James Rodriguez joined Everton for Carlo Ancelotti

Nice quote from James about his reasons for joining Everton.

"I'll say it with all sincerity that if Carlo weren't here, I wouldn't have come. I'll say it with all my heart, he was one of the reasons for which I came.

"I started to get to know the club, how they work, how they want to work, win things, play in Europe. The fact that Carlo is here was fundamental to come, where I am learning every day."

Hopefully, he can attract more top quality players this summer.

Steve,

“Nice quote from James about his reasons for joining Everton.”

Sometimes it’s better saying nothing, he can do one with those remarks and take them with him.

Think he's just stating facts Dave.

Steve#3 - me too. Does anyone imagine that the likes of James R would be joining us if, for example, Allardyce or even Koeman/Silva were still in charge? Naive to think otherwise.

We got Rodríguez on a free transfer, there was no rush of clubs after him, his statement of facts make it sound like he was doing Everton a big favour coming here, he is our player now, if we put him for sale would there be a clamour to sign him and offer him the same wages we are paying him, I think it would be very naive to think so.

He’s here now Dave, and he has also said some very complimentary things about our club since he arrived. Not that this matters though, because doing it on the pitch is what counts, so let’s see how these last eleven games go, which is the most important thing now.

Bit of both I think.
Ancelotti plus the big wages had some influence.
The standing and position of the club in Europe means we have to pay big to get them here.
When fit and played in central areas I think hes a great signing.
Was we the only club in for him?

He's a bit of an eccentric, lazy bastard; but what an eccentric, lazy bastard. We have a certain tradition of eccentric, lazy bastards and I am delighted that he's with us.

The fella at his best is deluxe. So are we, or should be.

Do we know for certain that he was a free transfer? Maybe/maybe not there was competition to sign him but bottom line is he could have chosen to stay at Real Madrid rather than sign for a club which he had quite possibly never even heard of but for Carlo being here. I repeat, he would not be here had our manager been Allardyce/Silva/Koeman - he is here because Carlo is.

He was a good way along going to Atletico before coming to us, so he did have another choice, and probably a better one (for him) from not just a footballing aspect.

Brian #10,

He was blocked from going to Atletico Madrid... so they weren't an option.

He said something that all Everton fans would have agreed unanimously from the beginning.

As usual, things get lost in translation, and when you look at the context of those words, the focus is how Ancelotti is the driving force in attracting him as a player. End of.

It's not like Lukaku who spent years in England, who has a sense of the local culture and how things are perceived.

Here is someone who hardly speaks the language, in the Premier League for the first time, coming into a team that the rest of the world hardly recognise as a club of some repute, let alone one that is the fourth most successful club in the country, and asked about his reasons for joining Everton...

Nothing else to see here, is there.

Brendan

Correct.

Carlo took a gamble on James. His appearances were beginning to dwindle, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid had passed on him and many clubs would have seen the writing on the wall.

I don't think anybody would doubt the sublime talent James possesses nor his love for the beautiful game (look how he celebrates his goals). There is very definitely question marks over him regarding the ugly parts of football... He clearly doesn't like the rough stuff.

I've aways found it difficult to understand the claim that Carlo used his "pulling power" to win this one-horse race but, as one who has hammered him for his cautious approach, I applaud this bold imaginative gamble. So what if he used their relationship to land it?

We have enough players who will do a good job of stopping the opposition from winning. We need one who can win a big game (if we ever qualify for one); one to bring us joy.

I don't for one minute believe that the £20M+ contract he was offered isn't the real reason he is here, but I'm glad he is. I just hope he can repay Carlo's faith in him and get on the pitch a bit more often. If he can do that, he will more than justify the decision to bring him here.

Can't disagree with any of that Darren. Well put.

I think it's quite interesting that two players who were not wanted by Real Madrid ended up at Premier League clubs. One is on loan and the other has signed for no fee, but I think any fair-minded judge would think Everton getting James has been far more productive than Spurs have been getting Bale.

Both though have struggled to play many games – which is interesting as neither has picked up a bad injury. Bale has even less excuse as he has played in the last 12 months for Madrid whereas James has hardly kicked a ball.

I think we have to believe James when he says he wouldn't be here if it wasn't for Ancelotti, and that's the advantage of having a world class manager – he does attract players that wouldn't give Everton a second glance.

Sadly in Europe, where – apart from winning the Cu- Winners Cup – not many have ever heard of Everton, let alone want to play for us. I think this was highlighted when it was rumoured that Moshiri was after Simeone. At his press conference, Simeone was asked: Was there any truth in the rumour that Everton were interested in him becoming their manager?

He replied, "Who?"

When he’s good he is very good, seen him play like that in some games in some spells, when he is off his game he is an handicap, seen him like that in some games and one game when he threw his hand in and was / wanted to be substituted. I want him and expect him to have better games, if he plays, during the rest of the season because the weather will be better, sun on his back.

Bale reminds me of that era of the Anfield spice boys in the 90s Brian. Owen, McManaman, Redknapp, Fowler et al. They all seemed to lose interest. I'm not discounting injuries, but they did all seem to give it up relatively early and easily.

I obviously don't know, but Bale seems to have spent more time on the Golf course in the past 12 - 18 months. Like Owen with his race horses and Fowler with his property portfolio, is his heart really in it anymore I wonder?

Brendan#10.

James himself said himself going to Atletico was almost done so they certainly were an option, until the move was blocked.

We knew it all along, James!!

So delighted to have you here. Stay healthy for these final two months and show us how you can change outcomes.

I think I had a minor stroke while typing post #18. 🤪

Real Madrid did not want James going to a Spanish rival, especially their nearest. They (Zinadine Zidane) believed James to be way past his best, but knew he still possessed more than enough talent to embarrass them. Any Spanish club could have signed him, but there would have been a fee involved.

I think there is a real degree of naivety involved here, but it's coming from those who are accusing others of it. Does anybody really believe the contract worth north of £20M is the real reason he is here? Would he still be here if he was offered the same terms as Tom Davies?

I think the claims that Ancelotti was going to be able to wrest top class talent from the hands of the elite clubs has been well and truly laid to rest. Given the choice of signing for a Champions League team or Uncle Carlo, I think we all know our boy will always be blanked.

He's been here for three transfer windows and all he has been able to do is sign a couple of mates who were not exactly living the dream at the clubs they were at.

Carlo has to get Champions League football in order to attract the coveted players and, even then, the real draw will be Champions League rather than Carlo Ancelotti... That's how the real world works.

BTW: The Premier League is the biggest gig there is. It is watched by football fans all around the globe. The suggestion that Simeone hasn't heard of Everton may not be the daftest comment ever to be posted on here... but it's certainly up there.

The winter transfer window is a waste of time, Darren, and is no way to assess Anchelotti's pulling power – as you well know.

If you want to assess Anchelotti, it will be over 3 summer transfer windows. Might not suit your narrative, but that's how it works – assuming the team hasn't slumped to the bottom.

Would he still be here if he was offered the same terms as Tom Davies?"

Would any of them? Naive?

," would he still be here if he was offered the same terms as Tom Davies ?"

Would any of them?
Naive? ,,michael.kenrick@gmail.com,1,10:20:49,,78.144.98.13,ok,23848,04/04/2021 10:20:49,Tomrichards2@outlook.com,reader,,,no 1144102,40639,toffeeweb,04/04/2021,Tony Hill,ailsehill175@icloud.com,Your dad’s posts were always shrewd. May you all find peace.,Your dad’s posts were always shrewd. May you all find peace.,,,1,10:23:30,,81.158.226.35,ok,15682,04/04/2021 10:23:30,ancientblue,reader,,,no 1144103,40629,toffeeweb,04/04/2021, Brent Stephens,,Winter transfer windows bore me. Not much can happen. Not much available. That's the real world. Naive to claim otherwise.,Winter transfer windows bore me. Not much can happen. Not much available. That's the real world. Naive to claim otherwise.,,,1,10:28:36,,2.126.138.101,ok,10701,04/04/2021 10:28:36,Brent,reader,,,no 1144104,40629,toffeeweb,04/04/2021,Darren Hind,dashin@cheerful.com,"Haha...Somebody got there before you this time.

Try to understand the point instead of going out of your way to prove you don't.

Ian

I am more than happy to wait for a 4th, 5th and 6th transfer window, if that is how long it takes to see an example of Carlo's pulling power. You, my friend, are going to be disappointed if you think he will be prizing players away from the Champions League clubs. The only way he will do that is to qualify himself.

Really amusing to see the goal posts being moved... So Carlo`s pulling power now only works in the summer? .... Hahaha!!!

And there it is. Happy to wait.

Very few players combine pure genius with work rate – eg, Pele, Maradonna, Messi and Ronaldo, to name the best. So fans tend to either support the worker bee, eg, Tom Davies, Lee Carsley, Jordan Henderson types... or, like me, the artists, eg Duncan McKenzie, Mesut Ozil, Pirlo etc...

I want to be entertained. I want to see a Frank Worthington type moment of genius or a Panenka flash of creativity this is what makes football great, not a 110% midfield slogger.

The game needs both types of players. People like James need a supporting cast to allow him to show his wares.

He's like the Martinez signing of Eto'o – a truly sublime technician miles ahead of what normally turns up at Goodison Park – and, as a result, it does feel kinda weird that he's here.

Like Eto'o, I expect him to move on sooner rather than later but, as a sucker for pure skill, I will delight in his Everton journey way more than lesser "stalwarts" with hundreds of games under their belts.

Enjoy him while we can – he is the fabled silver lining through a horizon of cloud.

Fairs fair, Darren.

You made a naive post along the lines of "Would James be here if he was offered Tom Davies wage?"

I repeat. Would any of them?

https://www.spotrac.com/epl/everton-fc/payroll/

It was not a naive post. You (as usual) simply didn't understand it.

The claim was made that James was here only because of Carlo. (With me so far?)

The nonsensical claim was not made about any other player, so the question did not apply to any other player.

Your resort to personal insults (as usual). Does not deflect from your lack of a point.

All this "Yes but no but yes" gets you nowhere (as usual).

Can you explain the following please: "Does anybody really believe the contract worth north of £20M is the real reason he is here?"

I thought he was on a 2-year contract at £10 million per year?

Nearer £3.5M per year, for 2 years, with a 1-year option, from what I read at the time.

Not too shabby, but a drop on his previous contract, but 2 years instead of one.

Our biggest profile signing since Kanchelskis says that he only signed because of Ancelotti – explicit and unequivocal.

It is claimed he didn't have other options – he did. At the time, it was claimed that we had paid over £25 million to sign him – we didn't. Now the latest stretch is that he only came here for a £20 million wage over two years – incorrect.

Keep trying though.

Strange debate.

Some fans seem to think a player taking a wage is some sort of grand robbery.

Rodriguez took a pay cut to move here. He still had time on his contract at Madrid where he was on upwards of 200k a week.

Whether we paid off that contract in place of a transfer fee, only the accountants know. But his contract now is much lower.

But what does that mean to us anyway?

His shirt sales in Colombia alone will have paid a good wedge of his wages too.

He is a player of incredible talent, but unfortunately not 100% fit.

But what I find incredulous is:

Fans demand that we are ambitious. That we target silverware, and don't accept mid table mediocrity. Fans demand that we play exciting football, and try to win.

Then we have a player who epitomises this. An A-List star of attacking exciting football. A player who says how he wants Champions League football, a player who wants to win things.

Then the fans who demand those things will call him a mercenary.

Fran (35),

Yes, it is strange debate and you make some good points... some I'd argue with. At the end of the debate, the argument, possibly, is: Has James been value for money up to now?

I'd say not really but would expect to be in the minority and I understand why. Fans want to be entertained, James does that now and again. I want a bit more than now and again, and real top-class stars are in the game a lot more than James.

To me, players like Ben Godfrey are just as valuable to the team as James, maybe more so. I would add that a team consisting of ten outfield players like Godfrey would be more likely to win silverware than a team of a goalkeeper and ten outfield players like James, and silverware is what we all want more than anything, don't we?

James Rodriguez is an excellent player when fit. He has great vision and creative skills.

This up-and-down season has been marred by inconsistency in too many players and the performances have reflected this.

I am hoping that Carlo has made his assessments of current staff and knows what is required to get this team back to being competitive in every game next season.

It is good to hear Gbamin is fit again and hopefully this time he can stay fit and make a worthwhile contribution in the remaining games.

Midfield has been a big disappointment this year and the reason we have been awful in many games.

Steve #34

You state James "says that he only signed because of Ancelotti – explicit and unequivocal" but James himself simply confirms "he was one of the reasons for which I came". (My added emphasis.)

""I'll say it with all sincerity that if Carlo weren't here, I wouldn't have come".

Never in 60 years of watching football have I heard anybody talk about managers pulling power Not until Carlo got here. It wasnt even considered when Kanchelskis signed.

I guess the reason they are claiming the signing of his old mate (by making him the sort of offer nobody else was prepared to) is down to pulling power is because they have got zero evidence to support the nonsensical oft repeated claim when Carlo got here.

Carlo was involved in two tugs of war last summer and he lost them both. If that didnt explode the myth. nothing will.

I guess the people who want to deny the fact that we play Zombie football (in the face of overwhelming evidence) will continue to be those who pedal this "pulling power" nonsense despite the fact that that they can offer no evidence whatsoever.

"I'll say it with all sincerity that if Carlo weren't here, I wouldn't have come. I'll say it with all my heart, he was one of the reasons for which I came,"

So, I am huge admirer of the talent and skill James brings. That is not in question. The derby pass through to Richarlison is a season highlight for me.

Some very valid points though as to why perhaps Real Madrid were willing to let him go and he was surplus. I don't care for that, as he is an improvement on what we had, so represented progress in the calibre of player we attracted last summer. I do also share Dave's frustration at not seeing enough of him. Hopefully he can play a leading part in the final run in and push us over the European line.

More importantly, although not a big fan of the nicknames, the JaRod one has me intrigued. Is it pronounced using the English version, i.e. "Jay-Rod? Or in line with the Spanish pronunciation, which in English phonetics would be "Hah-Rod"? Sorry, little things like that always set my brain off on a tangent!!

I guess the people who want to deny the fact that we play Zombie football (in the face of overwhelming evidence) will continue to be those who pedal this "pulling power" nonsense despite the fact that that they can offer no evidence whatsoever."

Can you offer any evidence his wages are £10 million per year Darren? That's what you posted earlier.

Reminds me of an old Jamaican friend of mine.

When witnessing something he didnt like.

"Stop with the foolishness"

Accompanied by a suck of the teeth...

,"I guess the people who want to deny the fact that we play Zombie football (in the face of overwhelming evidence) will continue to be those who pedal this "pulling power" nonsense despite the fact that that they can offer no evidence whatsoever"

Can you offer any evidence his wages are 10 million per year Darren?
Thats what you posted earlier.
,,michael.kenrick@gmail.com,1,13:57:34,,78.144.100.38,ok,23848,04/04/2021 13:57:34,Tomrichards2@outlook.com,reader,,,no 1144138,40597,toffeeweb,04/04/2021,Tony Everan,ianjones66@yahoo.co.uk,"Ajay, for me that’s an excellent summary of what we need in the summer. What’s more that is really achievable, those players will embrace taking a step up and will be motivated. We will have money from Kean and one or two others to invest.

We really need some spring and energy in the side going forward from midfield and from the right, we need more pace and intensity. Those players are the right age, good physically, have very good technical ability too and Ancelotti could improve them further.

I would feel very confident for the new season if we could get Perreira,Diagne,Buendia and Lamptey (or Aarons). Those players would invigorate us and would be like a shot of long term adrenaline.

It’s a big Summer window for us coming up, a fork in the road moment, we have to get it right.

Some people will really do anything to avoid admitting they might have been wrong about something! Brilliant!

Happy Easter everyone.

Pity, another potentially good thread ruined.

"Never in 60 years of watching football have I heard anybody talk about a manager's pulling power. Not until Carlo got here."

Can't speak for other clubs but maybe it's because we never actually had a manager with the obvious pulling power of Carlo Ancelotti.

Nice to hear the boy confirm yet again (how many times is it now?) that one of the main reasons he came here was because Carlo Ancelotti was the manager? As to the fallacious counter-argument offered above, he was being paid plenty where he was, and he would get paid plenty wherever he went – of that, there is simply no question.

But you can tell people the same thing and show them evidence from the man hImself... and you know what? They will never ever believe you.

John #45 were it ever thus, John.

Meanwhile, in a parallel universe in someone's head:

“I'd have come here for the twenty grand a week that Tom Davies is on if it had been Dat Sam or Unsy managing, but I demanded £10 million a year as it's Carlo managing, because he simply doesn't compare.”

Sam 44

Yep. Happy Easter to you too

John 45

I know right. How many times can you make the same baseless point and flurry of repetitive insults on multiple threads without having the self awareness to see how this is perceived by others?

John K.

Can still be a good thread mate.

Just need posters to stop posting lies and false statements. They will say anything, anything at all in a see-through attempt to prove their point.

James on £200,000 per week? Incorrect.

Michael,

James is a very talented boy. But he is not coverted by other top clubs – see lack of offers for evidence.

I have no doubt whatsoever that one of the main reasons he is here is because his old mate made him a fantastic offer ( 7.5m a year + signing on fee) + a promise of playing time. He's said it often enough.

But to suggest he is here because of Carlofantastco's mythical pulling power is just plain absurd.

If we are going to say this transfer was due to pulling power then we have to say the same about virtually every transfer where a manager has gone back for a former player that ever took place.

The club made an offer presumably instructed by Carlo. It was the best one on the table. And James accepted... why on earth is that "pulling power"?

When and only when Carlo can wrest the signature of a current A-list player from another manager can the subject of pulling power even be approached.

He ain't done it. He's tried twice and was blown out twice... Proof positive.

Getting there.

His wages are down from £200,000 per week to £150,000 per week.

"If we are going to say this transfer was due to pulling power, then we have to say the same about virtually every transfer where a manager has gone back for former players that ever took place."

Utter nonsense. No-one (except you) would make such a ridiculous claim. Let's just deal with the case in hand and the words of the man himself.

He has told us he is here because of Carlo (aka "pulling power"). Whereas he has never told us he is on upwards of £140k per week.

He's saying one part, which you're denying. He's not saying the other part, which you're making up, and is therefore a fib.

Are you going to continue digging this very silly hole?

We don't need to worry about what contracts were or were not on the table. How could we even know? All we need to do is listen to what the man himself has said. He came because of Carlo. Why is that so hard for you to accept?

I think this was a good signing. He hasn't played as much as we would have hoped, which does support the doubts over his fitness. Maybe we can accept and accommodate that next season. But in terms of a team & squad addition, an improvement and enhancing our profile. There was definitely a lot of non-Everton media interest when he signed.
'
Likewise Allan. He improved our midfield, but has also been out injured. Players get injured, it's part and parcel of the game. I think everyone here would accept that.

Okay, let's not call it pulling power. Let's not call it buying his mates. Ancellotti done what a lot of managers over the years have done; take players they know and trust with them. That's neither unique or unusual.

Given we seem to be focussed on 2 players to make a point, Dave A called out Godfrey. No-one has mentioned Doucoure, who I fear could be a huge miss in our run in. Both Ancelotti signings.

The whole 'pulling power' idea is kind of impossible to be right about unless you're the agent of a player.

Allan was linked with PSG, Atletico, Spurs, West Ham – but Everton had always appeared No 1. Why? Were the other clubs not interested? There wasn't a single club interested in him? Was it only Everton?

We don't know.

James? So Everton were the only club in the world that went for him? No-one else? Nobody knows.

But both these players played previously for Ancelotti and spoke of his influence in their decision to accept the offer.

Will having Ancelotti mean all of a sudden Neymar, Mbappe, and Lewandowski are gonna swim through oceans to join Everton? Of course not. But it appears that is all that some would accept... and even then, they would probably say it was due to the strong tide.

As to whether he has been a success. I think so, despite the fitness issues.

His goals and assists / games ratio is great. Just not enough games.

But if we have any chance of getting top-6 this season, we need him in these final games of the season.

He has set a certain standard for what the rest of our players must strive.

Just imagine for one moment if Allardyce had still been in charge (God forbid), and Everton approached James, what do you think he would have said?

Rob, he'd have said - "Allardyce (my friend, Sam) - now there's a manager with pulling power!"

Fuck off fat arse? 😁

To my point in trying to understand the argument against. Let's suggest Ancellotti doesn't have pulling power. Let's consider he is doing nothing more than what most do. It's just that maybe, just maybe, his network gives us access to the the type of player we might otherwise have no chance or even have their agent respond to a voicemail. Option 3; delete.

Michael

Despite your claims, I don't believe for one minute that you can't speak for other clubs.

You will have lost count of the number of quotes you have read from players making complimentary noises about a manager they have signed a contract for. Likewise. You will not find a single quote were they slag their new manager off. You will be equally hard-pressed to find a player who says he only signed because the carrot dangled was enormous.

This is no different.

£7.5M a year + a signing on fee versus Carlo???

Are there really people out there who believe the latter?

The point is, Darren. You don't know what James thinks of Carlo. In which case, do we believe James or you?

Not difficult, that one.

Serious question.

You said earlier he was on £10 million per year. You have now downgraded his salary to £7.5 million per year.

What have you learned in a couple of hours that has knocked 25% off his wages?

But Darren.

What we usually don't hear from players is "I wouldn't be here if the manager wasn't."

Usually they say, "This club has great history, ambition, it's a project." They say things like "I always support this club as a kid, I always liked this club." "This club... blablabla."

But James has stated that no, he wouldn't have been at Everton. No, he didn't watch the Premier League as a boy in Menilla and was captivated by Mark Pembridge's energy. He doesn't say about the rich history that attracted him. Because he probably didn't have a clue that Everton was anything other than a boy's name until he got the call from his agent.

He says he came because of Ancelotti. Would he have come if he was current world player of the year and in demand by all and sundry? Of course not.

But he came here because he thought "There is a manager I trust, who will play me, and maybe I can reignite my career." Simple as, nothing more.

Would he have come here if Steve Bruce was manager? No. Does that mean he would have been playing for Man City? No.

He's an ambitious player. He says, repeatedly, he wants to be in the Champions League. He came here because he thinks Ancelotti will get him there: be that playing for Everton, or reigniting his career with Ancelotti and getting a move there.

With a different manager, he wouldn't have had such confidence to sign with a pay cut for a mid-table club that he's never heard of.

“You will not find a single quote where they slag off their new manager”

No shit. Another ridiculous strawman point. And yes there have been many players who've said they moved to a club for money, whether they say “The offer was good” or the “Terms were attractive” – that means they went for the money.

As for James, he'd have made the same money staying at Real Madrid but gave up that life of Instagram posting in a warm climate, and left his girlfriend behind to earn the same money in sunny Merseyside. Logically there was a draw beyond the same money and, as he says, it was Carlo.

For anyone not seen what Derek Knox posted on the Juventus wanting Kean back thread, Derek says he's heard a rumour that Cristiano Ronaldo could be part of a deal to take Kean back to Juventus. Partly because he has great admiration for Ancelotti, and would love to play for him again, and partly because he's bezzie mates with James. All Derek's words, not mine.

Now who has the pulling power here, Carlo, James or both, or would Ronaldo just come to have a final go at annoying Liverpool and one final bash at Man Utd?

This place is like a soap opera. You can leave it for months and when you come back. Nothing has changed.

I always laugh when I see the same few people accusing Dazza of ruining the thread when he is very clearly the only reason they are posting on it. Without his "contraversial" comments, the thread would have faded away by now.

He's talking shite of course. There is no way James would be here if Carlo wasn't, but those claiming he is the only reason James is here are talking equal shite.

Thomas

One thing that never seems to change is you lying through your teeth. You always resort to making things up. As soon as you do that, your argument does. The figure of £20M was mentioned, it was broken down to salary and signing on fee. Nowhere do I see anybody claim the wages were £10M a year You really do need to start to consider the fact that people can just scroll back and know what you are up to.

Rob

Campo, Jay Jay Okochia and Djoraeff all fell for Big Sam's pulling power.

I just read your article on European trips by the way. It was worth logging on to TW again just for that. Great piece mate

Dazza,

If we win tomorrow and then win our game in hand, you better start ordering plenty of seasoning. That Humble Pie will be awful difficult to swallow without it.

Rob,

I heard he wanted to go with Big Sam. Says he would never play for an overaged has-been who's only here for a last pay-day playing zombie football etc etc etc etc etc... falling asleep with boredom yet?

Welcome back, Casho.

It's been weeks, not months. 😁😁

Good to see you back Casho

This site as been crying out for another poster who will spout unadulterated apologetic pap.

I wouldn't want to be too critical of him. I mean, he is the best player we've ever had, like.

Haha!

When James was first mentioned as a serious signing, I didn't want him to come because a good fee was quoted as part of the deal and he hadn't played a lot over the last 2 or 3 years. Bayern Munich had let him go back to Real Madrid, they didn't want him, he wasn't getting many games for Real Madrid, the manager there seemed keen to get rid of him.

Then it was mentioned there was no fransfer fee, the wages didn't seem too ridiculous and in his first few games he showed what he was capable of, in spells, he showed he was also a luxury the way he was being asked to play. Then small injuries seemed to prolong his absence, the Fulham game and his substitution was a downer. He redeemed himself in the Man Utd and Liverpool games; since then; he hasn't appeared in the squad with an ambiguous calf injury, could be back tomorrow, wait and see.

When he was signed by Everton, I don't think any other Premier League team were interested. If he was to go on the transfer list now, I doubt very much any Premier League team would be interested in signing him. I'm certain, as far as one can be, that no top Premier League team would come in for him.

I have said previously on other threads at other times that I think Brands's two signings, Godfrey and Doucouré, were better value than Carlo's two signings, Allan and Rodriguez, because of injuries to Allan and James' up and down form plus his injuries. So Carlo will have to do better with his signings this summer. Also, I hope the ages of his signings are younger and offer more long-term periods on the field than Allan, who I like, and James.

Do you just bring Casho out on special occasions, Darren?

Chrimbo, Easter, weddings and funerals, and the occasional Bar Mitzvah

Seems he catches you telling porkies every time he posts. or maybe that's why he posts.

Hope he sticks around. He may talk shite but he's deffo got your number.

Ask him to give me a call. We c an discuss the foolishness of your posts.

I thought Darren was your mate, Casho? He loves arguing, but I'm sure he loves Everton more? So you know more than anyone that, if Everton get into the top four, Darren would absolutely devour that humble pie! He'd be that busy drinking and celebrating, that pie wouldn't even touch the sides!

So hopefully Rodriguez (if the bookies were open, I'd be having a few quid on him being first goalscorer after this thread!) can show us what he's made of, starting tomorrow night!

Darren, how long have I known you on here? Don't answer, you'll make me feel older than I already feel, but that vertical trampoline of yours needs either new springs, or a serious repair to the canvas.

Okay, we all have opinions, and yes, we are all entitled to them... but sometimes your arguments against Carlo, his pulling power (?) and players like James who have come, let's face it because of Carlo and his methods, etc, don't really carry any substance.

Again, admittedly some of the results have been extremely disappointing, and although Carlo has not been playing himself, he did pick the teams. So no perfection guaranteed... but, like many have said, let's give him a couple of windows, along with Brands, who again has not been impeccable with his incomings to get things on track!

On a lighter note, you seem to have a stalwart backer who – although he has not been seen for weeks – suddenly picks up on the various threads that have been and gone defending you tooth and nail. May I suggest you change your surname by deed poll to Carry. Then we would indeed have Cash and Carry! 😜

Derek,

If by saying I'm talking shite and telling me I would be eating humbe pie is "backing me" I will get the hard hat on for when he starts attacking.

He does seem to think I need defending from the gang though. He's a sweetie really.

Tony,

Of course I would be celebrating and I think I will follow your tip and have a little flutter on James to get the first one. I'm a big fan of his and and I'm glad Carlo took the gamble on him.

Brendan @ 38, nice try taking part of the quote to try to spin it. To repeat it (again) in full:

"I'll say it with all sincerity that if Carlo weren't here, I wouldn't have come. I'll say it with all my heart, he was one of the reasons for which I came." Explicit and unequivocal.

I wouldn't take too many lessons from our very own master of fake news. Althougn apparently he's passionate, so that's alright.

I hope he scores for us, Darren, but I'm a bit worried, because it's meant to be “fuckin freezin” tomorrow. Three times, Everton have only had to win their game in hand to put us in a great position, and three times they've failed, so let's just hope they give us something to cheer tomorrow night!

Rob Halligan 66

Another surprising similar rumor today: Mina plus cash for Koulibaly who apparently wants to reunite with Carlo.

Thomas @ 74, I think a cheeky text went to his mate along the lines of 'bail me out here, cos even I can't believe the absolute shite I've written today to avoid admiting I'm wrong.'

I guess that is what you get when the meaning of every situation has to be altered to fit a pre-determined point of view.

This might be a bit out there but anyone else think James signed because of Carlo and the money?

Radical

So from this interesting discussion, I take this.

James is at Everton and Ancelotti was a significant deciding factor in that. Were it not for Ancelotti, it is likely he would not be here. The player says that himself.

There is a reason Real let him go and that he is at Everton, and, that we had little competition for his signature. We have seen why. He is a great player who we all appreciate but equally appreciate he is no longer commanding of the interest that took him to Real Madrid & Bayern Munich in the first place. But the talent that did take him there is still obvious to see. We just want to see it more as we have only had fleeting glimpses.

Ancelotti may not have special pulling power and is using / has used his previous connections to bring players to the club that he feels can improve us. That is nothing out of the ordinary and something just about every coach and manager does to some degree. Like with their background staff.

The other astute signings may get credited to Brands, but they happened on the Manager's watch.

We all want Everton to win tomorrow and if James scores one and assists another we won't care why he's here or who convinced him to be so!!

Sorry Steve #80,

But you were the one attempting to "spin" James words by suggesting they evidenced the fact that Carlo was the "only" reason James was here, which they don't. I merely repeated the players actual words both in part and then in full... how can that amount to "spin"?

We will beat Crystal Palace and so on. Have faith in the part-time James – he set up the goal for Richarlison when we beat Liverpool – he is an Everton legend already.

Sorry

Jesus Christ, Rodriguez is our player. I think we can all agree on that as an objective reality, hopefully.

Now, it would be nice if James could play every minute left in the Premier League, and have a big influence on every game. If he only delivers in about 5-10 matches a season, then he's a massive waste of money. Fun to watch though, in the games when he can be arsed.

I haven't looked at TW for a couple of months, glad to see it's still completely mental. Keep up the good work.

Are people struggling with the concept of a ‘deciding' factor?

X + y + z + Carlo Ancellotti equals “I'd be happy to.”
X + y + z + A N Other equals “No thanks.”

Darren Hind @13 spot on and well said

He’s largely been shite. Was he stating it was Carlo’s fault he’s here?

Considering Newton's Law, Allardyce will have huge pulling power. He's big enough to have his own gravitational orbit.