Everton vs Villarreal

We have to remember it’s Dunc’s testimonial and he invited Rooney himself.

Out of all the pre-season matches today will be the most carnival unrealistic one, naturally because we know Rooney or Ferguson won’t be a part of our plans again this season so it’s just all about enjoying the day.

Then, from tomorrow, our damn board and manager need to start getting a grip on things and take a long hard look at our appalling outlay this summer and take a long hard look at where they really want to take Everton Football Club over the next few months.

90 mins for Rooney and Duncan? Possibly the best strike force we will see all season.

I hope he tries Mirallas as a striker though then I don’t know who plays on the wings.

Maybe today will be:

Howard
Coleman Jagielka Stones Baines
Barry McCarthy
Mirallas Cleverley Osman
Rooney

Hopefully Barkley won't play again as he played yesterday so nothing will spoil the day.

We must bolster our defence before the end of the transfer window, as it would be unfair to expect our mostly untried youngsters to carry too much responsibility without being given a gradual introduction into the first team, or is Martinez just going to throw them in, in a sink-or-swim gamble? If so, the man is more deluded than I thought and must be got rid of before he wrecks yet another season for us.

I wish the team well today, but after yesterday just can’t get enthusiastic. Same old tactics, no penetration and few creative ideas from manager or players.

I was so gutted when he left us and never really forgave him until recently.

The reality to me was - we sold him - and that he didn't initiate jumping ship.

He had a money grabbing agent - and was wanted by the most successful club in the land. He was young and did what he was told. This probably included - "This money will save Everton".

I believe he still loves the club.

I think he's brave coming back to do this for his mate. We should be decent to the guy.

I still believe he might come back one day - and even if he was 34 - I'd love to sing 'Rooney'! once again.

He may be a black sheep - but to me - he's 'family'.

Ruddy in goal, Garbutt, Duffy, Distin, Lescott, Arteta, Fellaini, Rodwell, Anichebe, Rooney, Long. Subs: Hibbert, Atsu, Alcaraz, Baxter, Green... with Mr Moyes on the sideline with his assistant Phil Neville.

Then, on Monday afternoon, let the combined Likely Lads and Youth team’s best chase our opening EPL game’s team around the ground at Finch Farm then they would all get 90 minutes.

If we are to invite overseas teams to Goodison for friendlies, then I hope we at least pay them the respect of playing Everton’s best.

Fantasy football time!

Let’s hope the big man scores.

But doesn’t everyone score on their testimonial?

He has given his best years at another club which has already unloaded enough of their rejects on us.

Let's grow another young "Rooney" and encourage them to stay.