Niasse must wait until next season for regular role

, 18 April, 168comments  |  Jump to most recent

Oumar Niasse remains an unknown quantity almost three months into his Everton career
Any action that Oumar Niasse sees for the remainder of the season will be a "bonus" for the striker and Everton, with Roberto Martinez saying he remains well short of fitness.

Everton were fans were itching to see the Senegal international play a big role in the second half of the season after he arrived from Lokomotiv Moscow on transfer deadline day as the third most expensive signing in the club's history.

Since then, however, the 25-year-old has yet to play as much as a half's worth of football, with his manager blaming a wrist injury and the pace at which the player is adapting to the physicality of the league for his lack of playing time.

It was thought that Niasse, who apparently underwent surgery on the troublesome wrist in February, must be nearing some sort of fitness after two-and-a-half months with the Blues but Martinez suggests it's unlikely Evertonians will see much more of him this season.

“The first step was to get rid of the pain in his wrist after the problems that gave him," Martinez explained last week. "Now is probably the first period that he had 10 days of complete good work and he's going to get the benefit from it.

“From that to be able to play and to cope with 90 minutes of the demands of the Premier League I think is a very different story. Oumar will benefit completely with a pre-season and at the start of next season.

“This campaign is more about getting used to the environment and to get to slowly work towards the physicality of this league. If he could play some part of the games it would be a bonus but at the moment it is more of an introduction than the star role he can have.”

Niasse's somewhat bizarre start to life in England has perplexed many supporters and given rise to plenty of debate about the wisdom of spending so much on a relatively unknown striker with no big European league experience who wasn't able to immediately contribute to the team.

In his latest comments, Martinez exhibits some caution over throwing Niasse into what is a challenging part of the season where the team has been struggling for results, albeit partly because of a lack of support up front for Romelu Lukaku.

“It is a bit of a catch-22 situation,” Martinez continued. “At this stage of the season you have to be very, very careful in giving players minutes because at the moment we are working towards achieving results and finishing the games strongly so it is a bit of a difficult situation."

Quotes sourced from Liverpool Echo



Reader Comments (168)

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Darryl Ritchie
1 Posted 18/04/2016 at 06:20:49
Martinez thought he was buying a Ferrari, and ended up with a Yugo. Locomotive Moscow must be laughing themselves silly. Time will tell, but our most recent purchase seems mechanically unsound. We may have bought ourselves a lemon.
Peter Griffiths
2 Posted 18/04/2016 at 06:24:07
More garbage spoken by the snake-oil seller, maybe that's why we had an awful season in the league as we haven't been trying to win games or close them off until now!

“It is a bit of a catch-22 situation,” Martinez continued. “At this stage of the season you have to be very, very careful in giving players minutes because at the moment we are working towards achieving results and finishing the games strongly so it is a bit of a difficult situation."

Please get rid of this inept manager....

Ian McAvoy
3 Posted 18/04/2016 at 06:32:04
"At this stage of the season you have to be very, very careful in giving players minutes because at the moment we are working towards achieving results and finishing the games strongly so it is a bit of a difficult situation." Martinez

That makes no sense as look at the team that was put out against Southampton? Several fringe squad players who have hardly features this season and two debuts? Is there something we are missing here?

Jason Heng
4 Posted 18/04/2016 at 06:48:02
Why then did he send Niasse on when we were one man down against West Ham? Surely he was less fit then than now?
Keith Edmunds
5 Posted 18/04/2016 at 06:57:29
The whole point of buying in January is to boost the team for the rest of the season, something we clearly needed.

He may turn out to be a good player but he's not capable of fulfilling the much needed role he was bought for THIS season. Someone cocked up.

Phil Walling
7 Posted 18/04/2016 at 07:02:26
Moshiri must be impressed. Will he trust this clown of a manager with his promised millions come the summer?
David Donnellan
8 Posted 18/04/2016 at 07:23:08
I may be naive, but I thought you got match fit by playing matches?
Even allowing for the wrist injury, it is incredible to believe that he has been here since January and still isn't fit!
Dick Fearon
9 Posted 18/04/2016 at 07:27:09
Before we start getting into Martinez, is he responsible for us buying this bloke?
Andy Codling
10 Posted 18/04/2016 at 07:34:55
Why put him on the bench then if he isn't going to get time on the pitch, more crap from a buffoon!
Trevor Peers
11 Posted 18/04/2016 at 07:35:23
This purchase must represent our worst ever signing when you consider how much the lad cost. Niasse was bought to solve our left wing problem, Roberto had to get it right because there's a real lack of balance on that side of the pitch.

We needed some one who could hit the ground running. Why not look to the Championship for a reliable player who could do the job for half the cost?

It's a massive mistake by a manager who's reputation is in shreds after recording the worst home record in our history, what a cock-up.

Christy Ring
12 Posted 18/04/2016 at 07:37:06
It shows what kind of fitness program Martinez has, after 2 months training, Niasse is still not fit. Kone must be on the same program.
Martin Nicholls
13 Posted 18/04/2016 at 07:38:23
Dick I'm intrigued! As we do not have a director of football, who (other than Martinez) do you think may be responsible for this incoming transfer?
Lee Gorre
14 Posted 18/04/2016 at 07:43:22
Not sure in what way Niasse is different than the rest of the team. Most of them look hopelessly unfit and it's been that way since the start of last season.
Stewart Lowe
15 Posted 18/04/2016 at 07:47:32
In two words: Per Krøldrup.
Stewart Lowe
17 Posted 18/04/2016 at 07:58:43
The only reason Martinez bought him was because we had let McGeady and Naismith go, and egotistical Martinez has kept saying he will make us bigger and stronger by each transfer window.

Panic buy because the window was closing fast at the time. Very poor.

Paul Tran
19 Posted 18/04/2016 at 08:06:18
I remember posting on here that I was happy to take the money for Naismith, providing he was replaced straightaway. He was, with a player who was more expensive and has barely featured. What a waste of time and money, just like Atsu and Traore.

I bet his kids get an Action Man Deserter for Christmas and he tells them they'll get something better next year!

Phil Walling
20 Posted 18/04/2016 at 08:06:29
Martin, given the Russian connection, could it be Moshiri who inspired the signing. Perhaps Niasse was his advance gift to the club as a means of sealing his deal with Uncle Bill ?

Oh, I do love a conspiracy theory !

Keith Harrison
21 Posted 18/04/2016 at 08:10:32
Why didn't we buy him in the forthcoming transfer window then? The Roberto soundbites get ever more incredulous. I pray for miracles this Wednesday and Saturday, because we need divine intervention to get our lads – on current form – out of Anfield alive, and winning the semi.
Colin Glassar
22 Posted 18/04/2016 at 08:11:00
What a mess, what a mess.
David Greenwood
23 Posted 18/04/2016 at 08:14:38
For as long as I can remember, I've always been told that only games get you match fit.

Why hasn't Niasse been playing for the U21s? Or had any behind closed doors games arranged?

Colin Glassar
24 Posted 18/04/2016 at 08:18:14
I think Niasse will be quietly moved on to pastures new in the summer. Maybe Wikileaks or that Snowden fella will be able to unravel this mystery in the near future.
James Kirrane
28 Posted 18/04/2016 at 08:33:27
This is incompetence of the highest order. Why buy a striker in the January window if you are not going to use him until the following season?

Martinez must think all Everton supporters are as thick as pig shit, if he expects us to believe the verbal diarrhoea that spurts from his mouth. Niasse is supposed to be a professional athlete – how long does it take him to get fit?

Have you noticed the expression on Niasse's face as he takes up his residency on the Everton bench. He looks lost and bewildered. Just like the fans.

Gerard Carey
29 Posted 18/04/2016 at 08:48:08
So how come, he went away and played for his country last break!? If he is not fit for us, he's surely not fit for his country. Martinez spinning another load of cobblers, methinks!?
Darren Bailey
30 Posted 18/04/2016 at 08:50:21
Pointless signing. Should have kept Naismith, don't get me wrong the money we got for Naisy was good but this has been just another farce to add to the rest of the crap we've had to endure this season. £13.5m is a Hell of a lot of money and we've seen nothing back from it.

Maybe he'll come good, maybe he is a very good striker who will score goals for fun but Martinez's handling of him has been so poor. Wrist injuries shouldn't stop you playing or getting fit, you don't run with your wrist. Vardy's copped alright all season.

U21s and more than the last 10 minutes of games would have helped the man get fit. I hate Martinez substitutions, they grind me down. I never see the point in bringing a player on for less than 10 minutes, it takes a least 5 to get up to speed with the game. For me subs time is on the hour mark, 20 minutes at the least.

If Rom leaves in the summer then we really need a replacement as this man's not it. Back up ok but nothing more. Kone has to go but I'm hoping Tarashaj will be a bright spark.

Ian Burns
31 Posted 18/04/2016 at 08:52:34
Every utterance is an insult to EFC fans' intelligence. What amazes me is that the board must believe everything he says otherwise he would be part of our history by now. £13,5m and still not fit! Incredible!
Jim Bennings
32 Posted 18/04/2016 at 08:53:47
Colin Glassar

I wouldn't be all that surprised myself if we cut our losses and sent him back to Russia where he was relatively successful.

How on earth he can still not be fully fit to play some part really is beyond me, he has been at the club since January and correct me if I'm wrong but he did pass a medical didn't he?

Utter joke, complete utter garbage from Martinez.

13.5 million on a player that you are not 100% convinced on fitness wise?

What's going to change in summer?

I might be wrong but if Niasse is Muslim then will he be affected by Ramadan like Arouna Kone?

Another excuse for a fitness issue at the start of next season.

Ian Brandes
33 Posted 18/04/2016 at 08:54:25
Very disturbing and suspicious. Nowt else to say.
Les Martin
34 Posted 18/04/2016 at 08:54:45
Have you ever heard such nonsense?

I have always believed that Martinez's training techniques do not build satisfactory fitness levels. There have been suggestions of this, initially by players saying that their fitness is achieved by ball work.

Additionally we lost physio and fitness coaches within Martinez's first 6 months in charge. It will all come out sooner than later... but will Niasse?

Phil Roberts
35 Posted 18/04/2016 at 08:58:27
What is even worse about this is that Locomotive Moscow came back from their winter break 6 weeks ago.

So if the guy had stayed at his old club he would have been needed to be fit enough to play 6 weeks ago and yet 10/11 weeks on from arriving at Finch Farm we have been unable to get him fit enough.

Perhaps we should either send him back for a week or two to get fit or bring the Locomotive Moscow coaches over here because they would get him ready to play a lot quicker.

Anthony Dwyer
39 Posted 18/04/2016 at 09:23:18
Come on lads, be fair.

Niasse has a sore wrist, you all know how vital your wrist is as a striker.

Anthony Dwyer
40 Posted 18/04/2016 at 09:27:21
Oh, and I love Roberto's last comment, for those of you can't bear to read his shite, just try it.

He claims this part of the season is crucial... wow, the league season is long over!

Martin Nicholls
41 Posted 18/04/2016 at 09:33:14
RM hoping that by the time Niasse is "ready", he (RM) will be long gone and we will have forgotten who signed him?
Eddy Grundy
42 Posted 18/04/2016 at 09:37:45
Let's get one thing cleared up, in one sentence he (RM) states that you have to be careful in giving minutes to players coming in because we are trying to win games and close them out. So don't expect a £13.4 m player to play again this season but he has no worries about pitching a 17- and 18-year-old to play at home to Southampton? (who both did very well)

Please, can someone remove this idiot from our club.

John Keating
43 Posted 18/04/2016 at 09:41:53
If this situation was not scandalous it would be funny.

Phil Walling
44 Posted 18/04/2016 at 09:48:02
I have taken the time to read up on Niasse (several Russian sites are in English) and the lad was certainly among the top six most valued strikers in their league. Reports state that Hiddink (former Russia manager) had bid £5M to take him to Chelsea when he joined them and there was also interest from Man Utd and Aston Villa.

It also seems to indicate that the fee HAD to be in the region of £13.5M to get round the new British Home Office rules whereby permits will only be granted for players whose fees are in the top 25% of transfers from 'the country of sale'.

Intriguing, hey?

Paul Thompson
45 Posted 18/04/2016 at 09:57:43
I'm not going to write the lad off until we seem him fit and playing. But his trajectory since arrival makes little sense. The wrist injury and general fitness are not the same thing and he's had ample time for the latter.

Don't forget that he played for his country and scored in that period. Unlike Phil, I'm not one for conspiracy theories, but something else is going on here.

Barry Pearce
46 Posted 18/04/2016 at 10:00:56
Just unbelievable, it really is.
It just gets worse every time this clown opens his mouth.

Mind you clowns are supposed to make you laugh.

Brian Porter
48 Posted 18/04/2016 at 10:08:08
James (#28), totally agree with you, though incompetence is probably too polite a word to use in this case. What manager in his right mind sells a player (Naismith) who is usually worth around ten goals a season if given game time only to replace him with a player so unfit (in Martinez's mind) that he won't be available until next season. Martinez's total ineptitude has taken away our best back up striker and left us devoid of an effective stand-in for Lukaku if injured like last week?

Please don't anyone say we have Kone who is the worst striker I can remember for us. It's an insult to the #9 shirt to see him blundering around the pitch and his attempted bicycle kick on Saturday was like amateur hour in a Sunday league.

Yet more proof that Martinez is wholly unsuitable for the job. With our league season effectively a write off why didn't he give a debut to the lad in the U21s who's scoring goals for fun right now? Sorry, I've forgotten his name for the moment. It would have made more sense and given the crowd more of a lift than seeing Kone once again proving he is still impersonating a professional footballer. Investing in youth? Pull the other one Martinez preferably on your way out the door.

Brian Williams
49 Posted 18/04/2016 at 10:10:55
He won't play him because if he does it'll show Martinez in a bad light and Martinez doesn't want to make his firing any easier than it already MUST be for the board.
Bobby Thomas
51 Posted 18/04/2016 at 10:13:51
Well, we will see what happens at the start of next season. However something along the lines of a 6 million loss in the January 2017 transfer window wouldn't surprise me.

Niasse must be made up, he must be on money he never dreamed he's earn.

Jonathan McMahon
52 Posted 18/04/2016 at 10:23:51
Even a half fit Niasse has got to be better than a fully fit Kone!
Gordon Crawford
53 Posted 18/04/2016 at 10:26:04
Barry 46. Yeah but this clown doesn't make me laugh.

Niasse hopefully will turn out to be a great player for us – here's hoping.
But everything about this signing stinks.

The words "Roberto", "wool", and "eyes" come to mind. But does he think we are all daft? Well I'm not falling for his garbage. Is he still here?

Jim Bennings
54 Posted 18/04/2016 at 10:30:41
It's all hindsight of course but why didn't we...

Tell Naismith we need to keep him until summer at the same time telling Norwich they can have him once the season ends for 4 million if they were prepared to wait.

Of course it's all hindsight but we splash out a sizeable chunk of cash on a guy apparently not fit and with no Premier League experience.

At least Naismith whilst being limited, could crop up in the box and poach some goals in a blue shirt and he knew what effort the fans demanded.

Martin Nicholls
55 Posted 18/04/2016 at 10:31:16
If the latest Echo speculation as to who might fill our right-back position on Wednesday has any foundation, then it seems as if even Hibbo is fitter than Niasse!
Antony Matthews
57 Posted 18/04/2016 at 10:41:58
Lord Lucan has made more appearances. Something is untoward with this signing.
Dean Peamum
58 Posted 18/04/2016 at 10:43:37
Have to wait till next season now to catch sight of the lesser-spotted Loch Niasse. Rubbertoe Martinept is the Nick Leeson of Premier League managers.
Tony Dove
59 Posted 18/04/2016 at 10:48:28
His wrist still hasn't healed. Haven't we got enough wankers at the club already?
Anto Byrne
60 Posted 18/04/2016 at 10:50:07
Dave Roberts
61 Posted 18/04/2016 at 10:59:17
Apparently his medical missed the fact he only has one leg. They're hoping another one will grow during the summer.
Dick Fearon
62 Posted 18/04/2016 at 10:59:32
How long is his contract?
Ray Roche
63 Posted 18/04/2016 at 11:04:26
Four and a half years, Dick. He might be fit for the last 18 months.
Trevor Lynes
64 Posted 18/04/2016 at 11:06:41
I really do not believe that Niasse was ever a target or was scouted.

We left all our business until the end of the window (totally inexplicably) and then the lad was signed to placate the supporters who had seen the side depleted by the transfer of a first team squad member.

I believe that it was a boardroom decision and Martinez is just a front to cover their arses.

We have done this at windows during DM's reign so it is nothing new!!

Nick Page
65 Posted 18/04/2016 at 11:08:58
How much longer do we have to endure this nightmare of a manager.
Pete Cross
66 Posted 18/04/2016 at 11:09:34
Don't forget to add on agent fees another £2 mill.
Total cost at least £15.5 million!
Michael Penley
67 Posted 18/04/2016 at 11:14:58
If we're paying him say £40k a week starting in January to get him ready by August, then we've basically paid an extra £1m for him, not taking into account the drain in club resources to make that happen. Appalling business and football sense displayed by whoever is responsible.
Graham Pearce
68 Posted 18/04/2016 at 11:16:17
On a serious note, I think Martinez should be interviewed as much as possible as he is digging his own grave. He says Niasse wasn't ready and not fit but he put him on when we had 10 men v West Ham, when he could have experienced the league with low risk against Aston Villa and got 30 minutes he wasn't used.

This guy should have also left Coleman out vs Southampton as it's the only position where we have no senior cover. And the shear reliance on Lukaku was so evident on Saturday, it gives us all an insight into next season where we will be bottom half all season – or lower – if this continues.

Nev Renshaw
69 Posted 18/04/2016 at 11:17:36
Short of fitness? He's supposedly a pro footballer, ie an athlete. Why is he not yet fit? Load of bollocks.
Ernie Baywood
71 Posted 18/04/2016 at 11:22:29
I don't believe for a second that this is a planned integration to get him ready for the physicality of the league. Nor do I believe he could miss 8 months of action with a wrist injury.

I don't feel they're insulting our intelligence by lying to us. What else could they really say? "We're going to try to sell him but don't tell anyone that we've realised he's shit" or "He's a twat of a bloke".

My guess is that he'll be sold for an undisclosed fee in the summer with an amicable story about how he and his family failed to settle in England.

Iain Davies
73 Posted 18/04/2016 at 11:31:49
Not being fit since January speaks volumes – not only of the poor choice if transfer target, but also of Martinez and his training regime; quite simply it's a ridiculous and farcical situation.

Only enhances the fact the whole of Martinez and his cohorts need a massive overhaul.

John Audsley
74 Posted 18/04/2016 at 11:39:04
His girlfriend and baby live in Manchester (I think) so he won't want to be shipped back to Russia.

It's all very fucking odd.

Shane Corcoran
75 Posted 18/04/2016 at 11:41:40
Six month paid holiday for the lad.

Has anyone else struggled to run with a sore wrist?

Craig Mills
76 Posted 18/04/2016 at 11:46:11
You just couldn't write this kind of bullshit – only at Everton.

We really are a joke of a club...

Andrew Ellams
77 Posted 18/04/2016 at 11:53:50
I think people may be over thinking this one. There was other interest in the player so maybe Everton just swooped in for him in January before anybody else could get in. His fitness levels would be low because he was on the Russian close season and add that to the problems lots of overseas players have when they first have to adjust to Premier League speed and fitness levels.

Although I agree it wouldn't hurt to give a few more minutes on the pitch let's wait until he's got a proper pre season under his belt before we start the doom and gloom posts.

Mark Burton
78 Posted 18/04/2016 at 12:04:39
He would be a phenomenal player if he was fit, had a good wrist, had two feet, a little coordination and a different manager.
Tom Bowers
79 Posted 18/04/2016 at 12:08:36
Only Everton get these sick-note players. Remember one game Traore?
However, he may ne needed next season as I expect Rom. and Mirallas to depart with Kone to be deep-sixed once RM is gone.

There has to be big changes and a new era has to be ushered in before this club goes the way of the Barcodes and Aston Villa.

Terence Tyler
80 Posted 18/04/2016 at 12:22:36
God help us if Lukaku does move on this summer, and we have to rely on this unknown untried non-entity to lead our attack at the start of next season.
Patrick Murphy
81 Posted 18/04/2016 at 12:27:47
Because Everton signed this player in January it somehow excuses his unavailability, but just supposing he had have been signed in the close season and a similar scenario was played out there would be uproar and rightly so, mind you Roberto did the same sort of thing with Kone didn't he?
James Hughes
82 Posted 18/04/2016 at 12:30:14
Barry - some people have a phobia about clowns and just recently I can understand that quite easily.

We have a great track record with Russia don't we, Bily, McGeady and now this

Terence Tyler
83 Posted 18/04/2016 at 12:30:27
Traore, Alcaraz, Atsu, Kone, McGeady, Mattioni, now Niasse – should be sacked for them reasons alone. Not to mention giving out extended contracts to several deadwood players.
Colin Malone
84 Posted 18/04/2016 at 12:33:16
He should have been given at least half a game.

Anyway, now that we are safe from relegation, after the derby and the semi, let's give the young lads a go in the first team. It will be worth going to see, instead of watching players who's only focus is getting on that plane to sunnier climates. Let's have a look at the likes of Kieran Dowell, Jonjoe Kenny, Courtney Duffus etc.

Jim Bennings
85 Posted 18/04/2016 at 12:35:31
Would have been better off going after Andre Gray who's been banging them in Championship level.

A big risk yes but at least it wouldn't take 6 months of settling in.

I have personally never understand why settling in takes so long, if you are a professional footballer, you are 26 years old and have moved from Africa to Russia to play football, why would it take so long coming to terms with the move to England?

Peter Cummings
86 Posted 18/04/2016 at 12:38:27
Yet another insult to our intelligence!! 'Unfit after 3 months of supposedly intensive training, needs time to adjust to the pace of the EPL, a sore wrist'?? blah blah – the verbal diarrhea never ends. The guy is already a potential liability before he plays more than 10 minutes, let alone a full 90.

I said it before, after I watched his Russian goalscoring cameo after he signed, while impressive, most of them were down to appalling defending by amateurish opposition. For £13.5 million plus, a VERY expensive bench warmer, not only should Martinez hit the road asap but Kenwright and his henchmen as well.

Tom Evans
87 Posted 18/04/2016 at 12:39:27
When in a hole, stop digging Roberto.
The whole scenario stinks.
Gary Ashworth
88 Posted 18/04/2016 at 12:39:46
I agree with Ian #3 - am I missing something? An interesting post from Phil #44 too.

This guy scored 9 goals in 19 appearances this season for Lokomotiv Moscow before he moved to Everton. He made an appearance from the bench for Senegal against Niger on 26 March and scored. Just how unfit is he? Or how fit does he need to be? Surely Lokomotiv Moscow and Senegal would only play fit players!?! Did he not pass a medical/fitness test before we signed him?

I just don't get it... if he's not fit or not ready, then he shouldn't be on the bench, especially if there's no intention of using him. Lukaku could get injured and he's been having some poor performances, we need options. Kone is not the answer -– he played the entire game against Southampton and I don't recall him having one shot at the goal. If Connolly and Davies are ready for first team debuts, then we should recall one of the other kids out on loan.

Tony J Williams
89 Posted 18/04/2016 at 13:01:23
It fucking stinks, doesn't it?

How can a professional athlete not be able to get fit within 3 months?

Having a sore wrist (fucking puurrlease) didn't stop Vardy this seaon, it certainly did have an issue with Lineker in the World Cup when he scored 6.

The fitness team all need sacking, as I have never seen a more unfit team in all my days of watching footy, this included the days when the players would have a crafty Woodbine and a pint at half time.

Steve Hopkins
90 Posted 18/04/2016 at 13:07:37
I heard that Roberto has him earmarked to drive the open-top bus for the FA Cup parade providing he passes a late fitness test on his wrist
Ste McCoombe
91 Posted 18/04/2016 at 13:34:17
Get that imposter out of our club.
James Carroll
93 Posted 18/04/2016 at 13:53:58
Peter Reid as caretaker manager.
Pints of Guinness for all players - it worked in '85.
Christopher Dover
94 Posted 18/04/2016 at 13:58:21
Now, now, we have all seen the teams fitness in matches and of course he is not fit enough; he is not fit to play so he needs a couple of months with sitting and standing in between eating the doughnuts to reach the same fitness level of our team.

Good post, Dave (#61) – made me laugh.

Greg Lambden
95 Posted 18/04/2016 at 13:59:13
So you buy a striker in the January window when the market is wildly inflated, and then save him for the following season. Absolute genius!
Brian Cleveland
96 Posted 18/04/2016 at 14:07:59
I suppose once he gets up to speed he'll be like a new signing...
Steve Alderson
98 Posted 18/04/2016 at 14:22:22
Martinez is lying, there's no other way to look at it. Why he would try to defend not being able to get a professional football player fit to play after 3 months with a only a wrist injury is anyone's guess but it is very worrying.
Damian Wilde
99 Posted 18/04/2016 at 14:31:41
He's got all day, every day to get fit, how could he not be fit? He knows he's crap so this is just an excuse. And besides our players just trot about not doing much so you don't have to be fit to be in our side.
Steve Carse
100 Posted 18/04/2016 at 14:36:59
I don't think we should necessarily reject the possibility of a Moshiri link in this piece of nonsense (see Phil # 20). Any dealings with a Russian entity have to be looked at very carefully. Moshiri has strong Russian links via Usmaninov(?). Maybe it's a cash flow thing – Everton put £13.5m in the Lokomotif coffers then send him back for £13.5m in the summer.
Barry Pearce
101 Posted 18/04/2016 at 14:38:04
To be honest, I just think he is insulting our intelligence, as another remarked. Shut the fuck up. The hole your digging is getting deeper and deeper.

Please just do the right thing.

Paul Washington
102 Posted 18/04/2016 at 15:28:48
Although there must be, I cannot think offhand if this situation has happened at any other Premier League club.

What a farce... and "What a manager" – squirming to save face.

Neil Gribbin
103 Posted 18/04/2016 at 15:58:15
I broke my wrist years ago in the army. I was in a cast for months, and did nothing physical for all that time. When my cast was off, I had 1 month of intense physio/fitness training and was then passed as fit. What are Everton playing at?

All very suspicious to my mind.
Richard Lyons
104 Posted 18/04/2016 at 16:05:19
Did Martinez spout constant crap when he was at Wigan?
Patrick Carty
105 Posted 18/04/2016 at 16:08:45
This player must be really bad if he cannot get into this Everton side at the moment... injury, me arse.

I think we have bought another dud and our clown of a manager knows it.

Alan J Thompson
106 Posted 18/04/2016 at 16:33:26
Look, lads, keep it down. We're trying to get the money back on the insurance.
Paul Conway
107 Posted 18/04/2016 at 16:37:38
So he needs time to adapt to the demands of the Premier League! Bullshit! Gulp! Wash it down! Beeeeeellch!

Well then, what is he like to the demands of training at Finch Farm? I mean, he does train... right?

We often hear stories and see videos of players exploits in training. Sometimes they laud each other. So please, Roberto... can you tell us what he is really like... in training!

Dave Brierley
108 Posted 18/04/2016 at 16:57:17
Of course we all could be under-estimating the 'phenomenal one'.

He may well have held back his secret weapon (Niasse) to form a formidable strike force with Kone when Lukaku gets bored half way through the semi-final.

Phil Rodgers
109 Posted 18/04/2016 at 17:11:46
“He has his own ability, his own conditions and is someone who can stretch defenders. Physically he can cope with the physicality of the Premier League straight away. He doesn’t need to adapt."

No prizes for guessing who came out with this...

Brent Stephens
110 Posted 18/04/2016 at 17:15:36
Well short of fitness - and on the bench! Come on!
Dave Lawley
111 Posted 18/04/2016 at 17:41:09
So much bollocks, not fit enough because of his wrist injury.... why not leave it till the summer to have it rectified and play with a lightweight cast like the current EPL leading goalscorer?

Not fit enough for Roberto but fit enough to play AFCON qualifiers (and score) for his country. I bet Bill is well pleased paying him half a seasons wages whilst he gets his wrist fixed.

Not fit enough but, if the Russian Journo rolled out by the Echo (can't remember his name) and the player are to be believed, he is a high tempo player with pace who never stops running, not your usual candidate to let your fitness slip in the Russian winter break?

With bearing in mind that they have to play the second half of their season post winter break, you would assume their clubs would keep them reasonably fit. RM's so full of shit, he's embarrassing his and our club.

Peter Gorman
112 Posted 18/04/2016 at 17:43:33
I am very reluctant to criticise the player as we've not really had any time to judge him yet – this is all on the manager at the moment.

That YouTube video Anto posted (always a danger isn't it) shows to me that even if he is not the second coming of Batistuta he is at least not a complete donkey, so I will reserve judgement on the lad until we see him in action.

When that will be is anybody's guess. It beggars belief that he isn't 'fit' enough for a game so something else is up.

Peter Gorman
113 Posted 18/04/2016 at 17:51:58
Oh, and speaking of youtube highlights, it seems Conor McAleny is having a whale of a time banging them in for Wigan, albeit in League One.

Worth a punt up front? Martinez is always giving youth a chance I am lead to believe.

Ian Riley
114 Posted 18/04/2016 at 17:54:49
Hopefully a new manager will sort it out next season. Or was it Martinez letting us all know he will be here next season?
Alan Humphreys
115 Posted 18/04/2016 at 17:58:05
Lineker in the World Cup, Suarez (forever) and Vary this season. All strikers who banged in goals with wrists taped up. Lineker was in a cast I'd I remember right ffs.

The Niasse transfer is as bewildering as RM's waffle.

Michael Penley
116 Posted 18/04/2016 at 18:11:20
Where are the journalists in all this? Don't they feel it is their responsibility to eke out whatever truth there is in all this waffle by Martinez? Isn't what they were taught in their training? If not it should be. It doesn't take a investigative genius to point out the discrepancies in the crap spoken by Martinez each week and call him out on it.
Phil Walling
117 Posted 18/04/2016 at 18:26:24
Richard Lyons at 104. Very definitely YES, Roberto was every bit as much a laughing stock when with the Pie Eaters as he has become here. Indeed, my nephew, who claims to have seen every single game Wigan played in the Premier League, has a beautifully recorded diary of all the garbage the Catalan spouted when he was their manager. It bears a startling likeness to what he trots out to us!

Saying that, it was the family disdain for, and constant piss-taking of the guy that had me so disgusted with his appointment by Bill Kenwright. Believe you me, every Addics supporter knows and is amused at how the old boy stitched us up.

We know it now, of course. Just a pity Bill and Mr 49.9% can't see through it!

John Davies
118 Posted 18/04/2016 at 19:12:41
The January window is the opportunity for teams to strengthen their squads for the remainder of the current season. Martinez spends millions on a player who 3 months later is not yet fit enough to be involved in the mad Spaniards' squads.

FFS KENWRIGHT WAKE UP and get shot of this incredible, phenomenal, bungling fool.
Oliver Molloy
119 Posted 18/04/2016 at 19:52:42
I believe it is not fair to judge him until we see him play at least one game on the pitch, however this does not add up and I agree with those who have already said that this may be case of Martinez knowing that, if he plays him, it isn't going to look good.

Jamie Barlow
120 Posted 18/04/2016 at 19:53:05
Shouldn't Niasse be playing tonight if he isn't fit?
Tony Abrahams
121 Posted 18/04/2016 at 19:59:19
Of course he should Jamie, but people might start asking questions, once they've seen him play!
Craig Mills
122 Posted 18/04/2016 at 20:05:20
Quote from Martinez on Feb 1st:–

This is what Martinez said on the signing of Niasse (1st Feb)

“He is a very fit boy, the physicality he has will allow him to have an impact in any game,” Martinez said.

“But you always work around a 45-60 session programme in order to peak. We could do that in three weeks and I want the games to be part of that preparation."

So, 3 weeks from February 1st eh Roberto, we are now 2 months past that "peak" date and he's looking like a total flop, fit enough to play 2 games and score for his country but still not good enough for the Everton Under-21s.

What annoys me even more is the continuous bullshit that Martinez spouts, when addressing the fans I truly don't believe a word he says anymore – it's pathetic

Andy Crooks
124 Posted 18/04/2016 at 20:21:40
I think it us unfair to criticize Niasse until we see him fit and with a run of games. The fact that he isn't fit is a bit perplexing. Does anyone recall Snafi Dancer?

It is a remarkable story:

Many years ago Sheik Mohammed paid $9 million dollars at the Kentucky yearling sales for Snafi Dancer, a son of the legendary stallion Northern dancer. He was sent to John Dunlop to be trained as a future Derby winner. It became apparent that, despite his pedigree, Snafi had a touch of the slows. In fact he could not outspeed a Clydesdale. However, he was beautifully bred and rather than let him see a racecourse and damage his reputation it was thought wise to send him to stud. As it turned out, his stud career did not go well, he was found to be infertile. He ended his days as a hack on a Canadian ranch.

Traore reminded me of Snafi, I don't know where he is now but perhaps he is happily at stud. Niasse, I hope will get his chance but if he is not fit I would not want to see him come on for two minute cameos where desperation to impress causes injury. It wrecked James Vaughan.

Mark Frere
125 Posted 18/04/2016 at 20:25:47
I don't believe for one minute that a minor wrist injury is keeping him out of action, or he's simply not up to scratch fitness wise. My guess is that he's very raw and the coaches are working with him on his basic skills so he is more polished for next season. Niasse came into the game very late and has not been coached from a young age.

I remember reading the original thread on ToffeeWeb when we first signed him. There was a report from a Russian Journalist basically saying Niasse was very hardworking, good in the air, unselfish (eg, passes to a player in a better position) and he had a good goal-scoring record.

A Locomotiv Moscow fan actually posted on that same thread. Here is what he had to say:

"Hi everyone. I’m a Lokomotiv Moscow fan and I want to congratulate you with this transfer.

I just want to tell you about his advantages and disadvantages. Oumar is very diligent, this is the first thing to know about him. For example, you can watch his goal for Loko vs Krasnodar. He is very fast, with good heading ability and good long shots.

But, the main problem is that he didn’t study in football school, he began to play professionally when he was 18. So, he isn’t good at dribbling. I can describe his game like "hit the ball strait and run".

He depends on game form, he needs to play a lot. And I have to say that last year he was one of the worst players in our team. And nobody believed in him before the season started."

After reading what the Lokomotiv Moscow fan and the Russian journalist had to say, at the time, I was expecting a Paulo Wanchope type that works very hard and scores a few goals. That wouldn't be such a bad thing if it turns out to be the case.

Paul Conway
126 Posted 18/04/2016 at 20:31:56
Michael Penley @ 116,well stated. This charlatan should be made an example of and dug out by hungry journalists!

This should be an example to any aspiring well established Premier League Club to never steep so low, especially, when you have a motto 'nil satis nisi optimum'.
Kev Johnson
127 Posted 18/04/2016 at 20:42:07
Something smells fishy about this. Very odd.
Martin Middleton
129 Posted 18/04/2016 at 20:46:09
If he has not been fit since he arrived why was he allowed to go out on international duty let alone play! Unbelievable.
Kunal Desai
130 Posted 18/04/2016 at 21:16:45
I'm surprised we managed to get a deal done for Niasse. Usually our work permits generally fail. Most certainly needed the work permit fail here. Otherwise BK must have put 50 pence in the metre to get that fax working.
Geoff Williams
131 Posted 18/04/2016 at 21:24:38
Did anyone watch his pre-match warm up on Saturday? His ball skills were on par with those of the mascots.

He will never make it in the Premier League.

Ian Hollingworth
132 Posted 18/04/2016 at 21:32:27
What a manager. Complete laughing stock. Sold a striker and replaced him with a player who won't be having his phenomenal incredible moment until next season.

What a manager... Sack Bobby the Baffoon now, please.
Steve Davies
133 Posted 18/04/2016 at 21:36:26
Roberto is talking bullshit, I saw his lips move.

The lad probably is not the real deal and by playing him Roberto will expose himself as a manager who paid £13 million plus for a dud.

I hope that I am wrong, but the evidence to the contrary appears damning.

Bye, bye Roberto.

John Belshaw
135 Posted 18/04/2016 at 21:56:33
Hmmm... Oumar Niasse's weak wrist has hampered his progress. So what of Martinez's weak wrist and his excuse?
Eric Paul
137 Posted 18/04/2016 at 22:13:13
How can he be unfit he's been with us long enough for two pre seasons
Clive Lewis
138 Posted 18/04/2016 at 22:24:06
Is it just me or does the first picture of Niasse can be clearly seen mouthing the words "I cannot play football". Must be my imagination.
Andrew Clare
139 Posted 18/04/2016 at 22:29:16
He is obviously not up to scratch. All that money wasted in the January window for a player for next season seems daft to me.
Andrew James
140 Posted 18/04/2016 at 22:42:52
Flipping heck, so we sell a match fit, experienced striker who can always weigh in with some goals and replace him with someone who isn't fit and only started playing football properly aged 18.

I'm more than a decade older than him and have lurched between illness and injuries this year but still been able to get a marathon under my belt. On top of the working week.

I'm not asking for a 10 goal finish from the guy but to at least come on as an actual threat for 20 minutes by now...

Once upon a time £13 million bought you quality.

Trevor Lynes
141 Posted 18/04/2016 at 22:53:30
I reckon that Martinez has taken over the role as punch bag from Moyees. Our manager's are covering up for the board. Transfer business is done by the board and not the manager. He submits targets and then it is up to the board to do the business.

We never get original targets because we leave our business until the last day or two. Every other club in the division move quickly to get targets in before pre-season if possible.

Stop just blaming the punch bag and have a go at the board room.

Andrew James
142 Posted 18/04/2016 at 22:54:21
Andrew Clare - exactly.

Why pay the January premium? He did the same with McGeady also from Russia and a similar thing happened with Traore.

Lennon worked yet this is another example of the ineptitude going on at the club.

I just hope at Wembley our better players are able to play and go for it for personal glory.

Andrew James
143 Posted 18/04/2016 at 23:17:23
Trevor

I agree to some extent about business because the last minute stuff still happens. Under Moyes I can only remember a couple of transfer windows where the best business was done in time for pre-season.

2006 - Lescott and AJ
2007 - The Yak (although was he late?) Jags and Baines

Otherwise we wait and wait...

But my main complaint is the complete lack of professionalism running throughout the entire operation.

Dan Davies
144 Posted 18/04/2016 at 23:21:36
Niasse ain't to blame here give the boy a chance, however £13·5 Mis a lot of cash. I'd have Naisy back tomorrow.
Colin Glassar
145 Posted 18/04/2016 at 23:30:36
Trevor 141, Dithering Dave was called Dithering Dave because we all thought he dithered over transfers. Maybe he wasn't in fact a ditherer maybe it was BK who dithered Dithering Dave.

Try saying that with a gobstopper in your gob.

Andy Crooks
146 Posted 18/04/2016 at 23:59:33
We haven't seen enough if Niasse to judge him. I would hope that someone at our club has. That he was watched often, that his potential was seen and that he was thought value for money.
Gavin Johnson
147 Posted 18/04/2016 at 00:00:25
Normally you would reserve judgement until you saw him play, but this talk about a wrist injury and fitness is obviously bollocks to try and buy time and cover embarrassment.

Looks as though this deal surpasses Bilyaletdinov, Krøldrup and Nyarko for wasting money. I wouldn't be at all surprised if we end up loaning him out to a club in Europe this summer and he never returns... Farcical!!

Brian Wilkinson
148 Posted 18/04/2016 at 00:03:22
More chance of seeing Tony Hibbert run out this season, than Niasse. Having said that, he has played more game time for us than Glen Keeley, just.
Andrew James
149 Posted 19/04/2016 at 00:05:54
Colin

I have thought about that regarding Dithering Davey... yet when Moyes went to Man Utd, he was awful at making signings with lots of cash. Many blame Woodward.

Yet their current manager has been able to buy who he wants (and wasted lots in the process).

I suspect he was a ditherer but because he didn't want to fail.

Who knows? Without being in the club we'll never know. But all I know is, things have to change and sharpish because this season has been embarrassing.

Jamie Sweet
150 Posted 19/04/2016 at 00:17:42
He could have at least played 45 minutes for the U21s by now.

Or if he had then stunk the place out at that level, would it be too obvious that Roberto has made a horrific error of judgement?

Andrew James
151 Posted 19/04/2016 at 00:26:23
Jamie - don't be ridiculous!

Our incredible one making a horrific error of judgement?

Take that back.

Grant Rorrison
152 Posted 19/04/2016 at 00:39:55
It'll be his first 'horrific error' to be fair, if it turns out that way. A few cheap signings that haven't worked out aside he's done pretty well in the transfer market.

Niasse has looked a bit amateurish the little I have seen of him so far. Maybe he'll come good in time. I doubt it.

Gavin Johnson
153 Posted 19/04/2016 at 00:47:07
Grant - Agreed, I still wouldn't knock Martinez too much on his signings. That said, the Niasse deal is starting to look like a spectacular fail.
Grant Rorrison
155 Posted 19/04/2016 at 01:14:40
Yeah, his signings, by and large, aren't the problem; fucking up good positions in games over and over again, are. Needs to learn how to manage matches better if he's staying.
Mick Davies
156 Posted 19/04/2016 at 02:56:21
We had a player in the great '80s side who played with a damaged wrist, and scored a very important goal (I think it was against Villa in the cup), covered in bandages; anyone remember Kev Richardson?
Paul Kossoff
157 Posted 19/04/2016 at 03:02:49
Andy (#124), you said it's unfair to criticise Niasse. if you were unfit, who would you blame? Someone else or yourself?

This man is being paid God knows what, and a signing on fee and after near four months he can't do the job he's paid for because the one basic requirement he needs – 'fitness' – he hasn't got.

Can't criticise him? I criticise you for saying that.

Peter Larkin
158 Posted 19/04/2016 at 06:35:34
Simple truth is he is shite. All this smoke and mirrors stuff is well, just that. I'll be amazed if he is still with us in August.
Peter Healing
160 Posted 19/04/2016 at 07:27:01
What a fuckin' farce. Of all the footballers in the world, we end up with a dud. Heads must roll.
Jim Bennings
161 Posted 19/04/2016 at 07:37:03
Bilyaletdinov was only a waste of money because Moyes played him on the wing, a winger he never was!

If he had been used in the same position Barkley is now then you'll remember the lad had a wand of a left foot and had one of the hardest shots I have ever seen at Everton...

Paul Tran
162 Posted 19/04/2016 at 08:04:13
Andrew, I did some work with a large northern English club a few years ago. Someone in their scouting team casually mentioned that Moyes had a reputation for forensically researching players; he'd watch them, watch them, watch them, then watch them going somewhere else. I suspect the same thing happened at Old Trafford, especially given the money Van Gall has been allowed to waste.

Back to us, there is something fishy about this transfer. He's fit, he's raring to go, then he isn't fit and then he'll be great next season. Not the first time, either. I'd love to know the process that brought him to the club.

So with Roberto's record on player fitness, presumably he'll never be fit?

Ray Roche
163 Posted 19/04/2016 at 08:20:52
Paul Kossoff, he was fit enough to play for Senegal the other week. Fitness is usually down to a regime worked out and planned by the fitness team, ergo, if a TEAM is considered unfit it's down to the training they're being given.

Niasse is different, he would appear to be fit enough for International football but not good enough for us. Something is very wrong here and it's not the players fault.

Joe Clitherow
164 Posted 19/04/2016 at 08:48:52
Nah Jim, Bilyaletdinov was a complete waste of £9M, your memory is playing tricks and I bet you are thinking only of the third goal in a 3-0 against Wolves.

Slow, lazy, criminally unfit and positionally inept, his left foot only came into play when he had far more time than was normal. Superficially similar to Sheedy in some respects, in reality nowhere near the same level.

Grant R, I'd say £6M for Kone is a total waste of money and I'm not at all sure about £13M for a workhorse like James McCarthy. I think he pays way over the odds for players and irrespective of only paying small amounts of money (which may have been all that was available at any given time) he has signed some total turkeys and insisted on playing them (eg Alcaraz). Granted it looks like Lukaku will make a profit but you don't expect nearly £30M paid for a striker to return a bad player.

I don't trust him in the transfer market (or anywhere else for that matter).

Ian Jones
165 Posted 19/04/2016 at 09:02:45
Joe,

I remember a great goal Billy scored against Man Utd. But there weren't many goals to remember!

He certainly didn't light up the team. I also think he was another one of those players never allowed to develop in the team. Never given a run of games to gain confidence.


Jim Bennings
166 Posted 19/04/2016 at 09:02:55
Joe,

How about Bilyaletdinov's goals against Manchester United or Portsmouth on the last day of the season?

A guy who probably in one season could have done behind the striker as much as Barkley has in the last two years but, for some insane reason, Barkley is looked upon as the new Paul Gascoigne!

I feel Moyes signed Bily without a plan of where he should play. He flourished for Russia in the middle and his best assets were suited to the middle but he came up against fine players in Cahill and Fellaini who were masters of playing behind the striker and offered greater strengths.


Joe Clitherow
167 Posted 19/04/2016 at 09:28:39
Jim and Ian,

I don't agree at all. Bily actually played quite a lot in and out. He typified lack of effort in my opinion and I think Moyes did give him runs but he just never delivered.

He got decent runs in the team when Pienaar left. The crowd did get at him though because he committed the cardinal sins of not working. Another Drenthe type in my opinion. You can have all the skills in the world but a lack of application means that, overall, you're crap.

The fact that Moyes sold him, probably at a loss (an undisclosed fee) and at the peak of his career (27) speaks volumes.

Ian Jones
168 Posted 19/04/2016 at 10:08:57
Joe.

Fair enough. Your knowledge of Bily is far better than mine.

Ognjen Mojovic
169 Posted 19/04/2016 at 11:03:31
I just wrote an article about how we should be more understanding and patient, but I should read this article before writing my own. Hilarious!
David Harrison
170 Posted 19/04/2016 at 12:54:38
If this guy is our main striker next year with Lukaku gone. Heaven help us. Even his highlights on YouTube are hardly inspirational.

Why not be honest, Roberto? It isn't fitness, he's just out of his depth.

Kevin Jones
171 Posted 19/04/2016 at 12:56:25
Just spoke to my boss and told him I've bought a £13m piece of machinery that we can't use until at least the end of August, and even then It might not do the job I bought it for.

"No prob's Kev" he said, "here – have a nice bonus," he said. Honest he did.

Denis Richardson
172 Posted 19/04/2016 at 13:01:21
Let's all say a big happy 26th Birthday to Niasse, who apparently has 18th April as his birthday.

You'll all also be glad to know that our £13.5m signing will potentially be with us until June 2020 if he does a Heitinga and runs his contract down. According to t'internet, he was on about £35k/week at Moscow so presume he's on at least the same with us, if not more. Moscow also only paid about £4m for him in July 2014, so not sure how good our £13.5m looks just 18 months later... then again Man Utd paid £36m for Martial after Spurs had a chance to sign him for just £14m 6 weeks before but declined the offer. Crazy world of football.

Looking at Niasse's stats, he seems to have scored fairly regularly wherever he's played. Only issue is that he's never played in a 'top' league. Scored for clubs in Senegal, Turkey (Akhisar?) and Russia (Locomotiv) so no idea how he'll eventually do with Everton but at least he knows where the net is, although he's probably never come up against defenders as good as in the Premier League.

It's a bit harsh to write the guy off before he's had a proper run but the fact he's no where near 'fit' enough to play now is a big worry. As well as reports from some players that he's a bit 'raw'. He's already 26 years old so if he really isn't ready for the Premier League now, I'm not sure he'll ever be.

If a new manager comes in I can see him being quietly shipped out in the summer, assuming we can find a club willing to take over his £2m/year wages...

Really smacks of a panic buy but I hope he comes good, otherwise we'll need to sign at least two strikers when Lukaku goes this summer, as well as a new goalkeeper, right-back, left-winger and No 10!

Phil Walling
173 Posted 19/04/2016 at 13:12:02
Martinez seems to be held up as a good exponent in the transfer market on this thread. Plusses and minuses, please so we can strike a balance on this (mis)conception.
Mike Allison
174 Posted 19/04/2016 at 13:13:44
I'm not a big fan of turning every thread into Martinez bashing but I don't see how it can be avoided on this one.

Either he's bought an injured player, a crap player or he's failed to get him fit in two and a half months. If he's not good enough or fit enough to come on as a sub then he shouldn't be named on the bench at all and someone else, maybe a young player, could get the experience of being in the matchday squad.

Also, our league games are fast becoming 'pressure free' in the sense that we will neither get relegated nor achieve anything significant, so he should be getting the game time now. If not now, when?

I only hope, and this is not my usual position, that this mounts up as evidence in the case against Martinez and, as soon as is decent, he is replaced as the manager of Everton Football Club. Hopefully we do it a few days after winning the FA Cup.

Denis Richardson
175 Posted 19/04/2016 at 13:44:04
Phil (#173) – on the Martinez transfer front, it depends on what your objective is. If you want to bash him the likes of Alcaraz, McGeady and Kone are trotted out. If you want to say he's done well the likes of Lukaku, Deulofeu, Besic and Lennon are trotted out.

Personally I think he did well to persuade Lukaku to come to us, although admittedly no other club was willing to shell out £28m at the time. However Lukaku was not exactly an 'unknown'. Deulofeu should be a good signing but something doesn't seem right at the minute. Funes Mori also looks like a good signing, even though the final fee mysteriously jumped from £5m odd to £9m on signing day. Robles came on a free I think and looks ok for a back up 'keeper but we really need to sign someone else as #1. Barry was an astute signing but the fact we still rely on him so much now is also damning.

Alcaraz and McGeady were punts that didn't work out but didn't cost anything (wages excepted), these things happen so I wouldn't dwell on them.

True failures for me are Kone (won the lottery getting £6m for Anichebe then pissed it straight away). I also never felt fine with spending £13m on McCarthy. People go on about him not being appreciated for what he does but whenever I watch him play I cannot see what he does that a decent Championship player can't or doesn't do week in week out. Going forward he provides absolutely nothing, defensively we still leak goals – so what exactly did we get for £13m? Eto'o – only cost us wages and unfortunately we'll never know what happened but should have used his experience to get more out of him and to help the younger strikers.

Besic, Lennon, Cleverley – all too early to say if they will turn out good or bad as none have had a regular run starting games. I was underwhelmed by the Lennon signing but at least he puts a shift in. Besic looks like he could be slipping to the bad signing side, great passion but end product is questionable. Cleverley looks tidy but not much else so far. Niasse... who knows but not looking good so far.

Overall, I'd give him a 5 out of 10. Not disastrous but barely average at best. After 3 years, only Lukaku and Robles have performed as expected and the latter is a back up.

Danny Broderick
176 Posted 19/04/2016 at 13:54:15
Denis,

I agree with most of what you say, but surely you would have to say that Barry has been a success? He had a cracking first season and he's been one of our better players this year. At times last year he struggled, but Martinez absolutely flogged him, making him play every minute of every game until he got injured. When he came back, he was much better again, and has carried that into this season.

I also think Brendan Galloway is a fine prospect. Martinez brought him in, and he did well at the start of the season. I like his attitude.

Robles cost us £4.5 million by the way.

It's very much a mixed bag with the others though. I'd give him 7/10 for transfers. I am puzzled about Niasse though – he was fit enough to come on in the 78th minute against West Ham. He has had a month's training since then plus an international game, and he's still not fit? It doesn't make sense.

I know he has only played about 20 minutes in total, so maybe I am being harsh, but I have seen nothing in that time – no good runs, no flicks, no headers, no shots etc – to make me think we've got a good player here...

Denis Richardson
177 Posted 19/04/2016 at 14:27:54
Danny – agree re Barry, forgot to mention him at the end although I had him in the good bit at the beginning. Forgot about Galloway, he looks like he could be decent.

If Robles cost us £4.5m(!) then that is money down the drain. I thought he was an ok signing if he was free!

7/10 seems pretty generous all things told. Not a lot of 'hidden gems' from Spain or South America in that list, given the garbage we were led to believe about RM's 'deep' Hispanic connections.

Still, the profit we'll make on Lukaku will probably cover all the other transfer fees paid, combined.

Denis Richardson
178 Posted 19/04/2016 at 14:29:17
We gave Wigan £23.5m for McCarthy, Robles and Kone?

Jeez.

David Booth
179 Posted 19/04/2016 at 15:05:19
We will not hear the truth on this and anyone expecting Martinez to utter it must have lived in a cave for 50 years.

Football managers spout more cliched bullshit than politicians, and basic PR principles mean that we will only get the 'public' version – which will always be shaped to give the impression that everything is under control.

Martinez cannot be expected to criticise the player's quality or the club for allowing him to spend such a large amount of money on a player with no reputation, relevant experience or suitability. No manager, in whatever line of work, will ever belittle a member of the team, or the directors of the company in public – never mind in the hyper-scrutinised world of football.

The bare facts are that we spent a lot of money on a player who, after 10/11 weeks at a Premier League club is still apparently not 'fit/accustomed' enough to play in a second string team ahead of Kone!

However, the wrist problem is a complete misnomer and Martinez should be ashamed of himself for insulting our collective intelligence with it.

I never bothered Lineker or Richardson and doesn't seem to be bothering Niasse here either: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=csr5dCCzgtA&ebc=ANyPxKpNdN8rpAlAeoIEcgx24U7crfcJoO5IEQ-I5kEJxwWEirwJU0YgSS9HtgEANNpdvEWavCpo

It is therefore not unreasonable to assume there's something very suspicious behind the deal in the first place. This has subsequently been exacerbated by the ludicrous situation that has followed.

If he's on the bench, he's fit enough to play – and certainly under our current dire circumstances and with all the players 'unfit' or rested right now. Absolutely nothing to lose too, now that we're safe from relegation?

Could things become any more ridiculous? But hey, that's Everton...

Mark Boulle
180 Posted 19/04/2016 at 15:17:29
What if (he said, clutching desperately at any vaguely straw-shaped object)...what if Martinez has quietly been told he's going to be relieved of his duties come the end of the season?

I don't believe for a second that Niasse isn't, to use one of RM's favourite terms, "medically" fit to play. What he may be is either less use than a chocolate fireguard or, as the quotes from the Lokomotiv Moscow player suggested, very raw and in need of some tactical and technical fine tuning.

In either of those cases, suppose Martinez knows he's on his way out. He wouldn't then want to damage his already broken credibility even further by playing a player he signed for a lot of money who is either not up to it at all, or maybe in future but isn't yet.

Far fetched I know, but I live in hope...

John Hughes
181 Posted 19/04/2016 at 16:57:44
Dennis (178) I believe we got Robles from Atletico Madrid, he was on loan at Atletico Wigano – sorry... feckin Wigan Athletic!!
Bren Connor
182 Posted 19/04/2016 at 17:04:19
Imagine Jeremy Paxman interviewing RM about Niasse ... Throwing back his earlier quotes at him as each new excuse gets deeper into phenomenal confusion.
Ian Hollingworth
183 Posted 19/04/2016 at 18:59:55
Guys, we need to wise up. Bobby Baffoon signed this player and there are serious questions to be answered as to why he ain't playing yet.

Please also stop this nonsense about his signings usually being good. I give you Alcaraz, Traore, McGeady? Please don't give me Lukaku back as he had already proved himself at West Brom and most Premier League teams would have taken him. Geri? As much as I like him, let's be honest – has he really performed on a regular basis?

Barkley and Stones? Not Martinez signings. Barry, yes, but already a proven PL player Cleverley and Besic are mid-table average players at best Lennon good but not good enough for his previous team who may just win the Premier League

I want ambition and a winning mentality at Everton FC – not the pathetic dreams with no substance served up by Kenwright and Martinez.

Fed up? You better bloody believe it.
Kristian Boyce
184 Posted 19/04/2016 at 21:22:16
I agree Mark (#180). I actually think Martinez knows that Niasse would be one of the final nails in his coffin. He's obviously seen he's not up to par of what a £13.5m striker should be and know that this would fall back on him. Probably keeping him 'injured' so that he can't be witnessed by us.
Keith Harrison
186 Posted 19/04/2016 at 21:36:30
Looks like our new signing is taking being a blue seriously folks. Oh ye of little faith!
Rob Halligan
188 Posted 19/04/2016 at 21:48:19
He looks fitter when he first signed than what he does now.
Keith Harrison
189 Posted 19/04/2016 at 21:50:15
Think we'd get paid out if we put an insurance claim in on him?
Keith Harrison
191 Posted 19/04/2016 at 21:55:21
Chaps, penny has just dropped. He is a Nigerian Prince who needs to transfer his money out of the country. Roberto has given him Everton's bank account number, and paid the International Bacs same day urgent transfer fee of £13.5 million so that the honourable chaps can transfer his vast personal wealth to our beloved Everton.
Dick Fearon
192 Posted 19/04/2016 at 23:22:52
Another to add to the Martinez baggage when he leaves.

A Mail pundit says Oumar looks so far out of his depth he should wear a snorkel and wet suit.

Colin Glassar
193 Posted 19/04/2016 at 23:31:15
Rob, did he actually sign his contract though? I mean with such a dodgy wrist maybe he was unable to sign and he really isn't an Everton player! Now this is all starting to make sense to me.

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