Overmars and Royle in frame for Director of Football role

I love Joe Royle;s contribution in all sorts of ways but is he at the age of 67 the answer to a director of football position if we have to have one?

Trevor, How dare you! You're insinuating that 67 is old. Ask anyone in their 60's if they're capable of carrying on work at managerial level and they'll answer in the affirmative. It's not like grafting down a mine, it's more knowledge based. What you would have to ask though, is who has the better contacts in the game, and, I would be leaning on the side of Overmars.

I am 64, Thankyou and Joe Royle has been peripheral to the game for quite a time!

Would prefer Overmars. Not because Joe is older but because he brought Earl Barrett and played him at right back. His control & passing was about as good as Lukaku's if anyone can remember that far back!

James, you are correct, it's very hard to remember Lukaku controlling or passing the ball.

Charles,

Yeah, and it so unlikely for a player just in his 20's to maybe improve isn't it? I mean, every great player never improved entering their mid 20's to 30's. I'm sure Henry never got better than what he was at 22. Let's just give up on him and any other player by the time they reach 22, because they'll obviously never improve any aspect of their game after that age. Makes total sense. Bale just went downhill after 22 didn't he. Yes, you're as good as you'll ever be at the age of 22.

Love Big Joe, I watched him in his prime, but his time has passed. Put him on the BoD by all means, we need a real Blue on the board, but, we are going Dutch folks.

Earl the Pearl!

Solid defensive right back. Fit as a fiddle, Joe trusted him, smart, good lad and didn't go missing in action like some of the current lot.

Terrible in possession of course but wasn't that type of footballer, ridiculous as that sounds! With Kanchelskis in front of him it didn't matter.

BBC saying Mourinho now MU manager. I would have taken him for 3 years.

LVG as DoF as part of the deal, Brent? That's what I heard last night.

Earl Barrett! Thank God he was cup tied. He'd never have got involved in setting up Rideouts goal. Probably the worst player we've ever had. I remember suffering through some of his performances from the Gwladys st end. I also remember Koemsn coming with Feyernoord and facing the night of Vinny Samways. Yeah, no thanks on Joe.

At least we can cross one of our possible new managers off the list. Colin, time will tell if you are right but it would be a surprise to me to see LVG playing second fiddle to Mourinho.

Haven't heard that one, Colin. Interesting one.

Is that Director of Football, Colin? Isn't that Woodbridge's job? Or whatever his name is?

Joe also bought Claus Thomson from Ipswich, he was worse than Earl Barrett, in fact he was worse than most Everton players I have seen and I've seen plenty.

Admired you as a player Joe, but I will give you a miss on this one.

Kieran,

I remember that night... Regi Blinker scored the winner and Craig Short got himself sent off for retaliating against an absolute shocker of a challenge from Koeman....

Earl 'The Fireman' Barrett....... Everything he touched went out!

Second best EFC nickname for me, behind 'Jigsaw' Barlow.

I would be Over the Moon, if Over Mars were to happen.
Like bringing Mohammed to the Mountain -- or words to that effect!!

If Overmars comes in then surely this all but confirms that De Boer is our next manager?

Dave, Brent, Chris, I was told last night that LVG would be offered the job as Director of Football. He's worked with Jose before (Barcelona) and both would appear to be happy with the deal.

Chris, Woodward is the CEO.

I think this news (Mourinho) will open the door for us signing De Boer. That will do me, long term building, developing and bringing through youth, stadium on the Docks, thank you, goodnight :)

It certainly does (by the looks of it) Grant. FDB returns this weekend from China so I expect him to be announced early next week. First act? Put Rom and daddy Rom in their place.

I think we are being critical of Joe Royle's recruitments but forgetting his budget was never steady and consistent hence why he got reduced to buying Thomson. His signings towards the end of his short tenure were questionable but there were quality players like Kanchelskis, Speed (RIP), Barmby. He did have a penchant for no-nonsense defenders like, ahem, Craig Short.

And Vinny Samways wasn't his purchase but he used to try bringing him in as a playmaker when he was trying to develop the midfield from the Dogs of War.

It's difficult to judge his stint in charge because it was so erratic at board level. But he did deliver a cup and a 6th place finish which between about Kendall Mk 2 and Moyes, was a rare occurrence.

While he should not be DoF (if the role really has to happen) it's nice to see him involved at the club.

Joe is a blue through and through, and when Joe cuts himself shaving, blue blood comes out. Joe for director of football.

Steve

On that basis we could get Derek Hatton as DOF or Sylvester Stallone.

What the hell has Earl Barrett got to do with Joe Royle or Marc Overmars potentially becoming director of football??

Royle also signed Kanchelskis, Barmby and Speed..

Three of the best players we had during a very depressing decade in the 1990's other than Royles period here.

When I say I would prefer Overmars, that is no slight at all on a true Everton Legend, big Joe Royle. I am sure Joe would be flattered but this is not his time.
Onward and upwards!!

im blue through and through but I couldnt be DoF. We need to stop thinking that we need ex player links to prove how 'Everton'we are. We just need to make pragmatic decisions and get the best wherever they have been before.

Jim Bennings

Yeah Royle signed them and I saw Speed, Barmby and Kanchelskis tear Soton apart 7-1 but once big Dunc was out of the nick Joe ditched the style of play we'd adopted and went back to route one to accommodate Dunc. Results rapidly went down hill and he got the sack.

Jim 25. Everybody and their dog knew that Kanchelskis was class. Doesn't really qualify someone as a director of football. Absolute fucking legend that he is and my favourite manager in my time supporting the blues does he have the know how and the contacts to be director of football?

Based on his relationship with George Weah, Royle would at least kick his cousin to the curb.

Oh dear, oh dear... the mid-90s under Joe Royle was the beginning of the end for me, certainly in terms of taking the club I'd supported all my life at all seriously.

If anyone can recall the type of football we played under Royle's stewardship, it was like being back in the dark ages. Southall to Hinchcliffe, 60-yard hoof up to Donkey Duncan, knocked on to Kanchelskis, then praying that he can take on one or two or three and fire into the corner of the net. That was pretty much the sum of Royle's tactical nouse.

And as for the Dogs of War?? I never once witnessed Horne, Parkinson or Ebbrell go and actually ask for the ball off a defender, just contently happy to watch it fly over their heads time after time.

And don't get me started on Captain Marvel, Dave Watson. My lasting memory of that useless piece of shit, is him 10 yards behind an opposition forward, cantering back, while they're baring down on our goalkeeper.

As for De Boer, I can see us going down with him in charge. I mean, he didn't even win the Dutch league with Ajax last year.

Why the hell aren't we pulling down trees to get Unai Emery in charge?? His record in Spain and in the Europa League is incredible, and he's already endeared himself to Evertonians with the result last Wednesday.

I don't see why the DoF would need to be a blue. Or for that matter an ex footballer or manager. Why not someone who has operated in key football club management roles? Or football organisational roles?

Blatter and Jack Warner are available aren't they?

Phil 31. Not a glass half full kind of fella are you? Agree about Emery though. A negative spend of £150 million-ish and still he does great things.

Chuck Blazer for me, Ernie. He knows a good piece of meat when he sees one.

Phil 31. Dave Watson a piece of shit? Are you sure your first name is Phil?

So Mourinho is out of the manager equation, with taking over Man Utd, so it's going to be De Boer! With him, it may well be Overmars as Director of Football. Not Joe Royle please.

Amazing lack of respect from Phil Head (31).

My lasting memory of Dave Watson is as our last captain to raise a trophy at Wembley. A man who was our leader and who gave blood and sweat for us.

That is possibly the most stupid thing I have ever read on ToffeeWeb.

Phil

Put down the crack pipe and retract your insult

Dave Watson was one of our better players during those dark times, Phil.

Phil - Dave Watson as a useless p.o.s? Impressive in a very dark way.

If we get banned for calling each other Kopites or Red Shites surely we can get banned for calling Dave Watson a piece of shit. Dave Watson was a brilliant Evertonian and the kind of player and man that makes you proud to support Everton above all those other clubs.

Mike T Jones, you're right that we need to just get the best people, but it's still important to have Evertonians around to retain the sense of identity that is key to any institution. Royle, Hibbert and Osman should all be at the club next season, but not as DoF and not as first team players.

I don't ever want us to turn into just another bunch of mercenaries, no matter how rich we get. That wouldn't be Everton, that would be Generic Club #015 wearing our shirts and playing in our stadium.

Phil 31. Dave Watson, a piece of shit? Jesus Christ.

Mike Allison...i agree, don't lose touch with who and what we are......but we need a winning mentality.....and I don't care where that comes from......ultimately those individuals will become part of the fabric of the Club......the saying is 'born not manufactured'.....i agree with the sentiment, but not every Evertonian was born one (and neither were they manufactured) but plenty became one once Everton touched them

Dave Watson was a piece of .....? One of the few players to have won both the Cup and League and been involved in a relegation battle with us.

Words fail me...

Phil, thats a bit strong. Yes we've had some awful players since the early 90's but not Dave Watson, he was a winner.

On Marc Overmars - yes please!

Overmars was one of my favourite players in that Gooner team of Viera, Bergkamp, Petit, Adams etc....but wasn't he involved in something dodgy while he was there and had to leave?

Dodgy? Bar that penalty involving Pires and Henry, what dodgy incident are you referring to, Colin?

I agree with the other John Hughes(35)

For the record Joe Royle was not sacked.

PJ and Cliff Finch refused to sanction the purchase of Tore Andre Flo for 1m and Joe resigned on principle.

As we all know Flo went on to score a stack for Chelsea.

I believe it's called constructive dismissal Jay

He also tried to resign Barry Horne

Colin

My mate who's a RS and an avid follower of David Icke is convinced that Overmars is a Reptillian. No joke. Is that what you're referring to?

They say that satire died the day Henry Kissinger was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.

But step forward Phil Head, with "Dave Watson, that useless piece of shit".

I have had the pleasure of meeting Joe and all I can say is that, if it is true, then Joe would a superb candidate.

Of those who had the ignorance to even mention his age as being detrimental, shame on you.

Personally I think the thread has no merit.

Phil Head, you're the piece of shit. And FdB would take us down? Nonsense

To the "It'll never work works DoF" crowd I raise you: managers. Colin Harvey, Mike Walker, HKII, HKIII, OFFM, RM, Gordon Lee and Billy Bingham. We've tried and failed with managers time after time so obviously that system works so much better than the alternative we know doesn't work cause we tried it ... Never.

Folks, I suspect "Phil Head" may just be another pseudonym for the hilarious (in his own mind) agent provocateur "Neil Steele" of recent months.

Towards the end of his career with us Waggy spent a little time in Hong Kong and played against the England 1996 Euro team in a friendly a week of two before the tournament began (Gazza took part in the "dentist's chair" drinking ritual during the HK trip). Waggy, old as was, was MotM and was, and still is, a great Evertonian.

I was going to chip in to defend Joe Royle against some very selective examples of his recruitment and style of play but then I read that comment from Phil Head and I think it is time to log off and go to bed.

Don - Amen. Waggy conducted a CB / footballing clinic in that game.

Why do we need a director of football? Just a whole lot of crap really. I don't want either to be honest.

Another vote for waggy and another thumbs down for Richard Head...

Strange, really ..... that a football club should want a Director of Football!

Ah come on lads, don't be so tetchy! I was only jesting about our Earl. Probably jealous of his body. Solid player for us but always preferred Matty Jackson at right back but he got dumped for big Earl! Earl was better in the centre for Joe's smash it long style. But anyway ...

I don't think Joe would be a good fit for DoF. He's had his time in my eyes. Overmars would be a better fit, as I would imagine he would have many European contacts for those little gems none of us have ever heard of, like Niasse. Ah hang on ....

Moving past Phil Head's rather strange criticism of one of the best Everton captains I've seen, Kieran Kinsella makes a very good point.

For all the claims that the DoF often doesn't work out, how many straightforward managers have worked out for us in recent years? We haven't won anything in over 20 years, must be about time to consider an alternative approach?

Lizard or not, I like Overmars...the whole DoF idea is a bit of an odd one for me though. It's hard to speculate when the job role isn't properly defined.

All I know is that these reptilian overlords thrive on low-frequency vibrations. Z-Cars will be ditched on day one and the team will now enter the field to the Russian Woodpecker.

Link

Phil Head as everyone before me has so eloquently and eruditely taken you to task for your unfair and wholly insulting criticism of Dave Watson, I, as a professional author will simply satisfy myself with pointing out your incorrect use of the English language. When you write of an opposition forward 'baring down on our goalkeeper ' it conjured visions of a player running up the field stripping his clothes off as he ran, a surely terrifying sight. (baring - divesting oneself of clothes/ covering). The word you were seeing was, I hope 'bearing' as in "the enemy ship was bearing down on the destroyer at full speed."
If you truly meant 'baring' it's no wonder our defence was shite back then with all those naked forwards running at them. I'd have run a mile too!

This is one of the strangest threads I've ever read on TW. Starts off with slagging a fair few Everton heros and followed up with a weird English lesson about naked footballers.

True top class - win you the match when the opposition parked two busses, players top teams would want off us - players Everton have had in 1980 s?

Southall, Ratcliffe, Reid, Bracewell, Sheedy, Stevens, Lineker, possibly Gray for a year

Since 1990 (26 years)?
Ermmmm Gough, Kanchelskis, Martyn, Rooney - and two of those were declining when we bought them but were still better than what we had, one raw and about to leave, the other perfect but stay far too short.

Now - lots excellent players, some of who could make it but still works in progress. Baines in his day, odd as it may seem on the strength of one no- pressure match Davies is a candidate

Overmars - was one of those players ( we tried to shut up shop Adams to Petit pass through centre backs holding a high line at Goodison, Overmars - Goal. 0-1 to the Arsenal).

Now we have the cash we are in the strongest position to get the best for at least 40 years. Spend it well Marc.

Thomas 70

Gough, world class?

Tom Davies 'a candidate' after one start?

What the bloody hell is wrong with some people?

I think that DoF is a particular skill set now. Look at that chap at Sevilla. It isn't the semi retirement position it once was.

Joe is a legend, and a top, top bloke. Honourable, gracious and seemingly humble. On top of that he has an affinity with the club.

But let's be honest, is he really, after essentially being in the football wilderness for years, going to have the know how, contacts and energy to make a difference in this job? I think not.... I think he would quickly become sidelined in this role by a big manager.

If we are going to have one, and I am not convinced about this continental model in a league like the EPL, then do it properly. For starters, let a new manager have a say..

Phil Head, you have spelt your name wrong, surely it is Dick Head.

Jay (51) I think Joe was summoned to meet the chairman Johnson and they mutually decided it was time for Joe to go, doubt very much that Joe decided to resign, he loved Everton and still does.

Joe held a party in his house the Saturday after being removed, he was absolutely devastated, couldn't believe he was no longer Everton's manager.

He was asked to go, the wording of his dismissal made it look better for Joe's sake.

Joe was and still is a great servant to the club. As a player and as a manager he brought success to the club.

We won the FA Cup 21 years ago and when he took over during that season we looked like bankers for the drop.

He may or may not be the answer to DOF role but he is one great surviving legends at Goodison Park.

Can't we just get a Manager first. Once we've got the important stuff we can look for someone to do the practical side of the Board's work.

Dave Watson would solve our defensive problems at a stroke if he was playing today. A brave centre half who attacked any ball in or around the box and galvanised others. Put him at his peak alongside Jags or Stones and the defence would be solid.

Phil Head must have been under the influence of something pretty strong to have even thought of that post and if he wasn't then he should be ashamed of himself- even if he didn't like Dave as a player you shouldn't refer to long serving club servants in those terms.

FDB as manager would worry me. It could go well or it could go very very wrong. We need someone with solid premiership experience that isn't going to preach the same style of football that Martinez did. FDB seems in similar mould to me.

We need to get back to fast, attacking, and aggressive football. That's what brings you success in this country, not tipy tapy bullshit. We are not Ajax or Barcelona, and never will be. I can't remember a team winning the premier playing the Barcelona way. It simply doesn't happen in this country.

Hate to say if, but what Klopp's is doing over there is the way we should be looking. The type of football he wants to play isn't rocket science, but that is the style that will bring success. At the moment Koeman is the nearest to that, so we should be breaking the bank to get and try for him, regardless of what he's said publicly.

Thomas at 70 - what about Trevor Steven?

Overmars would be my choice all day long.

Phil Head, strong comments there about Davey Watson. He was a fine captain as well as being totally committed to the cause.

We could do much worse than bringing him back to the club from his coaching role at NUFC.

Strongly feel the need to defend Dave Watson!

Leader, great defender, trier, Played in winning teams, played in shite teams, came back strong from terrible abuse for replacing Derek Mountfield, last captain to lift a trophy, great Evertonian!

God we could do with him now!!

Phil Head, have you come out from behind the sofa yet?

Oh and Director of Football, how about Nev Southall?

Eddie,
Southall said Kenwright was a nob and Kenwright has cut him dead ever since.

I would like to see Royle stay at the club but maybe Overmars in that role would be a good move for that particular position.

Phil Head, putting aside your comments about Dave Watson, you have made some interesting points. At least your ill-judged comments about a good player and captain have drawn, as I suspect you intended, attention to more pertinent stuff.

Neil 77, you are so wrong on so many points. Did Mourinho, Wenger, Benitez, Pellegrini, Mancini etc....have any previous premier league experience before they came to these shores? Of course they didn't, they were given a chance and they were successful. Apart from Fergie who was the last British manager to win anything of significance?

As for the 'tippy-tappy shit' and the new dogma as practiced by Herr Klopp well Seville showed them how easy it is to play around this tactic. At the end of the game the rs gegenpress looked like Napoleon's retreat from Moscow, ie, tired, hungry and defeated. Brain will always overcome brawn.

Yes to Overmars, no to Royle. Sorry, nice man, Everton legend but not a DoF.

Keep him on the books as a cub ambassador as he knows the club inside and out. But we need to be looking to the future now, not appointing people because "they're an Everton legend". Sentiment isn't going to bring us success. That type of sentiment needs consigning to history along with Kenwright and his "buddies".

Eddie - big Nev is my all time Everton hero but the man can cause a fight in an empty house!! I don't think he'd be the best choice as Director of anything let alone football!!

And to be fair, Clive, if you ever see Nev on the after dinner/Q&A circuit, he calls most people a knob – not just Bill!! (Tho he was spot on on that occasion!!)