ToffeeWeb MailBag |
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 ToffeeWeb Letters from
May 2006 |
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Annual rant
Steve Mink, London (30/6/06) Yet More Reasons To Move Out
Who's the Ludite?
Personally, I believe the Tesco bowl is pie in the sky, rumour mongering, distraction or whatever. I actually hope I'm wrong, especially if there's the prospect of moving closer to the city centre so that the vast majority of our supporters get access to direct public transport to the new facility. However, when this Nirvanna fades like the last two "dream" moves, we will still have to contend with the problems that GP presents, cos there's no way we can expect EFC to generate Ł100M+ in one go on their own. Another voice for a ground move
Richard Jones, Hemel Hempstead (30/6/06) The early bird catches the worm!
Dynamite
Sack it — let's move. Who gives a shite what the new place is called? As long as Everton are playing when you are there, why do you care? After all what is in a name...?!?!?!?!? Up the Toffeemen. Ground Breaking!!!
As far as what the ground is called, so what... I dont care what they call it, why does it matter, have we all turned into postcode snobs? The ONLY thing that matters is that we have a new spingboard to help us move forward and we certainly should not let a few petty arguments (Colm) get in our way. You cannot please all of the people all of the time, who are all these "businesses" who are going to lose out? I just do not see it. The pubs and chippies mentioned in previous mails have not even looked after their own facilities and are a disgrace. We are in real danger of once again talking ourselves out of progress. Ludite Evertonians, determined to sit behind stantions for the rest of their lives while everyone else makes progress.
We talk about Goodison as some sort of shrine which has served us so well over the years... Maybe it has but, let's face it, it is old and no longer fit for the purpose. Let's move on whether it is called Tesco's, Aldi, Netto or Spar — I don't care! Anfield??
Could Everton FC use that facility for 1 or 2 seasons and possibly increase revenue during that period and have a brand new shiny Goodison on the present site. It's just a thought!
Logging off
Surely we all know that the Useless Board are incapable of raising a tuppenny fart let alone hundreds of millions — with or without help from The Grand Republic of Tesco! Virtual Spectators
Those Evertonians around the country — and the world — who don't get to see the Blues could pay for a virtual season ticket for those seats lost during the reconstruction. For example: Bullens Rd... say 12,000 seats for 20 games at approximately Ł25 per seat brings in Ł6 million. If 60,000 ex pat Blues could be persuaded to fork out Ł100 (a pint a week!) then that lost revenue would be retained. The club could even put their names on the new seats. Just a thought.
Oh... I'm sure most of you have seen it but, for those who don't think a viable design could be based on the current Goodison footprint I think this link might provide some ideas: Here How to redevelop & minimise capacity reduction....
As we all know there exists a large reserve of space at the Park End, also, the pitch is not central to the current Mainstand due to the church. By knocking down the Park stand and moving the pitch approx 12 m towards the park and building a large double-decker at that end, with the lower tier of 33 rows in use by the start of the new season, the loss of capacity would be approx 1500, but this would only be for 2-3 months of the following season when the 38 row upper tier is commisioned, at which time the capacity would be approx 44,000. Next close season continue around the Bullens, again with the lower tier in place for start of season. The new corner Quadrant representing a completely new seated area, plus the reinstated lower Bullens again ensuring that we never dip below current capacity. Next season, given the space freed up by moving pitch towards Park end, mirror that stand at the St end, again going around the corner. Finally remodel the Goodison Road side by removing the two front Roof supports, re-roofing and supporting proper exec boxes beneath Top balcony and thus removing majority of seats beyond the second row of supporting columns particularly at the church end of this stand. Reinstate full enclosure. The final total capacity would be min 50k up to approx 56k if just the Bullens Road is bridged. The new end stands would be as high as the current Top Balcony but would reduce in depth around the Bullens side. The difference in height on this side could be made up by exec balconies to give the same height on 4 sides, and a much increased upper tier capacity to improve atmosphere and increase average viewing quality. Like I said, Ipswich built new double-deckers at each end and managed to have the lower tiers in operation for the new season, with uppers following shortly afterwards. One simpler solution would be to simply extend the existing Park end back to the height of the Top Balcony, this would represent approx 25 new rows or 4000 new seats plus new corner quadrant could ensure that a redeveloped Bullens would also yield 40k+ min throughout this side's redevelopment, all by virtue of the fact that the Park end and its corner with Bullens are currently vastly under-used. However, the problem with not moving the pitch being that the St end could never be any bigger than it currently is meaning a maximum in the order of approx 48k if I remember rightly from the study.......
Of course as stated this is all immaterial if the will isn't there, or if we're on for a freeby. My feelings are however, if a similarly glossy presentation of what I described above was put to the fans alongside the inevitably glossy Tesco bowl, then the vote would be tighter than previous ones. The Mailbag
So while I'm here, this chappie in charge of Tesco (apologies — I've forgotten his name) is a diehard blue. So why the fuck has he sat around this long and waited to do something with our club? Or am I just being naive and thinking this has some bearing to the deal because the Echo says so?? I know I couldn't sit around and watch the last 15 years without doing something. As for Everton player involvement in the World Cup, you've forgotten our Nuno. Who's he playing against on Saturday again...? - Colm Keep the name 'Goodison'
Redeveloping Goodison??
We cannot increase the other areas of the ground, there is no more space for seating, you can't put temporary seats anywhere so how on earth does he reach this mind boggling conclusion? I for one remember the difficulties of watching during the last redevelopment of the Park End. Under Health and Safety legislation, no spectators are allowed into a building area, so that part is out of action, full stop. We will all lament the loss of Goodison, no matter what we build and no matter where we build it, nothing will replace Goodison. Those of us who want a move recognise and understand this but I suggest we are also able to move on, and that in effect is what we must all do. Everton must complete in the modern era of football, all the nostalgic memories of Goodison should never be forgotten or lost but equally they must not be allowed to stop the club progressing. I remember watching Alex Young and the great sides of the sixties and early seventies but I know in my heart of hearts they would not compete in the Abramovich era of football. Goodison is like that, a great place with great memories but not up to the demands of today. No matter what is done to the ground it will not satfisfy, much like if we brought the Golden Vision into the present Premiership, his skill and vision would still be there but the athleticism of his opponents would stop it being used and he would be ineffecitve. Goodison is the same — it cannot compete in the modern era — poor views and seating, poor transport infrastructure, limited space, no parking, poor amenities, etc etc. For Tom and others, the ground and the history will never be forgotten but you can't turn the clock back and, no matter how you dress it up, the simple truth is you have to move into the 21st Century. I agree wholeheartedly with Tom's belief that Goodison Park can indeed be redeveloped but as Michael himself has continually pointed out, the desire is simply not there with the current custodians of Everton FC. — Colm A new stadium
As someone else has already said, Tesco are interested in supermarkets NOT football irrespective of Sir Terry Leahy's devotion to Everton. If he really is interested perhaps he could persuade his board to give us an interest-free loan of Ł250 million and we'll get on with the job ourselves ! New Everton Website
I work for a usability and accessibility company in Bristol. During one of our training courses we did a test on the old Evertonfc site (I wanted to spread the Everton brand ;-)) and found it almost impossible to use with a screen reader due to it failing all W3C guidelines. The usability was pretty bad too due to their obsession with advertisements, high content volume on the homepage and some overcrowded navigation. I sent the guys at Evertonfc an e.mail telling them how inaccessible the site was to use and suggested quick and easy ways they could improve it in order to attract more visitors. I had a reply telling me about a text-only version of the site for people using screen readers. As it turned out, this text only version didn’t actually work and they never replied to my second e.mail. Their new site is just as inaccessible, failing all W3C guidelines, breaking the UK Disability Discrimination Act and failing disabled Everton fans in the process (http://webxact.watchfire.com/). What they failed to realise is that a creative site CAN be accessible if handled in the right way.
In terms of usability, their interactive features look cool and flashy at first but after a few visits it gets really frustrating because all you want to see is the content. Their marketing team will be happy because of the increased visibility of Everton TV and other products, and will no doubt make a better financial return. Nothing wrong with that, but its essential we get quick and efficient access to content without having to wait for interactive elements to do their bit before we can do ours. Brian Labone — thought you all should know...
Brian died slumped against my van on Liverpool Road. The significance of it however is the van colour. I thought it fitting then that when Brian left this world, the very last thing that he should touch was Royal Blue in colour.
True Blue Legend or what!!! Question for the ToffeeWeb Team
Bearing in mind the legality issues that would arise in running an official site of Everton which would force you to reign in certain aspects. Considering I'm waiting almost a year now for my shareholder's Evertonia Gold Card, faithfully promised by the CEO at the last AGM, I doubt very much that I'd be offered such an opportunity! ;-) - Colm Reduced capacity during redevelopment
If for instance the Park End was the first part to be redeveloped at GP, the capacity need never fall below current levels during the whole process. It can be shown that 50,000 plus is easily achieved on the current site. 55,000 would probably require bridging Bullens Road and the possible demolition of 4-8 end terraces due to close proximity and/or light deprivation etc. If there is no big developer prepared to build for us elsewhere I believe this is the only way the club could afford to build a state-of-the-art stadium, ie. in stages on the current site. Of course this way we also preserve so much more, in terms of history and tradition. We can have our cake and eat it. However, this has to be weighed against the possibility of developers building it for us as rumoured recently. Everton Website
This is hardly Nil Satis and to put out something like this as a representation of our club is an embarrassment to say the least. Blowing my own trumpet
Have you noticed that World Cup Referees are following my suggestion. I hope it will also apply to the Premier League? Am I allowed to award myself a few brownie points? Mind your own Business!
Well, regarding the local businesses — I say fuck 'em. Harsh, I know, but first and foremost this is about Everton Football Club. Not 'Macca's Chippy' or even The Winslow. Whilst we may have a beneficial impact on such businesses 20-25 times a year (when did we last have a decent cup run?!) we are not beholding to them. I wouldn't even take Jimmy's suggestion of allowing them to submit business plans for any new development — most of them won't even know what one is. Secondly, Gary raised the point about staying at Goodison. Feasibility studies were carried out, and I don't mean that loon who built a model stadium showing how we could rotate the ground 90 degrees with a little bit of CPO here and there. As myself and others have pointed out, we would still be limited in scope due to a constrained footprint (even with property acquisition), it'd have a direct impact on primary revenue during development (reduced capacity), and would be bloody expensive to boot. Plus our ability to attract external investment would be nil, as there's bugger all benefit for a third party. I've already stated Goodison is a big part of my life — it always will be. But I want to see an Everton team that competes — and off the field competition is vital these days. We've been shite for far too long having missed the boat when we were last successful in the 80s. We've flirted with relegation far too often, and I'm sure I'm not the only one who fears a third last day fight may not be third time lucky. Decisions, Decisions bugging me!
If nowdays they send a bus to the moon sureley we can come up with a great plan for us to stay at Goodison. If it takes 5-6 years of reduced capacity, so what? The club's been around for over a century. It's about me my children and grandchildren. There's loads of things we could do. Why we could even buy the little scrappy at the top of Bullins Road and turn it into some sort of venue for the club, if the will is strong enough there is an alternitive to moving. Just say things go wrong and the new stadium (no matter how it looks on paper, The Dome?) is a load of shite, we can never go back. I'm not a ludite, I'm all for a modern, dynamic, lean, profitable EFC. I just havn't been 100% convinced it can't be done at Goodison. For me to give a ground move my backing I have to be a 1000% convinced.
And, Michael, if your answers were never ever flippant/sarcastic, the letters page would be a lot duller. Keep up the good work we all appreciate it. Fuckin' hell I sound a bit of a creep there. Onward Evertonians Transfer rumours
Bounded By The City
Let's be honest, if you surveyed people from all over the world and asked them, "what is Merseyside / Liverpool about?" they would in all probability say the Beatles, LFC , Liver buildings and maybe as an afterthought or through prompting, EFC. This is, unfortunatley, what happens when you name your club after a district and not the city of origin. Celtic and Rangers as most people would respond are associated with Glasgow. So, when sponsors and other corporate people are looking to tout their products, they will often use the power of association with their brand(s). Obviously success has a bearing on sponsors and again we have hardly been blessed with this in the last 20 years. In fact our most failure- ridden period has come at the most inopportune time. This is the backdrop to our current situation and therefore, in business speak, re-branding and renewal are the only way in which EFC can hope to recapture former glories.
It's not the way I and many would like it but it is a fact we have to live with.mSo it would seem to me that the leaving of liverpool is inevitable.
Namouchi
It makes my blood boil!!!!
“Instead of building a new ground, spend the money on players.”This really makes my blood boil. What they need to understand is money financed to build stadiums is not actually that much different than buying a house with a mortgage. Investors want some security, they get it with real estate and not by speculative investment on the next batch of wannabe Gary Naysmiths. Goodison Park can not be redeveloped unless Everton buy half of the surrounding properties in the area, which is completely unrealistic and time consuming. Any redevelopment will take years and therefore reduce the gate revenues therefore impacting on buying any new players anyway. If we enter into a new ground built as suggested recently, we will have someone else footing the majority of the bill, financing would not be as big a burden and our existing revenues will not be drastically affected. I do not doubt anyone’s loyalty here; however, I do wish Everton would give some clarification on the funding issue to allay any fears from any short-minded, sceptical fans. We need an educational process which quite clearly, and simply conveys the structure of how this is all being pieced together, then finally, we can get the move underway.
I believe local businesses who feel that they will be destroyed can be first in the line in offering business plans for the numerous opportunities which will arise from any new development. So come on, let’s move the chippies, burger vans and pubs to a better environment for all our families. As one writer mentioned, these establishments are in dire need of upgrade anyway. We are not living up to our world famous motto, so let’s build something which is the best and more importantly what our fans and future generations deserve.
Hamed Namouchi
Ground Move & Local Business
It`s 2006, the ground may look old but is that any excuse for the businesses around Goodison to remain painfully underdeveloped? the pubs are poorly decorated and look dirty and totally unfit for the modern customer (families etc). There are no decent places serving anything like decent food and several houses around the ground have boarded up windows and look a state. These places have wasted the opportunity that befalls them on matchdays; not only to get a captive audience for a few hours but the chance to entice `local` (within a good few miles) back on non-match days. It`s time that others were given that opportunity. <
And on the case of moving or not — if that`s what it takes to prosper and compete with our neighbours... move!! Think The Unthinkable
Clearly, Everton's status as one football's 'giants' is simply not valid any more. Our peer clubs of 20 years ago, Arsenal, Spurs, Liverpool, Chelsea et al, have all moved up a gear commercially either through rich Russian benefactors or a combination of much better grounds or their ability to attract major sponsors, as in the case of Arsenal and their recent Air Emirates stadium deal. I believe the only way forward for Everton is to try and negotiate a 'partnership' deal with a sympathetic and co-operative local authority, and a major commercial concern, who will contribute towards the overall development costs of the stadium and surrounding enviroment. So, what are the alternatives for a club like Everton? In truth, not a lot — only more mediocrity over the coming years, occasionally highlited by the odd spectacular season in ten, when a series of 1-0 wins, last-minute goals and sheer bloodymindedness carries too many false dawns... Sounds familiar? If Everton FC are to survive and prosper, we need to move into a new ground in the next 5-7 years when, god forbid (and I hate to admit it), we can increase the incoming revenue from the golden cow that is the corporate sector. If that means moving to a location such as Kirky, so be it. If any of you have kids who support Everton, think of their futures, not your own feelings at the present time, cos believe you me, for every year that passes, the stark reality is that the gap between the rich and poor of the Premiership is getting wider by the day. We need a strong ,vibrant Everton — one that can hold its own amongst the leading clubs, one that attracts the best players who come onto the market by paying the going rate (as obscene as that is) in terms of transfer fees and salaries.
The alternative is simply too horrible to contemplate. Dear John!
And, John, if you actually looked at what I was alluding to, I was saying was that Moyes should have said that there are no more players to come in unless we sell or nothing at all. That would have been more wise in my opinion. As for big name free transfers, I never suggested that. Maybe you were in FM mode or just wanted a stick to beat me with?
Anyway Moyes has done well, but he did well in last year's transfer market and look what happened? So naturally I'm cautious about things at Goodison, rather than burying my head in the sand and pretending that all is well because we signed three players who may or may not be a success! That is what fans who have been through the merry-go-round of supporting Everton do! Cahill and Jeffers
Also when someone says "I have heard from a good source" regarding Cahill do they actually mean "I have heard from someone on the sauce"? Having spoken to a few United fans, I don't think the signing of Cahill would go down too well with them. Tesco and stadiums
Are there any locations closer to the city centre suffering from a lack of supermarkets? Otherwise, Tesco may not be willing to invest... Warrington/Tesco
Move? Or be moved?
Do some of the Everton fans advocating staying at Goodison Park have the tiniest bit of business acumen? I do not think so. The cost of a ground move is astronomical and cannot be bourne by Everton alone — we must enter into strategic partnerships with both local councils and businesses alike in order to get this project rolling. We have a head start, Knowsley Council have already agreed to give, yes give! the land to us — Everton just need to find a small amount of money to fund the balance of the ground costs. So what is stopping us? It appears that a few local Evertonians, hell bent on not wanting to get on a bus for four miles, are part of the answer. Yes, I know some just love the heritage of Goodison Park but let's get real, it will NEVER be redeveloped because the funds will never be avaialble. Let's take this opportunity and run with it, we sure messed up the Kings Dock stadium but that is history and we can make this work. Let's NOT have a big debate about it, let's not hear about a couple of chippies which may lose out, who really cares apart from them? If it is for the good of the majority that a few may pay a small consequence then so be it.
This may seem harsh but let's think about what we can acheive here, a wonderful opportunity for a wonderful club and fans. A place called Everton will always be in the heart of every Evertonian, and not necessarily in the heart of the city itself. I don't see the 15,000 seats yet
I agree that where the club moves to isn’t of prime importance but it does need to be a commercially viable location (i.e. it could generate additional revenue outside of football matches). There is an emotive issue about no longer being a Liverpool club (and we were there before the other shower) but that shouldn’t dictate where we move to. Financial sense should. I’d also agree that Tesco are a very successful business but they’ve achieved their position as one of the UK’s most powerful companies at the expense of everyone they deal with. Tesco would only get involved in a stadium deal if it meant more profit for Tesco. They don’t give a damn about the football club or any other business that gets involved. You only have to look at how they treat their suppliers to see that — they claim to be British farming’s biggest customer but they continually push down the prices they’re willing to pay. The Office of Fair Trading has just begun an investigation into the big four supermarkets for paying 18p a litre to farmers for their milk, when it costs the farmers 20p a litre to produce. What sort of deal do you think we’d get out of working with an organisation that does that to it’s supposed partners? And don’t tell me that it’s all okay because SIr Terry Leahy is a blue. So is Bill Kenwright but you don’t see him giving fans free tickets to his shows at every match do you? Leahy is a businessman. Tesco is his business and not Everton Football Club. Dave Moore is right to say that we should leave business to business brains but, unfortunately for us as fans, our club has had very little in the way of business brains devoted to it since Sir John Moores relinquished his hold on the club. If there is to be reasoned debate about the move, we need to be told what the financial benefits are in moving and those figures need to be calculated on a probable rise in ticket sales, not a full-house-every-week aspiration. Newcastle increased their stadium size and increased their revenue but they exist in a city with ONE major club. We still have two and simply increasing seating capacity isn’t going to bring in more money. We need to be challenging for honours regularly to attract more fans (locally and from further afield) and thereby increase our TV and gate revenues. We need a better run commercial division that gives fans merchandise they want, when they want it, and at a price that is attractive to both them and the club. We need to improve our revenue from corporate hospitality (a very necessary evil of the modern game) whilst not alienating our existing fanbase. In short, we need a (financially) better run club that looks at the overall and long-term financial picture and not one that sells us out by jumping into bed with the first company to stump up some proper cash for a stadium move.
We may already be heading towards this for all I know. Keith Wyness may be the business brain we’ve been crying out for and he may have the ability to oversee a long-term improvement in our financial status. But without financial transparency and some sound forecasts for projects as profoundly important as a stadium move, how can we know? And because I shell out Ł500 a year to be part of this, I want to see some facts before I decide whether or not I'll be sitting next to those 15,000 new seats. Cahill v Italy
I dont want to slag off Cahill because I think he's a pretty decent player but if Man Utd want to offer David Moyes Ł9 million for his services I would bite their hands off. In response to Liquorice
The man has got in the three main players/positions he wanted, has ADMITTED there are no funds left and only the odd loan/free to look for, yet you still need to beat him up over it "same old bull" etc etc?? Get your head out of your arse, mate, the man has done everything that any "normal" fan has wanted in the transfer market since the season finished, and perhaps more than most expected. We can't go after the big-name freebies so we are left to sign the Jeffers/David Thompsons nearer the deadline (maybe to save on a few months wages!!) and possibly a loan or two.
If they don't happen, fine, what have we missed out on? Squad depth... like Bosnar and Plessis??
Maybe he'll give some of the young players a bit of a chance... or is that just pie in the sky?? Either way, bashing Moyes for making his "usual" excuses just shows how pathetic some fans are in their views. Oops
129th? you're havin' a Laugh
Smart Bastard
"I'd still like to get another one or two players to add to that before the start of the season, but it might be later on, nearer the end of the deadline."What this basically means is WHEN Everton don't sign anybody, Moyes will say 'Oh we had not enough time to sign the right player... waffle, waffle'. Mate. you have all summer to put some meat on the squad's bare bones. If you fail, it is down to your ineptness.
And if Everton get a 50,000+ super-stadium in Kirkby, then you have to be happy as it's progress! Goodison is only a place in the end of the day, and Kirkby could be the next generation's 'Goodison' if the team deliviers! Timmy Cahill
Cahill on the move
Stadium
Has this website collapsed?
Boundary Lines
The last time I realised the distinction between council boundaries mattered was when people were lobbing their rubbish over the garden wall by ours when Liverpool's bin men were on strike. Still, at least being brought up about 1/4 of a mile from a council boundary makes me only half wool I suppose.
A moving debate - reply
I used to live in the area when the new station opened, and they couldn't win for months. Rumour had it that a lot of the builders buried Portsmouth shirts under the foundations, but luckily they got some local witch to exorcise those demons, and all was good — that season!
Beware next time some old warted hag offers you 'lucky heather sir?'... A moving debate
1) Newcastle, Man Utd (you can add Celtic) have all redeveloped on their original sites. That's true, but they all had a large footprint in which to do that. Goodison doesn't. There would have to be an awful lot of property acquisition, and that can take a long time, as well as prove costly. I believe that a feasibility study would have been carried out, and it may be that the costs are not that far apart from a new stadium. Add to that the fact we would be operating with a reduced capacity for several years whilst this happened, and you can maybe see why the Business Case doesn't stack up. 2) The 'tradition' argument. I fully understand the memories (good and bad!) that Goodison evokes. However, as others have pointed out, the game has changed and therefore so must we. I hate G14 and all it represents and would do even if we were in it. Football is supposed to be a sport between two teams, and may the better team win. It's not about moving the goalposts to make it easier for the rich clubs to get richer at the expense of the smaller clubs (and we are now in that latter bracket, like it or not). Villarreal should at least give us hope with their achievement last season in the 'Champions and Also Rans' League. Sad as it is, when they were in the Prem, Southampton had a bigger turnover than us, wholly due to moving to a new stadium with increased revenue from Corporate Boxes, yet with NONE of the character that the Dell had. Bedore anyone mentions it — they got relegated because their team was shite, not because they moved home. Whilst the Goodison we see today was the standard bearer when it was built — that was aeons ago. Everton Football Club will survive long after we are pushing up the daisies. It will also survive moving home — it has already done so once in its illustrious history.
3) An '
I fully concur, on the last bit. I think we have to accept that naming rights may offer revenue streams we cannot ignore. We may have no choice, depending on how any stadium is to be funded. My only condition is that the stadium is owned ultimately by EFC, and naming rights are for a time-limited period, after which they can be re-negotiated, if the club desires (they will!)
I'd agree with those who think that some of the new stadia that have been built lack identity. In part I think that it is also down to the 'out of town' locations. This thought struck me the other day as I passed by Stoke.
I would hope that any new stadium would be iconic (and that needn't mean massively increasing the costs) and not shoved on the edge of the city near some motorway junction.
We had a chance with the King's Dock site that unfortunately came about 5 years too early (or the cynic in me says perhaps Rooney emerged 5 years too late). We may get a second bite at a slightly less tasty cherry. I for one hope we don't spurn it.
4) Groundsharing.
Hmmm, I'll leave it here I think. Panic
We claim to be the People's Club so, as I have yet to meet a Blue from our city who backs the move, this has nothing to do with convenience as I — along with loads of others — travel to away games; it is about tradition and our heritage. As for "no need to panic", well, Everton have for years used the Liverpool Echo to manipulate the way we think — remember, before Michael Ball went to Rangers, we were given biased reports on the situation. Right up to Rooney, we were conviced via the Echo he had to go. Not once was any critism made of the lack of resolution by the board so, with your permission, I will PANIC. Get some bargains while ya can
Anyway there are some bargains we could get I mean my bests cousin is Joey Barton and he says he would like to join Everton. We could get him for about Ł1.5 million to Ł2 million — go for it. Also there are players like Steed Malbranque and Lomma Lua Lua who you could get for the sale of those players. I also think it is ridiculous offering Davie Weir a new contract — I think a turtle could beat him in a race — it's just wages going down the drain basically.
Over this stadium catastrophe. I would not like a staduim in Kirkby... come on, we can find somewhere closer than that! I think we are in for a great season though, and this is how i think we will line-up:
Howard; Beyond Regeneration?
Just because a local council offer the club a piece of land, some so-called Evertonian’s decide to spit out dummies, throw dolls out of their prams and stamp their feet. Let’s look at it for what it is, a proposal. It’s a proposal put forward by people who actually know what they are talking about, they know all about regeneration and as stated by the club it’s not the only proposal on the table, so why the panic?
As you can tell by my previous e.mails, I have been very defensive of Kirkby; however, nowhere have I promoted Kirkby as the best site for a new ground — in fact, I have given my lame reasons (pubs) why I would like the ground to stay central to the city.
Mr Malloy obviously knows nothing of Kirkby or of regeneration (by the way Mr Malloy please post your feasibility report showing that Kirkby is beyond regeneration), he is just another who sees this proposal as an excuse to have a pop at the town. I for one Mr Malloy know all about Kirkby’s crime, I am also aware that some people like to lay every crime that’s committed in Liverpool on Kirkby’s door.
Back to the real debate
Why are Evertonian’s worrying about money to build a new stadium? Why are they worrying about increasing the capacity? Why are they questioning investment? I fully understand Mr Fearon’s point and where he’s coming from and by the way I apologise fully for some of my comments, however these points are only ours to pass our opinions on and unless we can back up those opinions with some real statistics, they remain just opinions.
As I’ve tried to get across to people in my last couple of posts, land is being offered and investment is being sought for the development of a new stadium, it is only on the table for that reason. It is brought to the table by people who know what they are talking about, far more than any of us here.
Please remember Everton is ‘The Peoples Club’ not ‘The Walton Peoples Club’ and by the way John I just woke up and smelled the cow shit from the farmers field my house backs on to! So, while there will be people you disagree with writing in, I don't think you should stiffle the debate — just please try to not let it turn into a repetitive slanging match (and thankfully you have not done that). Also, I'm not sure I agree with placing great trust in those who may claim to "know what they are talking about" as that seems to exclude those who know what they are feeling, and at that end of the day, those feelings will be a big factor. — Michael Good Article by Steve Guy
We must look at the postives and, if Yobo signs in, I have to agree with Steve Guy that a top 6 finish is more probable than possible. I mean, we do have a Ł15 million strike partnership don't we? Is it only me...
Latest poll
Your latest poll re ground move... where exactly do you set the city boundaries?
As mentioned by previous posts, Huyton is classed as Liverpool but is not within the city boundaries, neither I suspect is most of Speke. Bootle certainly isn't but all three areas are classed as Liverpool. Kirkby? nearer to Walton than either Huyton or Speke but not thought of as Liverpool...
I think it's time not to get too fixated with city boundaries, I think it's time to concentrate on Merseyside... don't we sing "pride of Merseyside" and not "pride of Liverpool"?
I think most of us would like to stay at Goodison, but if we don't get the planning and the monetary backing to rebuild, it's patently time to move on..
City of Liverpool... never done anything for EFC. We're the pride of Merseyside... wherever we lay our hat, that's are home!! Ha ha ha
Fucking priceless! I'm a soul man
I just wanted to make the point about these souless grounds like Boro's, Leicester, Derby, Sunderland, Man City etc. These grounds are souless because of the people that fill them. Everton fans are a different class and we all know this — fanatical and full of soul.
So I don't think we should be put off moving because of these crap little clubs with their small time fans who don't make any noise and sit there with their hands on their knees in their replica shirts.
We are Everton and we know our history and just because it's no longer contained within the walls of Goodison does not mean we lose our soul. Come and get him!
I am not saying he is going to be as good as Arteta or anyone else but he doesn't go missing, he can pass a ball and take the game by the scruff of the neck which unfortunately none of our midfielders can do. He is not as good as Nolan but we can't afford to splash out again. Joey's price tag is definately value for money! Don't Like Change? We love it!
If you looked at the proposed move rationally, there are two sides to the debate and both need to be heard. My side is to stay. The club has always changed, always evolved some would say too slowly but if you look at Leeds or even Chelsea before the Ruskie come in, I would say at the right pace.
Our investment in playing staff compares well with the majority of Premeriship clubs. The vast majority don't go near a pub on the way to the match. We're not big, we're massive — one of the biggest clubs in the world. A lot of so-called big clubs have gone through worse cycles than our recent one, which hopefully is about to become a positive cycle. If so many other worthy clubs can revamp their stadium, surely we can.
Don't throw away our heritage, history and — most importantly of all — our culture. If any Evertonians don't think Goodison can create a special atmosphere, they have never been there when it's rocking and have never travelled away to compare it with these new souless grounds.
For God's sake, — a little tweaking and the correct management should always have us eating at the top table. Don't throw away what we can't get back. Onward Evertonians! Poll results
Nil Satis Nisi Kirkibus
Moving to Kirkby would do a lot of economic damage to Liverpool 4. It’s only fair that if moving is inevitable it should be to an area within Liverpool which will benefit from the influx of capital. Kirkby on the other hand is beyond regeneration. Despite Mr Moore’s apparent insistence that Kirkby is a crime-free semi-pastoral Utopia whose welcoming population is just waiting for a 55,000 seater stadium and a Tescos to complete the bucolic idyll, the view from the window of the number 17 bus suggests otherwise. Wake up Dave and smell the Domestos! Davie Weir
Great news (not!)
And I'm so happy that the slowest man in Premiership history has signed another contract! Weir will grace us with more cock-ups, snail pace and indifferent defending! Cheers Moyesly! Everton must leave!
I’m absolutely astounded that — in these days of unfettered free-market capitalism, the globalisation of entertainment, with English Premiership Football at its vanguard, and the commoditisation of the loyalty of football supporters — that anybody with the real interests of Everton Football Club at heart wants it to remain on Merseyside.
Everton Football Club as a product has reached saturation point (as the market gurus would put it). This means that, without radically changing our product (a winning team) or seeking a new market (potential new supporters) we are doomed to stagnate and eventually wither.
This is why, at a meeting of the ‘Blue Chip Group’ (a loose alliance of influential Everton supporters) in Frankfurt last Thursday, a serious proposal was mooted that Everton should move out of Merseyside and begin again in another city where Premiership football did not have adequate representation. Fifa and Uefa representatives were present at the meeting and voiced no objection in principle to a possible move to Dublin (as long as certain conditions were met).
I was at the meeting in my capacity as chairman of the Everton Supporters Northumberland Branch and was very pleased with the outcome, particularly the size of the vote to leave the city (27 for 8 against).
It has been decided that a delegation headed by several influential (and rich) Everton Supporters will approach Dublin council with a proposal to build a 75,000 seat stadium not far from Croke Park at Drumcondra.
The proposal is: that the move will be financed by three very wealthy Evertonians whose names I cannot divulge (yet) together with generous grants from the European Union and that Everton will be renamed Everton Hibernia FC and enter the Premier League as such during the 2009-10 season.
I really hope that this comes off as it will radically expand our fan base; we’ll be in a position to compete with the likes of Chelsea and Manchester United and, who knows, Real Madrid and Barcelona, attracting the best players in the World. Upsetting a few die hard traditionalist is a small price to pay and in any case, there is nothing to stop them travelling over or watching the Blues on the Telly or buggering off to support their local club.
It costs me Ł60 in petrol money alone to watch Everton at Goodison and I can get a flight for Ł15 to Dublin, and have a few brews around the ground with the change, so personally, I welcome the move.
...
By the way, if you’ve not sussed yet, this is a wind-up… but there is a serious point in there somewhere... and I'd love us to have a stadium in central Liverpool/Dock Road... We might not have a choice, though, and — as a Knowsley lad — I've no strong objections to Kirkby, which is not as stark a choice as some contributors to this site would have it... see above... think it can't happen? Weir
Why not?
Stop Moaning
I read mailbag every morning when I arrive into work and when I looked this morning I was shocked to see that Tony had been on slating a supporter for expressing his views (surprise, surprise)!!!
The reason that mailbag interests me is because it shows the views of all supporters, right across the board, and whilst I agree with Tony that people like Dutch can be a bit over the top, he should also realise that these people are entitled to their opinion. (And yes, before you start, you are also entitled to your opinion, but for gods sake say something postive for once!!!)
You tell Terry Lockhart that he comes from a 'different footballing planet' but do you ever think that maybe its you that needs to get back down to earth. Ae you a regular attender at Goodison? and if so why, when you describe us as 'shite'.
We all have to realise that Everton are no longer a top 5 club, and whilst I agree that this is no excuse for the type of football we play, surely you can see that we are slowly but surely heading in the right direction.
Maybe if we had an endless transfer kitty I could understand where you are coming from, but the facts are WE DON'T. I for one am quite happy with the signings we have made thus far and am looking forward to the new season. It would be nice to think we could get Petrov in the bag, but I'll not hold my breath.
Regardless of this, I believe that this is the best squad we have had for the last 10-15 years. And whilst I don't believe we're world beaters, I think we're heading in the right direction, and that is something to be positive about.
Get some service to AJ and Big James and hopefully this time next year Tony will writing something positive too!!!!! (Imagine that!!)
Up the Super Toffees!
The difficulty with the logic underlying your positve outlook, Simon, is that it is sadly flawed. You think we have made good signings and threfore you expect we will do well next season. Unfortunately, the two do not necessarily correlate. Surely years of watching top-flight football bears that out?
If you personally need that optimism to carry you through the rest of the summer, GO FOR IT! I prefer a realistic approach which recognises nothing until those players go out on the field in a top-flight game (not pre-season) and PROVE they are going to play better football — by doing it! All the hype, all the blather, all the positive opinions and glowing optimism are for nothing if they fail to deliver.
Or have you already forgotten how wonderful it was that we qualified for the priviledge of embarrassing ourselves in the Champions League Qualifiers last season? Keep it real. This realistic approach works for me because, when we do finally do something worthwhile, I can really celebrate it, enjoy it, relish it for what it is. Sadly, there has been so little really worth celebrating over the last 10 years of dross... but I can understand people who don't want to recognize that and would rather tell themselves how great we are.
We're not great. We are playing horrible football far too often. I do not understand why we can't play far better football with the players we have. It's not about wanting Petrov or any other FM dream — It's about the players we have now, and the football they play. All I have to go on so far is last season. No-one knows how we are going to play next season. But, if we do start to play decent football, you can be sure I will be celebrating. — Michael
Attack on a community
Now I don’t want to use your site as a medium for a slagging match with Mr Fearon or a “my dad’s bigger than your dad” tit for tat. However I hope you decide to post this reply on your site.
Before I start on Mr Fearon I would like to just point a few things out. Firstly if Tesco as a business or Knowsley as a council are offering Everton a considerable amount of funds, directly or indirectly, it needs to be considered seriously — this also goes for any other council offers in the Liverpool area.
These days we all know football is a business and that’s why we have been left behind other clubs both on and off the field, we have had bad businessmen running the club. Fans are more worried what’s happening on the pitch rather than off it and quite rightly so, however, things off the pitch do need to happen. My point here is that potentially there are businesses out there who want to invest in football clubs but who are not that interested in who’s wearing the number 9 shirt, but more interested in what return they are going to get for their investment. It just happens that up to now nobody has been willing to invest anything into Everton recently and the moment they do we are all up in arms.
In a close season where we have broken our transfer record (peanuts to most clubs) and optimism is high, we are more worried about things off the pitch — why? Worrying about it will not change what happens on the pitch, Blue Bill & Bully will either come out smelling of roses or do the expected fuck-up!
Back to Mr Fearon – in my response to his initial letter I provided a calculation, and it’s just that, a calculation. It shows potential financial benefits, I’m not trying to say Everton will get gates of 55,000 each week, but even if we had a scenario where one season that figure was reached for the majority of the 19 home games, would Ł7M-ish be something to turn your nose up at? Especially when we sweat over getting an extra Ł500,000 for finishing a position higher in the premiership.
As for Mr Fearon saying I’m trying to claim “superior working class” what does that mean? What is superior about working class? Mr Fearon tells us he was brought up in Walton but doesn’t state where he lives now, just like I said I was “from” Kirkby — it doesn’t mean I still live there.
Mr Fearon claims I have made a personal attack on him, whilst I have really only defended his attack on a community he obviously knows nothing about, and chooses to again attack it in his reply: I quote, “every Merseyside resident knows about Kirkby”. Well, what do they know Mr Fearon? They know about our footballers, Thompson, McDermott, Stubbs, Swain, and Mortimer. They know about our world champion boxers, Conteh & Hodgkinson to name but a few. Ah, but these stars are from Liverpool because Kirkby is in Liverpool (especially when it suits snobs like Mr Fearon).
Mr Fearon seems to me to be worried about having his wheel trims stolen as he drives down Valley Road on his way to Everton’s new Kirkby Stadium. Which brings me just to point out that on more than one occasion I have had to fork out a few hundred quid on repairs to my car because it was parked in WALTON and I didn’t get back in time to toss a quid to a little toe-rag who decided to key it.
I do not care where Everton build a new stadium so long as it’s in the Liverpool area (Kirkby included). My personal preference happens to be NOT the Kirkby site suggested as I quite like the sight of the green fields and trees that line Valley Road, just as I once liked Walton Hall Park before it became what it is now. I also like the social side of football ie, the pint or pints afterwards, so from that point of view the closer to town the better.
My parting shot at Mr Fearon is to ask him nicely to keep his football talk about football and not use it as a stick to attack communities he knows nothing about. To Tony Marsh
You failed to mention Beattie, who would walk in most teams outside the top 4. I often went to other clubs' fans forum, and most do see Hibbert as good defender.
And your case that Howard is crap because he can't play for USA and Man Utd is flawed. Were Henry and Viera crap when they were stuck in the reserves of Juventus and AC Milan? No, they just needed the chance to play regularly to show their true potential.
Last season, two central defenders from the Championship, Gabidon & Curtis Davies, made the grade in the Premiership. If they can make it, I can't see why Lescott can't.
For me, on paper, our squad is nearly perfect. However, much of next season lies on the shoulders of Davies and VdM to assist Arteta in providing the creative spark. If we can get them match fit, I think they can outdo the Man Utd duo Giggs & Beckham during their prime.
COME ON EVERTON!!! Why worry?
The club has to forge it's own direction towards a bright and secure future and without considering how OTHER fans and clubs might view it. The only opinions that matter are those of Evertonians and the only way we should reach those is through rational, logcial thought about what's best for our club not how we might be viewed by supporters of other teams.
Now, feel free to take me to task! Kirkby: Kapital of Kulture
As for the location, I simply stated the obvious truth that every Merseyside resident knows about Kirkby. Yes it's true of other neighborhoods too, but that isn't the point. What, are we supposed to pretend that Kirkby is Capital of Culture 2012 because someone wants to build a big Tescos there with a football ground attached to it? Would he rush to the defence of Skem in the same way if a stadium was proposed there? Or Runcorn?
There are just better locations in Liverpool for a football club historically associated with Liverpool. No amount of personal abuse and inverted snobbery is going to change that. But just for the record, I was brought up in Walton, within the sound of both Anfield and Goodison. Is that 'serene' enough? Who gives a fuck!
Anderson Silva?
I have seen highlights of this guy, and not only is he quick, but he can pass a ball and hold play up well too. I think any addition to our thin (but improving) squad would be welcome. Just wondered where this guy has gone? In response to Steve Burton
I think location is very important for both practical and emotional reasons. Take the emotion out of Everton and we would've all stopped going years ago, and as with siting any facility, you have to make it easy for your target audience to get to, preferably where the majority can use public transport easily, Walton does this better than Kirkby, nearer town would be better again in that respect.... The Golden Vision
Venue of Dreams (and Dreamers)
If I had my way, it would be a listed building for the rest of its days. It certainly deserves better than to become a new site for some supermarket chain or (worse still) become a multi-storey car-park for fans of a different persausion. There is an old saying that you never know what you have lost until it has gone! Don't allow us to lose possibly the only thing that identifies Everton as uniquely Everton — namely, Goodison Park.
Forget the money a new location may generate, with some of the people we have had in charge Ł200 million could come and go and we would not have what we want. However, Goodison Park has seen these people come and go and Everton have remained rooted and able to survive some scary moments.
There is more to tradition and custom than silverware and riches... in fact, all the money in the world cannot buy what Goodison Park represents. The Big Clubs Don't Move!!
If Anfield is recreated at the north end of Stanley Park then EFC should do the utmost to secure the other end of Stanley Park. he infrastructure which is so important for the development of Anfield 2 would serve Goodison 2 just as well.
Obviously local residents would perhaps not be so happy at this suggestion but if sharing is out and re-developing Goodison is out, it would seem to me an idea worth more than a cursory glance by both the Club and the City leaders. Always something wrong
Well, guess what, the current squad is actually a decent one — not great and not title contenders, but it should provide top eight next season. And then someone will say; top eight?? Why not Number One?? Well, because Chelsea, Man Utd, Liverpool, Arsenal and Spurs all have deep pockets compared to Everton. And maybe the "shitty" website or the increased ticket prices can help Everton get closer to the few very rich clubs.
Even Newcastle mey have got themselves a decent manager now and could challenge with the other rich boys. We are not there yet, but we are getting there, step by step. Jumping The Gun
If we take Yobo, Valente, Arteta, Cahill and Johnson out of the squad, which of the remainder would be signed by another Prem side? Howard was a Man Utd reserve and can't push Casey Keller out of the USA team — and he is about 50. Lescott... you had probably never heard of him until 4 weeks ago — how do you know he will adapt to the top flight.
Then there are the likes of Killbane, Pistone, Naysmith, Davies, Wright, Carsley, Hibbert... Oh yes, they would fetch a tidy sum indeed.
The trouble with fans like you, Terry, is that you live on a different footballing planet than the rest of us. To put yourself in the Richard Dodd camp only goes to prove my point. Yes I have a good moan over the way I see things but after last season's shambolic non-event, can you really blame anyone for moaning?
I hope you are still so cock-a-hoop after the Watford game, mate because fools like you will actually believe we will steamroller them.
Me? I will reseve my judgement until I see Everton playing in a way the fans would like to see us play. As I have said before, it doesn't matter who we sign — if we carry on like we did last season, we will be just as shite.
Kiss Richard goodnight for me. We Shall Not Be Moved!
Last time I looked, there is open land — countryside — between where the unbroken urban and industrial spread of what palpably IS Liverpool and what IS the town of Kirkby. Kirkby is also beyond a physical boudary, the city's periferal motorway, the M57. Would you call Prescott Liverpool? Or Melling?
Also it's not about the people, Kirkby people are the same as the rest of (us) those who share the same common roots, this applies to all the surrounding area's of the city with no exception. However the town is NOT in Liverpool and the distance on the map is not the point.
If Everton wish to remain sincere about their history and their position as a founding member of the Football League — then they cannot abandon Liverpool as their home. They must remain as near as possible to their roots. Those who say it's OK to move outside of the city have not thought this through. It would be an absolute surrender of our past and heritage and provide a never-ending field day for the kopites and their glory hunting prostitute wooly hoards.
So get yer brains in order. Let me say it again. Everton are the innovator of football in Liverpool, our history and meaning is worthless if we move away. Do you want the kopites forever crowing "there's only one team in Liverpool!"? If you don't care about that you don't deserve to understand. To quote a song that belongs to Everton's history more than that (copied off Celtic) Grand Old Team shite....
WE SHALL NOT BE MOVED! The Move
I'm not from Liverpool so I have a view detacted from sentimentality. For what it's worth, here is my opinion, hold tight. Goodison Park is a shithole. I hate going there on matchdays, I hate the obscured views, I hate being squeezed into my seat like a sardine with no arm or legroom. I hate the smell of piss from the inadequate toilet facilities. I hate trying to find a parking space on derby days especially. I hate sitting in traffic for an hour outside the ground after games. I do all this because I love the team.
For me, Kirkby is still Liverpool, it isn't Widnes or Formby as some of you would have us believe. The thing we Evertonians do better than anyone else is complain and argue among ourselves. Complaining about 55k capacity is a case inpoint. We would do well to fill that capacity anyway without some substantial improvement in the teams performance. New stadium or not, who wants to keep paying Ł25 a game to watch a team score 34 goals a season?
I don't really care about the financial benefits of a move but if we turn down the opportunity to even look at a new stadium because of sentimentality and stubborness then it would be criminal. We can barely compete with our neighbours nevermind the likes of Chelsea and Arsenal. Would this be such an issue if we were relegated long ago and our delusions of grandeur obliterated? Genuine Class
The misery merchants like Tony Marsh only `get off` on us doing badly so I do so hope Moyes can push their moaning right down their throats.
Significant, too,that Marsh`s `fellow traveller`, Harry Meek,hardly posts these days —but just wait till we lose a game! Quality, not location
Re: Why wait?
All I meant was that if Joseph hadn't re-signed we would have had to begin the search for a replacement at a cost of several million. We needed to secure a long-term centre-half be that Yobo or his replacement. Players rule the game these days and contracts are meaningless when there's only a year to go. If he hadn't signed we would have needed the fourth new face which now we don't.
Chill out, Michael. There's nothing wrong with a bit of exuberance. God knows we've been short of it the last couple of summers. Or is positivity 'stupid'? New Official EFC Site
England Line-up
Crouch, Rooney;
Who here agrees with me? Kirkby Kiss
Ownership, the method of repayment (mortgage or lease) and other such factors are imperative issues that need to be considered with the Club having a duty to consult the Everton community on these facts as well as location. Narrow-minded and spurilous remarks from contributors regarding Kirkby do not facilitate this process and serve only to create bad feeling and hostility among fellow blues. Ground Relocation — Heart or Wallet
I've said in many postings before that football ceased being a game years ago and became a cold hearted business; those with acumen have thrived, those without languished or perished by the wayside. Fans need passion — yes, that's how we are introduced to our clubs by our families when we are naieve dewy-eyed kids but that club needs to act like a business in order to still be there when those kids grow up and get wise to the reality of the real world.
I agree with many postings asking "Why?" when the precedent has been set not to go for one of the existing Parks and countless reports on worldwide stadia reverting back to communities away from out-of-town faceless retail parks. Starters
In any case, the Wolves fans down here tell me Lescott`s distribution is excellent so he`ll soon be on his way to Italy! Why wait?
Only question is why wait till July 1st to get him to sign his contract? That gives ten days for some fucker to make him a better offer. Would be just our luck... Kirkby v Walton
Hindsight
Erm... hang on a mo, I don't remember him doing much special in a Blue Shirt... I don't remember any outcry from anyone when he went... in fact I remember plenty of comments from Blues glad to see the back of a "lightweight yellow Swede"...
Funny how things turn around to bite ya on the ass.
Still... hindsight's a wonderful thing, though apart from the corners he didn't do much else did he? Now that sounds familiar. Fearon — You're as bad as the Sun
This is the most astonishing comment I have ever read on this website. It is bad enough that when you go out of the city you have to defend yourselves to ridiculous, stereotypical nonsense — and yet here we are discussing Everton moving 4 miles from Goodison and I find myself having to defend Kirkby in exactly the same manner. Peter Fearon does not declare which delightful suburb of Liverpool he is from. Can he let me know, because I want to live in a part of the city that has no crime, no drug problems, is in the same pristine condition it was ten years ago and where you can leave your front door open. Kirkby has it's problems but the way he has described it it's a cross between Harlem and Baghdad. Unless I am mistaken Walton, Tuebrook, Scotty Road, Anfield and the areas around Goodison are hardly Bel Air but is Kirkby a better place to live? — That's not for me to say, but an awful lot of people seem to live in these areas so how bad can they be?
If you don't want Everrton to move from Goodison, or if you want them to stay within the boundaries of Liverpool — fine. You don't need to denigrate a whole town with lazy, ill-thought, out-dated and downright ignorant comments. In fact, with bollocks like that, it makes me think you could write for a paper like the Sun or the Star.
If you can provide the data that prove your 'facts' about Kirkby, I would be very interested to see them. As for whether Everton should move to Kirkby — I'm keeping my counsel on that one. Tesco's ''buy one, get one free'' stadium
Secondly, location aside, it's 15,000 seats extra, corporate boxes and the removal of hundreds of seats with piss poor views due to the big concrete posts all around Goodison.
55k is a nice number. Better than having 70,000 with 20,000 empty blue seats for games against Portsmouth etc. The stadium would be lifeless... New website
Damn screws..... Get Real!
The signings are good signings given what everyone has seen of the players... the Contract issues appear to be resolved ... and we get Yobo and McFadden back — excellent! We are now building an Academy... 'Bout time! but good news!!
Will we win the League or get relegated next year? Who knows — it's a game after all (ask Leeds Utd) but we seem to be making positive not negative moves...
Try being happy for once — you never know it might be infectious! :o) Why Don't we all support Real Madrid
Just because we belive in the latter does not mean we should not be a forward-thinking, modern dynamic successful club. I for one feel we can achieve that at a revamped Goodison Park. If EFC can average 40-50 thousand a week in a modern stadium it will keep us in the top 20/25 European clubs. That's were we have always been for 90% of our History. Occasionally climbing into the top ten.
I do not think any drastic action is needed to keep us in that position. A revamped Goodison with the correct facilities should raise income by at least 10%. Think what we will throw away for an extra 3-5% income. We are never going to sell a million shirts in Timbukto — leave that to Manure and the other Half. Visionary Dave
The talentless Mr Sven
So what has this got to do with Everton? Well, I would say not much directly but we do have two strikers in Beattie and Johnson on the periphery of the England elite. Which begs the question that they are either not quite good enough to be selected with a combined transfer cost of Ł15M compared to Michael Owen's Ł17M, or they have been simply overlooked along with Defoe in favour of those selected.
In looking at the four strikers selected for Germany lets consider the merits of their inclusion:
Owen — nice and clean, a real golden boy and housewives favourite in marketing terms ideal for his link up with whiter-than-white washing powder. Plagued by injury this season, out in the wilderness in Spain for a season, question marks about club commitment and loyalty, and not really made an impact for England since his hatrick in the rout in Germany.
Crouch — Mr Robotics, would take a brave marketing company to take him on but could maybe front an advert for high and mighty super-slacks. In terms of footballing ability has had nearly as many clubs as Marcus Bent and only considered for England on the back of his stature and connection with Liverpool. In fairness he probably contributed to Liverpool's improvement in away form last season and manages to hold the ball up reasonably well even though his arial ability is suspect in terms of goal productivity. Overall not good enough at this level.
Rooney - the ante to Owen's clean cut image, in terms of marketing a great link up with Asda and rolled back the pennies for Everton. Exploded onto the scene at Euro 2004 and went from being seen as a wasted talent at Everton by the media to the swash-buckling all conquering Man United hero. Following his metatarsal injury, he is clearly unfit and lacking both match practice and the cutting edge required in a tournament of this calibre, typified in his frustrated reaction to being substituted. If his lack of fitness continues then expect to see the suspect flaws in his temperament being displayed with possible dour consequences.
Walcott — The new kid on the block, marketing dream in terms of product endorsement, take your pick but I would go for Mc Donald's because Arsene Wenger is lovin' it given the experience he will gain from being in the squad at such a young age. However, this decision along with only having four strikers and the reasons already indicated is the most concerning. Walcott is one for the future, he is not Rooney and at 17 with no Premiership experience a very high risk strategy.
Which brings me back to Beattie and Johnson, could they have been any worse? Is England's loss Everton's gain? Is Owen Hargreaves really any better than Phil Neville? He certainly gives the ball away more often and as many fouls. The haunted look on Sven's face last night when we faced the Swedish onslaught was all too familiar, there certainly isn't a Plan B. Let's hope that David Moyes careful tracking of Andy Johnson for 2 years or more has been the right decision, he certainly didn't want to waste his money and on the evidence to date concerning England players it might be that the prudent Mr Moyes has once again played a masterstroke. Swede with cornerkicks
Engerland
Get real, they are shite, they have one major trophy to show in about a hundred years, now lets get back to real football the club we pay to watch. Sad Tony
As far as Richard Dodd`s starting line-up is concerned, I don`t think he will be far out although I do feel that VdM has a long way to go before we can be happy with the left flank. Personally, I think Moyes will go with his favourite, McFadden, particularly as he is now signed to a Ł16k/wk contract.
But who knows? Perhaps, even as we speak, a World Cup winger is on his way to answer our prayers! Another 4 years
As many others have said, Sven never seems to have a Plan B (assuming that he has a Plan A) The similarities between David Moyes's Everton and Sven's England are remarkable in so much as they seem to react to events rather than manage them. All successful managers have options available. Should England get knocked out on Sunday, then Sven only has himself to blame for gambling on an untried youngster and two forwards who were hardly going to be 100% for most of the tournament.
Good luck England, I think we'll need it. Brian Anthony... Spot on!
Halewood Acadamy
Call me Jorge
RE; the Kirkby defence article
Bellamy
Probably a blessing we didn't get him though - imagine how crap it would be if one of our boys invoked a clause to cross the park for the price we paid for him! Arteta off for Ł1.8M. Doesn't bear thinking about! Missing link?
Missing link
Both are valuable members of the Everton squad whose availability was sadly missed for most of last season. Personally, I would always choose Carsley over Neville in the holding role. And for all his critics, Naysmith is far better going forward than either Nuno Valente (that`s his full surname, by the way) and Pistone. Midfield woe!
New Training Complex looking good!
A good training facility will (hopefully) galvanize the quality of our football. The new training ground will bring all the academy players, senior players, coaches and scouts closer to each other. I remember among the first thing Arsene Wenger did to Arsenal was to build the a world-class training facility. Look how far Arsenal have come since then!
This news, alongside the inroduction of three quality sigings, and probably the the constuction of a new stadium will add to the great summer Everton fans are having. We are a still a bit short, but if we are able to pinch Joey Barton, our squad is certainly good enough for a top 6 finish.
UP THE BLUES! Halewood complex
Competing with the top 5 is almost nigh on impossible given their elitist G14 monopoly, wealthy investors and phoney fans, yet we seem to be making progress on the fundamental issues that we hopefully see our reincarnation after twenty years in the wilderness. We have, it must be remembered, witnessed too many false dawns, public relations disasters and calamitous managerial appointments. This, together with the wholesale hawking of our finest talent and we seem to have survived to tell the tale and hopefully learn from it.
The process of rebuilding is going to be a long and arduous task, Wyness has identified that we are on that curve. In the current climate it will be unlikely that we reach the pinnacle, but with key issues being finally addressed then we are at the very least offered some hope and a challenge in the future.
After the bitter dissapointment of last season and the Wayne Rooney affair, the helter skelter of being an Evertonian has been in full effect, without going all Dutch or Dodd, let's hope that the coming season has much to offer and the light in the tunnel is not that forboding on-coming train! The Voice of Reason
I would like to take you up on some of your team selections if you don't mind:
In particular, the midfield you advocate is so unbalanced and so mishaped I fear for it. With Shandy Andy goosed out on the left and Tim Cahill pushing forward, that leaves Arteta who is best in a creative role and Neville who is a left-back to hold the fort. No natural midfield ball winner anywhere to be seen.
But what do I know? You just keep on dribbling from the mouth while I hope some one in your team learns to dribble with a ball. Mr Dodd, I know you think you are being clever but the truth is you make an arse out of yourself every time you post.
Salavate over that. Another Midfielder
Howard; Valente, Yobo, Lescott, Hibbert; Why not Stanley Park?
Brett Emerton
He is best as an attacking right midfield. In my opinion, a far better and more consistent player than Kilbane, with emphasis on consistency.
I haven't the foggiest his cost yet, if not exhorbitant, he would be a good buy. Bring it on!
Howard; Hibbert, Yobo, Lescott, Nuno Valente; Arteta, Neville, Cahill, Van der Meyde; Beattie, Johnson.
Subs from: Wright, Pistone, Stubbs, Davies, Kilbane, Osman, McFadden, Anichebe.
What a line-up in prospect and a great tribute to our very best Premiere manager and the chairman and Board who have backed him to the hilt. Bring it on! Why the vendetta?
He scored two goals in his last game, of course he is going to be in the starting line up. Playing too deep — was that his decision or Guus Hiddink's? Even though Guus is regarded as one of the top coaches in the World, let's slag off one of our own players for doing the exact job that he was asked to do.
Aussies tamely surrendered? Did you watch the match. Did you even bother to read the match report you linked to?
The only reason I can think of this vendetta is maybe it's all part of a plot by ToffeeWeb to get the fans against him, so that he will accept a move when it is offered and you can then say "Told you so, we are a selling club - Kenwright out"
I did watch the game and I was very disappointed that Australia didn't really take the game to Brazil. They were there to be taken and Hiddink, however wonderful he may be, called this one wrong in my opinion. The Aussies were over-awed.
But this has nothing to do with any vendetta against Cahill or the club, silly! Why on earth would I want to get the fans against him? Although, sad to say, Everton are are selling club when the bigger clubs come buying. Rooney; Gravesen... Wait and see who's next... — Michael Can you feel the ground moving?
On to our own ground move debate, I just have a funny feeling that we'll get the Central Docks site. I was in that neck of the woods the other day, and I saw that Opera / Theatre (?) they're building on the King's Dock site, and it saddened me to think that we should've been moving in there now, ready for the new season.
Liverpool has an historic skyline, and a world class stadium would not have detracted from that.
My only regret is that the Central Dock site will be 'just' a football stadium, and won't give us access to the non-footballing revenues that King's Dock would've done. By the way, I'm also a traditionalist who would be sad to leave Goodison, and all the memories behind. But — as younger fans have pointed out — they're just memories. And if we end up selling naming rights — so what? Arsenal are getting Ł150m off Emirates for 10 years. Expect them to seriously challenge Chelsea within 2 years...
Oh fuck it, I've also got a funny feeling we'll be in our new Central Dock stadium before they move into Stanley Park. Right, where's me pills.... Well done
Kirkby
Firstly, the trains into Kirkby are every 15 mins — that's a total of approx. 2000 persons per hour as opposed to a train every 2 mins at Sandhills for instance, that's 15,000 people per hr. Road links: the motorway is only 3 lanes and the East Lancs 2 lanes giving a total of 8-10 lanes tops into the Kirkby area from all parts of Liverpool. With only 2-3 bus services also. Walton has County Road (4 lanes), Walton Lane (4 lanes), Queens Drive (2 lanes), at least 8 lanes coming out of the city centre, and dozens of bus routes. There is absolutely no comparison logistically.
As regards the redevelopment of stadia for inner city sites google "stadium guide" and look at USA just for starters. The motorway link syndrome is a classic red-herring.... Did Arsenal go to the M25? No, cos it would be a nightmare. Getting 55,000 people, mainly Liverpool inhabitants to the city's periphery will be too. Response to Alan Humphreys
New Ground
That aside, people like my old man who grew up in the Bull Ring in Liverpool City Centre was part of that group who were moved out of the cellars in Liverpool and out to Kirkby. His first games were attended travelling from Kirkby, with tonnes of other Evertonians, and to my knowledge it's still an Evertonian heartland.
Speke is part of Liverpool but surely it's further away than Kirkby but it'd be OK due to being in Liverpool? I've never met a person from Kirkby who spoke in anything other than a Scouse accent. Alan Stubbs anyone? EFC's a family club & in the same way that generations in Kirkby continued supporting EFC when they moved, people in Liverpool aren't all going to become LFC fans due to us moving a few miles.
The reason the DVD rack in HMV is full of Liverpool FC merchandise is because they are more successful. If a move to Kirkby means being able to compete with them and become succesful to fill the DVD racks too then I'm for it but, as I say, I think we're trying to force LCC's hand somewhat. Lounge seat share
Kirkby, Kiss Goodbye
The thought of leaving the City of Liverpool boundries to go out into the wilderness while Gobshite Liverpudlians from all over the country come here to watch them makes me feel sick.
Scousers going out of the city to watch Everton, woolybacks and farmers on the glory trail coming in... Can you imagine the stick we would have to take? Can no-one see the humiliation we would yet again suffer at the hands of those red Bastards?
As one posting said earlier, I would rather watch Everton in a crumbling Goodison Park obstructed views and all than leave Liverpool the city. If we do leave Goodison and go out of town, then we will no longer be Everton — we will be a poor copy on the outside looking in while Liverpool FC lord it over us even more so than now. If you don't believe me, go in to HMV on Church Street and have a look at the rows and rows of Liverpool FC dvds. Then try and find the Everton section. It's a joke. We are already being overlooked. Imagine it if we were no longer here!
Change the city we play in andwe might as well change one or two other things as well: The stupid nickname "The Toffees" can go; how about the Kirkby Kavaliers or the Rainford Rockets? What about the silly Everton badge with the stone prison on it — that can go as well. You can see where it all leads, can't you?
Forget the Sunderlands, Boros and Boltons of this world — they are Mickey Mouse clubs anyway so it doesn't matter what they have done. We are Everton, founder members of the Football League —a team that was born on the fields of the City of Liverpool — and that's where we shall remain. How can we leave Goodison, never mind Liverpool!
Goodison IS Everton. Sure, the Grand Old Lady is past her best, but it's not just the stands that make her what she is, it's that pitch. I've been going since I was a kid. My dad went before me in the seventies and eighties, watching the mighty Blues winning domestic and European honours. My Grandad was there in the fifties and sixties — and my great grandad used to skip synagogue to watch Dixie Dean!
All of those memories, all that history; it was all played on the glorious turf at Goodison Park. Everton are the first football club of Liverpool — therefore they must remain in the City Liverpool at the very least. Moving away, into a new, soulless, metal shell, would be to move away from what Everton Football Club is. In denial
Emerton
Where is Kirkby?
I have lived 30 miles down the road for many years and have never seen Kirkby as anything other than part of Liverpool. Yes all the 'locals' KNOW its not actually in the city but in reality that's totally irrelevant to all but those who wear the badge of "I live in Liverpool'.
Whatever the merits or problems of Kirkby, we have to grow up and get over the martyrdom complex of Liverpool FC. We must do what is right for Everton FC — not look to how they might view it and what their SMALL base of local gobshites might say. Yes, those who live in the city suffer daily but if we are always looking at them and trying to match or better them directly we will continue to live in their shadows.
Let's face it, at present they have more financial clout than us and therfore can buy better players. We did the same in the sixties — so, until we can compete financially, we will never compete on the pitch in any consistent way. The real truth is that, in order to become top dog, WE have to do what's best for EFC and not give a damn about what they or indeed anyone else thinks, and if that's a new stadium in Kirkby or anywhere else in "Liverpool" then let's do it. Think Everton not Liverpool.
Finally to the comment that 'they are knocking down out-of-city stadiums all over the world' — I wonder could you actually give at least three examples 'cos my reading is clearly not wide enough to have read about these so-called demolitions. Meyde we love you
Out of town
You talk about Kirkby like it is some sort of hick outpost. Where did all of these so called 'True Scousers' go back in the 50's when Liverpool became too crowded? Err, Kirkby was one destination — as I can vouch for in my family tree. What's in a name
Anderson Silva Di Franca
Tell all the shoite you know
Now, what you should all do to shut them up is this.... remind them that Gerrard, Carragher Owen & Rooney are all born & bred Evertonians.. So don't even let them go there with the Liverland r England chants! Out of town
The Reebok, for all it motorway links, etc, has one of the slowest dispersal rates in British footy. Why? cos of the high dependency on cars. That is why the whole world is moving stadia to more central locations, to take full advantage of public transport hubs.
If this investment opportunity is available, then why not at a more central site? Central Docks? Everton Park? I'm not one for looking a gift horse in the gob, but let's think it through first before we pledge our future to the distant nirvana. Tesco Stadium
Also, we have seen mention of the Riverside and the Reebok as examples of what Everton should not have as a stadium option. Let's stick with the Reebok. Bolton moved out of Bolton to Horwich — a move similar to a possible move to Kirkby by Everton. The suggested proposal would be in conjunction with Tesco who would build a massive store within the vicinity of the stadium. If you go to the Reebok and have a look around what do you have? A big Tesco store right next door. So if you want some idea what the Kirkby option will provide, go to Horwich and look at the Reebok.
I still think it’s a way to flush out Liverpool CC and Tesco will still be involved but within the city boundary — and no, Kirkby is not Liverpool. Emerton not so bad!
Jug-Head Jeffers
Having said all that, we would be carrying on our fine tradition of re-signing players and managers over and over again. We could once again add the name Jeffers to our hall of fame.
Kendall, Unsworth, Ferguson, Wier, Pistone, Naysmith, Stubbs and even McFadden was on his way last month. Why do we do it, year after year? Haven't we got any fucking scouts doing any graft or what?
I am sick of this shit. Franny Jeffers is little better than a pub player and the only time he should set foot on Goodison Road again is if he is going to the chippy after one of his pub crawls. I don't imagine he will have to many autograph hunters outside Bellfield if he does re-sign. Not Leahy Likely
Emerton???
Brett Emerton is a fading talent, I am not quite sure where he would fit in our side. He's been ordinary at best for Socceroos. His general role is of a utility man, and we already have a pretty good one in Phil Neville.
The only thing in his favour at the moment is that he's 26 and has some time to improve. Cahill again
As an avid reader of the mailbag, I take great pleasure in reading your replies to fellow blues. However, one of the "Replies" had me wondering. When one blue mentioned about us only having spent Ł7.5 million so the possibility of new faces could still be alive you replied "Moyes says maybe one or two more, but I expect one of them to be a player returning to his beloved Goodison" or words to that effect. Please tell me you don't have inside knowledge that old Jug-ears is coming back? I heard such a rumour and hoped it to be a horrible comment made by a Red Shite. Can you confirm? Hope you can confirm this is not he of large lugs? Yes, but, no, but, yes ...
To stay or not to stay...
It will be nice being based in an area where we would be fully appreciated. With Sir Terry casting a beading eye over proceedings, we could be confident that it will built properly with no calamities. In other words, if it was our board doing it on their own, they’d find a way to mess it up.
Maybe things will change now that an Evertonian is leader of LCC and hopefully he will find a plot of land on the cheap within the boundaries for us, but if not then going to Kirkby won’t bother me — after all there is a County Road nearby, fill it with pubs and it will be a home from home! Cahill etc...
As for AvdM — if FC Porto are seriously offering Benni McCarthy, we should bite their hands off.
Finally McFadden — no, thank you. He may have a degree of skill but he is way too slow to take advantage of it. I would get rid of him for whatever we can and look possibly at Lee Hendrie of Villa who is available for virtually nothing. A new club (manager) is all that lad needs. It's not the leaving of Liverpool...
And 50,000 capacity at least (If we build it, they will come...). But please god, don't let them name it the 'No frills' stadium... or 'no thrills' for that matter. ps: Well done (dithering?) Davey in securing three first-class signings in four weeks... Just like last season (when we were gazumped by Newcastle and Liverpool, you've identified your targets and moved swiftly to secure them whilst other managers were scratching their balls...
Hope you've not been sold a pup in Lescott though, á la the invisible Dane... Why Would Man Utd Want Cahill?
Scholes is certainly on his last legs, but I don't see how Taggart could possibly see Cahill as a like-for-like replacement, if that is indeed why they are interested. Scholes can tackle, pressure players, play incisive passes and gets more than his fair share of goals. Cahill is a shadow of the player Scholes was at his peak, and whilst I think Tim has the potential to improve further, I doubt he would ever get that close. The red nosed one is renowned for spotting talent early (apparently he 'fancied' Rooney when he was 14...), so quite why Cahill would have gone under his radar is, well it's inconceivable.
Maybe it's another smoke screen to show us loyal mugs, I mean supporters, that we're no longer a selling club? Then again, football is a funny old game, or so we're told. Tesco Arena?
I'm all for a new stadium; if Liverpool council won't give us access to the some of the adjoining land around Goodison, then hopefully we will build a stadium that at least has some resemblance to our current home, particularly getting the crowd in as close to the pitch as possible.
Cahill to Man Utd for Ł9M? I like Tim's persistence and his goals when he's playing well(!), but he's not worth that type of money. It would be a simple decision, go east young Timmy and we'll pick up somebody like Malbranque or Nolan for half the price. I can't honestly believe that Man Utd would pay that much, though, for such a player.
You don't speak for me pal...
Personally, I would'nt give a shit about moving a couple of miles outside the boundaries of Liverpool if it meant we had a great, affordable stadium. These so-called traditionalists, who are really just stubborn luddites, make me sick.
They are entitled to their opinion, but how dare they claim to be speaking for other Evertonians. Liverpool..... Liverpool
Then, when I was watching it on TV, we all heard Clive Tyldsley drooling over Burchall of Trinidad coming from a family of Liverpool supporters. On to England, I personally think they have not got a prayer of winning the World Cup and quite honestly would sooner see Everton win their first game of the new season. The Retail Stadium
They have to create an environment conducive to the needs of the supporters and not just a 'state of the art' stadium that will be as anonymous and devoid of atmosphere as the Reebok or the City of Manchester. If a shopping center is to be included, why not reproduce in modernish architecture the tight little streets as they exist around Goodison now? A little imagination please! Maybe even dismantling the Winslow brick by brick and rebuilding it opposite the main entrance? Or am I being too precious? Never happy
I could go on, but I won't; other than to say the manager and the Board have actually walked the walk for once, so don't throw it back in their faces. Haven't We Been Here Before?
It's become sadly typical of the way Everton conduct outgoing transfers now, especially where popular players are concerned. It's obvious that having paid out for AJ and Lescott the club have to recoup some money so the rumour goes out that a big name is on his way out for a big fee. Oh we have no intention of selling him, they'll say, but when United came in for him blah blah shite blah...more shite. The movers and shakers at EFC are justifiably ribboned on these pages for their piss poor performance in most matters, but you've got to hand it to them - their black propaganda is on a par with that of the Russians at the height of the cold war. If only that fat bloater Wyness had the balls to admit it. I could be way off beam here, of course, and the rumour may not have come out of Goodison. I'm sure it did, though. They can always sue me if I'm wrong, but didn't Kenwright (remember the name!) tell us categorically that Rooney wasn't for sale even at Ł50 million.... Tesco's Blue blood makes Kirkby a goer
England? ... or Liverpool?
Whether it be commentators, pundits, experts or journalists, the opportunity to give air-time to our friends from across the park is never missed. Regardless of the tenous nature of the link, eg, Liverpool played in this stadium on this or that occasion, Phil Thompson cleared a corner in the 75th minute of a friendly here back in the olden days, etc etc. This obsession of all things Liverpool is starting to make me feel really paranoid. It seems that, whenever you switch on the TV —especially local area news programs there they are: Liverpool in all their glory. Indeed, I set all you people out there a challenge: in any given week, take note how many TV shows mention Liverpool or how many daytime TV programs have a child, cat, granny kitted out in brand new shirts emblazened with Carlsberg beer logos. The BBC is not immune: winners of young commentator or mascot or whatever generally seems to be somebody from far flung places such as Newcastle or Cumbria who just happen to be Liverpool supporters. I hope I don't need medical attention; feel free to let me know what you think. Cahill
That said, it would be a shame to see Tim go because, despite his failings, he is the sort of character you want in your team — ie, one who doesn't accept defeat too easily. I think Ł9M is a bit high as well. Considering the info came from the same source that told us Rooney would go, we never thought he'd go as cheap as he did! Surely Ł6M tops? Still at least we're not a selling club... More pie, sir!
Realism
Anyway, a new season comes and I'm quite realistic about the fortunes that lay ahead. If AJ gets injured, we won't score! If Yobo leaves, Weir will stay! If we have the same midfield then AJ will have to make his own chances! Pretty grim isn't it. Well, having your glass half-empty means you don't get disppointed. And why would Man Utd want Cahill! He can't pass, tackle or create chances so why would he go there? Its like the majority of fans love Everton being a selling second rate club! Sod that — and sod you who lack ambition for this great club! Surprise Surprise
Timmy the goalscoring socceroo
In respect of Tim Cahill, he may not be the most technically gifted of players, has a niggling approach and disciplinary problem, but he possess skill and vision in abundance and he scores goals — often crucial and often late in the game. For all his flair, Thomas Gravesen's goal return was poor and if a team is to become successful then we need midfielders chipping in with a reasonable goal return. All the indications are that next season we will be stronger in all departments albeit light in terms of the squad. Cahill along with Johnson and Beattie I believe will be an important cog in improving our goals for return. Transfer money
Transfers
Inexplicable Optimism
Howard might sort out the back line with his shouting 'abilities'. Our defence has been bolstered with the signing of Davie Weir(chortle, chortle) and Lescott. If we secure Yobo with Valente and Hibbert either side, that looks pretty solid. Arteta, Cahill, Ossie and Captain Phil Neville is a decent midfield with Big tits and AJ up front.
With a bit of 'playing for the jersey' mentality, I reckon we'll piss the league next season, shove yer Shevchenko and Ballack!!! Can't wait!!
Out of sight out of earshot?
The Tripod is Complete!
As for Cahill and his rumored Ł9 million move to Man Utd, I don't think that would be the worst thing to happen. Goalscoring aside, Cahill is a very limited player, average passing, clumsy tackling. I know he scores some important goals but maybe a more creative midfielder would create more goals for the team?
I'd rather have a midfielder creating chances for AJ & Beattie to finish. Idealy I'd love a new creative midfielder and Cahill to stay but those books will need balancing sooner or later and Ł9 million is a good price for Timmy. Skippy
Here we go again
Genius Moyes
Squad / Team
In terms of where we go from here, I think Moyes's priority (as far as the team is concerned) now should be to sort out JY's contract quickly. Would love him to stay but if he has to leave we'll need another signing. Second priority is to sign another midfielder. I think we've got some fairly decent players in the middle but there's been a lot of discussion on here about us missing a Gravesen-type passing midfielder. Apart from these two areas, I think we can be pretty happy about the first XI next year. Which brings me to the squad. We're scarily thin in a number of areas and we need more cover (and have done for a while let's face it). Imagine the disaster of a long-term injury to Tim Howard? Or the fact we've only got three recognised centre-backs, one of whom is in his mid-50s? I don't expect that there's any more money in the pot so extra players will have to come from loans / Bosmans. Anyone any ideas? Dare I suggest Dietmar Hamman and Djimi Traore...? Never mind the serious debates...
It was agreed that this a bit of crap nickname, when one wag piped up with: "Hang on a sec, he's the bloke with Tourette's, shouldn't he be called 'Howard the Fuck'". Now I've stopped crying with laughter I thought I'd share that one. Or maybe you just had to be there... Look at the barnet
All the tittle-tattle regarding his wobbly knee-cap and mysterious injury aside, let's hope he can head a ball, and his dodgy barnet and wedge haircut doesn't result in headed clearances landing in Row Z of the Paddock. Another midfield acquisition, preferably either Nolan or Malbranque, and the thought of August and a return to the Premiership doesn't seem such a bad thing. Get in there! Welcome Joleon
Quick, strong in the tackle, good in the air. Wolves supporters Player of the Season, god knows how many times. (Doesn't say much I know! haha) Welcome Joleon! Cahill — To Sell or not to Sell?
Wake up, EFC FANS! This board are fuck ups and as for McFaggot, fuck him off. The little shit isn't worth 20 quid a week let alone Ł20k. Lescott
New ground
Remember Wolves and Chelsea years ago, they really suffered from a new stadium. Let's get the team right first then consider a new stadium. Lescott signed!
Peter Rossetti, banging AvdM arse no fun... just found out, the arse was made of glass too... pity him... Once a blue always a blue!!! Come on you blues!!! Final Response to Matt Traynor & Tom Hughes
Tom, the point I was making about St James' was the fact that it CAN be done, but it is usually when there is a pot of money being thrown at it by a very wealthy Chairman and board. Although ours are wealthy, they are highly unlikely to throw money at a project like Goodison (in my honest opinion).
As far as the three grounds in Glasgow are concerned... it backs up the point made about St James' Park.
Ibrox was developed with the millions of David Murray. Celtic Park was developed with the millions of a certain Fergus Mccann and finally Hampden, well it's a national stadium and funnilly enough National Stadiums do get redeveloped on their exisitng sites and it is ususally via a government funded project, something that I think is unlikely to happen for the redevelopment of Goodison.
Can I say this once and for all....I don't want us to move away from Goodison or away from Liverpool etc. I just can't see another way for Everton Football Club however, to significantly improve the facilities available to it's fans and increase the capacity unless Bill & Co suddenly find 60 million or so under the matress to redevelop Goodison. What if AJ dosn't do the job?
Lescott
Future Gwladys street chant? Where's Lescott?
Glasgow Blue's leaving of Liverpool article
Not Wanted
Cahill
Perhaps with a better midfielder than Cahill who himself would only score half the goals of Timmy, he could distribute the ball better to the strikers (make up the goals to what Tim would score), retain posession of the ball better (concede less), and give away less free kicks and penaltys (concede less). Cahill
VDM mystery revealed
Changing Grounds
Like someone said on here a couple of days ago, we do not want an identikit stadium; a blue version of the Riverside is not an option. Wasteland in Kirkby conjures up an image of exactly that. A new stadium must be immediately recognisable as Everton's ground and have Everton running through it like a stick of rock. It must be sensitive to the historical importance of Everton Footballl Club (could it not include some criss-cross design element to remind us of the Bullens Road/Gwladys Street?). Whatever. But it must be unique and whilst it may not be the biggest, it must be the best. Otherwise, bollocks to the whole thing, stay at Goodsion. Ground Move - Response to Glasgow Blue
Glasgow Blue asked something along the lines of why are the City Council suddenly working 24/7 ((c) Bill) to help us get a new ground? Well, call me a cynic, but maybe it's in part because the new leader is a dyed-in-the-wool Blue when previously they were all Reds? The truth about Lineker, Valente...
Well, if I recall, he was asked this once in an interview with an Everton fanzine or book writer, and basically he said that no-one ever asks him about his time at Everton, which he thought was odd given how well that team played, but probably because it was all overshadowed by those lucky twats from across the park. As usual. He would've stayed with us had Carter and Co not taken the profit from Barcelona. That's why Kendall pissed off to Spain the season after — he was rightly livid. I saw the (understandable) reactions to the quotes attributed to Valente and the Dutch Lard Arse (not you Dutch, AvdM). Well, referring to Lard Arse first. The only reason you played 10/11 games is because you were either injured or suspended you lame tit. Yet still you were popular as we thought you can cross a ball. If we do get Benni for him we've done bloody well... The people I know in football have told me that Valente is the consummate pro, and would never make comments like that. I believe it. For what it's worth, I think he's a far better left back than he's given credit for. He took a while to adapt, to a new style of football and a new country. But then, when you've been brought up on a diet of Pistone, Naysmith, Unsworth, what can you expect. Anyway, I've taken a leaf out of Tourette Tony's book and moved temporarily to sunnier climes than Singapore... I mean WTF? Heatwave, the town centre looking posh? If it wasn't for the drunken louts in Clayton Square the other day I'd swear I was somewhere else.... Gary Lineker is an Evertonian!
Thw Wizard of Oz
Valente & Cahill
I watched the Aussie game last night (9pm in Malaysia...) with great hope of seeing another Toffee in action but he only started on the bench. As the game wore on, deep in my heart I know Guus will throw on Tiny to sort things out.... He did come on and the rest is history. How many of you really feel the same way that I did — that he would come on and score a goal... There are not many goalscoring midfielder around... are there? Everton have got one of them though. What I'm afraid of (immediately after he scored the second goal) is that somebody will offer Ł8 million after the group games (in which he scores another brace) and Keith/Bill/Davie just won't be able to resist. Pessimism is not my middle name but how many times this drama already unfolded? Fingers crossed... he will be in Royal Blue next season. It might sound selfish but thank god Arteta was not in the Spanish team.
Nuno Valente just played one game and we already saw what happened... I wonder what will surface after the second group game. Aussie Tim
Never experienced pub football watching atmosphere quite like that down here til last night. One of the national radio stations (Triple J) was declaring today 'Tim Cahill Day' on the way to work this morning! Wahey! fans
WE ALL FOLLOW THE BLUES AND AT TIMES DISAGREE BUT EVERY ONE HAS A VALID POINT AND SHOULD BE RESPECTED. Response to Hugo Kondratiuk
Firstly, I wouldn't want us to leave Liverpool either; however, why is it that Liverpool City Council are all of a sudden working night and day to find a Liverpool location for us? Call me a cynic but, if they have been working night and day since the King's Dock fiasco, why hasn't a location been sourced yet? If it is on our terms and it is an ideal location for us then fantastic. But really, I can't see that happening, but would be overjoyed if it did. You mention a number of teams that have chosen to rebuild their grounds or move. I'd rather discount the likes of Villa from this discussion as they have neither moved forward or declined since redeveloping due to a shit overrated manager. City, Sunderland, spot on, but United and Chelsea are a different kettle of fish and have had vast resources to be able to throw at such a project... We on the other hand do not. That leaves the other two 'top' 4 sides who have (don't care how far) chosen to move to another ground.... and I can guarantee you that as much as Liverpool deny it, they WILL be forced into a 'naming' contract with a sponsor in the same way that Arsenal have. The reason: without additional investment, they simply could not and would not have been able to move.
Everton will be in exactly the same position because they cannot afford to develop Goodison, I'm sorry I really cannot see where the money to do this will magically appear from unless Bill wheels out another Middle Eastern consortium at the next AGM. Therefore Everton will look for a cheap piece of land on which to develop a ground and then seek a sponsor to share the cost. That (in my opinion) is how Everton will be able to significantly upgrade their facilities without additional outside investment who will have the sole intention of retaining Goodison. Again, if the likes of a certain Mr Hargreaves, Granchester or Green were willing to just hand over Ł60 million or so to upgrade Goodison then fantastic. Personally, I can't see that happening. Gary Lineker
I can't remember him ever saying a good word about us and I've always been pissed off to think he's never looked back fondly on his year at Goodison. So it was nice to hear him associating himself with the Blues and paying a complement to the club. It wasn't much but I've waited 20 years for him to say it so felt good!
I've never understood why Lineker and Gray don't seem to like us that much. Maybe they do after all. And we also have a bridge for sale...
Just thinking...
I want to know the opinions of people on here. If on the strength of a good World Cup a club bid something in the range of Ł8-10 million for Cahill would you want Moyes to accept it? No smoke without fire
Apart from the TV revenue, there is no apparent investment in this club, and I don't think the fact that the season ticket renewal link was placed directly below the Johnson signing story on the EFC site was only coincidence. I think they still need to stump up the funds to pay Palace, and probably the same with Lescott, so leave off the TW crew, guys. Direct your frustration at those people who think the signing of one striker and a keeper on loan answers all those questions we've been asking ever since the Rooney sale. Rumours in the press
Watch and Wait to Prove a Point
It was a load of cobblers. Valente never said it - more bored tabloid journalists making mischief. What does this say about the 'loyal' Evertonians queueing up to abuse one of our players because of a 'story'? Whatever you think of Valente, at least he was actually on the pitch playing for most of last season. Van der Meyde was a desparate gamble on a regularly injury-prone player, which clearly hasn't come off, regardless of what he has 'said'. Come August, we'll know who the squad will be, so we can have an informed view on Moyes's transfer dealings and the 'loyalty' of players who are/aren't here.
Why don't we just wait until then? Good work, Tim!! Fuck off, Nuno
Also whilst we're at it Valente can fuck right off — he may well be an "established international" — but I for one won't miss him chunting the ball forward every time he crosses the halfway line. AvdM straight swap for McCarthy? Has he developed rickets or something — get him in! But then as someone who doesn't get to every game, it doesn't matter what I think, allegedly....
For what it's worth, I don't think the ground should be outside of the city — but if they fancy relocating in sunny Gloucestershire it would make my life a lot easier — and I would have more of a voice too.
Tim Cahill
Timmmyyyy!
Valente — a true blue
Nuno Valente
You should know better than to link to stories printed in shite like the News of the World. McCarthy / VdM Straight Swap
Good Luck to Dutch
Ground Move
We should have moved years ago. It is 2006 and I don't want to watch a match with 60-ft steel beams in the way, and shit facilities. If you want a drink before the game, the new ground could provide loads of bars inside, hopefully at a reasonable price. Watch and Wait
Why not watch and wait, ignore the hype and wait for the players to be paraded in the shirt? And while we're at it, can someone explain what's wrong with an established quality international footballer wanting his club to be more ambitious? Especially when Arteta 'said' the same thing earlier in the year! Anyone would think some Evertonians acutually want us to stay mid-table! Close the door on your way out
The Return Of Mickey Ball
Valente is a very ordinary player who clearly has no passion for Everton and and his pal Van der Meyde is an injury-prone drunken buffoon whose reputation was clearly bigger than his actual talent.
I'm with Dutch and no longer consider Valente and AvdM as Everton players. Flog them back to a European side and use the money to bring in players who will appreciate playing for a great club like Everton.
Can we find a left-back who loves Everton to replace Valente? HELLO MICHAEL BALL.
Ball would crawl accross broken glass to play for his beloved Everton again. I only wish Big Dunc was still at Everton, I'm sure he would have twated Valente/AVDM for their comments against his precious club. Daft Doddy
Like every other Evertonian, I am praying that we can get off to a good start and feel the team can only have been improved by the new signings. But I don`t have a bloody orgasm on the rare occasions the manager seems to do something right.
Come to that....... Good vision not myopia
As a resident of Liverpool and an Evertonian, I have no qualms or issue with fellow blues who live out of the city and respect their autonomous views on the ground move, but I do take exception to those who would be party to and support the shunting of our club out of its roots, birth-place and heritage.
Such a move would also concede to our bitter neighbours that we no longer belong in this city, that we have relinquished our rights to represent the City of Liverpool and that we are content to become a backwater club operating on a retail park in the wilderness. Cahill Crocked?
I was abroad for a few days last week with a few of the lads. As we hit the beers on the first night a lot of the final preparation games for the World Cup were taking place and so we were glued to the TV screens in the bar watching any sort of football Eurosport were prepared to throw at us. One of these was Australia vs Liechtenstein. I was taking great interest in Tim Cahill’s performance more so than anything else in this one. I seemed to remember him saying he might be able to play the full 90 minutes in this one earlier in the week. Well he wasn’t far off. It was round about the 85th minute when I saw him go in for a challenge with some Liechtenstein player and then go down in a heap holding his knee. A replay of the challenge showed nothing sinister whatsoever and it was merely a clash of knees. There was simply no way it should have been as painful as it looked for Cahill and he was subbed almost straight away. If that’s all it takes for his injury to flare up in the World Cup, then what chance does he have of finishing this one injury free? Moreover, what chance of him coming back next season injury free? Now I don’t want Cahill to miss the World Cup, I want him to shine because it clearly means so much to him, but like Moyes has stated, if he’s not fit, why should Everton get stung when we pay his wages? It’s similar to the more in-your-face Rooney story but everyone’s blaming Man Utd for that. I wonder if it’s a similar case Down Under with the nation blaming Everton for perhaps trying to hold him back? It certainly opens up something of a can of worms anyway. Would Cahill have handed in a transfer maybe had Everton have not let him go? I guess in the end he was always going to go and no knee ligament strain was going to stop him. I just somehow foresee a perhaps not-so-innocent challenge on his weak knee (let’s be fair, there are some dodgy teams out there who’s managers will let their players know all about his right knee) over the coming weeks and his World Cup’s over. Worst still, he misses a big chunk of pre-season training. Worse still, he’s out until October and worse again, takes until January to get match fit. Of course I’m getting carried away. None of this may happen after all, on the other hand it might actually be worse. Nevertheless, while I wish him well, I will be a touch worried every time I see him go into a challenge.
Somehow, I don’t think I’m the only one.
Xenphobia
How Unfair!
So there's only Tim Cahill. Unfortunately, Austrailia play tomorrow at 2pm. I'll be at work and won't be able to watch. That means I'll have to wait till the 18th to see Austrailia take on Brazil. I cannot wait to see how Cahill's clumsy challenges and remarkable ability to pop up unmarked in front of goal effects the Brazilians.
Good luck, Tim.
Oh, and why am I not surprised no-one's told you about this other element of reality — a machine you can buy nowadays... actually they've been around for yonks. Let's you record TV, so you can watch it when you get in from work. Brilliant! — Michael No Ambition?
Nuno
Subliminal Messages
Michael The Moyes Hater!
You're quite right, of course: Moyes is useless when it comes to signing foreign players — Yobo, Cahill & Arteta are some the Everton's worst players, aren't they? To move or not to move?
Meltdown
Everton MUST move forward quickly or we will be reduced to buying Championship cast-off's like Lescott. And for the profile of the club, I would suggest to Moyes to keep Valente and AdvVM so we can attract better players, and essentially they are class players. Which is more than I can say about Pistone, Naysmith and McFadden.
Why does it take TW so long to update the pages now? And no word of a lie, I was walking home yesterday and saw something quite funny. In London, you have big wheelie bins to dump your rubbish in outside your house. Anyway I noticed on one of these bins it had a name of the company on it: Schaffer to be precise. Explains it all doesn't it! Ever so average Valente!
Now Nuno Valente is complaining that Everton are too average for him. That's ironic considering Valente himself is the most average player in the squad.
After Valente, AvdM, the always-injured Ferrari and the fiasco called Kroldrup it's no wonder Moyes has spent this summer identifying British transfer targets (Johnson, Lescott). Maestro Moyes
AJ
AJ's a goal machineWe never seem to have a catchy tune for our players and as I like singing at the match, I would love AJ to have this one. Abbie Sanger, Aintree Village (11/6/06) Myopic
My 2two children are blues but perhpas not quite as passionate as me — parental failure maybe!!! They want to go to matches but when I get them tickets they end up in the top balcony or somewhere else that's not particularly appealing. What happens? they complain about the views etc. No, that doesn't make them bad supporters — it's a reality of modern teenage youth, our future supporters, the parents of the next generation etc etc. Sadly as well they want to go to the big matches, and I don't just mean the derby, but can I get two tickets together? — no chance, so they complain at me and, bit by bit, their commitment is eroded. It's watching a game live, soaking up the atmosphere and going on the emotion rollercoaster of a game that grabs kids, but if they don't get the opportunity to see us beat Man Utd or Arsenal in a full rocking stadium, and have to watch Charlton or Blackburn instead, then where will they be in 10 years time? So, to all those narrow minded "I live in Liverpool and am right' people, open your eyes to the real world of today. We can all get an easyjet flight to anywhere in Europe, it's like catching a bus, seeing parts of Europe as a teenager is a doddle. Travelling is now the norm and the fact of life is that also means travelling to watch a football match. The days of everyone catching the local bus or walking are on Pathe News in black and white — is that what these people think is our future? Time moves forward not backward and if people think that the march of progress will stop because they can't go to the boozer before the match then they need a reality check. I have also had to go to the Reebok stadium as part of my work on numerous occasions and have taken large staff groups for conferences and courses. Now I'm not extolling the Reebok as the answer to our ground but use it to illustrate another point. For those staff who do not support a football club, they are usually impressed by the facilities and a considerable number have bought merchandise for their kids 'as a treat' and some have also gone back to watch matches. No, they are not true supporters (yet maybe) but Bolton have made money out of them, as well as from the conferences themselves. Now if that money, however it was generated, goes towards a new player or their wages, then I say "Great, let's have it!" I dont care as long as it helps the club.
Can that happen at The Old Lady — very sadly, no! Progress is a constant and those of you who hanker for a rebuilt Goodison on the exisiting site need to open your eyes. Just because I don't live within spitting distance of the ground does not mean I'm not a true blue. If Everton want to compete on the big stage, then such myopic, narrow minded views based on postcode and accent will hold us back as surely as if we allowed a Red to be chairman. There is a Whole Wide-World Out There
My arl fella first took me to the game when I was 4 – in 1981. My Dad’s Dad took him and his Dad took him. I have a season ticket in The Street End and have done for years and years. I have been an Evertonian all my life – since my Dad put my picture in the programme at 2 weeks old…!!! I will take my kids if / when I have them, even though I live in North Shields now. I drive a total of 417 miles to Goodison and back. One leg of the journey takes 3 hours on a good day. Usually most of the time I sit in the rain and cold to watch the ‘greatest team in all the land’. I saw 2 games last years that entertained me — have I renewed? Yes I fuckin’ have. I love Everton; I fly the blue flag up here having to listen to all these stupid Geordie idiots every day. How any of you can tell me to stay away from the game just because I don’t live in Liverpool fuckin’ baffles and saddens me… These twats that want to stay in and old dilapidated stadium just because it is ‘in Liverpool’ mustn’t have a brain. The simple fact is, if Everton want to move forward and become the greatest again we MUST either redevelop the whole fuckin’ ground, or move. Since the former simply will NEVER happen then the latter is the only option — can you draconian fuckwits grasp that concept? If we can find somewhere to build the new ground within Liverpool, then great, but there obviously isn’t anywhere — otherwise they would have said... wouldn’t they?!?! If the new ground (if one ever gets built) is outside these ‘boundaries’ that everyone is harping on about, and you have a problem with it — then DON’T FUCKIN’ GO. Stay away and leave us proper fans to watch the game in peace. The people who drive hundreds of miles week-in, week-out, to watch Everton deserve a fuckin’ medal.
Up the North Shields Toffeemen…… Xenophobia
"— and no amount of bandwagon-jumping woolybacks following Liverpool FC will ever change that. Everton's our club and Liverpool's our city and I'm proud of both. Paul Burns, Liverpool (9/6/06)"...need to expand their horizons a little. Should we all live on County Road? Matt Geraghty, Warrington (10/6/06) Arise, Sir Tony Marsh
On concrete grounds, Goodison is half way there anyway. The Goodison Road stand is crap. Far too many obstructed views for a stand that was supposed to be the future. Sir John Moores must have shit himself when he saw the finished article. I don't fancy Kirkby myself but to move this club forward, then so be it. I'd still ask about Walton Hall Park though.
By the way Tony, your Cyprus holiday has been a long one... Big Nige
He's served us greatly the last 2˝ seasons — be thankful of that. Richard Wright joined us of first asking and he's a sack of shit. I know which one I would take! Hey, Marc — I paid my dues
Despite all that, I recognise that — like it or not — the march of progress is unstoppable. Even those old terraces have given way to seating. Anyone with the club's future in mind must recognise that Goodison as it is will not serve Everton's best interest into the future. I offer no suggestion about a total reconstruction of the old ground or the siting of a new stadium. My only concern is that, for years to come, our Everton will be a top club. Whatever it is, something MUST be done.
As stated earlier, my dues are paid and continue to be paid physically, financially and emotionally and I am entitled to express my views. We are all Evertonians and to quote my dad, "We are all going to the Pier Head but on different tram cars". Nigel has been selfish
However, since I am blue-blooded, I cannot forgive him for refusing to sign for Everton the first time, which was a couple of years ago. When he was actively sought, he turned his back on us. And when he became old for the game and was left out of Leeds squad, then he decided to join us to save his career. Sorry Nigel Martyn, but this is selfishness and it hurts me too much as an Evertonian. Just go away. Thanks for helping us these two and a half years; but that's about it. I can never excuse a player who turns his back on Everton. Reply to Marc Rogers
The world is now a big place ya know mate, people move in and also out of Liverpool City — it's called migration and you'd better start to get used to the idea. 'Our' city is after all to be the capital of 'Culture' in 2008. Funny that eh?!? You see I'm a Scouser and I'll be a scouser 'til the day I die. The thing is I don't have to live within the city boundaries to support 'my' club and to voice my opinion on it. Granted I no longer get to every single home game as I could in my single (Kirkby-based — is that close enough for you?) days and also was not a father of a small brood. So, does this not give me and other displaced Evertonians the right to voice our opinions? You see, as well as this superb site, I do rely on other online media such as the icLiverpool.com Website and the BBC etc. As much as I'd love nothing better than to pop out and pick up an Echo each night, it seems a bit silly to get in the car and do a 7-hour round trip to keep up to date with things. I assume as you are so informed you live somewhere on Goodison Road and sit outside the media office at Goodison each day as all 'true' Evertonians should? Or is that me just losing touch so much with all things that a true Evertonian should now be? If you also took the time to actually read the piece that I submitted you would have spotted the fact that at no point did I actually say that Everton should leave Liverpool. I did actually say that Everton did not owe the City of Liverpool anything and in reality the club has been shafted by the authorities on too many occassions for my liking, and therefore should it be the priority for the club when assessing whether or not to move? I will continue to air my views, be it on this site or other Everton-based media because that is my right as Evertonian. I hate to dissappoint you as well in relation to your percentages of locations for match going blues because, if you care to watch the 'Lancs' etc after the game, you would see a host of cars which have blue scarves hanging out of them that head towards the M57, 58 and 62. Maybe you should set up road blocks before the games so that Walton residents only can get access to Goodison?
The Premiership is now a global offering and as such the revenue generated from 'outsiders' is what our club and others are competing so aggresively for because that is what will help our club to achieve its objectives. The missing piece
Erm, today's Rumour Mill, Ed? — Lyndon D'oh! Guess I should spend less time watching that there World Cup thingy — MichaelDistance Supporting
I live in the south of England and if I had the means I would attend every home game possible, but I am not able to. That doesn't mean that I do not run the same rollercoaster of emotions as any other fan all year round, year after year, spend my money buying club merchandise, etc. A few years ago I planned a holiday so that I could take in the stadium tour and I still look back to the photos I have of me in the changing rooms next to big Dunc's shirt, and the memory of walking up the tunnel to the sound of the Z-Cars theme will stay with me a long time. I have said before in this mailbag that, as much as we love her, Goodison is no longer at the level we need her to be. Yes, it would be great for the "People's Club" of the City of Liverpool to stay within her boundaries, but we can't let blue-tinted glasses hold us back if we really want to get back to where we belong.
And before I am accused of living in past glories, look around the Toffeweb site. We are the 4th most successful team in the English game. Last year we finished 11th! Progress sometimes means going with the head and not with the heart.
To somebody down south, who has never lived in Liverpool, Kirkby is a mere stone's throw away - but to Merseysiders, Kirkby is not Liverpool, and most believe that Everton should stay within Liverpool City limits. This is the difference between nearby and faraway fans. -- Garry Piss Off!
And I do not share much sorrow for Martyn retiring. Yes, he was an excellent keeper but he only signed for us after his career went belly up at Leeds! The very same club he rejected us for before! All credit for becoming an hero here but we as a club needed to move on and a move to sign either Howard or Green full time is the only option. You think the Mancs will take a swap deal with Wright going to Old Trafford and Howard staying here?... You never know. New ground
AvdM [A very Drunk Man]
I can honestly say that I never rated pie-arse one bit and would be made up to see him do one. The only trouble with that is who would want to sign a useless twat like him? The only taste of Italy Meatloaf will ever have again is one of them microwave spag-bols he looks like he has been feasting on. This whinging little cunt is the epitome of all that is wrong with the modern footballer. Does fuck all for his club, ponces around wine bars and hospital wards all season and then says he wants out. Doesn't lard arse realise no other club would go any where near his Kebab riddled carcass? Give the prick away to some Dutch mickey mouse side and cut our losses. If we want to we can always sign the real Freddie Star instead of his stunt double. As for moving to a new ground in Kirkby NO WAY. I won't be going to no concrete bowl in the middle of no where to watch football. Look at the state of Boro's and Bolton's grounds: souless, lifeless, cold, dreary, horrible places. Is that what we want? I don't think so. Any way you need boozers next to your ground for them to be proper places of worship, so no more talk of Kirkby, please!
Watching Everton play in a Reebok or Riverside is the equivilent of only bevying in Witherspoons for the rest of your life. Now that is a scary thought. A stadium with an identity not an identi-kit stadi
One thing for sure is that the old lady that is Goodison Park and its deplorable amenities, services, access, parking and infrastructure cannot continue to operate in the expected climate that is offered by modern stadia. However, can some of these issues be negated by the sheer history, atmosphere and character that our present home offers? Would this affinity and heritage exist in a "I'm lovin it" super-bowl on the periphery of the city with its plastic amenities, fast food and retail shopping experience that would equate to a trip into another JJB clone to buy the club's merchandise? I would agree with the argument offered by Eric Myles of South Korea (!!!) who has suggested that any such decision should be based on and reflect both heritage and culture. Keith Wyness has already gone on record and stated that the ultimate decision will be one that the Club will have to live with for 50-60 years minimum, there is no doubting that a decision will soon be made and it will need to embrace all of the pre-requisites and challenges associated with a new and innovative construction. However, I would agree with contributors that this decision must be based on an available site within the boundaries of Liverpool, good road networks and parking will be no good if there isn't anywhere to get a decent pint in a pub with atmosphere. The identi-kit plastic moulds of Bolton, Southampton, Reading, Coventry, Derby and countless others are certainly no model to build our own plans upon.
I agree wholeheartedly in the sad realisation that was the Kings Dock affair but a quick fix and short term solution in the shape of Switch Island (stone island ?), Kirkby or any other out-of-town complex will become a millstone for future generations and negatively impact upon our local pride, heritage and culture. Re: On Is Good!
So what about the fans around England, am I trying to cause a 'divide'? - well if there are fans who can't be arsed to go the match simply because of the size (state) of Goodison then I do not think they are worth chasing at all. In fact, fuck them — they shouldn't have any say on OUR future. I am just trying to make a representation for people who DO currently go the match AND live in Liverpool BUT do not read the website AND would rather stay in Walton rather than travel to the middle of Knowsley. I believe that group is still the majority of our fans. This is despite the Bullyshit about the potential for more UK / international 'fans' (i.e. money). That will never happen, certainly not without years of success on the pitch.
If Bully would argue that 'the ones who are currently NOT going the match are the real future lifeblood of the club' (your words), and this comes at the expense of fans who ARE going the match, then I would say just fuck it all off, Everton is supposed to be OUR club not some stupid fucking Sky-loving franchise. Though to be honest the whole 'People's Club' thing is now an embarrasing lie - I hope they have the honest decency to take down that sign this year. The Big Man
Thanks a lot, Nigel, you truly have been Moyes's best signing. Have a great retirement. On your way then.....
I'm sorry but this player contributed nothing to our cause last season, apart from getting sent off in the derby and keeping 'Bazza' Rathbone in a job. If this walking injury wishes to leave the club, then I suggest that Moyesy bites the hand off the first club that offers a couple of million for the fat League of Gentlemen look-a-like.
This would mean a bit of extra money in the coffers for a new midfielder and extra money in wages, he must be earning at least Ł30 grand. Surely someone like Jonathan Greening would be an adequate enough replacement for around the same price and less wages. At least he can play more than two consecutive games without getting injured and, from the games I've seen, he's actually quite a good crosser and carrier of the ball. Everton, Liverpool and proud
Just because these jokers pinched the name and symbol of the city means they're entitled to it.
Everton FC are the true Liverpool club, end of story — and no amount of bandwagon-jumping woolybacks following Liverpool FC will ever change that. Everton's our club and Liverpool's our city and I'm proud of both. On Is Good!
Simply, Everton should stay at Goodison, or at the very least in the LOCAL area. Don't believe the hype spouted by Bully or wools when it comes to deciding our future. We need vision, but don't forget the people who are the lifeblood of the club are the tradition and heritage that made us what we are! Reply to Chris Woods
Van der Meyde
Keeping a player with no heart will create disharmony. As we all know (at least, I hope so) DOUBT and CONFUSION kills. If he is in doubt and confused, he is not good enough for Everton Football Club. Just play 1n Second class Italian League — it suits you best. Van der Meyde
Sad one about Nigel Martyn, he was a quality keeper, we wish him all the best. Stroking Figures
The first six names quoted; Scott Spencer (17), James Vaughan (17), Bjarni Vidarsson (18), Victor Anichebe (18), John Ruddy (19), Mark Hughes (19), I would be extremely surprised to see them named on a team sheet unless the first team suffer significant injuries and even if they do they will probably be bench warmers as Moyes has form for sticking with the old guard. Remove these from the equation and second guessing if Weir will stay or go and add Lescott at 23 the average returns to 27.
Sorry, Dutch; nice try but no coconut. New stadium
It's barley to me...
Rumour mill
Average Age of the Squad!
Average Age: 24.
That age will drop another year if David Weir departs and Lescott (23) signs. Nigel Martyn
Moving out
Goodison Park is not actually situated in the Everton district but is in Walton, so we already don't play in the right place! What a shame
It appears that the freedom of speech is respected on the website, whereas the persecution aimed at those with contrary views to the moderators on the forum see a facist and horrifying stance taken by said mods.
Also, it is a shame to see Martyn retired, a top player and a top geezer. New Ground Capacity
New 'Keeper Please
Is it me, or does that not measure up to the standard of West and Southall we have set throughout our history. We may have limited funds left in the forth coming transfer period, but I for one will not question Moyes if he off-loads Wright and starts the search for a decent long-term answer to the Blues' 'keeping concern. In goal
Big Nige
Well, he bloody well did and I'm glad that we grabbed him. He's been the model professional during his time at Everton and I honestly can't remember a bad performance.
All the best for the future Nige, thanks for the memories... Replacement for Chris Woods? Best wishes Nigel
Big Nige
On that note, we need to make sure our second choice 'keeper(s) (be it Turner or Ruddy) get a run out during the season as I'd put my bottom dollar on Fergie calling back Howard at the drop of a hat — or, at best, the end of the season. Only trouble is, if Howard makes the job his hands down by being so good, we dare not drop him. Nice quandry to have but one which could equally bite us on the backside at the end of next season.
PS My vote would be blue bold editorial comments, easier on the eyes.
Nigel Martyn
Cheers Nigel!
If Johnson had secured Martyn's signature instead of leading him on a merry dance to Park Foods and giving him directions to Leeds (!!) then things could have been very different — ok so we wouldn't have won the league but Martyn would certainlyhave made things a lot steadier. Nevertheless, thanks for the 2˝ years Nigel — you gave Evertonians one less thing to worry about on a Saturday afternoon! Over the Border?!?
Let's get out of Goodison and in to a new ground. Let's leave the memories as just that — memories. Goodison has been great to us all, but alas she is old now and every good thing comes to an end. We are never going to be able to redevelop it, so let's move. Let's attract more business and money. Let's make our club the biggest and best once more. We have all had a taste of it and I for one liked it... I can't see what the issue is here, I really can't. Up the Blues. Big Nige
With Nige now gone and Weir looking likely to leave does, that mean Stubbs, Valente and Pistone are the only players we have over 30? Is our squad becoming too young? Thank you
Big Nige
Thanks
Big Nigel Martyn
New Stadium
There could even be a massive car and bus park and for those who like to walk to the ground maybe a dedicated escalator-type contraption from County Road (with feeder sections naturally) all the way to the new venue. On our old site we could develop one of those Mega Casinos the government is always talking about and if life in the Premiership continues in its sad old way we can always spend Saturday afternoons there blowing all our money in different ways — perhaps with more chance of winning! Afraid to be bold?
Flogging that horse
Sorry I haven't made my point clearly enough but what you've stated is my point. I'm worried Lescott is an injury liability so it won't "pan out" so Moyes should go for the next intended target. The "wasn't a foregone conclusion" part is not that Everton would have pulled the plug but that another club may have come in for Lescott. This has happened many times before with an intended transfer target and therefore you need a back up plan.
From the news I've read today it seems Lescott will be signing anyway, fingers crossed. re: Football Manager
DM must look at a player and decide whether he goes for him or not, not start putting bids in for all sorts of other players and then waiting for the first one to come back and accept; it's not like buying a house! He obviously sees something in Lescott that he likes, which has seen him put a bid in, agree personal terms (I suspect) and now the player has to undertake a medical. Only when he is happy with everything will the transfer go through.
When is the new version of Football Manager out... anyone know?! Boldness
Also, I think Lescott's knees are fine - he's played like 93 games since the injury... I'm sure that there's no long-term issue. Anyone know how good Hearts' Andy Webster is? We might have to settle for him if Lescott falls through. Football Manager
My point about Lescott is that Moyes should not have put all his eggs in one basket trying to sign only him. I think he must have some kind of back up to maybe sign another defender as it wasn't a foregone conclusion that we'd have signed him even if he had been fit. Lescott Deal
Then Lescott had problems with his medical, apparently there were concerns over his knees, that made me raise an eyebrow... "Was Dutch right?" I thought. Now there are other web-sites reporting the same rumors about Lescott's involvement with gangsters.
So I am thinking, was Dutch's inside info completely true or did Dutch state a wild rumor that has now grown in stature via a domino effect? Need to be bold
Why not put all resonses in bold type? Problem solved! Summer time
Our transfer targets are all but wrapped up by the second week of June and there is also this vague rumour that a wealthy business man may have invested some money!
Could it be that we are now running the club with a bit more purpose? They'll be telling us the ground situation is sorted next! In Reply to Russ Kav
That Gerrard programme
Everton: How Much?
What did True Blue Holdings pay?
All the best, keep up the good work! And unless Petrov is a holding midfielder (which I don't think he is) why would we waste Ł4 million on him? Redevelop Goodison?
What was the plan - have you got that page archived somewhere? Was is feasible? What happened to it that it is no longer an option?
Thanks for any help you can give me! The Lescott saga
How on earth could Everton agree a fee of Ł5 million without the knowledge of all the details? Next time, the staff at Everton have to get their homework right; otherwise, we would be causing more harm to potential targets than warranted.
Part of the medical involves taking new scans so that specialists can examine the condition of his knee(s) now, and give a prognosis going forward. That's the way it is. To talk about the staff at Everton not getting their homework right is just ridiculous. Sorry, bud, but you've been eating far too much gumbo. — Michael The ground move debate conttinues
The ones I personally know who are for a move justify it on the grounds that it's difficult to park near Goodison and this will be made worse when the other lot take over Stanley Park. Well, sorry but why don't you just walk to the ground like the majority of other supporters do (was anyone able to verify that posting that Everton have the greatest percentage of supporters that walk to the ground?). And what about the inconvenience to those supporters that don't have cars to get out to Switch Island or Kirby? OK they'll still make the effort but isn't it better for the minority to have a minor inconvenience of driving in the comfort of their car from Runcorn / the Wirral than the majority relying on the vagaries of public transport to get them to the match on time? I saw a movie last night called Goal which was set in Newcastle and it showed St James's Park. Having been a regular there in the 77-78 season, I didn't recognise the place (I was still a Blue — I was just living there at the time and the barcodes were so bad I used to go down to Hartlepool to watch a decent game). There's often the moan on this site about comparing us to Newcastle but they seem to have built up a modern stadium from a city-locked location so I'm sure we can do it at Goodison too. I also remember that, as long ago as 1982, before the modernisation of the place, that St James's hosted big concert events (Rolling Stones Tour of that year) so it's not necessary to have the newest, bestest stadium in the country to attract non-football revenue, just decent modern facilities.
Seems like it'd be a good time for a ToffeWeb poll on the subject. Renovate Goodison or move outside of Liverpool City? Haunting words from the Gerrard Prog:
Goodbye, Mr Weir
But in all seriousness, Weir should drop a league because he clearly ain't up for the job at hand. Moyes knows it also hence, his search for a new centre-back. I still think Ferrari or Huth are better options. The only other club serious about Huth (Middlesbrough) are in disarray so there is a good chance he will come. Forsell's Lovelife
Everton were prepared to pay the Ł5 million to Wolves but there seem to be serious doubts over his fitness. Lescott is not the only defender in the country and Everton don't need to play "hard ball" over the price. We can't afford to gamble that much money on a player who could end up bleeding us dry with his wages whilst he becomes good friends with Rathbone. I expect that none of us have seen enough of him to say he's worth the gamble.
I reckon we keep the faith in the medics. Surely Lescott is not the only defender on Moyes's hitlist this summer??? Good but....
Buffalo Bill and Chief Wyness
Nice little earner
The Wenger scale!
Lescott's Lovelife
Secondly, the myth: Not wanting to add more to the urban myth of Lescott's supposed misdemeanors but I too have heard juicy stories from Wolves season ticket holders. The one I heard concerned a couple of seasons back when he got his pants caught round his ankles after playing away with one of Wolves' more notorious supporter elements girlfirends. This (so I hear — Dont quote me! Seriously!!) led to Lescott becoming involved in being blackmailed, threatened and led to him handing over many matchday freebies to said rogue supporter element. Just to remind you though, THIS IS NOT GOSPEL! Jungle grapevine and all that. Just made me think when I heard the last comment on Lescotts private life...
Remember though, THIS DOESN'T MAKE HIM A BAD FOOTBALLER! Re Summer Holiday
I believe the true situation is that Everton are playing hard-ball on the price. They've bid one price in order to get agreement to talk to him and are trying to knock it down now that the lad's keen. It's a buyers' market as Lescott must be desperate for a big money move to the Premiership so that doesn't give Wolves much room for negotiation. The various rumours and counter-rumours flying around are classic negotiation tactics.
Only a few weeks ago people were saying on here if only we had a board as strong as Simon Jordan — well, it looks like we've got our wish. Lescott will come to Goodison — and at a knock-down price! Lescott & Moyes
The Wolves chairman revealed that the deal would get back on course when David Moyes returned from a training course. Isn't that encouraging to hear. While most managers are sunning themselves on a beach our manager is working hard further learning his trade in an effort to improve himself. Moyes is a real student of the game and I love his work ethic. If only the players had that much drive and passion. Something Fishy
Does this cast doubts that the expensive Lescott deal has fallen through and he is now leaning towards the cheaper alternative in Webster and a possibly affordable midfielder?
Hey, it's 06/06/06 today!!!
Let's see if I can remember how it goes... Nil Satis Nisi... no; it's too hard. — Michael Michael, please tell me you've got a few million to spare and want to buy a trainset? Used and abused, but with a very loyal audience... Go on, say you can! Anderson da Silva
'We've had many Toffees asking the same question; unfortunately, he's crap. He couldn't even get a place in a shit Malaga side. Take him back!'Malaga were La Liga's version of Sunderland. I reckon he can stay there!
On a different note it's (maybe) a shame about Lescott but at least we got AJ. Forgive me...
Summer Holiday
Anderson da Silva
His loan at Malaga is now over so why is there no evidence of him on the website? There is also no mention of Tim Howard either and Scott Spencer is not in the first team or academy. Don't the people who run the official website understand they have a responsibility to keep supporters informed? Give it time
Forgive me if I'm wrong but I've noticed a rather significent trend developing. The success we have under Moyes seems to depend on how quickly we manage to sign players up in the summer. I can't be arsed to explain it in full but basically our two 'poor' seasons under Moyes came after two shocking summers in the transfer market in which players were brought in at the end of August with little time to adapt and the season already under way. Our two better seasons under Moyes came after summers in which fewer players were signed and those that were signed, were brought in early and given 'a good pre-season with the boys'. Unlike a lot of managers, Moyes actually tries to improve the work-rate and work-ethic of all of his new signings and this understandably takes time to happen. A classic example of this was seen in the performances of Valente last season. The lad was brought in late, shit until Christmas but then probably our best defender until he got injured.
With the World Cup so near, it seems a bit silly that we're splashing our last bit of cash on a Division 1 player with a dodgy knee so I'd like Moyes to wait a few weeks and see if there are any new Yobos in Germany, but our success next season may well depend on how quickly we spend this last Ł5 million.
Return to normal business
I checked the EFC website this morning for an update and the Lescott lead had vanished, this was the same website that had indicated a fee and personal terms had been agreed last week, and had the audacity to even run a story last season about Scott Parker! Independent websites, forums and rumour mills are one thing in relation to transfer activity and should always be taken with a pinch of salt, however a stealth signing wouldn't go amiss and the Club need to conduct their transfer business with a little more decorum and privacy.
Just when I thought we were starting to show signs of an improved system of business practice, along comes another drawn-out and protracted process of haggle, bluff-calling and probable impasse.
On the one hand, you want honesty and transparency from the club to keep you informed; on the opther hand, you want a "stealth signing" in which Everton "conduct their transfer business with a little more decorum and privacy."!!! You ain't gonna get both now, are ya??? — Michael Re: Luq Yus
Posh!
Well done and good luck! Stupidity
He is better than Lescott, proven, knows Everton and visa versa. And fundamentally he will be Ł1.5M cheaper than the Championship player. It make sense, both in business and on the pitch. This angers me as certain fucking stupid fans were dissing Ferrari saying he ain't worth the money, yet they are coming in their pants at the prospect of a player who we really don't know, and is way more expensive! Is it because Lescott is british that we should waste money on him, you dumb-ass fans??? Anyway for me this is Everton at its silly best. Goodnight! Lescott: Yes or No?
It must be hard for Lescott too not knowing if his dream move is happening or not. I bet the last time Lescott was this tense was when he heard that baseball bat knocking on his front door... Pertinent Questions
Closet Red
It would explain his rather "current" reporting of team affairs, with never any reference to historical fact in his reporting: eg, Everton v Blackburn 2003, Everton v Man City 2004, Everton v Liverpool 1999, etc. Please let's have more checking out of this charlatan!!!
Joleon's ''Injury''
Do you know where this "knee problem" in his medical came from 'cos a Wolves fan I know said he's lucky to be walking. If he's played a whole season, this may not be important but, after the past two seasons of transfer activity, ToffeeWeb may want to check this out. From Dither to Dash
And wasn’t it great to see a player we wanted prefer us over others offering comparable terms, even if, with all due respect, we’re talking about Wigan and Bolton here? The remarks by Johnson about us being one of the big names of British football, though true, were nevertheless good to hear. Even we may have to suffer the disappointment of seeing a player or two we rate leaving, there are already reasons to be optimistic about next season. The prospect of Beattie and Johnson forming a partnership in the Sharpe/Heath, Sharp/Lineker-mold is enticing. Johnson is a great signing. Quick, strong, with an eye for goal (not just when behind defences but when running at them too), committed and whole-hearted, always ready to take matters into his own hands, even at troublesome away matches when comrades might ‘go missing’. The fact that he and Beattie are good mates adds an extra potential for telepathy that could render opposing defences senseless. Surely we will now do what we have failed to do so abysmally in recent times — score goals! If Beattie and Johnson can score thirty between them (and we should expect no less), three midfielders (say Cahill, Faddy and Arteta, presuming they’re not sold) weigh in with another twenty and the rest stab in ten, sixty goals (with a reasonable defensive record) will compete for the Champions’ League. Lescott, admittedly, I haven’t seen a lot of, but have heard his name in ‘dispatches’ and other postings on this site have spoken highly of him in footballing terms — the business about how his knees were nobbled we can overlook, I mean Man Utd fans didn’t balk at the signing of brothel lover Rooney. He sounds like another shrewd signing. But why oh why did we not move as forcefully last time, with Champions’ League football the prize? Let’s hope that if we get there again, the painful experience will prove to have been a valuable lesson.
So as Chairman Bill directs his desert classic, slipping off between takes to watch the eagerly awaited World Cup matches, perhaps he should do so with our blessing. A week is a long time in football management, and this week we should allow our illustrious patron to enjoy our fulsome support and utmost affection... until the next cock up!
Tony Marsh / Walton Hall Park
Anyway, a new stadium: Walton Hall Park. Liverpool City Council would have some explaining to do if Everton did ask for part of the park, and got refused. They gave away part of Stanley Park very easily and left themselves wide open for the sale of any other city park. It's time Everton Football Club started to ask questions and embarass this council.
Stadium of Delight
The City of Liverpool has never helped Everton a jot with regard to the prospects of a new stadium and in many respects has been a direct hindrance. Consequently, I see no reason why Everton or Evertonians should feel any remorse at leaving the city for pastures new. As for the effect this may have on the 'People's Club', there is more than one way to belong to the people and one of those ways would be (wherever a new stadium was built) for Everton to ensure that cheap transport was laid on by negotiating with bus/train companies, extolling the benefits of full carriages at half-price and ensuring that once supporters arrived at the stadium it was supporter-centred and provided all the amenities for Evertonians to do what they like to do now... get pissed and get to their seat at the last minute! (Slight exaggeration there...) A beautiful stadium, standing in splendid isolation would be no good to anybody and would not complement the Everton tradition of being an integral part of the community. But the community is bigger and more widely spread now and any new stadium must take account of this. The community must be BROUGHT to the new stadium wherever it is and it must tempt the 'people' to arrive early and linger. A 'come & go' stadium would not be conducive to being an Evertonian!
Everton Football Club has a history and a tradition second to none in the football world. For me, it would be a greater wrench from that history and those traditions to move away from Goodison than it would be to move outside of the boundaries of Liverpool. This Club and the people who support and represent it are far bigger than merely the venue at which it plays the game. Tommy G
My twin Lee C let the cat out the bag the other night talking to a couple of Toffees in Costco.... Knee jerk reaction
Let's consider that due to the advances in medicine players are rarely finished by injuries nowadays (Yes i remember Parkinson — but that was 10+ years ago). For example, Shearer suffered with a knee injury, as has our very own James Vaughan. Both recovered. So it seems Lescott might have had problems with both knees; the fact remains Moyes has takena punt on him and decided he was worth a medical and a possible contract. If this medical snag doesn't go our way and we don't sign Lescott, then I accept it was never meant to be. I am glad we didn't get Forsell (remember him?). If this goes the same way, there are plenty more defenders out there.
Which leads me to Yobo: push the boat out and make sure he signs, even if it is just a two-year extension. Knees release me, Lescott (let me) go
Anyway, about my last post (sound the lone bugle) and Michael's reply... Wayne PROVED my point, which was every player has to rise through the ranks, whether it be at one club or many clubs... You don't just appear on another level (except of course your Theo walcott and play for Arsenal... err... not play for Arsenal and become an international overnight). Shucks... is that my argument blown out the water, Michael?
Lescott
Lescott Transfer
Your man Dutch is correct: poor old Lescott had his knees smashed in by a couple of hard men. That's why he missed our season in the Premiership. I hope she was a good shag and worth it.
That's all behind the player now though and he has been ever-present since his return. He's grown up alot and matured into a superb defender. I'll be sad to see him go. Location, Location, Location
It's a bit of a conundrom for me because we proudly hold the 'People's Club' title and rightly say that most people from Liverpool support Everton (like Pongolle said). But then, from an outsiders point of view, the fact we are from Liverpool is very much secondary in people's view of Everton. We all know who gets the credit for being the football team from Liverpool...
So if we were to move outside the boundaries of the City, would we be making a gesture that says, "being an Evertonian is all about EVERTON as a club and not the geographical location of the team", or would we be completely undermining our claim to be "the People's Club" of the City of Liverpool? Hmmm. That's why we (I) love the Big Yin
I heard he paid for his misses cab fare from Scotland to Liverpool as he didn't want to leave the city! Whether it's true or not, I don't really care – he has shown his commitment to the club many a time and I was sad to see him depart. Thanks for the memories, Dunc, maybe one day you will come back as manager? Err, maybe not...!!! Well done!!
I tried to look up the internet to find some evidence behind the "Lescott's knee" story. On one hand, it does sound suspicious that he would have major knee surgery on BOTH knees at the same time, there is no referable record at least during my search. Perhaps someone else might have found something ? Also, I must congratulate Moyes on signing up – or at least attempting to have the whole squad for next season built up – as early as possible. I felt that that the lead-up to last season was below par because of all the uncertainty about which players were coming in. Give Us A Knee
If someone has a body part [Knee] that's been whacked with sledge hammers and that person is a professional footballer then don't sign them. Already at Everton we have got more cripples than Lourdes so we certainly don't need another VdM or Pistone on our books. Walk away from this one, Davey and get someone in who can actually stand up with out the aid of a zimmer frame. The last time Lescott kicked a ball Derek Dougan got on the end of the cross. Things are going well at the moment so let's not do an Everton and fuck it all up by signing football's version of Ironside. It's Mercs and BMWs we want to see players in – not wheel chairs. Why get rid of Ferrari then replace him with someone with legs like a coffee table? It doesn't make sense. There has got to be a defender somewhere in the world who we can sign with out all risks attached to this deal. Get someone in who likes football more than shagging and bevying and your half-way there. Keep your dick in your shorts and your knees will stay attached to your legs. It's simple. Anyway, no need to panic just yet as Davey Weir is still on stand-by. Davey must be 59 and his dolly pegs are in better nick than Lescott's. I can't really complain so far this close season so let's hope DM does the right thing for the second time this year and drops this deal.
Can you imagine that? – Moyes making two correct decisions in a row! The mind boggles!!
The Ap-Prentice Report
I've said before that he polarises views amongst Evertonians, and I wouldn't try and change those. As I said in my previous submission - The Scrimshank Redemption - the player never achieved anything like what he was capable of. This latest installation from Mr Prentice mentions how he mouthed the words 'I love you' to us on the terraces at Forest. More interestingly, I'd never heard of the conversations between Smith and Knox (and wives apparently!) after they found out he was going. Some of you may have heard this story, but I also heard it from one of the production guys on the Newcastle fanzine who scored an interview with their new signing. 'So Duncan, how's it feel to be at a club like Newcastle?'
End of interview. For all his faults, he became a true Evertonian. Why? Because we made him love us. PS - Lyndon et al - well done on the revamp. Even if you're at the top, keep improving. If only EFC.. oh I won't go there... Lescott Delay
Foolish Moyes
Down here, Foxey Moxey and Hoddle will be rubbing their hands if they get anything over Ł2M for `Kneecaps Lescott`. Stop the panic
Lescott
Medical v Want
I'd also like to point out that Forsell failed the medical which did prove a right move with his limited appearances. Then again, Krřldrop and Van der Meyde passed but both were bought injured — was this known or unknown injury? And were their purchases pushed through by the manager as he wanted the players at all costs? Perhaps their injuries allowed him and BK to renegotiate the price they originally wanted to pay for them. It wouldn't surprise me if this was part of the plan for Lescott in the first place. I would have thought Huth was a superior choice for a defender having seen him play very well for Germany U21s. The trouble with buying Huth would always be two-fold: Chelsea are ruthless and no doubt asking for most of the cash up-fornt; and secondly (and perhaps more pertinent), Huth would be on a decent wage there which would perhaps put him beyond our pay structure.
I think the Everton medical is used for good effect by both the medical staff and the management for their own ends. I would prefer to buy an uninjured/unlikely to be injured player for a few quid more than risk buying another physio-table-warmer as we have had enough of those. Ł2M and no appearences or Ł5M or so and plays every game is an easy choice in my mind. Plane, train or automobile
Wherever I lay my hat...
Allegedly, when I was kind of involved in the scheme, I may have overheard one of them saying, 'There are 7 World Class bids in for this site. Everton is in 8th place' (there were 'only' 7 bidders). Dutch - you'll like this next bit: EFC took umbrage, legal advice and through clever politiking (by threatening to use every rule in the planning guidebook to stop the other shower moving to greenbelt land), suddenly got preferred bidder status. Dutch - cover your eyes. The reason it didn't happen is because we well and truly fucked it by not being able to come up with Ł60m for 100% ownership of a Ł350m multi-purpose development that would have secured our future for ever, and ultimately given us finances that most of the rest could only dream about.
I'm as sentimental as the next man about Goodison, but for the sake of being at least able to keep our heads above water, we need to move. There are plenty of sites, both inside and outside of Liverpool's boundary. All I ask is that it's not on the side of some motorway. I can't recall the source of it, but I read years ago that Everton had the highest proportion of fans who went to the game on foot or by bus and train. I imagine it hasn't changed much. EU Rules re players
Can anyone who knows about these things explain why some players can play in other EU countries, but not in the UK until they qualify either by passport or international appearances? I suspect the answer is that Football is a 'special case', which I think is bollocks and needs addressing.
Iain McWilliam — re your Beattie thing — I posted that about two months ago, and the charity is named after a wee girl who died of cancer, who was a mascot at a Southampton game. Beattie went to visit her family (still does I think). Nice guy. Just wish he could stick a few of the sitters away as well as belting them in from all angles, as he occasionally does! Quick question...
Lescott?
Lets get physical
Championship Playes
Tats or no tats
'Everton's James Beattie got married last month at Mottram Hall, Cheshire. He asked for no gifts but donations instead to a cancer charity.'(although personally I would have been tempted to ask for two decent crossers to put on the wings :o) ) Iain McWilliam, UK (2/6/06) Ground move
Lescott failed medical?
Episode IV - A New Hope
Hope! — It says a lot for how much making some decent signings means to the supporters when Tony Marsh sends in a post as he did on May 27th. The fact that we stumped up the money to make a couple of buys gives us hope that we’re not consigned to being also-rans. Let’s face it, we were desperate after last season's performance. Summer should be the season of football hope, after the past few days we can start to think that maybe we can do something decent next season. Patience gone? — this recent activity could be a sign that the powers that be are finally losing patience with where we were going. From our perspective this should be a good thing. The new TV money gave us the means to break out of looking at second-grade wasters as solutions to our first-grade problems. I’ve a feeling that fans expressing their discontent with the situation has helped in this. Learned a few lessons – making some decent moves this early in the summer speaks a lot for learning from our pitiful attempts last summer. Granted, I read that Wyness was out seriously ill for six weeks last year at about the worst possible time, but who we bought and who we didn’t buy was a disaster that I’m glad we seemed to have learned from. Money — yes we do have some, but we just spent it. The TV money gives us better flexibility on the future ongoing wage bill though. No excuses — if Beattie and Johnson each play 30 games, there should be no excuses for forwards not scoring goals. Fans, coaching staff and players can’t be pointing fingers at the lack of a pacy striker anymore. Shift of focus — in particular there’s no more excuses for the midfield. We now have a couple of good forwards (plus two excellent young prospects to be given a good run out — Vaughan and Anichebe). The midfield has the focus right on them to support and supply. If anything this is one of the biggest ongoing concerns. If we are playing BT and AJ together we are committing to a 4-4-2, unless AJ plays wide in 4-5-1 (hopefully not too often). In a four man midfield who’s winning the ball? Arteta isn’t going to be our ‘hardman’ is he? So does that mean Neville or Carsley on a consistent basis? Who’s going to play on the left? Cahill (I doubt it)? Would we switch out Cahill for Nolan and play Nolan a bit further back in place of Neville/Carsley? There are many questions to be answered about midfield. Joey – the recent activity also puts the focus right on Joey Yobo. He needs to sign or be moved on for the best deal possible. Rumours are that he’s been offered a good deal, Moyes will have given him a deadline to give us time to move someone else in if needed. Arteta is staying – I read in one interview with AJ where he talked about Arteta picking him out with passes. I can’t believe that we would sell this to our latest signing if the lad wasn’t staying. There’s still plenty of work to be done – any opportunity to upgrade at any position still has to be taken. Yes, we’ve filled a couple of big needs, but the comment has been made that the squad is still small, there will still need to be plenty of activity on potential loans and maybe even some player ‘swaps’ with a bit of cash. Hopefully our reserve lineup will start to include some of the under-performing first teamers from last season, if they aren’t moved out in the next few weeks. Probably best for us that they hang out in the reserves to keep up the numbers and provide cover in case of injury. Ground – getting the bulk of activity out the way early in the summer gives the squad more of chance to integrate, and also gives Keith Wyness the opportunity to focus on building a Goodison Park replica in Kirkby or at the Docks or Walton Park or wherever. What doesn’t this all mean? Signing AJ and Joleon Lescott (not done yet) doesn’t mean that we are suddenly a top six side. Lescott will probably get a gradual introduction and hopefully be working hard with Moyes and Stubbs on the training ground. And there are still too many open questions about the side to be thinking of European glory just yet, let’s just see how it goes. Signing AJ, Lescott (if/when he does) and Howard doesn’t mean Moyes is a genius, it does mean that we all get a better chance at seeing what he can do in more positive circumstances.
The bottom line of all this is that I for one will be spending a much more pleasant summer with brighter hopes for next season. Could Dutch be more right than we think?
Seriously, given that it is unlikely there's a problem over personal terms (players always have a fair indication of what's on offer even before talks 'begin'), I am beginning to wonder whether there is something wrong with the medical. I would have thought that EFC would have wished to get Lescott's deal sewn up as quickly as possible after AJ's, even if only to bolster the season ticket sales.
Strangely (perhaps)the headline concerning Lescott on the official website has been relegated below further comments about AJ! I may be mistaken but I am expecting an announcement soon that the Lescott deal has fallen through and we are being prepared! If that's the case the kneecappers must have done a pretty good job! Great start, more to follow?
A recent rumour in your mill is Joey Barton? I belive he would be a superb signing as he is not only crative he never goes missing or backs out of a tackle, and with his contract running out we should be able to get him at half of his valuation. We still need someone who can pull the strings in midfield and get a grip of the game because sadly VdM, Kilbane, Cahill, Davies and Carsley can't. Despite now having two goalscorers we still lack the service required to boost our poor goalscoring record. I know a lot of people seem to be anti-Franny but to be fair he did not get a run on his previous spell because we had 6 strikers. When he eventually did get on it was more like 5mins to go, two-nil down, expect him to turn the game around. Remember, the whole team was awful that season!
I am starting to have a little bit of faith in the Board now because of the good week they have produced... long may it continue!!! Jeffers v McFadden
At International level, Jeffers broke all goalscoring records at Under-21 level and his senior England career stands as one cap and one goal. McFadden meanwhile has been at Everton three years and has started 57 Premiership games but his goals scored is only 10. McFadden cannot compete with the goal scoring ratio of Jeffers.
Dutch does have an interesting idea of bringing in Jeffers for free and selling McFadden to raise a million or two. Just a yard-dog
Franny debate and editor bad attitude
By the way Michael you need to check how you speak to people. You may not agree with Dutch but his opinion is as valid as yours and I've never read a comment from Dutch that was hurtful to others.
Why don't you make Dutch an editor of Toffeeweb? He at least is positive and respects others opinions. Reading the pesimistic views of our editors I have begun to suspect the motives of supporters who are running this site. Jason Roberts and the idiot
Bring Franny Home
Double Dutch
Franny
Suprise suprise: he was in the pub before we were, necking down alcopops showing no remorse over the poor result. I don't like Franny — he's arrogant and has never proven himself as a good player over a full season. He's one of those players who makes a career off a short period of quality years ago.
Would I bring him back — would I fuck! Back to business?
I really hope this season marks a return of Everton and a glimmer of a return to the School of Science.
Duncan who? Jeffers Loan Spell
Jeffers had to sit on the bench and watch Rooney. Moyes was busy developing the world class talent of Rooney and maybe didn't give Jeffers the attention he needed. Given more time Moyes could get the best out of Jeffers. Especially since Franny now appears an older and dare I say it more humble player.
And if Moyes can't nobody can. Jeffers
I have to admit a little part of me still has a fondness for Jeffers. As much as I hate to admit it, I would like to see him return to Everton and pick up his career. He's a free transfer and he will take a low wage to rejoin his 'beloved' Everton. We could then sell McFadden to raise funds.
Maybe I'm just being sentimental but I think Moyes is a good enough manager to get the best out of Franny. How about a new poll, should Jeffers be allowed to rejoin Everton? I vote he's worth a go. Our Best Player!
He said to my son (who is 8) - "My team took your best player." James looked at him quizzically for a moment, then said "Who, Dixie Dean?" The man's face was a picture, and me, my wife and the man's mate just burst out laughing. It seems Wayne has a long way to go in my lad's eyes! Xenophobic
Franny
Fair eneough, he should have done that when he came last time... but if he doesn't perform for us professionally he is fucked.
If nothing else, we can use him as an example to players such as Vaughan (touch wood this season) and Anichebe. He either works damn hard and is rewarded or carries on like a dickhead and fades into further obscurity - win, win. Take it easy on the boy
I certainly can't remember anything like that. What I do remember is he played well enough for us to get into the England squad, that we sold him, at a pretty decent price, to a strong Arsenal team, where he did not get a look in. He came back, low on confidence, form, and languished on the bench, obviously kept out by our formidable strike force at the time. Sold on to Charlton... well, who knows what happened there? Not saying we should take him, by any stretch, but don't see it as an earth-shatteringly implausible move either. See what happens. Look at Barmby. He was shunted around from pillar to post, by a number of clubs, going nowhere fast, got a real chance at Goodison, and for one season at least, did the business.
That's enough about him though. The disappearing sponsor
Also, the Toffs site shows two shirts, one in yellow and the other grey as being from 1986 with Hafnia on them but we were sponsored by NEC for the season 1985/86 so they must be earlier than that. Maybe you could print an up to date list of our sponsors and the seasons for anoraks like me. Or maybe you have a life. In Reply to Colm
Big Dunc was something special in the old days, and it was always felt by the fans that he was transferred to Newscastle against his will. Surely when he did return to Goodison he wasn't that injury prone as he was in the last two seasons of his career. In Duncan's old glory days when he played against Liverpool they quaked in their boots. Perhaps that's why we all loved him to bits no matter what he did. For me Goodison will not be the same without him. Now, can you imagine me saying that about Jeffers — No! He had his chance last time and blew it!! Hard cheese!! Johnson without the Argonauts
Asking the Board to shell out even more money is unrealistic and dangerous for Everton's future. So the way to go is free or extremely cheap transfers. Now players like Jay-Jay Ocotha and John Hartson are ideal squad players who can fill the gaps when needed. Da Silva should return this summer so we should stock up on as many decent to good players possible. But no way should that mouse in the box Fanny (right spelling as far as I'm concerned) Jeffers be allowed anywhere near the place. He is a little git who thought he was the biggest fish in a small pond, only to find himself swimming in a pool of spit! Sod him! Jug-ears
Competition for places
In looking at how we have strengthened in key areas, we have not only reduced the average age of the squad but provided competition for places in team selection. The only missing piece of the jigsaw in terms of squad improvement is a midfielder with the ability to compliment Mikkel Arteta. We are crying out for a Kevin Nolan-type player with pace, ability to track and tackle and score goals. I have read some of the comments posted in that we have recruited Championship players with the risk that such an approach entails, but every transfer is an undoubted risk and we are clearly not financially viable enough or have the draw to attract players such as Riquelme, Ballack or any of the other foreign imports that are potentially available. It was also interesting to note the situation with Arsenal's sponsorship of the Belguim side who they recruited Eboue from, maybe they arent whiter than white after all in how they operate. Spot on
As for Jeffers, dream on loser. You're finished, end of story. Welcome my son...
Tie his salary to some appearance based clauses, and see whether the "fox in the box" can be rescued. He will be desperate to prove himself, and will work his backside off to get a game. He would be an idiot not to. (If he scores more than 5 goals, he'll be off to another club with deep pockets, and little sense. We win again!) Re Franny Franny Franny
Franny was always his own worst enemy. As much as he was part of a group of potentially era-defining young Everton players ruined by Walter Smith, Jeffers definitely had it coming: a total dickhead who got WAY ahead of himself from minute one. While my blue heart questioned the credentials of a 'boyhood blue' who would repeatedly act like a selfish wanker, totally gobbing in the face of the values that the likes of Brian Labone epitomised, my blue head thought he was shit and just got lucky with a few goals. But Joe-Max Moore did that as well. Even as mates from the Other Side enviously suggested that Jeffers was as gifted as Fowler (maybe they meant Arthur), when Arsene got the chequebook out I almost felt like I did with Bayern Munich, and all that. Just a shame that the financial killing the club made on him never materialised itself in anything worthwhile on the pitch. Francis Jeffers's contribution to Everton folklore is that he represents one of the sadly few instances in living memory when we've had one of the big boys for mugs. Man Utd took a genius from Everton and torched the hopes of several generations of Evertonians. The Gunners signed someone who has just been released from a side that paid Ł2 million for Marcus Bent. But then again, Arsenal did have the last laugh with Dickie Wright. There's probably a certain logic in cashing-in on McFadden, but bringing Jeffers back as a replacement would be too much of an uncomfortable reminder of the recent past. Maybe he'd take up the challenge, prove himself, and bag 20 next season and stuff my cynicism down my throat. Maybe he'd get the club crest tatooed on his cock. Maybe Moyes will re-sign Ian Wilson. Sorry Dutch, but I’m with Michael: Everton only have nothing to lose if they don’t pay him, unless it’s per goal. If Everton do the unthinkable and bring him back, it would pour freezing cold water on the unusual optimism amongst Evertonians at the moment — something that surely even Bill & Co would realise was a bad business move. But, plank that he is, I still think that Franny’s situation is really sad. Trotter
AJ
Frannie... On yer Bike!!!
We did get Ł8 million from Arsenal when we originally sold him. That was the last laugh!! Let's just be content with that. Franny and Lescott
Firstly on Franny — I read the 'We Invented Football' (Sky Sports) link with interest. Franny says that he has no problem with David Moyes, and he made it up with him. Well, I'm chuffed for you, Glass Ankles, but I must have missed the bit where you said you wanted to make it up with the fans — after taking the piss out of us twice. Even more hilariously, he says that he really fancies playing alongside AJ. Yeah sure, Jug Ears, Moysie will drop Beattie to accommodate you! If Jeffers could accept being third choice, at best, then maybe, just maybe, he'd be worth a punt (on a contract that says one peep out of you and there's the door). But we all know that won't happen as his ego matches the size of his ears...
The other point was on the 'alleged' story about Lescott getting stuck in where he shouldn't have, and getting his knees done in return. Can I be the first to suggest we nickname him 'Psycho' - in deference to our very own gangsta-shagger, Pat van den Hauwe? Left Winger Wanted, Alive. Reward Ł3M
Lower league players & grounds to move
Where the 'ell do the snipers think the players already in situ in the Prem etc come from? None of them were born Prem players — they had to work at it and had to 'step up' through different levels. Even 'Wayne the Foot' was not born a Prem player, he had to climb thru the ranks to get to be a Prem player... So, stop goin on about it. Every player has to be given the chance at any level he reaches!! Now, about the ground move: the City of Liverpool have treated Everton FC with utter contempt for years, (let's not forget who asked for Stanley Park first and were turned down flat), we asked for a few streets and a school to be relocated to allow Goodison to be resited, turned down flat again...
Any other city would have built the Kings Dock stadium and would have invited their football team to buy/rent on reasonable terms (Man City — prime example); not our city! I say TELL THE CITY WHAT WE WANT! — and if we don't get it, Knowsley/Sefton looks good to me! Goodison Triangle
Reflecting on this, I note that we have acquired the services of a 'keeper surplus to requirements from a rival Premiership team, and two other players from the Championship. Before I get too carried away, I am eagerly awaiting the season's start to see if they live up to the present hype and please god they help make my matchdays much more enjoyable than some of the stuff served up last term.
I really do hope David has got this intake right.
I wonder if more surprises are in wait for us!!
UP THE BLUES!
Franny Franny Franny
Since his sale to Arsenal, good managers like Arsene Wenger, Alan Curbishly and David Moyes have tried and failed to get the best out of Franny. Maybe it's arogance; maybe it's just a rotten attitude but Jeffers remains an enigma. And now aged only 25 the one-time Ł8 million England International finds himself without a club. It's clear Jeffers would love a return to Everton but is that ever realistically going to happen? His relationship with Moyes during the loan was rocky at best. Jeffers is probably still as good as the improving-but-still-out-of-his-depth McFadden. Everton could draft in Franny and then sell McFadden to Rangers raising Ł1-2 million to help boost the purse after this summer spending spree. In the past Moyes has overcome disputes and given a player a second chance (something he did after spats with Big Dunc & Alan Stubbs) but would Moyes willingly take on Franny again? For me the question is not should Everton resign Franny, he's on a free and we have a manager capable of handling him, we really have nothing to lose.
The question is does Franny deserve another chance at Everton? Lescott
Cautious Optimism
Lescott's Injury... The Truth!
I don't pretend to have any inside info on football and normally I don't listen to rumours but I do have a close friend who works for Wolves and I know the real reason Lescott was injured that entire season Wolves were in the Premiership. Apparently, Lescott started seeing a woman who was involved with a really heavy character. Lescott was warned to leave the woman alone but stupidly he kept on seeing the woman. Anyway, this character sent a couple of the boys around to Lescott's home and they basically knee-capped him and Lescott missed the entire season Wolves were in the Premiership.
All that's behind him now though and apparently he's grown up a lot. Lescott
It is great to see Moyes strengthening his squad early this summer with three top quality additions thus far.
I seem to recall only a week or so ago that Tony Marsh commented that we would never secure the services of the likes of Johnson etc with Moyes at the helm. A large slice of humble pie required I think.
Jeffers
Does anybody else think that Kenwright must have found some gold out there in the wild west?? Sorry, sorry, sorry!!
Let's hope we sign a few more good players and we will all be jumping then!! One to go??
Surely someone must be available somewhere. I have read very few bits about Da Silva and think he will go same way as Plessis, never seen and released elsewhere as not good enough. How about Gravesen on loan or someone else warming a big expensive bench somewhere?
If we ave a good season we could then negotiate a price to retain or if a bad season or they don't cut the mustard send them back. Overpriced?
But is anyone else bemused by the amount of money being paid to Championship teams for, particularly, English players?? It was the same with Nugent, they were wanting ridiculous money for an untested player. This is the reason the Premiership is full of foreigners. I'm not sure how much we're signing Lescott for, BUT, he's only played a bit part for one season in the Premiership and they're looking for Ł5 million for him?? I think it's a bit of a joke. The RS obviously paid over the odds for Robot Crouch too, I just think it's a bit ridiculous. This is not to say that I think Johnson won't be worth it, I'm just a bit worried we're blowing our transfer budget on players who are untested at Premiership level. I'm sure Moyes, Kenwright and Dutch know what they're doing and they have my full faith until they fuck it all up. They've obviously got AJ all enthuisiastic about joining us, so congratulations to them.
Here's hoping for a great summer cheering on Trinidad, Sweden & Paraguay. More Needed
Let's hope we don't play that horrible 4-5-1 with AJ the sole striker. My fear is that Johnson will become more and more isolated as we try to sit back and launch endless balls over the top for him to chase. As for Ms Beesley, I did post a couple of days ago expressing my delight at our succsess in the transfer market but you probably missed that one as you where at a sewing class or something. The thing is these new signings are a fantastic lift for all concerned at Everton FC but will they change our manager's perception of how the game should be played? Let's hope so or 10 new signings won't make a blind bit of difference if we continue to play as we did last season.
Any way, credit where credit is due to Wyness, Kenwright and Moyes for giving us the fans some pride back. The signing of AJ wasn't just a new player arriving — it was much more than that. It sends out a signal to other players and to other teams: We are back and we mean buisness! Moving out of Liverpool?
In this debate, just remember one simple thing. Everton FC are the originator, Liverpool FC the bastard son. Do not forget this. Everton's heritage lies within Liverpool. Not Kirkby, not Maghull.
Those who support a move outside of the city, likely for their own selfish motives, should be ashamed of themselves. Warren Bradley, Liverpool City Council stand up and do your job. Keep the Blues where they belong.
Jeffers
He has come out and said he would love to come back? I personally feel someone like him on a free would be a decent signing.
Humble Pie 2.......
I wouldn't say U-turn as such. I'd say absolute amazement and delight at the apparent turnaround in the management of transfer dealings. I don't think anyone could blame me (and many others too) for the doubt we've showed after previous transfer dealings. But as I said in Humble Pie 1, credit where credit's due — and I'm enjoying being proved wrong. believe me. Keep the pie coming please !!! Top Six?
Next, you'll be telling me Bill Kenwright has secured significant finance for the club and we can afford a new stadium of our owm, and Blue Bill can finally go home and get some sleep as he's been on the case 24/7 for at least 6 years.
Oaky, I'm getting way a head of myself here but, if things continue to progress well this summer, we should at the very least be targeting a top 6 finish, which is never unrealistic when you look at some of the dross that finished above us last year. Let's not get too excited, Davey
However, what's this nonsense of trying to sign Jay-Jay? That sounds terribly like a Walter Smith move — remember Ginola and Gazza? Save the money, and spend it on trying to keep our apparently want-away centre-half Yobo. BTW, why do we need another centre-half anyway? Isn't Joey's contract for another year at least?
What we need now is a creative midfielder type, but I'll be damned if I know where he is to be found, or for how much. That's why we pay DM the big bucks! The lesser of two targets
Dare I say this smacks a little of lacking ambition. Why? Because as soon as 'bigger' clubs than Wigan and Bolton bid for a player, Everton switch to an easier target. But still someone faster and stronger than Weir is an improvement! And wlecome, Garry, whoever you are. Optimism or belief
The beauty of David and Goliath is its simplicity. It's true that if someone can aim a stone hard enough at someone's head it can kill them despite the psychological disadvantage of being small. Signing players like Shevchenko gives Chelsea a psychological advantage but the truth is that all it takes to beat Chelsea is getting the ball into the back of their net and preventing them doing it back.
The only reason teams like Chelsea have big squads is to compete in Europe. There's no reason why we can't beat them at a domestic competition, our squad is big enough too. We can cross the bridge of having a bigger squad once we're in Europe year-in, year-out but we've got to shake off the belief that teams like Man Utd have a divine right to be at the top of the domestic league. Only hard work pays and arrogance rarely likes hard work. Signings
Now I'm very optimistic for next season with these 2 excellent signings but I hope DM is going to strengthen the midfield because if we can't control the midfield we will struggle. Sorry to put a dampener on things but I think most of you agree we need some creativity in there — apart from Arteta, we have no one else. Anyway, roll on next season! Forever Blue!!! Things are on the up!!
What a pity that EFC didn't make these or similar signings last year when we had the chance in Europe. A bit like locking the stable door after the horse has bolted but all is forgiven and I feel so excited!!
Notice we haven't heard anything from Tony Marsh or the other whingers... can they only hand out brickbats and no bouquets? Great News
I’m not going to make any predictions about what next season holds in store because I have got my fingers burnt far too many times in the past on that score. But we can only look to next season with a bit more confidence with the transfer activity that has taken place this last few weeks. Fair play to Moyes that he has obviously decided what his top transfer targets where for the summer and has managed to get them in the bag at such an early stage. Something that cannot be levelled at Moyes is that he is too stubborn to change direction in a number of things. He clearly realised that he had made a huge mistake last year in not being as aggressive as he should be in relation to bringing in new players and he appears to have learnt from that and hit the ground running this summer. Sure, some may still say it is late in the day, but the guy is human and does make mistakes. What makes him stand out though is that he appears to learn from those mistakes and let’s not forget he is still finding his way in the management game. I still believe that we have a gem in our hands in the shape of Moyes and hopefully through improvement that will come with the coming season we will start to build the foundations of a long-lasting return to the top half of English football. Well done Davey, you and the rest us can now go and enjoy our summer…and it’s only just into June!!!
Can’t wait now for 23 July at Celtic Park. Hope to see many thousands of excited Blues there as well!!! It's Five!!
'Frustrating though that wait may be, Johnson will at least take considerable comfort from the fact that his return to the Premiership has now been secured after he signed a five-year contract thought to be worth in the region of Ł35,000 per week.'It is truly a great time for Everton! And personally I think Moyes is handling getting a new centre-back the wrong way. Instead of alerting the whole world and its dog, have the ninja approach and swoop down like a Raven for the kill! You never know? If all esle fails, maybe Ferrari will return??? Luq Yus, London (1/06/06) ...or Krřldrup! - Colm Hole in the back
As for Huth and Co... great! but we need to keep JoYo... otherwise we will be struggling again.
But why isn't he trying to get a right back? We have NO cover for Hibbo and during his 15-game average spell we need someone to put in there, and maybe they can teach him to cross a ball! Glen Johnson on loan — now theres a good piece of business!! The Judas you mentioned
In a time when money was scarce Ł4.5 million for a stroppy tart Ghanain midfielder that doesn't know the meaning of the word "professional" was an awful lot of transfer fee to write off. Similarly Ł4.5 million for some arsehole Croatian centre back who wasn't interested in playing except for his country was a hell of a lot of money to just write off also. He took his golden handshake of Ł1 million and pissed off back home. I wish nothing but malice for these two cockroaches, they are both shameful episodes in the Big Book of Everton, neither were fit to soil our beloved blue strip in the manner they were allowed too.
Judas Barmby moved on, just like shithouse Speed, and a certain wunderkind that currently is recovering from a broken toe. Their only saving grace was that we received some money for them, and in a game now dominated by the state of a club's bank balance this elevates these turncoats slightly above the two parasites that bled our club for all they could get. Wyness
No doubt Moyes has identified the players that he would like to bring to the club, but he hasn't put up any money of his own to buy AJ. Kenwright just doesn't have the money so I doubt he's done no more than give an apoplectic nod of the head. The man responsible for the business end of the wheeling and dealing to beg, borrow or steal the money for our new boy AJ and the impending third corner of the triangle (any cyber pints on it being Weir? Remember the 2 "new signings" last season!!!) is undoubtedly Keith Wyness.
Well done, Keith, and thanks for at least the anticipation of an exciting new season. (I just hope AJ doesnˇt get injured in Germany!!) ToffeeWeb Letters from May 2006 MailBag Archives Season 2005-06 Season 2004-05 |
