Walcott plays up importance of togetherness at Everton

Monday, 3 February, 2020 110comments  |  Jump to most recent

Theo Walcott has spoken of the improved morale at Everton thanks to the influence of new manager, Carlo Ancelotti, and an impressive uptick in form since Marco Silva's dismissal two months ago.

Walcott netted a dramatic 90th-minute winner at Watford on Saturday as the Blues came back from 2-0 down to win 3-2 despite having been reduced to 10 men following Fabian Delph's sending-off after 71 minutes.

The former Arsenal man admits that he has been doing extra gym sessions in recent weeks to ensure that he has the stamina to last the full 90 minutes and it came in handy as he kept pace with team-mates Richarlison and Moise Kean as they raced away on the counter-attack to score the decisive goal at Vicarage Road.

Walcott puts Everton's uptick in form down to Ancelotti and an improved spirit in the camp after the players arranged a get-together at Christmas in lieu of an official club event.

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“We ended up not having a Christmas party,” Walcott said in The Telegraph, explaining that the players ended up having a lower-key affair of their own. “Things weren't great at the time, so we made the right decision. It was a sort of private event and it worked so maybe we will do more.”

The winger explained that with the calming influence of Ancelotti, things have been less intense at Finch Farm and the players have been able to relax a little and get to know each other a bit better.

“He is a winner,” Walcott said of the Italian, who has lost just one Premier League game in seven since taking over on Boxing Day. “Our manager gets a sense of ­calmness around the players. He brews confidence in you. He is so relaxed when he talks to you, he just talks to you like a human being, he doesn't treat you any differently.”

“[We'd] not had a game for 10 days, so we have been working on the training ground and the manager has been able to get his message across to the players. Not just that. We have been able to socialise off the pitch as a team.

“It's nice to see each other outside of football. That brought us together a little bit more; we are very together anyway but you could see people coming out of their shell a little bit more.”

“We want to be together. If we want to push on and go somewhere we have to all be together, players, staff, fans everyone in the community. I feel that is really important to the club.”

 

Reader Comments (110)

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Peter Gorman
1 Posted 03/02/2020 at 07:13:35
They've been playing like complete strangers for a few years now so I'm glad Theo finally got the chance to meet his team-mates.
Chris Mason
2 Posted 03/02/2020 at 07:15:54
If it’s true that the players weren’t encouraged to socialise (which I find hard to believe) then this would be an obvious gain.

Thing is. It shouldn’t take £12m per year to suggest getting to know your colleagues over a plate of vegan shashlick and decaf lattes might improve morale.

Peter Mills
3 Posted 03/02/2020 at 07:27:17
Shades of Theo “fighting for his Plaice” (sic).
David Connor
4 Posted 03/02/2020 at 07:34:23
Behave. These lads are on unreal money. Get together once a month over a bowl of pasta at Bella Italia. Have a laugh and a beer (or two)... Who knows, we might win some silverware in the next 10 seasons...

Yes, I am an optimist (and sarcastic). COYB

Tony Hill
5 Posted 03/02/2020 at 07:40:45
There is a calmness about Ancelotti. Born, no doubt, of his many successes. Brands has a similar serenity. That's what we all need, as Walcott says.

Tony Abrahams
6 Posted 03/02/2020 at 08:02:20
Unbelievable that they have never been close, although also quite evident when you have looked at the team play.

Everyone knows you run the extra mile for your mates, so to see this headline, it shows exactly what has been missing at Everton for years? We have all read about DNA, and what do Evertonians want, and without being able to properly put our fingers on it, hopefully now we have got our solution?

Paul Tran, has been going on about us having “a manager” for years, and this is exactly what a good manager does, he brings everyone together, ably assisted by his number two, who showed everyone how much you can achieve when you actually pull together, so this title is music to my ears, and hopefully the start of a proper Everton revival.

Watching on Saturday, when Delph, was sent off, and Keane, came on for DCL, I thought we were going to three at the back, especially because that’s what would have happened under Silva.

But no, it was much simpler than that, and to have three players sprinting forward, to try and get us a 90th minute winner, is all about desire, which is something Everton have lacked for years, especially away from Goodison Pk, and the result, should only help to “pull everyone together” even more!

Derek Knox
7 Posted 03/02/2020 at 08:14:57
Peter @3, sounds a lot fishy that. :-)

I have been a bit of a critic myself of Walcott's performances of late and even in the early part of the game against Watford.

Whereas when he first came to us I thought there may still be a decent player, and his early performances produced a few goals, but recently he has proved he still has pace but his finishing has been woeful verging on schoolboy.

It looks like if fit, CA is eager to employ him in the first team, let's just hope that his 90th minute winner at Watford may just kick start (sorry) his scoring again.

Good to know that there is a camaraderie in the camp and off the pitch too, but these guys are on fantastic wages, it's about time the high earners started earning their corn. Most recent good performers have been from those on lower wages, coincidence or what?

Dan Nulty
8 Posted 03/02/2020 at 08:39:22
Shock horror, team spirit means improved performances on the pitch. Who knew.

Colin Glassar
9 Posted 03/02/2020 at 08:51:56
They have been playing like a bunch of strangers the last couple of years. It all makes sense now.
Eddie Dunn
10 Posted 03/02/2020 at 08:53:50
A shocking revelation really, but compare the past, lads playing cards on the team bus on their way to an away game, the tape deck belting out some crappy George Benson (they all liked him!) track and even the kit man getting in on the act. Then singing on the coach on the way home. In recent years, a posh hotel, I-phone, back on the bus -headphones on, each player in his bubble.
Not exactly the Crazy gang.
Paul Dewhurst
11 Posted 03/02/2020 at 09:02:10
How can there be togetherness when there has been few constants in the squad over 5 years. We have had mass player / Manager recruitment and exodus, players who have no chance of a game and no chance of these wages anywhere else sitting out a big contracts. While players in the first team are earning less, we lost this summer Jags club captain for how many years 6 or 7 leaving only Seamus and Baines as squad stalwarts and you do see either of them running the social club either. In comes CA Italian mentality, it’s common in Italy When results slump they will have camps during the season away from family making sure they eat sleep train repeat together. (Seen as a bit of a punishment) However British clubs love a bit of Warm weather training too, CA has said he’s keen to stay at FF because the facilities are better than any warm weather camp. Minute results start going the wrong way watch him call them in and grind them
Dave Abrahams
12 Posted 03/02/2020 at 09:04:45
Tony (6), fancy going for a bevvie tonight Toe?
Brian Harrison
17 Posted 03/02/2020 at 09:39:46
Maybe Walcott can explain why he has been doing extra gym sessions of late to make sure he can last the 90 minutes, surely as a professional why hasn't he been doing this since he arrived. Apart from his goal he was mainly anonymous as usual, now he says things have improved when the players went out together, well we know from Howards days clear the air nights out usually had the desired effect.

Were I do agree is the calmness I can imagine Carlo brings to the club, he isn't under any pressure to prove how good he is, the amount of trophies he has won tells us how good he is. More importantly the players respect him and despite being a calming influence they will know not to cross him or Ferguson. I have to say that the pictures coming out of Finch Farm when Silva was there looked like a happy bunch of players, but seems Walcott is painting a different picture. All to easy for under performing players to blame their ex manager, and trying to suggest that he was part of the disharmony. Sheringham and Cole never spoke for seasons while at Man Utd, but it didnt stop them winning things as they were both professionals, maybe its that professionalism that was missing from the players under Silva.

I know they have all they need at Finch Farm, but maybe they need to install some large mirrors so these players can take a real look why results have been so poor prior to Duncan and Ancelotti taking over.

David Ellis
18 Posted 03/02/2020 at 09:39:58
Astonishing really - Walcott didn't try and be fit for 90 minutes before, and has suddenly decided to do more in the gym. This makes no sense.

And Silva was lauded early days for putting his arm around players and getting them all to learn English etc etc. as a big change from Koeman. Can't see Ancelotti being more sociable than Silva,

This article is all stuff and nonsense.

Dave Pritchard
20 Posted 03/02/2020 at 09:45:53
Maybe now this has come out there will be a new spirit of togetherness here on ToffeeWeb.
Sam Hoare
21 Posted 03/02/2020 at 09:52:44
All very well but actually our performance was probably alot better against Newcastle bar the last 2 minutes! We fought well but got a bit lucky this weekend with a few things falling to us in their box when we looked down and out.

Walcott was a hero for the last minute goal but had been fairly mediocre for most of the match. I expect we will need a better option on the right if we are to push forward next season.

Mike Veitch
22 Posted 03/02/2020 at 09:56:12
On a slightly different (but relevant) issue. I read yesterday on the official Everton FC website that the Duke of Cambridge (Prince William) has recently visited Everton in the Community and "lauded" the support the club gives to people in the community with mental health problems.

Did anyone tell Prince William that the reason the club is so proactive in this area is because we have the highest number of supporters in the Premiership suffering mental health problems and depression - for obvious reasons.

Also, has anyone considered extending the mental health support programme to our players and support staff - or is that now Ancelotti's job? Maybe Steve Ferns has knowledge in this important area.

Dave Williams
24 Posted 03/02/2020 at 10:11:10
I think we would have folded/ collapsed a couple of months ago if we were down two goals before half time. The sight of three players tearing up the pitch in the last minute whilst a man down is not something I would have seen under Silva or Koeman though possibly so in the earlier days of Roberto.
I would imagine Moise feels more at home now with a few Italians around the place and as players improve their English I would expect the camaraderie to improve too. Anyone who has played the game should remember dressing rooms where you got on well with a certain group and never really spoke to others. A good night out would often sort that out where people relaxed and allowed their personality to come out and bonding naturally happened. These guys are no different even if they see each other every day. I had 62 partners in my business most of whom I rarely spoke to as we were spread over eight offices throughout the West Country. Twice a year we had a conference over two days and the most important part was the meal and night out after it in whatever city we were in. That’s when we all got talking, bonded with people we had never really met before and good business ideas came out of those drunken nights out. Footballers are, as Theo says, human beings and the same happens on their nights out as indeed HK, as mentioned above, believed passionately.
Common sense really and Carlo seems to have oodles of it.
Len Hawkins
25 Posted 03/02/2020 at 10:16:54
It seems that Unlike the Alex Ferguson Hairdryer boot kicking bringing the best out of United's players ours need a story from Carlo before going off to bed with their cocoa. But have we got the perfect solution nicey nicey until they start relapsing then unleash Our Fergie on them to scare them back into line.

Over my working life I have worked under many bosses and from my experience if the boss knows his job from A to Z with a bit of fire in him then it takes a good un to pull the wool over his eyes when you get a boss who wants to be everyones mate then human nature tells us the gobby joker in the pack usually rises to the top and the quiet grafter gets pissed off wondering why should I bother if that scally gets away with everything. I think Carlo is getting them into line as some surprises have emerged from the pack that people thought should be gone a few weeks ago.

Russell Smith
26 Posted 03/02/2020 at 10:26:27
The players will all get behind the "new" manager and talk about the "good" changes he has introduced. It happened with Roberto, Koeman and Silva (i will exclude Allardyce from this list) just after they were appointed. Ancellotti is undoubtably a calming and unifying influence but as someone mentioned on another thread he is also a "lucky" leader, wheras Silva was probably the "unluckiest" leader. We have not played consistently better since Silva left, we have been as inconsistent as previous, but we are getting more breaks. Saturday is a good example. Under Silva Mina's first goal would have been disallowed under some variant of VAR, his second would have bounced up and over the bar or gone straight at the keeper(as many of his previous free headers have done), and on the third Kean would have got a little more on his touch and the ball would have been just too far ahead of Walcott.
The difference between success and failure for all but two teams in the current Prem (maybe one after yesterday) is very fine margins.
Long may our "lucky" general rule.
James Hughes
27 Posted 03/02/2020 at 10:37:32
I would like to see plenty of togetherness on the 16th March, send them home empty-handed on the night.
They did all celebrate like mad when Walcott banged in the winner last saturday. Big Dunc started that against Chelski, showing them passion was not just ok but expected.
The only one who stayed calm was Carlo.
Daniel A Johnson
28 Posted 03/02/2020 at 11:04:25
Don't know what to make of Walcott's comments here.

On one hand is it just a player sucking up to the new manager after scoring a last minute winner or were they really not used to going to Mecca Bingo under SIlva every Tuesday night?

Silva was so arms over the shoulder with the players he was literally kissing them on the cheek, cant see the Big Don getting down at Bongos bingo and hitting the Karaoke. Strange comments.

Liam Reilly
29 Posted 03/02/2020 at 11:06:46
I'd be asking Theo; "what happened to this new found togetherness in that god awful first 45 minutes"?

We were very lucky to 'Newcastle' Watford in the first half added time.

Agree though, that there does appears to be some newly discovered steel and character in the side. Still chasing a win with 10 men in the 90th Minute is evidence of that.

Roger Helm
30 Posted 03/02/2020 at 11:16:48
Surprise - football is a team game, who knew? A good team will often beat a team with better players, who are not playing as a team.

Team spirit is very big in my other sport of rugby league. When a player makes a mistake, or does a good play, every one of his team-mates will come across and console or congratulate.

Brian Williams
31 Posted 03/02/2020 at 11:25:41
None of us should think too much into these post match platitudes the players come out with.
They're contracted to take part in a number of interviews and media meetings and they're usually "advised" on things to say.
It's basically meaningless waffle to meet their contractual requirements.
Steve Carse
32 Posted 03/02/2020 at 11:28:03
Liam (29), interesting, the use of the label 'lucky'. Both sides saw their only two first half efforts on goal end up in the back of the net. There was no way any neutral would have argued that Watford's performance was worthy of a two goal lead. They were as clueless as us. Does it matter that we scored two in as many minutes? Is it the short gap between the goals that makes us 'lucky'? If so, why is that 'lucky'?
Ray Smith
33 Posted 03/02/2020 at 11:29:51
It’s always good to make a statement when you’ve just scored the winner, or is it?

Carlo however, will almost certainly have his own ideas on Theo’s future!

Making public statement’s doesn’t appear to be the Carlo way, because he doesn’t have too.

If it wasn’t for Sky press conference commitments, I doubt very much that he would be giving any interviews at all.

He would communicate through his programme notes.

Liam Reilly
34 Posted 03/02/2020 at 11:36:04
Steve, even CA said we didn't deserve to go in level at half time. The first half performance was woeful.

2-0 down going into added time; what odds on Everton going in level?

I had my doubts when the first one went to VAR for handball- that decision could've went either way, depending upon who's watching the game; thankfully and for once, it went Everton's way.

Dave Evans
35 Posted 03/02/2020 at 12:01:22
It's good that there is better team spirit. It's good that Walcott, and perhaps others, are putting extra effort into training. It's good that Carlo is relaxed, talks to players as equals and engenders confidence.

I'd buy a Happy Clappy on E-bay, if I could be arsed to haul myself from this crusty old sofa.

Conor McCourt
36 Posted 03/02/2020 at 12:05:12
These comments although meant to be an endorsement of the new regime have actually left me a bit deflated. The obvious question to Theo is obviously did you not think of this two years ago?

But more annoyingly is the implication that things are more relaxed and less intense. On Saturday with ten men we looked really fit and having Ricky and Theo flying like the red arrows in the dying embers I was hoping to hear how they had been working harder than the previous regime during the 10 day break and the hard work had paid dividends.

The fact that Theo is putting this down to recognising his own shortcomings is a little puzzling.

Ray Roche
37 Posted 03/02/2020 at 12:47:14
Interesting comments on here, so I’ll add my thoughts. Why were we considered “lucky “ when we scored twice in added time? When WE conceded twice v Newcastle we were “shite”, not unlucky,like Watford. Double standards?

We weren’t punished by VAR when, possibly, Silva would have been. Could it be that Ancellotti has a higher profile, is more respected by officials and consequently can “get away “ with decisions in the same way that Ferguson or Klopp do/did. Dean, Atkinson, Oliver etc may think a 50/50 might be better off going the World famous managers way than the way of the “ Nice but dim” manager who won’t complain. Just a thought.

Fitness. I don’t think we have been as fit since Moyes left. Osman blew the whistle on Roberto’s lax training methods. And Koeman couldn’t see because he was always playing golf. Lucky get. And getting paid millions too.
Ancellotti appears to be addressing the fitness aspect.

Rob Marsh
38 Posted 03/02/2020 at 12:56:09
Russell Smith @ 26

Good post!

As you've said this 'loving up' to the father figure happens nearly all the time, but implicit in what you've said is 'let's wait and see'. I'll personally judge him this time next year.

Very (very) true is that if a few more of these VARs had gone our way and one or two of the players had decided to have some professional pride and pride in badge and it's supporters and play instead of hiding then Silva would still be our manager.

I'm with you totally we are still consistantly inconstistant, but now lady luck isn't being so cruel on us. And that's about the greatest difference between Silva & Ancelotti.

Carl Manning
39 Posted 03/02/2020 at 13:01:13
Can people stop going on about luck! We haven’t had any all season and now it’s leveling out, it’s being used to diminish the new managers ability and effect and the players too. I couldn’t give a xxxx if we win a game because a ball takes 20 deflections before going through the goalkeepers hands.

There’s a certain somebody at west ham, who some think would manage this group of players better than Carlo because they’re below his usual standards, who would love our “luck”.

I hope we stay lucky till my dying day. My 9 year old son has never seen our team win anything. How many of us have kids like that?

Carl Manning
40 Posted 03/02/2020 at 13:05:24
On a lighter note guys. Did you see Andre Gomes visited my 2 friends? I mentioned my friend lost his daughter. Sadly in the meantime another friend was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and has weeks left at 40 years of age. He had a baby 3 months ago and an 8 year old son We were supposed to go to finch farm in April, but Andre turned up unannounced at Hereford hospital to visit my friend who lost his daughter, and my other friend ash who in Jan was diagnosed with terminal cancer after going to the hospital with a stomach complaint. They presented Wayne with a poppy Mae commemorative shirt from the club.

What a wonderful man he is, and what a club we support

We were the only 3 evertonians in Hereford growing up! We’ve doubled the number with our children!

Colin Malone
41 Posted 03/02/2020 at 13:15:43
The only gym work you need, Theo, is to get fucking stuck in.
Brent Stephens
42 Posted 03/02/2020 at 13:15:58
Carl, that's a touching story. Wonderful on Gomes' part. Turning up at Hereford!
Tony Abrahams
43 Posted 03/02/2020 at 13:17:44
Conor, maybe Walcott has realised his shortcomings because they might have stepped it up in training?

Jay Wood
[BRZ]

44 Posted 03/02/2020 at 13:19:07
Never understand why people get into a right tiz either way over the post-match (or any time) utterances of players or managers.

It's a contractual obligation to speak to the media. The players, still muddied, sweating and breathless, in the main answer the bland questions put to them with cliched answers.

Very rarely are they insightful or revealing about the inner workings of the club, the manager, the player, but some claim pseudo-psychic powers into interpreting public statements and arriving at some imagined interpretation and profiling of the same.

I'll stick to the numbers. Both Duncan Ferguson and Carlo Ancelotti got, and continue to get, a tune out of what were serial and seriously underperforming players under Silva.

Although a very narrow database to draw on, Carlo has 14 points from 7 league games - averaging 2 points a game.

To put that into perspective, in the entire history of the PL era, Roberto Martinez in his record-breaking 1st season when we won the most points in a PL campaign averaged 1.89 points a game.

By further comparison, our average points-per-game ratio in the 28 seasons of the PL is 1.37.

In their whole term as Everton managers, this is the average points return per game of full-time managers dating back to Moyes:

Moyes 1.5 points per game exactly
Martinez 1.44
Koeman 1.47
Allardyce 1.42
Silva (worst of the lot) 1.28
Carlo 2.0 - a full half a point per game better than the next best. Over a full season, that adds up to 19 extra points.

A simple reading of the above is to conclude we replaced the worst performing manager in our PL history with the best performing one.

Good things are happening. Hell, if some are to be believed, we're also getting 'luckier'.

Long may it continue.

Whatever Theo or anyone else says.

Carl Manning
45 Posted 03/02/2020 at 13:25:51
Brent it looks like the echo have picked up on it. Some very heart warming words from Andre. Ashley can’t stop telling people how warm, generous and “real” he was. He was in the hospital Over 7 hours!
Jay Wood
[BRZ]

46 Posted 03/02/2020 at 13:39:37
Carl...Andre, 7 hours in the hospital!

That is not a quick 'photo-op-for-a-good-news-story' visit.

That is a man very much giving of himself and his time.

Good for him and very good for your mates, other patients and the hospital staff who no doubt Andre chatted with.

Carl Manning
47 Posted 03/02/2020 at 13:46:23
They streamed the Watford game and watched it together jay. The only problem is all the gfs and wives fell in love with him. He’s too good looking and charming!
James Flynn
48 Posted 03/02/2020 at 13:51:18
Good to hear there's more being demanded by the new management team and may it continue. Our players running out of gas has been a recurring theme under different managers since Moyes left.

Matthew Williams
49 Posted 03/02/2020 at 13:55:20
What pleased me most about our Watford win was the sheer explosion of joy from our incredible away supporters... That's my Everton!

BTW, how good is young Mason looking? The lad just keeps improving game after game... real quality in the making, folks.

COYB

Jay Wood
[BRZ]

50 Posted 03/02/2020 at 13:55:26
Smooth Tuga Latino!

With hair like that, he's got to be worth it.

That is brilliant, Carl.

I imagine watching the game with Andre AND being the game and result it was, was as big a pick-me-up than any treatment your mate has received (as wonderful as I'm sure it has been).

Mike Benjamin
51 Posted 03/02/2020 at 14:04:16
The club comes in for some justified criticism but if you look at other things that it does it makes me realise why I love EFC so much. Andre is obviously a wonderful fella but make no mistake this kind of involvement will be encouraged from the very top of the club. It is no coincidence that EiTC Is a world leader in what it does. If we could consistently get our act together on the pitch then watch us go.
Dave Abrahams
52 Posted 03/02/2020 at 14:06:55
Carl (40), I read about Ashley and Andre’s visit to him on another Everton website and thought it was a wonderful thing for our player to do, I also remarked what a great tonic and boostit must have been for your friend and his family, every gesture, however small, is a fillip for those on the receiving end of them, best wishes to all your friends family and yourself in the very trying times you are all in.
Kieran Kinsella
53 Posted 03/02/2020 at 14:09:13
Can anyone fix me up with a bed sit in Toxteth as I can solve our problems. I moved to Kansas City six years ago since when they won the mls, World Series and now Super Bowl. Prior to that I lived by Kansas state uni for a year and they won their conference. Before that ten years in Gainesville Florida where they picked up four national championships between basketball and football. You won’t be surprised to know my last years in England I was living in Manchester.
Conor McCourt
54 Posted 03/02/2020 at 14:11:04
I think using stats after 7 games is foolish considering Moyes,Martinez,Koeman and Allardyce all had an immediate impact. The difficulty is sustainability.

Clearly we have played most of the poorest teams in the league under Carlo except for City so it's no surprise we have improved from a manager who was clearly underperforming. That's not to take anything away from Carlo as all games in the PL are difficult but drawing ridiculous conclusions from a handful of games is meaningless.

Hypothetically if VAR rule our first goal out for handball we probably would have lost that game and Carlo's percentage would have dropped to 1.57. Carlo would be back in the same ball park as previous incumbents.

After we play Palace,Arsenal,Man Utd, Chelsea and Liverpool and we are averaging 2 points a game then we can take those stats with a bit more credibility.

Tony Abrahams
55 Posted 03/02/2020 at 14:32:55
That’s the thing though Conor, it wouldn’t have been VAR, it would have been that fat shithouse joke of a referee, who just happened to be on duty last Saturday!
Conor McCourt
56 Posted 03/02/2020 at 14:40:34
Tony I agree but I'm just pointing out we have had ridiculous decisions this season and thankfully in the first game against the Barcodes and yesterday I was dreading the outcome but justice in both prevailed. The Brighton decision and the goal we scored from the corner I still can't believe went against us.

I hope you are right regarding the fitness levels because we looked improved in that department on Saturday.

Nicholas Ryan
57 Posted 03/02/2020 at 14:41:27
Just a thought: How many managers are there in world football, who are referred to by Pep Guardiola, as 'Maestro' [i.e. the Master]? ... One, and we've got him!
Jay Wood
[BRZ]

58 Posted 03/02/2020 at 14:46:28
Connor @ 54. In the match day thread I myself said 7-games is a very narrow database from which to draw conclusions, so you get no argument from me on that.

But I haven't attempted to draw 'conclusions'. Just presented the data and noted good things are happening.

The numbers remain impressive, no matter how much you wish to poo-poo them. Add to the mix 1 away win all season before Carlo arrived. He has already chalked up two away wins on the road. More than 2 seasons since Everton have won after conceding the first goal. Carlo has got that monkey off our back in 7 games and after barely a month in the job.

Throwing in the three PL games under Dunc makes it 19 points from 10, averaging 1.9 points per game. That is above Roberto Martinez's and Everton's PL points record high which averaged 1.87 points per game.

Ten games out of 38 constitute more than 26% of the entire season. Or, to put it another way, 10 of our 25 games to date this season equals 40% of the PL games played.

So whilst an admittedly narrow database, it is not an insignificant one. All the more so that it is being achieved with EXACTLY the same set of players that Silva ultimately failed abysmally to get a tune out of.

Not that you seemingly wish to admit it, what with you seemingly having Marco Silva on speed dial knowing what he is thinking. What was it you said in the match day thread?

You can 'guarantee' that Silva watched Saturday's events ruing (your presumed) poor summer recruitment and failing to land Dacoure as a mitigating circumstance of Everton's poor early season form under the Portuguese.

If you did but notice, but Dacoure ended up on the losing side against 10 men, thanks to our current manager's selections, formations and in-game tactics, using players ALL available but never properly utilised under Marco Silva.

As I said, good things are happening. Some evidently don't wish to admit it.

Minik Hansen
59 Posted 03/02/2020 at 14:49:23
Tony Abrahams #6 At first, I thought Holgate would be pushed further up to midfield, thank God for that! I never gave a thought, that we were going 3 at the back.

Great to hear the players socializing from their own initiation! They must do that again before too long, for sure.

Conor McCourt
60 Posted 03/02/2020 at 15:13:16
Jay- you said that would be an extra 19 points a season. To me that's placing a lot of emphasis on their representation and I'm only highlighting that we would have expected a decent return considering the bounce and the fixtures.

Perhaps you missed what I wrote about Carlo on Lyndons thread or maybe that just doesn't fit your narrative of my views. Some evidently have their own blinkers.

Regarding my comments about Silva he will no doubt be blaming this summer for our season especially because he kept throwing it in opportunely in his pressers and then followed it by he won't be making his excuses. Let's be clear I wanted Silva as manager a lot less than Ancelotti and agree he was rightly dismissed but if anyone thinks that these players will be taking us to the Champions League next season because Silva is gone are in for a surprise. Brands needs to deliver for Carlo this summer.

Why are you throwing in Duncan's record with Carlo's? More pointless nonsense to glorify reality.

Tom Bowers
61 Posted 03/02/2020 at 15:15:11
Well, certainly for Everton to win a game, after being 2-0 down and down to 10 men, speaks volume,s so let's hope the ''new found'' spirit continues.
We cannot get carried away however as this was Watford and the first half performance was awful yet again.

Still, some performances overall were notable and it was nice to see Mina contributing up front and Holgate getting better every game.

I must confess seeing him at fullback for West Brom wasn't inspiring and his return to Everton in the centre left me thinking he wouldn't be the answer but he has steadily improved.

Delph was disappointing and didn't help matters when he was red carded but Everton's tackling overall is wayward at best.

Walcott is past his best and doesn't look comfortable playing deep but he can still finish and showed it when it mattered.

It would be nice to dent Liverpool's record come the derby match but we still have a ways to go to match up to them.

Raymond Fox
62 Posted 03/02/2020 at 15:33:19
It comes down to results in the end; if we get the right results, everything is rosey. The manager's a genius etc, etc. Obviously they want to please a new manager, especially one like Ancelotti.

Walcott talks about getting himself more fit, why not before!

Footballs about very small margins and events can go either way, when they go your way at the right time everything is hunky dory.

I think Carlo is a good manager his record is top class, he's right for us at this time but, in the end, he's still reliant on how good his players are.

Jay Wood
[BRZ]

63 Posted 03/02/2020 at 15:39:07
Erhm Conor...

I put up the numbers of average PL points return by all our full-time managers since Moyes.

I clearly qualified on the matchday thread Carlo's numbers are too narrow a database to draw any deep conclusions from.

I harmlessly, not maliciously, highlighted that in his 7 PL games to date is averaging 2 points a game, a full half a point per game higher than the next best, Moyes.

Again, I harmlessly, not maliciously, demonstrated that over the course of a full season that equates to an additional 19 points a season.

That's it. Continue believing as much as you like I am being deviously Machiavellian in my posts, if it comforts you.

Why did I throw in Duncan's record with Carlo's? Simple. Because I'm concerned with the TEAM, not personalities. I did so to demonstrate how, in their own different ways, that BOTH Duncan and Carlo IMMEDIATELY got a response and results with the VERY SAME PLAYERS you try to imply Silva was burdened and hamstrung with.

Finally, I did read what you wrote about Carlo's subs on another thread. But that wasn't part of what YOU chose to discuss here, is it?

Rather, you offered an extremely whimsical notion about VAR ruling out our first goal and fabricated a resulting consequence whereby we lost the game, thus denting Carlo's numbers that I put up.

Fixating much, Conor?

Fantasy. It didn't happen. What did happen was the extremely unjust dismissal of Fabian Delph, leaving us with 10 men for the final 25 minutes played.

With XI men on the pitch, we looked good to win it. How any poster, as many did, can contemplate the notion that having a player dismissed was beneficial to us...well, words fail me.

As you yourself noted, Carlo used his subs well and reshuffled his 10 men to ensure at least a point. Having three speed merchants up top and alert to the situation is what won us the game.

Exactly as Carlo himself predicted in his Friday presser when he said counter-attacking will be important for us in the Watford game.

Conor McCourt
64 Posted 03/02/2020 at 16:15:13
Jay don't be arguing with yourself and continually attributing it to me. I feel this summer had a negative impact on this season with regards to challenging for our targets. I didn't want Doucoure, Silva did and I pointed out his performance on Saturday. I believe you are quite right that doesn't excuse Silva who clearly mismanaged the team. The fact we have improved under Dunc and Carlo is understandable and full credit to both but sustainability is the hardest part. Look at Pearson at Watford now hasn't won in four after his blistering impact.

Strange why you used other threads to misrepresent me but I drew a clear comparison between Carlo and Marco which you were aware of yet you ignored it to try and win an argument and presenting me as an apologist for Silva.

I didn't think you are being Machaevellian on this thread with regard to your stats, just a little premature in differentiating Carlo from the pack. I hope you are right and he can continue with this very difficult fixture list.

I think your points about the two away wins, the spirit which has been engineered and coming from behind for the first time in two years are much more valid at this time.

Jay Harris
65 Posted 03/02/2020 at 16:45:27
Totally agree Raymond but success breeds success and our form since CA took over is only surpassed by the other shower.

However there are "lucky" managers and "unlucky" managers. We now seem to have the former.

I don't believe the "socialising" has made a significant difference I think its the belief that comes from winning and the finger pointing that comes from losing.

Players are no different from supporters in that they are happy when we win and looking for scapegoats when we lose.

Tony Abrahams
66 Posted 03/02/2020 at 16:53:15
I'm glad that happened, Minik, and I would guess Ferguson had a word with Ancelotti to tell him to push Holgate into midfield but I'm not sure that would have happened with Silva.

I hope we are getting fitter but, until we get better players in midfield, our ball retention will remain awful, and that's exactly how it was at times on Saturday.

The win should do us the power of good, though, and the first thing this team needs to learn is to play better away from home, because certain players always look more comfortable at Goodison for some unknown reason. Maybe it's because they get less time on the ball?

Jay Wood
[BRZ]

67 Posted 03/02/2020 at 17:09:19
Conor @ 64

'Jay don't be arguing with yourself and continually attributing it to me.'

Do-what?! I genuinely - but genuinely - haven't the foggiest idea what you are alluding to here, Conor.

I acknowledged and attributed to you what YOU said in various posts. That's it. Or, are you now retracting some of what you said? It appears so.

In your latest post you now categorically say that you 'feel this summer had a negative impact on this season with regards to challenging for our targets' is another discussion altogether to what you wrote in our earlier exchanges.

Anyhows, I'm pleased to see you have come around to my way of thinking by now saying (regardless of whether either of us thinks that the summer recruitment was good, bad or indifferent) that:

'I [Conor] believe you [Jay] are quite right that doesn't excuse Silva who clearly mismanaged the team. The fact we have improved under Dunc and Carlo is understandable and full credit to both...'

And:

'I think your [Jay's] points about the two away wins, the spirit which has been engineered and coming from behind for the first time in two years are much more valid...'

That was my key point, if you did but look Conor, before coming in swinging and dissing the raw numbers I put up.

That good things are happening (under BOTH Duncan and Carlo) with EXACTLY the same squad of players that Silva failed to get a tune out of.

Mike Gaynes
68 Posted 03/02/2020 at 17:24:23
Carl #40, what a lovely gesture by Mr. Gomes... truly the Everton spirit.

And condolences to you, your friends and their families for the tragic recent events.

Kristian Boyce
69 Posted 03/02/2020 at 17:42:48
Kieran @53, we must have been in Gainesville at the same time as I lived there for close to 2 years. Absolutely hated it as when I thought of the idea of living in Florida, I didn't picture that!

Going back to the OP, we haven't had togetherness on the field for years. I put that down to a lack of real leadership. Our previous 3 managers, (not including Fat Sam) have all been 'Head Coaches' and now we have a real manager, with some old school ideas. I remember reading about the Leicester title winning year and Ranieri used to take them out as a team on numerous occasions.

Conor McCourt
70 Posted 03/02/2020 at 18:12:15
Jay, you are unreal. Because I wanted to give Marco a fair crack of the whip and believe he was let down by Brands in the summer after some good signs last spring and how he had improved players like Zouma and Digne, you are holding that against me. Don't worry, I will do the same for Carlo if I feel he is being shortchanged.

If you want to rake up stuff like that, I can point to your argument with me when I was last on that Lukaku was the biggest waste of money because he couldn't trap a ball... or last season, when you were declaring Michael Keane as the best player at the club. You also have continually defended Schneiderlin and Sigurdsson when they downed tools.

As Evertonians, hope is our best friend. And I will gladly eat humble pie over Ancelotti if he brings us silverware.


John Boon
71 Posted 03/02/2020 at 18:19:44
I am an 80-year-old Evertonian who has followed my team forever. It is always gratifying to watch a game where we actually showed determination and character to show that we still have the potential to be a top team.

I emigrated to Canada in 1963 at a time when we were Number One. During the past 57 years, Everton has always remained my top priority, other than my family. I have two sons John "Everton" and Andrew "Goodison". I also have a daughter but my Scottish wife refused to allow me to call my daughter "Gwladys". That was fine because I was never really sure how to spell it.

I will be bringing my eldest son and my son-in-law over to Goodison for the derby game in March. I was able to convert my son-in-law to become a fanatical Evertonian. That was 20 years ago. He is of Italian heritage so it was a significant challenge beating out the likes of Juventus, Milan, etc. However, I was successful, although he wouldn't have been allowed to marry my daughter unless he had become a True Blue.

To Everton as a team: Walcott talks of unity, togetherness and grit. "Please Please Me", as the Beatles said. On 16 March 2020, We must beat that much-despised bunch of red despicables. Spoil their season.

If so, I promise to make you more than famous throughout Canada than any team in history. I would even streak across Goodison, other than that would turn off even the most loyal of fans. Particularly my wife, who will be watching on TV.

A win would so make my day and I will never ever ask for anything else again. Well... until we play them again.

Tom Bowers
72 Posted 03/02/2020 at 18:29:37
John Boon, I hope you all have a fabulous trip in March topped off by a derby victory.

The Blues kiboshed Liverpool's pursuit of Man City last season and although they have had the title sewn up for some time already, it would be nice for Everton to be the one blot on their season... if there is only one.

James Hughes
73 Posted 03/02/2020 at 18:41:05
John Boon, Wishing you a great trip back home. We are going to beat them at home so no worries (fingers crossed) you will bring over a bit of luck.

Brent Stephens
74 Posted 03/02/2020 at 18:50:20
John #71 we all hope that'll be a great trip for you all. Ironic that when some are talking of leaving Everton as supporters others are taking trips like this. "Red despicables" indeed.
Carl Manning
75 Posted 03/02/2020 at 19:00:43
Thanks, Mike.

Let's hope the Blues give him some happy days before he leaves us.

Jay Wood
[BRZ]

76 Posted 03/02/2020 at 19:11:35
Do-what again, Conor?

Deary Lord, 'hold it against you for wanting to give Siva a chance?'

My, you do have a persecution complex.

Attributing to me traits I don't think and don't engage in.

As with every manager, including Sam Allardyce, once they are appointed they get my full support. And I very much supported Silva and said as much when good things happened. Why? Simply because if the manager does well, Everton is doing well. And that's what interests me.

And it gets more bizarre! Lukaku?! He left 3 seasons ago! I have ZERO recall of 'arguing' with you over the player.

Seemingly, you believe there is 'history' between us. Trust me Conor, on my side, there is NONE. I genuinely don't recall your name or your postings before you started addressing me directly following Carlo Ancelotti's appointment.

Sorry if that dents your (simultaneously) inflated and fragile ego.

Back to Romelu.

I was consistent in my defence of Lukaku against all-comers, so put away the vanity card and stop thinking you were the only one I disagreed with on the player.

In Stones, Barkley, Deulofeu and Lukaku I consistently stated they were of the right age and the right profile upon which to build a team. The type of players we should look to recruiting and retaining, not moving on.

I stand by that opinion and the reasons why I defended Lukaku. A player sorely missed at Everton, never adequately replaced.

Not content with imagining a 'grudge match' between us, you compound it further with the following LIES!

I have NEVER claimed that 'Michael Keane was the best player at the club'. On the contrary, in his 1st season I commented many a time that it looked as if we had been sold a pup. That he quickly went from a 7-8 out of 10 performer in his early games, to a 3-4 out of 10 rating.

What I did praise him for in his 2nd season was how markedly improved he was - and he did play damn well. My respect and compliments increased when we discovered how serious a foot injury he suffered in his poor 1st season and how he continued to play through the pain, doing further damage to his health and reputation as a result.

As well as highlighting his shortcomings then, I also praised his qualities - AS I PERCEIVE THEM, Conor. Tough Titty if you don't concur.

As for me 'continually defending Schneids and Siggy', again - out-and-out lies.

When Schneiderlin first arrived and was getting praise, I took a contrary view. I highlighted the times he was out of position or too easily beaten, exposing our backline which even led to goals. That with time became the popular view which venomously took hold last season and carried into this.

Comically, I started taking a contrary view about Schneiderlin. I recall joking with Andy Crooks I confuse myself about the player and my 'bipolar view' about him.

Still not the greatest option in midfield, but I genuinely believed he was not the worst performing midfielder either last season or this. And that reflected more on the paucity of how the bulk of our players were performing, because any mildly competent midfield should displace him in our team easily.

As for Sigurdson, as did many others, I expressed bewilderment at our pursuit of him given the earlier recruitment of Davy Klaassen and Rooney and definitely thought we should have walked away and never paid the price we did.

But - as with the managers - once signed, I support a player. I always hope new players play well as that means it's good for the team. Like most players the Koeman-Unsworth-Allardyce season, no player really covered themselves with glory.

He was excellent last season with his goal return and assists. He has been poor this season. I have consistently said as much, my opinion reflecting how he has performed in any given game. NOT on some preconceived notion as some are prone to do.

ME unreal, Conor? No mirrors in your house, I'm guessing.

Brian Harrison
77 Posted 03/02/2020 at 19:31:58
Just looking at the Premier League standings, and I think it's strange that most pundits are saying how well Wolves are doing and yet they are only 3 points ahead of us. This in most fans eyes has been a very poor season, but it has certainly picked up under Duncan Ferguson and now Carlo Ancelotti.

I certainly think the Europa League place is up for grabs, as Sheffield Utd, who have out-performed even their own fans' wildest dreams, are, like Wolves, only 3 points ahead of us.

Although not playing brilliantly, the team is picking up points and only Liverpool and Man City have fared better over the last 10 games. Surprising how much confidence they will have got from those 10 games – even more so when you think of the setbacks they have had even since Carlo Ancelotti took over. Losing to Liverpool's youngsters in the FA Cup and throwing away 2 points to Newcastle.

Quite often, the test of a side is how quickly they get over a bad result, and we have done that since Carlo and Duncan have been in charge, so long may that continue.

Joe McMahon
78 Posted 03/02/2020 at 19:41:31
You are correct, Brian, but Wolves started in July with Europa League games. They do have plenty of quality in their squad also. I still think we are weak at the back, corners and crosses. But I'm really hoping we can somehow sell most of the crap in the summer.
Darren Hind
79 Posted 03/02/2020 at 20:01:01
John @71,

What a refreshing post!

At a time when a noisy minority are dismissing our youngsters with side-splitting rehashed put-downs, like "He couldn't hit a cow's arse with a banjo", just one post from a top fan like you restores my faith in Evertonia.

Enjoy the game when you get over here.

Jay Wood
[BRZ]

80 Posted 03/02/2020 at 20:03:18
Brian @ 77.

I said something similar in the Watford post-match thread.

The Blades and the Wolves are said to be having good seasons, and yet we are just 3 and 2 points adrift of them respectively. A Europa League place very much remains up for grabs, IMO. And welcome, as far as I'm concerned.

The fact, as Joe says @ 78, that Wolves started their competitive season in July may also work in our favour as we go into the final third of the season.

The number of games won in the league by the teams around us also makes interesting reading.

The teams with 9 wins include ourselves (5 of those in the last 10 games since Silva's dismissal), the Blades, United, Burnley and Southampton.

Wolves are the draw specialists - a league high 11 - but only 8 wins. Same as Newcastle.

The mighty Arsenal has a paltry 6 wins from 25 games.

Keep up the higher ratio of wins that we have achieved under Dunc and now Carlo, and we can still overhaul a number of teams currently above us.

Jerome Shields
81 Posted 03/02/2020 at 20:06:46
I just find Walcott's comments a bit rich.

He appears to be saying he is putting in extra work to last 90 minutes, rather than 60, and to get up to the pace of the game. He is also admitting he wasn't part of the team in spirit and that he likes Ancelotti, because he doesn't have to work as intensely as before at Finch Farm, which I find it hard to believe ever happened a Finch Farm before this.

So what was he doing before this? Seems like he is saying he was going through the motions and lifting his wages.

By the way, Theo, you were pretty crap against Watford and should have been subbed. Delph saved your bacon and you put in a good run, scoring from a wonderful assist from Kean.

The biggest asset was your pace; glad you are working to keep it at last. Glad your social life has taken off.

Darren Hind
82 Posted 03/02/2020 at 20:11:46
Why do some people spend hours telling us what we already know?

Even those who have been living on the dark side of the moon can always take a quick look at the Premier League table...

Tony Everan
83 Posted 03/02/2020 at 20:35:18
John 71

Make sure you give your crack a good wash. I think we will give it a damned good go in March and will get that long awaited win.

Martin Reppion
84 Posted 03/02/2020 at 20:35:48
John #71, loved your post.

I get criticised as bitter and twisted when I tell people I have only ever supported two teams... Everton and whoever is playing Liverpool.

The thought of any 80-year-old streaking across the hallowed turf brings back the old joke about the pensioner running around the old folks' home naked seen by two onlookers. One said, 'What is Doris wearing?' The other replied, 'I don't know, but it needs ironing.'

Nigel Munford
85 Posted 03/02/2020 at 21:11:47
Jerome, a good job he wasn’t subbed or we would have missed out on two points.
Nigel Munford
86 Posted 03/02/2020 at 21:25:28
Hi Conor, Silva’s gone, history, and I believe he would have had us relegated, just get behind the new manager, as Everton FC have been crying out for this type of quality for years, and now it’s arrived, just enjoy it eh??
Jerome Shields
87 Posted 03/02/2020 at 21:28:56
Nigel #85,

Lucky he decided to go to the gym, so he could get on the end of the assist.

Nigel Munford
88 Posted 03/02/2020 at 21:42:44
2 pluses for Walcott then!!
John Pierce
89 Posted 03/02/2020 at 21:52:42
Theo had one decent touch on Saturday, I thought it was a cross, but was otherwise beyond tragic as a player.

Less pasta with yer mates and practice your first touch, it's like you are kicking a balloon... 🎈

John Boon
90 Posted 03/02/2020 at 23:12:00
A sincere thanks to all those true blue Evetonians who responded to my Post (#71). It makes me even more keen to get back to the hallowed ground at Goodison. Over the years I have often received tongue-in-cheek criticism for my dedication to Everton. I was once called a Blue Nutcase along with a few expletives! Thank God there are many more "Blue Nutcases" in the world. COYB.
Lev Vellene
91 Posted 03/02/2020 at 23:25:35
I was very happy with that last goal! But during all the silliness earlier in the match, and remembering earlier games, I'm starting to wonder if Walcott is a bit smaller than he actually thinks he is... So much would have gone different earlier if he'd had an inch or two more to his legs and feet than he actually does have!
Jamie Crowley
92 Posted 03/02/2020 at 23:27:47
Carl back at 40 -

My condolences to your friends.

Your story of Gomes is simply awesome. TY for sharing, and again, best to your friends and their families.


John Boon @ 71 -

It's got to be a win now. Your trip will be an amazing one, and we won't let them win it on that day. No way. Enjoy.

Danny Broderick
93 Posted 03/02/2020 at 23:30:13
I was made up Theo got the winner on Saturday, for one simple reason. I live in St Albans, and the players normally stay in Sopwell House hotel when we play Watford away. For the last few years, me and my boy have been to see the team before they set off to Vicarage Road. We normally get some autographs and pictures as they get on the bus, in an environment well away from stadiums etc where they would be mobbed. We are always polite and try not to invade their space at all. We have had some lovely photos in the past - this year, my son particularly wanted to meet DCL, Yerry Mina and Ancelotti.

We duly did this on Saturday before the game. My son brought his mate from school. There were 11 people there in total, 9 adults and 2 kids. The team bus wasn’t parked in its usual position at the front of the hotel where all the Premier League teams stay though. It was parked at the back of the car park with a rope set up between the hotel and the bus. Nonetheless, we waited by the ropes, it never entered my head that the players wouldn’t stop for 30 seconds, at least for the 2 9 year old boys.

The players emerged and my boy was excited at seeing his heroes. Carlo Ancelotti was at the front, he came over so that my boy could have a picture. Every single player then walked past at a hundred miles an hour, not making eye contact and ignoring us as they scampered onto the bus...except Theo Walcott, who posed for a photo with my boy.

These players are gobshites. They don’t give a damn about the fan base. I hate these players, some of them have been stealing a living these last few years. To pretty much all walk past 2 9 year old boys who were looking at them starry eyed and just scamper straight on the bus was disgusting. My boy was in tears going home. Thankfully, Theo Walcott had posed for a photo. When Theo got the winner, my lad was made up to have got a picture with the player who had got the winning goal for us. Theo had the decency to pose for a picture for 30 seconds, when none of the others did. This is the reality guys. They come out with sound bites in the press, and I have to say that Theo Walcott seemed a truly decent fella. I know from previous times that Baines and Coleman have been decent guys also. But the players, on this occasion, couldn’t wait to get past us and onto the bus, completely ignoring the 2 boys waiting to see them. I am absolutely disgusted.

Dave Abrahams
94 Posted 03/02/2020 at 23:58:21
Danny (93), always read your posts, you’re a good Blue, so I share your disappointment with the way the two young boys were ignored by most of the squad on Saturday, it should have been common decency for the players to acknowledge the very small number of fans waiting to see them off before the game.

Well done to the manager and Theo Walcott who did stop and give the two young boys a few precious moments, to the young lads, which they will remember for a long time, they will also remember the ignorance of the rest of the squad.

You would have been entitled to have had a little go at the players who walked past a few fans when it would have cost them next to nothing to spend a couple of minutes talking and getting their photo’s taken with fans, especially the young boys, who help to pay their wages.You have every right to feel the way you do.

Manners cost nothing, but mean a lot.

Dave Abrahams
95 Posted 04/02/2020 at 00:14:47
John Boon (90), I've just seen your post, hope you have a fantastic time when you come back to Liverpool for the derby game, you're an old school supporter, a die hard who lives and breathes for the Blues.

What a day you will have if we beat them bastards, as you would call them. Whatever happens on the day, I truly hope that you enjoy your time back in your old sparring days, very best wishes.

Danny Broderick
96 Posted 04/02/2020 at 00:21:33
Thank you, Dave. I found myself ordering kits and some other things on the official club website today, cos that's just what we do, we are Evertonians after all. But the majority of this squad can fuck right off, and I just wanted to make my experience public so the fans can see through the charade.

I joined Twitter yesterday, first of all, to thank Theo and Carlo for being decent guys, and secondly to make the club aware that pretty much the whole squad blanked two 9-year-old boys. You know how they couldn't get off the pitch quick enough after the derby? Well, that is how they boarded the team bus on Saturday.

Paul Kelly
97 Posted 04/02/2020 at 00:43:30
That's sad to hear that Danny. Especially as they must know how much it means to the kids to meet their heroes.

To put it in perspective, I shouted over to Rhino, as he was crossing the road (outside the Hot Wok at the junction of Walton Lane and Spellow Lane and I was near the statue of Dixie) and asked him would he have a pic taken with my daughter. He crossed back over the road to us, we didn't even have to move, plus you could see he was in a rush which made me appreciate it all the more.

Just a few seconds out of his time made my daughter's day (until she saw the pic, as I must've moved my hand as it was blurry, but that's beside the point).

Tony Abrahams
98 Posted 04/02/2020 at 08:10:50
I’ve had plenty of arguments with members of the Everton staff, over this down the years Danny B. I remember winning at West Ham, just before Christmas, a result that put Everton, in the top 4, so you can imagine what the train was like coming back from London.

The train had quite a few kids on it, (I love it that both Everton and Liverpool always have loads of kids in the away end) and I was asking the Everton bouncer/commissionaire/ gobshite, could he take a few of the kids into the carriage to see their hero’s?

“Not possible, the players are resting” was his pathetic reply, and even when I told him that this would be better than any Christmas present, they would get the following week, and the players wouldn’t have to get out of their fucking seats, he just looked at me like I had two heads.

Hopefully things are going to change though Danny, but my guess is, that a lot of players will not be aware that they are in a privileged position, until they go to the bank, unlike André Gomes though, because that was a magnificent gesture, him spending so much time with Carl’s mate Ashley and his family, which must have been very uplifting, even for a man in Ashley’s very sad predicament, God-bless xx.

Mick Conalty
99 Posted 04/02/2020 at 08:46:13
Tony #98. When I was a lad, we came back on the train after beating Spurs 4-2 at White Hart Lane. It was a corridor train and anyone walking past the compartments that the Everton players were in could go in and meet them. The likes of Roy Vernon and Tony Kay. The present group of players can only dream of being as good as that team.
Brent Stephens
100 Posted 04/02/2020 at 08:51:09
Danny #93, a sorry story the way the two lads (and the rest) were treated. I take with a pinch of salt all this "he's one of us" for any player (or manager / coach) until they've shown some (quite a lot of) evidence of actually engaging with the fans in a genuine way. The problem there is that gestures like that from Gomes are still seen by some as cynical manipulation of the fans (not my view, btw).
Saegaran Kana
101 Posted 04/02/2020 at 09:09:10
Who's the club Captain again? You don't gather your lads to chill out after training? No wonder we looked clueless cause we don't have a proper leader who plays for the badge. Sad really,,...
David Midgley
102 Posted 04/02/2020 at 09:30:27
In the 60's on a Friday / Saturday night, you would often see the players of Everton /Liverpool's opponents drinking in the Beach Comber. Even had a beer with Billy Bremner, but I had to let him kick me first.

When Everton trained at Bellefield the players would go to a little cafe on East Prescot Road. They would all be in there. Roy Vernon would be smoking away like mad.

He looked like HMS Ajax laying smoke.

Dave Williams
103 Posted 04/02/2020 at 10:47:31
Carl- great posts and my best wishes to you and your mates. The wife of my best mate of 50 years was diagnosed with the same just before Christmas. Horrible time for anyone affected in this way and I am so pleased that Andre provided some joy.
Keep smiling!
Derek Knox
104 Posted 04/02/2020 at 12:24:23
John Boon @ 71, what a heartwarming post and I too are made up for you, coming over for the Derby in March. I would love to meet you somewhere close to the ground or in town possibly and share a pint with you, oh go on, we can have one each!

Not trying to disrupt any plans you may have already made but would be good to meet up with another 'familiar name' from TW.

Maybe with Dave and Tony Abrahams we could arrange an impromptu 'get together' as I'm sure they too would like to meet you too. Anyway, food for present and future thought!

Martin @84, lol!

John McFarlane Snr
105 Posted 04/02/2020 at 18:53:34
Hi John [71] I hope you don't mind me posting the e-mail I sent to you earlier which read.

Hi John, I would be delighted to meet up with and you and your family on 'Derby Day', but if your plans will allow it, I would be prepared to meet you on the day before the game, Sunday Match 15th at the Central Hotel.

For my 80th birthday [July 15th 2018], the first 'ToffeeWeb' get-together was held at the Central Hotel [Pub] at 12:00am, the reason I chose that venue was because it was immediately opposite Central Station which serves Liverpool and Wirral lines and proved to be an ideal location, being on a non-match day.

Although the World Cup Final was on TV. We relied on updates from the bar staff, some of us were there long after the game finished, contrary to medical advice I consumed one or two bottles of Guinness too many. I bailed out at 9:00pm, I'm not suggesting that a meeting if it took place, would be anything like that, but I'm 100% sure that it would be just as enjoyable if there is sufficient interest from fellow 'Webbers', if not you would be stuck with me.

I have submitted this post hoping that it may create a bit of interest, and apologies if it causes you any problems.

John Boon
106 Posted 04/02/2020 at 19:45:41
One more post. John McFarlane and myself have been emailing for some time. We have never met but I am delighted to say that is to end when Our group of three Blues meet John Snr at 12.00 noon on Sunday at the Central Hotel. John Snr set up a meeting. So to all those who responded and any other, other than the Red Despicables aka (RS), we would be delighted to meet up. I do have relatives of the Red persuasion but they will not be asked to come on that day. Even if they did they would have to sign a contract to say "NOTHING"

Hope TW staff do not mind me using the Site to make. CYOB arrangements. For me and my two family Blues this means such a lot.

Jay Evans
107 Posted 04/02/2020 at 20:28:18
Most modern-day footballers are really difficult to like, aren't they?

Is it any wonder I don't have a current or recent player as a hero?

I can't remember my last hero who was a player, since the great '80s teams, I mean.

Probably Duncan. After that, Arteta possibly?

Ray Roche
108 Posted 04/02/2020 at 20:38:25
John @106,

Isn't it a 12:30 kick off? You'll have to make it a swift one!

Kim Vivian
109 Posted 04/02/2020 at 20:43:54
Have to agree, Jay, but just felt I should throw Cahill into the hat.
Derek Knox
110 Posted 04/02/2020 at 20:47:42
Ray @ 108, match is on Monday at 20.00, they are meeting the day before at Central 12.00.
Ray Roche
111 Posted 04/02/2020 at 20:56:25
Thanks Derek, a Senior moment there. I hadn't read all of the thread and thought it was Saturday's game.🤦🏻‍♂️
Jay Evans
112 Posted 05/02/2020 at 10:58:03
Kim 109 yes you are right. Tim makes the cut as well for me.

Had the pleasure of meeting him once. To say he had a dislike for our neighbours from across the park is putting it mildly.

David Midgley
113 Posted 06/02/2020 at 01:18:20
#24. Socialising. Drinking and Mad ideas.

"You having a drink? Who are you ,by the way?"

"Right. You wear the number 8?"

"Okay, I know I've had a couple but I've had this mad idea. No! Don't laugh! We could start going to the gym! Get fit. I know. I know. You don't have to tell me. We might even score a few goals!"

"What d'you mean? I'm boozed?"

Mark Guglielmo
114 Posted 06/02/2020 at 14:18:30
This was a fun read, the comments especially. This is by no means isolated to TW, but I'm constantly in awe that a segment of our fanbase are so quick to criticize Ancelotti. He's been here 7 games! As for the "new manager bounce" that was roundly dismissed above, well Arteta has been with Arsenal for those same 7 games and they have 8 pts (though their opponents were a bit tougher). Both managers have been working with the exact same teams, which I was glad to see Jay BRZ point out.

I see comments around how we're not playing very well, etc. but that only makes me ask again, what did one expect after 7 games with the same squad? Near as I can tell from reading his book, Carlo has never used a magic wand as part of his strategy.

Also, everything is still Brands fault, eh Conor? 😂

Conor McCourt
115 Posted 07/02/2020 at 11:54:13
Mark truly good to see you post and thought you may have given up due to the negativity you spoke about.

With regards to the Ancelotti debate I'm not criticising him and have actually been more complimentary than critical but would just like to see a little parity. If everyone was being unfair to Carlo I would be on the other side of the fence, that's just my nature. If we lost our next seven I won't be putting up stats showing Carlo is the worst manager in our history.

With regards to Brands I'm still of the belief I was accurate. Delph and Iwobi weren't great signings, the loss of the spine has derailed our season and Kean and Gbamin will prove astute long term. The improvements generated by Carlo have mostly been to Walsh players so I'm surprised your bringing Marcel into the debate as it only lessens your case.

Brent Stephens
116 Posted 07/02/2020 at 12:15:40
Mark G #114 - so glad to see you posting again!

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