Injury permitting I believe you are absolutely right :-)

Lets not get too carried away just yet. Neither of them have actually been confirmed as signings. Even if these players were confirmed as additions to it, our ’squad’ would be competitive as a top 6 squad. We would be over achieving if we were to finish 4th.

It will take time to blend our new signings into the way Moyes wants the team to play. Even Arteta took about half a year to visibly make progress under Moyes.

If we don’t finish first, it’ll be a bloody digrace! Seriously though, when was the last time the league was won by someone unexpected? Leeds in 1992?

yeah its shaping up really nicely. i think the ones that supposedly ’slipped away’ smith etc have all been blessings. jag, baines, fernandes and now possibly yakubu bring excellent competition for places, a bit more depth for the squad and most importnatly some craft. very cool. kudos moyes.

The thought of these two joining our already good starting XI has given me a hardon.

Yeah...lets givge credit to Moyes & the Board where its due. Only 6 weeks ago alot of us, myself included where slagging them off for lack of transfer activity! But they have gone about it in a very calculated manner and I take my hat off to them. Jags, Pinnear, Baines, Fernandes and hopefully the Yak all bring added quality so cant argue with that. Top notch young signings Moyes, Well done Sir! (Oh and a very possiblle quality elder statesmen in Vogel!)

I’d be more than happy with 4th (especially if it meant the RS not qualifying the Champs League, but hey, since when has that stopped UEFA letting them enter!!!). Would just be nice to stay in the Champs League a bit longer next time if we did make it!!!

To be honest, I don’t know much about Yakubu and he hasn’t stood out for me before so I don’t know what he will offer Everton.

Fernanded is an excellent deal which excites me a lot.

If Yakubu is as good as people seem to think he is then we have every opportunity to at least cement 5/6th spot in the league as our own!!

Whilst we are in a better state than we all thought we would be for the new season, it’ll take a LOT more than a couple more signings for me to become a fan of BK and the board.

I want to know if another loan has been added to the others to pay for them both. If it’s not a loan then it’s got to be the additional money everyone else got, too.

If these signings are confirmed ,it will be an amazing turnaround from just three weeks ago when an air of reservation and rumours of DMs resignation pervaded this site.
Personally, I never wanted to see us sign the likes of Richardson, Nugent and Smith, as I dont think they’re any better than what we have.
Yakubu would be a great signing as he has pace, great strength on the ball and would be good either alongside Johnson or if Johnson was injured, could play a similar role.
Fernandes, as we saw last season could take Everton to a new level in tandem with Arteta. At 21 Im convinced he would be the best signing of anyone this summer.
Just pray these deals go through!

No one is asking you to be a fan of the Board Tony. I dont have 100% respect for them either. However in getting all these quality signings in(and I am only talking about that), I am giving them credit for this. How they have been financed we will probably never know, so will leave you to worry about that. But one thing is certain, we need these players no two ways about it..and Moyes has and is bringing in quality, not some shite like Richardson. The board have allowed that to happen by financing these deals, as they have realised they are a necessity. Anyway, lets hope Manny & Yak get on board soon and we have a good victory today!

Yakubu’s record is 35 goals in 102 for Boro so it is good but not outstanding. For sure if we had Vaughan fit we would not be going for him so I am a little worried that 11m could be used better. He is a good striker however so will be a good buy and is guaranteed to get goals, I just don’t see him getting the 20 a season we would want from that kind of money.

I think Yakubus record with a mind numbinly boring Middlesborough team is good, considering he was sharing the scoring workload with Viduka.
For Portsmouth, he scored 19 in his first season in a relegation haunted campaign, (and missed a proportion of games due to the ANC) including 11 in 10 games and 4 against Boro.
He followed this up with 17 in 2004/5, so his record in the top flght is very good overall.

Ahhh football, if we land these two then BK and DM both deserve big pats on the back.
BK for finding the cash and DM for making Everton look like an exciting proposition for players.
However, I do agree with Paul a little; if money is tight is 11m on Yakubu money well spent?
Anyway, things on the pitch are looking good. There’s a definite spring in the step of us Blues at the moment.

Both of these players have limitations and we must accept that now - not when they:

a) don’t track back and block off opposing midfielders (Fernandes), or
b) miss the proverbial sitter (Yakubu).

The reason for this is to shut the boo boys up before they start. You can hear them now: ’How much did they cost?’

Overall these represent improvement in squad quality, not just quantity, so they should be welcomed.

My real concern is: ’Why now?’. I think with the ongoing vote, the answer is obvious; create a feel-good factor and breeze in with a YES vote. Well, the Board should be ashamed of themselves for playing games with the health of our club.

We could have got these deals done:

a) earlier, the way Moyes has stated he prefers. This would have allowed them to be integrated into the squad for the big kick off, and
b) cheaper. The later you leave it, the fewer supplies and the greater the demand from desparate clubs.

Whilst I am pleased that we seem to be gradually improving the squad, please don’t ask me to congratulate a deceitful, manipulative Board who time after time have their self-interest as a priority. Bottom line - we just can’t trust them.

Vote NO and force a proper, open debate with real information not half baked theories and silly drawings from both sides.

Can we have one thread where it does not turn into the ground debate, it is a vitally important subject but sometimes I just want to read and talk about the team. I do not have a vote unfortunately as I can’t afford it.

If this all goes through we have done what I had hoped for at the start of the closed season. That is to not only strengthen the squad but also more importantly strengthen the first team.

We have got rid off Wright, Pistone, Naysmith and Beatie for 5.5 million. This reduced our squad size but had little impact on the first team.

We could have replaced them with, Nugent 5mill, Smith 6 mill, Richarson5.5 mill and Koumas 5.3 mill this would have strengthened our squad but how many would honestly say that this would have improved our first team. If all were obtained it would be nearly 22million spent to stand still.

I suppose as we were targeting and actually purchased Jags 4 mill, Baines 6 mill and loaned Pienaar a couple of the names above could be left out but we would still have spent 22 million or so to stand still excepting that we would have an improvement in the first team at left back.

However if all things fall into place we will have purchased a solid young utility player, a young experienced promising left back, loaned a prospect with a set signing on fee, purchased a skillful midfielder who has already shown us glimpses of what he can do already 6 mill with an option to buy out the remainder in the future. Finally a proven premiership striker who has been scoring 15 - 17 goals each season for clubs who to say the least were not exactly setting the world alight. 11 million seams a lot but I am sure if he continues in this vein, as he is only 24 he can develop further. We may actually have a bargain overall we will have spent net around 22 million a lot but that is what the other side have paid for one player as yet unproven in the prem.

With a midfield that could include (although not al at the same time) Arteta, Manny, Leon, Tim and Pienaar I can see the forwards being provided enough opportunities to put the ball in the net.

With the forwards we already have, AJ, Vaughn and Vic all young on long term contracts we should be alright up front.

With our defense of Howard, Lescott, Yobo and now Baines we again have a group of young players signed up long term.

All this without mentioning players like, Hibbert, Neville, Stubbs, Nuno and the other youngsters in the team.

It appears to be finally falling into place and even though I cannot yet believe my eyes. This could yet be the best closed season and hopefully season we have had for a long time. Players who can play with the ball on the floor, players who want to fight for the club, players that others actually may want (I Know). But more importantly players who can bring silverware to this great club.

To end it has taken many years to drag us back up to this level, let?s ensure we get behind the team and help them get to the next.

Paul,

Unfortunately, whether you or I like it or not, the Board have created this situaion by being less than open in their assessment of the single most important issue to face our club in any of our lifetimes. It really is that important - far more so than signing any number of players.

Remember we will be left with the consequences of this momentus vote for decades after the players have retired!

And before anyone posts anything against Paul, even though he doesn’t have a vote, as an Evertonian he clearly deserves an input. Is this another Board-created problem? I think so.

Yakubu would be a great signing.My only problem is his commitment.At the end of the day,he had only just signed a contract with Boro,and as soon as a bigger club comes in for him,he shits on them.If he does come to us and has a great season,who’s to say he wouldn’t do the same to us if a bigger club came sniffing?

There are numerous threads on here re the stadium. Write on there this thread is about the team and signings.

It is important however please let us talk about at least one piece of good news that most will agrea with. rather than a subject that has caused more conflict than any other I have known

Steve,

Can’t you just be happy that the ’football’ team (Yes, that’s what Everton football club is actually all about) is heading in the right direction ?

This endless hypothesising about the bloody ground move is boring me rigid.

Did anyone ever worry about this crap when thy first started going to the match ? Let’s get back to basics lads.

Tony

I agree with you - the only point I was making is that a number of posts were congratulating the Board and I just wanted things kept in perspective.

Yes the Board have financed signings which we all hope will move the club forward, but it is also the same Board that, using your own words: "has caused more conflict than any other (subject) I have known".

There, done - point taken though.

With respect you may be right Steve but there is a place for discussions on that subject and as Tony says there are other threads to do with the stadium. Your view will only be lost here so make sure it is heard in the correct forum.

COYB

We now have a grest squad that can compete with Arsenal and Spurs, well done to EFC for backing DM. I dont think we can callange the top 3 just yet.

Dont want to rush though, I think taking it slowly, not upsetting the squad too much, certainly dont want to do a Leeds.

With these additions there is no reason we can’t consolidate with another UEFA place finish, and with the rub of the green and no injuries, we could show the rest how to break the top 4 again.

No guarantees, but I’m feeling more hopeful than I’ve done in years....

Tough game today (very impressed by Reading’s last two performances) but no reason we can’t get a result....

COYB!

Remember the game against Portsmouth where Osman scored a last minute winner? Yakubu scored a belter in that game.

We definitely need a poweful centre forward

Brian, a bigger club won’t come calling because quite simply there won’t be a bigger club than Everton at the end of the season.

so there we have it broad agreement.. good signings all, a promising start to the season combining to bring us that rare commodity - a real sense of hope and excitement.. priceless.. enjoy!

COYB. I HAVE TO SAY I WAS ONE OF THOSE WHO CRITICISED THE BOARD - EARLIER WITH LACK OF SIGNINGS - SO CREDIT WHERE ITS DUE AND WELL DONE AND A BIG THANKS TO THE BOARD AT EFC - ITS TES TO KIRKBY !
I NOW GO INTO GAMES CONFIDENT THAT WE WILL WIN RATHER THEN WORRYING WE MAY GET A HIDING ESPECIALLY AT AWAY GAMES !!! 3 POINTS AT READING COYB

Someone told me over the last three seasons combined only thierry henry has scored more goals than Yakubu.

Still, its an awful lot of money isnt it!?

11 mill is alot of money but he is a big player - so i think its money well spent. i can feel it a begining of a new era at Everton -other teams will now fear us for sure - maybe we will get the respect we deserve

Yes maybe we will now be next to last on MOTD instead of last and get 4 mins instead of 2.

To paul an steve its hard to find a 20 goal a season player in this day and age 11 mil is good buisness if bent is 16 mil and considering the cost of other strikers such as rooney drogba and torres.after henry yakubu has scored more goals than any1 else in the them time hes played here, granted nistleroy didnt play last season. and to steve moyes is renound for making late signings he usually leaves it till deadline day like when he brought in mcfaden kilbane martyn at the last min. it saves a great deal in wages, and fernandez is already intigrated from his loan spell. I think prices were more inflated before the season began.

Regards Yakubu he could be a massive signing for us if he gets his head around the Everton way.

He is a goal scorer without doubt last season only him and Viduka scored more than 2 goals for Boro. I believe our midfield will provide better service for him and with Aj as a partner up front no defence will be looking forward to playing against them.

He may take time to settle however with Yobo here to help settle he will.

The Sky Sports panel all seem to think that Yakubu was an odd signing for Everton.Not always the most energetic or enthuiastic competitor, they felt that he would hardly fit in with AJ.Another Beattie in the offing?

When have Sky said anything good about Everton. They are probably worried that we may start to put pressure on their darlings

I believe the Yak realises this is his chance to WIN trophies with the CREAM of English football, all alongside his mate Joe Yobo, under the guidance of the best manager in the league. Rather than going to a club already on the trophy trail he recognises it makes more sense to join one on the cusp of greatness (if they all give 100% in training and in every game). BRING IT ON!!! FUCKING YES!!!

Has any one seen the interview Sky done with Arteta? If you haven’t heres the context taken from their website.

Mikel Arteta believes he would have boosted his international prospects if he had left Everton - but insists he is happy he decided to stay.

Arteta has been Everton’s Player of the Season for the last two years, but the former Barcelona, Paris St Germain and Rangers star has yet to receive a senior cap for his country.

Arteta feels that if he had moved to Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool or Arsenal, his chances of playing for Spain would be increased.

But, having committed to a new five-year deal at Goodison in the summer, Arteta believes he will eventually be rewarded with a national call-up at Everton if he can keep up his form.

"There is a price to pay for choosing not to play for one of the big four," he told the Daily Mail.

"Maybe I’d have a better chance with the Spain coach if I’d moved, but I’m happy with my choice.

"If you play well and are successful, the prizes will follow."

Sky are clearly worried that Everton might break into the top four and this is a poor attempt to unsettle our prise asset. ’Cos Arteta’s happy if he wasn’t he won’t have signed another 5 year contract. These fuckers clearly don’t want anyone else to break that cycle. Anyway it would be good for the league if another team challenges their so called top four. Arteta will get his international call up. It’s a matter of time.

I have to say that Brian Waring strikes a point for me, Moyes has always tried to buy players with a lot of character..andas he said Yakubu has shit on a couple of clubs when somebody bigger comes calling..this may upset one of greatest assets and that is the team spirit.
On the flip side ,he does have an overall great record in the Prem..and Moyes doesnt seem to have let others,I:E Shandy Andy ..upset morale

Let’s take things one step at a time lads, eh? It’s good that we’re actually going for other teams *star* players rather than the dregs and has-beens...however expecting Yakubu and Manny to come in and suddenly make us an established party in the top 4 is overly optimistic. I’d be happy if we could put some clear distance between ourselves and the chasing pack from last year (Spurs, Pompey, Bolton, Newcastle, Reading, Blackburn and this year Man City)...and when I mean clear distance, I mean in terms of points and playing style.

Breaking in to that clique at the top of the Premier League on a regular basis can only be done if we are consistently better than those below us. This was a crucial factor in our charge to the 4th place finish a few years back. We went on a run of about 9 games unbeaten where most of them were our direct competitors.

Personally, I reckon that season was a bit of a fluke and looking back, that was borne out in the ensuing European campaign. If we sign Manny and Yakubu now, I’d say we have the tools to do something good this season and kick on well for next season.

Moyes can’t have any excuses now, he’s got what is effectively his team, he’s spent a fortune (compared to other EFC managers rather than the current climate of madness) and we’ve begun the season favourably.

I’d class this season a good one if we could do the following:

1. Premier League - 4th or 5th place...6-9 point cushion over the chasing pack from last year. Closely fought battles with the "big 4"-> minimum 12 points on aggregate against the "top 4"?
2. Uefa Cup - Realistically, seeing as this is our first European campaign with the correct "tools" I’d say Q/F or S/F would be OK. It’s a difficult competition to win as the teams in the latter stages would usually give the Champions Leage teams a good hiding on some days. Progressing in this competition to either the S/F or Finals of this competition would be great for raising our profile in the world game.
3. FA cup - It might be silverware, but for me the cup has lost both it’s romance and sheen. Although there is a load of history to go with the trophy, I would rather gain access to the UEFA cup through league placing. Although if a champions league placing were to be granted to the winner, the situation would change straight away!!! Q/F would be ok. If we got to the S/F and lost I’d be gutted as losing at that stage is even worse than the 3rd round, me thinks!
4. Carling Cup - Couldn’t care less. Granted, it is silverware, and I don’t think we’ve ever won it.....it means absolutely nothing in the modern game.


Slightly off-topic towards the end but I just think that too much is already expected of these two new players before they have even been paraded in front of the media!

Talking of Sky and their pointless reporting of non-events:

Fernando Torres has revealed that Liverpool’s sights are firmly on a tilt at the Premier League title, rather than the UEFA Champions League.


WTF? Who cares what this runt thinks or what the RS team are aiming for? They’re not going to finish first, that’s that! They’re further now from 1st place than under Roy Evans and even Houllier!!!

Here’s hoping we give ’em a good whipping on derby day!!!

Steve Williams, get on another post please, I have no interest in your boring shite in this particular thread. Yawn. Please feel free to bore me & the rest of us with your shite in another thread about the stadium. But in the meantime stop hijacking this thread & start talking about players or fuck off please

To be honest I find it amazing that none of the so called top four haven’t tried to lure Arteta away I just wish the club would confirm the new signings as I am always scared e will cock it up