Everton agree dramatic late loan swoop

, 1 September, 192comments  |  Jump to most recent
Vadis Odjidja-Ofoe deal subject to ratification
Everton's last-ditch attempt to land Vadis Odjidja-Ofoe from Club Brugge on a loan-cum-permanent deal looks to have come off in late, dramatic fashion.

After bids for Steven N'Zonzi and Michael Essien came to nothing, David Moyes stepped in late with an offer for the Belgian midfielder and has got his man subject to ratification from FIFA in the next few days.

The deal brought to three the number of signings announced by Everton on a busy day for the Club after Bryan Oviedo arrived from FC Copenhagen for £1.6m and Matthew Kennedy was acquired from Kilmarnock for a nominal £250,000.

More importantly, there were no outgoings and the deadline passed without any official approach from Manchester United for Leighton Baines. So ended one of the summer's most outrageous media-driven transfer stories.

Quotes or other material sourced from Everton FC



Reader Comments (192)

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Christopher Kelly
1 Posted 01/09/2012 at 01:10:32
Fingers, toes and eyes crossed. Would be a great get!!
Dan San
2 Posted 01/09/2012 at 01:15:36
looks like one of the best prospects we've been linked with this summer
Paul Brown
4 Posted 01/09/2012 at 01:16:54
Andy Lewis, the media man at Everton tweeted that something was happening and he isn't going home just yet. That was about 20 minutes ago. Here's hoping
Paul Brown
5 Posted 01/09/2012 at 01:17:55
As I was typing he tweeted again to say it has been done subject to ratification. Get in, Moyes
Matt Parks
6 Posted 01/09/2012 at 01:24:44
Looks to be true. Someone pinch me.
Steve Cavanagh
7 Posted 01/09/2012 at 01:30:31
The midfield general we were hoping for (to be fair we also needed someone with an unusual name - too may stevens, kevins, bryans and matthews being signed up!)
Jimmy Stenn
8 Posted 01/09/2012 at 01:30:39
Very very very happy with all our signings. Who knew Jack Rodwell would be the player to hopefully get us a champions league spot!?

Pienaar
Naismith
Mirallas
Oviedo

Odjidja-Ofoe

That's half a team including the young lad Kennedy.

This is looking like the strongest squad we've had for a long long time. I can honestly say there is no team we are afraid of.

This is it. Come on you blues!!!

Eric Myles
9 Posted 01/09/2012 at 01:37:45
Won't be many songs sung about this guy!!
Peter Thistle
10 Posted 01/09/2012 at 01:37:11
Quo Vadis whoooooaaaa Quo Vadis whoooooooooo ooo oooooah

Jamie Sweet
11 Posted 01/09/2012 at 01:48:44
I never thought I'd say this while BK was still in charge, but I'm going to...

"Wow!"

James Flynn
12 Posted 01/09/2012 at 01:40:09
If it's true, good. Davey knows his business. Still has to make the leap to the Prem, though.

Fingers crossed.

COYB

Fuck WBA.

James Flynn
13 Posted 01/09/2012 at 01:54:52
He's a mean M'Ofoe . . . Shut your mouth""
Mike Green
14 Posted 01/09/2012 at 02:01:03
James - can you please stop saying 'Fuck WBA'?
Jamie Crowley
15 Posted 01/09/2012 at 02:06:18
This is unbelievable. Really is. We have depth!

What a fantastic job Moyes has done in this window.

Keith Glazzard
16 Posted 01/09/2012 at 02:01:36
I have never posted 'I told you so' because nobody knows what old Blue Eyes is up to until he tells us.

But what I did say was wait until the fat lady sings. And another bloody Belgian! Hope he's half as good as the Big Fella.

ps - City folk where I live are asking why they bought Rodders and not Fellaini. I just shrugged the shoulders.

Ernie Baywood
17 Posted 01/09/2012 at 02:08:19
Never heard of him so went to YouTube (I know, I know, anyone can look good on YouTube).

But that's the most impressive YouTube video I've ever seen!

Keith Glazzard
18 Posted 01/09/2012 at 02:09:31
Jamie - correct, but it began in January. What happened? I've never heard a decent explanation for our 'Jely' turnaround since then. And he didn't get going until March?
Brian Williams
19 Posted 01/09/2012 at 02:13:49
Definitely the icing on the cake. I was well happy anyway, but the last gasp capture of this guy, who can score with both feet is a real coup.
Well done to all the Everton staff who made this aN excellent deadline day, and that includes our much maligned chairman.

NSNO.

Scott Goin
20 Posted 01/09/2012 at 02:15:20
Looked good on the Youtubes but those are highlights. He does look like a big lad with some nifty footwork, nice passing, and a fairly sweet long strike in him.

I wonder what money they were talking about before the deadline came around. I wish we could have gotten it done permanently but hope we at least got some cost control if we decide to buy at the end of the loan.

Keith Glazzard
21 Posted 01/09/2012 at 02:18:02
Brian - I was diving home along the East Lancs last Jan/Feb with 5Live on the radio. Ten minutes to go. Pienaar on loan. I'm sure Arry knew nothing about it. Since then I have simply expected the impossible.
Jason Heng
22 Posted 01/09/2012 at 02:21:38
Brian, what contribution did the much-maligned chairman make? All the money came from Man C.
Jamie Crowley
23 Posted 01/09/2012 at 02:19:48
How does Everton assemble a squad that should strike fear into anyone without spending a fortune?

It's the beer talking? We can make a real run at some lofty things this season with some good fortune and good health.

James Flynn
24 Posted 01/09/2012 at 02:22:05
Mike - This time tomorrow. Promise. By then we'll have already fu . . defeated them.
Anto Byrne
25 Posted 01/09/2012 at 02:16:25
Thank fuck we didn't lose Moyes in the summer... looks like he has come of age. Bring on the moneybag teams, let's see the progress. Well done, David Moyes, the world's greatest manager at the best club on the planet. It's great to be an Evertonian is it not?
David Gleaves
26 Posted 01/09/2012 at 02:27:17
Darth Vadis.... Darth Vadis
Ernie Baywood
27 Posted 01/09/2012 at 02:24:40
Jason, we criticize the club when they fk around, sell players and make no money available, or spend so long negotiating sales that there's no time left to buy.

I think it's fair to give some credit for backing Moyes in Jan, moving players on quickly this summer, making the funds available, and getting the players in.

Jimmy Salt
28 Posted 01/09/2012 at 02:23:22
Another Belgian! Pity we can't be sponsored by Blue Moon.... now that's a tasty beer!
James Flynn
29 Posted 01/09/2012 at 02:27:10
Where does all this put Victor? I can't see where he gets playing time. Unless he really steps up, his last season with us, no? Sold in the next window, maybe.
Keith Glazzard
30 Posted 01/09/2012 at 02:29:02
Jamie - beer talks, but players play. Quite frankly, I'm amazed. Yet to see how it all works out, but has to be the best squad since the 80's.
Jamie Crowley
31 Posted 01/09/2012 at 02:34:24
Keith I concur - the pieces are set on the board to be sure. Let's see how it pans out.

I have to say the one thing that really has me "up" at the moment - Moyes, for the first time in forever, has a couple players at every individual position that can do a job, AND he has players that are flexible and can in a pinch play multiple positions. Positions that by all accounts they are comfortable with. We won't see round pegs in square holes. Maybe some modifications and experimentation, but nothing like putting Billy or Osman out wide.

Beer or no beer, we look like a squad capable of of doing damage.

More beer please....

I can't wait to play Liverpool now - we should fear nothing and simply throttle those jackwagons!

Ernie Baywood
32 Posted 01/09/2012 at 02:41:35
James, it means he has to fight not just for his place in the team (which he's never really looked arsed about) but for his place in the squad.

Might be what he needs? I don't see him having any role at a top side unless he does it with us. Defining season for him - he doesn't need to be number one, just prove that he's up to it if called upon for 10-15 games or so.

Keith Glazzard
33 Posted 01/09/2012 at 02:40:52
And this will be my last word - got about 15 to choose from tonight. So I'll run a few together -

don't you just love Moyes for boosting the number of famous Belgians.

I have my own list ready, starting with Jacques Brel and Django Reinhardt but get ready lads, and don't get found out as badly as RS drones who couldn't even name their own effing team.

Sweet dreams are in order.

Andy Connor
34 Posted 01/09/2012 at 02:51:02
This fella's song is clearly going to be a little Beatles number...

Odjidja, Odjija, life goes ooooooON...'

Paul Ferry
35 Posted 01/09/2012 at 02:42:48
I do know that many/most of you will hammer me for this, but for a long while now I have longed for the day when Osman will not be a first choice, Anichebe will simply drift into the shadows, and Neville will find it hard to get a start in midfield.

Ungrateful? Perhaps... Unfair? Perhaps.... But these are not, in these roles, top-4 players. We now have a midfield that makes me lick my lips: Vadis Odjidja, Gibson, Mirallas, Pienaar, Fellaini up there behind Jelly. And then, in serious contention, Naysmith, Guye, Junior, Ross, Osman, Ovideo as backup on the left, and I'm missing one or two, I know, coz I'm drunk and dreaming.

Best squad since 1987 IMO. There's a real bounce and creativity about these players and I'm thinking that the wheel is turning in the gaffer's gaff: something has happened, he's turning to bounce and creativity and if this is now our direction we have to be happy (compare the potential here to the shite dished up before last Crimbo).

This feelgood factor buzzing before today has extra legs now. Good old Marshy said top-4 was a possibility last week. I mused over that for a time. I am beginning to believe it now. Out of our 'rivals', only Spuds have done well today. RedShite: ''we're all laughing at... " – Arse, nope; Barcodes, top 7 for sure but not above us.

Good days one blue and all. And we will beat WBA tomorrow – Tomorrow? It's 8:54 Friday in Chicago now. COYB
Robin Hunuki
36 Posted 01/09/2012 at 02:49:07
Wow... Should we be called Belgieverton FC now?The Youtube clip of Vadis Odjidja-Ofoefghijklmno... great!
Jamie Crowley
37 Posted 01/09/2012 at 02:54:01
Brilliant Andy!

Desmond takes a trolley to the jewelry store...
Buys a twenty carot golden ring... (Golden ring)
Takes it back to Molly waiting at the door...
And as he gives it to her she begins to sing... (Sing)

James Flynn
38 Posted 01/09/2012 at 02:50:46
Ernie - Yeah, on form can't see different.

Looking at our subtractions/additions in January and these last weeks was thinking about the squad and kept coming back to him. Moyes has been ruthless, except for Victor. We'll see, I guess.

But if he doesn't step up his game, suppose he'll wind up in the "He should be good but he aint" file.

COYB!

Crimmony and gosh darn WBA.

Martin Paice
40 Posted 01/09/2012 at 03:08:24
we're looking pretty good right now.
Jamie Crowley
41 Posted 01/09/2012 at 03:09:08
LOL James!
Crimmony that pesky WBA!
Keith Glazzard
42 Posted 01/09/2012 at 02:52:18
Jamie - my will power dissolving for all to see - that's a very good analysis. And while some posters were sort of complaining about Oviedo not being necessary for a cover for Baines today (Distin and Neville can cover, if necessary), yes that may well be true. But.

I think I'm actually getting to like David Moyes a little bit more..

For the last ten years he's always been me dad. Totally reliable. Never let us down.

But he seems have to become my Uncle Johnny, a guy that just pumped optimism into your veins, and an Evertonian of course.

If anyone says Moyes is going for this to get a 'better' job somewhere else I will ask them out at dawn. But what the hell is going on here?

Can it be so simple as those that stay in the Sky league get fabulous riches?

I would love for football to be the answer.

Martin Mason
43 Posted 01/09/2012 at 03:14:06
If it all comes off this year, and it can still go tits up big time, I'll rate the last year or so as the most impressive in terms of turnaround and management that I have ever seen at the club. We must have some wage bill now but if we play as we can do then hopefully the crowds will pour back.
David Barks
44 Posted 01/09/2012 at 03:12:49
Wow, just wow. I am completely invested in this season and yes we should challenge everyone. We don't have a Messi, or Ronaldo, Aguero. But we have one solid team. From back to front, I love this team. Love our keeper, love our choices at the back, love our midfield, and love us up front. Players for the left, players for the right, strong up the middle, natural goal scorers. Are we in a time warp or something, what the hell has happened? I've never seen 12 million for a bit part player spent so well.
Keith Glazzard
45 Posted 01/09/2012 at 03:16:21
Which ever way you look at it, you can't improve on Martin' comment - we're looking pretty good right now.

See how it all pans out, but we already have a starting 11 to take on and beat ManU. Nothing in this window seems to have taken away from that.

Fingers, toes and knees crossed - could be a good season.

Mike Dolan
46 Posted 01/09/2012 at 03:16:34
For the first time in a long long time I feel that we have a team that can compete without overachieving. Maybe the worm is beginning to turn for our beloved Blues.

It is so heartening to see the cash raised by player sales being re-invested in the team. Today feels like Everton used to feel like. We're the cream.

Christopher Kelly
47 Posted 01/09/2012 at 03:23:32
That YouTube video is fuckin crazy! What a talent!!!

If the boy can defend a bit he can play just in front of Gibson and they can just eat these guys alive.

Struggling to see where Ossie fits in but for sure Moyes will find a spot for him LOL

Andrew Lightfoot
48 Posted 01/09/2012 at 03:41:09
Best transfer window in a long, long time. As much as our incoming players will add, keeping Baines is the real sign of intent.
Mike Dolan
49 Posted 01/09/2012 at 03:43:59
Do you realize tonight is actually the blue moon?
Ernie Baywood
50 Posted 01/09/2012 at 04:05:08
Little article for you...
http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/james-lawton-david-moyes-quiet-sanity-ridicules-premier-leagues-craziest-day-8099929.html

Okay tipping us for the league might be off the mark but the sentiment about transfer dealings is enjoyable

Jamie Crowley
51 Posted 01/09/2012 at 04:06:55
Just gold Ernie:

"...that is no reason not to hope that along the way they will remind so many of their better-heeled rivals that there is another way to conduct business than with a scattergun."

Paul Brown
52 Posted 01/09/2012 at 04:13:45
Just in case anyone else is wondering...

niggard (n.)
"mean person, miser," late 14c., nygart, of uncertain origin.

Pat Finegan
53 Posted 01/09/2012 at 04:29:26
Paul, it's only acceptable if you don't pronounce the "r," not if you add a "d" to the end of it! Look out Toffeeweb, here comes Al Sharpton! (This joke might not work in the UK but I'm gonna give it a go anyway)
Derek Thomas
54 Posted 01/09/2012 at 04:32:23
Maybe Moyes DID put the hard word on to Kenwright... See you Big man, cough up radosh orr am ootta here... I'm off to the Samaritans, I can't take this much positivity...step one of however many required; repeat the mantra.

One game at a time

James Kirrane
55 Posted 01/09/2012 at 05:00:32
Never seen the Toffeeweb site so positive. Long may it continue. No wonder Steve Round was full of beans in the press conference yesterday.
Peter Thistle
56 Posted 01/09/2012 at 04:46:26
I've seen a fair few old Everton games recently on Espn classic and youtube etc. Some of the teams we put out in the late 90's and early 00's were embarrasing, first division players at best. Really makes me appreciate what we have now, there are good / great players throughout the team that would make mike walker and walter smith blush.

This fella looks pretty decent, if nothing else he's good company for Mirallas and Felli. 5 french speakers in the squad now. Mon Dieu....

Eric Myles
57 Posted 01/09/2012 at 05:06:52
^or maybe BK was not looking forward to more tough questions from the Blue Union and has defused their ticking bomb.
Eric Myles
58 Posted 01/09/2012 at 05:18:33
Good one Andy #692!!
Scott Goin
59 Posted 01/09/2012 at 05:23:57
It's not like anyone opened up the purse strings for these signings. All the money came from selling players. It's just that, for the first time in a while, we are able to use all that money to dip back into the transfer market. By being extremely frugal in the past 2 years and cutting loose some of our high-priced dead weight (no offense Yak), we're now in a better financial position and have the new TV contracts to look forward to.
Martin Mason
60 Posted 01/09/2012 at 05:27:51
The great 1980s team came from possibly the worst team ever seen at Everton who were in the worst position we'd ever been in, broke, with no hope and calls for the sacking of seemingly the worst . A few unspectacular purchases and good rebuilding and we became the best team in Europe and but for the post Heysell ban it could have been the springboard for Everton domination all of the way into the premier league. I can see similariities with now and while times are different a place among the top 4 or 5 is possible and would be astounding. Like most Evertonians I'm absolutely buzzing with positivity especially after seeing the game against United. I'm not back again for 6 weeks but I'll be hoping to get in more games as a Born Again Blue. A fantastic feeling just now but the best thing is not to overdo the optimism as the harder it'll be if we relapse just enjoy it a game at a time. It is fantastic to be a Blue at this time and far from being low spending, overachieving EPL pariahs it's the rest of the EPL that is looking at our strategy with envy.

If I were to be churlish I'd say that all very good teams had a spine of steel and we have one now from front to back but is Howard good enough for us to get to the very top? The 80s team had more than its fair share of games that it had absolutely no right to win or even draw but that we did because of Neville Southall.

Christopher Kelly
61 Posted 01/09/2012 at 05:41:15
Exactly Scott - Moyes is just that good ( most of the time) in the market. Let's not get carried away but at least we're getting to use our money now!

Christopher Kelly
62 Posted 01/09/2012 at 05:45:37
And BTW - Dempsey for 6m???? Say what?

He must've Shagged Jol's mistress or something for that low a ticket

Jimmy Scales
63 Posted 01/09/2012 at 06:13:02
Ffs! Enough with blue union, you embarrass me.
Paul Johnson
64 Posted 01/09/2012 at 07:01:33
Feeling really good this morning. Someone needs too pinch me though, were has this month come from.

The buzz I am getting is from the fact that these players are not journeymen but young men with a future at Everton.

Let's keep the football flowing and put WestBrom in their place.

Well done Mr Moyes you have made me feel warm all over COYB.

Ernie Baywood
65 Posted 01/09/2012 at 07:03:32
Derek Thomas #723. May well be that the sudden backing of the manager is tied into his contract. We would fully expect that if we commit the little funds we have to a manager then that manager should be around for more than the next 9 months.

Before anyone starts, the club wasn't obliged to fund purchases and wages regardless of whether we got money in from one fringe player.

Sam Hoare
66 Posted 01/09/2012 at 07:12:02
Great news to wake up to! Never heard of the lad but he looks good.

And to think my last post was saying I was a tad Dissapointed we had not pulled a rabbit out of the hat at the last minute!!

Kevy Quinn
67 Posted 01/09/2012 at 07:16:26
For anyone getting excited over the You Tube clips. Type the Oviedo fella we signed, lol looks a disaster haha who cares though! Bring on the Baggies.
Chris Morris
68 Posted 01/09/2012 at 07:25:00
Strange that nobody came in for Baines or Fellaini, but who cares? Certainly not us lot

The test however isn't games like WBA away, it's whether Moyes can go to the big teams and set up a side to win rather than to not lose

John Malone
69 Posted 01/09/2012 at 07:13:32
Moyes has still not signed! Why the wait? You can't build a team if the manager is off! Hopefully he was waiting to see if Kenwright backed him with new blood and he has... so what are you waiting for, Davey? — Sign the contract.
David Chait
70 Posted 01/09/2012 at 06:38:40
I don't know this guy at all.. But you all seem very excited.. Best I youtube him then.

Shows what can happen in 40mins.. Which was about the time left when I hit the sack.

Chris Morris
72 Posted 01/09/2012 at 07:50:41
Right, time to start January rumours..... Kompany and Hazard want to leave their clubs and come to Everton because their mates are here.
Ian Smith
74 Posted 01/09/2012 at 08:10:49
Love waking up to this sort of news. Now lets carry on the positive stuff with a result today!! COYB!!!!!
Ian Smith
75 Posted 01/09/2012 at 08:17:08
And get that contract signed Moysie!!!
Mike Hughes
76 Posted 01/09/2012 at 08:09:06
Just seen this, having gone to bed quite happy that we'd got just Oviedo and Kennedy while the RS couldn't match Spurs spending power to sign Dempsey (snigger).

Never heard of this lad ... but had never heard of Fellaini either when he signed.
Decisive action from Everton. Definitely best transfer window in a long, long time.

Feet on the ground - same result and score as last week: 1-3.

John Ford
77 Posted 01/09/2012 at 08:10:04
Well chuffed with the signings. The big lad doesnt have pace but its no biggy in the middle of the field. He looks strong and skillful.

We're still operating on a shoestring, relatively speaking and I worry more now about City and Spurs given their transfer activity.

Im keeping a lid on this, We have no idea how the new boys will cope, theyre all relatively untested, I just hope they can keep us playing in the style weve seen this year. Cant' ask more than that.

Well done Moyes.....esp for keeping our top boys!

Nick Entwistle
78 Posted 01/09/2012 at 08:11:57
The wonders of Moyes with another window of zero net spend.
Peter Thistle
79 Posted 01/09/2012 at 08:22:20
Btw what are belgians feeding their footballers ? Gimme some.
Stuart Mitchell
82 Posted 01/09/2012 at 08:37:16
Ofoe Looks quality, as does our first team!

Howard
Coleman Jags Distin Baines
Ofoe Gibson
Mirallas Fellaini Pienaar
Jelavic

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ns7-xrZn6Mg&feature=related

Chris Morris
83 Posted 01/09/2012 at 08:40:50
I put up a post last week about Tim Howard and how he needs to have an understudy ready to take over from him next year or year after.

I was slightly put out that we didn't do more chasing for Butland, as he could have been the one to do it. Hope something happens on GK front in January

Ben Dyke
86 Posted 01/09/2012 at 08:33:50
YouTube shows he has some good qualities! Hoping we can just call him Vadis because his surname hurts my brain.
Mike Allison
87 Posted 01/09/2012 at 08:57:42
Probably our best window since the system was introduced. I don't remember being this happy with our squad, especially creative, attacking options. Even the years when we signed Jagielka and Baines, or Arteta didn't leave me as optimistic as this.

One quite important caveat though, I've never seen Oviedo, Adjidja-Ofoe and obviously Kennedy play, so I'm only trusting Moyes' judgement on how good they are. I'd also never seen Mirallas, so only time will tell if they're good signings or not, but I think Moyes' record deserves respect, and we seem to have genuine depth in all areas now.

Obviously we'd miss certain players if they got injured, but that's true of any team.

Butland was a pipe dream and I'd rather have the midfielder than a back-up goalkeeper, although as a long term option I'd say absolutely, although I suspect a richer club will sign him within a year or two.

Our squad depth now:

GK: Howard, Mucha (possibly slightly weak, but Mucha is an established international and should be judged after a run in the first team, not the odd showing in a low profile game against lower league opposition with a second string defence).
RB: Hibbert, Neville, Coleman (some people see this as a weak area because the first choice is probably the weakest on the pitch, but Hibbert has improved massively and we have three first team players who's best position is right back).
LB: Baines, Oviedo. (looks very strong to me).
2CB: Distin, Heitinga, Jagielka, Duffy. (leaving one of the first three out is the tough part).
2CM: Gibson, Fellaini, Adjidja-Ofoe, Osman, Neville, Barkley. (I think the last minute loan makes a big difference here, assuming he's good enough).
RM: Mirallas, Naismith, Coleman, Osman, Kennedy (?). (the front four might all prefer a different position, but between them, I think we'll offer a threat down the right in every game)
LM: Pienaar, Oviedo, Gueye, Mirallas, Osman. (Not sure where Gueye stands in this reckoning but again, there's cover there).
AM/SS: Fellaini, Mirallas, Naismith, Barkley, Osman, Pienaar. (a lot of versatility and different types of player to offer different types of threat here).
CF: Jelavic, Mirallas, Anichebe, Vellios. (four players for one position, Anichebe has his critics but he can bully defenders and scores goals)

So as I said, I haven't felt this optimistic for a long time, I can't helping expecting something to go seriously wrong now...

Mike Allison
88 Posted 01/09/2012 at 09:12:37
Oh yeah, forgot to mention, in fact ended up taking for granted, that we didn't sell anyone important, as big a deal as any of the signings I think.
Derek Williams
89 Posted 01/09/2012 at 09:14:42
Went to bed feeling great about the transfer window, both how it went for us and for the RS. Woke up to find it got even better.

It's Christmas Day and I'm six years old again!!!!

Moyesy - legend. And Blue Bill hasn't done a shabby job here either, credit where it's due.

Roll on 3pm, I assume this dizzy feeling is what is known as optimism

Chris Morris
90 Posted 01/09/2012 at 09:18:30
Mike (762)

What I found stranger was that nobody made a bid for our players

Denis Richardson
91 Posted 01/09/2012 at 08:57:42
Jeez Stuart, that really is not a bad team at all.

To think the likes of naismith, heitinga, ossie, hibbo, neville, barkely, Gueye, oviedo, duffy, vellios are not even included there........we can now be satisfied at finally having a decent team as well as squad.

Not sure about coleman as fist choice rb though, and think hetinga deserves to be rotated at cb or he will definitley be off next year.

I will happily give credit to the manager for this transfer window, for generating funds from sales to reinvest wisely and getting rid of cahill off the books.

Also thank god we didn't spend 6m on a 19 year old untested keeper. Howard may not be the best in the world but he is still a very good keeper and not the top worry at the moment.

Looking forward to West Brom - may even be tempted to have a bet on where everton finish the season..

COYB

Derek Williams
92 Posted 01/09/2012 at 09:20:11
Perhaps they did Chris (764) and we fended them off, given our new found wealth!
Paul Gladwell
93 Posted 01/09/2012 at 09:21:34
The great thing about all this feelgood factor is the likes of Baines and Fellaini may start thinking that they actually may not have to leave us to challenge at the top, it's early days, but I bet those players feel a hell of a lot happier playing for us now.
Mike Allison
94 Posted 01/09/2012 at 09:26:06
Chris I think after the sale of Rodwell we made it clear we didn't need to sell. The Baines interest was mainly from Man United and they'd already given up and bought someone else, and Fellaini's reputation now matches his ability, so it never looked worth trying to sign them as we wouldn't sell except for incredible, Andy Carroll-esque prices.

We also seem to have a happy squad, I'm no insider but clubs know through agents and nefarious whispers which players want to leave, and make their bids accordingly. It seems the 'word on the street/hotel lobby' was that no-one wanted out.

Chris Morris
95 Posted 01/09/2012 at 09:25:30
Just got news that Dempsey is starting against Arsenal tomorrow............ Oh Wait......
Brent Stephens
96 Posted 01/09/2012 at 09:28:09
Vadis this thing called love? (Apols if somebody has already posted that).
Paul Thompson
97 Posted 01/09/2012 at 09:26:45
Went to bed at midnight happy even with no last minute Belgian. Now woke up to find we have one! The youtube clip above certainly shows he can shoot. THis one gives a better sense of his all round play - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1MBWmlYwPLM&feature=related
Let's hope it all goes through smoothly. Great business by the club.
Jim Knightley
98 Posted 01/09/2012 at 09:29:30
Seriously, as anyone sold their soul to the devil? this is fantastic. And interestingly, Liverpool and Arsenal have utterly fucked up.
Paul Gladwell
99 Posted 01/09/2012 at 09:25:03
Stuart, I will tell you now Naismith will be first choice big time, he will end up being one of the first on the team sheet given what I have seen of him so far and don't count osman out either despite what people say on here the lad can be class at times played in the correct position and now he has a team of players who can only help him.
My only concern is Mucha as back up, I have seen every second of him for us and he will and already has cost us goals.
Billy Bradshaw
100 Posted 01/09/2012 at 09:22:10
I think there are too many people getting carried away on here. It's been a decent window, but don't forget all those windows when you have pulled your hair out with us not even in the frame to do any buisiness.

I would have been a lot happier if we had bought another proven goalscorer, god help us if Jelavic gets injured and then you're relying on that lazy, miserable, sulking bastard to socre us a goal or two.

Aidan Wade
101 Posted 01/09/2012 at 09:00:11
The thing I like most in all of this, is that the media hadn't a clue any of it was happening. The papers completely missed it. The deals were done quickly and quietly and the prices seem at this point to be fair (credit to management).

There has been a lot of criticism in recent years over the lack of official updates and it's extremely frustrating for fans but if it stops 11th hour raiding from the 'Arry's of the world then it's all for the best.

John Crawley
102 Posted 01/09/2012 at 09:41:19
Paul I agree with you about Naismith I have been very impressed with him so far. He looks to have a real football brain, with good movement. I am also a big fan of Ossie when he plays centrally. I think the problem is for any goalkeeper they need to play regularly and with the reserves now going to U-21 the situation for an older goalie like Mucha is really poor. Mucha is a good goalie but he's gone backwards since he came here because he isn't playing first team football.
My main concern is cover for Jelavic now because we don't really have any.
What I think Moyes has done really well in these last two transfer windows is balance the squad not just in terms of positions but also in terms of age. We were starting to become a really old squad but Moyes has turned that round very nicely.
Ian Bennett
103 Posted 01/09/2012 at 09:47:15
Joe Cole is like a new signing. Hahahaha!
Ernie Baywood
104 Posted 01/09/2012 at 09:33:02
Seen all the Odjidja clips now - really does look mustard.

This one is still my favorite
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tdPat1_Rf2E

Chris Morris
105 Posted 01/09/2012 at 09:35:10
Paul (775)

I agree. Osman gets stick but last few seasons have shown that when he's in the side we play better. Now though, he may lose out.

Mucha is sub for a reason!!

Joe Clitherow
106 Posted 01/09/2012 at 09:30:00
I have no idea why people persist on naming Coleman at RB and getting excited, except by reasoning that they do not actually watch him play. Nothing against the lad as I think he is wholehearted and honest but the thought of him in our defence makes me shudder.

Hiibbert all day every day for me, one of the best last ditch tacklers in the League bar none (Compare and Contrast!!)

Chris Morris
107 Posted 01/09/2012 at 09:55:03
Devastated.

Woke up to find we still have Anichebe

Ian Bennett
108 Posted 01/09/2012 at 09:57:23
Chris,he will be gone in the next window.

£2 to 3m in to invest elsewhere, cost nothing, you can't really complain. Happy to keep until we can get someone else in, but his days are numbered with Jelly, Mirallas and Naismith.

Anthony Lewis
109 Posted 01/09/2012 at 09:30:01
All this optimism is unnerving. We'd best not get beat by WBA today and go and destroy this good feeling.
Paul Gladwell
110 Posted 01/09/2012 at 10:03:19
I think we could cope ok if Jelavic got a short term injury, as Felli,Mirallas and Naismith can all link together.
Th thing that's making me happy is we ate getting players who can all switch positions throughout the 90 minutes, even Obiedo can play with Pienaar moving into the middle, we are going to prove a big headache for some opponents this year.
Jim Potter
111 Posted 01/09/2012 at 09:54:37
All this optimism - can I really be on Toffeweb?!

Perhaps Kendrick and Co might pull at least one needle out of their Moyes vodoo effigy?

Don't worry though - they'll soon be assassinating him again.

BRILLIANT WORK MOYES (and Kenwright for backing all this activity - going back to Jelavic in January).

COYB.

Whatever the season brings - I'm the happiest, most positive I've been in donkies years (and we've had more than our fair share of those in Blue). Not any more!

John Ford
112 Posted 01/09/2012 at 10:02:05
Not sure the signings improve the quality of the first eleven ...happy to be wrong about that, but it makes the squad much more resilient.

If one of the new signings becomes the next Fellaini, Johnny, Baines I'll be well pleased. Still on a budget , still unable to bid for the best, but hope springs....budget buys a la Jelli and Gibson are Moyes forte.

Ian Bennett
113 Posted 01/09/2012 at 10:08:57
Jim - all gone quiet, all gone quiet over........... There.
James Martin
114 Posted 01/09/2012 at 10:08:26
Perhaps this will finally be the player in the middle we need who doesn't let inferior also rans like Charlie Adam and Lucas run all over him. If he can hit the ground running and slot in besides Gibson with Pienaar Mirallas/Naismith falnking Fellaini and Jelavic then what a team that is. Finally a bit of power and pace to go with the technical ability we've always had.
Kev Johnson
115 Posted 01/09/2012 at 10:07:16
Chris (785) - ha-ha! I've already asked Santa to offload Big Vic in January as a late Xmas pressie to me. Here's hoping...
Paul Gladwell
116 Posted 01/09/2012 at 10:08:15
Lets hope we are not saying same old Everton at 4.50 today, it's always at the back of your mind with this club, let's hope this mental attitude can end too.
Trevor Powell
117 Posted 01/09/2012 at 10:09:43
Sorry to p*** on the parade, but I worry that we will be in a similar position to when Tommy Gravesen left for real Madrid. With us missing out on a European spot, all our players will not be cup-tied. If I were a manager of a Champions league team where would I go shopping in the January transfer window?

A bright and successful team full of young and great players .... such as the EFC we hope to be ......

Not a problem for the likes of Stoke or Villa?

James Martin
118 Posted 01/09/2012 at 10:13:59
Anyone know what the potential buy out option is at the end of the loan?
Brian Waring
119 Posted 01/09/2012 at 10:07:27
Can't remember the last time after a transfer window had ended, were I wen't to bed content and slept like a baby.
Brian Waring
120 Posted 01/09/2012 at 10:15:31
James, I think the buys have more to do with adding depth to the squad.
I think the first 11 will be the usual suspects, Osman included.
Peter Leslie
121 Posted 01/09/2012 at 09:55:03
Just watched Odjidja's YouTube -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&feature=endscreen&v=1MBWmlYwPLM

Gobsmacked.

I know its only a highlights reel - but YouTube can't show you doing something you cant do; this guy is scoring 25 yarders off both feet, breaking up play in his own box, beating men on either side and driving forward 60 yards; stabbing in 6 yard goals; slotting penos in the top corner; bursting down both wings and crossing off either foot (one beauty off the outside of his right foot from the left) and putting in good free kicks left and right.
The most impressive thing is the end-product: the pass or shot or cross is quality.

Throw in the skill and balance - the odd Cruyff turn and Jay-Jay Okocha stepover and we have one hell of a player here.
And 23 years old?
Moyesy seems to have picked up a diamond again.

Who is Essien?

Shaun Sparke
122 Posted 01/09/2012 at 09:59:58
I can't believe the incompetence of this club sometimes. We have 3 Belgians playing for us and how have we capitalised on this? We haven't got a single shop over in Belgium, no marketing whatsoever making the most of our 3 Belgian superstars. Sometimes I shake my head in disbelief at the lack of foresight from those who run this club! I am going to start a protest group, maybe I will call it the blue onion (sic) and organise marches and get-to-gethers in various pubs to discuss what we can do to promote ourselves.......er I mean the club. (By the way, I do have genuine respect for some of the members of the blue union who should be applauded for actually getting of thier arses and trying to do something). So my comment was only a light-hearted jape and was not intended to cause mass hysteria amongst the Mr angries with clenched fist and spittle running down thier chins who froth at the mouth at the mere mention of Bill Kenrwight.

John Ford
123 Posted 01/09/2012 at 10:16:40
Trevor I was gutted when Tommy left, he'd become about the best player in his position in the league. Cheese brain Paul Merson said Fellaini woulnt be with us long if he carried on dominating games, its a right pisser being a feeder club for the money teams. If we can get into europe and ..pipe dream.... the CL, then that might change things.
Dean Adams
124 Posted 01/09/2012 at 10:24:31
Ah, the future is blue! Its good to be back.
Mike Hughes
125 Posted 01/09/2012 at 10:16:33
Trevor #797
So what would you have done in the transfer window?
Something different?
No offence but I just don't get the "glass half full" mentality this morning.

Andrew Ellams
126 Posted 01/09/2012 at 10:30:20
Watching this guy on youtube, can't help thinking we have got ourselves our very own Yaya Toure. He looks a monster.

We are now in a position where somebody from Neville, Oviedo, Heitinga, Osman, Coleman, Naismith, Gueye, Anichebe and Velios will not even make the bench because there's not enough room.

Can't believe there is an international break next week to spoil my Saturday

Kev Johnson
127 Posted 01/09/2012 at 10:28:32
I'm not what you might call a Latin scholar, but it seems "vadis" means '[You] are going', 'Do go', or 'GO'.

Gotta be a song/chant in that! Go! Go! Go!

In the Youtube videos, he had Odjidja on his shirt, but the O/S have identified him as Ofoe. I'm gonna call him Mr Go-go. (Unless he turns out to be a bit rubbish, in which case he'll be Mr Going-going-gone)

Jamie Sweet
128 Posted 01/09/2012 at 10:35:09
I wonder if we could convince those Hazard brothers to join our Belgian revolution in January?!

Please let us beat WBA, then this would have been the best month following the Blues since I don't know when.

Si Cooper
129 Posted 01/09/2012 at 10:13:29
Odjidja Of-oe,
Odjidja Of-oe,
VAAA - dis,
Odjidja Of-oe.....

(Repeat ad infinitum, ad nauseam, etc).

Don't know the name of the tune but it is stuck in my head now.

Went to bed a tiny bit disappointed; feeling great now. Squad bolstered nicely.

COYB.

Joe Clitherow
130 Posted 01/09/2012 at 10:36:52
James Martin 794 - that player is already here: Darron Gibson.

Mr "Quietly Effective" is a big factor in our run form for the whole of 2012, in my opinion

Peter Webster
131 Posted 01/09/2012 at 10:23:57
What's going on with Moyes and this new Walloon fetish? I've heard we put in bids for Rene Magritte and Django Rheinhart.

Seriously though, this is looking like one boss squad.

Brent Stephens
132 Posted 01/09/2012 at 10:45:35
Peter, that Rene Magritte is a joker.
Peter Webster
133 Posted 01/09/2012 at 10:49:21
Imagine his subconscious mind games on the opposition though, Brent.
Chris Stubbs
134 Posted 01/09/2012 at 10:26:34
The best thing about this transfer window is that the manager seemed to have control on who left the club and at what point during the period of the window departures happened. This meant that we did not have to suffer any 11th hour departures (like Rooney's, Lescott's and Arteta's). I guess we were all annoyed about the constant press speculation around Baines and Fellaini that went on. I was thinking that Moyes should have come out and said something, perhaps giving an official response to all the nonsense we kept hearing. But looking back on it now, why should he waste his time with giving answers?

Moyes was in control throughout and managed the comings and goings very well. Our loveable neighbours had the type of window experience we used to have. Isn't it good to wake up on the day after the window closes with a feeling of gratitude and not a feeling of regret? We have now had 2 transfer windows in a row where things have gone well. Moyes was in full control of events in both of them.

Brent Stephens
135 Posted 01/09/2012 at 10:51:34
Aye, Peter, they wouldn't know what day it was or even whether it was day or night!
Aidy Dews
136 Posted 01/09/2012 at 10:49:05
Looks a player does Odjidja-Ofoe and makes you wonder why we didn't just go for him in the first place after missing out on Essien?! N'Zonzi is good but this new lad looks better, although it is only YouTube I've seen him on, but you must be good to be able to get in the Belgium squad and play with some of the quality they have these days!

I hope we get clearance Monday and he comes in and does well and I wouldn't think it would take him too much time to settle either with his 2 mates from the national side with him and other French speaking players, they will all help him fit in and settle nicely!

Peter Webster
137 Posted 01/09/2012 at 10:54:46
"Magritte on the ball, just inside the Liverpool half. He leaves Gerrard dumbfounded with a series of symbolic images that dredge up suppressed memories from the Liverpool Captain's past. Gerrard is strechered off muttering about moves to Chelsea, local gangsters and Phil Collins records. Magritte lays the ball off to Fellaini." etc.
Alan McGuffog
138 Posted 01/09/2012 at 10:56:34
Sodding Belgians....they'll be putting mayo on the chips in the Goodison Supper Bar now !
A propos of nothing what was the name of that Ecuadorian ( ? ) guy we had on loan a season or two back ? Only played once or twice. Think he scored a decent goal.
Andrew Ellams
139 Posted 01/09/2012 at 10:56:27
Trevor #797, so your plan for a brighter future is to buy crap over the hill players that nobody else will want? Can you spot the flaw in that plan at all?
Joe Clitherow
140 Posted 01/09/2012 at 10:59:58
Segundo Castillo. Scored a screamer against Standard Liege
Brent Stephens
141 Posted 01/09/2012 at 11:04:41
Nice one, Peter! That takes the apple.
Kev Johnson
142 Posted 01/09/2012 at 10:55:21
Don't know if there's any truth in the rumour that every time we score at Goodison this season on we're going to hear a blast of Belgian maestro Jacques Brel's classic "Jacky"...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kEcYdXMlryU Personally, I think the Scott Walker version would work better: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CUS1XDIIhTE

COYB! = Come on you Belgians!

Rahman Talib
143 Posted 01/09/2012 at 11:10:10
Eiuuuwwww!!!! mayo on fries.

Belgians really eat crap.

I'd rather have dirt on my fries than mayo....

Brent Stephens
144 Posted 01/09/2012 at 11:12:13
Please help an idiot. If I want to watch games on my PC, what's the easiest way to set it up? Who with? Step by step please!
Peter Webster
145 Posted 01/09/2012 at 11:22:07
Brent

I usually first try http://www.footballstreaming.info/streams/todays-links/

but someone always puts a link on the live matchday forum.

John Keating
146 Posted 01/09/2012 at 11:20:08
I think almost everyone will be pleased with the Ins and Outs of this Summer.
The support appear, generally, happy with whats gone on and the present status of the squad and performances.
Yobo and Cahill pay for Pienaar.
The Rodwell £12mill pays for Mirallas, Oviedo and young Kennedy.
Naismith comes on a free - think that was a brilliant bit of business.
Ojidja comes on a loan.
Moyes retains his status as one of the best managers to wheel and deal with little money.
The Bank is happy cos they must have between 4 and 5 million from the Rodwell deal.
Finally the board are happy cos they've got another season in without putting their hands in their pockets !
Ged Simpson
147 Posted 01/09/2012 at 11:25:27
Follow Peter Brent. When you get to the site showing our gamne there are ofter little ad infrom of the match screen. Have patience and these will do away. Be careful as if you click them - even on the x to close them - they can open a new widow.
Andrew Ellams
148 Posted 01/09/2012 at 11:26:06
Brent,

This is usually a good place to try

http://www.thefirstrow.eu/watch/138352/1/watch-west-bromwich-albion-vs-everton-fc.html

Kev Johnson
149 Posted 01/09/2012 at 11:27:55
Brent - you don't necessarily have to set up anything.

Often people post links on the live forum. Click on one. Some require that you download software (sopcast, etc) or register, but others don't. Personally, I prefer not to download anything at all, just to be on the safe side - you can get malware, viruses, etc - but I know other people do without any problems.

Ask the question again just before the game starts and it will be easier for someone to talk you through it.

Paul Smith
150 Posted 01/09/2012 at 11:35:52
Credit were it`s due.

Optimism has been in short supply over recent years, but I think its on the turn. Could we be seeing the beginning of something special? I hope so , for to long we have been in that shower across the parks scruffy shadow....

Right, just to beat WBA now

Steve Brown
151 Posted 01/09/2012 at 11:38:32
Great transfer window has led to a great team that is going to be hard for the other teams to fathom. We are now blessed with multiple attacking options. Guile, skill, strength and speed. Let's hope for a continued period of free-flowing football.
Brent Stephens
152 Posted 01/09/2012 at 11:42:18
Kev, Andrew, Ged, Peter. Thanks
Gary Mortimer
153 Posted 01/09/2012 at 11:34:10
Trevor (797). When we sold Tommy G, we brought in Arteta on loan and still finished 4th - albeit with a number of squeaky bottom moments. We didn't miss out on European footy.
Paul Smith
154 Posted 01/09/2012 at 11:42:29
Flash stream sports £40 from start of the season up until CL final. No pop-ups, broken streams and all the Everton games in good quality HD. I hate paying for anything but this one's a winner , get to watch without volleying me laptop.
Leslie Wee
155 Posted 01/09/2012 at 11:54:20
Brent, watch out for those nasty ads. Be careful where you click. You don't want viruses off the net.

If you don't have a anti-virus program yet, get one for free. I use AVG myself.

Alan McGuffog
156 Posted 01/09/2012 at 11:52:18
Rahman....for God's sake don't say that out loud in the chippy. Be careful what you wish for.
Thanks Joe...that one was like a stone in my shoe. Segundo Castillo indeed....yeah it's coming back to me....a low volley from edge of the area in the Park End ?
Chad Schofield
157 Posted 01/09/2012 at 11:55:30
Really made up about our transfers. Fantastic work by Moyes and all involved at Everton... absolutely have to give credit where due and all have been great.
Joe Clitherow
158 Posted 01/09/2012 at 12:04:30
That's it Alan. A missile through a crowd of players
Kev Johnson
159 Posted 01/09/2012 at 12:12:56
Rahman - can I just point out that the very idea of "fries" is a bit French/Belgian.

Personally, I eat ye olde English chips.

I'm struggling to tie this back in to the main thread... oh yeah - to celebrate the impending arrival of VOO, I'm going to rewatch IN BRUGES. Good film, hereby recommended - especially if you like (funny) swearing.

Terry Maddock
160 Posted 01/09/2012 at 12:23:21
Best transfer window in ages... but the feelgood factor has been there for 6 months now.

And I think the main reason nobody came in for Baines or Fellaini is because they want to stay – agents do talk.
Matt Traynor
161 Posted 01/09/2012 at 12:03:31
Trevor #797, there's been a slight change in the rules since then. If you play in Europe in the first part of the season in the qualifying rounds, but your team doesn't make it through to the group stages (Europa or CL), then you can play in the later rounds for another club post January transfer window, in a different competition.

- So if you played in the CL, you can play in Europa with another club, but not the CL, and vice versa

- If your old club is still in the same competition as your new club, you can't play

Wish that cup tied meant just that.

John Hall
162 Posted 01/09/2012 at 12:10:43
That deal with Fooball Manager is certainly paying dividends now - well done Mr Moyes!!!
Jalil Noor
163 Posted 01/09/2012 at 11:56:51
Lads you'allgot it wrong with the dates.. It's the January transfer window where we always do dealings then and its the new year cos we playing so well!!!

or maybe someone dicked around Moyes and BK's calendar and made 'em tink it's January....

Buy more Belgian lads and we are the future of Belgium!!!

Tom Bowers
164 Posted 01/09/2012 at 12:21:52
Everything's looking rosy. Let's hope it continues on the pitch today.

Some real competition for places now. The sale of Rodwell was a gem but we should have got Richard Wright? Okay, I know that's a groaner.

Would have liked Dembele but Spurs got him and Dempsey so they are looking good to.
Kev Johnson
165 Posted 01/09/2012 at 12:31:29
Just seen this on the BBC matchday thread...

Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany tweets: "Everton fans might not even know it but their club has done an incredible bit of business. Vadis Odjidja-Ofoe is a top player, mark my words."

Of course we know it. We've always rated him! (Well, ever since yesterday.)

Jalil Noor
166 Posted 01/09/2012 at 12:35:02
Yeah Kev,, we have always known about him....(since someone posted the youtube link)
Tom Harries
167 Posted 01/09/2012 at 12:39:41
I'm glad Kompany tweeted that because it's the first mention I've seen of Ofoe outside this website!
Charlie Hennessy
168 Posted 01/09/2012 at 10:34:18
We will have to see if he can step up to the required standard in the Premier League but I thought of Yaya Toure as soon as I saw this guy too, the ability to explode quickly from the congested areas in midfield especially in England is what makes Toure for me City's best player, fingers crossed eh?

As for all of the Mucha bashers, I've watched loads of the guy for Legia and his national team and he's actually okay. I think with keepers they need a run of games to build confidence and an understanding with the back four. To be fair, good old Howard is pretty error prone himself yet bullet proof in terms of team selection/criticism.
Phil Sammon
169 Posted 01/09/2012 at 11:24:58
What a fantastic transfer window cim blown away.

However I do have to take issue with those on here who long for the day Leon Osman is no longer part of our first 11. He single-handedly divides Evertonians for me. There's those who understand football and there's those who don't. There's no difference in the passion or commitment these two groups show but they will differ on their opinion of Ossie.

Those who are simply fans of the club see him as a local lad who should one day be usurped by a dazzling foreigner. It happens at every team after all.

Those who understand football will notice that Ossie is a vital part of our side and a lynchpin in the way we are trying to play football. So often Ossie is the architect of great Everton football. In terms of technique there is only Pienaar who stands up there with him.

People bang on about the likes of Victor not giving a crap about the game. Well here we have a local lad, passionate as they come, never gets injured and just so happens to be a fantastic footballer. I think sometimes your have to look around and appreciate what you've got.

Once again, great transfer window.

Carl Regan
170 Posted 01/09/2012 at 12:44:57
Moysey takes Kenwright to the jewellery store... buys a little diamond in the rough... takes it back to Goodison where he teaches him to score... and as he does, all the crowd begin to sing... Odjide Odija, what a team, whoa la la how the boy done good... Ahem!!!
Derek Thomas
171 Posted 01/09/2012 at 12:59:31
Went to Oostend in 64. 240 B Francs to the pound, cheap as chips. Tres exotique ( for then ) Mayo on the chips? loved it! Meli park, the canals at Bruges, the White Horse Club. Our barman was a player for Standard, he was working at a summer job, such was the state of Belgian Football in those days.
James Smith
172 Posted 01/09/2012 at 13:16:29
Knowing our luck this is what will happen...

Just when we start to look great Howard gets injured in a game against Liverpool and that Mucha guy costs us our place in the top four.

Keith Glazzard
173 Posted 01/09/2012 at 13:17:01
Thank heavens that as I emerge from od-ing on aperetifs I can join in with this one.

As I recall, we have attempted to put paid to the old 'famous Belgians' nonsense, or was I dreaming?

There is a long-standing dispute as to whether the first chip shop in the world was in Mossley, incredibly part of Cheshire in those days, or Belgium. Possibly Oostende. Although I know and love Mossley, at this moment I would put my money on Belgium.

ps - Guffog, still here, or in a bit of La Costa free of Essex-on-the Med folk.

pps - Kev J, how was it in Southport?

Conor Skelly
174 Posted 01/09/2012 at 13:20:22
We shall name him OJ and we shall raise him as our own.. with a view to legal adoption.
Ernie Baywood
175 Posted 01/09/2012 at 13:29:38
Phil, I think you're wrong... and pretty patronising seemingly of half of your fellow supporters.

Osman is what he is and I appreciate him for exactly that. But you can't tell me that someone with a bit more pace and strength wouldn't be an improvement.

Terry Davies
176 Posted 01/09/2012 at 13:34:04
Alan – don't forget the Belgians invented chips; so be grateful for that as well. Best morning after for me since I can remember. The last-minute signing a great bonus and I think could be one of the best.
Terry Davies
177 Posted 01/09/2012 at 13:49:55
Viva Belgium
Phil Sammon
178 Posted 01/09/2012 at 13:50:25
It's not patronising if you're addressing your inferiors, Ernie.

Sacrificing skill, technique and ball retention for strength and speed is the policy of all the great managers. Look no further than Sam Allerdyce.

We have strength in abundance at Everton, thank you very much. It's nice to finally have a few players with craft.

Keith Glazzard
179 Posted 01/09/2012 at 13:43:17
Phil + Ernie - you simply don't play so many Prem games if you're not a very good footballer. And although I invite ridicule every time I say this, if he played in the Messi role for Barca, he would be El Ozzy.

His best position? His career has fallen between the two stools of English 'utility' players and Dutch Total Football. DM has used him all over the park, and if we ever have another benefit, it must be for him.

Tiny/Tiger Tim is a hero. Little Leon is for me.

ps Ernie - every Spanish player, even on the beach around the corner, who attacks goal has the thighs of a sprinter. They work on it for hours every day. If Ossie did that he would shred any defence, as Messi & Co do. But he would never cover the park as Brit players are required to do.

John Crawley
180 Posted 01/09/2012 at 13:52:56
I had a quick check and don't think this has been posted but check out Ofoe goal for u19's against England. Now that goal is absolutely top draw!! This lad looks a real player on what I have seen so far.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-8_pwYX_K4o&feature=related

Aidan Wade
181 Posted 01/09/2012 at 13:17:21
Ossie is a terrific player and Vadis or anybody else will have to be really good to move him to the bench. Osman works well alongside Gibson, distributing the ball. He's almost never caught in possession because his close control is class, he always appears to have all the time in the world to pick his pass. Nothing better in world than seeing a pack of defenders try and surround him only for Ossie to jink through their grasp with the lightest of touches.

He doesn't always dazzle (though some of his goals are sublime) and he doesn't electrify the crowd when he has the ball because he lacks the power/speed to charge forward instead he retains possession and links plays together. A lot of our goals feature Osman in the build up.

I do hope Vadis is even better and so as a team we improve but more than that I hope he will have the same commitment to every match as Leon.

Clive Lewis
182 Posted 01/09/2012 at 13:53:44
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w6n3cEGshZw&feature=related

Looks good

Martin Mason
183 Posted 01/09/2012 at 14:03:12
I agree, Osman has few peers in his best position in CM but there are a lot of CM players. Playing wide needs a much higher degree of speciality and very few players can fill both roles. It's no criticism of Osman to say that he doesn't do the wide position well but he has had some fantastic games for us lately in the centre and he would improve the England team if selected. He is also a fantastic Blue and a credit to the club.
Clive Lewis
184 Posted 01/09/2012 at 14:14:32
Well the Rodwell deal has produced a lot of quality with money to spare for the banks.
Mathew McKay
185 Posted 01/09/2012 at 14:05:17
What about instead of the old Arteta song "Follow, Follow, Follow", how about...

Ofoe, Ofoe, Ofoe,
Vadis Odjidja-Ofoe,
Cos there's nobody better than Vadis Odjidja...
Vadis Odjidja Ofoeeeee...

Phil Sammon
186 Posted 01/09/2012 at 14:26:30
Matthew - Thats brilliant.

Tongue twister...but brilliant

Alan McGuffog
187 Posted 01/09/2012 at 14:24:42
Kev Johnson enjoy your chips and the re-watching of In Bruges. Superb movie.....have a look at The Guard...Brendan Gleeson plays a cop out in the west of Ireland. Some wonderful lines.
Back to today....as that guy in Hill Street would say " take it easy out there today". Some of us are already looking at the route that the open top bus is going to take...Me, I'm as optimistic as I can remember being but if we get turned over today, as well we might, it's not the wheels coming off. Vamonos muchachos !
Keith Glazzard
188 Posted 01/09/2012 at 14:17:33
It was the 4-0 against Sunderland. Pienaar scored a superb curler from front left of the box. Next time Ossie was there, he said thanks Steven and did exactly the same thing. That's what I call teamwork.

We talk about the Everton family. That's about as good an example of it being worth anything as I can think of.

Amit Vithlani
189 Posted 01/09/2012 at 14:37:01
Andy 692 and Matthew 884 like it

Given the boy's Ghanian roots, and playing the same position as Viera, how about the old favourite to the tune of "volare":

Odjija Ofooooe,
Odjija Ooooo-foooe
He's half a-Ghanian,
He plays for Everton

Joe Clitherow
190 Posted 01/09/2012 at 10:59:58
Segundo Castillo. Scored a screamer against Standard Liege
Anto Byrne
191 Posted 01/09/2012 at 02:16:25
Thank fuck we didn't lose Moyes in the summer. It looks like he has come of age. Bring on the moneybag teams, let's see the progress. Well done David Moyes the world's greatest manager at the best club on the planet. It's great to be an Evertonian, is it not?
Mathew McKay
192 Posted 02/09/2012 at 12:53:33
Thanks Phil and Amit, I do try!
Col Noon
193 Posted 02/09/2012 at 20:26:37
Why are Bruge prepared to loan him out?
Col Noon
194 Posted 02/09/2012 at 20:26:37
Why are Bruge prepared to loan him out?
Matt Traynor
195 Posted 02/09/2012 at 20:48:54
Col #283, I could be wrong, but I think they were trying to agree a permanent deal, but as time was pressing, registered him as a loan first in case they didn't push through the deal in time. This is fairly common practice.

Rumours about his signing started earlier in the evening, and like a muppet, I stayed up. So did quite a few looking in the live forum.

I don't know whether a fee was agreed for a future permanent transfer in January, or July next year.

Don't know anything about him, but was encouraged by what Vincent Kompany was quoted as saying on his Twitter account.

Jamie Barlow
196 Posted 03/09/2012 at 16:05:24
When do we find out if he has signed?
Col Noon
197 Posted 03/09/2012 at 17:25:19
Nice one mate #285. I am just a bit confused as to how this came about. The lad is still only 23 and looks like an important member of their team, what sort of fee would they ask? and how could we afford it as I would expect it to be in the region of at least 7M. Loaning him out is a strange one as far as I can see. Looks decent tho, fingers crossed he can add another dimension to our team.
Terry Riley
198 Posted 03/09/2012 at 20:42:20
CLUB BRUGGE
NIEUWS
Nog geen duidelijkheid over Vadis

Print


Terug
Maandag 3/09 - 21:15Spelers nieuws

Nog geen duidelijkheid over Vadis

Club en Everton werden nog steeds niet in kennis gesteld van een definitieve beslissing aangaande de al dan niet overgang van Vadis Odjidja.

Het kan mogelijks tot woensdag duren eer er duidelijkheid komt. In afwachting van een beslissing volgt Vadis in nauw overleg met de sportieve staf van Club een individueel trainingsprogramma

Just copied this from the Club Brugge website, it'll be Wednesday before any definite news comes from Fifa and in the meanwhile Vadis Odjidja will continue with a separate training programme apart from the rest of the players.

James Stewart
199 Posted 04/09/2012 at 14:55:04
Really hope this one gets sorted fast! Can't wait to see him play. Looks absolute class. Our new Arteta
James Morgan
200 Posted 04/09/2012 at 15:43:00
Hurry up so that when he plays with Fellaini I can call them 'Mofoe'.

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