The Mail Bag
Lescott
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I'm just interested to hear what people have to say about the whole Lescott to City thing. My own view is a mixed one.
On the one hand I can understand the benefits of keeping our current squad together, especially when our back four has been one of the meanest defences in recent seasons. Moyes is trying to build and having a settled squad where the players know each other is a huge part of this.
On the other hand though, if Lescott gets his head turned by the idea of a double your money deal, and we don't let him go, how much of a sulk will we get next season? Also, we haven't got a lot of money to spend. £15 to 20m is a lot of money, and we know City are good for it. If we asked for say, £12m plus Richard Dunne, people would argue that this is the most of the price for that midfielder we badly need plus a very decent replacement for Lescott.
On the balance of things I think I would be okay with seeing Lescott go, providing an adequate replacement was brought in.
Kieran Fitzgerald, Posted 24/06/2009 at 05:47:45
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I'm starting to sense that there is something in all this media speculation about Man City's impending bid (no smoke without fire). Surely if we can get £20 million for him, that would represent a great deal for us. I'm not saying he wouldn't be a loss but, compared to Jags, he's not in the same league defensively. Apart from his threat at set pieces, I don't think he would be such a bad loss.
Rodwell/Jags is the future; with the experienced Yobo and maybe another experienced centre-half in as cover, we will be fine.
BBC are reporting that a £15m bid from City for Lescott is imminent. It seems that Everton will knock it back as they do not want to sell.
Basically, the decision is going to come down to Lescott. Will he do the honourable thing and stick with the club who gave him his Premier League chance and ultimately made him an England international. Or will he say "Thank you very much" and go and earn twice what we can offer him.
I'd love to think he would do the former, but these days money talks more often than not.
I hope this latest stuff in the press is as much crap as I've been reading about us signing Owen but this Lescott link refuses to die. If City are so intent on buying him, why are no other clubs in for Lescott if Everton were willing to sell? Surely Taggart would come in for him?
Hopefully today's press will mean the club have to come out and quash the rumours. But there must be a fee that would interest Everton into selling Lescott? I was just wondering what that fee might be as there's only so much a centre half is worth. The fact that he's an England international, left-footed and can play left-back or centre-half and scores goals means he must surely be valued around £25 million.
The fact that it's City and there's most probably a sell on clause meaning we have to pay Wolves a percentage, I'd easily stick another £5 million on it. In no way should that lanky mess Jo be added into the equation.
The biggest issue with Lescott’s own mind will be Europe, it is a World Cup year and as Citteh are not in Europe, he will get a hell of a lot more attention from Capello if he is playing week in week out against the other European teams (if we qualify that is!!)
I would say that 99.9% of us would upsticks if we were offered double our salary for doing the same job with only a 30/40 mile move of venue. Let’s hope that Lescott is the 0.1%
I would say that 99.9% of us would upsticks if we were offered double our salary for doing the same job with only a 30/40 mile move of venue. Let’s hope that Lescott is the 0.1%
The only way I can see Lescott leaving is if he wants to leave and declares this outright. In which case there is not a lot anyone can do.
I would rather he stayed and would think that since David Moyes wants to build a squad which can challenge - selling Lescott doesn’t fit into that plan - even were the deal to include Jo and/ or Richards. Lescott is a great player, a versatile defender who can also score goals.
I personally hope that Lescott himself wants to stay too.
I would rather he stayed and would think that since David Moyes wants to build a squad which can challenge - selling Lescott doesn’t fit into that plan - even were the deal to include Jo and/ or Richards. Lescott is a great player, a versatile defender who can also score goals.
I personally hope that Lescott himself wants to stay too.
Rodwell will become a significant fixture next season - but where to play him? If it’s defensive mid then Phil N goes to fullback but we need more pace there than PN can deliver. Rodwell has said he prefers centreback. Maybe that’s the future if Lescott goes (and I’d rather he stayed). It would also free up £25mill minimum. After all, the Dark Side have set the benchmark price for English defenders at £17m for Johnson.Anything less would be scandalous. Then again, this is EFC...
£15 million plus Richards and Everton are laughing! Spend £5 million on another centre back to beef up the squad and the other 10 on whoever! Richards could also be an answer to our right back problem.
Like Tony says, if someone came along and offered me double the wage I’m earning right now for a job some 35 miles up the road, I’d take it. It will be very difficult for Lescott to resist.
Rodwell has the future but is still very young, do not expect him to play 40 matches in the starting eleven next year. We do need a good replacement if Lescott goes. For any offer below £20 mil I wouldn’t even consider it.
Rodwell has the future but is still very young, do not expect him to play 40 matches in the starting eleven next year. We do need a good replacement if Lescott goes. For any offer below £20 mil I wouldn’t even consider it.
He’ll go.
Footballers have no dying loyalty to clubs these days; aside from the very, very rare Le Tissiers. They do however need to ensure they can maximise their earnings for the 10 years of their career.
From an Everton point of view, it would obviously be a disappointment. Lescott overcame a pitiful start to last season after he’d made the permanent move from left back to centre back; but again by the end of the year he’d proved his class and worth. But, the speculated £15m fee would represent a fantastic return on the £5m outlay by Moyes.
Replacements? Obviously Yobo, but I would like to see Rodwell given the opportunity in the back line. Everything for me points to his playing there long term, his progress has accelerated wonderfully and I feel Pearce will be hard pushed to leave him out of the U21s after his midweek performance. Additionally, you can guarantee Moyes has his eyes on someone else; quite likely a lower league cherry ripe to be plucked - Roger Johnson would be a nice like-for-like.
In terms of exchange deals - I’ve read several posts by people stating that we should get Micah Richards as part of any deal. I can’t see that happening as he’s certainly on higher wages than Everton can offer him under the current structure. Dunne returning however? That’d be interesting.
Footballers have no dying loyalty to clubs these days; aside from the very, very rare Le Tissiers. They do however need to ensure they can maximise their earnings for the 10 years of their career.
From an Everton point of view, it would obviously be a disappointment. Lescott overcame a pitiful start to last season after he’d made the permanent move from left back to centre back; but again by the end of the year he’d proved his class and worth. But, the speculated £15m fee would represent a fantastic return on the £5m outlay by Moyes.
Replacements? Obviously Yobo, but I would like to see Rodwell given the opportunity in the back line. Everything for me points to his playing there long term, his progress has accelerated wonderfully and I feel Pearce will be hard pushed to leave him out of the U21s after his midweek performance. Additionally, you can guarantee Moyes has his eyes on someone else; quite likely a lower league cherry ripe to be plucked - Roger Johnson would be a nice like-for-like.
In terms of exchange deals - I’ve read several posts by people stating that we should get Micah Richards as part of any deal. I can’t see that happening as he’s certainly on higher wages than Everton can offer him under the current structure. Dunne returning however? That’d be interesting.
Ideally we would keep him. If he does go, it's because he wants more money ? simple as. It's not going to work at City and I think he is smart enough to know that. He will recognise who took a chance on him and turned him into an England international.
I would take Michael Johnson before Richards as part of the deal. Richards is overrated in my opinion and I would much sooner see Alan Hutton occupy the RB vacancy.
I would take Michael Johnson before Richards as part of the deal. Richards is overrated in my opinion and I would much sooner see Alan Hutton occupy the RB vacancy.
Everton should make a stand as a club who don?t need to sell by slapping a £25m price on Lescott?s head, and then telling City "Pay up or shut up"...that?s if there IS any truth to all these rumours which COULD just be those lazy good for nothing journo?s putting two and two together. I hate the way the press can actually start the ball rolling and influence clubs and players and actually be instrumental in MAKING a transfer happen.
For me though, anything less than £25m (look at the price of Johnson to the RS) and we?ll announce to the world that fifth in the Premier League is the pinnacle of our hopes and dreams!
I think it?s wrong to write Lescott off so easily. He was player of the year in 2008 season and has settled in to the "Everton way".
Despite a shaky start to the season (didn't they all?), he was an excellent complement to Jags (who will be missing until November and may not come back the same player!!) and can fill in at LB if Bainsey is injured/suspended. (With Valente going, what other cover do we have?)
Centre halves dont really develop until they get quite a bit of experience so all this talk of Rodwell is very premature. Lescott has 3 years left on his contract and I?m sure DM will do all he can to keep him. I certainly hope so. £20 million goes nowhere these days and we do not want lesser quality players.
Despite a shaky start to the season (didn't they all?), he was an excellent complement to Jags (who will be missing until November and may not come back the same player!!) and can fill in at LB if Bainsey is injured/suspended. (With Valente going, what other cover do we have?)
Centre halves dont really develop until they get quite a bit of experience so all this talk of Rodwell is very premature. Lescott has 3 years left on his contract and I?m sure DM will do all he can to keep him. I certainly hope so. £20 million goes nowhere these days and we do not want lesser quality players.
First and foremost, I do not want to lose Lescott. However, money talks and, since we don?t have much of it, I suspect that we?ll lose him if the price is right... unless, as has been mentioned above, he does the honourable thing. We must get at least £20 million though.
If we do then I?d accept losing him... at the end of the day every player has his price and I trust Moyes will pick up another bargain for about £4-5 million to replace him. My only concern if he was to go is getting that replacement sooner rather than later especially with Jags not being available for the first 3-4 months of the season.
I disagree with you, Kieran, about Dunne as I feel it would be a backward step. Richards is a better option given his versatility but his attitude is suspect. Eventually Id love to see Rodwell there but that probably won?t happen for a season or two at the least unless injuries force Moyes to play him there sooner.
I just hope that, if Lescott does go, this doesn?t become protracted over the summer and we sell him 2 weeks before the season starts, a la Everton!!
Personally, I?d like to see Lescott stay, no matter how much City are offering. He is a quality defender who has settled into Everton perfectly. Yes, with the money we could find a good replacement but whoever we buy is not going to be as good as Lescott, is not guaranteed to be English (which I think is important), and is not guaranteed to settle in.
And don't forget ? if we lose Lescott, we not only lose a centre-half but we lose top-class cover at left-back for Baines too.
I don't think we need that much money to break into the top four this season. I think all we need to do is get Jo on loan, buy a top class right-sided midfielder, a good holding midfielder like Delph or M'Bia, and maybe a right-back but I think we could survive a season with Neville at right-back and Hibbert for cover.
People may argue that Yobo and Jags is a good partnership and that Rodwell is gonna play there too in the future... but I disagree on the Rodwell issue as I think playing him as a centre-half is a complete and utter waste of his talent. He is a rare bread, an English player who has class in the holding position. People compare him to Ferdinand but Ferdinand can't play in midfield the way Rodwell does.
And don't forget ? if we lose Lescott, we not only lose a centre-half but we lose top-class cover at left-back for Baines too.
I don't think we need that much money to break into the top four this season. I think all we need to do is get Jo on loan, buy a top class right-sided midfielder, a good holding midfielder like Delph or M'Bia, and maybe a right-back but I think we could survive a season with Neville at right-back and Hibbert for cover.
People may argue that Yobo and Jags is a good partnership and that Rodwell is gonna play there too in the future... but I disagree on the Rodwell issue as I think playing him as a centre-half is a complete and utter waste of his talent. He is a rare bread, an English player who has class in the holding position. People compare him to Ferdinand but Ferdinand can't play in midfield the way Rodwell does.
Don't for a second, rely on or expect Moyes to sell Lescott for £15-20M and have to unearth an unkown gem purchased for £4M as a total replacement.
City have £100Ms to spend. IF Lescott demands to leave then we should except nothing less than a package worth £30M. My hope would be we ask for Richards, Johnson and £15M as starters. Then we would get strong cover for Lescott, another midfielder, plus cash to buy a right back and/or M?bia.
I would take the money, so long as it’s enough £20m-odd. I know we don’t want to look like a selling club but we can’t turn that sort of money away. Everyone has got their price, if it’s good enough for the mancs and Ronaldo it’s good enough for us.
However I wouldn’t look to bringing the Dunny Monster back, only if we’re looking to improve our yellow and red card count. I reckon Moyesy is looking for Rodwell to move into the centre back position in the future, but he needs someone in to help ease him in. Richards would be a better option.
However I wouldn’t look to bringing the Dunny Monster back, only if we’re looking to improve our yellow and red card count. I reckon Moyesy is looking for Rodwell to move into the centre back position in the future, but he needs someone in to help ease him in. Richards would be a better option.
It’s all in Lescott’s hands.
If he wants to stay then gladly keep him.
If he wants to leave then gladly sell him. £20million+ would probably be about right.
If he wants to stay then gladly keep him.
If he wants to leave then gladly sell him. £20million+ would probably be about right.
Maybe I am mistaken, but I thought the point of signing a player on a long contracts was to ensure he can?t just go whenever he feels like it.
I am not sure why everyone just assumes that Lescott can go whenever he feels like. He is on a contract and it?s our choice whether we want to sell or not (which is why City offer us a fee at all). Suppose Lescott did want to go, that does not force us to sell him. He could potentially sulk, but I hardly think he is the kind who would threaten to score own goals. And in any case sulking and risking getting benched as punishment would hardly be smart in a year preceding the World Cup.
I agree almost of us would automatically take a double your pay deal, but that?s why clubs sign players to contracts, and I see no reason why we should back down even an inch especially given the intangible harms of backing down: a) breaking up the squad; b) sending the wrong signal to the players; and c) encouraging people to try and steal our better players.
To be a truly big club we have to recognize that our players cannot go whenever they would prefer it because, if you operate like that, all your stars will eventually go. Until we are a really big club the money we get will still not get us players of a greater calibre than the stars we just sold.
I am not sure why everyone just assumes that Lescott can go whenever he feels like. He is on a contract and it?s our choice whether we want to sell or not (which is why City offer us a fee at all). Suppose Lescott did want to go, that does not force us to sell him. He could potentially sulk, but I hardly think he is the kind who would threaten to score own goals. And in any case sulking and risking getting benched as punishment would hardly be smart in a year preceding the World Cup.
I agree almost of us would automatically take a double your pay deal, but that?s why clubs sign players to contracts, and I see no reason why we should back down even an inch especially given the intangible harms of backing down: a) breaking up the squad; b) sending the wrong signal to the players; and c) encouraging people to try and steal our better players.
To be a truly big club we have to recognize that our players cannot go whenever they would prefer it because, if you operate like that, all your stars will eventually go. Until we are a really big club the money we get will still not get us players of a greater calibre than the stars we just sold.
I think you are slightly mistaken Prabhat: the main reason for the long contracts is to ensure a decent price for a player if he does become hot property ? exactly this situation.
Moyes would not want to keep Lescott against his will if there was any suggestion he would be unhappy ? imagine the effect that would have on team spirit.
After watching Rodwell the other night for the U-21s I think he is the perfect man to run our midfield. He is a class act, confident on the ball and has a much better temperament than Fellaini. He is a future England and Everton captain if he can keep his head down and learn his stuff.
If selling Lescott means we don?t buy Stephen Hunt, then it?s a sacrifice worth making!
But seriously, Over 20mill will be too good to resist... that could be the difference between us having a midfield to compete next season and standing still... or worse, going backwards!
But seriously, Over 20mill will be too good to resist... that could be the difference between us having a midfield to compete next season and standing still... or worse, going backwards!
If we even look like considering an offer of £15m for Lescott, then you can bet your life Man City won?t be the only club involved. Sir Alex has probably already been on the phone to Moyes with a little reminder to call him back if anything develops.
As has been stated, it?s down to the player: if he goes, well we?re selling at a time when prices are high and we could (still) use the money; if he stays, good on him, it?s as you were next season and hopefully we add an established player ? one for the future ? as we have in the past few seasons.
As has been stated, it?s down to the player: if he goes, well we?re selling at a time when prices are high and we could (still) use the money; if he stays, good on him, it?s as you were next season and hopefully we add an established player ? one for the future ? as we have in the past few seasons.
Couldn't agree more, Ciaran! I cannot believe the money man City are willing to pay for average players! Anyone who thinks Lescott is worth £15m let alone £25m is insane!!! SELL, SELL! SELL!!! Crazy money for a good player but not a great player. He is easily replaceable and that money will buy you a Quality player in midfield.
City are the only team interested because Lescott would not get into any of the top 4?s teams as he is not good enough, simple as!
City are the only team interested because Lescott would not get into any of the top 4?s teams as he is not good enough, simple as!
Everton have got to hold out for £20m+ for Lescott, City can afford it so, if they want him so badly, we've got to hold out for the most money we can get. We don't have to sell him, we don't need to sell him... but if we could get £20m+ for him then I'd take it.
Yeah, Lescott?s a good player but to get £20m+ for him would be great, we would be stupid to turn it down. In my opinion, Jaggers is our best centre back, then Lescott and then Yobo... but I'd be happy to take £20m for Lescott, settle for a pairing of Yobo & Jags at the back next season and then get in a player for say £5m or a player on loan for a season like a Mancienne to push those two. Or do a deal with City for Richards + £15m, then that would give us at least £15m either way to put to our funds already, which are probably around £10m-£12m knowing Everton, if that?!!
The £20m we would get from the sale of Lescott would help massively towards rebuilding our squad, put it to what funds we've already got and I'm sure we could get in the right quality for the right areas in our team that need strengthening. For the sake of only losing Lescott, with the money, we could possibly bring in 3 or 4 quality players that would improve our squad.
The most important thing is that for once the Everton board need to get a grip and play hardball. Lescott is key to City?s re-building plans, is on a long contract & money is no object to them.
There is also a premium on English players so we should start asking silly money plus players. If they won?t paym then keep him, like Villa kept Barry last season ? "Simples"!!
Michael, as far as I see it that’s just a different way of phrasing what I said.
If you think the point of a long contract is ensuring a decent price, then it does ensure that the player can’t go just because he wants (unless we are satisfied that the price is decent). Also, we are the only people who get to choose whether the price is decent or not (unlike in an arbitration system where he can just go and some arbitration process will then give us a "fair price"). So a long contract, while it also ensures us a decent price, makes sure that our interests are protected and the player’s wishes are not paramount. That’s all I was saying.
If you think the point of a long contract is ensuring a decent price, then it does ensure that the player can’t go just because he wants (unless we are satisfied that the price is decent). Also, we are the only people who get to choose whether the price is decent or not (unlike in an arbitration system where he can just go and some arbitration process will then give us a "fair price"). So a long contract, while it also ensures us a decent price, makes sure that our interests are protected and the player’s wishes are not paramount. That’s all I was saying.
On a different note, I can’t be sure but I don’t really think keeping a player against his will is always such a bad thing. Ronaldo and Barry both stayed much against their will and still played well. I sincerely doubt Lescott would create a ton of fuss. And while its entirely true that team spirit may be harmed, it would also be very harmful to let the world and our remaining players know that we are a selling club.
Lescott’s attitude will settle this. No doubt an agent will be urging him to take the money (another £1m a year after tax) and pay their commission. But others - family perhaps - might advise him differently.
The club would be foolish to settle for anything less than £20m in cash, plus whatever Wolves want, plus a player or two for a token price - and maybe Jo for nothing as a good-will gesture? If City believe they can buy whatever they want it should be everyone else’s duty to take them for every penny they can.
Jags won’t be ready for months yet (all being well) and Rodwell has got nothing at all to do with this.
The club would be foolish to settle for anything less than £20m in cash, plus whatever Wolves want, plus a player or two for a token price - and maybe Jo for nothing as a good-will gesture? If City believe they can buy whatever they want it should be everyone else’s duty to take them for every penny they can.
Jags won’t be ready for months yet (all being well) and Rodwell has got nothing at all to do with this.
There are some very important issues that alot of people seem to be missing.
Lescott will have as much as 25% of his fee paid down to Wolves due to a selling on clause that was mentioned at the time we bought him (remember how long it dragged on!) so we are unlikely to receive anything like the full amount for replacements. Any talk of £15 - 20M would be madness.
Jags has a major injury and will probably have set backs before his return sometime in Nov / Dec. A lot of the season will have passed by then including the League Cup and Europa League.
It is the AFCON next year and we will be again without Yobo for a month.
If we sell Lescott now (notwithstanding the message that it would be sending to other clubs, the existing squad, etc) then we are effectively handicapping ourselves until February next year because it will not be until then that we have our first choice centre back pairing (and that is assuming no injuries over the next 6 months!)
Last year we had probably the 3rd best defence and our whole season was built on it from Oct onwards. If we continue with the existing back 5 then we have every chance of starting well again next year. If we sell Lescott now then we are taking a huge gamble with our forthcoming season. Do we really want to do that when we are so close to breaking the so called top four?
I cannot see Moyes considering this unless it gets ridiculous (say £25 - 30M) or he has got an absolutely outstanding centreback lined up that will improve us. Talk of Dunne, Distin, Dawson, Taylor, Richards is crazy as we would go backwards with them.
Lescott will have as much as 25% of his fee paid down to Wolves due to a selling on clause that was mentioned at the time we bought him (remember how long it dragged on!) so we are unlikely to receive anything like the full amount for replacements. Any talk of £15 - 20M would be madness.
Jags has a major injury and will probably have set backs before his return sometime in Nov / Dec. A lot of the season will have passed by then including the League Cup and Europa League.
It is the AFCON next year and we will be again without Yobo for a month.
If we sell Lescott now (notwithstanding the message that it would be sending to other clubs, the existing squad, etc) then we are effectively handicapping ourselves until February next year because it will not be until then that we have our first choice centre back pairing (and that is assuming no injuries over the next 6 months!)
Last year we had probably the 3rd best defence and our whole season was built on it from Oct onwards. If we continue with the existing back 5 then we have every chance of starting well again next year. If we sell Lescott now then we are taking a huge gamble with our forthcoming season. Do we really want to do that when we are so close to breaking the so called top four?
I cannot see Moyes considering this unless it gets ridiculous (say £25 - 30M) or he has got an absolutely outstanding centreback lined up that will improve us. Talk of Dunne, Distin, Dawson, Taylor, Richards is crazy as we would go backwards with them.
If I am wrong and we do sell for say £18M and replace him with one of the above then we are well and truly fucked next year and in typical Everton style will have once again blown a brilliant opportunity to push on. I hope that I am wrong and Moyes has something up his sleeve or preferably Lescott stays.
We don?t need to sell and should be looking to keep our best players (as Moyes has said before). Also City have limitless funds so I would be asking ludicrous amounts to even consider opening negotiations. Mind you I ain?t Blue Bill...
If Rodwell is to develop then we need to create space for the lad to thrive. A centre-back pairing of Jags and Yobo with Rodwell playing League Cup and Euro matches to gain experience as well as getting playing time as sub in PL matches sounds good to me.
I would have no problem letting Lescott go for £15 mill+. City are one of the few clubs who can stump up the full sum and, as Kenwright pointed out, a lot of European clubs will take down payments so we could get at least 4 players in using City?s cash.
I actually think Lescott went backwards last season. Fewer goals, loads of errors and poor positioning were apparent in his play ,especially at the start of the season. Take the money and move on.
Just had these points in mind:
1. With Jags out, Yobo out during AFCON, Valente gone, we do not have any backup for CB and LB if Lescott is gone.
2. Also, why should we sell a player to a team which is likely to be our main rival for positions (along with Spurs, that's what I believe). If it was any of Sky 4, it would have been a better deal. Selling a good player like Lescott and taking a risk on new CB might be the difference in our and City's position come the end of the season.
1. With Jags out, Yobo out during AFCON, Valente gone, we do not have any backup for CB and LB if Lescott is gone.
2. Also, why should we sell a player to a team which is likely to be our main rival for positions (along with Spurs, that's what I believe). If it was any of Sky 4, it would have been a better deal. Selling a good player like Lescott and taking a risk on new CB might be the difference in our and City's position come the end of the season.
One very small tangential point -
Brazil were magnificent demolishing Italy the other night, except for Robinho. He looked like a good player who had been playing in a crap team for too long, not sharp enough when it mattered.
I guess that Lescott ? who is already a wealthy young man ? is concerned about his professional development. It might not just come down to the money.
Brazil were magnificent demolishing Italy the other night, except for Robinho. He looked like a good player who had been playing in a crap team for too long, not sharp enough when it mattered.
I guess that Lescott ? who is already a wealthy young man ? is concerned about his professional development. It might not just come down to the money.
£20 million plus then snap their hands off, but not for £15M. Glen Johnson just went to the Shite for £18M and he's no superstar.
City will have to accept they will pay over the odds when it comes to signing players due to their ownership and, let's face it, they payed £18M for Jô just a year ago. I think we can get £20M+ and can then buy Moutinho and Mbia then go for it
I agree with Arun. Also, a Wolves mate tells me that there is a large sell-on clause in the agreement reached with Wolves, so the incentive to sell is not so great.
I don?t want us to be seen as a selling club. If we did cash in, there?s always a chance that the replacement would turn out to be another Krøldrup!
I don?t want us to be seen as a selling club. If we did cash in, there?s always a chance that the replacement would turn out to be another Krøldrup!
Prabhat, if City offer in excess of 15 mill for Lescott and we accept this does not make us a selling club in my opinion. This just makes good business sense. He is a quality defender but every player has their price.
United sell Ronaldo for a fantastic price. Does this make them a selling club???
United sell Ronaldo for a fantastic price. Does this make them a selling club???
The fact is, we are a selling club until new investment comes in.
Every player has his price, in any team - c.f. Ronaldo. But I do think at this stage it will send out the wrong message about our ambitions.
Lescott had his dodgy moments at the start of last season, along with the rest of the squad (that was fit to play anyway), but he is still an integral part of the team.
Every player has his price, in any team - c.f. Ronaldo. But I do think at this stage it will send out the wrong message about our ambitions.
Lescott had his dodgy moments at the start of last season, along with the rest of the squad (that was fit to play anyway), but he is still an integral part of the team.
Malcolm, I honestly don?t know the answer to that. I think part of the reason United fought so hard to keep Ronaldo was the fact that they didn?t want to sell their best player.
Obviously, at some point we have to say the money is good enough, but honestly I don?t think £15M is close. I feel that looking at Lescott in the abstract doesn?t help because he is worth more to us now (because we don?t have a replacement, because any replacement would take time to gel, because many of our current squad admire him), than he would be worth anywhere else.
Right now there is no huge problem with our squad as it is. We have enough to get a couple of decent players on the right, our players are still developing and there?s no immediate problem. If we cash in on Lescott, our first choice defense from last season just vanished. I don?t think £15M will get that back. Certainly, not quick enough to have a reliable defence from the word go.
For me, a selling club is one which sells players in order to buy players. I for one shudder at the thought of our club becoming a revolving door like Spurs. Player after player going in and straight out. The problem with that approach is even if you get £30M from selling someone like Berbatov, that £30M won't replace him. Unless you are a huge club, it is not possible to get world class players because they don?t want to play for you. So all you end up doing is like Newcastle or Spurs having 25 to 30 decent talented players rotting away on the bench earning more money than our starters.
Obviously, at some point we have to say the money is good enough, but honestly I don?t think £15M is close. I feel that looking at Lescott in the abstract doesn?t help because he is worth more to us now (because we don?t have a replacement, because any replacement would take time to gel, because many of our current squad admire him), than he would be worth anywhere else.
Right now there is no huge problem with our squad as it is. We have enough to get a couple of decent players on the right, our players are still developing and there?s no immediate problem. If we cash in on Lescott, our first choice defense from last season just vanished. I don?t think £15M will get that back. Certainly, not quick enough to have a reliable defence from the word go.
For me, a selling club is one which sells players in order to buy players. I for one shudder at the thought of our club becoming a revolving door like Spurs. Player after player going in and straight out. The problem with that approach is even if you get £30M from selling someone like Berbatov, that £30M won't replace him. Unless you are a huge club, it is not possible to get world class players because they don?t want to play for you. So all you end up doing is like Newcastle or Spurs having 25 to 30 decent talented players rotting away on the bench earning more money than our starters.
If we have big players, we must keep them unless the money is truly ridiculous, because this is not mathematics. We can only play eleven players on a field and buying even three players worth £7M doesn?t mean we effectively replace a £15M player on the pitch.
No less than £30 million. If we?re really shooting for top 4, we need to not sell our best players. An England international defender who has the ability to score 11 goals a season is worth nothing less. Look how much Man U paid for Rio Ferdinand, and that was years ago.
If we sell for less, sends out wrong message and the best is over.
If we sell for less, sends out wrong message and the best is over.
Much as I like Lescott, anywhere near £20m would be worth taking. Would need to buy someone as backup to Jags/Yobo ? Rodwell?s future surely lies as a defensive midfielder.
I think the wrong time to sell a 1st choice centre-half is when your other 1st choice centre-half won't be fit until October... Even if we did manage to exhort £20 mill off City, every club we then tried to buy a player off would do the same to us knowing A) we had the money, and B) we were desperate for a player.
I would take Richards in part-ex if we have to sell ? he didn't go from the best young defender in the UK to a bag of shite overnight ? and Moyes has a great record with defenders.
As most of you have said, the final say will come down to Lescott ? wether he?s happy on £40-50 grand a week ? or thinks he can stomach playing for City for the extra dosh... a la G Barry.
I would take Richards in part-ex if we have to sell ? he didn't go from the best young defender in the UK to a bag of shite overnight ? and Moyes has a great record with defenders.
As most of you have said, the final say will come down to Lescott ? wether he?s happy on £40-50 grand a week ? or thinks he can stomach playing for City for the extra dosh... a la G Barry.
What this thread tells me is that Lescott, for all his great defending over the past few years, hasn’t pierced the heart of Evertonians.
If this were Jags or TC or Peanut there would be all hell let loose, because these are guys we love with a passion.
With Joleon the big thing seems to be what we could do with the money.
If this were Jags or TC or Peanut there would be all hell let loose, because these are guys we love with a passion.
With Joleon the big thing seems to be what we could do with the money.
If he leaves then it is a backward step.
I don?t want him to leave, but would reluctantly understand if he left for say Man Utd or Arsenal, as he would be joining a team with guaranteed Champions League and would also enhance his England prospects in the run up to next years World Cup.
I would also understand him leaving if, for example like Gareth Barry, he had given loyal service to our club for over 10 years and wanted one last big contract.
What I will not accept or understand, is if he leaves us at this stage of his career to join a team who finished well below us in the table and have not qualified for Europe.
If he does leave, then it will inevitably beg the question as to why. The answer can only be for pure financial greed. One thing is for sure, he will not be joining a better club, and he will regret it for ever.
I don?t want him to leave, but would reluctantly understand if he left for say Man Utd or Arsenal, as he would be joining a team with guaranteed Champions League and would also enhance his England prospects in the run up to next years World Cup.
I would also understand him leaving if, for example like Gareth Barry, he had given loyal service to our club for over 10 years and wanted one last big contract.
What I will not accept or understand, is if he leaves us at this stage of his career to join a team who finished well below us in the table and have not qualified for Europe.
If he does leave, then it will inevitably beg the question as to why. The answer can only be for pure financial greed. One thing is for sure, he will not be joining a better club, and he will regret it for ever.
I?m with Terry on this one. Lescott is an integral part of the team, he is not world class (as some would like to make out) but he is a good player who can cover two positions. All of the best teams over the years were built on a solid defence so why the hell would anyone want to start messing around with the current defence is beyond me.
Then there is the very likely possibility that Wolves would have included a sell-on fee in the initial transfer, I would have said 20-25% would be fairly accurate of any future transfer fee to be paid... so, if you do the maths and let's say City were to stump up £20 million, from that £5 million is owed to Wolves, then the whole deal would not look so sweet! The present climate in the Transfer Market is near madness so don?t think for a minute the club will be getting a great deal of quality in terms of a replacement centre back who would also take time to settle in the squad from the said £15 million.
It would be complete suicide to sell one of your only two fit senior centre backs with potentially 60+ games through the season, especially with the AFCON starting in January and then losing the only other fit senior CB. Jags will need time to get match fit so don?t count on him coming back fully fit and being the same player as last season.
Moyes is not going to start messing around with the defence it is just not in the mans make up. Rodwell is not ready nor experienced enough to be a regular starter, Moyes will do what is best for the lad and give him time to develop and gain further experience. Anyone who mentions cash and Dunne for Lescott needs a padded cell, Dunne was shipped out because of his fondness for the drink and is nowhere near good enough for the current Everton team. The club should just carry on as normal in keeping all the current squad and add more quality at RB and more width in midfield (proper Old School wingers!).
COYB!
Then there is the very likely possibility that Wolves would have included a sell-on fee in the initial transfer, I would have said 20-25% would be fairly accurate of any future transfer fee to be paid... so, if you do the maths and let's say City were to stump up £20 million, from that £5 million is owed to Wolves, then the whole deal would not look so sweet! The present climate in the Transfer Market is near madness so don?t think for a minute the club will be getting a great deal of quality in terms of a replacement centre back who would also take time to settle in the squad from the said £15 million.
It would be complete suicide to sell one of your only two fit senior centre backs with potentially 60+ games through the season, especially with the AFCON starting in January and then losing the only other fit senior CB. Jags will need time to get match fit so don?t count on him coming back fully fit and being the same player as last season.
Moyes is not going to start messing around with the defence it is just not in the mans make up. Rodwell is not ready nor experienced enough to be a regular starter, Moyes will do what is best for the lad and give him time to develop and gain further experience. Anyone who mentions cash and Dunne for Lescott needs a padded cell, Dunne was shipped out because of his fondness for the drink and is nowhere near good enough for the current Everton team. The club should just carry on as normal in keeping all the current squad and add more quality at RB and more width in midfield (proper Old School wingers!).
COYB!
Neil Patten has got it absolutely right in terms of what this would do to Everton, given Jagielka's absence until end of year and then Yobo off in January to the African Nations Cup. It would be utter madness to even consider selling such a brilliant and important member of our team.
But... the die has been cast. Man City, presumably through their complete cock of a CEO, Mr Cooke, could not have done their bidding more publicly. When the BBC announces that it understand a bid of £15m will be lodged within 48 hrs, you wonder if City are giving out fucking press releases on the subject.
None of this is Lescott?s fault. And, outside of the seriously deluded and questionably pious, who would not consider moving jobs for an extra £40k a week??? You can talk about loyalty all you want. First, loyalty is to family, all else is secondary. So if it happens then the last person to blame is Lescott and I would hope the guy gets an ovation if he returns in a different shirt.
But this cuts to the heart of the perverse bollocks that goes on in football and which Platini is trying to put an end to. If Man City ran their affairs as a normal business with income solely from gates, TV, merchandising & prize money, then they couldn?t tempt him away. But lob in a sheikh with billions and they can theoretically fuck anybody over on wages.
Chelsea did it a few years ago, buying players like Sidwell and Parker and doubling or even trebling their wages. Then they sit on the bench and won?t leave to get a game because nobody else pays such grotesque salaries to average players.
Lescott?s a good guy. We?ve done good by him and he?s done good by us. This is what happens when billionaires drop in for a bit of fun. Other clubs get fucked over. Would it be any nicer of we did the same to others?
But... the die has been cast. Man City, presumably through their complete cock of a CEO, Mr Cooke, could not have done their bidding more publicly. When the BBC announces that it understand a bid of £15m will be lodged within 48 hrs, you wonder if City are giving out fucking press releases on the subject.
None of this is Lescott?s fault. And, outside of the seriously deluded and questionably pious, who would not consider moving jobs for an extra £40k a week??? You can talk about loyalty all you want. First, loyalty is to family, all else is secondary. So if it happens then the last person to blame is Lescott and I would hope the guy gets an ovation if he returns in a different shirt.
But this cuts to the heart of the perverse bollocks that goes on in football and which Platini is trying to put an end to. If Man City ran their affairs as a normal business with income solely from gates, TV, merchandising & prize money, then they couldn?t tempt him away. But lob in a sheikh with billions and they can theoretically fuck anybody over on wages.
Chelsea did it a few years ago, buying players like Sidwell and Parker and doubling or even trebling their wages. Then they sit on the bench and won?t leave to get a game because nobody else pays such grotesque salaries to average players.
Lescott?s a good guy. We?ve done good by him and he?s done good by us. This is what happens when billionaires drop in for a bit of fun. Other clubs get fucked over. Would it be any nicer of we did the same to others?
He should ask himself. Except Rooney, how many players really did well after leaving us.
Are our best players forever to be cherry picked by wealthy clubs? How long will it be before Rodwell etc get offers they cannot refuse? So many clubs finding sugar daddies why not us? Do we want the same kind of takeover as happened to the RS?
Is Goodison Park an assett or a millstone? Would a move to Kirkby improve our take-overability? Is it possible to have a sensible debate about all that without resorting to stupidities about train sets?
I’d hate it if Lescott leaves, but if we absolutely have to lose him to Man City we should squeeze the most out of them as we can. Grabbing a cash plus player/s deal for instance. And i’m not just talking about Micah Richards. Forget Jo, we should get Elano off them. Clearly talented, and able to play both on the right wing and in the centre of midfield. Richards and Elano plus cash would mean we would solve our immediate crisis on the right without having spent a cent in transfer fees.
Both Yobo and Jags are right-sided centerbacks. Lescott is our only naturally left-sided centerback, who can also fill in at left-back if needed. It can be argued that he?s not a good as Jags (or Yobo) at centerback (still makes him pretty decent hey) but he makes more than his fair share by scoring goals. His scoring record puts most of the strikers to shame. Rodwell?s future may be at centre-back but he?s far too inexperienced right now (give him at least more 3 years).
British, England International, good looks, clean and healthy, iconic, you name it. He can go for £30M then.
British, England International, good looks, clean and healthy, iconic, you name it. He can go for £30M then.
£20 million or no deal.
He?s worth every penny to us!
And I?d hate to see him leave. :(
He?s worth every penny to us!
And I?d hate to see him leave. :(
"For me, a selling club is one which sells players in order to buy players."
I don?t know how to tell you this... but that?s exactly the position we?re in.
I don?t know how to tell you this... but that?s exactly the position we?re in.
Ciaran, we might consider *gasp* not selling and not buying but just keeping the players we have, rather than selling good players in order to buy not-so-good players....
Ciaran - we would not be selling Lescott out of choice, it?s not like we?ve put him in the shop window is it?
It's not a case of us being a selling club, simply one ? like 80% of the league ? that doesn?t have the financial muscle to retain its best players on huge wages or convincingly offer Champions League football when one of the other 20% come knocking.
As it stands, I reckon it?ll be 60/40 that he?ll go, the 40% of doubt mostly being made up of whether he thinks City are the real deal or not.
Anyone who thinks he should stay with us out of loyalty is living in a dream world ? what about his loyalty to Wolves? What about the fact that he played for Wolves and is a life-long Villa fan? This isn?t like Rooney.
Stay or go, he?ll do what?s best for him at the end of the day ? and I hope he stays providing his head stays screwed on. Otherwise, providing City pay £15-£20M for him, then thanks for the memories.
Let he who would turn down a £40k-a-week pay rise for doing the same job cast the first stone.
It's not a case of us being a selling club, simply one ? like 80% of the league ? that doesn?t have the financial muscle to retain its best players on huge wages or convincingly offer Champions League football when one of the other 20% come knocking.
As it stands, I reckon it?ll be 60/40 that he?ll go, the 40% of doubt mostly being made up of whether he thinks City are the real deal or not.
Anyone who thinks he should stay with us out of loyalty is living in a dream world ? what about his loyalty to Wolves? What about the fact that he played for Wolves and is a life-long Villa fan? This isn?t like Rooney.
Stay or go, he?ll do what?s best for him at the end of the day ? and I hope he stays providing his head stays screwed on. Otherwise, providing City pay £15-£20M for him, then thanks for the memories.
Let he who would turn down a £40k-a-week pay rise for doing the same job cast the first stone.
The only time this season I would have sold JoYo was when Drogba scored from a free header, 8 yards form goal, at Wembley.
Time is a healer and in hindsight it is quite a positive criticism for a defender with nearly 100 appearances for the club.
Time is a healer and in hindsight it is quite a positive criticism for a defender with nearly 100 appearances for the club.
No way should we sell. This is not Football Manager. Do you really all think we will spend whatever we get on replacements? We sell for £20 mil so we have £20 mil....? It does not work like that.
Look at who we have sold in part and how much of that income went on replacements. The most worrying aspect of this is the message it sends out. A sale like this could open floodgates for other bids for other players.
Andy ? if Man Utd can?t hold onto their best players, what makes you think we can?
Yeah, we could just keep the players we have ? and not buy or sell. We?d have a team that will not be able to compete with the top four... and one that may be at a disadvantage in competing with any of our nearest rivals ? especially if they make significant additions.
That?s one option.
However, selling a player for upwards of £20M (when he?s not worth that) and strenthening the team is another option.
It is possible to sell a good player and still improve as a team you know!
One word: Rooney.
That?s one option.
However, selling a player for upwards of £20M (when he?s not worth that) and strenthening the team is another option.
It is possible to sell a good player and still improve as a team you know!
One word: Rooney.
I think there is no doubt he will go, and that Everton are merely now adopting a stance to negotiate so that City once again pay over the odds for the player. I think we should push for a value of £25 million for him on the basis Glen Johnson is worth £17 Million and Lescott that he does get 5-10 goals a season on top of this defense duties. Over a 5 year contract, that could be something like 75 goals, and that cannot be understated.
I think if we can also snatch Jo on a one-year loan, and get Richard Dunne for £3 million, that would represent excellent business for Everton ?and in fact for City too if their success proves to match their ambition as the goals Lescott will get could potentially be at the sharp end of the Premier League and Champions League.
As much as I am loathe to lose a player who has been so vital for us at both ends of the pitch, we live in a time when money talks loudest and I fear it may be just a matter of time.
However, all is not lost. I personally believe that something in the region of £10-15M plus Jo would represent a good deal for the Toffees. Jo, whilst not always convincing last season, has a lot going for him. He?s fast, tall, skillful, has a great touch, can finish and play a great pass (assist for Pienaar goal). And all at 22. Given a run, he could develop very well indeed.
The money would enable us to buy a class right winger (maybe Defour?) as I would love to see Arteta revert to DMC where I thought he really shone before being crocked. A right back is also needed. For me, Hutton is young, tall, fast and can both attack and defend (when fit). Then obvioulsy a new CB would be needed 'til Rodwell is ready to step in. Someone like Distin would be cheap and solid (or possibly Ignashevich... or whatever his name is).
I think next year a team of Howard; Baines, Yobo, Distin (Jags when back), Hutton; Arteta Pienaar, Defour, Fellaini with Jo and Yak up front. For me that?s a team that under Moyes could really push for the top 4 and would have some decent depth with the likes of Ossie, Cahill, Rodwell, Phil Neville, Saha and Vaughan on the bench.
Time will tell, but it should be a win/win as, if he stays, we keep one of our most conisistent players... and, if he goes, we should get enough money to fill the holes with a couple of quality players.
However, all is not lost. I personally believe that something in the region of £10-15M plus Jo would represent a good deal for the Toffees. Jo, whilst not always convincing last season, has a lot going for him. He?s fast, tall, skillful, has a great touch, can finish and play a great pass (assist for Pienaar goal). And all at 22. Given a run, he could develop very well indeed.
The money would enable us to buy a class right winger (maybe Defour?) as I would love to see Arteta revert to DMC where I thought he really shone before being crocked. A right back is also needed. For me, Hutton is young, tall, fast and can both attack and defend (when fit). Then obvioulsy a new CB would be needed 'til Rodwell is ready to step in. Someone like Distin would be cheap and solid (or possibly Ignashevich... or whatever his name is).
I think next year a team of Howard; Baines, Yobo, Distin (Jags when back), Hutton; Arteta Pienaar, Defour, Fellaini with Jo and Yak up front. For me that?s a team that under Moyes could really push for the top 4 and would have some decent depth with the likes of Ossie, Cahill, Rodwell, Phil Neville, Saha and Vaughan on the bench.
Time will tell, but it should be a win/win as, if he stays, we keep one of our most conisistent players... and, if he goes, we should get enough money to fill the holes with a couple of quality players.
Football is all about opinions and I completely disagree, Sam. Jo in my opinion has no touch, no turn of pace, no right foot and he can?t head the ball. In my eyes he is in no way a Premier League striker.
City only have to pay £10 million for Lescott and they get shut of Jo (who Hughes obviously doesn?t rate either), that would be a fantastic deal for them and a rotten one for us. I hope Lescott realises he?ll achieve more at Everton in a settled side and I hope Moyes can convince him of this.
he does go, however, we should start a bidding war. Real were linked with a move for him a while ago, Chelsea are getting rid of Carvalho and need strengthening there, Man U don?t like to see good English talent go to one of their rivals, and even Villa might be willing to spend big on a centre-half, especially with Lescott?s link to the midlands.
Lescott still has 3 years left on his contract, Everton hold all the cards. The best solution for me though is he stays. I take immense pride in having such a good solid English back 4.
City only have to pay £10 million for Lescott and they get shut of Jo (who Hughes obviously doesn?t rate either), that would be a fantastic deal for them and a rotten one for us. I hope Lescott realises he?ll achieve more at Everton in a settled side and I hope Moyes can convince him of this.
he does go, however, we should start a bidding war. Real were linked with a move for him a while ago, Chelsea are getting rid of Carvalho and need strengthening there, Man U don?t like to see good English talent go to one of their rivals, and even Villa might be willing to spend big on a centre-half, especially with Lescott?s link to the midlands.
Lescott still has 3 years left on his contract, Everton hold all the cards. The best solution for me though is he stays. I take immense pride in having such a good solid English back 4.
In my opinion, a sale of Lescott would be a very serious blow to the painstaking team-building Moyes has undertaken over the last 2-3 years. We are close to having a first choice XI which would be very tough to beat. I include the top 4 in that assessment.
A sale of Lescott creates several problems:
1. Finding a replacement. I disagree that having £20M to spend will enable us to find a quality replacement. If Lescott is truly in the £20M bracket, it would put him in the top category of defenders in the league, i.e. a top 4 player. This leaves Moyes, yet again, with the job of going further down the leagues and finding a player we can develop. This is always a gamble. Moreover, it means that we will have to wait for 1-2 seasons before the replacement player performs to his potential. Rodwell fits in this category as well.
2. Disruption. Lescott is a popular member of the dressing-room, and has a strong bond with Tim Howard etc. The unique strength of this club is team spirit. Rebuilding that team spirit after his departure creates its own risks. He also comes across as a strong personality and any replacement would need to have a similar trait.
3. Exodus. The media have long classified Everton as a club which has hit a glass ceiling. To lose a vital part of the jigsaw could lead to an eventual exodus, especially if the team spirit is finely balanced and absence of a personality like Big Joleon creates a void.
I have no doubt that he will leave, in our present circumstances, if he is offered a double-your-money wage. However, Man City cannot guarantee him a Champions League place, which must be the real carrot, particularly if he harbours hopes of playing for England.
My bet would be on a counter-bid from Arsenal or one of the big 4. And they will not pay him the stupid wages City are offering.
If we look as if we might truly unseat Arsenal in the top 4 ? and from what I can see, Wenger may struggle to keep his top stars ? perhaps we have a small sliver of hope that Joleon might stay. However, that would depend on what our transfer strategy is this summer.
A sale of Lescott creates several problems:
1. Finding a replacement. I disagree that having £20M to spend will enable us to find a quality replacement. If Lescott is truly in the £20M bracket, it would put him in the top category of defenders in the league, i.e. a top 4 player. This leaves Moyes, yet again, with the job of going further down the leagues and finding a player we can develop. This is always a gamble. Moreover, it means that we will have to wait for 1-2 seasons before the replacement player performs to his potential. Rodwell fits in this category as well.
2. Disruption. Lescott is a popular member of the dressing-room, and has a strong bond with Tim Howard etc. The unique strength of this club is team spirit. Rebuilding that team spirit after his departure creates its own risks. He also comes across as a strong personality and any replacement would need to have a similar trait.
3. Exodus. The media have long classified Everton as a club which has hit a glass ceiling. To lose a vital part of the jigsaw could lead to an eventual exodus, especially if the team spirit is finely balanced and absence of a personality like Big Joleon creates a void.
I have no doubt that he will leave, in our present circumstances, if he is offered a double-your-money wage. However, Man City cannot guarantee him a Champions League place, which must be the real carrot, particularly if he harbours hopes of playing for England.
My bet would be on a counter-bid from Arsenal or one of the big 4. And they will not pay him the stupid wages City are offering.
If we look as if we might truly unseat Arsenal in the top 4 ? and from what I can see, Wenger may struggle to keep his top stars ? perhaps we have a small sliver of hope that Joleon might stay. However, that would depend on what our transfer strategy is this summer.
Either he should come out and say that he is off or say that he is going to stay.
To be honest, I can?t stand the way these things go on and on in the media. I feel that Moysie knows he can?t compete with the ridiculous wages offered elsewhere, but I am also sure that he will have somebody in mind to replace Joleon.
Personally, I like the player, but feel that he should stay to play in Europe with us, and not risk being part of an overpaid bunch of tarts, re The Barcodes.
Ciaran
That's perilously close to common sense you're talking there...
That's perilously close to common sense you're talking there...
I try my best, Dave.
Don?t get me wrong though, I?d be gutted if the big man left... but it?s a matter of weighing up what the benefit and the detriment to the team as a whole..
A figure of £20mill+ would seem to fall on the benficial side of the equation.
Don?t get me wrong though, I?d be gutted if the big man left... but it?s a matter of weighing up what the benefit and the detriment to the team as a whole..
A figure of £20mill+ would seem to fall on the benficial side of the equation.
What surprises me about this whole sorry saga is the difference of feeling towards Lescott (should he decide to go) compared to the feelings towards Rooney when he went.
Surely it?s exactly the same situation? In fact, when you look at things in the cold light of day, you?d have to say that Rooney left primarily for chances to win Premier League and CL titles (which he?s done), and Lescott (should he decide to leave) would have to be judged to be leaving "primarily" to double his money.
Yet the groundswell of feeling on here seems to be "Who can blame him for wanting to double his money?" when the same could hardly be said about the general feeling towards Wayne... could it?
Surely it?s exactly the same situation? In fact, when you look at things in the cold light of day, you?d have to say that Rooney left primarily for chances to win Premier League and CL titles (which he?s done), and Lescott (should he decide to leave) would have to be judged to be leaving "primarily" to double his money.
Yet the groundswell of feeling on here seems to be "Who can blame him for wanting to double his money?" when the same could hardly be said about the general feeling towards Wayne... could it?
Brian
Wayne who? Lescott isn?t one of our own and he wouldn?t be turning his back on the people who nurtured and supported him and his family from childhood
Another consideration is, after paying Wolves 25%, whatever BK lets Moyesey have is unlikely to buy an adequate replacement ? or will we use what?s left to strengthen the right?
Wayne who? Lescott isn?t one of our own and he wouldn?t be turning his back on the people who nurtured and supported him and his family from childhood
Another consideration is, after paying Wolves 25%, whatever BK lets Moyesey have is unlikely to buy an adequate replacement ? or will we use what?s left to strengthen the right?
The sad reality is Citeh got itself a few new owners in the same number of years, lots of readies to burn on the team and, despite his empty promises, Black Bill is still potless. We simply can?t turn big money down anymore.
It?s a cold fact that most clubs are running at scary losses/debt so this would ease that debt for another short while. Bill hasn?t put the club up for sale, hence the ongoing lack of cash. I?ve heard all the nonsensical arguments about they have a new stadium, we live under the shadow of the RS but it?s all a nonsense; investment is light years away from sale.
So we are stuck with Black Billy Bullshitter and having to sell to the next club that has been sold to someone with cash. Fifth place and cup finals will mean fuck all if you have to start all over again after selling the players that got you there.
James, "... and Lescott that he does get 5-10 goals a season on top of this defense duties. Over a 5-year contract, that could be something like 75 goals."
How did you work that one out?
Maybe you should work for Everton's press office!
How did you work that one out?
Maybe you should work for Everton's press office!
Has anyone noticed the promo picture of the new kit on the official site?
i thought i would check the site to see if there was anything said regarding Lescott and the first page i was
greeted to was a picture of Howard, Neville, Jagielka, Yobo & Baines. Pretty weird to not feature Lescott and it must have been taken awhile back.
then again there could be a logical answer to it... who knows!
i thought i would check the site to see if there was anything said regarding Lescott and the first page i was
greeted to was a picture of Howard, Neville, Jagielka, Yobo & Baines. Pretty weird to not feature Lescott and it must have been taken awhile back.
then again there could be a logical answer to it... who knows!
Lescott?s a very good, experienced centre-half. An international who is physically imposing and, on his day, can be unbeatable.
It makes NO sense to sell him. But... what has sense got to do with it? The game is not about sense, it?s about money. Fact: Those with the most cash win stuff and (generally) get the players they want.
I mean, does having the same couple of teams win everything make it a competitive league? ? No.
Does a non-competitive league make sense? ? No... yet it?s what we?ve got and the people who ?run? the game obviously think everything is fine.
As for Lescott himself, if he can double his money, THAT would make sense... for him. Personally, I wouldn?t wait for any bids. I?d just say "If anyone wants Lescott, £25M unconditional ? if you?re not offering this, don?t bother calling."
Currently we have a knackered Jags and Yobo. Selling Lescott would mean having to find a really top class replacement. That could be mean £15M transfer, plus big wages. Accepting a mere £15M simply means having to find another 2006 version of Lescott.
And, while Moyes does a decent enough job finding ?diamonds in the rough?, there is only so many top-class International players that scouting will unearth.
Here?s one thought though: With the wages saved on AVDM and Valente, couldn?t they just up his ackers?
It makes NO sense to sell him. But... what has sense got to do with it? The game is not about sense, it?s about money. Fact: Those with the most cash win stuff and (generally) get the players they want.
I mean, does having the same couple of teams win everything make it a competitive league? ? No.
Does a non-competitive league make sense? ? No... yet it?s what we?ve got and the people who ?run? the game obviously think everything is fine.
As for Lescott himself, if he can double his money, THAT would make sense... for him. Personally, I wouldn?t wait for any bids. I?d just say "If anyone wants Lescott, £25M unconditional ? if you?re not offering this, don?t bother calling."
Currently we have a knackered Jags and Yobo. Selling Lescott would mean having to find a really top class replacement. That could be mean £15M transfer, plus big wages. Accepting a mere £15M simply means having to find another 2006 version of Lescott.
And, while Moyes does a decent enough job finding ?diamonds in the rough?, there is only so many top-class International players that scouting will unearth.
Here?s one thought though: With the wages saved on AVDM and Valente, couldn?t they just up his ackers?
I don’t know what the problem is about matching City’s wage offer.
Getting rid of Shandy plus half dozen others has cut our wage bill.
The savings should be divvied among remaining top players.
Flog Osman and there’s another saving to be used on new signings.
Getting rid of Shandy plus half dozen others has cut our wage bill.
The savings should be divvied among remaining top players.
Flog Osman and there’s another saving to be used on new signings.
Eugene / Dick
I too thought we should just pay him more, but having given it a bit more thought I think it would be a disastrous move. We can't afford to do for every player and the one thing guaranteed to break Everton's much vaunted team spirit, is to pay one player ? not necessarily the best ? considerably more than the others.
I liked EJ?s first idea, the predators won't go away so let's make them pay. Make it known that our top players will cost at the very least £25 million and any offer short of that will just be a waste of everyones time.
Totenham did this with Berbatov. Ok I know they could afford not to blink but they knew if Man U wanted him badly enough, they?d cough up.
I too thought we should just pay him more, but having given it a bit more thought I think it would be a disastrous move. We can't afford to do for every player and the one thing guaranteed to break Everton's much vaunted team spirit, is to pay one player ? not necessarily the best ? considerably more than the others.
I liked EJ?s first idea, the predators won't go away so let's make them pay. Make it known that our top players will cost at the very least £25 million and any offer short of that will just be a waste of everyones time.
Totenham did this with Berbatov. Ok I know they could afford not to blink but they knew if Man U wanted him badly enough, they?d cough up.
Maybe we need to address the wage structure then. It?s only because Arteta and Yak are injured that we?re not getting this same shit with them and only because Tim is nearly 30 that teams aren?t in for him.
All of the teams around us ? Villa, City, Spurs and even Fulham ? will be able to offer more in wages than us. It does beg the question: How much longer can we go on for without investment?
All of the teams around us ? Villa, City, Spurs and even Fulham ? will be able to offer more in wages than us. It does beg the question: How much longer can we go on for without investment?
Why are people assuming that we will owe Wolves 25%...??? ? it?s guesswork.
The Wolves fans seem to think its 15% of any profit. Which amounts to £2.25M of £20M!
I?d be inclined to believe the Wolves fans' guesswork more than our fans' guesswork... for example, why would we give them a fraction of the £5 million we already paid them!
The Wolves fans seem to think its 15% of any profit. Which amounts to £2.25M of £20M!
I?d be inclined to believe the Wolves fans' guesswork more than our fans' guesswork... for example, why would we give them a fraction of the £5 million we already paid them!
Dave Wilson - Very good point Dave, why ?o? why do they not simply say £25 million or nothing? ? they?d soon walk away & we keep our best players. OK, if players are coming to the end of a contract then financial common sense kicks in; however, Lescott has 3 years left.
Another point is, if we sell him, what sort of message does it send out to the remaining players who only stayed at EFC because we are supposed to be a forward-looking club ? ie, Arteta, Jags, Tim etc. It simply does not make any sense to sell!!!
I do hope that Joleon Lescott doesn't succumb to the lure of the lucre at City. Yes, £20 million is a lot of money, but we are talking about a pivotal part of one of the meanest defences in the land here. An England international with the peak years of his career still ahead is not easy to replace. Add to that the injury to the Jag, Rodwell's inexperience in the role at the highest level and the importance of our defence to our gameplan, and it doesn't seem to rosy a picture if the big man does one.
However, as Ronaldo proved, every player has his price, and if he does go, I will remember him fondly for the many moments of unbridled joy he has given me these past few seasons.
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1 Posted 24/06/2009 at 05:38:29
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I know people will come on saying this is a backward step but he will not, as said before, turn down the money. It is also easier to find a centre back. Ok, Lescot scores goals as well but sacrifices have to be made to move the club on. Moyes is no fool and, if we keep lovey Bill away from the negotiating table, we could get a very good package for the club.