Martinez will opt for youth over spending

I wonder if we will see Browning/Garbutt etc against Wolfsburg? It will be a very tough game if they play their first team. They have picked up form from when we last saw them. But then so have we.

As for no signings in January, well, I didnÂ’t really expect any whether youth gets a chance or not.

Robles, Hibbert, Browning, Distin, Garbutt, Besic, Gibson,
Atsu, Ledson, Oviedo, Kone.

When RM joined, Stones was ready and Barkley was ready so he can't take credit. In fact it took a series of calamities to get Stones in the side.

I don't expect to see much more of any of our U21s this season really.

You may be in for a surprise on Thursday if you think our result will make the Krasnodar game a dead rubber. Wolfsburg are a very good side.

Leighton Baines's injury was the perfect opportunity to give Luke Garbutt a long-overdue chance but instead Roberto chose to play stalwart Hibbert out of position. A real kick in the teeth to young Luke.

Playing Hibbert at left back is something David Moyes would have done and the fans were always on his back for having no faith in youth.

Moyes would have been slaughtered for playing his favourite Hibbert at left back and yet we are supposed to accept it from Roberto and believe that he actually is a manager who loves giving youth a chance???

It's best to give youth a chance around a solid base and that hasn't really been the case. It's also worth remembering that Besic, Stones, Barkley and Lukaku are still youth – even Atsu.

That said, I agree that we need to see more of Browning. Galloway also looks the real deal. With Naismith out, perhaps there is a chance for someone else too.

Youth has to take over sometime and I have not seen any real evidence that RM is moving in that direction apart from Stones and Barkley. Hibbert was an average defender at best and I was surprised he started on Saturday.

All Everton games are tough this season and it is necessary to rotate the squad due to injuries but going back to players who are tried and tested is just re-hashing a team that hasnÂ’t really delivered for a long time save a few games last season.

The Wolfsburg game will be a very tough one to get a result from as they have really improved since the last meeting and even then they missed a bagful of chances against the us so I would think the Blues will just park the bus on this occasion.

They will then have a tough game against Spurs to contend with so having one or two quicker, hungrier youngsters on hand will help the cause.

When Distin retires, most likely this season will be his last at this level, then we may need a replacement in his mid 20s because I don't think we could risk starting regularly with Stones plus one other kid (good though Stones is).

Personally, I thought that Hibbert gave a very professional performance at LB against Villa, but it did affect the balance of the team and didn't work IMO. Hope that Garbutt gets the vote at Wolfsburg because we are in a stronger position in the Europa League than the Premier League. So RM, let's see you pick the youngsters when you can and save your spending to the summer. Transfers done in the winter break rarely work out, so let's sit back and watch the RS squander more millions.

The nail was hit very firmly on the head there mate.

I think Roberto was hoping to use the League Cup as the "run out" tournament for the youngsters, but that fell flat on its face.

As it's likely we will progress into the knockout stages of the Europa Leage and our impending entry into the FA Cup, I think these younger lads will start to see more game time.

As for Hibbert starting at LB against West Ham, I can only assume that Roberto felt a West Ham side who have been in decent form was a step too far for young Garbutt. I'm the same as many of you and would have liked to see him feature. But due to our need for points at this early stage in the League, Roberto opted for experience over youth (as John Withey @14 touched on).

I believe we will see more of the younger lads, but Roberto is choosing the appropriate time carefully.

Anyway, it seems that because of spending those 㿈M spent on Lukaku, our 'wallet' is empty now. We can still strengthen – not spending big amounts of cash though.

Listen to me on this: in June 2015 we can get both Winston Reid, the centre-back currently at West Ham (sorry, Antolin, it's time for you to go!) and Loris Karius – a very promising goalie at FSV Mainz 05, but already playing regular first team football – on a Bosman! Add to that a January loan deal for Arsenal's Joel Campbell (he would fill the void at left-midfield) with an option to buy next summer for say ٥M.

We spunked our lot on Lukaku, even though we haven't actually spent that much. The "profit" this year will disappear along with all the other money we have brought in from previous player transfers.

In regards to Hibbert's inclusion, it worked so what's the problem?

Luke has had two poor/mediocre games with England and as predicted Fat Sam's team came to kick us and bully us. Not really the game to blood a fresh-faced youngster.

Then we have McAleny who probably can't be classed anymore as youth, how old is he? He has failed to make the grade, not played in any cup matches, and looks to have no future; he will most likely follow the path of Vellios.

Browning looks to have the physique and athleticism so he could eventually partner Stones in 12-18 months. Seems weird why Martinez gave Browning game time at Anfield and Old Trafford yet he has left him out in games where we have struggled for bodies, also left him out of the European games.

The Krasnodar game won't be a dead rubber, I'd be amazed if we don't get smashed by Wolfsburg to be honest, they are flying high and let's be honest, at Goodison – but for some top saves from Howard that night and some good fortune – the German's could have easily had 5 or 6 goals.
They have improved greatly since then so I'm expecting the Krasnodar match to have some meaning to it.

The Academy lads are being very carefully monitored. They have ability but do they have the mental maturity? For Stubbs, that was always the biggest problem. Browning confessed that when he first joined up with the first team he didn't think he belonged there. Hibbo and Distin would continually tell him to view first team action with the same mindset as training.

After a shaky start we're doing okay. I'm in no rush to change things.

Big push to conserve funds for stadium planning/development costs, I understand. Who's to argue with that?

Firstly, giving youth a chance. I think that RM does and will continue to give up-&-coming youngsters a chance but he will do that in a gradual fashion. There is no point in throwing in a couple of U21s against the team coming second in the Bundesliga who are also fairly keen to make amends for an embarrassing performance at Goodison. He will try to give them time here and there and build up their experience and confidence over the season (or a number of seasons). BTW, Garbutt had just played a few England U21 games, so that may have been another factor for WHU.

Secondly, filling gaps in the January window. I think what RM is saying is that he is not going to grab someone in the window as a short-term or stop-gap measure. He would rather take the longer-term view and plug the gaps with the current squad. If some bargain, loan or a long term prospect becomes available, maybe he will grab... but the January window is notoriously bad for being overpriced.

I don't agreed with holding back funds for a stadium that knowing Everton will probably never even see the first brick laid, hell I've still got the pamphlets that were given out at the final home game against Chelsea... in 1997. Then, of course, there was the Kings Dock.

The money should be spent to continually improve our team and make sure that, sooner rather than later, Champions League football or at least some form of success is at this club again.

The new stadiums haven't helped Sunderland for example.

"We're really short in central defense at the moment; so we are definitely going to bring someone in" — KERCHING!

With the likes of Barry, Pienaar, Stones, Alcaraz etc soon to return from long-term injuries, why spend just for spending’s sake?

With the majority of our first teamers back, Roberto can slowly introduce the kids into games without lumping all the responsibility on their young shoulders.

Browning is a perfect example: he looks to have it all, but any opportunity and he’s gone with Hibbo.

Same on Saturday, Garbutt overlooked for Hibbo at left back. How can these youngsters get game time and experience if you don’t pick them?

He’s been no better than Moyes in this respect despite the promises that youth would be given a chance when he came in.

And Jim @30, I was being tongue-in-cheek there. Kinda doing 'an Elstone', if you get my meaning!

If we are still lingering around 8th/9th/10th then by all means save the money for the Summer.

Can we please not start this drivel about spending millions during January?? HeÂ’s the manager and this is the way he wants to operate. IÂ’m sure these threads will soon become clogged with amateur accountants and people calling for bills head before long.

The fact is, we have a very strong squad. We have been backed in the transfer market lately and we will never learn what potential players like Galloway and Browning have if we just throw money (that we donÂ’t have) at every position that appears in need of extra players!!

Sure, a loan or two will freshen things up, but please listen to our manager about signings??

We have enough defenders in the squad as it is. Still also have Baines and Stones to come back. Save whatever money we have for a classy CB and midfielder in the summer as Distin will surely call it a day soon and Alcaraz is just too injury prone. Pienaar and Ossie are not far off retirement either.

Brought to the club on loan to see what he has to offer yet knowing he's not going to be part of the first team.

Outside of Barkley and one or two others perhaps we just haven't had or got that many great upcoming lads that we think we have.

The number of successful ones who most supporters are aware of showed from 16-18yrs of age they were good or outstanding some making and some still making outstanding careers.

The players the manager is talking about, Garbutt.Browning,
Pennington to me are young adults and all have played for both club and country at practicly every level of their age groups in both domestic and international competitions,and to me at this time of their career they should not be considered for the first team they should have forced their way in by their perfomances

The manager is talking about giving young players a chance but I think the only one that has been given a chance was Browning who never let the team down.Putting a young player on the bench and not playing him is not giving him a chance and playing another player out of his normal position instead of a player you praise in some of your comments is not helping his confidence in his abilities.

He addressed the #1 issue over the summer and that was recruiting strikers for this season. Yes, the bulk of the summer transfer funds were spent on Lukaku and that was a calculated risk Martinez was willing to take. I'm a big Lukaku supporter. With a toe injury that doesn't seem to go away and playing a bunch of games out of position he's got 5 goals and an assist through 12 games (he's right now one of the top ten scores in the Premier League). The games he played out of position Naismith was scoring so the team wasn't hurt by Lukaku playing out of position. I'd agree with any ToffeeWeb poster that writes Lukaku is frustrating to watch (at times). Then again in an important game against West Ham he scored the 1st goal and was a key player in the scoring of the game winning goal. The kid is a winner and will only get better. Everton is lucky to have him.

Eto'o was also a huge signing. Eto'o it seems wanted to play in the Premier League this season, but didn't want to play for a bottom half team where his offensive skills would have been wasted. It takes a personality like Martinez to convince a player like Eto'o that Everton is the right choice for him. I don't know if Moyes could have gotten Eto'o to sign for Everton. I really think Eto'o is happy at Everton and he puts in a really good shift every time he's selected.

Look around the league and you see teams that have spent huge sums way beyond what Everton can spend are disappointed by their teams performance so far this season (I'm talking Man United, Liverpool and Spurs). Bringing in a bunch of new players all at once is not a formula for success (at least not initially). Southhampton seems to be the exception to what's happening this year with regard to wholesale changes (and Southhampton have been able to play virtually the team they want every week with very few injury concerns). There's a reasonable chance that Southhampton will fade when they face better teams the next 4-6 weeks and it's unlikely that they can avoid the injury bug that has hampered the efforts of other teams gunning for top 4-6 places in the Premier League.

Everton do play young players. Barkley is how old? Stones too. The other promising young Everton players need to keep working hard at their craft and need to know that starting positions in the Everton 11 are not easy to come by. I'd like to see more of Browning, but I'm willing to wait until Martinez puts his name on the 1st team selection sheet. I assume the young players are doing everything they can to get selected, but the boss has gone with experience. Making promising young players 1st team selections and have them be on the bench isn't a bad way to go. They know they are close, but need to really be physically and mentally prepared before they see the field in Premier League games.

As far as January signings go I'd only like to see a quality winger added if one is available in Everton's price range. Buying players in January isn't a formula for success.

That's a very short sighted view you take in post 44

I know it has been briefly mentioned on the site, but he basically dismisses Osman as a role model.

Comments and thoughts on this please would really help as I am struggling for an angle on his interview.

Only a select few seem to play in the top league before they turn 20, and this might also be because there is so much money at stake in modern day football, that managers are reluctant to take as many chances.

He can play right back or centre half. If he gets a chance, he might pleasantly surprise a few people, he is very energetic, not afraid to get stuck in.

IÂ’ve only seen him three times but he did more than enough to suggest he can make the first team.

They are,and always have been,as short sighted as Stevie Wonder.

It’s a good thing to have the youngsters waiting in the wings. Their time will come.

I just hope that by being specific about the defence it means we'll invest in other areas. Like buying or loaning a quality winger, and not just buying Shaun Maloney for nominal fee.

I'm firmly in the camp of those who want to see our youth players given a regular opportunity over the old-guard, especially when the senior players are being played out of position, or simply not performing. Garbutt this weekend was a good example and I think Browning deserves games based solely on his performances at Mordor and OT.

However, I think it's far too early to say Martinez doesn't give the young players a chance. I'll make that judgement after a few seasons at least. We've no idea why he isn't playing the particular players he's had a chance to.

Maybe he's trying to sort out our particular shoddy start, maybe he doesn't rate them, maybe he's trying to protect them from certain teams or wait for an appropriate game. He certainly seems willing to play Stones, Barkley and Lukaku often enough, so I suspect that for him if they're good enough they're old enough.

Eric(6), I'm fairly sure the 㿈M profit went on Lukaku and Besic this summer, rather than being used for some other purpose.

Dowling and others may be a bit behind in age.

I’ve seen Browning this year and he was very impressive - this is where for me the frustration comes, not from picking older players, and yes you need some experience, but from picking a player that looks to be levels lower than the youth player (simply because he has experience) and who looks to have all around better attributes but only lacks in experience (which you can’t get without playing).

Hibbo and Browning is the example that comes to mind.

Hibbo hasn’t let anybody down, but feel Browning would do as good or a better job giving the opportunity.

Playing Hibbo its a short term view as he’ll be gone in a season and Browning will be there but lacking the experience he should have been getting this season.

More than that, when it seems that hard for a player of Browning quality to break through with Hibbo preferred when the opportunity is there, it appears far less likely that these youngsters will be giving a go.

Same against West Ham, we have a highly promising left back in Garbutt and instead he opts for Hibbert a very limited right back at the best of times to play in an unnatural position instead. I would have been livid if I were Garbutt.

Talk is cheap Bobby I'll believe this kind of thing when I actually see it.

Why would we even need Maloney?
We don't need another player that is just on a par with McGeady (maybe not as good) and is 31.

We need a player that can get behind teams with trickery or pace not much of a muchness players.

I'd personally prefer the fee and wages to go towards a quality loan signing, and then focus on trying to bring Henen through next season, rather than have Maloney sitting on the bench or stands another year older.

With Pienaar and Oviedo missing so many games, Maloney would be a decent alternative to have down the left wing. And he takes a decent corner, better than Saint Leighton, and a very good free kick as well.

The money clubs – and that includes the Redshite – can buy their success... so, until we can join that elite, I much prefer this club to build and improve on a solid financial basis. If that means clearing debt, so be it.

Yes, thatÂ’s the same Tranmere Rovers, I think they were in League One when Mathew Pennington played for them.

Have you seen him? If you have, what do you think of him?