Season 2011-12
The Mail Bag

Tim Cahill - Still a Legend?

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I have noticed an increasing number of critical comments on ToffeeWeb about Tim Cahill this season. They seem to focus on two things: his weaknesses as an out-and-out frontman (and the lack of goals this season), and/or his weaknesses as a traditional central midfielder (slow, lack of creativity).

For the record he is in my opinion an Everton legend ? the goals he has scored, his attitude on and off the pitch, he embodies the Everton Way.

His record for Everton is: Appearances 254 (21); Goals 68

We got him in July 2004 for £1.5m from Millwall.

What do people think? Is this the start of his decline in influence or can he produce another good few seasons. Does he deserve to see out his career here as he is increasingly used as a sub only?

Take a look at this YouTube documentary; I am proud that he has been a Blue:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LZ5QTpFtg4Y

Ben Dyke, York     Posted 30/04/2012 at 18:04:21

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David Hallwood
739   Posted 30/04/2012 at 21:00:34

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Unfortuntely Ben all careers come to an end, and I think Tim's time is nearly up; a truely great Everton player who deserves his legend tag
Paul David
743   Posted 30/04/2012 at 21:06:49

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I know i'm going to get slated for this but legend?

Can he really be thought as highly as Dean,Young,Ball or Southall?
Nick Waters
747   Posted 30/04/2012 at 21:19:38

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Not a legend - just a very useful player in a period during which 'useful' players have been the norm at Everton.
At his best possibly on a par with Kanchelskis in terms of impact, though not in terms of skill.
Way past his best now.
Paul Ellam
748   Posted 30/04/2012 at 21:24:50

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I think Tim Cahill can be called a modern legend as Duncan Ferguson is.

He has been magnificent for the club and I am sure he has a great influence on the youngsters at the club who will look up to him. He is Everton through and through and has never had his head turned unlike certain others.

I agree that his career with us is on the wane though and wouldn't be surprised if he wasn't with us in a couple of years. What a terrific player he has been for us though ? I am so glad we had him.
Barry Rathbone
752   Posted 30/04/2012 at 21:47:10

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I know things have been shit for years but he give us hope when things appeared hopeless.

The RS hate and fear him, he stuck with us when others turned their back, he became the face of EFC, he's a legend in my book.
Phil Brown
753   Posted 30/04/2012 at 21:50:33

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He hasn't played well for 15 months at least. A wholehearted player who embodies the Aussie spirit but a championship player with the gift of a tremendous leap accompanied by good timing.

Moyes has been loyal for far too long and he should finish his career in his native Australia starting next season.

His continued appearances are at the expense of our youngsters gaining valuable experience.
Dean Adams
755   Posted 30/04/2012 at 22:02:09

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I realised when he scored this weekend, making his way to the corner and doing "his thing" that there is no doubt that for me he is an Everton legend, just as Duncan was.

It is not always about ability, sometimes it goes well beyond that. He has, in my book, booked a place in the Goodison folklore and will no matter what happens from here on in, be a true Everton legend.

In years to come our younger fans will know just what a true credit he has been for us.

Tiny Tim. Goodison great. Everton legend.
Peter Laing
757   Posted 30/04/2012 at 22:08:21

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Cahill can quite rightly be proud of his time at Everton and the fans grateful for the loyalty and commitment that he has demonstrated throughout his Everton career. I believe that Cahill still has something to offer, possibly as an impact from the bench. Would love to see Dempsey signed up as a short term replacement, same attitude, same desire but with less miles on he clock.
Mike Allison
760   Posted 30/04/2012 at 22:07:47

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'Still' a legend isn't really the issue. He'll be a legend when he's 70, the point is that he's not really worth his place in the team, or certainly shouldn't be if we strengthen in the right areas. Otherwise Dean, Young, Ball and Southall aren't 'still' legends as they haven't been worth their place in the side for a while now either.

The thing is, we've needed to replace him with some genuine creative quality behind the striker for about two or three years now, but that for me isn't the point. Cahill has always put in every effort for Everton Football Club, he's travelled from most of the way around the world to truly become an Evertonian, and its 100% clear from everything he does and says that Everton is part of him and always will be, and all this in the era of the mercenary footballer rich enough to retire after a couple of seasons if they wish.

For me, Tim Cahill is a 'legend' in the modern sense of the word, and I will try to contribute to him becoming one in the true sense of the word, and its never really been his skill and technical ability that has made him thus, its his heart.

Also, I would absolutely keep him at the club even as he fades and becomes more and more a bit part player, partly as a reward to him, thus showing the type of club we are, but also mostly as a fine example of professionalism and commitment that I hope every single one of our youngsters will learn from. If he can rub off even slightly on them as they come through, we'll be at a major advantage over most of the other teams in the league as we develop young players.
Mark Riding
761   Posted 30/04/2012 at 22:13:14

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How can you 'still be a legend'? You are a legend or you are not?

Moyes once said "it's like taking a knife to a gun-fight!".. in a defeatist, 'see what I can do with what I have got' sort of tone...

Well, if Tim Cahill was holding the knife... I would fancy Tim's chances!
Peter Mills
762   Posted 30/04/2012 at 22:09:14

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I reckon Tim would have got into any Everton squad I've seen in 45 years. He might not have always been in the first eleven, but the likes of Bally, Kendall, Southall and Reid would have recognised a kindred spirit.
James Stewart
763   Posted 30/04/2012 at 22:28:29

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Awesome at his best but he is well past that. Still a great option to have on the bench but we need a new plan without it now.
Ciarán McGlone
771   Posted 30/04/2012 at 22:53:24

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Wasn't it Tim Cahill who said Leavitt made the right move and that any footballer, including himself, would do the same.

To me he's just another employee, and not a particularly useful one at that.
Peter Bourke
780   Posted 30/04/2012 at 23:34:11

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Everton Legend without a doubt. The best 1.5 million pounds we have ever spent.
Dick Fearon
784   Posted 30/04/2012 at 23:25:17

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There is no doubt that Cahill is in the twilight of his career and allowance must be made but he still has a role to play. He achieved legendary status long ago and on that score he has nothing further to prove.

In his Everton career Tim's achievements have towered above all others in a Blue shirt. When we had a fight on our hands we could rely on Tim to be in the thick of it with courage and a fair degree of skill. He never shirks a tackle and I wish some of his team mates had shown half of his bottle and willingness.

In media interviews, Tim comes across as a genuine kind of bloke and a credit to Everton of whom he is always full of praise. I doubt it has ever crossed his mind to do a Rooney, Lescott, Arteta, Gosling or Pienaar or dare I say Ball. I place him on the same pedstal as my earlier favourites, Young, Labone and Dunc. Each of whom had Everton in their blood.

Alun Jones
786   Posted 01/05/2012 at 01:54:35

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A true legend, I agree time is catching up with Tim but I would want him in the squad next year. Some of the abuse and criticism he has got on this site this year has been a disgrace. Yes his form has not been as it used to be but I think he deserves more respect than some of the comments I have seen on here over the season.
Eric Myles
787   Posted 01/05/2012 at 02:43:38

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A legend in his era which has not been marked by us having many great players.

Unfortunately due to the parlous state of the Club we can no longer support his wages and he should go while we still have fond memories of him.

But welcome him back with open arms any time.
Robin Hunuki
791   Posted 01/05/2012 at 05:23:36

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Seriously, is this a stitch up of an article?

Cahill is a legend in my book and I'll call this, the majority of out there.

He maybe on his way down in terms of age and impact however definitely someone I'd like around the club to influence the attitudes of our young ones coming up in the ranks.

I believe he can still make an impact, perhaps off the bench however now that we have a decent striker, pressure will be shared between the two, therefore seeing more opportunities present itself in a game. Again my thoughts / belief!

From the way he conducts himself in front of the media to little things like how to approach, prepare, address a massive game let alone week-in week-out fixtures he will have a massive impact therefore leaving somewhat of a legacy; no question.
Liam Reilly
794   Posted 01/05/2012 at 06:44:59

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A true great for me. In the age of the mercenary, this guy has proved very loyal to the club and truly understands what it means to be an Evertonian. A great ambassador to the club and his goals have been the difference in many games.

It's no coincidence that he is still picked out as one of our main threats by the pundits before each match.

I'd like to see the man get a well deserved testimonial for his services, I doubt there would be an empy seat.
Paul Gladwell
796   Posted 01/05/2012 at 07:01:15

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Andy Gray is regarded as a legend by many, so is latchford, Reid and a few others, so just because Cahill never won trophies,( mainly due to the shit era he has been involved in) does not mean he should not be regarded as a legend.
Giving fans hope in times when we need something to cling onto actually, in my opinion, makes him more of Legend than many trophy winning players.
Harry Wallace
799   Posted 01/05/2012 at 07:21:38

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Cahill is a legend. Not only his goals and passion on the pitch but for promoting EFC around the world. Most effectively in Australia, where thousands of new Evertonians have been born.
Neil Pickering
800   Posted 01/05/2012 at 07:29:18

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I love him. Not just a fantastic player for us but also an inspiration to all. Go and watch his aussies abroad documentary on utube and see what i mean.

Has done more for the club than big dunc did and hes regarded as a legend.

Tim defo is.
Paul Ellam
802   Posted 01/05/2012 at 07:41:17

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Peter 762 is bang-on: I have looked at what our best ever team/squad would be and in my opinion he gets in. Yes, his form isn't that good of late but that shouldn't detract from what he has done for this club over the years.

Southall bridged the gap of great players from the 80s to the 90s and Ferguson from the 90s to the 00s and Cahill has been our best player in the 00s to the present. Wonder who will be the next legend?
Kase Chow
805   Posted 01/05/2012 at 08:33:45

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Definite legend

However, Moyes shuld now either use him as an impact sub and rotate him in and out of the side bearing in mind his age, or else sell him.

Terrific player that helped us achieve numerous top 10 finishes in the Premier Lge era.

Those that say he's not a legend: well I ask you this: of the Premiership era (unfortunately that is our reality today), can you name 5 Everton players that have done MORE than Tiny Tim?

No point comparing him to Dixie Dean because 90% of visitors to this site wouldn't have seen him play

About 60% (or more) wouldn't have seen Young play.

And I'd wager between 30-50% of visitors to this site wouldn't have seen the team of the 80s

So you can decry our modern day legends all you want but for a significant proprtion of us, Tiny Tim, Big Dunc and Arteta are the only 'legends' we have (that we've seen)
Steve Carter
809   Posted 01/05/2012 at 08:49:34

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Peter Mills (762) and Kase (805): correct. However, whilst taking Kase's point, to Paul and all the others banging on about 'true' legends only being Dean, Young, Ball, Southall etc., yeah, they are. But those blokes had it made in terms of looking good because your general 'average' Division 1 player in their era was far, far comparably worse than your 'average' Premier League player. Tim has held his own against the best of the Premier League for the best part of the last decade. After the last World Cup FIFA placed him amongst the top 40 players in the World. And, frankly, without his goals in recent seasons snatching victory and draws from the jaws of draws and defeats we would have been serious relegation candidates if not in the Championship now. Finally, what player, Ball, Lyons, Reid included, have any of you old timers seen go round who put it in for Everton more than Tim? And he is neither a scouser nor even British.
Tony J Williams
815   Posted 01/05/2012 at 09:11:52

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In my eyes, he has earned the title - Big game player who has scored against them all
Paul Gladwell
821   Posted 01/05/2012 at 10:08:19

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The status of legend only seems to grow with time when we all turn into arl arses and reminisce and we are starting to see this more so with the big fella, hence how many of us filled up with pride watching that Sky interview the other week and I think once cahill leaves and time moves on we shall feel the same with him, I worshipped Sheedy and his left peg, but don't tell me he should be classed as a bigger legend and put in a bigger shift to make us feel proud more Cahill has done over the years.
Denis Richardson
822   Posted 01/05/2012 at 10:03:52

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One of the best signings in the last 10 years no doubt about it, but I feel in these times people use the word 'legend' all too freely.

For me legend would put a player on par with the likes of Dean and Southall and I would not put Cahill in that company. These were players who were not only Everton legends but were also the top of their class on the world football stage because they were untouchable in terms of skill for their chosen position. Cahill has/had great fighting spirit and popped up with important goals but lets be honest, he was always an average footballer.

Will have good memories left behind from Cahill's goals and fighting spirit, much like your Artetas, Fergusons and Kanchelskis' in recent memory - but legend, for me no. I hold that accolade for the very few who in my eyes deserve it, players who are looked upon with awe, not just by Everton fans or fans in the UK, but also fans across the world - only the very very few thouch that level.
John Daley
837   Posted 01/05/2012 at 11:23:42

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Didn't really want to get involved in this thread as, for me, Cahill cannot be considered a 'legend'. In fact, he comes nowhere near. However, he has been a fantastic servant for the club, a consummate professional and a good (not great) player, so if others view him with more rose tinted specs than myself then I'm not going to take issue with it.

I've got to take issue with this though:

"Dean, Young, Ball, Southall etc....those blokes had it made in terms of looking good because your general 'average' Division 1 player in their era was far, far comparably worse than your 'average' Premier League player".

Absolute load of shite. So Alan Ball was a World Cup Winner because everyone else was wank and wouldn't even get in the Wolves team these days? Neville Southall never really pulled off gravity defying save, after gravity defying save? It was just mass hysteria brought on by him having a boss moustache because, in reality, 90% of the forwards he faced posessed the non-lethal shooting ability of George Peppard ponceing about in the fucking A-Team?

PremierLeague players may have much greater fitness, stamina and athleticism, but that's about it. They're not automatically 'better footballers' than players from another era purely because of their greater physical conditioning.
James Cadwaladr
838   Posted 01/05/2012 at 11:24:08

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Legend, absolutely! WIll be used more sparingly from here on but always in big games, in a deeper role.
Rob Sawyer
839   Posted 01/05/2012 at 11:26:43

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"Legend" is an emotive word and should only apply to maybe 25 of our past players (Sagar, Ball, Dean, Labone, Southall, Jones) etc. - I would not put Ferguson in that bracket. Cahill's importance should not be downplayed however; despite limited technique with the ball at his feet and average pace he has maximised his natural gifts and shown courage, winning "attitude" that inspires others and an uncanny ability in the air during his Goodison tenure. His impact in his first season here (when there was pre-season doom and gloom) should not be underestimated. I suspect he will be used as more of an impact sub over the next season or two before moving on (maybe back to Oz).
Paul David
843   Posted 01/05/2012 at 11:24:50

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Steve 809

Lets say you are correct and the standard of player was weaker in the past that only makes the likes of Dean,Young,Ball and Southall accomplishments even greater because they were so much better than the standard of the day.

I agree with John 837,if people want to consider Cahill a cult figure or fans favourite then fine but never a legend.

He has been a good signing but is nothing more than a average player except for his heading and attitude.

One reason a lot of people seem to consider part of the reason he is a legend is the loyalty he has shown in a time of mercenaries but no other club has ever shown an interest in him so his loyalty was never put the test.He was never good enough to play for the teams above us so Everton was the best he could achieve.If anything its Everton (Moyes really) who has been loyal to him by sticking with him even though he is past his usefullness.
Wayne Smyth
856   Posted 01/05/2012 at 12:43:22

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His overall contribution has never been massive, but his goals have been key. When he's not scoring he doesn't deserve his place in the 11.

I think perhaps he has overdone it playing too much football for his national side which has contributed to his injuries and drop in form.

He's not played well for a long time, but neither has the team. I'd be interested to see him given a run alongside Jelavic in the current side to see if he still has any gas in the tank. He was always a great foil for a good striker, rather than being the main man and I think he probably could still do a good job.

That said, I think we now have better options, but he's certainly a useful player to bring off the bench.
Liam Reilly
857   Posted 01/05/2012 at 12:43:23

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Paul David #843
"..no other club has ever shown an interest in him so his loyalty was never put the test."

And you know this how? Because it wasn't an ongoing saga in a daily rag?

TC had many opportunities to engineer a move away from Goodison and with it, pick up a sizeable payday. He didn't, he chose to stay.
Paul David
860   Posted 01/05/2012 at 12:57:56

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Liam nothing stays quiet these days,if there was any interest i'm pretty sure we would have heard about it.

Lets say Cahill could have engineered a move away,where would he have gone?He simply wasnt good enough to go to a better team and he didnt need to move to get a sizable payday,he is already getting that now at Everton.

Plus you cant ask me for evidence to prove there was no interest in him then say Cahill had opportunities to move but didnt.How do you know that he didnt try to move but Moyes wouldn't let him.
James Martin
861   Posted 01/05/2012 at 13:04:28

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It wasn't that long ago when the outcome of our season would rest on cahill's fitness. If he wasn't in the line up you could guarantee a insipid display devoid of any bite or agression. Its only recently tat we've finally moved on from that and can now compete without him in the team. He got so many crucial goals, so many 1-0 headers, I particularly remember Sunderland away one winter when we were heading down the pan and he scored in the last minute with a header. How many goals does he have this year? More than Henderson, Downing, Spearing, and Shelvey isn't it?
Liam Reilly
864   Posted 01/05/2012 at 13:11:59

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I don't Paul, its all speculation as is the statement "that he never had any offers".

We don't know that and probably won't until his autobiography comes out, but what we do know for sure is, that as soon as a player becomes bored at a football club, stories of interest immediately begin to manifest themselves in the daily papers, usually sourced from the players agent.

This never happened with Cahill and I would be willing to wager because he was happy at Goodison.
Paul David
866   Posted 01/05/2012 at 13:18:40

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Liam I would be happy as well getting paid £50,000 a week and knowing i'll be getting my game come Saturday regardless of form.
Guy Hastings
868   Posted 01/05/2012 at 13:33:54

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Top, top bloke - which is better than 'legend' in my book.
Jim Knightley
869   Posted 01/05/2012 at 13:30:46

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A modern legend for sure.

I also do not think he is finished: I would not be suprised if next season, he scored 8-10 Premier League goals, after getting the rest he badly needs.

However, £50,000 a week is a lot for us... I would be a lot more comfortable with him staying if he were on £25,000, but £50,000 would be more than enough to fund Hoillet's wages, or the return of Pienaar.

If we get an acceptable bid, I'd sell him. If not, he is worth one more season. There is no doubt he is a positive player for morale, a talented squad player, and a good role model.
Lee Hind
881   Posted 01/05/2012 at 14:22:21

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Simple for me, the RS hate him, legendary status must apply! :)
Richard Reeves
886   Posted 01/05/2012 at 14:32:56

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Is this the start of Cahill's decline in influence?

No, this is the end of Cahill's decline ? the start began a couple of seasons ago.

Were not a charity ffs; if your not good enough, you should not start and if you don't make much difference coming on as a sub then you're slowing down the development of the reserves and youth.

You just knew after that goal at the weekend people would question whether Cahill still has something to offer, unbelievable! I thought I had a short term memory. Our fans are truly brainwashed.
Stephen Kenny
909   Posted 01/05/2012 at 15:16:19

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There are players from before my time who are known as legends who probably never won anything. Latchford and Mick Lyons spring to mind. Cahill fits into this bracket IMO as he's as much a legend for his attitude, conduct off the pitch and love for the club as for his exploits on it.

For the record, our players are probably the benchmark in how top flight footballers should conduct themselves outside the game(one person aside) and I think a lot of that has come from him.

He'll still be singing our praises in 50 years time.

He's always said he wants to go back to Aus to finish his career and now may be the right time.
Mike Allison
970   Posted 01/05/2012 at 18:44:42

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John Daley (837), how about this point: The average Premier League player now is better than in the past because in the past Division One was made up of the best England (and maybe Scotland) had to offer. Today its made up of (some of) the best of what the world has to offer.
John Daley
993   Posted 01/05/2012 at 21:36:56

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Fair point Mike, but I'm sticking to my guns. Players in the past were better because they still performed heroics despite having to play on torn up mud fields, with a ball as heavy as the Elephant Man's head, against defenders that were allowed to kick the living shit out of them, whilst probably still hungover and gasping for a half-time fag.
Thomas Windsor
009   Posted 01/05/2012 at 22:33:47

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I like Cahill but a legend? Do me a favour... he has been a good player in the past but not now. Time for him to move on.
Mark Pierpoint
017   Posted 01/05/2012 at 22:48:16

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Cahill is a legend to a new generation of fans. Yes there are your Labone's and Ball's but to many of our younger fanbase it is your Cahill's who embody the spirit of the club, who they want to be on the schoolyard, comparisons with older players are irrelevant. For that fact alone he is a legend.
Joel Jones
020   Posted 01/05/2012 at 22:56:22

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Great servant rather than legend seems to the agenda here. But what constitutes a legend? The majority of the lads we hold in such high esteem are all stooped in glory.

I suppose it depends on perceptions; I'm too young to remember last time we won the league... I was one, and the only trophy I can vividly recall is the FA Cup in 95. None of them are deemed legends, apart from Duncan. But again, is he an Everton legend or just somebody who loved the club so much we loved him back and respected to the hilt?

For me, and the majority of fans my age, I'd imagine, they both are probably legends due to the service they have given the club... yet both have played less times than Osman and Hibbert for us. I don't see their names being branded legendary!?!
Jason Lam
055   Posted 02/05/2012 at 04:39:09

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For me, his 'legend' tag has been tarnished since emailgate. Scored many a goals against the shite and top 4. Which other player can claim that? Can't ask for more at this level.
Jimmy Sørheim
080   Posted 02/05/2012 at 09:13:19

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Early this season Moyes said he was convinced Cahill would get 10 goals this season, as he has done so before.

Moyes was wrong.
Cahill has been poor this season, I think it is because he has played when injured during the Asian cup and he has also played too often for us.
The guy is 32 years old, he should have been out of the team in January, but Moyes has stuck him back in the team and it has done him no good at all.

To me Cahill deserved a rest after January since we got Jelavic,Gibson, Pienaar and Barkley was back from injury..

Moyes has overplayed Cahill for the last couple of seasons and Cahill is struggling with the effects of it.

If I were Moyes I would give Cahill an early vacation.
He needs a long rest to heal fully from his injury, also he seems jaded and he has lost his energy that he had so much of before.

I remember the first half of last season, Cahill had to deliver as Saha did not, and come January he went to Austrailia when he should have stayed home healing his injury.

I certainly hope this is not the end of the Tim Cahill we once had.
James Martin
085   Posted 02/05/2012 at 10:04:19

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He played well in the first half last night, in his proper position of centre midfield with the option of getting forward like he used to when he was alongside Carsley. Upfront jumping against two centre backs for long balls is not his game.
Anto Byrne
108   Posted 02/05/2012 at 11:36:03

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Cahill is a player who peaked at the World Cup and has been a great servant. Had the goals not dried up, we would all agree the guy is a legend. As it is, his best games are behind him. I can see him around for 2-3 seasons if he stays fit and injury free. Who knows... he might start scoring again.

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