ToffeeWeb - Season 2008-09

The Mail Bag

Waste of Time

As a staunch blue living in Canada, I see most of the games on TV and try to see games live whenever I am in Liverpool. Therefore, it is nice to be able to see games when Everton make their pre-season trips to North America. However, I also think the whole idea is a complete waste of time and money. I am sure this is a major reason why we were so badly prepared for this season.

For me it seems that the players are just extending their holidays and having seen these games it is obvious that the players think the same way. Stay in Britain or at least Europe. Two weeks away at such a time is ridiculous. No wonder we are rushing around trying to sign players at the last minute.
John Boon, Canada Posted 31/08/2008 at 18:33:31

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Comments

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Michael Kenrick

I think it's one of those funny rules in Football: "Worked well for us before... so let's do it again..." Team bonding and all that; players are together in a group and away from their families... But it seems the circumstances were different this year, with half the squad missing, and I think you are right ? the imperative was to get bodies in, as we have all said a thousand times.

And if those trips are meant to increase or profile... well, judging by the pathetic crowds we attract, it ain't working. Five US matches in the last three seasons: attendances around 10k - 12k. That's mainly down to playing uninspiring opposition. When did we last play in one of them Tournament things?

Mike Oates
1 Posted 31/08/2008 at 20:34:01

The US thing is great for team bonding, getting new players involved in how we play etc, training 2 times a day etc, but the key words are new players. This year was a total waste of time ? Moyes should have stayed in UK chasing new players and making sure Bill & Co were relentless in their persuit.

Priority for Moyes was to get the 6-7 players wth the available cash ? he didnt do his job. If he had no or insufficient cash to pursue his targets, he should have changed his targets earlier or he should have walked and all Evertonians would have known what?s going on. We?re still in limbo tonight ? it takes Everton 2 days to do medicals and we have only 27 hours left !!!!

Simon Walker
2 Posted 31/08/2008 at 22:38:05

Was it not the facilities available for use in the US that impressed us before ? I thought that was the reason we went over there, that and *cynical* the opportunity to sell the Everton brand in America... (BK whispers in DM’s ear before they’re jettisoned off to the states ’Tell them we’ve got strong links with Ireland, they’ll love us $$$$)

Jason Lam
3 Posted 01/09/2008 at 03:32:37

HK4 anyone?

Ricardo Humphries
4 Posted 01/09/2008 at 05:51:56

Take the team to South Africa next off season and play tough teams, the likes of Kaizer Chiefs and Ajax Cape Town and Sundowns.

This seems to be working for Portmouth and Manchester United!