The Mail Bag
Nearly There
Comments (15)
Well the window has slammed firmly shut and yet the usual air of despair that hangs around the club at this time is conspicuously absent.
While I (and I assume most others) would have liked to see a creative midfielder, other than Gravesen, to come in and lift the burden off Arteta I think most of us Blues are pretty happy with the Summer?s business. And looking at the squad I have to admit I?m just a little bit excited.
I feel that we still need the aforementioned centre mid and a centre back to complete the squad but this is, on paper at least, one of the strongest Everton squads in years. Provided that injuries don?t plague us this season we can now firmly establish ourselves as a club that is guaranteed European football every season.
Once that happens, the top four beckons. There?s still some hard miles left but we?re nearly there?.
Declan Critchley, Posted 03/09/2007 at 10:35:17
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Aidan Wade
2 Posted 03/09/2007 at 12:11:55
2 Posted 03/09/2007 at 12:11:55
I agree the current squad is looking very good, the bench especially is a lot stronger this year.
However, there?s no such thing as guaranteed european football, as there are probably six or seven clubs looking for the one UEFA place (with a probable second, and maybe 3rd spot as cups play out). Even a good season might leave us outside that, depending on the breaks.
To say UEFA is a springboard into displacing a top 4 team on a regular basis is very optimistic.
Still, we?ve had a good start despite a few coughs and splutters. Lets hope that continues and we can start to show a bit of our pedigree.
However, there?s no such thing as guaranteed european football, as there are probably six or seven clubs looking for the one UEFA place (with a probable second, and maybe 3rd spot as cups play out). Even a good season might leave us outside that, depending on the breaks.
To say UEFA is a springboard into displacing a top 4 team on a regular basis is very optimistic.
Still, we?ve had a good start despite a few coughs and splutters. Lets hope that continues and we can start to show a bit of our pedigree.
Harvey Droitwch
3 Posted 03/09/2007 at 12:17:33
3 Posted 03/09/2007 at 12:17:33
While we are by no means the finished article and the pattern of play (i.e. ball retention and distribution) needs to be improved, I would say we?re on a par with a lot of the teams in the sub-top (under the gang of four) for the first time in many a year. We?e had investment in the playing staff and the manager seems to have bought wisely. If we make 4th/5th/6th this year, it needs to be done not by "punching above one?s weight" but by outplaying teams. Less backs to the wall and more School of Science.
James Elworthy
4 Posted 03/09/2007 at 13:20:25
4 Posted 03/09/2007 at 13:20:25
My personal priorities for Jan are
1) Top class 10m midfield general
2) Centre back to replace Stubbs at end of season and Yobo in Jan
3) Left sided midfielder/fullback to replace Valente and VDM, one who can play in both roles would be good, a sort of Gareth Barry type if anyone can up with some names.
4)A holding midfielder to replace Carsley though this can be done in the summer Vogel may be available on a Bosman by January. I hope in the meantime Jagielka gets the job doing that with Neville at right back.
Dross to go
Valente/VDM
Though I wouldnt classify him as dross I think McFadden will get sold in Jan if Vaughan is fit by then.
1) Top class 10m midfield general
2) Centre back to replace Stubbs at end of season and Yobo in Jan
3) Left sided midfielder/fullback to replace Valente and VDM, one who can play in both roles would be good, a sort of Gareth Barry type if anyone can up with some names.
4)A holding midfielder to replace Carsley though this can be done in the summer Vogel may be available on a Bosman by January. I hope in the meantime Jagielka gets the job doing that with Neville at right back.
Dross to go
Valente/VDM
Though I wouldnt classify him as dross I think McFadden will get sold in Jan if Vaughan is fit by then.
Neil Pearse
5 Posted 03/09/2007 at 13:22:46
5 Posted 03/09/2007 at 13:22:46
I agree we have the best squad I certainly have seen for the past twenty years. Even with the gaps we all know about.
But it was interesting to see Jose Mourinho saying that he thought the Premiership race would be closer this year - because many teams had improved their squads over the summer. That seems right to me. We are definitely better - but so are Villa, Newcastle, Man City, West Ham etc..
I think where we (and probably Blackburn too) may have an edge is in having a more settled squad of players, and in having Moyes’s famed ’team spirit’.
But it was interesting to see Jose Mourinho saying that he thought the Premiership race would be closer this year - because many teams had improved their squads over the summer. That seems right to me. We are definitely better - but so are Villa, Newcastle, Man City, West Ham etc..
I think where we (and probably Blackburn too) may have an edge is in having a more settled squad of players, and in having Moyes’s famed ’team spirit’.
Michael Vernon
6 Posted 03/09/2007 at 13:58:00
6 Posted 03/09/2007 at 13:58:00
James I agree we need to splash the cash on a big midfield signing and yes a centre back needs to be bought in with stubbsy probably retiring and Yobo unavailable in Jan. Must be another Lescott in the Championship. Ideally you should have now 22 players two for each position and yes an additional fullback and a wide player are probably areas of shortage at the moment. We can then let youngster go on loan, Ruddy Justiwiecz and Vidarsson. However for a future centre back look no further than 16yo Jack Rodwell who by the time he is 18 will be in the first team squad. The boy is very good and regarded as perhaps the best prospect at the club ahead of Kissock and Agard.
Dan Pedersen
7 Posted 03/09/2007 at 13:56:58
7 Posted 03/09/2007 at 13:56:58
agree we could do very well. Maybe we will brake into the top 4 this season maybe we finish 11th? Who knows, so many factors involved, but to me the most important is that we have a good and exciting young squad with potential. Everton are moving in the right direction!
Dave Whitwell
8 Posted 03/09/2007 at 14:06:33
8 Posted 03/09/2007 at 14:06:33
James, generally agree with your assessment although I don’t think we should get carried away with £10m for a decent CM. We need Moyesey to come up with another gem there, what about Matt Taylor for the left back/midfield. In terms of holding midfield i’m not convinced I think that both Jags & Nev can do that job, also I’m a great believer that the holding midfield only exists because it is rare to find a complete midfield player these days. Appiah could be that player, I do think whoever finds that player be it us, Spurs, Newcastle & the rest will have the best chance of breaking the top 4.
James Elworthy
9 Posted 03/09/2007 at 14:23:45
9 Posted 03/09/2007 at 14:23:45
Yes Dave good shout in Matt Taylor he could provide back up to Baines and play further upfield. If our midfield pair where Cahill & Gravesen then our back four would be under quite alot of pressure as there would always be a gap in front of them as Cahill & Gravesen are often left upfield and Cahill is a clumsy tackler too, often at fault for giving away dangerous free kicks. Carsley fills that role admirably and in the past Joe Parkinson did well. Jagielka is a more defensive minded player and in my thoughts he would be ideal alongside a more creative playmaker. I am not sure what Appiah strengths are as I dont know too much about him other than he wouldnt play in January because of the African Nations Cup. Joe Cole is a player whom I think would be available in January do you think he would be a good buy
Gareth Hughes
10 Posted 03/09/2007 at 14:43:42
10 Posted 03/09/2007 at 14:43:42
Regarding the best prospects at the club re: Michael Vernon’s post. He mentions Rodwell who is very good, but I would’nt pin too much hope on Agard(Arsenal reject) and Kissock(way tosmall to ever make it). No, the real star in the ranks is Jose Baxter, already an U 18 regular and the most exciting thing at our club since whatsisname from Croxteth. He will be a superstar, no doubt at all.
Ben Dunn
11 Posted 03/09/2007 at 14:33:45
11 Posted 03/09/2007 at 14:33:45
I agree with most of what is being said!
I would like to see Steven Appiah come in as the "Midfield General" the engine and ability of the man is awesome! He is Essien on Steriods!
I would also like to see another chamiopnship gem come in to replace Stubbs. None stick out at the moment though.
A possible wide player to come in could be Thomas Hitzelsperger! "das Hammer" remeber him? I dont think he would cost the world and he is very capable! Doing very well back in Germany and played well against England in the friendly!
I think Valente and Msfadden will leave sooner rather than later. Its a shame with Faddy, he scores then gets dropped. We won though so no arguments there.
I would like to see Stubbs and Carsley kept on beyond this season just for the Team Spirit aspect of things! I think Carsley could still do a Job next season also, albeit in a less frequent capacity!
It would be good to see stubbs join the back room staff! Like Gary Speed has done with Bolton.
COYB
I would like to see Steven Appiah come in as the "Midfield General" the engine and ability of the man is awesome! He is Essien on Steriods!
I would also like to see another chamiopnship gem come in to replace Stubbs. None stick out at the moment though.
A possible wide player to come in could be Thomas Hitzelsperger! "das Hammer" remeber him? I dont think he would cost the world and he is very capable! Doing very well back in Germany and played well against England in the friendly!
I think Valente and Msfadden will leave sooner rather than later. Its a shame with Faddy, he scores then gets dropped. We won though so no arguments there.
I would like to see Stubbs and Carsley kept on beyond this season just for the Team Spirit aspect of things! I think Carsley could still do a Job next season also, albeit in a less frequent capacity!
It would be good to see stubbs join the back room staff! Like Gary Speed has done with Bolton.
COYB
Gareth Hughes
12 Posted 03/09/2007 at 14:49:47
12 Posted 03/09/2007 at 14:49:47
Regarding the best prospects at the club re: Michael Vernon’s post. He mentions Rodwell who is very good, but I would’nt pin too much hope on Agard(Arsenal reject) and Kissock(way too small to ever make it). No, the real star in the ranks is Jose Baxter, just 15 but already an U 18 regular and the most exciting thing at our club since whatsisname from Croxteth. He will be a superstar, no doubt at all.
Alex Manson
13 Posted 03/09/2007 at 14:52:01
13 Posted 03/09/2007 at 14:52:01
The current Everton squad is undoubtably the strongest squad since the championship-winning sides of the 1980?s.
David Moyes has to be congratulated on his recent spending. During his first few years at the club, his forays into the transfer market were hit and miss to say the least. But, after the humiliating Per Kroldrup affair, he has improved considerably - identifying weaknesses and bringing in quality replacements.
However, Everton are still one or two eggs short of a top-four omlette. A central midfielder with craft, skills and an eye for goal is needed desperately. A winger would give the team some much needed width - although with Pienaar?s promising start, we may have already found our man.
Overall, Everton?s future is looking bright - aided by a host of talented youngsters. Even the most pessimistic Evertonian can see that we aren?t far away from having an extremely good team.
David Moyes has to be congratulated on his recent spending. During his first few years at the club, his forays into the transfer market were hit and miss to say the least. But, after the humiliating Per Kroldrup affair, he has improved considerably - identifying weaknesses and bringing in quality replacements.
However, Everton are still one or two eggs short of a top-four omlette. A central midfielder with craft, skills and an eye for goal is needed desperately. A winger would give the team some much needed width - although with Pienaar?s promising start, we may have already found our man.
Overall, Everton?s future is looking bright - aided by a host of talented youngsters. Even the most pessimistic Evertonian can see that we aren?t far away from having an extremely good team.
James Elworthy
14 Posted 03/09/2007 at 15:40:24
14 Posted 03/09/2007 at 15:40:24
Dont bin players because they are too small wasnt Keegan and McManaman binned for that reason, Osman & Pienaar are midgets and not bad players, Alan Ball was 5?6". Young Kissock may be small but I heard he is good. Dont know much about Jose Baxter is he half Spanish half Scot with a name like that or did his mother have a fling with a Spanish waiter in Benidorm 16 years ago.
sean wilson
15 Posted 13/09/2007 at 19:40:52
15 Posted 13/09/2007 at 19:40:52
I disagree I feel Agard is the next big thing pace strengh and he knows where the net is. He’s exciting to watch. Baxter doing well but he needs to prove himself hes only played two or three games. I like kissock kissock is skilful and exciting ireckon welll be watching Agard and kissock in the carling cup. Youth cup tooo
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1 Posted 03/09/2007 at 12:03:35
creative centre mid is the main priority.
stubbs is getting on, and we need cover there.
i?d would also add another winger, preferably left sided, even if piener does turn out to be quality. everywhere else we have good cover, but we dont have a flying wide man.
this really is the most excited i?ve been for a few years tho!!! COYB!!!