The Mail Bag
Proud to be an Evertonian
Comments (20)
We lost. We aren't going to Wembley. The dream is over. Something I have waited my whole life for, something I have been buzzing about for a week, has failed to come to pass. I am gutted. But at the same time I am so proud to be an Evertonian.
Chelsea are not a team. They are the very symbol of everything that is wrong with the modern game. Their fans couldn't even half-fill a 5,000 seat allocation. They are, on the whole, a collection of mercenaries, some of the best players in the world, and it is near impossible for any club that is not Man United or maybe Arsenal to beat them if they actually try their best.
Their performance tonight was one of defensive excellence ? even when they had a corner they often left 5, yes 5, men back.
Everton Football Club is what it is all about. For me, anyway. A place of tradition, family, and a fantastic following. Being at Goodison tonight was fantastic ? the noise, particularly in the first half, was brilliant, a level above anything I have ever experienced in my 19 years (I was not lucky enough to go to Wembley in 1995 at the age of 7).
When we realised the game was up, we started to sing again, louder still than at the beginning, and we continued after the whistle blew, the whole ground on their feet, giving the players a standing ovation. They had tried their best and failed against what is probably the best team in the world at defending a 1-goal advantage.
Yes, we were not at our best tonight; the best team won. But it was a night to remember ?we gave it our all, on and off the pitch, and I am proud to have been there and done my part.
Anyway, we're gunning for bigger and better things this season. 4th spot up for grabs. And there's another Cup we are still involved in. We're going to City twice...
Louis Huglin, Posted 24/01/2008 at 00:44:38
Comments
Note: the following content is not moderated or vetted by the site owners at the time of submission. Comments are the responsibility of the poster. Disclaimer
Michael Kenrick
Nice one, Louis. Well written!
Lue Glover
1 Posted 24/01/2008 at 01:46:07
1 Posted 24/01/2008 at 01:46:07
Thank you Louis, I was beginning to think I’d dreamt being at GP tonight with the place rocking til it shook. I too am proud. Okay, we were not brilliant and were beaten by a much better team but I stayed and clapped and cheered the lads off at the end.
You have restored my faith in my fellow Blues. At least some of those who werent lucky enough to have been part of that atmosphere tonight might just understand why I’m so angry at some of the comments from other posters who have just watched it on Tv.
You have restored my faith in my fellow Blues. At least some of those who werent lucky enough to have been part of that atmosphere tonight might just understand why I’m so angry at some of the comments from other posters who have just watched it on Tv.
Stuart Mann
2 Posted 24/01/2008 at 02:23:42
2 Posted 24/01/2008 at 02:23:42
Very well said. I am proud to be a bluenose. No other team would do. I was in the lower Gladwys and the whole ground of Everton fans sung their hearts out. I could moan about Moyes not changing things at half time when it was obvious AJ up on his own against a deep sitting team woul not work but if I were in charge of EFC I dont think we would be doing as well as we are now so I’ll leave that to the moyesiah! Lescott epitimises EFC. He was immense tonight and tried to drag us into that final but alas it was not to be. Just console yourself in that this is just another stepping stone on our long path from obscurity back to prominence. We showed we desire more than UEFA Cup quailification tonight and are ot gonna settle for less. Shame a few around me spoilt it with their negative shouts of F off Arteta and Howard everytime a pass went awry! We will live to fight bigger and better days in the near future!!!! COYB!
Peter Bourke
3 Posted 24/01/2008 at 03:34:26
3 Posted 24/01/2008 at 03:34:26
This is the best Mail bag post I have seen.
Well done Louis.
Positive, sensible and Evertonian.
We do have something special at EFC and it?s great to know that I am not the only one who thinks this.
Well done Louis.
Positive, sensible and Evertonian.
We do have something special at EFC and it?s great to know that I am not the only one who thinks this.
Michael Hunt
4 Posted 24/01/2008 at 03:46:19
4 Posted 24/01/2008 at 03:46:19
Rest assured, Evertonians are a breed apart. We will achieve success over a sustained period and when we do it will be all the sweeter because we deserve it.
Jason Lam
5 Posted 24/01/2008 at 03:38:57
5 Posted 24/01/2008 at 03:38:57
Lovely post there. I really enjoyed the part describing the Chelski regime. I would take it even further, their players are borgs: no emotion, no connection with the fans, no connection to the club, just well-trained cold-blooded machines. They remind me of the Germans of yesteryear, ruthless and cynical but very very effective.
I am a proud Evertonian myself, since the 80s though. Last night was very heartbreaking for the working class heroes in everyone of us (Evertonians). A sad but realistic fact of the real world, we couldn’t break down the Wall, the Matrix, the Evil Empire, whatever!
On a purely hypothetical note, I raise the question to you Louis: if the only way to progress was to sell the soul of Everton to the likes of Arse, Manure, Chelski, in order to ’progress’, to becoming a regular top3-4 club, challenging the honours each season, would you want it that way? I mean would Grant / Wenger / Sir Alex been able to conjure up an Everton win last night? Or lead us to regular silverware with this team and resources?
We are there: challenging the top3. But we need to break into it, and regularly. And then silverware, the Premiership. How far can Moyes and limited (compare to top3) funds take us? If the money does comes in how can anyone of us ensure the soul of Everton will not be corrupted?
Or should we be happy where we stand now?
(I really have too much time on my hands!)
I am a proud Evertonian myself, since the 80s though. Last night was very heartbreaking for the working class heroes in everyone of us (Evertonians). A sad but realistic fact of the real world, we couldn’t break down the Wall, the Matrix, the Evil Empire, whatever!
On a purely hypothetical note, I raise the question to you Louis: if the only way to progress was to sell the soul of Everton to the likes of Arse, Manure, Chelski, in order to ’progress’, to becoming a regular top3-4 club, challenging the honours each season, would you want it that way? I mean would Grant / Wenger / Sir Alex been able to conjure up an Everton win last night? Or lead us to regular silverware with this team and resources?
We are there: challenging the top3. But we need to break into it, and regularly. And then silverware, the Premiership. How far can Moyes and limited (compare to top3) funds take us? If the money does comes in how can anyone of us ensure the soul of Everton will not be corrupted?
Or should we be happy where we stand now?
(I really have too much time on my hands!)
Martin Cutler
6 Posted 24/01/2008 at 05:10:49
6 Posted 24/01/2008 at 05:10:49
Judging by the comments above it looks like "mick gillian" is after Michael’s job.......your job is safe Mike!
As to Louis’s comment.....extremely well said!!
I’ve been supporting EFC since ’68 (yikes!) and as shocking as it may sound I’ve only seen them play four times live yet I still worship the team and this time (this 5 year+ period) has been increasingly thrilling and an improvement....ups AND downs yes but gradually on the up and up.
It’s been said already but I truly believe that on the budget Moyes has worked under he has performed a miracles.
The team, underpaid compared to some, come across like true professionals.......and extremely proud to wear the blue shirt.....as I am proud to call myself an Everton supporter!
One last comment.......Well Done to Mike Kenrick and his team (and most of the posters on here) for the way they’ve covered tonights game on this website!
As to Louis’s comment.....extremely well said!!
I’ve been supporting EFC since ’68 (yikes!) and as shocking as it may sound I’ve only seen them play four times live yet I still worship the team and this time (this 5 year+ period) has been increasingly thrilling and an improvement....ups AND downs yes but gradually on the up and up.
It’s been said already but I truly believe that on the budget Moyes has worked under he has performed a miracles.
The team, underpaid compared to some, come across like true professionals.......and extremely proud to wear the blue shirt.....as I am proud to call myself an Everton supporter!
One last comment.......Well Done to Mike Kenrick and his team (and most of the posters on here) for the way they’ve covered tonights game on this website!
Neil Pearse
7 Posted 24/01/2008 at 08:04:41
7 Posted 24/01/2008 at 08:04:41
Sad morning, so thanks everyone for some comfort! And a great starting post Louis, as everyone has said.
Chelsea are indeed what is wrong with the modern game. While we had home grown youth talent and players that the club has developed (e.g Cahill, Arteta and Lescott), even with some of their stars missing, they had simply a bought team on the pitch. They are an extremely well-organised band of mercenaries. No wonder they can’t get more than a couple of thousand supporters to be that excited about them. They know that one day their billionaire will get tired and want to spend his money on something else (or will be banged up in prison), and that they will return to the obscurity to which they belong. Then they will forget Chelsea again and go shopping and to the rugby.
Meanwhile we can be proud to be Everton. We are a real team with real players and real fans and a real history (and future). They are very temporary upstarts.
Chelsea are indeed what is wrong with the modern game. While we had home grown youth talent and players that the club has developed (e.g Cahill, Arteta and Lescott), even with some of their stars missing, they had simply a bought team on the pitch. They are an extremely well-organised band of mercenaries. No wonder they can’t get more than a couple of thousand supporters to be that excited about them. They know that one day their billionaire will get tired and want to spend his money on something else (or will be banged up in prison), and that they will return to the obscurity to which they belong. Then they will forget Chelsea again and go shopping and to the rugby.
Meanwhile we can be proud to be Everton. We are a real team with real players and real fans and a real history (and future). They are very temporary upstarts.
Andrew Fletcher
8 Posted 24/01/2008 at 08:47:10
8 Posted 24/01/2008 at 08:47:10
What an atmosphere, when they cut the tannoy before the match started and everyone, and I mean everyone was singing....
And its Everton.....Everton FC, By Far the greatest football team....the world has ever seen.
Made the hairs on my neck stand on end.
I havent slept, dreaming about that moment in my head going over and over again.
And its Everton.....Everton FC, By Far the greatest football team....the world has ever seen.
Made the hairs on my neck stand on end.
I havent slept, dreaming about that moment in my head going over and over again.
Nick Coyne
9 Posted 24/01/2008 at 08:56:49
9 Posted 24/01/2008 at 08:56:49
Well said indeed Louis. Bang on pal.
Having sat (or rather stood) in the Lower Gwladys last night I was proud to be a Blue. The crowd didn’t stop all night and the lads on the pitch gave it 110%. Quite simply over the two legs, we were beaten by a better team unfortunately.
Moyesy is right that we are just missing that X factor that makes the great teams great.
With the announcement of the teams before kick off, the excitement grew that we could really do something last night. If we had been playing Utd or Arsenal I would have been fairly confident, daft as it may seem. If Utd have a bad day at the office you can turn them over (we were doing last season). Whilst Arsenal, for all the beautiful football that they play, can be bullied into submission if you harrass them. Chelsea are different however. They have an experience and a method of play that helps them contain teams, defend leads, and that’s exactly what they did last night.
They are not great to watch but the bastards are like a machine. Very German-esque.
Despite defeat, I am not too disheartened. If we were 14th in the league, out of the FA Cup and I felt that this was a one-off semi final, I’d probably be crying into my coffee as I write this. However, I see enough potential in this team and believe enough progress made over the last five seasons, to really feel that this is merely the start of things to come lads and lasses!!
Having sat (or rather stood) in the Lower Gwladys last night I was proud to be a Blue. The crowd didn’t stop all night and the lads on the pitch gave it 110%. Quite simply over the two legs, we were beaten by a better team unfortunately.
Moyesy is right that we are just missing that X factor that makes the great teams great.
With the announcement of the teams before kick off, the excitement grew that we could really do something last night. If we had been playing Utd or Arsenal I would have been fairly confident, daft as it may seem. If Utd have a bad day at the office you can turn them over (we were doing last season). Whilst Arsenal, for all the beautiful football that they play, can be bullied into submission if you harrass them. Chelsea are different however. They have an experience and a method of play that helps them contain teams, defend leads, and that’s exactly what they did last night.
They are not great to watch but the bastards are like a machine. Very German-esque.
Despite defeat, I am not too disheartened. If we were 14th in the league, out of the FA Cup and I felt that this was a one-off semi final, I’d probably be crying into my coffee as I write this. However, I see enough potential in this team and believe enough progress made over the last five seasons, to really feel that this is merely the start of things to come lads and lasses!!
jimmy hoffa
10 Posted 24/01/2008 at 08:46:10
10 Posted 24/01/2008 at 08:46:10
I dunno, after last night’s match against Chelski, i think we can take anyone in the UEFA now.
I think we can win the UEFA if we display the kind of display last night.
Plus after this Fernandez and Pieenar will be up to mark
SO i am quietly confident.
The players must deliver the UEFA cup. They owe it to all the fans
I think we can win the UEFA if we display the kind of display last night.
Plus after this Fernandez and Pieenar will be up to mark
SO i am quietly confident.
The players must deliver the UEFA cup. They owe it to all the fans
Brian Waring
11 Posted 24/01/2008 at 09:35:15
11 Posted 24/01/2008 at 09:35:15
Ahh, isn’t it lovely? That naughty Chelsea knock us out of the cup. I know, let’s say how bad a club Chelsea are, but say how great a club we are, just to cover over the cracks from last night, and make ourselves feel better.
stephen cruise
12 Posted 24/01/2008 at 09:39:53
12 Posted 24/01/2008 at 09:39:53
Do you think we could have made that much noise in Kirby or would it had sounded that loud.Felt Arteta just had enough of being kicked & pushed last night he got no protection at all from am a top 4 ref Steve Bennett.Am always proud of our team and am sure they our proud of us.For true support priceless for Chelsea support theres mastercard for nothing at all theres Hicks & Gilett
NIL SATIS NISI OPTIMUM
NIL SATIS NISI OPTIMUM
Neil McKinney
13 Posted 24/01/2008 at 10:25:00
13 Posted 24/01/2008 at 10:25:00
Beaten by the better team in the end. Absolutely gutted.
Very proud of the atmosphere generated last night and the lads huffed and puffed and tried their best. In the end we just didn’t have enough.
Brian - I think you’ll find that’s how some people deal with disappointment, by reminding themselves of the positive things. Yes it’s easy to accuse Chelsea of not being a great TEAM or CLUB and maybe that is a bit of sour grapes but the difference between the teams is clear to see. MONEY!
I heard nothing but whinging about how many players they had out. Did you see the team they fielded? If we had seven players out as they claimed, we’d have got hammered 7-0. Strength in depth, internationals sat on the bench. Malouda, Makelele, Anelka the list goes on.
Disappointed? Yes. Ashamed? Definitely not. We gave it a good go and came up short to a team that has cost hundreds of millions to assemble (even with all the players out).
We need to put this behind us and focus on the league and UEFA cup. We’ll have another go at a cup next year.
COYB!!
Very proud of the atmosphere generated last night and the lads huffed and puffed and tried their best. In the end we just didn’t have enough.
Brian - I think you’ll find that’s how some people deal with disappointment, by reminding themselves of the positive things. Yes it’s easy to accuse Chelsea of not being a great TEAM or CLUB and maybe that is a bit of sour grapes but the difference between the teams is clear to see. MONEY!
I heard nothing but whinging about how many players they had out. Did you see the team they fielded? If we had seven players out as they claimed, we’d have got hammered 7-0. Strength in depth, internationals sat on the bench. Malouda, Makelele, Anelka the list goes on.
Disappointed? Yes. Ashamed? Definitely not. We gave it a good go and came up short to a team that has cost hundreds of millions to assemble (even with all the players out).
We need to put this behind us and focus on the league and UEFA cup. We’ll have another go at a cup next year.
COYB!!
Tony Williams
14 Posted 24/01/2008 at 10:40:05
14 Posted 24/01/2008 at 10:40:05
FFS I thought we had a Kirkby embargo!!!
With regards to Arteta though Ste, spot on, he was tripled marked all the game and Cahill was doubled up on for every throw in and corner.
We were simply outfought by a superior team who will be vieing for the Premiership, so what cracks are you talking about Brian?
With regards to Arteta though Ste, spot on, he was tripled marked all the game and Cahill was doubled up on for every throw in and corner.
We were simply outfought by a superior team who will be vieing for the Premiership, so what cracks are you talking about Brian?
John Lloyd
15 Posted 24/01/2008 at 11:09:59
15 Posted 24/01/2008 at 11:09:59
Go on Brian, are you gonna post anything with any substance.......or just make poxy comments about other Blues who are trying to look at the positives of last nights result which so far have been quite honest and accurate, but its all about opinions so what are yours, put them on instead of shithouse 12 yr old comments like yours above.
Dominic Fitzpatrick
16 Posted 24/01/2008 at 11:35:35
16 Posted 24/01/2008 at 11:35:35
UEFA Cup Semi anyone?
Matthew Lim
17 Posted 24/01/2008 at 11:57:01
17 Posted 24/01/2008 at 11:57:01
COYB!
Brian Waring
18 Posted 24/01/2008 at 15:41:06
18 Posted 24/01/2008 at 15:41:06
John, I have posted my thoughts on another thread, but here’s my opinion.
We are chasing the game, but decide to go with one up front, (I know it works for us, but only when the yak is the lone striker) we continue for the first 20 mins to keep twating the ball up to AJ (who in my opinion,takes no blame last night) who is then expected to out - jump two huge defenders. Everyone can see it’s having no effect, but we continue to do it. We couldn’t keep hold of the ball, and continued to keep giving possesion back to Chelsea. We created nothing from open play. Moyes has done well this season, but, (and this is my opinion ) should have made the substitutions earlier. We went out last night with a whimper. Everyone is always bleating at how close to the top 4 we are, well, after the semi over the 2 legs, it has actually shown how far away we are from them. Also, John, can you tell me, after the 2 legs, what positives can we take from the games? They out - played us for the majority of the time over the 2 games, and at the end, they went through quite comfortably.
We are chasing the game, but decide to go with one up front, (I know it works for us, but only when the yak is the lone striker) we continue for the first 20 mins to keep twating the ball up to AJ (who in my opinion,takes no blame last night) who is then expected to out - jump two huge defenders. Everyone can see it’s having no effect, but we continue to do it. We couldn’t keep hold of the ball, and continued to keep giving possesion back to Chelsea. We created nothing from open play. Moyes has done well this season, but, (and this is my opinion ) should have made the substitutions earlier. We went out last night with a whimper. Everyone is always bleating at how close to the top 4 we are, well, after the semi over the 2 legs, it has actually shown how far away we are from them. Also, John, can you tell me, after the 2 legs, what positives can we take from the games? They out - played us for the majority of the time over the 2 games, and at the end, they went through quite comfortably.
Brian Waring
19 Posted 24/01/2008 at 16:03:13
19 Posted 24/01/2008 at 16:03:13
Also John, if you care to look, I posted on another thread that we can be proud of how far we came in the carling cup. I just feel (in my opinion ) there is nothing to be proud of in the 2 legs,(apart from 15 mins at the bridge, and a 10 mins spell last night ) we were mainly crap.
John Lloyd
20 Posted 24/01/2008 at 16:14:07
20 Posted 24/01/2008 at 16:14:07
Thats better mate!!
I agree with some of your points but lets not forget (some of us tend to do this) its not all about us, you have to give Chelsea credit for the way they defended. They were so methodical & machine like, yet they managed to look dangerous when they attacked, sign of a good side!
I think Moyes picked best team he had available, and in his defence he probably thought that bringing the young lads on wouldnt of made that much difference against the size, experience & ability of the two chelsea centre halves and goalie were solid last night.
The positives were us getting to a semi final, its been a fuckin while & that was a game we would of lost heavily a couple of years back, it shows how far we’ve come when you look at how hard the chelsea players worked for the victory & how happy/relieved they were to get it.
I agree with some of your points but lets not forget (some of us tend to do this) its not all about us, you have to give Chelsea credit for the way they defended. They were so methodical & machine like, yet they managed to look dangerous when they attacked, sign of a good side!
I think Moyes picked best team he had available, and in his defence he probably thought that bringing the young lads on wouldnt of made that much difference against the size, experience & ability of the two chelsea centre halves and goalie were solid last night.
The positives were us getting to a semi final, its been a fuckin while & that was a game we would of lost heavily a couple of years back, it shows how far we’ve come when you look at how hard the chelsea players worked for the victory & how happy/relieved they were to get it.
© ToffeeWeb
-sm.jpg)
-sm.jpg)
-sm.jpg)
-sm.jpg)
