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A tale of 10 Centre halves
Comments (26)
We have been linked with a number of centre halves mainly due to the Lescott situation and partly due to Jagielka's injury and Moyes's penchant for defensive players. However, in my opinion, only one comes close to Lescott and it's the one we have been least linked with, Gary Cahill of Bolton.
Senderos now seems to be a no go due to a failure to agree 50 pence down and the rest over 20 years. Taylor seems to be doing an anti-Lescott, wanting to stay loyal to his Geordie following. Shawcross seems to be too expensive? Michael Turner has fallen off the radar. Huth seems to be mentioned quite a bit as does Wheater but Southgate (who seems to have a healthy relationship with EFC).
Richard Dunne would if we were interested have been included in the Lescott deal. It is clear to all Evertonians, however, that we desperately need two defenders particularly due to Yobo's inconsistency and hesitancy and Hibbert's inability to head crosses away, let alone prevent them coming in.
Distin looks to be favourite although Villa are also in the running and we know what that usually means with EFC. I would prefer a back pairing of Cahill and Senderos personally but we never get what we want.
Jay Harris, Posted 25/08/2009 at 10:46:08
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Jeremy Benson
2 Posted 25/08/2009 at 18:35:13
2 Posted 25/08/2009 at 18:35:13
Am disappointed we haven’t tried to pinch Upson...
I also have a golden rule that you should never covet a defender from a side that gets relegated (as clearly, the defence was rubbish). So if we get Taylor, Wheater or Huth, I will be seriously gutted. Its a backward step.
Particularly Wheater and Huth. If they were any good, then a pairing of two good defenders always ensures survival. So they’re not.
I also have a golden rule that you should never covet a defender from a side that gets relegated (as clearly, the defence was rubbish). So if we get Taylor, Wheater or Huth, I will be seriously gutted. Its a backward step.
Particularly Wheater and Huth. If they were any good, then a pairing of two good defenders always ensures survival. So they’re not.
Mike Allison
3 Posted 25/08/2009 at 18:36:13
3 Posted 25/08/2009 at 18:36:13
SkySports.com have just linked us with Hangeland although it seems to be a bit of weak link, with no real substance and reference to Moyes’s interest 5 years ago.
However, I would say he’s better than all the others mentioned and the one I would most like to have, although inevitably I think he would also be the most expensive.
It would be nice to buy two centre backs, one of whom was capable of playing the holding role in midfield, we had a tenuous link to a huge guy called Isaac Vorsah (sp.?) from Hoffenheim who I liked the sound of, but nothing seems to have come of this.
However, I would say he’s better than all the others mentioned and the one I would most like to have, although inevitably I think he would also be the most expensive.
It would be nice to buy two centre backs, one of whom was capable of playing the holding role in midfield, we had a tenuous link to a huge guy called Isaac Vorsah (sp.?) from Hoffenheim who I liked the sound of, but nothing seems to have come of this.
Ian Tunstead
4 Posted 25/08/2009 at 18:40:52
4 Posted 25/08/2009 at 18:40:52
Cahill and Taylor would be my prefered choices, though i would like to see more of Shawcross, the others are too old or would be too expensive.
Ian Tunstead
5 Posted 25/08/2009 at 18:44:58
5 Posted 25/08/2009 at 18:44:58
Jeremy wasnt jaggs relegated?
Jeremy Benson
6 Posted 25/08/2009 at 18:48:10
6 Posted 25/08/2009 at 18:48:10
Ian, he was.
But for the record, he never played central defence for sheff utd. He was a defensive midfielder before he joined us.
And I’m surprised many cant remember the very ropey start to his everton career...it was a good 6 months before he had a run of a few good games. I would say the jury is out (for me anyway, others will disagree, but I call it as I see it), on whether he is a long term class central defender.
I always considered him (and still do), a good squad utility player (filling in midfield, defence, and right back) as needed. Sorry.
But for the record, he never played central defence for sheff utd. He was a defensive midfielder before he joined us.
And I’m surprised many cant remember the very ropey start to his everton career...it was a good 6 months before he had a run of a few good games. I would say the jury is out (for me anyway, others will disagree, but I call it as I see it), on whether he is a long term class central defender.
I always considered him (and still do), a good squad utility player (filling in midfield, defence, and right back) as needed. Sorry.
Simon Kirwan
7 Posted 25/08/2009 at 18:52:48
7 Posted 25/08/2009 at 18:52:48
What rubbish Jeremy blaming the cb’s for relegation . Didnt boro have the worst attack or something like that? Out of all the defenders linked, Huth, Distin are diabolical. Dunne wheater and Hangelaand are standard. Steven Taylor has a lot of potential and is young. I think he will come on leaps and bounds but my only worry is the lack of pace if it was him and jags.
Jeremy Benson
8 Posted 25/08/2009 at 19:02:06
8 Posted 25/08/2009 at 19:02:06
Simon, thats my opinion - its not rubbish. Whether you agree or not, I care not.
If you read what I said, rather than shooting from the hip with an insult, you will see that I did not blame them for relegation. I simply said that good defenders would keep a poor team up.
Seriously, some of the contributors on here need to have words with themselves at how confrontational they are to other peoples opinions. There is a world of equal human thought beyond your own, you know...
If you read what I said, rather than shooting from the hip with an insult, you will see that I did not blame them for relegation. I simply said that good defenders would keep a poor team up.
Seriously, some of the contributors on here need to have words with themselves at how confrontational they are to other peoples opinions. There is a world of equal human thought beyond your own, you know...
John Conaghan
9 Posted 25/08/2009 at 19:14:00
9 Posted 25/08/2009 at 19:14:00
Didn’t take the Yak too long to get back into his stride. A goal after 31 seconds on his comeback for the reserves.
Alan Clarke
10 Posted 25/08/2009 at 19:20:57
10 Posted 25/08/2009 at 19:20:57
I don’t think we’ll be adding anyone of any quality in the centre-half position. The problem we have is Arsenal, Villa and Spurs are all looking for reinforcements in that position so as soon as we’re in for someone then so are they. We pay players in free West-End show tickets wheras those other clubs actually pay players in real money.
Anthony Newell
11 Posted 25/08/2009 at 19:26:59
11 Posted 25/08/2009 at 19:26:59
Am I alone in thinking we’d be nuts to spend 5-6mill on a 32 year old defender past his best? (Distin)
Use the money sensibly for gods sake - that has to mean Huth or Taylor
Use the money sensibly for gods sake - that has to mean Huth or Taylor
Gerry Western
12 Posted 25/08/2009 at 19:50:03
12 Posted 25/08/2009 at 19:50:03
Taylor for me is better at full back than centre, however, could easily replace Hibbert if Jagielka were to return. Nonetheless he’d make a very good acquisition. On a purely like for like basis I’d have to go with Hangeland who I think is close to being on a par with Lescott. He would be a tremendous replacement and he’d easily be my preferred choice but he certainly wouldn’t come cheap. Lets face it we’re not renowned for splashing our cash these days but one can only hope. Distin would be expensive given his age. I wouldn’t rule Cahill out either.
I’d be happy with either of the above with the exception of Distin. Someone correct me If I’m wrong but has Hodgson previously stated he wouldn’t let Hangeland leave for less than 14m when Arsenal were rumored to be linked.
I’d be happy with either of the above with the exception of Distin. Someone correct me If I’m wrong but has Hodgson previously stated he wouldn’t let Hangeland leave for less than 14m when Arsenal were rumored to be linked.
Suzy Whitehead
13 Posted 25/08/2009 at 20:01:50
13 Posted 25/08/2009 at 20:01:50
Alan,
I actually like the fact we have a salary cap. If we don’t have the money why spend it? Speaking of which - when you going to give me my cash?
Cheers,
Suzy xx
I actually like the fact we have a salary cap. If we don’t have the money why spend it? Speaking of which - when you going to give me my cash?
Cheers,
Suzy xx
Dave Wilson
14 Posted 25/08/2009 at 20:38:57
14 Posted 25/08/2009 at 20:38:57
Cahill, he’s a cut above the rest...
Howard Don
15 Posted 25/08/2009 at 20:35:54
15 Posted 25/08/2009 at 20:35:54
Sorry Jeremy were you actually writing the following about Jagielka:-
"I always considered him (and still do), a good squad utility player (filling in midfield, defence, and right back) as needed."
Would that be player of the season until injured, England international, better than Lescott IMO, oh God I wish we had him now, Jagielka?
Ah no of course I get it you were obviously talking about his brother Stephen of AFC Telford, had me going for a minute there mate.
"I always considered him (and still do), a good squad utility player (filling in midfield, defence, and right back) as needed."
Would that be player of the season until injured, England international, better than Lescott IMO, oh God I wish we had him now, Jagielka?
Ah no of course I get it you were obviously talking about his brother Stephen of AFC Telford, had me going for a minute there mate.
Anthony Jaras
16 Posted 25/08/2009 at 20:47:39
16 Posted 25/08/2009 at 20:47:39
I think that for balance, with him being left footed, Distin is the perfect signing. Strong, tall and fast with bags of experience, he is the perfect short term solution. He can last a good couple of years yet.
On the other hand, I really like Steven Taylor, he is a very old fashioned centre half, similer to Stubbs and would inspire the rest of the team.
Huth is too injury prone and has never shone at either Chelsea or Boro.
Wheater is a good choice and we could afford him, maybe a bit slow though.
Hangeland for me would be a major coup, very similar to Vidic in style, would cost the most out of all our targets.
I don't really rate Shawcross, Turner or Dunne.
On the other hand, I really like Steven Taylor, he is a very old fashioned centre half, similer to Stubbs and would inspire the rest of the team.
Huth is too injury prone and has never shone at either Chelsea or Boro.
Wheater is a good choice and we could afford him, maybe a bit slow though.
Hangeland for me would be a major coup, very similar to Vidic in style, would cost the most out of all our targets.
I don't really rate Shawcross, Turner or Dunne.
Anthony Jaras
17 Posted 25/08/2009 at 21:00:28
17 Posted 25/08/2009 at 21:00:28
Senderos would only be a decent squad player.
Also, when Jags firs joined, I thought he should have been shipped out immediaely until he played centre half, no, I rate him as highly as Kev The Rat or Waggy!!!!
Also, when Jags firs joined, I thought he should have been shipped out immediaely until he played centre half, no, I rate him as highly as Kev The Rat or Waggy!!!!
Iain Love
18 Posted 25/08/2009 at 20:55:58
18 Posted 25/08/2009 at 20:55:58
Taylor 1st then Hangerland 2nd, a thought would be City have been after Lescott since Jan surely Moyes has someone lined up to replace him so all this talk about 10 centre halves doesn’t matter. Although if we have no-one lined up then that would / should be a worry.
I fully expect a good/great centre half to be signed in the next few days, probably someone we haven’t heard of plus a back up Senderos type player.
As for the other gaps I would seriously look at Patrick Veira for def/mid and r/back Naughton on loan from Spurs.
I fully expect a good/great centre half to be signed in the next few days, probably someone we haven’t heard of plus a back up Senderos type player.
As for the other gaps I would seriously look at Patrick Veira for def/mid and r/back Naughton on loan from Spurs.
Anthony Jaras
19 Posted 25/08/2009 at 22:07:55
19 Posted 25/08/2009 at 22:07:55
Iain, there is no way we would be able to cover Vieras wages and no way Spurs, who stole Naughton from under our noses, would let him leave so soon on loan, he is there right back cover. Plus, why would we want him anyway, he has looked shite so far in the friendlies I have seen him in.
Keith Glazzard
20 Posted 25/08/2009 at 22:34:46
20 Posted 25/08/2009 at 22:34:46
Joseph Yobo will become a very great CB this season. And a goal scorer.
Moyes will feel that he needs a PL ready CB right now to cover until the Jag is back -and he must be right, although Neville is close, but perhaps not close enough - but I’ll bet that what he really wants is another Lescott. Someone from the lower divisions to bring on.
Moyes will feel that he needs a PL ready CB right now to cover until the Jag is back -and he must be right, although Neville is close, but perhaps not close enough - but I’ll bet that what he really wants is another Lescott. Someone from the lower divisions to bring on.
Karl Masters
21 Posted 25/08/2009 at 23:03:55
21 Posted 25/08/2009 at 23:03:55
One name not mentioned recently is Christopher Samba at Blackburn who was looking likely to leave a few weeks back.
I’d prefer Ryan Nelsen from there, but could not see Allardyce letting him go for under 8 or 9 million quid.
Of the ones mentioned in the press I would personally place them in this order:
1: Distin ( left footed and not too expensive relative to the rest)
2: Hangeland ( very good player, but too much cash I suspect )
3: Taylor ( great potential for Moyes to work with, but heart not in a move and likely to cost £10m )
4: Huth ( getting better with age )
5: Senderos ( you do not play for Arsenal or Milan if you are crap, but lack of pace a concern for me )
6: Dunne ( plenty of experience, but either the sublime or the ridiculous is waht you get )
7: Wheater ( not really convinced me to be honest )
8: Shawcross ( too expensive apparently and not enough experience )
9: Turner ( Hull were terrible for 70% of last season and this guy did not stand out after the early success )
Finally, if we were to get one of the above and needed extra, relatively cheap cover, how about resurrecting the once very promising Chris Riggott from Boro? Moyes could bring this lad back up to where he was a few years back and he’s still quite young
I’d prefer Ryan Nelsen from there, but could not see Allardyce letting him go for under 8 or 9 million quid.
Of the ones mentioned in the press I would personally place them in this order:
1: Distin ( left footed and not too expensive relative to the rest)
2: Hangeland ( very good player, but too much cash I suspect )
3: Taylor ( great potential for Moyes to work with, but heart not in a move and likely to cost £10m )
4: Huth ( getting better with age )
5: Senderos ( you do not play for Arsenal or Milan if you are crap, but lack of pace a concern for me )
6: Dunne ( plenty of experience, but either the sublime or the ridiculous is waht you get )
7: Wheater ( not really convinced me to be honest )
8: Shawcross ( too expensive apparently and not enough experience )
9: Turner ( Hull were terrible for 70% of last season and this guy did not stand out after the early success )
Finally, if we were to get one of the above and needed extra, relatively cheap cover, how about resurrecting the once very promising Chris Riggott from Boro? Moyes could bring this lad back up to where he was a few years back and he’s still quite young
Karl Masters
22 Posted 25/08/2009 at 23:15:56
22 Posted 25/08/2009 at 23:15:56
Also. Don’t laugh, but there is a fantastic prospect at Gillingham called Simon King.
I know he’s untried at this level, but he’s a footballing Centre half with great composure, leadership skills and great distribution.
I doubt Everton scout in Kent very much, but this fella is seriously worth a look and £500k would probably tempt the Gills..
Derek Mountfield was an unknown at Tranmere wasn’t he......
I know he’s untried at this level, but he’s a footballing Centre half with great composure, leadership skills and great distribution.
I doubt Everton scout in Kent very much, but this fella is seriously worth a look and £500k would probably tempt the Gills..
Derek Mountfield was an unknown at Tranmere wasn’t he......
Jason Lam
23 Posted 26/08/2009 at 09:00:43
23 Posted 26/08/2009 at 09:00:43
Distin for me. His concentration is far better than Lescott even though he may not have the pace. Lescott’s mind’s at the seaside half the time and positioning is suspect.
Don’t mind the lack of goalscoring threat if he helps shore up the back ffs.
COYB!
Don’t mind the lack of goalscoring threat if he helps shore up the back ffs.
COYB!
Cameron Leggatt
24 Posted 26/08/2009 at 10:51:48
24 Posted 26/08/2009 at 10:51:48
How about Lucas Neill on a free from West Ham? Same age as Distin and can play central or on the right. Was Captain at West Ham last year and has played at World Cup??
Iain Love
25 Posted 26/08/2009 at 13:00:13
25 Posted 26/08/2009 at 13:00:13
Anthony that last bit was a mickey-take. As you say Naughton hasn’t looked good, as for Big Pat if he’d take a wage cut to fit in with us he would do well. What's the thoughts on that St Claire lad from Preston? He might be worth a punt.
A lot of players start out in one position then either move back with age or a decent manager finds a better place for them, you never know Big Vic might be our new centre half?? (Anthony, that's a piss-take as well.)
Rob Sawyer
26 Posted 26/08/2009 at 20:57:48
26 Posted 26/08/2009 at 20:57:48
It is sound to seek a left-sided centre back to replace Lescott however going for a 32-year old (Distin) is against Moyes’ normal principals and £5M for a player with zero sell-on value seems inflated.
I realise that other options are very limited but I fear that we have been stung by Portsmouth on this one (assuming the deal goes through).
Moyes will have known that Lescott was likely to go for some time (despite public pronouncements over the past few weeks) and I’m surprised that we now seem to be in an inflated panic-buy mode now to replace him (maybe I shouldn’t be that surprised).
I realise that other options are very limited but I fear that we have been stung by Portsmouth on this one (assuming the deal goes through).
Moyes will have known that Lescott was likely to go for some time (despite public pronouncements over the past few weeks) and I’m surprised that we now seem to be in an inflated panic-buy mode now to replace him (maybe I shouldn’t be that surprised).
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1 Posted 25/08/2009 at 12:51:29
He has 7+ years Premier League experience, is a leader (captain at both City and Pompey) and is a solid defender. He ain't of Lescott's class; however, with Jags returning in November, that ain't a massive issue.
A key issue I find is that he is left-footed. Having a left-footed central defender really gives the team balance, and allows the full-back much more freedom. When you have two right-footed centre-backs, it leaves a lot of space between the full-back and the centre-back and good teams exploit this. I cant think of any other left-sided central defenders, so this appears a smart move.
He also has the ability to play at left-back, thus giving much required back-up to Baines. At 32 he will still have 2-3 years left in him. The fact that Villa, Spurs and Liverpool have all been long-term admirers show that he ain't crap, as some may suggest.
If signing him for £5-6mil, rather than a Wheater for £8-9M, and using the extra money to buy a right-back, then i'd go for Distin. One defender I would like to see is Shawcross of Stoke, but again the fee looks high. Taylor apparently wants to stay at Newcastle, and if i'm honest I've never been too impressed with him (but in a Newcastle defence can anyone look impressive?)