The Mail Bag
The Exit Strategy
Comments (62)
With Lescott's axing from tonight's side, his solitary training session, Moyes mentioning the 'disappointment' of his team-mates with his attitude, and - I think most importantly - Moyes alluding to His Gelness' departure from Manchester United, I think we're looking at what the Pentagon might refer to as an exit strategy.
The question now is what Everton, and David Moyes, will get out of this car crash.
The consensus among the press seems to be that Moyes has played a good, principled game, but that Saturday's debacle has forced him to take a more pragmatic view.
On Saturday, as soon as I heard about Lescott's alleged request not to play because his head was "messed up", I suspected the jig was up. We're not talking bereavement here. I may be slaughtered for bringing this up, but I don't remember any Liverpool players asking to be left out of the side at the back-end of the 1989 season because their heads were "messed up".
If, in these circumstances, Lescott's head can't cope with a game against Arsenal (and on Saturday's evidence, it manifestly couldn't) then it's time to take what you can get for a player who has evidently become damaged goods, or more damningly, is masquerading as damaged goods.
I watched Saturday's game on ESPN, and heard the crowd trying to communicate to Lescott. He wasn't listening.
I thought that playing for Everton in a World Cup season would make a difference. I was wrong. Sell him. Sell him expensively. Manchester City want him. He wants to go to Manchester City. Extract as much money from City as possible. But get the deal done as soon as possible. And make sure this squad remains a squad.
Marco Bonfiglio, Posted 19/08/2009 at 20:01:35
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2 Posted 20/08/2009 at 02:25:04
I honestly believed that he would reject Hughes and City to stay in a cohesive and regular back 4. As the summer has progressed I have found myself completely shift to the "Get him gone as soon as possible" crowd. We cannot afford to have this kind of monetary asset with "his head not in the right place".
What if Moyes did keep putting his foot down and Lescott is not sold? The next 5 months with a sulking player, value dropping because he is not playing. Sod it. Give Hughes an ultimatum. £27M and Micah Richards. Let's see if he meets our valuation. Richards = RB + CB. Take the deal or bugger off of our player.
I wonder if Elstone can find time in his "looking for investment" schedual for a phone call to FIFA about clarification on TAPPING UP RULES. Whichever route we as a club goes this must be sorted out soon. With Lescott being dropped this might be this weekend. 31st August is almost upon us.
On a side note, what odds that the FA deem that Banega does not qualify for his permit? Banega in midfield and Pip to RB!!!
3 Posted 20/08/2009 at 04:05:57
It is more likely that a £20 Million plus Jô for free would satisfy both managers and players. That would satisfy Moyes's and Kenwright's £30 million valuation for Lescott.
On another note, am I the only one totally underwhelmed by the rumour of Vladimir Bystrov’s imminent arrival? Even on YouTube he looks pants! Talk about a faster version of Osman!
4 Posted 20/08/2009 at 04:01:44
I think it's something Lescott and his advisers should seriously consider before he carries on with his immature, greedy behaviour. If I was him, I'd be thinking along the lies of "Don’t burn your bridges" or "Never bite the hand that feeds you ....
5 Posted 20/08/2009 at 04:32:27
6 Posted 20/08/2009 at 04:35:39
For those of you who love a good rumour, the reason Lescott missed the entire season when Wolves where in the Premier League was due to his knees — but the injury occurred away from football. Allegedly, he was putting his tackle in where he shouldn’t, and the moll’s old man took exception.
Almost as believable as Joanna Lovely’s prosthetic arse.
7 Posted 20/08/2009 at 05:18:11
However, I don’t think it has been handled in the best way possible. For example, did we HAVE to make it public knowledge that he had handed in a transfer request? Did this not strengthen City’s hand? By now dropping him from the squad, will this not allow City to stick around the 20million mark as they now know that we’ll be looking to get rid of this troublesome player who is damaging team spirit?
At one stage in this saga, I thought we had City over a barrell... Now I’m worried it’s turned the other way.
I fancy Petrov as a make-weight, purely as I’m fricking desperate for us to sign a fricking wide player!
On a side note, aren’t we just wasting our time, and my time and your time trying to get this Argentinian lad on loan? If this doesn’t go through, it will be yet another example of seriously not learning from last seasons mistakes (after going for that Nigerian fella who also didn’t qualify for a work permit).
How frustrating is it being an Evertonian right now?
I’m sure DM said it’d be 48 hours... about 120 hours ago!!!!!! Arrrrgggghhh!
8 Posted 20/08/2009 at 05:30:30
9 Posted 20/08/2009 at 05:30:14
And why cannot we ask for Richards. Why not make unreasonable demands for their player? Original bid for Lescott was circa. £15M. Piss off Hughes and get real.
Jo for me would not make a good permanent signing. One dimensional and as was highlighted much last season cannot play up front on his own. Jo and the Yak COULD be formidable but Moyes will never go 4-4-2.
Some rumours suggest that Dunne would be part of any deal for Lescott. Can I remind people the circumstances of his original departure. Infamous incident on a coach coming back from an away match. Moyes would have Rooney back before a certain Richard Dunne!!!
10 Posted 20/08/2009 at 05:46:54
We should get the best deal possible! If nothing acceptable... Reserves 'til January and try again!
11 Posted 20/08/2009 at 08:58:04
It's a shame, but money talks and we haven’t got any, it’s mad to think that Lescott is actually our most saleable asset... I mean he isn’t even our best player. I sometimes think that having Arteta, Jags and The Yak injured might be a blessing in disguise you know...!
I for one will be glad when the transfer window is shut!
Support the team!
12 Posted 20/08/2009 at 08:55:52
Lescott wants away. Moyes doesn’t want to sell to City on principle now. Lescott is out of the squad and therefore NOT cup-tied to Everton in Europe.
The exit strategy:
Manchester United, have a requirement for a good defender, who isn’t cup-tied, and have the cash. Everton and Manchester United have, over the years done a lot of business.
The outcome:
Lescott doubles his wage and plays in Europe - this could improve his England chances.
Moyes gets his money and doesn’t sell to City.
Man U get a good defender who can play in Europe.
Is this feasible??
13 Posted 20/08/2009 at 09:09:20
14 Posted 20/08/2009 at 09:27:17
So I’m coming round to Suzy Whitehead’s and Dave Wilson’s thinking that Moyes won’t see any of the Lescott money if he’s sold. Despite what Richard Dodd says it will all go into the Kirkby pot. As it stands, Everton are struggling to afford Kirkby, so a £20 - £30 million pound boost would be massive for Kenwright to secure funding for the cowshed. Moyes wants to keep Lescott because he won’t be allowed to use the money. I can’t see why Moyes would be so stubborn otherwise. He never tried this hard to keep hold of Rooney.
15 Posted 20/08/2009 at 09:38:21
If we resist on Lescott, this will send an important messages to the likes of Cahill, Arteta, Jagelka, Yakubu that they cannot leave on a whim. By resisting both a club with huge finance and a player wanting away, may in the long run give us a vital competitve edge over our rivals.
16 Posted 20/08/2009 at 09:44:01
17 Posted 20/08/2009 at 09:59:10
The course of the scenario was quite easily predicted.... Moyes has not played this well at all — and is now relying on vilifying the player to save his own face. I can still see him being here come 1st of September — what a waste.
18 Posted 20/08/2009 at 09:46:50
We wont get anywhere near £20 million for him again, he's a good player and if he was loyal iI would love him to stay but he isn't like Arteta, Pienaar or Jagielka; we can replace him. I'm disappointed that, after Moyes gave him his big chance when everyone else was to concerned about his knees, he won't show a bit of loyalty and respect to us all at Everton... but I can't say I'm surprised.
His knees are fine by the way — he hasn't missed a game for us because of his knees! Also with the cash we need a new right side quite badly!
19 Posted 20/08/2009 at 10:19:52
The ’not for sale’ response was always just going to stall things. City now have to make a suitable bid or forget it, and Lescott should be told — privately — how much that sum is. If his agents can encourage City to bid that, he can go and join the gravy train; if not, he’ll have to remain on his measly £40k pw.
20 Posted 20/08/2009 at 10:27:36
Moyes can walk away with head held high and at the same time getting £20 million for a player that's barely worth half that. You only have to look at Lescott's performances for England to realise he is not an international class player, he only ever averages a five in the papers. Get shot of him before Hughes wakes up and realises he's making a big mistake.
21 Posted 20/08/2009 at 10:25:21
22 Posted 20/08/2009 at 10:44:22
I looked around the EFC shop next to the ground yesterday which was re fitted in June and there is not one single ad poster with Lescott in. This makes me think that he has been going for a long time so why the hell are we still dithering about with 10 shopping days left! Get as much money from Shitty and give it to Moyes.
I hope Lescott collapses in his first Shitty training session with a knee injury and Jags takes his World Cup place! I am going to the game tonight and I do not want to hear any chants of support for Lescott.
23 Posted 20/08/2009 at 11:13:52
If and when (God forbid) Kirkby gets the go-ahead and EFC suddently ’finds’ its share that will prove that Kirkby had taken precedence over team-building. And that, for me at least, will condemn Kenwright.
24 Posted 20/08/2009 at 12:21:29
Where does anyone think Everton will find £80 - 100 million from if Kirkby goes ahead? If they skim off around £10 million a year from league positions and cup runs (which sould otherwise be used for transfers, hence why we’ve not signed anyone) and take what’s left over from the Sky money once players wages and running costs have been deducted and then add £20million from the sale of Lescott then Everton are well on their way to building a bigger version of Millwall’s ground.
BUT why should Moyes care about Kirkby? He most probably won’t be in charge by the time we move there. Moyes’s concern is the team so if he won’t see the Lescott money then he may as well keep him.
25 Posted 20/08/2009 at 12:49:13
He said at the beginning of the window that we wouldn’t sell any players and he stuck to that. If he’d have sold him 3 weeks ago you’d be still moaning. Lescott's handing in a transfer request was the turning point.
And I don’t think City are in the driving seat. The Window is closing on them too and they need a quality defender fast. If Lescott stays, he’ll have to stop his sulking or he won’t be in the England squad.
26 Posted 20/08/2009 at 13:03:48
27 Posted 20/08/2009 at 13:15:14
28 Posted 20/08/2009 at 13:23:00
If they don't and he stays, he’d wanna sort his head out pretty quick smart if he wants to go to the World Cup next summer by getting on with the job that Everton, as his employer, PAY him to do. Don't think Capello will be interesteded in an average defender, who was recently (self-)diagnosed as suffering from psychological problems — (although in saying that he does work with Stuart Pearce!!!).
We all know in reality that Jags will be the one on the plane to South Africa next summer anyway, most likely instead of Lescott.
29 Posted 20/08/2009 at 13:39:37
Announcing to the world that Lescott had handed in a request - then playing him when he didn’t want to play ...was undoubtedly bad management.
Does that answer your question?
Even from the outside it was obvious that he wanted away...it must’ve been even more obvious from the inside!
So, he should’ve been sold when he first submitted the request. Because the saga is still dragging on it has had an effect on the team...How can you not see that this is bad management?
30 Posted 20/08/2009 at 13:44:42
If Lescott submitting a transfer request, whilst holding a long term contract, was all he had to do to get sold, do you honestly think the club would have received anywhere near £20M.
City have been driving this through the media up to this point and would surely have presumed, (just as you did), that Lescotts transfer request was their trump card. I for one am delighted that Moyes has proved them wrong.
Sure thing he should go, but only when they stump up a considerable sum.
Bad management, I think not.
Does that answer your question.
31 Posted 20/08/2009 at 14:23:25
Maybe once you explain that, then I’ll agree with the sentiment that Moyes has not made any mistakes in this scenario. He’s made loads.
Maybe you’ll answer the question this time.
32 Posted 20/08/2009 at 14:25:40
...deuce!
33 Posted 20/08/2009 at 13:42:54
I dont believe we should’ve sold Lescott on HIS terms. I, as a supporter, feel Moyes and the club have done the right thing standing firm. He is an employee, he is contracted to the club for 3 more years. Granted, contracts aren’t worth the paper they’re written on in football today but its not like Lescott’s contract is up next summer. He’s OURS until 2012 unless City match OUR valuation of the player.
If Lescott was sold then, what kind of message would that have sent out to other clubs who were interested in our players?? They’re all available?? Bollix to that.
What kind of message would that have sent to our own players about the ambitions of the club?? We’ve no interest competing this season?? Bollix to that.
What kind of message would it have sent down the road to Eastlands, to Villa Park or to White Hart Lane?? We’ve resigned ourselves to the fact that we’re gonna finish 8th at best this season?? Bollix to that.
Moyes shouldn’t have played him at the weekend but he’s acted now because of the effect Lescott’s attitude has had on the squad. If City dont pay up I hope Moyes sticks to his guns. Makes the fucker train with the kids, where he can have whatever attitude he likes and he can look forward to watching the World Cup on tv next summer.
34 Posted 20/08/2009 at 14:32:53
Whether you like it or not, Rob, while we have no money... all our players ARE available to clubs with more financial clout. We do not need the Lescott saga to make this known... it’s simple logic.
35 Posted 20/08/2009 at 14:36:07
I’ve already stated what we should do with the fucker, make him train with the kids where he’ll have no effect on the 1st team squad and no chance of travelling to South Africa next summer.
36 Posted 20/08/2009 at 14:28:27
I’ll try and break it down.
Lescott was never going to be sold without handing in a transfer request. Why? Because Moyes was determined to keep his central defence intact and from purely a business perspective, Lescott would also be entitled to a percentage of the funds received by the club. Add this to the onward-payment entitled to Wolves, the offer wasn’t nearly enough in this inflated market to a club with endless resources.
Additionally, once he submitted the request, you would have to be little naïve to think that it could be kept under wraps. City, or his agent would have leaked it to the media. Indeed, it was on Sky Sports before the OS. Therefore, the club had no option but to advertise that he had indeed submitted a transfer request.
Moyes only mistake in my opinion, was to trust in Lescotts professionalism to take to the field against Arsenal and produce the goods, similar to Barry for Villa last year. That said, I’m not sure the debacle at Goodison on Satuday should only be labelled at Lescotts door.
Moyes statement today, regarding every player has a price, is now a clear indication that he has accepted Lescott will move on, but only at the right price. Knowing full well that should the window close and he is still and Everton player, he will have to start performing to keep a place in the team and Englands squad.
37 Posted 20/08/2009 at 14:47:20
I don’t care whether you are a professional footballer or a private secretary like myself, A JOB IS A JOB, and should be treated as such. Oh hang on, shall I tell my Boss that I am handing in my notice, and sorry I can’t work every day until it expires bcause I can’t get my fingers going as quickly on the keyboard!!
I am beginning to think you are vying with Tony Marsh for the title of "Miserable get of the month". Another one who never seems to have a good or civil word to say to anyone.
38 Posted 20/08/2009 at 14:52:01
So you admit Moyes has made at least one mistake, Liam... at last common ground.
39 Posted 20/08/2009 at 14:48:43
If he is sold it, we should be compensated adequately. If he stays, he’ll have to knuckle down to keep his place in the England squad.
40 Posted 20/08/2009 at 14:56:53
That wasn’t an admission that I agree with you. The man trusted in another professional's integrity and it was it was thrown back in his face.
Tough justice.
41 Posted 20/08/2009 at 14:54:24
Is calling me a ’git’ - your interpretation of civil?
Does no-one understand irony anymore?
42 Posted 20/08/2009 at 14:59:55
That wasn’t an admission that I agree with you. The man trusted in another professtionals integrity and it was it was thrown back in his face.
Tough justice.
--------------------------------
No, Liam. That’s called bad decision making and bad management.
43 Posted 20/08/2009 at 15:07:22
44 Posted 20/08/2009 at 14:56:33
Please dont tell me you believe City are BIG HITTERS! From what I’ve seen this summer, they’ve only picked up a few footballing mercenaries. Kaka’s rejection showed what class footballers think of them.
My point was not made with just the big hitters in mind. If Lescott was sold earlier in the summer I think lesser clubs, not just in England, but all over the continent would’ve come sniffing around Arteta, Jagielka, Pienaar, Yakubu, Baines, Rodwell and Saha, (just as Besiktas did) with the feeling that we were only interested in dismantling a squad that has taken so long to assemble. For that reason I think Moyes and the club are right to stand their ground.
45 Posted 20/08/2009 at 15:09:11
46 Posted 20/08/2009 at 15:16:56
I was suggesting you don’t understand irony... nevermind.
47 Posted 20/08/2009 at 15:20:22
Game, Set & Match - Liam, Rob & Patty
48 Posted 20/08/2009 at 15:21:24
49 Posted 20/08/2009 at 15:23:35
50 Posted 20/08/2009 at 15:30:06
Moyes is playing hardball. If you’ve ever worked in sales, you’ll know he’s doing the right thing — throw up your arms and say "we want him out" — and you lose millions.
I assume the money for the Russian winger is THE transfer pot. If I were the moneymen at Everton, I’d give another £9m to Moyes to get a CB that can be more than paid for with the eventual Lescott sale. If he does not go in August, the money will still be there in Jan. We must not let those bastards (City and greedy players/agents) get away with this. I support Moyes, and would rather have him than then endlessly complaining Ciaran.
My price: £25m plus at least year-loan of Nedum Onuoha.
51 Posted 20/08/2009 at 15:28:37
52 Posted 20/08/2009 at 16:19:21
Trust me on this...in any battle of wits with Patty (or, indeed, any female on this site) you will soon find yourself out of ammo.
53 Posted 20/08/2009 at 16:41:43
Why? Because you say so?
As for ammo....I’d need to find something to shoot at first...
Once someone declares themselves the winner - well, I’ll let decide that one...
54 Posted 20/08/2009 at 16:50:24
Editorial Team
55 Posted 20/08/2009 at 17:04:11
56 Posted 20/08/2009 at 17:07:34
There’s a difference between entering into a dialogue to debate ..and declaring yourself the winner, contrary to any evidence (see above) - let alone thinking there can be a winner in a matter of opinion.
If this is an example of that ’wit’ that would have me out of ammo - you’ll find me hiding behind the sofa.
P.S This is not personal abuse - I have resisted the temptation despite the goading Michael - I promise.
57 Posted 20/08/2009 at 17:16:04
The subject under discussion, as you may recall, is the Lescott situation and whether or David Moyes has handled it correctly
It is only my opinion and I may be wrong, as I often am, but I think Moyes has shown great dignity and integrity throughout
Whatever the outcome, I am proud of our manager
I like to think Will Cuff would’ve been, also
58 Posted 20/08/2009 at 17:22:51
Opinions eh!
59 Posted 20/08/2009 at 17:43:49
60 Posted 20/08/2009 at 17:39:45
Some of his sympathisers have posed a question along the lines of ’wouldn’t you switch jobs if another employer were prepared to triple your salary?’ Well, of course. If my salary were £40,000. But if I were trousering £40,000 a week, I like to think I’d be taking other considerations into account, like the people I was working with, where the company was going, and maybe even loyalty to my boss, who hired me even though I’d been off sick for a whole year in my previous job.
And then when speculation’s rife in the office that I’ve got another, better job offer, I try to pull a sickie on the busiest day of the week, because I ’just don’t feel up to it’.
No, me neither. So can we end this stuff about Lescott just doing what any of us would do? The rules are different for footballers nowadays, because the rewards are.
And this situation is a symptom of football, as an industry, trying to have it both ways. Romance and remuneration. Loyalty and lolly.
61 Posted 20/08/2009 at 22:48:10
62 Posted 21/08/2009 at 01:02:30
Apologies young man... I’ve just been told you are only 13 years old (doffs hat)
I could’ve sworn you were 11.
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1 Posted 20/08/2009 at 01:50:29
We all knew we would play the role of Rip Van Winkle when it came to bringing players in during the summer and getting them acquainted with the current lads ahead of the start of the season. Why are we at all surprised by this. FFS it is a joke by now.
We always scramble to get the crumbs and struggle to get the balance right when it’s time to gel as an outfit. What a perfect time for in house unrest — just ahead of a crucial tie which will, when the dust settles, help to determine which of our other players will leave if / when we have another sputtering run in Europe.