Neville to leave in the Summer

Thanks for the effort though.

I think he will find himself as player/coach in the Championship/ League 1.

Wish him all the best in his coaching career, but in all honesty I wish him good luck at another club in that capacity.

It will be interesting to see if this is the first of many long serving Everton employees to leave this summer...

I have always thought him to be a Captain Fantastic whose general level of excellence is occasionally blighted by a bad mistake. I wish him well wherever his career may take him.

I wish the guy all the best and I must admit that he has served the club well but he is a limited footballer and I for one am glad that he won't appear in our midfield again after this season.

Thought he was a shoe in for a coaching position and may well find his way back should Moyes stay around.

Facing the Bullens rd will be my abiding memory - making Ronaldo cry and shouting back at the fans - you never shirked mate and most of us thank you for that.

You didn't win anything but an achievement that outstrips any of your utd medals and caps - you were a manc who became a toffee - good luck for the future Phil.

Neville formed part of Moyes's security blanket the last few years and I feel the timing of this announcement is another sign Moyes is moving on. Neville will go on to be a good manager and who knows might be managing the Blues in a few years... (at least we know he has the finger pointing part of it already perfected)

I wish he had followed his brother and retired, I would hate to see him drop down the leagues and end up getting stick; he is better than that. Deserves a good reception from the fans for his last game whoever that will be against even if he only gets 10 minutes in the last home game.

Thanks for the commitment. Good luck in your next endeavors, please don't come back as a coach.

Hopefully opens up some space in the team and the wage books for some younger player(s) next season.

Phil Neville is a professional he gave everything he had in his locker to the team and the fans, was not scared to hide when he had a bad game, and no one could fault him for his desire.

I suspect that after the Wigan game he knew it was over and had to move on. It's a shame when good players cannot hack it any more, but that doesn't mean he should be abused or ridiculed. That he played a season too many is not his fault, the king is dead, long live the king.

As for the personal abuse, he has been an excellent ambassador for Everton on and off the pitch, he deserves our gratitude and thanks as well as warm wishes for the future. Go with our thanks PN.

Great professional and will be remembered for that Ronaldo tackle, the games of keeping Bale so quiet he changed wings and unfortunately that daft twat pass at Wigan.

Could not have put it more eloquently myself. I for one thank him for his tremendous service and commitment to the club, he gave his all and you can't ask for more than that.

A lot of so called players have come and gone since he came to us who could have taken a leaf out of his book.

Thanks Phil and best wishes for the future.

Good luck to the lad, wherever he ends up. I'm sure there'll be a lot of clubs interested in taking him for player-coach roles. Thanks for the memories.

Phil Neville embraced our club as much as any legendary player has in our history and has represented our club with dignity, commitment, class, professionalism and enthusiasm.

A few of his peers from that Man Utd youth team and first team have moved on and you always got the impression that their greatest efforts had been given to Fergie and they were (almost) going through the motions for their new club. But not Phil Neville, his effort and work rate were second to none.

Thanks Phil and good luck.

Phil Neville was not technically gifted but he was and is a good pro; he knew when to leave Man Utd and if Moyes hadn't nipple-twisted him into staying (probably due to that Belgium player transfer that went tits up). He knows when it's time... pity Moyes can't follow suit.

I hope there is at least one more seat left in his taxi to the championship, step forward Mr Naismith.

He should have been sold to Spurs, if they actually made an offer. £50k a week for pointing, and generally running around on his last legs. We could have had two hungry up and coming midfielders for his wages. Most of Swansea's first team are on no more than £10k per week.

He was a good leader, who would have been more fondly remembered if he had left a couple of seasons ago. Thanks anyway Phil, and good luck.

Im actually a tiny bit sad he is leaving, but like all the others, glad he won't be on the pitch for us next season. I hope he comes back as a coach though, has the right attributes to be a good manager someday.

I can see a promoted team getting him next season, some scrappy team like Hull.

He should really retire altogether from playing, now. The energy and tenacity just aren't there anymore, which was always the sum of his talent. Best of luck to him in his new MNF spin off with Gary, "Neville Neville".

Whatever he had as a footballer however, he had, imo, lost 'it' a couple of years ago.

To be fair though (and the same applies to Hibbo, Osman and anyone else who gets it in the neck) HE never selected himself.

A very good ambassador off the field for Everton, he seemed to throw himself into that role with a genuine feel for supporters/charities/etc (a real achievement given his long links with United).

Would wish him the very best in any post Everton endeavour.

Best of luck to PN the consummate professional.

Only one of those rumours but his missus allegedly told friends in a Leyland hotel they are defo leaving and have been talking to Shalke for months.

On the contrary, I actually believe he will make a good coach someday but, from reading one or two comments on here, it seems that there are some Toffees who hope he won't be coaching here. Why is that? Anyway, good luck, Pip, and all the best in whatever you do.

I would have thought given his service and professionalism (he is good to have around the club, I don't think anyone would doubt that), that a 1-year extension might have been considered. We do tend to hang on to players a bit.

I wonder if it's linked to Moyes's decision?

He may have lacked ability, but he grafted well for us for 8 years, so I wish him well.

Comes from a family of exceptional professionals and overall is a credit to the game, and a good example to young players / sports people overall.

It's a shame for everyone that we had to suffer the way we did during the Wigan game but that's what changes futures.

Thanks Phil – great attitude, good captain and someone I think will still have a long future in the game – ie, coaching etc.

BTW he should never have been played out of position in midfield, it's partly Moyes fault that so many fans are glad to see the back of him, if he'd have only played him at right back he woulda been a much better player for the team.

I would love to see him succeeding as a coach and maybe someday return to us although I know in his heart he is a Man Utd man. Still he gave his all for us.

I'm also surprised nobody has mentioned the winning penalty against Chelsea yet. Cool as you like.

Cheers Fizzer.

Don't be surprised he attempts something with Galaxy. He works out there off-season and is the type of old pro Arena likes to put with his youngsters. And make a fair, inor league buck doing so.

Anyhow, a real pro and congrats on a great career in the big leagues.

Couldn't agree more. Very well said

I expect him to be appointed player-manager of a championship or Div-1 side. Leeds? Good luck Pip.

Good luck, Pip. I reckon your best Everton moment was the tackle on Ronhaldo at Goodison Park which brought the house down.

I don't blame Neville, I blame Moyes — who also should have left 3 years ago.

Neville deserves credit for always giving 100 percent, been a good leader and a true model professional. I've been one of his biggest critics this season, because its clear to everyone except Moyes that he is well over the hill. At least he's got the dignity to walk away when he knows he can't compete at our level

On a side note: Does this mean we now need replacements for Neville, Fellaini and possibly Jelavic and Baines and maybe a manager???? .... Interesting summer at Everton lies ahead.

The sad thing for me is that I think over the next 3-4 years we'll bye saying farewell to a lot of good servants to the club with likes of Ossie,Hibbo,Distin to name but 3 coming to the end of their careers.

Finally good luck Phil Neville I for one will rise from my seat to applaud you as you walk off the pitch against West Ham you arrived with dignity and you're leaving with dignity few can say that.

Weasel words, to say he offered nought is frankly quite laughable. He may have lacked the eye catching ability of truly great players but I guess there won't be many who can sit their grandchildren on their knee and talk about their 500+ top flight games, 59 England caps 6 PL medals, 3 FA Cup medals and a CL medal. A lot more technically gifted players pissed it away through lack of application and poor decision making.

That's why Moyes valued him so much, not only for what he offered as a player but for the example he set to those around him. He was Moyes on the pitch and that probably explains why he gave him more rope than many fans could agree with. But time catches up with everyone in the end.

It feels quite a dignified and respectful way to let him leave the club, by allowing him to make the announcement when I'm sure there was no deal was on the table, and I for one think he has earned it.

My best memory is the winning pen at Chelsea to send us to Wembley, bang top corner and arms in the air like he was Shearer! Well in Phil good luck mate.

Still, I'm quietly pleased that he has seen fit to call it a day with the Blues

Its fair to say Neville was never gifted with skill or natural ability but he gave 100% in every single game and actually for a couple of seasons was a very good right back.

Probably the highlight of Neville's Everton career was becoming a twitter sensation after placing Gareth Bale in his back pocket.

Neville is a winner, a leader and a rare breed of footballer who kids can look up to. We should be proud he wore the Everton shirt for so many years.

Its true his best years are behind him and this season he has looked a little off the pace in games but make no mistake after so many years and so many appearances (most of them as Captain), I honestly regard Neville as an Everton legend.

Many thanks for bringing your positive attitude to our club. Just a pity you have not won that medal you so desperately wanted. Good luck, wherever life takes you.

I knew he was cracking on a bit and should have left a season or two ago but I didn't realise he had grandchildren.

He'll go on ad eventually become a coach or a manager, but he should be remembered for doing far more good than bad at Everton. A good servant.

Didn't he score a pen against Man Utd in the semi as well. Never hid, never shirked his responsibility and always gave 100%.

But in all honestly not many role models can boast the kind of professionalism and faultless record that Phil Neville can.

Not the most gifted player but I wish you could bottle Neville's attitude and willingness to work hard. Anichebe is far more gifted with natural ability but all he does is complain about Moyes pushing him.

Tell you what you combine Neville's attitude with Anichebe's natural ability and you would have one terrific player.

You have mentioned all those trophies he's won, but that is purely down to the successful players he has had the privilege of playing alongside – the Cantona's, Van Nistelrooys, Keanes, Beckam etc etc. He's fortunate to have played with world class players which is why he's achieved all those medals and revelled in great success

You've nailed it there; apparently Moyes is shit, Osman's is shit, Neville is shit... funny how we're sixth in the league with seven games to go having spent no money (net) for five years.

As you say, small-minded and vindictive.

And Philip Quilliam, you're the first for breaking one of our cardinal conditions. We have zero tolerance for posters who suggest any Evertonian go and support another club, whatever their views.

Don't be stupid man, he offered more than he took away from a team. Just look at our win / loss record when he was in/ out of the team.

More rubbish, he won medals because he played for Man United that's for sure but you have to get signed up by them to start with and then you have to get SAF to pick you 250 times. Oh and get 5 successive England managers to pick you.

Of course I may be wrong, maybe you are a better judge of a footballer than all those managers.

BUT, a decent right back who could mark a certain Gareth Bale out of a game twice in a season and a great motivator and leader on the pitch,

The positives outweigh the negatives.

My favourite Phil Neville moments are the tackle on Ronaldo, a very similar tackle on Ashley Cole leading to our second goal against them at Goodison last season and that goal celebration against Villa in the pouring rain in 2008!

Good Luck in the future, Phil.

A great professional, whom I wish well for the next chapter of his career, whether it be coaching or playing in a lower league. He gave us 8 years of loyal service to our great club as captain as well.

Good luck, Pip.

So, he gets to play alongside all those rather decent players even though he's shit. And he keeps lots of other rather decent players out. Well...

Lots of players have played for Man Utd, our own Darron Gibson played for Man Utd 60 times. But Phil Neville played 389 times for Man Utd during their most successful era. Trust me Sir Alex does not hand 398 caps out to average players, just ask Juan Veron or Diego Forlan.

And during those 389 appearances for Man Utd Phil Neville won 6 Premier League Titles, 3 FA Cups and a Champions League winners medal. Thats more then the entire current Everton squad put together and I don't know for a fact but he may just be the most successful player in terms of medals to ever play for Everton?

Then you look at his England record. He was the youngest member of Terry Venables Euro 96 squad. Was consistantly picked by all subsequent England managers and racked up an impressive 59 England Caps. That's an impressive record putting him 10 Caps up on Geoff Hurst (49) and compare it to other Everton greats, Trevor Steven (36), Gary Stevens (46) and Peter Reid (13).

Phil Jagielka (16) wont reach 59 Caps. Leighton Baines is arguably Everton's best player of a generation but he only has 15 England Caps and can only dream about reaching Neville's 59.

During his time at Everton the team has consistantly finished in the Top 10 twice cracking the Top 5. Neville has played 303 times for Everton so far most of them as Captain. You do not play 303 times for Everton or David Moyes unless you have something about you.

I understand the frustration at times with Neville. Sure there were times (particulary this season) where he looks very average but he led the team, he stood up and took penalties if he had too, he set an example and the stats prove he was a better player then most give him credit for being.

Sorrry but that theory is noodle dooble.

[And yes, while we're on the topic, someone will chime in with "Well, you allow people to say all manner of disgusting things to the players, manager, chairman, boardmembers... and they can't answer back."

The distinction being, like fans shouting abuse at the players from the crowd, they rarely if ever get heard directly. But we put that at the discretion of the individual poster: if they are comfortable badmouthing those they pay to go and see, sobeit.

And I thought up this bit just for Paul Ferry: Discussion and Debate is what we encourage; we Draw the line somehere among posts that are Deliberately Divisive, Disingenuous, Derogatory, Disgusting, or just Downright Despicable Denigration of other posters.

I think I'll go and lie down now.]

You've always been a good pro and worked your socks off for the club

best wishes to the future for you and yours

I'm sure once he's played another year or two he'll make a great coach somewhere.

His statement today was typical of the way he has conducted himself whilst at Everton – dignified, loyal and respectful. It's a pity that some posters cannot show a degree of good grace and respect him for the role model that he undoubtedly is.

In an era when we bemoan the lack of loyalty and commitment shown by many footballers, Phil's contribution to Everton over the past 8 years has been genuinely outstanding and he represents, I believe, one of Moyes's best signings.

We may sign better footballers as we move on but we will struggle to replace his leadership and inspiration.

All the very best, Phil.

What a nasty, bitter post. Phil Neville was a really good right-back, a moderately good midfielder and a superb captain and leader who projected the manager's personality on the pitch.

He brought professionalism and leadership and always acted like he was the captain of a big club, leading by example in the way he conducted himself. (He must have despised the antics of people like Van der Meyde and Drenthe, better players than he.)

He deserves better than to be called 100% shit.

I wished I'd known you 25 years ago, I always wanted to be an England international. If only I'd known all I had to do was to get SAF to pick me 250 times.

This is the other thing I don't get. So cos he played a lot of games for Man Utd, that automatically makes him a top player. Butt, O'Shea, Brown and others all played a lot of games for Utd and I never rated them and they all look shite or average at other clubs.

Everton FOOTBALL Club

FOOTBALL

I don't want to pay to watch a 'player' on £50k a week clapping, pointing and chipping endless, aimless balls to nobody. Never a footballer and I won't be sad to see him go.

I guess that we differ in opinion on the three players you mention too. But as I said to Kunai, I could be wrong. You also may be a better judge of a footballer than Fergie and the numerous international managers who selected them.

It's the abusive tone of your criticism that grates, quite honestly.

"Never a footballer..." so how DO you explain away his numerous trophy wins at his previous club. Do poor players win the Champions League? Or six league titles? Or even three FA Cups (one, yes, but three?)

The answer is 5. And yes a decent player. Never scored enough goals to be a 'top' player but again the evidence is in the longevity of his career. Do you think all these managers are just deluded and incompetent to continually select players who are just no good.

I certainly remember him giving us the runaround in a number of derby matches and I also remember him bullying the German central defence in the 5-1 game.

I think because his game was always going to deteriorate because his strength was his strength and athleticism. He was a far better player in his 20s than he was in his 30s.

Despite their limitations with a football a massive part of our success in 2004-05 was built on the fact that in Carsley Gravesen and Cahill we had the league's hardest midfield 3 who could bully whoever they wanted and could choke the life out of games. One goal was usually enough.

We've lost most of our leaders and now we've lost another. Can't help but feel a bit sad for Phil that it all ended with Everton's worst game in recent memory, he deserved better for what he gave us for those that can remember past the last few months, would have loved to have seen him lift a trophy for us.

I'm not seeing you doing any arguing, other than just tossing generalisations about. You think Heskey is rubbish yet he is one of 23 players to score more than 100 PL goals. But again you are a pre eminent judge of footballing ability.

It’s only just to say, “Thank You” … and it’s not often that reading ToffeeWeb has me change my mind on anything.

It was not so much about disliking him, but rather his presence being a constant reminder of the reality of our situation.

Thanks for the 8 years pip but it really should have been last summer – then again you didn't pick the teams...

Hopefully he'll get a good send off at one of the remaining home games (hopefully when we're already leading and in the last 5 minutes or so). That's £50k freed up on the wage bill in the summer at least...

"It was not so much about disliking him, but rather his presence being a constant reminder of the reality of our situation."

That is actually a really good point, which could apply to many players. And you are facing facts, something a lot of posters are not doing. The facts are that as long as the present ownership structure obtains we will be in the market for Neville rather than Neymar.

Wince every time he gets the ball on the pitch. He played his whole career like a panicking goalkeeper out of the box.

All the best for the future.

Thanks Pip for the memories and Good Luck.

Good pro. Always stepped forward and took flak for the team and the club. Wish him all the best.

This decision, coupled with suddenly playing Ross, says to me that Moyes has decided to stay and build again.

I notice that the votes in the TW poll have passed the 10,000 mark — remarkable.

I suspect Rooney will mirror that at Goodison.

Except... the timing seems strange. Why announce it now? Is it because he knows Moyes is going? Because the fans disgust at his Wigan performance has filtered through to him? Because he wants to attract job offers ASAP? Although I can imagine a career for him in the long term, I don't see where he's going in the short term. Player manager of Bury, perhaps.

Why does he make a point of saying he wants to continue playing at the highest level when he's not going to be a regular pick at any Premiership club – and if he was happy with playing the odd game then why not stay at Goodison? It's a bit late to be moving just for a change of scenery. I find it slightly peculiar.

Wouldn't we all sacrifice a limb for the club?? You "work" one day a week and stay in shape the rest. How hard is that to run yourself into the ground for that one day?? Other players on other teams do it all the time. Why's it such a big deal for Phil to do it?

What's also really hard to quantify with Phil is the actual "good pro" effect he has.

I concede on the appearances for Man Utd. and the National team – it''s just too many appearances to ignore. So let's applaud him for that because it cannot be forgotten or lost in the shuffle. (I do wonder how much competition he had. He certainly hasn't had much here with our paper thin squad.) However, in all reality, how many top players would actually give a flying fuck what Phil Neville told them??

If Rooney had stayed, he probably would've shut him out by the age of 20. 22 at the latest. What's Neville going to teach him?? That Beckham used to stay hitting free kicks hours after practice? Fine, but he couldn't show Wayne how to strike a ball like him, right??... I can't imagine Fellaini or Mirallas pay him much mind, either. To them, he's just some old pro from the old guard hanging on trying to collect a paycheck from the club he loves... often beat for pace and a general liability is probably the way the top players feel about him. When you make plays like that one against Wigan, you find yourself a lonely voice speaking to no one who will listen anymore.

If I was a player I'd probably be sick of his "coaches pet" mentality as well. Some tool 10 years older than me who hasn't scored in 8 years is screaming at me and pointing telling me how to shoot better – or to see the open man cutting into the box as if he's ever completed that through ball?

If he truly is on £50k a week, he should be put in jail. I'll take him there myself. Michu is on HALF that and he's at least 4-5x the player. You can not with our finances break the cardinal rule and shatter the bank on wasted players. That is a no-no. That is small ball 101 and the best run teams figure that out.

You know how pissed we all were when we didn't sign anyone in January? Well, we wouldn't have needed them if we had 2 young, hungry, effective players (a striker and hard man in the middle to win balls back) that we could've paid with his salary. You can indirectly thank Phil for that.

It's obviously not his fault that he was picked. We all know that. It's also not his fault that he loves football and loves the club. That means a whole lot to us as supporters. I just wonder what could've been if Moyes weren't so married to some of these lesser players.

Football is a business and we're all in the business of investing time and money into this team. I'm tired of players likePhil Neville and Steven Naismith who just are a waste of all of our time and money. I am thrilled to see him go (if you couldn't tell). It's on a deeper level but I feel cheated as a fan. It's this horrible feeling that we could've achieved so much more if we just were more shrewd and proactive. Neville to me personifies all these years of failings.

As I said he never scored enough to be considered a 'top' player but he had a lot to his game, certainly up until he left the RS. So he certainly had a good career in the top flight and could be described as a decent player. His goal scoring record by the way was broadly similar to one Duncan Ferguson, and I'm guessing you think he was a decent player.

I think it was pretty straightforward, he wasn't going to get offered a new deal. I think that is pretty clear as he didn't even get on the bench on Sunday. I think Moyes out of respect allowed him to make his own announcement.

Ian Botham said had footballer's wages been better back when he made his choice to go into cricket he would have gone the other way.

Heskey scored 126 league goals in 569 appearances, Duncan scored 99 in 360. How are they similar?

If you don't think his record in Scotland should be included cos its at a lower standard then his record in England is 69 in 269, still a better goals to games ratio than Heskey.

Well accepting Scottish football is below standard and using your figures (which excludes the goals Heskey scored in European football which was quite good) Duncan's ratio is 0.26 and Heskey's is 0.22 so I think that qualifies as broadly similar.

Heskey's ratio suffered as he played on as I already said he was nowhere near the player in his 30s as he was in his 20s.

Don't want to spend forever defending Heskey, and I would take Dunc every day of the week because although he wasn't as consistent, more injury prone he definitely had more on his day.

The point being, and is relevant to the OP is there are certain players who are often unappreciated because they do some of the hard stuff that maybe is less easily noticed. Football managers and team mates do however, and that normally results in them having long careers internationally and in the top flight.

How will we replace this aging England international defender/midfielder who has been given the SAF seal of approval over 200 times? Oh shit, Carrick.

I would say Duncan's goal ratio suffered even more than Heskey's due to his injuries and not being able to get a consistent run the team over his career.

With regards your last point its something i've noticed Neville's defenders use quite often. That he doesn't do anything eye catching but he does the ugly stuff well that only his fans, managers and players can see. I think this is a cop out as Gibson now does his job and gets praised for it, How is it people can see how good Gibson's positioning and awareness is but not Neville's?

Fergie was spot on at the time as he generally is. He got the 'best' out of Phil Neville and decided to move him on in his late 20s yet his brother stayed on for a number years.

As for making 50-odd England caps, you only have to make about 5 appearances for your club to be called up by the national side, such is the abundance of competition!

On Neville, I think he's a good pro who has rarely let us down, despite not being a gifted player. In fairness I think he's been a very good full back at times and when you see him play there it's easy to see how he's had the career he's had.

However, he has always given 100% and as mentioned above he didn't pick himself. I've always liked Neville as a person, he seems like a decent chap even though I've been a big critic of his over the years based on his ability and his favouritism by Moyes which is more of a criticism of Moyes for bad judgement.

I wish Phil Neville all the best for the future and thanks for your effort.

Though I have occasionally enjoyed watching you hack your way up and down the football pitch for what seems like an eternity, I must say I am kind of relieved that all the talk of another few years didn't mean with us.

Good luck at Hull/Charlton etc....

Perhaps now we can all get on with wondering which Man Utd player we get next after Fergie picks up the phone to tell Moyes what a bargain he has for him today, going cheap, in return for picking up the Man Utd wages said bargain is on. In return Moyesy will be next in line for the top job.... Promise....

I get it you don't rate him, that's your opinion. But many good managers, good players and supporters did. It takes all sorts.

Tony(657), Neville hasn't been good enough for everton for a few years(in midfield at least). I'm hoping that Neville has heard that Moyes wont be staying and figures that a new coach isn't going to give him a new contract, so better to jump rather than be pushed.

Is this the beginning of the rot??

Neville has been really poor this season, but Moyes has chose him anyway. I can not understand why Moyes likes to play a defender in the midfield position, Neville has ability as a right back, but is really poor as a midfielder.

Neville has been a great captain, but it was high time to get rid of his high wages.

The question now becomes; who is going to be captain after Neville? Jagielka is a good defender, but I see stronger personalities in Baines and Howard.

I guess Baines is THE player in the squad that is the best role-model in terms of stable performances, but other factors must come in to this choice as well.

I see the captain choice as an important one, and I think that Jagielka should not be the automatic nr.1. I would like a midfielder or a striker to be captain as they are more visible t6o other players there.

Looking at John Stones it seems he was brought in as a replacement for Neville in the long term.

It will be interesting to see who Moyes brings in during the summer, perhaps a new striker would be smart, but we also need a tall and strong midfielder with some goals in him.

The future is looking brighter without all the oldies in the team, next in line out of the door is Howard, I have never been a big fan of his, plus he always falls back on his arse when trying to save a close shot which makes me crazy. His ability in the air is also poor, and he seems to have lost some agility when stretching out for saves.

All-in -all I think Howard should no longer be first choice, we need a top goalkeeper and reading Howards stats this season I have to say he has been a weak goalkeeper.

I hope Neville retires soon as he has little quality left in him, it is just time for him.

And I think that is all that needs saying on the matter. And thanks for the service Phil, you seem a decent lad.

I admire him for being a true professional and an excellent leader.

My very best wishes Phil and thank you.

Frankly, I'm glad he hung on for as long as he did because who exactly would we have played this year at times? He couldn't keep it up for a long period of games as became increasingly evident but there were some decent performances at the beginning of the season when we needed him.

Until anyone will put their hand in their pockets to buy the two central mids and RB we've been crying out for for seasons then players like Neville will continue to get a lot of games. Its not his fault that someone in the Everton hierarchy thought a 36-year-old playing the majority of games in a season was a perfectly acceptable indicator of a healthy squad.

Hitz, the other 50 cap international we have on our books who actually is a midfielder.

Tbh I don't get why we need a holding midfielder in every single game. I think cos we have got so used to seeing Moyes constantly deploy one that we've become brainwashed into believing its necessary, its not needed when we play with 5 midfielders.

Gibson isn't a ball winner he just has really good positioning and stays deep. Hitz could easily do the same a lot better than Neville but as I say play with a holding midfielder and only one striker is overkill on the defensive side of things when we play the likes of Norwich at home.

Father time has caught up with him and the time is right to hang up his boots or drop down and perhaps play for Oldham or Preston. He always gave a 100% and a true professional in every sense.

"And I think that is all that needs saying on the matter."

Sorry, mate, but that's bollocks. Tony was using Neville's honourable decision to leave Everton as an excuse for a cheap dig at Moyes. Everyone's entitled to an opinion but that was pathetic.

The way in which some fans on here are slaughtering Moyes is a disgrace and when he goes and we end up relegated with Martinez, Hughes or, God save us all, Lennon they'll get their eyes wiped.

Will they admit they were wrong? Will they shite.

Re; PN, I honestly think he will be sorely missed come next season. Maybe not for his skills on the ball but the attitude and leadership very little in the premier league display these days... Someone give me an example of another player that offers those traits evidently displayed when he pull on the blue jersey.

Favourite memory would be when he did a couple of step overs against a side I cannot remember... Goodson however loved every second of that! Can anyone help shed some light on this moment?

Also the boxing celebration on the corner flag after scoring a belter... Haha the worst boxing combo ever seen!

So we will be relegated without Moyes as manager will we Carl? how long will it take in your opinion? 1 season? 2?

Will you admit you were wrong when we stay in the division after Moyes?

It is just as plausible that we might win a cup and stay in the top half of the premier league.

You sir, are guilty of spouting just as much bollocks as you accuse others.

"So we will be relegated without Moyes as manager will we Carl? how long will it take in your opinion? 1 season? 2?

Will you admit you were wrong when we stay in the division after Moyes?"

I think you are wilfully misunderstanding the actual point of my post.

"It is just as plausible that we might win a cup and stay in the top half of the premier league."

No, it is not. If it was, then The likes of Martinez and Hughes - who have had access to far more money than Moyes has - would presently be managing cup-winning sides and would be in the top half of the league.

"You sir, are guilty of spouting just as much bollocks as you accuse others."

If you say so. Sir.

Wigan might well be in the cup final this year, Lennon has won cups (for which you have wilfully neglected to include in your back - peddling response). Hughes, Martinez and Lennon (as managers) have never been relegated either. I am not advocating any of them as manager of Everton but I cannot understand how you can state that we would get relegated without Moyes ( have a look at your post, that is exactly what you say), unsubstantiated bullshit of the highest order for which I would like you to quantify in a rational and intellectual manner, I wont hold my breath.

'Slaughtering'?

A 'disgrace'?

What, someone pointing out what they perceive as a failing - that's slaughtering is it?

Sorry but ludicrously over-dramatic and Daily Telegraph letters page..y.

Andrew Laird (imo) is spot on (786) for pulling you up over - "..when he goes and we end up relegated with Martinez, Hughes or, God save us all, Lennon they'll get their eyes wiped".

'We end up relegated'?'

What so THAT'S the alternative to Moyes in charge?

Fucking idiotic.

Seriously, your rant not only makes you sound daft, but also brainwashed.

It's like 11 years of Kim Jong-Davey and you can't imagine anyone else in charge

(well maybe his son - Wee Sandy Moyes Jong-un or...whatever he'd be called).

Andrew reasonably suggests "It is just as plausible that we might win a cup and stay in the top half of the premier league."

Even though he says 'might' you shriek in reply..

"No, it is not. If it was, then The likes of Martinez and Hughes - who have had access to far more money than Moyes has - would presently be managing cup-winning sides and would be in the top half of the league"

Would they?

Is that how it works then - guaranteed?

You tell us it's NOT plausible, yet Martinez/Wigan only need to beat Millwall and then for a 'top' side in the final to have an off-day and he WILL be the manager of a cup winning side.

Not probable maybe be but certainly plausible and definitely possible.

Finally, why does it have to be Martinez, Hughes or Lennon?

(by the way, is Laudrup 'the likes of' Martinez and Hughes?)

"Sorry but ludicrously over-dramatic and Daily Telegraph letters page..y."

Eh?

"What so THAT'S the alternative to Moyes in charge?"

It's a strong possibility, yes, in my view. For the 759th time: Moyes has worked miracles on no money. When he goes Kenwright will be totally exposed, and so will we.

"Finally, why does it have to be Martinez, Hughes or Lennon?"

It doesn't have to be one of them; they are examples.

"Your post had no point Carl, other than for readers to look at the name and skip to the next post."

Well, that told me, didn't it? What will I do now that you have out me in my place?

I'm devastated.

I will give you 50/1.

50-1? I'd take that if I was a betting man and if I was the sort of twat who bet on the Blues being relegated.

It would take a monumental fuck up by any new manager to get us relegated, it amazes me you think Moyes is worth about 20 points a season. By the way we haven't been relegated since the 50's, we're not some sort of yo-yo club. We might not spend a lot on transfers but how many clubs can boast 5 defenders on £50k plus a week?

"No, it is not" (plausible that the managers chosen by you could do the job without taking us down).

To..

"It's a strong possibility" (that the managers chosen by you would take us down).

Two different things completely - version one is a definite, version two a maybe.

Your back-tracking would be obvious to Lenny Peters (one for the teenagers there).

"It would take a monumental fuck up by any new manager to get us relegated"

We nearly managed it '94 and '98.

"...how many clubs can boast 5 defenders on £50k plus a week?"

QPR?

I hope you're right, Paul, but I just don't have faith in Kenwright to make a decent appointment. He struck gold with Moyes.

"...pulled up?"

Yeah, right.

"Your back-tracking would be obvious to Lenny Peters (one for the teenagers there)."

Your hair-splitting would be obvious to a blind man in a dark room looking for a black cat.

Finally, I am back-tracking on nothing at all. That comment was ironic considering some of the entrenched positions on here.

You make your point articulately and politely, unlike some others. I just happen to disagree. Neville has tended to play in midfield when there has been a lack of alternatives. I recall Jags playing poorly in midfield years ago and no-one gave him dog's abuse.

It all comes to down to money in the modern game. Sad but true.

May I refer you to the following article, which I think offers evidence to the contrary?
I thang yew.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/everton/9935099/Evertons-response-to-FA-Cup-exit-shows-why-David-Moyes-is-up-there-with-the-best.html

Comparing QPR with us is clutching at the thinnest of straws.

Please don't forget we were nearly relegated under Moyes, but I have been told many times to forget all the unwanted records we have amassed under his tenure, as it's not fair.

I've just read the article.

The point I'd make in response is why can't he reset the mood BEFORE every big game such as FA Cup semis and finals, Carling Cup semis, derby matches (esp away ones) and away to the so-called "Big 4"?

i.e. proactive rather than reactive.

Ha ha ha ha....yeah, so that would presumably be the Alanis Morrisette understanding of ironic (ie: not at all) rather than anything actually ironic.

Hair-splitting?

Let's see - 'this IS true' or 'this MIGHT be true' - yep, no difference really, I'm just splitting hairs.

You say "'pulled up' yeah right"

Yeah, pulled up, DEFINITELY right.

I do not think it's as extreme as he thinks, that we would definitively decline if Moyes leaves, but it is a huge gamble, and a lot more so than other clubs. The gamble comes from the lack of funds and the fans expectations.

Moyes' performances as manager has almost expected the fans to finish in the top 6 all the time, and that is without much money at all. That's a credit to Moyes to be fair, and being able to handle that pressure. Therefore I think it is a huge gamble for first, the new manager to perform capably with minimal funds, and secondly to be able to handle the pressure of top 6 or 7 finishes with the funds. You have to admit it doesnt look good. Im not saying its not possible, but it is a gamble.

One thing that also isn't mentioned yet is the debate with Moyes' influence with the players. There is a known togetherness and team spirit within the group, and Moyes must be a big part of that. Moyes leaving could spark an exodus of players leaving, because I do believe that Moyes had a big part in bringing players like Fellaini in.

Then again, another manager could come in, buy good replacements, create a different sort of squad, who acheives similar, or even better finishes to Moyes. Again, it's a tough ask though, because it is going to be tough replacing our better players if they do leave, like Fellaini and Baines.

If Moyes leaves, Kenwright and them better have a good replacement lined up.

How do we know what Heitinga or Oviedo think of Moyes? We don't, do we? Jelavic might think the manager is an arse for misusing him positionally, or not playing him in a 4-4-2, or he might think Mirallas is a greedy sod and that Big VIc is a cart horse - or he might not. We don't know. All we get are players making all the right noises about there being a great team spirit because they know that's what they should say.

The the Wigan match I think you have a point BUT surely Moyes cannot be fault for the lack of marking on a corner or the sort of pass that Neville played for Wigan second goal? At some point the players have to take responsibility.

I actually cited the article as an example of Moyes's tactics, rather than of his pre-match mood-setting. I was interested in seeing whether anyone would be interested in an experienced sports writer's view of Moyes's tactical decisions.

There is a real prospect of a negative reaction to a change in manager (a la Curbishley) even in the event that Bill gets lucky and attracts a good replacement for Moyes. In any case I hope that Moyes stays.

Eugene 822:

Give it a rest, mate, life's too short. I'll respond to your future posts if and only if they are polite.

We can literally have our pick of the cream of Europe for £4m per season. Moyes is in the top 15 highest paid managers in European football, we attract average around 35,000 for every home game, one of only 7 ever-presents in the P.L.

"We can literally have our pick of the cream of Europe for £4m per season."

Only if there is a decent transfer budget as well. Moyes has had none for five years. Would, say, Mourinho come under those circumstances? I'm not sure.

"We attract average around 35,000 for every home game, one of only 7 ever-presents in the P.L."

We're proud of that, obviously, but how much pulling power does afford us, honestly? Again, there's room for doubt.

Really!!?

Oh cheers!

Carl, your attempt to portray yourself as Private Godfrey and deflect from the fact you were pulled on something, then desperately back-tracked (laughably claiming 'irony') really does you no favours.

I'll tell you what, if you can't stick to what you said and reply by saying "Oh I meant blah waffle" - please don't respond.

I think the best post in this whole thread was by Barry Rathbone (362). That summed it up. Neville was great but is now past it. He can leave with his head held high.

Eugene:

You're becoming a bit shrill, now; stop it and enjoy life.

That's true, probably no way of knowing, but the City game, for example, the game after that garbage against Wigan. That performance was brilliant, and to recover from a defeat like that felt good.

Then again to flip the coin, you can just as easily say that they showed poor attitude in the Wigan game, and maybe underestimated them. I would probably agree with that too.

But overall, I would think that the team spirit is as how I have said in my last post. I certainly do not think I am naive in thinking that, I suspect a lot of people on here would disagree though.

Better shrill than full of sh....hold on, I thought you weren't responding?

Seems you've back-tracked on that....AS WELL!

(or was that more 'irony'?)

Absolute nonsense. We can do with a change after 11 years of stagnant, inept management and not more years of the Moyes regime.

You are becoming a broken record with the transfer budget excuse now, every time you defend Moyes it's always "he's worked wonders on a small budget". We are not going to go down under fresh ideas which could be welcome. It could be like 2002 all over again, when Moyes came in after 4 stagnant years under Walter, and with Martinez or a different manager it could have the same impact.

We have top quality players who are being held back by Moyes's cautious approach; 21 points dropped from winning positions this season. He then decides to have a pop at in form Mirallas for lacking the intensity for the PL, while comparing Leon Osman, completely anonymous v Stoke and Spurs, to Steven Gerrard! I've never seen anything more laughable as an Evertonian, but what do you expect?

Are you suggesting then that with fresh ideas and a new start, we could go down, with this squad of players? Martinez has spent even less than Moyes at Wigan, and he completely slaughtered us in the Cup and who knows what he might do with a bigger budget he has at Wigan.

You seem to think that Everton Football Club can only survive with David Moyes at the helm, well, that's where you're wrong. There will always be an Everton, Moyes or no Moyes.

There is every possibility we could progress under a new manager but you seem to think that we approach impending doom the minute Moyes goes. With a more attacking philosophy and tactical awareness, we could progress further next season under new management and possibly get a European place or even a trophy next season.

You should be embracing change rather than bemoaning it.

"He then decides to have a pop at in form Mirallas for lacking the intensity for the PL"

Moyes was referring to Mirallas's injuries.

" comparing Osman, completely anonymous V Stoke and Spurs, to Seven Gerrard!"

The comparison with Gerrard was not as a player, but as the "heartbeat" of the club.

'We have top quality players who are being held back by Moyes' cautious approach'. Where did these top quality players come from Ross? Did our inept manager buy them at some point whilst he was precipitating our stagnation? How do you know they're top quality if Moyes is holding them back? Fellaini, Baines, Arteta, Pienaar, Lescott, all of their best periods of form have been when they played for us, Moyes is not holding these players back, he has ushered the best out of them. If you think the team is full of good players it is only from what you have seen of them under Moyes.

'He then decides to have a pop at in form Mirallas for lacking the intensity for the PL, while comparing Leon Osman, completely anonymous V Stoke and Spurs, to Seven Gerrard! I've never seen anything more laughable as an Evertonian, but what do you expect?' Mirallas does lack the intensity for the PL, if he didn't he wouldn't get a hamstring injury every time he puts his shorts on, the individual brilliance is there for all to see and Moyes has noted this but I haven't seen a consistent 45 minutes out of him apart from the Goodison derby, the rets of the time its a moment of magic followed by anonymity for large periods. Moyes' statement about Osman was nothing to do with a quality comparison but only a comparison of their longevity at the club. He also included Hibbert in this and has said it many times before. You've distorted that out of context just to have a pop at Moyes to try and make out he somehow doesn't appreciate his good players despite the fact that Arteta, Mirallas, Fellaini, Baines, Pienaar, when fit have all been first choice for Moyes and he has improved all of them just like he seems to be improving Mirallas.

'Martinez has spent even less than Moyes at Wigan, and he completely slaughtered us in the Cup and who knows what he might do with a bigger budget he has at Wigan.' I don't think that first bit is even true, if I were to hazard a guess I'd say their average net spend was probably similar. The cup game was the first time Martinez had ever beaten Moyes home or away in all the times they've faced off, but sure take one game and extrapolate it out to whatever you want. Convenient also to ignore that Moyes took a relegation threatened team to fourth place. Martinez has taken Wigan nowehere. The football has improved, some of the players have improved but yet their league position never does despite newly promoted teams such as Norwich, Swansea, Stoke and Southampton coming into the league after them and comfortably finishing ahead of them. I'd expect more from a manager now briefed to get us into the top 4 on a bottom ten budget than just pretty football and only playing well after April.

'There is every possibility we could progress under a new manager but you seem to think that we approach impending doom the minute Moyes goes.
With a more attacking philosophy and tactical awareness, we could progress further next season under new management and possibly get a European place or even a trophy next season.' - On the face of it all this is true, but just cast a realistic eye over our finances. Everton barely runs on a fuel of high league finishes and transfer market success. Moyes for all his failings usually delivers these things. There is no guarantee Martinez would and in fact an indicator that he wouldn't given his poor league showing with Wigan. Any mistake from a new manager and the pack of cards could come tumbling down very quickly. I think you also underestimate Moyes' standing in the game, Mirallas Fellaini Jelavic Baines Pienaar all want to play for him, do they all want to play for a manager who was at Wigan? Does he have the strength to keep them at the club the way Moyes has kept a lot of his big stars for a long period? Does he even have the clout to go and beat Wenger to a player like Mirallas for a price of 5.5 million? A new manager may bring more attacking football but will he have the unheralded qualities that Moyes possesses that we now take for granted? Good league consistency, strong home form, transfer excellence, good player development, good tactical set up at the start of games (most of the time). A new manager would have to have all these things and more. There's a chance he could but he'd have to be special. There's a far bigger chance that like 14 other managers in the premier league he won't.

That post was unarguable, but it won't stop anyone from trying. Moyes is criminally underrated by some fans, though not, it seems, by players, other managers, coaches, journalists and pundits.

Eugene:

Give it a fucking rest, will you?

1) "That post was unarguable" - Ridiculous!

This 'MAY' happen that 'COULD' happen and my favourite..

"A new manager may bring more attacking football but will he have the unheralded qualities that Moyes possesses that we now take for granted? Good league consistency, strong home form, transfer excellence, good player development, good tactical set up at the start of games (most of the time). A new manager would have to have all these things and more".

Unheralded!?

Seems pretty heralded to me just in that paragraph, not to mention by his supporters who do little else but herald.

(you even argue with the post yourself by pointing out how heralded he is - "..underrated by some fans, though not, it seems, by players, other managers, coaches, journalists and pundits".

Sounds pretty fucking heralded to me.

2) That's twice now you've not responded to me, well done, a man of your word obviously.

I can't remember the last time I heard someone say that Moyes has really good home form, it's just taken for granted. Just because you say it once doesn't mean it's suddenly heralded about. Equally nothing in the world would ever be unheralded if the moment you mentioned it being so, it wasn't. Ridiculous logic.

Your latest rant concerned someone else's (excellent) post and yet you're having a pop at me. Odd.

And I did respond to you. Twice, in fact. On both occasions it was to enjoin you to give it a rest. Yet you're continuing with your nit-picking and attempts to bait me.

You really should stop it, now. Otherwise I may conclude that you are a boring, attention-seeking, argumentative wind-bag. And I wouldn't want to do that.

Over and out.

Firstly we have not been relegated since 1951 - reviewing this fact (and the many managers we've had - good and bad), how can you really believe that Moyes is the only reason we're currently in top division? '94 and '98 are a very very long time ago....

Secondly - just take a look at the other teams in the league, then look at our squad and also our wage bill. Do you really think that an average manager (let alone a good one) would struggle to finish above teams like Norwich, Reading, Wigan, Stoke, Sunderland, West Ham, Fulham? In fact of the teams currently below us, had you asked me in August who we'd finish above at the end of the season, there are only three currently below us that I would not have been surprised to see finish above us come seasons end; RS, Barcodes and Villa – we are better than all the others (possibly now also add Swansea to that list too).

Fact is that our 'natural' position in the league is probably around 8th-10th (yes Moyes got us to this place). Us being slightly higher this year is due to a mixture of Moyes having done some good (see I do also give him credit) and teams like the RS, Barcodes and Villa badly under performing (Barcodes have over about 12 players out injured!).

Of course a new manager does not guarantee we won't go down – but then again there is no guarantee for this. However, it would be highly UNlikely that we would be near the drop zone if we brought in a new manager. Also for an annual salary of around £3M, we would not struggle to find a half decent one. He may be able to get Jelly firing again, and get more out of the other players, he may also know the European scene much better than the current manager and possibly get us some decent unknown players from the continent, à la Michu etc.

He is using the lever of investment as a stick to beat the board with, find it or else I'm off. Who is running this club?

The board need to grow a pair and tell him how it is, what's available and give us an answer within 24 hours otherwise we will not renew your contract and you will be released.

Given the record to date, there is about as much chance of that as Neville signing for a EPL club.

When DM leaves I anticipate a serious decline in Everton's fortunes, that's all I'm saying. The club is so imbued with his way of doing things; all the players are his signings save Hibbo and Ossie; and his personality is etched on Everton. And he has brought us relative success within severe and chronic financial constraints. (Even with loads of cash the likes of Mark Hughes haven't been to get anywhere near Moyes. This is why I think that if Kenwright screws up the next appointment then we will be in big trouble.)

I agree that '94 and '98 are a long while ago, but that does not preclude similar scenarios in the future. I still hope we can win the league at some point, despite the fact '85 and '87 are a long time ago.

If '94 and '98 aren't relevant to this then how on earth is 1951?! The fact that we weren't relegated in the 60s is completely irrelevant to the here and now isn't it, in fact the only reason anyone mentioned 94 and 98 was to show that history counts for nothing.

Do I think we'll be relegated if Moyes leaves? No.
Do I think it's a ridiculous thing to worry about? Absolutely not.

It only takes a couple of poor transfer dealings and an injury or 2 and this squad starts to look distinctly poor. You replace Fellaini and Baines with a couple of expensive imports who don't settle, decide to use the youth and find that they were League 1 standard all along and all of a sudden you're in a dog fight. As I say, I don't expect it to happen but seriously, do you think Howard, Hibbert, Distin, Oviedo, Anichebe, this seasons Jelavic etc would look out of place at Sunderland or Villa? I don't.

You are so single minded that you will not acknowledge that we could get worse if Moyes leaves, and that is simply because of your hatred for him.

As I have said before, this is a huge gamble to replace Moyes, because his management has made our expectations a lot higher, despite having little or even no money. It's a bigger gamble than most clubs for this reason.

Yet, you think there's no possibility that Moyes leaving could hinder our fortunes? Now, that is absolute nonsense.

A change probably is necessary, but I am extremely cautious. Getting a manager to handle that kind of pressure, who plays good football, who is good with little money, who is good at his tactics, is going to be extremely difficult, a hell of a lot more difficult than a lot of other clubs.