The Mail Bag
Beattie must stay
Comments (18)
I was delighted to read in the rumour mill that Moyes was reluctant to sell Beattie. In my view, the ex-England man is quality and has had a raw deal here since moving from Southampton. Moyes has unsuccessfully tried to change an out-and- out goalscorer into the type of all-purpose player he so admires which begs the question: Why he was attracted to him in the first place?
Although the big man`s scoring record was abysmal last season, he played his heart out and I am convinced he can do a great job for us. Moyes should be going all out to strengthen the sqaud not decimate it, so it`s a relief to hear Beatties not on the `to go` list.
Fraser Matlock, Posted 12/06/2007 at 14:16:02
Comments
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
I would accept what you were saying about Beattie if I really felt that he was an out-and-out goalscorer but he’s missed numerous sitters this year in a team that without him in it was creating a fair number of chances. It’s not enough for any striker to just hang around waiting for the ball to come to him in front of goal. Even if they aren’t often providers they have to offer some threat other than a final touch be it strength, pace, movement or skill. Beattie offers none of these in sufficient quantities. That’s why he should be sold.
you cant knock the blokes effort but at the end of the day he is (or was) in the team with the main aim being to score goals. A striker is always judged by their goals. If you are not scoring, you lose your place and bring in someone who can score. Having said that we do not play the formation that would suit someone with Beatts style and I think that is the main problem. AJ is more than happy to run the channels similar to what bent did (but with more goals to his game) beattie needs service from the wings and we dont play with a natural winger. Its a shame because i thought a lot of him but if we keep him and continue to play a system that doesnt suit, we are not doing us or him any favours. Moyes seems to have found a system (with slight variation depending on the opposition) and therefore it might be best for all concerned to let him leave and try somewhere else and free up cash for someone else. ie Nugent
I’m inclined to agree with you Fraser. Whilst I don’t necessarily share your view that Beattie is an out-and-out goalscorer with fantastic ability, I do think we should keep hold of the lad until January if we have a limited budget.
Since he arrived, I’ve desperately wanted Beattie to achieve, to score and to be a no. 9 to be proud of. Sadly he hasn’t delivered. He had a purple patch for three months some time ago and despite limited chances at times, whenever he gets onto the pitch he looks laboured, and like he’s wading through treacle!! Furthermore, there are two teenage lads vying for a starting spot who are both keen as mustard and deperate to make an impression every time they get a sniff from Moyes. I’m a great believer in playing your best eleven, and unfortunately Beattie would be a fourth choice in these circumstances.
But as I have said, in light of the fact that we appear to have jack shit of a transfer budget, I would keep him if only to keep up the numbers and squad size. Keeping Beattie should mean we can devote money towards other area’s of considerably greater concern (i.e. the entire left side, another centre half, a bit of guile in the middle of the Park, etc.). Bill, stop dicking about with that bloody Joseph and show us the money!!
Since he arrived, I’ve desperately wanted Beattie to achieve, to score and to be a no. 9 to be proud of. Sadly he hasn’t delivered. He had a purple patch for three months some time ago and despite limited chances at times, whenever he gets onto the pitch he looks laboured, and like he’s wading through treacle!! Furthermore, there are two teenage lads vying for a starting spot who are both keen as mustard and deperate to make an impression every time they get a sniff from Moyes. I’m a great believer in playing your best eleven, and unfortunately Beattie would be a fourth choice in these circumstances.
But as I have said, in light of the fact that we appear to have jack shit of a transfer budget, I would keep him if only to keep up the numbers and squad size. Keeping Beattie should mean we can devote money towards other area’s of considerably greater concern (i.e. the entire left side, another centre half, a bit of guile in the middle of the Park, etc.). Bill, stop dicking about with that bloody Joseph and show us the money!!
Problem with your comments Fraser is that it would be very difficult to class James Beattie as an out-and-out goalscorer, the basis for this assessment being the one season he over-performed for Southampton. Unfortunately David Moyes based his decision on these facts yet his goalscoring form to date has been abysmal. There is no doubt that Beattie tries hard, seems a likeable bloke and good to have around the camp although I would suspect he is chiefly employed not for boosting camaraderie or morale but to score goals. Last season demonstrated to me the serious flaws in Beattie’s game, he has poor control and first touch, he is not prolific in the air, he is unable to react quickly in situations, and his close finishing leaves a lot to be desired. With James Vaughan and Victor Anichebe getting ahead of him in the pecking order I think its safe to say that we will take a considerable loss on this acquisition.
Fraser Matlock from Ormskirk, is this location in another universe? Speaking as a fan who continually has to suffer the relentless failures of james beattie, what planet are you beattie ally’s on? Make your judgement on facts. Beattie has not scored a goal in open play for over 18 months, and for those who believe he hasn’t had opportunities in the first team, you obviously haven’t been to any games this year, because I am sick of watching this waste of space wear a blue shirt. He is fat, rubbish and most frustratingly of all he is deluded. He actually believes he is worthy of the same number 9 shirt worn by Latchford, Lineker, Dean, Gray et al. He swaggers around the pitch chewing his gum, believing he is contributing to the game. Get rid Moyes.
He’s a really big daft lad really, we all knew it when he was with the Blackburn youth team and swimming was always his biggest strength what with that physique. The problems for James started when he was voted as a gay icon it really damaged his confidence and with Gordon Strachan on his back about his beach bum image his form started to suffer. Stay of the pies son, garlic bread’s the future.
Although its refreshing to hear someone is relieved that Beattie should stay, and while some of your arguments are valid Fraser, I, like most Evertonians, feel that at this stage Beattie has been given more than enough time to prove himself.
We can only make excuses for the lad so long; as Evertonians we obviously wish him no ill will and appreciate that he has worked his socks off when he has played, but his scoring record speaks for itself.
In reality, whatever has gone wrong with his game, if he was a top player he should have overcome playing in a different style with different players a lont time ago. Quality shines through and while he was great before in a previous club and may yet have a rejuvination somewhere else, the fact is we need someone who can score 15+ goals, or who can at the very least get near double figures and supply AJ with a lot of ammunition. James does neither.
And while he may be a good player, if we want to become a great club again we need to get in players a level above his. Fernandes is a case in point here. A striker with the calibre of Fernandes or Arteta or Cahill would be someone obviously far superior to Beattie and if he has to go in order to accomodate that someone coming in, then so be it. He needs to go before the fans’ patience really does wear thin, and before it seriously damages our progress, and of course to give him a chance at the aforementioned rejuvination before his career is over.
We can only make excuses for the lad so long; as Evertonians we obviously wish him no ill will and appreciate that he has worked his socks off when he has played, but his scoring record speaks for itself.
In reality, whatever has gone wrong with his game, if he was a top player he should have overcome playing in a different style with different players a lont time ago. Quality shines through and while he was great before in a previous club and may yet have a rejuvination somewhere else, the fact is we need someone who can score 15+ goals, or who can at the very least get near double figures and supply AJ with a lot of ammunition. James does neither.
And while he may be a good player, if we want to become a great club again we need to get in players a level above his. Fernandes is a case in point here. A striker with the calibre of Fernandes or Arteta or Cahill would be someone obviously far superior to Beattie and if he has to go in order to accomodate that someone coming in, then so be it. He needs to go before the fans’ patience really does wear thin, and before it seriously damages our progress, and of course to give him a chance at the aforementioned rejuvination before his career is over.
If Van der Meyde can stay fit then he along with Mikel on the other wing could give an extra dimension to our play, when van der meyde had that 6 game spell a few years ago Beattie thrieved off his service. If we play to Beattie’s strength he’ll succeed, end of the matter is he’s not a good headerer of the ball but he never has been, he’s never been a hold the ball kind of forward so why do people moan at him for this? He’s better than Anichebe by a mile, who in my opinion has no first touch, and all he does it block people off the ball.
If you look at the Beats’ stats, you’ll see he had a 4 year golden period (ooh er missus) with Southampton scoring 60 odd goals. All other goals in all other seasons? About 20 something.
I want him to be good, and he does try too... but the team is less for his participation, and getting rid of dead wood is a must... though I’d give VDM another year, McFadden to stay and Nayce another year also.
I want him to be good, and he does try too... but the team is less for his participation, and getting rid of dead wood is a must... though I’d give VDM another year, McFadden to stay and Nayce another year also.
Im not one to shout down other peoples opinions, but people claiming that Beattie and Shandy Andy should be kept for another season are seriously OFF DER’ HEAD!
Beattie reminds me of an ale house player, both appearance and ability. Shandy Andy reminds me of an ale house player... both appearance and bad excuses as to why they can’t play (somebody spiked me!).
Another reason for the two of them to go is the combined wages they eat up. Let’s say Beattie and Shandy are on 30k each(this is speculative as I don’t really know the figures), well thats a huge propotion of wages for two players who give very little return.
Beattie reminds me of an ale house player, both appearance and ability. Shandy Andy reminds me of an ale house player... both appearance and bad excuses as to why they can’t play (somebody spiked me!).
Another reason for the two of them to go is the combined wages they eat up. Let’s say Beattie and Shandy are on 30k each(this is speculative as I don’t really know the figures), well thats a huge propotion of wages for two players who give very little return.
I just like to write about Richard Mansell’s lack of knowldge of the game. How can you compare a 19 year old to a 29 year old.
Beattie is not miles better than Anichebe and thats a fact. Anichebe has had less games and scored more goals. He has had more assists and won two penalties. Beattie on the other hand has been completely invisible apart from two penalty kicks.
If Beattie is not someone who wins headers, holds the ball up then what is he. He is not a poacher, he’s not a pacy striker. So you tell me what is he?
Take yourself back to the West ham game. Van der meyde was tearing the left back to shreds and getting balls into the box. Beattie failed to get anywhere near any of them. How do you play to someones strength when he does not have any?
And your opinion on Anichebe is a load of crap. His so called blocking is a skill that many strikers use. Drogba for example, the best striker in the prem uses this skill. His first touch will develop. The fact of the matter is he is stronger, quicker and better in the air than James Beattie.
If Beattie has a strength it is his workrate. And while I admire this I would much rather see him put a few balls in the back of the net. He is useful cover but nothing more.
Beattie is not miles better than Anichebe and thats a fact. Anichebe has had less games and scored more goals. He has had more assists and won two penalties. Beattie on the other hand has been completely invisible apart from two penalty kicks.
If Beattie is not someone who wins headers, holds the ball up then what is he. He is not a poacher, he’s not a pacy striker. So you tell me what is he?
Take yourself back to the West ham game. Van der meyde was tearing the left back to shreds and getting balls into the box. Beattie failed to get anywhere near any of them. How do you play to someones strength when he does not have any?
And your opinion on Anichebe is a load of crap. His so called blocking is a skill that many strikers use. Drogba for example, the best striker in the prem uses this skill. His first touch will develop. The fact of the matter is he is stronger, quicker and better in the air than James Beattie.
If Beattie has a strength it is his workrate. And while I admire this I would much rather see him put a few balls in the back of the net. He is useful cover but nothing more.
What a load of shite.
I Made a big point of constantly last season, watching him and what he did off the ball because I became sick and tired of this load of bull about he works hard, well you know what: he does not.
Time and time again I noticed Aj come running from ten yards behind him to close the man infront of beattie down, the only closing down he does is when he first comes on when he is like some crazed lunatic ploughing into anything just to get that big cheer he so craves (witness his bow to me behaviour after he set up Vaughan I think when he chased a lost cause and did well to get a cross over, for christ sake thats your job you tit.
Finally, goals!!! he needs a winger !! their is no better crosser of the ball in the league than arteta the simple fact is he is clueless getting into the right posistion and losing his marker, just think back and ask yourself how many times he had an attempt on goal Forget scoring, I would say he only came close about three times all season , just get shut while we can at least get something for him
I Made a big point of constantly last season, watching him and what he did off the ball because I became sick and tired of this load of bull about he works hard, well you know what: he does not.
Time and time again I noticed Aj come running from ten yards behind him to close the man infront of beattie down, the only closing down he does is when he first comes on when he is like some crazed lunatic ploughing into anything just to get that big cheer he so craves (witness his bow to me behaviour after he set up Vaughan I think when he chased a lost cause and did well to get a cross over, for christ sake thats your job you tit.
Finally, goals!!! he needs a winger !! their is no better crosser of the ball in the league than arteta the simple fact is he is clueless getting into the right posistion and losing his marker, just think back and ask yourself how many times he had an attempt on goal Forget scoring, I would say he only came close about three times all season , just get shut while we can at least get something for him
The days of the Bob Latchford type striker are over mate even at this club. Beattie was at least 2 stone over weight for 2 seasons and when he did lose the beef he was still shite. Ask any Southampton fans if you know any what they thought of him down there in his final years. I cant wait to see the back of him. He is championship quality at best and his goal tally for us is abysmal.
Have to side with the get rid crowd here, unfortunately.
Beatts had the chance to be the biggest fish in a small pond when he first came in for that kind of cash. All Evertonians wanted to believe in him as the top goalscorer we?d been looking for but time after time he?s flattered to deceive.
I?ve yet to see what he actually offers us, whatever tactics are played. For strength and holding up play, Big Vic wins hands down. His touch will come and he?s snatched the few chances he?s had....unlike Beatts. Vaughny has the tenacity and chasing down the ball, as well as an actual instinct on where to hang around to score a goal. Bizarrely, JV even has JB beat when it comes to heading and getting the flick ons....how does that happen?! Then of course AJ and even Cahill have the work rate and finishing ability to come up with those vital winners.
It took a long time to turn me away but the few appearances towards the end of the season did it. Damage limitation time, for me. I?d be fine with getting Roberts the other way + some cash.
Beatts had the chance to be the biggest fish in a small pond when he first came in for that kind of cash. All Evertonians wanted to believe in him as the top goalscorer we?d been looking for but time after time he?s flattered to deceive.
I?ve yet to see what he actually offers us, whatever tactics are played. For strength and holding up play, Big Vic wins hands down. His touch will come and he?s snatched the few chances he?s had....unlike Beatts. Vaughny has the tenacity and chasing down the ball, as well as an actual instinct on where to hang around to score a goal. Bizarrely, JV even has JB beat when it comes to heading and getting the flick ons....how does that happen?! Then of course AJ and even Cahill have the work rate and finishing ability to come up with those vital winners.
It took a long time to turn me away but the few appearances towards the end of the season did it. Damage limitation time, for me. I?d be fine with getting Roberts the other way + some cash.
Has amnesia hit some people since the end of the season? I cannot believe that anybody who watched Beattie last season can offer him any support. His performances were appauling. He is the type of player you watch and think how come I’m not a professional footballer? How come somebody with no first touch who jumps 3 inches lower than they are tall, who can’t score from open play and is 2 stone overweight is warranted a place even on the bench?
The other thing that makes me laugh, wasn’t giving him the number 9 shirt last season supposed to be inspiring him to greater things? Bloody hell.
I hope Beattie never plays for us again. I would rather we had one less in our squad than him still making a fool out of us.
The other thing that makes me laugh, wasn’t giving him the number 9 shirt last season supposed to be inspiring him to greater things? Bloody hell.
I hope Beattie never plays for us again. I would rather we had one less in our squad than him still making a fool out of us.
I reckon he has tried his heart out, sometimes he has looked decent, but mostly not half the player he was at Saints. However, by selling we could still get £3m so its a must. If,as I suspect, Nugent arrives after the Under 21 Champs BT will want to leave anyway because Vaughan and Victor were ahead of him at end of season and this will push him further down the pecking order
Maybe the Number 9 shirt is jinxed? In the last 2 seasons it has not yielded a single goal from open play! In 05/06 Ferguson scored only an own goal all season until his penalty in the last minute of he last game v WBA. And we all know that Beattie only managed 2 penalties wearing it last season.
3 penalties in 2 seasons - our famous number 9 jersey is not what it used to be, or rather the players wearing it aren?t. Ferguson was just a magnet for lazy, ale house hoofs up-field in his final season ( the bad luck even extended to the goal in Villareal! ) and Beattie?s lost the plot.
I still wonder if Beattie's wife having their first baby a year ago upset his sleep patterns or something (he looks the sort who needs lots of sleep) but I?m afraid I think he needs to be replaced, but only with a quality signing. Otherwise, we may as well keep him, give him a different shirt number, order him to sleep in a soundproof room and keep our fingers crossed!! :)
3 penalties in 2 seasons - our famous number 9 jersey is not what it used to be, or rather the players wearing it aren?t. Ferguson was just a magnet for lazy, ale house hoofs up-field in his final season ( the bad luck even extended to the goal in Villareal! ) and Beattie?s lost the plot.
I still wonder if Beattie's wife having their first baby a year ago upset his sleep patterns or something (he looks the sort who needs lots of sleep) but I?m afraid I think he needs to be replaced, but only with a quality signing. Otherwise, we may as well keep him, give him a different shirt number, order him to sleep in a soundproof room and keep our fingers crossed!! :)
© ToffeeWeb
-sm.jpg)
-sm.jpg)
-sm.jpg)
1 Posted 12/06/2007 at 15:40:53
Report abuse