Dobson on board as Royle's successor

However what set him apart was his resilience to overcome initial rejection and to remain determined to become a professional player. Martin has always had a drive to succeed and there are not many ex-players who have published well-received books aimed at boosting the self-esteem of young people.

He will bring this drive and many other qualities to this role and my only caveat is that this should have happened 10 years ago. This is in no way meant to be a criticism of Martin but rather of a club that cannot see the wood for the trees; now should be the time for the generation of ex-players from the 1980's who have so much to offer the club, but such is the fear that they will expose the dross in high places that, unless there's a culture change we shall not see Ratcliffe, Sheedy, or Mountfield challenging the mediocrity – still less Neville Southall to tell it like it is and put success on the pitch ahead of all else.

If Dobbo is one half as good at this new job as I remember his performances as an Everton player then he will do alright. I do hope he's allowed to bring ideas and make improvements as we are bit of a sorry shambles right now.

Welcome aboard, Martin. Still mystified why Joe went in the first place though.

I'm all for looking after ex-players, especially those who actually contributed, but 70 years old... shouldn't he be thinking about winding down now?

Anyway, what do I know, I wanted Allardyce to replace Koeman.

Only kidding... No-one in there right mind would have wished our current plight on us.

Martin does an excellent job for Burnley on the Corporate side where our Group has a 'box'. 70 years old though, and it makes you wonder what the appointment is for.

With that in mind, do not expect Neville Southall anywhere near the club who would speak his mind and say it how it really is.

Shame really, because Southall would not put up with this shite.

Of course he will be welcome as an ex-Blue, but why do we always appoint ex-players to these positions? Is he the best professional development coordinator (whatever that means) in the game? Being the best candidate should be the criterion, not just having worn the Royal Blue in the past.

Great to see he's keeping well. What a player he was.

For the younger generation, here's another pull your hair out time, Dave Thomas, one of the finest wingers of his time, he set up most of Latchford's 30-goal season, then typical Everton, we sell Thomas that Summer. Still one of my favourite seventies players.

Bob's 30 goals were the 77-78 season and Thomas was sold after the following season, 78-79. That latter season his form slumped dramatically. He went to Wolves and only played 10 games that season.

He then moved to Vancouver Whitecaps before returning to play some games for Middlesbrough then Portsmouth. Sadly he has had a guide dog for several years due to failing eyesight.