I was at that game but I never saw the wonderful performance from Wayne that the writer saw that night!

Harsh, Dave!

Funnily enough, the first time I made the effort to post on TW, it was to defend Rooney during his 2nd spell. I saw a brilliant footballer not being used well.

As we all know, recruitment was bonkers then, especially of midfielders, but I was in an apparent minority who was happy to have Rooney. His loss of pace was compensated for by his passing and his (football) brains.

Anyone who watched Rooney before he left for Man Utd would have never been that impressed with him once he returned.

The goal that got him his hat-trick was absolutely brilliant but I prefer to remember him for his performance against Bolton when he was still only 17. It is still the best performance I've ever seen from an outfield player at Goodison Parkk.

Rooney was simply mesmerising that day and that's why it hurt so much when he left for what I thought was a pittance, and especially because his money paved the way for Kenwright to remain in control at Everton for years.

What a terrible double whammy we suffered.

Great performance from Rooney that night.

He should have stayed longer.

Les (4), Second line Les couldn’t agree more but by leaving he saved us financially—- unfortunately he kept Kenwright here and Kenwright returned the favour by bringing him back when Wayne’s best days were long gone, cost Kenwright nothing but Everton FC brewsters!

Of fading stars. Rooney had a stellar career, no matter what some think of him. His second spell with us was a sad reminder of what could or should have been. Long past his best yes, but he was more than good enough to keep his place in an Everton side.
Which begs a serious question, if all clubs are not winners, surely the stars who rank as best of the best in said teams, have less time at their peak because the club has the resources to replace them as soon as that peak level drops.
But even if they can only operate at 80% of that previous level, for other teams that's a significant improvement in their squad. It's a sensible use of available resources you would think.
It's a double edged sword, we remember Rooney for who he was first time around, the bitterness of losing him and the reasons why we did, for one sweet moment we stood in awe at a 17 year old and dreamt. So his return and said hatrick, brilliant as it was, became a reminder of what we lost, not what we had.
Fast forward to today and the BBC report that clubs are looking at 6 substitutions in games and an increase in squad size to 28. Apparently now in the Premier league, clubs are utilizing 3 subs or more in over 90% of their games (unless your Everton...) apparently it makes a difference too with 16% of goals so far this season coming from subs.
Bigger clubs, bigger squads, better chance of winning?
Everyone cannot operate at peak levels indefinitely but the old saying, "never mind the quality, feel the width" is appropriate but stars fade, as did Rooney, but they can still be of value.