We've never had it so... bad?

David Booth 12/05/2018 36comments  |  Jump to last

Apart from a freak 4-0 win against Manchester City last season and November's 4-0 victory against West Ham (who were the worst team by far in the Premier League at the time — and could easily have whipped us if they'd had the run of the ball and a bit of luck), can any of you truthfully remember any other notable game in the whole of the last two seasons?

You know, like when we played the opposition off the park, overcame them by masterful tactics, ground them to defeat through sheer energy and willpower, out-thought them and clinically took our chances or simply dominated from kick-off to final whistle?

No. Neither can I.

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This club is in a malaise from top to bottom, with mediocrity the new byword and avoiding defeat the sole objective. It astounds non-Evertonian friends when I tell them we have been THE worst team in the division for all that time. Despite there being 12 teams below us, we all know too well that we have been.

Within minutes of every game commencing, it has been clear that we were in for another 90 minutes of aimless, brainless, clueless, spineless, turgid football (I use that last word advisedly). Without exception, we have been woeful. Devoid of leadership. Tactically inept. Incapable of learning. Drained of adventure.

Virtually every win has been as a result of one or two players having a randomly fortuitous run of the ball and a moment or two of coincidental good fortune.

We only have to suffer England bumbling and fumbling their way through 90 minutes three or four times a year. Pity us poor Evertonians who have to put up with that 38 times (not to mention the inevitable tame capitulations in the cup competitions).

A complete top-to-bottom overhaul of personnel, a re-affirmation of ambition, and an uncompromising, ruthless, single-minded, unsentimental approach are desperately needed for the new season. Reshuffling the deckchairs and Kenwright bringing in another fading former favourite has got to end. I have supported him in the past and still admire him as a gentleman ambassador for our club. But he needs to go, now. Along with Elstone, Allardyce and Mr Rooney.

Having one key role filled by someone inadequate would be bad enough. We have the full set: chairman, chief executive, manager and so-called 'star' player. Time is up for all of them. Time is up too for the likes of Williams, Martina, Besic, Bolasie, Schneiderlin and a few others who clearly aren't good enough or have a 'second best will do' mentality.

This is now Lookman's time, Calvert-Lewin's time, Dowell's time, Pickford's time, Coleman's time, Sigurdsson's time, Tosun's time, Davies's time, Walcott's time... quality new signings' time — and hopefully even the likes of Keane's and Funes Mori's time. Baines and Jagielka have shown they are still worth a locker key too for another season.

All need to be driven and insipred by a man at the top for whom winning is the sole priority. A manager who wants to do so every game, not play percentages in the hope of scraping 7th ahead of Burnley. In charge of players who are individually and collectively obsessed to be the best and who will not accept anything less from any of their teammates.

We have reached a critical tipping point and this could be our last chance to turn the six clubs with ambition into seven. If we do not, this time, right now, we could be set for another 25 years — or more — of being also-rans.

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Reader Comments (36)

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Steve Ferns
1 Posted 12/05/2018 at 07:44:12
Over the last two years we are comfortably 7th on points. The worst team? Far from it. There was a period under Koeman, during which was the aforementioned 4-0 win, when we had a good run and looked like we would run Man Utd close for 6th, and that we’d be challenging for top 6 this season. So I don’t know how you can include last season in your article.

This season has been a disaster. It’s been one of the worst seasons ever for me. But the worst team? No, not even close. This is a decent team, bereft of leadership, tactics and coaching. It’s crying out for new leadership and new direction and this team can claim 6th with a little surgery.

If you ever think this team is the worst, remind yourself of Paul Gerrard, Alec Cleland, Claus Thompson, Mark Tiler, Mitch Ward, Scott Gemmil, Mark pembridge, John Spencer, Mick Madar, and Joe Max Moore. And that’s just the shite off the top of my head from the 90s. This team is far better than the best players from those dark dark days.

Andrew Merrick
2 Posted 12/05/2018 at 08:09:46
Many voices now stating we need to reinvent ourselves right through the ranks, a new regime from top to bottom.
Sounds good on paper, I hope we have the resolve and patience to bring it off.
Fasten seat belts sign could be flashing frequently, enjoy the ride...
Niall McIlhone
3 Posted 12/05/2018 at 08:32:19
I'm with Steve on this one, but I think I might play the trump card of even earlier Everton teams where we had former lower league players like Alan Biley, Peter Eastoe and Eamonn O'Keefe leading the line. I attended all games home and away from 1973 to 1981 and some of those teams were shocking David, and there is a parallel in the fact we would grind a result at home and go away and lose to mediocre opposition as we've done this season. Where I fully agree with you is the malaise in the club, I feel part of it is down to our not performing when we get ourselves in touching distance of a trophy, that mentality must change, and we as fans have a role to play in that. Dare I say it, the Reds weren't having Hicks & Gillette, they weren't having Hodgson's stilted tactics, they did something about it, and look where they are now?
Our finances are now stable, and I trust that Mr Moshiri will rectify things but it definitely will not happen next season. Next season is one of transition and we need to be patient. .Things ain't so bad off the pitch that it should distract the players from giving their all, that has been the worst thing for me, some of them have just appeared .well . disinterested. Now, that is bad.
Jerome Shields
4 Posted 12/05/2018 at 08:42:59
Whilst Moshiri may have a plan to stay in the Premier League and build a new stadium, Everton have never had a Football plan to compete in the top four, for this past 20 years.

As David says, the odd good player run and an off day for the opposition were the limit of Everton's ambition to win. Hence the years of aimless hope, which has Everton in the position it is now in. A widely considered hopeless case, laughing stock and farce for media fodder.

What is needed is a complete overhaul as part of a 5-year building plan. End the Circus now.

Martin Nicholls
5 Posted 12/05/2018 at 09:37:52
Niall#3 - don't disagree a lot of what you say but I think I must have been watching different Peter Eastoe than you did!
Len Hawkins
6 Posted 12/05/2018 at 09:47:09
Martin I remember Peter Eastoe being a fair finisher who scored regularly, Alan Biley was just remembered for having the same visually impaired hairdresser as Rod Stewart. In 80/81 season Eastoe scored 15 goals for Everton, that would give him star status today.
Ian Smitham
7 Posted 12/05/2018 at 10:15:48
Though I can agree with some of David’s comments, I know some of his own history too, like Niall, Martin and Len, David supported our Blues home and away back in those dark 1970’s days, he used to tell me stories of his exploits and he must take part of the blame for my continuing to follow this sorry lot!!
Andrew Heffernan
8 Posted 12/05/2018 at 10:26:18
At the start of the season I honestly didn't believe we would finish higher than seventh for the simple reason there were 6 better squads in the league, with experience of finishing in those 6 places repeatedly.

Roll on the season and the only thing thats shocked me (bar the loss of a striker who could score) is how hard work we made standing still - missed with appalling tactics/line-ups by Koeman, no blame to Rhino as he barely stood in, and honestly, while I never liked Sam, his style, or honestly believed we would be relegated - one thing was clear.

This was going to be a wasted opportunity of a season to build experience and challenge for those higher positions.

I agree with most of the above. There have been worse periods and squads. We need to make the right decision, the right purchases (unlike the last close-season) and we need to push on. We will NOT, regardless of who we sign, manager or player - finish higher than 6th because once again there will be 6 more experienced and better paid squads above us; what we need to do is develop, over time, with the right structure - this is not going to happen overnight.

A good manager, with a vision or a plan, that suits fans expectations, and a chairman that will back him will be a start - then maybe a bit of togetherness and support from a united fan base; only then can we start moving forward.

COYB

Ray Roche
9 Posted 12/05/2018 at 10:34:40
Niall, Martin, maybe Eastoe is being mixed up with Rod Bellend..sorry, Belfitt.
Brian Denton
10 Posted 12/05/2018 at 10:57:20
I remember Peter Eastoe scoring twice at Villa in their 80-81 Championship season. We were the only team to win at Villa that season, I think.

Rest of that season we were crap, mind you, and they bollocked us in the return match at Goodison.

Martin Nicholls
11 Posted 12/05/2018 at 11:04:17
Ray#9 - now he was crap!
Martin Nicholls
12 Posted 12/05/2018 at 11:08:19
Brian#10 - I seem to remember a cracking goal from Tony Morley in that home game?
Lawrence Green
13 Posted 12/05/2018 at 11:58:53
Dan Meis offers Evertonians some helpful advice.

“There is a reason why this club has a storied 140 year history...stop navel gazing and put your faith in 140 years of a club that defines English Football...it is bigger than all of us and will outlast any short term challenge.”

IF the owners and board can follow Dan's advice we'll be fine!

Martin Nicholls
14 Posted 12/05/2018 at 12:15:34
Lawrence - best bit was "this Club will show the world what Nil Satis Nisi Optimum really means"! Dan Meis has nailed his colours to the mast - over to you now Moshi!
Jerome Shields
15 Posted 12/05/2018 at 12:32:39
Lookman update: He insisted on being loan out to Leipzig against Big Sam’s Wishes, Played regularly and well in the first team squad. He is looking to get transferred to Leipzig.

He does not want to come back to Everton under any circumstances. He sees it as a bad career move. He is not going to change his mind, having had his assessment of the necessity of career move to Leipzig, against opposition at Everton, proved right.

I don't think he is that stupid.
Tony Abrahams
17 Posted 12/05/2018 at 12:53:32
Good article David, I'm glad you also brought last season into it, because Koeman, and his complete lack of any real style or plan, definitely started this unadulterated shite, that we are now witnessing.

Steve, we nearly ran United, into sixth? David is talking about the football being boring, so I'm not sure how you or anyone else, could really disagree with that?

Maybe I'm wrong? But if Koeman, stopped me going to away games, then Allardyce has took it to the next level, and I haven't even been bothered about going to Goodison Pk, recently either.

Niall McIlhone
18 Posted 12/05/2018 at 12:57:50
Can't wait to see what Dan Meis's design brings. Oh, and yes, maybe I was a bit harsh including Eastoe, but I did see a lot of Rod Belfitt and he was poor Ray,but then I haven't even played my Bernie Wright joker yet!
Returning to parallels with past times, does anyone remember Alex Nyarko starting out looking like a beast of a player, but after a few months in the Archie Knox boot camp the man was bereft. A bit of a Schneiderlin scenario?


Keith Harrison
19 Posted 12/05/2018 at 13:02:27
I can hardly wait for Monday - or Moshiri day - because that is the day he will make a statement as to whether we are run by a completely hapless numpty, or he is turning the club around. Sam Allardyce is only one of a number who should not be darkening our doors in the near future.

We know Earl is leaving, Bill is supposed to be riding off into the Sunset in August, and Jon Woods shares are apparently being bought by Moshiri. A strong presence from outside the club is required to stop all the sentimentalist crap of filling the place with past players, and the 'old school tie brigade'. In other words, those who 'Get Everton'. Anyone who 'Gets Everton' in the past 20 years is more than likely a serial loser happy to watch shite in a crap stadium rapidly becoming devoid of any atmosphere at all.

Lets get a knowledgeable CEO, a director of Football, and a coach capable of driving us on, skilled in man management.

Blue Sky thinking, or dark clouds are ahead. Over to you Farhad, please don't let us down.

Tony Abrahams
20 Posted 12/05/2018 at 13:04:37
That's got to be one of the best statements I've read in years, with regards to our club Lawrence, it actually gives me strength, even though I would genuinely love to eradicate most of the Bill Kenwright years.

John McFarlane Snr
22 Posted 12/05/2018 at 13:31:32
Hi David Booth, you apparently weren't around in 1951 when Everton were relegated to the Second Division. It doesn't get much worse than that.

It's true that for too long now we have been subjected to unacceptable performances, I have considered for a couple of seasons, that teams who visit Goodison are quicker in thought and movement, and while I admit that this season had me worried as early as October, I still take issue with the title of your article.

We've had a couple of close shaves in more recent times, Wimbledon 1993-94 and Coventry City 1997-98. Now, either of those seasons could have been viewed as a bad time.

I agree that the football served up this season ranks with some of the worst we have witnessed for decades, I appreciate that you may feel that I'm nit-picking regarding the title of your article, but I must confess that I agree with most of your observations.

Jack Convery
23 Posted 12/05/2018 at 13:33:53
Never link Peter Eatoe with Alan Biley or the even worse Mick Ferguson and Brett Angell.
Bobby Thomas
24 Posted 12/05/2018 at 14:01:33
We have to get this window right. Any more outright bad or poorly thought through signings will only continue the death by a thousand cuts decline we are suffering since Moyes went.

Martinez got his first window spot on. He did it late, but he managed it and pretty much added exactly what we needed where we needed it. I remember the summer Moyes took Lescott and the like. They were all spot on and we really improved. We badly need that kind of window.

This time round, 3 or 4 - no more than that there's been too much flux - spot on signings in the positions we need them can get us progressing again.

Despite all the cash that's been spent I think the entire spine of the side needs addressing. For me, a strong, pacey center back and pacey striker are a priority. Sorting the lack of pace front and back would go a long way to changing the way we play. I feel we are weak and a bit of a soft touch in mid and would advocate getting some legs and physicality in there, although we could maybe get away without signing someone. It largely depends on who goes. The other signing would be the absolute necessity of a long term left back

I feel if we can get those 3 or 4 signings right, and other players can kick on - I'm thinking Vlasic, Lookman, Keane (hmmmm), theres more in Sig, Tosun settles in etc - then we will be ok.

Get them wrong, or just make more sub-standard signings, and the bottom half beckons as the failure rate stacks up. For example, if we get the next center back wrong then we have a big problem as it will be the fourth one on the bounce after Funes Mori, Williams, and Keane.

Darren Hind
25 Posted 12/05/2018 at 14:41:46
Get paid David Lad. Excellent article.

We HAVE been the worst team in the division, by some considerable distance. have been for some time

We've spent about 300m during the time you speak about and for that money we were able to get individuals like Rooney and Sigurdsson. Whilst Rooney was well past his best and Sigurdsson is well short of being top notch, They were both easily good enough to get goals which have masked over the most soul destroying anti football I've ever seen.

Lets not forget that we were going backwards again this season until Sam was able to splash out 50m quid on Tosun And Walcott, something no other team in "our league" could afford to do. These two are nowhere near top notch either, but once again they were good enough to put in the occasional performance, their individual efforts and goals were enough to mask still more woefully inept performances.
Virtually every game last season depended upon whether or not Lukaku was in the mood, if he turned up, we got ugly football and goals, if he didn't, we were left with the ugly football.

I laughed when people said we need managers like Koeman or Allardyce to attract players, but I'm not laughing now, it depresses me when I hear the same utterances again about the latest flavours of the month.

Most people outside this club see the start of the Everton game as the end of MOTD. We are the dullest, the greyest, the least watchable.
People talk about moving to the "next level" but we haven't had a team which could string 3-4 meaningful passes together for years. Our standing in the game diminishes with every passing game spoiler at the helm.

We have to get to the next level before we can even think about getting to the "next level" .



Andy Crooks
26 Posted 12/05/2018 at 22:40:39
Good article, David. I have seen every other team the premier league put in a better perormance than Everton on occasion.We have been utterly dire in many parts of every game this season.

The teams below us gave been often poor but sometimes bloody good. We have been pretty much mediocre every game and we have been incredibly lucky. We have spent more money and have better players than the teams below us, yet we are one dimensional, negative, fearful dull, uninspired, boring and devoid of passion.

In the combination of money spent, expectation, endeavour and sheer utter shite this is the worst ever. The appointment of Allardyce and the idea that we have let him and his appalling bunch of mercenaries actually run our club is a stain on our history. Allardyce didn't save us. We stayed up and he happened to be there, bleeding us dry.

Don Alexander
27 Posted 12/05/2018 at 23:22:32
Watching the usual relegation slug-fest tells us a great deal about the modern player as far as I'm concerned. To describe most of them as "professional" is a joke. In recent weeks some of these spoilt, can't-be-arsed shysters at the wrong end of the table have actually put a shift or three in together and it's showed in their better results. I mean those at Southampton and West Ham in particular.

It shows me that the pre-Premier League football I used to love is unlikely to ever return whilst absolute no-marks are paid £20k per week (£1million per year) regardless of performance or results, unless relegation actually seems likely right at the death, when their selfishness comes in on cue as they desperately fight to sustain their gravy-train lives by actually trying to win a game or two.

It gives me no pleasure to say it but in the event of us being in the bottom third whilst the current squad is in residence at FF I have very little confidence that we have enough characters in it to even match those journeymen playing for the likes of Huddersfield, Brighton and, too late admittedly, WBA, never mind WHU and the Saints.

That's the first test for Moshiri, his pocket, and his allegedly new manager - sort the wheat from the chaff at FF.

David Booth
28 Posted 13/05/2018 at 00:33:13
After reading Lyndon's 'Silva lining' piece, I am getting the distinct feeling that there is going to be something of an overnight revolution at our club.

Allardyce's position is looking increasingly untenable (even he knows he will not be here next season), Rooney's off to kiss a badge in America, Brands rumoured to be on his way, Moshiri buying Woods' shares, talk of Kenwright's departure gathering pace, Esltone off to find his true level in Rugby League, and Silva/Fonseca in a two-horse race for the manager's job?

Like something out of The Godfather, could it be that Moshiri is getting everything in place for a major footballing coup d'état in the next week or so?

If so, Moshiri will come out of the shadows and show he means business.

Imagine the tsunami of energy and momentum that would swiftly follow.

Could this, at last, be the crest of that wave we have all been waiting for?

Lawrence Green
29 Posted 13/05/2018 at 01:27:41
We've never had it so bad? Well if it comes to the club understanding and communicating with its supporters – no we haven't!

Rooney has said his goodbyes to his teamates according to various reports and, as far as I can see on here and elsewhere, most fans don't think it is such a bad thing for both parties but The Mail reports:

Despite instigating a possible move away from Everton — it is understood owner Farhad Moshiri authorised approaches by club officials to both DC United and clubs in China — there is now the distinct possibility Rooney will be asked to remain on Merseyside next season.

While Moshiri wanted to free up the cash spent on Rooney in wages — Everton pay £150,000 a week with Manchester United paying the difference on the £15m-a-year deal that has another year to run at Old Trafford — chairman Bill Kenwright is convinced that allowing Rooney to leave is a bad idea.

Indeed Kenwright has now created enough anxiety among directors to make them reconsider.

Then we have the contradictory stories surrounding the fate of the not so liked Mr Allardyce. Several outlets seem to think it's a forgone conclusion that he will be sacked next week and others seem to believe he will be given the green light to re-shape the squad. The Mirror seem to be offering up a different story everyday that supports both views.

“My job as always is to get better players because then we get better results and we will play more ­attractive football. You can only deal with the tools and players you have at the time.

“You just can't magic something overnight when you walk into a struggling club. You can't get two magic wands and say we're going to play like Manchester City.

“It's impossible. If you're asking the impossible, it's never going to be achieved.

Allardyce insists that he has met the first criteria of his appointment – to stave off relegation – and believes he should now be backed to continue the club's ­resurrection.

He added: “I didn't leave retirement to come into this football club just to save it. I could have stayed retired because I've done all that.

“I came here to try to take the ­football club into a new stadium and try and build a team that can fight for the European places.

“That's what this club ­demands.

Whatever unfolds in the next seven days, I do hope the club realises that allowing the media to control the narrative is a very bad idea, it causes unrest amongst the supporters, it doesn't help the players and it serves no good purpose except for the media outlets who can write what they want, when they want. Obviously the owners/board can't control the media but it should be more pro-active in stating what direction it is taking. For too long we have appeared nothing more than a lunch-time soap-opera, no plot, full of hot-air, none of the main actors know their roles and the support staff are running round in circles trying to make sense of the poorly written script.

All this from a club that is very close to earning nearly a Billion pounds in prize money from the Premier League cash-cow since its inception, but you would be forgiven if you believed that the club was newly arrived on the big stage and was paying dearly for its naivety.



David McMullen
30 Posted 13/05/2018 at 10:45:45
Agree or not but we had some exciting moments with Martinez and with Moyes, a fair few exciting (counter attacking) results against the likes of Arsenal, Man Utd and Man City. Koeman and Allardyce between them have been the worst football seen in decades took us right back.

How dare Allardyce disguise his criticism of the style expected (the School of Science). What's the saying? – a bad workman blames his tools? Latest quotes blaming the players he has.

Paul Ellam
31 Posted 13/05/2018 at 17:37:19
The only positive thing I have taken from this season is that we can play so badly and still finish 8th!
There are actually 10 or more worse sides in this league than us, even when we have a nightmare.
Now surely that's got to cheer you up?
Premier League - best league in the world the TV people tell us.
I beg to differ.
William Gall
32 Posted 13/05/2018 at 18:29:36
The only positive that has come out after today,s performance was, we will not have our weekend ruined watching Everton playing, for a few months. We will see how ambitious the new owner will be, if the rumors are true of him becoming the largest shareholder. Will he fire S.A. ( good by Sam and don't slam the door behind you ) or persevere with him while getting the new stadium started. ?

We have bad seasons and managers before but, this season with all the extensive media coverage it gets highlighted. I don't believe the board "will not" listen to the supporters comments, and it will mean that the present manager should be gone before the next weekend. We need a younger manager that will bring in fresh ideas, be ruthless in assessing the playing squad and plan for the future.

As supporters we have to expect that next season will be difficult
and give the manager full support. Keep letting the owner and board aware that we will not put up with anther season like the last, and let them understand that it is the paying fans who have kept this club going ever since it started and, even the most dedicated fan can only stand so much before he stops going.

Mr Moshiri you are a successful business man that has made you financially sound but in investing in Everton you are now in the entertainment business and that needs your clubs fans to be entertained, and if this doesn't happen ,you will be into a business that will drain your investment quickly. Act swiftly as I do not believe you want your investment to go down the drain.

Paul Tran
33 Posted 13/05/2018 at 21:05:15
I've been watching since 1971. I've seen a fair few worse teams than this one. But all those poor teams, on a good day, had a bit of something about them.

The thing about this team is the huge gap between the team on paper and the quality they produce. There's no top-notchers in there, but there's enough half-decent players to entertain us, get us off our seats, make 7th place ours by right and run close a moribund Arsenal team that will again be in a state of flux next season.

That's what I was expecting this season and we got none of it. The one thing we've proved this season is that it's not just about money. We've got club management relieved at hitting the giddy heights of eighth. A coach telling us we can't expect good football with these players.

All I'm asking this summer is that we put cuddly old Everton in a box and bury it. Have the club act like it wants to do the hard work that bring success. Hire people who know their methods work and believe in the players they buy and work with.

It's got to be the club management first. Otherwise the next coach will be shunting between Moshiri, Kenwright, Walsh and who knows else.

Early this season, Koeman was asked what a good finish would be. He said 'same as last year.' It wasn't what I wanted to hear, but I couldn't see us higher than 6th. It was the absence of any other ambition that bothered me, as if Koeman had either been found out or had imploded at the shambles behind him.

I know we won't blitz the top four in the next year. I also know that if these existing players, with two or three additions, play with belief, energy and clearly explained methods, we could start building a bit of momentum and enjoy watching the team again.

This summer's all about sorting out who/what we want to be, then the right recruitment, on and off the pitch.

Paul Birmingham
34 Posted 14/05/2018 at 08:53:18
The club requires a total refit, new board! With proper football people running the business and with genuine aspirations to be winners.

EITC, is great in its commitment and compassion to the community, but the at least the same and more energy and focus must be on the football side of the club.

Get the board right and get the football coaching side right. What is right, is the question but what we’ve suffered for the last 30 years must be ended.

There’s been plenty of ale house played and team at GP in the last 50 years but the last 4 years has been the pits. The team has lost its ID and physchologically is impacted and has an acute inferiority complex and loosing mentality.

If the club doesn’t act immediately then next season will be just as bad. I’m not losing my religion yet supporting EFC, but the belief and expectation is waning and zero.

They don’t provide entertainment and you can count on 4 fingers the decent games the last 4 years.

Sick of seeing and hearing 5he plaudits of the RS exploits this season, but it’s a reality check and if th3 club doesn’t arrest this lack of interest in building a winning club, we will be the “no marks”.

Nows the time for FM to start the rebuild of the club.

Gerard Pauls
35 Posted 15/05/2018 at 09:10:15
First time on ToffeeWeb so here goes.
I've supported the blues since 1963 home and away and have had some brilliant times and unfortunately more bad.

However the current predicament we are in simply defies belief. Football to me is a simple game, pass,move, back your mates on the pitch, play with total commitment and give every ounce of effort to the shirt and results and success will come. ( The fabulous teams of the 70's and mid 80's show what is achievable.)

Accountability and honesty are a bygone trait replaced with greed, selfishness and what appears utter contempt for the club and the fans who support through thick and thin.

I am sick and tired of bang average players taking 'turns' to 'apologise for their pathetic efforts week in and week out and managers Koeman and latterly Sam 'I'm the man' blaming everyone and everything but themselves. I fully expect Sam 'I'm the man' will lay blame to our latest abysmal capitulation to West Ham by blaming the lack of..or the 'wrong chewing gum' anything but himself!

I would love the opportunity for true evertonians to be allowed to attend press conferences and actually put these players, managers and board members on the spot and not pussy foot around them in fear of bull shit Bill banning them from drinks and nibbles afterwards.

The club I love lacks backbone and a desire to sweat blood for the fans who support through thick and thin...oh for a Labone, Ball,Reid or Ratcliffe to lay it on our current pampered pets that total commitment is a minimum requirement followed by pride, effort and a steely determination to win for the shirt, the fans and my beloved Everton.

Moshiri is not a fool however he needs to step out of his new ivory tower in the Liver buildings, ignore his gaggle of hand wringing bowing yes men (the Kings new clothes always comes to mind.) He needs to meet, gather a number of true down to earth fans who can explain to him our history, feelings of constant betrayal and listen to their humble opinion of what is needed to turn our one and only football club back into the team to be chest bursting proud of and who we support with our hearts, mind, soul and passion.

Michael Lynch
36 Posted 15/05/2018 at 09:37:42
You're not wrong Gerard. And that's why it's hard to compare the current team to previous Everton line-ups. Sure, we've had worse players, and we've finished much further down the table, but we weren't spending hundreds of millions back then, we weren't offering mediocre players contracts worth hundreds of thousands pounds a month. The current squad is not just full of bang-average players, it's also filled with wage-thieves and cowards, players who are stealing the fans' ticket money and offering only excuses and promises in return.

Peter Reid wouldn't have been able to kick a ball in this squad, he'd have been too busy kicking the arses of the useless crowd around him.

Gerard Carey
37 Posted 15/05/2018 at 09:54:46
I sincerely hope that when we get a new manager in, he dispenses with the two defensive midfielders. Martinez started it, Koeman continued with it and Sam as well.
It leads to the most boring type of football possible. Passing sideways and back at a snails pace. Wrong formations, players being played out of position etc.
I know it will probably cost us plenty, but we need a proper attacking creative midfielder. Even something as simple as a left sided midfielder aka SP. We haven't put out a balanced side in ages.

Andy Crooks
38 Posted 16/05/2018 at 22:14:52
Gerard Pauls, good post.

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