The Mail Bag
Two main points to consider!
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I just want to bring to your attention two ideas that have been running around my mind for a few weeks now that I feel we should address seriously as they are both important in raising our club's standing worldwide and also hopefully improving our financial situation:
1. We currently have in our squad at least three main world players in their particular countries, namely Tim Cahill (Australia); Steven Pienaar (South Africa); Howard USA; and, until recently, Landon Donovan (USA)... plus a number of marketable players in Fellaini and Bilyaletdinov. How come we are not, as a club, reaping the benefits of commercial marketing in these countries? Believe me, my family hail from down under and when Harry Kewell was in his prime you saw as many pics of him in his LFC top as his Aussie top.... surely we are not as switched on in this field of global marketing as we should be.
2. Why do we not make a concerted effort for the next three seasons to secure players on free transfers who are still in their prime rather than have to sell one of our better players and bring in untried replacements for big money? There are definitely players coming out of contract that would improve our squad... Joe Ledly to name just one. surely this is a prudent way to keep our finances in check?
Steve Cotton, Posted 16/04/2010 at 17:18:01
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I don't understand the increasing obsession with Ledley. He's slow enough to qualify for DLA.
If only life was that simple Steve.
When I think of good players available on frees, the words rocking horse, rare and shit all spring to mind, even when it happens, nearly every club in the world are aware of it and we are out of the race before it`s started.
Are people like Beckford and Ledley better than our home grown boys? I don't think so.
The way forward is the Arteta/ Pienaar type signings, proven players who haven't settled or haven't found their true form at their current clubs. get them here and make them feel happy, welcome and loved.
Moyes recently spoke about, players like Cahill, Neville and Howard taking newcomers under their wings and making their GP experience a very pleasant one - thats why Donovan would have loved to have stayed.
Johnny Heitinga is a good example, Moyes had tracked him from his Ajax days, but he knew he was struggling in Italy, for that reason we got him on the cheap. He's happy here and look at him now.
Top players going on the cheap because they haven't quite settled, are rare too, again the words rocking horse shit etc spring to mind, Its a game of Patience when your skint.
You raise an excellent point for debate though Steve. How do we bring in quality players without the funds that are available to other clubs?
When I think of good players available on frees, the words rocking horse, rare and shit all spring to mind, even when it happens, nearly every club in the world are aware of it and we are out of the race before it`s started.
Are people like Beckford and Ledley better than our home grown boys? I don't think so.
The way forward is the Arteta/ Pienaar type signings, proven players who haven't settled or haven't found their true form at their current clubs. get them here and make them feel happy, welcome and loved.
Moyes recently spoke about, players like Cahill, Neville and Howard taking newcomers under their wings and making their GP experience a very pleasant one - thats why Donovan would have loved to have stayed.
Johnny Heitinga is a good example, Moyes had tracked him from his Ajax days, but he knew he was struggling in Italy, for that reason we got him on the cheap. He's happy here and look at him now.
Top players going on the cheap because they haven't quite settled, are rare too, again the words rocking horse shit etc spring to mind, Its a game of Patience when your skint.
You raise an excellent point for debate though Steve. How do we bring in quality players without the funds that are available to other clubs?
Ledley has never anything to suggest he would could make it in the top flight, as said above he has no pace, he also has a major problem with his hips. Which probably end his career early with him needing hip replacements. A non-starter in my book.
I'd rather try to pick up someone like Nuggent or Altidore, young raw strikers, full of pace and everything to prove. Both have impressed in spells this season and I think with the right tutoring could become great players.
I'd love to have the same scouts as Arsenal for just one season, the players they find tend to be outstanding young players. Ledley has the same hip problems a labrador has when it gets old, Beckford could be like Zamora; first time in prem a shambles and had to come back to shine. Nugent isn't that young and he tends to fall to bits in the box.
As far as the original post goes we miss the marketing trick big time. I'm not saying we have a Christiano Ronaldo on our hands or a marketing dept worth a balloon but only yesterday Real Madrid had already gained the money they paid for Ronaldo in replica shirt sales and no doubt would do the same with an outrageous purchase of Rooney if it ever came off. Those that think marketing and retail sales are meaningless want to think about that.
As far as the original post goes we miss the marketing trick big time. I'm not saying we have a Christiano Ronaldo on our hands or a marketing dept worth a balloon but only yesterday Real Madrid had already gained the money they paid for Ronaldo in replica shirt sales and no doubt would do the same with an outrageous purchase of Rooney if it ever came off. Those that think marketing and retail sales are meaningless want to think about that.
Be careful of the expression 'free transfers'. As I understand it whoever takes Joe Ledley will have to pay Cardiff a development fee set by Tribunal. Have read for Ledley this fee will likely be £5m.
Personally would rather see that put on whoever is the fastest, trickiest, hard working right winger in the championship or elsewhere. Calling Mr Donovan...
Personally would rather see that put on whoever is the fastest, trickiest, hard working right winger in the championship or elsewhere. Calling Mr Donovan...
What about Dindane, apparently he is available this summer, and he has impressed against us and against Spurs at wembley. He's quick, skilfull and a right winger, just what we need.
Dindane, is a striker who couldn't finish off Kelly Brook if she was put in front off him naked with an apple stuffed in her gob. We don't need someone else who fluffs their lines, we have enough of them, plus he has dodgy knees to boot.
I agree our marketing is very poor. Our presence in Australia is shit considering how well loved Cahill is there. I think we really missed a trick not doing a pre-season tour last year instead plumping for 2 incredibly poor fixtures in America.
Regarding finding diamonds in the rough such as Pienaar, Arteta and Heitinga, other clubs are now watching Moyes like hawks. The Sunderland owner recently said he wants Bruce to base Sunderland on Moyes' model at Everton to bring them European football. Redknapp gazumped us on the Naughton transfer. I think even buying the unsettled players will become increasingly difficult.
Regarding finding diamonds in the rough such as Pienaar, Arteta and Heitinga, other clubs are now watching Moyes like hawks. The Sunderland owner recently said he wants Bruce to base Sunderland on Moyes' model at Everton to bring them European football. Redknapp gazumped us on the Naughton transfer. I think even buying the unsettled players will become increasingly difficult.
We have no money to spend, so i'd be glad to secure the like of Pienaar & Rodwell on long term deals this summer and maybe pick up a couple of free transfers.
Dave,
Who did JH play for in Italy?
Who did JH play for in Italy?
Alan Clarke, While our presence abroad needs to be highlighted more perhaps with tours, it's time we started playing pre-season in Europe or in Asia, by perhaps taking part in those mini cup competitions. The idea is to get the players ready for the season and, as far as I am aware, it would be likely playing the lower league teams like Bury. Hardly a challenge to our players.
I have no problems with them going before pre-season on a tour of Australia, but I honestly cannot see what it would do financially for us in the long run? Australia matters to us as much as the US, which isn't saying very much at all. The market is in Asia and that's where we need to be but, for whatever reason, we continuously miss the gravy train, and the exposure to the Asian market we need. When was the last time we actually took part in a serious mini-tournament with Prem sides?
I have no problems with them going before pre-season on a tour of Australia, but I honestly cannot see what it would do financially for us in the long run? Australia matters to us as much as the US, which isn't saying very much at all. The market is in Asia and that's where we need to be but, for whatever reason, we continuously miss the gravy train, and the exposure to the Asian market we need. When was the last time we actually took part in a serious mini-tournament with Prem sides?
Martin, I am with you on the sales of the players you mention, but I'd keep Distin as back up and get shut of Sendoros,
It's a very sad indictment of what our club has become over the past 20-odd years, too many people settling for mediocrity even at Board level.
Never a dull moment as a Blues supporter, here's hoping for Champions League qualification next season; we have the team to do it, now we just need to add more to ensure we make it (due to possible injuries).
It's a very sad indictment of what our club has become over the past 20-odd years, too many people settling for mediocrity even at Board level.
Never a dull moment as a Blues supporter, here's hoping for Champions League qualification next season; we have the team to do it, now we just need to add more to ensure we make it (due to possible injuries).
I doubt we'll have much to spend therefore we should look at the relegated clubs and see if we can find someone cheap who has shown enough to suggest he'd be better in a good side.The Hull goalkeeper springs to mind.
Steve Cotton - wondering why EFC isn't "reaping the benefits of commercial marketing in these countries?" was a relief for me to read. I'm an American who kept an eye on EFC because our Timmy was in goal, but came on board when Mr Moyes signed and gave our best player and only true Star Landon playing time.
I was either ignored here proposing what you say about promotion or had explained to me by Micahael Kenrick about streets in Ameica not paved with EFC gold.
Between your country and mine, EFC could generate $10-15 million. Real Madrid pocketing $100 million on Ronaldo jerseys? No. But 10% of that for sure, which allows Mr Moyes to sign Landon (which does NOT have to be a straight cash deal; Landon wants to play for EFC, not some team in EPL) and keep the best talent he's spent all these years accumulating and developing.
I was either ignored here proposing what you say about promotion or had explained to me by Micahael Kenrick about streets in Ameica not paved with EFC gold.
Between your country and mine, EFC could generate $10-15 million. Real Madrid pocketing $100 million on Ronaldo jerseys? No. But 10% of that for sure, which allows Mr Moyes to sign Landon (which does NOT have to be a straight cash deal; Landon wants to play for EFC, not some team in EPL) and keep the best talent he's spent all these years accumulating and developing.
I agree in some ways with you Paul but most Premier League clubs are flooding the Asian market. Unless you're actually winning everything I think it's a harder market to corner.
If you remember, Everton were actually booked to got to Australia last pre-season but apparently we couldn't find a second game with suitable opposition (according to Moyes). After the decision to cancel Australia and play in the USA (against poor opposition) I contacted the club to ask why we weren't making more of an effort to market ourselves in Australia. The reply I got told me it was to do with the distance and travelling involved would affect our preparation for the new season. In hindsight I don't think we could have had a worst start to the season.
With the world cup this year, it would be impractical to go all the way to Australia pre-season but I think the decision to not market ourselves more over there has been poor financially for us.
If you remember, Everton were actually booked to got to Australia last pre-season but apparently we couldn't find a second game with suitable opposition (according to Moyes). After the decision to cancel Australia and play in the USA (against poor opposition) I contacted the club to ask why we weren't making more of an effort to market ourselves in Australia. The reply I got told me it was to do with the distance and travelling involved would affect our preparation for the new season. In hindsight I don't think we could have had a worst start to the season.
With the world cup this year, it would be impractical to go all the way to Australia pre-season but I think the decision to not market ourselves more over there has been poor financially for us.
Everton have already made all the assessments of other markets. And the conclusions are pretty simple.
Everton are in control of marketing its own brand, but not in control of marketing its own product (football). Unless Everton can get hold of its own broadcasting rights, marketing the brand is never going to work. If you are not on the TV, what's the point in marketing?
Secondly, is the time difference. If your games are screened live, then afternoon kickoffs are in the evening, and evening kick-offs in the early morning. So even if you do get your broadcasting rights, your audience is in bed.
Everton are in control of marketing its own brand, but not in control of marketing its own product (football). Unless Everton can get hold of its own broadcasting rights, marketing the brand is never going to work. If you are not on the TV, what's the point in marketing?
Secondly, is the time difference. If your games are screened live, then afternoon kickoffs are in the evening, and evening kick-offs in the early morning. So even if you do get your broadcasting rights, your audience is in bed.
David Thomas
Holland
Holland
Gents, Donovan won't just be back on the side, he'll lead the team.
He well knows he's in the "Top Side" part of his career. And he really, really, really wants to be a Toffee. I hope everyone there understands that. His tumultuous acceptance at Goodison settled things.
Please don't think a deal for Landon must be the standard money exchange. MLS's demand for a transfer fee must consider what's best for Landon and America — not what's best for MLS.
He well knows he's in the "Top Side" part of his career. And he really, really, really wants to be a Toffee. I hope everyone there understands that. His tumultuous acceptance at Goodison settled things.
Please don't think a deal for Landon must be the standard money exchange. MLS's demand for a transfer fee must consider what's best for Landon and America — not what's best for MLS.
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1 Posted 17/04/2010 at 05:47:51
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Would love us to get a right midfielder like Landon but maybe get him back on loan again.
Just can't see where we'd get any transfer kitty unless we sell and the ones we'd be ok with selling wouldn't bring in too much.
I'd consider offers for:
Yobo £2-3 mill
Distin £2-3 mill
Hibbert 2-mill
Vaughan £3 mill
Anichebe £3 mill
I just don't think other teams will pay much more for these players then you need to replace them and unless the youth coming through are good enough such as Duffy, Coleman, Wallace, Agard and Baxter. Then well have to pay and hope to get improvements.