Everton vs West Bromwich Albion

Friday, 19 January, 2018 82comments  |  Jump to most recent
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Theo Walcott is expected to make his debut following a £20m move from Arsenal

For the first time since New Year's Day, the Blues are back at Goodison Park to face West Bromwich Albion, less than a month after the reverse fixture at the Hawthorns produced a dull goalless draw.

While still early in his tenure as Baggies boss, Alan Pardew was unable to oversee a first victory since succeeding Tony Pulis and he had to wait until last Saturday before he could end the longest winless run in the top flight.

Everton, meanwhile, have lost four straight, mustering just two shots on goal in that time and exiting the FA Cup at the Third Round stage. They remain in the ninth place berth they occupied over Christmas coming into this weekend's round of fixtures but have lost ground on the top six while their cushion above the relegation zone has been diminished.

While last weekend's heavy 4-0 defeat to Tottenham, another game where this Everton side failed to test the opposition goalkeeper with an effort on goal, marked the nadir thus far of Sam Allardyce's brief reign, back-to-back home games and the arrival of some fresh attacking options offer hope of another revival in fortunes.

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Both Theo Walcott and striker Cenk Tosun are expected to make their home debuts against the Baggies, with the hope being that the presence of pace and goal threat in the final third can spark some attacking life into a team that has been almost completely toothless since beating Swansea 3-1 over a month ago.

Walcott's £20m move from Arsenal was finalised on Wednesday while Tosun will have had a full week's preparation at Finch Farm to familiarise himself with his new team-mates and manager.

The presence of both players puts Allardyce in something of a quandry, however, given his post-match comments at Wembley where he asserted that he might have to be less adventurous and more defensive in his approach going forward — assuming that is possible — than was the case against Spurs an opportunity.

Yet in Walcott, Tosun and Yannick Bolasie, the boss has an intriguing trident at his disposal, one that affords him an attack-as-defence strategy aimed at unsettling a back line that hasn't exactly been a porous despite West Brom's poor but still has the unwanted distinction of having lost 3-1 at Stoke recently.

Allardyce started the game at the Hawthorns with not two but three defensive midfielders on Boxing Day and could yet opt retain at least two players in the holding role in an effort to protect his back line but this would be a game seemingly tailor-made for trying Wayne Rooney alongside either James McCarthy or Idrissa Gueye with Gylfi Sigurdsson centrally in front of them.

In terms of personnel, it remains to be seen how much Allardyce is moved to change things up given what happened at Wembley. The case for Ashley Williams to be re-deployed alongside Mason Holgate as seemingly the best-performing centre-half pairing since it was thrown together against West Ham in November has been made by some supporters but the youngster struggled against Spurs.

Bolasie, meanwhile, showed that he remains very rusty following his long lay-off and he could make way for Walcott if the manager isn't bold enough to go with that attacking trio mentioned above.

Whatever line-up he selects, there will be an expectation of more entertaining fare than has been served up at Goodison over the past month. The new signings can only help in that regard but they will need better service than the aerial route from Jordan Pickford and the back line. Time for Allardyce to earn demonstrate he can fashion some expansive football from this under-performing team.

Kick-off: 3pm, Saturday 20 January, 2018
Referee: Stuart Atwell
Last Time: Everton 3-0 West Brom

Predicted Line-up: Pickford, Kenny, Jagielka, Williams, Martina, Gueye, McCarthy, Sigurdsson, Rooney, Walcott, Tosun

Full details: ToffeeWeb match page



Reader Comments (82)

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Kunal Desai
1 Posted 19/01/2018 at 07:11:31
A scrappy 1-0 will do. The ball going in off someones backside. Need a clean sheet here to.
Jim Bennings
2 Posted 19/01/2018 at 07:39:57
If ever there was a “must win” game it's this!

Don't make the same mistake as Boxing Day and hand the initiative to a poor team (no disrespect West Brom).

Get the bloody game won!

Steven Jones
3 Posted 19/01/2018 at 08:24:20
Let's give our two new home debutants a great welcome.

Theo believes this is a "special place" to play football let's repay his faith and give him the fuel to be rocket-propelled through that West Brom defence and make him realise that The Emirates is "The Library" and Goodison is "The Bear Pit!"

We the fans have our role to play this Saturday.

COYBs

Jim Bennings
4 Posted 19/01/2018 at 08:29:07
Steven,

I agree, if only 90% of our supporters that go to Goodison these days let the same; sadly, the atmosphere resembles the same “library“ feel at The Emirates!

Guy Hastings
5 Posted 19/01/2018 at 08:36:38
Might as well play at right-back as he seems to spend most of his time trying to cover for Martina anyway.
Guy Hastings
6 Posted 19/01/2018 at 08:37:41
And the 'mystery right-back' is Sigurdsson!
Andrew Clare
7 Posted 19/01/2018 at 08:49:39
Hopefully the two new signings will propel the team to new heights. Hopefully.
Robert Leigh
8 Posted 19/01/2018 at 08:54:33
Is Garbutt able to play given we are in a window? I thought during a window the squad was open-ended, and you re-submitted the 25 at the end of it.
Christy Ring
9 Posted 19/01/2018 at 09:01:06
We should play Sigurdsson in the Rooney role, Bolasie on the left, Theo on the right, and Wayne on the bench.
Lenny Kingman
10 Posted 19/01/2018 at 09:08:32
I believe that a change in his appearance would send out the right message in his new hardcore northern environment. We don't want vanity getting the better of valour.

Though I suppose the pirate of the Caribbean look will be deemed acceptable if he can plunder much booty from the opposition.

Iain Love
11 Posted 19/01/2018 at 09:30:22
Play Rooney with Gana, Walcott and Bolaise wide (and interchanging) Sigurdsson behind Tosun.

I'd seriously look at Lennon or Besic for the left-back berth, can't be worse than Martina.

Gary Hart
12 Posted 19/01/2018 at 09:45:26
After last week's horror show, surely Martina can't keep his place.
Brian Williams
13 Posted 19/01/2018 at 09:46:47
Gary. Gardeno Chairo's in instead. Signed on the quiet earlier in the week. Said he's sad to leave his home base but after being left out all summer he's raring to go!

*I have to let this go*

Rob Young
15 Posted 19/01/2018 at 10:18:06
Surely we can bring back Galloway from his loan spell at Sunderland?
He's not playing there and who knows what happened to him but he seemed fine when he came through.

I'm not saying either him or Garbutt are the answer but surely everyone can see Martina cannot play there again?

Clive Rogers
16 Posted 19/01/2018 at 10:31:52
Bolasie and McCarthy should not be picked as they weren’t fit at Spurs.
John Malone
17 Posted 19/01/2018 at 10:32:16
Galloway has done well for us; he wasn't the best going forward but no-one got past him down the flank and he made some great last-ditch recovery tackles!

I guarantee Kane wouldn't have strolled past him as easy as Martina!

Colin Malone
18 Posted 19/01/2018 at 10:46:38
Let's hope Vlasic is on the bench, to come on for Rooney. Also, Tom Davies for Jimmy Mac. Let's stop playing Tom Davies in the advance role, he needs to play from deep, next to a holding player.
Dale Rose
19 Posted 19/01/2018 at 11:40:49
Galloway all the way. Get him in and give him a crack. Lookman as well. We have these players – why aren't we using them?.

Sad to say the only thing we have to play for is respect this season. Big Sam has the opportunity now to hone this squad for next season. We have a lot of players; let's look at getting some in and match ready.

Derek Knox
20 Posted 19/01/2018 at 12:08:54
John Malone, I have to admit the Galloway situation baffles me; remember when he first came to us from MK Dons? I was impressed with him, I think he even picked up a couple of M of the M's from the Echo; then he fades into almost, obscurity?

Says a lot for our scouting system; when they looked at Galloway; they failed to notice a certain Dele Alli playing in the same team?

Similarly, going back a bit further: they scouted Brett Angell at Southend, and failed to spot Stan Collymore playing alongside him; we got the lump, and the RS got the cream!

I don't know whether Sam is playing games with the media over his statement that he can't see any additions before the window closes; efforts will be more on outgoings to reduce the squad. If he thinks by saying that, he will put everyone off, he is living in the past, you can't fart these days without the media getting a whiff.

Probably, what will happen that we will let a couple move on, Lennon, Klaassen and Sandro, then mad-dash last minute scramble; to get Joe Bloggs in at left-back to keep the wolves (us fans) happyish.

I am really happy with Tosun and Walcott in but it is a Pyrrhic Victory not to notice the Trojan Horse at Left Back.

Peter Gorman
21 Posted 19/01/2018 at 12:44:36
Who are we kidding? Schneiderlin in the centre, Martina at left-back, Sigurdsson on the left and Walcott and Tosun in for Bolasie and Calvert-Lewin.

Result – maybe a couple of shots on target and, if we are lucky, it'll be enough to win.

Roger Helm
22 Posted 19/01/2018 at 12:57:24
Wouldn't Jagielka be better at left-back than Martina? I know he is right-footed but he is quicker than Martina and a better defender.

Lescott did well at left-back once, though to be fair, he was left-footed.

Danny Baily
23 Posted 19/01/2018 at 13:16:33
If we win the games we would be expected to win at home and draw away to 'lesser' opponents, then we'll finish on just 47 points. Very little margin for error, makes tomorrow all the more vital! A nice convincing win is in order.
Les Martin
24 Posted 19/01/2018 at 13:38:00
I see a comfortable win here for us as surely with Tosun and Walcott making their debuts, there will be attacking intent from the off.

For once I am optimistic and really excited, but hey haven't we all been there before?

James Flynn
25 Posted 19/01/2018 at 13:42:46
he might have to be less adventurous and more defensive in his approach going forward — assuming that is possible"

Good one. Made me laugh.

Play a 5-6?,"he might have to be less adventurous and more defensive in his approach going forward — assuming that is possible"

Good one. Made me laugh.

Play a 5-6?,,,1,13:39:21,,134.205.104.82,ok,4506,01/19/2018 13:39:21,MattysSon,reader,, 891496,36100,toffeeweb,19/01/2018,Winston Williamson,pagreenhow@hotmail.co.uk,"I've not warmed to Bolasie. I wasn't impressed with him last season and I'm not expecting much now he is fit.

Lookman has come in for criticism for a lack of defensive nous, yet I do not see much from Bolasie either. I do see more of an attacking threat from Lookman though.

Based on this, and Lookman's potential to further improve, I would propose a forward three of Lookman, Tosun and Walcott.

I would then have three midfielders in a triangle - Sigurdsson, Gana and Davies. Davies being a Box-to-Box man, Gana sitting and breaking-up play and Sigurdsson sitting between the oppositions midfield and defence.

The defence is problematic, as, as much as Martina has played to the best of his limited ability, he is very much a liability. We can kid ourselves all day long that his endevour is admirable, but the guy is still shite.

Alternative left-backs? Well, if we are currently playing with a right-footed Martina, why not use the (usually very disciplined) Aaron Lennon at Left-Back, until we can sign a new one? It's a bit outlandish and unorthodox, but he's quick and has shown he can defend.

Kenny at right-back all day long! He's going to be class and has shown great potential already.

Holgate and Williams in the middle. We should be scouring the earth to find a left-footed center-half who will compliment Holgate, as Holgate is a superb player, who is only going to improve.

Pickford
Kenny, Holgate, Williams, Lennon
Gana, Davies
Sigurdsson
Walcott, Tosun, Lookman

Allardyce won't do anything unorthodox though. He'll continue as he has played it so far. It's his style, his MO. He will not deviate from it and he will continue to set his teams up to frustrate.

For this reason, he needs replacing as soon as is feasible. I would be hoping that our usually inept planning (in all things) is shelved, and that we are currently identifying and negotiating behind the scenes for Allardyce's replacement.

Stewart Lowe
26 Posted 19/01/2018 at 13:43:40
Not buying a left-back could be Allardyce's death knell..

It's like the not buying a striker all over again.

Maybe Allardyce is not allowed anymore funds because the board have a limit on what they will cough up for a manager that could be sacked at the end if the season should we go another 5 games without a win??

If we don't get a left-back when time is called on the window, it could be the stick that the fans and media beat Allardyce into retirement with.

If I were Allardyce, I would tell the board, let's get shot if Lennon, Besic, Galloway, Niasse, Klaassen and Sandro, but I need Dembele and good left back to create and bed in a great team for next season. If he doesn't get it right this season, he knows he could be gone.

Clive Rogers
27 Posted 19/01/2018 at 14:02:43
I can see Williams or Holgate at left-back.
Kevin Prytherch
28 Posted 19/01/2018 at 14:35:11
Kenny left back, Holgate right back?

Not ideal but it might work. At least Kenny is a natural full back so might cope on the left (although the same should be said about Martina) whereas Holgate can cope at right back.

Derek Knox
29 Posted 19/01/2018 at 14:41:01
Stewart Lowe, @26 while I think we all agree with you (well maybe not all, this is TW) I suspect that Sam has been told from above (not God) that he has to trim the squad, and what must be a massive wage bill.

There are a lot of fringe players picking up decent Lottery wins every week, without even having to buy a ticket. In any business, this would not be tolerated; having said that, while I am made up we have got Tosun and Walcott; it does seem to be a bit lop-sided in terms of priority; we definitely needed to obtain a source of goals; but what's the point of scoring at one end and freely conceding at the other?

John Wilson
30 Posted 19/01/2018 at 14:43:11
I feel confident now that we now at least have some potential for scoring goals. Calvert-Lewin tried his best but a goal scorer he is not. I would prefer Niasse than Calvert-Lewin for scoring goals even though Calvert-Lewin is much better footballer than Niasse.
David Pearl
31 Posted 19/01/2018 at 15:15:20
I'm confident in this game, Everton to beat West Brom 2 shots to 1.

Hopefully Barry will be confused enough to go into the home changing room and put a blue top on.

Terry Underwood
32 Posted 19/01/2018 at 15:19:24
Home debuts for two attacking players... Goodison Park should be rockin'.

I just hope we don't concede early. I can see a good win here, both new boys to score, plus a Sigurdsson free-kick – 3-0 to the Blues.

David McMullen
33 Posted 19/01/2018 at 15:42:32
I couldn't predict the team – after last week's capitulation. Bring back Williams with Holgate and, for crying out loud, have some shots on the goal.
Jamie Crowley
34 Posted 19/01/2018 at 15:44:58
Pickford
Kenny Jagielka Holgate Martina
Rooney (deep)
Walcott Davies Bolasie
Sigurdsson
Tosun
Steve Brown
35 Posted 19/01/2018 at 15:55:42
Apparently we are running out of time to sign a left back after signing Walcott as another right sided midfielder in addition to Lennon, Lookman and Bolasie.

That follows signing Rooney, Sigurdsson and Klaassen in the same position during the summer. Everton drive me mad.

Jay Harris
36 Posted 19/01/2018 at 16:00:05
I can see three at the back to accommodate Jags and Williams and give Martina more support.

If that is the case only one defensive mid should be picked and I would go for Gana for his energy.

Personally I would leave Rooney out and play Sigurdsson in the middle behind Walcott, Tosun, Lookman but I can't see that happening so I guess Lookman will have to come off the bench as soon as Rooney is deemed to have given the ball away enough.

So it will be:

Pickford
Holgate Jagielka Williams
Kenny Martina
Rooney Gana Sigurdsson

Walcott Tosun

Ajay Gopal
37 Posted 19/01/2018 at 16:07:37
Kenny did well at left-back, in fact he was the only bright light in that 4-1 drubbing at the hands of mighty Southampton. But it would be unfair on the kid to play him out of position in his fledgling career. Having said that, he would be better than the hapless Martina, so:

Pickford
Holgate Keane Williams Kenny
Rooney McCarthy Sigurdsson
Walcott Tosun Bolasie

Subs: Robles, Jagielka, Gueye, Davies, Calvert-Lewin, Lookman, Vlasic

Tony Everan
38 Posted 19/01/2018 at 16:10:55
Finally, 7 months after Lukaku's exit, we have an attacking threat. 7 months in an attacking desert, the ball like a tumbleweed blowing through the final third.

Tomorrow marks an emancipation. A new team, liberated from defensive slavery.

The transformation will be a joy to behold, West Brom's defenders will have their heads hung low.

Tomorrow is a new beginning, the first step on the ladder to success. Consolidation and improvement await, followed by Champions League challenges in our new stadium.

Nurse...

Jer Kiernan
39 Posted 19/01/2018 at 16:12:18
Everton Supporters attending Saturday's game are advised to arrange to have an adult collect them afterward not to drive or operate machinery for 24 hours.... :)
James Lauwervine
40 Posted 19/01/2018 at 16:24:03
Left-back is clearly a problem but I'd go with:

Pickford
Kenny Holgate Williams Besic
Gana Davies
Walcott Sigurdsson Lookman
Tosun

Subs: Robles, Rooney, Vlasic, Bolasie, Keane, Calvert-Lewin, McCarthy

Brian Williams
41 Posted 19/01/2018 at 16:52:25
The players seem to have fun in training for sure:

http://www.evertonfc.com/evertontv/archive/2018/01/19/walcotts-first-training-session

Brian Williams
42 Posted 19/01/2018 at 17:25:32
Luke Garbutt training with the first team too.
Terence Tyler
43 Posted 19/01/2018 at 17:25:37
Looks like Lennon is off to Burnley
Harvey Miller
44 Posted 19/01/2018 at 17:25:59
Martina is not an option, he should never play for us after Spurs horrors. Like Iain, I would put Besic on the left, Kenny right-bask.

About centre-backs, I think we don't have sure ones. Holgate is the best of them but not one of them is capable of making a pass. Often even the easiest passes go astray. They should wait for a more accomplished player to gather the ball from their feet.

In the midfield, the only one who can make a real creative pass is Rooney. He also makes many mistakes but he must be on if we would like to dominate the game and not surrender the possession to the worst-scoring team of the league.

Defensive midfield is either McCarthy or Gana. They both have been pretty up and down, but either of them could do the job on their day.

Attack is pretty easy, Walcott and Bolasie in the wings, Gylfi in the center and Tosun the striker. This is now our best part of the team but it doesn't mean much if the defense and midfield can't deliver any kind of decent service, like they've been doing recently.

If we let them through the wings and give away corners we might see another disappointment. They have Barry who should've never been sold.

Harvey Miller
45 Posted 19/01/2018 at 17:30:37
By the way, even if Koeman did not register Garbutt in August, surely he could be registered now?
Brian Wilkinson
46 Posted 19/01/2018 at 17:32:21
Does not matter if we win 4-0, play them off the park, 75% possession, 90 shots on goal, you just know Pardew is going to say how unlucky they were...

I cannot think of a manager who gets under my skin more than Pardew; O'Neill comes close.

David Pearl
47 Posted 19/01/2018 at 17:37:05
I don't know how Martina is the only player whose fault it was versus Spurs. Kenny was just as bad. Holgate also switched off costing us at least one goal, even though Jagielka told him 5 seconds earlier not to lose Kane.

However, left back tomorrow? I'd have to play Garbutt. Rumour has it he has a left foot.

Terence Tyler
48 Posted 19/01/2018 at 17:39:17
Garbutt has worked with many managers, and at some other clubs on loan, and been a flop. Only reason he is still at our club is soft arse Martinez gave him a long-term contract.
John G Davies
49 Posted 19/01/2018 at 18:01:17
Rooney on the bench please.

Sigurdsson in his best position.

Terry Farrell
50 Posted 19/01/2018 at 18:20:49
Terence and David – voices of reason. You see some plausible comments and then they pick a team with so many flaws in it you think they know nothing!

Cuco is not a left back but until we buy one or Leighton returns he is the best option and will play. The hard decision is does Wayne start or not. If he does it changes the shape of the team and Siggy is wide left.

Does he play Bolasie as well as Walcott? We need a dynamic balanced team and that's why Sam is paid the big money and I expect him to work it out

Jeff Armstrong
51 Posted 19/01/2018 at 18:31:32
Why is Bolasie getting fit in the first team? 50% of a player down.

Why is Martina playing left back when he is a right back? 50% of a player down

Why does Schneiderlin start? 50% of a player down. (subjective )

Why do we start an 11 man game with 9.5 players?
Matt Brown
53 Posted 19/01/2018 at 19:10:46
We're playing a very struggling team at home. All I ask is that we try not playing 2 defensive mids. Just once. It's not like it's been working amazingly.
Nick Lacey
54 Posted 19/01/2018 at 20:05:07
James (#40). I really like your team and I would go for it. I Think I'd make a little crazy change and swap Davies for Rooney.

Gana can do all the dirty work and quickly get it to Rooney, who could then pick the perfect pass to one of the forward men. Look how much we have missed Barry with his keen eye for a forward pass.

Rooney could drop into that deeper position and spread the passes and dictate play.

Harvey Miller
55 Posted 19/01/2018 at 20:25:47
Nick, that's it.
Nick Lacey
56 Posted 19/01/2018 at 20:40:30
Pickford
Kenny Holgate Williams Besic
Gana Rooney
Walcott Sigurdsson Lookman
Tosun
Steven Jones
57 Posted 19/01/2018 at 21:16:30
Jeff (#51) – Really good point... or points .

Schneiderlin has not been a good player for a while and think he needs to go...

Then I see him in the training today with Theo, and maybe.... just maybe???

John Keating
58 Posted 19/01/2018 at 22:43:04
Pickford
Kenny, Holgate, Williams, Martina
Rooney, McCarthy
Sigurdsson
Walcott, Tosun, Bolasie

To start – and please replace like for like if tired players need replaced, such as Gana for McCarthy, Lookman for Bolasie.

John Boon
59 Posted 19/01/2018 at 23:56:57
It really is sad to think how optimistic fans were before the start of the season, despite the obvious fact that we had no punch up front. Ah well, that won't be much of a problem because of all the great defensive and midfield signings that Koeman, our saviour, had brought in. So good the team will pick itself.

Now, as I review all the suggested line ups for the West Brom game it shows just how weak we are defensively. At the present time we do not have one player in the back four that we can consider as outstanding. They are either a future prospect or over the hill. While Martina is as weak as everybody and their dog can see, he is essential to the team merely because we can use him as the scapegoat for every loss. We still need more than a left back.

I still blame Koeman for all of this. He got what he wanted and bought a load of second-raters for a lot of money.

David Barks
60 Posted 20/01/2018 at 01:40:41
Let’s just go into tomorrow with the intent to win, please. Set them out to win Sam. Get them playing the ball forward, getting the players into the box. Do us proud Sam, we’re bigger and better than West Brom.
Andy McNabb
61 Posted 20/01/2018 at 06:56:29
Call me old-fashioned but a 4-4-1-1 makes us more solid whilst at the same time allowing Davies space in which to create and our record signing the chance to play where he plays best. Rooney to replace Tosun when he tires. Am I the only one to think we should be using Rooney up there as an impact player?

Quite liked the suggestion of Besic at full back but too risky with Lookman ahead of him. Jagielka is our best option but seriously, there must be a left back somewhere on the planet who could do a job there?! So –

Pickford
Kenny Holgate Williams Jagielka
Walcott Gana Davies Lookman
Sigurdsson
Tosun

Subs: Robles, Rooney, Vlasic, Bolasie, Keane, Calvert-Lewin, McCarthy

Eric Myles
62 Posted 20/01/2018 at 08:18:25
The Global TV link re-appeared last week which was useful in finding a channel for me to watch the Spurs game, but it's missing again this week.

Any chance of it being linked before kick-off?

Steavey Buckley
63 Posted 20/01/2018 at 09:00:03
Eric, http://www.livesoccertv.com/teams/england/everton/
Danny Baily
64 Posted 20/01/2018 at 09:37:10
Rooney playing deep against the top sides just doesn't work. He gives the ball away to much and they are able to punish us on the break.

Against the baggies? We can accommodate him in that role and he does have an eye for a through ball.

Eric Myles
65 Posted 20/01/2018 at 09:42:16
Thanks Steavey that's the website Lyndon usually links to. I've bookmarked it now for future use.

Last week my local channel broadcast it live but as I'd just arrived I didn't have the telly service hooked up yet so watched the game on BeIn from Qatar. This week the local channel doesn't have the game so I'll likely have the same solution.

Colin Glassar
66 Posted 20/01/2018 at 09:52:16
Looking forward to the Cyril Regis tribute. I suspect it might be the high point this afternoon. A tight 1-0 win or 1-1 draw.
Jake FitzGerald
67 Posted 20/01/2018 at 09:53:05
I'm being a bit of a doughnut here - but none of those links on livesoccertv.com are showing the Everton game?
George McKane
69 Posted 20/01/2018 at 10:25:25
"Send me some loving
Send me some kissing
You know what I'm missing
On the Vanlose Stairway
And your stairway
Reaches up to the moon
And it comes right back
It comes right back to you."

Had an early start to today - - running around for my wife Gosia - - sorting the car so she could go to Yoga - - all done now.
Sitting in my room getting myself fit and up there on the astral ready for The Dark House and The Game. Seems like a long time since a good old Saturday 3.00pm KO - - love them. First thoughts are from a post earlier this month - - something around Karma - - for many many years I was a practising Buddhist - - no religion - - just the oneness and though fullness and meditation - - it was the concept of Karma that I didn't go with - - but I also believe in "posso waves":

"Instant Karma's gonna get you
Gonna knock you off your feet
Better recognize your brothers
Ev'ryone you meet
Why in the world are we here
Surely not to live in pain and fear
Why on earth are you there
When you're ev'rywhere
Come and get your share
Well we all shine on
Like the moon and the stars and the sun
Yeah we all shine on
Come on and on and on on on"

As you can tell Mr Lennon was an Evertonian and knows like us a bit about suffering - - but the fact is that it is really great to be a Blue - - would any of us prefer not to be - - I'm just sitting here and I just a moment ago had a blow on my harmonica - - Everton at Home Saturdays are for me the Joy of My Week - - I go completely off my head - - allow myself to float on the astral to dream and no matter what to enjoy - - the pleasure of my friends in the pub, reading you gang on TW going to the game, the after game chat, the Everton Quiz - - comradeship - - what more can we ask:
"To be (An Evertonian), or not to be: that is the question:
Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer
The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune,
Or to take arms against a sea of troubles,
And by opposing end them? To die: to sleep;
No more; and by a sleep to say we end
The heart-ache and the thousand natural shocks
That flesh is heir to, 'tis a consummation
Devoutly to be wish'd. To die, to sleep;
To sleep: perchance to dream: ay, there's the rub;
For in that sleep of death what dreams may come
When we have shuffled off this mortal coil,
Must give us pause: there's the respect
That makes calamity of so long life;
For who would bear the whips and scorns of time,
The oppressor's wrong, the proud man's contumely,
The pangs of despised love, the law's delay,
The insolence of office and the spurns
That patient merit of the unworthy takes,
When he himself might his quietus make
With a bare bodkin? who would fardels bear,
To grunt and sweat under a weary life,
But that the dread of something after death".
I don't know about anyone else but I am feeling good - - can hardly wait to get to TDH and friends and the game - - can honestly say I wouldn't want to live without it - - none of this can make or induce a win - - that is down to the Management and Players - - but it certainly makes for me being an Evertonian a good place to be.
Pause - - Piper At The Gates Of Dawn by Van The Man just floating into my consciousness - - - bluetiful - - "and the wind in the willows" - - - mmmmmm.
OK back now - - went into my sitting room and eat 3 Flying Saucers - - My Mum would buy them - - as a treat for us - - from Mrs Jones's shop at the corner of Smith Street and Back Great Mersey Street - - just along the road from TDH -- you see no matter what we (Evertonians) are soaked in history and we have a duty to carry on our History - - we are the writers of our history - - we are poets - - we are strong - - we are the singers of our own song.
Now none of this makes the current playing style or situation at Goodison acceptable - - 6 weeks ago I simple could not see a win - - it is by no means no way perfect - - far from it - - but yet again with Everton we have to recoup, pause, think and then hopefully push on - - I am reading "Hope Against Hope" by Nedezhda Mandelstam at the moment - - truly amazing - - "I decided it is better to scream. Silence is the real crime against humanity".
We keep on going - - just like Ma Joad said - just like a river we keep on going:
You may write me down in history
With your bitter, twisted lies,
You may trod me in the very dirt
But still, like dust, I'll rise.

It is now coming up to 10.00am - - I had a busy morning - - and will now go and get ready to go to TDH - - will arrive around 11.55 - - it's raining outside but inside "It's Warm Love" - - no matter how dark and wet it is - - I am going to the game - - I am an Evertonian:
I carry your heart with me(i carry it in
my heart)i am never without it(anywhere
i go you go,my dear; and whatever is done
by only me is your doing,my darling)
i fear
no fate(for you are my fate,my sweet)i want
no world(for beautiful you are my world,my true)
and it's you are whatever a moon has always meant
and whatever a sun will always sing is you
here is the deepest secret nobody knows
(here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud
and the sky of the sky of a tree called life;which grows
higher than the soul can hope or mind can hide)
and this is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart
i carry your heart(i carry it in my heart)

Ahhhh - - to be an Evertonian - - it's something to be - - it takes courage, a brave heart, hope and belief and a vision and commitment - - We've Got It All - - I will not be here to read TW/Live Forum - - but let's have a Posso Karma Day by sending each other some "possos":
"And I shall search my soul
I shall search my very soul
And I shall search my very soul
I shall search my very soul
For the lion
For the lion
For the lion
For the lion
Inside of me
Oh, oh, yeah"

Yea - - let's hope that The Lion is at Goodison and not The Lamb. Me, I could bite a Lion's Bum - - no problem.

I need this time before the game to get me ready - - poetry, art and music - - "Everton If you were music, I would listen to you ceaselessly, and my low spirits would brighten up."
I do not normally wear football scarves and hats but today I will wear my new Everton Coat - - it was bought for me by one of the young people from Yellow House for Christmas - - Mark Craven - - I call him Marco Polo - - Marco has Asperger's - - he is a wonderful boy - - so here's to you Marco - - I am glad it's raining and Coat so I can wear that lovely coat you bought me.

Just packing my camera and harmonica and going to get ready for my trip to the cosmos.

Best wishes and cosmic grooves to All Blues - - Have A Bluetiful Day.

Walking down the street and
It didn't matter
Cause everything felt, everything felt, everything felt
Everything felt, everything felt, everything felt, everything felt
Everything felt, everything felt, everything felt so right, ha
And so good
Everything felt, so right, and so good
Everything felt, so right, and so good
Everything felt, so right, and so good, ah
Everything felt, so right, and so good
Everything felt, so right, and so good, so good
In the eternal now, in the eternal moment
In the eternal now, in the eternal moment
In the eternal now
Everything felt so good, so good, so good, so good, so good
And so right, so right, so right, just
So good, so right, so right, in the eternal
In the eternal moment, in the eternal moment
In the eternal moment, in the eternal moment
When you lived, when you lived
When you lived, in the light
When you lived in the grace
In the grace, in grace
When you lived in the light
In the light, in the grace
And the blessing.

Your friend George.

George McKane
70 Posted 20/01/2018 at 10:30:52
Part of my preparation for the match - - Link
Laurie Hartley
72 Posted 20/01/2018 at 11:15:38
Posso waves received here in Korumburra George - made me feel better because - "I am an Everton"- like you.

It ain't why why why - I just am.

I don't fancy that karma caper much either George - mercy is better :)

I hope you have a wonderful day George.

In your blue coat, in your blue blue coat, in your blue blue blue coat.

Up the Blues.

Derek Knox
73 Posted 20/01/2018 at 11:22:31
Eric @66, Here's another handy one for your bookmark,
http://www.liveonsat.com/quickindex.html. It's not a direct link but, it lists the matches and you can click on the flags (depending on which country you are in) it will then give you the links from there, hope that helps too.
George McKane
74 Posted 20/01/2018 at 11:30:34
Cheers Laurie

Cosmic grooves all the way for you.

No Method No Teacher No Guru - - just me and you Laurie at Goodison.

Off now - - take care mate.

Steve Hogan
75 Posted 20/01/2018 at 11:57:28
I'll have what he's on...
Anthony Wood
76 Posted 20/01/2018 at 11:59:05
Any spare tickets? Truer Stubhub earlier and loads but then they take them off at 10!!
Tony Abrahams
78 Posted 20/01/2018 at 13:04:22
I just can't wait for the next time the game is as good as one of George Mckane's posts! Magnifico George, I had a feeling you was into flying saucers and Buddha mate!
Phil Greenough
79 Posted 20/01/2018 at 13:12:59
Thanks for the positive vibes, George and for the FB post. It's good to put a face to the words.
Brent Stephens
80 Posted 20/01/2018 at 13:14:50
Tony #79 "I just can't wait for the next time the game is as good as one of George Mckane's posts!"

Might only happen if our George drops his standards! Nah, no chance of that. Cosmic grooves.

Geoff Evans
81 Posted 20/01/2018 at 13:17:55
Good wishes to the new signings, both have got talent, let's see how much desire.
Jer Kiernan
82 Posted 20/01/2018 at 13:34:50
Ah Shakespeare on a football forum(And not Craig either)
Its got to be Everton :) ,,Thanks George you have warmed my heart now I am not AS pesimitic the outcome of todays battle ,,COYB
Steven Jones
83 Posted 20/01/2018 at 13:34:52
George - wonderful read . let the Lion roar at Goodison today!
Raymond Fox
84 Posted 20/01/2018 at 13:35:35
We don't know the team at this time which will obviously affect the betting.
The neutral view from the odds makers is that the outcome is most likely to be a win for us 11/10, next prediction is it will be a draw 11/5, the least likely a win for West Brom at 3/1.
If compared with the other matches betting, our game is the most likely to finish a draw. In other words they are predicting a tight game.

No surprise there then, but I have a feeling that we may produce a much better performance today and win 2-0 or 2-1.

Don Alexander
85 Posted 20/01/2018 at 13:48:03
Proper lift received from reading George again, and thanks for the glimpse of the palace that is yours too George!

Like others I just hope the club can match your passion and dedication anytime soon.

All the best!

Brian Hennessy
86 Posted 20/01/2018 at 13:49:22
George McKane - reading your brilliant post has me thinking it's been way to long since my last journey across the Irish sea to Goodison.

I feel a trip coming along...

Dave Abrahams
87 Posted 20/01/2018 at 13:56:26
George, you will be on about your third pint now, I hope you are enjoying your time in TDH with your friends, great post as usual, setting a lot of us up for the victory(I hope).

George if happiness was a religion you'd be The Pope of it. A million blue cosmic grooves to you and all the toffees in TDH.


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