Hibbert is at the heart of Everton FC

Mark Tanton
1 Posted 02/08/2012 at 14:03:00

I'm sorry but I just find this very hard to agree with - Hibbert is a milionaire, due nothing more than being a competent, average footballer who has been protected by a loyal manager.

Has he been a good servant to the club, or has the club been an unduly wonderful servant to him, keeping him in riches for years, in return for turning up for training everyday and turning in mainly adequte (sometimes far worse) peformances.

I realise some will think this harsh, but it's how I feel on the matter.

Eugene Ruane
2 Posted 02/08/2012 at 14:56:14

- Kind of know what you mean Mark and sort of agree with your logic, but in his defence, whatever his shortcomings, HE doesn't pick himself.

Plus (again whatever his shortcomings) he does give it everything when selected.

Oh and I like that he keeps his mouth shut and gets on with his job (fucking sick to death of listening to the 'views' of thick-as-mince footballers).

Dave Williams
3 Posted 02/08/2012 at 15:06:19

Unduly harsh Mark. He is no world beater but always gives of his best and is not a bad player. Yes, he has his limitations as do most players but he always does a solid job and very few players get the better of him. He gets criticism in my view because he is a local boy who cost nothing and is an easy target for people who can't see further than their nose!

Kevin Day
4 Posted 02/08/2012 at 15:08:21

Mark, I always respect peoples opinions and never try and shoot people down. My opinion of Tony Hibbery is quite the opposite, I think he has had a good career, yes he's not the most gifted of players, but I can't be said that players get past him easily, now, you mat point to tha FA cup final against chelsea, he was booked very early on in that game, unfairly too, which made him nervous about putting a tackle in, but overall, 9 times out of ten he does terrific tackles and is maybe probably the last great tackler in the premier league. Only when he is gone will people really apprieciate him.

Kevin Jones
5 Posted 02/08/2012 at 14:46:47

It's not harsh Mark it's spot on. If any club wants to honour a millionaire footballer then they should dedicated a game in his name. IE Say the 1st FA Cup Tie at Goodison against Swindon, is dedicated to Tony Hibbert in recognition of his services to Everton Football Club.

I've had a season ticket at Goodison for 35 Years now and I'm still waiting for my testimonial.

The fucker's just bought a trout lake in France so he go fishing with his mates.

The Athens game should be free for season ticket holders and a fiver for others.

Ray Roche
6 Posted 02/08/2012 at 15:33:49

How thick do people have to be before they grasp that part, at least, of his testimonial proceeds will go to two children's charities. I would be more than a little surprised if any footballer these days kept any of the proceeds. Didn't Carragher give all his money to local charities as well?

So what if the "fuckers" invested some of his money in a trout farm? What would you do, Kevin, piss it up against a wall? Give the bloke a break.

Mark Tanton
7 Posted 02/08/2012 at 15:45:53

Ray I would lay off the 'thick' comments, and read what I said again. I responded to Neville's tribute to Hibbert. In my opinion, Hibbert is undeserving of this tribute and is not the heartbeat of Everton or any other trite stereotypical and cliched title. He's a average footballer who should be thanking his lucky stars every night that he isn't going to be carrying hods around until he's sixty.

Mark Tanton
8 Posted 02/08/2012 at 15:51:55

Just to add, I feel it is very odd to lionise one of the most distinctly average players in Premier League history.

John Campbell
9 Posted 02/08/2012 at 16:14:40

God help us if he scores!

Matt Traynor
10 Posted 02/08/2012 at 16:08:52

I understand where you're coming from Mark. As others state, it's not Hibbert's fault, but he has been a good employee of the club. Footballers today or abysmally over-paid, a situation perpetuated by greedy agents and clueless owners.

Recently an Everton stalwart died, and after his playing career, had worked as a security guard at Woodvale Aerodrome, benefitted from the Former Players' Foundation, but wouldn't take a drink of a fan in a pub in Waterloo as he was too skint to buy him a pint back.

More recently, one player got hit with fines from his club totalling £10m (including, ludicrously, "loyalty" payments with-held) for going on strike. Another, locally-based player, doesn't want to go on loan to West Ham with a view to a permanent move even though they're offering £36m over 8 years.

The spin I've read on this states that some of the proceeds will go to local charities, it doesn't mention all. Where are the old "Committee's" that handled these testimonial events? They're gone, as they're redundant - like these testimonials themselves.

I feel a bit sorry for Hibbo on this. Ultimately it's just a pre-season friendly with his name on it. As such it's also a commercial operation for the club, save for "some of the funds" going to a charity.

Would've been easier all round to run separate events as charitable events if they really had to honour the guy. Hope he scores though.

Michael Evans
11 Posted 02/08/2012 at 16:17:21

I often feel uncomfortable at the abuse TH gets on here.

For me, he's a modern day Mike Lyons.

Limited ability but he's honest and gives it everything.

A throwback to the "tackle everything that moves" era.

Mike Powell
12 Posted 02/08/2012 at 16:16:49

Hibbert is not the best player (but he is not the worst either) to play for Everton but he does not go crying or want to sign for someone else if he does not get £50k or £60k a week — he just gets on with his job.

I will be there, Tony... have a great night!

Ray Roche
13 Posted 02/08/2012 at 16:26:21

Mark, with respect, I have never thought of Hibbert anything other than your accurate description of him. e.g. "average footballer ". Decent defender.
However, Nevilles opinion is as valid as yours. If he wants to lionise Hibbert then that's his prerogative, surely.
As for the "thick" comment, it's a good job the likes of Hibbert aren't that precious, the hammering he takes on here as well as on the field would have him crawling down a burrow every Saturday afternoon. There are many posters on here who love to slag players off but I guess they'd be more than a bit offended if they were on the receiving end. All the articles I've seen referring to Hibberts Testimonial point out that the monies, all or part, are going to charity. I don't know how anyone can read about it and not see that. Unless they're...er... thick. See?
Now, if it's hurt you so much, then accept my apology. Otherwise, give Hibbert a break. He's picked, so he plays. What would you want him to do? Refuse? And refuse the millions he's made?

Let me know when Your testimonial is. After 35 years you deserve it. But don't hold your breath. I didn't get one for my fiftieth.

Brian Cleveland
14 Posted 02/08/2012 at 16:40:42

Come on guys, give Hibbo a break. He is always fully committed, HE has never said he is heartbeat of the club. He is always very modest and is a much better full back than many give him credit for. A few years back everyone said he was a decent full back but had crap distribution.... seems he improved that, (for example two great assists in the 4 4 with united if I remember rightly)... what more are you looking for from him....

Remember it was neville who was talking, not Hibbo!

I really don't understand the animosity towards someone who has been totally dedicated and never complains...and IS a decent player

Mark Riding
15 Posted 02/08/2012 at 16:50:24

Tony should do a raffle at half time during his testimonial. First prize, a weekend trout fishing with him in France. Balotelli larges it up spending tens of thousands on bar bills.. TH buys a trout farm. Fantastic. He seems a decent bloke to me, and I do realise his limitations, and Im sure he does as well.

Ray Roche
16 Posted 02/08/2012 at 16:55:09

Mark

I'd buy a ticket.

I love going to France. Gives me a rare opportunity ot feel superior....

Anthony Flack
17 Posted 02/08/2012 at 17:30:20

Always an easy target for snipers. I reckon he had a good season last year. Play back the videos, some great crosses and as ever solid defending. For me deserves more credit. Average to better than average for me, great last gasp tackler and a lovely goal against Newcastle

Well done and good luck to to him

Mark Riding
18 Posted 02/08/2012 at 17:37:26

Anthony, The Yak was a much easier target for snipers.

John Crook
19 Posted 02/08/2012 at 17:38:43

i can't make it on Wednesday night as I'm visting family. Anyone know if this game is on Evertontv? All I can see is the Malaga and Blackpool games advertised...

Dan San
20 Posted 02/08/2012 at 17:11:54

Little voices with nothing better to do than ry to cause a scandal, fact is he's been alright for us over the years and its been a mixed time for the club, I agree that he's a great tackler, and alot better than some of the rubbish you see coming and going at right back at other clubs such as bolton, no if's or but's Tony's been a mainstay in the team for over 10 years and well deserves his day. And you deserve a testimonial for 35 years sitting on your arse watching them all run about? come off it!

Adam Baig
21 Posted 02/08/2012 at 17:50:10

Tony Hibbert, eh..... splits the fan base like the Kirkby Cow Shed........

Mike Green
22 Posted 02/08/2012 at 17:40:24

Everton stalwart. Solid defender. Good bloke.

What's not to like? Oh, I forgot, he's just another thing not to like.

Its also my guess most of blokes slating him on here would cum down the inside of their trouser leg if he walked into their front room tonight.

Ray Roche
23 Posted 02/08/2012 at 18:10:38

Mike Green

Towards more picturesque speech.....

Peter Warren
24 Posted 02/08/2012 at 18:27:59

He was ok last season as it happens. V limited player but fully deserves a testimonial and is quite right to give his money to charity. Neville is praising his teammate someone who vies for his position I don't get why people are so annoyed

Mike Green
25 Posted 02/08/2012 at 18:37:09

As Club Captain what do people really expect Phil Neville to say any way......?

John Lewis
26 Posted 02/08/2012 at 18:29:41

Such a shame some of so of our called supporters criticise such a loyal player.

In an era of mercenaries - even local - think rooney, nationally think lescott or pinnear (even though I'm pleased to see him back).

Get real, with our limited means; Hibbert has been a true bargain.

Si Cooper
27 Posted 02/08/2012 at 18:23:22

There are better... and there are a lot worse! His ability is questionable (Hibbo instructions 101 - just overlap whenever possible and put the ball into the box as much as possible) but surely not his desire or fighting spirit which is likely to be what Pip was waxing lyrical about.

Is anyone really that upset that the club have tacked his name onto a useful pre-season game (and are trying to drum up ticket sales for it)?

Has he bought a trout lake or a trout farm? Maybe he has spotted a business opportunity and will be able to buy the club lock, stock and barrel in 10 years time. Look out for the 'Hibbo's' brand name at your local fish counter.

Incidentally, have seen him in Spar and managed not to come over all peculiar (if that is a suitable phrase), though I did stammer a bit when I told Big Dunc he had left his lights on in the pub car park.

Ben Jones
28 Posted 02/08/2012 at 19:27:53

Very harsh from some posters here.

He got better at the close season, did a few assist for Jela, hes certainly improved his crossing.

And in terms of a defender, there aint many more better than him. His tackling and positioning is excellent.

Yeah hes not the modern full day back, but I would always keep him as a squad player.

Andrew Lawrenson
29 Posted 02/08/2012 at 20:02:31

I don't understand why he gets such grief, what as he done so wrong?. He might not be the most talented attacking full back but he sure is a very dependable, solid defender. Lots of people go on about giving Coleman a run out at right back but at this moment in time he could not lace Hibbos boots. He deserves his testimonial and lets be honest about it he is not a problematic player either you don't hear of him turning up bladdered for training, give the guy a break.

Kevin Day
31 Posted 02/08/2012 at 22:50:08

Ben Jones and Andrew Lawrenson............. Here here!!!!

Eugene Ruane
32 Posted 02/08/2012 at 22:54:30

As I suggested earlier, if you think Hibbo's not good enough, that's fine with me, but I don't see any reason why he personally should come in for any grief.

I happen to think he's a very average player, but he doesn't select himself to play and he doesn't decide that present day footballers should get paid obscene money.

Peter Laing
33 Posted 02/08/2012 at 23:34:46

Good on Neville for championing Hibbo, local lad, never shirks or hides, keeps his mouth shut and gets on with doing his job with 100 per cent commitment whenever he is called upon. For all the stick that Hibbo and Osman receive they have got on with their respective careers and served Everton well. David Moyes recognises the qualities in both player's, they do have limitations in their footballing abilities but also many strengths. Give me those two any day than a gobshite such as Drenthe or Van Der Meyde who both probably earned more when they were on the payroll but did not demonstrate the commitment or desire to represent the blue shirt with pride.

Andy Crooks
34 Posted 03/08/2012 at 00:17:47

I was surprised at how small he is when I saw him at the judo today with Lord Snooty.

James Martin
35 Posted 03/08/2012 at 00:10:42

I seem to remember everyone swooning over his performance in that Man City game where he played centreback and kept the likes of Silva and Dzeko quiet.

Too many fans nowdays are just take take take in their support, ignoring years of good performances to constantly harp on about that one FA Cup Final. All quite happy to take Hibbo's versatility, dependability, tackling prowess for granted when we've got injuries and we need him but the second you're constructing your off-season Everton fantasy 11, he's suddenly an inconvenience.

Ever wonder why Moyes has never really gone after a right back? Probably because of the dearth of decent ones out there at the moment and because of the quality of Hibbert. I absolutely do not accept that Hibbert in some way hasn't earnt his money or a testimonial.

Yet again people have lost sight of the fact that the primary function of a defender is to defend. Hibbert is far worse at going forward than Leighton Baines but Baines is far worse at defending than Hibbert, and out of the two of them, the only one improving their deficiencies is Hibbert with some great assists last season.

Baines seems to be everyone's favourite player though, the closest thing we have to a Dani Alves style player but, to be honest, it annoys me the amount of goals he lets in down his side and how Stewart Downing of all people tore him a new one at Wembley. Hibbert on the other hand keeps the Ronaldos of this world quiet.

If Fellaini is getting £70k a week for bringing high balls down and passing it sideways then Hibbert is surely deserving of whatever comparatively meagre wage he's on for defending like a right back should.

Brian Cleveland
36 Posted 02/08/2012 at 23:32:31

Glad to see more people coming to his defence... Hibbo for England!

Ben Jones
37 Posted 03/08/2012 at 00:30:45

Imagine if we had a Baines and a Hibbert morphed in one... would be the best full back in the world by a country mile.

We're just left with one good defender and one good attacker.

I think its easy for people to call Hibbert average, and that is quite simply put that he doesnt go forward. James Martin has a point where Hibbert doesnt have enough credit for his defending, when Baines gets a lot of credit for his attacking. Although he overhyped Hibbert a little, I think Baines is a far better player.

Its just I don't think Hibbert is average, he is a genuine Premier League quality defender. He doesnt get enough credit, and I bet a lot of clubs would love to have him.

Think of Neville, he's as "average" as Hibbert, yet Spurs wanted him. Just goes to show.

Jim Harrison
38 Posted 03/08/2012 at 01:30:11

Have to agree with James & Ben. He isn't world class, but he is a solid premier league player. I also seem to remember him getting forwards a lot more towards the end of last season, getting decent crosses in.

From a financial perspective, he cost nothing, his wages are comparatively low by prem standards. Look at What current England first choice Johnson cost.

Jason Chew
39 Posted 03/08/2012 at 02:44:25

I don't think it matters whether you are the top earner or a squad member; the idea of a testimonial is to reward long-serving members of the playing staff and in this day and age, 10 years in the same club is really long indeed. The fact that he is still playing in our first-team means he has been doing something right, so Mr Hibbert, thank you for being a great servant to the club. (Its a pity Cahill missed out)

Eric Myles
40 Posted 03/08/2012 at 03:07:48

Agreed Michael #459, a good old fashioned right back in other words, and there's plenty of other right backs in the EPL that are a lot worse than him.

Julian Wait
41 Posted 03/08/2012 at 05:55:47

You also must take into account that we have never solved who plays in front of him.

Derek Thomas
42 Posted 03/08/2012 at 07:59:00

Julian Wait 560; spot on. I saw was your post, I haven't read the OP (I will next). You have Fullbacking in a nutshell (been there, done that). All the other is just Hibbo-bashing.

The Fullback is only as good as the guy infront of him, if this guy goes missing, literally and/or figuratively, what can the Fullback do??... a) stay back and let the attacker run at him (Fullback's and defender's nightmare #1)... b) push up and someone is in behind him and not offside (Fullback's nightmare #2)

Hibbo is a 'Marmite' player — you either love it and him or hate it or him... Me? I love it. (Well, Vegemite actually!)

Jem Traynor
43 Posted 03/08/2012 at 08:10:39

James Martin, absolute top drawer post there, I think he scares the be-jesus out of his marker's and like his no-nonsense approach.

I know this is daft but how long after his testimonial does he play for??

Gaute Lie
44 Posted 03/08/2012 at 08:36:36

I see Hibbert as one of the best tacklers in the league. He's speedy and reliable, with a good head on his shoulders.

Perhaps he does't have Baines's offensive qualities, but I always feel secure with him on the RB.

Sure he does mistakes. So he's human bla bla bla.

I can't really understand why people don't see him as the great little defender that he is.

Anyway, the only player on the team I believe is earning his critics from the fans is V Anichebe.

Kevin Jones
45 Posted 03/08/2012 at 08:28:49

Ray Roche 450. I have not, and never will slag Tony Hibbert off. Where I sit in the Upper Bullens I defend the lad to the hilt.

What I'm saying is NO modern day footballer should be given a testimonial. And I don't know who the thick one is if you think he's given his money to Charity, it's not his money he's given — IT'S YOURS if you pay to go!

If some of the money goes to charity it's all over the press: "Oh isn't he wonderful — he gave X amount to Charity", but he hasn't; he's given your money to charity — and for that reason I 'm out.

Also, what I said was the AEK Game should be free as a Thank You to us long-suffering fans, just dedicate another match to his service.

I also mentioned the trout farm simply to let you know that the man does not need any more fecking money — he's got more than enough.

Mike Rourke
46 Posted 03/08/2012 at 09:51:13

Tony Hibbert has a trout farm?!

The Pienaar and Naismith signings aside this is easily the most exciting bit of news that has emerged out of this pre-season.

Although it always puzzles me how snippets of this nature emerge in to the public domain - it's not like it was announced on newsnow or anything - so being an inquisitive type I punched Tony Hibbert Trout Farm into Google and lo and behold it is true!

But what really caught my eye was the first story to come up which show's a picture of TH holding a massive fish (apparently his personal best). This would usually be unspeakably dull to a non-angler like me but what couldn't escape my attention was that he was wearing an Everton shirt – OFF DUTY!

I'm no expert but I'm pretty sure it's not written into his contract that he has to whip on the royal blue jersey everytime he spears a fish! — especially when the fella gurning next to him is in full survivalist gear.

That makes him one of us doesn't it

For that alone he deserves a sell-out testimonial!

Good on ya, Tone!

Kieran Fitzgerald
47 Posted 03/08/2012 at 10:07:45

Mike, if he was holding the fish wearing an Everton shirt and nothing else I'm worried. Either Tony is a bit of a perv or you're goggling the wrong type of site. Then again, there has to be something a little perverse about you if you're an Everton fan. And no, Mike, before you ask, I'm not sitting in front of the computer in my wife's underwear!

Eric Myles
48 Posted 03/08/2012 at 10:24:36

Now I'm getting confused, was Hibbert wearing the Everton shirt as Mike wrote? Or was the fish wearing the Everton shirt as Kieran wrote?

James Stewart
49 Posted 03/08/2012 at 10:23:01

I agree with your first comment Mark. I don't think it's just Hibbert though. There are loads of very average players earning obscene amounts of money.

I think this is one of the big disconnects for a lot of people with the modern game. I know it certainly is for me. There has to be some kind of salary cap to come in at some stage.

Ray Roche
50 Posted 03/08/2012 at 10:56:22

Eric,
Are you, like me, a bit concerned that, without provocation, Kieran mentions himself wearing his wifes underwear.....

Just saying, like.

Ray Roche
51 Posted 03/08/2012 at 13:15:30

Kevin Jones @574

Kev, no-one will getting a single shekel of my money for anything remotely resembling a Testimonial. I gave that idea up many years ago, I imagine, for the same reason that you have. However, Testimonials have changed somewhat over the last few years when average footballers have become as rich as Croesus and in no need of your money or mine. They are now an opportunity to provide much needed money for various charities.

The "thick" comment was made because every item I've seen publicising Hibbert's match has emphasised that all or most of the proceeds will be be given to children's charities. I couldn't understand how anyone could read it, or have it read to them, without realising that.

The first paragraph in my earlier comment @450 wasn't aimed at you, but a general swipe at people who queue up to have a go at Hibbert. Only the second part of the comment was in your direction.
But I don't see what is wrong with him investing his own money in a trout farm or, indeed, any sort of business that will give him enjoyment and an income for years to com.

I also unintentionally omitted your name @464 when I joked about you getting a testimonial of your own... maybe you DO deserve one.

But I won't be going...

Barry Stevens
52 Posted 03/08/2012 at 15:36:36

Glad to see not everyone's a Hibbo hater. Okay, he's not brilliant going forward but that isn't his job. What he's supposed to do he does well. Great in the tackle, Good reading of the game and positioning. Yet the same people who slate him call for Coleman at right back. Someone said it earlier on another post, when he's gone, people will realize he was a lot better than they thought.

Ross Ainscough
53 Posted 03/08/2012 at 17:24:22

I've been looking at this site for years now and never ever posted... so thought I'd sign up to post on this because I was that fuming — how can anyone slate Tony Hibbert is madness! All he's done since he made his debut was give 110% for Everton and never moaned even when he's been dropped to the bench or played at centre back! He would do anything for Everton Football Club!

I am only 22 so I haven't seen any great right backs at Everton. Hopefully I will soon but I don't think I'll ever see a more loyal and dedicated right back for as long as I watch Everton and I go the games, home and every away!

If he ever scores, leg the London riots — there will be Everton riots! Haha!!!

Dan San
54 Posted 03/08/2012 at 18:40:01

TONY TONY TONY TONY TONY TONY HIBBERT

Mike Rourke
55 Posted 03/08/2012 at 19:07:12

Kieran, if you think me sitting here in a blue leather gimp suit ( Royal blue I'll have you know ) googling French trout farms is perverse then I simply despair.

Well done Victoria Pendleton by the way. I think she'd look good in leather. Ooooh er missus.