Everton sign Eto'o in two-year deal

NSNO.

HeÂ’s a natural finisher. Might be a bit old but better than LiverpoolÂ’s Lambert!

Stay motivated Samuel and letÂ’s see what youÂ’ve got to give.

Exciting times!

Anyway, chuffed to bits with this signing for free - like another Kevin Campbell signing. Let’s hope he continues what has always been a fabulous strike rate. Oh, how I wish both he and Lukaku playing fully to their strengths could be on the pitch against Chelski and send Mourinho home speechless - one can but dream.

Invaluable experience and if all he does is act as a mentor to bring on Rom, McAleny and Long then worth having on board for a year or so. Between him and Dunc the young guys are going to learn a lot. Hopefully Eto'o will justify his wages with a few key goals too. COYB

Having watched him over the years itÂ’s clear that his movement and general positional sense in and around the box is second to none which hopefully will make up for his lack of youth. He will make be a great teacher for all our forwards and Romelu in particular.

From what Roberto said he may even get 20 minutes on Saturday. However I will again be hugely pissed off if we donÂ’t again see Besic on the pitch!

What’s even more positive is that this has been done before the last minute of the transfer window. Something that we always seem to have to suffer is waiting until the very last minute to find out what’s going on.

If someone had said, before the beginning of the transfer window - you can sign two strikers, one - champions league winner and a 㿈 million youngster. I’d have told them - "no chance".

Hopefully we can kick on this weekend by beating probably the best team in the league.

COYB

A lot have referenced his age, but let’s remind ourselves that he is somewhere like three years younger than Drogba, who has ironically re-joined Chelski, but understand that is to take up a coaching role too.

So, when Samuel has completed his two year spell he will still be younger tha Drogba is now. His goal scoring average basically speaks for itself, I just hope he can continue the same during his time with us. He doesn’t need to ’ acclimatise ’ to the Prem. either having already proved himself at Chelsea.

Welcome to a real club Samuel, we are right behind you.

What someone hacked my account and commented rather see Jimmy Greaves and Gazza signing?!

Hope it works out for all parties - including Gazza and JG of course.

Yes, it might seem fickle, but there were some compelling arguments for signing EtoÂ’o on the Â’closing inÂ’ thread. Welcome Samuel.

For all the (my) misgivings about age, ego, wages - its fucking Samuel EtoÂ’o, probably the most high profile signing weÂ’ve made in...........I honestly cannot say. Maybe have to go back to......donÂ’t know. HeÂ’s probably the most high profile player weÂ’ve ever had if you take his global profile into account.

HeÂ’s now here so no point in grumbling, IÂ’ll back him to the hilt and if he helps us to beat Chelsea on the weekend then get the fuck in there.

Everton commercial department....over to you.

Jeez - how things have changed - from Straq, Anichebe and Jelavic to EtoÂ’o, Lukaku and Kone (once the defibrillator has been brought out). Certainly not boring times at GP......

The young strikers including Rom could learn plenty from this guy.
I wonder if Rom is displeased or not that he’s here.
Why not let him have 1 or 2 sessions with the young players if he’s willing to do it.

Not heard much criticism of BK lately, not much praise either!
I think we’ve raised our profile considerably lately and we’ve certainly put a marker down that we mean business.

Don’t suppose we have too much more money to lash out, but 2 more quality players and I could begin to fancy us for the top 4.

WeÂ’ve signed a 33 year old world class striker (ok maybe ex world class) on a free whos previous clubs include the likes of Real Madrid (only 3 games though), Barcelona, Inter Milan and Chelsea.

I know which one I would rather have!!

(Off topic but Louis van Gaal is 25/1 to be the next manager out of the door. And Man Utd are losing to MK Dons tonight in the League Cup.)

Joke signing. Kenwright should be ashamed of himself. WhereÂ’s the money gone? Why are we reduced to signing this type of player?

Howard, Distin, Osman, Pienaar, Barry, EtoÂ’o all really past retirement age. One or maybe two can be accommodated but this is getting silly now.

Come on you Blues!!!

It also has to be said, I feel a lot more confident in EtoÂ’o as the backup over Kone or Traore. His experience is vast and heÂ’s not over-the-hill just yet.

BobbyÂ’s next phone call will to be give Oscar PistoriusÂ’ agent a bell and see if thereÂ’s any of his blades going spare for EtoÂ’o, Kone, might get them on the cheap as he he wonÂ’t he needing them.

Lukaku will certainly learn from him, and his European experience may well prove invaluable. Seriously cannot see a downside to this. Not as injury prone as half our midfield, and will hit double figures if played enough. Get in.

EtoÂ’o plays on the shoulder, his vision and alertness is second to none. EtoÂ’o will make passes for Barclay with his runs that will make Barclay seem like Xavi.

CanÂ’t wait.

http://www1.skysports.com/transfer-centre/

There hasnÂ’t been one move yet that I havenÂ’t liked from Roberto. Yes, that includes Kone (He hasnÂ’t gotten a real chance yet). I have a feeling this one will be positive too. Who cares if heÂ’s older. Clearly the personal wage is in our range, so thatÂ’s all that matters to me. As Andrew noted, heÂ’s one of the biggest names Everton have ever signed. If he scores 20 goals in two years, IÂ’m good with that. ThatÂ’s what his past shows is possible.

ItÂ’s time that Roberto entrusted his midfield with a little more responsibility and played two up front more often: Sam and Rom ... .

Really? No. He would be in a Liverpool if the shite had not dumped him after a medical because the crazy guy signed for them.

LetÂ’s hope Eto’o and Rom make a claim for top scorer this season – weÂ’re due a player in the upper echelons of the Premier League goalscorers chart.

Now sign Vlaar or a decent centre half to play with Stones and we can get shut of the Jags/Distin disaster

Now our strikers are Lukaku, Eto’o and (hopefully when/if he ever getÂ’s fit) Kone.

That is progress.

I completely agree with previous statements, this is a major statement for the club, if he is on the reported 㿣k a week with bonuses as IÂ’ve heard then itÂ’s a great bit of business. On a Saturday a lot of us saw the issue when Rom went off we had no one to keep their back line penned back, now we have.

Just need to sort the defence out now!!

What else would the money go for? A new play?? Come on guys lighten up and watch him be a force off the bench.

Well hje seems to play like a 33-year-old but then again so did Roger Milla.

Welcome to Everton and please score a hat-trick against the RS and please the doubters.

He comes on and scores the winner, the place will go mental on Saturday.

Everton chairman Bill Kenwright said EtoÂ’o was keen to sign for the club from day one and has no doubt the striker will be a big hit at Goodison Park.

"Roberto and Samuel seemed a perfect fit," he said.

"IÂ’m pretty sure Samuel will soon realise heÂ’s got the perfect club and perfect team-mates to really enjoy his second Premier League adventure.

"Throughout all of the negotiations, both Samuel and his representatives conducted themselves in an exemplary way and left Roberto and myself in no doubt that Everton was the only club he wanted to play for."

Lets get behind him and the club. Unity - the way forward for us blues. Out with the boo boys. Football is changing again......

If somebody had said that me me IÂ’d have said wake up from your dream lad.

This fella has had such a decorated brilliant career, he has been there, done it and won the lot.

A natural goalscorer as he proved even last season at Chelsea,

I am chuffed with this signing is.

Oh yeah PS.

Paul Jewell ya fat red knobhead.

Fat red knobhead hahaha.

Mind. Blown.

After all he has played for Barcelona and scored more than 100 goals and won the Champions League hasnÂ’t he?
And done the same for Inter Milan?

Ohhh errrr sorry Paul , I meant thatÂ’s Samuel EtoÂ’o I was talking about hahaha.

WhatÂ’s Paul Jewell won??

Lets have a look..errrr errmmm...oh fuck it

1. "Why are RS such twats" - cos they know deep down that Everton bore them, and they fucking hate it. Remember, its our job to remind the bastards every time. Fuck what they won, they were second, borne by us, used to play in blue and called themselves Everton Athletic. Then they stole the Liverbirds... AND the name of the city.

2. "And why are so many of them on the fucking telly?" Its pervasive. They worked out years ago, that to keep themselves relevant they needed heads and faces in the media. When the NEW yanks came in, they latched on to HÂ’boro and went out and sold it to all and sundry,....again to keep them relevant. Last season was a fucking puke-fest......theyÂ’ve actually now started to alienate all the other clubs in the country (at last getting found out).

They will stop at nothing. They arenÂ’t a home town club. They couldnÂ’t give a shit about the City. They want to win and they think that defines them

Why did they support Suarez? Why have they bought Balotelli? Can you name another club in world football that has had so many utter twats play for them? I cant.

Welcome, Samuel. COYB

Welcome Samuel, please show the sort of hunger and desire that we expect from Everton players and you will be loved.

Hopefully you can prove the special one wrong, pass on some tips to the likes of Lukaku and Long and maybe help us win something whilst your at it.

At least youÂ’re not bitter about the RS mate!

I feel your pain. But donÂ’t worry they are a busted flush. I had the pleasure of being at the City game last night. Â’Gerard slipped on his arseÂ’ was a constant chant. But my favourite was Â’ Suarez out, Lambert inÂ’

(IÂ’m not bitter, I just hate the vile bstds)

p.s. just remind yourself that when JM (Evertonian) died his poxy little muzzy-faced RS nephew fucked us off and piled the Moores money into them ALONE. JM would never have let that happen.

Oh, IÂ’m not bitter. TheyÂ’re like the little ugly half brother that shagged your wife and then fucked off with all your money after pissing on your kids.

Gareth, informal talks are ongoing with utd about Welbeck but nothing settled or near to be settled. ThereÂ’s talk of him going to arsenal but I think they, arsenal, are going to make a serious move for Falcao.

The player we could really do with from Man Utd is Kagawa but I canÂ’t see that happening unfortunately. IÂ’ve been told Roberto still isnÂ’t finished in the transfer market so expect another one by the end of the window.

COYB!!!

Anyway, IÂ’m excited about the EtoÂ’o signing. Its just not Everton.... Sky and all the bullshitter RSÂ’s in the vile Sky6 media will be falling over themselves to dismiss it as nothing other than desperation.

I fear Spurs this season – Pocketino is a cracking manager. Fatty yellow teeth lipo gobshite is just another myth; got lucky with Suarez playing for a move,

I would have banked on getting that right.

..putting it down to having just woke up.

I cringed at twice in the same sentence though..

Barkley Barkley Barkley - hey wasnÂ’t he the dog in Sesame Street? The wordÂ’s lost all meaning.. Bah!!

Doctoring passports was endemic in Nigerian football for years. Philip Osondu was the best documented example who was voted player of the year at the under 17 1987 world cup finals.. A few years after the finals he retired. A team mate admitted he was actually 34 by the time of his 21st birthday.. ItÂ’s widely known Taribo West was also few years older than his said passport.

Btw..I donÂ’t care less that EtoÂ’o is 33 (Yes, I believe thatÂ’s his real age) HeÂ’s a big game striker, still fast with excellent spacial awareness and will give us the edge in games against top 4 rivals. Most of his league goals were against top 4 teams last season.

IÂ’ve been a supporter for nearly 30 years and weÂ’ve not had it this good for a long long time with the strikers weÂ’ve got now.

COYB

Hope you are the icing on the cake!

COYB

The whole problem with stereotyping is that it canÂ’t be considered to be correct except by accident.

Just because some people have done something it is not acceptable to assume that all members of that group are likely to exhibit the same characteristic. Just because a group of people arenÂ’t subject to a particular stereotype doesnÂ’t necessarily mean none of them actually merit it.

It is an excuse for not thinking for yourself.

N Page- quality rant.

As for the bit you paraphrased.. A stereotype comes from a characteristic of a group so there is a half truth. Of course this isnÂ’t going to be indicative of a group as a whole. But it is unfortunately human nature for some people to perpetuate these as a whole truths and fact.

What a lovely day. Watched the Manure get humiliated by little MK Dons, and now this great news. Happy boy here.

Hopefully itÂ’s because they were playing QPR who tried very unsuccessfully to play a back 3 that they tore apart.

As for Eto’ I said yesterday I prefer signing him rather than Wellbeck hopefully he proves me right. Hopefully Roberto will go to Barça and get us on loan striker like say Mumir if they got another kid like that lying around. IÂ’ve watched him a few times now and he always impresses. Silky smooth, tricks and great array of shots. SaturdayÂ’s game he scored on a lovely chip and early he hit the crossbar so hard it was still shaking a minute later.

Kevin - I think Congo was part of Belgium once! But not the other way round.

He still looked pretty sharp when IÂ’ve seen him and a hattrick v Man Utd this year doesnÂ’t happen if youÂ’re completely over the hill.

CanÂ’t help thinking that he would have had an even better record at Chelsea if he had got off to a flyer at the start of the season..... and heÂ’s got Gareth Barry to thank for that not happening!

Bob #111.... lots of talk about stereotypes and racism... Lukaku is black therefore he is African? ;-) Sure it wasnÂ’t deliberate, just pulling your leg...

If weÂ’re complaining about AFCON, what about Atsu? WonÂ’t he be off too? Not a big part yet of the team yet, but could be by that time... but anyway, while it is inconvenient, other teams go through the same problem... I wouldnÂ’t decide not to sign a player because of that.... if a player is going he is a decent international so worth living with.... letÂ’s look at it positively... we have international players in our squad... in fact a squad of international players more or less. Smile and roll on Saturday (just hope Finch Farm has a few sand dunes again to get the buggers fit!!)

Anyway, whatever happens, EtoÂ’o will give us a touch of class and something different. WeÂ’ll need to be patient while he gets up to speed but he is sure to provide us with moments to remember.

Used right and sparingly (as he will be by Roberto) itÂ’ll prove a great addition for us.

HeÂ’ll bring an arrogance & mentality needed on the pitch & dressing room, heÂ’s not going to be phased playing the shite and that can be infectious and rub off on other players who clearly have issues over it.

It gives us 2 seasons with 4 quality strikers whilst Martinez looks for longer term options upfront, for the younger strikers at the club, they’ll have the opportunity to watch & learn from him everyday in training & from matches – that should help improve (thinking of Rom here as well as the youth team players. There’s not many if any to learn – box movement & clinical finishing from.

We all know Rom has big potential but is raw. Hopefully Eto’o can help bring on areas of his game that need polishing.

What I also like is we have 4 different options upfront:

Rom – beast, big, strong boy can finish & good pace
Naismith – small, hard working, intelligent footballer, lovely finisher
Kone – (prior to injury; now will have to wait & see) serious pace, can play off the shoulder & poacher
Eto’o - World Class finisher

HeÂ’s not 33 though. Even Jose admitted heÂ’s probably closer to 36, 37 or 38.

Sturridge, Lukaku and Kalou all struggled and went on to better things. Torres, shevchenko, creepy and others have died a death down there.

LetÂ’s go EtoÂ’o NSNO

With reference to your shirt query, I think heÂ’ll be able to afford it. :-)

Tons of knowledge to pass on to the youngsters. Competition and backup for Lukaku. Raises EvertonÂ’s global profile. Cost us nothing in transfer fees bar signing on bonus.

Has scored 1 in 2 throughout his career. Scored 9 in his first season in the PL despite being played sparingly. Scored against the top sides last year including a hat trick against Man Utd. IÂ’m very happy with this news!

Even if we did judge him on last season, a hat-trick against Man United and the winner against Liverpool plus 3 goals in the Champions League, thatÂ’s not bad going, I think he scored 12 last season despite being a squad player.

33 isnÂ’t that old in this day and age, would people class a 33 year old postman or office worker, shelf stacker or truck driver as old?? No and they are not super fit athletes that are professionally trained.

EtoÂ’o will do a good job here this season just watch and wait.

Undoubtedly Roberto will find room for EtoÂ’o on the bench and that will push both Long & McAleny further away.

I do feel a little bad for the young lads who both desperately need first team football to develop. IÂ’m not sure on the long term benefits of giving all the first team opportunities to a striker who is 33 (possibly 35 or older) while Long & McAleny sit on the sidelines watching their early potential slowly drain away.

But I trust Roberto (even though his decision-making has been awful so far this season) and IÂ’m sure things will work out.

While I understand your concern, I canÂ’t wholly agree with it.

McAleny and Long both enjoyed a full pre-season with the the first team squad this year, and were given playing time to prove their worth. Apart from that wonder goal from Chris Long, neither showed any reason why they should be elevated with confidence to be a regular squad member.

So you canÂ’t have it both ways Dick, at least Roberto has given the younger fringe players every chance to show what they can bring to the table.

The fact that they have failed to seize that opportunity, tells me one of two things, a) theyÂ’re not good enough, or b) they are not ready or mature enough to step up.

Having said that, surely they will be beneficiaries of training with EtoÂ’o, which will happen on a fairly regular basis, and then well see whether a) or b) is the case.

IMO EtoÂ’o great signing... hopefully he can do for Lukaku what Andy Gray did for Graeme Sharp.

At this moment in time, itÂ’s all about RomÂ’s potential. I honestly believe EtoÂ’s will help develop him into the player we all want him to be just by teaching him a few tricks of the trade regarding movement etc. By doing similar, Gray turned Sharpie into our post-war record goalscorere..

Just to think: from Jelavic & Big Denis to Lakaku & Eto’o in just over 12 months – who’d have thought it.... and apparently Everton where holding Moyes back!!

Well done, Roberto and Bill Kenwright (I was one of his biggest detractors 18 months ago) with the signings over the last 12 months... Kenwright has obviously found a manager he trusts to spend our money and not waste it on shite like Bilyaletdinov. For the first time in many years, I genuinely do believe we can compete at the top...COYB!!

Personally itÂ’s a great signing and exactly what we needed. I donÂ’t know what the personal terms are, but even at 𧴜k a week, I think its money well spent considering thereÂ’s no transfer fee.

Maybe he can even convince Messi to join?

Yes, this should be the year when the likes of Long and McAlney get a shout but they will be lucky to see much of the bench let alone Premier action. And we are all to blame.

We scream endlessly for signings and however many players we have, we always want more. Thus, the international mercenaries - some with very dodgy credentials - find themselves much in demand however far down the road to retirement they may be.

Five years from now, I predict no locals will ever make the Everton team and the England team will be made up of reserve team players. Sky will probably be picking all the teams !

And donÂ’t tell me the Thursday League will be used to groom our kids. They will merely be used as hacks to rest the thoroughbreds.

If Yakubu was really 31, would he not be playing at a higher level? I think his real age caught up with him and thatÂ’s why he went to play in China and Qatar.

Moyes once claimed he didnÂ’t know how old Yakubu was and Jose made similar claims about EtoÂ’o. Maybe EtoÂ’o is 33. WeÂ’ll probably never know for sure.

The thing is as Brent Stephens put it in the comments above, if heÂ’s good enough, heÂ’s young enough. And I do think EtoÂ’o is good enough whatever his age.

Being a big name he wonÂ’t have come cheap. Like others on here commented, thereÂ’s shades of Gazza and Ginola.

IÂ’ve been expecting him to get out there and dig up some gems on the cheap.

I was in the Martinez camp when he first came (and still am), but IÂ’m feeling my first few pangs of anxiety about Roberto. I didnÂ’t want Lukaku at the price we paid and now this EtoÂ’o move?

All I can really say is that I hope Roberto well and truly proves me wrong over the coming seasons.

I was merely pointing out Moyes had doubts about YakubuÂ’s age in the same way Jose had doubtÂ’s about EtoÂ’o age.

One thing is for sure, EtoÂ’o will be good enough for Everton for the duration of his 2-year contract regardless of how old he actually is.

Didier Drogba is 36 and has just re-signed with a PL side; Kolo and Yaya Toure are both on the wrong side of 30 and still at the top level? How many English and European footballers have faded "early" in their late 20Â’s / early 30Â’s after having earlier hit great heights?

The example of Yakubu is a pretty poor one..... he would never win awards for fitness even at his peak; and if I remember correctly it was an anterior cruciate ligament injury that put him out for a year that he ever really recovered from. He was never a candidate for Ryan Giggs-like longevity.

Citing African records as "not what they should be" shouldnÂ’t be levied as a crass stereotype to beat against African footballers aged over 30.

Call me an old-fashioned, naive wide-eyed optimist, but I believe EtoÂ’oÂ’s ability to play on well into his 30s is probably more likely to have something to do with good conditioning; a high level of fitness, a professional attitude, being highly-motivated, and one who is extremely fortunate to have avoided serious injury through his career.

And probably has less to do with the possibility his birth certificate has been doctored by Cameroonian authorities in the late 1970s.

I still think Roberto has a couple of loan moves up his sleeve before the deadline.

He moved to Spain as a youngster! He signed for Real MadridÂ’s Academy!! Do you think he was not really 15? You honestly believe at that time he was a 20 years old bloke?

Craig saying "pitifully obnoxious, ignorant post" hits the nail firmly on the head.

All I will say is that I hope I look like him when I am supposedly 37.

Yakubu is a different point entirely as well. His major problem come when he had his Achilles injury (notoriously hard to come back from) the loss of a yard of pace and power evidently hit his game hard, it was hardly the gradual decline that comes with age. For what its worth he did OK with Blackburn when he left us.

Kone (31), Alcaraz (32), McGeady (28), Barry (33) and now EtoÂ’o (33) are all experienced players and only Lukaku (21) and McCarthy (23) can be considered as young players signed by Roberto.

That says to me that when Roberto took over he saw a lack of experienced players (Neville had just departed) in the squad and that was something he wanted to rectify.

My only slight problem is that the starting line-up against Arsenal, Howard (35), Baines (29), Coleman (25), Jagielka (32), Distin (36), Barry (33), McCarthy (23), Pienaar (32), Naismith (27), Lukaku (21) and Mirallas (26) looks a little old.

The average age of EvertonÂ’s starting eleven against Arsenal was 29. Something thatÂ’s not going to be helped if our most regular substitutes are Osman (33), McGeady (28) and now EtoÂ’o (33).

I understand Roberto adding experience to the squad but the David Moyes foundations (Jags, Baines, Howard, Distin, Pienaar, Osman) are all getting to an age where they will need replacing sooner rather than later.

That will be the true test of Roberto.

CanÂ’t blame him..IÂ’d have been insulted if Milan rate these 2 over him

I have it on good authority that he is actually two years younger than he claims. Realising that it would benefit his career to appear Â’olderÂ’ than he was, so he could achieve a professional contract earlier, EtoÂ’o falsified his age.

Also, Dick, EtoÂ’o has responded to your comments in a recent interview:

"I am 33 years old. And it is not because a fool called me an old man that you must believe it."

It is not done. Kindly desist !

I agree with a couple of previous posters in that his self belief will help our dressing room especially against RS – I can’t see him being intimidated by playing anywhere against anyone as he has already done it all and shown he is up there with the best.

Rom now has EtoÂ’o, Dunc, Joe and even Sharpy around the place to help him develop; if Rom has any desire to be the best he is sure as hell in the right place.

Naismith will be invaluable now – watch him do Sam’s running for him and leave Sam to exploit the gaps... mouthwatering!!

You are right that there is a crop of players that will need replacing in the next year or so, and that was the case a few years ago when we had Cahill, Arteta and Yakubu beginning to reach a certain age. It was ever thus, and a solution was somehow found and I am sure Roberto will solve the retirement of the players you have mentioned.

The reality is they don’t all fade at the same age or at the same time so it tends not to be a mass exodus. In the meantime we have a great squad for the next two years so that’s good enough for now and we do have good young players on the fringes in all core positions (apart from keeper) – Lukaku, Barkley, Besic, McCarthy, Stones – so I would not worry too much about the future.

Dick, you do realise that EtoÂ’o is a footballer from Cameron rather than the profound mysteries of quantum physics. Then again, I strongly suspect that you are 106, so itÂ’s little wonder that your logical faculties have eroded into non-entity...

Hopefully the plan is to bring through more youngsters from the talented 16- to 19-year-old group (Ledson, Kenny, Galloway, Long, Green and maybe Henen) but have to say I would rather RM brought in a few younger players of BesicÂ’s age and quality.

An average starting age of 29 is pretty old for someone reputed to put his faith in youngsters and I hope this is a trend we will see reverse over the next few years.

Any team sport be it football, baseball, rugby, cricket or whatever needs a mix of young and veteran players just buying 18- to 20-year-olds is great for the future but there is always a need for an experienced pro to allow those players time to develop. This has always been the case so I donÂ’t understand these types of comments.

Great press conf by Roberto and EtoÂ’o, btw.

Sam, IÂ’m much more confident in the Â’youthÂ’ of this squad now, than I was 18 months ago. Besic, Lukaku, McCarthy and Robles (although IÂ’m not a fan of him) have come in, and Oviedo, Barkley and Stones have improved (I also like the look of Garbutt). Mirallas and Coleman are not old, and Atsu is here for a year. IÂ’d argue that Lukaku, McCarthy, Barkley and Stones all have market values of 㾻-30mil and IÂ’m not sure how many clubs can say that about 4 under 23s?

IÂ’d like to see us bring in a talented young CB next season (IÂ’d love Nastastic, but that boat would have sailed by then), and a talented young left sided player, in order to continue our transition to a younger squad.

And Sam, the tiredness in the Arsenal match was a blatant effect of the insufficient pre-season. Our second half decline will not happen in September.

Nicholas#95

Hope the family are feeling better.

We have an older brigade and we have a lot of good youngsters. I think we could use a couple more dare I say inbetweeners, around 21-25 to add balance.

The questioning of the age of African players is unfortunate (if theyÂ’re wrong, how wrong could they be?) but there is a basis to it.

Not sure why allegations of racism are so prevalent on TW nowadays. ItÂ’s not even a little bit like racism.

There is no reason to question any playerÂ’s stated date of birth. Having said this, EtoÂ’o is still 33, Jags still 32, Howard a sprightly 35 and Distin a remarkable 36. Injuries to the last two may necessitate a longer recovery time

The absence of match ready, experienced back up for Howard is something which everyone seems to agree on. Loaning out Joel and bringing in experienced reserve seems the best (only) solution - unless we really think Joel is going to be replaced.

Still baffled by BesicÂ’s non appearance at 2-1 in each of the games weÂ’ve played.

I know we shouldnÂ’t have signed EtoÂ’o. I mean, we could have gone for Cavani, I donÂ’t know what Martinez is playing at?

Or, maybe we should just go out and spend 𧴰m like Liverpool to replace all these codgers?

What planet are some Evertonians on lately?

I think everyone needs to get things into perspective before they start accusing people of racism on here.

If so many African players are that much older than they say, did none of them get discovered until they were in their 20s? Where they 23 when scouts thought they were 16/17? Who cares as long as he bangs in the goals?

I remember an extremely fit and arguable best player in his position at the time, Neil Back, winning the World Cup back in 2003 (albeit a different sport, though one requiring fitness levels at least equal to football).

I am extremely excited by the news of this signing and believe we have a very potent attack, which runs through the team from defenders to forwards. Bring on Chelsea!!!

You could put out a strong starting eleven of: Howard (35), Coleman (25), Oviedo (24), Stones (20), Jagielka (32), McCarthy (23), Besic (21), Mirallas (26), Barkley (20), Atsu (22) and Lukaku (21) with an average age of about 24.5 years old. If we replace Howard and Jagielka in that lineup the average age would drop even further.

Its good to have a blend of youth and experience. The signing of Barry last season demonstrated what a massive influence an experienced player can bring to the team. I think EtoÂ’o can have a similar impact too. I also think its too soon to write of Jags and Distin after two sub par games, though I agree that Martinez needs to start looking for a partner for Stones as the centre of our defence for years to come.

It seems to me like expectation levels have been raised so much over the last year or so that we are becoming greedy. Martinez has done a magnificent job so far, but it is a long term project and if he carries on we will be winning trophies soon!

ItÂ’s well documented that there are plenty of people making comments about the "Nigerian 28" etc, itÂ’s footy banter and it is in no way meant to be racist by anyone saying it. If so why havenÂ’t Moyes and Maureen been brought up under disrepute charges?

I couldnÂ’t give a rabbits bollock if he is 33 or 38 or 27, he was and hopefully still is a world class finisher and can still run.

I just want him to score as many goals for Everton as he possibly can, he will certainly have more composure than most in our team (IÂ’m looking at you Mirallas) and I donÂ’t care how old he is.

All IÂ’m interested in is how good is he now.

He plays for us now so obviously I hope he does the business. Will he?

LetÂ’s all be happy that weÂ’ve just signed the most high profile player in the history of the club which will really make people sit up and take us more seriously. Nevermind giving defenses a shit load more to think about.

One thing is for sure, he’s going to be 150% up for it against Chelsea, no better way to get some revenge on Jose than putting the winner in the back of the net in front of a packed GP – instant revenge + instant Everton Hero. 3 points on Saturday would wipe away the anger for the dropped points in the last two games. 5 points from the first 3 games is a solid start, if not great, but we can build on that going into the derby.

I cannot wait for the weekend now and hope a couple of days training with us will give him enough puff for a fair few minutes on the pitch. Bring him on with half an hour to go, IÂ’d certainly fancy him to get past the like of Terry and Cahill.

Good day to be a blue (hope Rom is 100% fit as well). Think GP may just be full come Saturday...

In midfield itÂ’s perfect. We could just tweak and improve it for years without ever needing a rebuild.

In attack EtoÂ’o has probably fixed a problem. Lukaku will likely peak early so itÂ’s another position weÂ’ll probably just tweak and add depth to.

Defence is a mess. We need another two CBs to fix that or we fall off the cliff and have to rebuild it. No-one wants a rebuilt defence. Need to get a few games into Garbutt and consider right back too.

We have a young Coleman at right back, An Oviedo to come in for Baines (who will someday hit the wall, he has been running that line for years now with no sign of slowing down)

Stones for Jags, so our main concern is a younger left footed centre half because as athletic Distin is, he probably canÂ’t last too much longer (Stubbs, Weir & Gough may argue this though)

At the age these players are at they should be well backed up to cover for injury, fatigue, and succession planning. Bobby has fixed up midfield and attack - defence needs to be next on his agenda.

I made the LoganÂ’s Run comment but was referring to the film (same difference) featuring a very fit Jenny Agutter. She was a fine actress.

As also stated elsewhere, IÂ’m hoping Samuel EtoÂ’oÂ’s signing is our Andy Gray moment (another one who many complained at the time was an aging crock with dodgy knees). He arguably galvanised the squad into a real group of winners.

A Derek Mountfield style centre back wouldnÂ’t go amiss before Monday.

Think fans would have gotten over how he left after a few decent games and welcomed him back - he would also have finally gotten is wish to be a regular CB with us rather than LB.

Anyway, that ship has sailed now.....

Derek Mountfield, if ever there was an unsung hero, he was surely in that category. I think we signed him from Tranmere if memory serves, for well, not a lot really.

Not only was he a decent Central Defender, but I remember him scoring about 14/15 goals (mostly headers from set pieces) in one season. That from a Central Defender is better than most CFÂ’s but also appreciate that was a few years ago, and things have changed a bit since then too.

I doubt we could get one like him, but I would settle for Micah Richards in a heartbeat, and feel we could get him cheap enough and he would provide cover or displace either Jags or Distin and is capable of a goal or two. He can also cover adequately the right back slot.

WeÂ’ve some great youngsters coming through and League Cup / Europa League opportunities for them to shine and progress. Well done Roberto – not quite up there with getting Besic for ٢mill but a great signing.

He can play in the middle too, but isnÂ’t he gonna play on the right side of the centre back pairing?? WeÂ’ve got Stone and Jags to compete for that position.

ItÂ’s the other side where we are inadequate IMO. WeÂ’ve just bought Galloway whoÂ’s not ready for the first team, and I shudder every time Alcaraz gets in the team. I canÂ’t think of many left footed centre halves available on a limited budget now. I guess Lescott would have been an option but IÂ’d have some reservations about that happening.

Yes, thatÂ’s what I meant. MountfieldÂ’s aerial ability was a double benefit at defending corners and in attack from set pieces. Unsung hero is right. IÂ’ve rarely seen a player look as happy when he scored a goal as him.

Micah Richards might be a good call. But, if I was greedy, IÂ’d be going for goalkeeper and centre back in that order of priority.

IÂ’m made up about EtoÂ’o but I see RM is managing expectations by saying heÂ’ll need a few training sessions before getting up to the right level of fitness.

It looks by all accounts, SSN are reporting that he is in negotiation with QPR and Â’Appy Â’ Arry the self proclaimed (dyslexic tax dodger) but I have to agree that the GK situation is far from ideal.

I have mentioned on other threads the same question, but would rather we explored David Marshall (Cardiff) or a rather cheeky bid for free agent Petr Cech, why not they (Chelski) are our feeder club, but feel he would (Cech) only accept him being top banana in goal with Tim as his understudy.

I could certainly struggle by with that scenario, itÂ’s whether Chelski, Cech, Howard and Bobby would go along with it.

He definitely gives us a different option. I wouldnÂ’t be surprised to see Lukaku play out on the right a bit more, with EtoÂ’o through the middle.

Ibrahimovic is 32, Di Natale is 36, Totti is 37 – all have managed to consistently perform, and more importantly score, at the highest level into their 30’s. Why can’t Eto’o?

The Official Everton Show will make its debut tonight when the hour-long programme is aired on City Talk 105.9. The Club has secured a weekly prime-time slot on the station between 5pm and 6pm, with the show also set to be repeated at weekends.

At last something on Local Radio that is dedicated to Everton FC!

In total we have splashed out ٧ million this summer on players as only ٤M went down for Lukaku off a 㿈M total. EFC made the most revenue ever last season on top of the sales of Fellaini, Anichebe & Jelavic. There was also the ٦.5M we offered for Leroy Fer that went missing as well?

Good luck to EtoÂ’o – I hope he does the business but something about this transfer window stinks. I thought we would at least spend 㿀M this summer – not the ٧M we have done so far.

The other day I watched Vincent Kompany throw himself in front of a shot, arms and legs akimbo like a goalie. Ron Vlaar, Terry, Vidic, Ramos and Puyol are made of the same stuff. Jags has been seen to do it on occasion. So too Hibbert and Alcaraz. Unfortunately, Coleman, Baines, Distin and Stones turn their backs and try to block with the seat of their pants. All terrific players I wouldnÂ’t swap but at the same time, I hope we can eventually unearth someone in the Kompany/Puyol mould.

"The problem with Chelsea is I lack a striker, I have EtoÂ’o but he is 32 years old, maybe 35, who knows?" - Jose Mourinho.

"YakubuÂ’s only 25, albeit a Nigerian 25, and so if that is his age heÂ’s still got a good few years ahead of him," - David Moyes.

What would prompt senior managers like Moyes and Mourinho to make comments like that unless there was something behind it? If they were completely unfounded comments then should not Moyes and Mourinho be punished for slander?

Either way it doesnÂ’t really matter how old EtoÂ’o actually is. The only important thing is that he looks fit and will undoubtedly do a good job for the duration of his 2-year contract.

I remember when we signed Richard Gough and got a good couple of yearÂ’s out of him. If Roberto can get something similar from EtoÂ’o IÂ’ll be more than happy.

Perhaps RM has been giving Distinct and Jags every chance to come good before he drops them for Stones and Besic? I want to believe this but I fear RMÂ’s locality to his players may get I the way. Got to be more like JM when it comes to his players.

I donÂ’t know how IÂ’ve got caught up in this age thing, because I donÂ’t care enough to be. But the ridicolousness of your comments makes it hard to ignore. Saying stuff like Â’Even Jose admitted heÂ’s probably closer to 36, 37 or 38.Â’ as a means to legitimate your argument is beyond stupid. When did Jose say he was closer to 38? Do you think Jose was being serious? Do you think Jose knows better than Eto? Do you think that, just maybe, if Eto was 4 years older than he claimed, that someone might have come forward and outed one of the most high profile African footballers? Just as is your claim that Yakubu must be older than he is, because he is playing in Qatar at 31. Are Hernandez and Chico Flores older than they claim, because they are playing in Qatar at he ages of 29 and 27 respectively? or are they playing in Qatar, like Yakubu, because of the money offered?

Bizzare.

Btw, I loved DenisÂ’ comment: Â’Jeez - how things have changed - from Straq, Anichebe and Jelavic to EtoÂ’o, Lukaku and KoneÂ’

It is a brilliant representation of the way weÂ’ve improved.

Come on man you know heÂ’s better than what we have as backup. Give the guy your support after all he is in our beloved blue shirt. If he doesnÂ’t perform or score after 10 games feel free to have a go at me but in the meantime anyone in our beloved blue shirt should have our undisputed support.

Whether him or Bill who made this decision this could be prudent and not another conspiracy episode. To me this window has been good.

Well done there for your classic use of the Malkay McKay defence. It is clearly all just a bit of Â’friendly banterÂ’ just like refering to the Malaysian owner of Cardiff as Â’the chinkÂ’ or suggesting that there arenÂ’t enough Â’white facesÂ’ on a list of potential transfer targets. I mean, why would anyone possibly be offended by these things?

By the way, I am not and have never been a member of Greenpeace.

Still, after being called out for openly questioning the sexuality of some of our players, heÂ’s now trying the tried and trusted African Age avenue for a reaction.

HeÂ’s an attention seeker. I can only imagine what heÂ’s like in a social environment.

He’s been bought because he is a winner who will hopefully instil some of that mentality in what is a talented but slightly soft team. Sure he might have a bit of an attitude but four league titles and three champions leagues will do it for me. Get Besic in the team as well – that boy never smiles – and we have a bit more bite. Imagine what Eto’o would have said in the dressing room after we lost a two goal lead to Arsenal.

LetÂ’s just say EtoÂ’o had stayed at Chelsea this season; where would we be now without a striker being available on a free? Is there any money at the club to actually purchase a player instead of loans and freebies?

We havenÂ’t had a decent second option striker since Jelavic departed. I think that was the role Roberto hoped Kone would play but sadly heÂ’s never had chance due to injuries.

IÂ’m in favour of EtoÂ’o and look forward to seeing him in an Everton shirt.

Saying that, do you want to point out the actual racist insult involved in suggesting someone is older than they suggest?

If anything the "Nigerian 28" could be the closest, so why wasnÂ’t Moyes sacked and castigated like McKay?

No comparison in the two thatÂ’s why.

I also think we are fairly well covered at Centre Back too with Stones, Alcaraz, Galloway and Duffy behind Distin and Jagielka. I think if Roberto is to bring in a centre back then he should first sell either Alcaraz or Duffy.

We are also getting money from Brentford from the sell-on of Adam Forshaw to Wigan. The fee was rumoured to be between 2-3m but the Brentford manager quashed these rumours and suggested the deal was actually more.

IÂ’m really happy with the business that weÂ’ve done this summer. It really shows how expectations have risen that people are wanting more signings. WasnÂ’t it not that long ago that we didnÂ’t sign anyone for nearly 18 months before we broke that duck and signed the Strac..Times are definitely a changing

I think in terms of Net Spending we are in the Top 3 of the country behind Man Utd and Liverpool. IÂ’m sure I read we have spent more then Chelsea and Man City in terms of Net Spending.

For once I think we must all congratulate Bill Kenwright. HeÂ’s made big money available to Roberto and hasnÂ’t insisted on selling any players to even it out.

I thought our net spend was Lukaku (㿈M), Besic (٢M) and Barry (٠M) with only Gueye (Free) and Vellios (Free) leaving. That would make our Net Spend 㿎 million. Although thatÂ’s not accurate as Brendan Galloway also signed up for an Â’undisclosedÂ’ fee which is assumed to be somewhere around ٠M - ٢M.

If I said to the majority of ToffeeWebers that, 3 months ago, that we would have signed Lukaku, Eto, Barry, Besic and Atsu on loan (plus Golloway and possibly Henen), I expect pretty much everyone one of us would have bitten my hand-off. The schedule of payments is irrelevant imo: itÂ’s the personnel that matters. If we are not supported next season, then I will be angry, but IÂ’m over-enjoyed with this summer. We just need to keep the important players here, and add a young cb, a decent back up goalie if Robles does not make the grade, and a creative wide player next season.

ItÂ’s great being an Evertonian right now..Bring on Chelsea..COYB

Pitted against each other, taking into account that we are paying instalments for Lukaku, ouy esteemed chairman hasnÂ’t really done that great moneywise really.

EtoÂ’o is no Gazza, or Ginola, look at his physique if anything, and he is not 37, if you take Jose as Gospel, well, we would not have Romelu for a start, the man is an egocentric moron. Points to prove for many of our players.

And whilst hoofball Jags is a concern, Distin waning, we have the man with a plan. These guys have reason to fear us. RM was cautious integrating players last season, but in the end it worked well. COYB

I mean I have doubts if Lukaku will ever be worth 㿈 million and I fear EtoÂ’o is too old to make much impact but I trust Roberto and IÂ’m happy we have them.

We have had a mixed bag of strikers over the years (Beattie, Johnson, Jelavic, Anichebe, Stracqualursi, Beckford, Yakubu), its the one area David Moyes could never get right.

Lukaku (potential) and EtoÂ’o (experience) are the best strikers we have had at Everton since the days of Big Dunc.

IÂ’m happy.

I actually admire players who call time on their International careers to extend their playing career at club level.

The more I hear from EtoÂ’o the more I like him. Good lad.