The Mail Bag
King James 1st of Goodison
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Of all the penalty cheers that rang around my basement on Sunday, the biggest was undoubtedly for the one that James Vaughan confidently hit into the top right hand corner. I guess it does go to show that good things happen to those who are patient and never ever give up.
Just a few days over 4 years ago, he became the youngest Everton player against Crystal Palace until Jose Baxter took that honour from him last August. Continually blighted by career threatening injuries Vaughany has never ever given up and so to see him score a crucial penalty at Wembley made me smile even more. It was very clear what it meant to him. What is even more astounding is his self-belief and confidence.
Hasn't played for the 1st team since I don't know when, sat on the bench for the first time since ????, comes on, revitalises a tired Everton in extra time, almost causes Foster to bounce the ball off him into the net because he does not know what a lost cause is and then puts his hand up to say "Yeah I'll take a penalty in one of the biggest games for Everton since 1995. He strolls up to the penalty spot, gives a little fake stop in his run up and sticks the ball into the net 3-1 Blues!!!!
You can only hope that this is the catalyst for him to have a run of games free from injury. In my humble opinion, when fit he is the potentially the best of all the current fit and unfit forwards that we have. He takes the best parts of the Yak, Jo, Victor and Tiny Tim and rolls them all into one. Maybe a bit over the top... yea, OK!!!
But of all of them he is most naturally gifted athlete with speed and great jumping ability and an eye for goal.
So here's hoping that King James 1st may reign long at Goodison and that eventuaally we will see the best of him week-in and week-out.
David Cooper, Posted 21/04/2009 at 14:49:47
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Imagine the talent and competertivness we would have in our team, Cahill, Mo, Neville, Jags. Thats enough to scare the crap out of any opposition!
Also anyone know where he ran to after giving Jags a bearhug, the lad took off like a rocket back to the halfway line?
When Vaughan and Vic both came onto the scene, all the lads I go the game with agreed that James was definitely the one to watch, he has that mentality which all opposing players hate, he is quick and can?t half jump but what I think is his best attribute is that he is direct, he is the kind of player to get the ball and turn to his team mates and scream, "I am going that way, who?s coming with me?"
I just hope he stays fit and becomes the kind of player I pray he can be.
I mentioned this on here a coupe of months back, about Vaughney’s expected return in late March. I speculated on the potential fairy tale of a kid who’s faced horrible injuries for almost his entire short career scoring a goal in the cup final. Don’t think I actually believed it.
It’s fantastic to see James Vaughan back in an Everton shirt. He has the lot, pace, power, skill, bravery & confidence. If he can go a season without risking his career then, with England’s lack of good forwards, I see him at the world cup.
What a spot kick, Berbatov take note that?s how your supposed to do it. As I mentioned on another thread, it was audacious beyond belief. He clearly loves the club, echoes of Cahill there. Lets hope he now stays injury free and hopefully can get a few games under his belt before the final, he really could prove to be the ace in the pack.
With a fully fit Yak, Saha and Victor - given that Tim or the Big Fella can support the striker (and we might just have Jo on hire purchase again), who would you pick?
Let’s hope Moyes has that luxury.
And Baxter to come?
Is he really as good as Jo or the Yak
Not yet,maybe never.But,he at least deserves a run in the side.
Apart from set-pieces, I wasn't confident we had what it takes to score in open play against a top 4 side, but I'm pretty confident James can, Terry and Alex will be in for a big surprise.
Andy Crooks, Vaughan would have a change of luck if he didn't dive into tackles mindlessly, this is one aspect of his game I don't like, because he ends out of the game for very long periods injured.
I love his cause and committment to the blues, but he needs to cut the mindless injury numbing tackles out, the only one to blame am afraid is himself... hopefully we won't see him just jumping into things... his job is to score and that's it, period.
I hope to see him in the line-up tomorrow when we go for a win. I?d rest people on sat against man city since thats an easier match to win than going to Chelski... we need to go there to try and win ? it's still very possible to catch the Arsenal up. Unlikely but nevertheless still possible.
I hope Vaughany silences them tomorrow!
I dont know which I loved the most, his confidence when firing home his own penalty, or the fact that he was all over the Jag almost before his had hit the net.
Cant wait to get down there tonight, I really hope Moysee and his team can get the lads back down to earth.
Taking Chelsea scalp - with a JV winner -would cap the week off perfectly
He has nerve and a belief in himself, and it all comes from the adversity that he has had to endure which has made him mentally tough. I see him giving experienced world class defenders nightmares in the future, because all the ingredients are there, and the composure in front of goal will come.
Just give him a little time and he will be unplayable, in the words of Andy Holden.
The boy's got pace to burn and then some ? in 1999 he was recognised as the 3rd fastest 13-year-old in Britain. His commitment can't be faulted and with a good run we can see how many goals he?s got in his boots.
BUT ? he?s scored 6 goals in 35 1st team league appearances since 2004 because of injury. Dislocated shoulder and torn artery aside his knees are the obvious concern ? if they hold up, we could have a player on our hands but until then we will never know.
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1 Posted 21/04/2009 at 18:50:24
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