Martinez acknowledges the power of Goodison

Lyndon Lloyd , 19 June, 17comments | Jump to most recent

Roberto Martinez is aware of the "massive strength" that Everton possess in Goodison Park and has highlighted the continuation of the Blues' home as a fortress as being key to the team's success next season.

Everton lost just once at Goodison in the Premier League last term, a testament to both the strength of the team and the role that an engaged home faithful can play in spurring the Blues on, and that advantage is not lost on the new manager.

“I do feel Goodison Park plays a massive part on the running of the team and the results of the team,” he told evertontv in the latest installment of his exclusive interview.

“It's there for everyone to see. Only one defeat at home last season in the Premier League is an incredible stat.

“It's a feeling that Goodison Park develops and that is something we need to use as a massive, massive strength.

“You look at the record the team had last season at Goodison and that tells you how big the influence from the fans is."

Martinez will have to wait until the second week of the new season to taste the Goodison atmosphere as Everton manager after the new fixture list pit the Blues against Norwich City at Carrow Road on the opening day.

West Bromwich Albion come to Merseyside the following weekend before Martinez's men hit the road again for a date against Premier League newcomers Cardiff City.

Quotes or other material sourced from evertonfc.com

Reader Comments (17)

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Colin Glassar
2 Posted 19/06/2013 at 18:14:37

I'd love us to start battering teams at home. We dominated so many games last season but two goals per game seemed to be our limit.

Mark Frere
3 Posted 19/06/2013 at 20:21:07

We just need a goal machine like Guidetti to put the finishing touches to our dominance in games. Maybe Jelavic will find his scoring boots again, but i'm not holding my breath.

Steve Guy
4 Posted 19/06/2013 at 20:53:46

We didn't lose but we didn't win as many as we should have either.

Ross Edwards
5 Posted 19/06/2013 at 21:08:14

Guidetti has only had one good season Mark in what is frankly a 4 team league, Ajax, PSV, Twente and Feyenoord.

If we want a goal machine, what about Wilfried Bony of Vitesse, scored 31 goals this season. I admit the price might be a stumbling block but we can use the potential Felli money.

Mark Frere
6 Posted 19/06/2013 at 21:18:00

Ross Edwards
The PL is not much more then a 4 team league, if we are talking about teams capable of winning it Ross. I agree the Dutch league isn't that strong compared to the PL , but we would be buying potential that is young and a undoubted talent.

We can't afford a top proven striker so this is the way we are going to have to go, its all down to personal choice I suppose

Peter Warren
7 Posted 19/06/2013 at 21:31:03

I've seen clubs buy Benteke, Michu, Hernandez for not much money and many more examples over the years. It is difficult but possible

Mick Doherty
8 Posted 19/06/2013 at 21:28:23

Dutch league has produced some serious players in fairness.... and fairly consistently down the years too, from Cruijff, Van Basten through Kluivert, van Nistelrooy, Bergkamp to Robben and Sneijder, All of whom started out in the Eredivisie, I'd consider it a good weathervane of talent.... all the same.... Heitinga!

Ross Edwards
9 Posted 19/06/2013 at 21:41:07

I can't see Guidetti joining that list.

Mark Frere
10 Posted 19/06/2013 at 21:43:25

Ross, you were actually keen on him when I first mentioned him on the other thread the other night , then for some reason you made a massive U-turn. Make up your mind man!

Ray Williams
11 Posted 19/06/2013 at 21:36:24

Would be good if DM did us a favour and loaned us Chicarito!

In reality though there are a couple of cheaper options out there, I like the look of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, seems to be going unnoticed by the 'top clubs', but we would probs have to sell before a bid, seems anyone who is talking about him is saying anywhere between £10m and £15m.
And as Ross say's Bony looks a player, but again will come with a reasonable tag.

Next few weeks will be interesting, but from what RM has had to say I am at least confident he will scout the arse off what's available.

I hope he is thinking of someone to play alongside Jela, as I reckon that could help him out.

Ross Edwards
12 Posted 19/06/2013 at 21:50:30

I am quite an undecisive person at times Mark. I did initially but after further research I changed my mind.

James Stewart
13 Posted 19/06/2013 at 22:06:33

Guidetti is a idiot of the highest order. More like a Bendtner mark 2

Drew O'Neall
14 Posted 19/06/2013 at 22:41:26

'Homophobe!!'

Mick Doherty
17 Posted 19/06/2013 at 23:42:01

Well Danny that Man U link you're referring to was maybe a Man U - Moyes link rather than an Everton - Man U link, Welbeck is a nice tidy player but he's a bit goal shy to say the least, can't see Hernandez going anywhere on loan, considering he's been linked with Real Madrid, as for Nani and Anderson, no thanks, we couldn't pay their wages anyway...

Jim Potter
18 Posted 20/06/2013 at 06:31:37

I think this thread is going a wee bit awry.

The "Power of Goodison"???

Yes, the one loss stat seems impressive – but I found the atmosphere at most games last season to be dire. No excitement, no audible passion and not the fortress of sound it used to be. The away fans invariably outsang us by a country mile. It was like the "prawn sandwich" brigade had taken the Old Lady over.

I believe that under Martinez we will be playing a more expansive and attacking style which will result in far more excitement and tension – which will lead to more singing and volume. Goodison Park really could become intimidating again.

Okay, by playing this way we might take a few more losses – but we'll also get more wins. And given the amount of souless drab draws we encountered last year, I'm more than willing to risk it.

Imagine – being excited again by attacking football (with a good defensive unit still at the back).

Happy days (for me at least).

Let's make it a great atmosphere again.

Sing, you bastards – and enjoy!

Lee Mandaracas
19 Posted 20/06/2013 at 09:55:36

Clarence Yurcan has a thread on here extolling the virtues of returning to the 2 point for a win system: http://www.toffeeWeb.com/season/12-13/comment/mailbag/24919.html

I think Jim Potter (015) has just highlighted exactly why we should be happy the converse applies. If we had 15 draws a season that became 5 wins, 5 losses and 5 draws that would result in a 5 point enhancement at the end of the season.

Maybe there is a silver lining to risky football (if all the ducks line up in a perfect row that is).

Jim Potter
20 Posted 20/06/2013 at 15:12:56

Forgot to mention — in no way am I an advocate of the "Our defence will die under Martinez" brigade. I think we'll still be solid and reliable — but with a different formation and a more positive frame of mind.

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