Christophe Galtier – A Gallic Gamble Worth Taking?

Untried in the Premier League but with demonstrable success under his belt with Saint-Étienne and Lille, the 54-year-old with the piercing eyes has been described as France's hottest managerial property. In a field devoid of exciting candidates, might he be the outsider option to ignite Everton's revival?

Lyndon Lloyd 10/06/2021 112comments  |  Jump to last

In the autumn of 2017, around the time Everton were in the throes of the kind of chaos that has, sadly, become all too familiar, Lille OSC were descending into a crisis of their own as Marcelo Bielsa’s short-lived tenure at the French club came to an ignominious end. The Argentine coach had only been in the manager’s role at Stade Pierre-Mauroy for a few months before he was suspended and then ultimately sacked in December.

Lille were in the bottom three of Ligue 1, beset by financial problems and seemingly destined for relegation that season and while Everton turned, somewhat hastily by most accounts, to Sam Allardyce to plug the gap left by Ronald Koeman, Les Dogues hired Christophe Galtier from Saint-Étienne and, crucially, retained sporting director, Luis Campos.

Less than two years later, thanks to Campos’s masterful recruitment and transfer policy and Galtier’s managerial acumen, Lille finished second in the French league, qualifying for the Champions League in the process. Two years after that they would be crowned champions, breaking mega-rich Paris Saint-Germain’s stranglehold on the domestic scene to become only the second club outside Paris to win Ligue 1 in eight years.

It’s a rapidly-achieved feat that has vaulted Galtier into the consciousness of those European clubs currently on the look-out for a new manager, particularly after the 54-year-old signalled his intention to resign his post at Lille this spring, feeling as though his 3½-year stint as boss had come to a natural end with the capture of the title and the inevitable recycling to come of players out of the club this summer.

Article continues below video content


That revolving door of talent is the legacy of Campos who left his position as Lille’s director of football in December having helped build the foundations of Galtier’s success. The club’s cash crunch in 2017-18 had necessitated the sale of players like Yves Bissouma (now at Brighton and an increasingly coveted player in the Premier League), Ibrahim Amadou and Hamza Mendyl but Campos drafted in Rafael Leão, Jonathan Bamba and José Fonte for nothing and picked up Zeki Çelik and Jonathan Ikoné for a combined €7.5m.

Since then, Leão (€30m), Nicolas Pépé (€80m), Thiago Mendes (€22m) and Gabriel Magalhaes (€26m) have also all been sold on to be replaced by the likes of Renato Sanches, Timothy Weah and Benjamin Andre, players that Galtier moulded into a title-winning outfit despite losing some of his best players from the previous season.

As Unai Emery proved after leaving Seville where he won the Europa League three times alongside Monchi, struggling at Arsenal but then finding success again at Villarreal, sometimes a manager struggles to shine in the shadow of a master sporting director. But Campos has been quick to sing the praises of his former partner, speaking in glowing terms to Sky Sports News this week in the context of potential interest in Galtier from Everton as Farhad Moshiri and Marcel Brands seek to fill the void left by Carlo Ancelotti’s sudden departure for Real Madrid:

"Christophe has all the qualities to coach in England. Technically he is very astute and is extremely detailed in his planning when preparing a team.

"He likes a 4-4-2 system, which would fit with the Premier League and he is a fantastic motivator in the dressing room.

"He likes to build a side with quality and youth, he is someone that can develop a team ethic, and he is also a fantastic human being."

Just how much interest there has been from Everton in Galtier isn’t very clear and there is the small matter of a verbal agreement the Frenchman is believed to have made with Nice after declaring his intention to step down from his post at Lille. At least one observer in France, Alexis Bernard, believes that he will honour that arrangement but Galtier has spoken of interest from Napoli in the interim and while nothing is signed, the door remains ajar for the Blues to try and tempt him to Goodison Park.

“I think that I have proved everywhere I have been that I give 200% of myself.”

Christophe Galtier

But given Galtier’s achievements in France, first at Saint-Étienne and now Lille, and particularly in the latter case working hand-in-hand with a dedicated director of football, there is plenty to admire about him as a potential candidate for the Everton “hot seat”. And after a season of mystifyingly little direction on the pitch under Ancelotti, a coach with a set system, ability to balance defensive solidity with attacking output, and the powers to motivate players that Galtier appears to have, the more you read about him, the more you hope that he is genuinely being considered.

A former Lille player who began his career at Marseille and also had spells at Toulouse, Angers, Nîmes and Monza, Galtier went into management a decade after hanging up his boots at the conclusion of a season spent in China with Liaoning. He was hired by struggling Saint-Étienne in 2009 charged with keeping the club in France’s top flight, a task he managed that season. Within four years he had won ASSE’s first trophy in more than three decades and, in very Moyesian fashion, he would guide them to seven consecutive top-half finishes over the remainder of his tenure before LOSC came calling.

Three full seasons on, Galtier has been described by Adam White for Get French Football News as “France’s most sought-after coach” who “has found a solution to every problem [at Lille]” to deliver “an amazing achievement” in 2020-21. White puts LOSC’s title upset down to the “miracle of Galtier’s coaching. Lille are often impenetrable – 22 goals against is comfortably the lowest in the division – but they can score from all areas.” Away from home, at least, Everton under Ancelotti had half of that equation down; imagine if someone like Galtier could complete it!

Favouring a 4-2-3-1 formation in his first 18 months in charge at Lille, Galtier adopted more of a 4-4-2 setup this season which was, as Edward Stratmann writes on the Wyscout blog, based on supreme organisation at the back with an emphasis on remaining “compact horizontally and vertically to stifle opponents … Typically defending in a base 4-4-2 shape that can often resemble a 4-2-2-2, they’ve been a well-oiled machine when pressing and sitting deeper in a compact mid or deep block.

“So comfortable in their mid-block, Lille control dangerous central areas effectively, with their spacing and frequent adjustments allowing them to block pass lanes and minimise space between their lines … Being so content and secure without the ball, there’s no issue for Les Dogues not having the ball, for they can quickly spring into life on the counter-attack from their closely connected defensive shape.”

With the ball, as Andres Ramirez writes at MSN, “Lille move to a 3-6-1 to create passing triangles across all three banks of their players. They like to build out from the back, with the two centre-backs … starting wide and deep while the wingbacks push up to pin the opposition wingers back and look for long switches of play.

“More often than not, however, Lille move the ball forward methodically and rely on heavy wing play in order to create attacking chances … Offensively, they’re a very vertical side that doesn’t rely as much on counterattacks as they do transitions.”

Based on those assessments, there is plenty about Galtier’s approach that mirrors what was supposed to be happening from a tactical standpoint at Everton under Marco Silva and Ancelotti but which didn’t ever coalesce into a well-rounded whole. Both managers liked to play out from the back but struggled to break teams down so if Brands can solve some deep-seated problems around pace and creativity in the side, there is scope for a manager of Galtier’s skill-set to slot right in.

Galtier’s achievements to date are impressive and, unlike Roberto Martinez in 2013, Silva in 2018 and Ancelotti in 2019, they are representative of a man whose career is on an upward trajectory, something Everton haven’t really had since Ronald Koeman was appointed five years ago. The Marseille-born coach says of himself that, “I think that I have proved everywhere I have been that I give 200% of myself,” and that kind of hunger and drive, illustrated by the videos of his guttural delight at winning the French league, are also qualities that will be like music to Evertonian ears.

Despite toppling a Champions League semi-finalist in PSG, though, as a coach untried outside of what is widely regarded to be among the weakest of Europe’s big five leagues, Galtier would represent a certain degree of risk for Everton. That lack of elite-level pedigree from a country not renowned for producing managerial greats would require a leap of faith to an extent that Moshiri and Brands might find uncomfortable at this stage of their “project”, with the need for tangible progress all the more acute.

And yet even though he lacks genuine Premier League experience (he had a brief spell as Alain Perrin's assistant at Portsmouth many moons ago), he is eminently more qualified than Silva or even Moyes were and arguably more so than Martinez at the time. When stacked up against the other candidates currently being linked with the club’s vacancy — “exciting” names like Benitez, Howe, Espirito Santo and Moyes — he at least offers something different; something new.

It seems more and more like every appointment is a roll of the dice and with the Blues needing a sense of identity, a steel-eyed motivator and, perhaps, a coach rather than a manager more than anything right now, someone like a Galtier or Erik Ten Hag — managers with relative youth on their side, a visible ethos and hunger to succeed — feels a good deal more attractive than the tired old options looking to revive a flagging career currently being wheeled out by the UK media and betting firms.

Ultimately, the biggest risk in appointing someone without established Premier League credentials and with Galtier’s specific skillset and preferred way of playing might lie in a failure to bring in the right kinds of players but recruitment will be crucual whichever coach Everton appoint. Having worked with Campos to bring through younger, up-and-coming talent, a model which many fans feel Everton should strongly adopt again after the departure towards older talent under Ancelotti, Galtier has the look of someone who could mesh nicely with Brands’s modus operandi and overall vision for the club’s future.

Follow @EFCLyndon
Share article:

Reader Comments (112)

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


Andrew Brookfield
1 Posted 10/06/2021 at 07:12:32
Brilliant article Lyndon, he gets my vote! Sounds much more exciting than Nuno or the Fat Waiter
Robert Tressell
2 Posted 10/06/2021 at 07:23:45
The key thing at Lille seems to be the combination of Galtier and the high quality DoF led recruitment of generally exciting up and coming players.

Quite what he'd make of our squad I'm not sure. But it sounds like he'd let Brands sort it out without interfering. That's a big plus for me.

Lyndon Lloyd
3 Posted 10/06/2021 at 07:28:36
Thanks, Andrew. Honestly, you can make a decent case for a lot of (relatively) unknown managers. For instance, I was sold on Frank de Boer and he’s been a disaster at club level since leaving Ajax, and in spelling out what Marco Silva might bring to EFC, there were a number of responses similar to yours.

In Galtier’s case, though, it’s hard to come up with a negative other than he has no real Premier League experience (which is potentially huge but didn’t stop the likes of Pochettino or Wenger) and that France’s track record for top coaches isn’t great (which is no reason to discount anyone, in my opinion). He’s done well at both clubs he’s managed, won trophies and succeeded despite significant disruption to his squad from year to year.

Nice want him, Napoli were interested so worth a look, I would say.

Colin Glassar
4 Posted 10/06/2021 at 07:32:54
To be perfectly honest, I’d never heard of the guy until a few days ago. None of the linked candidates excite me whatsoever, even though I find Potter slightly intriguing. But this guy sounds like the real deal.

Yesterday I stated that most french managers ie Le Guen, Perrin, Garde, Puel etc….had flopped in the premier league (apart from Wenger who’s a bit German) and it’s a big risk and I got a bit of flak for it. But perhaps this guy can break the mould. We’ll probably get Benitez now.

Andrew Ellams
5 Posted 10/06/2021 at 07:51:50
This guy has a history of taking clubs sliding backwards and pulling them forwards with the help of excellent recruitment of good young players. Even making a few quid from some of them via their resale value (to keep people who love a bit of that happy).

He sounds exactly the guy that Moshiri should of brought in 5 years ago.

Trevor Peers
6 Posted 10/06/2021 at 08:26:59
There's definitely a power struggle going on in the Everton boardroom, Galtier sounds like Brands’s choice, Moshiri wants Nuno or Potter, while deluded Kenwright is still persuing David Moyes.

Lyndon has done a good job of selling the Frenchman but as Colin pointed out, quite rightly, most French managers have flopped in the Premier League.

If these are the genuine contenters for the manager's job it will interesting to see who wins out. If it is Galtier, it will be Brands’s last chance to justify his large salary as an effective DOF, because he's record so far has been pretty poor, despite being so successful in Europe.

Danny Broderick
7 Posted 10/06/2021 at 08:45:02
Can the guy speak decent English? This would be the crux of it for me. If he can, he could potentially succeed here like Wenger and Houllier did. If he can’t, forget it, he’d be another Puel, Perrin, Remi Garde etc.

The guy’s record speaks for itself. I like the energy that Lille play with, and their record in terms of buying and selling is really good. We could definitely use some of that at Everton. He clearly meets a lot of our criteria. But so does Ten Hag of Ajax.

It seems we are looking at coaches who can work with a DOF. My hunch is that Ten Hag is the more likely candidate, simply because of the Dutch link, and linguistically we know he can fit in straightaway - Galtier would be more of a gamble in this respect. I guess we’ll see!

Colin Glassar
8 Posted 10/06/2021 at 08:50:25
Trevor, definitely a power struggle. If Moshiri is the owner why doesn’t he just tell kenshite to piss off with his Moyes/Martinez obsession?

If I was Moshiri I’d listen to Brands, or sack him. Moshiri is clueless so I think he’ll go for the worst option which, in my mind, would be Nuno. I just think this guy lacks any fire in his belly and is a yes man.

Robert Tressell
9 Posted 10/06/2021 at 08:56:30
Danny # 7. Agree with all of that - including the dutch link. It occurs to me that Cocu and Van Bronckhorst are both available right now having previously been touted for big things. Obviously Cocu was a flop at Derby but stranger things have happened. I think he and Brands had a successful partnership at PSV unless I've got my dates wrong.
Anthony Murphy
10 Posted 10/06/2021 at 09:04:35
I don't think his grasp of the language is a major issue (see Bielsa) or the record of other French managers in the Premier League. I just think Moshiri will be quite risk averse while the stadium needs funding. I'd be happy to see this guy given a shot but those making the decision will probably err on the side of caution and go for a known quantity.
Mal van Schaick
11 Posted 10/06/2021 at 09:27:05
His CV looks impressive, but how many managers with a class CV have come to Everton and either failed or recently bailed out? Koeman and Ancellotti have even moved on to manage their former clubs.

Given our recent run of managers, I don’t anything is guaranteed great CV or not!

Moshiri must be frustrated, as he has passion for Everton, invested heavily, and unfortunately success hasn’t come to fruition, another example of nothing being guaranteed on or off the pitch.

Interesting times ahead, let’s hope this time we get the right man and challenge for the top four.

Ray Jacques
12 Posted 10/06/2021 at 09:48:10
He will be fine until the players decide they don't like his methods and down tools like they have done with the previous occupants.

Until the dross of 2017, 2018 & 2019 that we bought en masse and gave massive contracts to are gone we will continue to stumble along.

Andy Peck
13 Posted 10/06/2021 at 09:56:03
Listening to one of the many podcasts reflecting on the post Ancellotti discussion, someone claiming to be close to Bill Kenwright argued that he had never advocated for Moyes to return, not now, nor pre-Carlo.

It seems there's a received wisdom that's being repeated about who thinks what, when in reality we are all just guessing. Unless someone goes on the record, it's all speculation.

Mark Dunford
14 Posted 10/06/2021 at 10:18:37
Agree that Galtier is the most intriguing name on what we should assume is a leaked short list. Potter and Nuno are both interesting candidates with different offers and attributes. I don't believe in going back - Kendall two and three didn't work, so no (but thanks for interest) to Moyes and Martinez. Benitez will struggle to win over the fans and - if/when things go wrong - he'll quickly find himself in deep trouble. Comparable to Allardyce but not the same though I'd still pass. Above all we need someone who can see us through the next few years and lead the team out in new stadium.
James Lauwervine
15 Posted 10/06/2021 at 10:34:39
Really great article Lyndon. I confess I didn't know a lot about him. I've been advocating Potter but would be very happy with this guy.
Brian Harrison
16 Posted 10/06/2021 at 10:44:54
Mal 11

I cant agree that Moshiri has appointed anyone with a decent CV except Ancelotti. Koeman had done nothing as a manager before we signed him, Silva had taken Watford down, and Allardyce prior to this season was famous for helping sides avoid relegation. Then added to that although he didnt apoint Martinez another manager who had taken a side down prior to us appointing him.

Where at least Galtier has shown on the 2 clubs he has managed both in relegation trouble when he took over both survived. But more importantly St Etienne went on to qualify for Europe for the next 4 years, and likewise with Lille in deep relegation trouble when he took over but survived by 1 point. Then in the next couple of years finished 2nd to PSG and this year managed to beat them to the title. So he has demonstrated he can take teams who are in trouble and within a year has them challenging for Europe and winning titles. Tell me any other of the likely candidates have done that, certainly not Potter or Nuno and surely the other names are just not worth considering. So Farhad sign him up before Nice do or we will regret it.

Jerome Shields
17 Posted 10/06/2021 at 11:03:59
Of all this manager stood out as a candidate. I don't think of him as a gamble and the odds are very much on the other foot for him if he joined Everton.

He has a management team and getting them into the management structure would be a stumbling block. He would increase the risk for himself further accepting what is there.

Marcelo Daniel Gallardo, River Plate, is not even mentioned now. He in my opinion is less of a gamble, as you put it, than Galtier, but there is still the stumbling block of his management team, which has been with him since Nacional.

Nuno had the same stumbling-block problem, it was reported.

Trivia: Funny River Plates nickname is the Millonarios and Everton are playing the Millonarios Club from Colombia in the Florida Cup next month.

Ian Burns
18 Posted 10/06/2021 at 11:14:40
Lyndon, I sent your article to a colleague of mine who is a PSG supporter. On another thread I wrote the following:

"I work with five other consultants who are based worldwide, although my own role is much smaller now long into retirement. However, one of my colleagues is from Munich and obviously supports Bayern and another is from Paris and supports PSG. You can imagine the stick I take!
However, the point of my post is that when Poch was appointed to the manager's role at PSG, my Paris colleague was screaming that PSG should have paid whatever they had to pay to get Galtier - and that was BEFORE he won the title with Lille. He said this morning that he prayed Galtier came to the UK as he feels either Lille or Nice will be a major problem for PSG next season if he remains in France!"

My colleague agrees your article is right on the money and believes Galtier would be the ideal foil for Brands having had the same experience with Campos.

Whether Galtier would come is another matter but if Moshiri had the opportunity, he should go for it big time.

Danny Broderick
19 Posted 10/06/2021 at 11:17:23
Robert (9),

You are right about Cocu having success with PSV with Brands - they won the Eredivisie. If he had done better with Derby he would have been a contender here, but with the way it worked out for him at Derby, I reckon he is a long shot. But Brands does know him well and what he can do, so if he is any good I’m sure he’ll be considered.

The bookies have got Nuno and Rafa as favourites. I just can’t see either of them, especially Rafa - always at loggerheads with the boardroom! The last thing we need is more arguing and drama! I can see a coach like Galtier or Ten Hag all day long…

Tony Abrahams
20 Posted 10/06/2021 at 11:18:52
I have never had a particular person in my mind to manage Everton, since Ancelotti left, although I did lean towards Lampard, once I’d heard the news.

I think Everton need someone ruthless, so Benitez fits that bill for me, although it would again really contradict the job Marcel Brands is supposed to do, and his football has also never ever been that easy on the eye.

So I’m going for this fella, if it is at all possible, although I’m not sure if Everton have even spoken to him?

Robert Tressell
21 Posted 10/06/2021 at 11:28:35
Danny - Neil Warnock would probably do a cracking job at Derby, but he'd be hopeless at Everton. Who knows, maybe Pep would be hopeless with low quality players at Derby. So maybe Cocu was in the wrong place for that one - he was talked of as a future Barca manager until fairly recently. Like I say, stranger things have happened.
Daniel A Johnson
22 Posted 10/06/2021 at 11:36:58
A key part of modern football is communication with the players.

So how is this guys English?

Unai Emery’s main Arsenal downfall was problems communicating in training and with the press.

Then again Bielsa has an interpreter but everyone loves him.

Andrew Ellams
23 Posted 10/06/2021 at 11:43:20
Ian @ 18, my concern with your post there is if PSG decide to change coaches in year's time would Galtier then become of interest to them and would he be able to resist the call if they did?
Kevin Turner
24 Posted 10/06/2021 at 11:47:55
Danny (#7) Language isn't that much a problem imo - look at Bielsa at Leeds, he can speak a little English but relies on his native tongue and uses an interpreter to get his messages across and give media interviews. More important is whoever gets the job that they have a system and style of play which is clear to players and supporters, something sadly lacking in Ancelotti.
Ian Burns
25 Posted 10/06/2021 at 12:07:36
Andrew - 23 - that's a good point. If he came and was a success here at EFC, I am sure you're right, PSG would come a hunting and Galtier, I have no doubt, would not be able to resist such an opportunity.
Ajay Gopal
26 Posted 10/06/2021 at 12:16:20
Thanks for the summary of Galtier, LL. I had my 3 (achievable) manager targets as Nuno, Potter and Galtier in that order. Reading this article is making me reverse that order. Any managerial appointment is a risk, but if the new guy comes with a good attitude, I think that is half the battle won. The right attitude is something that Martinez and Silva had - eager to succeed at the club, ready to work hard, understand the club’s culture,, etc. You can make out that during the job interview. The other half of the equation is unpredictable because of so many parameters out of the manager’s control like the players made available to him, luck with injuries and some key moments going your way, etc. To that extent Galtier would be decent choice, I would be happy with that.
Sam Hoare
27 Posted 10/06/2021 at 12:17:55
Galtier was also very impressive at St. Etienne, and it could be that his success there is more relevant to Everton.

At St. Etienne he took a fairly mediocre team that had finished in the bottom half for 7 of the previous 10 seasons and then he helped them finish in the top 7 for 5 seasons on the trot. He also won their first trophy in 32 years.

if he could do a similar job at Everton I think most would be pretty happy.

Paul Joyce (who is usually in the know) said today that our list was Benitez, Santo, Moyes, Martinez, Potter and Galtier. Not an inspiring bunch. For me the last two represent the bravest and most exciting options. Both play good football and have built good teams in recent years.

Mal van Schaick
28 Posted 10/06/2021 at 12:28:51
Brian #16. Point taken. We have gambled with managers like Silva and Martinez, and failed.

If this guy is the real deal, and he can bring his French experience and success to Everton we will all be happy.

David Smith
29 Posted 10/06/2021 at 12:32:07
For those of you who understand a bit of French, here is a 17min "24hrs in the life" of Galtier at Lille from just 4 months ago.
And for all of you wondering if he speaks English, go straight to the 4th minute in.
Link

He comes across as humourous, passionate, and really good at the job. Lots of backroom staff with him from various nationalities and worked really well with his Sporting Director Luis Campos.

Looks to me like exactly the guy we need.

Gerard McKean
30 Posted 10/06/2021 at 13:08:00
For what it's worth I'm leaning towards Graham Potter, and if he can bring his son, Harry, with him to provide the magic then even better. But now that I've read Lyndon's well researched and reasoned argument I would be very open to Galtier.


At the time Koeman was appointed like Lyndon I was more inclined towards de Boer. I recall posting in to TW the view of a Dutch friend who said that the difference between these two was that Koeman would try to buy immediate success while de Boer would take a longer term view by concentrating on player development. However, she also added that if we really want a Dutch manager we should go for Cocu who was a nice combination of both approaches and is in Holland the most respected coach of the three. The Derby County experience is irrelevant; Cocu is still worth talking to.

David Smith
31 Posted 10/06/2021 at 13:10:26
Another little YouTube clip : they loved him at Saint Etienne.
(He's also pretty awesome at freekicks.)

Link

Sam Hoare
32 Posted 10/06/2021 at 13:15:20
Thanks David. Now I’ve watched those clips Galtier might be popping Potter to the top of my list!
David Smith
33 Posted 10/06/2021 at 13:20:05
You want passion back at EFC ?

Watch this guy : Link

Barry Hesketh
34 Posted 10/06/2021 at 13:26:34
David @33 or is it Davide?
Couldn't watch the latest link you put up, but from the others, you linked, Galtier does seem to have passion and a personality, but ultimately can he manage Everton, which is no easy task for anyone. I hope we try to get somebody that hasn't stunk out the Premier League in the past and although Galtier was an assistant at Portsmouth that was during a particularly difficult time for Pompey and shouldn't be held against him.
David Smith
35 Posted 10/06/2021 at 13:31:26
Here is the last link again (from @33) in case there was a problem with it :

Link

It was after the victory against Bordeaux in 2019 which qualified Lille for the Champions League.

Nicholas Ryan
36 Posted 10/06/2021 at 13:59:30
He gets my vote! Danny [7] 'Does he speak English - no, but neither does Duncan Ferguson!!
Darren Hind
37 Posted 10/06/2021 at 14:51:53
Persuasive case Lyndon.


Derek Knox
38 Posted 10/06/2021 at 15:32:15
Lyndon, I can only echo what most posters have said already in that I knew very little, (tres petit) about Galtier, but the more I have read, and his methods and success rate, and your excellent article has definitely swung me in his favour. Now whether that is the same in that Boardroom is anyone's guess.

Why Mosh doesn't grow a pair and boot Teary Bill right where he could into real estate, and give him two achers to start with, is beyond me. What is that old saying about Organ Grinders and Monkeys? If we can't get Galtier, or he chooses to honour his Gentleman's Agreement with Nice, Potter or Conte definitely fit the bill (not teary bill!)

I just wish they would come to the right conclusion sooner or later!

Francis van Lierop
39 Posted 10/06/2021 at 15:34:16
He would certainly have my backing.
Colette Black
40 Posted 10/06/2021 at 15:34:45
I am totally onboard. Why worry about losing him to PSG (or another club) if he is a success? That would mean that we enjoyed the benefit of his success before he went - and this club desperately needs success.

He strikes me as extremely charismatic, whether his English is good or not. He has a record of turning things around at faltering clubs and winning. His teams play entertaining football. Now he is perfectly poised to take on a role at a bigger club and test himself in the premier league. I am surprised that so few Evertonians are enamoured with him. Imagine he was your manager. What wouldn't you want to do for him?

Robert Williams
41 Posted 10/06/2021 at 15:52:24
Thanks for a very revealing article Lyndon. Like others on here I had no previous knowledge of Galtier - but you certainly make hime sound a good bet for the Everton hot seat.
The fact that I dislike all the other candidates leaves me with little to offer, as I am of the opinion that we need new young blood in the team, led by someone with fire in their belly and ambition.
The photo at the head of this thread shows a shrewd looking fellow that knows what he want to achieve. Unlike past the images of a 'satisfied - often bemused - and sometimes shrugging' Ancelloti - who preferred to fall back onto passed-it old acquaintances with little only their reputations to offer.
So up to now I a leaning towards this French guy but I would like to hear Steve (what's his name) - sorry, Ferns take on the chap as last I heard he was championing some South American fellow for the job.
Danny O’Neill
42 Posted 10/06/2021 at 16:01:51
As I've said elsewhere, having initially tried to avoid getting dragged in I do have my probably unrealistic preferences.

Don't know enough about this one and I don't really follow French football but this article makes a good case. Also, my son, who has a broader outlook on football than me got pretty excited by this link, so I'm in if there's anything in it.

Terry White
43 Posted 10/06/2021 at 16:04:44
Thank you, Andy (#13) for bringing some reality to the discussion. We don't know what is being said in the Board Room. We are not there. Although there are many TWers who seem to think that they actually are and try to impose their speculation and bias on others.
Brendan McLaughlin
44 Posted 10/06/2021 at 16:07:07
Oddschecker list the odds for the next Everton manager from seven bookmaker sites. Eddie Howe is now favourite with three of them and joint favourite with a fourth.
Gerard McKean
45 Posted 10/06/2021 at 16:19:58
A football site devoid of speculation? Any more suggestions for taking the fun out of life, Terry 44?
Steve Powell
46 Posted 10/06/2021 at 16:36:36
I’m a bit confused about our direction. What do we want Brands to do?
If we want to follow the DoF model, I would suggest that we need a coach who can/will work with the DoF and develop the team that fits with the agreed football ethos that they want to follow.
Our previous managers have all wanted total control over the direction and recruitment leaving Brands as a glorified negotiator.
He has done his best to get rid of the dross he inherited so I say we should now let him follow his direction with a coach he chooses and trusts.
It looks to me like Galtier or Cocu or maybe Potter fits that bill.
Otherwise what is Macel there for?
Mike Gaynes
47 Posted 10/06/2021 at 16:58:13
Lyndon, this is a terrific and persuasive article. A well-assembled deep dive.

Ian #18 and David #29, great informative posts. Cheers to you both for the extra effort.

It's easy to forget sometimes that TW isn't just about opinions and debate, it's also about information -- delivered by smart, informed observers. This thread is a primo example of that.

OK, I'm in too. One more vote for Galtier. Those eyebrows alone are worth the gamble.

Mike Gaynes
48 Posted 10/06/2021 at 17:16:05
Just as an aside, I looked up Galtier's playing career, and he obviously doesn't lack for guts.

A diminutive 5'9" central defender who nonetheless carved out a 400-game career -- scoring exactly one goal in his life.

And he went to play professionally in China long before it was fashionable or lucrative -- not to one of the big Western-friendly cities like Shanghai or Beijing, but to Shenyang, a provincial city up near the North Korean border that was pretty much a hellhole 25 years ago, and probably didn't have another French speaker in the whole place.

Big bollocks, this guy.

Jerome Shields
49 Posted 10/06/2021 at 17:24:31
Steve #47

Brands appears to have become a hands off Director of Football. Maybe he is taking over Kenwrights role on Transfers, with the Manager doing lists and selection. If the Manager wants to give him more of a role, because he has worked with a Director of Football fine.

Dale Self
50 Posted 10/06/2021 at 18:20:32
At this point I think it is risk aversion that had me comfortable with Nuno. I just wish that Ligue 1 wasn't so crap then I could entirely get with this guy. His arrangement with Campos and their successful relationship from a backs against the wall scenario is a big plus.

We have a specific roster problem that this manager has not faced. That and the possible underestimation of Premier league sides could frustrate him early in his tenure. All considered with Nuno stalling, I'd make the offer unless Conte claimed he could get near-Inter results with our mess of veterans. (disclaimer: yes, I did dismiss Conte early for being a hot-head but if he doesn't grate Brands he could be the firebrand the club need-at admittedly high risk but we're kind of in fuckville already).

Soren Moyer
51 Posted 10/06/2021 at 18:34:25
And analysis of his Fluid Tactical Masterclass on youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8uYeBHbA0dk
Brendan McLaughlin
52 Posted 10/06/2021 at 18:39:40
Jerome#50
"Brands appears to have become a hands off Director of Football."
Where is that coming from?
Ken Kneale
53 Posted 10/06/2021 at 18:46:27
Lyndon Thanks for another informative narrative on an issue of great importance to the club and all of us who support. Like many I was unsighted on this chap - I am now sold on him, helped by indifference in part to the majority of others on the list and outright dislike to a small number of them

Big question is - how do we collectively influence the decision makers - little in the last 30 years seems to have worked.

Will Mabon
54 Posted 10/06/2021 at 18:48:18
Links are playing up again...
Colin Glassar
55 Posted 10/06/2021 at 18:56:01
Now we are linked with Fethi Arbuckle. You can’t make this shit up.
Alan Johnson
56 Posted 10/06/2021 at 18:56:20
Lyndon you've nailed it for me. Let's bring him home to Goodison. After watching the links pretty sure the fans would like his commitment.
Neil Copeland
57 Posted 10/06/2021 at 19:00:10
Christophe fantastique,
Christophe magnifique,
Allez allez Galtier!
Mike Gaynes
58 Posted 10/06/2021 at 19:07:29
Dale #51, we have a specific roster problem that Galtier has faced -- lack of speed. The two times I saw Lille this season, both against PSG, they registered shutouts despite being clearly the slower-paced side. They did it by being highly organized and aggressive. And from what I've read, they won the league that way. Slow, but effective.
Tom Bowers
59 Posted 10/06/2021 at 19:11:11
Everything is a gamble, a manager, an investor, new players and coaching staff.
Nothing is guaranteed in any sport these days and teams with no-name managers and no-name players can surprise everyone. We all know what Leicester did.

Sometimes the right man with the right players and system can do well and others just fall by the wayside.

Early last season we all thought Everton were on the right track but they just couldn't rise to the next level and then the quitter Ancellotti left them in the lurch.

Success with other clubs doesn't mean it will happen elsewhere. Just look at Eden Hazard at Real Madrid.

Dale Self
60 Posted 10/06/2021 at 19:14:20
I'm feeing better about him Mike. And good that I catch you in real time for a change btw. I was referring to the aged roster but yes the lack of speed was where that matters. The only concern I have is buy-in and he seems the charismatic type that could get the message right in the locker room. This team may feel a little liberated after the low-block life they've lead.
Bill Hawker
61 Posted 10/06/2021 at 19:15:27
Lyndon, you'd make one heck of an agent. After reading this, I'll be extremely disappointed if he doesn't come to Everton. Great write up !!!
Dan Nulty
62 Posted 10/06/2021 at 19:16:10
He is a much more exciting prospect than anyone else we have been linked with for me. He will get my full support, I just hope he is far more Wenger like than Puel or Garde.

I'm pretty sure Moshiri is putting his faith in Brands and Brands must feel that given his new positions announced today. Bides well that Kenwright is not going to get his way regards Moyes or Martinez.

Nick Page
63 Posted 10/06/2021 at 19:25:10
Sounds like a perfect fit for Everton. Therefore definitely won’t happen. Given we’re the worst run club in the league - on the footballing/marketing side …. we excel at charity work - we’ll be the last ones to get a new manager in and that will leave us with no time at all to bring in new players. Add to that a few higher profile names agitating for a move, we’ll be down to the bare bones once again whilst all around us move forward. Chuck in a panic buy n deadline and hope we don’t get relegated.

Absolute basket case and the mis-management is going to catch up with us.

Brian Harrison
64 Posted 10/06/2021 at 19:25:53
Some good news just seen Vinny O'Connor from SSN outside Finch Farm, and he said that despite the speculation he is hearing that its extremely unlikely Everton will appoint Benitez.
Bill Gall
65 Posted 10/06/2021 at 19:27:25
The choice of a new manager seems to involve who he brings in as his backroom staff, and as as many of these foreign managers named will want to do the same it may mean some of the nostalgic coaches and staff at F.F. may loose their positions. I do not now how many staff Ancelotti took with him but this hiring may mean D.Ferguson may loose his position and not be hired, along with others.
With B.K. being the sentimentalist I doubt if he will back anyone who ruins his way of running the club, but Galtier seems to be the rite type of manager who wouldn't be bothered in upsetting history, to bring Everton into the modern century.
Colin Glassar
66 Posted 10/06/2021 at 19:41:35
A few weeks ago the choice appeared to be between Nuno, ginge, Dyche, Howe and Harry Potter’s son. Now far more attractive options are appearing the latest being Rudi Garcia. Don’t lose hope guys, unless billy gets his way.
Danny O’Neill
67 Posted 10/06/2021 at 19:48:31
So maybe the announcement of Brands' seeming promotion could mean the end of that Bill? He's being elevated to override Blue Bill and make the decisions??

Whoever we bring in has to be allowed to choose his own staff. And yes, that could mean Duncan and Co leaving.

Nothing wrong with that.Howard Kendall left as did Joe Royle. They went elsewhere to gain experience before coming back.

If Duncan and Unsworth have genuine ambition, they should go and test themselves, not sit in the comfort zone of the U23s and the managerial equivalent of being on the bench at Everton.

Rob Halligan
68 Posted 10/06/2021 at 19:49:34
Colin, what happened to some fella called Steve Cooper from Swansea, has he fallen off the radar completely now? 😁😁😁
Dale Self
69 Posted 10/06/2021 at 19:50:11
I would not immediately dismiss Garcia but he did have some misunderstanding with the DoF's acquisitions when Lyon made that run. If that could be satisfactorily explained I would interview him.

Oh yeah, and bring Aouar with him to the interview. I'd take him whether Rudi works out or not.

Rob Halligan
70 Posted 10/06/2021 at 19:54:40
Dale, what kind of questions would you think of asking him?
Mike Gaynes
71 Posted 10/06/2021 at 19:55:11
Rob #69, you should ask him directly. I believe he posts here. Under a pseudonym.
Colin Glassar
72 Posted 10/06/2021 at 19:56:43
Good shout, Rob. I remember him and one bright spark who nominated the former Sheffield manager, Wilder. Some mother’s do ave ‘em.
Soren Moyer
73 Posted 10/06/2021 at 19:57:29
You can't help but laugh reading the names we're being linked with today, i. e. Fati Terim, Mark Hughes, Pellegrini (how old is he lol?), Rudi Garcia, etc..!
Paul Birmingham
74 Posted 10/06/2021 at 19:59:42
For me I hope it’s Rangnick, or Galtier.

But who knows.

As with all matters Everton, it’s the hope that kills you, but surely this time around the Everton board will get the right manager.

Doldrums, no mans land but Everton are drifting into further oblivion if this time doesn’t work.

We don’t want to become the QPR of the North, in terms of manager turn around.

Danny O’Neill
75 Posted 10/06/2021 at 20:02:48
Chris Wilder. Shakes head

Mike Walker flashbacks

Rob Halligan
76 Posted 10/06/2021 at 20:14:10
Danny, I'd rather have Gene Wilder, along with Richard Pryor. Gene Wilder can bark out the instructions, while Richard Pryor points where to go, or is it the other way round?
Mike Gaynes
77 Posted 10/06/2021 at 20:21:56
Rob #77, we could definitely use some of that Wilder/Pryor strut: "Tha's right, tha's right, we bad!"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FM9F6ChszQ

Dale Self
78 Posted 10/06/2021 at 20:35:53
Rob, I guess two to start. Did Juninho try to strongarm him into playing his Brazilian acquistions to the expense of Rudi developing young talent or otherwise undermine through various interference? And to what extent did the discipline of Aouar for refusing training in terms of playing time destabilize the team while competing for the title mid-season? Garcia wanted a financial penalty not playing suspension.
Lyndon Lloyd
79 Posted 10/06/2021 at 20:51:43
"Contrary to incessant English media reports linking Christophe Galtier to the Toffees, sources contacted by Get French Football News insist that Galtier will be joining OGC Nice." – GFFN

Bill Gienapp
80 Posted 10/06/2021 at 21:03:25
One source claims we're negotiating with Galtier and a deal should be done within the week, another claims his deal with Nice is basically official. Fun times.
Barry Hesketh
81 Posted 10/06/2021 at 21:06:36
It's going to be that Turkish guy isn't it? Pity about Galtier as he seemed to have something that might have suited Everton, maybe in two years or so, he'll come here.
Nick Page
82 Posted 10/06/2021 at 22:39:35
Barry, if it was Coco The Clown I wouldn’t be surprised. We’re a joke
Jerome Shields
83 Posted 10/06/2021 at 22:43:16
Not surprised that Galtier is out of the picture. They probably did contact him, but when he realised their conditions, he wasn't interested. The River Plate Manager was never in the picture.

It's going to be a mid-table manager to maintain Everton usual status.

Joe McMahon
84 Posted 10/06/2021 at 22:59:19
Guys, stop worrying, Bill has booked a landscaper and an engineer to reinforce the home bench at Goodison. Changes are to be announced very soon that Dunc will be promoted to manager and Unsworth will be promoted to his assistant. The reinforced home bench will then be able to accommodate Unsworth.

Also, Gareth Farrelly has been recently contacted to be offered Unsworth's old job at Finch Farm. If Gareth turns it down, then Simon Davies and John Spencer are next on Bill's list.

Paul Birmingham
85 Posted 10/06/2021 at 23:21:29
I’d like to give the club and their consultants the thumbs up doing their due diligence for this latest appointment at Max Senate Productions, which for me is the reality almost what Everton has become.

Shit Creek, Everton have been stuck there since 1985, due to a combination of factors the club could reasonably control which is the main, and factors they couldn’t control which in 05/1985, no club could control.

This all in has seen flirtations at best with some smell of a chance of success.

Genuinely the team spunked great chances due mainly to tactical naivety like Chelsea away in the semi first leg, in 2008, old Version of the milk cup, - Carling Cup. And a few since,
The trend is common and no big match belief and mentality has surely seen these games lost, almost before the KO.

The rest Chelsea, RS, Manure, aside to 2009 FAC, -semi, and we lost to Chelsea in the FAC Final, based on ability but based on tactical and club management maturity, has has become amateur in my opinion.

So I’m being honest, seen the Very Good, Very Bad and The Worst, and Everton must from their youth structure to the top get some reality in to the frame work of the club.

BMD and it’s potential but Everton need a good consistent team, built by a club, whom commands respect across the football world.

No more phonies, no more niceties.

Everton need to smell the salts fast, and move fast as the plan will deflate and the mess won’t be fixable, as Everton are looking to plug a massive void, already considerable, and the burden for us now, and veterans of all ages.

I say veterans of all ages, as being an Evertonian, these days is tough, regardless of age.

Fantasy Island... “De Plane, De Plane?

We live in hope eternal. I wish, let’s hope soon.


Paul Birmingham
86 Posted 10/06/2021 at 23:32:16
Joe, also John OKane and Barndoor Barlow and Brett Angel, and rumours of Marc Hottiger!
Lol.
Dale Self
87 Posted 10/06/2021 at 23:47:52
For all the pearl clutching and "oh dear" posts I'm on the other side of that. First, neither you nor anyone else knows why Carlo left. Say what you want to believe but it is somewhat likely that our management is partially culpable for the breakdown.

So given that he left with no warning and since other clubs are also struggling with the managers' market I don't think we're embarrassing ourselves further by being deliberate. No leaks to the press, a decent approach to two qualified candidates and no comments on the interviews is the professional way to handle this delicate situation.

Not slagging those who are wobbly, just saying that in my opinion we make it through without being the punchline.

Paul Birmingham
88 Posted 10/06/2021 at 00:25:11
Dale, with due respect, who are you calling wobbly, and pearl clutching, what's your basis for it? May be coincidence or fact after my last scribe.

You care as much as we all do, on TW, and that's why we write and feedback, live and learn on TW.

Please note in my last quote, I'm not referring about why Carlo left, that's not what I'm talking about.

I'm not a prisoner of the past, them shackles were cut off and will never be worn again, by me

I'm taking about in context the demise of Everton across the last 30 odd years, as a football power, in my last thread, and it's a notion of where the club was and is.

Say what you mean, and be free, to speak as this is what ToffeeWeb is about.

Tough, give and take, but in respectful spirit.

Clever dudes, we can all have our moments. Lol.

But our common aim is for a better place for EFC, and we respect TWrs !

And come the glorious beer fest day at Sams Bar...when we resurrect!

At the Ship @ Mitre, Hole In The Wall, The Vaults, when it's safe for mankind. Let's live in hope!

Last call today from me, is there any Evertonians, on the US side in Baltimore?
Thank you.

Gary Hughes
89 Posted 11/06/2021 at 00:45:38
This fella sounds absolutely perfect which means he'll probably be a disaster, but the thought of Moyes or Benitez or Martinez actually makes me want to be physically sick. Truth be told I'd never heard of him until about a day ago but I actually feel optimistic when I read about him whereas the other names make me want to think about anything else but Everton.
Derek Thomas
90 Posted 11/06/2021 at 01:03:14
Gary Hughes @ 90; spot on.
Barry Jones
91 Posted 11/06/2021 at 01:18:28
Lyndon, another well researched article and thank you for that. I think that you should be a salesman as you may have sold me on taking a chance with Galtier. As a CV goes, he has everything, except as noted, Premier League experience.

Still, he appears among the best qualified. I like the way he thinks about space on the pitch with his formations. which to me, is the essence of success. The team that dominates the space best normally wins, provided they can convert their chances. Allons Y Galtier!!

Mike Gaynes
92 Posted 11/06/2021 at 01:29:57
OK, a friend of mine just sent me this guy as an Everton managerial candidate. Young, enthusiastic, experienced. I fell apart when I clicked on the email.

He has managed 29 clubs in 13 years... and that's not even the funniest thing about him.

This is his real name.

https://www.transfermarkt.us/argel-fucks/profil/trainer/10334

Don Alexander
93 Posted 11/06/2021 at 01:35:10
Just read the Echo's brief summary of the alleged re-jigging of our aimless boardroom, Brands seemingly getting new roles;

Companies House records confirm that Brands has joined the board of Everton Investments Ltd, Everton Finance Ltd and Goodison Park Stadium Ltd, all appointments beginning from June 4.

Brands joins incumbent trio of Bill Kenwright, Denise Barrett-Baxendale and Alexander Ryazantsev on the Everton Investments Ltd and Goodison Park Stadium Ltd board, while he joins Kenwright in coming on to the Everton Finance Ltd board, which had previously had only Barrett-Baxendale and Ryazantsev as confirmed board members.

The appointments, while not drastically altering the dynamic, do point to Brands having a greater influence with the club moving forward, with the investment from Moshiri set to continue while the club build up to their planned move to Bramley-Moore Dock in 2024.

So, as far as I can see, Brands has been identified as having something the other three board members weren't able to offer in the roles they've hitherto had.

That doesn't surprise me. What does surprise me is why it's taken an alleged business genius billionaire five years to suss it out.

What disappoints me is that Kenwright also seems to have had his role enhanced to assist Barrett-Baxendale and Ryazantsev (with Brands) in whatever they've, seemingly, not been up to for several years.

Until this owner/boardroom befuddlement successfully sorts itself out in a manner understandable to fans and the wider world of the football industry, I'd have next to no faith in Jesus Christ doing well as our next manager.

ps: Farhad; he's free though, is good on the wing (and a prayer), and doesn't seek compo when you hang him out to dry.

Mike Corcoran
94 Posted 11/06/2021 at 01:44:53
Is anyone else, freaked out, by the, excessive use, of commas, by some posters, on here. Reads like COPD after extra time.
Darryl Ritchie
95 Posted 11/06/2021 at 06:37:31
Commas? The words between the commas sometimes… but commas…not so much.
John Burns
96 Posted 11/06/2021 at 07:09:41
Mike (#95). No. I like commas.
Anthony Murphy
97 Posted 11/06/2021 at 08:29:21
Don, maybe Brands is taking on additional non-football duties to make way for someone who will have more control here? Maybe recent experiences have led to this? The Brands - Manager axis has never worked and his transfers aren't exactly game-changing.
Jim Jennings
98 Posted 11/06/2021 at 09:53:22
Mike, 95, up until you, pointed it out, I never noticed it, all, that much, but, you make, a good point.
Derek Knox
99 Posted 11/06/2021 at 10:02:17
Don @ 94,

Further to your comments, which I largely agree with, by the way, it is a sad case where the Board comprise of a mixture of individuals with mainly finance as their area of expertise (?) and only one member that actually knows anything about football, and how the system works!

It is hardly surprising therefore that any votes at Boardroom level are likely to go against Marcel Brands, with his based from a knowledge of the game and what is required at Everton, in favour of a financially based vote. Having said that and a point you so rightly picked up on, with all their supposed and collective Financial Wisdom how come we have blown so much money with so little to show for it.

Apart from Richarlison, maybe Pickford, possibly Ben Godfrey and Calvert-Lewin, who on our playing staff would the Big Boys covet? So what has all that financial acumen (?) achieved to date? Unless he is money laundering, or being a secret Billionaire, I fail to understand how Farhad has let all this basically amateur and reckless proliferation of funds go unchecked!

Derek Taylor
100 Posted 11/06/2021 at 18:57:27
Amazing how TWers have re-acted or not so at Ancelotti's treatment of our club in the past week or so. The man who served eleven years and made our record look acceptable got and still gets loads of derision for allegedly walking out on us whilst the chancer who took our owner to the cleaners disappeared at the first 'better offer' hardly made a story.

Is that because the Italian had the wider smile or because most of us wanted rid of him anyway ?

Bill Gienapp
101 Posted 11/06/2021 at 19:06:29
Derek - if it had been a protracted, drawn-out saga, I think it would be regarded differently. But it was such a swift and sudden parting of the ways - literally Ancelotti was our manager one day and the next day he wasn't - I think the majority of us simply chose to move on just as quickly.
Barry Rathbone
102 Posted 11/06/2021 at 19:08:14
Derek 101

There was nothing alleged about Moyes departure he upped sticks and left plus subsequent revelations showed it wasn't last minute as claimed but a pre-planned subterfuge going back several months.

The idea our record looked acceptable over the Moyes decade depends on what gauge you use personally I thought existing in a mid table stupor and challenging for nothing piss poor for Everton.

And at least Carlo didn't make his pretence last 10 yrs.

Derek Taylor
103 Posted 11/06/2021 at 19:11:36
Moyes' record is brilliant compared with what's followed him !
Barry Rathbone
104 Posted 11/06/2021 at 19:30:07
Derek 104

He never got as many points as Martinez first season and his second season just avoided relegation meaning if you compare like with like an argument exists for saying he was the worst.

Derek Taylor
105 Posted 11/06/2021 at 19:36:01
Barry, there are those who would never give Moyes any credit and there are those who see him as our third most competent manager since the war. And I've seen them all !
Ray Roche
106 Posted 11/06/2021 at 19:56:13
Barry&104


Barry, Martinez inherited Moyes defence, the players were still fit and Martinez hadn’t had the chance to instill his tactics (tactics? 🤣) on them. Martinez was found out once he introduced his tactics and pathetic training regime.. remember Osman saying that Martinez’s ‘hardest’ training day wasn’t as tough as Moyes warm down day? We haven’t been fit since Moyes left.

Barry Rathbone
107 Posted 11/06/2021 at 20:40:22
Ray 107

The Moyes defence myth is the greatest rewrite in history even with the Moyes blueprint of an entire eleven as a defensive unit they still leaked like a sieve. Martinez 72 points was IN SPITE of the Moyes defence not because of it more often than not we had to score more than one to compensate for the daft one the Moyes boys let in.

If Martinez had been afforded REAL money to clear them out and replace with decent footballers he'd still be here now as would Stones, Rom and Barkley.

Howard, Coleman, Baines, Jags and Distin were on their last legs at the end of the Moyes tenure asking them to defend without a defensive unit in front of them just exposed them.

As for Osman what do you expect him to say he was part of the cabal. The lightweight would have been bemused by Cloughs antics of stopping training and taking the team off to Spain for a jolly mid week and he didn't do too badly

Ray Roche
108 Posted 11/06/2021 at 21:00:16
Barry@108

Naturally, I’m bound to disagree. But I witnessed with my own eyes players increasingly blowing for tugs as Martinez’ tenure continued. Osman’s comments merely underlined what we could all see for ourselves. We became increasingly unfit. I listened to a West Ham player talking last week ( not sure which one...) who said that Moyes first job when he arrived was to get them fit. I’m not a Moyes fan boy but I can appreciate his influence and input into making us a side that carried some respect as opposed to the music hall joke that we were prior to his arrival. If Moyes had had Lukaku to go along with a young Baines, Coleman, Jags, Lescott, Arteta, Pienaar, Osman, Distin, Carsley, etc we might have seen real success. Instead we had Marcus Bent and, for a short time, Yakubu.
Unfortunately Moyes behaviour when he left has soured people’s memories and opinion of him.

Ps. The biggest historical rewrite of history surely involves Heysel. Just sayin.....’

John Raftery
109 Posted 11/06/2021 at 23:29:22
I see 59% of 582 on the TW poll have voted for Galtier. That is overwhelming support for a manager of whom most of us had little or no knowledge until Lyndon’s very persuasive article. Fresh names and faces often do well in polling until they become more familiar and the novelty wears off. The question for me is whether or not a mid-table club with a squad plainly lacking pace and creativity dare risk appointing a manager unfamiliar with the country, the league and our club.

Apart from those recruited by the top six clubs, very few foreign managers brought in directly from abroad with no previous Premier League experience have made a positive impact. Is this the time to take a risk? I suppose if things quickly go pear shaped the Board can turn to Duncan as their Plan B.

Dale Self
110 Posted 11/06/2021 at 23:31:41
credit Lyndon for making a persuasive case.
Barry Rathbone
111 Posted 12/06/2021 at 11:46:48
Ray 109

Losing sides never look sprightly and it was a foregone conclusion we were done when Bobby courageously continued to try to create a challenging outfit without the requisite dough. A far more urgent and unforgiving proposition than the Moyes era of mid table acceptance. The moment Baines and co re-established the old porous rear guard confident in their continuance after we spent up on Rom the die was cast - Martinez was finished..

Remember McCready? Fuck me, does it get anymore desperate?

Martinez still engineering good cup runs during the period was nothing short of miraculous but inconvenient facts never supplant simplistic myths.

Moshiri has had his arse handed to him since for not lacking the smarts to see what we had and back Martinez, mind you he wasn't alone, neither did some fans.

If you believe in Karma we've had it in spades ever since

Neil Cremin
112 Posted 16/06/2021 at 17:51:52
Barry
Just came across this thread and before I make my point, I would not take Moyes back, however I totally agree with Ray Roach and I also have made the same point that Martinez took on a well organised, if risk averse squad and allowed them to express themselves and play uninhibited football. His problem is that this came without any organisation, fitness and discipline in the squad which eventually fell apart.
However, having read a few of your posts of "Moyes era of mid table acceptance" and "existing in a mid table stupor and challenging for nothing piss poor for Everton" does not reflect my memory of his era. Admittedly it was safe, uninspiring football on a very tight budget but not in the state of despair we now find ourselves with five permanent on one temporary manager since and where none have brought us close to the league positions which we had in the Moyes era.
As I recall we regularly finished top six and even qualified for the Champions League and a cup final appearance in his tenure. If we got that with any manager since then we would have considered it progress. If I recall that was one of the targets for Carlo. Oh how we have lowed the bar and are blinded by our prejudices.

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' });