Agent: Everton in talks over Koeman deal

Sizeable transfer funds seem to be the key to his apparent change of heart.

Still no one can be critical we have chosen the cheap option!

While no appointment can be considered risk free he ticks a lot of boxes for me. It makes a big statement about ambition within the club. I like the fact that Moshiri is made very little comment in the press but apparently moved mountains in the background to get (hopefully) his number 1 target. It all seems a little unEverton like.

And if anyone can present a logic where Moshiri is only Usamov's frontman, I'd like to hear it.

No, I'll stick thinking a man with his own ambition, Moshiri, is in charge.

If it's Koeman he gets 2-3 years, cuts the mustard, gets more years. Doesn't cut it, he goes and . . . . NEXT!

ANd if he scores Monchi, we're in a good place to start.

If it is him though, he get's my full backing and I look forward to defensive stability.

They say Koeman was on 2.5 million at Southampton and they're offering him another 3 years with another 1 million each of those years.
So, if true why are we offering this crazy money , we could get the likes of Simeone for that - surely !

Bill obviously isn't in charge anymore !

Whilst I want high standards and Koeman to understand he can't finish 11th, outside the top 7 to be fair, he might be the guy whos told Moshiri wants you to see through the stadium move. Anyone think thats an issue to provide continuity through the move?

Include Virgil van Dijk as well.

This is happening in the next 48 hours.

DOF is Marc Overmars.

Koeman has done a good job at Soton for 2 years and if he got us up to 5th next season that would represent success. Dunno if he's the one to take us higher than that but am encouraged that whatever happens the future looks brighter with Moshiri.

If it happens he gets my support but I have a similar underwhelming feeling as I had once before.

On the bright side, I do feel like we mean business and the team's manager is only one part of a club showing ambition.

So him and Emery beat Liverpool. So has everyone. Apart from us. Is that reason to appoint either of them? No, it's not.

Why do people get carried away with all these fancy names? Whoever comes in has a massive job on their hands. End of.

Not playing style, no performance was good and the results will come. If he comes in then it should be stated at the press conference that this club is now focused on challenging for a league title. Not some cup run and hoping for a League Cup or FA Cup. The board should state that we aim to compete at the top, that the manager will be backed to do so, and he has come here to win the league.

Having said that, he also came from 2 down to win against the same team so I find myself torn. I don't know what Emery's preferred formation is but he is clearly top drawer and categorically no flavour of the month. I think he would be the preferred option.

As for any negative comments regarding Koeman. Take yourself back several weeks under Martinez. Feeling happier now?

He may not have been my first choice. But I for one thank Moshiri for giving us a debate between Koeman, Emery, Pelligrini, Mourinho and De Boer. Last time under BK we were debating Martinez, Lennon and Pearson!

We also have a breakthrough regarding the stadium and it's time to grasp a new era. A new dawn. Whoever gets the gig, it's the choice of a new leader who knows what he wants and wants to bring success back to our club. I can live with that and will certainly give him the chance to show us what he can do.

COYB!

Koeman can't fail here he just has to get the players fit again. He has some great players here already to work with. It was a total management failure the last couple of years.

Tadic, Mane, Van Dijk, Bertrand, Forster & transformed Shane Long. I could probably go on.

Like it has been mentioned many times already so refreshing to see us being linked with managers of the calibre we are at the moment.

Onwards and upwards next season hopefully.

COYB.

Bloody Dame Edith Kenwright has betrayed us once more and again !
Was seriously hopefull that we would build upon our recent, "drippy tappy" football and the ideal candidates must surely have been the much loved pair, national treasures Barry, Paul and Edith Chuckle !

To me !

To you !

To Tim !

My thoughts on Koeman are that he is that he is clearly a man who has adapted well to the EPL.

He has followed Pocachino to Southampton, and made his own success stories.

Pocachino was sought after for his brand of football at the saints, as wel as bringing the kids through, but Koeman has gained more points than Poc did in both his seasons at Southampton, dispite having his best players taken away from him in both seasons.

Im not convinced at any manager in world football when it comes to managing my team tbh.

Jose doesn't bring the kids through, Pep has won things at clubs I could win things at. Pellagreeni wasted money on shite like Mangala, Otimendi and Bony (even though id have them all like, but massively overpriced), Mark Hughes & Moyes are both experienced at being average in this league, and De Boer and Emery are both unproven here.

All in all though, the biggest plus for me is talk of Koeman being Morashi first choice. If that's true and he's got his man, then that in itself is promising.

If Koeman comes id only want two of his ex players, with that possibly extending to four if we lost players. Id take Forester anyday of the week along with Maine, id also consider Van Dike if we lost Stones and Bertrand if we could off Oviedo and Baines didn't recover his form. One Dutch player id like him to bring in would be Wigaldum from Newcastle, he would be great for us, his eye for goal reminds me of a Tim Cahill type.

Anyways, heres to hoping things are coming to a conclusion, we need someone in asap as we have a big re building job doing.

Convince the good players to stay ( Stones, Barkley, McCarthy, Del Boy coleman, Miralas, Mori,Jags , Baines and hopefully Rom)off a load of finished (Howard, Ossie, Hibo, Pienaar, Kone, Gibson and possibly Barry)or just plain shite players (McGeedy, Oviedo, Kone again) and start building for the future with the young talented kids we have on the way through and some real quality signings.

Great career as a player and proven track record in the premier league.

If he is Moshiri's first choice that will do me.

We're kind of a train wreck right now, but Koeman is a solid and respectable (potential) hire. IF he has ambition to manage Arsenal, or a team in Spain, or the Dutch National team; it benefits him to make US a better team. If he can bring in good transfers, involve the younger players, and put us back into European contention, then Arsenal or somebody is going to come calling. Meanwhile we would have a much more attractive team, with hopefully a stadium plan in place, and money behind it. We could then be in a better position to draw that top tier manager that is just out of reach right now. It could be a win-win for all involved.

Your City comparison doesn't really work. City fired each manager than got a better one. You're suggesting Koeman will leave us for a better club then we will replace him with s better manager from a bigger club. If we reach the point where we can get tier 1 managers, why would Koeman be wanting out?

Just a few more day's before we know if this is true or more smoke and mirrors.

Engineering agent moves to Champions League clubs might get silverware but he'll always have on his head that Jamie Vardy, at Leicester, scored more goals, showed more determination, never gave up and stuck with it until the end and gained the rewards to go with it.

Sorry Rom you're a great goal scorer when your head is right but you don't have the right attitude. Goodbye, adios,
Good luck, bye

Koeman has managed in Spain, Portugal, Netherlands and England.

De Boer has come through the ranks at Ajax - only managed at one club, in one league.

Personally- I hope we get Koeman for 3 years, then he will probably be off to Barca (fair enough). After which - someone like De Boer will have that little bit more experience & we get someone like him in.

With regards to my Koeman thoughts. If he does turn us into the new Premier League bully and wants to stay, then awesome! But I was referring to the rumors that suggest he is waiting for the Arsenal job, as it's been suggested he has his heart set on taking over the London club when Wenger steps out or is pushed out. So IF that is the case, it would behoove him to build us up to sell himself. And IF he does leave us to pursue that avenue, then hopefully he has left us in a healthier position to draw a higher profile manager who sees us as an incredible opportunity (top tier was a poor choice of words on my part).

That was really my only comparison with Man City - the potential to be in a healthier position as a club to possibly grab that next caliber of manager. But I appreciate the response. Most of the time my comments fail to generate a response or I end up killing a thread outright.

If we can get him in now before the Euros, he should have time to bring in a few players before the season starts. COYB!

He is not afraid to blood and play young players regularly – thinking of Dowell and Davies for next season. He also appears to be quite shrewd in the transfer market.

Admittedly his team were beaten by the RS in the League cup – but I think he played a weakened team. They came from 2-0 down to beat the RS at home and also have a good away record against the RS in the last few seasons under Koeman.

I know that his earlier record at places like Valencia was patchy, but he appears to have learned his lessons. He also appears to have a sense of humour.

https://twitter.com/ronaldkoeman/status/493689458458644480

Showing our muscle now - with Overmars or Monchi (maybe) for Director of Sport (or whatever title they decide on for that position).....

And Rom wants his move away sorted before the Euros, I think.....well, we'll get the negotiations going pretty soon. He seems to know where he wants to go anyway.

I recommend waking the missus up and making the most of this unexpected Mirror fuelled 'morning glory' (maybe going so far as to reenact the scene from American Psycho where Patrick Bateman is pointing and winking at his own reflection in the mirror whilst on the job), before heading downstairs, making yourself a slap up breakfast and sitting back to scoff it whilst allowing yourself just a slither of belief that the real Everton may finally be about to rise from it's own decades long slumber in similar devilish style.

As has been alluded to, every manager has his pros/cons. I do feel that Koeman views us as a stepping stone but then he could be to us. If he gets us to the next level and by that I mean regular European slot then he can leave with my blessing. Maybe then we can start to shop for a really top, top draw manager.

As for Monchi he's not a fancy name, the reason people get excited is his track record of hunting and finding talent. Sevilla are a small-ish team with exceptional players they have to sell on. Porto were/are the same. Monchi could turn out to be a spectacular failure IF he came here but you don't try you don't get. We're Everton we should be aiming high!!

Whoever we appoint should be given time and our support. All I do know is Moshiri is pulling the strings so we've exciting times ahead

Koeman doesn't quite do it for me but given where we were prior to the last game against Norwich, I would have paid for the taxi to GP myself, so I can't really complain. He gets my backing if he makes the right decision.

Exciting times ahead.

Keith (58) - Apparently 'Pedigree Chum' have made an offer for Niasse.

Last season, all we heard was "we are a top four team" – never once "we are a winning the league team". It may not happen over night but at least let's be in the mix to win things; second is for losers.

Koeman must think all his Christmases have come at once !

I will give koeman a chance but I'd have preferred the monchi/emery duo or even Sampaoli.

I think he is a better appointment than Roberto was but just thought we could "do better". But I will support him 100% and give him a clean slate here.

Now I'm reading the comments and some people are fukin moaning!!

The man is a class act – so lets embrace the appointment (if it happens) and start showing some positivity.

Likewise with managers, those that are seriously linked to Everton FC are examined for flaws and those flaws are pointed out on a regular basis without apparently looking to see what positives the particular manager may actually bring to the club. Now that the club have a few pennies, the same people will be crying 'what a waste of money' when a player doesn't perform to their pre-conceived ideals, which is just a flip of 'we ain't got money - we can't compete' mantra that has beset us for so long.

You can make some Evertonians smile most of the time, you can make many Evertonians smile some of the time, but you cannot make some Evertonians smile ever!. As for myself, I wait to see how the games pan-out and offer my views on what I have seen, there's little point in fretting about what may or may not happen.

“Worry never robs tomorrow of its sorrow, it only saps today of its joy.”
― Leo Buscaglia

As I've stated elsewhere, I think Pellegrini's track record is superior by far.

Can't take it mate.

...and they twatted us last year. So what? Why does a defeat against Everton suddenly carry more significance than victories over Spurs, Man City, Man Utd, Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea and West Ham in the same season?

As far as him been sacked at other clubs, maybe unlike Bobby he learns his lessons and becomes better for it.

It does feel like whoever gets this job is one lucky fella. A team capable of a lot, significant cash to spend, and a predecessor who they couldn't fail to be better than.

And it sounds like they'll take home a decent wedge too.

The manager can only do so much. The real improvement might lie in an improved club.

Is he going to be sending a team out to play against Everton if he's Everton manager? Are managers and players only judged on the basis of how they fared in direct match up's with 'the mighty blues' these days? If you managed a team that ever lost against a Martinez team you're automatically marked as a meff with a big fuck off 'M' daubed on your forehead, like in the Scarlet Letter, except we use brown paint to signify 'You're Shite!'?

Its no better an option than Mark Hughes another manager that should not get anywhere near our door.

Looking for evidence of trophies or top four achievements its a lot of money for a gamble.

For the sort of money being talked about I would hope to have seen some medals.

For all that, he looks an improvement on Martinez for which we should be eternally grateful.

https://twitter.com/RonaldKoeman/status/729657878894784512

But whoever gets it in the end, one things for sure ...... you're going to 'get it' on these merciless pages ..... before a ball's been kicked (you will have been).

Whoever gets it will be flawed and human (unlike seemingly some of you perfect beings). And no matter how good they are they will be held hostage to whether a bunch of millionaires want to turn up on any given day. (And yes, I know, a good manager can minimise such occurrences).

Let's give whoever the new guy is, a break ....... or are you really that desperate to piss on his parade so early? Then again, I know you are.

Having said that, I'll get behind him 100%. Needs a couple of exciting signings this summer to get everyone buzzing!!

What are the odds Southampton pick up De Boer? Geez we could really find out then if we made the right choice, eh!

First, a discontented, disillusioned squad (and if they're not, they should be after the past two seasons) keen to win a trophy. So, they should be willing to listen and learn from a guy who was one top player, one of the best attacking defenders in history. He was also a mainstay in Barcelona's team under Johann Cruyff (that's the team allegedly worshipped from afar by Martinez) so he knows EXACTLY what does and doesn't work in football.

Second, a squad with a number of elderly players (and one or two useless ones) who will have to be replaced. Yes, one or two of our youngsters may prove to be all we need but some sort of buying nouse will be necessary in the short term, and at Southampton he's shown he has bags of know-how as far as that's concerned.

Third, possibly replacing Lukaku and any other want-away. Well, he replaced Ricky Lambert with Graziano Pelle and if John Stones/agent wants to wave bye-bye to a man who was just about the best in Europe in his precise role then more fool him.

Lastly, Koeman may see us as a stepping stone to a "bigger" club. I just hope Mr Moshiri ties him to a three year contract max, with winning a trophy and/or playing in the CL proper within that time as the mandate for an extension. By then, hopefully, the stadium issue will be largely reality and we will then have other such quality managers queuing up to join us.

The decades long complacency and impotence from the boardroom seem thankfully to be over.

Then they harp on about any transfer war chest will include any monies from the sale of Lukaku and Stones. Should either or both of these be sold I reckon we will have upwards of £180M to use in the transfer window, not the £100M they seem to think we will need just to get anywhere near them. That bit made me laugh....just to get anywhere near them!!! Southampton have never been a bigger club than us, and never will be. This is a club that have probably spent as many years outside the top flight as they have in it.

I then tried to find their honours list, but couldn't find one. I do remember them winning the FA Cup in the 70's, and I think that's about it!! Probably not worth making a list for.

There are other posts from their deluded fans which are a good laugh, so I recommend you go and have a look.

http://www.dailyecho.co.uk/sport/14533715.Southampton_hopeful_over_Koeman_despite_Everton_link/

Great appointment. Look forward to seeing him splash our massive warchest over the summer. He's also a straight talker and not that it matters was a genuinely world class footballer in his day.

Let's at the very least get behind him and his backroom staff before the doom mongering starts. All those who are still wallowing over Mourinho or Simeone get back into the real world!!!!

Fingers crossed this come through and the start of a new exciting Moshiri led chapter can start at our great Club.

Apparently we're not a top club and our entire squad needs overhauling because we finished in the bottom half (just.) With no changes to our squad whatsoever, it's absolutely plausible we could finish fourth or above next season.

As for our 'decrepit' stadium, how quickly have Southampton fans forgotten the Dell? But fear not, because they've now moved into a identikit plastic shoebox.

The very idea that Everton isn't a step up from Southampton is unbelievable to me. We are a much, much bigger name in football, with a much broader fan base, a greater history ... what are they thinking?

I really feel that the next Everton manager needs to have been a top-level, successful player, someone who will command the respect of the players. The last top-level player who managed Everton was the late, great Howard Kendall and this says a lot about where we've been as a club.

I think part of the many complex problems that undermined Martinez's time as manager was a basic lack of professional respect from the players – this was arguably the case with Moyes too. In this regard, Koeman would be an excellent choice: as a player, he basically won everything except the World Cup (multiple league titles and domestic cups with Ajax, PSV Eindhoven and Barcelona), two European Cups/Champions' Leagues with two different clubs (PSV and Barca) and the European Championships with The Netherlands – and he was an absolutely key player in all of these teams, performing alongside other great players.

This alone makes other footballers sit up, pay attention and take what he says seriously – he has been there, done it and won it.

As a coach, although not reaching this level of success, he has been assistant at Barcelona, won titles with Ajax and PSV, and won the Copa del Rey with Valencia; he has a good record in the transfer market as well as showing that he can work in the English top division and that he understands British football and British football fans.

All of this is more than Emery and Frank De Boer can offer and, in terms of achievement, is streets ahead of the people who have managed Everton since 1998. Koeman was a major figure in world football when I was growing up and, for me, he still has that aura; given that we cannot, at the moment, offer what Man Utd, Man City, Arsenal and Chelsea can offer in terms of likely success, I think he would be a good appointment that marries ambition with realism.

Phil - 87 - hadn't thought of it in terms of comparison with Moyes - made me think! Then I thought I would compare their playing careers, which took me all of half a minute.

One person who is beginning to come out of this with his standing enhanced with Evertonians is Mr Moshiri, who appears to be acting in the way we all hoped. Decisive; determined and dogged in his pursuit.

I like the fact that he was a winner and world class player. Doesn't guarantee managerial success, will guarantee respect from better players. I like the way he's dealt with replacing existing players with better ones two seasons running; we desperately need this right now. I like the fact he's managed in different leagues, won a couple of titles, had his arse kicked and seems to have come out the other side better.

From Moshiri's perspective, I can see the reasoning behind him being first choice. Good at quickly buying and building a team, two decent showings in the league with a smaller club while losing players. Knows the league, speaks the language fluently, illustrious past. Plus the job will he a step up for him, which for me, is very important.

Whoever we get will be a gamble. If we get him, I'd welcome him.

Koeman is Martinez mark 2. Full of his own self-importance. We'd be better off with Moyes for half the money because he'll deliver the exact same results if not better.
(Note - No, I don't want Moyes, I’m aiming much higher than 5th – 7th place thanks)

Look at Koemans record and playing style for crying out load. There is nothing to get excited about with Koeman. A journeyman manager with an average record and limited success.

How is this guy the answer?

Solid appointment; let's put all the negative mutinous energy left over from the Martinez reign to bed and get back to being 100% behind the Koeman.

One thing I like already about him is that he plays with 2 wingers. Now how about a cheeky bid for that Mane....

I don't like Pellegrini because he's too laidback and didn't win the title at City in his last season. Yes I know he won it in previous years and also won other trophies and was totally undermined by the announcement of Guardiola. Plus his excellent record with Villareal, Real Madrid and Malaga counts for nothing. He won't cut it at Everton.

I don't rate Koeman - forget the fact he rebuilt relegation prospects Southampton after having their spine removed - qualifying for Europe. And yes despite losing more players in his second season, he still only got them to 6th . Also his titles in the Dutch league count for little plus he won the Spanish cup over 5 years ago. No better than Moyes, that!

Emery - 3 back to back European trophies is nothing to shout about, with this season's poor domestic away form. Just a slightly better Martinez.

Frank de Boer - 4 titles in the Dutch league are worth no more than my Morrisons 'Match & More' points. Plus he's desperate for the job, too desperate for my liking.

Simeone - nah his English is crap.

Can we just give the job to Allardyce or Hughes and save some dosh?

I know that he's managed to get Southampton to the Europa places 2 seasons running with a medium sized budget, but that doesn't mean he would do better if given cash to spend. His previous managerial positions don't exactly point to him being the one to take us into the top 4.

I've stated from the start I am not excited by Koeman, BUT and its a big one in his favour I think, is that he will promote our youth.

That was and is key for me. I feel our soul is in the youngsters we groom for success and a career. To nip those on the brink of breaking through with a short term minded manager is not what I would want.

Some of em would jump off Koeman's back and onto the next one linked, despite having previously supported the latest linked man... just so they can fucking moan!

He's not my first pick (Emery) but did an undoubtedly excellent job at Southhampton who a few were tipping for relegation after selling their team two years ago.

If we were to take one player from Soton I'd probably pick Tadic who looks a proper playmaker.

Ronald Koeman has done very well with a club like Southampton and with financial backing he could take us back to the big time. Give the guy a chance, if he does indeed get the job.

I am just happy Martinez got given the boot, I would take just about anyone instead of that incredible clown.

Ha ha. Well done.

It's getting to the point now that the negativity is killing this Club and any enjoyment in supporting us.

A good clue to how decent an appointment this would be is to ask non Everton fans. I (sadly) know a lot of Arsenal fans who are gutted that he's speaking to us as he is a lot of their first choice to replace Wenger. Even my Gobshite mates have gone quiet. Most importantly the Southampton fans reaction is also pretty telling.

Not the man to lead Everton for me!

He will get instant respect in the dressing room, which shouldn't be underestimated, the first thing the pro's ask is 'what's he ever done as a player?'

I would imagine he can attract signings from most clubs because of his reputation – another positive. He knows the Premier League and the teams we will be competing against. I also see the reputed massive salary as a statement of intent. £6 or £7m a season means you have to deliver. There will be no fucking about waiting for 5 years for European football (top 4) He will be gone in 2 years if he doesn't deliver massive progress.

I for one can't really see a downside. Just hope it's confirmed shortly.

I don't care who the manager is, we wont win anything unless we spend big.
Don't quote Leicester because what they did I cant see it happening again this century. They proved its possible if everything falls your way, which it did.

How much of these rumours are true, or are they a figment of the media's imagination?

Southampton remain hopeful Ronald Koeman will sign a new contract despite fresh speculation linking him with Everton

And vote 'He's off this summer'.

I can't stand all the moaning, if I am honest. To some degree, the club has encouraged discontent in the fan base by neither listening to or considering the fans. Added to that the ambitions and sinking so low to sell DVDs such as "Everton 3 Liverpool 0" have encouraged us to have a negative outlook as, to be quite frank, we have been embarrassing at times.

These are positive times, relax and enjoy it, it hasn't happened since the 80s consistently.

Moshiri has done more for us in 6 months than Kenwright has in 15 years.

We now have hope and aspiration as opposed to misery and desperation with Martinez whose appointment and process was diabolic and totally amateur.

My preference was Emery before he won the Europa and came for interview but I would be very happy with Koeman (light years ahead of Moyes for the avoidance of doubt) or FDB.

It was unrealistic at this stage to attract Simeone although I believe we tried.

I think Pellegrini was a strong favourite at one point until they went through the due diligence and found Koeman ticked the most boxes.

If he does accept the role I cant wait till he appears before 40000 Evertonians and realises how this club touches you.

I havent felt this optimistic in 20 years.

To go from Martinez to any of these candidates is a drastic improvement and I am really looking forward to pre-season and a host of signings to arrive at Goodison. Remember how bad things were after that 3-0 defeat to Sunderland?

A few weeks on and it looks like we have Koeman as manager and a distinct possibility that a new stadium will also be delivered. Only some Evertonians could whinge about that!

-Edward Woodward: Manchester United (not the Equalizer) May 2013.

"I’m aiming much higher than 5th – 7th place thanks"

You're aiming for much higher? You personally? How exactly are you doing that, beyond saying you would like someone better (in your book) on ToffeeWeb? Have you been hitting the phone, ringing around agents of managers you adjudge to be more suited to the job and saying you can make it happen? Sorry to break it to you, but unless you're hiding your light under a bushel then you're just a supporter, on the outside looking in, you don't get to have 'aims' as far as the club is concerned.Hopes, wishes, dreams, desires...maybe, but that's about it. You're not directing anything here and you'd have to be deluded on a David Icke scale to say you possess an intention to personally achieve a particular outcome in a process you have absolutely no involvement in.

One person who would have the right to state what they're aiming for at Everton would be the next manager and, if it does indeed turn out to be Koeman, you might be relieved to know he too doesn't believe a 5th-7th place finish is the pinnacle or anything worth bragging about too much:

"What we did last season was fantastic but it was just qualification to the Europa League. It was not a trophy or a title".

Your comments about Pellegrini at City and that his record abroad counts for nothing, and he won't cut it at Everton is a contradiction to your views on another post where you cited them in his support, after I commented that it would be a backward step for Everton if he was appointed.

Keep up with the 'consistent' views

The Southampton fan feeling seems to be that they don't want to lose him, which is a good endorsement. They have had him for two years and know him better than us.

I read an article in which we were critesised for underhanded, unsettling tactics, to "get our man". I think this is a bit rich seeing there hasn't been anything said by the club at all, to my knowledge. It seems to be all press speculation. The feeling was the big, rich club are bullying their way to get want they want, again. If we have, then good, being the nice little club didn't get us anywhere, so throwing a bit of weight around might not be a bad thing.

Finally, I don't think we can judge Koeman on league placing alone. He had a different set of circumstances to deal with at Southampton. Each year he has had his top players sold, and had to start again. At Eveton, he will be allowed to build and add to his squad each season. I am judging him now on his ability to handle the Southampton situation successfully, and I will judge him later on how he performs with us. The summer transfer window is crucial, and his first season also. Good luck Ronald, if, in fact, you are the man.

The alleged move for Monchi but not apparently Emery, at this time, would point to that.

The club and its team appears to be in flux at the moment with many players perhaps leaving and needing replacing.
A new stadium on the horizon. The Euros about to start.

Perhaps the thinking on the board is that we need a manager in now who knows what he will be up against in the Prem, who will be, at least aware of our current playing staff, has a proven track record of quickly replacing players with similar and better quality players, has ambition and is an international name.

That would be Ronald Koeman.

I myself wanted Emery but can see that Koeman may be a better proposition in the short to medium term to steady the ship and cause the immediate progression of the fortunes of Everton F.C.

We might also get to laugh and perhaps even fall in love with Sammy Lee on the touchline of Anfield as he shouts and screams us over the line to a 0-6 victory.

Enjoy the ride.

Alan, I'd suggest it's you who needs to 'keep up'. If you can't spot the sarcasm in Phil's post then I strongly suggest giving your eyes a good wash.

We have an owner who let's his money do the talking, goes about his business in a stealth like manner and in the coming weeks / months will assume further control of the Club through the acquisition of more shares.

We have the prospects of a new stadium, again being carefully deliberated without the previous waffle and pie in the sky fantasy that dogged all 3 previous failed attempts.

We have a new manager soon to be in situ and a possible director of football with a transfer war chest and a bright new 'blue' print, it's never been better to be be an Evertonian.

In Moshiri we trust COYB, FTRS !!!!

Moshiri seems to have used his own cash to gain control (to all intense and purposes), and then pledge more of his own cash to build and advance the club. If true, then with that amount of commitment, he can get whoever he wants as manager, because it is his money on the line. I have my opinions, as do we all, but he's put in the cash.

I hope he chooses well, and I hope he's the real deal, because if he does, and is, then I get what I want, which is a successful team to support. I am too young to remember the sixties, but old enough to have experienced the eighties. I miss those times, I want them again, I am getting bored of being the second team in the city, according to most outsiders, when in fact, we all know we are the first.

In saying that, I'm made up that the likes of Koeman, De Boer, Emery etc are the ones being spoken about as serious contenders and that Moyes is not in the frame.

Koeman will do me although £7m/year (if true) is a ridiculous amount of money for any manager, nevermind Everton. If the amount is true I hope a large chunk of it is performance based, e.g. base salary is 3m/year plus an extra million for every league place above 7th. Believe Ranieri had a clause last season that meant he got an extra £100k for every place Leicester finished above 17th (he got a £1.6m bonus for winning the league plus a new contract.)

All the noises are good, hope for an announcement soon, then the dreaming can really begin.

Koeman isn't my nr 1 choice either, but guess what, he's probably the most proven, highly though off manager we can get. His record with Soton is a lot better than Emery's is with Sevilla (not one away win all season in the league?), and I get why people got exited by the Simeone rumors, but come the fuck on, nobody actually though he would come here? If so, they are the problem, not Mosh and his managerial hunt.

Getting into Europe twice, with half a proven squad two seasons in a row, in the Premier League, is a giant accomplishment, and makes me wonder how far he could have gotten the saints if they didn't always sell off their best. If we sell Rom and keep the rest, while adding a few new faces, and not selling off tons of players the next seasons, I think Koeman could do great things for us.

I'm still hoping on Monchi joinging him, that could be a great combo.

"We understand Everton have not been given permission to speak to Ronald Koeman. #Saintsfc won't be commenting on the issue."

BBC Solent Sport

You were one of Martinez sternness critics, given the opposition in our league it will be interesting to see where our new manager finishes, top 8 will be very decent in my eyes.

How much we spend will go a great way to determining where we do finish, we have been the nearly men for 20 years because we have never spent enough in the transfer market, lets hope that changes this season.

Where as in Italy managers and players swap between rival clubs frequently and is not seen as a problem.

I, like you, hope he is the real deal.

Jason 142, I know it is tough on Southampton, but if Koeman wants to move, and Everton want him, there is very little they can do. If it comes to it, he just needs to buy out the remainder of his contract and resign. Then he becomes a free agent. It's just the same as player transfers, as Lukaku is reminding us in every interview.

Let's hope that is the end of it then and Moshiri moves on to Emery; sadly I think not.

At the end of the day it comes down to comp. S'ton can't stop him from coming to us if he wants to, presumably he can just resign. Luckily he only has one year left on his contract so the comp shouldn't be too high. Although if we're going to pay him 7m/year, that's our wage structure well and truly fooked.

The negative outlook I had during the 15-16 season dissipated with Martinez's sacking, but sadly I seem to be in a minority of positive supporters these days. We've got a new man in charge, seemingly doing what we all wanted him to do (go after high end targets), yet a big piece of our supporter group is as poisonous as ever. The Facebook comments I read on us signing that 18-year-old from Coventry(?) yesterday were disgusting, and does not belong anywhere near to our beloved club.

For those wading into a man who hasn't even been appointed yet, his work in the PL at the Saints has been outstanding, all the more so that in both seasons he has had the best talent sold from under him, but he successfully recruited cheaper and better players.

After a dodgy start (which included us tanking them at St. Mary's), they recovered well (other than the thrashing in the LC against ... 'them').

In 2016 Southampton's league record since the New Year reads:

P 18 W 12 D 3 L 3 F 33 A 17 Pts 39

Only Leicester bettered that.

In that run they had S-I-X consecutive clean sheets.

Some of their results over the season:

W 3-1 A Chelsea
W 4-0 H Arsenal
W 1-0 A Man Utd
W 3-2 H L'pool (after being 2 goals down)
W 2-1 A Spurs

Not a bad return, eh?

Moyes v2.0 indeed...

Looking at Koeman's record, though, the Dutch League may not be the best in the world, but it does tend to be competitive among three or four clubs and he did manage to win it three times and with two different clubs. And let's not forget that, two years ago, Southampton were relegation candidates for many people, but he did an excellent job there.

So, all in all, I have mixed feelings.

PS There has been no mention of his assistant. Surely he'll have the dignity of staying out of this.

From memory, at the start of last season Muriniho (£12m), Wenger (£10m) and Klopp (£7m) were the biggest earners. This season Guardiola (£15m), Muriniho (£15m), Wenger (£10m), Klopp (£7m), Conte (£??m) will be biggest earners. You pay peanuts, you get monkeys. Whilst a pay packet in the millions is not even close to peanuts, it is all relative. We may debate whether Koeman is worth £7mill, but that is what top teams are paying their managers at the moment.

It always confused me how a team can pay a player £300k a week, and then expect them to listen to a manager who was earning less than them. No wonder we have a bunch of Lukaku type Prima donnas out there.

Is he really going to do 3 times the work for us?

Would he be just as happy on £4 million?

Lukaku reportedly on £3.2 mill a season, Martinez £3.5 mill.

So the numpty WAS likely the top earner, which is how it should be.

As usual the press sensationalize everything.

Any numbers will probably include bonuses and incentives such as top 4, winning the league, Cups etc.

We have to trust Moshiri unlike Bill who has enjoyed the fans trust and abused it for 16 years.

This is a man who is putting his own cash where his mouth is and not shouting about.

He will likely get £5M with incentives based on cup wins and league placing. Let's just say if he earns £7M this year – it'll be because we've won a trophy and qualified for the Champions League. In which case I'd suggest makes that good value!

But if others are paying stupid amounts, then we have to, if we want to attract a good manager. £7m for Koeman is a lot, but let's see if he earns it. It's not my money, so I'm not bothered, it's Moshiri's.

Onward and upward - COYB!

Look at the players sold from the squads he created as well. Hopefully this goes through.

I am not the slightest bit interested in a he wage offer,apart from being really pleased we have someone in charge who doesn't take no for an answer.

I wish they would just seal the deal and let's get on with the Euros. :)

Altogether, Everton lost the minimum of 20 points, add them together, Everton would have had enough points to qualify for the Champions League. So there is plenty of talent at Everton to have the confidence to challenge for Champions League next season, who ever is the next Everton manager.

Mane, Tadic, Forster, Van Dijk this guy has an eye for a decent player.

He has transformed Long into a lone striker and let's be honest, his first touch and hold up play is probably better than Lukaku and £65M is being touted. I would get shot with that sort of price.

He has consistently bettered Southampton when their best players were being sold. Hey its got to be better than Martinez.

Let's all get behind him and hopefully onwards and upwards next season.

Good points which show that our last manager performed poorly and blew the opportunity to spend Moshiri's money this summer.

And I doubt very much that any of the manager's payments are "Moshiri's money" they will come from the income of the Club, as I'm sure player acquisition will also.

I can only see Moshiri putting his hand in his pocket to fund the stadium, either by guarantee or loan, which will ultimately increase the value of his shareholding.

Yeah fuck the discussion, lets start happy clapping before he's even signed.

I'm not against or for Koeman, as Paul Tran rightly points out they are all gambles in one way or another, but I am against people telling others they are being negative because they are not doing cartwheels at the prospect of a manager they don't fancy.

If somebody has an opinion or point I haven't considered I want to hear it. . .thought that was the point.

Too many players and manager's are after the big pay packet and don't care where they have to go to get it,China, UAE, USA,
it dosn't matter to them or the agents, and don't make the old excuse that it's a short career, that doesn't come into it when with the stroke of a pen they are set for life.

Offer Koeman a million more a season than Southampton are giving him, and if he says that's not enough tell him not to let the door hit him on the way out, or as they say in Yorkshire,
'I hope it stays nice for thee.'

Firstly, what the heck is this (paraphrasing a few of the comments I read "haha, look at them Southampton wankers saying this and that.....they should know their place, we are a big club and they are nothing, wankers, and what's this shit....rejecting the opportunity to speak, his contract means f all you dicks, accept the inevitable"

Lamentable. No doubt from the same people who think Lukaku should be hung for saying 'I Want to play in the Champions League'....

His earlier experiences have some dents, but then isn't that what can sometimes make a great manager. He seems like someone who learns, is still learning, that is far from the Moyes' and Martinez' of this world who are stuck in their ways.

Koeman also promotes youth, which with are current set up is a great combination, is an internationally respected football figure, and it seems he is ambitious.

Personally, I hope that in 3 years the top clubs are circling him, that would mean he's done a stellar job.

Can some describe his playing style to me? A lot of people seemed to have an opinion on de Boer saying he was too similar to Martinez, which seemed to be based on things they'd read online. People like Emery's "style" mainly because they hammered the RS in the second half of the cup final.

What's Koeman all about then, apart from "doing well after having to sell some of his best players"?

It is worth remembering he was a beast of a player, with huge technical ability. A skillful, attacking defender (scored 10-15 goals a season)....Ideal tutor for stones and mori.

He's got PL experience, doing a fantastic job at Southampton rebuilding the whole squad after Pochettino and their best players departed the club. What's not to like?

I would be happy with any of the front runners we've been linked with eg, Pelligrini, Emery, Koeman and FDB. For some reason I am slightly leaning towards FDB over Koeman. I know that probably makes no sense as Koeman has PL experience and has managed in many different countries... I just have this dream that FDB could turn out to be an absolute gem, with his willingness to develop youth and his sides are set-up very well defensively. All good sides are built with a strong defence.

All managers are a risk, they all have pros and cons. There are very few managers that can be considered 'elite'. I can only really think of Mourinho, Pep G and Simeone; and even with those managers there's pros and cons: Mourinho doesn't give youth a chance and can easily fallout with players. Pep G has only managed the worlds best players. Simeone doesn't speak English and hasn't managed in PL. LVG was considered one of the best in business before he joined Man Utd and look how that turned out.

I think it's refreshing that we are looking at more high profile managers, I think we should only be moaning if we are going for run-of-the-mill managers like Mark Hughes, Allardyce ,Moyes etc.. Let's just get behind our new manager. Furthermore, we now have Moshiri on board, who won't settle for Mid-table mediocrity. So if Koeman or whoever, don't produce the goods, then they will suffer the same fate as Martinez.

Whilst Martinez did appear to know what he was doing at first with some good results he fell away badly and seemed to have lost the support of the players. What success he did have was largely due to the wonderful wing play of Coleman and Baines but the following season other teams found ways of counteracting that threat and Everton suffered.

Koeman has done a decent job with Soton in a short space of time despite losing some of the players that Pocchetino had done well with. Nobody knows what any new manager will bring to the table but it's for sure The Blues need to get someone in soon.

Koeman doesnt really excite me as much as other touted names, BUT he is a million times better than Moyes and Martinez so if he is the target let's stop dicking about and seal the deal. That way he can get planning for the new season, head to the Euros to talk to our players and start preparing his transfer targets.

If you recall we kicked up on hell of a fuss on TW when Chelsea/Mourinho refused to go away over the Stones affair until we finally dug in our heels but it left a sour taste which survives to this day.

So do we respect Soton's wishes or do we do a Chelsea/Mourinho?

Moshiri doesn't strike me as a fool and he's clearly seen something he's prepared to pay a lot of money for.

This season Koeman moved between 3-5-2 and a formation resembling 4-2-3-1 but occasionally 4-3-3 at points. I can't think of any Premier league manager who effectively instituted a 3-5-2 in recent times, or one who was capable of motivating his team to move between formations. This was motivated in part by personnel decisions - Soares is more of a wing back than a right back and Mane frequently plays as a striker, even if he is generally behind one or both of Pelle and Long. Again, Pelle, Long and Mane played in the same team at points, or one of Pelle and Long, illustrating an ability to move between different styles and formations. He has shown in one year far more adaptability than Martinez ever demonstrated. I think accusations otherwise are born out of lack of awareness about Southampton's team this year. I don't understand the point of being belligerent just for the sake of it.

Importantly, he has twice shown an ability to remodel a side after the loss of essential personnel. Alderweireld is about the finest ball playing CB in the league in my opinion, and his lost was strongly felt. Schneiderlin is a fantastic DM, and United looked so much worse defensively this season when he was dropped as a means of improving the attacking threat. Koeman swapped him for a slightly different player in Clasie, illustrating his desire to change style. The loss of Rodriguez to injury was massive, as were the departures of the likes of Shaw, Clyne, Loven and Lallana, all of whom were central to Southampton's success and style. Koeman has unbelievably not only brought in cheaper replacements but improved Southampton in the process. He is one of the few managers who has over-performed in this league.

He would be fantastic for this football club. He has shown an ability to adapt, both to circumstance, and in terms of tactics and formation. With our squad, and potential spending capacity, he could take us to the next level. I'd rather have him than Pellegrini or Emery or De Boer.

I put my neck out there when I criticised Martinez two years ago and warned of problems ahead. I put my neck out there when I criticised those bemoaning Lukaku a year ago, because of my belief that he is a 20 goal a season striker. I'll put my neck out there again now: I think Koeman, if appointed, will oversee the best period since the 1980s. I think he has the ability to get us into the top 4, and based on everything I'm hearing, we've finally got the budget to compete.

He and Moshiri will start a new dynasty. I've never been this excited as an Everton fan.

We finished 11th. Our best players want to leave and those that don' t apparently undermined the last manager. We currently have an ageing stadium and are an unfashionable club that has won jack shit in over twenty years and no league title for nearly thirty. We are the second club in a wet northern city based a long way from the bright lights of London. Our fan base is ageing and diminishing. We don't own our training facilities and are thirty + million in debt.

I won't go on because it's depressing me, but you get the picture.

So Mr Simone .... how"s about it? Leave your very successful and promising team, the sunny capital city, adoring fans, etc, etc, and come to Everton.

Er ...... gracias .... pero ....

Get real chums. The likes of Koeman, De Boer and Pelligrini aren't as cataclysmic as some might think.

You can get 12/1 on 2nd fav Emery, 16/1 on 3rd fav Pellegrine or even 20/1 on DM if you want to soften your pain if that were to happen. RonK as short as 1/10 and his best is showing at 1/4.
Someone knows something.
So Brian#192, Paul#194 and others - get yourselves down the bookies to make yourselves a wedge if you believe it's a smokescreen.

I was solidly in the DeBoer camp until I read your post.

Well said. Bring on Koeman!

It was van der Kraan who broke the news that Everton were in contact with RK, he just let it slip that he learned that from RK no less.

Now he has added that Koeman IS in dialogue with Everton.

Elsewhere, it seems that Koemans reaction to recent discussions with Led Reed (Soton's "Sporting Director"), was not favourable. This also seems borne out by a minor remark made by van der Kraan.

Hopefully, I can get links to substantiate this soon.

I posted earlier to say the BBC had reported that Southampton had stated they would not allow Koeman to speak with Everton.

However that is now off the beeb site so hopefully things are happening.

If we really want Koeman, we'll get him, eventually

Jim, as usual, a beacon of clarity and intelligence in your posts.

Where Kevin?

Something's afoot.

And, I must add, I have been converted.

Welcome, Mr Koeman (but don't bring your assistant)

No way.

That henchman / minion can't wear Blue. I'll never get onside with him. Fucker jumping up and down like a douchebag. Will never like him, wearing Blue or not. Can't go there.

Don't know what it is he just drives me nuts.

First Team Manager Ronald Koeman
First Team Assistant Manager Erwin Koeman
First Team Coach Jan Kluitenberg
First Team Assistant Coach Sammy Lee

He can bring his brother, and even his mother-in-law. No problem.

However. Koeman isn't ours yet

There will be a lot of deflated fans on here if he doesn't arrive....
:(

I also heard that interview on talksport earlier.

Marcel Van Der Kraan hinted that Everton & Southampton were "this afternoon" discussing a compensation package.

Jim Knightly,

Your post gave me a great feeling sir!

I hear Overmars has been sounded out as DOF.

He brought in Tadic, Pelle, Wanyama, Van Dijk, Bertrand.

Jay Rod been really unlucky with injuries, but Mane was brought in and has been excellent.

Southampton made a massive profit, whilst getting an improvement on every player that needed replaced.

Forster was another great signing, and he has Davis and Ward-Prowse doing great things.

Yes, it's a gamble giving him so much money. I think he's earned the right to show what he can do with a few quid.

Koeman was a very intelligent footballer, and I like a lot of what I've seen him do as a manger over the last few seasons.

Get good money for the prima dona Lukaku and happy days. Apparently Koeman has a good sense of humour too. He will love Everton and I am sure we will love him.

COYB

As for Sammy Lee, well, someone posted last night that they met Sammy at a doo and he was as nice as pie and very complimentary towards Everton. If he doesn't want to join up with Koeman then I'd definitely like Unsy to get a chance. I do hope RK brings his back room staff as they are really into physical and mental fitness.

I'm very interested in seeing what is Lukaku's opinion of all this. Interesting days ahead.

239 goals in 685 games in club football - not bad for a defender, eh?

Unlike Martinez he didnt have 2nd season syndrome and despite an iffy start to this season and some bad injuries he worked his way through it.

No one should underestimate how far back Martinez and his coaching staff has set this group of payers. Koeman will get them in, work on them, get them fit and hard to beat. From that platform we can see some steady progression.

He may want to move on to Barcelona but that will only happen if he's a success with us. He's hungry and ambitious.

I'm all for him get him in now and let him go to work.

Onward and upwards fellow Toffees

Even before he returned to Everton as a coach he had made real efforts to equip himself as a coach and aspiring manager. We know him as a real Blue, and he really is.

It was this Henry Winter article in "The Telegraph" (7 Sept 2013) which alerted Everton to Rhino's coaching CV.
It's a bloody eyeopening read, but it took a respected journo to alert Everton to the value of one of our own.

Doesn't that say so much ?

PLEASE read this, you won't regret doing so:
Link

These are indeed exciting times to be a Blue. Two months ago, I had never felt lower when it looked as though Bill was going to drive us onto the rocks. I'm assuming nothing about the season ahead but we have hope again, and that's a joyful thing.

Agreed, maybe too early this time around.
BUT, not forever.

His love of the Dutch "Total Football" sounds a great fit with Koeman & Koeman & Sammy (he isn't involved for no good reason) or with DeBoer, Bergakamp & Stam.

He really MUST be part of our new managerial team. Has to be.

As to Sammy Lee ?

If Sammy was part of the team that won us the EPL? I could easily handle that.

He was always a nice kid, not seen him for years now unfortunately, he signed for Everton and my lad went to work in London.
His cv does make for good reading, lets hope whoever becomes the new manager sees the merit in him and keeps him at the club.

About Tony, 66...you sly old English fox)))

Any response?

If Moyes would come for half that, and a still obscene amount, I'd say snap him up. Koemans is still a big risk.

Mind you, Blatter and 2 of his administrative cohorts at FIFA paid themselves 55 million pounds over 5 years. Should we as working/middle class fans really support this cess pit of a game? Remember, every cent of this money comes from us via Sky, BT, season tickets and the money we spend in response to the bombardment of adverts. We live in disgusting times in many ways.

So we have an idea how seriously to take it....)

As I keep repeating, Mosh buying into our club is TRANSFORMATIONAL. Get used to to it!

Is this it?

He is a proper scouser and not a big head.

FYI Sammy Lee was brought up near the Bull ring and even when he was playing pro for Liverpool would always play a bit of football with the kids in the street over there.

Can you imagine Lukaku doing that.

Also bear in mind that the constant in Southamptons success through Nigel Adkins, Pochettino and Koeman was Sammy Lee.

I don't particularly agree with the pay they and managers get but that's the times we live in, if you cannot take it then only solution is to do what others have done and give up watching premiere league football.

If we ever want Everton to compete then they have to move to the present day and that includes paying going and above going rate to get who they want be it manager or player, if they don't then the championship awaits or a permanent fight at the lower end of the PL.

Right I'm off to throw a fresh adult pamper on and go for a few pints of Screech Owl...hoot, fucking hoot))))))

Have a good one dude...

Should we all hate Sheedy - he used to play for the shite?

Dave Watson?

Alan Harper?

Peter Reid grew up as a red.

I don't care about Sammy Lee's past. If he improves Everton as a coach then we should welcome him with open arms.

If you take off your anti BK glasses and look at this from a no prejudiced perspective it's not exactly rocket science. BK had his faults of that there's no doubt, BUT he found us a billionaire with experience in the EPL, who was prepared to invest his own (as opposed to borrowed) money in our club at a time when global asset values have crashed. BK legacy to us will be Mosh.

Yea he just turned up handed over a couple of 100m's and it was nothing to do with BK. It's not like any other EPL clubs would have welcomed him is it? Trot on my friend.

We can hope we can compete and maybe with Moshiri on board we may at last have the transfer funds to have a realistic chance of 'levelling the playing field'.

Mmm must have been something that pursuaded him to pile into Everton. No one else had wanted to for years so why did he?

I've stopped and I am look at cancelling my Sky subscription but they have me by the balls because of cricket and bike racing.

I'll always be an Evertonian but I maybe I need to withdraw from this disgusting parody of the game I loved. Remember they were paid £20 a week once.

All the other billionaires on the planet simply didn't notice for years the no brainer that was investing in Everton and Mosh suddenly saw the light and thought fuck the guaranteed income from Arsenal, I'm going to sell everything and buy into Everton.

Nothing to do with BK, in fact he probably only knew about Mosh when he made an offer for his shareholding completely out of the blue.

Obiviously, if it is Koeman and he has never denied he wants the Barcelona job eventually, like players of course we are a stepping stone for now, until this club gets the respect of Europe. I can't wait till we put the RS in there place, the thought of us getting the better of makes them shit scared, excuse the language. Enough, about them, Everton now, it could be the best of times, but also the most worrying of times, as we have not been here since we were classed as the Mersey Millionaires, and like them we have to make it count now.

Unsworth, never repaid the favour, because he wouldn't leave Everton, to go with Stubbs, to Hibs!

It looks to me that he likes working with the younger players, so it wouldn't surprise me if Unsworth was soon heading up our accademy.

Not overly convinced by Koeman, but hopefully he's getting better with age, regarding being a football manager, and if he comes, I don't think we will have ever had, another manager, with such a high profile in football agreeing to manage our club.

Jay,

Sammy Lee only joined the Southampton coaching staff in June 2014. He came on board just after Koeman. He was at Bolton prior to that and one of Benitez's back room boys at the RS before that.

Let me make one thing clear: it is not about Sammy personally; not only have I never met him, as I have no clue as to his character and personality. This should be pretty clear.

Furthermore, I have to confess I was not being 100% serious when going on about him. One can still put a light touch in one's comments, I suppose. If he's part of a coaching staff that brings us success, I could not be happier.

Welcome, Sammy! Once a Blue, always a Blue, as some people say, over at Old Trafford.

He went on to be a European Champion who played in Europes best stadiums I had to get my class 1 to even drive there

Seriously; Although he had already been earmarked, he was not what you would call a natural. everyone who played though "why him ?" He was however seriously driven, fiercely competitive . .that has to be considered a step in the right direction

Let's roll..

I welcome Lee with open arms, he is probably more important than Koemans.

How in the world would Sammy Lee be more important than the Koeman's?

You've got to explain that one...

He's not even yesterdays man. He's like them big stone heads on Easter Island. Something from an era long, long since forgotten, an aberration of a misguided culture. One which brought about its own miserable demise.

Time to move on, it'll be OK letting the kids watch MoTD next season.

He might be fat, he might be round and if he played against you , his arse would deffo be on the ground.

But I would have no problem at all accepting his grounded, desire to succeed

That, will take at least a 19 person squad, so utility players like harper, richardarson, clarke etc.

We won it in 85, like Leicester, similarities uncanny, all for one, same system.

We are all keyboard warriors.

Kenwright may have no money and been a bit of a dreamer but we are still here in the top Division.....no trophies, I accept that....The Shite have had one in 10 years havent they? (I think)....he didnt sell out to the likes of Gllette? and Hicks?. Echoing the sentiments of posters far more erudite than me, Moshiri couldn't have just waltzed in. So all stop with the witchunt against the Chairman. Just rejoice that we appear to be on the cusp of something better.....i think we are going to compete again. As someone who was at the Bellew fight on Sunday there is a sense that something good is happening at Everton again.....Stop with the small club mentality

But, the Southampton Echo had this utterly weak "30 Reasons" aimed at Ronald Koeman (well at Saints fans really). So I responded.

In fairness, I didn't disgrace either Everton FC or TW.

If you fancy a chuckle ?

Sadly the link wont work, I'll repost the link.

But you are correct: now is the time for us to draw a line and welcome a new era and I am grateful that Moshiri has shown himself to be the new dawn we all hoped for (regardless of the Koeman outcome, I think we can say that).

But I agree, let's give it a rest. In the end BK found an investor, and the signs are good.

Remain: Lukaku, Ross, Stones, Mirallas, Del

In: Claesens, Van Dijk, Praet, Wjinaldum, Witsel and either Batsuyahi, Embolo or Inaki Williams

Tony Hill - sitting at a keyboard (like me now, a bit pissed) , putting the world to rights

Every two years their manager exits.
Every year their players exit.
Their owners (apparently) are open to offers, but have a 3 year timescale.

I do feel for Saints fans.
Surely they can't maintain their excellent record of replacements ?
One false move ?
Then they are back in the Championship.

Anyway, let's all agree there appears to be a brighter future!

Be that as it may, it is certainly healthy that we are discussing what happened, instead of complaining that it hasn't happened!

COYB!

Although, I'm guessing that you actually meant my 326 link ?
TBH, I'm trying to spread the former link.
Thanks for the "Saints 30 reasons", feedback.

If you like that, then I'm certain that the link earlier @249 regarding Rhino's coaching credentials from 2013 and it makes a great case for his inclusion in the forthcoming managerial structure. COMPELLING !

This is a man who does very well for Argentina remember. The mistake is to think that the performance of any of our players under the godawful previous manager is a serious guide.

The great benefit of Koeman - one of the best and most intelligent defensive players of the last thirty years - is that he will educate and strengthen people like Stones (if he has the brains to stay), FM, Galloway, and my own tip for the top, Mason Holgate. Not forgetting young Foulds.

Mark, I said IF someone pays us what's being reported ie £25m. He could turn out to be a decent player but I see him as a mistake waiting to happen.

A bit of fantasy football now. I'd like a team of

Claesens
Coleman
Stones
Van Dijk
Baines
Del
Witsel
Barkley
Wjinaldum
Williams
Lukaku

I remember reading the article by Henry Winter on David Unsworth when it came out, but it was most timely of you to bring it back. I certainly agree with you that he should be a part of the new managerial structure.

Best.

For what it is worth I agree with your observations.

If not ?
Then Koeman's decisions would be....... Koemans decisions.

Mostly, if Ronald does join us (with or without a "Big Scout", 'cos thats what I see Directors of Sport/Football/Development as), then I'd be looking for "smart signings".

Personally, IDGAF about big name players. I'll take anyone who turns out to be a WINNER !

(Peter Reid was a so called "crock" when he arrived, but he was an out and out winner).

What about being ambitious and making an effort to take James Rodrigues from Madrid? He's not playing and is a great player. Could have an impact for us like Alexis Sanchez did at Arsenal.

Last season he managed a team which beat Arsenal, Man City and Liverpool scoring 4, 4 and 3 goals respectively against these teams. The Saints were one of only two teams to win at Old Trafford. His team also recorded 6 clean sheets in a row, but his team is far from being overly defensive.

He has always been a fierce competitor. He always stood out to me as a player who gave everything he had to the team, every game, and he will expect the same from his players.

Get him signed I say! Exciting times to be a blue!

As a player he was sheer class. Determined. Our 10th highest all time scorer. Not bad for the man with the cleanest shorts in footballing history !

As a coach, he has a sterling reputation.

The dialogue regarding Rhino emanated from a comment insisting that Unsy be part of the future managerial setup.David returned to Everton in September 2013 (the article that I keep referring to was published on 7 Sept 2013).

Here's the David Unsworth Coaching CV article Link

The coaches, can only work with what they are given, so Martin Waldron, who has a hugh network of scouting in place, should also take hugh credit.

As much as I would like to see those players at Everton I'm sure Southampton are fed up losing managers and players every summer. Wouldn't blame them either. Remember how we felt when Moyes tried to get Baines as well as Fellaini.

I would sell all of them and expect to see an improvement in the squad.

I reckon Koeman would get more out of the current squad anyway but we could do with a No.10 & left winger