Onana incoming as Blues reportedly working on three deals

06/08/2022 127comments  |  Jump to last

The Blues hope to secure the signing of the 20-year-old this weekend following news he is due to undergo a medical on Saturday

Everton are close to making their biggest signing of the summer with the news that Amadou Onana will undergo a medical tomorrow ahead of a €36m move from Lille, having already agreed personal terms.

The return of Idrissa Gueye is also still on course to be completed, but the club weren't be able to get either player registered by today's noon deadline in order for them to be eligible to face Chelsea tomorrow.

In the meantime, Everton are reportedly in talks with Wolves over a move for defender Conor Coady, either on loan or on a permanent basis, with the defender said to be open to a move to fresh pastures that might enhance his prospects of making the England squad for the World Cup later this year.

 

Reader Comments (127)

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Mark Tanton
1 Posted 06/08/2022 at 08:00:35
These are excellent signings. Every player we have brought in so far seems to represent a change in focus, to players who will put a shift in and not be bullied. Several leaders coming into a side which previously had none.

Just need that striker now.

Colin Glassar
2 Posted 06/08/2022 at 08:14:10
Onana and Gana will allow Doucoure to play further up the pitch in a 3-2-4-1 formation.

Pickford

Keane
Tarkowski
Godfrey

Onana
Gana

McNeil
Doucoure
Ali
Gordon

DCL

Joe McMahon
3 Posted 06/08/2022 at 08:22:38
It's looking much better. Hopefully In the long term, replacing DCL with a proven scorer. Please fellow Evertonians have faith in Thelwall and Frank.
Peter Neilson
4 Posted 06/08/2022 at 08:23:59
High praise and interesting comments from Alan Myers on Twitter.

Alan Myers:
Been speaking to some people that know Onana well, this is what they told me:

“Potentially the best young midfielder in European Football at this point, an Old fashion leader, very rare to find a personality like him.”
“He has incredible potential, with a Marouane Fellaini physicality. Very imposing and good at many things but he needs to find the right place to become a specialist to one role.
“His winning character and leadership at just 20 is unique, He has a huge future both at club level and internationally, a French coach told me he has a big chance to be in the Belgium senior squad for Qatar WC if he plays well in the PL between now and November”.

Iain Johnston
5 Posted 06/08/2022 at 08:38:04
Two midfielders and an overt kopite defender eh?

Coady will go down like a pan of piss after they way he wound up the Park End last season.

Erm... any chance of a goal scorer like? I mean, do we really need to be spending nigh on €46m on two central midfielders and give EPL wages to yet another 29 year old central defender during this financial mess we're in?

It's going to the last day isn't it? A high profile has been striker unveiled just in time for the Derby... nice.

My money's on Ashley Barnes or Shane Long.

Eddie Dunn
6 Posted 06/08/2022 at 08:42:10
Things really are looking more rosy. I have no problem with Coady. We have had other reds in our ranks down the years - he is an organiser and a leader. Just what we need.
Brian Murray
7 Posted 06/08/2022 at 08:52:18
I’m one of many doubters of Thelwell but hold hands up he’s leading us not into temptation but realism which is what we need. Glad to have ToffeeWeb back been cold turkey all week. Now about that board. ( jokingggggg ) coyb
Brian Murray
8 Posted 06/08/2022 at 08:54:36
As for Coady. Don’t worry about kopite connection he’s from newton le woolies so not even a scouser but he’s a level up from keane and holgate easily.
Mark Tanton
9 Posted 06/08/2022 at 08:56:18
I disagree Iain. We're now bringing in players who might actually give a shit.
Kim Vivian
10 Posted 06/08/2022 at 09:05:14
Made up with this signing so long as we can put it to bed quick, sharp and now. A DF leader with some skill to boot. Bring it on. Get a goal scorer in - Vardy type - can we do a Leicester.... ? - Welcome back ToffeeWeb, nice to have you back but Lyndon seems to be driving a Delorean based on his date stamp on the thread. ---Ah just realised he's using US dating.
Jeff Armstrong
11 Posted 06/08/2022 at 09:20:07
Fair play to these 3 but we need to be offloading Holgate, Gomes and Gbamin as soon as anyone shows interest, and finding a goal scorer asap.
Iakovos Iasonidis
12 Posted 06/08/2022 at 09:23:49
Very good signing, huge potential. Allan, davies, gomes are not good enough and doucoure is good only as a back up. Striker is number one priority but the team lacks quality all over the pitch. We still need more faces and sell whoever we can.
Brian Harrison
13 Posted 06/08/2022 at 09:24:52
I thought the club were teetering on the edge of having a points deduction because of our FFP overspend. Yet we seem to be on course if all the proposed deals happen we will be spending in excess of £100 million.

Obviously Moshiri must know how this has come about, hence his message to fans to wait till the end of the window before we make our minds up if its been good or bad.

I have been very critical of Lampard and Thelwell over our lack of strikers which has become even more of an issue with the injury to DCL. While Onana and Gueye will improve our midfield deficiencies, we still are woefully short on goal scorers. I hope that Lampard and Thelwell have contingency plans in place if Chelsea decide to keep hold of Broja, as he seems to have been Lampard's choice since the window opened. Also West Ham had agreed a deal with Chelsea for Broja and he was happy to go there but West Ham werent prepared to meet his wage demands. I just hope that Lampard and Thelwell have got other striker options as I believe even if we get Broja we still need more goal scoring options.

Brian Murray
14 Posted 06/08/2022 at 09:26:19
Dangerous game hanging on to last minute for Broja but that’s where we are I suppose.
Tony Abrahams
15 Posted 06/08/2022 at 09:31:49
Definitely agree with mark@1, and because of this It definitely makes me feel more positive for the coming season.

If you couldn’t answer both, who would you sooner have in charge of Everton. (A) a master tactician or (B) a manager who understands what Evertonians want.

I personally don’t think Lampard is in that (A - category) but he might just be in that other category?

We still definitely need at least one other forward, but it looks like he’s going to be making us a lot more competitive, with players that are both mentally and physically stronger? But as always only time will tell.

Dean Williams
16 Posted 06/08/2022 at 09:33:52
I'd give Connor Cody a miss personally. Much prefer any fee and wages to go straight on a proven striker.
Tony Everan
17 Posted 06/08/2022 at 09:34:04
I was thinking the same about Doucoure being allowed to get forward more.rnrnrnTarkowski and Coady are a pair of hard case, no nonsense centre backs. Physically, mentally and aerially strong, we have a much tougher and stable defence, a better one for bringing Branthwaite into next season. . Also crucially these players are robust , it’s an important aspect for a defence to gain understanding and stability that players have a run of games together . Chopping and changing the defensive line up always causes problems and misunderstandings. nrnrnWith Onana and Gana our midfield can be transformed. Onana is very young so it will be good to see how he gets on under big pressure. It’s no easy task coming into the PL as a 20yr old and playing in a position that needs composure as well as athleticism. If he can bring both to the table this could be a massive signing for our future. Definitely a potential “back in the game” signing. rnrnrnWe could have even more of a Senegalese look by Sept 1st, Gana, Onana (born there) and said playing with Gana influenced his decision, and another young 22 yr old forward player at Marseille called Bamba Dieng, who may now be more minded to join.rnrnrnI’d be interested to here what our scouts make of this young forward, he sounds like an interesting proposition.
Tim Gerrard
18 Posted 06/08/2022 at 09:37:31
We need to give Onana time to settle in. I remember when we bought Fellaini, lots of people were calling him the worst footballer they'd ever seen for the first few months, yet he became indispensable.
Luke Welch
19 Posted 06/08/2022 at 09:39:40
Looks like we will be more robust, which is a good thing! Really hope that's the end of Keen and Holgate.
Robert Leigh
20 Posted 06/08/2022 at 09:40:15
Looks like a good signing, is he currently injured though?

I think we'll get Broja, but after tonight.'

Martin Mason
21 Posted 06/08/2022 at 09:47:20
Congratulations Everton. These look to be great players, exactly what we need. We may not get the forward we need but they don't grow on trees.
Rob Halligan
22 Posted 06/08/2022 at 09:58:47
Has this story been running for two months, or has Lyndon got the date mixed up? I don’t recall us being interested in Onana two months ago.
Mike Morgan
23 Posted 06/08/2022 at 09:59:20
The first thing we should have done is sign a proven striker to replace Richy. Someone who could play alongside DCL or cover for him when injured. We are falling into the same trap as last year its criminal we have not learnt from that disaster. Even Benitez knew Richy and DCL weren't enough and bought Rondon. But the season fell apart when he immediately had to rely on an unfit Rondon for about 8 games. We are now in a worse position: Richy has gone, DCL already injured and Rondon ( who I think is a good player) a year older. This season is about survival, improvement and buying a year to get past Financial handcuffs. Priority should have been dare I say it a Danny Ings type CF/No10 !!!
Anthony A Hughes
24 Posted 06/08/2022 at 10:04:11
It looks like we're trying to put some real steel throughout the spine of the team with Tarkowski, possibly Coady and Onana through the middle..
All we need now is Mick Harford up top!
Christy Ring
25 Posted 06/08/2022 at 10:10:27
I said it last week in my posting, we should go all out and beat the hammers to sign Onana. Our midfield is so poor and slow, himself and Gueye will now give us a massive physical and aggressive presence. We should now revert to three in midfield. A striker should now be our no.1 priority. Regarding Cody, who only works in a back five, how many more centrebacks do we need, unless we are moving Mina and Holgate.
Jerome Shields
26 Posted 06/08/2022 at 10:20:02
Frank is talking about Delli Alli being the main forward. I don't think we will see Calvert Lewin for months. If earlier he may get reinjuried. All reports of transfers in do not include a forward as far as I can see. rnrnOnana are not as good as Gyuene particularly regarding tactles. Allan is better than him in some areas as well. He will have a bit to learn in the Premier League. Hope he adapts better than Keane
Mal van Schaick
27 Posted 06/08/2022 at 10:26:27
Shift Holgate, Davies and Rondon if possible and get two strikers in. Then that would be good business for me.
Jeff Armstrong
28 Posted 06/08/2022 at 10:30:23
Mal 27,surely you’d add Gomes, Gbamin and for me Mina to that list?
Mike Morgan
29 Posted 06/08/2022 at 10:35:08
Jerome 26. I hope Onana works out and is a brilliant decision. However it is high risk and had many parallels with the Keane deal.
I fear our financial position says we shouldn't be gambling. A tried safe No9/10 had to be the priority. Will Onana be the next Pogba, Keane or even Carlton Palmer ?
Ps why didnt we buy him last year when he only cost £7m ?
Jerome Shields
30 Posted 06/08/2022 at 10:37:16
Christy#25

It seems Everton will be very much based on midfield. The backline will be pushing up more and the right and left fullbacks will be more wingers, even comes inside. The attack will be midfield centred, with most attacks eminated from there, with midfield runners in support and more one two type play in the final third Coady I know little about, but he must have some pace about him to defend on the turn, a current Everton weakness.

Error reduction has be a big objective. It alone will get Everton a midtable finish. Holgate and that weak intercepted pass across the back against Dynamo Kiev sent shivers down everyone's spines.

Dave Williams
31 Posted 06/08/2022 at 10:39:23
Colin- looks a good team you have named there but what about the young full backs?
If Frank can complete these deals we will have a much stronger squad which gives him options off the bench with five subs allowed and as others have said we will have some hard- case leaders who will not wilt under pressure. I can only assume that the deal to sell Moise Kean is helping our position with FFP along with some cleverly structured deals by our much maligned chairman.
It will certainly be a lovely change to see us with some strength and aggression in midfield and a few leaders on the pitch to galvanise the troups.
We now need the Goodison crowd to get noisy for this afternoon- I will be watching in a pub just off the sea front in Paignton with my ticket for Forest waiting.
Let’s do it!!
Mark Taylor
32 Posted 06/08/2022 at 11:00:29
I'd echo Dave 31's comments, from what I read, even after selling Richie, we have little or no room under FFP, certainly after signing McNeil. I can only assume we are paying a lot less up front than advertised on both him and Onana (if it happens) and/or are booking the Mosie Kean money as certain incoming- let's hope the Italians don't go bust!

Striker is a big, big hole and I certainly can't see that being a big transfer deal given the above, a loan move at best.

Onana is a risk but unlike so many of our signings, he has been on the radar of bigger clubs and as such, is a higher profile than most we've bought recently. I'm plesantly surprised we are in the market for him in what looks to be a serious way. To me, he looks a bit like a junior Pogba in style but let's hope he doesn't have the same attitude...

Sean Roe
33 Posted 06/08/2022 at 11:15:30
Haven't seen much about him but it's a position we needed desperately filling and at 6ft5inches he should give us an extra dimension.

I just hope our scouting has massively improved and he's more of a Patrick Vieira than an Alex Nyarko. It's a lot of money to spend.

Looking forward to watching him in action.

Danny O’Neill
34 Posted 06/08/2022 at 11:18:43
Let's hope these come off. Definitely a shift in approach and the type of players coming in. With Tarkowski and Coady at the back, we'd have commanding leadership as opposed to the who's looking at who for a decision that we've become accustomed to. And a bit of nastiness.

I'm not concerned with Coady's koptite background. Peter Reid anyone? Even Leighton Baines? Once they put the shirt on they play for it.

It's probably worked more the other way around. Spit the Dog, McManaman, Fowler, Owen.

Then there's those who have straddled both sides. McMahon in my lifetime.

Random story, in 1995, my sister and wife worked for Liverpool FC and they had their staff end of season doo on the day Everton won the FA Cup. I went along really late on having enjoyed myself throughout the day (you know the sketch). True story, late into the evening, they played All Together Now (Everton version) and McManaman was centre stage singing his heart out along with most of the employees!! At a LFC staff party.

I don't have much time for him as a pundit, but in the flesh and at the time, there was no taking the blue out of him!

Alan McGuffog
35 Posted 06/08/2022 at 11:26:27
Wouldn't care if a player had K tattooed on one buttock and P on the other, if he showed the ability and spirit of a Morrisey or Reid
Terry Farrell
36 Posted 06/08/2022 at 11:45:06
Made up bats and barkley rumours were fake news and these new signings are great. Onana is not a risk. Mike rondon is crap and never want to see him in an Everton shirt again. Glad he's suspended today!
Sean Roe
37 Posted 06/08/2022 at 11:45:28
Player dependent of course but for me a 4-2-3-1

Pickford

Patterson/ Coleman Mina Tarkowski Mykolenko

Gueye Onana

Gordon Ali / Iwobi Mc Neil

DCL or A.N other

Of course there are plenty of other formations but I'm actually thinking we can have a good season

Bill Gienapp
38 Posted 06/08/2022 at 11:49:44
Bringing in Onana and Gueye together is potentially brilliant business that should completely transform our midfield. And the best part is that Gueye's presence will significantly ease the potential burden on Onana and allow him time to acclimate, while Onana should ensure we aren't overly reliant on an aging Gueye moving forward.

Meanwhile, if we bring Coady in, that should give Lampard two dependable anchors (along with Tarkowski) to build the defense around, and suddenly makes a back three a lot more viable. Sign another attacker or two before the window closes, while hopefully shifting a few of those who've fallen out of favor, and suddenly the squad is looking pretty darn solid.

Bill Watson
39 Posted 06/08/2022 at 11:55:20
If we can get at least two of these over the line we're adding some much needed aggression and leadership to the side and, hopefully, won't be so easily walked through, as has happened so often over the last few seasons.

A big shout out to Lyndon and co. for all their unseen background work in maintaining the ToffeeWeb platform we all take so much for granted. (Just need to sort the dates now, Lyndon)!!

Lester Yip
40 Posted 06/08/2022 at 12:14:41
Not sure about Coady. At 29, still need to pay a good amount of fee and possibly on a high wage. Currently we're bloated in CB position? We have Tar, Keane, Mina, Holgate, Godfrey. If we can move on both Keane and Mina in this window, then it's fine. Otherwise, we'll be wasting wages.

I'd prefer to give another young CB a chance instead. e.g. a loan to buy will be good.

Brent Stephens
41 Posted 06/08/2022 at 12:24:40
Lester, I'm not sure we are bloated in CB position, if we're looking at the next couple of year. Keane offers limited. Mina offers limited game time. Godfrey offers pace but not much more. Holgate - any offers, anybody?
Frank Crewe
42 Posted 06/08/2022 at 12:43:06
@Lester 40.\r\nWe have a young CB in Branthwaite but we have loaned him out. I don\'t think CB is a good position for young players anyway. They will be up against experienced, quick, aggressive, mobile strikers so expereince counts. Remember when we brought in Keane he was only 24. Hardly old. Holgate was even younger. Yet both have been found wanting. The fact is at CB you need experience, leadership, organisation and aggression. These qualities come with age. Probably why so many of them are team captains. CB's reach their peak years in the late 20's through early 30's so getting a young one isn't so important. Just get good ones who know what they are doing.
Andy Meighan
43 Posted 06/08/2022 at 12:51:38
Don't know why. But I'm not feeling confident about today.

Still on holiday so I'm reluctant to watch it in a bar. Not the same for me if I can't be there.

I'll probably end up going in some bar watching it but my nerves shot to bits.

Don't know why but I'm never like that at the game. Unless we're clinging on like Chelsea, United Newcastle and Palace at home last season. Only feels like a few weeks since the Palace game. Come on boys prove me wrong.

Mike Dolan
44 Posted 06/08/2022 at 12:55:05
I know we need a goal scorer up front but I’m ecstatic to see Everton building from the back. Connor Coady would be a great addition and with Gana and Onana in front of them you have 4 very hard men protecting the goal and the best goalkeeper in the league.
I might be alone here but with proper service through the midfield a fitter Deli might just surprise some people as a false nine. If he finds his form he might just be our best player.
Hope runneth eternal.
Danny O’Neill
45 Posted 06/08/2022 at 12:56:14
Been my point for ever Frank. Players mature and peak at different ages in different positions. It's not uncommon to get the best out of a centre back into their early 30s, because as you say, experience and leadership are paramount in that position.

Brent frames it nicely. I was told by many 2 years ago that centre back wasn't a priority despite my constant ramblings. We are limited.

It seems the manager and DoF think the same. Didn't we concede the most goals from set pieces last season? We surely must have been close. I think with Coady and Tarkowski we won't be repeating that feat.

Jamie Crowley
46 Posted 06/08/2022 at 13:00:54
Absolutely thrilled with this signing. This is exactly what I expected from Thelwell.

Young, talented, sell-on value at contract's end.

This ticks all the boxes. REALLY happy about this.

And ToffeeWeb is now LIGHTNING fast. Brilliant!

Four and a half hours or so until "the start". Can't wait.

Jamie Crowley
47 Posted 06/08/2022 at 13:03:56
AND! FULHAM!!! Let's go Craven Cottage! Get in!!!
Andrew McLawrence
48 Posted 06/08/2022 at 13:18:51
I think Fulham could be a surprise packet this campaign
Mark Taylor
49 Posted 06/08/2022 at 13:23:25
I'm not as enthusiastic as some on here about Fulham picking up early points.
Ian Bennett
50 Posted 06/08/2022 at 14:04:26
The Moise Keen money will be accounted for this season if there is a contractual obligation, so it make no difference whether we sell him now or by 30th June 2023.

The only difference will be the cash flow, not the profit over book value.

Andy Meighan
51 Posted 06/08/2022 at 14:29:47
Not the 4 or 5 nil result they were predicting then was it. Nice easy start my arse.
Jim Potter
52 Posted 06/08/2022 at 14:54:42
Still time to move some dead wood out and get the striker in that we so obviously need. Sorry to see the hard working and charismatic Richy go, but he never was a prolific goal scorer. Dom is sadly beginning to resemble a balsa wood shadow of his former robust self.

Defence looking more solid - I hope Mina can stay fit as I think he's a real asset. With Tarkowski, they should be a formidable pairing (but lacking pace, which Ben G could help out with).

If Gana and Onana do arrive, again, the midfield will be an upgrade on last season.

C'mon Frank and Kev, get 'em in, and get us going!

COYB!

Mark Ryan
53 Posted 06/08/2022 at 15:08:09
ToffeeWeb, super fast, get in.
Judge us after the window he said. Many including me were probably waiting fir the night of the long knives but it's looking very very promising. If we get Coady, this boy and Gana Gueye it will be a good window especially if we can offload Gomes and Holgate.
Alan J Thompson
54 Posted 06/08/2022 at 15:17:10
That's the Richarlison money spent then. I hope some of the replacements can score from corners and distance as it's difficult to see where else they may come from. Three at the back, more like half a dozen and from a Branthwaite point of view how many will be out of contract at season's end.
Lev Vellene
55 Posted 06/08/2022 at 15:17:34
I was looking at various articles through NewsNow the other day, so can't remember which paper/site this came from. But it was said that after the sale of Richarlison before the end of June, EFC were now in the clear with FFP and could start spending again.

Anyone know if this is so?

Ray Said
56 Posted 06/08/2022 at 15:26:10
I follow Serie A regularly and the club could do worse than try to sign free agent Andrea Bellotti. He is an experienced Italian international and at 28 years old he should be at his peak. He is a hard working and willing runner and could add a lot to the squad. He has apparently agreed terms with Roma but they are struggling to move players on before he can be registered.
Mark Taylor
57 Posted 06/08/2022 at 15:53:37
Lev 55, of course we can never be certain of the accuracy of sources and the numbers but I read a finance article on FFP that indicated that as of December 21, we had minus £35m to play with. If we got £55m for Richie, then yes that puts us back in business able to trade. But we spent £20m or so on McNeil which puts us to zero or thereabouts. Hence I assume if we buy Onono, we are using the £28m supposedly committed to us for Moise Kean from Juventus but I have less than 100% confidence we will see that money or at least all of it. But if that is counted in, we have most (but maybe not all) of the headroom to buy Onono. But nothing else, including a striker. If we do part with money for one, that might leave us in the same position as this year, a fire sale of a player before the official end of the season that we'd prefer to keep. Pickford or Gordon for example. It's complicated and our position already assumes the owner converts the relevant loan amount into equity (which I believe he did). No matter what he does he can't go beyond the FFP limit. It's a constraint Newcastle are just starting to face, however rich their owners.
Si Cooper
58 Posted 06/08/2022 at 16:09:38
Can’t believe some are complaining about a couple of potentially huge improvements in our midfield department. This has been a massive problem area for us for about five years and needed sorting irrespective of the paucity of our current striking options. I can believe getting the right midfield might have been prioritised over any ‘good on their day’ attacking options.

To be signed players need to be willing to come to us. You can’t just turn up on someone’s doorstep with £40 million quid in your pocket and say “We will take that one!” If the strikers don’t get signed we should assume the players we thought were the right ones weren’t interested rather than believing the club has not made the effort.

I would expect the rumoured Coady recruitment is wholly dependent on what defensive sales are in the offing and shouldn’t impact any potential attacking recruitment.

Mike Gwyer
59 Posted 06/08/2022 at 16:11:09

Mark #57.

I doubt we paid Burnley 20M for McNeil, but for arguments sake lets say we did. It's put about almost everywhere that Burnley let us have him on installments, which means that we probably paid them about 5M, the rest will be paid in later tax years. Same situation will apply for Onana and probably Gueye. We hit a brick wall with Cornet as Burnley wanted the lot, 17.5M, straight up.

I'm confident we are staying the right side of FPP but I'm sure our accounts team will use the fee from Juventus for Kean, that is a done deal whether we get the dosh this summer or next summer. Additionally, I'm also confident that we will see transfers out by the end of this window.

For me, Thelwell will be on this like a rash and he will have every stone turned ensuring we don't fuckup any FFP rules that the likes of City, Chelsea, the Spuds and the Arse just seem to ignore.

Si Cooper
60 Posted 06/08/2022 at 16:14:45
Lev (55), the sale of Richarlison was supposed to be very much of the ‘last chance saloon’ to avoid punishment for failing to meet FFP requirements (measured over three years) rather than giving us a clean slate and able to spend freely.
Iain Johnston
61 Posted 06/08/2022 at 16:50:48
Mark 9# I get that, I really do. Players who'll perform regardless of the shirt they wear, that's an attribute we all want, an attribute we're gagging for... I'm just concerned that it's all our current financial muscle in one area.
PSG want nearly €10m for Gana plus there's €36m on Onana. Regardless of whether we can spread it over 5 years that's a lot of wages to add to an already seemingly overstretched wage budget.
Why not prioritise? Gana alone would make a big difference and ok, Coady on loan alongside Tarkowski would give us consistent strength and a performance level we've all dreamt of since the days of Distan at the back.

Problem is, that doesn't really matter if we can't score goals. Borja is a no for me. Yes he's over 6 foot and yes he's British but a goal every 4 games isn't realy what we need.

Mark Taylor
62 Posted 06/08/2022 at 17:12:45
Mike59 The figures I used were only indicative and of course we don't know the real numbers and especially the phasing, although of course the latter hits you eventually and might force the fire sale I referred to.

I imagine whatever else, we will end up keeping on the right line, it would be foolhardy not to, my post was merely attempting to indicate the probability we have been right on it, with very little flexibility and since we were at minus £35m halfway through last season, we could, I suppose, choose a minus route again in the short term to get a striker in, but the consequence then is the end of season fire sale like we had with Richie this summer. I wish it was not like this but we have at least one, maybe two more seasons for the ugly loss years to be replaced by hopefully something a little less ugly. To give you some context, in that article I referred to, no other club had a minus amount for headroom and the biggest was Spurs at plus £400m. That is not how much money they have to invest, that's up to the owners, but it is the maximum they could, and still be within FFP (assuming the owners make it equity, not debt funded). I guess you could say that since December last year, Spurs show every sign of using a fair slug of that headroom...

James Flynn
63 Posted 06/08/2022 at 17:44:27
Onana and Gueye posing together at Goodison:

Link

Ian Riley
64 Posted 06/08/2022 at 21:46:38
We need goals and have done for years! Yes lovely,happy, midfield being boosted but goals are scored by strikers. One striker is injured and the other is championship level! Currently the opponents we play score first and we will struggle to get one let alone two. Playing from the back is nice if you have a target man. We don't and this places more pressure on the defence.

Hopefully the director of football sees this and addresses this quickly with a striker coming in. If not we will struggle to get points. Really is that simple.

Bernie Quinn
65 Posted 06/08/2022 at 22:24:38
Well I said last week that I thought we would lose, so not upset. A scrappy game I agree, but most of the team impressed me and Frank is building up a good team, especially with the players still to arrive. Can certainly expect them around the halfway level at the season's end.
Tony Twist
66 Posted 06/08/2022 at 22:28:44
We need a quality striker or two promising strikers. This is it for our season, no strikers and this team will be sunk. I think it is plain to see DCL can not be relied upon.
Bill Watson
67 Posted 06/08/2022 at 23:04:57
Mike #59.

Most clubs pay transfer fees over the period of the contract and always have done.

Brian Murray
69 Posted 07/08/2022 at 07:15:11
We need that Kopite Coady here pronto and get a buyer for Keane as we have lost the pace at the back now.

But the focus and whatever funds we have surely have to go on two front men. Dennis, although not a focal point, should be one of them because Gordon and Gray just don’t do enough.

Danny O’Neill
70 Posted 07/08/2022 at 07:27:46
We won't get a buyer for Keane. That goal puts him in folklore, and we will forever be grateful. But I've bored everyone for years and from as soon as we signed him, so at least I've been consistent. We were seen off by Burnley and paid a premium for an overrated player. Overrated on the basis he is English and has Premier League experience (cringe). That seems to add millions to the price tag.

He's a decent backs-to-the-wall defender. But where we were aiming for at the time we signed him, and should be aiming for now, he is limited, lacks concentration and anticipation. I've said it enough.

And until recently, as our oldest and theoretically most experienced defender, he couldn't lead me back to Lime Street if I ordered the taxi, let alone lead our defence on the pitch.

Robert Leigh
71 Posted 07/08/2022 at 07:41:21
James #63

Laughed at that one. Chang shirts and an old photo of Gana when he first signed, next to a photoshop of him doubled in size!

Sam Hoare
72 Posted 07/08/2022 at 07:52:37
This is an exciting signing but Onana may well take time to contribute significantly for the first team. He’s not played that much football at top level and it will be a big step up to the Premier League. We must be patient.

It will be interesting to see how and when him and Gueye fit in as I thought Iwobi and Doucouré were probably 2 of our 3 best players yesterday along with Tarkowski.

Ironically we were looking quite solid defensively, which is what Onana and Gueye bring. The big signing this summer will hopefully be the player who brings a bit more threat to our attacking play.

Watching Kulusevski in highlights today and he was outstanding; I wonder how easy it will be for Richarlison to get into that Spurs side!

Gary Jones
73 Posted 07/08/2022 at 10:46:25
Sam @ 72 – I was thinking the same about Iwobi and Doucoure.

Personally I’d like to see us move to a 4-3-3 with Onana sitting in the holding role, and Doucouré, Iwobi, Gueye, Allan battling for the two places either side. With 5 subs, all can get time on the pitch.

However, the problem with 4-3-3 is that the front 3 need to be goal scorers, and I don’t think any of us are convinced that any of McNeil, Dele, Gray or Gordon can genuinely be regular scorers. Perhaps Dele and McNeil could come back to compete with the above as part of the middle 3, but that gives 6 players for just two positions alongside Onana. That's just daft.

So, given that we aren’t going to be replacing Gordon, Gray and McNeil with our own version of the Mane, LadyBoy, Egyptian anytime soon, I fear we’re going to stick with Franks 3-4-3 system, and continue to accommodate 2 of Gordon, Gray and McNeil alongside/just behind a genuine goal scorer.

For this to work, we’re going to need to find the next Shearer. Hope we can find him in the next 3 days else 0-1 wins are going to be our aim all year. With Holgate, Pickford and Keane still about we have too many mistakes in us for this to work.

Tony Hill
74 Posted 07/08/2022 at 11:11:10
Yes, we have to dig in and be patient. In my gloomier moments, I think we've already missed the boat and we may well have done. But if we are to be successful – or, indeed, entertaining – then we are years away.

We should relax and accept that this is going to be a long, long haul. I know there are those – and I salute them – who think that we are going to be on our way much sooner. I will be content, though, with modest signs of improvement this season and with more comfortable survival than last season.

We played all right yesterday but the lack of quality and of confidence remains obvious.


John Kavanagh
75 Posted 07/08/2022 at 11:36:46
It was always said that if you are building a side, you start from the back. Lampard is doing it by the book. Our defensive line is already looking more organised with Tarkowski and the introduction of Onana and Gana should provide the stability in midfield that we have lacked. Coady would be a good loan signing while Branthwaite gains essential regular match experience.

Our signings are starting to look like there's real team planning going on for the first time in years.

That will then just leave the striker issue to be resolved and we will hopefully make another useful loan signing to prevent the nightmare of Rondon returning to lead the line. If he hadn't been suspended yesterday his only achievement would have been to make Koulibaly look like Twiggy.

If some of the players who are simply too slow for the pace of the Premier League can be moved on as well before the deadline then we are making real progress, despite yesterday's result.

Danny O’Neill
76 Posted 07/08/2022 at 11:49:23
What is looking interesting is that we are building the squad. But in a more considered and thoughtful manner than previous iterations.

There seems to be a plan. Both in terms of the players we need to play the system the manager wants, but also in providing options to flex the formation. Which, in my opinion is important in the modern game.

As much as I was fortunate to witness it first hand, the days of 4-4-2 and picking your best 11 every game for 90 minutes are gone.

Sam Hoare
77 Posted 07/08/2022 at 11:49:26
Gary@73,

We would certainly seem to have the personnel for 4-3-3 though, on the other hand, I actually thought the system looked solid yesterday (if not very creative) and, more than anything, I’m worried we may suffer if Lampard keeps switching systems.

I assumed it would be Gueye or Onana and am a bit surprised it’s both.

I’m pretty sure there will be an attacking addition, hopefully someone who could do a good job centrally as well as out wide if needed to. Dennis seems like a possible option. A 4-3-3 would allow Doucoure to get forwards more with Gana sitting.

Pickford


Patterson Holgate Tarkowski Mykolenko


Doucouré Gana Iwobi


McNeil Dennis Gordon

That team should be good enough for 14th or 15th at least but we looked poor when trying 4-3-3 vs Minessota United in pre-season.

I also thought we looked threatening when Vinagre came on. Reckon he can beat his man more easily than Mykolenko. So maybe:

Pickford


Patterson Holgate Tarkowski Mykolenko Vinagre


Iwobi Gana


McNeil Dennis Gordon

Steve Shave
78 Posted 07/08/2022 at 12:30:22
So happy with this signing, I wonder now we have an urgency upfront if we will go for Gilmour on loan (option to buy please) then pull out of the Gueye deal? It would give us pennies to put towards a forward.

Some really interesting names being bandied around for the striker role, mostly from the French league. The Rennes striker and the Strasbourg striker both have interesting profiles (he say's in a Marco Silva accent). Big, strong and good in the air, both seem able deputies to Calvert-Lewin, whoever we get will certainly get minutes this season thanks to Calvert-Lewin's legs being made of biscuits. Broja still remains my big hope but I want him on a permanent such is his potential.

On the subject of Marco Silva I am envious of Fulham having Mitrovic in the team. After watching him destroy us at Goodison a few years back I have always thought he would have been a brilliant signing (I got slated by a few on here I recall for suggesting it), limited ability with the ball but the hold-up play and aggression is something to build around in my view. 43 goals last season, 2 yesterday (and the Shite couldn't handle him) means he will be worth a fortune now. Good for Fulham.

On a final note on the Onana signing, I've sorted his song out. All day yesterday I had Paul Simon in my head singing "Onana, Onana, Onan, he's got diamonds on the souls of his shoes. Onana, Onana, Onan, he's got diamonds on the souls of his shoes". You're welcome! :)

Gary Jones
79 Posted 07/08/2022 at 13:01:52
Sam @77,

I was kind of hoping that a 4-3-3 with both Gana and Onana in would be a very different proposition than the team in the Minnesota (or Spurs) games. However, you’re right, it's a risk to change, and certainly one to keep changing.

I like your latter team if we’re sticking with the 3-4-3 stuff. However, given I've yet to see evidence of any keep ball football, I think we need a genuine target man up top who can hold it up and score goals. Haven't seen anything in Dennis to suggest he can be a target man. Broja and/or Kalajdzic would be a dream.

Neil Copeland
80 Posted 07/08/2022 at 13:09:16
I have been fortunate (or should that be unfortunate?) to attend all the pre-season games and Chelsea yesterday.

The same players have stood out to me; Tarkowski, Patterson, Mykolenko, Iwobi. All have performed consistently well and got better with each game. The others have been a bit hit and miss although, at times, have shown encouraging signs in the main.

Jordan Pickford’s game suffers for being made captain, in my opinion. He tried too hard and was partly to blame for Ben Geoffrey’s awful injury yesterday, I really like Pickford but I don’t think he handles the responsibility particularly well. To me, Tarkowski would make a much better captain, he is a natural leader.

Anthony Gordon appears to lack vision and awareness. He can be very frustrating. I like that he is prepared to run with the ball and take the man on but he overdoes it and ends up losing possession when other options are available. I appreciate that often there is no-one to pass to although I think that is too often because he has not looked up and thought about an early pass rather than beating 3 or 4 defenders. Hopefully the coaching team can improve this aspect of his play otherwise I fear his talent will be wasted.

It’s too early to judge McNeil who I thought did okay yesterday and is a decent corner taker. He drifted in and out of the game and will probably take time to settle. Overall though he looks like being a decent prospect.

Vinagre has looked good in both his appearances so far. Defensively he seems good and adds more of an attacking threat on the left than Mykolenko, particularly when he cuts inside.

Holgate looked pretty solid when he came on and the best I have seen from him for a while.

Doucouré is a liability when having to track back and tackle. Hopefully the new recruits will mean he doesn’t have to as he is much better when attacking and running with the ball. Ancelotti used him that way to start with and it was effective.

We desperately need a striker, I was really surprised that Dele Alli wasn’t on from the start. Whether him starting would have changed the result, we will never know but he is a better option up front than Gordon.

Assuming we bring in Onana, Gana and Coady, I would like to see us line up as follows:

Pickford, Patterson, Tarkowski, Coady, Mykolenko, Onana, Gana, Iwobi, McNeil, Gordon, A N Other (Broja or one of the French strikers being rumoured).

Overall, yesterday's performance deserved better other than our efforts in front of goal. Finishing off chances will make or break the season, we need to find a striker who will put some of the chances created away. We also need to improve various players finishing as we cannot rely on the striker.

Improving players' decision-making when presented with opportunities will help. A number of our lot would benefit.

Neil Copeland
81 Posted 07/08/2022 at 13:13:23
Post 80 was me!
Sam Hoare
82 Posted 07/08/2022 at 13:17:25
Gary @79,

We definitely need someone who can compete in the air. Dennis is decent and stats suggest he wins a similar (or touch more) amount in the air as Richarlison.

But we may end up with a more traditional target man if some of the reports today are to be believed.

Gary Jones
83 Posted 07/08/2022 at 13:45:38
Sam, the way we’re going right now, I wouldn't be surprised if we end up with both Dennis and another target man. No idea how we’re getting round FFP, but respect to Moshiri if we are.

Mad that most people's preferred teams are more than 60% made of players who weren't even here 8 months ago!

Sam Hoare
84 Posted 07/08/2022 at 15:01:23
I’m please at the prospect of Onana but £30m is a lot for a player who cost £6m a year ago. Would be nice if we could identify and grab these talents a little earlier in the development. Caciedo, who’s bossing United right now, only cost £6m and Sangare, who West Ham may well get instead of Onana for £25m, was available for £7m. FFP may require us to be a bit cleverer if we are to keep building.
Joe McMahon
85 Posted 07/08/2022 at 15:10:00
Sam @84, I fully agree, We need goals (like we always do every season). Cornet and another striker should have been possible for 30m. I can't commit to a ST these days, and If I could yet another season of low scoring is on offer. It's like 97 - 2000 on loop.
Jay Harris
86 Posted 07/08/2022 at 15:43:00
I fear that Gueye may not be coming. We are pissing about in the Everton way. I just wonder if it was Obama or Gueye and not both.
Mike Dolan
87 Posted 07/08/2022 at 17:23:06
The only way to build a team is from the back. We seem to be doing that. The thought of Tarkowski, Coady, Gana and Onana in a defensive block plus two great-looking wingbacks represents really great recruitment by EFC.

I always have high hopes but I genuinely believe we are making great progress. We have to have faith that, for the first time in the last 30 years, we are building a rock-solid base that will protect our goal. When we have that, everything begins to change.



88 Posted 07/08/2022 at 17:38:31
Has anybody actually been shown with either the scarf or a shirt that shows they are signed, sealed and delivered???
Mike Dolan
89 Posted 07/08/2022 at 21:33:59
The only way to build a team is from the back. We seem to be doing that. The thought of Tark, Coady, Gana and Onana in a defensive block plus two great looking wing backs represents really great recruitment by EFC.

I always have high hopes but I genuinely believe we are making great progress. We have to have faith that for the first time in the last 30 years we are building a rock solid base that will protect our goal. When we have that everything begins to change.


Tony Byrne
90 Posted 08/08/2022 at 01:21:21
Onana could potentially be an excellent signing.

Could we have got James Ward-Prowse instead of McNeil for the same outlay? Possibly not. What I would say though, Ward-Prowse's stats from the past two seasons are 18 goal and 12 assists, from midfield.

Not only is this lad great from set pieces, he is also a leader, he is exactly the type of player our squad needs, personally.

For the money we have paid for McNeil, added to the fee we may pay for Gueye combined, we could have got James Ward-Prowse. I know who I would prefer, a goal-scoring midfielder at Everton, imagine that!

Dupont Koo
91 Posted 08/08/2022 at 01:52:06
IMHO, Onana's floor as a Football Player is Fellaini 2.0.

His ceiling is Patrick Vieira 2.0.

When he partners with Gana in our Midfield, I can imagine Gana becoming the Emmanuel Petit to Onana's Vieira: an older, short-term fail-safe & mentor for the future Crown Jewel of a dynastic, Titles-winning club.

Brian Wilkinson
92 Posted 08/08/2022 at 03:20:23
Brian@8, Coady is a yicker, he is from Haycock, not Newton-Le-Willows, wash your mouth out with soap.
Derek Knox
93 Posted 08/08/2022 at 04:34:29
Brian W @ 92, Hey Cock, where is this 'Haycock', is it anywhere near Haydock ? 🤔😜😂
Larry O'Hara
94 Posted 08/08/2022 at 09:28:48
Dupont (91), hope it’s not illegal but I’ll have what you’re having….
Colin Glassar
95 Posted 08/08/2022 at 09:40:31
Not that it matters but Coady was born in St. Helens (wool country) and was raised in Haydock (totally wool country). He talks like a scouser, walks like a scouser, so he must be a …….
Jim Lloyd
96 Posted 08/08/2022 at 09:42:11
Hey you, Wilkie,

It's HayDock, you nefarious character (I was goin to say 'woolly'... :)

Si Cooper
97 Posted 08/08/2022 at 13:37:55
Steve Shave (78),

You might want to steer clear of using ‘Onan’ (biblical context is not flattering).

To be safe, I’d build a song around Amadou; think that slots into the ‘Waterloo’ tune nicely.

Any confirmation of this or Gana’s deal yet?

Dave Rusk
98 Posted 08/08/2022 at 14:28:44
Si.

Sorry to be pedantic but Onan was killed by God for disobeying his command to impregnate his widowed sister-in-law.

No-one is sure how Onanism has acquired the masturbatory context you hint at. My only theory is that Onan was an early redshite. 🤣

Brian Wilkinson
99 Posted 08/08/2022 at 14:31:23
Yeah yeah Haydock, even spellchecker chose to change it Jim and Derek :-)

Good job a few on here have heard of the place haydock, although some of our overseas ToffeeWebbers are probably still thinking what a name for a place.

Mike Gaynes
100 Posted 08/08/2022 at 14:47:31
Tony #90, in my opinion there is no way Southampton would be willing to sell their talisman for the price you claim, if at all. Nor is there any reason to believe that the player himself would be interested in a lateral move.
Jamie Crowley
101 Posted 08/08/2022 at 16:25:27
Hoping we see this kid by end of today?
Si Cooper
102 Posted 08/08/2022 at 16:33:34
Dave Rusk, he avoided impregnating his brother’s widowed wife by ‘spilling his seed on the ground’ which has obviously been interpreted as masturbating (to get to what Onanism is defined as).

I suppose you could argue about what ‘spilling his seed on the ground’ means but the historical definition is masturbation. If we sing ‘Onan’ rather than Onana, do you really think opposing fans won’t find that hilarious?

Mike Gaynes
103 Posted 08/08/2022 at 16:48:26
Si, I'm not sure, but I think this is probably the first Biblical discussion of masturbation I have seen on TW.
Colin Glassar
104 Posted 08/08/2022 at 17:05:12
Could’ve been a case of premature ejaculation, Si. We’ve all suffered from it on occasion, to our eternal embarrassment.
Phil Lewis
105 Posted 08/08/2022 at 17:08:55
Si #102,

We've bought more than our share of 'Ham Shankers' over the years, so one more will make no difference. Hopefully this Onana will break the trend!

On a more serious note, all good business if these three transfers are completed. Now the glaringly obvious need for a striker needs addressing and for me our unresolved goalkeeping situation.

I'd quite happily take a proven goalscorer and keeper at the end of their careers. If it's a case of raising finance, sell two so-called 'assets' in Pickford and Gordon, if need be, to raise the cash.

Si Cooper
106 Posted 08/08/2022 at 17:38:21
Sorry Phil (105), am I reading that right?

You’d sell Pickford and Gordon just to bring in 2 ‘proven’ players at the end of their careers?

First of all, you need to identify a couple of dead certs to perform and improve our results, and then those players would probably want top wages if they believe we are willing to sell players with years left in them explicitly to bring them in.

That’s exactly the sort of dealing that has got us into the FFP mess we are still in (and would apparently never get out of if you were dictating things).

Mike Gaynes
107 Posted 08/08/2022 at 17:50:35
Phil #105,

The goalkeeper situation may be "unresolved" to you, but it's certainly resolved to the club and most supporters.

And if the way you would "resolve" it would be by selling England's #1 and picking up some 38-year-old to replace him, I'm glad you're not in charge.

Tony Byrne
108 Posted 08/08/2022 at 18:39:53
Hello Mike# 100,

Maybe my estimations would fall short of what it would cost for Ward-Prowse; however, I do think he will go in this window, Southampton could really struggle this season & this guy could jump ship to a better-placed club, final payday and all that, though he is contracted to Southampton till 2026!

Interestingly, he is valued on Transfermarkt at €28.80M, realistically they would want €35-40M imo.

Mike Gaynes
109 Posted 08/08/2022 at 18:51:13
Tony #108,

I think you're closer to right on the price for Ward-Prowse, but Saints aren't even listening to offers right now because their season depends so much on him, so I'd be shocked if he goes in this window.

If Saints do struggle, I could see him going to Man Utd in January, or maybe to Moyes if the Hammers are contending for Europe. He's almost 28, so it would be timely for him.

Tony Everan
111 Posted 08/08/2022 at 19:16:01
On the religious onanism theme. King Henry VIII’s government accused many monks of “voluntary pollution” when they were seeking propaganda during the dissolution.
Dave Abrahams
112 Posted 08/08/2022 at 19:44:38
Si (102),

I don’t think Onan was having a J Arthur – he was getting off at Edge Hill!!

Bill Gienapp
113 Posted 08/08/2022 at 19:57:04
Seriously... people are *still* slagging off Pickford after what he did for us last season?
Tony Everan
114 Posted 08/08/2022 at 20:53:26
Bill, there’s no middle ground.

Make a mistake and get hung drawn quartered, covered with butter and barbecued.

Score the winner and a temporary Sainthood is decreed.


Paul Jones
115 Posted 08/08/2022 at 21:40:19
To the tune of Agadoo (a tune to traverse the ages)

A-ma-dou-dou-dou


Onana is really fit.


Amadou Onana


Bill Kenwright is full of shit.

I meant fit in the physical sense as opposed to the erotic one, but it was really just a vehicle I was using to finish the tune with a bit of political clout.

Si Cooper
116 Posted 08/08/2022 at 23:19:25
Dave (112),

I don’t dispute that but the dictionary definition of Onanism includes masturbation / self-abuse.

I’d strongly expect some opposing fans to know that (if some do then soon all will) and make hay with it if we sing songs with ‘Onan’ in them.

Not sure it’s going to matter. It seems to have all gone quiet on a couple of our transfers. Hopefully just some small, resolvable delay but I really hate these strange ‘pauses’ that often seem to plague our dealings.

Bernie Quinn
117 Posted 09/08/2022 at 04:39:26
Back in the Spring of 1946. at the age of 7 years, I became an Everton supporter when my Dad started taking me to watch The Toffees play post-war friendlies at Goodison Park, and I fell in love immediately with the Grand (not so) Old Lady.

I saw and followed many great games in those days – the historical win by Ireland against England, with our own Peter Farrell scoring the Greens' second goal.

Then the USA part-timers beat mighty England 1-0 in the 1950 World Cup. And of course watching the magical Magyars beat England at Wembley. Then there was Brazil and Pele in the next two World Cup in the 1950s.

The 1960s I consider to be 'my' decade – seeing Albert's Hungary at Goodison, and Portugal's Eusebio at Old Trafford, where I shook his hand and had I quick chat with him (my hero!). Of course we won the FA Cup in 1966 as well and I will always remember Jimmy Gabriel in the last few minutes, keeping possession of the ball at the corner flag. We then come to the 1980s, which I guess is Danny's decade, and he has mentioned Sheedy a few times.

Since then, there has been hardly anything of note for the younger Evertonians to fondly remember. Except last season, those two final home games against Chelsea and Palace, I believe we saw Everton's Phoenix start to rise from the ashes.

This is continuing this season as Frank rebuilds his team As soon as he find a couple of strikers, then I am convinced we will be a team to be feared and be in the Top 4 regularly as we settle into our new stadium.

So, for all you faithful supporters, I think you are entering your special decade, and I hope you enjoy it as much as Danny and me have enjoyed ours! COYB

Christine Foster
118 Posted 09/08/2022 at 05:54:44
Bernie, they say in life you have one great love (other than mum and dad). As a mere child you, like me, have been blessed with a partner that's always been there for you. But this love of Everton surpasses even that.

Smitten as a child, there was no going back; once touched, you will never be the same. For better or worse – there is no divorce, no hope… only pride. Love of all things Everton.

You are so lucky to have seen those legends on the hallowed ground, felt the tears of pride standing on the pitch cheering the League Championship Winners. Felt the anger at the way the club has been run, still trying to believe.

The pendulum is coming back our way. I hope the advent of the new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock signals success for our club. Keep watching, Bernie, as new heroes are born, as the children of our supporters will remember the next star.

Stay well, Bernie, will see you at Bramley-Moore Dock...

Bernie Quinn
119 Posted 09/08/2022 at 07:28:47
Christine @118,

That was a wonderful post, Love – felt quite emotional reading it. Don't know how to answer you except to say “Ta ever so much!"

Still nothing from the hospital… getting nervous!

Zac Stephenson
122 Posted 09/08/2022 at 08:09:28
I may have missed the boat on the Onana song convo, but there are three absolute sitters.

I can't attend the match, so you guys make up the appropriate words – but the tune must surely be one of these:

1) Agadoo - Black Lace


2) Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye - Steam

And the absolute sitter of them all given where we come from...

3) Hey Jude (the end refrain)

I'll get my coat.


Tony Abrahams
124 Posted 09/08/2022 at 08:27:53
I hope you get good news soon, Bernie. As for Bramley-Moore Dock, I drove past on Saturday afternoon and there were quite a few Evertonians getting their pictures taken and enjoying the sunshine whilst checking on our future home, probably before going to the Old Lady, to see our team.

I got terrible news on Sunday morning, hearing that one of my old Sunday league football managers had died in a tragic accident. When I drove past Bramley-Moore Dock again, I had tears in my eyes thinking about this absolutely massive Evertonian who will now never get the chance to see Everton play in their new home.

Sorry for going morbid, but sometimes I think life is too short, and when I think of the Evertonians who have seen nothing, I think of Danny O’Neill talking about Europe. I’ve got special memories of sharing one unbelievable trip with my deceased friend, his sons, and my brother, and the only thing that can never be taken from us is our memories. 🙏

Jim Lloyd
125 Posted 09/08/2022 at 08:42:54
Eh up, Brian (99)!

A bit more on Haydock! It's an Old English name for Hay Meadow. A very historical area. As well as a Roman road running through from Warrington way up to Preston and beyond, South Lancashire was in at the start of the Industrial Revolution.

Newton-le-Willows, a (New Town) Earlestown was named after the man whose engine works and pits made him loads of cash. The same with Haydock. Richard Evans was a rich (very rich) pit owner, with pits all round area.

We had the first passenger railway (Liverpool to Manchester) and first passenger station (Liverpool). The first industrial canal in the world, with the Sankey canal, The great Nine Arch Viaduct over the canal. A heavy industrial, mining and chemical industry, so a lot of history there, mate.

As for Matuua Onana... I'm calling him Dave!

Tony Abrahams
126 Posted 09/08/2022 at 08:48:21
I’m not slagging off Pickford but our team have been absolutely, appallingly dreadful at defending set-pieces for most of his time at Everton.
Rob Halligan
132 Posted 09/08/2022 at 09:27:34
Bernie #117, a great post as well by the way,

I’m nowhere near as old as you, I’m more around starting watching the blues in the late ’70s before starting to play myself from the early ’80s onwards. I saw some but not all of the great matches of the '80s due to playing Saturdays, but did get to all the cup finals, including Rotterdam.

Having had a season ticket since season 1994-95, I’ve hardly missed a game home or away and in Europe. Hopefully times are changing with Frank Lampard in charge and the good times can return. Jeez, we deserve it.

Jim Lloyd
134 Posted 09/08/2022 at 09:39:39
Tony (126) I think you're right.

Our defence has been pathetic at defending corners and free kicks into the box. I think it's Pickford's weakest part of his game. Put the defence we've had in front of him and result, terrible goals against record for years.

I hope that Tarkowski and Coady will repair that stat considerably; but I don't think Pickford is good at commanding the goal area. He's great in other aspects of his game but that's a weakness other clubs have used against us.

Tony Abrahams
135 Posted 09/08/2022 at 09:51:59
Pickford does make some unbelievable top class saves, Jim, but I tend to judge a goalkeeper on the saves he doesn’t have to make.

I have always thought that the most important position on the pitch is always your starting position, and this is why I think there is massive room for improvement in Pickford’s game.

James Marshall
138 Posted 09/08/2022 at 10:22:20
According to some Mirror hack:

“Everton have also completed the £33.7million capture of young Lille midfielder Amadou Onana but are still waiting on paperwork from the French club before they can formally announce the signing of the Belgian,” he wrote.

So basically the deal is done. Apparently.

Colin Glassar
139 Posted 09/08/2022 at 10:25:09
Onana turns 21 soon. Surely that devalues his sell-on potential at least according to the age obsessed group on here.
Christine Foster
141 Posted 09/08/2022 at 10:40:01
Tony #126, it's a bit of both.

Pickford doesn't command his area, but is a good shot-stopper.

The centre-back pairings… okay Keane, Holgate, Godfrey cannot, ever, defend corners and both our full-backs may as well had been standing and watching and it's been like that for years.

It would not surprise me if they actually sold Pickford after a good World Cup. But the spine is being replaced with both a physical and imposing toughness of character. Just the top end now...


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