Royle back at Everton

Not only that, but by Royle Appointment!

He's only just got through the door at Norwich then now he's back at Goodison in the role he appeared to have declined. There's probably a good reason for this but it does seem a little strange don't you think?

Big Dunc, Joe Royle, Unsy. Love the fact we’re putting Goodison Greats to use, hopefully a big inspiration to the young lads coming through.

Perhaps his change of heart had something to do with Stubbs leaving for Hibs?

The first time when I heard Royle's name mentioned I recall the job was reported as an ambassadorial duty. Now in the skysports article it mentions coaching. Maybe its a bit more of a hands-on role now?

Back up or impact player at best.

Good point you make, I also wondered if his U-turn was something to do with Stubbs going.

Great news anyway, always happy to see Big Joe in his rightful home.

How will a man this old relate to players more than 45 years his junior?

What next. Bring back Mick Lyons. Or is whipper snapper of 62 too young?

He should have gone too, he was only a couple of goals shy of Astle who finished top scorer (er... I think... memory getting thingy) and Royle was part of a title-winning side.

Anyway, made up he’s back, this is a smart man, a feller with a great brain and an Everton legend.

Can’t see any negatives at all.

And I still think his post Spurs semi-final (95) remarks maybe the greatest ever uttered by an Everton manager to the press after a game:

"Sorry about the dream final lads, but bollocks to you... and that’s a double-’L’."

Age plays a part to be sure, but 60s can be young to put someone out to pasture.

I hope they don't do it to me when I'm in my 60s...

Older men having been through the ranks can be an invaluable source of experience, wisdom, and counsel to younger players.

Best quote I can remember was after Rideout had a goal chalked off at Stamford Bridge.... "I can only think it was disallowed for heavy breathing."

What can't be denied is his love of the club and his knowledge of what the fans expect of their players - he might not have managed Everton at the right time under the right Chairman but make no mistake Joe will always give of his best to help Everton FC. Dealing with parents and young players and their representatives will be like falling off a log for Big Joe he has a charming personality and hopefully he will be an asset to Everton FC in his new role.

Smacks of a BB appointment this......the natural successor of dear Dave Hickson ?

I know quite a few 'Grandparents' who have a better relationship and more influence over their children's children than the parents themselves – experience is an undervalued asset in the modern world.

I am really delighted for Joe and the club.

Even though RM can't manage – LOL – he sure knows about being Everton.

Hope it works but might be a bit long in the tooth for the modern game. I would rather see us sign a couple of players and get replacements for Stubbs and Irvine.

Always liked Joe, a personable chap, but has always come across as his own man.

Roberto is going after this 'Everton Academy' idea in a big way, its plain he can see as things stand it's our best chance; we're never going to buy success, are we?

Whether he can pull it off is the big question, but it has to be worth a shot. Exciting stuff!

Frank Crewe, one thing age brings, if you're lucky to get there, is credibility if you have been there and been successful. Having someone like that to look up to for guidance, rather than someone doing a 9-5 job, can make all the difference in the world.

Football is played on the pitch but, before that, it's a game of motivation and strategy, the motivation to work hard to be very very good, and then how to play the game itself. Credibility is the best motivator. Welcome back, Joe Royle.

Surely that's great news.

Think that kind of positive and fearless attitude allied to his pragmatic way of getting things done will dovetail very nicely with Roberto. Definitely a good influence about the place.

Can people please stop bringing our Summer transfer activity into every thread. You know full well there has been a World Cup going on, it only finished two days ago. What did you really expect? Be patient!

Welcome back, Joe... Legend!

I have every confidence in Roberto and hope he gets to build something big here but if Barcelona come calling in a couple of years, then Royle's relationship as a mentor with Ferguson could prove to be invaluable.

Joe Royle was a great Everton player, the last Everton manager to win a trophy. Not everything is done on the pitch.

To those who complain about his age, I say this: "Will he have to be fit and running around or will his brain take the strain?"

Joe Royle reminds me of another great Everton 'Joe' – Joe Mercer, a wonderful man a successful manager and a Blue.

They will make a big impact to the players, helping to imbue them loyalty, right education and an Evertonian core. I am looking forward to a conveyor belt of young players to take this club forward.

Maybe then Lukaku would develop into the player he already thinks he is.

BTW, Dermot #2, your post made me laugh.

Premier League teams have just had the biggest payout in the history of football. There is no absence of money. We just don't know what black hole it disappears into but it's there somewhere.

In my opinion, itÂ’s a bit of a non-story; I am sure he can spot young talent and that is obviously all he has been brought back for.

With just a few weeks to go till kick-off and with some of our nearest rivals on their 4th, 5th and even 6th signings, we are playing this strange waiting game that we seem to have done every season since we signed Andy Johnson and did our business early!! ThatÂ’s the signings us fans want to hear about not re-shuffling of backroom staff that should have been in place long before pre-season.

For all Roberto's warm, persuasive and positive demeanour, not for one second do I think he's a "chummy one dimensional pushover", far from it!

So, with Joe back, then I'd be bloody certain that it fulfills some aspect of Roberto's aims or it wouldn't be happening at all.

Despite that, I admit to being still confused by it all. (OK, Joe is Everton's last manager to win a trophy and Roberto sets great store by club heritage.)

Rene Meulensteen has been out of work for ages and I'm sure he would jump at the chance of being a first team coach. I would much rather see Dennis Lawrence (First Team Development Coach) – WTF is that by the way!?! He should step down to Under 21 and Rene as a first team coach. Personally I think he would be immense alongside RM and GJ.

Whether Robbie feels the need or not, for a different first team coach, I'm sure we'll find out; but he seemed to be happy with the recruits we've made.