Distin denied send-off as Martinez focuses on the future

Is it possible Roberto is just stuck in the middle? When Sylvain came back from France, Martinez put him back in the Side. He played. When the window closed, Roberto made statements where Distin was still in his plans. Yet, he never played again.

Maybe Distin had words with someone on the money end and Roberto was told to forget playing him. WouldnÂ’t surprise me.

Once Coleman settled in, IÂ’d like to think Everton had the best back four in the league. And when Hibbert was there before him, not to shabby then either.

ItÂ’s really too bad it ends this way.

Things like this make me think Martinez is disconnected from the team in an unnatural way.

Give the guy the send off he deserves.

But not giving him even 5 minutes at the end is a bit shit.

Good luck to the man. The truth is out there.

Perhaps the manager was planning to, but after all these prodding, it can be a turn-off.

There will also be critics who will feel that giving Distin time on the pitch is at the expense of some other younger players out there.

So, itÂ’s a no-win situation really.

Perhaps, in a twist of the unexpected, Distin gets to start next week, gets subbed at the 60th min to a standing ovation, and we see a couple of young players on the pitch, all in the new kit.

That would be something, especially if we win and finish as high as we can (every place is worth a million or two, thatÂ’s the pressure though).

1) The need for momentum with keeping a winning, happy team together. Resisting the urge to make populist changes just for a whim.

2) The need to show faith in a strong team and yes I would say dismissing sentimentality. Rewarding good performances, loyalty, good form, etc.

3) The strength from the manager to be able to MANAGE the above. And react to ANY changes that need to be made.

From there, a decision could then be made to take a bit of leeway on such a Distin decision.

In my eyes, our Â’managerÂ’ fails on ALL OF THE ABOVE. He repeatedly shows cowardice in dropping out of form players, or bringing his favourites straight back in for players who have earned a chance (Robles / Garbutt / Mo Besic).

To me he shows a purely spiteful attitude to a good servant of this football club - if he felt he wasn't worth it, at least let US FANS make our mind up. We wouldn't boo him off, but I can see a few of our current favourites like Barry getting booed on the lap of honour, unfortunately.

One more point – Brad Friedel retires on the last game – I think and hope Spurs will give him the chance to play and receive a good send off, and rightly so. If WE had something to play for, I could forgive it. but we don't and thats down to the manager and the players that have played. A 10-15-20 minute cameo for Big Dis won't affect our season, a 10-15-20 minute substitution for any number of Roberto's faves this season may have.

Never mind what the RS will have planned for the slipper / nightclub thug / gobshite.

Give Syl the send off I say.

But Roberto you are a man of class and integrity and you have immersed yourself in the history of our great club from the moment you walked in the door.

Sylvan has done as much for Everton over the last decade as anyone and you had time to acknowledge their over-rated gobshite when you could have batted the journalists question away, but you didn't showing your class to rise above the divide.

Show Sylvan that same courtesy next week – if not for him, not for the fans, but the players that are here and our potential suitors who will see how we reverberate class that sets us apart from the Chelseas of this world.

And David #10, Kenwright already runs the club as a personal play thing, so your suggestion is not beyond the realms of possibility, despite being ridiculous in the extreme.

So, unless weÂ’re going to learn lots of new things about how Gareth Barry fits into the team, I donÂ’t expect to see a single thing that suggests heÂ’s genuinely looking to plan for next season, or that not giving Dustin a goodbye serves any purpose.

Martinez is not going to play him simply to prove a point. They obviously had a falling out and heÂ’s told Distin heÂ’s done. His actions are not those of a mature adult but of a petulant child.

Distin has been a solid servant of the club for 6 years (a shit load longer than Martinez has been here) and deserves a decent send off.

Bringing him on for the last 10 mins or so of a completely meaningless game at home to Spurs should not affect ’next seasons preparations’ in any way whatsoever. Whatever happened between them the manager should be man enough to let it go for one last goodbye. (I’m not saying drop Stones, just sub on Distin at the end – he could play a back three or at LB; Spurs are not going to give a fuck the last 10 mins of the season, they have nothing to play for.)

Also saying he was left out as stones was better does not explain why he played Alcaraz instead or why Alcaraz sat on the bench instead of Distin for many games.

Thought Martinez was a shit manager but at least a decent guy. Actually it looks like heÂ’s a shit manager and a complete prick too boot. I actually hope that there is some dressing room action to get rid of this idiot as BK is going to do f all.

Good luck, Sylvain; hope you squeeze out another year at Bournemouth.

Perhaps you donÂ’t do phenomenal memories after all. Watch this space for future commentary regarding how a manager loses the dressing room in 90 minutes. A

ll the best, Sylvan – you deserve a good send off. I expect the Goodison faithful will give you one, even in your absence.

Nice respectful comments from Roberto regarding the BBCÂ’s love child Gerrard... Absolutely wonderful that was. Enough is enough...!

Now to Distin - has been a good pro for 6 years for us and paid handsomely. I canÂ’t believe people are upset as heÂ’s getting no playing time. He can stay after the game and applaud the fans. ThereÂ’s his goodbye if youÂ’re arsed.

Oh and as to Distin who I like. Since heÂ’s been frozen out, he goes shopping with his kids on a Saturday. Now if a fan was Distin, would you go shopping? No, you would watch and support the team even if it meant buying your own ticket (God forbid a multi millionaire buying his own ticket).

I repeat, Distin doesnÂ’t do this; he goes shopping. So why are loads of people in outrage at the manager? IÂ’m astonished by peopleÂ’s reactions to this as opposed to MartinezÂ’s words.

Both he and Alcaraz, who was a complete joke in the Ukraine and will also never play again (hopefully), are destined to become just another couple entries in the Everton encyclopedia.

After all, did we ever receive a proper, plausible reason for Samuel EtoÂ’oÂ’s sudden departure after half a season...? No, and IÂ’ve always believed something happened between one of the giants of the modern game and our very junior manager. Did he also tell Sammy that he wouldnÂ’t be featured any more? I wonder.

I have a feeling that Sylvain DistinÂ’s 6 years at the club will be remembered with far more fondness than however long Martinez manages to cling on to his job. I firmly believe that this man is absolutely devoid of any real man-management skills. Instead of dealing with fall-outs or differences of opinion in a mature fashion, and then getting everyone back on board to work together for the cause, he simply throws his toys out of the pram, and thinks it shows how tough he is by wielding the axe and discarding any player who upsets him, not just fir a month or so to cool off, but permanently.

Distin should be given the chance to say goodbye to the fans, even if only as a five-minute sub. Few players in the modern game spend so long at one club and by disrespecting the loyalty Distin has shown to Everton FC, Martinez is demeaning the name of our club and all it pertains to stand for. The man is a 100% flim flam artist and a real shit to boot.

Give the man 5 mins at the end.

Although itÂ’s a shame that Distin looks to be heading away from the club in this manner, I am sure heÂ’s not the first and wonÂ’t be the last. HeÂ’s been a great player at times for us and served us well. HeÂ’s 37 years old.

Agreed that heÂ’s probably better than Alcaraz in many ways and so could have been on the bench but feel certain many would have complained if he was sitting on the bench instead of a younger player.

I wish him well and as mentioned above the fans can hopefully send him off in the lap of honour, if heÂ’s not busy shopping. HadnÂ’t heard that before.

How many friggin goals as John Stones cost us trying to walk the ball out of defence?? Ohh sorry heÂ’s young and beyond criticism, because every young player is potentially better than Messi in Evertonian eyeÂ’s.

Fucking hell how can Martinez talk about the future when he has played a poorly performing 35 year old goalkeeper all season and a 34 lumbering defensive midfielder, add to his recent comments about a injury addled 33 year old Pienaar being "fit and ready for next season"

Sorry Roberto but it just doesnÂ’t cutwith us intelligent Blues, we can see exactly what your doing and we know Distin has upset you big time by either fucking you over with that refusal of the West Ham transfer or telling you where to go with your dour training practice snail paced style of walking football.

IÂ’m not usually one for outspoken playerÂ’s, but on this occasion I understand exactly that to give Martinez a wake up call somebody needed to say something.

How ironic it would be if the Spurs game is lost by another balls-up from Stones or Jags, no doubt everyone will come out then and start questioning the decision.

Martinez is proving his Wigan reputation as a closed minded, stubborn and spiteful man was well founded. DonÂ’t say I didnÂ’t...........

Distin surely deserves a 5 minute cameo and as Jim #25 says blaming it on planning for next season does insult our intelligence! If their relationship is beyond repair just say that ! Managers are becoming a bit like politicians, you donÂ’t really believe anything they say! If we are really planning for next season we should surely be giving the likes of Galloway, Browning, Ledson etc a run ?! Does it really matter if we come 9th, 10th or 11th ???

ThatÂ’s just it, he hasnÂ’t once planned for the future, Browning has not seen the light of day since a late cameo at Anfield and Old Trafford, none of the others are close to the first team.
He then has a chance of blooding in for the remainder of the season our young keeper Robles but doesnÂ’t reward good form by dropping him for 35 year old Howard.

It seems with Martinez, the word future always crops up when the team is struggling, itÂ’s a way out, an excuse, Atsu not hit the ground running?? DonÂ’t worry heÂ’ll catch fire in the future and be better than Robben and Ribery in RobertoÂ’s eyeÂ’s.

Its blatantly obvious giving Distin a late cameo wouldnÂ’t have done any damage, itÂ’s quite simply stubborn and showing that he holds a grudge.

I like Distin, but we donÂ’t know what has gone on.
It looks like whatever happened between the two of them Martinez didnÂ’t like it, otherwise I have no doubt that he would have had the opportunity to say goodbye to Goodison.

As for people talking about him being unsentimental, I would argue this shows the opposite. If he was neutral on the matter he would let it happen, the fact he isnÂ’t is presumably either a message to the other players, to try and show them whoÂ’s boss, or itÂ’s purely personal. Depending on what went on behind closed doors, we canÂ’t say whether this is appropriate. It does however reinforce the view that Martinez is a bit less than truthful with the fans, and nobody likes being treated like idiots.

Distin seems a nice guy, and has served us well, but he probably never as to work again, and he will , no doubt return to Goodison one day, either with his new club, or as a visitor, and we can all say thankyou then.

Decent player Distin but no legend and if he doesnÂ’t get his little goodbye wave - tough (you can send him a thank you letter if it means that much).

We need to toughen up imo, think more about ourselves and what WE deserve.

More Private Frazer, less Private Godfrey.

He used the word class. Interesting to see how the present regime handle the Distin situation.

I agree with Martinez that we have to look forward with the team but why arenÂ’t we giving other youngsters a game ahead of next season to see if there ready or not? Players like Joel & Besic are obviously ready but should be getting game time, the likes of Browning, Galloway & Ledson should be in and around the squad now imo, especially when these last few games are meaningless!

Martinez uses any lame excuse he can to suit the situation. Look back at the season and just see the drivvle and shite heÂ’s come out with.
If he was planning for the future he wouldnÂ’t have handed out as many pension plans as he has.

Now heÂ’s shown he wonÂ’t be dictated to, heÂ’s Â’disgraceful, nasty, petulantÂ’ - take your pick.

How do you know it wasnÂ’t the likes of Distin and EtoÂ’o who were responsible for obvious problems within the camp around Christmas? Does he still deserve his send off if he was complicit in causing all the the disruption?

If Martinez had dropped Stones to give Distin his last game, the very same posters above would slaughter him for being a sentimental Catalonian clown if we had lost no doubt.

Martinez has been awful this season, so please donÂ’t think this post is a defence of his performance. But, every single thread is becoming a joke on this site right now - just look at the West Ham preview.

He has to manage this group of players going forward & he has decided this example needs setting. The manager needs total authority.

If Distin had been playing well in the first place the whole thing wouldnÂ’t have happened. Although we were woefully disorganised early doors this season.

Overall Distins been very good for us. Dedicated, professional & largely consistent. HeÂ’s looked after himself & should play on.

ItÂ’s about class and respect some have it, some donÂ’t.

My own opinion is that Martinez won, he froze out Distin and he wonÂ’t be offering him a new contract. Think he would have shown himself to be the bigger man by giving him a subs shirt next week, but we donÂ’t know whatÂ’s gone on.

Geoff 41, this could possibly happen, but IÂ’m not sure many people will be staying behind for a lap of honour next week, even if the players have the temerity to attempt one

Distin wasnÂ’t the only one who was disorganized and out of form early in the season, Jagielka was in some of the worst form of his Everton career for a while back then.

ItÂ’s improved slightly since Jagielka was paired with Stones but they still donÂ’t look like a truly safe partnership, just two clean sheets away from home all season when your under most pressure suggests that.

Stones will always concede self destruct goals and thatÂ’s due to Martinez wanting this possession at all costs mentality, whereas Jags will boom then a bit more when needed because heÂ’s still old school.

If you go through the amount of self inflicted goals this season youÂ’ll see what IÂ’m talking about.

ThatÂ’s not Distin...itÂ’s Martinez and his rigid beliefs.

Why must it be? There are no other possible explanations? Nothing to do with DistinÂ’s January move to West Ham breaking down over the length of contract offered then?

ItÂ’s not like heÂ’s banned from the ground or been told to steer clear on a match day. He can still come onto the pitch at the end of the game and go on the walkabout with the rest of the squad. He doesnÂ’t need a token sub appearance and a standing ovation. Yes, heÂ’s been a decent player overall but I donÂ’t see the sudden need for every departing player to be treated as though theyÂ’re a club legend.

ItÂ’s not class, itÂ’s cloying sentimentality. Also something of a steep about turn considering the amount of people who were calling for Distin to be uncerimonously dumped earlier in the season. His stock has seemingly gone through the roof during his abscence from the first team and IÂ’d wager, for most, itÂ’s nothing to do with his playing ability or years of good Â’serviceÂ’. Rather, itÂ’s to do with the simple fact that he appears to be at odds with a manager many deem to be an idiot and backing Distin, purely on that basis, is just another way to take a pop at the balloon.

ThereÂ’s an argument that Martinez could be the bigger man in this, but I like it that heÂ’s capable of being ruthless, like any top manager will be. Do you think Fergie would have played Jaap Stamp, McGrath or any of the other players he no longer wanted in the side in a similar situation.

Distin isnÂ’t in the league of a Cahill, or Duncan Ferguson and isnÂ’t a club legend. HeÂ’s been a solid defender who did okay on the whole. Personally IÂ’ll always remember him for his social media activities and that back pass against the RS.

People using football reasons as a motive are wrong because Jags was just as culpable in Kiev. No we are renowned for being a proper club who treat our players in the proper way. Why some players choose us over Spurs etc is due to what the club represents, our history and the values we strive for. Roberto has absorbed this from day one, he should do so with Sylvan.

Why would anyone need an excuse to have a pop at a balloon that comes out with the sticky grass comment.

I know, I know, but I did say an excuse for Â’anotherÂ’ pop.

HereÂ’s the thing I find unpalatable. Many people now claiming it to be a disgrace the way Distin has been treated are the same people who have been advocating for Baines (probably, our best player over the past five years and someone who couldÂ’ve shot off to Old Trafford if he actively pushed for the move) to be binned off to make way for Garbutt. In that instance we hear heÂ’s not the player he once was, his best days are behind him (at 31), that the manager has to be ruthless, that thereÂ’s no room for sentimentality in football, once a player has outlived his usefulness he hould be dispensed with. WhereÂ’s the loyalty and respect for past service there? Then they kick off that Distin, a player much less deserving, a player much older, much less capable, a player who has had vocal arguments and run inÂ’s with the fans during his time here, isnÂ’t going to be given some glorious send off like Maximus in Gladiator: "He was a soldier of Goodison. Who will help me carry him?".

How do you reconcile one with the other because I canÂ’t?

Distin doesnÂ’t deserve fuck all.

I wonÂ’t be staying for the absolutely cheeky "lap of honour" but would have liked to give Distin a clap and a cheer, itÂ’s no big deal and very petty on MartinezÂ’s part but I wonÂ’t lose any sleep over it.

I donÂ’t want a day of mourning. IÂ’m only suggesting a 10-minute cameo, I believe this would be mutually good for both the good name of Everton and the memories the player would take away with him.

Not to afford this gesture would just be downright churlish and petty minded.

DIstin was average at best but I never forgave him for handing the semi-final to the Redshite a few years ago!!!

And thanks, Mr Pretentious, for rendering the last 10 months a complete and utter waste of time and destroying a decent team which HAD a good work ethic and team spirit. Of genius proportions thatÂ’s taken.

I hear that there are rumours of a row between Distin and Roberto. Whether thereÂ’s any truth in them or not, I donÂ’t know... but certainly, football-wise, Distin had been making plenty of poor decisions and I think Martinez was right to play Stones when he was fit and Alcaraz when he wasnÂ’t. Certainly in the Kiev match, Alcaraz deserved a place as heÂ’d been one of our best players in the last home match. I also think that, during that game, Jagielka and Howard between them lost us 3 goals.

If it is due to spite that Roberto will not have him as a sub, then IÂ’d believe heÂ’s less of a man than I originally thought. I donÂ’t believe it is spite though. If we lose a match because of sentimental reasons, then how much does that cost the club if we drop a place or two in the league? That could be valuable funds to help buy desperately needed players. It would also bring the screaming harpies out to tear more flesh off RMÂ’s hide.

About the argument as to whether players should be given a send-off or not. Well, on the one hand, should all players who have served five years or so get a send-off? They get a load of cash for doing a job they enjoy.

We still give players testimonials for playing with the club for 10 years. I know a lot of it goes to charities but the player is being acknowledged for his "services to the club." So why not acknowledge a player who has served 6 years or 5 or 4 but where is the line drawn?

IÂ’d like to see the fans given a chance to wish him well for services rendered and bon voyage. But I donÂ’t see why it canÂ’t be at the end of the last home match, along with the other Everton players.

Pity we are not discussing RobertoÂ’s send-off.

No one on here knows whatÂ’s gone on so how do you know Martinez is lacking class by what heÂ’s doing?

Distin has been a big bag of shite when heÂ’s played so was dropped. Maybe he started acting like a big girl and caused unrest.

He has been a good player for us but thatÂ’s it. He doesnÂ’t deserve anything special. Give him the same send off as the others underachievers get. Politely clap him at the end of the Spurs match, or tweet him.

He seems too keen to eliminate the Moyes method of training and preparation and this for me sums up his pettiness and stubbornness far more than his spat with Distin.

Any manager falling out with players is never good for the club especially senior players like Distin who are held in high regard by their teammates.

I can't think of a single player who has improved his game since Martinez came but there are quite a few who are playing worse.

Dignity and class are not qualities I would associate with this clown.

We KNOW Martinez brought Distin back in the team as soon as he got back from France, so where did this "hard line approach" from Martinez come from?

Distin was not dropped, he lost his place through injury... that's a fact.

Martinez may not have called him back to the squad but Distin himself has told us the two have not spoken since his injury. Freezing a player out is hardly the same as sitting down and telling a player to his face he is dropped. That takes courage. ... Think Martinez has that sort of courage? Don't make me laugh. He couldn't even tell Barry or Howard they were benched when they were performing at a lower level than any of their counterparts in the Premier League... and we paid the consequences.

Those bleating about this thread being used as another opportunity to beat Martinez with would do well to stick to the facts, instead of using it as another excuse to give him unwarranted praise. Ask yourself why you are claiming he took a hard line when you have nothing to substantiate it.

They where disorganised because of the tippy tappy football at the back. Distin voiced his concerns and was dropped. Distin was right.

"Distin himself has told us the two have not spoken since his injury."

What he actually said was that they have not spoken since Feb 2nd, the day they met to discuss DistinÂ’s proposed move to West Ham.

Whether he initially lost his place through injury is neither here or there. ItÂ’s just semantics. The only fact that counts is heÂ’s been left out of every Premier League squad the manager has named since the New Year. The message is pretty clear. The only way Distin could have been dropped harder is if big Nev jumped on his back and insisted he use his massive arsed mammoth pants as a makeshift parachute on his plummet down to the ground.

ThereÂ’s more to be gained from giving Galloway a game and some valuable first team experience.

Let Distin come on at the end of the last game for the players lap so he can wave ta-rah.

Would prefer to see Martinez getting a send off.

I think Distin will be letting us know what has gone on very soon!

"IÂ’m proud to have a player like Sylvain Distin representing Everton because he has got incredible standards. Football gives you the reward that you put in as a professional. When you get in a situation like SylvainÂ’s, itÂ’s not the manager making decisions, itÂ’s football. Sylvain has been an incredible performer this season."

Roberto Martinez, December 2013, when Distin was a lynchpin in EvertonÂ’s defence during a 10 game unbeaten run.

RM has appreciated his contribution to the club, as have the fans. IÂ’m sure SD will get an appreciative reception should he appear in the traditional final game walkabout, whether booted and suited, or in full match day kit.

When he banishes poor performing players allegedly stirring up the dressing room, itÂ’s because heÂ’s weak.

When he doesnÂ’t offer a massive improved contract to a promising third choice left back, itÂ’s because heÂ’s weak.

When the team wins games, itÂ’s despite him.

When the team loses, its because of him.

He has no plan B, but plans C to Z are rubbish anyway.

All his purchases have been dreadful, except for the ones that werenÂ’t, when they were down to luck.

He wants us to play dull, aimless football - heÂ’s never said it, but I know thatÂ’s what he wants - fact!

HeÂ’s the worst manager weÂ’ve ever had, except for Walker, Smith, Kendall 2&3.

He actually left a smaller club to join us – isn’t that disgraceful? No manger’s ever done that before.

CanÂ’t wait for more gems next season.....when heÂ’s still here!

But if this is his plans for Distin, then this is the turning point for me for not having any respect or faith in him. What motivation will be for folks like Stones, Baines, Barkley to put the club above everything else and pledge their playing careers to just one club.

Probably Martinez will not be there when they play their last games for Everton, but the club management will hopefully be the same. So if they donÂ’t intervene now, then will do so in the future?

Moyes, Walker, Gordon Lee, Walter Smith... all hugely unpopular by the time they left. Joe Royle left too soon to become unpopular and HK Mark 1 left at the height of his success. Even Catterick was unpopular!

Abishek, since when has Distin been at Everton all his career or since when has he been an Evertonian?? Same goes for Baines and Stones, now correct me if IÂ’m wrong but both were bought form other clubs!!