FAN ARTICLES
Wrong Direction?
By Mick Stanley : 27/05/2007 : 
Comments (45) :
I know we haven't signed anyone yet but I am alarmed at the speculation and the indication of where Everton are going. In the last week or two the strongest links all seem to be defenders: Bardsley (Right Back), Luke Young (Right Back), Phil Jagielka (Right Back/Centre Back/Holding Midfielder). Why am I alarmed?
Comments (45) : If any of this speculation is at all true then it tells me, no let me rephrase that, it SHOUTS to me that Mr Moyes does not intend to play Phil Neville anywhere other than centre midfield. I cannot think of a more negative statement that the club could give me than that. Neville may be a good captain and a decent defender, but he is NOT a central midfielder.
While the management all heap praise on him, my own eyes told me that no-one gave the ball away more consistently in our midfield than Neville last season. He can pass the ball sideways and backwards but not forwards. Time and again his intention is telegraphed and the ball is picked off all too easily. If EFC are to move forward both in our own league and in Europe, and we may not have a better chance for some time, then we need to buy a class central midfielder ? someone with good passing skills and vision, in short someone who can bring the best out of AJ, Vaughan, Anichebe et al.
We may have already seen such a player. Manny Fernandes may not be the jack-of-all-trades player than Moyes prefers, but I would venture to say that he is the classiest central midfielder we have seen in an Everton shirt for many years. We are being told that £12M is too much, but surely, this figure was agreed in January, or so we were led to believe, so it cannot be a surprise now.
If Fernandes is worth £12M at 21, he might well be worth £30M+ in 2-3 years time. I am not suggesting that we buy to sell, I am merely pointing out that with his class and ability the current asking price is not outrageous. Is he too expensive for the club? Given the money earned for finishing 6th, the Sky TV bonanza and probable season ticket sales now that we are back in Europe, I would suggest that the club could afford £12M. The big question in my mind, however, is whether £12M on a single player is too expensive for the ambitions of Moyes and Kenwright. I would love nothing more than to be proved wrong, but I fear that I won?t be.
The signing of Fernandes, or someone of equal class and ability, would be a truly positive signal of intent for the fans. It would suggest a move to real football instead of the often dour and uninspiring defensive minded stuff that we have endured for all too long. Such a signing could also ensure that Mikel Arteta commits himself to the club for the foreseeable future, something we all desperately want to see happen.
I accept that we need to increase our squad size with Europe looming and that that will cost money. I do fervently believe, however, that the purchase of a class central midfielder has to be the absolute top priority. Do we need to spend £6M on a defender (Jagielka) or £8M on a striker (Nugent)? No I don?t think so. Last season the addition of Lescott (what a great signing) and Howard resulted in our best defensive record for years while the emergence of Vaughan and Anichebe heralds great things for the future up front. We may want to strengthen both areas, particularly given the ages of Stubbs and Valente and the departure of Beattie (hopefully) but if you look, there is some very promising young talent about, such as Michael Kightly (Wolves); Danny Haynes (Ipswich); Ashley Williams (Stockport) to name a few, that might not cost us a fortune.
One final point: if we are looking at a relatively expensive defender/midfielder, then why Jagielka? Why are we not showing any apparent interest in Matt Taylor who could be on the move for £5M?
Reader Comments (45)
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Ben Whitworth
2 Posted 27/05/2007 at 16:12:58
2 Posted 27/05/2007 at 16:12:58
I WOULD look forward to Mick’s article in December, when we have been dumped out of the UEFA Cup with 0 points because of the size of the squad, when he claims that Moyes and Kenwright shouldn’t have spent £12m on Fernandes and instead should’ve split the transfer fee in 3 to buy more players so we stood a chance of competing in Europe and in the League.
Thankfully, the situation remains the same. If we have enough money to strengthen AND buy Fernandes, then I think we would do. Otherwise, we’ll have to do without Fernandes because we can’t afford to blow the majority of our transfer budget on one player just because he pulls out some breathtaking skill.
The ideal would be to have him on loan for another season, meaning we can assess him for longer, see if he can adapt to the Premiership, leaving us with £12m to spend elsewhere.
Thankfully, the situation remains the same. If we have enough money to strengthen AND buy Fernandes, then I think we would do. Otherwise, we’ll have to do without Fernandes because we can’t afford to blow the majority of our transfer budget on one player just because he pulls out some breathtaking skill.
The ideal would be to have him on loan for another season, meaning we can assess him for longer, see if he can adapt to the Premiership, leaving us with £12m to spend elsewhere.
Dave Bradnum
3 Posted 27/05/2007 at 16:56:39
3 Posted 27/05/2007 at 16:56:39
I can see why people want fernandes signed he is a quality player but at the asking price is far too high i agree with some that another years loan deal should be brokered and then we could use the cash to strengthen other areas of the squad to ensure european qualification for r the coming season as for Jagielka he is a typical Moyes player who can play across the back four and as a holding midfielder what odds he could possibly turn out to be Carsleys replacement
David H
4 Posted 27/05/2007 at 17:31:56
4 Posted 27/05/2007 at 17:31:56
If Fernandes is worth 12M what price Areteta? and Cahil?
He has shown glimpses of class, but for 12M he’d have to be bossing games and he never did that for me.
I suspect Moyes is playing own interest to try and get the price down or get another year on loan agreed, which s good business.
He has shown glimpses of class, but for 12M he’d have to be bossing games and he never did that for me.
I suspect Moyes is playing own interest to try and get the price down or get another year on loan agreed, which s good business.
Jim Potter
5 Posted 27/05/2007 at 17:45:54
5 Posted 27/05/2007 at 17:45:54
I’m a little confused by our financial situation. On the one hand we keep being told we’ll get anything up to £50 million from the new TV rights and on the other I heard we are £40 million in debt. I hope the former is true and the latter is scare mongering by another Everton-hating journalist. Does anyone know for a fact what the two situations are?
Personally, if we have £15m to spend (again an unknown quantity but a sum I’ve seen attributed to us a few times)- we need a right back, central defender and at least one midfielder. With Johnson, McFadden, Beattie (currently), Anichebe and Vaughan -is a striker currently a must? I like Nugent and I like that he is a Blue - but do we need to be spending £5 to £8m on him? I don’t think so. So Jagielka (£5m tops) or Young (£3m tops); Fernandes (£8m) tops: and a few more (hopefully Lescott / Cahill like) signings from the lower leagues by the inspired Mr Moyes.
When God blessed Joey Barton with being a true believing Bluenose (and with a modicum of footballing talent) He balanced the books by removing three quarters of his brain and all of his social skills. This guy is a human train crash waiting to happen and we should avoid him for the sake of squad harmony. (Yet peversely there is a loony side of me that would love to see him in Royal Blue getting stuck into the Shite).
Good luck with decisions Moyesy!
Personally, if we have £15m to spend (again an unknown quantity but a sum I’ve seen attributed to us a few times)- we need a right back, central defender and at least one midfielder. With Johnson, McFadden, Beattie (currently), Anichebe and Vaughan -is a striker currently a must? I like Nugent and I like that he is a Blue - but do we need to be spending £5 to £8m on him? I don’t think so. So Jagielka (£5m tops) or Young (£3m tops); Fernandes (£8m) tops: and a few more (hopefully Lescott / Cahill like) signings from the lower leagues by the inspired Mr Moyes.
When God blessed Joey Barton with being a true believing Bluenose (and with a modicum of footballing talent) He balanced the books by removing three quarters of his brain and all of his social skills. This guy is a human train crash waiting to happen and we should avoid him for the sake of squad harmony. (Yet peversely there is a loony side of me that would love to see him in Royal Blue getting stuck into the Shite).
Good luck with decisions Moyesy!
John Holmes
6 Posted 27/05/2007 at 18:27:06
6 Posted 27/05/2007 at 18:27:06
Not sure I follow the thrust of your article. You’re saying we should not sign Jagielka (utility defender/midfielder) for £5M and instead sign Taylor (utitlity defender/midfielder) for £5M purely because Jagielka offers an extra option of right-back? Seems to be based on a lot of speculation and assumptions of Moyes’ intentions such as an intention to not sign a classy midfielder whether or not it is Fernandes. The general indication is he intends to. Also the whole point of expanding the squad is that players will be coming in and out of the team and we have cover to enable that. That means cover for Neville (Hibbert and the new right-backs), and Carsley (Neville).
There may be bright prospects in the lower leagues and we can be sure Moyes is looking at them but are they ready for the Premiership? Will they ever be ready? Why not trust Moyes to make those decisions and judge the overall shape of the squad when it is assembled not on the basis of this week’s rumour mill. Two weeks ago you’d have been bemoaning Moyes negligence of the need for defensive cover when we were being linked with every midfielder going.
There may be bright prospects in the lower leagues and we can be sure Moyes is looking at them but are they ready for the Premiership? Will they ever be ready? Why not trust Moyes to make those decisions and judge the overall shape of the squad when it is assembled not on the basis of this week’s rumour mill. Two weeks ago you’d have been bemoaning Moyes negligence of the need for defensive cover when we were being linked with every midfielder going.
Ben Brown
7 Posted 27/05/2007 at 20:44:26
7 Posted 27/05/2007 at 20:44:26
If we get Jag for 4.5m, it will be a quality signing regardless of anything else.
Andy Hutchinson
8 Posted 27/05/2007 at 23:12:43
8 Posted 27/05/2007 at 23:12:43
I’m sorry to say that I can only see one scenario. We’ll sell / let go of five or six players (Pistone, AVM, Wright, Mcfadden, Beattie and possibly Osman). We buy five or six players (some quality and others prospects / cover) and end up with a squad that is still too small for next year.
We need a quality striker, quality goalkeeping cover, a centre half, right and left Back and two midfielders. We also need to make sure we hang on to almost everyone one in the squad apart from the fringe players already released plus Beattie and AVM.
We need a quality striker, quality goalkeeping cover, a centre half, right and left Back and two midfielders. We also need to make sure we hang on to almost everyone one in the squad apart from the fringe players already released plus Beattie and AVM.
KARL MASTERS
9 Posted 27/05/2007 at 23:46:10
9 Posted 27/05/2007 at 23:46:10
If Jagielka can play defence or midfield, we are effectively getting 2 players for the price of one. Bearing in mind he can do the 100m in something like 10.3 seconds I would say he would add pace in areas where we are not blessed with it to any great degree at present. Seems like a sensible target to me. As for Fernandes, it’s 12m EUROS, about £8m, apparently plus wages so I’m sure they are trying to knock it down to something like or £6m before deciding what to do or getting him on loan again perhaps.
Anyway, it’s a bit early to speculate and moaning about Moyes’ activity so soon is a bit foolish. Trust him - he’s hardly going to tell the world his plans - he can’t for obvious reasons.
Anyway, it’s a bit early to speculate and moaning about Moyes’ activity so soon is a bit foolish. Trust him - he’s hardly going to tell the world his plans - he can’t for obvious reasons.
pornchai-Thailand
10 Posted 28/05/2007 at 03:22:58
10 Posted 28/05/2007 at 03:22:58
We have to add in 3-4 players especially midfield who can pass the ball to upfront and put it to the net. Fernandez, Nugent,Barton(Rio-Cooker) is my transfer dream for this summer.
Roman - Columbus, Ohio,USA
11 Posted 28/05/2007 at 05:02:43
11 Posted 28/05/2007 at 05:02:43
All of you have brought out great points about all the players that our currently in our interest to sign. Because of our past history as a small sized club, I feel that we have to go more for numbers than talent (unfortunately) because of the high demands of European football. My question to all of you is where are our scouts? I think we should be tapping into the Eastern European market for players. There is a lot of quality there and the price tag won’t be as expensive.
Derek Thomas
12 Posted 28/05/2007 at 06:44:01
12 Posted 28/05/2007 at 06:44:01
Can we afford NOT to sign Fernandes??, youth, skill, whats not to like.
As for wages, how long ago were KC and DF the top paid on 35-40K.We are better now cashwise than then. We might have to bite the bullet and admit that 50-55K is the new 40 and at least get somewhere near the going rate in the market place.Or brace ourselves for another Bucharest style thrashing.
Two have gone, maybe three if Beattie goes.However many of the squad go in the end, that number plus 3 must be brought in give us quantity AND hopefully quality.
As for wages, how long ago were KC and DF the top paid on 35-40K.We are better now cashwise than then. We might have to bite the bullet and admit that 50-55K is the new 40 and at least get somewhere near the going rate in the market place.Or brace ourselves for another Bucharest style thrashing.
Two have gone, maybe three if Beattie goes.However many of the squad go in the end, that number plus 3 must be brought in give us quantity AND hopefully quality.
John Holmes
13 Posted 28/05/2007 at 08:46:33
13 Posted 28/05/2007 at 08:46:33
Roman, are you asking us if we know where our scouts are or complaining that they aren’t where you want them to be? If the latter what evidence are you basing this on?
More to the point I’m struggling to think of, for all the hype about their low prices and easy availability, any significant number of Eastern Europeans who have succeeded in the Premiership. Pahars had a brief burst at Southampton, Kranjcar is doing OK for Portsmouth (if you class him as Eastern) but I’m really struggling to bring any others to mind. There are certainly plenty floating about but in terms of actually making an impact very much fewer.
The indications (based on the dubious veracity of the rumour mill) are Moyes is heading in the right direction. Utility players for the back with speciality in full-back positions, quality for the midfield and big, cheap target man for the strikeforce.
More to the point I’m struggling to think of, for all the hype about their low prices and easy availability, any significant number of Eastern Europeans who have succeeded in the Premiership. Pahars had a brief burst at Southampton, Kranjcar is doing OK for Portsmouth (if you class him as Eastern) but I’m really struggling to bring any others to mind. There are certainly plenty floating about but in terms of actually making an impact very much fewer.
The indications (based on the dubious veracity of the rumour mill) are Moyes is heading in the right direction. Utility players for the back with speciality in full-back positions, quality for the midfield and big, cheap target man for the strikeforce.
Ash Passmore
14 Posted 28/05/2007 at 08:36:53
14 Posted 28/05/2007 at 08:36:53
We need to look at the depth of the team, we have a good range of forwards, AJ, the young James and Victor both goalscorers at this level and of course Beattie who despite not playing well for us, has the ability.
Midfield - we have our two stars in Cahill and Arteta, but that is not enough, we need at least two more quality midfielders attacking and holding, Neville (is a better defender) and Carsley despite their efforts are more the journeymen than that special talent that the team needs.
As for the back line two good full backs wouldn’t go amiss and a another solid central defender would be useful, either this year or we’ll have to next year.
Goalkeeping cover well after the "agreement" which took Howard out for a game its obvious that someone will have to come in.
5-6 players ideally, 2 midfield at least and 3 across the back, no forward this year unless we win the lottery. It would be nice to think that we can keep Fernandes, then with Jagielka able to play in a range of positions that might help the cash flow. Let someone else tame Barton, we have enough on trying to maintain the momentum we have achieved.
Wishlist: Fernandes, Jagielka, Baines, Nolan as the main signings. Looking at some of the young up and comers in the LC for the future with any spare cash.
The future is bright the future is a blue one.
Midfield - we have our two stars in Cahill and Arteta, but that is not enough, we need at least two more quality midfielders attacking and holding, Neville (is a better defender) and Carsley despite their efforts are more the journeymen than that special talent that the team needs.
As for the back line two good full backs wouldn’t go amiss and a another solid central defender would be useful, either this year or we’ll have to next year.
Goalkeeping cover well after the "agreement" which took Howard out for a game its obvious that someone will have to come in.
5-6 players ideally, 2 midfield at least and 3 across the back, no forward this year unless we win the lottery. It would be nice to think that we can keep Fernandes, then with Jagielka able to play in a range of positions that might help the cash flow. Let someone else tame Barton, we have enough on trying to maintain the momentum we have achieved.
Wishlist: Fernandes, Jagielka, Baines, Nolan as the main signings. Looking at some of the young up and comers in the LC for the future with any spare cash.
The future is bright the future is a blue one.
Stefan Tosev
15 Posted 28/05/2007 at 09:51:23
15 Posted 28/05/2007 at 09:51:23
John Holmes I dont think that you are right here mate. Kishishev spend 7 years at Charlton and cost them 700 K;S Todorov before his career treating injury scored about 23-24 goals in Championship and costed Pompey 500 K, yet D. Nuggent is now GBP 10 Mio?!? Berbatov joined Leverkusen for as little as GBP 1.5 Mio, the same Celtic paid for S. Petrov, who admittedly is not setting the world on fire at Villa right now. M. Petrov who plays for Atletico Madrid and is also target for Spurs was snapped for GBP 1 Mio by Servet. I can speak only for them because they are Bulgarians and I know their history.
Luq Yussef
16 Posted 28/05/2007 at 10:28:55
16 Posted 28/05/2007 at 10:28:55
I’ve read some idiotic things in my time, but of of these posts are truly thick. I agree with Mick Stanley article to the extent that Moyes targets are very worrying indeed. The buzz word for Moyes is defense, hard work and no skill. Ok, Moyes may well be trying to get Fernandes of the cheap, if so good move! But signing the likes of Jagielka, just to play Neville in midfield, smacks of stupidity and a lack of vision! We need a bigger squad, but filling it up with utility players isn’t smart, just means Moyes is tactically inept and unsure. We need quality, we need Fernandes and the likes of Jagielka. A blend of player which Moyes doesn’t seem to know how to mix yet in the transfer market. I predict another season of woe!
KARL MASTERS
17 Posted 28/05/2007 at 11:00:01
17 Posted 28/05/2007 at 11:00:01
’ I predict another season of woe.’ Oh Luq! You call other people idiotic? It’s only May - chill out a bit. With your attitude, why not take the easy way out and just end it all?! You’re obviously a passionate Evertonian, but maybe you are a Richard Dodd in reverse - both of you having extremist views that are good entertainment, but hard to take seriously! Not having a pop at you- just be patient, mate. If we haven’t got the right players in by early July, your comments might make more sense,but not now.
John Holmes
18 Posted 28/05/2007 at 12:12:54
18 Posted 28/05/2007 at 12:12:54
Ok Stefan I stand corrected, on the Bulgarian front anyway. Not convinced by Todorov though. He might have done well in the Championship but I saw him playing for West Ham a couple of times and have never seen such profligate finishing, he was so bad it’s actually the only reason I remember him!
Luq, I think we need a mix of both utility players and quality signings. The reality is we need about 8 players but we simply can’t afford that so if instead we can pick up players like Jagielka who are quality in one position but can fill in at several others then that’s surely got to be the way to go.
We certainly need to pick up some quality players too. Most fans agree on Fernandes being one and the indications are Moyes is trying to secure him. Hopefully he’ll be looking at a pacey winger too. But if that winger could also play in the centre then that would again be a bonus. With the squad low on numbers Moyes has to perform a balancing act between signing for the positions we need and the cover we need.
Luq, I think we need a mix of both utility players and quality signings. The reality is we need about 8 players but we simply can’t afford that so if instead we can pick up players like Jagielka who are quality in one position but can fill in at several others then that’s surely got to be the way to go.
We certainly need to pick up some quality players too. Most fans agree on Fernandes being one and the indications are Moyes is trying to secure him. Hopefully he’ll be looking at a pacey winger too. But if that winger could also play in the centre then that would again be a bonus. With the squad low on numbers Moyes has to perform a balancing act between signing for the positions we need and the cover we need.
Dan
19 Posted 28/05/2007 at 13:37:42
19 Posted 28/05/2007 at 13:37:42
I agree with Tosev, our european scouts have been sleeping for years. Eastern Europe, Balkan and Scandinavia is all places to look for utility players who can come in for around 1 or 2 millin pounds. I agree that when everyone is sold and bought we should have four or five players more than now. People have to consider injuries too, we must accept that one of our stars could get a serious injury and be out for most of the season. One think more!!!! Stop saying we should trust in Moyes and let him do his job, im sure he will but obviously people think it interesting to talk about the transfer market and rumours!
Nick Eve
20 Posted 28/05/2007 at 16:00:14
20 Posted 28/05/2007 at 16:00:14
I think everyone is in agreement that the squad needs to be stronger to mount a serious challenge in Europe and the cups (and try to be in the top 6.) I think Matt Taylor would be a terific sigining, this would allow Lescot to play in his correct position of centre half. I think we need a midfielder in the shape of Nolan and a winger who can beat a player. As for a striker i agree that the players we are linked with such as Darren Bent and Nuggent are over priced, but that is what you get when you buy British, we should start looking futher a field, in my opinion the lad at Ajax Hunterlaar? is worth a look and will cost less then similar british forwards.
Coook
21 Posted 28/05/2007 at 18:06:04
21 Posted 28/05/2007 at 18:06:04
All the points raised are valid, but we all have to remember that we have played the majority of the season without Tim Cahill, so weh he returns it will, in effect, be adding an extra midfielder! I do agree that utility players are not necessarily but they are required as back up to injuries!! Carsley has played well this season but we need a quality player to replace him! On the attacking front, we have got good talent coming through and with a fully fit AJ there is no reason why we cant be a good attacking force next year! Manny Fernandes is a good player but hes not worth spending all that money on, we could pick up someone for cheaper than that!
Our defense is a good unit, and have proved themselves this term, but we do need a couple of wingbacks, as Hibbert is constantly injured! Neville should stay in defense because he does give the ball away far to often, the recent England A game showed that off!!
We should leave off Moyes for the time being, his last 2 signings have been good buys and i trust him to use our money wisely again this time!!
Our defense is a good unit, and have proved themselves this term, but we do need a couple of wingbacks, as Hibbert is constantly injured! Neville should stay in defense because he does give the ball away far to often, the recent England A game showed that off!!
We should leave off Moyes for the time being, his last 2 signings have been good buys and i trust him to use our money wisely again this time!!
Joanne Gaskell
22 Posted 28/05/2007 at 19:10:36
22 Posted 28/05/2007 at 19:10:36
Phil Jagielka would be a good signing and a step forward as he can play in numerous positions and would help our squad through our european quest!
I think Matt Taylor would be a great asset as he can score quality goals also Luke young is a strong defender and would be a great signing. Everyone seems to be buying people we need to be getting out there and doing the same if were to have a long european tour and another top six finish in the premiership.
With Mikel Arteta, Tim Cahill and Maybe manual Fernandes in our midfield we surely cant go wrong!
I think Matt Taylor would be a great asset as he can score quality goals also Luke young is a strong defender and would be a great signing. Everyone seems to be buying people we need to be getting out there and doing the same if were to have a long european tour and another top six finish in the premiership.
With Mikel Arteta, Tim Cahill and Maybe manual Fernandes in our midfield we surely cant go wrong!
Karl
23 Posted 28/05/2007 at 20:23:11
23 Posted 28/05/2007 at 20:23:11
Most likely Startin line up for the Start of the season
HOWARD
NEVILLE LESCOTT YOBO BAINES
OSMAN CAHILL FERNANDES ARTETA
JOHNSON BEATTIE
Leighton Baines is a must! If Baines goes to another club, then we should then look at Shorey/Matty Taylor/Patrice Evra.
Fernandes is also a must, a young talented Midfielder alongside Cahill and Areteta! a very strong and technical midfield! But we just can?t afford £12million!
If we can?t afford Fernandes then I beleive Jagielka would be a good signing, but Sheff Utd are asking £6million! we could get Reo coker for £8m - a far better player, and a player that Everton desperatley need..if not Reo Coker, then maybe Nolan!
We all need to remember the African Nations in the Winter! We are going to lose Yobo and Achidibe for atlease a month!
You must all be looking at my likely line up and thinking "Beattie! are you mad?" And a probably am but I think Moyes should give Beattie a chance to play regular football alongside Johnson..If he doesnt perform, Sell in January! Who could we get to replace Beattie? How much would nugent cost if he is still at Preston with 6 months left on his contract? £3million? or how about Alan Smith? If Man Utd buy a new striker he won?t be playing regular football?
HOWARD
NEVILLE LESCOTT YOBO BAINES
OSMAN CAHILL FERNANDES ARTETA
JOHNSON BEATTIE
Leighton Baines is a must! If Baines goes to another club, then we should then look at Shorey/Matty Taylor/Patrice Evra.
Fernandes is also a must, a young talented Midfielder alongside Cahill and Areteta! a very strong and technical midfield! But we just can?t afford £12million!
If we can?t afford Fernandes then I beleive Jagielka would be a good signing, but Sheff Utd are asking £6million! we could get Reo coker for £8m - a far better player, and a player that Everton desperatley need..if not Reo Coker, then maybe Nolan!
We all need to remember the African Nations in the Winter! We are going to lose Yobo and Achidibe for atlease a month!
You must all be looking at my likely line up and thinking "Beattie! are you mad?" And a probably am but I think Moyes should give Beattie a chance to play regular football alongside Johnson..If he doesnt perform, Sell in January! Who could we get to replace Beattie? How much would nugent cost if he is still at Preston with 6 months left on his contract? £3million? or how about Alan Smith? If Man Utd buy a new striker he won?t be playing regular football?
col
24 Posted 28/05/2007 at 21:16:54
24 Posted 28/05/2007 at 21:16:54
The idea of a starting line-up featuring Osman, Beattie and Fernandes frightens me. For different reasons these are not the players to get us up another notch. As for Nugent the fact that he is a life-long Blue is irrelevant. My mate is a PNE season-ticket holder and doesn’t rate him especially, sort of 6 out of 10, maybe 7 on a good day.
We need a left back freeing up Lescott to join Joseph in the middle, further cover in central defence in case of injuries, Pedersson from Blackburn out wide on the left and a 4th striker to replace the departing Beattie.
It is all getting a little bit exciting, but there are 2 words which we should utter the moment we wake up in the morning and then every 20 seconds during the day. Those words are LEEDS UNITED.
We need a left back freeing up Lescott to join Joseph in the middle, further cover in central defence in case of injuries, Pedersson from Blackburn out wide on the left and a 4th striker to replace the departing Beattie.
It is all getting a little bit exciting, but there are 2 words which we should utter the moment we wake up in the morning and then every 20 seconds during the day. Those words are LEEDS UNITED.
David H
25 Posted 28/05/2007 at 22:48:31
25 Posted 28/05/2007 at 22:48:31
Luq Youssef - "I predict another season of woe!" Are you sure you were watching the same team as me last year? I thought we played some great football last year and can only see us getting better. Tragic how some people just seem to have it in for Moyes no matter what he does.
You say - "The buzz word for Moyes is defense, hard work and no skill." Moyes signed Arteta, Johnson, Cahill, Yobo, Lescott ? you telling me they fit your description? You need a reality check.
You say - "The buzz word for Moyes is defense, hard work and no skill." Moyes signed Arteta, Johnson, Cahill, Yobo, Lescott ? you telling me they fit your description? You need a reality check.
John Holmes
26 Posted 29/05/2007 at 11:39:56
26 Posted 29/05/2007 at 11:39:56
Karl what planet are you on? Patrice Evra? Alan Smith? Kevin Nolan? What on earth makes you think any of these players would sign for Everton even if we could afford them? Not sure it’s even worth describing the wrongs but United are selling Heinze it seems (no not to us) so Evra isn’t remotely for sale, Smith has said time and again he doesn’t want to leave United and certainly not for Everton and Nolan aside from being likely to cost more than Fernandes has reaffirmed his commitment to Bolton and the only club he’s likely to leave for is Newcastle because of Allardyce!
And yes, if you think Beattie should start the season in the first team you are mad. He had numerous last chances last season. He’s had 2 and a half years and has only impressed consistently in one 3 month spell, and even that was only a moderate success, it wasn’t as if he was tearing defences to shreds. Time is up and he needs to be moved on. He’s one of our highest paid players and isn’t earning his keep.
I now understand why Michael complained so much about FM stuff in the mailbag...
And yes, if you think Beattie should start the season in the first team you are mad. He had numerous last chances last season. He’s had 2 and a half years and has only impressed consistently in one 3 month spell, and even that was only a moderate success, it wasn’t as if he was tearing defences to shreds. Time is up and he needs to be moved on. He’s one of our highest paid players and isn’t earning his keep.
I now understand why Michael complained so much about FM stuff in the mailbag...
Otto
27 Posted 29/05/2007 at 14:02:23
27 Posted 29/05/2007 at 14:02:23
Did someone mention Scandinavia? As an Evertonian from Finland I have to suggest Mikael Forssell(Birmingham) and Mika Väyrynen(PSV Eindhoven). They are young, skilled and probably not that expensive. Swedish Kim Kallström would be great signing too.It's a relief to see Pistone and Beattie leave, they gave us just pain and frustration.I think the most important thing is to keep Arteta. Mikel is the heart and lungs of our game. AJ is the fist.
Sam Hoare
28 Posted 29/05/2007 at 14:47:16
28 Posted 29/05/2007 at 14:47:16
I think people need to stop judging Moyes on supposed transfer targets. Just because we are being linked with a few defenders does not mean that he is planning to buy all of them!!
Personally i think Jagielka seems a good bit of business at £4m. He is passionate and relatively young and can fill in anywhere along the back. Sheffiled Utd fans seem to rate him best as a centre back which will be incredibly usefull once Yobo heads off in Jan. Admittedly to survive in Europe we will need more than just passion and i hope that Moyes signs one or two more creative players to share the workload with Mikel. I would be happy with Jagielka (4m), Kightley (1.5), thomas (1.5), Viduka(free), fernandez(8m) and maybe another 3m on some talented france/brazil/spain/portugal/ bulgaria? under 21 starlet to develop.
Personally i think Jagielka seems a good bit of business at £4m. He is passionate and relatively young and can fill in anywhere along the back. Sheffiled Utd fans seem to rate him best as a centre back which will be incredibly usefull once Yobo heads off in Jan. Admittedly to survive in Europe we will need more than just passion and i hope that Moyes signs one or two more creative players to share the workload with Mikel. I would be happy with Jagielka (4m), Kightley (1.5), thomas (1.5), Viduka(free), fernandez(8m) and maybe another 3m on some talented france/brazil/spain/portugal/ bulgaria? under 21 starlet to develop.
KarlostheJackal
29 Posted 29/05/2007 at 16:56:12
29 Posted 29/05/2007 at 16:56:12
Let’s begin with Phil Jagielka. This is a guy that has been linked with Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester United, Newcastle, Aston Villa and Everton in the last 18 months. He is a very very good player.
You speak to every Sheffield United fan they will say the same thing; he is class. He is always the one doing last ditch tackles. He is very quick and i think is an ideal centre half to play alongside yobo, lescott, stubbs or at right back over the course of the season. He alsso has a wicked shot and is a prod evertonian. You have to be an evertonian to understand the ethos. He will die for the cause. Thats the first thing i ask from any player. But he has quality too. So definite buy.
I want joey barton to sign for Everton. I hope he goes to anfield and gives gerrard the kick up the backside he deserves. Im sick and tired of gerrard cheating and the media doing nothing. It would be funny and the strange thing about barton is that we would love him. He gets on the nerves of the kopites.
Anotehr buy has to be a winger. I mean lets get someone where we go ’wow im proud to be an Evertonian’ someone like a van der vaart, quaresma. but i will accept fernandes.
howard
neville yobo jagielka lescott
osman fernandes barton cahillarteta
johnson
this team could do some damage.
You speak to every Sheffield United fan they will say the same thing; he is class. He is always the one doing last ditch tackles. He is very quick and i think is an ideal centre half to play alongside yobo, lescott, stubbs or at right back over the course of the season. He alsso has a wicked shot and is a prod evertonian. You have to be an evertonian to understand the ethos. He will die for the cause. Thats the first thing i ask from any player. But he has quality too. So definite buy.
I want joey barton to sign for Everton. I hope he goes to anfield and gives gerrard the kick up the backside he deserves. Im sick and tired of gerrard cheating and the media doing nothing. It would be funny and the strange thing about barton is that we would love him. He gets on the nerves of the kopites.
Anotehr buy has to be a winger. I mean lets get someone where we go ’wow im proud to be an Evertonian’ someone like a van der vaart, quaresma. but i will accept fernandes.
howard
neville yobo jagielka lescott
osman fernandes barton cahillarteta
johnson
this team could do some damage.
darren
30 Posted 29/05/2007 at 20:48:22
30 Posted 29/05/2007 at 20:48:22
I think we should look at an ex-blue who is currently on a free!!!!! Michael Ball, hes a left back, classy, and has been injury free for a couple of years now. Did I mention he’s FREE. Surely he would fit in at left back & im sure he’d love to come back and play for us!
Paul Gregory
31 Posted 29/05/2007 at 20:54:50
31 Posted 29/05/2007 at 20:54:50
Jagielka would be a good addition to our squad. The £4-£5m quoted seems to be the averge fee for a half decent english player. I wouldn’t mind seeing a Kevin Nolan or a chilled out (off the field) Joey Barton in the middle of midfield, let’s face facts - we can’t blow £12m on one player like Fernandes. I think we will probably see 4 or 5 players come in but at realistic prices. Preston would be mad not to sell Nugent, he only has a year left on his contract and he is not going to sign another so watch this space on that one. It might be another transfer similar to johnson where the player makes it clear he wants to sign for the blues and we get him in the end at a price we can afford. I wouldn’t mind seeing a a decent right or left winger who can put a decent cross into dangerous areas at speed, young Kightly at Wolves is a good prospect within our price range. There are a few more players who need to go as well: Andy van along with Valente (injury prone), I might upset a few blues as well by suggesting that maybe Osman is a little bit lightweight and never had the best of seasons. Lets wait and see lads.
In Moyes we trust !!
In Moyes we trust !!
Rob Wilkinson
32 Posted 29/05/2007 at 20:39:26
32 Posted 29/05/2007 at 20:39:26
In my life i trust 2 ppl myself and the current everton manager, he came to our club when we were championship material and has dragged us up by the scruff of our neck so lets get behind him instead of slagging him off we’re SUPPORTERS after all. As regards to the transfer situation i like the idea of jag @ right back but the thing is i dont think its that important to buy a right back as we have hibbert and big phil as cover, how about aj gets on the blower 2 his pal wayne routledge who 2 me is class and young and wouldnt cost 2 much as he is seemingly unwanted. next a tough tackling playmaking spirited midfielder i would love reo-coker coz i think hes englands future would kick hargreaves all over the pitch but i love bartons passion but the jurys still out on him. How about giving Tommy his swansong in europe as cover he wouldnt cost alot as he cant get a game in the 2nd rate league but at the end of the day he should have stayed and id love to see him as captain. beattie is finished but i think this may finally be the season for mcfadden who always to me shows glimpses of brilliance not often enough but plz this season? we do need a new central defender but i see jag as a makeshift centre back davies from west brom? price? and last but not least priskin little hungarian lad from watford would cost next to nothing but my god hes got skill. All apart from reo coker and davies would cost next 2 nothin leavin us with funds for the exciting fernandes.
Dick Fearon
33 Posted 29/05/2007 at 22:30:07
33 Posted 29/05/2007 at 22:30:07
All this talk about utility players is symptomatic of the modern workforce wherein we have lots of ’Jack’ of all trades yet Master of none. Another downside is a ’Jack’ gets injured and bang goes your cover for not one but half dozen positions.
Steve
34 Posted 30/05/2007 at 03:42:46
34 Posted 30/05/2007 at 03:42:46
I disagree totally with selling Osman, I’ve always liked him and he will def do a good job for us across midfield over the course of a season potentially lasting over 50 games. Ok, with signings he may not start all 50 but he’s def worth hanging onto surely? I’m well up for Jag & Fernandes, also I’ve said to my mates for 3 years we should be in for Matty Taylor, not only does he score (mostly wonder) goals from leftback he is a decent crosser and tackler. Taylor or Valente? No contest!
Matthew Williams
35 Posted 30/05/2007 at 07:44:36
35 Posted 30/05/2007 at 07:44:36
I would not want to get rid of Osman as although he did not have a good season last year overall he is a good neat and tidy player who can score goals from midfield, I have always liked him and he is quite versitile.
I am quite hopefull something will be sorted out with Fernandes as surely he would have gone back to portugal by now with his loan deal ending.
As someone has said the price being qouted is 12 million euros not £s. I think we could get him for a down payment of say 5 million with the rest paid over his contract.
It is true he has shown only glimpese of class at the moment but those glimpes were good enough for me.
Artrta was not the player he is now when he first came on loan and I think once Fernandes settles he will become more consistant. definately worth a gamble and if we let him slip through our fingers I could see him ending somewhere like Arsenal and we could be feeling very stupid in a year or two if that happens.
For me getting Fernandes signed up should be our priority then we should look to get a natural wide player as VDM is not likely to stay on and Osman and Arteta need some cover(and competition). a leftback is also needed
I don't think a striker is needed at the moment(unless Beattie gets moved on)
So we should be looking for a leftback,wing player and signing Fernandes. quality rather then quantity for me.
I am quite hopefull something will be sorted out with Fernandes as surely he would have gone back to portugal by now with his loan deal ending.
As someone has said the price being qouted is 12 million euros not £s. I think we could get him for a down payment of say 5 million with the rest paid over his contract.
It is true he has shown only glimpese of class at the moment but those glimpes were good enough for me.
Artrta was not the player he is now when he first came on loan and I think once Fernandes settles he will become more consistant. definately worth a gamble and if we let him slip through our fingers I could see him ending somewhere like Arsenal and we could be feeling very stupid in a year or two if that happens.
For me getting Fernandes signed up should be our priority then we should look to get a natural wide player as VDM is not likely to stay on and Osman and Arteta need some cover(and competition). a leftback is also needed
I don't think a striker is needed at the moment(unless Beattie gets moved on)
So we should be looking for a leftback,wing player
Tony Towers
36 Posted 30/05/2007 at 11:50:55
36 Posted 30/05/2007 at 11:50:55
I agree with the comments from Mick Stanley. I do feel looking at current transfer speculation, and i reiterate speculation, we are not targeting class players like other teams in the Prem are doing. Surely to compete at the highest level you need to sign players of an ability level to do it. I know we do not have the funds to compete with the top four and will not have for the forseable future but to let Spurs rise to a new level is not on.
If the Fernandes saga is still to be sorted.
Do we really want to lose out on this classy player going to a rival?
I think if we sign him it will give a clear indication of where Mr Moyes and Blue Bill believe this club should be. I am not adversed to signing Champ players (Cahil, Johnson, Lescott all fantastic for EFC) but we cannot expect players from this division be ready for a full European/Prem season. We need to get some balance in our signing this summer with some squad players, maybe from the Championship and some class players to keep the rains tight on Spurs and to help secure fifth place next season.
If the Fernandes saga is still to be sorted.
Do we really want to lose out on this classy player going to a rival?
I think if we sign him it will give a clear indication of where Mr Moyes and Blue Bill believe this club should be. I am not adversed to signing Champ players (Cahil, Johnson, Lescott all fantastic for EFC) but we cannot expect players from this division be ready for a full European/Prem season. We need to get some balance in our signing this summer with some squad players, maybe from the Championship and some class players to keep the rains tight on Spurs and to help secure fifth place next season.
Dan Mortimer
37 Posted 30/05/2007 at 17:55:13
37 Posted 30/05/2007 at 17:55:13
I?d rather our team was defensive and won than open and weak like the sad old days of Mike Walker and Walter Smith.
That aside the facts are that our squad is way too small to take on a European tour and mount a decent season in the Premier League. Priority to me is a left back. We all know that Stubbo has only got another season left in him, at which point Lescott will move into the centre with Yobo. Time to get rid of those wasters Pistone and Naysmith. Out too go VDM Wright and Beattie. We need quantity AS WELL as quality.
Well Done Moyesey! You are a living god.
That aside the facts are that our squad is way too small to take on a European tour and mount a decent season in the Premier League. Priority to me is a left back. We all know that Stubbo has only got another season left in him, at which point Lescott will move into the centre with Yobo. Time to get rid of those wasters Pistone and Naysmith. Out too go VDM Wright and Beattie. We need quantity AS WELL as quality.
Well Done Moyesey! You are a living god.
kieran fitzgerald
38 Posted 30/05/2007 at 20:07:02
38 Posted 30/05/2007 at 20:07:02
We do need a regular left back as neither Valente or Naysmith got a regular game there through persistant injury last season. You could use either of these players as cover if fit and or required.
Stubbs isn’t getting any younger which means that Yobo and Lescott will need cover at centre back.
It’s pointless having a midfield that is increasing in quality, that can create chances and win games, if your back four is going to let it down consistantly. A large part of our success last season was based on the fact that we scored more goals and conceeded alot less than in previous seasons. The midfield will not be able to help create those chances again next season if it covering up for a defence that is so much weaker than last season. Because of this I would have to disagree with Mick’s piece above.
Stubbs isn’t getting any younger which means that Yobo and Lescott will need cover at centre back.
It’s pointless having a midfield that is increasing in quality, that can create chances and win games, if your back four is going to let it down consistantly. A large part of our success last season was based on the fact that we scored more goals and conceeded alot less than in previous seasons. The midfield will not be able to help create those chances again next season if it covering up for a defence that is so much weaker than last season. Because of this I would have to disagree with Mick’s piece above.
Davey
39 Posted 30/05/2007 at 22:00:14
39 Posted 30/05/2007 at 22:00:14
I’d like some of whatever the Rob Williamson ’the Thomas Priskin fan’ is on.
Also, what’s with the leighton baines love-in? The guy is only in the England U21s because of his left foot! Same goes for Ball, great left foot, dodgy left back. Stick with Lescott, Valente or Naysmith
Nothing wrong with the current squad, Moyes doing a brilliant job (Beattie aside).
Also, what’s with the leighton baines love-in? The guy is only in the England U21s because of his left foot! Same goes for Ball, great left foot, dodgy left back. Stick with Lescott, Valente or Naysmith
Nothing wrong with the current squad, Moyes doing a brilliant job (Beattie aside).
Mark Atkinson
40 Posted 30/05/2007 at 22:53:45
40 Posted 30/05/2007 at 22:53:45
There was talk of Fernandes?s price being 12m Euros not sterling. If that is right we should buy him without doubt. If the price is £12m then personally I think we should buy him anyway. He without question improves our squad and would definitely be an asset going in to Europe. With him in the side we have looked like a proper footballing side and out played teams with technique and skill rather than just work ethic and team work. We as a team have those characteristics but added the creativity of Fernandes and Arteta we are looking at a very good Everton side.
I personally will be very disappointed if Fernandes is not a full time Everton employee by the end of the summer. In regards to Joey Barton, he is an under rated footballer. However with that he seems to be a total tool! I do feel the problems he has and that have been well documented are that he dislikes playing in a team of spineless players who are there for money and little more. This has been the root of SOME of his problems at Man Shitteh? and I do feel in our team he would be more settled and add to it. Carsley has been solid again but put a young Barton there and look through the spine of our team! Youth, quality, creativity, guile and many more superlatives! On top of those I think we should be looking for a left back. Valente still has quality but is getting on, Neville would be my current first choice as I too don?t like him in midfield. He gives 100% yes but he has not proved a great footballer this season. Another CB as cover for Lescott and Yobo, Stubbs has been immense but again can?t have too many years left at the level we should be playing.
Nugent at the bizarre £8m they?re demanding is an unnecessary luxury, at that price and with the cover from Anichebe, Vaughan and McFadden (with a decent run in the side) to support AJ, we can wait till he is available on a free next year. A good winger for either side as obviously Arteta can take the other would be ideal but I can?t see anyone out there that we could get at the moment but just imagine if we could get hold of Morten Gamst or Bentley from Blackburn?! All in all I think we aren?t far away from having a very good Everton team again, a few good signings over the close season would be great. I?m also realistic and remember I?m an Everton fan so things will undoubtedly not go perfectly to plan!
I will address one worry. I wonder if you have noticed that we seem to have established good relationships with Man Utd over the last few years? It seems that upstairs they get on and this has led to the Neville and Howard deals and of course the ridiculous Howard fiasco and the 4-2 defeat at Goodison! But I?m scared, Very scared that this could also lead to the Fletchers, Richardsons and O?Sheas coming our way! Moyes if you?re reading. NO. They belong at the Birminghams, the West Broms the Villas and if they?ve reached 30+ the Boltons of this world!
I think we are going to have an exciting season hopefully not in the traditional Everton sense of Rollercoaster!!
Come on you blue boys!!!
Paul Cave
41 Posted 30/05/2007 at 22:43:00
41 Posted 30/05/2007 at 22:43:00
Hmmm
Lots of comments and views, here is my 10p’s worth.
Manny Fernandes potentially a brilliant signing, but despite everything still unproven, why are Benfica listening to offers if he is that good. Why aren’t the like of Real, AC Milan etc. kicking down their doors. The valuation is out of kilter. I agree with one comment, lets negotiate a deal of a further 12months loan, then stage payemnts. He will prove his worth if he has the quality. Remember the anticipation we all had when Beattie was signed.
Jagielka is another story altogether. I remember sitting along side a Wolves supporter at the Open at Hoylake he said we had signed real quality when we got Lescott, well My work colleague is a Blades Supporter and he rates Jagielka as the one real quality player they have and if we get him fo £4m it will be daylight robbery. So in my view get rid of VDM, Beattie retain the rest and add Jags and Manny (on the right terms) do we need Nugent? at present we have the youth coming through with quality so save the money and bolster the parts of the squad that are weak. Midfield and Defence. Ignore any comments from muppets that say that Davey is negative looking at those areas, reality says we are weak there so reinforcements are required, we need to be looking at squad rotations if we intend to stay in the top 5-6 and compete in all cups including Europe.
Lots of comments and views, here is my 10p’s worth.
Manny Fernandes potentially a brilliant signing, but despite everything still unproven, why are Benfica listening to offers if he is that good. Why aren’t the like of Real, AC Milan etc. kicking down their doors. The valuation is out of kilter. I agree with one comment, lets negotiate a deal of a further 12months loan, then stage payemnts. He will prove his worth if he has the quality. Remember the anticipation we all had when Beattie was signed.
Jagielka is another story altogether. I remember sitting along side a Wolves supporter at the Open at Hoylake he said we had signed real quality when we got Lescott, well My work colleague is a Blades Supporter and he rates Jagielka as the one real quality player they have and if we get him fo £4m it will be daylight robbery. So in my view get rid of VDM, Beattie retain the rest and add Jags and Manny (on the right terms) do we need Nugent? at present we have the youth coming through with quality so save the money and bolster the parts of the squad that are weak. Midfield and Defence. Ignore any comments from muppets that say that Davey is negative looking at those areas, reality says we are weak there so reinforcements are required, we need to be looking at squad rotations if we intend to stay in the top 5-6 and compete in all cups including Europe.
Roman, Columbus, Ohio, USA
42 Posted 31/05/2007 at 02:28:19
42 Posted 31/05/2007 at 02:28:19
John Holmes, I am merely suggesting not complaining that our scouts take a look in the Easten European leagues for talent. I honestly don’t know where our scouts are located. Some of the names that come to mind that have made an impact in the EPL are: Shevchenko, Rosicky, Berbatov, Cech. These were all players that started their careers in Easten European leagues and have contributed and adapted well to the Premiership.
Roman, Columbus, Ohio, USA
43 Posted 31/05/2007 at 02:51:31
43 Posted 31/05/2007 at 02:51:31
Just to further expand on scouting in Eastern Europe... When you look at the rosters of all the teams that qualified for Europe this past season (2006) from the Premiership, all of them on average had 5 to 6 players more than us. That may not seem like much, but with a European campaign looming that could be the difference of moving deep into the tournament. Now I’m not suggesting that we sign the highest rated players from the European Leagues, but I’m sure that we can find some good talent at bargain prices to make up those numbers. Obviously there will be some changes made for next season on our squad which will mean that whomever we let go we must fill that spot and in addition to 5-6 more. If we were to do that, that would mean bringing in anywhere from 9-10 new faces. I can’t see this happening (on our current budget)so I fear that we will once again be short in numbers, and heaven forbid if we get a few of our players injured....
Billy
44 Posted 31/05/2007 at 05:19:53
44 Posted 31/05/2007 at 05:19:53
Yes,I think so...I’d like to see Phile Nevile played in right back, he showed good job like we defeated spur 2:0 last year, so I’d like to see we link to one good left back like Braine from Wigan(4m),one good defend midfield like Scharner from Wigan (4m)too,one pace winger like Jame Milner from Newcastle(5m)and one quality striker like Boyinov from Fiorentina (5m)or Kamara from Westbrom(5m),my first 11 players Howard,Nevile,Braine,Lescott,Yobo,
Scharner,Cahill,Milner,Arteta,Johnson
,Boyinov,Thank you.
Scharner,Cahill,Milner,Arteta,Johnson
,Boyinov,Thank you.
Troy
45 Posted 31/05/2007 at 16:05:50
45 Posted 31/05/2007 at 16:05:50
my ideal signings are:-
Jagielka £4m
Alan Smith £6m
Fernandes loan or permanent
Taylor £5m won’t happen
Koumas £3m
Scott Parker ?
Jagielka £4m
Alan Smith £6m
Fernandes loan or permanent
Taylor £5m won’t happen
Koumas £3m
Scott Parker ?
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1 Posted 27/05/2007 at 16:12:58