ToffeeWeb - Season 2007-08

Steve Callaghan
1 Posted 12/01/2008 at 21:48:20

Does anyone know whether Manny is eligible for UEFA Cup duty? Or, does the fact that he appeared for Valencia in the Champions League rule him out of appearing for another club in the UEFA Cup?

Tony Williams
2 Posted 13/01/2008 at 20:18:19

Copied from the BBC 606, he is unable to play

Manny is ineligible for the Uefa Cup because the CL (as daft as it sounds) is almost like a qualifier for the Uefa Cup - ie; if you finish third in the CL group stages then you drop into the Uefa Cup - whereas there is no chance of moving from the Uefa to the CL - so players such as Anelka, who’ve played in the Uefa can play in the CL as there’s no upward link between the comps, in the way there is a downward link for those finishing third in the CL group stage.

Anthony Newell
3 Posted 13/01/2008 at 20:32:54

Steve J, in the interview did Fernandes go into the reason for buggering off to Valencia at the last minute? (The club website alluded to an explanation of this in the interview)

Michael Kenrick
4 Posted 13/01/2008 at 20:39:18

"Interview" is an interesting description... the interviewer does most of the talking. Admittedly it is to try to get Manny to open up about the jucy past... which he artfully deflects. At the end he asked something about the third party ownership haveing been the problem back in August and Manny basically agreed. Not exactly a fulsome explanation...

Anthony Newell
5 Posted 13/01/2008 at 20:51:06

Thanks, thought as much, the sort of ’interview’ you would get in the ’Evertonian’ newspaper then where they tell you the last album they bought favourite film, person in dressing room with worst dress sense etc etc. I was very tempted to bite the bullet and pay up for Everton TV just to listen to the explanation of what happened in the Summer, misleading gets!

Steve Williams
6 Posted 13/01/2008 at 21:03:08

I’ve watched the interview twice and at no point does Fernandes appear even remotely enthusiastic about EFC - just another job, another pay day, an opportunity to get some playing time under his belt!

If he re-establishes his footballing reputation with us - just watch him slope off somewhere else in the summer.

There again, if he does, it will probably be because he’s done ok for us. If he has, then at least we’ll get something positive out of the arrangement. So just sit back and hopefully enjoy some good performances in a blue shirt, but don’t think beyond May - leopards and spots my friends!

Charlie Percival
7 Posted 13/01/2008 at 21:37:40

You heard it from the horse's mouth. I'm sure he knows wether he?s eligible as that's the comp he would want to be playing in! He said he isn't, so that's something we had to expect anyway

Connor Rohrer
8 Posted 13/01/2008 at 21:28:23

Steve Williams, get real lad. What does Fernandes have to do to look enthusiastic? He said he?s happy to be here, He commented on the great atmosphere among the Everton squad, he praised Finch Farm as well as Bellefield and says we?ll see what happens during the summer (talking about his transfer). What more do you want?

Do you think Fernandes or any of the other players are fans of this club? No they're not. It is a job, it is a way to make money and it is a way to play Football.

Watch Pienaar?s interviews and tell me if there any different. I don't think so. Does Pienaar seem any more enthusiastic about Everton than Fernandes?

Steve Williams
9 Posted 13/01/2008 at 21:52:43

Connor,

You’re telling me to get real! May I suggest you look closer to home.

Fernandes had to be fed those lines about Finch Farm, Bellefield, team spirit etc - he offered none of those voluntarily.

And YES, Pienaar does look more enthusiastic.

Don’t forget Fernandes has previous and it was HIS decision in the summer - no-one kidnapped him!

Alan Thompson
10 Posted 13/01/2008 at 21:58:47

Fernandes will do he Biz, it is in his interest and he will want to do well. Talented and the type of quality we need. He has friends in the squad. None other than Arteta ? this will be a brilliant backbone of a rather good team. We are going the right way, sit back and enjoy the ride, things are on the up and we should remember what has been done so far towards our goal ? Nil Satis Nisi Optimum

Charlie Percival
11 Posted 13/01/2008 at 22:20:59

Steve, I suppose you force fed him the words to say??!! What a load of bull. He knows Everton as he's been here before, how can you say he's been force fed? I may as well say your a red!

Paul Whitby
12 Posted 13/01/2008 at 22:25:05

My very first post to the site - it is always my first site to check for anything to do with the blues and I think everyone would agree that it is by far the best site for evertonians to check for news and rumours.

Did anyone Rod Liddle’s article in the Sunday Times today abou the perfect midfield - it was Jimmy Bullard, Robbie Savage and then Tim Cahill and Mikel Arteta.

Just though I would add this post as it also makes me sick about the big 4 and a Michael says, it is only because of the 4 champions league places

We were lucky apparently 3 years ago, but I think we all feel we have a great chance to finish 4th again this year on considerably less funding than our so called "bigger rivals"

Nil satis etc.... COYB

Kenny Jones
13 Posted 13/01/2008 at 22:19:22

Steve, so you can tell by one interview if someone is happy or unhappy without actually saying I am not happy at this club. The lad is on loan if it dosent work out well he can go back and all this shite about snubbing us, you know and I know, he signed for Valaencia because there was no hassle with third party ownership unlike in England, he was offerd an easy option and CL football for at the time a top club in Spain. If he does well and he signs in summer will you still post your negative messages?

Connor Rohrer
14 Posted 13/01/2008 at 22:21:38

Fair enough Steve. I just dont think he is being any different to say Pienaar. Some people just come across differently to others. All he did was answer the questions he was asked like any other player would and in no way did it seem like he was just using the club. Thats just my opinion.

Does Pienaar look more enthusiastic? He always looks a bit bored to me. lol

Fernandes may have fucked us off in the summer but there’s no proof so I’m not going down that road. According to him and Alan Irvine it couldn’t be done because of because of his owners but who are we to believe. I haven’t got a clue. I say give him a chance like we would any other player and if he stays he stays if he doesn’t then we send him back to Valencia. No harm done as its only a loan.

Art Greeth
15 Posted 13/01/2008 at 22:31:58

Funny what people read into things?

Some quotes from the Manu interview on evertonTV:

?... I?m really happy to be back... I was sad in the summer when I couldn?t stay here??

?? the important thing is that I?m here now and able to help the team when they need it??

?? it helped a lot my decision to come here to know the people, the club? it?s the best decision for me?

(Are you impressed by what you?ve seen, what we?ve done in the first half of the season?)
?I?m not impressed because I know what the team can do and this year they bought in more quality players? my intention as I said is to help the team as much as I can?

?to come to a club I already know and the players I already know it?s going to be really easy to fit in?

(in response to how ?ecstatic? fans are at his return) ?(big smile) it?s really nice when you come and your work is really appreciated that?s the best thing that can happen?

?I think it?s a good move? if it?s permanent, it?s better?

?Finch Farm is unbelievable? I liked Bellefield. It was small but? how you say?... homely? but Finch Farm is really good for us and for the youngsters?

(talking the team spirit) ?I don?t see that at many clubs? I think that?s the real strength of this team?

(about the failed transfer in August) ?I heard something that I wanted to leave, but that?s not true. If I didn?t want to come here in the first place, I wouldn?t have come??

A legitimate, genuine interview IMHO, with none of the indifference or cynicism alluded to by Michael and Steve above.

Steve Williams
16 Posted 13/01/2008 at 22:26:44

Charlie

I’m embarrassed for you!

View the ’interview’ again. The ’interviewer’ asked the questions that Fernandes responded to - I reiterate - he didn’t instigate his thoughts on any of this.

Incidentally, you disgust me - calling me a red - I fully accept that people may agree or disagree with me. That’s your prerogative and its something that I’ll never deny anyone the right. We all have opinions and whilst we may not always agree with them, we should never deny someone the opportunity to express them. But to insult someone just because you don’t agree with them is outrageous. I think you must dream about living in Iran, Saudi etc if you think that that type of response is acceptable.

That attitude is certainly not the Everton way. Thank goodness!

Michael Nutt
17 Posted 13/01/2008 at 22:35:53

I believe he can play in the Uefa Cup, below is taken from the Uefa website, namely point 17.18

Subsequent registration
17.17 For all matches from the start of the round of 32, a club may register a
maximum of three new eligible players for the remaining matches in the
current competition. Such registration must be completed by 1 February
2008 at the latest. This deadline cannot be extended.
17.18 One player from the above quota of three who has played UEFA club
competition matches for another competing club in the current season may
exceptionally be registered provided that the player has not been fielded:
− in the same competition for another club,
− for another club that is currently in the same competition.
Furthermore, if the player?s new club is playing in the UEFA Cup, his former
club must not have played in the UEFA Cup at any point in the current
season.

http://www.uefa.com/newsfiles/19070.pdf

Jon Gray
18 Posted 13/01/2008 at 22:35:45

If the measure of a persons happiness in an interview determines whether or not they will stay, I’m off to the bookies to put a fiver on Alex Ferguson doing one soon. I’ve never seen a more miserable, uninterested interviewee in all my life. Goner for certain.

Connor Rohrer
19 Posted 13/01/2008 at 23:18:34

http://youtube.com/watch?v=mqz_2ObBo2I

Fernandes interview.

Art Greeth
20 Posted 13/01/2008 at 23:14:03

Whoa! Whoa! Whoa! Steve...How the fuck else is an interview conducted??!! The I-N-T-E-R-V-I-E-W-E-R I-N-T-E-R-V-I-E-W-S. And that is all that happens in the Manu I-N-T-E-R-V-I-E-W. The lad answers spontaneously and honestly to the questions asked him!!!

It is a bog standard football I-N-T-E-R-V-I-E-W. When has any footballer in the history of the game instigated his own questions/thoughts in a one-to-one I-N-T-E-R-V-I-E-W??!! Yet you attribute something sinister and shifty to Fernandes because YOU don’t believe that he appears "remotely enthusiastic about EFC".

Well I think his answers demonstrate a deeper awareness than that of what this club represents and the fans and the players associated with it.

And perhaps your reaction to Charlie is evidence of how you choose to twist and distort the words of others. He doesn’t call you a red at all. To highlight what he sees as your foolishness, he actually says "I may as well say your a red!"

And that my friend is not the same as saying you ARE a red.

Simon Walker
21 Posted 13/01/2008 at 23:26:58

Try and keep it civil eh guys ?

I’m optimistic about Fernandes signing in the summer, party because I think players are realising that in some clubs you fit and in some clubs you don’t, while I don’t doubt that Manny could do a job at a lot of clubs, there are obviously some where the marriage doesn’t work and he knows it’s all good at Everton so he can sign up without any worries. I also think Manny is an absolutely brilliant player, hence the price tag on his head, and if Everton aren’t regularly challenging the top 4 then he’ll probably get snapped up by a big English or European club that are getting regular Champions League football.

Young midfielders with such composure are few and far between, lets give him a chance and give him our backing.

Steve Williams
22 Posted 13/01/2008 at 23:54:12

Well, well, well ... dare to disagree with someone on TW and watch out - the whirlwind comes.

Is that really how we want it to work?

The point of my post(s) was / were:

- I’m not convinced about MF’s motives (who FOR SURE can be?),
- If he plays well and signs full time, fine,
- If he plays well and signs for someone else, then at least we’ve had a few good months from him that must have helped us - and no-one can say that they didn’t see it coming,
- Therefore don’t look beyond May,
- Let’s face it, it’s less than six months since he turned about face
- For some reason that’s beyond me, we Evertonians have an irrational habit of putting players on a pedestal before they’ve earned it (remember Joe Royle’s reference to big Dunc?)
- References to fellow fans being REDS is bang out of order, even if it’s meant to be demonstrative of someone’s point. It always has been and always will be. I’ve disagreed with many over time but never felt compelled to introduce that accusation (or comparison, Art)
- incidentally Art, you first post was entirely acceptable (i didn’t agree with it,but it was entirely acceptable and valid), but your second post strayed into offense (why?),
- because I at least accept that right of a fellow blue to post their opinion.

Anyway I personally feel so insulted that I feel it appropriate to dip out of TW for a while - certainly until this disgusting attitude sorts itself out.

I suspect that will be greeted by cheers by some - shame.

Harj Badial
23 Posted 14/01/2008 at 00:13:09

For god sake just lay off the lad - Fernandes said he would like to join permamnently...those idiots doubting him need to think again....he didn't sign originally because of complications over ownership... I?m sure he will do this time....give the lad a break and let's be positive...we're having a good season...lets hope it continues. Also Fernandes will be the best midfielder we have had in many a year... so let's be positive.

Michael Kenrick
24 Posted 14/01/2008 at 00:25:24

Steve, regarding Charlie’s insunation, I am sorry that I was not able to intercept it earlier and remove it. You are absolultely right, Steve, it is 100% out of order for any contributor to this websiye to call, insuate or suggest that another Evertonian is a red. I have zero tolerance for that. And Art, you are shamefully wrong in suggesting that what Charlie said was somehow acceptable. It is not.

Back to the topic, while Art’s literal transcription may be correct, the mood of the interview certainly does not convey enthusiasm. But I believe that is a cultural / linguistic difference that Steve has perhaps misinterpreted. The guy is Portuguese... he actually speaks English (as a second language) better that one might have expected. I feel sure his diffidence is related to this.

Lloyd Farrell
25 Posted 14/01/2008 at 00:20:26

O-M-F-G - Whats the problem here - the team has never been stronger for years, and with three of our lads away, its only going to get better when they return. We are joint 4th, ok with 2 other teams and the shit from across the park, but we are in good shape to contune this form right till the last seconds of the season, which may well have some silver-ware at the end, possibly some of us on a EUROPEAN TOUR... So come BLUES - stop going on about the past transfer sega of Manny - The lad is here, he wants to play football, DM wants him here & He knows his shit when it comes to the playing staff at Goodison - you wont be bothered in the slighest if he scores the winner against Chelsea... Lets get behind the whole team and see where we are ...
COYB -
Nil Satis Nissi Optimum

Barry Cass
26 Posted 14/01/2008 at 00:47:35

Lloyd, well said mate. I can?t believe that we have signed a top quality midfielder who can do it in the Premier League and has more quality on the ball than Neville and Carsley put together. They are both playing well at the moment by the way, before anyone bollocks me for slagging them !!

All I?m saying is let's get behind Manny as he?s class. I personally don't think David Moyes would have taken him back if he simply shit on us in the summer. Anyway we got behind Jeffers again when he came back!! Enough said!!

COYB!!

Robert McWilliam
27 Posted 14/01/2008 at 01:06:09

Whatvever Steve, you dont know the real story behind the Fernandes debacle so how the fuck do you know whether HE made the decision to leave. Give him the benefit of the doubt, its great to have him back.

Steve Ferns
28 Posted 14/01/2008 at 01:34:00

I do not think that Fernandes can play in the Uefa Cup. Valencia are now in it. You cannot go to a team and play in the same competition as for your old (and owning) club.

Stuart Duncan
29 Posted 14/01/2008 at 01:27:53

I’ve got flu and I can’t sleep. So I followed the youTube link and then found the goal against United and then went in search of others. This guy is SPECIAL. He is hitting unstoppable shots, right and left foot from 20 yards. Throw in the footwork, the changes of direction and the speed at which it all happens and he makes the likes of Gerrard and Lampard look in slow motion.

If Moyes can get him to blend in and combine Arteta’s clever, measured ability with Fernandes’s explosive speed and shooting what a team we might have.

Stop arguing guys and start thinking of where we might go to next.

Steve Parry
30 Posted 14/01/2008 at 04:38:42

Michael Nutt, thanks for your relevant contribution to the original question in this thread! From the rules as you have presented them it certainly does look like he is eligible for the UEFA Cup games - good news! Steve Ferns don’t worry about Valencia they finished bottom of their CL group and are out of all UEFA competitions this season.

Dan Parker
31 Posted 14/01/2008 at 03:23:12

"I think this is a good move. Permanent would be better but I will enjoy it for six months. The togetherness there is here is the kind of thing I have not seen in many clubs. That is the real strength of this team." Manny Fernandes Jan 2008

From being the complete laughing stock of the Premiership that nobody wanted to join 10 years ago, we have to give credit to Dave Moyes for creating this team. True, winning trophies is the real measure of success and I'll be disappointed if we don't but regardless, Moyes has done what few others in my opinion could.

Congrats Davey for 10 years in management. Let's hope the glory years are at Everton in the next 10!

Wayne Smyth
32 Posted 14/01/2008 at 06:16:58

Steve Williams, the fact that Moyes has had him back sort of indicates that the u-turn in the summer wasn’t of fernandes’ doing. Fernandes also indicates during his interview that it was the 3rd party ownership that caused the problem. At the end of the day he was owned by two parties and they control where he goes for the most part.

Given that he also says he would prefer the transfer to be permenant also means that he sees himself with us for the next 3 or 4 years at least.

I dont think you can really criticise the interview as it is no different from any other players’ interview. He is asked questions and answers them. Can’t see what more he could have done to be honest.

Since Rooney left, its been notable that none of our (good) players have actively looked for a transfer. The team spirit, stability and continual improvement of the squad have much to do with this.

Now that we are challenging for a champions league spot, the only players I think will leave, are those who cannot get in the first 11(e.g. McFadden).

When we get our ANC players back, we will have a fantastic squad. I’ve not been this optomistic for as long as I can remember!

Øystein Lemvik
33 Posted 14/01/2008 at 08:20:26

Re Steve Ferns, Valencia are not in the UEFA cup. In their CL group, Chelsea and some German team qualified for further CL, Rosenborg went to the UEFA cup (we may meet them in the next round, provided we beat Brann and Rosenborg take care of Fiorentina), and Valencia went home sulking.

Allan Hobbs
34 Posted 14/01/2008 at 09:25:36

Thank God someone managed to actually answer the question! I got bored once this turned into an argument over interviewing style, so cheers Michael for the concise answer.

Manny is clearly confused and it looks like he can play in the UEFA cup which is a right result.

Cracking result on Saturday too, possibly our most important of the season so far in the league - we play Villa soon too and they have to play the RS next weekend I think?

Simon Walker
35 Posted 14/01/2008 at 09:38:26

I?m pretty sure I read somewhere that he wouldn?t be elligable for the Uefa Cup before he did that interview, so I don?t think it?s only Manny that?s confused, though interestingly I?ve just read the ?transfer completed? story on the Uefa, BBC, and Sky websites and there?s no mention of it either way in any of them. What a boost it would be if he was allowed to play in it.

Peter Corcoran
36 Posted 14/01/2008 at 10:23:37

I also thought that MF did not come across as enthusiastic as he could have done, given that EFC are giving him a second chance. Not sure but I think he was lead by his advisors in August - but he could have said no as everything was apparently in place for him to sign for us otherwsie why was Moyes to annoyed with him at the time? This means we must have sorted out the 3rd party ownership. Anyway all that is irrelevant now - let’s look forward not backwards, leave liiving in the past to other clubs from across the park!

I am sure that all contributors on this subject will be absolutely delighted if MF helps us into the CL spot - whether he signs permanently or not. Let us hope he plays out of his skin for us and signs permanently. Then we will all be happy.

Let us also hope that EFC explore his eligibility to play in the UEFA Cup instead of assuming any appeal will not win a la Arteta red card!

.

John Lloyd
37 Posted 14/01/2008 at 11:24:16

My word what a weird thread!!

Does it matter what he says in interviews?? Some mad arguments on here recently but this one was up there. I?m made up he?s back because of the one thing that matters......he?s a class player. End of.

Kris Welsh
38 Posted 14/01/2008 at 11:33:14

Check out the official website guys! Uefa has confirmed that he is eligible to play! That is top news!

Seamus Murphy
39 Posted 14/01/2008 at 11:16:54

For what its worth Steve Williams, I had the exact same thoughts as you when I watched the interview. I thought he could have at least tried to look happy about the move (but maybe that's just his way?). And I agree with you again on your point that the interviewer was leading him (ok, I accept that thats how interviews generally go but as Steve says he doesn't come out and say anything voluntarily positive). I too thought this is just another pay packet for this guy ? I was a bit surprised to hear him say "its good when your work is appreciated"!!.

Don't get me wrong ? I am delighted that he has signed for us and think he will be a great asset to our midfield ? I just wish he was as excited about it as the fans.

btw i think some of the responses to Steve?s comments are a disgrace ? the guy was just giving his point of view and he got pounced on. Unnecessary.

Ian Reay
40 Posted 14/01/2008 at 11:43:01

Good news guys, it?s official, he can play in the UEFA cup in accordance with the rules someone pointed out earlier.......(From the offficial site)
Everton new loan signing Manuel Fernandes IS eligible to play for the Club in this season?s Uefa Cup.

The player himself believed he would be cup-tied for the competition because of his involvement in the Champions League for Valencia earlier this term.

However, Everton will take advantage of Uefa Cup ruling 17.17 which allows a Club to add to its list of registered players for the competition before February 1.

Everton had named just 24 of the possible 25 players in their list of registered players for the competition and will make Fernandes the 25th player on the list.

Fernandes? name can be added to the list under the ?exceptional player rule 17.18? because he has not competed in the same competition for Valencia this season and the Spanish side is not involved in the Uefa Cup at the last 32 stage after being knocked out of the Champions League.

Mike Coates
41 Posted 14/01/2008 at 12:16:58

Hell yeah! :) GREAT NEWS!!

Charlie Percival
42 Posted 14/01/2008 at 12:43:43

Sorry for the above comment I made, I didnt want to cause offence but what I was trying to say is, if he can say the interview was set up, then theres as much chance of Steve being a fan of another club.

Thanks ART, Im glad you understood me!

Chris Masey
43 Posted 14/01/2008 at 13:09:06

Fernandes IS eligible, its on the official site.

Roy Masey
44 Posted 14/01/2008 at 20:45:08

Read a really good article in yesterday's Sunday Times, penned by Rod Liddle, asserting that Robbie Savage at £1.5M was much better value than Anelka at £15M.

So what's that got to do with us, you may legitimately challenge?

Well within the body of the article, Rod named his ideal Premier League midfield of a fit Jimmy Bullard, Tim Cahill, Mikel Arteta and Robbie Savage.

I just think it's great that at long last, some of our guys are starting to get praise which in most cases, is long overdue.