The Mail Bag
Off to Oz?
Comments (44)
I know we seem to have this every year but we do seem to have a lot of support in Oz at the moment. But it would seem a bit strange though, not going to the US after the Donovan effect! I'm in China and quite a few Americans I bump into all know who Everton are now.
Anyway, what would people prefer US or Oz?
Anyone else heard anything?
Steven Barton, Posted 21/04/2010 at 03:18:46
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Oz works for me - I haven't seen Everton live since 1972!!
Personally this would be a dream come true for my son and I.
We have followed Everton since 1986 and it has always been our dream to go to a match at Goodison. To have the boys play here in OZ is the next best thing.
I have always been envious of you supporters lucky enough to be able to go to the games on a regular basis.
So if its true i can't tell you how happy my son and i will be.
Mind you we should beat most teams out here with our Academy team.
We have followed Everton since 1986 and it has always been our dream to go to a match at Goodison. To have the boys play here in OZ is the next best thing.
I have always been envious of you supporters lucky enough to be able to go to the games on a regular basis.
So if its true i can't tell you how happy my son and i will be.
Mind you we should beat most teams out here with our Academy team.
Now that the Oz trip seems to have been confirmed, can any of our Oz brethren suggest what kind of attendances the three games will get?
Sorry to have a moan but if we want to maximise Everton's profile in Australia this should have been done a few years back. Chances are Tim won't be playing on our mini-tour as he'll probably be on holiday after the World Cup.
I'm heading over to Europe later this year and will be going to Goodison. Now I learn I'll get the chance to watch them in Australia to. Thats a hell of a good year for an aussie toffee.
My guess is these matches will get good crowds. Celtic played in Brisbane last year against the Roar and got over 30,000.
Sydney should also pull a good crowd. Everton has a very big following down here, having one of our best national players in the team has only helped that.
It will help to grow the brad further down here an a good reward for Australian based Evertonians.
The Brisbane Roar have been gutted in playing stocks all the best young talent having signed with Dutch clubs so expect Everton to rack a score up against them even if off the boil.
Sydney may prove a bit harder but Everton should win without much trouble.
My guess is these matches will get good crowds. Celtic played in Brisbane last year against the Roar and got over 30,000.
Sydney should also pull a good crowd. Everton has a very big following down here, having one of our best national players in the team has only helped that.
It will help to grow the brad further down here an a good reward for Australian based Evertonians.
The Brisbane Roar have been gutted in playing stocks all the best young talent having signed with Dutch clubs so expect Everton to rack a score up against them even if off the boil.
Sydney may prove a bit harder but Everton should win without much trouble.
Ste, Cahill will probably be on holiday back in Australia, so there would still be potential for bit part appearances, PR appearances etc.
Great
While Man U, Arsenal, Spurs and Chelsea are sharpening their teeth against Europe's finest, we`ll be prancing around Brisbane and Sidney minus our world cup players.
The Yanks and the Aussies are winners, that's what they do and if we want to impress the "undecided" we have to show them that we are winners too.
I have real sympathy for the likes of Peter Bourke, but no, of all seasons not this one.
Winning the Prem or a cup would have more impact on the millions of armchair fans around the globe than sending a severely depleted squad to play in front of 20,000 people in Sydney or Brisbane ever could.
We have already learned - at least I thought we had - that this sort of preparation will not have us flying out of the traps.
I dont want rain on anybody's day, but lets put the horse before the cart,
Trips down under or across the Atlantic as also rans can and will only ever interest existing blues and cold hearted as it may sound, they are already hooked..
If we are going to make the rest sit up and take notice we need to go as winners.
This trip should only be made when we have our world cup stars available and we have a trophy to impress them with.
Stay here and invite quality European opposition to GP.
And while we are at it, lets kick these unhelpful "friendlies" against teams like Blackpool and Coventry into touch too
While Man U, Arsenal, Spurs and Chelsea are sharpening their teeth against Europe's finest, we`ll be prancing around Brisbane and Sidney minus our world cup players.
The Yanks and the Aussies are winners, that's what they do and if we want to impress the "undecided" we have to show them that we are winners too.
I have real sympathy for the likes of Peter Bourke, but no, of all seasons not this one.
Winning the Prem or a cup would have more impact on the millions of armchair fans around the globe than sending a severely depleted squad to play in front of 20,000 people in Sydney or Brisbane ever could.
We have already learned - at least I thought we had - that this sort of preparation will not have us flying out of the traps.
I dont want rain on anybody's day, but lets put the horse before the cart,
Trips down under or across the Atlantic as also rans can and will only ever interest existing blues and cold hearted as it may sound, they are already hooked..
If we are going to make the rest sit up and take notice we need to go as winners.
This trip should only be made when we have our world cup stars available and we have a trophy to impress them with.
Stay here and invite quality European opposition to GP.
And while we are at it, lets kick these unhelpful "friendlies" against teams like Blackpool and Coventry into touch too
Everton can very easily return to the UK via the Pacific rim and LA (LAX) is the main transit hub anyway so i guess it will be a double tour, even if USA is not on the agenda then asia and the Far East is the other tansit hub so either way they can have two tours, I'm sure i read that EFC would be going to Thailand too so if correct i have answered my own post. COYB
I was born in Liverpool and have been a blue for almost 50 years , the latter 30 of those years spent here in the land of opportunity. Fortunately I have managed to get back to Goodison a couple of times to reawaken the soul.
Having said that and as much as I would love to see the boys live , I have to agree with Dave on this. The standard of football here is "average' and I am trying to be polite so as not to offend any Aussie A League supporters.
Would love to see them and have then around for a barbie but as I say from a competitive action point of view , a waste of time.
Having said that and as much as I would love to see the boys live , I have to agree with Dave on this. The standard of football here is "average' and I am trying to be polite so as not to offend any Aussie A League supporters.
Would love to see them and have then around for a barbie but as I say from a competitive action point of view , a waste of time.
This is great news. We've all been slating our marketing department for years about how they've not capitalised on Cahill's popularity down under. This is world cup year and Cahill will be a national hero there this summer (our summer anyway).
This will massively help establish the club in Australia and the income generated from this trip will surely help add a few pennies to the coffers. I'm delighted with this.
This will massively help establish the club in Australia and the income generated from this trip will surely help add a few pennies to the coffers. I'm delighted with this.
My concern is that July 10th was mentioned for the Queensland game. Tim may be resting before the World Cup Final the next day (hee hee!).
but Bainsey should be well free by then ;-)
"Massively establish the club in Austrailia"
Thats great news!
I didn't realise that by sending half a squad and a few kids over there, all those Celtic/Rangers/ManU/ RS suppoerters would all ditch their clubs and start following EFC
Why didn't we do it years ago?
Thats great news!
I didn't realise that by sending half a squad and a few kids over there, all those Celtic/Rangers/ManU/ RS suppoerters would all ditch their clubs and start following EFC
Why didn't we do it years ago?
Dave it is possible that we have looked to play some of the better teams in Europe and laughed at by them. We are not a "big name" to them so why would they play us?, so therefore playing a third tier dodgy Spanish/Italian outfit would be on par with a dodgy first division Aussie outfit, would it not?
Yessssssssssssssssssss, I'm living in Melbourne and I have been an Everton supporter since the day I could breathe. I only moved here in the last few months and I used to go in the Gwladys end every weekend I could. I can't fucking wait.
Our USA jollies leave the team seriously underdone. The Lescott bubble had some affect on this seasons poor start but what about earlier ones.
I have often suggested a change to our pre season routine.
My only grizzle is that Perth is not one of the venues. It is a 5 or 6 thousand mile round trip to those other cities.
I have often suggested a change to our pre season routine.
My only grizzle is that Perth is not one of the venues. It is a 5 or 6 thousand mile round trip to those other cities.
I'd prefer us to play a couple of decent football teams - instead of these cack-handed marketing attempts.
Dave is spot on. Its ridiculous that we are even thinking of going to the other side of the world for a couple of meaningless friendlies.
the one thing that stands out for me is our inability to play against decent european oppo and us getting involved in one of those pre season euro tournaments should have been our preparation.
Tony, i dont believe we could not get involved in one of these tournaments if we tried.
Aside from all that its equally ridiculous to have our manager so far away right in the middle of the transfer window.
we will obviously never learn ....
the one thing that stands out for me is our inability to play against decent european oppo and us getting involved in one of those pre season euro tournaments should have been our preparation.
Tony, i dont believe we could not get involved in one of these tournaments if we tried.
Aside from all that its equally ridiculous to have our manager so far away right in the middle of the transfer window.
we will obviously never learn ....
In the 1950's and 60's we used to have South American teams come over here for the odd friendly.
With the World cup taking place, would it not have been better to invite say the Everton of Chile side, and with some of our squad involved in the World cup it would have saved the extra travelling, and have more games in England. and say teams on the other side of the channel.?
After the South African games, the likes of Pienaar, Howard, Cahill, and any of the English lads chosen would benefit from not having to travel to the Us or Australia.
Just a thought, but obviously too late.
With the World cup taking place, would it not have been better to invite say the Everton of Chile side, and with some of our squad involved in the World cup it would have saved the extra travelling, and have more games in England. and say teams on the other side of the channel.?
After the South African games, the likes of Pienaar, Howard, Cahill, and any of the English lads chosen would benefit from not having to travel to the Us or Australia.
Just a thought, but obviously too late.
What we have learned from all this. Is that it doesnt matter what this cliub does, you are always going to get some moaning whinging gits on here. Having a go because the club is doing something that offends their own sense of what is right or wrong.
Chill out guys, its just a pre-season tour for gods sake
Chill out guys, its just a pre-season tour for gods sake
Fulham came over last year and played in Perth, getting over 20,000 for a friendly.
I've been here for over 3 years and would love to see what sort of effect it would have here as Football here is very popular amongst the participants but the numbers aren't too great for the A-league due to its lack of stars and the fact anyone with any promise goes to Europe!
As the kick-off to the pre-season would give them some fairly challenging games as the standard must be fairly similar to that of the states.
As their hasn't been any visits from any of the other premier teams to the east side of Australia, gives them a chance to pick up a few supporters before any of the others think of coming over!
If it is the plan, they should also consider the supply of merchandise as you never see Everton shirts on sale over here. You see the odd few being worn but you only see Man Utd, Red shite, City, Arsenal, Chelsea and maybe spurs stuff.
Hope they come! Would be fighting for a ticket
Jesus!!!! Some people will criticise the club at every opportunity!! Its a pre season tour aimed at engendering team spirit and gaining fitness for the new season..........but no that simply not good enough!! Lets get Barca or Real Madrid over to Goodison instead. But then if we got tonked it would affect confidence just before the season starts and result in a slow start costing us points....blah blah blah!!!!
Its all Kenwrights fault!! No it isnt its Hibberts. No wait its the Marketing Dept.......Oh I give up!!
Who gives a shit?????
Its all Kenwrights fault!! No it isnt its Hibberts. No wait its the Marketing Dept.......Oh I give up!!
Who gives a shit?????
I disagree with the theory of playing decent teams in pre-season. It's pre-season, all to do with fitness and their friendly games.
The reason why Man U , Spurs etc play these prestigious games is for money. If that's the reason people think we should play them, then fine, but don't be confused in thinking that playing these games will make us a better team.
The reason why Man U , Spurs etc play these prestigious games is for money. If that's the reason people think we should play them, then fine, but don't be confused in thinking that playing these games will make us a better team.
Playing better teams does make you a better team. To suggest otherwise is foolish.
Playing the likes colchester will hardly prepare us for an opening day clash against spurs, or Villa or Fulham..It is about getting your stamina, fitness, awareness and skill levels to the appropriate standard. Not beating some second rate division 2 side...or some team of postmen from Adelaide.
Playing the likes colchester will hardly prepare us for an opening day clash against spurs, or Villa or Fulham..It is about getting your stamina, fitness, awareness and skill levels to the appropriate standard. Not beating some second rate division 2 side...or some team of postmen from Adelaide.
"Lets get Barca or Madrid over, but if we get tonked it would affect our confidence just before the season starts"
Oh well thats it then, lets not fuck about with the tried and trusted, after all, losing to teams with players nobody has ever heard of in pre season warm ups has done us the world of fucken good the past few seasons hasnt it ?
Peter
You say the only reason clubs play in prestigious games is for money, fair enough, I think theres more to it but I can accept your view.
but why do you think we are going to Oz ?
Oh well thats it then, lets not fuck about with the tried and trusted, after all, losing to teams with players nobody has ever heard of in pre season warm ups has done us the world of fucken good the past few seasons hasnt it ?
Peter
You say the only reason clubs play in prestigious games is for money, fair enough, I think theres more to it but I can accept your view.
but why do you think we are going to Oz ?
As already mentioned - preseason matches are to improve fitness, etc, therefore the quality of the opposition makes little or no difference. note that Man utd, Chelsea etc also play games against lower division teams so what's the problem.
Davey has previously mentioned that the trips to the US have allowed him to build the team stronger and more together.
If Davey thinks going to Oz is best for the team, then that's fine by me, I will go wtih his judgement thanks rather than a few people who seem to think we need to be playing Barca and the like to prove that our reserves are not as good as their youth team!
Davey has previously mentioned that the trips to the US have allowed him to build the team stronger and more together.
If Davey thinks going to Oz is best for the team, then that's fine by me, I will go wtih his judgement thanks rather than a few people who seem to think we need to be playing Barca and the like to prove that our reserves are not as good as their youth team!
"As already mentioned - preseason matches are to improve fitness, etc,"
--------------
Care to expand of the 'etc' bit?
As for Davey's soundbites on our USA trips....see the start to last season...It's a little more cogent than what he says.
--------------
Care to expand of the 'etc' bit?
As for Davey's soundbites on our USA trips....see the start to last season...It's a little more cogent than what he says.
Fuck me, is there anything you lot won't moan about. Its a little jolly for the lads who aren't involved in The World Cup. Its a warm weather climate that will serve to get them fit for the season and we might make a bit of money off it. The players involved in The World Cup probably won't even go (Barring Cahill). Get a grip and chill out ffs. Who knows who else we'll play.
'Its a little jolly for the lads not involved in the WC' !!!!!
I have heard it all now.
As if these players dont get paid enough now we can treat them to an all expenses paid holiday to Oz !
Pre-season is vitally important and we have got it wrong for the past three seasons. Those of you saying to chill out, well, if we had prepared properly in previous years maybe we wouldnt have had the shit starts to the season and been playing catch up from November onwards. Over the past 3 years our form since November would have qualified us for the Champions League cash cow - so the peole who say it isnt important are not seeing the bigger picture in my view.
We need to start getting these preparations right and its not moaning its people expressing a view and a pertinant one at that.
As I said previously, we just dont seem to be learning from our previous mistakes.
I have heard it all now.
As if these players dont get paid enough now we can treat them to an all expenses paid holiday to Oz !
Pre-season is vitally important and we have got it wrong for the past three seasons. Those of you saying to chill out, well, if we had prepared properly in previous years maybe we wouldnt have had the shit starts to the season and been playing catch up from November onwards. Over the past 3 years our form since November would have qualified us for the Champions League cash cow - so the peole who say it isnt important are not seeing the bigger picture in my view.
We need to start getting these preparations right and its not moaning its people expressing a view and a pertinant one at that.
As I said previously, we just dont seem to be learning from our previous mistakes.
Jamie,
You may not give a shit about our pre-season conditioning....Some people do.
So stop moaning about our moaning.
You may not give a shit about our pre-season conditioning....Some people do.
So stop moaning about our moaning.
I don't see anything too objectional in a pre-season tour of Australia. It's hard to judge beforehand what 'type' of pre-season would be the most beneficial.
As a matter of interest, don't Germany usually play the likes of Liechtenstein and Malta prior to the World Cup/Euro Champs?
As a matter of interest, don't Germany usually play the likes of Liechtenstein and Malta prior to the World Cup/Euro Champs?
I'm stoked about this! I'm an Australian who lives in Melbourne & am a huge Everton fan. I was lucky enough to see the mighty EFC play twice back in Season 08/09 when I travelled to Europe & loved every moment of it.
Football's undergoing massive growth in Australia at the moment & with all the excitement created by the World Cup, the crowds will come out to see the boys in blue strut their stuff against the lesser-likes in the form of any A-League team.
Frankly, I can't wait!! :)
Football's undergoing massive growth in Australia at the moment & with all the excitement created by the World Cup, the crowds will come out to see the boys in blue strut their stuff against the lesser-likes in the form of any A-League team.
Frankly, I can't wait!! :)
I've been lucky enough to see Everton "in the flesh" in the USA for 4 out of the 5 seasons — it is a brilliant experience. I'm chuffed that they will be going to Aussie, mostly for the fanbase there — and I am familiar with one or two who stay up late to watch the match and input there tuppence on the Matchday Forum. Great news for them and well-in guys!
Of course, there are always going to be those against any far-off foreign travel —- and understandably so given recent starts to each of the last few seasons. I do strangely relate to that — this season in particular was a killer blow to my morale... I still haven't fully got over it. But, like it or not, it is a worldwide game, and the more time goes on, the more travel we are likely to have to put up with.
Barcelona and Real Madrid have done it, so have the Man Us and Chelseas — it never affected them because of the squad sizes. Hopefully, with the World Cup being played, we will suffer no long- (or short-)term injuries, the squad will meet up at Finch Farm from all their travels — some still fit, some still building up their fitness levels to peak at the right time.
What will matter is the IMMEDIATE build up to our season, i.e. the last two "friendly" matches, as by that time, the team should be ready for the league campaign.
.....and please, one of you Aussies with a camera, write us a story on what you've experienced.....
Ciarán, I honestly don't give a shit about our pre-season conditioning. I do give a shit about getting 3 points in the opening game. I am happy to let the management team do all the worrying and preperation. Despite all the shite spoken on here, there isnt a shred of evidence to suggest that who you play in pre-season affects the way you start a season. Sure, we have made slow starts in the last couple of seasons, but that is not sufficient evidence to prove a flimsy theory.
So I say again, chill out and save your worries for when the season starts.
So I say again, chill out and save your worries for when the season starts.
Dave Wilson (8) said it right for me. We're right there to challenge for EPL Silverware. We have plenty enough talent and ability IMO for tunnel-vision at that one great prize. Everything else will grow from that. Everybody loves a winner.
And bring back Donovan. He WANTS to come back to EFC.
Not only shouldn't we travel (I thought we were broke), I'd extend the focus to not caring next season about Europe or the national open tournament you have there.
And bring back Donovan. He WANTS to come back to EFC.
Not only shouldn't we travel (I thought we were broke), I'd extend the focus to not caring next season about Europe or the national open tournament you have there.
Back in the 80s, and most of the 90s come to think of it, friendlies were meaningless matches. There to make sure we where match fit for the start of season.
So why are they so important now? We managed to win 2 leagues, 2 FA Cups, a European Cup and just a few Charity Sheilds when they meant nothing.
We should stop blaming our poor starts to the season on nothing friendlies; because that's what they are — nothing.
So why are they so important now? We managed to win 2 leagues, 2 FA Cups, a European Cup and just a few Charity Sheilds when they meant nothing.
We should stop blaming our poor starts to the season on nothing friendlies; because that's what they are — nothing.
Who said our pre-season will be in Aussie? I can't find it anywhere else, only here.
Do Man Utd not go off to the Far East and play some shite teams quite regulary? I'll answer that for you: yes they do. Does not seem to do them any harm. Come to think of it, a lot of Premier league teams play teams below their standard during pre-season.
I have often seen posters on complaining about bad marketing of Brand Everton, so I think this is a good move considering we have one of the top Aussie sports stars in our team. I believe we will get a lot of media coverage too, due to the above mentioned Tim. Also when playing " lower " and less illustrious opposition, they tend to get stuck in, wanting a big scalp and all that. The bigger teams are just stretching their legs, looking to get fit just like ourselves . So it is definitely debatable whether the bigger teams give the boys a better work out than the lesser ones.
I am only 16, I live in Melbourne and I have only started supporting Everton since the 08-09 season. I wake up 2 in the morning without my parents knowing to watch them, but for me to now go and watch them in the crowd, this is a dream come true.
I'm with Dave in being against this trip... yes it will be great for Evertonians living in Oz, and I hope you all have a top time watching the mighty blues in the flesh (rather at some stupid hour in the morning on the internet... been there, done that) - but I'm purely interested in what is best for the club, and I don't think this is it,
If trips like this really worked as a PR stunt to gain fans from all accross the globe, then where's all the millions we've made off the back of our trips to the USA?
As has been quite rightly pointed out, success is the only thing that's going to put us on the map to enough people to really make a difference, not a little jolly holiday down under.
I'm also now having nightmares of us missing out on a couple of decent signings while Moyes is topping up his tan on Bondi Beach!
If this pre-season proves to be a farcical as recent ones, I really will lose the will to live.
If trips like this really worked as a PR stunt to gain fans from all accross the globe, then where's all the millions we've made off the back of our trips to the USA?
As has been quite rightly pointed out, success is the only thing that's going to put us on the map to enough people to really make a difference, not a little jolly holiday down under.
I'm also now having nightmares of us missing out on a couple of decent signings while Moyes is topping up his tan on Bondi Beach!
If this pre-season proves to be a farcical as recent ones, I really will lose the will to live.
Just saw the report in the Herald-Sun paper here in Australia.
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/soccer/everton-friendly-a-possibility-for-new-a-league-club-melbourne-heart/story-e6frfg8x-1225856589741
It looks like the tour is in discussion stage at the moment and looks like they will be in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne. Hopefully they do come over then the many Everton fans here in Australia will get to see them.
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/soccer/everton-friendly-a-possibility-for-new-a-league-club-melbourne-heart/story-e6frfg8x-1225856589741
It looks like the tour is in discussion stage at the moment and looks like they will be in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne. Hopefully they do come over then the many Everton fans here in Australia will get to see them.
I am from Aus so it would be great and we have a huge following over here. Just a couple of balancing points though:
1. It is the Australian winter (yes, still better than an English summer, but no way to get a tan).
2. Our teams are alrite for our squad considering it will be mainly kids playing. Fowler could be playing for Sydney and they have a few decent players, and Melbourne are a new team so it will be big there
3. La Galaxy came a few years ago and drew 80,000 in Sydney (due to Beckham) but Cahill is just as big.
So, for our youngsters and hopefully some new signings, it would be fun — but a bit nippy.
1. It is the Australian winter (yes, still better than an English summer, but no way to get a tan).
2. Our teams are alrite for our squad considering it will be mainly kids playing. Fowler could be playing for Sydney and they have a few decent players, and Melbourne are a new team so it will be big there
3. La Galaxy came a few years ago and drew 80,000 in Sydney (due to Beckham) but Cahill is just as big.
So, for our youngsters and hopefully some new signings, it would be fun — but a bit nippy.
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1 Posted 21/04/2010 at 04:19:17
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Cahill is still with us and Everton have not been to Oz in a long time. If they did tour here then they will get plenty of media exposure because of the Cahill factor.