Season › 2015-16 › News
Everton vs Norwich City
Match Preview
Tim Howard plays his final game before departing for Colorado Rapids in July
When the fixtures for 2015-16 were released last June amid optimism that the previous season's slump had been merely a case of second-season syndrome for Roberto Martinez, most Evertonians would have regarded a four-game sequence that included Bournemouth, Leicester, Sunderland and Norwich as the ideal run-in to possible Champions League qualification.
Expectation was high that the Catalan would be able to follow through on his stated primary goal of landing the creative “No.10-type” player that the side had so clearly lacked in 2014-15 and that further top-quality additions would be made to attack to help Romelu Lukaku.
That neither arrived and that the criminally-belated striking acquisition at the start of February was the entirely untested Oumar Niasse goes part of the way to explaining why the Blues will kick-off the finale to their season knowing that, just like a year ago, they will finish in the bottom half of the Premier League.
The rest has been pored over and dissected at length in recent days and weeks — suffice to say that all of it contributed to an awful run of results dating back to early March that eventually ended with Martinez getting the proverbial bullet on Thursday.
The mood has lifted since the Board's decision, one which heads off planned protests at Goodison, so it's an opportunity for Everton's players to relax and, hopefully, end the season on an upbeat note. It's not a meaningless fixture, however. There's also the not-insignificant matter of as much as £6m riding on the outcome, depending on results elsewhere.
A win for the Blues in combination with Swansea City failing to beat top four-chasing Manchester City would see Everton finish in 11th place, either outright or on goal difference depending on whether the Swans lose or draw. In the unlikely event that Everton lose and all four of Bournemouth, Crystal Palace, Watford and West Brom all win, they would end up in 16th which, with £1.24m at stake for each position, makes winning an important goal this weekend. Like severance-pay-for-the-former-manager "important".
David Unsworth and Joe Royle will take charge of the game in concert with Duncan Ferguson and John Ebbrell, an all-Evertonian team sure to boost the atmosphere inside the stadium ever further. Unsworth has already pledged to honour Martinez's promise to give Tim Howard his Goodison Park swansong so one name on the team sheet is already guaranteed and he also committed to selecting a side capable of winning rather than throwing in other veterans who are also likely to be playing their last games for the club.
Of the Under-21 players he has presided over this season, perhaps Matthew Pennington and Kieran Dowell have the best chance of being involved from the start, although much depends in the former's case whether Seamus Coleman is available, which doesn't look likely. The same goes for Phil Jagielka who also has a hamstring injury.
For Norwich, it's merely a question of playing for pride after their fate was sealed by Everton's defeat to Sunderland in midweek. Alex Neill's men must contemplate life back in the Championship but Steven Naismith will be hopeful of getting a run-out on his old stomping ground.
Kick off: 3pm
Referee: Lee Mason
Predicted Line-up: Howard, Pennington, Stones, Funes Mori, Baines, Barry, McCarthy, Lennon, Mirallas, Barkley, Lukaku
Full details ToffeeWeb match page
Reader Comments (134)
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
3 Posted 14/05/2016 at 02:23:32
Good luck to blues all over the world. Should be a interesting summer.
4 Posted 14/05/2016 at 02:40:44
5 Posted 14/05/2016 at 04:54:56
I can see Ross Barkley really putting a show on and would not be surprised to see Pennington, Dowell and Connolly get some game time.
COYB
6 Posted 14/05/2016 at 06:07:09
7 Posted 14/05/2016 at 06:08:46
So let's hope that wit the shackles off the players can at least make a start on playing with some degree of freedom of expression again.
My only criticism of Unsy's press conference was his continued reference to Martinez's 'fine margins' and him saying repeatedly that ' a good man has lost his job'. Sounds to me as if he was also under RMs spell. I wish he'd just made one quick reference to the man and the talked about a new beginning, starting with the Norwich game. Anyway, we'll see how the team reacts to being in a Martinez-free zone on Sunday and hope it's a positive reaction. I have a feeling it will be.
A friend of mine who lives in Barcelona got in touch last night and told me that Martinez has effectively killed off his chances of ever being considered a future Barca manager by getting sacked from Everton. Apparently they don't like managers/coaches who are not prepared to be adaptable and alter their tactics when needed.
Personally I think it will be a long time before we see Martinez anywhere near a 'big' club except as maybe as manager of a lower grade club in opposition.
Good luck to the lads on Sunday, and hope to see Stephen Naismith make an appearance too, (but no hat tricks eh, Nessie). Another big blunder by RM to replace him with Niasse, but I won't go there today.
8 Posted 14/05/2016 at 06:33:00
I freely admit that I wanted him dismissed but take no pleasure in imagining the sense of disappointment and humiliation he must be feeling.
9 Posted 14/05/2016 at 06:35:46
I can't believe Norwich paid so much for him, then it's wasted on the biggest 13.5 million waste of space we'll ever see. What a Manager.
10 Posted 14/05/2016 at 06:51:07
It's a new day
It's a new life
for me
And I'm feelin good
I would have been wrong not to honour Martinez's promise to Howard. Hope he enjoys himself and keeps a clean sheet
11 Posted 14/05/2016 at 07:37:57
12 Posted 14/05/2016 at 07:45:23
13 Posted 14/05/2016 at 07:52:43
14 Posted 14/05/2016 at 08:07:02
I also started doubting whether Martinez was a good and decent man after the way he seemed to treat people. It's how you deal with pressure and criticism that makes people stand out.
I am sure his time will come. Be interesting to see him return to Goodison as an opposing manager.
What a reception.....
As for Norwich. Be good to see some organisation in any team put out. Defend the goal and move on and up the field!
I think the players we have are more than capable to perform at a high level.
Looking forward to the game
15 Posted 14/05/2016 at 08:07:58
16 Posted 14/05/2016 at 08:10:54
17 Posted 14/05/2016 at 08:25:38
Sunday should go some way to tell if some players had downed tools, or where playing under strict instructions to only pass sideways, or backwards (McCarthy); not to tackle or chase back (Barkley); not to defend (Stones); keep giving the ball away (Funes Mori); ... or to look like you've never played before in your life (Niasse).
Over to you, boys.
18 Posted 14/05/2016 at 08:34:25
I expect to see more passion as the dark cloud that has presided over the team has hopefully lifted. What we can't expect is Unsworth and co to remove all the failings of the team in 2 days.
I reckon were all up for this though and it should be a great atmosphere.
Be great to see Joe Royle back involved.
19 Posted 14/05/2016 at 08:36:27
Daryl @4. A good way of looking at it. The club needs to make sure that the players don't just walk out the front door of Goodison after the game carrying all the baggage of this season. The squad can't be allowed to dwell over the six odd weeks of the close season on what has gone on.
I would ask the interim management team to hang on to the players for a week and clear the air in every way possible.
I hate to sound like a damned hippie ( shakes fist Homer Simpson style) but we need to do everything possible to cleanse the soul of the club. There has been something cathartic for the fans with Martinez leaving and we need to carry that on with the players and staff at Goodison and the training ground.
20 Posted 14/05/2016 at 08:49:03
Why oh why didn't they get rid of him sooner ?
21 Posted 14/05/2016 at 08:59:50
22 Posted 14/05/2016 at 09:12:01
23 Posted 14/05/2016 at 09:13:12
25 Posted 14/05/2016 at 09:26:07
Nobody has been more anti Martinez than me but there have been many occasions when the players should have suffered far more criticism than they ever came in for. Laziness, lack of awareness, bad judgement could all be applied to certain members of this 'best squad since......' and , generally apart from Tim Howard, they have got away with it. At least, they will still be here to pick up their millions if they so choose.
As ever, I shall be cheering on the lads to victory from afar even if it only in the hope that at least ONE of my ill-judged cross doubles on these three fixtures against the Prem's 'no hopers' comes in !
26 Posted 14/05/2016 at 09:27:31
For all Martinez failings and there were many, the manager doesn't play, quite simply no manager at this level should need to teach defenders how to tackle or head a ball, organising, drilling, leading and installing confidence are blame we can lay at Martinez feet but what about pride, playing for the jersey/teammates and maybe even for the Clubs great name and fans?
For me wholesale changes are also needed on the playing side, midfielders who struggle to get about the pitch cant pass a ball consistently ten yards, no simply not the best and simply not good enough.
The changes have begun I for one hope the new boss comes in and gets rid of the majority of the shite that have let us down on the pitch week after week month after month.
27 Posted 14/05/2016 at 09:28:36
Pretentious gossip
28 Posted 14/05/2016 at 09:30:17
I thought you were pressing the Everton "Off" button until Kenwright had gone?
That didn't last long did it?
29 Posted 14/05/2016 at 09:36:39
30 Posted 14/05/2016 at 09:38:11
31 Posted 14/05/2016 at 09:53:03
It definitely feels like a fresh start now. A little bit more spring cleaning is still to happen at the club though.
32 Posted 14/05/2016 at 09:55:15
Hoofball looks more appealing to me right now than then tippy-tappy crap we've been made accustomed to under Bobby.
Just get the ball to the opposition half fast. Don't care how or why... Just do it!!!!
33 Posted 14/05/2016 at 09:59:36
Long Live Randle P Mc Murphy and Up Yours all you Nurse Ratchets.
God Bless Evertonians said Tiny Tim Cahill.
34 Posted 14/05/2016 at 10:12:35
However, we are where we are now. Like others, I am actually looking forward to going to the game tomorrow for the first time in ages. Hopefully Rhino's first job will be to get rid of the stupid 2DMs. Not necessary and never was if you know how to defend as a team. Plus it frees up a player to give Ross support. I'm not expecting too much in the energy department given how unfit they all are, but with a bit of luck, they will play with a bit of freedom and stop all this unnecessary pissing around at the back. As far as the team goes, well I guess I would go with this team
Howard
Connelly Pennington Stones Baines
Gibson
Lennon Barkley Mirallas
Dowell Lukaku
Nothing to lose, lets see how they go
35 Posted 14/05/2016 at 10:22:30
36 Posted 14/05/2016 at 10:28:19
37 Posted 14/05/2016 at 10:34:07
38 Posted 14/05/2016 at 10:49:33
Tomorrow's a dead rubber give the kids a chance, even start with Lukaku & Barkley on the bench; after all they've earned a rest after the shifts they've put in the last 2 months(haha haha haha haha haha)
39 Posted 14/05/2016 at 10:56:04
As far as sticking around, just totally pissed of with Kenwright and until he's out of the picture, I'm having a sabbatical
40 Posted 14/05/2016 at 11:18:16
The lads have looked lost for months now so I'm hoping they give us all some hope for next season.
41 Posted 14/05/2016 at 11:22:11
Actually looking forward to this one, and I have no predictions as to who will get played but expect a solid if not exciting performance. No fireworks today. A win 2-0 maybe 2-1(Nais? - would be nice!) and at least a considerably better atmosphere for the parade lap. I hesitate to call it a lap of honour - other than for the 30 odd thousand bluenose die hards who have shelled out each week to watch the recent dross. They/you guys deserve an ovation alone. (I would love be among you but for the pressure of distance and weekend work).
Looking forward to an exciting summer. Hopefully Ross can get some confidence back at the Euros and an incoming incumbent with the fire, brimstone and experience to get them revved up again. Risky I know but it's El Loco - Bielsa - for me. He'd sort some of these egos out.
42 Posted 14/05/2016 at 11:25:42
Re Kenwright, if, what we here is true, that Moshiri overruled him on the decision to sack Martinez, en I don't think it will be long for Moshiri to solve that problem. Sounds like his own man, and not a Kenwright puppet.
43 Posted 14/05/2016 at 11:26:28
44 Posted 14/05/2016 at 11:46:54
I also hope the players get lifted too, and put a show on for the fans, we haven't seen that for a while now. I do hope our better players want to stay too, because I believe, although the results recently dictate otherwise, that we have the nucleus of a very good squad.
With a new owner, a new manager on the horizon, a Transfer Fund, with hopefully some equally talented players to join as well, things could be looking good after all!
COYB
45 Posted 14/05/2016 at 11:51:02
As for tomorrow it will be a day of goodbyes to quite a few of our players so I'd like to see his team start:
Howard
Hibbo (if fit)
Jones
Funes
Oviedo
Martinez
Ossie
Gibbo
Pienaar
Kone
Niasse
Give them a rousing send off.
46 Posted 14/05/2016 at 11:57:02
The sooner this Club gets ruthless with its players (and so-called managers ) the better.
Thanks to all of them, now go and milk some other sucker club !
47 Posted 14/05/2016 at 12:04:52
48 Posted 14/05/2016 at 12:10:00
Agree your post#46 - as I've said on another thread this is a professional football match which many thousands have paid to watch. No room for sentiment - they've already all been hugely rewarded for what they've contributed, or in some cases failed to contribute. As for any lap of "appreciation" IF I stay for it, I'll take their applause rather than the other way round.
50 Posted 14/05/2016 at 12:19:17
I'm sure BPB has everything choreographed down to a tee including a (half time) musical extravaganza illustrating his glorious reign. I've heard Elton will be playing a ditty and Michael Crawford will be singing a few tunes from The Phantom of the Opera and there will be a photo montage of Bill and his mates including Sly Stallone, Phillip Green, OFM, Robert Earl, Sharon Osborne, Roberto Martinez, Betty from Corrie, Gazza, Bernie Madoff, Andrew Lloyd Webber and the toffee lady.
It should be a day to remember.
51 Posted 14/05/2016 at 12:19:43
Yep, I want them to win but moreso want to see them tear into Norwich right from the start. I don't expect Joe and Unsy to be able to revolutionise our style just within a couple of days.
No point in playing those who are likely to leave, just for the sake of it. They can have their swansong with the lap of whatever it's called.
From right now, we should be setting the stall out that Everton are in football to Win matches...and then Trophies.
52 Posted 14/05/2016 at 12:24:12
53 Posted 14/05/2016 at 12:30:01
I thought two things. 1) What a simple way to tell you a lot about a person. 2) I reckon we'd be a much more effective side if we had 3/4/5 players who could be described that way.
At the moment, I can't see one single player in our squad who makes me (regularly) think 'I bet the opposition don't fancy coming up against him'
I'm not suggesting we replace them all, but imo if we are to progress, we do need a few natural leaders.
I hope whoever comes in sees quickly that we are without real leadership (ie: not just pointing) on the field.
This is not the worst Everton side I have seen but it is the quietest and we need someone (possibly with an air of menace) who never switches off and makes sure his team-mates don't.
Anyway, up the Toffees and (with tomorrow in mind) 'JOE JOE MEXICO!'
54 Posted 14/05/2016 at 12:35:05
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2016/05/13/Everton-goalkeeper-tim-howard-takes-leave-with-note-of-optimism/
Howard is annoying me now. Roberto didn't kick a ball apparently...oh yeah, nothing to do with him. And he's banging on about his records, arrogant.
I like Nais, but why would a hat-trick beating a mid-table side in an horrific season go down in 'folk lore' - no wonder people say we accept mediocrity, struth.
Also, why does a millionaire deserve an award for giving a few tickets away? What about local teachers, healthcare staff?? A footballer gives away what would be a quid to us and people are all over them.
55 Posted 14/05/2016 at 12:55:47
I hope to see a return to basics like a right footed attacker on the right and a left footed one on the left. A few passes ahead of the striker so he can turn and face goal and defenders clearing the ball when under pressure not dribbling in their own box. Simple things really.
56 Posted 14/05/2016 at 12:57:53
Alex Young in his Radio Merseyside (got an old tape of it) interview mentioned how Bobby Collins was "The General" and woe betide anyone who he felt was giving up. Jimmy Gabriel, Tony Kay, Alex Parker, and more, in the sixties. We had them in the mid Eighties but, you're right we don't have them now.
Even though he's "veteran" stage, I'd have John Terry in like a shot for a year, maybe two.
57 Posted 14/05/2016 at 13:03:41
58 Posted 14/05/2016 at 13:06:53
60 Posted 14/05/2016 at 13:08:38
61 Posted 14/05/2016 at 13:09:17
It is interesting to see that we have still shipped goals with Robles in nets, and if Tim has made mistakes, the same applies to all of our defenders.
62 Posted 14/05/2016 at 13:09:22
63 Posted 14/05/2016 at 13:11:02
A very slanted interpretation of Howard's harmless honest interview, Damian.
64 Posted 14/05/2016 at 13:12:31
65 Posted 14/05/2016 at 13:16:56
66 Posted 14/05/2016 at 13:21:21
67 Posted 14/05/2016 at 13:23:58
Given a number of others are probably off during the close season, there will be a significantly different look to the squad come August.
But for tomorrow now the Martinez thing is done, it's time to show appreciation to Tim Howard, Leon Osman, Tony Hibbert and Steven Pienaar.
68 Posted 14/05/2016 at 13:28:01
I don't think he had much of a chance to say his goodbyes.
I quite liked Naismith as he was the only one who gave 100% and had a little bit of attitude this season.
Plus he did a lot for EitC and other City wide charities, Seemed a decent genuine guy.
He has as much if not more right to get clapped than half the arseholes who finished the season with us that's for sure
69 Posted 14/05/2016 at 13:32:00
Our clubs been in turmoil for over a year. We need to stamp the start to a new era and leave the fans with a positive feeling going into the summer.
We roll out the old show ponies for one last hooray and loose then we could end up loosing big in the summer.
What better than a 5-0 win to send the fans away with a bit of hope for next season, the players too. Some who look elsewhere might think "hold on... Maybe there is something here".
I would start ONLY players who will be here next year. With the exception of Howard who (inappropriately in my opinion) has been told in the media he is playing so pretty much forcing unsi's hand.
Remember this... Your only as good as your last game. I believe as fans we will cling to whatever performance on Saturday till our next competitive game.
70 Posted 14/05/2016 at 13:33:34
We move on starting tomorrow with an Unsy win and he can retire with a 100% record.
Can't remember the last time I actually looked forward to the last game of the season, bring it on - then bring in the right man to show the young "potential" stars that it just might be worth hanging around next season and getting fit after all!
72 Posted 14/05/2016 at 14:12:59
Howard;
Connolly, Stones, Funes Mori, Baines;
Besic, Davies;
Lennon, Dowell, Mirallas;
Lukaku.
If the likes of Pienaar and Ossie are going to be playing their last game give them a 15-minute cameo but would rather see a couple of the youngsters given a start.
73 Posted 14/05/2016 at 14:19:07
74 Posted 14/05/2016 at 14:24:22
75 Posted 14/05/2016 at 14:31:51
I'm certainly not suggesting starting either Osman or Pienaar, and Hibbert is injured again. Although they both should get a chance to come on as substitutes.
In fact probably a chance to play a few younger players as its a pretty meaningless fixture which will have no bearing at all on what happens next season.
As for you are only as good as your last game, that's just a nonsense cliche. You win things in football over a season of games, that's how you are judged.
76 Posted 14/05/2016 at 14:47:45
http://www.clickliverpool.com/sport/Everton-fc/3734-Everton-fc-legend-calls-on-farhad-moshiri-to-appoint-jose-mourinho/
77 Posted 14/05/2016 at 15:01:07
78 Posted 14/05/2016 at 15:38:54
Although he was way out of form, I don't blame Howard entirely, as he didn't pick himself. Also, if you look at the goal from a corner at Sunderland, Robles palms it out, there are 3! yes 3 Everton defenders standing together at the near post, with no Sunderland player near them. One attacker in the box and he scores. I've played, managed and watched Sunday League games and that ridiculous setup wouldn't be allowed there!!!
There are no leaders, no-one to set up defences from set pieces, and a total lack of direction on the pitch; all down to bad management. I expect to see a tighter unit at the back, and more protection for the keeper with a new boss – not a nutcase like ORFM who doesn't think defending is part of the game.
79 Posted 14/05/2016 at 15:58:37
Mr Moshiri will flex his muscles and Kenwright will know his time as leader has gone, with it we will see a united fan base with focus and optimism.
The sun is shining, after such a long winter of discontent it's good to have something to look forward to.
I have a feeling that after so many yearsof bs being such a "well run club" we may actually discover what a really well run club can do.
Bring it on.
80 Posted 14/05/2016 at 16:04:51
I know it's a cliche but I just feel the whole mood would be better/more positive around the club finishing off with a win.
For me, this season ended a few weeks ago and we need to salvage any small scrap of positive out of it so that out first pre season get together is in better temperament.
Also, I love big nev and his ideas. He really knows how to put pressure on the board and say what the fans want. He has said a few similar things in the past about performances.
81 Posted 14/05/2016 at 16:08:41
Let them learn the new man if in fact they do appoint someone. I'm warming to a Joe Royle and Unsworth regime if we can't get the best person for the job.
82 Posted 14/05/2016 at 17:35:37
83 Posted 14/05/2016 at 17:38:56
84 Posted 14/05/2016 at 17:40:13
86 Posted 14/05/2016 at 17:47:04
It depends if you include caretaker managers
87 Posted 14/05/2016 at 18:11:39
88 Posted 14/05/2016 at 18:25:12
89 Posted 14/05/2016 at 18:26:26
90 Posted 14/05/2016 at 18:33:15
Spot on. Love the positivity. Absolutely right.
Move it on up!
91 Posted 14/05/2016 at 18:33:54
McCarthy will be out of the side when the new manager comes in.
A midfielder who hides from the ball. Runs a million miles a game but never passes forward, his first thought is to go square, if that is not on it is to go back.
A very poor player in my opinion.
92 Posted 14/05/2016 at 18:51:51
The likes of Stones, Oviedo, McCarthy, Besic, Lennon, Gibson, Lukaku, Niasse, Cleverley can go do one as far as im concerned and it certainly wouldnt irk me not to see any of them in a blue shirt again.
94 Posted 14/05/2016 at 19:20:37
I guess 'going through the motions' will best sum it up as we await news of the new man. In doing so, we can only hope enquiries will be made of each candidate's style so that we may be spared another bloody 'philosopher' !
95 Posted 14/05/2016 at 19:35:14
96 Posted 14/05/2016 at 19:35:59
97 Posted 14/05/2016 at 19:40:45
Couldn't agree more, it's time for a change.
98 Posted 14/05/2016 at 19:44:22
Howard
Pennington Stones Mori Baines
Besic Barry
Dowell Barkley Mirallas
Lukuka
I have no doubt we will start with Barry with McCarthy again. Wouldn't mind seeing Basic with Cleverly.
99 Posted 14/05/2016 at 19:50:54
101 Posted 14/05/2016 at 19:55:36
Once the game is over at the final whistle I'm out the of the ground as fast as I can. The start of next season will be with a clean slate.
102 Posted 14/05/2016 at 20:04:04
103 Posted 14/05/2016 at 20:24:10
By my calculation it is Colin Harvey. As you have 9 former managers so that would be
Martinez
Moyes
Smith
Kendall twice
Watson
Royle
Walker
Gabriel twice
And then Colin Harvey
If you didn't include caretakers it would be Billy Bingham
104 Posted 14/05/2016 at 20:24:37
105 Posted 14/05/2016 at 20:37:54
106 Posted 14/05/2016 at 20:42:35
107 Posted 14/05/2016 at 20:52:31
You want to try me on FA Cup winners, I can still do as my party piece every winner ever in order since 1871
108 Posted 14/05/2016 at 20:52:49
I like acronyms Colin and do use them, but in this case it's a little bizarre. Common use of acronym would be for example 'EFC' 'cause someone can't be arsed typing the full hit. But why not just say 'Moyes'?
Phil, re: Unsy
"the attack from your own goal line' bit."
Ha ha made me laugh! Unsworth was an horrific passer of the ball. 9/10 if he passed forward it would result in a goal kick.
Who is a worse passer Unsy or Jags? I'd say Jags, great defender, but possibly the worst passer in England.
109 Posted 14/05/2016 at 20:57:30
110 Posted 14/05/2016 at 20:59:32
What was missing from the 1953 FA cup final that was in every one before that and everyone since?.
111 Posted 14/05/2016 at 21:31:51
No not one I know. It was between the death of the King and the Queen's coronation but I'm clutching at straws.
112 Posted 14/05/2016 at 21:37:32
114 Posted 14/05/2016 at 21:47:05
Damien, personally I refuse to name him. He's a bit like Voldemort or Sauron. Oh shit, I shouldn't have mentioned them either!!
Who won in '37 Graham?
115 Posted 14/05/2016 at 22:04:15
116 Posted 14/05/2016 at 22:07:16
That's an easy one because Sunderland won in 37 and 73, that's how to remember it.
117 Posted 14/05/2016 at 22:11:54
Who won in 1878 then Graham?
118 Posted 14/05/2016 at 22:13:10
119 Posted 14/05/2016 at 22:14:11
The answer is the referees left arm. The referee was Alf Bond who also refereed the Everton v Bolton semi final the same year. He only had half an arm on his left hand, don't know if he lost it during the war.
I'll now get my coat.
120 Posted 14/05/2016 at 22:14:36
121 Posted 14/05/2016 at 22:31:54
122 Posted 14/05/2016 at 22:42:19
123 Posted 14/05/2016 at 22:46:26
Saha, what a talent he was.
124 Posted 14/05/2016 at 22:55:28
Will Everton be any different tomorrow or has the RM malaise become difficult to remove from the mindset.
I think it may be a time to say thanks to the Canaries, Barcodes and Villa for being just a tad crappier than Everton overall this season. Anything less from Everton and this game could have been a repeat of the Wimbledon affair many years ago.
125 Posted 15/05/2016 at 00:17:12
126 Posted 15/05/2016 at 07:46:06
A great question, and certainly I'll use it as one of my football trivia teasers with mates in OZ.
I tried to find out how he lost his arm, and discovered that the Cup Final was in fact 1956, not 1953 - Wikipedia.
Man City Final when Trautmann played on with a broken neck!
Poor Alf's injury is also explained.
"Alf Bond was the referee in the 1956 FA Cup Final. He was 45, in charge of the FA Cup Final"
"Bond lost his right arm at the age of 19 when working in a rubber factory."
If you have any more of those, we would all love to hear them.
Thanks
127 Posted 15/05/2016 at 08:06:19
128 Posted 15/05/2016 at 08:06:19
129 Posted 15/05/2016 at 09:09:22
130 Posted 15/05/2016 at 09:26:05
131 Posted 15/05/2016 at 09:38:10
Depends how you code / do your maths formulas I suppose!
Like a few on here looking forward to the final match, but not a fan of these token final appearances, even if only for a few minutes. Play the best XI available every time. But I'm old Skool I guess.
132 Posted 15/05/2016 at 10:14:04
133 Posted 15/05/2016 at 10:19:52
It'll be interesting to see how the players react today, I expect something better from Barkley especially - he's happy to see the back of RM & his cronies
134 Posted 15/05/2016 at 10:28:15
135 Posted 15/05/2016 at 10:51:06
136 Posted 15/05/2016 at 11:06:30
137 Posted 15/05/2016 at 11:40:12
Two things, the first is that we all owe a big thanks to those Evertonians who DID protest. Not only those who did stay behind to be kettled and subjected to muzak abuse by Chaiman Bill's cronies and the guys with the plane, but the numerous fans who spoke eloquently and passionately on the talk shows and those who planned to protest at the end of season dinner, Fridays press conference and the game on Sunday. Chairman Bill's poor attempt to allow Martinez more time back fired with some miserable, pathetic and bereft performances, I've not seen since the mid 70's (unfortunately this time the world was watching us surrender to Leicester and Sunderland). What the Club was attempting to achieve in the two hours after Sky had reported Martinez had been sacked is beyond any normal comprehension. Except of course, this seems part of Chairman Bill's agenda. Even though the media pack had smelt blood earlier in the day, arrogance turned into an amateur miscalculated effort, to show who was in control. End result… Everton Football Club looked like a bunch of ‘chumps' and their fans were subjected to more torturous hours, of not knowing what was going on at their club. This is despite, the so called professionals, we have at the club, to manage the media and advise the board. Personally, we were driving up the M5 to attend the dinner with our own plans, when Sky announced the news and then spent an hour at Bristol services before deciding too still go to the dinner and have a pop at Chairman Bill. We all know what happened after that… just passing Birmingham and the bugger cancelled the dinner… after that we just went back to Cornwall and got trashed.
Secondly, it's time for us to move on, our fans who say we are no longer a big club are right, to get back there, we need to re-build, both on and off the field. Teams like Southampton, West Ham, Stoke, Swansea are above us and of course, the brilliant Leicester. West Ham are doing a Man City with the new stadium, probably resulting in a further drop. So now we have to re-build carefully, for us Operation Adiós Martinez is over and ‘OPERATION GOODISON Gets its Mojo Back' begins.
Let's hope it starts today and our team gives us something to cheer… COYB!!
138 Posted 15/05/2016 at 12:03:09
As far as I am concerned it was a decree absolute and 500 metres restraining order against Moyes and Martinez, with costs awarded against them to pay for our counselling.
139 Posted 15/05/2016 at 14:21:25
That's a fun team he's put out today.
I predict GP will be rocking today, out of relief more than anything else.
140 Posted 15/05/2016 at 14:36:54
The playing field of English football is wide open now because of what Leicester City achieved, with a lot of effort and some sense you can achieve success, oh and I say Aston Villa are a big club too regardless of where they are now.
141 Posted 15/05/2016 at 14:41:34
142 Posted 15/05/2016 at 14:52:55
143 Posted 15/05/2016 at 23:38:06
We play in a tired old stadium and with up to now, a constant limit on funds. We have 30,000+ who religiously attend the home games no matter what. Yes we do have a big fan base. Oh and certainly a loyal fan base but that doesn't mean we are still a big club. Big clubs constantly play in Europe and win things at home. This in return attracts big named managers and players with ease, or we are able to offer our best players, an incentive to stay. We just don't and the fault lies with those who run and manage our club.
Next season, as this, will be totally different. The big clubs have already reacted to this season, new managers and players in place or lined up. The top five big clubs, which does not include Leicester nor does it include us (it hasn't since the Premier League began), are the ones that have consistently performed on and off the field.
Man Utd, could still not win anything for ten years and still be classed as a big club, purely on their Premier League titles. But Villa are not a big club anymore and destined to become the next car crash following Leeds, Coventry and Birmingham.
All we can say to that, is thank Buddha it's not us and that we now have the opportunity to bring in a new manager and offer him substantial funds so that we can re-build.
Oh and normal service is hopefully resumed as we beat Norwich City 3-0.
Add Your Comments
In order to post a comment, you need to be logged in as a registered user of the site.
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.
-sm.jpg)
-sm.jpg)
-sm.jpg)
-sm.jpg)
2 Posted 14/05/2016 at 02:10:56