Martinez looking to strengthen in a “couple more” positions

, 10 July, 120comments  |  Jump to most recent
Roberto Martinez says that Everton will be looking at "a couple of positions" in the team as areas to strengthen before the end of the transfer window following the acquisition of Tom Cleverley and Gerard Deulofeu.

The manager admits that the priority for the summer was always to keep the existing group of players together but he is also looking to bring in a couple more players who can "bring an extra dimension" to the squad.

Martinez is on record as saying that he is looking for a new centre half to replace the outgoing Antolin Alcaraz and Sylvain Distin as well as a player capable of filling the No 10 role behind Romelu Lukaku.

The Blues have been linked with the likes of Scott Dann, Angelo Ogbonna and Davide Astori in recent weeks but with Ogbonna joining West Ham this week, Astori seemingly destined for Napoli and Dann reportedly weighing up an improved contract at Crystal Palace, Martinez's targets may have to lie elsewhere.

Talk of at whom he might be looking for that attacking midfield/forward position has been less widespread in the media but reported interest in Newcastle target Georgino Wijnaldum is believed to have been wide of the mark, while a link with Anderlecht's Denis Praet has gone cold.

"We always like to assess and re-assess and try to get better," Martinez tells evertonfc.com, "and during the period of the window you can do that. It was very important that we could get our business done early on and clearly that was to get two important targets for us.

"Gerard Deulofeu and Tom Cleverley are two players that are very, very important for the future of our football club and they're [also] going to bring aspects that will benefit us this season.

"But then we're still looking in a couple of positions that we're going to be bringing in the right characters that are going to help the group we already have in place.

"Obviously the most important aspect of this transfer window is to keep the group together ... and then the signings are just little add-ons and players that can bring an extra dimension.

"But, clearly, I'm delighted with the continuity we've had in the last, probably, 6 windows in being able to start building a group of players with a lot responsibility, with young talent that is fitting in with the enormous experience and players that we have."

Quotes sourced from evertonfc.com



Reader Comments (120)

Note: the following content is not moderated or vetted by the site owners at the time of submission. Comments are the responsibility of the poster. Disclaimer


Geoffrey Risebrow
1 Posted 10/07/2015 at 19:50:37
Let's hope he gets his targets and that they are the required quality and in the 2 positions we believe he is looking at. CB and No 10. We also need a striker and a goalkeeper!
Kelvin Thomas
2 Posted 10/07/2015 at 19:58:22
We need cover at CB, we already have Barkley, Naismith and Osman for Number 10.

I can't believe the lack of talk/targets for LM. After a season of no-one being able to play there surely it needs to be a priority? Pienaar is great but won't play a lot of football!

Jim Bennings
4 Posted 10/07/2015 at 20:00:47
I'm already resigning myself to August 31st coming and feeling that deflated feeling as we hear Martinez talking about target's missed and the mere mention of "keeping the group together" is frightening and depressing.

This am I correct in thinking is the same group that made shit smell like roses for the majority of the season and was woken out of its slumber and shown how to put a shift in by the loan signing of Aaron Lennon, which was tragically even admitted publicly by Leighton Baines.

The only trouble is Lennon may not be back and as we already know of Delboy, he's a luxury player but he won't do the dirty work Lennon did.

Let's hope Martinez can actually get his targets, it will be a very interesting end to the transfer window.

Jack Cross
5 Posted 10/07/2015 at 20:02:40
We don't need another striker, we have one waiting in the wings. He called Conor McAleny, he's 23... when the fuck his this lad going to get his chance?

A goalie should be priority. But it won't be. He will stick with the useless yank and he will make more crucial mistakes.

Karl Jones
6 Posted 10/07/2015 at 19:59:27
Can't believe we still havent signed a CB. With Alcaraz and Distin gone and the ridiculously poor defensive displays of last season, I would have thought that was the priority.

The squad looks unbalanced at the moment with an abundance of wingers and Centre Midfield players not to mention 30 plus players. Once again we are being left behind in the transfer market as the teams around us snap up some pretty good footballers.

Also, some new blood on the coaching staff would be helpful. Maybe a specific defensive coach. How about bringing Keown in or promoting Sheedy who has worked wonders with the U-18s.

Martinez seems to be under the impression that ther was nothing particularly wrong last season and it will all come right. He's a real head in the sand manager.

Worrying times to be an Evertonian.

Kunal Desai
7 Posted 10/07/2015 at 20:12:39
Don't be too disappointed, folks. I think his and the clubs emphasis is keeping the players that are already here. I think one... possibly two loanees like Atsu may arrive (squad players given very little game time). Expect the unexpected and another season like last if that is how it pans out by 1st September.
James Smith
8 Posted 10/07/2015 at 20:12:36
In my honest opinion, a Number 10 is vital if we don't want another season of Barry and McCarthy passing the ball to each other for 90 minutes. Rom needs to be fed and we have nobody that can lay the killer pass. Second target should be a experienced CB but nothing expensive.
Geoffrey Risebrow
9 Posted 10/07/2015 at 20:11:33
I agree about LM, Kelvin. If we can move McGeady on then we could bring somebody in for the LM position.

Unless Barkley discovers some form then we definitely don't have a Number 10 in dare I say it, the Continho mould.

You can't be serious, Jack? I am all for giving our own players a chance but you have to wonder why he hasn't been given a chance by the age of 23? Maybe he isn't good enough?

Jim Bennings
10 Posted 10/07/2015 at 20:22:52
Jack

McAleny looked cack when I saw him against Krasnodar and to be fair I've seen him a few times before his injury, he looks like Michael Branch Mk 2.

We need a better option than this to give Lukaku some serious concerns about being first choice, not some half-baked reserve, we heard all this talk with the likes of Vellios and Mathew Kennedy, sadly they just don't cut it at Premier League level.

We are Everton Football Club for goodness sake, not Burnley or Watford, if we can't go out and find quality and sign quality then the board are so damn lucky that too many Evertonians are willing to just accept this financially strapped poppycock without any in-depth answers or investigation.

Chris Regan
11 Posted 10/07/2015 at 20:37:15
Jim #10, whilst most blues still think protesting against the board is 'koppite behaviour' we have no chance of change. I don't know where that sentiment came from. I remember the animosity towards Peter Johnson.

Jack Cross
12 Posted 10/07/2015 at 20:32:43
Jim Bennings. How many times on here do you hear that players only get better with games under their belt? I think Ive heard you say that Jim, so I think it's a bit unfare to pick out one game were Mc Aleny was cack as you say. Just think of last season when they were all cack. But they were all given the opportunity to improve their performances. Ive seen Conor, and with more games you would see a cracker of a player. In my opinion Jim.
Malc Kitchen
13 Posted 10/07/2015 at 20:40:32
Spot on Jim, we have stacks of cash now from TV deal, ought to have £40M easy for players!
Jim Bennings
14 Posted 10/07/2015 at 20:43:11
That's right Chris.

I remember the angry scenes at home to Spurs in November 1997 – we lost the match 2-0 and it was a bit scary that day in the Street End.

You can say what you want about the Kopites, Geordies or Spurs fans but, give them their due, they wouldn't put up with being sold down the garden path by the lot we've had in charge for too long.

In all Kenwright's time here, we must be the only club in the Premier League that's neither moved stadium or done absolutely nothing to the ground at all in terms of refurbishment.

We constantly hear of "searching for investment 24/7" and we are now just expected to accept we are a club that can't financially compete with clubs that we should be on a par with, like Tottenham. We have been a ever-present in the top flight. The whole story regarding the scandalous Kitbag deal tells all you need to know about the people in power at Everton.

Whether we do spend money or not during this window remains to be seen but, if we don't, and it all turns sour results-wise, what is expected to become of Martinez then?

One things for certain: last season's patience from the fans won't be there again next season.

Ryan Holroyd
15 Posted 10/07/2015 at 20:46:03
I agree with you Jim and Chris

McAleny is just not up to it.

We've been blown out the water by nearly every side in the Premier League and it will only get worse when Spurs and West Ham move to their new stadiums.

Our fans are content to sit back whilst the club goes to ruins.

Jim Bennings
16 Posted 10/07/2015 at 20:53:39
Jack,

Every one of us in life has opinions that's what's makes life so fascinating, debates, discussions etc.

It's just my opinion that a club like ourselves that's always been in the Billionaires league that is the modern day Premier League, should be more than capable of going out and buying quality when needed.

Look at Spurs, they need a central defender so they go out and sign a proven quality one in Alderweireld.

Jack Cross
17 Posted 10/07/2015 at 20:51:08
Jim Bennings,

We need class buys and we're Everton Football Club. I couldn't agree more, Jim. But if were told we don't have the funds, what's the next step? I'm all for taking action, Jim. But explain to me how protesting in whatever form is going to make the slightest bit of difference?

Chris Regan
18 Posted 10/07/2015 at 21:00:06
Jim, you're spot on. The biggest embarrassment for me is we haven't won a trophy since the Charity Shield. Too many of the younger fans are happy with the odd cup run and dreaming of 4th.

As for the 24/7 search, for me that touches on the issues of who really owns us, what their motives are and why we have never been sold.

On the one hand, Kenwright tells an embarrassing story of how he was nearly duped by some con-men; then, on the other are the rumours that Sheikh Mansour wanted to buy us but negotiations never got far.

And that leaves us here now as some kind of Zombie club, with – as you pointed out – no investment and an undeveloped stadium.

Jim Bennings
19 Posted 10/07/2015 at 21:04:02
Christ knows Jack, it's one of the things that drives me most mad about being a Blue!

Evertonians though are known for voting with our feet and not with our voices; in the early 90s attendances dropped considerably, even just before Moyes left, 29,000 at home to Man City!!

Maybe we need to find alternative ways to show we deserve better explanations.

Jack Cross
20 Posted 10/07/2015 at 21:06:08
Jim Bennings,

Everything you say, Jim, concerning the club and board, I agree; it is a disgrace the way were told lie after lie, egarding moves and finances.

I have six True Blue mates and five of them haven't been in Goodison Park since BK bought in the club and said they won't until he leaves. Is that the answer, Jim? Stay away in a mass protest. I'd go along with that. But would it make a difference, Jim?

Ben Dyke
22 Posted 10/07/2015 at 21:18:46
When QPR want £15M for Austin, then you have to think that it's not so easy to add quality at prices we can afford. McClaren says he wants four or more £10M players at Newcastle! West Ham seem to be able to attract anyone. Even Palace have attracted Cabaye who always seems to curl one in from box edge against us in my memory!

When you see our loveable neighbours quoting £50M for players on their books, then it's a miracle to me with this board that we even stay in the Premier League. And Tottenham and West Ham can now leave us behind with their new stadiums, new revenue, London money etc.

Everton's manager sure has his work cut out and I'm not convinced by Martinez and who he has been able to attract. Sorry for the pessimism. I still can't wait for season to start, with a few more new faces in, and to be proved wrong by Martinez. Our squad is not bad but that didn't seem to help Martinez last season...

Chris Regan
24 Posted 10/07/2015 at 21:32:05
Thanks for cheering up, Ben.
Tom Bowers
25 Posted 10/07/2015 at 21:23:02
First of all, Moyes was going to be the saviour and had 10 years but flattered to deceive.

Now, we have Martinez who set things alight two seasons ago but flopped badly last season and it's frustrating to see that the new season may be the same way.

Getting back Deulofeu may help if he is the real deal like before and Cleverley may bolster midfield a little but it would appear much will rest on Barkley's form and the emergence of the youngsters providing the are not despatched on loan after the pre-season games.

Some of the ''usual suspects'' may just go through the motions as before especially the ''sick note'' guys such as Pienaar, Gibson, and now McGeady again. These players, if still around, along with Osman, Naismith and Barry, will offer nothing new to the team. I hope sincerely that the youngsters excel on tour and are part of the squad to start the season unless RM really does have some other irons in the fire.

Jim Bennings
27 Posted 10/07/2015 at 21:24:27
I’m not sure Jack.

I don’t believe it did much in the early 1990s when so many fans stopped going for various reasons but primarily because the team that they had seen almost dominate English football less than a decade earlier had been slowly allowed to crumble with little attempt to bring back the glory.

Realistically the questions go back right to that era; Everton should have really been where Arsenal were in the mid-90s but, for some reason, when the inception of the Premier League came about in 1992, we missed the boat. Some blame the European ban but that’s too easy; we still should have had a team capable of challenging for the title in 1990 – we won the League in 1987 but fell away so drastically in the space of three years.

Since Kenwright took over in 1999, the club has stood still, almost fearful now of going back to the relegation haunted years. Perhaps the ’90s scarred too many supporters and now Kenwright and his cronies will do... as long as we survive. But, as I’ve said, once you lose the fans, it’s damn hard to win them back.

The only thing that brought the fans back to Goodison in the ’90s was the unexpected FA Cup victory in ’95. For a brief spell, we acted like a club with some ambition, signing Kanchelskis, spending money, everyone was happy... But, as we know, it didn’t last, and Peter Johnson took the flack.

I honestly believe the only thing that saves Kenwright is the fact he’s a big Evertonian.

Chris Regan
28 Posted 10/07/2015 at 21:39:32
Jim, Kenwright is a big something. As for our decline, I have always put that down to a lack of leadership and ambition. Too many players came in on the cheap and good players let go. We should have built a decent back four around Keown. Instead, the board cashed in.
Denver Daniels
30 Posted 10/07/2015 at 21:45:47
Seems like there was serious interest from us to sign Ogbonna, with possibly a fee agreed, but he decided to join West Ham.

I wonder if this was one of the deals alluded to by Roberto? Possibly, when you look at what Ogbonna has said after signing for West Ham.

So I would say we will sign a left-side defender. Also, Stoke have ended their interest in Shaqiri, so we could still try for him.

Neil Thomas
31 Posted 10/07/2015 at 21:52:37
Jack, surely you're not serious about McAleny stepping up?

Like what's already been said, if a lad ain't cracked by 23 he probably never will. Just look at players like Harry Kane who's younger and banging in goals for fun.

We need quality players right now. It's no good keep bringing in future players all the time if it means there future will be in the Championship.

Ross Edwards
32 Posted 10/07/2015 at 22:26:56
'Tom Cleverley is very very important for the future of this football club'.

I can't wait... Phenomenal times ahead.

Chris Gould
33 Posted 10/07/2015 at 22:25:20
Ben at 22, I share your concerns.

Some people are kidding themselves, suggesting we weren't really interested in Ogbanna, Dann etc. We were, we bid for them, and they weren't interested.

WHU and Crystal Palace for fucks sake!!

Paul Hewitt
35 Posted 10/07/2015 at 22:58:07
Chris @ 33,

As sad as it is, WHU and Crystal Palace are our level now. So, when they beat us to signings, it's no surprise anymore.

Matthew Burgess
36 Posted 10/07/2015 at 23:07:49
Cleverley is an interesting signing and he may well be used playing as a 'No 10' but I am a little underwhelmed by our activity so far.

Certainly nothing to get excited about.

Michael McCarthy
37 Posted 10/07/2015 at 23:32:54
Replace Howard and keep McCarthy... priority: a decent keeper will earn you 9-12 points a season. How many did Howard cost us?

EFC being very quiet about McCarthy, we need to prioritise keeping him.

Neil Thomas
38 Posted 11/07/2015 at 00:10:59
Michael, I think that's pretty unfair on Howard. Yes, I agree it is time to find a replacement and I will admit he is no Neville Southall, but he as been an outstanding keeper for us over the years.
Mike Childs
39 Posted 10/07/2015 at 23:40:40
If he is willing to come, we must sign Ospina. Mr USA cost at least a dozen points last year. Plus those rainbow kicks of his have to go NOW!
Laurie Hartley
40 Posted 11/07/2015 at 01:02:47
Well he's lowered my expectations with this one liner - "and then the signings are just little add-ons".
Phil Sammon
42 Posted 11/07/2015 at 02:29:07
Is Ospina that good, Mike?

Granted, I didn't see a whole lot of him, but he seems like Howard in many respects. Good shot-stopper but has a clanger in him.

If Martinez hadn't made such a ridiculous decision in dropping him, Joel Robles may have had half a season's experience in him by now and could have established himself as our number one. Hell, at least he can kick a football without it coming down with snow on it.

I've often scratched my head and wondered just how Tim Howard has clocked up a fairly decorated career with such basic shortcomings. His command of the area is absolutely non-existent. He can not and will not catch a cross. His kicking is aimless, other than 'as high as possible'. And finally, I think his attitude absolutely stinks. Much like Martinez, Howard was entirely satisfied with last season's showing and overtly disgruntled with the paying fans who thought otherwise. That alone should have seen him hounded out of Goodison Park.

Hugh Jenkins
44 Posted 11/07/2015 at 02:59:42
I have no specific view on McAleny, as I have never seen him play in more than a cameo role. I do wonder though that, if he is such a poor prospect, why, in this day and age, he is still on our books at the age of 23?

Most, who have no prospect of "making it" at Premier League level are released far sooner than this, or sold on, à la Shane Duffy last year.

We are not a club that can afford the luxury of carrying deadwood, so I presume he must figure in RM's plans somewhere, otherwise, why is he still here?

Brian Wilkinson
45 Posted 11/07/2015 at 03:13:16
Why worry about the left side? Bryan Oviedo can fill that spot, I reckon him and Baines will do a good job on the left side with Galloway as backup, should we need him.

My big concern is a goalkeeper; if we get the Arsenal 'keeper, that's a start. Bring in a centre back and a partner to support Lukaku, who knows Deulofeu may just be that supporting partner.

I think Cleverley will be the one that surprises a few people and could turn out to be a shrewd purchase.

Harold Matthews
46 Posted 11/07/2015 at 02:37:52
Yes Laurie. "Little add-ons". Sounds like Lennon and two loans.

I was hoping for Van Dijk but Advocat, with £50M in his pocket, wants him at Sunderland.

The above speech is the most depressing bunch of empty wallet sentences I've heard in years.

Never mind Cleverley and Deulofeu. Our disorganised, ball-watching, goal-conceding defence is weaker than a wet tissue yet we are asked to believe that it is fine and dandy. Can't blame Martinez for the lack of funds but I can certainly blame him for the lack of proper defensive coaching. Moyes was a defensive coach. Martinez isn't. We need to employ a specialist.

Cheers.

Chris James
47 Posted 11/07/2015 at 04:24:12

Let's for a moment turn our eyes from our quarter-full turgid glass and look at some facts.

1) It's only 11th July. The transfer window has about 50 days left to pan out.

2) We have already signed 3 players of which one is a solid Premier League pro who put in a decent shift last season elsewhere, one is a phenomenally exciting young winger who has done well for us on loan before, and the last is a prospect for the future who may get a few first team games.

3) We are very clearly making enquiries all over the place for other positions (Dann, Ogbina, etc) at a 'not' cut price rate £8M . Obviously we won't get them all, no club ever does, and equally we may not have really bid/wanted players that we've been linked to, but there is obvious work going on.

4) Martinez has clearly stated he needs and will get a few more players in. He's highlighted centre defence and creative mid before plus he's been linked with a number of striking prospects.

5) We do have a very very good core first team that we've managed to retain whilst other clubs are losing their stars:

i) Our keeper is rated as one of the world's best everywhere else but on this site.

ii) We have THE best starting defence in the league, in my opinion, with Baines, Jagielka, Stones & Coleman

iii) Our midfield has some of the best holding players (McCarthy and Barry were phenomenal in season 1, last year everyone underperformed) plus Besic and Cleverly provide competition

iv) We have genuinely great creative midfield options from Barkley, Osman and Gibson in the centre to Mirallas and Del on the flanks plus back up in Pienaar, Oviedo and McGeady (who has had some good games). We just need to get the balance right here.

v) Up top, Lukaku despite faults remains a top class striker to intimidate defences and put the ball in the onion bag and we do have support players in Naismith and Kone to provide some cover

6) We have cleared out some of the deadwood from the squad in the form of players who were past it/not good enough and clearly a few others are being looked at.

7) We have some promising young players on the fringes who have shown well. Galloway, Garbutt, Browning will all get a lot more games this year (either on loan or for us), hopefully so to McAleny, Long, Ledson, Pennington and Henen.

Obviously my glasses aren't entirely rose-tinted and I do 100% understand that things could always be better:

8) We're clearly NOT in the financial class of the regular CL clubs like Man Utd, Chelsea, Arsenal, Man City who can sign from the very small top tier of supposed world class stars (although in many cases they then proceed to make them look very ordinary).

9) We DO need back-up and improvement across the spine of the team in the form of at least one centre back, a creative midfielder and a striking option that offers some challenge or something different from Lukaku.

10. Other teams around us are signing players that we are/might be interested in (West Ham under Bilic in particular seems to be the current annoyance, historically Spurs have been the same)

Ultimately though, I have genuine faith we will get players in the positions we need. Martinez definitely has his flaws and some tactical decisions have driven me crazy, but it's very hard to find fault with his transfer record since he came.

Whilst not everything worked out (for McCarthy, Lukaku and Lennon there's an Atsu, Eto'o or Alcaraz) that is pretty standard across every club and more to do with the reality of football and players just not gelling as any error on his part.

For me he's been clear in his targets and generally acted quickly/decisively (as opposed to his predecessor) and consistently surprised by delivered players of a high class or at least good potential without breaking the bank, his use of the loan system in particular has been incredibly astute to the point of upsetting idiot journalists who love the big 4.

Nothing leads me to suspect he won't deliver precisely the same in this window either and whilst I think we will see 1 or 2 more signings pre-season (especially at centre-back), I'd also expect we will be keeping an 'interest' in dealings right up to 6pm on Tuesday 1st September.

Jack Cross
48 Posted 11/07/2015 at 04:33:50
Neil Thomas.

I am serious about McAleny stepping up. It's called being given a chance. I've seen him several times and I think he could step up. I rate him. Why are the club keeping him if they don't rate him?

People on here talk about players out of our reach, what's the point? I think we should look lower down the leagues, I know several players in lower leagues that could do a job for us. It's nothing to do with not being ambitious in my eyes, it's affordability and buying a player for £28 million every couple of seasons is not going to get us very far.

Iv'e watched Everton, since I was 9 and I'm 60 now! So Iv'e seen the great and the bad times and you could say those bad times have come back again.

I like all Evertonians want the good times back again and shouting about cups we've won like the days old. But realistically we have a crumbling old stadium and not an awful lot of cash (or so were told). And when clubs like Newcastle, Crystal Palace, Stoke and Sunderland can go after player's that we can't, I'd say that puts a question mark over just how big a club we really are. In our hearts we will always be. But realistically I'd say we have to think smaller, until there is a drastic change at this much loved club.

Phil Sammon
49 Posted 11/07/2015 at 05:34:32
Chris James

'We have THE best starting defence in the league in my opinion with Baines, Jags, Stones and Coleman'

There were a few to choose from, but that sentence sticks out as the most ridiculous from your post. Last season that very same defence was an absolute shambles! All four are good players in my opinion, but as a unit there needs to be some massive tactical changes.

By all means, be positive, but don't completely exit from reality.

Laurie Hartley
50 Posted 11/07/2015 at 05:41:10
Jack @ 48,

I think there is a lot to be said for looking down the lower leagues to strengthen the squad.

When you consider that Moyes bought, Cahill, Lescott, Jagielka, Carsley & Coleman from the lower leagues it just shows it can be done.

Brian Porter
51 Posted 11/07/2015 at 06:05:41
Totally agree with you, Jim Bennings. Furthermore, I'm fed up with the continual talk of us having no money to spend on decent players. Yes, players with most Premier League clubs cost ridiculous amounts of money, but I've been watching the Copa America and saw some pretty damn good players on show there.

Now, my point is that many of those players either play in their home countries, or in some cases, Spain, Italy, for example. A commentator during one of Chile's games mentioned that some of these earn about £10k a week and a big transfer fee over there would be less than a million dollars, (about £600k). So why the hell doesn't our esteemed, phenomenal manager use his Spanish language skills and go look in areas where good players can still be bought for relative peanuts?

I actually thought he'd be doing that when he went to the World Cup so perhaps I shouldn't be surprised at his lack of movement in that direction. Or, as he recently found it difficult to pronounce Deulofeu's surname properly, has he forgotten how to speak his native tongue? Hahaha!

ps: Some of those Latin Americans end up in Russia, where they look crap because they can't cope with the sub-zero climate, so England would feel like paradise to them.

Chris Gould
52 Posted 11/07/2015 at 06:25:06
If you analyse Bobby's previous signings, you will notice a common theme:

Cleverley - played for him before
Robles - played for him before
McCarthy - likewise
Kone - likewise
Alcaraz - likewise
Lukaku - played for him before on loan
Barry - likewise
Deulofeu - likewise
Besic - watched him man-mark Messi at the World Cup
McGeady - apparently always liked him?

With the exception of Besic and McGeady, all of the others had played for Bobby before he signed them up. Besic, he watched have a good game at the World Cup... and McGeady???

My concern is that he doesn't have much of a scouting network. He seems to buy players that he already has a relationship with. He's run out of players who have played for him previously that are any good. So who are his targets?

It would seem that he has managed to identify a couple who haven't played for him previously, but got knocked back. I'm betting he will go back for Lennon and once again sign a player that has played for him previously.

You can believe he has a great masterplan and that it is early days. But what has he done in the last 12 months that gives you such confidence?

People used to call Moyes dithering. But he was an astute and skilful player of the transfer market. Of course he had failures, but he knew how to buy a defender on the cheap and then watch their valuation multiply. I agree with Harold, Bobby has turned great defenders into a disorganised mess. Why would a defender, wanted by others, choose to play under him?

It is early, but I believe that Bobby's targets are being picked off one by one. You can kid yourself that we weren't really in for them, but Ogbinna has already confirmed that we were, and it's accepted that we did put a bid in for Dann.

I hope Bobby makes a fool out of me and plays a transfer window blinder, but I really don't think he will... Time will tell.

Terry Downes
53 Posted 11/07/2015 at 06:46:42
Chris,

If you're right, then I suppose Victor Moses could be next??

Darren Hind
54 Posted 11/07/2015 at 06:13:02
I think Bobbie's acolytes are beginning to realise he may be leading them up the garden path again. The 6 or 7 players he promised last season didn't materialise. Now they are waiting for him to unveil his much trumpeted Number 10... It's not gonna happen.

Modern day Everton managers have to be complicit with the board's policy of only spending a percentage of what they can bring in.

"The most important aspect of this transfer window is to keep this group together" ... Sigh.

It must be demoralising for those who have believed and supported his promises -- "Wait until he ships the deadwood out and brings his own players in."

I'm getting so disillusioned with this club. You learn to expect the board to lie to you, but when you believe the promises the manager makes are empty from the outset, you start to see them as lies too.

He carried passengers last season, It's very clear that he intends to carry them again and because of this, his talented group will remain dysfunctional. Hopes that he will ship out the passengers and bad apples have given way to the terrible realisation that he can't even identify them.

The slide will continue, unfortunately so will the support for this manager and his board.

Danny Cleary
55 Posted 11/07/2015 at 07:11:06
I believe Howard Kendall and the board from the eighties are the main guilty party with regards to our slow decay. Yes, I know Kendall managed us to titles and cups etc, but some of the decisions he made were awful.

I think we all know that he sanctioned the sale of Lineker to Barça because he had been promised the job once they'd gotten rid of Terry Venables... now every summer on the transfer rumours pages, the Evertonians will banter about trying to sign the likes of Messi, Neymar, Ronaldo etc... Well, in the summer of 1986 we had the golden boot winner at a World Cup and sold him???

The chairman at the time should have told Howard to fuck off. I have heard Lineker state on several occasions he never wanted to leave Everton... okay, we won the league the next season, but after '87 we slowly went further and further backwards.

The board was full of old belligerent men, no visionaries with gift of foresight and ambition, in the 1980s, Manchester United were no better thought of than Everton.

Flash forward 30 years and it's clear that they had far-sighted and clever men running their club, and we are still basically run the same way as we were 30 years ago.

Matt Traynor
57 Posted 11/07/2015 at 07:41:16
Darren #54, of course Martinez is the Board's patsy. That is the only reason he was appointed.

The statement about keeping the group together basically sums up where we're at. Unless there's incomings from sales, we can only afford a free transfer and a sub-£5m player (both good signings in my opinion, just insufficient).

We are now routinely being outspent by the likes of West Ham, Swansea, Stoke and probably this year Bournemouth.

I don't blame the manager for that. He works within the budget he has. If, as a sizable chunk of fans seem to want, he is sacked, do they really think we'll attract a proven talented manager? No, it'll be more of the same. Unproven / up-and-coming manager looking to use us to further his ambitions.

Still, if the heat's on him, it's not elsewhere, so Blue Bill's happy.

Colin Glassar
58 Posted 11/07/2015 at 08:05:12
Excellent post, Matt. Weeks until the season starts, just under two months left before the transfer window closes, and already the knives are out?
Chris James
59 Posted 11/07/2015 at 07:42:05
Hmm weirdly half of my post got cut off, I had more analysis of team, 3 more points and then some balance about areas we should be concerned about.

Regardless I think Martinez has done very well in the transfer market so far and will pull out a few more signings and surprises (who really saw Del deal coming off?)

I do also love the way the naysayers are rewriting their historical view of Moyes (aka dour, dithering Davey). I personally was a big fan of DM and although I wasn't blinkered to his failings I recognise what he did for our club in making us hard to beat, slowly improving the side on a net positive transfer spend and ultimately turning us from faded glory relegation battlers to a team expected to challenge for Europe every season. This however was NOT the dominant view on these pages which were (surprise, surprise) full of bile towards everything from playing style to transfer targets.

In terms of the new guy, there's no denying last season was a bit of a dog in everything but our Europa run and I'm as unhappy as anyone to see the blues loose and our league standing slip. However the season before the same manager (and similar squad) posted our record points total and had a genuine crack at 4th.
He did this by adding a more creative and possession side to our game (the same which has for years been the preserve of the top club/national teams in the world in Barcelona + Spain and has secured Arsenal a consistent top 4 slot).

Last year he tried to push this further and stuck to these tactical guns even when results weren't falling our way on the pitch (although some performances were still exemplary - the first 70 mins vs arsenal was incredible, we made them look ordinary and forced them to sub Sanchez)

There's a strong argument that our players/the PL aren't suited to this style and to be fair and also that a more direct attacking football style is re-asserting itself on league and national stage and to be fair to RM he himself has evolved the tactics and resorted to a more direct format later on (somewhat bizarrely it was the switch to a more direct game vs Kiev rather than possession which led to him being pilloried
on these pages).

Which of these 2 seasons represent the 'real' Martinez Everton team? That's what we're going to find out over the next few months I think. Personally I think he's done enough to deserve the benefit of the doubt and our full support till Xmas at least.

If the team ends 2015 with 40+ points on the board and playing well then he's managed to restore the spirit and success of his first season.

Anything less than 30 points from the first 19 games should mean a big reassessment from the board and a call on whether new leadership is needed in January.

Somewhere between the two though and if we're playing well and making progression it'll be enough to earn support till the end of the season at least.

Tony Abrahams
60 Posted 11/07/2015 at 08:16:15
When people said Everton, punched above their weight, they was obviously talking about net spend, because for a team that averaged about seventh, this was usually in line with the wage bill.

Moyes made sure him and his players were well looked after, but with Everton now slipping to twelfth in the wages league, anything above a top half finish will suit this board down to the ground.

"DOWN TO THE GROUND" were slowly getting pulled there!

James Hughes
61 Posted 11/07/2015 at 07:57:49
Whilst the lack of quality signings is a concern and needs to be addressed sooner rather later we have a bigger issue.

Which manager will we see this season? Are we going to get the man who gave us some inspiring football and had us dreaming of greater things. Or the man who put out the bunch of unfit individuals who didn't appear to know their collective arses from elbows.

Has El Burro learnt that players need to be fit, set pieces are important,as are clean sheets, that we need quick direct and incisive passing to score. That passing the ball sideways and slowly and allowing the opposition to stroll back is ineffective and awful to watch.

we could sign Zlatan, Messi, Ramos and more but if we the same man as last year leading them we will still be F#@ked

Tony Abrahams
62 Posted 11/07/2015 at 08:32:51
Agree James, but we still need 3 players. If there is no money, then he has to sell to buy, just has he had to when he first arrived at the club!
Aidy Dews
63 Posted 11/07/2015 at 08:29:45
The way in which he talks about Cleverley being an important player for the future for us, I've got a funny feeling he's gonna be our "No 10"! I mean, where else does he fit in our team? I don't think he's a proper CM that can play in a 2 and put tackles in, protect the back four. He can possibly play in a 3-man midfield but I can't see us playing that. And tbh, he's not going to get in in CM ahead of the likes of McCarthy, Barkley or Besic for me, so that only leaves the No 10 position!

We certainly need a more experienced CB this window to come in and challenge both Jags & Stones for their spots but also when needed, come in and do a job with no fuss! Now with Ogbonna going to West Ham and Dann looking like he's signing a new deal, maybe we can push ahead with a move for Genk's Kara Mbodj?!

I know I've just said above that I think Cleverley could possibly be looked upon as our No.10 but I think we need a more creative player for that role. We need more of a cutting edge going forward and game changers and Deulofeu for that is a great signing but we need a creative playmaker that gets a few goals to play behind Lukaku. Hopefully we've got enough cash to go out and get the players for the positions we need. I wouldn't mind seeing someone like Kagawa, Praet or Hakim Ziyech for the playmaker role!

Personally I think we could do with a GK and IF Ospina is available for as little as £5m, then Martinez needs to force Kenwright to part with a bit more of the TV money and get this lad signed! He's a very good GK and young for a keeper too and will get even better and could be our No 1 for years!

I'd like a striker but I think we can get by till January or next summer at least. I'd like to see the likes of Long or even Henen given a chance this season and see what they can offer the first team?! I really do think our priority is to get in a good, 3rd choice CB and a creative playmaker, especially a playmaker, were crying out for a player that can unlock stubborn defences.

Ray Roche
64 Posted 11/07/2015 at 08:44:23
Phil Sammon

Phil, you criticise Chris James for saying,
'We have THE best starting defence in the league in my opinion with Baines, Jags, Stones and Coleman'

Actually, Chris is either correct or very near the money with that statement. Only Chelsea come close....but we'd need Moyes or a manager who can defend to be in charge instead of the (defensively) clueless Martinez.

Karl Jones
65 Posted 11/07/2015 at 08:43:38
Palace sign Cabaye -- a top quality MF who can score goals and create -- for £10 Million (exactly what we need!). Everton get Cleverley on a free. It's exactly that lack of ambition in a nutshell that will ensure Everton will finish even lower next season as teams such as Newcastle, Stoke, Swansea, Sunderland and West Ham outspend us.

I wouldn't like to think where we will be in 10 years time with our manager (and Kenwright's) head-in-the-sand attitude.

Neil Wood
66 Posted 11/07/2015 at 08:19:36
Hear, hear, Colin. Give the man a chance. No, we haven't added more to the squad yet but surely getting the right person in is more important than pandering to suggestions that certain players are on the radar.

He plays his cards close to his chest and I have no doubt that we will see a surprise signing prior to the season in a Number 10 role.

We have the makings (with the average age getting better also) of a really good side who will be challenging certainly for top 6 and with the addition of one or two more, the top 4. I think this is Lukaku's year and I have put my money where my mouth is as at 75/1 for top scorer it's worth a punt.

I can't wait for the season to start!

Dick Fearon
67 Posted 11/07/2015 at 09:14:23
Martinez must know by now that the crowd will not show as much patience this time around. He would be wise to take advantage from every opportunity the game throws up.

Corners, free kicks, throw ins, etc are a vital, sometimes only chance of scoring or conceding. They must be organized and practiced.

Chris Gould
68 Posted 11/07/2015 at 09:22:08
I don't think he does play his cards close to his chest. I wish that was the case, but I have not seen anything throughout his tenure which is suggestive of that. We are bidding and losing out to other clubs.

How many players did he promise last summer? 7-8? What makes you think he will do any better this summer?

But maybe his comments about keeping this squad together shouldn't be scoffed at. Aston Villa have lost their two CMs from last season in Cleverley and Delph, and are probably going to lose Benteke. They were close to relegation with those three, so to replace them and improve the team is going to be bloody difficult.

Simon Jackson
69 Posted 11/07/2015 at 09:08:02
Does everyone not remember the brilliant run in Europe? Yes, we took our eye off the Premier League, but we played good teams and beat them. This cost us in the league and this is why we were as far down the league.

As for the transfer targets, let's not all jump on the media bandwagon; most of the players have a price, wages etc... Look at Leeds, Portsmouth, all bought and bought and bought... now look at them!

We have a structure and we have to keep to it. Yes, we all wonder where the money goes, but it's the life of an Everton fan. We still have plenty of time to get the players in, that means we aren't paying over the odds, also causing unrest in the dressing room.

I look forward to the season and hope RM has learned from his mistakes last season,

Steve Chesters
70 Posted 11/07/2015 at 09:26:42
This transfer window gets more embarrassing by the week, why aren't we buying anyone? Are we the only Premier League club with no money? Why are we only looking at free transfers and loans?

Martinez's cringeworthy comments only reinforce my belief that he is not up the the job. We need a goalie; get Ospina. We need a CB; get Dann. And we deffo need an yer alternative to sulky arse Lukaku; get Austin. Three players all proven in the Premier League, get your wallet out Bill and less talking and more action from Bobby.

Oh and it might be an idea to get someone else to do the press interviews because Bobby is increasingly excruciating to listen to.

Winston Williamson
71 Posted 11/07/2015 at 09:47:26
It's taken 11 days...the first hamstring injury (of many if guess) of the season, and the first talk of reining in the transfer excitement! 11 days...
More of the same as last season is to come!
Sam Hoare
72 Posted 11/07/2015 at 09:50:54
With the squad as it is I'd say we are in real trouble with a couple of injuries. Only 2 senior CBs is not enough clearly.

This squad finishes 8th-12th in my eyes and we need one or two more first team caliber transfers to push higher up the table and have a good crack at the cups.

There's time still to go but West Ham, who finished one place below us last season, have spent around £25m already while we have spent £4m. I would hope we might have at least another £10-15m to spend but time will tell.

Paul Ellam
73 Posted 11/07/2015 at 10:12:18
Trying my best to keep the faith and stay patient regarding us finding the perfect players but I have to admit I am envious of other clubs doing plenty of business with players I feel would be good for us.

I think we have missed a trick on players like Wijnaldum, Mitrovic, Cabaye and Alderweireld. I realise they all cost big money but surely we have enough cash available to be buying these types of players? The board surely have no excuses regarding transfer funds after all this TV revenue came in. We should have plenty to spend in my opinion and all this talk of only £15m to spend angers me!

We are being left behind (top 6) and caught up (bottom half) at the same time. But, as I said at the start of my piece, I am trying to keep the faith. :-)

Dean Adams
74 Posted 11/07/2015 at 09:59:09
What has West Ham spending £25million got to do with anything? So what if they were close to us in the league!

What is all this crap about being short of CB's? If push comes to shove and Jags or Stones is out for a while, then clearly Bobby has players who can play in those positions. Barry and Besic are both more than capable.

So we had a bad season last time around, so what!! The season before we were one of the best teams in the league. Del boy is back and we almost have the same team that finished 5th.

Give the team a chance, wait and see, then if things go as badly as some believe (not that they ever do go that badly) then and only then do you have grounds for being so miserable. Come on Evertonians, smile, be happy, don't worry!!!

John Williams
75 Posted 11/07/2015 at 10:27:25
The key signing this summer is the No 10 who can pick a pass, open up defenses and can control the game. Something which Ross can't do at the moment. We've got pace to burn up front... it needs to be utilized.
Dave Abrahams
76 Posted 11/07/2015 at 10:46:15
John (75), yes we definitely need a Bo 10 to create the openings that were lacking last season. I wouldn't be surprised if he turns out to be a loan signing; we don't look like we have much money to spend.

I'm still hoping we sign Lennon and a centre back and it is still early days in the transfer market so we might be pleasantly surprised. All you can do, when you are an Evertonian, is hope; absolutely nothing is guaranteed.

Tony Hughes
77 Posted 11/07/2015 at 10:49:14
Barry and Besic as CBs? That's a laugh; I can just see Besic taking on the likes of Beneteke for a high cross! And yes, we did ALMOST finish 4th with some of these players... but don't forget, they are now TWO years older!
Al Reddish
78 Posted 11/07/2015 at 10:54:24
The last 6 windows? He's only been here for three. The most important one was the one where we signed John Stones and not just because Billy will have pound signs in his eyes every time he looks at him.

People who support Billy should read Kendall's book. Even though Howard speaks highly of Blue Bill, he does mention that, even as a director, it was Kenwright who set up the deal to sell Keown to Arsenal. The chap just can't hold on to anything if there is a whiff of a profit in it.

Darren Hind
80 Posted 11/07/2015 at 10:37:01
Matt

You are right of course, but about this time last year I was slaughtered on here for suggesting Martinez was complicit with the board's transfer policy. People like Colin, who are now in total agreement with you, are merely conceding yet more ground in their relentless defence of their idol.

It's okay for the manager to dampen everyone's expectations (on behalf of the board) with two months left of the transfer window... but critics are supposed to wait until the window closes before criticising. I'm sure some of these guys would let their houses burn down before they called the fire brigade...

You get what you accept and we have too many fans ready to accept Jack Shit.

James Marshall
81 Posted 11/07/2015 at 11:10:44
People seem worried, but why? It's only the start of July and we've signed 2 (or 3) players already, the manager is talking about more signings and we're clearly looking for a centre half.

Howard is a good keeper. I don't think we should be buying another one. We have Robles.

Matt Traynor
82 Posted 11/07/2015 at 11:18:34
Darren #80, if Jack Shit is a number 10 or a GK, I'll accept him.

Probably a #2 though...

Tom Bowers
84 Posted 11/07/2015 at 11:13:04
The varying opinions are really fascinating reading and many points I agree with completely. I must admit I too have been guilty of negativity regarding this transfer window and the upcoming season but, like many, have some justification after what has gone on in past years.

In his first season, RM, probably even in his own mind, over-achieved somewhat and we all went agog with expectancy for last season which quickly turned to frustration early on, saved only by a run in the Europa League.

We need to be patient and see what happens before the window closes and also how early results go. Let's all understand that some of the names mentioned here as Everton targets may have only been media speculation.

Many fans have been calling for Bobby's head after last season, including myself, which was probably unfair, so perhaps we ought to sit tight a while longer with this manager to see if he is the real deal. I am sure that the first dozen games will be crucial to his tenure.

We will probably see a lot more movement of players at Everton over the next little while.

Chris Henderson
85 Posted 11/07/2015 at 11:28:02
Yes we should be signing new players but bleating that West Ham, Stoke and Palace get the players is ludicrous.

Yes they sign multi million pound players but none are proven and certainly not worth the money being paid.
Dave Pritchard
86 Posted 11/07/2015 at 11:59:04
Yes Darren and if we did sign JS then at least nobody could criticise the people on here who would say he is crap like they do for most of our signings.
Steve Cotton
87 Posted 11/07/2015 at 12:06:05
We could do a lot worse than offer Bakary Sako a contract, he's on a free and knows where the net is. Plays on the left too. No financial outlay, which would suit 'Boys Pen' Bill down to the ground.

I know he's a bit on the old side but Vlaar would be a great backup to our current centre-backs as he has bags of experience and would still do a job for the next year our two.

Jim Bennings
88 Posted 11/07/2015 at 11:59:08
Steve Chesters

I really wish you were our manager!

Spot on and I agree with your entire post.

Neil Thomas
89 Posted 11/07/2015 at 12:13:33
Jack.

I must agree with most of what you said, I think we are still kidding ourselves when we think that we are still a powerhouse in the Premier League, because we're not. What we are and always will be is a great club with the most loyal and best supporters in the world. But, unless we do start spending, we are going to find ourselves playing Championship football.

Every fan, if they are being honest, must admit that there were moments last season where we were beginning to look over our shoulders. Teams like Sunderland, Stoke, and West Ham should never be able to attract players over us, but they are... so, unless we start spending and showing players we're a big club, we are going to end up a average club who can only attract average players.

I thought we had turned the corner last season by showing our intent in spending £28M on a player, but we still need to follow that up.

Mark Fitzgerald
90 Posted 11/07/2015 at 12:10:03
While I am disappointed that we haven't made the 'marquee' signing that everyone craves, I am also prepared to wait before passing judgement on our off-season moves. To be fair there is time & opportunity available for a bold positive move in this transfer window.

There have been many T-windows in the past where, at this stage, we had either signed no players or made average acquisitions. At the moment I am pleased with the two new additions and am hopeful of more. If we were to move on and nab the coveted No 10. (Shaqiri, etc) and a solid CB (Kjaer, etc) then the posts would be discussing our CL ambitions.

Maybe I am being overly optimistic (some will undoubtedly say deluded) but, like I say, let's at least wait and judge the squad that starts the season. Keep the faith!

Paul Tran
92 Posted 11/07/2015 at 12:25:28
Wow, the manager is complicit in the club's transfer policy? Doesn't that happen everywhere, until the manager resigns?

I think when Martinez talked of 6/7 players he was saying what we all know. My view is that either he was trying to bounce the club into building on the momentum of his first season, which it should have done, or he displayed incompetence by blowing the budget on one player, then misusing him. No evidence for this, just my view of an ambitious manager getting a door slammed in his face. Hasn't mentioned it since, has he?

There are three separate issue here. One is our board's parsimony and strange financial habits. The second is Martinez's caution and unwillingness to buy anyone he doesn't know. The third is whether Martinez will be competent enough to manage the players' fitness and play a balanced team.

There's been some talk on here about Martinez's 'acolytes' 'getting their excuses in early'. Looks to me like there's plenty getting their criticism in early too. For everyone ignoring a burning building there's plenty shouting 'fire' on a warm day.

I'm trying to recall a transfer window where we bagged a load of brilliant players after 11 days, so I'll save my praise/criticism till the start of the season.

Jim Bennings
93 Posted 11/07/2015 at 12:25:03
What we really should be asking ourselves is are we now just happy and content to stand still?

Martinez has come out and said that primarily he wanted to keep the group together, but this to me is simply accepting that last season's standards are now exactly that, acceptable.

We have signed two players who may slightly alter one or two things, Deulofeu more so than Cleverley I believe, but that's providing he's not going to warm the bench.

What would to me send out a statement of intent is if we had bid for a Alderweireld or signed Ogbonna or made an ambitious move for Charlie Austin and made the Ospina or Scott Dann moves happen.

Why should the players who failed on virtually a weekly basis last season all of a sudden be capable of producing the goods? We can harp on about two seasons ago, but they are all two years older now and too many have regressed.

Football never stands still, we should have learnt that lesson after finishing 4th under Moyes, teams are forever bettering themselves, just look at Crystal Palace?
They finish above us but they know the importance of bettering a squad that punched above its weight but at the same time has the foundations to become better.

Everton always seem too interested in looking back and trying to recreate the past; we are too afraid of speculating to accumulate.

Shane Corcoran
94 Posted 11/07/2015 at 12:51:10
I'd take what Martinez says with a pinch of salt. He told us that they weren't close to signing Deulofeu and then he arrived.

Just add the transfer talk he comes out with to the list of other stuff he says that you pretty much ignore.

Mike Powell
95 Posted 11/07/2015 at 12:52:45
We all know we are desperate for a CB and another striker if we don't get them then I worry for us this coming season.

Anyone who thinks the likes of Conor McAleny are good enough is deluded he is probably a half-decent Championship player at best.

If one of our CBs get injured, then we are in trouble. The same goes if Rom gets injured... then what?

Bill Farmer
96 Posted 11/07/2015 at 12:46:59
There seems to be much agitation at the lack of signings to date although that fact does provide us with a good talking point at a quiet time in the football followers year.

Still getting acquainted with this forum, I chanced upon the comprehensive list of comings and goings over recent times and it was noticeable how many significant signings have been made well into each window -- so often on the very last day of trading.

On that evidence alone, it seems inappropriate to get too animated about our club's dealings at this point in time. But, then, what else have we to talk about?

Ian Smitham
97 Posted 11/07/2015 at 13:06:10
Al Reddish #78, help me please, are you saying Roberto signed Stones?
Bill Farmer
98 Posted 11/07/2015 at 13:18:30
On the subject of Stones, Martinez could only have been influential in his signing if the Catalan had known he was to be our future manager six months before his appointment !

That couldn't possibly have been the case .... or could it ?

Andrew Clare
100 Posted 11/07/2015 at 13:21:53
Picture this. You are going to a very important function so what you do? Wear the 3-year-old M&S suit that's in your wardrobe, buy a reasonable but not expensive pair of shoes, then to top it off, spend £500 on a tie! Yep you're right: it just doesn't work.

In a nutshell, that's what Everton have done... with Lukaku being the tie. We need to spend a great deal more on the suit if we are going to look good. Maybe the shoes need changing too.

Simon Bell
101 Posted 11/07/2015 at 13:36:01
What a fickle bunch we are! We're like a bunch of spoilt kids after Christmas. "Yeah I know I got all them presents at Christmas but it's boxing day now and I want more".

So what if West Ham have signed so-and-so? I don't care! Do we really want to be Sunderland with £50M to spend and then fight relegation year after year?? Unlike most on here, at present I'm happy with my lot.

Let's look forward to the season and welcome the players that do come because we will sign the players Martinez wants and not all the players papers link us with.

Paul Burns
102 Posted 11/07/2015 at 13:39:29
How a single so-called Everton fan can come out on this site and try and pass off the board's lies that we have no money is beyond me. Everyone knows the Premier League is awash with it so where's it disappearing to? When our own fans are repeating this hogwash, you know you are in trouble.

We could have paid off the total debt and still spent more on players with this season's money ALONE. It's time to put Kenwright on the spot by any means necessary, this phoney's pulling more strokes than Sepp Blatter and some gullible fools are having it!

Ray Roche
103 Posted 11/07/2015 at 13:48:01
Simon,

"Do we really want to be Sunderland with £50 m to spend and then fight relegation "

Or do we want to be like Everton and spend virtually nothing and watch all our rivals spend THEIR TV money?

We can't afford to stand still -- we MUST improve our squad to do just that, so if we want to improve on last year that is what we must do. We are two defenders short from last season with Distin and Alcaraz going, we have replaced Lennon with Deulofeu and signed Cleverley on a free.

The rest of our squad is slowly ageing and needs refreshing, our two signings so far are not enough. With the current TV deal we should have more money than ever before but if Kenwright etc are serious about EFC it needs to be invested in the team.

Simon Bell
104 Posted 11/07/2015 at 13:56:56
Ray, the other clubs are gambling their TV money to get to the level Everton are already at. Yes, we need to spend some money, what I don't understand is the moaning that we're not at the moment. I would sooner wait for the right person than panic-buy.
Drew O'Neall
105 Posted 11/07/2015 at 14:01:23
Xavi is 35 now, I wonder if he'd like a couple of years in the big time before it's too late.

Seriously though, an aging, experienced campaigner in the No 10 role would suit us in the short term, along with the progressive development (rather than the pressuring) of Ross Barkley.

Chris Gould
106 Posted 11/07/2015 at 14:05:51
Simon, the clubs that are spending now are not panic buying. They are getting their targets in nice and early so they can bed them in before the season starts. Panic buying is what we will be doing come the end of the window. Or at least trying to do.
Raymond Fox
107 Posted 11/07/2015 at 13:54:13
Steve 70, do you not think Martinez would prefer to be buying £20m- £30m players instead of the bargain basement types! He's told what his budget is; blame the owners, it's his job which is on the line for heavens sake.

It's trying to compete on a limited budget that has led to us being trophy less for 20 years, that in a nutshell is the problem.

The Premier League as a competition is a joke, it's a money race, same 6 clubs finished top 6 last season, what's the betting it will be the same again this season!

Ray Roche
108 Posted 11/07/2015 at 14:42:10
Simon,

I've never regarded Stoke, Swansea, Palace or West Ham as our rivals, yet they all finished on the same or better points total than we did. And they are all improving their squad or trying to. What does that tell you?

As Chris Gould says, their signings will have time to bed in, reach fitness levels and feel less like strangers than someone signed on deadline day.

Ray Roche
109 Posted 11/07/2015 at 14:47:34
Ray Fox, the Prem is getting more like Formula 1 every season, a procession of the usual suspects.
Joe Foster
110 Posted 11/07/2015 at 14:51:37
Damn it... looks like we missed out on Schweinstieger.
Eddie O Neill
111 Posted 11/07/2015 at 14:39:16
Holy shit, you just cannot go out and buy whatever player want, when you want him... he has to be for sale for a start; he also has to be affordable at our level.

If a player signs for some other team instead of us, so what? That is his decision, it means fuck all.

Everton FC is (and always was) a wonderfully run club, that is why it is 62 years continuous in the top flight (second only to Arsenal, I believe).

Also, Martinez is the best thing that happened to our club for many years... his best attribute is he is brave. I was so sick of Moyes he was so defensive and conservative. I always knew we would not win anything with Moyes, he is not brave enough.

I am sure we will win something with Martinez sooner rather than later....just give him some time and trust his judgement. He has only had two seasons with us... a great one and a bad one... but why judge him on his bad one? Why not his good one?

Jayus... come on! We blues are better than that....

Jim Bennings
112 Posted 11/07/2015 at 14:59:45
Along with Cleverley and Deulofeu I would have regarded this summer a big success with signing three from Cabaye, Wijnalda, Charlie Austin and Ogbonna, plus trying to get Ospinna maybe even on loan as a direct replacement for Howard.

But it looks like it will be more of the same next season unless something drastically changes, feel we are missing out on business deals now.

Jack Cross
113 Posted 11/07/2015 at 15:17:05
Jim Bennings.

Have you heard of or seen Jed Wallace? (21) wolverhamton. Creative midfielder. With vision and can score goals. Maybe not for this season but one to watch for next. Lower league I know, but I'm a strong believer in looking outside your own league. Has you know Jim.

Simon Bell
114 Posted 11/07/2015 at 15:21:26
Chris, I never said the other teams were panic buying. I don't like how we think the grass is greener because the other teams have signed players. I'm sure the other teams would've loved to have signed Cleverly and Deulofeu but we have. I'm happy to wait for the right players.
Chris Gould
115 Posted 11/07/2015 at 15:31:51
Simon, I appreciate what you're saying, but I think some of these players are already being snapped up. I don't think Bobby is going to surprise us with signings we never saw coming.

I hope I'm wrong.

Chris Gould
116 Posted 11/07/2015 at 15:35:10
Simon, I appreciate what you're saying, but I think some of these players are already being snapped up. I don't think Bobby is going to surprise us with signings we never saw coming.
I hope I'm wrong.
Darren Hind
117 Posted 11/07/2015 at 15:10:46
"I think when Martinez was talking about 6/7 players he was saying what we all know" ... Really?

Martinez did not say "We might sign them"; he didn't say "We hope to sign them"; he didn't say "We need them, but we cant afford them" ... What he said is "We WILL sign them".

If (as the acolytes seem to be finally accepting) he is complicit with the transfer policy, then he would have known how much he had to spend and he'd have known he was going to blow virtually all of it on one player... so what the fuck was he talking about???

Now it seems that by stating you don't believe that the Number 10 Martinez has been promising will materialise, you are calling "fire".

Lead them up the Garden path once, Roberto, shame on you.... Lead them up it twice, shame on them.

Harold Matthews
118 Posted 11/07/2015 at 14:30:56
Apart from wishing we had a big fast guy at the back and a keeper who commanded the area, I think we have a very decent bunch of quality players. What we don't have is top class specialist coaches. Wenger, with ten times more experience than Martinez, brought in Steve Bould to organise the defence. He has now brought in a world class keeper.

Cheers.

Paul Tran
119 Posted 11/07/2015 at 16:57:47
Darren, I can assure you I haven't been led up any garden paths.

One of the three issues I mentioned was Martinez's incompetence at blowing the budget on a player he misused. Hope you saw that.

I share your doubts about the magic No 10 coming, we'll probably end up with a journeyman on loan from the end of August.

It's not about being an 'acolyte' of Martinez. When a non-spending club has only bought two players 11 days into the window, I'm not convinced it's time to panic. Yet.

Darren, you can feel free to accuse people of doing nothing while the building's burning. There's no difference in me talking about people crying fire before you can smell or see the burning.

We'll see who's right in time. If we don't strengthen the squad by the start of the season and you see me defend him, by all means call me an 'acolyte'.

Don't hold your breath, it's a long time since I've defended him, despite what some people seem to think.

Patrick Murphy
121 Posted 12/07/2015 at 02:25:35
The only strengthening Everton FC need right now, at this moment in time is the resolve and patience of its fans. I bet the kids don't kick up a fuss shortly after Bonfire night when Santa has failed to call, so come on, guys... ungnash those teeth, unclench those fists, and enjoy the sunshine.

If, on the 1st of September, the squad looks weaker than it did at the end of last season, I will be the first on here to have a go at those responsible.

Albert Perkins
122 Posted 12/07/2015 at 04:32:43
McAleny has been bashed to death by a number of our members on this thread. I heard he had a not so bad game recently.
Kevin Elliott
124 Posted 12/07/2015 at 13:14:01
Well said, Albert. I know it was only Swindon but I reckon Jack Cross's face resembles that of a Cheshire cat today.

Enjoy your Sunday lunch, Jack.

James Marshall
125 Posted 12/07/2015 at 14:10:36
Jim Bennings, an ambitious move for Charlie Austin? Sorry, Charlie who?
Jack Cross
126 Posted 12/07/2015 at 15:31:12
Anyone seen Ross Glendinning, goalie of Linfield FC? I've seen him a few times, he has traits of a decent goalie. Seeing as we're looking to replace Tim.

As for Charlie Austin, I think he is over-rated and over-priced and always injured. We have better -- just look at the youngsters who played yesterday.

Paul Tran
127 Posted 12/07/2015 at 16:47:12
That's part of the problem, Jack. Austin had just one season in the PL and he's suddenly worth £15m. Clubs are asking daft money for Championship players, which means we have to gamble on foreign players at daft money, or go to the lower leagues for bargains.

It's a gamble either way and with an over-cautious manager and non-investing board, expect to hear more of the 'keep the team together' nonsense.

James Marshall
128 Posted 12/07/2015 at 17:13:57
While we're on the subject of forward players, I think we should be going all-out to get Arda Turan on loan for 5 months. He just signed for Barca but isn't allowed to play for them until January when their transfer ban ends.....

Where better for him to ply his trade rather than watching every week that at Goodison where he'll play every week because he's a class act, he fits the mould of the playmaker we need (plus a bit of bite & industry), and we have an excellent relationship with Barca by all accounts. I'd be on the phone to them (and his agent) all day every day trying to make it happen.

Michael Kenrick
129 Posted 12/07/2015 at 18:01:29
Jack Cross (#126):

"Seeing as we're looking to replace Tim."

Really? Who says? FM-crazed Blues???

Certainly not the guy who actually matters... Señor Martinez.

What makes people think this stuff, never mind post it???

James Marshall
130 Posted 12/07/2015 at 18:50:23
I don't think we need, or are looking to replace Howard. He's been one of the best keepers in the division for about 5 years, and just because he wasn't so good last year means nothing.

People have very short memories, especially when it comes to goalkeeping.

Mike Connolly
131 Posted 12/07/2015 at 19:11:05
James (#130).

Wake up and smell the coffee. Howard may have been one of the best 5 years ago, but not one of the best for 5 years. We need to give Robles a chance if we don't buy a class goalkeeper.

Paul Tran
132 Posted 12/07/2015 at 20:14:12
Got to disagree with you, James. Howard cost us a lot of points last season. Just look at Man Utd. An expensively put together average team with a very good keeper.

Bad as we were last season, if by a miracle we'd swapped Howard for De Gea, the season would have looked different.

That's how important a decent keeper is. We need one.

Jack Cross
133 Posted 12/07/2015 at 20:37:15
Michael Kenrick.

I'll refrase that Mike. We should be looking to replace him. He was an half decent keeper when he first came to us. But he hasn't been the top of his game for I'd say the last three seasons. (In my opinion Mike)
And I'm not alone in thinking he needs to be replaced Mike. So are we all FM crazed blues?

It's called giving an opinion Mike, And Ive given mine, just like your entitled to your's. The only difference is Iv'e given mine without name calling.

oh by the way I hope you don't mind me calling you Mike instead of Michael? If you do, please accept my apology.

Michael Kenrick
134 Posted 13/07/2015 at 00:41:03
Glad you clarified that, Jack.

Here’s the thing. It doesn’t matter if you or any Blues fans think he needs to be replaced. Martinez has shown no inclination or desire to replace Howard. And even if he did, we have Robles, with Stanek and Griffiths as cover.

It’s not really ’opinion’ if it has no basis. Until we’re linked with a new goalkeeper, it’s just idle pointless FM fantasy. And even then, it’s likely just dubious press rumour until something actually happens.

Jack Cross
135 Posted 13/07/2015 at 01:30:46
Michael, in the Collins English Dictionary "opinion" means personal belief. So I personally believe that Tim Howard is not any longer good enough to be our Number One goalie.

As for Robles, I personally believe that he also is not good enough to take over from Howard (long term). As for Stanek and Griffiths, I haven't seen either of them, Michael, so I could not say anything positive or negative regarding them.

On a different note, it's just come on the interactive that Sterling, Liverpool and Man City have agreed on a £49 million transfer. The most expensive English player ever.


Add Your Comments

In order to post a comment, you need to be logged in as a registered user of the site.

» Log in now

Or Sign up as a ToffeeWeb Member — it's free, takes just a few minutes and will allow you to post your comments on articles and Talking Points submissions across the site.


About these ads

© ToffeeWeb