12/07/2026
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Jacob Murphy is not the sort of player we want at Everton
(Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Sky Sports' Keith Downie is reporting that Everton have identified Newcastle United winger Jacob Murphy as a primary target to reinforce the Blues' forward line this summer.
The 31-year-old has entered the final 12 months of his contract at St James' Park and, with the Magpies facing a squad overhaul following a lack of European football for the upcoming campaign, Eddie Howe is reportedly willing to cash in rather than lose him for nothing next year. Rumours suggest a fee in the region of £10M to £13M could get the deal done as Newcastle look to balance their books after offloading the likes of Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali.
If there is a textbook definition of an uninspired, late-career Everton panic buy, this is surely it.
On paper, the logic from the Finch Farm hierarchy is depressingly predictable. With Dwight McNeil heavily linked with a move away as he enters the final year of his own contract, and the perennially underwhelming Jack Harrison experiment long over, the recruitment team is looking for Premier League experience on a budget. Murphy managed decent numbers for a high-flying Newcastle side a couple of seasons ago, but a closer look at his recent trajectory suggests we are buying a player right at the start of a steep decline.
Last season, Murphy found himself increasingly relegated to a squad role, frequently hauled off early when he did start — such as his ineffective 45-minute outing against Fulham in the season finale, or being hooked around the hour mark against Nottingham Forest and Arsenal. He’s a player whose game relies heavily on explosive bursts down the flank, and at 31, paying upwards of £10M for an aging wide man looking for one final, lucrative payday feels like a catastrophic misuse of what little resources we have.
Furthermore, what does this say to the few bright sparks we actually have in the squad? The stillborn emergence of young Tyler Dibling on the right wing, alongside Tyrique George, gives us a genuine chance to build something for the future. Blocking their pathway with a Newcastle cast-off who is diabolically poor in possession in his own half and brings zero resale value is exactly the kind of short-termism that got us close to financial ruin in the first place.
If Murphy is brought in strictly as cheap, low-wage squad depth for under £5M, you might look past it. But if we are genuinely looking at him to replace the output of a departing McNeil, then the alarm bells should be ringing. We've spent years trying to clear the deadwood of 30-something Premier League journeymen out of the club; let’s not start collecting any more of them!
This fits the profile of our usual bargain-bin scouring all too well.
Reader Comments (102)
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Mike Powell
2 Posted 11/07/2026 at 21:32:24
2 Posted 11/07/2026 at 21:32:24
I hope these Murphy rumours are bullshit
Alan J Thompson
3 Posted 12/07/2026 at 05:34:39
3 Posted 12/07/2026 at 05:34:39
The BBC say that this Jacob Murphy we are reported interested in is a 31-year-old winger which is all we need unless it's to make signing Grealish look ordinary but whoever with that number of wingers we know which direction the Pickford hoof will go.
Tom Bowers
4 Posted 12/07/2026 at 11:22:22
4 Posted 12/07/2026 at 11:22:22
We don't want another winger who cannot get starts at another club especially at 31.
We may get Grealish on loan again but not on the terms of last season.
George may be the answer but I think shedding a few others may come first.
We may get Grealish on loan again but not on the terms of last season.
George may be the answer but I think shedding a few others may come first.
John Keating
5 Posted 12/07/2026 at 20:32:13
5 Posted 12/07/2026 at 20:32:13
All the talk in Geordieland is that he's on his way.
He's 31... we might get a couple of years out of him but let's be honest, anyone who's watched him knows that he gives 100%. He's up and down that line all day. Some of the crosses he puts in beg for a touch.
Yes, he's at the end of his days... but are we hoping Dibling can compete in the Premier League? Better a Murphy hitting the ground running than some Southern homesick case.
He's 31... we might get a couple of years out of him but let's be honest, anyone who's watched him knows that he gives 100%. He's up and down that line all day. Some of the crosses he puts in beg for a touch.
Yes, he's at the end of his days... but are we hoping Dibling can compete in the Premier League? Better a Murphy hitting the ground running than some Southern homesick case.
Les Moorcroft
6 Posted 12/07/2026 at 22:22:46
6 Posted 12/07/2026 at 22:22:46
Perfect for DM.
Mal van Schaick
7 Posted 12/07/2026 at 22:27:12
7 Posted 12/07/2026 at 22:27:12
Another backward step if he’s on their radar.
Annika Herbert
8 Posted 12/07/2026 at 23:25:12
8 Posted 12/07/2026 at 23:25:12
Murphy hit the ground running!!? I sincerely hope this is a transfer that doesn't happen.
His best days are a long way behind him and even they weren't particularly impressive
On a different note, out first pre season game is less than a week away and we have one new face through the door so far. Hardly inspiring is it?
If, as has been suggested by some, we were waiting on the new financial year to kick in, how come nothing has happened since the Hackney deal?
Surely we had players lined up prior to the start of July? Or are we set for another season of bargain bin signings right at the end of the window?
His best days are a long way behind him and even they weren't particularly impressive
On a different note, out first pre season game is less than a week away and we have one new face through the door so far. Hardly inspiring is it?
If, as has been suggested by some, we were waiting on the new financial year to kick in, how come nothing has happened since the Hackney deal?
Surely we had players lined up prior to the start of July? Or are we set for another season of bargain bin signings right at the end of the window?
Ian Pilkington
9 Posted 12/07/2026 at 23:32:08
9 Posted 12/07/2026 at 23:32:08
A truly dreadful signing if it happens...
And we've not got rid of McNeil yet.
And we've not got rid of McNeil yet.
Mark Taylor
10 Posted 12/07/2026 at 00:30:01
10 Posted 12/07/2026 at 00:30:01
So much for the ambitious new owners.
I can only hope this is a smokescreen and we're about to announce something more dramatic. Otherwise, we should not pretend we have a squad capable of avoiding relegation. This is a tough league with serious spending going on...
I can only hope this is a smokescreen and we're about to announce something more dramatic. Otherwise, we should not pretend we have a squad capable of avoiding relegation. This is a tough league with serious spending going on...
Anthony Dwyer
11 Posted 12/07/2026 at 00:37:13
11 Posted 12/07/2026 at 00:37:13
3 goals in 33 games with 2 assets, what's not to like?
A truly prolific winger, exactly what we need.
A truly prolific winger, exactly what we need.
Don Alexander
12 Posted 12/07/2026 at 00:46:43
12 Posted 12/07/2026 at 00:46:43
Sweet Jesus, if this guy is the epitome of Friedkin's ambition for us, it tells me two things:
He's another shyster owner of the Kenwright - Moshiri type.
And he sees himself as already defeated in any bid to even try to win a trophy or, moving into fantasy land, provide our relentlessly loyal fan-core with any optimism at all that attractive football for them, our fans, is anywhere close to their ambition.
He's another shyster owner of the Kenwright - Moshiri type.
And he sees himself as already defeated in any bid to even try to win a trophy or, moving into fantasy land, provide our relentlessly loyal fan-core with any optimism at all that attractive football for them, our fans, is anywhere close to their ambition.
Antonio Ricardo dos Santos Francisco
14 Posted 13/07/2026 at 01:14:20
14 Posted 13/07/2026 at 01:14:20
Everton needs to look into other markets such as the South American and African ones.
Marcos Leonardo, who plays in Saudi football, is a great centre-forward. He is a young player and currently plays for Al Hilal; they need to beat Ajax to sign him.
Marcos Leonardo, who plays in Saudi football, is a great centre-forward. He is a young player and currently plays for Al Hilal; they need to beat Ajax to sign him.
Bob Parrington
15 Posted 13/07/2026 at 01:23:06
15 Posted 13/07/2026 at 01:23:06
2 years ago I would have welcomed this move but not now!!
Jamie Sweet
16 Posted 13/07/2026 at 01:24:26
16 Posted 13/07/2026 at 01:24:26
General consensus from Newcastle fans is that they would be more than happy to see him leave. I think that tells us everything we need to know.
We shouldn't be going anywhere near this. He's the sort of player Hull should be trying to sign, not us.
We shouldn't be going anywhere near this. He's the sort of player Hull should be trying to sign, not us.
Jack Convery
17 Posted 13/07/2026 at 06:36:53
17 Posted 13/07/2026 at 06:36:53
He, won't be moving us up the ladder, will he ?
Edward Rogers
18 Posted 13/07/2026 at 07:12:45
18 Posted 13/07/2026 at 07:12:45
Very good Jack, very good.
Martin Reppion
19 Posted 13/07/2026 at 07:17:20
19 Posted 13/07/2026 at 07:17:20
This is not the dumb negative signing that some seem to think.
I will judge the transfer business we do over the whole window. Our first signings were the exciting young prospects we crave, who could be our future or at least saleable assets.
Putting in a potential slight upgrade on a player likely to leave, who gives the squad experience and possibly a bit of leadership and depth, makes sense.
Yes, we need full backs... But we can not just snap our fingers and the next Leighton Baines or Seamus Coleman will jump out of a box. There is a lot of horse trading to do in the next few weeks.
I wonder, if we'd had this forum for discussion at the time, how well received the signings of well-known crock Peter Reid or ageing midfielder Gareth Barry would have been?
I will judge the transfer business we do over the whole window. Our first signings were the exciting young prospects we crave, who could be our future or at least saleable assets.
Putting in a potential slight upgrade on a player likely to leave, who gives the squad experience and possibly a bit of leadership and depth, makes sense.
Yes, we need full backs... But we can not just snap our fingers and the next Leighton Baines or Seamus Coleman will jump out of a box. There is a lot of horse trading to do in the next few weeks.
I wonder, if we'd had this forum for discussion at the time, how well received the signings of well-known crock Peter Reid or ageing midfielder Gareth Barry would have been?
Paul Griffiths
21 Posted 13/07/2026 at 07:18:53
21 Posted 13/07/2026 at 07:18:53
We will be half-way through the transfer window next week. So far, we have signed two players who were already with us on loan, and Hayden Hackney who might -- might, I truly hope -- make a significant impact.
This is not exactly quality recruiting to date, but let's not panic just yet. Half a window to go. But existing concerns about recruitment are not likely to be softened either.
Many seem to be evaluating TFG on what they deliver in this window. TFG seem to have created an awkward situation where Moyes, who surely is a year away from going, has a big say, I assume, in our wheeling and dealing.
It's not idle curiosity, it is a matter of urgency that we bring in a right-back, left-back, quality creative midfielder, at least one centre-forward, another centre-back maybe.
Will they dangle Grealish before us again? I don't want him.
More Jacob Murphy-like signings on the cheap that might please Moyes for a year but apparently not many others?
Murphy, ace recruitment... Soucek? No indication yet of any innovative and inventive research and recruitment in Europe or the Americas. None.
Very very poor from TFG hanging onto Moyes with the impact that will have in 2 years of recruitment.
Moyes is Murphy is Murphy is Moyes.
Truly deflating.
Over to you, Saint Daniel-the-Absent-unlike-Roma and Saint Angus-the-Silent and these crack recruiters we recruited last September.
This is not exactly quality recruiting to date, but let's not panic just yet. Half a window to go. But existing concerns about recruitment are not likely to be softened either.
Many seem to be evaluating TFG on what they deliver in this window. TFG seem to have created an awkward situation where Moyes, who surely is a year away from going, has a big say, I assume, in our wheeling and dealing.
It's not idle curiosity, it is a matter of urgency that we bring in a right-back, left-back, quality creative midfielder, at least one centre-forward, another centre-back maybe.
Will they dangle Grealish before us again? I don't want him.
More Jacob Murphy-like signings on the cheap that might please Moyes for a year but apparently not many others?
Murphy, ace recruitment... Soucek? No indication yet of any innovative and inventive research and recruitment in Europe or the Americas. None.
Very very poor from TFG hanging onto Moyes with the impact that will have in 2 years of recruitment.
Moyes is Murphy is Murphy is Moyes.
Truly deflating.
Over to you, Saint Daniel-the-Absent-unlike-Roma and Saint Angus-the-Silent and these crack recruiters we recruited last September.
Andrew Clare
22 Posted 13/07/2026 at 07:40:25
22 Posted 13/07/2026 at 07:40:25
I remember many many moons ago taking my Stoke City supporting friend to Goodison. He realised straight away that we were in another universe to them. I now feel like my old mate. We are now a million miles from the top teams.
Our new owners are disappointing me. It's clear they haven't got a clue about football; if they had, David Moyes would have gone by now.
Get ready for another season of mediocre football. We've been in the wilderness for so long that people have forgotten what a great club we once were.
Our new owners are disappointing me. It's clear they haven't got a clue about football; if they had, David Moyes would have gone by now.
Get ready for another season of mediocre football. We've been in the wilderness for so long that people have forgotten what a great club we once were.
Mike Gaynes
23 Posted 13/07/2026 at 08:00:33
23 Posted 13/07/2026 at 08:00:33
The chap in charge of making our recruiting innovative and inventive has been on the job 10 months. The research and data guy was acquired 13 months ago.
My buddy, the Brentford fan, says the Bees started building their enviable scouting system after Benham bought them out. It took them around 3 years to uncover their first true hidden gem in Europe -- an obscure lower-league French striker named Maupay...
Selling him for a 12 x profit got them the cash they used to finally get promoted into the Premier League in 2021.
His point is that it takes time. I think it's gonna be a while before we see anything innovative.
My buddy, the Brentford fan, says the Bees started building their enviable scouting system after Benham bought them out. It took them around 3 years to uncover their first true hidden gem in Europe -- an obscure lower-league French striker named Maupay...
Selling him for a 12 x profit got them the cash they used to finally get promoted into the Premier League in 2021.
His point is that it takes time. I think it's gonna be a while before we see anything innovative.
Jimmy Hardacre
24 Posted 13/07/2026 at 08:03:00
24 Posted 13/07/2026 at 08:03:00
I cannot even belive this rubbish about Murphy! A player well and truly past his sell-by date. The Gordies will laugh theire heads off if we did this... another free loader in the Moyes style? No Thanks!!!
The owners need to take a look at themselves: Why is soft lad Moyes even being allowed to look at this well gone player??? He says he has the last word on who we buy...
Take note: Barry was not and still not an Everton striker for sure. Moyes's choice -- get rid of this fool before we have another old squad and disappointment round every corner.
The owners need to take a look at themselves: Why is soft lad Moyes even being allowed to look at this well gone player??? He says he has the last word on who we buy...
Take note: Barry was not and still not an Everton striker for sure. Moyes's choice -- get rid of this fool before we have another old squad and disappointment round every corner.
Tony Abrahams
25 Posted 13/07/2026 at 08:07:29
25 Posted 13/07/2026 at 08:07:29
Seeing the silent Friedkins at Bramley-Moore Dock would feel very innovative right now!
Eric Myles
26 Posted 13/07/2026 at 08:09:30
26 Posted 13/07/2026 at 08:09:30
Paul #21 and others, it seems to me that TFG don't really have an active input into EFC. They have put Kinnear and a team in place to run the Club and as long as he reports everything is good they accept that.
Even on transfers where TFG reportedly have the final say it'll be down to the number crunchers to look at it from a financial aspect. 'Do the numbers make sense?' Tick! No persective of 'do the players make sense?' which is what we care about.
After their trials and tribulations in their six (?) years at Roma I don't expect TFG to start poking the tiger at Everton just yet. Let things go as they are until there's a downturn that threatens the financials or an upturn that improves the financials and they can step in and take credit.
Until then if they want to go the game where are they gonna choose? Rome or Liverpool? If you've been to either I know where you'll choose.
Even on transfers where TFG reportedly have the final say it'll be down to the number crunchers to look at it from a financial aspect. 'Do the numbers make sense?' Tick! No persective of 'do the players make sense?' which is what we care about.
After their trials and tribulations in their six (?) years at Roma I don't expect TFG to start poking the tiger at Everton just yet. Let things go as they are until there's a downturn that threatens the financials or an upturn that improves the financials and they can step in and take credit.
Until then if they want to go the game where are they gonna choose? Rome or Liverpool? If you've been to either I know where you'll choose.
Eric Myles
27 Posted 13/07/2026 at 08:13:03
27 Posted 13/07/2026 at 08:13:03
Mike #23,
Maupay is a bad example on these pages!
Although he did get me many points in my Fantasy Team while at Brentford.
Maupay is a bad example on these pages!
Although he did get me many points in my Fantasy Team while at Brentford.
Eric Myles
28 Posted 13/07/2026 at 08:15:20
28 Posted 13/07/2026 at 08:15:20
Rumours suggest a fee in the region of £10M to £13M could get the deal done as Newcastle look to balance their books after offloading the likes of Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali.
😋 ?
😋 ?
Paul Griffiths
29 Posted 13/07/2026 at 08:20:40
29 Posted 13/07/2026 at 08:20:40
I'd choose our city Eric mate. Been all over Italy. Rome is well down my list of Italian cities.
The clue mate is that Friedkin's lad has been elevated at Roma to determine with the management incoming and outgoing.
Here? Nothing,
The clue mate is that Friedkin's lad has been elevated at Roma to determine with the management incoming and outgoing.
Here? Nothing,
Annika Herbert
30 Posted 13/07/2026 at 08:25:33
30 Posted 13/07/2026 at 08:25:33
We keep being told it takes time to bring in new, preferably young, talent. It takes time for our new, supposedly, innovative scouting system to come to fruition.
Will any of us still be alive to see all the fruits of the TFG labour? We can but hope.
Will any of us still be alive to see all the fruits of the TFG labour? We can but hope.
Mark Steers
31 Posted 13/07/2026 at 09:18:37
31 Posted 13/07/2026 at 09:18:37
Murphy is not good enough for Everton -- that's a dead cert.
Everton under Moyes right now have a squad that will probably get top half next season if we improve our home record... which shouldn't be hard: 6 wins and 5 draws, I think.
All Everton need is to sign 2 strong right-sided players who can kick with their right foot. As for spending loads of money, who said we were going to do that? I never heard the owners say that once.
I've said all a long they won'tget rid of Moyes; he is more likely to get a contract extension than the sack. I know Moyes from last time -- he will somehow get us in a comfortable position by Christmas and push for a new contract.
Oh, I think someone bought Dibling for decent money... anyone seen him? Hackney will be a good signing. A couple more like him and we will be okay. Top half beckons for sure.
Everton under Moyes right now have a squad that will probably get top half next season if we improve our home record... which shouldn't be hard: 6 wins and 5 draws, I think.
All Everton need is to sign 2 strong right-sided players who can kick with their right foot. As for spending loads of money, who said we were going to do that? I never heard the owners say that once.
I've said all a long they won'tget rid of Moyes; he is more likely to get a contract extension than the sack. I know Moyes from last time -- he will somehow get us in a comfortable position by Christmas and push for a new contract.
Oh, I think someone bought Dibling for decent money... anyone seen him? Hackney will be a good signing. A couple more like him and we will be okay. Top half beckons for sure.
Stu Darlington
32 Posted 13/07/2026 at 09:29:43
32 Posted 13/07/2026 at 09:29:43
Can someone please reassure me that this cannot be true?
Against a backdrop of allegedly wanting to add quality to our depleted squad,winning cup competitions,competing with the top six for European places,are we really considering transfers like this?
It is beginning to seem like every transfer window is like some Groundhog Day of mediocrity where we scrabble about for the scraps nobody else wants..
I am having a nightmare with the heat aren’t I?
Against a backdrop of allegedly wanting to add quality to our depleted squad,winning cup competitions,competing with the top six for European places,are we really considering transfers like this?
It is beginning to seem like every transfer window is like some Groundhog Day of mediocrity where we scrabble about for the scraps nobody else wants..
I am having a nightmare with the heat aren’t I?
Paul Griffiths
33 Posted 13/07/2026 at 09:38:31
33 Posted 13/07/2026 at 09:38:31
MG, sorry mate, we are not Brentford. We have much higher expectations. Brentford were tiny 15 years ago; tiny 10 years ago with no realistic expectations; and tiny compared to us.
We need things to change not in 5 years but in 2 years and if TFG do not do it there will be outrage. We are level with if not bigger than Roma in history.
Brentford compared. to Everton even if last season is like comparing WA to TX mate.
We are not prepared to wait for 4/5 years.
We need things to change not in 5 years but in 2 years and if TFG do not do it there will be outrage. We are level with if not bigger than Roma in history.
Brentford compared. to Everton even if last season is like comparing WA to TX mate.
We are not prepared to wait for 4/5 years.
John Collins
34 Posted 13/07/2026 at 09:45:24
34 Posted 13/07/2026 at 09:45:24
Steady on, Paul.
We can't be expected to finish above giants like Brentford in the next 5 years mate.
We can't be expected to finish above giants like Brentford in the next 5 years mate.
Paul Griffiths
35 Posted 13/07/2026 at 09:53:42
35 Posted 13/07/2026 at 09:53:42
Or Bournemouth or Brighton JC coz big money never ever had an impact in 1-2 years mate. It's not like we could finish 7th or 8th next season mate with the massive weight of TFG behind us. Is 8th too much to ask for Sunderland with your crack recruiting in the 2025 summer window? Surely our costly recruitment team is better than the lads at Sunderland?
John Collins
37 Posted 13/07/2026 at 10:18:26
37 Posted 13/07/2026 at 10:18:26
Innovative?
= introducing new ideas; original and creative in thinking.
Hopefully the "while" is not too long Mike.
= introducing new ideas; original and creative in thinking.
Hopefully the "while" is not too long Mike.
Brian Wilkinson
38 Posted 13/07/2026 at 10:21:16
38 Posted 13/07/2026 at 10:21:16
Maybe that has been the problem of not prepared to wait 4-5 years Paul.
In the past we have been quick to write a Manager off within a year, we have voiced our opinions based on poor results and what that created was a stockpile of each Managers players.
A new Manager would come in and buy a few additional players, so by the time we got round to the 4th Manager, they had a miss match of the three previous Managers players.
We need a complete reset at the club, and if that takes 3-4 seasons, we need to start buying much smarter.
In regards to Moyes, he will be gone by next season at a guess, so what that leaves us is Moyes happy to recruit players for the shorter term, players like Murphy, Soucek will be perfect for Moyes to see him through his final season.
Dibbling was 19 when we signed him and a player for the long term, but we have seen the reaction of some fans, they want Dibbling ripping up trees now, not in one or 2 seasons time, some do not see Dibbling for the longer term, likewise with Aznou, these are youngsters that need coaching and bedding in first.
It’s swings and roundabouts, we have potential in Dibbling, Aznou, George, Rohl, Harrison Armstrong, but we have to give them time and not expect success straight away.
Even our greatest Manager Kendall waited a few seasons before he gave the likes of Gary Stevens, Kevin Richardson, Brian Burrows, McMahon, Ratcliffe who got in due to long term injury to Mark Higgins, a run out, and even then it took time for them to gain confidence, that came in bucketfuls, with the signings of Reid and Gray
Before that Kendall was buying gash thinking experiance would work, Micky Thomas, Mick Ferguson, Mike Walsh, we know the rest of his first 2 seasons in charge signings.
So we are in an position where the Manager will not be here long term, so what is the solution, do we keep on buying, or do we look to the longer term and keep our powder dry for the next Manager by short term fixes.
We could trust Moyes to bring in younger players for the long term, but it’s swings and roundabouts on what to do.
In the past we have been quick to write a Manager off within a year, we have voiced our opinions based on poor results and what that created was a stockpile of each Managers players.
A new Manager would come in and buy a few additional players, so by the time we got round to the 4th Manager, they had a miss match of the three previous Managers players.
We need a complete reset at the club, and if that takes 3-4 seasons, we need to start buying much smarter.
In regards to Moyes, he will be gone by next season at a guess, so what that leaves us is Moyes happy to recruit players for the shorter term, players like Murphy, Soucek will be perfect for Moyes to see him through his final season.
Dibbling was 19 when we signed him and a player for the long term, but we have seen the reaction of some fans, they want Dibbling ripping up trees now, not in one or 2 seasons time, some do not see Dibbling for the longer term, likewise with Aznou, these are youngsters that need coaching and bedding in first.
It’s swings and roundabouts, we have potential in Dibbling, Aznou, George, Rohl, Harrison Armstrong, but we have to give them time and not expect success straight away.
Even our greatest Manager Kendall waited a few seasons before he gave the likes of Gary Stevens, Kevin Richardson, Brian Burrows, McMahon, Ratcliffe who got in due to long term injury to Mark Higgins, a run out, and even then it took time for them to gain confidence, that came in bucketfuls, with the signings of Reid and Gray
Before that Kendall was buying gash thinking experiance would work, Micky Thomas, Mick Ferguson, Mike Walsh, we know the rest of his first 2 seasons in charge signings.
So we are in an position where the Manager will not be here long term, so what is the solution, do we keep on buying, or do we look to the longer term and keep our powder dry for the next Manager by short term fixes.
We could trust Moyes to bring in younger players for the long term, but it’s swings and roundabouts on what to do.
Mark Ryan
39 Posted 13/07/2026 at 10:43:28
39 Posted 13/07/2026 at 10:43:28
If the question is do we buy Jacob Murphy then the answer is simple, no, we keep Dwight McNeil. Dwight is 5 years younger and is a better player.
He is also currently at Everton and so he knows the monotonous boring football we play under this boring manager so just stick to what we have until Moyes fucks off.
He is also currently at Everton and so he knows the monotonous boring football we play under this boring manager so just stick to what we have until Moyes fucks off.
Karl Jones
40 Posted 13/07/2026 at 11:05:24
40 Posted 13/07/2026 at 11:05:24
Cheapskate Everton love a cast-off, especially one nearing the end of their career...
Probably try and haggle to get him on loan.
Probably try and haggle to get him on loan.
Stu Darlington
41 Posted 13/07/2026 at 11:09:40
41 Posted 13/07/2026 at 11:09:40
An interesting take on things, Brian, but my view is that this squad needs improvement in quality and depth... now!! We all know where we need to strengthen so I'm not going to go through it all again here.
Regardless of the length of Moyes's tenure, if our back four continues to perform like it did in the last 6 or 7 games of last season, we will have deep problems and Moyes could be gone by Christmas.
Stopgaps are not the answer, they can be costly with no sell-on value and still not provide us with the improvement we need.
It's the squad's depth and quality that's the important factor in success and we must tailor that to the needs of the club and the competition we are playing in -- not the manager's length of contract!
Regardless of the length of Moyes's tenure, if our back four continues to perform like it did in the last 6 or 7 games of last season, we will have deep problems and Moyes could be gone by Christmas.
Stopgaps are not the answer, they can be costly with no sell-on value and still not provide us with the improvement we need.
It's the squad's depth and quality that's the important factor in success and we must tailor that to the needs of the club and the competition we are playing in -- not the manager's length of contract!
Craig Walker
42 Posted 13/07/2026 at 11:20:39
42 Posted 13/07/2026 at 11:20:39
What a depressingly familiar pre-season it is turning out to be. I'm sure we wait for as long as possible during the window to delay paying wages.
We need a right back in and not just to be linked with one. We need a goalscorer. We need pace. We need fight. Yet another season will see us start with Mykolenko, Tarkowski and Keane in our backline.
I keep saying it but why can our scouts only see cast-offs from Premier League clubs? What the hell do they do?
We need a right back in and not just to be linked with one. We need a goalscorer. We need pace. We need fight. Yet another season will see us start with Mykolenko, Tarkowski and Keane in our backline.
I keep saying it but why can our scouts only see cast-offs from Premier League clubs? What the hell do they do?
Joe McMahon
43 Posted 13/07/2026 at 11:34:23
43 Posted 13/07/2026 at 11:34:23
David Moyes is not the kind of manager I want. Seeing the new Liverpool and Nottm Forest mangers is sickening.
I honestly believe we could perform better with a couple of correct additions to the squad, but with a different manager and coaching team.
When exactly will our day come again?
I honestly believe we could perform better with a couple of correct additions to the squad, but with a different manager and coaching team.
When exactly will our day come again?
John Williams
44 Posted 13/07/2026 at 11:44:53
44 Posted 13/07/2026 at 11:44:53
I think people need to realise there currently is not a lot of spare money in the club. Is Murphy an option, because the club are not prepared to buy Grealish or cannot afford him?
One thing we do know: we need a bigger squad with players who could come on and change the game. That may stop us having 3 keepers on the bench.
One thing we do know: we need a bigger squad with players who could come on and change the game. That may stop us having 3 keepers on the bench.
Jim Bennings
45 Posted 13/07/2026 at 12:04:32
45 Posted 13/07/2026 at 12:04:32
Was very good for 2 seasons (23-24 and 24-25) but last season he was very below par and at 31 he's on his way down not up.
What I can say is he can strike a ball, reminds me of McNeil too much though, albeit I think Murphy is more mobile than him.
What I can say is he can strike a ball, reminds me of McNeil too much though, albeit I think Murphy is more mobile than him.
Raymond Fox
46 Posted 13/07/2026 at 12:06:25
46 Posted 13/07/2026 at 12:06:25
Joe @ 43, our day will come when we have a squad to match the usual winning suspects Expecting our managers to perform as well as them with inferior players is pie in the sky, depressing but true.
The problem now is we have owners with enough money to buy a top team but can't because of the restrictive financial rules.
Murphy seemed decent what little I've seen of him, we could do worse on a short contract. It doesn't set the pulse racing though.
The problem now is we have owners with enough money to buy a top team but can't because of the restrictive financial rules.
Murphy seemed decent what little I've seen of him, we could do worse on a short contract. It doesn't set the pulse racing though.
Andrew Ellams
47 Posted 13/07/2026 at 12:06:59
47 Posted 13/07/2026 at 12:06:59
John @ 44, true but in that case I'd rather go with Mark Ryan's option above.
John Pickles
48 Posted 13/07/2026 at 12:12:55
48 Posted 13/07/2026 at 12:12:55
TFG buy in Röhl, Murphy, Hackney, George and a right back and sell McNeil, Ndiaye and don't fund Grealish to pay for it.
If they can move Iroegbunam and maybe Barry, we get a Striker and/or Gueye replacement. Not exciting for the fans but TFG run a business.
If they can move Iroegbunam and maybe Barry, we get a Striker and/or Gueye replacement. Not exciting for the fans but TFG run a business.
Soren Moyer
49 Posted 13/07/2026 at 12:18:23
49 Posted 13/07/2026 at 12:18:23
Pathetic!
Just when I thought it couldn't get any worse! Keeping expectations as low as possible at all times — stability the Everton way!!!
While Mordor will finish rebuilding its team in no time with its newly recruited coach and scouting team, I have no doubt we'll be having this very same discussion about giving our recruiting team time to rebuild come next summer.
Just when I thought it couldn't get any worse! Keeping expectations as low as possible at all times — stability the Everton way!!!
While Mordor will finish rebuilding its team in no time with its newly recruited coach and scouting team, I have no doubt we'll be having this very same discussion about giving our recruiting team time to rebuild come next summer.
Ian Bennett
50 Posted 13/07/2026 at 12:34:21
50 Posted 13/07/2026 at 12:34:21
Let's see if this does happen, and if it does what the fee is in relation to the overall spend this Summer.
This might just be a chip to get City to lower the fee, on Grealish or it could be a cheap option that allows a plan for Dibling to go out on loan or 12 months to get in and secure his place. Id be surprised if they spent big here, as it would render Dibling surplus to requirements- and I don't think that is the case.
What it does point to is there isn't a huge amount of money being committed to this position/role. If the overall strategy is to go big on a right back and a striker, then a cheap and cheerful right winger that buys Dibling 12 months might be the answer.
He clearly isn't high on anyones list, but lets be honest we arent going to be signing 6 or 7 stellar names at £30-70m a pop. There will be loans, frees, damaged goods, as well as overall quality. Our net total spend will end up a bit more than Tonali.
This might just be a chip to get City to lower the fee, on Grealish or it could be a cheap option that allows a plan for Dibling to go out on loan or 12 months to get in and secure his place. Id be surprised if they spent big here, as it would render Dibling surplus to requirements- and I don't think that is the case.
What it does point to is there isn't a huge amount of money being committed to this position/role. If the overall strategy is to go big on a right back and a striker, then a cheap and cheerful right winger that buys Dibling 12 months might be the answer.
He clearly isn't high on anyones list, but lets be honest we arent going to be signing 6 or 7 stellar names at £30-70m a pop. There will be loans, frees, damaged goods, as well as overall quality. Our net total spend will end up a bit more than Tonali.
Pete Ambrose
51 Posted 13/07/2026 at 12:46:18
51 Posted 13/07/2026 at 12:46:18
Murphy is an okay player but not exceptional in any way.
He hasn't managed to convince Howe so why would Everton think he would be any better if he came to the Hill Dickinson Stadium?
He hasn't managed to convince Howe so why would Everton think he would be any better if he came to the Hill Dickinson Stadium?
Pete Ambrose
52 Posted 13/07/2026 at 13:03:22
52 Posted 13/07/2026 at 13:03:22
What the Fuck??? People shouting for a new manager, some wanting multiple signings without considering spending limits imposed by the Premier League. Utter nonsense.
When will so-called supporters understand the financial rules Everton have to adhere to? One individual claims, in an earlier post, that Kenwright was a shyster, has he even bothered to look at what Bill actually did for EFC and the fans?
He saved the club at a time when the club's demise was not 'if' but 'when'. He poured his own money into the club... accepted he made a mistake bringing Moshiri in but at the time everyone thought it was the beginning of a new era. No one knew Moshiri would actually not have a clue and would take the club backwards.
Let's have some respect for Bill and what he tried to do for EFC. He was EFC through and through.
When will so-called supporters understand the financial rules Everton have to adhere to? One individual claims, in an earlier post, that Kenwright was a shyster, has he even bothered to look at what Bill actually did for EFC and the fans?
He saved the club at a time when the club's demise was not 'if' but 'when'. He poured his own money into the club... accepted he made a mistake bringing Moshiri in but at the time everyone thought it was the beginning of a new era. No one knew Moshiri would actually not have a clue and would take the club backwards.
Let's have some respect for Bill and what he tried to do for EFC. He was EFC through and through.
Christy Ring
53 Posted 13/07/2026 at 13:30:11
53 Posted 13/07/2026 at 13:30:11
Murphy is in and out of the Newcastle team that had a poor season and at 31 his supposedly best years are behind him.
It doesn't make sense not to give Dibling a chance in preseason... then again, it's Moyes we're talking about.
It doesn't make sense not to give Dibling a chance in preseason... then again, it's Moyes we're talking about.
John Collins
54 Posted 13/07/2026 at 13:30:13
54 Posted 13/07/2026 at 13:30:13
😂 They're still out there.
Never put a nicker of his own money in. Left with £36M for his shares.
Never put a nicker of his own money in. Left with £36M for his shares.
Kevin Molloy
55 Posted 13/07/2026 at 13:33:30
55 Posted 13/07/2026 at 13:33:30
Reminds me of when we signed Paul Power.
I couldn't believe it. How was he going to improve the team?
I couldn't believe it. How was he going to improve the team?
Eric Myles
56 Posted 13/07/2026 at 13:48:38
56 Posted 13/07/2026 at 13:48:38
John #54, finally something we can agree on 👍😁
Or maybe Pete forgot to turn on the 😋 font?
Or maybe Pete forgot to turn on the 😋 font?
Eric Myles
57 Posted 13/07/2026 at 13:56:35
57 Posted 13/07/2026 at 13:56:35
Pete #52, the Club went backwards under Moshiri 'cos he left the self-proclaimed 'world's greatest Evertonian' shyster in charge.
Moshiri put his hand in his own pocket and built a great new stadium, and not in a Tesco's car park in Kirkby.
Moshiri put his hand in his own pocket and built a great new stadium, and not in a Tesco's car park in Kirkby.
Tom Bowers
58 Posted 13/07/2026 at 13:57:34
58 Posted 13/07/2026 at 13:57:34
Seems like we are still intent on doing things on the cheap.
A 31-year-old who has never set the world alight and is only mostly a benchwarmer with the Barcodes is not what Everton need.
With only Beto and Barry as woeful target men and with the addition of Murphy, Everton are likely to be easy meat far too often on offence for most teams.
A 31-year-old who has never set the world alight and is only mostly a benchwarmer with the Barcodes is not what Everton need.
With only Beto and Barry as woeful target men and with the addition of Murphy, Everton are likely to be easy meat far too often on offence for most teams.
Bobby Mallon
59 Posted 13/07/2026 at 14:13:08
59 Posted 13/07/2026 at 14:13:08
What about the right-back, for fuck's sake???
Christy Ring
60 Posted 13/07/2026 at 14:17:59
60 Posted 13/07/2026 at 14:17:59
Moshiri put his own money into the club and the new stadium.
Paul Gregg had to loan Kenwright money to purchase the club, then he got rid of him, and sold everything including merchandise store, was responsible for getting rid of Rooney and nearly putting the club into administration.
That was until Moshiri saved us, and his biggest mistake was keeping Kenwright, it nearly ruined him.
Paul Gregg had to loan Kenwright money to purchase the club, then he got rid of him, and sold everything including merchandise store, was responsible for getting rid of Rooney and nearly putting the club into administration.
That was until Moshiri saved us, and his biggest mistake was keeping Kenwright, it nearly ruined him.
Eric Myles
61 Posted 13/07/2026 at 14:20:58
61 Posted 13/07/2026 at 14:20:58
Paul #29, much as I like my hometown, and her people, which was reinforced by my recent trip there, I left it when I was 18 and have only really lived back there for a couple of years since, except on visits, so not really a home true love place.
Know what you mean about Rome but I stayed in a quiet local residential area near the Olympic Stadium, no tourists and friendly locals. Prefer Milan though.
But TFG probably couldn't find Liverpool on a map before they bought the Club, but have certainly heard of Rome.
Know what you mean about Rome but I stayed in a quiet local residential area near the Olympic Stadium, no tourists and friendly locals. Prefer Milan though.
But TFG probably couldn't find Liverpool on a map before they bought the Club, but have certainly heard of Rome.
Eric Myles
62 Posted 13/07/2026 at 14:27:01
62 Posted 13/07/2026 at 14:27:01
Don't know anything about this Murphy chap but, from what I've read, he was the guy feeding Isak his goalscoring opportunities.
Now Isak doesn't have him, he's turned to shit... so maybe Jacobs is just what our B&B strikers need to turn them into prolific goalscorers?
Now Isak doesn't have him, he's turned to shit... so maybe Jacobs is just what our B&B strikers need to turn them into prolific goalscorers?
Les Callan
63 Posted 13/07/2026 at 15:00:41
63 Posted 13/07/2026 at 15:00:41
Kevin @ 55. Difference is that Power had some cracking players around him.
Andrew Ellams
64 Posted 13/07/2026 at 15:07:38
64 Posted 13/07/2026 at 15:07:38
Also, Paul Power was a massive outlier.
We have signed many older players since that were absolute dross.
We have signed many older players since that were absolute dross.
Eric Myles
65 Posted 13/07/2026 at 17:55:35
65 Posted 13/07/2026 at 17:55:35
And younger too, Andrew.
David West
66 Posted 13/07/2026 at 18:25:53
66 Posted 13/07/2026 at 18:25:53
Eric 62.
If that's the case, why aren't the Red Shite entering the bidding war for this £10M rated 31-year-old wonder grandad?
Spurs, Arsenal and Barca picking off the cream; we turn up for the sour leftovers.
If that's the case, why aren't the Red Shite entering the bidding war for this £10M rated 31-year-old wonder grandad?
Spurs, Arsenal and Barca picking off the cream; we turn up for the sour leftovers.
Gavin Johnson
67 Posted 13/07/2026 at 20:53:29
67 Posted 13/07/2026 at 20:53:29
I find the thought of signing a player like Jacob Murphy actually offensive because it shows that the club has not changed, and the Friedkins are probably just looking at the club as an asset to flip in a couple of years.
We should not be signing Newcastle United cast-offs. It shows zero ambition. Barcodes fans will probably be laughing their heads off that they found a sucker to buy him.
We should not be signing Newcastle United cast-offs. It shows zero ambition. Barcodes fans will probably be laughing their heads off that they found a sucker to buy him.
Mike Gaynes
68 Posted 13/07/2026 at 21:19:24
68 Posted 13/07/2026 at 21:19:24
David #66, Barcelona have 5X the buying power we do under SCR limits.
Arsenal 4X.
Spurs 3X.
Of course they get the cream compared to us.
Arsenal 4X.
Spurs 3X.
Of course they get the cream compared to us.
Christy Ring
69 Posted 13/07/2026 at 21:49:24
69 Posted 13/07/2026 at 21:49:24
Getting to the next level is definitely not buying a 31-year-old who wasn't even a regular for a poor Newcastle team this season.
I see where the Hull owner said they have a £200M transfer budget!
I see where the Hull owner said they have a £200M transfer budget!
Ian Wilkins
70 Posted 13/07/2026 at 21:53:50
70 Posted 13/07/2026 at 21:53:50
Hackney, George, Rohl, that's plenty of youth for Mr Moyes to accept; he'll want to balance with mature experience.
That's where Murphy comes in, and Soucek probably follows…
I can't believe we're still awaiting a right-back.
That's where Murphy comes in, and Soucek probably follows…
I can't believe we're still awaiting a right-back.
Gavin Johnson
71 Posted 13/07/2026 at 22:10:14
71 Posted 13/07/2026 at 22:10:14
Understandable deal when the banks were circling in the Fat Spanish Waiter, Frank and Dyche eras...
But this is not a deal that anyone should get behind with the amount of money coming into the club now, including expensive season tickets.
But this is not a deal that anyone should get behind with the amount of money coming into the club now, including expensive season tickets.
David Israel
72 Posted 13/07/2026 at 23:12:44
72 Posted 13/07/2026 at 23:12:44
Why we would consider signing. another winger whoever he may turn out to be, having signed Dibling a year ago - and not exactly for a bargain basement fee - and seeing that he has failed to establish himself in the first team, while we still have Dwight McNeil and have already signed Tyrrique George beggars belief. Unless - wait for it! - we plan to switch him to right back, given that plenty of former wingers turned out to be useful full backs.
Nicolas Piñon
73 Posted 13/07/2026 at 23:50:39
73 Posted 13/07/2026 at 23:50:39
Neirher Moyes the manager.
But does someone really care?
But does someone really care?
Paul Kossoff
74 Posted 13/07/2026 at 00:17:38
74 Posted 13/07/2026 at 00:17:38
Lewis Dobbin is close to a move to Southampton for almost £9M.
I don't think he played a game for Aston Villa.
I don't think he played a game for Aston Villa.
Ian Pilkington
75 Posted 13/07/2026 at 00:28:26
75 Posted 13/07/2026 at 00:28:26
Paul Ambrose@52
Are you a relative of our late former owner and charlatan or an RS imposter?
Are you a relative of our late former owner and charlatan or an RS imposter?
Mike Gaynes
76 Posted 13/07/2026 at 00:51:06
76 Posted 13/07/2026 at 00:51:06
Christy #69, he said £130M.
He also said it's too early for transfers.
He also said it's too early for transfers.
Bill Gall
77 Posted 13/07/2026 at 01:05:31
77 Posted 13/07/2026 at 01:05:31
I am afraid that, with an old-fashioned manager who seems reluctant to give youth a chance, we will continue with news of transferring older more experienced players, with Moyes just wanting to maintain a mid-table position of safety.
To bring in more youthful promising players we need a manager with ambition, not someone showing he can keep a team in a mid-table position, hoping for a good cup run.
To bring in more youthful promising players we need a manager with ambition, not someone showing he can keep a team in a mid-table position, hoping for a good cup run.
Jack Convery
78 Posted 14/07/2026 at 02:39:43
78 Posted 14/07/2026 at 02:39:43
I think the Scouting / Buying Committee may have missed a real bargain.
I give you Gyrano Kerk, not 31 until December 2026. A RW in a good way, on a free transfer. Released by Royal Antwerp. He played 30 games for them last season, scoring 7 goals with six assists, easy for you to say. He can also play as a LW, so will like Merseyside and as a CF, giving us a turd, sorry third option and more competition for that coveted position. His career stats are as a RW, are 246 games, with 66 goals and 44 assists. As a CF it's 141, 29 and 24. Other positions 38, 6 and 7.
He also knows a good right back and will put in a word for us, should we show any interest.
Before anyone has a go, in true Basil Fawlty mode, I would say the Scouting / Buying Committee started it, not me.
PS: Traore is available but best keep that quiet. West Ham have released him.
I give you Gyrano Kerk, not 31 until December 2026. A RW in a good way, on a free transfer. Released by Royal Antwerp. He played 30 games for them last season, scoring 7 goals with six assists, easy for you to say. He can also play as a LW, so will like Merseyside and as a CF, giving us a turd, sorry third option and more competition for that coveted position. His career stats are as a RW, are 246 games, with 66 goals and 44 assists. As a CF it's 141, 29 and 24. Other positions 38, 6 and 7.
He also knows a good right back and will put in a word for us, should we show any interest.
Before anyone has a go, in true Basil Fawlty mode, I would say the Scouting / Buying Committee started it, not me.
PS: Traore is available but best keep that quiet. West Ham have released him.
Eric Myles
79 Posted 14/07/2026 at 03:35:40
79 Posted 14/07/2026 at 03:35:40
David #66, because they think they're better than they really are and can't see his value?
And just maybe he's a cheaper option than Grealish?
And just maybe he's a cheaper option than Grealish?
Bob Parrington
80 Posted 14/07/2026 at 03:40:13
80 Posted 14/07/2026 at 03:40:13
A rather good assessment by Bill #77. Do we not already have enough mature aged players?
Go bring in more 'younger' players with good acceleration and speed -- hungry for the wins.
Go bring in more 'younger' players with good acceleration and speed -- hungry for the wins.
Si Cooper
81 Posted 14/07/2026 at 03:43:17
81 Posted 14/07/2026 at 03:43:17
Not saying I want him, but to say Murphy is a ‘grandad' or not worth bringing in as a squad player if Dwight McNeil can be sold for decent money seems overly insulting.
The point is surely, what are the plans overall? Murphy is a limited player who has, at times, elevated his career seemingly through great effort on the pitch. He is not a refined player but speedy and hard-working and not a liability. As a relatively cheap squad filler he looks like an exemplary role model for younger players.
I don't want this to be the limit of our dealings nor our ambitions, but we will probably need some less than inspirational signings to happen if the squad numbers are to also significantly increase in the short-term.
The point is surely, what are the plans overall? Murphy is a limited player who has, at times, elevated his career seemingly through great effort on the pitch. He is not a refined player but speedy and hard-working and not a liability. As a relatively cheap squad filler he looks like an exemplary role model for younger players.
I don't want this to be the limit of our dealings nor our ambitions, but we will probably need some less than inspirational signings to happen if the squad numbers are to also significantly increase in the short-term.
Mike Gaynes
82 Posted 14/07/2026 at 04:22:51
82 Posted 14/07/2026 at 04:22:51
Quite a debate over a £10M player.
I don't much care whether we sign him or not, but as a squad-filler he does bring three things many of y'all claim to want -- pace, attacking aggression, and lots and lots of crosses.
Nothing earthshaking, but he might make a difference in the odd game where we're down a goal and need somebody to bust ass up right wing and cross into the box.
We don't really have anybody else who can do that.
I don't much care whether we sign him or not, but as a squad-filler he does bring three things many of y'all claim to want -- pace, attacking aggression, and lots and lots of crosses.
Nothing earthshaking, but he might make a difference in the odd game where we're down a goal and need somebody to bust ass up right wing and cross into the box.
We don't really have anybody else who can do that.
Laurie Hartley
83 Posted 14/07/2026 at 04:35:37
83 Posted 14/07/2026 at 04:35:37
Not a bad player at all but I am not sure what this means for Dibling.
Where is our new right-back?
Where is our new right-back?
Mike Gaynes
84 Posted 14/07/2026 at 04:55:57
84 Posted 14/07/2026 at 04:55:57
Laurie, what it means for Dibling is, as Moyes said, that he needs to get his finger out and earn his time on the pitch.
If he can't beat out Murphy for minutes.....
If he can't beat out Murphy for minutes.....
Alan J Thompson
85 Posted 14/07/2026 at 05:00:36
85 Posted 14/07/2026 at 05:00:36
Apart from being 31 and some saying he wasn't a regular at Newcastle last season there is Dibling, George and Ndiaye to consider or perhaps we could play all 3, or 4 even 5 with Grealish, and then the only problem we might (still?) have is who to cross to and what exactly we would want the overlapping full backs to do. Still, if it doesn't work then Mr Moyes can sub them out after 70 minutes and another position the Academy wouldn't have to worry about eh.
Paul Griffiths
86 Posted 14/07/2026 at 05:16:48
86 Posted 14/07/2026 at 05:16:48
Can I borrow your WTF Pete Ambrose (52) please?
Kenwright 'saved the club at a time when the club's demise was not 'if' but 'when'. He poured his own money into the club...'
Yes, I do need to state this twice because it's so unbelievably and unforgivably wrong, perverted, and invented for what we can only imagine is blind saccharine sycophancy.
'He poured his own money into the club...'
This would be the narcissistic parasitic liar who did not put a single penny of his own into our club - remember the remortgage lie Mr. Ambrose? - but like a greedy slimy bloodsucking leech cashed in his polluted shares with his grubby greasy fingers.
Off you go Mr. Ambrose to the hagiographic sycophants' graveyard. There will be no flowers. No tears. Just the anonymous epitaph, 'Hagiographic Sycophant 6'.
Kenwright 'saved the club at a time when the club's demise was not 'if' but 'when'. He poured his own money into the club...'
Yes, I do need to state this twice because it's so unbelievably and unforgivably wrong, perverted, and invented for what we can only imagine is blind saccharine sycophancy.
'He poured his own money into the club...'
This would be the narcissistic parasitic liar who did not put a single penny of his own into our club - remember the remortgage lie Mr. Ambrose? - but like a greedy slimy bloodsucking leech cashed in his polluted shares with his grubby greasy fingers.
Off you go Mr. Ambrose to the hagiographic sycophants' graveyard. There will be no flowers. No tears. Just the anonymous epitaph, 'Hagiographic Sycophant 6'.
Steve Brown
87 Posted 14/07/2026 at 05:19:15
87 Posted 14/07/2026 at 05:19:15
Mike @ 84,
The issue of Dibling non-selection is down to Moyes’s attitude, as it is with all our young players.
Unless of course we are to believe that Rohl, Dibling, George, Patterson, Iroegbunam, Alcaraz and Aznou all performed so poorly in training last season that they did not merit starts ahead of the dreadful experienced senior players whose poor form resulted in a 13th place finish?
Murphy is average, unproductive, cheap, old but has played 200 premier league games.
If signed, Moyes will select Murphy as a first team regular on the right no matter how badly he plays - or how well the younger alternatives play.
That’s how he rolls.
The issue of Dibling non-selection is down to Moyes’s attitude, as it is with all our young players.
Unless of course we are to believe that Rohl, Dibling, George, Patterson, Iroegbunam, Alcaraz and Aznou all performed so poorly in training last season that they did not merit starts ahead of the dreadful experienced senior players whose poor form resulted in a 13th place finish?
Murphy is average, unproductive, cheap, old but has played 200 premier league games.
If signed, Moyes will select Murphy as a first team regular on the right no matter how badly he plays - or how well the younger alternatives play.
That’s how he rolls.
Mike Hayes
88 Posted 14/07/2026 at 07:16:42
88 Posted 14/07/2026 at 07:16:42
There’s a lot of evidence that in the past Moyes has used the youngsters but also evidence he hasn’t much during last season except for the odd game when forced to.
There’s also evidence he keeps playing the same players that have let him down time and again, leaves it late with subs, takes knives to a gunfight, plays not to lose (or win in most cases), is stubborn, plays hoofball, is dour and a dinosaur when it comes to tactics. I can’t find any positives apart from steadying the ship. Buying over the hill cast offs no one else wants is his forte - they may come good within a new club/team mate environment and hit the ground running, or just hit the ground and be out for the rest of the season. For: £10m cheap option premier league ready. Against: Age, no resale value.
Best to get the preseason underway, see who’s ready for the penultimate game, should have an idea of the first 11 by then. See if anyone comes in, RB and centre forward/striker and brace ourselves for the run up to Christmas 😵💫💙
There’s also evidence he keeps playing the same players that have let him down time and again, leaves it late with subs, takes knives to a gunfight, plays not to lose (or win in most cases), is stubborn, plays hoofball, is dour and a dinosaur when it comes to tactics. I can’t find any positives apart from steadying the ship. Buying over the hill cast offs no one else wants is his forte - they may come good within a new club/team mate environment and hit the ground running, or just hit the ground and be out for the rest of the season. For: £10m cheap option premier league ready. Against: Age, no resale value.
Best to get the preseason underway, see who’s ready for the penultimate game, should have an idea of the first 11 by then. See if anyone comes in, RB and centre forward/striker and brace ourselves for the run up to Christmas 😵💫💙
David West
89 Posted 14/07/2026 at 08:01:57
89 Posted 14/07/2026 at 08:01:57
Mike G. I'm not saying we should be in for tonali at £100M. If you had £10m to spend, would you be looking at Murphy?
£10M isn't big money, but give me all the data, analysis, scouting reports that are available to the recruitment department and I reckon, in my lunch hour, I'd come up with a player with more to offer.
It screams 'lazy' to me; shortsighted and unimaginative.
£10M isn't big money, but give me all the data, analysis, scouting reports that are available to the recruitment department and I reckon, in my lunch hour, I'd come up with a player with more to offer.
It screams 'lazy' to me; shortsighted and unimaginative.
Ian Bennett
90 Posted 14/07/2026 at 08:04:54
90 Posted 14/07/2026 at 08:04:54
George, Ndiaye, Grealish all look best from the left.
The right wing has been a problem position for years, and shoe horning a left winger just takes away from the player shunted over there. In fact ill say it destroys form & confidence.
Dibling for all his technical ability just hasnt resembled a player that deserves minutes. It is all well and good moaning about Moyes, but it is down to Dibling to produce when he gets on the pitch.
513 minutes on the pitch, and I am struggling to remember one piece of quality where youd pick out and say wow, play him. Selection has to be on merit. I am hoping he gets pre season minutes to show that he can deliver it. But perhaps Murphy is the back up option, to put him on loan if he cant.
Id be fairly certain the plan wasnt to buy him, see him fail and then go and get George to play in his spot last summer.
The right wing has been a problem position for years, and shoe horning a left winger just takes away from the player shunted over there. In fact ill say it destroys form & confidence.
Dibling for all his technical ability just hasnt resembled a player that deserves minutes. It is all well and good moaning about Moyes, but it is down to Dibling to produce when he gets on the pitch.
513 minutes on the pitch, and I am struggling to remember one piece of quality where youd pick out and say wow, play him. Selection has to be on merit. I am hoping he gets pre season minutes to show that he can deliver it. But perhaps Murphy is the back up option, to put him on loan if he cant.
Id be fairly certain the plan wasnt to buy him, see him fail and then go and get George to play in his spot last summer.
Andrew Ellams
91 Posted 14/07/2026 at 08:33:26
91 Posted 14/07/2026 at 08:33:26
Ian, it is the criminal underuse of younger players like Dibling that brings their development to a crashing halt.
A big part of the job of a manager -- or head coach as they're known more and more these days -- is player development and Moyes fails at that big time.
A big part of the job of a manager -- or head coach as they're known more and more these days -- is player development and Moyes fails at that big time.
Paul Griffiths
92 Posted 14/07/2026 at 08:35:15
92 Posted 14/07/2026 at 08:35:15
Ian - 90 - given that there is a decent chance that Ndiaye might go - hope not - and that Grealish will not be with us - hope so - you are being perhaps a tad optimistic on the left side.
John Williams
93 Posted 14/07/2026 at 09:08:43
93 Posted 14/07/2026 at 09:08:43
Andrew 91,
No manager can win with fans, if Moyes had consistently played Dibling and he was bad every game (taking what we have seen last season), Moyes would have been taking more stick than he already receives.
No manger can afford to play a player who is bad (unless he is told from above, that he must).
Players,don't get sacked, but managers do.
No manager can win with fans, if Moyes had consistently played Dibling and he was bad every game (taking what we have seen last season), Moyes would have been taking more stick than he already receives.
No manger can afford to play a player who is bad (unless he is told from above, that he must).
Players,don't get sacked, but managers do.
Ian Bennett
94 Posted 14/07/2026 at 09:12:51
94 Posted 14/07/2026 at 09:12:51
Depends how you look at your pint glass PG. Ndiaye is under contract and Grealish is unwanted by City.
We have McNeil and Alcaraz that have also been best off the left, but haven't anyone on the right side for donkeys. Even Fofana last summer was a left winger.
Left looks fine; right looks to be a lack of options.
We have McNeil and Alcaraz that have also been best off the left, but haven't anyone on the right side for donkeys. Even Fofana last summer was a left winger.
Left looks fine; right looks to be a lack of options.
Raymond Fox
95 Posted 14/07/2026 at 09:19:09
95 Posted 14/07/2026 at 09:19:09
Murphy plays on the right and we could do a lot worse, he's seems decent when I have seen him play.
Playing younger inexperienced players can go two ways, fans asking for them to be played would probably be the first to complain if they were responsible for us losing games. If Moyes doesn't think their up to it he wont pick them. OK there is another way to look at it but that's my opinion.
Off topic but I cant see a thread yet.
Tonights game :- 8/11 France & 7/5 Spain
Tomorrows game :- 4/5 England & 11/10 Argentina
The prices are approx.and are for who goes through to the final not 90 minutes.
Playing younger inexperienced players can go two ways, fans asking for them to be played would probably be the first to complain if they were responsible for us losing games. If Moyes doesn't think their up to it he wont pick them. OK there is another way to look at it but that's my opinion.
Off topic but I cant see a thread yet.
Tonights game :- 8/11 France & 7/5 Spain
Tomorrows game :- 4/5 England & 11/10 Argentina
The prices are approx.and are for who goes through to the final not 90 minutes.
Paul Griffiths
96 Posted 14/07/2026 at 09:22:29
96 Posted 14/07/2026 at 09:22:29
Harry Wilson would have been a better option, Raymond.
Raymond Fox
97 Posted 14/07/2026 at 09:47:08
97 Posted 14/07/2026 at 09:47:08
I agree Paul, I would have liked Wilson but we missed out for whatever reason.
Ian Horan
98 Posted 14/07/2026 at 13:31:38
98 Posted 14/07/2026 at 13:31:38
@ Peter Ambrose 56; appologies as I am late to this thread. " respect for what Kenwright did for the club!" really!! Kenwright was the biggest carpet bagger in history, he bought the club £20 mill borrowrd from Paul Gregg ( he of Appollo Leisure) Gregg could see Kenwright was out of his depth. Kings Dock went west when Gregg offerrd to fund it provide Kenwright stepped down. Gregg had no interest in being chairman himself but could see Kenwright wad a bullshiter.
so what did Kenwright do: cancellef all shareholder AGMs. refused to put the vlun first. sold evetything off including a generational talent ln Rooney. sold ofg the land behind the Parkend so that limited the expansion of goodison. echaustrd nprrowing Avrnues rezilting in BVI Companies charging 14 to 15 % interest because no major banking institute believef in Kenwrights business plan. sold off Bellefield for £3.5 mill when it was market value at £7 mill with planning consent. Sold off finch farm for £15 mill only to then tie club in to a 50 year lease at £10 mill rent pet year. mortgage off future season ticket sales to keep the wolves from the door. don't mention the most expensive lawnmowers in history.
i could continue with man more issues and all for Kenwright to get EITC awards- well whoopity Do!!! Then gave Little Miss Dynamite responsebility yo run the club. cost us Mansour buying us instead of City, believed a bloke in a flat in Manchester had greater financial credibility than one of the richest men in the world!! Not to mention Swiss fortress fund cheques in the post billshit. Oh did I mention he made circa £40 mill on the sale of the club without laying out a single penny of his own money.
so what did Kenwright do: cancellef all shareholder AGMs. refused to put the vlun first. sold evetything off including a generational talent ln Rooney. sold ofg the land behind the Parkend so that limited the expansion of goodison. echaustrd nprrowing Avrnues rezilting in BVI Companies charging 14 to 15 % interest because no major banking institute believef in Kenwrights business plan. sold off Bellefield for £3.5 mill when it was market value at £7 mill with planning consent. Sold off finch farm for £15 mill only to then tie club in to a 50 year lease at £10 mill rent pet year. mortgage off future season ticket sales to keep the wolves from the door. don't mention the most expensive lawnmowers in history.
i could continue with man more issues and all for Kenwright to get EITC awards- well whoopity Do!!! Then gave Little Miss Dynamite responsebility yo run the club. cost us Mansour buying us instead of City, believed a bloke in a flat in Manchester had greater financial credibility than one of the richest men in the world!! Not to mention Swiss fortress fund cheques in the post billshit. Oh did I mention he made circa £40 mill on the sale of the club without laying out a single penny of his own money.
Kevin Molloy
99 Posted 14/07/2026 at 13:38:50
99 Posted 14/07/2026 at 13:38:50
This is not that bad for Dibling. If, as seems likely, Ndiaye goes, then Murphy is exactly the sort of player Dibling would want coming in.
Someone who will be in the team delivering 6-7 out of 10, but who will be dislodged if Dibling hits form.
Someone who will be in the team delivering 6-7 out of 10, but who will be dislodged if Dibling hits form.
Ian Horan
100 Posted 14/07/2026 at 13:42:33
100 Posted 14/07/2026 at 13:42:33
Editorial Team the edit button still doesnt work. thanks
Raymond Fox
101 Posted 14/07/2026 at 14:13:19
101 Posted 14/07/2026 at 14:13:19
Ian, it's working for me on a desktop... maybe if you are using your phone, it could be that.
Don't ask me why because I'm not too tech savvy.
Don't ask me why because I'm not too tech savvy.
Ian Horan
102 Posted 14/07/2026 at 19:05:00
102 Posted 14/07/2026 at 19:05:00
Thanks, Raymond.
I tend to use my phone.
I tend to use my phone.
Jay Lewis
103 Posted 14/07/2026 at 19:53:31
103 Posted 14/07/2026 at 19:53:31
Ian, flip your phone to horizontal/landscape, that fixes it
Ian Horan
104 Posted 14/07/2026 at 22:16:42
104 Posted 14/07/2026 at 22:16:42
Cheers, Jay.
Eric Myles
105 Posted 15/07/2026 at 08:32:52
105 Posted 15/07/2026 at 08:32:52
Raymond #101, it's just that the site is formatted for PCs, seems the new owners tech brigade are old fogies who still think Nokia is king. (Still have one of them myself!)
Nokia mobile
Nokia mobile
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1 Posted 11/07/2026 at 19:06:26