Season 2011-12
The Mail Bag
What a difference a day makes....
22 Comments: I don't want to jinx my current mood but this is the best I've felt in a long time, as an Evertonian! I'm not so naive to think that this isn't subject to change within a week or so. Nor have I forgotten about the turmoil off the pitch with Bill Kenwright etc, or the shite David Moyes has turned out all season. But right now I feel good and proud :)
Last night we played as a unit and as we, as fans expect the team to. With passion, determination and heart. For me, Denis encapsulated the whole teams "spirit" with an outstanding performance! For him to come out and play like that, having been for the most part ignored thus far, shows great character. Almost Ferguson-esque in heart. Well done lad. Let's hope you're rewarded for this and given a chance?
Where did this "spirit" come from? It's been non existent all season and yet there it was for all to see. Maybe it was the starting XI looking around at each other and thinking "Yeah, this is the right line up, we can do something with this".
I hope Jelly can bring the confidence of scoring goals elsewhere with him. Louis didn't have that luxury and I think it was best for all concerned that he left. In fact I got the sick satisfaction of selling something really shit on eBay when I heard we'd offloaded him. Pienaars back which I can only see as a good thing creativity wise. Gibson looks settled, Drenthe excites. This could be the start of something?
The only thing is.... Too many players on loan! And we're shit at tying those, up a la Fernandes. Personally I'd want to secure Drenthe, Pienaar and Straq if he can prove to be consistent? These players and the kids could put us back on the road toward attractive, attacking football. Who knows, maybe a trophy?!
Surely disappointment lurks around the corner? This is EFC we're talking about. Regardless I'm going to enjoy this little high and forget about the bollocks for a few days.
Wayne Mac, Posted 01/02/2012 at 18:00:03
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Goodison was rocking last night - particularly when we were defending. Sounds daft?
No. The most expensive team since Chelski/RS had to beat us, and they couldn't. We played as as team. And everyone in our crowd knew exactly what was happening in front of them.
Almost louder than the goal (impossible) was the reaction to Strac leaving. Full hearted commitment, plus a bit more than that, goes a long way at the old lady.
Fabulous night.
No. The most expensive team since Chelski/RS had to beat us, and they couldn't. We played as as team. And everyone in our crowd knew exactly what was happening in front of them.
Almost louder than the goal (impossible) was the reaction to Strac leaving. Full hearted commitment, plus a bit more than that, goes a long way at the old lady.
Fabulous night.
Strac is an average player really, but Keith above, nail on head, what an ovation for him to be proud of as he left, all parts of the stadium recognising his real effort and warrior type attitude. He could well gain cult status and good luck to him if he does. Puts a certain ex Everton player to shame.
I would have agreed with you yesterday Ian#739 I too thought Straq was average, He may turn out to be just that, but he showed some very nice touches and vision last night.
I`m daring to hope that last night was the start of a beautiful friendship between Straq and the GP faithful
I`m daring to hope that last night was the start of a beautiful friendship between Straq and the GP faithful
Yes, Dave Wilson. The efforts of Straq last night made me enjoy football more than I have in a long time.Whatever happens the lad has had a week that most of us would give anything for, and he deserves it.
I think its a bit harsh to call him average after last night's performance. I thought his link play was exceptional, and I think thats one key thing thats been missing over the last 6 months or so.
Jelavic looks a big lad and with good feet too
Future is looking bright indeed.
Good thing to point out with the loan signings too Wayne. I think getting Drenthe on a free by the end nice and early would be a good start. Jury's out with Pienaar on money and with Stracq to see if he can continue.
I was hoping we could get Maynard for free by the end of the season to add something different up front. Big Sam ruined that idea.
I say that, because has anyone noticed all our frontmen are targetmen?
Jelavic looks a big lad and with good feet too
Future is looking bright indeed.
Good thing to point out with the loan signings too Wayne. I think getting Drenthe on a free by the end nice and early would be a good start. Jury's out with Pienaar on money and with Stracq to see if he can continue.
I was hoping we could get Maynard for free by the end of the season to add something different up front. Big Sam ruined that idea.
I say that, because has anyone noticed all our frontmen are targetmen?
Seen Straq a few times now. Last night he seemed to bring together what he has been learning on top of what he brought with him - plus probably a lot of fitness training.
What he did in Argentina - a very good record - counts for nowt here, but we could see some of the skills he has to have to prosper there on display last night. Having gone past two men he was brought down from behind for a yellow card. Header at the goal-line. Head back for Fellaini's shot. Bursting through blocks. Chest control, lay-off to blue shirt. More in one game than -sorry Louis - than Saha in half a season. Some very good players go through a game without getting near the ball as much as he did. And if he did all that perfectly he'd be well out of our price range.
What he did in Argentina - a very good record - counts for nowt here, but we could see some of the skills he has to have to prosper there on display last night. Having gone past two men he was brought down from behind for a yellow card. Header at the goal-line. Head back for Fellaini's shot. Bursting through blocks. Chest control, lay-off to blue shirt. More in one game than -sorry Louis - than Saha in half a season. Some very good players go through a game without getting near the ball as much as he did. And if he did all that perfectly he'd be well out of our price range.
A couple of points. 1) these days players don't get a chance to settle down at a club and instant judgements are sadly the norm. Sometimes first impressions can be right a la Bily, but players should be given a break especially when they've got to deal with a different language/culture, a different style of play etc. 2) The spirit was there in bucketloads last night vs a big club, so I hope it isn't an indicator that a number of of our players are billy big bollocks and only show up in the 'important' games-sorry for the negativity.
When Straq came off last night he probably got the biggest round of cheers from the crowd in 10 years - it was great honest stuff. I like him, a great attitude of putting in a shift and making it difficult for 2 top centre halves who were made to work and both got booked . Hope he keeps the shirt, and that Moyes doesn't drop him for Jelly straight away.
Interesting what Saha said, he was a top player, but the last 12 months plus hasn't worked and i cant believe Spurs are giving him an 18 month deal. In terms of competiting he missed a treat from our Dennis, just hope we see more.
Interesting what Saha said, he was a top player, but the last 12 months plus hasn't worked and i cant believe Spurs are giving him an 18 month deal. In terms of competiting he missed a treat from our Dennis, just hope we see more.
Guys, Just to be clear, it was absolutely non critical. He is not Linekar, Henry or Van Basten, but last night he inspired me and aside from the rest of the crowd, he inspired the players. I would give anything for effort, those boys earn a lot of money and the minimum is effort, Strac, or what ever we call him (Count) (El...) He is THE MAN.
Kevin Keegan, 2 times European Footballer of the Year, was not blessed with great skill but with desire; Denis showed that last night.
Straq is the big man version of James Vaughn.
James Vaughn exhibit the same prowness and effort as Straq, but his physical make up is less in terms of size compared to Straq.
So, James is more exposed to injury as compared to Straq.
We should celebrate now that we have a big sized James Vaughn
James Vaughn exhibit the same prowness and effort as Straq, but his physical make up is less in terms of size compared to Straq.
So, James is more exposed to injury as compared to Straq.
We should celebrate now that we have a big sized James Vaughn
We fans have been used to many ''average '' players at Goodison particularly during the Moyes realm but he has turned most of them into hard grafters and as long as they follow his strategy they get picked a lot.
This can be said of Straqs. and I expect him to keep his place even though Jelavic is now here. However, he won't leave Cahill out so it's likely Straqs.will be back on the bench and only if he can score as a sub. will he gain his place.
Still Jelavic also has to prove himself in the Prem.
Midfield is now giving us plenty of options especially when Rodders,Osman and Barklay get back into the reckoning.
Along with Fellaini, Pienaar, Drenthe,Gueye,Gibson and Donovan(for the time being) it should provide great competition to see who starts which can only be good for the team.
This can be said of Straqs. and I expect him to keep his place even though Jelavic is now here. However, he won't leave Cahill out so it's likely Straqs.will be back on the bench and only if he can score as a sub. will he gain his place.
Still Jelavic also has to prove himself in the Prem.
Midfield is now giving us plenty of options especially when Rodders,Osman and Barklay get back into the reckoning.
Along with Fellaini, Pienaar, Drenthe,Gueye,Gibson and Donovan(for the time being) it should provide great competition to see who starts which can only be good for the team.
I just hope Straq can hold that level of play for the rest of the season. Considering how hard he got stuck in it will take a massive phyical toll.
He may not be silky smooth but I loved the effort. Still can't get the grin off my face after that match. That's why I follow Everton for matches like that. If we ever win a trophy I'm not sure how I'll take it.
From interviews Straq doesn't appear to say much in english apart from yes and no. I'm not religous at all but also love watching him walk around in between play praying and crossing himself, heading the ball while on the ground...just the small things that show this man wants into the Everton family so badly. If he keeps this up he is a must for me this summer. Can't think he will cost that much.
He may not be silky smooth but I loved the effort. Still can't get the grin off my face after that match. That's why I follow Everton for matches like that. If we ever win a trophy I'm not sure how I'll take it.
From interviews Straq doesn't appear to say much in english apart from yes and no. I'm not religous at all but also love watching him walk around in between play praying and crossing himself, heading the ball while on the ground...just the small things that show this man wants into the Everton family so badly. If he keeps this up he is a must for me this summer. Can't think he will cost that much.
I hope Vic took on board the acclamation Straq received for his never say die effort.
Only last week Moyes was scorned for saying one good performance is all it needs to get the crowd onside.
Here in W. Oz it was 4.30 am when Nasri smashed our crossbar with a 30 yarder. I wondered when, if ever, we could hit a shot from distance.
I had barely finished musing about it when up stepped Darron Gibson.
Only last week Moyes was scorned for saying one good performance is all it needs to get the crowd onside.
Here in W. Oz it was 4.30 am when Nasri smashed our crossbar with a 30 yarder. I wondered when, if ever, we could hit a shot from distance.
I had barely finished musing about it when up stepped Darron Gibson.
Rahman Talib @786
"We should celebrate now that we have a big sized James Vaughan" ? Class!
"We should celebrate now that we have a big sized James Vaughan" ? Class!
Malcolm Allison, Colin Bell, Mike Summerbee, Francis Lee, Carlos Tevez, Tony Book, Joe Corrigan, Jason Manford, Coronation Street, The people who make Boddingtons, Oasis, Noel Gallagher, Liam Gallagher......can you hear me Liam Gallagher .......we gave your boys a hell of a BEATING!
I concur 100% with all those who have commented so positively about Stracq and his outstanding performance the other night. Unfortunately I couldn?t get to Goodison so I watched on the tele. But even so, you could feel the atmosphere so vividly coming throgh the box. It was fantastic and when Dennis came off we all stood and started clapping instantaneously. Me, the kids, the missus and even my RS mate who sat in the corner of the room pretending not to watch acknowledged the lad done well.
Watching Strac was like watching big Dunc in his prime, terrorizing the opposition defenders and giving them absolutely no time on the ball. I cannot tell you how proud of the lad I was after that performance.
This is why I love Everton, this is why I watch Everton. The passion, the commitment and the determination to prove everyone else wrong when our backs are against the wall and the club is broke.
I love it and even though one good performance doesn?t make a season, I do have an optimistic feeling at the moment which has been so desperately lacking all season. It was a good night for the club, the team, David Moyes and all the fans. I just hope that Wigan doesn?t turn out to be a banana skin waiting to happen where we all return to dreary reality.
Nil Satis Nisi Optimum ? yesterday, today and tomorrow.
Watching Strac was like watching big Dunc in his prime, terrorizing the opposition defenders and giving them absolutely no time on the ball. I cannot tell you how proud of the lad I was after that performance.
This is why I love Everton, this is why I watch Everton. The passion, the commitment and the determination to prove everyone else wrong when our backs are against the wall and the club is broke.
I love it and even though one good performance doesn?t make a season, I do have an optimistic feeling at the moment which has been so desperately lacking all season. It was a good night for the club, the team, David Moyes and all the fans. I just hope that Wigan doesn?t turn out to be a banana skin waiting to happen where we all return to dreary reality.
Nil Satis Nisi Optimum ? yesterday, today and tomorrow.
Everton and its fans are the sleeping giant and just maybe the giant is stirring. Maybe we have the right blend now to start a1984 style revival. Fantastic business in the window but as said above it's not sustainable having so many loan players.
The performance against Wigan is critical but we will only win by working as hard as we did against the Citeh. I doubt it will be easy but a win would be amazing.
The performance against Wigan is critical but we will only win by working as hard as we did against the Citeh. I doubt it will be easy but a win would be amazing.
Once the season has finished I think a lot of people will realise the size of the problem still facing the club. Drenthe, Pienaar, Donovan, Stracqualursi and probably McFadden will all be elsewhere and Everton will need to prepare to replace ageing players like Hibbert, Distin, Neville, Osman and Cahill. Bily and Saha have gone. Suddenly thinks are a bit thin on the ground again. Hopefully we?ll get a few years good service out of Jelavic but again, up front is an area we need to strengthen. The recent business in the transfer window will give us a much better chance of finishing in the top 10 this season, but the problems are still there moving forward.
Robbie (944) - We have to look at this season as EFC staying up.
The league as it is, we can finish 5th. Even when LD leaves, we have everyone else thru May with injured players becoming available; giving Moyes choices.
I hate having to put it this way. We have to avoid relegation this season. The only goal.What happens off-season towards next is irrelevant right now. Stay up and get new owners in.
Kenright/Green etal OUT!
The league as it is, we can finish 5th. Even when LD leaves, we have everyone else thru May with injured players becoming available; giving Moyes choices.
I hate having to put it this way. We have to avoid relegation this season. The only goal.What happens off-season towards next is irrelevant right now. Stay up and get new owners in.
Kenright/Green etal OUT!
Martin (932) - Great stuff. Wigan's the key to the rest of the season.
Same application as tuesday. Let the other guy worry about it.
Same application as tuesday. Let the other guy worry about it.
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730 Posted 01/02/2012 at 19:08:45
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