Koeman confirms Barkley wants 'a new challenge'

Wednesday, 26 , 2017 278comments  |  Jump to most recent
Ronald Koeman has admitted that Ross Barkley is looking for a new challenge away from Goodison Park this summer.

The 23-year-old's future has been up in the air since the tail end of last season when his manager insisted that he make a decision over whether to sign a new contract be made by the end of the campaign.

That deadline passed without any movement by Barkley, leading to increasing speculation that he could leave Everton with 12 months remaining on his current terms.

Tottenham Hotspur have been credited with serious interest in the midfielder and Arsenal and Manchester United have entered the conversation in recent days as talk in the media continues but there have not been, as yet, any firm offers for Barkley.

That could force the England international to sit out the final year of his contract at Goodison and leave as a free agent next summer, although Koeman will be hoping that he could move him off the books before the transfer deadline for a fee after he has recovered from groin surgery.

"We made a good offer to him to sign a new contract," Koeman said according to the Daily Star. "He declined and told me he is looking for a new challenge."

"What I heard from the board is that there's not really an offer on the table for Ross.

"I'm looking to other players and that's my priority —- not Ross.

"It's his decision and everybody knows what the situation is.

"We work with respectful people and he is back after his surgery then he will be part of first-team sessions."

 

Reader Comments (278)

Note: the following content is not moderated or vetted by the site owners at the time of submission. Comments are the responsibility of the poster. Disclaimer


Dermot Byrne
1 Posted 26/07/2017 at 14:28:12
Here are the key points from the Everton boss:

● Ross Barkley's Everton career is over – midfielder has told Koeman he wants a new challenge.
● Koeman delighted with Rooney impact.
● Everton want three more signings: a defender, midfielder and striker.
● Koeman confirms Sigurdsson interest

I love our manager

Joe Foster
2 Posted 26/07/2017 at 14:51:19
So Koeman says he expects Barkley to leave 100%.
James Ebden
3 Posted 26/07/2017 at 15:04:13
Finally, some confirmation from Koeman that Barkley is going. Now the debate can end. He's not good enough. Great talent 3 years ago, never progressed, too inconsistent with poor work rate. Just a shame we will probably only get half his market value.
Michael Lynch
4 Posted 26/07/2017 at 15:09:52
So Koeman has spelled it out now, in the press conference: Ross is going (assuming someone makes an offer, which hasn't happened yet).

No surprise of course, but nevertheless a sad day. All of us want to see local lads with a love for the club playing for Everton, and he was the Great Hope for us, probably the biggest homegrown talent since Rooney.

Although the only certainty is that Ross wants out, I think it's fair to assume a few things: He's not happy with his role at the club, he's not happy with Koeman's management of him personally, and he's not terribly happy with the fans getting on his back last season. And I doubt if he's very happy at getting a smack around the head at a nightclub in the city. If he has any self-awareness, he's probably not happy with his own form last season either.

Personally, if we get Sigurdsson I think we're getting a better player. Sure, he's a few years older, and he's not a True Blue, but he's the finished article. Really sad to see Ross go, but he clearly wasn't progressing at Everton. I genuinely hope he finds whatever it is that can allow him to fulfill his potential - as long as he doesn't do it against us, or, heaven forbid, for the red shite.

Thanks Ross, sorry it didn't work out.

Liam Reilly
5 Posted 26/07/2017 at 15:14:23
So he's either not prepared to fight for his place or his head has been turned and he wants more money to whats on offer.

Disappointing end to the Barkley saga but disappointing is also a term wised widely about him on the field.

Wish him well but I think he's missing out on finally playing in an Everton side where he doesn't need to be the sole creator.

Now just to get the best deal possible for him and don't bend over to Levy on Transfer Deadline Day.

Steve Ferns
6 Posted 26/07/2017 at 15:15:50
It is a sad day. But it is not close to the absolute devastating blow when Rooney left. Nor the kick in the face when Judas Barmby forced his move to Liverpool.

I'll file this transfer in the same category as Arteta. For me, Arteta was not the same player he had been since sustaining a terrible knee injury, and so whilst he was still a key player, his influence and game time were diminishing to the extent he had started games on the bench.

Barkley has not had an injury, but Koeman has dropped him twice and benched him. He still started 32 games, playing 36 of 38 league games, and so there's no doubting he was a key player.

Let's just hope we can get good money for him, I foresee us getting mugged for £15-20m on deadline day, particularly if we go ahead and sign Sigurdsson in advance.

Shane Corcoran
7 Posted 26/07/2017 at 15:16:39
Is it possible that the relevant head-turner is letting this one run until near the end of the window thinking that Everton can't turn down an offer with the window about to shut?

I wonder what Ross's problem is.

John G Davies
8 Posted 26/07/2017 at 15:19:44
Walking out of the Emirates a few years ago and Barkley had been the best player on the pitch by a mile, absolutely ran the game. Arsenal fans were raving about him.

Wenger will have stored that and a swap plus cash for Giroud seems likely.

Joe Clitherow
9 Posted 26/07/2017 at 15:20:12
He already has a challenge: to fulfil the potential Evertonians believed he had.

The problem, in my opinion, is that he lacks the heart and brain to rise to that challenge and thinks it is easier elsewhere. By the time he realises that it will not be any easier elsewhere though, sadly, it will be too late. I suspect Ross may get his move to Spurs or wherever and subsequently be quickly shipped out from there to mid table sides to see out his career. Very sad.

Get shut quick while there is some sell on value and move on.

Paul Thompson
10 Posted 26/07/2017 at 15:20:57
It is a shame, but the writing has been on the wall for a while now that Ross wanted out. Davies and others coming through will be our local heroes.

I will be genuinely interested to see how or indeed whether he makes it elsewhere. He will be outside the only cultural and sporting comfort zone he knows, and he's not the sharpest tool in the box. But I wish him well and wish we could wrap up the Sigurdsson deal!

Kevin Tully
11 Posted 26/07/2017 at 15:24:09
It looks as if Barkley's position has been made clear to the club for some time then, at least since the new contract was offered anyway. That also means his agent will have been hawking his services around the Premier League. for a few months.

Is it surprising that no-one has made a move yet? Not really. I don't think the lad is Champions League level myself, not on a consistent basis anyway. He may well be on his way to Spurs or Arsenal, but not as a first choice midfielder. I can't see many paying £20-25m for a sub either though.

A strange situation that points towards a rift with Koeman, especially when you consider where the club is heading. I will be sorry to see him go.

Lee Jackson
12 Posted 26/07/2017 at 15:27:03
As has been widely stated before, the most significant thought many people have about this whole situation is that they don't really care. That says it all really.
Mark Tanton
13 Posted 26/07/2017 at 15:28:54
Firstly I think Levy's comments about astronomical fees for players was perhaps a signal that he won't be held over a barrel for Barkley if Everton think they can play hardball with Spurs for him.

Secondly is it the case that Martinez continually put his arm around Barkley, 'bigged him up' and made him feel special. Does Koeman take a different approach, chiding Barkley, pushing him and wanting more out of his game, refusing to turn a blind eye to his foibles?

Perhaps Barkley doesn't like that style of management and is the classic "needs love" player. Fair play, so long.

Len Hawkins
14 Posted 26/07/2017 at 15:29:20
Well there are plenty of instances of "the next best thing" making the wrong decisions. One has just signed for Southport – John Paul Kissock.
Peter Gorman
15 Posted 26/07/2017 at 15:30:43
"It is a sad day. But it is not close to the absolute devastating blow when Rooney left. Nor the kick in the face when Judas Barmby forced his move to Liverpool."

It is probably on the level of when Jack Rodwell left the club, ie, not anything remotely to give a fig about.

Paul Tran
16 Posted 26/07/2017 at 15:32:17
Joe (#9) hits the nail firmly on the head.
Michael Kenrick
17 Posted 26/07/2017 at 15:33:39
Really sad to see it confirmed. I was half-hoping Rooney could have changed his mind... but the example of Rooney's actions in leaving us and thriving elsewhere will actually be far more powerful than anything Rooney might tell him now to convince him to stay.

The other half of me wants to blame Koeman. A manager has one task – to get the best out of his players. Koeman has clearly failed in this case. Yes, it was a player he inherited, and managers always seem to have this thing about wanting their own players, but failing to develop Barkley's huge potential and convince him to stay rests at his feet – not that Koeman was ever going to put himself out in that regard!

However, at the end of the day, it's not Rooney, it's not Koeman it's no-one else but Ross Barkley who is walking away from Everton. And that will be very hard to forgive.

Bollocks to "a new challenge". I do not want to see him doing well with anyone else but Everton.

Jay Harris
18 Posted 26/07/2017 at 15:37:29
There is something not Right about Ross upstairs and I don't mean Koeman.

Even when Martinez was here and the crowd were booing, Jags had to explain to Ross that they weren't booing him.

If he is that sensitive and light upstairs then he is never going to make it in the harsh world of the Premier League.

Personally, although I rate his technical ability, I always felt him and Rom were holding the team back.

Another lost cause – like Jeffers, Rodwell etc.

Steve Bingham
19 Posted 26/07/2017 at 15:39:22
Best of luck to Ross in his future, wherever he finally ends up.
Steve Bell
20 Posted 26/07/2017 at 15:42:14
Decision making: slow and inconsistent. That's under both the "arm around shoulder" and "kick up the arse" management styles, so it is not solely Koeman's fault. Has he also been badly advised?

Hopefully a deal with Arsenal that involves Giroud can be worked out.

Dennis Ng
21 Posted 26/07/2017 at 15:45:11
It is mind boggling that he thinks he will get a new challenge elsewhere when he is playing for us consistently with inconsistent form. Unfortunate but I wish him well on his journeys. Nothing more.
Jon Withey
22 Posted 26/07/2017 at 15:46:49
His value will be purely down to the demand and competition for his signature. If 3 or 4 clubs are in for him it could still be a good amount.

If they aren't interested or all want to wait it out then he'll go for free – it seems unlikely though.

It's a shame we can't just swap him for Gylfi – but I'm assuming Swansea wasn't the new challenge that he was after.

Garry Corgan
23 Posted 26/07/2017 at 15:47:54
"Wants a new challenge." What a phrase! If we'd won the league, won the European Cup and Ross had got a hatful, I could understand that. Why the hell would you want a new challenge when you've barely scraped the surface of the one you've got?

Jay (#18) is spot on. We learned a lot about Ross in that semi-final last year.

Now to maximise the sale price and come back stronger. I don't think we'll miss him.

James Ebden
24 Posted 26/07/2017 at 15:48:47
Hope he's as successful as Gosling.
Brian Williams
25 Posted 26/07/2017 at 15:48:52
I'm not going to make assumptions based on nothing.I'm not going to slag the lad or the manager or find somewhere to land the blame.

I'm just going to say that players come and players go and, as sad as this is ,Everton go onwards and upwards.

Look forward, not backward. Don't sweat what you can't alter, and look forward to tomorrow's game!!!

Matt Williams
26 Posted 26/07/2017 at 15:49:47
Bye Ross. When the Gooners or Spurs fans are on your case for another shit performance, you will be wishing you had tried harder at Everton.

I would love to see you stay, as I believe you could still fulfil your potential with us.

Steve Jones
27 Posted 26/07/2017 at 15:49:50
Wasn't the narrative here supposed to be that he'd become a target for the 'wrong sort' in the city, had some female-inspired issues and generally wasn't the most popular figure about town?

The suggestion was that he didn't need a new footballing challenge as much as he needed a change of scene... and sooner rather than later.

Ray Robinson
28 Posted 26/07/2017 at 15:49:59
Sorry to see him go. I genuinely believe that he is a true Blue and that he loves the club. However, he and Koeman clearly do not get on. I don't blame Koeman though – you can't be sentimental to succeed. If Koeman believes that Barkley isn't good enough, he's right to move him on.

"Seeking a new challenge" however seems a strange phrase for me. I thought you sought a new challenge when you'd mastered (and got bored of) your current challenge, which clearly Barkley never did. Can he make it at a top club? If he does he'll be "phenomenal" but more likely he'll be a bench warmer a la Rodwell, Wright Phillips, Delph and countless others.

Ian Hollingworth
29 Posted 26/07/2017 at 15:50:51
So... 'one of our own' turns his back on us. Sad it didn't work out and sadly something tells me there is not much more to offer from Ross Barkley.

Now it's official lets stop talking about him. He wants out, good luck but I am only interested in those at Everton who want to be at Everton.

COYB

Alan J Thompson
30 Posted 26/07/2017 at 15:52:15
Just a bloody shame.
Mike Gaynes
31 Posted 26/07/2017 at 15:54:11
Michael (#17), I would counter-argue that Koeman DID get the best out of Barkley, and that his "huge" potential may have, in fact, been fully developed as much as it can.

I viewed his repeated benching in the winter – widely described here as a "kick up the arse" from Koeman – as thoroughly deserved, and the Ross who returned to the lineup from that temporary exile was the best Ross I've seen. Trouble was, he couldn't stay at that level, let alone elevate from it. Never has.

I too wish he was staying, because he's a good player... but I strongly believe that's all he will ever be. And that's neither Koeman's fault nor Barkley's – for all his physical gifts, he simply doesn't have greatness in him.

Personally I doubt he will wind up at Spurs, even if he goes there now... I predict he's eventually ticketed for one of the lower-table teams, where he'll score his share of great goals and maybe even be a local hero. But he won't elevate anyone. That's beyond him.

Mike Green
32 Posted 26/07/2017 at 15:54:20
I've never really understood why people have raved about Barkley. Decent player no doubt, who could prove me wrong if he moves on, but talk of £50m is bonkers. In Barkley's defence he's handled himself (from what I can see) with humility and professionalism and I wish him the best.

John (#8) – Giroud plus cash would be an ideal scenario, I would even consider a straight swap.

Any good deal now would be a result as (a) there don't seem to many interested parties; (b) today's announcement confirms we have to sell; (c) the clock is ticking towards us getting nothing; (d) he's not exactly been in the form of his life; and (e) he's just been under the knife.

Which all in all puts us in a pretty rank negotiating position to be honest. I would take anything that represented £30m – either in 'Cash' or in 'Girouds'.

Ray Robinson
33 Posted 26/07/2017 at 15:54:34
Nobody is claiming that he is being driven out by Koeman – yet!
Lennart Hylën
34 Posted 26/07/2017 at 15:56:37
Off-load him as quick as possible. Not good for team morale to have a player like this at Everton. We want players who give 110% for the club.

He is not as great as he thinks he is. Get as much as possible for him and he will be a forgotten kid when the season starts.

Mike Gaynes
35 Posted 26/07/2017 at 15:58:35
Ray #33, it'll happen. You shouldn't have long to wait.
Dave Roberts
36 Posted 26/07/2017 at 15:59:34
Martinez used to say frequently that Ross was the best English talent he had ever seen.

Ross believed it. We thought he could be but needed to develop his game. Mature and gain consistency. Koeman has told him how it really is; he has not developed, he remains inconsistent and doesn't work hard enough.

Ross prefers Martinez's opinion and thinks playing somewhere else will prove it correct. He needs to remember that several other managers have had doubts about his application and attitude, if not his raw ability.

Be careful, Ross, very careful.

James Ebden
37 Posted 26/07/2017 at 15:59:57
He's not being driven out. He played most games last season as a first team regular and has a bumper new contract offer. It's his choice to walk, not Koeman's. He wouldn't get a new offer if the Manager wanted rid.

If he's not up for the fight for his place, then we are better off rid.

Stephen Davies
38 Posted 26/07/2017 at 16:04:45
He wants a new challenge, perhaps something he can attain.

His challenge should be to make sure he is the first name on the teamsheet.

To go from a club where he has been nurtured and supported to a club where he is just a "player" in a group of many players seems madness given his injury history.

Mike Gaynes
39 Posted 26/07/2017 at 16:06:15
Garry (#23), don't get hung up on "new challenge"... that's just standard PR-speak for occasions like this. And I would point out that it was Koeman who spoke it, not Barkley.
Derek Knox
40 Posted 26/07/2017 at 16:10:00
The thing that has always confounded me with Barkley is this: he knows how the transfer world works better than we do.

Yet he claimed to be a boyhood Evertonian, fair enough he has said he wants to leave, that's fine with me, but he must know that a dwindling down contract, (time-wise) can only lead to ever decreasing offers, the longer it went on.

If he 'loves' Everton that much, why didn't he negotiate with the board a compromise so that he commanded a better fee by signing an extension, and both secure the move he wants, and give Everton a decent sell-on value?

I therefore come to either one of two conclusions: he doesn't give a toss about us, or he knows deep down, he is not as good as he is made out to be.

I know there are a lot of fellow TW'ers think the sun shines out of his arse, but how long does a player need to fulfil his potential?

I arrest my case, m'lud.

Steve Ferns
41 Posted 26/07/2017 at 16:10:06
James, we don't have all of the facts.

This is the most the club have told us about the situation.

Is it possible that Barkley was presented with a contract and said to Koeman, I hear we are linked with Sigurdsson boss. Where do I fit into your plans if you have him? Perhaps he was told something he did not like such as "You're on the bench" or "you're out of position" and he decided he wanted a better offer of first team football in a World Cup year.

Point is, we don't know why the contract was turned down. It's all speculation at this point.

Stan Schofield
42 Posted 26/07/2017 at 16:12:41
The broad feeling from posts on TW is that we're unlikely to break the top-4 this season. As such, the likes of Stones, Lukaku and Barkley (if he goes to a top-6 side like Spurs or Arsenal) are far more likely to play Champions League football and win trophies in the next few seasons than would be the case staying at Everton, even with our progress and recent signings.

Given this, it's understandable of Barkley to seek a 'new challenge', one that gives him a greater success than staying at his 'home team'. And, arguably, gives him a greater chance, like Stones, of getting in the England side.

It's true that players come and go, and that Everton will carry on regardless. So, Everton onwards. I'm just hoping that, losing players like this to the top sides, it'll also be Everton upwards.

Mike Gaynes
43 Posted 26/07/2017 at 16:16:50
Derek (#40), sorry, but that's just silly. It's not the player's responsibility to help the club make more money off his transfer, just because he also supports the club.
William Cartwright
44 Posted 26/07/2017 at 16:18:03
Watched the press conference and very sad to see his future an a new challenge lie elsewhere. Just because someone is blessed with great skill, but not the application to deliver does not make them solely responsible for the resultant bad vibes that emerge around the situation.

I sense that a personality clash between Ross and Ron is at the heart of it. It often happens, no big deal, and usually the parties involved can't see where the problems lie. However I think Ron as the more mature party with authority should have used his experience to contain and resolve the situation. Perhaps he thinks he has, and indeed he may have by taking the team squad in another direction... we might find out during the next season.

If Ross does get his shit together, and I hope for his sake he does, then Ron may have somethings to reflect on. It will also be interesting to see how the media react, especially if he were to join Manure!

Also who could have predicted that in the same close season, that Wayne would enter and Ross would exit.

COYB

Geoff Evans
45 Posted 26/07/2017 at 16:20:35
Here's a challenge, Ross, find a Premier League club that rates you and bugger off there quick before they change their minds!
Stephen Scofield
46 Posted 26/07/2017 at 16:26:00
Derek (#40), I completely agree. Winding down his contract to force a move will cost his boyhood club millions, and that ain't cricket if you ask me.
Charlie Dixon
47 Posted 26/07/2017 at 16:27:31
Finally, some clarity.

Let's hope someone comes in for him as I personally can't see which side he gets into outside the 'top 6'. He wouldn't get in my Everton team now, let alone with Sigurdsson and/or a striker coming in. Not good enough for me. local lad or not.

Sigurdsson wants to be at Everton, Barkley doesn't. That is all that I need to know.

Alexander Murphy
48 Posted 26/07/2017 at 16:32:27
Never happy to see us lose a young Blue, for the obvious reasons.

"New challenge"? Shame you can't face up to the one you're dodging at Everton, Ross. The challenge(s) elsewhere are no different.

Your biggest challenge is to focus and become a great player.

Tony Hill
49 Posted 26/07/2017 at 16:32:35
Well that's Ronald's version. Perhaps Ross's will emerge at some point. A top player with great talent and with years ahead of him. I will be sorry to see him go.
Clive Mitchell
50 Posted 26/07/2017 at 16:34:01
Stan (#42) – exactly.

It's no use people trying to convince themselves that Barkley wasn't our best player. He was our best player; the squad all knew it; and most Evertonians knew it. I hope and expect Ross will go on to have the career his talent deserves.

Paul Setter
51 Posted 26/07/2017 at 16:35:04
I have a funny feeling he will still be a Mersey-based player this upcoming season – just not with us!!!
Steve Ferns
52 Posted 26/07/2017 at 16:35:14
As regards to the winding down of the contract, is it not the case that last summer, his stock had fallen and so we knew that we would not be able to agree terms, that is we would offer him much less than we would expect him to agree. We had a new manager, and so it was best for him to take his time and assess the stuttering Barkley, which he did.

Barkley's form improved, as you may think was likely, and so we appear to have offered him good terms. I wonder, had this deal now been offered to Barkley last summer, had we had confidence in his stuttering form coming good once more, would he have then signed it? Is it possible that he feels let down by the club, and if the club was not too keen to keep him, then why should he be keen to stay?

People have mentioned the boo boys on here before. I don't know if Barkley is more sensitive than other players, but he certainly gets more stick than others. so perhaps he wants to go somewhere where he is not the target of the fans frustrations?

Personally, I think the "boo-boys" thing is being exaggerated, there's only a few who shout negatives at him, and the groans when he messes up can't be helped as that is a natural reaction from the fans.

Peter Gorman
53 Posted 26/07/2017 at 16:35:25
Tranmere?
Jermaine Jennings
54 Posted 26/07/2017 at 16:37:37
The only challenge Ross needs is to fix up and become an Everton legend. Work hard, train hard and learn he has been challenged at Everton by almost every manager and he couldn't cope.

Martinez ruined him by praising him too much and then Roy Hodgson brought him down to earth and shattered his confidence.

His best game was when he bossed midfield against Liverpool, 3-3 at Goodison Park, he left Gerrard trailing playing in a deep centre-midfield role.

Dean Johnson
55 Posted 26/07/2017 at 16:37:38
Ross has everything, apart from the brain. That is why he hasn't kicked on. I personally believe that Lukaku leaving would've been a catalyst for him to step up and play with guys that work harder and make more/better runs. But I am clearly wrong.

We've all seen this guy run games, he has been dominant at times, hell, even my old man used to rate him.

That time has all passed though. As his formed dipped under Martinez's final season, he never recovered it, apart from briefly after Ron gave him a kick up the arse.

Such a shame, but good luck fella, I think at Spurs you will thrive playing with Dele Alli.

And for those who say they are similar players and won't play in the same team, who remembers Germany vs England? Barkley came on in the second half and linked up brilliantly with Alli, our attacking in that half was the best I've seen from England in a long long time (not hard I accept).

I think he'll thrive under Pochettino but maybe Levy has met his match in Moshiri.

Oliver Molloy
56 Posted 26/07/2017 at 16:37:45
Shane, Barkley's problem is money! I keep thinking back to what Koeman said around April, as it's very telling:

"Yes we want to keep our best players and of course Barkley is one of our best players, but okay the club will offer Ross a contract that a player like he is worth" or words similar.

He basically spells it out - this is all about money.

If the rumour is true on what is on the table from Everton (5 years @ £70 / 80k + £20k per win and £10k per goal = potential £110k) then that's a very fair offer in my opinion.

I also heard he wanted the captain's armband a few times last season and was pissed-off when Koeman told him No.

I think Ross and his people have gone about this in a very silly way and the only satisfaction they will have at the end of the day is that some club might be prepared to pay him more money.

I've heard that Everton will not let Barkley leave for under £35 million.

Oscar Huglin
57 Posted 26/07/2017 at 16:39:35
We had a diamond.
Geoff Williams
58 Posted 26/07/2017 at 16:41:55
I believe he will be a success wherever he goes and is away from the negativity shown by some of the supporters.
Paul Newton
59 Posted 26/07/2017 at 16:43:05
So he 'wants a new challenge'. I'd have thought he has a very big challenge to play consistently well for Everton.

I thought he was supposed to love this club. I can't help thinking that he believes himself to be better than he really is.

Pete Cross
60 Posted 26/07/2017 at 16:44:05
Ross leaving, it's not all bad news.

Chang beer has gone; we will be serving Carling, surely that's the best news of the day.

Derek Knox
61 Posted 26/07/2017 at 16:48:09
Mike @40, & Stephen @46, I knew there would be diversity of reception to my comments, but a comparison to Wayne Rooney can be drawn here. Although I must say this Wayne Rooney has more than proved himself on the World Stage, Ross 'thinks' he is as good as him.

Wayne publicly declared, that the 'only' move he would consider was back to us; for that, he has my total respect and admiration.

Whereas Ross has put two fingers up, for whatever reason, and looks to be heading somewhere.

[I had to come back to clarify that one.]

Stan Schofield
62 Posted 26/07/2017 at 16:48:45
What he's doing makes perfect sense. If he's got options, and it looks like he has with top-6 sides apparently interested in him, and if he has been pissed off by Koeman's repeat public assessments of his performance, why wouldn't he go, despite being an Evertonian?

It's business. He's acting in a cool, professional way, like Everton Football Club Company Ltd themselves act.

Robert Leigh
63 Posted 26/07/2017 at 16:49:51
I want to know why Koeman isn't treating Robles like this; another player who was in & out the team last year with only 12 months left on his contract.

I want Ross to stay and show how good he is without Lukaku. Lukaku scored lots of goals but was selfish in his lack of movement for the team – a three of Lookman, Ross and Sandro behind Rooney would be difficult to contain for anyone.

I like the idea of Sigurdsson coming in, but would rather have Ross. Sigurdsson scored nine Premier League goals last season of which three were penalties and two free kicks, Barkley got five of which only one was a free-kick (against Spurs). Assists is Sigurdsson's 13 to Barkley's 9.

There must be more to the smack in the night club though; if that's why he wants out, it's a sad day for football.

Ian Bennett
64 Posted 26/07/2017 at 16:53:18
He wants a new challenge… Wow the first time in years that we've had money to spend and he wants out.

I wonder how much this is a clash with the manager, him tired of grief from fans, or his brush with the local heavies.

James Hughes
65 Posted 26/07/2017 at 16:54:55
Steve (#27). I don't know about him being the target of the wrong sort or unpopular about town. All I would add is, if does move to 'That There London', he will need his wits about him.

Si Cooper
66 Posted 26/07/2017 at 16:55:36
At times, Ross Barkley is poetry in motion (imo), but his hesitation and propensity to turn down blind alleys have stunted his development. Whether that is an innate lack of awareness or due to fear of making the wrong choice is open to debate.

It is true that some coaches just do not gel with some players so maybe the player will flourish elsewhere. I don't wish him ill, but it would sadden me if he went on to become great for another team.

However, I agree the manager has to be able to do the job his way and, if Ross ain't prepared to try to improve his performance under Koeman, then he needs to go, asap.

Trevor Peers
67 Posted 26/07/2017 at 17:00:27
Now Ross is 100% leaving, perhaps we can look forward to replacing him with someone better. Why Barkley wants to leave is still a complete mystery, as he never utters a word, a rarity in this world of mass communication.

Perhaps the real reason was the huge expectation on his shoulders, the comparisons to some of our previous great midfielders was all too much for him to bear; he will be released from that pressure now.

It's difficult to dislike Ross – he always did his best, and seems like a likeable guy.

David Barks
68 Posted 26/07/2017 at 17:03:32
It is hilarious how people are reacting so differently to Barkley turning his back on Everton compared to the vitriol that was spouted at Lukaku. The efforts to excuse away this grown man's decision to leave as being other people's fault, whether it be Koeman or Lukaku is just too much. What a double standard.

At least Lukaku was in demand and got the club a very sizeable influx of cash that has funded all the moves people have been raving about. Barkley, on the other hand... not so much. Can't even get a call-up to the England squad.

Mike Gaynes
69 Posted 26/07/2017 at 17:04:03
Oscar (#57), yes... but with visible flaws.

Derek (#61), the comparison is a stretch – they're at opposite ends of their careers. Rooney has been massively successful on center stage and he's massively wealthy. None of that is true for Barkley. Sentiment doesn't figure in when you're 24 and still trying to ignite your career.

Ian (#64), could be all of the above.

Mike Gaynes
70 Posted 26/07/2017 at 17:07:37
David (#68), I'd say it's at least partly because Rom and his agent were so repeatedly and continuously vocal about it, which can piss people off. Ross has never said a word in public about wanting to leave the club.

Personally I'm not angry at either of them.

John G Davies
71 Posted 26/07/2017 at 17:09:17
David (#68),

Think it was the constant press interviews from Lukaku over a couple of years telling anyone who wanted to listen he wanted out.

I can't recall Barkley making one statement to that effect.

David Barks
72 Posted 26/07/2017 at 17:10:44
Anyone ever heard the phrase "actions speak louder than words"?
Simon Bates
73 Posted 26/07/2017 at 17:10:46
I always thought there was a bit of, shall we say, disharmony, between Ross and Rom. I could never quite put my finger on it but, there always seemed a distance both on and off field, in their celebrating and after-match interviews .

To this end I really thought Ross would stay with Rom gone and everything seemingly falling into place at his supposed beloved club.

I don't get it, it's all here for him?

It doesn't make sense, and as old gramps used to say, "If something don't make sense, then it's usually just not right."

There's something we aren't being told...

Kunal Desai
74 Posted 26/07/2017 at 17:15:34
His first real challenge will be in three years time helping Sunderland get out of the Championship. Another local lad who thinks he's Billy Big Bollocks – just like Jeffers and Rodwell – but will only end up on the scrap heap.
Mike Gaynes
75 Posted 26/07/2017 at 17:15:57
David, yeah, but in Rom's case there were a lot of pretty loud words.
John G Davies
76 Posted 26/07/2017 at 17:17:31
Not in your case, David.
😁
Kieran Kinsella
77 Posted 26/07/2017 at 17:18:23
Michael Lynch suggests he's upset with fans. The same fans who had a love in after he was assaulted?

Some suggest he's upset about Sigurdson and competition for places? So there's no competition at Spurs, Arsenal or Man Utd?

Some suggest Koeman is to blame. Like Moyes not giving him time, Martinez not playing to his strengths, and Hodgson not trusting him, Warnock thinking he's tackle-shy? Kind of a theme here. Every manager he's played for is to blame for his shortcomings.

Ray Robinson
78 Posted 26/07/2017 at 17:18:26
Personally I think his biggest challenge is getting the best out of himself. That's neither club nor manager-dependent!
Mark Andersson
79 Posted 26/07/2017 at 17:19:36
More shite PR from Everton FC... more shite polar views here. Ross and Rom were sold ages before the season ended, to fund Big Ron's team. So Ron has it all to prove this season.

Let's hope the board got the right manager in this time... Beat Liverpool home and away would be a start Ron... But now we have the good old excuse that the Europa League is the failing this season; then it will be all better next season. Southampton all over again, eh, Big Ron?

Dave Ganley
80 Posted 26/07/2017 at 17:21:26
The only person to blame for this situation is Barkley himself. All the talent in the world and completely wasted it at Everton.

When did he ever grab a game by the scruff of the neck and dominate it? When did he ever step up to the plate against the so called bigger sides? Being a local lad and knowing what the stakes were in a derby when did he ever step out and run the show against the RS? Seldom if ever is the answer to those questions.

Koeman is not to blame for Ross not doing it on the football pitch. We have seen glimpses of what he is capable but for whatever reason he just doesn't do it on anything like a regular basis. Hes not a kid hes a veteran of 150 plus top flight games.

Unfortunately, my overriding memory of Ross will be him crying to Jags at half time at Wembley against the Mancs. No heart, no bottle, no passion. Good luck elsewhere

John G Davies
81 Posted 26/07/2017 at 17:22:09
I knew Lukaku had joined Man Utd.

Who do you reckon Barkley has signed for, Mark?

Bill Watson
82 Posted 26/07/2017 at 17:28:43
To Barkley's credit, he's never slagged Everton off. If he wants to leave ,that's his right and good luck to him.

On the playing front he's never come anywhere near realising his potential and, reading between the lines of comments made by Everton and England coaches, he appears to be difficult to get through to. As I don't know the bloke, I couldn't say he was thick!

Pete (#60) Carling is good news? Good grief: it's fizzy pop!

Steve Brown
83 Posted 26/07/2017 at 17:30:08
For all his individual talent, I think Koeman doesn't rate his ability to work with intelligence in a team or tactical set-up where he doesn't have free rein.
Stan Schofield
84 Posted 26/07/2017 at 17:31:00
David @68: He might get in the England side once he leaves Everton, just like Stones. Be interesting to see what happens.
Tom Bowers
85 Posted 26/07/2017 at 17:33:34
So I guess the door is now open for real to all prospective bidders. That's fine as Koeman doesn't rate him highly and we don't want whiners in the squad so get shut soon. He hasn't made the progress needed to help Everton and obviously has been expecting a move.

Talent is one thing but contributing is another.

Steve Brown
86 Posted 26/07/2017 at 17:34:47
To be fair, Ross has also been a complete professional and respectful in this process. Unlike the Big I Am who is now at Old Trafford, making the big leap forward with a club who finished one place above us in the league. I know which one I hope does well.
Stan Schofield
87 Posted 26/07/2017 at 17:37:31
Ray @78: We might see the best of him once he leaves.

Dave @80: From Barkley's viewpoint, it might be a situation where he's not bothered about 'blame'. He might simply be interested in furthering his career with a 'bigger club', and in the process maximising his chances of winning trophies and playing in the Champions League. His approach to the entire matter seems very sensible.

Lewis Barclay
88 Posted 26/07/2017 at 17:39:59
Everton need to understand what happened, why Barkley wants to leave.... and prevent it happening to any of the many great, young players that currently look like providing a great future to the club.
Steven Telford
89 Posted 26/07/2017 at 17:40:16
Total disrespect to the club, that he didn't have the decency to speak up himself. Instead, these games, all engineered by him and his grubby agent to ensure we have to sell under pressure.

Piss-off, Ross!

I share the sentiments of all who hope to see his career flop. And I hope along the way, there is a hostile reception for him at the old lady.

If he goes to Spurs, I hope to read in the paper that someone had to explain to this dimwit why the crowd sing "He's one of ours" to Harry Kane.

Fran Mitchell
90 Posted 26/07/2017 at 17:41:14
It is a shame, but I can understand Ross's desire.

At Everton he has been 'the next big thing' for só long that he carries a lot of pressure on his shoulders. A move Just may give him the freedom he needs to make that next step up.

No less than £30 Million though, with another £10M in add-ons, and a 20% sell on fee (the way fees are going, he'll be worth £100 million in 2 years). Or sell only to a foreign club.

Bill Gall
91 Posted 26/07/2017 at 17:41:28
If Barkley wants a new challenge, fair on him. Maybe the club should use him as a bargaining chip for Sigurdsson as he will have a huge challenge getting Swansea out of the bottom half of the table.
Brian Williams
93 Posted 26/07/2017 at 17:48:04
He's been respectful; he's been totally disrespectful.
He should have spoke up; he did the right thing keeping silent.
He's our best player; he's shite.
It's his fault; it's Koeman's fault.

It might just be that a lad who's been at a club since he was 11 wants "a new challenge," no more, no less.

Matt Garen
94 Posted 26/07/2017 at 17:48:49
Lewis (#88), Everton offered Ross a very lucrative contract which he chose not to sign.

This may be because he has been poorly advised and thinks/been told a bigger club will come in for him, (they won't).

Or he has not got the desire to improve to the extent where he impressed the manager and is first choice.

Probably a combination of the 2 unless of course this is not a footballing decision.

John G Davies
95 Posted 26/07/2017 at 17:48:57
Best move for the club and the best move for the player. I hope he moves on and fulfils the potential he showed 2-3 years ago.

He went stale at Everton and no future for him under Koeman. If, if, he can get back to doing what he did, driving at defences at pace from deeper on a regular basis he may have a chance to fulfil that potential.

Definitely went backwards at the Blues.

Tony McNulty
96 Posted 26/07/2017 at 17:49:29
A shame. Unfulfilled potential. I suspect he will struggle to fulfil that potential elsewhere. When he leaves he'll be taking his problems along with him.

You have to wonder what sort of player he would have been without the leg break. I suspect he has avoided the crunching tackle ever since. And he doesn't seem cut out for the main goalscorer role, where tackling the opposition would matter less. Having said that, even Messi tries to tackle.

Bye Ross. I'll remember Newcastle Utd, Man City and one or two other cameos.

Ed Fitzgerald
97 Posted 26/07/2017 at 17:52:49
Good luck, Ross. I personally hope you prove the many doubters on here wrong.

Stones, Lukaku and Barkley gone in the last calendar year and we kid ourselves we are going to compete with the top four. Never mind – we have got Rooney FFS

The more things change the more they stay the same – Koeman is Moyes with money in his arse pocket. We must buy a quality forward otherwise hanging on to 7th given European involvement might be pushing it.

Stan Schofield
98 Posted 26/07/2017 at 17:53:45
Well, we've had 'fuck off, Stones'. He fucked off.
We've had 'fuck off, Lukaku'. He fucked off.
Now we've got 'fuck off, Barkley'. He'll fuck off soon.

There's a pattern here.

Damian Wilde
99 Posted 26/07/2017 at 17:53:48
Great news.
Brian Williams
100 Posted 26/07/2017 at 17:57:50
"Fuck off, Brian Williams."
Frank Crewe
101 Posted 26/07/2017 at 17:59:52
Well, I hope if he leaves he turns out to be the worst buy whatever club buys him has ever made. I don't want him coming back to Goodison and scoring against us and I don't want him helping Chelsea, Man Utd, Arsenal, or Spurs beat us to a top four spot. As long as whatever club buys him finishes below us, I'll be happy.

Trevor Peers
102 Posted 26/07/2017 at 18:01:05
Stan @87:

You have a distorted view of Barkley's ability, if you think he could even be a Spurs regular, never mind an England regular. Spurs are the least likely to win a trophy next season as they play all their home games at Wembley.

Any top six team would only use Ross as a squad player; perhaps that's one of his reasons for leaving. They are all stacked out with decent mid fielders, he will spend lot's of time on the bench.

Brian Williams
103 Posted 26/07/2017 at 18:03:14
Haha, guess which website this headline is from?

"English-Born Nigerian Midfielder Linked With Man Utd, Arsenal, Chelsea, Spurs Is Leaving Everton."

Tony McNulty
104 Posted 26/07/2017 at 18:03:54
Dr Damian. With wind-ups like that, I can only assume you are on the look-out for a few more patients. I can already hear the sirens from here in Northwood.
Colin Glassar
105 Posted 26/07/2017 at 18:04:18
It's a sad day to see another local lad leave the club. As I've said before, rather than sell him for peanuts, I'd keep him for another season and let him make up his mind next summer.

Who knows? He might change his mind and decide to stay.

John G Davies
106 Posted 26/07/2017 at 18:04:34
Liverpool Echo?
Bill Griffiths
107 Posted 26/07/2017 at 18:05:19
Bill (#82), it might be fizzy pop but it's miles better than Chang, which tastes like piss.
Brian Williams
108 Posted 26/07/2017 at 18:06:31
John (#106).

Inspired guess mate, but errr, no haha!

Rick Pattinson
109 Posted 26/07/2017 at 18:09:46
New challenge. Sitting on the bench for a so-called bigger club ain't a challenge. Should've earned your money here and progressed to legend status. Grass isn't always greener.

So long...you won't have half the effect Lukaku has on leaving for us.

Stan Schofield
110 Posted 26/07/2017 at 18:10:11
Trevor@102: You have a distorted view of my opinions.
John G Davies
111 Posted 26/07/2017 at 18:13:58
Brian 👍
Julian Exshaw
112 Posted 26/07/2017 at 18:14:20
I don't buy this 'new challenge' business. It may be the excuse given but I just don't understand it.

Playing for the club you love which seems to be on the verge of good, if not great times, is a challenge. This is arguably the best time to play for Everton in the last 30 or so years.

I hope he stays. I still believe in his talent. It's his mental approach which needs sorting out.

James Macdonald
113 Posted 26/07/2017 at 18:15:16
Gary Speed was a boyhood blue too who engineered a move away.

From what I can see, Ross has shown dignity, respect and humility. I personally wish him all the very best (except playing us). I also suspect that he is too good not to succeed.

Frank Lampard described him once last season on MotD as "phasey" rather than inconsistent and that is spot on. In 2015-16 he was excellent all the way to February and last season from Xmas he was for my money our most effective player. If he can keep it up for a whole season we are then talking about a player dominating the Premier League.

It's a disappointing day and will be more so when Levy finally comes calling, but diamonds are forever

William McTaggart
114 Posted 26/07/2017 at 18:20:11
Sad to see Ross go as I do believe he can improve. In my opinion, his best option now is to go abroad. Get some serious game time at a relative club in Italy, Spain or Germany and get his head down. He could be like a Gascoigne-esque figure at Lazio.

Either way, no turning back now... just wouldn't like to see him turn into a Rodwell.

Brian Williams
115 Posted 26/07/2017 at 18:21:54
Gary Speed did NOT engineer a move away from Everton and showed all the same qualities mentioned in the previous post.

He kept quiet about what happened and took loads of stick and still never said a word against the club.

Frank Sheppard
116 Posted 26/07/2017 at 18:25:39
He hasn't said a bad word about Everton, or said anything in public, so be good to hear his side. I can't help thinking Rooney would have been the making of him. I would prefer him to stay.
Paul Mackie
117 Posted 26/07/2017 at 18:25:43
Another Rodwell in the making.
James Macdonald
118 Posted 26/07/2017 at 18:26:37
Brian (#115), sorry, I didn't mean it in that sense. I loved Gary Speed. Just that we need to accept that even a boyhood Evertonian can have reasons to look elsewhere.
Dave Older
119 Posted 26/07/2017 at 18:28:12
Ah Ross, it is a shame, but you were very inconsistent last season. Ron tried to motivate you and you just didn't cut it.

The thing is, will he at the Gooners, Man Utd or Spuds?? Would he really walk into their team week in week out?

I think someone like Newcastle or West Ham should break the bank for him. He would be a marquee signing for a team like them and he would be a big fish in a smaller pond.

It's a shame things didn't work out but I wish him all the best as he could be a real player in the right surroundings.

Brian Williams
121 Posted 26/07/2017 at 18:32:19
James (#118).

No probs, mate, understood.

Rudi Coote
122 Posted 26/07/2017 at 18:35:41
He wants a new challenge? He couldn't even handle the one he already had.

Disillusioned to say the least. You're not as good as you think you are, Jack ... er... Ross. Bye bye and good riddance.

I can't wish you good luck. You've pissed all over the club we thought you loved.

Welcome home, Wayne!

Peter Howard
123 Posted 26/07/2017 at 18:36:33
Stan (#98),

You're right – there is a pattern emerging:

Shite players fucking off and earning us lots of money with which to buy better players.

Long may it continue.

Sam Hoare
124 Posted 26/07/2017 at 18:38:21
A shame. He was not nearly as bad last season as many claim.

He would have added something this season and at such an age he undoubtedly has his best years ahead of him. I don't know that he'll reach the highest levels but I think he'll do alright and that we may one day regret his departure.

I'm a fan of Koeman but I feel this could have been dealt with better. Guess he didn't feel that Ross was worth the effort.

Ajay Gopal
125 Posted 26/07/2017 at 18:42:49
Everyone going on about Barkley "wanting a new challenge". Those are Koeman's words, not Barkley's.

Sorry, but Koeman is coming across more as a bully – day by day. His treatment of Niasse and Barkley show a pattern to his behaviour. Niasse did not do too badly when he played half a season at Hull. I suspect (and hope) that Barkley will also prove his detractors wrong.

Even if Koeman wanted to get rid of Ross, his statements regarding Barkley were totally unnecessary. Koeman's statements have lopped off about £20 million from Barkley's transfer fee, I suspect. Just as he shaved off any value that Everton could get out of Niasse by his shameful conduct towards the player.

With Koeman riding roughshod over a pliant board, who are giving him everything he wants (Sigurdsson is a formality, a new striker and a back up defender), I at least hope the fans hold him up to a respectable level of achievement this season.

At the very least, he should get us fighting for Champions League till the last day of the season and at least one Cup run (the semi-finals at least either in the Carabao Cup, FA Cup, or Europa League). Not very high standards, I know, but shouldn't this be the least we can expect?

Such an exciting transfer window has suddenly gone very cold for me.

Brendan Fox
126 Posted 26/07/2017 at 18:43:23
Everyone is entitled to their opinion but, until Ross has actually left the club, I don't understand why there is all the vitriol aimed towards Ross given the comments attributed to him have actually been spoken by Big Ron in a press conference and not direct from the player or his agent.

As frustrating as it has been to not see Ross fulfil the potential we all hoped he would when he made the breakthrough into the first team, he is still one of us and has not said one word to the press regarding his current situation, and should be commended for this.

Until he is wearing the kit of another club he'll continue to get my support whilst he is still an Everton player.

I just wish others would just get off the lads back given at the moment he is still an Everton player.

If he chooses to go then so be it, that is his right as an employee of the club.

Take the emotion out of the situation and put yourself in Ross's place, if you were unhappy in a job for whatever reason it is your right to look for another job irrespective of pay on offer or loyalty to your current employer.

If Ross does go, I'd wish him all the best, but not if when playing against us, should that be the case. He may regret it if he does leave but that would be a mistake of his own choosing, so let's all just be grown up about this situation.

Stan Schofield
127 Posted 26/07/2017 at 18:44:16
Peter @123: Seriously?
Peter Howard
128 Posted 26/07/2017 at 18:53:28
Stan

Absolutely.

Christine Foster
129 Posted 26/07/2017 at 18:54:47
You know, you could just look at this from a different perspective, but I know most of you won't. Every utterance on Barkley's situation has come from Koeman. Not a word from Ross himself.

As the point has been made on here by several contributors, this ultimatum driven manager is managing the media with his replies, I wish for once it would have come from Ross and exactly why he feels that way. The comments on here are one of sadness of a talent we will lose to piss off and good riddance, all nicely wrapped up then.

I cannot help but feel that Koeman is managing Ross out of the club. Irrespective of his ability, which some believe to be great others not, the one thing we have not heard is from Ross Barkley himself. The more we hear from the manager, the more I have to ask, what does Ross say? Does he want to leave? If so, why?

The comments were allegedly made to Koeman at the end of last season before the club brought in Rooney and others. What's his view now? Is it all about the money? Is it all about the way he feels he is being treated?

One thing is certain, I want to know what Barkley says about leaving... because I certainly am not prepared to sound off based on Koeman's comments.

Neil Thomas
130 Posted 26/07/2017 at 18:56:25
Well, we should forget about him now it's obvious he's moving on, and concentrate on who these new 3 players are going to be. Yes, it's a shame, but that's football players move on and so do clubs.

I work with a load of Spurs fans and they got this unrealistic fantasy that both Kane and Ali will be lifelong Spurs players but the realism of it is if a Madrid or Barcelona come in with a triple-your-money offer and a realistic chance of winning something they will be gone next season. That's football

Tony Twist
131 Posted 26/07/2017 at 19:02:12
It's a shame but I just think no solution will be found for his lack of progression by staying with us. Whether it's due to Ross or the manager or the players around him. If we can get a swap with Giroud I would be made up but if it is a cash sale I think it will be for a disappointing amount.

I am not sure he will flourish at one of the top six clubs but I do think a move to Newcastle would be the making of him. He will be idolised, he will be playing in front of huge home support and if anyone can get use out of him, it's the fat Spanish waiter.

Neil Thomas
133 Posted 26/07/2017 at 19:08:33
Tony (#131),

I'm quite for a loan deal on a striker this season, don't forget we have that young striker we signed on loan at Anderlecht for next season, and that lad is supposed to be the dog's.

So maybe a temporary striker could be the way to go. Just throwing out a suggestion.

Mike Allen
134 Posted 26/07/2017 at 19:08:58
I never bought into the Martinez hype with Barkley. He looked to have a future when first brought into the side but, as we all know, he never lived up to the expectations.

Half-hearted when things were not going right, I think Koeman could see that right from the off. Hodgson's comments summed the lad up pretty well, I thought.

Danny Broderick
135 Posted 26/07/2017 at 19:19:37
Good luck to him if he goes. I don't believe it is money related. He just wants to play and be loved.

He won't be getting in our team this season, it's as simple as that. He wants to be the main man somewhere. No problem at all.

We will get somewhere in the region of £25 million, I imagine. This can be an amicable parting of the ways. He just hasn't been good enough to fulfil his potential.

Iakovos Iasonidis
136 Posted 26/07/2017 at 19:19:46
He never really progressed as Dele Alli did. I am sorry he is leaving because of what he could be but to be honest I am more sorry we can not command £50 mil for him. He will go on the cheap.

I firmly believe we won't hear more from Barkley in the future; a Rodwell type career is waiting for him.

Good luck, lad, stay healthy...

Stan Schofield
137 Posted 26/07/2017 at 19:24:47
Christine @129: I agree. Koeman has a lot to say, just as Martinez had. A fair bit of it has been bullshit, of a different variety from Martinez's. It would be interesting to hear Ross's side of things. Every story has more than one side.

All that to one side, Barkley's position looks, on the face of it, a sensible and professional one. If he joins a top-6 club, I'd certainly lay higher odds on him winning something than if he persists at Everton, despite our new wealth, potential stadium and recent signings.

He's no Rooney, but Rooney left us and won everything. Barkley leaving could, certainly from his viewpoint, be similarly best for him. The same is true of Stones and Lukaku.

Christy Ring
138 Posted 26/07/2017 at 19:25:19
It's a sad day that our most gifted player wants to leave. He hasn't said boo, but something's not right. Koeman doesn't mince his words, and he did try to push him last season, but I still wouldn't let him go for less than £40m and, if we get no takers, play him and see what he's made off next season.
Gordon Crawford
139 Posted 26/07/2017 at 19:27:05
One of the best homegrown talents we've had in the last 30+ years. He really is that gifted with the ball at his feet. But sadly he over thinks things and this crowds his judgement.

I also blame all the managers who have made him track back, he isn't that type of player. He should have been given a free role up front.

Well, I wish him all the best. So long and farewell, Roscoe, you could have been a superstar with us.

Bjoern Haall
140 Posted 26/07/2017 at 19:30:14
Well, Ross. If you read this, I have some advice.

1. Sign the contract with Everton.

Or

2. Sign for Celtic. You will be loved, you will be the best player in the league and you will play European competitions. And you will still be loved by Evertonians. You might even come back.

Or

3. Sign for a team in Holland or Portugal. Almost the same as in Scotland but tougher challenge and a new language.

Paul Hughes
142 Posted 26/07/2017 at 19:35:48
It's a shame but, for whatever reason, Barkley has never developed into the player we all hoped he'd become. After 150 first team games, I doubt he ever will. He must recognise that and for that reason assumes that a change of scene may release the pressure on him.

He's probably right, he'll also get away from the Liverpool bubble where everyone has had an opinion on him for the last 6 years. I regret that it hasn't worked out, but let's hope we can maximise our return.

James Stewart
143 Posted 26/07/2017 at 19:37:19
There's ore to it than meets the eye I think but Koeman must be backed. He clearly isn't fussed if Ross goes so that speaks volumes for me.

Barkley has stagnated for a long time so I can see why a move appeals but he has been very badly advised if he thinks he will get into any of the top 6 sides.

he should have stayed another year with better players around him and Rooney to mentor him.

Brian Williams
144 Posted 26/07/2017 at 19:37:41
Thinking about other transfers at other clubs is it not the "norm" for players to say nowt out of respect for the club they're employed by? If Ross had come out and said "I want a new challenge" or "I want Champions League football" how would people feel then?

Some seem always to want to blame someone for each and every situation and they blame whoever isn't their favourite. Maybe there IS no blame to apportion. Maybe Ross was offered a new contract which he decided to decline because he felt he was worth more and now wants a new challenge.

Will Mabon
145 Posted 26/07/2017 at 19:37:59
Jay in post #18:

"Personally, although I rate his technical ability, I always felt him and Rom were holding the team back."

The leading chance creator and the leading goalscorer were holding the team back? From what, exactly?

Koeman:

"I'm looking to other players and that's my priority —- not Ross."

Get away, Ron. So even this statement about Barkley apparently seeking a new challenge, has to have a little dig in it.

Alan McGuffog
146 Posted 26/07/2017 at 19:41:01
Ajay, you make a fair point; however, another way of looking at things is that, at long last, Everton is no longer the cosy, "all pals together, let's get away from Mordor with our skins intact," retirement home for players ending their days.

Times are changing and I have to say that I'm all for it. If bullying footballers who earn astronomical salaries brings us back to the top table, then let's get Flashman in as Koeman's assistant.

Mike Allen
147 Posted 26/07/2017 at 19:42:21
The plain and simple fact is: the player has not been good enough. He has had enough chances to prove himself – far more than most.

Yes, it's great when local lads come onto the scene; however, a lot better players than Ross have failed to live up to expectations and moved on.

Raymond Fox
148 Posted 26/07/2017 at 19:42:34
Spot on, Ajay (#125).

Koeman shows no business acumen at all. Of course its not his money its the clubs, so why should he care!

First he tells the world in his opinion that Niasse is no good, so he is for sale, presumably at a knock down price! Niasse was not out of place when he got a chance at Hull, quite the opposite.

Then we have this episode with Barkley. Do we know what Ross has been offered? I think £100k has been mentioned. We will all have different opinions if he's worth more or less, I know, but it's not excessive in today's barmpot Premier League.

So how much are we going to get for him now... two bob! He was worth a small fortune before Koeman arrived; now he's injured, he can sit on his backside till his contract runs out and go on a free. I'm not suggesting that Ross will do that to his home club, but he could.

Koeman can play the tough guy but, as I said before, it's not his money he's playing with.

Andy Crooks
150 Posted 26/07/2017 at 19:47:06
I like Ross and I wish he would stay. I think he should come out and say what he wants, ask for a transfer, be open, be honest. Leave with respect and good wishes.
Chris Gould
151 Posted 26/07/2017 at 19:48:24
Nobody knows why he wants to leave, but I think it's clear that Koeman doesn't view Barkley as a potential world class player.

Koeman was a genuine superstar who played with many other world class players. He obviously doesn't see it in Ross and has had a full year watching him. He's tried to get more out of him but still wasn't impressed.

We wanted him to be brilliant. We saw signs that he could be, and occasionally he was. But he isn't good enough consistently enough and he's not the player we hoped he would be, and I don't think Koeman ever thinks he will be. He's probably right.

Doesn't mean that he's not a very good footballer with a bright future – he's just not as good as we all hoped.

Graham Coldron
152 Posted 26/07/2017 at 19:48:39
Ross is obviously doing "a Jeffers" and must realise that – once he leaves Everton (especially now) – the only way is down.No doubt we will see him regularly warming the bench, wondering where it all went wrong.
Mike Green
155 Posted 26/07/2017 at 19:55:18
Raymond (#148) – sound points but anything Koeman has said publicly would be re-iterated by his agent behind closed doors ('He's not going to kick another ball for Everton' etc.)

I'm glad for it to be honest. Koeman is rubber stamping that Ross has walked out of the last chance saloon and it might just bring more offers to the table than just his agent licking up to Levy. And offers that Ross might not have considered until now.

Mike Berry
156 Posted 26/07/2017 at 19:59:46
Ross wants a "new challenge"? I find that very strange, and a kop-out (if you don't mind me using that word?)

Here we have a player at 23 offered an excellent contract, at a club he has been at since a boy.

A club that is making more progress from a certain point than any other in the league.

A manager who has played at the very highest level and may one day manage Barcelona.

A club with new direction and finance and a new stadium in 4 years time, and he wants a new challenge? No, I don't buy that at all.

I suspect what he did not like was being dragged off at half time in the Sunderland game for constantly losing possession, the fact that Ronald gave him a public dressing down and produced video evidence after the game did not sit well.

I fear Ross is going to be an under achiever, because he is leaving the stewardship of the one manager who tells him the truths, but who could have also have been his saviour, should he so wish.

Don Alexander
157 Posted 26/07/2017 at 20:01:21
Dave Ganley, as ever, sums up my feelings at #80.

I'm also onside with criticising him because he is allegedly seeking "a new challenge" that, when it all comes down to it, will mean he's seeking more money than the millions Everton have paid him (for not very much product) and will also decrease the fee we receive for him as a consequence. Yet some of us still consider him "one of us" and soft-soap him accordingly.

He's not one of us. His refusal to sign shows he has no regard at all for anything but himself, just like Lukaku. All of "us" care deeply about Everton Football Club and, as and when he returns to our ground, I'll treat him with as much warmth as I had for Arteta, Pienaar and Rodwell all of whom buggered off to succeed in "a new challenge" which proved to be totally beyond them.

And given he's a millionaire, I'd expect him to sue Koeman if he's been slandered by him, like Moyes did with Rooney. Koeman though, backed by Moshiri, is showing the rest of the squad that there is no room at all for fannying around, publicly weeping after another bog-standard performance in a big game, or showing less than 24/7 100% application to "the project", which in two years max is intended to get us qualified for the Champions League.

If that's what some call bullying, bring it on.

Simon Hermansen
158 Posted 26/07/2017 at 20:03:17
For me Barkley is the perfect example of a player with bags of talent but severely lacking in football intelligence (mainly decision-making ability). Also some maturity issues. Hopefully he can go to a club that helps him sort this stuff out (I genuinely hope so).

Perhaps Spurs might do him good as he won't be able to think of himself as such a big cheese there. Anyway, hopefully this announcement from Koeman is designed to push him out the door and get Sigurdsson in.

Trevor McKinlay
159 Posted 26/07/2017 at 20:17:08
Just one minor point to add – if he runs down his contract he won't go for nothing. We're entitled to a development fee which, given his appearances, goals, assists and England caps may not be insignificant. It could reach 8 figures. So no need for panic from the board.
Steve Smith
160 Posted 26/07/2017 at 20:19:48
Compare his attitude to Lukaku's, he's told the boss after the last game of the season that he wants to leave and has said nothing since, he's shown great respect to the club and by definition, to us as supporters.

I'm sorry that it hasn't worked out for him with us and I wish him well wherever he ends up.

Dan Davies
161 Posted 26/07/2017 at 20:25:22
Good luck then, Ross.

Strange though... I'd have thought he would have loved to have played with Wayne for at least a bit of his Everton career?

Mark Pringle
162 Posted 26/07/2017 at 20:26:43
Ajay @125 are you serious with your comments???

Firstly you say Koeman is a "bully", hard evidence please? I assume you think he is bullying Ross out of the club, and you're not alone as other posters have suggested a bust up, a rift or Koeman doesn't fancy him as a player etc.

Okay, the evidence shows Ross started 32 Premier League games last season, strange for someone the manager doesn't fancy... More evidence, oh Ross was offered a new long-term contract, mooted at £100k+ per week (albeit no proof of the amount). I tell you what: I wish I was being bullied like that... Jesus! Has anyone considered Koeman is pissed off because he actually wants the player to stay?

You then go on to say that you hope he "proves his detractors wrong". Fair enough but to use Oumar Niasse as an example of that when, more evidence not opinion, he scored 4 Premier League goals last season is quite simply daft.

Koeman's statements have lopped off about £20 million from Barkley's transfer fee, I suspect. Just as he shaved off any value that Everton could get out of Niasse by his shameful conduct towards the player.

Next up "Koeman's comments have lopped £20m of his transfer fee" – evidence again please?? The player is in the last year of his contract, every club knows this so no comments in the world make a difference to this when it co.es to negotiations. And what comments has he made, that he wants to keep the player and has offered him a new deal.

All other comments through the season about his performance were clearly designed to her him up which actually worked as he was by far and away our most productive midfielder, evidence based again. We will be lucky to get £20m for him given his contract situation.

Next up: "I at least hope the fans hold him up to a respectable level of achievement this season" – I completely agree but rest assured Mr Moshiri might also be holding Ron to account also given the funds he has provided.

Lastly, my favourite, "Such an exciting transfer window has suddenly gone very cold for me." Really, our busiest transfer window ever and you are left cold by a player making the decision to leave the club. Fair enough if Ross meant that much to you but it is his decision to reject the offer and leave not Koeman's and anyone feeling cold about this transfer window???? There's a phrase we use in the West of Scotland "That's a heidshaker!!" I hope the transfer window warms up for you!!

Dave Williams
163 Posted 26/07/2017 at 20:27:31
Scared to get stuck in and tackle, poor work rate mostly, poor football intelligence and moves the ball too slowly. Warnock, Moyes and Koeman all decided he was not good enough though on occasions he looked fabulous.

Sorry to see him go but he consistently fell short of what was required and we have young lads coming through who could be (and in some cases are already) better.

Shame but no way would he have been first choice this season.

Tom Evans
164 Posted 26/07/2017 at 20:33:15
Trevor (#159).

I am sure someone else stated what you have posted, but was corrected by somebody who said because of Barkley's age, he is past the age where development fees are required to be reimbursed.

I could be wrong, of course!

Guy Hastings
165 Posted 26/07/2017 at 20:35:52
Like any employee he has a contract. As an employee he owes no 'moral' obligation to an employer who would readily exploit his talent/value should anyone else come calling.

If he is dissatisfied with his working conditions and wishes to leave when that contract expires, so be it. If he chooses to let that contract run down, so be it. 'Sign this contract or else' just smacks of the sort of employment laws I thought had been consigned to history's dustbin.

David Barks
166 Posted 26/07/2017 at 20:39:23
Steve Smith,

Compare his attitude to Lukaku? Okay. Lukaku told the club that he would not sign a new contract with two years left on his contract, and before the transfer window had even opened. That kept his value as high as it could be and gave the club plenty of time to plan their spending activity.

Barkley on the other hand didn't make this clear, was not signing but had not given the indication that he would definitely go. He also waited until there was only one year left on his contract, meaning his value will be much lower than if he had two years left.

I can guarantee you the people running this club are far happier with the Lukaku attitude than that of Barkley, because it has cost the club bargaining power and money.

Shown great respect? No, sorry. I see it far more as cowardice and letting others speak for him. Like having a friend tell your wife that you want a divorce. Have the balls to speak for yourself.

Danny Halsall
167 Posted 26/07/2017 at 20:53:34
Everton and Koeman have handled the Barkley situation perfectly.

He was offered a bumper new contract at a club that he loves, even though he probably didn't deserve it from his performances alone. He rejected the deal and advised he wanted a new challenge.

So, Koeman and Walsh have worked hard to get players in that they wanted and those are the ones who will play. Barkley will need to make do as back up whilst he waits for a club willing to pay his wages and provide him with a 'new challenge'.

John Otway
168 Posted 26/07/2017 at 20:57:30
David Barks (#166).

"I can guarantee you the people running this club are far happier with the Lukaku attitude than that of Barkley, because it has cost the club bargaining power and money."

Well, aren't you in with the in-crowd!

Stan Schofield
169 Posted 26/07/2017 at 20:58:48
Guy@165: Spot on. It's business, pure and simple. The emotional side is for us supporters. I found that out aged 17, when Everton got rid of Alan Ball.
Anto Byrne
170 Posted 26/07/2017 at 21:03:52
He would be a great player for Newcastle. Benitez would get the best out of him and, if he can produce the goods, he would be a god. I can't really see the other big teams paying over the odds but, hey, it's a strange transfer – window especially when we can get all that money for Rom.

Okay let's get Sigurdsson in – I think he is a clever player but I'm not sure how quick he is? I would definitely like to see a top-rated centre-forward come in. I wonder if Walsh has a diamond under scrutiny to surprise us all.? COYB

Kev Johnson
171 Posted 26/07/2017 at 21:05:32
Farewell, Ross, all the very best in your future. Remember others have left, eg, Rodwell, Jeffers, and failed. You should have stayed... for this club is about to embark on a wonderful journey. Shame really.
Brian Williams
172 Posted 26/07/2017 at 21:06:33
David (#166).

Fine for you to say but if you'd seen my 22-stone of muscular female viciousness personified... you'd be looking for a friend!

Mark Morrissey
173 Posted 26/07/2017 at 21:14:19
Ross seems to me the sort of player who cannot hack open criticism. It's tough for Ross but Koeman was right to drop him.

If Martinez was still the manager Ross would be here next year but if my auntie had bollocks she'd be my uncle. Lots of hypotheticals. Ross has been found out. Koeman has had the guts to challenge him and Ross has found that there is too much heat in the kitchen and he's got out.

Personally pleased to see the players being asked to step up to the plate. Get in the Iceman, Virgil av Dijk, and Giroud.

Dave Abrahams
174 Posted 26/07/2017 at 21:21:02
Trevor (#159), if he runs down his contract, Everton will get nothing. Ross and his agent will get a lot more than if he goes now, so if he stays at Everton for the next 12 months, it is to his advantage.
David Barks
175 Posted 26/07/2017 at 21:22:33
I don't think you need to be in with the in crowd to know that businessmen will prefer the option that gains them more money.
Brian Harrison
176 Posted 26/07/2017 at 21:22:34
Earlier heard that plank Durham on Talksport blaming Koeman for Barkley leaving. Well the last 3 England managers all agreed with Koeman by not selecting him for England. Even Warnock sent him back from Leeds saying you couldn't trust him in a set position.

Now you might not rate any of these managers, but can they all be wrong?

Mike Green
177 Posted 26/07/2017 at 21:33:14
Correct Mark (#173) – Koeman used carrot and stick on both Barkley and Deulofeu, pushed them and both essentially fell over.

They were both started, both put in positions they wanted, both given first 11 shirt numbers, both supported to be the future of the club, one was given the Captain's armband, they were benched and neither shined like the English and Spanish diamonds they have been hawked to be.

Good players but not diamonds when it comes to winning at the highest level. And the players he's buying in – many captains in one form or other - hopefully are.

John Otway
178 Posted 26/07/2017 at 21:41:56
David Barks (#175). Crikey, stinging!!
Kevin Rowlands
179 Posted 26/07/2017 at 21:43:13
David, Lukaku is gone, we've all moved on, I think it's about time you do as well.

As for Barkley, I'm disappointed but no one is bigger or better than the club, I think he'll end up regretting this decision but oh well, time to move on from him as well.

Ciarán McGlone
180 Posted 26/07/2017 at 21:50:35
Given that Koeman publically stated that Barkley's contract renewal was not a priority, then shortly afterwards issued his daft ultimatum – I'd say it's a little silly to try and argue that Ross had deliberately ran his contract down.

Koeman has the social skills of an Orc...

Ernie Baywood
181 Posted 26/07/2017 at 21:53:43
I don't think Ron is being quite so damning here as many have interpreted.

"New challenge" isn't necessarily a quote from Ross. It's just confirmed that he wants to go.

His last comment about respectful people might indicate that he actually doesn't have a problem with Ross and that if he decides to stay he'll be involved.

What does seem certain to me is that the handling of this has reduced his transfer value and probably increased Sigurdsson's.

Mike Rees
182 Posted 26/07/2017 at 21:55:18
A great shame! A while ago I read a newspaper report about Everton's four future stars – Barkley, Deulofeu, Lukaku and Stones. One by one they've moved on or in Ross's case want to move on.

As a professed Evertonian, I'd have thought the challenge he seeks is where he is already; but his international team mates, his agent and whatever else it is have turned his head...

I don't know how things will turn out for him in the future; but I'm heartened by the quality and potential of some of the other young players coming through at Everton; and signings already made or to be made.

Steve Ferns
183 Posted 26/07/2017 at 21:57:21
Dave Abrahams, we should be entitled to the pittance called the development fee, which would be a couple of million. Ross is still young enough for that.

Thinking rationally on this, I am of the opinion that Ronald Koeman is going to make the right decision. Let's remember who this guy is, how much he is paid, and what he has done as a player and a manager. The guy is also of the belief that he will manage at the very highest level.

Therefore, surely, he would not jeopardise anything over a childish spat with Barkley. He clearly does not think Barkley is good enough to warrant his position as our best player, and Barkley will clearly not accept being a squad player. So, Ruthless Ron has backed him into a corner and Ross is off. We have to trust his judgement on this.

Mike Allison
184 Posted 26/07/2017 at 21:57:34
Ross needs to get out of Liverpool. Most people begin to grow up properly when they strike out on their own out of their comfort zone and many a footballer has done the same upon leaving their first club.

A move should be good for him and it should be good for us, so no need for any bitterness or recriminations on either side.

Brian Williams
185 Posted 26/07/2017 at 21:58:49
"I'd say it's a little silly to try and argue that Ross had deliberately ran his contract down."

Of course he deliberately ran his contract down. He didn't forget to sign it did he? He chose not to – therefore allowing it to run down. Pretty straightforward, that!

Darren Hind
186 Posted 26/07/2017 at 22:03:37
He wasn't offered a contract until the spring at the earliest, we know that from what Koeman told us in March.

Somebody ran down the contract, but it wasn't Ross.

Burnt fingers.

Ciarán McGlone
187 Posted 26/07/2017 at 22:04:11
Brian,

He was not offered a contract until he was in his last year... Straightforward, yeah. For some.

He didn't run it down, Everton did.

Once he's in his last year and treated like a child by Koeman... why would he then sign and decrease the chances of a move? Everton allowed him to get to the last year of his contract.

Gary Willock
189 Posted 26/07/2017 at 22:05:28
I'm sad about this as he was one of us, and didn't deserve idiots like the one screaming he was shit while taking a corner. But, If Ross is prepared to even chance rotting in the reserves in a world cup year then:

a) he has sent a very clear message to Gareth Southate that he does not really care too much.

b) he has shown how dumb he can actually be.

It is that lack of intelligence that makes me think he may never be the player he could. I hope he gets a move now, goes on to do well wherever he goes, gets into the World Cup team, and turns up at our celebration party next year.

Always look forward, never look back!

Only one Tom Davies!!

Jonathan Tasker
190 Posted 26/07/2017 at 22:13:27
Or, more likely, Barkley is the sacrificial lamb in Everton's sell to buy policy.

This time next year it will be Tom Davies. But, don't worry folks, we have a £100m warchest.

Last time I checked, Everton were running a transfer surplus of £7m.

Little old Huddersfield,by contrast, have a net spend of £37m.
And Bournemouth have a net spend of £30m.

David Barks
191 Posted 26/07/2017 at 22:14:32
Ciaran,

He was offered a contract last season. They started contract talks at the turn of the year, it was well publicised. Koeman then spoke about the club needing a decision from Barkley by the end of the season in April after he was in that nightclub incident.

Bill Gienapp
192 Posted 26/07/2017 at 22:17:30
As recently as January, I'd have been gutted by the idea of Ross leaving, but I've just grown weary of the entire saga. I'm also more than a little tired of the "Three Little Bears" crap – Koeman was too hard on him, Martinez was too easy on him, he needs a manager who treats him juuuuust right. Give me a break.

As for Koeman "picking" on him, Ross was being held to a higher standard because he was supposed to be the cornerstone – the player the entire club was built around. Koeman needed to see if he was up to that task, if he could elevate his game, perform consistently and respond to criticism. Sadly, the answer to all of those questions appears to be "no."

Ciarán McGlone
193 Posted 26/07/2017 at 22:22:59
David,

The ultimatum was 3 months ago. There's no evidence whatsoever that any contract was on offer before that.

Koeman has managed him out. Any fool could see that.

Mike Green
194 Posted 26/07/2017 at 22:26:57
Barkley signed a four-year contract in July 2014, almost 3 years ago to the day. The club wanted to open new contract talks in December 2016 with 40% of his current contract left to run.

After 6 months of negotiations and what appears to be a good offer put on the table Barkley has not signed and Koeman (responsibly in my opinion) gives him until the end of the season to sign or be moved on. This gives the club the best chance of getting a decent fee for a player that could otherwise run their contract down.

Koeman and the Club have acted completely in line with what I would expect and Ross has also handled the situation entirely as is his right. The end game hopefully will be they both get the result they want.

Andrew Ellams
195 Posted 26/07/2017 at 22:27:41
Can't help feeling Ross is everything that was bad about the Martinez era. He's weak mentally, not a winner, and never going to be the sort of player Koeman wants around his squad. Ditto Lukaku and Deulofeu.
David Barks
196 Posted 26/07/2017 at 22:28:00
Ciaran,

Koeman spoke openly about starting contract talks in the New Year, back in December of 2016. Link.

The ultimatum obviously came later, as Barkley continued to stall. You don't give an ultimatum about something that hasn't been offered.

Gavin Johnson
197 Posted 26/07/2017 at 22:29:14
Apart from the worry that we might get our pants pulled down on the fee, especially if Spurs are the only team that are seriously interested, is anyone actually that arsed he's going?
Phil Bellis
198 Posted 26/07/2017 at 22:30:43
Sell to buy, Jonathan? You may be right but... Young Tom... I remember his uncle flashing like a shooting star, what a live wire he was. I think and hope Tom will stay, learn and prosper.
Mike Green
199 Posted 26/07/2017 at 22:30:48
Ciaran (#193) – maybe he has, but as club manager, that's his prerogative if he has. Equally Barkley's agent may have managed him out, as may have Barkley himself.
Ciarán McGlone
200 Posted 26/07/2017 at 22:32:17
Koeman's comments in December were that Barkley's contract was not a priority.

I'm in no way concerned about the footballing impact of Barkley leaving... but let's put this 'disrespectful' cobblers to bed. The kid hasn't opened his mouth, despite Koema'ns very public vilification.

Steve Ferns
201 Posted 26/07/2017 at 22:33:04
David, no contract was offered until 2017, as your link shows. Everton let the contract run down to the last 18 months before trying to offer him a new one.

There's reasons for this on both sides. Mainly due to Ross's undoubted talent on one hand and his inconsistency on the other.

What no one knows, except Everton and Ross, is what led to the rejection of the contract offered. Was it money or was it to do with playing time and / or position?

Eddie Dunn
202 Posted 26/07/2017 at 22:36:19
I am very sad about this, but Mike Gaynes (#31) sums it up perfectly.

Koeman has tried to get more out of the man and only managed it intermittently. Ross hasn't kicked on and it is now up to him what he makes of his career.

We may never know the inside story.

Hywel Owen
203 Posted 26/07/2017 at 22:39:14
I have said before that Barkley is not an instinctive footballer –he needs too long on the ball to make up his mind what to do. He was a fairly good player looking good in a poor side. I'm sure that other managers think the same otherwise he would have gone somewhere else by now.

For Barkley, read Jack Rodwell etc etc.

Clive Mitchell
204 Posted 26/07/2017 at 22:39:16
Gavin (#197) – yes, they are. He's our best player, like Rooney was, and like Lukaku would've been if Ross hadn't been there too.
Mike Green
205 Posted 26/07/2017 at 22:44:02
Ciaran (#188) – he signed his current 4-year contract on 29 July 2014. So he's not in his final year on his current contract for another 3 days from today.

Koeman's got it spot on.

Tony Dove
206 Posted 26/07/2017 at 22:45:49
Personally, I would love Ross to stay but why on earth would Koeman make a statement which will probably knock £20 million off his sale price? Surely you would say we want Ross to stay and will do everything we can to keep him.

Unfortunately this is just another example of the Club's unbelievably crass business approach to the pre season transfer market.

First we state that Lukaku will not be sold for less than 100 million but with initial interest from two of the richest clubs in the Premiership we sell him without any bidding war for £75 million. I also don't need to be Mystic Meg to know that we will pay £50 million for Sigurdsson. Swansea at least know how to do business or perhaps they just know a soft touch when they see one.

In some ways I am quite relaxed at the moment as up to now the books are balanced. The new signings will hopefully prove better than Koeman's first batch last season but without Lukaku and presumably now Barkley the business end of the pitch is looking decidedly inferior. Some may think Giroud would rectify that but with his pace?!

There is nothing to suggest we will[or might be] buying our way above seventh place so I would be happy for the Club to keep its powder dry for the rest of the window and let the new players bed in and our promising young players gain as much experience as possible.

Jim Harrison
207 Posted 26/07/2017 at 22:47:15
Shame it cant be ironed out but, in all honesty, it's not the end of the world.

Good luck to him, he wants to be somewhere else for his own reasons. For the club, it is better he is out quickly so we can get some money and he dosen't become the focus of negative attention.

If he wasn't a local lad it wouldn't be of any note. Decent player capable of truly great moments wants to change clubs.

For me, he didn't do it often enough, and whilst it is galling to think it may come for him somewhere else, I am comforted by the thought that it is equally likely he will just be the same player in a different colour kit.

As for Koeman's conduct, I still cant see what he has done wrong. Today he was repeatedly asked about Barkley. He was polite but to the point.

Mike Green
208 Posted 26/07/2017 at 22:47:21
Ciaran (#200) – 'very public vilification'?! Jesus...
Ciarán McGlone
209 Posted 26/07/2017 at 22:56:41
Jebus. Aren't single-word responses wonderful. Saves the bother of having to actually explain your position, while revelling in a self proclaimed victory.

Koeman has got sod all right. The fact he's even opened his mouth again is even a continuing gaff that's probably going to cost us money.

Dave Abrahams
210 Posted 26/07/2017 at 23:04:30
Steve (#183), if Ross Barkley runs his contract down, Everton will get nothing, that is the way it works.

Rules are rules, as Liverpool found out when Steve McMannaman ran his contract down and went to Real Madrid for nothing. A shame, a terrible shame... a boyhood Evertonian working one right up poor old Liverpool.

Alas a boyhood Evertonian might do the same to his own club unless some club signs him before September.

Phil Provost
212 Posted 26/07/2017 at 23:08:09
He won't sign, we say thank you and we move onwards and upwards. Negative comments for Ronald Koeman are not required on this one.
Mike Green
213 Posted 26/07/2017 at 23:11:11
Ciaran (#209) – my position is clear. Yours ('Jebus'), maybe not so much. Not just one word – a new word! You are a source of constant material. :D
Tony Abrahams
214 Posted 26/07/2017 at 23:12:45
Ciaren @193. I'm a bit of a fool myself at times, but I can't see how Koeman has managed Ross Barkley out though, mate?

I think Koeman should have kept his mouth shut regarding ultimatums, because I'm sure that will keep Barkley's price down, but I'm not always a fool though, which makes me think that Barkley already knows where he's going to be playing his football next season...

Ciarán McGlone
215 Posted 26/07/2017 at 23:13:47
I'd love to take the credit for that word, but unfortunately not.
Mike Green
216 Posted 26/07/2017 at 23:19:50
Maybe it goes to Mr Pickle Finger.
Trevor McKinlay
217 Posted 26/07/2017 at 23:20:11
Dave Abrahams (#174 and #210), your posts are well behind the times.

"Where a professional player, under the age of 24, has been offered a new contract by his club (subject to certain requirements that the offer must meet set out in Rule 64.3 of the Football League Rules) and he rejects that offer in order to take up the opportunity to sign for another club, compensation will be payable."

When Danny Ings ran down his contract at Burnley and joined Liverpool, the compensation fee came to a total of £8m, as well as a 20% sell-on clause.

http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11669/10261541/danny-ings-tribunal-fee-for-transfer-to-liverpool-from-burnley-explained

In Barkley's case I'd expect this to be substantially higher.

Trevor McKinlay
218 Posted 26/07/2017 at 23:22:09
The only caveat to that is if he goes abroad, in which case we get diddly squat!
Brian Williams
219 Posted 26/07/2017 at 23:22:50
Ciaran (#215).

Homer Simpson wasn't it?

Oliver Molloy
220 Posted 26/07/2017 at 23:26:45
For fuck's sake, would people stop saying that Everton and Koeman are this and that – Barkley is wanted by Everton and Koeman, why would the club have offered a damn good contract otherwise; it's on the table waiting to be signed and remains unsigned.

He wants a new challenge according to our manager.< Koeman says the player will be part of the first team squad if he isn't sold and I guarantee that if Levy tries to get him on the cheap by waiting till deadline day Moshiri will not sell him.

I agree there may be friction between manager and player due to the manager giving Ross a bit of tough love over the past season.

What more can the club do other than offer him the mega bucks he apparently thinks he is worth , which they are not going to do apparently and rightly so in my opinion.

Ross is not as good as many Evertonians think he is and as Jim above says if he wasn't a local lad there wouldn't be such a fuss.

We move on; the club is bigger than Ross Barkley and Koeman for that matter but the manager saying publically what he has is only telling it like it is and keeping the fans informed.

I predict Ross Barkley going the same way as Jack Wilshere!

Joe Clitherow
221 Posted 26/07/2017 at 23:27:30
"Koeman has shaved £20M off his price."

What utter, utter absolute naive rubbish. Sorry guys, the fact that Koeman has vocalised this in public is just the very last step in the knowledge trail, given that us actual paying punters are, as Del Amitri once said, always the last to know.

You can guarantee that every possible paying suitor has known every single fact about the situation with Ross, and why? Because his agent will have broadcast it on the QT.

Personally I think he has been tapped up for months now but there has been a hitch, probably because of his injury. I think Koeman has just stated what he has said for two reasons:

1. To ramp up pressure in a purely Fuck You kind of way;

2. Mainly because there is a very important European game and his focus is on the 20-odd squad players who are actually focussed on Everton rather than some wantaway Billy Big Bollocks.

We just shipped out one of those and I strongly support us getting back to an attitude of "No player is bigger than the team".

If you actually heard the interview with Koeman, when someone asked how he would cope with Ross leaving, he said "I will get more players".

Inside, I gave a little cheer.

Mike Green
222 Posted 26/07/2017 at 23:32:02
Well said, Joe (#221). Spot on.
Thomas Surgenor
223 Posted 26/07/2017 at 23:32:02
Trevor (#217 & #218).

Everton won't be entitled to any compensation as he will be 24 when the contract expires.

Jerome Shields
224 Posted 26/07/2017 at 23:37:42
Barkley just wants away from Koeman. He's not happy with the Managers tactics, or his psychological manovering and public threats at press conferences, instead of proper motivation and training.

Another lost talent to Everton, who will do well at his next club, like others who where treated the same. Good Luck, Ross.

Trevor McKinlay
225 Posted 26/07/2017 at 23:47:16
Thomas (#223) – well, that's a bit of a fucker isn't it. Does that mean if Liverpool had just waited until Ings turned 24, they'd have paid nothing?
Andrew Keatley
226 Posted 26/07/2017 at 00:00:10
Seems like Koeman has drawn a very definite line in the sand.

Not entirely sure of the compensation situation with Barkley if he does run his contract down, but he must be keen to play somewhere this season – especially with a World Cup on the horizon - and I doubt we'd be so good as to sanction a loan deal unless there was some sort of major financial incentive for doing so.

I could see a club like West Ham or Stoke or even Leicester wanting to bring him in as their marquee signing, and being prepared to pay £25+ million on the basis that they might get a bite of the cherry at a time when the top clubs aren't desperate to make a move (in favour of waiting to see if the compensation fee is a "steal").

Sad to get to this point – I really thought he was going to be a major talent – but I think we are better off without him. The younger players at the club (Davies, Lookman, Dowell etc) are the ones to focus on now.

Laurie Hartley
227 Posted 26/07/2017 at 00:05:27
Well I have never heard Ross Barkley speak a bad word about anyone. He has decided he doesn't want the contract he has been offered by Everton – the club he has been part of since he was a young boy.

He must have a very good reason to have come to that decision, be it money, personality clash, or burden of responsibility.

Or it could be "I'm loaded and just plain I'm fed up here feel like moving on – change of scenery will broaden my horizons – see ya fellas".

Anyway, If he doesn't want to tell the world why he has come to that position, that is his prerogative. I hope the lad does well wherever he ends up.

Personally if he does go to a London club, I hope it is Arsenal because Wenger will get the best out of the lad, whatever that "best" might be.

Ian Linn
228 Posted 27/07/2017 at 01:21:20
For me, Ross has never realised the potential he once showed and he's now 23. It seems that Koeman doesn't rate him and I think that's justified bearing in mind Ross's last 2 seasons. A move out is probably good for everyone – with the highest risk takers being his new club.
David Pearl
229 Posted 27/07/2017 at 01:58:14
He should only be allowed to move outside England. Italian league would suit him and he would learn a lot. Put a buy-back or sell-on clause in any deal. He could be one of the world's best in a year... ya never know with Ross.
Paul Ferry
230 Posted 27/07/2017 at 02:15:35
What a juvenile, grubby, sordid little sad-bastard post, Steven Telford (#89).

Barry Jones
231 Posted 27/07/2017 at 02:22:28
We need to sell him now while we can command a fee. He needs to go, there is no doubt about that. I would accept anything over £25M and give it to Swansea as part of the Sigurdsson fee.
Paul Ferry
232 Posted 27/07/2017 at 02:43:21
Classy dignified, level-headed, and fair-minded post, Brendan Fox – #126.

You and others of your stripe stand head and shoulders above the sadly numerous cases of nasty puffy red-cheek vitriol on this thread. Nothing worse than 'grown-up' Evertonians digging hard to come up with the crispest, bitterest, most insulting doggerel to aim at Ross Barkley when, like all of us, they only have one side of the story.

Of course Ross shoulders blame here although the snarl-game on this thread is embarrassing juvenile blustering.

If we ever get to hear both sides of this story, my hunch is that Koeman too will end up smelling of skunk rather than roses.

Laughingly, people on here who think they know it all, but they do not, demonize Ross without any word on Koeman for the most part. It's a rare break-up when the blame is all on one side.

I wish Ross nothing but the best for the future. I hope it works out for him. Spurs will not be his making but I suspect that is where he will end up. So, I fear for him. It actually might be better to look down rather than up and leave all of this behind him with a fresh start where he will be a pivotal figure – Newcastle, West Ham, Southampton... And build again.

My one reservation about that is that the embarrassing snarl-crew will gleefully dive on here with their hilarious laugh-face emoticons.

A grown-up gloating and basking in booing Ross at the Old Lady. How embarrassing.

Rudi Coote
233 Posted 27/07/2017 at 03:28:24
The "wanting a challenge" utterances from Ron... no denial from Barkley. The silence says it all for me. Sooner he goes the better.

Move on from all the drivel. Support our team and let's not be distracted by the likes of this carry on.

Ernie Baywood
234 Posted 27/07/2017 at 03:37:55
Exactly, Laurie (#227). We still have no idea why he has chosen not to sign the contract. Koeman hasn't said it was down to money.

I hope it's just a young man deciding that he can further his career away from his home club. Change of scenery and all that.

I do get a sense, though, that there's more to it.

Andrew Presly
235 Posted 27/07/2017 at 05:14:04
As has been said, it's sad it's come to this. Ross is not the brightest presumably?

Do like the idea of a buy back after some time abroad and after Koeman has gone when he's developed a better end product but, failing that, good luck at Sunderland in 2020 pal. You could've been a contender.

That's a crying shame really but after 20+ years without a trophy I don't care if John Aldridge plays for us, just win. Sad! Thanks Bill.

Darren Hind
236 Posted 27/07/2017 at 05:23:45
It's just plain wrong to suggest Barkley had been offered a contract before the start of the season. Koeman told us it could wait until the summer.

Here's what he said as late as March 9th:

"We will do everything to keep Ross and for him to sign a new contract... Talks are planned."

He does not say "talks are taking place" or "talks have been taking place" – he says very clearly "talks are planned".

Those who are interested in what we do know, will be in no doubt as to who it was who was running down the clock... Barkley's agent must have been rubbing his hands.

David Ellis
237 Posted 27/07/2017 at 06:14:16
Darren – no, the message from the club was that Barkley was offered a new contract before the end of the season and did not sign it. Hence the reason why "talks were planned".

Sounds to me like Barkley doesn't want to play for Koeman. It's a shame but we've already moved on so it doesn't really bother me now.

I don't know why Barkley gets any stick for this. He wants to go elsewhere – then he's entitled to go. It's his career.

Will Mabon
239 Posted 27/07/2017 at 06:49:18
"I do like the idea of a buy-back after some time abroad and after Koeman has gone when he's developed a better end product but, failing that, good luck at Sunderland in 2020 pal. You could've been a contender."

Oh, the contradiction and confusion...

Nitesh Kanchan
240 Posted 27/07/2017 at 06:56:53
Sad to know Barkley won't be at the club next season. I can't blame him as probably he feels threatened not getting to play as we are pursuing Sigurdsson and Koeman will favour Sigurdsson over him. Good luck to him.

No hard feelings and he is being very professional about it rather than making a fuss about it like others.

Dembele might be an option here if Celtic are knocked out next week. Get the Ross money and buy Dembele.

Jermaine Jennings
241 Posted 27/07/2017 at 07:03:58
A lot of posts on here about Koeman managing him out of the club, criticising etc etc. At the end of the day, if he was playing to his full potential then Koeman wouldn't need to mention him much and if Ross had any balls then he would speak up and say that he needs to perform to a higher standard as he is now looked upon as our star Evertonian. End of!!!

He can't come out and say "I want out" because he wouldn't get past Goodison Road without getting attacked, so all who say he should say something are talking rubbish. He wouldn't even play at Goodison again if he said that.

In all walks of life, if you don't perform to your best your boss is always on your back trying to get more out of you or talking about you to others.

Ross needs to deal with it and Man up!! Seriously.

John G Davies
242 Posted 27/07/2017 at 07:22:29
Bottom line is that he wasn't part of Koeman's long-term vision for his starting eleven. That much is obvious. Koeman hasn't fought to keep him. As mentioned previously, there isn't a queue around the block to sign Ross.

Steve (#183). Ruthless indeed.

Darren. At #186 you post "he wasn't offered a contract until spring at the earliest"..

At 236 it's "just plain wrong to suggest Barkley had been offered a contract before the start of the season" Contradictory?

I don't think any of us know when or what the contract offer was.

John Codling
243 Posted 27/07/2017 at 08:59:53
I see people are still going on about potential? I'm sorry but the boy is now 24, when are Evertonians going to get it? He's average at best.

Where he thinks is new challenge is coming from is beyond me. Any team that finished above us will only give him bench time if that, so mid-table teams. I see Ross going down the Rodwell road. The grass is not always greener.

Adam Scott
244 Posted 27/07/2017 at 09:17:03
Laurie (#227). An excellent post.

The vitriol directed at Ross is astounding. He has been fairly straightforward for me. Ross was seemingly offered a contract at the very, very earliest in December or January given Koeman's pronouncements. By May he has been clear with the manager he sees his future elsewhere. As is his prerogative, as it isn't the middle ages where you have to ask the Lord of the Manor to leave your village. It isn't a slight on the club. I wasn't to bothered about Lukaku's statements really for similar reasons, but Ross has kept a dignified silence throughout and should leave with the fans' respect.

I am not sure that Koeman and moreso, Everton Football Club have handled this well. Koeman's character does seem to backfire at times, this being one of them. I feel the media tried to find things in his statements on Barkley earlier in the season that weren't there; nevertheless, Koeman should have been wiser to the media trying to find a story and kept it behind closed doors. The complacency of the board with regards to not offering him a deal earlier, regardless of Koeman's views (as an important financial asset) is remarkable. I think it should have been looked at even before Koeman walked through the door.

On Ross, I don't care really whether it is that he can't deal with the criticism, wants out of Liverpool, wants a new challenge. Nobody here knows, or has a right to know the reasons why. People lose sight of the fact that these are people. I left my job a few years ago to go to a similar one elsewhere. Got fed up of the same people, same issues and felt I needed a change. It has to really be the same for footballers. Everton should have been wiser to all of this though, rather than taking his signature for granted whilst throwing every platitude and effort Lukaku's way who had far longer on his deal.

Hope he does well wherever he goes.

James Macdonald
245 Posted 27/07/2017 at 09:22:22
Some interesting stats on Ross that tell a real story.

Last season, he created more chances than any other U23 player in Europe in the 5 big leagues. He created 84 and next is Thonas Lemar on 72.

Last season he created more chances than any other English player in the Premier League and I think he was like 5th overall which isn't bad for a player outside the top 6. Each season there has been a steady upward trend in the number of chances he has created.

Last season he created more chances than any other player in the Premier League outside the final third (21). His pass completion rate is also remarkably good for a player who looks for a killer ball and ditto his passing range.

We will be losing a seriously good player, who may yet become a great player. He may well have been channelling his inner Ozil in recent seasons as opposed to the Kaka-esque Barkley of the first season under Martinez, which I understand will frustrate people when a pass does not come off, but it is painful when people say he is not good enough as it is plainly not true.

He is far more experienced and accomplished than Rodwell or Jeffers were when they left and I fully expect him to fly wherever he goes.

Mike Corcoran
246 Posted 27/07/2017 at 09:59:09
Stats are great but what you actually see is a lot more telling and that doesn't align with the stats.
Steve Smith
247 Posted 27/07/2017 at 10:01:48
David (#166)

"Like having a friend tell your wife that you want a divorce. Have the balls to speak for yourself."

I would never do that. I would ask one of her friends to do it, much better coming from a wine buddy I reckon. :-)

Stan Schofield
248 Posted 27/07/2017 at 10:02:02
Adam @244 and James @245: Excellent posts, well said.

I must admit, I have found many of the negative comments directed at Ross to be very sad, and stupid. But some supporters are quite fickle.

I first found this out as a teenager, when even our great Alan Ball (who I've had cause to mention before on this thread) received barracking from 'supporters' at Goodison when his form dropped in his return from the Mexico World Cup. Human nature doesn't change.

Stan Schofield
249 Posted 27/07/2017 at 10:14:38
Adam @244: Spot on regarding handling of the media. I'm tempted to offer Everton a service, to give Koeman advice on how to answer questions and use some diplomacy. I'll do it for 1% of what Koeman gets as salary.
Terry Underwood
250 Posted 27/07/2017 at 10:17:37
As far as I can see, he will be no great loss, never really kicked on from the promise of the "Young Ross" days. Average midfielder with the occasional brilliant game in him, just like many others.
James Macdonald
251 Posted 27/07/2017 at 10:19:04
Mike (#246) I would argue stats tell a truer story than "what we see" as the reality of the latter is actually what we recall. So we get pissed off when Ross turns in and slows down a move but forget all the other good stuff he has done.

I actually think there is an element of collective psychosis amongst Evertonians in that his first season raised the expectations so high with the hype that goes with it that the depth of disappointment at that greatness not materialising has outweighed the reality – being he is one of our best players.

Mike Allen
252 Posted 27/07/2017 at 10:59:36
I don't know why Koeman is getting stick over this. Okay, he's not fussed on the player but that's along with three England managers after all. He has been given every chance to shine and or improve.

Also, since the player has put himself on the market, a few others don't fancy him either or are not prepared to pay an inflated fee.

Dave Abrahams
253 Posted 27/07/2017 at 11:12:48
Trevor McKinlay (#217), yes glad to say, I read the rule wrongly, so you are correct, Ross is still only 23, not 24 until October.

Everton made him a new offer early this year so the club is entitled to a good compensation payment. Well read and spotted Trevor.

Sam Hoare
254 Posted 27/07/2017 at 11:40:14
James (#251). Agreed. Barkley looks lethargic at times and like alot of players makes mistakes but his failure to 'kick on' (along with the rest of the club so far) has created a frustration in the fans whereby his failures seem to be magnified.

He may well be capable of better but he still was by far our most creative player last season (despite not taking all our free kicks and corners, like a certain Icelander I know). To put him in the same bracket as Rodwell is laughable.

His work rate could be better but, make no mistake, Ross is a good player and one of the few in our team last season who would get into a few top 4 squads and possibly starting XIs. Time will tell but I am saddened that he is going and expect to hear refrains of 'Why couldn't he do that for us?' in years to come from fans who had written him off as lazy or ineffective when in fact he's contributed more than a lot of our players.

Chris Green
256 Posted 27/07/2017 at 12:29:07
For what its worth, here is my two cents.

Barkley was offered a new contract on pretty good terms... but maybe not what he wanted. He has declined numerous times. Whether the offer wasn't what he (or his people) thought he was worth, or if there was some issue around how Koeman manages him or the team, only Barkley can tell us.

The part I struggle with on here is the vicious comments about him and Koeman. My reasons are simple:

1. Barkley isn't Messi, he isn't even a Rooney of old. He is a good player who we and the media have built up to be sensational on the back of a few performances. He has his limitations, whether physical or mental, but he is and was (36 games last season says it) a key member of the team and created a host of chances... maybe not enough for the people on here, but the highest number of any player in Europe under the age of 23. So he isn't that bad.

2. Two years ago, we had a manager who simpered to these players, played favs even when not on form, treated them like his buddies and everyone on here couldn't stomach it. We now have a manager who manages them. Tells them when they don't perform, uses specific tactics (dropping them, talking about them to the media, talking to them in private) to try and gee them up, and when it doesn't work, he basically says "You aren't what I need so I need to get something else in." That apparently is now bullying?

Both sides haven't handled it well. Barkley could come out and confirm why he wants to leave... but hasn't done it. And Koeman could keep his mouth shut and not mention it despite the barrage of questions he gets.

Either way, I want to support the team, the people in that team and the people who manage it. If Ross doesn't want to be here, and his refusal to sign suggests he doesn't, I don't give a stink as to why... he just doesn't, and we should just let him go where he wants.

Good luck... wish you could have made it here... but wherever you end up I hope it doesn't end like Jeffers, Ball, Rodwell etc etc.

Barry Jones
257 Posted 27/07/2017 at 12:31:12
Some people are suggesting that, because we have only heard publicly from Koeman and not Ross about the issue, then there may be a bias or even inaccuracies in what Koeman has reported.

I find this really hard to believe. When Koeman makes public statements he speaks on behalf of Everton, not himself. He must have discussed what he can and cannot say with the communications people at Everton prior to saying it and that must reflect an accuracy of the situation, just to protect the club.

The fact that Ross is not speaking would suggest that his agent told him not to do so or he realises himself that he wouldn't be doing himself any favours in speaking out about his reasons for wanting away.

Christine Foster
259 Posted 27/07/2017 at 13:40:55
Barry Jones, ever heard of natural justice? Two sides to every story?

I find it staggering that there are people on here who actually condemn the lad because he hasn't responded to Koeman, that he has kept his counsel (unlike Lukaku who couldn't keep his mouth shut and got slagged to pieces on here for it). You just cannot win on here: dammed if you do and dammed if you don't.

Barkley's stats, as pointed out are some of the best in the premier league and in Europe, yet according to many on here he has not (and never will) reach his potential. Really? Which was what by the way?

He has 22 caps for England, to compare him with Jeffers or Rodwell ( 1 or 2 caps a piece) or Stones is a joke.

He may not be the most consistent player but then I would also point to those around him, like the saying goes, Its hard to soar like an eagle when you mix with turkeys and lets face it, we have had quite a few of them (include the managers too btw!)

His form dipped at the back end of the season, so did Lukaku's (dried up); so did the teams.. so to single out one guy is curious, to continue to make comment and single him out ( not in the future plans of Everton) when he has a year on his contract to go is utterly disgraceful.

If Koeman thought so highly of him as many of you suggest he would play him every week irrespective of when his contract ended... that's up to the board and the player to sort out, not the team manager.

Of course there is more to it than we know but frankly I am fed up with the abuse the lad has got, the slurs on his character, intelligence and ability. When at the end of the day we have Koeman stating his version of events only.

I remember the nature of fans when Alan Ball left, booed on his first visit back to Goodison (I was there that day in Goodison Road by the dugout and he just shook his head). It will be the same for Barkley.

Sadly it's clear to me that there is far more unsaid than what Koeman has said. It's clear also that Barkley doesn't want to get into a slanging match either. But it's going to happen because if Koeman keeps opening his mouth and knows he can put any slant he likes on a comment because he can... sooner or later, he will get a mouthful back.

It's a bit like having three bosses over a few years at work, each one knows you are good but wants something different from you. The last one wants more from you because he knows you are good but you don't fit in with his plans or style so, unless you can change, you are out. But your popular, so the only way he can do it is by undermining your confidence and ridiculing you in public... it's called constructive dismissal in another world..

As I said before, if Koeman wanted him he would play him and let the board sort out the contract issue. But its not is it?


Brian Williams
260 Posted 27/07/2017 at 13:53:26
Ross was offered a new contract. He wanted more money than was offered. The club wouldn't budge. He refused to sign the contract offered.

That's all there is.

Sam Hoare
261 Posted 27/07/2017 at 13:55:01
Strange that the local youth players (Barkley, Davies etc) seem to get an easier time at the start of their career with people bogging them up but, as soon as they become established and start contributing more then they get a harder time than anyone! Hibbert, Osman and Barkley now proving the point.

Ross is a very gifted young player. The stats clearly demonstrate that he contributed heavily over the last two seasons. He is a passionate blue.

Yet many are happy to see him go and blame him for not signing a new contract though none of us know the intricacies of the situation and what money or playing time etc he was promised. I'm pretty sure of one thing which is that he won't get better wages at Spurs...

Stan Schofield
262 Posted 27/07/2017 at 13:56:14
I've now got it from the highest authority in the land. A football follower who isn't an Evertonian. Someone I'm not going to argue with. My wife.

She is astonished by the way Barkley has been handled by Everton. She thinks Koeman comes across as a buffoon. She says there's no comparison between Barkley and the likes of Sigurdsson.

There you have it, the final say as far as I'm concerned, so this is my last post on the matter.

Brian Williams
263 Posted 27/07/2017 at 13:56:49
Bet you it isn't, Stan.
Amit Vithlani
264 Posted 27/07/2017 at 14:16:34
This is a monumental fuck-up by the hierarchy, if, as seems to be the case, the contract offer was tabled in March 2017, ie 15 months before expiry.

Barkley should command a big fee in this inflated environment and the club has ended up trading off higher wages for a loss in his transfer value by offering the contract so late in the day.

An offer 15 months before expiry leaves 1 window – this one – before he is free to negotiate a pre-contract in January 2018.

I do not understand the logic of not attempting to offer a contract sooner. If this had been rejected, fine. It is down to the player and agent whether a contract is signed – you can't force a signature.

By not offering a contract sooner, the hierarchy were prepared to take a risk that he would go for a cut price or indeed for nothing.

I simply cannot get my head around that.

James Flynn
265 Posted 27/07/2017 at 14:16:40
Interesting thread.

I'm in the "Wish he'd stay" group. Not sure why anyone would declare he hasn't improved. He clearly did this last season. Every reason to believe he'd improve further this next one.

And I'll accept the reason he wants to leave is to find a new challenge. Why not?

Wish he would've stayed, though.

Stan Schofield
266 Posted 27/07/2017 at 14:19:43
Brian, honest, it was. Oh, err .
Chris Green
267 Posted 27/07/2017 at 14:28:51
Christine Foster (#260), I think the fact that Koeman dropped him from the starting line up, yet he still managed 38 games (36 starts) last year, suggests he was and is a key member.

I really do think it comes down to the fact he has been badly advised by other people... because he isn't going to get it better anywhere else... let alone Spurs.

It's very sad, because he is a talent... but one that seems to have had his head turned by someone or something.

Gary Mortimer
268 Posted 27/07/2017 at 14:33:44
I cannot understand all this vitriol aimed at Ross.

He's one of our own and I have not heard a single word or comment from him about what is going on. All we have heard is Koeman's version of events. Koeman stated that Ross has to sign the contract he has been offered or he will be sold, he was openly critical of some of Barkley's performances while not commenting on any of the other players' distinctly average performances and now he has said that Ross is not part of Everton's future and will be off to a new challenge. To me, Koeman has always appeared to be ambivalent to Ross's contract position, not appearing to care whether he signed or not.

I don't know why Barkley has not signed his contract; it could be that he wanted parity with other players (I've heard Schneiderlin's name being mentioned somewhere); it could be he's seen the type of player that Koeman is after and knowing Koeman's opinion of him thinking he'd be better off elsewhere in a World Cup year; it could be he's decided that Koeman's style of management and his version of “tough-love” is not for him; it could be he's fed up of being the scape-goat whenever Everton don't play well; it could be his agent has persuaded him that he'd be better off elsewhere; it could be related to off the field shenanigans (night club related issues); or it could be a mixture of all these things.

To me it appears that Ross needs to be handled in a particular way, Martinez was too over the top and, in my opinion, Koeman is too far the other way. A good manager will get the best out of all types of players, those who can be trusted to get on with it and those who need more of a hands on approach.

For me the decision to allow him to leave without appearing to move heaven and earth has been taken far too quickly. Perhaps Ross has felt that he's not wanted and this is influencing his position. Koeman saying that he either signs or leaves is certainly a pretty stark ultimatum, coming on the back of the public criticism, can everyone say that they would just grin and bear it, sign the new contract and enjoy life being a bit part player?

It's been said in lots of previous posts that Ross has not fulfilled his promise, which may be true, but I for one, think that an Everton squad with Ross Barkley in it, is better than a squad without him. He's inconsistent, but then again so are Mirallas, Bolasie (when fit), Lookman (age), Calvert-Lewin (age) and Lennon. They are our other attacking midfielders/forwards who would compete with him for a place in the team.

He is still only 23; he is still the most creative player we have had over the last few seasons and although the buffoon who is currently in charge of England has recently preferred the likes of Jake Livermore, Danny Drinkwater, James Ward-Prowse, Nathan Redmond and Jesse Lindgard, has chosen to overlook him, most of the pundits/commentators all reckon Ross can be a brilliant player on his day. In my opinion Koeman hasn't been able to bring this out on a real consistent basis and has given up. I think it is a mistake and we should be doing more to persuade him to stay.

Trevor Peers
269 Posted 27/07/2017 at 14:41:03
It's time to draw a line under the whole Barkley debate and move on. Who cares who was to blame? It's happened.

No-one is irreplaceable and luckily we have the money to buy an adequate successor. Everyone should be happy it's finally resolved... or should be very soon.

Brian Williams
270 Posted 27/07/2017 at 14:41:37
Ahaaa Stan. Forgot to mention "bet you a tenner", no rush in paying mate!
Brian Williams
271 Posted 27/07/2017 at 14:49:58
Gary (#268).

Persuade him... how? Offer more money? The club offered him a new deal, one they considered fair. Ross declined to sign it.

What should the club do, say "pretty please"?
At the end of the day, it is business and there will be a maximum to be offered. If someone wants more than the maximum offered, then the outcome is inevitable.

John Pierce
272 Posted 27/07/2017 at 15:03:14
Barkley was not key last year. Necessity to play him was key, as there was a lack of alternatives.

Talent enough sure, but now there are options, he had to fight for his place, on the face of it didn't fancy that did he? Plenty of players don't 'get on' with their manager, but can see things are going in a positive direction.

Christine Foster's post typifies, for me, the need to cite the factors outside of Ross's influence, rather than focus on the player's performances.

Managers, players, fans' opinions and all manner of poultry deriding Ross, clearly responsible for his downfall.

Well he's either not as good as many people have vaunted or he is too easily affected by Turkeys and the like. Which ever way you cut it, his performances over 4 years in the first team haven't been good enough for the high ceiling his talent hinted at.

That's not a slur or a condemnation, more a realistic assessment that any player of his talent should after 4 years in his role become a consistent match winner for a club like Everton.


James Macdonald
273 Posted 27/07/2017 at 15:08:05
Here is I believe the sum total of the reality of the situation:

1. The board and Koeman took Ross for granted and were negligent in not offering a new contract until March 2017 (so with only 15 months to run) while trying to tie Lukaku down with over 2 years before his contract ended. Add in all the criticism and seemingly ambivalence of Koeman, and it is easy to see Ross believing he is not being sufficiently valued.

2. In the meantime, he is tapped up by THFC, a Champions League team.

3.told by Levy to sit tight until late in window. Spurs will make their move when he is fit.

Dave Abrahams
274 Posted 27/07/2017 at 15:18:36
Christine (#259), are you sure Alan Ball was booed on his first return to Goodison Park? Ball himself said he was so moved by the applause he received, which lasted for several minutes in my memory, that he couldn't get to grips with the game for over half an hour.
Stan Schofield
275 Posted 27/07/2017 at 15:20:44
Brian @270: I've started saving, out of the pocket money my wife gives me.
Joe O'Brien
276 Posted 27/07/2017 at 15:49:47
I want him to stay but I don't think it's going to happen. A work mate (who's a kopite) said he heard he's leaving Liverpool as opposed to Everton. He said he's not liked in the city. Getting grief and hassle a lot.

I'm starting to believe this more than anything else. The other reasons just don't make sense to me.

Martin Nicholls
277 Posted 27/07/2017 at 16:06:10
Christine (#259) – my recollection of Bally's first game back at Goodison are totally different to yours. The circumstances behind his departure from Goodison and the impending departure of Ross Barkley are so different as to be beyond comparison – why would anyone boo him?
James Hughes
278 Posted 27/07/2017 at 16:10:47
Joe (#221),

We are actually focused on Everton rather than some want-away Billy Big Bollocks.

I have not really seen Ross acting in that way at all, maybe I wasn't paying close enough attention.

I haven't heard him say 'owt about nowt' even when Kelvin called him a Gorilla he kept quiet. He scored a goal and jumped into the Gwladys. Got booked for celebrating with the fans (us if you aren't sure)

He has said nothing about his contract, not one word, but he is Billy Big Bollocks according to you.

If other reports like Joe @276 are to be believed, then it is the numpties in our home town who are acting the 'Billy' and maybe forcing him out.


Stan Schofield
279 Posted 27/07/2017 at 16:18:18
Dave @274 and Martin @277: I was also at that game, and don't recall Ball being booed. But I do recall him being 'barracked' by some in the crowd when his form dropped after he came back from Mexico in 1970.

I recall being a big gobsmacked, because it was Alan Ball, and my dad saying you can't please some people, and that some supporters are fickle. The fickleness is a valid comparison between those attitudes to Ball (from a minority) and some of the harsh comments about Barkley on TW (hopefully from only a minority of Evertonians although prominent on TW).

Anthony Dwyer
280 Posted 27/07/2017 at 16:47:12
For me, it's a sad day when a talented scouse Evertonian leaves the club at 23 to look for a fresh challenge.

We've not won a trophy since 95, surely its challenge enough to become a winner at home?

Say what you like about Ross not fulfilling his talent, but the likes of Leon Osman had a full career at the blues on half the ability Ross has.

I read something about expectations have driven Everton and Ross apart; I agree with this. Our expectations of Ross are too high.

Look at all the teams above us, they have 3 Ross Barkley style players, we have only Ross. Mirallas, Calvert-Lewin, Lookman, Deulofeu (before he bailed), Cleverley, Valencia, Kone and so on delivered less than Ross every week and never covered him on his poor performances.

Players like Courtinho and Ali can have a bad month so long as Son, Erricson, Lallana and Mane etc do it in place of them. This hasn't been the way with Ross, he and Rom were left to sort almost every bit of the attack for the past few seasons, and all most of us seen was that Ross couldn't tackle and didn't track back.

Imo Ross should and could have been persuaded to stay at the blues; give it 12 months at another club and it will bite us in the arse.

Simon Bates
281 Posted 27/07/2017 at 16:51:17
Dave (#274), you are absolutely correct. Even when he returned as a manager for the opposition, Alan Ball quipped he always lost his concentration due to the adulation he always received at Goodison, joking that the fans here know how to win a game, support the opposition, this is a football city!!!

Christine, Koeman did play Ross, Martinez played Ross, but Koeman, despite trying to get more consistency, actually did a better job.

He inherited three potentially world class players in Stones, Ross and Rom. These three potential world beaters were so over hyped by Martinez, he didn't even get the chance to work with one, got the privilege of helping the other two improve their games and careers for one season, only to be told thanks and goodbye. Then he gets lambasted and blamed why?

These three potentially world class players believed their ex manager so much they think they are two good for us. So much so that even Ronald Koeman couldn't bring them back down to earth.

I for one am glad to see the back of over-paid, over-hyped, spoiled kids wearing our famous shirt whilst putting in half-hearted or self-promoting performances with nothing but contempt and disrespect to our badge.

So thanks, Ron, keep up the brilliant work. I think your detractors will miss you more than those three put together when you've actually gone.

Martin Nicholls
282 Posted 27/07/2017 at 16:54:41
Good points, Stan,

I also recall Peter Reid getting some rough treatment when his form dipped but I should emphasise that my comment about there being no comparison between the Ball and Barkley situations was specifically about treatment in relation to their departure from the Club. Fully agree that some get undeserved stick whilst playing for us!

Eric Myles
283 Posted 27/07/2017 at 17:08:20
Joe (#276), then he could just go live in the 'footballer belt' of Manchester and go out in that city like others do. Then he'd only have to come into Liverpool once every 2 weeks for work.
Peter Warren
284 Posted 27/07/2017 at 17:14:04
It's not as black and white as some would have it – even Koeman said a couple of weeks ago that the situation with Ross was complicated.

Strikes me that Ross was tapped up last season.

I am gutted a local lad with extraordinary potential is leaving. That said, based on performances to date only, we won't miss him.

Christine Foster
285 Posted 27/07/2017 at 17:33:14
Dave Abraham, if memory serves me correctly, Ball was given a warm reception by the Gwladys Street End on his return the following season (I think it was 1973) but when the game finished he was certainly heckled by some brainless idiots where I was ( just behind the old dugout) he heard it too and looked up...

I am not saying that his reception was bad but there was and still is, an element who are happy to have a go. It stuck in my mind as an insult..

Eddie Dunn
286 Posted 27/07/2017 at 17:42:37
Why would Ross say anything on the subject? If he fails to get a move, the fans could be on his back, or if he shits on Koeman's doorstep, he could find himself training on his own.

I would surmise(like everyone else here not in the know), that Koeman forced him out, made life a bit uncomfortable for him. Koeman may be right or may be wrong in wanting someone else. It could be that after seeing him everyday that he is frustrated with the lad.

Barkley looked fed-up towards the end of the season. I suspect that he would love to give his side of the story, but he has to keep quiet and get his move.

We never did hear what was said between Distin and Martinez – even most of the autobiographies skate over certain events. If you want to work as a coach or in the media in the future- you would be wise to keep schtum.

Those players all know the score- but they won't tell us. They may even have financial penalties in their contracts to prevent tittle-tattle.

Joe Clitherow
287 Posted 27/07/2017 at 17:47:55
James (#278),

You conflate several things in your post. Last first: what has jumping into the crowd and celebrating with the fans got to do with anything? (I'll let your snide little dig about whether I'm sure who they are or not go. Who is this "us" you name by the way? I was in the crowd that day?) I've seen plenty of players kiss the badge and dive into the crowd too.

I was in the crowd at Elland Road when Rooney jumped in too. It meant the square root of fuck all a bit later on. I've seen Tomasz Radzinski and Mick Madar do that in exactly the spot I've seen Ross do it, then slag the club off. What is that supposed to mean? If that's the stuff that floats your boat, then fill your boots.

My post wasn't really about whether or not Ross was behaving in a certain way or not either, you missed that point too. The point was there are things that I want the Everton manager to do other than getting dragged into a circus about a player who has clearly already decided to leave. Namely focusing on setting up the players who want to play for Everton.

I have no malice towards Ross and there is no vitriol in my post. I've supported Ross until it has become clear (to me anyway) that he lacks key aspects to become a really top player. I actually don't care one jot whether Ross is too big for his boots or not.

Once it is clear he wants to leave I'm indifferent to the reasons, so long as they are not a pattern in the club. Once a player says he wants to leave Everton they are pretty much dead to me. I'm glad Koeman seems to have the same attitude.

For what it's worth, whether Ross has said anything or not, it seems clear to me Koeman wanted to keep him by sanctioning a contract. It's also pretty clear that Everton's assessment of Ross's value and Ross's idea of his own contribution are pretty far apart. Such is life.

Koeman has tried to coach Ross into improving how he wants him to, it appears to me, but he hasn't kicked on and consistently delivered, which is the real measure of a top player. I think he lacks brain and heart like I said and gets predictable advice from an agent who is interested in moving him around, like they all are.

Now I'm off to the match.

Will Mabon
288 Posted 27/07/2017 at 18:03:16
I have no malice towards Ross and there is no vitriol in my post. I've supported Ross until it has become clear (to me anyway) that he lacks key aspects to become a really top player."

When will you be withdrawing your support for the other members of the team that lack key aspects to become "really top" players?

And how do you define "really top" players?

,"I have no malice towards Ross and there is no vitriol in my post. I've supported Ross until it has become clear (to me anyway) that he lacks key aspects to become a really top player."

When will you be withdrawing your support for the other members of the team that lack key aspects to become "really top" players?

And how do you define "really top" players? ,,BlueKfrog,1,18:02:54,,81.108.253.187,ok,19747,07/27/2017 18:02:54,Overdrive,reader,, 834836,35256,toffeeweb,27/07/2017,James Flynn,jmesflynn@yahoo.com,"Phil (#31), Appreciate it.

Let's see what happens.

Don Alexander
289 Posted 27/07/2017 at 18:15:07
Well said, Joe Clitherow. Regardless of what Koeman said Ross said, when a first-team player refuses to sign a contract just weeks before pre-season begins, it tells me he's no longer interested in being a member of the team. That, for me too, is the end of my support for him.

Eddie Dunn
290 Posted 27/07/2017 at 18:55:20
Joe and Don, if Koeman has told him straight, or in so many ways, that he doesn't want him anymore, he is bound to want out. Of course Koeman, manager of Everton wanted him to sign the contract. It would simply get us more money for the player, but make it less likely for a suitor to stump up the cash.

What would you do in that situation? You are unhappy, your relationship with your manager is not good, and you hear that the club are after Sigurdsson. Rooney has already arrived and can play in your role.

We would all play for nothing of course, that goes without saying but this is the situation he finds himself in. He hasn't slagged the club off, and we may never know what has gone on behind the scenes.

I am sad to see him go, but I hope he does well wherever he ends up.


Add Your Comments

In order to post a comment, you need to be logged in as a registered user of the site.

» Log in now

Or Sign up as a ToffeeWeb Member — it's free, takes just a few minutes and will allow you to post your comments on articles and Talking Points submissions across the site.


About these ads