Simms brace puts Seasiders on brink of play-off final

There have been few of 'our players' over the years that have gone on loan to various Clubs, and apart from a couple of games, have made a major impact. I'm glad to see that Ellis is bucking that trend, the lad truly has talent and unlike many before him, is proving that he CAN do it at the next level!

I just hope that the Club have him tied to us (providing he wants to remain of course) for a long time to come, as this lad could save us Millions and possibly cement his name in the Goodison/BMD Hall of Fame!

Derek, give the lad a break, with that level of expectation,

The lad is 20 and then you look at Haaland, Mbappe and others who are doing at top levels already.

Halls of fame etc aren't you jumping the gun just a little?

I bet Ellis doesn’t try and play a one two with the opposing goalie. Take note dcl.

Agree with Trevor but nevertheless very pleased for Simms. The third tier is a step up from u23s and he's demonstrated himself more than capable. He's still several rungs down on the ladder from a Prem striker but he's still climbing and may yet get there. A full season in a second tier side (hopefully Blackpool) could be the makings of him.

He's done very well after being written off by many because he didn't score hat trick every week in his first 10 games.

Look at Watkins, Vardy, Antonio and you have 3 current very good PL strikers who at 20 (too old according to many) were still developing in lower leagues. The lad were linked with from Brentford for 30+ is 25, at 22 was released by Newcastle.

So Simms has every chance. Hopefully he fires Blackpool to promotion and gets a full season there in the Championship.

He knows where the goal is. He has every chance to make it as a top player. Maybe we could get Gordon to join him on loan next season and start building a relationship together in an exciting attacking team.

It seems he has improved since moving to Blackpool where the coach has taken a keen interest in him and giving him loads of confidence, keep it up lad you might be getting a new contract off the Blues to keep you here.

Fran/Robert

I agree. Crotchet has worked well with him. The next division up is a lot tougher so it would a good test for him as hopefully his development continues

I posted this on the PL link last night. Highlights of the game. Well worth a watch.

Ten goals in 24 appearances now. It's been a good loan.

Ellis has always looked the biggest kid on the block in his age group. His close range finishing never in question, but his all round play and contribution outside the penalty area virtually non-existent.

So check out not only his physique - still a teenager, he still looks big up against seasoned pros - but his movement and technique for his goals.

Most impressive.

Well done Ellis and well done the Blackpool training staff who recently shared in detail in the Echo how they are working to improve the lad.

Oxford 0 Blackpool 3

thanks Robert #4, for being the first person ever to agree with me on a Toffweb post!

Simms has struggled initially every time he has stepped up. He struggled for the U18’s in his first season - scored a hatful in his second. He struggled initially in the U23’s before becoming their top scorer and main man. He struggled for a few games initially at Blackpool before starting to score regularly.

I just hope that, if the same happens if he breaks into the first team, that he is given time by the manager and isn’t written off as “Championship at best” by some of our fan base.

Two very good goals. Let's hope his development continues. Looked a little better pace-wise in the highlights but he's not the quickest off the mark or in full flow.

Trevor #9 - I agree with you - that's the first time anybody has ever agreed with you!

Kevin #10 - I think it's worth remembering that, as far as I'm aware, every time Simms has stepped up a level of league, he's been playing with guys older than him. Yes, would love to see him eventually be good enough for a run in our first team.

I am going to have to lie down with all this attention!

The young man has all the tools to have a successful career, as to what level only time will tell.
What we can tell is that he has the physicality and pace needed to compete at the level he is currently at, added to this the young man looks a natural finisher.
The second goal especially was as calm as you like, also he will only keep improving.
Time is on his side and if he keeps working hard, takes care of himself he will only improve and may someday hopefully turn out for the first team.
Every future Premiership player is out there now playing as a young lad, you just have to find them.

Kevin #10,

The other positive way you can look at it is that Simms has improved every season. In his first year at U18, he was just raw power with little ball control; 2nd year, he was unplayable against weaker opponents, but was only given a few games at U23s at the end of the season. In the U23s, he improved in his first season and this season too.

I watched most of the Oxford v Blackpool game and you could again see the improvement in his play. He was dropping back into his own half to pick up the ball, laying it off, playing passes. His second goal was a great example of that and how he used his pace to outrun the defender and score.

So I don't see a player who struggles all the time, I see a player who works hard to improve his game every time he moves up a level.

He's never had the natural ability of Gordon, never will, and I've often said he's been a year behind Gordon in his development, but all we can ask of a player like Simms is that he keeps improving every season, which he has done. He's not ready yet to be one of our strikers... but who knows where he'll end up in a few years?

Calvert-Lewin lacks that striker set-up and finish in front of goal. Poor technical skill is letting him down. Ancelotti will tolerate him for another season, maybe.

It will be interesting to see if Simms comes into favour, but it's a long way back from being sent out on loan and Ancelotti knowing you exist.

I seem to recall a 21-year-old going to Blackpool on loan from Everton and helping them get promoted via the playoffs.

Anyone know what happened to that guy? 😉

He’s twenty scoring goals give him a go

Sign him up! Oh, hang on... we have!

Well done, Ellis, keep it up.

First team next season please, knocking in the goals in the Royal Blue or new black and burnt orange away kit!

Phil @15,

I wasn't trying to use that fact that he struggles initially when he steps up in class as a bad thing for Simms. Every time he does he soon finds a way to adapt, improve and excel.

I just hope he gets that time to adapt with the first team if he makes it that far and doesn't get tossed aside after a few games if he does struggle initially.

The way he creates and takes both goals is very impressive. Looks completely in control of the situation in each case and engineers a way to score when initially there's not a lot on. Very good centre forward play.

Good luck to Ellis in a few hours.

And Happy 28th Birthday to his Blackpool teammate and erstwhile Everton lottery ticket winner, Luke Garbutt.

28 and he recently "graduated" from the Everton younger age set up. Is Stuart Barlow still knocking around somewhere at Finch Farm?