COLUMNIST JOE JENNINGS

Can We Bring Him Home?

By Joe Jennings :  26/02/2009 :  Comments (51) :

If tenuous reports surfacing in the media are to be believed, Manuel Fernandes?s love affair with Everton could be set to continue, that is, if he?s still on the menu at Goodison Park.

There have been various accusations levelled at Manuel Fernandes during his two spells with Everton, from backstabbing to lethargy to showboating. But one thing to me has always proved conclusive, scientific fact ? the lad has talent, lots of it.

Fernandes remains, to this day, a rough diamond. A diamond who potentially, could become one of the best in the Premier League, given the right home. I honestly believed securing his services permanently last summer was a must, as he was exactly what we needed to move forward, and I felt we simply had to pay whatever it took to ensure his future was at Everton. For one reason or another, it didn?t happen. I was angered, but most of all, disappointed.

Disappointed that a player of such obvious ability and flair could slip through our net. Disappointed we couldn?t stump up the cash to secure his long term future was at Everton. Disappointed he would have to do make do with paella over scouse.

The now Valencia midfielder brought men of all ages, shapes and sizes out of the closet with some sexually arousing displays upon arrival at Liverpool 4. He was a breath of fresh air. A powerful, talented, dexterous international who brought an aura of class with him.

A goal against Manchester United back in April 2007 that encapsulated all the finesse, panache and absolute belief that was once quintessentially ?Everton? did much to spark the Evertonian excitement. It was understandable. As the season drew to a close, the focus was now aimed at getting Fernandes in on a permanent basis.

But that?s when it all started to go horribly wrong. Enthusiasm turned to despair as deadline day approached.

Supporters will now understandably refer to the protracted ?transfer? of that summer which involved Fernandes shaking hands on a deal with Everton and being Bill Kenwright?s guest for the clash against Blackburn Rovers, before inexplicably signing on the dotted line at the Mestalla a day after, as catastrophic. That hurt, it really did. It was like the winning lottery numbers that you forgot to put on, finding your best mate in bed with your wife, getting the ball full on at your sack, a heartbreaking feeling any dyed-in-the-wool Evertonian would have felt.

Even a return on loan a few months later didn?t satisfy all of the Goodison boo-boys, clearly still sore from being shafted from behind. His performances didn?t initially inspire either, questions surrounding his attitude were once again inevitably posed. But there was always the knowledge of what he was capable of, a belief in Fernandes? truly unique capabilities. There was almost an unforeseen determination from a certain section of our fan base however, that we couldn?t or shouldn?t fall back in love with him, because he was a traitor after all. I found that attitude loathsome. For sure, he had let us down massively, but that was now of secondary importance, the main thing was ensuring he didn?t slip away for a second time.

Here we had a player who rivalled some of the Premier League?s top performers in terms of skill, guile, awareness, passing range and vision and some remained adamant he was a bad apple. We?re a funny band of supporters. This was the same lad who had Cesc Fabregas ? one of the most coveted talents in world football ? grasping at his ankles in stupor as our Portuguese maestro set Goodison alight.

Watching Fernandes and Arteta in full swing against Portsmouth on a day sunshine surrounded Goodison Park was a joy to behold. It was truly school of science stuff. Arteta was the one player in the Everton side who really did understand how Fernandes operated, they clicked.

Given Arteta?s reincarnation in central midfield and the form and emergence of young talents, where would Fernandes fit in if his dream was to come true? Perhaps more importantly, would David Moyes have the foresight to do it? Is he too much of a steady Eddy to take the risk? Personally, I?d have him back in a shot, because unlike others, he has world-class ability. Valencia are cash-strapped, by no means are Everton affluent, but it begs the question if we can afford to spend £15 million on Marouane Fellaini surely we can gather the reddies to secure one of the other stars of tomorrow.

Manuel Fernandes needs tender, love and care. He needs a home. Agents have already played a massive role in his career in engineering moves to clubs across Europe, but here we have a 23-year-old ? excusing the hyperbole ? prospective world-beater. Surely that alone should banish any doubts surrounding him?

A midfield trio of Rodwell, Arteta and Fernandes (hey, maybe even Fellaini!), isn?t that our idea of Blue heaven? The Holy Trinity would certainly think so.

Reader Comments

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David Chait
1   Posted 26/02/2009 at 06:13:55

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I’m one of the unashamedly Manny fans! My Manny moment was his slide rule pass (one of many but most unforgettable) that sloced through the opposition and put the Yak in on goal....



Haven’t seen anything like it since he left. I feel you hit the nail on the head in that I felt not all his mistakes were just his doing... I felt his vision for the game was not shared by most in the team and they just weren’t operating in sync. When they do, like his relationship with Arteta, then it is wonderous to behold.

I write a fair amount about Manny on the Everton forum.. but in my heart I know we will never see him playing in the royal blue again.... and its a crying shame....
Colin Mapp
2   Posted 26/02/2009 at 07:44:32

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Gee boys,Ain’t love grand!
Gareth Humphreys
3   Posted 26/02/2009 at 07:47:31

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My memories of Manny are fairly mixed - in some games he looked superb however when he came back on loan the 2nd time he looked appaling at times - I even recall saying to the lad next to me during an awful performance from Fernandes that we had dodged a bullet when we didn’t sign him.

In truth I would be pleased if we signed him but I;m glad its not my money paying for it.
mick wrende
4   Posted 26/02/2009 at 08:14:58

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For heavens sake is Fernandez the only midfielder in the whole world? He was crap the second time he came to us. Lets move on!
Peter Pridgeon
5   Posted 26/02/2009 at 08:27:12

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Firstly Joe are you trying to tell us about your sexuality, if so I for one don’t really care, this is an Everton forum, come out of the closet son and fly the flag if you choose but please, pretty please do it on a another more suitable forum.

Secondly
Fernandez was not that good and far, far from World class.
What makes you see a few decent attributes in a player and suddenly decide he’s WC?

Thirdly
I will make a resolution not to waste time and read articles by Joe Jennings again and therefore not post a critical response.

Anyone who agrees that each member of the Everton squad; past, present and probably in the fucking future is World Class can happily support your ravings.
Dan Brierley
6   Posted 26/02/2009 at 08:09:57

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Bring him home?

Is this the same guy that sat to watch the Blackburn match with a verbal commitment to EFC for signing, then jumped on the plane the next day to sign for Valencia? The same one who came to us on loan soon after, and did nothing? I am missing something about this guy, I really am. While his talent is undoubted, his attitude and ethics are more LFC than EFC.
Alan Kirwin
7   Posted 26/02/2009 at 09:14:54

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Joe

Which reports are you referring to? I’ve seen one piece of speculation that suggested he was surplus/disillusioned at Valencia & that Pompey were sniffing round & that’s it. Where have you picked up rumours of EFC interest?

As for the boy, sure, I;d have him back tomorrow. He’s got spunk & panache & talent. On his day he is fabulous. His second spell wasn’t too hot, but there were reasons behind that (which even Moyes himself conceded).

With our legendary spirit & togetherness, the friendly set up and a manager who seems to be from the Alex Ferguson school of man management, he could cut it here better than anywhere.

Saying that, I wouldn’t want Manny if it meant losing out on Moutinho. He is the boy. But first things first & there’s teh simple question of money (which is a much easier question if we finish 4th). I just hope Moutinho was injured for last night’s game or he could be permanently traumatised!

The door’s open Manny, come on in. I think Moyes would love him back.
ian tunny
8   Posted 26/02/2009 at 09:21:08

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I might be wrong but doest Moutiniho get in the Portugal squad ahead of Fernandes? If so, and if we were linked to both then i would rather have Moutinho.
Gareth Cooper
9   Posted 26/02/2009 at 09:17:48

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I agree with Dan Brierley. The title of this article is either steeped in sarcasm, or I think Joe’s rose tinted glasses really have sent him over the edge!

Fernandes was a joy in his first spell, which led to us all begging for him to stay. Then he screwed us over. End of. Wake up call: THERE IS NO LOYALTY IN FOOTBALL ANYMORE! MONEY TALKS! After that his second spell with us was destined to fail.

To call Goodison his ’home’ is a bit rich for my liking. It is ours Joe, but remember we are born not manufactured. You can not justify putting Fernandes under your goodison wing if he regards us no more highly than any mercinary would. If he does come (unlikely I reckon) he has a heck of a lot of people to win over. Agreed he is a talent but I don’t think your romance should spread any further than that.
David Marsden
10   Posted 26/02/2009 at 09:26:17

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he’s too much of an expensive risk!
Ray Burn
11   Posted 26/02/2009 at 09:40:01

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"The now Valencia midfielder brought men of all ages, shapes and sizes out of the closet with some sexually arousing displays"

This has to be a joke doesn’t it?.

Either Joe sits at home alone jerking off to Arteta freekicks and Tim Cahill headers or he is some kind of weird Kopite on the wind up.

If the former is true then to each his own, but as Peter Pridgeon points out surely Toffeeweb is not the forum to discuss your own personal proclivities.

As to the main point of the article then yes I would like to see Manny back here.
Duncan Winsland
12   Posted 26/02/2009 at 10:06:02

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Fernandes was far from world class but showed glimpses that he could be given the right management, can we say that Fellaini has shown any sign that he could be? As far as loyalty goes we were quick enough to break the bank on someone who won’t get a hair cut or run in top gear for the cause!
Anthony Jaras
13   Posted 26/02/2009 at 10:29:34

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Bring him home? Isn’t he Portugese?

Brett Bradshaw
14   Posted 26/02/2009 at 10:42:53

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We have plenty of bods for central midfield, and he would not even come in as a gaurentee first team player!!

The fact is, none of our players are natural wingers with the possible exception of Pienaar. We need a RW first. I would hate to see Arteta moved back to the wing too..wasted
Phil Bellis
15   Posted 26/02/2009 at 11:08:43

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Joe
Did you ever see the unit of Ball, Harvey, Kendall & Morrissey play?
It’s an age thing, I know, but there are no favourable comparisons in the current game
Phil Martin
16   Posted 26/02/2009 at 11:25:28

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Ray Burn,

I nearly shat myself laughing reading your post!

Indeed while I love to see Arteta and Cahill playing brilliantly in the Everton shirt, I have never experienced an erection while watching them and nor is this the site to discuss such events.

As for Manny, he got what he deserved when he broke a (all be it gentleman’s) agreement to join Valencia. I have no great desire to see him back as for every great dragback or pass, there was 6 or 7 misplaced passes.
Moutinho looks a far better player -with a far better attitude.

So I’d rather have him any day of the week (aroused or not)!
Paul Joy
17   Posted 26/02/2009 at 11:18:09

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I have an old fashioned point of view on Manny Fernandes.
He agreed to sign for Everton and I don’t care that he did’nt actually put pen to paper. He agreed verbally and shook hands on it.
He chose to turn his back on Everton and the fans who had supported him and instead signed for Valencia. His choice - Everton wanted him - David Moyes wanted him - and the fans wanted him. He wanted Valencia.

Is he therefore someone that can be trusted?
Not for me - ever.
His conduct was nothing new in football but that does not mean it was ok.

He gave his word and shook on it - he can go to hell and back for me I don’t want him pulling on our shirt ever.

Ok Mikel Arteta is crocked and we will need more creativity in midfield but why does Fernandes have to be referred to in such misty eyed terms as being the answer?

FFS get over Fernandes - 1 moment against ManU - where did he disappear to every other game he played against top sides? He is not fit to lace Arteta’s boots let alone fill them.
Nick Entwistle
18   Posted 26/02/2009 at 11:35:30

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At last Joe, a good read from yourself... providing there are reports in the press and this isn’t just an idea plucked from the sky (rather like most press reports!). Otherwise this is just some reminising.

I can’t say Manny changed my lifestyle and activated my gaydar, but he is a sexy footballer in the same way Chris Waddle was a sexy footballer. I saw him at West Ham on his 2nd spell I think, and ooooh, just dribbling for fun. Great stuff.

Did people say sexy footballer before Gullit stated he wanted to play sexy football with Newcastle??

From our team, I’d say say Mikky is tantric, Pienaar is a hot passionate quicky, and Captain Marvel is 30 seconds of missionary with a handshake and ’well done’ at the end of it.
Ciaran MacGiolla Eoin
19   Posted 26/02/2009 at 11:55:16

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Can we really afford to play the scorned lover when it comes to quality players like Fernandes?

Are we so naive that we honestly believe that anyone joins Everton as a matter of pride rather than mammon?

Many is a superb player who was played out of position on the wing in his second spell.....Valencia managed to sign him in a day, while we played the delboy routine with the 3rd party owners...Can anyone objectively blame Manny for choosing Valencia over us- especially given the circumstances?

Not without the abrogation of sense...

Fella, Arteta and Manny in the middle? Yes please.

Nick Entwistle
20   Posted 26/02/2009 at 12:20:59

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Wasn’t he forced into signing for Valencia?
Robbie Muldoon
21   Posted 26/02/2009 at 12:16:59

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Give me a Manny over 10 Osmans anyday
David Alexander
22   Posted 26/02/2009 at 12:35:08

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Manny seems to me like big dunc briliant on his day and very average for the next two matches. I agree that he could be a great player but thats a gamble.

I think its more likely that he would become a Cult hero in the mound of duncan, and everton dont need cult heros we need real heros who are consistently excelent
Wes Burgin
23   Posted 26/02/2009 at 12:37:39

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He isn’t and wasn’t anywhere near as good as Arteta.

A vastly over rated luxury of a player who in reality has no real interest in playing for Everton.

A mercenary, not what we need in our squad at the moment IMO.
Alasdair Mackay
24   Posted 26/02/2009 at 12:59:50

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Manny was invisible more times than he was effective on the pitch. I have no doubt that Moyes could have (and still could) make him a consistently exceptional player if he came to Everton, but I tend to agree with a few posts on here. The money we would have to pay to get him can be better invested.

Moutinho is the dream signing for me.



Robbie Muldoon - I would tajke Osman over Manny, because his work-rate and committment is top notch and he can provide the occassional moment of brilliance (just like Manny, but with consistenmt effort).

Also - would love to see Krancjar at Everton. He could play anywhere across the attacking midfield, so provides versatility as well as quality.
Ciaran MacGiolla Eoin
25   Posted 26/02/2009 at 13:41:13

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Osman over Manny...dear god.


I suppose you’d take a fat and ugly bird over Elle MacPherson...after all they are more willing to please.

Behave.
David Nicholls
26   Posted 26/02/2009 at 13:48:30

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If we can get him on the cheap then I’d love it if we signed him.

I agree with Joe’s point that if he was to make Everton his home we could see the best of what I believe is a potentially special talent.

Of course since Miky moved to Centre Mid our need for a playmaker in that role had somewhat diminished but Sunday highlighted the need to have top class cover in all areas of the field and I think Manny could deputise for Miky more competantly than anyone in our current midfield. Maybe they could play together?

That said We are equally thin on the ground in the wide area’s and other players we have been linked with (Krancjar and Moutinho) seem more comfortable out wide so if money is tight in the summer they would probably be a better bet.
Alan Kirwin
27   Posted 26/02/2009 at 14:37:55

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Alasdair

Krancjar, yes, fine, excellent player at crap club. Osman over Fernandes? no.

I have more time for Osman than many on here, simply due to the other options. But he has his limitations and they are regularly seen when we play the better teams. As that is where we are aiming, I think Leon’s probably had his best years but could end up doing a great job for a mid/lower table team.

I’d still take Moutinho over anybody and I suspect his price will have dropped by June. Rumours suggest Moyes still has his eye on him, and he still seems sweet on us.

The other guy I’d love us to get is M’Bia, despite his admissions over money (honesty, that’s all). But that would be greedy and, in the unlikely event that we did grab 2 of these players, and keep Jo, I’d then be expecting rather than hoping for top 4.

So I’ll also be content with what we have and seeing the kids develop. If we keep plugging all the chinks in our armoury with buying then the kids have no chance.
Michael Greaves
28   Posted 26/02/2009 at 14:33:21

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Funny, when I initially read the title to this article, I thought he was referring to Rooney.
Jay Harris
29   Posted 26/02/2009 at 14:46:30

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First of all, why do some people treat as gospel whatever is spouted by Kenwright and his clones?

Manny himself said recently that at the time he was told it was a done deal but things kept dragging on with no resolution in sight so his agent recommended (pushed) him to sign for Valencia.

For those with short memories, it was going on over the whole of close season and right up to the transfer deadline.

It?s like having a temp working for your company and in May you tell them you?d like to make them permanent but with August looming and a couple of days to a deadline when it cant then happen you are offered another job.

How many of you would not have taken the Valencia offer.

If he was a guest of Bill for the match and we seriously wanted him surely the thing to have done was sign the contract before the game and announce it at the time.

For me it's another example of "The Everton Way" and I totally endorse Joe?s comments and feelings.

Sure he was poor when he came back initially the second time but that was because he?d had no preseason and hardly any games and was thrown straight into the prem but once he trained up and got playing he was immense. Look at the pass to Osman as an example of his ability.

For the first time in a long time I felt we had somebody as talented if not better than Arteta and it was a tragic shame that we did not get him this preseason because if we had we would not be looking to cling on to 6th place we would have been challenging the top 4 instead of Villa and Arsenal.
Joe Rourke
30   Posted 26/02/2009 at 16:04:50

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Heres an article in AS (in Spanish)

- http://www.as.com/futbol/articulo/manuel-fernandes-le-gustaria-volver/dasftb/20090213dasdasftb_5/Tes

Its from about two weeks ago on him. basically he said we would like to play in England again - one day - before going back to finish in Portugal. Its roughly the same level of rumour as the normal one linking Arteta with returning to spain. Maybe he will be back in three or four years in the premiership. Personally he has had his shot I think. He is getting on okay at Valencia judging by his appearences in the team.(info @ http://www.valenciacf.com/contenidos/ElEquipo/Jugadores/Valencia/Manuel_Fernandes.html?__locale=es)
steven baker
31   Posted 26/02/2009 at 16:20:30

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There’s nothing better than a provocative article to ruffle people’s feathers. Well done Joe Jennings.

For what it’s worth, I think there are too many contradictions surrounding the entire Manny affair for any potential return to Goodison to work. Whether his past, present and future intentions have been/will be honest and wholesome or not.

In my opinion there is only one suitable replacement for Arteta, short term and long term, within the ranks and outside of them...

Moutinho.
Karl Masters
32   Posted 26/02/2009 at 18:15:20

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Hahaha. One of the more hilarious reads I have found on here lately.

To be fair to Joe, I believe he is only 16/17 and with that in mind has the naivete of youth to believe that Fernandes would consider Everton home.

3 things I have noticed recently have led me to believe that footballers only ever consider a stay at a Club to be temporary and are unliukely to put down any real roots.

Firstly, Tim Cahill, despite being an Everton star and here for 5 years now, still openly admits he will be going home to Australia once his career is finished. Secondly Arteta is having his knee operation ( and most likely all his rehabilitation with Rathbone forced to fly out to see him ) in Spain. Finally, Marlon King when appearing in Court this week charged with some serious goings on in a London nightclub gave his address as Waltham Cross in Hertfordshire ( even though he left Watford a long time ago to play for Hull and Middlesbrough ).

Famously too Mike Walker refused to move to Merseyside from Norfolk, although that was probably a good thing if it hastened his departure.

I don’t necessarily blame the players for any of that, but the notion of Fernandes ’coming home’ to Liverpool ( where he rented a flat in the Albert Dock for a few months ) is silly.

Of course, the whole article could be a wind-up, which if it was, has succeeeded! :)
Connor Rohrer
33   Posted 26/02/2009 at 18:34:06

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Potentially an excellent player, he’s doing well at Valencia though so there’s no point discussing it. That and the fact that we don’t have the finances to afford a player like him, sadly.
Robbie Kirkham
34   Posted 26/02/2009 at 18:40:46

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Would love to see him come back but really can’t see it happening superb player though.
Turtle Figgett
35   Posted 26/02/2009 at 19:48:27

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fernando ain’t that good he ain’t got attitude
Sean Patton
36   Posted 26/02/2009 at 19:57:57

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Joe

If Fernandes is capable of sexually arousing displays then you will be having wet dreams every week if we sign Moutinho as he is a better player.
Mark Scarratt
37   Posted 26/02/2009 at 23:13:36

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This could be a wind up, but it has some truth.
I did say it myself 2 years ago that Fernandes played very well with Arteta.
However the rest of our team at the time didn’t have a clue what he was doing and weren’t on the same wavelength.
We have moved on though in terms of quality and I could see Fernandes playing very well in a midfield that also now includes Pienaar and the emerging Rodwell.

The guy has got a touch of class, but was clearly not fit during his second spell and was only just getting back into shape at the end of the season.

Al in all though I think he would represent a bit of a gamble. Great when you are 3-0 up and the sun is shining, but what would he be like on a wet November at Bolton.

Tough call and worth debating.
Dan Brierley
38   Posted 27/02/2009 at 02:15:59

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Jay Harris,

Can you please post the source of Manny saying that recently? I have scoured the net, and canot find anything of the sort.

For me personally, the transfer policy of this club is pound for pound only behind Arsenal. To try and criticise the regime that brought in Arteta, Neville, Howard, Baines, Lescott, Pienaar, Yakubu, Fellaini and nurtured our youngsters seems a bit harsh.

Lets see some hard evidence about the poison this board are feeding into this club. Because the pitch performances, and future prospects dont seem to reflect it I am afraid.
Richard Lum
39   Posted 27/02/2009 at 04:24:55

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The tagline "Can We Bring Him Home?" said it all . The players must considered our place home before bringing him back. Remembered Dungun Ferguson.
garry martin
40   Posted 27/02/2009 at 09:08:42

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Money is short and I am afraid I would not buy him. Second time around he was crap.
Nuff said.
Ciaran MacGiolla Eoin
41   Posted 27/02/2009 at 09:17:34

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A pound for pound transfer policy that is second to Arsenal?

Beattie, Kroldrop, Davies, Da silva, Jacobsen, VDM, Castillo, AJ, mcfadden, Gravesen, castillo...and various other misfits who have spectacularly failed to deliver...

Now, don’t get me wrong...Moyes has constantly improved in this area and has made some outstanding purchases....but he’s also made some castastrophic errors....

Gary Martin, Nuff said? Yeah, nevermind the fact that he wasn’t fit, had personal problems in spain and was played out of position....
Anthony Newell
42   Posted 27/02/2009 at 13:04:45

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PMSL @
’I suppose you?d take a fat and ugly bird over Elle MacPherson...after all they are more willing to please.

Behave.’

Sounds like you write with experience Ciaran!
Jay Harris
43   Posted 27/02/2009 at 14:17:34

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Dan Brierley,
I think it was on Evertonnews.com when the news broke about him possibly going to Portsmouth and he spoke about the situation regarding his Valencia move.

For the record, I am more than happy with the team and the manager?s overall performance but IMO the board has let the fans and the manager down by consistently lying and underperforming.

As this is a Manny thread and not a board bashing/backslapping thread I have no intention of furthering the debate as my views on Kenwright are well known on here.

You can disagree all you like but you wont change my mind and I doubt that I?d change your mind so let's leave it at that.
Steve Edwards
44   Posted 27/02/2009 at 15:32:28

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I don?t know what your on Joe but it's playing games with your mind. That's not how I remember Mr Fernandes. Can?t we move on from him? I find the whole subject boring. Everything that needed to be said about him has been well said.

Anthony - As for good old Ciaran, you must remember he is still going through puberty.
Jim Potter
45   Posted 27/02/2009 at 18:15:57

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Is it wrong to play with Mr Sausage when watching the Blues? I mean, the team are playing (football) with themselves - why shouldn’t I play with myself? Tissue anyone?
Jim Potter
46   Posted 27/02/2009 at 18:27:33

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Football wise - I’d have him back, but Moutinho every time if it was a straight choice. Where are those hand wipes?
garry martin
47   Posted 28/02/2009 at 07:47:10

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Ciaran MacGiolla Eoin - I’m sorry to disagree with you but, he may, as you say, had all the excuses under the sun for not playing well but, all players should have the basic abilty to pass a ball and he could’nt .
As for his problems, what a bitch about doing a different job at work and, having a cold & my cat dying (tough world hey) - nuff said .


COYB
Mike Allison
48   Posted 28/02/2009 at 13:35:42

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I’ve said it before on here and I’ll say it again, Fernandes is the missing piece in our team. I agree that he absolutely IS world class, I watched him prove it on Sky as he dominated possession against Real Madrid some time before Christmas. He is a holding central midfielder, who picks the ball up off the back four and makes the play, spotting gaps and starting attacks. He and Arteta would be the perfect pair, and as good a midfield pairing as any in the Premier League (I really mean that, as good as Man United, Chelsea, etc). When Carsley left, Fernandes was the guy who should have replaced him, his second loan spell occasionally saw Fernandes alongside Carsley, and Fernandes would be the ball winner and the ball user, often bypassing Carsley completely as he ran both forward and back. I’m convinced that we should have spent the £15M for Fellaini on Fernandes, and hope we still might (although obviously I would hope we can get him cheaper). I think we only need Fernandes to hold the midfield and a genuinely class wide man to bridge the gap between our present 6th and the top 4 (assuming someone up there stutters next season). The rest of the team is solid, if we made these mere two additions, and with the likes of Rodwell, Gosling, Osman and even Fellaini in reserve, we would have a stronger first 11 and a deeper squad.

Joe, I agree with you almost completely (I don’t think I actually fancy him, although he has got nice eyes...) but I’m fairly sure David Moyes doesn’t. And that’s the main point really, Moyes has had him twice, not always used him properly (wide or supporting the striker) and decided to spend the money on Fellaini instead last summer. I might as well finish off by going all Football Manager on you and suggesting the Russian Yuri Zhirkov as the class wide man we need. He may be, like Arshavin ended up, out of our league though.
Andy Burke
49   Posted 28/02/2009 at 19:06:36

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Nick Entwistle

’From our team, I?d say say Mikky is tantric, Pienaar is a hot passionate quicky, and Captain Marvel is 30 seconds of missionary with a handshake and ?well done? at the end of it.’

Fucking superb. I wasn’t going to respond to this one but that is funny and deserved a heads up.
mark macca
50   Posted 01/03/2009 at 19:49:42

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Can we bring him home? .... joe did u av one to manny sherberts when you wrote this?. bring him home my arse... lots of promise but will never get the work ethic that we need here.. now, go back to bed and have another dream....
Richard Murray
51   Posted 01/03/2009 at 23:16:44

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Central midfield is probably our most blessed position at the minute (when fit). Arteta, Fellaini, Rodwell, Osman, Pienaar, Neville, Gosling, Cahill - can all play in the two or three positions pretty/very well. We need out and out wingers, a pacy forward and maybe a new RB.

I prefer to Fellaini to Fernandes anyway. Fellaini an honest and likeable person. I like that in my footballers.

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