ToffeeWeb

Can’t Richie play on the wing?

I alluded to this on another post, but I think it bears repeating because no one has been able to explain the chain of events that led to this “fiasco” — and yes, Mike G., it was just that, and it would’ve been Roma Ultra-level bad had it gone through.

Rather than pile on, Mike, as I respect your point of view on TFG, but also feel like your defense this time is bizarre — they did more than just not turn down the offer, they accepted it and it would’ve likely gone through were it not leaked by Ornstein on match day — I’ll offer up that my criticism of them is that, in fact, you do need to understand your fan base and your club’s history and your money-making product that fuels your billion-pound business to be a great sports club owner. Even if you entrust the day-to-day to the football men, you must know a thing about your business to make sure your football men know what they’re doing. To me that includes having some basic knowledge of your players, especially your most valuable ones and those most loved by your passionate fans. Then when presented with a £40 million transaction, you have a fucking clue what you’re signing off on.

Which leads me to the point I wanted to make but digressed. In order for this deal to get to Friedkin’s desk,I’m assuming it first goes to Kinnear, and he and his team had to think this made sense. Kinnear would then see if Armstrong and his team will accept the move, which to be fair to Harrison, increasing your salary 10x and going where you’re wanted is probably something you’ll accept. And then Kinnear brings it to TFG and recommends the sign-off, and at that point you could make the argument if they know nothing of footballl that it would seem sensible to sell your 4th or 5th center mid for £40 million. (I dispute Mike G’s characterization of him as that low on the pecking order, but let’s assume it was presented that way; I think he’s probably already better than Hackney, Tim and Rohl, or at least can’t be replaced by them based on his performances, and will soon prove superior. Norgaard is probably only more
Important because we need a true 6 on the field.)

That says nothing of what input Moyes was allowed or offered up, because it’s clear he’s a lame duck, and it’s not clear what input, if any, he’s allowed these days with transfers. It’s my long way of saying that while TFG are deeply out of touch, and should be criticized for their silence, especially if they’re telling Kinnear to bullshit us about our finances, it’s Kinnear and his team who are paid millions to not be so fucking stupid as to think selling Armstrong was a good idea.

And the only way I can see TFG earning our trust back would be to speak up and explain themselves or sack Kinnear as soon as the transfer window is over. They won’t do either, and the lack of trust will persist, even if we make Europe or win a trophy.

Peter #135, we did, last fall when our new director of scouting and recruitment came in. I read there were a few holdovers but most of ’em are gone. Unfortunately building a whole new scouting staff takes time.

Ashley #121, amen. Tete doesn’t make us one bit better. Rohl is certainly not the ideal solution, but he has pace and commitment, and it won’t take him long to learn enough positioning to be better than Tete.

@197 Eric

1) He’s played Armstrong out of necessity. As soon as Norgaard is fit – Armstrong will be out of the team.

2) Who? Name them please.

My point being about long term employment – he wants to survive as long as he can in this job. He knows if he has the benefit of N’Diaye in his team this season, he will likely win more games than not having him. Which may keep him in a job at Everton for another year. N’Diaye is capable of hitting double figures for us this season. Armstrong probably isn’t.

Therefore he favours this ahead of keeping a player that could potentially be incredible in 3/4 years. Because unlike us, Moyes probably won’t be around at Everton. He also knows if N’Diaye goes – he might be out of a job sooner than if he stays.

“Great work crack recruitment team and state-of-the-art diagnostics.“

Perhaps they’re looking at keeping our treatment table team busy for the season Paul? Wouldn’t want to pay them for sitting around twiddling their thumbs all season.