01/06/2025 146comments  |  Jump to last

Take it with a pinch of salt, but John Stones could make a dramatic return to Everton this summer, reports Simon Mullock of The Mirror. Stones spent three seasons at Goodison Park before joining Manchester City in 2016.

It is believed that City staff have grown frustrated with Stones following his persistent injury problems. The centre-back has started only 18 matches in the Premier League over the last two seasons. Signed for £47.5 million from Everton, Stones has been one of the key players in Pep Guardiola’s project at Manchester City and has won six Premier League titles, two FA Cups and the Champions League. 

He made his breakthrough in English football with the Toffees. After being signed for a reported £3 million from Barnsley, he made 95 appearances for the club and also made his international debut with the Three Lions during his second season at the club.

He has since played 83 matches for the national side, finishing runners-up at the European Championships twice in 2020 and 2024.

Returning to the England squad for the World Cup next year will be a priority for Stones, who wants regular playing time. He is unlikely to get it under Pep Guardiola and has fallen behind in the pecking order because of his injury record. City have also signed young centre-backs Vitor Reis and Abdukodir Khusanov recently and would be open to selling Stones.

“Stones has just a year left on his £250,000-a-week contract and would have to take a pay-cut to link up again with David Moyes. But City’s asking price is unlikely to be prohibitive and they are aware that the defender needs regular football to push for a place in England’s World Cup squad next summer,” said the report.

Chelsea set their sights on Branthwaite

Everton have stepped up their interest in Stones after reports emerged that Chelsea are interested in luring young centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite away from Merseyside. After securing the transfer of striker Liam Delap, a player Everton were also interested in, Enzo Maresca’s side are weighing up a move for the 22-year-old, who has made 86 appearances for the club so far.

Branthwaite was also the subject of several bids last summer as the Toffees rejected offers of £50m from Manchester United. He is valued at £70m by the club, and the youngster could only leave Everton for a Champions League side. Moyes, however, remains hesitant to part ways with his star defender.

Branthwaite was impressive in the second half of the league season under the Scottish manager and formed a sturdy partnership at the back with James Tarkowski. Along with Pickford, they were largely responsible for the Toffees conceding only 44 goals in the league - a number bettered only by three sides.

While it would be ideal to keep Branthwaite because of his potential and the solidity he provides, money from his sale could also fund the rebuild that the Blues desperately need this summer, with several players out of contract. Stones is a world-class star who can be acquired for a relatively inexpensive fee and can also be deployed as a right-back and a defensive midfielder where he has excelled. However, his injury record casts doubt on the operation. 

It will be interesting to see how Everton play their hand as the ball is in their court.

 

Reader Comments (146)

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Kevin Molloy
1 Posted 01/06/2025 at 16:09:38
bloody hell if we got fifty million for Onana you'd want more than 70 for Branthwaite surely. He's twice the player.
For Stones to come we would have to negotiate a series of shit pies. First, it would mean we'd sold Branthwaite, then that we'd smashed our wage structure, and third that we'd took a gamble on a player who's played 17 games in the last 2 years.
Brian Williams
2 Posted 01/06/2025 at 16:13:31
OMG. Kevin, agree 100%.

Stones has got the breaking strain of a Kitkat.

Anthony O’Sullivan
3 Posted 01/06/2025 at 16:14:35
Persistent injuries, massive wages, out of the first team.

Hopefully the days of buying this type of player are behind us.

Andy Crooks
4 Posted 01/06/2025 at 16:17:45
I agree, Kevin. Compare him to Harry Maguire and forget £70 million!
Ian Wilkins
5 Posted 01/06/2025 at 16:18:37
Stones desperate for games in a World Cup year. Not in City's plans by the looks of it, they want to sell. Who would buy given his age and injury record?

Someone might take a punt on a pay-per-play loan arrangement contributing part of his wages.

Mike Hayes
6 Posted 01/06/2025 at 16:20:27
We've all but got rid of the crocks – we definitely don't need any more.

Unless we are obligated to keep the physios in work, it's "Thanks… but no thanks."

Liam Mogan
7 Posted 01/06/2025 at 16:22:14
Not this please.
Ryan Holroyd
8 Posted 01/06/2025 at 16:30:44
Company for or to replace Calvert-Lewin on the treatment table?
Rob Halligan
9 Posted 01/06/2025 at 16:33:37
Won't happen. His wages apart from anything else will see to that! £250k per week, jeez, he'd have to take at least a 50% cut for us to even then consider him, and even then £125k per week is probably too much.

Nah, a definite non-starter!

Joshua Steadman
11 Posted 01/06/2025 at 16:41:29
As already noted, it would mean we have lost Branthwaite. I hope we have left signing this type of player.

I would rather take a punt on a lower league player. Moyes generally gets it right with his defenders, Per Krøldrup aside!

Robert Tressell
12 Posted 01/06/2025 at 16:46:03
Kevin, last season I think the biggest fees paid for players by European teams were Kvaratskhelia, Alvarez and Marmoush (€70M to €75M). In those conditions, it might be hard to get more than that for Branthwaite if we sell (and obviously hopefully we don't sell).

On Stones, he's a class act – and although he's not managed lots of league games he has still played a reasonable number in all competitions:

2024-25: 20 games (11 league games)
2023-23: 28 games (16 league games)
2022/23: 34 games (22 league games)

Yes it's a declining number of games which is a worrying trajectory so I'm not advocating we buy. I'm just saying for balance.

Whatever the case, I'd be amazed if he signed with us. Hard to see how he, Man City and Everton could structure something that worked for all parties from a transfer fee and wages perspective.

The much more logical thing to do is to hunt around for U21 players or teenagers who could go on to become our next John Stones.

John Chambers
13 Posted 01/06/2025 at 16:47:07
Definite no. People complain about Calvert-Lewin being a sicknote but he has appeared in 58 Premier League games over the last 2 years, probably 50-ish starts.

Just imagine the volume of comments we would have about Stones!

Dave Abrahams
14 Posted 01/06/2025 at 16:47:43
Anjishnu,

Stop it — try another one, this one is a non-starter.

Michael Coville
15 Posted 01/06/2025 at 17:00:13
A definite No! I would rather give Keane a 1-year contract, at least he doesn't get injured so often.

As far as Branthwaite is concerned, unless a team offers ridiculous money, he will stay with us for another year… and then we will see depending on how well we do.

Gavin Johnson
16 Posted 01/06/2025 at 17:04:10
We're said to have upwards of £100M to spend on players, so I wouldn't be surprised if Branthwaite is sold so we can have a complete rebuild. I'd be disappointed if we sold Branthwaite for less than £80M given we owe Carlisle 15% of the fee.

I don't see a deal for John Stones.

Keith Harrison
17 Posted 01/06/2025 at 17:04:11
In a word… NO!!
Kev Johnson
18 Posted 01/06/2025 at 17:05:25
"Could John Stones make a dramatic Everton return?"

No. Nothing to see here. Move along...

Lee Courtliff
19 Posted 01/06/2025 at 17:09:10
Surely we've learned our lesson by now????
Neil Thomas
20 Posted 01/06/2025 at 17:12:37
Why would we sell our best centre-back to a club that just stole our main striker target? And then replace him with a crock of shit?

If we did have to sell, then surely we should be looking at the Burnley players, or the equivalent to that.

Steve Brown
21 Posted 01/06/2025 at 17:14:26
Go on, I am going to be contrary.

I think a loan deal next season with Man City paying 50% of his wages would suit both clubs and player. It deals with the final year of his contract, he is a top quality player and he wants regular football in the season before the World Cup.

Simply because the article above links the arrival of Stones with the departure of Branthwaite doesn't mean the two are related, or that one would follow the other.

And let's have it right – if he stayed fit, he would definitely play. Stones alongside Branthwaite for a season? I'd like to see it. It also would give us more time to scout for a quality young defender as his successor.

Of course, if Man City demand a transfer fee, then no dice.

Andrew Merrick
22 Posted 01/06/2025 at 17:24:14
I so enjoyed watching him develope as a player.

He was confident from the off, and his "calm down, calm down" gestures to the Gwladys Street end when they wanted him to hoof to Row Z and he played calmly out.

You could tell straight away he was class; those are treasured memories… happy to keep it that way now.

Charles Hanover
23 Posted 01/06/2025 at 17:25:01
Please No!

What we do with Branthwaite will go a long way in determining the ambition of our new owners. Yes, selling him would bring in a hefty fee (which I agree, should be no less than £75M), but keeping him would solidify our back line for years to come.

At best, Stones is a 1- or 2-year rental. I've always liked him, but we'll be looking for his replacement almost as soon as he arrives.

Keep Branthwaite, O'Brien, and Pickford, and get to work shoring up areas of actual need. For context, I'd rather see an injury-prone Richarlison return than Stones… and I'm not really excited by that either.

Jay Harris
24 Posted 01/06/2025 at 17:30:31
Who says he is a top quality player? Yes, he looks okay on the ball and passes well but his defending is poor and getting worse and his mobility has declined with the injuries.

Oh for a young Kevin Ratcliffe, but a definite No on Stones. Look for the next Jake O'Brien and keep Jarrad Branthwaite at all costs.

Martin Mason
25 Posted 01/06/2025 at 17:38:20
I read a rumour suggesting Mikati(?) from Man City…
Les Callan
26 Posted 01/06/2025 at 17:38:59
No thanks.

Over rated.

Neil Lawson
27 Posted 01/06/2025 at 17:43:13
Total tosh.

A bored reporter creating an imaginary story.

Colin Crooks
28 Posted 01/06/2025 at 17:43:47
Na.

He doesn't put enough last-ditch tackles in.

Rob Halligan
29 Posted 01/06/2025 at 17:45:52
Martin # 25…

I can't see any Man City player with a name like that, or similar. Sure you don't mean Haaland? 😁😁

Martin Mason
30 Posted 01/06/2025 at 17:59:52
Sorry Rob, McAtee. I believe that he could be a really good buy.
Liam Mogan
31 Posted 01/06/2025 at 18:04:05
McAtee could be a good buy at a decent price. Young, has Premier League experience, nice and tidy on the ball, good workrate. Represented England at all levels up to U21.

A few have left Man City recently with a point to prove and pushed on. Palmer, Delap, Rogers etc.

Tom Bowers
32 Posted 01/06/2025 at 18:04:24
He has seen his best days… and do we really need another sick note on the books?

Everything depends on Branthwaite; if they sell him at the right price, then we need a really good replacement — but surely not Stones.

Si Pulford
33 Posted 01/06/2025 at 18:08:05
Let's put this whole ‘pay as you play' thing to bed. It hasn't existed for about two decades. Every time we're linked with a player with recent injuries, the same shouts come out:

“I'd only take him on a pay as you play etc…”

Then you don't take him, simple as that. The power is with the player and they will just sign elsewhere. No modern footballer would entertain a 'pay as you play' deal. So let's all move on and stop thinking it's a smart bargaining tool. It's not. Even if it did exist, the player and his agent would laugh at the notion.

I'm not saying I want to sign Stones, by the way. But the idea a five times Premier League Champion player would sign a 'pay as you play' deal is fucking bonkers.

John Raftery
34 Posted 01/06/2025 at 18:11:06
Love these stories.

Only 76 days to go before the next season starts.

Ray Robinson
35 Posted 01/06/2025 at 18:14:11
Well if Chelsea want another centre back, they can buy Stones and leave Branthwaite where he is!

I don't believe this “rumour” one bit.

Mark Murphy
36 Posted 01/06/2025 at 18:15:37
“Makati” lol
Are you still getting your transfer rumours off Alexa, Martin?
ATB
Martin Mason
37 Posted 01/06/2025 at 18:20:40
Sorry, Mark, I heard it not read it and the player I thought it referred to was of colour so added 2 plus 2 and got 5. Sorry it was ex-Sheffield Utd buddy of Ndiaye, James McAtee.

Don't know the strength of it but, at 22, he could be the midfielder that we need. Very pleased with the Blues just now.

Liam ~£20M was quoted.

Rob, Come on, Makati, McAtee? Not much difference if you say it quick.

Andy Crooks
38 Posted 01/06/2025 at 18:28:21
John @34, you gotta admit, it's a damn good start and, although mad, 30 days into the window it will look like an utterly reasonable piece.
Raymond Fox
39 Posted 01/06/2025 at 18:30:12
No, he's on too much money for starters.

When you look how we finished last season with Moyes in charge, the squad were not that far off getting in the Top 10 if he had started the season with us.

Three more wins and we are 9th; yes, that's easier said than done, I know… but it was possible.

Have we discarded or are about to, too many players? That's the question.

Annika Herbert
40 Posted 01/06/2025 at 18:47:54
Exactly Robert @ 40. So many of our fans are pushing for players to go out on loan. PSG play theirs and win a Champions League.

Whilst I am not suggesting for one minute that any of our youngsters will ever reach the level of the PSG kids, how will we know if we continually send them out on loan?

I would hope some of our brightest stars get a run out in pre season before deciding to loan them out.

It would be nice to see them givesome sort of a chance to show they belong with the first team squad.

Danny O'Neill
41 Posted 01/06/2025 at 19:22:40
76 days John? You've just ruined my weekend!! We've got pre-season to look forward to.

I don't read too much into rumours, but this sounds like lazy journalism to me, if you can call it journalism.

There will be lots of this over the summer.

Rob @9 calls it for me. With Tarkowski, Branthwaite and O'Brien, I doubt we would pay those wages for back up. I would think there is more chance of Michael Keane being offered a new contract.

But we don't hold the purse strings.

Darrel Pugh
42 Posted 01/06/2025 at 19:23:30
A completely terrible idea at every level. Losing a 22 yr old potentially world class centre half for a completely knackered player way past his best who will never play!

Let's get Rooney & Big Dunc back – let's all wallow in nostalgia while we sell off our best players! Completely insane idea. Branthwaite, please stay – Stones… stay away!

Robert Tressell
43 Posted 01/06/2025 at 19:33:16
Hopefully TFG invest in our academy from here and we start to see a regular supply into the first team.

I do feel strongly that a club should exist to represent its community and give a chance to the kids who come from that community.

By giving a chance, I mean giving them access to the best coaching and facilities from a very young age - the reason why Mendes, Hakimi, Joao Neves, Vitinha, Doue, Barcola, Zaire-Emery and Mayulu are so good. Only the latter two came through the PSG academy system too.

We have a lot of catching up to do in our academy - highlighted by how poorly represented we are in the England youth set up, and also how few Championship standard loans our players are able to secure. We loan out very, very few players compared with most other Premier League clubs - including some that have been relegated.

Tony Abrahams
44 Posted 01/06/2025 at 19:38:18
The average age of the PSG side last night was 25 years and 96 days.

You can’t beat youth, but there’s nothing better than having a bit of experience in the middle of your defence and John Stones, is one of the best footballing central defenders I’ve ever had the pleasure to watch.

If he could stay free from injury he would be a massive asset and would also make Everton, a lot more flexible if they wanted to change formation from time to time.

I understand what people are saying about learning our lesson after the last few years of total mismanagement, but it still makes me smile when I see so many people turning their noses up at such quality!

Danny O'Neill
45 Posted 01/06/2025 at 19:45:08
The academy should be the foundations Robert, be that for supplying the first team, or generating a return for investment.

Academies aren't free. It costs money to run them.

We haven't been producing that many for years. Given where we are located, as well as bringing in kids from elsewhere, there is enough talent on our doorstep.

Just as an aside, I don't know if he is ready, but the young centre back Reece Welch caught the eye at the test event against Bolton. I think he's already played for the first team?

As always, with academies, you don't see the benefit for years after the foundations are put in place. Hopefully we will benefit from what Thelwell put in place before he left.

Nicolas Piñon
46 Posted 01/06/2025 at 19:45:36
No thanks unless low wage is accepted

he’s best days are gone

Keep buying inteligent Everton

Darrel 43 you summed it perfectly up

Colin Crooks
47 Posted 01/06/2025 at 19:46:37
Tony @45

Spot on

Danny O'Neill
48 Posted 01/06/2025 at 19:51:13
Tony, this may turn a few Evertonian noses the wrong way and leave my defences unguarded (pun intended).

The young Stones reminded me very much of Alan Hansen, the player. A centre back, comfortable on the ball but knew when it had the ball had to go.

Stones was similar. Calm and composed on the ball, which panicked the Park End.

Ian Wilkins
49 Posted 01/06/2025 at 19:58:02
I don’t think it’s being suggested that the players wages could be on pay per play basis, it’s the loan fee arrangement that can be based on playing time. The players wages being split to some degree by both clubs.
I don’t think Everton should go down this path with Stones personally, but I can see someone doing it.
Tony Abrahams
50 Posted 01/06/2025 at 20:12:06
There were times when he could have been a better defender Danny, but I remember shaking my head and smiling when a large part of the crowd, got extremely exasperated with John Stones, Danny.

Bravery comes in different ways and when Stones, told the crowd to calm down, my immediate impression was that the kid had some balls!

He was too good for us, or rather too much of a luxury, because we didn’t need/want a footballing central defender taking chances with the ball, but what class he showed in some games, when he was literally streets ahead of the game.

Phil Roberts
51 Posted 01/06/2025 at 20:14:51
Sell Braithwaite and I can see the phrase "the Arteta money" being rebranded.
Tony Abrahams
52 Posted 01/06/2025 at 20:19:07
The last thing I want to do is sell Jarrod Braithwaite, and believe it would be a real backward step if we replaced our younger Rolls Royce, for an older and slightly different version, but if we could have them both then I think it would be a really big step forward.
Liam Mogan
53 Posted 01/06/2025 at 20:22:37
Successful recruitment is quite difficult. You can bring a load of supposedly highly-rated players in, and it can all fall apart.

It's like that recent series MobLand. What appeared on paper to have a fantastic cast was possibly the biggest piece of crap I've ever seen. Never laughed so much and I don't think it's meant to be a comedy.

Andrew Clare
54 Posted 01/06/2025 at 20:23:24
I want the club to move on from signing these over priced, washed up, last pay check type players.
No to Stones ( too many injuries)and no to Richarlison (in and out of the Spurs team) or Abrahams (poor goals return) they have had their day.
Find young talent from Europe and South America.
If you want to be established in mid table then they are ideal but I want us building an exciting young team who play in Europe every year.
Now is a great opportunity for Everton to build such a team without breaking the bank.
Danny O'Neill
55 Posted 01/06/2025 at 20:36:05
I fell asleep watching the first episode Liam. I haven't tried again.

Branthwaite oozes quality. He is going to win trophies and that should be with Everton.

Not that it bothers me, but how he was put in the England U21s rather than the senior squad and then didn't even start surprised me.

A star in the making, if he isn't already. And we have O'Brien closely following him as his partner in defence. What a positive position to be in.

Tony Abrahams
56 Posted 01/06/2025 at 20:44:54
I like this type of discussion because it’s just all about opinions and nobody knows how anything will ever work out until it happens and then some people will say - I told you - and others will say - I didn’t expect the player to be so good or so bad!

Stones isn’t old for a central defender and has never relied on speed or brawn.

Stones has never been the bravest of central defenders.

When the chips are down would you want to go into the trenches with Stones?

If you was a midfielder trying to get on the ball and play football, which type of defender would you like playing it out to you from the back?

People talk about formations and tactics but the best formation and tactics are always the ones that suit your team!

Everyone wants to watch a young and hungry team, just like the PSG team that mesmerised everyone last night.

Could Stones have played and been an asset for PSG last night? I’d say definitely, but would Stones have been an asset for a Milan team that was on the ropes?

I honestly don’t think I can think of anyone who would have been a defensive asset for Milan, last night, but it’s intriguing to think of Stones, coming back to Everton, because when you look at it positively then there’s no denying his obvious class.

Look at it negatively then? I know, but it’s not just about one or two players, (remembering when we had Stones and Lukaku in the same team) but it’s about building a really competitive squad!

Colin Glassar
57 Posted 01/06/2025 at 20:48:38
Stones, Richarlison, Digne etc… all great servants during their time with us but, we need to move on. Stone’s body has gone. He’s always injured so I’d give him a wide berth.
Liam Mogan
58 Posted 01/06/2025 at 20:51:49
I've always thought the best tactics were the ones that win games with the players you have at your disposal, Tony!

I watched the National League play off final this afternoon and a thoroughly enjoyable game it was. The tactics were miles away from the CL, but were perfectly suited to the players on show.

Tony Abrahams
59 Posted 01/06/2025 at 21:00:08
You won’t win many games using tactics that don’t suit your team will you Liam?

Sorry I should have left it and went to bed! but before I do a massive point that is often overlooked, is how often do Everton use tactics that really suit our crowd?

Goodnight 👍 I’ve just remembered what I read in one of the papers, a few hours before Everton played Rapid Vienna, when a few people were interviewed and asked the score and a top European delegate said Everton, would win 5-0 because they just simply steamroll the opposition💙

Danny O'Neill
60 Posted 01/06/2025 at 21:06:30
It is good discussion.

Without making direct comparisons, it drew me to thoughts of one of the world's true greats, and I don't say that about many players. Probably only 6 off the top of my head.

Der Kaiser, Franz Beckenbauer.

He actually started out as as centre forward, but became renowned for being a football playing, forward thinking centre back, comfortable on the ball.

Obviously a legend at Bayern, but he grew up supporting 1860 Munchen, the other team in the city.

A shame that his reputation got tainted by FIFA corruption. Same as another great player, Michel Platini.

Josh Horne
61 Posted 01/06/2025 at 21:12:32
Utter rubbish, I don't believe it for a second. We don't need to acquire City's £13M/year problem, or to strengthen in that position.
Peter Moore
62 Posted 01/06/2025 at 21:16:55
Definitely a class act when fit and playing, but would Pep be happy to offload him if his body was up to the rigours of prem footy?
The quality of Tarks and Thwaite means centre half is not the priority for me anyway.
Right back please!
Jonathan Oppenheimer
63 Posted 01/06/2025 at 21:40:33
This is clickbait nonsense. But so are most articles these days. At least file it in the rumours section.
Sam Hoare
64 Posted 01/06/2025 at 21:40:49
Good player. As ever it would depend on the deal, if it was a smaller portion of his current wages and depending on fitness (say 20k p/w when injured and 80k when available for selection) then it could be useful.

But it’s not a position of urgent need with Tarkowski, JB and JOB being three of our better players. Ideally we’d be bringing in a talented youngster for that 4th spot.

Tony Dunn
65 Posted 01/06/2025 at 21:41:14
1860 Munich takes me back to working in Bayern in the '80s, Danny.

Like us the underdogs in a football mad city, as you probably know, relegated for finances in the mid eighties, to the Bayernliga.

They used to take 10,000 to local clubs, imagine Everton playing Southport, Chorley, etc on a regular basis. Taking 15,000 to runcorn…

Mal van Schaick
66 Posted 01/06/2025 at 21:49:43
This is a betrayal of our future project. Don't sign him.

Sign Branthwaite on a long term contract. Look forward, not back.

Stu Darlington
67 Posted 01/06/2025 at 21:49:53
Dead right Danny,and if we are really serious about competing in the top half of the Premier League and aspiring to European competition we need to hold on to our best players and add to them.

That's why, for me, the likes of Stones and Richarlison should not be considered.
Questionable fitness records and top wages are not going to make us more competitive.

Stick to looking for young talented players with potential. Some won't make it,but we just might unearth another diamond or two like we did with Branthwaite and before him of course Stones.

Like some others have suggested, I like McAtee from Man City. he could be available at the right price and fits the perfect profile for me. I also agree with you about Reece Welsh, still young yet for a centre back, but it will be interesting to watch his development.

Bill Watson
68 Posted 01/06/2025 at 22:05:29
Another sick note is just what we need!
Paul Kossoff
69 Posted 01/06/2025 at 23:09:04
Rian 2. "Stones has got the breaking strain of a Kitkat."

I injured my hand breaking a KitKat in half once.

Stones on a free, half his Man city wage, based on games played, could be an asset to us in a few positions. Hopefully he would keep clear from injuries and be a good signing for us. But would he come back to Everton? If he says yes, and we sell J B then sign him, oh, and let Kean go, that pays the wage of J S, and I think he's only just 31.

Ernie Baywood
70 Posted 01/06/2025 at 23:47:56
I want to see us working towards a partnership of Branthwaite and O'Brien. It's got so much potential.

Taking a risk on an injury prone player on high wages to disrupt that would seem like madness.

I'm pretty sure it's a non starter. Forget Stones and find a right-back instead.

Derek Thomas
71 Posted 01/06/2025 at 23:48:13
We don't need another sicknote 'can't help himself, must Fanny About merchant' in the back 4.

He couldn't get away quick enough and now we have to give him a last hurrah pay day? - GTF.

Find more young players like O'Brien & Alcarazs

Paul Kernot
72 Posted 01/06/2025 at 23:52:46
Plenty on here saying age and injury record are what we've just about got rid of, so why are we now linked with:

Brownhill - 28
Hamer - 28
Walker Peters - 28 with regular injuries.

Current clubs all want around £20M for them. Too old, no sell-on value?

Craig Scott
73 Posted 01/06/2025 at 23:54:23
This story obviously seems like click bait but judging from the amount of chatter it’s generated on here, it’s effective click bait!
Bill Hawker
74 Posted 02/06/2025 at 00:05:56
This ain't happening.

Next.

Mark Taylor
75 Posted 02/06/2025 at 00:27:38
We don't have the midfielders to make the most out of Stone's strengths, even if he could keep fit.

We need to keep Branthwaite if we are to have any ambition. And then probably the last place to consider is more centre-backs given we have Tarkowski, O'Brien (who looks very good to me) and if you want a 4th choice, Keane on much reduced wages.

RB and fast wide players who can put a ball in and bag a few goals are the critical positions. We are alarmingly short there.

Vijay Nair
76 Posted 02/06/2025 at 00:37:18
Paul (72),

Walker-Peters is out of contract end of June, so he's available on a free.

Same for Brownhill.

Glenn Lambert-Vickers
77 Posted 02/06/2025 at 00:41:39
We cannot let Jarrad Branthwaite go for any crazy money as it will send the message to players that we are a talent selling club and have no ambition.

I agree wholeheartedly with Mal #66.

Ed Prytherch
78 Posted 02/06/2025 at 00:43:59
Stones, like Rooney, has given his best days to a Manchester club.

It was too late when Wayne returned and it would probably be similar if Stonesy came back,

Bob Parrington
79 Posted 02/06/2025 at 01:51:13
Well, does anybody on here give a jot of credence to The Daily Mirror. Anjishnu, c'mon man!

Let's move forward. Keep Branthwaite, O'Brien and Tarkowski with Keane as a back-up. If Keane does move on, promote or buy a younger, upward moving player, who could, in time, become a good fit as a starter.

Steve Brown
80 Posted 02/06/2025 at 02:26:13
I am very surprised that almost nobody wants Stones back.

Sure he has had injuries in the last 2 seasons, but he is pure class.

If we do sell Jarrad in the summer, it wouldn't be because of this signing.

Probably pie in the sky anyway.

Nicolas Piñon
81 Posted 02/06/2025 at 02:32:43
You mean pure "glass", Steve? LOL

Please, Everton, don't bite the dust again. We're slowly progressing…
keep it that way.

Eric Myles
82 Posted 02/06/2025 at 02:34:23
Given that Doucoure wanted a pay rise rather than take a cut, I don't see Stones taking a 50% pay cut to come back to us. Even that would make him our highest paid player and we've been trying to get rid of the £100k+ players.

Steve @21 might have an idea though, a 1-year loan after which he'd be a free transfer, a 'try before you buy' deal but still there's the problem of the £250k in wages after the loan is up.

So money wise, a non-starter and a player with no future sell-on value, we'd just be pouring money into a black hole even if he managed to stay injury free and play all games.

If we're looking for ex-players, anyone know what Tony Hibbert is up to these days?

Stu Darlington
83 Posted 02/06/2025 at 03:39:26
Paul @72,

I totally agree. Just thinking the same thing when I read your post. For me, not the profile of player we should be looking at.

One quality player coming to the end of his career who could add leadership and experience to the squad, à la Gareth Barry, would probably be acceptable, but others of that age would have no sell-on value.

Vijay@75,

They may be available on a free but will probably expect big wages, and will be open to the highest bidder.

Paul Ferry
84 Posted 02/06/2025 at 03:41:36
Anjishnu, please do not start putting up clickbait crap like this as a thread please. This is one for the rumour mill or bin. I know it's summer and I'm sure that you want to keep posting new content but please not shite like this.

Andrew Merrick 22:and his "calm down, calm down" gestures to the Gwladys Street end". I think that it was the Park End Andrew. Could be wrong.

Jerome Shields
85 Posted 02/06/2025 at 05:42:55
No way...

Hopefully the days of the prodigal return have gone at Everton.

Alan J Thompson
86 Posted 02/06/2025 at 06:00:18
Can we get rid of this idea that we can buy players to fill or improve gaps elsewhere in the team by selling our better players thereby weakening other positions.

We must do what it takes to keep Branthwaite and look to other options for other positions. If there is one position we seem to have covered it is central defender with Branthwaite, O'Brien and Tarkowski with possibly Keane and/or Welch, we don't need a fourth central defender on the bench who is also the club's highest overpaid player.

Nil Satis Nisi Optimism doesn't mean putting together a midtable team even if that is an improvement on recent (or should that be including recent) seasons.

If only getting better players was as easy as getting supposedly better DoF's and/or systems.

Emma Day
87 Posted 02/06/2025 at 06:23:44
Eric @82

Tony Hibbert is heavily into carp fishing, he runs/owns some lakes in France.

Danny O'Neill
88 Posted 02/06/2025 at 06:24:45
We should absolutely do whatever it takes to keep Branthwaite Alan.

Our defence should be built around him and Jake O'Brien, another with huge potential. Tarkowski will feature for another couple of seasons, but I've already seen enough of those two young players with my own eyes to know they will be a formidable partnership if we keep them together.

But I won't kid myself. With our new owners, if the right offer comes in they will apply their business heads.

The important thing in those situations, is to do what is best for the club. Get the best deal and reinvest in the team. There are many examples. And although it's only Monday, I'll have to go to confession. Just look at what that lot across the park have done over the years. Torres, Suarez and Coutinho.

Sold their best at significant profit and re-invested.

I'm not saying we should, and I hope we don't, but sometimes it happens.

I can see Branthwaite taking over as captain of Everton. He's already shown signs. I think it was at Fulham away, when I saw the 22 year old organising the defence and barking out orders to the 32 year old Michael Keane.

He's quality and will only get better.

Tony Hibbert. At least we could have a riot Eric!!

Alan J Thompson
89 Posted 02/06/2025 at 07:00:30
And therein lies the rub, Danny, what's best for the club.

If City want Branthwaite then with my business head I'd say 50M plus Stones (that's 12Mpa off their wage bill), Foden or Grealish and whoever their third rated striker is provided they fit into our post Doucoure wage system.

Any chance? Probably not but the Rooney days are gone and wasn't it reported that City's owners once said, in reference to another deal, that Everton's proprietors of the time were not used to high level dealings. Time to explain that there's been a change of owners.

Jerome Shields
90 Posted 02/06/2025 at 07:17:03
Branthwaite will go if the right money is offered.Stones as a replacement is too injury prone.

Fortunately Moyes has resurrected O Brien, Tarkowski had been carrying a injury for months.His last injury sidelining him. Mykolenko is playing better under Moyes.Patterson does not appear to be Young's replacement and Keane may be offered a extension.

Grealish may be a better option as part of a deal.But Stones in known.If Kenwright was about he would return.Hopefully those days have gone.

Dan Nulty
91 Posted 02/06/2025 at 07:29:56
Can see this happening on a Gareth Barry type deal. Loan and a fee if he signs permanently at the end. I'd be happy with that, I suspect he will move on to Saudi after his contract ends anyway.
Derek Knox
92 Posted 02/06/2025 at 07:53:14
I thought, or believed that, reducing the overall age of the squad was the new mantra. PSG showed what can be achieved by playing a young group of talented players. Not saying our players are in the same talent range but hopefully getting towards it.

Personally hope for Woltemade, McAtee, a good RB and a speedy right winger.

Eric Myles
93 Posted 02/06/2025 at 07:58:01
Emma #87, yeah, I know that, so it was partly tongue-in-cheek.

I always liked Tony and was surprised he wasn't at the Farewell to Goodison being a local lad, but maybe the nature of his departure still leaves bitterness.

Danny O'Neill
94 Posted 02/06/2025 at 07:59:05
Totally, Alan. I don't think these owners will suffer fools gladly.

For the first time, probably since Sir John Moores, I can see Everton meaning business and not being a pushover. These Texans will drive a hard bargain whether buying or selling. Take it or leave it.

We've seen examples already. They walked away from takeover negotiations until they got the deal they wanted, telling Moshiri to explore other options. He soon came back to the negotiation table.

Similarly, if I believe what I read, they didn't give Dyche the pay-off he was contractually entitled to, once our former manager stated he had taken the club as far as he could. That was basically his resignation. So they came to an agreement in our favour financially.

I am just sensing these guys won't take any prisoners. Silent assassins, springs to mind. They don't say a lot, but they act. And, whilst I think they will respect the traditions, they will be ruthless. They are giving me the right signals so far. All we can do is support the team, as we always do.

Talking to a mate yesterday, I said that we can become the club we should be again. He corrected me and told me that we will become that club again.

As the words to my favourite chant goes. Get your coat on and get moving. The blue boys are on the rise.

When does the season start?

Colin Crooks
95 Posted 02/06/2025 at 08:01:25
So should we not have offered Idrissa a new contract then? I mean, that won't bring the average age down.

The long-term goal has to be to bring the average age down, but that doesn't mean we can only sign youngsters in the meantime.
Eric Myles
96 Posted 02/06/2025 at 08:10:46
Another of my 'what ifs' but maybe the new owners, not having experience of the Premier League, are putting in place the management team they think will succeed and leave them to it?

So they have full autonomy for a couple of seasons to see how things go and TGF only step in if it all goes pear-shaped.

It's what I would do if I was not a hands-on professional, leave it to the experts and evaluate them on their performance.

Lester Yip
98 Posted 02/06/2025 at 08:50:35
A straight no for me. The one thing that we need to learn from past mistake is not to take on anyone that is injury prone or is currently suffering from mental illness. It ends up taking up a spot, utilising treatment room resources and not playing.
Danny O'Neill
99 Posted 02/06/2025 at 09:01:02
Colin, we absolutely should have offered Gana a new contract and I hope he signs it.

Yes, bring the average age down should be the aim, but I am one for a bit of experience blended in to complement younger players.

With Ashley Young and Seamus gone, possibly Michael Keane (32) as well, we will only have 3 players over the age of 30. Depending on who we sign, that average age has already come down.

Pickford at 31 is young for a keeper. Tarkowski at 32, has a few seasons left in him, and Gana has been playing like a 25 year old, defying his 35 years.

John Gall
100 Posted 02/06/2025 at 09:02:37
Past his best, a has-been, always injured - sounds like he has all the qualities our scouts traditionally look for. And this article is just an AI piece - written by a machine, with absolutely no personality.
Sean Kelly
101 Posted 02/06/2025 at 09:21:43
A big no from me for Stones. Too many injuries have slowed him down and is prone to mistakes. At best he’s barely an upgrade on Keane. No thanks
Ian Bennett
102 Posted 02/06/2025 at 09:21:45
Stones will have better offers than us, so that will end the debate.

Loved him as a player, and it was fantastic to watch a lad get rave reviews in newspapers for Barnsley before we signed him. That cheeky penalty in Florida showed he had no fear at an early age.

Could see him going to Italy. A little bit slower and a bit warmer. They'll appreciate a good defender when they see one.

Brian Harrison
103 Posted 02/06/2025 at 09:22:46
I do worry when constantly we are being linked with a CB, does this mean that Branthwaite is going to be sold. As for Stones no thanks I think defensively he is easily bullied and hasn't got much pace. I would rather keep Keane than sign Stones. Whatever money we have needs to be spent in the goal scoring departments of the team, if there is one area we don't need strengthening its at CB.
Ian Bennett
104 Posted 02/06/2025 at 09:31:43
At some point Brian, unless we can put £150-200k a week on the table and the ability to play European football.

Will be very hard to keep him more than 12 months. And it pains me to say it, as he's class.

Dave Abrahams
105 Posted 02/06/2025 at 09:31:47
Stones won’t be coming so I have no interest in that story but just to clear up matters——when Stones told the Park End, that’s where it happened, to calm down we were beating Stoke 3-2, he was dribbling in the six yard box, fuckin’ incredible, he did it more than once, Stoke got a penalty, don’t remember who gave it away but Stones still dribbling close to the goal wasn’t helping matters when a good boot up the ball’s arse was needed and we lost 4-3—— that’s why Stones was getting much deserved abuse.

He was a very good player then and got even better with City and England has he progressed but now he is not that player and has much as I like roast beef when it is cooked on a Sunday I wouldn’t eat it the next Friday it would have gone off— just like Stones!

Brian Williams
106 Posted 02/06/2025 at 09:33:51
Why do people STILL take the stories, of players we're supposedly linked with, seriously?

Have you not been around long enough to know the score?

It happens EVERY transfer window and the same posters are "worried "

Wise up, ignore them, and stop the dramatic fretting over things which turn out to be utter rubbish 99% of the time.

They're clickbait invented using tenuous links a child could make.

They're written to catch naive news hunters of which there is a plethora on here.

Brian Harrison
107 Posted 02/06/2025 at 09:34:16
Danny 88

We absolutely have to keep hold of Branthwaite otherwise to me it sends out the message that we arent interested in success, but just balance the books and invest in other areas. You mention the other lot selling Suarez, Torres and Courthino, the difference being those players had been there for a number of years and you could argue that they had the best years of those players. I would add £145m for Courthino back then was a ridiculous amount of money.
Surely the Rooney deal should have taught us if you are ever hoping to win anything selling your best players is the wrong way to go about it. Yes you will get those saying but we finished 4th the year after we sold him, but it didnt last. Everybody is after top players so when you get one keep hold and build round them.

Danny O'Neill
108 Posted 02/06/2025 at 09:39:57
As always Dave, the voice of knowledge and sensibility.

Stones was always going to go onto better things given where we were at the time. That's my fear with Branthwaite.

But I agree, sometimes it just needs to go into row Z, or over the roof and get a new ball. Jarrad is quite good at that. He knows when it has to go.

Around that period, we always panicked when we tried to play football at the back. Understandable, but if we want to get better, we need centre backs who can also play. It is part of the modern game, although

Branthwaite is special and can also play. Looks to go forward, can carry the ball and worries defenders at set pieces. I hope he doesn't go the same way as Stones, but the sharks will be circling. Let's hold our nerve and feed them fish.

Brian, you know I've stated all along that we should Keep Branthwaite. We've all watched him and know he is a jewel and I want him to stay at Everton. I've seen enough to know how good he is and will be.

I'm only saying that if the right offer comes in, we could be tempted. That's not down to me. The club will make that decision, should it be thrown their way.

To be clear, my opinion is keep him. At all costs and make a statement that we don't have to sell our best players.

Liverpool bought Coutinho for about 6 or 8 million. Sold him for over £100m after rejecting Barcelona twice until they got their asking price. I don't think he won anything with Liverpool and left in his mid 20s. Was it the lure of Barcelona, or did the club smell money? No-one is indispensable.

John Williams
109 Posted 02/06/2025 at 09:47:56
I think some on here, have to realise, its not always the clubs who make the decisions, its the players these days.
If Branthwaite receives an offer he cannot refuse, better contract, champions league, maybe a better a chance to be in the England squad, he is telling Everton, he is leaving (remember Lescott).
The club can say no, but then you have a discontented
player and is he going to try his best on the field.
John Stones has been mentioned and he has injury problems. If he was totally fit, Everton would not be in the equation and as a club and fans, we have to realise
this.
I also notice that Everton have been linked with O Riley
from Brighton, another player who has had injury problems, he broke his leg at the start of last season.
Is all this showing, we will still be buying or having loan players from the bargain basement stores ?
Rob Halligan
110 Posted 02/06/2025 at 10:11:56
Brian # 106………..spot on. As you say 99% of these transfer rumours are utter bullshit, and I love it when posters get their knickers in a twist, have hissy fits etc over absolutely nothing! My favourites being “Has this club learned nothing”, or “Will we never learn”? Hilarious! Like it’s the club who are spreading the rumour 😂😂😂
John Williams
111 Posted 02/06/2025 at 10:16:23
Some think, Evertons money problems are fairly recent, they are not.
What happened to the brilliant side of the 1980s, blocked from Europe, we lost Kendall and then sold on
Lineker, Gary Stevens, Trevor Steven to name three, we never replaced these players with other quality players.
We also think as fans, it can only happen at Everton, not true. I remember walking across Stanley Park and talking to three Arsenal supporters, we had just beaten them, was it 3-0 or 3-1. John Stones played and these
guys kept saying, how can a club like Everton, pick up these young talented players and Arsenal cannot ?
Robert Tressell
112 Posted 02/06/2025 at 10:26:20
John I can only really comment on the Premier League era but certainly in that time we have not been able to compete financially with the richest clubs.

There have been a few spells where we spent decent money but never as much as those consistently winning things.

The last 4 years or so has been our most serious sustained financial position - where we’ve had to operate as though we were relegated at the end of season 2020/21.

Spending £100m net in just one summer is now a fairly unremarkable thing to do for promoted and mid table sides. Let’s see how TFG handle things over the next few windows as our finances stabilise and PSR issues ease off.

Paul Hewitt
113 Posted 02/06/2025 at 10:36:37
Nothing wrong with a good transfer rumour, it's what football is all about.
Danny O'Neill
114 Posted 02/06/2025 at 10:41:26
John @111,

It started in 1985 after the event that we shouldn't mention and that they choose to forget.

We eventually lost our manager and some of our best players and couldn't attract suitable replacements to maintain the momentum due to the lack of the lure of European football.

But. There's always a but. It didn't impact the likes of the perpetrators, Manchester United and Arsenal.

After our last league title in 1987, we rested on our laurels. We're Everton and didn't need to do much seemed to be the attitude at the time. Well, standing still is walking backwards, as everyone passes you by.

And we walked backwards through, in hindsight, poor and ill-judged management of our club.

Hopefully those decades are gone now. With the right investment, we will become the club we are supposed to be and that our supporters deserve.

Dennis Stevens
115 Posted 02/06/2025 at 11:11:52
Danny, #114 - I think it goes back even further. Was it in Colin Harvey's book that mention is made of the then Board considering the sale of Bellefield in order to provide transfer funds for Howard Kendall Mk I, before he managed to turn things 'round?

I think in terms of world football, Everton are quite a big club. However, we don't really feel that way due to the large number of well funded clubs that we have to compete with in the same league.

Brent Stephens
116 Posted 02/06/2025 at 11:14:55
Nothing wrong with people responding to transfer rumours - it's what gives us all a good laugh!! hilarious!!
Christy Ring
117 Posted 02/06/2025 at 11:17:32
Stones best days are behind him, and he's too injury prone. I'd offer Branthwaite a new contract, one that would make him the highest paid player at the club, to fend off offers from Chelsea and others, he's irreplaceable in my opinion.
Robert Tressell
118 Posted 02/06/2025 at 11:26:53
As we’ve seen with ourselves and other clubs over the years - selling needn’t be a disaster, especially if you already have the replacement at the club.

Since we don’t ( we only have about 11 players without question marks over them) it’s not a great time to sell.

However, if we manage to sign an 18 to 21 year old this summer of genuine talent - it might make more sense next year when the replacement has had a chance to bed in.

Easier said than done of course but it’s rarely a bad strategy to sign up 18 to 21 year olds of genuine talent- and despite the competition many are still very good value

Brian Wilkinson
119 Posted 02/06/2025 at 11:36:05
Danny, Kendall chose to sell Gary Lineker against Linekers wishes, my personal opinion was Kendall thought he had the Barcelona job, but after Lineker signed, their Manager decided to stay there.

As for some of the other players, much as I love Colin Harvey, he made too many changes when he came in, he replaced better players with ones he thought would take us up a level, Nevin, Cottee, McDonald we’re never good enough to replace Trevor Steven Peter Reid or Adrian Heath.

Trevor Steven stayed at Everton until after the 89 cup final, Gary Stevens moved across to Rangers in 1988.

There has always been a big myth that a lot of Everton players left so they could play in Europe for the likes of Rangers etc, yet at the time I cannot recall a single player asking for a transfer, it is quite easy to use the Euro ban, but for me I put it down to Kendall leaving, then Harvey buying too many players too soon and then letting better players leave.

For my penny’s worth had Kendall chose to stay, we keep Lineker, we keep the players that won the 87 title and like others who seemed to manage after the ban we would have challenged for quite a few years.

That team started to break up the moment Colin Harvey took over and bought his own players.

Not a pop at either Kendall or Harvey, nor you Danny, they both did what they thought was right at the time and did a fantastic job between 84-87.

The moment Kendall left was when everything changed at Everton.

Steve Brown
120 Posted 02/06/2025 at 11:36:39
Stones will be in the England squad for the next World Cup, and if he is fit then he will be selected for the first team.

We all know it, whether this story is clickbait or not.

I am now waiting for the “Harry Kane? Not while we’ve got Beto” thread.

Anthony O'Sullivan
121 Posted 02/06/2025 at 11:47:50
If Doucs wages were too expensive and he played pretty much every game then there is no way we would take a sick note on that kind of money. Man city would need to cover 75% of his wages and at that point what's the point as he tops up their home grown numbers.
Dave Abrahams
122 Posted 02/06/2025 at 11:55:38
Brian (119), I agree with most of your post and I think if Howard had stayed with Colin as his right hand man Everton might have prospered fighting for honours longer than we did.

I think Peter Reid’s best days were gone through injury and I recall him getting booed in one game near the end of his time at Everton, it might have been the game when we beat QPR 1-0 and if I’m correct Peter scored the only goal of the game!

Danny O'Neill
123 Posted 02/06/2025 at 11:59:17
What else are we going to do over the summer Brent? I hope you are well my friend. I look forward to seeing you next season.

Dennis @115 you could open up a whole can of worms and separate thread with that one mate.

Dennis, apparently Colin didn't feel up to it in attending the last waltz at Goodison as he didn't think he could make it round the pitch. Joe Royle didn't look good either and was taken to his seat after the match rather than join the lap of appreciation by the former players.

Some would go further back. The sale of Alan Ball, the break up of the 69-70 and Sir John Moores relinquishing his control of Everton in the early 70s.

My memories only go back to about 1974-75 and when I attended my first match at Goodison in 1976, still aged 4, so that's all I can go off apart from reading and listening to those much wiser than me.

I'm sure those who remember the last time we were relegated in the 50s can point to how it is possible to come back from the abyss and rise again. We've nearly been there on several occasions since falling from grace after 1987, but escaped that unthinkable fate. We can and will be back.

Some of Kendall's initial signings turned out to be shocking, apart from the Welsh bin man / hod carrier.

Until I read his memoirs, I never realised that, as a teenager, Neville Southall (MBE), was offered the opportunity to go to Germany with Fortuna Dusseldorf. He turned it down and didn't think he could make it as professional footballer.

Fate.

Paul Hewitt
124 Posted 02/06/2025 at 12:12:05
Colin Harvey should never have got the job. The club was at its peak, and even though we couldn't play in Europe it was still a top job for a manager. But the club did what it always does and went for the easy and cheap option. We should have tried for Clough, Robson or even Venables.
Dave Abrahams
125 Posted 02/06/2025 at 12:16:32
Danny (123), I'm not sure we came back from the abyss when we gained promotion in 1954 — we just continued to plod along in the First Dvision ‘til John Moore's took over the club and dragged it amongst the elite at the time.

I am almost sure we came back into the top league after three years in the Second Division with the same squad of players that we were relegated with.

I don't remember who was chairman at that time, I only remember Dick Searle who was on the board — we never bothered with who ran the club in those days, which I think you have mentioned yourself, Danny ,in one of your posts, we only worried and fretted about who was playing for us and, ‘til John Moore's came, we did a lot of worrying and fretting with the players we had then.

I started dying my hair when I was 13½ when it had turned grey with the worry of it all!

Danny O'Neill
126 Posted 02/06/2025 at 12:18:41
That's fair, Brian.

Colin Harvey was always a coach and a very good one at all levels. We could do with someone like him in the academy now. Happiest on the training ground and in the dugout, focussing on the game, not the management side. That was more Howard's thing.

He would have flourished in today's game with the DoF model.

He had expectations and standards. I can't quote him without looking, but he said that doing it on a Saturday wasn't enough. You have to do it every day.

I don't know if it was the same match Dave, probably not. I remember being sat in the Paddock. I think it was when he was playing for QPR. He got a lot of abuse and came over as a throw in was awarded. Shouted face-to-face to sit the gobshites down!!

I can't choose between Peter Reid and Southall as the 2nd or 3rd best Everton players I've witnessed.

Obviously, there is only one number 1. Or should I say 11?

Joe McMahon
127 Posted 02/06/2025 at 12:20:56
Paul, I agree Venables or Robson would have been good.

From stories I read Robson nearly left Ipswich for Everton years before, but news of this was leaked to the 2 brothers that owned Ipswich way before Bobby had chance to speak to them. But all of this is a very long time ago of course.

Robert Tressell
128 Posted 02/06/2025 at 12:22:07
It is context like this, Dave, that makes me understand why people say our problem is a lack of ambition.

From what you are saying, that certainly has been the case at times.

My own views are skewed because in my time as a supporter – loosely correlating to the Premier League era – the most obvious issue has been lack of money.

But the two things can be difficult to tease apart, I realise – so hopefully the new owners are not short of either.

Danny O'Neill
129 Posted 02/06/2025 at 12:29:53
Dave, you never mentioned you were a user of man hair product!!

Robert, your time will come. Then you won't have to listen to me from the 80s, those from the 60s and the much elder wise supporters.

You and your children will build your own memories and know exactly how it feels.

That's why we bore everyone to death with it!!

Keep going and keep the faith Robert. True blue who has grown up in a difficult period for our club, that soon, we can look back on as history. The future is blue. The city is ours.

Geoff Cadman
130 Posted 02/06/2025 at 12:35:45
Joe #127
Have you read Boys from the Blue stuff, Gavin covers the Robson story very well. He suggests the leak may have come from Robson to force the Cobolds into improving his contract.
Christine Foster
131 Posted 02/06/2025 at 12:58:50
I just cannot see this happening, it just feels wrong as well as all the associated baggage... but stranger things have happened, this is Everton after all.

And absurdly this finds me on a street in Phuket today, temperature around 40 C, sweat pouring out of me faster than I can drink bottles of water.

So I found this weird, quirky bar, The Mad Hog. Witches' brooms in the window, a front door that was 20 degrees off-true, and inside there is goblins on walls, like a trip to Transylvania... Dark, lit by lanterns and ultraviolet light. Funny, I thought… but sat at a table and ordered a long cool drink.

Sitting, waiting, drinking in this dark wizardry place, the ultraviolet light picked out a white EFC crest coming my way on a shirt bright as day... the guy sat on the next table.

I had to say something to a fellow Blue, didn't I? I never got the chance:

"Do I know you?" was the question he asked.

"Well I am an Evertonian" was my reply.

Laughter, jokes, of all the gin joints etc, middle of bloody Thailand.

But the he said, "I do know you... you're Christine, aren't you?"

Turns out he was in the same class as me in Netherton and his family emigrated to Australia, so Andy Metcalfe, if you're reading this, a shout out to a fellow blue from one who slightly worse for wear and a nod to those who think absurdities never happen!

BTW, great bar too!

Colin Crooks
132 Posted 02/06/2025 at 13:07:40
Great story, Christine.
Dave Abrahams
133 Posted 02/06/2025 at 13:42:30
Danny (126), You could be right and I might be remembering a different game to the QPR match but Peter Reid, one of my favourites, was booed while playing for us.

Danny (129), I do exaggerate now and again!

Christy Ring
134 Posted 02/06/2025 at 13:58:02
A great point about Harvey, he was a brilliant coach, but not manager mould.

Trying to replace the players that left wasn't easy; McDonald and Nevin were only average and the biggest problem I thought was that Reid's best days were gone and Bracewell was crocked sadly, which left a bigger hole in midfield.

Snodin eventually found his best position at full-back after all his hamstring problems and McCall wasn't good enough; we were in decline from then.

Martin Mason
135 Posted 02/06/2025 at 14:17:18
Great story, Christine.
Martin Mason
136 Posted 02/06/2025 at 14:23:53
I can only doubt that there is any credibility in this story about Stones and I wouldn't waste breath even discussing it.

If the Club can solve his injury problems, sort out the economics, and it were to go through, then I would welcome him as he is a superb player.

In Everton, I have faith now.

Brian Williams
137 Posted 02/06/2025 at 14:27:06
You left out "and turn the clock back five years," Martin.
Martin Mason
138 Posted 02/06/2025 at 14:36:33
Very true, Brian, but I believe that the club will make the correct analysis and decision.

My own feeling is that they are laughing their rocks off at the concept of this move.

Phil Roberts
139 Posted 02/06/2025 at 14:42:33
Christy,

He also overpaid for Tony Cottee, which messed us up in having the money for a complete re-build.

And in my totally unscientific system, not that effective. To me, a flat track bully. He didn't score the vital goals but added the "icing on the cake" (2nd and 3rd in a 3-0 win).

Brian Williams
140 Posted 02/06/2025 at 14:46:10
Martin #139.

I agree. I think it's ludicrous that people believe this could happen, almost as ludicrous as Mitrovic signing for us.

Steve Brown
141 Posted 02/06/2025 at 14:48:53
Brian, you missed the key part – we should sign Mitrovic for £30M.

Cue laughter track.

Andrew Merrick
142 Posted 02/06/2025 at 14:54:54
Paul 84, Danny made a similar comment about the calm down gesture at the Park end, so probably true for both ends.

My memories are from my seat in the Upper Bullens, overlooking the penalty box at Gwladys Street end.

This thread may be more suited to the rumour mill, but we take what we can find in the summer months!

Hoping that Moyes and Co are not giving Johnny Stones serious consideration, we have fallen too far behind other clubs with more progressive strategies, we have to buy better, coach better, and develope from this point onwards.

Our recent history does not do us proud, I think we've learnt that much.

Tony Heron
143 Posted 02/06/2025 at 16:13:44
NO!! Move on.
Steve Shave
144 Posted 02/06/2025 at 18:07:32
Both O'Reilly and Mitrovic are very good players who would immediately improve our first team.
Paul Ferry
145 Posted 02/06/2025 at 18:32:01
I had a look online, Andrew (142), and it was the Park End. (The gesture was way more important than the location, to be fair!)

Good post. Agree with all of it. Thanks.

Dave Abrahams
146 Posted 02/06/2025 at 20:05:26
Christy (134) Yes Bracewell was a big loss and Colin Harvey signed Mick Milligan from Oldham to play in midfield—— Mick was pretty good at Oldham but never produced the goods at Everton.
Andy Crooks
147 Posted 02/06/2025 at 21:00:55
Paul Hewitt @113, I like that post. I'm probably one of the few who loves the transfer rumour shite. At some stage, not sure when, supporters started to get into the financial state of their club. I would guess that my friend Dave Abrahams never fretted over Dave Hickson's contract. In my opinion we know too much. It takes the magic away.
I don't want to know how the magician does the tricks.
Sensible heads can, rightly, argue that mad spending might have been the end of us; had that Moshiri madness brought even a smidgen of joy it might have been worth every penny. We bought a nightmare, though.
So, why worry what John Stones might earn. If he came back he would be a quality signing. If I am lucky enough to get to Bramley Moore Stones and Branthwaite at the heart of our defence would give me a mighty buzz.
For me, that's better than fretting over the cost.
Ashley Roberts
148 Posted 02/06/2025 at 23:45:23
As so many before me have posted we cannot afford to let Jarad to leave even for 100M. He is the future of the team and along with Tarki and Obrien we are not in need for Stones to play in defence. Having said that nobody can argue that a fit Stones is a class act. Could he therefore not play just in front of the defence? As we know he is so good on the ball and Pep often played him in that defensive mid role. If we could get him on loan and Citi pay half his wages this would work for me. Before signing Stones we do need a RB, a right winger and a quality striker. So while I would like a fit Stones in the squad he is way down the pecking order at the moment.

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