The Mail Bag
Our Manc among Men
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"A man among men":
? a person regarded as epitomizing manhood or mankind; (esp. as a term of praise) one who is the equal of or an example to all others; an active, well-rounded member of society."For this quote, see Phil Neville. When we were losing at the start of the season, too many ToffeeWebbers were slagging Pip off for his unnecessary war cries and his pandering to the media. Yet when he has an awesome game and keeps currently the best left winger (on-form) quiet, not many people will come out with praise for Phil.
The praise has come from all respected media sources and the two managers on Saturday. Is it because he is a Manc? Is it because he is an unglamorous player? Whatever the reasons, I think the discription above aptly suits our team captain and hope that more Everton fans start to see him for what he truly is ? a battler, a winner and a passionate leader for our great team.
Andrew Fair , Posted 25/10/2010 at 08:50:34
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I personally am a big fan of him. We always appear stronger when he plays. He also represents a level of professionalism that is sadly lacking in the youth players of today.
If the rest of 'em put as much effort and professionalism into their game, then we'd be in a MUCH better position.
Hibbert gets a lot of stick too, when fellas like Jonny the Madman, Fellaini & Saha should look closer at themselves in my opinion.
For all his failings, and there aren't many, he brings a lot more to the table than people give him credit for. You need a leader on the pitch and lead he does ? by example. He was superb on Saturday and Coleman will learn a lot from him playing alongside him; he was also awsome in the derby. One of those players who just gets on with the job, never stops talking to his team mates and is a great organiser.
Those who just knock him for the sake of it ? and a lot do ? know fuck all about the game to be honest.
I mean we had a thread of 70 posts about Cahill stupidly putting a free kick out for a throw in last week.
Neville is a good professional and we do seem a little more stable when he plays but my personal view is that Hibbert is still a better defender than him.
He is a very good winger and we don't see many of them these days, which perhaps explains the media frenzy.
Very good, not great. But give the lad credit, he's probably in the form of his life.
I would add two other factors: (1) his body language sends a sends a strong message to everyone on the pitch, and especially the opposition; and (2) he is constantly fighting our corner with referees in a manner which seems to get results. Having watched a number of incidents, I am sure he influences referees in our favour at times just through his words and his presence.
If only he could tackle, play, pass and score.
Hibbert may well be a better defender, but he does not possess the organisational or inspirational qualities that Phil does. They both bring certain attributes to the team and I have no problem with either player pulling on blue shirt. Mainly because of the commitment they show when on the pitch.
He is not a great player, but you need a leader on the pitch, and you definitely need someone to guide the younger players during a game. He never hides, even when we are getting stuffed. His experience is invaluable.
A model professional, who is respected throughout football.
Our Captain Pip is a true leader. Remember the tackle on Ronaldo which actually turned our season around and most recently, the small nudges/contacts on Crouch which was so subtle and professionally done that the ref had no reason to pull out a card.
Although not the most gifted of players, his leadership quality, confidence and fighting spirit surely rubs on the team. May it continue for many years to come.
Not only that (the sequel) his back four, for his team of the week was Nev Jags and Bainsy for three of them.
A bit of balance at last. He's chatting about him now.
Nevs good for us at this stage and we miss him when he's not there.
"Towards more picturesque speech" is how I think the Readers Digest would refer to that gem.
Gulp!
Nev looks like Tony Curtis compared to Kuyt. Now that IS ugly.
And what about that Kryzzywiggios (or summat) fella the shite have got? Nev looks like a Miss World contestant compared to him.
Think too many are trying to find an individual reason for our improved form when, in my opinion, its a combination of factors. Not least Moyes being forced into a corner where he has had to play something resembling a team with shape rather than that random assortment of footballers he was throwing together to begin with.
Not to detract from any one individual, though, Clearly, the Yak, Neville, and Seamus have contributed in their own ways.
But you can't question his leadership... as a person and a leader.. I have all the time in the world for the guy... as long as he sticks to RB I'll keep the rest of my hair...
I've been an EFC fan since 1948 and don't walk around wearing blue tinted glasses (unless I have a headache)... Neville and Coleman played him very well BUT he was still dangerous when given space. Give credit where it's due or don't just write viriolic tripe!!!
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1 Posted 25/10/2010 at 12:14:51
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