Allardyce set to finalise Everton deal to become new manager

Wednesday, 29 November, 2017 577comments  |  Jump to most recent

Ian Walton/Getty Images
Updated Sam Allardyce is to be announced as Everton's next manager after the club confirmed he has agreed terms.

The 63-year-old re-emerged as the front-runner to replace Ronald Koeman as the Blues' next full-time boss following two awful results, against Atalanta in the Europa League and Southampton in the Premier League, which increased the urgency in the Boardroom to get a new boss in as quickly as possible.

Multiple media outlets, including Sky Sports, the BBC, The Guardian and The Times claimed last night that the club had turned to Allardyce who has built a reputation for rescuing teams from relegation.

And, after important news was again broken by Jim White, Everton took the unusual step of issuing a brief statement saying that Allardyce will travel to USM Finch Farm this afternoon to finalise his deal.

White passed on another message from major shareholder Farhad Moshiri that read:

"I really want to give [Allardyce] the support he needs. He can go as far as he wants.

“We need a strong leader, he gives us that.”

Stand-in manager David Unsworth is to take charge of this evening's match against West Ham United, his last task in charge of first-team affairs before Allardyce takes over.

Allardyce is reported to have negotiated an 18-month deal on an annual salary of almost £6m a year and could elect to go where Koeman dared not by bringing ex-Liverpool player Sammy Lee in as his assistant.

Craig Shakespeare, fired earlier this season as Leicester City's manager, is also believed to be joining the backroom staff.

 

Reader Comments (577)

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Andy Mead
1 Posted 29/11/2017 at 05:28:03
Nothing against him but it shows what a rudderless bunch of idiots we have running the club. Two weeks ago he was deemed not good enough but now wet have gone cap in hand back to him. You couldn't make it up
James Watts
2 Posted 29/11/2017 at 05:33:13
I'm dead inside. Honestly never thought I'd feel like this about Everton.

Not only will he be our manager, but will be for the next 2 to 3 years. And on 6m a year.

Utterly bewildered at Moshiri choosing this guy. Everton have finally broken my love for them.

Frank Key
3 Posted 29/11/2017 at 05:44:59
The thought of the fat little grass Sammy Lee scampering to Goodison Park today to finalise his own massive pay day twists the knife in that little bit more.

Prepare yourselves ladies and gents for the arrival of the Bungosaurus and his hideous brand of Jurassic football.

John Pierce
4 Posted 29/11/2017 at 05:46:26
James, I like you, am distraught. Moshiri has lost all credibility with me.

If the appointment is confirmed, we have done so out of fear and it is completely regressive.

Most think he will stay for the remainder of the season, this fella believes he can manage the big clubs but has never been given the chance.

I cannot even summon the anger to fight it. I’ll be truly broken if it becomes true.

Moshiri; what have you done?

Peter Hadwin
5 Posted 29/11/2017 at 05:55:31
This is a very sad day to be an Everton fan. It is the worst I have felt about any Everton signing since Gary Albett. Add Kopite Sammy Lee into the mix and we have a 3 year nightmare to endure.

It just gets worse and worse. Our board are useless in the extreme and we are officially the laughing stock of the league. If you still regard us a big club, think again.

Phil Sammon
6 Posted 29/11/2017 at 06:03:03
Just posted this on another thread... it's more suitable here.

We are such a mess we need one of two managers. The first type, and surely everyone's preference will be an accomplished and ambitious manager able to inspire the players immediately and oversee a much needed revolution. Unfortunately that man is likely to be untried in the PL and if he isn't an instant hit, he could well end up in a relegation scrap.

The second type, I'm afraid to say, is Sam Allardyce. He knows the league, he's a safe pair of hands. He will put his arm around those who need it, and fire a rocket up the likes of Schneiderlin. He'll utilise the full pitch and play two up front. I had my head in my hands when his name was raised, purely because I find him a particularly grotesque human. He's good at what he does. And he will definitely get the best out of Bolasie when he gets back. He's a Big Sam player if ever I saw one.

‘Big Sam'... look at me getting overfamiliar. Let's stick to Twat Sam.

Rick Tarleton
7 Posted 29/11/2017 at 06:09:23
Really! This has been a chaotic farce. We are a laughing stock. Can anyone explain how the Board have allowed this to happen?

We sacked a self-serving idiot, but had no idea who was going to replace him. Big continental names were dropped into the mix and quickly denied. Good men like Dyche, Hughton, Howe and Wagner were totally ignored. Silva was allegedly pursued, Fonseca was thrown in as a last minute red-herring and we are going to get the money-grabbing, unethical Sam Allardyce. Well, let us hope that his skin is thick enough to accept the brickbats and that his expertise as one of the few international managers to come out of that cauldron unbeaten, will allow him to rescue the collection of individuals that passes for Everton this season.

Unsworth had to be replaced, but this is probably the worst option. I presume we've given him an overpaid, 3-year contract.

Richard Lyons
8 Posted 29/11/2017 at 06:11:25
Oh God - Brexit, Trump and now this...
Lee Brownlie
9 Posted 29/11/2017 at 06:15:23
I voted 'No' an'all, but do we all have to drop the Big and the Fat and just call him 'Uncle', now? Sorry.

Well, at least he might start with some finger-pointing, "Oi, you! Yer shit! Get the fuck out of my changing room!!.. You! Get yer fucking kit an boots on, yer in defence!!".. Bit like my old sports teacher, lol!

Well, we can hope.. and, anyway, I'd like to see that video on YouTube!.. gotta be better than, "Do I not like that!" at least, annit? I'm actually just hoping on hope he gets us fighting like we mean it!! Does that and summer comes and 'Thanks an all that, chap!'.. we can look again.. Fonseca maybe.

Chance to be back in an apparently decent state come then would be a fine thing, I reckon!! TOFFEEEEEEEES!!!!!!!!!!!!!

James Welford
10 Posted 29/11/2017 at 06:29:30
Sammy Lee. Sammy bloody Lee.

Is Moshiri our Mike Ashley...

Kevin Moorcroft
11 Posted 29/11/2017 at 06:35:51
We can't do any worse than Koeman and Martinez who both dismantled Moyes's concrete platform built with no resources.

If, and its a big IF, he keeps us up, then I for one will be behind him. At least he's got the experience and balls for a fight. Yes, he's got a chequered background but I don't mind that at all.

Fuck who else comes – just get on with it. At least he'll get em playing or show em the door. This club needs change big time and who else would want the job?

In my opinion, all the current first team staff have failed so no arguments. Get rid of em all no sentiment in business don't do your job you should be fucked off – it's simple..

I hope he is introduced tonight; those who don't like it just go and do one. Good luck to him if he gets the post, he'll stand up to everything that's chucked at him.

Money is not the issue – we've thrown enough away on the previous two wankers!!!! So let's get ready for the battle!

Kunal Desai
12 Posted 29/11/2017 at 06:37:08
£6 Million a year for Allardyce throw in Sammy Lee to the mix.

Bullshit Bill will tell you to keep watching this space.

Phil Head
13 Posted 29/11/2017 at 06:39:57
LOL, Richard Lyons, my thoughts exactly. In fact, how about replacing the People's Club banner outside the Park End, with your post, followed by a humongous picture of Allardyce's face.
Mark Andersson
14 Posted 29/11/2017 at 06:47:26
I have not posted on here for ages, but still read everyday. The club has finally shown it's true colours and it's not blue, it's shit house RED. The people who run the club don not give a fuck about the fans, they insult us all time and time again.

Can Big Sam save us with this bunch of none committed over rated over paid players? I'm not to sure. If we go down he might get us back up is that good??

The crazy game of football has lost it's shine for me. How can I support a team that has so little regard for the paying fans? I have not bothered to watch a single match this season. Going by the posts on here I have not missed much.

Happy days are well and truly in the past, if ya know ya history and all that.

Brian Porter
15 Posted 29/11/2017 at 06:48:51
Farhad Moshiri is the only man to blame for this fiasco. In an attempt to gain instant popularity he rightly sacked Roberto Martinez, but then somehow, either by himself or through some extremely bad advice, went hell for leather after Ronald Koeman as his replacement.

I said at the time and at numerous other times during his distrust reign, that Koeman would be a disaster, based on his record of appalling man management and the application of bemusing and confused tactics at his previous clubs prior to Southampton. A little due diligence and some simple research into Koeman's background would have confirmed this but Moshiri failed us in that respect. Many of us were also convinced by clever marketing, that we would be getting a 'top manager' when in fact we were getting a man who had been sacked or who had walked out from three of his previous four clubs.

By the time the penny dropped Koeman had led us into the relegation zone, a la Valencia and Moshiri was forced to act and duly sacked his 'top manager' who preferred the golf course to Finch Farm and couldn't even be bothered to watch the U23s to truly assess the potential at the club.

Since then he has remained tight lipped, given the supporters no hint of his plans, and made David Unsworth the Aunt Sally, left to make the most of Koeman's leavings. He has prevaricated, shown his true lack of knowledge about running a professional football club and through his indecision and possible adherence to his advisers suggestions, we now find ourselves on the brink of bringing in Sam Allardyce as our manager.

After 59 years as a supporter of the club, I have never witnessed such witless, gutless, unprofessional leadership from the very top of the club but if we do hire Sam Allardyce, then like a true supporter of the club, which is bigger than any one man, I will be 100% behind Allardyce in his attempts to pull us out of the mire Koeman created. I just hope he insists on the sacking of Steve Walsh, who has been a total failure as a so called director of football, and who should share in the blame for the abysmal recruitment of the last twelve months. Those who say they will walk away from supporting Everton if Allardyce is appointed should ask themselves what they expected, mid season and with the club deep in the mire. If Sam saves us from relegation and shows he can do a job for us, then fine, and if not, get rid, but don't knock him for his past indiscretions. To call him a money grabber is fair enough, but money grabbers don't come much bigger than Ronald Koeman, who truly took us to the cleaners, but who initially received great support from the majority of supporters and who left us, crying all the way to the bank.

Please, get behind the new manager, whoever it is, and support his efforts to turn the current mess around. He's going to need all the help he can get, I think.

Peter Larkin
16 Posted 29/11/2017 at 06:51:34
Kunal, you blame Bill for this? Isn't Moshiri the majority owner? Face facts: Moshiri is just another Mike Ashley. Complete fraud who is out of his depth.
Ernie Baywood
17 Posted 29/11/2017 at 06:51:39
Yep, I'll just echo the above. In all my time I've never felt less like singing the blues.

I don't even really have anything against the bloke. It's just a sign of where we are. A bright new era being completely undone in front of us.

The most galling part of this is that it took 5 weeks plus whatever time they already spent considering Ronald's future. And this was the conclusion... a bloke who was available and said he wanted the job 5 weeks ago!

And they've got the nerve to allow him to bring in Sammy Lee.

I just can't see this as a Bill appointment. For all the shambles we were before Moshiri, the last few months has been on another level.

Basically, he can get fucked as far as I'm concerned.

Colin Glassar
18 Posted 29/11/2017 at 06:53:06
Ever since the Sissoko/McCarthy farce a few seasons ago, and his ramblings to Jim White, I've had a bad feeling about Moshiri. He's a rich Bill Kenwright, ie, he's a clueless idiot who's taking us nowhere fast.
James Hill
19 Posted 29/11/2017 at 07:03:43
Guys I have to apologise to all TWs. I listened to a so called Watford supporter on TalkSports who thought it was okay to be beat by the big six by 6 or 4 goals. Because it was entertaining football and he saw lots of goals.

Thank God we are getting Allerdayce and not Silva. Please continue to expect our team to win and if possible play good football. I support EFC club the first thing I want them to be is winners.

All this anti-football is rubbish – it's first and foremost winning. That's what the game is about. It was never invented for anything else. That's why it's called a competition. You go out there to get a result.

I'm proud of the expectations of Everton supporters long may it last.

Daniel Bagan
20 Posted 29/11/2017 at 07:04:28
This is quite scary... so much for this club going forward. I keep thinking back to the days we had Cahill, Arteta, Pienaar and Moyes and just think, I'd do anything to be back to the place Everton was at then.

Absolute fukin shame and to think that dweeb of a man Sammy Lee is going to be connected to my club feels like someone's died. Kopites will be laughing their fukin tits off this Christmas.

Chris Bentham
21 Posted 29/11/2017 at 07:07:49
Great news. He was my first choice once I had seen the candidates.

I think Craig Shakespeare would be a great appointment too he's regarded as one of the top coaches in the country.

I'm not quite sure about Sammy Lee even though he is highly regarded but let's see on that one.

These Ex Evertonians need to go and prove themselves at other clubs; now it is time to end the sentimental vote.

Jim Whiffen
22 Posted 29/11/2017 at 07:10:20
Keyboard Guardiolas who never go the match, one even admits he hasn't watched a single game this season! Ranting about agricultural football?

Get down to Goodison tonight and show some support or sit on your laptop crying into your 'School of Science' memorabilia.

We are in Deep Shit.

Paul Doyle
23 Posted 29/11/2017 at 07:10:33
I can eventually get my head around Sam being in charge and understand the reasoning, but the thought of Sammy Lee clapping like a seal on the touch line is too much to take.

I can see him at Anfield in a few weeks high fives to Klopp after being twatted 6-0 and giving the thumbs up to his mates on the Kop. If this happens, then Moshiri and Kenwright don't give a fuck about us.

James Watts
24 Posted 29/11/2017 at 07:10:58
So Chris (#21). You're also happy with his 2-3 year contract?
Steve Solomon
25 Posted 29/11/2017 at 07:14:15
Personally I'm glad he is here. I like Shakespeare too.

Whatever it takes, we are in free-fall as a club and relegation looms large. This is crisis mode.

Let's support Sam and show how much we love this club. Two more wins and we are mid-table.

Rhino will take charge tonight apparently against West Ham and Moyesie. Oh the irony.

Kunal Desai
26 Posted 29/11/2017 at 07:19:44
The whole set up from top to bottom is fucked. Kenwright should have gone long ago. He should have been pushed out after mass protest by fans over a decade ago. Nothing ever materialised and that chancer is still at the club.

Allardyce is a temporary fix. When he's gone we'll probably be back to square one. I can see us being relegated in the next two seasons. It will get a lot worse than this and we will do an Aston Villa.

Chris Kelly
27 Posted 29/11/2017 at 07:20:28
We are only a laughing stock if we wanna believe we are...

I've been around a few reds tonight and none of them actually give a shit. Amazingly we are not the be-all and end-all of the Premier League – we are just what we think we are. Unfortunately we think we are massive and skies above what we might get.

Big Sam maybe be the one for now but let's not kill him before he gets to the shambles. We need a rudder soon – otherwise we are going to tip and, although the Portuguese are fantastic sailors, I think we need a submarine. From the depths we may charge and mid-table rest.

I know this is a place of passionate thought but I think we need to remember what we are. What a draw when in 20 years: No titles, no cups, no Champions League and sitting pretty in the south. We need massive help!

Lee Gorre
29 Posted 29/11/2017 at 07:26:16
Very unhappy with this appointment, but lets not get carried away that the style he brings is going against the recent grain.

For me Koeman's style was boring, despite the positive home results in the second half of last season, the football was always dull under him. There was some imagination in Martinez's approach in his first season, but generally it wasn't good to watch and we know what Moyes's approach was.

If it has to be Allardyce then what I would be desperate to see is whether we can get a manager who is prepared to compete at Anfield next week rather than roll over like the others have done.

Peter Foy
30 Posted 29/11/2017 at 07:32:04
Everyone's ashamed to be an Evertonian because of this? I'm ashamed after reading your comments.

Get a grip of yourself. What do Evertonians know anyway? I've never forgiven them for voting for Kirkby. If he beats the RedShite at their place, can we keep this forum going.

Damian Wilde
31 Posted 29/11/2017 at 07:34:58
No!!!!! Marrinez, Koeman, now him and Sammy, I despair of Everton, I'm beginning to get to the point where I can't srand Everton. I dislike going to the match, I din't even want to go tonight.

How has it got to this??!!!! Joke.

Damian Wilde
32 Posted 29/11/2017 at 07:38:54
Peter, so your sole ambition is beating Liverpool at Anfield? Strewth.
Derek Knox
33 Posted 29/11/2017 at 07:42:53
Can only say I am absolutely gutted, that we are reduced to this.

It's akin in many ways to the American election, millions of Americans, and the two candidates ended up being Trump and Hilary Clinton!

I will get behind whoever gets the job, but with a degree of reluctance, reassured by the fact, it will hopefully, be temporary.

Why the two to three year contract? Why not just keep us up, and then review the situation?

Oliver Brunel
34 Posted 29/11/2017 at 07:46:36
My father took me to Goodison for the first time in 1973. Holding my hand he walked me up the steps in the Main Stand and I saw the beautiful green grass and I heard the auld fellas talking about this classy, dignified and awe inspiring football club, the sun came out and everything seemed perfect in the world.

I'm in my 50s now and maybe it's just old age but the world is a different place now and everything is about me, me and me. I'm sick and tired of Everton and the UK. Such an ugly place now.

What message does this send to the kids of Liverpool? It's okay to steal, to cheat, to lie, to swindle... that's how you get on in the world?

I will never go to Goodison again.

Jamie Evans
35 Posted 29/11/2017 at 07:47:31
Is this actually happening? Say it ain't so. Someone. Please.

Can you imagine the atmosphere at the ground if this doesn't work. If that little ewok arrives with Jabba there will be murder over the cones which, as we all know, our Duncan has been in charge of for years.

Jerome Shields
36 Posted 29/11/2017 at 07:47:31
Very disappointed. So much for being progressive.

His record consists of some wins, but none of the clubs he managed ever progressed. They just become relegation fodder. His England career was a embarrassment.

Andrew Clare
37 Posted 29/11/2017 at 07:47:47
If this man is appointed as our manager we will be a million miles away from the club I knew 55 years ago.

Sad times. A once great club run by a bunch of clueless idiots. This is the result of 20 plus years of mediocrity.

Chris Bentham
38 Posted 29/11/2017 at 07:48:05
James (#24) – something you may not be aware of, and this was confirmed by Allardyce himself, is that it doesn't matter the length of the contracts because the severance packages are 12 months normally. Look it up.
Joe Foster
39 Posted 29/11/2017 at 07:49:11
I am not going to berate Sam Allardyce. If he becomes our manager, he should be judged on what he does at the club. His past financial irregularities are of no concern to me.
Paul Kennedy
40 Posted 29/11/2017 at 07:49:39
Not a good day for a once (long ago) illustrious club; heads hang in shame.
Martin Faulkner
41 Posted 29/11/2017 at 07:49:49
Absolutely gutted.

I just hope we aren't giving him any more than 18-month contract, preferably 6 but can't see it with this lot running our club.

Stephen Smith
42 Posted 29/11/2017 at 07:51:43
Never mind The Tempest – this is a Mid-season mornings / Days / Nights Nightmare!!!
Ian Jones
43 Posted 29/11/2017 at 07:52:03
No appointment has been made yet, it's all speculation at the moment, as to who the manager, assistants, coaches may be.

My first choice would not be Allardyce, but we obviously need someone who can get the players bothered to play, disciplined, show some fighting spirit etc, the bare minimum required. I think Allardyce should be able to sort the players out, and it may be a case of my way or the highway for some - it may come as a shock to some of the players. The football may not be pretty, but as some have said, he managed to get some lively football out of Bolton.

If anyone is interested, there was a good spot on BBC radio - worth listening too - it's at the beginning of the piece. Interesting overall view on some of the players performance.

Link

Kim, at 28, I understand the overall point you are making comparing us with Villa, but they didn't quite plummet like a stone, although that depends on how fast you think it takes a stone to plummet!

Looked it up, I would say they were last 'competing' with us in 2009-10, they finished 6th, we were 8th. Then, the following seasons, they were placed 9th,16th,15th,15th,17th and then finally relegated in 20th.

Took them 6 years to finally manage relegation. The way their club was run, it was almost as if relegation was what they were seeking!

Overall, I think overall, our club is in a better state than Villa were, but need to get a shift on and move up the table, which will instill, hopefully, some confidence into the squad.

Onwards and upwards

John Charles
44 Posted 29/11/2017 at 07:53:37
First game in 1974 been a season ticket holder since 1977.seen a lot of shite with a sprinkling of magic. This is the first time I have ever thought my club have thrown in the towel.

Fat Sam – just stay up, hoof it anywhere, dire, tired, turgid football

Steve Solomon
45 Posted 29/11/2017 at 07:54:05
I don't understand you guys.

Are you saying that if we (heaven forbid) get relegated, that you would not support the club anymore? The very definition of fair-weather fans.

How we got to this situation is a shame and quite embarrassing. A series of poor decisions and a lot of wasted money, but the fact is that this is where we are and we have to deal with it. As I said before, crisis mode.

I for one will give all my support to big Sam and his staff, as I did with Moyes, Martinez, Koeman and Unsy.

What would you do as a top flight manager? Take on a team in free fall with players that are not performing and gaping holes in the squad? I think not. What is needed is clear heads and someone that can put this club back on the tracks.
COYB!

Hugh Jenkins
46 Posted 29/11/2017 at 08:00:27
If my understanding is correct, Moshri is the major shareholder, but is not even a member of the board (director).

However his major holding is still less than the 50% plus that would give him or his appointee, a majority in a shareholders meeting (not a board meeting).

Additionally, we are not privy to any terms that may have been included in any shareholders agreement executed at the time of Moshri's acquisition of his shares.

In short, we don't know what internal machinations are going on at shareholder or board level at Everton FC – but one thing is becoming more and more obvious, Moshri is not "in charge".

The question is – who is?

At the moment it would seem that the chairman of the board (as in most such organisations), still carries all the clout.

If, as many suspect, Alisher Usmanov is a "shadow" shareholder, he needs to rapidly increase his holding to over 50% and garner full control at an extraordinary shareholders meeting.

We may then see a real shakeup at board level and begin to see the club run in the way we would wish.

Denver Daniels
47 Posted 29/11/2017 at 08:01:09
Fuck me. We finally get the billionaire we all were waiting for. And it turns to shit. Sam fucking Allardyce.

£6m a year. Is Moshiri using the club to launder money or something?

Moshiri must be feeling a bit tender this morning.

Don't get started on that piece of shite Sammy Lee.

James Hill
48 Posted 29/11/2017 at 08:01:39
Sam will prove everyone who knocks him wrong. Better than Pep and Jose given the same resources.

Well done, Everton – Silva would have been another foreign disaster.

Ian Jones
49 Posted 29/11/2017 at 08:03:35
I posted my comments partly in response to Kim's at 28.

That post has no info in anymore, so mine is a bit redundant

To those going tonight, enjoy. Reading between the lines, if Allardyce is the chosen one, this match could be the last one some will be going to for some years.

Wouldn't it be ironic if the team started resembling a football team, gained some confidence, started playing some attractive attacking football.

What a shame to miss out.

I like a comment on Facebook, which suggested someone had found two Everton season tickets outside the ground and had pinned them to a notice board. When they went back to see if the season tickets had been claimed, someone had nicked the pin.

:)

Bob Parrington
50 Posted 29/11/2017 at 08:04:36
Steve Solomon #45 - True Blue!!!!
Noleen Daya
51 Posted 29/11/2017 at 08:05:12
My heart is SO sore about this. I've been supporting Everton for the last 39 years and I didn't even feel like this during the Walter Smith days when were living on the edge.

I will not watch any match from the moment that despicable man and his gang sign on the dotted. Seeing then on our grounds will kill me. I know I can't escape hearing about him but I will make an effort.

I can never support another team and I can never divorce Everton from my heart so it feels like I'm stuck in an abusive relationship with a man I still love.

Until the day he leaves, my football life will be in limbo.

Mark Dunford
52 Posted 29/11/2017 at 08:07:33
Embarrassing farce of a recruitment process that has led to the worst imaginable result, assuming we appoint one of the most reviled – if not the most reviled – manager in English football.

His record at 39% wins (according to Wikipedia) isn't even good, and is poorer than Moyes (42%), Martinez (40%) and Koeman (53%) – none of whom would have been acceptable. Added to this his coaching team brings in a failed Leicester manager and an ex-Liverpool player.

Again and again, Allardyce has been shown to have a problem with money – from Panorama through to being duped out of the England job. To add insult to injury, his teams have been consistently dreadful to watch whereas the previous three all displayed positive attributes before they arrived at Goodison – something they sustained for different periods.

This is almost certainly going to end very badly, the crowd will turn at the first sign of trouble (the December derby?) and – in my view – the whole farce makes relegation more rather than less likely.

Moshiri seems to be in thrall to last year's "success" when he makes these appointments – in which case, the logic should point us to Benitez who – after his success with getting Newcastle promoted – is probably a decent bet for the next Everton manager, he has the record.

Matt Griffin
53 Posted 29/11/2017 at 08:07:52
Allardyce was my pick after a couple of games under Rhino. But only as a short term fix until the end of the season to stabilise us and have a better selection of manager to chose from at the end of the season. Logically that made sense and would have suited him considering he recently retired from Palace.

But to tie him down to a 2-3 year £6M a year deal is beyond me. You can't blame Allardyce for upping his terms when we essentially turned him down in the first place. But the club should have walked away.

I still believe a short term appointment is the solution in order to see what the likes of Silva, Dyche, Howe, Fonseca do across the season, before making that permanent appointment.

Andy Walker
54 Posted 29/11/2017 at 08:09:07
I agree with you Steve, 45. It’s seems like certain fans’ own personal principles trump their support for Everton.

I will support my team and wish Sam all the best. You don’t have to like the manager to turn up and support your club. From day one I hated Martinez’s BS and disingenuous crap, but I still supported our team, that he just happened to manage.

Perspective is required. Oh and by the way, does anyone think it’s possible to become a billionaire and be whiter than white?

Chad Schofield
55 Posted 29/11/2017 at 08:10:23
Like a St Bernard with a suitcase of cash wedged under his greedy ample neck, it appears our saviour is nearly here.

The likely damage will send us back several seasons, because we simply won't have a hope in Hell of attracting the kind of players to improve us and our U23 manager's stock (assuming Unsworth sticks to his word of returning to manage them) has taken an almighty knock too.

By making this appointment in the manner we have, we're not just showing fear of relegation, but a a complete lack of faith in all our existing personnel. Many would say rightly so, and given performances, it's understandable... it's just we've publically announced it in the worst way we possibly could; blundering our way clumsily and loudly around like an overtly jealous partner who eventually proves themselves "right" with a self fulfilling prophecy after ruining every social engagement.

All I can hope is that this is premature or that we scratch a line through his contract come the end of the season and write it down off to what we would have had to pay off Watford for Silva – who I predict will have been well and truly found out by then... So we might as well hire him and pay him £10M a year on a 5-year deal.

Colin Glassar
56 Posted 29/11/2017 at 08:12:52
The Kenwright/Walsh takeover is now complete. Moshiri is a complete waste of time.
John McGimpsey
57 Posted 29/11/2017 at 08:15:48
Sammy Lee...

Nothing else.

Eddie Dunn
58 Posted 29/11/2017 at 08:16:42
If it is to be Big Sam and little Sam, then I will be right behind them supporting the whole club. We haven't exactly been playing the beautiful game for many a year. I want results, and I want us to stay up.

The purists can dream of taking a punt on an untried Portuguese from Ukraine, who would most likely have got nothing out of our players.

The reality is that Koeman and Walsh couldn't agree on a back-up striker and the club has allowed our two best players of recent years to leave.

Moshiri and Kenwright fiddled while Koeman burnt Rome. A replacement should have been lined-up earlier. If Unsworth had managed to get the team playing then the club might have had more time to line up the new man before the January window, or wait till the summer.

It is a pity for Unsworth but the club had to do something, and we really have no idea who they would have liked. The likes of Hughton, Dyche, Silva and Howe are all in jobs which means we had to ask their clubs for permission to talk to them. At this point in the season who would be inclined to say yes?

The clock is ticking and the board had to make a decision. With huge amounts of money at stake and the hopes of a new ground (which would be undermined with relegation) they have, it seems opted for the safe choice.

It will be expensive but hopefully it will work, and if the man gets us winning again, I will be happy.

As for the animosity to Sammy Lee – get over it: lots of Reds have played for us, it's not like he was one of ours who jumped ship.

Let's hope Unsworth can give us a boost by avoiding a defeat tonight... it's the proverbial six-pointer. COYBs.

John Harrop
59 Posted 29/11/2017 at 08:19:48
There comes a point when all of this stuff about 'once a Blue, always a Blue' etc. just won't wash any more. After 50-odd years of watching Everton, that point has now been reached, because this club is virtually unrecognisable from the one I started supporting all those years ago.

The board has allowed it to be hijacked, first by Koeman, and now by Walsh, who has shored up his own position by bringing in his old pals Allardyce and Shakespeare. Finally, we hear that Lee may be joining as well. Our neighbours across the park will be loving this.

For many, it doesn't matter how wins are achieved, as long as they are achieved. Well, for me it does matter, so I'll be taking a short holiday from watching Everton until this nightmare is over.

Brent Stephens
60 Posted 29/11/2017 at 08:21:06
Hugh (#46),

Moshiri has his appointed man on the board, and his 49.9% will outvote any other realistic combination of shareholders (as some of the shareholding is diluted).

Hugh Jenkins
61 Posted 29/11/2017 at 08:22:34
Many writing here, and elsewhere, either have not bothered to look too deeply into Allardyce's past, or have chosen to only pick out the negatives.

He took Bolton into the Premier League from relative obscurity in the Championship, improved them year on year over several years until they qualified for Europe via league position and held them there, or thereabouts for a few seasons. During that time, within the budget available, he signed some good, but ageing players, such as Jay-Jay Okacha.

He was then approached by Newcastle and resigned from Bolton saying, quite justifiable, that he had taken them as far as he could on the transfer funds available and was moving on to a bigger challenge. He was hounded out of Newcastle by the fans' reaction, before having had time to truly establish himself there.

He then began to get a reputation as the "go to" man to get clubs out of relegation battles, which he has done with continued success.

Whilst having recently been appointed England manager, he was set up in a "honey trap" type of operation by a national newspaper, where he was encouraged into saying that he would take advantage of his new position to make a large amount of extra money. What was suggested may have been immoral and greedy, but it certainly wasn't criminal, otherwise he would have been charged with a crime.

So, what it all boils down to, in my view is:- he may not be our choice for various reasons, but many of the reasons being touted are not factual.

He is probably not the ogre he is being painted, nor is he a saint, but, like most people, somewhere in between,

The only question we should concern ourselves with is:- can he improve our side quickly and bring some stability and progress to the rudderless "team Everton"?

Gareth Clark
62 Posted 29/11/2017 at 08:23:01
If Shakespeare comes too I think it could be as good as we can get at this stage.

Shakespeare will be great behind the scenes & Allardyce will do a job.

Allardyce until the end of the season, keep Shakespeare and go get Marco Silva at the end of the season.

Dennis Stevens
63 Posted 29/11/2017 at 08:23:08
The worst of it is that I have no expectation that this appointment will be successful. Down we go & it looks like that's where we deserve to be heading. Sad, sad times!
Christopher Nicholls
64 Posted 29/11/2017 at 08:23:26
I no longer recognize the club I've loved for 48 years. It's no longer there.
Kevin Tully
65 Posted 29/11/2017 at 08:23:50
Let's give them a clean slate and a dozen games. You never know. Lee & Shakespeare will definitely be an improvement on current back room staff – they've got huge amounts of experience between them both.

Some have made their mind up before a ball has been kicked under the new manager. Its no use discussing anything if that's the case. They will always be against the appointment and most are desperate to be proven right. Sad cases.

George McKane
66 Posted 29/11/2017 at 08:27:18
It's a busy day today - - up early - - amazing sky over New Brighton and The City across The River - - streaks of Blue and Dark Red - - I stood for a moment around 650 looking across to the site of our proposed new ground and just beyond I an see the roof of Goodison and you can just about make out the Blue Spelling of G O O D I S O N.

I will be working all day and then go straight to the game tonight and meet my friends and 2 daughters both in their 40's and my grandson aged 25 who have supported, like me, Everton all their life. I will meet in The Dark House and put my £1 Bet - Everton to win 4-0. We will of course moan and comment on the current goings on at our Club. Bemoan our situation, ask questions of Moshiri and Kenwright - - debate our new manager if we have named him by then. Liam(my grandson) is called Liam The Team - - because he is first (these kids know technology so well) - - will shout out the team news the moment it is available and we will all argue who should be in or out - - very rarely these days is there any agreement on team selection - - we will then make our way up to the ground and watch Everton play.

for me personally I never ever thought that we would employ Allardyce - -never thought he would get another job in football again - - but we all know (surely) that football is corrupt, phoney - - that we despised Suarez and his tricks but would loved him to sign for The Blues and that most fans w and clubs and managers would see their souls (if they had any) to win something. For as much as I love living in Liverpool ( well New Brighton for the last 3 of my 68 years) I have never ever bought into the phoney "Greatest Citeeee in De Werld" crap.When you love someone or something you know and understand they are not perfect they have imperfections - - just like we do ourselves - - and yet we still love them.
I love going to the match. Love seeing my mates and talking football and love Everton - - even though they drive me crazy and annoy me greatly - - - I love the whole package of Being A Blue - - from The Agony to The Ecstasy.
No back room Accountant, no blown up phoney Chairman, no false money grabbing blurt or couldn't care less players are ever going to stop me or take my memories, my love away from me. Wont let them.
I am not passive about Everton. I will not boo anyone tonight. We need to win games and we need to support Everton. But we do have to let these crabs who are ruining our Club know that we see through them. Not going is some people's way of doing this and I respect that but that's not for me.
68 - - I am - - One Last Fight.

Got to get working - -its 8.23 - have to prepare for a meeting at 10.00 but just stuck on Peter Gabriel and Kate Bush - - OK Ready For Anything.

In this proud land we grew up strong
We were wanted all along
I was taught to fight, taught to win
I never thought I could fail
No fight left or so it seems
I am a man whose dreams have all deserted
I've changed my face, I've changed my name
But no one wants you when you lose
Don't give up
'Cause you have friends
Don't give up
You're not beaten yet
Don't give up
I know you can make it good
Though I saw it all around
Never thought I could be affected
Thought that we'd be the last to go
It is so strange the way things turn
Drove the night toward my home
The place that I was born, on the lakeside
As daylight broke, I saw the earth
The trees had burned down to the ground
Don't give up
You still have us
Don't give up
We don't need much of anything
Don't give up
'Cause somewhere there's a place
Where we belong
Rest your head
You worry too much
It's going to be alright
When times get rough
You can fall back on us
Don't give up
Please don't give up
'Got to walk out of here
I can't take anymore
Going to stand on that bridge
Keep my eyes down below
Whatever may come
And whatever may go
That river's flowing
That river's flowing
Moved on to another town
Tried hard to settle down
For every job, so many men
So many men no-one needs
Don't give up
'Cause you have friends
Don't give up
You're not the only one
Don't give up
No reason to be ashamed
Don't give up
You still have us
Don't give up now
We're proud of who you are
Don't give up
You know it's never been easy
Don't give up
'Cause I believe there's the a place
There's a place where we belong"

God Bless All Evertonians - - said Tiny Tim Cahill -- sending massive "posso waves" and cosmic grooves to all fellow sufferers and Blues - - don't forget Ma Joad is one of Us - - We Are The People -- with a firm handshake Brothers and Sisters - - your friend George.

Hugh Jenkins
67 Posted 29/11/2017 at 08:27:19
Brent (#60) – I know he has an appointee on the board – but don't confuse shareholdings and directorships, they are not the same thing. Moshri's shareholding will only count at a shareholders meeting.

If, at the time of acquisition, the shareholders agreement says (for example), that in any dispute the Chairman of the Board's decision is final, the size of his shareholding is immaterial.

Peter Carpenter
68 Posted 29/11/2017 at 08:27:29
It gets worse. I have heard that David Moyes is planning to turn up dressed as the Grim Reaper tonight, thus revealing a sense of humour not previously in evidence – apart from when he signed Denis Stracqualursi and hilariously suggested slapping a female journalist.
Dale Rose
69 Posted 29/11/2017 at 08:29:14
This is a sad day, I hope that it will work out. Still love the club and everything it stands for. The last six weeks have been dire, good on Unsworth for trying, I hoped he would succeed, but it wasn't to be.

Maybe this is what we need, a complete change of direction. The fans are good enough and passionate enough to get behind the team, and at the moment that's what it needs more than ever before.

Sometimes when there are nothing but poor choices the only thing to do is make a poor choice. Allardyce had better understand quickly what this club stands for and fully embraces it.

Liam Reilly
70 Posted 29/11/2017 at 08:36:22
Fuck me, I never knew there were so many stand up Evertonians on this site, conscience free and ready to cast that first stone.

Those scoundrels Messi, Mourinho, Ronaldo, Neymar all investigated for tax fraud, so we'd probably not have any of those either given the chance.

Fact is Moshiri plans include the revitalisaton of the docks including a shiny new football stadium and as any astute business owner would do, is looking to protect that investment.

But yep, our billionaire owner is an idiot and knows nothing.

Jesus wept.

Brent Stephens
71 Posted 29/11/2017 at 08:37:42
Hugh, do we know the likely wording of the agreement?
Jim Harrison
72 Posted 29/11/2017 at 08:39:12
He always carps on about not being given the chance at a big club, if this happens he has that chance. Let’s see if he can justify his own bluster.

Not my choice, but given the situation probably a pragmatic one. If he is to be the manager then he should get a chance from the fans to present be himself.

Paul Smith
73 Posted 29/11/2017 at 08:42:39
Liam, let's be honest – a good businessman no doubt but he talks shite. Macca family nonsense, Barkley & Chelsea, Simeone, imminent appointment of a new manager, Jim White?

For me, it's desperate stuff at worst & miscommunication at best.

Rick Tarleton
74 Posted 29/11/2017 at 08:47:30
Living near Leicester, I don't recognise the Craig Shakespeare who is being lauded by so many. To most City supporters he was lucky to get the job and made a complete cock-up of it after a bright start. Mind you they are laughing at how valued Walsh is by the media.

Whether Allardyce can do a good job is only half the picture. His ethics and persona do not enhance the image of Everton. Like many of the older fans (I go back to having seen them in the old Second Division) I am disgusted that Everton's Board is totally oblivious of the issues surrounding Allardyce.

Pragmatically, he may be a safe option; morally and from a PR perspective, the choice stinks.

Jim Potter
75 Posted 29/11/2017 at 08:48:07
When you're drowning you will cling to anything that keeps you afloat.

But, how the hell did you get in that perilous position to begin with? Someone is to blame. Someone should answer for it.

James Morgan
76 Posted 29/11/2017 at 08:49:04
It's such a shame we will be playing old school, agricultural hoofball, after all the total football we've been playing! Wake up people!

Am I happy we've got Allardyce? No, because it means we are in the shit! But we need the closest guarantee to staying up and he is it! We need clean sheets and we need wins and I don't care how we do it. We can pay him off and start again in the summer but people need to realise just how shit we are and we are on a downward spiral.

I'll back Sam while he's our manager, has been found guilty of anything criminal in football? Not that I'm aware of so all this name calling is a bit silly. COYB

Rob Young
77 Posted 29/11/2017 at 08:51:55
If it is Allardyce then so be it. I wouldn't want him but who cares.

Mind, I respected what he did at Bolton. No doubt. And, after England went out of the Euro I actually though they could do with a Sam Allardyce.

I still don't want him. But, if he does come can we finally have a real go at all the top teams? Stick two fingers up to everyone else in the Premier League, just don't give a fuck and take no more shit form anybody? That would do me fine.

Not that I want him now, though.


Michael Lynch
78 Posted 29/11/2017 at 08:52:03
Allardyce – convicted of nothing, charged with nothing, yet his appointment would be so morally unacceptable that some on here would refuse to support the club til he was gone.

Rooney – charged and convicted with drunk driving after picking up a woman while his pregnant wife was away on holiday with his three young kids, yet I've seen nobody tear up their season ticket in protest at him playing for us?

Christopher Dover
79 Posted 29/11/2017 at 08:52:03
Firstly, I would say I go to the home fixtures in the Premier League, I am not a footballer never played at any level and have no qualifications, but if I can see the absolute rubbish we are playing with no real fight or organisation that has been going on since towards end of last season, then most supporters can.

I have thought and said we are a “team” that looks like never winning a match, the dreams for this season have gone its time to fight to stay up and as much as it is not want I hoped for Big Sam is the type we need as even he will struggle to get the existing players to perform.

Yes, we have players coming back in January, but who knows how they will perform and be subject to injury, it might take the rest of the season to get them fully match fit.

January transfer window is the main hope, I do not expect big name signings (who will want to come to a relegation candidate team)? But some strong big defenders and forwards who will fight for the ball and the club.

Why give Sam a 2- or 3-year contract? Because he would not come for a half season, would you?

Time the blue tinted wonder specs are removed and we all get real, stay up re-build and move on as crap as it sounds I honestly do not see any other way.

Derek Knox
80 Posted 29/11/2017 at 08:53:32
Denver, 47, my sentiments entirely. There is many a true word spoken in jest!

I have commented a couple of times, we are at home, on the TV, playing absolute crap, well on the way to being hammered, and the camera catches Kenwright, totalĺy despondent, then it pans to Moshiri and he has beaming smile!

Not sticking up for Kenwright here, but his emotions are probably the same as ours, when we are being humiliated on the pitch.

Tom Harding
82 Posted 29/11/2017 at 08:57:55
I've supported EFC for a long time and I always will. If you sign up to be a supporter, you sign up for life. However, echoing a few comments already made on various threads, if big Sam is appointed manager, my relationship with Everton is going to change for a time.

Yes, I'll still want them to win and stay in the Premier League but I'm not going to commit any more of my time to watching games. I despise what Allardyce stands for and the kind of football he represents and this great club must really be at its lowest ebb to feel forced to turn for him.

However long it takes, I'm going to wait until he's gone before I can have my club back.

Roger Percy
83 Posted 29/11/2017 at 08:58:32
Some of you seriously need to get a grip. Do you actually want to get relegated?? Now is not the time to start rabbiting on about the school of science and all that razzmatazz. Get real FFS!

Big Sam is a master of getting teams in our position out of the doo-doo, which is precisely where we are. Yes, I am fed up that we are in this position but desperate times call for desperate measures.

You never know – he may lead us to actually beating the RS. Imagine that! He won't be here forever. He'll just keep us up, and for that, I'll be very very grateful indeed. Wont you?

Terence Connell
84 Posted 29/11/2017 at 08:59:12
I have been unsure about Moshiri for a while now. He doesn't strike me as being a self made man with the quality decision making that entails. He was described as Usmanov's accountant in a paper the other week.

This Kenwright / Moshiri arrangement obviously isn't working and the weakness goes right to the top of the club.

Frannie Lee was interviewed in this weeks Sunday Times and he mentioned Peter Swales (!) Frannie said things did not get better for Man City till they moved to their new stadium.

Dave Evans
85 Posted 29/11/2017 at 09:01:29
Just woke up to all the dewy eyed resignation speeches of people saying they are not Everton fans and they are not watching games.

If you are not watching Everton games you are not fans and should not be be on an Everton forum again.

I'll be there tonight like many others with one of my sons. a dodgy pie and tea trying to get behind the shower of shite they call a team at the moment.

Sam was not my first choice but I don't think he is the spawn of the Satan – just like I don't think other managers are Mother Theresa.

If he gets us out of relegation and starts winning games guess what we'll be happy. We either lack a moral soul or a sanctimonious one.

Paul Windrum
86 Posted 29/11/2017 at 09:02:48
Oh, dear God, No!
Phillip Warrington
87 Posted 29/11/2017 at 09:02:51
This is a joke if Everton appoint this bullshit excuse for a manager, just shows their ambition... fucken mid table shite. I will quit supporting Everton after 42 years of loyal support. The current people running Everton have destroyed the club
Mark Dunford
88 Posted 29/11/2017 at 09:05:13
Liam (70). Nothing wrong with principles and – as ever – they need to be balanced with pragmatism. A lot wrong with tax evasion and avoidance is illegal which is why those people you name are being investigated.

No-one seems to have accused Moshiri of being an idiot, yet it is reasonable to say that many of us – probably by a large majority judging by this thread – see this as an idiotic and unsuitable appointment that has been very badly handled for past six weeks or so.

No doubt, "Moses" Jim White will let us know when his master gives him the latest tablet of stone.

Kevin Prytherch
89 Posted 29/11/2017 at 09:06:09
I’ve never supported the hiring of Allardyce, however in him and Shakespeare we will probably be getting the most tactically astute English management pairing there is. Allardyce is famed for some of his stories; making pitches narrower, letting the grass grow before playing footballing teams, playing without a striker vs Chelsea last season...

It might not be pretty, and he might be corrupt. Let’s face it, how much of the £100 million spent on Schneiderlin, Klassen And Sigurdsson probably went to agents.

If he’s appointed, why not get behind him and let him prove that he was wrong to be overlooked by big teams for so long.

I just hope that we get a succession plan in place as I think there’ll be no better person for Unsworth to learn from and I hope he comes good to be the next manager after Allardyce.

Michael Farrelly
90 Posted 29/11/2017 at 09:06:21
Someone please get me a rope and a fucking chair - I can't take it any more!
Tony Dove
91 Posted 29/11/2017 at 09:09:31
If he is appointed today, can we please have a minute's silence tonight for the death of the club.
Ian Jones
92 Posted 29/11/2017 at 09:14:27
So, if anyone has a season ticket or two and wants to give it up, I will gladly take it off you and give a decent price for it.

I won't hold my breath... :)

Adrian Byrne
93 Posted 29/11/2017 at 09:15:15
The club has Evertonians, Duncan Ferguson and god knows who they have... Jeffers? It's a big clear out for me regards who they are.

If Sammy Lee has the skill and capabilities to do the do the job, I don't give a toss. So he used to play across the park... so what? It was his job so now get real and get some who has the experience and lets focus on the been professional. Just because he played for the RedShite is not an excuse to be part of the team/club.

The club needs a vampire from top to top-bottom. The style they play and more importantly the leadership on the pitch is so lacking from Jags – probably the weakest captain we have had had. Rooney should be leading the team out. There is a lot of work but I reckon. It's a no-brainer for Allardyce for me.

Rob Young
94 Posted 29/11/2017 at 09:17:54
I am not sure how wise it would be for Allardyce to hold out for a long term contract. He knows we don't want him after this season.

Sign for 6 months, agree a huge financial bonus if we stay up and walk away head held high.

Asking for a long term contact means being sacked in the summer – huge pay out but bad press.

Michael Farrelly
95 Posted 29/11/2017 at 09:19:35
Totally agree with Rick No 7 – we could have really gone hard for any of the following: Dyche, Hughton, Howe and Wagner any of those guys would have been a better option and more in tune with the Everton Pathos, and mission statement.
Craig Walker
96 Posted 29/11/2017 at 09:19:51
It's against everything I believe in and is a sad day for Everton FC. I'll still support the Blues because it's in the blood and I could never walk away even if I keep telling people I will. I don't like Allardyce as a person. I don't like his style of play.

The sound I can hear is my dad turning in his grave. He brought me up on the School of Science, the Holy Trinity, the Golden Vision, Vernon, Sheedy, Steven. It's why I'm a Blue. It's why my 6 year old lad is a Blue.

It just seems to me that today is the day where we accept the motto "nothing but survival is good enough". Very depressing.

Tony Dove
97 Posted 29/11/2017 at 09:25:00
Ian @92 – I don't think you will get into the ground in a straitjacket.
Tahir Abdullah
98 Posted 29/11/2017 at 09:27:27
We're up shit creek, and sinking deeper. Desperate times... but £6M per annum for Fat Sam is confirmation that Moshiri has less than zero business sense.
Brian Williams
99 Posted 29/11/2017 at 09:27:30
If he keeps us up (which at the moment is looking like a very difficult proposition) I will be more than happy and I'll respect him for it.

I firmly believe though that if we do stay up Moshiri will sack Allardyce at the end of the season and then go for the manager he wants. Moshiri's obviously not shy about letting managers go, or bothered about having to pay them off.

No doubt Allardyce, who's well aware of the club's desperation (and is probably aware that Moshiri will give him the bullet at the end of the season) will make sure he receives a pretty packet of a contract. He's got us by the balls and he knows it.

So, for those who would have had Allardyce 'til the end of the season and then get the manager we hope for during the close season, I believe that's exactly what we've got.

Unfortunately, we're gonna pay through the nose for it!

Ian Jones
100 Posted 29/11/2017 at 09:28:13
Tony. I think you are right! Also, no offers yet but then no appointment has been made...
Michael Farrelly
101 Posted 29/11/2017 at 09:28:24
I share your despair Craig, I really do. This period and let's hope it is not to be 3 long years is going to test our powers of endurance that's for sure. The leadership of the club can never be forgiven for the fucking mess they have placed our wonderful club in.
Ian Burns
102 Posted 29/11/2017 at 09:30:04
I have as always read every post but would like to say Brian Porter (15) – perfect post.

George McKane (66) – loved this post! Cheered me up on a bad news day.

For my own part, I am bitterly disappointed with regards to Moshiri; bitterly disappointed its Allardyce – but it is what it is – it's still Everton FC after all so despite the vitriol I feel about Moshiri/Allardyce I will be shouting my head off as always this evening.

Dave Evans
103 Posted 29/11/2017 at 09:31:20
Tony @97 Perhaps you can give me your season tickets. I am Ian's carer.
Brian Williams
104 Posted 29/11/2017 at 09:31:33
Ian (#92).

The club usually do the half season tickets around Christmas, I think, so you could buy them from the club then maybe.

Ian Brandes
105 Posted 29/11/2017 at 09:32:11
Do we not want him because, as England manager, he proved to be greedy, and avaricious, and his lust for money set him up for a media sting?

If that is the case, we are all neglecting the obvious fact that morally, and perhaps, in other ways the Premier League is rotten to the core.

The good ship Everton is stranded in shark-infested waters, though some of the sharks managed to sneak on board many years ago and then more recently. They have been doing the damage and feathering their own nests ever since.

Perhaps Allardyce is another shark. Perhaps he will be a better manager than the last two tossers.

Who knows? Only time and results will tell you what.

Tell you what though – I am not expecting our usual meek FA Cup exit this year.

Peter Barry
106 Posted 29/11/2017 at 09:32:41
Oh dear... how sad and what a retrograde step which actually highlights the incompetence of the Club owners. I hope my pessimism is proved wrong but I doubt it. Oh and I would not consider mere survival as success either.
Brian Hennessy
107 Posted 29/11/2017 at 09:32:51
I heard that you're on your own now
So am I
I'm living alone now
I was wrong
So were you
What will you do?
Are you glad to be free?
Are you feeling lost just like me?
Longing for company

Oh Sam, Sam, you know where I am
Come around and talk awhile
I need your smile
You need a shoulder
Oh Sam, Sam, you know where I am
And the door is open wide
Come on inside
Longing to see you
Oh Sam, Sam, you know where I am

I find the days hard to face now
Empty rooms
There's much too much space now
And the nights go so slow
I'm sure you know
Wish I knew what to do
It would be so nice seeing you
And it might help you too

Oh Sam, Sam, you know where I am
Come around and talk awhile
I need your smile
You need a shoulder
Oh Sam, Sam, you know where I am
And the door is open wide
Come on inside
Longing to see you
Oh Sam, Sam, you know where I am

Oh Sam, you know where I am
Oh Sam, ooh Sam
You know, you know
You know where I am

George McKane
108 Posted 29/11/2017 at 09:35:27
Thank you, Ian – we all need each other right now.
Bobby Mallon
109 Posted 29/11/2017 at 09:39:13
Why are people harping on about the contract? Look, we were just going to give Watford £12 mill to get their man (two years wage) if you believe the media.

If he saves us, gets us mid table, why can't we do a Watford and get rid? What's the difference – give him a chance we can always sack him.

Dave Ganley
110 Posted 29/11/2017 at 09:39:20
Brent, I'm pretty sure Hugh is right. Moshiri has 49.9% holdings but that's not the majority. It's why Kenwright insisted he only gets 49.9% so Kenwright effectively remains in charge. It's Kenwright who has the majority. He has all the other voters on his side.

So all those castigating Moshiri, try looking at that fraud Kenwright who has led us to this point. He's put no money in for 20 years, got a lot out, hired the fucking idiot in Martinez, which led us on this collision course with disaster, and he's still in charge too.

Fucking Allardyce. What a low point we've ended up at. I will still be going to the game but I will direct my comments at Kenwright. He's destroyed the club with his small-time mentality and his desire to remain in charge – to hell with the consequences.

He's no Evertonian – he's just a power-hungry leech who we need rid of before the club can ever grow again.

Sad times. The club is just rotten. How ironic if Moyes beats the ex-Hammers manager tonight. Kenwright Out!!

Steve Bingham
111 Posted 29/11/2017 at 09:42:07
I will never attend a game as long as that man is our manager and I am fully aware that my few hundred quid a year will not be missed by the club but for for goodness sake what the hell are the board thinking??? I truly cannot believe this pantomime!

Maybe a mass boycott at his first home game might get the message through! They have made us the absolute laughing stock!

John Gall
112 Posted 29/11/2017 at 09:42:58
Nil Satis Nisi Bollocks! Sammy Lee. Why not get in McDermott, Souness, Dalglish, Keegan and all the other fuckers who made my teenage life so miserable?

Everton means nothing anymore - just another poxy club – a Stoke, a West Brom, a Bolton. Forget about Big 5 or 6, just another lumpy ugly old club, a bit like Old Sam himself.

Him sitting on the bench at Goodison? Not my idea of what EFC is/was meant to be all about.

Iain Johnston
113 Posted 29/11/2017 at 09:43:28
Personally I wanted Allardyce as Moyes's replacement as, at the time, we had no knowledge of the new media wealth heading to any of the clubs.

How would we look now nearly 5 years later? He certainly wouldn't have gained a tarnished reputation and we would have certainly maintained our defensive solidity and probably have stayed in the 5th-8th finishing positions with Allardyce probably now after 5 years looking to move on allowing us to replace him with a genuine top class manager.

Was a change of footballing style worth it? For all of the money spent we are now no better than we were 17 years ago.

Maybe this is the perfect storm, maybe the club will rebuild Allardyce's reputation as he rebuilds ours?

Rob Young
114 Posted 29/11/2017 at 09:43:50
Ian (#105),

Allardyce hates cup competitions. I believe he actually told people not to to bother turning up when he was at Bolton as he would field a weakened team for an FA Cup tie.

Same at West Ham when they got trounced at Nottingham Forest (?) a few season ago.

Allardyce would probably prefer us not even being in the draw for the 3rd Round at all.

Brian Wilkinson
115 Posted 29/11/2017 at 09:44:59
Thank god we have fans like Steve@45, some writing Sam off before he has even got the job.

We are in the shit, no top manager for now is going to risk coming, the players need a kick up the backside, Sam will sort this mess out,he will not put up with players not putting in 100%, football might not be pretty for a while but I will take a few ugly wins all Day long.

July we were patting ourselves on the back, players coming in left right and centre, we were sure this was the next step up for Everton, we got that badly wrong.

Who’s to say we may have got it wrong about Sam.

Not everyone’s cup of tea, but the shite we are in it could turn out to be a master stroke.

Let’s at least give the guy a chance, no one else is battering the doors down at Goodison to take the job.

Whoever we get, I will not turn my back on Everton, I will still follow my beloved clubwhether it’s big Sam or someone else, all I want is someone who will get us out of this mess and quick.

Keep the faith fellow Blues.

Chris Watts
116 Posted 29/11/2017 at 09:47:04
The other question of course is whether Sam is motivated. He walked out on Palace and effectively retired from club management.

Is he going to be around in 18 months? How much money will he be given to rebuild the squad.

Worrying times this

Alan Smith
117 Posted 29/11/2017 at 09:56:05
Lots of hysterical nonsense on here. And further proof to me that no longer are our fans the people I thought they were.

They've become scared to think for themselves. Believing everything this biased horrible English media tell them. You only feel safe repeating the nonsense of the comment before or thinking in large groups of agreement. Therefore this pathetic hysterical bandwagon rolls on.

Analysis is dead.

Common sense is dead.

The fear to have your own mind, is alive and kicking.

But you're on trend. It doesn't matter whether you've thought through your arguments or not. Throw in a few a clichés: School of Science, long-ball dinosaur tactics, Paul Scholes can't tackle, and you're away. The sheeple love it.

Joe Royle is steeped in the School of Science tradition more than any numpty on here. His Dogs of War team was a fantastic team IMHO. The turn around from sideways and backward passing, leaky defence no-hopers to determined energetic committed warriors was great to watch.

Wing play. Bite in midfield and Dunc up front was very scientific. That derby win. Going on to win the FA Cup. That was all the science I needed and the only successful team anyone under 40 can truly remember.

Like everyone, I'll be very shocked if Sammy Lee arrives. Surely just journos making assumptions as Kenwright won't allow this to happen.

Richard Reeves
118 Posted 29/11/2017 at 09:59:03
We all know Kenwright is the cancer in the club but I'm starting to think Moshiri is a piss head.

Not only (and more importantly) am I worried we'll be the exception to the rule of Allardyce saving clubs by the skin of their teeth but the rebuilding process for the next manager whenever he comes in will be some task.

To convert a team from basic football to something closer to the top six will be all the harder if Allardyce gets to bring in his type of player and what if he doesn't get any results in his first eight games and has to rely on the January window to bring in a striker to change results? I will be thinking we should of brought in a more continental coach.

If he becomes manager I hope the obvious, he keeps us up and is payed of at the end of the season but what a waste of money this club has gone through since Koeman came in.One of the worst managers we've had (Koeman) really has set us back years.

Justin Doone
119 Posted 29/11/2017 at 09:59:46
No no no. Really NOT happy, in fact Fuming! Fuck off, Fat Sam. I still hope this is just another rubbish rumour. If he wasn't good enough a month ago, then why is he the best option now?

Don't say it's because we are now more desperate. That's not a good enough reason. That's like pouring mud onto a turd so there's less turd. It's utter nonsense.

Everyday we should still be pursuing our number one long-term target. Then we can get him in ASAP. I'm all for getting behind the players but we can't allow the board to think we are now happy with this. Before and straight after the game we need to let them know that FS and Everton Board are not doing a good enough job.

If this is true, give him until January 1st and, if he's not worked a miracle, then bin him off. He needs to prove he can do a much better job than Unsworth with the current team – otherwise, what's the point keeping him?

Tony Everan
120 Posted 29/11/2017 at 10:00:24
The problem for Sam is he has no credit. There is no goodwill in the bank. It's all down to him to earn some respect and earn it fast.

Best case scenario: he stabilises us, gets us to mid table. (After watching Atalanta and Southampton, that would be an achievement.) Then the club can decide to go forward with Sam or pay the beans and choose an alternative in June.

Worst case scenario: Absolute Pandemonium. Bottom 3. Sit-ins. Fans and Board at each other's throats. Sam blaming fans. Sam blaming players. Massive derby defeats. Losing FA Cup 3rd round to MK Dons... Relegation with Sam saying “I can turn it around given time”.

Don't worry; best-case scenario is by far the most likely, 90% chance of it with our resources.


Ian Jones
121 Posted 29/11/2017 at 10:00:33
Until any appointment of Allardyce and/or Shakespeare is announced, it's all Much Ado about Nothing.

However, ‘Cry “havoc!” and let slip the dogs of war’
(Julius Caesar Act 3, Scene 1), springs to mind. To be fair, had to look that one up!

For those who haven't gone as back as far as George McKane's post (66), it's worth a read

On a lighter note and on the subject of song lyrics applicable to Everton and fans, sing-a-long to this...One Direction's "History"

You gotta help me, I'm losing my mind
Keep getting the feeling you wanna leave this all behind
Thought we were going strong
I thought we were holding on
Aren't we?

No, they don't teach you this in school
Now my heart's breaking and I don't know what to do
Thought we were going strong
Thought we were holding on
Aren't we?

You and me got a whole lot of history (oh)
We could be the greatest team that the world has ever seen
You and me got a whole lot of history (oh)
So don't let it go, we can make some more, we can live forever...ton

All of the rumors, all of the fights
But we always find a way to make it out alive
Thought we were going strong
Thought we were holding on
Aren't we?

You and me got a whole lot of history (oh)
We could be the greatest team that the world has ever seen
You and me got a whole lot of history (oh)
So don't let it go, we can make some more, we can live forever...ton

Mini bars, expensive cars, hotel rooms, and new tattoos
And the good champagne, and private planes, but they don't mean anything
'Cause the truth is out, I realize that without you here life is just a lie
This is not the end
This is not the end
We can make it, you know it, you know

You and me got a whole lot of history (oh)
We could be the greatest team that the world has ever seen
You and me got a whole lot of history (oh)
So don't let it go, we can make some more, we can live forever..ton

You and me got a whole lot of history (oh)
We could be the greatest team that the world has ever seen
You and me got a whole lot of history (oh)
So don't let it go, we can make some more, we can live forever...ton

So don't let me go
So don't let me go

We can live forever

Baby don't you know
Baby don't you know

We can live forever...ton

Paul Tran
122 Posted 29/11/2017 at 10:02:26
He will see this as a chance to prove himself at a proper club with money to spend. Like all managers, he will want his team with him. He will organise us, he will, I think, make us productively ugly. Time will tell if he can go beyond that.

If he brings an ex-Lpool player with him, a recognised decent coach, it won't bother me a jot. I enjoyed watching Morrissey, Sheedy & Beardsley.

It's also possible that Allardyce may have a better relationship with Walsh that brings in better players.

Handsome is as handsome does. I'll judge him on what he brings to us.

Brian Williams
123 Posted 29/11/2017 at 10:05:51
Dave Ganley (#110).

Dave, most of your first paragraph is just NOT true. I know we're all riled up and emotional at the moment but your facts are mostly wrong mate.

Tony Hill
124 Posted 29/11/2017 at 10:06:18
My God, Paul Tran, a note of reason amid the hysteria.
Stan Schofield
125 Posted 29/11/2017 at 10:07:46
Regarding those saying if Allardyce is here they won't support Everton, I don't believe it's possible to make that choice.

I didn't choose to support Everton, it was because my dad took me to Goodison in 1961 and I was hooked, and that grip became stronger through the 60s. I've supported them through thick and thin, but as I've got older I've gone to games less, partly through other factors, to a point where I seldom go to Goodison these days. So I've become a part-time supporter, but I'm not a 'fair weather' supporter, and I don't believe any true supporters are fair weather supporters, because Everton is in your blood.

The problem now is disappointment on a grand scale. When Koeman arrived I thought it exciting, but my dad said to me, don't get too excited, Everton has a habit of lifting you up then letting you down. I had fears of Koeman failing, despite what he did at Southampton, but deeper fears that we would end up selling Stones, Lukaku and Barkley, that it would be that disappointing aspect of Everton to which I'd become hardened over the last two decades or so.

So those fears have been realised. Okay, we've still got Barkley, but he's been out in the cold. Of course, Everton is bigger than any player (or trio of players), but that doesn't stop the disappointment.

The problem with disappointment is it gets worse when the initial expectations are greater. And let's face it, we were presented with some great expectations only 18 months ago. We knew success wouldn't be overnight, but we didn't really expect the management cock-ups we've since witnessed. On the face of it, my dad was right, I was daft to get too excited.

So now it's a case of bracing ourselves, yet again, for continued disappointment. We might be pleasantly surprised, but I wouldn't bet money on it.

Jer Kiernan
126 Posted 29/11/2017 at 10:08:05
Somebody pinch me and tell me it was all just a bad dream. I banged my head in August and our beloved club is in Top 4 of Premier League, We replaced Lukaku with 20+ goal a season striker and are through to the next round of the Europa League.

I am expecting Godzilla to arrive on Wednesday night and chew of the roof at Gwladys Street.... Wake me up!

Paul Doyle
127 Posted 29/11/2017 at 10:10:11
Mutely!!! Do something!!!
Steve Bingham
128 Posted 29/11/2017 at 10:10:59
Villas-Boas anyone?
James McPherson
129 Posted 29/11/2017 at 10:12:44
Brian (#115), Kenwright may be saying thank goodness for fans like Brian Wilkinson...

Alan (#117) you make a good point. You are right in your assertion that successful EFC managers haven't always totally embraced the School of Science and that this is often a "mythical" aspiration. However we know the label of "Dogs of War" was massively misplaced upon Royle's team. Limpar, Kanchelskis??? I enjoyed that side too. The football media are essentially lazy and labels are created and incorrectly on occasion stick.

Mythical though the School of Science is...to many Allardyce, is the antithesis of EFC – it matters not that the comparison references EFC on the whole of its history not as I suspect those pro Allardyce view it purely in the context of EFC 2017.

With respect, the ire and frustration on here I feel is not misplaced. It's wording may centre upon Allardyce but I sense that with good cause the wrath is targeted at an incompetent board – to have messed just about everything up to find that Allardyce is the go to man. Heads should roll on that boardroom – but thy won't. This club will not move an inch until our chairman goes – that's the anger I see.

James Stewart
130 Posted 29/11/2017 at 10:14:51
Horrible appointment. First there was the amateur deadline day fiasco. Then the "expected losses" faux pas and now this.

Dyche was available, is a better coach and has none of the baggage. He would have made a cracking Everton manager and galvanised us. Burnley play great football. Not that that matters to a man like Moshiri, who chases whoever the Sky muppets tell him to.

Moshiri is proving himself to be an utter clown and an awful final move of Kenwright's to bring him in.

Lewis Barclay
131 Posted 29/11/2017 at 10:15:52
What a shambles.
Jon Withey
132 Posted 29/11/2017 at 10:16:20
The knives always seem to be out for Kenwright – but this club feels like Newcastle since Moshiri came in.
Mike Powell
133 Posted 29/11/2017 at 10:16:48
Big Sam is the only Manager who would touch our sinking ship at the moment. He is not my choice either but I will back him.

But if he brings that red munchkin with him, then that's me done. I won't step inside Goodison as long as that little red shithouse is there.

Kenwright can't be that stupid to allow the munchkin inside Goodison... surely not?

Dermot Byrne
135 Posted 29/11/2017 at 10:21:32
Interesting how close vote is on TW. Half of us cannot be fools? Oh shit... nearly said Brexit!
Tony Everan
136 Posted 29/11/2017 at 10:23:19
George (#66),

Thanks for that beautiful post. You have the spirit of Everton in your DNA. Your family are lucky to have you. Most of us on he will have that same spirit; it will, over time, override some reactions to the current state of play.

Whatever happens, that spirit and unity will not be broken. The love for the club runs too deep, our history and memories are set in stone and cannot be erased.

I'm proud to be an Evertonian and will support the club, no matter what, until my dying day.

Ray Jacques
137 Posted 29/11/2017 at 10:24:05
Shakespeare will fit in well as there are some drama queens on this forum.

We ve been a mid table club for the last 30 years, School of Science, Holy trinity, Golden Vision were all in black-and-white and sponsor-free as it's ancient history.

I don't live in Liverpool anymore and we aren't a laughing stock because outside of the city we don't even register.

I had great hopes in the summer and shouted my mouth off, but we are currently in a right mess. We cannot score goals so first off we need to stop conceding. Like it or not, this man is the best fit to our present situation.

Paul A Smith
138 Posted 29/11/2017 at 10:24:23
#130. How can you say Dyche is a better coach?

How does theory go from one extreme to the next?

Mike Kennedy
139 Posted 29/11/2017 at 10:25:23
I welcome Big Sam. I hope he works his miracles.

Let us face it, I have not seen Everton this bad for a long long time. In fact, I can't remember us every being this bad but that might be due to my advancing years and loss of grey matter.

Justin Doone
140 Posted 29/11/2017 at 10:27:39
If I'm not attending games in protest then no, I will not give or sell you my season ticket.

If Fat Sam comes we can save money by binning the youth teams. Our promising youngsters should get in touch with their agents ASAP for a move away to help save their careers.

It won't happen but we should ensure we insert buy back clauses in all of their selling on contracts. After Fat Sam sets us back 5 years, we may be able to afford to buy a few back.

Aaaahhhhhh..

Paul A Smith
141 Posted 29/11/2017 at 10:30:38
Stan (#125), with this fanbase, the Barkley situation is going to get worse now we need him more than ever. Now he will be scrutinised even more so and every single misplaced pass would be screamed and wailed at from the Moshiri fans in the crowd.

"Get rid of him and get Jaaavy Klaasen in!"

Mike Doyle
142 Posted 29/11/2017 at 10:32:09
Agree with Ray (#137).

I've not lived in Liverpool for over 30 years and can confirm we aren't a laughing stock because outside of the city we don't really register.

If its any small comfort, having not wont the title for almost 30 years the RS don't register either – at least not with the under-40s.

Matthew Williams
143 Posted 29/11/2017 at 10:34:29
So much for fan power... 80% against & we still go for him... jeez!!

Feeling dead inside atm, will be listening to our games from now on.

I just hope the players turn up tonight to finally put on a decent show for our fans & Rhino in his last game in charge.

Moshiri... OUT!!!!

Kevin Tully
144 Posted 29/11/2017 at 10:34:38
Alan Smith (#117) – Post of the week, brother. Hate the phrase “virtue signalling” but we're surrounded! Sheeple indeed.
Josh Evans
145 Posted 29/11/2017 at 10:37:52
Everyone in here saying they are "disgusted" "no longer going to Goodison" or "have given up entirely with them" needs to have a reality check.

Please name me one REALISTIC, prem proven manager who would come to Everton and stop the rot? Because Sam is the only man. Might not be first choice but who cares, if and when he saves us from inevitably going down, you'll all be the first to queue up to suck him off. Fickle.

As for Moshiri, you're all complaining about someone who's come in and actually given us financial muscle again? Someone who has actually secured land for a new stadium instead of floundering like the last 3 attempts? He's come in and will be plowing money in. If you don't like him as majority shareholder, go and find another billionaire to invest and let the club know.

Scott Hall
146 Posted 29/11/2017 at 10:39:49
29th November 2017

Today is the day Everton confirmed they are no longer a big club. And that we are prepared to accept good enough, rather than strive for the best.

We've expected it for a while but there's always been a faint light at the end of the tunnel that we might just regain our status and compete with the elite. Today, that light has disappeared.

I'm not saying we'll go down or that it's the end of the road. But we've settled for mediocrity and in the process, we've redefined the status of our club. We are a selling club, a feeder club for the elite, and we should be satisfied just to give the elite clubs the occasional tough game. That's the message we've sent to the world today.

Our motto can change simply to Optimum. Good Enough.

Dave Ganley
147 Posted 29/11/2017 at 10:48:52
Brian (#123) – which bits aren't true mate?
Chris Lawlor
148 Posted 29/11/2017 at 10:49:06
The amount of hand-wringing and sentimentalism here is beyond the pale. Those saying they'll never darken the door of the club again if Allardyce is given the job – seriously lads?

When have we ever been any different to any other club outside of the likes of Chelsea and Man City? Are we a bastion of all that is right in the world??

We are falling fast right now into a chasm of uncertainty and definite relegation. We need someone who can galvanise a team bereft of spirit, belief and fight. We need a man to adapt our style to fit the fight we are now in. That man – whether you like it or not – is Sam Allardyce. He's proved time and again he is a decent man manager and evidently capable of being that 'quick fix'.

As for the overall style of play, lets not forget in his latter days at Bolton when he had the likes of Jay-Jay Okacha etc that his team actually played effective and fluid 4-4-2 football.

I'm not saying I ever wanted him at Goodison Park but by Christ I'm realistic enough to know that we damn well need him now. As for Lee and Shakespeare well there's always a cloud to the silver lining.

Let's revisit this thread come March and reserve vitriol for the man until then. Mark this down: We will be in the top half of the table solidly by then.

Sam Hoare
149 Posted 29/11/2017 at 10:51:45
People keep talking about being saved from 'inevitably' going down. We're not even in the relegation zone yet alone 6 points adrift like the doom and gloom implies!!

We're in a terrible spot at the moment obviously but even for this season I still harbour expectations that we will make top ten. We have some excellent players to come back and will surely have more resources to spend than any other bottom half clubs in January.

The last time Allardyce finished in the top 9 was in 2007 with Bolton. Its not his football I can't handle its the very limited ambition of his teams.

Such a move reeks of panic and will set us back a great deal in my opinion. There is absolutely guarantee that he is any more likely to 'save us' than Fonseca or Rui Vitoria or any other foreign name that it seems fashionable to dispense with because they don't know the Premier League and no foreign coach has ever done well here

If he is to be our manager than I will back him as I do all Everton managers at the start but I sincerely hope that this is not the path we are going down.

Ray Jacques
150 Posted 29/11/2017 at 10:52:15
Why the childish ire against Sammy Lee?

He won more as a player in his career than all the true blues on the coaching staff added together, and has coached teams for longer periods.

Oh yes, forgot that he played for the RS 30 years ago. No wonder its a mess, we are so parochial and stuck in a time warp.

Every club has high points in its history, we aren't the only ones with a teary eyed past.

Lots of posters attack Kenwright on here for his sentimental Boys Pen back in the day was great attitude and then go onto rant exactly the same about how great we used to be and we are too illustrious and above the likes of Allardyce etc.

Steve Ferns
151 Posted 29/11/2017 at 10:53:30
Reality check for you, Josh. We are 4 points off 9th.

It may take all of 5 games to “save us”. What then? Do we sack him and appoint a manager with the skill set to save our season and reclaim 7th? Or we settle for mid table with the Bungmeister in charge?

What about next season and the one after as the Bungmeister forces the youth team players to sign with his agent mate or they won't get a new contract?

You keep telling yourself you're in the shit. You keep believing what the likes of Paul Merson and the gutter press are telling you, that only the Bungmeister can save us.

I know different. Just because we end up with an incompetent coach I will still demand a minimum of 10th this season and a minimum of 7th next season.

The crooked piece of shite will not be getting an easy ride and he'll be hounded out quicker than he was at Newcastle as he will fail to meet standards.

James McPherson
152 Posted 29/11/2017 at 10:55:16
Let's not forget that this incompetent board have taken almost 6 weeks to get a man they could have secured within a few days. That says a lot about them, and a fair bit about Allardyce. Reeks of desperation borne from complete incapability.
Joe Hurst
153 Posted 29/11/2017 at 10:55:17
All of this horror: dodgy Schnorbitz (ask Notts County whether he's some magical antidote to relegation), Sammy Lee, and now someone mentions One effing Direction!

I'm off to go and cry somewhere...

James Williams
154 Posted 29/11/2017 at 10:56:31
A lifetime of suffering the pain of being an Evertonian from watching the reserves on the Goodison Road terraces swinging from the red leaded crash barriers with my Dad and Uncle Bennie in the 50s, through the Boys Pen (shared with Bill Kenwright), to season ticket holder for many years in the corner of Gwladys Street over the corner flag with memories of winning the league in 62-63, the 66 Cup Final, the Holy Trinity, Bayern Munich, the glorious 80s cut short by Heysel Stadium, the dogs of war and Wimbledon followed by the tedious Smith/ Moyes years with most of it dogged by our spiteful neighbours.

Despite all of these heartaches and the occasional little bit of enjoyment I have always remained optimistic but I just cannot believe that we have come to this Allardyce and Sammy Lee, for God's sake...

If we think it is bad now with Evertonian David Unsworth managing the team... be prepared, it is going to get much much worse. Desperate times.

James McPherson
155 Posted 29/11/2017 at 10:59:28
Ray (#150) – most people have had it with Kenwright for no other reason than his sheer incompetence and his devious capacity to eschew any blame being attributed to him.
Len Hawkins
156 Posted 29/11/2017 at 11:03:38
As the search is making EFC the laughing stock of English football to have a manager in place is I suppose one little step forward, but – other than keeping them in the Premier League – does anyone think that Everton will be a better club in a better position when he walks away with his wheelbarrow full of cash. Because NONE of his previous clubs have.

Unfortunately it is like the John Cleese, Ronnie Barker, Ronnie Corbett sketch and Everton are the little working class Corbett: "We know our place".

I thought My Moshiri was taking us upwards and onwards?

David Nicholls
157 Posted 29/11/2017 at 11:04:06
I think some of the criticisms of Allardyce are way over the top! Okay, so he's a bit of a geezer but he's never hurt anyone. I actually really like the guy and feel he has more charisma than any Everton manager I can remember.

Apparently Steve Walsh rates him very highly and it's heartening to me that a football man is driving this decision rather than a well meaning billionaire who wants to placate the masses by appointing a ‘Hollywood' name.

If Sammy Lee is a decent coach then I couldn't give a shite if he played for Liverpool 30 years ago and I'll welcome him with open arms.

I've got a good feeling about this appointment and fingers crossed if we can stabilise the club and ensure survival this season, the remaining 2 years of Big Sams tenure can be spent building towards a situation where we can attract the kind of manager Moshiri wants.

Hopefully we'll have some fantastic nights under the Goodison lights along the way.
COYB!

John Hughes
158 Posted 29/11/2017 at 11:08:32
Scott Hall (#146). What's your answer to the mess we're in then? Appoint Guardiola, Mourinho or another renowned coach like er... Koeman? Get off your high horse, accept the situation we are in, as much as it hurts and get behind one of the few people who has half a chance of turning it around.

And by the way, I'm happy if he brings in someone he believes can assist in accomplishing the task, whether it's Sammy Lee, Sammy Winward or Sammy Davis Jr!

John Harrop
159 Posted 29/11/2017 at 11:10:21
Steve (#151),

The alleged bungmeister's agent mate is in fact his son Craig Allardyce, who was investigated (along with Allardyce senior) for alleged corruption in 2006.

Mike Hughes
160 Posted 29/11/2017 at 11:11:59
Pardew in at WBA while our lot continue to fanny-around. Utter shambles.

Just get the deal done now!

Agree with David (#157) and John (#158).

Ian Jones
161 Posted 29/11/2017 at 11:12:15
Hi Joe @153

Apologies for trying to inject a bit of light-hearted humour into this we are doomed thread with my reference to One Direction.

I'll get my coat or straightjacket (whatever seems more appropriate).

Alan Smith
162 Posted 29/11/2017 at 11:12:53
James (#129),

I agree, the Dogs of War team was fantastic. I enjoyed watching them. That was my point. And yes, Kanchelskis (the following season) and Limpar were great.

I was also the first person to spot the flaws in Moshiri so I'm glad if you've finally got round to directing anger (better if it was questions) in the board's direction. But you still can't bring yourself to mention Moshiri's name (it's all Kenwright's fault or the board's).

Of all the managers on our list, Allardyce was the best, unfortunately, and not the last resort. He had the England job and had higher finishes in a the Premier League than anyone else on the list.

Would I have preferred Silva? Possibly. But to say Allardyce is antithesis of all things School of Science is ridiculous. With the right tools (players), he'd play good football. Or do you think he'd take the Barça job and change them to long ball?

There's no logic, sound reasoning or evidence to 90% of the shite fans say anymore. And it starts of in our media and terrible punditry.

Your spot on when you talk about labels. People can't think outside of them.

Zaha had the most dribbles in the Premier League under Allardyce. Anelka played up front for Bolton. He may still take us down because we need five players. But how many on here said Lukaku had a bad touch whilst lauding McCarthy?

Barry was, according to everyone, the most consistent player. Before he signed, no-one wanted him. Hysterical "backward step" shouts. One tackle vs Chelsea and he was great. Next season, he was shit. Following season, he was great again. The next season, he was shit, finished and too slow again – because we fell in love with Schneiderlin. This season, we miss him; we need him in the team.

Just look at this example. The same people who called Barry "Mr Consistent" have put his performances on the biggest roller-coaster of peaks and troughs that the most ambitious theme park wouldn't dare to design.

It's hard to take anything seriously any more. Reality has almost nothing to do with anything anyone describes on here or on any other media outlet.

See analyses of:
Lukaku
Barkley
McCarthy
Schneiderlin
Pogba
Ozil
Luiz
Wilshere

Allardyce is no different and Paul Scholes could tackle.

Pickford is shit, by the way.

Steve Ferns
163 Posted 29/11/2017 at 11:14:15
John Harrop. That was corruption allegation number one of three. I'm referring to corruption allegation number two of three. This agent was Mark Curtis.

Alan Smith. Joe Royle played Limpar and Kanchelskis in the same team less than ten times. We had Limpar mainly sat on the bench as a super sub which is why he threw his toys out the pram that season.

Kim Vivian
164 Posted 29/11/2017 at 11:14:45
Decent post from Dave Nicholls, there.

It's not happened yet but in expectation, I'm just going to have to come to terms with this, I guess.TBH he's a big improvement on Koeman imo. Certainly more charisma and media savvy.

I wish Sam all the luck in the world and hope this turns out to be his most successful job to date.

I just hope he scrubs up for the job and backs off on the chewy a bit.

Justin Doone
165 Posted 29/11/2017 at 11:16:41
I'd rather throw £20 million a season at Mancini than give Fat Sam £6m.

Money talks. Sam is trying to ride us to the moon and back.

If Koeman won 5 of the next 10 games should we have kept him? If Unsworth won 4 of the next 10 games is he doing a good job and worth keeping as our manager?

Therefore what's the threshold for Fat Sam? If Fat Sam wins 3 of the next 10 games, is that good enough? Or he gains 10 points from 30 is that good enough?

I'm being incredibly lenient on him because he's new to the job, but so was Unsworth. If we don't get at least 10 points from 30, are we okay to trust him to sell and buy players to improve things?

In short, if this horrible rumour is true, we have to judge him like we judged the other two managers.

Can we all agree that, if there's no short-term improvement, he needs kicking to the kerb before taking brown envelopes and getting his son involved in transfer dealings???

Chris Stone
166 Posted 29/11/2017 at 11:18:31
Has Moshiri been listening to too much T-Rex? Telegram Sa-am!! Lol!

No seriously, we are in a real pickle. Regardless of the players and talent that some believe we have in the squad – we cannot keep shipping goals at the rate we have been, if we have any hope of steering clear of the trap door. I agree with some who stated relegation would be a disaster for Everton that we may not be equipped to bounce back from easily.

Sam Allardyce has seen it all before and he knows how to organise a defence and therefore make a team hard to beat. It would have been interesting to see how far he could've taken England. I do believe that any perceived under-performance at Newcastle & West Ham was probably down to the fans not really accepting him and desiring more stylish managers.

Okay yes, the football might not always be pretty and his morals are perhaps a bit less than absolutely scrupulous, but he is a good choice right now to drag this team out of the mire and all fans should get behind him and the team if this happens (which looks likely).

Jackie Barry
167 Posted 29/11/2017 at 11:19:00
I don't like Big Sam as manager but remember – he was found not guilty. Only in today's society can you be guilty after being found not to be so. Time to move on.
Julian Exshaw
168 Posted 29/11/2017 at 11:19:49
It's very noble to be reasonable and see the positive side of all this. But Sammy Lee!! Sammy Lee!! Who's next? Phil Thompson? I know Duncan Ferguson has his critics but it looks like a true Evertonian will be replaced by one of them. This is going to take some getting used to.
Frank Wade
169 Posted 29/11/2017 at 11:21:49
Another dismal capitulation" says Michael Kenrick in Southampton report and this appointment is another. I have been following Everton for over 50 years. I am on ToffeeWeb several times a day. Moshiri's money has brought nothing but grief.

Thanks to Lyndon and Michael for bringing me so much info. Signing off now. Will have to find another hobby.

,Another dismal capitulation says Michael Kenrick in Southampton report and this appointment is another. I have been following Everton for over 50 years. I am on ToffeeWeb several times a day. Moshiri's money has brought nothing but grief.

Thanks to Lyndon and Michael for bringing me so much info. Signing off now. Will have to find another hobby.,,BlueKfrog,1,11:20:57,,79.97.32.144,ok,4859,11/29/2017 11:20:57,FrankWade,reader,, 876912,35876,toffeeweb,29/11/2017,Ajay Gopal,ajaygopalswamy@gmail.com,"
My team for Unsy’s last game as manager:

Robles (bigger physical frame)
Kenny Jags Williams Davies
Baningime Rooney Besic
Siggy
DCL Sandro

Subs: Pickford, Holgate/Feeney, Martina, Gueye, Vlasic, Lookman, Mirallas

All the best, Unsy! I hope the boys play well enough for you to leave with your head held high.

Steve Ferns
170 Posted 29/11/2017 at 11:26:48
Jackie. He wasn't found not guilty. In typical British fashion, it was swept under the carpet as no-one wanted to open the can of worms.

Three times there was damning evidence of his corruption. And you think our signings now will be above board? When talented players from the youth team leave, will you think it's just normal, won't you wonder if Allardyce is up to his old tricks with agents?

When we sign a load of Africans on massive contracts, will you not wonder if they all have the same agent and what his connection is to Sam Allardyce.

This is the darkest day in the history of Everton and it's all because Moshiri lacks the balls to appoint a winning manager and instead went with a losing manager.

We've gone from aiming for 1.6 points a game with Koeman to aiming for 1.2 points per game with Allardyce. Even Moyes had much better than that. Pardew too. They're both much better managers than Allardyce and their records show it.

Tony Hill
171 Posted 29/11/2017 at 11:27:49
Alan (#117), Kevin (#144), yes, both pious and toxic these Ladybird Book of Coaching dickheads. They can't wait for us to fail under Allardyce which tells you all you need to know.
Ciaran O'Brien
172 Posted 29/11/2017 at 11:27:56
I can't stand Big Fucking Sam as much as the next person but if he gets it, I'll support him. I just hope it's short term, keeps us up and we go after who we really want like Silva, Simeone, Dyche or whoever.

The main problem though is Steve Fucking Walsh. The Director of Football model has never worked in this league and also leads to a lot of coaches getting sacked on the continent.

A manager picks the team, tactics and style so should be in charge of transfers. Look at Damian Comolli, responsible for the farcical transfer problems at the RS and Spurs. Got sacked from both. At Chelsea every manager there begins to hate the place not long after taking over because of not having total control over team affairs.

I'm sure Walsh is probably a nice guy and all and respect the fact he didn't get on with Koeman but he was in charge of transfers in the last 18 months. Only one signing has been a success in Gueye who was relatively cheap at £7million and Pickford at £30million.

All the rest – like Schneiderlin (£24m), Klaassen (£23.5m), Keane (£30m), Lookman (£11m), Sandro (£5.25m) and particularly Sigurdsson (£45 fucking million) – have been total dogshite.

All the players bought for the youth team we will probably never see in the team like so many before. Now Koeman deserved to go because of his shite management but so should have Walsh.

As for Big Sam, this is his chance to prove what he said in the past about he'd win stuff if he was at a big club with money to spend. I just hope after another £100million is spent, we don't see awful, dinosaur long-ball football because it fucking doesn't work in today's game.

Ernie Baywood
173 Posted 29/11/2017 at 11:30:46
Just hope for the best I suppose.

I must admit, while I won't be threatening to remove my support, I'm feeling a bit different about the club. I mean, what is the point?

Whether you agree with the appointment or not, you can't disagree that this last 5 weeks shows shocking incompetence and a complete lack of imagination. Add in the comments (outright lies) about Ross and allowing the shit (outright workplace bullying) that went on with Niasse... well it's hard to defend this club right now isn't it?

I've always held Everton to a higher standard. Not necessarily the performances on the pitch – though I want the best – but in the way we carry ourselves. This is just embarrassingly fucked up.

Mike Hughes
174 Posted 29/11/2017 at 11:31:22
Well said, Jackie Barry (#167).

Time to move on, indeed.

Nothing has been proven against Sam Allardyce. (Unlike our Wayne -– but let's conveniently forget about that because pomposity is hypocritical and selective, isn't it?)

And, on footballing grounds, Allardyce's alleged style of football can be nothing worse than what we have seen these past few weeks / months.

Those accusing the club of not being able to move on are guilty of the very same thing.

Give him a chance.

Some posters on here (Steve Ferns) would prefer to see us relegated – as posted on another thread ("would prefer to be where Tranmere are") – than appoint Allardyce.

And on the back of comments like that I'm supposed to feel disgust at the prospective appointment of Sammy Lee! (I don't want the latter to happen but there is some shoite posted on here.)

For those throwing in the towel at the prospects of Allardyce – one man is bigger than EFC? Really?

Lawrence Green
175 Posted 29/11/2017 at 11:33:11
For those who condemn the romantics and dewey eyed among us remember the club has built itself up for more than a century, and has passed down certain qualities from generation to generation.

It has had fallow periods and has hit the lofty heights during that time, it has acted with great dignity in times of strife and mourning and has put smiles on faces when there was little else to help many in their day-to-day lives.

The appointment of Sam Allardyce won't break those qualities because no individual person can, neither will the Board of Directors or the owner, regardless of how useless they may be.

The worst they can do is to temporarily put the School of Science on it's back – but in the end the club is and probably always has been, in a spiritual sense, about the supporters.

Those supporters who are currently so annoyed and say they will refuse to attend during this period are free to do so, it has been done previously when it harmed the club financially, the club survived.

Those who did and do threaten to withdraw their support, realised and will soon realise that they are unable to cut the ties completely it's impossible to do so, if you're an Evertonian.

Good luck to Unsy and the boys tonight we'll probably need quite a bit if we are to add to our tally of points, I and thousands of other Blues will be there to watch it all unfold. Same on Saturday and for many more football matches to come.

Scott Hall
176 Posted 29/11/2017 at 11:33:36
John #158

Has there been any rumours of Sammy Winward? That would cheer me up a little!

To answer your question, I don't have a solution. But if I was in charge, I would have at least attempted to show more ambition than Sam Allardyce. Sean Dyche would have done for me. If he was Portugese and named Joao Dychendez we'd be all over it.

Iain Johnston
177 Posted 29/11/2017 at 11:35:25
Steve, 5 points off 9th, 9 points off 8th and only 12 points off 5th.

All attainable for a team that isn't played off the park by Palace or has their heart torn out by Atalanta & Southampton.

Problem is that this team can't play, can't pass, can't defend and can't score and we're 3 points off 20th.

If West Ham play like they did against Leicester, the team that beat Spurs last night, compact, organised with twice as many shots on target then by 21:45 tonight we'll be in the bottom 3 and then it's quite possible that the only CV's arriving in the post will be from the likes of Warnock, Cockerill & Megson.

Chris Stone
178 Posted 29/11/2017 at 11:37:14
Steve Ferns – I really agree with much of what you write, especially your usually excellent tactical analysis. But to say Moyes & Pardew are much better managers than Sam Allardyce? Really??

I'm not saying they're bad and Moyes especially done really well in stabilising us all those years on a meagre budget but his last few jobs have really harmed his reputation in my opinion. Pardew divides opinion, but then so does Allardyce. He'll keep us up though, that I'm almost certain of.

John McFarlane [Snr]
179 Posted 29/11/2017 at 11:39:10
Like many others I would not have chosen Sam Allardyce as Manager, if he is the "Chosen One" by the time of tonight's game, but unlike others I will not be staying away from Goodison.

At 79 years of age and 69 years of regular attendance, and a few more [if God spares me], I will be carried from the church, and friends and relatives will remember me by saying "He used to be an Evertonian"

I couldn't imagine what it would be like to be carried home from the pub, with friends and relatives, using the same expression.

I have previously posted my thoughts on ToffeeWeb debates regarding managerial appointments, which are, that any such appointment could turn out to be either the best or worst decision.

We as supporters, have no influence in such matters and while I respect anyone who, [on principle] decides to withdraw their support, I can only say, it's good thing we don't sing, as many supporters of other clubs do, "I'm Club X till I die".

I will be there tonight in the Park End, encouraging the so called, lazy "Prima Donnas" because they play for Everton, and supporters by definition, SUPPORT.

Thomas Lennon
180 Posted 29/11/2017 at 11:40:15
Okay, so we went from a team with solid defence as the basis of our Premier League security and then tried to play more football without rebuilding an aging defence. The aim was to try to progress but instead we have list our foundations.

We need to rebuild those foundations. I don't think the problem is the players we bought, the problems stem from players we couldn't get. Koeman took a gamble forced on him, or he opted not to buy a couple of old school players for a short term fix.

Allardyce will prioritise defence and that will do for now. If he saves us from relegation he will have been well worth £6 million. Once confidence in defence is restored our 'foootballers' will have a platform to help them perform.

Kim Vivian
181 Posted 29/11/2017 at 11:43:49
I remind myself that it hasn't happened yet and whoever gets the job has to buy into the Everton family. (Still waiting to hear Silva has walked!)

It would great though, would it not, if Sammy Lee could be a real turncoat and become a true Evertonian. That would really rub Their noses in it after we beat them in a couple of weeks. He just hasn't had the chance for Everton to touch him yet, has he?

Fuck me, I'm dreaming again.

John Hall
182 Posted 29/11/2017 at 11:45:04
The situation at present points only one way and that is seemingly toward the Championship. It is difficult to see why these big time Charlie's who are supposed to run the club and look after the interests of the supporters are still eating at the top table whilst the team is munching on scraps at the bottom end of the table.

"Gutless and spineless" comes to mind for those who only have their own interests at heart. Steve Walsh grinning next to his partner whilst his supposed star finds cannot put two passes or a headed clearance together in a recent game.

We are concerned that Big Sam is not of the right caliber to be associated with the club judging by the many comments that appear on ToffeeWeb. Surely he is no worse than the gangsters currently running the show and is small time compared to the current mafia.

I do not care about his past as all I want is someone who can save us from our current situation and if he is the one chosen to try to remedy the current problems then so be it. Everton as a club have a proud record built up over the past 50 plus years and I for one would be devastated if we were to drop out of the Premier League.

Sometimes beggars cannot be choosers and our begging bowl is well and truly empty so we need to get behind whoever comes in and not worry about their past indiscretions.

He will ruffle feathers and kick ass wherever it is needed as he is a straight talking no nonsense operator who will insist on discipline and maximum effort; something that is in very short supply at this time.

His best Bolton side actually played some good stuff so he is not averse to moving the ball around if players follow his tactics and instructions.

Do we want Pulis, Pardew, over Big Sam because there does not seem to be very much choice other than to poach a manager from a current Premier League club. Silva can't set a team to defend as has been seen a number of times already this year. Dyche would be a similar option to Allardyce and Howe was never in the frame so we have to take someone who is probably the best of the bunch on offer at what he does best, ie, saving teams from relegation. NSNO.

James Watts
183 Posted 29/11/2017 at 11:49:10
For those hoping beyond hope it wasn't going to happen... It is. Alan Myers just confirmed on Twitter that he expects Sam to be announced shortly. Done deal.

RIP Everton. Moshiri, you fucking clown.

Paul Mackie
184 Posted 29/11/2017 at 11:52:03
Signing Allardyce up is the management's admissions that our goal is to avoid relegation. In a season when our goal was 'break in to the top 4' this is just beyond embarrassing.

Everyone involved should be fucking ashamed of themselves.

Tony Everan
185 Posted 29/11/2017 at 11:52:25
What are the odds on seeing an ''Allardyce Out'' banner at Goodison Park on Saturday at 2:55 pm? Before a ball has been kicked! I don't condone that at all, but it sums up the divisions.

If we hire him, we need to give the man a chance. Be aware that he is doing his best do sort this mess out.

If any frustration is vented it should be towards the woefully inept running of the club and demand better. ''Kenwright Out'' would be more accurate.

Mark Smith
186 Posted 29/11/2017 at 11:53:14
Oliver (#34) ,John (#59) and James (#154) – my sentiments exactly.

My Dad (supporting the team since before the second world war, his father before him) took me to my first match in 1963 where we beat Fulham 4-1 if my memory serves me well.

I have seen success (got mugged in the Boys Pen!) and failure, I was at the Munich game and Rotterdam. I saw the last cup we won so I think I do know our history.

My eldest daughter (Lucy Soares Smith) blogs/social media for the Premier League for a big company in Sydney and has her love for the Toffees on her CV (which made be proud). But if we take on Allardyce, I will suspend my support and go and watch a bit of Rugby.

I would like to say I'm mad but, worse than this, I am disinterested. My old man would be turning in his grave.

Michael Lynch
187 Posted 29/11/2017 at 11:53:15
I'd rather have Sam than Pardew, Pulis, or Moyes. He's a cut above them, a cut below Jose Mourinho. Koeman was a big name wasn't he, turned out to be shite. Martinez was the future, turned out to be shite.

Those calling for Silva, the man has done nothing yet. He might be the next Pochettino, he might be the next Martinez, who knows, but it's more likely the latter on his record so far. Fonseca? Again, he's done nothing of any real note and has zero experience of the Premier League, let alone a Premier League battle against relegation, which is what we're in right now.

Calm the fuck down, he's only a manager. He's being brought in to do a job. Is he being overpaid? Probably but he holds the cards now, and an overpaid manager still earns a lot less than an overpaid bench-warming Number 10.

Is he crooked? Even if the handful of stories about him are true, and nothing has stuck, it's hardly fucking Watergate is it?

Matt Hunter
188 Posted 29/11/2017 at 11:54:24
Shocking. Shameful. This is Everton football club, we are now what Benitez called us.

Would Liverpool fans accept this? Why are we accepting it? Board out! Every last one of them!!

John Hughes
189 Posted 29/11/2017 at 11:56:24
John Hall (#182). An extremely measured and articulate post, Sir.
Steve Bell
190 Posted 29/11/2017 at 11:56:36
A move that shames us all but should shame our board the most. A move that should highlight how, despite reports of his imminent sacking, our shameless "all smiles as the fourth Saints goal went in" Director of Football has landed a canny screw for his mates (and strengthened his position) into the bargain.

A move that makes me want to fast forward, right now, to May, so we can pay him off like a hooker the morning after, and pretend the sordid assignation never happened.

A move that's pragmatic to the point of desperate, regressive short termism. Would anyone have believed we'd be here, back in February 2016 when Moshiri took over?

For those who thought Koeman "felt wrong" .shudder. Just sack the board, FFS

Terry Underwood
191 Posted 29/11/2017 at 11:56:42
As I said in previous posts, I do not think big Sam is a fit for Everton in the long term, but he could be just what we need to inject a bit of steel an guts into the rabble we currently are. If he is contracted till season's end and keeps us up, then great.

Okay, he got caught doing the brown bag shuffle... his only crime was being caught.

Yes, his brand of football is not what we would like to see at Goodison Park but desperate times and all that. I hope the naysayers, of which I was one, will get behind him.

Finally to those who insist we are not in a relegation struggle, you need to find a lifeboat before your feet get wet.

Carl Taylor
192 Posted 29/11/2017 at 11:59:21
Have faith, there is still time for our negotiators to fuck things up!

If it is Sam Allardyce (editors, please ban the use of names such as Big Sam, BFS, etc.), then like most other people with the club at the heart of their thoughts, I hope he proves everyone wrong and is a huge success.

I'll caveat that with what I think will happen and I think we will see a true 'Moneyball' project develop at the club. Buying players who will statistically provide what we need, with very little chance of seeing the likes of a Deulofeu or Barkley trying the imaginative and more the prospect of honest professionals playing percentage football.

Steve Ferns
193 Posted 29/11/2017 at 12:00:28
Michael Lynch. Of all the managers you listed, Sam Allardyce has less points per game over his career than all of them. So how is he a cut above them?

He's a terrible manager, with terrible tactics and a losing record. He comes with a long history of corruption allegations.

In no way shape or form should be be considered.

Sam Hoare
194 Posted 29/11/2017 at 12:01:02
It's done. Did we even try for Dyche?! Surely he would not have turned down £6m a year.

This feels like a huge step backwards for us.

Usually I can find some dregs of optimism however grim things are looking for EFC but today I am struggling. Just hoping that I wake up...

Colin Wordsworth
195 Posted 29/11/2017 at 12:01:12
In my opinion the best manager for the job in hand. Our club is so full of nepotism for ex Everton footballers it is ridiculous, we are almost like a retirement home for our ex pros! I am all for having Evertonians in situ but surely the best people should get the jobs behind the scenes.

If Sammy Lee is the best number 2 so be it! we have had no success on the pitch for so long maybe this is the shakeup that we need. Allardyce has never managed a club with the potential as ours and so any previous stats etc are spurious to say the least. There is no alternative.

Sam Hoare
196 Posted 29/11/2017 at 12:04:14
There is no alternative."

Really? There's literally a hundred other managers out there who have managed at top level and would jump at £6m a year.,"There is no alternative."

Really? There's literally a hundred other managers out there who have managed at top level and would jump at £6m a year.,,,1,12:03:28,,82.12.150.98,ok,2108,11/29/2017 12:03:28,samhoare,reader,, 876942,35877,toffeeweb,29/11/2017,Steve Ferns,stephen.ferns@hotmail.co.uk,"Pardew managed clubs of the calibre of Allardyce though. And he had a better record. He’s a better manager. Why didn’t we go for him? He’s not been relegated either. And he’s not been accused of corruption once, never mind three times.

Steve Ferns
197 Posted 29/11/2017 at 12:08:55
And Sky have just confirmed it. I'll be there tonight to support my club. After that, I'll be on sabbatical until he's gone.

Good luck to the rest of you. I hope Mr 39% and 1.2 PPG gives you what you all dream of.

Kevin Hudson
198 Posted 29/11/2017 at 12:09:57
‘Big Sam' and fuckin' Sammy Lee...

Truly a kopite's wet dream for Everton.

James McPherson
199 Posted 29/11/2017 at 12:10:16
Steve Bell – good post – the board are beyond shame. That's the issue in many fans' minds – the sheer incompetency is one thing but worse it is compounded by brass neck arrogance (Walsh). They are a disgrace.

And in some ways, although perverse, it is right and fitting that Allardyce is arriving as there's no greater symbol of Kenwright's shocking reign than this.

A fitting epitaph to a person who has consistently put his own ego above the betterment of the club. A complete fraud of a man. Now we have his legacy that will forever stick – small comfort,

Michael Lynch
200 Posted 29/11/2017 at 12:10:59
Bye Steve, I'll miss your erudite tactical comments on here, you're a great ToffeeWebber. Hope it doesn't get too cold up there on the moral high ground though! :-)
Winston Williamson
201 Posted 29/11/2017 at 12:13:20
For me, there is a fabric to our club. It's something which is invisible, intangible, yet it is there. You can feel it. The fabric of the club is something which should not be altered or touched. Like I said, it's a feeling. For me, this feeling is Right and Wrong, Good and Evil, Blue and Red. It's as intrinsic as breathing. For want of a better word; Soul.

This appointment (Sam and his Team) goes against all my Right, Good and Blue feelings, against what I perceive to be our fabric, our Soul.

Dramatic? Unrealistic? Sentimental?

I cannot help how I feel. I do not expect everyone to understand, nor really care.

It just is what it is...

Mike Hughes
202 Posted 29/11/2017 at 12:15:52
Yeah - bye, bye Steve Ferns. Enjoy Tranmere Rovers.

I can't think of any proper Evertonian – unlike your good self – who would conceive and admit to relegation as a preferable scenario to Sam Allardyce.

Utterly ridiculous.

Steve Boyle
203 Posted 29/11/2017 at 12:16:17
I don't really get the knee-jerk reaction against Allardyce. He made an error of judgement for sure on the England thing, but that's over and done.

He is straightforward, has a far better coaching ability than people give him credit for, and has not just been in charge of boring football, he has often encouraged flair players and attacking football.

He is not a 'modern' foreign coach, but look where that has got us! We are in dire straits and we could do a lot worse than Sam.

Besides, this is our club and I just want us to get out of trouble and back on track. We really do have some good players and I for one believe that Sam can get some good out of them and if he comes then I for one plan to support him.

If he does a good job then I hope that the many people going crazy on here will eat humble pie and admit they were wrong.

Charlie Lloyd
204 Posted 29/11/2017 at 12:17:16
Steve @ 198

Sorry if I’ve missed it but who was your choice?

Michael Lynch
205 Posted 29/11/2017 at 12:18:32
Could I politely request that those season ticket holders who will not be attending any more matches at Goodison in the Sam-Era, post on here when they're putting their seats on StubHub cos I'm looking forward to better availability now. I missed out on a season-ticket this time around, and it's been a bit tough with all these sell-out games pushing the prices up.

Luckily I've got a ticket for Huddersfield on Saturday, and I'll be supporting Everton as usual, and will be getting right behind Sam. Personally, I don't think he's a Hitler or even a Trump, so I can probably give him a chance.

Kenny Smith
206 Posted 29/11/2017 at 12:18:34
Jackie Barry @ 167,

Looks like a duck, quacks like a duck... it's a duck!

Steve Boyle
207 Posted 29/11/2017 at 12:18:38
Well said, Colin @195.
Peter Anthony
208 Posted 29/11/2017 at 12:19:34
Winston, I am a deluded optimist; I want Sam to prove he can mix it with the big boys over the coming seasons with us. That said, I share your thoughts too.

Everton is bigger than anyone person though. I wanted Rhino to lead the charge but the herd (his playing staff) have failed him.

If it is Big Sam, as Evertonians we should back him and the team fully, because we are in a fight and must stand together.

Matt Butlin
209 Posted 29/11/2017 at 12:19:59
I think this is what needs to happen based on recent weeks.

Back in 2009, I think. I spent the night in Liverpool, before the Blackburn game at Goodison. The Mrs and I sat down to dinner and there on the table next to us was Big Sam and his backroom staff. He is the loudest bloke you'll ever hear and the volume on him was effortless.

I don't imagine there will be anywhere to hide on the pitch if he does get the job.

[* It was the game were El Hadji Diouf accused us of throwing bananas at him... obviously none were found...]

Justin Doone
210 Posted 29/11/2017 at 12:21:20
Sack the board, sack the board, sack the board.

Sam out, Sam out, Sam out.

Is an incredibly disappointing start to the season but we are NOT in a relegation dog fight, yet.

In 13 games time when we only have a handful of points because of this looser, in the final 3rd of the season, transfer window closed and actually in a relegation scrap who will we turn to then?

Bryan Houghton
211 Posted 29/11/2017 at 12:22:22
Alan Smith 117 - whole heartedly agree. Thank you for the voice of reason.
Mike Jones
212 Posted 29/11/2017 at 12:22:48
Good appointment!
Alan McGuffog
213 Posted 29/11/2017 at 12:22:57
Wonder if all the plaster saints who are aghast at the thought of Allardyce and his wrong doings would be up in arms if Usmanov took the club over and poured his billions in. After all an anagram of Mother Teresa is Usmanov
Lawrence Green
214 Posted 29/11/2017 at 12:23:19
Walsh is Moshiri's man and not Kenwright's, on this occasion it is wrong to blame Bill as the blame lies fairly and squarely at the hands of the owner of the club. Time will tell whether this is a stroke of genius and Allardyce helps Everton to climb the table, but I have my doubts and I wouldn't be surprised to see it exacerbate our issues rather than resolve them.

I'm sure the wags on Twitter who said that Goodison Park is to be knocked down prior to getting planning permission for Bramley-Moore Dock are incorrect, aren't they?

Shane Pamplin
215 Posted 29/11/2017 at 12:23:38
I'm done.

I thought Everton was a big club. Small-time manager for a small club.

Dennis Stevens
216 Posted 29/11/2017 at 12:23:53
He's fat, he's round, he's gonna take us down...
Dennis Heaton
217 Posted 29/11/2017 at 12:23:56
I am not a fan of big Sam and was one that wanted David Unsworth to be given 10 games which has not worked out. So I say let's give Sam 10 games then compare the two sets of results, then we can make our minds up as all this is out of our hands.

We all want a team playing good football at the top level; I hope this is possible soon.

Brian Harrison
218 Posted 29/11/2017 at 12:25:15
I have been watching Everton since Ian Buchan was our manager and I cant remember as much animosity to a new manager. I like many was annoyed the way Moores sacked Carey, but there was no backlash against Catterick when he took over.

I don't like Allardyce or the way his teams play their football, I have watched some awful Everton teams but they all tried to ply the game the right way. I also think that the board have acted without thinking through who they wanted to take over from Koeman. But there failure to get the next man on board before sacking Koeman, has led to David Unsworth being asked to do the impossible. The step up from U23 is massive and I hope the crowd tonight let Rhino that we thank him for trying to right this ship. H e has shown great dignity while doing the job, and has a lot more class than the man taking over.

I sincerely hope that Allardyces stay is short and we get a manager who will try to play the game the right way. I love this club and were I sit with my Grandson its so nice to see so many youngsters at the games. As a club we do some things very well but in this case I think they are at odds with the majority of its supporters.

Simon Hermansen
220 Posted 29/11/2017 at 12:29:34
Assume it’s done and dusted, apart from a few bookies going 1-33 most aren’t taking anymore bets

God help us all...

Paul A Smith
221 Posted 29/11/2017 at 12:32:38
Alan Smith (who has took some unwarranted stick) I have yet to see a post from you that didn't make sense or consist of rumours you can't prove. You're up against it though.

There are far too many closed minds. That's a world problem really and while your thinking is stable enough to make a fair point, there are far too many people/sheeple unwilling to reason with anybody they think they are smarter than.

Steve Solomon
222 Posted 29/11/2017 at 12:33:56
Have any of you nay-sayers actually watched games? It is the worst football I have ever seen from a Premier League team. This is relegation stuff, people. Time for a change.

Lets not delude ourselves into believing that the name is bigger than the team, we may be a big club but that doesn't mean we deserve anything. We have to fight the good fight, this time to stay in the money league.

Good luck to Big Sam, I hope you prove the negatives wrong. I'm looking forward to watching your brand of football.
COYB

Frank Bortoli
223 Posted 29/11/2017 at 12:34:18
Brian Porter (#15) you got it all spot on. I totally agree with all you said including the bit about supporting Allardyce now.

Our main priority now is surviving relegation and that by far is our only goal this season. Whatever people think of him if he can do the job we have to back him.

What has come to light is how incompetent our new owner and the board have been in this Mickey Mouse debacle. These guys could not organise a piss up in a brewery. Let's hope they read the comments on TW and hopefully do not get us in this mess again.

James Hughes
224 Posted 29/11/2017 at 12:37:06
I hoped Rhino would be up to the task but he clearly wasn't. I have never seen us play this poorly so we have had to cut our cloth.

Not happy if the news is true but we were looking at being in a battle we would have lost. He best do what he does best and keep us up.

Dean Barton
225 Posted 29/11/2017 at 12:38:57
Jim White just confirmed that Sam is the new manager. Says he has spoken to Moshiri and he confirmed it.

Bringing Sammy Lee and Craig Shakespeare with him and he will be at the game tonight!!! He called TalkSport to tell them.

Ray Jacques
226 Posted 29/11/2017 at 12:40:20
Allardyce hasn't caused this almighty mess, so why not give him a chance??

I was happy when Koeman was appointed (next barca manager etc) and that didn't work out too well so hopefully we are due some unexpected luck, karma, kismet whatever you want to call it.

You need to pump the water out of a sinking ship before it is fit to go forward again.

Bryan Houghton
227 Posted 29/11/2017 at 12:42:26
Alan Smith {#117) – wholeheartedly agree. Thank you for a voice of reason.
Matt Butlin
228 Posted 29/11/2017 at 12:42:37
Seriously, Dean?
Justin Doone
229 Posted 29/11/2017 at 12:44:16
Martinez, Koeman, Unsworth, Fat Sam... All wrong for the team and club. Lack experience at the right end of the table. Never good enough to lead Everton.

We have gone 180 and are now trying to squeeze the wrong man into the wrong squad of players. We do not have Fat Sam type players.

He retired, publicly criticised the Everton board, turned us down and then 2 weeks later we drop our pants and let him do what ever he wants. Some big balls and we are all over it.

I don't blame Fat Sam for taking the job. £6M whatever happens is a nice retirement plan but when the poo hits the fan the board need to get rid of the many weakest links.

How do we improve the team and our club. NOT by keeping the same board, hiring worse managers.

Sack the board give £6M to Fat Sam and tell him to do one thing – it ends in Off.

Brian Williams
230 Posted 29/11/2017 at 12:44:50
Well, I think congratulations to the board is in order.

They've resisted the urge and clamour to opt for flavour of the month mangers like Silva and Dyche.

They've not been swayed by foreign names and managers who have an up and down history like Tuchel, Simeone and Fonseca.

No, the board have held out and fended off the pressure to make a quick decision until they could secure the services of a manager who has a 100% win rate while managing a Fifa top ten ranked international team.

Rob Young
231 Posted 29/11/2017 at 12:45:02
This TalkSport link is making me sick, wtf?? Just release a club statement!!!

We've got a twitter account and what not. Why should he take time out of a busy day to make sure some nitwit journalist not at all affiliated to the club can break the news???

Lawrence Green
232 Posted 29/11/2017 at 12:48:04
Apparently the contract is for 18 months and not the 2½ years as reported elsewhere.

Major shareholder Farhad Moshiri : "I really want to give him the support he needs. He can go as far as he wants." This is all according to Jim White's tweets.

Mark Palmer
233 Posted 29/11/2017 at 12:49:46
Those posting about all the years they've supported Everton and our history all know that we've had glory days and woeful ones too.

We have no divine right to sit at the top table of the Premier League. In fact, our success over the last 20 years compares less favourably with clubs considered more lowly than ours.

I never wanted Everton to be just another club owned by foreign investors with an ambitious foreign manager lured by a huge salary with a team of foreign mercenary players being paid millions.

We've got what we deserved for chasing a dream that we thought could be bought.

We're in the shite and need to get out of it. We have Sam Allardyce and Craig Shakespeare – it could be worse. These guys know exactly how to survive in a relegation battle and in Shakespeare's case, a knowledge of how to win the Premier League and go far in the Champions League. Could be worse.

Just do as you've always done; support Everton.

Gary Willock
234 Posted 29/11/2017 at 12:51:00
I'll support you till the day I die and beyond, Everton... but Sam Allardyce? Really? You're taking the piss.

I'd rather go down and rebuild with the kids, which is what'll happen anyway once him and his entourage fuck off (Blackburn, Sunderland, Bolton, Newcastle, Crystal Palace).

You've embarrassed the club and every fan.

Allardyce Out! Kenwright Out!! Walsh Out!!! Moshiri Out!!!!

John Harrop
235 Posted 29/11/2017 at 12:51:30
Brian (#231), They've gone for Allardyce because approaches for other managers were rebuffed.
Jon Withey
236 Posted 29/11/2017 at 12:51:31
Sammy Lee, wow.
Tony Mace
237 Posted 29/11/2017 at 12:51:51
I'm not a big fan of Allardyce – (I would prefer Dyche) but I cant see a big queue of top international managers behind him waiting for the chance to manage us.

For all those supporters approaching boiling point and beyond – I can't see any of you putting forward a viable alternative, unless I'm missing something oblivion appears to be the alternative.

Give Allardyce a chance otherwise???

Merson was right on the TV after the Southampton match. The Everton players have simply 'lied down'. This isn't the fault of Allardyce and he could just be the only person that can repair it.

If Allardyce keeps Everton up, the situation can be reviewed in the Summer. If that means paying Allardyce off then so be it. Better than the alternative.

Brian Williams
238 Posted 29/11/2017 at 12:53:13
John (#231),

John, please don't tell me you thought I was being serious?

Denis Richardson
239 Posted 29/11/2017 at 12:54:04
Each to their own and for those talking about supporting the club above all else, that's your right.

For me however, there are more important things in life and unlike some on this thread, I do value my principles higher than EFC. And yes, there are more important things in life than football.

Whilst we know the sport has many shady characters, the (imminent) appointment of Allardyce just leaves me numb. The mans persona and character are highly dubious and for EFC to even think about appointing someone like him is unbelievable. Yes the likes of Green were rumoured to be involved and we had shady BVI loans and Kenwright is still there, but fucking Allardyce? Of all the potential managers available I honestly can't think of another I'd have had lower than him on my list, even Moyes!

If he is appointed then I'll be taking a sabbatical from EFC and the game in general, until the World Cup at least. Some will say I'm not a ‘true supporter' and need to follow the team regardless. That's your right to have that opinion just like it's mine to say Allardyce is a bridge too far.

Football just isn't what it used to be and EFC today is not the same club I started supporting 35-odd years ago. From Moyes's last contract, to Martinez, to this – almost 10 years of utter total bollocks from the club.

For those going tonight, please give Rhino a big cheer – he tried at least.

I await the announcement of the final nail in the coffin...

Alan McGuffog
240 Posted 29/11/2017 at 12:54:24
Justin, you are spot on. Dunno if you are a local lad and know the area but I drove up Spellow Lane yesterday and turned left down Goodison Road couldn't get out of first gear for the queue of top rate international class coaches (all imbued with the Nil Satis ethos) all banging on the door of the main entrance for the chance of being interviewed.
Kevin Hudson
241 Posted 29/11/2017 at 12:54:24
As mortified by the appointment as I am, is it just credible a notion that:

First & foremost, Allardyce sorts-out the snafu, keeps us safe and brings better organisation all round?

Then, having done that, he's then able to use Mosh's cash more sensibly than Koeman and bring some of the Okocha-era swagger back to the club?

At West. Ham, Sunderland and Palace, he never had a pot to piss in, so his recruitment had to be spot-on there...

(Clinging to hope here...)

Scott Hall
242 Posted 29/11/2017 at 12:54:29
Right, it's done and dusted. He's our manager so forget all the other bollocks. I didn't want him either but we have him so the worst thing we can do now is be bitter and make the atmosphere at Goodison toxic. As we always say, no one man is bigger than the club, and that certainly counts for all of us.

Good luck to Big Sam and the boys. We desperately need 3 points tonight.

Mike Price
243 Posted 29/11/2017 at 12:55:03
I think he's a good manager and unfortunately due to the horrific negligence in the summer transfer market, is our only option. Fonseca would be a ridiculous gamble that could completely destroy the club, Sam is still a risk but less of one.

I'm fully behind him and his team, they have to stabilise the situation which may take a while but after that we may be pleasantly surprised.

John Charles
244 Posted 29/11/2017 at 12:55:07
Not really interested in the corruption allegations against Fat Sam. It is his turgid defence first second and last style of football. His record is worse than Moyes or Pulis or Pardew but he is being lorded as some sort of footballing messiah. This move highlights the absolute lack of ambition, belief or planning at the club.

Will we stay up? Probably. I personally believe we would have stayed up with another manager.

David Moyes has been vilified on this site – often correctly – yet his teams play like Brazil compared to Fat Sam's, and he has a better managerial record.

Vince Furnier
245 Posted 29/11/2017 at 12:55:12
As much as though this news sickens me as much as anyone else, I now fully support Sam Allardyce as he is now the Everton manager and he, like all of us, must do and want the best for the club.

And that sentiment also goes (splutter) to Sammy Lee and anybody else that is brought in. I can't change it, I can't influence it any longer, so I will fully embrace it.

I can no more change my love for this club than I can change the colour of my skin, no matter what happens.

Hugh Jenkins
246 Posted 29/11/2017 at 12:55:52
Brent (71) – not specifically, but in my experience, they can run anything up to 40, A4 pages, or more and cover all sorts of contingencies.

One of the usual favourites is that if a new shareholder decides to sell their shares, they must first offer them to the other shareholders at current market value.

However, Moshiri is an accountant and will be familiar with all this – so I would be amazed if he had accepted those terms.

It doesn't take a genius to work out the possibility of that scenario developing in the current predicament of Everton FC.

As I said in an earlier post, if Usmanov is really the power behind the throne here, he needs to pull his finger out and try to acquire an overall majority shareholding PDQ.

Mike Hughes
247 Posted 29/11/2017 at 12:56:25
Gary Willock #235
You’ve just embarrassed yourself.
Advocating relegation?
What a pillock!
Ray Jacques
248 Posted 29/11/2017 at 12:57:16
Lad I work with follows Bolton home and away. He has no allegiance to Everton or axe to grind against us. He thinks Allardyce will be good for us.

Andrew Presly
249 Posted 29/11/2017 at 13:00:10
The Sambattical nears, which for me is no money so no more live games or legit tv subscriptions, for all the difference it’ll do. I’ve got to do something in response to this depressing shit so it’ll be that.

Can’t pretend I’ll cut the chord completely because I can’t and I bet I’m not alone but this is a dark dark day for the Club.

Operation: Keep Us Up & Fuck Off! begins.

Frank Key
250 Posted 29/11/2017 at 13:00:39
https://youtu.be/W31aA4o1API

The twat dance will no doubt be repeated today after the contract is signed.

Lamb chop head has indeed found love in a hopeless place.

Jon Withey
251 Posted 29/11/2017 at 13:00:48
It's going to be interesting!

To be honest I'm not too fussed and kind of glad to have a more robust character in place. I admire him for his Okocha-era team and the job he did at West Ham whilst getting it in the neck from all quarters.

More palatable than Rafa – I really don't get that.

On the other hand, Sammy Lee is brave or stupid.

Sam Hoare
252 Posted 29/11/2017 at 13:03:38
Have a feeling that Allardyce might be the most divisive manager we've had since Moyes's latter days.

Cannot understand why the board feel the need to pay him more than Pochettino and Simeone.

Ludicrous really the whole thing. It's not even December, FFS.

Greg Hasbrouck
253 Posted 29/11/2017 at 13:04:30
The issue I take with much of the criticism of this appointment is, what options did we actually have? Dyche? Silva? Fonseca? What makes anyone think those clubs we're just going to hand over their coach to us because we asked?

And what makes anyone think that if those teams agreed to allow us to talk to their coaches that those promising coaches wanted to risk being associated with a club our size going down?

Further, Silva was relegated as recently as last year. Does anyone honestly believe our odds of being relegated are worse with Sam than they would have been with Silva?

Let's see what the board does in the summer. I suspect the reason we didn't get Sam earlier is because we didn't want to give him a long-term deal. I further suspect Moshiri has simply consigned himself to eating the contract in the summer and getting a more ambitious coach.

Chris Stone
254 Posted 29/11/2017 at 13:06:12
Dyche probably would've been good though...
Steve Solomon
255 Posted 29/11/2017 at 13:09:43
Dean Barton
256 Posted 29/11/2017 at 13:10:44
Absolutely happening. Have a feeling he will be "announced" at the game.

I'm happy as I remember the good football he played with Bolton. People talking about his win % need to consider he usually goes into teams that lose alot of games and are near the bottom. He has never had money before so I'm curious to see how he puts a team together with the resources he will have here.

Those questioning his integrity must have led whiter than white lives and can honestly say they have nothing in their lives considered dodgy by others.

James Marshall
257 Posted 29/11/2017 at 13:11:04
This is easily the biggest club management role he's ever had Sam Allardyce to Everton: How could his methods help them? Perhaps he'll be a winner with a bit of cash to spend?

Fuck it, he's out manager now so time to get behind him and the team.

We may not like him at the moment, but given time, who knows...

Mark Burton
258 Posted 29/11/2017 at 13:14:15
It's official. Save us Sam is in!
Gary Willock
259 Posted 29/11/2017 at 13:14:16
Mike @248 – how about you read the post properly?

I said I would ‘rather' take the risk of it happening now, because I believe the decision will lead to it anyway. Not that I hope for it – you thick tit.

Dick Fearon
260 Posted 29/11/2017 at 13:15:52
As I will be doing from the other side of the world, I beg those at Goodison give those who wear the shirt all your support.

I admit to shedding a few tears that we have stooped so low but needs must take priority. With or without the two Sams,we will come through these dark times.

When do get clear of these troubling times I sincerely hope that Kenwright and Co would have disappeared.

Andrew Ellams
261 Posted 29/11/2017 at 13:16:19
No thanks. This man will tarnish the name of this club and I don't want to be part of that. Relegation whilst a disaster is part and parcel of football and we'd just have to suck it up. The vile, greedy side and downright crooked side that is destroying the soul of this game is oozing out of his every pore.

He's not fit to be associated with Everton FC and Kenwright has finally succeeded in dragging us into the gutter. There will be empty seats.

Mike Crawford
262 Posted 29/11/2017 at 13:16:31
Thanks for the link, Steve @256.

Just read Sam's blueprint for survival. Wow. Rocket Science.

Geoff Lambert
263 Posted 29/11/2017 at 13:18:46
Big Sam is in.
Joseph Edwards
264 Posted 29/11/2017 at 13:19:09
So, for all the pro Allardyce supporters, I hope you enjoy the sight of the horrible red neck twat blonde fuckin gimp sitting on the bench of our glorious club.

If this is confirmed, I am cancelling my Everton Membership and sending back my season ticket because they don't deserve my loyalty or my cash.

Mike Hughes
265 Posted 29/11/2017 at 13:19:40
Sam Hoare (#253), You do post some utter crap.

Have a feeling that Allardyce might be the most divisive manager we've had since Moyes's latter days.

Only if people choose to make it divisive. Nothing proven against him on the corruption front and the football style has been necessary given the situations at previous clubs. If he's in now, why not get behind him?

Cannot understand why the board feel the need to pay him more than Pochettino and Simeone.

Err..... keep up, Sam. It's because having blown £200m, we're desperate because that investment has taken us backwards. Desperate! And so is the football, team morale etc.

That is why we have turned to someone who has a track record of retrieving desperate cases from the brink. You may well ask why we paid Koeman so much given the wreckage left behind.

Ludicrous really the whole thing. It's not even December FFS.

So you'd prefer for the situation to continue until we're really adrift half-way into the season? Where is the sign of any recovery? Oh yeah, in the last game we only conceded 4 whereas the time before it was 5. That means in your world we're improving?

Err.... keep up, Sam.

James Marshall
266 Posted 29/11/2017 at 13:20:29
Yeah because Everton are and always have been whiter than white. What a load of tosh.

Evertonians can be so high and mighty at times its unreal.

Allardyce was never convicted of anything as far as I'm aware. We have an owner who's a friend of Alisher Usmanov, who's company also adorns our training ground and you're worried about Sam Allardyce!? Hahaha!

Kevin Tully
268 Posted 29/11/2017 at 13:21:29
Note to Sam: Just say, "Greatest, fans, best club ever, massive club, love Goodison Park, Dixie Dean, legends, jumpers for goalposts" at every opportunity and 80% will be swooning like teenage girls at a One Direction concert.
Phil Lewis
269 Posted 29/11/2017 at 13:22:12
As I have said previously on this site, a dog of a player, a dog of a manager, a dog of a man.

One of my saddest days in over 55 years of watching my beloved Everton Football Club. With the obvious threat of relegation looming, it is nothing more than a financially motivated panic stricken cynical exercise in survival at all costs.

As a lifelong blue, of course I hope that relegation is avoided, but the impending appointment of Allardyce, to my mind shows not only a complete lack of ambition, but a total disregard for the moral and footballing ethics, that are the foundations of our once great club. It serves to confirm the obvious, money rules.

Time for me to return to watching amateur football.

Geoff Lambert
270 Posted 29/11/2017 at 13:22:24
All betting suspended!!! We have a new manager need to all get behind him and the team now starting tonight.

COYB...

James Marshall
271 Posted 29/11/2017 at 13:23:02
Exactly Kevin. All this sentimental shit is ridiculous. Everton are no different to any other club.
Mike Powell
272 Posted 29/11/2017 at 13:23:14
I am not really bothered about Big Sam taking over, although not my personal choice.

If it's true that the red munchkin is coming with him, then I won't set foot in Goodison until they have gone. I will still support them but from afar.

I am disgusted by the way our club is run. I have had about 30 texts off fellow blues saying the same thing. We are a laughing stock. Just even thinking about that little red shithouse sitting on the bench makes me sick to my stomach.

Johnny Rainford
273 Posted 29/11/2017 at 13:25:06
So this is how year 17 of the Kenwright era ends?

Nothing more to say really.

Andrew Ellams
274 Posted 29/11/2017 at 13:25:36
James Marshall, I think you have missed the point of Kevin's post.
James Marshall
275 Posted 29/11/2017 at 13:25:55
So your morality wasn't tested by having Moshiri involved at the club? But now it is because Sam Allardyce is in charge... That makes no sense.

Morality and Everton is a myth.

Alan McGuffog
276 Posted 29/11/2017 at 13:26:23
Joseph... you don't like Lee? Is that because he played for the Red Shite?

Well I'll raise you Morrisey, Sheedy, and Beardsley.

Michael Lynch
277 Posted 29/11/2017 at 13:26:24
Can I just repeat:

All ToffeeWebbers coming on here telling us how broken-hearted they are and how they're going to rip up their season tickets, please think again.

It would be much better to put your season ticket on StubHub every week. That way a real fan can get a chance to watch a game at a sold-out Goodison Park, which will be a last chance for some people since we're moving out in a few years. Thanks and COYB

James Marshall
278 Posted 29/11/2017 at 13:27:47
Andrew, nope. I get the point of Kevin's post entirely.
Gary Drain
279 Posted 29/11/2017 at 13:28:18
Sam's first press conference: "I will make sure we get clean sheets, tighten up, exploit the oppositions weaknesses.

"Ashley Williams? Errrrrrm... next question."

Paul Mackie
280 Posted 29/11/2017 at 13:28:18
James (#276) – The morality of having Moshiri on board doesn't really affect the club negatively. Allardyce getting kick-backs from his player dealings could have long-lasting implications for the club, especially if it's influencing his decisions on which players we sign.
John Harrop
281 Posted 29/11/2017 at 13:29:53
Although many on here are having a go at Bill Kenwright, this debacle has Koeman, Moshiri and the Trojan horse Walsh written all over it.
James Marshall
282 Posted 29/11/2017 at 13:30:27
If you think Allardyce is the only manager to ever get a kick-back, then I would suggest you're being very short-sighted.

Everton are not immune to this stuff, and I'll bet my house that there's been plenty of it behind the scenes over the years.

I couldn't give a damn what Allardyce has allegedly done in the past. I only care about what happens on the field.

Rob Young
283 Posted 29/11/2017 at 13:30:32
Is the club actually going to announce this at all?

Or will he just be there in the dug-out Saturday afternoon?

Andrew Ellams
284 Posted 29/11/2017 at 13:30:44
Paul Mackie, bang on – and you can bet the red top media will already be planning ways to create their own headlines.
Geoff Lambert
285 Posted 29/11/2017 at 13:31:32
Michael Lynch (#278),

Priceless mate, ha ha.

David Booth
286 Posted 29/11/2017 at 13:31:38
This is the lowest, most embarrassing point in all my time as an Evertonian.

What a mess Kenwwright, Moshiri, Elstone, Walsh (and of course, that useless Dutchman) have landed us in.

I am beginning to think that relegation might be the best thing that could happen to us now, as it might signal the end of Kenwright's dynasty of mediocrity, self-generated inferiority and surrender – and a whole new start for our once great club.

How on earth have we come to this?

Tony Dove
287 Posted 29/11/2017 at 13:32:14
Allardcye, Shakespear and Lee – the new unholy trinity.

This has to be the ultimate betrayal. I will be having an anger management session before the game in case I get within earshot of those responsible and those appointed.

Ray Motta
288 Posted 29/11/2017 at 13:34:54
I have not posted on this forum for nearly a decade.

It's really, really, really (really) simple folks... It's Big Sam, and his backroom staff – including Little Sam... or relegation.

There really aren't 3 teams worse than us at the moment. Breathe... remember the last 2 games. Honestly, have we seen worse?

I mean, last time I saw this was in Kendall Mk 3 days... staying up on the last day twice!

No, no... not with new investment, not with the new stadium on the horizon. It has to be the Sams; otherwise we go down.

And let's also be really honest: we don't do tik-tak football... we do blood, guts, speed, pressing, wingers/wing backs, target guys, set pieces and 100% energy... and right now I can't actually think of a better manager.

I'm going to swallow the puke in my throat – we are going to stay up, we are going to kick our squad up the arse, we are going to steady the ship – and we are going to rebuild Fortress Goodison.

Or we don't, and we go down... simple.

And all the history counts for nothing when you get battered 5-1 at home, and battered 4-1 away. Think about how many the RS will score against us... just think about it. Do you want Sam, or do you want to lose 7, 8 or 9-0 against the RS and get relegated?

Danny Baily
289 Posted 29/11/2017 at 13:35:35
Got to laugh! Let's hope they steady the ship at the very least. Massive game tonight, COYB!

ps: I'm not sure why Kenwright is receiving abuse – it was Koeman and Walsh who recruited poorly.

Alex Short
290 Posted 29/11/2017 at 13:35:55
The decision has been made, there's nothing we can do about it. Let's get behind the team and the new manager starting tonight. COYB.
Brian Williams
291 Posted 29/11/2017 at 13:36:53
Listen, lads, try and look at it like this and it'll hurt less. And this is what I really believe:

I believe Allardyce will get us organized and keep us up.

I firmly believe Moshiri will then bite the bullet and sack him at the end of the season after having sounded out the manager he wants to get in on a long-term basis.

I believe what's been done has been done because SOMETHING had to be done before it was too late.


Roger Helm
292 Posted 29/11/2017 at 13:38:16
Come on, everyone, get a grip, with your tearing up of season tickets. You think all the other managers are saints? It's not like we have new Chinese owners having the team play in red. That didn't stop Cardiff fans continuing to support their club.

He may not be our first choice, but with the club and squad in such a desperate shape, he may be just what we need, so let's get behind him.

Liam Reilly
293 Posted 29/11/2017 at 13:38:25
So he's in – 18 month contract – I'd say that's about far. Cancelling that in the summer would be akin to signing a lower league player.

Now just get behind him and see what he can do. That link from Sam (#256):

http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11671/11116569/sam-allardyce-to-everton-how-could-his-methods-help-them is worth a read.


Derek Powell
294 Posted 29/11/2017 at 13:38:41
That's it. After 56 years supporting Everton, this is one step too far...

Fat Sam is bad enough but that fat little Lee is too far for me. I am gone.

Dennis Ng
295 Posted 29/11/2017 at 13:40:16
I just hope there is an exit strategy when a better candidate comes along. It is a travesty to not be able to scratch the likes of Tuchel given a month of searching.

I will get behind whoever is manager but after spending big on Koeman, Moshiri had better be prepared to be ruthless and move us forward should a better option be available.

Dermot O'Brien
296 Posted 29/11/2017 at 13:40:25
Where is it official? Don't see anything on OS or Twitter. I wonder how they'll announce it? A fancy video on twitter like the amazing summer signings or will he be shuffled in a back door with Kenwright's look of shame like someone caught with his trousers down on the neighbours trampoline.

Whoever the next manager is, I support Everton. I don't support managers or players or chairmen or majority shareholder with no clue. I support Everton. We all do.

Chris Corn
297 Posted 29/11/2017 at 13:40:53
Regardless of the rights or wrongs of this appointment, anyone who thinks relegation is an acceptable alternative needs to have a good long look at themselves.

65 or so unbroken years in the top flight and people say they would throw it away instead of appointing a manager they don't want is a joke.

Jackie Barry
298 Posted 29/11/2017 at 13:42:47
I wish some had put as much effort into telling Bill to get out. Many have tried but too many have backed away when push came to shove – even stating that Good Old Bill was an Everton romantic and good for us.
John Keating
299 Posted 29/11/2017 at 13:42:48
You might hate and detest Allardyce, Koeman, Moyes, Kenwright etc. Good on you, your choice. But don't come on here to tell us you will not support Everton because of them.

Don't use this shit School of Science, People's Club and all thee other buzz words we use. Most weren't born when, for the very short time, we talked of School of Science.

If you don't want to support the Club fair enough... but don't use this high-horsed principles shit.

Joe Bibb
300 Posted 29/11/2017 at 13:43:10
I always used to laugh at the bloke who paraded up and down Goodison Road before home games with a banner saying 'The End Is Nigh'...

I am not laughing now.

Mike Hughes
301 Posted 29/11/2017 at 13:45:26
Apparently the delay in announcing the deal is because EFC have taken Sam Allardyce and Sammy Lee straight to the studio to make their official Christmas video.

Welcome Sam! I hope your festive greetings will win over some of the Grinch-types on here.


James Hopper
302 Posted 29/11/2017 at 13:46:02
I assume Unsworth will still be officially in charge tonight and so I guess this will be the last match I watch for a while.

I certainly won't be watching while that fat, moronic, corrupt dickhead is in charge.

Oliver Brunel
303 Posted 29/11/2017 at 13:46:33
Highly divisive and shocking appointment. I predict more division and chaos, fan anger, possible direct action a la Nyarko etc around Goodison. Luckily there are no cushions to throw from the Main Stand.

Moshiri hasn't a clue about Football and Everton. And this was apparently Walsh's idea – the man who laughs while Rome burns. And an owner shuffling off to Mephistopheles for succour. Remember Faustus.

Steve Brown
304 Posted 29/11/2017 at 13:46:48
One of the lowest days in Everton's history. It's like hiring Delboy Trotter as market inspector in Peckham and asking him to collect the subs. Allardyce is a cynical, mediocre discredited crook.

We really have hit rock bottom and become a complete embarrassment. And we are 5 points off top ten.

Ian McPherson
305 Posted 29/11/2017 at 13:46:54
At least we can now blame Sammy Lee for everything and not Tony Hibbert.

I still blame Hibbert for all that has gone on lately though.

Brian Cleveland
306 Posted 29/11/2017 at 13:47:21
Oh shit, I initially thought it was Fat Sam from Lord of the Rings we were getting; now I know the truth, I'm seriously depressed...
Jon Hirshman
307 Posted 29/11/2017 at 13:47:43
Deal agreed according to Sky. Unsure how I feel about this.

On the one hand, he's actually quite a good progressive manager and I don't think he is all long-ball football. Like a lot of great managers over the years, he mixes up his teams' games.

I share other people's concern over alleged corruption charges against him in whether we want someone like that at the club.

He will be trapped until the new year with this squad and I'm not sure what he can do about that. We can't rely on the injured players coming back to hit the ground running for obvious reasons.

Interesting to see what sort of reception he gets at tonight's game. I'll be there as usual. COYB!!!

Joseph Edwards
308 Posted 29/11/2017 at 13:49:23
John (#300),

When a club is as chronically run as EFC and when you have paid year-in & year-out for season tickets (as I have) and been served up non-stop dross, when you have players who don't give two fucks on the field, when you have owners with as much competence as Laurel and Hardy with a sledgehammer in a glass shop, then I and others have every fucking right in the world to come on here and say we're no longer supporting them.

John G Davies
309 Posted 29/11/2017 at 13:50:06
Far from my choice. But here's here now and we have to get on with it.

Watch the shitbags who haven't put a shift in for Unsy run the plums off themselves tonight.

Roger Helm
310 Posted 29/11/2017 at 13:50:27
Bye Derek, thanks for the memories – hope you find another club to follow.
Oliver Brunel
311 Posted 29/11/2017 at 13:51:31
I'm taking odds on when the first 'Allardyce Out' appears on the walls of Goodison Park. I'm giving 2-1 on tonight!!!!
Derek Knox
312 Posted 29/11/2017 at 13:51:35
I think we should all get behind the new manager and his side kicks, and with a concerted effort we should be able to push them off the Pier Head!

Seriously though, I am dumbfounded that it has actually happened, I thought it may have been a smoke screen, for the surprise appointment we have all craved.

Alas, it was not to be, and for 18 months by all accounts.

He has been quoted as saying, forget Champions League Football! Probably implying Championship Football is a more realistic destination.

I sincerely hope he proves us all wrong, but somehow fail to see it.

Karl Parsons
313 Posted 29/11/2017 at 13:53:00
Fuck off Moshiri. You're a fucking clueless clown.

You got a shed load of cash by sitting in the pocket of a Russian billionaire.

With Kenwright, the pair of you have fucked the best set of supporters in the world. Like many, I've given my life, and virtually all my money to EFC and you serve me this shit.

You gang of fucking wankers.

Paul McParlan
314 Posted 29/11/2017 at 13:53:19
Okay, Big Sam was never my preferred option but, after the demoralising defeats to Atalanta and Southampton we needed someone with a record of keeping clubs safe from relegation, getting the team organised and grinding out victories (just like Joe Royle in 94-95).

The last away manager to win a Premier League game at Anfield was Big Sam last season. If he can get us 3 points there on 10 December, then all is forgiven.

The deed is now done. Get behind the team, give the new manager a chance.

Mike Price
315 Posted 29/11/2017 at 13:53:27
Wow, I wouldn't like to be in the trenches with some of you lot!!

Dummies out of prams and abandoning something you love and believe in, just because you don't get your way.

Jackie Barry
316 Posted 29/11/2017 at 13:56:00
John, you make an excellent point. I don't want Sam here but, after giving it some time and watching some of the worst football in our history, I am more sickened by these players who have the cheek to put on that jersey and make no effort whatsoever – that's what disgusts me more than anything.

Well this is what it comes down to: they have brought this on themselves. I hope some of them are in for the shock of their lives.

Geoff Lambert
317 Posted 29/11/2017 at 14:00:25
Bye to all you plastic blues... We will probably hear a lot less shite being shouted at the players during the match now.

Born a blue, always a blue.

Rick Tarleton
318 Posted 29/11/2017 at 14:02:25
Let's get this straight: like 99.9% of Evertonians, I will remain an Evertonian till I die. I will support the team and weep and bleed as they lose, cheer and be elated when they win. I've done that for 64 years.

However, like all football fans I like to feel that my team is morally superior... I know they're not, but I like to kid myself they are. Our forwards don't dive (Niasse was unfortunate), our defenders don't grab, our keeper doesn't step out of the area when he kicks out of his hands etc.

But, with Allardyce, I can't kid myself. There's no moral ambiguity. He's a loud-mouthed, money-grabbing, piece of work. He's about as unethical as you can get .

And as I said earlier, despite his unrivalled record in international football, I don't want him near my club.

There were alternatives, but our Board chose not to pursue them.

Steve Bingham
319 Posted 29/11/2017 at 14:02:39
Brian @292,

I pray you are right!

Dave Newall
320 Posted 29/11/2017 at 14:03:47
Sammy Lee wearing an Everton badge on his XXL tracksuit top will turn my stomach every time I see it, but I'll be a blue till I die – nothing will change that.
Kim Vivian
321 Posted 29/11/2017 at 14:03:56
The most salient point about this appointment is that it is one without ambition, which is why it hangs like a black cloud over most of us.

Usually when a new manager is brought in, be it Martinez, Koeman for us, Megson for West Brom, Moyes for West Ham, Hodgson, Pardew – whoever it is and whichever club, there is usually a feeling of ambition and optimism surrounding the announcement. This just feels like desperation.

Any flag waving, cheery "now watch us take off" type hype cannot happen because this just smacks of charging around the Supermarket late on Christmas Eve to snap up the last turkey at an overinflated price because you couldn't be arsed to get it sorted sooner.

However – as I, and others, have said – this is arguably the best position he has had in his managerial career (with no disrespect to any other teams or the FA), and of course he will want to make a good fist of it. He's a strong personality so shouldn't be pushed around by Kenwright or Moshiri and if he works efficiently with Walsh and his support team, we may just be pleasantly surprised.

I remain disappointed with the outcome of this shenanigans over the last 5/6 weeks, but they are one of us now so I will continue to be behind the team and the manager as always.

I simply couldn't do anything else. (As far as the board goes – I will abstain.)

Steve Boyle
322 Posted 29/11/2017 at 14:04:36
Delighted to see that many season tickets will now be available – please don't rip them up, put them on StubHub or offer them face value to good Evertonians.

Good luck, Big Sam, and let's get behind the team because what we surely all want is a winning Everton on the pitch.

Richard Cusworth
323 Posted 29/11/2017 at 14:05:17
We have to accept, move on and support now anything else would be divisive and just harming ourselves. Wins is what we need... excitement, commitment & passion.

I am from the 80s era – Sharp & Gray up front... that team weren't afraid to mix it up one of our most revered goals ever. Reid, back to Stevens... over the top to Sharp the rest is history.

Make Goodison a bear pit again... let's be the 12th Man for us and not the opposition. Come on, people... no man is bigger than the club... let's prove it!!!

Ian Tunstead
324 Posted 29/11/2017 at 14:05:46
Congratulations to Tony Marsh for leading the charge to get rid of Moyes which set us on this downward spiral and for leading the calls for Fat Sam to put the final nail in the Everton coffin. You have finally got your wish.

But apparently it's me who should be accused of Treason. Liverpool fans now have the Christmas that dreams are made of.

Andy Dempsey
325 Posted 29/11/2017 at 14:06:30
Allardyce Out!

Sack him just before the derby, put Rhino back in charge.

Nitesh Kanchan
326 Posted 29/11/2017 at 14:07:41
People over here are over sentimental and over-reacting.

If Chelsea fans reacted the same way as to not supporting the club when Benitez was appointed, who denied them 2 Champions League titles and had bad vibes with Chelsea fans and openly said it he would never manage Chelsea during his Liverpool days, there would be no Chelsea fans today. But he came in and delivered the Europa League title and also Champions League spot by finishing 3rd after the team was struggling under Di Matteo.

Chelsea fans who hated him initially remember him fondly now and hate their most successful manger Mourinho.

Right now, safety is important and Sam Allardyce has a good track record of delivering that. All this sentiments need to be put aside and get behind the team and whoever.

Barry Pearce
327 Posted 29/11/2017 at 14:07:50
The majority of Evertonians are going to be gutted with this appointment.

I really wanted Koeman when his name was in the frame. I really thought he was the man to take us forward. How wrong can you be? I hope the reverse happens with Allardyce, and he surprises us all. I won't be holding my breath though.

It's the youngsters I'm concerned about, as Allardyce always prefers experienced older players. I hope he gives them a chance on merit not on age.

Also, please don't sign Carroll in January either.

Jamie Crowley
328 Posted 29/11/2017 at 14:07:53
I awake to this.

Seriously... just fuck off.

YOU HAVE GOT TO BE FUCKING KIDDING ME, RIGHT??!!

Fuming. Sold our soul.

Russ Quinlan
329 Posted 29/11/2017 at 14:08:00
Time to join the debate!

I have been a Bluenose since 1963 and even though I don't manage to get to many games now (brought up in Wallasey but now living n the North of Scotland stops that!) and I hurt like hell at EVERY defeat but I too never thought I'd see the day when Big Fat Uncle Sam would be our manager, however can anyone realistically think we could have attracted any 'top class' manager considering the position we are in?

Going for unproven Foreign Managers would have been stupid and a receipt for Championship Football next season.

I think Moshiri has totally fucked up but we now have a manager who has saved worse clubs than us and at least he has half a season to sort it out. We know it took him a few weeks before Palace came good, but they did so the first few weeks will probably hurt, but long term he has the credentials to at least get top half position this season because we are not that far off it now pointwise.

There are a lot of comments about about giving up, not going to Goodison Park or following the team, that is crap it really is. You are showing the same attitude as some of the players who down tools as soon as they don't like whats going on! Whoever is the Manager of EFC needs our support because we support the Club, not the Manager.

Once thing Sam will do is sort those wage thieves out; he may well initially give them a chance but believe me, can you see him let the likes of Schneiderlin, Williams and Mirallas getting away with when they have so far? He'll more than likely rip them a new arsehole or simply get rid, I can't see him putting up with some of the shite we've seen this season from some of the players, that's for sure.

So, once all the hype has died down, we need to get behind the team to make sure we stay in the Premier League and then build on that.

As someone has already said, this is the biggest club he has been to and hopefully in January he will be able to bring in players who will stabilise the team and who knows, with more money behind him, he may well turn out better than we all think at the moment.

Today, it's about survival; tomorrow, we can rebuild the School of Science.

We live in hope. COYB!! (Whoever the manager is!!)

George McKane
330 Posted 29/11/2017 at 14:11:09
I have been invited to do Granada Reports this evening before the match to discuss Allardyce. It will believe and I will say what I think. I do not tell anyone what to do but we have to be realistic – "badges" on shirts.

I was lucky to be at a Dinner in Honour of Kevin Sheedy last Friday evening – not just invited but actually helping with the evening and pleased to – Kevin Sheedy hey... mmmmmm.

Dave Ganley
331 Posted 29/11/2017 at 14:14:57
Jackie (#299) – bang on. Kenwright has been a thorn and a leech at our club for way too long. Kenwright out.
Simon Hermansen
332 Posted 29/11/2017 at 14:20:30
Ray Motta, you should post more often mate, spot on
Colin Smith
333 Posted 29/11/2017 at 14:20:45
Definitely an ABBA fan (Anyone But Bloody Allardyce) and now SAD (Sam Allardyce Dammit)!

But as someone who has followed the Blues since Catterick was a player (Wartime Northern League), including relegation and back, I can't believe that nowadays supporters may give up because of a poor choice of manager.

Any club and its supporters that can survive and recover from the lugubrious Lee and the woeful Walker can similarly cope with an arrogant Allardyce?

William Cartwright
334 Posted 29/11/2017 at 14:22:00
Many holier than thou attitudes being expressed on here and that is understandable, I was part of that crew up to a few days ago but sometimes events are so way out of our control and the direction of the Club will go its own way.

I am in no position to judge Allardyce, and I do not warm to the charisma (or lack of) of the man but what if he achieves the following:-

Gets Schneiderlin to play or leave; takes no interfering phone calls from Kenwright, convinces Keane to play as a solid defender, brings in some tough bastards, and generally gets Everton to develop a solid run of results? Would he keep quiet if Niasse is banned for falling over whereas Lukaku gets nothing for kicking out at an opponent? Will Mirallas grow a pair, and will Gana rediscover his ability to get the ball off the opposition? Will Ross come back into the fold (good question)...

I have an open mind on all the above. We might be in for a surprise. Expectations? Mid table possibly top 10. Tough times ahead undoubtedly, but why start thinking of jumping off a cliff before a ball has been kicked under his charge?

Unsy has been fantastic for the Under-23s, and still could be so. I hope he stays and recaptures the magic around that role quickly. However I have been shocked, no horrified, over his team selections and it is fair to say he lost the plot.

Moshiri? Why on earth are we picking on him. He has invested heavily and got his wallet burned, but not many could have predicted the snake oil salesman that Koeman turned out to be, and at least we know Mosh is here for the log run.

We should cut Allardyce some slack. Give the man and his team a chance, see how it goes and be mindful it could not have got much worse. In fact I think the decision, however belated and delayed, is a sign that the management have finally woken up to the seriousness of the situation. Unsy (respect etc) was still blissfully sure Premier League survival was not a real concern. Yes, it fucking well is. Allardyce knows that, and I believe we will survive, if not better....

Peter Cummings
335 Posted 29/11/2017 at 14:22:55
Crook, Fraud, Liar, Cheat, fired by England in disgrace etc,etc, can we possibly go any lower? He must think he's won the lottery.

As a now 80-year-old lifetime Blue, I have never felt so deflated and depressed, not only by years of no success and criminal mismanagement from 'above' but by this unbelievable insult to the fans who have suffered but stayed loyal.

Dixie and Howie will be turning in their graves.


Steve Brown
336 Posted 29/11/2017 at 14:23:35
Geoff (#318),

Your version of being a true blue seems odd. You have an owner who announces managerial appointments in Twitter posts to his Sky chum, a chairman who has become the epitome of weepy eyed, cynical incompetence, a CEO with the commercial savvy of Kodak executive, a simpering DoF who blew £155 million but keeps his job, and now the King of the Bungs as manager.

But unless you are still willing to trudge along to Goodison with your rattle and scarf to eat a pie, sing along to 'Here We Go' and condone this disgrace with your cash, then you are a plastic blue??? Servile and simple-minded.

Roger Sunde
337 Posted 29/11/2017 at 14:24:25
God help us all.

I honestly think getting Moyes back would be a better option.

That's how bad this is.

Jamie Crowley
338 Posted 29/11/2017 at 14:27:00
School of Science just took a two-year raincheck. Fucking forced to watch boring, drab, shit football for how fucking long??

I'd prefer to finish 12th under Martínez blowing two-goal leads 8 times a year but at least watching a team try to play the game in an entertaining way.

My Saturday and Sunday just got Fat Sam ass-fucked. It's like the fucking Twighlight Zone.

Geoff Lambert
339 Posted 29/11/2017 at 14:28:03
Steve Brown.

My Son and I have got our rattles and scarves ready for tonight's game... we will get our pies then try our best to motivate the players on the pitch.

What else would you expect from true lifelong blues? If you don't like it, find another club. It wont be the first time. But not for us thanks.

Alex Higgins
340 Posted 29/11/2017 at 14:29:00
Everybody assumes that appointing Sam Allardyce as manager is guaranteed to stop Everton being relegated.

We have a habit of bucking the trend, that's Everton that is. Allardyce's Crystal Palace results at end of last season were not too impressive. He resigned from Crystal Palace at the beginning of this season, stating on TalkSport he didn't want the pressures of Premier League management, suffered from sleepless nights, worried about his health.

I hope I am wrong but I have a horrible feeling that we could become his first failure in relegation rescue. I look at him and see an old guy in a young guys profession. I HOPE I AM WRONG.

Sid Logan
341 Posted 29/11/2017 at 14:29:23
To all those who:
  • would rather see us relegated than hire big Sam;
  • will be hurling themselves in to the inviting freezing blue waters of the Mersey during the next few days;
  • believe people with season tickets are members of the aristocracy;
  • fail to understand that Moshiri and the board believed (as many of us did) and, as Lyndon pointed out in a recent article, that David Unsworth would manage sufficient wins to buy us time to decide on the best long term managerial option;
  • enjoy being keyboard warriors but can never quite get to games;
I say, on behalf of the 38,000 or so who are generally at most home matches and those several thousand true stalwarts who travel to most away games, you can stick those principles which are often brought in to play when the argument suits it but generally lie dormant for the rest of the time.

To most Evertonians, the single most important issue is that this club (apparently at this moment in time a beacon of honour, light and the only true way in an otherwise horrible world) remains in the Premier League. Right now, everything is secondary to that aim. If Sam Allardyce and his team can ensure that and maybe even a bit more, we will all (or nearly all) be eternally grateful. Maybe not quite grateful enough to want him to outstay his welcome but that debate is for another day.

I'm grateful to David Unsworth who has done his very best but unfortunately it didn't happen for him.

Ray Motta (#289) – nice to hear from you again, mate. Don't leave it so long next time.

John Keating
342 Posted 29/11/2017 at 14:29:23
Joseph (#309), You prove my point exactly.

Don't go because everything you say is legitimate. Read my post. I said don't use all this high-horse principle shit as an excuse for not going.

I will be there because I choose to be; you won't. Your choice for football reasons – not because of School of Science.

As I mentioned on another thread, principle at Everton went out the door with Carey. I go because I support Everton – not the fucking People's Club.

Sam Hoare
343 Posted 29/11/2017 at 14:29:44
Mike Hughes @266. If you're going to waste your and my time by having a go at me, at least bother to have some substance in your argument. Otherwise it's just rather dull.

"Only if people choose to make it divisive."

Errrr, yeah. Obviously. And maybe read what's happening on this thread. Snore...

"It's because having blown £200m we're desperate because that investment has taken us backwards. Desperate! And so is the football, team morale etc."

So, by that logic should West Ham be paying Moyes that much? Or West Brom to Pardew. Clearly we are overpaying a middle-rung manager at world-class rates. Not really sure why you would even bother to argue that. Snore...

"So you'd prefer for the situation to continue until we're really adrift half way into the season?"

Possibly your most asinine comment yet. Though there is mighty competition! Obviously I think that things could yet better. We have two very winnable games coming up. They may or may not. Neither of us know.

I stated that is it not even December. This is a fact, Mike. Yet you take issue with it because I called you on some nonsense you posted on another thread. Wake me up if you have a real argument. Snore....

Phil Walling
345 Posted 29/11/2017 at 14:31:57
So it had to be Sam Allardyce. Because he's the only one who absolutely guarantees against relegation.

Well, that is whilst he's still in the post before he gets the sack or simply walks out. But don't look too far into his record because you might find that most of the clubs he manages survive by the skin of their teeth only to find themselves in deep shit a year or two later!

But if there was any fear of that happening to Everton, Moshiri the Magician will have done his homework this time and have a ready made successor lined up who goes one better. He actually guarantees promotion back to the Premier in no time flat.

Evertonians all, I give you our manager apres Sam, let's hear it now for Mr Neil Warnock!

Chris Corn
346 Posted 29/11/2017 at 14:32:22
How come there is no such hostility towards Sheedy, Beardsley, Harper and Ablett as there is to Lee?!

All top or at least decent players or coaches for Everton having been associated with Liverpool first.


Geoff Lambert
347 Posted 29/11/2017 at 14:33:09
Just been confirmed by EFC
Oliver Brunel
348 Posted 29/11/2017 at 14:33:21
Geoff (318) we are not plastic blues we have all been to the Ukraine, to Germany, to pre-season friendlies in Austria. You have aswell I do not doubt. Imagine if your son was playing in a team and was one of the best and then the Manager says you have to pay him to be in the team? Would you pay? Because that is what your logic is saying Geoff.
Brent Stephens
349 Posted 29/11/2017 at 14:38:00
So, Sam it is. COYB.
Kieran Kinsella
350 Posted 29/11/2017 at 14:40:18
Chris Corn,

Of those you mentioned, only Beardsley was really a major player at the RS. But he is a Geordie.

Sammy Lee was RS born and bred and a regular for them during their best era. Also, he was a tough tackler which is no way to endear Everton fans when you play for their rival.

Colin Wordsworth
351 Posted 29/11/2017 at 14:45:49
If there was an award for the most articulate entry onto this forum, just read the one by Ray Motta (#289) – sums it all up, quality.
Kieran Kinsella
352 Posted 29/11/2017 at 14:46:19
I was thinking about the "plastic blue” point. Does being a fan mean you stick with something regardless of what happens?

Say you are a Beatles fan but they start playing Mud tracks at their concerts. Or you are a Jim'll Fixit fan and then you hear about Saville's antics.

Supporters have a right to choose When and How to spend their money and time. I am not going to abandon Everton but I think it is unreasonable to condemn those Who may.

Brent Stephens
353 Posted 29/11/2017 at 14:47:41
Contract being finalised at Finch Farm this afternoon.
Jim Potter
354 Posted 29/11/2017 at 14:47:46
George (#66) – nice one.
Jer Kiernan
355 Posted 29/11/2017 at 14:49:12
This is an awful descision. It will divide the club and there is no guarantee (despite what some on here think) that we will stay up playing hoof ball. A couple of bad results and things will turn toxic.

I am not a betting man for a reason and I hope I am proved wrong but I despair at what has happened at this club.

Steve Solomon
356 Posted 29/11/2017 at 14:50:57
Wait a minute.

Didn't Leicester win the Premier League with Craig Shakespeare and Steve Walsh in the background?

Where is Ranieri now?

Derek Knox
357 Posted 29/11/2017 at 14:50:58
We all know Typhoo put the T in Britain!

Who put the Lard in Allardyce?

Jim Potter
358 Posted 29/11/2017 at 14:52:40
The BBC says it's now done.

Not what many of us wanted but it's done.

Good luck, Sam, you'll need it.

Ian Bennett
359 Posted 29/11/2017 at 14:53:39
A little bit of me died today on the news.
Steve Moe
361 Posted 29/11/2017 at 14:54:16
Does anyone know the buyout clause? Sure he has signed a 2-3 year deal. If Fonseca is the man and not available until the summer, we could do no better than Sam. He will keep us out of relegation and then we can sign Fonseca.

To Moishiri, this is all just Monopoly Money he has said that before when dealing with single digit millions so he will just pay the buyout clause and send Sam on his way in the Summer.

Paul Holmes
362 Posted 29/11/2017 at 14:56:55
I might have to stop posting on here because some of the posts are beyond belief, you need to get a grip and use your brain once in a while! The facts are that Koeman and Walsh got £140 million to spend on players (the 7th most spent on player recruitment in Europe!). They fucked it up big time and have set us back years.

Moshiri and Kenwright are doing what all of us would do at this time, try and stay in the Premier League because we are that bad. Allardyce should keep us up with money to spend in January.

Blame Koeman, Walsh and the shit players we have before Moshiri and Kenwright, as they backed the management with money for players. How do you think Huddersfield, Brighton, Burnley would feel if Moshiri gave them £140 million to buy players... exactly!

The blame lies with Koeman and Walsh and the shit players we have.

Chris Corn
363 Posted 29/11/2017 at 14:57:32
Kieran (#351), so basically because he was successful and a good player?! Morrisey and Watson also started at Liverpool. Therefore, if you were a reds reserve, you are okay to be part of Everton. Successful and a tough player? Do one!

Interesting theory and probably sums up the different mentality at both clubs.

Alan J Thompson
364 Posted 29/11/2017 at 14:57:45
If Allardyce is appointed then I will be very disappointed but I will hope that he saves us from relegation because I wouldn't like to see how many nooses will be on the gallows outside the main stand if he doesn't, figuratively speaking, of course.
Andrew Ellams
365 Posted 29/11/2017 at 14:57:57
Derek Knox, at least he's not from Scunthorpe.
John Benson
366 Posted 29/11/2017 at 14:58:41
It's a depressing state of affairs and he would never be my choice but I do understand it.

We are an absolute mess, the mighty Atalanta and Southampton put NINE past us in three days. We had to do something and surely he will make us harder to beat.

The season is already a write-off, just get to safety and start again in the summer.

Si Cooper
367 Posted 29/11/2017 at 14:58:55
I hate the fact that our club will be laughing stock simply for the way the filling of this vacancy has been handled and I am not particularly expecting that Allardyce will make us unbeatable any time soon, but I am interested to see what ambitions for the club he espouses to justify a 3-year deal?

As always, despite my present concerns, I will back any Everton manager who delivers even relative success to the club.

Someone had a dig at Silva due to what a Watford fan has said about the possible downside of having a good go at the top sides. If that exciting football got you wins against the majority and the occasional upset triumph, you'd take a few wallopings if you were Watford wouldn't you?

Kieran Kinsella
368 Posted 29/11/2017 at 14:59:42
Chris Corn (#364),

I have no issue with Lee myself but that is the mentality and yes, I agree, it makes us seem small minded.

Paul Gallagher
369 Posted 29/11/2017 at 14:59:44
What happens if Sam loses 5 in a row including the derby say 4-0. What will the board do then? Stick or twist?
Phil Walling
370 Posted 29/11/2017 at 15:00:41
Do I love my brother less because he's a Red? Of course not... but I do envy the successes he has witnessed over our lifetimes!
Tony Dove
371 Posted 29/11/2017 at 15:00:47
There's not really any middle ground here. There is the "quick fix at any cost" camp and those that regard this as one of the blackest days in the Club's history.

Whilst I am firmly one of the latter, the split in opinion has unfortunately the potential to be as divisive as Brexit!

Michael Lynch
372 Posted 29/11/2017 at 15:01:00
So, we're getting a former England manager (just about), supported by a Premier League-winning assistant manager, and a Premier League-winning Director of Football. And fat Sammy Lee, who won every honour in the game as a player, including two European Cup Winners medals.

Where did it all go wrong eh?

Steve Bingham
373 Posted 29/11/2017 at 15:01:47
I am going to get my live football fix at Northwich Victoria for the foreseeable.
Chris Corn
374 Posted 29/11/2017 at 15:03:23
Kieran (#364), fair comment.
Jerome Shields
375 Posted 29/11/2017 at 15:03:26
The selection of Sam Allardyce as the Manager of Everton could have some positive points.

1. He has something to prove and a chance to regain his reputation.

2. The other clubs he managed weren't of the calibre of Everton.

3. Everton are a traditional English football club, and an English manager is best-suited to bring out the best in them.

4. He will be able to sort out the last-chance money-men transfers, since he is a bigger gangster than they are.

5. He is the biggest underdog that has ever managed Everton. Evertonians are used to being underdogs and revel in it, though they never like it.

6. The combination of Sam, Shakespeare and Walsh could provide the right management synergy.

7. When Clough became manager of Nottingham Forest with his sidekick Taylor, the press was worse and the fans where worried. Similar scenario to Everton.

8. The only way that Moshiri is going to pick the right manager is by default.

9. Jim White and his stupid yellow tie is going to be kicked out of the advice loop at the end of Sam's boot.

10. To be an Everton Fan one is already full of long suffering. We finally have reached the bottom; we are two places of the relegation zone and still in the Premier League.

11. Bramley-Moore Dock is too big of a place for the Championship.
Darren Murphy
376 Posted 29/11/2017 at 15:06:44
Not only is this bloke a dodgy liar, but his striker bought since he's managed are below poor. He'll have Kevin Davies partnering Crappy Carroll. Disaster.

All that board need offing.

Jackie Barry
377 Posted 29/11/2017 at 15:07:11
Andre Villas-Boas has quit his club in Shanghai – can we change our minds?
Alan McGuffog
378 Posted 29/11/2017 at 15:07:54
Steve (#374). Good for you mate. Why don't you buy a fucking hair shirt and one of the spiky garter things that they wear in Opus Dei? And don't forget to tell us how much you are suffering.
John Smith
379 Posted 29/11/2017 at 15:10:30
Don't care the for the Moshiri bashing. He's a business man – not football manager. You can't blame him for how his employees behave.

Villas-Boas is doing the Dakir road race next year. Maybe Allardyce is manager for just this season with Villas-Boas taking over next summer?

Chris Watts
380 Posted 29/11/2017 at 15:14:43
Now that the shock is wearing of,f I'm warming to it. The thought of Sam starting work on the defence tomorrow morning is heartening...

He has an eye for a good player and will ship out any not putting in the effort but looks a better man-manager than Koeman. He managed to entice Jay-Jay over in his prime!

My concern now is that he doesn't have the energy for the role

He needs to come out and say this isn't a smash and grab mission but he sees this as the pinnacle of his career and is looking up to the Champions League.

Paul Gallagher
381 Posted 29/11/2017 at 15:15:38
We are the comedy club that just keeps giving to the football world.
Andy Walker
382 Posted 29/11/2017 at 15:17:39
Press having a field day quoting all the fans who’ve had a strop and said they won’t support us anymore. Well done.
Mike Allen
383 Posted 29/11/2017 at 15:18:49
All sucked into Moshiri's Millions and transfer hype, we are and have been so far from the top sides, we can only achieve being the best of the rest. The so-called high-profile players and managers will not come to us as they don't see us as glamourous as our city rivals or the London and Manchester clubs.

Sam would not have been my choice – not because I don't think he his good enough but the stigma from England. I just hope he can get us back to the best of the rest, flirt with the domestic cups and get us excited when we think we can get close to another Europa League place.

Sam has a big big job on his hands... getting us competitive again will be an achievement with this group of players. 18-month contract, then back to the name-dropping again? Hope not.

Ann Lloyd
384 Posted 29/11/2017 at 15:20:52
George (#66). Wonderful writing! I understand all that you say! I also get angry, frustrated, concerned...

I'm not blind to problems and get irritated by players that don't seem to care... but my team means so much to me, I could never turn my back on them

NSNO 💙

John Graham
385 Posted 29/11/2017 at 15:23:59
It will all be worth it if he gets us up to the middle of the table.

I didn't want it to happen but, now it has, we have to give him and the team the best support we can, starting with tonight's game against West Ham. We also need to get behind the team to try to get Unsworth a win before he goes back to the U23s.

I wouldn't bet against a big improvement in the defensive set-up now Uncle Sam is in charge and would hope, with the players we have, there will be a big change in the organisation.

Good luck tonight, boys.
COYB

Peter Laing
386 Posted 29/11/2017 at 15:24:28
We are where we are. Allardyce on an 18-month contract and two good coaches in the shape of Shakespeare and Lee. The squad needs a clean broom and it won't be before time that those under performing are cleared out.
Nitesh Kanchan
387 Posted 29/11/2017 at 15:25:35
So some Evertonians are now not going to support Everton. So what are they going to do? Support other clubs or not watch football or comeback when we have Champions League quality players with a Champions League winning manager?

I don't understand the concept of not supporting the club when we have a relegation-based team and relegation-fighting manager.

John Graham
388 Posted 29/11/2017 at 15:29:31
Whats the bet Williams and Keane now become the players we thought they were going to be and that Schneiderlin is suddenly a big-part player again.

Whatever we think of him, Big Sam will sort all of this mess out.
John Kavanagh
389 Posted 29/11/2017 at 15:31:34
Ah well – having paid the £6 million ransom, a big welcome to Doctor Evil and Mini Me Sammy Lee. Now I know how the French felt in 1940. Incompetence and betrayal followed by dark years of occupation with no light at the end of the tunnel. Good luck to David Unsworth tonight in what is effectively only his second and last competitive home game.

I hope all the kids get to put themselves in the shop window tonight and get us the 3 points, despite the 'efforts' of some so-called experienced professionals aka human polyfiller occupying spaces alongside them out of necessity.

To our wonderful Chairman, board, Director of Football and Koeman who are responsible for this shambles, I hope you eventually get everything you really deserve, but I somehow doubt it.

Ajay Gopal
390 Posted 29/11/2017 at 15:35:05
My first comment about Sam Allardyce's imminent appointment as Everton's Manager:

When his name was first talked about, I laughed it off thinking “Surely not”! I desperately wanted Unsworth to succeed. However, as results and performances turned sour, I realised that an experienced coach was needed to sort out the mess left behind by Koeman and Walsh.

I was hoping it would be someone more ‘sexy' – Silva, Dyche (yes, in my mind) and more recently, Fonseca. However, it became clear that we were not going to land those targets, and Sam's name was getting louder and now, that's who we have.

I will support him and his team and hope that he can turn things around for us quickly. Who knows, he could be the messiah that Evertonians have long been praying for. In a big club, with relatively better resources, he could turn out to be a success.

I don't care about his name and relatively poor reputation as an uninspiring coach. Apart from turning around the results and performances, I only hope for two more things:

1.He continues to give opportunities to our youth-team players.

2. He can get Barkley to sign as an Everton player.

Oh, and one more thing, I hope he turns out to be a lucky manager.

And to all saying they won't be going to any matches until Sam Allardyce is no longer the manager at EFC, I can see your point of view, but please don't turn your backs on the club, when it needs your support the most. “United we stand, divided we fall”. Cheers

Mike Gaynes
391 Posted 29/11/2017 at 15:36:03
Jamie (#339), just go back to sleep, it's all a bad dream.

I actually tipped some Irish cream into my 5:30 am coffee. I feel better already. You might try it.

Robin Cannon
392 Posted 29/11/2017 at 15:46:32
It's the "safe" option that demonstrates that we're a small club.

And he's, what, third choice? I don't really understand the logic of not being prepared to pay sufficient compensation to Watford or Shaktar to allow an approach for their managers, yet being willing to shell out millions in salary for Allardyce's contract.

We are stuck between a rock and a hard place, though. To make a genuine step forward, we need to take a risk on the kind of manager we hire. When we're struggling so badly, the downside of such a risk is a clear danger of relegation.

He's underwhelming. But honestly, he's left pretty much every club he's managed in a better position when he left than when he arrived (and they've all pretty much nosedived afterwards).

Rob Halligan
393 Posted 29/11/2017 at 15:49:22
I'm the same age as Sammy Lee. Played football against him when we were at different senior schools. I remember flying in on him with a crunching tackle and sending the little RS six foot into the air. God, I hope I get the same chance to do that outside Goodison.
David Connor
394 Posted 29/11/2017 at 15:52:16
Fuck me. Get a grip, people. The last two dickheads we had in charge didn't exactly catapult us into footballs elite, did they? Give the guy a chance.

I'm not exactly overjoyed at his appointment but it's obvious David Unsworth hasn't got what it takes as yet. Get behind him and the team, for Christ's sake, as we all need to pull together. You never know – he might just be the man we've been waiting for.

One thing's for certain – the man certainly knows how to get under opposing managers' skins. Something we've lacked for decades.

Is this bunch of wasters we've got up to the job? I'm not sure... as most are piss-poor footballers. We will just have to wait and see... COYB

Bill Gall
395 Posted 29/11/2017 at 15:53:10
We are now getting the result of years of poor upper management that reminds me of poor companies that ignore safety policies that eventually provide the scenario of a fire and to save the company you bring in the fire brigade. This may not be what you wanted but unfortunately this may be necessary under the circumstances, and give you a chance to step back, observe the mistakes that have been made, weed out the culprits and rebuild.

Sam Allardyce would definitely not have been my first choice as an Everton manager but on the same hand I am not sure that he has been at a club that will give him the financial backing that Everton are capable of, and hopefully he will surprise us.

As far as Sammy Lee goes, what's the problem? We have had players from Liverpool before and a lot of their success was from the work of the backroom staff and if he is capable of bringing in their winning desire he is welcome. If anyone thinks this feeling is because I am a newcomer to Everton supporters, I started supporting Everton in the late 50s and have experienced the highs and lows.

David Barks
396 Posted 29/11/2017 at 15:53:15
Definitive proof that we have gone backward, worse than Moyes.
Alex Bonnar
397 Posted 29/11/2017 at 15:54:00
While I appreciate Toffeewbbers superior knowledge of business and money to that of Mr Moshiri and also their better personal contacts and relationships with agents and decision makers (chairmen) to that of Kenwright, plus their intimate knowledge of the legalities and rules involved in running a multi million pound football club as required by our chief executive and, of course, the better experience and Premier League knowledge of team selection, tactics and motivation of highly paid employees to that of new manager - if only the above executives would implement the many thousands of ideas given by ToffeeWebbers then we would never lose another match and millions of people around the world would flock to support us.

Meanwhile back on planet earth I will continue to support the club as before (going back to the old second division days) and giving our new manager a chance to succeed based of the reality of our current situation.
I've never spoken to any of the above executives but it seems only fair to see how things develop and hope for the best.

Rob Coles
398 Posted 29/11/2017 at 15:54:11
Allardyce I can just about deal with. He was the only one who would take on this 'poisoned chalice' and his past form would probably give us the best chance of survival.

What I can't stomach is the likelihood that Sammy Lee will darken the halls of 'The Old Lady'. He epitomises what every Blue Nose despises. Hang your head in shame, Bill Kenwright, if you allow this pariah to come to 'Our Club'.

Lev Vellene
399 Posted 29/11/2017 at 15:55:59
Well, well, this will be ... interesting! At least Kenwright will now have to give him brown envelopes to have any say in the team setup...

I'll stay focused on the positives, though, now that we know where we stand. At least he has no 'blame' for any of the players present, and he seems unsentimental enough to give kicks up those backsides that are deserving of it.

John Davies
400 Posted 29/11/2017 at 15:59:23
So what are all you fans who hate Sam Allardyce going to do on Saturday? Boo him onto the pitch or into the dugout? Really?

Look, he's at Everton and I'll support him because he's our manager. There is no choice guys – if you really support Everton FC.

Whilst he wouldn't have been my pick, he's going to be better than what's been in charge of team affairs so far this season.

Let's all make sure that some of the demented comments posted on this thread are not taken into the ground tonight or any time further in the near future.
COYB.

Colin McBride
401 Posted 29/11/2017 at 16:04:13
Lots of negativity here recently... snap out if it people, it is what it is.

The football, performances and results have been getting worse since the first game of the season and we will be relegated if we continue. We all agreed we needed change and now we have got it. We are just going to suck it up and support the team and the staff as best we can in each of our own ways, like we have always done.

So, here's to a proper farewell win for Rhino tonight with a crappy 2-1 win and then a shake up of the overpaid and underachieving squad starting tomorrow!

Come on, get over it... COYB

Jay Griffiths
402 Posted 29/11/2017 at 16:07:25
I think its universal that Sam Allardyce wasn't wanted. All of us subscribed to that view. Not wanted but absolutely needed. Pragmatism not emotion required here.

As for Sammy Lee. Couldn't stand the little fucker, but I do have the ability to turn a negative into a positive. If Koppites bring it up, I'll counter with the fact that it would devastate me to see Tim Cahill with a Liver bird on his chest. What's that on fat little Sam's chest?

Joe Foster
403 Posted 29/11/2017 at 16:07:32
Well it is pantomime season and it looks like some have their pantomime villain.
Andrew Heffernan
404 Posted 29/11/2017 at 16:08:33
While I don't like it personally, I'm an Everton supporter, and that's what I'll continue to be.

COYB

Michael Nisbet
405 Posted 29/11/2017 at 16:09:50
Everton will be Allardyce's seventh Premier League club - that is more than any other manager (Bloody journeyman)

Premier League win percentage of 33.8%.

Negotiated a fee of £400,000 to represent an overseas firm that was hoping to profit from Premier League transfers, before he had even named his first England squad.

I am furious about this appointment. Unbelievable.

Jon Withey
406 Posted 29/11/2017 at 16:10:58
If we are still in the Premier League next season and, even better, we have finished top-10 – then it was the right decision.
Rob Halligan
407 Posted 29/11/2017 at 16:11:14
Well said, Colin. I said the other day we support the eleven players that pull on the royal blue shirt – not the manager or his backroom staff.

Allardyce was never my first choice, nor my hundredth choice, but we are now stuck with him, hopefully not for long, so everyone, and I mean everyone, must now get behind the team 100% and we can pull this shit of a season round.

COYB. FTRS.

Andrew Gaule
408 Posted 29/11/2017 at 16:11:35
COYB!!!
Colin Metcalfe
409 Posted 29/11/2017 at 16:13:49
Dear Sam,

Let me start by saying Congratulations on getting the keys to one of the greatest, prestigious, historic and "richest" (which I am sure caught your eye) clubs in the land.

I am sure you will knuckle down to the job in hand and, once the transfer window is open, you will use your vast knowledge to get the right players in and to get around those pesky rules about player ownership. And of course it goes without saying a nice cheeky brown envelope now and then to iron out any loose ends – know what I mean, Big Sam (finger to nose, wink wink)!

Now to I have been chatting to some good friends of mine in London some of them are West Ham supporters and a few support Crystal Palace. They have passed their genuine heartfelt congratulations on your appointment and have informed me the best way to follow your style of football is to invest in a neck cushion like the ones you use on a plane and also a good pair of Ray Bans. I do find this rather strange; however, I am sure I will understand within a couple of games of exciting tenure at my beloved club .

Finally, Sam, you may hear some whispers that some us Toffee fans don't want you here... well, a lot actually, but don't let that put you off. You and your right-hand midget will be most welcome if you can do the business and keep us in the richest league in the world so our owners – good old Bill "Boys Pen" Kenwright and Farhad "I don't have a clue about football" Moshiri can keep the Moneyball rolling and you 4 guys can pop off to Monaco and dine on Moshiri's yacht, drink the finest champagne and have a good laugh at the most gullible, mediocre fans in the country.

Regards

ToffeeWebber

Colin Metcalfe

Lenny Kingman
410 Posted 29/11/2017 at 16:14:32
#346

"So it had to be Sam Allardyce. Because he's the only one who absolutely guarantees against relegation."

Ha ha, nice one Phil.

The only guarantee with fat Sam is that he will do as little work as he can for as much wonga as he can escape with. So an 18-month contract means £9 million already in his account.

I see the cut-off point being end of season if he keeps the blues up, and then getting in a preferred candidate. Alternatively, fired between now and then if making a pig's ear of the job. Either way, he'll be off to the Costa Ale-adyce were he can get back to what he does best. Spending ill-gotten plunderings from clubs various with his cronies.

Of course that might be a tad judgemental, and he could be a roaring success and help Everton back on track long term.

Pigs might fly also. But there is one guarantee to warm the cockles of blue hearts this winter. A pig will be sitting beside big boy Sam in the dugout every game for the foreseeable future.

John Graham
411 Posted 29/11/2017 at 16:14:41
My one and only aim is to see my team win as many games as possible – no matter who plays for them coaches them or is manager of them. We could have 11 ex-Liverpool players and the whole backroom staff but, if we won the Premier League, I would sing as loud as I could.

First and foremost, this is Everton, this is my team. players, coaches, owners managers all come and go but there is only one team I will support for as long as I live.

WE ARE EVERTON

Oliver Brunel
412 Posted 29/11/2017 at 16:14:56
The only positive I can see is that he will get rid of the awful coaching staff we have. And bring in even worse ones.
Mark Tanton
413 Posted 29/11/2017 at 16:17:11
Lenny what the Hell do you know about Sam Allardyce's work ethic, and weekly hours? You know more than me, it seems.

Welcome to Goodison, Sam, I hope it works out, for obvious reasons.

Tommy Carter
414 Posted 29/11/2017 at 16:20:13
Allardyce's integrity is something that has long been in question and was exposed as recently as his incident as England manager.

Last game of the season we play West Ham Utd. That could be winner takes all and loser gets relegated fixture.

If big Sam was approached by the owners of West Ham with whom he has previously had a working relationship, with the offer of a £20 million backhander to the throw the game, do we have faith that he would say no?

Tommy Bowman
415 Posted 29/11/2017 at 16:20:14
Sunderland under Allardyce 9 wins, 9 draws 13... yup 13 losses!

We're run by a bunch of fucking clowns with Moshiri as the ringmaster to the whole circus

What has a Pelican, North West Water and Everton Football Cub got in common? They can all stick their bills up their arse... in Everton's case bullshit Bill.

‘Safe pair of hands' my ring piece... fuck you, Kenwright. Under your ownership you've took a Top Flight club and turned us into a national joke.

Well this is the final straw for me, you shithouse...

Tommy Bowman - season ticket holder 1971 - 2017.

Lewis Barclay
416 Posted 29/11/2017 at 16:21:49
Is this the most negative appointment of an Everton manager?

I don't know anything about Big Sam, but surely a good manager should be able to take over, lift the team out of the bottom half of the table and push on to take us to the Champions League. This appointment feels like desperation – to barely achieve safety.

Ricci Gimpardsle
417 Posted 29/11/2017 at 16:22:14
Sam is going low, but I guess we have to live with it. But Sammy Lee!! Woh! That is just going too far. A daily reminder of the dark side? Or the final nail in our top flight time!!
Denis Byrne
418 Posted 29/11/2017 at 16:24:20
The School of Science expands its curriculum to include Paleontology.
Jay Griffiths
419 Posted 29/11/2017 at 16:26:10
Colin (#410) – Mediocre! Really?

We seem to have many puritanical fans. Besides, I'm a supporter – not a fan. My love for Everton is greater than my hatred for either Sam.

Philip Ashton
420 Posted 29/11/2017 at 16:28:47
I see some half-wit managed to get Brexit into his comments.

We have no choice at present, appointed five weeks too late, and at an inflated salary. I will still go each home game and support the Manager and the Team.

Allan Hounsgaard
421 Posted 29/11/2017 at 16:30:01
I know I'll get a lot of flak for this post, and some will say I'm not a real Everton supporter. While I'll beg to differ, I'll also state that I'm first and foremost a supporter of my own integrity. I'd like to share with you all the e-mail I sent Everton earlier today.

Hello Everton

It is with great sadness that I feel I have to contact you. I've supported Everton passionately since 1979 and even moved from my native Denmark to Merseyside to be close to my beloved club. I had a season ticket for two seasons in the mid-nineties.

Unfortunately with the appointment of Sam Allardyce, a man who is a disgraced embodiment of corruption, Everton and I will have to part ways for the time being. I can no longer throw any support behind Everton as long as the club is intent on showing a complete lack of ethical judgement in the choice of manager to lead Everton.

I will advise any other person in any capacity associated with Everton to stop their support at every level in order to send a clear signal to Mr Moshiri and Mr Kenwright that this is completely unacceptable and totally at odds with everything the club used to stand for.

Allan Hounsgaard

Jamie Morgan
422 Posted 29/11/2017 at 16:30:54
To all those saying "RIP Everton" and, "shocking, embarrassing. I'll withdraw my support"... I simply say to you all, “Don't let the door hit you on the arse on the way out!” Everton doesn't need you.

I'm more embarrassed by the negative barrage aimed at Allardyce. Wake up... we are in deep shit and need the right man for now. I think he might be it.

He will be no-nonsense... and my god he'll kick the ass of some of the overpaid nonces currently flouncing around in the blue shirt I love.

He'll bring in a beast of a centre-half and a big striker. We will be tighter and work harder. We'll have shape and togetherness. He won't accept shite performances.

He is the gaffer as of today... he wants to win football matches as much as I want us to. He will have my full support regardless of whether he was my first choice.

We are Evertonians... we are better than this. I really hope (and I really think) a huge serving of humble pie will be served up to many on here come the end of the summer!

We are Everton... always have been... always will be. COYB

Oliver Brunel
423 Posted 29/11/2017 at 16:32:19
Tommy (#415),

Exactly what I've been saying. You never know how many of these managers have their bread buttered on both sides.

Gerry Morrison
424 Posted 29/11/2017 at 16:33:41
Say it ain't so, Joe.
Jim Bailey
425 Posted 29/11/2017 at 16:34:40
Well said, Jamie @423

Allan @422, really. Oh dear.

Jay Griffiths
426 Posted 29/11/2017 at 16:35:22
Oliver, then we can hope Moshiri offers Moyes £30 mill to reciprocate. Own goals every attack!
Michael Nisbet
427 Posted 29/11/2017 at 16:38:20
Moyes doesn't have a proven record of corruption, being the main difference there I guess.
Ed Fitzgerald
428 Posted 29/11/2017 at 16:39:06
Whether anyone chooses to continue to go the match or stops going because of this appointment is of course a matter or personal choice. I will be retaining my season ticket and giving my ticket away to a family member or friends whilst this unholy trinity are in charge at the club – by that I mean Allardyce, Lee and Shakespeare – not Kenwright, Moshiri and Elstone.

I'm hoping this chancer will be gone at the end of the season, having trousered yet another fat pay-off and / or saying how he needs to spend time with his family. I have no doubt we will stay up, but then I never doubted that anyway – even with Koeman or Unsworth in charge.

People slating people such as myself for being high minded and sanctimonious are missing the point. I suspect very few fans wanted this appointment and many are now engaging in some kind of mass exercise in cognitive dissonance to convince themselves that everything they know about Allardyce as manager (quality of football and dodgy dealings) is now false because he has been appointed Everton manager for a king's ransom.

We are quite rightly a laughing stock because of the way we have conducted this business.

Karl Meighan
429 Posted 29/11/2017 at 16:40:43
Get results and the "Anti-Sam Brigade" will be silent, although I doubt any manager could get results with the shite we have got as players.

Money for players to keep us in the Premier league in January is badly needed as sell to buy wont wash, as who would buy the dross we have for decent money?

Keep us up then rebuild and we should all be getting behind him and giving Sam are support as we did with Koeman and Martinez.

Sams tactics and systems of play have been based on the players he has had available to him and if he can mould the crap handed to him into any kind of team then that will do for me.

Jay Griffiths
430 Posted 29/11/2017 at 16:41:01
Proven? When? Where?

He does have a propensity to offer to slap women reporters though.

Moral compass and all that bullshit.

Jackie Barry
431 Posted 29/11/2017 at 16:42:28
Bloody hell – I remember him bringing a Bolton team to Goodison and giving us a thrashing, 4-0 I think... or maybe I'm dreaming?
Rick Tarleton
432 Posted 29/11/2017 at 16:45:20
To Tommy Carter (#415) – for £20 million, Boys Pen Bill would send us down, never mind Allardyce. Rooney too might well be interested in that kind of money.

In fact, I wouldn't trust any of the players, directors or staff for that kind of money. Remember, players, managers and coaches are working for a living at the club, they can go and will go to work somewhere else.The Board are generally investing in the club for prestige or even possibly money. Only the fans are truly emotionally tied to the club.

Tony Everan
433 Posted 29/11/2017 at 16:45:26
80% didn't want Sam a few weeks ago, a shocking figure for a manager we have just appointed.

At least the board have made a decision, eventually.

It's up to Sam to win the fans over. Get some results.

It doesn't have to improve much to be better than the worst Everton football in a generation that we have been forced to watch of late.

I will continue supporting and hope for the best.

John Hammond
434 Posted 29/11/2017 at 16:48:28
Allan (#422): Wow. You truly are a genuine supporter of this club. We will miss you so much.

While no fan of Allardyce, the fact of the matter is we are deep in the shit. Sunday League defences do not stay in the Premier League very long and we need someone to fix ours which we know he can do.

It's not going to be pretty but to be honest I don't care as long as we stay up. He'll probably sign a 2-year contract but we'll get rid of him at the end of the season if he keeps us up and get in a young, up and coming manager.

It's time to get behind the team and salvage what's left of this season.

Tommy Carter
435 Posted 29/11/2017 at 16:52:31
Oliver (#424) & Rick (#433),

It's something that is a serious worry given his history.

Maybe £20m was unrealistic and may tempt those with higher moral standards than Allardyce. But without any proof I don't think you can cast the same level of doubt on the integrity of the likes of Kenwright.

The fact is that the evidence shows us that Allardyce could be tempted to sell our club down the river for personal gain.

Kim Vivian
436 Posted 29/11/2017 at 16:54:28
Not made up about this tbh, but we are Evertonians and now, so is Sam. We have to get behind him in true Blue fashion. He has a right dog's breakfast of a situation to sort out so let's give him as much help as we can.

To make myself, and anyone else, feel better when ruing the 'might-have-beens', consider this – we have scored more league goals than Burnley and conceded just 3 more than Watford. If Sam can prove to be an amalgam of Dyche's defence and Silva's offence the future may be bright.

My hope never dies.

Michael Penley
437 Posted 29/11/2017 at 16:55:49
You never know, but I doubt I'll watch Everton while this man is in charge. I just don't like him, and that's enough to stop watching.

You can say I'm not a true supporter and you're probably right, but to my mind no-one is a true supporter. We watch for ourselves, because we enjoy it. When we don't enjoy it, we still watch because we think we will.

A smart fan will not watch a team they don't enjoy, don't like anymore.

Kevin Tully
438 Posted 29/11/2017 at 16:57:45
Outside the Winslow before the game;

Link

Mark Morrissey
439 Posted 29/11/2017 at 17:01:18
I've supported the club throughout since 1962 and yes, that includes Mike Walker's tenure and the stewardship of Peter Johnson (bless me father for I have sinned) so let me say this: those days were worse.

Sam Allardyce will get my support, just like Koeman did, until he becomes a proper bellend, just like Koeman did, and then and only then will I ask for him to be shown the door.

Sam Allardyce could just prove to be exactly what this club needs at this time in its history. We are at an all-time low but, by the New Year, things could be very different.

All those saying goodbye, trust me when I say, Mike Walker and Walter Smith were appalling days, just give the man a chance and support him and your club.

Karl Meighan
440 Posted 29/11/2017 at 17:01:33
Ed Fitgerald @429 – unless you know any managers personally, for my money most of them are the same. They fail and get paid handsomely – and if you believe Allardyce is the only one who has gained from their positions then so be it.

I mean Koeman must have taken brown paper bags under the table – how else could anyone explain buying Klaassen and Co?

Lenny Kingman
441 Posted 29/11/2017 at 17:03:41
#414 Mark

The good Lord gave me eyes, ears and intelligence so I could follow the world around me. Those in it and charlatans with an eye on the green back like fat Sam.


#415 Tommy

What a good imaginary question that is you have posed about the £20 million, prospective biggest brown envelope in history.

Blackpool fans still talk about the infamous play off match with Bradford City back in the 90's. The legendary Sam was at the helm of strange events, before a disastrous defeat, at home, after winning the first leg away easily. Bizarre team selections and tactics were employed under the command instructions of the new manager of Everton football club. Or so the story goes.

Of course these are tales from another age and things are much different now. Ha. To paraphrase a popular Hollywood actor of many moons past "The Hell they are."

Jay Woods
442 Posted 29/11/2017 at 17:04:06
No fan of any club anywhere on earth – including Barca, Bayern, Real Madrid – is ever happy for long about their team. Football fanship is an affliction as well as an addiction, locking you into endless frustration and annoyance. It's actually harder to get away from following a football club than it is to get out of a toxic relationship.

I called for Sam to be appointed, even though the very thought repulsed me and still does. It's a must needs scenario, an exigency that requires pragmatism over aspiration, presided over by an artisan of escape rather than a visionary.

The only niggle that lingers now – for me – is this: what if even Allardyce can't make anything out of this gaggle of circus escapees we call our squad?

Joseph Murphy
443 Posted 29/11/2017 at 17:05:20
My club has sold its soul.

A mercenary ex-manager who couldn't bring himself to say 'We' when talking about the club. A team full of expensive, useless mercenaries who don't give a toss about the club and don't want to know about the fans (Schneiderlin, Williams, Mirallas, Martina, Klaassen – in this order this means you – get out of my club).

An Everton man being hung out to dry by those same players. A minority but major shareholder, who doesn't even have a seat on the board, having Jim White announce a new Everton manager and backroom staff on Twitter before Everton make an announcement, and now a man whose appointment has made us a laughing stock because everyone knows it's short-term firefighting.

There are no guarantee of survival with him and if we do go down, we are not coming back for at least a decade because everyone of these people – from the major shareholder to the manager and those mercenary players – will disappear. We look like QPR from a few years ago, loads of cash but no class, and look what happened to them.

I can't watch this happening to my club anymore and I certainly don't want to watch the team while they still have those same players, who I believe have intentionally not tried for the team or the fans, still at the club.

Tom Bowers
444 Posted 29/11/2017 at 17:06:43
I don't like Mourinho but he's done good things and if Allardyce can turn this ship around then nobody can criticise.

However, he isn't going to do much over the next month or two. It doesn't work that way.

Everton need strength in all departments but mainly in striking which has been a problem since day one and without it you cannot win games.

What Everton have at the moment will not cut it.

Calvert-Lewin, Niasse, Sandro, Mirallas, Lennon, Lookman and Rooney have not shown enough to convince anyone they can scare opposing defences.

That may seem unfair to say at the moment because what has been coming from midfield has been almost non-existaent which has in turn reflected on the defensive side of things.

Without a strong ''engine room'' most teams will be also-rans and will not be good enough to compete.

The next month will still be difficult but if they can scrape out results in the next 7 days then we all may be able to look forward to the second half of the season with a little more optimism.

Joe Hurst
445 Posted 29/11/2017 at 17:06:47
Would have been interesting if anyone could have grown enough of a pair to say to him:

"Okay, Mr Allardyce. £6m if you keep us up, £6.00 if you don't.

Don't agree? Well that tells us all we need to know."

I would do it on those terms of course...

Frank Crewe
446 Posted 29/11/2017 at 17:11:07
I'm with the Rolling Stones on this one:

"No, you can't always get what you want
You can't always get what you want
You can't always get what you want
But if you try sometime you find
You get what you need"

Everton need a reality enema and Sam is it. Brown shoes Martinez blew it. Stuck up himself Koeman blew it big time along with £200 million quid of Moshiri's cash.

The only good player we have bought since Moyes left was Lukaku. He carried us for four years and, now he's gone, we are right back to square one. We need to get our collective heads out of the clouds and our feet back on the ground.

We are not going to be Real Barca on the Mersey any time soon. We have to get hard to beat and start picking up points and hopefully Sam will be the man to get us back on the rails and if we have to do it ugly that doesn't bother me at all.

Tony Hill
447 Posted 29/11/2017 at 17:11:56
Jamie (#423), we’re not better than this, mate, as TW shows. It’s been an eye-opener. It can’t be long before we have grief counsellors on board and some very bad poetry about the Death of My Everton. Pitiful.
Jordan Spratt
448 Posted 29/11/2017 at 17:12:57
Anyone remember Moyes's last home game? 2-0 against West Ham it was, 12 May 2013. The West Ham fans sang, "Where's your Moyesie gone?"

The Everton fans responded in turn, "You've got Sam Allardyce, You've got Sam Allardyce..."

Today, Everton play West Ham at home, 29 November 2017 – 4½years later.

David Moyes will follow his West Ham players out of the Goodison Park tunnel. He'll shake hands with David Unsworth, the man keeping the managerial seat warm for a certain, newly-appointed Everton manager

Huh!

Don Alexander
449 Posted 29/11/2017 at 17:14:02
Pretty much everything we know about Allardyce is, to say the least, uninspiring but what worries me most is that he always wanted a top job, in his own words before the England gig, and in his own words he got it with England. So, does he still have the same desire and ability to again do what got him to the top in his own mind, namely avoiding relegation?

Then there's the players. How will the luvvies like him, Shakespeare and Lee? Hope he doesn't expect them to come all over professional for once, fit, and brave, and that sort of thing.

Darren Alexander
450 Posted 29/11/2017 at 17:20:18
Well, he wasn't my choice, but I hope he does well – just like I wanted Martinez, Koeman and other chancers to do well, simply because I want my club to succeed. I also really wanted it to work for Rhino, but that's a project that now can't be persisted with after this latest awful run.

Hopefully Sam can do the job he's been brought in for – to finish 17th or better; maybe then we can look at other options. I doubt if he himself is looking beyond the summer, but obviously negotiating a longer deal ensures a big pay-off if, for whatever reason, his services are no longer required once we get to the end of the season.

Make no mistake: we are quite, quite dire on the field, and even Unsworth stepping in failed to give the expected lift; Koeman buying a right load of shite will burn us for a long time yet. Perhaps Allardyce's appointment is a fair reflection of who we are right now – a club picking up the last turkey in the shop. We do need to dig ourselves out of this hole, and soon, and as such I can accept this appointment: but, even at its best, it's one for the head, not the heart.

Tommy Carter
451 Posted 29/11/2017 at 17:21:51
#442 Lenny

This man cannot be trusted. Rumours I've heard are that he demands his 26-strong support staff are employed too.

Is it beyond the realms of possibility that this proven crook takes a percentages of their pay check for fixing them up with their job. 26 x 20% soon adds up.

Tactics and team selection are ways someone could achieve the contrived poor performance required to buy a result. I'm sure there are other methods.

Nigel Munford
452 Posted 29/11/2017 at 17:25:18
Well we all wanted the saga of a new manager to be over and it is. Shall we get behind our new manager?
Tom Brown
453 Posted 29/11/2017 at 17:28:33
We'll be at least 6 points clear of the drop by January & we'll finish top 10.
Ron Sear
454 Posted 29/11/2017 at 17:28:46
Always look on the bright side... The bookies have got big Sam on 13/8 to take Everton into the top half of the Premier League. Best not to bet against the bookies they have a habit of taking your money off you....

Link

Shaun Gillespie
455 Posted 29/11/2017 at 17:28:46
Well the inevitable has happened, the club is in such a disastrous state that they've left themselves in a corner where they had to go to "Red Adair" Allardyce to rescue Moshiri's “gifted” money...and to rub the salt in we've now got the ruddy faced Kopite: “He's fat he's round, his arse is on the ground”, and et tu Brutus... can I have my knife back Claudio? Shakespeare.

It's hard to believe we could have managed to fall to such depths in the space 3 months, unbelievable.

Adriaan Mosseveld
456 Posted 29/11/2017 at 17:34:33
Rob @ 94. Barcode on here in peace (father-in-law is a blue). I'm not sure you understand what a vile man Allardyce is. He has no problem with receiving bad press - it's all water off a duck's back to him. When he was rightly fired from Newcastle United for producing the worst team in living memory since Ossie Ardiles (prior to Donkey McLaren of course) he gladly took the payment for the remainder of his contract and splashed it out on a villa in Spain, he named "Casa St James" to remind everyone how he could afford to buy it.

He will take the longest contract he can with Everton on as much money as he can screw out of you and will either see out his contract providing well defended hoofball or be sacked and take a massive payout. Either way Fat Sham is the winner.

The only bright spot though is that he will definitely save you from relegation.

I do hope you can survive the Allardyce effect.

Steavey Buckley
457 Posted 29/11/2017 at 17:35:58
Cometh the hour – cometh the man.

Unsworth was given an opportunity but sadly found it hard to motivate players. Let's see what Sam can do. I do believe with ample cash, Sam can do what Koeman failed to do, find players who can do the business on the pitch once the transfer window opens at the beginning of January.

Gary Carter
458 Posted 29/11/2017 at 17:37:47
Laughable some of the names people are mentioning on here, Hughton, Howe, Dyche, Silva, Wagner – I mean really!! Little or no experience in the Premier League and all their records show is that they either do, or nearly do get relegated! Even Martinez was more inspiring than them and I didn't want him either!

If we couldn't get a Simeone, Ancelotti, Mancini, Pellegrini, a proven winner, then why not big Sam? He's got a half-decent track record and is a big and strong enough personality not just to deal with our lacklustre but talented players but also kick the board's arse a bit.

I also think it will spell the end of Walsh which is just as good as sacking Koeman. I expect a few inspirational signings from Sam, look at what he brought in at Bolton: Okocha, Campo, Djourkaef, shows a bit of ambition and thinking out of the box!!

Lev Vellene
459 Posted 29/11/2017 at 17:38:14
Tony (#434),

Evertonians just won't recognize we are at rock bottom, and that as such we actually might need Allardyce's sour medicine!

I was one of those saying 'no' on the poll a while back, just because of that! And I really hoped Unsy would be able to get some backbone into the team. But now that he's been making the same puzzling line-ups that Koeman did...

We just might the need the new brush totally out of touch with "how Everton works"!

Jamie Crowley
460 Posted 29/11/2017 at 17:38:28
I'm going with this version:

"No, you can't always get what you want
You can't always get what you want
You can't always get what you want
But if you try sometime you find
You get Sammy Lee!"


Seen a post about "keyboard warriors" and "I go the game with 38,000 other people" ripping those of us who can't actually attend a game without crossing an ocean! Please....

So my disappointment in this hire is invalid or diminished because I can't get to the game from America and it costs a fucking ton of money and I have 5 sons and a wife equating to some pretty hefty financial responsibility?

I'll "keyboard warrior" all I want if my club (yep, it's mine – ya jerks who think otherwise because I'm not a season ticket holder in the greater Liverpool area, too fucking bad...) hire an unethical man who basically plays the worst brand of football I've ever seen.

Who's to say this guy will actually save us from relegation??!! Do you have a crystal ball?

Seriously, leave the "my credentials are better than yours, Yank" crap out of this. I've every right to be surly and pissed off when my Club (said "my" again please notice) is run so fucking terribly they've sunk to this level.

Minimally, let me vent. Thank you very much.

Si Randall
461 Posted 29/11/2017 at 17:38:53
As depressing as this is, and how much it stinks of a lack of progression within the club (who just splashed £140 mil), let's be honest, he will be judged by the results for the rest of the season.

If we start winning and finish top half then everyone on here will be happy (happier anyway)

At that point, and with the stadium plans hopefully progressing, the club needs to get a proper plan together for turning the club into a challenger for the top 6. Wise investment in players, and a top manager who knows what to do with them. (Just sack Sam)

Can they do that? I have doubts.

Paul Smith
462 Posted 29/11/2017 at 17:41:51
Seems like we can express our hatred of Sam before a ball has been kicked, and see it impact on the team.

Or we can express our love of Everton, unite behind the common goal of staying in the Premier League, because in simple terms, that's all that matters to me. .

Bill Gienapp
463 Posted 29/11/2017 at 17:42:36
Shoot me.

But seriously, I've become resigned to the idea. The length of the contract is being reported to be 18 months, which at least lends credence to the "best case scenario" many are hoping for – that Allardyce steadies the ship, then rides off into the sunset with a fat payday while Moshiri brings in his preferred choice (given that the overall payout would be more or less equal to what he was willing to pay Watford to extract Silva, it makes sense).

I mean, that has to be the plan, right? There's no way the board can actually think he's the right man for the job, long-term, right? It's the only explanation for why they wouldn't entertain the idea of going after someone like Sean Dyche... right??

Clive Rogers
464 Posted 29/11/2017 at 17:47:32
Kenwright and Allardyce is one fat useless bastard too many for me.
Christy Ring
465 Posted 29/11/2017 at 17:48:41
Not a fan of Sam, but EFC is my club, so i'll support him. Totally dislike Sammy Lee, would have left him in the 'shire'. I remember reading Gary Ablett's book (RIP), he said he was a little sneak.

The players will get a rude awakening, Sam will take no nonsense, and we are in dire straits. The only consolation: I prefer him to O'Neill any day.

Karl Jones
466 Posted 29/11/2017 at 17:49:00
Even Allardyce won't be able to motivate this shower of shite. Another defeat looming tonight. Terribly depressing time to be an Evertonian.
John Pierce
467 Posted 29/11/2017 at 17:49:27
A lot of brow beating posts and resigned to our fate we have to accept our medicine.

Why? Each win this fella gets will be that little less sweeter, each loss much easier to fault.

He starts with no credit in the bank at all, no good will, no optimism. Just the hope he can keep us were we are; 17th and be grateful for it too.

He knows even if he loses 8 of his first 10 nobody at the club will challenge him. We as a club have given up. In this situation Sam has all the power, and he knows it. The owner whoever that is has ceded everything to a guy who has played us for a fools even before he starts.

Utter bullshit he was walking away two weeks ago. This is his biggest ever job, he was gagging for it. He linked himself with it, and we fell for it.

And we have to suck this shit up? Nah, not me. The day he vacates his post will be a day to grateful.

Never Allardyce.

Rick Pattinson
468 Posted 29/11/2017 at 17:49:44
Moan, moan, moan... FFS. He's a manager who will get this shower of shite to play together... it wont be attractive but we will get results. If it wasn't for his dodgy dealings, we'd all be happy.

Let's give him the chance – he can be no worse than Koeman or Martinez. I'm afraid we haven't got top managers queuing up for the job, so let's support this shower til the end.

Colin Glassar
469 Posted 29/11/2017 at 17:51:12
I'm just glad I no longer live in Liverpool as I can imagine the amount of stick some of you must be taking from the kopites right now.

I mean, Sammy fucking Lee at our place? Moshiri, you twat. Do you have any idea what you've done? And that fat fucker, Bill. Where's he hiding right now?

Tom Bowers
470 Posted 29/11/2017 at 17:51:37
I have been watching the Blues for over 60 years and have never ever seen performances like they have given this season.

All of us are sick to our stomachs and with the prospect of RS coming up and possible relegation, having any optimism is far removed.

Another manager halfway through the season is not what we envisaged but needs must and we have to accept what is available.

Here's hoping for results to improve soon.

If by some miracle they can beat RS then all this criticism of Allardyce will be forgotten.

Ron Sear
471 Posted 29/11/2017 at 17:53:59
Interesting article in the Independent about Allardyce's game plan. What is clear is the state Everton actually are in and the desperate need to do something radical. Curious to know whether the sceptics among the Toffewebbers disagree with his ideas.

Link

James Hughes
472 Posted 29/11/2017 at 17:54:47
Jamie – now breathe and relax. As you quite correctly point out, attendance, distance or opportunity to attend the match does not invalidate your opinion.

You follow and support our club that should be enough. I am pleased we have an American following. You are all part of the pain we go trough; enjoy, buddy!

Dave Abrahams
473 Posted 29/11/2017 at 17:55:35
George (66), great as usual. Those who are not going because of Allardyce / Sammy Lee coming to try and keep Everton in the Premier League, fair enough, each to his own. I wouldn't think of not going; it's easy for me to say that as I only live a 5-minute bus ride from Goodison Park.

First time round as Everton manager, Howard Kendall drove thousands away from Goodison; many never came back. Even when he won his first title, the club wasn't massively supported, but some came back.

So it will be with those saying that they will not come back. If / when Allardyce wins a few games and gets us up the league, quite a few will change their minds.

Sammy Lee, if he comes, gives me some more assurance hat we can beat the drop; a very good coach, Sammy can only aid us in our fight.

I hope we win tonight but will be happy with a point, such is our terrible form along with the injuries picked up on Saturday. I'll be backing the team tonight under the very much used and abused David Unsworth, as I will be backing Allardyce and the team versus Huddersfield and for the rest of the season.

John Pierce
474 Posted 29/11/2017 at 17:56:58
Colin,

I guess you aren't on Bill's crimbo card list, right? But, unlike most things, the stench around Goodison doesn't smell like one of Bill's making?

Different stink this time? The irony being this might make him walk away??


Derek Knox
475 Posted 29/11/2017 at 17:57:28
New theme tune will be by T-Rex, Telegram Sam!
Eddy Bernard
476 Posted 29/11/2017 at 18:01:10
This is what Big Sam said 2 weeks ago:

“I decided it was probably better it wasn't me. It would have been a fabulous job but it just didn't feel right. I think when you're in my position, you want people to be decisive & feel like they want you. I didn't get that feeling overall.”

I'm guessing a £6mill deal made it feel just about right...

Rudi Coote
477 Posted 29/11/2017 at 18:03:53
The two Sams could work... we have to be behind them and support them. I hope there isn't any booing when they come. We do NOT need that.
John Keating
478 Posted 29/11/2017 at 18:04:00
Dave, I agree and intend stopping on the way quite often just to try and deaden the pain at the final whistle!
Soren Moyer
479 Posted 29/11/2017 at 18:07:47
He has got an 18-month contract, according to Sky Sports News.
James Lauwervine
480 Posted 29/11/2017 at 18:09:01
This is the worst day I can remember as an Evertonian. The only thing that comes vaguely close is the day Rooney was sold. What a fucking shambles.

We are a laughing stock and those running our club should hang their heads in total shame. An absolute embarrassment. From the optimism of five months ago to this – fucking hell.

Eddy Bernard
481 Posted 29/11/2017 at 18:12:03
Ian @105

Don't be so sure Allardyce has already proven he will field a weakened cup side (whatever that is at Everton these days) in favour of Premier League points, so I wouldn't go booking any Wembley hotels around May.

Rudi Coote
482 Posted 29/11/2017 at 18:14:00
And get rid of Ferguson. He's been on the coaching staff through THREE managers... doing what? Answers on the back of a postage stamp please.
Phil Bellis
483 Posted 29/11/2017 at 18:15:28
What the hell do we do when West Ham go 2-0 up?... I'm bringing my own cushion.

Hope to God I'm wrong...

Jamie Crowley
484 Posted 29/11/2017 at 18:15:28
James 10-4 on that. I’ll try decaf tomorrow.

I’m just despondent. When I saw the rumors I thought surely it was tabloid crap.

Now it’s reality and well clearly I’m not a fan of Big Sam or the decision.

It’s fucking bad .

John Hughes
485 Posted 29/11/2017 at 18:17:01
Well said,, Dave Abrahams and hear, hear. The so-called supporters who are coming out and saying things like “We are a fucking disgrace,” etc are the very ones who are making it look so.

As you say, Sammy Lee is a first class coach (and a first class bloke by the way) with international pedigree. Let's move on and get behind the whole team for goodness sake. COYBB!!!

Lev Vellene
486 Posted 29/11/2017 at 18:20:03
I wasn't paying too much attention to anything not-Everton way back in the late 70s or early 80s. Was Sammy Lee a rabid anti-Evertonian, or just a very good player for LFC?

We have Peter Reid, and he's still an Evertonian, even if he played his heart out for some other club(s)... Even Shankly was personally friendly with Evertonians, unless official quotes were needed, or seemed appropriate. As I've read the stories...

Mike Crawford
487 Posted 29/11/2017 at 18:20:57
Three Managers in one season so far... wow!
Paul Underhill
488 Posted 29/11/2017 at 18:23:48
I'm already sick off the bad talk about Sam Allardyce and Sammy Lee. They're not my first option but the board have hired them.

Look at it in 12 games – I bet we're doing a hell of a lot better than now. Get behind them!

Blue for over 50 years – back the team!!!!

Jamie Crowley
489 Posted 29/11/2017 at 18:24:49
Anyone not behind the team in an hour or so, and from that point forward, is an ass-hat.

Doesn’t mean you have to shit gold bars and be happy with this managerial appointment!

Barry Johnson
490 Posted 29/11/2017 at 18:24:51
A new low has been reached by a once great club. I cannot follow a club that appoints a worn out old fart as its manager. I'm out, for good.

I have had enough disappointments in my life, I don't need the humiliation of the Championship. Goodbye dear friend. Once great, but now an embarrassment.

Gavin Johnson
491 Posted 29/11/2017 at 18:25:03
A £6m deal for 6 months would have been more than generous. He's not wanted beyond the summer.
Tom Evans
492 Posted 29/11/2017 at 18:25:23
Poor old Sammy Lee. He'll certainly get loads of shit from the Blues fans – that's for sure.

Spare a thought for him if he is in post when we go to Anfield. An Owen-esque reception awaits no doubt.

Nicholas Ryan
493 Posted 29/11/2017 at 18:26:15
Could have been worse... at least he isn't Pardew!

But seriously, if we had been sitting in a pub, before the season started, and someone had said: "In a hypothetical relegation scrap, which manager would you want?" I suspect a good chunk of people would have said: 'Sam Allardyce'.

Well, the relegation scrap isn't hypothetical any more, and neither is the man to deal with it.

Darren Hind
494 Posted 29/11/2017 at 18:28:06
Dave A,

It's all talk mate. They'll be there. They won't be able to keep away.

It's going to get a little hairy tonight; I was thinking of taking a flask, but the way my nerves are, I would probably be better taking the bottle!

COYB

Soren Moyer
495 Posted 29/11/2017 at 18:28:45
He is not my favorite candidate for the job, but I prefer him to that twat Koeman!
John Pierce
496 Posted 29/11/2017 at 18:30:47
That's right Darren, everyone will be there. Rubbernecking at the carcrash.
Ray Jacques
497 Posted 29/11/2017 at 18:31:55
Lee is a better coach than all the true blue old boys network losers currently on the payroll.

Grow up, some of you, what has he done to make you so rabid? Oh yeah... he played for the RedShite 30 years ago and was very successful at it.

James Marshall
498 Posted 29/11/2017 at 18:33:08
Jeez, people are really losing it over this – players & managers come & go, you don't have to love them or hate them. You support Everton like we all do, it's what bonds us.

So what if Allardyce has been implicated in some shady dealings in the past – I have as well... does that mean I can't support Everton anymore?

Stick with the team through thick & thin, that's what we do – lifelong.

He has my full support – for what it's worth.

Mark Dunford
499 Posted 29/11/2017 at 18:33:44
Dreadful appointment. Second-rate managerial record (39% win rate), inflated ego and dodgy dealings (Panorama, Telegraph exposes). At best, he is yesterday's fireman.

Without doubt, this is one of the most depressing things I can recall in over 40 years of watching Everton. My feeling is he'll exceed the already lowered expectations – relegation is now more rather than less likely and we could easily end up with another manager before the end of the season.

One of the primary reasons he left Palace was the failure to win round the fans and it will be far, far harder at Everton. Moshiri doesn't understand Everton – both his appointments have failed to find someone suitable for the role and this one shames the club.

Chris Corn
500 Posted 29/11/2017 at 18:36:07
All this 'the club has sold its soul' and integrity is just shit. Kenwright was propped up by Philip Green for the duration of his tenure and fought tooth and nail to keep hold of the club by inventing a phantom fund amongst other things.

We employ convicted drink drivers and class a drug users. >Everton sold its soul years ago. Go and ask the former employees of BHS!!

Derek Knox
501 Posted 29/11/2017 at 18:36:24
Eddy (#477), the next soundbite will be something along the lines of "I didn't take the job because of the money!"

The bit I can't get my head around is Koeman was on £6M per year, (£5M too much imo) so why does Sam get offered the same, over a shorter period?

Mike Gaynes
502 Posted 29/11/2017 at 18:38:12
Well, the good news for me is that I don't have to listen to the commentary today. The only US broadcast is in Spanish. If I hear "Choncho Samuel" I'll know who they're talking about.
Dick Fearon
503 Posted 29/11/2017 at 18:41:47
So this is the winter of our discontent brought about by a litany of lies and fabrication.

In less than two hours we will be trying (hopefully) to pull something from the ashes of this once great club. If those coming to our rescue are to be the two Sams I can only wish them the best of luck and hope for their success.

When making their appointment the board should do the decent thing by adding an apology to its statement.

Kenwright in particular should beg forgiveness for overseeing the gradual destruction of the hopes and dreams of supporters.

Steve High
504 Posted 29/11/2017 at 18:44:25
The players need man-management. Big Sam and Shakespeare will bring that. Have none of you been watching how we have disintegrated over this season?

Park progression at this point, that stadium will simply not be built from the Championship.

Phil Greenough
505 Posted 29/11/2017 at 18:44:38
Why do people persist in using Allardyce's win-rate to beat him up with? All of the teams he managed were in dire straits and they were never going to win many games. The fact is, Allardyce won enough of his games to do a job for those failing teams.
Jackie Barry
506 Posted 29/11/2017 at 18:45:23
What is there to understand about Everton other than we are crap right now? I had grown tired of Moyes way before the end of his tenure, I didn’t like the idea of Roberto Martinez and I didn’t like the idea of Koeman.

Now we are onto Sam and I don’t particularly like the idea of him either. You know who really doesn’t get Everton, who brought mediocrity into the club? It’s person who claims to be the biggest blue of all, Bill Kenwright.

Tony Abrahams
507 Posted 29/11/2017 at 18:45:44
Me arl mate Georg e@66, has done it again! I often put the lyrics of George onto YouTube to get the song on, and this one is brilliant, mate!

And a message to all the blues who are feeling totally despondent with the appointment of Sam Allardyce... DONT GIVE UP!

Colin Glassar
508 Posted 29/11/2017 at 18:51:00
Some people are so accepting of things they remind me of the battered wives who believe that deep down the abusive husband really loves them and will, sooner or later, change back to the man they once knew and loved.

Ok, I’ll give Sammy Lee some slack and wish him all the best but what next? How much more shite will we accept from the board in the hope that they really know what they’re doing, that they really have the clubs best interest at heart?

At some point Everton fans are going to have to face up to the fact that our board is completely shameless and incompetent. We’ve spent thirty years on a slow, downward spiral and I for one cannot see anything positive changing in the foreseeable future.

I would hope the fans get behind the team tonight but also show these fools that enough is enough and this shambles and lack of accountability will no longer be accepted.

Karl Meighan
509 Posted 29/11/2017 at 18:51:58
How the fuck is Allardyce a worse manager than Dyche? Do Burnley play like Real or Barca? They have Ward playing fullback and normally 1 or 2 big strong number 9 types upfront a centre midfielder who Moyes was after about 15 years ago before he signed Fellaini.

They were also relegated with him at the helm, didn't win an away game for about 12 months, and are doing okay, no more, 13 games into this season. This is what loads here believe makes him a better manager than Allardyce?

Kevin Moorcroft
510 Posted 29/11/2017 at 18:52:38
Come on, big Sam – we're all with you!
Dan Walker
511 Posted 29/11/2017 at 18:54:54
The fact that he "withdrew himself" very publicly from contention a couple of weeks ago, should've been the end of it. No way in hell should we have gone back and basically begged him to take the job.

The upper management of the club is a complete shambles. No other Premier League club would've done this.

James Marshall
512 Posted 29/11/2017 at 18:55:18
We're an old school English club, with old school English supporters and an old school English manager – as RS mate of mine just said, it's a good fit really.
Dave Williams
513 Posted 29/11/2017 at 18:55:41
Get a grip!! We are in a relegation fight. We are giving goals away.

We concede early. We lack fight, effort and guts. We lack physicality

We lose all 50:50 balls. We are not fit enough. We are poor positionally.

We don't play to a system

Who do we need?? Big Sam. The job is tailor made for him. He will drill the defensive side until it is automatic. He will get us fit and competitive and will confront players who are not applying themselves. He knows English football, he will know most of our players and I doubt he will have any fear going to the top 6 grounds.

Forget the murky stories – talk to anyone who works in football and they will say it goes on everywhere.

Would I have chosen him when Moyes and then Martinez left? No, but this situation needs him and if he does well then keep him on.

A foreign coach wouldn't have a clue where to start with a lack of knowledge of English football and possibly poor language skills too.

As for Sammy Lee, okay, he played for them and I hated him, not as a person cos I didn't know him. Now he works for us and I am all for it. This guy is a born winner and we need some of them. Imagine the RS fans – they won't be too happy!

A good sensible decision – give them a chance because we need this to work but it will take time because he has been bequeathed an awful mess.

Andy Crooks
514 Posted 29/11/2017 at 18:59:10
If and when Sam Allardyce is appointed, I will support him one hundred percent, and will give him the same time I would have afforded Silva,

There is some seriously appalling moralising on this thread. I would suggest that post (#415) is libellous as well as cretinous.

He would not have been my choice but I will not pick and choose between who is the least corrupt in a corrupt industry. Welcome, Sam, and good luck.

Jamie Crowley
515 Posted 29/11/2017 at 18:59:52
Gaynes @ 503,

Mike, get NBC Sports Gold. $50 and you can stream all games not shown on the NBC family of networks on TV.

Game starts streaming at 3 pm EST.

https://www.nbcsports.com/gold

Frank Mullin
516 Posted 29/11/2017 at 19:01:00
I am deeply troubled and saddened by this appointment. This guy is no more than a mercenary of the highest degree. He has no affinity to the Club, is despised by the majority of fans and is a self serving blathering oaf lacking in even a modicum of class. As an ambassador for this great institution that is Everton Football Club he is likely an embarrassment in waiting.

But hey, that was yesterday's view. When he is appointed, he will have my full support for as long as he delivers the success we all crave. This is not about an individual, good or bad. The Club is bigger than that, so it's our duty to get behind him and the players.
Onward and upward.

COYB

Steven Jones
517 Posted 29/11/2017 at 19:01:07
Big Sam could be a great asset for us.

He knows the Premier League inside out and his approach to science, fitness and analytics was and is pioneering.

As well as his adoption of efficient football, defending well, clean sheets, passing forward early (not hoofing), maximising interceptions in opposing half, practicing defence, using the class room to educate the players individually and together, his analysis if opposition their strengths and weaknesses and his professionalism on defending and attacking set pieces, preparing meticulously for each opponent etc etc is exactly wheat we need.

Welcome, Big Sam – hope you dig us out of the hole, re-balance the squad in January and then surprise everyone by bringing some of those highly technical players you have bought in the past and then really push EFC into the top 6 and 4!

COYB's

James Marshall
518 Posted 29/11/2017 at 19:02:10
It's definitely happening – photos of him at Goodison on the Sky site with Moshiri.
Paul Gallagher
519 Posted 29/11/2017 at 19:04:24
I predict Sam will have us finishing 11th. Nothing spectacular, but a few wins relatively comfortable from relegation, but nowhere near top 7.
Colin Glassar
520 Posted 29/11/2017 at 19:05:12
Where’s the live forum?
James Marshall
521 Posted 29/11/2017 at 19:06:48
Colin – same place it always is: http://ToffeeWeb.com/comment/live/
Phil Davis
522 Posted 29/11/2017 at 19:10:52
Can't believe our beloved club has to scrape the barrel to appoint a new manager. Quite obviously the mess is so, so bad that anyone of any calibre would not touch Everton. Even worse, the thought of that rodent Sammy Lee being any part of our club.

Roast in hell, Koeman!

John Wilson
523 Posted 29/11/2017 at 19:11:32
I don't care about the red shite in modern days, or today, but Sammy Lee was an excellent player in his day. Let's hope he can do Everton proud.

Now let's teach Everton how to play football again. Welcome Big Sam. One big fella Unsy for another big fella.

Michael Burke
524 Posted 29/11/2017 at 19:13:34
Frank (#517), why does our manager have to have affinity with a club? It is a job. All he has to do is make us better. We have conceded 20 goals in 7 games. We are in dire straits.

Even the most optimistic fan can't see where our next win is coming from, surely! Unsworth has a great affinity for our club, that has done us absolutely no favours.

Oliver Molloy
525 Posted 29/11/2017 at 19:16:45
Well my thoughts are: I don't understand why lots on here seem to be surprised that Allardyce has got the job. We are in a total mess , and what we need right now is an experienced man to get the best out of these players on the football pitch.

I am not expecting miracles, but I am expecting us to start turning up, playing a style of "do not concede" football and counter attacking when we can.

Who knows what January will bring, we will have to wait and see but I'm sure Allardyce will have seen what is needed by then.

I'm an Everton supporter so the manager will have my support to get things right. What more can we do? It's not my money, but if true that Moshiri is willing to pay Allardyce nearly £6 million a year, I think Allardyce and his agents have played a blinder.

It's safety first for us once again, let's hope Allardyce can get us going.

COYB

Jay Griffiths
526 Posted 29/11/2017 at 19:18:17
Leaving for game. #517 Frank. Top supporter. We follow this team everywhere yet you exceed us all. You have a public and intense resentment for the guy yet you have the ability to cut past the emotional turmoil and see this for what it is. We need your support and all those capable of mirroring your opinion. Good stuff.
Michael Mcloughlin
527 Posted 29/11/2017 at 19:20:10
Dave (#514) absolutely spot on. The decision is made for all the reasons as you explained. I'm not saying people can't have a moan, they can. But I would sooner be talking about how everyone thinks Sam and his team will improve us. Because improve us he will. I

like the idea of Shakespeare coming as his deputy and if Sammy Lee does a good job with the players I will welcome him with open arms. I don't give s flying fuck that he's ex redshite.

Priority is getting the blues playing with some belief and I think Sam will bring that and get them up the table.

I'm sure that every man and woman on this site will heave a sigh of relief. COYB

Steven Jones
528 Posted 29/11/2017 at 19:28:21
George 68 - post of the day, week, month year! Loved it!

We as Fans can get behind the team and give them all the support they need to do it fir us.

We need to get behind Big Sam and hope he transforms our fortunes - that is the one contribution we can make as true blue brothers!!

COYB's

Ben Dyke
529 Posted 29/11/2017 at 19:30:10
I'm guessing there are many of us out here who don't care about the managers and coaches as long as the team does well! I really don't! It could be Basil Brush in a red shirt for all I care as long as we start winning football matches and playing well.
Joe McMahon
530 Posted 29/11/2017 at 19:30:30
I suppose we have to accept (not easy) that the likes of Leicester and Southampton have over taken us, both in terms of quality of squad and stadium/facilities. (I can never understand why Southampton sacked Claude Puel).

For Everton to compete again, I really think this new stadium is needed. Sam is prob our best chance of staying up, as we wont attract the manager we want at the moment.

Andy Crooks
531 Posted 29/11/2017 at 19:30:31
Phil (#523), calm down, I suspect you don' t really want Koeman to "roast in hell".
Paul Wyndham
532 Posted 29/11/2017 at 19:31:04
Allardyce is this, Allardyce is that, Allardyce is the other... grown men posting shit like this, WTF?

Anyone who thinks Marco Silva would be a better alternative at this current moment, well wake up and smell the coffee. We are in dire straights and nailed on for relegation; needs must!

You can put up with the phoney who has destroyed the Club from within but are walking away from Everton because they've sunk so low appointing Allardyce... and as for ripping into Sammy Lee because he he's ex RS, well that's pathetic.

Allardyce is a mercenary, fuck me, Moyes, Martinez and Koeman were all fucking philanthropists weren't they!

Kenwright Out!

Gary Goodwin
534 Posted 29/11/2017 at 19:41:55
My wife requires care 24 hours a day. A walk to the shops when nurses are in is the only time I can leave the house. I love Everton, and just being able to attend one match, just one, would be heaven.

Guys, please don't boycott matches. Get behind the team and roar them on.

Joe McMahon
535 Posted 29/11/2017 at 19:42:15
Friend of mine an life long season ticket holder (Kevin Nicholas), always said that in the early 80s Sammy Lee turned up at a local junior amateur cup match, and Sammy Lee turned up days after the European Cup final. Not making a fuss he helped set up the Goal posts/nets etc.

A sound bloke! (he played for Liverpool years ago, not a problem). Both Manchester clubs love Matt Busby, Dennis Law and Peter Schmeichel.

Phil Rouse
536 Posted 29/11/2017 at 19:45:52
Well, that's the end of me getting up at 3 am to watch the games till the end of the season, or he is gone. Whichever comes first.
Anthony Jones
537 Posted 29/11/2017 at 19:55:20
If we get Sammy Lee and Shakespeare too I am done.

Moshiri was naive to pay off Koeman without clear options available.

I honestly would rather have given Koeman the season. It's a right off now anyway.

And if Koeman did have to go then so should the DoF.

Mike Dolan
538 Posted 29/11/2017 at 20:01:59
Sam would not have been my first choice but he is now Everton's manager so I welcome and support him and his staff 100%. He's dour but not more so than Moyes who was Fergies first choice to replace himself.

We need to begin to grind out some results quickly and there are a couple of players that have shown no effort need to be shown the door. Let's keep an open mind if he can tighten this defense who knows what will happen?

Let's turn this thing around starting today.


Tommy Carter
539 Posted 29/11/2017 at 20:17:42
#515

It is certainly not libellous. It is a hypothetical question themed by Allardyce's questionable integrity and proven issues around financial incentives he has courted (for himself and family members) that exist outside of his salary and other expected revenue streams that are offered naturally through his role as a football manager of a particular club or football association.

Time to jump off of your moral high horse and realise that our football club have chosen to employ a man with appealing judgement and/or moral fibre.

Under him, The People's Club we most certainly are not!

Roger Helm
540 Posted 29/11/2017 at 20:27:47
At present we are bottom of the league for chances created, goals conceded, passes completed, arial battles won and any and all other parameters for being a fit, motivated, organised professional football team. In short, we need someone like Allardyce to sort the players out. I am sick of seeing Everton players being brushed aside and throwing in the towel.

Oh, but he's a mercenary, how shocking that a club as perfect as ours can stoop so low. Grow up! They are all mercenaries!

So welcome Sam and I hope you can save our Premier League existence.

Welcome also Sammy Lee. The comments here have been pathetic and embarrassing. So what if he played for Liverpool? We signed Peter Beardsley, Kevin Sheedy and Gary Ablett, didn't we? He is a good coach, which is all that interests me. So let's stop whingeing and get behind the lads.

Anthony Jones
541 Posted 29/11/2017 at 21:32:49
No, the Allardyce sceptics don't need a reality check.

The squad we have is turning out to be overrated. Unsworth has struggled, but not done any worse than Koeman, who did good things at Southampton.

Allardyce will get the players doing the basics, but so could a lot of other managers.

Moyes is apparently getting West Ham back to basics and we are currently beating them with the terrible Unsworth at the helm.

If Allardyce is getting anything like £6 million per year, with no pressure to sign good players then the world of football has lost its collective mind.

Chad Schofield
542 Posted 29/11/2017 at 21:53:33
Can we get our money back from Sam?
Andy Crooks
543 Posted 29/11/2017 at 22:18:06
Tommy, I am not on a moral high horse. I make no judgements on our new coach. You talk about "moral fibre", seems very much to me like high-horsedness. Fuck, I love that "word", thanks, Tommy, for letting me invent / use it.

Anyway, who cares, after tonight. This lot have been saving it. Shameless is what they are.

Tony Abrahams
544 Posted 29/11/2017 at 22:22:11
Why Chad?
Chad Schofield
545 Posted 29/11/2017 at 22:28:12
Why Tony? Because Unsworth, Koeman, Martinez and Moyes had more impact than BFS. We're 13th and a win off the top half.

People are give credit to Allardyce for turning up flashing his grotesque watch and perspiration. We're paying him a fortune and I believe again we've made a massive mistake.

Paul Birmingham
546 Posted 29/11/2017 at 22:41:02
Le Vie Cest La Vie. It's been a welcome win tonight and some good play but a wins what we needed and so we must unite and put our own views aside about the new boss.

Everton first, for me every day come what mate, managers and coaches come and go... Time will prove now but surely the bottom of the seemingly endless pit has been reached.. .?

Now for the same vs Huddersfield and made up for Unsworth in his last game in charge. Now to build up some focus on the next game and hopefully no injuries.

Francis Gibson
547 Posted 29/11/2017 at 22:43:34
George #66:

Over the moon for you, mate, with that £1 wager I hope you made! Well-deserved, if only for your lovely post up there.

In any case, don't spend it all in one place brother. Or do! ;-)

Tony Abrahams
548 Posted 29/11/2017 at 22:55:56
It's down to nothing but “posso waves” that Francis!

I have never even met George, but he always cheers me up with his words and his lyrics, and also his POSSO WAVES, so I was actually praying we never scored another near the end!

Andy Williams
549 Posted 29/11/2017 at 23:24:14
Well said Gary (#535). Hope you can manage it soon. Good luck to you and your wife. Take care.
John Davies
550 Posted 29/11/2017 at 00:01:39
Phil Davis #523.

"Roast in hell Koeman"?

Fuck me. What a dumb arse comment. Read Gary Goodman #535 and get things into perspective man.

Paul Kossoff
551 Posted 29/11/2017 at 00:03:17
Absolutely fucking unbelievable that we are that desperate to have to get this conman to save us from relegation!

We won one did we? Well let's see where we are in January under this clueless wonder, let's see how long the honeymoon lasts shall we, before we are shouting at him.

You haven't got a clue! I'm sure he's heard that one before today. Kenwright and Moshiri, you should be fucking ashamed of yourselves!

Barry Jones
552 Posted 30/11/2017 at 02:23:34
Thank god for rational, reliable Evertonians like Dave Abrahams. Keep it going Dave.
Kristian Boyce
553 Posted 30/11/2017 at 02:32:26
Is Allardyce my choice for manager, no. But he's our manager now and as a fanbase, we need to get a grip on reality and get behind the team. The threats of boycotting games sounds like the same overreaction of people saying they would leave the UK & US after the Brexit and Trump elections.

The two biggest criticisms of hiring Fat Sam on here it seems is his morals and tactics. It seems that lots of people have got very pious when talking about the lack of morals and ethics of the new manager. Is he an angel, no but is he really different than other managers out there? He's a vocal person and his downfall as England boss was that he was honest about the underhanded actions that go on in the game. As someone else said about what David Conn said when he compares football it to a cesspool of corruption. But some could say the way the media had duped him with the 'fake sheikh' ploy was just as underhanded. He's also come under scrutiny before regarding the ethics of his son as an agent, but didn't Moyes have the same issue with his brother?

While many criticise his morals a due to rumours of dodgy deals, the bung culture is still widespread throughout the game. Image rights and other 'agent fee's' have basically taken the place of the tradition bung. With the increase of the superstar foreign managers in the English game, how many of them are squeaky clean from the time they've worked out of the country in locations where bribes and backhanders are commonplace?

It's interesting to see people's disgust at the lack of Fat Sam's morals, but are forgiving of some of our former players and managers. We idolize a striker who was convicted of assaulting a player on the field (along with numerous others, including an off-duty policeman). Our greatest ever manager was a raging alcoholic who turned up to training and matches drunk. Also, anyone remember the standing ovation that was given to our former captain, Tony Kay who was banned due to the betting scandal back in the 60's, when he came back for the 100 year top flight celebration? Even now with Rooney coming back home, his personal life has featured in the papers pretty much his whole career.

Other complaints that people have is the perceived negative anti-football style he implements. Have people watched us for the last 15 years? Other than the 6-8 months of Martinez's first season and maybe 4-5 games of Moyes's tenure, the stuff we've put up with is the same brand of football supposedly Allardyce plays. When he's had skillful players, he's utilized them. That Bolton team of Jay Jay, Anelka and Youri Djorkaeff were superb at times.

This is his final chance in his career and finally he's come to a 'big' team with money. After the England debacle, he has something to prove, even though he did a good job in saving Palace. That being said, it looks like he's only signed an 18-month contract so I can see him staying to the end of the season and then reassessing his future at the club. Depending on how well things are going, I could see him retiring again on hopefully a relative high.

Rick Cole
554 Posted 30/11/2017 at 06:56:15
Congrats, George, on both a wonderful post that helped with the dread I was feeling having read all the negativity, and of course, the the bet coming up trumps.

I was riding the last 15 minutes pretty hard hoping the scoreline would hold for you.

Thanks for the added excitement!

David Ellis
555 Posted 30/11/2017 at 08:17:12
I met Sam Allardyce a couple of years ago at a charity ball he was speaking at (he was paid to attend of course...it was before he took the Sunderland job).

He came across as a decent bloke. He felt he had been unfairly pigeon-holded by the media (Southern dominated media) as a long-ball crash-and-bash proponent/bluff Northerner. However not all his teams are like that and he only uses that when needs must (and he has not managed a top team before so I think his point is fair).

Let's give him a chance. He may have us playing decent football after all. I'd rather have had someone like Silva who is a bit less known and might have been a messiah – we know Allardyce isn't that... but let's give him a chance.

Michael Nisbet
556 Posted 30/11/2017 at 09:01:06
All of a sudden, the league table doesn't look so bad. Do we still "need" Allardyce? Is it too late? Can we still get in a manager we don't all hate?
Tony Everan
557 Posted 30/11/2017 at 09:14:59
If he gets us to 7th place or an FA Cup Win, he will have a case to be kept on after June.

Below that and the knives will be out.

David Booth
558 Posted 30/11/2017 at 09:35:34
Would Man City, Chelsea, Man Utd, Spurs, Arsenal or Liverpool sign Allardyce? No. Everton doing so perfectly encapsulates our expectations and mentality, ie, that of Stoke, West Brom and Southampton.

If it wasn't for our heritage and our fantastically loyal supporters, we would have no standing in the game at all.

Bill Kenwright has run this club like a corner shop, whilst the six we aspire to compete with have grown into megastores.

Allardyce may well 'save us from relegation', but what happens next? Is that it? And is that all the board expect nowadays?

Mike Owen
559 Posted 30/11/2017 at 09:50:30
Could we get Allardyce in on a zero hours contract? Just ring him up when we need him.

I am grateful to Unsworth for the seven points in last five league games (three away):

P5, W2, D1, L2, Goals For 10, Against 10.

In the circumstances he inherited, he did well. Now if he'd had a full pre-season in charge, who knows...

Gary (#535), I hope you can make a game some time. Carers unpaid and paid are very under-valued, I know of several. More and more people will be doing it. Regards to you and your wife.

As for Allardyce, he'll piss me off if he doesn't play a full-strength team in the Cup. The club badly needs a trophy and we are capable of winning the FA Cup.

Stan Schofield
560 Posted 30/11/2017 at 11:25:54
John @551: Well said. I'm not in favour of Allardyce, but if he's our manager we just get on with it, and support him. What's been happening is disappointing, but it's a blip. We're supposed to be aiming for the Champions League and all that under Moshiri, but if we don't reach that aim it's not a disaster.

The most likely scenario is continuing the way we've seen for the last decade and more, being mid to high in the table with the occasional visit near the bottom. The best scenario is top-6 and Champions League, plus trophies, but is less likely. Getting relegated is the least likely scenario.

That's not accepting mediocrity, it's just accepting reality and the likelihoods that go with it, and at the end of the day it's a game involving 22 millionaires kicking a sphere of leather around a patch of turf.

Stephen Davies
561 Posted 30/11/2017 at 11:33:56
Stan (#561), Agreed.

You would now hope that once stabilised we would be looking for a Manager/coach to takeover in a seamless switch at the end of Allardyce's contract and that such managers are being monitored over the next 12 months.

Interestingly Silva's contract ends in 18 months and (I think) Fonseca in 12 months. Hopefully also, within that period the Board will have some changes as this whole debacle cannot ever be repeated.

John Dean
562 Posted 30/11/2017 at 12:25:06
There are only two Sams in this world that I know of, Big Sam and Yosemite Sam. And we got the one who knows nothing about football. Is 15 points enough to stay up?
Karl Meighan
563 Posted 30/11/2017 at 13:33:08
@557 it may not look that bad but, with 3 points for a win, lose against the teams around you and things can change fast.
Tom Evans
564 Posted 30/11/2017 at 14:53:42
What's this delay on an official announcement?
Dennis Stevens
565 Posted 30/11/2017 at 15:05:29
I don't know, Tom – but I've got my fingers crossed that it could all fall through at the last minute!
Tony Hill
566 Posted 30/11/2017 at 15:07:54
It is odd. Any ongoing uncertainty is precisely what we do not need.
Julian Exshaw
567 Posted 30/11/2017 at 15:10:18
Gary Goodwin @ 535. Well done for putting things into perspective. I think we are all guilty of posting some hyperbolic comments, all borne out of frustration. Wishing you and your wife the best and that you can get down to Goodison one of these days to roar the boys on.
Chris Watts
568 Posted 30/11/2017 at 15:14:04
Yes, typical Everton. Sam is in the building and still no announcement.
Dennis Stevens
569 Posted 30/11/2017 at 15:15:53
Perhaps he's had a better offer!
George McKane
570 Posted 30/11/2017 at 15:23:42
Thank you all for your good wishes and comments especially regarding my 4 - 0 (50:1 Odds).

Where I sit in The Park end everyone around me knows of my weekly bet and once the 2nd or 3rd goes in are all willing for the 4th and also when it gets to 4 - 0 are shouting for it to "go back to the goalie" or "miss" - - it's a bit of Match-day fun - - when I get back to The Dark House the gang are waiting and the round is about £300 (joking) - - so as I said earlier (post 66 on this thread) I am not allowing anybody to ruin my Everton Match day routine or destroy all the fun we have around where we sit and in TDH.

If you stop going or stop watching - - which is your choice of course - - all of these Bluetiful Memories stop with you - - Not for Me:

And we all shine on
Like the moon and the stars and the sun
And we all shine on
And on and on and on

Cosmic Blue Posso Waves To All Blues Practicing and Lapsed - - And God Bless Father Winder.

Kevin Tully
571 Posted 30/11/2017 at 15:36:24
There is no way Allardyce was even third choice for the board, or any supporter. The fact is, we tried to poach any half-decent manager with 11 games of the season played, Quite rightly, we were told to go and whistle.

Then we had the likes of Tuchel, who was always going to be a risk in the Premier League and he probably wants a Champions League side. The Premier League can chew managers up and spit them out, as Frank de Boer found to his cost. If the players are not on side from the very beginning, you are toast. Look what Chelsea did to Mourinho after a title win, same with players at Leicester who hung out Ranieri to swing in the wind. They expressed their dissatisfaction through their agents, lovely touch.

Quite simply, I believe it's more important that the players WANT to play for you these days, rather than being some tactical genius.

Our bunch of shitbags have got rid of two managers in Martinez & Koeman, and from what I was told last night by an ex-player, they didn't want Unsworth either.

Let's hope these pricks start playing for Allardyce, maybe he's just the type of character who will put some fear back into these piss-taking bastards who pull on the shirt every week.

Tony Hill
572 Posted 30/11/2017 at 15:45:27
Yes, it goes back years of course. I think I've said before on here that Billy Bingham once told me that if you have 8 players trying for you as a manager then you have a title winning side. They decided to turn up last night.

Corinthians, all of them.

Steve Bell
573 Posted 30/11/2017 at 15:54:01
Just what is the delay in the official announcement?

Or are we waiting for Moshiri's mouthpiece to announce it?

Phil Hall
574 Posted 30/11/2017 at 16:59:11
I know Big Sam is not everyone's choice but that's what we have so let's get behind him, like we always do.
Kim Vivian
575 Posted 30/11/2017 at 16:59:32
I'm surprised nothings been said yet.

Perhaps they aren't going 'announce' it - just let it happen. After all it is not going to be a flag waving, all singing, all dancing moment of triumph, razzmatazz and optimism, is it? thanks to the nature and circumstances.

It has to be pretty low key. Maybe it will just come from Jim Talkshite.

Gerry Quinn
576 Posted 30/11/2017 at 17:11:17
Sam Allardyce is the new manager of Everton, after agreeing an 18-month deal at Goodison Park, Sky Sports News understands.
Kunal Desai
577 Posted 30/11/2017 at 17:12:23
Done deal: 18 months. Hopefully there is a release clause in the summer.
Steve Bell
578 Posted 30/11/2017 at 17:15:30
Kim (#576)

Maybe you are right; no announcement.

It may be Moshiri is a bit embarrassed and I notice Boys Pen Bill has as usual gone to ground.

Or maybe he has been gaffer taped up in the Chairman's leather bound chair in the boardroom.
😂😂

Dave Abrahams
579 Posted 30/11/2017 at 17:16:08
Gary (#535),

I know you wouldn't want me to say it but carers like yourself are saints and so are plenty of carers on very low paid jobs. I know a few and I am indebted to them. I hope you get to see a game very soon.

Best wishes to you and your wife.

Brent Stephens
580 Posted 30/11/2017 at 17:21:33
Gary (#535) – if you ever do manage to swing at least a few hours off one day, get in touch with me via Lyndon and you can use my Season Ticket for that day.
John Smith
581 Posted 30/11/2017 at 17:44:07
Done deal 18 months. Hopefully there is a release clause in the summer."

Agreed.

,"Done deal 18 months. Hopefully there is a releass clause in the summer."

Agreed.,Turned on,sfblue,1,17:33:54,,110.23.11.243,probation,18950,11/30/2017 17:33:54,EFC_Fan,probation,, 877743,35880,toffeeweb,30/11/2017,Steavey Buckley,events_1998@yahoo.com,"Last night's match has turned into an anti-climax, because of the resounding victory. Did David Unsworth finally come to grips with an Everton squad that has many failings but has players who can make an impact?

Then there are players who will make an impact once they are fit and healthy, such as Barkley, Coleman, Bolasie and McCarthy.

Instead, will Big Sam go back to square one and make the same mistakes as Unsworth did until he becomes aware of them or will he take Everton to a better level? Time will only tell.

Steve Bell
582 Posted 30/11/2017 at 18:08:16
Now officially announced, ah well.

What will be will be.

Gary Goodwin
583 Posted 30/11/2017 at 19:30:59
Andy Williams #550, Mike Owen #560, Julian Exshaw #568, Dave Abrahams #580 and Brent Stephens #581

Thank you all so much for your kind comments, they brought some cheer on this freezing cold day!

Tony Abrahams
584 Posted 30/11/2017 at 19:35:57
Chad @456, I don't know what to say to that first paragraph mate.

Brent, good shout that mate, and if you want to go to a second game Gary, I will give you my ticket to get in.

Alan McGuffog
585 Posted 01/12/2017 at 09:36:18
This appointment stinks. It betrays the history and ethos of our club. The last 30 years have seen football reminiscent of Ajax, Real, Bayern being played at Goodison. Look at the trophy room, remember the triumphs of 94 and 98, look at the way we bring out a video if we ever get a point against the reds.

The glory years, sorry year of 1995, when our precision football was practiced by the "Dogs of War". The heritage of Parkinson, Ebbrell, Mitch Ward, Danny Williamson... all being thrown away. Where's me dummy? Where's me pram?


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