16/06/2026 139comments  |  Jump to last

An interview with Iliman Ndiaye has given substance to the perception that he is looking well beyond the basic terms of the new Everton contract he has been offered as he sees his future encompassing a lot more than the limited confines of Hill Dickinson Stadium.

 "Everyone's going to be watching the World Cup," he tells SPORTbible. "It's definitely a big opportunity for me."

“You don't know where football will take you next. As I've always said, I want to be the best player and to do that, you have to play at the top. I want to be playing at the top level. I want to be playing Champions League football."

Talking about his chequered history after he failed to make the grade at Southampton, Tottenham, Chelsea and Crystal Palace, it was a scout from Sheffield United who spotted him playing non-league.

“Did I ever feel like quitting back then? It never crossed my mind. Since a young age, I've had so much confidence and belief in my own ability. I've always had these dreams and I always knew that I'd make it to this stage.

“In my opinion, we are going to win the World Cup. If I didn’t think that, then what's the point of going? What's the point of packing your suitcase? I don't want to be a tourist. I’m going there to win it. If I thought differently, then I’d give my place in the team to someone else."

Ndiaye didn't come to England until he was 14.

"France is a big part of my life. I was born there. My family live there. My friends live there. My mum is French, too, so as much as I'm playing for Senegal and I love Senegal, I'm also French.

"A lot of us (the squad) were born in France. We are mostly a squad of French heritage, so it's going to mean everything. We have a strong team. I hope they'll come up against us and be scared.

“As soon as I landed in England, my dad picked me up and said, ‘You're going to a football camp at Manchester United.’ I was only 14 at the time. My dad has always gone above and beyond for me.

“It wasn't easy. When I first arrived, I only knew one word and it was 'rainbow'. I learned it back in France a long time ago and that's what stuck in my mind.

"My dad knew that I loved football, so as soon as I arrived in England, he made sure I was given opportunities, like the Manchester United football camp. He also filmed all my matches when I was young and posted them on YouTube. I am in this position today because of him.

"I remember my first day at school. I had a PE lesson and we played football. After the session ended, everyone came up to me and started saying, ‘Oh wow, you're good.’ That made it easier to settle.

“I used to train with Reading after school. If you're good, they'll send you to the academy for a six-week trial.

“A coach who was part of the academy would come to watch us train at times. I remember the first couple of training sessions went well but one day, he came over and gave me some in-game instructions, which included dribbling past my man.

"I thought the training session went well and my dad went over to speak to him. At first, the coach ignored him, so he kept calling over, saying, ‘Let me speak to you, brother.’

"He asked about a trial at Reading and the coach replied, ‘Your son is never going to be a professional footballer. He’s too small.' My dad went crazy. He started telling him, ‘You're talking nonsense. You're going to see him become one of the best in the world.’ We left and never came back.”

Ndiaye signed a first-team contract at Boreham Wood in his second year with the academy. He would go on to make two unused substitute appearances for their first-team before a 6-week trial at Sheffield United in February 2019 changed everything.

“They told me to leave Boreham Wood at that point, so I was always on the lookout for places to play football. I was obsessed. Every day I was playing football. If a team needed a player, I was there.

"It was on camera as well, so in the back of your head, if you do something, it's going to be on YouTube and everyone's going to see it. It also helped me keep fit for when I joined Sheffield United. It was an amazing time."

And talking about last season with Everton, where he is one of the club's most valuable players, he seemed notably less than enthusiastic: “It has gone okay. Personally, I think I could have been better. The start of the season was very good but the second part, not so much.

“I don't think it's fatigue. For me, the team has not been at its best. You can speak individually, but when the whole team is not working, you can't really say this player is fatigued or not doing well.

“At the same time, I don't think I've played enough games. I went to Afcon but actually, I don't think that's enough. I want to be playing in Europe, in the Champions League, I want to play in all of these games.

“When I look back at everything I've done, everything I’ve been through, it is something to be proud of. But it doesn't stop here. You don't stop when you've made it. You want to go further and achieve things.

“Since I was young, I've always had the same dream... to be the best player in the world. I also want to win trophies for my club and country. That's what I play football for. You want to win trophies and make people proud, your family proud, your country proud.

"I don’t want to have any regrets."

Iliman Ndiaye faces France tonight in Senegal's first game of the 2026 World Cup and we will have the Live Forum up and running for the occasion. 

Quotes sourced from Sport Bible


Reader Comments (139)

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Jay Harris
1 Posted 16/06/2026 at 14:39:21
Moot point but isn't it Ndiaye, Michael.

Talk about delusions of grandeur. That's a very poor attitude which will win him no friends with his teammates.
Michael Kenrick
Editorial Team
2 Posted 16/06/2026 at 14:50:22
Thanks, Jay... I've had to correct so many bad renditions of his name on here, I think it finally got to me!

I thought he was really offhand about Everton. Probably doesn't appreciate having to always modify how he plays so he doesn't piss off the Supreme Leader, Mr Moyes.

Glad he knocked this 'fatigue' nonsense on its head. But then every player wants to play every minute of every game and then some... so that may not mean much.
David West
3 Posted 16/06/2026 at 14:57:53
Need to walk before you run.
I know players want to play CL but at Everton he is afforded a couple of bad performances, still starts every week, will he get that at a CL club ?
He could end up lost in massive squad, or just be a bit part impact sub.

The tone suggests he isn't happy, be surprised if he's an Everton player at the start of the season.
Ian Wilkins
4 Posted 16/06/2026 at 14:59:12
He’s obviously one of our better players, but I thought he was flat at end of season, and not as good post AFCON.
On form he can play at top level, and you couldn’t blame him for having the ambition to do so. He must be looking around and wondering if Everton have the same level of ambition.
Stu Gre
5 Posted 16/06/2026 at 15:02:16
Hmm, so I'd argue he's more ambitious than "13th is a good season".

It remains to be seen whether he can step up, but the opportunity will not arise any time soon at Everton and I'd love to see his attitude from our manager.

Arrogant yes, but wanting more to go with it.
Mark Ryan
6 Posted 16/06/2026 at 15:05:06
If, and it's a big if. If we can sell him and use the money for some fresh legs in the team then I hope Senegal win the World Cup and he gets the golden boot cos this lad wants away. We have to hope that his value soars during the competition and someone like PSG come knocking because his price needs to be through the roof to feel the benefit of selling him on. I love watching him but he sounds very much like he wants away and so let's hope we get top dollar for him
Garry Martin
7 Posted 16/06/2026 at 15:12:27
I have to say thst his head is truly up his own arse.
Very little mention about EFC and the very little he do'es talk about EFC its about team members around him that faltered in the 2nd half of the season.
To me, he seems to believe in his own hype. Many players have come and gone with this mentality, also, why did'nt he make it at all the other decent clubs he's played for. Their might be a case that some teams bring out the best in certain players and perhaps EFC brings it out in him and perhaps that is born out by failures at other clubs.
Alan J Thompson
8 Posted 16/06/2026 at 15:13:20
Add this to him delaying a wage rise because he wants to write his own transfer fee that triggers the release clause and you might come to the conclusion that he either wants away or is not very good at this negotiation lark, or has just found out how much Gana is/was getting paid or possibly some of his World Cup teammates.
Andrew Merrick
9 Posted 16/06/2026 at 15:28:33
Sounds unhappily dissatisfied, tell him hes not alone...
Dave Abrahams
10 Posted 16/06/2026 at 15:42:38
I love the confidence he has in himself and his talent, he’s not soft, seen what other players are on and wants the same or more,he said he didn’t play well at the end of the season along with other players, I think we all have our own thoughts why the team only gain 3 points from the last 21.

With the talent he has he deserved a lot more than what he was getting and I didn’t expect him to be here next season, these new owners will be delighted to get a very profit making deal out of him I hope it’s used to get some new players in and I’d love to see at least one of them as good as Ndiaye, he has no affinity to Everton so good luck with your future lad and thanks for the memories— you made quite a few!
Shaun Parker
11 Posted 16/06/2026 at 15:56:25
Every player is replaceable.

If they don’t want to play for this great club, get the best price and ship them out.

No need for sentiment.

Football unfortunately is a business more than ever these days.
John Collins
12 Posted 16/06/2026 at 16:05:26
Dave.

One of the very few sources of entertainment in a bland, soulless season.
I don't blame him at all for wanting off.
Why would a player of his quality and flair want to play for a scared manager?
Minik Hansen
13 Posted 16/06/2026 at 16:14:33
Something definitely happened during Afcon, it seemed like his head was gone much of the time after that.

With the words coming out of his mouth - Big money? Yes, thank you, and then let's get great players in.
Kevin Molloy
14 Posted 16/06/2026 at 16:27:17
well, he is outta here. We clearly now have an unsettled squad, KDH was saying how awful we were. But nothing from the manager. Just silence.
So we need major surgery this year, our probably three best players Grealish Ndaye and Jarrad, could be gone, and there isn't much left if they go. If I was Moyes I'd be thinking long and hard about how the hell this was going to get sorted, not be gassing with Ally McCoist about Denmark v Fiji.
Jack Convery
15 Posted 16/06/2026 at 17:02:44
The difference between N'Diaye and Evertpn is simply he is ambitious, it's what drives him on. that's why he's got this far in his career. He's now got Championc League Clubs looking at him. EFC on the other hand, don't have the word ambition in their vocabulary. One wants to succeed and win silverware, the other, just wants to survive. Unhappily Dissatisfied is stability not progress.

No way, do I believe N'Diaye is being big headed. He's saying it as it is. Just because we gave him a platform, doesn't mean he has to be grateful. If we had qualified for Europe, (Let's face it we should have done), I reckon he would have stayed but showing a player the club has no ambition and looks to be heading into 2026/27 with the Moyesiah still in charge, has proven to much for N'Diaye.

The other point to make is, if EFC did tell the manager he couldn't play Gueye, to stop a contract extension being triggered, that would have gone down like a lead balloon, especially with N'Daiye, his international team mate.
Eric Myles
16 Posted 16/06/2026 at 17:10:13
So I guess he's put to bed the 'Moyes was flogging him' nonsense.

In other news he should have a word with his team mate Gana who Moyes gave an opportunity to as a 20 year old, went on to CL footy at PSG and ended up back at the best club in the world.
John Collins
17 Posted 16/06/2026 at 17:24:00
Jack.

I think you are right mate.

The Moyesiah is staying.
Added to that, I don't think TFG will spend as much as rules allow.
The third highest paid manager in the Prem will happily take the inevitable flack onto himself.
Darren Hind
18 Posted 16/06/2026 at 17:24:18
Yeah

He was just pretending to be knackered. Sigh.
John Collins
19 Posted 16/06/2026 at 17:27:22
Darren.

Put that one on the same shelf as "not a right back available in world football we can sign"
Mihir Ambardekar
20 Posted 16/06/2026 at 17:47:25
This is bound to happen if we sign ambitious players. We f’ked up the chance of Europe. Had we even qualified for Conference league, this may not have been said. Nonetheless he is replaceable. We can get 60-70 mill for him. The key is we need to replace him with a similar player. Summerville is a perfect replacement and also helps save some cash for other positions.
Paul Clements
21 Posted 16/06/2026 at 17:55:03
Why these players only come out with negative comments during international games drives you nuts, the minute they get on the plane you're just waiting for it.
Blah Blah Blah

I'd be gutted to see him leave and think he should stay another season bearing in mind he's got 3 years left and was rescued from a failed move to France, also if he'd put a few of those easy chances away in the last part of the season we'd likely have European competition next season.

For me he'll be benched most games at a big Champions league club anyway, and be gone within 18 months.
Eric Myles
22 Posted 16/06/2026 at 18:11:37
“I don't think it's fatigue. For me, the team has not been at its best. You can speak individually, but when the whole team is not working, you can't really say this player is fatigued or not doing well.

“At the same time, I don't think I've played enough games. I went to Afcon but actually, I don't think that's enough. I want to be playing in Europe, in the Champions League, I want to play in all of these games
.'

Did you read that bit Darren?
Don Alexander
23 Posted 16/06/2026 at 18:27:53
Players like him remind me of me in my youth when it came to women. You fantasise forever about the likes of Raquel Welch (as this bugger now is re Champions League), in the meantime putting up with a knee-trembler or three outside a grotty bar where you live with lasses you can’t remember (i.e, the clubs he was on loan) before at last finding a lass you should be happy with (in his case, Everton) albeit the dream of Raquel persists.

Be careful what you wish for young man
David West
24 Posted 16/06/2026 at 18:29:48
I don't blame him for wanting to progress his career, he's not a young lad, I like him as a player, I just don't see him starting for an arsenal, city or utd myself
Jay Lewis
25 Posted 16/06/2026 at 18:54:03
I'm sorry to be so negative but, if we can't keep N'Diaye here then we're fucked. He's one of our best players and obviously doesn't want to be here. Even if we sell him for a nice juicy price, who the fuck is gonna want to come to Everton??

Potential new player "so what's the target for the season Boss?"

DM "Well my target is 40 points and then whatever comes after that is a bonus"

Potential new player "What about cup runs Boss?"

DM "Listen, like I said, my main target is 40 points, so until we achieve that, nothing else is important"

Potential new player "Mr Moyes, don't you want to win cups and go for European competitions?"

DM "You need to understand our main priority is 40 points and hopefully we'll get a good mid table finish and then maybe next season we can build on that by getting another 40 points and maybe get in the top half"

Potential new player "Ok, I'll let you know..."

Only players we are going to get are the older players looking for a comfortable wage to see them out after retirement, we're fucked.

Moyes Out!!
Dean Williams
26 Posted 16/06/2026 at 18:54:46
Cash in on him. He's overated and for all his trickery, not nearly enough end product. If he thinks hes outgrown us, ship him out.
Tony Abrahams
27 Posted 16/06/2026 at 18:55:57
How refreshing to read such honesty coming out of a young footballer, who is full of ambition?

Some will say he his arrogant, my own view is that he his just very ambitious and single minded, which is not something you can really associate Everton football club, anymore unfortunately.
Tony Abrahams
28 Posted 16/06/2026 at 19:01:23
What is your take on what N’Diaye, said about not playing enough games Eric?

He looked tired, a lot of the players looked tired, but my own view is that he was saying he never played enough games because Everton, were not in Europe and we also went out of the two cups very prematurely, once again?
Kevin Molloy
29 Posted 16/06/2026 at 19:02:16
The more I reflect on this I agree with Minik, I think he's had his head turned at Afcon. He came back and absolutely stunk the place out, costing us a Euro spot in the process. If he starts running round like a puppy in this heat we'll know exactly what happened.
Jay Lewis
30 Posted 16/06/2026 at 19:04:59
Kevin @29 He came back after AFCON and yes he seemed to dip but still scored a class goal against Chelsea. It's Moyes' negativity that's hurting us
Kevin Molloy
31 Posted 16/06/2026 at 19:09:44
I cant' argue that we've been defensive for most of the season Jay, but how much of that was Moyes wanting to, and how much was having to adapt to not having Jarrad I'm still not sure.
in other news Newcastle just agreed a shirt sponsor deal. They dont' have Europe and play in a smaller stadium, but have managed to outgun Angus somewhat, theirs being double ours.
Raymond Fox
32 Posted 16/06/2026 at 19:17:18
Cash him in if he doesn't want to be here. We will be lucky to get £50m I'd say, the money will come in handy. He's a decent player but I think he'll spend more time on the bench than on the playing surface at a top 4 club.
This is probably the main reason we can't progress though, when you think of the players we have sold. How are we to become a top side if they want to leave as soon as the 'big clubs' come a calling.
Tony Abrahams
33 Posted 16/06/2026 at 19:40:01
He hasn’t made the starting team for Senegal, against France, but maybe he will come off the bench and score tonight.
Jay Lewis
34 Posted 16/06/2026 at 19:42:42
Kev, we can't use Jarrad as a scapegoat. I think everyone can agree he is a starter in the back 4 when fit, but playing Keane and Dumbo together instead of putting O'Brien in there with one of the 2 and have a natural RB in Patterson who in my opinion hasn't done anything to not deserve to play there. Moyes' tactics/decisions. You'd think he'd know what our motto stands for after all these Years. I keep imagining that photo of him with the grim reaper in the background
John Collins
35 Posted 16/06/2026 at 19:57:41
I cant' argue that we've been defensive for most of the season Jay, but how much of that was Moyes wanting to, and how much was having to adapt to not having Jarrad"

He hasnt had Jarrod for twenty years out of his managerial career but played scared football for all of it
Liam Mogan
36 Posted 16/06/2026 at 20:00:21
Eric 16 - when did 'Moyes gave an opportunity to [Gana] as a 20 year old?'

Am I missing something?

Didnt Gana sign with us in 2016 well after Moyes left and he was already 26/27 years old?
John Collins
37 Posted 16/06/2026 at 20:01:50
Looking forward to watching the Senegal left back.
Best full back crosser of a ball I watched last season
Kevin Molloy
38 Posted 16/06/2026 at 20:05:34
yes of course John, a proper manager would have had Tarks and Keane playing as latter day Beckenbauers.
Jay Lewis
39 Posted 16/06/2026 at 20:06:18
John @35 Mate, he could've easily started O'Brien in the centre with one of the 2 oaps and put Patterson in his natural position. We don't know if it would have worked because he didn't have the cajones to try it. He could have tried it for one match and if it didn't work then it didn't work. I'd rather that he tried something different than stick to his boring negative principals.
We seen that with the Villa game, give players a chance and they will perform, but no, they have nootivation to do well under Moyes because doesn't matter how we'll you perform, because when his favourites are available, there's no chance
Kevin Molloy
40 Posted 16/06/2026 at 20:07:44
I'm sure he would have, Jay, if he was any good.

But, like every other Everton manager, he declined to play him.
Jay Lewis
41 Posted 16/06/2026 at 20:10:56
Kev, he's been unlucky with injuries, a bit like Jarrad, but be honest and try and think of one game where he's cost us points.

Moyes used to still play Pistone when he had better options, he will never learn. The sooner he goes, the better for our team.
Mike Hayes
42 Posted 16/06/2026 at 20:12:18
I don't think anyone's turned his head, he's reflected on last season; sees more of the same coming from a feckin dinosaur who would rather play you out of position and tell you to defend at all costs.

If we get players that turn out like Ndiaye, they'll want away from a manager with no ambition to win games. 😡💙
Jay Lewis
43 Posted 16/06/2026 at 20:14:06
And if he our club's best interests in his heart, he wouldn't be playing Mr Pundit in the World Cup, he'd be here trying to fix things for the new season.

I want the knobhead out now.
Oliver Molloy
44 Posted 16/06/2026 at 20:21:47
Could be, he is sending a message to Moyes and the club to get their act together. If he shines in this World Cup, the value goes up; if not, we would still get at least double what we paid for him -- not starting tonight, I see.

The man is skilful and as we know is capable of scoring a great goal, but he is also guilty of losing the ball, poor passing and judgement, and not tracking back etc.

He says he wants to play at the very top, well, doesn't he play the same position as PSG's Kvaratskhelia? If he wants to get better, he should watch that guy, same age but he is miles off it compared to the Georgian.

There is nothing wrong with being honest, and he is right about the second half of the season -- he knows it was shite (no matter what the current manager thinks) -- probably thinks like a lot of us anti-Moyes folks do -- not going to be involved in Europe with him in charge.

Spurs owners showing our lot how to spend money.

Anyway, on a different note -- any gamblers out there? -- could be worth sticking a few quid on Kieran McKenna being our next manager!
Liam Mogan
45 Posted 16/06/2026 at 20:22:53
Give Mr Stability a break Jay, 'we talked about Europe' last season and finished 8th in February.

He's a godamn miracle worker
Christy Ring
46 Posted 16/06/2026 at 20:25:53
Disappointed with Ndiaye, I think as other have said, his heads been turned, probably by his agent, and he hasn't been the same player since Afcon, and Moyes tactics haven't helped either. Moyes was whinging about our squad being small and limited all season, in my opinion he should be at home orchestrating transfers now, instead of away at World Cup, I can't see him signing too many players taking part.
Si Cooper
47 Posted 16/06/2026 at 20:28:29
Nothing too shocking in what he’s quoted as saying. Presume we are only seeing one side of the interview and it’s hard to know whether he’s framing his responses to suit a particular ‘audience’ he’d like to strike a chord with.

Essentially he’s talking about where he has come from and ultimately where he would like to be, and it’s now up to the club and the manager to convince him he can do that with Everton if they want to retain him.
John Collins
48 Posted 16/06/2026 at 20:29:20
Kevin 38,

Youve been doing OK in the comments for a while now.
Your back to your best there
Keith Gleave
49 Posted 16/06/2026 at 21:04:13
He may be ambitious, but I was not seeing any humility for Everton. You have to remember where you come from, because it’s easy to end up back there. He certainly shines for us but can he shine for what is currently a top side.
John Charles
50 Posted 16/06/2026 at 21:43:55
Ambition is great. Strikes a slightly sour note when performances don't reflect the ambition.

A decent player with very little end product who thinks he is far better than he is.
Darren Hind
51 Posted 16/06/2026 at 22:11:25
Tony.

He sounds like the boxer who finished out on his feet telling the world he could quite easily do another fifteen rounds. or the guy who has just crawled over the line in a marathon saying he could go around again.

Those who watched them finish in a heap take what they say with a pinch of salt. Those who didnt recognise how goosed they were will be all over their daft arsed uttering's

I think 99% of Evertonians (who watched the games) will have seen Ndiaye was running on empty during the latter parts of the season.
Mark Ryan
52 Posted 16/06/2026 at 22:12:24
He'll end up at Spurs. They have already signed Senesi from Bournemouth Robertson from the RS and Van Hecke from Brighton. Why not add Iliman to their numbers. They clearly have ambition having signed DeZerbi whilst we are treading water with Dino Dave. We won't lay a glove on them again next season
Derek Thomas
53 Posted 16/06/2026 at 22:48:02
He doesn't sound very enthusiastic about his current situation, and if as alleged, he's already turned down a big (triple?) offer.

He's been 'content' for 3 months to turn down an extra £90,000 / week so he must think he's going to make that back and more besides.

Pienaar went away to the 2010 World Cup full of big hopes - and how did that go for him?

If, as could happen, we sell him...probably late on in the window...and all we do is spunk it all - and more besides on Grealish and a bunch of other assorted geriatric potential sick notes with no sell on value - Then serve us right.
Peter Gorman
54 Posted 16/06/2026 at 23:41:35
Eric - I think you've confused Idrissa Gana for Magaye Gueye who, last I heard, was sacked by Dinamo Bucuresti for taking cocaine.
Stu Gre
55 Posted 16/06/2026 at 23:44:04
Mark #52 I think you make a very good observation, particularly as Spurs have been ridiculed for being a club that nearly signs players. This close season they don't want to make the same mistakes and seem to be moving fast and yes I think they will finish above us next season, normal service resumed.

Meanwhile still back in 2002 Everton are looking to stabilise a little bit more, even though we finished above Tottenham last season, you can never have too much patience and caution. You must set your sights low and try and exceed that low bar, if you do it's a fabulous success, if not the bar was set low for a reason.

These darn pesky ambitious players could derail that, sell them for a profit, sign someone from Manchester that's past their best, doesn't matter which club, they just have to have had at least 1 season of kudos in their past and looking to top up their substantial pension. We can help.

It was never a risk but I think we pulled it off.

Yawn. Everton that.
Mark Taylor
56 Posted 16/06/2026 at 00:55:46
He'll be off, that's clear. most of his fee will be profit given low buy price and amortisation, and the owners might put another, say £50m in so we spend £100m.

A brilliant recruitment team could actually improve us with that. But what we have in place not so sure.
Eric Myles
57 Posted 17/06/2026 at 05:15:52
Liam #36, Peter @54 is right, it was another Gueye.

Ndiaye on for Senegal, what's that coach doing, doesn't he know the lad needs a rest.
Tony Abrahams
58 Posted 17/06/2026 at 07:36:07
I think it’s something that we are seeing more and more everyday, Darren. Take your eyes out and listen to what they’ve got to say…. What happened to the eyes never lie!
Ian Bennett
59 Posted 17/06/2026 at 07:46:12
I'll be disappointed if he goes, he is good player. And if you want to do well, we need to be accumulating players that frighten the opposition, not just rank Premier league squad fillers that are losers.

The lad is 27 next March, and it is now or never for his move to a club playing Champions league football and that will compete for honours.

His price is £70m. There should be inrerest at that level, as he is in his prime.
Darren Hind
60 Posted 17/06/2026 at 07:49:47
Indeed Tony
Darren Hind
61 Posted 17/06/2026 at 07:49:53
He's just had nearly a months rest.

Perhaps the manager thought he could risk his best player by re-introducing him for the last 10 minutes
Andrew Ellams
62 Posted 17/06/2026 at 07:52:56
Maybe the secret here is to just buy players who don't have the ambition to play at the very top. We certainly have the right manager for such a team.
Mick O\\\'Malley
63 Posted 17/06/2026 at 08:06:57
Maybe if he had buried one of the 3 sitters he missed against Man City, or not fucked up the pass to Beto in the Sunderland game when we were 1-up, he might be playing in Europe next season.

Yes he's a decent dribbler, carries the ball well... but come on, let's be honest: there isn't much end product, is there?

The lad was on the bench at Marseille; we brought him here, he was happy with his 5-year contract when he signed it. For me, he has to score more goals to justify the money he wants.
Jim Bennings
64 Posted 17/06/2026 at 08:28:56
Can't really blame him for being pissed off though.

A club that could have finished 7th with three halves of football remaining ended up finishing 13th.

It's easy to say he could have had more end product; he could, yes... but he's been blowing out of his arse for 2 months, only Moyes couldn't see it, everyone else could.

Ndiaye must get pissed off when all you have in front of you is effectively two Bambi on Ice strikers that can't make runs nor hold the ball up anywhere near enough to showcase your own talents.
John Collins
65 Posted 17/06/2026 at 08:40:15
This type of player will improve under a more attack-minded manager.

Everton under Moyes are exactly not what his style of play needs.
Les Callan
66 Posted 17/06/2026 at 09:25:36
Mick.

Onana or Ndiaye?
Eric Myles
67 Posted 17/06/2026 at 09:32:30
A month's rest?

Oh right, he's not done any training with the Senegal team in preparation for some of the biggest games in his career, he's been in bed the whole time.
John Collins
68 Posted 17/06/2026 at 09:35:39
Which one of them do you refer to, Eric?

Can't be Magaye surely?
Darren Hind
69 Posted 17/06/2026 at 09:59:20
He's not been flogged to death by Moyes playing week in week out in the most demanding league in the world. He's been rested.

Post 64: "He's been blowing out of his arse for 2 months. Only Moyes couldn't see it. Everyone else could"

Hmm... That should be a statement of fact, but the fingers-in-the-ears apologists will always want to argue against what everyone else knows.
Robert Williams
70 Posted 17/06/2026 at 10:20:32
Spot on Dave A @ 10.
John Gall
71 Posted 17/06/2026 at 12:28:05
They kiss the badge but it doesn't mean a bloody thing.

Utterly depressing.
Kunal Desai
72 Posted 17/06/2026 at 13:14:31
Stepping stone club, will no real ambition.

That's been proven for 30 plus years without having won any silverware.

No issues with anyone wanting to further advance there careers. Happens in all industries regardless of football.
Dave Abrahams
73 Posted 17/06/2026 at 13:15:47
John (71),

A long time ago, going back to the early sixties, footballers thought they were blessed to be professional footballers and knew they were lucky to be in such a position. Nowadays, they feel entitled to what they get and how they live... gimme, gimme, gimme.

I think they take lessons on how to react to the media and fans — that's if they take the time to stop and listen to fans, although there are a few genuine ones still knocking about.
Nick Page
74 Posted 17/06/2026 at 15:15:24
Same old same old. If we'd qualified for Europe, obviously we wouldn't be having this conversation and instead be looking to keep our better players and strengthen.

Now we'll lose Ndiaye and Branthwaite and dithering Dave won't spend the money. Rinse and repeat.

3 points from 21 was all on Moyes being a stubborn bastard and not on fatigue. We finished 5 points behind Sunderland with 3 goals better off. I'm bored to feckin tears with it.
Terry Downes
75 Posted 17/06/2026 at 16:07:16
Bang on Nick the windows open and the Moyesiah is at the world cup who cares about the transfer window not Everton we’ll sort out what’ shyte is left when the cups finished ?
What the rush ? FFS
John Collins
76 Posted 17/06/2026 at 16:28:25
I've just seen half a dozen migrants with England shirts on, dancing in the street singing "It's coming home"😄
Eric Myles
77 Posted 17/06/2026 at 16:58:22
How do you know they're migrants, John?

Did you check their passports?
Dave Abrahams
78 Posted 17/06/2026 at 17:02:12
Eric (77),

They don't all have passports — nobody knows how many illegal immigrants are in this country.
Eric Myles
79 Posted 17/06/2026 at 17:03:35
Terry #75, haven't you heard about our ace recruitment team?

Moyes has told them what he wants and now it's down to them to deliver the goods.
John Collins
80 Posted 17/06/2026 at 17:13:32
They told me after they mentioned your name, Eric.

Said they used to work in a bar you frequented on Walking Street, Pattaya?
Eric Myles
81 Posted 17/06/2026 at 17:14:05
Then Dave, surely they would be the easiest ones to put in a dinghy and say start rowing back to France?

But that wasn't my point. In the UK, you can't tell who is a migrant, or even an immigrant, by looking at them.

Unless you're a racist.
Les Callan
82 Posted 17/06/2026 at 17:37:59
Well said, Eric. We need more of that attitude here in Makerfield.
John Collins
83 Posted 17/06/2026 at 17:44:01
We need more of it everywhere, Les.
John Collins
84 Posted 17/06/2026 at 17:47:42
Reform councillors in row over 'Jimmy Savile' sign

Les
Re Makerfield. Are all the voters backing Nige as sensible as the chap holding the poster?
Dave Abrahams
85 Posted 17/06/2026 at 17:54:01
Eric (81),

How would you find them? Nobody knows who they are or where they are.
Les Callan
86 Posted 17/06/2026 at 17:57:49
John, I asked one guy (our local newsagent).

He said, “I hate Farage, I hate Burnham even more, I think Kenyon -- the local Reform candidate -- is thick, but I'm going to vote Reform!“

So yes, John, they probably are.

John Collins
87 Posted 17/06/2026 at 18:16:45
Les 😂😂

No probably about it mate
Les Callan
88 Posted 17/06/2026 at 18:23:18
Any other Makerfield blues out there.

Remember, Burnham is a season ticket holder as well.
John Collins
89 Posted 17/06/2026 at 18:24:24
Up The Makerfield Blues.
Andrew Ellams
90 Posted 17/06/2026 at 18:43:59
I think Burnham is a safe bet Les and will more comfortably than a lot of people expect.

Bookies don't offer 1/6 for no reason.
Tony Abrahams
91 Posted 17/06/2026 at 19:54:09
What an ignorant comment, Eric.

I work in town and I think it is quite easy to tell when I see an immigrant. It's obviously a different story when it comes to telling if someone is an illegal immigrant, so I find a person getting called a racist for being aware of their surroundings absolutely incredible, mate.

I had a very nice young girl from Nigeria in my cab a few weeks ago and do you know what she told me?

She said she gets very scared when she goes past a group of Middle Eastern men because of the way they systematically stare right through her, making her feel very vulnerable. "I'm here legally, but these people who appear to be here illegally really scare me," she said.

Having these views and reading your viewpoint makes it sound like she must be a racist but to me she came across as a very decent human being who was doing her job looking after her patient in a wheelchair.
John Collins
92 Posted 17/06/2026 at 20:51:34
Are the Ukrainian ones easy to spot?
Tony Abrahams
93 Posted 17/06/2026 at 20:56:12
Which ones, John?

The ones who were working for the Russians, to blow up Sir Kier's car?
Eric Myles
94 Posted 17/06/2026 at 20:58:21
Dave #85, they're easy to spot, they get off dinghies.

Tony, you must have a better immigrant radar than me then 'cos when I see someone of a different race than me in the UK, I can't tell whether they're a foreigner or a British citizen by looking at them. But then I'm not racist.

What's your way of spotting an immigrant?
John Collins
95 Posted 17/06/2026 at 21:20:09
Any of them, Tony.

I'm interested in how easy it is for you to spot an immigrant. How do you do it?
Eric Myles
96 Posted 17/06/2026 at 21:30:29
It's easy, John.

They look different than us.

According to Alf Garnet.
Dave Abrahams
97 Posted 17/06/2026 at 21:58:30
Eric (94),

It's dead easy to get to know an immigrant -- you've got a mouth, haven't you? Just bleedin' ask them!
Eric Myles
98 Posted 17/06/2026 at 22:22:16
So Dave, you ask everyone if they're an immigrant if they look different?

Some immigrants look the same as us you know, and some British citizens look different.
John Collins
99 Posted 17/06/2026 at 22:22:26
I've got a mate who wears the clothing of his heritage on certain days of the year. The full regalia.

Born in the city. When he talks, he sounds like the most scousest scouser you know.😁
Eric Myles
100 Posted 17/06/2026 at 22:24:51
Exactly what I mean, John.

So why your earlier racist comments?
John Collins
101 Posted 17/06/2026 at 22:25:58
What racist comment was that Eric?
Don Alexander
102 Posted 17/06/2026 at 22:48:23
On racism;

About 100,000 years ago, it's a fact that a massive volcanic eruption took place near Krakatoa way way later than that. The earlier eruption wiped out 9/10ths of the humanoidist population worldwide and plenty more besides

So, everyone on Earth right now should know that humanity as it is might still only survive if dickhead politicians and their many racist supporters get jettisoned forever, leaving humanity to try to deal with catastrophic events in the natural world as and when they come, and come they will.
Tony Abrahams
103 Posted 17/06/2026 at 23:23:10
In a similar way that the girl from Nigeria explained to me, John.

If you don't understand me, that's fine... but I honestly think it's quite normal to spot a gang of Middle Eastern immigrants in our city when you walk around these days.

Racists, if you have a certain view you must be a racist? I'm not having it, and it's reached a level where I am now listening to immigrants who have told me that they think the standards are dropping in our country.

Ndiaye was an immigrant when he came from France. I like the way he explained how everyone was praising him after his first PE Lesson because they could all see his talent for football.

Football, you know football? We might hate certain other teams, but we can all appreciate talent, and it is definitely a sport that can bring about the best in humanity.

We have got teams from all over the world playing, so let's concentrate on the football and leave division to the politicians.
Paul Griffiths
104 Posted 18/06/2026 at 03:30:30
Tony - 103 - ' it is definitely a sport that can bring about the best in humanity'.

And also the disgusting vile worst in humanity Tony.
Tony Abrahams
105 Posted 18/06/2026 at 07:48:15
Hence the phrase: "Football is Life", Paul!

I understand people when they say they look at the person first, before the colour of their skin, but when John asks me how I can tell an immigrant, it's very similar to how you could tell someone was a cockney, Manc or from wherever back in those dangerous football hooligan days.

There is tension in the air and, in times of tension, most people suddenly become a lot more alert. Like I said earlier in this thread, the eyes never lie, so when I start talking to people in my taxi, I often ask them where they are originally from, Eric.

I've had many a thoughtful, educational conversation because, at the end of the day, people are people, but if I'm being honest, the thing that we usually agree on the most is a line from that old Floyd classic, Mother: "Mother, should I trust the Government?"
Alan J Thompson
106 Posted 18/06/2026 at 07:53:38
Wow, some migrants can be recognized by the way they dress?

I remember four lads from Liverpool being recognized by their haircuts and thank heavens nobody is recognized by their circumcisions!

I don't know if I spell his name right, Dave Abrahams might know, but a famous scouser, Dick Ihetyu, not a man to be messed with.
Paul Griffiths
107 Posted 18/06/2026 at 08:14:19
Yep, Tony.

Come on Andy B, let's get this Makerfield stuff sorted out, lad. We need two Evertonians at the G6.
John Collins
108 Posted 18/06/2026 at 08:20:48
"It is quite easy to tell when I see an immigrant." That was what you posted, Tony. That's why I asked the question.

Thankfully we English people don't go in for stuff like staring at girls.

The Nigerian girl wasn't Kemi Badenoch, was it?
Tony Abrahams
109 Posted 18/06/2026 at 09:03:53
Ii was going to ask “it”, John, and say "See what you have started!"

But no, she was a nice caring young girl, and I think we both know that most politicians are the complete opposite, mate.
John Collins
110 Posted 18/06/2026 at 09:13:05
Tony,

You seem a good lad. I'm on the same wavelength as you in most things I reckon. This generalisation is dangerous, mate.

I've got scouse black mates, 4th generation scousers, who are being told to "Fuck off back where you come from".

The politicians are stirring the pot, mate, they have no interest whatsoever in you and me.
Paul Griffiths
111 Posted 18/06/2026 at 09:20:41
John C mate, I nearly always support your posts but I've followed these posts and I simply do not understand why you are leaping on Tony here.

I don't have a racist bit in my body but Tony has said nothing that troubles me. I could be wrong, needless to say, but what exactly has Tony said that is wrong?
John Collins
112 Posted 18/06/2026 at 09:23:46
Paul,

I'm not leaping on anyone, not my nature. I asked Tony a polite question.

If you read my post above yours, that will give you an idea of my thoughts.
Paul Griffiths
113 Posted 18/06/2026 at 09:35:53
Cheers JC.

This is what I wondered about mate: -

This generalisation is dangerous, mate.

What generalisation, mate?
John Collins
114 Posted 18/06/2026 at 09:41:24
The generalisation I posted on 20 minutes ago, Paul. For some people in the city, if you are black, you are an immigrant.

You're miles away so can't see it, mate, but it's 100% there and it's sickening to see it happening in the city I love.
John Collins
115 Posted 18/06/2026 at 09:46:02
*I'm not including Tony in the above group, Paul.

I think he's a better lad than that.
Dave Abrahams
116 Posted 18/06/2026 at 09:47:11
Eric (98),

My post was based on an a comedy on the radio with Rob Wilton telling his wife he'd know Hitler by asking who he was.

In reality, it's easy to spot immigrants if you use public transport, you hear them talking, same in schools, churches, hospitals, pubs and anywhere were the public get together.

Sometimes you hear them talking but you don't know where they are from because they talk to each other in their native tongue which I obviously don't understand — but they are immigrants and there are quite a few of them.
Paul Griffiths
117 Posted 18/06/2026 at 09:53:07
JC Chicago is rather more fractured than Liverpool mate.

I honestly don't have an issue with this and I do get back to God's city fairly often mate.

'For some people in the city, if you are black, you are an immigrant'.

But, I agree, that with knobhead Billy Moore leading the charge -- targeting Eastern Europeans and 'illegals' -- that lens has been hugely expanded.

There are 'some people in the city [who think] if you are black you are an immigrant'.
Dave Abrahams
118 Posted 18/06/2026 at 09:59:16
Alan (106),

No, I don't remember anyone by that name but I knew and worked with quite a few black and coloured in my time. We got on well with each other and I would have give one two of them my last penny.

Two or three I swerved and they were swerved by their own -- because of their nature, not of their colour.
John Collins
119 Posted 18/06/2026 at 10:16:18
The wisdom of age. That's it in a nutshell, Dave, you've cracked it there.

If you're a good human being, you're a good human being regardless of colour or creed. Same goes if you're a bad human being.

How can anyone judge a man's character by the colour of his skin?
John Collins
120 Posted 18/06/2026 at 10:20:04
Richard Ihetyu.

Also known as Dick Tiger...
Darren Hind
121 Posted 18/06/2026 at 10:21:43
Dave and Tony.

You don't need to explain yourselves to anybody on here. You may not be deaf, dumb, or blind enough for some on here, but your love, kindness and respect for other people are one of the most outstanding features of this website.

It's been that way for years.
John Collins
122 Posted 18/06/2026 at 10:38:07
Wonderful post Darren.

Deaf, dumb and blind to what?
Steve Brown
125 Posted 18/06/2026 at 11:45:21
“ it's quite normal to spot a gang of Middle Eastern immigrants in our city when you walk around these days.”

Is that profiling based on race rather than racism?

1) differentiating based on ethnicity 2) with the implicit inference of religion difference 3) accompanied by a gang reference to project threat and organised crime.

Profiling based on race is not racism, according to those who practice it. Otherwise they would have to explain why and when they became a racist.
Andrew Ellams
126 Posted 18/06/2026 at 11:49:42
I'm astonished how few people saw through the sarcasm in John's original post that started the additional debate here.
Tony Abrahams
127 Posted 18/06/2026 at 11:51:15
Thanks for those nice words Darren, and similar with Paul.

My rule in life is simple. I treat people the way I like to be treated myself, but this doesn’t mean I agree with the current immigration policies.

We live in very dangerous times and one of the main reasons for this is because of the current immigration policies, imo.

Having this opinion obviously makes me a racist in the eyes of some people, but my own view is that a racist, is usually ignorant, and I don’t believe for one minute that I’m an ignorant person, in any shape or form.
John Collins
128 Posted 18/06/2026 at 11:54:16
Who accused you of racism Tony?
Tony Abrahams
129 Posted 18/06/2026 at 12:17:18
Nobody has outright John, but it's clear to me that having these views would have some people accusing me of being a facist, mate. It's best leaving it there but, whenever there is any type of demonstration about the current immigration policies, then there is always an anti-Facist protest, alongside.

I'm being serious when I say I've heard quite a few people who are in the country legally, saying they don't agree with the current immigration policies. I had an old lady from Eritrea telling me she had lived in Birmingham for 30 years but uprooted and moved to Liverpool because she thought it was no longer safe in Birmingham, citing a real lack of values becoming prevalent in her eyes.
Steve Brown
130 Posted 18/06/2026 at 12:34:03
How about some facts then to elevate the debate from generalities.

In the period from 1945-60, there were 1.3-1.5 million immigrants to the UK.

In the period 2010-2025, there were between 500,000 to 1.3 immigrants.to the UK.

Net migration fell 50% in 2025.

The number of nationals from outside the EU arriving for work-related reasons fell by 47%.

The number of people claimng asylum fell by 12% at the end of March.

The number of asylum seekers housed in so-called asylum hotels had also dropped, with a 35% year-on-year fall to 20,885 at the end of March.

There has also been an 87% drop in the number of family members of international students granted permission to enter the UK since 2023.

We are currently preparing the most stringent immigration system overhaul in a generation.

Key measures, including shifting refugee status from permanent to temporary, doubling the settlement qualifying period to 20 years, and introducing a new settlement criteria like A-level English standards and national insurance contributions.

Refugee status will no longer automatic or permanent; individuals must reapply every 30 months and are expected to return home if the country becomes safe.

The starting point for settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain) will move from 5 to 10 years.
John Collins
131 Posted 18/06/2026 at 12:58:17
I don't consider you racist Tony from what I've read in your posts.

I do however consider people are being scared into an anti migrant stance by multi millionare right wing politicians telling them the bogey man will take their jobs etc.

The people who rejoiced when Thatcher departed are hero worshipping her disciples.
Tony Abrahams
132 Posted 18/06/2026 at 13:51:49
I consider Starmer, a disciple of Thatcher, John, so going back to the real debate which was supposed to be about N’Diaye, wanting champions league football, then If he does go, he will just be another name on a very long list of very good players, who have had to leave Everton Football Club, in the end, because we simply lack ambition.
John Collins
133 Posted 18/06/2026 at 14:19:31
Me too Tony,Starmer is the reason I never voted in the last GE for the first time in my life.
Im a staunch, life long, left wing trade unionist.
The current Labour party do not represent any of my beliefs.
I am also a socialist.
I don't consider myself better or worse than any other man.

Back to the football.
Illy leaving is indicative of our dour, old fashioned football imo
Jack Convery
134 Posted 18/06/2026 at 14:34:20
Psst - Don't tell Ndaiye that Leipzig are after Barry.

Leipzig are in the Champions League next season!!!
Tony Abrahams
135 Posted 18/06/2026 at 17:06:47
How much are they willing to pay, Jack?
Alan McGuffog
136 Posted 18/06/2026 at 17:50:45
John, our dour sluggish football is part of it. The other factor is that decent players know that Everton are going nowhere. So we will attract average players like Delap or good exciting players who are using us as a stepping stone.
Sorry to be so downbeat but phenomenon like the miracle of 83 / 84 will never happen again. We are too far adrift. I don't have a clue if he's any good but the young lad ditching us for that lot speaks volumes. We have become the
Espanyol to their Barca.
We have a great fan base and a smart new ground. That's about it. Apologies again but I get so pissed off when I see the club I've loved since 1961 end up where we are
John Collins
137 Posted 18/06/2026 at 18:33:35
I love Barcelona, Alan, great city. I've never seen a shop with an Español kit for sale.

Like us, an anonymous club in their city. I still hold hope though, mate.
Don Alexander
138 Posted 18/06/2026 at 18:38:02
I've compared us to Espanyol for years but we chose to be like them courtesy of our various bent owners.

Espanyol don't have a shred of our century-plus history.
Alan McGuffog
139 Posted 18/06/2026 at 18:45:57
Well at least we aren't Franco's team. Looks like we may be Burnhams and Mark Carneys 😀
Dale Self
140 Posted 18/06/2026 at 18:55:13
If we had a player like Tamudo right now, we wouldn't be struggling in attack.
Brian Denton
141 Posted 18/06/2026 at 20:01:19
On the plus side, he will always be a good quiz question: which player scored the final league goal at Goodison Park and the first league goal at Hill Dickinson Stadium?

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