Season 2011-12
The Mail Bag

Any Clues?

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While the Bohemians game may have been a valuable run out for new and fairly new faces, did it also provide an insight of Moyes's tactics for the QPR game?

In light of the fact that Rangers have just been on the back end of a home-game 4-goal hiding from Bolton, will we throw the kitchen sink at them from the off or will Moyes employ his usual pinch-a-point style.

It may be early in the piece yet I look upon Moyes's tactics in this game as being the measure of the man.

Dick Fearon, West Australia     Posted 15/08/2011 at 23:05:40

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Errol Stafford
1   Posted 16/08/2011 at 00:26:03

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I was at the game tonight, and while it was a good workout it's hard to gauge the player's performance against limited opposition. What it did prove to me at least, is that Big Vic is not a Premier League striker/winger. For a guy with pace and power, he is so frustrating - he just doesn't seem clued in to what is going on around him. Vellios showed far more promise in his sub appearance than Vic did, and even Beckford. Beckford's first touch let him down on a number of occasions but his pace was impressive.
Andy Peers
2   Posted 16/08/2011 at 00:45:16

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Anichebe has played in every pre-season game so I am pretty sure he will start against QPR. That is why Moyes is so frustrating to me, he should have been putting Saha and Beckford together and try and see if they can forge a good striking partnership. Anichebe should not have been given all this playing time in pre-season we need to try other formations and tactics without him.
Errol Stafford
3   Posted 16/08/2011 at 00:33:44

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Darn iPad............

Felli was excellent, and Arteta ran the show in midfield, and got stuck in with some tackles which was a good sign in terms of his recent injury. Garbutt was decent, but certainly no Baines, and got badly caught out by one high ball when he let the winger get in behind him. He was also at fault during the lead up to their goal.

In the centre, Johnny H began with Duffy in the first half, and both looked very assured. This is without a doubt the only position Heitenga should be played. Second half Distin partnered Mustafi, who played well and passed the ball well out of defence, and was calm in position. Bily was hopeless when he came on, played wide on the left - he kept getting the ball caught under his feet. I like him as a footballer, but I think we need to get rid if Moyes will insist on playing him wide.

Ossie was very good when he came on, looked sharp and used the ball well, and was unlucky not to score. Rodwell was tidy in possession, and have a few good runs with the ball, but worryingly was played wide right in the second half......he is not a right winger. The big plus however was Barkley. The lad is massive, looks more like 27 than 17 - like Norman Whiteside was at the same age. Very comfortable on the ball, always has time and space, always looks to go forward, keeps the ball and is very hard to dispossess. He was the one player to give us hope for the new season, but we can't pin all our hopes on a 17 year old.

I'd say there was little to learn from tonight in relation to the line up for QPR, except that Moyes will probably play Anichebe, unfortunately, and may play Rodwell wide right if he doesn't play Vic there.
I was sitting right behind QPR coach Keith Curle, who didn't make a single note before leaving just as Bohs scored. All he did was take photos of our positions from set pieces, but again it was probably of little help as many of those playing won't feature on Saturday.

All in all it was a good workout from a fitness point of view, but it left little to get excited about, except Barkley. Too many sideways and backward passes, reluctance to shoot at goal, reluctance to commit players and take on defenders, and little goal threat.

Oh how we are crying out for some fresh blood, that much was evident.

Jamie Sweet
4   Posted 16/08/2011 at 02:05:43

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Fantastic overview, thanks Errol!

I like the sound of Barkley. You say not to pin our hopes on the lad, but with Coleman and Gueye out for a while by the looks of it, we desperately need someone to step up and make us a threat from the flanks. Vic is clearly not the answer... I don't understand why Moyes persists with him.

I agree with Dick that it will be very interesting how Moyes sets out his stall against probably the weakest team in the league. I'm not so fussed on the formation - it's more the attitude when we're in posession. I want to see us surging forward in numbers in attack.

If we see a safety first / clean sheet is the priority / cautious approach from the boys this weekend, then I'm afraid it is going to be a very, very, very long and depressing season!
Eric Myles
5   Posted 16/08/2011 at 02:29:25

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He'll play for the draw and hope to nick a goal to win it and will have no Plan B when we're 2 goals down.
Brendan O'Doherty
6   Posted 16/08/2011 at 03:27:09

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Not long back from game. Decent enough scrap which we should've won, and would have done if Baines had been at LB as we would not have conceded that goal. That said, our inexperienced defence coped quite well.

Great to see TBLSWK in the starting XI and he ran the show in the early part of the game, ably assisted by Barkley. Get this lad on a long term contract NOW Bill, and at least you will have done something good this summer. Decent display by the Afro Man as well.

Upfront Beckford was just about OK but Anichebe was gash again. The size of the fecker ! He should be just brushing opposing players off the ball instead of going down at every tackle.

There were too many substitutions for there to be any continuity in our play; only Hibbert, Garbutt and Rodwell played the whole match. But it was a worthwhile exercise against opposition who are in mid-season. The Bohs keeper Sexton made some good saves as well. We didn't treat the game as if it were anything other than a friendly, even though the season has officially started.

Our problem remains in the striking department, This has to be sorted if any funds magically become available before the window closes.

Fantastic turnout by the Irish Toffees, vastly outnumbering the home support. Well done lads.

Danny Biddle
7   Posted 16/08/2011 at 07:54:07

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The thing I found most worrying is that the managment were saying that "it gave some players more chance to gain some fitness". Well surely the players should have already been at peak fitness, as our first game should have been last weekend!

Not seen Barkely play up close yet but, looking forward to it as all I'm hearing are good reports. Guess he would already have some first team games under his belt were it not for a bad injury last year. Just hope we don't heap too much pressure on the kid.
Andy Codling
8   Posted 16/08/2011 at 09:13:54

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He will play his usual dour, set his stall out for a draw utter crap, play loads out of position and stand there shouting at players from the touchline, then refuse to give an interview like the petulant pigheaded brat he is.
Trevor Mackie
9   Posted 16/08/2011 at 09:51:47

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Errol

Concise and informative, many thanks.
Ian Tunstead
10   Posted 16/08/2011 at 10:19:21

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Danny, players like Arteta Fellaini and Rodwell have been ill or injured and so need the extra game for fitness!
Brian Waring
11   Posted 16/08/2011 at 11:00:15

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It will just be more of the same from Moyes this season, he is just too stuck in his ways to try anything different.
Tony J Williams
12   Posted 16/08/2011 at 11:10:58

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Or instead of all the "it's all Moyes's tactics fault" maybe, just maybe, QPR, after their tonking will get 11 men behaind the ball and hope for an away point.

It's then up to our midfield and forward/forwards (yeah right) to try and pick the lock... and we all know how shite they are at doing that, don't we?

I think some posters forget that it's not just one set of tactics, the other team have them as well. They will be out to stifle us, so expect an ugly scrappy game. That's how football works unfortunately.
Tony J Williams
13   Posted 16/08/2011 at 11:38:38

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And before the "apologist" shite starts, I am not defending Moyes's tactics here, just trying to point out that the other side do what they can to make sure we don't win too, and sometimes they do it better than we do.
Mike Elbey
14   Posted 16/08/2011 at 11:41:24

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No doubt it will be 4-5-1 with Cahill in support of Saha. Play cautiously until about 65 minutes and if we are losing or drawing throw Beckford on up front.

We may nick a goal in the first half from a set piece or if one of our passes into the box luckily picks out the one man standing in said box but generally it will be the same 'safety first' cautious approach we have had since Moyes took over.

On a separate point, is Moyes still our manager? We are yet to hear a single word uttered by our supposed leader since the post-match press conference against Chelsea.

Personally I find this blatant unwillingness to deal with the media to be disgracefull and yet another indication that the club see no need to communicate with their fans ? it's pure arrogance.

It's bad enough that the papers don't even bother to link us with anyone anymore, now we cant even read what the manager has to say. Someone posted on another thread about the 'big 6' and why we don't get any coverage ? well, why would we? We never buy anyone and the manager believes he is above talking to the press! If I were a journo, I wouldn't write about Everton either.

I have never been less enthusiastic going into a season and judging by the number of unsold seats for our first home game, Kenwright and his felow gobshites are going to get a very expensive message given by the supporters by the 'size' of the gate on Saturday, which I predict will be the lowest openning game gate we have had for many years.
Michael Kelly
15   Posted 16/08/2011 at 12:09:04

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It is an indictment of the Moyes era that so many fans on this website can predict what tactics he will come up with for the following game.

I personally hope Vellios is used frequently as he seems enthusiastic and quick but Moyes only seems to get the youths in for token squad fillers (eg, Plessis, Duffy, Mustafi, Kissock....) when there have been times to have introduced them.

Michael Kelly
16   Posted 16/08/2011 at 12:38:59

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No... and neither has Moyes and Kenwright.
Kevy Quinn
17   Posted 16/08/2011 at 12:41:09

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I seen comments from players saying last night's game was a 'good workout' and all about getting up to match speed. Did anyone else find this alarming considering we were due to play a Premier League on Saturday but it was called off?

We should already be up to speed and with the team we had out should have hammered a team of that level. Hope the players just took it easy and we are not destined for another slow start again until we get up to speed.
Tony J Williams
18   Posted 16/08/2011 at 12:40:11

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"Personally, I find this blatant unwillingness to deal with the media to be disgraceful and yet another indication that the club see no need to communicate with their fans ? it's pure arrogance."

It's actually pure arrogance that you demand that a manager come out and spoonfeed you meaningless soundbites to quell your pangs of hunger for pointless information.

We have signed no-one, we are training for the opening match. What should he or any of the players say? The only person that should be saying something is Kenwright, explaining why again we haven't spent a bean in the transfer window... but again, we already know why ? it's because we are skint.
Eugene Ruane
19   Posted 16/08/2011 at 12:50:24

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Tony (15) re..

"..that you demand that a manager come out and spoonfeed you meaningless soundbites to quell your pangs of hunger for pointless information." ? Not only do I agree for right now, I agree for the whole season. And not just regarding Moyes.

I can't remember the last time I heard ANY manager or ANY player asked a decent question. And think about the last time you heard ANYONE involved in football, answer a question that prompted you to think 'now THAT's interesting' or 'Wow, what an insight'.

Personally if I never heard another word from Moyes, Neville etc, it would be fine with me.

Let's face it, anyone who can't guess the response to "David, one-all at home, I'm guessing you're looking at that as two points dropped?" hasn't got much imagination (or a telly).
Dave Wilson
20   Posted 16/08/2011 at 12:50:50

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If QPR park the bus and we struggle, it will be US that are negative... same old shite.

If we twat them, you`ll claim that it's only to be expected and simply wait until the time when we do struggle so you can shout, "I told you so."

Quite cowardly IMO.
Mike Elbey
21   Posted 16/08/2011 at 13:41:55

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Tony / Eugene,

Moyes is paid to commumicate with the media - its one of his jobs. You may find it boring and dont want to hear from him - i respect your opinion and i am sure it is replicated by many, but i have my opinion that as Everton manager he should show some respect to 'his' supporters and liaise with the media. Likewise i would think that my opinion is held by others as well.

I am certainly not arrogant expecting our manager who is on 65,000 per week to fullfill one of the roles of his job. As i said in my initial post, there were moans on another thread that we are never in the media - why is that ? Wouldnt be because we never buy anyone and the manager wont speak to the press would it ?

And with regard to post match interviews whilst you two may not be interested in what Moyes has to say I am - if we play shit i at least want the consolation of hearing the manager say we've played shit. If we have a stone wall penalty turned down I at least want the manager to state that fact on TV. Yes it all makes no difference but its something I expect and you shouldnt mock people just because their views dont correspond to yours.
Anthony Doran
22   Posted 16/08/2011 at 14:02:45

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I think Moyes is always pretty good doing media interviews. For some reason Arsene Wegner has something that always make me listen to him when he is doing pre/post match interviews maybe it the french accent or something but he always sounds so interesting and informative, much like Moyes does be. Yes media interviews are nothing but words to be manipulated by the media whores but hearing it from the horses mouth first as it were, even if its just diatribe, is a relevant part of the managers job!
Eugene Ruane
23   Posted 16/08/2011 at 15:45:05

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Mike Elbey (21) You say 'you might find it boring'.

I do.

You know why?

Because it IS fucking boring.

(and if you feel comments like "Well obviously they're a guid side...Big Mick has them well-organised, but ah think we are too and we'll be daein' oor best t'get a result here" - so are you)

But tell you what, I'll meet you half way.

Anyone comes up with a genuinely interesting and/or probing, intelligent question, Moyes has to answer it.

If it's the usual (after a win) "David, you must be pleased with that performance?" Moyes can stay in his bunker and fuck 'em off.

Fair?



James Stewart
24   Posted 16/08/2011 at 16:13:51

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Never been so less excited for a season to start. Anichebe will start and we will struggle for the odd goal as always.

Osman and Arteta are key and if they don't play we create nothing.
Mike Elbey
25   Posted 16/08/2011 at 16:37:07

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Ah Eugene, so I am boring now, am I, for daring to have a different opinion to you ?

How about the following question -

"David, you stated at the end of last season that you hoped to get your transfer business done early and that, whilst you knew there was not a massive transfer pot, you also knew the areas that needed strengthening and hoped to address those areas. To date, you are the only team in the entire four professional divisions in England not to have signed someone. Is this down to you not being able to identify players or because the chairman has, for the fourth window on the trot, failed to provide you with any funds? If, as I suspect, it is the latter, can you give me your opinion on where Everton are heading?"

It's about time we got some answers from the management of this club and I include both Kenwright and Moyes in this. It's simply not acceptable for Moyes to cover up for Kenwright's deficiencies any more.
Trevor Mackie
26   Posted 16/08/2011 at 16:52:05

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I suspect Mike you might have the present Moyes invisibility nailed.
Jamie Barlow
27   Posted 16/08/2011 at 17:36:32

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Good question Mike.
Stu Gore
28   Posted 16/08/2011 at 18:11:10

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Not one for assumed wisdom but also not match going so be gentle. But watching the highlights of the Bohemians match, Anichebe was involved in most of what was good. Just saying. An observation is all. There is only 6 minutes there so the other 84 may have been shite. But if so, they were shite for everyone else as well. Just saying. [dons tin hat]
Eugene Ruane
29   Posted 16/08/2011 at 17:52:27

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Mike Elbey (25) - ffs, calm yourself and fucking well READ what I wrote.

I DIDN'T say 'Mike you're boring'.

I said if (nb: IF!!) you found inane answers to inane questions boring, you would be.

Question: Well....Do you?

I'm guessing your answer is 'no' and if so, HOW exactly is that me calling you boring?

Another thing.

Your question (an excellent one) proves MY point.

How?

Because it is one you will NEVER hear asked and consequently, never hear answered.

What you WILL hear (over and over and over and..) is what I suggested initially. The same 'speaking-without-saying-anything' 'interviewers', asking empty, devoid-of-EVERYTHING, shite questions.

(tip - don't look for trouble where none exists).
John Ford
30   Posted 16/08/2011 at 18:25:40

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Mike E... there's absolutely nothing to talk about! Nothing which is of value. I'm really pleased we've not been part of the endless shitty football merry-go-round of non-stories and banalities.

We know about the financial position, and we know who's responsible. Moyes said if we're going to buy he'd let the fans know. What else can the club say of any value about finances which wouldn't then implicate Kenwright? So in reality it would only ever be nonsense and soundbite.

Silence is just fine. Your outrage is pointless and misplaced. It's classic tabloid mentality ? if there's nothing worth saying then print the banal banal banal. Let's rise above it.
Mike Elbey
31   Posted 16/08/2011 at 19:00:42

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Eugene,

I think its you that needs to calm down to be honest, I am just responding to what YOU have written.

Anyway, I do accept its pointless us arguing and I do sort of understand your point about the same inane questions and that they are pathetic. My orriginal point was my dissatisfaction with Moyes refusing to speak, probably because I am tired of the continual media portrayal that everything at Everton is great, that we are the model others should follow, that Kenwright is such a top bloke etc etc. The only way this liar and fake is going to be exposed is by Moyes standing up and answering questions (proper questions) honestly. He has always claimed he would be honest with the supporters. Whilst he stays silent Kenwrights risiculously inaccurate media image is maintained and we go no-where.

John, I disagree that there is nothing o talk about - we have spent no money for over 3 years, we have sold players over the past 8 months and none of that money has been given to the manager. All the things written on this and other websites is pure guesswork - guess why - because no-one at the club speaks to the fans and that now includes the manager. And just to clarify, I do not believe Elstones rant at the people who pay his wages being adequate communication from the club.
David Holroyd
32   Posted 16/08/2011 at 19:05:40

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The balance of the squad is there for all to see nobody who can play wide left or right. The manager has never got the balance sorted since he came.
Paul Gladwell
33   Posted 16/08/2011 at 19:54:20

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Neville Jags Distin Baines
Osman Fellaini Rodwell Arteta
Cahill Saha

That's not too bad a side for me, Arteta's best game last year was when he finally got chucked out wide against Newcastle and that's where he should start Saturday.
Ian Bennett
34   Posted 16/08/2011 at 20:05:37

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Paul 33 - I think exactly the same.

I did get burned off at the lights by a red-haired man driving a Ford Cortina, so it could have been Moyes about to sign Sturridge, Adam johnson and kalou in a transfer stunner... or not.
Ian Evans
35   Posted 16/08/2011 at 20:20:56

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Completely agree with putting Arteta on the left in a more attacking role. There he will link superbly with Baines and his primary focus will be attacking rather than merely linking play when used in the middle. Fellaini is more than suitable for that role, if Arteta joins him in the middle he invariably sits deep, limiting his impact on the game. I would also have Osman, Barkley and Cahill supporting Saha in what should be an attack minded 4-5-1.

Saha
Arteta Cahill Osman Barkley
Fellaini
Baines Distin Jags Neville
Howard

I know it's off the original topic but that's a very good xi and there's still a bit on the bench. Sturridge not in Chelsea squad on Sunday with Lukaku still to come, if only we had money!



Dick Fearon
36   Posted 17/08/2011 at 01:24:56

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I wish the whole lot of 'em ? board, players, coaches as well as Moyes ? would keep their gobs shut. I don't need fatuous sound bites from BK or players bigging each other up. Most of all I cringe at Moyes's and Round's piss weak attempts at defending the indefensible. Their description of Victor could make one think he was the re-incarnation of Dixie Dean.
Eugene Ruane
37   Posted 17/08/2011 at 09:30:22

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Dick (36). Agree.
John Nelson
38   Posted 17/08/2011 at 13:19:05

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Dick (36) - spot on. I know Moyes isn't exactly going to slag off his own players but the way he creamed over Anichebe was embarrasing.

The point he raised about Aichebe that got my back up was "he's only 23 and he's still learning" - he's been in the first team for the past 6 seasons for fuck's sake!

That's the one thing that really gets on my wick over Moyes - the way he CLEARLY has his favourites.

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