This article may have been recategorised and is therefore no longer available at this URL.

You can try to find the updated link in the article archive.

Share article:

Reader Comments (154)

Note: the following content is not moderated or vetted by the site owners at the time of submission. Comments are the responsibility of the poster. Disclaimer


Brent Stephens
1 Posted 16/07/2020 at 17:02:05
No surprises: Coleman, Holgate, Keane, Digne, Iwobi, Davies, Gomes, Bernard, Richarlison, Calvert-Lewin
Brian Murray
2 Posted 16/07/2020 at 17:02:48
Sign of madness is repeating the same mistakes expecting a different outcome. Our world-class manager has done it again with this team selection. Clock is ticking on The Don...
Jay Wood
[BRZ]

3 Posted 16/07/2020 at 17:03:25
A few changes, but nothing too radical because there isn't much in the way of alternatives.

Baningime not even on the bench. If he can't even get minutes in this injury-depleted and under-performing midfield since the re-start, you have to conclude this signals the end of his Everton career.

Robert Tressell
4 Posted 16/07/2020 at 17:04:33
4-4-2, non-experimental line-up. Bernard in for Gordon means bit more experience.

Time to show some pride. And move about a bit.

Ray Roche
5 Posted 16/07/2020 at 17:06:52
Disappointing. Same old, same old.He couldn’t get a tune out of that shower in the past so don’t expect anything other than an away win.
Joe McMahon
6 Posted 16/07/2020 at 17:09:17
FFS... awful team. Same old underperforming slow pedestrian players. God, Villa are laughing!
Neil Lawson
7 Posted 16/07/2020 at 17:16:59
I suggest you close this forum. No one is going to disagree with the comments above. Let's not even waste our time trying to justify the selection.
Dave Abrahams
8 Posted 16/07/2020 at 17:18:13
Is this game being televised?
Simon Dalzell
9 Posted 16/07/2020 at 17:21:59
Sky Sports 401 Dave.
Liam Reilly
10 Posted 16/07/2020 at 17:22:04
V surprised at that line up. Surely he should be given the younger lads a chance now. How are we ever going to know if Kean is good enough if he's only ever given cameos?

Disappointed.

Joe McMahon
11 Posted 16/07/2020 at 17:22:30
Yes Dave, at the local chapel of rest.
Philip Bunting
12 Posted 16/07/2020 at 17:27:06
If Davies plays like he has done this last few games I'm gonna lose the plot
Steve Greir
13 Posted 16/07/2020 at 17:32:16
Dave (8), we're unlucky enough to have it live on ESPN.

I chickened out of the last two, but am going to suffer this one. Maybe I'll bring them some good luck. Let's see...

Dave Williams
14 Posted 16/07/2020 at 17:34:45
Ridiculous!!
We can’t qualify for Europe so why the same failed players?
No Gordon??? What absolute nonsense Carlo!
Fran Mitchell
15 Posted 16/07/2020 at 17:36:05
Pretty standard line-up. Let's be honest, no-one really expected radical changes.

I'm curious about this 2 keeper on the bench malarky. Why 2 keepers when clearly won't be used? Is it to introduce Virginia to the first team set-up while respecting Stek? Is it to send a message about lack of options? Are the youngsters really so not up to scratch to even be on the bench?

Quite clearly Gordon and Braithwait are the only youngster to have made an impression if they can't even get on the bench.

Bill Gienapp
16 Posted 16/07/2020 at 17:41:16
Joe (6) - laughing straight to the Championship, more like.

Only so much Carlo can do with the team selection. I would have liked to see Holgate given a go in midfield, but with Mina out, that's off the table. Calling for the kids is all well and good, until you see what happened to Branthwaite in all of 60 seconds last match.

Tony Everan
17 Posted 16/07/2020 at 17:41:55
Expecting a good reaction today and much more aggression [not the red card type].

There will be a few of these today playing to show they have a future at Everton. Its time for those players to put it on the line and show what they can do. Some of them will not get many more chances.

Scrappy but , Everton 3 Aston Villa 1

Mike Keating
18 Posted 16/07/2020 at 17:43:54
I thought this was supposed to be one of the games we could watch on Nowtv using the vouchers sent out by the club - this is the second time I’ve tried to use the codes sent out on the 29th June and no go - AGAIN!!
Craig Walker
19 Posted 16/07/2020 at 17:46:39
Not Tom Davies starting, again? When will we learn?
Len Hawkins
20 Posted 16/07/2020 at 17:49:49
Jesus H Christ is there no sewing or baking shows on tonight, that same again team bar the best midfielder is enough to tip you over the edge. I'd rather watch my grandsons Thomas the Tank dvd.
John Hammond
21 Posted 16/07/2020 at 17:51:01
A bit disappointed with that lineup but I guess Carlo's looking for a reaction from the senior players. If he doesn't get one then maybe we'll see the kids in the last couple of games.
Jeff Armstrong
22 Posted 16/07/2020 at 17:53:35
Does Ancelloti have a single, imaginative, fuck it I’ll try this instead, thought in his entire head ?
£10 million a year for this style of management is ridiculous, maybe he wants out.
I know he hasn’t got much to permutate with, but Gordon and Moise Kean should be starting,Branthwaite at left centre back, Holgate holding midfield,
Sidibé right back even,
FFS experiment, you might hit on something for the future.
Steven Astley
23 Posted 16/07/2020 at 17:55:44
Fully expecting another Pickford clanger this evening and the interview after the game to follow it up to say "these things happen, but I don't let it affect my game". You heard it here first.
Barry Rathbone
24 Posted 16/07/2020 at 17:56:21
His selection options range from mediocre to another shade of mediocre presumably he's just seeing out the season
George Cumiskey
25 Posted 16/07/2020 at 17:57:41
Liam@ 10 spot on mate, we'll never know if Kean is good enough with 10 minutes a match.
Mark Andersson
26 Posted 16/07/2020 at 18:28:25
Has any of the board members been in the stands or is that too much of a risk.. After all we wouldn't want them to be bored to death..
Christy Ring
28 Posted 16/07/2020 at 18:45:22
Should have started Richarlison on the left, and give Kean a chance with Calvert-Lewin, from the start. No Baningime on the bench, I'm guessing he must be injured, dropping him from the squad, and putting two keeper's on the bench, would be a total insult, even if he has no future at the club.
Steven Astley
29 Posted 16/07/2020 at 18:52:28
What is the fucking point in having 2 keepers on the bench?
Makes my blood boil.
Even if Banningime is injured, we have Adeniran that is more than worth a look and worthy of a place
Jay Wood
[BRZ]

30 Posted 16/07/2020 at 18:58:33
Started well, Villa improved, but neither side really threatening.

Yet another game lacking the intensity of a PL game.

Branthwaite again impressing since his introduction. He and Keane mopping everything up that is played into the penalty area.

He is very composed, can pick out and play a pass and I liked how in the last minute before half-time he tracked the runner rather than try and play for offside.

Davies the best of the midfield. Little of note from the forwards.

The side with the greater intensity in the second half will win this.

Paul Burns
31 Posted 16/07/2020 at 19:27:04
Everton are bad enough to go down next season.

Any club that considers Tom Davies a Premier League player has serious problems.

Karl Meighan
32 Posted 16/07/2020 at 19:37:32
Have we had a shot on target? Awfull again your words mean fuckall Coleman
Simon Dalzell
33 Posted 16/07/2020 at 19:39:57
Lamentable. I don't think I've ever seen worse passing. Absolute disgrace, embarrassment, joke, laughing stock etc...etc. etc. Complete shower of .
Mal van Schaick
34 Posted 16/07/2020 at 19:44:53
Dreadful embarrassment.
Jim Bennings
35 Posted 16/07/2020 at 19:56:55
Stole a point in yet another abject display.

So much for a positive reaction eh?

I honestly can’t see where this team is going next season unless we put out virtually a new starting eleven and Ancelotti realises that you actually need to start going forward to score goals, or even look like scoring goals.

Phil Rodgers
36 Posted 16/07/2020 at 19:57:22
Utterly pathetic again
Jim Bennings
37 Posted 16/07/2020 at 19:58:45
Looks like we’ll finish at least 12th now anyway, justifiably so because Southampton are a better team than us, even Newcastle might yet end up pipping us.
George Carroll
38 Posted 16/07/2020 at 19:59:01
Thank God its over
Joe McMahon
39 Posted 16/07/2020 at 19:59:23
Harsh on Villa, so want West Ham to go down. As for Everton, I won't change my opinion on DCL (he's just not the standard most premier league teams want) and the Seamus rallying cry really made a difference (pathetic), 14th place it is then. Forget Liverpool as we will never compete with them again, we are even are light years behind Leicester City.
George Cumiskey
40 Posted 16/07/2020 at 19:59:34
Not one iota better than the wolves match !
Stephen Brown
41 Posted 16/07/2020 at 20:02:04
I can’t even be bothered to criticise them. We all know!
I now worry about who we could attract?
We really have some dreadful players! Who’d buy any of these?

Not very constructive I’m afraid!

Graham Hammond
42 Posted 16/07/2020 at 20:04:34
Me, I Disconnect From You
Christy Ring
43 Posted 16/07/2020 at 20:04:39
No improvement, tough on Villa who should have been out of sight, would have preferred to see Sullivan/Gold relegated.
Paul Swan
44 Posted 16/07/2020 at 20:05:06
I just pray Ancelotti walks away from this because we can’t afford to sack him. If all the Ancelotti happy clappers can’t see how bad he is setting everything up here then something is seriously wrong. We don’t need face masks around this team and manager we need gas masks because the lot of them stink of shite.
Jay Wood
[BRZ]

45 Posted 16/07/2020 at 20:05:11
Well, that was edge of the seat stuff.

A truly determined side after the no-show at Wolves would have got at Villa like terriers. As it was, neither side showed any great intensity.

They scored one. We scored one. The end.

There are players who have got something about them going through a bad spell.

There are other players that had it, but longer possess it.

There are players who promise a lot, but seldom deliver.

Sifting through that lot, moving on those Carlo cannot trust and recruiting players that will make a difference is going to be an interesting watch this summer/autumn.

Ben Attwood
46 Posted 16/07/2020 at 20:05:54
Another absolute shocking performance!!

Villa could and should have won.

I think we all know that Gomes and Sigurdsson cannot play together yet that appears to be Ancellotti's go to. Davies is weak but other than Sigurdsson, who else can play CM at the moment? Where was Benni today? We desperately need someone who can put their foot in. Awful!!

What does Kean have to do to start?

2 keepers on the bench??

Can't see this improving for Sheff Utd.

Bournemouth will probably be down by next weekend, the pressure will be off them and they will give us a spanking like so many other relegated sides have over the years... Forest, Sunderland, etc

Frustrating to say the least

Steve Ferns
47 Posted 16/07/2020 at 20:07:03
I logged on with one word in mind and I see Michael has used it in the title. Yes the word is “embarrassed”. I just want this season over and to hope we can spend what little we are allowed to on some top quality players and Carlo can do something with them over the break. It’s going to take something to make us all optimistic for the new season.
Clive Rogers
48 Posted 16/07/2020 at 20:09:04
Forget centre halves, two midfielders and a striker needed.
Paul Birmingham
49 Posted 16/07/2020 at 20:09:31
A points a point, but very sterile football bar a reaction in the last 10 minutes.
The young lads done well all considered, let’s hope Holgate injury is not too serious.

More spirit, but that’s the minimum but not enough class and brain and initiative.

May be some of the players know their days are numbered.

Looking forward to the Sheffield game and let’s see what happens.

Disappointing but it’s reality and the squad is not good enough by light years.

Veterans football and no desrespect to veterans, show more effort and focus than these players. Sideways and back., won’t EFC many games.

Offensively the style must change, and belief must be shown soon. The basics must be shown and then they must deliver or be dropped.

Tony Everan
50 Posted 16/07/2020 at 20:09:55
Poor, yawn, this is just going through the motions until the transfer window and next season. Why am I watching it? Please make me stop.
John Davies
51 Posted 16/07/2020 at 20:15:24
He is either giving the so called senior players a last chance, or has no idea either. If we are not going to get regulated please give some of the younger players a chance. Not keen on Kean but he has to be given a chance.
Clive Rogers
52 Posted 16/07/2020 at 20:16:27
We are going to struggle to get decent players to come here the way we are performing. Not one shot on target.
Stuart Sharp
53 Posted 16/07/2020 at 20:21:32
I can't remember the last time there wasn't a single first team player I'd be upset to see leave. I guess Richarlison is our best player, and I don't want him to leave, but he's a hard player to love. Maybe Holgate is the exception.
Kieran Kinsella
54 Posted 16/07/2020 at 20:23:14
Loans offer our best best for a happier season next year. I’m weighing up a loan deal to support Brentford a year
Andy Riley
55 Posted 16/07/2020 at 20:25:30
It can look like we need a whole new team. Highlight for me was Chelsea at home. Perhaps we should have left Big Dunc in charge? This is a really big window coming up.
Ciarán McGlone
56 Posted 16/07/2020 at 20:28:23
Our entire midfield is non existent.. only Gomes has potential but he appears to have fallen off a cliff after his injury.

Iwobi, Davies, Sigurdsson and the rest of them are just plain average.

We need a quadruple by pass.

Trevor Peers
57 Posted 16/07/2020 at 20:31:59
Team selection was an abomination ! Iwobi and Bernard down the flanks both useless and neither of them wingers with pace, at least Walcott is a winger and he proved to be our saviour. Anceolliti not very impressive since the restart very worrying indeed.
Brent Stephens
58 Posted 16/07/2020 at 20:33:43
Only a handful of our players I would want to keep. I suspect Carlo thinks the same. That says it all about the task Carlo has in front of him.

Of those who played today, who could you just NOT afford to let go? Who you would say "hang on, too good to go! difficult to replace"? Who could you say "no great loss"?

If you can't name more than 5 or 6, then it maybe speaks volumes about the poor quality of squad we have?

Pickford (?!), Digne, Holgate, Gordon, Richie (even though he was poor today), DCL (?!). If we can't list more than that, it just shows the task Carlo is facing (and that doesn't mean to say he hasn't made any mistakes in the (relatively few) games he's had with us.

Joe McMahon
59 Posted 16/07/2020 at 20:34:05
Andy @56, I ve just put this on another thread but he's still on the coaching team like he has been for the last few managers. The Chelsea game was great, but in Duncs 4 games - he won 1 (the Chelsea game of course, the one we all remember). There is no easy solution for this awful team, but a new keeper, at least 2 midfield players and a striker that scores.

We are so slow it's painful, and I'm still struggling (I so want to) see DCL as a finisher, poacher, striker, scorer. He's had plenty of games but he's no Marcus Rashford. At age 21 Harry Kane scored over 20 Premier League Goals. I know Kane is on a different level, but we need to stop bigging DCL up.

Brian Murray
60 Posted 16/07/2020 at 20:36:59
No coincidence that our best players were probably Gordon and Branthwaite who have not had time to be ingrained in the sideways and backwards passing ritual.

Them two plus Holgate, Richarlison, and Digne is some sort of starting point for next season. After that, I wouldn't entertain any of them. All had their chance and proved woefully short.

Brent Stephens
61 Posted 16/07/2020 at 20:37:02
* and Branthwaite!!

Excellent game, lad.

Mike Oates
62 Posted 16/07/2020 at 20:37:26
Started well with some good moves especially down the left, with little input by Bernard, who when he got involved inevitably lost the ball. Once Villa rode the opening they gradually took control so easily, with Gomes looking like a stationary statue. At least Davies won tackles but again the front two were completely starved of service.

Our crossing is so poor, we did get into a few good positions but Iwobi, Coleman, Bernard and even Gordon couldn’t put a cross in all night.

Walcott changed things with his energy and of course his goal, but I’m beginning to feel that Richarlison has had enough of this crap. He made so many good runs but only once got a decent ball to run onto but Mings just beat him to it. DCL looks like the player 12 months ago not the goal scoring machine from earlier this season.

I’m getting edgy with Ancelotti teams, formations, tactics but he is trying to do something with a basket full of bad eggs. Anyone and idea why Ferguson doesn’t seem to get asked his views when Ancelotti turns to his coaching staff for advice on how to get out of the mess we find ourselves in most matches.

Danny O’Neill
63 Posted 16/07/2020 at 20:37:34
I usually try to stay quite reasonable. But, I did suggest after the Wolves game that Carlos' outburst is perhaps his first public outing of what he has been telling these players for weeks. Not good enough.

Given we are safe and have nothing to play for, is he hanging them out to show them as the "dead men walking" they are? Have many already been told they have no future?

Mike Powell
64 Posted 16/07/2020 at 20:39:13
Well what can I say about that, not much really, it's all been said. Don't think I can put myself though it anymore,it's no good for my blood pressure. Besides their by arsed do why should I
Roman Sidey
65 Posted 16/07/2020 at 20:41:10
Calvert-Lewin's miss (misses if you count him not getting onto Walcott's low ball in) near the end sums him up. Doesn't know how to move his feet properly. A complete donkey of a footballer.

Colin Glassar
66 Posted 16/07/2020 at 20:43:51
Will this season ever end? It’s like getting a tooth pulled, millimetre by millimetre.
Barry Rathbone
67 Posted 16/07/2020 at 20:43:57
Fully expected I really don't understand why people are so miffed our M.O has been to get enough points to avoid relegation scraps as per "blueprint Moyes". We win a few we shouldn't and lose/draw others we should win. It is the finger print of mid table fodder and has been here so long I don't get the surprised angst.

Every aspect of the club suggests an unofficial target of finishing just outside the elite contingent on "lower" clubs behaving as they should. Unfortunately clubs like sheff utd, wolves etc don't always play ball and we finish 7th to 12th.

Until a strong leader appears somewhere at the club we will continue this ludicrous delusion of believing we are in any way relevant

Danny Broderick
68 Posted 16/07/2020 at 20:45:49
A blind man can spot our problem - midfield. We just don’t have the quality. It doesn’t matter who plays - Gomes, Davies, Sigurdsson, Iwobi, Bernard, Walcott. I won’t say Gordon because he is a baby who has at least shown some promise. But our midfield isn’t good enough. Villa’s midfield were on top in the second half, and they are in the bottom 3.

You can’t polish a turd, and you can’t make an omelette without eggs. We need new blood in there. We started at a decent tempo for once, but we soon ran out of ideas. Ancelotti’s hands are tied until he can get at least 2 midfielders in...

Ian Riley
69 Posted 16/07/2020 at 20:46:08
Carlo knew what he was taking on. The team were on the slide. It's the challenge or top up the pension he came to Everton? Sadly, certain fans believe sam, david or sean not good enough for our club but the team may have suited their style.

Unless big money is spent one of those managers may be here by November. If 3 to 4 of the first team players are not moved on this summer then mid table here we come. I'm bored season after season being in the same position. I feel having Carlo is like owning a mansion but can't afford to furnish it. I hope Carlo can do it but I do fear the worse.

Darren Hind
70 Posted 16/07/2020 at 20:46:23
Unless a player is out of contract nobody can move him on.

Carlo has to get the best out of them. This is the hand he will be playing with next season.

He looks like he doesnt know whats hit him

Danny O’Neill
71 Posted 16/07/2020 at 20:51:36
Possibly Darren, but let's see what our individual crystal balls tell us. As you said on your own thread, hopefully you'll be proven wrong. Let's see. I don't think the answer is to sack Carlo and put Duncan & "Unsy" in just yet, but that's a personal opinion.
Tony Twist
72 Posted 16/07/2020 at 20:55:32
Second rate, the lot of them, including the manager. The manager is just someone who tinkers, a tweaker, not what we need. What is Big Dunk doing, he should be firing these players up, where is the passion? In days past when there was a bad performance, Moyes would get a reaction in the next game, nothing but words from manager and captain. There is talk of us making a bid for Allen and Southamptons Danish midfielder, christ, doesn't this club ever learn. Too old and too slow, we need players on the up not ones just boosting their pension.
Danny O’Neill
73 Posted 16/07/2020 at 20:59:58
Moyes may have got a reaction Tony, but he bottled it in big games and never won anything.
Anthony Murphy
74 Posted 16/07/2020 at 21:00:27
Mike #62 The point re conferring with Fergusion is one of those little insights that could be nothing or could be something. Hard to be sure but I picked up on that the other day and wondered if it’s relevant. Likewise the lack of communication/coaching during water breaks (compared to others) - something/nothing who knows. We have no real idea what Carlo is thinking, but maybe he has by now thought the whole set up is a pile of shite and he has already lost interest. The performances of the team would suggest something isn’t right that’s for sure
Stephen Brown
75 Posted 16/07/2020 at 21:01:28
I’m also worried about DCL. Since lockdown he hasn’t looked like scoring!

Also Richarlison should be wide left as that solves one midfield problem. Buy 2 quality midfielders and a centre forward and we’d be getting somewhere. Easier said than done but could make a significant difference.

Who’d want to come here though? Can CA use his connections in Real Madrid or Bayern Munich ?

Depressed!!

Stephen Brown
76 Posted 16/07/2020 at 21:03:29
Sorry on another note who would we get a fee for ?
Danny O’Neill
77 Posted 16/07/2020 at 21:06:18
You'd be surprised Stephen. Arsenal got £35 for Iwobi!!
Paul Tran
78 Posted 16/07/2020 at 21:09:19
Darren, I mentioned in another thread, I'd say there would be takers outside the UK for Tosun, Mina, Bernard, Gomez, Iwobi. We'd get fees for all of them, maybe not what we paid, but it's about getting rid of the peripheral players who we frankly won't miss. Some of them will be sold and let's hope the replacements are effective.
Peter Mills
79 Posted 16/07/2020 at 21:11:06
I was pleased that we came back to equalise after conceding a late-ish goal. And I thought Branthwaite did well.
Joe McMahon
80 Posted 16/07/2020 at 21:13:15
Paul@78 the trouble is non of them will want to move because their current salaries won't be matched.
Brent Stephens
81 Posted 16/07/2020 at 21:18:21
Paul #78 yes I wouldn't be surprised if we got a few offers and got rid of a few more - we don't have to wait until contracts expire.

What to do with Moise Kean?

Dave Abrahams
82 Posted 16/07/2020 at 21:18:36
I thought it was another putrid performance until I read the report of the game on Everton’s official site, we were not as bad as I thought, in fact, according to their report we were pretty good and Michael Keane was outstanding, producing a game which showed why he come on since football was started again, showing his leadership, ordering and barking out orders to his team mates, well you certainly live and learn, especially if you believe the official shite, sorry site.

Me, I was just happy with another undeserved point, although to be honest Villa never bust a gut, considering they should be fighting their hearts out to stay up.

I think we might beat Bournemouth in the last game, if they already relegated!!

Jay Woods
83 Posted 16/07/2020 at 21:23:32
Too much safety first passing, even when chasing the game, and the de rigueur powder puff midfield.

I noticed Pickford at the end, when it was 1-1 and we had a chance to push for a winner. He was in no rush to get the ball rolling again, his body language saying he felt a draw was okay, let's not take any risks here.

What we have at Everton is institutionalised mediocrity, an acceptable level of blandness. But on the plus side, we're number one at doing stuff in the community because it's all just one big family...

John Boon
84 Posted 16/07/2020 at 21:28:26
Calvert Lewin is NOT a natural striker but I wonder if he could play on the right wing. He is fast enough. I would also like to se Kean start a game. Other than that I thought Branthwaite showed great promise for an eighteen year old.

On a general level I would like to see Eveton put in a performance against Sheff U, beat Bournemouth and bring an end to this never ending season of woe. I STILL think Ancelotti should be given money and time to develop his own team. Playing to an empty stadium is for the birds, although I do understand why it is necessary.

Raymond Fox
85 Posted 16/07/2020 at 21:31:14
Things could be worse I suppose, it can always be worse, but performances are embarrarassing.

Ancelotti must wonder a what the hell have I got myself into here, yes he is being well paid but he would not want failure.
Whats the point of continually changing managers if the playing staff don't measure up to our ambitions!

As Danny said earlier, you cant polish turds.

Kevin Prytherch
86 Posted 16/07/2020 at 21:31:32
On the plus side, I’m glad to see Gordon, Branthwaite and Kean getting some game time. I just wish he’d give them game time from the start.

Them 3, along with Holgate, Davies, Richarlison and DCL makes for a very young, promising team. Possibly add in Kenny next season and we could realistically start with 8 players 23/24 or younger.

I reckon we could all take 1-1 if we were giving all the young players as much time as possible to make mistakes, but 1-1 with the likes of Iwobi and Sigurdsson on the pitch is slightly more difficult to take.

Glad Branthwaite have a good account of himself, it means we can concentrate on other areas of the pitch in the transfer window - hopefully 2 wide midfielders and a central midfielder.

Mark Boullé
87 Posted 16/07/2020 at 21:40:22
It's agonising watching game after game of our midfield getting passed through and around like it's not there. Gomes and Davies are so immobile and unable to anticipate anything, win second balls or cut out a pass it's criminal. Iwobi put in one decent cross all game, Bernard was abysmal.

Dare I say it but, grasping at the very few positive straws, Sigurdsson looks slightly better and more positive when he comes on as a sub doesn't he? I mean it's all relative, he's still underwhelming, but he seems to get on the ball a bit more and try a few more incentive passes when he's only got to play for 30 minutes...

What has happened to Seamus Coleman? Why does he not run forwards anymore?!

Defence is ok and we clearly have a good prospect in Branthwaite. Pretty much everywhere else on the pitch needs major surgery. Good luck Carlo...

Andy Crooks
88 Posted 16/07/2020 at 21:41:31
Darren @ 70. I know exactly what Carlo's expression means. It is exactly the expression my late father in law had on his face when he met me for the first time 45 years ago.
Jerome Shields
89 Posted 16/07/2020 at 21:50:05
This Everton side was no better than the side that played Wolves. Very lucky to get a draw. Everton just do not have the players with the fur but attitude and mentality. Ancelotti has did well to get the points he has got since the break out of this lot.
Jamie Crowley
90 Posted 16/07/2020 at 21:51:08
Len Hawkins way back @ 20 -

I believe it's "Thomas the Train" and not "Thomas the Tank".

Personally, I'd love Thomas the Tank. But nowadays that's a bit too violent for the kiddies. Not PC.

I had to watch out of the corner of my eye this afternoon, but the commentators summed it all up. They were not complimentary of Everton in the least.

This season can't finish quick enough.

Andy Crooks
91 Posted 16/07/2020 at 21:53:08
Good post, Jay @45. Come on, Jay, though. " like terriers.. ". There is not one player in our squad who will get at anyone like a terrier. Can you imagine :

Sigurdsson put in a terrier like performance. Our midfield went at them like terriers. Bernard, fuck me, Jesus wept, was like a terrier. Here's the thing, though,being a fucking terrier should be the default position of any man who has the honour to wear our shirt. They do not get it, Jay.

Colin Glassar
92 Posted 16/07/2020 at 21:56:45
Sounds like we have started negotiations with Southampton for Hojbjerg. We’ve offered £18m but the saints want cash and players. I can think of 10 who can go tomorrow!
Peter Mills
93 Posted 16/07/2020 at 22:02:03
Andy #88, your father-in-law was clearly a shrewd judge of character!
Anthony A Hughes
94 Posted 16/07/2020 at 22:06:30
I think when Carlo took the job on, he had his proverbial beer goggles on.

Now he's sobered up and he's thinking, "I didn't fuck that, did I?

Simon Harrison
95 Posted 16/07/2020 at 22:14:25
Fantastic news for Jarrad Branthwaite, the BBC have him as their MotM. He did have a very good game. In fact, he and Keane both played well, against something of a lacklustre Villa attack.

Honourable mentions to Digne, Gordon and Gomes (..?) tonight too.

Last question: Why was Pickford trying to do cartwheels on their free-kick when they scored? If he'd watched the ball, it would have come straight to him, or he'd at least have had a chance to save the attempt on goal. As per, it has to be Hollywood or bust!

Paul Birmingham
96 Posted 16/07/2020 at 22:15:31
Cracker, Andy @88, yep it's the biggest challenge he's ever faced but I do believe he will win, granted funds, time and luck.

The players, if they are professional, must take a proper look at this season and their efforts.

They've let themselves down, the club and supporters. The break will be short and I hope that, for next season, they battle to take Everton back; it will be a long campaign, taken up with vigour and passion.

As ever, the time-honoured cliche, “this window” is the biggest and most important ever, for EFC.

I think it is. Hope eternal.

Paul Birmingham
97 Posted 16/07/2020 at 22:19:43
Colin @92, spot on.
Jamie Crowley
98 Posted 16/07/2020 at 22:28:11
I'm not excited about this Hodge-Podge striker in the least.

Meh.

Roger Helm
99 Posted 16/07/2020 at 22:39:46
Hopefully Carlo Aancelotti will be a better recruiter – we need to sack Brands and dump the DoF model. If you sign players who have failed at other clubs – like Iwobi, Walcott, Sidibe, Gomes, and Kean – why would they be any better for us?

And don't start me on Bernard, Besic, Sandro, Tosun, Niasse and that crew – who approved those contracts?

The worry now is that, after wasting all that money, there is none left for signing proper players.

Andrew Clare
100 Posted 16/07/2020 at 22:40:04
Years ago in the '70s, friends of mine would say that the Everton manager's job is a ‘poisoned chalice'. Okay, we went 14 years without a major trophy until Howard did his stuff.

The trouble is that now we are looking at 30-odd years with only one major trophy and I really do now believe that the manager's job is a ‘poisoned chalice'.

I don't know what the problem is but there is definitely a major problem with Everton. I feel sorry for Villa that they didn't win against such a duff team as our beloved Blues.

John Pierce
101 Posted 16/07/2020 at 22:43:01
It's hard to find new lows with this lot, but my general apathy is a good clue. We were utterly sterile and, bar the first 20 minutes when we showed some intent, it was pretty mediocre. Thankfully we were playing an equally crap
side.
Sean Kelly
102 Posted 16/07/2020 at 22:47:35
My only comment on this tripe is “Déjà vu”.
John Raftery
103 Posted 16/07/2020 at 22:56:36
Simon (#95),

You rightly insert a question mark after the name of Gomes. Until the last five minutes, I thought he was terrible. In the first half, he was dispossessed on at least three occasions in the middle of his own half. He also gave away the free-kick from which Villa scored.

Steve Carse
104 Posted 16/07/2020 at 23:01:02
I fear for us next season if we're still playing behind closed doors. The only thing that's likely to shake this lot up is a crowd breathing down its neck -- whether that's positive or criticism.
Christy Ring
105 Posted 16/07/2020 at 23:09:01
The biggest problem for Ancelotti this summer is trying to ship out very average players, who have at least 2 years left on their contract, and on massive wages, whch other clubs won't offer anywhere near what there earning:

Bolasie, Ramirez, Bernard, Sigurdsson, Delph, Walcott, Mina, Iwobi and Tosun – at least half are Brands signings.

Michael Lynch
106 Posted 16/07/2020 at 23:09:19
Branthwaite played very well for such a young centre-half. Of the rest of tonight's players, we need alternatives to Coleman, Gomes, Davies, Iwobi, Bernard, Sigurdsson, Walcott, Calvert-Lewin, Kean, and Pickford. The aforementioned should all be sold or be just back-up players.
Paul Birmingham
107 Posted 16/07/2020 at 23:13:56
Christy@105, you’ve hit the nail on the head, and by default it will be likely next summer before the bulk of the deadwood, can go.

But some clubs may, could stake out some of players, but the likes of Leeds, I doubt will look twice at outperform deadwood. But hopefully some teams will.

Let’s hope so.

Jay Harris
108 Posted 16/07/2020 at 23:21:57
Michael #106,

For me, the 2 best players on the pitch were Branthwaite and Mings.

It sums the game up that they are both centre-backs.

Brian Wilkinson
109 Posted 16/07/2020 at 23:22:00
I did mention a week or so ago Carlo is close to giving Branthwaite a few games and is higher up the pecking order than Gibson.

Thank god for Brathwaite and Gordon, at least they are both having a go.

Jay Harris
110 Posted 16/07/2020 at 23:25:34
John #103,

I said on the Live Forum that Gomes reminded me of the Titanic – so slow to turn and a disaster waiting to happen.

He reminds me of a lad I played with when I was younger, we called him "Hollywood" because he was always looking for the fancy pass and, more often than not, got caught in possession.

Danny O’Neill
111 Posted 16/07/2020 at 23:30:41
Maybe because they are even more "duff" than us Andrew? You feel sorry for Villa?

In my opinion, the league table rarely lies. Villa are where they are because of the way they have played all season not just because of the last few matches. Just like Everton. We are mid-table mediocrity; they are likely getting relegated.

Bill Gall
112 Posted 16/07/2020 at 23:30:49
Okay. we need a new midfield, we need a new midfield, we need a new midfield, we need a new midfield. we need a new midfield, we need a new midfield... now we all know, let's look at the problem: we can't do anything about it until the window opens. We can't get rid of who we want to, we have to wait until the window opens. And we are not sure who will come as there is plenty of other teams that are in a better position to entice them.

So it seems most of our problems are to be solved when the window opens. No, they are not; there is no reason why the players Everton have should be putting on performances like we have witnessed in the last few weeks. Every team in the Premier League have something to fight for, it may be points to avoid relegation or points to compete in Europe or points to move up the league to earn extra money, but there is no reason for experienced players like Everton have to play as if they don't care.

Ancelotti may be an experienced manager, but the least we could expect is the players he plays, all put in the same amount of effort and hopefully behind the scenes he is giving the players the hairdryer treatment as he is judged by what goes on on the pitch.

Gavin Johnson
113 Posted 16/07/2020 at 23:41:27
Brian, how do you know that Branthwaite is higher up the pecking order than Gibson? I would have thought the reason he's ahead is because Gibson is still at Fleetwood.

We're quite lucky that we've got two of the most promising up-and-coming centre-backs in the Premier League. It makes you wonder whether we should prioritise a goalkeeper over a centre-back and try and buy Donnarumma from AC Milan this summer.

Jerome Shields
114 Posted 17/07/2020 at 00:10:26
The problem I have is this performance is similar to pathetic performances under different and successive Management. Who the hell is responsible for this? It's like some type of Everton institutionalization.

Kieran Kinsella
115 Posted 17/07/2020 at 00:16:26
Early on, Tom was positive but Bernard and Iwobi were abysmal. They sucked the life out of it. Silva had Richarlison's number. Gomes was anonymous. Calvert-Lewin had a few half-chances that Rashford or Kane would've taken advantage of. Defense was solid but not exactly troubled.
Derek Thomas
116 Posted 17/07/2020 at 00:23:11
Unlucky Villa show a lacklustre Everton why they're in the relegation places, with poor defending and a goal from a guy who hasn't scored all season caused by Gomes giving the ball away again.

Holgate back too soon, which is a sign of desperate / poor decision making.

Only 2 more games to go in this dogend of a season. Big clean out still needed... how many seasons is that now?

If I was Brands, I wouldn't be looking forward to my year-end review... but, as happens all to often, nothing changes... just like Everton.

Mike Price
117 Posted 17/07/2020 at 00:25:35
Ancelotti was the wrong appointment and will cost the ownership a fortune.

The people signing players and offering contracts are incompetent; there was no need to give Calvert-Lewin a massive, long-term contract 6 months ago, he was contracted for another few years anyway. We instantly turned a sub-standard but saleable asset into a massive liability. It's the Everton way, most of our players are liabilities.

I've never seen it worse; stupid ownership, incompetent or unsuitable management, and a pathetic playing squad with zero fight or character. They even look like they don't really like each other.

It's torture to watch us and we've got a vested interest; any casual watcher must absolutely hate everything about us.

Martin Berry
118 Posted 17/07/2020 at 00:48:40
We really are pitiful; a decent vet would put the team out of its misery along with the suffering fans.

It appears that, with the players at his disposal, Carlo has no more a clue how to fix it than Marco did.

I would think his squad would be turned away by The Repair Shop as bad for business the one that was just broken and beyond their considerable expertise..

I am fascinated as to the transfer window and what transpires... Also, I have my glue, usually used for Airfix at the ready.

Jay Harris
119 Posted 17/07/2020 at 00:51:39
We all seem to have a different take on what is wrong at Everton.

The players don't like each other.

Pickford is shit, Mina is shit, Iwobi is shit, Gomes is shit etc.

Ancelotti is past it, only here for a payday.

Do we really post this shit when the whole club has been in a different place than NSNO since Moyes's best years, when we had the chance to invest in better players and could have attracted them? But Billy boy would not let go of his trainset until he found another mug prepared to back him as Chairman.

That man is so like a Cardinal Richlieu, scheming in the background to get his own way and line his own pockets. If we can see it, what do you think the people inside the club see from day to day?

It is so divisive and I get the impression there are 2 or 3 cliques going around the club which undermines every manager, DOF or scout or whatever else you call them – and Moshiri is no better. He sees a player have a good game somewhere and then tells the DOF to get them (Saha?). Then we have Black Bill with Rooney (Man Utd must have laughed their cocks off to get him off their wage bill).

When we say something is rotten at Everton, this is the only logic. Why does manager after manager come, start well and then the whole thing turns to shit? We can blame the players but there has to be more to it than that.

Don Alexander
120 Posted 17/07/2020 at 01:04:39
The one constant "guiding" presence driving our ultra-dysfunctional performance for more than 20 years is Kenwright. Yes, Kenwright, the guy Moshiri most recently placed his faith in by, in his own words, further enhancing Kenwright's role.

When the heart and brain is dead, there's no hope at all for the body that is Everton FC.

Andrew Keatley
121 Posted 17/07/2020 at 01:21:54
Dominic Calvert-Lewin is playing in front of a slow, insipid midfield that do not make runs beyond him, or get close enough to really help him. He is clearly struggling at the moment, but not because he is not good enough but because the team personnel, attitude and tactics are leaving him (and Richarlison) exposed. He will come good in a balanced, energetic team that doesn't isolate him. I hope that team turns out to be Everton.
Kristian Boyce
122 Posted 17/07/2020 at 02:17:49
I was watching it in the States, and I’m not too sure if it’s the same commentator back home but he said something which really highlighted how bad we are. He made a comment about the poor performance and said he’d be surprised if many of the players out there would be at the club next season. That’s not something you hear very often from a supposed impartial onlooker.
Ernie Baywood
123 Posted 17/07/2020 at 03:31:12
Not really worth picking out individuals for criticism – so much of the squad is rotten that it's unfair to judge the rest.

I will reserve comment for Digne, who couldn't possibly be playing for us next season. The lad is fighting a losing battle as both our best defender and the only player trying to make things happen at the other end of the pitch.

They're sleepwalking to the end of the season and that tells me a lot about their character. It's the sort of character that will go missing when we really need them because we're in a fight (whether for good or bad reasons).

So that would be my transfer approach, in much the same way as it was Moyes's approach.

Get the right characters. Footballers with ability are ten a penny. We've even got some. But you need a few players in the team who will be brave, show pride, and try to make things happen even when it's all going against you or it seems like there's nothing to gain.

Bob Parrington
124 Posted 17/07/2020 at 03:37:59
I mentioned before in the lead-up thread that this result depended on which Everton turned up for the game. Truth is that NO Everton team turned up for the game.

Toothless bunch of crap players bar 2 or 3. The manager should have taken off Bernard at half time at the latest. His first touch was crap. Gordon was so much better. Branthwaite did really well IMO.

So frustrating, to say the least!

Kieran Kinsella
125 Posted 17/07/2020 at 04:16:53
Kristian,

Yes, it wasn't Jim Beglin, it was the other guy, but I only wish what he said was true.

Tom Dodds
126 Posted 17/07/2020 at 04:50:25
#119 & #120,

It really would take a Wizard to get rid of Gollum.

Or us fans...?

No deffo a Wizard.

There's no ‘Spirit of Kendall' in this club.

Steve Shave
127 Posted 17/07/2020 at 06:32:54
Ernie @123,

I agree, we will I think be looking for character and I wonder if this is why we are looking at Hojbjerg? Hassenhutl made him captain until he refused to sign a new deal.

We need leaders, players who will stand up and be counted, up for the fight with some mettle. Koopmeiners is another, captain of AZ Alkmaar at 22. I'd like to see two centre-midfielders come in like that.

People are moaning about Hojbjerg but I believe he is the best we can afford right now; Premier League experience is a major bonus. We won't be shopping for players like Allan in this window (queue Usmanov announcement this summer, why would he??).

Another decent (perhaps more of a box-to-boxer as well) centre-midfield addition and a hard working right-midfielder who can create and we would be a very different side. I don't personally believe Kenny has what it takes to improve us next season so I'd like to see a new right-back too to push Coleman.

I think we will have takers for Kean in Italy. I wish more than anything we could shift Sigurdsson and Tosun for fees this summer but I doubt it on the wages they are on.

I think a lovely wind-down stint at Inter Miami as their marquee overseas player would be a lovely fit for Sigurdsson! Brands needs buyers for our dross, not an enviable task. What a basket case of a club, we are the English Valencia without the recent upturn in fortunes.

Steve Shave
128 Posted 17/07/2020 at 06:37:56
On another note, I didn't watch the game as I'd had a terrible day at work and simply couldn't do it to myself.

Please can someone talk me through Branthwaite's performance: What sort of player is he? Does he play left side of a centre-back pairing? How does he look on the ball?

Darren Hind
129 Posted 17/07/2020 at 07:04:46
Paul T.

As you say, there will be other clubs prepared to take some of our deadwood off our hands, but nobody will pay the wages. We're stuck with them.

When the Yanks were taking over at Anfield, I laughed and cheered: "More American businessmen who know nothing about football."

One of the Yanks on here (I can't remember which one) came on and warned me about them. I'd known nothing about them and this prompted me to do a little research... I stopped laughing.

Have you noticed how Liverpool never seem to have any deadwood? How they always seem to get their man? Have you noticed how they don't pay over the top for their players? Have you noticed how they ALWAYS seem to get top dollar for people they are selling?

If you've noticed all above, you will also have noticed that Liverpool Football Club hold the world record for paying Agents' fees. Last season was the third year in a row they spent more than any other Premier League club.

These "know fuck all about footy" Yanks know more than enough. The first lesson to learn from them is right there.

If you're prepared to get in bed with the devil, you will get far more bang for your buck – so to speak.

Darren Hind
130 Posted 17/07/2020 at 07:17:08
Andy Crooks @88,

I've just seen your post there. You have pulled off the seemingly impossible this morning by making this grumpy arl bastard quite simply laugh out loud.

You've altered the landscape.

Peter Mills
131 Posted 17/07/2020 at 07:37:41
Steve #128, he's a big lad, possibly 6ft-4ins, broad shoulders. He seems confident in himself, attacks the ball, looks comfortable with the ball at his feet, but not in a John Stones way (a good thing!).

Left-footer, plays in the left centre-back position. He looks like he can handle himself.

Joe McMahon
132 Posted 17/07/2020 at 07:47:47
Darren H@ 129 agree with every word. Unfortunately Moshiri knows bog all about football. Some Americans tried a takeover with us then Bill from nowhere brought in The Mosh.
Derek Knox
133 Posted 17/07/2020 at 08:21:14
Steve @128, I can endorse what Peter Mills has posted, and would further add that, despite the lad's brief introduction to the Premier League, once settled, he looked far more accomplished than any of his much higher paid peers.

A ray of hope for the future, although it's early days, I really like the lad, and am fairly sure he will grow into a very accomplished centre-back.

Brian Williams
134 Posted 17/07/2020 at 08:42:57
JC@90.

No, it's "Thomas the tank engine".

I've got all the DVDs. 😂

John Kavanagh
135 Posted 17/07/2020 at 10:34:40
If we were a racing stables the vets would have been called out by now to carry out doping tests, as happened in the Bravefoot and Norwich St Leger scandal years ago. The horses ran listlessly without purpose and one had its tongue hanging out. They had been given various tranquilisers as part of a betting coup.

I looked at Sigurdsson, Gomes and Bernard going backwards again last night and recalled Pickford's tongue hanging out in the previous match and wondered just what are they feeding them at Finch Farm?

Richard Mason
136 Posted 17/07/2020 at 10:45:07
Rumour has it, Fenerbache looking at Tosun, but talks of them looking for a triple raid Tosun, Barnard and Sigurdsson. One can only dream.

Hopefully someone will take Bolasie for £3M and Sandro will stay at his current loaner club in Spain.

I can't see Iwobi being sold yet or Kean.

I thought Douglas Luiz looked good for Villa last night, loads of energy and bite. He could be our next Gana if the price is right

Fraser Auld
137 Posted 17/07/2020 at 11:00:02
Lots of chronic players but looking at some positives...

I thought Keane was our Man of the Match, he's been dominant in the box of late, made some good challenges and was talking constantly to young Branthwaite. Well done to him on his recent form.

Digne was very close for our Man of the Match, good in defence and after a wobbly start under the high ball competed well in the air. Going forward, he seemed like the only player with any drive. He's generally been good since the re-start as well.

Branthwaite looked very promising, a monster for an 18-year-old with composure on the ball.

Other than that, nobody got pass marks again!

Craig Walker
138 Posted 17/07/2020 at 12:04:14
It doesn't matter who is in charge, why do we all too often wait until we are a goal down before we start attacking? We see it time and time again.

You can see that the opposition are going to nick one. Different managers don't seem able to spot it though or change anything. When it happens, we then throw on some attackers and have a go. Usually, we have hard luck and still lose. Occasionally we nab a point.

Contrast this with the RS. They can be 2-0 down with 5 mins left and you still feel they're gonna get back into it or even win it.

There's a whole mentality that permeates our once great club. Players who are like rabbits-in-headlights. So many players down the years who can put in a performance every now and again but on the whole, aren't good enough.

Only during Martinez's first season did we recruit well. We had a good defence and midfield and a potential goal threat.

Until we have a proven goalscorer, some creativity, tenacity and speed in midfield and a solid defence we will always be a mid-table team at best. When our home form desserts us, we'll be relegation candidates.

Brian Wilkinson
139 Posted 17/07/2020 at 12:21:36
Gavin@113,

I cannot remember if it was just before lockdown or the restart that Carlo did an interview and said he was very impressed with Branthwaite's training with the first team and if he keeps it up will be hard not to give the guy a chance and then allowed Gibson to go out on loan in January.

I like Gibson a lot, rate the guy highly, but have a feeling we got to see yesterday what Carlo has seen in training in Branthwaite, a very very good player.

Time will tell but I would imagine Branthwaite will be higher up the selection, even when Gibson returns.

Who knows, both could be playing alongside each other in a couple of seasons. But, for now, I would say Branthwaite has the better opportunity with the likes of Gibson and Baningime not even getting close to a game, even before Gibson went out on loan.

Brian Murray
140 Posted 17/07/2020 at 13:07:42
Do any Evertonians think, hand on heart, we are a strong pacy midfield away from glory?

Hate to be the voice of doom but custodians of our club are either not remotely interested in us getting even near to compete or couldn't handle big players with big ambitions in this Sky modern football clique.

Carlo, trust me, has never experienced such opposition in a club from within.

Robert Williams
141 Posted 17/07/2020 at 13:34:51
JK 135. - That made me smile - good un!
Derek Taylor
142 Posted 17/07/2020 at 13:41:13
Branthwaite has the benefit of having some experience of playing League football against men (at Carlisle) rather than needing to get shipped out on loan which is usually a death trap. (Out of sight, out of mind – Gibson who ?)

It's always seemed ironic to me that having learned the game elsewhere and cost a transfer fee, you are always first in line for the first team break. It must cost a fortune to develop our own so why the recitence to try out the locals?

But well done to the big fella – I hope Carlo will keep the faith in him.

Jamie Crowley
143 Posted 17/07/2020 at 14:37:50
Darren @ 129 -

That warning came from me regarding NESV and EL Poo.

As soon as they bought them, I warned everyone on TW that they'd be successful and this wasn't another Gillette and Hicks.

How did I know?

They ended an 86-year drought with my beloved Red Sox, and run that organization beautifully. It's the single best run sports team in the world, period. There is no better run team on planet earth at this moment.

Sorry to say I nailed that one.

Jamie Crowley
144 Posted 17/07/2020 at 14:46:54
Darren another point regarding NESV.

They do many things well - and I'm not lauding them on these pages to rub salt into wounds, or be some douche, I'm mentioning this because I wish to God Everton did the same.

1. They RARELY overpay for players. They will buy 1-2 players and pay an enormous sum for them. The rest of the team fits into a salary model and also a team model where they have a specific role to fill, and they fill that role.

2. They create a team atmosphere. Any dissenting, bad influence is shipped out immediately. The buy good guys - don't know how else to say it. And if they are suspect, the rest of the team love them, so there's no locker room drama.

It's what I've been banging on about the last couple of weeks on TW. We need HUNGRY players that don't cost much, surrounded by 1-2 QUALITY players we'll need to pay a lot of money to. We need to stop buying the middle of the road dudes who cost £25 million. It's a wast of money. I'd prefer young, hungry players at £10 million surrounded by one or two studs who cost £75+ million.

We have the young hungry players – Gordon, Holgate, Richarlison, Calvert-Lewin, and now I'd throw in Branthwaite too. We have to stop recruiting the “maybe” men around them who basically give up and take the money. We need real, real quality surrounding these kids and we'll change our fortunes.

That's a Red-Sox-esque approach. And again, they know what they are doing and have really adopted this model for years to great success.

Darren Hind
145 Posted 17/07/2020 at 19:13:43
Yes Jamie,

I remembered it was you after I had pressed the submit button.

You'll take no pleasure in the fact that you were right I know, I just wish you were a little less right.

I don't think the bastards will be going away any time soon either.

Absolutely typical. The shite end up being run by this crew and we end up with the Iranian Viv Nicholson.

Colin Glassar
146 Posted 17/07/2020 at 19:51:50
I can’t wait to batter Leeds next season.
Joe McMahon
147 Posted 17/07/2020 at 20:14:15
Colin, congratulations/ Leeds United, a proper club! No fans flying in from all over Europe to get to the games.
Colin Glassar
148 Posted 17/07/2020 at 20:21:48
True, Joe, but back in the day, everyone hated Leeds and their fans!
Derek Taylor
149 Posted 17/07/2020 at 20:32:06
Virtually my first football memory is of Leeds and Brentford being relegated together from the old First Division – 1947? Now, they both look like doing the return journey.

Leeds, of course, have been up and down a number of times since then but I can't think of Brentford as anything other than a lower league club.

Joe McMahon
150 Posted 17/07/2020 at 20:33:08
I know Colin, different era now. Vile football fans are mainly associated with one club now, and we know who that is.
Jamie Crowley
151 Posted 17/07/2020 at 20:47:18
Colin and Joe for what it's worth, as a 14-year Yank newbie.

I think Leeds Utd is a "proper club". Their stereotype from all I gather over here is a one-city club, hard, hard core fans worthy of an ascent back to the top, and a seriously well run football club.

Their new owner, their DOF, and their nutty, lovable, odd, brilliant manager aren't hard to like from the outside looking in.

Americans are disgustingly bandwagon jumping, shallow fans. I can see a helluva lot of Leeds Utd jerseys and "supporters" springing up over here next season.

Colin Glassar
152 Posted 17/07/2020 at 20:55:42
As a “sentimentalist”, I'd rather have the likes of Leeds Utd and Nottm Forest in the top flight than Bournemouth or Brighton.
Simon Harrison
153 Posted 17/07/2020 at 22:28:44
Jamie [144]

I remember watching Moneyball (2011) about Brad Beane(?) and a 'Sabremetrics' guru, and how they turned around a very poor Oakland A's team (Baseball), into a majorly good baseball team by selling their 'name' players and buying players who'd fit a system.

I've often wondered just how we recruit,and how we scout and evaluate players? We just never seem to get it right? Kenwright?

I also remember watching the Christmas lectures last year; see this video and go to 28:05 thru 36:45

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_q4DrUHKC0Q

I again, anecdotally, believe that a similar system is used for player evaluation. Apologies that it is the Reds, but it points out what Jamie said.

Another article that highlights LFC's quest for excellence, when their Head of Medicine (Chief Doctor) announced his resignation; instead of just recruiting some old Joe with a good CV, or promoting from within, they looked at the best doctor in the Premier League, and made an offer he couldn't refuse. NB and a v good physio too, it would seem. They don't hire mediocrity!

https://talksport.com/football/675561/liverpool-physio-man-city-arsenal-doctor/

If we want to start competing with the Hateful 8 (Thank you, Martin Samuels), then this is how we need to start thinking going forwards.

Unfortunately, until Moshiri realises he needs to do a clean sweep of Goodison, and replicate Mansour at City; or he gets a troubleshooter in a'la Sir John Harvey-Jones, this club is not going forward, and will always be stuck looking back to 69-70 Kendall I and '95.

Let's be honest, over all these dismal years, players and managers of varying quality come and go, and the results are mainly the same. The SINGLE remaining constant is Blue Bill.

At the next AGM, there should be a 'Vote of no confidence' in his Chairmanship, same as for Denise Barrett-Baxendale and even Moshiri's own DoF, Alexander Ryazantsev.

They keep increasing their salaries, while the commercial, financial and playing fronts are all static or in decline!

By getting rid, is the only way to have belief when you say NSNO in the future.

Give Brands and Ancelotti patience and 2-3 years without interference from above. (Fuck off, Bill!)

Jamie Crowley
155 Posted 19/07/2020 at 14:38:55
Simon -

That Oakland A's GM is Billy Beane, he was played by Brad Pitt in the movie.

I'm with you all the way until the ‘no confidence' vote. I think Moshiri has tried – he's dumped £500 million into the Club. I also believe Brands hasn't done near as poor a job as many people would have you believe.

Be that as it may, our situation is unacceptable. ‘Moneyball' isn't quite what I'm advocating, but pretty damn close. We need to turn it around quickly.

Matthew Williams
156 Posted 20/07/2020 at 11:24:06
First the positives...both Keane and Digne have both played well coming back from lockdown and young Branthwaite looks the part at left centre-back.

As the negatives... far too many to list, sadly.

Woeful football... AGAIN!


Add Your Comments

In order to post a comment, you need to be logged in as a registered user of the site.

» Log in now

Or Sign up as a ToffeeWeb Member — it's free, takes just a few minutes and will allow you to post your comments on articles and Talking Points submissions across the site.


About these ads


, placement: 'Below Article Thumbnails', target_type: 'mix' });