The Mail Bag
Time to give Ossie and Hiibo a pat on the back
Comments (38)
Leon Osman and Tony Hibbert have come in for sometimes vitriolic attacks on here but for me both have EFC running through their veins and have never lacked determination.
As it looks like their number is up with Moyes too, I would ask all critics is it their fault they aren't good enough right now or is it the Board for not providing enough support to get better quality players in before now? Did we have to wait for the Lescott windfall before addressing the weaknesses in the squad?
But nonetheless I would like to thank both players for never giving less than 100% and for some outstanding moments in a blue shirt. Ossie's goal against Larissa has to be one of the finest goals we've seen (and I've been watching them for 50 years) and Hibbo in some games has had some highly rated wingers (including Ronaldo) in his pocket.
Alas consistency and quality are not there often enough but I hope all supporters will continue to encourage them as part of a "higher quality" squad.
Jay Harris, Posted 29/08/2009 at 18:12:53
Comments
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Michael Kenrick
Yes, very nice... but football is a cruel game in some ways: if you're not good enough, you should not be playing. Personally, I believe we will still be seeing plenty of them. Bigger squad, cover for injuries, competition for places, etc. I don't think you should be writing their Everton obituaries just yet...
Joseph Elworthy
1 Posted 30/08/2009 at 02:44:48
1 Posted 30/08/2009 at 02:44:48
I agree, some of the criticism of Hibbert and Osman have been out of line. Frankly, thus far, both players have performed better than Baines and Cahill.
Kristian Boyce
2 Posted 30/08/2009 at 04:32:30
2 Posted 30/08/2009 at 04:32:30
Hibbert and Osman were both considered promising youngsters, but both of them are in their late twenties now, and haven’t improved from then. Hibbert is a good defender, but that’s about it. The games changed over the last few years with full backs needing to be more attacking (look at Baines, Cashley, Boswinga etc.), and unfortunately he doesn’t offer that in his game. Osman isn’t a winger full stop. Unfortunately due to lack of players at the club, he has had to play there for a while now. I feel him playing out on the wing has effected his development. He might have quick feet with the ball, but he doesn’t have the pace to be an out an out winger. I remember seeing him play a free role before behind the strikers and that really suited him. I can see him staying and being used as an impact player coming off the bench, but not on the wing. I can’t see these players out of the club for the foreseeable future as we are still short on numbers, but I think we won’t see that dreaded right hand side lineup for much longer.
Derek Thomas
3 Posted 30/08/2009 at 06:54:36
3 Posted 30/08/2009 at 06:54:36
Decent teams can ’ carry ’ one or two clunkers AND make them look not too bad as well.
The rs *spit* have done it for a number of players AND managed to palm them off to other unsuspecting mugs.. Ablett for a start.
The rs *spit* have done it for a number of players AND managed to palm them off to other unsuspecting mugs.. Ablett for a start.
Dave Wilson
4 Posted 30/08/2009 at 07:33:31
4 Posted 30/08/2009 at 07:33:31
Just throwing this one out like, perhaps one of the stattos can help me out : Has there been two players who have qualified for Europe wearing the Royal blue more times than these "shite players" ?
Michael if as you say they are not good enough, perhaps you can take this one on, feel free to trawl through the clubs entire history
Michael if as you say they are not good enough, perhaps you can take this one on, feel free to trawl through the clubs entire history
Joe McMahon
5 Posted 30/08/2009 at 07:55:32
5 Posted 30/08/2009 at 07:55:32
Yes Yes very good, tell me what club with realistic ambition would play buy them....err City, Spurs?...exactly
Bill Kenwright also has blue in his veins-look how good he is for the club- need I go on. Jay you often make some good points, not this time i’m afraid.
Bill Kenwright also has blue in his veins-look how good he is for the club- need I go on. Jay you often make some good points, not this time i’m afraid.
Stephen Graham
6 Posted 30/08/2009 at 07:54:09
6 Posted 30/08/2009 at 07:54:09
Pat on the back? FFS! Wonder goals? Give me a break! On balance these two have been responsible for far more goals conceded than created. I can only imagine that they are selected on the basis of what they do on the training ground - but then consider their opposition!
I have often worried about thes two, this lowest ’denominater’, skill-wise, as a true reflection of our overall ability and ambition, and notwithstanding new singings I have never seen any evidence of improvement under Moyes.
I have often worried about thes two, this lowest ’denominater’, skill-wise, as a true reflection of our overall ability and ambition, and notwithstanding new singings I have never seen any evidence of improvement under Moyes.
Kevin Sparke
7 Posted 30/08/2009 at 08:29:42
7 Posted 30/08/2009 at 08:29:42
Hibbert should have played his last game for Everton after the awful display at the FA Cup final. I’ve never seen a player so shell-shocked and overawed by the occasion. Never seen worse positional play, never seen so much ball watching, never seen a player exposed as ’not up to the job’ so comprehensively by an opposing player (Cept perhaps Glen Keeley... and you all know what happened next)
To me he’s always been an average defender at best; sure he has shown flashes of potential but they’ve always flattered to deceive and he reverts to type depressingly easy.
The one positive you can credit his account with is his heart; as he always gives a 100% - unfortunately for him 100% of not very much is still... not very much.
I wish the lad well - but he’s not Everton standard; not if we want to progress.
To me he’s always been an average defender at best; sure he has shown flashes of potential but they’ve always flattered to deceive and he reverts to type depressingly easy.
The one positive you can credit his account with is his heart; as he always gives a 100% - unfortunately for him 100% of not very much is still... not very much.
I wish the lad well - but he’s not Everton standard; not if we want to progress.
Joeynkoo Ludden
8 Posted 30/08/2009 at 09:00:18
8 Posted 30/08/2009 at 09:00:18
Anyone who thinks Osman or Hibbert would get a game with any team currently above us in the league is deluded... and I am fully aware we are bottom of the league.
Dave Wilson
9 Posted 30/08/2009 at 08:52:39
9 Posted 30/08/2009 at 08:52:39
Kevin
You obviously were’nt watching cahill, Neville, Lescot or Howard in the cup final.
Dont think anyone of them did a single thing right in the entire 90 minutes . . still we’ll forget the fact that TH was being brought back from injury far too early by DM, after all he is the whipping boy, even if he was the only player on our side that was never losing while he was on the pitch.
Hibbert is not top notch, but he is good enough for top half of the prem.
if your going to look for players who will stop us progressing try a bit of honesty and balance and dont just lay into the whipping boy
You obviously were’nt watching cahill, Neville, Lescot or Howard in the cup final.
Dont think anyone of them did a single thing right in the entire 90 minutes . . still we’ll forget the fact that TH was being brought back from injury far too early by DM, after all he is the whipping boy, even if he was the only player on our side that was never losing while he was on the pitch.
Hibbert is not top notch, but he is good enough for top half of the prem.
if your going to look for players who will stop us progressing try a bit of honesty and balance and dont just lay into the whipping boy
Gerry Western
10 Posted 30/08/2009 at 09:02:27
10 Posted 30/08/2009 at 09:02:27
Jay, I’d normally agree with a lot of what you have to say but not on this occasion. Of the two, I’d say I did have hopes for Hibbert but unfortunately he picked up an injury some time ago and he’s not been at the races since. Great tackles but his positional awareness has gone to pot. At times he seems totally oblivious to threats posed by the opposition added to that is a tendency to hit stray passes. The combination of these two weaknesses is fatal for any defence and I’m still puzzled as to why we allowed Jacobsen to go. Presumably Hibbert is a much cheaper option.
As for Osman he flatters to deceive, he lacks pace and strength. Looks neat and tidy when he’s not being pressured but then again that can be said for pretty much most professional players. The difference is however that in the premiership players have to be able to cope with the pressure as all too often they are denied time and space. This perhaps explains why Osman has the occasional good game. There are times when the opposition take their foot off the pedal or have an off day thus allowing Osman to flourish but in the premier league such games are few and far between.
I really do believe he would be a great success in the lower leagues but for me he’s never going to be good enough for the premiership. What I think rankles most with his critics is the fact that when the going gets tough he will often go AWOL. Fans will often get behind players regardless of their limitations so long as they see that there prepared to have a go. Sadly Osman more often than not comes up short in that respect. Personally I’d never boo the lad but I must confess I certainly wouldn’t loose any sleep over his departure.
As for Osman he flatters to deceive, he lacks pace and strength. Looks neat and tidy when he’s not being pressured but then again that can be said for pretty much most professional players. The difference is however that in the premiership players have to be able to cope with the pressure as all too often they are denied time and space. This perhaps explains why Osman has the occasional good game. There are times when the opposition take their foot off the pedal or have an off day thus allowing Osman to flourish but in the premier league such games are few and far between.
I really do believe he would be a great success in the lower leagues but for me he’s never going to be good enough for the premiership. What I think rankles most with his critics is the fact that when the going gets tough he will often go AWOL. Fans will often get behind players regardless of their limitations so long as they see that there prepared to have a go. Sadly Osman more often than not comes up short in that respect. Personally I’d never boo the lad but I must confess I certainly wouldn’t loose any sleep over his departure.
Dave Wilson
11 Posted 30/08/2009 at 09:02:49
11 Posted 30/08/2009 at 09:02:49
Joeynkoo
Now your just being silly. These two guys have played in teams that have finnished 4th, 5th (twice) 6th and 7th
The comments about these two are bordering on ridiculous
Now your just being silly. These two guys have played in teams that have finnished 4th, 5th (twice) 6th and 7th
The comments about these two are bordering on ridiculous
Mark Stone
12 Posted 30/08/2009 at 09:32:42
12 Posted 30/08/2009 at 09:32:42
"it looks like their number is up with Moyes too"
Am I missing something?
Am I missing something?
Kevin Mitchell
13 Posted 30/08/2009 at 10:09:16
13 Posted 30/08/2009 at 10:09:16
Dave, Tony Hibbert has been one of the luckiest players to keep his place in the team. I lay the blame solely on Moyes for not recognising the fact that we do not have a central midfield of any credability which would allow P. Neville to play RB.
Hibbert and Osman should be squad players only.
Hibbert and Osman should be squad players only.
Kevin Sparke
14 Posted 30/08/2009 at 10:11:00
14 Posted 30/08/2009 at 10:11:00
Dave Willo
I don’t do ’whipping boys’ lad. The thread wasn’t about Cahill, Howard or Lescott; it was about Hibbert and Osman.
Whilst it is daft to single out a player who ’cost us’ the FA Cup; Hibbert’s contribution that 45 minutes was defined by its awfulness and his failure to do the basics right (EG Not diving in a reckless manner and getting himself booked, looking up every now and again when in possession, not getting dragged out of position by ball watching when not in possession) cost us big time.
How many times has a player to play badly before the manager realises he’s just not good enough?
Whilst I condemn those who boo and catcall their own players during a game; sometimes before they have even touched the ball - Hibbert is just not good enough for Everton. He reminds me quite a bit of Terry Darracott as a fullback- throws in a strong tackle (usually a good one) at the least provocation - but very poor positional play; substandard distribution of the football and completely out of his depth when he crosses the half-way line...
In short - if we wish to progress, we need more class than Hibbert has got.
I don’t do ’whipping boys’ lad. The thread wasn’t about Cahill, Howard or Lescott; it was about Hibbert and Osman.
Whilst it is daft to single out a player who ’cost us’ the FA Cup; Hibbert’s contribution that 45 minutes was defined by its awfulness and his failure to do the basics right (EG Not diving in a reckless manner and getting himself booked, looking up every now and again when in possession, not getting dragged out of position by ball watching when not in possession) cost us big time.
How many times has a player to play badly before the manager realises he’s just not good enough?
Whilst I condemn those who boo and catcall their own players during a game; sometimes before they have even touched the ball - Hibbert is just not good enough for Everton. He reminds me quite a bit of Terry Darracott as a fullback- throws in a strong tackle (usually a good one) at the least provocation - but very poor positional play; substandard distribution of the football and completely out of his depth when he crosses the half-way line...
In short - if we wish to progress, we need more class than Hibbert has got.
Dave Williams
15 Posted 30/08/2009 at 10:19:32
15 Posted 30/08/2009 at 10:19:32
At the moment these two players are first team regulars....... they will start to day. If no one better comes through the door in the next 54 hours that DM deems being better, then they’ll be starting every game untill the next transfer window.... Most of us have been Evertonions all are lives, and how often has these nailed on certs were going to sign failed to happen,,,,,,Whats the betting we end up with four people we haven’t heard of, just to make the squad numbers up....
Mike Green
16 Posted 30/08/2009 at 10:45:36
16 Posted 30/08/2009 at 10:45:36
Many Evertonians have been raging against a certain former Evertonian’s lack of "loyalty" in recent weeks.
I would wager that the same Evertonians are amongst the Hibbo / Ossie haters.
The pair of them frustrate the fuck out of me but what do you want? Hopefully with some new recruits by midnight tomorrow they’ll be moved to second string cover - which they are ideal for - where they can do an approptiate job for the club given their ability and get the respect they deserve.
I would wager that the same Evertonians are amongst the Hibbo / Ossie haters.
The pair of them frustrate the fuck out of me but what do you want? Hopefully with some new recruits by midnight tomorrow they’ll be moved to second string cover - which they are ideal for - where they can do an approptiate job for the club given their ability and get the respect they deserve.
Gareth Atkinson
17 Posted 30/08/2009 at 10:53:59
17 Posted 30/08/2009 at 10:53:59
I think these 2 will finish their careers at Everton to be honest so I wouldn’t push them out the door and say our goodbyes just yet, I personally think Osman will be good to have around for the final 15-20 minutes of games against lesser sides when your cryin out for someone to put there foot on the ball and calm things down. We all know (I think he does as well) he can’t do the full 90 minutes and now is the time to step back and become a squad player.
Norman Merrill
18 Posted 30/08/2009 at 11:01:35
18 Posted 30/08/2009 at 11:01:35
They are good squad players, and they have both had a fair crack of the whip with Moyes.
But we need to move on, and bring in replacements asap.
Although leaving it this late, just adds to the agony for us fans, and smells of dare I say it panic buys.
But we need to move on, and bring in replacements asap.
Although leaving it this late, just adds to the agony for us fans, and smells of dare I say it panic buys.
Tony Doran
19 Posted 30/08/2009 at 11:00:02
19 Posted 30/08/2009 at 11:00:02
Hibbert’s biggest problem is his crossing. Don’t they keep him behind and practice this. Every cross either goes to the first defender or in row ZZ.
I’d try Osman right behind the front man in and around the box where pace isn’t such an issue but quick feet like his can cause more problems to defenders as they can’t risk diving in. Two others who need replacing are Felli and the Yak, i dreaded him coming back. If he would have stayed fit last year do you believe we could have finished 5th.
I wait to be ribbed on this but only time will tell and i hope i’m wrrrrong.
I’d try Osman right behind the front man in and around the box where pace isn’t such an issue but quick feet like his can cause more problems to defenders as they can’t risk diving in. Two others who need replacing are Felli and the Yak, i dreaded him coming back. If he would have stayed fit last year do you believe we could have finished 5th.
I wait to be ribbed on this but only time will tell and i hope i’m wrrrrong.
Matthew Lovekin
20 Posted 30/08/2009 at 11:15:44
20 Posted 30/08/2009 at 11:15:44
I don’t think anyone has ever questioned Osman’s and Hibbert’s commitment to the club. They are both Premier League quality but Everton have been top 6 and European quality the last few years, and unfortunately this appears a step too far for these two players.
Hibbert’s standard is bottom to mid-table Premiership level. The downside to Osman is that he has always been played out of position. He is a central midfielder who when played in that position should be at a mid-table Premier League club.
We should keep them both, but as squad players only to cover for injuries, etc. We need better quality now for a top 6 side for the starting XI.
Hibbert’s standard is bottom to mid-table Premiership level. The downside to Osman is that he has always been played out of position. He is a central midfielder who when played in that position should be at a mid-table Premier League club.
We should keep them both, but as squad players only to cover for injuries, etc. We need better quality now for a top 6 side for the starting XI.
Phil Bellis
21 Posted 30/08/2009 at 11:23:16
21 Posted 30/08/2009 at 11:23:16
Jay asks did we have to wait for the Lescott windfall to address team-building
I woula ask, in light if the Rumour Mill piece ’pushing the Everton board to come up with extra funds to land David Bentley from Tottenham’ and the statement ’Everton cannot get close to the £10 million fee Spurs want’, where has the money gone?
Pre-Lescott sale we had allegedly bid for the 2 youngsters, presumably with cash from fifth place, Sky and the Cup run
Why has Moysey now got to do his Oliver Twist again? (like he did last summer!)
Doesn’t add up
I woula ask, in light if the Rumour Mill piece ’pushing the Everton board to come up with extra funds to land David Bentley from Tottenham’ and the statement ’Everton cannot get close to the £10 million fee Spurs want’, where has the money gone?
Pre-Lescott sale we had allegedly bid for the 2 youngsters, presumably with cash from fifth place, Sky and the Cup run
Why has Moysey now got to do his Oliver Twist again? (like he did last summer!)
Doesn’t add up
Matt Garen
22 Posted 30/08/2009 at 11:58:25
22 Posted 30/08/2009 at 11:58:25
Tony, Thats got to be a wind up ??? Yak has scored 23 in 52 games!! So in relpy, no I dont think we could have finshed 5th with him fit . . we could have finised 4th!!
As for Hibbert, his weaknesses are well documented. Modern day premier league players need to be able to tackle, pass accurately and quickly, keep positional shape to limit space for attackers, over lap their wingers and cross / score the odd goal. Unfortunately for Tony, he can tackle . . . Osman is different, he has got something about him and playing off a front man would warrant a squad place at least.
As for Hibbert, his weaknesses are well documented. Modern day premier league players need to be able to tackle, pass accurately and quickly, keep positional shape to limit space for attackers, over lap their wingers and cross / score the odd goal. Unfortunately for Tony, he can tackle . . . Osman is different, he has got something about him and playing off a front man would warrant a squad place at least.
Matt Garen
23 Posted 30/08/2009 at 12:07:12
23 Posted 30/08/2009 at 12:07:12
Sorry Ive done the Yak a disservice there, its actually 26 in 56 games !!
Ernie Baywood
24 Posted 30/08/2009 at 12:13:43
24 Posted 30/08/2009 at 12:13:43
Agree with the sentiment in the original post.
Hibbert has put in some great man-on-man performances. It’s when the team is playing badly that he gets shown up for what he is. Not necessarily his fault, just a fact that he’ll be welcomed at a team in the lower half of the league. I was thinking earlier today that I almost hope he does move so he gets the opportunity to be appreciated for his strengths rather than derided for his weaknesses.
Similar story with Osman. He’s limited and will probably be appreciated far more at another club. In the days when hoofball was far more common he was one player who asked for the ball to feet and tried to retain possession... and it took guts for him to do it when no-one was making an effort to make themselves available for him. He was made to look terrible at times due to the failings of the team around him. I hope he stays around the squad and gets rotated through the centre rather than out of position on the right which has shown him up completely.
Moyes has to leave sentiment behind and consign these players to the bench at best, but we shouldn’t forget that they have been integral parts of our turnaround over the last few years.
Hibbert has put in some great man-on-man performances. It’s when the team is playing badly that he gets shown up for what he is. Not necessarily his fault, just a fact that he’ll be welcomed at a team in the lower half of the league. I was thinking earlier today that I almost hope he does move so he gets the opportunity to be appreciated for his strengths rather than derided for his weaknesses.
Similar story with Osman. He’s limited and will probably be appreciated far more at another club. In the days when hoofball was far more common he was one player who asked for the ball to feet and tried to retain possession... and it took guts for him to do it when no-one was making an effort to make themselves available for him. He was made to look terrible at times due to the failings of the team around him. I hope he stays around the squad and gets rotated through the centre rather than out of position on the right which has shown him up completely.
Moyes has to leave sentiment behind and consign these players to the bench at best, but we shouldn’t forget that they have been integral parts of our turnaround over the last few years.
Paul Gladwell
25 Posted 30/08/2009 at 12:21:24
25 Posted 30/08/2009 at 12:21:24
Tony we finished fifth whilst spending two months without a single striker.
Lazy or not the Yak is the best goalscorer we have had at our club since Lineker and one of the highest Premier league goalscorers too and to say you dread him coming back is rather silly to say the least
Lazy or not the Yak is the best goalscorer we have had at our club since Lineker and one of the highest Premier league goalscorers too and to say you dread him coming back is rather silly to say the least
David Hallwood
26 Posted 30/08/2009 at 12:41:31
26 Posted 30/08/2009 at 12:41:31
I agree with poster that said Osman’s not a winger and looks a lot better in CM or playing behind the front 2, he’s got good feet and an eye for a pass and makes itteligent runs in the box. I think a similar thing is happening to Fellani who’s being asked to be a Fergie/Sharp target man when we revert to hoofball and he’ll never be that while he’s got a hole in his a***.It would be ironic if Osman moved to another club and was played in his proper position and all the Ossie haters came on the site raving abou his performances.
Steven Pendleton
27 Posted 30/08/2009 at 12:50:52
27 Posted 30/08/2009 at 12:50:52
Thanks Tony and Leon for being average players and earning a very decent living off your limited playing ability. Also, thanks for all your goals Tony.
You’ve got to be taking the piss Jay???
You’ve got to be taking the piss Jay???
Jay Harris
28 Posted 30/08/2009 at 13:11:32
28 Posted 30/08/2009 at 13:11:32
Steven
As I said in my original post both players are not of sufficientr quality but both have been asked to play by the management sometimes when injured or not fully recovered from injury.
It is not the players fault the club have not brought in better quality players and I dont see what they earn has got anything to do with it.
If you went along the assembly line at Jaguar you would find different levels of worker but they are all paid the same,
Do you consistently perform to the same high level every day at work?
While i set out in the post that I dont rate either player for consistency or quality I do believe they have always given 100% and unlike a certain recent centre back they wear the shirt with pride.
As I said in my original post both players are not of sufficientr quality but both have been asked to play by the management sometimes when injured or not fully recovered from injury.
It is not the players fault the club have not brought in better quality players and I dont see what they earn has got anything to do with it.
If you went along the assembly line at Jaguar you would find different levels of worker but they are all paid the same,
Do you consistently perform to the same high level every day at work?
While i set out in the post that I dont rate either player for consistency or quality I do believe they have always given 100% and unlike a certain recent centre back they wear the shirt with pride.
Dave Wilson
29 Posted 30/08/2009 at 13:40:55
29 Posted 30/08/2009 at 13:40:55
Ok Kevin fair point, you didnt warrant the "whipping boy" comment, but you did bring the cup final into it and I think you’ll agree it wasnt just Hibbo who was exposed on the day
Kevin
Players come and go, hardly ever to better things when the leave GP with the possible exception of WR, so dont you think it’s strange that the two "lucky passengers" just keep qualitying for Europe - no matter who their team mates are ?
I’m off up there now, I’ll have my tenner on Ossie to get the first . . and maybe todays thred is an omen, think I’ll have a couple of quid on Hibbo to continue his prolific scoring rate too
Kevin
Players come and go, hardly ever to better things when the leave GP with the possible exception of WR, so dont you think it’s strange that the two "lucky passengers" just keep qualitying for Europe - no matter who their team mates are ?
I’m off up there now, I’ll have my tenner on Ossie to get the first . . and maybe todays thred is an omen, think I’ll have a couple of quid on Hibbo to continue his prolific scoring rate too
Allan Jones
30 Posted 30/08/2009 at 14:01:16
30 Posted 30/08/2009 at 14:01:16
Hibbert and Osman were both promising youngsters, they may be in their late twenties and may not improve further but we’ve had x amount of years from them and in that time we’ve finished in the top 5 and go to a cup final. OK, I like other supporters want more but both are good footballers. They may not set the world alight but for every Ronaldo in a squad you need a Ji Sung Park to cover! People tend to forget the good things Ossie and Hibbert do in games and just point out the failures!
Alec Laurie
31 Posted 30/08/2009 at 14:25:16
31 Posted 30/08/2009 at 14:25:16
Here’s one for you... They BOTH start!!
Stan Sheppard
32 Posted 30/08/2009 at 14:40:33
32 Posted 30/08/2009 at 14:40:33
Everton
24 Howard
02 Hibbert
03 Baines
04 Yobo
15 Distin
18 Neville
17 Cahill
20 Pienaar
21 Osman
26 Rodwell
08 Saha
Substitutes
01 Nash, 34 Shane Duffy, 07 Bilyaletdinov, 19 Gosling, 25 Fellaini, 11 Jo, 35 Agard
So much for obituaries
24 Howard
02 Hibbert
03 Baines
04 Yobo
15 Distin
18 Neville
17 Cahill
20 Pienaar
21 Osman
26 Rodwell
08 Saha
Substitutes
01 Nash, 34 Shane Duffy, 07 Bilyaletdinov, 19 Gosling, 25 Fellaini, 11 Jo, 35 Agard
So much for obituaries
Steven Pendleton
33 Posted 30/08/2009 at 14:41:17
33 Posted 30/08/2009 at 14:41:17
Sorry Jay but money has everything to do with it. They are getting paid very very good money to give 100%.
Now if they were playing on a performance based contract I’m sure they would have left the club years ago!!
I find it very difficult to say thanks to two players that always gets me feeling down when i hear their names read on the team sheet every week.
Now if they were playing on a performance based contract I’m sure they would have left the club years ago!!
I find it very difficult to say thanks to two players that always gets me feeling down when i hear their names read on the team sheet every week.
Dick Anderson
34 Posted 30/08/2009 at 19:43:29
34 Posted 30/08/2009 at 19:43:29
I think both players have a part to play in Everton’s future.
They get a raw deal from the fans but both players have proved more then useful in the past.
Osman in particular can be outstanding at times.
I think Moyes will keep both of them in the squad but we might find they find themselves on the bench more.
They get a raw deal from the fans but both players have proved more then useful in the past.
Osman in particular can be outstanding at times.
I think Moyes will keep both of them in the squad but we might find they find themselves on the bench more.
Karl Masters
35 Posted 30/08/2009 at 20:37:47
35 Posted 30/08/2009 at 20:37:47
I agree with your post, Jay.
Some of the rest of you should look up the definition of the word ’Supporter’.
Just because they are both local lads and didn’t cost a load of money from somewhere doesn’t mean they are shite. I bet some of you would rather have signed Stephen Carr a few years back or Damian Duff. The Club that did got relegated last season.
As usual, some of the numpties forget the basic rule of a Moyes Everton Team: THE SUM IS GREATER THAN THE PARTS.
And 4 Top 6 finishes with next to no resources in the last 5 seasons prove it.
Some of the rest of you should look up the definition of the word ’Supporter’.
Just because they are both local lads and didn’t cost a load of money from somewhere doesn’t mean they are shite. I bet some of you would rather have signed Stephen Carr a few years back or Damian Duff. The Club that did got relegated last season.
As usual, some of the numpties forget the basic rule of a Moyes Everton Team: THE SUM IS GREATER THAN THE PARTS.
And 4 Top 6 finishes with next to no resources in the last 5 seasons prove it.
Peter Hall
36 Posted 30/08/2009 at 20:42:29
36 Posted 30/08/2009 at 20:42:29
I can never understand people who say ’they should be good, the money they’re paid’. If that is true, double their wages and they’ll be world-beaters. They’re as good as they are and they’re doing their best.
One perception of progress for me is the day we have players of Ossie and Hibbo’s talent on the bench and non-starting. We’re getting close to this. Hibbo has the real problem (for the bench), he can only play one position; Ossie can fill in various roles. Against that, Hibbo is worth a start against teams with a single player threat down their left. Unless... Ossie is also playing on the right. Thier combined weaknesses show each other up — if Pienaar played on the right we wouldn’t know how good Pienaar is — but we’d think Hibbo was ok.
One perception of progress for me is the day we have players of Ossie and Hibbo’s talent on the bench and non-starting. We’re getting close to this. Hibbo has the real problem (for the bench), he can only play one position; Ossie can fill in various roles. Against that, Hibbo is worth a start against teams with a single player threat down their left. Unless... Ossie is also playing on the right. Thier combined weaknesses show each other up — if Pienaar played on the right we wouldn’t know how good Pienaar is — but we’d think Hibbo was ok.
Jason Lam
37 Posted 31/08/2009 at 08:07:14
37 Posted 31/08/2009 at 08:07:14
Hibbert is ok for matches played under torrential rain, mud bath, snow, lava, basically when football’s not playable. His endeavour will win over any skill or class and he’ll keep going for days unless the manager stops him.
Osman ’best’ position is central midfield, dictating the pace or playmaker. If we actually have to give Osman this role then we are truly fucked up.
Osman ’best’ position is central midfield, dictating the pace or playmaker. If we actually have to give Osman this role then we are truly fucked up.
Jack Simmonite
38 Posted 31/08/2009 at 14:14:49
38 Posted 31/08/2009 at 14:14:49
With a squad Everton size, all the cups we are still in, would it be wise to off-load Osman and Hibbert? Despite their lack of ability they do provide bulk for the squad.
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