Now or never for Darron Gibson
Now 28 but with just 38 league starts in four-and-a-half years, Darron Gibson's new two-year deal represents his last chance to make his name at Everton.
As the final quarter of 2015-16 plumbed the proverbial depths and awful result followed awful result, many Evertonians felt the impulse after three years under Roberto Martinez to see the club just rip everything up and start again; to throw out everything to do with the Catalan's tenure and start again.
Obviously, that wouldn't have been a practical or wise solution — there is plenty of talent in the Everton ranks for new man Ronald Koeman to re-shape, re-energise, re-train and then improve with targeted additions in the summer transfer window. However, there was certainly a sense that, with Farhad Moshiri's financial muscle, the days of the club needing to keep its older, deader wood lying around was over.
This summer, there are more players than usual that might answer to that somewhat harsh but, nevertheless, realistic description. Leon Osman has just turned 35, Tony Hibbert passed that milestone in February and his treatment room companion Steven Pienaar is now 34. Like the 37-year-old Tim Howard and “perma-crock” Felipe Mattioni, all three were expected to leave the club this summer and, of course, they still might.
Joining that list of departing players was expected to be Darron Gibson whose contract was also up at the end of this month, so it came as a surprise to many today when Everton announced that the 28-year-old has penned a new two-year deal with the club.
On the face of it, it's a move that, from Everton's perspective, simultaneously seems to make plenty of sense and yet no sense at all. Just as he struggled for fitness at Old Trafford, Gibson has battled a succession of injuries throughout his time with the Blues. In four-plus years at Goodison Park he has made just a season's worth of Premier League starts, 38, and just 12 in all competitions since Martinez took the helm in 2013. He arrived with a decent reputation for scoring goals from outside the box but has just two to his name in Everton colours.
With his time with the Blues seemingly winding down, he was made available for loan in January alongside his compatriot Aiden McGeady but either couldn't find a willing suitor or wasn't interested in any of the offers that came his way.
Throw in his drunk-driving charge, and subsequent sentencing to a 12-month community order last year — reason enough for some to cut ties with him this summer — the fact that he was overlooked by Martin O'Neill for this month's European Championships and Tom Davies's breakthrough into the first team all the signs were that Gibson would be eased out the door this summer regardless of who was manager.
Certainly, he hasn't been regarded as a first-team option in the minds of supporters for a long while, simply because he hasn't ever been reliable in terms of his availability and there are many who felt that a fresh start and a focus on bringing through maturing youth players would make more sense
The frustrating thing about Gibson, however, is that he is a very good footballer when he is fit enough to play. Able to operate in a defensive or attacking role, he can mix combative midfield play with visionary passing and, as he displayed in a couple of recent performances in Martinez's struggling team, he was one of the few players committed to moving the ball forward.
In that sense, he will always offer something as a squad rotation player when he is fit and, in the event that the plan is to tie him down to a new contract so that the club can secure a fee for him to another interested club rather than lose him for nothing, then it could be a gamble worth taking. More so if he has been retained on similar or reduced wages with sort of some pay-as-you-component to his new deal.
If his comments after signing his contract extension, where he says he has turned down other offers to remain with Everton, are any indication then he appears committed to fighting for his place. At 28, he should be at the peak of his powers and could provide valuable competition for places in apart of the field where there will be plenty with James McCarthy, Gareth Barry, Muhamed Besic and Davies all in contention.
But — and it's a significant “but” — there will always be concern over whether he can stay fit. In that regard, he has certainly not had the luck of the Irish but it's now or never then for the Derry-born midfielder.

Reader Comments (56)
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2 Posted 09/06/2016 at 19:19:03
A season? He hasn't scored that many goal in his entire career so far?
3 Posted 09/06/2016 at 19:19:18
I don't agree with giving him another deal. Davies is already ahead of him IMO, but he can be a useful squad player..if he stays fit! But what are the chances of that happening?!?
4 Posted 09/06/2016 at 19:35:23
And who made the decision to keep him for two more years anyway? Surely that's Koeman's job, assuming he does eventually sign on the dotted line. Has RK been involved already in the keep that one, move that one on decisions? That seems a bit unlikely so he's going to be landed with a 28 year old bit part player on (presumably) hefty wages whom he can't pick, that's even assuming he wants to do so. Get him in, THEN sort out the comings and goings
5 Posted 09/06/2016 at 19:47:15
6 Posted 09/06/2016 at 19:50:16
He says he's been fit for a season but has hardly been used. It'll be interesting to see whether McCarthy stays ahead of him under a better manager. With a new proven fitness boss at the club, he's surely got a fair chance of staying fit.
We probably can't afford to lose all the players who don't make the first eleven so its goodbye Hibbo, Pienaar, McGeady, Kone, Niasse, Leon and any of the remainder who won't battle for the team who I think should go first. Gibson isn't one of them.
7 Posted 09/06/2016 at 19:54:34
On balance a contract extension does make sense. There will obviously be many outgoings and several incomings, but there is need for some continuity. Also there is an exceptionally good player in there who may well emerge from time to time. The potential to safeguard any sell-on value should not be overlooked as well
I don't read anything sinister into the decision making process being made before RK takes up his position. The decision which on balance seems to be in the best interests of the Club and the player was best made as soon as possible.
However there is a sense of the last chance saloon about the situation, and perhaps that will be the push the Gibbo needs. Best of luck to him.
9 Posted 09/06/2016 at 20:03:48
10 Posted 09/06/2016 at 20:25:17
How many of the rest of those popularly and justifiably expected to have their services dispensed with are we going to be similarly stupid with?
Gibson can ping it as far as he likes - but it's only any good if he does it for 30-plus games a season.
Unfathomably nonsensical decision. We continue to be a charity for unwanted (manager's) pets it seems.
If Osman gets another two years, I'll fully expect David Moyes to be unveiled in a shower of Finch Farm confetti and fireworks next week!
11 Posted 09/06/2016 at 20:38:49
12 Posted 09/06/2016 at 20:47:26
We just pray he has the list that on everyone lips for dead wood and he don't give them all an extension.
13 Posted 09/06/2016 at 20:55:58
In my personal opinion though, no I would have let him go. Move forward despite his abilities which he rarely shares with the class. Which is probably why I'm nowhere near a Billionaire Businessmen!
So IT MUST BE a pay-as-you-play
14 Posted 09/06/2016 at 21:01:22
I don't see how Koeman could have been involved with this decision, what sort of message is this sending out to the 'young guns' in the squad?
I believe it was Moyes who sanctioned the 'golden handcuffs' contracts for Osman and Hibbert in their latter years. If money was tight at Everton as we were led to believe, then a conservative estimate of around £6m spent on their two salaries (£30K a week?), simply stunk of 'jobs for the boys)
It would have been better spent on attracting promising talent from the lower leagues.
16 Posted 09/06/2016 at 21:09:11
17 Posted 09/06/2016 at 21:12:34
We now have an asset that we can sell for up to 10m if he has a run of games.
Remember when Craig Short signed a contract extension and we sold him the following month!
Without doubt the lad has ability though unfortunately in a half decent team he is a squad player who gets injured a lot.
Lets hope Steve Bruce buys him for 10m in January.
18 Posted 09/06/2016 at 21:17:35
Still one of the very few players who can pick out a pass and get us moving forward.
His fitness record is cause for concern and always will be but he does not deserve slagging off.
19 Posted 09/06/2016 at 21:33:50
Think we have quite a few mediocre central midfielders to be honest. Dont see many of them getting into the top 4 or 5 teams last season.
20 Posted 09/06/2016 at 21:59:27
21 Posted 09/06/2016 at 22:18:09
I'd be amazed if this isn't a low basic, heavily incentivised pay as you play deal.
He's one of ours, get behind him.
22 Posted 09/06/2016 at 23:05:34
23 Posted 09/06/2016 at 23:38:47
Jobs for the boys perhaps.
But Osman's contract came when Moyes was gone and before Roberto was signed. Wound up being the only player played in all 38 games of OFM's first season, though.
Hibbert got his after Roberto was signed.
"I don't see how Koeman could have been involved with this decision, what sort of message is this sending out to the 'young guns' in the squad?"
Koeman will run the rule over Gibson same as the other players. He'll either decide to keep him or tell him to have his agent seek another opportunity.
The "young guns" will impress Koeman or they won't. Nothing more to do with Gibson then with any other current member of the team?
24 Posted 09/06/2016 at 23:39:46
25 Posted 09/06/2016 at 23:53:43
As for the first post. Gibson is no Frank Lampard. I wince when he lines up a shot.
26 Posted 10/06/2016 at 00:07:34
To see him get any minutes at the expense of Tom Davies would be a major regression.
27 Posted 10/06/2016 at 00:09:35
28 Posted 10/06/2016 at 00:13:51
Apologies if someone else has already made this point.
29 Posted 10/06/2016 at 00:25:47
30 Posted 10/06/2016 at 00:54:49
31 Posted 10/06/2016 at 01:12:09
How many chances can one idiot get.
32 Posted 10/06/2016 at 01:36:24
Inspired master stroke or Baldrick-esque cunning plan...who knows.
33 Posted 10/06/2016 at 04:58:01
I too think he at least was a fine player... god knows now but I would never have signed him up again.
Stevie Pienaar, yes and he has a history with Koeman, who rates him highly still. Back to Gibbo: I suppose with no signing-on fee and the chance of a sale in the near future, it could be a good move.
In Mr Moshiri We Trust.
34 Posted 10/06/2016 at 07:18:19
Gibson was available for games in recent months and Martinez just didn't play him. Martinez would have played Barry and McCarthy if they had four broken legs between them. There was no chance of Gibson or any other midfielder getting a look in.
There must be a plan in place for Gibson if he has been given a new contract. Not going to the Euros is a blessing as it will give him and the club a chance to really get him read for next season.
35 Posted 10/06/2016 at 09:05:59
36 Posted 10/06/2016 at 10:44:55
Seem to remember he subsequently came good.
Surely this is worth a punt.
37 Posted 10/06/2016 at 10:48:40
38 Posted 10/06/2016 at 11:09:41
Of all the players we could get rid of this summer, Gibson is the most talented. People are going to have to accept that we can't get rid of everyone at once, it will have to be a phased process and the squad will probably be a bit top heavy for a year or two, while Keoman has a proper look at them. He maybe thinks that his fitness coach could do something with Gibson but I can't see him being a miracle worker. If though we can still call on him to do a job next season then we could do worse while the kids mature.
I don't think Gibson will figure much and probably be gone next summer.
39 Posted 10/06/2016 at 11:13:14
40 Posted 10/06/2016 at 11:59:04
41 Posted 10/06/2016 at 12:26:29
42 Posted 10/06/2016 at 13:27:07
43 Posted 10/06/2016 at 13:31:45
44 Posted 10/06/2016 at 14:33:42
No one knows what the details are of the contract so to have a go at him or the club is a little silly given this as I'm sure there are caveats in place.
45 Posted 10/06/2016 at 16:44:32
I thought the club would have waited till the new manager comes in before giving him another contract.
46 Posted 10/06/2016 at 18:37:17
If I'm correct about Davies, then Macca and Grandpa Barry's only backup is Besic, who is just as much of a chronic crock as Gibbo. Obviously Gibbo hasn't done much here, but I view him as critical squad depth until RK gets into the transfer market and sells him on.
47 Posted 10/06/2016 at 19:45:20
As with a few others, when I think of Gibbo, I can't help but remember the excellent run we went on when he first signed, with him and Fellaini in the middle we barely lost. A lot of typical Moyes draws but also some truly exciting wins.
He also has a talent in his long range passing that I can't think anyone else currently on our roster possesses. Maybe Stones one day. I'm good with this. Good ol' Gibbo. Get over here you little whippersnapper!
48 Posted 10/06/2016 at 22:11:17
He's played 46 games in 4 years, most as sub, and sadly always injured and struggles to get thru 90 mins. Who made this decision? After this news I'm off for a pint myself and then dig out the boots for a comeback,
I'll go apoplectic if McGeady or Kone are next on the stay list.
50 Posted 11/06/2016 at 05:33:17
McGeady and Kone contracts are not up, so they are automatically on the stay list unless we get offers for them.
51 Posted 11/06/2016 at 05:53:49
52 Posted 11/06/2016 at 10:16:57
For people saying he's good when fit, keep in mind the guy is never fit for any extended period of time. Looked up his stats and other than his loan to a Belgian club 11 years ago (when 18) he has NEVER managed to make 30 or more senior appearances in a single season. In fact the most appearances he's managed in a single season in the last 10 (TEN) years is 26 - barely half a season, including sub appearances.
In the last 3 seasons with us he has made a total of 27 appearances, in all comps and including off the bench. Given these stats, every contract he's ever had was a 'now or never'.
Even if we're only paying him on a pay as you play deal, he's still taking up a place in the squad that could have gone to an up and coming youngster. The guy is stealing a living off the club and I cannot believe the idiocy of offering him an extension.
Only upside is that we've at least gotten Howard, Osman, Pienaar and Hibbert off the books (well by 30 June anyway).
53 Posted 11/06/2016 at 12:09:06
As regards Kone, Niasse, McGeady etc all are sadly still under contract and it's unlikely any can be sold as nobody will match their current contracts. Best we can do is loan them out to offset some of their wages.
54 Posted 11/06/2016 at 12:14:39
55 Posted 11/06/2016 at 12:49:57
57 Posted 11/06/2016 at 16:29:47
Did Koemann sanction this from his sun lounger on the beach?!!
58 Posted 11/06/2016 at 17:00:11
Anyway, it's done now, will see if he can stay out of the treatment room and off the ale for 5 minutes.
60 Posted 13/06/2016 at 16:41:43
61 Posted 14/06/2016 at 13:54:38
I thought you might have said something about Osman, Hibbert and Pienaar, treated disgracefully, Hibbert had one of the best games (halves) I've seen from a right back this season so I think all players could have been given a 1-year contract or at least told before they weren't wanted.
Whilst Tim Howard has been poor, at least he was given a good send off, but Osman and Hibbert have been with us longer. Let's hope this is a temporary cock-up whilst we've been appointing a manager because it's most un-Everton-like.
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1 Posted 09/06/2016 at 19:13:59
He has a great shot on him a, bit like Frank Lampard. He could possibly get us 8-10 goals from midfield if he can keep fit and nail down a regular role. Over to you Gibbo.