Season 2011-12 Fan Articles
Stepping Backwards
By Paul McAllister :: 17/10/2011
46 Comments (»Last)
Monday 17 October 2011, the day Everton Football Club and its management found yet another way to anger and embarrass its already disillusioned and restless fanbase.
On Monday, Everton announced they had re-signed James McFadden. Yes, the same James McFadden who in 5 years made over a 130 appearances for our club in all competitions and only managed to scored 20 goals.
Yes, the same James McFadden we were all glad to see the back of when he was sold several years ago. Yes, the same James McFadden who since leaving Goodison Park for St Andrews has spent the majority of his time on the treatment table and not on the field. This signing completely spells out how far Everton have fallen behind the pack in the last few years.
One specific memory I have of McFadden during his first tenure was during what I believe may have been his last appearance for the club as at the time it was largely known he was going to be shown the door.
It was a game at Goodison Park in January 2008 but sadly I can?t for the life of me remember who it was against. Anyway, on the hour mark McFadden was hauled off by the manager after yet another under-whelming performance. The guy sitting behind me said ?I hope that?s the last we see of him.?
Several minutes later a plane passed over the ground and the same guy remarked ?that?ll be McFadden going for his medical at Birmingham already.?
In June, the Birmingham fans and management like Everton before them, lost patience with McFadden and he was released. Since then there?s hardly been a long line of teams waiting in line to sign him. This is because other teams feel he would bring nothing to their sides. Everton should be feeling the same way. But we don?t, that?s because our situation has become so desperate our manager and the majority of our fans will accept anybody.
Our re-signing of our former No 24 couldn?t make it anymore obvious just how dire the situation is. Who are we planning on re-signing next, Per Krøldrup? Kevin Kilbane? This situation can?t be ignored anymore and Evertonians can?t just try to pretend nothing is wrong. The team isn?t just stagnating ? it?s stepping backwards.
How is a player who couldn?t cut the mustard before going to cut it three years and several serious injuries later? This re-signing is embarrassing for us as a club. Hell, if I?m wrong and James McFadden is a whole new player who manages to bag around 10-12 goals this season then bloody hell I?m wrong and I?ll take back what I?ve said. But until I?m proven wrong, I?m afraid I?m right.
Don?t get me wrong though, if he features in our next game at Goodison Park I certainly won?t boo or heckle the lad, I?ll just continue to do what I?ve been doing for the last year or so. Shake my head and wonder how did it get to this?
Reader Comments (46)
Note: the following content is not moderated or vetted by the site owners at the time of submission. Comments are the responsibility of the poster. Disclaimer
Jimmy Sorheim
2 Posted 18/10/2011 at 00:53:30
2 Posted 18/10/2011 at 00:53:30
I am so sick of reading about how bad Moyes has become, yet you ALL sit quiet when you are at Goodison. Bring a poster and start protesting while shouting on the top of your lungs:Moyes must go!
That is the only way he will be able to leave.
That is the only way Kenwright will listen, the media is the only thing that Kenwright cares about, that is the only way for Moyes to leave.
Start a big fans unrest and start protesting if you really feel this way about Moyes!!!
That is the only way he will be able to leave.
That is the only way Kenwright will listen, the media is the only thing that Kenwright cares about, that is the only way for Moyes to leave.
Start a big fans unrest and start protesting if you really feel this way about Moyes!!!
Andrew Lum
3 Posted 18/10/2011 at 01:28:18
3 Posted 18/10/2011 at 01:28:18
What does MacFadden add to the squad? Where is Moyes planning to play him? Left midfield, upfront or playing off the striker? If I am Vellios, Gueye, Drenthe or Bily, I'll be wondering when will I ever get my chance?
Chris Bannantyne
4 Posted 18/10/2011 at 03:18:18
4 Posted 18/10/2011 at 03:18:18
Fuck me dead. Another crock is just what we need. Can't we give some of the players we've got a run before we sign more useless fucks? Gueye, Vellios, Drenthe, Stracqualursi and the mysteriously disappeared Barkley. These guys should be getting a chance at starting, but instead its the same old shit.
We all agree we need striking options, but if we don't even use the guys we've got, then what's point in bringing someone else in, unless that someone else is Messi or something.
I believe Yakubu was past it, and we were right to move him on, but what's the point in getting rid of Yakubu only to sign James McFadden? At least Yakubu had proven himself as a striker earlier in his career.
At the end of this season i want to see a few players move on to a retirement club; Neville, Saha, Anichebe and maybe even Cahill. But i don't see the point if they're only going to be replaced by the likes of McFadden.
Just play the new guys, they can't be much shittier than our current lineup.
We all agree we need striking options, but if we don't even use the guys we've got, then what's point in bringing someone else in, unless that someone else is Messi or something.
I believe Yakubu was past it, and we were right to move him on, but what's the point in getting rid of Yakubu only to sign James McFadden? At least Yakubu had proven himself as a striker earlier in his career.
At the end of this season i want to see a few players move on to a retirement club; Neville, Saha, Anichebe and maybe even Cahill. But i don't see the point if they're only going to be replaced by the likes of McFadden.
Just play the new guys, they can't be much shittier than our current lineup.
Geoff Edwards
5 Posted 18/10/2011 at 08:28:44
5 Posted 18/10/2011 at 08:28:44
I wouldn't worry too much, he's prob just been brought in on cheap wages to bolster numbers. It's well documented we have the smallest squad in the league. No harm in adding someone we know who may be able to step in when there are injuries/suspensions or if the younger lads need a rest.
James Morgan
6 Posted 18/10/2011 at 09:44:06
6 Posted 18/10/2011 at 09:44:06
I can just hear the collective sighs and groans when he dally's on the ball and it gets nicked from him by a defender.
Surely giving Vellios/Denis/Gueye/Barkley is the better option?
Surely giving Vellios/Denis/Gueye/Barkley is the better option?
David S Shaw
7 Posted 18/10/2011 at 11:30:49
7 Posted 18/10/2011 at 11:30:49
One thing about the sale of McFadden is that he went just before the Chelsea Semi, and I thought at the time it was a mistake as he was capable of coming off the bench and doing something different.
Interesting that we have Chelsea coming up in the Cup again, so at least it could put my mind at rest that he probably wouldn't have made a difference.
Interesting that we have Chelsea coming up in the Cup again, so at least it could put my mind at rest that he probably wouldn't have made a difference.
Kunal Desai
8 Posted 18/10/2011 at 12:31:11
8 Posted 18/10/2011 at 12:31:11
Perhaps the signing is an indication that we're to expect life in the championship in the next 1or 2 seasons. I doubt very much Drenthe and Strac will be signed on permanent deals and probably from what they've witnessed at Goodison over the past two months they would prefer to fuck off sooner rather than later. Oce Baines and Fellaini are sold we'll be preparing for life after death!
Ste Traverse
9 Posted 18/10/2011 at 12:34:55
9 Posted 18/10/2011 at 12:34:55
The game the OP maybe talking about was the embarassing FA Cup exit to Oldham in January 2008. McFadden put in a couldn't be arsed performance and I remember completely losing it with him when he put another cross in the Street End near the end of the game.
A signing which tells all how far we going backwards. I wish Kenwright and his boardroom cronies plus that twat Ian Ross would all Fuck Off.
A signing which tells all how far we going backwards. I wish Kenwright and his boardroom cronies plus that twat Ian Ross would all Fuck Off.
Tony J Williams
10 Posted 18/10/2011 at 12:40:21
10 Posted 18/10/2011 at 12:40:21
As another poster said on another thread...he is still better than Victor.
that is the only positive thing I can add to this scenario
that is the only positive thing I can add to this scenario
Daniel A Johnson
11 Posted 18/10/2011 at 12:46:20
11 Posted 18/10/2011 at 12:46:20
reminds of Walter Smiths Desperado buys...........Gascoigne, Ginola, Blomquist, et al.
Were fucked and a buy liek this signals everythings whats wrong with EFC...............
Were fucked and a buy liek this signals everythings whats wrong with EFC...............
Daniel A Johnson
12 Posted 18/10/2011 at 12:49:00
12 Posted 18/10/2011 at 12:49:00
CHeers Moyes, your killing this loyals fans love for the club. More of this and in 2 yrs time I wont give a fuck about EFC
Peter Laing
13 Posted 18/10/2011 at 12:48:27
13 Posted 18/10/2011 at 12:48:27
I share your frustration and anger Paul, without wanting to use James McFadden personally as a whipping boy this latest stunt has all the making's of a Club devoid of any sembelance of pride, integrity or hope of prosperity. We are not only just listing and limping along but in serious risk of decline. Blue Union are derided by many, there tag-line support the club oppose stagnation. Too many straws lately have broken the camels back, the football, atmosphere these days around G.P and Kenwright's smug, self-congratulatory narcisism is making me feel not just angry but nauseous. Life as an Evertonian these days is depressing.
Kevin Tully
14 Posted 18/10/2011 at 12:57:30
14 Posted 18/10/2011 at 12:57:30
Are we really this desperate? Maybe this signing will demonstrate how bad things really are at Goodison.
How anyone can defend the board, (not just Kenwright) is beyond me.
We are sinking lads, this signals the end of the road.
How anyone can defend the board, (not just Kenwright) is beyond me.
We are sinking lads, this signals the end of the road.
Alan Clarke
15 Posted 18/10/2011 at 13:06:50
15 Posted 18/10/2011 at 13:06:50
Is anyone happy about this?
Even Kenwright's mouthpiece, Dave Prentice in the echo is saying it smacks of desperation. He makes a good comparison to when Kendall re-signed Beagrie on loan. Fuck me, we've had so much shit to put up with over the years.
Even Kenwright's mouthpiece, Dave Prentice in the echo is saying it smacks of desperation. He makes a good comparison to when Kendall re-signed Beagrie on loan. Fuck me, we've had so much shit to put up with over the years.
bruce moxham
17 Posted 18/10/2011 at 13:05:05
17 Posted 18/10/2011 at 13:05:05
Not sure why people are getting so upset. He's only been signed until the end of the season and probably not match fit anyway, so I can only imagine he is making up the numbers and getting some match time before heading to Celtic for some easy trophies next season. I cant really see who loses in this. I'm more puzzled by Stracq / Silva - 2 strikers we signed and havent played. My guess is Stracq has proved to be a dud signing and Silva, I dont know. Must be some story there, buying a good striker and loaning him out straight away for 18 months when we have nobody else - is there some attitude problem?
Phil Bellis
18 Posted 18/10/2011 at 13:17:35
18 Posted 18/10/2011 at 13:17:35
Mmmm, Bruce - I've wondered about Moyes's attitude as well, recently
Tommy Heskrth
19 Posted 18/10/2011 at 13:25:45
19 Posted 18/10/2011 at 13:25:45
Bruce 16#, I'll tell you why people are getting upset, it's that Jimmy Mac is shite. He may have only been signed to the end of season, well considering we are skint, what is the point in signing him & Hanneman to pay 2 sets of wages when neither of them will improve the side?
Both sets of wages could have been used for Barton or Larrsson or any other player with a hint of ability, we already have coleman to run with his head fixed to the floor we don't need another.
The attitude problem is that DM goes with what he know's and never thinks of the bigger picture , i.e. what the fans want to see week in week out
The indignation & embarrasment of being a blue in current times in shocking.
IMWT, yeah to deliver shite, boring park and ride football and were the one's being taken for a ride.
Both sets of wages could have been used for Barton or Larrsson or any other player with a hint of ability, we already have coleman to run with his head fixed to the floor we don't need another.
The attitude problem is that DM goes with what he know's and never thinks of the bigger picture , i.e. what the fans want to see week in week out
The indignation & embarrasment of being a blue in current times in shocking.
IMWT, yeah to deliver shite, boring park and ride football and were the one's being taken for a ride.
Michael Brien
20 Posted 18/10/2011 at 13:42:12
20 Posted 18/10/2011 at 13:42:12
Yes we have signed a player and before he has kicked a ball he is slagged off .........same old same old from some people. Let's give the guy a chance before we voice our opinion. Though that would be a strange concept for some to accept .........what Evertonians reserving their judgement !? I know a totally radical idea isn't it? My opinion - could be a good signing..........could be a bad one - but let's wait and see before we rush to judge.
Copied that from a post I put in another article - I will add this - seems to me that slagging off our team is something of a hobby for some Evertonians. I wonder if it happened in Alex Young's era ? I also wonder if any of the people who have commented were at Goodison for the Charlton match ? Yep one swallow doesn't make a summer etc etc - but as I said we won't know until he has played. Giving players a chance - whatever next ?
Copied that from a post I put in another article - I will add this - seems to me that slagging off our team is something of a hobby for some Evertonians. I wonder if it happened in Alex Young's era ? I also wonder if any of the people who have commented were at Goodison for the Charlton match ? Yep one swallow doesn't make a summer etc etc - but as I said we won't know until he has played. Giving players a chance - whatever next ?
Alex Baker
21 Posted 18/10/2011 at 13:51:15
21 Posted 18/10/2011 at 13:51:15
Michael Brian, he already has kicked a ball for us - he was at the club in the past and after spending the entirity of last season injured he certainly hasn't improved since then. I don't mind giving McFadden a second chance but in his first one I think the verdict is pretty much unanimous; he was at best inconsistent and at worst frustrating to the point of tearing your hair out. This is not a progressive signing by any means. It says a lot that most people can't even find a position for him, whether it's a striker, winger, deep-lying forward or whatever - he just sort of... drifts.
John Ford
22 Posted 18/10/2011 at 14:03:46
22 Posted 18/10/2011 at 14:03:46
Just a squad player making up the numbers. Its only an issue if he's picked ahead of others who've not been given a fair crack.
Ray Robinson
23 Posted 18/10/2011 at 14:28:08
23 Posted 18/10/2011 at 14:28:08
No John, it is an issue even if he isn't piacked ahead of other players. He's draining a cash-strapped club of precious funds if he doesn't play - same with Hahnemann. Why don't we just go with some promising youngsters who are already being paid by the club? Pointless signing.
Paul Johnson
24 Posted 18/10/2011 at 14:54:44
24 Posted 18/10/2011 at 14:54:44
Ray I posted on another thread here earlier this morning. Mcfadden isnt here for the love of Everton, he is here for the money.
I bet he is on 20k a week - 1million a year. I for one would think the club would get more benefit by paying off barclays than acting as a charity for ex below average players. I bet he doesnt start 20% of the games til the end of the season. God help us if he does.
I dont like Moyes but I thought he had more about him than this. Despair doesnt quite say how I feel.
I bet he is on 20k a week - 1million a year. I for one would think the club would get more benefit by paying off barclays than acting as a charity for ex below average players. I bet he doesnt start 20% of the games til the end of the season. God help us if he does.
I dont like Moyes but I thought he had more about him than this. Despair doesnt quite say how I feel.
Danny Broderick
26 Posted 18/10/2011 at 15:29:25
26 Posted 18/10/2011 at 15:29:25
What happened in the summer transfer window has seriously damaged the club. We left ourselves criminally short of strikers and creativity, having sold Arteta, the Yak, Vaughan and Beckford (and previously Pienaar).
Because of that, I can half understand the signing of McFadden - we are so short that beggars can hardly be choosers. But this signing merely shows how far we have fallen, and what a mess we put ourselves in this summer.
For me, the chickens have come home to roost for this board. I can only hope that this finally convinces more people to join the Blue Union ? surely there can be no clearer indication that we are going backwards than being forced to sign a player who was not considered good enough when we sold him 3 years previously ? the same player who wasn't a success in a relegated Birmingham side, a player who has since had a cruciate injury and who hardly had a queue of clubs rushing to sign him.
By the way, I hope he does well for us ? it's not his fault after all.
Because of that, I can half understand the signing of McFadden - we are so short that beggars can hardly be choosers. But this signing merely shows how far we have fallen, and what a mess we put ourselves in this summer.
For me, the chickens have come home to roost for this board. I can only hope that this finally convinces more people to join the Blue Union ? surely there can be no clearer indication that we are going backwards than being forced to sign a player who was not considered good enough when we sold him 3 years previously ? the same player who wasn't a success in a relegated Birmingham side, a player who has since had a cruciate injury and who hardly had a queue of clubs rushing to sign him.
By the way, I hope he does well for us ? it's not his fault after all.
Chris Butler
27 Posted 18/10/2011 at 17:30:53
27 Posted 18/10/2011 at 17:30:53
Typical Moyes we have Drenthe, Bily, and Gueye who can play in that position. The game against Man City was the 1 when Everton fans became sick of him. His performances were awful at Everton, with the exception of a few games. He reminds me of Billy a player who has got a lot of talent but never seems to been consistent enough to be a great player.
I thought it was a cruel joke when Sky Sports announced we'd be re signing McFadden, Liverpool fans must be pissing themselves. Moyes has continually bought players in certain position. For example the time in 2009 when we were trying to sign Kyle walker, despite the fact we had 3 right backs.
Moyes needs to buy a striker and a central midfielder in the window in January. He needs to bring Barkley in drop Coleman, sway Jags for Heitenga then I think we'll have a chance of european qualification. If we had Beckford in the team we'd be doing far better than now. Saha has never been very popular at Everton since he arrived, due to his poor work ethic and constant injury problems so it's ridiculous he's become our main striker.
I do believe that there's a possibility things could get better, but only if we just go out there a look for a win. Everton fans admire passion and effort Moyes once drilled this itno his players, it seems to have gone.
I thought it was a cruel joke when Sky Sports announced we'd be re signing McFadden, Liverpool fans must be pissing themselves. Moyes has continually bought players in certain position. For example the time in 2009 when we were trying to sign Kyle walker, despite the fact we had 3 right backs.
Moyes needs to buy a striker and a central midfielder in the window in January. He needs to bring Barkley in drop Coleman, sway Jags for Heitenga then I think we'll have a chance of european qualification. If we had Beckford in the team we'd be doing far better than now. Saha has never been very popular at Everton since he arrived, due to his poor work ethic and constant injury problems so it's ridiculous he's become our main striker.
I do believe that there's a possibility things could get better, but only if we just go out there a look for a win. Everton fans admire passion and effort Moyes once drilled this itno his players, it seems to have gone.
Michael Brien
28 Posted 18/10/2011 at 20:20:02
28 Posted 18/10/2011 at 20:20:02
I bet he is on 20k a week - 1million a year - do you know that for a fact Paul ? And Alex - I am just saying I am prepared to give the guy a second chance - let's see how he does this time before we condemn the guy as a failure.
David Booth
29 Posted 18/10/2011 at 20:35:36
29 Posted 18/10/2011 at 20:35:36
God help us.
Brian Lawlor
30 Posted 18/10/2011 at 20:58:31
30 Posted 18/10/2011 at 20:58:31
How is signing a player for nought when the window is closed and we're skint 'stepping backwards'?
Lucas Neill signed for nought, did a job, sold for a fee.
Beckford, signed for nought, did a job and sold for a fee.
Its a no lose situation.
I don't get the negativity around this.
We're skint and we've signed a player who can do a job, gives us another option and could generate a fee for us
Lucas Neill signed for nought, did a job, sold for a fee.
Beckford, signed for nought, did a job and sold for a fee.
Its a no lose situation.
I don't get the negativity around this.
We're skint and we've signed a player who can do a job, gives us another option and could generate a fee for us
Denis Richardson
31 Posted 18/10/2011 at 21:04:18
31 Posted 18/10/2011 at 21:04:18
Brian, understand what you are saying but I think McRooney has only signed until the end of the season - i.e. there will be no fee (highly doubt anyone is going to buy him in Jan!).
Second point - will 'do a job'. Granted there is a possibility of this but history would point to the probability of him 'doing a job' being low. He has not played competitive football for 13 months, is not that good and we have other players (younger, faster) that can play in any position that McRooney can play in.
If he has joined until the end of the season on a pay as you play deal, then all ok, no loss. However, the press usually comments on deals like this and nothing of the sort has been said so I presume he is on a normal contract, if that is the case then IMO this is a waste of money.
We already have up to at least 3 if not 4 midfielders who can play on the left and I would certainly hope that the manager is not thinking of putting McRooney as our first or second choice striker.
At the end of the day its happened and its pretty desperate. If we loose our next 3 league games (all very lose-able), it will be interesting to hear the crowd at GP.
Have nothing against the guy myself but cannot see any upside in this. Could have used the cash in Jan for another loanee instead.
Second point - will 'do a job'. Granted there is a possibility of this but history would point to the probability of him 'doing a job' being low. He has not played competitive football for 13 months, is not that good and we have other players (younger, faster) that can play in any position that McRooney can play in.
If he has joined until the end of the season on a pay as you play deal, then all ok, no loss. However, the press usually comments on deals like this and nothing of the sort has been said so I presume he is on a normal contract, if that is the case then IMO this is a waste of money.
We already have up to at least 3 if not 4 midfielders who can play on the left and I would certainly hope that the manager is not thinking of putting McRooney as our first or second choice striker.
At the end of the day its happened and its pretty desperate. If we loose our next 3 league games (all very lose-able), it will be interesting to hear the crowd at GP.
Have nothing against the guy myself but cannot see any upside in this. Could have used the cash in Jan for another loanee instead.
Alan Smeeth
32 Posted 18/10/2011 at 22:13:23
32 Posted 18/10/2011 at 22:13:23
Watch him keep out our 2 left wingers that have pace.
Chad Schofield
33 Posted 18/10/2011 at 22:24:33
33 Posted 18/10/2011 at 22:24:33
Fuck me Michael Brein. You first argue we should give the guy a chance, although he had a long, fairly fruitless and sustained chance before then jump down the throat of someone suggestiing he's on £20k a week. He's unlikely to be on less than the average salary, but considering that the average EPL salary was £28,230 per player per week, or £1.47 million a year, last year... Is it a bad guess?
He's up there with Billy on the infuriation stakes... But has been offered far more of a chance than him.
He's up there with Billy on the infuriation stakes... But has been offered far more of a chance than him.
Andy Crooks
34 Posted 18/10/2011 at 23:24:46
34 Posted 18/10/2011 at 23:24:46
Brian Lawlor, I doubt I've ever agreed with you but if there is a silver lining here you might have found it. McFadden comes on as a sub scores a wonder goal and heads of to Celtic in the summer for a knock down £750k. Selling McFadden twice, now that would be something.. A positive spin,thanks Brian.
Trevor Lynes
35 Posted 19/10/2011 at 00:02:26
35 Posted 19/10/2011 at 00:02:26
All it shows me is that we will take ANYONE so long as it costs no fee...What galls me is paying wages to a hasbeen who will very probably not complete a full game.
Ive finished with paying money to watch this club...Im totally disgusted and embarrassed at the antics of our management from top to bottom.
We refused to give Pienaar parity with Arteta and now both have gone...whilst we GIVE money to MacFadden for nothing ??????
We lost Gosling when he should have commanded a fee...Yobo left for next to nothing...as did the Yak and Vaughan now we bring back a Scottish version of Van der Meyde...We have become a laughing stock and BK should stick to pantomime and stop taking the piss out of our once great club.
Ive finished with paying money to watch this club...Im totally disgusted and embarrassed at the antics of our management from top to bottom.
We refused to give Pienaar parity with Arteta and now both have gone...whilst we GIVE money to MacFadden for nothing ??????
We lost Gosling when he should have commanded a fee...Yobo left for next to nothing...as did the Yak and Vaughan now we bring back a Scottish version of Van der Meyde...We have become a laughing stock and BK should stick to pantomime and stop taking the piss out of our once great club.
David Booth
36 Posted 19/10/2011 at 00:15:28
36 Posted 19/10/2011 at 00:15:28
Brian.. it's because he's absolute sh*te and we don't need him!
Roman Sidey
37 Posted 19/10/2011 at 02:27:09
37 Posted 19/10/2011 at 02:27:09
I'm actually happy that he's back at the club - I always liked the guy. The situation is kind of shit though. What I don't understand is why the reaction to signing Macca is this heavy when nobody said boo when we signed Hahnemann.
Chad Schofield
38 Posted 19/10/2011 at 04:30:16
38 Posted 19/10/2011 at 04:30:16
Hahnemann was an odd one Roman, especially as we never seem to give our reserve keepers a chance, until they all get injured at once! The negativity, from my part anyway, isn't because he's a a bad guy with an attitude... But he is a known quantity. Unfortunately for all his good points, the bad outweigh those. Much in the same way had we signed Marcus Bent or Zinedine Kilbane... They were players who we got behind but for all the paddling did little.
Do I hope he does well - ofcourse. Does my most child-like optimistic side think he will, no, sadly not. So paying a player of his calibre at least £250,000 (possibly £1m if £40k) in wages seems like a waste
Do I hope he does well - ofcourse. Does my most child-like optimistic side think he will, no, sadly not. So paying a player of his calibre at least £250,000 (possibly £1m if £40k) in wages seems like a waste
Michael Brien
39 Posted 19/10/2011 at 07:08:36
39 Posted 19/10/2011 at 07:08:36
Chad - 20K a week, £250,000 a week - are these facts ?"He's unlikely to be on less than the average salary......" You don't know that for a fact do you? And as regards jumping down the throat of someone who disagrees with me - I don't think so - pissed of with somebody who can't be arsed to spell my surname correctly YES!!!! - it's Brien ( not exactly a difficult name to spell is it???)
Chad Schofield
40 Posted 19/10/2011 at 07:28:15
40 Posted 19/10/2011 at 07:28:15
Brien (apologies for the typo), calm down old bean.
I did not suggest we are paying McFadden £250k a week or indeed I was dealing in "FACTS". However, there's been no mention of a pay when play (well publicised for Saha's initial contract), he's signed to the end of the season (25 weeks approx), so if we got him without any signing on fee and pay him a derisory figure (for EPL standards) of £10,000 a week... What do we get to? Need that cut up into smaller peices... Oops I mean pieces?
It's called an educated guess. Note, not fact. Simply reiterating "you don't know that for a fact" is not an argument... Well technically it is, but one that's only normally used in playgrounds of kids who struggle to grasp elementary maths.
I did not suggest we are paying McFadden £250k a week or indeed I was dealing in "FACTS". However, there's been no mention of a pay when play (well publicised for Saha's initial contract), he's signed to the end of the season (25 weeks approx), so if we got him without any signing on fee and pay him a derisory figure (for EPL standards) of £10,000 a week... What do we get to? Need that cut up into smaller peices... Oops I mean pieces?
It's called an educated guess. Note, not fact. Simply reiterating "you don't know that for a fact" is not an argument... Well technically it is, but one that's only normally used in playgrounds of kids who struggle to grasp elementary maths.
Paul Johnson
41 Posted 19/10/2011 at 07:59:28
41 Posted 19/10/2011 at 07:59:28
Brian, I know for a fact as I know his father Jimmy personally, that James was on 27K a year before he left Everton. I am sure that when he left Everton that Birmingham will have increased this. You can bet your bottom dollar that they will have looked to reduce this significantly with the advent of championship football and that is why James will have decided to try his luck elsewhere.
So the 20k was a guesstimate but either way wether he is on 20k or 5k he is a stopgap that a reserve could have filled in my eyes. Hence we are wasting money we dont have.
Or would you advocate that we go and sign a number of players to fill gaps because they are cheap. Oops actually looking at our transfer policy that is what the chairman and manager are doing. Selling anyone worth selling and buying cheap. All to cover their financial mismanagement.
Carry on defending the indefensible. I refuse to because unlike you deep down I want this club to succeed by playing stylish competitve football at the highest level.
This will not happen while we have a board that has no drive, inclination or imagination on how to develop the club into a global world leading brand, Before anyone throws Man U or Arsenal at me 20 years ago both these clubs were not anywhere near the position financially that they are in now. So why cant we turn it around. But thay had foresight they didnt raid the family Jewels like Kenwright.
Our manager whilst competent has no imagination and again let me use another so called negative manager as an example - Jose Mourinho considered as a guy who would rather win one nil. A game on Sky, (dont remember who they were playing) they were 2-0 down at half time. He made 3 subs during the break and won the game. Maybe we dont have the same quality on the bench but he changed for the positive. What do we do, send on the one player in the side who cant pass a ball five yards, is a full back and were do we put him, midfield.
I maybe wrong but can anyone see Moyes starting with Velios when we play high flying Fulham at home. Nope neither can I.
So the 20k was a guesstimate but either way wether he is on 20k or 5k he is a stopgap that a reserve could have filled in my eyes. Hence we are wasting money we dont have.
Or would you advocate that we go and sign a number of players to fill gaps because they are cheap. Oops actually looking at our transfer policy that is what the chairman and manager are doing. Selling anyone worth selling and buying cheap. All to cover their financial mismanagement.
Carry on defending the indefensible. I refuse to because unlike you deep down I want this club to succeed by playing stylish competitve football at the highest level.
This will not happen while we have a board that has no drive, inclination or imagination on how to develop the club into a global world leading brand, Before anyone throws Man U or Arsenal at me 20 years ago both these clubs were not anywhere near the position financially that they are in now. So why cant we turn it around. But thay had foresight they didnt raid the family Jewels like Kenwright.
Our manager whilst competent has no imagination and again let me use another so called negative manager as an example - Jose Mourinho considered as a guy who would rather win one nil. A game on Sky, (dont remember who they were playing) they were 2-0 down at half time. He made 3 subs during the break and won the game. Maybe we dont have the same quality on the bench but he changed for the positive. What do we do, send on the one player in the side who cant pass a ball five yards, is a full back and were do we put him, midfield.
I maybe wrong but can anyone see Moyes starting with Velios when we play high flying Fulham at home. Nope neither can I.
Michael Brien
42 Posted 19/10/2011 at 14:36:46
42 Posted 19/10/2011 at 14:36:46
Chad - we have signed him on a free - similar to when we signed Lucas Neil. I can recall times when we have signed players and we have all anticipated that they were good signings - Mike MIlligan springs to mind - and they didn't work out. On the other side of the coin so to speak - there have been times when we have signed players and we have wondered WHY !! Andy Hinchcliffe, Dave Watson and Barry Horne are 3 players we signed who seemed to struggle to win the fans over.
I hope McFadden does well - I am sure we all do. But ALL I am saying is let's reserve judgement. After all Spurs signed an out of contract goalkeeper and he is their 1st choice at the moment !!!
I hope McFadden does well - I am sure we all do. But ALL I am saying is let's reserve judgement. After all Spurs signed an out of contract goalkeeper and he is their 1st choice at the moment !!!
Steve Guy
43 Posted 19/10/2011 at 15:22:50
43 Posted 19/10/2011 at 15:22:50
Brian, if you can't see what the fuss is about and that it's a step backward I'm amazed. It's what it says about our Club and the direction it's heading in. No signings in over two seasons and now we re-sign a player who wasn't deemed good enough first time round.
I've been in London this week and had work colleagues who support other Clubs come up to me astounded and saddened about this. As one put it "has Moyes lost it, or what ?"
I've been in London this week and had work colleagues who support other Clubs come up to me astounded and saddened about this. As one put it "has Moyes lost it, or what ?"
Trevor Lynes
44 Posted 19/10/2011 at 17:00:30
44 Posted 19/10/2011 at 17:00:30
Steve #41....
I fully agree andf if you read my earlier submission you would see how disgusted and ashamed I feel about the shambles of a job our board are doing of late..Just think about the players who have left and how much we have received in revenue for them.
Pienaar who was playing very well and deserved parity with Arteta and Cahill was allowed to go for peanuts and we have since used that money to bring back Mac Fadden......???? We have lost Pienaar, Arteta, Yakubu, Vaughan and Yobo.....to bring back someone who could not get a game at Brum is an insult to the fans who pay hard earned money to see IMPROVEMENT!!
Now as well as Irvine we now add Ferguson and Macfadden to the payroll whist we have no money for REAL players.
What is the point of taking players on loan and not playing them?? To bring back MacFadden is the last straw for me.....
I fully agree andf if you read my earlier submission you would see how disgusted and ashamed I feel about the shambles of a job our board are doing of late..Just think about the players who have left and how much we have received in revenue for them.
Pienaar who was playing very well and deserved parity with Arteta and Cahill was allowed to go for peanuts and we have since used that money to bring back Mac Fadden......???? We have lost Pienaar, Arteta, Yakubu, Vaughan and Yobo.....to bring back someone who could not get a game at Brum is an insult to the fans who pay hard earned money to see IMPROVEMENT!!
Now as well as Irvine we now add Ferguson and Macfadden to the payroll whist we have no money for REAL players.
What is the point of taking players on loan and not playing them?? To bring back MacFadden is the last straw for me.....
Richard Reeves
45 Posted 19/10/2011 at 18:19:04
45 Posted 19/10/2011 at 18:19:04
I just can't get my head round it.this is another kick in the teeth for us long suffering fans and highlights yet again how out of touch the management are with the supporters.Moyes already has better options but can't see them.I've seen Moyes leave players out who have been on form so many times and refuse to play strikers with little experience in favour of a midfielder or half fit striker.I'm sure most of the time it is to highlight the lack of funds available and buy himself some pitty and an excuse.
Chad Schofield
46 Posted 19/10/2011 at 23:02:09
46 Posted 19/10/2011 at 23:02:09
OK Michael, but if we're dealing in facts, that's not really how you've come across. Of course we can take random pints, but the harsh reality is that these carry a cost.
In my mind, and clearly a lot of other people's, the costs outweigh the benefits. He might come back from a career threatening injury ten times the player... But sadly in probability he'll be worse. He's not the worst player we've had, but he's pretty low in the pecking order. For a club in our financial position giving a forward player as mediocre as McFadden another chance is a costly gamble. If Rooney was in that position... Yes, but it'd the same injury that screwed Van Basten. So while Jimmy MAC might have been an international, he was a Scottish international.
In my mind, and clearly a lot of other people's, the costs outweigh the benefits. He might come back from a career threatening injury ten times the player... But sadly in probability he'll be worse. He's not the worst player we've had, but he's pretty low in the pecking order. For a club in our financial position giving a forward player as mediocre as McFadden another chance is a costly gamble. If Rooney was in that position... Yes, but it'd the same injury that screwed Van Basten. So while Jimmy MAC might have been an international, he was a Scottish international.
Ian Pilkington
47 Posted 19/10/2011 at 23:24:05
47 Posted 19/10/2011 at 23:24:05
McFadden is the worst player with 100+ appearances for the club that I can recall in the last 50 years. I find it astonishing that anyone can justify his return. The best deal in Moyes' career was to offload this wastrel to Birmingham; re-signing him is beyond belief.
Richard Reeves
48 Posted 20/10/2011 at 15:38:10
48 Posted 20/10/2011 at 15:38:10
Ian, I'm with you on McFadden is shite and that re-signing is beyond belief but do you remember Earl Barrett? A really nice fella but watching him run around was uncomfortable viewing. Slow, clumsy and just looked like there was some kind of mix-up in the interview process like the bloke going for the cleaning job on the BBC. I'm sure there was some kind of mix-up there.
Add Your Comments
In order to post a comment, you need to be logged in as a registered user of the site.
Or Sign up as a ToffeeWeb Member — it's free, takes just a few minutes and will allow you to post your comments on articles and Talking Points submissions across the site.
© ToffeeWeb
1 Posted 17/10/2011 at 23:36:41