From My Seat – West Ham (A)

Overall a game that took a half and half of a half to ignite but when it did it got entertaining.

Ken Buckley 16/05/2015 62comments  |  Jump to last

East End sunshine complemented a party atmosphere for the Hammers' last home game of the season. Fans mixed well pre-match and both sets of supporters seemed to believe both clubs needed a new manager – many more of theirs than ours, I noted. Teams were announced and Galloway was a bit of a surprise, but if Garbutt isn’t for signing then no point in playing him. As it turned out the new lad did OK.

The teams appeared and we were in normal colours except for white socks and at that moment I knew we would win. Not really, but white socks somehow make us look bigger and better than the drab dark ones.

West Ham got us under way and early doors we had a chance when Osman got one on target but he had to stretch to hit it and the pace was taken off it allowing the keeper to divert for a corner. The corner was delivered into a packed area and the ball dropped for Stones but his effort was a touch wild and wide. Not a bad start though, I thought. West Ham took some ten mins or so to mount a worthwhile attack which resulted in Coleman turning his back on the cross and the ball going out for a corner via his arm. Ref. Mr Friend said no pen, just a corner. It must have been a close call. The corner was met by Barkley who launched it well clear.

Lukaku was having a frustrating time as from many an Osman prompting, the ball would be fed into him but alas if his first touch was good his pass was poor and vice-versa, thus causing moves to break down. The game was becoming rather stale as build up was promising but the G Spot of pleasure was never reached. Osman had a great through-ball that just evaded Lennon. Lukaku was taken out and a yellow was shown to a West Ham player. Ah well, I thought maybe that bit nearer to Euro trips. Well you have to think of something positive whilst the game is a stroll in the sunshine for both teams.

Article continues below video content


We now seemed to be attacking in turns with both teams not much cop when entering the final third. Our hopes seemed to lie with Osman as he was by far the most creative player on the pitch – and to think over the years I have described both him and Pienaar as being as weak as wet lettuce, yet here he is today as our Pirlo. Osman fed Lennon who played in Lukaku who fired high. Coleman then put our fair play chances back by getting booked for a daft pull back. Stones who was looking cultured strode out from the back on many occasions and from one of these was fouled some 30 yards out, Barkley took it but it found only Claret and Blue.

This first half now started to wind down in pre-season friendly mode with good joined up stuff until the final third was reached and then no real thrust where it was needed. Barry got yet another yellow card just before the whistle. I thought perhaps he didn’t fancy a rainy night in Ukraine next season. Not much to write home about in that half which was played at a moderate pace but a plus was we did look the better side and debutant Galloway was looking steady and probably grateful that his first half of footy with the big boys was at a pace and intensity that he could live with.

H/T 0-0

The chat was of the Distin and Garbutt conundrum. It transpired that no-one really knew the score but we were convinced something was afoot... and not just twelve inches.

We had kicked off the second half and Barkley set off straight for them and created a move that saw us in the final third where, lo and behold, the final ball became the wrong one—still we are good at it! This final-third problem was highlighted in the first minutes when Barry came forward well and played in Lukaku who this time did control well and give a good lay off for Barkley in a good shooting position but he rather hurried his shot and the ball flew high, wide and handsome. If only he had Osman’s brain in that big powerful frame. The second half was starting to shape up to a contest that both teams wanted a go at and it became quicker and a touch feisty.

Lukaku took a free kick that went just wide; close that. Coleman was raiding well and from one foray won a corner that West Ham cleared but their breakaway effort was akin to ours. Exciting and dangerous looking until final third and then...

Stones was looking a class act bringing the ball out of defence and setting up moves and was well complemented by Jags' no nonsense approach to defending. One such Stones move out saw him play in Barkley who had a strong run to the edge of their box and was then simply crowded out. Perhaps our coaches need to work with his spatial awareness as he had options either side.

The hour mark arrived and I was just thinking that our good build up and indeed dominance needs to bring the reward of a goal as West Ham were attacking with more intent now. I wish I hadn’t thought that as disaster struck. Downing who had started looking dangerous was fed the ball after we had cleared it twice and lost Galloway as he dribbled into the box and curled one beyond Howard and we were one down. To be fair our contingent hadn’t been that loud today but that goal really quietened the faithful. But in true Blue fashion a rallying cry was soon heard and we attacked yet again with Osman prominent and playing like he at least thought defeat was avoidable.

Within ten mins of that goal against we put things right when Osman put in a pass that found Lukaku out wide right, the big man got a cross in and that man Osman took a vital touch and acrobatically rifled home a volley with keeper helpless. What a man! All celebrated as the sun seemed to get brighter.

The manager swapped Barkley for Mirallas and the half got feistier as both teams started to make it a proper footy match. End to end and more open as chances were taken and I am pleased to report that Galloway had shrugged off the Downing lesson and looked to be growing as the game moved on. The Hammers player Kouyate seemed to want to have a go at him and he was having none of it and stood up for himself with the Ref eventually sorting out the spat, but it was to go on for the rest of the game and our youngster was not giving an inch.

Coming up to ten to go and McGeady came on for Lennon as both teams went for maximum points. McGeady looking lively got a good cross in that Lukaku headed wide, some thought it was in. Both sides were throwing caution to the wind as West Ham attacked and gained two consecutive corners that we cleared via Stones, one of which McGeady got onto and made a good run and fed Lukaku who had the keeper sprawling and diverting ball for a corner, followed by two more that came close but not close enough. McCarthy and Galloway both got late yellows, so that’s the Europa up the "swannee" but at least we won the yellow card count by 4 to 1. Galloway and Kouyate had another spat, those two didn’t like each other.

The Board went up showing 4 minutes added and the game continued with no thought of either side shutting up shop. Half way through the added time many had settled for a point when that man Osman again showed his class as he fashioned a move that saw him feed McGeady and he made ground down the right. Although closed down he found just a little space for a cross and Lukaku delivered the goods. GOAL! was the yell as the faithful celebrated, as did the players.

There was no coming back for the Hammers and three points were ours. Was it the white socks? It might just mean one place higher and a top half finish by the skin of our teeth but there is something about a win that a fan will take and celebrate no matter any circumstances. Did I hear that score correctly—Liverpool Gerrard 1 Crystal Palace 3? The trip home just got much shorter.

M.o.t.M. – Osman

Overall a game that took a half and half of a half to ignite but when it did it got entertaining. West Ham took the lead and then tried to put the game to bed with a second. I was grateful to them for this as most teams would have parked the bus and we know what we are like against that tactic.

I was impressed with Galloway’s contribution and I am sure he will have learned more in that game than a season at under 21 level. He has a great chance, I just hope he takes it. His spats with Kouyate showed me he has the right temperament. I hope he gets to play against Spurs as that will be a learning curve for him and the home fans will make a judgement and hopefully get behind the lad.

Today there was another banner telling the chairman and board it was time to go. It seems a very small protest at the moment but it may grow. I did notice today that there seemed to be more togetherness among the players, a bit more of one for all and all for one. Maybe some things have got sorted. I hope so.

Spurs next Sunday – the game then the parade – the match going fans will have the chance to speak about the season. Could be an interesting insight. See you there.

UP THE BLUES

Share article:

Reader Comments (62)

Note: the following content is not moderated or vetted by the site owners at the time of submission. Comments are the responsibility of the poster. Disclaimer


Peter Laing
1 Posted 16/05/2015 at 23:56:40
White socks it is, Ken! Thanks for the report.
Patrick Murphy
2 Posted 17/05/2015 at 00:07:15
Ken is this sentence in any way related to the FrenchmanÂ’s alleged extra curricular activities? "we were convinced something was afoot... and not just twelve inches."
Mike Childs
4 Posted 17/05/2015 at 00:26:41
Excellent report Kenny.

Just had to say not even the great Charles Dickens bowled me over more with a line than "the G spot of pressure was never reached". What an incredible picture painted by words. Standing Ovation Mr Ken Buckley.

If you ever write a book IÂ’ll be first in line to buy me. I was wishing Rom had had OssieÂ’s brain today after the way he took that goal. Proper match for Leon and I agree: MotM.

"Was it the white socks". :>)

Dick Fearon
6 Posted 17/05/2015 at 07:01:30
That banner upset the Fox commentators.

They prattled on about what a wonderful supporter he is but did not mention that unlike directors of other clubs, neither he nor any of his wealthy board had put a single penny of their own money into the club.

Steve Brown
7 Posted 17/05/2015 at 07:07:34
"Something was afoot.... amd not just twelve inches." Absolutely superb report, a triumph of wit, word play and balanced pragmatism.
Michael Evans
8 Posted 17/05/2015 at 07:30:27
Many thanks as ever Ken - excellent report.

For those of us who donÂ’t get to go to the games any more your reports are an essential read as they perfectly capture the atmosphere.

I suspect many people on TW read your report and then move on to the next article.

One week I think it would be fitting if everyone did make a comment as it would evidence how much your contribution to TW is appreciated.

Ajay Gopal
9 Posted 17/05/2015 at 08:10:22
Michael (8), I second that. Mr Buckley, absolutely brilliant match reports, and one of the reasons that I keep coming back to this site. While the Sky pundits fawn over Steve Gerrard, our very own Â’one-clubÂ’ hero inconspicuously makes his contribution to our beloved Everton. Bravo, Ossie!
Phil Walling
10 Posted 17/05/2015 at 08:38:25
Much defiled in these columns – although never by Ken – Ossie has a football brain, perception and ’close’ skills that the likes of Lukaku and Barkley can only dream of.

When will transplants of such attributes become available?

Dick Brady
11 Posted 17/05/2015 at 08:59:16
We were awful when Osman was injured and started winning again about the time he returned. When will everyone realise that Osman is a very important player to Everton? In the past too many fans have been on his case and not realised just how good he is.
Peter Mills
12 Posted 17/05/2015 at 09:36:57
Are you sure those white socks werenÂ’t a very, very light shade of grey, Ken?
Patrick Murphy
13 Posted 17/05/2015 at 09:56:49
Happy Birthday to Ossie – he’s 34 years young today.

Finding somebody who can link up play like Ossie will be key to this team being anywhere near successful in the future.

Trevor Lynes
14 Posted 17/05/2015 at 09:56:29
As usual a fine and witty report.

I agree with the words in support of Osman. He and Hibbert were continually picked out as scapegoats for poor team performances in the past but it is pretty obvious by results when he and Pienaar are missing how valuable these experienced players are.

What surprised me is his stamina as he normally plays an hour or so but he competed well throughout and took his goal really well.

Let's hope that we play well in our last game and leave the fans happy.

Robert Graves
15 Posted 17/05/2015 at 10:08:37
The reason Ossie wasnÂ’t appreciated was for many a season he was played wide right by Moyes and most play went through Arteta. The one thing Ossie hasnÂ’t got is pace and when playing wide he gets found out.
Tony Abrahams
16 Posted 17/05/2015 at 10:14:59
Great report, Ken. Hopefully the protest will grow; we will see.

Never went, never watched it, put MotD on the telly this morning, and enjoyed watching the highlights.

Osman's goal was a cracker, nothing better in foothill than a last-minute winner! The thing that gave me the most pleasure was watching Everton's away support though. It is fucking brilliant!!

Eddie Dunn
17 Posted 17/05/2015 at 11:10:03
Thanks for another entertaining report Ken (as usual). I have been guilty of moaning at Ossie in the past, because of his frailty at times, and his lack of a powerful shot, but the man is so important to the team. His intelligence is like a beacon in the fog, and he brings people into the game with his threaded passes and perfectly weighted balls. If he had been playing across Stanley Park, the papers would have been lauding his attributes for years.
Dennis Stevens
18 Posted 17/05/2015 at 11:34:11
Marvellous report, as always, Ken. IÂ’m sure that thereÂ’s some kind of correlation between the teamsÂ’ league performance the last two seasons & OsmanÂ’s availability. Last season we were challenging for top 4 & Osman played a part in every single match, this season weÂ’ve certainly suffered when he hasnÂ’t been available.
Eric Myles
19 Posted 17/05/2015 at 12:08:29
Nothing mentioned about Kenwright by the commentators on the Thai broadcast Dick but there was a shot of BK sat next to his missus looking very pissed off.
Dave Ganley
20 Posted 17/05/2015 at 12:17:18
Enjoyable report yet again Ken....especially the comment "the G-spot of pleasure was never reached" did make me chuckle.

I agree with OP, Osman always has been a good footballer, the only problem he has is his size. When he faces the top midfielders, he has a tendency to get knocked off the ball; however, I am nit-picking as we always look a much better side when he is in and around the squad.

Last game of the season next week, hopefully the players can show up and give us a decent send off but, as far as staying around for the parade, I would be "phenomenally" hypocritical if I hang around to applaud a bloody awful season, so I shanÂ’t be joining in with that. IÂ’d rather be drinking Chang beer!!

Dave Abrahams
21 Posted 17/05/2015 at 12:39:26
IÂ’m afraid I take you for granted Ken, I expect your report to be nothing short of excellent and it was.

If KenwrightÂ’s bird was a proper Evertonian she wouldnÂ’t be sitting next to him.

Kevin Tully
22 Posted 17/05/2015 at 13:15:41
Comments in the media about the banner are actually quite revealing. Most of them come out with the same old rhetoric "heÂ’s massively passionate fan." How that qualifies him to run the club has never really been explained!

I wonder when Â’the opportunityÂ’ of a new ground in WHP is rumbled as no more than a pipe dream, will the rest of the fanbase wake up to the truth?

A question I would like to ask Blues who defend this current mob – If Bill does give up control, would you want another Chairman to replace him with the same strategy? If the answer to that is an unequivocal No, then ask yourself why any Blue would want the clueless fecker anywhere near the place for a whole generation. A wasted generation.

Patrick Murphy
23 Posted 17/05/2015 at 14:17:24
Just watched the brief highlights again on the internet and Romelu didnÂ’t react at all to OsmanÂ’s goal but obviously reacted with gusto for his goal. I found it strange at the time and having watched it closely IÂ’m at a loss to explain it.
Paul Tran
24 Posted 17/05/2015 at 16:24:58
Great report as ever, Ken.

Well, we won, which used to be regarded as a good thing before Martinez arrived.

Back to last season yesterday. We looked solid, dull and functional, pinched the winner at the end. A season like the last eight games would have us fighting with Man City for 2nd place, which makes the dross of the first six months so frustrating.

No doubt Martinez will be here next season, so progress will again depend on summer acquisitions, which for me means playmaker, centre back, striker, goalkeeper in that order. Plus a good preseason and higher tempo from the start of games.

Stu Smith
25 Posted 17/05/2015 at 18:46:05
Can someone tell me who Rom went to celebrate with after he scored. I only saw the highlights on bbc. Saw Rom running back across the WH goal with his arms out wide but then they cut to show the goal again.
Brian Harrison
26 Posted 17/05/2015 at 19:24:05
Stu

I don't think he initially went to celebrate with anyone he was imploring his team mates to come and congratulate him for scoring but it seems most of the players ran to McGeady. So rather than look a selfish plonker he then ran towards McGeady. Seems he is only interested in personal glory and the team success is secondary to him.

David Ellis
27 Posted 18/05/2015 at 03:37:41
The white socks do not deserve the credit. This win was all down to me. Turned the telly on seconds before Ossie got the equalizer and left it on until the match was won. I love it when that happens. Funnily enough same thing happened against West Ham away last season.
Ciaran Duff
28 Posted 18/05/2015 at 04:20:58
G-Spots, 12 inches, (50 shades of) grey socks!
What more can a middle age man ask for?
Mark Andersson
29 Posted 18/05/2015 at 04:55:47
Is there a light at the end of the tunnel. Only when reading KenÂ’s reports do you feel that.

Anyway I was totally pissed off when I sat down to watch the recoded game on foxtel. I knew the score and had read various comments here on Tw.

As usual there was a mixed bag of opinions so I took them all with a pinch of salt.

So to my horror instead of watching the blues v hammers I was subjected to 20 minutes wank off by the media of Stevie Mee last game.

No ffn way I fast forward to our game. I thought the first half was ok the 2nd half was what I was really looking forward to. Just after Leons brilliant goal the recoding finished.

Bollicks that Stevie me shite had ruined my day. That was until I found put that palace spoilt his party.

I donÂ’t expect anyone to read this as the moderatetors have black balled me yet aging.

Still I get to read you canÂ’t stop me getting that pleasure.

Up the blues for next week and next season.

Martin Mason
30 Posted 18/05/2015 at 06:04:45
Dick (6), why should the directors of a company put a cent of their own money into a club? YouÂ’re perhaps mixing the duties of a benefactor with those of a Director.

Other than buying shares itÂ’d be really unusual for the director of a PLC to put his own money in and tbh I think that apart from a few clubs run by benefactors, itÂ’s really unusual for even mega rich football directors.

I could criticise our directors for some things but not wasting their own money isnÂ’t one. Only a financial lunatic would invest in EFC.

Would you put some of your own money in to help the club? If not why not and, if not donÂ’t blame the EFC directors for not doing so. From what I can see the directors arenÂ’t taking any significant money out of the club but are running it well.

I donÂ’t even criticise the directors for not being able to generate extra business. What can a football club in an unfashionable area of Liverpool sell over and above seats and its own assets?

What would those who criticise the club expect any incoming board who also refused to throw money away to do to improve the situation?

My opinion is that the club is run very well and that by a combination of player development, sales and good support we do far better than we should expect based on revenue.

Paul Andrews
31 Posted 18/05/2015 at 06:53:36
Martin,

If I was to get a 600-700% return on my stake, I would definitely invest in Everton.

Harold Matthews
32 Posted 18/05/2015 at 08:14:30
Yes Brian, IÂ’m afraid Lukaku didnÂ’t look too popular.
Jim Bennings
33 Posted 18/05/2015 at 09:20:55
Still not convinced Lukaku will be here next season, certainly if his agent has anything to do with it he wonÂ’t be and I doubt given the chance Rom is going to refuse any offers that looks better than us at present.

I would definitely take £30 mill for him, I know he scored but he just doesn’t do enough for me on a regular basis, yes he’s young and he’s got a good record but I just think he needs to be in a team that maybe suits his powers more, a more direct team.

If we are going to revert to slow motion football again next season then he simply wonÂ’t prosper here.

It has to be fast and early service.

Max Wilson
34 Posted 18/05/2015 at 09:26:19
All that matters is that we "wonned"! 4 bookings avoid the blessing of Europa. 20 goals for Romelu is a good response to those than still knock him.

Brendan G played well for a full debut. Admittedly he was caught knapping by Alex Song and Downing, who have caught lots of players not just young Brendan, but overall he looked near the finished article. Our best players were Lukaku, Howard and Ossie, who continues to prove he is still has it.

Jim Bennings
35 Posted 18/05/2015 at 10:18:20
Max

The trouble is only 10 of LukakuÂ’s goals have been in the league, after paying 28 million pound if youÂ’d told me heÂ’d finish with just 10 league goals, IÂ’m not sure too many would have appreciated that.

I know goals are difficult to come by in the Premier League but still, heÂ’s been outscored by cheaper costing lads and lesser players.

Its easy to point to 20 goals but much like Liverpool crowing over GerrardÂ’s goal tally in 2005, half of them against bleeding TNS...

He has to score 18-20 in the league next season...

Tommy Gourlay
36 Posted 18/05/2015 at 11:41:37
I echo Michael Evans (8) comments, thank you again Ken, youÂ’re reports are unbiased and appreciated every week.
David Ellis
37 Posted 18/05/2015 at 11:34:40
Paul Andrews #31 - I think you are confusing (a) spending money buying a club and (b) investing in a club. When you buy a club all the money goes to the seller (not the club). If you later sell on for more money to a new buyer then that is how you make your return.

But if you then invest further money into the club (usually by way of loan but sometimes the issue of new shares) then that money is likely to go down the Swannee because it will be spent on wages or transfer fees etc... this will only increase the value of the club if it brings more success and more revenue... usually it doesnÂ’t, or at least not in a way that will materially affect the value of your shareholding.

In fact Blue Bill is doing exactly what you suggest. Only "investing" in a way that he has some hope of getting his money back... ie, buying the shares in the first place but not putting extra cash in afterwards. You really canÂ’t expect him or anyone else to do that because the amounts needed to make a difference are now too huge except for the owners of Man City and Chelsea. Look what happened to the super rich owners of Newcastle, Sunderland, QPR and Aston Villa... they have all stopped chucking money into the clubs and the money they have previously chucked in has not made any material difference to their investment return if and when they sell.

Steavey Buckley
38 Posted 18/05/2015 at 13:24:41
What was still annoying about the way Everton play, Martinez gave a debut to a young player who was given no or little support (usually, Baines) down the left hand side. That was one of the main reasons why West Ham targeted Galloway. What is the point in having wingers if only one specialized is allowed to play from the start?
Dave Richman
39 Posted 18/05/2015 at 13:34:41
David Ellis #27: I am claiming a portion of the credit ..... I switched mine off and went out with 5 minutes to go.
Tony Abrahams
40 Posted 18/05/2015 at 14:09:46
Martin 30. 100% right about us selling l our assets, is this where Phillip Green fits in I wonder?

Last week Liverpool wasnÂ’t very fashionable, now we come from an unfashionable part of the city.

You canÂ’t even criticise the directors for not creating any extra buisness.
Not even in the most fashionable league in the world?

No wonder we have stagnated , imagine if the people in the boardroom stopped doing such a great job. Where would that leave us I wonder

Paul Andrews
41 Posted 18/05/2015 at 14:37:23
David Ellis,

No confusion on my behalf. The fact of the matter is Kenwright paid circa £5 million for his shares when the club was sold.

At the current sale price of £125 million,and Kenwright holding around 27% of the shares I will leave you to do the maths.

Chris Smith
42 Posted 18/05/2015 at 15:55:03
Leon Osman played beautifully on Saturday. He has no pace or strength but his touch and awareness are light years ahead of most of the current team. I hope we can get a couple more years from him.
Patrick Murphy
43 Posted 18/05/2015 at 16:10:36
Perhaps Bill may be able to sell the club after all, as Platini and Uefa are thinking of relaxing some of the FFP rules, details to be announced at the end of next month. But knowing our luck they will put in caveats such as a team that was formed prior to 1891, or has more than one "E" in its name or comes from a poor, unglamarous part of Liverpool will have to pass a more stringent test.
Nicholas Ryan
44 Posted 18/05/2015 at 16:56:39
Patrick Murphy (2) "... the FrenchmanÂ’s alleged extra-curricular activities...."

I genuinely have no idea what youÂ’re talking about .... please spill the beans!!

Patrick Murphy
45 Posted 18/05/2015 at 17:50:03
Nicholas (44) A couple of comments on TW from two years ago may help you to fill in the blanks.

Distin seems to be keeping himself busy, and in shape, if you believe the scum and its dizzy blonde story today.

Sylvain Distin may have lied about being a milkman - but he does deliver.

LetÂ’s just say that the Frenchman was available to play away even if the game was scheduled for Goodison.

Jim Hourigan
46 Posted 18/05/2015 at 18:55:14
Good report as ever and Osman clearly had a good game but I will stick to my guns and say he is not good enough to play for a team that aspires to reach the top 4. What his performance did on Saturday, and on a COUPLE of other occasions, is highlight the dearth of genuine midfield talent we have. He is too slow, too weak and cannot pass beyond 15yds. Against all the top sides he is anonymous and if we really think he can make us challenge the sides above us then God help us we are in trouble.

Who, of the sides above us would play him on a regular basis? Liverpool? Southampton?, Spurs? or even Stoke and Swansea?. They all have pace and strength across their midfields, attributes Ossie does not have. Are people seriously suggesting a 34-year-old journeyman can lead us forward. I like what I see / hear of the man on a personal level and recognise his loyalty to the club, but sentimentality will win bugger all.

What his performance did is expose the dross around him and the paucity of midfield players generally. Pirlo might do it in Italy but the game is played at half the pace and he was a recognised and established International footballer, not someone who got 1 cap. Sometimes the truth hurts!!!

Trevor Lynes
47 Posted 18/05/2015 at 19:48:55
There was a mention of why would a board member invest his own money? It went on to ask the fans if they would invest their own money? – The FANS invest every week when they pay to watch games and buy merchandise.

I do not believe that the Board pay to watch and I bet they get whatever merchandise they fancy for nothing!

The board have made vast profits from the shares they bought cheaply and they should re-invest in the club out of the personal profits they have made. Small businesses pay for stock out of their profits so why donÂ’t this miserly board of ours.

Mike Childs
48 Posted 18/05/2015 at 23:50:41
Dave Abrahams if the bird sitting aside of BK was a proper Evertionian she wouldnÂ’t be there fÂ’n priceless. I know this isnÂ’t the exact quote but :>)
Mike Childs
49 Posted 19/05/2015 at 00:03:00
Sorry, Mr Mason, but if I owned the Blues IÂ’d invest in their future because theyÂ’re in my blood what other choice would I have than blow every dollar/pound/euro to make them better. Unless I was here for the position & glory of just spouting the words.
Martin Mason
50 Posted 19/05/2015 at 00:46:57
Mike, if you had the type of money that would be needed to get Everton into the top 4 then youÂ’d be very astute financially. You therefore wouldnÂ’t "invest" a penny into a club like Everton because thereÂ’s no chance of return, financially astute people donÂ’t do that although Oligarchs who basically stole the billions can.

If you had £billions like Abramovic you may do as you dream but there are no buyers like him around now and there are many far better football investments than Everton. Abramovic also expects a healthy return on what he puts into Chelsea and he’ll get it. Chelsea are located in a massively prosperous part of the UK that players want to go to and they get Champions League football every year.

Everton are located in Walton not Fulham and are a mid table side that (for me) because of itÂ’s exceptional Club management performs better than should be expected. Our major problem is that we carry the baggage of history which raises unrealistic expectations over what can really be achieved by the club. The EPL finished Everton as a trophy side and our greedy board of the time fully supported it because they thought it was going to be a gold mine.

OK, IÂ’ll have a fans whip round for an investment in Everton to help with their financial problems. IÂ’ll put a thousand pounds in, how much will you put in? Surely youÂ’d put something into what is in your blood? Anybody else want to match my investment? No of course not but some would criticise the board for the same failing?

Investment in EFC? ItÂ’s far easier to nip down to Brighton and throw the money off the pier into the Solent. Sorry, down to the Pier Head and into the Mersey, I forgot that non-scousers canÂ’t be real Evertonians. :-)

Mark Andersson
51 Posted 19/05/2015 at 02:52:03
Martin Mason, loved reading your posts.IÂ’m a realist so you make absolutely sense.

A Blue is a Blue, a scouse Blue just has more expectations because, as you put it, the burden of itÂ’s history.

You can never win an argument with facts when it comes to football. Football turns rational men into irrational dreamers.

Looking forward to reading more of your rational posts, refreshing and insightful.

Keith Young
52 Posted 19/05/2015 at 07:55:32
Martin you may say that a duty of a director is not to personally invest and of course you’re right.However, the directors must, if the club requires investment as lamented by the present Board then they should offer a rights issue to raise investment to assist the Club’s needs.I and others invested when Johnson made the Rights Issue. You are also wrong to say that Everton is well run commercially. Finally, Everton’ s history is not a burden it IS a unique Challenge for the future.
Tony Abrahams
53 Posted 19/05/2015 at 10:55:07
Mark Anderson, we are all realists. If Martin Mason is correct why did Kenwright invest in Everton?

A true blue Evertonian wants to be chairman but doesnÂ’t want to invest?

In the words of the great Roger Waters, "It All Makes Perfect Sense".

Martin Mason
54 Posted 20/05/2015 at 00:09:01
Tony, Kenwright answered a popular appeal from Evertonians to depose the old Johnson regime which he did with backing from a few friends who had the money that he obviously doesnÂ’t have. WeÂ’ve also done infinitely better under the Kenwright regime (a genuine true Blue) than under the old regime (a Kopite). Surely that is true?

In the absence of money, all he can do is run the club well within the constraints of its income which I think our board do brilliantly. Our record of producing players from within is also magnificent.

Hoping for a benefactor is hoping for a totally unsustainable future for the Club? Sustainability is about living within your earnings and IÂ’d say none do better than our wonderful club.

Criticise Kenwright and the board for what they canÂ’t possibly do like put Everton top of the EPL or to win trophies? Absolute lunacy. We can survive as a mid table EPL team on our income but no more and to expect better is not reality.

Give them credit for what they achieve under difficult conditions? IÂ’d have thought that is where realism lies. Realism is a far better approach than constant negativity or irrational expectation?

IÂ’m sure that the EFC directors eventually expect a return from their obvious hard work spent in running the club for effectively nothing? Is that irrational or unreasonable? Like heck it is.

I’m waiting for critical Evertonians to join me in raisng money that we expect our directors to provide from their own pockets? Is there one Evertonian that would "Invest" in our club? No, of course not – so please let’s drop this ridiculous criticism.

Eric Myles
55 Posted 20/05/2015 at 00:41:24
So Martin, you want to give them credit for the lies, deceit and monumental fuck-ups that have been the story of their reign!!
Dennis Stevens
56 Posted 20/05/2015 at 00:48:41
Martin, your comments are an insult to every Evertonian who pours hard-earned money into the club – unlike the Board, who seem more like absentee landlords with a great front man. Before making such nonsensical comments, you really should do some research.
John Daley
57 Posted 20/05/2015 at 01:00:12
"I'll have a fans whip round for an investment in Everton to help with their financial problems. I'll put a thousand pounds in, how much will you put in? Surely you'd put something into what is in your blood? Anybody else want to match my investment? No of course not

I'm waiting for critical Evertonians to join me in raisng money that we expect our directors to provide from their own pockets? Is there one Evertonian that would "Invest" in our club? No, of course not"

A person answering their own question in the negative doesnÂ’t constitute proof of anything besides their own patronising nature.

How can you claim, with any degree of certainty or authority, that absolutely no Evertonian would put their money where their mouth is and make a financial input? The very idea was, in fact, floated on here a while back in the form of Â’TrustEvertonÂ’, was it not?

Ever thought that the biggest inhibitor to any bluenose investing money in the club would be the thought of the very people theyÂ’d be entrusting it to? Bill Â’Listen lads, I donÂ’t know anything about finances. IÂ’m just the fucking ChairmanÂ’ Kenwright and a bunch of cronies that basically amount to Benny from Crossroads in a Ted Baker suit. The chairman and current board are the biggest cockblockers to a currency injection the club has.

You say Kenwright runs the club well, within itÂ’s means? How exactly has he done that? We basically survived off the back of a few big player sales and by the grace of the banks, with only mega bucks tv deals providing a bit more breathing space. Take away the tv money and leave only the canny business acumen and Â’achievementsÂ’ of Bill and his boys, and then tell us how long you think weÂ’d last.

Tony Abrahams
58 Posted 20/05/2015 at 11:24:33
Martin read the report that Patrick Murphy put on Toffeeweb the other week about when the Blue Union met Bill.

LetÂ’s talk about something positive Bill said, and started going on about Finch Farm?

You call Liverpool an unfashionable city, Martin, but did you not realise that The KingÂ’s Dock is actually next door to a world heritage site?

Two managers, Moyes and Wenger had the smallest net spends in the Premier League, Martin. ARSENAL BUILT A GROUND, EVERTON HAVENÂ’T EVEN PAID THEIR DEBTS OFF!

The fact that they are still quite manageable, really does show what a fantastic job Everton's board are really, really doing!

Steve Carse
59 Posted 20/05/2015 at 12:33:25
Martin Mason, your views reflect the corner shop mentality that has pervaded the club ever since BK took over.

The Everton ’model’ rests survival purely on an ability to produce a couple of players every few years from which big transfer fees can be accrued, and, of course, continued massive TV money (up £60m in recent years). Either of those things fail and we’re done for, since the third arm of non-matchday revenues – commercially generated income – is virtually non-existent.

The Board doing a great job? Come on, you canÂ’t be serious.

Pete Edwards
60 Posted 20/05/2015 at 13:02:23
Jim @46, how on earth is Osman a journeyman!!? Apart from a couple of loans early on in his career heÂ’s only played for Everton!
Martin Mason
61 Posted 20/05/2015 at 22:50:13
OK, so nobody is prepared to put a cent into the club but expect the directors to do so? Of course I donÂ’t include season ticket holders who buy the only real product that Everton can sell or those wonderful small shareholders who have already thrown their money away, theyÂ’re tall true blues as are the wonderful fans who follow us home and away. In that respect we are the greatest club in the world but we must stop being irrationally critical of the club in expecting as a right that which is impossible to deliver.

I also notice not a single suggestion of what EFC could do to improve their position other than what they have already done so I go back to my original assertion that we are actually a very well run club that operates within its means and is the envy of the supporters of other clubs especially the artificially franchised outlets like Liverpool and United. For me they can stick their models up their collective assholes along with badly run clubs like Newcastle with their mega Investor and Villa.

Unlike the often negative commentators on here I fully support the EFC board and how they are running our once great but now relatively struggling club. They have no other duty than to run the club in a responsible manner and no duty whatsoever to throw their money away.

Now before anybody accuses me of talking shite, please do this with constructive suggestions of how we can actually or realistically improve our situation. WeÂ’re a football club that sells mid table football from a location that nobody in the world outside of Liverpool has heard of, please start from that position. I live near Brighton and nobody here understands that Everton is located in in the City of Liverpool.

Please remember a comment I made some time ago, there is nowhere in the world where football fans actually run successful clubs and there is a very good reason why this is so. The expectation of fans is always irrational.

Patrick Murphy
62 Posted 20/05/2015 at 23:19:54
Martin - I would proably have more faith in what you say if those at the club hadnÂ’t sold off most if not all of the assets they inherited when they purchased the club.

Is it responsible of the board to screw up two ground moves? Is it responsible of the club to rent a training ground it formerly owned? If we are being run so well, why do we have such massive debts? – not as much as others but nevertheless a relatively large debt for a club of our limited income.

If the next five years pans out off the pitch in the way it has for the last decade - our rational expectation will be to finish above the relegation zone, if the club fails to achieve that modest expectation we will follow the likes of Leeds and Sheffield Wednesday – will you still praise the board if that happens?

John Daley
63 Posted 21/05/2015 at 00:11:25
"...we are actually a very well run club that operates within its means and is the envy of the supporters of other clubs especially the artificially franchised outlets like Liverpool and United"

You have got to be on the wind up.

I have not once, never, ever....not even from someone who was pissed up in that annoying Â’want to be bessie mates with everybody in the worldÂ’ way and thought I was about to do a real life reenactment of the scene in Lethal Weapon where Riggs rams his gun into the roof of his mouth, so was really really desperate to make me feel a little better about things.....heard a single supporter of either Utd or the RS say that their dearest wish was that, one day, their club might be run as well as Everton.

Please, if someone has heard something like that said before, put me straight. That means someone....anyone...apart from you Martin, because if you truly believe what youÂ’re saying then I wouldnÂ’t trust you to pour piss out of a shoe if the instructions were printed on the sole.

Dave Abrahams
64 Posted 21/05/2015 at 14:47:30
Nice sensible letter Martin, well I think it is better to humour you, in your condition.

Add Your Comments

In order to post a comment, you need to be logged in as a registered user of the site.

» Log in now

Or Sign up as a ToffeeWeb Member — it's free, takes just a few minutes and will allow you to post your comments on articles and Talking Points submissions across the site.


About these ads


© ToffeeWeb