Martinez tracks Spanish loan prospect

I've given some thought to this (hardly alone in that) and read carefully what others have said about the highs and lows and plusses and minuses of our loan situation since 1 September 2013. I hear those who note that they are concerned about loanees flying the nest and what happens once they disappear into post EFC ether. I get it. Here's my twopennyworth, for what it's worth.

We have an acutely perceptive gaffer right now every bit as research orientated as the last one but with different priorities and strategies. I believe that his acute use of the loan angle was part and parcel of his pre- and post-appointment back and forth with our-out-of-era chairman. The finances in front of him, in as much as they can be at Everton FC, it was clear to Bobby that loans unlike directions taken previously by Man Utd's former gaffer were a serious option. On the basis of the season just gone he was dead right.

Loans will be a larger option on our our books than in previous years because this gaffer has made the choice that they will be and he is right while our board scrooge-like zip up their pockets. It is a difference between him and the last one and again he has been proved right.

Bobby can only make the best of the cards he has in his hands and I have a happy hunch that with the season-in, season-out Moyes/Kenwright steady-the-ship safest-job-in-the-prem mentality at long last ripped in shreds that we will see some so-needed spring cleaning:

That the board will back Bobby bigger and better because they need to match his vision of Everton two or three years from now; that Bobby will walk if his vision remains largely unsupported say two years from now; that other incomes above all TV incomes are rising well quite speedily; that the club debt has fallen quite nicely; that we are no longer Moyes-steady but Martinez-ready...

We have a very special manager now and the Boy's Pen alumnus must surely know this. More money I think – and Jeez I know how thin this argument is and that I could be eating the humblest of pie in 12 months – will be made available – and to be honest Moyes got a decent amount – but meanwhile, and until the war chest is a war chest, if ever that day comes Bobby will make sharp, shrewd strategic use of the loan market, and he needs to, it makes sense, and again the last nine months or so back his judgment in this as in other areas.

I agree Paul.

The reason why Arsene Wenger moaned about the loan system is because we used it successfully.

This is the only way forward for a club to be able to compete with the top four clubs who spend more on one player than we spend on a whole team.

Martinez is a very clever man and comes across as very agreeable to everyone. The media love him and his open way of talking during interviews. He never upsets the other managers and is not controvertial.

I see him becoming one of the finest ambassadors this club has ever had. Long may his success continue to keep us competing.

I think you are right, Paul. If one thing has been proven over the last decade of Billy's tenure, it is that we haven't a pot to piss in. Where they money generated by sales Fellaini and the lawnmower has gone is anyones guess.

Our future depends on loan deals as this board will not invest in the squad. I think the difference between Roberto and OFM is that Roberto can attract players because of his style of play. You only have to look at the serial rejection that Moyes suffered in his first transfer window. Roberto on the other hand will have clubs from far and wide willing to loan players to him because he is able to develop them.

The downside of this is twofold. One we never get them long term; and secondly, it is only a matter of time before those clubs come looking for Roberto. Unfortunately, that's the way it's going to be until we get proper investment which Billy is looking for 24/7...

Not!

I liked your obtuse use of "...acute use of the loan angle".

Seriously, I think used wisely, which as you say RM has been, then loans can be a really good strategy. It allows us to fill gaps and hopefully make that jump to the next level without taking a massive risk.

"One we never get them long term"

We don't know that yet. We may loan four players a season and one may stick from time to time. It's a good way of attracting players who may not have considered us for an immediate permanent transfer. Not everyone in the world knows how special Everton is until they get here.

Nicely put Paul.
When I listen to Roberto speak about the loan system he always embraces it, looks for the positives and I think we can agree strengthened our first team as a result.

Will he be able to get another Barry or Lukaku for next season? I think we'll get three or four loans in and I hope at least two of them can come straight in and add to our first team.

I don't believe that there are many managers that are against the loan system but the controversy that Mr Martinez had was because of using loan players not to just strengthen his squad as other managers had been doing – he brought in players that improved the first team to a successful level.

My thoughts are after accepting the position at Everton he was fully aware of the financial restraints in the transfer market and realised that the best way to provide stability in his first season was the loan system but to use it more efficiently until he is able to build the team with the players he chooses.

The problem is that now he has, as they say, "let the cat out of the bag" and hopefully, despite the moaners, the only change to the loan system that will be made is that the loan player can play against his parent club.

Big problem with loans is that they create a revolving door situation. And you can't really build a team on that basis.

On the other hand, it gives fans exactly what they want. A never-ending supply of new players to worship or lampoon.

No complaints from me but we will never again be regarded as a BIG club if we exist on other club's left-overs!

Of the significant loans this season, only really Barry could be called a left over... and he's coming out of contract so it's got some medium-term potential. The other two are up-and-coming players. I'd choose a year with them over a year without them.

Realistically if we sign a world class player we might only see them for a season anyway. Yes, we would make money but we instead save money by loaning. Saving £10M is every bit as good as selling for a £10M profit.

Nice point from Malcolm - 361 - big problem with loans is that they create a revolving door situation. And you can't really build a team on that basis.

The counterpoint, I suppose, is that if Bobby continues to use loans as effectively as 2013-14 then we might just - just - go up a peg or two in the league and put ourselves in a position where we have more cash to splash and able to attract a rather better sort of player than say Remy or Townsend.

Anyone else feel that we need a dedicated thread on this one?

Met Howard Kendall last night at Sportsmans dinner in South Wales. He was very complementary about Bobby – "Finally, the School of Science is back." Clearly from what he had to say he was no fan of OFM. Had some cracking stories about John Bailey.

"One we never get them long term"

Arteta's transfer was made permanent after his loan (before he jumped ship of course). Keeping good players is a problem for every club without a sugar daddy, so the whole short-term fix argument is moot. We should do whatever we can, spend as much yet only what we can afford, and keep improving.

Loan or permanent, people will complain as long as there are silly rules like cup-tied or cannot play against parent clubs. It's not the nature of the move but what comes with the move that makes the transfer suspect. What if there is no loans, but a sell-and-buy-back transfer is used in place instead? Don't you think people will then make use and then abuse of such a system as well?

I seem to remember that when we signed Lineker we only had him for 1 season, in which we won nothing, between two league championships... or do I misremember?

Personally, I am against the loan system in principle but while it is there I am happy for Roberto to use it to our advantage. I would however not like to see this as being a long-term thing. I would expect these loan signings to decrease over the next few seasons as Roberto's ideas begin to take fruit and hopefully more of our young players start to come through the system.

If we were to sign all these players we are being linked with, we would have a squad big enough to field 3 or 4 teams. I'm sure Roberto has already identified who he would like to bring in and am eagerly looking forward to the next couple of months to see who comes in.

While I am sure that myself and many others will not be impressed by one or two if his signings but I guess we have to trust to his judgement given the fantastic job he has done so far.

I feel more excited than I have in a long time with the situation at Everton. Last season I felt we could beat anyone at home so Europa looks a diddle. Couldn't,t care less if loan or permanent as long as they can play the Everton way. Spend enough time worrying about my finances without sorting out those at L4. Can't wait for August