Martinez assures Sunderland's rivals over crucial game

, 10 May, 102comments  |  Jump to most recent

Roberto Martinez says that his team's need to respond following their 3-1 defeat at Leicester City means that they won't roll over to Sunderland when the two teams meet at the Stadium of Light tomorrow evening.

The outcome of the televised encounter could decide the relegation battle between the Black Cats, Newcastle United and Norwich City — a win for Sunderland would send the other two clubs down to the Championship — but Martinez has made assurances that his team will be up for the fight.

“It's a huge, huge game," the manager said in a brief pre-match press conference at Finch Farm today. "Not just because of what Sunderland are playing for. Obviously, with two games to go for some of the teams and one game to go for the rest, I think the integrity of the Premier League has been the strongest of any league that you're going to see in Europe.

“From our point of view, it's more about reacting from our performance at Leicester, nothing else. So, I think there's no bigger assurance that we're all fighting and we'll all have to react tomorrow.

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Martinez dismissed suggestions that he has to “win the players back” after their dreadful showing on Saturday that called into question the team's desire to play for their manager.

“There's not such a thing as ‘winning the players back'”, Martinez replied. “Two weeks a ago, we had a good response, a really strong performance to get a win at home against Bournemouth.

“At Leicester we got caught up in the atmosphere and celebration of a unique footballing achievement and that lack of intensity cost us. We never lost the fight, we scored late in the game … but if you don't match the intensity of your opponent it'll be very difficult.

“That's why our focus goes to tomorrow and only tomorrow and that intensity needs to be matched. Sunderland have go a very good record in their last six games at home … so we know exactly what we're going to face. There's no question that we need to be at our very best.”

The manager explained that Gareth Barry could be involved after recovering from a groin problem but ruled out Gerard Deulofeu, Phil Jagielka and Seamus Coleman from tomorrow's trip. That trio will have late fitness tests before the home game against Norwich at the weekend but only Jagielka is expected to have a chance of making it.

Martinez was asked how we would respond to critics who suggest that Everton's away record isn't as good as he himself has argued in recent weeks and also what, if any, assurances he has received from the hierarchy over the club's plans for the summer.

The Catalan refused to be drawn on the future or into any discussion over his side's record, reiterating instead that he was entirely focused on tomorrow's match.

"It's not a moment to respond to anything,” Martinez continued. “The only that matters to us is to avoid distraction, to avoid what happened at the weekend and to concentrate on Sunderland."

 

Reader Comments (102)

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Dean Peamum
2 Posted 10/05/2016 at 15:53:56
"There's no bigger assurance that we're all fighting."

If I was a Geordie, I wouldn't know whether to laugh or cry at that lie.

Christopher Dover
4 Posted 10/05/2016 at 16:00:18
Talk about spin. They played poor against Bournemouth but as it was the last win "it was a really strong performance". What about the last ten games that was so important or the defining week when we lost to Liverpool & Man City???

Please please go and save us having to listen to this drivel, it's doing my head in as he must think we are all idiots while he is wonderful.

Gerard Carey
5 Posted 10/05/2016 at 16:03:36
Intensity, is it, Roberto!? You don't know the meaning of the word. We play sideways and backwards at a snail's pace; even from an attacking position, the ball can go all the way back to Robles. We have no pace, no desire, and Jags by the way, we have no pride.

If Newcastle and Norwich are hoping that we can do them a favour, I pity them.

John Critchley
6 Posted 10/05/2016 at 16:04:07
"it's a huge, huge game" where exactly is this a huge, huge game!

The Derby and semi-final were huge, huge, games and you managed to cock both of them games up, so don't insult our intelligence Roberto! Most of our fans couldn't give a toss about the Sunderland game really.

Saying that I might have a sneaky bet on a Baines 1st goal and 2-0 win double.

Steve Hopkins
7 Posted 10/05/2016 at 16:05:55
“There's not such a thing as ‘winning the players back'”

That's the truest thing he's said in a long time, his relationship with players and fans is irreversibly damaged

Mark Rimmer
8 Posted 10/05/2016 at 16:07:02
He's right, every loss is another huge, huge, huge, huge step to the exit door for Martinez. Massive game no doubt. Plus I'd prefer to see Sunderland stay up over Newcastle. I know who I'm rooting for.
Dave Abrahams
9 Posted 10/05/2016 at 16:07:43
If Martinez is in charge tomorrow I apologise now to the Newcastle and Norwich fans, you are doomed to relegation.
Eivind Nyhus
10 Posted 10/05/2016 at 16:16:26
This is a game I 'wouldnt mind' if we don't win. Id get a little pleasure from seeing Ncastle go down, and I have a little softspot for Sunderland. Also if we loose, it wouldnt really matter for our season, but it could save us from Roberto.
Steve Pugh
11 Posted 10/05/2016 at 16:18:21
He never actually said it was a strong performance against Bournemouth, he said it was determined and I agree. The players were determined to show him that if they played his way they would be crap but added in two moments of proper football at the start and end to prove that they could win if the manager wasn't such a (trying to choose non insulting word...) moron.

He also mentioned the fight the players showed against Leicester especially with the late goal. Again I can see where he is coming from, Mirallas is fighting for a move away from Martinez and so produced a wonderful goal.

Maybe he does speak true after all, you just have to be as mad as he is before it makes sense.

Jay Wood
12 Posted 10/05/2016 at 16:20:45
The sunny, smiling disposition of a typical RM presser distinctly absent.

Barely 5 minutes long - a third of the usual time he typically indulges the journos - with little or no flowery speech or embellishment.

This is clearly a man working under great duress.

Brian Wilkinson
13 Posted 10/05/2016 at 16:25:14
I do not get this love Newcastle to go down thing.

Chelsea fans had the same mentality when they played Bolton, losing that could have relegated Everton, cheering every Bolton move and deadly silence when their own team scored.

Thankfully that day, Chelsea did not lay down and beat Bolton, as a team Everton owe it to Norwich and Newcastle to give 100%, but most of all, they owe it to our supporters to show a bit of pride.

Neil Lawson
14 Posted 10/05/2016 at 16:37:42
I am at a loss to know just what to contribute.

Sadly, like so many others, I really do not care if they lose yet again. Nor will I get excited if they somehow sneak a victory.

Utter apathy is tragic. If Martinez had been despatched after the Anfield debacle, as surely any other manager in any other profession would have been, I truly believe that we may now be looking forward to Wembley.

The players are just as apathetic as we poor supporters. That is shameful but RM can not organise them effectively or tactically, and he sure as hell can not motivate them... What a manager!!

And the silence from within the club is so deafening I now have constant tinnitus. That (the silence, not my tinnitus) is the most shameful aspect of our sorry state.

Good old Cpl Fraser. "We are dooooomed" unless change/revolution is imminent.

John Jennings
15 Posted 10/05/2016 at 16:46:20
This year is the 50th anniversary of my first visit to Goodison Park as a starry-eyed 7 year old, taken to the game by my uncle Ronnie, and his son, my cousin Ian. We played West Brom in September 1966 and I can remember lots of cheering and excitement, although not much about the game (which we won 5-4). My uncle had promised my mum and dad that we wouldn't be in the standing parts of the ground, so I think we were in the Upper Bullens, where I don't think I could see much, because everyone kept standing up. No change there then.

Fast-forward to Saturday 7 May 2016, standing on row BB in the visiting section of the King Power stadium, looking on (rather than watching) at the unbelievable spectacle of Leicester City being crowned Champions of England, whilst the sorry, limp excuse of a football team, masquerading as my beloved Everton, presented token opposition. Much has been written about that performance, and of others in this wretched season, so I wont add any more. Suffice to say the players only possible excuse, if indeed it is an excuse, is that they were playing to 'get the manager sacked', as per the conspiracy theory being discussed on Talk Sport. I actually believe we should have moved well beyond that, and that our pathetic Board should have acted to put the manager out of his misery immediately after the utter humiliation of that night at Anfield. But what does my opinion, and that of 94% of TW regulars, count in the Chairman's eyes ? Absolutely nothing.

I have watched Everton led by the great and the good (and the not-so-good) - Catterick, Bingham, Lee, Kendall (x 3), Walker, Harvey, Royle, Smith, Moyes, and can honestly say I cannot recall it being as bad as this feels.

So, we stagger blindly on into total mediocrity, hoping and praying for better days and a clear vision under new leadership, on and off the field. After what is almost certain to be another harrowing experience at the Stadium of Light, perhaps the final act of the Martinez era will fittingly be against a relegated club, sending a clear message to the Board - act now, it could be us next.

Anto Byrne
16 Posted 10/05/2016 at 16:49:40
Nil-nil will be a win-win. Let it go to the final day of the season. Settle for a 5-5 result leading 5-0 with 10 minutes to play.
Nathan Rooney
17 Posted 10/05/2016 at 16:58:14
Bored.com

You have to give the nut credit though, he is sticking to his guns and rollox to the lot of us!

His babblings and nonsensical comments remain, minus the happy clappy bollox that normally go hand in hand with his spoutings.

With regards the game, I never want us to loose, and hope the managers words will not have a hollow ring to them come full time tomorrow, but I just do not see an Everton win, based on the two teams current form.

Having said that, we have always seemed to turn up v the makems in the past and have been a bit of a bogey side against them, and we may again on Wednesday,regardless of Martinezs input to the team selection and team talk etc.

I also hope that the 11 players selected provide the travelling support with a performance that they deserve, and don't provide the watching world with more amusement at their ineptitude.

I take no pleasure or positives from the fact that if we loose on Wednesday, the barcodes are relegated.

I am old enough to remember the dark days, not so long ago, when we were in the same situation, and remember several other teams who were not involved in the relegation battle, hoping and praying it was us who dropped.

The next two results (win, loose or draw) should have no bearing on Martinezs future at Everton, which should have already been decided, and the taxi booked.

Ron Sear
18 Posted 10/05/2016 at 17:03:17
Everton won't be responsible if Newcastle along with Blackpool are relegated It's the curse of being sponsored by a payday loan company. If Wonga come calling at Goodison we really are finished.
Kim Vivian
19 Posted 10/05/2016 at 17:08:30
I think I'm actually starting to feel sorry for him now it's pretty much nailed on.

Would give him a polite send off on Sunday if there.

Andy Mack
20 Posted 10/05/2016 at 17:09:26
Still unfit with just three hours of game time remaining this season, we can't/don't defend from the wings, we can't win ariel duels and if something lands in the area from the six yard box to the penalty spot it ends up in the net. Plus should the unlikely happen and we actually score first, we can't hold a lead …and we're playing Sams Sunderland who can relegate the Geordies as well as guarantee staying up? The life of a Barcode or Canary. Small mercies being a Toffee for this game.
Martin Nicholls
21 Posted 10/05/2016 at 17:10:55
I'm sure Barcodes and Canaries fans will rest easy tonight as a consequence of Martinez's assurances – not.
Like others I have a soft spot for Sunderland supporters who are so unlike their arrogant Geordie cousins – a bit like comparing us to the Red Shite. That said, I still want us to win tomorrow. COYB
Steve Brown
22 Posted 10/05/2016 at 17:17:17
He knows he is gone, even if the board havent round to telling him yet. The team's performance v Leicester and the away fans kind request to get our of our club did for him.

That's why he has thrown his thesaurus in the bin and had a terse, six minute news conference focussed in the next game.

Eddie Dunn
23 Posted 10/05/2016 at 17:18:27
Brian, what are you talking about?
I was working at Earl's Court that nerve-wracking day, so I went along to Chelsea to watch events unfold. The Chelsea fans around me didn't mention us once and the fans all cheered their goals.
This is first hand - I was there.
Kevin Tully
24 Posted 10/05/2016 at 17:21:36
The rumour that Martinez has already been informed he won't be here next season looks to have more than a ring of truth about it. Does anyone really think he'll be here for our first game next season? I certainly don't, but I cannot understand for the life of me why the man hasn't been relieved of his duties?

Is it for financial reasons, or is BK actually going through another performance in the boardroom? The ego driven luvvie will not want to be seen as hiring a dud in the first place, apparently he prides himself on being an 'expert' in whatever footballing decisions he makes.

As per, the whole charade is being very poorly handled. Martinez should have cleared his desk the morning after the derby. I don't say this with any hatred towards the man, but it's clear that nobody at the club, including the fans, believe in his methods. He 'got' the club and had some grand ideas, he just never had the talent.

I just hope the next manager is chosen with ambition, and the new people at the club back him with a proven team of professionals behind the scenes instead of the usual week to week shambles that seems to be our M.O.

Most clubs have got their pre-season games or tournaments planned by now, does anyone even know when we are playing Wrexham & Tranmere?

David Connor
25 Posted 10/05/2016 at 17:22:21
What planet is he on? "Strong performance against Bournemouth." We won, yes, but we were shite. He really must think we are all as deluded as he is.

Get a grip, board, get rid of this prick before he screws us up all together... PLEASE.

Guy Hastings
26 Posted 10/05/2016 at 17:30:23
Tomorrow's game is one over a whole season - the three points you won or lost in October are as important as the three you might win or lose tomorrow or on Sunday. We've been crap but nowhere near the tactical and spineless mess that Newcastle have been pretty much all season. However, should RM stay I can see the melodrama at St James' Park being replicated at Goodison next season. BK is a 'legacy' man, I believe, and the last thing he wants is his name tainted by relegation. That should focus his mind on the RM issue, if nothing else.
Paul Birmingham
27 Posted 10/05/2016 at 17:33:09
John @15, perfectly summed up. Let's hope the board are learning and act decisively soon.


Joe Foster
28 Posted 10/05/2016 at 18:19:21
Who cares who goes down as long as it's not us? Sunderland will win and we will all be bored off our heads. So say I.
Michael Penley
29 Posted 10/05/2016 at 18:20:58
Hmm. Leicester didn't seem to be negatively affected by being "caught up in the atmosphere and celebration of a unique footballing achievement", despite being the ones who were celebrating. Odd that.
Paul Conway
30 Posted 10/05/2016 at 18:29:08
Jay Wood @ 12

Spot on! That, coupled with the non-commital to pre-season regimes, arrangements etc. It's nailed-on he is going. The heartbreaking part is, we will be left with an incompetent, disrespectful board for not keeping us informed.

This kind of situation could manifest itself in the not-too-distant future, if it goes arse over tit for the next Manager!

John Francis
31 Posted 10/05/2016 at 18:31:51
Betfair latest

MON 7/4
De Boer 5/2
Koeman 5/1

Tommy Coleman
32 Posted 10/05/2016 at 18:35:48
Can't he get someone else to do these PCS?
I'm sick of his excuses.
Barry Pearce
33 Posted 10/05/2016 at 18:53:52
I also was at that nerve racking Chelsea game, and the Chelsea fans definitely wanted Bolton to win. They even booed Jody Morris when he scored.
Kevin Turner
34 Posted 10/05/2016 at 18:55:03
MON! Martin O"Neil! Pray this isn't true.
Eddie Dunn
35 Posted 10/05/2016 at 19:08:45
I've read reports that some Chelsea fans were encouraging Bolton to get an equaliser after Chelsea took the lead, but up in the West Stand I saw nothing to that effect.
I think it is one of those situations where a minority may have done it and it became widely reported.
At the end of the game I turned to the bloke sitting next to me and explained how relieved I was, but the bloke just looked at me blankly - he was Norwegian! Should have been at Anfield.
Andy Crooks
36 Posted 10/05/2016 at 19:12:54
If Everton's survival depended on the efforts of one coach, someone who could motivate a team in what is a meaningless game, well; there is no man coaching in any level of football that I would have LESS than the babbling inept fool we pay to coach our club.

However, I will be placing a bet on us. Not because I think Martinez is anything other than utterly fucking useless, but because I believe we have players who need to show pride. They will, we will win, and it it will be nothing to do with our sad specimen of a coach.

Eddie Dunn
37 Posted 10/05/2016 at 19:14:31
Here is a clip of the game and the fans on view were certainly celebrating their goals Barry.
https://youtu.be/VLPPpMWtSWg
Kevin Judge
38 Posted 10/05/2016 at 19:15:06
John Critchley (6), spot on mate. This is just another embarrassing game we fans have to endure.

As for Newcastle wanting us desperately to win... well, they have only themselves to blame.

Ian Brandes
39 Posted 10/05/2016 at 19:19:26
I have a terrible sinking feeling that, come full time tomorrow night, I will be saying 'What A Manager', 'What A Chairman', and 'What A Season.'

And I will be wondering whether to use the F word as an adjective.

Like Kim earlier, I have almost started to feel sorry for him until I gauge the damage he has done to our Everton, and the astronomical wages he is pocketing for his distressing incompetence.

Let us all hope we are saying 'What A Majority Shareholder' in a different way when this fool's sacking is eventually confirmed.

But, sadly, I am not holding my breath.

Ian Riley
40 Posted 10/05/2016 at 19:22:04
Why start now? May and we are going to give someone a game.
Colin Glassar
41 Posted 10/05/2016 at 19:26:36
Spot on KT. I've heard even the tea lady sings, "sacked in the morning, your getting sacked in the morning" when she serves him his cuppa.
Shane Corcoran
42 Posted 10/05/2016 at 19:28:02
The headline reads like one from a spoof newspaper, i.e. as if Newcastle and Norwich will take Everton's best efforts as any sort of assurance.
Mick Davies
43 Posted 10/05/2016 at 19:52:15
Brian, @ 13. I disagree: Newcastle have had us over plenty of times because the 'Toon Army' (19,000 of them when they were relegated) are media darlings.

There was the Ameobi goal up there when he was so far offside, he looked to the linesman (that gormless looking goon from the 'North East!) and seemed embarrassed scoring; Yobo getting sent off because the snide Bellamy conned the ref; Gosling turning the ball around the post with the most blatant handball ever – we got a corner; and the 3-3 at Goodison and the disallowed goal.

No, I don't give a toss about two meaningless games now, after all the lifeblood has been sucked out of me by that moron and his pantomime puppeteer, and since my first Goodison game as a 9-year-old was against Sunderland (Alan Ball and Alex Young were playing), I don't want them to go down.

Brian Porter
44 Posted 10/05/2016 at 19:54:49
Why is he still here?
Phil Walling
45 Posted 10/05/2016 at 19:56:24
There's a few on here who are going to feel a bit sick if the lads pull off a win tomorrow - as I think they will.

Far two many willing it to be a lousy ending to the season when these two games will have a great many of our fellow supporters shelling out big dough 'in the cause.'

To me, it makes no difference when Martinez is 'let go'- the damage was done by his appointment !

Martin Mason
46 Posted 10/05/2016 at 19:56:53
I won't cry if Sunderland win tomorrow night, I'd sooner the bar codes go down and would like to see maximum humiliation for the fraud just so there's no backing down.
Chris Scully
47 Posted 10/05/2016 at 20:10:25
I want Everton to win every game, whatever the circumstances. I just cannot buy into the 'lose so we ruin Martinez' way of thinking. The players need to stand up and be counted for the travelling fans. If we lose then fine, but do it after a hell of a fight!
Mike Corcoran
48 Posted 10/05/2016 at 20:11:17
Remember Walter getting the boot after a spring humiliation in the north east. I think he may be out if the same happens tomorrow just so they avoid any bad scenes on Sunday at Goodison
Jay Griffiths
49 Posted 10/05/2016 at 20:48:05
“There's not such a thing as ‘winning the players back'”, Martinez replied. “Two weeks a ago, we had a good response, a really strong performance to get a win at home against Bournemouth.
It's no longer a deluded mentality. He reminds me of a child freeforming verbally. It's random babble mixed with outright lies. How can he not be held accountable for performances that are then compounded with playground bullshit?
Cromwell to the Rump parliament suffices.
You have sat too long for any good you have been doing lately ... Depart, I say; and let us have done with you. In the name of God, go!
Robert Workman
50 Posted 10/05/2016 at 20:48:49
The brief press conference felt like "Dead Man Talking"!
Ian Riley
51 Posted 10/05/2016 at 21:01:26
It's over. Remember the board are watching what we are. Even they can't put up with this. If Martinez is here next season, then Mr Kenwright pulls the strings. I fear he might be given one more chance but I would love to be wrong.
Ian Hollingworth
52 Posted 10/05/2016 at 21:05:06
Why oh why is this deluded fool still in a job at Everton FC?

I still have a very bad feeling that Billy Liar will keep this nightmare real for us next season.

If he is still in charge on Sunday then the fans have to be vocal and there cannot be support for the lap of dishonour.

You just know that there will be plenty applauding and BK will be happy to take that as approval.

Barry Pearce
53 Posted 10/05/2016 at 21:18:47
Eddie#37 obviously not all the Chelsea fans wanted them to lose,but I would say the majority of them definitely did that day. Just like some don't mind if we lose to Sunderland. If it relegates the barcodes.

Anyway Eddie just a difference of opinion mate.

Thank god for Gareth farelly.

Damian Wilde
54 Posted 10/05/2016 at 21:23:55
What a load of nonsense as per usual. String performance against Bouremouth? We were shite and lucky.

I'm glad he was challenged about the away record. It infuriates me he keeps saying it is great. It's shite, judt less shite than the home record.

Robin Gomme
55 Posted 10/05/2016 at 21:31:39
Martinez still not gone? You're be telling me Clattenberg is reffing the FA Cup Final and the Champions League Final next.
John Davies
56 Posted 10/05/2016 at 21:41:26
I have never, ever wanted us to lose a game but if doing so tomorrow night assured the exit of this arrogant, condescending man I would take it. He just keeps talking doesn't he? I wonder if his idiotic scripts are written for him by our idiotic chairman.
Ray Griffin
57 Posted 10/05/2016 at 21:42:33
The Guardian's take on it....

Bobby M has told Newcastle and Norwich that Everton won’t confirm their relegation by rolling over at Sunderland. Strange, given that’s what they’ve done in every other away game for the past three months

James Watts
58 Posted 10/05/2016 at 21:49:48
Just seen his latest sound bites in the echo. He is STILL going on about Bournemouth. For christ sake, we played shite but got lucky and won. He makes it sound like it was our best game of the season. What a fucktard.
Bobby Thomas
59 Posted 10/05/2016 at 21:51:25
“At Leicester we got caught up in the atmosphere and celebration of a unique footballing achievement and that lack of intensity cost us. We never lost the fight, we scored late in the game … but if you don't match the intensity of your opponent it'll be very difficult."

So plenty of fight then. Just the intensity was missing. It's bollocks isn't it?

Defoe hat-trick en route. At least one will be a cross, with no pressure on the ball & the opposition player gets in between the center halves & everyone stands around looking at each other.

As many think, he should have been dismissed after the derby. Immediately.

Bob Cumiskey
60 Posted 10/05/2016 at 21:54:32
This time tomorrow it will all be over for Martinez, Newcastle and Norwich.

I just hope the board relieve him of his duties before Sunday.

Alastair Donaldson
61 Posted 10/05/2016 at 22:04:27
Why are any of us going to the next two games?
Ian Riley
62 Posted 10/05/2016 at 22:17:19
Martinez out! Just read the Liverpool Echo. He didn't think the players let him down against Leicester. How about the fans Roberto? No fight and no heart. He will relagate us if they keep him.

Get a manager to bring the hunger and desire back when playing for Everton. Like West Ham tonight!

Frank Thomas
63 Posted 10/05/2016 at 22:30:41
I would like us to beat Sunderland to dent the smugness of Defoe who has cheated us in past games and big Sam whose teams have sent enough of our players to the injury room in past games.

Also it would make the games on Saturday really exciting.

Eddie Dunn
64 Posted 10/05/2016 at 22:32:09
Barry, I came out of the ground wanting to hug someone, but was surrounded by the usual bunch of horrible wankers.

I never want us to be in the position of Sunderland, Newcastle or Norwich tomorrow. I want us to win, but I have always liked Sunderland.

I just hope that, even if we pick up some points over the next two games, that the club will relieve Roberto of his duties, so we don't have another season of moaning and having to listen to the bullshit spewing forth from his direction.

Don Alexander
65 Posted 10/05/2016 at 22:32:35
If anyone had asked Big Sam just who he'd like to be playing with 3 points at stake to survive relegation there's only two teams he'd have chosen; us and Villa.

That is what Bobby Intensity Martinez has long since reduced us to.

Robin Gomme
66 Posted 10/05/2016 at 22:32:55

“The manager and the players are all together. When you create a team, you create an aspiration and our aspiration is to win as many games as we can for our football club and to bring silverware."

Andrew James
67 Posted 10/05/2016 at 22:41:35
Bit confused by what he's trying to say here...

He talks about integrity which means we should be looking to thrash Sunderland just like we did Newcastle and the Black Cats themselves. Or should we be poor like we were against Norwich?

Or perhaps he means we will be equally as useless against Sunderland as we have been in other matches so that everything is consistent?

I feel a bit sorry for Newcastle and Norwich fans. Until recently fans and the media had us down as a team who could be dangerous on their day. I hope they've realised we have been utterly useless for about 4 months and haven't got their hopes up.

Damian Wilde
68 Posted 10/05/2016 at 22:44:31
"we never lost the fight." Please don't tell me he said this? We lost 3-1!
Stephen Sullivan
69 Posted 10/05/2016 at 22:48:05
I am amazed Sunderland are even money to win this game. A true price should be more like 1/6 on. They will give 100% throughout the game and have fervent support throughout. Their players are buzzing from their recent victory too.

In contrast our players are de-motivated and not playing for the manager. They will not give 100% throughout and even if they did injury problems and poor fitness will see Sunderland through.

The best bet of the year bar Leicester at 5000/1. One consolation is we will get to see the back of Newcastle and especially their owner who is poison to football.

Barry Pearce
70 Posted 10/05/2016 at 22:48:24
Eddie I totally agree with you, I never want us to lose any game.

I've wanted Martinez out since we lost to Hull City last season. If the board don't sack this clown. I'd be frightened that we could be in the same position that Norwich, Newcastle, and Sunderland find themselves in.

I haven't got a soft spot for any other team, as I don't think they give a flying fuck about us.

John Louis Jones
71 Posted 10/05/2016 at 22:50:42
He is a sociopath, I have compared him to Tony Blair in the past, today's presser he was more like Jeffrey Dahmer.

If this carries on the fans will be singing "Candy Man" and no fucker in the world wants to be compared to that evil cunt.

Steve Dowdeswell
72 Posted 10/05/2016 at 22:57:11
It's sad but I really have little interest in the last two games of the season and even if we had managed to make it to the FA Cup Final, I would be in two minds to watch as I think the result would be a foregone conclusion with Martinez in charge.

I don't care who goes down as long as it isn't us but that might have woken up Bill & Co to the mediocrity that has become of our club for over the past 10 years or so... particularly the past two seasons.

With the close season coming up, it is going to be difficult to hold on to our 'star players' and there is a great danger of us becoming a selling club once again.

Martinez has to go sooner rather than later to allow the new management team time to allow the players to re-bond and re-train to play proper football rather than the tippy-tappy nonsense that they have been directed to play in this tenure.

As many have mentioned, he is spouting about the Bournemouth result as though it was a great performance and a great game. It was neither. We played badly apart from a couple of moments and managed to scrape a result.

Luckily for us it meant that we are safe and the lads should have been able to play out the last few games with a bit of pride and try to demonstrate to the fans that they still actually know what to do with that strange sphere on the turf.

It's pretty easy – kick round thing into netty thing at the other end from Robles. Don't let the other team kick round thing past Robles. I might send my CV.

James Watts
73 Posted 10/05/2016 at 23:00:13
Some more comments from him I'm just reading on the guardian site:

“If anyone wants to have a scrutiny of my job, then they are allowed to do that. If you are going to do it, then you don’t do it after the games since Chelsea in the FA Cup, you do it over the last three seasons and see where we are now. You have to look at the signs. The only thing that matters to me is the game against Sunderland.”

We are putting you under scrutiny over the last 3 years. What a fucktard.

Asked what signs of progress he was talking about, with Everton 12th in the Premier League, having collected the lowest number of points in their history at home this season, on the basis of three points for a win, Martínez replied: “I understand why you are asking but, honestly, the time to do that is after the Norwich game. Everything you can question me about afterwards. The only thing that matters is Sunderland. I don’t help the team if I speak about something other than Sunderland.”

No, the time was 12 months ago. Then 6 months. But you're right it isn't now as you shouldn't be in your job anymore. What a fucktard.

And the best of all ....

“We put a lot of effort into the cup competitions and that is going to affect you a little bit in the league. That happens. It happened last year when we were in the Europa League. This season, since the quarter-final against Chelsea, we have not been ourselves in the league. We have not been at our level. That is not down to one or two individuals. It is the reality of how the season has panned out. The second half against Manchester United, we played our hearts out. That’s how close we were to getting that little bit of success you need to make the next step.”

Still harping on about the Europa League for last season, and the FA Cup is now to blame for this season

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE - just go. NOW!

Andy Crooks
74 Posted 10/05/2016 at 23:10:40
We will beat Sunderland. I have no great reason for thinking it, but there is always a twist, always a "Well, who the fuck would have thought that?" moment.
Anthony Jones
75 Posted 10/05/2016 at 23:15:34
He needs to be gone by next season. He is reminding me of loony Mourinho in his death throws. Still, I don't think he should be verbally abused. Is it looking like there will be a genuinely toxic atmosphere in the final home game? Can't see it, myself.
Ray Griffin
76 Posted 10/05/2016 at 23:20:55
This one is a classic...

"This season, since the quarter-final against Chelsea, we have not been ourselves in the league"

He's right of course, instead of being just fairly useless up until then, now we're absolutely fucking useless

Patrick Carty
77 Posted 10/05/2016 at 23:22:14
James # 73 you are dead right. I try not to listen to his interviews anymore because they make me cringe.

Let's hope there is only two more, because he will not be sacked before the Norwich game.

Damian Wilde
78 Posted 10/05/2016 at 23:22:28
There's a protest at St George's Hall, tomorrow at 17:30, prior to awards evening.
Finn Taylor
79 Posted 10/05/2016 at 23:39:54
The Awards are Thursday... so if they are outside tomorrow, Wed... it's going to be a bit pointless...
Keith Harrison
80 Posted 10/05/2016 at 23:40:04
Happy 60th Birthday, Kevin Tully. Now give him the present he wants, Roberto. You can give the rest of your plane money to Speedo Mick now, Kev. See you Sunday pal.
Dick Fearon
81 Posted 10/05/2016 at 23:48:42
My brain is at stupidity saturation level, It can not absorb another word of this mans ridiculous and fast becoming pitiful outpouring of garbage.

Ian Smitham
82 Posted 10/05/2016 at 23:52:16
Kevin Tully, I bobbed in to the Church last game to see you. Your mates let you down, they grassed up that you were already in the Ground having a few beers. Happy Birthday and maybe next time. Best, Ian
Jim Hardin
83 Posted 11/05/2016 at 00:06:41
The only way RM can assure any of the clubs fighting it out is by telling them he is neither making out the line-up nor is he coaching the game. If not then my advice to Newcastle and Norwich is "Be afraid, be very afraid." (Sigourney Weaver, Aliens).
Keith Harrison
84 Posted 11/05/2016 at 00:13:31
Ian. Get there earlier this week, and fetch your bingo dibber. He loves a game of housey housey does Kev.
Bob Parrington
85 Posted 11/05/2016 at 01:06:00
Taking the current form and the relative passions of the two teams into account, I can't see anything but a Sunderland win out of this game, unfortunately.

As usual, we hope for a better performance and a win but.....................

Big clean out required IMO, starting with the manager so that the new manager has a say in who goes and who should stay.

It has been suggested that David Moyes is being considered. Surely, this would be a mistake?? Hopefully not Mark Hughes either. De Boer looks interesting.

John Codling
87 Posted 11/05/2016 at 07:11:09
Really sad to hear comments about helping Newcastle to go down. You lot are as bad as the manager. What about travelling supporters, what about Everton pride, what about a duty to perform to the best ability? What's the first three words on the club crest? ONLY THE BEST. Hang your heads in shame.

Unfortunately I have already apologised to all my Georfie mates, of whom I have a lot, for the complete capitulation of our sorry team. But at least I will still be rooting for an Everton win.
Tom Evans
89 Posted 11/05/2016 at 07:46:53
Anything other than a victory this evening will surely be accompanied by a short statement from the club on the lines of a mutually agreeable parting of the ways. Of this I am certain because I believe the club would not allow him to be exposed to the bile and fury that would rain down on the guy on Sunday.
All we can do is wait.
Tony Burke
90 Posted 11/05/2016 at 08:32:03
From the Guardian live report of last night's game at Upton Park, after the game went to 2-2 :"Well, that Man Utd lead lasted about as long as one of Everton's."

Well, that's it. A truly magnificent achievement. We've finally been officially installed as the laughing stock of the Premier League, a truly humbling, phenomenal, incredible experience.

Nathan Rooney
92 Posted 11/05/2016 at 09:16:21
Apologies for typing loose not lose each time on my post yesterday - it had been a long day at work and I had just about had all I can take of Martinez and his ramblings!

Although, thinking about it, loose is an apt description of our defending and performances this season!

Been speaking to a few Makem supporting mates from my uni days this week, and even they are supremely confident about the result being in the bag for them tonight, and they feel a little sorry for me!? Jesus that is depressing, considering their current woes!

Normally, they cannot stand playing us, and just hope they are not embarrassed by the result....how the tables have turned.

Peter Carpenter
93 Posted 11/05/2016 at 10:05:14
I'm beginning to feel sorry for him. The changing tone of his interviews and the grim look on his face all suggest someone who needs to get away from the job. I have felt he was losing it ever since the bizarre reinterpretation of Baines's 'chemistry' comments.

Now even the players, once happy to tell us all how much they liked him, couldn't give a shit and can't even raise a moderate show of resistance. No-one is coming out of this mess well.

Kevin Tully
94 Posted 11/05/2016 at 11:02:27
Keith/ Ian,

Thanks for the best wishes lads, but Keith does tend to exaggerate somewhat (by about 20 years) and blow anyone up on a public forum!

Ian, if you are there on Sunday pop into the church and join me in a few prayers for next season mate. Ask Andy of EST for my number and we'll enjoy a pint together.

Kevin Rudge
95 Posted 11/05/2016 at 12:12:26
Due to the lack of any clarification on stance from the powers that be, the players and the fans seem to have been put in the horrible position of wanting our team to win but fearing that it might mean we keep this manager in charge, which clearly very few people want.

We really are a shambles from top to bottom... An embarrassment.

Phil Roberts
96 Posted 11/05/2016 at 13:37:22
I think this comment is grossly unfair on Sunderland.

Why should we try extra hard against them when we have rolled over and died against all the other clubs in the past few weeks? What has Martinez got against the Black Cats that they will be the one club that we try to beat.

Can we please keep this league a level playing field and just turn up, but that is all, tonight and offer them as much resistance as we have everyone else since the QF.

Shane Corcoran
97 Posted 11/05/2016 at 13:44:12
Oh if only there was an international break coming up to take out mind of it all.....................
Terry McLavey
98 Posted 11/05/2016 at 16:19:03
Has this guy sought treatment?! Where on earth does all this drivel come from week after week? I've said in a previous thread does this guy have a different match playing in his head or "twilight zone " than we can see?

If two defeats hasten his departure then so be it! The board (as WE are the bored!) has the reaction time of a turning oil tanker!

FFS DO SOMETHING! You corporate "here today, gone tomorrow" types. WE ARE HERE FOREVER! How dare you do this to OUR club!
Damian Wilde
100 Posted 11/05/2016 at 17:17:29
Fin, I meant protest is Thursday.
Jim Bailey
103 Posted 11/05/2016 at 17:33:00
Scott@101
Brilliant
Joe Clitherow
104 Posted 11/05/2016 at 17:38:06
Jim Harding

I think you are confusing your Sigourney Weavers with your Jeff Goldblums (from The Fly) (pedantic, me?)

Tom Bowers
105 Posted 11/05/2016 at 17:46:31
Okay guys only a few more days of this character masquerading as a manager.
If he isn't gone by Monday I can only assume that BK is mentally ill and unable to operate in the real world.
Graham Mockford
106 Posted 11/05/2016 at 17:53:10
Joe #104

Or even Geena Davies

Stephen High
108 Posted 11/05/2016 at 20:44:00
Ha ha ha ha ha ha, bang. Sorry, that was my cock falling off. 2-0 half time at the SOL....

Big performance Bob, sadly not from you, time to go now long past.

Jim Bailey
111 Posted 11/05/2016 at 22:04:06
Martinez should be done under the trades description act.
He wouldn't recognise integrity if it bit him in the balls.
Get the fuck out of my club!
Ste Traverse
112 Posted 11/05/2016 at 22:05:35
I hope the Norwich fans want to lynch him too after his pathetic pre-match comments.


GET HIM OUT NOW.

Colin Glassar
113 Posted 11/05/2016 at 22:11:53
Martinez looks thoroughly defeated.

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