Everton formally reject Stones's transfer request

, 27 August, 274comments  |  Jump to most recent
Everton Chairman Bill Kenwright has issued a statement making it official that Everton have turned down John Stones's request to leave.

The defender submitted a transfer request yesterday morning but manager Roberto Martinez indicated in a defiant post-match press conference after last night's League Cup win at Barnsley that it would be rejected.

"Everton Football Club has rejected a transfer request from John Stones," Kenwright's statement read.

"Since the start of the transfer window, we have resolutely turned down offers from another Premier League football club for our player.

"John is not for sale and he will remain a highly valued member of our first team squad."

 

Reader Comments (274)

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Oscar Huglin
1 Posted 27/08/2015 at 17:57:59
Good.
David Smith
2 Posted 27/08/2015 at 17:58:48
Great to hear. Let's hope the message gets through.
Joe Foster
3 Posted 27/08/2015 at 18:04:17
That's that then surely.
James Hughes
4 Posted 27/08/2015 at 18:04:32
Could someone please send this to Jose -no class- Mourinho...
Tom R Owen
5 Posted 27/08/2015 at 18:05:04
So looking forward to when those arrogant bastards arrive at GP. The atmosphere will be very intimidating for the nasty little Portuguese twat and his fine upstanding chairman and captain.
James Marshall
6 Posted 27/08/2015 at 18:05:27
I hate to say I told you so, but, y'know.

Now what is everyone going to complain about? The silence from the boardroom has been 'officially' shattered.

Fazio? Shall we moan about our reported 'offer' for him because he's rubbish? Hmm...

John Stones was never going to leave this transfer window, and anyone who is still going on about him leaving (I just read on one thread that we're all 'fucking thick' if we think otherwise) really doesn't have a voice anymore.

I for one am delighted.

Davie Turner
7 Posted 27/08/2015 at 18:05:45
Job done, but be told, BK... he’d better be an Everton player September 2nd
Chris Wilson
8 Posted 27/08/2015 at 18:06:28
Short and to the point. What is everyone's reaction when it said, "we have resolutely turned down offers from another Premier League football club for our player."

Is that a typical professional response to avoid more of a media circus, or did he not specifically mention the team for a reason?

Dave Rinehart
9 Posted 27/08/2015 at 18:07:27
Is anyone else shocked? Bill strapping on the balls and telling Chelskie to piss off. One of the happiest days of being a Blue that I can remember. So proud of our Chairman right now. My baby's all grows up.
Tony Draper
10 Posted 27/08/2015 at 18:07:35
Very concise and clear.

I still fully expect another outbreak of hystrionics from the "other Premier League Club". I hope we wind the slimy buggers up just for the sheer bloody hell of it.

Ste Wallace
11 Posted 27/08/2015 at 18:08:07
Wait for the storm.....
Sean McCarthy
12 Posted 27/08/2015 at 18:08:48
Hopefully this will be the end of it then. Manager and chairman both say he’s not for sale so with less than a week til that godforsaken window shuts, for the 1st time I’m confident of Stones staying. I have to say that whilst I’ve never been a Martinez fan, he went up several notches in my estimation when on live TV he eloquently told Chelsea, Jose and the press to fuck right off once and for all.

As for Stones himself I hope he continues to get the full backing of Evertonians after being put in a truly awful position thanks to the constant press attempts to unsettle him and their total disregard for Everton Football Club. Even in today’s Daily Mail the headline reads "fans turn on Stones" after ONE supporter is heard to call him a "rat" as he walked off at half time. I hardly think it’s a view that’s representative of the majority of Blues fans.

And whilst the RS gloat, let’s not forget that St Steven of Huyton asked for a transfer TWICE.

Rob Dolby
13 Posted 27/08/2015 at 18:09:54
Does that mean he isn’t for sale or does that mean he isn’t for sale at that price? There are probably only two players in the world who aren’t for sale whilst the rest will go to the highest bidder.
James Marshall
14 Posted 27/08/2015 at 18:10:00
Chris - I think that he’s deliberately not mentioned Chelsea by name for both legal reasons, and because it’s a subtle dig at them and their tactics.

Good on Bill.

Pete Ellingham
15 Posted 27/08/2015 at 18:12:00
Pure class! Really well handled, couldn't be happier.
Ste Traverse
16 Posted 27/08/2015 at 18:12:41
I in no way apologise for being a cynic, but given the track record of Bill, does ANYONE seriously believe anything he says?
Gerry Quinn
17 Posted 27/08/2015 at 18:14:05
BK - best statement you have ever made for Everton.

Oh please, please, please, let us beat that arrogant and small rich club next month. Last minute, Stones scores the winner from a corner, deflected in by Terry...
Steve Cotton
18 Posted 27/08/2015 at 18:15:08
So Bill finally speaks.

Ok, Bill, what about getting in the other players we need, so that we don't have only two recognised centre halves at the club?

It doesn't have to be last-minute panic buying of who is left. That is a recipe for disaster.

Eddie Dunn
19 Posted 27/08/2015 at 18:15:13
Class last night from Roberto and now class from Bill. Well done.
Now, who are we getting in?
Chris Wilson
20 Posted 27/08/2015 at 18:16:54
If we still have Stones after the Transfer Window shuts, I would love to see "Not At All" banners, signs, shirts,etc., and another that says "Chelsea, just 'another Premier League Football Club'".
Tim Locke
21 Posted 27/08/2015 at 18:16:55
Clearly someone signed some balls this window. Maybe we are seeing the tide turn; as we did with the Bosman ruling and players taking control. Maybe the sky money is allowing clubs to take control. Contracts will actually mean something. Hopefully this is the start of allowing the truely big clubs; those with a history, back into not just the top four but the top spot.
Andrew Tomlinson
22 Posted 27/08/2015 at 18:17:21
The Old Lady will be shaking to it's foundations in a couple of weeks....let the chavs have it!

COYB

James Marshall
23 Posted 27/08/2015 at 18:17:42
I'd love to see the look on the 'Special Ones' face right now!

Still, at least John Terry will be happy ;-)

Trevor Lynes
24 Posted 27/08/2015 at 18:18:38
The big ’but’ is whether Everton are going to keep their promise of three ’proper’ additions to the squad which will strengthen the team. This is supposed to be a top playmaker number 10.

Other much smaller clubs than ours continue to be active and we are spending less than championship clubs.

A real show of muscle would be to keep stones and to bring in top players who can strengthen the first team.

Stewart Lowe
25 Posted 27/08/2015 at 18:18:59
Absolutely brilliant to hear this news. However, this could have been said weeks ago. Although Martinez always said he did not want to discuss the issue and that they don’t intend to sell Stones, all it would have taken was a small but firm statement like this.

I think we will start to see summer transfer periods close before the season begins and so it should do and have no idea why this hasn’t happened before.

Keith Harrison
26 Posted 27/08/2015 at 18:19:09
Roberto showed he has Cohones last night, and now Bill has followed. I think this could be very pivotal in our managers time at Everton, and will hopefully galvanise all supporters to get behind the team, manager and club.

A couple or three (quality) signings would also be nice, but I can’t wait for the match against the Chelsea scum on 12th September. The atmosphere will be electric.

All together now "Fuck Off Mourinho, Fuck Off Mourinho" ad nauseum.

Sharabi Singh
27 Posted 27/08/2015 at 18:20:51
Blimey Kenwright has a voice (or close to). Does this really mean the end? Probably not but I've never seen us handle keeping a player like this ever. About time we showed some balls. Maybe it shows that we have some money now and we really aren't just spending for the sake of it.
COYB
Andy Meighan
28 Posted 27/08/2015 at 18:22:12
Kenwright and pure class? There’s no such thing... If Chelsea come in with a £40 million bid in the next couple of day,s he’ll bite their hand off, simple as that. He’d sell his own grandmother for £1M.

Oh, and while all this is going on, where in god's name are the signings we’ve been promised? The clock is ticking now and all we’ve got is Deulofeu and Cleverley, Martinez's new babe.

I'd hardly count these two South Americans as major signings; have we got to wait until the last minute of the window before the club unveil three marquee signings? Or will it be, "Oh we were going to sign x, y and z but the fax machine took the knock and we couldn’t get the paperwork through in time."

I know which one my money is on.

John Atkins
29 Posted 27/08/2015 at 18:23:02
Well I’ll hold my hands up as I’m not a BK fan but credit where credit's due...

Well done, Bill Kenwright, you’ve finally grown a pair! Just wish you had been a little bit more derogatory to that horrible prick of a manager at that horrible classless club – but then again why lower yourself to their standards, now see it through!!! Oh and get the cheque book out will yer and let’s try and compete with them too.

Can’t wait till we play them! The atmosphere will be hostile.

Just being a little cynical here but I’m wondering if that little plane episode at St Mary’s hit a nerve with the board and they knew there would be one almighty backlash if Stones was sold?

Paul Thompson
30 Posted 27/08/2015 at 18:25:20
Short, sweet – couldn’t be clearer. TalkShite and other ’commentators’ will be up in arms at this affront to the money men. Many ordinary fans round the country will give a cheer.
Danny O'Neill
31 Posted 27/08/2015 at 18:25:27
Chris,

James is right; no reference to the "another Premier League club" is Everton being Everton and acting with a bit of class. Much to the frustration of us fans, clubs shouldn’t openly comment until a deal is struck.

Chelsea’s underhand tactics, supported with venom by their groupie like media followers who are desperate for this to happen are sadly illustrative of the modern game. They seem perplexed, confused and downright outraged at our anti-Sky era approach; how dare we!!

If we do actually see this through, I will be absolutely proud of the club and glad we have kept one of the best emerging centre backs in a generation.

James Stewart
32 Posted 27/08/2015 at 18:26:39
Bored to death by the whole saga now. This statement means sod all. Chelsea will bid again I guarantee it.

What I'm more interested in is signing some players who actually want to play for us! Mori was paraded with the scarf last week why is he still not signed? We are down to the bare bones in defence and still need a number 10.

Alan Humphreys
33 Posted 27/08/2015 at 18:27:34
Good statement.

Seen the video of the fan calling Stones "rat" and also someone abusing him on his way home. The lad is a class act both on and on the field and regardless of any request shouldn't be subjected to dickheads abusing him - he doesn't support the club, he plays for them.

Classy statement from the club, sadly not reflected by those involved in these incidents.

John Atkins
34 Posted 27/08/2015 at 18:29:07
Sky just won’t leave it alone will they?

Convincing themselves ’surely this won’t be last of this transfer saga with still 5 days to go’.

They are wetting themselves over the statement, no wonder Bobby and Board remained quiet - statements and denials just fuel them.

We’ll have all and sundry ex players now who are in shock blah blah blah.

Just go and fuck off will yer, the lot of yer.

Clive Mitchell
35 Posted 27/08/2015 at 18:30:51
Steve, 18, what's Christmas like round your house?
Mick Quirke
36 Posted 27/08/2015 at 18:32:49
Great stuff, no way is he going now!

Can't wait for them to come to Goodison. That little runt's gonna get slaughtered every time he gets out of the dugout.

David Johnson
37 Posted 27/08/2015 at 18:32:58
So, if we keep him, he will be like a new signing to make up for the ones we haven’t signed yet. If he goes, it will be too late to spend the money and everybody knows you shouldn’t buy players in January. Excellent; cunning plan, Bill... and do you know what? We deserve it because we’ve let you get away with it for years.

ps: How’s the search for a new stadium and some investment going? It’s pointless giving the ground a face lift while you have such grand plans isn’t it? No wonder you’ve been ill, working so hard 24/7 for years would take its toll on anybody.

Lev Vellene
38 Posted 27/08/2015 at 18:34:23
Well, that might be the start of quite a few weeks' worth of nice calm and quiet, I hope! Until the press start the build-up for the January transfer window...
Drew Shortis
39 Posted 27/08/2015 at 18:35:47
Perfect statement by Kenwright, worthy of our great club. I disagree that he should have said this weeks ago. Had he done this it would have been seen as us playing hard to get to drive up the price. Timing is everything and with a £35m bid on the table and a £40m one in the offing this "not for sale" statement rings true and clear.

That is the end of it, for this window at least. Let's see where we are next summer. By then Galloway, Browning, Holgate or whoever we get in by the end of this window may be up to speed and we can consider bids on our own terms. That’s if Stones still wants to leave. You never know. By then we may have broken into the top four. It’s a funny old game.

Clive Mitchell
40 Posted 27/08/2015 at 18:37:17
The Daily Express just described Danny Murphy as a Liverpool great. No doubt we'll soon hear the opinions of Chelsea greats Jason Cundy, Pat Nevin and others with a relegation or two to their names.
Tim Locke
41 Posted 27/08/2015 at 18:38:19
Clive 33 brilliant
Ged Simpson
42 Posted 27/08/2015 at 18:43:23
Great stuff........
Lewis Barclay
43 Posted 27/08/2015 at 18:46:29
I want Lukaku to stick a hat trick past Chelsea at GP now.

Well done Bill Kenwright. Well done Roberto Martinez. Well done Everton Football Club.

Up yours Chelsea, Manchester Utd, Liverpool and any other no class football club who cares to treat us like this.

If you know your history ...

Colin Glassar
44 Posted 27/08/2015 at 18:49:04
We will now be the media’s bad boys. Already I’ve seen one moron writing "who do Everton think they are turning down Chelsea?" So expect a deluge of derogatory comments aimed at us in the next few days.

Hats off to you Bill. I know you probably had a gun to your head (Martinez’s resignation letter?) but still, you’ve sent shock waves throughout the football world. Maybe, just maybe this might be the turning of the tide after the post Bosman free for all years.

As for John, I hope he gets the full support of the fans and team mates. We need him focused for the Spurs game and let’s put this unfortunate episode behind us oh, and let’s get those three players in please!!

Lev Vellene
45 Posted 27/08/2015 at 18:52:47
Colin #34 I've been feeling out-of-sorts with the media not making the usual punches lately, I sort of welcome it... ;D
Paul Smith
46 Posted 27/08/2015 at 18:54:26
Good quote on Twitter "good boys like Stones get their request knocked back, trouble makers like Sterling, get sold"

Good point I thought.

Dave Pritchard
48 Posted 27/08/2015 at 18:57:15
Hopefully he will knuckle down now and his form will improve. He's not been bad the last 2 games but definitely not at his best, understandably. Brave statement from Bill.
Colin Glassar
49 Posted 27/08/2015 at 18:57:19
Oh, and well done to WBA as well. Pity Wolfsburg turned out to be a bunch of wimps. Juventus stay strong, tell Jose to sod off.
Lev Vellene
50 Posted 27/08/2015 at 18:58:14
The male brain is usually not fully developed until the age of 21-23 (the risk evaluation part being about the last to mature). So with young players I never hold a grudge towards them personally, I just expect there are agents and such working for their own pay-day. Time-scale is very difficult to perceive at that age, I remember. On my good days...
Mark Riding
51 Posted 27/08/2015 at 18:59:45
Love it. Sniff it Sky Sports.
Stephen Brown
52 Posted 27/08/2015 at 19:00:13
Jim what’s his name on SSN has said about 6 times in the last hour – this might not be the end of it! I think Chelsea will be back! 4 days 22 hours to go etc!

This transfer deadline thing is all for TV.

John Malone
53 Posted 27/08/2015 at 19:04:28
We should all chip in for a big banner for the Chelsea home game saying "Jose you can't buy class"!
Brian Abbott
54 Posted 27/08/2015 at 19:08:17
John at #49. Brilliant idea. We should all contribute to that. Now lets see some big signing(s) before the deadline. We have the makings of a cracking side.
John Byrne
55 Posted 27/08/2015 at 19:10:54
Typical SSN.... All throughout this Stones saga they seem to be pushing for him to go. One of their headlines last week "We are waiting to see if Chelsea come back with another bid for John Stones." That’s not news, that’s hoping for news.

Now we release this statement and it isn’t one of their main stories at 7pm. They start with the Champions League draw and then skip to rugby and athletics. They are so pro-rich clubs it’s disgusting
Peter Morris
56 Posted 27/08/2015 at 19:11:51
My faith in humanity is restored today. Not that I disclaim the notion ’every player has a price’, nor do I pretend to ignore the pervasive power of money wealth. I don’t think I’m that naive.

Rather, I am convinced that on this occasion, Everton have plainly and repeatedly told Chelsea that JS is too important to the club, and respectfully, no, we do not wish to engage in transfer negotiations with you about him at this time. Please desist from this unwelcome and unsettling behaviour. Please.

Chelsea, the arrogant, classless shite that they are, decided to scoff at and ignore this message, preferring to believe their own deluded view of their importance and position in the football world (stoked by their sycophant friends in the press) and proceeded to embarrass and try to humiliate one of the proudest football clubs in Europe. A club that knows more about class and tradition than those whores at Chelsea will ever know. They are a disgrace.

I think RM’s quote last night should be escalated to the same level as Moyes’s ’People’s Club’ mantra. I can’t wait to buy the tee-shirt and cheer the banners which will await the arrival of this riff raff come 12th September.

Well done, Roberto Martinez.
Well done, Bill Kenwright.
Well done, EFC Board.
Well done, the Everton family.

Chris Wilson
57 Posted 27/08/2015 at 19:13:33
LET'S FLY A BANNER!!!!!
Mark Riding
58 Posted 27/08/2015 at 19:14:29
He will make a mistake against Spurs this weekend. Then " we should have cashed in whilst we had the chance " " a bigger cert on TW there has never been.
Robert Elliott
59 Posted 27/08/2015 at 19:15:46
Two things I never thought I'd say, firstly, well done Bill Kenwright and secondly, fair play to Stan Collymore, seemingly one of the few ex-players in the media who think we have the right to stand up for ourselves on this issue.

My wife wants to know why I'm walking around singing "Fuck off Mourinho"! Especially as my five-year old son just sang it!

Sandra Williams
60 Posted 27/08/2015 at 19:16:34
Message to Mourinho......Big money doesn't make a 'Big' club.....now put your debit card away...you have 'insufficient funds'. See you on the 12th!
Neil Wood
61 Posted 27/08/2015 at 19:17:37
John @ 49 I'm up for that!!!
David Trickey
62 Posted 27/08/2015 at 19:18:15
So now let's hear nothing but support for the lad. Let's make sure he knows what he means to the Everton faithful and show him and the rest of the league how real supporters act.
Nick Armitage
63 Posted 27/08/2015 at 19:18:57
This is one of 2 things, the owners of Everton's debt are not calling it in or Martinez has just played a big game of Russian Roulette. The silence from the club after the transfer request, makes me think it was a case of the latter and Martinez has said back me or sack me.

Whatever the reasons I don't care, I can't stand Chelsea and at least someone has finally stood up to the billionaires ruining the game. This was a major event in Everton's history and it won't be the last we'll hear of this one.

Eugene Kearney
64 Posted 27/08/2015 at 19:21:30
Peter #53 - Excellent post !
Patrick Murphy
65 Posted 27/08/2015 at 19:22:35
I happen to think that JS will still be with us on September 2nd.

However, only one club has put in a bid (Chelsea) and that club has been told no...

But things can alter quite quickly in the next few days and if another bid from another club is put in between now and 6pm on 1st September 2015, who is to say that the new offer wouldn’t be accepted? Watch this space as they say.

Neil Wood
66 Posted 27/08/2015 at 19:23:58
See you on the 12th you classless and talentless nob end.

Brian Harrison
67 Posted 27/08/2015 at 19:24:02
Maybe with the Sky money clubs are saying no to the monied clubs. I suppose clubs look at what happened to Spurs when they sold Bale and Modric and Liverpool who sold Suarez and now Sterling.

So when clubs have a talented player they are thinking we are better keeping him and turning down the money. There will of course be deals but now the likes of ourselves and West Brom can sell at a time of our choice, and not have to sell at a time that suits one of the monied clubs.

Colin Gee
68 Posted 27/08/2015 at 19:24:10
Hopefully this will be the end of it, but there's still that nagging doubt that the "2nd Division Rent Boys", will back a £45 million bid with minutes to spare on the 1st September and we'll hear the "John was in my office in tears begging me to left him go to Chelsea" from Kenwright.

And that Roberto will have the money to spend in the January window....

Heard it all before.

Chris Wilson
69 Posted 27/08/2015 at 19:27:25
Well Nick, to be fair to RM. He said that he didn't address it because it was a match day. I kind of believe this one. He had a cup match to prepare for, training, strategy, analysis, and whatever other preparation needs to occur before a match such as travel, etc.

Plus I think this was also Roberto's way of telling John Stones that he wasn't going anywhere because he was still involving Stones in all of the pre-game prep. Frankly, he took control of this situation by saying, "I see this request - it means nothing to me. I'll address it when I want to address it. Meanwhile, we've got a game to play and you're in it."

John Keating
70 Posted 27/08/2015 at 19:27:50
Well that’s killed two birds with one Stones:

First: it’s now official from the Club.

Second: Lazarus has made an appearance.

Paul Andrews
71 Posted 27/08/2015 at 19:28:14
I really hope he stays at Everton.

I fear he may still go with the parting shot of....
"We refused the transfer, we did everything in our power, but John had his head turned. He made it clear his future was at Chelsea"

Brian Harrison
72 Posted 27/08/2015 at 19:28:45
Colin 64

I think it is more than Everton dare do after the statements of both BK and RM irrespective of what Chelsea offer before the deadline. Now I am not saying we will still have Stones after the Jan window, but any prospective club know the price is at least £40 million.

Peter Murray
73 Posted 27/08/2015 at 19:29:00
We have had everything thrown at us in this saga – the Abramovich and Murdoch ("Sun","Times") empires in cahoots, sycophantic so-called pundits (Shearer) and current professionals (Cahill) all at the same time, piling the pressure on Everton.But we have stood firm.

John, you are on a very steep learning curve. Be patient and give serious consideration to changing your agent.

Bill, Roberto, you have been heroic.
Matt Garen
74 Posted 27/08/2015 at 19:29:12
Nick I'm absolutely convinced you're spot on with the assertion that this was a back me or sack me moment and it would be too much of a shit storm for those shadowy figures in control had he not been. Talking of sacks, that fucking ball bag Mourinho will be livid over this and doesn't it feel wonderful. Well done Everton. Now sign some fucking players.
Mark Riding
75 Posted 27/08/2015 at 19:29:51
Chelsea, been relagated from the top division more times than they have won it. Classless beauts.
Mike Powell
76 Posted 27/08/2015 at 19:30:50
I am back in love with football. It's about time we told the world that we are a big club and we don't need Chelski's dodgy money. Well done, Bill. Well done, Roberto. Now let's get some players in and win a trophy. COYB!
Jackie Barry
77 Posted 27/08/2015 at 19:32:38
Ok now let's buy some players, the window's nearly closed.
Brent Stephens
78 Posted 27/08/2015 at 19:32:40
I think that "another Premier League club" - translates as "just another Premier League club" - no-one special.

Punches the air!

Brent Stephens
79 Posted 27/08/2015 at 19:35:11
What is also so pleasing about this whole episode is that Chelsea have left it too late to get a good replacement for Terry?! Now, who normally leaves things too late?
Peter Morris
80 Posted 27/08/2015 at 19:36:49
Tim (#21),

I agree that your assertion that the new Sky money has enabled relatively impoverished clubs like our to resist the bullying of Chelsea and the likes. The flip side of the perverse power of money! Just as the lack of it was probably the biggest contributor to us losing Rooney as a teenager.

I have no issue with players moving on to clubs that can offer more reward in treasure and silverware than we can, but is it too much to ask John Stones, only just a man, to deliver on the fantastic contract he was awarded less than 12 months ago, and try, just try, to contribute to a poorer clubs efforts to better itself through development of players who do not come via Monaco based agents and middle men at prices that would out-muscle the budgets of many a third world nation?

If you do your best ,John, and it doesn’t work out, there’s plenty of time for the ’Chelseas’ of this world before your young persons’ rail card expires.

Peter Cummings
81 Posted 27/08/2015 at 19:36:56
Just hope Stones doesn’t do a Sterling goes ’sick’, misses training sessions or goes AWOL during games as he seemed to do v Barnsley at times.

As for the odious Chelsea ogliarchs and their manager – not to mention their arrogant followers – they should be treated with the utmost contempt they deserve.
Ian Jones
82 Posted 27/08/2015 at 19:38:55
All these people proposing banners and fly pasts etc. Okay, I did on another thread... :)

Perhaps the only fly past we should want to see now is Gerard flying past the Chelsea defence....

Dave Pritchard
83 Posted 27/08/2015 at 19:41:05
Go ahead with all the calls for banners etc when Chelsea visit us on 12th September. I would rather we beat them. That would be the best response.
Paul Kelly
84 Posted 27/08/2015 at 19:42:21
Well done for once, kind of taken the club out of the firing line on the transfer front, Yarmelenko who?
John Byrne
85 Posted 27/08/2015 at 19:45:35
Hopefully now this will put an end to it all and we can fully concentrate on getting players in rather than talking about a player not going out. This time last week I was really excited about the possibility of signing Yarmolenko but as far as players coming in goes it’s all gone very quiet. Hope we can still manage to do a deal for Yarmolenko.

Barkley impressed on a deeper role last night and Deulofeu was superb. Imagine Lukaku up front with Deulofeu, Yarmolenko and Mirallas behind him.
Ste Traverse
86 Posted 27/08/2015 at 19:47:39
So Stones will be staying?

Oh right.

I suppose the club will now be spinning this as 'just like a new signing'...

Brian Abbott
88 Posted 27/08/2015 at 19:53:38
Peter at #73 Cracking post mate. If Stones really has submitted a transfer request, your summary really puts the whole crap situation into perspective. Who the hell wouldn’t feel carried away by the whole situation?

As you say, Stones has years to find out if he really is as good as everyone says. In the meantime tell these no class nobodies to sod off and get your head down with a proper club. You won’t regret it!

Colin Grierson
89 Posted 27/08/2015 at 20:00:28
This is the best possible outcome. Hopefully we can add a few new faces.

I hope the camp bellend giving Stones abuse last night is not representative of how he will be treated from now on. I can’t blame JS for having his head turned. It’s the media and Chavski who we need to give abuse to. JS needs to feel the support of the fans and then he can get on with being class. Let’s enjoy him while we’ve got him.

Well done, Bill and Roberto. I think a "No way Jose!" banner would be good for the Chavski game.

Ged Simpson
90 Posted 27/08/2015 at 20:10:18
Ste... cheer up, you miserable bugger. This is good news. Try and see that for 5 mins.
Stephen Brown
91 Posted 27/08/2015 at 20:11:24
All friends of mine who support various clubs (not Sky 4) are backing us to the hilt on this!! Well done to all concerned!

1 or 2 good signings and we have the makings of a good side!

Tony Doran
92 Posted 27/08/2015 at 20:12:02
Has BK said this because he knows he’s going to be worth a lot more in a year or two?

Or is so he can back the manager and rearlly build a team with Stones a big part of it?
John Atkins
93 Posted 27/08/2015 at 20:17:25
Stephen I’ve even had messages from Kopites and Mancs saying they’re made up we’ve stuck 2 fingers up at that horrible classless ’other’ club.
Bill Gall
94 Posted 27/08/2015 at 20:19:00
It is about time. Most of the supporters while this will he or won't he nonsense has been going on, was what they wanted, was an official statement from the Chairman "that Stones was not for sale under any circumstances" instead of it coming from the manager.

The Chairman should have understood the turmoil that was being caused, that made the player hand in a transfer request by just leaving the manager in the firing line.

Keith Glazzard
95 Posted 27/08/2015 at 20:20:41
BK - an excellent theatrical understatement, as should be expected.

RM - money can’t buy everything. Class.

It could take the oligarch up to £50mill+ I suppose, but even that classless pile of shite won’t do that I guess.

It’s not over til the fat lady sings, but the Toffee Lady is looking in good shape for the moment.

Jim Jennings
96 Posted 27/08/2015 at 20:24:52
Over 80 posts and not one of them has yet said "Typical Kenwright, puts out this statement AFTER the Sky cameras show the banners calling for the Board to go last night... stage managed... publicity stunt to deflect attention away from him and his carpet bagging cronies etc etc."

Very un-ToffeeWeb-like.

Charles Brewer
97 Posted 27/08/2015 at 20:26:53
It looks as though Everton are about to demonstrate that this really is the classiest team in world football! Not by buying the most expensive players, not by having the best stadium, not by winning everything.

But by assisting John Stones to do the honourable and decent thing. And by telling the low-life gangster team of west London that it’s money isn’t good enough.

[Starts whistling theme from ’High Noon’...]

Colin Glassar
98 Posted 27/08/2015 at 20:33:47
Poor Darren Lewis (Daily Mirror) is now scrambling around trying to rescue his non-existent credibility as a journalist. I wonder where Richardson, Cross, Kay, Bates and all the other scumbags are? Probably in Jose’s bad book right now.

Only about 3-4 journos have come out of this not smelling of shite.

Kevin Elliott
99 Posted 27/08/2015 at 20:40:48
How about "Can’t Buy Me Love" blasting out over the PA system, instead of Z-Cars — just for the Chavski game?

Proper scouse power. Everton and the Beatles. Yea yea yea. NSNO.

Jimmy Daly
100 Posted 27/08/2015 at 20:42:38
Ste (16), what more do you want the man to say? I believe he has got the message across quite eloquently, the boy is NOT for sale.

Now be a good Roger, and take the man at his word.
Barry Morrison
101 Posted 27/08/2015 at 20:46:42
This is very good news.

I'd like to think this is John with us for the long haul now, but I feel a new contract after the window closes in the offing; £50m buy-out clause and Stones to go after the Euros.

I don't like to be so pessimistic; I think it's just an Everton thing.

Nigel Munford
102 Posted 27/08/2015 at 20:49:29
Does this mean we can now conclude our own transfer purchasing business now?
Colin Glassar
103 Posted 27/08/2015 at 20:52:42
Sounds like Mori has been given his visa Nigel and might sign tomorrow. Has that Rodriguez kid signed yet? He's got an Italian passport hasn't he?
Tim Locke
104 Posted 27/08/2015 at 21:03:59
Jim 86 john - 27 kind of said that....
Neil Wood
105 Posted 27/08/2015 at 21:05:27
Both will prob be announced on the Day (TDD) Colin I would think.

Still got a feeling there's something coming with a Marquee signing... Glimmer of hope for Yarmolenko still I feel.

They won't want him to walk away as a free agent next year so the only other spanner is barca agreeing to take him in January.

But, there's plenty more quality players out there and I think we may get a shock or two....

Dave Abrahams
106 Posted 27/08/2015 at 21:06:33
This answers a lot of people's question of the last few weeks, Kenwright has been sick and he has just woke up from a coma.
Phil Walling
107 Posted 27/08/2015 at 21:06:43
Well, you'd think we'd won the league or are about to do now we can turn a full team out at the weekend!

For all the smugness of this thread, the wisdom – or otherwise, of the decision to keep this reluctant player will only become apparent as the season progresses.

The time to start practicing the handstands is when we see our defence performing a darn sight more impressively than they did last season – Stones included.

Robert Elliott
108 Posted 27/08/2015 at 21:07:51
Extracts from an article just posted on the Chelsea supporters website, We ain’t got no history:

"At this point, the sensible side of me wants to see Chelsea simply walk away, and focus their attention elsewhere for the remainder of the transfer window. Everton are well within their rights to force the player to stay, even if it seems a bit sleazy, given the size of Chelsea’s offers and the player’s preference for moving on"

"On the other hand, I’d also be thoroughly entertained if Chelsea simply began bombarding Everton with bids, while making sure the press knew about every single bid. Jose Mourinho making a few comments to keep the player unsettled would be hilarious as well."

Meanwhile, Darren Lewis has labelled Chelsea’s latest £37m as ’astonishing’ and ’incredible’. You can sense his anger that we’ve turned it down in every word he writes! I know I should be doing something more constructive with my time, but this is hilarious!

Mike McLoughlin
109 Posted 27/08/2015 at 21:09:49
Is anyone of the opinion (I've not read all the posts) that this whole John Stones thing is a smoke screen for the very inexpensive transfer window, or is that cynical??
Brian Williams
110 Posted 27/08/2015 at 21:16:18
That’s not cynical, it's just (forgive me) silly. Not even our board would go to those lengths PLUS the window's not closed yet. I would say we should judge things when it IS closed. ;-)
Phil Walling
111 Posted 27/08/2015 at 21:18:08
You mean 'just like three new signings', eh, Mick?
Dennis Ng
112 Posted 27/08/2015 at 21:25:03
LOL We always have inexpensive transfer windows.
Colin Malone
113 Posted 27/08/2015 at 21:27:06
Lets all get behind John Stones. 21 years of age, getting his head turned by everyone around him, when on international duty and by his agent and family. He does not deserve getting slagged when he left the field last night.
Keith Monaghan
114 Posted 27/08/2015 at 21:32:55
Phil Wailling, our defence wasn’t too great last season, but don’t you recall how they all had at least a month injured in the crucial early months of the season? Howard, Jagielka, Stones, Coleman, Baines, Distin & Oviedo all had at least a month out, and Alcaraz & Hibbo were hardly ever available as well.

And some of our midfielders (eg, Barkley & McCarthy) were at levels well below previous season plus other significant injuries (eg, Pienaar) and the hardly ever available Man Utd cast-off Gibson.

With all your negativity & moaning, one could think you won’t be happy unless we get relegated. The club, especially Bill K, have done all that could be asked regarding John Stones.

Tim Locke
115 Posted 27/08/2015 at 21:38:03
Mike thinks this goes to show how difficult it is to bring high profile players in and how important it is to keep them once you have them.

The board are not blameless; they should have invested more but part of this is down to players' agents telling them then are better than they are. Telling them being at a so-called big club bench warming is better than building something at a club which has actual history and played in the league more than a couple of years.

John Malone
116 Posted 27/08/2015 at 21:40:13
I’ll say what everyone else is afraid to say, well done Bill Kenwright backing your manager to the hilt yet again, and showing that Everton FC are no longer a selling club... unlike the RedShite!


Jack Convery
117 Posted 27/08/2015 at 21:40:14
My first Post on TW as this saga has really pissed me off no end. For the first time in years I feel proud of my club because at last it has shown the Alamo spirit and told that lot to do one – here we are, here we stand. We share the same battlefield and even if you beat us you’ll never gain respect because class is earned not bought.

My favourite birds are Emperor Penguins due to their class and the dedication they show their young ones Once the young are born the Emperors are bombarded from the sky by skewers – a second- rate opportunist sort of a bird. The Emperors tell the skewers to piss off. They protect their young earnestly. Nature is wonderful and at times very reflective of the human condition.

Jack Plant
118 Posted 27/08/2015 at 21:40:40
Hope the match page on this site will be 'Everton vs another premier league club'.
Christy Ring
119 Posted 27/08/2015 at 21:46:37
Thrilled, a huge statement, but Bill can we now sign a few Premier League players before the window closes? You still need to SPEND.

Unlike the RedShite, ’we’re not a selling club’.

Petet Henry
120 Posted 27/08/2015 at 21:54:39
He backs his manager when he provides his manager with hard CASH... we have still only spent £4 million.

To put this in context, Burnley have spent more than us... who aren’t even in the same league as us.

Nigel Munford
121 Posted 27/08/2015 at 21:54:58
Thanks for the update, Colin. I'm not sure about Rodriguez but, as you say, if he’s got an Italian passport; it should hopefully be a formality. Let’s hope he’s that diamond in the rough we’ve been looking for eh?
Liam Reilly
122 Posted 27/08/2015 at 21:55:01
Well done, Bill!
Oliver Molloy
123 Posted 27/08/2015 at 22:04:13
The perfect ending to this saga....

We play Chelsea off the pitch at our place and guess who scores? Unbelievable, I know but in words of Van Morrison's Coney Island: "Wouldn’t it be great if it was like this all the time"

We can dream....

Dennis Ng
124 Posted 27/08/2015 at 22:09:25
Jack (#105), that’s how I operate during match days.
Colin Leary
125 Posted 27/08/2015 at 22:16:50
I hope this isn’t a stunt to drive the price up for the next window. Working in sales, I would love to see Everton's 2016 revenue forecast.
Shaun Traynor
127 Posted 27/08/2015 at 22:20:20
Great stance from Everton and made up we have done it. However, I feel this ballsy stance from Bill is instead of him sticking £20 mil on a marquee signing – he’ll think this is a bigger statement and has cost him fuck all. Am I being too cynical?
Mike Hayes
128 Posted 27/08/2015 at 22:22:35
That statement isn’t signed; anyone could put that out. I don't recall him actually saying it... or anyone on his behalf. I thought it was rumoured he was ill with a tumour.

Sorry, if they put out a statement like that saying it was raining outside, I’d look out of the window to check.

Peter Morris
129 Posted 27/08/2015 at 22:31:56
A ’story’ published on the Daily Mirror website tonight at 7pm by some genius called Aaron Flanagan trumpets:

’EVERTON REJECT JOHN STONES TRANSFER REQUEST IN FINAL BID TO PREVENT CHELSEA MOVE’

They don’t give up do they? So, this is your last chance!

It brings to mind Basil Fawlty thrashing his hapless Austin 1100 with some privets when it wouldn’t start!

I guess if the club’s owner stating he’s not going doesn’t work, then that’s it. Our goose is well and truly cooked, or was it a blancmange?

Ray Robinson
130 Posted 27/08/2015 at 22:35:17
Shaun, yes I think you probably are. However, the stance adopted by Everton will very likely guarantee my renewing my season ticket next season rather than jacking it all in.

I want to see the window out now with Stones still with us, some new signing secured and a packed house against Chelski, venting their fury at a classless Mourinho. With an Everton victory of course!

Clive Mitchell
131 Posted 27/08/2015 at 22:37:29
It doesn’t matter what the score is when they come to Goodison, the opportunity to ridicule them for the no-mark club they are is exquisite. Lame effort example:

You’ve got a whinger called Mourinho
He’s classless and suits you to a T.
You’ve got a racist called John Terry
He’s past it, and must be fifty three.
And feel it in your bones,
You still ain’t got John Stones,
And Jose moans and moans and moans and moans.

Colin Leary
132 Posted 27/08/2015 at 22:37:33
I agree Shaun Traynor... we are getting massive free publicity for nothing. If we are near the bottom of the table at Christmas, we may sell to boost our squad for survival.

I’m made up that we’ve made a stand but in business it’s always a game of chess or poker. Nothing is ever as it seems and strategy is always the agenda.

Callum McNab
133 Posted 27/08/2015 at 22:38:54
I think Bobby forced the Board's hands with his statement last night. And I’m glad he did.

As someone just pointed out on Twitter, Chelsea have four centre-halves that are aged between 18 and 22, and everyone of them are loaned out.

Regarding that Darren prick, the FA seriously need to look into how close some of these so-called Journalists are with some of these clubs.

John Malone
134 Posted 27/08/2015 at 22:48:40
Gutted I’m at a wedding the day of the Chelsea game. I have a feeling the roof will come off!
Colin Leary
135 Posted 27/08/2015 at 22:51:16
On September 12th we should have Kendall, Reid, Sheedy, Heath, Sharp etc celebrating our history on the pitch...

Chelsea Who? Loads of money! Oh and Harry Enfield!

Colin Leary
136 Posted 27/08/2015 at 22:53:34
We should all get fake money printed and do a cheer leader singing Loads of Money... That would be brilliant... Haha!!
Peter Morris
137 Posted 27/08/2015 at 22:53:38
Callum,

I put a comment on the Mirror board under that shit Darren Lewis’s ’take’ on developments. The man is hysterical. Anyway, they published it, and I think I speak for many of us.

John Byrne
138 Posted 27/08/2015 at 22:58:15
Clive (#127) - Absolutely love the chant!
Colin Leary
139 Posted 27/08/2015 at 23:08:02
I now think we will bring in some good recruits. Lennon, Yarmolenko and Mori. That would be good business.

Look at the RS squad or Manure. We are building for the future and as Bobby says the Golden Generation. COYB! Money can’t buy everything!
Dave Pritchard
140 Posted 27/08/2015 at 23:10:36
Clive (#128),

I think the score does matter when we play them on 12th of next month. Defeating them will be much sweeter than them winning and Jose having a few chants directed his way.

John Raftery
141 Posted 27/08/2015 at 23:12:49
Our club was always in a strong position to refuse Chelsea’s bid because JS has 4 years remaining on his contract.

Getting that contract signed twelve months was really good management. The outcome would have been very different if there were only a year or two left. We would have had no option but to sell and at a price much lower than £30m.

As we used to say in the sixties ’hard bun’, Jose!

Colin Glassar
142 Posted 27/08/2015 at 23:22:02
Phil W, do you do weddings and wakes? I've got some really annoying relatives I would like to teach a lesson.
Oliver Molloy
143 Posted 27/08/2015 at 23:31:14
Colin,

What’s the betting that Wolfsburg will come in for Lukaku now they have sold De Bruyne for whatever?

Chad Schofield
145 Posted 27/08/2015 at 23:34:43
Great stuff all round from the club. I don't want to be too congratulatory until the window shuts, and the whiny press backlash is already starting... but I certainly hope that Stones stays.

There's a huge difference of contacting contracted players through the correct channels and what's gone on here. It was the same kind of classless shit that made Lescott move so distasteful - only Roberto has been exemplary throughout.

Let's just hope that we give them two fingers when the window shut and then some come the 12th.

Colin Glassar
146 Posted 27/08/2015 at 23:35:51
No chance, Oliver. None of our key players will leave this summer. My fear is we will not get any key players in although Monday could be interesting.
Jim Hillier
148 Posted 28/08/2015 at 00:21:54
So, in summary, all the smart arses who predicted that Stone was gone and the money would disappear up Kenwright's arse are now complaining about something else?
Andy Crooks
149 Posted 28/08/2015 at 00:49:53
It is difficult to insult Chelsea and some of their supporters. I say some, because I have friends who have followed that club since the days of Charlie Cook and Peter Osgood and who are appalled at the attitude of some supporters and their thwarted toddler coach.

When people are thick and proud of it, they are immune to censure. The best response is to deny them their toys and laugh when they stamp their feet.

Andrew Presly
150 Posted 28/08/2015 at 01:13:09
Andy, it's not difficult to insult Chelsea. Our club sadly seems to exist as an insult to Chelsea. We're in their way. They've been relegated as many times as they've won the title. Probably more. It's rude them even thinking about us as a rival "big club", but you know that.

Stones stays. Great. Incomings?

Patrick Murphy
151 Posted 28/08/2015 at 01:17:34
Andrew (#141) Five times Champions of England and Six times relegated from the top-flight is Chelsea’s record.
Andrew Presly
152 Posted 28/08/2015 at 01:29:56
Thank you, Patrick.
Phil Bellis
153 Posted 28/08/2015 at 01:45:00
Phil Walling...you need attending to, you "realistic", miserable Blue

Wish you had been with us last night (maybe not, you wouldn't have liked the pies); you'd have seen a second half, Everton Football Club: united, players, staff, fans

One love....

Andrew Presly
154 Posted 28/08/2015 at 01:55:46
I wasn’t there last night but that look Roberto had when he walked off (early) and tapped Geri & Ross as if to say stay out and get ready... That’s what I want from our manager, that anger.

Yeah we went toe to toe with a League 1 team, slightly embarrassing, but it felt good seeing us with the shackles off. Hopefully a watershed moment.

Ernie Baywood
155 Posted 28/08/2015 at 03:04:14
Andrew, "watershed moment" is exactly what I'm hoping for.

It's only about 18 months since we had such a positive buzz around this club. I want it back.

There are lots of examples of leaders who were struggling and then dealt with a major issue... and went from strength to strength.

Just imagine if on the back of this stance we suddenly sign a few players and win a couple of big games. I can imagine the buzz and the confidence that would bring.

Come on Bill and Roberto. This feels like a big opportunity... go for it.

Steve Barr
156 Posted 28/08/2015 at 03:29:32
This macho stance by Roberto and Bill doesn’t mean anything against the abysmal performances we’ve put in for just about the whole of last season, the Man Utd victory aside, and the poor start to this season, culminating to date in a real struggle to overcome Barnsley.

Peter Barry
157 Posted 28/08/2015 at 04:01:29
That's good news now lets see in Billy Liar can add to that with some PROPER ambitious signings, not cheapo loan deals, before the transfer window closes.
Barry Jones
158 Posted 28/08/2015 at 04:05:18
Everyone seems to think that this is the end of the story and everyone will live happy ever after. There is a possibility that we now have a very disgruntled player on our hands. Remember, he handed in a transfer request.

The hope and expectations are that Stones will behave professionally and get back down to business. I hope so too, but in the real world it doesn’t always pan out like that. So... let’s wait and see.

Steve Jenkins
159 Posted 28/08/2015 at 04:11:05
Whilst the end result is ultimately what matters right now, but I’m not buying this whole – "Well done, Bill, he has grown some balls etc".

The level of pressure the board has been under – plane fly-overs; again, at Barnsley, the "Board out" flags were all on show, ex-players like Big Nev questioning the board's ambition if they sell Stones; likewise McNulty and the Echo even as well saying the transfer request has to be turned down.

The board member being caught on camera saying neither he nor Bill would sell Stones. Transfer request or not, it would have been the board signing their own suicide note if they’d have let Stones go after all mentioned in the paragraph above.

Why didn’t Bill or the Club issue this statement after the first bid or least after the 3rd? The pressure the manager has been under via the media (having to constantly answer questions in TV interviews etc) has been immense, and it would have saved him a whole heap of bother allowing him to concentrate on team issues alone.

Now onto the players we we’re supposed to be bringing in...

Others have said that there will be no marque signings or anything over £10M spent unless we sell Stones first, and have pointed out that we would likely sell him late, then bring in a marque name, with one of two other youngsters saying that the money was always there, we were just waiting to get the right targets and it was a not reliant on the Stones transfer. Whilst of course anything from 25% to 50% of the Stones money is also left over and lost to "operating costs".

Now we’ll have to spend our own money, so to speak, so it will be interesting to see exactly how much we spend now, how many players we bring in and how much stronger the squad is at the close of the window, now that we don’t have the Stones money to spend on players.

Another significant question for the board to now answer.

People can agree or disagree with the protests, some even if agree with the beliefs of the protesters do not necessarily agree with the protests themselves.

One thing I think you can definitely say now is, the fans unrest and the media publicity that it has created, has put a massive pressure on the board, they now cannot continue to act without impunity. Which hopefully should mean in the short term at least, they will have to continue to appease the fans that the club and team is growing and getting stronger.

How long that will be sustainable with the dire financial state they have left the club in is anybodies guess, but, without some quality signings in this window to show that we are at least keeping pace with Palace, Stoke and Swansea, I think unrest will only get louder and louder.

The next 4 days until the window closes will be very interesting to follow as an Evertonian.

Steve Jenkins
160 Posted 28/08/2015 at 04:15:58
Just want to further add, what’s done is done, we want to have the best season we can, we need the best John Stones to do that.

He has to play well anyway to make the Euro's next summer, so get behind the lad at the next few matches, show him support & the actions at the Barnsley game are only that of a tiny, tiny minority.

Matt Traynor
161 Posted 28/08/2015 at 04:16:14
Barry (#149),

That’s always a possibility, but what everyone (media and thicko fans particularly) seem to be forgetting is that the player has a contract, and the club has the legal right to hold him to it.

The contract is there to protect both parties. If Stones has 4 years remaining at £30k a week, that’s around £6m. If Stones hadn’t progressed as hoped, and we wanted to move him on, or a myriad other things happened that meant we needed him gone from EFC, as long as he wasn’t in serious breach of his contract then he would still get paid out in full, or an agreed settlement if Everton moved him on.

Therefore if the club don’t wish to sell then it’s within their right not to.

You are right, a lot of this is down to the player. He does so far seem to have a level head about him, and even if Chelsea ask him to start acting up, let’s home he sees that’s not in his interests. I hope the fans also keep their heads, because already the media are going balls out on him having to move home, receiving threats, etc.

Peter Barry
162 Posted 28/08/2015 at 04:44:44
Footballers contracts are not worth the paper they are printed on.
Darren Hind
163 Posted 28/08/2015 at 04:48:35
Give it a rest, Phil, Lad.

Try to look at the bigger picture. We sell for £35m and it disappears into the famous Goodison black hole.

I've been a persistent critic of Martinez, but he has been a class act throughout this saga. By staring down and beating back everything that is wrong with football today, he has given everyone a huge lift... well everyone bar you and the media shite hawks.


This could go terribly Pete Tong for the Manager, we none of us need you preparing your 'I-told-you-so's to make us aware of that, but he has represented this grand old institution with dignity and pride. We should all be happy about that.

Kristian Boyce
164 Posted 28/08/2015 at 04:56:32
It's all good and well the club making a statement over the Stones saga, but what next? Without investment in the team it makes the stance we've made pointless. If we're not going to spend and bring in players to improve us, why would he want to stay.

Come Tuesday at 6pm and the squad isn't improved as Martinez has talked about all summer. Will all of the strong words over these last few weeks about keeping a player be rather shallow? What happens in January when vultures hover over our other talent? You can only keep players happy for so long, and promises of 'creating something special' only happens when something special happens!

Christopher Kelly
165 Posted 28/08/2015 at 05:08:02
Petet Henry 118

Take a bow. You see through the smokescreen as well. Elated to keep hold of Stones. Please don't get me wrong. But we haven't done shit except hold on to talent. Huge plus these days but what are we NOT talking about? Buying player. We're talking about retaining players. Again great start, but Billy is playing the clappers for fools yet again. This is all theater for him and he's having a laugh.

Christopher Kelly
166 Posted 28/08/2015 at 05:17:26
And whoever those "fans" are that we're calling Stones a "rat" and chasing him down at the pump, the club should force a public apology or face a ban. In no way shape or form is that acceptable behavior. Disgusting to this highest order and shameful to our own.. Those are not fans. End of.
Peter Howard
167 Posted 28/08/2015 at 05:47:54
Christopher(155):

I would just show JS video footage of the RS fans burning Stevie Me's shirt and remind him how that turned out!

David Chait
168 Posted 28/08/2015 at 06:14:45
I firmly believe we are doing the right thing holding on. The pundits all say we should let Stones go win medals.. but what about the Club? What about the millions of fans who want the best for the club and enjoy success – don’t they matter? Selling the crown jewels is only good for one thing – the player and the team who can continue to reap rewards for being rich.

But somewhere on the back of my mind I have this nagging feeling are we just being stubborn? Will over £30m in our pocket not give us the financial muscle to really grow and improve? Is buying a world class Number 10 and a more than adequate replacement a CB not worth more than the romantic notion of keeping the future England Captain?

With our current model we might take years to have enough quality in depth to challenge, but we well could get there in time by keeping our best and adding to them one excellent player per season. By selling we can solidify the best of the rest position quicker and improve the quality of the squad in a few positions.

Fortunately I’m a romantic, when it comes to football at least!

Tom Evans
169 Posted 27/08/2015 at 06:20:54
Just heard on Five Live that the Special One does not intend to make any further bids for John Stones.
Then adds......."in this window".
Danny O'Neill
170 Posted 28/08/2015 at 06:51:47
Darren Hind (156) - last paragraph spot on!

Barry Jones (153); there is a precedent here and it comes from across the park. Liverpool dug their heels in over Suarez in 2013 and refused to sell the player to Arsenal despite a transfer request. The result; the player goes on to have the season of a lifetime (in the build up to a major international tournament) and single-handedly (and unexpectedly) almost wins them the league. Yes, he still went the following season but for £75m vice the £40-£45 Arsenal were touting.

Once this sorry saga is over and 1800 hours 1 September is upon us, John Stones will play football to the best of his ability next season regardless of which blue shirt he dons.

Christopher Timmins
171 Posted 28/08/2015 at 07:01:49
Folks, don’t get side tracked about the need for 3 players by Tuesday 6:00pm. From what I can determine, signing of the creative Number 10 is no closer, the back up to Rom is a £500,000 kid and we are sweating on a work permit for the Argentine centre half.
Spragg Johnson
172 Posted 28/08/2015 at 07:11:34
Kept Mirallas, kept McCarthy, keeping Stones. Still just treading water... We need a centre back, creative midfielder and a striker. Next season we will need a keeper. It’s not rocket science.

What are our scouts actually doing if not working their arses off to ensure the squad improves?

I’d happily drive McGeady back to Russia ... With Gibson, Pienaar, Osman and Hibbert surely on borrowed time? Cut them from the wage bill by next season to fund that decent keeper. Cillesen?

Paul Andrews
173 Posted 28/08/2015 at 07:13:22
The Daily Mail has got a headline saying Stones is considering moving house because of threats from Evertonians. These rags are boiling at Everton having the cheek to turn down one of the sky 4.

Stand strong Blues. Mourinho asked for a statement from Everton saying he was not for sale and he would back off. Anyone think he will keep his word?

Brian Porter
174 Posted 28/08/2015 at 07:23:47
Well done, Roberto! Well said, BK. Bloody well done Everton FC!

I admit to having spoken against Martinez and his tactics many times, but must give credit when due. He has quite obviously bought in to the whole history and set up at Everton and comes across as being as committed a manager as I can remember for a long time, and I have been a fan for 57 years! Roberto clearly loves Everton and maybe, if he starts to get it right on the pitch Everton fans will grow to love him too, a process that began in his first season but stalled last season.

I’m sure Kenwright knew he would possibly lose his manager if he allowed Stones to go. To do so would have represented public ridicule for Roberto after his tough stance from day one of this saga.

Surely the authorities should now be looking at preventing this kind of thing happening in future, either by closing the window before the season opens, and more importantly, making it illegal to tap up players under contract in public, as the gutless ones have done. A private approach to another club is okay, but to deliberately set out to unsettle a contracted player (and they have all but admitted doing that), using their own players, the press and TV companies must be deemed an illegal approach.

Well done also to West Bromwich Albion for taking a similar stand in the Berahino matter. They are now my second favourite PL club, though still can’t forgive Jeff Astle, bless him, for his cup winning goal against us. There again, their top scorer has had to be left out of their team because his head has been totally turned by the unwanted attentions of ’another premier league team’ towards a player who was nit on the transfer list.

Roberto is right again when he talks about contracts. They have to be made to mean something again. If a player signs a five-year contract, as Stones did, they need to be made fully aware that it means they are committing themselves both legally and morally to their club for that period of time. If a contracted player receives a long term injury, like poor Bryan Oviedo, the club continues to pay them, and foots the medical bills and supports their player, so the player must learn that loyalty is a two-way street, and they owe their club, their team-mates and their fans a degree of loyalty for the period of their contract. If they are unhappy, go talk to the manager, privately and if things are unable to be sorted, the club may place you on the transfer list, BUT, the power in these cases must rest with the employer.

The player has enough power under Bosman to do as he pleases when his contract expires, but until that time, his employer should, and technically does, hold all the aces. If more clubs and managers follow Roberto’s great example, thing might begin to change and players begin to realise the gravy train is slowing down, and the price of their ticket has just gone up. In other words, don’t sign a contract unless you mean to honour it.

John Stones was over the moon to sign a five-year deal with us just a year ago. We have since then, given him a place in the first team and coached him to international standard and England caps. His response? A transfer request at the first hint of a bigger money deal. I can’t help but think he’s been very badly advised, but if this is the ’real’ John Stones talking, I’d be sadly disappointed in him.

Tom Evans
175 Posted 28/08/2015 at 07:41:01
Excellent post Brian.
Brian Porter
176 Posted 28/08/2015 at 08:13:01
Thank you, Tom, #169. The latest from the ever reliable Sun, "John Stones" has been forced to flee his home after being terrorised by furious Everton fans."

If true, this is a terrible indictment on a small section of our support, but, is as seems more likely, this is yet another piece of sensationalist gutter press reporting, it shows how far the media has sunk in their efforts to undermine our club and further unsettle a young man who should now be left alone to get on with his daily business of being an Everton player.

Nicky Styles
177 Posted 28/08/2015 at 08:39:19
I really hope thats not true. That's an awful article.

On the other hand, that rag is not exactly reliable.

Kevin McCartney
178 Posted 28/08/2015 at 08:45:49
Brian I’m with you on that John has been I’ll advised most likely by his agent who I would expect to have his own hidden agenda which is to line is own pocket and he probably doesn’t give a shit whether John actually gets a game or sits on the bench if he went.

Someone I think should have a quiet word with John’s agent explaining that the only time John needs to hear from him is when his current contract is potentially coming up for renewal. But this statement should really come from John himself and other players should do the same.

Only problem is, agents, media etc would appear to be in it all together to keep their preferred media darlings in the top 4 / CL so that the huge global advertising deals and subsequent media stories keep the fragile business model going.

Steven Jones
179 Posted 28/08/2015 at 08:51:19
Things we have learned...

1. There should be a new law from the authorities making illegal moves for players through media, making unwanted bids, making those bids public, using players and ex players to make comments and thereby unsettle a player in the same competition. Constructive illegal move should be created to avoid this seeking to gain competitive advantage. At least a code of Practice from Premier League, Managers Association and FA.

2. The new TV money and rights money that has already come in and steps up even more next year is going to level up the playing field. Not completely but it now allows a club to spot talent, nurture it and then protect it from top 4-6 teams. The advantage that middle teams have is they can give time and opportunity to play in Premier League to develop that talent.

3. EFC strategy of building youth from scratch and brining in 17- to 19-year-old talent, with opportunities and space to get to first team level has produced a result.

4. RM’s vision and team/squad build is progressing, so is the team style and ability to execute at pace. Moving the ball at pace, on the break, less slowly around the back 5, investing big in Striker and attacking talent, replacing an ageing defence, midfield (Neville, Heitinga in CM anyone?). This pre-season Browning, Galloway, Pennington and even Holgate look to be adding more momentum to the strategy. It saves huge transfer budgets and builds intangible reputation value to attract the best youth.

5. EFC is no longer in financial dire straights. Compare to Peter Johnson point, Walters 73 CB’s etc, Rooney going, Arteta, Felaini sell to buy situation, Able to buy a £28M CF.

6. Chairman has made some mistakes and there has been some commercial own goals, controversial loans, stadium etc, however he is an Evertonian and with the financial history of the EL changing the asset he brings of stability, oratory, history and respect from the vast majority of fans. He has backed his managers and has made a stand to create a trend for all on Top 4 clubs.

7. EFC Team is young and still evolving and we as fans have an opportunity to get behind this Golden generation and support their mistakes, cheer them on and create an amazing atmosphere that wants talent to stay and attract top top players to take on the very best. We as fans have both an opportunity and a responsibility to build our club. Supporting John Stones, Ross Barkley, Gerard Deulofeu, Romelu Lukaku etc can be the start.

Sure there is more but it does feel as though something is turning; let's play our part!

Charles Brewer
180 Posted 28/08/2015 at 08:53:43
Brian, I expect the fans who attacked John Stones’s home were on their way back from robbing some dead and dying people at a car crash they had organised. We Scousers do that sort of thing, don’t we?

This shitty newspaper is a very long way from being a reliable source of information. If I were to hazard a guess at the origins of this story it is either (in order of likelihood):

a) completely untrue
b) the result of a stunt set up by Chelsea and its gangster owners
c) a bunch of RS trying to cause trouble.

If JS has indeed left his home (which I suspect is true), it may be because Bill Kenwright (or someone close in the celeb world) has advised him that the lizards of the gutter press will be everywhere along with various other undesirables seeking to cause trouble.

John Stones sounds like quite a sensitive young lad and is probably anxious about what is going to happen and will be best off out of the public gaze apart from when playing in front of a highly supportive crown of Evertonians (and, one suspects supporters of other teams who want to see the class-free bums of west London shown proper disrespect).

Mike Hughes
181 Posted 28/08/2015 at 08:59:50
I haven't bought a paper for years as I have long realised they are full of shite (and not just on the football, politics, columnists etc). Why pay when, if you want to, you can access the same garbage online for free?

Anyway, I've just seen the crap written this morning online - "Stones forced to fee home - hate mob force him out". (Scenes of a torch-wielding mob heading for Frankenstein's castle spring to mind).

The BBC are just as bad - they've highlighted the Martinez press conference at 9am while also planting the seed for further John Stones debate. On Lawro's predictions, he says we should basically give up on keeping Stones - i.e. bend over when Loadsamoney comes calling.

The club have said "No" yet the dirty, leering media keep trying to tap us up.

Odious, self-serving scumbags - that just about sums up the tabloids and the TV / radio media. They have a London/ Manc/ rs bias and there's only one thing we can do - stop buying and subscribing.

Paul Smith
182 Posted 28/08/2015 at 09:01:51
I was at Barnsley and there is a definite "scally" section of fans being abusive and derogatory.

It is almost excepted and the culture leaves a lot to be desired; even more so when there are young Evertonians present. I would think twice about taking my kids to the away games especially with the amount of exotic tobaccos' being smoked on the terraces.
Eddie Dunn
183 Posted 28/08/2015 at 09:12:41
Although I was delighted with our manager’s comments and the statement from Kenwright, the fact that the club hadn’t been so clear at an earlier stage, suggests that they were interested in what Chelski had to offer.

It seems to me that Martinez has dug his heels in over this issue, as he sees Stones as very much a part of his vision of the future. I think therefore that it was possible that Roberto would have walked away on this topic.

Moyes tried to put pressure on the board for more funds, as he became more revered nationally. Martinez came with a good rapport with the media and probably feels more confident in pressing the club than Moyes did at the same stage in his tenure.

The relative inactivity over subsequent transfer windows would suggest that the board either will not or can’t sanction expenditure on even mid-range targets.

While our rivals splash the cash, we are shopping in the bargain basement again at a time when it is clear that our young players are not ready to step into the first team on a regular basis.

There is not much time left, but we really need more defensive cover and another striker, not to mention the number 10. If Lukaku gets crocked or Jags joins the hammy brigade we will be seriously screwed.

Come on Bill, you’ve done the right thing on Stones (at last), so now open the till and give Bobby some petty cash.

Ray Roche
184 Posted 28/08/2015 at 09:16:21
Brian Porter@68.

Brian, I wonder where all the criticism of WBA is for not allowing Berahino his "dream move". I fail to see any difference in the two transfer sagas yet no one in the press is dragging WBA's name through the mud nor are there countless articles, talkSHITE discussions on the transfer etc. Maybe because Spurs are not bankrolling individual members of the media to get them to help push through a deal....

Paul Cherrington
185 Posted 28/08/2015 at 09:25:06
Well done to the manager and chairman over this.

As many have already said, they have done the right and brave thing in standing up to Chelsea and keeping hold of Stones. We really do need to start buying the players we need now, though, too.

Dave Abrahams
186 Posted 28/08/2015 at 09:26:50
Steve Jenkins (154) very good summing up of this affair, I applaud Martinez, he has been a rock throughout this whole sorry episode and deserves all the praise he ie getting.

Nobody knows why John Stones asked for a transfer and who prompted him to do this, it will come out in the future, meanwhile loads of us are still waiting for the end of the transfer window before we start applauding the club.

Martinez will retain my applause no matter what happens.

Brian Porter
187 Posted 28/08/2015 at 09:39:36
Ray Roche @178. I agree with you completely. Probably because Tottenham, for all their failings, don’t have the financial muscle or the tame press corps in the wings, ready to do their bidding at a moment’s notice.

The same principal applies, but, as you rightly point out, no one is ’having a go’ at West Brom for wanting to keep their leading goal scorer. Might have been different if it was Chelsea after him, and that really makes it all the more important that the authorities do something to prevent moneybags clubs like them from acting in this manner in future.

Mike Hannaway
188 Posted 28/08/2015 at 09:39:54
Got to sing this when that small club arrive at Goodison:

Mix - The Beatles - Can’t buy me love:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=venzPNvge18&list=RDvenzPNvge18

Jim Lloyd
189 Posted 28/08/2015 at 09:45:13
I think Roberto has handled this saga exceptionally well. He said when he became manager, that we couldn’t compete financially with the rich clubs but that we could do it another way.

We could become successful by bringing together good young players and having an Academy that would produce Premier League quality players from quality young prospects.

I remember hearing that as soon as he came to the club, Martinez went to introduce himself to Kevin Sheedy and often watches the lads and takes a great interest in the development of young players.

We’re beginning to see that group of players he’s after growing into a team. I think he sold the idea to the Board and I think it was down to him that we are keeping Stones.

Well done Roberto.

I think we need to wait until probably the last day until we see the players who he wants, come in. It’s been made clear that he would to some business very quickly (Tom Cleverley and Gerry Deulofeu) So I think the same crew who keep harping on about the need for players, could do well to wait until the window shuts before kicking off. I don’t think criticising Roberto for the lack of transfer activity is right. The Board are the ones who sanction the purchase so let’s wait and see.

As for Chelsea, well, we’ve got the home match in a couple of weeks where we can make our feelings clear about this saga.

As for John Stones, well, I hope we will be as supportive of him as he deserves. A great player but a young lad. If The Reds can show the support they did to Suarez, who manipulated the transfer saga, we can certainly do the same for a lad who has probably had is head wrecked by the storm of controversy around him.

As for those so-called fans who (if true!) abused our player, well... "Beam them up, Scotty!"

Tony Dove
190 Posted 28/08/2015 at 10:00:37
I wonder if BK organised the abuse outside Stones’s house so as to ease the way for Stones to go and BK pocket the money? I love a conspiracy theory and there’s a bagful of them in this saga.
Tony Abrahams
191 Posted 28/08/2015 at 10:01:37
Phil Bellis, I was talking to this fella the other week at the match. This man always looks tired, with the weight of the world on his shoulders, but he looked terrific.

"You look great, mate," I said, "been on a good holiday?"

He smiled and said, "This fella from Wigan, who used to sit next to me, has fucked off!!"

John Raftery
192 Posted 28/08/2015 at 10:10:41
Paul (176) Yes, you are right we do have some scally scum among our following. Fortunately they are the minority.

I was also at Barnsley and the majority were supporting John Stones. I expect it will be the same tomorrow at Spurs.

Phil Walling
193 Posted 28/08/2015 at 10:24:22
Given that the Abrahams family are such great fans of Martinez, how do they explain their hero's inactivity throughout the summer to cover a situation he knew would arise halfway through last season?

Although he's now talking about how busy his acolytes are in South America, he's had all summer to fill the gap created by his release of Distin and Alcaraz. The Stones situation has been used as a smokescreen for this manager's prevarication in the market and I hold no truck with the repeated allegation that he has been deprived of funds until this last moment.

What is so amusing about this guy's utterings is that he slams everybody for extending player trading well into the season but he fails to do anything to fill his own vacancies until the very last minute.

Kenwright must be well pissed off with being painted as this summer's villain given that he has proved ample finance is now available at the club hence his rejection of Chelsea's £40M for this year's Wonderboy!

Steve Carter
194 Posted 28/08/2015 at 10:35:20
I’m sorry, but most of these posts are emotional claptrap. If (I repeat if) reports are correct in saying Chelsea’s final bid was £38M AND he requested a transfer, we are crazy not to sell.

We bought the bloke for £2M, who knows how he will progress or whether he will suffer an injury tomorrow. We haven’t a pot to piss in.

Like it or not, we are a sell to buy club, and we’ve been offered way above the odds in the here and now - noting that there’s no hint of any competition on what Chelsea were prepared to stump up. Clearly few, if any, of the happy clappies amongst you have ever run a business in the real world.

Peter Morris
195 Posted 28/08/2015 at 10:41:17
Roberto made a clear point in his press conference this morning to compliment River Plate over their conduct regarding the potential transfer of Mori.

I like it, Robbie. Couldn’t have put it better myself!

Phil Walling
196 Posted 28/08/2015 at 10:44:04
Soundbites, Peter, that's all he offers !
Peter Morris
197 Posted 28/08/2015 at 10:48:08
Steve(186),

I’m retired now, but the last business I ran, as CEO, had a turnover of more than £120m a year, so I can claim to know a bit, and I don’t agree with you.

James Byrne
198 Posted 28/08/2015 at 10:50:51
After listening to parts of the RM press conference regarding the Stones issue, I just struggle to believe anything either Martinez or the club come out with. Maybe I'm reading it all wrong.

All we can do is wait until Tuesday night to see who actually comes and goes. I just don't trust this club one bit and I think RM is making a rod for his own back regarding the situation with Stones.

Jim Lloyd
199 Posted 28/08/2015 at 10:50:52
Phil, What part of "not having the cash" don’t you understand?

The money is not his to splash out, otherwise he’d have the players in who hew wanted before now. What is the point of him waiting? Prevaricating? Do you seriously consider that a manager would not have his players in before now, if he was in control of the cash?

I think you just won’t accept that Kenwright, Earl and Co are the ones who authorise the release of funds. It has been explained, in detail, on ToffeeWeb, why we won’t see any major outlay of funds until almost the final hours of the window.

You seem to have it in for Martinez. By all means criticise him for what is in his power but I see no difference here between Roberto and Moyes. Last minute deals were the order of the day when Moyesie was manager.

Because we don’t now have to sell, you have made a stellar leap of logic here, to the point that we now have cash to burn and Roberto can just go out and buy who he wants... but he won’t because he’s a prevaricator.

Dearie me!!

Steve Jenkins
200 Posted 28/08/2015 at 11:14:59
Cheers Dave, 179

Roberto has definitely come out of this with a lot of admirers for how he’s conducted himself throughout the whole saga.

I really like the players he’s brought in – and youth policy he’s adopted; if he can just get the defence sorted and better organisation and pressing as a team, I think we’ll be really onto something.

Steve Burgess
201 Posted 28/08/2015 at 11:21:06
Check out this balanced piece. Nice to see a national rag deviating from the lazy shite knocking around NewsNow:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/Everton/11830244/John-Stones-transfer-saga-Roberto-Martinez-proves-when-a-club-say-a-player-is-not-for-sale-they-can-really-mean-it.html

Steve Carter
202 Posted 28/08/2015 at 11:26:53
Fair play Peter (189). But why?
Nick Page
203 Posted 28/08/2015 at 11:38:47
All this waiting to the last minute talk, and Roberto has the funds is rubbish. We do wait to the last minute and always did when Moyes was manager hence the dithering charge unfairly levelled at him. Funny how Real Sociedad have signed 10 players this window. Some dithering that!

Link

Jim Burns
204 Posted 28/08/2015 at 12:16:01
Steve @ 186. I do run a business in the real world - successfully. I am not a happy clappie. I think this decision by the board and management of Everton is a top class decision, and makes perfect business sense in terms of future potential transfer value OR future player value if John stays.
What's your problem - don't you believe he'll improve?

Your derogatory tone towards your fellow blues seems to indicate you just don't get it. Of course it's emotional - but it's also the best decision coming out of our club for some time- in every sense... including a business sense.

Wind your neck in mate ,let's enjoy the news, and look forward to the rest of the season.

Victor Jones
205 Posted 28/08/2015 at 12:16:06
Good to see that Stones is staying, at least for one more season. Although lets all wait until tuesday before getting to far ahead of ourselves. Although so far so good.Now hows this for a crazy scenario. Martinez brings in a no nonsense, hard as nails solid in your face CB. You know the type I mean. We could do with that type of defender. It would help to tighten up our leaky defence. Stones at present is not that defender. Now fear not my fellow Evertonians, were would I play JS. How about in front of a solid back four. In a DMF role. Picture JS striding up field and spraying passes all over the park. Magic. He would be in that position in place of Martinez's favourite old man Barry. Just a thought. And I am I bit of a dreamer. I believe that defenders are there to defend and ball players are there to play the beautiful game. Stones is a ball player.

On the subject of bringing in players. We could do with cover in a number of positions. But I wish that Martinez would indentify that we could do with a top class Gk on board. We also need urgent cover at LB. As our left side is a disaster waiting to happen. How about Lescott as cover?Roll on the end of this window. And bring on Spurs. They have not started brilliant. Can Martinez conjur up a win. I might even become a convert. COYBs

Iain Latchford
206 Posted 28/08/2015 at 12:17:37
Whether you like it or not John Stones would rather play for Chelsea. He's handed in a transfer request which confirms that. I'm not saying it means he won't try his best in every game, but the fact is he wanted to leave and would have had we accepted the bid.

If we don't make any significant signings and subsequently struggle in the league RM and BK will have some very difficult questions to answer. Obviously BK will go into hiding and leave RM to face the flack from the fans.

What a great Evertonian he is.

Phil Walling
207 Posted 28/08/2015 at 12:24:03
Jim, if truth be told, none of us know diddly squat about what goes on behind the scenes. You blame the board, I blame the manager and the truth is almost certainly hidden somewhere between the two poles !

I don't feel I'm alone in not being very enthused with Martinez dealings in the market - this year and previously - but as you would believe he has been starved of cash we are urged to lay the blame at BK's door.

On the Stones issue, there can no longer be a cash crisis at Goodison or the banks would be on the club's back to alleviate the problem by trading whilst the kid is 'hot'. I just hope the failure to cover this vital position before now (whoever is to blame) will not ultimately come to be seen as the reason the club missed out on a bonanza deal.

Peter Morris
208 Posted 28/08/2015 at 12:28:59
Steve(193)
well, I think it's because I buy the notion a club that isn't blessed with limitless amounts of money, can succeed with a plan that involves growing it's own assets(and that includes recruiting from lower leagues) into a successful team that exceeds the sums of it's constituent parts. Both Denmark and Greece won the European Championships. Wigan beat Man City and all their money to win the FA Cup. Many, many smaller businesses outwit wealthier competitors by being more creative, more flexible, quicker on their feet, working harder and by exploiting 'softer' strengths, as I'm sure you will appreciate.I think most Everton supporters agree with this approach and to sell John Stones would make a mockery of Martinez's vision for the club's future. A 21 year old guy brought in from the lower leagues and then given a 5 year deal IS the reason why the Barkleys, the Colemans, the McCarthys of this world signed long term deals. It wasn't just the money, and football, like life, is about much more than money.
That's my view on the matter.
Jim Burns
209 Posted 28/08/2015 at 12:37:25
Peter @197 - I agree completely. Well said and keep the faith. Anyone seen the damage Lidle and Aldi are starting to do to the Supermarket giants?
Phil Walling
210 Posted 28/08/2015 at 12:37:41
A creditable plan, Peter, but as Iain says above, the kid would rather be somewhere else!
Jim Burns
211 Posted 28/08/2015 at 12:39:35
Phil - a bit like Stevie me did? Whatever did happen to that story?
Craig Walker
212 Posted 28/08/2015 at 12:40:06
I wouldn't like to be John Stones, the first time he has a shocking game or costs us a goal.
Iain Latchford
213 Posted 28/08/2015 at 12:40:53
May I ask at this point what our scouts actually do ? We have them in this country, Europe and around the world (or a few people get lots of holidays). So far we've been able to identify one player from Argentina to come in as cover in central defence.

If I performed so badly my boss would be asking me a few questions.

Iain Latchford
214 Posted 28/08/2015 at 12:42:59
Jim, Gerrard changed his mind. Stone would still go given the chance.
Iain Latchford
215 Posted 28/08/2015 at 12:43:23
*Stones
Victor Jones
216 Posted 28/08/2015 at 12:45:00
Martinez does not seem to "do" defenders. The evidence is clear for all to see. Our best defenders are all Moyes players. Sorry to say that, but it is true. I don't know how Mori will fare. But I am not expecting anything great. Good that Stones is now staying. But he will now most likely move on next season. We need to get used to that fact. So no excuses next summer. Martinez has a full season to indentify suitable replacements. Including a top class Gk. But what are the odds that we all have to endure the exact same pissing about next season?

People, don't get me wrong, I want JS to stay. But just think what four 10 million rated players would bring to our squad. Four seasoned top premier league hardened players. Or John Stones. Do we trust Martinez? I just don't know. I just don't bloody well know.

Ged Simpson
217 Posted 28/08/2015 at 12:46:26
"... the kid would rather be somewhere else ! "

Aah....poor little John

Jim Burns
218 Posted 28/08/2015 at 12:50:38
Iain - it's a day or two after he submitted his request. What makes you think he won't change his mind?
In any event, I'm not saying he won't go eventually - but for the sake of everything we should hold dear as Evertonians - it should be on our terms if possible- not just because it suits a cheap, classless Russian project who themselves now have central defensive frailties because of our stand.
Brent Stephens
219 Posted 28/08/2015 at 12:51:12
Steve #186 count me alongside Peter Morris and Jim Burns as having real world experience. I can see the business case here. And I'm happy-clapping and emotional.
Peter Morris
220 Posted 28/08/2015 at 12:53:16
I'm betting Stones will get over it, but agree that it is important that supporters play their part. Show him how special this club is. He's a young lad, and we all make mistakes.
Jay Wood
221 Posted 28/08/2015 at 12:55:29
Peter #197

"I buy the notion a club that isn't blessed with limitless amounts of money can succeed with a plan that involves growing it's own assets ... that includes recruiting from lower leagues into a successful team that exceeds the sums of it's constituent parts ... Many, many smaller businesses outwit wealthier competitors by being more creative, more flexible, quicker on their feet, working harder and by exploiting softer strengths."

I would support that model 100% Peter. Unfortuately, until now, it is not a model the Everton board has adopted. Maybe this represents a sea change in attitude and ambition that can realise greater success for the club, rather than the survival not growth model we have adhered to, based solely on TV monies and player sales.

I live in hope.

Paul Cherrington
222 Posted 28/08/2015 at 13:02:33
I think there is truth in that the board are holding funds back as usual until the last minute. As has been noted, this happens pretty much every year, so you can’t blame the manager there.

The difference with Martinez in charge is that I don’t think the signings he does eventually get in will be good enough or he has any sort of clear plan. with Moyes although the situation was the same I just felt more confident with him that, in the end, we would get what we needed as he had it all in hand.

Iain Latchford
223 Posted 28/08/2015 at 13:03:17
Maybe he will Jim, but as it stands he is saying "I want to go to Chelsea, but Everton won't sell me so I'll have to stay here". That will remain to be the case until I hear otherwise.

The bottom line is this. We should be in a situation where we can keep Stones AND invest in the team, but due to the awful running of the club this isn't the case. My personal feeling that £40m reinvested in the team would be of more benefit to us.

I guess only time will tell.

Jim Burns
224 Posted 28/08/2015 at 13:08:21
Mouriniho's press conference on Sky Sports just now when asked for a response to Everton's stance - ( with a face like a smacked arse).....' I don't comment on other club's players'. You couldn't make it up, and each time this prick opens his mouth, the more I despise him and what that club , and the top end of the Premiership, have become.

Nil Satis Nisi Optimum

Iain Latchford
225 Posted 28/08/2015 at 13:12:52
Mourinho is a cock of the highest order. I think everyone can agree on that.
Ian Hollingworth
226 Posted 28/08/2015 at 13:13:17
Hmmm... I hope this is true but isn’t this the same BK who said he would not sell Rooney. Let's hops this remains on 2nd Sept but I still fear the worst.

Oh and the little problem of having a player who told the world he wants to leave!! Now what about the signings we desperately need regardless of Stones going or not???

Mike Childs
227 Posted 28/08/2015 at 13:17:22
So why at this late stage would the kid rather be some where else? Why didn't he turn in a transfer request 2 weeks ago?

He decided for his future he needed the cash now?

The fans calling him a rat?

Doesn't believe in RM's vision?

Carefully orchestrated move by BK to make the move late enough to avoid reinvesting the cash and leaving the fault with Stoney's agent?

Dave Abrahams
228 Posted 28/08/2015 at 13:20:01
Phil (185) I can only speak for myself, I agree with Martinez over his handling of the Stones transfer up to now, I think he has had to look after all aspects of this transfer on his own.

We all know or should know how Kenwright deals with the transfer windows so I believe that the reasons the deals are done late are down to him.

I also stated I will leave it to the end of the window before applauding the club, let's see what happens.

Regarding Martinez as a manager I decided to see if he will change his tactics this season, so far I am not sure that he has, again I'll wait and see over a few more matches.

Keep contributing Phil I enjoy your points of view, and I still think you will be back at Goodison.

Mark Tanton
229 Posted 28/08/2015 at 13:20:41
"I don't comment on other club's players"... Sounds like a petulant admission of defeat?
Jim Burns
230 Posted 28/08/2015 at 13:21:07
Iain, Always assuming all the money ( less Barnsley's cut ) was invested in buying players - and that the right players were available for a deal to be done within 4 days or so- on both counts unlikely.

But you are right when you say - only time will tell.

Mark Tanton
231 Posted 28/08/2015 at 13:31:24
Jeez, Bill must dread opening his emails.
Jim Burns
232 Posted 28/08/2015 at 13:31:45
Mark - we should be careful - when a rat is cornered it often bites.
David Chait
233 Posted 28/08/2015 at 13:36:52
Talk about no cover.. Only Hibbert, Pennington and Browning... Serious issues if that went through. Maybe Besic could do a job...
Iain Latchford
234 Posted 28/08/2015 at 13:47:18
Jim, if we’d decided to cash in on Stones. I’d have told Chelsea it’s £40m no later than 3 weeks before the transfer window shuts, to give us time to try to sign the players we (should) have already identified. Doing it two days before the transfer window closed would have been crazy. I’m with you on that.

The conspiracy theorist in me thinks that BK knows that once the people he owes money to knew he had £40m on the way, they would be knocking on his door in next to no time. At the moment he can say "I can’t give you what I haven’t got". Better to have Stones and be skint, than not have him and still be skint. Naturally the fans would have been screaming for him to spend the money, and it would have been very difficult to explain it had been sucked up already.

Jim Burns
235 Posted 28/08/2015 at 13:48:49
No chance of it going through David -
Jim Burns
236 Posted 28/08/2015 at 13:58:17
Iain - I honestly don't think it's any more complex than Everton have said. Call me naive but I tend to think the reasons behind us turning down the bids is as simple as those given - building a team for the future etc.

I'm sure there are always hidden aspects to any club's agenda's, but some of the conspiracy theories expounded really do stretch the imagination at times.

Iain Latchford
237 Posted 28/08/2015 at 14:19:36
The FD at my work used to work with a lad who now works at Barclays in Canary Wharf. This guy (also a blue) is now part of the department responsible for allocating the Barclays money to the premier league clubs. He said Everton are by far the worst club for chasing the money, and were on the phone daily asking when it would be paid. They received £23m from Barclays about three weeks ago. I'm not sure where this money has gone but it certainly hasn't gone on players. It is a bit of a tenuous link I know, but does come from a fairly good source. *whistles X-Files theme tune*
David Chait
238 Posted 28/08/2015 at 14:22:25
Dont forget the revenue needs to be spread to cover payments as well.. its not just sitting in the bank waiting or a transfer.. there is also old transfer payments probably due..the next Lukaku payment etc..
Martin Mason
239 Posted 28/08/2015 at 14:22:38
My own thoughts are that keeping Stones won't make us a top5 side but £40 MM would do the club a lot of good.
Phil Walling
240 Posted 28/08/2015 at 14:23:10
You could well be right about BK's thought process but, personally, I suspect the 'Southampton Cesna' had more to do with his decision. Bill has always portrayed himself as 'a man of his people' and he wont have liked suggestions that their goodwill towards him was running out.

A bit uncharitable to say it but I do believe the 'No' was more a personal protection matter than any requirement to support the manager's partly self- imposed discomfort.

Mark Tanton
241 Posted 28/08/2015 at 14:23:25
That creates a vision for me of Bill Kenwright, sweating on the phone saying "they're going to take my fingers, please just pay up - they're serious!".
Iain Latchford
242 Posted 28/08/2015 at 14:32:21
He needs to careful around Mr Abramovich on 12th September. Especially if Roman offers him a brew or is carrying an umbrella.
Tony I'Anson
243 Posted 28/08/2015 at 14:46:06
Kevin #97 What about 'Status Quo'

"I can make an offer you can't refuse". Should go down well.

Jay Harris
244 Posted 28/08/2015 at 14:55:59
Kudos to Seamus who has come right out and said he is very happy at Everton and does not want to move anywhere.

On other fronts:

Major Kudos to Roberto and the board for their admirable stance re Stones

However, we have had over 6 months to get a decent replacement for Alcatraz and Distin and known that we need a "special" number 10 and a goalscorer.

I believe we were genuinely chasing Yarmalenko but that sort of died with the "John Stones" affair.

I will keep my powder dry until the window closes but I believe most Evertonians are expecting a "marquee" signing" in addition to the other 2 "squad" players.

Over to you Bill????

Iain Latchford
245 Posted 28/08/2015 at 15:11:41
It wasn't that long ago that people on here were screaming that we should take £30-35m for Lukaku if Wolfsburg or Man Utd were to offer it. He's averaging nearly one goal in every two games now and we paid £26m in the first place, so not much profit in that. Now people are up in arms that we would consider selling an up and coming defender for £40m who we paid £3m for. That's a peculiar logic for me.
Sam Hoare
246 Posted 28/08/2015 at 15:27:15
Happy as I am that Stones is staying this is not the end of the saga just a pause in it. The vultures will be back if not in January then certainly next Summer and he will want the move even more unless by some miracle we achieve top 4.

Steve Carse
247 Posted 28/08/2015 at 15:27:44
It's absurd that we seemingly would reject a £30m+ offer for Stones. Sure he's a good player, though I wonder if his admirers would be so effusive if he was less stylish in everything he does. To my mind what he's capable of doing from CB is no greater than most good CBs in terms of whether he wins games or saves games. It's just that he looks so much better than a Shawcross for example in doing it. I am no different in admiring his abilities on the ball, particularly in bringing the ball out of defence. But does that add up to much in terms of determining results?
Iain Latchford
248 Posted 28/08/2015 at 15:37:28
In season 2013-14 with Jags and Distin as our two main central defenders we conceded 39 goals and kept 15 clean sheets (3rd best defence in the league). In 2014-15 with Jags and Stones (mainly) we conceded 50 goals and kept 10 clean sheets (10th in the league).

I know it's not as cut and dried as that, but a valid point for me.

Martin Mason
249 Posted 28/08/2015 at 15:40:15
It does shatter a lot of myths surrounding the club and the chairman though. Just think how much they could have siphoned off to the BVI the unambitious idiots. Have they got a plan for the club or something?

The fans who have given Stones a hard time over this make be ashamed to be an Evertonian.

James Hughes
250 Posted 28/08/2015 at 15:43:23
Stones will be worth more next summer IF he stays injury free and continues his form. It is simple economics that we held our nerve and said a big fat no right now.

I am more than happy he stayed and I cant understand the grief he has been given, after less than 2 seasons with us he is called a rat for asking to move on.

I think he will move next summer for excess of £50m and until then we should get behind him. This is not just my opinion but of several others who don't just watch SSN and then print an article.

Jim Burns
251 Posted 28/08/2015 at 15:51:08
Well said James - and spot on re next summer in the context of our refusal to sell.
Jim Burns
252 Posted 28/08/2015 at 15:52:50
Get your money on a spur is signing upfront before Tuesday boys and girls - a quiet fiver on Yarmelenko for me still.
Iain Latchford
253 Posted 28/08/2015 at 15:54:49
James, how about the economics of selling him, reinvesting £40m in the team and finishing higher in the league ? Wouldn't the difference be about the same? Plus the fans would hopefully get to see a few more wins/goals and get some more value for money.

There seems to be train of thought that we're defending great with him in the team. I don't think that's true.

Mike Allison
254 Posted 28/08/2015 at 16:02:33
Iain the point is we couldn't reinvest the money in the team this week. The argument is a reasonable one, but very easy to get wrong. Liverpool and Spurs both managed to waste huge amounts of money recently and would have been better teams had they kept Suarez and Bale respectively.

If we had a deal in place, sold Stones for £50m next June and were able to buy three top quality players the same week, then it would be a great bit of business, but that is much easier said than done.

Iain Latchford
255 Posted 28/08/2015 at 16:11:19
Mike, I agree that Liverpool and Spurs spent their money very badly. My opinion is that Suarez and Bale were far more important to those teams than Stones is for us. They were basically carrying the whole side. Suarez was getting thirty plus goals a season, plus many more assists. Stones does not have that level of impact for us, nowhere near.

Ultimately the way the manager spends the money is part of his job and what he gets paid handsomely for. AVB, ended up getting the boot for blowing the Bale money and Brenda must have had a few "please explain" meetings.

Bale and Suarez are world class attacking players. Stones is an up and coming defender who, so far, has not improved our results. In fact you could argue the opposite.

Iain Latchford
256 Posted 28/08/2015 at 16:12:45
(I also said earlier that we should have done a deal weeks ago. I agree we couldn't spend the money effectively in a few days)
Darren Hind
257 Posted 28/08/2015 at 16:24:16
There`s been some great songs put forward for the faithful to sing when the Chavs visit the old lady next month.

"Money can't buy you Stones" and "You can't always get what you want" are a couple I`ve seen today...

Anymore?
Michael Polley
258 Posted 28/08/2015 at 16:38:04
Hopefully this is the end of this saga for now. Let's get in 2/3 new first team signings and start concentrating on the season ahead.

Personally I think the transfer window should end once the season starts. The stones situation has been a joke. Reminds me of the Lescott affair a few seasons back, except this time Stones has given 100% despite all the press about him - all the credit to the kid.

Looking forward to the Chelsea game. The atmosphere will be toxic towards the Chelsea shite & that twat Mourinho - Bring out 'The Dogs of War'

James Hughes
259 Posted 28/08/2015 at 16:57:31
Iain (#248), we never seem to reinvest all the money back into the squad regardless of who we sell.

£40m at present seems to be only ’buy in’ money this window and who would be the intended targets that will move us up the table?

We really need to see if Roberto has changed, as hinted at by Howard K, before we start splashing cash.

Ian Cowhig
262 Posted 28/08/2015 at 19:53:17
Understanding that Stones is still developing.

Can anyone name a player that Mourinho has actually developed within the Chelsea set up to become a permanent fixture in the Chelsea team? So not sent on loan to someone else, or already proven at other clubs.

Myself and a couple of the lads have racked our brains and can not actually identify one in either of his two times in charge at Chelsea.

So if true, something for promising talent who have not yet finished their development to consider when moving to a club he is manager of.

The man may be a great tactician when working with proven, mature, international players. But he doesn’t appear to have the patience or ability to develop them himself.

Phil Walling
263 Posted 28/08/2015 at 20:02:38
Well, we are where we are and retaining Stones is seen as a masterstroke by chairman and manager. With him in the team, we finished eleventh last season but already we've added Cleverley, Delboy and Rodrigues and we are told there are more to come.

So what can we aspire to, 'seventhish'? But that was never good enough when Moyesey did it every season and was seen as boring so it must be the higher position Roberto gave us in his first season.

I bet Paddy Power is quaking in his boots when he sees all the money going on that happening!

Jim Lloyd
264 Posted 28/08/2015 at 20:07:25
Phil (202). It is not a matter of the truth lying "somewhere in between" as you put it

You have called Roberto a prevaricator! Why, if you wouldn't mind sharing your logic with us, would Roberto wait until the final couple of days before getting in players who would bring in the improvements to the squad, he wants to see. Do ypou think he is so vaciilating over who to bring in, he waits until the final day and doesd a sort of choice procedure which goes something like "Eeny Meeny Miny Mo...

You say I have blamed the Board. I've done no such thing.I'm saying that the Board will wait until all the financial toings and frowings Don't be blaming Roberto without the facts before you. Two accountants who are Blues have told us all, the reason why we are not going to get anyone in before the last couple of days.

Anyone in their right mind would want their players in asap after the season ends.

You sat " I hold no truck with the repeated allegations that he has been starved of funds until this last moment"

Why is that then, Jim? Any kind of logic there, or is that something you just think suits your assessment of Martinez?

What possible reason can you offer for our manager holding off getting players in who, according to you, he caqn wave his chequebook at and snap his fingers and they'll come running.

Please share it Jim, I'm anxious tro know why a manager who has the cash in his arse pocket to improve the team, just "prevaricates" until the last couple of hours before the window closes.

Paul Andrews
265 Posted 28/08/2015 at 20:16:35
Does anybody seriously believe a manager would be given transfer funds early in the transfer window, and out of choice wait to spend it in the last few days of the window?
Brent Stephens
266 Posted 28/08/2015 at 20:17:33
Jim #257 "Do ypou think he is so vaciilating over who to bring in, he waits until the final day and doesd a sort of choice procedure which goes something like "Eeny Meeny Miny Mo..."

Maybe that's how we got Besic?

Iain Latchford
267 Posted 28/08/2015 at 20:19:23
James, I’ve said this before on here. I am not a Premier League manager with a scouting network throughout the world...but...I believe with (for example) Yarmolenko, Austin and a £10m central defender we would finish higher in the league than with John Stones and no significant signings.
Phil Walling
268 Posted 28/08/2015 at 20:28:08
Talking to yourself there, Jim! It's how all this nonsense gets to you.

I just happen to believe Kenwright is a simple mark to put the blame on but if you feel he is frustrating this dynamic manager, you are entitled to do so.

Let's wait and see how the window closes for us and how ALL the newcomers shape up before we draw conclusions, eh?

Peter Morris
269 Posted 28/08/2015 at 20:58:46
A note to John Stones. I hope he gets a chance to read this when the dust finally settles.

On the 7th August 2014, you signed a very lucrative 5 year deal at Everton. In the time elapsed between then and now, I would struggle to grow a decent beard.

The BBC headline that day said,

"John Stones pens a new 5 year deal at Everton, becoming the latest player to commit his future to the Merseyside club."

Did you see that one John?
You were quoted at the time as saying...

"I am over the moon. It’s just been such a great last season and to get pen to paper on a new deal is a dream come true"

Did you mean what you said John? I am very sorry that your ’dream move’ to Chelsea has been quashed for now, but at least you still have one dream left eh?

Jim Lloyd
270 Posted 28/08/2015 at 21:18:04
No Brent I don't think he does that. I think he gets funds and makes the best that he can with the funds he gets (and I like Besic) .

Phil, to me there's a separate issue about how the Board have fared over the past 16 years or so. The fact is, the Board have a certain amount of money which they usually release, as late in the window as they posasibly can.

It happened with Moyes tenure and it is happening with Martinez. I just cannot see how a manager prevaricatesd if he has no money. You seem to think that he has had funds to get players in...but doesn't. When we bought Fellaini (last minute) McCarthy, the same, Lukaku, the same.

I don't think any manager would wait until 3 or 4 games after the season starts, before getting the major purchase in. It doesn't make any sense at all.

Jim Lloyd
271 Posted 28/08/2015 at 21:58:39
Phil, Just saw what you meant!! Too right. I've been caught talking to myself quite a bit recently!
Brian Porter
272 Posted 29/08/2015 at 06:52:59
Perhaps, if he’s feeling aggrieved we turned his request down, John Stones might like to contemplate for a minute on the fate of Juan Cuadrado, another big money buy by Mourinho, just 6 months ago and now sent on loan to Juventus after hardly getting a game for the blue rabble.

So, did Mourinho sign him because he really wanted him, or, as I suspect, simply to take a potential opponent out of the equation by bringing the Colombian international to Stamford Bridge.

Be very careful what you wish for John, Mourinho, with all Abramovich’s money, signs players because he CAN, not necessarily becomes he really WANTS them.

Karl Jones
273 Posted 29/08/2015 at 07:14:46
Even today, after the Stones saga has apparently been put to bed by the club, the seemingly Everton hating papers are writing scurrilous rumours about his house being attacked by Everton fans....

It would be great if another banner was flown at tonight's game reading "STONES STAYS... FUCK THE MEDIA"

David Johnson
274 Posted 29/08/2015 at 08:07:04
Jim Lloyd (#184) and others calling on fans to wait until the window closes before leveling criticism at the board. You seem to take no account of the balls-ups that have frustrated Everton fans in almost every transfer window since Bill Kenwright first took his seat on our board in 1989.

We win fuck all. We must have spent less than every other club on ground improvements, and there are clubs in the Championship who have overtaken us in terms of transfer spending. Perhaps I am being unreasonable and should wait until Tuesday night before complaining, then maybe the same again next year and the year after and the one after that?

Paul Andrews
275 Posted 29/08/2015 at 12:32:49
Wonderful statement from the manager today. Full of class and steel.

"Because you have a Champions League budget,you can’t just click your fingers and get anything you want."

He goes up and up in my estimation

Colin Glassar
276 Posted 30/08/2015 at 00:31:43
Fat boy Richardson at it again today. Jose must've given him a real spanking for telling him fibs.
Mike Benjamin
277 Posted 30/08/2015 at 11:12:11
The Express are now reporting that we told Chelski that we would sell at £34M but then changed their mind.

Truth or more lies to deflect criticism?

Robert Workman
278 Posted 30/08/2015 at 18:17:14
Watching the game yesterday with some commentator plus Le Saux (who I previously had a lot of time for), they were still talking as if Stones could still go to "mighty Chelsea". As if Everton are depriving this lot from having their player! What is wrong with these people?

I would also like to know just who was loudly booing Stones? Not Evertonians, so why would Spurs do that? Surely they do not want him to sign for a London rival? Maybe they just thought it was a way to unsettle an opposition player.

Lastly, surely it is not beyond the ability of the Everton DJ to find a copy of that Beatles song and to ensure that it is played - very loudly - on 12 September, preferably when players and managers are present. I am sure that it will be sung loudly because, as you know, it is much easier to sing along with a song that is blasted out through the loudspeakers. They might just find that all Evertonians present sing along - and wouldn’t that be just great!

Colin Glassar
279 Posted 30/08/2015 at 18:30:25
Robert, come September 2nd they'll be starting with, "Everton agree to donate Stones to Chelsea in January window". They won't give up until their paymasters tell them to target another player.

Steve Cotton
280 Posted 30/08/2015 at 22:31:47
Kenwright must be loving all this Stones stuff. It deflects attention from the fact that he hasn't given his manager any money in the transfer market to even keep us with a comparable squad to last season.

Everyone is too immersed in keeping John Stones when selling him was the perfect opportunity to strengthen the squad.

Steve Cotton
281 Posted 31/08/2015 at 19:46:11
Apparently we decided not to sell after asking Barnsley to drop their 15% sell-on clause. If they had accepted then he would have been sacrificed.

What a shit way to run a club.


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