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Reader Comments (85)

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David Bromwell
1 Posted 15/08/2025 at 17:59:44
I wish I felt confident for Monday. I think the injuries to our two left-sided players, plus the continued absence of a right-back and a worry re Tarkowski's match fitness, means our defence will be suspect.

There is also no clear indication how our midfield and forwards will line up. In other words, I think we are ill-prepared for the start of the season, and I think the manager may well agree.

Scott Hamilton
2 Posted 15/08/2025 at 23:00:13
So, let’s have a reality check.

I’ll happily take a draw at Elland Road. That’s not defeatist, I’m just being realistic. A newly promoted team, pressing hard, against an Everton team that, at that point, won’t have gelled.

Come 24th at The Hill Dick though, I expect 3-1 to The Mighty Blues™ and the real start of our 2025-26 PL campaign to begin.

UTFT! 💪🏽💪🏽💪🏽💪🏽💪🏽💪🏽💪🏽💪🏽

Andrew Clare
3 Posted 16/08/2025 at 11:09:49
As usual, we are not fully prepared for the new season. It's very frustrating. Hopefully our three major new signings will star in Monday's match. That's if they all feature.

Leeds are bound to put heavy pressure on us from the word go. Hopefully we will ride the storm and stay composed.

Tony Abrahams
4 Posted 16/08/2025 at 11:19:45
I don’t believe I’m being cynical when I say that, although the season hasn’t even started (for us), I’m already bored with Everton.

I hope this changes but I just can’t seem to get that excited about football, with it’s VAR and it’s PSR and the obscene amount of shite, that makes the game feel like a circus for an old timer like myself.

I put the highlights of last night’s game on my iPad before and I’m glad it only lasted 3 minutes because I couldn’t have listened to the commentator for any longer.

I suppose I should wait and see what Monday brings but right now I think it’s very disheartening seeing Everton so underprepared once again.

Nicolas Piñon
5 Posted 16/08/2025 at 12:38:51
Pickford;
Coleman, Tarkowski, O'Brien, Mykolenko (or Aznou if he is unfit);
Alkaraz, Garner, Gana, Ndiaye; Dewsbury-Hall;
Beto.

Substitutions: Iroegbunam for Coleman; Grealish in for Gana at some point and advance him to the No 10 position for Dewsbury-Hall.

We are still at least 3 players short if we want to have realistic aspirations of having a good season. There's no other magic.

Ajay Gopal
6 Posted 16/08/2025 at 14:40:49
I think Mykolenko will play, judging by the way Moyes tried to act coy about it. KDH I think will start. To start with Grealish may be too bold for Moyes, I expect him to come on in the second half.

My predicted starting XI: (4-3-3)

Pickford
O'Brien Tarkowski Keane Mykolenko (or Aznou)
Garner Dewsbury-Hall Gueye
McNeil Beto Ndiaye

Subs: Travers, Aznou, Coleman, Iroegbunam, Grealish, Alcaraz, Barry, Chermiti, Armstrong

Should be an interesting game, and the outcome would come down to who has the more clinical finisher.

Robert Tressell
7 Posted 16/08/2025 at 14:56:16
Surely Grealish will start? Not sure why that would be in doubt.

If everyone is fit for Leeds they will probs use a 4231 like this:

F. DCL
LW: Ramazani
RW: Gnonto
AM: Aaronson
CM: Tanaka
DCM: Stach
LW: Gudmundsson
RB: Bogle
CB: Ampadu
CB: Bijol
Gk: Meslier

In terms of how we shape up, Pickford is clearly better than Meslier. The respective back fours are evenly matched. The central midfields are close too. We have better quality wide(ish) in Ndiaye and Grealish although Gnonto and Ramazani can be dangerous. Beto v DCL has been done many times on here. Let’s just say they are close.

So our real difference makers as they will be throughout the season are Pickford, Branthwaite (unavailable for this one), Ndiaye and Grealish.

I hope we go there set up for a win.

Kevin Molloy
8 Posted 16/08/2025 at 15:01:40
I'm not sure why you think he's an automatic starter Robert. He's only started one game in the Prem all year, and that was nearly 8 months ago. And he's had no pre season games.
Ryan Holroyd
9 Posted 16/08/2025 at 15:09:39
Looking at these line ups, our team is absolutely garbage. If Robert is right and our defensive and our midfield played are evenly matched with a promotion team.

I don’t get our recruitment at whatsoever. No goals again.

Another bottom half finish coming up.

James Marshall
10 Posted 16/08/2025 at 15:10:09
I reckon Grealish starts as well. He's the best player at the club so he plays every week in my view.

You want to get match fit, play football matches.

Scott Hamilton
11 Posted 16/08/2025 at 15:12:42
Richarlison just scored for Spurs.

David Hallwood
12 Posted 16/08/2025 at 15:16:33
Branthwaite's injury record is causing some concern, let's hope its 'young player still growing' rather than something long term. Let's hope he doesn't turn into Ledley King.
Liam Mogan
13 Posted 16/08/2025 at 15:17:54
Not sure I agree that Leeds are evenly matched up to us?

I work in Leeds and a lot of fans I talk to say they have very few of PL standard in their squad.

Danny O'Neill
14 Posted 16/08/2025 at 15:21:01
In the absence of the obvious needed signings, we have enough to cover midfield, including the right.

The interesting thing will be what the manager decides with the full back positions. Unless he goes with a back 3.

Sean Kearns
15 Posted 16/08/2025 at 16:10:01
Pickford
Coleman - Tarkowski - O'Brien - Mykolenko or Aznou
Gana - Dewsbury-Hall
Alcaraz or McNeil - Ndiaye - Grealish
Beto

Grant Rorrison
16 Posted 16/08/2025 at 16:28:02
Meslier still plays for Leeds? Nice one, that's a certain win then.
Robert Tressell
17 Posted 16/08/2025 at 16:44:02
Liam # 12

Take the back 4 for example, at the moment, I think either of Ampadu and Bijol are better than Keane. Bogle is a better conventional RB than O'Brien (although big Jake has his strengths too). Gudmundsson is about the same as Mykolenko…

Jack Convery
18 Posted 16/08/2025 at 16:44:11
4-2-3-1:

Pickford, O'Brien, Keane, Tarkowski, McNeil, Gueye, Garner, Dewsbury-Hall, Ndiaye, Grealish, Beto.

Liam Mogan
20 Posted 16/08/2025 at 16:52:54
Tbf Robert 22, none of them have done much in the PL have they?

Not saying ours are brilliant or anything, but not sure the Leeds players you highlight are up to much.

Neil Lawson
21 Posted 16/08/2025 at 16:59:10
Interesting that all of our TW pundits have Beto starting despite all the rumours of a rift with D.M.
I think the choice of main striker will be telling.
Grealish should start but I reckon he will be on the bench. A run out too for Seamus. Could be an interesting evening. Expect the worst and probably get the worst !! A scrappy 0-0 will do.
Dave Abrahams
22 Posted 16/08/2025 at 17:08:35
I don’t understand why Grealish wouldn’t start, he been doing training with a fitness coach throughout the summer so he must be ready to play—— let’s be honest the thing Everton miss most is players with skill so he should be one of the first on the team sheet for every game.
Bobby Mallon
23 Posted 16/08/2025 at 17:11:33
Dave @4 you need to take out the noise, of the money, of psr of all the salaries and just focus on watching Everton. You me and everyone else can't do anything about the money. Enjoy the moment on monday night. You have been a suppoter to long, to let what you can't control, stop you watching Everton.
John Keating
24 Posted 16/08/2025 at 17:17:40
Neil
What’s this Beto rift with Moyes?????
Neil Lawson
25 Posted 16/08/2025 at 17:20:26
Sunderland top of the league. Everton 12th. Can we freeze the season now ?
Robert Tressell
26 Posted 16/08/2025 at 17:20:34
Liam # 20, I’m not saying they are up to much. I’m just saying they are much of a muchness with many of our players.

What is in our favour is that Farke is not great. I think one of him or Potter will be replaced with Dyche this season.

Dave Abrahams
27 Posted 16/08/2025 at 17:21:37
Bobby (23) That wasn’t me at (4) it was my son Tony but like all of us he loves football so I think you might understand his frustration with modern day football to a large degree and especially on the field with all the cheating, feigning injuries etc etc.
Ged Simpson
28 Posted 16/08/2025 at 17:26:50
Rumour of Garner "on the town" last night. Nonsense?
Jay Harris
29 Posted 16/08/2025 at 17:31:01
Neil that story about a rift with Moyes was called absolute garbage by Moyes.
Although I am concerned about our poor recruitment and injuries I think we will get something at Leeds. I hope I am right as I've been feeling a 3-1 result to us.
I have to say I understand and agree with Tony.

The game has gone from a working man's sport to a rich man's circus run by corrupt people.

I will always watch football and particularly the blues but I feel just like Tony.

Kieran Kinsella
30 Posted 16/08/2025 at 17:31:45
What’s the toilet situation at Hill Dickinson? Is it the classic metal splash wall with overflow on the floor? Individual urinals? Egg shaped ones? Long ones? And for cubicles is it the old grey industrial tp? Single ply? Plush?
Dennis Stevens
31 Posted 16/08/2025 at 17:38:37
There's none of that fancy marble like in the Philharmonic, Kieran
Kieran Kinsella
32 Posted 16/08/2025 at 17:40:43
No marble? Meis out
Ged Simpson
33 Posted 16/08/2025 at 17:41:58
Bizarre and I hope meant to be funny Q Kieran!


Scott Hamilton
34 Posted 16/08/2025 at 17:48:26
Kieran - As long as it’s not ‘toilet filled with dark yellow piss and a fag floating in it’, like it was for most of the matches when I was a kid.
Liam Mogan
35 Posted 16/08/2025 at 17:55:26
Robert 26 - God help their fans when Dyche takes over!
Mike Hayes
36 Posted 16/08/2025 at 18:20:55
Tony Abraham I feel exactly the same - the great end to last season getting above Man Utd and Spurs - the sly darlings, the excitement of a new season pending.

For me, the wind went out of my sails when all the emotion of leaving Goodison was torpedoed by the fact it was being kept – great news but I felt that was the start of the decline for me.

That was added to by purchasing the Forever Blue+ and getting nothing for it except “special offers”. Then having the gall to charge for preseason games which were sold out before I got the chance.

Then the preseason itself – such a let down as the only game we “won” was behind closed doors. For me it's been typical Everton or the famous phrase – Everton That! Fingers crossed this is just preseason blips which will all come to fruition at Leeds this Monday.

Danny O'Neill
37 Posted 16/08/2025 at 18:36:32
Moyes put the journalist straight on Beto.

I can't remember the exact quote, but he cut the individual off and in no short terms, told him he wasn't sure where he'd heard that, because it wasn't from him. He then went onto praise Beto since his arrival back at Everton.

That was the end of that conversation.

Liam @20, I have made a lot of Leeds mates over the years and they say the same. From the moment they got promoted, they were saying they need to get players in or they will struggle. I know they have added, but it depends on if those players can keep them up, which is their aim this season.

Sam Hoare
38 Posted 16/08/2025 at 18:39:25
Not sure about Robert's Leeds lineup.

I think Perri will likely start with Rodon and Strujik very possibly in front of him with Ampadu in DCM and then Stach and Tanaka. I'd also be very surprised to see DCL start for them after just signing, more likely Piroe.

I think we have a better team but they have an excited home crowd. It will be even with both teams most dangerous on the break. Quite possible it's settled by a mistake or piece of magic.

I feel we have a history of being terrible on opening day but I am excited to see Ndiaye, KDH and Grealish combine. My head says 1-1 and I'd be content with that.

Bobby Mallon
39 Posted 16/08/2025 at 18:39:41
I feel absolutely ace for this season.

We had 12 players leave us last season and I thought "Here we go." But you know what — we have signed young guns that we have all wanted to happen for ages; we signed Dewsbury-Hall — a top quality midfielder; Jarrad to a new long contract; and fecking Jack Grealish who wants to prove a point and get back into the England squad.

On top of that we have a brand new stadium that's just magnificent. Great to be a Blue, I say

Liam Mogan
40 Posted 16/08/2025 at 18:47:31
Sam 38 - we also have a quite terrible record at Elland Road
Liam Mogan
41 Posted 16/08/2025 at 18:49:37
Danny 37 - the Leeds fans I've spoken to are also extremely underwhelmed with Calvert-Lewin signing.
David West
42 Posted 16/08/2025 at 18:52:00
Could be a good thing none of us know how we are going to line up…
Leeds won't have a clue either!

For too long we've known exactly who would play, because they were the only players we had!! We became predictable.

Okay, so it's injuries that are forcing Moyes's hand. However, how the front 6 line up will be intriguing!

Bring it on!!!

Grant Rorrison
43 Posted 16/08/2025 at 18:58:07
Liam 41. They should give the lad a chance to play for them first. Then they will know what completely underwhelmed feels like.
Ged Simpson
44 Posted 16/08/2025 at 19:00:54
Bobby #39: Your post is a breath of fresh air!

Be careful, mate. This is TW, you can get banned for that kind of optimism!

David West
45 Posted 16/08/2025 at 19:05:59
Think it will be:

Pickford
Mykolenko O'Brien Tarkowski Keane
Gana Garner
Dewsbury-Hall Grealish Ndiaye
Beto

I ould see Ndiaye moving over to the right if Grealish starts which I think he should.

Get him on the pitch from the start. Alcaraz hasn't looked too good in pre-season; he can affect the game from the bench, as can McNeil, who looks tired before a ball has been kicked!

Christy Ring
46 Posted 16/08/2025 at 19:06:24
Good to see a bit of positivity, Bobby.

We're signing players, probably slowly, and will sign more players before the end of the window. Definitely an upgrade on who left, and hopefully a good start to the season… but as you say, we have every reason to be cheerful.

Derek Knox
47 Posted 16/08/2025 at 19:07:21
Scott @ 34,

"As long as it's not ‘toilet filled with dark yellow piss and a fag floating in it', like it was for most of the matches when I was a kid."

An old mate of mine would have totally agreed with you there on that despicable habit! He said it made them really difficult to re-light. :-)

Chris Davies
48 Posted 16/08/2025 at 19:08:45
Mike, I've been living in Brighton for the last 20 years but whenever I've actually wanted or been able to afford or had time to get a ticket, I've found one here always.

Toffees are good lads and we look after our own. I don't think you need to pay the silly premium for access that the club are charging? Those guys have billions. We look after each other.

Rob Halligan
49 Posted 16/08/2025 at 19:16:53
Liam # 40……We have a terrible record at Elland Road……??

We are unbeaten there in the last five games, two wins and three draws. The last time we lost there in the league was December 2021!

Chris Davies
50 Posted 16/08/2025 at 19:26:43
I think we're going to put them firmly in their place!

Ndiaye, Grealish, Dewsbury-Hall and Beto are far too much for them, and they'll all start. COYB

Liam Mogan
51 Posted 16/08/2025 at 19:27:13
Talking historically, Rob! Not just the past 4 years. 🤣

I don't think we won there for about 40 years at one point. Even if you take home/away games out of it, we have a poor head to head record against them.

Which, for a team that has spent over half their history in the lower leagues, is awful on our part.

Liam Mogan
52 Posted 16/08/2025 at 19:32:04
Just checked and we have won 6 out of 60 away games against Leeds. 🫣
Derek Knox
53 Posted 16/08/2025 at 19:43:47
Liam, we are playing them in the future (Monday), not in the past.

Those past results are almost meaningless now!

Liam Mogan
54 Posted 16/08/2025 at 19:50:17
You could say that for any game at any ground Derek!

All I was saying is we have a poor record at Elland Road, mate. Which we do. Some teams struggle at certain grounds?

Mal van Schaick
55 Posted 16/08/2025 at 20:02:36
I'm looking forward to seeing how we line up and how well organised we are.

We had a great win away at Newcastle at the end of last season; if we can repeat or better that performance, we can get the win.

Rob Halligan
56 Posted 16/08/2025 at 20:25:02
Well, recent history tells me that we have a decent record at Elland Road, and let's face it, going to Elland Road nowadays is nothing to worry about.
Liam Mogan
57 Posted 16/08/2025 at 20:31:05
It'll be a tough game on Monday, especially those first 20 mins as their crowd will be up for it. Get past that, and we'll probably get a result.

David West
58 Posted 16/08/2025 at 21:20:29
Having Leeds all hyped up coming at us may just suit Ndiaye and Beto on the break.

Sit back soak up their first big huff and puff… then smash them on the break! 💪

Jay Harris
59 Posted 16/08/2025 at 23:13:09
Liam,

As Rob pointed out, our recent history against them is really good and that's when we had a bad team too.

Unbeaten in 5 should give us some confidence.

Laurie Hartley
60 Posted 16/08/2025 at 23:17:22
David # 45 - I like that line up. If that’s how he sets us up we will win.
Paul Kossoff
61 Posted 16/08/2025 at 00:03:07
We will nick it one nil. Is it nick or knick? Some highly dubious characters see Knick as valuables, claiming it's short for Knick Knack; and means to nick as to steal.

So we will rob a point at Leeds with a highly dubious penalty. By the way, I nicked a spud of my brother's plate once, or was it knicked?😁

Paul Kossoff
62 Posted 17/08/2025 at 00:09:19
Head-to-head record
Previous meetings: 122

Leeds United wins: 52

Draws: 34

Everton wins: 36

Derek Thomas
63 Posted 17/08/2025 at 00:13:12
Anjishnu; Right Full Back mate, what about the Full Back situation??
Michael Fox
64 Posted 17/08/2025 at 00:28:57
Antishnu, what do you mean "roped in" do you think Everton are undeserving of these players? Not much of a fan, are you ? I think the club will do OK, but we will need real fans behind us.
Ernie Baywood
65 Posted 17/08/2025 at 00:41:32
Will be interesting to see how we line up. Sounds like two spots up for grabs in the backline. I'll guess Moyes goes 'like-for-like' and plays Keane and Aznou (if Myko is out). Neither is an ideal choice right now but probably disrupt the defence less than shuffling Jake or changing formation.

Further forward, I don't think there's a single position besides Gana in the middle that's nailed on. Which is actually a good selection problem.

You'd think Dewsbury-Hall's place is assured, though whether that's midfield or a bit further forward it's yet to be seen.

I'm still not sure the right winger issue is as major as made out. We don't really play out and out wingers? Grealish, Alcaraz, Ndiaye, even McNeil could all do a job there.

I'd imagine Beto starts. Yes there are rumours doing the rounds but they sound more likely to be nonsense.

Nick Page
66 Posted 17/08/2025 at 01:26:52
Won 2/18 vs promoted sides since 1892. Everton that.

Once you realise it, it's hard not to see. Liverpool “created” a football club (and mentality) in the '60s; Everton let it happen through arrogance. Overhaul the entire club; the backslappers, the hangers on, the Kenwright lovers, all of them. You know who you are.

Sunderland just battered West Ham, who made Everton look terrible… Sunderland!!!! Shambles of a football club, utterly directionless.

Poor Davie Moyes says we need 10 players, we've got 2 who go into the first team. Everton that.

Bob Parrington
67 Posted 17/08/2025 at 01:42:54
Paul @ 62, How many of those Leeds Utd wins were in their Don Revie era?
Anthony Dwyer
68 Posted 17/08/2025 at 03:14:44
1-3 the blues, no issues.

Barry to come of age.

Steve O’Shaughnessy
69 Posted 17/08/2025 at 03:29:18
Wow... there are some seriously "glass half-empty" folk about today. :)

Most teams have the same issue with not getting players signed in time for the start of the season... it's always this way and, until it gets changed to be the start of the season, it will always be that way.

I can't see any reason why it couldn't be 1 August. Some backroom folk will have to come back to work early. Such is life.

As for the team and signings... we didn't let anyone go that I wanted to keep. The players we have got in are much better than last season. Dewsbury-Hall and Grealish are massive improvements.

I would love to see Dibling come in but honestly speaking we had Harrison there last season so any of Ndiaye, McNeil or Grealish is better than Harrison.

I'm not on cloud nine but there is no reason to be morose just yet... at least wait until we've kicked a ball. :)

Bob Parrington
70 Posted 17/08/2025 at 05:40:47
Good one, Steve!

Optimism beats negativity all of the way!.

Dale Self
71 Posted 17/08/2025 at 05:44:41
First, nice lavatory review.

What is it with Leeds and the annoying managers they appoint? Alright, after a look, Wise, Monk, and O'Leary were decent. Don't remember Grayson. Bielsa was a bit drama queen with a plastic throne. McAllister was respectable at Coventry, that's it.

So really, I am disgusted with Jesse Marsch and Daniel Farke.

And on Rico Lewis? Fuck that guy. I can't remember if he actually said anything dismissive of the club or if that is how a journo covered the rejected loan proposal. I don't think he would settle in, always looking beyond us.

Lewis definitely has the basic skills and some flair with the ball. So much is the natural ability that he struggles with being disciplined in the middle. I could be off but I see a player that benefits from that comfortable City space, and would not be interested enough in the utility we would need him for at this stage.

Danny O'Neill
72 Posted 17/08/2025 at 05:49:11
A few interesting ones to wake up to early on a Sunday morning!!

Nick @66, I'll leave that one as I'm not sure whether you're have a go at residual club staff, supporters or both?

On your other point, newly promoted team wins first game. No shock there. It's been quite normal over the years and decades.

West Ham are hardly looking in good shape. It's way too early to judge after one game, but I think they and Wolves, along with Brentford, could struggle this season, but it's anyone's guess.

I think the recent trend of the 3 promoted teams going straight back down will be bucked this season, with one, maybe two of them staying up.

Anyway, despite the frustration that all of us have with filling those final pieces of the jigsaw, there's no reason to be warring and tearing ourselves about tomorrow night's match. As always, as match day comes around, that's where my head goes. We can start again on Tuesday, debating the performance and result and transfers.

Duncan McDine
73 Posted 17/08/2025 at 08:26:14
I've obviously missed the news that Barry is out injured. In that case, Beto must start.
Christine Foster
74 Posted 17/08/2025 at 08:29:04
Look, not being funny, but who the heck is responsible for the management of this site? Whoever it is and if you are reading this can you remove from the ToffeeWeb banners all the players who no longer play for us?? — Harrison, Doucoure, Calvert-Lewin... and another nine at least!

I know it's been asked before but nothing happened. Someone do the job and keep it up to date? (Miss you, Lyndon.)

Jerome Shields
75 Posted 17/08/2025 at 08:47:40
Everton will do Ok against Leeds The balance of the side has been changed, so they have a better squad than last season.This should improve the players the players from last season.I expect Everton to be up for this game. They won't want a West Ham result.Once into the season It will be a achievement to get such commitment.

Moyes continues to cover his ass, but alesst he is not asking for 10 players.I can't help wanting Everton to win something this season( as every season) and that is a benchmark I will not comprise. It is the rightful place where Everton should be

I know that improvement and possibly players are needed to put depth to the squad to compete in multiple competitions, but I expect Moyes to make progress.Finch Farm has to challenge, something I expect TFG to bring in with it change in Everton's Culture.

Hope Calvert Lewin plays and has a reasonable game, for the sake of my Leeds friends. They have had a difficult time. They are back in the Premier League something I am glad that Everton have not been tested on.

Tony I identify with your attitude, but I know you will keep the faith and make a valued contribution,as always.

I think you need to adopt the objective of being a International Popstar, who goes to bed early at night, like myself.I think Mike Gaynes should do the same.I am playing the Uku in a Battle of the Bands Competition at 10.00am.

Sam Hoare
76 Posted 17/08/2025 at 09:03:28
Forest getting Mcatee and Hutchinson yesterday plus Kalimuendo and Luiz apparently this weekend. All players I think we've been linked to at some stage though who knows how much was real.

Leeds will look at how Sunderland played yesterday and see that as a benchmark I think. The idea of Gnonto, Ramazanie and James running at Keane and Tarkowski scares me so I hope Garner, Gana and the full-backs can give them cover!

Jimmy Carr
77 Posted 17/08/2025 at 09:04:59
I empathise with Tony (4).

That said, we should beat Leeds shouldn't we? I expect some canny game-management from Moyes, Grealish appearing in the second half after we've played utterly boring football to nullify them early doors, a couple of flashes from Ndiaye and Co., eventually finishing them off courtesy of a couple of breakaway goals.

Nostradamus out.

Ted Roberts
79 Posted 17/08/2025 at 09:14:46
Looking forward to tomorrow night, getting the real season underway. This is when we can start judging (if that's a fair term) where the team's capabilities (or lack of them) lie. Yes, you would expect Leeds to come out of the blocks with all guns blazing – why wouldn't they?

But I am confident that we should be able to handle that, and start putting our stamp on the game. You've got to be positive; we all know why there is so much negativity connected to our club, but we have to try to overcome that, and the start of a new season should be the catalyst.

I agree with Tony and Dave that the game is not what it was – it's morphed into a seedy spectre of greed, corruption and cheating and those three things alone fill the football fan with negative and frustrated tendencies.

But let the players play, let the fans have their matchday experience, and let the true passion and emotion of football rule the day – and let judgement day be the day after and not the day before. COYB.

Robert Williams
84 Posted 17/08/2025 at 10:12:26
PK 61 - Nickers mate! or is it Knickers??
Andrew McLawrence
85 Posted 17/08/2025 at 10:22:14
Doak to Bournemouth now being reported. The heel dragging is world class.
Frank Thomas
87 Posted 17/08/2025 at 17:05:17
Sorry back to the Dibling negotiations what's everybody's thoughts on actually loaning him for one season for £10M with an option to buy for £30M + £10M with certain achievements.

This could be a win - win if he is worth £50M we would buy him otherwise we only lose the £10M if he is not worth the extra money. For them they get £10M now and a possible £40M+ or at least a player who has gained another year of premiership experience.

Ben King
88 Posted 17/08/2025 at 17:13:08
Frank #87

The big sticking point is the 25% profit sell on clause which you haven’t addressed

Alan J Thompson
89 Posted 17/08/2025 at 17:13:55
Does anyone think we have a Tim Cahill in the squad so as Moyes can repeat his days of playing without a recognized striker.
Frank Thomas
90 Posted 17/08/2025 at 17:20:58
Good point Ben but imagine we get an offer in 4 years time of £100M for him. Then £100M - £50M and take off their 25% we would still make £37.5M and they get £12.5M.
The would cover his salary and still give us a profit.
Laurie Hartley
91 Posted 17/08/2025 at 22:47:28
Alan # 89 - Maybe Alcaraz. His headed goal against Newcastle reminded me of Tim.
Robert Tressell
92 Posted 18/08/2025 at 10:21:47
Frank # 90, we would also (in that scenario) have had the benefit of 4 years of an exceptional player.

Surely that is better than buying a cheaper and probably more mediocre player now (say Fellows) - then having that mediocre player for four years and possibly beyond? We may be able to buy such a player without a 25% sell on clause, but primarily because the expectation is no one will want to buy him!

Surely if we have the opportunity to buy a young player who wants to come and could be exceptional for the low fee of £40m (Brentford level spending) - we should be ambitious enough to take that opportunity.


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