Community Shield: Arsenal vs Man City

Only one team have won the Premier League title after winning the Community Shield in past 15 years — BBC Sport

What has this to do with a mid table football club?

Grealish on the City bench.

Somebody might be watching it, John.

Somebody might wish to comment.

Then again...

No messin!

1-0 to The Arse.

Where's John Stones when ya need him???

Man City are finished after Pep's departure.

Grealish on for 2nd half, could make or break his Man City future?

Grealish coming on for Man City.

Moyes in the stands at Burnley?

Man City have said goodbye to a lot of big players in the last 2 years, and with Rodri looking to go too, they will be less of a team for a while.

Jack Grealish could be a good squad player for them now. I doubt we will see him in a proper blue shirt again.

Mal, looking at Kyle Walker no doubt.

Is Soucek playing Mal

Walker is playing for Burnley but may be looking at Walker-Peters?. #John. Soucek not playing or on the bench. He had an ankle injury about a month ago.

Let's hope it's Walker-Peters and not Walker.

Although we should have got Wan-Bissaka long before Villa got interested.

Christ, I hope it's not Walker. That could be 3 relegated Burnley players in defence.

So much for scouring Europe. Nope Burnley.

Grealish just doing the simple things. A way to go before he is match fit but I don't think he will be needed at Everton, certainly not on the wages he gets, but I think someone will go for him.

Tom you might not say that when we are in mid December with our customary injury crisis and probably playing Garner or Hackney on the left flank lol

It was nice while it lasted with Jack in an Everton shirt, a stellar signing to sit alongside the likes of James Rodriguez and Andrei Kanchelskis, our truly exciting signings.

The only shame was that it was more like a half-season loan what with his injury.

Moyes not going to be Scotland manager, they've just appointed someone.

Jeff#12 If Moyes is checking on Walker, our recruitment team should resign.

The amount of fullbacks we've been linked with, and a 36-year-old at the lower end of his career is now our best hope, it's backwards we're going.

We've been lining the pockets of the Killybegs moneybags for four seasons. What could possibly be worse than that?

I wonder what Walker's like with a pompom?

Why on earth would we need to scout Kyle Walker?

Didn't Moyes initially scout Walker way back in July 2009 along with Kyle Naughton who were both lads at Sheffield Utd back in the day?

He is still holding on to that memory, Jim.

He still won't accept that, while older players have got experience, their legs start to go and they lose their pace.

Worldwide recruitment team gets us a Championship player, Brennan Johnson and Norgaard.

Don't forget that up-and-coming kid Kyle Walker... What the fuck are they at? Farcical.

On and off the field, Coleman was first class

Walker's off-field antics are totally embarrassing... some have no problem with that?

Tony #25,

Hackney... Championship Player of the Season?

How much did Palace pay for Johnson?

Norgaard... highly regarded by the manager who just won the Premier League.

Fecking shite obviously?

Christy.

Led by example, mate. A fine human being, Seamus.

Who said they were shite, Brendan? The point I'm making is that this so-called world-class recruitment team have picked up three players from basically on our football doorstep.

Where's the worldwide network exploring up-and-coming talent from around the leagues?

This squad was short on numbers and quality last season. We're still short of two full-backs and a striker.

One of the hardest things to do on ToffeeWeb at times Tony, is to get your point across without having to go around the houses, spelling it out, little by fucking little, because people want to keep defending certain people or situations, instead of being even slightly aware of the bigger picture.

We have got a list of right-backs but we are hanging on for the one we want the most, just hoping that the other clubs who might also want him end up going elsewhere. This is something that I've been getting totally bemused by after reading about it on these pages.

I think it's clear to see that (a) the manager doesn't want some of the players put forward by the recruitment team; (b) the recruitment team, like the manager, seem to be concentrating on players who have already played in the Premier League; or (c) they have identified some great footballers but the owners won't put their hands in their pockets and pay the money required to sign them?

Maybe it's all going to change over the next couple of weeks but the saddest thing is that it just shows me that the people behind the scenes are already preparing for slight improvements rather than trying to embrace the fans and the football club by giving us even a modicum of excitement.

Two excellent posts: @29 @30

Tony #30, do you really believe it's all about us?

"We're" hanging on? "Our" manager doesn't like them? "Our" recruitment team is targeting the wrong players? "Our" ownership won't pony up?

Do you not think that perhaps the other three parties in the transaction might sometimes be the reason for the delay? The player or his agent or his club who reject the approach, or may simply want to wait until the last minute for the be$t po$$ible offer on 31 August before choosing a bid?

Have you already decided that the reason we haven't signed a right back two weeks before the window closes is 100% Everton's incompetence?

Personally I don't consider the four we've already signed to be "slight" improvements but significant ones. And I'll wait until that final day before I decide whether we've screwed up the right back search or not. It's the final result that matters, not the process.

Have you already decided that the reason we haven't signed a right back two weeks before the window closes is 100% Everton's incompetence?

I've already decided it was TFG incompetence that we haven't signed a decent right back since they took over Mike

I’ve heard people say you can’t get past 100% Mike, but I disagree mate. We have been waiting for a right back for years mate, so YES of course I think there is something wrong at the club, when we still haven’t brought one through the door before the start of another season.

Therefore I think it’s one million percent, on the club, that we still haven’t signed a right back. If we were really serious about trying to compete, then I think we would have definitely had a new fullback through the doors by now, but once again “actions speak louder than words” (take your pick with regards the silent friedkin’s) and Everton, are again underprepared for the start of another premier league season.

If Ndiaye doesn't go I don't see how we can possibly bring in Grealish, we are already well served now on the wings. As things currently stand I would say we have a very good midfield. adequate attack, and perilously under equipped defence. Only an absurd optimist would be expecting Jarrad to get through the season unscathed, and once he's out of the picture, it looks grim indeed.
Poor old Jake O'Brien's insistence on not playing right back will probably mean he sees next season from the bench, we seem to be gambling that Tarks has one last season in him as first pick. if Arsenal came in for Ndiaye, and we got Ben White in return, the picture would look a lot better, he could also cover at right back. And I wouldn't be surprised to see us swap out Beto for Delap. If that all happened, you'd have to feel pretty optimistic. Our wingers suddenly seem ready for it, put decent fullbacks behind them, surely the sky would be the limit. It will be frustrating indeed if we make do for another year.

I’m sure we will sign one Kevin, but I’ve been reading people defending the fact that we haven’t signed one for the last three windows mate.

It still might not be down to the club though, there could be other reasons why these very rich owners aren’t prepared to spend a little bit of pocket change.

Transfer window so far thinking about creative and inspiring and geographically significant erm research with our boss new information resource - C or C+.

We have seen zero evidence so far of recruitment beyond our island.

That's pathetic. I imagine that there will no other PL team come Sept-2 who has not bought someone over the channel, ocean, or sea.

Utter lack of creativity and imagination and knowledge so far.

We have 2 weeks.

Let's see what happens.

It had better not be be loans, last minute plunges, Walker, Soucek, and Delap.

First question to Delap in his glitzy 10 minute video - why did you turn us down last year?

Tony yes, all will soon be revealed. What I do not want to hear though if we don't recruit well is. 'we just ran out of time'.
Paul, I suspect we don't have the luxury at the moment of fishing for bargains in foreign fields when we have urgent requirements for the squad. I suspect that once we are on an even keel the net will be spread wider (hope so anyway).

Cheers Kevin, good post, but Hull, Coventry, and Ipswich have brought abroad.

I don't believe that we are that financially strapped Kevin and no reason for us not to be researching and investing in more distant shores.

You put together a crack recruitment team for quick results mate not 5 years down the line.

Patience. Fuck me. We've been patient for 39 or 31 years.

Thinking overnight, Moyes will have been at Burnley purely because of his former role as West Ham manager, and we know that he was close to Jarrod Bowen. I can’t see him getting away with signing Walker and may be just to watch a game. The search goes on for a right full back……hurry up!

Less than a week to go to our first home game of the new season, and I am struggling to remember being so pessimistic over a new season. Now, once it gets underway, hopefully we start with a win and all the negative thoughts will disappear. But I feel there is such a disconnect between the manager and the new owners, things don't bode well.

Seems football now is a million miles away from the game I started watching over 70 years back. We now have people who spend all day on computers tracking players stats, and advising the club on who to buy given their stats.

Yes, it's worked to a degree at Brighton and Bournemouth, but staying in the division is their main goal. But apart from the top 6 or 7, that's the sole ambition of most clubs in the Premier League.

That's probably why football has become so boring and is infected with a must-not-lose culture rather than trying to go all out to win games. Despite Sky trying to portray the game as being more skilful, I think it's got quicker certainly, but some of today's so called stars couldn't hold a candle to some of the players I watched in the 60s.

Yet another thought. He could have been watching Fleming, who in fairness could fit in as a striking option at Everton.

Brian - I used to get pessimistic around 2 months in.

After November - like in 1993, 1994, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2001 and then a long gap to 2015 and then 2021, 2022 and 2023.

Are you pessimistic that
a. we are going to get relegated?
b. we are not going to win anything?
c. you are bored watching - in which case I suggest giving up your ticket

But I agree - it is not the same as 60 years ago. In the 32 years after the war, 17 different champions and 34 of Premiership, just 7. And the drawbridge pulled up after Chelsea and City made it over.

Phil 43

Certainly I tick boxes a and c its been a very long time since your question in box b has been relevant. I go to the game with my 2 Sons and eldest Grandson, I think if I had been going the game by myself I may have considered giving up my ticket. My youngest Grandchild who is 7 has been on the list for season ticket for a couple of years, I would like to do a season with him at the game, then maybe I might give up my ticket.

I don't know if it's TFG, or Moyes and our recruitment team, but it's definitely down to the club's incompetence that we haven't signed a full-back. There have been no comments from our owner or Moyes this summer... is Moyes sulking over not getting an extension? But there's something not right?

If you identify a fullback, and not a list a mile long, offer the proper transfer fee, not haggle over a few million, you get what you pay for. All we're doing is going around in circles. Our owner has no problem spending money at Roma?

Christy... "not haggle over a few million"?

You're kidding, right?

When's the last time we lost out on a deal over a few million?

No. Definitely haggle. We saved 15 million up front by haggling tough on Hackney and George. Both deals went through, both players have been superb, and we have leftover cash to put towards a right back.

What's wrong with that?

Tight game,bound to be close...1-1 probably & goes to pens.

At least it's being played at a REAL Capital City!

Mike @46.

Hackney and George, “superb“?

I've seen a few of the pre-season games, and in fairness, they have both shown promise. But, “superb“?

"When's the last time we lost out on a deal over a few million?"

No idea. Do you know?

A bit late but what happens if Walker peters out 🧐 ?. Where's mee coat

Brian H (41): "to portray the game as being more skilful, I think it's got quicker certainly, but some of today's so called stars couldn't hold a candle to some of the players I watched in the 60s".

Great post Brian.

I was too young for the 60s. It all began with Bingham and Lee for me. I watched this last night.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4gRU2iFXhXA

45 minutes of us v Wolves: 23-9-1978.

I was at that match. I loved that season. We played some great stuff. Lee is often treated unfairly and uncharitably. I was young and it was bliss for me. These 45 minutes tell a very different story of Dracula Lee.

Brian, some of the quality of our footy v Wolves would put today's lot to shame. I think I only need to say Thomas/Latchford. Imagine if we had those two today, as well as elegant and classy Martin Dobson, King Andy, and Mick Lyons?

If you watch it Brian, I hope that you and others enjoy it. It's good with a nice couple of glasses of wine and the nostalgia hat on.

Brian # 41 - "but some of today's so called stars couldn't hold a candle to some of the players I watched in the 60s." You mean like Alan Ball, Jimmy Greaves, Bobby Moore, George Best, Denis Law, Gordon Banks, Ray Wilson etc etc.

We were spoilt.

ESPN's Mark Ogden on why it's been more than three years since City was charged and there's still no verdict pending:

Sources have said there are over half-a-million pieces of documentary evidence including emails, financial records and statements which each panel member has to digest, understand and make a decision on before a verdict can be reached. The three panel members also have other commitments, meaning this hugely important and consequential case is merely one of a number of legal matters for them to assess. They are certainly not locked in a room and told to stay there until they reach a verdict.

And when, or if, the panel members reach a verdict, their report must then be checked by the legal teams of the Premier League and City before a redaction process takes place prior to publication.

None of these elements can be fast-tracked. Indeed, it is not unusual for a hearing of this nature to take many years to resolve due to the levels of forensic accountancy involved.

City face 54 charges of failing to provide accurate and up-to-date financial information between 2009-18, 14 charges of failing to provide accurate financial reports for player and manager compensation (salary) over the same period, five charges of failing to comply with UEFA's financial regulations, seven charges of breaching Premier League PSR (2015-18) and 35 charges of failing to cooperate with Premier League investigations (2018-23). It is a lengthy charge sheet, which explains why clubs including Everton, Nottingham Forest and Chelsea -- who were found in breach of fewer charges -- have been charged, found guilty and sanctioned during the same time frame that City have been waiting to discover their fate.

The City case is a mammoth investigation, triggered by the publication of alleged leaked emails from convicted Portuguese hacker Rui Pinto by Der Spiegel in 2018, and the hearing was simply the end of the beginning rather than the beginning of the end. And even when the end looms, it should not be overlooked that both City and the Premier League can appeal the judgment within 14 days, and any appeal would need to be heard by a new three-person commission.

What does it all mean? Basically, get ready for more seasons to play out, more players to come and go, and more holidays with the emergency laptop bag before, eventually, the Premier League, Manchester City and the sporting world can look in the rear-view mirror at the 115 charges and deal with the fallout of what will be, regardless of the outcome, the most consequential verdict in English football history.

Mike G, I’ve just been reading back through this thread whilst remembering countless others and you are beginning to remind me of that scene in Goodfellas, when Tommy (Joe Pesci) talks about impending danger.

The difference is, I thought sketch was hilarious, but when I read you constantly defend the silent friedkin’s, you are just leaving me bemused.

When FSG, bought Liverpool, I remember your fellow American, (Jamie C) telling us that these people were serious about winning, but since TSF, purchased Everton, I have never heard you say anything similar once.

They aren’t here to win, they are here to make money, and they don’t relinquish anything they have purchased, they just keep building up their portfolios, across the multiple different businesses that they own.

You talk about pocket change, they took a lot of pocket change out of Everton, not so long ago, but hey, it’s their club, and at the end of the day they are here to make money.

Some people don’t mind that TSF, haven’t even been to see our team play, since their leveraged buy-out, but until they do, I don’t believe they are ever going to truly embrace us and if they are not going to embrace us, we are simply going nowhere fast, imo.

TFG?
Fergedaboutit