The Mail Bag
Will the Big Fella ever make it?
Comments (70)
I just saw a picture of the moment Tim Cahill headed the ball towards goal on BBC's website. The ball was travelling towards goal and his eyes were fixed on it and body fully extended.
A couple of feet behind, the Wig has his face towards the ground, is completely bent over, and even if he tried to glance up at the ball, there is no way he can see it!! It is funny only because we scored and won the game but I won't be laughing if Fellaini had missed the chance and we lose the game.
It is a clear illustration of one of the many technical skills that Fellaini doesn't have (like tackling, passing, shielding, positioning, shooting, dribbling...etc) and it does make me wonder if he will ever make it. Many have commented about who to sell to raise additional cash this summer... for me, there is only one choice.
http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/45521000/jpg/_45521625_cahillgol_getty.jpg
Gary Tan, Posted 01/03/2009 at 09:37:38
Comments
Note: the following content is not moderated or vetted by the site owners at the time of submission. Comments are the responsibility of the poster. Disclaimer
With all the posts of late picking holes in our players you would begin to wonder if we had only been beaten once in 14 games by the league leaders.
It seems all our team is shite but whatever, I will still enjoy looking at the league table after such a poor start.
Maybe I can berate the next player to miss a shot, that Cahill, see him fall over when trying to shoot, what a fucking waste of money hey? and don?t start me on that lazy bastard Yukubu, haven?t seen him kick a ball in about 4 months and that goes for that diving twat Arteta...etc etc
It seems all our team is shite but whatever, I will still enjoy looking at the league table after such a poor start.
Maybe I can berate the next player to miss a shot, that Cahill, see him fall over when trying to shoot, what a fucking waste of money hey? and don?t start me on that lazy bastard Yukubu, haven?t seen him kick a ball in about 4 months and that goes for that diving twat Arteta...etc etc
An excellent observation and assessment of Fellaini there...
Your remarkable photo also reveals many other things. Firstly that Scott Carson is a lifelong blue who is already celebrating our goal. Secondlty that the defender to the left failed his marking assignment because he was too busy staring longingly at Yobo (who himself appears to have jumped the wrong way) Finally, Phil Neville also seems to show a worrying lack of respect to the fans by standing miles away scratching his balls instead of making an attempt to reach the far post.
Please send this photo to Moyes post haste.
Your remarkable photo also reveals many other things. Firstly that Scott Carson is a lifelong blue who is already celebrating our goal. Secondlty that the defender to the left failed his marking assignment because he was too busy staring longingly at Yobo (who himself appears to have jumped the wrong way) Finally, Phil Neville also seems to show a worrying lack of respect to the fans by standing miles away scratching his balls instead of making an attempt to reach the far post.
Please send this photo to Moyes post haste.
I could not agree more the big fella is useless. I would happily sell him back to standard for half what we paid for him. A gamble that has not and will not come off. And it gives me no joy to say that at all.
"Taxi for Jo..."
I don’t understand this or the general criticism Jo got for yesterday’s game. Apart from a couple of loose first touches and perhaps being slow off the blocks to run onto an inviting through-ball at one stage in the second half, he did everything that was asked of him.
He spent most of the game with his back to goal, didn’t get a touch of the ball anywhere inside the area and will, if we’re not careful, become yet another striker vilified and beaten down because he’s not scoring goals when, in fact, the team is not providing them.
Yakubu is branded as a "fat and lazy twat" when his record quite clearly speaks for itself — i.e. put the ball in and around the six yard box and he will score (hence the song).
Everyone was on Andy Johnson’s case because he wasn’t scoring and it was down to the same reason: we don’t create enough scoring chances close to goal for our strikers. No surprise that we’ve been scoring most of our goals from set-pieces recently.
Let’s not make the mistake of writing Jo off because he hasn’t scored for two games, FFS.
Fellaini is a different issue and while he’s young enough that we can’t make any definitive statements about his future success at Goodison, I admit that I’m very concerned that we’ve blown £12.9m on a player who will always frustrate. We’ll see...
I don’t understand this or the general criticism Jo got for yesterday’s game. Apart from a couple of loose first touches and perhaps being slow off the blocks to run onto an inviting through-ball at one stage in the second half, he did everything that was asked of him.
He spent most of the game with his back to goal, didn’t get a touch of the ball anywhere inside the area and will, if we’re not careful, become yet another striker vilified and beaten down because he’s not scoring goals when, in fact, the team is not providing them.
Yakubu is branded as a "fat and lazy twat" when his record quite clearly speaks for itself — i.e. put the ball in and around the six yard box and he will score (hence the song).
Everyone was on Andy Johnson’s case because he wasn’t scoring and it was down to the same reason: we don’t create enough scoring chances close to goal for our strikers. No surprise that we’ve been scoring most of our goals from set-pieces recently.
Let’s not make the mistake of writing Jo off because he hasn’t scored for two games, FFS.
Fellaini is a different issue and while he’s young enough that we can’t make any definitive statements about his future success at Goodison, I admit that I’m very concerned that we’ve blown £12.9m on a player who will always frustrate. We’ll see...
Fellaini was doing great before he got suspended/injured.
Also, let’s face it, without the distraction/obstruction of Fellaini, that might not have even been a goal.
I honestly think he’ll be a very, very good player this time next year.
Jo on the other hand..
Also, let’s face it, without the distraction/obstruction of Fellaini, that might not have even been a goal.
I honestly think he’ll be a very, very good player this time next year.
Jo on the other hand..
If you watch the reply, rather than look at a photo, you’ll see Fellaini was stooping to head the ball because mid-air he can see the ball is dropping below the height his head is at. Try stooping (mid-jump) AND looking up - it’s not possible, unless maybe you’re Craig Bellamy. It’s a great shot of Tim but to use it to belittle Fellaini is a little harsh.
Yer but was it £12.9m? I’d love to know the truth, because I’m pretty sure we paid a much smaller fee upfront which could grow depending on his development.
Agree with you on Jo,lyndon.He’s going to be a quality player but he’s miles short of match fitness,also,he’s going to miss Arteta more than anyone.He needs a sustained run in the side and a couple of confidence building goals.
Gary ,I think you’re wrong about Fellaini.Thepremier league has been a culture shock to him and our dreadful run of injuries has meant that he hasn’t found his role yet.I believe with a good pre-season behind him he’ll be a real player next season.(like a new signing)
Gary ,I think you’re wrong about Fellaini.Thepremier league has been a culture shock to him and our dreadful run of injuries has meant that he hasn’t found his role yet.I believe with a good pre-season behind him he’ll be a real player next season.(like a new signing)
Spot on Lyndon. It looked like Jo was being asked to do the Andy Johnson role yesterday, running down the channels. To get the best out of him, you need him in and around the box.
It’s a shame that Arteta is out for the season, because I reckon we would have seen the best of Jo with Arteta pulling the strings. Now though, with a midfield that lacks creativity, we may see more games from him, like yesterday’s.
It’s a shame that Arteta is out for the season, because I reckon we would have seen the best of Jo with Arteta pulling the strings. Now though, with a midfield that lacks creativity, we may see more games from him, like yesterday’s.
Have you got f**k all better to do with your life than coming on the TW web and slag of Everton players,
who have only been beaten once in 14 games,The Red Shite tried 3 times to beat us and couldnt.
Im not coming on here saying the big fella is doing well because due to his injuries hes not.
But credit where its due. The team is in a solid sixth place and we are looking good for Europe.So stop slagging and start supporting.
who have only been beaten once in 14 games,The Red Shite tried 3 times to beat us and couldnt.
Im not coming on here saying the big fella is doing well because due to his injuries hes not.
But credit where its due. The team is in a solid sixth place and we are looking good for Europe.So stop slagging and start supporting.
We paid 4million up front
Fellaini can be frustrating, but only a few weeks ago he was causing Arsenal to resort to taking turns to try and kick him out of the game. I thought most of our team were poor going forward yesterday but does that mean we get rid? not so long ago Arteta and Cahill were both having poor spells but now they’re up for sainthood.I’d be very surprised if Jo is signed permanently unless the price is ridiculously low. As Moyes has said, you can see he has quality but can also see why he couldn’t make the Man City team. Isn’t the truth really that when the team are playing well and the football is good eg against Bolton they all look better as individuals.
What a ridiculous summary of a photo and what short memories some fans have.... before Fellaini got injured he was playing really well and made a huge contribution.
A few bad games and suddenly he’s rubbish. He’s got all the necessary to be a very, very good player.
Let’s just remember that he has been an integral part of a team that has lost once in 14 games, to the reigning European & Premier League champions, whilst having come through 5 games against top-5 opposition, unbeaten.
Let’s just hope that we get less injuries next season and get a more settled side out.
A few bad games and suddenly he’s rubbish. He’s got all the necessary to be a very, very good player.
Let’s just remember that he has been an integral part of a team that has lost once in 14 games, to the reigning European & Premier League champions, whilst having come through 5 games against top-5 opposition, unbeaten.
Let’s just hope that we get less injuries next season and get a more settled side out.
A lot of players struggle first season after coming in from abroad. I think Fellani has a lot of potential. And think he could go on to be a very good player. Also, it was his run that played everyone onside for the first goal so good lad as he took the defenders with him.
As for Jo, he played a few games, first game I thought he looked very good, yesturday a striker with no service. Lets see how he gets on over the season.
Just a note on Saha though, quality finish yesturday, absolutely fantastic, if he could stay fit, he really would be excellent for us.
As for Jo, he played a few games, first game I thought he looked very good, yesturday a striker with no service. Lets see how he gets on over the season.
Just a note on Saha though, quality finish yesturday, absolutely fantastic, if he could stay fit, he really would be excellent for us.
Will the Big Fella ever make it?
Far too early to tell.
I’ll agree that paying funny money for potential would be wrong, but he is much more than that. He is playing with and injury, and he has a lot to learn. He is a big strong lad and will heal. He is intelligent and will improve way beyond the player he looks now - and he’s a PL match winner already, probably on his way back to Europe next year.
When he does make it, I certainly hope he’s with us.
Far too early to tell.
I’ll agree that paying funny money for potential would be wrong, but he is much more than that. He is playing with and injury, and he has a lot to learn. He is a big strong lad and will heal. He is intelligent and will improve way beyond the player he looks now - and he’s a PL match winner already, probably on his way back to Europe next year.
When he does make it, I certainly hope he’s with us.
totally agree with simon dixon on this,everton are playing very well at present and with all the injury problems at the moment we need everybody to get behind the team and not start slagging players off,it wasn’t long ago phil neville was being slated every week on this web site,plus the manc’s have beaten spurs in the cup so sixth place is now a european spot now.so lets get behind the blues and hopfully lets get to a cup final and also we r only 2 points behind arsenal so things r not that bad.
Everyone seems to conveniently forget the kid is injured and having painkilling jabs. No wonder he’s a little off the pace.
It seems, sadly, that it’s Felli’s turn to be the target of the boo boys.
Seem to remember him drawing two defenders so Cahill could leap for the header. Could that explain the photo?
Honestly.
It seems, sadly, that it’s Felli’s turn to be the target of the boo boys.
Seem to remember him drawing two defenders so Cahill could leap for the header. Could that explain the photo?
Honestly.
The replay explains it clearly. Unfortunately in my earlier post I wrote ’reply’ - obviously I meant replay.
ahem
ahem
On 1st September 2008 after watching highlights of Fellaini at the Olympics I wrote of my concerns regarding ?the big one? (The Beautiful Game? Chris Jones).
However my views have since changed because although I still hold doubts over Fellaini, I don?t share them about David Moyes? work ethic.
Whether by injury or ability he is clearly struggling. His body language provides an intriguing narrative for what is running through his mind.
However this is a good thing. With or without injury his frustrations show a man who knows he is below his own expectations and I am sure he will almost certainly step up to a level befitting his conscience. I would be more upset if he was pleased with himself! I have a felling he will be better next season.
In a democracy it is our right to question political power and when it comes to the club that we love and financially support, as stakeholders we have the right to question those who are paid to represent it?s name and forge it?s history.
Those on this site who ?constructively and intellectually? highlight certain flaws are only instructing those who may not know the extent of their own limitations (a la Mr Anichebe).
Nadia Comaneci didn?t always score perfect tens. She had to fail, she had to listen, she had to grow. Come the summer Fellaini needs pace, timing and passion, nothing else about his game needs work.
By the way? Villa and Spurs? It?s been a good day!
However my views have since changed because although I still hold doubts over Fellaini, I don?t share them about David Moyes? work ethic.
Whether by injury or ability he is clearly struggling. His body language provides an intriguing narrative for what is running through his mind.
However this is a good thing. With or without injury his frustrations show a man who knows he is below his own expectations and I am sure he will almost certainly step up to a level befitting his conscience. I would be more upset if he was pleased with himself! I have a felling he will be better next season.
In a democracy it is our right to question political power and when it comes to the club that we love and financially support, as stakeholders we have the right to question those who are paid to represent it?s name and forge it?s history.
Those on this site who ?constructively and intellectually? highlight certain flaws are only instructing those who may not know the extent of their own limitations (a la Mr Anichebe).
Nadia Comaneci didn?t always score perfect tens. She had to fail, she had to listen, she had to grow. Come the summer Fellaini needs pace, timing and passion, nothing else about his game needs work.
By the way? Villa and Spurs? It?s been a good day!
We’re a fickle bunch aren’t we.
Before the first Liverpool game we’re all worried that screech is banned, then 2 games ago everyone’s saying how we hope we’ve agreed a fee for jo!
Now listen to us!
Before the first Liverpool game we’re all worried that screech is banned, then 2 games ago everyone’s saying how we hope we’ve agreed a fee for jo!
Now listen to us!
What a load of bollocks!
You may be in Singapore, Gary and only looking at a photo, but how can you slag him off n that alone? A photo is but a snapshot and often misleads.
People that come on here slagging off our players need to understand a few things:
Everton the Team is Greater than the sum of its parts. Unlike Spurs or Man City who are weaker as a team than individulas. It’s why we don’t have people queueing up to buy our players and the ones ha do leave often fade into obscurity as they are no longer part of the Everton family.
Football is a TEAM game. It’s what the Team is doing that really counts. Currently we are doing very well with limited resources. Be pleased in that and stop looking for problems. That’s Moyes’job and he’s doing it well, gradually improving the squad all the time.
Finally: Fellaini. The Jury is out for now, but he’s had injuries, a major cultural adjustment to make without speaking English and he’s still done ok. Give him till nex season and then you’ll find out.
You may be in Singapore, Gary and only looking at a photo, but how can you slag him off n that alone? A photo is but a snapshot and often misleads.
People that come on here slagging off our players need to understand a few things:
Everton the Team is Greater than the sum of its parts. Unlike Spurs or Man City who are weaker as a team than individulas. It’s why we don’t have people queueing up to buy our players and the ones ha do leave often fade into obscurity as they are no longer part of the Everton family.
Football is a TEAM game. It’s what the Team is doing that really counts. Currently we are doing very well with limited resources. Be pleased in that and stop looking for problems. That’s Moyes’job and he’s doing it well, gradually improving the squad all the time.
Finally: Fellaini. The Jury is out for now, but he’s had injuries, a major cultural adjustment to make without speaking English and he’s still done ok. Give him till nex season and then you’ll find out.
nice to hear some sense finally from the post of martin paice!
a few weeks ago we had people berating moyesy for not taking fella off early enough to make sure he wasn’t banned for the derby. apparantly we couldn’t manage without him...
now he’s suddenly a waste of space and money?!
can’t we please support the boys and the manager, and enjoy the fact we’re on such a fine run?!
a few weeks ago we had people berating moyesy for not taking fella off early enough to make sure he wasn’t banned for the derby. apparantly we couldn’t manage without him...
now he’s suddenly a waste of space and money?!
can’t we please support the boys and the manager, and enjoy the fact we’re on such a fine run?!
Gareth
Two words for you as you cannot think of a worse striker than Jo in 20 years:
John Spencer
Two words for you as you cannot think of a worse striker than Jo in 20 years:
John Spencer
Spot on Sean Patton.
Let’s not forget Brett Angell, Stuart Barlow ha ha
Gareth - take a chill pill. Jo is doing fine - and has cost us nothing but wages.
Let’s not forget Brett Angell, Stuart Barlow ha ha
Gareth - take a chill pill. Jo is doing fine - and has cost us nothing but wages.
I think we should give Felliani the benefit of the doubt when it comes to the fact that he is certainly not 100% fit and Moyes may be forced to play him because of the current injury crisis. Give him some time, he is young and adapting to the Premier League is difficult. Next season will be his major test to see if he can live up to the hype and transfer fee.
Gary,
How do you know that Fellaini didn’t hear Tim shout and just backed out?
Fucking lay off him.
How do you know that Fellaini didn’t hear Tim shout and just backed out?
Fucking lay off him.
I’d love Felliani to come good and be a consistent performer for us in the years to come...and am prepared to to be patient and accept he is playing with an injury.....but as I was watching the match couldn’t help but wish the MF we signed was that other enigma Manny Fernandes.
I know he too had his critics at times and I know the money side of any deal was complicated Global Sports, but the price was about the same and to my mind there isn’t much comparison!!
As for Jo, he may need time to get match fit and I have only seen highlights of the Bolton game, but in the Newcastle and WBA games I’ve seen him in I haven’t been too impressed. Again though I wish him well and hope he can do a job for us over the remainder of the season.
If only Saha was more solid though. He is a class apart!!!
I know he too had his critics at times and I know the money side of any deal was complicated Global Sports, but the price was about the same and to my mind there isn’t much comparison!!
As for Jo, he may need time to get match fit and I have only seen highlights of the Bolton game, but in the Newcastle and WBA games I’ve seen him in I haven’t been too impressed. Again though I wish him well and hope he can do a job for us over the remainder of the season.
If only Saha was more solid though. He is a class apart!!!
I think everybody who’s slagging off Wiggy, Jo or come to think of it ANYONE wearing a royal blue shirt get a grip of yourselves. As soon as the boys cross that line onto the pitch you get behind them and support them no matter what. Its up to Moyes what he does with the players to get the best from them in what has to be one of the worst injury prone seasons ever. So come on shake your heads and get behind them coz your starting to sound like the kopite gobshites.
I think it’s a big ask being an out & out forward at Everton. Our game, particularly with Arteta absent, asks an awful lot of our forward(s) as we don’t attack en masse and offer many options.
This criticism of Jo is ridiculous. I researched him in the summer when a move was muted and the thing that stood out, aside from his goals, is how hard he works. He couldn’t have done ore on his debut. He worked hard at Newcastle for little reward. And yesterday the whole team was misfiring somewhat. Some players are just back from injury, or even still injured, so allowances need to be made.
I agree that Fellaini has looked awkward in last couple of games. But I always looked to next season for this kid to show, and there’s the small matter of him being injured (broken bone in back).
As per usual, Evertonians are ratcheting up expectations and making ridiculously summary judgements. Thankfully those in charge are a bit more knowledgeable where it matters.
This criticism of Jo is ridiculous. I researched him in the summer when a move was muted and the thing that stood out, aside from his goals, is how hard he works. He couldn’t have done ore on his debut. He worked hard at Newcastle for little reward. And yesterday the whole team was misfiring somewhat. Some players are just back from injury, or even still injured, so allowances need to be made.
I agree that Fellaini has looked awkward in last couple of games. But I always looked to next season for this kid to show, and there’s the small matter of him being injured (broken bone in back).
As per usual, Evertonians are ratcheting up expectations and making ridiculously summary judgements. Thankfully those in charge are a bit more knowledgeable where it matters.
A good few years ago so it is said a representitive came over to watch Watford in the old 1st Division to look at the ?black? player (John Barnes). However he went and signed the wrong ?black? player (Luther Blisset) who was never an AC Milan player while he had a whole in his arse!!!!
I fear a similar mistake has happened with Jo..... I think they mistook him for Wagner Love who is a half decent player. City paid £20 MILLION for him for God's sake...... and I for one think hes right up there with Brett Angel, Barn door, Rob Wakenshaw and far too many others to mention. Let's forget all this ?give him time to settle? shit.... It's as clear as day he's fucking useless!!!!!!
For those who criticise Felliaini, I’d like you try to play 90 minutes of premier league football with a cracked bone in your back and a few pain killing injections. It must be tough enough normally ffs! I can’t believe he’d be near the side if Moyes had other viable options.
We will only start seeing what he is capable of next season, when:
a) He’s had a better chance to adapt to our country & language.
b) He is free of injuries.
c) Moyes decides where his ideal position is.
d) He has a full pre-season under his belt and Moyes has had a proper chance to iron out the bits of his game that need sorting.
e) He is playing in a side without a massive numbers of 1st team players injured.
Same applies to Jo, except that hes only been with us a few weeks. Both players seem to try hard, and I didnt think jo did too bad last game. He certainly didn’t play any worse than several other players on show.
We will only start seeing what he is capable of next season, when:
a) He’s had a better chance to adapt to our country & language.
b) He is free of injuries.
c) Moyes decides where his ideal position is.
d) He has a full pre-season under his belt and Moyes has had a proper chance to iron out the bits of his game that need sorting.
e) He is playing in a side without a massive numbers of 1st team players injured.
Same applies to Jo, except that hes only been with us a few weeks. Both players seem to try hard, and I didnt think jo did too bad last game. He certainly didn’t play any worse than several other players on show.
"Will the Big Fella ever make it?"
Yes he will
Yes he will
While I don’t like undue criticism of Everton players, surely it’s an over reaction on the part of those who claim the critics are over reacting in relation to Felliaini? He may be adapting, injured, still learning the pace of the english game etc, but can you coach a tortoise to outsprint a hare?
It’s not unreasonable to query whether a player costing £15m can actualy cut the mustard. No matter how much he improves, the big Fella looks to be woefully short in so many departments that he can never justify the £15m transfer.
Happy to be be proved wrong. Time will tell.
It’s not unreasonable to query whether a player costing £15m can actualy cut the mustard. No matter how much he improves, the big Fella looks to be woefully short in so many departments that he can never justify the £15m transfer.
Happy to be be proved wrong. Time will tell.
I?ve been a constant critic of David Moyes on this site for some time. Recently I admiited I?ve been harsh. I never criticise players though. What?s the point? Football is about confidence and I would never barrack a player.
Now, I don?t know if any of our players ever look at Toffeeweb (if I were a player I would) but if they do it must be pretty demoralising for some of them.
Gary,
I think your post is overly exaggerated.
Come on man... Didn’t you realise when Fellaini was in the box, 2 bloody defenders were on him like a sandwich?
Thats the reason why Cahill was freed to score the header unmark.... Goodness me... I know you’re from Singapore and all, and you’re neighbours to me, but I totally disagree with your assessment altogether....
I think your post is overly exaggerated.
Come on man... Didn’t you realise when Fellaini was in the box, 2 bloody defenders were on him like a sandwich?
Thats the reason why Cahill was freed to score the header unmark.... Goodness me... I know you’re from Singapore and all, and you’re neighbours to me, but I totally disagree with your assessment altogether....
Gary,
Forget looking at a photo mate try and watch the goal again on the web. Ryan Donk (think it was him) grabs fellaini and then trips him almost as he runs. The big fella then put the shits up Carson allowing Tiny a free header.
There is no jury out on Fellaini , the kid has only trained twice in 4 weeks and this is the player we couldn’t do without a few weeks ago. Make your minds up ! He’s a quality player just not as gifted as Mikel so don’t compare him end of story.
As for the clown slating Jo .... Yes I can think of many worse Everton strikers and I’ve been watching us for 30 years here are a few. . . Mick Ferguson, David Johnson, Alan Biley, Alan Ainscough, Paul Wilkinson, Brett Angel, Danny Cadamarteri, Kevin Campbell (after 12 months) , Paul Rideout, Victor Anichebe, John Spencer, Ibrahima Bakayoko (altho scored some important goals) ...
Lay off Jo the lad has the potential to be class with the Yak. He missed Arteta’s class yesterday. He needs to be fed and supported as too often yesterday the midfield did not support him. He’ll be sound just get behind him.
I’m getting really pissed off with some of our supporters who just love to moan. We are 6th right in the hunt for the Euro places in the quarters of the FA Cup and have had a horrendous run of injuries to contend with. Stop sounding like fuckin KOPITES and start being positive about us. If we can’t be positive about ourselves then no wonder the media slag us off !!
Nil Satis
Ps...Forgot Marcus Bent !!!!! Enough said Gareth !!!
Forget looking at a photo mate try and watch the goal again on the web. Ryan Donk (think it was him) grabs fellaini and then trips him almost as he runs. The big fella then put the shits up Carson allowing Tiny a free header.
There is no jury out on Fellaini , the kid has only trained twice in 4 weeks and this is the player we couldn’t do without a few weeks ago. Make your minds up ! He’s a quality player just not as gifted as Mikel so don’t compare him end of story.
As for the clown slating Jo .... Yes I can think of many worse Everton strikers and I’ve been watching us for 30 years here are a few. . . Mick Ferguson, David Johnson, Alan Biley, Alan Ainscough, Paul Wilkinson, Brett Angel, Danny Cadamarteri, Kevin Campbell (after 12 months) , Paul Rideout, Victor Anichebe, John Spencer, Ibrahima Bakayoko (altho scored some important goals) ...
Lay off Jo the lad has the potential to be class with the Yak. He missed Arteta’s class yesterday. He needs to be fed and supported as too often yesterday the midfield did not support him. He’ll be sound just get behind him.
I’m getting really pissed off with some of our supporters who just love to moan. We are 6th right in the hunt for the Euro places in the quarters of the FA Cup and have had a horrendous run of injuries to contend with. Stop sounding like fuckin KOPITES and start being positive about us. If we can’t be positive about ourselves then no wonder the media slag us off !!
Nil Satis
Ps...Forgot Marcus Bent !!!!! Enough said Gareth !!!
Barry,
considering what we paid for Marcus Bent and what we got for him I;d rate him a pretty good signing.He was agood a 4-5-1 striker as we’ve had.
considering what we paid for Marcus Bent and what we got for him I;d rate him a pretty good signing.He was agood a 4-5-1 striker as we’ve had.
The lad is playing with a cracked vertebrae. Most people wouldn’t play sunday league football with that kind of injury, let alone Premier league. Leave the boy alone and give him a chance to show us what he can do once he’s recovered and fully adapted to life in the Prem.
I agree with Sam Morrison assessment. I would add Fellaini is acting as a decoy and also to ’put off’ the goalie.
Gary Tan, have you actually played the game, even sunday league? Or it is the playstation for you where the ball bounces perfectly and each player is cemented in the fixed position?
I place more faith in Moyes than you in rating our players.
Gary Tan, have you actually played the game, even sunday league? Or it is the playstation for you where the ball bounces perfectly and each player is cemented in the fixed position?
I place more faith in Moyes than you in rating our players.
"The lad is playing with a cracked vertebrae". Must be a very brave guy to do that. Jumping, running and falling with such an injury. Have the Board ever thought of the consequences? Or is there a mircale healer around? Once prodigy, Michael Ball said under Walter Smith regime he was never offered the opportunity of corrective surgery on Merseyside, and instead was forced to continue playing with only pain-killers to shut out the pain. Are we going back to the same routine?
Brian Waring, actually agree with some of your comments regarding Jo and "how" he is being used. I watched the game and wondered for more than a moment what was going on, Jo, running the channels..
I remember the Yak doing the same before his injury, of AJ (thats ALL he did) the list goes on. It can’t be that they all WANT to play near the corner flag.
Its a directive from Moyes.. hit the channels.. hold it up.. Why? because thats what DM understands. As a former Centre Back he should also understand that if a centre forward is running towards the corner flag its exactly where you want him to be.
I don’t care if he never moves out of a 20 yard circle and never goes into his own half.. we don’t NEED someone to run channels, we need someone in front of goal rather than "just" Tiny Tim.
We just need him to run onto balls in the box, be there for a cross or have a one on one.. simple. Don’t need to complicate it.
I remember the Yak doing the same before his injury, of AJ (thats ALL he did) the list goes on. It can’t be that they all WANT to play near the corner flag.
Its a directive from Moyes.. hit the channels.. hold it up.. Why? because thats what DM understands. As a former Centre Back he should also understand that if a centre forward is running towards the corner flag its exactly where you want him to be.
I don’t care if he never moves out of a 20 yard circle and never goes into his own half.. we don’t NEED someone to run channels, we need someone in front of goal rather than "just" Tiny Tim.
We just need him to run onto balls in the box, be there for a cross or have a one on one.. simple. Don’t need to complicate it.
What would you do if you were already mid air and found the ball coming in at the level of your chest? Maybe there would not be so much flak on Screech if he did not come with a 15mil pound price tag.
Is there another Fellaini at Everton? Because that giant, crazy haired Belgian one is alright, isn’t he? Who would I rather have in midfield Osman (no disrespect intended) or Fellaini? It was also insane to say he can’t pass...
With a big fee hanging over his head, I think a fair assesment is so far so good.
Actually no,let’s sell him and leave pip and jags in midfield(!)
With a big fee hanging over his head, I think a fair assesment is so far so good.
Actually no,let’s sell him and leave pip and jags in midfield(!)
So coming on here deliberately distorting Anichebe's stats to try to make him look bad, calling him a "Ponce", a "Bastard" and a "lazy twat" is now considered "constructive and intellectual" ? . . . fuck me we have some idiots on here.
Tony Williams + Simon Dixon
Spot on, there seems to be a need to find a whipping boy on these pages. Some of these lads are playing through the pain barrier, but it seems to count for nothing in some quarters.
Tony Williams + Simon Dixon
Spot on, there seems to be a need to find a whipping boy on these pages. Some of these lads are playing through the pain barrier, but it seems to count for nothing in some quarters.
Regarding Gary?s post...
The match was shown live here in Malaysia (most Everton games tend to be thanks to us being a permanent fixture in the top half these days) so to be fair to Gary, he probably got to watch it live too.
But..
You can?t judge The Wig purely on a photo alone. The lad?s playing with an injury and still getting to grips with the English game so let?s cut him some slack. For now. Slop slagging and start supporting FFS!!!
Us Evertonians are a strange lot aren?t we? Always the glass half empty.
The match was shown live here in Malaysia (most Everton games tend to be thanks to us being a permanent fixture in the top half these days) so to be fair to Gary, he probably got to watch it live too.
But..
You can?t judge The Wig purely on a photo alone. The lad?s playing with an injury and still getting to grips with the English game so let?s cut him some slack. For now. Slop slagging and start supporting FFS!!!
Us Evertonians are a strange lot aren?t we? Always the glass half empty.
Having worked in Belgium for many years,I know all about Mouro.He started out as a central defender and soon became known as ’The Young Assassin’.In youth football,he conceded so many penalties that he was moved upfield ’to develop his all round game’.He made great progress over the last two seasons,gaining a place in both the Under 21 and full national sides.His disciplinary record did not improve and this included dismissals and many bookings whilst playing at both levels.Most of us were amazed that Moyes came in for him at 23.55hrs on transfer deadline day for a fee reported here as £4.5M down,£4.5M after 30 games and add ons based on League and Cup success.Locals laughingly branded him ’The Chocolate Rooney!’More for the complicated make-up of the deal than his talent ,I can assure you!Only if Everton were to win the Champions League will ’Le crul grand’ever become the club’s record signing!
I was obvious what with Arteta’s injury and lots of the other guys carrying knocks, coming back not match fit etc that maybe we’d have to "grind out" some results and that it wouldn’t always be pretty. What really concerned me was that the knockers would be out in force when anyone seemed to be struggling. Slating Fellaini on the basis of a photo is not on, photos can make anyone look ridiculous. My memory of the goal was I thought Fellaini was going to score and typically Tim pops up from nowhere, whether he’d have got that space without the big guy causing a major distraction in the WBA defence is open to doubt. What’s refreshing about this link is the number of posts defending Felly and Jo who whilst not outstanding didn’t have that bad a game in the context of Saturday’s performance. Felly is definitely not the finished article yet but huis performances up getting injured where good and made a huge contribution to our great strikerless run with him and Tim our main goal threat. He’s obviously a work in progress but I still think his poential is there for all to see. Finally give the guys a break it’s going to be team spirit and togetherness gets our small sqaud through the next few months, the last thing they need is fans being over critical after whats been achieved so far this season.
’The Great Fellaini’reminds me of the one and only Bernie Wright.His manic appearance,terrible touch and control as well as all round ungainliness must see him cast in the role of ’The Bolt’when the film is made!
Sorry mate but your assesment of a player based on a still photo whilst in mid air is completely dumb. Its obvious you know nothing about football. Why do you think the old spot the ball competition was so hard to win.
He’s obviously in position to head the ball but Cahill has taken it first, simple.
Your an idiot.
He’s obviously in position to head the ball but Cahill has taken it first, simple.
Your an idiot.
Fellaini lost the plot at times on Saturday. He’s a good player, I don’t agree with those who think he’s worthless, but his head seemed to be somewhere else during the game and injury doesn’t account for that.
As for Jo, I’d like to see him playing just off the main striker, which according to City fans is his preferred position. But as we already have a player in Cahill who fills that role admirably in a 4-5-1 formation, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Jo being relegated to the bench.
As for Jo, I’d like to see him playing just off the main striker, which according to City fans is his preferred position. But as we already have a player in Cahill who fills that role admirably in a 4-5-1 formation, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Jo being relegated to the bench.
Good job it’s not a Spot the Ball competition photo.
I’m sorry, but your photographic interpretation skills leave a lot to be desired.
Mo is clearly - and perfectly, I might add - carrying out a move known as the Bruges Block.
When the ball is swung in, an attacker has to put in an almighty leap, positioning the back passage directly in front of the onrushing keeper’s face, letting rip with a humungous guff at the moment of greatest proximity.
This is a feat of great athleticism and timing, and as you can see from Carson’s raised hands, and knees that are returning to the foetal position, Mo executed it perfectly.
That an injured player even attempted the Bruges Block is something in itself, that he executed it so elegantly deserves our lasting respect and admiration.
Lay off the lad.
COYB
Mo is clearly - and perfectly, I might add - carrying out a move known as the Bruges Block.
When the ball is swung in, an attacker has to put in an almighty leap, positioning the back passage directly in front of the onrushing keeper’s face, letting rip with a humungous guff at the moment of greatest proximity.
This is a feat of great athleticism and timing, and as you can see from Carson’s raised hands, and knees that are returning to the foetal position, Mo executed it perfectly.
That an injured player even attempted the Bruges Block is something in itself, that he executed it so elegantly deserves our lasting respect and admiration.
Lay off the lad.
COYB
You can’t really have a go at Jo whenever the midfield creativity and service was non-existent...
We were outplayed by West Brom..Who to be honest are a decent footballing side who can’t defend or score goals..
But we were dire...and we lost the messiah Hibbert...depressing win...But then again, that’s better than a depressing loss.
We were outplayed by West Brom..Who to be honest are a decent footballing side who can’t defend or score goals..
But we were dire...and we lost the messiah Hibbert...depressing win...But then again, that’s better than a depressing loss.
Fellaini is already the best player we have for bringing the ball under control in midfield and finding the right pass. When most are content to win a header back towards the opposition goal, this boy will chest it down and look for a pass. We have missed this since the days of Sharpy.
Gary, you can look at the gallery on the O.S. and mark all our players out of ten from their pictures. F.F.S !!!
Until his injury he was becoming to show the player he will become for us. Remember the uproar on this very site, when he became suspended for the Derby games ?
Gary, you can look at the gallery on the O.S. and mark all our players out of ten from their pictures. F.F.S !!!
Until his injury he was becoming to show the player he will become for us. Remember the uproar on this very site, when he became suspended for the Derby games ?
Barry Cass - well said, just a little harsh on Marcus Bent.
Ciaran - totally agree.
Christine - good analysis & one has to wonder about this. However it’s part & parcel of playing 1 up and using the long ball. My view is that with one up, especially if the 1 is capable of holding the ball up well, then he should play in the middle third of the pitch and it’s actually the midifelders or full backs who should be supporting with wide runs so the front man can turn the defence. To not do this is to risk being stretched too often, which happens too often.
From what I have seen of Jo (and there’s loads of stuff on YouTube from his Russian days) the kid has skill and works very hard. But it helps if you have options. As the great Ruud Gullit once said, "if your teammates move around and give you options then football is easy. But if they don’t then you look shit.". Simple.
Ciaran - totally agree.
Christine - good analysis & one has to wonder about this. However it’s part & parcel of playing 1 up and using the long ball. My view is that with one up, especially if the 1 is capable of holding the ball up well, then he should play in the middle third of the pitch and it’s actually the midifelders or full backs who should be supporting with wide runs so the front man can turn the defence. To not do this is to risk being stretched too often, which happens too often.
From what I have seen of Jo (and there’s loads of stuff on YouTube from his Russian days) the kid has skill and works very hard. But it helps if you have options. As the great Ruud Gullit once said, "if your teammates move around and give you options then football is easy. But if they don’t then you look shit.". Simple.
Going by the number of angry replies, it is not a good thing to have a pop at a fan favourite but didn’t I hint at the fact that I found the picture funny and actually had a laugh.
For those curious, I watched the game on TV. I did notice how he got away from the West Brom defence. Credit where credit is due. And I also admit the point about his being injured and how next season is the one to really judge him.
But I stand by the fact that he offered the team very little in this match. The passes that he completed were square passes and he lost the ball on too many occasions. He was never really a treat and defensively, I wasn’t too impressed either. The only good thing I noted was how he would open himself for a pass when a teammate had the ball.
Like many of you, i hope that my assessment of him is wrong and that he will carry this team for the rest of the season and prove to be a heck of a player in years to come.
For those curious, I watched the game on TV. I did notice how he got away from the West Brom defence. Credit where credit is due. And I also admit the point about his being injured and how next season is the one to really judge him.
But I stand by the fact that he offered the team very little in this match. The passes that he completed were square passes and he lost the ball on too many occasions. He was never really a treat and defensively, I wasn’t too impressed either. The only good thing I noted was how he would open himself for a pass when a teammate had the ball.
Like many of you, i hope that my assessment of him is wrong and that he will carry this team for the rest of the season and prove to be a heck of a player in years to come.
Judge Fellaini on how much we have paid for him so far.
Which currently stands at £3 or £4 million depending on who you believe.
I think is is far better than a £4m player.
Next season when we pay the second installment of his transfer fee we should judge whether he is a £6 or £7m player.
Personally I think he is worth more than that now.
One thing for sure though, at the moment he?s not quite the £15m player we want him to be.
Which currently stands at £3 or £4 million depending on who you believe.
I think is is far better than a £4m player.
Next season when we pay the second installment of his transfer fee we should judge whether he is a £6 or £7m player.
Personally I think he is worth more than that now.
One thing for sure though, at the moment he?s not quite the £15m player we want him to be.
We didnt play well but we won, when the Sky Four do it its called a job well done. And as for analysis of Fellaini from a still image well thats ridiculous. On other unrelated news we have just signed a youngster from Southend named Orenuga, never heard of him but from the image on the OS i dont rate him he is just standing there in the rain with his hand held out as he appears to pat an invicible midget on the head. From one picture I feel like doing a post, Will the new lad with his hand on a midgets head ever make it?
Fellaini?s clearly ducking because Tim?s headed it toward goal....
Good job is bent over really ? good reactions!
Would you rather him be upright and the ball end up in his nest?
Good job is bent over really ? good reactions!
Would you rather him be upright and the ball end up in his nest?
I think Fellaini is possibly our worst player although his aerial presence is appreciated; he leaves little too be desired in every other apartment.
Shocking Player.
Shocking Player.
To Gary, I say are you having a laugh. To Barry Cass - I think you would have to put in Mikael Madar ahead of Rideout, who won us the cup final. Madar was obviously talented but couldn’t give a shit. Rideout also got 15 goals for us that same year, and I think at his best was a decent player.
On the Big Fella generally, I think we have to wait and be patient. I was one of many who thought we could not afford to spend even £4m on his potential (as we desperately needed a proven performer), and wait for possibly 2-3 years to see him mature. But now we have him, we have to get behind him.
The boy can definitely pass - his cross-pitch ball out wide to Hibbert in the first half was class. The coaching staff will need to work on his positional sense and his tackling. I sense with a full pre-season we will start to see glimpses of his quality next season.
For me, he can’t play in a 4-4-2 with Neville. This is no criticism of Neville. Its just that, in a 4-4-2, playing a specialist holding midfielder who is only there to break the game up puts enormous pressure on the other 3 players to provide creativity, get into the box, provide width and close the other lot down.
Fella’s best in a 4-4-2 with Arteta or in a 4-5-1 with Cahill leading the line. If Rodwell is fit we need to go with Ossie, Pienaar and Fella behind Cahill with Neville and Rodwell holding for the rest of the season. Young Gosling can come in as sub to provide width when chasing a game or having to break down an inferior side, like the tossbags from across the park.
On the Big Fella generally, I think we have to wait and be patient. I was one of many who thought we could not afford to spend even £4m on his potential (as we desperately needed a proven performer), and wait for possibly 2-3 years to see him mature. But now we have him, we have to get behind him.
The boy can definitely pass - his cross-pitch ball out wide to Hibbert in the first half was class. The coaching staff will need to work on his positional sense and his tackling. I sense with a full pre-season we will start to see glimpses of his quality next season.
For me, he can’t play in a 4-4-2 with Neville. This is no criticism of Neville. Its just that, in a 4-4-2, playing a specialist holding midfielder who is only there to break the game up puts enormous pressure on the other 3 players to provide creativity, get into the box, provide width and close the other lot down.
Fella’s best in a 4-4-2 with Arteta or in a 4-5-1 with Cahill leading the line. If Rodwell is fit we need to go with Ossie, Pienaar and Fella behind Cahill with Neville and Rodwell holding for the rest of the season. Young Gosling can come in as sub to provide width when chasing a game or having to break down an inferior side, like the tossbags from across the park.
Can someone clear up what sort of injury the big Fella is carrying?
I read it was a rib injury but a lot of people think it's his back, which is it?
Incidently SAF called him one of the most exciting prospects in Europe... but what would he know?
I read it was a rib injury but a lot of people think it's his back, which is it?
Incidently SAF called him one of the most exciting prospects in Europe... but what would he know?
If the info above is accurate, I suspect we shall wait a long time for Fellaini to make his 30th appearance. Whether that?s because of repeated suspensions or the club?s inabilty to find the extra money will become a matter of conjecture when he gets neare the landmark.
To me his main attribute is nusiance value ? and even £4.5M a lot to pay for that !
To me his main attribute is nusiance value ? and even £4.5M a lot to pay for that !
No, what’s shocking Simon is that you think Castillo is a better player than him. That is enough for me to see what your footballing ideals are like
http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2008/10/25/article-1080631-023D98B2000005DC-854_468x593.jpg
I cant believe you think a snapshot of a second in time is a fiar tool to judge a player but while you do, i’ll point you to the one above. Maybe you remember this pretty important moment?
I cant believe you think a snapshot of a second in time is a fiar tool to judge a player but while you do, i’ll point you to the one above. Maybe you remember this pretty important moment?
Mark Baker,
That picture was not the goal. You can see what is clearly the main stand in the background, which means the action is at the Park End. The goal was scored in the second half in front of the Street End.
Nice photo though.
(puts anorak back on and leaves)
That picture was not the goal. You can see what is clearly the main stand in the background, which means the action is at the Park End. The goal was scored in the second half in front of the Street End.
Nice photo though.
(puts anorak back on and leaves)
er...yeah...i knew that....ijust enjoyed THIS header.
HaHa...ah well...it shows the man can head a ball if nothing else.
Castillo on the other hand...
HaHa...ah well...it shows the man can head a ball if nothing else.
Castillo on the other hand...
Alan Kirwan - Yeah your right Bent did okay just used to annoy me that he never looked like scoring. Was good value though in a 4-5-1.
Amit - Madar wasn’t great to be fair but you aren’t going to convince me about rideout tho. Yes he did score the winner in the cup final but he made Yakubu look like a workhorse !! I do love the Yak by the way !!
Was just trying to point out that this unecessary slagging of our players should stop. Jo is quality and like a previous post said if your midfield doesn’t give you options then you’ll look poor. I remember Pienaar being slagged on here early last season and he went on to have 15 assists.
Come on Blues lets leave the whingeing to our ridiculous neighbours .... At least whilst we are winning anyway !!!!!
Amit - Madar wasn’t great to be fair but you aren’t going to convince me about rideout tho. Yes he did score the winner in the cup final but he made Yakubu look like a workhorse !! I do love the Yak by the way !!
Was just trying to point out that this unecessary slagging of our players should stop. Jo is quality and like a previous post said if your midfield doesn’t give you options then you’ll look poor. I remember Pienaar being slagged on here early last season and he went on to have 15 assists.
Come on Blues lets leave the whingeing to our ridiculous neighbours .... At least whilst we are winning anyway !!!!!
After a fairly promising start to his Everton career, Fellaini seems to be going downhill fast. Granted he's been carrying a knock, but I just can't see that he has got the raw material to improve.
He seems to have very little or no pace.
Has anyone seen him run flat out yet?
Has has very little or no power, and for such a big man he doesn't jump that well, and doesn't win as much in the air as he should. He really can't tackle. He makes Paul Scholes look like the world tackling champion.
The only plus points he has for me is that he has a pretty good touch and plays some nice passes, but that is only when given loads of time on the ball, a luxury you don't get in our league.
I also feel sorry for him in terms of the number of bookings he has got. I certainly think he is singled out for his reputation and as daft as it sounds, but also for his appearance. He made one foul against WBA and got booked. Cahill was constantly penalised but never got booked and some of the WBA players should have been booked. Also his booking the other week against Hull was a joke.
So... what to do with him? What is his best position? Defensive midfield: no way, can't tackle. Central midfield: no way, can't tackle and no engine. Wide midfield: no way, no pace or trickery. Advanced midfield/2nd striker: maybe... Striker: no way, not strong enough to hold up the ball and link the play
Overall I am very disappointed by him and am beginning to think he was a panic buy (I know people will blame Moyes for this). This is nothing personal and I really hope he proves me wrong and becomes a really good player for us, but somehow I just can't see it. If you contrast his performance the other day to that of Pienaar and Osman then you will see my point. Also contrast him to Rodwell, who despite his tender age looks very composed has 2 good feet, runs all day and is one of the best tacklers I have seen. Rodwell never gets flustered, whereas Fellaini just looks bemused.
Despite my criticism of him, he is one of us and I will always support him.
© ToffeeWeb
-sm.jpg)
-sm.jpg)
-sm.jpg)
1 Posted 01/03/2009 at 06:13:10
Report abuse
I've been a season ticket holder for over 20 years and there have been a few that have stank the gaff out but this guy is something else. No work rate, no confidence, no pace, no strength, crap touch, no vision and he doesn't want to get hurt.
His goal on his debut was good but his performace in that was awful and his 2 goals just hid the fact. God help us if Cahill or Saha get injured.