Many names were put forward as successors and not a lot of agreement reached but the one thing that came through was that among the vast majority of home and away Blue followers present was that overall Moyes had done a good job and left us far healthier than when he took over from Walter but with the obvious fact that no trophies transpired to sour it just a little.
A question asked was would we show our pleasure and appreciation for his tenure or perhaps some resentment over the timing of the announcement and his reluctance to commit to the club via a new contract. The answer from almost all assembled seemed to be that however it came about would any manager with ambitions turn down the chance to guide the biggest club in the world and at the same time have a one million pound increase in pay and all over a six year period. A no brainer for most and at the same time acknowledging that the six year term offered represented a deal of confidence in the man from Goodison Park.
The walk up to the ground was wet to say the least, but the sheer amount of people about suggested almost a full house and indeed almost 40 thousand people were in attendance. I bet the fan zone and Goodison road outlets made a bob or two.
As the game got underway I noticed that the Ref as advertised was replaced by one Phil Dowd. A pragmatic character who I have some time for. From the off the pace was noticeable from the Blues and a determination to give the boss and the fans a good send-off was evident. Fluent pacey joined up stuff was pulling the Hammers every which way and goals looked more than possible. The crowd picked up on this and you just knew that anything but a win was unthinkable.
From the moment Moyes stepped into the technical area and gave us a wave ,the atmosphere generated was bound to build and a special day was firmly on the cards. To this end, less than seven minutes was all that was needed for a superb joined-up move at pace to produce a goal. Baines down the left and on the charge found Fellaini who answered Pienaar’s shout and fed him accurately; Pienaar, spotting Mirallas on the run in the area, fed him and with some aplomb hit a daisy cutter past a well beaten keeper. Pandemonium as all celebrated and it did cross my mind even at this early stage that it was very likely game over such was the intensity of our play. We are playing for our soon to be ex-gaffer and the faithful today and anything but a win is out of the question. However we were faced by eleven professionals from the London area and nothing is guaranteed so the next eighty odd minutes would have to be contested in a true grit professional manner.
As play continued I could not help but glance at the technical area from time to time and there was Moyesy full of it just like any other game.
The half wore on with our play receiving many a round of clapping and about half way through I thought we had scored again when that man Mirallas got into the heart of the box and shot, his effort deflected to Big Vic who from point blank range hit the keeper with some force leaving him grounded and with a need to count them rather than rub them.
In the last quarter we became a little lax and off the boil which allowed the visitors to gain a bit of a foothold and Nolan having two worthy efforts the second of which brought a quite outstanding diving save from Howard. That though was the end of any further alarm until the H/T whistle.
In the break the conversation was all Moyes, Kenwright and new managers. As per — nothing sorted!
Second period and we are off to a flyer again and by fifteen minutes in WHU’s MotM Collins had made three super last ditch blocks to thwart us as well as Mirallas firing just wide and Fellaini having another goal-bound effort denied by resolute blocking.
On the hour mark, a Moyes chant from the Street End was picked up by all four sides of Goodison which set up a Phil Spector like ‘Wall of Sound’. You just had to be in attendance to get the utter emotional outpouring that it brought. As all our anthems were belted out I saw hardened ‘Home and Away’ers’ wiping tears from their eyes. Yes, I included, it was just one of those things that happen at Goodison now and again and you know you will never forget it. There was no doubt Moyes was leaving with the thanks of the vast majority of match goers. Hell he had to turn and return to the bench...
Everyone was lifted, especially the players, another goal had been all but demanded and the lads didn’t disappoint. Another joined up move from back to front saw Mirallas presented with the ball some thirty yards out. He drove forward and hit a shot that took a deflection and found the net. Did anyone care if it was deflected? Not likely? We celebrated, singing, shouting and generally having a good time.
The Hammers were under the cosh now and we were a touch unlucky not to run up a cricket score as Osman twice went close the second of which brought a worldy out of Jaaskelainen. I then thought Big Vic had scored but his near post header missed and that after Pienaar had hit one just wide. West Ham hit a post via Carroll but who cared today was our day, Moyes’s day, Everton’s day.
As we played out the time you could sense our visitors were happy to hear the whistle.
The Blue Flare ultras had heeded the plea on the big screen not to let any off and no one entered the field of play at the end as they had been requested not to do.
The players acknowledged the crowd then disappeared down the tunnel whilst things were readied for the parade of thanks to the fans.
The players came out and formed a guard of honour just beyond the dug-out and to the strains of Z-Cars firstly Phil Neville said good-bye to his time with the Blues and received warm applause. Next it was Tim Cahill and his reception was in keeping with his time with us and well deserved. Then the departing gaffer. Another wall of sound, more renditions of the ‘He’s got red hair’ song and his name chanted to the rafters. Very very few had left the ground.
Those assembled on the pitch then firstly went to the park end and received their appreciation and then down the Bullens side, Gwladys Street band back to the Main Stand. People only left after their stand had been passed. The highlight of the parade for me was the turn of speed shown by Ossie’s two little uns as they cavorted as only those of that age can.
David Moyes had been given a great send-off and he did look emotional. But hey, the King is dead — long live the King.
Back to our room of nonsense in the boozer and amongst the raucous singing of ‘He’s got red hair’ I pondered on not so much who our manager might be but rather what type of manager might suit. Now I know I can influence nothing but I would be happy to see a completely different kind to Moyes and not go down the path of Man Utd and try to reinvent a younger Fergie. Maybe for us a foreign manager with a different approach, young and ambitious. Or there again maybe its best left to those who know about these things.
Chelsea to round things off and who knows could it be an away win at the Bridge for our Managers last Hurrah. We have sold all the tickets so another party beckons, hope I am not near the flare bearers!
After today’s experience I have to say that I don’t think the Toffeweb general take on all things Everton really reflects the vast majority of match going fans. You hear moans and groans about all manner of things at every game we visit but on the whole never with the same venom as on our site. I don’t know why, but I do wonder why. Today was the ideal chance to have a right go but nothing but bon- homie was witnessed, isolated incidents excepted.
Still, bit too deep for me, all that, as the route to the Kings Road is plotted...
See you there
UP THE BLUES
Reader Comments (23)
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2 Posted 13/05/2013 at 03:41:21
3 Posted 13/05/2013 at 04:08:44
Let's finish with a win against Chelsea.
COYB!
4 Posted 13/05/2013 at 08:24:39
Let's hope we get the manager we deserve next not someone who is cheap and free!!!
5 Posted 13/05/2013 at 08:21:32
For me yesterday was a defining moment as it clarified the true sense of how the manager's tenure at the helm of our club is seen by the majority of the salt that invest every week in our club by their devoted attendance.
I can't include myself in that bracket having not been to GP since the mid nineties, so I found myself questioning my instincts about Moyes over the past six months, largely due to the frequent dissent offered on this site. This culminated in confusion and a difficulty in understanding how I feel about Moyes leaving after the news broke last week. What do I think, how do I feel about the impending change to life as a blue?
After yesterday, this confusion feels much clearer. The incredible outpouring of emotion and unity that emanated from the ground across the various covering media allowed the difficult gamut of emotions to take their rightful place in my mind. I could feel sad, happy, elated, upset, frustrated, optimistic and alive. But, as the dust settles on yesterday's performance and thoughts turn to the imminent new chapter in our great club's history, the one feeling I'm left with, clearer than the rest, is PRIDE.
Thank you David Moyes and Everton Football Club.
COYB!
6 Posted 13/05/2013 at 09:37:51
I've watched EFC since 1948 and consistency is something we have never had. Moyes has consistently built teams that are ALWAYS in the top ten, not just for one or two seasons. Even when we won titles it was usually followed by quick demises as our club have never had the know how or commitment to build on any successes we have had.
Shankly, Paisley and Fergie have all accomplished consistency over long terms and I believe that Moyes has gone a long way towards establishing consistency at everton in the same way. All that is lacking is financial support and I am sure that had he had that support our club would have prospered.
Let's hope that the new manager continues to build upon the foundations that have been left and that this board give him some money to improve our team further. I honestly believe that if money had been provided in the last transfer window DM would still be in charge at Everton. I wish him all the best and a big thank you for rescuing my club from the doldrums.
7 Posted 13/05/2013 at 09:57:31
8 Posted 13/05/2013 at 09:35:20
I totally agree with what you say about the small minority who spew their venom on TW. I do wonder if they are closet kopites. They have certainly shown no respect whatsoever for David Moyes and what he has achieved on a very tight budget. He has been a good manager for us and although he has not brought home any silverware he has brought stability and secured our place at the right end of the league table. With a little bit of luck, which always seems to go elswhere (hitting the post 15 times this season for instance) we could have finished higher However I wish David Moyes well and await the news of his successor. As with all job vacancies these days there are plenty of applicants but most of them not worthy of consideration. As you say maybe its best left to those who know but here's hoping you get a call and an invite to the interviews. You never know......
9 Posted 13/05/2013 at 13:00:55
I think the best thing about yesterday was the 'BIG CLUB' atmosphere that came over even in the TV coverage & was a fantastic advert for what we Evertonians are. I bet there were a good few potential new mangers watching, who'll be given 'food for thought' of how MASSIVE things could be if they got it right at our club.
11 Posted 13/05/2013 at 18:09:53
You write of your distaste for 'the small minority who spew their venom on TW'
And then you write:
' I do wonder if they are closet kopites'
Do you perhaps see the irony of this? That there is nothng more 'venom[ous' than even raising the faintest possibility that a true blue might be a 'closet kopite'.
Shame on you.
Perhaps a dash of Moyes-like decency and dignity might be in order here and you might
choose to apologize.
If not, well ..........
12 Posted 13/05/2013 at 18:23:01
13 Posted 13/05/2013 at 18:22:59
Young lad behind me asked his mate why it can't be like this more often..don't know why, but when the old lady comes to life like yesterday, it a wonderful experience to be part of.
Totally agree about the Toffeweb general not representing the majority of match going fans, as evidenced yesterday. I was curious as to the mood given some of the comments on here, but apart from one idiot near us threatening to boo Moyes, the vast majority of the sell out crowd stayed to show their appreciation.
A sad yet wonderful day at Goodison. Let's hope there are more of the latter days ahead next season.
15 Posted 13/05/2013 at 19:02:45
I know loads of blues who won't go because of the tripe at Goodison over this decade and you can excuse as much as you want but Moyes is part and parcel.
It's testament to the true enormity of the fanbase that we can still drum up a full house season after season despite such disparity - really just let it go ... he's gone.
17 Posted 13/05/2013 at 19:20:32
Why would anyone who didn't care about the club spend time and energy posting on here?
I hope to see a lot more of yesterday's atmosphere at Goodison next season and not just in the usual games but in every game. Same with the players, if they show the passion that they showed yesterday the crowd will get right behind them.
18 Posted 13/05/2013 at 19:32:15
That doesn't make them MOB, or a minority. It makes them hold an alternative view.
And they applauded him at the end in recognition of his time. As they should.
The editors have pointed it out on here ad nauseam., but the closet kopite claim is lame, and says more about that poster than their target.
19 Posted 13/05/2013 at 19:44:54
I have to agree with Ken and some of the other posters that the atmosphere sharply contrasted with some of the more extreme views that are presented on here by a small minority of posters.
I didn't mind people questioning DM's decisions, his style of play, his leanings towards certain players etc but some of the outrageous bile and abuse was, and is, unacceptable.
And, as others have pointed out, I suspect that the same minority will be the ones who are first out the traps to denigrate the new manager when we lose a game, ship a daft goal, let a lead slip etc.
Personally, I thought DM did a great job without having a halfpenny to scratch his arse with (clearly I'm not talking about his pay packet!) and you only have to look at the list of potential candidates to appreciate that.
Maybe, whoever comes in can build on where wee are and take us forward. I suspect though that the bookies will only give you long odds on that scenario at the moment.........
20 Posted 13/05/2013 at 20:00:53
As we've said before anyone anti anything tends to be more active on a forum. A pissed off poster will be keener to have a say than those who are more content.
21 Posted 13/05/2013 at 20:21:17
22 Posted 13/05/2013 at 22:43:01
23 Posted 13/05/2013 at 23:17:19
and holier-than-thou tone of my post
24 Posted 14/05/2013 at 07:15:05
Over the years I've seen the likes of both Manchester clubs relegated along with all the London clubs apart from Arsenal and the so-called fanatical northeast fans desert their teams in droves when staring at the abyss and they have been relegated in front of a half-empty stadium but, whenever we have had to face up to it, we've stood side by side and crammed into the old lady and literally willed our team on to get the right result.
It's been a horrible week whether you're pro- or anti-Moyes, for anyone of my age (51) the thought of an Everton manager leaving to take on a more attractive role as manager of Manchester Utd is more galling than the fact that it has actually happened. Throughout the seventies and eighties this scenario would have been unthinkable.
The reasons that it is currently a much bigger and more attractive job than ours have been and will be debated long and hard many times on this site but on Sunday during the second half there was a defiant rendition of "by far the greatest team" that I found hard to join in with due to the lump in my throat, it sounded like every single voice in the ground was singing in unison, sticking two fingers up to Man Utd and the rest of the cash rich clubs and their glory-seeking plastic fans. We are Everton, we have soul, we have heart, we have pride and we love our club!!
The events at the end of the game and the reception given to three people who have given all they had to our club had a touch of class about it and when I say that I mean the touch of class came from all of you, my fellow Evertonians, we may debate long and hard and occasionally voice our discontent in public but when push comes to shove we are never found wanting.
Well done all of you !! You are the greatest team, See you all next season.
25 Posted 15/05/2013 at 04:20:11
26 Posted 01/06/2013 at 17:46:53
Now I know it's a shock, especially to the young uns; it's the only dad they've ever known... but there's no need to cry. It's happened before and it will happen again. Sometimes they leave and sometimes the old girl boots them out. I mean, I've seen 9 of the buggers pass thru and if you can find a really really old member of the family they can give you the name of 27 of the scoundrels.
One thing for certain though, when Blue Mum scrubs up and the children put their best hat and scarves on, she looks good... no I'll rephrase that: she looks FUCKING BEAUTIFUL!!!
So, from one of your siblings Blue Mum, I wish you all the best for this Australian Mothers Day and, look forward with excitement to see who the new beau will be...
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1 Posted 13/05/2013 at 03:14:25
I concur regarding the views of a number of people on TW - views they are perfectly entitled to hold, even if they do leave one bemused sometimes.
But not all by a long-chalk have expressed harsh views toward DM, and fewer still exude the downright venom and bile put out by a few. So, however, those people definitely do appear to be a very small minority when you look at the reception that DM got at the Old Lady today. Perhaps some of his attackers sense just how small a minority they are in, and are all the more vociferous and biting for it?!