and collect my ticket from round at entrance G, this I found to my dismay, was in the red end. I wandered up joining in the singing, taking a few pictures and eventually found my way round. I had to wait about an hour for the lad to turn up with my ticket but in this time I ended up bumping into loads of old mates from back home, most of them red. There was not one hint of trouble, everyone was gettting on sound. At one point a red offered me a face value ticket as he thought I was looking for one.

Once my ticket arrived I headed in, missing the kick off due to some Wembley cock up at gate P. Once inside, took my seat not long before Jelly netted. Amazing.

Half time came and I went down for a pint, whilst there, the place just erupted to 'If Yer Know!'. The ale was flowing and I'm not ashamed to say I welled up a bit. Following Everton, for me, does not get better than those fifteen minutes at half time. The rest is history.

However, even when we lost the two goals, despite the manner of them. I never felt like the red fans were taking the piss out of us the way we would have if the tables were turned. Afterwards, waiting for my Dad, Blue and Red were still mixing together and having a drink. There was no goading. Everyone was getting on. I have not seen it like this since I was a kid.

Whilst all this was happening and I was sat down (whingeing again), a family of reds walked past, a Dad and three kids. Some bloke sat beside me just let rip with a 'MURDERERS!'. Scaring the shit out of the poor kids. This was the ONE AND ONLY time I witnessed any of this shit.

I'd like to think that the performance of both sets of fans on Saturday has gone a long way to restoring a bit of harmony between the clubs. Of course they will always be our main rivals but the venom that has crept in over the years should be put to bed.

"The baby's not yours", "murderer"s, this shit just embarrasses our club. Its time to knock this on the head and I urge everyone, next time someone starts this up, don't join in.

As a city which is generally looked down on by the people of the South, the events of Saturday and then Sunday evening, proved we are the ones who know how to behave.

Nil Satis Nisi Optimum.
Franny Porter     Posted 16/04/2012 at 19:19:57   Comments (5)

Left stranded by coach hire firm

On Saturday, we had 5 seats booked on a luxury coach (£250) with First National Coaches who deliberately targeted EFC/LFC fans with a special Semi Final Service advertised via their website. They were to pick us up at 5am (thanks FA) but by 5:30 we smelled a rat. The emergency number just diverted to a full voicemail box (presumably already filled with messages of loathing and contempt from other stranded fans).

I have since discovered that this company has a history of this and I am interested in knowing how many fans were caught out. I am also concerned that they do not get away with it and ? despite my feelings for our Norwegian friends across the park ? do not want to see this repeated on Cup Final Day.

If you found yourself in a similar situation on Saturday or know of anyone who was please post your story and info below.

Mike Keating     Posted 16/04/2012 at 15:59:04   Comments (4)

Nausea

I?m sitting here at work (I never usually want to come in, but I actually nearly rang in sick today) and I STILL feel sick. I?ve felt sick since we beat the Mackems. It initially felt like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders after the game on Saturday and I thought,?Well fuck me, I?m glad that?s over?? This feeling won?t go away though.

It seemed to me like everyone before the game was shitting it; everyone just fuckin? knew what was going to happen. Even after we?d scored, the whole of the Everton end was nervous, quiet and waiting for the inevitable to happen. Fellas sitting near me had ?that resigned look? on their face even before the fuckin? game had kicked off, for Christ?s sake, never mind after Blockhead gifted them their 1st. The atmosphere around and inside the ground, before kick off, was 10-times stranger than the final of 2009? WE ALL JUST FUCKIN? KNEW.

The players let EVERYONE down; let?s face it, the 1st half wasn?t much kop, not to mention the 2nd. We never created much, never pressured their keeper NEARLY enough, never pressed hard enough, never had enough urgency, or never kept the ball with any confidence at all. I?m unsure if the manger is to blame for this, but they?ve ALL got to accept some responsibility in some form.

The players that we?ve got obviously aren?t much good; otherwise they wouldn?t be playing for Everton? We have to be realistic in that, even if we had somehow got over the Liverpool ?Big Game Hoodoo?, it?d of been a struggle to overcome Chelski anyway, as they?re better than us; they?ve got better players. It?s as simple as that?.

While I feel very very disappointed again, it?s nothing new for being an Evertonian and we shouldn?t expect anything different. We?ll never beat them in a ?Big Game?, because that?s just the way it is? I feel like the 800 miles I travelled at the weekend was a waste of fuckin? time again.

Having said all that, if someone had come to us at the beginning of the season and said you?ll finish 7th or 8th and have a decent Cup run, we?d have bitten their hand off. While this ? until someone comes along with £500m to spend ? has to be considered success for a club like Everton these days, I can?t stop thinking that Saturday was our opportunity to slap them bastards in the face and we just didn?t have the balls to take it.

We just fuckin? blew it. Again. THAT?S why I feel sick??

Andy Callan     Posted 16/04/2012 at 12:57:04   Comments (13)

Lack of Drive

Are Everton the slowest team in the premier league? It was embarassing watching us against Liverpool to find out that our so-called fastest players aren't even that quick.

Distin was getting done by what we thought was the immobile Andy Carrol. Baines was getting ripped to shreds by Stewart Downing (who isn't even that fast) and......oh no wait they are our only 'fast' players.

Then you get the next bracket of players like Jelavic, Pienaar, and Heitinga who are just about quick enough but makeup for it through having great football brains. The rest are pedestrian. Is there a slower central midfield pairing than Fellaini and Gibson in the league? Slow in mind, slow in body.

They rely on our defense against lesser teams and players like Jelavic and Pienaar to make the play and get the goals. When we're against better opposition and the balls not sticking up front they just revert to blanket defense. Fine if you're a goal up like against City or Chelsea, but not when you give the goal away and need to find another one.

We made Spearing look like Makelele and Gerrard look like he was 21 again. He's over 30, our midfield should be running all over him (like most in the prem have this season) instead we give him all the time and space he wants to pick his hollywood balls.

On Saturday a Liverpool player would often lose possession but get it back quicker than the Everton player who had taken it from them could get to their own tackle. I don't know how we've survived in the premier league for so long without this fundamental asset. Largely because we've had solid defenses and players like Arteta and Pienaar who can dominate lesser teams.

Coleman had pace when he first burst onto the scene, as does Rodwell but he never uses it, Drenthe was supposes to be one of Europe's fastes players but that seemed to dissolve as well. It's a bad sign when Phil Neville and Hibbert are making the team for their 'pace', both are good positionally (how many times did Neville get done in compariosn to Baines on Saturday?) but are in no ways quick.

We never counter attack, we always wait for the opposition to shuffle back behind the ball then we play some ridiculous sort of drudging march slowly making our way up the pitch before trying to conjure up a cross when the opposition have a packed defense. It's a ridiculous footballing strategy that only works against the lesser teams and if you in front and get lucky against big teams.

No team can win anything without pace. We need a whole new midfield and someone in a number 10 role to play behind Jelavic. Gueye is not the answer, not quick enough. Pienaar's level of pace should be the minimum requirement for our team (and he's not even that fast). The difference Donovan made when he came was there for all to seee, having a player to use as an outlet with the technical ability to provide assists and socre. Seen any goals like the one against Villa since he left?

You can carry players like Osman, Fellaini, Gibson or Cahill in your team if there's only one of them and they have pacy players around them. You can't pack your whole team with them. The top clubs just don't stand for it, that's why Gibson didn't make it. United have one slow player and that's Paul Scholes who quite frankly doesn't need to run he's that good. Arsenal don't have any, and Liverpool don't, Maxi is their slowest and Dalglish said that's why he doesn't play as much.

Major squad overhaul needed in the summer. Let's hope some of the academy kids are rapid and manage to sustain their speed for longer than a few games in this Everton side.

James Martin     Posted 15/04/2012 at 22:57:52   Comments (34)

Liverpool got lucky yesterday...

Liverpool were given the whole second half to come at us; we all knew what was coming second half... we've seen it in every crucial game under Moyes so I'm pretty sure that Kenny knew. Sit back for 45 mins, invite pressure & of course there will be mistakes. Moyes instills fear into the players, Baines is the prime example: yesterday, he was clearly told to play with caution.

If it was Moyes's choice not to include Drenthe then I'm disgusted. I say that as there may be more to it & if so, I can't blame Moyes for it. I'll just stick to blaming him for 10 years of the same old song of trying to hold out in the big games & of Everton being the plucky good guy that loses with dignity with the Head Masters pride coming before the right choice to win big games. Winners do whatever it takes; we don't.

Instead of looking to point out Drenthe's mistakes, as many have in various threads, let's get one thing clear: just about every player on the pitch yesterday has made just as many, if not more crucial mistakes as Drenthe this season but not one of them has had the creative impact Drenthe has. I say on the pitch because clearly neither Donovan or Pienaar were options to us yesterday.

Sunderland is the prime example: yes, Drenthe didn't score & Gueye got all the plaudits but the thing that changed the game was Drenthe  running at them, driving at the opposition, taking defenders out and attacking with pace. Against Sunderland Pienaar was on  all game but it was only when Drenthe came on he & Gueye got the impetus & space to come alive. Who honestly believes that Drenthe wouldn't have made a difference against Liverpool yesterday? In all honesty, who didn't think yesterday wasn't too big a game for Gueye?

The bigger question is: Does anyone really believe next week's game at Old Trafford won't end the same way? A plucky defeat followed by Ferguson & all the pundits patronising Everton, saying what a great job Moyes has done with limited resources? Sorry, it just doesn't wash; Moyes limits the resources he does have by not playing to their strengths (pick any striker under his tenure as an example; I'm sure Jelavic didn't enjoy being so isolated all second half yesterday...) and by instilling so much fear into the players: sit deep, play with caution, never play your own game, worry about the oppositions all the time.

No knee jerk here ? just a culmination of seeing the same mistakes for 10 years leading to the logical conclusion that Moyes has gone as far as he can & that someone else could get a better outcome with the resources we have.

Steve Jones     Posted 15/04/2012 at 10:19:07   Comments (32)

KITAP1 (My arse!)

KITAP1 ? aka trying not to lose rather than trying to win. This whole philosophy must now be shown as bankrupt, not viable, or fit for purpose.

I don't think that the here and now is the place to praise Moyes's pluses as we are in failure mode / de-brief. Hard questions need to be asked and hard answers need to be given and heeded ? and, if required, heads must and should roll.

This is it, decision time: is 7th or 8th and a semi-final fuck-up the high point, our be-all and end-all?

17th-7th is nowhere; most teams can and do do it. It's like the Richter Scale, it goes in orders of 10 magnitude. The next magnitude is 6th, 5th and 4th. It can be done... we did it with a poorer squad than now. Moyes has stagnated; what was new and worked then is now old and found out.

These pluses, which it could be said, have got us where we are, but where we are now is only good compared to where we where under Walter Smith.

This then brings in the reasons (more or less beyond our control) that do us no favours... KD, DK, BK, Money (or the lack of), EPL / Sky, wages, agents etc etc. Okay, put them to one side; what can we control?

We can control how we go about our business on the field.

Or, more to the point, Moyes can... but, time after time, he doesn't; in fact sometimes he goes into bunker / uber-cautious mode.

Now you either believe in this or you don't; you either see it or you don't... and it is obvious Moyes (and some sections of the support) DON'T.

KITAP1 only works if you do keep it tight AND pinch one; we, too often or not, DON'T.

As a humble pfc (private fuckin citizen) in the MOB, I cannot see how others cannot see that the correct way to play a 1-0 lead is to do what you were doing to get the 1-0 lead only more so... AND GO FOR TWO!

Even if we didn't get the jammy goal we got, the longer it went on with us pushing, the more the chances are that one of them would've done a Distin.

Davey, we often see all these adjectives infront of your name: decent, honest, etc, etc. You lost, we lost, not just the game but cred as well. Do the decent thing...

Derek Thomas     Posted 15/04/2012 at 09:03:33   Comments (169)

Moyes the Loser

Can you imagine being an Everton player in the run-up to yesterday's game? All you hear from your manager is that you are the underdogs with the strong implication that there is almost no chance of victory.

What, then, is your attitude when you go out to play? Do you truly believe that success is possible? When you are gifted the lead by opposition of stupefying mediocrity, do you wonder, perhaps, if your manager has it all wrong?

Or are you so brainwashed into the belief that you are inferior that you cannot break out of that mindset?

I have witnessed some shameful capitulations in over 40 years with Everton, but yesterday beats the lot. We can all see how utterly pedestrian this Liverpool team is, yet Moyes treats them like a World Eleven, and it sickens me.

I do not blame Distin or Coleman; I blame Moyes completely for his negativity, his fear, his complete lack of appreciation for, and understanding of, what Everton Football Club means to us, the supporters.

As much as I may dislike Kenny Dalglish (he now seems to have lost the humility and dignity he displayed after Hillsborough), one thing he never does is talk down his own team or players, even though he must know that at least half of those players are fairly average, bordering on useless.

Moyes, however, bleats on and on about money and the lack thereof, telling his players, in effect, that if Everton had more money, they, the players, would not be there.

How would you feel if your employer repeatedly told you that the only reason you have a job is that the company can't afford anyone better?

It is time for Everton and David Moyes to part company, as we cannot win anything under him. Someone on another thread suggested Rafa as a possible replacement. I don't think he would be acceptable to most Blues, but we need someone of similar mentality.

We all recall his "small club" comment; who can remember Moyes ever saying anything that would be noticed by any opponent?

Moyes strives to be inoffensive and unthreatening to the powers that be, and he achieves that perfectly. We need a manager who will shout from the rooftops: "THIS IS EVERTON, WE ARE BETTER THAN YOU."

Please leave, Mr Moyes, because yesterday's performance was definitive and proved beyond doubt that you have no ambition whatsoever.

Brian Hill     Posted 15/04/2012 at 06:48:50   Comments (90)

Stage fright

Stage fright once more and same old result! Reminded me of the final of 2009 where we scored first and instead of taking the game to opposition we brought the red carpet out and gift wrapped Liverpool's win.

I have followed Everton 35 years and should I be surprised? The emptiness I feel tonight is terrible. I feel for the fantastic support who have sung, shouted and supported the blues today and it's a shame it was not reciprocated by the players.

In a season which by recent standards is a roller coaster do we see this season as a failure or success bearing in mind we were 16th only 4 months ago? What makes today unpallatable: it's the worst Liverpool side since last year!

Still very proud to be supporting the grand old club! I'm a realist and we can't get any further than where we are and as we reflect now on today, tomorrow will be just as bad because I think I might have dreamt this and it should have never happened.

We lost this semi on Tuesday when Liverpool won at Blackburn. Pass the single malt. Love you Everton always will but...
Lee Marman     Posted 15/04/2012 at 00:31:57   Comments (41)

Dust has settled...

We are all pissed off, hurting, inconsolable.

I've read a lot of comments about Moyes today and his tactics and dithering.

I'd like to put this across in what is hopefully a balanced view of today.

You can't blame Moyes for the 2 separate moments of sheer stupidity that cost us the game.

Distin made what I would call a £35k wrong decision.

He's a professional footballer who gets paid circa that amount per week. Rather than doing what 99.9% of us would do and send the ball into the stands,he backed his ability and got it wrong. He got it wrong, He made the wrong choice. It's not a coaching or motivational issue, it's human error.

Prior to that error, first 5 mins of the second half aside, we were the better team. Liverpool could have played till tomorrow and not have scored.

Coleman was sent on as an out ball, to run the channels, he again is guilty of human error in respect that he made a stupid pointless tackle with Gerrard going nowhere.

Moyes and Round spent a lot of time giving him instructions on what was required and expected. Perhaps Neville should have guided him a little better in coming back to defend and go forward. But, Coleman is no novice, surely he should have known right and wrongs of diving in around the box.

Again, this is not down to tactics or motivation.

If Moyes had started with Neville in midfield and Anichebe on the right with Osman on the left, he would deserve everything he gets by way of abuse for completely destroying the balance of the team.

This was the team who walked through Sunderland without having to move up the gears, and there were no individual errors. The tactics were perfect, as was today until 2 very unfortunate decisions.

After their second goal, to try and rescue the game with 3 minutes to go is asking the near impossible, you cant blame tactics for that.

I would have been happy to go into extra time and get the opportunity to re-group and re-asses.

It didn't end that way and as a club and fan base we have to move forward as positively as we can. It does hurt and hurts like hell.

Please try and find a little consideration for the manager and coach after this, it was individual error and not the wrong game plan that cost us today. After an hour, none of us were complaining?
Matthew Barry     Posted 14/04/2012 at 19:29:46   Comments (89)

A new beginning

I have wanted David Moyes out for many years, in fact after Tony Marsh I doubt there would be many who have criticised him longer and harder. Today went much as expected, we played poorly, as did Liverpool, and lost. Distin, who has been magnificent this season, fucked up.

In many ways, I was angrier today than any Evertonian. My car was booked in for an MOT and all being well I would be in the bar for kick-off. Well, anyway the ramp at the MOT centre jammed and my car was stuck for an hour and a half. I arrived at the pub to be greeted by a Liverpool supporter with an outstretched hand of condolence.

Anyway, I have never been more gutted and angry in my life. However, I have tried to take a different look. It was fated that Andy Carroll, a human carthorse, should score the winner. That doesn't deflect from the fact that he is the worst buy in the history of football. Dalglish is still scum and they are are a club without dignity and decency.

Nothing has changed in my view. I don't feel angry at Moyes and hope that he will move on. We have a decent squad with some good young players and under a new coach perhaps we can improve. Kenwright has no limelight to bask under and we can get back to reality. A sad day to be an Evertonian but not the end of the world.

A new beginning...

Andy Crooks     Posted 14/04/2012 at 18:39:02   Comments (22)

Can't beat Liverpool

If we can't beat what surely must be the worst Liverpool team of the last 20 years then really we're never going to beat these guys in any meaningful match under Moyes.

I love what DM has done for the club in terms of stability and bringing on the team, but we really have to question now if he has the required mentality to be a winner. That game was totally ours to win today, after half-time we should have come out all guns blazing and attempted to put their keeper under as much pressure as possible (he flapped at virtually every cross delivered), yet we only got in like 4 in the entire match!

Instead, we seemed to revert to defence-first and then, when they got an equaliser, through an absolutely terrible error by the much backed (on this site) Distin, we had no Plan B at all from an attacking sense (which is what is required to score goals). They brought on Bellamy (who I believe is their best forward by a fucking mile) who changed up the game for them and got a shit back-header off the troublesome but previously poor Carroll on the 87th minute. I almost left the pub at that point as I knew we wouldn't be able to respond.

I don't blame Moyes for everything, I think the referee made a number of terrible calls (why the second half-fuck up in the Liverpool defence resulted in a free kick I'm not clear, why were Coleman and Jelavic yellow carded for nothing, yet that animal Suarez (and I don't use that language lightly, this guy should be on a fucking leash) got away with a full on rugby tackle and constant niggling fouls I don't understand.
Also a number of blues let themselves down today (although not Felliani, Neville or Gibson who all fought for the cause). Baines was average (although there were 2-3 players on the opposition flank effectively neutralising him). I really don't understand what Cahill is doing on the pitch anymore apart from making space for Jelavic potentially. Osman was below par (as he often is in the bigger games, let's be fair) and Gueye worked his socks off without achieving too much.

Ultimately though, Moyes had the chance to set us up to win in the second half and for me that meant scoring at least one more goal and pushing them back rather than sitting back and defending. It appears he learnt nothing from the Chelsea final where we were progressively overrun by playing containment football (albeit by a far better team) and I have to blame him for this defeat. If he thought Coleman was a different option he should have started the second half (not that he did much of any consequence); Drenthe should have been on the bench (WTF happened there, really?) and for my money he should have put on Stracq ahead of Cahill as soon as the equaliser went in. At least then we'd have an outlet for the long balls and someone else to keep Liverpool defenders busy.

As it is, we're out and I'm angrier than I can ever recall being as an Everton fan and my hatred for Liverpool has reached another level, they just don't deserve it. I will be cheering wholeheartedly for whichever London club makes the final and hoping that now Kenwright will finally throw in the fucking towel and realise that we need a change if this club is to push on and achieve anything.
Chris  James     Posted 14/04/2012 at    Comments (72)

About Supporting Everton

This will read corny, but I?ve been thinking on it. So here goes.

As regular contributors know, I came in with Landon a couple years ago. He left. I stayed and am here to stay. I?m a Blue. What I don?t or will ever have is that Blue strand in my DNA that you all have as naturally as the strands for hair or eye color.

I want us to win today for the usual reason of any sports fan, ?My team won, yeah!?. What I don?t have is the effect of our winning today going straight into my DNA. I do have this feeling when my Yankees win in baseball. So I get it but don?t have it where EFC is concerned.

As much as anything, I?m looking forward to the post-game comments here. I don?t have that strand, but will live it through you all as you share what it means to beat the red shirts in a big game. Congrats ahead of time. Looking forward to watching the game and hearing the noise the Faithful make that?s different from the sound of other club?s supporters. COYB!
James Flynn     Posted 14/04/2012 at 03:25:33   Comments (12)

The Everton Mentality?

Years ago, when I was young, there was a must read magazine, 'Charles Buchan's Football Monthly', and in that publication a journalist called John McAdam talked in one article about the mentality of certain clubs and their fans.

He said Everton fans were basically of a gloomy, fearing-the-worst mentality whereas Liverpool fans were generally cheerful, Liverpool comedians.

Reading the comments in the responses to 'Beating Liverpool' like Nick Entwistle's and Kevin Sparke et alia and my own feelings of fear and dread that something untoward, a Howard Webb howler or Fellaini doing a Ballotelli impression could happen. I'm beginning to believe that McAdam may have had something!
Richard Tarleton     Posted 13/04/2012 at 10:50:55   Comments (24)

Crazy Bets, Crazy Prices

The biggest betting weekend of the year is once again upon us as all punters' eyes will be on Liverpool - when all of Liverpool's will be on Wembley... brilliant introduction.

Anyway, I never place too much on a bet, the bet itself providing the fun. My last success in the National was 50p each way for the 100/1 shot winner a few years back, scooping me £67.50. My other 100/1 shot that day was well... shot. Some you win, some you cover with tarpaulin.

This time round I've decided to concentrate on the proceedings at Wembley and going for the long odds I have Jelavic to score first in a 4-0 win. A lovely 325/1. My smart money though going on Cahill 1-0.

Just wondering if anyone would be taking a punt on Liverpool to ease the pain?

Couldn't forgo a National bet though and went for Swing Bill 50/1 which is what I may well be thinking come horsey time.

Come on you Blue and all that...
Nick Entwistle     Posted 12/04/2012 at 16:47:35   Comments (29)

Who Knew? Saturday?s an LFC Fan...

Well Saturday, fair is fair, you?ve done your best. As a day of the week, you?re supposed to belong to everyone. Apparently, you?ve chosen to take sides and chosen the dark one.

Since our 17 March swamping of Sunderland, time suddenly slowed down for us Blues. Not much, but perceptible. Then your buddies across the park won on the 18th and time?s been dragging since. Not mad at you. You did what you could to slow the inevitable. Daglish has spent the weeks since bitching about officials? ?unfairness? while managing some of the worst ref-baiters in the game. Could tilt things in your boys? favor, right? I must acknowledge, well done to you.

Past that, our League game against Norwich City saw us dominate tactically but indifferent to result and only a point registered against a lesser team. Well done again, Saturday.

Yet, the Gaffer changed our mojo for this last Sunderland game and we put them to the sword. Take that! You?re part of time and the Toffees brushed you aside. Must have felt what was coming, yes?

Yet, you didn?t give up. Since those couple days ago, you?ve managed to slow time to a crawl; a turtle-slow crawl. We Toffees are acutely aware of it. You?ve done your best and you?re done, because we have friends to. Today and Friday are True Blues. They?re both speeding us straight through those hours to you.

Nonetheless, as a member of the classiest group of supporters anywhere, I offer you one last option. Tell your red shirts to not come out of the tunnel. Plenty time yet to convince them. Because once both 11s are on the pitch and the ref blows the whistle, we?re locking all the exits. Your boys CAN?T leave until we?re done whipping them.

James Flynn     Posted 12/04/2012 at 01:45:56   Comments (85)

From My House

Having had numerous texts and calls telling me Toffeeweb was looking for me. I logged on and looked and saw.

I can tell you I am ok and have been really touched by comments left on Lyndon's piece.

I have been in hospital to have some bone replaced with metal and am now recuperating at home. I will miss the semi but I am in strict training to be able to go to the final. Of course we will get there. I am also trying to take up my seat for at least one or maybe two league games.

Once I master climbing the stairs there will no holding me.

Once again many thanks for your concern.

UP THE BLUES
Ken Buckley     Posted 11/04/2012 at 10:53:30   Comments (89)

Song for Wembley

We are now agreed that Tim Cahill will start on Saturday. We know how much RS fans dislike/fear him. TC has a tremendous scoring record against them so why not give TC his own well earned song and irritate our neighbours even more? It goes like this:-

Waltzing Tim Cahill, waltzing Tim Cahill,
Who´ll come a waltzing Tim Cahill with me?
He came and he scored and he massacred the kopite hordes.
Who´ll come a waltzing Tim Cahill with me?

TC is due a goal or two, especially against them. Saturday is the day to break the record.
Brian Garside     Posted 10/04/2012 at 10:58:37   Comments (35)

Positive waves maann!

I'm sick and tired of our dour management team saying Liverpool are favourites for the semi. Well they aren't: we on current form are far and away the favourites, so let's put the pressure on them with our positivity, not giving them succour by putting ourselves down.

Times they are a changing... and, for us, it's for the better!!

Ohhh we're all pissed up
and we're going to win the cup,
Wemberleeee, Wemberleeee!!

[repeat until your throat's sore!!]

COYB, FTRS, UTT !
Tommy Gibbons     Posted 10/04/2012 at 09:07:49   Comments (52)

The Enigma of Magaye Gueye

When he was signed Gueye for £1m in the summer of 2010, Evertonians were generally happy; with Moyes?s record finding young talent and the fact Gueye was a France Under 20 international it seemed worth a punt. Eyebrows were raised at the fact he was given a 5 year contract given his relatively unknown status.

After being given a few late substitution appearances, it wasn?t until a year ago today he was given his first Everton league start. For the first 14 games this season he played only 31 minutes and played his first full 90 minutes in a blue shirt against Sunderland yesterday. Drenthe, Anichebe, Straq, Vellios, Barkley and unbelievably even McFadden have at some point been chosen ahead of him. Moyes was even quoted as saying Gueye was his secret weapon, which I have heard jokingly referenced a number of times. I admit on a few substitute appearances he did look a little lost.

From what I can tell, up until his last six or seven appearances, Evertonians haven?t necessarily been divided on Gueye, but almost resigned to the fact he is nothing more than a backup/squad player. But in just a handful of games I believe he has earned himself a place in the semi final. He is firing on all cylinders and despite the odd hint of Bilyaletdniovitus of either not tracking back quick enough or looking occasionally a bit lost he has also shown flashes of brilliance, excellent touches, first class balls into the box, goals and a hat full of assists.

His minor flaws will only be ironed out with more game time. The FA Cup replay at Sunderland he was awesome and in the second half had near enough 100% pass success rate. Yesterday?s league game with Sunderland he was instrumental in two of the goals as well as scoring one. He wasn?t outstandingly brilliant but from Sunderland?s point of view deadly effective.

Gueye was never meant to be ?the next big thing?, and he might not be ? he still has a lot to prove. But I am certain he is Moyes?s secret weapon after all. I am made up for the lad and think he is fully deserved of a place in the starting eleven at Wembley.
Alex Kociuba     Posted 10/04/2012 at 01:24:03   Comments (21)

Team for the Semi?

I've just read on the OS (in the Norwich match preview article) that Drenthe has recently returned to training.

With Pienaar cup-tied, I'd say Drenthe is integral to my team for the semi-final which I've listed below. How does it compare to yours?

Howard - No explanation required here

Baines - Same as above

Heitinga - Has looked imperious in central defence.

Distin - Not much to choose between him and Jags but for me Distin has edged it over the season as a whole.

Neville - On the basis of experience, and the crunching (but fair) challenge which took Ashley Cole out of action. Showing that kind of intent as a captain is important as it can galvanise a team.

Gueye - Based on his performance against Sunderland. Still improving but really stepped up his game recently.

Gibson & Fellaini - Because they are the bedrock of our midfield, Screech picks up every loose ball and Gibson lets felli do his thing whilst throwing the odd attacking pass and thundering shot in to the mix.

Drenthe - Unpredictable I know, but worth including because of his willingness to run at a defence. Also think he performs better on the right when allowed to cut inside. When he's in front of Baines the two just don't gel somehow, and personally i think Gueye in front of Baines is a better combo.

Cahill - Jelly has brought the best out of the diminutive Aussie. A couple of cracking headers (albeit not resulting in goals) against west brom make me think he is brimming with confidence. Looks much more like his old self.

Bench consisting of:

Mucha
Barkley (I know, I know... wishful thinking)
Anichebe
Stracqualursi
Osman
Jagielka
Vellios

I'm sure it'll get pulled to pieces but that's my team. What's yours?

Adam  Luszniak     Posted 09/04/2012 at    Comments (46)

Vulture Club

Every year we spend the summer fretting as as every Tom, Dick and (particularly) Harry is linked with Everton's standout performer/prospect.

We all know that matters beyond our control dictate that Everton have to sell if the right offer comes in however relegated clubs are in the same predicament with their cash cow abattoir bound.

The likely candidates for the drop are:

Wolves
Wigan
Blackburn
QPR
Bolton

Given three of those are local 'rivals' (pathetic isn't it), I would like to see us in for Jarvis, Moses, Hoilett, Barton (maybe), and the American Bolton midfielder whose name escapes me.

It is the Everton manager's key performance indicator, in my opinion, to sell our establlished players (one at a time hopefully) for big cash and then improve the team with the funds - more difficult than throwing money at it but possible nonetheless. Eg. We could lose Jags for £15m, put half in the bank and spend the rest on one of the above and have a better balanced squad as a result.

But who do we want to pick the bones of?
Drew O'Neall     Posted 09/04/2012 at 07:49:25   Comments (15)

Europe

Am I thinking straight when I consider Everton have a real chance of finishing the season in Europe next season!

Back before Christmas, I thought it would be too much to ask, expecting our now consistent yearly change in form. My thoughts being pessimistic with the way the club was run and a lack of inspiration on the pitch!

Now, we are in a huge semi-final and have the chance of qualifying by winning a cup, but am I right in thinking that we could still qualify through league placing?

The three other teams in the semi are practically already set to play in Europe next year, so would that mean if Everton unfortunately failed to win the cup, the qualifying spots will go down to 7th?

As Liverpool have already qualified, we would be competing against the likes of Norwich City, Sunderland, West Brom, Fulham, Swansea City and possibly Stoke.

Meaning we have a realistic chance of European football being back at Goodison next season.

Martin  Clark     Posted 08/04/2012 at 00:40:28   Comments (37)

Hanging on to Leighton Baines

People have talked about the possibility of player sales in the Summer. Various names ? notably Rodwell and to a lesser extent Jagielka ? have been bandied about. For some time I have felt that the real challenge this Summer will be hanging on to Leighton Baines.

Opposing managers have long since spotted that if they can stop Baines, then he is our main threat from open play. Also, his dead ball expertise has begun to gain more attention recently.

The usual suspects would take our hands off if we offered Baines for sale: the Shite would like him certainly; and even if ??Arry ain?t no longer there?, whoever takes over at Spurs must see the mouth watering prospect of Baines and Bale attacking down the left flank.

My fears have grown recently because apart from Cashley, Baines could arguably replace the current left back at any of the likely CL teams. Baines himself has given us good service. He has only one career, and would we now stand in his way if he had the opportunity to test himself against Europe?s best?

For me this encapsulates the real indictment of the current régime. I can understand, now that I think he has come clean, that Kenwright is looking at around £500m in order to sell. But if that is the case, and he does care about the club, then whilst waiting for a rich Godot to turn up, he must in the meantime find some resources from somewhere. This would at least keep us where we and offer some hope to ambitious players that we can retain our current personnel and position.

Tony McNulty     Posted 07/04/2012 at 15:51:07   Comments (73)

Is this as good as it gets?

As of this morning, Everton could claim to be `the Best of the Rest`, sitting in seventh position in the Premier League. But, closer examination would show that TEN points separates us from the lowest team with realistic European aspirations ? Chelsea in sixth ? and no less than THIRTY THREE separate us from the leaders, Manchester United!

Now I know there are those among us whose mathematical gymnastics show that a whole range of possibilities could conspire to grant us a Europa passport but I continue to think that's just clutching at straws and a very poor consolation prize anyway. So, leaving aside our hopes in respect of the FA Cup, is this as good as we can hope for in terms of Premier League expectations?

Discounting the joy of being above THEM (it's not much to boast about, is it?), I continue to believe it`s only the magic of David Moyes that sees us where we are and I have an uncomfortable feeling we'd better make the most of it whilst it lasts!

Exactly a year ago, I wrote that `Eighth is Great`and with our club's limited resources, that may still be true. However, pointswise, the gap between the `Big Boys` and the BotR is widening and like other `big` clubs such as the Villa, we risk becoming distinctly `second division`.

Perhaps it`s because I`ve become too addicted to the gloom and doom of these columns ? I`ve already lost all the faith I had in Bill Kenwright ? but I really would like to get a bit nearer to the Mancs than THIRTY THREE bloody points!!!

Can that ever happen? I guess all we can do is hope so, but then....... we`ve been doing that for 20 years!

Richard Dodd     Posted 07/04/2012 at 13:36:09   Comments (29)

What if?

It's a bad time to moan, I'll admit. David Moyes has turned it round yet again. Cup semi, above Liverpool in the league, playing some good football; even I have been feeling good about it. A summer of expectation awaits; Champions League talk will surface again.

We really, really are easily calmed down. No doubt the new signings galvanised things and those (myself included) who fretted about relegation have been made to look foolish. In my view, though, the first half of the season cannot be forgotten. As a one-off, it would have been truly dreadful but, as a regular occurrence under David Moyes, surely it needs to be looked at. We are below the position in the league that we should be in and if the recovery brings plaudits to David Moyes then the fact that every year a recovery is necessary is entirely down to him.

It is asked quite often where the critics of Moyes go when the team does well. I think that this is the time to speak up. I love what we are doing now but I don't think it is unreasonable to question what goes wrong every pre-season and to hope that this is not another false dawn.

Before Christmas, I thought that our players simply weren't good enough. Well, they are now... Why?

Andy Crooks     Posted 04/04/2012 at 23:04:25   Comments (67)

Everton train at Goodison Park

I took my young son to watch everton train at Goodison Park this morning. It was very enjoyable watching them get put through their training and see what they do; all the different exercises and set pieces.

They finished off split into two teams and what I found surprising was that both teams didn't take it easy, they both got stuck in with some meaty challenges flying in. Watching from the sidelines, not batting an eyelid, was David Moyes who must encourage playing it at proper match tempo which was good to see.

The only downside was the absence of Marouane Fellaini... hope he's just having a rest. And the other was no-one was allowed to take photos inside.

Anyway, it was a enjoyable day and some little Nazi steward wasn't going to spoil it by acting like a stormtrooper every time someone got their phone out.
COYB.

Michael Summers     Posted 03/04/2012 at 15:28:50   Comments (39)

Seven Remaining Games

With 31 games done and dusted, our focus is now on the remaining 7 games till the end of the season.

Starting with Norwich away this Saturday to the home game against Newcastle on the last day of the season, where do you think we will finish come Sunday, the 13th of May 2012?

On paper, most of the games look winnable bar the Man Utd game at Old Trafford where we traditionally never take any points.

Can we get at least get 18 points from the remaining fixtures to end the season with 61 points and finish 6th or 7th?

Wally Melwani     Posted 02/04/2012 at 08:19:51   Comments (112)