Everton complete loan deal for Vinagre

Meaning our season could depend on Zoltan Vinagre?

Mykolenko has played centre-back… Maybe Keane's time is up. And I just can't see Godfrey being our centre-back.

Hard to get excited, but fills a need at a low cost. Hope Gomes goes the other way.

I'm not going to apportion blame but we have to get this right and not fritter away another half a billion.

Funnily enough, The Bobble was quoted today as saying Gomes has been told he can leave. The first response was “You mean reminded?” The second was “Told for the 100th time?”

Made me chuckle but too true with his exorbitant wages unfortunately

Strewth, Bruce! They must have done this 143 times now before, so it's now gross incompetence! :-)

I'm not sure his Premier League experience is that convincing, Wolves were happy to let him go after 30-odd games.

Surely we have a scouting network alongside some analytics expertise? We'll know in 5 weeks' time.

The limits of our scope and scouting feel very pronounced as we mainly target current or former Premier League players, ideally ones who worked with Lampard or Thelwell.

Vinagre was pretty average for Wolves and pulled up no trees at Sporting. A strange use of one of our loan slots in my eyes but I guess he must be cheap.

Obviously there are more pressing needs than left-back cover.

I read a rumour on some other Everton-related site, that the Bobble's true identity is somebody with family links to one Mr Kenwright. I don't suppose it's true but in this day and age, nothing surprises me.

If it's numbers for numbers' sake, we are screwed.

My thoughts exactly.

ps: Mike Dolan. Have you been watching this lad... you reckon he's good?

As others say, our priority has to be a striker or strikers... or else, we will be playing a 5-5-0 system.

For every proven player that doesn't work out, there is a hidden gem that does.

And vice versa.

I guess we have to trust that the manager knows what he wants and the DoF knows to go and find them.

Blind faith? Possibly on my part. But I'm not into this proven player, particularly proven Premier League players.

Very iffy start to his career.

I'll be surprised if this happens.

Just another example of rumour mongers formula of:

Thelwell + Wolves = Bollocks

I think it's good that he knows the league, but is he really good enough to play, and excel at Everton? I'm certain he must have talent, because this one, no matter how cheap, is definitely on our new D-O-F, who's another that has just came into a very challenging job, because of the disastrous way Everton have been allowed to be Run.

MOSHIRI AND KENWRIGHT, or DUMB AND DUMBER, in a footballing sense, WHAT EXACTLY IS KEEPING YOU BOTH AT “OUR CLUB”

They were overrun a lot last year due to a lack of shape, not necessarily a lack ability in the middle. Modern football is dominated by fullbacks who dictate play with and without the ball. An area we were so unbalanced in last year so this might be a good move. And also why we've been looking at right backs as well.

Probably an unpopular theory but one which could explain the thinking behind all the reported interest in full backs.

Feel free to shoot me down.

Any loans we get in will have to be meticulously targeted to help the first team, especially in our perilous financial state. We can't afford any more ridiculous King or El Ghazi fiascos.

"I'd like to hear people with family links to Bill Kenwright tell us that he isn't a lying bastard."

Surely they would be lying too if they did. :-)

So the bass player (his name was Paul McCartney, and, for younger readers, he was a member of a group called The Beatles) told the press that they should hold their judgement. They had this album which was going to knock people's socks off. The album was "Sgt. Pepper."

I hope by the end of the transfer window we are all humming the likes of, "A Day in the Life", and not "The Frog Song."

It might become a lot more balanced now, if Godfrey is going to cover Patterson, although I'm not sure we have got a natural left sided defender to cover Mykolenko, on the other side?

If he's going to prefer playing with a back three/five, then Lampard definitely needs another left back, because very few players stay fit for a whole season nowadays, especially if they are being asked to play every week.

We definitely need a good strong disciplined midfielder to sit behind the three that will play further forward, and suddenly things might begin to take shape!

Well, we'll soon find out...one way or another!

I remember I decided I was finished with him and his sidekick Moyes, being in bed together, but Moyes suddenly left, and I carried on going, but the Bill Kenwright years, have been very, very difficult, and also full of contradiction.

If you carry on like that you'll have me singing, "Please Release Me"

There are three basic types of drama:

Tragedy: a serious, solemn play based on an important social, personal, or religious issue. For example the inability to snatch the opportunites to move to a new stadium, or failing to encourage a complete takeover by experienced and responsible owners.

Comedy: a play that shows the humorous actions of characters when they try to solve social, personal, or religious problems. For example the sale of the club to an erratic Iranian and then the response by him and his colleagues to solving those issues created by the new owner.

Tragicomedy: a play or novel containing elements of both comedy and tragedy. For example: The last 27 or for some 35 years of Everton FC and its fluctuating fortunes.

Condiments to Thelwell and the recruitment team

The players who apparently are supposed to play midfield are just not up to snuff, lacking speed, marking and adequate tackling.

That part of the scenario needs to change if they are to keep out of the Bottom 6.

There are places I remember. In my life I'll love you more.

We're going back there soon.

Not bad for a couple of lads originating from Speke, one from Woolton and another from the Dingle.

I'll do a bit of creeping and send him a "hope you enjoy your retirement" card!

I think Colette's has been the sauciest comment, some are just downright cheesy. Derek Knox's have been X-rated and to get to The Beatles is just a Magical Mystery Tour!

Barry Hesketh, good post on the Theatre Luvvie's reign, actually, the romans had a feast named after him, it was called The Lord of Misrule!

On the subject of left back, could it be that Seamus is being kept on so he can cover both right- and left-back positions?

Reading the amount of comments from lazy journalists and pundits who just need space to fill, I am now into "It's been a blue blue day and I feel like running away".

And he can still do a job, even if it's not every game, as well as mentor younger players.

I think Godfrey is the one who gives us versatility at the back. He suffered from second season syndrome last season, but he can play left or right back as a traditional full back. Not yet convinced he is top drawer centre back, but he's still young and learning so time will tell.

Brian, put the revolver down. Let's play Nowhere Man. Living in his nowhere land. Making all his nowhere plans for nobody.

I could go on!!

Playing 4 at the back against Minnesota was pretty disastrous. We were in much better shape - defensively at least - against Arsenal and Blackpool when we played with 3 centre-backs and advanced wingbacks. I think Lampard will use this system, and Vinagre could provide much-needed cover for Mykolenko - even allowing Mykolenko to play as the left-sided of the 3 centre-backs if needs be.

If Vinagre were to come in then it probably means our defensive acquisitions are done and we can concentrate on trying to secure 3 more players; a DCM, a CM, and another forward.

Eddie (65) - When fit and ready I fully expect to see Coleman playing as the right-sided of the three centre-backs.

No idea why its favourable to the player or his club to come and be a reserve here?

If Nkounkou is indeed a write-off, then surely the better plan is to get Eli Campbell and Samuels-Smith on a fast track as the backup?

The one aspect of our squad I am reasonably happy with is our talent on the flanks. Gray, Townsend, Gordon, and then behind them, Mykolenko with Godfrey as back-up. Less so on the right, we could be a bit light with Patterson and Coleman.

So, I know, why don't we buy another left-back, play five at the back, and get rid of all our wingers, and attack down the flanks with just the full-backs???.

This set-up says to me, "We've got no confidence in our defence or our midfield. so we're just gonna stick bodies in there, and hope to nick one."

Ye Gods.

Yes, Frank did have Coleman on the right of three centre-backs at one time. He does seem to prefer to have three with wingbacks.

I still think it leaves the middle of the park too open, especially when Gomes inevitably gets his chance.

Vinagre is no great shake in my opinion though he does have potential, has played already in the Premier League, and crucially is very cheap at only 㾼k per week. An ٦M option to buy is not dear should he do well. Thelwell knows him well and is on record saying he's a hard worker who could be a top player.

We cover a needed position for very little outlay and risk. Decent if uninspiring business.

Looks like we will be using wingbacks this season, which probably makes sense given our options and Vinagre is quick and decent going forwards. Unless Mina gets sold, I expect that's us sorted at the back now:

GK:- Pickford, Begovic

CB:- Tarkowski, Mina, Godfrey, Holgate, Keane

RWB:- Patterson, Coleman, Iwobi

LWB:- Mykolenko, Vinagre

Though, as Andrew Keatley says, I'd not be surprised to see Coleman as RCB in a back 3. And possibly Mykolenko as LCB.

Hopefully see you on Friday mate, giving the Dark House a visit for a change with Jim Lloyd!

Pace. Work rate. Quality. Age is not on his side but his level of performance last season was still very high and I think if we are shopping for loans and freebies we could do much worse than the Belgian

With Coleman's on the right, and a possible Cornet arriving.

A truly lamentable state of affairs for which only transient coaches have been held to account. My God, the custodians of our club never, ever fail to disappoint.

Do they not have any feeling of responsibility, a modicum of shame? A sense that they played any part at all in nearly relegating our club. Not even a tiny feeling of awkwardness at showing their faces in public, never mind at Goodison Park.

Still, maybe something good will happen. It's due.

I suppose it is more bodies onboard, but we really need a 10-15 goals-a-season attacking midfielder and a striker to come in for injury-prone Calvert-Lewin. Hope I am wrong on the last bit...

How many loans can we have or is the restriction just on domestic loans?

Come on, be kind!

- Premier League clubs may not register more than two players on loan at any one time.
- The maximum number of loans registrable in the same season is four, and, under no circumstances, shall more than one be from the same club at any one time.
- Premier League clubs cannot loan to another Premier League club a player they have acquired in the same transfer window.
- A Premier League club may loan not more than one of its goalkeepers to another Premier League club.

With the exception of Welsh clubs competing in the competitions listed under Rule V.6.2, loans from a club in membership of another National Association do not count towards the above quotas.

- like Ancelotti and Benitez, Lampard has concluded Nkounkou isn't very good; and

- we are definitely going to play a back 3 / 5 and we need someone to cover Mykolenko (Godfrey can only cover left-back)

Bit underwhelming. But then this is Everton.

I will try and get there myself before the game.

Your logic checks out as far as I'm concerned. However, 'concerned' being the operative word.

Concerned that Lampard will insist on the wing-back system and 3 centre-backs.

Logic for me would dictate that Mykolenko, barring serious injury, will be the left-wingback for the majority of games this season.

If he picks up the odd injury or suspension, I'd expect that we could revert to a flat back 4 with Godfrey covering there and Nkounkou as emergency cover.

But it appears that Lampard will perhaps not be this flexible.

It seems we will be completely reliant upon full-backs for creativity. In games when our width is pinned back by other better teams who play this way, then we are really going to struggle. There'll be absolutely no outlet and midfield will already be a mismatch in most games.

I am not against this signing per se but I get the impression that we can't make unlimited signings so we have decided to bring in a cover left-wingback at the expense of a player in another position.

If we sign an attacking midfielder, he's not going to be a household name, it could be a young lad that could be a 10-15 goal-a-season player but we are not in that market, lad. Lower your expectations, mate, or you will only be more disappointed.

Must be competing with Mykolenko as he's only a young lad himself and, with no competition, Mykolenko could get complacent.

I too think a striker is a must. How long last season was Richarlison up front because Calvert-Lewin was injured? I'd like to see Broadhead given go but that's not serious back-up.

Let's hope this is the start of the transfer plan as they know only 2 loans are allowed, so they must be planning something fingers crossed

I suppose we might use a system like Wolves – a 5-2-2-1, with full-backs giving width but also busy, technical players (like Gray and Gordon) behind a target man (Calvert-Lewin) offering goals. Or a 5-3-1-1 with Alli behind Calvert-Lewin.

Does the rules mean we can loan 2 players from English teams but more from other European clubs?

I remember Lookman being written off after 1 game (he's doing okay now), and Mykolenko being written off by some after half a game (even though he was new to the country and his homeland under siege).

To be given time, you have to be local; Tom Davies is a perfect example, as is Jonjoe Kenny. It really is The League of Gentlemen with some when it comes to players.

I will let someone else translate that to our superb overseas fans.

I think Patterson will show better as the season progresses as well. We're still a couple of good midfielders short of a midfield.

So really, it boils down, to me, that I'll support any tactics Frank uses, as long as we get some good (don't have to be great unless we unearth a gem, as great players aren't likely to come here) players in.

A poor horizon for me but, if we draw some of the games we lost last season and win some of the lost and drawn games, we'll survive.

I think it will be a miracle if we get into the Top 8 (but they do happen)! As long as we steer away from the mire this season, that'll be a starter for 10 (more points'll do). It's survival for me.

Depending on who we bring in, I might hope for higher horizons. But after last season, and the financial mess... just do better than last season, please.

I think you may be right Robert.

But that'll end in disaster as DCL has now adapted his game and offers very little in terms of running channels and press like he used to.

Dele has never offered this.

And neither are players who've ever been creative or able to build attacks.

Both are just players capable of finishing chances created for them. And this will be in a team that isn't capable of creating anything.

We'll effectively have two passengers in our starting XI if this is how he intends on setting us up

And we've lost Richarlison, Sigurdsson and Delph and never had Gomes.

Oh dear!!!

He will bring back our salad days.

*reaches for tablets whilst muttering "I am Napoleon"

I'll have that, smashing player was Andy - and that goal - wow!!

Joe Parkinson?

Thanks for that information on loanees. I was not aware there was such rules.

Seems this player is back up for Myko, or maybe it is to have the option of playing Myko further forward. After all Everton need scoring options and Myko is as good as anyone we have got.

It this suppose to be one of Thewells gems.

I txt messaged a Wolves supporting mate about this player today and asked him if he was any any good. His summary was that he was actually pretty good, but he needed to mature when he was at Wolves as he had a tendency to keep doing tricks and unnecessary step overs.

And thanks again for giving me Joe Parkinson's surname, just couldn't remember his name!!

We haven't got onr in the first team squad, I hope we have one in the u 23's but just don't know enough. I like ellis but I hear from those who watch that he needs more time. I think there is more in Grays locker (and townsend's come to that, once they are proerl;y fit, and we get a proper creator...asking for the moon?

Alone again naturally.

Good luck to the lad, hope he does well.

Good luck to the lad, hope he does well.

Kevin Sheedy? Who was this Liverpool reserve? Graham Sharp from Dumbarton-who? I hadn't heard of Peter Reid, let alone Paul Bracewell. Trevor (who) Steven?? As for that former bin man from Llandudno who rose from the non-leagues to the lower leagues to become renowned as world class. What were you thinking Everton?

A player from Millwall for a modest fee who only came to Everton after Crystal Palace pulled out of a deal. He went on to become an icon for a generation.

I get it. Different times, but it doesn't mean you won't pick up the odd bargain or gem that just might fit in the right team despite previous unglamorous history.

The moral of the story. Judge them by what they do in a blue shirt. You might just be pleasantry surprised and pleased.

If you're coming to Everton Mr Vinegar, welcome and good luck.

Remember the days when Moyes could spot championship players like Cahill Baines and Jags or overseas players like Arteta or Pienaar? Seems like our DOF only knows current or ex Wolves players. Hope he proves us wrong and pulls off some good business over the next few weeks.

Remember the days when Moyes could spot championship players like Cahill Baines and Jags or overseas players like Arteta or Pienaar? Seems like our DOF only knows current or ex Wolves players. Hope he proves us wrong and pulls off some good business over the next few weeks.

Hahaha fuckin hell. We've signed a free and some no mark left back on loan and yet some muppets on here can spin it as a positive. Absolute comedy. Check out who the agent is and follow the money. The EFC laundrette. Everton Football Club is finished as a going concern.

Finished.

The only way left is for the fans to take it back.

Ridiculous.

"The only way left is for the fans to take it back."

How?,"Everton Football Club is finished as a going concern. Finished."

Ridiculous.

"The only way left is for the fans to take it back."

How?,,,1,22:06:00,,2.120.45.221,ok,10701,07/26/2022 22:06:00,Brent,reader,,,no,
1259192,42396,toffeeweb,26/07/2022,Nick Page,,Stop bringing up Moyes. He fucked us off for Man Utd. And then tried to pinch our best players for nothing. FFS,Stop bringing up Moyes. He fucked us off for Man Utd. And then tried to pinch our best players for nothing. FFS,,,1,22:07:38,,90.248.76.15,ok,23046,07/26/2022 22:07:38,nickpage@hotmail.co.uk,reader,,,no,
1259193,42396,toffeeweb,26/07/2022,Eddie Dunn,,"Mathew 131- talking of Anthonee Robinson...have you guys seen his amazing card trick? Fucking incredible, if it's legit.

Have no doubt Thelwell is having to play a delicate balancing act here. No judgment from me yet.

A ball hasn't been kicked yet. See you home, away and at Wembley.

Pair of muppets you and I obviously!!

Maybe this lad is versatile as to where he can play, but let's see.

Looks like minimal outlay, more of the same, three more bargains, time will judge.

Maybe this lad is versatile as to where he can play, but let's see.

Looks like minimal outlay, more of the same, three more bargains, time will judge.

Mark 130. We have got this lad for next to nothing 10x less than sigis wages. The papers have linked us with all ex Thelwall and wolves players isn't that lazy journalists not lazy work by dof. Don't belive all you read mate. Let him do his job and judge him by what the players do he brings. Not by who the clickbait sites say we are linked with.

Danny 150 hits nail on the head.
Who knew seamus, cahill, arteta, pienar would turn out so good for us ? They were plucked for next to nothing or were struggling for form it can be done without spunking a load more dough.

Honestly though we need to get real. I've seen us win everything. I'm lucky. But the future of the club is literally on the line here. We go down, we're done. We can't pay for a new ground. Moshiri was never the money man - it was his mate. He owns the club now as a stooge as his mate has been sanctioned. Blue Billy Bullshiter hasn't got any money apart from the millions he's made from selling his stock. The accounts look horrendous (I'm a financial investor, so I know….and Paul (Esk) does some great work….he gives his time to it). We're terribly run, with no leadership and are desperate for investment (AGAIN!) but we can't spend any money. We can't make any money because we don't have any commercial acumen and we are cash-flow constrained due to the new ground. Our squad is paper thin and low on confidence.

We've signed a ton of players who have been so bad they have had no resale value. In any business that (lack of) ROI is a huge red flag. But not at Everton Old Boys Club. Honestly this wasn't a one off or a few mistakes it's been multiple mistakes…

So we're in trouble. Insolvency isn't far away without Moshiri's (mates) cash injections.

I suppose, having said that, he will fit in here with our average squad.

Seriously though, do we not need strikers !!!

I think Moshiri is either holding out for seeing the stadium through with his "not for sale" quote. Or he's trying to drive a hard bargain to sell us.

Either way, we all know what needs to change.

Try a good grape. It calms the nerves!!

Less than 2 weeks to go Nick. Then it's about the football and your kid can wear that Gordon kit with pride when he hits the winner against Chelsea.

Our Vinagre will probably end up the same – too much of a chip on his shoulder.

Against all logic, perhaps Vinagre will help get Everton out of a pickle!

Brent - he'll be off to feckin Spurs, lol. I hate them nearly as much as the RS.

This is the sign of desperate times and it seems to be that we will play with our backs to the wall with a 5-man defense.

Given that we seem incapable of playing it through midfield, I think we're going to see a lot of long balls to our super strike force of Calvert-Lewin and a super-fit Rondon.

If we don't bring a solid midfielder in soon, then we will need to be firing those blue flares by Christmas.

1) Allow Mykolenko to be moved inside as a left-footed centre-back in either a back 5 or a back 4. Mykolenko played centre-back at times during his Kiev days, so it is not throwing a fish out of the water. As a pair in a back 4, Tarkowski and Mykolenko definitely gives me more confidence than any of the partnership combination out of Mina, Godfrey, Keane and Holgate. In a 3 centre-back setup of a back 5, they can actually help raise the game of any one of those 4.

2) Form a defensively-solid, dynamic and fluid left side that can allow them switching back and forth between left-back and left-winger depends on different match-ups. They just might be able to re-create some of the magic during the Baines - Pienaar days!

In short, happy to have a younger and more dynamic version of Nuno Valente joining us!

This one came through awful quick.

For my part the answer to your question is: yes. But additionally the fact we brought him in when we had an established left back. But I also said a “second rate Nuno Valente”. Nuno was actually pretty good. This guy? Red flags anyone?

Signed for Lisbon a month ago and they want to loan him? He's not a kid, He will be in his mid-20s post loan.

Have we done a medical? Have we done a background check? Seems a bit fishy although the vinegar may temper the smell.

A well balanced squad to start the season, raring to go!

I can recall Unsworth going to Villa, pic in paper, then literally 2 weeks later, sold to Everton. Maybe he just likes the UK and Premier League and requested a return, maybe it just suits all parties?

Obviously money is not being released. The Richarlison first payment appears to have went into a bank account and will only be reluctantly spent. It appears Everton's priority is to sort out previous financial recklessness. The main deadline of this transfer window was 30 June to stay within the Profit and Sudtsainabilty rules.

The only thing we are certain off is that reports on players with multimillion pounds transfer fees are rubbish. That is how I how I find myself assessing such reports. I now wish that Moshiri had not put in writing “judge me in two weeks" because it is looking very likely he will be judged as being a muppet. ٟ. 5 million spent last Summer transfer window, nothing spent so far.

The question I have is when the reckless spending was taking place, did anyone know anything about the Premier Leagues Profit and Sustainability rules or cared to know? Really all involved should be long gone.

Just goes to prove that Everton have a morbid preoccupation with just "stopping" opponents instead of ever trying to hurt them.

We never seem to have a god attacking team anymore.

Aside from Martinez teams and one or two under Moyes, it's always erred towards defence.

I was reading the terms of the deal, it sounds like Juve paid a €2.5M loan fee last season and are due to pay a €3.5M loan fee this season too. Then an obligation to buy for €24M next summer. It says to be paid over 3 years, so maybe payment of that end fee can be partly stretched until 2024.

With PSG the buyer, we could well get a much-needed early windfall.

To accumulate good attacking talent we need to speculate on high quality youngsters of low cost. We cannot afford ready made. Yet we seem obsessed with mediocre ready made that we can afford.

All the players we look longingly at now started somewhere and were often available at one point for very modest cost. We need to buy at source.

I agree. You can have the best back 3/4/5 in the world but if there's nothing in front of it to stop wave after wave of opposition attacks then you're on a hiding to nothing, not to mention trying to put the ball in the back of the net at the other end.

It's going to be a long season unless we get some midfielders and at least one striker in.

Good teams take the initiative, not sit deep and hope to hold out.

The "must have Premier League experience" quote makes me cringe. No. Take a gamble on potential, be that relatively experienced or young up and coming.

My concern right now is that the majority of our links have Wolves and Chelsea connections on top of some earlier rumours of Tottenham players likely linked to the Richarlison deal.

I get that a lot of managers and DoF will go back to what they know. But successful and competitive teams tend to build something new and different.

He's very athletic, extremely fast, can tackle, go past men as though they're not there, and has a decent shot. He looks up to see what passes are on and can pass over distance or in quick passing moves.

Granted, it's on that small amount of time on YouTube, but I'd have him in our first team squad, and I'd like to see him in from the start of the season.

I admit tactics, 4-5-1, 3-3-2-2 and all the rest of the formations, are beyond me, so I read Robert's and Sam's posts and others, to get an idea of what, when and how they could be used.

For me, the first thing I look at is, is a man a good footballer? Well, this lad is, as is Mykolenko, Godfrey, Tarkowski, Mina (when he's fit), Gray, Gordon, Townsend, Iwobi? (well, he looks like he's showing some skills now), Patterson, Branthwaite (when he comes back!) Coleman (if he can still perform as last year), Dele Alli (if he can get his umph back!), Allan, Calvert-Lewin (Well, I don't think he's a Roy Vernon style goal machine, but if we supply him with headers, he's good at that).

Jury's out for me on:

Keane (not a good footballer),
Holgate (both of these as subs),
Gbamin (hope he makes it but???),
Gomes (sad, but he's finished in Premier League terms),
Rondon (well, I think he can do a job for us while we've got him),
Doucouré (seems to find it difficult to control a ball),
Davies (well, a 'maybe' is all I can see of him as he seems to have gone backwards, but let's see).
Nkounkou (doubtful, but who knows?),
Broadhead (got some glowing praise at Sunderland... but?),
Simms (I'd like to see him but may go on loan)

Anyway, my point is that we have enough good, fast, intelligent players for a more fluid style of football, than that we've suffered for years.

I don't think Mykolenko or Godfrey, and now Vinagre, have to be just one particular position all season, or even all match.

To make the best use of the players we have, then a rigid system is not, in my view, the way to get best out of them; no matter which formation we start with.

What did the Holland team play? Total Football! I think that is the way to develop our players, instead of a total mess.

ps: I think the best goal I saw us score last season was an end-to-end move with about 4 passes, that ended with Townsend bursting the net at Old Trafford... much more of those please, not the pedestrian stuff.

There remain excellent attacking players available on loan and relatively modest cost fees. Hopefully we finish the window with a few of them.

As it stands we have absolutely no alternative to cowards' football.

Anyway, one site I was looking at was giving info over Vinagre's last 50 appearances:

21 at left back
21 at left midfield
8 at defensive midfield.

So there appears to be some versatility there. Or he may have stunk the gaff out in all of those positions. Time will tell I guess.

They have gone from having one of the oldest and least dynamic teams struggling to stay in the Premier League, to having an exciting young team who may be capable of pushing for Top 10 this season, whilst playing some good football.

They have done it without having to unearth any unheard-of gems or developing standout youth talents (though the fee they got from Wan Bissaka was very helpful):

Eze – 㾼M
Guehi – 㿀M
Joachim Anderson – 㾻M
Olise – ٦M
Edouard – 㾻M
Mateta – ٧M
Cheick Doucoure – 㿀M
Ebiowei – Free
Sam Johnstone – Free
Nathan Ferguson – Free

None of these players weren't relatively well known, many were bargains from the Championship, but they now have a relatively exciting young team with some sellable assets playing watchable football under Viera.

It's not easy but it's also not rocket science. Let's see who we bring in but there are lots of players out there who could make a difference.

But can we quickly address our lack of goalscorers? We have just sold our best goals-per-game striker and as yet haven't replaced him. But if you add in the fact that, apart from Calvert-Lewin, nobody in this squad gets anywhere near scoring double figures is extremely worrying.

I am sure Lampard and our DoF will be well aware of our lack of goals. I don't just want to see one striker signed, in my opinion, we need three more proven goalscorers, whether they be midfield players or out-and-out attackers.

I know Moshiri said wait till the window closes before we criticize our dealings in this window, but I would have thought, with losing Richarlison, our priority should have been more attack-minded players being bought, whereas, so far, it looks like it will be two defenders.

Clearly a back-up and competition at left-back is not a priority. But it is needed.

If we only sign this lad, then there are issues. If his arrival is one, the start of many or a few, then no worries.

In isolation, a cheap option to bring cover and competition at left-wingback is a good thing. An injury to Mykolenko could be a disaster, especially as playing with wingbacks appears to be Lampard's preference.

But yeah, it is not priority No 1.

o me, it smacks of mediocrity in a man. I was told that's being unreasonable or knee-jerk. But I doubt that Pep would need the urge to do that, unlike Moyes or Allardyce.

The 㾶-15M market is out there plus at least money back or big profit. Still it looks like Everton think they are above that way of thinking and the Koeman - Walsh Everton way is still there. Plus Allardyce with Tosun. Walcott and so on.

All very Everton, this.

Vinagre is on loan and low wages. He's back-up for Mykolenko and is a player that our DoF sees as one we might develop but is no certainty to do so.

Therefore, if it doesn't work out, then we haven't paid a a fortune and we send a reserve player back to where he came from.

I'd rather have a DoF who's weighed up the options available and goes for the best. I think this kid will be a boon to us.

I don't think it's a matter of the DoF knows him or he's reliable, I think he's chosen him because he rates him. We've blown many millions on puddins and we're on the breadline, I would guess.

We need a midfielder as I don't really rate Davies (sad to say) or Doucouré (who wants another contract – I hope we don't give him one... but who knows). Let's hope we can get one, possibly two if Gbamin can't do the job,

As I've said, I'm not looking for any great aspirations this season... but I'll be made up if we exceed my expectations. I'll be looking at 10 points more than we got last season. Any more, that's brilliant.

Forwards, well there should be plenty of passes going on to Calvert-Lewin's head; but I think defences have generally worked that move out; I'll be amazed and delighted if he gets between 15-20 goals in all competitions. I think Gray can score more, as can Dele Alli, if we keep him.

I think if Anthony Gordon stops diving and learns to look for a pass more, then he'll be much more effective.

So, I'll wait and see who we bring in, before condemning anyone... except you know who!

Thelwell's entire ethos is set up around 5-3-2, Frank likes the system too (in combination with 4-3-3) and we are finally initiating some joined-up thinking!

Patterson seemingly staying (another piece of good news in my eyes, sorry to all those who were desperate to write him off after 3 appearances).

Vinagre is on low wages, has good potential and some Premier League experience already and we haven't spent much other than a loan fee.

I believe (aside from us being total cheapskates and wanting to save on wages) we will still be busy over the coming weeks. The way I see it, much has been dependent on what happens with Broja, can we strike some sort of deal with Chelsea for a loan? In which case, we can spend more on a CM? I think that underpins the delay in activity; hopefully this will be sorted soon.

Otherwise; we will need to likely spend on a striker who can play part of a front 2 or front 3, Dennis and Terrier are both excellent options and gettable for 㿀M or so. I'd be happy with either but paying this sort of sum will significantly reduce what we can spend on the CDM position.

Getting Broja on loan might be the difference between getting an Onana or Gilmour on loan. I know what outcome I'd prefer, Broja and an Onana type all day long for me. CDM is the most crucial purchase this summer, we all know it.

Be patient, Blues, there is maybe still a small chance we'll be pleased with the business and Frank and our DoF actually have a plan. Of greater concern for me is the lack of time Frank will have to blood in the new signings and that seems to be a trick we miss every bloody season.

If we could get Dennis on an extended payment deal it would be a start, half now half next summer. Sounds like we are exploring it. Then some miraculous deal where we can get Guido Rodriguez and offload Gomes going the other way as a very light makeweight, Kev Thelwell will be earning his wages. Then I'll feel a bit more confident going into the start of the season with still time for one or two shrewd signings.

I think the DCM is very important for the goals for column too, as it will release Dele Alli a bit more to do what he does best, ghost into the box and get a 10+ goal haul from that no10 role. If we are going to keep Alli we have to have the set up to get the best out of him. If not I can see him being sold before the fees start kicking in.

If we don't sign any more players will understand the frustration shown on this thread but as of now this new signing is free ( for now),low wages for a versatile player who looks like he will be part of the plans for next season so with three more new signings let's see how the squad shapes up for the new season.

I also think the DCM, position is very important, but looking at the bigger picture, then so was yesterday's signing, of what seemed like a natural wingback. It does now feel like Lampard is probably going to start with a certain system, and other than backs to the wall, it's been a very long time since we could see this.

I'm sure Gilmour will come in, and I also expect another midfield player, plus a forward. If this happens it will definitely make me feel a lot more positive, and who knows? we might even begin to start looking forward, and this is something that would definitely lift a lot of clouds.

Ricky van Wolfswinkel CF ( knows about Wolves, EPL experience with Norwich too ).
Hannes Wolf, AM ( Also knows about Wolves. Good age 23 ).
Jake Clarke-Salter ( Would fit in well with Vinagre - age 23 ).
Conor Pepper CM ( Very cheap and would go well with Salter ).
Tyler Chicken CM ( Available on a free - £400 a week wages will suffice ).
Robbie Bacon CF ( no known relationship with Wolves but also available on a free ).
Will Fish CB ( U23 at Manure ) Again will 'relish' being alongside Vinagre and Salter - no know contact with Wolves though.
Matt Doherty RB ( Played for Wolves now at Spurs - age 30 - right up our street ).
John Ruddy GK ( Was at Wolves but recruited by Brum on a free - Thelwell slipped up there - could have sold Begovic to pay for Chickens wages and Blue Bill would have been made up to see another ex blue back on the wage bill ).
Tommy Curry CF ( One for the U23s - age 18 - Hot prospect ).
Morgan Gibbs - White AM ( At Wolves - knows Thelwell well - apparently wants to stay at Wolves - What does he know ? ).
Diego Jota LW ( Also played for Spurs - oops now at the RS who got him for £40m - now worth £55m - we bought Iwobi for £30m+ ).

Will continue to aid the scouting department asap.

Wolves took Vinagre on loan initially and he had such a good season that they bought him. Second season not so good, so they shipped him out.
Apparently very skilful, lightweight (at the time), if he has bulked up, could be a good signing 🤞

Could [in theory] have goals in that side while retaining a decent defence and more ability to take the game to an opponent rather than sitting back and reacting to the game.

Pickford
Patterson Tarkowski Mina Godfrey Vinagre
Gordon Rodriguez Dennis
Dele Calvert-Lewin

Subs: Iwobi, Mykolenko, Gray, Holgate, Allan, Keane, Doucoure, Coleman. The boys Warrington, Price, Mills, Dobbin getting some action from the bench.

Some of those senior eight are arguably starters anyway or alternatives if in better form. There's a lot up for grabs. Again the DCM position is unconditional, I don't think we have a player at the moment who can fulfil the role.

It's still not for me, but it's perfect for the long diagonal that a lot of teams now use, but as always, it's about having players with football intelligence, that understand their role, because that's always the key in trying to succeed, imo.

I think your opinions are valid Tony, especially about taking the game to your opponents, but I hate footballers being isolated, and it's why I've never been the greatest fan of this formation. Again though, if used properly, it should mean you have at least “one floater” so if they are clever, and can keep finding positions closest to our widest player, then suddenly, it might begin to work!!

I read and nodded my head in agreement at both posts as the both made very valid mention of one of the problems we have suffered from for some years now and seem clueless in solving. Ever since the time Lukaku left us in 2017 for M.U. for about £75m we haven't brought in a replacement even though it has been plainly obvious that it was necessary if we weren't going to slide down the league. Every team needs to score goals might sound obvious or else they eventually will face relegation. Again obvious but apparently not deemed a priority for Everton so I hope, without any confidence however, that the message has finally been heard by the Board and acted upon from our close shave last season.

That brings me to the role of Kevin Thelwell I have n problem with him sounding out his former club and using his knowledge from there to pick up, if he can, bargains before having to search further afield for his new players. It make sense to pick fruit from the most appropriate low hanging branches available as they are the easiest and usually most productive when money is tight. The same applies to Frank and his association with Chelsea.

We NEED to crack on and identify and sign one or two players at least who is capable of scoring goals on a regular basis. I dread to think if what will happen if DCL gets crocked again or doesn't start firing as we hope he should.

Urgent work is necessary or the escape we managed last season will be in vain I'm afraid.

Formations and set up should be moulded around the players you have available rather than trying to make the players you have try to fit into the formation you want to play. Then you're in square hole, round peg territory.

I don't like midfield diamonds. I don't like 5-3-2.

Theoretically, the best attacking formation is 3-5-2. The most complete is 4-2-3-1. In my opinion and if you have the right players for those systems.

But it all comes back to having the right players in the right psisitions to make any formation work.

Most modern day formations see teams play with one striker.

As mentioned, the danger is isolation. Get the midfield closer to the forward. To do that, get the defenders closer to the midfield.

Get higher up the pitch.

When Dynamo Kiev are in town ask them about Viktor Tsygankov. His contract is up next June. Age 24. He's a leader - been captain on numerous occasions. Plays for Ukraine. Right winger who is left footed.

Stats.
RW 169 apps 67 goals 47 assists
LW 24 apps 10 goals 9 assists
Various MF 20 apps 7 goals 4 assists.

I just looked up Peter Knowles. Interesting story. After his last game, Wolves kept him contracted for a further 12 years in the hope that he'd return to playing one day. Maybe an early blueprint for Everton contracts.

Games are won and lost in midfield. Always have been. Always will be.

It was a very hot day, supposedly around 100 degrees at pitch side, so at half time, Howe told them all to strip off, sit quiet and relax.

Then just before they went out for the second half, he produced a fresh, ice cold kit, that he had left sitting in a box of ice, for each player, showing intelligence, with actions that were probably well ahead of his time?

Innovation, or getting people to believe it's innovative even, just like that man across the park, because once you get people believing, anything is possible. I'm just happy that Lampard seems to have settled on a formation, so let's see who else comes in, because we are nothing without a plan.

See Thierry Small has gone to Port Vale on loan, that worked out well then!

On a serious note, I believe that Liam Delap is available from Man City, 19 years old PL and CL experience, could be an interesting option up front for £10m.

We've lost our best player from a dire team last season.

Lampard can jiggle whatever formation he wants but what he has to play with isn't good enough.

Judge you at the end of the transfer window Moshiri? Season starts next week mate.

Only Everton could replace gueye ….with gueye.

Frank during the regelation battle stuck with a 4-3-3 which morphs into a 5-3-2. Many thought the latter was a attempt at a defensive formation, but in reality it was to provide more support to the midfield having the left and right back pushing up as wing backs, sometimes coming inside.

It didn't look structured and needed players to be more mobile, not fixed positionally and looking to press forward. Of course errors and misplaced passes make it look the wrong tactics on occasions. Iowbi excelled in such a role.

But Frank persisted with it and by all accounts training is centred around players getting use to playing in such a unfixed system. It seems that it will continue the same into this season.

Many on ToffeeWeb are of the age when they look for rigid safe systems of play. But Everton have a young Manager who may have the attitude of hit it a bash and see what happens. Everton this season may not be so predictable to play against and how can any opposition team prepare to play against a team who has a loose formation and bases it's attacks across a broad supported midfield. If in training this is constantly practised they will also could find they will be up against increase speed of implementation of such tactics.

The transfer in of Vingare could be to release Myko further up the pitch. Patterson looks like a player that can get forward or aleast provide adequate backing the a right wing back going forward.

I am not surprised that Gomes can go, he is too slow for such a system and when deep would muck up fast forward progress of the defensive line. So it is essentially to have a speeder midfield player, with either a wing back or attacking midfielder in support of a lone striker. I can't see a additional forward being purchases. Rondon and Calvert Lewin are in situ. So the next part of the transfer window imo will be getting a suitable midfielder or two, . depending how Gbaminis stands up to assessement.

If Everton get Broja and the Kean money pigs might fly.

I know facts are problematic – Richarlison scored 10 Premier League goals last season, not 9.

Then there's this claim of yours that Everton start the season on "minus 9 goals". Utter hogwash. They start on zero goals, like every other team.

I just can't understand why some Evertonians fill their heads with complete and utter nonsense...

Actually, that bit I don't mind. Fill yer boots. It's posting your crap on here in full view that gets my goat.

What's the point of this?

We need a fucking CM and like now!

Good God don't waste a single resource until that position on the pitch is addressed!

Infuriating.

Steavey, we've already added back a confirmed 15-goal scorer in the league who barely played last season.

Soren. they are not "getting rid" of him. They bought him as an investment for the future and are loaning him out to get playing time, which he didn't get last season in their 3-man backline.

I think with our restrictions R.Vinagre is a good acquisition as he is only 23 has experience both in the premier and abroad and plays mostly as a left sided Wing Back, but can play at Left Back so is cover for who I believe will be our regular Left Back Mykolenko.

My thoughts have always been as Danny says, you win or loose in midfield, and this season we have lost as our midfield was either overrun or could not move the ball quick enough to our attackers and I will not be happy until we can get at least 1 quality player in the midfield.

I think people are being a little harsh on DCL just going on last seasons games,, that I think he only played in 17 games mostly getting over serious injuries. were before he became a regular England squad player, and nobody is going to replace Kane as the starter.

Nothing can gloss over the poor season we had on the last one but I believe there is enough quality in the present squad for about a 12th position, but who knows what may happen until the official transfer window closes. I don't believe there was very much information on we were going to go for R.Vinagre. and 1 day we heard about it and the next day he was signed.Lets see if their will be any funds coming in with transfers out, that can get a player that can influence our midfield. '' Think I have said this before"

A Gray substitute / competition for a spot?

Anyone know if he's speedy enough to play higher up the pitch on the left?

Soren, I don't know, I know nothing about that club. Our TW expert on Sporting Lisbon and all things Portuguese, Steve Ferns, would know that answer, but he hasn't been seen here in a quite a while.

What I do know from reading up is that Vinagre was considered a dazzling prospect coming out of Portugal's national youth teams, and that Kevin Thelwell loved him as far back as 2017.

I realize you say we're half way through the window, but on the flip side, we're also only 10 days from the opening game? It's worrisome.

But at left back, we're world beaters.

One more and we'll be set.

(PS... hope you've recovered from the virus. I hear this variant is pretty nasty.)

“He's such a normal, nice guy, and he works very hard at his game… "I think he's going to be a top, top talent.” Let's hope he's right! #EFC

I'll call our Kev out right now, he's not a top top talent. He's a lad that will go into Everton graveyard of shit full backs. Tony Thomas, Lars Jacobsen, Marc Hottinger, Mitch Ward, John Cleland.

Well here's another to add to the collection, along with the shit directors of football that recruited them before him.

Kevin Thelwell is a completely out of his depth, that much is becoming clear. Very worrying that he only seems to have connections into Burnley, Wolves and Wolves cast offs.

Judge him at the end of the window, but not positive at all.

TYVM for the well wishes. This variant is a mother-ducker.

I tested positive on July 11th. I was completely down and out for the first week, and the second week I couldn't stay awake for any longer than 3-4 hours maximum at a time.

I'd say, now 16 days later, I'm around 50%, but much better.

This strain of covid is absolutely brutal, at least from my experience. To be fair, I was and am unvaxed and unboosted. Say whatever you will about that, the arguments are frankly well known and tired. I just hope the natural immunity I get on the backside of this equates to never, ever getting it again.

I dodged that damn virus for 2.5 years. I slept next to a covid positive wife, had it come in my house through my sons, and never got it. This time I wasn't lucky, and the Superman streak ended. Holy crap was it a bitch.

If this thing is flying around wherever you are, take precautions.

UTFB.

Welcome to Everton. Whatever plans the DoF and Manager have in mind, may you succeed in a royal blue shirt.

God speed, make us proud and make us sing your name.

Sorry you took such a wallop. Be aware that whatever natural immunity you've now acquired applies only to this variant, not the next one. I know people who have been nailed three times by different versions. One friend hasn't been able to taste his own beer for over a year.

However, it's not changed our most urgent requirement. At least 2 top-class midfielders are still required to improve our starting line-up; this wasn't a priority.

It must mean Nkounkou isn't fancied which is a real shame. I enjoyed watching him, he's got pace, drive and appeared to be an excellent prospect.

I gather all of that except for the last part: How do they see him getting more minutes with us than with them? Seems a strange move if more minutes is the goal.

For what it's worth, I like the move in theory for us, assuming we get the central midfield help we desperately need.

He's a much bigger attacking threat than McNeil plus pace.