VIEW FROM THE BLUE
Talking Point: A Successful Summer?
By Lyndon Lloyd : 02/09/2008 : 
Comments (103) :
Comments (103) : As rabbits go, this one was a pretty big one to pull out of the hat at the eleventh hour of transfer deadline day, not only in terms of the size of the transfer fee ? a whopping £15m that eclipses the £11.25m paid for Yakubu a year ago ? but also in terms of what it could mean for Everton's season and Bill Kenwright's short-term tenure as Everton Chairman.
Very little is known about Marouane Fellaini ? a familiar refrain from fans writing in to this website and those that managed to stay standing during the flurry of desperate page refreshing by fans eager to see if David Moyes could add the quality his small squad so painfully needed in central midfield was, "Thank God we signed someone. Anyone know if he's any good?" ? but assuming the enormity of that fee doesn't reflect the Club's desperation, the manager must feel he is a bona fide answer to the Lee Carsley conundrum.
If the first two home defeats this season demonstrated anything it's that Everton had no central midfield to speak of. Phil Jagielka and Jack Rodwell, both central defenders by trade, struggled to contain Blackburn and Portsmouth with predictable results. The arrivals of Segundo Castillo and Fellaini will at least provide Moyes with established midfield talent and the psychological boost alone should provide a real tonic as the team prepares for back-to-back away games at newly-promoted sides. Jagielka can get back to central defensive duty, Rodwell can be returned to the gradual development his tender years demand and maybe, just maybe, we'll be spared Phil Neville in midfield!
With the acquisition of Fellaini, though, Kenwright may have played a last-ditch get-out-of-jail free card. A cursory glance at some of the increasingly vitriolic comments that streamed onto ToffeeWeb throughout the day and some of the letters and articles penned before the window actually closed shows that many fans had simply run out of patience in the Chairman and the current Board and turned on him in numbers.
Leaving aside the fact that the Fellaini deal answers few questions ? was, as Moyes's demeanour at times suggested this summer, coupled with the almost unmistakable impression that he was forced to sell Johnson in order to raise funds to strengthen other parts of the team, there a general lack of funds from the outset? Did he, as members of the club hierarchy insist, have £17m at his disposal at the end of last season but dithered throughout the transfer window as his top targets like Joao Moutinho and Stephane M'Bia fell away? ? does the sum of Everton's transfer activity this summer vindicate Kenwright's "watch this space" promise and add the quality that the squad needs in order to challenge the top four?
In my opinion, while I feel a good deal better with two new midfielders on board, no. Had the bid to bring in either Victor Obinna or Joao Moutinho succeeded, we'd be a lot closer but the team is still lacking a depth of genuine attacking midfield quality and pace. Until Steven Pienaar is fit we'll struggle for width and players capable of linking play quickly in forward areas.
As an early debut for a forthcoming regular "Talking Points" feature on the site, what is your take on this issue?
Reader 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
Totally agree. Panic buy, and from what I saw of him against Liverpool we are paying way over the going rate. What I just can?t understand is why we leave it so late to pay so much money for this player, who to me appeared at best very average.
If we were trying to play hard ball with Sporting, why undermine our position by continuing to bleat to the press about our desperation to sign players and the fact that we had money to spend only to then stump up silly money for someone who for me doesn?t come close to Moutinho?s quality???
If we were trying to play hard ball with Sporting, why undermine our position by continuing to bleat to the press about our desperation to sign players and the fact that we had money to spend only to then stump up silly money for someone who for me doesn?t come close to Moutinho?s quality???
Please God let this one be good. Let this one be able to pick a pass. Let it not be what my heart thinks; PANIC BUY.
Our midfield is crying out for a playmaker. DM tried to sign Nicky Hunt with what little money is left. Pity really, we really need to have some quality in the middle.
Our midfield is crying out for a playmaker. DM tried to sign Nicky Hunt with what little money is left. Pity really, we really need to have some quality in the middle.
It’s fair to say that Fellaini seems to have some good credentials and he could prove to be a great player. He could also prove to be out of his depth and only time will tell on this one.
Certainly he’s got a knack of getting his head powerfully onto the ball in the box in a similar way to Cahill, with the added advantage of height!
The real question/statement is if you were planning business then you wouldn’t be so reactive. There is no way that any of the purchases made this summer were well planned. Having said they weren’t well planned it’s still possible that Fellaini, Castillo and Saha will prove to be fantastic purchases. Unfortunately, there will still be a time before they will be brought up to fitness and gain an understanding of the players around them.
I think that the disruption that has already occurred to the pre season and season opening by not signing good players earlier may be detrimental in our teams push for a European place this year.
Just a point to Jarod. I disagree that a good central defensive midfielder doesn’t win you games in the Premier League. In fact in this fast paced game a player that can break down the opponents forward movements and then effectively open up gaps and space for the forwards with fast accurate passing is essential to winning games, ala the quick break..
Certainly he’s got a knack of getting his head powerfully onto the ball in the box in a similar way to Cahill, with the added advantage of height!
The real question/statement is if you were planning business then you wouldn’t be so reactive. There is no way that any of the purchases made this summer were well planned. Having said they weren’t well planned it’s still possible that Fellaini, Castillo and Saha will prove to be fantastic purchases. Unfortunately, there will still be a time before they will be brought up to fitness and gain an understanding of the players around them.
I think that the disruption that has already occurred to the pre season and season opening by not signing good players earlier may be detrimental in our teams push for a European place this year.
Just a point to Jarod. I disagree that a good central defensive midfielder doesn’t win you games in the Premier League. In fact in this fast paced game a player that can break down the opponents forward movements and then effectively open up gaps and space for the forwards with fast accurate passing is essential to winning games, ala the quick break..
The Fellaini deal is not only an Everton club record but also a Belgian league all-time record, beating Van Buyten and Kompany by a huge margin (abt 10Mâ?¬ each).
The good news is that the toffees just signed a class act, in the same league, if not better, than Kompany.
I find Fellaini mentally even better than Kompany.
Most people here in the UK would only have seen him play twice LFC where he was very strong and very good. But he has been amazing for Standard for the past 2 years, and we all knew he would not last.
Remember that the guy’s only 20 y/o with hardly any European experience whatsoever, mostly just Belgian league (very poor if you ask!).
A good manager could really bring him up the next level ... or two!
He signed for 5 years but imho, within 2 years he will move on to a major CL club and Everton will pocket a tidy profit!
The good news is that the toffees just signed a class act, in the same league, if not better, than Kompany.
I find Fellaini mentally even better than Kompany.
Most people here in the UK would only have seen him play twice LFC where he was very strong and very good. But he has been amazing for Standard for the past 2 years, and we all knew he would not last.
Remember that the guy’s only 20 y/o with hardly any European experience whatsoever, mostly just Belgian league (very poor if you ask!).
A good manager could really bring him up the next level ... or two!
He signed for 5 years but imho, within 2 years he will move on to a major CL club and Everton will pocket a tidy profit!
Nicely summed up Lyndon; I switched my PC off at 11.00PM last night and I?ve only just read about the Felliani deal. Let?s just say if he hadn?t have signed my response would have been more robust.
My response is this.
Everton football club had a moderately successful season last year. We?d have had an extremely successful season if we?d have not faded badly due to injury and player fatigue in key areas. If we were to have genuine intention of taking things to a higher level we needed to sign players in the closed season to bed them in and get used to playing together? we didn?t do this. Why didn?t we do this? I believe that despite breaking the club record for Fellaini we didn?t sign him earlier due to financial constraints.
I believe that Moyes has been operating in the transfer market effectively with one had tied behind his back? it?s the hand that goes into Bill?s wallet.
Now, think about this. Everton finished fifth in the richest league in the world. We reached a cup semi-final, we had a good long run in Europe ? and yet in comparative terms with Spurs, Manchester City, Portsmouth, Sunderland we?ve not strengthened in depth, due it seems to lack of available funds.
The signing of Fellaini seems to contradict what I?ve written about lack of funds. I don?t believe it does? Fellaini could be a great signing ? he?d have been an outstanding signing if this would have happened in June? why didn?t it happen then? If not sign him then, why not another player of his stature?
As it is now, effectively we?ve been left behind at the starting line and the other runners are approaching the third fence. We?ve little effective cover for injury to key players and our manager still has not committed to Everton in the long term.
On the other hand; if Saha can get fit? he is an outstanding buy. If we can keep Arteta fit and he forms some sort of understanding with the big Fella, we have the potential of an outstanding midfield, peanuts is on his way back, Cahil is not far behind. We?ve got probably the best instinctive striker in the Premier League with Yakubu and our defence still consists of two very good centre halves and a fantastic left back. (As I write this I?m gaining in confidence!)
All things considered we?ve strengthened ? but will it be enough?
Only time will tell
My response is this.
Everton football club had a moderately successful season last year. We?d have had an extremely successful season if we?d have not faded badly due to injury and player fatigue in key areas. If we were to have genuine intention of taking things to a higher level we needed to sign players in the closed season to bed them in and get used to playing together? we didn?t do this. Why didn?t we do this? I believe that despite breaking the club record for Fellaini we didn?t sign him earlier due to financial constraints.
I believe that Moyes has been operating in the transfer market effectively with one had tied behind his back? it?s the hand that goes into Bill?s wallet.
Now, think about this. Everton finished fifth in the richest league in the world. We reached a cup semi-final, we had a good long run in Europe ? and yet in comparative terms with Spurs, Manchester City, Portsmouth, Sunderland we?ve not strengthened in depth, due it seems to lack of available funds.
The signing of Fellaini seems to contradict what I?ve written about lack of funds. I don?t believe it does? Fellaini could be a great signing ? he?d have been an outstanding signing if this would have happened in June? why didn?t it happen then? If not sign him then, why not another player of his stature?
As it is now, effectively we?ve been left behind at the starting line and the other runners are approaching the third fence. We?ve little effective cover for injury to key players and our manager still has not committed to Everton in the long term.
On the other hand; if Saha can get fit? he is an outstanding buy. If we can keep Arteta fit and he forms some sort of understanding with the big Fella, we have the potential of an outstanding midfield, peanuts is on his way back, Cahil is not far behind. We?ve got probably the best instinctive striker in the Premier League with Yakubu and our defence still consists of two very good centre halves and a fantastic left back. (As I write this I?m gaining in confidence!)
All things considered we?ve strengthened ? but will it be enough?
Only time will tell
I wonder if the extent of our shopping over the closed season has been determined by the other clubs chasing a top 4 spot.
I think it’s generally agreed that our club is skint. Bill Kenwrong knows he does not have the cash to challenge for a CL spot and is not prepared to seek investment for the club whereby he looses control.
So BK’s challenge is to hold the club where it is (I’m talking position on the ladder here). Last season we were the best of the rest. In theory, if nobody bought anybody we would still be the best of the rest.
So, rather than rush out and spend money he’s decided to sit back and see what new playing-assets the other CL-wanna-be’s spend. Maybe that’s why our spending has been very late.
Just a thought.....
I think it’s generally agreed that our club is skint. Bill Kenwrong knows he does not have the cash to challenge for a CL spot and is not prepared to seek investment for the club whereby he looses control.
So BK’s challenge is to hold the club where it is (I’m talking position on the ladder here). Last season we were the best of the rest. In theory, if nobody bought anybody we would still be the best of the rest.
So, rather than rush out and spend money he’s decided to sit back and see what new playing-assets the other CL-wanna-be’s spend. Maybe that’s why our spending has been very late.
Just a thought.....
The signing I want to see is that of DM on his new contract! If there is no positive activity within the break for Internationals, then with an extremely heavy heart I believe that he should be replaced immediately.
I believe that it was a successful yes! Even better if all it had been concluded earlier but shoulda, woulda, coulda.... We need strengthening in all of those areas and I am very proud of DM BK and everyone else that have worked so hard to furfill those requirements. He tried to get a winger, but it was outside of our control. No we don’t have the money, and we all know that so it was, and will continue to be, difficult to compete with those with subnificantly more investment!. We get on with it now as we have always done and now it’s our turn!!!!!!
From what I’ve seen so far - two games out of three (and we’ve lost the ones I’ve seen, maybe I should stop wathcing games?) - a good defensive midfielder will actually win us games. We’ve conceded six stupid goals at home, our defence has looked shaky, and I believe much of that owes to the fact that we have no def.mid.
So, assuming that either Castillo or Felliani is any good, the team will improve. And the attacking side of our game doesn’t look too shabby - we’ve scored four so far, and were a magnificent David James away from scoring more.
Are we strengthened? I have no idea. But we look stronger now compared to a week ago - thank God!
So, assuming that either Castillo or Felliani is any good, the team will improve. And the attacking side of our game doesn’t look too shabby - we’ve scored four so far, and were a magnificent David James away from scoring more.
Are we strengthened? I have no idea. But we look stronger now compared to a week ago - thank God!
Jarod Avila.
Defensive mids dun win games? I wondered what Manure won when Keane and Ince were playing in midfield together???
Defensive mids dun win games? I wondered what Manure won when Keane and Ince were playing in midfield together???
Yeah, reaks of desparation but I do hope I’m wrong. £15m for some unheard of kid? So is Rodwell worth £10m now? If we’d got our act together earlier we could have got him for a 3rd of the price. My theory is that like most of us, DM and BK sit around all summer desparate for some kind of footy to come on the tele. so they can start look at players. eg obviously the Belgium lad vs the shite, or our little too late bid for Aaron Ramsay in cup final. My point is, does Everton’s scouting network reach any further than MOTD?
But in all seriousness a defensive midfielder was far more a priority than the likes of Moutinho, although both would have been nice. I hope he’s twice player of Mascharsehole across the way, and we’re all going to be pleasantly surprised.
But in all seriousness a defensive midfielder was far more a priority than the likes of Moutinho, although both would have been nice. I hope he’s twice player of Mascharsehole across the way, and we’re all going to be pleasantly surprised.
Anyone think this transfer was Moyes stomping his feet? Maybe without this signing we could have seen him walk after spending only a nominal amount (or indeed cutting into the Rooney deal) for Saha.
All the Liege players were good and the midfield especially, and at 20 that is a great age... but another defensive midfielder on top of Castillo when there is the ok (cough) back up in Jags and Neville? I would hazard a guess Jo’Mo would have been preference. If only for a few millon more...
Oh and is the guy who kept missing with his head against the reds? May be a blessing in disguise as they can again concentrate on Europe and with these scintliating purchases of which we only really know one, we can take 4th! Watch that space!!
All the Liege players were good and the midfield especially, and at 20 that is a great age... but another defensive midfielder on top of Castillo when there is the ok (cough) back up in Jags and Neville? I would hazard a guess Jo’Mo would have been preference. If only for a few millon more...
Oh and is the guy who kept missing with his head against the reds? May be a blessing in disguise as they can again concentrate on Europe and with these scintliating purchases of which we only really know one, we can take 4th! Watch that space!!
Fellaini is largely an unknown quantity;
the other signings should be put into perspective - an injury-prone full back, an unknown Ecuadorian on loan from the Serbian League, an even more injury-prone forward, and Wigan’s 3rd choice ’keeper, still leaving us with the smallest squad in the Premier League.
Thank you and goodnight Bill; City found a buyer, please sell up NOW.
the other signings should be put into perspective - an injury-prone full back, an unknown Ecuadorian on loan from the Serbian League, an even more injury-prone forward, and Wigan’s 3rd choice ’keeper, still leaving us with the smallest squad in the Premier League.
Thank you and goodnight Bill; City found a buyer, please sell up NOW.
Good comments guys. On the ’value of a DM’ issue I raised, I want to clarify that I think a top DM is a great piece to have.
Using the Portsmouth game as an example, a good DM might have save us the Johnson goal. But that DM doesn’t save us either of Defoe’s goals, and (to my original point) doesn’t create the additional goals that nobody else could.
Anyway, I quibble about a tangential point.... the point on which we all seem to agree is that it’s far better to have Felliani than to not
Using the Portsmouth game as an example, a good DM might have save us the Johnson goal. But that DM doesn’t save us either of Defoe’s goals, and (to my original point) doesn’t create the additional goals that nobody else could.
Anyway, I quibble about a tangential point.... the point on which we all seem to agree is that it’s far better to have Felliani than to not
Whilst we would all have loved to see Moutinho, getting a quality defensive mid was more important. This is the key position in the team. Let’s hope he is as good as he looked against the rs.
"Oh and is the guy who kept missing with his head against the reds? "
Quite not, he hit a header past the line but the ref did not see it...
Quite not, he hit a header past the line but the ref did not see it...
It was never realistic to suggest that we could have bought all the players we were linked with and lets face it, many of them didn’t want to come.
That arse who went to the Shite...we shouldn;t be too bothered about him after his last spell in the premier league. M’bia it seems was mostly after improved wages. Once his current employers matched that, he was no longer itching to leave. Moutinho I think would have been good value at 10-15 million, but no more and I reckon Moyes and Kenright played hardball on those figures and refused to budge. Correctly in my opinion. Also, do we really need to spend most of our budget on another midget gem.
From what I’ve seen of Fellaini and Castillo, they look like good players. Add those two, to a midfield of Arteta and Pinear and a front two of the Yak and Saha or a diamond with Timmy I reckon we have the making of a really good first team. Our back four is already solid, not-withstanding the last few games, however I think better midfield cover will improve their performances.
Our problems are, that we have no strength in depth, which needs to rectified early in January, for the home run as we’ll fade badly if we don’t. But firstly, we must get past Liege without Fellaini, because, although reviled by some, we must stay in Europe to attract these better players.
That arse who went to the Shite...we shouldn;t be too bothered about him after his last spell in the premier league. M’bia it seems was mostly after improved wages. Once his current employers matched that, he was no longer itching to leave. Moutinho I think would have been good value at 10-15 million, but no more and I reckon Moyes and Kenright played hardball on those figures and refused to budge. Correctly in my opinion. Also, do we really need to spend most of our budget on another midget gem.
From what I’ve seen of Fellaini and Castillo, they look like good players. Add those two, to a midfield of Arteta and Pinear and a front two of the Yak and Saha or a diamond with Timmy I reckon we have the making of a really good first team. Our back four is already solid, not-withstanding the last few games, however I think better midfield cover will improve their performances.
Our problems are, that we have no strength in depth, which needs to rectified early in January, for the home run as we’ll fade badly if we don’t. But firstly, we must get past Liege without Fellaini, because, although reviled by some, we must stay in Europe to attract these better players.
Is it just possible that he played as a DM against the RS because the team were looking to keep it at 0-0 and try to nick something? He may actually be a box to box player with good passing ability as well as being strong in defence. People have probably only seen him in two matches so it’s difficult to judge.
He might even be a complete midfielder which means you don’t need a DM. That’s with my optimistic head on!
He might even be a complete midfielder which means you don’t need a DM. That’s with my optimistic head on!
Panic buy?? well we did bid for him in March
http://www.citizen-series.co.uk/news/2144045.spurs_show_interest_in_belgium_midfielder/
http://www.citizen-series.co.uk/news/2144045.spurs_show_interest_in_belgium_midfielder/
Like everyone i just can’t understand how we could spend our first pound on the very last hour of the transfer deadline. From 1st June to 1 September (3 month!) we did not even spent a pound. No money? Can’t be!, we all know our success last year, coupled with Rooney’s money by winning the League and CL. So how can we leave it so late? DM is not the type to sign players late, last season we had our signings early, we gel them together during pre-season and we did really well. We signed 4 players this season before Fellaini which cost nothing. How can this have happen. Kenwright has too many questions to answer. Undoubtedly we have improved the team, i am sure this will improve morale really very much (seen very evidently lacking against Portsmouth).
Another question, if we can 15 mil on fellaini, why not 18 on moutinho? Well i will assume we should have another 15 mil to spend. Lets hope when Jan window opens we don’t have to wait till 31st Jan 2359hrs to spend it. Otherwise i hope some messiah from the Middle East comes to give us some sugar money to buy some talent unreservingly. Till then lets hope we pick up 3 gears and start picking up some points and start climbing up... Oh yes, now to work on a contract for DM.
Another question, if we can 15 mil on fellaini, why not 18 on moutinho? Well i will assume we should have another 15 mil to spend. Lets hope when Jan window opens we don’t have to wait till 31st Jan 2359hrs to spend it. Otherwise i hope some messiah from the Middle East comes to give us some sugar money to buy some talent unreservingly. Till then lets hope we pick up 3 gears and start picking up some points and start climbing up... Oh yes, now to work on a contract for DM.
You just cannot please some people!
You wanted a big signing and you got one. David Moyes had been tracking this guy for a while and he has got his man. He would not spend £15 million if he was not quality.
If we can keep most of our guys fit this year we will do well. How about quit the moaning, get behind the blues and look at the glass half full!
You wanted a big signing and you got one. David Moyes had been tracking this guy for a while and he has got his man. He would not spend £15 million if he was not quality.
If we can keep most of our guys fit this year we will do well. How about quit the moaning, get behind the blues and look at the glass half full!
I really REALLY hope Fellaini turns out to be useful... but ... Radzinski looked good in Belgium!
This should be our top XI if all are fit
Howard, Neville, Yobo,Jagielka,Lescott, Arteta, Fellaini, Pienaar, Osman, Cahill, Yakubu
Bench: Nash, Hibbert, Baines, Rodwell, Castillo, Saha, Anichebe
Not too bad... let’s be optimistic!
This should be our top XI if all are fit
Howard, Neville, Yobo,Jagielka,Lescott, Arteta, Fellaini, Pienaar, Osman, Cahill, Yakubu
Bench: Nash, Hibbert, Baines, Rodwell, Castillo, Saha, Anichebe
Not too bad... let’s be optimistic!
I don’t think this vindicates Kenwright one bit actually. I’ve never been one to give BK what i felt was undue criticism whenever something wrong happened at the club, but the way in which we have operated this summer has been a total shambles and i lay the majority of blame at his feet.
This has been an example of how not to run a football club, and while i applaud the signing of Fellaini, and think he will be a very good acquisition for the club it does smack of panic buying considering we seemingly wouldn’t pay 10million for M’bia last week nor would we go to 18mill for Moutinho. While i’m usually one to spurn most conspiracy theories that come out on these pages, i can’t help but think that this is somehow meant to placate disgruntled fans before the EGM and paint him in a more positive light, casting the rest of our transfer folly as simply bad luck and not the piss poor organisation that we seem to have become
This has been an example of how not to run a football club, and while i applaud the signing of Fellaini, and think he will be a very good acquisition for the club it does smack of panic buying considering we seemingly wouldn’t pay 10million for M’bia last week nor would we go to 18mill for Moutinho. While i’m usually one to spurn most conspiracy theories that come out on these pages, i can’t help but think that this is somehow meant to placate disgruntled fans before the EGM and paint him in a more positive light, casting the rest of our transfer folly as simply bad luck and not the piss poor organisation that we seem to have become
"Talking Point: A Successful Summer?"
No!
The only reason anyone can be happy with these signings (possibly Fallaini aside) is because we were desperate to get bodies into the squad before the transfer window closed.
Not only are they not the quality we were promised, but we’ve left it so late to sign them it’s going to be Oct/Nov before they settle into the team, by which point we could be out of the Uefa Cup, League Cup and bottom half of the league.
Great management strategy once again by BK and his board.
No!
The only reason anyone can be happy with these signings (possibly Fallaini aside) is because we were desperate to get bodies into the squad before the transfer window closed.
Not only are they not the quality we were promised, but we’ve left it so late to sign them it’s going to be Oct/Nov before they settle into the team, by which point we could be out of the Uefa Cup, League Cup and bottom half of the league.
Great management strategy once again by BK and his board.
Complete shambolic last minuite desperation !
If this is a successful transfer window, I’d hate to live through an unsuccessful one !
If this is a successful transfer window, I’d hate to live through an unsuccessful one !
The fee is a lot of money for raw potential and is a big big gamble. We still lack width and quality in the centre. With the lack of new wide players Arteta will be forced to remain out right. How could we not have researched the strength of the application for a work permit for Obinna before negotiating a deal for him. That smacks of naiveity. Also when you look at what we have outlayed we have simply paid out something resembling what we received for McFadden & AJ. With everyone we sold or let go over the summer we have balanced the books with maybe a slight increase in the weekly wage bill but not much. Therefore the pot was empty all summer hence Moyes sour demeanour. Are we any better off than last year? If, and it is a big if, we get the full squad fit and if the new players integrate quickly we will be okay but not a vast improvement on last year. I reckon we will do well to finish where we did last year. We still lack midfield quality and someone who can put their foot on it in the centre of the park and pick a pass. And we still lack any width. Questions still need answered as to the seemingly amateurish way we have gone about our business this summer. If nothing else the club has let the supporters down in the continual smoke and mirrors which has emanated from boardroom level. We deserved better and the current squad deserved better. The EGM should be very interesting indeed and hopefully the "panic" buy of Felliani will not get Kenwright and the rest of the incompetents of the hook. Oh and I wonder will Moyes now put pen to paper on his new contract?
A relief to actually get someone with big potential and to fill a massive gap. However a quick glance at City confirms what we knew all along, we just don’t have the wedge - their fans must be delirious, god luck to them.
Our successful defence of last season was based on Jags and Yobo in the middle with Lescott at LB? Now Moyes can return to that or maybe even try Lescott at right back and drop Neville... sorry that’s ridiculous, I forgot that his contract says he’s plays in every game for the next four years. Anyway, point is that Jags will be back in defence where he belongs, not trying and failing to play as an attacking midfielder as in the Blackburn game. So our defence pretty much remains as it was last season but with Baines, Jacobsen and Rodwell pushing for places, which isn’t a bad thing.
Midfield we have strengthened undoubtedly. Cahill and Pienaar will be back soon and we’ve replaced Carsley with a £15m 20-year-old who, despite some of the comments I’ve read is presumably extremely good given Moyes record for buying players. We now have young Baxter and Castillo in the picture too.
Then up front we’ve lost AJ but hopefully will see a lot more of Vaughan. Then there’s Vic to score all the goals in Europe and Saha with a point to prove. By the way, Saha PASSED the medical. Remember Sean Davies? Moyes does not sign players who are unfit to play.
All in all we’ve sold two players and signed five, plus we have two promising youngsters coming through. Isn’t that progression? Moyes is a patient builder and has improved the squad year on year. Last season was a decent one all things considered and he has a better squad this season so let’s look forward to it instead of moaning about the fact we missed some signings here and there. ’Support’ (look it up in the dictionary) our team, I think this season is going to be a good one, perhaps even with Moyes’s first trophy...
Midfield we have strengthened undoubtedly. Cahill and Pienaar will be back soon and we’ve replaced Carsley with a £15m 20-year-old who, despite some of the comments I’ve read is presumably extremely good given Moyes record for buying players. We now have young Baxter and Castillo in the picture too.
Then up front we’ve lost AJ but hopefully will see a lot more of Vaughan. Then there’s Vic to score all the goals in Europe and Saha with a point to prove. By the way, Saha PASSED the medical. Remember Sean Davies? Moyes does not sign players who are unfit to play.
All in all we’ve sold two players and signed five, plus we have two promising youngsters coming through. Isn’t that progression? Moyes is a patient builder and has improved the squad year on year. Last season was a decent one all things considered and he has a better squad this season so let’s look forward to it instead of moaning about the fact we missed some signings here and there. ’Support’ (look it up in the dictionary) our team, I think this season is going to be a good one, perhaps even with Moyes’s first trophy...
We have lost 3 midfielders from last year, in the shape of Carsley, Graveson and Manny. We have signed one less than we lost. We are a body short. At the end of last year we fell across the finish line to claim fifth and it was clear to all that we lacked depth. So how on earth can this summer be called progression.
I think it is fairly likely this guy was waiting to see if Liege could beat Liverpool - had that been the case I am sure he would have stayed with his club for the champions league group games. So to call this a last minute panic buy is probably unfair as he will only have become available 4-5 days ago
Can’t claim to be bouncing round the room at this act of desperation. Our net spending since January is around a whopping £1.5m. That’s even below the miserly average that Billy Liar has allowed to be squeezed out of his hand since 1999.
Our side remains weaker than it did at the end of the season, whilst many others have strengthened significantly.
If only these filty rich foreigners were prepared to buy clubs who have far more successful neighbours hey Bill?
Our side remains weaker than it did at the end of the season, whilst many others have strengthened significantly.
If only these filty rich foreigners were prepared to buy clubs who have far more successful neighbours hey Bill?
To Lyndon or Micheal, do you know anything of this reported deal for vagner love? todays Daily Mirorr saying we have struck a deal and he will sign in January?
"Like everyone i just can?t understand how we could spend our first pound on the very last hour of the transfer deadline. From 1st June to 1 September (3 month!) we did not even spent a pound. No money?"
We bought Pienaar in on a permanent transfer - £2.5m - admittedly not a new buy, but money spent nevertheless.
We have progressed this summer albeit late and not in the way most of us would have wanted.
Moyes MUST sign now, it is the only blackspot in the near future.
We bought Pienaar in on a permanent transfer - £2.5m - admittedly not a new buy, but money spent nevertheless.
We have progressed this summer albeit late and not in the way most of us would have wanted.
Moyes MUST sign now, it is the only blackspot in the near future.
Domonic Murphy got it spot on for me.
Although we seemed to have captured a "big buy" in Fellaini the whole episode of the summer transfer window has been a complete and utter shambles.
We can’t afford to have another mess like this either in January or in the summer of 09; it’s not good for the club, the players and it is certainly not good for the mental health of most fans. Me included.
Although we seemed to have captured a "big buy" in Fellaini the whole episode of the summer transfer window has been a complete and utter shambles.
We can’t afford to have another mess like this either in January or in the summer of 09; it’s not good for the club, the players and it is certainly not good for the mental health of most fans. Me included.
I don’t know what to feel, it has been a desperately disappointing summer in all respects, but I am happy about the Fellaini deal and can’t really understand why so many of us are complaining about it. He’s only 20, and was clearly bought for the def mid role that we really really need.
I would obiously have loved to see Moutinho sign in but we should remember that we did have at least two (and a reported third?) bid turned down - some times a club just doesn’t want to sell. We haven’t been the only ones to not get their main target this summer.
Yes, we need a winger, yes we need someone to share the burden with Arteta, and yes I am very angry that we still haven’t got these - and I’m a basic Moyes/BK supporter - but if we hadn’t have filled that midfield gap then we would have been in serious serious trouble. With Cahill and Peanut back (soonish?) we’ll have a much better balance and then we’ll see.
Still annoyed, but not quite so much...
I would obiously have loved to see Moutinho sign in but we should remember that we did have at least two (and a reported third?) bid turned down - some times a club just doesn’t want to sell. We haven’t been the only ones to not get their main target this summer.
Yes, we need a winger, yes we need someone to share the burden with Arteta, and yes I am very angry that we still haven’t got these - and I’m a basic Moyes/BK supporter - but if we hadn’t have filled that midfield gap then we would have been in serious serious trouble. With Cahill and Peanut back (soonish?) we’ll have a much better balance and then we’ll see.
Still annoyed, but not quite so much...
I wouldn’t say he was a panic buy as Moyes has been tracking him for a while - whilst Spurs had an £8m bid turned down for him early in the summer. No doubt Moyes (and us) would have preferred Moutinho, however Fellaini is only 20 and is considered as one of the best young talents in Europe.
Plus how long have United been tracking Berbatove and they only finalised the deal just before midnight, and had to loan a player out as well as paying twice as much as we did.
Considering some of the fees being paid now for players, £15m is not too bad - probably a little bit more than we wanted to spend on him.
Plus how long have United been tracking Berbatove and they only finalised the deal just before midnight, and had to loan a player out as well as paying twice as much as we did.
Considering some of the fees being paid now for players, £15m is not too bad - probably a little bit more than we wanted to spend on him.
Has it been a successful summer?
For me success would involve improving the squad as a whole, and the securing of even ONE of Moyes’ list of 24 primary targets when he left for his holiday in June would have abdicated Bill a little there. This did not happen and therefore any new additions at the window’s close were at best second choice and at worst panic buys.
I?ll take solace in the fact that we have filled a vital and massive hole in our team with Fellani and that?s it, but there is surely an admission of another hole in the space that should have been filled by an Obinna or a Milner.
Fellani may have monster potential but as of yet he has won nothing and without the ticking clock of the closing transfer window there is no way we would have paid that sum.
So yes, Bill has indeed ?smashed our transfer record? but this is no reflection of new found wealth. It is a reflection of the deep shit we got into after missing dozens of other targets with maximum publicity and shame ?the everton way?.
I believe our progress from now will be better than it would have been a week ago, but we will still struggle against teams we beat last year, and who would have thought it would cost £15 MILLION to replace Lee Carsley??!
And more importantly are we any closer to Everton becoming an entertaining footballing side?
For me the answer is ’no’ and the blame lies squarely with Bill Kenwright playing fantasy football in amongst a world of professional business people.
For me success would involve improving the squad as a whole, and the securing of even ONE of Moyes’ list of 24 primary targets when he left for his holiday in June would have abdicated Bill a little there. This did not happen and therefore any new additions at the window’s close were at best second choice and at worst panic buys.
I?ll take solace in the fact that we have filled a vital and massive hole in our team with Fellani and that?s it, but there is surely an admission of another hole in the space that should have been filled by an Obinna or a Milner.
Fellani may have monster potential but as of yet he has won nothing and without the ticking clock of the closing transfer window there is no way we would have paid that sum.
So yes, Bill has indeed ?smashed our transfer record? but this is no reflection of new found wealth. It is a reflection of the deep shit we got into after missing dozens of other targets with maximum publicity and shame ?the everton way?.
I believe our progress from now will be better than it would have been a week ago, but we will still struggle against teams we beat last year, and who would have thought it would cost £15 MILLION to replace Lee Carsley??!
And more importantly are we any closer to Everton becoming an entertaining footballing side?
For me the answer is ’no’ and the blame lies squarely with Bill Kenwright playing fantasy football in amongst a world of professional business people.
Just to add, i’m not too fussed about the numbers now. People can go on and quote that we’ve lost Gravesen, Carsley and Manny and not replaced them, but to be honest Gravesen had totally lost it and Manny was only good in the last 4-5 matches...obviously not good enough in Moyes’ eyes to warrant the permanent transfer? Anyway i’d rather have a young hungry and talented midfielder than a washed out baldy with no knees and confidence issues. Although Gravesens story is a pity he was never the same player we sold to Madrid.
Went to bed depressed, woke up with some good news. A little more optimistic now. He looks like a good buy but a bit pricy. Fellaini and Saha are good buys and improve on the two players we lost in carsley and Johnson. The rest are just padding up the squad. Castillo good one of Moyses loan gems but signing anyone is better then nothing. Not really excited. City have got done paying 35m for Robinho. Not a great player and payed over the odds They mentioned on Sky Sports to expect more Arab investors in the Premiership by the end of the year. Hopefully Bill can get his act together by January
Maybe it wouldn’t be a bad idea for Moyes to try to go after Stephen Appiah now he is a free agent.
If people want depth in midfield, he can provide it. I believe if we signed him it would prove to be a similar signing to Gravesen but one who is less injury prone. He will be able to fill in for the games when we are depleted with injuries.
If people want depth in midfield, he can provide it. I believe if we signed him it would prove to be a similar signing to Gravesen but one who is less injury prone. He will be able to fill in for the games when we are depleted with injuries.
Does this vindicate Kenwright.....LIKE FUCK IT DOES !!!
What happened at Man City yesterday SHOULD and hopefully WILL prove to be the end of this clown once and for all.
2 multi million pound investors in TWO years but there’s no investors out there apparently....Just who the hell has he been approaching 24/7..??
I really do hope that Fellini proves to be the player we all want him to be but the EVERTONIAN in me cant help thinking that this is a last ditch desperation buy made in order to deflect the shite that SHOULD be coming his way on Wednesday.
Kenwright is a liar and this last minute signing should not deflect from that. We were promised QUALITY... Have we got it ???...I think not...yes Fellini has potential but he’s by no means the finished article we need
IMO Kenwrong should still be run out of town at the earliest opportunity....
Altogether now....KENWRIGHT OUT !!...KENWRIGHT OUT !!.... KENWRIGHT OUT !!...
What happened at Man City yesterday SHOULD and hopefully WILL prove to be the end of this clown once and for all.
2 multi million pound investors in TWO years but there’s no investors out there apparently....Just who the hell has he been approaching 24/7..??
I really do hope that Fellini proves to be the player we all want him to be but the EVERTONIAN in me cant help thinking that this is a last ditch desperation buy made in order to deflect the shite that SHOULD be coming his way on Wednesday.
Kenwright is a liar and this last minute signing should not deflect from that. We were promised QUALITY... Have we got it ???...I think not...yes Fellini has potential but he’s by no means the finished article we need
IMO Kenwrong should still be run out of town at the earliest opportunity....
Altogether now....KENWRIGHT OUT !!...KENWRIGHT OUT !!.... KENWRIGHT OUT !!...
normally whe you shatter your transfer fee the fans are excited. so are we all excited about this??
for me it looks like a big gamble. no one had deard of this guy until 2 weeks ago. after watching the game i cant remember too many people talking him up to the point he was worth 15 mill.
hopefully we have touched lucky , but if we do it will be by luck more than by properly researching this guy.
on the whole are we better off now than last year?
i think not. i would rather still have cars, johnson, mcfadden. it looks to me like we,ve got rid of layers who we know what theyre capable of ,for players who all come with baggage(unknown, untried, injuries)
sorry for being so negative but i think i speak for most when i say i think this was the year we could have really pushed on and instead we’ve moved sideways then back!
for me it looks like a big gamble. no one had deard of this guy until 2 weeks ago. after watching the game i cant remember too many people talking him up to the point he was worth 15 mill.
hopefully we have touched lucky , but if we do it will be by luck more than by properly researching this guy.
on the whole are we better off now than last year?
i think not. i would rather still have cars, johnson, mcfadden. it looks to me like we,ve got rid of layers who we know what theyre capable of ,for players who all come with baggage(unknown, untried, injuries)
sorry for being so negative but i think i speak for most when i say i think this was the year we could have really pushed on and instead we’ve moved sideways then back!
In response to Paul Lenehan, you cannot seriously be saying we lost Gravesen. He played half-an-hour all season! And as for Fernandez, I admit I forgot about him, but there’s obviously a reason for that...
It can be called ’progression’ because we have added to the squad and therefore have more depth, broke our transfer record and have a couple of very promising youngsters.
Despite the last minute nature of it all which seems to upset everyone so much I think Moyes has done an excellent job in very difficult circumstances and I’m looking forward to seeing the new faces fit in. I feel positive and in fact a little optimistic - sorry if that upsets you all as I know that’s a swear word for Evertonians.
It can be called ’progression’ because we have added to the squad and therefore have more depth, broke our transfer record and have a couple of very promising youngsters.
Despite the last minute nature of it all which seems to upset everyone so much I think Moyes has done an excellent job in very difficult circumstances and I’m looking forward to seeing the new faces fit in. I feel positive and in fact a little optimistic - sorry if that upsets you all as I know that’s a swear word for Evertonians.
and another thing... ;)
I should probably try and start a new thread for this, but what really struck me yesterday was the Man City buy out. I don’t often get jealous of other clubs, but i think this summer of true uncertainty and instability has brought home the fact that we need a similar level of investment if we’re going to get to where we are.
Now there are a huge amount of pitfalls when it comes to this obviously - many of which I couldn’t possibly understand - and many of which are quite emotive (’selling’ your club, wondering where such a large amount of money comes from etc) but for me, more than the lack of a winger etc etc, this is what is worrying me more and more.
How many times to do have to have a ’great season’ where ’all we need to do is take that next step’ before the rest of the league overtakes us?
On the oitch, I think we’ll be fine, if typically unspectacular - off the pitch, we need to get it sorted.
Sorry for stating the obvious...
I should probably try and start a new thread for this, but what really struck me yesterday was the Man City buy out. I don’t often get jealous of other clubs, but i think this summer of true uncertainty and instability has brought home the fact that we need a similar level of investment if we’re going to get to where we are.
Now there are a huge amount of pitfalls when it comes to this obviously - many of which I couldn’t possibly understand - and many of which are quite emotive (’selling’ your club, wondering where such a large amount of money comes from etc) but for me, more than the lack of a winger etc etc, this is what is worrying me more and more.
How many times to do have to have a ’great season’ where ’all we need to do is take that next step’ before the rest of the league overtakes us?
On the oitch, I think we’ll be fine, if typically unspectacular - off the pitch, we need to get it sorted.
Sorry for stating the obvious...
Oh and by the way....how does signing a full back who was turned down by both Colchester and Bournemouth, a mid-table Serbian League player, a forward with a worse injury record than Duncan Ferguson and CARLO FUCKIN’ NASH....actually IMPROVE the squad !!
KENWRONG PLEASE GO NOW !!
KENWRONG PLEASE GO NOW !!
This is taken from the Shite’s 606 page after the last gasp Kuyt show last week...
comment by 96LIVERGAZ.FORMERLY LIVERGAZ 96 FORVER (U13173892)
posted 3 Days Ago
to fjerlep (U11148485)
can we have fellini, that guy was awesome over the two legs, rafa take note. one to watch
He was awesome too. ENDLESS energy and very very skilful with a decent eye for goal Reminded me of a Viera type player. Worth buying just so he won’t play against us in the UEFA Cup!!!
As for BK. Vindicate? He’s been openly honest about his ability to finance the club, but again, has come up with the goods when it counted. A lot of teams with money to spend so any player worth his Bentley Continental and Alderley Edge post code it’s bound to take some time to get him to sign anything. Look across the board, Manure, Citeh, (ridiculous signing), A lot of late signings cos whoever was available, had a few clubs chasing him.
Let’s give the Chairman, Manager and board some credit for doing enough to get this lad to Goodison rather than the bright lights of WHL...
As for Saha. My Manure mate said he can’t remember any games he played for them, not bad that his strike rate was better than 1 in 3 for a player who was constantly injured. I think in years to come this transfer will be hailed. Castillo, don’t know anything about him, but so far had a few texts telling me what his Uncle does for a living...
COYB!!!
comment by 96LIVERGAZ.FORMERLY LIVERGAZ 96 FORVER (U13173892)
posted 3 Days Ago
to fjerlep (U11148485)
can we have fellini, that guy was awesome over the two legs, rafa take note. one to watch
He was awesome too. ENDLESS energy and very very skilful with a decent eye for goal Reminded me of a Viera type player. Worth buying just so he won’t play against us in the UEFA Cup!!!
As for BK. Vindicate? He’s been openly honest about his ability to finance the club, but again, has come up with the goods when it counted. A lot of teams with money to spend so any player worth his Bentley Continental and Alderley Edge post code it’s bound to take some time to get him to sign anything. Look across the board, Manure, Citeh, (ridiculous signing), A lot of late signings cos whoever was available, had a few clubs chasing him.
Let’s give the Chairman, Manager and board some credit for doing enough to get this lad to Goodison rather than the bright lights of WHL...
As for Saha. My Manure mate said he can’t remember any games he played for them, not bad that his strike rate was better than 1 in 3 for a player who was constantly injured. I think in years to come this transfer will be hailed. Castillo, don’t know anything about him, but so far had a few texts telling me what his Uncle does for a living...
COYB!!!
Look across the park Neil and tell me if you can see that stadium going up yet.... Beware what you wish for.
I’m hugely proud to have a chairman who put’s the security and history of the "People’s Club" before mob mentality. I hope when we do find a suitable buyer, they keep Blue Bill on in his role.
I’m hugely proud to have a chairman who put’s the security and history of the "People’s Club" before mob mentality. I hope when we do find a suitable buyer, they keep Blue Bill on in his role.
I was one of the many desperate fans sat up all night on the laptop with SSN on in the background just praying for something, anything to get excited about, other than Carlo Nash! In the end I’m happy we’ve signed this guy and I still have enough confidence in Moyes to believe that he must be a player of some quality for us to spend £15m on but honestly the end to this window raises more questions than it answers.
Just before this Fellaini story broke it was announced that we’d had a £3.5m bid for Stephen Hunt from Reading turned down (and thank god for that by the way!) but does that mean we really had at least £18.5m to spend? If so why didn’t we up the bid for Moutinho weeks ago?
There’s now this story doing the rounds about Vagner Love suggesting we’ve agreed a £12m deal for him to sign in January. I know there’s still every chance that it’s media bullsh*t, but if it’s true then it seems we had a substantial amount of money at our disposal (nicely fitting in it seems with the club’s suggestions that we had £17m plus the AJ money all along).
If that is the case then why has it not been spent before now and why has Moyes been trawling through the loan/free agent/no fee required market like a penniless beggar for the last 10 days?
I thought the ending to last years transfer window was odd when Kenwright suddenly found £20m plus down the back of his sofa to enable us to sign Yakubu and succesfully bid for Fernandes, but this year was something else. Don’t get me wrong, I’m a fair more contented Toffee this morning, apart from being a little bit knackered as I stayed up till the Fellaini deal was confirmed on the OS
(I couldn’t go to bed knowing our late, late transfer signing to announce our intentions to the rest of the Prem was Carlo Nash!) but I’m still a little uneasy about how we’ve conducted our business this summer.
I feel we’ve missed a bit of an opportunity to gain at least 7 points from our first 3 games this season due to this uncertainty and who knows how costly that could be in the long run.
Just before this Fellaini story broke it was announced that we’d had a £3.5m bid for Stephen Hunt from Reading turned down (and thank god for that by the way!) but does that mean we really had at least £18.5m to spend? If so why didn’t we up the bid for Moutinho weeks ago?
There’s now this story doing the rounds about Vagner Love suggesting we’ve agreed a £12m deal for him to sign in January. I know there’s still every chance that it’s media bullsh*t, but if it’s true then it seems we had a substantial amount of money at our disposal (nicely fitting in it seems with the club’s suggestions that we had £17m plus the AJ money all along).
If that is the case then why has it not been spent before now and why has Moyes been trawling through the loan/free agent/no fee required market like a penniless beggar for the last 10 days?
I thought the ending to last years transfer window was odd when Kenwright suddenly found £20m plus down the back of his sofa to enable us to sign Yakubu and succesfully bid for Fernandes, but this year was something else. Don’t get me wrong, I’m a fair more contented Toffee this morning, apart from being a little bit knackered as I stayed up till the Fellaini deal was confirmed on the OS
(I couldn’t go to bed knowing our late, late transfer signing to announce our intentions to the rest of the Prem was Carlo Nash!) but I’m still a little uneasy about how we’ve conducted our business this summer.
I feel we’ve missed a bit of an opportunity to gain at least 7 points from our first 3 games this season due to this uncertainty and who knows how costly that could be in the long run.
Mc Faddem@ Johnson money released, for Fellini, wow
Quality signing in Marouane ’Dixie’ Fellaini, I’ve seen him play in roughly a dozen games and for me he’s exactly what Everton need in Midfield. He’s big (6ft 4), strong, has great stamina (a box to box midfeilder), great in the air and good with the ball to feet.
Surprised at the reasonably negative response from Everton fans on the signing, I guess it’s just due to a lack of familiarity with him.
By the way, it’s ridiculous to compare him to Rodwell (don’t get me wrong I’m excited about Rodwells potentail at only 17), he’s played 84 times for Standard Liege, scoring 11 goals and played ten times for his counrty.
A real quality midfield, great signing.
Surprised at the reasonably negative response from Everton fans on the signing, I guess it’s just due to a lack of familiarity with him.
By the way, it’s ridiculous to compare him to Rodwell (don’t get me wrong I’m excited about Rodwells potentail at only 17), he’s played 84 times for Standard Liege, scoring 11 goals and played ten times for his counrty.
A real quality midfield, great signing.
I think he is a decent purchase and much needed, as was Saha and Nash...however, this £15M is from the sale of AJ and Jimmy Mac so there is still the question of the money that was ’available’ for Moutinho I think we are still laking that link up attacking mid with real creative ability
From what I have seen (youtube) he sure knows how to header a goal.
Just as long as he gets the ball provided to him ;) He’ll put it away like the Yak.
His height in the midfield will definitely help!
Just as long as he gets the ball provided to him ;) He’ll put it away like the Yak.
His height in the midfield will definitely help!
For what it’s worth, I have seen Castillo play for Ecuador a couple of times, and he is pure quality. Relentless worker, no ego, wins the ball without fouling and distributes extremely well, more accurate than Cars. Not elegant, just efficient. The quintissential Moyes player. And powerful in the air despite being less than six feet - contributes occasional goals off set pieces.
In reply to James. I fully accept that Graveson was a passenger last season. However my point is in the remaining months of last season it was clear to all that we lacked depth in midfield. People are talking about progression and challenging the top four. Well im sorry but signing two defensive midfielders to replace a defensive midfielder, a footballing midfielder and a passenger is not progression. The reality is while City, Villa, Portsmouth all look to have much stonger squads than they did last year we have 6 senior midfielders two of whom are injured. But sure we have signed a right back so at least neville can come in!! Im sorry you can call me negative and pessimistic if you wish but what can we expect to achieve with 6 midfielders. It is a shambles. We have no creative depth or pace whatsoever.
Im delighted we signed Fellaini. But at the end of the season we were told we had money to spend and we would be having a crack at the top four. When we sold AJ we were told this money would go straight into the kitty. If a club raises fans expectations this must be backed up with action. It wasn’t this summer.
Im delighted we signed Fellaini. But at the end of the season we were told we had money to spend and we would be having a crack at the top four. When we sold AJ we were told this money would go straight into the kitty. If a club raises fans expectations this must be backed up with action. It wasn’t this summer.
How £15 million works these days....£3 million a yer for five years or something similar. It’s a good deal - if he’s good.
The main point is will it keep Moyes happy? He’s the one signing we DO need.
At some point someone will notice that we Blues have the best fan base, a team and tradition that kicks most into touch and based in one of the finer cities in Europe.
Bill needs to forget the cow shed in the wirral, invest in the team and then sell to someone who recognises that we’re a better long term bet than Man City (in Eastlands for Christs sake).
Finally I presume post the refresh infested we have to mind our language again?
At some point someone will notice that we Blues have the best fan base, a team and tradition that kicks most into touch and based in one of the finer cities in Europe.
Bill needs to forget the cow shed in the wirral, invest in the team and then sell to someone who recognises that we’re a better long term bet than Man City (in Eastlands for Christs sake).
Finally I presume post the refresh infested we have to mind our language again?
Ok this guy from What ive seen looks really strong, quick & good Technically. Need to be convinced that he can do it on a week to week basis in the Prem League though. The Belgian league isn’t exactly strong now is it.
Anybody no anything about the rumor in the Mirror this morning that Mr Vagner Love will be joining us in January?
Anybody no anything about the rumor in the Mirror this morning that Mr Vagner Love will be joining us in January?
Forget optimism and dig in for a long haul aginst relegation. WBA, Hull and Stoke spent more than we did. Fellaini is a big strong and athletic midfielder, he did play well aginst Liverpool, but he’s not the touch player we were looking for. Moyes plainly had nothing to do with the acquisition of Castillo and it’s unlikely he wanted Saha. We obviously had to pay way over the odds for Fellaini because we were desperate. The fans will get annoyed with Fellaini because his passing in the final third will be nothing special. The whole episode has been quite frankly shameful. The communication with the fans deplorable. The demeanour of the manager has deteriorated to such an extent that there is now a clear crisis of confidence at the club whatever the playing personnel. Sportsmen thrive on positive body language. Moyes’ statements and body language betray the clear anger and frustration with the failure to land reasonable targets in the transfer market. No amount of spin can detract from this awful summer of inactivity. The fans deserve answers to this obvious deterioration in the club’s position. An appalled fan, one generally optimistic with life, ashamed at this recent episode. It will take along time for me to trust the administration and management of our club again in its current format. In truth heads should roll.
Like many Toffees, I’m left slightly perplexed and ultimately disappointed by this transfer window.
Yes, we obliterated our transfer record...by a massive margin. However, I always got a sort of perverse pleasure from the fact that we hardly ever paid over the odds for any player. 11m for Yakubu was an absolute steal considering his history. Pienaar and Arteta, try before you buy (for 2.5 m!!!) was excellent. Even Saha may end up being a good investment...remember that van Nistelrooy ultimately left because Fergie played Saha, and he banged in quite a few in that purple patch.
I’m gutted about Obinna though, more so than JoMo. Here was an opportunity for us to seal another legendary try before you buy deal. Apart from height in MF/Attack, the one area where we really lack is speed. AJ had it, although he seemed to have lost the ability to use it....but I reckon Obinna was going to be the real crackerjack...the guy has looked good whenever I’ve seen him. Considering Inter signed Quaresma, I think we would have stood a good chance of signing Obinna permanantly and adding to our Nigerian tradition (Amokachi, Yobo, Yakubu, Anchovy).
Which brings me back to our record signing. He’s got potential, no doubt about it. However, considering that everyman and his dog KNEW that we were broke (DM and BK have intimated as much) how are we able to pull such an amount, so suddenly? We haven’t signed an established performer, we’ve signed potential. We’ve no idea how he will do in the hustle and bustle of the EPL, one would hope that he hits the ground running and goes from strength to strength...what are the chances of this happening? Is he cup-tied in Europe, having played against the RS in the CL qualifier?
I’m not being negative here, just trying to point out the conflicting messages that have been sent out over the course of the summer. Yes, Doddy was right, we got a flurry of signings before the deadline. How many of those eventual players had been picked up though by the infamous "sauces" from within Fortress Goodison?
I don’t expect BK to come out and explain how we suddenly managed to spend so much on one player, but it does leave me worried about what sort of shady deal he has struck this time...
Yes, we obliterated our transfer record...by a massive margin. However, I always got a sort of perverse pleasure from the fact that we hardly ever paid over the odds for any player. 11m for Yakubu was an absolute steal considering his history. Pienaar and Arteta, try before you buy (for 2.5 m!!!) was excellent. Even Saha may end up being a good investment...remember that van Nistelrooy ultimately left because Fergie played Saha, and he banged in quite a few in that purple patch.
I’m gutted about Obinna though, more so than JoMo. Here was an opportunity for us to seal another legendary try before you buy deal. Apart from height in MF/Attack, the one area where we really lack is speed. AJ had it, although he seemed to have lost the ability to use it....but I reckon Obinna was going to be the real crackerjack...the guy has looked good whenever I’ve seen him. Considering Inter signed Quaresma, I think we would have stood a good chance of signing Obinna permanantly and adding to our Nigerian tradition (Amokachi, Yobo, Yakubu, Anchovy).
Which brings me back to our record signing. He’s got potential, no doubt about it. However, considering that everyman and his dog KNEW that we were broke (DM and BK have intimated as much) how are we able to pull such an amount, so suddenly? We haven’t signed an established performer, we’ve signed potential. We’ve no idea how he will do in the hustle and bustle of the EPL, one would hope that he hits the ground running and goes from strength to strength...what are the chances of this happening? Is he cup-tied in Europe, having played against the RS in the CL qualifier?
I’m not being negative here, just trying to point out the conflicting messages that have been sent out over the course of the summer. Yes, Doddy was right, we got a flurry of signings before the deadline. How many of those eventual players had been picked up though by the infamous "sauces" from within Fortress Goodison?
I don’t expect BK to come out and explain how we suddenly managed to spend so much on one player, but it does leave me worried about what sort of shady deal he has struck this time...
I think the signings we have made will prove to be good ones. Castillo and Felliani have the class to make the centre of midfield their own with pace, strength and tackling ability, which will leave the likes of Arteta, Pienaar, Cahill, Osman etc. to do the attacking and the likes of Yakubu and Saha to get the goals. We are stronger than last season but so are other teams, I still think we will be there or there abouts where we were last season.
My take on this is that it is too early to judge whether the summer signings suffice for our needs or not. What I will NOT subscribe to are the following views:
1) 30 minutes into our first game of the season against Blackburn, people were on here predicting a dire season and even relegation. That IS knee-jerk and over-reaction.
2) Last week when the news broke about Jacobsen, Castillo and Saha signing, people again condemned the signings even though they freely admitted they knew little or nothing about two of them. Some posters are repeating this again about Fellaini. Again, knee-jerk and reactionary. Give ALL the new signings a chance before condemning them as useless.
That said, I think this has been a very badly managed summer, and BK and DM are both culpable - with possibly DM more culpable than BK.
On the one hand I admire the nerve and the unwavering ambition of Moyes - not to be compromised on price and to only bring in players he believes will add significantly to the squad. On the other hand - as highlighted by our poor start and impoverished looking bench - there reaches a point where the manager needs to be more compromising and pragmatic about the situation.
The delay in seriously entering the market has had the following consequences:
* it guaranteed us a poor start
* it has potentially undermined the confidence of the players short to mid-term
* it has placed enormous responsibility on the young shoulders of promising players better shielded from such exposure so early in their careers
* it placed us in a weak position in any likely negotiations for players
Now of course many will use this as a justification to bash BK further. But that is to ignore DM’s own statements on the transfer situation. These include:
* there is substantial money to spend
* nobody is working harder than the chairman to make deals happen
I personally believe DM’s prevaricating on signing his own contract has not helped the general situation. Such a delay casts a seed of doubt in his contracted players, targeted players and the fans. He himself now needs to commit fully to the cause. He himself needs to give his head a bloody good shake and instil in his squad that same defiant siege mentality that has stood him and his teams in good stead since he took over the tenure of EFC.
Regardless of what you think of BK, DM and the new players, THIS is the squad we go with at least until January. Give it a chance. Support it. They’re all we’ve got... and we the supporters are all they’ve got.
1) 30 minutes into our first game of the season against Blackburn, people were on here predicting a dire season and even relegation. That IS knee-jerk and over-reaction.
2) Last week when the news broke about Jacobsen, Castillo and Saha signing, people again condemned the signings even though they freely admitted they knew little or nothing about two of them. Some posters are repeating this again about Fellaini. Again, knee-jerk and reactionary. Give ALL the new signings a chance before condemning them as useless.
That said, I think this has been a very badly managed summer, and BK and DM are both culpable - with possibly DM more culpable than BK.
On the one hand I admire the nerve and the unwavering ambition of Moyes - not to be compromised on price and to only bring in players he believes will add significantly to the squad. On the other hand - as highlighted by our poor start and impoverished looking bench - there reaches a point where the manager needs to be more compromising and pragmatic about the situation.
The delay in seriously entering the market has had the following consequences:
* it guaranteed us a poor start
* it has potentially undermined the confidence of the players short to mid-term
* it has placed enormous responsibility on the young shoulders of promising players better shielded from such exposure so early in their careers
* it placed us in a weak position in any likely negotiations for players
Now of course many will use this as a justification to bash BK further. But that is to ignore DM’s own statements on the transfer situation. These include:
* there is substantial money to spend
* nobody is working harder than the chairman to make deals happen
I personally believe DM’s prevaricating on signing his own contract has not helped the general situation. Such a delay casts a seed of doubt in his contracted players, targeted players and the fans. He himself now needs to commit fully to the cause. He himself needs to give his head a bloody good shake and instil in his squad that same defiant siege mentality that has stood him and his teams in good stead since he took over the tenure of EFC.
Regardless of what you think of BK, DM and the new players, THIS is the squad we go with at least until January. Give it a chance. Support it. They’re all we’ve got... and we the supporters are all they’ve got.
We all know that a strong midfielder with the ability to make a pass was what was needed most and i hope that this lad can provide that for us. Lets give him a chance to prove he has quality and is not BKs arse saver.
With regards to Bk I personally am fed up of the broken promises we consistently get fed (to make sure we all renew our season tickets nice and early) saying that we can plan our summers spending better with that income already established then are left sweating watching skysportsnews till all hours on deadline day.
I agree with an earlier comment that says if he cant find investors how have city managed to find two in 12 months? Stadium apart we surely are just as an attractive prospect as them to investors. We are the most consistent team outside the top four and our support is second to none in terms of selling out home and away. This all just leads me to believe that BK will never be interested in selling to good investors, He needs to be top dog!
Do us a favour Bill swallow your pride and accept that you have taken us as far as you can before we get left further behind.
Ps Moysey sign that contract ASAP it would be a disaster to lose you
With regards to Bk I personally am fed up of the broken promises we consistently get fed (to make sure we all renew our season tickets nice and early) saying that we can plan our summers spending better with that income already established then are left sweating watching skysportsnews till all hours on deadline day.
I agree with an earlier comment that says if he cant find investors how have city managed to find two in 12 months? Stadium apart we surely are just as an attractive prospect as them to investors. We are the most consistent team outside the top four and our support is second to none in terms of selling out home and away. This all just leads me to believe that BK will never be interested in selling to good investors, He needs to be top dog!
Do us a favour Bill swallow your pride and accept that you have taken us as far as you can before we get left further behind.
Ps Moysey sign that contract ASAP it would be a disaster to lose you
Harvey, everyone KNEW we were broke? How? Moyes and BK were saying there was cash to spend, and we were bidding big money for Joao Moutinho but sporting wouldnt sell (why should they?) then we go and spend £15 million and you’re worried? Why? Its the money that was said was there all along (possibly AJ money). It was just the papers shit stirring, Man U didnt spend till the last day, did anyone think they were skint?
I cant help feeling this summer would have been alot better if we had just given carsley the two year contract he wanted. As it is we have spent £15 and saha aside the squad is not much stronger than it was.
As I see it our season now rests on Tims metataral - if he can stay fit then we have a chance of a top 5 finish and a good cup run...
As I see it our season now rests on Tims metataral - if he can stay fit then we have a chance of a top 5 finish and a good cup run...
Kevin Gillen - Spot on Fella !
This signing smacks of desperation and one which has cost the club too much for potential...
We have not got this type of money to risk on players!
I watched this guy against L/pool and i did’nt see a £15m player,he’s good but £15M +!
Kenwright knew he had to do something after his very silly "watch this space" statement 4-5 wks ago,and i for one will not be fooled.
I’m happy we have signed a player of promise,but had we done our homework from day 1 we most likely would never have heard of this guy!!
In saying all this i hope he turns out to be brilliant!!
We have not got this type of money to risk on players!
I watched this guy against L/pool and i did’nt see a £15m player,he’s good but £15M +!
Kenwright knew he had to do something after his very silly "watch this space" statement 4-5 wks ago,and i for one will not be fooled.
I’m happy we have signed a player of promise,but had we done our homework from day 1 we most likely would never have heard of this guy!!
In saying all this i hope he turns out to be brilliant!!
On reflection for this transfer deadline, EFC have brought in 2 potential good regulars (Castillo & Fellaini) & 3 support players (Jackobson, Saha & Nash), when you consider tiny Tim, Pienaar & Hibbert to return, may not be a bad season after all - providing we can get our head back into gear.
COYB.
COYB.
Kevin Gillen - that’s just pathetic mate. We’re going to be nowhere near the relegation battle and you know it - you’re clearly just moaning for the sake of it.
Why not give the new lads a chance before slating them? How do you know Fellaini will have no effect in final third? Castillo will hopefully be a solid replacement for Carsley, and if Fellaini fulfils the potential people are suggesting he has, then we’ve got ourselves the commanding box-to-box midfielder we’ve been crying out for for years.
Yeah it’s been a terrible summer, and one last minute big-money signing doesn’t change that, but danger of relegation? Come off it...
Why not give the new lads a chance before slating them? How do you know Fellaini will have no effect in final third? Castillo will hopefully be a solid replacement for Carsley, and if Fellaini fulfils the potential people are suggesting he has, then we’ve got ourselves the commanding box-to-box midfielder we’ve been crying out for for years.
Yeah it’s been a terrible summer, and one last minute big-money signing doesn’t change that, but danger of relegation? Come off it...
Lets be honest If Everton where in the same situation as Man City and could have bought literally anybody, there would still be negative people posting comments. I am fcuking sick of them.
Fellaini might be an unknown proposition to most of us, me included, and has only been noticed lately, most recently against The Shite, but you can bet your mortgage Moyes has known about him for a while. The club wouldn’t pay £15m on a panic buy would they?
After all in the last 3 years they have broken the clubs transfer record 3 times, and the progression in that time has mostly been upwards.
Fellaini might be an unknown proposition to most of us, me included, and has only been noticed lately, most recently against The Shite, but you can bet your mortgage Moyes has known about him for a while. The club wouldn’t pay £15m on a panic buy would they?
After all in the last 3 years they have broken the clubs transfer record 3 times, and the progression in that time has mostly been upwards.
Q. Was it a successful summer?
A. Depends on the measue of success.
If success is measured by:
* Keeping Everton away from Kirby
* Signing new players
* Still having Moyes as manager
Then yes, the summer was successful.
If success is measure by:
* Improving the team as a whole
* Increasing the squad size from last year
* Increasing Evertons market share
* Moyes SIGNING a contract
That?ll be a no on all fronts.
All that?s happened is the team are starting the new season with a few players replaced with a new addition to the injured list.
I?m still not convinved Moyes will sign his contract and I?m not too sure if we?ll make it to the New year in the top 6.
Man City?s newly found source of finance will make a top 5 finish very difficult as it is.
A. Depends on the measue of success.
If success is measured by:
* Keeping Everton away from Kirby
* Signing new players
* Still having Moyes as manager
Then yes, the summer was successful.
If success is measure by:
* Improving the team as a whole
* Increasing the squad size from last year
* Increasing Evertons market share
* Moyes SIGNING a contract
That?ll be a no on all fronts.
All that?s happened is the team are starting the new season with a few players replaced with a new addition to the injured list.
I?m still not convinved Moyes will sign his contract and I?m not too sure if we?ll make it to the New year in the top 6.
Man City?s newly found source of finance will make a top 5 finish very difficult as it is.
the club need to either confirm or quash these Wagner Love rumours today please. Let’s get on with it then. COYB!
I do feel abit better with the signing of Fellaini, I am doing my best not to think is he any good? Do we know much or anything about him? I am afraid that this does nothing for old Bill, he must sell and sell now. He simply does not have the money, to take the team any futher or even compete with like of Spurs, Villa or Portsmouth who are all going for the UFea cup! Sorry Bill, stop hanging on to power and sell, you are doing the club more harm than good!
I think what is needed at the moment is perspective after this most trying of transfer windows. The constant rumours of Joao Moutinho and the like, usually relating to the lack of promised money from the board, Moyes’s stalling on a new contract and two dismal home performances have meant that for many fans the glass is firmly half empty, if that.
On more detached reflection, I don’t think things are anywhere near as bad as what has been suggested. When Lee Carsley left, the general consensus was that we needed a couple of central midfielders, a striker and a right back.
We have signed:
Jacobsen - a solid international fullback. Will push if not usurp Neville, who is at best average wherever he plays.
Castillo - again a solid international midfielder who will get forward and add bite.
Fellaini - almost every football website (except this one, sigh) has decent things to say about him, especially Shite supporters praising his stamina and quality. Yes, we must have paid slightly over the odds due to the lateness of the transfer, but if we were willing to splash out 15 million plus on the player, yet were reluctant to increase our offer for M’bia from 8 to 10 million that doesnt suggest abject panic buying, especially as Moyes plus Villa, Spurs and United tracked him as early as March. For one, I think for the first time in years, we have bought a really exciting internationally renowned young prospect.
Saha - very talented, extremely injury prone. However, will definitely complement Yakubu better than AJ did last season.
So where does that leave us? Only time will tell. However, there are a few promising aspects. Firstly, the new midfield signinigs will allow the more creative players more time on the ball and crucially allow Cahill to get forward on his return and play in his favoured supporting role up front. Secondly, while Saha will spend some time injured, he will probably only be picked in the home games, as 4-5-1 will surely be utilised away from Goodison. Therefore, we have the prospect of a boosted and more talented attack at home, and a much stronger and competitive midfield away, with Cahill able to be used in his most effective position.
These signings will take time to bed in. What we dont need is people getting on their backs from day 1. Whatever reservations people have about the board, it is not the fault of these players. More than ever we need to keep the faith!
On more detached reflection, I don’t think things are anywhere near as bad as what has been suggested. When Lee Carsley left, the general consensus was that we needed a couple of central midfielders, a striker and a right back.
We have signed:
Jacobsen - a solid international fullback. Will push if not usurp Neville, who is at best average wherever he plays.
Castillo - again a solid international midfielder who will get forward and add bite.
Fellaini - almost every football website (except this one, sigh) has decent things to say about him, especially Shite supporters praising his stamina and quality. Yes, we must have paid slightly over the odds due to the lateness of the transfer, but if we were willing to splash out 15 million plus on the player, yet were reluctant to increase our offer for M’bia from 8 to 10 million that doesnt suggest abject panic buying, especially as Moyes plus Villa, Spurs and United tracked him as early as March. For one, I think for the first time in years, we have bought a really exciting internationally renowned young prospect.
Saha - very talented, extremely injury prone. However, will definitely complement Yakubu better than AJ did last season.
So where does that leave us? Only time will tell. However, there are a few promising aspects. Firstly, the new midfield signinigs will allow the more creative players more time on the ball and crucially allow Cahill to get forward on his return and play in his favoured supporting role up front. Secondly, while Saha will spend some time injured, he will probably only be picked in the home games, as 4-5-1 will surely be utilised away from Goodison. Therefore, we have the prospect of a boosted and more talented attack at home, and a much stronger and competitive midfield away, with Cahill able to be used in his most effective position.
These signings will take time to bed in. What we dont need is people getting on their backs from day 1. Whatever reservations people have about the board, it is not the fault of these players. More than ever we need to keep the faith!
Totally agree Michael & Paul. Lets get behind the team and put this summer behind us.
Look lets be honest What Mosey has done over the past 5 years is unbelievable. If you look at our squad player for Player we probably haven’t got the same quality as the Villa;s Man City’s(before yesterdays announcement) & Spurs & we are still fighting for a Uefa Cup/Champions league spot for the last 3 seasons. Our expectations are right to be hi . We are a massive club but that’s what Mosey has brought to Everton over the last few years, a level of consistancy we haven;t seen since the headie mid 80’s. In some respects though with the resources the above 3 clubs have towards Everton they should be ahead of us but their not. Just goes to show how important our next big, sorry massive signing is going to be & that of course is Mosey himself.
Look lets be honest What Mosey has done over the past 5 years is unbelievable. If you look at our squad player for Player we probably haven’t got the same quality as the Villa;s Man City’s(before yesterdays announcement) & Spurs & we are still fighting for a Uefa Cup/Champions league spot for the last 3 seasons. Our expectations are right to be hi . We are a massive club but that’s what Mosey has brought to Everton over the last few years, a level of consistancy we haven;t seen since the headie mid 80’s. In some respects though with the resources the above 3 clubs have towards Everton they should be ahead of us but their not. Just goes to show how important our next big, sorry massive signing is going to be & that of course is Mosey himself.
Totaly agree with Brian, DM also needs to sort out his contract, and then we can get our season back on track. Only negative is BK !
Chris Boyd, you answered your own question with regards to why we can’t attract investors at present with your phrase "stadium apart" - Goodison needs revamping, or a new stadium needs to be built (and no, I’m not a pro-Kirkby fan before anyone says so) - and if you know of ANY investor who would pay the £40m-£50m the club is currently worth (based on the current share price) PLUS the cost of funding a new stadium PLUS money for new players PLUS money to pay off the club’s debts - then I’m sure BK would love to have their name.
Don’t get me wrong, Kenwright has made mistakes (show me someone who hasn’t) and he’s probably not the best at running a club - but, at present, who could do better AND has £50m in the bank to buy out the shares? Shinawatra paid just over £80m for City and the new owners have probably paid somewhere around the same value (seeing as Sinawatra is keeping some shares) - but let’s say it’s £100m they’re paying plus the £35m for Robinho - that’s £135m.
Looking at Everton, what would £135m get you.
Buy out Kenwright and the rest of the shareholders = £50m (but would probably be a bit higher) - leaving you with £85m
Out of this £85m an investor will need to help buy new players AND build a stadium which will also leave the £56m debt on the club (from the last accounts).
Whichever way you look at it, wither we could end up with a Liverpool-type situation with the club basically running on a massive mortgage (and don’t forget Liverpool are paying almost the same as United paid for Berbatov on interest ALONE) or we need a new stadium before anyone would touch us. The only other way would be for a multi-billionaire mad Evertonian to tkae us over without looking to make some money out of it - and I’m sure we would have found them by now if there was one.
Don’t get me wrong, Kenwright has made mistakes (show me someone who hasn’t) and he’s probably not the best at running a club - but, at present, who could do better AND has £50m in the bank to buy out the shares? Shinawatra paid just over £80m for City and the new owners have probably paid somewhere around the same value (seeing as Sinawatra is keeping some shares) - but let’s say it’s £100m they’re paying plus the £35m for Robinho - that’s £135m.
Looking at Everton, what would £135m get you.
Buy out Kenwright and the rest of the shareholders = £50m (but would probably be a bit higher) - leaving you with £85m
Out of this £85m an investor will need to help buy new players AND build a stadium which will also leave the £56m debt on the club (from the last accounts).
Whichever way you look at it, wither we could end up with a Liverpool-type situation with the club basically running on a massive mortgage (and don’t forget Liverpool are paying almost the same as United paid for Berbatov on interest ALONE) or we need a new stadium before anyone would touch us. The only other way would be for a multi-billionaire mad Evertonian to tkae us over without looking to make some money out of it - and I’m sure we would have found them by now if there was one.
Good stuff Henry - I think that really does sum up where we are at the end of this frustrating summer. The club is in nowhere near as strong a position as I hoped for back in June, but infinitely better than was looking likely this time last week.
Whilst big strides forward haven’t been made, gaps have been plugged where needed, and the players who’ve come in should hopefully improve on the ones who’ve gone out.
Just a case of waiting to see how the new signings settle in, and looking forward to the arrival of Wagner Love in January...(!)
Whilst big strides forward haven’t been made, gaps have been plugged where needed, and the players who’ve come in should hopefully improve on the ones who’ve gone out.
Just a case of waiting to see how the new signings settle in, and looking forward to the arrival of Wagner Love in January...(!)
Players we have lost since Jan 08 (incl. loan deals, etc)
McFadden
Stubbs
Gardner
Carsley
Graveson
Fernandes
Vidarsson
Johnson
Wessels
Players we have gained since Jan 08(incl. loan deals, etc)
Jacobsen
Castillo
Saha
Fellaini
Nash
Also none of the new acquisitions have kicked a ball for us yet & we are three games into the season & have already lost 4 points on our two corresponding home fixtures compared to last year.
We clearly haven?t improved the depth of the squad & it very much remains to be seen whether we have improved on the quality of the squad.
Taking into in account the saving made on wages in the interim period, the revenue & expenditure must broadly balance out. In simple terms I cannot see where any real investment has been made in the playing squad.
This amounts to another catastrophic wasted opportunity, for Everton to consolidate their position in the Premiership & to continue to build on the success of the previous two seasons.
This situation also has to be set against other clubs in a similar situation to Everton, who have clearly invested millions in their playing squads at far earlier stage in the transfer window.
I understand it must be difficult for the Board to be completely frank with our supporters regarding Everton?s precise financial situation, especially in ongoing transfer negotiations.
However, I think the time has now come where our supporters now deserve the complete truth, warts & all. Enough smoke & mirrors, vague answers & false promises; can we be told what on earth is going on at Everton & what the future realistically holds.
McFadden
Stubbs
Gardner
Carsley
Graveson
Fernandes
Vidarsson
Johnson
Wessels
Players we have gained since Jan 08(incl. loan deals, etc)
Jacobsen
Castillo
Saha
Fellaini
Nash
Also none of the new acquisitions have kicked a ball for us yet & we are three games into the season & have already lost 4 points on our two corresponding home fixtures compared to last year.
We clearly haven?t improved the depth of the squad & it very much remains to be seen whether we have improved on the quality of the squad.
Taking into in account the saving made on wages in the interim period, the revenue & expenditure must broadly balance out. In simple terms I cannot see where any real investment has been made in the playing squad.
This amounts to another catastrophic wasted opportunity, for Everton to consolidate their position in the Premiership & to continue to build on the success of the previous two seasons.
This situation also has to be set against other clubs in a similar situation to Everton, who have clearly invested millions in their playing squads at far earlier stage in the transfer window.
I understand it must be difficult for the Board to be completely frank with our supporters regarding Everton?s precise financial situation, especially in ongoing transfer negotiations.
However, I think the time has now come where our supporters now deserve the complete truth, warts & all. Enough smoke & mirrors, vague answers & false promises; can we be told what on earth is going on at Everton & what the future realistically holds.
Umm? If thats not a PANIC buy what is? I think we need an Arab Zillionair dont you bill?Well ffs open the door before we end up in the tea & biscuit league!
I think that the bottom table is looking like how it could end up and the end of season, I can see why Moyes is flustrated, and though we are a club that is ’supposed’ to not be selling players its not looking that way... we need money for one of the best Managers that I have ever seen, Moyes is fantastic, imagine what he could do with money,
Martin
Martin
Jacobsen: If you have an opinion what is it based on cos I’d never heard of the fellar before he ame here. He is a full international for what is usually a well organised and resonably useful side.
Castillo: Who knows? South American flair hopefully with a bit of steel, or Steel with hopefully a bit of South American flair
Saha: We all know how good he is if he can get (and stay) fit. Class.
Nash: Lets hope he only sees the bench.
Fellaini: Some are judging him for his showing against the shite. Who knows how good (or bad) he will be? Unless your Belgian or live there and got to watch Liege, how would you know how good he is?
So, that is that until January and I for one am optimistic that the unknown quantities along with the returning injured lads will transform our woeful start to the season. There’s no point being pessimistic even though it is a natural Evertonian trait.
COYnewB
Colin, Saha is injured already. Do not get your hopes up on this fella, he is just another shandy. How on earth he passed the ledgendary Everton 3 day medical i will never know. I think felliani is the real deal though. Although Kenwright still has a lot to answer for. This summer has been a complete joke, any outsider can see we are run by a gang of incompetent monkeys
There are a few fundamental questions need to be asked and answered here to put all this into perspective.
Firstly if DM had been given 20 - 30 million from June onwards would it have been spent.
I think we would all agree that the answer to that is YES - So first and formost everyone get off his back!!!!!!
Secondly - Do we all know BK does not have the funds to move the club forward as well as servicing the debt we are already in.
Yes we do
Do we want to be another Leeds - No we dont
YES BK and the board should be doing a hell of a lot more to attract investors - BUT we only have to look across the park to see what a slippery slope that can be, so there does have to be an element of caution.
Now on Players
the ones who have left since January
McFadden
Stubbs
Gardner
Carsley
Graveson
Fernandes
Vidarsson
Johnson
Wessels
Taking an educated guess, Carsley Apart these players between them must have played a maximum 10 - 15 games between them. Hardly a massive loss
Now the players brought in
Jacobsen
Castillo
Saha
Fellaini
Nash
Over the season I think we’ll get a lot more from them than the players that went.
Wessels - Nash is a like for like swap
Stubbs has retired due to Injury so wouldn’t be with us anyway.
Graveson had gone and is way passed his best as we saw.
Carsley replaced by Fellani (Time will tell but hey Fellani is only 20 and dominated Liverpool in Midfield
Viddasson - Come on guys he was not a first team player and has been replaced by the youngsters that have progressed through.
Fernandes - Replaced by Castillo (last season we had Fernandes for a few months the majority of which he was Injured - Probably played 3 - 4 good games)
Jonnson - Replaced by Saha (Johnson spent half his time out Injured and running the chanels) so like for like there then.
So putting into perspective I would say we are actually slightly better off.
However we need to build on it and re-enforce big time come January or our Patience may just start to run out.
Firstly if DM had been given 20 - 30 million from June onwards would it have been spent.
I think we would all agree that the answer to that is YES - So first and formost everyone get off his back!!!!!!
Secondly - Do we all know BK does not have the funds to move the club forward as well as servicing the debt we are already in.
Yes we do
Do we want to be another Leeds - No we dont
YES BK and the board should be doing a hell of a lot more to attract investors - BUT we only have to look across the park to see what a slippery slope that can be, so there does have to be an element of caution.
Now on Players
the ones who have left since January
McFadden
Stubbs
Gardner
Carsley
Graveson
Fernandes
Vidarsson
Johnson
Wessels
Taking an educated guess, Carsley Apart these players between them must have played a maximum 10 - 15 games between them. Hardly a massive loss
Now the players brought in
Jacobsen
Castillo
Saha
Fellaini
Nash
Over the season I think we’ll get a lot more from them than the players that went.
Wessels - Nash is a like for like swap
Stubbs has retired due to Injury so wouldn’t be with us anyway.
Graveson had gone and is way passed his best as we saw.
Carsley replaced by Fellani (Time will tell but hey Fellani is only 20 and dominated Liverpool in Midfield
Viddasson - Come on guys he was not a first team player and has been replaced by the youngsters that have progressed through.
Fernandes - Replaced by Castillo (last season we had Fernandes for a few months the majority of which he was Injured - Probably played 3 - 4 good games)
Jonnson - Replaced by Saha (Johnson spent half his time out Injured and running the chanels) so like for like there then.
So putting into perspective I would say we are actually slightly better off.
However we need to build on it and re-enforce big time come January or our Patience may just start to run out.
Jarod Avila "Segundo Castillo and Fellain look to have quality, but I hold to the view that defensive midfielders minimise the games you lose more than they help you win games you otherwise would?ve drawn."
that´s quite a conundrum, sounds like bilbo Baggins of Lord of the Rings giving his farewell speech " I know half of you half as well as I shoud and I like less than half of you half as much as you deserve.......
I disagree that teams with defensive midfielders don´t win games
that´s quite a conundrum, sounds like bilbo Baggins of Lord of the Rings giving his farewell speech " I know half of you half as well as I shoud and I like less than half of you half as much as you deserve.......
I disagree that teams with defensive midfielders don´t win games
Guys. Do your research:
http://www.evertonbanter.co.uk/2008/09/everton-were-determined-to-sig.html
Fellaini is not a Lee Carsley. He is an end to end midfield powerhouse that sets up and scores goals. He’s young, tall, strong, imposing, quick and has two good feet.
Castillo is seen as the holding midfielder, which he’s done for club & country.
http://www.evertonbanter.co.uk/2008/09/everton-were-determined-to-sig.html
Fellaini is not a Lee Carsley. He is an end to end midfield powerhouse that sets up and scores goals. He’s young, tall, strong, imposing, quick and has two good feet.
Castillo is seen as the holding midfielder, which he’s done for club & country.
Has it been a successful summer?
Ask that question again at the end of the season for the real answer.
I’m as disappointed as anyone that we haven’t got a Moutinho, Arshavin or even a Wright-Phillips. But for those complaining that maybe Fellaini is our third choice signing as DM and that he’s unknown, how many times has anyone actually seen Moutinho or M’Bia? I’ve seen Moutinho only on a handful of occasions and I haven’t seen M’bia at all. Some of us (and I include myself) probably pay too much attention to what’s said in the press. As for the ’shambles’ of our board and the ’dithering’ of Dave, Look around the rest of the teams. Utd only got Berbatov at the last minute (yes I know they didn’t need strengthening as much as us), Real Madrid couldn’t get Ronaldo from Manure, David Villa from Valencia or Santi Cazorla from Villareal. Spurs have lost their first choice forward line and payed 16 million for Luca Modric. But most of us will only have seen him twice against England but assume he’s going to be brilliant.
Don’t believe the hype.
Let’s get Moyes signed and the players will settle down. then we’ll see how things turn out
Ask that question again at the end of the season for the real answer.
I’m as disappointed as anyone that we haven’t got a Moutinho, Arshavin or even a Wright-Phillips. But for those complaining that maybe Fellaini is our third choice signing as DM and that he’s unknown, how many times has anyone actually seen Moutinho or M’Bia? I’ve seen Moutinho only on a handful of occasions and I haven’t seen M’bia at all. Some of us (and I include myself) probably pay too much attention to what’s said in the press. As for the ’shambles’ of our board and the ’dithering’ of Dave, Look around the rest of the teams. Utd only got Berbatov at the last minute (yes I know they didn’t need strengthening as much as us), Real Madrid couldn’t get Ronaldo from Manure, David Villa from Valencia or Santi Cazorla from Villareal. Spurs have lost their first choice forward line and payed 16 million for Luca Modric. But most of us will only have seen him twice against England but assume he’s going to be brilliant.
Don’t believe the hype.
Let’s get Moyes signed and the players will settle down. then we’ll see how things turn out
Its now time to get behind the blues.
Th belgian looks quality in the air and moyes fancies him, thats good enough for me, he is also 20, so thats a bonus.
the reason we left it late is in my opinion because we tried to buy moutiniho and when that fell through we went for the belgian, only then did we draw liege in the cup which made things difficult.
I love reading all the doom mongerers and naysayers. Criikey what must it have been like in their houses when Walter was in charge!!!!!
I think if Saha, cahill, pienaar all get fit we have a great little team. Capable of beating the big guns on their day.
We aint gonna bllow £35 mill on a brazillian so we have to make do with what we have got.
Any moaning about money or stadiums needs to stop now and push the lads on up the league!!
COYB’s
Th belgian looks quality in the air and moyes fancies him, thats good enough for me, he is also 20, so thats a bonus.
the reason we left it late is in my opinion because we tried to buy moutiniho and when that fell through we went for the belgian, only then did we draw liege in the cup which made things difficult.
I love reading all the doom mongerers and naysayers. Criikey what must it have been like in their houses when Walter was in charge!!!!!
I think if Saha, cahill, pienaar all get fit we have a great little team. Capable of beating the big guns on their day.
We aint gonna bllow £35 mill on a brazillian so we have to make do with what we have got.
Any moaning about money or stadiums needs to stop now and push the lads on up the league!!
COYB’s
I think all Evertonians pro and anti- Kenwright are relieved that we have at least signed some absolutely essential MF cover.
Whether Felliani or Castillo can adjust to the speed of the premiership is another question but I feel we do need to be patient with them.
However it is patently obvious to me that despite the club?s claim that transfer funds have been there all summer THEY HAVE"NT.
And IMO in the absence of any action from the board (any of them) while he was trying to bed Steve Round In I believe Moyes finally blew a gasket and seized the reins himself which led to the consequence that we had to sell AJ to generate any sort of kitty and wait on the Sky money to be able to do worthwhile deals but it does make a mockery of "watch this space" and the "next 48 hours" statements ,
Ultimately it is the chairman of any organisation that sets the culture and ethos and I have to say for the last 8 years the "upstairs" operation of EFC has been an absolute pantomine.
Kenwright was responsible for the Trevor Birch farce, the appointment of Wyness and the engagement of Paul Gregg,Robert Earl and whatever roles Green and Terry Leahy perform.
These are all besides the well known cock ups such as KD and Fortress Sports Fund.
I often wonder whether Kenwright knows he is an embarassment to the club or whether he really does live in Fantasyland.
Whatever it is I would like to use that immortal expression "Everton Football Club must never be in this position again".
Whether Felliani or Castillo can adjust to the speed of the premiership is another question but I feel we do need to be patient with them.
However it is patently obvious to me that despite the club?s claim that transfer funds have been there all summer THEY HAVE"NT.
And IMO in the absence of any action from the board (any of them) while he was trying to bed Steve Round In I believe Moyes finally blew a gasket and seized the reins himself which led to the consequence that we had to sell AJ to generate any sort of kitty and wait on the Sky money to be able to do worthwhile deals but it does make a mockery of "watch this space" and the "next 48 hours" statements ,
Ultimately it is the chairman of any organisation that sets the culture and ethos and I have to say for the last 8 years the "upstairs" operation of EFC has been an absolute pantomine.
Kenwright was responsible for the Trevor Birch farce, the appointment of Wyness and the engagement of Paul Gregg,Robert Earl and whatever roles Green and Terry Leahy perform.
These are all besides the well known cock ups such as KD and Fortress Sports Fund.
I often wonder whether Kenwright knows he is an embarassment to the club or whether he really does live in Fantasyland.
Whatever it is I would like to use that immortal expression "Everton Football Club must never be in this position again".
Get Kenwright out !! Man Shitty have attracted 2 Billionaires in just over 12 months ffs !! Lets stop settling for just surviving and find that billionaire who will help us compete. Their must be other arabs out there who want a project !!
PLEASE PLEASE stop all this Kenwright’s a Blue crap ! I’m a Blue but don’t have the funds to take us forward and if I couldn’t I would be searching high and low to find someone who could !!
We live in hope .
PLEASE PLEASE stop all this Kenwright’s a Blue crap ! I’m a Blue but don’t have the funds to take us forward and if I couldn’t I would be searching high and low to find someone who could !!
We live in hope .
FFS, stop fucking moaning...... the problem with these websites is they give thick an idea that there opinion is important!!
I don’t really understand the guys on here saying ’why couldn’t we find another £3m-odd for Moutinho’? Good player he is, I’ll give you that but the defensive midfeld role is vital to most quality teams now and it was sensible to recruit 2 players to offer cover for this (Castillo and now Fellani). You could have a central midfeld of Riquelme and Iniesta - both would certainly create chances and play highly technical football, yet you’d ship a lot of goals due to no cover for the defence!!
And let’s get off Carlo Nash’s back, Moyes obviously likes experience in goalkeepers and Nash has this at the Premiership level. Maybe he’ll prove more worthy than Wessels/Westerveld/Wright etc? Perhaps we should steer clear of goalies whose surname starts with ’W’ eh? ;-)
Jacobsen has been capped several times for Denmark so if Colchester really turned him down I would’ve thought it was for wage/injury reasons rather than ability. Does anyone seriously believe we would take on a League 1 reject??
Saha was a player recruited for one of Europe’s finest teams (Man U) not so long ago so if he stays fit this is a good piece of business also.
My verdict is it’s been a decent transfer window, just hoping for a fast skillful winger (or 2) in January!!
And let’s get off Carlo Nash’s back, Moyes obviously likes experience in goalkeepers and Nash has this at the Premiership level. Maybe he’ll prove more worthy than Wessels/Westerveld/Wright etc? Perhaps we should steer clear of goalies whose surname starts with ’W’ eh? ;-)
Jacobsen has been capped several times for Denmark so if Colchester really turned him down I would’ve thought it was for wage/injury reasons rather than ability. Does anyone seriously believe we would take on a League 1 reject??
Saha was a player recruited for one of Europe’s finest teams (Man U) not so long ago so if he stays fit this is a good piece of business also.
My verdict is it’s been a decent transfer window, just hoping for a fast skillful winger (or 2) in January!!
I don’t want to enter into slanging matches with fellow Evertonians but really Marc Dawson are you saying you are satisfied with the summer’s transfer activity? I don’t doubt that some of the players we have signed have ability but they have had no time to settle in, morale is low, Moyes demeanour is the worst I have ever seen and he can do grumpy better than just about anyone in the Premiership. The club and supporters are cracked down the middle. Where do you think we are going to finish this year? Will you be satisfied with an early exit from the Eufa cup and anywhere less than Eufa cup qualification? I am not moaning for the sake of it. I am genuinely dismayed at the chaos of the past three months, the embarrassment of hardly being able to field a full team of professionals for the first game of the season. Let’s have a bet on where we will finish in the league. I have won the Premiership twice with Everton on the handicap under Moyes. I guarantee you we will not finish in the top six. I think this Fellaini will turn out to be a great player but he’s entering a very unhappy club at this time. 14th is my prediction. Just behind Wigan and just above Liverpool with any luck. What my point really is though Marc is that the fans of this great club deserve better treatment, what is wrong with the truth and would we really be rallying the troops over the top again if we had failed to land Fellaini? We are one or two injuries away from a real relegation dogfight.
I have been here for before the league starts in Belgium with friends. I have told them Fellaini will be better player than Viera at Arsenal. Stronger and greater at heading scores many goals at corners and freekicks. Watch from very first game you will see.
You’ve just proved my point Kevin. In a matter of hours you’ve gone from "Forget optimism and dig in for a long haul against relegation", to "I guarantee you we will not finish in the top six". I happen to agree with you that we won’t make the top six this season, but I do think we’ll be there or thereabouts come May. Moaning on about relegation is just pathetic when it’s quite obvious that’s something we don’t have to worry about.
I did say earlier that it’s been a terrible summer, and of course I’m not happy with the transfer dealings, who would be? The club hasn’t grasped this golden opportunity to push on towards the top four, and who knows when we’ll get the chance again. However, it’s not all doom and gloom. Assuming these new lads have anything about them at all, then we have made improvements on last years squad. I just don’t see how you think a disappointing summer in the transfer market turns a fifth place side into relegation battlers.
The name’s Michael by the way...
I did say earlier that it’s been a terrible summer, and of course I’m not happy with the transfer dealings, who would be? The club hasn’t grasped this golden opportunity to push on towards the top four, and who knows when we’ll get the chance again. However, it’s not all doom and gloom. Assuming these new lads have anything about them at all, then we have made improvements on last years squad. I just don’t see how you think a disappointing summer in the transfer market turns a fifth place side into relegation battlers.
The name’s Michael by the way...
Sorry Michael, I don’t think then really we are too far away from each other. I do fear a relegation battle because of the obvious dissonance at the club. The board it seems is run largely by people not on the board. The manager is plainly at odds with statements made by the board, the chief executive has been sacked in acrimonious circumstances, the fans are split on the issue of Kirkby, the manager has not committed himself to a new contract. Is relegation not a reasonable fear? I played sport until the age of 38 and was the captain, coach and Chairman of a sporting club. In my experience confidence and trust are hard earnt and easily lost. I wish I shared your confidence about relegation, don’t believe that it could not happen to us.
Lets hope our new signing gets through his international duties!!!!!!!! (What a stupid time to have them)
KevinGillen - it’s people like you that I hope I never come across while I’m at the match as I would have to seriously restrain myself.
We have lost two first team players in the summer after finishing 5th...and now we may have a relegation battle on our hands?
Get a grip will you as it’s fans like you with your completely over the top negativity that have made the situation a 100 times worse.
I hope come the end of the season when we finish in a UEFA cup spot or there abouts that all the moaning gits on this site apologise....but then again you’ll probably be too busy gearing up for next pre seasons annual moan!!
We have lost two first team players in the summer after finishing 5th...and now we may have a relegation battle on our hands?
Get a grip will you as it’s fans like you with your completely over the top negativity that have made the situation a 100 times worse.
I hope come the end of the season when we finish in a UEFA cup spot or there abouts that all the moaning gits on this site apologise....but then again you’ll probably be too busy gearing up for next pre seasons annual moan!!
Another smoke and mirrors bullshitism from the master Bill Kenshite. Simple mathematics at the end of the transfer window if you would please. Just how much did Everton spend and why did we only spend that amount in the last hour? One signing does not in any way shape or form save BK from a well deserved noose or firm size nine up the arse out of Goodison Park. The utter dross he has churned out face to face to fans and in the press and on TV said it all; lies.
One player paid for in Fellaini and what could well be a debt write off in Saha and the remainder freebies and an unwanted keeper speak volumes of what was available.
An utter disgrace but no doubt the lickspittles that fawn over Black Bill will be singing his praises again or blaming the no men for killing Kirkby or some other crappy non-excuse.
One player paid for in Fellaini and what could well be a debt write off in Saha and the remainder freebies and an unwanted keeper speak volumes of what was available.
An utter disgrace but no doubt the lickspittles that fawn over Black Bill will be singing his praises again or blaming the no men for killing Kirkby or some other crappy non-excuse.
Now that the window has closed, it?s clear that our summer signings will not enable us to challenge the top four. To this end, Kenwright has failed us.
I?ve completely lost faith with the board and Kenwright and no longer pay heed to their statements. As for Moyes, who knows? Was the money always available? Was he dithering? Why no contract? There are too many unknowns.
I am very optimistic though, that Fellaini will solve the void we have in defensive midfield and may prove to have more to offer in terms of forward play. I?m also hopeful that Castillo will serve as useful back-up and perhaps surpass expectations to claim a regular first-team spot. Like most, I don?t want to see Neville or Jagielka in midfield.
We are however, still left with a dearth of creative talent and width to play attacking football.
I?m in agreement with Lyndon, that if we had also signed Obinna and Moutinho then we would be looking a whole lot more exciting. We?d also have more options in terms of team formation and perhaps we?d have been serious challengers to the elite.
Well I guess we?ve made our bed now and just have to lie in it, and hope that the morale and quality of football improve drastically. The real challenge once again, is a top six finish.
I?ve completely lost faith with the board and Kenwright and no longer pay heed to their statements. As for Moyes, who knows? Was the money always available? Was he dithering? Why no contract? There are too many unknowns.
I am very optimistic though, that Fellaini will solve the void we have in defensive midfield and may prove to have more to offer in terms of forward play. I?m also hopeful that Castillo will serve as useful back-up and perhaps surpass expectations to claim a regular first-team spot. Like most, I don?t want to see Neville or Jagielka in midfield.
We are however, still left with a dearth of creative talent and width to play attacking football.
I?m in agreement with Lyndon, that if we had also signed Obinna and Moutinho then we would be looking a whole lot more exciting. We?d also have more options in terms of team formation and perhaps we?d have been serious challengers to the elite.
Well I guess we?ve made our bed now and just have to lie in it, and hope that the morale and quality of football improve drastically. The real challenge once again, is a top six finish.
It never ceases to amaze me the hostility some people feel they can project at the drop of a hat. Phil Griffiths, are you again saying that Everton Football Club is immune to relegation fears? Are you satisfied with the Summer?s transfer activity? With the pre-season preparation? With the refusal of the manager to sign a new contract? With the sacking of the CEO? With being outspent by Hull City and WBA? With the lack of unity at the club at the moment? Blind faith only gets you so far.
What amazes me is how one signing all of a sudden has brightened up the whole so-called "glass half-full brigade" and anyone who questions the very real problems at the club or dares to question the consequences of such maladministration is seen as some form of heretic liable to assault or abuse.
I hope like all other Evertonians do that we have a great season. But to fail to prepare is to prepare to fail and the Premier League as we all saw on Saturday is not a place to come unprepared. I am prepared to put my money where my mouth is. In the past I?ve profited handsomely from backing Everton when nobody else gave them a prayer.
I do fear for us if we lose the manager. I wrote at the end of last year praising Moyes and Blue Bill for their achievements in coming fifth. Winning the real league was how I put it. I only expected stability or incremental progress over the Summer. It isn?t that I haven?t seen this, plainly the manager of the club is grossly unhappy with the lack of progress.
I have even supported Kirkby as a matter of trust and faith in the board and harsh economic, unsentimental reality. I will continue to support the club whatever, even if they end up in the lower leagues, but I am entitled ? if I spend my money at the club, force my children to be Evertonians with new Everton shirts every year ? to question in a small way what is happening at the club rather go blindly over the top like a lemming.
Steve Flanagan, I totally agree that a new stadium or revamp of Goodison is essential and I myself am not in favour of Kirkby, but going off the figures that you have given earlier then we may as well give up on the subject of new investors. Unless someone is willing to finance a stadium for us (eg Tesco, a rich arab or Legoland) then it's obvious that BK will not be able to do it himself due to lack of resources.
Let's all just give up then!!!!!! I don't think so... If we can't have the hope that an investor is out there who can help us to the next step, then we may as well just get used to the idea that this is our highest level and each summer from now on will be exactly the same as this.
The last minute signing and breaking our record fee will again let Bill Kenwright off the hook but 15 million (pounds or euros depending on the reports ?) is paying way over the odds for a young player with potential. I’m sure that if anyone on the forum had suggested paying that amount for a relatively inexperienced player when all the talk was on Arshavin, M’Bia and Moutinho then they would have been shot down in flames !! Now I’m glad that we at least have some new players but anyone would think that we’d signed a world class player who could change a game ! Maybe in the future but unless David Moyes develops flexible systems that utilise a players strengths and skills then it will be more of the same for the next few seasons. Which may be effective but it’s not pretty and hasn’t yet won anything !!
Add Your Comments
In order to post a comment to Column articles, you need to be logged in as a registered user of the site.
Or Sign up as a ToffeeWeb Member — it's free, takes just a few minutes and will allow you to post your comments on articles and MailBag submissions across the site.
© ToffeeWeb
-sm.jpg)
-sm.jpg)
-sm.jpg)
1 Posted 02/09/2008 at 06:15:59
Report abuse
Saha (a walking sick note if there ever was one) was a good buy.... for the 8 games that he’ll be healthy. Between he, Big Vic and Vaughan, we’ve covered the loss of AJ but we still feel a bit thin to me.
Segundo Castillo and Fellain look to have quality, but I hold to the view that defensive midfielders minimise the games you lose more than they help you win games you otherwise would’ve drawn.
So, have we improved the team from where it was at the start of the season? Undoubtedly.
Does it take us back to where we were last year? I think so.
Does it close the gap to the Big 4? Not really.
Until we get some good wide players and some more creativity and depth into central midfield, we’ll fight it out for UEFA Cup, not Champions League.