I didn't catch the game last night, so I can't comment specifically on Donovan's performance, but I can say that LA were absolutely underdogs, despite being at home. Quakes are just the better side this year.

Honestly, I really expected LA to lose earlier last week in the first playoff game, but they were saved by some of Donovan's late-game heroics there.

This obviously doesn't address the issue of Donovan's motivation or fitness, but I think you hit the nail on the head earlier: the right side for Everton looks to be in increasingly strong shape with Mirallas, so unless injuries become an issue between now and January, I agree — let LandyCakes stay home.

He can hug the right but drift to the centre if needs be. Sign the Mittster!

I think a Donovan in the Premier League at Everton is a totally different person to one in the MLS, who wouldn't be?

If he comes it'll be because he wants it, and if he wants it he'll be good, and definitely worth having at that stage of the season where the right substitute for the last 20 minutes can make all the difference.

No way, Guy. He only gives 47%!

Well said Mike Allison.

I'm sick to death of hearing Landon Donovan's name and I'm not sure I'd take him back even if permanently and on a free. I think people get a bit carried away with blue-tinted specs. He was 'alright' I thought and did a decent job first time round for us. It's all well and good he enjoyed his time with us and it's nice (I suppose) to know he thinks good things about us still; however, I think we've moved on and I don't think we have any need for someone of his age, experience or position.

I know my views are unpopular (maybe more so on the Bluekipper Facebook page (if there is one)), but surely even some of his admirers are bored of hearing his name and potential return. This season we have a new lease of life, playing exciting attacking football, real chance of finishing fourth etc. Donovan was okay when we were shit – now the team has moved on and I think its time some of the fans did too.

Alex – I couldn't've put it better myself. The love-in on these pages for Donovan is frankly embarrassing at times. As an earlier post said, he was "alright" but in my view inferior to what we now have at our disposal.

It's all very touching that he thinks so highly of the club but that doesn't qualify him for an annual return!!!

Time for all parties to move on!

Gee Gaynes. You're not a bitter Galaxy fan are you? As a Red Bull fan myself, hahahahahaha.

Can't imagine any Evertonians giving a shit, but LD was just fine last night. Galaxy controlled the game and Landon's movement had a big part in keeping San Jose on their back foot. A shit call by the ref prevented him from being in on the keeper solo and his movement (think of his move that freed Straq against Chelsea last season) gave Keane the shot that beat the keeper but hit the bar.

Landon's done with MLS. He wants to play for EFC while he still has some years left and something to give. Which he does.

James,

If you actually read the article, he just said he was a San Jose fan

He has looked off the pace for a while now, I've seen LA games and he sure ain't the same player he was a year ago. No thanks.....

James Flynn, that was Magee's movement that freed up Keane for the shot off the crossbar. The Galaxy didn't get off a shot until minute 67, which hardly constitutes controlling the game. And as Ben noticed but you didn't, I clearly said I'm a Quakes fan.

But you keep on writing, son... sooner or later you'll get something right.

We don't need RM but more pressingly a holding MF to stop the leaking defence.
If we can stop the opponent from scoring, I'm sure more 3 pointers will be in the bag.

Instead of trying to pry the last life out of a player who isn't even sure he wants to continue playing, why don't we look at some young hungry talent in a distressed league (Mirallas anyone??).

We need a striker and a holding midfielder.

People have short memories.

LD turned up here showing what pace and creativity gives us — we were dogshit, absolutely clueless prior to his cameos; rubbishing his contribution is poor.

I haven't seen him and maybe he isn't what he was and certainly not Mirallas but he's got a footballing brain and ability – you can't have enough of that anywhere.

It was only a few months ago we had McFadden on the payroll ffs... Donovan is worth an invite in my book.

Barry #377 good shout Re McFadden, you beat me to it, add also I think Pistone, Gravesen, and Stubbs(?)... Unsworth and maybe more (Hickson).

Donovan is worth a shout... but, at this stage in his and our circumstances, only if the price is right.

Like a footballing Shirley Valentine, he's had his holiday romance (twice). He has to, for once in all, put up or retire.

So, in the derby, when you're 2-2 at half-time and the yard dogs have just kicked off your best player on the flank, who do you think their clueless right back wants to see jogging out of the tunnel for the second half, Magaye Gueye, or Landon Donovan?

He was great when he came to us — even more so considering how poor the team was his second time around. Why try and rewrite the memory of that, or, even worse, judge him now on some one-off game he had in the MLS.

As long as his motivation isn't shot, I'd have him back. He'd give us two things which you can never have enough of: squad depth and options.

He's a great player with a good footballing brain. Would make a great impact sub or starter to mix things up and give competition for places.

As James Martin says:

"In the derby, when you're 2-2 at half-time and the yard dogs have just kicked off your best player on the flank, who do you think their clueless right back wants to see jogging out of the tunnel for the second half, Magaye Gueye or Landon Donovan?"

What else needs to be said? If he wants to come to us then he'll be happy playing just 50% of the time. He is quick, and we have a weak squad. We need players, and I doubt there are many of his quality that would be happy just at being at Everton.

When Donovan arrived here first, it gave us and Moyes an indication of what could be achieved with a balanced midfield and dedicated and competent players playing in from the right and left. Our style has immensely improved because Moyes has eventually relented and bought a player who looks comfortable on the right and gives our midfield balance (our improvement is also due to Cahill being removed from the equation and Fellaini producing some consistency in that role).

Donovan is a reasonably good player, but would be bench material at the minute. We have other priorities... ie, replacing Arteta and getting Neville out of midfield.

ps: I don't think we will ever be able to rely on Gibson.

I want to see someone jogging out at half time who wants to play for Everton... not someone we have to beg to turn out for us. He's good but not that good, ffs.

Sounds to me more like an ultimatum to the MLS that he'll retire if he's not allowed join Everton next window.

Reading the papers and trawling the net, there seems to be a consensus that Everton could possibly make the top four this year... Jeez! Never thought I'd be happy with fourth but I suppose I've gotta face up to reality.

That reality is – even if you're aiming for fourth, you need a good squad and a fairly decent one at that – and when I say 'good' I mean a decent number of players – that's where I'm afraid Everton are let down.

The season has only just started and already we've missed players for certain games... there's still a long long way to go; if were serious about fourth then we need more players. Now we all know that Moyes ain't got a lot of money so we ain't gonna see a bench of superstars at Goodison Park for the foreseeable future... but we do need a good bench. I believe that Donovan would add to the quality of that bench and, as stated before, it's not a case of Donovan versus someone else; with injuries, suspensions, etc, over the course of the season, we could use them all.

So, IF Donovan is willing to come in January at the latest and Moyes is happy with the price, then I say grab him – and a few others also if we can.

Paul Mackie, hate to be a stickler but I'm feeling grumpy. Aren't squad depth and options basically the same thing?

As for Donovan, I'd happily have him back but we certainly don't need him as much as we did and for me a centre mid and possibly another striker are priorities.

I think that Donovan is going to do a lot of soul-searching this offseason. I get the impression that he may think that his dedication to playing football has caused his personal life to suffer.

Certainly, Landon went through a high-profile divorce leading into the 2010 World Cup, right after he was on his first loan spell for us. The 2010-11 MLS offseason gave Landon a rest, but he was right back at Everton during the 2011-12 transfer window. For Landon, that's been nearly 18 months of continuous football, including two months in England away from his family.

He's mentioned wanting to do some traveling alone to work some issues out and figure out what he wants to do with his life. I think that the divorce and time away from his family has been draining on Landon and he needs this offseason to decide where he wants to go from here.

As an American supporter, the thought of Landon hanging up his boots is depressing. He's been the face of American football for years as being a great guy on and off the pitch. Inky mind, Dempsey can't step into that role be because of the despicable way he handled his departure from Fulham. A complete lack of class from the man.

I'm just glad that we brought in Mirallas and Naismith who can both play the right. That really negates our need to bring Donovan back in on loan or permanently. Personally, I find Mirallas to be the superior player and would rather have him starting. For Landon, I'd like to see him continue with the Galaxy and play his last World Cup in 2014 before hanging up the boots.

As much as these players make, they do have to make huge sacrifices when it comes to friends, family, and spouses. I hope Landon's able to sort this out and arrive at a decision that he's happy with, whatever that is.

"Our style has immensely improved because Moyes has eventually relented and bought a player who looks comfortable on the right and gives our midfield balance"

Mikel Arteta, Simon Davies, Andy van der Meyde. All bought by Moyes and have been more than comfortable on the right for large parts of their careers (Everton or otherwise)

Hardly a case of Moyes "eventually relenting" with the signing of Mirallas this summer.

Come on Noel, we all know that Moyes has steadfastly refused to buy anyone who has ever played on the right hand side in their entire career, and especially not one with any attacking ability. He only ever buys players who are renowned for their work ethic, like Yakubu, Saha, McFadden, Jo, Van der Meyde etc – workhorses the lot of them.

It's part of his masterplan to ensure Everton never win a trophy or away at one of the '4 teams who aren't necessarily the top 4 or the sky favourites but suit the point I'm trying to make so I'll lump them together anyway'.

Love it Jimmy. Well said!

Noel, Jimmy and Mark,

Too busy patting yourselves on the back .. you rather missed the point.

The point was about balance.. we've never had two effective wide players on both flanks at the same time.

As for the examples you given...

As for Jimmy's point about creativity... your appear to be countering an argument that I haven't offered..

We can't expect Pienaar and Mirallas to last the season 1) without injury 2) in form. As pointed out, we are seeing the benefit of two wide midfielders. But clearly, we need another wide mid for the purposes of the squad, if we have any pretentions of Champions League Football. Donovan, as a right sided player is perfect...he allows Mirallas to go left if Pienaar is out injured/out of form, is a replacement for Mirallas if he is injured/out of form, or even could function in a midfield attacking trio with Mirallas left, and Pienaar central. Taking him on loan is a no brainer, and if we could get on a 1 and a half year deal, I think it would benefit the team and the squad.

Obviously we need at least one more central midfield player, but it doesn't mean Donovan is not a good idea. Another wide midfielder would give us the option to play Pienaar in a more central role when necessary, where he has proved his capacity at international level.

Just shows what a player Osman is that even on the wing (a position he is terrible in) he has still got in the side more often than our so called wingers such as Van der Myde, Drenthe, Simon Davies, Bilyaletdinov... purely because he could do the basics like keep possession and track back.

As Moyes has shown with Donovan, Mirallas, Naismith and Pienaar, he's not afraid to play with two widemen as long as they are of the quality and have the positional discipline to play that position. What he's never tolerated are these luxury wide players who think that one searing run and shot in a match means they don't have to do any defending and are content to just wait on the touchline for someone to pass the ball to them.

Ciaran,

The point about balance was not missed. Acknowledging that is not a prerequisite in questioning your "Moyes has eventually relented and bought a player who looks comfortable on the right" comment, especially when it follows a statement that Donovan's arrival "gave Moyes an indication of what could be achieved..."

Do you seriously believe that Moyes was unaware of the importance of a balanced midfield prior to this? That he eventually "relented" to the idea of a balanced midfield and / or having someone comfortable on the right this summer?

I'd have Donovan back in a heartbeat. Good footballing brain, great work ethic,an eye for a goal and can play on the flank or up front, in addition we need squad depth; a minimum of two quality players ned to be added.

Noel...

If it wasn't missed why did you not address it and instead go on a rather ridiculous tangent about the right side and Davies, Arteta and laughably AvdM?

I'll give you a clue: when they played the right, there was sod all on the left!

If you still don't get it, then explain to me when, prior to Donovan, Moyes has provided two competent wide players to play on either flank at the same time?

ps: And the suggestion that moving Arteta out of his best position was some sort of masterstroke to address 'balance' really is a crock of shit.

Hmmm... he had a bad game so that means he would be useless to us? Jelavic was piss poor against Fulham on Saturday, maybe we should just get rid of him?

No offence Ciaran but you're not actually the centre of my universe.

I was just furthering the point Noel made, and added a reference to creativity as Moyes was also being criticised for that on another thread (how surprising). I hadn't even read your comment when I wrote it so there was no back patting on my part, or any attempt to refute your argument.

Having read it now though I will disagree with what the point you claim you were making by saying Arteta and Pienaar were effective when both played wide. I'll also disagree with the point that you actually made by saying that the fact Moyes had bought the players mentioned suggests it didn't take the signing of Donovan (which he actually made himself of course) for him to realise we would be better with balance on the flanks.

Jimmy,

As for your point about Arteta and Pienaar playing wide at the same time... frankly that didn't happen. Osman played that role after Pienaar came.. and Arteta moved back into his proper position.

ps: Arteta played more on the left anyway....

"relented" - It's pretty hard to relent when you haven't actually bought a player for 3 seasons.....

'3 seasons'... now there's revisionism.

Ciaran,

Once again, acknowledging one point is not a prerequisite in questioning another. I cited those three right sided players to address your comment (within your 'balance' point) about the signing of a right sided player this summer.

Off the top of my head VDM, Arteta, Davies, Bily, Kilbane and Pienaar all signed by Moyes either as wide players or who are/were competent there. Do you need a list of games where a combination of any two played together?

Why is VDM "laughable"? Because the signing didn't work out? Because if your point is that he (or others) didn't prove competent, then that's altogether different to Moyes "relenting" and signing someone to give a balanced midfield. In fact it rather negates your point that Moyes has never tried to find a balance or understand its importance.

So which is it - he hasn't signed two wide players who have proved competent and given us a balance? Or he has finally "relented" and decided to try find that balance this summer?

I am fairly certain that when signing these players, he hoped / thought they would provide balance to the midfield.

I've answered your questions, kindly answer mine, which I will repeat:

Do you seriously believe that Moyes was unaware of the importance of a balanced midfield prior to this? (Donovan's arrival) That he eventually "relented" to the idea of a balanced midfield and / or having someone comfortable on the right this summer?

PS Arteta played arguably his best football for us on the wing, regardless of whether you deem it a crock of shit or refuse to give credit for a positional switch which worked out well.

Ciaran, you're making a bit of an idiot of yourself here.

Arteta played on the right a lot for us. I know this because I saw it, with my own eyes, in the flesh. You'll actually find he was moved infield about a year after Pienaar signed and started playing on the left. As Noel said, he actually played a large percentage of his best football for us out wide.

Also have a look at this http://www.evertonfc.com/match/transfers.html?alt_page_var=pageIn&pageOut=1&pageIn=3 which shows that no first team players were 'bought' between September 09 and January 12 - so not really revisionism.

Ciaran, is there anything to back up that Pienaar or Arteta never played together in both wide positions? They must have done, surely?!

I understand your opinion of balance, since Donovan is the good natural right winger we have had in a long time.

But I think Osman is capable on the wings, I don't think we lack balance too much when he is in the right for example. I mean his traits is to cut in all the time, and play more of a playmaker than a right winger. Which is exactly what Pienaar does! And Mirallas does it, but in a different way, as in he dribbles inside with pace, rather than hugging the touchline like Donovan was.

So how are we unbalanced when Osman is in the team, when he plays exactly as Pienaar does, or Arteta did?

Off the top of my head Arteta and PIenaar played together on the flanks agianst Fiorentina with Osman and Carsley in the middle (another fantastic Osman performance in central midfield agianst good opposition that saw him rewarded with another 4 years doing the graveyard shift outwide). That season saw the midfield change around a lot but Pienaar and Arteta definitely played on the flanks together quite a few times, as did Arteta and Kilbane.

Cheers, Jimmy; I knew I wasn't making it up.

I thought the same, James. 2007-08 season had them on the wings, with Carsley in the middle with perms of Neville, Jagielka, Gravesen (loan), Cahill. Fernandes.

God yeah James, you're spot on, remember that really vividly.

One of Osman's best games in centre mid as well, what a game that was!

Well....Donovan looks pretty good tonight as he is ripping San Jose apart !
Maybe he read your article ?

Yes Noel,

I will certainly answer your question, and hopefully it addresses any of the subsequent responses... however, I doubt it.

I have no idea if Moyes was 'aware' of the importance of a balanced midfield prior to Donovan's arrival – frankly, it's a rather daft question.

What I do know is that, in my opinion, he singularly failed to address that issue during his tenure at Everton up until that point. There has been a long-running gripe from fans about his failure to sort out the right side... but nevermind, let's just ignore this for the moment.

You counter this by suggesting players like Davies, Arteta and VDM were the answer to this conundrum...

If you honestly think any of the hapdash assortment of rag tag players we had filling in on both wings up until Pienaar/Donovan (along with the central players who supported them) offered us 'balance' – then I'd have to question whether you've ever seen a balanced football team?

There's a hell of a difference between Arteta playing good football on the wing, and its net result being a balanced football side. It was quite obvious that, when he played on the wing, we had very little in the middle (that's not balance – that's lopsided).

And the fact that Arteta and Pienaar may have had the odd game on opposing wings is frankly neither here nor there... When Arteta played on the wing we didn't have balance, because most of the play went through him!

ps: We brought it several players during that period – Vellios, Gueye, Beckford – to name but a few... hardly marquee signings, but to say we bought no-one is revisionism.

...had no impact at all?

...apart from a superb little ball through the defence for Keane to round the keeper and score?

That's what he managed in the ten minutes I watched!

Have to agree with both Mike Allison (#340) and Barry Rathbone (#377) on Landon Donovan.

For me, LD provided much needed pace on the right wing to a team that had up to that point been woefully short for far far too long in that department. Nothing against Leon Osman, he is a terrific player also but sadly he has been played out of position for far too long in his Everton career by DM.

Yes, we now have Kevin Mirallas on the right who has been a terrific addition to the team by DM. But a fully fit, motivated LD would I believe still be a fantastic squad addition. We could struggle if either Pienaar or Mirallas were to get bad injuries.

Bringing in any player is always a risk, but when that player has enjoyed his stay, settled in well and performed well in the recent past then that risk is obviously reduced. Landon is a driven individual who has reached the very top of his profession albeit in the MLS, he knows the club and the standards demanded and I am sure he would only come back if he felt he still had something to offer.

For me, a gamble well worth taking if the player wants it!

Ciaran,

The comment about no players being bought did not come from me. But since you mention revisionism, to suggest Arteta and Pienaar had "the odd game" on opposing wings is just that - revisionism.

My questions (which of course you dismiss as daft) were because you claimed "Moyes has eventually relented and bought a player who looks comfortable on the right and gives our midfield balance". The implication in that claim is that he never previously tried to find a balance in midfield and "relented" to this requirement over the summer. Which is simply not true, as other posters have pointed out with examples.

You seem to have now gone full circle. Initially, you claimed that the very mention of players who Moyes signed that are comfortable on the right was missing your point. Now you refer back to Moyes' "failure to sort out the right side". And yet you mention that when Arteta played right wing, most of our play went through him.

But by all means, you just carry on and dismiss any point which counters your claim as being laughable, daft, ridiculous, a crock of shit etc etc.

I think I'd made it quite clear that I believe he had never seriously tried to find a balanced midfield... I'm not entirely sure why you keep repeating my point to me?

If my suggestion that Pienaar and Arteta 'had the odd' game together in midfield is revisionism... then you'll have no problem listing the periods when this combination occurred? (Even if you are failing to understand the point that moving our best central midfielder to the wings did not give us 'balance'.)

As another tangent on you behalf – I'll await this long list of occasions when they played on opposing wings... Or have you declared yourself the 'winner' with that last paragraph? (I'll give you a clue... you haven't countered anything.)

I wrote a very similar response to yours Noel and then decided it wasn't worth it as Ciaran would just claim that the points being refuted and shown to be incorrect weren't actually the points he was trying to make anyway ad infinitum.

For what it's worth I agree with pretty much all you've said on this thread.

How's that for back slapping.

Since most people are in agreement that they did play together out wide and you're the only one who seems to doubt it, why don't you find the games Ciaran? After all, seeing as there's hardly any, it shouldn't take long.

Not sure why the references to declaring a winner. It's an online discussion, not a competition. At least not to me. However if you view it that way it might explain a thing or two.

Can I assume you agree that before signing a player, Moyes (or anyone else) doesn't have a crystal ball that guarantees that him the player he signs will be successful. He signs them in the hope or belief they will be successful. Okay?

My belief is that by signing players to play a certain roles(s) within a team – including those flexible enough to play more than one position – is an attempt at creating a successful, balanced team (the midfield being one component). You clearly disagree and don't believe he tried to find a balanced midfield. Fair enough.

As for when Pienaar and Arteta have played together, refer to posts 529, 536 and 539 for some examples.

I will Jimmy,

The odd games they played on opposing wings are the ones listed by you and 'most people' [sic] above... over to you.

Noel,

"You clearly disagree and don't believe he tried to find a balanced midfield. Fair enough."

The sound of a penny dropping.

Countered by the seismic logic of ..."but he bought VDM and moved Arteta to the wing"... In my book, that's nowhere near enough to constitute a policy of developing a balanced midfield.

Also rather pertinent to the argument is the amount of unsuited players who have played on the wings over the recent Moyes era: Cahill, Rodwell, Neville, Anichebe, Gueye, Osman, Arteta etc...

Yeah, Moyes... all over this whole balanced side issue like a rash!

ps: Yes, you've named 'the odd' time they've played on opposing wings... That simply proves my point, not yours..

FFS, come back Martin Mason, all is forgiven!

Ciaran,

You appear to be quoting a statement I didn't make re VDM and Arteta.

I've made reference to one season specific to those two players, not the odd game. That doesn't prove your point.

Your original post stated "Our style has immensely improved because Moyes has eventually relented and bought a player who looks comfortable on the right and gives our midfield balance"

Since you don't believe signing a player to play a certain position(s) is an attempt to try create a balanced / successful team, please explain how Moyes signing Mirallas constitutes him "relenting" to the need for a balanced midfield.

Philip @ 806,

Not sure which one of us is being compared to Martin but surely there's no higher praise than that!

"FFS, come back Martin Mason, all is forgiven!"

While we're at it, come back Dave Wilson!

What happened to him - he's either been banned or is an alias of MK.

All I know is, LD was shit for yet another 90 minutes (as were Galaxy as a whole). Only God knows how they weathered that San Jose hurricane over 180 minutes.

Apologies to Mike Gaynes. I simply don't have your eye for the game. But I've take your encouragement to heart; much appreciated. I'll keep trying. Have to get it right eventually.

Ian, Re Mr Mason, he objected to the suggestions I made for exercising some restraint and took his ball home. By that point, he was in endless loop anyway...

Thanks MK - how about Dave, it made the summer go quicker at least.

Mr Wilson felt the best way he could get his point across was with repeated and increasingly malicious abuse. He eventually stopped but no doubt this will get him going again!

Yep - I am sure the Phd will land on the site shortly.

Moyes has finally learned how to coach and recruit players. (No more of the Davies' types thank God!!!) Not a bad guy but remembering how happy I was when we signed him sure speaks at far we've come and come from!

Moyes won't even look at LD as those comments wreak of someone who's lost his love and the last thing we need is the plonk him on the bench for the remainder of the season and let his great career end in a parka with a wry smirk on his face remembering when he could get into this team.

Since we have a bloke named Oviedo and another bloke named Osman to fill wide if need be, I suggest:

1. a second striker
2. a second center midfielder

3. [distant] back up right midfield as I'm still not sold on Naismith

"Ian, Re Mr Mason, he objected to the suggestions I made for exercising some restraint and took his ball home".

Likely he left because he was being called vile names by several TWers and reading electronic high-fives by same congratulating each other for calling him those names, with no call for restraint by you moderator Kenrick. Keeping in mind, Mason never replied in kind to all those having a go? What “suggestion” Michael?

“Mr Wilson felt the best way he could get his point across was with repeated and increasingly malicious abuse”.

Poll TWers and let’s see if Wilson’s views were “repeated and increasingly malicious abuse”. He was one of us expressing his views about the Club; and well. “repeated and increasingly malicious abuse”“? Can’t remember a single Wilson post that made me think so.

James,

I am not sure of the background to Messrs Wilson and Mason but Ciaran putting his point across and arguing it with me is certainly no grounds for banning or censorship.

It seems to me that Ciaran McGlone has been talking some sense on this thread, As regard to Martin Mason and Dave Wilson I'd like to see them back. Dave Wilson was one of the most interesting contributors to the site. So, Dave how about a report on tomorrow's game? I'm sure the editor will publish it.

I don't think Dave Wilson ever posted anything malicious on here. He just didn't back down when the hoardes of negativity flipped their lids and kicked off at him. Malicious abuse only seems to be defined as such when it travels in one way though. Well said James Flynn.

James (#878): You are totally wrong when you state that malicious abuse travels only one way. I respect Dave Wilson because in the past he has actually defended the critics of David Moyes when the abuse they got was ferocious. Over the last 5 years the critics of David Moyes have received much more abuse than his supporters. In numerous threads the editor removed comments, such was the vitriol.

ToffeeWeb has an unjustified reputation for negativity. Look at the latest Leon Osman threads; great positive stuff. Realism and robust debate is what you get here but not blind adoration. There really is never any reason to get personal.

Well said, Mr Crooks.

James, let's just say none of the malicious abuse ever saw the light of day, and leave it at that.

Agree with Andy Crooks on his comments on both Ciaran's attempts to promote his subtle distinction and the unreasonable generalisation that TW is negative.

Just to throw this out there about the "balance" arguement. A certain Sir Alex Feguson has played Rooney wide left wide right, played the two Brazillian twins wide, Anderson had a stint there... so the whole balance thing is a load of bollox.

And for another fact about wingers... there is only about 5 out-and-out wingers in the league!!! As you say, the game has changed; wingers don't exist in Europe... I don't think the team has a great balance. I believe what makes us much better this year is our flexibility throughout the front six. The movement and the players being on the same wavelength.

Anyway, fight on, lads! :)

But Sean, what other players were in midfield when "Rooney (played) wide left wide right, played the two Brazillian twins wide, Anderson had a stint there"???

Looking at one position to prove your point isn't balanced.

Ferguson isn't god. He makes the odd fuck up.

The whole point of a fluid offensive unit is that you have players who can competently cover the wide areas when required.

Michael (886) - Fair enough.

Andy (879) - "ToffeeWeb has an unjustified reputation for negativity".

Been on other sites with someone declaring TW "Anti-Everton" and others leaping in to agree. I see us as more passionate.