Season 2011-12
The Mail Bag
Goodbye Saha
60 Comments: I think it is worth posting Saha's statement on leaving the club.
'I have to say thank you to Everton and particularly David Moyes because they helped me when I really needed it and I will never forget that.
?Leaving a great club like Everton is always a bit sad, but things come to an end, and I also want to say thanks to the supporters as there have been good times and bad times but I have always felt supported and loved.
?Goodison is a special stadium and you can feel the spirit of so many great sportsmen when you go on the pitch. It has been an honour and a privilege as a football player to play there.?
I always thought he showed glimpses of being class in previous seasons, but always got injured before he could really get going. Ironically when the injuries were under control, his form dipped.
I wish Saha well at Spurs and hope he gets a good reception when he returns!
Jon Ferguson, Posted 02/02/2012 at 12:17:08
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For what we paid for him, which was a 'nominal' fee,I think we got our monies worth. He showed some real class at times but unfortunately he also looked completely disinterested on more than one occasion. I personally think the Spurs type of play will really suit him and he will be a very good impact player for them. I wish him well.
Lee, I agree he didn't cost an awful lot, and he sounds like a decent guy... but we didn't get our money's worth from his weekly wages.
Maybe Moyes should have had him on the 'pay as you play' contract that Louis suggested when first joining us.
Maybe Moyes should have had him on the 'pay as you play' contract that Louis suggested when first joining us.
As already said, it's ironic that his longest spell without injury also conincided with his longest run without a goal.
You can bet that had he scored within those 15 games, the next game he would have pulled/broken/lost/snapped off something.
You can bet that had he scored within those 15 games, the next game he would have pulled/broken/lost/snapped off something.
An excellent talent and clearly a decent guy, as evidenced by his farewell statement ? no need for him to say anything so the gesture should be properly appreciated.
As Trevor says, he had some great games and will be remembered for Cup Final goal and 4 against Blackpool. My favourite was the one at Arsenal last year even though he seemed offside - it was good to lead there!
He is clearly now at a point where he is an impact sub or a cover player - Spurs should suit better than playing the regular lone striker at Everton.
As Trevor says, he had some great games and will be remembered for Cup Final goal and 4 against Blackpool. My favourite was the one at Arsenal last year even though he seemed offside - it was good to lead there!
He is clearly now at a point where he is an impact sub or a cover player - Spurs should suit better than playing the regular lone striker at Everton.
When he signed he volunteered to not receive a pay check until fit. Club turned that down I think.
Unfortunately he arrived just as our team was on the way down. Would have loved to have seen him that season when yakubu got 20. By the end it was painful watching a player of his age and class having to chase back and forth between central defenders and running 50 yards to get on the end of a hoof. Bet he'll score a shed load at Spurs given some decent service. Our style of play at the moment needs big target men who can put in a workload.
Dont let sentiment cloud your judgement chaps... Yes, nice parting words, but the man was a lazy disgrace for the past 12 months and good riddance. Call Merseyside police for the theft of wages.
A bit harsh there Phil,
Not many players would fancy playing up front on their own receiving next to no service. It looked to me like he had lost a bit of motivation in the end. He probably got sick of battling for headers after long balls up to him from the defenders all game. And when he wasn't doing that he was expected to track back, pressure the opposition defenders etc. I can't think of a striker we have had under Moyes who hasn't eventually grown tired of being played in such a way. Even Andy Johnson wanted to leave in the end.
We got him for next to nothing and he scored 35 goals in 115 games. That's a respectable tally. Admittedly, it was time for him to move on but I wouldn't say he was a lazy disgrace. More a player coming to the end of his days.
Not many players would fancy playing up front on their own receiving next to no service. It looked to me like he had lost a bit of motivation in the end. He probably got sick of battling for headers after long balls up to him from the defenders all game. And when he wasn't doing that he was expected to track back, pressure the opposition defenders etc. I can't think of a striker we have had under Moyes who hasn't eventually grown tired of being played in such a way. Even Andy Johnson wanted to leave in the end.
We got him for next to nothing and he scored 35 goals in 115 games. That's a respectable tally. Admittedly, it was time for him to move on but I wouldn't say he was a lazy disgrace. More a player coming to the end of his days.
A once class act as a footballer and seems also as a person. I never bought the lazy tag, different strikers have different strengths. I doubt if Saha in his prime would have suited our recent formations, totally different with creative players (Arteta, Piennar?) around him. Obviously past his best, but If he gets the starts or even comes on as an impact sub, I can see him having a swan song and scoring a few in that Spurs team.
Duncan, the guy cost basically nothing and scored 8,15 and then 10 goals in his three full seasons with us. Overall, we definitely got our monies worth. How many this season have justified their weekly wage anyway?
Comments noted Danny , yes I gave been one to criticise moyes vastly this season , especially at his use of forwards (and other departments) against the individuals strengths . I always said saha needed someone alongside him , However what I cannot condone is the distinct lack of effort towards the end whatever the reasoning . It's the least I demand from a player in the blue shirt , it was evident to see and everyone around me in the paddock shared the same sentiments , big Denis is everything Saha ain't and a breath of fresh air in that respect
Never saw him as being lazy, always though he was a quality player but didn't suit the lone role.
I'd imagine with Bale, VDV and lennon supplying the bullets he'll do rather well at Tottenham (if he gets to play).
Good luck to him, never heard him bad mouth any of his old teams and deserves a decent reception on his return.
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I'd imagine with Bale, VDV and lennon supplying the bullets he'll do rather well at Tottenham (if he gets to play).
Good luck to him, never heard him bad mouth any of his old teams and deserves a decent reception on his return.
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Very nice words and it's always good not to burn your bridges but I don't think you can deny that he turned from occasionally useful to a complete waste of space in his time with us.
Phil, to be fair Louis is almost 10 years older than denis and has been through the mill in terms of injuries. It frustrated me too watching him towards the end but i believe a fair amount of that was due to age and injury. I don't believe he ever lacked desire and inclination, just the body and energy to back it up.
Best of luck to you louis, suspect your role at Spurs will be that of occassional cameo but that may suit your ailing bones well.
Best of luck to you louis, suspect your role at Spurs will be that of occassional cameo but that may suit your ailing bones well.
The people who've been moaning about getting shot of him for the last while...will soon be eating their words. In much the same way as they did with Yakubu.
Louis gave me a great 50th birthday present - Feb 4th last year when I splashed out for the full works in the Dixie Dean Lounge. 5-3 against Blackpool with Louis scoring 4 and having a perfectly good one chalked off.
I suppose Louis is grateful for Moyes educating him on the importance of coming back to defend the opposition's corners. Will 'Arry demand the same?
I suppose that was one reason why his sharpness left him towards the end?
PS Bit harsh Phil (969) there were many times I thought he was coming short and wide to pick up the ball this season because of the dreadful lack of service.
I suppose Louis is grateful for Moyes educating him on the importance of coming back to defend the opposition's corners. Will 'Arry demand the same?
I suppose that was one reason why his sharpness left him towards the end?
PS Bit harsh Phil (969) there were many times I thought he was coming short and wide to pick up the ball this season because of the dreadful lack of service.
My favourite Saha memory is the Blackpool game last year. My dad had never sat in a box at Goodison, he was in bad health and my uncle managed to get him, me and my brother tickets in the Joe Mercer Suit. It was a great game and a great day all round; Saha playing his part with those 4 goals. My dad has since died, I think that is one of my favourite days at Goodison and definitely my best memory of Saha for us!
Good riddance. Has been absolute dross for the past year. I never understood why the Yak was labelled lazy when Saha is just as bad if not worse!
Good luck Louis. Hope you stay fit and play shit against us.
Wasnt about losing sharpness it was about a refusal to run ! He even said himself he picks and chooses what runs he decides to make these days , furthermore when he dropped deep and pulled wide it contributed massively into us not scoring goals , he was never in the box . Thank goodness for James stewart 999
Well said louis, I always felt his gratitude to Moyes was strangely counter-productive in the end.
His game was never suited to the Moyes style but he kept at it, perhaps if he'd had a moan about lack of service things might have changed but clearly he's not that sort.
Him Arteta and Pienaar our 3 genuine footballers, good luck louis.
His game was never suited to the Moyes style but he kept at it, perhaps if he'd had a moan about lack of service things might have changed but clearly he's not that sort.
Him Arteta and Pienaar our 3 genuine footballers, good luck louis.
Hope he comes on as sub.against Redshite this weekend and scores the winner.
Only injuries prevented this man from being a top performer and I personally though alongside Beckford he was going to start a good partnership but Moyes scuppered that. Good luck Louis!
Only injuries prevented this man from being a top performer and I personally though alongside Beckford he was going to start a good partnership but Moyes scuppered that. Good luck Louis!
Phil McKeown - A bit harsh really, his goals have done a lot since he's been here. Sadly he's been stale this season. I wish him well. Do you crticise Cahill, he hasn't done anything since Dec 2010 has he!
Onwards Evertonians !
Probably technically one of the best strikers we have had since Beardsley. Would loved to have seen him 2-3 years before hand in our best side when he didn't miss so many games and Arteta/Pienaar would have given him better service.
In the end with the side in decline and him deciding that he would save himself to get another 12 months of playing time, it was best for all concerned that he left.
In the end with the side in decline and him deciding that he would save himself to get another 12 months of playing time, it was best for all concerned that he left.
Good luck to him. I never thought he was lazy, I think injuries have taken their toll and he has past his prime and it suits all parties to move on. Clearly a talent and once rated by Rio Ferdinand as his hardest oponent. He has given us some good service and for a nominal fee. The last year or so has shown he is on the wane but with Adebayor, Defoe and VDV to share the load I think he will do well at Spurs. Fastest ever cup final goal and Blackpool 4 my highlights.
Danny#029, I think Saha's just met his hardest opponent-Old Father Time. He reminds me of an old boxer who taken one punch too many and doesn't want to get hurt any more-good luck to the man, he'll certainly need it at Spurs.
What's all this about a lack of service? No player has put more balls into the box this season that Baines.
No team has converted fewer crosses than Everton.
Don't let a few choice words detract from the fact that Saha was bone fucking idle. The reason his performances were so poor was due to the complete absence of effort over the last twelve months.
If anyone had offered Saha for Pienaar, there wouldn't be a fan in the ground who wouldn't have snapped your arm off. Would you rather we swapped him back for Pienaar??
The only disappointment about this move, was that Harry didn't come back in for the other ex-utd waste of a squad number, Neville.
Good riddance.
No team has converted fewer crosses than Everton.
Don't let a few choice words detract from the fact that Saha was bone fucking idle. The reason his performances were so poor was due to the complete absence of effort over the last twelve months.
If anyone had offered Saha for Pienaar, there wouldn't be a fan in the ground who wouldn't have snapped your arm off. Would you rather we swapped him back for Pienaar??
The only disappointment about this move, was that Harry didn't come back in for the other ex-utd waste of a squad number, Neville.
Good riddance.
Phil - if the player is not putting in the effort (as you say) then blame the manager for picking him, surely?.
Saha was a class act and is still a good footballer, all bit it getting on now. His skills (IMO) were never really suited to our style of play. Many people (including me) have said that he would play better with a partner up front, the player also said so himself, unfotunately that didn thappen that often.
Didn't work out this season but its not his fault that Moyes persisted with the Saha/Cahill strike force for so/too long when everyone could see it wasn't working.
Anyway, think its very unfair to call him lazy, think by the end he was just fed up with chasing lost causes and taking on the defence by himself. I wish him all the best at spurs and thanks for some great memories. I can see him getting goals with much better service from bale, lennon, modric etc.
Saha was a class act and is still a good footballer, all bit it getting on now. His skills (IMO) were never really suited to our style of play. Many people (including me) have said that he would play better with a partner up front, the player also said so himself, unfotunately that didn thappen that often.
Didn't work out this season but its not his fault that Moyes persisted with the Saha/Cahill strike force for so/too long when everyone could see it wasn't working.
Anyway, think its very unfair to call him lazy, think by the end he was just fed up with chasing lost causes and taking on the defence by himself. I wish him all the best at spurs and thanks for some great memories. I can see him getting goals with much better service from bale, lennon, modric etc.
I think if given a chance at TFC, he might do OK. Bags of skill in there, but aging. Was unlikely to thrive under DM's regime and was definitely loosing interest. With another forward within playing distance and some service from midfield/flanks, I feel he still has a lot to offer. Best of luck to him and hope he gets a decent reception on his return.
Nice parting words. Did ok on and off but when he finally had a period injury free and a wonderful (well paid) opportunity to lead the team, as one of the senior pros, he disappeared. You can make all the excuses about lone-striker, hoof ball etc but his performances on the field of late were not acceptable. I don't know about success at spurs but definite sub at spurs and it galls me how many 'players' nowadays seem comfortable with that arrangement.
Joe 019 . I have an acceptance that cahill is in decline , difference is cahill still sweats blood for the shirt even if its ineffectual at times . Saha didn't . All this bollocks that he
Yes the manager did get criticism for persisting with Saha/cahill which at times made us a 4-6-0 . Chasing lost causes is what won us the game against city . It's no coincidence that with Denis up front (as limited as he is) , we have won the last two games.
I respect every evertonians opinion and again this one looks like both arguments are well representef
Yes the manager did get criticism for persisting with Saha/cahill which at times made us a 4-6-0 . Chasing lost causes is what won us the game against city . It's no coincidence that with Denis up front (as limited as he is) , we have won the last two games.
I respect every evertonians opinion and again this one looks like both arguments are well representef
I'm glad he's gone.
But all the best, no bad feelings.
But all the best, no bad feelings.
It was only a matter of time before Saha had to go, I can only say I'm surprised it was to another club and not retirement.
His heart wasn't in playing for Everton anymore chasing lost causes with no support but don't forget he didn't select the squad. He's gone and thats the end of it.
His heart wasn't in playing for Everton anymore chasing lost causes with no support but don't forget he didn't select the squad. He's gone and thats the end of it.
Saha was worth the gamble and it paid off for a couple of seasons. Still maintain the service he recived from back to front wasnt good and dont feel we played to his strengths leaving him isolated up front most of the time.
Cahill used to sweat blood for the team. Now he goes through the motions. Whatever gave him an edge 18 months ago and more has gone. Still as someone has said, neither he nor Saha picked the teams.
Nick # 037 Baines has put a lot of crosses in this season, that's true, but it's fairly plain that the quality isn't anything like last season - the same applying to his free kicks as well. And it isn't just Saha who could have complained about poor quality service because it's still the case that no starting forward has scored for Everton in the league this season.
Nick # 037 Baines has put a lot of crosses in this season, that's true, but it's fairly plain that the quality isn't anything like last season - the same applying to his free kicks as well. And it isn't just Saha who could have complained about poor quality service because it's still the case that no starting forward has scored for Everton in the league this season.
Nick, good point about Baines and I do agree. However, a cross is only good if someone gets on the end of it. I haven't seen Saha make a single run to either post this season.
My point was that he is lazy, he simply hasn't put the effort in. He could have all the ability in the world, but in my eyes I wanna see sweat before swagger. He showed neither.
My point was that he is lazy, he simply hasn't put the effort in. He could have all the ability in the world, but in my eyes I wanna see sweat before swagger. He showed neither.
Everton beat top of the table man city that Moyes labelled his best ever result. Don't supporters realise that without Saha, Anichebe, Osman and Rodwell that we are a better team with the new players our centre backs fit, plus the likes of Barkley coming through.
We need to cash in especially on Vic (always injured) and Rodwell (should have reached his potential by now, we have said this for 4 years!). Get these players off the wage bill and get Piennar back permanently!
We need to cash in especially on Vic (always injured) and Rodwell (should have reached his potential by now, we have said this for 4 years!). Get these players off the wage bill and get Piennar back permanently!
Opulent lifestyles, mansions with walled gardens, 100,000 pound cars plus many other perks and the least we fans expect is 100% effort. There is no sympathy from me for any so called star do not put in a shift.
In far too many games Louis hardly broke into a sweat and all his sweet words cannot hide that fact. If I was paid his kind of wage at his stage of career for a weekly stroll in the park I also would be very appreciative.
At the same time it makes a change from the bitchiness that often follows a transfer.
In far too many games Louis hardly broke into a sweat and all his sweet words cannot hide that fact. If I was paid his kind of wage at his stage of career for a weekly stroll in the park I also would be very appreciative.
At the same time it makes a change from the bitchiness that often follows a transfer.
I'll go along with Dick Fearon pretty much word for word.
My greatest relief in this saga - in which Moyes gave him far too long to just do what he should be doing - is that Davie's brain at last kicked into action and he did something.
We have a new striker - or two or three (I'm a Vellios fan), and hopefully we still have a manager capable of sorting things out.
Thanks Louis for the fastest FA Cup Final goal and good words on leaving. But praise be, its over.
My greatest relief in this saga - in which Moyes gave him far too long to just do what he should be doing - is that Davie's brain at last kicked into action and he did something.
We have a new striker - or two or three (I'm a Vellios fan), and hopefully we still have a manager capable of sorting things out.
Thanks Louis for the fastest FA Cup Final goal and good words on leaving. But praise be, its over.
Nice to hear someone leave the club with positive things to say. Did well until this season, now his legs dont seem upto chasing long balls. He cant help that. To suggest a 33 year old should run around like a headless chicken chasing the ball is a little unfair. When players like Giggs run less, the media proclaim that they are getting better at knowing what run to make in order to preserve their bodies. Maybe, judging by the quality of the passes and balls hoofed up front this term, he was simply acknowledging how poor the teams passing has been!
Good luck to him, but a change has been overdue. Hopefully with some younger, faster, stronger strikers available the team will be able to push on until the end of the season.
Good luck to him, but a change has been overdue. Hopefully with some younger, faster, stronger strikers available the team will be able to push on until the end of the season.
In my opinion anything we got out of Saha was a bonus, no or little fee for a player of his quality is a bargain.
He played more games than most of us expected when he signed, 115 games in 3.5 seasons is not too bad given his injury record before he joined us, trouble is we as fans demand too much on occasions, some players have little ability but can make up with hard graft aka Dennis, some players don't and shouldn't have to run around like headless chickens, Saha is one of those players.
Personally I think over the last 12 months he was pacing himself to play in as many games as possible and fans should understand that more, particularly given he is 34 years of age, but playing up front for Everton is not an easy task when you are younger but infinetely harder at Saha's age.
Saha like Cahill have more than pulled their tripe out for us and both are now paying the penalty in my opinion, both their tanks are empty now.
He played more games than most of us expected when he signed, 115 games in 3.5 seasons is not too bad given his injury record before he joined us, trouble is we as fans demand too much on occasions, some players have little ability but can make up with hard graft aka Dennis, some players don't and shouldn't have to run around like headless chickens, Saha is one of those players.
Personally I think over the last 12 months he was pacing himself to play in as many games as possible and fans should understand that more, particularly given he is 34 years of age, but playing up front for Everton is not an easy task when you are younger but infinetely harder at Saha's age.
Saha like Cahill have more than pulled their tripe out for us and both are now paying the penalty in my opinion, both their tanks are empty now.
Nice words from Louis, I wish him success at Spurs, except for when they play us of course.
His and Arteta's are the only 'exit interviews' I've ever witness which is surprising in this or any era. Now that he's no longer pulling on the jersey, best of luck lad. His last few games for us were pretty shit though and wouldn't run the channels like AJ and Marcus Bent. Class player but as they say, when in Rome..
Jim # 085, For the kind of money these guys are on age is no excuse for slacking off.
In the first half of this season Everton have been an absolute disgrace, utter garbage. From top to bottom the Club has stank. Louis Saha has underperformed within the structure of hoofball that has been served up to the depression of thousands.
Thankfully, at last we have some new faces and some fresh impetus. It is a good move for all concerned. Thank you for some magic moments and touches of class which include your departing sentiments.
Thankfully, at last we have some new faces and some fresh impetus. It is a good move for all concerned. Thank you for some magic moments and touches of class which include your departing sentiments.
It was fun for a while but he outstayed his welcome. Seemed like a nice bloke but he wasn't giving us much return on our investment.
I think Saha has been getting a little bit of a raw deal from the fans.
People who sit over the main stand or family section will tell you Moyes would often shout "Stay center forward Louis " every time Louis came looking for the ball.
4-5-1 is a really effective system to use in the premiership, but if you cant get the ball to your man up top, you will effectively play with ten men.
Poor Louis was forever being "instructed" to wait for a service that would rarely come, sometimes not at all.
Spurs have energy to burn and I suspect Louis will love seeing people like Lennon and Bale run beyond him.
Enjoy your Swan song Louis lad, your with the footballers now. When you make those clever little lay offs, people like Modric and Van Der Vaart will anticipate them. Just like Arteta and Pienaar and Ossie used to do
People who sit over the main stand or family section will tell you Moyes would often shout "Stay center forward Louis " every time Louis came looking for the ball.
4-5-1 is a really effective system to use in the premiership, but if you cant get the ball to your man up top, you will effectively play with ten men.
Poor Louis was forever being "instructed" to wait for a service that would rarely come, sometimes not at all.
Spurs have energy to burn and I suspect Louis will love seeing people like Lennon and Bale run beyond him.
Enjoy your Swan song Louis lad, your with the footballers now. When you make those clever little lay offs, people like Modric and Van Der Vaart will anticipate them. Just like Arteta and Pienaar and Ossie used to do
I agree Dave... we know the biggest issue we have is players not taking positions to receive the ball. We played some decent joined up stuff on occassion (not this season) and Saha looked quality.
His ability to keep the ball when surrounded by 3 players was unreal! this season he has had up to 6 defenders and a goal keeper trying to do the job Peanuts and Arteta did...
Watching Arteta in Arsenal proves to me he is one of the best in the EPL...and in his day if he had been in a winning side might have been showered with accolades.
Saha should enjoy his time in Spurs. I feel he'll get more game time than Pienaar and might just go out on a high.
His ability to keep the ball when surrounded by 3 players was unreal! this season he has had up to 6 defenders and a goal keeper trying to do the job Peanuts and Arteta did...
Watching Arteta in Arsenal proves to me he is one of the best in the EPL...and in his day if he had been in a winning side might have been showered with accolades.
Saha should enjoy his time in Spurs. I feel he'll get more game time than Pienaar and might just go out on a high.
The role of lone striker is not always suited to every "centre forward" type striker. I think Bob Latchford would have struggled to score as many goals as he did,if he had been playing in a team using Moyes tactics. As Tottenham Saha will most probably find himself playing alongside another striker and I think that he will benefit from that.
And as regards some of the critical comments that have been made - consider this - How many strikers have we had at Everton since Moyes took over ? How long have they lasted at the club ? On average I would say 2/3 seasons. Have all of these players been bad players? Most of the players that Moyes seems to get the best out of are defensive players - a worrying thing I think.I hope the new bloke does well - it would be good to see a striker who lasted 4/5 years or longer at Everton. Personally I think Moyes has little clue hoe to get the best out of the strikers we have - his management of Strac and Vellios is appalling.
And as regards some of the critical comments that have been made - consider this - How many strikers have we had at Everton since Moyes took over ? How long have they lasted at the club ? On average I would say 2/3 seasons. Have all of these players been bad players? Most of the players that Moyes seems to get the best out of are defensive players - a worrying thing I think.I hope the new bloke does well - it would be good to see a striker who lasted 4/5 years or longer at Everton. Personally I think Moyes has little clue hoe to get the best out of the strikers we have - his management of Strac and Vellios is appalling.
Will he be able to get on the end of crosses without making a run into the box in London?
Will they accept him pulling out of challenges?
Will he score more goals by turning away from goal when it's easier to have a run?
Will the Tottenham fans accept a player going through the motions missing all kind of sitters?
Actions speak louder than words, the only mitigating factor I can see is playing a 33yr old made of glass in the lone striker role.
Will they accept him pulling out of challenges?
Will he score more goals by turning away from goal when it's easier to have a run?
Will the Tottenham fans accept a player going through the motions missing all kind of sitters?
Actions speak louder than words, the only mitigating factor I can see is playing a 33yr old made of glass in the lone striker role.
I have not seen ANY striker in our shirt really ENJOY playing in the style we do. No striker will score lots of goals for us without support and Saha is the last striker who won MOTM for his goals against Blackpool. Our defenders are consistently voted players of the month and are the most valuable assets we have.
Now Beckford has left he is scoring again and so is the Yak so WHY is that happening? It's pretty obvious to me that they have support from a twin striker or decent midfield service.....
We have ruined so many so called strikers over the past few years, just having them be donkeymen to compete with high balls with no one running off them. Michael Owen, Defoe, Bent and others are not expected to work alone and none of them could provide whatever would be expected of them at Everton.
The really succesful strikers at EFC had partners eg; Young/Vernon, Linekar/Sharp etc....I dont accept that Cahill could ever be considered a strike partner. We have had two ageing players up front trying to do a job neither are suited to. I honestly believe that Saha will score goals at Spurs if given the chance to play, because he wont be expected to plough a lone furrow.
Good luck to him !!
Now Beckford has left he is scoring again and so is the Yak so WHY is that happening? It's pretty obvious to me that they have support from a twin striker or decent midfield service.....
We have ruined so many so called strikers over the past few years, just having them be donkeymen to compete with high balls with no one running off them. Michael Owen, Defoe, Bent and others are not expected to work alone and none of them could provide whatever would be expected of them at Everton.
The really succesful strikers at EFC had partners eg; Young/Vernon, Linekar/Sharp etc....I dont accept that Cahill could ever be considered a strike partner. We have had two ageing players up front trying to do a job neither are suited to. I honestly believe that Saha will score goals at Spurs if given the chance to play, because he wont be expected to plough a lone furrow.
Good luck to him !!
Saha was class. I never really appreciated how good he was until he came to Everton.
Like Dave says above, his ability to hold on to the ball was incredible. He was a class above the rest, in terms of pure ability. Only really Arteta came close.
Sadly for him, his injuries got the better of him. Ironically, without his injury problems he would never have played for Everton......
Like Dave says above, his ability to hold on to the ball was incredible. He was a class above the rest, in terms of pure ability. Only really Arteta came close.
Sadly for him, his injuries got the better of him. Ironically, without his injury problems he would never have played for Everton......
Louis brought Evertonians some great memories. However the last year or so, have at times been painful to watch. I think his relationship with the manager broke down and his performances were lacking this season. I think his best form was when he was partnered with Beckford last season. However when Cahill came back that all changed. It's a good move for all parties and I wish Louis all the best at Spurs.
Very frustrating player as he had genuine ability but we only got to see that ability in fleeting glimpses.
It's funny, with someone like Hibbo, I have never really got on his back as I think, he tries his best, he's as good as he's ever going to be and he doesn't select himself.
With Saha, certainly for the last couple of years, I would get very pissed off as I got the feeling he had (at least) one eye on the rest of his life and was simply intent on finishing the game by putting together as much money as he could.
If there's anything to this, then from his point of view, this shows nothing but a smart guy.
From our point of view however, it meant us paying big wages for a player who looked as though it all seemed a bit..um..'too hard'.
Personally, I thought we should have sold him when we had the chance (if indeed we did).
His comments I have to say are respectful and (as I suggest) indicate a smart operator.
It's funny, with someone like Hibbo, I have never really got on his back as I think, he tries his best, he's as good as he's ever going to be and he doesn't select himself.
With Saha, certainly for the last couple of years, I would get very pissed off as I got the feeling he had (at least) one eye on the rest of his life and was simply intent on finishing the game by putting together as much money as he could.
If there's anything to this, then from his point of view, this shows nothing but a smart guy.
From our point of view however, it meant us paying big wages for a player who looked as though it all seemed a bit..um..'too hard'.
Personally, I thought we should have sold him when we had the chance (if indeed we did).
His comments I have to say are respectful and (as I suggest) indicate a smart operator.
Good luck Louis. I think Saha may bang a few goals in for Spurs and I would be delighted if they won the league this season ahead of City.
Saha had great touch and close and control as well as a lovely left foot. This season though he had to come deep or out wide to get the ball too often. I remember at Chelsea away he was excellent with his build up play but we couldn't get anyone to support him or get beyond him.
Saha had great touch and close and control as well as a lovely left foot. This season though he had to come deep or out wide to get the ball too often. I remember at Chelsea away he was excellent with his build up play but we couldn't get anyone to support him or get beyond him.
When he was fit he scored some exceptional goals. Has probably been playing on injections for the longest time.
Load of rubbish to say he was lazy.
I have seen Osman and Fellaini have their share of lazy games over the last few years!
Load of rubbish to say he was lazy.
I have seen Osman and Fellaini have their share of lazy games over the last few years!
Clearly some people have never played the game at any kind if level and have an amoeba knowledge of the game to suggest Saha was not lazy
Saha good player, but playing a team playing some of the worst football ever.
When you have Phil Neville playing midfield you know your scoring chances are going to be limited.
With the football Spurs play Saha will think Christmas has come early.
When you have Phil Neville playing midfield you know your scoring chances are going to be limited.
With the football Spurs play Saha will think Christmas has come early.
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934 Posted 02/02/2012 at 13:51:51
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He will be remembered for memorable goals ie; when he turned the game around against West ham (much to Zola's dismay), his four goals against Blackpool and his goal against Chelsea in the cup final (despite our defeat)....
I really hope that he enjoys some success at Spurs and I'm sure that their style of play will suit him, although not against us.
All the very best Louis!! A class act who appreciates what EFC have done for him.