The Mail Bag

Wrap Gibson in cotton wool

I take it all back. Darron Gibson is exactly what we have missed since the likes of Arteta, Gravesen, Fernandes departed...

He put in a superb MotM display today and his passing was fast and mostly one-touch while also forward-thinking and attacking. We simply don't have anyone else who can do this so he needs to be wrapped in Cotton wool for the Semi-Final.

We simply play better football with him in the side. Also helped by Heitinga at CB not hoofing and we actually play decent football! Roll on the RS!!!

James Stewart     Posted 31/03/2012 at 17:49:18   Comments (64)

Toffee Touts???

Has silly season come early this year?

Okay, I know it's a big game but it's only a semi-final and yes, a great one it should be, with great hope we will come out on top. But it seems the guises are all coming out with the various reasons they have for becoming touts, with one guy on the message board asking £550 for a ticket.

Now I'm one of a number of people looking for ticket, I'll admit, but I find it a very hard pill to swallow for a so-called supporter to ask a fellow supporter for over £500 quid for a ticket.

I thought about it for about 3 seconds before I said, "Nah, sod that for a lark... I'd sooner watch it on the telly," because anyone paying more than £150 must be an absolute mug and I for one would love to see these greedy so-called fellow Evertonians get stuck with them.

£550??? ? shove it up your arse.

Carl Peters     Posted 31/03/2012 at 00:31:36   Comments (36)

The Spurs Job

Something else has been bothering me... Have I walked into some parallel universe where Tottenham Hotspur are among the giants of European football? I'm absolutely sick of these smug prick journos that appear on Sky stating that it's a 'no-brainer' for Tottenham to get Moyes should 'Arry get the England job.

Of all the things you take into consideration when evaluating the size of a club ? history, silverware, stadium, fanbase etc ? we are at the very least equal to Spurs. They can only trump us in one vital area, money. God knows how? I really do not understand football finance, How have they been able to assemble a squad like theirs on the back of only one season in the Champions League without the help of a billionaire? Maybe Bill should hire a Jeweish accountant... I hate Spurs with a passion, I had the misfortune to be in a pub surrounded by the self proclaimed 'Yid Army' during their League Cup victory under Ramos and they are among the worst collective examples of the human race I have ever come across, matched only by Newcastle fans in their delusions of grandeur.

I know people's opinions of Moyes are somewhat divided on this site but surely it would be a slap in the face for us all if he went to Tottenham? These arsholes on Sky are making out that Moyes has served his time working miracles on a shoestring at Everton and that he deserves a crack at a big club like Tottenham. I find this complete and utter repudiation of Everton as a football club shocking and appalling.

On the subject, another thing that really gets my goat is that all these jounalists are in a flap about the Euros and who is going to manage England. Well, we had an England manager. His name was Fabio Capello and his managerial pedigree compared to Redknapp's is like comparing Richard Branson's business empire with Ian Beale's. The press made him feel like he had to quit by making a big deal out of fuck all and the FA should be ashamed. Fleet Street has had it in for Capello since the World Cup where England's abject display was all his fault. Never mind Gerrard and Terry pissing on each others leg or Rooney's head being in bits because he knew his missus would soon be finding out about his indiscretions. I used to love England but screw them. I have a good mind to buy a Croatia shirt with 'Jelly' on the back and get behind the' 'Flying Fortress' this summer!

David  Nicholls     Posted 30/03/2012 at    Comments (41)

Strength in Depth

Wow! What a week? Seven days ago, the honeymoon period following transfer deadline day was well and truly over but, after two of the most satisfying performances in recent memory, the spring is back in my step and I look forward to the remainder of the season with renewed optimism.

But there's one thing I wanted to get off my chest, reading through some of the discussions on here: some have suggested that, given the excellent form of Distin and Heitinga at centre-back and Darron Gibson in midfield, it might be worth letting Jagielka and Rodwell go at the right price.

I always find it funny that anyone not in the team when we are on a good run suddenly becomes expendable. You need a strong squad to compete over the course of a season and we are short at centre-back anyway. With no Jags to call upon, we could be forced to rely on the relatively unproven Duffy who I'm not convinced will be playing in the top flight in 5 years time (I hope I'm wrong).

Rodwell was finally starting to live up to the hype before a succession of hamstring complaints stunted his progress. I still feel this lad could be destined for great things in the future and I don't think we should consider selling either player unless silly money is on the table. Besides, competition for places can only be a good thing, right?

David Nicholls     Posted 30/03/2012 at 07:59:29   Comments (21)

Has Moyes been vindicated?

A rollercoaster ride the last few weeks sum up this season so far. The high from yesterday's result and performance hasn't worn off yet and won't for a while.

Does yesterday's win cancel out the derby loss? I'm calling it 50%. The football gods have sent Moyes a message: Put things right.

April 14th can't come soon enough and the three games between now and then are only a distraction and a chance to fine-tune the squad.

The 3 keys for me between now and then:

1. Keep Fellaini away from 10 yellows - he has 8
2. Keep Gibson fresh
3. Keep the Jelavic and Cahill partnership clicking

The passing and movement the last two games have been a breath of fresh air and what we have all been asking/screaming for since August.

We still need a lot of sweat and luck before we can celebrate anything but, while many of us have had issues with Moyes's tactics recently, we are all hoping he gets the trophy he deserves and that we have all been waiting for.

NSNO

The Friendship Scarf!?!?!

Last night was brilliant. The fans were amazing. I studied at Sunderland Uni so love the place and it was great to see the blues having a great time there!

Anyway, this morning I am scouring the web for any articles on EFC, player ratings, interviews, ex-pros opinions etc. Everything I have found is very positive and I am looking forward to West Brom on Saturday and the rest of a (hopefully) positive end to the season.

One thing however has got to me this morning! The OS is selling an EFC/LFC friendship scalf??? WTF, is this just me or is that completely out of touch with the feeling of our fans? I don't wear anything red, let alone a scarf that has their crest and name on it!

I am a Scouser and like many families in Liverpool my family is split, family of 7 split 5 to 2 in favour of the Blues. I hate ? and I mean HATE ? my brother and sister on Derby Day and could never when living with them put my washing in the machine if their RedShite top or even touch their kits when doing the laundry for my mam!

I know its a rant but is anyone going to buy these scarfs? Has the hatred subsided and I don't know about it? I would like to get an opinion of the other ToffeeWebbers on this one!
Andrew Fair     Posted 28/03/2012 at 09:48:34   Comments (130)

FA Cup Semi-Final Revenge

For those of us old enough to remember the 1977 FA Cup Semi-Final v Liverpool at Main Road when we were robbed, all thanks to ref, Clive Thomas, well here now after 35 years is our chance to get our revenge.

We have not lost an FA Cup semi-final since 1980 v West Ham at Elland Road. That's 6 games unbeaten (84 Southampton, 85 Luton, 86 Sheff Wed, 89 Norwich, 95 Spurs and 09 Man Utd).

As well as getting revenge for that "disallowed" Bryan Hamilton goal, a win at Wembley would only be our second win v Liverpool (Charity Shield 84 being the only other time at the old Wembley).

Let's hope it's our 7th successive semi-final success and we go on to lift the Cup!

COYB!
Mark McDonald     Posted 28/03/2012 at 05:29:00   Comments (38)

What Now Davey?

On the back of two comprehensive 2-0 away victories against very decent opposition, I ? like most fellow Evertonians ? feel like we can take on anyone at the moment. The problem is, however, does David Moyes share our confidence?

After the recent Anfield surrender, I wasn't even sure if I wanted us to beat Sunderland tonight for the simple reason that I couldn't take another humiliation at the hands of the worst Liverpool team in living memory ?especially at Wembley in such a high profile game as the FA Cup semi-final.

Nobody fears Liverpool anymore, not even Wigan. They are beatable to say the least. David Moyes has to shake off his inferiority complex & send out a positive attacking side & I'm sure we will beat them.

Over to you Davey.......don't let us down!

Gary Hughes     Posted 27/03/2012 at 23:32:10   Comments (37)

You Have to Recruit a New Manager

It seems to me that the ?Moyes issue? is a recurring thread on TW and seems, more than most, to elicit very strong points of view from both the pro- and anti-Moyes brigades.

Given that the next few weeks, particularly tomorrow [This was submitted before the Sunderland replay ? Ed], will no doubt be the catalyst for even more exchanges, I thought it might be an opportune moment to consider a hypothetical scenario where Moyes either gets the ?Spanish Archer? (á la Huddersfield Town) from Kenwright, or decides he?s had enough and resigns overnight.

Any well-run business should have a "Plan B" for such occasions, so let?s give it a try and put ourselves in the Board?s shoes and assume we are tasked with finding a replacement!

Many have argued "who could possibly do better"? Well that is moot if the situation is forced and we find he?s gone.

So?. First of all we would likely lay out a Job Description based on what we want in a manager ? to deliver the desired goals and objectives we believe are in Everton?s interest. It may go something like this:

The Role: Manager
A superb opportunity has arisen for a World Class Manager to take the lead in rebuilding Everton into the premier club in the EPL, responsible for all aspects of running the playing and development side of the club; to include, junior and youth strategy and development, first and second team player appointment, recruitment along with complete autonomy regarding buying and selling of any player associated with the club.

The Club: Everton FC
The greatest club in the history of English football, founder member of the Football League, winner of X league titles, Y FA Cups, best fans in the world... etc. etc, etc.

The Club Vision:
To become the Number #1 football team in the EPL, as measured by consistence, flowing style of winning play, youth development, Premier League titles, FA Cup wins and regular qualification for the European Champions League, culminating in European Championship titles.

The Candidate:
Key attributes of the Everton Manager to include:-
? A passion for cultured flowing football in the style of the legendry ?School of Science?
? Ability to work with world class players, manage their hopes and desires, in the framework of a good honest family club with a sprinkling of journeymen, young upcoming lads and good honest professionals
? Strong interpersonal skilled, charismatic and articulate
? Significant football club management experience demonstrating an ever improving record of development and achievement

The role will be based at the MECCA, L4, initially a minimum of 7 days a week until the goals are accomplished... ie. turn Everton into the leading club in world football.
Assume a maximum salary of £65k/pw (same as Moyes?s current package).
Assume we find a way to provide the new manager with a transfer fund of say £30M.
We set a timescale to cover a honeymoon period, a rebuilding period and a timeline to deliver the goods.
We also set a trapdoor i.e. a minimum level of performance and points required each season while the rebuilding process is undertaken.

I?m sure many of you can come up with more detailed process, structure, objectives & timelines... but take it in the spirit it is intended; think about the potential candidates out there and come back with your recommendation, supported by at least a paragraph explaining your decision!

COYBs

Stephen Barr     Posted 26/03/2012 at 21:57:13   Comments (0)

The Brendan Rodgers Myth

Brendan Rodgers has recieved rich praise this season, all deserved, but I really hope yesterday's game put this nonsense of him becoming the next Everton Manager to bed.

Every side we come up against set their stall out to make it very difficult for us to play... but yesterday Moyes thought it was Chrimbo. After looking at Swansea for half-an-hour, Moyes set about dismantling them.

Substitutions, Tactics, selections ... everything. Make no mistake, Moyes took Rodgers to school yesterday.

The last time a manager really opened up against us like that was when we put 5 past Blackpool last season.

The reason Spurs, Chelsea and City came to Goodison with two defensive midfield players is the same reason Fergie had Rooney scampering around protecting his back four. Set your stall out and Everton will struggle to break you down, particularly in the absence of a quality striker (hopefully now rectified).

Rodgers is promising and like Holloway, he has done okay with a team who were just pleased to be here. He may be worth a look when he`s served his time, but he found out the hard way that he has a long way to go to catch up with the "tactically inept " Moyes.

Expect a very different approach from Rodgers next time the two cross swords.
Dave  Wilson     Posted 25/03/2012 at    Comments (85)

The Curious Case of Royston Drenthe

As a dedicated follower of David Moyes, I spend much time trying to read his moods and predict his actions. I suspect I get him right about 50% of the time ? a success rate I could probably achieve by merely guessing at the outcomes!

Be that as it may, I have been paying particular attention to his matchday reactions and general comments on Royston Drenthe. In the Arsenal game, he bawled him out for sitting on his arse to berate a linesman whilst, when asked about RR last Friday, the Moyestro said it had "been good to have him here on loan" and that "he`s made some impact at times". He showed no warmth or enthusiasm for the Dutchman and I hereby predict the lad`s time at Goodison is coming to an end.

Of course, the player`s absence yesterday at Swansea may well have been to ensure his fitness for "the big one" but whether or not he`s selected at Sunderland, I think his days here are numbered!

Richard Dodd     Posted 25/03/2012 at    Comments (81)

We're Missing Eleven Goals

I've just been doing some calculations which show the average goals scored (or conceded!) by a Premier League Club stands of today at 1.36 per game or 41 goals in 30 games played.

On the defensive side, only three clubs, ironically all NorthWest rivals, Man Utd, Man City and Liverpool have conceded less and Everton are NINE goals to the good defensively against that mean figure.

At the other end of the pitch, Everton are 11 goals to the shy of the average goalscoring, 41, with a meagre 30... where would we be with those 11 goals to give us merely an AVERAGE attacking record? Drenthe's goal against Arsenal would have provided a point to start with...

My estimate, based on if we were merely an average attack, would be fighting for fifth place with Chelsea.

Please note, that I do know that mean scores are limited in their usage and reliability, but 11 goals down so far... that's just an extra goal every three matches!
Trevor Powell     Posted 25/03/2012 at 16:46:43   Comments (7)

Rarebit of Welsh Relief

Not a title I believe in but couldn?t resist the pun.

Someone posted in the last week that people think the manager is crap, think the players are crap, and then work them selves up into a lather when we don?t play like Barcelona. Some logic!

Today we had our team full of the cloggers, we had Fellaini up front for 30 minutes and were playing by some accounts against the God-sent Brendan Rodgers and his own amazing Welsh Barca.

?If Swansea say beat us by 4 or more, would Moyes resign? If they beat us 10, would Davey resign? What sort of humiliation will make this guy step down?? posted Ian Briggs.

Well guess what happened? We out-passed, out-thought, out-fort, out-performed them in every way.

Moyes out with 2 defeats in 13 matches? Not before a win in midweek and we overhaul Liverpool!

Come on you Blues!

Nick Entwistle     Posted 24/03/2012 at 17:06:05   Comments (143)

Keeping an eye on the Rangers bidders

I have been watching and reading about the Rangers situation in Scotland. Now, apparently they have got a few bidders fighting it out for the rights to buy the club and I just wondered if we couldn't send someone official up there to have a quiet word with them all to say "If you don't manage to buy Rangers, how about giving Everton a look over instead?".

Surely it couldn't hurt to try and offer them an alternative?

Paul Ellam     Posted 23/03/2012 at 14:32:12   Comments (18)

Easy Money

I dont know how many of you like a bet but I suspect a good number. Since the start of the season I have laid every Everton game, including the cup-ties, for Any Unquoted Correct Score ? which means that one side has to score at least 4 goals. The odds have ranged from 2.6 (Tamworth) to 16. I based these bets on the fact that Moyes did not sign a striker of any note in the summer and bases his game plan on not conceding. It also does not mean betting against my own team which I will never do. However, the reality is we are clueless in front of goal and everyone knows that. To be honest, I have never made easier money as there have been 34 games and not one has been a worry. So my profit has been 34 points so far.

I have also backed every game for under 2.5 goals and so far this has produced the goods in 24 games with only 10 going over 2.5 giving a profit of 11.2 points. I don't say this with any pride because I would love to see a match where we score 4 or 5 goals. However, we have now scored 13 goals in the last 17 league games so it doesn't look as if my profits are going to be troubled anytime soon.

Only Wigan have scored less while the clubs with no money still seem to be able to hit the target.

So my season ticket for next year is already paid for... The dilemma for me now is do I want to spend this cash on another season of watching this utter negative dross. But then I have to keep telling myself how truly lucky we are to have Moyes as our manager.

Mick Wrende     Posted 22/03/2012 at 12:17:12   Comments (22)

Where's our Number 10?

Every top team in any league around the world has a "Number 10" or what we like to call a playmaker. Tim Cahill has got the "in the hole" job, he has had this role for many a year and, to his credit, has been an excellent servant of our club; however, it's time for a change.

So what's required of a "playmaker"?

I believe the playmaker should be able to dictate play in the final third of the pitch; a player who can find space in behind their holding midfielder; a player who can spot a killer ball and execute it; a player who can shoot from distance and score up to 10 goals per season... sounds difficult right? Well, most playmakers cost a fortune, so let's look to what we have:

Osman ? poor shot, slow, inconsistent and goes missing; however, decent feet and an eye for a pass.

Rodwell ? we've all seen how well he played for England: elegant, decent shot, and can pick a pass; however he goes missing and has injury problems.

Barkley ? I'd like to see the lad play the last 9 games in this role; two good feet, great vision, good strike, unpredictable.

Pienaar ? another one I'd like to see given this chance; last night he was excellent.

Drenthe ? pace, great strike, can beat a man, unpredictable; it would also reduce the demands of tracking back.

I believe we have the players to be creative, but will Moyes ever try any of the above on a regular basis? Or will he resort to putting our best defensive midfielder in the hole and pumping long balls? It's so frustrating, isn't it?

Sean McKenna     Posted 22/03/2012 at 11:36:41   Comments (38)

Cup Winners

I saw this comment from the BBC, and he put down this list of previous winners during Moyes's reign:

Year - PL / FA / League Cup
2011 - United / City / Birmingham
2010 - Chelsea / Chelsea / United
2009 - United / Chelsea / United
2008 - United / Portsmouth / Spurs
2007 - United / Chelsea / Chelsea
2006 - Chelsea / Liverpool / United
2005 - Chelsea / Arsenal / Chelsea
2004 - Arsenal / United / Middlesbrough
2003 - United / Arsenal / Liverpool
2002 - Arsenal / Arsenal / Blackburn

So, 20%, maybe 25% of them teams were considered worse than us on paper in those years. It just puts some things in perspective, because it shows the dominance of the old top 4, then City and Spurs are coming in whilst Liverpool and maybe a few others are going back down.

Just to me, the 'no trophy' argument is still a bit valid, but it's less so because that shows it was, and still is, very difficult for us to win a trophy. Our history, as prestigious as it is, doesn't give us any right to win anything, it's all a money game now.

Look at Forest, Leeds etc to prove that.

I mean, I remember the 2009 final clearly. We were absolutely mauled by Chelsea. Cole and Malouda (who were their best players in that game) were on their left, established, proven international players, and we had Osman and Hibbert on the right, good experienced Prem players, but one played out of position and the other just a good defender. Nothing amazingly special.
That just sums it up to me.

Ben Jones     Posted 20/03/2012 at 00:52:13   Comments (59)

Poor tactics or lack of quality?

I watched Saturday's game twice, yes a glutton for punishment. I thought we played okay and there were a few fine individual performances. Heitinga and Distin look solid and Fellaini covers a huge amount of ground in front of them. However, in the second half, when Sunderland sat back, I never believed we would score. Even less so when Drenthe was replaced.

As Dave Wilson said on another thread, Sunderland played like a typical O'Neill team and we simply couldn't respond. It has been like that all season against teams who are well organized yet are the teams we must beat if we are to move ahead. We press forward quite aimlessly against them and invariably give one away.

Yesterday, I started to count the aimless punts into the Sunderland box and gave up. It was awful, relentless hoofball. Now, whatever my reservations about David Moyes, I am quite sure this is not his game plan. Then, looking at the game again it was astonishing to see how often the player on the ball had absolutely no options available and simply hoofed it up the pitch. The movement was almost none existent. Jelavic showed a lot of promise and offers hope, Drenthe offers something different but will probably fall out of favour with Moyes. Osman can make a telling pass but was poor yesterday.

Is the ability to find space against an organised team week after week something for the gifted few like Van Persie, Rooney etc? In other words do our players not have the quality to create on a consistent level? Can quick and imaginative movement not be coached?

Poor tactics or lack of quality?

Andy Crooks     Posted 19/03/2012 at 09:36:39   Comments (71)

Winning with the kids

Normally I am pissed when I try to put up a mailbag item so, more often than not, I am talking shite.

I have just watched a Man Utd side demolish a ten-man Wolves and it was by no way a United first team on show. I was watching the game with a Kenyan Arsenal fan (there are loads of them in Africa).

I got to thinking about when United and Arsenal first won their Premier League trophies.... Anyone remember? I do and they both won with young inexperienced teams (granted, United had Brian McClair, Steve Bruce and Brian Robson).

They did not spend megabucks like Chelsea and Man City have. Apart from Rooney, show me a megastar in their current line-up. Their best player came from Wigan.

So why can't we just play our best young players and tell them to go out and destroy teams? We have an experienced back four, whatever that may be, so we have that freedom. As people are always quoting on this site, we have many internationals. So why can't we?

My answer is our manager who is a good guy but is not a risk taker and a winner. Many of you will be thinking "Ah... another Moyes hater". Well, I don't hate the guy but I am not his biggest fan either. But do you know what: give me a Steve Jobs any day rather than playing it safe. Don't forget (for those of us old enough), Ferguson was only one game away from the sack in 1989... and Wenger has never given up on his football philosophy.

How do we want the Everton of the millennium to be remembered? As perennial ne'r-do-wells who just survived? Or as a team who gave it a chance and then went on to become Champions...

I know what bracket I want to be in.

Paul Johnson     Posted 18/03/2012 at 20:49:22   Comments (25)

Sunderand Replay Travel

I think it goes without saying that the replay at Sunderland next Tuesday will be the biggest game of our season. It is a game I still firmly believe we can win.

However, I also believe the club has missed a trick with regards to the game already. Under competition rules we will be entitled to 15% of the capacity of the Stadium of Light, meaning that fingers crossed there could be 7,000 Evertonians in Sunderland on the night. To ensure this is the case, I think it would be befitting of the club to provide free travel to the game for any Evertonian wishing to attend.

Yes, it would be costly... but the difference between say 3,000 or 7,000 blues fans being at the game and the effect it could possibly have on the team is immeasurable ? remember Chelsea only last year for example. It has been done before: in 2004 for a replay at Loftus Road against Fulham; other clubs have done it, West Brom just yesterday indeed.

It would not benefit me as I will be driving to the game from Nantwich but it would surely benefit the team. With trips to Swansea, Norwich, let's hope Wembley and season tickets to renew in the next month ? not to mention the surrender at Anfield that was not cheap ? I honestly think it's the least the club could do. They are telling us to stand together for the replay; they could help make that happen and help us book a return to Wembley.

Roger  Mottram     Posted 18/03/2012 at 09:40:39   Comments (26)

Little Bobby and Big Ian

I see our very own mouthpiece Robert Elstone was in a love-in with Ian Ayres yesterday. I admit I was not actually there, however, from what I have heard and read, it appears yet again we were put in our place as the little brother listening to what our big brother had to say.

Obviously our Bobby hasn't taken onboard the outcome of the DK inquiry as it seems he's still of the opinion that getting into bed with some huge retailer on land ? who knows where ? is the way to go. Goodison apparently, and contrary to many studies, is totally unsuitable for redevelopment.

Ayres talked about our neighbours expanding, more than at present, into the Asian market. Bobby reckons we're getting involved with some Chinese deal, probably selling our naming rights to some takeaway in Shanghai....

It might be adviseable to EFC not to share the same platform with those from the Dark Side cos, regardless what it's about, we always seem to come off severely chastened and second best.

Will we ever be regarded, or allow ourselves to be treated as equals???

John Keating     Posted 16/03/2012 at 14:08:56   Comments (11)

Campaign for Derby Ticket Refund

In the wake of the most cowardly surrenders in Merseyside Derby history (certainly in my memory), I think that the most appropriate thing for David Moyes to do is the following:

Offer to personally refund any fan who went to that game and paid the exhorbitant ticket prices. Not the Club, but Moyes, out of his reported £3million / year salary

The game was lost before any players took to the pitch. Had fans known the nature of the side he wasn?t going to put out, they could have saved themselves the fifty quid and the misery.

Any ideas on the best way of starting a campaign? (I?m serious.)

Anthony Newell     Posted 15/03/2012 at 11:15:24   Comments (29)

Nine interested parties?

I caught part of Bill Kenwright on Radio City yesterday being interviewed and claiming that there are currently nine parties who have all signed non-disclosure agreements after showing interest in buying Everton.

I think the interview was simultaneous to several journalists not just exclusive to Radio City. I did not catch the entire interview but I didn't hear and therefore couldn't understand why any reasonably intelligent interviewer failed to ask the most obvious question ? if you are keen to sell, what is the price?
Andy Riley     Posted 14/03/2012 at 19:28:52   Comments (56)

Insult to injury

I don?t know what I hate most. Is it Stevie ?me la? getting possibly the easiest hat-trick of his career? Is it the sight of Dogleash milking it all; having wriggled off the hook he was most definitely on before this game? No, it?s actually seeing an Everton side for the first time in my 40-odd years of supporting the Club sending out a weakened team in one of the most important matches of any season.

How we play, win or lose in these derby games is a barometer of the mentality of the players and manager. In too many of these games under Moyes, we have been found wanting in this regard, with the occasional win or draw to keep morale afloat amongst both fans and players. No win at Anfield during Moyes?s tenure is damning. For every positive that might be put forward about his 10 years in charge at Goodison there is at least one negative to detract ? and his approach to games against the wealthy Clubs is one of the biggest. No away wins against Chelsea, Man U and Arsenal; but the most glaring is our seeming inability to win across the Park.

Why? In the build-up to last night, we were fed an unremitting pro-Moyes agenda. However, last night encapsulated Everton under Moyes in a nutshell. Last night, Moyes played the percentages. In the vast majority of games under Moyes we have played percentage football (keep it tight and nick one) and this formula has led us to a point where I believe too many fans now accept turgid football in return for not getting relegated; as though playing an actual passing game somehow guarantees relegation (try telling that to Swansea). But last night Moyes took his percentage game to new heights. He looked at the fixtures and, by his own admission today, decided 2 points from Spurs and Liverpool would do. Having got 3, he ?rested? the in-form players and put out a half-fit side full of squad players. He has gambled that this will give us an improved chance of beating Sunderland. He?d better be right.

But, whether he?s right or not, he has betrayed the supporters and he betrayed what we all believe our Club (not his or Kenwright?s) is about. He basically took our Club Crest and our motto and ripped it up in front of us.

Steve Guy     Posted 14/03/2012 at 15:08:38   Comments (28)

A Critic?s Reciprocation

Last week?s article ?To All Moyes Critics? was a cracker, and racked up more responses than I?ve seen on an article in my time. It was good discussion, and, as an ardent MOB member, I had a feeling that, come today (Wednesday), I?d be eating my words after Moyes finally came good on his 10 years of ?away? failure.

So, after what will forever be known as "THAT derby" when regarding Moyes, fans are, for once, mostly united in their disappointment in the manager.

My point and question is a twist on one from an earlier post this season: At what point do you change your stance on his tenure?

For me, the FA Cup Ffinal and summer that followed was my watershed period for Moyes, as I began to see a man who I thought was tactically unadventurous, and unwilling to see when a player needed to be sold ? something that directly affected last night?s game.

In the time since, I still do acknowledge that Moyes improved the club on a shoestring budget, and had a knack for winning games against the odds ? strangely Aston Villa holds the longest undefeated streak against us of all the teams that have been in the league for more than this season.

The twist on this question is this: despite admiring his ?achievements? in the past 10 years, can you forgive the man for the damage he has just done in just one short night?

Viewing the microcosm of the team selections, it would have been disappointing at worst ? for the record, I was upset, but by no means surprised at what he did. However, when you take into consideration his statements earlier in the week regarding the injured players coming back being part of the reason we struggled earlier in the season, it just reeks of stupidity ? I was one of the silly buggers who fell for it too, and the post is there to prove it, fairly early on in the thread.

So, once again, regardless of your status as a Moyes supporter, or if you?re part of the MOB, is what he did last night forgivable?

Roman Sidey     Posted 14/03/2012 at 11:55:49   Comments (38)

Balls of Steel or a huge Dropped Bollock?

Will Moyes's decision to rest 'key' players ahead of Saturday's crucial FA Cup 6th Round tie, and showing contempt and disrespect for every Evertonian in the process, prove to be a tactical masterstroke or the most significant in a long line of errors of judgment?

He's now put himself under enormous pressure to get a result against Sunderland.

Are he and the team up to it?

Only time will tell...

Chant for Jelavic

Now our new star striker is off the mark and, judging by how he is starting to play Saturday was the first of many, I think we need a chant.

Upon mentioning it to my wife, (who is not known for her patience with my beloved Blues) quick as a flash she sang out "We all love Jelavic the goal machine" to the tune of Yellow submarine by the beatles.

I couldn't beleive it and love it now, what are you're thoughts, my wife would go crazy happy to hear it at Goodison!
Jamie Morgan     Posted 12/03/2012 at 20:24:22   Comments (16)

Leon Osman plays like Iniesta

Just a little thing on Leon Osman...

I've seen that Jack Wilshere tweeted that Ossie was an under-rated player who plays a lot like Inesita and you know what, I couldn't agree more. When played in central midfield, he is a super wee player. Take the 2007-08 season, he played centre-mid with Pienaar left and Arteta right, Carsley sitting deep and Timmy in back of the Yak; he was immense then... and he should always play this role.

I have always said I won't slate him when Moyes has forced him to play wide right on numerous occasions when he doesn't have the pace for it. As far as central midfield goes, we haven't got a player with the guile and imagination that Ossie has.

I feel he has always been under-rated and he's a true Evertonian, i just hope Moysie plays him alongside FellaIni from now on.

COYB!!

Stephen Leary     Posted 12/03/2012 at 17:02:25   Comments (47)

Attack, attack, attack!!!

I have just logged on to Paddy Power to see the blues quoted at 4/1 for a win at the devil's den tomorrow. They have the shite at 8/11.

They have lost five of their last eight, and we are unbeaten in nine. We are two points behind them, and every redshite I know are absolutely crapping themselves over this game.

We all know the reason for those ridiculous odds, our horrible record away at these teams. It is 42 goes now Dave against the old "top four".

Ten years in charge, we are safe in the League, our new striker has started on fire. Throw cation to the wind here please Davey, get rid of that nasty stain on your record ? and go out to WIN!!!

Kevin Tully     Posted 12/03/2012 at 11:28:10   Comments (41)

Rodwell

After watching this kid come through the ranks and listening to all the hype surrounding him, I'm still stumped when I try and find his best position.

He's not quick enough for the wings, he's not as good as Fellaini, he's not strong enough to be a Centre Back.

So where would you play him?

Or would you sell him?

Chris Morris     Posted 11/03/2012 at 12:37:26   Comments (40)

Room for Optimism

After a dull first half of the season, it's back to roaring good times, something of a familiar pattern portrayed during past couple of seasons.

The room for optimism is not only for the stats of nine unbeaten matches, but also for individual and team performances. Reason?

1) Jelavic. Not seen much of his playing techniques till today, but once he has settled down, damn... we've got our very own Goodison Lord Messi!

2) Stracq and Cahill partnership. Ok, I know that Cahill has been anonymous for a few games and has not been on form. But I can see that he has put in a great shift for the past couple of games and as for Stracq, he's turning out to be the next Duncan Ferguson in the making. Somehow I have hope that this partnership would flourish during the run in.

3) Heitinga. Time and again, he's proving that his best position is CB. And judging from today's performance, he should be starting as CB every game.

4) Depth on the flanks. Finally! Drenthe, Coleman, Pienaar, Gueye, Baxter and McFadden. Pick your choice!

5) Fellaini. Another MotM performance. He's becoming the thick-of-the-action king in central midfield. We still got Gibson right? Guess the master blaster and big fella would be a very good combination.

6) The return of the injured. Osman, Rodwell, Jagielka and Anichebe all returning back to first team action. Bodes well for squad rotation during the run in.

7) Howard. Once again the No 1 custodian was a pillar of strength between the posts against a Tottenham onslaught. Couldn't be happier that he has extended his contract.

8) Glimpse of passing football. Something I saw in the first half today. Now am I daring to believe a replica of 2007-08 or 2008-09 season?

Vinod Kumar     Posted 11/03/2012 at 01:15:27   Comments (14)

Ten Years of David Moyes

Since David Moyes dithered over what I have often described as his vastly over-inflated contract, I have bowed to no-one in my criticism of him. I have pointed out what I believe to be his faults on many, many occasions. Therefore I believe that, after a fine win, it Is time to say something good.

I once, if I remember correctly, described him as being devoid of integrity. Of all the silly posts I have made, and believe me I am thankful that the editor has made some of them fail to see the light of day, that is the one I regret most.

I liked Walter Smith and to this day feel he got a raw deal but his time was up and he gave us David Moyes. He saved us from relegation. He removed the label "crisis club Everton". He made it good to be an Evertonian again and gave us the best times we have had since the 1980s.

On MotD tonight, I saw his dad watching Everton. I read the tributes to him today, I have seen his reactions to them and I have looked at him in comparison to the likes of Dalglish and Redknapp. and I don't believe there is a better man in football. He has done us proud,

I think it would be churlish to add a BUT, so I won't.

Andy Crooks     Posted 11/03/2012 at 01:12:08   Comments (15)

What is most important, Cup or League?

After today's result against Tottenham I have a question as to what is more important.

We have a quarter final coming up in the F.A. Cup and with a bit of luck, hard work and determination we can go all the way and win it.

On the other hand we have climbed the table and are now on similar points with Sunderland who are at 8th and us who are at 9th.

We are 2 points behind Liverpool who seem to be struggling scoring enough goals.

We have 11 games left to play and if we beat the "red shites" then we can go as high as 5th or 6th if we keep this unbeaten run.

Now, the question I have is what is more important?

The money in the league is huge along with that Europa League place, but is it really possible to get into Europe through the League for us?

I would say no, I think it will be a struggle only because we keep hitting walls with lower teams, such as Blackburn, Wigan and lastly QPR.

They are examples of how we are not quite where we want to be yet, at least in the league.

In the cup, it is totally different. We come up against above average teams, which we tend to beat.

David Moyes has said earlier this season that he does not think that the cup should be our number.1 priority.

That to me is really strange, given our below par performances against teams lower than us.

Surely Moyes must have changed his mind by now? He has to be able to see what every Evertonian can see, the cup is our most realistic chance of getting back into Europe!

What do you think is most important? Is it the cup like I think or is it the league?
Jimmy Sorheim     Posted 10/03/2012 at 21:30:11   Comments (49)

Saha better than Rooney? Haha, more like!

Amazingly, Sir David Moyes was quoted on Sky`s tribute to him this lunchtime as saying Louis Saha was undoubtedly the most talented player he had worked with at Everton. Rooney was said to be 'close second'.

Now I know he`s the expert and me a mere punter but Moyes is obviously talking through his arse! Surely, 'talent' must to some extent involve attitude ? and for much of his time here, I thought the Frenchman`s stank.

I could fill these columns with players I'd place before Saha over the past 10 years and I don`t have much time for Rooney. But talent-wise, he has got to be joking!

Phil Walling     Posted 10/03/2012 at 14:46:41   Comments (6)

Moyes among world football's top earners

A Portugese football finance website (http://www.futebolfinance.com/os-30-maiores-salarios-de-treinadores-de-futebol-2012) recently published a list showing the top earning managers in the game. Our David Moyes was listed at Number 12.

I do admire the work that Moyes has done and is doing, conscious of the fact that he's operating on one of the more conservative budgets in the Premier League. But reading that Moyes clocks in at Number 12 on an apparent worldwide list of manager salaries does make me question ?If we are so quick to forgive Everton's current level of achievement on the basis of finance (specifically relating to transfer budget and player salaries), shouldn't we wonder if Moyes is really worth £3 million per annum??

Looking down the list (at least up to #30 which was the maximum I could find) I found a whole bunch of names which I thought could easily replace Moyes in terms of coaching/mangerial ability. Of course, a big question is would they want to come knowing they would have to operate within a shoestring budget. Nevertheless, it does make me wonder:

How did Everton FC decide that paying Moyes £3 million per year is justifiable ? I mean if they had any idea of what other managers were earning, would they have considered replacing Moyes with someone else?

And OK, so assuming Everton FC did not know back then, would they now consider taking a risk on someone else commanding a lower pay?

Marcus Choo     Posted 10/03/2012 at 13:06:06   Comments (18)

Where to sit?

I got a half season ticket this year after going to the match for the first time this season and after going to virtually every game since has given me the bug back ? even if we are shit to watch at times.

Now having just got the season ticket info through the post yesterday has got me thinking about where to sit next season. I'm currently in the Top Balcony in a very good seat with no views of white posts!!

Now it's very good up there but I find sometimes it can be a bit quiet compared the the Gwladys Street or Park End. Where do people recommend sitting for the best atmosphere and good views?

Danny Lizars     Posted 10/03/2012 at 07:58:32   Comments (4)

Live Match Day Atmosphere

I have noticed that many Everton fans from overseas have been writing on Toffeeweb and talking and asking about the atmosphere around the ground on match days and how much they miss it.

I will try an experiment at The Spurs Game tomorrow from the pub I go to ? The Dark House. (If you want to find a little more about The Pub go to Facebook and look up The Dark House Blues.)

The idea is I will set up a Livestream from the pub before the match so Evertonians from around Merseyside, The UK and The World can see the pub full of Blues. We can interact live ? chatting, asking questions. I have asked some of the people from The Blue Union to be around so they can answer some questions you may have. Overall though it is about catching the pre-match atmosphere.

I will also go up to the ground before the match and interview some fans there. You can see those interviews later.

So please tune in.

How? Easy, Go to

http://www.ustream.tv/channel/yellow-house1

When? 4:00pm BST

See you all then. I promise you it will be interesting. The Dark House is a bit crazy, full of True Blues, most of them off their cakes.

74 Turn On, Tune In... but Don't Drop Out!
George Mc Kane     Posted 09/03/2012 at 17:20:53   Comments (14)

Administration

Walter Smith came out with this statement on the situation at Rangers:

"I had two close calls at Everton with administration but each time we managed to keep the club going so Alistair's sitting in a position that I've never been in."

Was it ever that bad, and, if so, when?

Gerry Quinn     Posted 08/03/2012 at 00:07:33   Comments (169)

Rangers - would you take any of their players?

This may sound a bit like a vulture circling a dying or wounded aninal, but with what is going on over at Rangers and them having to release 11 players, are there any players over there you would take at Everton?

I think the free transfer window is still open so we could technically add to the squad...

Steven Scaffardi     Posted 06/03/2012 at 13:27:52   Comments (21)

Smallest Squad in the Prem

I was bemused to catch a comment at the weekend that Arsene Wenger has used 32 different players this season. Makes you wonder about all that blather regarding 25 max in the squad, eight who have to be homegrown etc... is anyone checking?

More to the point, though, what about the club that is widely acknowledged to have the smallest squad in the Premier League...??? Yes, Everton?

How does it compare with Wenger's 32? How many players has David Moyes used this season?

Paul Hardcastle     Posted 05/03/2012 at 17:18:41   Comments (10)

Moyes top 8?

In recent articles around the web, Alex Ferguson has claimed that David Moyes is amongst the top six managers in the Premier League... so who is better than Moyes?

These are the managers in my opinion that are better than
Moyes but not in any order:?

Alex Ferguson
Arsene Wenger
Roberto Mancini
Harry Redknapp
Andre Villas-Boas
Martin Jol
Mark Hughes
Martin O'Neil

...and, as much as it pains me to say it, even Kenny Daglish.

So I have Moyes down as tenth at best....

Where does Moyes come on your list?

Richard Reeves     Posted 05/03/2012 at 14:21:36   Comments (95)

Are the Fates smiling on us...?

Although Sunderland are expected to appeal at least one of yesterday's red cards, are they now set to be without Sessegnon, their top striker, and Captain, Cattermole, for their trip to GP in the 6th Round of the FA Cup?

Might also be worthwhile keeping an eye on the Birmingham v Chelsea game tomorrow night........

Just thought it was worth a mention.

Mike Green     Posted 05/03/2012 at 08:58:18   Comments (18)

Tim Howard

I was just wondering what fellow blues thought about Tim Howard? I know Moyes has said in the past he views him as one of the best keepers in the Premier League but I have an opposite opinion on that view.

Yesterday again he was at fault for a goal that really should;ve been stopped ? same at Wigan and Bolton at home. Each time a cross comes in or a shot from just outside the area, I cringe and think it's going to go in. His diving technique is strange to say the least and I wonder... Do the defenders feel confident enough with him between the sticks?

I would seriously consider looking at other goalkeepers because I'm beginning to think he is a liability. If only we had kept John Ruddy or went for Joe Hart when we were linked. COYB!!

Stephen Leary     Posted 04/03/2012 at 21:55:09   Comments (51)

Moyes to Chelsea?

I've never been a great fan of David Moyes ? his negative tactics and snail-like football drive me insane!!

Now Andre Villas-Boas has been sacked, while many pundits, fans and peers alike hail Moyes as some sort of genius.... so surely Chelsea will come calling for Moyes?

Two questions:

1. Do you think Chelsea will come looking Moyes?

2. Do you think moyes could handle the pressure of the Chelsea job?

My answers are No to both...

Sean McKenna     Posted 04/03/2012 at 15:36:23   Comments (67)

Big Girls' Blouses

Interesting quotes from Moyes on goal.com about diving in the game.

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2896/premier-league/2012/03/04/2945003/everton-boss-david-moyes-calls-for-radical-changes-to-save

?In the last 10 years, we have seen a lot more diving. Players now go over at the slightest brush of contact. For me, it?s one of the worst things of all.

?I I would advocate retrospective action by the FA on diving.

?I say to my players there must no diving in our team. There is no ?but? to it either. I don?t want it.?

Yesterday that shower across the park had everybody's favourite Uruguayan dive and feign an injury to gain a penalty. Amazing how a slight tap to the right shin made Suarez's left leg fly into the air.

I'd be embarrassed if we had to put up with players like that, and with football long ago selling its soul I wouldn't. I'd jack the whole thing in.

It doesn't help either when commentators and pundits defend it with poor use of logic... 'there was contact so definite penalty' or 'he was justified in going down'... bollocks! Cheating is cheating.

It would also help if referees grew a pair and realised they are in charge, not manipulable targets for players rush the moment they disagree with a decision. The rules on approaching referees in rugby union should be brought in for the start of next season.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/georgeriley/2011/04/why_football_should_follow_rug.html

If I were Moyes, I'd voice this retrospective punishment idea more and more as it's one thing all fans, bar the kopites, can agree with. It would certainly make a few clubs need to make up lost points by actually playing football, and not spoiling everyone's fun!

ps: No-one is allowed to mention Limpar and Wimbledon.
Nick Entwistle     Posted 04/03/2012 at 12:34:29   Comments (18)

Have glory days gone for ever?

My old man, who would certainly call himself an Evertonian, has been to only a handful of our games since the 1995 Cup Final. These days, he prefers to give his walk-up money to local non-leaguers, Marine. He constantly chides me about the length of time and amount of money I devote to our club and gives as the reason for his loss of interest, the team`s total inability to entertain him.

Like many of his generation, his Everton addiction spanned the years from Carey to Royle, encompassing as they did the glory days of Catterick and Kendall Mk 1. "There was some real shite played in the seventies and early eighties," he always tells me, "But we always KNEW success was just around the corner. You, my son, can have NO hope that those days will ever return ? the game`s crap, and coaches like Moyes are to blame!"

Because I have heard this so often, I judge my Everton only on their Premier League record (my years as a paying supporter). What we were like before that I have no idea ? but I do know that Moyes's time has brought me more joy than all the time that went before... except, perhaps, that brief resurgence under Big Joe.

With at least 15,000 apparently sharing the ald fella's views, is it conceivable that some of them might one day return? Or, as he believes, have the glory days gone for ever?
Richard Dodd     Posted 03/03/2012 at 11:51:12   Comments (53)

Peel Holdings

Gratuitous rumour mongering session #1:

Anyone give any credibility to rumours that Peel Holdings, in exchange for council support for their ambitious, multi-billion-pound plans for the north docks ?in the face of a threat that UNESCO will remove 'World Heritage Site' status from the Three Graces site ? have offered to meet with the owners of EFC to discuss plans for a new stadium in or around Bankhall Street?
Ray Said     Posted 03/03/2012 at 12:06:08   Comments (8)

Just Do It

There have been some rumours going around that Nike are to be our kit supplier from next season onwards. I'm not sure if an official announcement has been made yet but...

I work in Sports Marketing and was at The Northern Ireland game last night as a guest of The IFA. I got chatting with some of the guys from Adidas about football in general and he scowled a bit when I said I was an Evertonian (due to their rivalry with Nike) before confirming to me that Nike would be our kit partners next season.

Kitbag will still be our merchandising partners. So, for those who are interested, it is Nike next year.

He also said that he was sceptical how successful the Warrior - Liverpool deal would be... apparently it is a case of Henry rubbing the back of one of his good friends (the Warrior CEO).

James Cadwaladr     Posted 01/03/2012 at 09:46:46   Comments (30)