Jonjoe Kenny will join Schalke on loan

Best of luck, Jonjoe, but don’t get too attached to Germany, you belong here!

He’ll improve as he’ll get regular game time and I sense also Wagner rates him highly.

Let’s wish him well and to success this next season.

Given Silva's reluctance last season to give Kenny much game time when he had the opportunity to do so, presuming he will get more game time in a strong league, under a similar manager - Wagner - as Silva.

A possible win-win for all.

Now, who is going to cover/compete with Seamus for the right back role?

What a challenge for him and I’ve no doubt he will rise to the challenge.

We’re looking short of defenders at present even with Holgate coming back!

I liked Wagner but felt a bit for him at Huddersfield where his hands were tied with limited funds for survival in the Premier League. However, when they first came up as new boys, and an unknown quantity, they did pull off a couple of shocks.

Be interesting to know if Lookman offered him any advice of life in the Bundesliga and what to expect, by not only playing but living in a country where presumably German is spoken rather than English. We could have a German-speaking Scouser on our books if and when he returns.

Evidently Silva is entirely comfortable that Holgate can provide cover, based on his half-season at RB for West Brom. He may, in fact, be able to push Seamus hard -- he's faster than Seamus and apparently Darren Moore was able to help him improve his once-execrable passing.

Jim #12, I'd be interested to know what Silva/Brands decisions you consider "stupid" -- seems most of them have worked out pretty well.

Guess the glass is half-empty for you every day, Jim? Kenny will definitely benefit from playing in a first team rather than sitting on the bench with us most of the time. And it could just be that Brands and Silva do not rate him as highly as you do?

Derek (#11), I suspect they do speak German in Germany.

Definitely one for the future and I hope a full season in Germany will see him return an even better player.

I think Holgate will cover for Coleman and possibly at centre-half too.

On Schalke, I kind of always followed them going back to the 70s; my Dad passed it on, who served with the Army in Germany. I go to watch them at least once a season in recent years.

A team from a city with a large working class population that fell into hard times during the industrial decline of the late 20th century, where football was it's outlet. Slight difference in their dependence was coal mining, ours the docks, but parallels nonetheless.

Both clubs play in blue & white and they are nicknamed "Konigsblauen" (Royal Blues).

Both clubs have great heritage and dotted periodic success but in recent history, have lived in the shadow of their more illustrious, media friendly neighbours who themselves are self-obsessed, self appreciating & sing You'll Never Walk Alone (to each other on occasion!). Not to mention this being cemented by the Klopp connection.

Jonjoe is joining a club with so many similarities to Everton. He could be back to play at Analfield in the Liverpool v Schalke friendly in August.

We should connect with those Schalke fans when they're over. A lively, passionate bunch of blues & we have common enemies! Let's not let them get tainted by the other lot and ensure they know they have allies here in the City of Liverpool!! Meet them in the pub before the match and have them singing "If you know your history" in the Anfield Road!!

I'm only guessing but it could be his ‘turn' to be at Finch Farm and be the backup while Kenny builds experience elsewhere. The way clubs develop young players is changing so we can't be sure what the thinking is.

I'd like to see Trippier come in.

Think him and Seamus could potentially play in the same side against the bigger teams with Seamus playing further forward.

I don't think anyone is "assured of a future with us." Anyone who has a bad year is likely to be flogged, anyone who has an outstanding season is likely to attract bids from "big clubs." I cannot see many/any of the players having a Leon Osman one club career.

So basically his last three managers have had a quick look at him at RB and decided, no way.

But Mike's still carrying the banner.

Hope he smashes it and if he doesn't come back gets a good solid move out of it.

I can't help but think he'll have a storming season in Germany and they ll sign him permanently for some inflated price.

Don't blame him for snapping up the opportunity though cos there's no point in him wondering if he'll even make the matchday squad each week at Everton. Good luck to the lad.

It will be interesting to see who come in or what happens...

I think he had already gone past Seamus. I just don't get it.

Silva chose JJK only four times when Seamus was available (giving him a rest), and we lost all four games. Not blaming him, just pointing it out.

I think this is a great way for the young man to get his engines roaring again.

Anyone who thinks Kenny has become a better player than Coleman, really does not get it. Some of you need to take off the Scouse tinted spectacles at times.

This imo is a good move for JJK and for EFC - he should come back a much stronger player with a year of first team football behind him in a top league. The only caveat: if Wagner plays a 3-5-2 then JJK has Daniel Caliguiri for competition and he’s one of their main men. A back four would suit JJK but we have to assume he hasn’t gone there to play back up.

The crux is Silva wants his full backs to live in the opposing half, the emphasis on crosses and passing. Kenny is way ahead of Coleman in both departments and that alone is reason to pick him.

Personally I think we will buy a first team ready right back, Coleman will back up, which makes little sense to me. I think we'd get a decent wedge for Coleman. Please though let this not be Baines Mk II, the transition needs to be smoother than that.

I agree with those who say that probably Holgate is going to be prepared to cover Seamus in case of injury but might also fit nicely into a back 3. We shall see!

I'm with Andy Crooks. It seems to me people rarely plan for injuries.

Cup runs too, which we should be in multiple seeing how we'll win the League and FA Cup next year. ;0)

On the flip side, Holgate can cover at RB, and he's also cover at CB in the event Mina is actually made of glass, so that flexibility is positive.

But Jesus if Seamus gets hurt, JJK for my money was a more than adequate replacement.

My God I'm learning to trust Brands entirely too much! What's that Marcel? You need my wife? Ummmm, OK!

Develop, grow, prosper Jonjoe! You have a stellar attitude kid, and to quote Finding Nemo, keep swimming!

I don't need to explain a simple opinion. . but I will.

I feel Kenny was in the team at a time the whole of the defence was a complete shambles. Experienced players didnt know whether they were coming with Silva's version of Zonal.
Kenny was sacrificed. Silva opted for experience

Seamus is a popular player, his swashbuckling style has endeared him to all, but he is not the player he was. The chinks which have appeared in his armour were exposed more times than Jim Bennings's judgement last season.

Coleman's had a bad injury and he is the wrong side of thirty. His experience will not be enough to haul him back next season. Trust me. He will not get any better. there is only one way Seamus is going and it aint up.

Ok; I exaggerated when I said He was exposed more than JB's judgement (not sure that would have been possible) but I believe the younger man will prove he has gone past him. Thats what happens and the gap will only get wider.

Not sure about the size/physicality argument. If that was the case we could bring in The Undertaker from the WWE. I think it's more of a style issue, Coleman is more of a ball player and gets in behind the line.

Maybe his managers saw him and thought: ‘he’s too good to stick at fullback, and I’ve got a decent one anyway, he can do a job in midfield’.

Even if I’m wrong, why such antipathy to such an inoffensive alternative opinion?

Holgate is a CB. He cannot deputise for Seamie.

If we are buying a top quality RB that could make us a very attacking outfit. Digne on one side, an upgrade on Seamie on the other. A very Portuguese/Dutch (Silva/Brands) tactic. Portugal v Holland showcased Raphael, Semedo and the Dutch RB, who were all very good attacking outlets in the Nations League finals. Even Blind managed to lumber up into advanced positions on the left in the second half, although attacking fullback he ain't.

If that is not the thinking behind loaning out Kenny, then well, I am stumped.

This does suggest they have someone as serious competition to Coleman in sight otherwise it's a gamble Everton can't afford to take, time will tell.

I'm optimistically hoping we have some absolute star lined up who will tear the league up next season. I base this on absolutely nothing.

I think John (40) is right we will probably buy a RB this summer and I would expect whoever it is they will be a right footed version of Digne and it’s probably it’s fair to say if he doesn’t sign Zouma who ever he replaces him will be another massive fella who would scare the shi*e out the boogy man like 4 like he’s setting out his Blue Print.

What’s interesting is what kind of striker is he looking for he’s bought players for other positions so we all kind of have an idea on what he’s looking for in wide players defenders MF BUT we don’t know what he craves for in the strikers position?

Ideally need another 15 goal plus striker and try and get Bernard to double figures then you are looking at almost 60 goals a season. I think last year two different players scored double figures for the season surely that hasn’t happened that often in PL years?

And with an experienced full back in Coleman, and potential cover on the books already in Holgate and Martina, both of whom have regularly played right back in their career, and with the possibility of signing someone else, why would we let Kenny go out loan and for cover for Coleman choose a player with little experience in that position?

It seems a decent enough thought that you have proposed before but one with very little possibility of happening. So, why bother?

JJK shouldn't have much trouble with German as both it and English are derived from Old Norse. A lot of words are pretty similar, and even the delivery is similar in terms of tempo. Spanish being a latin language is considerably different so it was probably harder for Guardiola to adjust.

I am a big Coleman fan, but I do acknowledge he is going to decline at some point. Finding a good quality replacement, and getting Kenny experience would seem a fairly smart move.

The Seamus we saw over the final 10 games was, in my eyes, the old Seamus -- I predicted from the day of the injury that it would take two full years to get back to that level, and it did.

Meanwhile Kenny obviously didn't get any opportunity to progress this past season, and I think this loan is an ideal chance for him to do so and prove that he's Coleman's successor.

Obviously if we sign a new right-back, all bets are off, but I just have a hunch we won't go that way.

I had to Google that and see what you mean. Guess they have it in Norway too. There is a book called Lobscouse and Spotted Dog. That must be for Evertonians while Lobscouse and Spit the Dog is for RS.

I've never been angrier... just giving you grief, mate but I do honestly see him as a midfielder rather than a right-back at this stage.

I know some Wigan fans regarded him as a Number 2 but they said the same of Baningime and I think they meant something else. Bolton fans quite liked him though. :)

I know the interest has to be there to move a player on, but when I look at some of the hangers on that are still here, I just feel flat when I see a young talent allowed to go out.

Personally, I would prefer Kenny to stay. However, I can understand if this is part of a longer game plan by Brands and Silva: to (potentially) give our best academy players more game time in a first team in a quality league.

Kenny forces himself into the Schalke side and makes himself undroppable, we benefit as he develops his all-round game, returning for the 2021-22 as a real challenger for Coleman's position as the years catch up on the Irishman.

Kenny doesn't cut the mustard at Schalke, it tells management he needs to be cut loose.

If, however, as Mike Gaynes suggests, we sign a new right back this summer, all bets are off.

All good speculative fun!

Defensively they aren't far apart. Coleman moves the ball better and reads the game better at this moment in time. Coleman is more efficient with his runs whereas Kenny seamed to bomb on a lot but then struggled to recover. Hopefully he will come back a wiser more experienced player.

As for a stand-in, we have Holgate and Martina as reasonably safe bets whilst other clubs have converted wingers playing full-back; maybe even Walcott could be used there? Tin hat in position.

I completely agree, Darren and a few others are getting carried away. Kenny is nowhere near good enough yet, and they're doing a complete injustice to Seamus, who was back to himself in the last 10 games.

It does leave a gap, we need two good right backs. One is obviously Seamus, I expect the other to be Holgate, supplemented by the signing of another right-sided defender.

Walcott? Feckin' Walcott?

He avoids a tackle like I avoid my Mrs when there's jobs to be done. Talking of my Mrs, she'd do as good a job at right-back as Walcott.

On a free mate, on a free. Preferably a long contract too!!

Holgate is not a great right back but, with teams starting to play three at the back in many games, it may not be a big factor but I would like to see another class right-back to back up Seamus.

Digne offers a very attacking skill set, you might argue therefore the other full-back needs to be more defensive, perhaps. Personally, I don't think so under this coach. The ability to get up and down, provide good crossing and passing, whilst offering that over/under lap with the wide forward.

Coleman has never been a good passer, and has rarely crossed a ball well. His game is about athleticism and instinct, but rarely is he accurate. Sure he can get up and down but his passing really lets him down. Kenny is much the better crosser for sure, and has a better range of passes but his overall game isn't there yet.

Coleman will never get there but Kenny might, so why retain Seamus? Hard to know, but I think it points to Everton buying a new right-back and seeing if they can oust Coleman like Digne did with Baines last season.

If we are honest, after about 6 games in we totally forgot about Baines, such was the level of Digne. I just cannot see Coleman there anymore.

Maybe he'll leave after....

As has been said, it may be considered that Holgate, Martina and even Connolly may be considered adequate cover in an emergency but are we freeing up the readies for a really big name signing in some position or are we just showing movement rather than progress? As always, time will tell.

You are also correct in saying that Digne has set the standard, a very high one at that I am glad to say. I have a feeling that they have someone in mind who will do a 'Digne' in Seamus's role and in the meantime assess Kenny as to whether his stint in Germany will add that dimension to his game where he can provide a stern possibility of ousting the new right-back or providing a viable alternative if needed.

I think it would be Hibbert who was right-back.

Coleman is expected to play every game. There will be less fixture congestion.

Holgate shone as a player on loan.

Silva believes Kenny will do the same (he has said this).

It is more beneficial to have Kenny improve as a player by playing regularly.

Holgate can deputise at right-back if required.

No chance. Work permit issues!!!

Coleman will be first choice as he is fully recovered from his leg break and was playing almost back to his best in our run-in period. He is only just 30 so has a few more years either as first choice or as a more than capable deputy.

Holgate having proved himself at West Brom will deputise for him and also cover one of the centre-back positions this season. Kenny will get a full seasons games (hopefully) under his belt in a competitive league. Coleman will then gradually be phased out with Holgate or Kenny becoming the new "pairing" assuming Jonjoe does well in Germany.

Whilst Martina (if we can't sell him) will only ever be a "deputy", can anyone really say he was our worst defender under Koeman? He was playing out of position when deputising for Baines. As a "deputy" getting the occasional game in his natural position, it wouldn't be the disaster some people imagine.

For these reasons, I doubt we are looking for a new right back – I think most of this is paper talk. If Brands has been tasked with reducing the wage bill, then signing a ready-made right-back, presumably on a lengthy expensive contract, does not seem to fit –especially as we have two young, less expensive players on the books.

There are other more important positions to fill such as a new centre-forward and someone to replace Zouma, which is where I expect to see any available monies being spent, and possibly a replacement for Gana if PSG come calling again.

For people getting down (Darren, etc) on letting Kenny go, I would say, "Don't"! If you recall, Burnley and Crystal Palace were also in the mix to get Kenny on loan, and I am sure if Brands & Silva wanted to get rid, they would have easily found a buyer for about £8-10 million.

That they did not sell, but rather have loaned him out to a top German side, suggests that they believe in Kenny's long-term future at Everton. That leads me to believe that they see Holgate as good cover for right-back or even a starter in a back 3.

To be honest, I am not worried about the right-back situation next season. Coleman is doing very well, and he has at least a couple of years to give. He may not be as technically gifted as Digne, but he more than makes for it with his desire, loyalty and heart.

We don't need 11 sublime skill players, we need a team who will play for each other. Coleman is very much a part of this Everton team, in fact, he is the heartbeat of the team.

If the only business we do this summer is to sign Zouma and Gomes permanently, along with tying down Gueye on a 3-year extension and add a top quality striker, that would do for me. Of course, trimming the squad and letting go of surplus players, would also be nice.

However, we struggled against mid to lower league teams last year due to lack of goal threat when the bus was parked. The right side was an issue as were crosses generally - not all to do with Colemen but still an issue. As an illustration, Coleman has provided 2-3 assists (and 2 -3 goals) per season (Digne similar) whereas Robertson provided 11 & Trent Arnold 13 in the last season - admittedly with better goalscorers available. That would provide some of the penetration we need.

We will likely bring in a new player to play right back, to be first choice.

The Echo are also saying that they expect Gomes to sign and they also quote that Marco Silva is fearful that Chelsea will not sell Zouma. So Everton are now looking at Djene Dakonam from Getafe as a replacement for Zouma.

Also the Argentine Under 23 manager is quoted as saying that Sosa is on the verge of joining Everton.

So long as he can cement down their right-back role, then I think this could be a good move for everyone.

As he doesn't appear to be in Silva's immediate plans I feel a loan is the ideal solution. Hopefully, Kenny will come back a better player and, if Silva still doesn't fancy him, then he would command quite a reasonable transfer fee.

In response to a couple of posts about the language. The last time I was in Germany I found, much to my surprise, that most of the locals conversed in German!!

How he is on the reputed wages he is on (£30,000 per week) is another story but, to me, he is never a Premier League player. How he came to be an Everton player is a complete mystery to me, unless Koeman was his agent, that's the only explanation I can think of.

I don't think anyone expected him to be a regular starter when he was signed, he was backing up Kenny, but circumstances forced him into the first team and then, as Russell (#83) pointed out, he was an emergency left-back but with only a right foot. I always thought he did his best even if his best was not good enough for our lofty standards. I don't think he should be belittled for his efforts.

Past their prime (30+), At their peak (24-30) and Prospect (under 24).

Here's the link:

Link

Unfortunately it only shows six PL teams and we are not among them. I wonder how ours would shape up by comparison?

He couldn’t get in Southampton’s first team, he was a reserve,.Stoke didn’t want him, the Dutch team didn’t want, belittle him? Koeman belittled me and a lot of other Everton fans by having to watch him.

It’s quite possible that Martina is photogenic and looks better on TV, up close he never cut it for me.

Hopefully Schalke will provide him with this experience and he can return to us an improved version of his current self.

I’m hoping they can too put him on some kind of intensive weights programme. He seems very under deveveloped for his age and his lack of physical power really undermines any ability he has.

He's had opportunities but he's not really taken them and he's not close to a fit Coleman, so this moves makes sense.

That said, the current Schalke right back may have something to say about Kenny playing 25+ games next season, because I doubt he's been guaranteed a start.

Pretty sure you've upset the LGBTQSTR people as well as the CGAF people. ;-)

Brian #99, you're just jealous that Karen's not complimenting your tush. (Which ain't bad, by the way.)

Like I said, a spectacular opportunity for him.

I hope he does well, but I have my doubts that he's the future right back of the club if Everton want to break that glass ceiling.

Kenny is a natural full cback. His attacking assets are his passing and crossing ability.

Holgate is maturing into a centre back but can cover right back. He's a better defender but less of an atacking full back but has good pace. I don't think think he's yet good enough for either position.

IMO Kenny is the better fullback so I can only presume Holgate is saving us money and will cover both positions.

Mike don't forget Bayern on that list!!

Steve Ferns penned many a lenghty report about Silva before and during the season. e covered just about everything, But the one thing which came out in virtually every one of Steves posts, was How much Silva wanted to work with and improve his players. . so why is he sending JJ out hoping somebody else will improve him ?

Having watched for a season, I actually buy into Steves belief that Silva prides himself on improving players. . The more I think of this loan out, The less sense it makes

Hugh #117, you're correct, Tosun sustained a knee injury on Turkey duty a couple of weeks ago. No surgery but will miss part of the summer training.

I also think we'll bring in 2 wide front men to compete with Bernard. I don't think we'll get the centre forward that many are desperate for. I think Silva will continue to develop DCL and Richarlison. I realise that Richarlison struggled with the role after a bright start, but the whole team was struggling at that time, and I think with better service from the flanks that Richarlison will thrive. He is a very good finisher and has all the attributes. He just needs some decent service, which he wasn't getting from Walcott, Coleman or Bernard.

Time will tell, but I have every faith that Silva and Brands know what they're doing.

That’s neat. I had a distant cousin who was a contemporary of Kenny in Everton youth but he didn’t make it past age 14 :( oh well once less relative on the Christmas card list lol

Holgate will be a capable deputy in the Kyle Walker mould. Very athletic with a bit of beef.

I think a CB MF player (Gomes?) and goalscoring forward will be the priorities. Note I did not say CF because I think the high press relies on a mobile front 3 who can interchange.

The likes of Alexander Arnold have taken the role of fullback to a different level. He's pretty much the key playmaker of the team and it's all about the quality of delivery.

Love Coleman, but you aren't ever going to see him whipping in a ball from basically any wide position in the oppositions half, onto a sixpence in the box.

That's the future modern full back. More of a defensive attacking playmaking overlapping wide midfielder defender, if you will.

Pretty sure that will be on the Silva / Brands shopping list. Anyone know of a good one?

Tosun Pancakes or what, I've never known a more fragile bunch as some of these namby pambys, and cossetted mollycoddled overpaid players that we have.

Wan-Bissaka, a year younger but three inches taller (and wider?) than JJK, is now being touted as a £50 mill prodigy for Pete's sake after less than one whole season, but our guy's going to go to Germany in the mad hope that he somehow finds a large dose of (fresh, unused) talented, diminutive Lahm-juice.

Yeah, right - and that's not to denigrate JJK, it's a mere reflection on the way the game's going.

Tosun Pancakes???

I get what you’re saying but sometimes in sport you get phenoms. Remember in rugby we used to have little ferrets on the wings then the man mountain Jonah Lomu came along? Everyone thought he was the first of a new breed but he was more a one off. Then we had Viera at Arsenal, similar dynamic but when he retired we had 10 years of dreaming about a new Viera until Kante came along. Meanwhile the Inestas, Silva’s, Vidal’s etc did quite nicely for themselves. So I don’t necessarily think TAA is the blueprint for all RBs. I just think he’s really very very good.

All the right notes, but not necessarily in the right order.

As many have previously mentioned why Assassin Koeman ever brought him in, smacks of jobs for old mates, at Everton's expense. I still think he is one of the worst I have ever seen in a blue shirt in recent times, although strangely enough when played out of position as LB cover, he did try, and appeared marginally better than at RB.

"I’m not getting any younger and there will come a stage where I won’t be in the teams. But I’ll keep fighting every single day in training. And you know, Jonjoe Kenny has just gone out on loan so you would imagine we’ll be trying to sign another right-back and, as I said, every single day in training I’ll fight."

He is expecting some incoming healthy competition.

I think Silva May wel stick with DCL and look to develop his game. I think he has shown enough to be a premier league player, his work rate and overall contribution are certainly good enough. He does lack any kind of quality when it comes to finishing or creating chances though. Hopefully this will come

However, I don’t see a 25 goal a season striker being the be all and end all. We had one, and then had a team of players with him who couldn’t score a goal.

I think we should explore DCL up top with his phenomenal attitude and work rate with a further goal scoring wide forward. We have Richarlison on one side capable of double figures, I’d even say capable of 15-20.

We have sigurdsson in the midfield capable of double figures.

If we can add someone like Hirving Lozano to the right wide forward position, then we are adding a further double figures player.

That’s 3 players in double figures before you even count what DCL is able to muster.

These 4 players can form the basis of a strong attacking line up. With Digne and Coleman supplementing from the full back positions that would leave the 2 centre backs and Gana sitting with one other midfield player.

Rather than spend big money on several players, I’d like to see us add real quality with someone like Lozano instead. Give them £50m and lets get him on board.

If we are insistent on an upgrade on DCL then Belotti of Torino is another player worth the investment.

On a side issue. I advocated the signing of Fornals a long whil back, looks like he is going to West Ham. An opportunity missed by a lot of clubs here.

This is also why Silva wants a left footed right winger this summer. I think Neres might be our top target though I'd also love to take a punt at Malcolm.

PLus a new right back I reckon (Maehle, Aarons, Reece james, Atal, Lazaro etc) Could be a whole new right hand side next season!

I do think Richarlison has the qualities to be a central striker but I think he gets more joy, freedom and chances from out wide. I think he benefits from having another forward, like DCL taking some of the physical burden away from him. Just my personal opinion though.

Malcolm appears to have a lot of ability but I’m not convinced he could have the same impact as Chucky Lozano. Lozano has played a lot of top level football for his age. I think he offers us more of what Malcolm will not, fighting spirit.

Careful time should be spent on adding those big signings, 2 or 3 required at most. And the rest of the time offloading players we do not need. Walcott and Tosun can go if we can offload them. Goodbye Sandro, Martina and Mirallas. Dowell should leave. Bolasie, Besic, Vlasic and Mccarthy can leave. And probably throw Stekelenburg in now we have signed Lossl. 11 players and a lot of wages saved. Speculatively I think we could hope to raise £35m in transfer fees from this lot too.

Of the ones you mention, I would plump for Reece james, but it's the Chelsea situation again, and I doubt whether they would allow a loan but you never know. I still haven't totally given up hope of getting Zouma back either.

A lot depends on their Appeal, the Manager situation, and of course Abramovich too. They have accumulated a lot of players over the years and I suspect they will be narrowing their wage bill, and capitalising on any assets should a new owner come in, unless he is another Trillionaire and only in it for the fun of it.

I would certainly be happy with Lozano signing but I suspect he won't be top of the list for those reasons.

I did think we would only be signing 2 or 3 this summer but now i'm not so sure. I actually think it may be more like 4-5 with a CB, RB, CM, RW and ST. Time will tell.

Unless it’s to replace Gomes in a Junino type role

Reece James. Indeed. I’ve been massively impressed with him this season. Although I have very rarely seen him play right back and would be unsure as to what style of full back he would be. He was that good at championship level that Wigan put him in centre midfield and it often looked like a 28 year old with 400 games under his belt was playing there. I understand he’s just picked up a bad injury and with the Chelsea transfer embargo it is unlikely that he’ll move. A massive shame.

Another player that I’ve been greatly impressed with this year is the Czech Midfield player Tomas Soucek. He’d be available at a very low price and would be well worth the investment. He’s an ideal premier league player and would add a distinct attacking threat to any team.

We should then focus on selling I know the window hasn't officially opened yet, but I am concerned at the lack of talk if sales regarding Niasse, Walcott, Besic, Sandro, Mirallas and a host of others who have nothing to offer us.

Let's see how Kenny gets on with a season in Germany before making any rash decisions in terms of buying a full back.

We also have Callum Connerly who plays right back, so without Europa football that should be enough cover.

I know they are releasing all next seasons fixtures tomorrow but for some reason they have leaked these, the Mail on Line published the opening days fixtures.

I guess Man City decided to forfeit their opener to Tottenham just to give the rest of the field a chance

As usual I see the rumours of all the fancy expensive transfers involve the top 6 teams with not a mention of Everton!
Par for the course is it not, second best are second best, trying to craft sows ears into silk purses very seldom works.

That Cottee hat-trick was at Goodison Park. Sharp got the other in a 4-0 win.

We will only likely play around 40-45 games next season, Coleman will probably feature in at least 40. Why spend millions on a player who might only play 5 games?

If we spend money on a right back, it takes money out of the kitty for other areas. I would rather buy small amounts of quality, than large amounts of average.

We’ll just end up with an Oviedo situation, a good player that will not be first team, but will block the path of others.

2019 pre-season schedule:
Kariobangi Sharks - Sunday 7 July
FC Sion - Sunday 14 July
AS Monaco - Friday 19 July
Wigan Athletic - Wednesday 24 July
Werder Bremen - Saturday 3 August

What a crappy pre season line up. We aren’t in Europe next year so how does playing some mediocre European clubs prepare us for the prem? I would sooner see us travel to Celtic and play some top EFL teams. If we want European opponents make it someone good so we can test ourselves against the best.

Job done.

Too sentimental indeed. The Rat and Sharpy were well and truly done by 1988 and should’ve been replaced. Inchy was never international standard. Yet we stuck with these players based on their achievements years before. Whilst everyone around us were moving forward, light years ahead of us.

During that period Spurs were signing players like Lineker, Gascoigne and Waddle. Utd were bringing players in that would be the backbone of their Early Premier League dominance. Liverpool took in Barnes and Beardsley. The gunners were emerging with a core of brilliant young players.

Yet we stood still, and brought in players such as Ian Wilson and McCall to supplement the players who just weren’t performing for us.

I share your assumed like & affection of Celtic but that is like playing the League 1 Champions; I honestly think they would struggle in the Championship. Not relegation struggle, but maybe finish 8th?

So, mediocre teams from 2 of Europe's strongest leagues or the top dogs from a very mediocre league? What's the sterner test?

So sorry to have caused any offence to you, any communities, or any God, when referring to JJ warming his 'cute tush' on the bench. Just to confirm & avoid any confusion, I am definitely no lady. (Ask my hockey team mates & opponents.) I do try to be politically correct, but somehow, just can't be that uptight!! I promise to try to stop referring to DCL as 'The Body,' and Gomes as 'The Eye Candy man'.

Normally, I am all about the footy, but sometimes a girl just has to give credit where credit is due, no matter how sexist!! Just love a bit of footy banter :-) so please don't have me suspended from ToffeeWeb.

Darren at #110,

I definitely agree with you that Marco seems to have improving players as his mission, which I absolutely support & applaud. He could, no doubt, improve JJ. But, if Seamus is fit & in form, the one thing he can't give JJ is valuable & sufficient game time. Maybe that is his thinking behind the loan. Our club also seem to have chosen a club for JJ, with a respected, modern coach.

Maybe this is wishful thinking on my part, but I would so love to see our local lad make it in our first team. I was just the tiniest bit disappointed not to see a homegrown Scouser on the pitch, in a Blue shirt, in the Derby game.

We waste millions on keeping players who are never going to be good enough, no wonder we never win anything. The future is now, if a gobshite like Klopp can put a side together in 3 years, there are others who can.

I'm sick of Everton "planning" for a future that never arrives.

Our DoF has been tasked with trimming the wage bill too. Coleman is 30, entering the veteran stage but hardly at the level of Jags or Baines. For most of last season it looked like he wouldn't be able to overcome his leg break but credit to him he was back to 90% of what he'd been during the run-in. I'm not expecting any more this season but that level will do for me while we attend to areas of the squad that urgently need strengthening. We assess Coleman and Kenny next summer.

Leicester are also linked with him.