A Time for Patience

There’s a fair bit of restlessness creeping into the collective Evertonian psyche as June approaches with no hint if a managerial appointment to replace Roberto Martinez but the magnitude and importance of the decision mean that the club is right to take their time.

Lyndon Lloyd 28/05/2016 262comments  |  Jump to last

As the days tick towards the end of May and the 2015-16 season officially comes to and end with this weekend's Football League playoffs and the Uefa Champions League final, there's a fair bit of restlessness creeping into the collective Evertonian psyche.

That's understandable — it's 16 days since Everton parted company with Roberto Martinez and there has been nothing but press speculation as to who the club could be looking at to replace him. In that time the number of potential candidates has already diminished and is likely to do so still further as rumoured targets move elsewhere or count themselves out of the running by committing to their existing clubs.

Jose Mourinho has made the only move he was likely to make as soon as Manchester United made the decision to sack Louis van Gaal; Rafael Benitez has taken up the unfamiliar challenge of trying to manage a fallen club back to the top flight; and Lucien Favre has gone to Nice.

Meanwhile, all the indications from the press are that Ronald Koeman will stay at Southampton, either to see out his contract in the hope of landing a plum role elsewhere this time next year or to continue his project at St Mary's Stadium with a bigger salary. And the suggestions that Unai Emery is either interested in the Everton role or his agent has already heard the Blues' offer could simply turn out to be a bargaining tactic to improve his lot at Sevilla.

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No one really knows and, as days go by, that's part of the problem, particularly with one David Moyes still floating around on the periphery, jobless and having expressed an interest in returning to Goodison Park. With that unwanted spectre in mind, together with some good old-fashioned impatience, some supporters, in the digital realm at least, are starting to vent their frustration at the deafening silence from Goodison Park.

In times gone by, a lack of communication has been viewed as a failing of the Everton hierarchy but in this instance it's the right policy if there isn't much to say and the club are doing their due diligence behind the scenes. Farhad Moshiri hasn't really said much at all since he arrived in February as the club's biggest shareholder and that appears to be his modus operandi. His actions, however, have spoken much louder.

It's the Iranian-born billionaire's financial muscle and connections that have transformed Everton's search for a stadium solution from fruitless to possible, with even the prospect of a waterfront location returning to the table. It's also more or less accepted that it was his decision to sack Martinez, most likely around the time of the defeat at Wembley in the FA Cup semi-final, and he has been taking the lead in interviewing the potential candidates to become Everton's next manager. If the whisperings that are filtering out of the club are true, Mr Moshiri has his sights set high and his ambitions are very much in line with those of the fans.

Whether or not he is able to realise those ambitions straight away remains to be seen. Moshiri may have grandiose plans for Everton but the club's profile doesn't yet match them and tempting the cream of Europe's managerial talent to Goodison could prove difficult. Manchester City were able to name their next boss — the man accepted to be the Continent's best manager, no less — halfway through the season; Manchester United just had to open their door to Mourinho to take a job for which many believe he was hankering when Moyes was first appointed to succeed Sir Alex Ferguson three years ago.

It's important to keep in mind, though, that it has only been 16 days. After all, Martinez was appointed on 4th June, 2013 — 16 days after the end of the 2012-13 season… although the fact that Moyes was leaving was known long before that. And while the transfer merry-go-round is starting to turn and players' agents are putting out their feelers, the European Championships will inevitably have a delaying effect on the summer market and that could buy Everton a little more time.

Given the scale of the job that awaits the new man in terms of players leaving and the calibre of personnel needed to replace them, this is a hugely important summer for the club and it makes choosing the right candidate an equally massive decision. If that means taking a thorough approach to the vetting and interviewing process, then so be it. Better to find the right man than rush in the wrong appointment.

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Reader Comments (262)

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Darryl Ritchie
1 Posted 28/05/2016 at 07:18:00
By all means; take your time. Get it right. Due diligence and all that.

The next manager will be at a club that doesn't have any more possible excuses for failure. Moshiri and TV millions has hopefully put end to the "knife to a gunfight"mentality at long last. We will have a new stadium in three years time (the mayor said so). After years of scraping by mid table, with less than adequate funds, less than adequate players, in a historic, but less than perfect ground, there's a light at the end of the tunnel.

The pressure to succeed on the new man will be intense, so make sure the next manager, whoever he is, is the right manager. He'd better be up for it.

No more excuses!

Andy Osborne
2 Posted 28/05/2016 at 07:25:34
Good piece, Lyndon.
As a fan it is difficult to hear nothing, but it is fun to speculate. I agree, it is right for the club, particularly Moshiri, to conduct due diligence quietly and professionally.

Do you think there is any substance in the theory that the delay may be down to waiting for the champions league final to be played, and hence, a possible approach to Simione?

Or, as other think, the club want Overmars in place first, before offering the job to de Boer, to ensure their Ajax partnership is ongoing at our club.

Should be an interesting week, next week.

Mike Gaynes
3 Posted 28/05/2016 at 07:27:49
I really like Moshiri's decisiveness. The move to pull the plug on Roberto was properly timed and appropriately done.

I like even more his patience... he did not rush to judgment on Roberto and he appears to be taking a personal and comprehensive approach to finding his replacement.

But what I like most of all about Moshiri is that he has made no public statements. He's not telling us a damned thing about his process -- all the rumors have come from elsewhere, but apparently not from anyone around ownership -- and I think that's great.

We'll all continue to speculate and read up on all the rumours, because that's what we do, and Moshiri will continue to be methodical and professional and absolutely silent in his process, because that's what he does. And I am impressed.

Lyndon Lloyd
4 Posted 28/05/2016 at 07:32:53
Andy (2), I would love that to be true but unless he takes a look at the managerial talent coalescing in the northwest of England and says to himself, "I'll have some of that!" I just can't see how we're in Simeone's league.

If I had to guess, I'd say the delay is mostly – maybe even entirely – down to us waiting on the outcome of Ronald Koeman's talks with Southampton. He's on his jollies at the moment but talks between the Saints brass and his new agent were described as "pleasant" and he's mulling their offer.

To be honest, it think he'll stay put and we'll have to look elsewhere but I'm glad we had a crack at trying to tempt him. And in the meantime, we have been interviewing other candidates.

Tony Abrahams
5 Posted 28/05/2016 at 07:40:32
Good article once again Lyndon. I'm sure if Everton's fortunes change for the better, and we become more newsworthy, then maybe you will be poached yourself, to report on all things Everton. Simply because you do a much better job than any journalist mate.

Patience and Evertonians, go hand in hand. I've watched some absolute shite down the years, but only Walter Smith, ever made me question was it worth going the match.

The start of a new dawn, is something I've been waiting a long time for, and although football will always be about what happens on the pitch, I'm really excited about developments that seem to be taking place off the pitch at the minute.

Give us a stadium on the banks of the royal blue Mersey, and let's build our great club, back up to where it belongs.

THE REST WILL TAKE CARE OF ITSELF!

Ernie Baywood
6 Posted 28/05/2016 at 07:41:21
I've held my breath on the various people who commented favourably on how Man Utd had acted in sacking and spouting managers. If that's a good example then the game's lack of ethics has plumbed new depths.

The timing of Roberto's sacking was late for me. I would have liked it before the semi, and certainly he should have gone after that game. I can only assume that it was Roberto's wish to stay after the semi and the club tried to accommodate him until it became almost inhumane. Again, the club kept it's silence and didn't enter into the rumour game.

Silence is a good thing sometimes. I don't want our dirty linen aired in public and obviously don't want to scupper any plans by going public too soon.

Of course the silence could mean that we're a table behind closed doors. Unable to decide, unable to act. It could mean that.

Paul Smith
7 Posted 28/05/2016 at 07:43:38
Its a positive article Lyndon but if I may:What has actually changed since Moshiri arrived ?
The Mayor has said
The Echo intimates
The corridors of power are just as quiet
Moyes might come back
Rom wants to go
Richard Dodd is back on TW
Etc

I would like to think a new man would be installed before Euro 16 as to view potential replacements. Afterwards we will be playing catch up.

Kieran Fitzgerald
8 Posted 28/05/2016 at 07:54:14
Contracts in football usually run to either the end of May or the end of June. Any delay may focus on issues like this, end of season reviews with a manager and his coaching staff, holidays and commercial commitments. Lyndon is right, patience is the thing to have a present.

I have posted before about how my main concern at the moment is that the Academy staff are not interfered with. They have been doing a great job overall. They will have an important job in the coming weeks preparing the likes of Davies, Connelly and Dowel for the transition to the senior squad. Leave them in place and leave them at it.

Tony Draper
9 Posted 28/05/2016 at 07:58:02
Cracking summary and comment on our present situation Lyndon.

Feels like Xmas Eve at the moment all antipation and guesswork. I'm hoping and praying for the Subbuteo World Cup Edition but praying even harder to not get a bag of cinders !
(Oh hell ! I just realised the theatrical connotation there..... Bugger !).

Jim Lloyd
10 Posted 28/05/2016 at 08:19:11
To me, when Mr Moshiri, in effect, took over our club he knew what he wanted to do. How to do it, is another matter though. He came into a club that has been a massive one in it's time but has for a couple of decades at least, been sliding further and further behind the so called big clubs.

He's come into a board that Kenwright has been running for 15 years or so and he's facing two massive decisions, that will involve a lot of money and very little room to ensure as best he can, he doesn't get those decisions wrong.

On one, the question of the ground, hundreds of millions of pounds are at stake and once the decision is taken, that's it.

The question of who to pick from those available to manage the club, is not as fundamental as the stadium. Certainly, it's an important, tremendously important decision, but one we can change if things aren't going as well as he wants.

I've just read a piece by Dave Prentice about the chances of David Unsworth being as capable a manager as those who are on regularly quoted as being on the short list.

It might well be that he is capable of taking over the job right now, with Joe Royle in the background adding his knowledge and experience. Who knows, though I'd be content to see Unsy take the job on if Mr Moshiri thought he could reach the targets set.

So, yes, it's a bit/lot frustrating, us not hearing anything from the club and seeing the Internationals just a couple of weeks away, but I'd rather Mr Moshiri went through a process of having his interview, maybe a series of interviews, with those he believes are competent to take our club forward.

I think we would be extremely fortunate to take an instant leap into the "Top Four" "Sky Darlings" group of clubs. I think we're more likely to have to make progress more slowly, but more solidly.

My view is, if he can keep Kenwright from the decision making, we've got a chance of getting the best available manager into the club.

The fact that we're hearing nothing from the club at present is fine by me. I remember too lividly (and vividly), the spoutings during the total fiasco of the Kings Dock disaster.

Eddie Dunn
11 Posted 28/05/2016 at 08:20:49
No news is good news, or not perhaps. We actually have no idea whether Moshiri is busy sorting out our glorious future, or playing swingball in his back garden.

I remember when we tried to get Lukaku signed, and Martinez let it slip in the Far east that we would get him. We were in the dark, hoping for what seemed like an eternity.
This is a regular thing. We have no right to know the inner workings of a private business. Most of us aren't shareholders, and even those have little influence.

Until the fans have voice, a part ownership, it will continue this way.
We are all so used to the drip-drip of news/speculation in the 24-7 media that we get more frustrated than we used to.
Still, it keeps us occupied.

Denis Richardson
12 Posted 28/05/2016 at 08:48:27
Good piece Lyndon with a lot of common sense. I'm more than happy to wait for the right man (i.e. not Moyes), although as you mention, there will be a massive rebuild needed in the squad with so many players coming to the end of their contracts and another couple wanting (or needed) to go, so the earlier the better.

The club has to make a decision in June and you'd think it would be before the Euros start, so hopefully only another 2 weeks before we find out who the man is.

Fair point about it being 4th of June when Martinez was appointed, board meeting on 3rd June so maybe not too long to wait.

Dean Peamum
13 Posted 28/05/2016 at 08:51:43
Lyndon

One thing Evertonians have in abundance is patience.
We wait patiently for decades for even a sniff of a trophy.
We wait for news of either updating GP or moving to a new ground.
We wait until the eleventh hour of the last day of the transfer windows every year.
We wait wondering why we haven't sacked/appointed a new manager.
We wait with bated breath hoping the uber rich clubs don't come with a massive bid for our best players.
We wait expectedly to catch a glimpse of our third most expensive signing.
We wait as our own players disrespect our club.
Maybe we should have tried to get Red Rafa. He is a FS Waiter after all.

Rob Dolby
14 Posted 28/05/2016 at 08:56:05
This artical has made me think a little more about our current situation and managerial position.
In order to sit at the big boys table we need more than money. City have proven that during their initial winfall under sheikh Mansoor.
Unable to immediately attract a top manager they appointed Mark Hughes to bring established prem players in whilst trying to catch the big european names. Then they moved onto the next level with Mancini.
We are in that initial position now. Moshiri is probably finding out that we need a Mark Hughes equivalent to get the ball rolling as the Simeone's of this world don't want a rebuilding job.
I just hope we don't get Moyes back.
As for a new ground even with billions to spend it could take years to come to fruition. I have no faith in the city council as they have bent over backwards for the RS and would quite happily sit on anything we propose for years.
Colin Glassar
15 Posted 28/05/2016 at 08:59:10
Who's panicking? I'm loving all the speculation. If I'm honest, I was expecting the new manager to be announced this week. If it isn't Pellegrini or FDB (who are the only ones firmly linked) then who could it be?

EFC has always been a groundbreaking club ie first to use floodlights, first to use numbered shirts, first to use subs etc.... Could we now be the first club to start the season without a manager and be successful?

Mike Green
16 Posted 28/05/2016 at 09:03:29
I think you're absolutely right Lyndon.

When BK was looking for a new manager there was a palpable air of 'you don't know what you're doing...'

This time it feels more like Moshiri knows exactly what he's doing and we're waiting for the right moment to strike.

I'm going to allow myself to dream that on Bank Holiday Monday (money doesn't sleep) Usmanov is announced as new majority shareholder (51.1% to Moshiri's 49.9%) and Simeone is unveiled as Manager with a £300m war chest....

Matron!

Damian Wilde
17 Posted 28/05/2016 at 09:13:43
Good piece Lyndon. This bit:

"If the whisperings that are filtering out of the club are true, Mr Moshiri has his sights set high and his ambitions are very much in line with those of the fans."

Sources? If true - delighted, Everton have been crying out for this for years, bring it on!

Mike:

"I really like Moshiri's decisiveness. The move to pull the plug on Roberto was properly timed and appropriately done."

Strongly diasgree. If he'd done it earlier we may have an FA Cup and a place in Europe now. The club bottled sacking him earlier, being 'nice little Everton'.

Can we please stop the Simeone nonsense, deluded rubbish.

As for Blues being impatient, I definitely have been. I think because we have experienced such a bad two years we feel the need to feel more settled (and that needs a new anouncement and with that comes plans, signings - exciting) and this is psychologically more comfortable.

I hope we make an anouncement soon as the new manager needs to get to know his surroundings, staff, players, make plans, signings, etc., etc. If we leave it too late it could have a detrimintal effect.

I want Emery (though I doubt he'd come as it'd be a step down), but think it will be FDB

Mark Daley
18 Posted 28/05/2016 at 09:13:57
Lyndon for manager. He'll be cheaper than De Boer and we use the money to buy a goalie. Team selected by a vote on here every Thursday. Sorted.
Nick Entwistle
19 Posted 28/05/2016 at 09:22:36
I don't know if the Simeone speculation is rubbish. At least in coming to the Prem. We are one of the few clubs without a manager... who are our competition, Watford?

I don't know if winning or losing the CL final would hasten a jump ship to the Prem for the guy but its where the best managers in the world are next season.

Sid Logan
20 Posted 28/05/2016 at 09:24:16
Lyndon,

Quite right we need to show patience and I'm happy to so.

However I have one horrendous thought which keeps me from sleeping at night. There's a compromise where Moshiri gets to shake up the structure and we get Overmars as our Director of Foitball and Kenwright gets his part of the deal with the return of Moyes as coach.

If you are given another chance to have an article featured in the Echo please emphasise that we don't want Moyes back. Would a poll purely on Moyes' return help out case.

I think I'd probably eat my season ticket if he returned!

Derek Knox
21 Posted 28/05/2016 at 09:24:27
Darryl @1

While I agree with you wholeheartedly about getting it right this time, I also feel that dithering, may let the best there is to choose from, slip away.

By dithering, I mean this, the Board, didn't just say 17 days ago, we will have to sack Roberto, they must have, presumably, had it in their thoughts, that we must start looking seriously for a replacement, without alerting too much attention.

I wonder myself, if FDB's leaving and Pellegrini's imminent departure, were in their plans, should they not get Number 1 Target, ie. Koeman.

If you look at the statistics, Koeman is behind FDB, and for that matter probably Pellegrini too.

Personally would like the combination of FDB and Overmars or Pellegrini as Director of Football, as oth know the Premier League and how it operates, although am not sure whether Pellegrini, would see it as a step down.

Whatever happens though, I hope it is concluded next week, the suspense is killing, plus we want the new boss in place before the window opens and pre-season starts.

Not too much to ask for there!

COYB

Ian Burns
22 Posted 28/05/2016 at 09:42:27
As always Lyndon you have a knack of putting into words the feelings of most Evertonians and your articles always provoke a thought or two (or three), which hadn't really registered with the majority.

Be patient, it will happen is your advice - which I fully understand and you are probably correct in your assumption.

However, for me patience is one of the many virtues I do not possess!

Koeman over De Boer - is it worth the wait and the possibility of losing both? Is Pelligrini really being assessed? There is nobody else out there unless one's nightmares come true (ie Moyes; Hughes; Howe; some chap from Portugal; maybe even Accrington Stanley's manager). As I said above patience is not one of the virtues I possess and as the list dwindles so does my sunny disposition!

Shane Corcoran
23 Posted 28/05/2016 at 10:02:28
Good as usual Lyndon but at the same time little bit strange to say we don't know what's going on and to then state a few things as if they were fact, when they're not. I guess not even you can resist the speculation.

Everyone try to relax and find something else to focus on.

Phil Williams
24 Posted 28/05/2016 at 10:04:42
I have it on extremely good authority that Unsworth spent two days in London last week talking to Moshiri and Kenwight. Now, whether that was for an interview for the job, an interview for a number 2 job or just a full squad de-brief to help with their deliberations I do not know.
That was over a week ago and if their search and interview process is similarly thorough with other candidates then it is no wonder that we are still to hear anything. I think it is refreshing and reassuring that a detailed analysis appears to be taking place rather than an emotive decision. For what it's worth my bob or two has gone on Mancini at a decent price!
Brian Harrison
25 Posted 28/05/2016 at 10:04:52
Mike Green 16

I keep having the same dream must be infectious, the thought of Everton announcing that Simeone as our next manager would be breathtaking to say the least. But then I keep thinking this is Everton things like that don't happen to us.

Regarding the second part of your dream about Usmanov, well I just wonder if he will join Moshiri. I see Kronke has increased his share in Arsenal so maybe Usmanov might decide he will never get control of Arsenal and join us.

Darren Hind
26 Posted 28/05/2016 at 10:32:50
You're getting the hang of putting these articles together Lyndon - said tongue in cheek of course. This is another fine effort.

I'm a little intrigued by your comment about not being in Simeone's league.

I think that would have been indisputable up until recently, but if Mr Moshiri is prepared to pay the new manager the sort of money other top clubs pay, surely we need to consider ourselves in that league.

I know there are other incentives, but I think Man City, Chelsea and PSG have proved that money is still the number one driver

John Gibson
27 Posted 28/05/2016 at 10:37:41
Just a thought here guys but has anyone stopped to think that maybe, just maybe, Moshiri is trying to tempt Wenger from the Arse??? He's getting a bit of grief from some Gooners fans now so he might think it's time to move on?

As I said........ just a thought!!!!!!

Martin Nicholls
28 Posted 28/05/2016 at 10:38:54
Like everyone else I'm desperate for some news as to who our new manager is to be however I am in full agreement with those who feel silence from the Board in the meantime is absolutely right. I am old enough to remember (why it sticks so vividly in my mind I don't know!) a Daily Post headline back in 1974, "Good morning Goodison, Revie's yours". Someone at the Club had leaked the news - needless to say Revie went elsewhere (England manager) and we were left disappointed. Whilst our "loss" was not a direct consequence of the leak, the later loss of Bobby Robson as prospective manager was. The deal had apparently been agreed but Robson had requested that it be kept quiet as out of courtesy* he personally wanted to convey the news to his bosses, the Cobbold family, at Ipswich before it became public. Someone at EFC leaked the news, Robson (an honourable man) decided he did not want to work for people he couldn't trust and the rest is history. I repeat, EFC should keep quiet until the deal is agreed and signed.
*message to Rom - that's what courtesy is!
Colin Glassar
29 Posted 28/05/2016 at 10:50:43
I like Koeman, don't get me wrong, but is he as great as some make out? At least some of the other candidates have won stuff.

As for Simeone, who wouldn't want him? I think he might do a Mourinho (Porto) tonight, chuck his winners medal (Vamos Atletico) and decide he wants a new challenge - with us!!! I can but dream.

Nah, I'll be quite happy with Pellegrini or FDB.

Richard Dodd
30 Posted 28/05/2016 at 11:00:36
It may not be a popular solution but the Daily Post speculated yesterday on the appointment of Overmars as DoF and the promotion of Unsworth to Head Coach.

That may well smack of a nod in the direction of the wishes of BK to return to Moyes but also leaves open the appointment of a manager should thing go wrong early doors.

Personally, I think it could work but, as I said, it's a solution unlikely to be received with great enthusiasm by the fanbase!

Chris Neil
32 Posted 28/05/2016 at 11:07:09
Hi all ToffeeWeb members. New member having left other forums due to disgraceful personal attacks on Martinez. I live in Doncaster and get to as many games as possible but felt we should have let RM go before semi if not earlier. Anyway that's yesterday's news... It's a new day and a new dawn.

I was at the Norwich game and was very impressed with David Unsworth. He showed more passion in that game than I've seen all season.

My view:

Don't get on the big money manager merry-go-round. Step back and take the long term view. Appoint people who care about our great club.

Get rid of ANY player who does not want to be at EFC. Especially Lukaku who in my opinion is not as good as he thinks he is – the semi-final proved that beyond doubt for me!

Invest in the youth talent we obviously have and build something. Your big name managers won't be interested and I'm not convinced about any of the big names being bandied about.

The new manager will have to be a compromise because we are not in a position to attract them at the moment.

I think we could do a lot worse than looking closer to home at people who love this great club and are not just on the premier league gravy train.

NSNO

Dan Davies
33 Posted 28/05/2016 at 11:11:43
Exciting times and were getting excited with good reason, a new billionaire, a new manager, talk of a stadium on the dock and a number of new players to sign very soon.

It's hard too keep a lid on the excitement and expectation, but patience is needed, frustrating as that is. I've no problem with the wait as long as the right man gets the job.

Mr. Moshiri and board members should have their No.1 target identified by now. The fact that no out of contract manager I.e Pellegrini, De Boer etc have been announced by now says to me that their not top of the list.

For whatever reasons the board are waiting for something or someone who is top of the list, I'm guessing. Who that may be nobody knows but them.

I will say this however, if they are going to take a long time on this then they need to give the fans somebody of standing, a winner who is going to change the mind set of the whole club.

Keeping the above in mind, with other clubs in the area handing out their jobs to Klopp, Mourinho and Guardiola is Moshiri going to appoint a Howe or Unsworth?

Other clubs in the area have laid down the gauntlet with their managers and Moshiri I believe needs to rise to the challenge otherwise the billionaire is going to look foolhardy in comparison.

To be taken seriously again by other clubs and the media Everton need a big name to turn things around or we could end up a laughing stock AGAIN. Any of De Boer, Pellegrini, Emery will do me. Twist my arm though an I'd consider Simeone!

Phil Sammon
34 Posted 28/05/2016 at 11:13:03
Colin 29

I agree. He seems decent and he has PL experience...put are Saints really ripping up trees?

Pellegrini, I'm not so sure on. It must be difficult to go from a team like City to a team like Everton. Does he still have the drive at his age? Plus I've heard the Coty fans saying that defensively he isn't up to much.

Frank the tank is fine with me. I haven't watched Ajax since about 1997 but he seems to have the right attributes.

Don Alexander
35 Posted 28/05/2016 at 11:13:18
It's all speculation but there are points cited by Lyndon and Rob Dolby (#14) that I think are significant and it boils down to the next manager being a short-term job, not someone of Simeone-like status.

We are not an attractive club at the moment. We have significant issues in the current squad re old-age and want-aways, we have a decrepit stadium, and whilst Mr Moshiri's wealth is more than welcome it's only on a par with the wealth of several other Premier clubs who are, like us, not Sky darlings.

That said, we need a good manager even as an interim measure.

Colin Glassar
36 Posted 28/05/2016 at 11:20:25
Don, I mentioned something similar a few days ago. I think Pellegrini would be a short-term fix for us. His remit would be regular European football, and a trophy or two while the stadium gets sorted (built).

Once we are back on the map with a shiny new stadium, and as an established European club, then we will go after that elite manager, be it Simeone, Ancellotti or someone of that ilk.

Alan Ross
37 Posted 28/05/2016 at 11:26:22
I think any perceived lack of patience on the part of Evertonians might well be down to the thought that Kenwright still has a large say in who will be our next manager. It is still speculation that Moshiri will be the guiding hand in all this and I for one could relax about the right decision being made if this was the case. I have no trust in Kenwright and he should be kept as far away from that decision as possible.
Gavin Johnson
38 Posted 28/05/2016 at 11:34:33
I don't think we'll get Ronald Koeman now, but if he was to leave Saints I think it'll be great news, on and off the field. It will be an indicator of what kind of investment will be going into the club over the next few years. Koeman isn't going to come unless he thinks he has the backing to make us a major force.

Talk of waterfront stadiums and conspiracies about Usmanov being a backer might just materialise. I really think the sky's the limit if Moshiri can sell the club to a top manager like Koeman.

Bob Parrington
39 Posted 28/05/2016 at 11:34:48
Lyndon, Good article. Agreed, patience is required. I still go with the GV out of Netherlands (business contact of mine) Gus Hiddink as caretaker while Farhad Moshiri uses his patience to get his man. Decision already made!

Is it that he waits for Koeman to be free from his contract with Southampton? Who knows? Alternative to Gus as caretaker has been mentioned as Unsee with Joe overseeing?? FM appears to be a cool dude, not giving the game away easily? If he's made up his mind who it is he wants? He might just be taking the long term view and be prepared to put in place a caretaker while he completes the deal??????????

Eddie Dunn
40 Posted 28/05/2016 at 11:43:08
In terms of Koeman, whom I prefer, with his experience in our League, I wouldn't be at all surprised if we got him.
His Saints team will be targetted by the big boys and some of their best players are likely to go. Mane, Pele, even Forster.
Koeman also had half of his side sold last year, so why would he have too much loyalty, and why would he think he was building something, if they could do the same again.
With the right assurances as regards budget, I think we are an attractive proposition. So let's hope.
Dave Williams
41 Posted 28/05/2016 at 11:46:20
I remember how in the days of Sir John Moores we moved quietly in the transfer market and no one had a clue who we were looking at until the signing was announced.

What we are doing now is what all good businessmen do- don't breathe a word until there is something positive to say.

The press and bookies clearly have no idea who we are talking to and the press are just spreading rumours based no doubt on feeds from agents ( or Ronald de Boer)!

Why would anyone rule out Simeone- throw him a fat salary and full transfer war chest with the promise of a new stadium and why wouldn't he be tempted with three of the worlds top managers within 40 miles?

Personally I am watt of this notion of attracting big name players. We have a great crop of young players and need to follow SAFs mantra at MU- a few established players down the spine of the team to guide the youngsters through and Unsy backed by Joe and an experienced director of football appeals to me.

Just a word for those people rubbishing Duncan- he could hardly stand on the touch line bellowing orders at the players if Roberto was instructing him to sit still could he? I have no knowledge one way or another as to whether he is a brilliant coach and motivator or just along for the ride but some posters do love to slag off our players and staff without having the first idea of what the facts might be.

Jay Wood
42 Posted 28/05/2016 at 12:15:19
I agree with the main thrust of your article Lyndon - a call for patience - whilst also acknowledging some people just aren't built like that.

It is inevitable some will insist on being kept in the loop by the club in this age of 24-7 news, whilst throwing a stomping fit that an appointment hasn't been made yet.

I have no such qualms with the silence or lack of early appointment if it reflects that a thorough due diligence and totally professional selection and interview process is being applied to ensure a good fit.

I also share your (possibly irrational hopes) that Farhad Moshiri is the real deal who is going to help transform the club.

That said, unlike you, any whispers or claims of 'insider knowledge' said to emanate from the club I take with a huge pinch of salt, and then some.

Other than his statement at the quarter final against Chelsea and his post match comments about joining a great club, we have heard and know absolutely nothing about the vision and ambitions Moshiri has for EFC and how he intends to achieve them.

Until the new manager and his support staff are appointed; until we know who is retained and released from the squad; until transfer targets are identified and recruited; until a concrete proposal on the stadium issue emanates from the club, rather than third parties...

Until any or all of the above happens, all comment about what kind of owner Farhad Moshiri will prove to be is based on fairy dust and is highly speculative.

I for one will reserve judgement until such time as we have concrete evidence by which to evaluate FM.

Simon Bates
43 Posted 28/05/2016 at 12:22:59
Interesting, i have been thinking along these lines.

Martinez was sacked because two semi-finals this season, after gaining our highest Premier League points tally and Europa League qualification, followed by a half-decent run in it the following season, is no longer deemed good enough at Everton. BK would have been satisfied and we would have been relegated next season.

I trust our new man at the helm to get this right. Mr Moshiri has already interviewed Pellegrini, whose CV is excellent, one of the best out there, arguably, yet he hasn't snapped this winner up?

I believe he is trying to get the elite, and if Pellegrini is a fall-back option then we really do mean business .

Eddie Dunn
44 Posted 28/05/2016 at 12:24:48
Well said Dave Williams regarding big Dunc.
Mike Allison
45 Posted 28/05/2016 at 12:28:08
I think the new manager has to have something of a reputation because of the position the club is in. Unsworth and Royle might be just as good and achieve just as much as anyone, but we can't afford to give them the job because we need the appointment to make something of a statement to our fans, players and the football world in general.

Another 'small time' appointment will confirm us as, at best, a stepping stone club for top players, whereas we need to think and act big in order to be a 'destination' club. I personally like the idea of the Overmars- Frank de Boer axis, but a medium term appointment like a Hiddink or Pellegrini might be the right small step at the right time.

Either way, I think long term plans are being made at the club, presumably by Mr Moshiri, and that what happens this summer will shape the course of the next five years and presumably the longer term future of Everton Football Club. With that in mind, getting it right is absolutely worth waiting for.

Mark Dunford
46 Posted 28/05/2016 at 12:32:53
My own preference would to sort this before the Euro Vase starts on 10th June and preferably as close to this start date as possible. It would be good to stop any outgoing transfers before the tournament and place pressure on those players who are likely to be "tapped up". We can almost certainly assume Lukaku won't be here next year and - in all probability - Stones will be off to Man Utd. Barkley seems to be on the fringes of the England squad rather than at the heart of the team and we can only hope he sees Everton as the best team for him. The next manager has to be someone who can both work effectively with a budget and develop young talent. Mourinho would have been the wrong choice for us. Koeman has shown he can do this at Southampton where his agent seems to have engineered a more lucrative contract out of the Everton interest. Pellegrini's record at Man City was mixed but he does fit the bill for Everton. Frank de Boer is obviously keen and has an impressive CV as player and shows real promise as manager, but will he bring his talented team? Like Colin, I'd be happy with either and would say timing is key. Lukaku is 20+ goals a year, Stones is an exceptionally promising defender and Barkley is a home grown talent of rare ability. All showcased at Euro vase. It would be fantastic to keep all three yet we'll be doing well to hold on to one, let alone two.
John Crook
47 Posted 28/05/2016 at 12:32:55
Don't care how long we wait as long as we get Simone. Pellegrini still by far the best of the rest.
Brian Williams
48 Posted 28/05/2016 at 12:49:19
I'll be dead patient if, after the Champions League final we announce that Diego Simeone will be our new manager.......

"Brian, Brian, wake up, wake uuuuuup"........................

Muj Rasul
49 Posted 28/05/2016 at 12:53:51
Very poignant piece and captures the psyche excellently.
Simon Bates
50 Posted 28/05/2016 at 13:20:55
I think Hiddink is at Bayern??
Nick Entwistle
51 Posted 28/05/2016 at 13:28:34
Flores. We'll just get Flores.
Ian Hollingworth
52 Posted 28/05/2016 at 13:53:45
Patience is all well and good if we believe that Moshi is in control etc.
What if BK still has a big say or worse still is actually running the process.
What if Martinez was sacked as there hands were forced by the fans? Etc etc.

I hope Moshi is in charge but we have no proof and this is Everton where BK is still chairman.

Therefore it is perfectly understandable why we Evertonians are very nervous and struggling to show patience.
I just don't trust them with Billy Liar as chairman.

Tom Bowers
53 Posted 28/05/2016 at 13:55:09
Patience is a virtue.
Whilst it might be for the best to appoint someone quickly to give them time to integrate before the new season starts it is very important to get the right experienced motivator.
Some top players as we know, just underachieved for the last part of the season and nothing could shake them out of it.
If we are to bring the likes of Stones and Barklay back to their old selves to start playing up to the potential we know they have, then it's important to get someone of the right calibre and that may take a little longer.
Talk of transfers will of course be rife in the media and we want their heads to be focused properly for the task ahead for the benefit of Everton and not England.
I would have preferred Stones and Barklay not to be playing in the Euros especially alongside some mediocrity like Henderson and Sterling and I think it is a small godsend that Jags and Bainsey are not part of it.
Tony Draper
54 Posted 28/05/2016 at 14:01:38
The unavoidable fact which genuinely scares me ?

Despite Farhad Moshiri being 49.9% shareholder, Dame Edith Kenwright is still Chairman.

Frank Crewe
55 Posted 28/05/2016 at 14:04:55
I think there is more to this than picking a new manager. I think Moshiri is looking to overhaul the entire structure of the coaching staff from the manager down. So it could be that he is looking to appoint more than just a manager and he wants to get them all chosen and appointed at the same time.
Matt Traynor
56 Posted 28/05/2016 at 14:09:48
Tony #54, he has no special voting powers and it's purely titular at this stage - the rumours were Cleggy wanted to give Martinez another 6 months and Moshiri over-ruled him. Yes he could've done it earlier, but he's only been here 5 minutes.

I know there are some on here who are convinced Usmanov will come in. A couple of days ago Kroenke increased his shareholding at Arsenal further.

Ben Aston
57 Posted 28/05/2016 at 14:23:32
great article lyndon
Ian Bennett
58 Posted 28/05/2016 at 14:30:30
I think we'll get Emery, but this is dependent on Zidane winning champions league with Real.
Tony Draper
59 Posted 28/05/2016 at 14:34:42
I hope that's not completely true Frank, baby and bathwater mate.

I know that my previous post implies that more change is needed, true. But, the right changes, at the right levels, not a complete dumping.

Instance, when I read the article (possibly in "The Guardian", but can't be sure) about Rhino and what he had done to broaden and deepen his knowledge, understanding and experience. He'd taken himself off hither and yon, at his own behest to learn and expand his skillset. THAT, is true hunger and ambition !

Is Rhino ready ?
I have no bloody idea.
I do think that Giggs at Man U is total flyaway by comparison.
Would I like Rhino as Everton manager ?
If he fills the trophy cabinet then too bloody right !

From the first time that I saw his unstoppable force to the the time he bought me n me mate a pint in Flannagan's shortly before we let him go, Rhino has been sheer fucking undiluted determination.

However, there ARE others with extremely compelling CV's.

I don't know how that transition might happen, but what I'm crystal certain about, bringing in a world reknown leader is NOT a prospect which would in any shape of form disappoint, daunt or concern David Unsworth. Quite the reverse.

The greater the challenge, the greater the opportunity this guy WANTS challenges !

Sean Patton
60 Posted 28/05/2016 at 14:41:51
If Emery leaving Seville is a step down then what is Benitez going from Real Madrid to Newcastle?

Some fans have such a low opinion of this club it baffles me
Double his salary
Money to spend instead of flogging his stars
A squad packed with promising young players
A chance to pit his wits against the mangerial elite

What could we offer Emery indeed.

Tony Draper
61 Posted 28/05/2016 at 14:44:45
Matt @56.
Usmanov + Moshiri at Goodison really would shake up the "Comfortable Club".

Their open letter to the Arsenal board was/is a fans heartfelt mission statement. IF that is one of the background issues at GP, then the managerial appointment can bloody well wait ! And wait !

When we're ready ?
Or,
When we're tooled up ?

Jay Wood
62 Posted 28/05/2016 at 14:56:58
Sean @ 60.

Agreed. I've used Benetiz as a counter-argument to those who tell us to forget the likes of Simone and Emery as potential managers.

Rafa started the season as Real Madrid manager and was recruited to a club deep in the relegation zone, unable to buy a win, outside the transfer window, in total disaray, with just 10 games to save them.

As bad as things have been at Everton this past couple of seasons, no way are we as deep in the brown stuff as Newcastle.

The club has a wealthy new custodian, the PL is awash with money, we have some very talented players on our books, an academy possibly about to deliver a very rich harvest of talent and the financial clout to buy big if necessary.

Money talks in this game. And how the club is sold and presented could tempt the very best of managers some nay-sayers ridicule as being beyond us.

Matt Muzi
63 Posted 28/05/2016 at 14:57:15
When have we ever done anything quickly at Everton?
Brian Hennessy
64 Posted 28/05/2016 at 15:08:27
I agree with us having to be patient and talk of waiting for Koeman to decide if he is staying at the Saints or not makes sense.

What I can't understand are the reports that we have not yet spoken to Frank De Boer. Surely as he has openly said he is interested, we should at least be talking to him in the event that we don't get our No.1 target if that is Koeman, Peligrini or dream target Simeone.

Not the best way to start our relationship with him if in a couple of weeks we come calling and by that time he could well be chatting to someone else.

Ian Robert
65 Posted 28/05/2016 at 15:22:40
Ian (52), along with many others you make reference to kenwright still being involved/incharge. If we think Moshiri is the way forward...he's decisive...he's the new Messiah etc etc...then surely it was Kenwright that made the decision to invite him in?
And, it was Moshiri that decided to leave him as Chairman (for a while anyway)...so using your argument he's not very bright is he?
We all like to dream and wonder as to what happens behind closed doors but the reality is that we just don't know.

When and by whom was Robertos fate decided? it's all guesses.

Moshiri.."should we sack Roberto?".....Kenwright..."but I like him!"....Woods "sack the f##kin bastard or im tw##tin him!!".

We just don't know. I'm with Lyndon, let's wait and see but as an Everton season ticket holder of 40+ years....I ain't convinced everything is going to come up as roses!

John Otway
66 Posted 28/05/2016 at 15:25:38
Brian 64. Those aren't reports. They are gossip, rumour and tittle tattle. The papers haven't got a clue what's going and are like two old fishwives whispering over the garden wall.
Bill Gall
67 Posted 28/05/2016 at 15:31:34
The need for patience is definitely required as the lack of patience, or due diligence was shown in the hiring of Martinez.

The major problem the new man may have, is, as Martinez came in he had a strong squad to start off with that just needed some players to refresh it, to were he thought it was needed.

Any new manager coming in has got a squad that has struggled for the last 2 seasons,has disgruntled players, what appears to be a poor fitness staff and players past their prime . Who ever comes in, although he will have funds to spend, will have to practically rebuild the side to play to the style of play he wants ,and to be getting results to show his rebuilding is going to be successful in the future.

As the saying goes. " Rome was not built in a day.: Even if we hope for instant success we may find any new man coming in, regardless of his background, may find his first season difficult to start off with, but I hope he at least shows his style of management is going to prove to be successful in the future.

We are now at a critical stage in building Everton F.C. back to were we all believe it should be, and to get there we have to have 2 individuals prove they are the people to do it . The first is Mr Moshiri with the financial background , has to prove he has the ambition to go with it. The second is the incoming manager who has the harder job ,has to build looking toward the future and prove his ambitions are as strong as Mr Moshiri.

Kieran Kinsella
68 Posted 28/05/2016 at 15:38:16
Agree with many that patience is good IF BK is no longer calling the shots. I find it interesting that the so called "Richard Dodd" has suddenly reappeared on ToffeeWeb after the negative reaction to Moyes. Now this "Dodd" character is talking up Unsworth as manager. If only Scooby Doo was an Evertonian he could unmask Dodd and reveal our fat faced lying chairman.
Colin Glassar
69 Posted 28/05/2016 at 16:01:21
Kieran do you really think..............? It can't be, can it?
Richard Dodd
70 Posted 28/05/2016 at 16:05:04
Thanks for the 'welcome back', Kieron. I note that the Vital Ajax site is indicating that de Boer is more likely to go to Lazio than Everton which enhances the prospect of an in-house appointment or a return for David Moyes.

But whoever gets appointed , I'm sure match going Evertonians will give them a great welcome and every support.

James Hughes
71 Posted 28/05/2016 at 16:07:25
has anyone ever seen R. Dodd and B. Kenwright in the same room at the same time ? over to you Kieran
Ian Robert
72 Posted 28/05/2016 at 16:07:58
Richard #70 did you spell Kieran wrong just to wind him up??
Kieran Kinsella
73 Posted 28/05/2016 at 16:13:08
I'm sending Scrappy and Shaggy over to gather the evidence
Kieran Kinsella
74 Posted 28/05/2016 at 16:23:11
As far as Rhino goes my concern is that it's too soon. Case in point, another former blue Neil Adams. He was doing a great job with the Norwich academy when he was asked to step in at the end of the season when Hughton was fired. While he couldn't avert relegation the team played well enough for people to give him the full time job. Six months later he got fired. Now he's gone from being a promising coach to a man on the dole and who knows? Probably homeless sharing a cardboard box with a tramp in Trafalgar Square. I'd hate to see Rhino go the same way.
John Raftery
75 Posted 28/05/2016 at 16:35:10
A timely article Lyndon.

Bill - 67 Spot on. The form in the second half of last season was that of a relegation outfit. The first task of the new manager is to reestablish the team in the top half of the table. That will require a major overhaul of the squad as well as rebuilding belief, reintroducing a winning mentality at Goodison Park and embedding balanced attacking and defensive play from front to back. That is a huge agenda for one summer and while it is highly unlikely that everything will be in place before the start of the new season the club needs to demonstrate it has started to move in the right direction.

So this summer is not just about recruiting the right manager. Moshiri has the opportunity to lay the foundations for the longer term by getting the right team of coaching and scouting staff in place to deliver what we all hope and wish for. That must include a strategy for facilitating the progress of Academy and Development Squad players through to first team level. He must also review the governance arrangements for the approval of transfers. The Niasse signing was a huge wake up call for a club which until very recently had prided itself on not frittering money away on the big money bench warmers seen at many other clubs in the Premier League.

Colin Glassar
76 Posted 28/05/2016 at 16:38:49
Cardboard box Kieran? Luxury!!
Phil Walling
77 Posted 28/05/2016 at 16:42:01
Well put, John. Everything you say makes the case for the recruitment of a Director of Football as well as a manager. Let us hope Moshiri makes the right choice in both appointments.
Andy Osborne
78 Posted 28/05/2016 at 16:47:43
Ian(65). None of us know what is happening or being said behind the scenes, and I suppose that is a good thing. But, in the last few months Everton have sacked their manager and abandoned Walton Hall. This could be down to Kenwright, but we all know him well enough by now, that these recent actions/decisions do not have his fingerprints on them. The only thing that has changed is the new (part) owner coming in. So as each decision is made, quite decisively I might add, we can only assume that it is Moshiri starting to have his influence.
Colin Glassar
79 Posted 28/05/2016 at 16:52:36
I've never known EFC to be so tight lipped ever. I'm impressed.
Tom Bowers
80 Posted 28/05/2016 at 16:57:44
Whilst everyone pressured to have RM fired it wouldn't have been a surprise to see him start another season especially if one or two more late season results had been wins instead of losses. i.e. the derby match and a semi-final.
I think even BK was disgusted at the derby match result and that probably set the wheels in motion.
Dan Davies
81 Posted 28/05/2016 at 16:59:38
Andy@78, I wouldn't argue with that mate.
Iain Johnston
82 Posted 28/05/2016 at 17:02:37
Looking into my crystal ball, I think Simeone will be Inter's next boss and Pellegrini will head to Atletico...

We'll get Mancini.

It will all be worked out over a bowl of Dolmio after tonight's game at the Giuseppe Meazza...

Ian Robert
83 Posted 28/05/2016 at 17:04:01
Andy #78. There you go...my point exactly. You "assume"..doesnt make it a fact. You have decided that all the decisions are now down to Moshiri. My point was that previous posts had decided Moshiri was the man.. and I hope he is....but HE decided to keep Billy Boy in place? So if we think he is decisively making decisions.... then he made that one...decisively ...so he must think well of the old owner? After all...he knows him better than you or I.

As for sackings..lets GUESS..there was a board meeting and the big dog said "I want rid...who agrees?".

Btw, with 49% shares, he owns Everton... he calls the shots.

Mark Ryan
84 Posted 28/05/2016 at 17:06:40
Great piece. Spot on. It's going to be a very interesting summer all round for Evertonians and I am growing more confident each day that the deafening silence can only be good news for all concerned.

It's currently the week before Christmas and the anticipation is building. Problem is, I want a sneak peek at the presents. Just a clue.

Kieran Kinsella
85 Posted 28/05/2016 at 17:09:31
Michael Kenrick made a comment yesterday about us getting an older guy whose been unemployed for a bit who'd be a coup for us. No idea of his source or the validity of it but I was wondering if it could be Juup Heynckes?
Dan Davies
86 Posted 28/05/2016 at 17:12:54
Not sure if it was Fabio Capello Kieran
Paul Andrews
87 Posted 28/05/2016 at 17:12:55
Bill has to be commended for his resilience and stickability.

Only seems like a few months ago he was not well enough to attend matches,he's like a dog with a bone since the cash started flowing.

Kieran Kinsella
88 Posted 28/05/2016 at 17:20:17
Hope not Dan
Colin Glassar
89 Posted 28/05/2016 at 17:22:57
Could be Trappatoni, Kieran.
Andy Osborne
90 Posted 28/05/2016 at 17:36:01
Ian(83)
No one "knows", but I think it is safe to "assume" in this case. When you have a leader for 20 years and the same methodology is used, the same type of decisions, you get to know his modus operandi. I think it is safe to say that the recent decisions depart from this, so, what's changed? Moshiri, that's what. I might be giving credit where it not due, but if it not Moshiri, I can guarantee that it is not Kenwright. So we must have some mystery benefactor who is intelligently pulling the strings behind the scenes. Usmanov?
Kieran Kinsella
91 Posted 28/05/2016 at 17:36:37
Colin

Oh joy the Trap

Andy Osborne
92 Posted 28/05/2016 at 17:37:38
Could be Bielsa, Colin.
Colin Glassar
93 Posted 28/05/2016 at 17:39:15
Bertie Vogts?
Kieran Kinsella
94 Posted 28/05/2016 at 17:41:23
Gordon Lee
Andy Osborne
95 Posted 28/05/2016 at 17:46:00
By the way, Ian. Moshiri has kept Kenwright as chairman because he thinks (thought) he is loved by the fans, and wants to have continuity during the leadership transisition. He will soon realise that is not the case, and we will see Uncle Bill moved sideways.
Daniel Joseph
96 Posted 28/05/2016 at 17:46:46
Waiting on the result of the championship play - off. Steve Bruce, nailed on
Phil Martin
97 Posted 28/05/2016 at 17:53:00
@Colin 79,

They're not tight-lipped. They're just not doing anything.

Moshiri is just a another face to keep the great unwashed off Bill's case. In return he gets to invest some excess funds from the sales of Arsenal shares and write off some tax. His 49.9% ownership ensures he's not obliged to make any decisions or take overall responsibility for anything.

Moyes will get the job in a few weeks time and will get all the funds from the sales of Rom and Stones. But no more.

The dock based stadium talk will blow cold until next year's season ticket sales slump.

Please tell me I'm wrong. Please.

Ian Robert
98 Posted 28/05/2016 at 17:56:43
Andy95.... good job you now know wht Moshiri thinks...brilliant!
Chris Wilson
99 Posted 28/05/2016 at 17:58:32
Trapp? That would be McCarthy out the door then. Bielsa? He would mastermind a 3:0 thrashing over Liverpool on a Sunday, we would be singing and dancing through the night, then find out the man has left the club Monday morning because we didn't have enough milk for his coffee.
Colin Glassar
100 Posted 28/05/2016 at 18:11:10
Thanks Phil, that's cheered me up no end. Chris, you're right about Bielsa, we'd be top of the league in December and he'd say he was bored and leave.
Andy Osborne
101 Posted 28/05/2016 at 18:11:45
Ian(98)
I don't, but I'm a good businessman, and I am hoping he is too. He has a fuck of a lot more money than me, so I think he is. I'm just giving my opinion, what I would do. It's all fun, we are all just guessing. And hoping, I suppose.
Brent Stephens
102 Posted 28/05/2016 at 18:13:11
Happy to be patient and await any announcement when it's seen to be appropriate. Meantime, like Colin, happy to read the usual range of rumours (gotta smile!) and the usual impatience on TW (gotta smile!).
Ian Robert
103 Posted 28/05/2016 at 18:19:05
I am glad Andy, I wish you well. Is Bill a good businessman? he has lots of money?
My point mate is not about opinions...we all have one...its the statements made that contradict.

1. Bill is an idiot and makes shite decisions.

2. Moshiri is great and make fantastic decisons.

3. Billy boy brought Moshiri in...err good decision??

4. Moshiri decided to keep Bill in place....good decision??

do you agree they contradict? as for Moshiris decision to keep him there...I would agree with you. Hes playing the "don't rock the boat" card....I guess. Whether the majority "hate" Mr Kenwright is arguable..TW is a small % of fans...the Prem League report has fan satisfaction for the way Everton is run at over 85%... go figure mate. :))

Colin Glassar
104 Posted 28/05/2016 at 18:20:51
Daniel 96, Steve Bruce or Simeone? Who'd be your choice?
Chris Wilson
105 Posted 28/05/2016 at 18:27:18
Anyone think there is a candidate out there that is being considered that would be an "out of left field" kind of hire? A good candidate, but off everyone's radar?
Kieran Kinsella
106 Posted 28/05/2016 at 18:32:21
Chris

Yes. "Out of left field," Ian Wilson. True blue, star of the 89 cup final, successful pundit in the Aberdeen press, runs his own football academy both in Scotland and overseas a la Glenn Hoddle.

Ian Robert
107 Posted 28/05/2016 at 18:35:13
shit hull scored... "youve been mauled by the tigers"

repeat several times in a slightly camp way!

Chris Wilson
108 Posted 28/05/2016 at 18:38:24
Ah. Thank you Kieran 106. Funny enough I do remember watching the 89 Cup Final here in America, and I would say that Ian Wilson - star is a slight exaggeration...unless you're rating receding hairlines, then Ian was MOM.
Kieran Kinsella
109 Posted 28/05/2016 at 18:40:42
The Scottish Lombardo
Brian Denton
110 Posted 28/05/2016 at 18:42:22
Wow, Kieran that is really left field! No reflection on his potential managerial ability, but as a player he didn't pull up any trees. He was remarkable only for being the slowest outfield player I have ever seen. As for being the star of the 89 Cup Final - that's a stretch; he only came on (with Stuart McCall) ten minutes before the end of normal time, and it was McCall who scored our goals.
Kieran Kinsella
111 Posted 28/05/2016 at 18:46:01
I just took the "left field" literally instead of figuratively. And I used the term "star" in a kind of Britians Got Talent kind of way.
Colin Glassar
112 Posted 28/05/2016 at 18:51:25
Brucie would be very left field. He's been relegated and promoted more times than most of us have had hot dinners
Chris Wilson
113 Posted 28/05/2016 at 19:08:43
Any Moshiri sightings in Milan so that we can really amp up the manager hysteria?
Jay Harris
114 Posted 28/05/2016 at 19:10:34
I hope Ian Bennett is correct.
I read a report from the Spanish press that Emery was being lined up to take over from Zidane if Real lost the CL final but otherwise he would consider "other" moves.
Chris Wilson
115 Posted 28/05/2016 at 19:21:13
Read that earlier in the week too, Jay Harris. Hard to believe they would just can ZZ like that, but Real Madrid have a trigger finger on firing managers that make Roman Abramovich look reasonable.

Wonder what kind of effect that would have if true? We waited for Unai, but he went to Real Madrid, soooo now we're ready to hire FDB or Pellegrini, etc.

Colin Glassar
116 Posted 28/05/2016 at 19:21:23
If you want left field, what about Ian Holliday? He win us a toitle. He's better than Toby Jug lookalike Bruce.
Kieran Kinsella
117 Posted 28/05/2016 at 19:28:19
Who's Ian Holliday Colin? Misty eyed King Lear is probably waiting to give Moyes a shot at Real Madrid if they lose.
Colin Glassar
118 Posted 28/05/2016 at 19:34:19
Holloway, Kieran. Good lad if a bit mental.
Jay Harris
119 Posted 28/05/2016 at 19:38:51
Left field Bob Bradley whose win rate has been over 50% since 2006.

Get him on the list Farhad.

Kieran Kinsella
120 Posted 28/05/2016 at 19:40:38
If Moyes does return could be awkward for Sheedy who called him a knob head when he left
Kim Vivian
121 Posted 28/05/2016 at 19:49:51
IF...IF...IF...IF Simeone was in the frame for our job somehow, would he be more likely to come if he lost, or won tonight?
Brin Williams
122 Posted 28/05/2016 at 19:50:32
I'll tell you what, if ever we do land Simeone we should make it a condition of his contract that he brings that Alicia Keyes (?) with him, Phew quelle femme.!!
Chris Wilson
123 Posted 28/05/2016 at 20:07:01
I don't know. Looks like Simione is bad on set pieces. Kidding! Kidding.
Roy Johnstone
124 Posted 28/05/2016 at 20:08:21
Spot on, Lyndon. We have to get this one right. I would also like to see Moshiri doing the intros when we do appoint. That will send a huge message as to the official changing of the guard, and will send me forward with renewed hope.
Colin Glassar
125 Posted 28/05/2016 at 20:40:47
What's her favourite position Brin?
Robert Elliott
126 Posted 28/05/2016 at 21:08:04
I'm all for being patient. Mainly because if all this ends with Moyes or Unsworth being given the job I'll be looking back on the last few weeks when we had hope of a top notch appointment as the good old days.
Jeff Hough
127 Posted 28/05/2016 at 21:24:06
Phil at 97, please turn up at my funeral.

When the in-laws are laughing at my untimely and tragic demise and are just about to celebrate, 5 minutes with you should have the bastards suicidal.

The awful thing is that – despite all my dreams over the past 2 weeks – I have a horrible feeling you could just have it right.

John Otway
128 Posted 28/05/2016 at 21:30:19
Phil Martin 98. And what exactly is the tax that Moshiri is writing off on his sale of Arsenal shares and his purchase of Everton's? So looking forward to your fulsome apology on here.
Mike Allison
129 Posted 28/05/2016 at 22:06:29
Our squad doesn't need overhauling! How is this idea still being peddled? The new manager will take over a squad of excellent players desperate to approve of a new regime that can only look good in comparison to the stubborn amateurish nature of the last one.

We need mentality, fitness and set pieces. Within three training sessions they should be twice as good as they were at the end of last season, no new players required.

We need two or three quality additions, some deadwood to be cut away and to hold on to or replace Stones and Lukaku. That's not nearly as big a deal as some doom and gloom posters seem to want to make out.

Brin Williams
130 Posted 28/05/2016 at 22:42:00
CG 125 - I think I would let her choose her own position, I'd be just happy to fit in anywhere!
Andy Crooks
131 Posted 28/05/2016 at 22:48:41
Good post, Mike. Appoint a good coach, keep our best players, make three good signings and we will be champions.
Colin Glassar
132 Posted 28/05/2016 at 22:58:23
I think now is a good time to approach Simeone before he gets a 'serial loser' tag.
Mike Gaynes
133 Posted 28/05/2016 at 23:18:38
Damian #17 --

"If he'd done it earlier we may have an FA Cup and a place in Europe now."

Really?

That's sheer speculation, and pretty wild speculation if you ask me. Who the hell sacks the manager before a Cup semifinal? Maybe one of the historians on this board can tell me if it has EVER happened. Who would be nuts enough to give an untried manager his debut at Wembley? Be serious.

Personally, I thought Roberto did a pretty good job in that game -- right lineup, good plan, good effort by everybody. If Unsworth's audition in one meaningless game against a relegated side convinces you that he'd have done better at Wembley.... well, you're entitled to your opinion.

Laurie Hartley
134 Posted 28/05/2016 at 23:24:27
Chris #32 – welcome to ToffeeWeb. Your post struck a chord with me.

My wife was an Evertonian when I met her 46 years – brought up in an all red house.

She announced to me the other day that if we bring Moyes or Rooney back she will be finished with the blues.

She said she hopes that Everton appoint someone who "loves Everton – someone who has played for us".

She reckons Lukaku is lazy and we should get rid of him.

She doesn't mince words my wife. Back to the rest of the posts.

Daniel Joseph
135 Posted 29/05/2016 at 00:12:45
Apparently sarcasm is the lowest form of wit Mr Glassar and you appeared to have missed it.........
Raymond Fox
136 Posted 29/05/2016 at 00:57:35
Mike 129, did you not watch our players individual abilities last season. Change the manager and all will be well, if that's what happens I think you will be disappointed.

Watch Mourinho, Guardiola etc, what do they do when they go to a new top club, spend a fortune on better players that's what they do. Not daft are they! Managers can't do it without the players, I don't care how good he is.

I'm afraid its going to be the same old story next season, we'll start with players the 'big' clubs don't want, trying to do well with rejects, cast offs and past it players.

I'd like to be optimistic, but!

Tony McNulty
137 Posted 29/05/2016 at 02:14:22
I am just about to catch a flight back to the UK after two weeks in the US, so I have been a little too busy to keep in touch with everything that has (or hasn't) been going on. The wait must be driving people nuts.

I agree that the next ten days are key; leave it any later and the new man's targets may be committed elsewhere. I get the impression this is all being handled a bit more professionally now under the changing regime. It would be nice to feel confident (unlike last season) of winning games we should win rather than wondering what on earth is going to be doled out in any given game. Apart from the Chelsea win, the last five months have been complete crap.

Dick Fearon
138 Posted 29/05/2016 at 04:01:04
Just had one of those vision thingys.
Its derby day and in the gobshites tech area Klippety is doing his leaping screaming routine while Simeone in the Blue area is bounding about like a mad man.

That spectacle alone would be worth the entrance fee.

Shaun Traynor
139 Posted 29/05/2016 at 04:42:50
Sky sports website hinting at a Simeone exit after the CL defeat...

Could it be that this is what the silence has been all about...

Ambition, statement, dreaming...

Mike Allison
140 Posted 29/05/2016 at 04:49:35
Raymond last season Everton played some of the best football I've ever seen. I was up out of my seat clapping like a lunatic in an empty room at times. The problem was not that the players weren't good enough, it's that they did it for 20 minutes or so then failed to win the game.

By the end of the season they were unfit, disorganised and demotivated, completely (rightly) disillusioned with a stubborn, amateurish management team who wouldn't accept the importance of some key areas of the game.

Meanwhile, Leicester City won the league captained by Championship stalwart Wes Morgan, with a team containing Man United cast-offs Danny Drinkwater and Danny Simpson, Chelsea cast-off Robert Huth, a non-league player in Jamie Vardy and some highly obscure foreign players no-one had really heard of. I don't think Ranieri signed any of them.

So yes, frankly I think if I were put in charge we'd have a decent chance of getting much, much better, so if we appoint the right high-level coach who can inspire and motivate the players, and instil that belief and winning mentality, then we have an awful lot of good raw material to work with.

Mike Allison
141 Posted 29/05/2016 at 04:52:38
I missed out Aston Villa cast-off Marc Albrighton.
Bob Butchard
142 Posted 29/05/2016 at 05:42:06
Dear Mr Morishi, I watched my first game at Goodison from the Boys Pen in 1950, Peter Farrell, Tommy Eglington, Ted Sagar standouts in a team of ELEVEN players at the School of Science.

I emigrated to Oz in 1965 and returned last year to commemorate the 50th anniversary with two of my Evertonian sons. We were fortunate enough to be at the Burnley and Man Utd matches in April and loved every minute of the two wins. Unfortunately the stadium looked locked in time.

I'm 76 now. I would love to celebrate my 80th birthday at the new stadium on the Mersey with a world class manager and revitalised team to match. Please be bold in your vision for our future and make an old man happy.

Phil Walling
143 Posted 29/05/2016 at 05:49:44
Hot top. Get your money on Steve Bruce.

He' s going to Aston Villa.

Anto Byrne
144 Posted 29/05/2016 at 06:21:10
Dear Bob Butchard,

I would love to hear more of your early memories watching Everton from 1950 to 1965. Those players, the era, going to the match, the humour, the derby games, traveling to away games, the football played, your favourite player in those days.

My first game was in 1965 and I went to every game home and away in the seventies before coming down under in 1981.

I was lucky enough to see the great team of the late 60s – Ball, Kendall, Harvey et al. I suffered thru the seventies with a team that tried hard but never delivered. The mob across the park were always that more professional in everything they did.

Didn't see a lot of them during the eighties and nineties, although I got to the 1984 FA Cup Final.

Peter Barry
145 Posted 29/05/2016 at 06:44:27
The Board are just waiting for the time when there is nobody available except Dire, Dour, Defensive, Depressing,Deceitful Davey who will be re-installed as they plead "we had to there was no-one else left"
Ged Simpson
146 Posted 29/05/2016 at 07:18:25
It will be Simeone.

Peter B... look at the sunny day and shake the Moyes out of your head. Not happening mate... and you know it!

Paul Conway
147 Posted 29/05/2016 at 07:44:24
Personally, the wait is exciting and reminds me of waiting for Christmas when I was a kid.

The only equivalent of being told that Santa doesn't exist would be if we reappointed Moyes, with Phil Neville as his assistant!

Ian Cowhig
148 Posted 29/05/2016 at 07:50:55
Does everyone believe that the Lucy Meecock Facebook 'I know who the new manager is going to be' is bull.
If true it would suggest that we have to wait to announce them. Which could mean Simeone.
Derek Thomas
149 Posted 29/05/2016 at 08:20:02
If the Simeone thing ends up as false, then can we at least poach the guy who sets up Atletico's training regime.
Ian Robert
150 Posted 29/05/2016 at 08:38:06
Phil #97... how strange, you are saying that this guy buys 49% of the club to be the majority shareholder. But he has no responsibility??? I would think he has the last word on everything...even if it's a "nah cant be arsed guys...you decide". That's still his decision.

You clearly have no understanding of business if you think that is why he bought under 50%.

As for the stadium...not sure the club have said anything about building on the docks? I think that rumour belongs to the steward on the second exit of the lower bullens.

Ian Cowhig
151 Posted 29/05/2016 at 09:06:30
Comment from Simeone after final last night.

"Do I have to continue with Atletico or is it the end of a cycle? I have to think about that," Simeone told reporters.
Maybe there was a reason for the wait.
The thread said something about the best managers all being in the North West. So Mourhino, Guardiola, Klopp and .........

Phil Martin
152 Posted 29/05/2016 at 09:09:25
Ian,

It was all said with tongue firmly in cheek. But thanks for the feedback anyway... And by the way I run three businesses.

Dave Abrahams
153 Posted 29/05/2016 at 09:14:45
Peter (145) I hope Dour Dave has plenty of patience, it will be a long time before he gets the Everton job.
Bob Cumiskey
154 Posted 29/05/2016 at 09:28:50
I think EFC are conducting their affairs very well in this regard and I am very confident of the right appointment being made.

I thought that appointing Simeone would be well out of reach but I am now starting to be more optimistic in thinking that it may happen.

If Simeone wants to compete with the best, he needs to look no further than the NW of England.

Guardiola, Mourinho. Klopp and Simeone could all be managing clubs within a 40 mile radius of each other come August. What a management line-up this would be.

One of Simeone, FDB or Pellegrini will be a very worthy appointment in my opinion. COYBB!

Len Hawkins
155 Posted 29/05/2016 at 09:29:38
Isn't it Ancelotti at Bayern not Hiddink?

Todays football chat says EFC are getting Pellegrini's references.
One of the young office staff has flown to Chile to try and track down his old headmaster or one of his teachers.

Tony Abrahams
156 Posted 29/05/2016 at 10:07:45
Mike 133, good plan? We played the first half at Wembley against United, like it was a pre-season friendly. Unlucky in the end, maybe the football equivalent of "Rope-A-Dope" isn't such a bad idea after all?
John Crawley
157 Posted 29/05/2016 at 10:30:05
I'm not worried at the moment, we're in a great position. The Premier League is arguably the best place to manage and we are the only big name without a manager. Our competition in this is zero.


I'm pretty sure we are going all out for Emery, if that doesn't come off I'd imagine it would be Pelligrini. I'm sure it'll be resolved within the next seven days. This is being done in a professional way, unlike Kenwrights appointment of Martinez.

Colin Glassar
158 Posted 29/05/2016 at 10:35:27
I agree john, although I feel a bit sorry for FDB. I mean, what more does he have to do? Stand outside Goodison with a sandwich board begging for a chance?
Tony Marsh
159 Posted 29/05/2016 at 10:54:39
It's not a good idea to go this long without a manager at such a crucial time of the year. We are treading water again. How do any of us know that Moshiri has been or is calling the shots?

The so-called waterfront stadium has me baffled. I spent half a day last week around the pier head, Princess and Trafalgar Dock area, and there is no space for a new ground unless newly built apartments and office blocks get pulled down?

Everything at our club is still a mess, it appears...

Mark Ryan
160 Posted 29/05/2016 at 11:08:01
Simeone is considering his future. Perhaps I need a change he says.
Paul Thompson
161 Posted 29/05/2016 at 11:11:12
This 'when will we appoint a new manager' debate is certainly more entertaining than its forerunner – 'when are we going to sack Martinez?' There is a fine line between dreams and delusions (Simeone anyone?).

Ultimately, there can only be two reasons for the time it is taking (other than the obvious fact we had no-one lined up): we are waiting for a favoured candidate to make up their mind) or we are interviewing a range of candidates. I hope it's the latter as it signifies serious intent.

Waiting for Godot or Koeman is more of a risk. Either way, as Lyndon says, a little more patience is required (as long as it's not Moyes or Unsworth!).

Sean Kelly
162 Posted 29/05/2016 at 11:14:52
Colin maybe that's what Bill wants. FDB begging for the job and does it on a giro. Suits Bill.
Colin Malone
163 Posted 29/05/2016 at 11:26:22
We get Moshiri to get into his old mates at Arsenal, to put to the media that Arsenal are giving Wenger another 4-year deal. As you know, the press will print anything that's not true. Then Koeman is our man.

Proof. Unsy for manager. Don't make me fucking laugh. I'd give a bit of leeway to Sheedy but not Unsworth. FFS.

Tom Bowers
164 Posted 29/05/2016 at 11:35:32
The club is saying nothing and so it could be anybody on the right terms, Pellegrini, De Boer, Emery, Koeman, Ken Dodd, Donald Trump who knows?

Seriously it is very enlightening to read all the speculation but we would all like it to be sooner than later if only to move on to the speculation about which players are getting signed and which are being let go.

The players agents will all be wanting to cash in again this Summer and so little snippets from them will cause big speculation for many players possible movements. This, with all the Euro games makes it an exciting time for us footie fans.

Kim Vivian
165 Posted 29/05/2016 at 11:41:40
Simeone questions future with Atlético....

Fuckin' get in there, Everton.

Peter Keefe
166 Posted 29/05/2016 at 11:43:15
I posted on another thread but will repeat it on this one. Quote from Simeone in the Guardian (so it must be true-ahem..!!)

“Simeone, who has won every major trophy with Atlético in his four and a half years in charge apart from the Champions League, cast his future at the club into doubt when asked if he had thought about resigning.

“Do I have to continue with Atlético or is it the end of a cycle? I have to think about that,” Simeone told a news conference."

Come on folks, fingers and toes crossed.

Clive Lewis
167 Posted 29/05/2016 at 11:54:11
It does take time... however, we need a couple of strikers, a couple of defenders, a replacement for Barry and a few others. If left until the start of the Euros, it will be a possibility of waiting until July.

We are starting to look at the possibility of not having any strikers and centre backs by the start of the season if Stones and Lukaku go, which is looking likely.

Si Turner
168 Posted 29/05/2016 at 12:05:03
It is deluded to think Simeone is going to leave a champions league finalist who are established in the CL year on year to gamble with Everton who are not in Europe and would take minimum of 2 years to get them ready for a top 4 challenge.

I would love him at the club but his recent comments do not mean he would come here.

I would make Koeman one of the highest paid in the PL to leave Soton and promise him funds to build around our best stars who we will refuse to sell unless silly money is offered.

Jay Wood
169 Posted 29/05/2016 at 12:20:04
Si @ 168

Why deluded?

See my post @ 62 in this thread which offers a counter to your claim.

Iain Johnston
170 Posted 29/05/2016 at 12:20:09
I still believe Simeone wants the Inter job, he's already expressed an interest in returning there...

If he is seriously considering his future we must speak to him. Moshiri is known as a former shareholder of Arsenal, a club held in high regard across Europe. It won't be an unknown & skint theatre owner doing the negotiating.

We can't ignore Mancini either.

Damian Wilde
171 Posted 29/05/2016 at 12:24:56
Richard Dodd... is he real?

As for Simeone; he's at a club that under him have won the league, cup, Europa League, Uefa Super Cup, twice CL runners up. Why on earth would he come to us? And please don't bore me with the 'war chest' argument.

Patrick Murphy
172 Posted 29/05/2016 at 12:31:16
Perhaps it is deluded of some Evertonians to believe that Everton FC could attract the calibre of manager that the fans would want to see in charge of first team affairs at Goodison Park, however, I think many of us realise that if we don't make that leap this summer, then it might never happen.

Make no mistake this is possibly Everton's last real opportunity to break into the elite group of English clubs and if the board don't try and get the best manager available or tempt a manager who is with another club, we will be stuck as a middling club for a very long time.

We've tried the build on a steady as she goes approach and watched how our progress was stunted by lack of funds, cautious and reckless management, by unproven managers of potential.

We may never ever gain what we all desire but we have to hope that the club bring in a manager who has the desire to win trophies and one who has experienced winning regularly during his career. Who that turns out to be nobody yet knows but we have to hope that person can deliver what we all want to see, a team that properly challenges at the top end of the table and not one that languishes in mid-table and thinks that seventh or eighth is the best it can achieve.


Brian Harrison
173 Posted 29/05/2016 at 12:33:54
As much as I would love Simeone I don't think that will happen. I was listening to a Spanish Journalist before the final and he didnt think Simeone would leave this group of players. He also said that Athletico are moving to a new stadium in 2 years and he believed that was another reason Simeone wouldn't move.

My choice has always been Koeman and despite the claims in the media last week that he was about to sign another 2 year deal, the fact he still hasnt signed still gives me hope we will get him. I think if FDB was the choice he would be here, not convinced about Pellegrini had zillions to spend at City. His best players Aguero and Silva were bought by Mancini and some of his signings were bang average. So what would he achieve on a smaller budjet than he had with City. Yes of course he wants to stay in the Premiership thats where the money is and Everton suits as he wouldnt have to change his or his wifes lifestyle or home.

Aidy Dews
174 Posted 29/05/2016 at 12:39:37
Rob Dolbey #14, that's the most common sense I've seen an Evertonian talk on the manager front for a long time! Most Evertonians are throwing names round like, for example, Mourinho before he went to Man Utd, and today I've seen Simeone because he says he needs to reflect on things at Atletico Madrid after another defeat in the Champions League final and yet these types of manager are currently out of our league!

By all means aim high but be realistic! The point you make about City and when Sheik Mansour took over and at that point had to go with Hughes is a very good and valid one imo. I agree, I think we're in the same position but Tbf, there is better options out there who are available that I'm sure we could go for. You only have to look at both De Boer & Pellegrini who won't have clubs by next week and you'd think either one of those will be keen and good enough to take us on and improve us.

But going back to being patient etc, upon Mr Moshiri investing into the club, I'm sure he'll of had a manager in mind that he would like to lead his team if he ever took over a club and the Martinez sacking was always going to happen regardless imo so, if he did have a manager in mind, then he should be pulling out all the stops to get them in and if we can't, then we go to Plan B.

By the end of next week it'll of been 3 weeks since Martinez was sacked and we'll be going into a fourth week without a manager and personally I think a month is more than enough time to have managers in mind, approach them, talk to them and find out what you can, whittle it down to 2-3 of the best and go with the preferred one but know in the back of your mind you have one or two others you could go to and know you'd have confidence and trust in them to lead the club.

The longer we go on with not making an appointment leads me to believe we're waiting on developments between a manager and their club before we make our move, maybe Koeman or Emery perhaps?! Or someone else even (Mancini maybe?)?!

At least if that is the case then we have spoken to Pellegrini and De Boer's agent and they could be plan B, our fall back option you could say.

Preferably I'd like something to be sorted out by the end of next week. I want a manager in and ready to go. Give them plenty of time to get their staff in, get preparations in order ahead of pre season, start looking and acting on transfer targets and get the right people cracked on with all that early and get it all in place ready to hit the ground running ahead of the new season.

Matt Traynor
175 Posted 29/05/2016 at 12:41:35
Iain Johnstone #170 "It won't be an unknown & skint theatre owner doing the negotiating."

BK is no longer skint thanks to his recent divestment... far from it.

Rian Magee
176 Posted 29/05/2016 at 12:51:28
Totally agree that patience is needed. Aye, I am, just like every other Evertonian dying to get the new man appointed but I'd rather it wasn't just a rush decision (like the purchase of Niasse seemed to be). We need to make sure the new manager has the know how, experience and ambition to do whats right for the club and take us forward, back again to elite stature.

As for the 'silence' from the club. I welcome it, to me it shows nothing but professionalism. What's the alternative? – have our club acting like a gossiping newspaper,spewing rumours about potential candidate that are either still under contract or still connected with other clubs?

It's difficult I know, but patience is needed, as an Irishman no better phrase comes to mind than 'good things come to those who wait'... speaking of which, I've waited long enough for a pint!! Enjoy your weekends, friends!

Dave Lawley
177 Posted 29/05/2016 at 12:55:12
I see Simeone is considering his future... all the 'top' jobs with Champions League teams are taken. I wonder if he fancies a go in the Premier League at a fallen giant with money to burn....
Jay Wood
178 Posted 29/05/2016 at 12:59:17
Raymond @ 136...

I told you when a few weeks ago you declared you were "outta here and done with Everton", "good luck with that! If only it was that easy!"

Just to bring you up to speed, the manager you so avidly defended is history. The players you claimed were exempt from any blame from supporters attacking RM continued - and continue - to get dog's abuse during and after every game and now in the close season.

Many of the players you deride 'did it' for RM in his first season, so the ability you seemingly claim they lack is clearly there.

Changing the manager from one who:

* was more concerned with performances than results
* declared his teams are not and will never be set up to not concede goals
* paid little or no attention to dead ball situations, offensively or defensively
* regularly blew smoke up the players' arses, bigging them up rather than holding them to account and correcting their errors
* believed ball work was all that was necessary to maintain fitness levels ...

... for a manager who:

* is results driven
* prioritizes not conceding goals
* drills and prepares the team in dead ball plays
* holds players to account and corrects their errors
* has a fitness regime that ensures the players last the full 90 minutes of the game and over a full season

Then my guess is not only will we see a marked improvement in individual player performances who you denigrate, but the team as a whole also. Furthermore, the players will be hugely relieved to be under the guidance of a manager who gives them such structure.

Ian Robert
179 Posted 29/05/2016 at 13:24:07
Hibbo for me guys!
Andy Walker
180 Posted 29/05/2016 at 13:49:04
A call to be patient after only just over a couple of weeks since the last manager was sacked, good grief. If it was 6 weeks then maybe, although they can take a couple of months as far as I'm concerned if it means getting the right man.

We have a new man in place who's going to make the decision, but it will take time to get the right man. Making informed, evidence based decisions takes time, particularly when it comes to recruitment.

As for issuing statements about what's going on, what do those who want a statement think it should state? The name of our number 1 target perhaps? But what happens if we don't get him having issued a statement?

We all know what the club's doing at the moment, so what's the big deal in wanting a PR statement saying 'the club is actively engaged in establishing a high quality short list of managers and interviewing prospective candidates?

Colin Glassar
181 Posted 29/05/2016 at 14:27:04
Andy, I get BK's dying to get in front of a tv camera and tell the world who's on our short list.
Tony Dunn
182 Posted 29/05/2016 at 14:30:30
Rhino or Simeone for me or both. Diego wants a new challenge after last night ,resurrect our sleeping giant with a new waterfront iconic stadium and go head to head with pep,mourihno and the German touchline performance artist .
Jackie Barry
183 Posted 29/05/2016 at 14:31:19
BK delaying so the only option we have is davey boy. Lol
Si Turner
184 Posted 29/05/2016 at 14:43:08
Jay @ 169

Your counter argument is flawed because of 2 key facts:

1- Rafa got sacked from Real Madrid and didnt chose to leave Madrid to move to Newcastle. He chose the toon as a free agent.

2- Rafa had Real Madrid performing poorly with a clear fan revolt whereas Simeone is adored by Athletico fans and is overperforming with the squad he has.

I don't blame fans for wanting the best but getting carried away on the back of one sentence of an interview where Simeone had just lost the most important trophy in club football on pens is in my view deluded...

Kieran Kinsella
185 Posted 29/05/2016 at 14:46:04
Daily Mail saying Everton view Pelligrini as a boring doormat but are doing background checks to see if there's more to him than meets the eye.
Andy Walker
186 Posted 29/05/2016 at 14:46:19
Ha ha Colin, that's a whole different story! Mosh reigning him in maybe. I, like you, am enjoying the anticipation of a top manager being appointed. Hope hope hope.
Phil Walling
187 Posted 29/05/2016 at 14:46:50
Good to see both Doddy and Tony Marsh back in the Forum.

Perhaps a sign that the spectre of David Moyes continues to hang over Everton FC!

Dave Abrahams
188 Posted 29/05/2016 at 14:47:48
Bob Butchard (142), whatever game you saw in 1950 I also saw it,. Alongside Peter Farrell, Ted Sager and Tommy Eglington you also saw, more than likely, TG Jones, Wally Fielding and Eddie Wainwright who were also very good players.

I hope you get your wish to see Everton play on the banks of the Mersey in a few years time. Until then, good luck and good health and I hope I see the same game as you.

Tony Draper
189 Posted 29/05/2016 at 14:56:09
17 days elapsed and still we haven't appointed "Davey Darko" aka "Dearth Moyes" (the dark side of the farce) for me that's a good 17 days, very good indeed.
Ray Said
190 Posted 29/05/2016 at 15:37:23
I know it is testing patience but having a list, checking it twice, doing background prior to employment checks smacks of a level or professionalism with recruitment that has been sorely missed at the club for over 20 years. Let's hope after this we get the best result.
Andy Walker
191 Posted 29/05/2016 at 16:16:03
Yes Kieran, they are asking insiders at City for feedback on him and go on to report we want to check if he will sort out our senior pros, who Martinez pissed off with his unending positivity.

Looks like Pellegrini may be the man then. Certainly seems to be a front runner.

I'd prefer him to a manager with no EPL experience. Koeman would be preferable to Pellegrini for me, but appears he's out of the race.

Jay Wood
192 Posted 29/05/2016 at 16:28:24
Si @ 184.

Totally failed in your rebuttal there, I'm afraid Si.

Whether Benetiz was sacked or not, a free agent or not, adored by Real fans or not, is not cogent to the fact that a high profile manager on his own free will joined Newcastle United, a club in far greater disarray then Everton.

This single example totally undermines your (and others) claims that such a manager would never consider an approach by Everton.

Danny O'Neill
193 Posted 29/05/2016 at 17:21:40
A few observations:

Andy Walker; acknowledging its a preference thing, I don't buy the Premier League experience thing as being vital (hate the term EPL). Mourinho had no "EPL" experience until he went to Chelsea, Koeman until he went to Southampton, Pellegrini until he went to Man City, Klopp until he went to Liverpool, Pochettino until he went to Southampton, Mancini until he went to Man City, etc etc etc. Personally I think its irrelevant. Some of those successful, some still to win but lets be fair, all top managers and coaches who if we were offered tomorrow (forgetting any baggage) would take. Get the right man regardless and we shouldn't be condescending to other leagues.

Simone: why not ask the question? He can only say no.

If we go for someone like De Boer then we have to accept we're bringing in a developing manager who could succeed but will need a period of time, therefore patience. Expect perhaps a first season "bounce", second season slump and then must deliver in the 3rd season; Roberto didn't and paid the price.

If we go for a more proven and experienced then (e.g. Pellegrini) the expectation to deliver success earlier increases.

De Boer for me still as it feels right, but success won't be immediate, however when is that ever guaranteed?

Richard Leeming-McHale
194 Posted 29/05/2016 at 17:34:17
Totally agree with most here, but the suspense is bloody killing me!
Colin Glassar
195 Posted 29/05/2016 at 17:35:07
Let's just say I like all the foreign managers named so far. I cannot, however, say the same for any of the British managers linked with us (Howe is a good manager but too green IMO) and one in particular gives me the willies.
Danny O'Neill
196 Posted 29/05/2016 at 17:47:10
With you Colin. We absolutely cannot go British. Our game is in need of upheaval from the grass roots; we are a generation behind and our coaching techniques and subsequent standard of our so called top draw coaches reflect this.
Ian Robert
197 Posted 29/05/2016 at 18:23:14
Im convinced Bill will make the right choice in selecting a new manager.
Tony Draper
198 Posted 29/05/2016 at 18:31:09
Colin, your closing comment in posting #195?
Dear god man, that has created the most revolting images!

I understand precisely what you meant, but bloody hell man!

Ian @197.

The nurse will be along soon with your medication. Carry on with your colouring in.

Ian Robert
199 Posted 29/05/2016 at 18:38:22
I will Tony...cheers. You carry on with your homosexual fantasies mate.

I should point out there is nothing wrong with homosexuality.

Also TW is not responsible for any comments on this forum.

Ray Roche
200 Posted 29/05/2016 at 18:46:17
I feel I must come to Colin's aid here, Colin is not gay.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
But his boyfriend is.:-)
Ian Robert
202 Posted 29/05/2016 at 18:49:45
Good to know Ray. By the way ...did you just publicly "out" someone there???

PS Tony...only joking mate :)

Ian Riley
203 Posted 29/05/2016 at 18:51:56
I feel an announcement will be made next week. Mr Kenwright will announce Moyes is coming home. Just got a feeling it's going to happen! In Moyes's defence he will have serious money to spend. We will be defending better and he knows the players.

Let's give him a chance!

Mark Fitzgerald
204 Posted 29/05/2016 at 18:52:59
It's so refreshing to hear the club being linked with an array of big name managers. Happy for them to take as much time as necessary to make the correct appointment.

With so much optimism around the club at the moment with talk of a new stadium, significant finances, etc. it would be some statement of intent if we could shock the establishment by announcing the likes of Simeone.

Ray Roche
205 Posted 29/05/2016 at 18:56:15
No, Ian, hot and sunny, red wine, posted a joke at Colin's expense. At least, I THINK it's a joke....
Dennis Ng
206 Posted 29/05/2016 at 18:57:42
Danny 193, I like the spirit. Ask Simeone too. Only downside is that the fans will have to wait longer (can't see him being uncomfortable at Atletico) and that will make us want Lyndon to do a tactical analysis piece on him too LOL
Ian Robert
207 Posted 29/05/2016 at 19:05:24
Ray ...put the bottle down mate...walk away.... get some coffee mate :)
Colin Glassar
208 Posted 29/05/2016 at 19:10:44
Joke, at my expense, accepted guys. The idea of a ginger return scares the crap out of me.
Dennis Ng
209 Posted 29/05/2016 at 19:13:43
Colin, you might find some help warding against that ginger:

Oh, that ginger...

I think Moshiri changed all the locks when he bought the place so not much to worry there...

Andy Walker
210 Posted 29/05/2016 at 20:06:34
Danny, of course managers with no EPL experience may turn out to be great, but it's a greater risk, or to put it another way, more of a gamble. I just think we need to stack the odds in our favour. There's no guarantee with any appointment, but one that's previously proven to be successful in the EPL, so knows what it takes, with all the contacts and knowledge of what type of players are likely to fit into the English game, is a pretty big positive for me.

You mention a few managers that have been a success, but there's a much longer list of untried (in terms of EPL) foreign managers coming into our league and failing badly.

I don't think we have the resources like other clubs to gamble as much. Let's face it Chelsea or Liverpool can afford to fuck up a managerial appointment. I think we have one good shot to get this right so that Mosh can spend his money supporting his successful appointment, as opposed to wasting a pile on bad player signings, compo for paying off a bad managerial appointment and then getting in yet another manager who clears out the old manager's players and wants a new cheque book as well.

Damian Wilde
211 Posted 29/05/2016 at 20:55:02
Ian, you're joking, yeah?
James Flynn
212 Posted 29/05/2016 at 21:29:24
Danny (193) - "Simone: why not ask the question? He can only say no."

This.

The answer is NO 100% of the times you don't even bother to ask.

Ask him and let's see.

Tony Draper
213 Posted 29/05/2016 at 21:35:36
Ian @202.
LOL. Not a hint of a problem mate.

I hand out plenty, so I have to have the nuts to accept plenty.
But I love a laugh anyway, have too, I'm a Blue !
Take Care.

Ian Robert
214 Posted 29/05/2016 at 21:40:25
Love it Tony :)
Raymond Fox
215 Posted 29/05/2016 at 21:41:42
Mike 140 and Jay 178, Roberto had to go because the majority of fans had turned against him which is fair enough given the form of the team in the second half of the season. Managers at the end of the day live or die on results, it goes as we all know with the territory.

Whatever the merits of Martinez I believe that as a whole the team as individuals were found wanting, they performed very well in some games but could not sustain that level over an extended period. What we lacked most was a creative midfielder that could link the play from back to front, that is a priority for this coming season also.

If Lukaku and Stones leave as seems extremely likely the new manager is going to have recruit approx. 10 new players in my opinion, it remains to be seen if we can attract players of sufficient quality to give us some much needed success, I have my doubts.

We do have a number of younger players though that look like they could step up to the first team if given a chance this season, it depends if the new manager is brave enough, that's one area where Martinez could not be faulted given the risk involved.

It will be very interesting to see what this season brings, but I for one as I said before will not be expecting any wonderful transformation of our fortunes, hoping yes, expecting no.

Danny O'Neill
216 Posted 29/05/2016 at 21:48:11
But Andy, if we're going to change our game, we have to think different. We have a new majority share owner who is likely to become more influential; we are likely to have more resource.

To flip the argument; name me a recent manager with premier league experience who has achieved success... Ranieri aside; a freak that will never be repeated.

To me Premier League experience smacks of; Moyes, Allardyce, Hughes, Bruce, Pulis, Pardew... or dare I say it, Rogers, Lambert, Martinez. Please give me a name I'm missing that has Premier League experience and is a better fit than those being mentioned. I'm open to offers.

Danny O'Neill
217 Posted 29/05/2016 at 21:49:56
Okay James, let's never ask because we think we know the answer. You don't know the answer until you ask. And if it's not the answer you wanted, then at least you asked. I'd rather be jilted than wonder "What if?"
Clive Lewis
218 Posted 29/05/2016 at 21:50:21
Moshiri's list

" your not being the Ginger one are you."

Simeone
Emery
Mancini
Koeman
Pellegrini
Some ginger bloke seen running away from the press towards Manchester.

Just threw the last one in to make up the numbers and to wind up Alex Ferguson.

Kim Vivian
219 Posted 29/05/2016 at 21:52:28
Any of you dudes at Goodison tonight?
Kieran Kinsella
220 Posted 29/05/2016 at 22:06:34
Off topic but just watching MLS at the gym and Orlando City have a 20 year old midfielder who is supposed to be a hot prospect. His name is Harrison Heath and his Dad is called Inchy.
Andy Walker
221 Posted 29/05/2016 at 22:15:15
Danny, not sure where the qualification 'success' came into the equation, although Pellegrini, Rafa, Mancini, or Mourinho all meet this exceptional additional criteria. 2 are out of the frame now of course anyway.

My point is that if managers have EPL experience, a good track record (I think Koeman would fit this, playing style, built a team, exceeded expectations) and critically potential to develop further, that's less of a risk than appointing a manager that's never, worked, managed, or lived in this country (and of course neither would his family).

My point is about probability and stacking odds in our favour. It's not to say that a foreign manager who's never lived in the UK, maybe can't speak English very well, never managed in the EPL, couldn't make it work. I just think it's less likely than one that can tick all these boxes.

Phil Walling
222 Posted 29/05/2016 at 22:19:30
Now it's official. David Moyes is back at Goodison Park. Tonight !
Phil Walling
223 Posted 29/05/2016 at 22:23:19
Now Kenwright's snogging Bellew!
Colin Glassar
224 Posted 29/05/2016 at 22:25:58
Maybe he wants to fight Bellew, Phil.
Danny O'Neill
225 Posted 29/05/2016 at 22:26:10
Sorry Andy, the word success crept in. I mean experience. My point, and using your specific example of Koeman, is what Premier League experience did he have before Southampton in managing in the Premier League? And to my knowledge he'd never lived in the UK and whilst he can speak English, it's not his native language. Pochettino??? Arsne Wenger, even the great Sir Alex himself, never had experience of managing in the top flight of English football prior to taking on their respective clubs and leading them to success (yes I use success there!!). I just don't see it as a must have, you do. We differ in opinion.

Again, please give me an example of an experienced Premier League manager who you would choose over those who don't have that experience. Like I say, open to offers and to be countered in thought.

Kieran Kinsella
226 Posted 29/05/2016 at 22:30:42
Did he bring a knife?
Jay Harris
227 Posted 29/05/2016 at 22:31:40
Tony Bellew.

3rd round KO.

What a day Hamilton wins Monaco, Bellew wins the world title and we're in for Simeone (OK that one is wishful thinking).

Kieran Kinsella
228 Posted 29/05/2016 at 22:32:46
Seriously though, why the heck is he there? I've never heard that he's a big boxing fan and he has nothing to do with the city of Liverpool or Everton FC. What a snake in the grass trying to slither his way back in. Shameless. Utterly disgusting
Robert Elliott
229 Posted 29/05/2016 at 22:33:01
Can't someone just mention to Bellew that there's a ginger fella with a blue suit on in the front row eyeing up his missus?! That should sort it!
Geoff Williams
230 Posted 29/05/2016 at 22:33:23
Tony Bellew for manager. A true BLUE!!!
Phil Walling
231 Posted 29/05/2016 at 22:35:47
All we can hope for, Jay, is that this time round the Board are blessed with the wisdom to make the right decision.
Tom Bowers
232 Posted 29/05/2016 at 22:36:04
More excitement at Goodison in one night than most of the Everton games this season. Well done, Tony!
Andy Walker
233 Posted 29/05/2016 at 22:36:19
I agree with you Danny, it's not a must have. There will always be managers who come from overseas that are great successes. We just don't know who they are until they come into the EPL and try their hand.

I'd rather we appoint a manager that's passed this test, rather than serving their EPL apprentiship with us. I think that's where are opinions differ a bit.

Whatever happens, I think it's pretty clear that this appointment is going to be much more professional that the absolutely disgraceful appointment of the last man, a manager that had just relegated his last team. I still am staggered by that.

Danny O'Neill
234 Posted 29/05/2016 at 22:36:38
What a night for Tony and what a way to do it. Get in!!
Nick Entwistle
235 Posted 29/05/2016 at 22:40:10
Kieran. google image David Moyes Boxing and you'll see why he is. But seriously, nothing to do with the city of Liverpool?
Danny O'Neill
236 Posted 29/05/2016 at 22:49:33
Sorry Andy but you keep saying coming from overseas and lack of experience in the English Premier League? What relevance does that have in the modern game? So Pep Guipiaola fails the test?

You're still avoiding the subject; who are the experienced English Premier League managers who meet your criteria?

Kieran Kinsella
237 Posted 29/05/2016 at 22:52:23
Nick

He has no business being there. They should have him arrested if he steps foot in Goodison. You can't just come waltzing in. Tonight should be about boxing but now it's ruined and Tony's success overshadowed by the selfish actions of Moyes.

Brent Stephens
238 Posted 29/05/2016 at 23:02:37
Now we're going to stop people attending a public event?!
Nick Entwistle
239 Posted 29/05/2016 at 23:06:02
The only people who had business being there were the boxers. And though they came in to music, I didn't see a waltz all evening.
Kim Vivian
240 Posted 29/05/2016 at 23:16:14
Fucking hell - all this anti Moyes obsession is getting boring.
Bob Butchard
241 Posted 29/05/2016 at 23:19:20
Thanks for the interest Anto (144). Early impressions that stuck with me are Tommy Jones standing tall at the centre of the defence, seeing off all the great centre forwards of the times. Wally Fielding's trickery, Cyril Lello solid as a rock and Peter Farrell rotund and robust running the middle of the park.

I remember Eddie Wainwright and Tommy Eglington weaving down the wings, John Willie Parker gave a touch of elegance to goalscoring and then the standout came along! Davie Hickson! What a player! King of the kids.

I only wish the kids today got the joy that we got following our heroes.

Damian Wilde
242 Posted 29/05/2016 at 23:29:56
Did he knock Moyes out?
Kieran Kinsella
243 Posted 29/05/2016 at 23:33:53
Brent

Yes you can stop trouble makers attending an event on account of crowd incitement.

Jay Wood
244 Posted 29/05/2016 at 23:49:57
Kieran Kinsella ...

Seriously, Kieran ...?

Get a grip, man.

Bob Parrington
245 Posted 29/05/2016 at 23:50:42
Sir Alex as 12 month caretaker??? Moyes primed to succeed him (at Sir Alex's insistence), followed by VG and then we get our man, Jose, after Manure win the treble and he needs a new challenge! It's only a 2 to 3 year wait. Be patient guys and gals. :-)

Paul Kossoff
246 Posted 30/05/2016 at 01:51:02
Lyndon, 'there's a fair bit of restlessness creeping into the collective Evertonian psyche.'

Well it looks like that is well founded with the 'special guest', in Kenwright's box none other than OFFM, David Moyes, at last night's fight.

I suggested you send an open letter urgently to Kenwright telling him of the unrest from Everton fans at the thought of a Moyes return, well I think that open letter would now fall on deaf ears.

Kieran Kinsella
247 Posted 30/05/2016 at 02:14:13
Jay

I just figured a night in the nick would make Moyes think twice about coming to Everton again

Mick Davies
248 Posted 30/05/2016 at 02:32:42
Kim @ 240, "Fucking hell - all this anti Moyes obsession is getting boring."

Not as boring as our football if that twat comes back. It just goes to prove that Kenwright knew all along where that snidey Scot was going, while we only found out near the end: otherwise, why would he entertain a 'man' who did the dirty on him?

Bollocks to Kenshite – the sooner he leaves our club with his millions of pounds profit, the happier I will be....

Laurie Hartley
249 Posted 30/05/2016 at 03:27:02
Danny - here is a name for you - Arsene Wenger.

What a manager.

Danny O'Neill
250 Posted 30/05/2016 at 07:19:39
Good shout Laurie. No English Premier League experience until Arsenal appointed him.

Subtle difference between the "best" league and the league that pays the best; of course Sky and their cronies will state it's the best. 4 European titles in 24 since the creation of the Premier League hardly suggests European dominance (unlike the 8 in 7 years that the English league achieved in the late 70s/early 80s).

My point is we shouldn't limit our options by imposing the "must have English Premier League experience" criteria. For me, it's not even a nice to have, let alone must have. I'm sure Pep, Klopp before him and Arsne at the time were quaking in their boots at never having managed in the most self-glorified league in the world.

Mike Allison
251 Posted 30/05/2016 at 10:55:53
Raymond I'm not sure 'as a whole the team as individuals' can be allowed past without comment! We're getting confused between commenting on the players individually and the team as a whole.

Yes, the individuals were poor towards the end of the season, but my point is that it wasn't because they're not good enough – it's because they weren't playing as well as they can.

I say that the players are good enough (I'd argue they have the potential to be quite a lot better than Leicester's) but that they were badly managed for a long time and so played a long way below their potential.

If we get a high level manager in, they'll improve massively in quite a short space of time. We had top four players and a mid-table team, Leicester had relegation zone players and a title winning team. The difference is coaching, management and all the things that come with that (fitness, tactics, team spirit, confidence etc.). That's why they have managers at all.

Damian Wilde
252 Posted 30/05/2016 at 11:11:39
Big Nev tweeted about Moyes at the fight: "Was Moyes there to see what attacking looks like?"
Damian Wilde
253 Posted 30/05/2016 at 11:13:07
The people who insist Moyes is to be appointed. If he was why hasn't he already? If he was it'd have been done by now. Chill out.
Andy Walker
254 Posted 30/05/2016 at 13:09:18
Danny 236, I'm not avoiding anything mate, never mentioned they needed to be English, just already tried and tested in the EPL. I gave you 4 such managers in post 221. Two are still available.
Alan J Thompson
255 Posted 30/05/2016 at 15:06:10
Not sure about Bellew as manager but there is a vacancy for a fitness trainer.
Danny O'Neill
256 Posted 30/05/2016 at 15:25:42
Andy, the point was I don't think Premier League experience is a necessity. If that were the case most of the most successful recent managers would never have been appointed by their respective clubs.
James Flynn
257 Posted 30/05/2016 at 15:33:33
Danny (217) - Was that at me? I was agreeing with you.

Danny O'Neill
258 Posted 30/05/2016 at 15:53:08
No James, I was agreeing with you agreeing with me! Just read back and my phrasing could have been better!
Tony Draper
259 Posted 30/05/2016 at 17:57:41
Despite our over active speculation, we really must exercise patience.

The club has said absolutely nothing, zero, fuckall.

Now as individuals, we can read into that what the bloody hell we like, but that gets not a single one of us closer to the truth, none. But what that amounts to is us "The Devout" acting like soothsayers, palm readers and water diviners. Guesswork, sheer guesswork.

So in place of the vacuum which we have, instead of solid information, allow me to offer (again) the open letter from Alisher Usmanov and Farhad Moshiri to the Arsenal Board of Directors (plus some other significant figures) in July 2012.

For me it's the most solid info that we have about the views of Farhad Moshiri and his motives. It's a bloody good read.

RED AND WHITE SECURITIES LIMITED

To: The Board of Directors of Arsenal Holdings Plc: Peter Hill-Wood, Ivan Gazidis, Ken Friar, Sir Chips Keswick, Lord Harris of Peckham, Stanley Kroenke

With copy to: David Miles, Mark Gonnella

5th July 2012

Re: Open Letter to the Board of Directors of Arsenal Holdings Plc (the "Club")

Dear Sirs,

In recent weeks a couple of separate actions have occurred, which have caused us, as a near 30% shareholder in the Club, to have serious concerns about the approach of the Board and the management team:

• Firstly, there were some very deliberate and public comments by Ivan Gazidis which were intended to leave the Club's supporters with an impression that Red & White is in some bitter stand-off with the Board over its desire for a Board seat and that our involvement on the Club's Board might cause conflict and "destabilize" the Club; and

• Secondly, OJSC MegaFon (Russia) received a cold call letter from Mr Gazidis requesting a meeting to discuss a possible international partnership deal including shirt sponsorship. MegaFon is one of the three largest mobile phone companies in Russia and also happens to be over 50% owned by Alisher Usmanov. Is this really the level of professionalism that is being applied to securing long-term commercial contracts?

Let us not forget that we have invested circa £200 million of cash in the equity of the Club. We are part of this Club and naturally want the best for it, but our investment is less important than the fact that we are loyal supporters and will never do anything that would destabilize or "create conflict" at the Club.

We do however believe that you, the Board, and the executive management team should focus your energies on the most efficient operation of the Club and desist from seeking to create a false enemy in Red & White. In our view it is clear that you are trying to distract attention from the more fundamental issues facing the Club, and which indeed many of the supporters discuss through social media sites and other forums on a regular basis. These are the financial model, the lack of investment and the Club's future strategic direction.

However, before addressing these points, it is important to deal with the issues surrounding a Board seat for Red & White once and for all. As you all know well, Mr Usmanov has never sought for himself a Board seat at the Club. Indeed Mr Usmanov does not hold any board seat in any of the companies where he is an investor. Since the purchase of our first share in the Club, we have not only steadfastly adhered to a policy of non-interference in the running of the Club, but have consistently supported the management and given no reason whatsoever to be accused of subversion or sabotage. The history of our voting in support of the Board at the annual general meetings is proof of this.

Indeed, in any conversation about conflict, it is clear from a look at the history of the Club in recent years that the Board has achieved conflict without the help of any outside parties, notably the acrimonious departures of David Dein, Keith Edelman, Lady Nina Bracewell-Smith and Richard Carr, who then reappeared on the Football Club Board. You also instituted a lock-down agreement originally to prevent Mr Kroenke from gaining control and then, later, to exclude our involvement even though there were no grounds or need to do so.

The real conflict seems to be between the supporters' expectations and your vision for the Club and at the heart of this is the policy of so-called self-financing. The self-financing model was created to suit the major shareholders at the time, all of whom subsequently sold their shares.

The previous decision by the Board to fund the building of the Emirates Stadium with long-term debt was, we believe, certainly not about self-financing. If it had been, it would have been funded through a mixture of debt and non-dividend equity. Instead it allowed, in our view, the major shareholders of the time, who happened to all be Board directors, to load the Club with a liability, to benefit from increased future revenue streams and consequent increase in the value of their holdings, whilst avoiding dilution of their equity. The Board of the time then appeared to pursue a policy of increasing ticket prices and squeezing the fans to cover the short term cost increases which allowed them to bridge until all of these shareholders and Board directors sold 100% of their holdings and cashed out at vast profits.

This policy does not seem to have changed. We have sought and been refused any meetings with Mr Kroenke despite the fact that we own almost 30% of the Club or to put another way almost 1 in every 3 seats in the stadium. It is clear that our stated policy for the major shareholders, namely Mr Kroenke and ourselves, to inject non-dividend paying equity into the Club by way of a rights issue to reduce the debt and invest in the future is of no interest to the Board. Mr Kroenke was sold a vision by the Board at the time that the Club could be successful without further investment, so he is pursuing a similar policy which is to run the Club without any investment and to avoid any dilution of his equity, a good part of which was funded by a loan from Deutsche Bank AG to KSE, UK, Inc. at the time of the mandatory offer. The status of that loan and whether it is still outstanding has not been clarified by Mr Kroenke.

As a consequence of this policy, which is dressed up as prudent financial planning, it is down to our manager, and not the shareholders, to have to deal with the Club's tight finances, carry the burden of repaying the stadium debt by selling his best players and having to continue to find cheaper replacements. All of that, naturally, comes at the expense of performance on the pitch.

This policy is leading to the loss of our best players, often to our main competitors, and even causes the players themselves to question their future at the Club and the Club's ambitions. The situation with our captain and outstanding performer from last season Robin van Persie sums this up. Yet again we are faced with losing our true marquee player at the Club because we cannot assure him of the future direction and give confidence that we can win trophies. Where are the safeguards to ensure that this doesn't happen again and again in the future? As a top Club we should, at the very least, match if not beat the offers that other clubs make to try and lure our very best players away, and also provide a more compelling vision of the future. You can try and put a good face on a bad game for as long as you want, pontificating about the merits of this model, but it will not hide the obvious fact that it just does not allow our great manager to fully realize his managerial talent and deliver success for the fans who are paying the highest prices in the land. It appears that a place in the Champions League will be the pinnacle of our ambition again next season. Unfortunately, in the future we may see this ambition lowered further. It doesn't help to turn a blind eye to the reality of the situation and keep thinking of ourselves as being in the same league as Real Madrid, Chelsea, Manchester City and Barcelona. To have a fighting chance of success, which means winning trophies, we need to match them in every aspect, including, if not first and foremost, financial.

So what is Red & White's vision for the Club? It is simple. A debt free Club, with a big enough war chest to buy top talent players who can hit the ground running and who can complement the Club's long tradition of developing young players and homegrown talent. Together they can help the Club win the most prestigious trophies - because it is the trophies which are the crowning achievement for everybody at the Club. The trophies are also key to the commercial success of the Club - they increase the value of the players, the value of the brand, attract the best sponsors and maximize the value of our commercial contracts which should in turn mean that the Club does not have to squeeze any more income from hard pressed fans. We also believe in the transparency that a stock market listing brings so are committed to the Club remaining listed on the stock exchange and to greater fan involvement both through share ownership and also Board representation for the fans.

Today we wish the majority shareholder Mr Kroenke every success in running the Club, even though we have deep reservations about the viability of the policies being pursued by his management team and sanctioned by the Board.

Finally and reflecting our long-term commitment to the Club, we will continue to purchase more shares in the Club from anyone who wants to sell them to us. Also in order to formalize our long-term involvement with the Club and put an end to any speculation over our position, we, as the co-owners of Red &White, will proudly retain our holding in the Club as a long-term investment for ourselves and our family members to benefit for generations to come. We want the absolute best for the Club and will do what is necessary to ensure the success of the Club that we all love.

Yours sincerely,

Alisher Usmanov

Farhad Moshiri

Damian Wilde
260 Posted 30/05/2016 at 18:19:18
Thanks, Tony. Liking his style! This guy could have real plans for Everton. I like it! COYB.
Dan Davies
261 Posted 30/05/2016 at 18:47:29
Now what manager to choose?
Damian Wilde
262 Posted 30/05/2016 at 18:50:50
Dan, I don't think we're choosing, more begging!
Simon Bates
263 Posted 01/06/2016 at 19:07:37
These are indeed serious guys.

Let's hope they turn out to be serious players in the Premier League.

Martin Mason
264 Posted 01/06/2016 at 20:15:18
Just read a beautiful quote from Southampton's owner. They see themselves as now being a non-selling club who are run well and are on the way up. Despite knowing of Everton's interest in Koemans they haven't even had a club meeting to discuss the issue and have no worries about losing their manager or any of their players to Everton. They won against all of the top six last season.

What a dig.


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