FAN ARTICLES
Why collaborate with the 'hacks'?
Comments (4) : I do not agree with the policy of producing word for word extracts of "what the papers say" on the Official website during the closed season. It's OK when they are simply reporting the press comments on our team performance in the previously played game, but if it is extended to "other" press comments, it is, in my opinion, counterproductive.
In particular, I hanker back to the days of Harry Catterick when no transfer to Everton was reported until it had happened. OK, that's impossible now that we have players' Agents talking direct to the press, and playing one Club off against the other to maximise their client's potential transfer value, but I still remember David Moyes's comment a few seasons ago to the effect "don't believe anything you read about Everton transfers until you see it on our Official Website".
Now that the "Official" website are seemingly displaying every scurrilous rumour being published by the media hacks who are prepared to stoop to any depth to fill their copy during the closed season, displaying their "news" merely serves to give credence to their nonsense, and causes, I would submit, much disquiet and upset to many of our supporters who begin to swallow the misinformation on the basis of "it's on the Official website, so there must be some truth in it".
It's a two-way street. Some London Hack tries to whip up (yet again) a story about Andy Johnson "potentially" going back to London (this time to West Ham), and our Official site has to go as far as issuing statements saying, to the effect, "We're not interested in selling him, and he is not interested in moving". The Hacks and unofficial websites then pick up on the statement, and headline it under such wording as "Moyes Laughs at West Ham" (Grand Old Team.com) "Everton Blast Johnson report" (EatSleepSport) "Toffees warn Hammers off Johnson" (Sporting Life), etc and the entire tone of the reporting is representing of a "confrontation" between Everton and West Ham over the issue.
Even worse, the Official website carried an alleged quote by Moysey on the issue being "The West Ham consortium wouldn't have enough money to buy Andrew Johnson or any other Everton player," he quipped. "And for them to think they could shows a lack of understanding of our game." In my opinion, this process merely creates at atmosphere of unjustified and unnecessary disrespect between Clubs, much to the delight of the "Hacks" who feed upon the resulting feedback from the fans of the Clubs concerned.
Know what I am getting at? Are we not all insulted by the idea that West Ham would have the effrontery to try to tempt Andy Johnson and Tim Cahill from us? (but what if it was a total fabrication?) How must Sheffield United / Preston North End / West Brom / Wolves / and many other Clubs' supporters feel when it is reported that we are "about to make a bid for / x player seeks a dream move to (efc) / have our sites set on" one of their players? It's disrespectful to the other Clubs and supporters, as it is when our players are "allegedly" targeted.
So, my plea to our Official website is: - Follow the spirit of Harry the Cat, and the words of Davey Moyes. Keep silent on all transfer issues, until it is to announce our new arrivals.
And to all the "Unofficial" EFC website contributors (such as via this worthy site) treat ALL rumours for what they are - pure inventions and mischief, unless proven to be true by events. And, you know what? For us die hard Evertonians, I honestly believe it's so much more enjoyable that way!
Reader Comments (4)
Note: the following content is not moderated or vetted by the site owners at the time of submission. Comments are the responsibility of the poster. Disclaimer
2 Posted 06/06/2007 at 03:12:54
We all knew for weeks that Rooney was deserting- better than finding out without a murmur, that your best player is gone, Ball forever an Everton legend, Rooney a Judas/Philby/Quisling- and remember.............all this media speculaton is just agent’s jazzing up their 15%.............
3 Posted 06/06/2007 at 13:16:57
So what if papers stir things up - in my opinion this is a part of football and has been for a long time.
I for one like picking up my newspaper or looking at ’hack’ sites, seeing us linked with top players from every which club. Ok, so as fans, we are normally disappointed at the outcome of this speculation but in my opinion this just serves as a part of football, gives optimisim for the forthcoming season and, if nothing else, makes the feeling that the new season comes round quicker.
Please please please do not make me read an article like this again, which is of NO importance whatsoever!!
4 Posted 06/06/2007 at 17:08:58
Add Your Comments
In order to post a comment, you need to be logged in as a registered user of the site.
Or Sign up as a ToffeeWeb Member — it's free, takes just a few minutes and will allow you to post your comments on articles and Talking Points submissions across the site.
1 Posted 05/06/2007 at 16:21:35
At the end of the day even if the player does come to Everton this preemptive speculation will only serve to notify other suitors, increase his eventual transfer fee and no doubt add an extra lining to his agents pockets!!