The Mail Bag
Landon Donovan
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To my mind, easily the outstanding performer in the group, with three telling performances. And under pressure too. It was Donovan's emphatic finish that started the comeback against the Slovenians and he started and finished the move that saw them qualify... Oh, and avoid the Germans in the knockout round.
He was nothing but quality throughout and clearly was the dominant figure on a very well organised team. We should sign him up, except he's worth how much now? Nice job missing another trick, lads, he'll be good for whoever is lucky enough to get him.
David Cornmell, Posted 23/06/2010 at 21:49:35
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There's been an awful lot of comment on here about how we should sign Landon. Surely this misses the point that he is NOT looking for a move.
Yes, he had a great time with us and I, like many others, thought he brought balance to our play BUT: He loves the 'West Coast' USA lifestyle and doesn't appear to be looking for a move to Europe.
His spell with us benefitted both parties, as it helped him prepare for the World Cup and I've no doubt's that he would have liked to stay for a few more weeks. This is a long way from wanting a 3 or 4 year deal.
As a Welsh Evertonian, I've enjoyed watching Landon excel at this World Cup as he seems like a genuinely decent, grounded professional who, unlike some of our currently 'signed up ' players, has only had good things to say about EFC & Evertonians.
Go USA!
I fully agree with you, Marc.
He possesses a trait that is rare in this age: commitment to a contract he has signed with the MLS.
He possesses a trait that is rare in this age: commitment to a contract he has signed with the MLS.
I get mixed messages from Donovan; although he makes it clear that he loves the California lifestyle (and who wouldn't) there's no doubt that his head was turned not only by playing with better players (apologies to all LA Galaxy fans), against better teams, in a better league, but by the support home & away Everton get.
All athletes want to test themselves against the best, and where you have to live to achieve that is (or should be) a secondary consideration, in fact I’m always suspicious of a footballer who states that they want a London club; does that mean they will choose Fulham or West Ham over Man U or the RS. To my mind they sound more like tourists than competitive athletes.
Finally if he ever comes to the EPL, he will probably double his salary, and that will buy him substantially more California lifestyle when he comes up to retirement.
All athletes want to test themselves against the best, and where you have to live to achieve that is (or should be) a secondary consideration, in fact I’m always suspicious of a footballer who states that they want a London club; does that mean they will choose Fulham or West Ham over Man U or the RS. To my mind they sound more like tourists than competitive athletes.
Finally if he ever comes to the EPL, he will probably double his salary, and that will buy him substantially more California lifestyle when he comes up to retirement.
He never was, and still isn't for sale, so tell me, how have we missed a trick?
I don't understand all this talk of us missing out on players that were never for sale in the first place.
I don't understand all this talk of us missing out on players that were never for sale in the first place.
What I didn't anticipate (while hoping for the day all these years) is yesterday's pandemonium here in the States. Yes, LD scored the goal and has been for years now the singular, recognizable American face of soccer.
But front page news in all the major US papers, every station, every channel? All things US National Team (with LD featured)? Even Mr Optimist Flynn didn't see this coming.
Turns out, getting screwed by the ref in the Slovenia game touched everything off. Talk about your silver lining in the cloud.
Watching the near-hysterical media coverage (actual question: "Mr. Donovan, what emotions are coursing through your body right now"? Oh Brother) after the game and LD clearly gaining sports icon status (not easy in America), the EFC fan in me wondered if that ended any hope for LD heading back to Goodison.
Now, with a night's sleep, I still believe he'll be back in Blue or not for the same reasons as before. The simple fact is come October in the US, the WC will be long over, baseball playoffs will begin, pro basketball, hockey, football, and college basketball will be going on or beginning, and MLS will still be MLS.
So, I see no real change in LD's moving or not. It's where he wants to play; Galaxy or Goodison. By the way, assuming DM is still interested come December. It's his opinion counts first.
But front page news in all the major US papers, every station, every channel? All things US National Team (with LD featured)? Even Mr Optimist Flynn didn't see this coming.
Turns out, getting screwed by the ref in the Slovenia game touched everything off. Talk about your silver lining in the cloud.
Watching the near-hysterical media coverage (actual question: "Mr. Donovan, what emotions are coursing through your body right now"? Oh Brother) after the game and LD clearly gaining sports icon status (not easy in America), the EFC fan in me wondered if that ended any hope for LD heading back to Goodison.
Now, with a night's sleep, I still believe he'll be back in Blue or not for the same reasons as before. The simple fact is come October in the US, the WC will be long over, baseball playoffs will begin, pro basketball, hockey, football, and college basketball will be going on or beginning, and MLS will still be MLS.
So, I see no real change in LD's moving or not. It's where he wants to play; Galaxy or Goodison. By the way, assuming DM is still interested come December. It's his opinion counts first.
Oh, and let's please remember Tim Howard kicked-off that fast break attack for that goal. Way to go Timmy!
According to some of these dim bulbs we have on TV, apparently the ball fell from the sky near mid-field and LD ran on to it.
"LANDON STARTED IT AND LANDON FINISHED IT!!!!!!!!!!"
"What emotions are coursing through your veins . . . . . . "
Please somebody help me.
According to some of these dim bulbs we have on TV, apparently the ball fell from the sky near mid-field and LD ran on to it.
"LANDON STARTED IT AND LANDON FINISHED IT!!!!!!!!!!"
"What emotions are coursing through your veins . . . . . . "
Please somebody help me.
Even if we can't afford him, go cap in hand to a loan shark, Quick Quid etc any money lender out there. It's a no-brainer... the transfer will pay for itself if we market it correct. Plus we also get a cracking player and a cracking lad.
He has easily been one of the players of the tournament so far... I'm running out of players to support at this competetion so I'm cheering him on. QUALITY!
His interview after the game was pure Hollywood theatre - who is Bianca?
Yes, that throw from Timmy was brilliant distribution, setting up a 4-on-2. Nothing would have happened without it.
Brendan (8) - She is the fly re-entering the Will LD Return to Goodison ointment.
She's his estranged, who's an actress on a hit show in Hollywood, who's just watched her now-famous, technically still hubby's face plastered across every media in America.
Hmmmmm? Someone in show business wouldn't reconcile with a spouse just because that spouse is now hugely famous and popular with the media, would she?
AND he plays his sport professionally in the same town. I mean, that didn't stop her filing for divorce in the first place, right. And then only re-conciling if he promises to stay in LA as a player?
Please tell me I'm wrong. Tell me I'm not a bad person for thinking such thoughts. I mean, you can trust an ambitious actress to not be selfish where publicity is concerned, can't you?
She's his estranged, who's an actress on a hit show in Hollywood, who's just watched her now-famous, technically still hubby's face plastered across every media in America.
Hmmmmm? Someone in show business wouldn't reconcile with a spouse just because that spouse is now hugely famous and popular with the media, would she?
AND he plays his sport professionally in the same town. I mean, that didn't stop her filing for divorce in the first place, right. And then only re-conciling if he promises to stay in LA as a player?
Please tell me I'm wrong. Tell me I'm not a bad person for thinking such thoughts. I mean, you can trust an ambitious actress to not be selfish where publicity is concerned, can't you?
I'm going to be well pissed off with her if she is the only reason he doesn't come to Goodison! Doesn't Landon know there is plenty of totty available in L4 ?!
Brendan - When I saw him blow that kiss yesterday, I thought, "Wow, Landon I love ya, but you are one seriously pussy-whipped MoFo".
Really, who the fuck knows. I was just having fun with it above. To me, wife back with him or not, status quo on his return. You have to understand just how far down the interest list MLS is here in the Fall. I mean reeeeeeally far down the list.
US is a year-round, sports-immersed country. The average fan's sports memory is short. That's not a knock. It's just something else is always coming at you sports-wise. Most especially on TV Fall/Winter time period.
By then WC 2010 in the States will be like WCs 2006, 1998, 1966, etc. Old news. The is he/isn't he LD possibilities aren't going to be changed by what's happening now.
Really, who the fuck knows. I was just having fun with it above. To me, wife back with him or not, status quo on his return. You have to understand just how far down the interest list MLS is here in the Fall. I mean reeeeeeally far down the list.
US is a year-round, sports-immersed country. The average fan's sports memory is short. That's not a knock. It's just something else is always coming at you sports-wise. Most especially on TV Fall/Winter time period.
By then WC 2010 in the States will be like WCs 2006, 1998, 1966, etc. Old news. The is he/isn't he LD possibilities aren't going to be changed by what's happening now.
Oh, and much more importantly, the Big Picture story here in the media is on Landon "vindicating" himself after his 2006 WC showing. As if he's to blame we didn't do better back then.
None, and I mean none, of the coverage is on future x-fer speculation. Which, again, highlights MLS' importance in US media. Once the WC ends, national attention ends with it. LD returns to Big Fish in Small Pond status; for which said Pond no one outside Galaxy fans gives a shit about.
None, and I mean none, of the coverage is on future x-fer speculation. Which, again, highlights MLS' importance in US media. Once the WC ends, national attention ends with it. LD returns to Big Fish in Small Pond status; for which said Pond no one outside Galaxy fans gives a shit about.
It's a tough one West coast of America or the west coast of North West England......Mmmmm. Me thinks the sunshine, relaxed lifestyle, large houses, large cars, lower tax rates and those Californian girls may just.......just win.
Well, here's the first shot fired about LD moving:
http://g.sports.yahoo.com/soccer/world-cup/news/donovan-s-dramatic-goal-will-bring-him-riches--fbintl_ro-landonmoney062410.html.
http://g.sports.yahoo.com/soccer/world-cup/news/donovan-s-dramatic-goal-will-bring-him-riches--fbintl_ro-landonmoney062410.html.
I noticed via the Echo website that the slide show of that masters tennis tournament in Liverpool features John McEnroe in various Everton shirts — 'Howard 24', 'McEnroe 10' — so we're already getting the good follow-on promo from having a US contingent
Yeah Jo, if lower tax rates are in fact true. Who cares how low the taxes are? he's on about $20K a week; he'd more than triple that at Everton. His nett would be larger than his US gross.
Also, as an ambitious player, at 28 he is running out of time to make it in a big league.
Surely the only question is would he choose Everton over say Man U? He is on record as saying he would, but if the offer was made???
I am sure we are working on this behind the scenes. But the price would have to be right, and he would have to say yes. The only way I can see it is that the price is equal to paying out his contract:
what $5 million?
Also, as an ambitious player, at 28 he is running out of time to make it in a big league.
Surely the only question is would he choose Everton over say Man U? He is on record as saying he would, but if the offer was made???
I am sure we are working on this behind the scenes. But the price would have to be right, and he would have to say yes. The only way I can see it is that the price is equal to paying out his contract:
what $5 million?
Roberto (18) - Another way to put that is Man Utd playing time now and again or EFC playing time regularly. Got to keep that in mind.
Plus, the Goodison faithful definately got to him. Gotta keep that in mind too. He's going to make his money, after all.
Add to that, he's been on good and bad teams. He knows EFC's on the verge and he could be part of EFC lore, rather than just another cog in the SAF ManU machine.
Believe me, as professionally polished as he presents himself, LD has plenty of the "Egotistical, Arrogant Little Prick" in him. He wants to leave his mark, just like the rest of them. Goodison's the right place for that to happen.
Plus, the Goodison faithful definately got to him. Gotta keep that in mind too. He's going to make his money, after all.
Add to that, he's been on good and bad teams. He knows EFC's on the verge and he could be part of EFC lore, rather than just another cog in the SAF ManU machine.
Believe me, as professionally polished as he presents himself, LD has plenty of the "Egotistical, Arrogant Little Prick" in him. He wants to leave his mark, just like the rest of them. Goodison's the right place for that to happen.
You would not believe the "LandonMania" that has swept the US within the last 48 hours. If the US advances tomorrow (and maybe even if they don't) it will mean a spate of new endorsement offers coming his way.
And herein lies the problem for Everton.
The Galaxy were able to land Beckham (you remember him, Landon Donovan's teammate) because they were able to offer Beckham a hat-ful of sponsorship deals because LA is one the, if not THE, largest media markets in the world. Beckham was able to cash in on pedigree because LA could afford it. The Galaxy actually ended up MAKING money on his presence. Behind Beckham in salary and endorsements is Donovan. He will now have the potential to surpass any other footballer in the states, including Beckham should the US keep progressing.
The other fly in the ointment is his ex-wife, who has made some reconciliation gestures toward "Lan the Man" (landycakes having been retired by the sportswriter who coined it.) Should the relation be re-kindled, she who has a progressing acting career, would not welcome a stay in Liverpool.
In American baseball parlance, that is two strikes!
But Landon has expressed his fondness for Everton and many have speculated that if he were to make a permanent move to the EPL, Everton would be at the top of the list. On the down side, a lot of clubs have put Donovan at the top of their lists.
And herein lies the problem for Everton.
The Galaxy were able to land Beckham (you remember him, Landon Donovan's teammate) because they were able to offer Beckham a hat-ful of sponsorship deals because LA is one the, if not THE, largest media markets in the world. Beckham was able to cash in on pedigree because LA could afford it. The Galaxy actually ended up MAKING money on his presence. Behind Beckham in salary and endorsements is Donovan. He will now have the potential to surpass any other footballer in the states, including Beckham should the US keep progressing.
The other fly in the ointment is his ex-wife, who has made some reconciliation gestures toward "Lan the Man" (landycakes having been retired by the sportswriter who coined it.) Should the relation be re-kindled, she who has a progressing acting career, would not welcome a stay in Liverpool.
In American baseball parlance, that is two strikes!
But Landon has expressed his fondness for Everton and many have speculated that if he were to make a permanent move to the EPL, Everton would be at the top of the list. On the down side, a lot of clubs have put Donovan at the top of their lists.
There's no great problem on signing LD for our right flank.
The World Cup just ended for the overwhelming percentage of Americans.
The goal robbery in the 2nd game is what touched off the mania here, not winning the 3rd. As LD is the singular known US player in the US, his scoring the winning goal against Algeria, put him in the news everywhere.
Now we're out. Without US players going out to play, the coverage will ebb until the WC ends. Then the coverage will go away.
Look, LD can help EFC. Particularly as we're not balanced up front yet. It's not "Is LD as good as Messi?" or "LD's not as good as Peanuts or Vic".
It's what a guy who fits in very well and wants to play for EFC can do towards the Trophy being put in the case next May, then moved aside in 2012 for the next one, etc.
The World Cup just ended for the overwhelming percentage of Americans.
The goal robbery in the 2nd game is what touched off the mania here, not winning the 3rd. As LD is the singular known US player in the US, his scoring the winning goal against Algeria, put him in the news everywhere.
Now we're out. Without US players going out to play, the coverage will ebb until the WC ends. Then the coverage will go away.
Look, LD can help EFC. Particularly as we're not balanced up front yet. It's not "Is LD as good as Messi?" or "LD's not as good as Peanuts or Vic".
It's what a guy who fits in very well and wants to play for EFC can do towards the Trophy being put in the case next May, then moved aside in 2012 for the next one, etc.
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1 Posted 24/06/2010 at 06:23:18
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On one side they can make an awful lot of $$$ by selling him to what I believe is the only club he would want to go to. Everton have a great opportunity to utilize the sponsorship and tap into the American market with their most famous player. But on the other side, after his performances on a world stage thus far, why wouldn't the MLS want to market their own boy themselves?
I think he would be a useful addition to the playing staff if we could prize him away. Not the electric right winger we need but another semi-utility player that can play as a right midfield-attacker-forward.
But for me it's the marketability prospect that should be the clincher. We have a few regular TW posters that live in America and I wonder if they purchased a replica shirt what name would they have on the back?
Arteta? Rodwell? Pienaar? (if he stays!!) Or, by knowing how patriotic a nation the yanks are, Donovan?
If we have the money, it's a no-brainer for me.