Danny Donachie back at Finch Farm as Everton appoint Mendes

The Benfica analyst is a coup, being highly regarded. I know some of you don't like this kind of thing but at least we're keeping up with the others in an appointment like this.

Martinez, with his degree in physiotherapy (though I have yet to read of any evidence that he has ever practised it), clearly was in conflict with Donachie back in the day.

In Roberto's first 18 months, Everton had 20 short to long-term hamstring injuries. Who was to blame for such a high number? The manager, his training staff and the training methods, or the physio for not repairing them quick enough for the manager's liking..?

A nice auxiliary and support team Silva and Brands are putting together.

A bad decision by Martinez that's been rectified and tells me things at Finch Farm are improving – otherwise, why would he come back?

Not that I'm aware of Dave.

Of course, both being Portuguese and both having worked in Lisbon at the same time for their respective city rivals they will certainly know each other.

Have you seen the Echo link offering more insight into Mendes Dave? It appears to be nothing more than a straight copy-paste from Mendes' own profile description on his LinkedIn account, but it does offer some insight into his probable role.

Link

Given that he and Donachie were appointed on the same day, I thought this particular passage was revealing:

"It is my responsibility to liaise with the main team, working closely on the pitch with both players and coaches, contributing actively to the straight and conditioning processes, with personalized fitness solutions for each player’s needs.

"Furthermore, I'm also responsible for the prevention and recovery of injuries sustained by players."

Based on the last sentence in particular, it is reasonable to conclude Donachie and Mendes will be working closely together and that there are now clear lines of responsibility established on that issue at the club.

I think he will...

I know its controversial but IMO it was a mistake to get rid of Roberto.

Was Koeman doing a better job than him? Let's hope that Silva takes us on to where we should be.

Add in Osman's 'Moyes's softest training day was harder than Martinez's hardest day' comment. There was a time when you couldn't move for the twanging of hamstrings.

Roy Johnstone @7; The only thing it would confirm would be the Belgium FA's decision to hire him.

It may turn out that his best work is done as an International, coach... having some top class players never hurts too... in the short term/burst manner that is International Football, rather than the 10 months of Saturday, Wednesday, Saturday in the league, aka – gives him less time to fuck them up... because that's what happened with us.

The fact that Mendes came in so soon after Morgan left speaks volumes for me. Clearly, the former is a direct replacement for the latter.

Pedro Conceicao is a trusted Silva Lieutenant, with him since day one at Estoril. Clearly, he is someone who knows how to tailor the fitness coaching to match the output needed on the pitch for Silva's preferred tactics. Obviously it's no good coaching the side to be marathon runners if you play a slow possession game, where explosive power would be better, and stamina is not as essential.

How Conceicao and Mendes overlap will be of interest. Clearly they are working in tandem right now.

Or mindful?

Danny knows it would appear.

Hoping to see a new Everton this year! Pressing attacking football please, Marco.

We need at least 3 new players in. And clear out the rest of them: not good enough.

COYB.

Silva's unstoppable Olympiacos were said to love counter attacking so much that they would "gift possession to the opposition" just so they could counter attack them!

This sounds rather defensive, and it is. But it's the kind of defensive that we should like. That is, determined to win the ball back and full blooded tackles. When we win the ball it's all about getting the ball forwards quickly. No, not Sam Allardyce style hoofs, but long balls with a purpose. Trying to get on the front foot and attack. So it does become attacking football.

I think we'll enjoy it. Silva is also a pragmatist. He will change formations, he will change tactics, he is not just stuck in his ways, like Koeman and Martinez were.