The Mail Bag
King Pip the magnificent
Comments (41)
We are seeing the best ever form of Philip Neville in his career, with Arteta or not. I feel we are where we are at this moment in time due to the passion, commitment, hard work, grit, determination and no little talent of this much undersung player. I feel that even Sir Alex would have kept hold of a Pip playing consistently well at this level. Those of us who have consistently slated Pip as being a talentless donkey must surely eat their words now.
After the Stoke game, Moyes recognized Neville's contribution to the team and he is the person who works with him on a daily basis. We also should acknowledge the wonderful signing that Moyes made in one Philip Neville. It's fitting that this super player shall lead out his men against his former team at Wembley and one thing is for sure, you could no longer criticize him for being a Manc.
Ron Martin, Posted 16/03/2009 at 04:14:11
Comments
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John Martin
2 Posted 16/03/2009 at 14:20:36
2 Posted 16/03/2009 at 14:20:36
I?ve been a fan since he arrived and championed him on many occasions on this site. Neville?s work rate is fantastic and always makes himself available to receive the ball, often helping double on players. I beleive he will join our coaching staff when his career finally ends. Well done, Phil.
Neil Pearse
3 Posted 16/03/2009 at 15:23:58
3 Posted 16/03/2009 at 15:23:58
I am one of those eating my words. Agree very much that Neville has really risen to the occasion this term, and has been as important as any in our good form.
Ian Jones
4 Posted 16/03/2009 at 15:23:03
4 Posted 16/03/2009 at 15:23:03
A player does not play nearly 300 games for Man Utd over 10 years and 59 England caps and not understand soccer in great detail. To train for years under Ferguson and playing with Scholes, Giggs, Cantona etc. makes him an excellent man to captain Everton under the disciplined Moyes regime. What Phil Neville lacks in subtlety and finesse, he makes up for in leadership qualities. I believe he is an excellent captain in the Kevin Ratcliffe mould.
Tim Laynge
5 Posted 16/03/2009 at 15:06:05
5 Posted 16/03/2009 at 15:06:05
Must admit to have been a doubter during his less confident displays passing-wise and in midfield earlier on. One thing I valued and still do and feel is much under utilised by Moyes is his long throwing ability.
I was recently watching Gary Stevens two gems against Bayern Munich. Just imagine Davie boy got him there (and Bainsy to develop into a Sheedy how much more potent our attacks would be). IMHO.
If I am not mistaken, Baines seems potentially good at these long throws leftside too.
Nick Entwistle
6 Posted 16/03/2009 at 15:46:36
6 Posted 16/03/2009 at 15:46:36
A great signing at a great price.
Jay Harris
7 Posted 16/03/2009 at 15:59:39
7 Posted 16/03/2009 at 15:59:39
A good signing with a very good understanding of the game and definite leadership qualities.
However I believe he has limited ability and as long as he works to his strengths is a valuable captain and team member.
However I believe he has limited ability and as long as he works to his strengths is a valuable captain and team member.
Paul Gladwell
8 Posted 16/03/2009 at 15:54:28
8 Posted 16/03/2009 at 15:54:28
In an era when footballers are being hated more with arrogant and vile bastards like Rooney and Cole, it is great to see our club has players totally opposite to these types.
Cahill need we say more, is a shining example in how to conduct your career and then there is Neville, these men make proud of he Everton way, no night club photos and wag shite, just dedication.
Julian Wait
9 Posted 16/03/2009 at 16:26:49
9 Posted 16/03/2009 at 16:26:49
It’s the little things like words in the ear of a player here and some general encouragement or a biting tackle there (e.g. the one on Bates against ’boro).
As said above, he also gets open and doubles up and keeps things moving.
With Cahill filling the Arteta role - we missed his up down movement when he went off at the weekend - this allows us to play joined up football.
Model professional. I just hope he joins the Everton coaching staff when he is done.
As said above, he also gets open and doubles up and keeps things moving.
With Cahill filling the Arteta role - we missed his up down movement when he went off at the weekend - this allows us to play joined up football.
Model professional. I just hope he joins the Everton coaching staff when he is done.
Brian Lawler
10 Posted 16/03/2009 at 16:59:35
10 Posted 16/03/2009 at 16:59:35
I?m not sure why but it?s taken a long time for a lot of supporters to be won over by Neville.
An astute signing by Moyes and fair play to Neville for wanting to leave Utd in the first place when he could have stayed there for the rest of his career. He?s given 110% in every game he?s played.
Ferguson and a lot of their supporters actually said they regret letting him go.
An astute signing by Moyes and fair play to Neville for wanting to leave Utd in the first place when he could have stayed there for the rest of his career. He?s given 110% in every game he?s played.
Ferguson and a lot of their supporters actually said they regret letting him go.
Ciarán MacGiolla Eoin
11 Posted 16/03/2009 at 17:07:39
11 Posted 16/03/2009 at 17:07:39
Superb captain, average player... was cráp for two years but is now playing at the top of his game ? which is commendable... but lets not get carried away.
Eddy Grundy
12 Posted 16/03/2009 at 17:18:33
12 Posted 16/03/2009 at 17:18:33
I said to one of my mates when he arrived, "If he turned out to be a good player, I would eat my hat" let me tell you, this hat tastes shit but Phil has turned into a good player and a great leader. Never doubted you mate.
Gerry Quinn
13 Posted 16/03/2009 at 17:48:05
13 Posted 16/03/2009 at 17:48:05
I appreciate very much his strength of character.
When he gets clattered in any kind of tackle, he just gets up, shakes himself off and gets on with it. An absolutely MODEL professional.
Take note all you "nancy" diving and sprawling cheats.
When he gets clattered in any kind of tackle, he just gets up, shakes himself off and gets on with it. An absolutely MODEL professional.
Take note all you "nancy" diving and sprawling cheats.
Alan Clarke
14 Posted 16/03/2009 at 17:58:09
14 Posted 16/03/2009 at 17:58:09
I have no apetite left as I have been eating my words for most of this season. Neville has been inspirational.
Joeynkoo Ludden
15 Posted 16/03/2009 at 18:23:59
15 Posted 16/03/2009 at 18:23:59
Biggest surprise this season are the performances and reliance we have now developed, on 2 players I never thought Id hear myself say, but Pip Neville and Tony Hibbert. Pip has being trying to prove for years now that he cant pass to a team mate, and Tony Hibbert never used to come across as a footballer. Both are having the season’s of their lives, and this pie tastes very humble. Let’s not get too carried away though... we need more of the same and no resting on laurels.
Chris Kelly
16 Posted 16/03/2009 at 18:38:40
16 Posted 16/03/2009 at 18:38:40
I agree with Ciaran, he's a great captain and will make a good manager one day, but come on, let's be honest, he?s no world beater. I think "super player" is a bit hyperbolic if you ask me, Ron.
I want show of hands at how many TW readers dropped their heads when they read the headline: "The Toffees?s sign Neville to a 4-year extension."
Now he IS having the season of his career and I tip my hat to him and long may it last, but let's call it what it is, mate.
I want show of hands at how many TW readers dropped their heads when they read the headline: "The Toffees?s sign Neville to a 4-year extension."
Now he IS having the season of his career and I tip my hat to him and long may it last, but let's call it what it is, mate.
Dave Wilson
17 Posted 16/03/2009 at 19:27:29
17 Posted 16/03/2009 at 19:27:29
Ok Chris I?ll be the first. My heard did drop when I heard he?d signed for four years. But I?m like any other Evertonian, if I?m critical of a player, I?m more than happy to be proved wrong and Pip has proved me wrong.
Great players have different qualities, some can beat 2-3 men with a change of direction, some can score 30 goals a season and some can inspire others to greater heights. Pips quality is the latter, his ability to talk less experienced players through games against top opposition is of at least equal value to the more eye-catching skills.
To say he isn't a top player is nonsense, look at the whole package. Pip may not be a Z Z, he?s more a Didier Deschamps, a water carrier to some, but an essential ingredient to the managers who wanted to win World and European Cups.
mick wrende
18 Posted 16/03/2009 at 19:45:54
18 Posted 16/03/2009 at 19:45:54
He is a good all rounder but we still have to look to others to make us great. Arteta to control the midfield and set up our main attacks, Pienaar to take men on and open defences up, Jags and Lescott to make the defence as solid as a rock. Neville’s attitude is excellent but his skill level is limited and he can never turn a game like the others.
Bob Turner
19 Posted 16/03/2009 at 19:48:52
19 Posted 16/03/2009 at 19:48:52
Didn?t stop one idiot in the Upper Gwladys Street scream obscenities at him early in the game when a pass went astray ? he?s still a "fucking Manc", apparently.
Don?t care where he comes from, he?s done the business for us this season, for sure, and has become an integral member of the team. I think it speaks volumes about how well he?s been playing in that role that the "when are we going to replace Lee Carsley" debates have stopped.
Don?t care where he comes from, he?s done the business for us this season, for sure, and has become an integral member of the team. I think it speaks volumes about how well he?s been playing in that role that the "when are we going to replace Lee Carsley" debates have stopped.
Let?s hope he stays on in a coaching role when he retires, he?s definitely a leader, and can help to instil drive and determination to future players.
John Cottee
20 Posted 16/03/2009 at 20:48:15
20 Posted 16/03/2009 at 20:48:15
I’ve always felt Pip was a decent player but his biggest attitribute is his strength of character.
Pip is a leader, a natural born leader both on and off the field. You never hear any negative comments about his attitude or behaviour.
Moyes has gone so far as to call him the untimate professional and Sir Alex still speaks highly of his character.
I believe as a Captain Pip sets the bar very highly and is a great example for the younger players. He’s also got a winning mentality which stems from his days at Man Utd.
That said I haven’t always felt Pip was deserving of his place in the team because he’s not the most talented player.
At times his form has been patchy and I’m sure it was only his leadership, hardwork and honesty that kept him in the starting 11.
This season Pip has been superb on the field. Its think Lee Carsley’s exit has given Pip the role he is most comfitable in and just like Carsley, Pip is now one of our most important players.
Tony Hibbert’s injury is an indication to how important Pip is to the midfield. Usually Pip fills in at right back when Hibbert is missing but this season his form is so good that Moyes is unwilling to lose his influence in midfield.
I would argue that Pip is in the form of his career and is slowly building into an Everton great. I’d love to see him lift the FA Cup.
Pip is a leader, a natural born leader both on and off the field. You never hear any negative comments about his attitude or behaviour.
Moyes has gone so far as to call him the untimate professional and Sir Alex still speaks highly of his character.
I believe as a Captain Pip sets the bar very highly and is a great example for the younger players. He’s also got a winning mentality which stems from his days at Man Utd.
That said I haven’t always felt Pip was deserving of his place in the team because he’s not the most talented player.
At times his form has been patchy and I’m sure it was only his leadership, hardwork and honesty that kept him in the starting 11.
This season Pip has been superb on the field. Its think Lee Carsley’s exit has given Pip the role he is most comfitable in and just like Carsley, Pip is now one of our most important players.
Tony Hibbert’s injury is an indication to how important Pip is to the midfield. Usually Pip fills in at right back when Hibbert is missing but this season his form is so good that Moyes is unwilling to lose his influence in midfield.
I would argue that Pip is in the form of his career and is slowly building into an Everton great. I’d love to see him lift the FA Cup.
Peter Nickson
21 Posted 16/03/2009 at 20:59:13
21 Posted 16/03/2009 at 20:59:13
Phil Neville has worked tirelessly for this club and is in no small measure one of the reasons we have made progress. I have always been a great admirer of him even when his passes used to go astray because he contributed so much in other ways to this TEAM game.
Unlike Bob Turner, I don?t have to listen to the idiots who boo our own players anymore because the bloke behind me who used to do it every time Phil went near the ball or his name was mentioned has stopped coming (or he?s moved to another part of the ground!). I don?t understand that mentality ? why boo and berate your own? ? I would much rather support our players in the truest sense regardless of the undoubted financial rewards they get.
Alan Kirwin
22 Posted 16/03/2009 at 21:34:58
22 Posted 16/03/2009 at 21:34:58
Average player my arse. Many on here have got it, but Alan Clarke was straight to the point - inspirational. t’s one of those things we’ll never know, but I have little doubt that had we lost Neville for a long stretch then the team would have suffered big time.
Football is a team sport and there are times, even for the very best, when things just don’t happen on the pitch and a captain earns his stripes. He’s been doing ti for a while, but this season Phil Neville has been a general. His performances on and off the pitch are simply excellent. He carries his role with such dedication, emotion and total class. I am delighted for him.
I said it sometime back and won’t be changing my mind. Despite fabulous seasons for Jags & Lescott, Neville is my player of the season. Far be it from me to suggest how others cast their votes, but I think we almost owe this to Phil Neville. Should he get it, I have no doubt that he, the team and the manager would be over the moon. So would I.
Football is a team sport and there are times, even for the very best, when things just don’t happen on the pitch and a captain earns his stripes. He’s been doing ti for a while, but this season Phil Neville has been a general. His performances on and off the pitch are simply excellent. He carries his role with such dedication, emotion and total class. I am delighted for him.
I said it sometime back and won’t be changing my mind. Despite fabulous seasons for Jags & Lescott, Neville is my player of the season. Far be it from me to suggest how others cast their votes, but I think we almost owe this to Phil Neville. Should he get it, I have no doubt that he, the team and the manager would be over the moon. So would I.
Steve Burns
23 Posted 16/03/2009 at 21:49:21
23 Posted 16/03/2009 at 21:49:21
Also eating my words regarding Hibbo and Nev especially regarding midfield but Moyes has shown yet again why we are not the Everton manager and he is and why he has a £17m contract ?deserves every penny.
Martin Doherty
24 Posted 16/03/2009 at 22:06:35
24 Posted 16/03/2009 at 22:06:35
A thoroughly dedicated professional who sets a good example to our younger players. I for one hope he stays with the club after his playing days are over as he has all the attributes to make a great coach and manager
Ian Langho
25 Posted 16/03/2009 at 23:34:23
25 Posted 16/03/2009 at 23:34:23
Ossie has the occasional half of mild in a local hostelry. I overheard his conversation with a couple of his mates, where he stated that Phil Neville is a total professional and totally dedicated to the job he does.
Can’t say fairer than that.
Can’t say fairer than that.
Giles Larkman
26 Posted 17/03/2009 at 08:50:57
26 Posted 17/03/2009 at 08:50:57
I agree with Alan Kirwin completely, Pip is my player of the season. Jags 2nd but Phil has been everything this season. At right back he’s been breaking forwards and I’ve even witnessed some good crosses from him. But I think the best arguement, i can’t remember who it was that said it, was we no longer have the carsley replacement arguements. That is no small compliment.
Same again next season Pip!!
Same again next season Pip!!
Richard Dodd
27 Posted 17/03/2009 at 09:58:16
27 Posted 17/03/2009 at 09:58:16
Pip has been nothing short of inspirational since he first became an Everton player. Sure he had to win over the ?hate brigade? but he is now a certainty to become our next manager if and when Davey should ever move on!
Duncan Lennard
28 Posted 17/03/2009 at 10:20:01
28 Posted 17/03/2009 at 10:20:01
Did anyone else see how, after Saha scored in the West Brom game, while all the players were jumping all over each other celebrating, Nev was in deep conference with Moyes. I loved that. Never mind the goal, he knew we were struggling, just wanted to put it right.
In my view, Neville was the player who pulled us out of the early season nose-dive ? not just cos of that tackle but through sheer hard work and commitment week after week. Yes, his ability can be questioned sometimes; his attitude... never!
Chris Lawlor
29 Posted 17/03/2009 at 11:11:26
29 Posted 17/03/2009 at 11:11:26
The man is pure class on and off the pitch. He leads the team into battle and never shirks. I love his professionalism and the fact that he knows and appreciates the fact that he is one in a line of great Everton captains. The man also does so much for charity and is a great family man. I am proud as punch that we have such a character leading our Blue revolution. Good on ya Pip.
Trevor Powell
30 Posted 17/03/2009 at 11:17:49
30 Posted 17/03/2009 at 11:17:49
Reminds me of the impact made by old manc, Paul Power in the late eighties!
Christian Yandell
31 Posted 17/03/2009 at 11:43:36
31 Posted 17/03/2009 at 11:43:36
Bloody hell people is this still ToffeeWeb? I have never seen such a collection of positive posts! Fair play I have moaned for years about everyone loving nothing more than kicking the team and sodding moaning about everything from the colour of Moyes's euro suit and tie to the chances AJ missed when he scored a hat-trick aganst the shite!
Let's get right behind Pip and the rest of the boys and if we are the best 12th man in the country (which we have and can again be) together we can achive something great this season. COYB!!!!!!!!!!
Matthew Mackey
32 Posted 17/03/2009 at 11:20:42
32 Posted 17/03/2009 at 11:20:42
PIP has done himself proud in the last few weeks, especially since Mikel has been side lined. He?s stepped up to the plate and shown true leadership. Nice one PIP, may it long continue.
Ironic isn’t it.
At Wembley we will be led out by a once die hard Red Manc who will be loved by us and respected by them.
They, in turn will have a once die hard Scouser who will be loved by them but loathed and detested by us
I look forward to the fist cruncher between PIP and the Fat One. (A ?Ronaldo? moment I hope!) The outcome of that I think will be an indication as to how the game will pan out. Pips blue heart will be bigger than Rooney?s red one me thinks.
Although he may not have the natural talents that Rooney the fat twat was given from him upstairs, Pip has everything else that he will never have like self respect, humility, humbleness and a respect for those around him. A team player not a winger, level headed not egotistical, an inspiration not a de-motivator and another one of those you?d like next to you in the trenches. He appreciates us and we appreciate him.
When PIP finally retires (not yet I hope) he will be able to walk round both our City and theirs and be welcomed by most. When twat head retires he?ll never be able to come back here. He?ll be looking west along the M62 and thinking to himself ?if only?.if only?
Ironic isn’t it.
At Wembley we will be led out by a once die hard Red Manc who will be loved by us and respected by them.
They, in turn will have a once die hard Scouser who will be loved by them but loathed and detested by us
I look forward to the fist cruncher between PIP and the Fat One. (A ?Ronaldo? moment I hope!) The outcome of that I think will be an indication as to how the game will pan out. Pips blue heart will be bigger than Rooney?s red one me thinks.
Although he may not have the natural talents that Rooney the fat twat was given from him upstairs, Pip has everything else that he will never have like self respect, humility, humbleness and a respect for those around him. A team player not a winger, level headed not egotistical, an inspiration not a de-motivator and another one of those you?d like next to you in the trenches. He appreciates us and we appreciate him.
When PIP finally retires (not yet I hope) he will be able to walk round both our City and theirs and be welcomed by most. When twat head retires he?ll never be able to come back here. He?ll be looking west along the M62 and thinking to himself ?if only?.if only?
Jamie Barlow
33 Posted 17/03/2009 at 13:11:20
33 Posted 17/03/2009 at 13:11:20
I can’t make up my mind who my player of the season is. Its either Phil Neville or Phil Jagielka and both come from Manchester.
Damien Halligan
34 Posted 17/03/2009 at 14:22:42
34 Posted 17/03/2009 at 14:22:42
Totally agree. Just a couple of things. As an expat Wirral boy living in Manchester, I think Pip is actually from Bury. His father was chairman of Bury at one point I think.
Also, my Man U scum friends tell me that as a youngster Pip was always the most highly rated and naturally talented of the two brothers. As an aside to DM, please don?t ever sign Gary ? I can?t stand the little tosser!
Graham Cook
35 Posted 17/03/2009 at 14:30:03
35 Posted 17/03/2009 at 14:30:03
Great Post Ron, When we signed him there where alot of MU fans not happy that Ferguson let him go because of his versaltility for the team. He has been a superb buy and a totally commited Blue. There is a lot of talk around that he will go into management when he retires so I wonder what the odds are for PN to be an EFC manager in the future.
Great site keep up the good work.
Great site keep up the good work.
Joe McParland
36 Posted 17/03/2009 at 16:31:45
36 Posted 17/03/2009 at 16:31:45
We do not choose, we are chosen.
iain love
37 Posted 17/03/2009 at 16:43:14
37 Posted 17/03/2009 at 16:43:14
Pip is now a round peg in a round hole, he fits into the team and as he gets more plaudits from the fans his confidence increases and he plays better. I hope he reads this forum he deserves it.
James Boden
38 Posted 17/03/2009 at 16:57:21
38 Posted 17/03/2009 at 16:57:21
I have to admit Neville has made me eat my words. He is having a superb season and seems to be the solution to our defensive midfield problems. Long may this continue. And let’s hope he tops off his great season by lifting the FA Cup come May.
COYB
COYB
Roger Osborne
39 Posted 17/03/2009 at 20:19:51
39 Posted 17/03/2009 at 20:19:51
Of course people were wary when Neville arrived from Old Trafford. A big name(ish) player from Manchester United who had won the European Cup amongst other things, but I did not question his arrival.
You can’t question his commitment, and despite his time at Old Trafford, he more often than not pulls his weight for the side and his experience and desire has only made us stronger since coming on board. A true professional if ever there was.
You can’t question his commitment, and despite his time at Old Trafford, he more often than not pulls his weight for the side and his experience and desire has only made us stronger since coming on board. A true professional if ever there was.
Monty Carlo
40 Posted 18/03/2009 at 10:32:31
40 Posted 18/03/2009 at 10:32:31
I hope Pip isn?t diabetic because all the sugar on here will kill him. That said, I was also one of the doubters when he first came in. I could appreciate all that was said about his professional attitutude and personality, but I would have been happy at that time with a good player that was a bit of a twat.
Now though, I think his football has caught up with his character. Long may it continue.
Pip, Pip - hooray!
Tim Wardrop
41 Posted 18/03/2009 at 12:45:17
41 Posted 18/03/2009 at 12:45:17
I have always been one of the doubters and (to a certain extent) still am. As a defensive midfielder he struggles in comparison to Carsley in his pomp as he doesn’t have the energy or pace to get about the pitch and close down. Also his passing is not as good and whilst he is a good tackler he’s not as good as Carsley was.
Anyway, I’m sounding too negative: there’s no doubt he’s done fantastically for us this season, as much as a captain as he has as a player, so well done Neville.
As for player of the season? Nope, not for me. Jags I think has to win it, as he was the only one who was consistently putting in performances at the start of the season when we were playing poorly - even Neville and Arteta were off colour then and Cahill was injured.
Anyway, I’m sounding too negative: there’s no doubt he’s done fantastically for us this season, as much as a captain as he has as a player, so well done Neville.
As for player of the season? Nope, not for me. Jags I think has to win it, as he was the only one who was consistently putting in performances at the start of the season when we were playing poorly - even Neville and Arteta were off colour then and Cahill was injured.
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1 Posted 16/03/2009 at 14:20:38
Excellent of late and his passing has significantly improved. His infamous tackle on Ronaldo could even be pin-pointed as the moment that kick started our season.
Excluding Jags... he is our player of the season.