The Mail Bag

Midfield Maladies

Comments (37)

The usual transfer window twaddle has started up but recent events make this January more critical than ever before.

I think these points have been touched in various different guises before but we now have a 1)suspended Arteta for the semi-final 2) Pienaar off to sunnier climes 3) Osman injured 4) Gravesen injured 5) Cahill injured.

It would seem that at this very critical juncture of the season, we have lost most of our midfielders and by next week will be left with Carsley as our only fit and functioning midfielder (not including Neville purposefully).

I know Davy is not particularly prone to moving fast in the transfer market, but here's hoping he pulls his finger out! But even if we do make a couple of signings, it is virtually impossible to make a midfield gel in a fortnight.

It also strikes me that the names we have been linked with in the press ? for what that is worth ? have not really been the Uefa cCp friendly choices that Davey discussed a few weeks ago. He made a pronouncement that we need more players with Euro experience, so it does seem unlikely that we would settle for those young lads from Plymouth or Barnsley.

This leads me to the conclusion that it is very likely that Manny might be on his way back, purely as he has that Euro experience and knows the team and the way they train... speculation I know, but things are getting desperate! It would be criminal if our great first half of the season were to slip away because of an injury crisis.
John  Williams, London     Posted 02/01/2008 at 17:12:15

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Michael Kenrick
Que sera sera... whatever will be, will be. It's all up to our Davey... He has confounded logic and temporal imperatives with impunity before; I fully expect him to do so again, which really does render all of the talk as just so much twaddle. Just look at the number of players linked with us. As ever, you know for a cast iron certainty that 90% of them, will not happen. But 'tis the season of flying pigs....
Tom Campbell
1   Posted 02/01/2008 at 19:05:29

I don't think Fernandes can play in Europe this season, didn't he play for Benfica in the Champions League qualifier?? Maybe I'm wrong...
Keith Glazzard
2   Posted 02/01/2008 at 18:59:50

Happy New Year one and all. And at least it started with 3 points, which the team line-up, at a Boro who would be fighting for everything, didn’t sound possible. But it happened.

Having lost the heart of the team, the rest of them carried on like it didn’t really matter. I think we’re in a crisis, but I’ll bet that Davey doesn’t, and that goes for the players too.

So I am looking forward to the next few weeks, on and off the field. I hope we all get something to scatch our heads about as the great Moyes jigsaw moves forward.
Barry Stevens
3   Posted 02/01/2008 at 19:31:24

Getting Manny would be a coup.People think he fucked us over but I don't think that was the case. My friend lives in Portugal, and the stance their press took over it was very different from over here. They say we kept stalling, only wanting to pay half up front, while Valancia were willing to pay all up. Mayby we could get him on loan 'til June...
Dave Wilson
4   Posted 02/01/2008 at 20:01:02

First and foremost, well done to the lads for getting the three points up in Middlesboro, not the easiest journey to make on New Years Day.
Secondly, I think the post by john is well wide of the mark, considering it is only the second day it has been open.
What I really didn’t like about your post is that you say:
"I know Davy is not particularly prone to moving fast in the transfer market, but here’s hoping he pulls his finger out! " and "It also strikes me that the names we have been linked with in the press ? for what that is worth ? have not really been the Uefa cCp friendly choices that Davey discussed a few weeks ago. He made a pronouncement that we need more players with Euro experience, so it does seem unlikely that we would settle for those young lads from Plymouth or Barnsley."
I bet with statements like that you were one of those fans earlier in the season screaming for us to sign the likes of Kieran Richardson, Jason Koumas, Dave Nugent, and our favorite son Mr Joey Barton.
Contrary to what you say, I completely trust Davey in the transfer market and he will make more good signings than bad ones, thats for sure.
Another thing, this Fernandes speculation is doing my head in. I loved him while he was here, and even more so when we went back for him, but he has got a lot of explaining to do should we move in for him. He turned his back on us, and for me that is very hard to forgive, he will have to be in some form for me to be turned back around again.
Paul Whitehouse
5   Posted 02/01/2008 at 21:03:52

There?s no way Manny is coming back to Everton, even if we had the money, which we clearly don't following Moyes's comments. It's clearly time we took the money on Arteta and spend this on Arshavin and another couple of players.
Ant Hill
6   Posted 02/01/2008 at 21:18:40

This Mannygate is doing my head in! People seem to have short memories. He turned us down whatever the circumstances and he wasn’t very polite with his comments afterwards. Also he has been a top flop at Primera Liga so I do not think he would be a good business anyway.

I hope though that we are doing some business with Valencia to sign Albelda for us with a nominal fee.
Derek Thomas
7   Posted 02/01/2008 at 21:32:26

Michael: Flying pigs !! we’re not signing Tommy Lawence are we??
Ron Daulby
8   Posted 02/01/2008 at 21:52:04

There is a lad who has been at Barnsley for the last 3 months who could play Midfield for Everton tomorrow if needed, Anderson De Silva! Aparrently he is quite a elegant midfielder with an eye for a pass according to my Barnsley season ticket holder mate. Moyes obviously doesnt rate him though he didnt rate Osman til he came back from a loan at Derby!
Paul Whitehouse
9   Posted 02/01/2008 at 22:03:04

Ha ha ha, Anderson de Silva. Surely only an excuse for Moyes to do a ?Redknapp? Sensible suggestions please...
Barry Stevens
10   Posted 02/01/2008 at 22:42:09

Paul Whitehouse ? you say sensible solutions only, yet you come up with the great idea of replacing Arteta with a Russian you've probably only see play about 3 times ? that's about as sensible as getting a blowjob from a vampire!!!!!
Paul Whitehouse
11   Posted 02/01/2008 at 22:48:03

I enjoy being sucked off by the undead as much the next man, but it's time to be honest: we have little money and Arteta is our most saleable asset.

We can buy Arshavin and get a interantional player and a player who wont go missing in the big games, plus 5 / 6 mill
Clyde McPhatter
12   Posted 02/01/2008 at 23:02:49

It?s a full blown crisis!!!! OMG...WTF????

Did someone actully post that?

How would you like to be the Spanish Waiter after tonight? Now that?s a full blown crisis....dropping points to Wigan at home...YES!!!

Can somebody please name a Jan transfer that has actually panned out for ANYBODY the last couple of years?
Brendan McLaughlinb
13   Posted 02/01/2008 at 23:13:20

With all due respect Michael, I think you are grossly over-simplyfying things when you state "its all up to our Davey". Firstly, the players have to be available. Secondly they have to be the right players. Thirdly, they must want to come to Everton. Finally, we have to have the necessary finance available

Its not quite as simple as Moyes "needs to get his finger out" despite what some of his more die-hard detractors might wish to portray.
Michael Kenrick
14   Posted 02/01/2008 at 23:32:18

My point, Brendan, was that the decision to bring any player in is primarily down to David Moyes . If he wants them, he’ll go after them (money permitting) -- may not get them, as you say. But if he doesn’t want them, then no chance... unless forced (if you believe that ever happens!)

What definitely doesn’t happen is that he consults these pages for the opinions of the great unwashed regarding who he should be bringing in. So why do people write in, touting their own favourite would-be signings? What’s the point? Is anyone really interested in this form of Fantasy Football? It’s unreal!

Even droning on about a linked signing is a waste of time becasue 90% of them will never become Everton players.
No, I’d much rather wait to see who actually signs (if anyone) and then take a good look at who they are and what we think they can or can’t do for our team.
Arthur Jones
15   Posted 02/01/2008 at 23:56:40

I don? know what funds are available for DM in then next few weeks but it was widely reported and subsequently confirmed by Robert Earl that £25M was procured in August for transfer funds; the only fee paid from this was Yak?s £11.25M so there should be £13.25M left? Robert Earl is also on record as saying that he?ll use his business connections in order to support DM and a target of breaking into the top 4 consistently . so now could be the time for him to put his money where his mouth is!!!!
Brendan McLaughlin
16   Posted 03/01/2008 at 00:00:28

Fair enough Michael but if you extend that logic let’s turn our nose up at what team selections Moyes should make, what tatics he should adopt, which substitutions he should make and when he should make them,what he got right & should build upon, what he got wrong & should learn from etc. etc. etc.

It would be a very dull Toffeeweb!
Michael Kenrick
17   Posted 03/01/2008 at 01:26:50

I half expected such a response, Brendan, and I think you’re missing the point, which is one of realism versus fantasy.

Team selection discussions relate to a list of available players who are with the club, so that is realism, not fantasy. Same with all the other great discussion topics you list: tactics, substitutions etc ? all relate to the reality of the squad, game to game. Blathering on about players who are not at the club, and who may never come to the club, is pure fantasy.

Let’s Keep it Real!
Jimmy Digney
18   Posted 03/01/2008 at 01:40:49

Sissoko is the man,we tried once before lets try again, he is pissed off at the shite, he will be the ideal canditate to replace Carsley to a more cameo role.
Jay Harris
19   Posted 03/01/2008 at 02:09:08

Sissoko has been a disatser who blew us out first time around. We don't need any rejects from a poor RS squad.
Dont be surprised if we only get 2 on loan midfielders 'til the end of the season then see who is available,
Alan Wintle
20   Posted 03/01/2008 at 02:13:01

I heard we’re after a lad called Stephen Hughes from Coventry. Ex-Arsenal trainee apparently. Their chairman is quoted as saying in a Coventry local rag that they’re willing to listen to offers of £3m+.

This kind of signing would make for a refreshing change and Arsenal trained too. Classy, cheap, midfielder which we’re going to be in desperate need of once the ACoN starts.

Thoughts anyone?
Joey Brown
21   Posted 03/01/2008 at 02:34:51

Clyde McPhatter, "Can somebody please name a Jan transfer that has actually panned out for ANYBODY the last couple of years?"

Fernandes worked pretty well, now only if we hadn?t have sold him. Michael is right we should trust Moyes, but what isn?t fun about a little speculation?
Ant Hill
22   Posted 03/01/2008 at 06:34:38

Alan Wintle,

Are you having a laff?
Ottar Gadid
23   Posted 03/01/2008 at 08:04:48

Arteta was a winter signing, wasn’t he?
Declan McCarthy
24   Posted 03/01/2008 at 08:29:22

I cant?t see Fernandes comming back at this stage; if he was, the deal would have been done by now. Fernandes played well in the second half for Valencia last night, in case we forget he wasn?t Moyes?s first choice in midfield, he wanted to play for us and we turned him down. Valencia paid ?18M for 50% with MSL owning the other half still.

A great player in the making, he came on loan to us and liked us, we liked him too, he didn?t owe us anything, we delayed the transfer and had no contract for him to sign despite all the spin. This was not Fernandes?s fault, he wanted to come to us we dithered as usual. I feel we missed the boat here.

More than likely we?ll end up with one player probably, Vogel for free. I hope the second half of the season does not dissapoint but, with the ANC comming up, we really will be stretched to our limits. I'm sure Moyes is well aware of this; let?s hope he doesn?t dither for too long as he usually does.

John Lloyd
25   Posted 03/01/2008 at 09:25:18

Fuck me, theres some absolute belters on here????

First off to Paul Whitehouse, who the fuck are we....Fulham, Boro?? because its these clubs that sell thier best players we are over that period (thankfully) I cant believe I am reading an Evertonian who supposedly watches our games (in person/via tv or net) who is suggesting selling our best player, ARE YOU BARMY my friend?? Just because we now have more than one creative or attacking threat to relieve some of the burden does not take away from the fact that Mikel is one of the best players we have had at this club in 20 years!!!!

To second Ant Hill - Alan Wintle,

Are you having a laff?

I dont know if that is a comedy post, if so I apologise cos I didnt get it, but if not then fuck me, why not get Gemmill, Pembridge, Nyarko & Alexandersson back and reform the greatest midfield the 90s n-ever seen!!! ha ha

Whats next lads??
John Dawson
26   Posted 03/01/2008 at 11:36:05

Dunno if im being stupid, but didnt we sell Stephen Hughes (the ex Arsenal trainee) to Coventry about 5 years ago coz he was sh*te?!?!?

Sissoko is quite possibly the worst Liverpool player in the squad. Even my red mates are embarrassed by him and they would love him to sign for us.

We need to go all out for someone proven in the prem of the quality of Bentley, Martin Petrov or Diaby from Arsenal. All top drawer.
Ben Jones
27   Posted 03/01/2008 at 12:04:57

I wouldnt worry. I think Moyes will come up with another loan signing who will eventually will do well for us, like Arteta and Fernandes. We’re getting Dan Gosling, and he’s played midfield for Plymouth, so I suppose he could cover there. And we could use players like Vidarsson and Kissock now as cover as well. Anyone like the idea of Daniel Van Buyten on loan to cover Yobo? He is a hell of a player and would cover Yobo nicely. Would feel sorry for Jagielka if the deal is in place though as he has played quite well.
Dave Trudgeon
28   Posted 03/01/2008 at 12:11:04

Gosling won?t get near the 1st team for years. It's a good signing for a few years down the line, but people can?t talk about him as one of the "January signings" because it makes no immediate difference to the 1st team. I hope we get Vogel before the Chelsea game so we have a midfielder on the bench.
Tom Rowe
29   Posted 03/01/2008 at 12:13:25

I dont think anyone should worry about the back four, we have shown we can cope without Yobo. I think this thread has just turned into transfer babble. We NEED midfielders and soon. I dont think I can bear to watch Neville, Carsley and Jags in midfield.
I also had a nightmare about Pienaar getting innjured in the AFCON!!
Neil Pearse
30   Posted 03/01/2008 at 12:27:36

Sell Arteta?? Are you out of your mind??

Actually, I don’t even think he is our most saleable asset anymore. Joleon Lescott is. If I was Chelsea or Arsenal (or even the RS) I would be beating down our door to get a player who would then be their best defender. I don’t even want to talk about this possibility!

Sell McFadden, sell Neville, buy Fernandes and get Vogel. Save up our pennies until the end of the season to buy a wide player (Downing if his form merits it by then). Simple.
Ryan Sloan
31   Posted 03/01/2008 at 13:25:44

To Alan Whintle, are you talking about Stephen Hughes who played for us 6-7 years ago who struggled to get a game with the likes of Scott Gemmill to contened with? are you an Evertonian or is April come early this year?
Paul Whitehouse
32   Posted 03/01/2008 at 13:27:40

Sell Lescott no fucking way.

What i dont understand is why Arteta is so untouchable, he been average this season and its more than evident we dont
have any money to do any serious business in the jan window. Hence Gosling been bought with future season ticket money and apparently he?s a midfielder but Moyes wants to play him at right back!!

Even if we get Vogel its like driving a Skoda when what we need is a midfied ferrai
Neil Pearse
33   Posted 03/01/2008 at 16:32:31

Paul, Arteta plays better (naturally) when he’s got the right kind of players around him. The best I’ve seen him play is with Fernandes - a strong skilful player who can complement and get the best out of Arteta. That’s why I would love to see Manny back. Also because he would settle in again pretty quickly.

But you are right, Michael, I am playing Fantasy Football Manager!
Brendan McLaughlin
34   Posted 03/01/2008 at 17:07:27

Micheal, not looking to labour this one but the reason you slam this type of post is because as you quite righltly point out its’ primarily Moyes decision and he doesn’t consult Toffeeweb for pointers.. Exactly the same can be said of almost every other topic discussed on Toffeeweb

It isn’t a question of fantasy versus reality. Its all just a very broad spectrum of fantasy, some of which you may choose to indulge and some you won’t.
Michael Kenrick
35   Posted 03/01/2008 at 20:34:31

No, Brendan, there is a distinction. Should Hibbert or Neville play at RB? That is a reasonable question because both are possible, both occur, it’s a choice the manager makes, it generates reasonable and plausible discussion as a topic among Evertonians. The issue of whether or not Moyes takes any notice is really irrelevant.

Fantasizing about what players we might sign is on a totally different plane and really has no merit because it has no basis in reality. Wait until they sign. Then talk about them. Then ist enters the realm of reality. Keep it Real!
Brendan McLaughlin
36   Posted 03/01/2008 at 23:36:41

Michael, you are moving the goalposts so I reserve a right of reply. You clearly stated that the "what player we should sign" speculation was totally FM because it it no way influenced David Moyes. Equally nor does any discussion of who should start at RB influence David Moyes’ decision as to who should start. How realistic a post was didn’t ener into it and lets face it if you had made that point at the start I wouldn’t even have posted on this thread.

My point is simple. I am a big Everton fan but not so much a big football fan. In other words I don’t know that much (apart from the obvious) about players other than Everton players. But if we have fans who feel they have a knowledge of players in the premiership who could do a job for us, then why not let them debate it, even if it won’t influence Moyes in any shape form, or fashion.

And another thing- awh fuck I’m on a roll here- it’s not as if the posts are totally FM. I mean nobody’s talking about brininging Ronaldo in. Its all about "quality players" with lesser clubs who might be thinking the time is right for a move to a "bigger" club.

Michael Kenrick
37   Posted 04/01/2008 at 00:36:08

Brendan, my initial comment at the top of this thread is about reality: 90% of the names linked to Everton will not happen. That’s why these discussions are totally bogus. Of course there are players at other clubs who could "do a job for us" but do you know what? They don’t play for us. And until they do, I’m not in the least interested. It’s all so much hot air. Meaningless twaddle. The whole business is totally FM and that’s were it belongs.

ps: Stop with the stupid posts that I am deleting on this and other threads, or you will find none of your posts appearing!

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