Sunderland may eye up Moyes

While Sunderland may not be Barcelona, they are a club with enough money to make an offer worth looking at to Moyes. You can see a farily decent contract plus a transfer budget much higher than what he has gotten at Everton.

With the way that the media have started to turn against him, he may feel that he may have to move to rebuild his reputation. If he isn't getting offers from Schalke or Celtic or Chelsea he may need to go to a club like Sunderland and start over.

I can actually see moyes taking a sabbatical if the right job offer does not arise and he is unconvinced by BKs empty promises. I suspect his eventual next job will be abroad or up north at Celtic.

A one team city they don't have a proper derby to bottle and existing in the division without relegation fears would be cat-nip to the mackems and he's only a couple of hours away from mam's home cooking - no brainer.

Haway the Moyes!

I'm torn. He has many good points and many negatives. Lately it's the negatives that have really got to me.

What I will say is that if he signs, I hope it's a 4+ year contract rather than just a one year extension. That sort of uncertainty does nothing but harm. Either commit, or fuck off!

I think we should promote Big Dunc to Number Two if Davey unfortunately stays. There would be no chance of Moyes ignoring Dunc's suggestions and criticisms.

Or, even better, what about Big Dunc as manager? I know he still has his coaching badges to do but we could sack Round now and promote Dunc to Number Two to gain him more experience for a handover in the summer. He has more passion for Everton in his little finger than Moyes has put together.

There is no way Dunc would accept any poor performances or tantrums from anyone and he would also stand up to Bill — unlike the spineless, tactically inept clown we've got at the moment.

Moyes Out, Big Dunc in!

Don`t mistake on-field passion with 'man management,, old son!

Let someone else experience the "The light" the "Moyesiah" can bring them.

Although it seems to be a common opinion on here, no one (worth his consideration) will come in for him. If he's as good as he thinks he is, they'll be queuing for him come the end of the season right?

Man management is something you can hone with experience.

When AVB was at Chelsea, for example, he treated the likes of Anelka and the older players terribly. You learn with experience; he has learnt and he is a better manager now at Spurs than he was at Chelsea.

He also is not trained as a manger and the likes of BK would run rings around him if they got into a second syllable.

Of course it is the Wigan manager we have any chance of getting but Moyes and BK call the shots because we are punching above our weight. Classic irony...

Signed: Ged's Missus.

It is an increase to his wage packet, or some money for squad investment?

I think people are referring to his desire to have increased wages.

Made up nonsense to fit the Moyes out narrative.

Do you really honestly actually believe he's holding out to line his own pocket... more so?

If you believe in what the media and what top pundits say about you, even if you make mistakes, you will soon believe your own hype and ask for more money; it's how football works now.

Do you think Moyes is interested in what us fans say? We have paid fortunes to watch our team play for years whereas Moyes has earned £4million a year for constantly underachieving, with him being praised for years.

If you are constantly linked with the biggest clubs in England (apart from Sunderland) everyday, you are going to demand more money from the board to persuade you to stay, aren't you?

Do you believe he will sign a new contract for less money than his current one?

I know he advocated players and managers take a 20% reduction on their wages recently, but I don't think he was being sincere.

1 - The board can guarantee squad investment.
2 - Investment comes through finishing top 4.

Like I said Ross, your opinion seems to follow the Moyes out narrative given you base a lot of it on his supposed failure.

If in between time he's waiting to see what other options come his way, then so be it. Maybe they won't come and he'll sign anyway. But I'll bet you it doesn't rest on his wages.

Could you imagine the conversation between Bill and Moyes.

Bill: "Okay, Davey love, you gonna sign?"
Moyes: "How much am I getting, Bill, darling?"
Bill: "£2.5mill a year."
Moyes (stunned, beginning to sob): "I have a family to feed BK, I can't live on just £2.5million a year. That's poverty level for me."
Bill (gives in): Oh, all right... £6million for 7 years."
Moyes:(delighted): "Thanks Bill, you're the best chairman ever!!!"

[Not Eugene Ruane quality writing, sorry.]

Can you give an estimated figure on the amount of guaranteed squad investment that you think will sway his judgement? I ask because it is certain that he will be given money for squad investment, the only thing in question is the amount.

Do you honestly believe, in any contract negotiations,, Moyes will say to Kenwright, "Same again will do me, Bill"?

Not more than 50% of any transfers out.

Not one penny of any increase in Sky money.

But, according to the Toffeeweb poll, more than 50% of respondents do.

Anyway, moving on, I like most have had or have issues with some aspects of Moyes management, but the one thing I have always believed, is that he is a honest and sincere individual.

I don't believe that he is holding out for a bigger contract, I believe he is fed up pissing in the wind and wants to win things. To do that I think he knows he needs to make a fair level of investment in the team to make that next step, and that is the crux of problem regarding the delay with signing his new contract, investment from the Board.

We'll soon find out !

Who in is what's important, because our majority owners aren't going anywhere.

Solskjaer for me. He's as ready now as Moyes was then. And he'll come into a better situation than Moyes did.

Fuck where Moyes goes. In a few weeks he's gone.

C'mon Kenright, for all your screwups, you did sign a first-rate manager. Make it 2 for 2. Solskjaer in.

I misread you there, I thought you brought up the 50% to back your argument, my mistake.

How many Molde games have you watched in the last few years?

Or have you just watched a YouTube montage of him barking orders from the dugout?

It's a favourite criticism of the MOB that Moyes "barks" too much from the sidelines?

You obviously didn't get the sarcasm in my post.Console yourself with the spare apple.

You're greatest wish granted in a few weeks. Moyes hasn't re-signed because he's not going to. He and our owners know this.

Since you know how poor a manager Moyes is, you must have an idea on who best to replace him. I don't.

So who?

But not him, OK. Moyes is gone. You, me, and everyone else need to get used to it. Who in then? Not Solskjaer? OK, just my opinion based on how he's done in a minor league.

You know all about how shit Moyes is, which necessitates you know someone who'll do better, no? You must have some idea.

Who?

He's been gone. This May is just the month it becomes official.

What''s most important for you and me and everyone else is who's the next manager. Come August we still have the same owners.

James Solskjear might be a good manager (up and coming) but the scandinavian leagues are like our second division, the risk might be to great this early on, he's just no used to managing in an EPL type league.

I have an idea of the kind of manager BK would like (not necessarily my choice (but not a bad manager)).

Chris Houghton took Newcastle up from the championship (something Moyesiah never managed) and he looks like he's doing a good job at Norwich.

He's BK's kind of man, quiet won't grumble and gets on with. I feel like a sneaky bet on him to be our next manager and should get good odds.

Just a thought (and there to be shot down).

Whenever fans defend defend David Moyes, they use words like: steady, reliable, safe, dependable, etc — This, I'm afraid, is not enough. We all know the board and Kenwright are incapable and impudent when it comes to running the club so we need a spark from somewhere to re-ignite us as a competitive force. Steady and reliable won't do.

We need inspirational, dynamic, motivational — a visionary who gets the blood pumping and completely changes the whole vibe of the club. We need to embrace youth and try to excite and thrill the fans. We need the club and its supporters to break free from this horrible mindset of fear and safety first.

Maybe if we are lucky enough to find such a person, we might be able to change people's minds about EFC and then we might become a buyable club that interests people. We need to bring excitement back. We need to entertain. We need to care about how we are perceived by others and stop all this "we punch above our weight" bullshit.

Moyes has had 11 years of doing what he does best and we are no nearer being in the spotlight as we were when he took over the job. We are just a plucky little northern outfit who share the same city as Liverpool. This is all we will ever be without regime change... It's time to take a chance.

My argument is that we're spending too much time on Moyes. I'm well-established as believing most managers, in any sport, are meaningless. Just random, rotating, changeable parts. Moyes is one of the few who actually mean anything.

Given he's leaving, which I believe he is, Houghton, Solskjaer, or whomever is what we should be talking about. Not Moyes to Sunderland, ManU/City, or wherever the fuck. Who cares?

Next season's coming or who is our manager is what's important. Not Moyes' next club.

No I won't or No I can't.

I wish for Solskjaer or Bilic but have a feeling that Solskjaer will not be offered the job, and that Bilic will just be on the shortlist. We are screwed with Kenwright running things.

1). We finish in a European spot;
2). BK makes funds available from the new TV payments;
3). Current top players are sold; and
4). The new PL Financial Fair Play rules have any impact.

Realistically this team has aged to the point where, if he signs again, there has to be a commitment to bring in some players in the 23-27 year old bracket. ie ready made and priced accordingly. The young players either aren't ready or he simply can't trust them yet, so he needs a rebuild or we drop off a cliff within a couple of years.

It's a massive commitment he needs to make, and he needs a big commitment back.

If the FFP rules are for real and he's not getting funds from other sources then he'd be mad to sign. Taking us off the cliff would be career suicide.

When posters talk about Premier League experience, they are forgetting that Moyes had none when he joined. Hasn't stopped him from having a few decent seasons.

If Moyes goes, I would like to see Laudrup come in but I foresee him going to Chelski.

Martinez.... maybe if we want to start our season in April to avoid relegation. Solskjaer – No idea, I have no clue what the Norwegian league is like, but didn't we end their Champions unbeaten home record in Europe?

I totally agree with you, we are spending too much time on DM (I thought he reached his peak 5 years ago).

It doesn't have to be Houghton, I did say "(not necessarily my choice (but not a bad manager))". Although he would be on my list.

Choosing the next manager is tough job, BK has to get it right. We have to start relying on the playing staff to pick EFC up and not BK and his money mates.

"Given he's leaving, which I believe he is". I wouldn't be so sure mate, I have sneaky feeling BK will say: "Go on, our 'Moyesiah', have the Fellaini/Baines/Mirallas money and give us another 11 years of your magic". It's says it all, but I don't know a single red who wants him to leave, they're all loving his past 11 years and want more.

He's earned £4M per year from us, that's approximately £40M over his time here. The average lottery 1st payout is now £3M, he's won the national lottery 13 times with us. Your so right, I couldn't give a fuck where he goes. (Liverpool would be nice though, imagine how many derbies we'd win?)

Martinez has not done anything of note for me, except avoid relegation, not exactly a winner.

Read this about Solskjaer: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2062991/Ole-Gunnar-Solskjaer-interview-Manchester-United-hero-Fergie-fjords-.html

We now have a situation where a manager who has not won a trophy — nor even looked like winning a trophy, in the 11 years he has been here — telling the club, EVERTON FC by the way, "I might sign... I might not sign... wait and see."

He`s not Mourinho, for fuck's sake!

James Flynn — Who do I want? I want Rijkaard. He is out of work and he has experience of winning in Europe and managing in big tournaments. Look at when he took over Holland for Euro 2000, on home soil with little experience. Took them to the Semis.

His reputation and achievements would attract attention from investors and big name players. Who would you rather play for? One of the biggest names in world football in Rijkaard, or a tactically inept idiot in Moyes?

I know who I'd play for. Rijkaard In!

Doesnt mean he cant either. We didnt know if Moyes would be able to waltz into top flight management either. Nor did many clubs who hired a manager without prior experience.

Gary Neville is ambitious,tactically aware, arguably knows the current premier league teams as well as anyone, and will no doubt command respect from a lot of respect from players beacuse of his status as a player and England coach.

In my opinion me he represents the next generation of British manager and has recently made tunes about possibly having to leave Sky to move back into football.

Sign him up.

Houghton, Solskjaer, whoever. If we're talking past 31 May, I'd rather focus on who's next, not where Moyes might end up. Loved the guy myself and wish him all the best. Wish it was the owners leaving, not him.

But where he goes doesn't interest me. Who's next in is the all-important. Besides, for all ownership's short-comings, Moyes' hiring was a good thing they did those years ago. Even the MOB doesn't dispute he turned the Club around.

Who knows? Maybe ownership will get it right again.

He's said he is a fiercely ambitious man and if that is true then he is simply holding out to see if a 'bigger' club than Everton will offer him a contract — without having to pay Everton any compensation. Having worked with BK for 11 years, he more than most knows how skint we are and cannot be expecting a massive transfer kitty come June.

Unfortunately I cannot see any of the larger clubs in England coming in, the Celtic job won't be on offer anytime soon and clubs like Schalke, whilst open to the idea, would probably look for a manager who could at least speak German.

Sunderland tried to get Moyes a few years ago (along with Villa) and he turned them down. The idea of a sabbatical seems possible — only once you're out of a job, there's no guarantee when the next one will come about. Maybe he'll do a McClaren and head to the Dutch League — all the Dutch can speak English so it would at least be a bit easier.

Clock's still ticking... we'll know in a couple of months...

A fresh challenge may mean going to a different country. In fairness to Moyes, he has travelled a lot during summer breaks to see how things are done in other countries. He could well be open minded to go abroad for his next job.

The more that we discuss who may replace him the more interesting names that get mentioned. Rijkaard is a good shout. So is Hughton. Whether they are available and would come to us is debatable.

I know that Martinez seems to have been installed as the bookie's favourite. Does anybody know who else is on this apparent list?

I know some of the names are just there for the sake of mischief making but Terry Venebles? Sven Goran? I never knew it was that much fun being a bookie.

I like your thinking Ross, I put forward Rijkaard's name a few months back and I would go as far as getting him in now and to hell with Moyes and his wait and see crap. If Kenwright was a half decent chairman he would have told him to sling his hook ages ago.

He won the League Cup, and got to a UEFA cup final with Middlesborough, won a League title abroad with FC Twente (for the first time in their history) managed in Germany, and has been the manager of England.

Now put his & Moyes' C.V. next to each other.

I take your point I think all the grief he gets is due to the fiasco when he was England manager, perhaps like Capello he is more suited to club management.

One thing about McLaren is that he was very good with the youth when he was at Boro and that is crucial if Everton are to improve the young players need better development.

So my advice to Bill Kenwright would be offer him whatever contract you're going to offer him, then set a time limit say a week for him to think it over – because we all know what a procrastinator he is – and if he still hasn't come to a decision, tell him, "Okay, but while you're still thinking about it, I'm going to interview other interested parties and if one of them says he'll accept the job, then tough, Davey, you're out."

I know that's harsh but I don't know of any other industry that would allow the employee to dictate the pace of negotiations like this.

1. In what alternative reality do you see Rijkaard coming to Goodison Park?

2. Other than your own bias, what's your evidence that Moyes is "tactically inept"? As I've said before on this site by that estimation then most of the managers in the English Leagues are completely and utterly devoid of any footballing intelligence.

3. Or is it simply that when Everton lose (not very often) Moyes is "tactically inept" and when they win (much more often) it's luck and nothing to do with Moyes.

Mourinho a few months ago "Steve Clarke is doing a great job.I am not surprised he is an incredible coach"

I am not buying in to the excuse about finances although it is a part of it. Everton need younger blood and new ideas. Martinez would be a possibility. Another season of Moyes will just be déjà vu.

I know it had a hell of a lot to do with money, but remember how the top four places were dominated for years before City came along?

Man U, Arsenal, Chelsea & Liverpool all had managers with a record of winning trophies. It's no coincidence the top jobs go to managers who have a good record in Europe, or have won League titles abroad ( there are exceptions of course )

If we are prepared to pay £3-4m a season, we can attract a top name, or at least someone who has lifted a trophy or two.

It may go tits up, and we will be praying for the days of dour Davey, but if we make a Houghton type appointment, we will be lucky to match the League finishes Moyes has achieved.

We need someone who can make our team believe.

Just terrified he's gonna stay now and doubtless in high dudgeon because none of the monied crew have come in it'll be more like a funeral directors convention than ever next years press conferences.

Some fair points there. Who would be your choice?

I have been boring on for a while extolling the virtues of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. He knows what it takes to win in this League, he was sounded out by the likes of Villa, and a few others before Lambert was even appointed, so he clearly has a decent reputation inside the game.

He had Man U reserves playing great football, before he went to Molde, who have now won two League titles on the bounce, and they hadn't won a title in their history before his arrival. He is only 39, and has all the energy he had when he was a player. It can only be an advantage that he served his time under Fergie. His interviews are all about tactical flexibility, and not resting on your laurels after you have won something.

I can't see him going to Anfield and playing for a draw, can you?

Wow

What exactly would 'achieving' be then? With regards to league form and financial clout, which of the following clubs should we expect to be finishing ahead of, and why (emotions excluded)?

Man Utd
Man City
Spurs
Chelsea
Arsenal
Liverpool

And why?

'Everton have had only 3 wins of real merit this season: against Man City, Man Utd and Spurs — all at Goodison. I think that is all Moyes has achieved this season which frankly is not acceptable.'

This is such a stupid comment, I'm inclined to believe it is tongue in cheek. It makes no sense at all. Please tell me that my fellow Everton fans aren't so dim?

Part of me wants to see a hungry young manager in charge but I also think there's a lot of good managers out there who have been out of work too long. Hoddle? There's something I don't like about the guy - but I think he has class and is a winner.

To be quite honest, if Moyes doesn't sign I don't think BK will be offering a new boss £4M a year, even if it means getting a proven manager. He only gives Moyes that amount because he doesn't moan about the transfer budget. Expect him to go for a Championship boss.

One thing I am sure of, If he had the stability of the 11 years Moyes has had to fashion a side, he would have a similar record, if not better.

Maybe he just wants to put pressure on the owners to actually do something to push the club forward as everyone on here has been demanding? Perish the thought. No, the man is a greedy underachiever with no moral integrity or decency! Let's get Di Canio in, he seems like a solid bloke.

As for the bumper contract, it's not uncommon for people who stay in a job for a long period to be rewarded for it. I agree that to an extent it makes him complicit with Kenwright (and that is a mark against his name) but realistically who on here would turn down a pay rise?

I personally don't believe that Moyes is motivated solely by money, I think he has genuine ambition. Of course I may be wrong but I certainly wouldn't write him off for something I could only really speculate over.

I suspect he is waiting on a number of things. Where we finish? How much if any money he gets from TV deal. How much money he will get if Fellaini is sold? And vitally what other opportunites there may be out there. I see one of the favourites for the next Schalke manager has taken another job...

Cheered me up!!

All keyed up now for a fucking big sort out/celebrity deathmatch type thing between Marcello Lippi and Rijkaard on Goodison Road.

Our last few managers have come from:

Norwich, Oldham, Sheff United, Glasgow Rangers and Preston.

Get a fucking grip.

I'm sure Rijkaard would want to manage in the Prem and it would be great if we could get Lippi out of China. We're not actually saying it's going to happen but we fans are showing something called ambition.

No doubt you'll suggest Houghton.

Solskjaer?

Totally unproven in this league as a manager and cutting his teeth in a division that has nothing to do with this league, the most physically demanding, high octane league (not the best quality league), most media exposed, pressurised league in the world.... it's night and day.

If it wasn't for his United connections, I doubt he would be so popular. He may do well. But the way we operate I think he would be a monumental risk.

Put it this way: let's take a couple of Man Utd names... Do you think Mark Hughes or Brian Kidd know what it takes to win in this league? Yeah they may do as they've played, won and managed in it.

Do you want either of those in charge? — "Know what it takes to win in this league" is just a vague, empty phrase that means nothing in reality.

Everyone represents a risk to some degree. Clarke: unproven, did so for West Brom although with his track record, and I'm not just saying this, I felt he would do well. He was basically managing Chelsea when Avram was there. I remember in a Champions League Final... extra time had been called, the players went to the sidelines, the majority walked past Grant and went straight to Clarke.

Kidd: well can you have a better pedigree than he had. One job, bombed it and will never get another go. Maybe doesn't even want one.

Solskjaer is a risk we just cannot afford; the consequences of him of him getting it wrong are, for me, too great. We walk a tightrope. I personally would be happy with an approach for Clarke. I think Martinez is a very good candidate. For me these represent low risk, forward thinking progressive options.

Failing that then HK with John Bailey as Number 2... Nostalgia baby!!!

This thread would be about a third shorter if it wasn't for the utter bollocks you have been polluting it with.

Rijkaard??? "Get Lippi out of China"??? These are a couple of the greatest names of European football of the last 30 years.

Our board are clowns... the ground is a shed... we have no transfer budget... we sell to survive and occasionally buy... what the fuck are you talking about?!?!

You sound like Venkys trying to get Maradona or Ronaldinhio.

Man, at the moment, I'm pretty skint. Just ticking over really... But I'm off to look at a new fitted kitchen this avvy cos that shows ambition.

Sort your head out, ffs!!

But apart from that.............

Sorry, man, I can't respond properly, I'm currently breathing into a paper bag!! ;-)

I've always regarded McClaren as the "wally with the brolley", but when their CV's are looked at coldly, DM's CV doesn't measure up to McClaren's. He has to be taken seriously, that Dutch achievement alone puts him in the picture.

You're right, we're all making fun of him while he has decent CV.

"I think we should promote Big Dunc to Number Two if Davey unfortunately stays. There would be no chance of Moyes ignoring Dunc's suggestions and criticisms.

Or, even better, what about Big Dunc as manager? I know he still has his coaching badges to do but we could sack Round now and promote Dunc to Number Two to gain him more experience for a handover in the summer. He has more passion for Everton in his little finger than Moyes has put together.

You are dead right Solskjaer is a massive risk, but Clarke & Martinez are just Moyes in another guise.

We need to find another Wenger ( massive ask, I know ) Martinez has only had relegation battles, and Clarke has been happy to be no.2 for too long.

Our main priority must be a manager who has won something, there is something about Villas Boas that makes him a winner, and that is why Spurs went for him instead of Moyes.

Martinez, Clarke, Lambert, Houghton are all the equivalent of flat pack ready made League managers, we want a visionary, someone who can go to the likes of Anfield with a snarl, and make our scaredy cats into lions!!

Did you see what the Southampton players are saying about their new manager?

"I've got a little bit more belief in myself and the gaffer, full credit to him, he's given me a bit of freedom to go and play and express myself," Rodriguez said.

"He's said that to everyone and you can see by the way we've played that he's had a massive effect on us. Everyone knows how to play - we're pressing high and don't give anyone respect.

"The belief we've got is fantastic and we've just got to carry it on. We feel we shouldn't be where we are. We're more than good enough to beat any team and want to be higher."

Compared to Phil Neville, "A club like Everton should be happy to finish tenth."

Just a Wenger eh?!;-)

The new Southampton gaffer has come in and had an impact, nothing new there although the players do seem to be buzzing in games. Laudrup has had a good first season. Main effect there has been the outrageous Mitchu signing, fair do's, wonder if even Laudrup quite expected that. But he has undoubtedly done well.

Let’s see how they do next season. Doing it again and again, that’s the test.

Regarding comparisons with Moyes... I actually think in his initial seasons Moyes had the effect of changing the clubs mentality and brought a whole new approach. He was like a man possessed and had zeal, you could SEE it in him.

Over time he has become a little... some would call it conditioned, institutionalised, weary, even realistic maybe. 11 years is a long time and he has at times looked as if the weight of carrying the club has really ground him down.

I think he has stayed too long for his own good.

He has brought long term stability and structure to Everton; for me, he returned standards, respect and professionalism to many areas. I find comparisons with someone like the new Southampton manager a little unfair as the scenarios are different. After 11 years it’s easy to point to someone who has been there for a small period in comparison and highlight things.

But I accept that in certain games we have frozen and there have been 2 or 3 Anfield performances (for me in particular a couple of abysmal 2nd half performances when they have had 10 men) that have left my blood boiling.

Regarding managers.... I think the "flat pack" manager you refer to is more of a Big Sam, Bruce type. I don’t think the ones you have mentioned are and this is the reason why I specifically mentioned Clarke and Matrinez.

I wouldn’t want Lambert at all... but, after doing very well at Norwich, I feel sorry for him as he has been landed into a complete shitter of a situation at Villa and I personally hope they stay up and he prospers.

Martinez: bit of an enigma really. It’s complicated; on the face of it, what’s to like? He barely keeps Wigan in the division. Similarly to Moyes, I feel he has stayed too long and could do with getting off.

He laid the foundations at Swansea. He is brave enough to play the nice stuff down there in the face of a wage bill and selling players that makes it difficult to achieve anything other than staying up.

I believe his achievements at Wigan are derided as some would not perceive it to be an achievement. I personally think he does very, very well to do what he does. The wage bill is miniscule in Prem terms.

I feel he would be a very good contrast to the steel & solidity that we have traditionally traded on under Moyes (although this year we have a soft centre) and would bring a more expansive approach. I feel he would bring enough experience, yet a freshness that we need.

Clarke: massive experience as a number 2, basically managed Chelsea previously as well. Just starting out as a manager, but has shown he can handle a job in this league. For him the Everton job would be much bigger deal than West Brom and would be an opportunity to have a go at what is still a big job domestically. He would bring freshness and the experience and know-how of having worked with top top players every day for years. Massively regarded in football.

Crucially both have shown they can work in this division. Crucially both have shown they don’t need a lot of cash. Do I like that last stipulation? No. Do I view it as absolutely necessary given how we do things? Yes.

And then there's people championing the new Saints manager. Let's just see how they do before we sign him up.

That's one reason I think Moyes would struggle at a Man U, or Arsenal for example, after 11 years he is programmed to set his teams out to play pragmatically, he won't surprise anyone, will he?

Who is to say Martinez will not follow this path? We may just become a bit better than Wigan, and that is not what we want.

It's all pie in the sky, and I have a feeling most managers will struggle to match Moyes's league finishes, but it's the hope that kills us. Martinez or Clarke won't have me dreaming of being the new Arsenal, or a youthful revolution, just more of the same percentage footie.

Villas-Boas signed a deal to become the new manager of Porto on 2 June 2010. Two months later, he won his first trophy as a manager when Porto defeated Benfica 2–0 to win the Portuguese Supercup.

Villas-Boas went on to immense success with Porto, leading them to an undefeated season in the Primeira Liga – only the second time this had ever been achieved – and winning the title by more than 20 points, having conceded only 13 goals all season.

Villas-Boas went on to follow up this success by leading Porto to win both the Portuguese Cup and the Europa League, thus completing a treble in his first season in charge. By doing so, Villas-Boas became the third-youngest coach ever to win the Primeira Liga (behind Mihály Siska in 1939 and Juca in 1962) and the youngest manager ever to win a European competition, at the age of 33 years and 213 days.

On 21 June 2011, Villas-Boas tendered his resignation as Porto manager.

Like I said, he did well at Porto. Did you see the Porto team he took over there?

How did he do at Chelsea?

At Spurs he started off poorly. He now has Bale in the form of his life and he is singlehandedly winning them games. I'm not saying he is a bad manager ... but his record in England is by no means great.

A treble of League, domestic Cup & UEFA Cup in your first full season is a whole other Universe.

Chelsea was a poisoned chalice, he was told to break up the cliques and was hung out to dry. He will succeed at Spurs if given time, and with less than half the wage bill of City or United, a feat which we are led to believe is impossible.

He is not, however, some managerial master who will lead Spurs onto anything higher. I actually quite like the guy as it happens. I just don't think he's all that.

Anyway, back to Everton...

I agree that as we appear to be hitting the wall financially and that Moyes has, to a certain extent, "levelled out"; this is as god as it gets unless we have a revolution in the management of the club at boardroom level.

I think the club was driven forward quite powerfully on the pitch until what dollar there was ran out. Now we just throw everything we can at wages and run a small squad to the max.

I think almost treading water would be an achievement. There's no money in the club and we can't generate any more. We pay too much in wages as it is and the squad is tiny. How can we pay more? We can only slip down the wages table. Mid-table, whatever. A couple of League Cups would probably compensate for many.

Really, what people want – as you referred to Wenger before – is the second coming of Clough and Peter Taylor, a man shamefully ignored when it comes to the Clough legacy these days. That is very rare.

11 years is a long time, a good many people are probably just fed up of Moyes's face. People can criticise him, he has faults. But for me managing EFC for the last 11 years with all the shit that's gone on takes some doing.

His first priority is to look for younger players as our squad is getting old — Moyes's fault — Neville at 36 playing centre midfield? Do me a favour!

As for Moyes himself, I bet Sunderland won't let him stay there for 11 years, earning £4 million a year...

There are bargains aplenty for a club like us. A strong PL team full of internationals and yet we can guarantee people games.

I sincerely hope we keep Baines, but Fellaini is out of the door. I don't wish to play accountant but let's have a guess...

Fellaini £22M (£75k p/w)
Neville £0.0000M (£50k p/w)

Now assuming that is the only money we get to spend in the summer - it still represents an impressive opportunity. When you look at what we paid for Mirallas and how much more important he is already than Fellaini.

I'm guessing at his wage above, but Nev has to go. Even if he's only on £30k, that is a lot of money for us. Give him a coaching job and £6k p/w and get him off the playing staff.

I absolutely detest him as a person, but I think Scott Sinclair would be a good signing on the pitch. He's a fucking plank and I'm not sure he'd fit in with the team ethic, but he does have talent.

Matt Phillips maybe?

And certainly a good £10M on a quality CM.

Personally, I think – and hope – it's all hot air. I'm convinced Moyes will strike a deal with BK but which will leave him free to move on as and when it suits either party. Much like the relationship most of us have with our employers!

AND he took the money and chose to waste his life sat on a bench when he could have picked a club that might have furthered his career.

For the record - this is the first time I've visited the Reveal website. Honest!

Rijkaard in +1

I think possibly Heitinga to that list as well?

He's not justifying his wages. With the age of Distin, although in my view good for another season no problem, we need to be looking at a long term solution to the centre back issue.

With Jags and Distin, despite being good together, I don't feel it’s a partnership in the same league as Jags and Lescott who were for me one of the top 3 partnerships in the division. However, Distin provides great pace in behind to squeeze the play more and is a great cover for Baines bombing forward. When Heitinga plays this goes.

But whoever plays, there is an issue on crosses. I would like a centre half who can address one or preferably both of these issues and if he comes on lesser wages than Heitinga that would be great. If Moyes views Duffy as having a chance and he is given the gig the great as that allows us to put resources elsewhere. I’ve only seen Duffy the once I would need to see more.

Ross 951

I just don’t think the Swansea’s appointment of Laudrup is in any way comparable with us, hypothetically, appointing Rijkaard.

Rijkaard is an elite manager, he had great success at one of the elite clubs in Europe, after turning things round after being appointed by Laporta, and if he comes back to big time European football will again manage an elite club.

Laudrup is completely different: Brondby, Getafe, Mallorca etc. He is looking to get into the elite and the Swansea job will be a stepping stone if it works for him.

Let’s put it this way I would view him as gettable for us, even now.

The "Swansea can get Laudrup then we can get Rijkaard" argument is a complete nonsense. They are 2 managers who have operated in completely different spheres. Laudrup aims to get where Rijkaard operated.

Each to their own, but from my perspective Rijkaard is pure shrooms territory I'm afraid.