24/08/2026
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One of the major criticisms thrown at David Moyes last season was his failure to trust young talent. Even as the wheels fell off across the run-in, Moyes stuck with his tried and tested, as a legless Everton limped across the finish line.
It was a situation that created debate around the club’s direction. The limited use of Tyler Dibling, Adam Aznou and Tyrique George saw the trio all immediately labelled as ‘club signings’, thrust upon a manager who favoured experience by a board looking to create a sustainable business model.
Moyes has cast his eye across the club’s young talent again throughout pre-season, with Aznou, Dibling, George, and Harrison Armstrong all showing encouraging signs.
Armstrong and George were in from the start against Crystal Palace at the weekend, in what was Everton’s second-youngest starting XI since Moyes returned to the club.
The former’s place in the side came as a result of injuries to James Garner and Christian Norgaard, but the 19-year-old did more than enough to merit more minutes next weekend. George, meanwhile, showed the sort of fearlessness in possession that often only youth brings. Neither are the finished article, but each demonstrated that Everton can find success by investing in the future.
The introduction of Armstrong and debutant Hayden Hackney helped lower an average age previously inflated by Idrissa Gana Gueye’s presence in midfield, while Thierno Barry appears to have ousted Beto as first-choice forward to further lower the age profile.
At 25 years and 308 days, only the Everton side that won 2-0 at Nottingham Forest last December has had a lower average age in Moyes’s second stint (25 years and 176 days). It’s perhaps no coincidence that both teams secured impressive energetic wins.
Everton’s youthful selection also stood out across the Premier League. Across Friday, Saturday and Sunday’s games, only Newcastle United, Manchester City, and Tottenham Hotspur lined up with younger XIs.
There will inevitably be tests of Moyes’s faith in youth. Norgaard is expected to feature regularly upon his return from injury, while James Tarkowski’s appointment as captain and his start against Crystal Palace suggests Jake O’Brien still has work to do to displace the 33-year-old.
Moyes may still lean on experience when the option is available, but the early evidence suggests Everton’s youngsters are beginning to make that decision more difficult for him.
Armstrong and George did not look like players included to satisfy a recruitment strategy against Palace. They looked like players capable of improving Everton now. If they continue to prove that, Moyes might find that trusting in the club’s future gives him his best chance of succeeding in the present.
Read more - Dewsbury-Hall hails teen star Armstrong as Everton’s new-look midfield excel
Reader Comments (40)
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Raymond Halsall
2 Posted 24/08/2026 at 16:00:09
2 Posted 24/08/2026 at 16:00:09
One of our best performances last season was at Aston Villa with a young midfield.
The next week, Moyes dropped them. A leopard never changes his spots...
The next week, Moyes dropped them. A leopard never changes his spots...
Izzy Selwyn
4 Posted 24/08/2026 at 17:35:39
4 Posted 24/08/2026 at 17:35:39
Hackney was also immense, snuffing out opposition attacks and starting our attacks. Though there were some silly mistakes from the likes of him and Rohl and the other youngsters that showed their inexperience. Cute backflicks and ambitious or careless passes that went astray.
But the way to success is to keep playing them whilst teaching them to cut out carelessness, I fear that these mistakes will be used by Moyesie to revert to type and drop them for the older players.
Shame if that happens. Though I do feel that Norgaard is currently needed.
But the way to success is to keep playing them whilst teaching them to cut out carelessness, I fear that these mistakes will be used by Moyesie to revert to type and drop them for the older players.
Shame if that happens. Though I do feel that Norgaard is currently needed.
Jonathan Oppenheimer
5 Posted 24/08/2026 at 17:35:52
5 Posted 24/08/2026 at 17:35:52
Except that he won't play Jake O'Brien and reports out of The Athletic are that we're open to selling him now, which would be madness and send a terrible message to our younger core.
This was the season to phase out Tarkowski and Moyes doesn't have the balls to do it. I'd rather we sold Tarkowski for nothing than get rid of O'Brien.
This was the season to phase out Tarkowski and Moyes doesn't have the balls to do it. I'd rather we sold Tarkowski for nothing than get rid of O'Brien.
Izzy Selwyn
6 Posted 24/08/2026 at 17:36:29
6 Posted 24/08/2026 at 17:36:29
No way we are selling Jake.
Jonathan Oppenheimer
7 Posted 24/08/2026 at 17:39:34
7 Posted 24/08/2026 at 17:39:34
Izzy 6, I sure hope not, but if Paddy Boyland is reporting it, then someone inside the club is telling him that.
Whether that's a ploy to get Moyes to start playing him or not is another question, or if we need the money to fill the right-back position. Whatever it is, something is amiss behind the scenes.
Whether that's a ploy to get Moyes to start playing him or not is another question, or if we need the money to fill the right-back position. Whatever it is, something is amiss behind the scenes.
Mark Steers
8 Posted 24/08/2026 at 17:45:30
8 Posted 24/08/2026 at 17:45:30
Moyes was not forced into anything; if you look at the bench, there was only Micheal Keane over the age of 30 in the 9 subs. Beto is I think 28. Every other sub was 26 and under, so how was he forced?
This is the road Everton are going down because they're not spending big money. I believe we have the youngest squad in the Premier League so Moyes has no choice.
This is the road Everton are going down because they're not spending big money. I believe we have the youngest squad in the Premier League so Moyes has no choice.
Martin Berry
9 Posted 24/08/2026 at 18:06:36
9 Posted 24/08/2026 at 18:06:36
Moyes was wise not to introduce young players too soon, his patience and its benefits have been shown in pre-season and now on Saturday. He only plays players when they are ready.
If you had been bothered to listen to the players themselves, they mention how certain training programs etc are used to bring the younger players on. Anyone would think that the manager doesn't want the younger players to succeed!
Moyes has been a manager, been and done it with young players, he does not want to destroy their confidence by pitching them in at the wrong time.
Remember how he mentioned Dibling had to improve in training last season? He has done and it shows on the pitch.
Patience, gentlemen please. The youngsters like Dibling and Aznou will get their chance against Preston, I expect Johnson to get a spin too...
If you had been bothered to listen to the players themselves, they mention how certain training programs etc are used to bring the younger players on. Anyone would think that the manager doesn't want the younger players to succeed!
Moyes has been a manager, been and done it with young players, he does not want to destroy their confidence by pitching them in at the wrong time.
Remember how he mentioned Dibling had to improve in training last season? He has done and it shows on the pitch.
Patience, gentlemen please. The youngsters like Dibling and Aznou will get their chance against Preston, I expect Johnson to get a spin too...
Stan Grace
10 Posted 24/08/2026 at 18:24:15
10 Posted 24/08/2026 at 18:24:15
Martin #9,
"Moyes was wise not to introduce young players too soon, his patience and its benefits have been shown in pre-season and now on Saturday. He only plays players when they are ready."
While there could be something in what you say, we'll never know, as last season none of the young players you're referring to were given a chance in the first 11 at the beginning of the season, or in the case of Armstrong and George, weren't even at the club.
If Norgaard, Garner and Iroegbunam had been fully fit on Saturday, and Grealish still at the club, none of the young players would have been given a starting place this season either.
Or are you suggesting, if Moyes had had all of those four experienced players available, some or all of them would have started on the bench against Palace, so he could demonstrate his patience and its benefits???
"Moyes was wise not to introduce young players too soon, his patience and its benefits have been shown in pre-season and now on Saturday. He only plays players when they are ready."
While there could be something in what you say, we'll never know, as last season none of the young players you're referring to were given a chance in the first 11 at the beginning of the season, or in the case of Armstrong and George, weren't even at the club.
If Norgaard, Garner and Iroegbunam had been fully fit on Saturday, and Grealish still at the club, none of the young players would have been given a starting place this season either.
Or are you suggesting, if Moyes had had all of those four experienced players available, some or all of them would have started on the bench against Palace, so he could demonstrate his patience and its benefits???
Christy Ring
11 Posted 24/08/2026 at 18:33:36
11 Posted 24/08/2026 at 18:33:36
Martin #9,
I think you may check again: "he only plays players when they're ready" -- utter nonsense.
The only reason he played Armstrong and Hackney in pre-season and on Saturday is because Garner, Norgaard and Iroegbunam were injured, and he even whinged about that in his interview after the game.
If he sells O'Brien, and depends on Tarkowski and Keane, he's definitely lost the plot.
I think you may check again: "he only plays players when they're ready" -- utter nonsense.
The only reason he played Armstrong and Hackney in pre-season and on Saturday is because Garner, Norgaard and Iroegbunam were injured, and he even whinged about that in his interview after the game.
If he sells O'Brien, and depends on Tarkowski and Keane, he's definitely lost the plot.
John Chambers
12 Posted 24/08/2026 at 19:05:33
12 Posted 24/08/2026 at 19:05:33
I guess everyone referring to Moyes's reluctance to use youngsters is too young to remember his first time at the club.
If not, I'm sure everyone would remember that Rooney, Yobo, Hibbert, Osman, Jeffers, McFadden, Vaughan, Anichebe, Rodwell, Baines, Fellaini, Baxter, Gosling, Coleman, Barkley, Stones, Lukaku were all teenagers or early twenties under Moyes and had their opportunity first time around.
If not, I'm sure everyone would remember that Rooney, Yobo, Hibbert, Osman, Jeffers, McFadden, Vaughan, Anichebe, Rodwell, Baines, Fellaini, Baxter, Gosling, Coleman, Barkley, Stones, Lukaku were all teenagers or early twenties under Moyes and had their opportunity first time around.
Andrew Ellams
13 Posted 24/08/2026 at 19:11:01
13 Posted 24/08/2026 at 19:11:01
John, you may want to go back and recheck some of those.
Annika Herbert
14 Posted 24/08/2026 at 19:11:57
14 Posted 24/08/2026 at 19:11:57
Martin @ 9,
Where has Moyes “been and done it” with the younger players?
Where has Moyes “been and done it” with the younger players?
Mike Hayes
15 Posted 24/08/2026 at 19:20:49
15 Posted 24/08/2026 at 19:20:49
Lukaku was Roberto's signing. 🤷
Stan Grace
16 Posted 24/08/2026 at 19:33:14
16 Posted 24/08/2026 at 19:33:14
John #12,
"Rooney, Yobo, Hibbert, Osman, Jeffers, McFadden, Vaughan, Anichebe, Rodwell, Baines, Fellaini, Baxter, Gosling, Coleman, Barkley, Stones, Lukaku".
Quite a list. Unfortunately, none of Hibbert, Jeffers, Stones or Lukaku debuted for Everton under Moyes, and the last two never played for him as he'd gone to Man Utd.
While Yobo, Osman, Baines, Fellaini, McFadden and Coleman were all 20 to 22 years old when Moyes gave them their league debut.
Of the under-20s whose debut Moyes can take credit for, only the exceptional Rooney went on to have a great career.
"Rooney, Yobo, Hibbert, Osman, Jeffers, McFadden, Vaughan, Anichebe, Rodwell, Baines, Fellaini, Baxter, Gosling, Coleman, Barkley, Stones, Lukaku".
Quite a list. Unfortunately, none of Hibbert, Jeffers, Stones or Lukaku debuted for Everton under Moyes, and the last two never played for him as he'd gone to Man Utd.
While Yobo, Osman, Baines, Fellaini, McFadden and Coleman were all 20 to 22 years old when Moyes gave them their league debut.
Of the under-20s whose debut Moyes can take credit for, only the exceptional Rooney went on to have a great career.
Jon Atkinson
18 Posted 24/08/2026 at 19:42:48
18 Posted 24/08/2026 at 19:42:48
He's still dicking Dibling about. Ndiaye did nothing of consequence in the last 15 minutes... seems he has to be on the pitch the full 90, but Palace had thrown the towel in around the 65th-minute mark. Their manager has spoken of his disdain for the lack of effort.
Moyes will make changes on Wednesday, no doubt, and if we get knocked out, whoever started the game won't start another this season. As ever, injuries force his hand, that's who he is: Mr Reactive.
Moyes will make changes on Wednesday, no doubt, and if we get knocked out, whoever started the game won't start another this season. As ever, injuries force his hand, that's who he is: Mr Reactive.
John Collins
19 Posted 24/08/2026 at 19:43:08
19 Posted 24/08/2026 at 19:43:08
John @12.
You can't just make it up as you go along.
Moyes doesn't trust young players. Full stop.
You can't just make it up as you go along.
Moyes doesn't trust young players. Full stop.
Anthony Dwyer
20 Posted 24/08/2026 at 19:56:46
20 Posted 24/08/2026 at 19:56:46
I sometimes think Moyes is harshly criticised in terms of playing younger lads. Last time out, he plated plenty of younger players, some of whom would have had a go under any manager and others who were clearly used despite the fact they weren't anywhere near Premier League level.
Rooney, Rodwell, Vaughan, Anichebe were all either easily at that level or close enough, but Bidwell, Vellios, Baxter, Forshaw...
Fellaini (20) was signed and played by Moyes; Coleman (20) was signed by Moyes; Gosling (18) scored against Moyes; Hibbert (21); now Armstrong, Dibling, George, Aznou...
Unfortunately it's almost always proven that teams who use older players win more games. Moyes seems to have become more aware and accustomed to this as times gone on.
We as fans always want to see younger lads come through but the fact is, over the course of 90 minutes, players like Townsend, Walcott, McNeil (all of course have left) tend to do more in terms of stats than the likes of Dibling or George.
Rooney, Rodwell, Vaughan, Anichebe were all either easily at that level or close enough, but Bidwell, Vellios, Baxter, Forshaw...
Fellaini (20) was signed and played by Moyes; Coleman (20) was signed by Moyes; Gosling (18) scored against Moyes; Hibbert (21); now Armstrong, Dibling, George, Aznou...
Unfortunately it's almost always proven that teams who use older players win more games. Moyes seems to have become more aware and accustomed to this as times gone on.
We as fans always want to see younger lads come through but the fact is, over the course of 90 minutes, players like Townsend, Walcott, McNeil (all of course have left) tend to do more in terms of stats than the likes of Dibling or George.
Rob Jones
21 Posted 24/08/2026 at 20:07:49
21 Posted 24/08/2026 at 20:07:49
The problem with this entire article is caught in one of David Moyes's comments in his presser.
He said if there weren't injuries, he wouldn't have selected Armstrong. That's likely true of Hackney as well.
Remember the Villa display last year. Played youth because he had no choice. That midfield then disappeared.
He said if there weren't injuries, he wouldn't have selected Armstrong. That's likely true of Hackney as well.
Remember the Villa display last year. Played youth because he had no choice. That midfield then disappeared.
Paul Griffiths
22 Posted 24/08/2026 at 20:14:27
22 Posted 24/08/2026 at 20:14:27
John Chambers (12):
I don't think that I have ever read a more factually incorrect post than this one. The lengths some will go to try and embellish Moyes...
I don't think that I have ever read a more factually incorrect post than this one. The lengths some will go to try and embellish Moyes...
Stan Grace
23 Posted 24/08/2026 at 20:23:03
23 Posted 24/08/2026 at 20:23:03
Anthony #20,
Last season's average first eleven ages for wins, draws and losses doesn't support your "older is more successful" argument.
Wins
13 27.0 years
Draws
10 27.7 years
Losses
15 28.0 years
Last season's average first eleven ages for wins, draws and losses doesn't support your "older is more successful" argument.
Wins
13 27.0 years
Draws
10 27.7 years
Losses
15 28.0 years
Dale Self
24 Posted 24/08/2026 at 20:55:21
24 Posted 24/08/2026 at 20:55:21
Rob, and the Forest victory as well.
John Chambers
25 Posted 24/08/2026 at 22:59:55
25 Posted 24/08/2026 at 22:59:55
Paul, there are 2 facts I agree I got wrong.
Jeffers, I overlooked that Moyes brought him back after his initial spell at the club; and Lukaku, who came in the summer after Moyes left.
Of the others, Hibbert had maybe 10 appearances when Moyes arrived, although I never claimed he gave them all a debut, and whilst Stones didn't start under Moyes, it was Moyes who brought him to the club.
Jeffers, I overlooked that Moyes brought him back after his initial spell at the club; and Lukaku, who came in the summer after Moyes left.
Of the others, Hibbert had maybe 10 appearances when Moyes arrived, although I never claimed he gave them all a debut, and whilst Stones didn't start under Moyes, it was Moyes who brought him to the club.
Paul Griffiths
26 Posted 24/08/2026 at 23:18:31
26 Posted 24/08/2026 at 23:18:31
Cheers John!
Check on Stones. Moyes didn't want to bring him to the club and never played him before he left for Man Utd.
Check on Stones. Moyes didn't want to bring him to the club and never played him before he left for Man Utd.
Paul Kossoff
27 Posted 24/08/2026 at 23:47:43
27 Posted 24/08/2026 at 23:47:43
Pure luck and poor finishing on Saturday against Palace, that's why we won.
If we had been badly beaten, the word would be the younger players aren't ready.
Better teams than Palace to come, then see how the "youngsters" perform...
If we had been badly beaten, the word would be the younger players aren't ready.
Better teams than Palace to come, then see how the "youngsters" perform...
Jay Lewis
28 Posted 24/08/2026 at 00:12:53
28 Posted 24/08/2026 at 00:12:53
Fuck David Moyes!!
He wants to sell O'Brien now because he prefers Tarkowski!!
He wants to sell O'Brien now because he prefers Tarkowski!!
Sean Kearns
29 Posted 25/08/2026 at 01:49:32
29 Posted 25/08/2026 at 01:49:32
If we sell Jake O'Brien and keep Michael fucking Keane, I'll absolute lose all faith in this club. What kind of rat-ass decision is that???
Jake is good and should displace Tarkowki this season. Keane is shite… Our owners are in this to make money and nothing more. Absolute disgrace.
Jake is good and should displace Tarkowki this season. Keane is shite… Our owners are in this to make money and nothing more. Absolute disgrace.
Eric Myles
30 Posted 25/08/2026 at 02:33:03
30 Posted 25/08/2026 at 02:33:03
John #25,
Hibbert had made 6 appearances over 2 seasons under Walter so you are correct that it was Moyes that brought him into the first team from the U21s.
Hibbert had made 6 appearances over 2 seasons under Walter so you are correct that it was Moyes that brought him into the first team from the U21s.
Paul Griffiths
31 Posted 25/08/2026 at 02:44:02
31 Posted 25/08/2026 at 02:44:02
Delap in advanced talks to join Forest according to the Beeb.
Can we relax now?'
Can we relax now?'
Dale Self
32 Posted 25/08/2026 at 03:16:50
32 Posted 25/08/2026 at 03:16:50
Yes, and have a laugh as well, Paul. Jed York, minority shareholder of Leeds, was arrested in an Ohio trailer park. The charges were processing criminal tools and disorderly conduct (which was actually prostitution).
You know, for a guy with that kind of wealth, you would have expected him to lay out a bit more than $140.
You know, for a guy with that kind of wealth, you would have expected him to lay out a bit more than $140.
Anthony Dwyer
33 Posted 25/08/2026 at 04:39:11
33 Posted 25/08/2026 at 04:39:11
Stan (23),
You're right in terms of your ages to wins you put up but I'd put my life on it that, on average, older players win football matches, literally from grass roots open age to Champions League winning sides.
Yes there will be exceptions, like Man Utd back with Fergie, but it's no coincidence that winners like Jose, Carlo, Pep and so on tend to use experienced players, although they obviously get backed with the funds to bring in the cream of the crop when shopping for youngsters.
(Also, Barca with Pep or any other manager can easily be used as an exception as they have a production line of youthful class.)
One thing I would say is I'd rather Moyes blood the younger lads than keep playing older players who aren't ever going to improve.... But you need to be careful, some top top youngsters have had to wait their turns.
You're right in terms of your ages to wins you put up but I'd put my life on it that, on average, older players win football matches, literally from grass roots open age to Champions League winning sides.
Yes there will be exceptions, like Man Utd back with Fergie, but it's no coincidence that winners like Jose, Carlo, Pep and so on tend to use experienced players, although they obviously get backed with the funds to bring in the cream of the crop when shopping for youngsters.
(Also, Barca with Pep or any other manager can easily be used as an exception as they have a production line of youthful class.)
One thing I would say is I'd rather Moyes blood the younger lads than keep playing older players who aren't ever going to improve.... But you need to be careful, some top top youngsters have had to wait their turns.
Steve Brown
34 Posted 25/08/2026 at 04:47:03
34 Posted 25/08/2026 at 04:47:03
Stan @ 23, great stats ad spot-on argument.
Here are a few more than back your point.
Everton 2025-26 season:
Players used to - 20th
Subs made - 20th
Minutes by sub - 20th
The average age of signings in Moyes' second spell - under 24
Minutes by players under 24 years old - 17th
Posts from the likes of Martin Berry are a fact free zone.
You are Moyes haters + saved us from relegation + stabilised us in 13th + new manager might make us worse = Do nothing (ever).
Here are a few more than back your point.
Everton 2025-26 season:
Players used to - 20th
Subs made - 20th
Minutes by sub - 20th
The average age of signings in Moyes' second spell - under 24
Minutes by players under 24 years old - 17th
Posts from the likes of Martin Berry are a fact free zone.
You are Moyes haters + saved us from relegation + stabilised us in 13th + new manager might make us worse = Do nothing (ever).
Darrell Noga
35 Posted 25/08/2026 at 05:13:34
35 Posted 25/08/2026 at 05:13:34
Rob @21 right on target. Moyes a changed man as to younger players? Believe it when I see it, and I've been waiting for quite a while.
Obviously we need some veterans but, if you are not splashing Saudi style cash on established stars, doesn't it make sense to develop potential and see what you have? I really think we have some good young talent and they need to be bolstered with some confidence from the manager.
Obviously we need some veterans but, if you are not splashing Saudi style cash on established stars, doesn't it make sense to develop potential and see what you have? I really think we have some good young talent and they need to be bolstered with some confidence from the manager.
Paul Griffiths
36 Posted 25/08/2026 at 07:15:21
36 Posted 25/08/2026 at 07:15:21
East Palestine Dale. Wasn't that where that big train derailment happened? Filthy fucker. He was arriving for rumpy pumpy at a trailer park at 9.35AM on the Sabbath Day. I'm guessing that $140 in a trailer park would have got him a lot. He filed for divorce in May. His missus must be pissing herself at this.
Stu Gre
37 Posted 25/08/2026 at 08:24:02
37 Posted 25/08/2026 at 08:24:02
Antony 33. Not sure about your comment about Pep using older players. When Man City beat Arsenal last season, the average age of the starting 11 was under 25 with 9 of those players being 26 or under.
I think he tended to manage young players very well and wasn't afraid to use them. Sure after 5 or 6 seasons those trusted young players became older players, but I think he still would pick young players and certainly bring them on as early subs if the game required.
I think he tended to manage young players very well and wasn't afraid to use them. Sure after 5 or 6 seasons those trusted young players became older players, but I think he still would pick young players and certainly bring them on as early subs if the game required.
Steve Jones
38 Posted 25/08/2026 at 10:46:11
38 Posted 25/08/2026 at 10:46:11
Only way to leapfrog top teams is to play youngsters with higher ceiling.
The great Everton side champions 84/85 had a low average age. Squad was 26 years, team lowest was 21.6 years.
Selected player ages:
Trevor Steven 21
Gary Steven’s 22
Derek Mountfield 22
Kevin Ratcliffe 24 - lifted FACup at 23
Pat VDH 24
Neville 26
Paul Bracewll 22
KevinSheedy 25
It’s the only way - it is also the policy currently to recruit young talent - so we are on the right track. It would be madness to sell JOB
The great Everton side champions 84/85 had a low average age. Squad was 26 years, team lowest was 21.6 years.
Selected player ages:
Trevor Steven 21
Gary Steven’s 22
Derek Mountfield 22
Kevin Ratcliffe 24 - lifted FACup at 23
Pat VDH 24
Neville 26
Paul Bracewll 22
KevinSheedy 25
It’s the only way - it is also the policy currently to recruit young talent - so we are on the right track. It would be madness to sell JOB
Steve Jones
39 Posted 25/08/2026 at 11:02:11
39 Posted 25/08/2026 at 11:02:11
Talking about that great young team. . . I never forget standing in the enclosure, when Man U came thundering out with huge established stars the likes of McQueen, Robson, Moses, Paul McGrath, Kevin Moran, Mark Hughes, Muhren etc They were 100% winning their games and top of the league.
Then a hush came over Goodison, our babies came trotting out, we were fearfully looking at them being crushed. Just polite clapping. They kicked off Inchy or Sharp got a touch pressed down the left facing the Park End, we got a throw-in and the rest was history. They never got a sniff at the ball, we were too fast, aggressive and Goodison was on fire, 5-0 flattered them.
Great memories and the Great Joe Mercer said after the game he had just watched Brazil play in blue.
We need to invest in young talent and get behind our team COYB’s
Then a hush came over Goodison, our babies came trotting out, we were fearfully looking at them being crushed. Just polite clapping. They kicked off Inchy or Sharp got a touch pressed down the left facing the Park End, we got a throw-in and the rest was history. They never got a sniff at the ball, we were too fast, aggressive and Goodison was on fire, 5-0 flattered them.
Great memories and the Great Joe Mercer said after the game he had just watched Brazil play in blue.
We need to invest in young talent and get behind our team COYB’s
Dave Abrahams
40 Posted 25/08/2026 at 12:52:52
40 Posted 25/08/2026 at 12:52:52
Steve (38 & 39),
Yes, there are young players and young very good players and Everton were lucky to have those players you stated -- along with a good manager who became a very good manager once he had an excellent coach working with him — Colin Harvey.
It lasted four brilliant seasons and gave us fans our pride back. Happy days... but unfortunately we've been waiting for a very good squad ever since.
Little apples will grow again but the Premier League will have to be run a lot more fairly to every club than it is disgustingly run at the moment.
Yes, there are young players and young very good players and Everton were lucky to have those players you stated -- along with a good manager who became a very good manager once he had an excellent coach working with him — Colin Harvey.
It lasted four brilliant seasons and gave us fans our pride back. Happy days... but unfortunately we've been waiting for a very good squad ever since.
Little apples will grow again but the Premier League will have to be run a lot more fairly to every club than it is disgustingly run at the moment.
Anthony Dwyer
41 Posted 25/08/2026 at 16:24:54
41 Posted 25/08/2026 at 16:24:54
Stu 37.
Pep is a bit of a debatable one, I'll give you that.
That said Kompany, David Silva, Bernardo Silva, De Brunner, Walker, Gundogan, Fernandinho, Marhez, Teves, Aguero, amongst others were often main stay players in Peps teams.
Marhez was once his record signing at age of 27, then Grealish became his record signing at 25.
I appreciate Pep situation can probably be flipped the other way using Foden, Rico Lewis, Oriely and so on but if you look at his run in the Premier league I think you will find players over 24 more so than under 24 playing as main stay.
Again don't get me wrong, I think it wold be great to see lads come through our youth system and play, lads signed up at young ages making a difference even if eventually sold for a big profit to balance the books and push us on, I just think its easier said than done. It may be the only way we get to compete so I'm all for it, but most managers know if they get it wrong then they won't be given the time to fix it, just look at Roberto Martinez, he played a lot of young lads who made us some decent profit ( Lukaku, Barkley, Stones, Mccarthy, Deulofeu, Galloway, Davies) but he wasn't around long enough to see the benefits of it, plus after 1 good finish to the league they followed up by struggling and finishing bottom half Roberto's last two years.
Pep is a bit of a debatable one, I'll give you that.
That said Kompany, David Silva, Bernardo Silva, De Brunner, Walker, Gundogan, Fernandinho, Marhez, Teves, Aguero, amongst others were often main stay players in Peps teams.
Marhez was once his record signing at age of 27, then Grealish became his record signing at 25.
I appreciate Pep situation can probably be flipped the other way using Foden, Rico Lewis, Oriely and so on but if you look at his run in the Premier league I think you will find players over 24 more so than under 24 playing as main stay.
Again don't get me wrong, I think it wold be great to see lads come through our youth system and play, lads signed up at young ages making a difference even if eventually sold for a big profit to balance the books and push us on, I just think its easier said than done. It may be the only way we get to compete so I'm all for it, but most managers know if they get it wrong then they won't be given the time to fix it, just look at Roberto Martinez, he played a lot of young lads who made us some decent profit ( Lukaku, Barkley, Stones, Mccarthy, Deulofeu, Galloway, Davies) but he wasn't around long enough to see the benefits of it, plus after 1 good finish to the league they followed up by struggling and finishing bottom half Roberto's last two years.
Ray Said
42 Posted 25/08/2026 at 16:32:59
42 Posted 25/08/2026 at 16:32:59
Steve Jones (38 & 39) -- great posts full of sense and brought back a great memory.
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1 Posted 24/08/2026 at 15:43:30
Changes will be made for the Preston game. Moyes should be bold and put Dibbling on the right, his pre-season form merits the chance.
Furthermore, Johnson has loads of experience and could lead the attack. The young lad from Bayern should get his chance at left-back.