Martinez prepared to bear burden of expectation

, 9 April, 80comments  |  Jump to most recent

Roberto Martinez says that he embraces the expectations of the club's fans but admits he needs to win games to prove he can take the Blues forward.

The Everton manager is under mounting pressure as his team toils through a second successive Premier League campaign of under-performance with just the FA Cup semi-final later this month as a genuine focal point for the remainder of the season.

Martinez will oversee his charges' attempts today to improve on a poor run of league form in recent weeks against a Watford side struggling in a similar situation, knowing that another defeat will only ratchet up the discontent among a growing chorus of supporters who have run out of faith in the Catalan's ability to manage Everton to sustained success.

Martinez was asked by the media on the eve of the match at Vicarage Road what he would to those doubters.

"I need to show that [I am the right man]. I'm not someone who is going to come up with excuses. I am the first one who wants Everton to be competing for silverware and playing attractive football.

"I want us to play eye to eye against any club in the country and getting to where I believe we should get. That's not going to happen overnight. But I don't have to sell any smoke. I need to win football games in order for that fans to understand that's the way forward.

"I expect that the scrutiny and the disappointment will be there when we don't win football games. My job is to win games then you can see where we are and where we go. The fans and myself want the same thing, which is Everton winning every weekend and winning silverware.

"‘I have incredible belief in what we can achieve. I need to take responsibility for the expectations created but that's my job.

"All I need is time to make sure we get a winning team that plays attacking football that can take us where Everton should be in my opinion, which is winning silverware."

 

Reader Comments (80)

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James Morgan
1 Posted 09/04/2016 at 07:33:45
The pressure is piling on, it's about time he said he's responsible instead of making excuses. Nevertheless, Martinez out!
Joe Foster
2 Posted 09/04/2016 at 07:37:39
Gus Hiddink, please.
Sam Hoare
3 Posted 09/04/2016 at 07:44:17
At least this is him taking responsibility for once. However not sure you can be asking for more time when you've had almost 3 years which is a pretty decent crack for underperforming Premiership managers.
Michael Penley
4 Posted 09/04/2016 at 07:47:51
"I'm not someone who is going to come up with excuses."

Yes, you are. You've done it again and again from Day 1.

Now your excuse is you haven't had enough time. You've had 3 seasons. That's more than enough. Now pack your bags.

Iain Thomson
5 Posted 09/04/2016 at 08:06:26
Oh please.... for the love of god, shut up, you ballbag.
Ray Smith
6 Posted 09/04/2016 at 08:11:55
"I'm not someone who is going to come up with excuses."

I think he actually believes it.

He needs someone he respects to sit him down and give him some home truths.

Not sure anybody would get through; Sir Alex maybe, but he wouldn't waste his time on a lost cause.

I'm grasping at straws, but something has to happen now, so we can prepare for next season, not at the end of this season.

Jim Bailey
7 Posted 09/04/2016 at 08:21:54
"But I don't have to sell any smoke."

Aaaaaaaaggggggggghhhhhhhhhh!

Just go away Bobby.

Trevor Peers
8 Posted 09/04/2016 at 08:26:20
Roberto's plea for more time just doesn't wash, his whole philosophy, tactics, way of playing is flawed. Year on year we're getting worse, losing more games, there's no evidence more time will bring success, only failure.

Most outgoing managers come out with this desperate nonsense, it's undignified, almost like begging. There will be more to come from him unfortunately, before he is finally sent packing.

Brian Williams
10 Posted 09/04/2016 at 08:31:03
He must be getting worried now, I hope so anyway, because he knows his present job is the best he's ever gonna have.

When he gets the bullet from Everton, which I hope is soon, the only way is down for him, and he knows it!!

Brin Williams
11 Posted 09/04/2016 at 08:31:58
All of a sudden it is all down to him – not someone else – has the penny dropped albeit too late?

I need to show......
I'm not someone.....
I am the first to.......
I want us to play....
I believe we should....
I don't need to.....
I need to win.....
I have incredible......
I expect that the......
My job is to win......
I need to take responsibility.....
All I need is time........

(If we only had time , if we only had time )
Maybe another time Senior. Your time is up!!!

Steve Pugh
12 Posted 09/04/2016 at 08:33:46
If this was a script for a movie Hollywood would throw it out as too far fetched. The man needs to look back at all the things he has said over the last 24 months and see how many times he has proved the latest statement wrong.
Richard Lyons
13 Posted 09/04/2016 at 08:33:46
Remember, he told Kenwright, "I'll get you in the Champions League within 4 years"? So, he's had 3 of those years now, which means he's still got one year left to fulfil that promise.

Or maybe BK heard it wrong, and Martinez's words were actually "I'll get you into the Championship within 4 years."

Now it's all beginning to make sense...

Darryl Ritchie
14 Posted 09/04/2016 at 08:37:18
Dead man talking... and I mean figuratively, not literally.

He's had more than enough time to show us his chops. We supporters, the opposition, the universe, for that matter, have had his tactics figured out for years. I would tell Martinez to take off the blinkers, but it's way too late for that.

Andrew Laird
15 Posted 09/04/2016 at 08:38:45
The "excuses" statement is pure comedy gold and I am beginning to like Roberto, he is clearly operating on a comedic level that most professional writers dream about. Journalists clearly don't bother with any pressing follow ups because he does all the work for them.

It took nearly 4 full seasons for his "philosophy" to be implemented fully at Wigan.... Now they are in League One.

I often wonder what he is like when he's pissed up.

John Newman
16 Posted 09/04/2016 at 08:40:08
Has been selling smoke for the past 2 years.

Has got to go... preferably after we draw against Watford

I genuinely fear for us if he stays; the Kenwright phrase "What a manager" after the Chelsea match still haunts me.

Colin Glassar
17 Posted 09/04/2016 at 08:43:17
I bet Kenwrights's been advising him to come out fighting. After what he did to 'Our Bainsey', he's on his own now as far as I'm concerned.
Ian Jones
18 Posted 09/04/2016 at 08:43:20
Interesting that he says he needs to take responsibility. Doesn't necessarily mean he has taken responsibility.

Personally, I need to go the opticians. Doesn't mean I am going to any time soon!

Paddy Howlin
20 Posted 09/04/2016 at 08:48:53
There is nothing else this charlatan can say or the team do from this point forward that will ever convince me he should stay in charge of our club. He needs to go NOW.

The evidence over the past 2 seasons is compelling. Incompetent tactically, unable to manage strong characters in the dressing room, inflexible in his approach and incapable of understanding, never mind learning from his mistakes.

The only thing he had in his favor was the ability to pull the wool over the eyes of the media due to his accessibly/always good for a quote approach. Now he's shot himself in the foot with the local media and he's melting in the spotlight.

Despite the potential millions we now have at our disposal, I fear for our future if this man is given even 10 games in to next season to 'prove' himself. Not only are we likely to lose our better players, but I have zero confidence in his ability to rebuild the core of a squad that now needs replacing. He's had almost 3 seasons, and he's taken us below Tony Pullis's WBA and dependent on a 35-year-old Gareth Barry. What a legacy. Enough is enough, Roberto time to go.

Ian Burns
21 Posted 09/04/2016 at 09:04:55
He is a rabbit caught in the headlights praying the car will stop. Having listened to so many interviews where he is blaming everybody and everything but himself, this statement allied to needing more time is his last throw of the dice.

Martinez – the car ain't stopping – a win a Watford today will only slow it down but a win is a must.

Stewart Lowe
22 Posted 09/04/2016 at 09:07:55
I have just worked out why our home form is so so bad. I have been racking my brains trying to work out why home and away form is so different?
Playing at home the opposition expects Everton to have the lions share of possession and because this dick head has us playing so far up the pitch in search of goals, teams are happy to pick us off on the break as we watch our defenders try to run back to goal but in vain.

The reason this doesn't happen in away games is because the opposition expects themselves to have the lion share of the game by being the home side. The result of this means we now have two teams pushing high up the pitch, and because we mostly have better attacking midfielders / strikers, we will end up winning more games away from home than losing.

So my reckoning means NOTHING is going change if my analysis is correct.

Damian Wilde
23 Posted 09/04/2016 at 09:25:06
As a clinical psychologist, I worry for this man. First of all:

"I'm not someone who is going to come up with excuses."

He regularly makes excuses which he does to protect himself and his lack of awareness is alarming and someone functioning like this you do not want in-charge of a football club.

He doesn't understand himself - let alone Everton!!

"I need to dhow I am the right man."

Is becoming a bit more aware his arse is catching fire.

"I want us to play eye to eye against any club in the country and getting to where I believe we should get. That's not going to happen overnight. But I don't have to sell any smoke. I need to win football games in order for that fans to understand that's the way forward."

He knows we know his way isn't the way forward, but he persists to try to prove his philosophy, which if he doesn't meet will make him feel low emotionally and psychologically so he continues with this crap and act like a tool to meet psychological needs lacking in himself.

I'm a warm and compassionate man, but Roberto you're hopefully on your way, you're doing my head in.

MARTINEZ OUT.

John Newman
24 Posted 09/04/2016 at 09:30:19
I think, if we lose at Watford, Bobby's gone. Although Kenwright seems smitten with him, I doubt that our steady decline over the last 2 seasons can go totally unnoticed and surely with the new influences at the club "I say that coz I don't know who's in charge" it's no longer if but when Martinez will get the boot.

We gave Martinez a chance he's been found out , and now our club is lingering around bottom half of the league with West Brom and the likes, with the squad we've got it's a joke .

A good manager can make average players look good our manager is making our good players look average when is someone at the top gonna do the right thing thanks Bobby but no thanks see ya.

What worries me most is why he's still here?

Brian Porter
25 Posted 09/04/2016 at 09:32:16
Bollocks, Roberto. We've heard it all before. The prat is now making excuses for his excuses and after this load of bullshit and his treatment of Leighton Baines I don't want this awful excuse for a manager to stay in charge of our club for even one more day, regardless of today's result or the FA Cup.

Off thread for a second, my son has just heard that our 66 World Cup winner, Ray Wilson, has been struck down with Alzheimer's disease. I went through it with my late Mum and can only wish Ray and his family the very best in his fight against this insidious disease. Strange it should come out this week when the best left back we've had since Ray has been publicly castigated and humiliated by our charlatan of a manager who isn't man enough to lace up either Ray's or Leighton's boots.

Kunal Desai
26 Posted 09/04/2016 at 09:37:26
Too many words and very little action. I think deep down he knows he is on his way out.
James Hughes
27 Posted 09/04/2016 at 09:38:49
Do you think Eugene writes his press conference notes??
Anthony Burke
28 Posted 09/04/2016 at 09:40:58
The only way I'd keep Roberto is if he employed a defensive coach. The football we play is good on the eye but some of his team selections baffle me at times along with his substitutions.

I still believe that, with a defensive coach along side him, the team can progress with Roberto still in charge!!!

Michael Evans
29 Posted 09/04/2016 at 09:41:03
Think we may need to get this properly analysed.

However, at first glance it may be a very rare form of Bullshit.

In a pure form like this it could be an important scientific discovery.

Eric Myles
30 Posted 09/04/2016 at 09:41:22
How can he say he doesn't make excuses when that's all he's done the last 2 seasons?

"I need to win football games in order for that fans to understand that's the way forward" tells me he's still intent on sticking to his 'philosophy' and proving that it works rather than recognize where it is failing and adapting each game to the circumstances.

Eddie Dunn
32 Posted 09/04/2016 at 09:45:40
More bullshit – just provide us with a team and a system on the park today, that brings home the bacon.
Tony Woods
33 Posted 09/04/2016 at 09:46:15
'Playing eye to eye with any club.'

We are looking up the backsides of most clubs.

Peter Larkin
34 Posted 09/04/2016 at 09:59:58
Today's game will be very interesting for two reasons:(1) If the players come out all guns blazing and we smash Watford 4-0, it will show the manger still has respect among the players; however, if the players play like the Arsenal and Man Utd games, it shows he has lost the dressing room.

And (2) if he has lost the dressing room, will he get the chop after the weekend?

Aidy Dews
36 Posted 09/04/2016 at 10:04:41
"I'm not someone who is going to make excuses...", bollocks, you've got a book full of em lad, none situated with you either!

"All I need is time...", you've had plenty mate and in the past 2 years you should of had us doing better and winning more games!

Ray Robinson
37 Posted 09/04/2016 at 10:16:24
"But I don't have to sell any smoke" comes from a Spanish expression (vender humo) and would be translated as something like "there's no need for me to promise you something that cannot be achieved".

So give him the benefit on the use of the (Spanish) phrase – even though it's still bullshit.

The other meaning of the phrase, according to street vernacular, is "I don't have to sell any marijuana"

I guess he's open to misinterpretation there. Perhaps he should apologise?

Tony Hill
38 Posted 09/04/2016 at 10:25:46
I agree with those on the Watford Preview thread who say that today will be significant to show if the players back Martinez at all. Another poor defeat and it is difficult to see how there can be any alternative to him going.
Joe Foster
39 Posted 09/04/2016 at 10:34:46
Ha ha None of it makes any sense and I don't think it matters anymore – he is a gonner.
Giacomo Trifoglio
40 Posted 09/04/2016 at 10:36:03
Lord Woffle of Goodison.
Doug Earle
41 Posted 09/04/2016 at 10:43:18
Stuart (#22). You're correct and add to that slow sideways passing and full backs playing as wingers. It only takes one mistake and the result is usually a great chance for the opposition. We have an insane chalkboard manager.
James Byrne
42 Posted 09/04/2016 at 11:00:35
Reality now starting to kick in for this clown of a manager.

Not only is Martinez a phoney but we're all seeing how much of an evil and spitefull person he can be.

The exit doors are at last opening on Martinez; the quicker he walks through them the better!

Frank Crewe
43 Posted 09/04/2016 at 11:58:57
"All I need is time" – While he's been huffing and puffing at Everton for the last three seasons, Pochettino has taken Southampton to 8th in one season. Their highest Premier League finish ever. He's taken Spurs to 2nd in the Premier League in two seasons. Rainieri has taken Leicester City from relegation certainties to the verge of Premier League champions in ONE season.

He is in this position because of his own intransigence and incessant cup chasing while neglecting the league. Last season it was the Europa League. This season it's the FA Cup.

He insisted upon a possession playing style that was totally unsuited to the players we have. He has not recognised the need to close out games when we were winning leading to losses that should never have happened.

Our players have plainly been lacking fitness for the last two seasons. He has gotten into needless feuds with our best players, Distin, Mirallas, Eto'o, now Baines is the latest. He persisted in picking players whose form was clearly shot. Howard, Kone, Alcaraz, Stones. He's brought in players who are not fit. We all remember the Traore fiasco and now we have Niasse. £13.5 million for a player who is nowhere near ready to play Premier League football.

All in all this is not the record of a manager who knows where he is going and how he's going to get there.

He's had three seasons and in modern football that's a long time. Many managers have come and gone in the Premier League in a lot less time than he's had and he knows it. Time to go.

Ian Hollingworth
44 Posted 09/04/2016 at 12:07:14
Sweet Jesus is this man still the manager?
Just go...... PLEASE
Phil Walling
45 Posted 09/04/2016 at 12:21:20
I've with Colin @ on this one – Kenwright has 'had a word'. The Chair is probably pissed off with having his e-mail box clogged with supporter protests and has told Roberto to 'front up'.

I still say, though, that he only needs to win a handful of games for the noise to dry up. More's the pity!

Derek Thomas
46 Posted 09/04/2016 at 12:22:24
James @27; if Eugene was writing it would be a much more humorous type of bullshit.

He's not for excuses then eh...but his only plan seems to be – If it ain't working, add more philosophy until it does... and it will if you give me enough time... and money

forget lose or draw only a win will do; So, what sort of win buys him more time.

Any of any type that gets 3 points?? or anything from 0-1 to 0-8.

For me nothing will or should save him... but I'd take 0-8 just for the laugh-in on the live forum.

Dave Richman
47 Posted 09/04/2016 at 12:50:15
Roberto's pressers are now so surreal, they have been officially declared the verbal equivalent of a Salvador Dali painting.
Eugene Ruane
48 Posted 09/04/2016 at 12:52:08
James Hughes (27) – "Do you think Eugene writes his press conference notes??"

Brilliant!

Imagine when you're not on TW, you're hammering box-sets of Little and Large and/or Mike and Bernie Winters.

ps: Do you think James knows how many question-marks a question requires?

Phil Williams
49 Posted 09/04/2016 at 13:04:26
Forget the bullshit that often comes from his mouth and even let's assume he's gone. When we kick off 2016-17 in August if you were offered 53 points, two cup semi-finals and an FA Cup win... stick or twist?

He may not deliver the cup or the points this season but, as a fan who saw us win in '70 and the '80s, I just want a trophy and a satisfactory league points total for starters.

I have been a big defender of Martinez but that is wavering. He is feeling the pressure, his comments on Baines were out of order and the results are unsatisfactory. A season is 38 games long. Anything less than top half is not good enough even with a cup. I still hope he delivers both.
Oh, by the way I would stick!

Jim Hardin
50 Posted 09/04/2016 at 13:25:02
Well, he did it again ... back out onto the ledge I go. If he stays on as manager, I am going to have to move to a taller building.
Paul Conway
51 Posted 09/04/2016 at 13:27:49
Either he is a complete incompetent underachiever, or simply, that song by Frank Zappa a few years back, entitled, 'Brown Shoes Don't Make It' is spot on!
Iain Davies
52 Posted 09/04/2016 at 13:34:06
Get out of our club, get out of our club!

Oh Bobby Bullshit get out of our club!!

James Hughes
53 Posted 09/04/2016 at 13:51:49
Eugene – yes one question mark if you are being serious and two if you have given up.

Little & Large would be too high brow for my taste and my box sets wont play anymore as I kept licking them.

If you don't mind, I will go back to my red crayon now...

Colin Hughes
54 Posted 09/04/2016 at 14:06:58
Oh to support a club like West Ham, a club with a vision right now. Soon to be moving to a new 60k super stadium, a manager with passion and tactical nous and a real chance of becoming the next Chelsea or Man City whilst we have to be happy with being everybody's favourite community project whilst achieving nothing on or off the pitch.
Sid Logan
55 Posted 09/04/2016 at 14:27:42
This is not Martinez taking responsibility.

This is the manager doing what all football managers (and for that matter politicians) do and that is to ignore reality and talk about what he must now do and will do!

All done without and acknowledgement or reference to past failings – it is all about what he will now do – and we all know, of course he won't!

In reality I don't suppose we can expect anything else. It's what they do right up to the moment until they're sacked!

Paul Olsen
56 Posted 09/04/2016 at 16:27:54
We´ll expect nothing while you are still around, Roberto. Don´t worry.
Ian Riley
57 Posted 09/04/2016 at 17:31:08
What expectations? Everton are 14th in the Premier League!! Going backwards and players queuing to have a go in the press. 39 points in mid April. Very lucky Reberto. Any other season, we may be heading for relegation. Wigan slowly crept to relegation. We are doing the same under Reberto.

I don't know when the board will decide to show Reberto the door. The press and fans are together in questioning Roberto's results. If the board have expectations, sack him now!!!

Tony Draper
58 Posted 09/04/2016 at 17:38:20
I'm not someone who tolerates Everton being hoodwinked.
David Connor
59 Posted 09/04/2016 at 18:44:58
He gets more embarrassing by the week. I haven't disliked an Everton manager more than I dislike Martinez. Well... maybe Mike Walker.

So, so disappointing. Just when you look like we have found the right man we have the rug pulled from under our feet. The life of an Evertonian.

Another false dawn and another shit manager. Absolutely gutted. Is it ever going to change for us? We have suffered far to long... Let's all hope that the new money man is the beginning of a bright future for the club. God knows we deserve it...

David Johnson
62 Posted 09/04/2016 at 21:10:46
It's been a constant battle against the boo boys, for Martinez and the likes of Stones and Barkley who have become shit scared of making a mistake, which has resulted in them making plenty.

Fuck the School of Science – let's get back to hoofball and never winning fuck all. Two semi-finals is obviously not good enough for a team who've won fuck all for 20 years.

I honestly believe we are only two or three players away from being genuine contenders. Sure Martinez can frustrate you but he is trying to get us playing good footy without fear.

Charlie Lloyd
63 Posted 09/04/2016 at 21:58:52
The excuses, poor tactics, poor subs, poor fitness levels, lessons not learnt, inability to motivate, lack of respect, ill chosen words at press conferences etc etc.

Enough is enough. Time for change.

Martinez Out

Barry Jones
64 Posted 10/04/2016 at 02:06:53
Richard #13, maybe he said I will take into the Championship within four years.......
Anto Byrne
65 Posted 10/04/2016 at 05:31:23
In three seasons we have gone from best of the rest to best of the worst. I can't see us finishing above 16th and the players can't be arsed. They have perfected the art of the back pass. From a Baines corner kick it went back via McCarthy, Barry and Stones to Robles.

Not one shot from distance all match why is keeping possession so important when you can let fly from 35 and give the keeper something to do.

It's all very predictable get the ball out wide and the winger has to get passed 2-3 defenders and then can't find a pass to a blue shirt.
Alan Bodell
66 Posted 10/04/2016 at 09:52:53
Does anyone know how long this idiot is contracted for ?
Patrick Murphy
67 Posted 10/04/2016 at 10:06:57
According to BBC in June 2014 - Roberto signed a new five year deal so his contract runs until June 2019, not too long to wait is it?

BBC Roberto

Phil Walling
68 Posted 10/04/2016 at 10:16:14
Unless a massive improvement occurs next season, it will be the end of Martinez AND Kenwright. But the wait will be torturous – FA Cup holders or not.

Mike Green
69 Posted 10/04/2016 at 10:18:11
It's interesting how Martinez's rhetoric has changed since Moshiri has come in, and in fairness to him that of the fans.

Had he not come in I think Roberto would still be talking about phenomenal performances and we would be praying it was all going to work out.

But now we've got the money (in theory if nothing else) Martinez knows he needs us more than we need him.

We are 14th and dropping like a stone. Our players look like they've either forgotten how to play or just don't want to anymore. Goodison is flat as a pancake and on the verge of becoming toxic. We've got a diabolical home record where until recently no one wanted to come to our place. Without Lukakus goals we would be down. We cannot keep a clean sheet. We have surrendered great leading positions calamitously. The manager has blamed the fans and is now publicly criticising players for their opinion. Players are starting to want out. Fans are starting to want out. The teams confidence, and ours, is shot.

You've been given time and had your best shot at the big time with your philosophy Roberto but things are getting worse, not better. It might wipe its feet in cup competitions where half of your handful of games to get to a final are against lower league opposition but in the top flight you've illustrated that it simply does not work and a loyal, knowledgeable support don't want to watch it and a decent, capable squad don't want to play it.

It's time for a change the second the FA Cup run is concluded, regardless of whether we win it or not.

And this time, Mr Moshiri, we recruit from the top table, not the second tier.

George McKane
70 Posted 10/04/2016 at 10:41:28
Someone posted "Oh to support a Club like WHU" – then support them and be proud of their fans making "hissing sounds" like Gas Ovens when playing Spurs – or be backed from money made from Pornographers and horrors like Brady who is a Corporate Vulture.

No – bad as we are on the pitch – Proud To be An Evertonian.

Phil Walling
71 Posted 10/04/2016 at 10:52:56
Phil @49, you speak for Kenwright and so many 'dumbed down 'Evertonians whose aspirations for our club have now sunk to 'top halfish' and a trophy of any sort every 30 years or so!

Perhaps Moyes was part of this dumbing down process but, at least in his time, we used to think 'seventhish' was the norm. You and your ilk have been well conditioned to mediocrity and, pompously, I forgive you for that's about all we can ever expect under this rotten regime.

Like his predecessor, Martinez is just another tool of the sick-making poseur who has called the shots for so many years. Until that boil is lanced, the pain will continue. I just hope our new investor realises he's been had!

Alan Bodell
72 Posted 10/04/2016 at 11:46:03
Patrick #67, thanks for that mate.... too long and a well undeserved payout when he finally fucks off to a Championship club.
Phil Walling
73 Posted 10/04/2016 at 12:06:26
On Goals on Sunday, Strachen's advice to what he says was FOUR people waving the Martinez banner at Watford is 'you should try watching Hartlepool if you're not happy!'

He went on to say Everton fans have no more right to win things just because they did years ago. 'Great manager, top, top chairman who runs the club properly – never gets relegated, young team, great old stadium, no right to think they should win all home matches, bla, bla, bla'

So now we know, we'll all have to behave ourselves!

Brian Harrison
74 Posted 10/04/2016 at 12:34:12
I cant believe the easy ride RM gets from pundits and journalists alike. He took over a disciplined well motivated group of players, that usually finished in the top 6. Now for the past 2 seasons we have finished 11th and are currently in 14th yes 14th and if the bottom 3 weren't as bad as they are we would be in the middle of a relegation battle.

So last night on MotD after the game, Lineker says RM is under a bit of pressure it seems. To which Danny Murphy says I like watching Everton( being a red I bet you do) and goes on to say I don't think its that bad after all they have got to 2 semi finals. Thank heavens at least Keown said that we are underperforming.

Now Strachan thinks we have a top manager and a top chairman. Now there is a surprise another useless manager supporting another one.

Mind I should have known its only plucky Everton they are talking about, the fans should be grateful that they don't support Villa or Newcastle. So I will purchase my season ticket next week as will my 2 Sons and my Grandson, but FM please don't view that as a vote of confidence in RM.

I am buying it because that's what I have done for 47 years, and have been going to Goodison since 1956. But in all the years I have supported the club I have never ever felt this empty about my club. I am going to Wembley and if you gave me the option that lose and you get rid of RM, then for the first time in my life I would want them to lose.

Mick Davies
75 Posted 10/04/2016 at 15:28:36
Strachan? What a great manager he is; the only home country not playing in the Euro's eh Gord? Even little Wales, who have NEVER qualified for this competition have made it. What an embarrassment.

I wonder if Niasse is eligible to play for Scotland? Strach would obviously be happy with a guy who has a wrist injury permanently on the bench; the league's top scorer has a wrist injury too, and I remember a certain Kev Richardson playing out of his skin with a wrist in plaster.

Talking of the 3 highest goalscorers in the Prem: one plays for the top club, another plays for the only other side with a chance of unseating them, and the other.... plays for a side just above the relegation places. How can this be? Oh that's right, it's the fan's fault for holding up a banner and ruining the club's phenomenal last 8 games of a phenomenal season.

Mr Strachan, put your hand up your backside and pull yourself together, or get out of the studio and start doing your day job properly.

Mike Green
76 Posted 10/04/2016 at 16:27:54
It's the same every single time – the League Managers Association might as well be called "The Cartel", nicely backed up by MotD wringing their hands and shaking their heads morosely every time a manager gets, or is in line for, the push.

These blokes are on millions, they get handsome payouts for failure and are then paraded on MotD soon after to help put themselves in the shop window for the next seat on the merry-go-round.

My heart bleeds.

Terry McLavey
77 Posted 10/04/2016 at 17:19:23
After the Chelsea match, do you think Bill Kenwright really said "What, a manager"?

I don't think any club in the country would have put up with this slide without reacting? Trust us to be the only one that does!

Tom Roberts
78 Posted 10/04/2016 at 17:32:56
In the next 2 weeks, Everton will go to Anfield and be beaten 4-0 or 5-0. They will also be beaten by whoever they meet at Wembley in the Semi-Final. There is only one man who can change this and it is Bill Kenwright. I wake up every day hoping to read that Roberto Martinez has been sacked but this clown of a chairman thinks he's a great manager. We are 14th in the League, for Christ's sake.

I honestly don't know what RM has to do to be relieved of his duties. He is clueless, the team don't know the system they are supposed to be playing. He has turned seasoned internationals into Sunday league players. HE WILL TAKE US DOWN if given another season. I feel for the fans going to Anfield and Wembley and will say this now. If Martinez is in charge next season I will never watch EFC again.

Even if he does manage somehow to win the FA Cup, he has to go and the sooner the better. The fact that the powers that be cannot see this fraud for what he is baffles me...
Paul Conway
79 Posted 10/04/2016 at 20:20:53
Of course Strachan is going to take a stance, he is another loser as a manager! Birds of a feather 'n all that.

I have more silverware in my kitchen drawer than that clown ever won as a manager!

Ray Jacques
80 Posted 10/04/2016 at 20:31:28
Tom I also fear a thrashing in the derby. Martinez has a habit of his teams being hammered. Typical that we will do it there. I'm dreading this game and not looking forward to it.
Anthony Burke
81 Posted 10/04/2016 at 22:08:40
I'm as frustrated as every blue but we have got to stick with Roberto. He WILL turn this around. I'm optimistic. COYB!!!
Paul Cullinane
82 Posted 10/04/2016 at 22:17:00
As a blue for over 55 years, I have naturally just renewed my season ticket for next season. I sincerely hope that the board don't renew Martinez's contract. We can seriously expect the prospect of relegation, the loss of a truly quality group of players if this man is here at my great club next season.

Might sound a bit harsh but we are EFC, for Christ sake, not Wigan. It's time to appoint a man with vision and with a track record. By all accounts the money is there so lets start spending. A good manager starts with a goalkeeper, two centre-backs and a striker and builds around them.

A good board starts with a quality manager. Please, God.
Paul Cullinane
83 Posted 10/04/2016 at 22:36:56
Tom (78) I am in total agreement. Nevertheless, I have renewed. More out of habit, sadly.
John Davies
84 Posted 10/04/2016 at 23:59:44
"All I need is time"!!! God forbid the idiot gets a second more. PLEASE SOMEONE, ANYONE, GET HIM OUT.
Mark Andersson
85 Posted 11/04/2016 at 01:16:23
I see Roberto still has a few clingons... The mind boggles.

If all of us want the same thing, it's time to put pressure on Billy Liar. Sadly I think Martinez will ride out the storm, because of Billy Boy.

He will be starting the new season with a relatively new team as there will be a mass clearout. This will be his excuse as he will simply say the team needs time to gel. Relegation next season is a reality.

The new half-owner has bought into a mess from top to bottom. He may just get his money back from the sale of Rom and Stones, cash in and withdraw.

Jim Hardin
86 Posted 11/04/2016 at 02:44:31
Anthony,

I am sure the Wigan fans said the same thing about five season ago and stuck with him another season, which not coincidentally, is the last season Wigan were in the EPL


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