ToffeeWeb - Season 2007-08

The Mail Bag

Nevlle must stay

Whilst everyone is rightly praying for Manny to sign on the dotted line, we should also be on our knees to whichever God you worship to pray just as hard that the Club don't see it as 'good business' and let Phil Neville go to the Skunks.

I predicted last Summer that Phil's contribution to the team would be significant and that he would be team captain sooner rather than later. I was obviously right about the captaincy and I feel justified in re-affirming my view that his leadership on the field (combined with the winning mentality he developed at Man Utd) is one of a number of key factors in our progress as a team to date.

I genuinely believe it would be a major setback if he were to leave any time soon. Yobo as captain in two years time is my next prediction !
Steve Guy, Harrogate Posted 15/08/2007 at 16:30:39

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Dutch Schaffaer
1 Posted 15/08/2007 at 21:12:34

Agreed, Neville is a great influence on the team both on and off the field.

It would be a step back to sell such a useful player just to make £4 million.

Some fans may not like their style but teams need a Neville/Carsley type.

I doubt Moyes would be silly enough to sell Neville and I doubt the player would seek a move to the barcodes anyway.

Anthony Newell
2 Posted 15/08/2007 at 21:12:09

For a player of Neville’s age and limited passing ability I’d say cash in. Neville’s best position is undoubtedly in defence and now that we have Hibbert and Jagielka to contest that position. I’d say bite their hand off - with the proviso that we deinitely get Fernandes in. Neville put in a good gritty performance last night but if we want to get to that next level if we have to keep ratcheting up the quality quotient and weeding out the chaff (Kilbane, Beattie, Davies, Naysmith, Wright) I think Jageilka given half the chance could become captain material. Correct me if I’m wrong but I think he did a good job of it at Sheff Utd. This would be a brave and dynamic move so unfortunately I don’t hold out much hope of it happening but you never know!

MIke Oates
3 Posted 15/08/2007 at 22:00:52

Neville is the one player in the squad who knows what it takes to actually be a winner, both on and off the field. Whilst we cringe at times with his passing, his overall knowledge ,contribution and drive to Everton and I suspect Moyes at the moment is absolutely vital - and there aint any way Moyes will let him go.

Paul Watson
4 Posted 15/08/2007 at 22:05:53

For too many years Everton have been without a truly influential captain. Phil Neville fits the bill both on and off the pitch. Yes he isn’t our best player, but has put in a few crosses for AJ to bury. I would always have pick him first, either at full back or centre mid. Don’t sell him to Newcastle.

Tony Marsh
5 Posted 15/08/2007 at 22:55:01

£4 million would be to good to to turn down for neville given his age.The lad is average in all departments but he is a good pro
and does rally the players in games at times.I would still sell though.The main worry is keeping other players and I wish Moyes would stop shouting for some of our lads to get International call
ups. Lescott for instance would be surrounded by the RATS from Man Utd and Chelski as soon as he landed with the England squad.Keep him away I say.

Dutch Schaffaer
6 Posted 15/08/2007 at 23:17:04

Lescott wants to play for England, its probably a dream of his since childhood. Moyes has to be seen supporting his player, even if inside he would rather keep Lescott out of it.

If Lescott doesn’t get International recognition soon he might start thinking that it will only happen at a bigger club.

Last thing Moyes wants is Arteta and Lescott demanding moves because International managers wont pick Everton players.

Moyes is right to support his players International dreams.

Having International players is good for the profile of the club and International experience can only improve the players, especially for the upcoming Euro games.

Allan
7 Posted 15/08/2007 at 23:44:40

Anyone who thinks we should sell Neville needs their head read. He gives us cover in various positions and is a fantastic professional whose influence on & off the pitch is second to none within the squad. He has more European experience than the rest of the squad put together and that alone counts for a hell of alot. We need him for both the league and UEFA cup - make no mistake about that.

Lee Mather
8 Posted 16/08/2007 at 07:27:54

Good point about domestic/UEFA cups. Isn’t our squad small enough already considering the 4 competitions we are in?

As a defensive midfielder or right back he can do a job, add to that his Leadership qualities makes him a versatile player and one that would be missed in the dressing room as well as the pitch.

Mike Whittaker
9 Posted 16/08/2007 at 08:52:34

Neville is the glue that keeps the squad together on and off the pitch. All successful clubs need a character like this - he must have picked it up from Keane at Man U. He’s not interested in his popularity or being the joker in the squad. His role is to ensure that no one takes any shortcuts in performance - just check out his reaction to Spurs goal on Tuesday night. In short he’s a winner, whose been there and done it. You dont sell these type of players for 4 million to rival clubs.

Lee Spargo
10 Posted 16/08/2007 at 09:01:41

It’s undeniable that Neville isn’t the most gifted player in our squad. But he’s a leader. He has an influence on those around him. Above all, he’s a winner - and it rubs off.

Keep Phil Neville.

Jeremy B
11 Posted 16/08/2007 at 09:32:36

Neville is a very useful squad player to have. He can fill in at left back, right back, and central midfield. He can play a holding role in front of the back four.

His leadership, commitment and ethic is not in doubt. We cant replace him for 4 million - so lets not sell him for 4 million.

Big sam is a shrewd judge of players.

Stan
12 Posted 16/08/2007 at 09:49:58

This is a tough one as I think Phil is a good pro and provides cover at full back and midfield, he’s also our captain but in Phil Jagiekla I think we have an able if not technically better player. Indeed if Fernandes comes in then maybe it would be good business to sell him although Carsley isn’t getting any younger so why create problems by letting Neville go to a rival club?

Taking all factors into account I think we are better off with him that without. The likes of Neville, Stubbs and Carsley may be moving towards the later end of their careers, indeed some argue that they hinder us due to what they lack physically/technically. However for any failings they may have, there is no doubt that they more than make up in know how and experience which is something money cannot buy.

Nick Thomas
13 Posted 16/08/2007 at 10:08:38

Selling Neville would be a backward step not just in a season where we are playing on four fronts (admittedly to the 3rd round of the domestic cups). Neville isnt the greatest footballer, but he is a tuly dependable captain and spokesman for the club,i was sceptical on signing him, but he would get a start every week for me (and does). he is flexible, and adaptable in any position, admittedly i prefer him in midfield.
he is the epitomy of the squad. i dont believe in big business at 30 business -if he continues to be motivated for the next 3 years or so -and we keep him then that is good business

Chris Dottie
14 Posted 16/08/2007 at 10:16:11

I think we all agree we like his professionalism and experience, the influence as captain etc. Trouble is, is he one of our best 11 players, and if not will Moyes be prepared to drop his captain ?

For me he isn’t in our best midfield, especially with Fernandes and Cahill back in the middle. I would be tempted to play him at right back instead of Hibbo. It seems Jagielka can cover all the positions Phil can and more. But maybe the influence and attitude is worth 4M to us ?

Joe Jennings
15 Posted 16/08/2007 at 10:43:56

It would be suicidal to sell Neville. He was inspirational against Spurs and he is a winner. He has bags of European experience and he is vital to our future success. For what he lacks technically he makes up in spirit, tenacity and professionalism. The squad is threadbare enough, why sell your captain. He has stated on numerous occasions he loves the club and he has become an Evertonian. 4m, no thanks.

I wouldn’t worry anyway, I think this is simply ’end of August rumour’ that has no milage whatsoever. Why would he abandon a team on the up, where he is club captain to be a squad player at Newcastle?

Jim P
16 Posted 16/08/2007 at 11:21:05

Captain. Fighter. Great pro and excellent influence on the youngsters (and older players). No prima donna baggage. Winner. Nice guy. Intelligent. Experienced. Versatile. Totally committed. Small squad. Sell to rivals? No ambitious team would. And that’s what we are right now - aren’t we? He always looks proud to wear the shirt. Enough said.

Dutch Schaffaer
17 Posted 16/08/2007 at 11:25:49

Neville’s fucking great, model professional, bags of Euro & International experience, born leader, never gives less then 100%, a vital component in the team and a born winner.

Only someone with no real football knowledge would suggest selling the club Captain while facing a full Prem season and Euro adventure with an already small squad.

Les
18 Posted 16/08/2007 at 12:22:45

Its a no brainer - DO NOT SELL Neville. I feel he has played really well the last tow games, but more importantly watch how he is always cajoling and geeing up the ret of the team. And most importantly the other players seem to listen and respond to him. As for his committment to Everton, I have frankly been amazed how he has taken to our Club and fans. Long may he remain our captain.

Nick Wall
19 Posted 16/08/2007 at 12:36:03

This is a non story as far as I’m concerned. There is absolutely no chance that Everton will let Neville go now, and rightly so.

Shaka
20 Posted 16/08/2007 at 12:54:23

Sources closes to Newcastle say Neville is unhappy at at the club’s lack of amibition in the transfer market. Make what you want from it.

Fernandes is set for a medical today.

Joe Jennings
21 Posted 16/08/2007 at 13:00:45

No disrespect, but Newcastle are hardly looking shit hot in the transfer department. Ok, they got Barton, Smith, Viduka etc but they still look weak at the back and vulnerable. Once the ’Allardyce’ effect has worn off I can see them finishing mid table around 8-10. If Neville went he would be a fool. Simple as

Shearers Invisible Elbow
22 Posted 16/08/2007 at 13:34:32

Yet again Tony Marsh amazes me with his total lack of any knowledge at all about the modern game !

Allan
23 Posted 16/08/2007 at 13:58:52

Having read your comments there Alan’s elbow I went back and read Tony Marsh’s input. He amazaes with his knowledge of the club he supports and what is good and bad for the club. Strange character but thats not to say his opinion counts for nothing - its good to have people like Tony around, if only to make you realise how rational and balanced a human being you actually are!

Jason Broome
24 Posted 16/08/2007 at 13:56:32

Jim P, spot on!!!

Only an idiot would sell one of our most influencial players. The man is a winner and since his arrival has instilled integrity, confidence, self belief, determination, a consistent work ethic, and a good rapport amongst our players.

The team respect him, and when he leads they follow. Now if only we could get Manuel Fernandes to do the same!

Sell to Sam... don’t be a knob!!!

Harvey Shearer
25 Posted 16/08/2007 at 14:43:36

Dutch...your bang on lad. Far to thin a squad for a gruelling prem campaign - never mind the UEFA cup.
He is in the side on his own merits, the more I see of him - the more I like.
Met him and his family after the 2-0 win at Blackburn a couple of years ago. Couldn’t meet a more genuine and down to earth footballer and he loves it at Everton.