03/08/2026
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James Tarkowski said Everton want to be 'right up there, battling' this campaign after a disappointing end to last season.
Everton's hopes of European football came undone across the run-in, as the Blues failed to win across their final seven games. A promising position unravelled as a result, with Tarkowski admitting the collapse was a 'massive disappointment'.
Speaking to the Echo during the club's pre-season trip to Germany, the centre-back said he hopes Everton can improve this time around and challenge at the top end of the table.
"It was so disappointing. I was gutted with the way the season ended," he said.
"[It was so disappointing] because of how much good work we did throughout the earlier part of the season. We won some massive away games last year, so it was a massive disappointment the way it ended. But, listen, today's another day.
"There was a lot of change last year. There was new ownership, the manager had come in six months before. There were a lot of new faces around the building, and in the dressing room... The whole feeling of the club had changed over that season. I want this club to be right up there, battling, and we got close last year to getting there, but just didn't have enough in the end. Hopefully this season goes a bit different."
Tarkowski also discussed the return of Jarrad Branthwaite for pre-season, following an injury-hit season. The centre-back has recovered from his latest hamstring issue and Tarkowski hopes his injuries can now be put firmly in the rear-view mirror. He praised Branthwaite's professionalism as the 24-year-old looks to overcome his recent woes.
"We all know how good Jarrad is when he is fit and playing. He's been through a lot. I know how hard he works, he is one of the most professional players I've been around for his age. He is so in tune with his body, and what he needs now. So, fingers crossed he stays fit and on the pitch because we know what an asset to our team he is when he is."
Reader Comments (43)
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John Collins
2 Posted 03/08/2026 at 15:20:09
2 Posted 03/08/2026 at 15:20:09
We will play even deeper next season if we can't keep Jarrad Branthwaite fit.
Against Palace, the back four: O'Brien Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko.
Against Palace, the back four: O'Brien Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko.
Darren Hind
3 Posted 03/08/2026 at 15:20:53
3 Posted 03/08/2026 at 15:20:53
We want this club to be "right up there, battling" too, Tarkowski.
The difference being: You've been stinking the gaff out for two seasons and you're more of a fucken hindrance than a help.
The difference being: You've been stinking the gaff out for two seasons and you're more of a fucken hindrance than a help.
Keith Gleave
4 Posted 03/08/2026 at 15:27:43
4 Posted 03/08/2026 at 15:27:43
He is no more than a squad player. He made loads of mistakes last season. And we need players.
Mihir Ambardekar
5 Posted 03/08/2026 at 15:30:45
5 Posted 03/08/2026 at 15:30:45
As long as Tarkowski and Keane are actively involved in the team we are not going anywhere. Both slow.
Mobile players at the back with good passing capability will surely change our fortunes.
Mobile players at the back with good passing capability will surely change our fortunes.
Alan McMillan
6 Posted 03/08/2026 at 16:11:30
6 Posted 03/08/2026 at 16:11:30
Blah, blah, gutted, blah, blah, change, blah, blah, disappointed.
Soundbites and ready-made excuses. Get your collective fingers out. Own your performances. Admit you were shite and learn from it. Or else, leave.
Soundbites and ready-made excuses. Get your collective fingers out. Own your performances. Admit you were shite and learn from it. Or else, leave.
Russell Fairclough
7 Posted 03/08/2026 at 16:29:45
7 Posted 03/08/2026 at 16:29:45
Look at his figures and stats. He was by far our best defender last season.
The negativity from supporters is the most disappointing thing about this club.
The negativity from supporters is the most disappointing thing about this club.
Kevin Molloy
8 Posted 03/08/2026 at 17:01:54
8 Posted 03/08/2026 at 17:01:54
I still can't quite believe how badly the last seven games were handled. After stuffing Chelsea, we just lose hand over fist.
And then no explanation given, just that the fans weren't entitled to feel disappointed, Everton weren't in a position to make big strides, but there's no reason we can't have the ambition to match Brentford.
And that was your lot for the Summer.
Since that time, we've had one comment from Dewsbury-Hall, now this from Tarkowski. Our best player wants out, we re-signed the loanee, and are about to sign a right-back from Celtic.
And then no explanation given, just that the fans weren't entitled to feel disappointed, Everton weren't in a position to make big strides, but there's no reason we can't have the ambition to match Brentford.
And that was your lot for the Summer.
Since that time, we've had one comment from Dewsbury-Hall, now this from Tarkowski. Our best player wants out, we re-signed the loanee, and are about to sign a right-back from Celtic.
Keith Harrison
9 Posted 03/08/2026 at 17:12:16
9 Posted 03/08/2026 at 17:12:16
Yeah. Only if you're not playing, Tarkowski lad. Your abject lack of pace has now caused us to defend so deep, our midfielders are playing at the edge of our box to cover you and Keane.
Playing Jake and Jarrad at the back with 2 proper full backs will transform our team when we get a striker.
If you are made Club Captain this season to give the Dinosaur reason to select you every week, it will mean a relegation battle for us.
The Burnley triumvirate need moved on pretty sharpish, with new back up centre-backs required.
Regarding Europe, if our brave leader had really gone for it, I believe the Ndiaye situation would be moot.
Playing Jake and Jarrad at the back with 2 proper full backs will transform our team when we get a striker.
If you are made Club Captain this season to give the Dinosaur reason to select you every week, it will mean a relegation battle for us.
The Burnley triumvirate need moved on pretty sharpish, with new back up centre-backs required.
Regarding Europe, if our brave leader had really gone for it, I believe the Ndiaye situation would be moot.
John Davies
10 Posted 03/08/2026 at 17:13:28
10 Posted 03/08/2026 at 17:13:28
So now it's Tarkowski's turn to become Dismal Davey's mouthpiece!
"There was a lot of change last year. There was new ownership, the manager had come in 6 months before. There were a lot of new faces around the building, and in the dressing room. The whole feeling of the club had changed over that season".
The last seven games of the season were a total disaster, courtesy of the negligent, incompetent Dour Davey and some of the players -- Tarkowski, in my opinion, being the worst offender in that group.
3 points from our last 7 games! European competition was right there for the taking but we managed just 3 points from a possible 21!
Then Dopey Dave tells us it's not such a bad thing really because we're not ready for it just yet. What a cock that man is.
And now a new season is upon us and so Dithery Dave's drivel is served up once again, this time by his favourite disciple, attempting to sell abject mediocrity as a success story.
Dull David does nothing else, so that when he achieves exactly nothing, he can demand that the masses rejoice and give thanks for him -- only to sulk like a big baby when the majority of us don't.
I'm sick to death of it. Why don't these people just shut the fuck up and produce results on the pitch instead of spouting Dozy Dave's bullshit, hoping that the masses will lap it up? When they do that, I might show a bit more respect for them... but, until that time, they can do one.
"There was a lot of change last year. There was new ownership, the manager had come in 6 months before. There were a lot of new faces around the building, and in the dressing room. The whole feeling of the club had changed over that season".
The last seven games of the season were a total disaster, courtesy of the negligent, incompetent Dour Davey and some of the players -- Tarkowski, in my opinion, being the worst offender in that group.
3 points from our last 7 games! European competition was right there for the taking but we managed just 3 points from a possible 21!
Then Dopey Dave tells us it's not such a bad thing really because we're not ready for it just yet. What a cock that man is.
And now a new season is upon us and so Dithery Dave's drivel is served up once again, this time by his favourite disciple, attempting to sell abject mediocrity as a success story.
Dull David does nothing else, so that when he achieves exactly nothing, he can demand that the masses rejoice and give thanks for him -- only to sulk like a big baby when the majority of us don't.
I'm sick to death of it. Why don't these people just shut the fuck up and produce results on the pitch instead of spouting Dozy Dave's bullshit, hoping that the masses will lap it up? When they do that, I might show a bit more respect for them... but, until that time, they can do one.
Alan J Thompson
11 Posted 03/08/2026 at 17:33:02
11 Posted 03/08/2026 at 17:33:02
Have we ever finished in the top half of the table in the 4 or 5 seasons Tarkowski has been with us?
Kevin Naylor
12 Posted 03/08/2026 at 17:35:16
12 Posted 03/08/2026 at 17:35:16
Don't ruin your legacy of scoring the equaliser against the Red Shite to stop them winning the last-ever Goodison derby.
You won't achieve anything better than that.
You won't achieve anything better than that.
David West
13 Posted 03/08/2026 at 17:49:11
13 Posted 03/08/2026 at 17:49:11
Last season showed time is catching up with Tarkowski... I won't tear into him like some. It is obvious he's not going to get any quicker, or more agile.
The more games O'Brien plays at right-back, the less time he's developing as a centre-back. So the need for a right-back is just getting ridiculous now.
Keane and Tarkowski should be squad players at best now.
The more games O'Brien plays at right-back, the less time he's developing as a centre-back. So the need for a right-back is just getting ridiculous now.
Keane and Tarkowski should be squad players at best now.
Mal van Schaick
14 Posted 03/08/2026 at 18:53:33
14 Posted 03/08/2026 at 18:53:33
The club has Champagne tastes on a Lemonade budget.
I hope that Everton do have a great season with a Top 6 finish, but in reality we are long way off that without a lot more investment in players.
I hope that Everton do have a great season with a Top 6 finish, but in reality we are long way off that without a lot more investment in players.
Mike Powell
15 Posted 03/08/2026 at 19:50:44
15 Posted 03/08/2026 at 19:50:44
Johnston starts for Celtic... so it doesn't look like we are getting him.
Mark Murphy
16 Posted 03/08/2026 at 20:06:25
16 Posted 03/08/2026 at 20:06:25
Shame, Mike, I liked the look of him at the World Cup.
I mean, he's no Seamus Coleman... but he looked decent to me.
I mean, he's no Seamus Coleman... but he looked decent to me.
John Atkinson
17 Posted 03/08/2026 at 20:19:13
17 Posted 03/08/2026 at 20:19:13
Come on...
Tarkowski can be immense and a good leader. He makes mistakes like Keane but adds a physical side to our defence, especially on set pieces.
Is Glasner still available?
Tarkowski can be immense and a good leader. He makes mistakes like Keane but adds a physical side to our defence, especially on set pieces.
Is Glasner still available?
Ian Wilkins
18 Posted 03/08/2026 at 21:09:13
18 Posted 03/08/2026 at 21:09:13
He should now be a squad player, O'Brien and Branthwaite being the mainstays.
He's played his part in seasons gone, and been a leader when we had none…
He's played his part in seasons gone, and been a leader when we had none…
Jay Lewis
19 Posted 03/08/2026 at 21:33:52
19 Posted 03/08/2026 at 21:33:52
Don't be silly, Ian, Moyes thinks Big Ears and Keano are entering their prime years. They're both gonna be the next Richard Gough!
Norgaard, a perfect signing for Moyes, probably thinks he's a year or two too young as well
Norgaard, a perfect signing for Moyes, probably thinks he's a year or two too young as well
Paul Griffiths
20 Posted 03/08/2026 at 22:53:01
20 Posted 03/08/2026 at 22:53:01
Imagine the scenes and fume on here when it is announced some time next season that Moyes has been given a new contract to 65.
Nicolas Piñon
21 Posted 03/08/2026 at 22:55:33
21 Posted 03/08/2026 at 22:55:33
Relegation battle ahead, don't be fooled you doomwats!
Paul Kossoff
22 Posted 03/08/2026 at 23:41:03
22 Posted 03/08/2026 at 23:41:03
Why didn't they do it last season. Fucking hypocrite.
Multi-billionaire telling you, "Oh, not this season lads, we can't afford it."
Multi-billionaire telling you, "Oh, not this season lads, we can't afford it."
Paul Griffiths
23 Posted 03/08/2026 at 23:41:11
23 Posted 03/08/2026 at 23:41:11
Have to ask, who are the 'doomwats' and what is a 'doomwat'?
Paul Kossoff
24 Posted 03/08/2026 at 23:53:43
24 Posted 03/08/2026 at 23:53:43
Tim Iroegbunam, 23, is interesting Hull City, Ipswich Town and Coventry City. (Teamtalk)
Dale Self
27 Posted 04/08/2026 at 01:04:48
27 Posted 04/08/2026 at 01:04:48
We are the doom(t)wats!
Koo Koo ka Choo!
Koo Koo ka Choo!
Andy Meighan
28 Posted 04/08/2026 at 01:43:16
28 Posted 04/08/2026 at 01:43:16
Got a lot to say for himself... unfortunately, he talks shite.
Absolute liability, ask most of our fans if they think we will be challenging near the top of the table, the answer will be an unequivocal No.
Absolute liability, ask most of our fans if they think we will be challenging near the top of the table, the answer will be an unequivocal No.
Paul Hewitt
29 Posted 04/08/2026 at 06:29:01
29 Posted 04/08/2026 at 06:29:01
Tarkowski has been a great servant for the club.
Unfortunately, time catches up with us all.
Unfortunately, time catches up with us all.
Matt Byrne
30 Posted 04/08/2026 at 07:56:38
30 Posted 04/08/2026 at 07:56:38
Tarkowski will be in trouble with Moyes. Doesn't he know we were told we weren't allowed to be disappointed by the pathetic end to the season?
Tarkowski is a much better player with Jarrad next to him and the stats back that.
Tarkowski is a much better player with Jarrad next to him and the stats back that.
Terry McLavey
31 Posted 04/08/2026 at 08:04:07
31 Posted 04/08/2026 at 08:04:07
How come we always get someone wheeled out to tell us that this season will be different... and it never is?
Please stop thinking the fans are stupid, we have eyes you know! Talk is cheap!
Please stop thinking the fans are stupid, we have eyes you know! Talk is cheap!
Mike Hayes
32 Posted 04/08/2026 at 08:08:52
32 Posted 04/08/2026 at 08:08:52
If he insisted he was shite for the season as was the rest we might take a bit of notice 🤷🤡
Mick O\\\'Malley
33 Posted 04/08/2026 at 08:19:11
33 Posted 04/08/2026 at 08:19:11
Professional footballers are not 'servants'.
It makes me laugh the shit Patterson gets for being crap yet this absolute yard dog is culpable for many goals scored against us.
Standing on Pickford's toes, deflecting shots past him, letting balls sail over his head, playing the faux hardman, throwing players to the ground, I honestly can't wait to see the back of him.
It makes me laugh the shit Patterson gets for being crap yet this absolute yard dog is culpable for many goals scored against us.
Standing on Pickford's toes, deflecting shots past him, letting balls sail over his head, playing the faux hardman, throwing players to the ground, I honestly can't wait to see the back of him.
Andrew Clare
34 Posted 04/08/2026 at 08:30:44
34 Posted 04/08/2026 at 08:30:44
Let's get real. A mediocre season is ahead of us, relegation is a real threat and Moyes is not the man to move us forward -- nor are our new owners judging by their lack of meaningful activity in the transfer market.
It's decades now since we have been a major player. My belief that we could get back to the top has all but faded away.
It's decades now since we have been a major player. My belief that we could get back to the top has all but faded away.
Ajay Gopal
35 Posted 04/08/2026 at 09:27:43
35 Posted 04/08/2026 at 09:27:43
Very good, John Davies (10)...
But you missed out 'Dino Davey' :-)
But you missed out 'Dino Davey' :-)
Dan Nulty
36 Posted 04/08/2026 at 11:16:42
36 Posted 04/08/2026 at 11:16:42
Don't really understand the vitriol against him. Yes, his legs are going/gone but you absolutely cannot fault his commitment and drive. Not an amazing player but he always tried his best.
There was once we used to respect that as fans, seems an increasing percentage who no longer do. It isn't his fault he keeps getting picked.
There was once we used to respect that as fans, seems an increasing percentage who no longer do. It isn't his fault he keeps getting picked.
Paul Hewitt
37 Posted 04/08/2026 at 11:53:18
37 Posted 04/08/2026 at 11:53:18
Mick @33.
There is a reason why players like Tarkowski play for us and not a Top 6 side. Bet you can guess why.
There is a reason why players like Tarkowski play for us and not a Top 6 side. Bet you can guess why.
Andy Meighan
38 Posted 04/08/2026 at 13:25:57
38 Posted 04/08/2026 at 13:25:57
Dan @36.
I can criticise his drive and commitment: when he's been at fault for goals, he always points the finger at someone else. Pickford has bailed him out on numerous occasions with his blind passes back.
While him and Keane continue to play together, Everton will leak goals, and that silly twat Moyes will defy us and continue to field them.
He can't keep his trap shut and, quite honestly, Branthwaite has made him look a far better player than he is.
I can't stand him and his phoney hardman stance and, as Mick said, I can't wait to see the back of him.
I can criticise his drive and commitment: when he's been at fault for goals, he always points the finger at someone else. Pickford has bailed him out on numerous occasions with his blind passes back.
While him and Keane continue to play together, Everton will leak goals, and that silly twat Moyes will defy us and continue to field them.
He can't keep his trap shut and, quite honestly, Branthwaite has made him look a far better player than he is.
I can't stand him and his phoney hardman stance and, as Mick said, I can't wait to see the back of him.
Dave Lynch
39 Posted 04/08/2026 at 15:06:11
39 Posted 04/08/2026 at 15:06:11
Looking at the first 6 fixtures you'd expect a decent team to take 12 points from them.
Let's see how Dithering Dave and his band of mediocre acolytes perform.
If he does start with Jake at right-back, I will seriously lose my shit. He should then just be sacked for fuckwittery.
Let's see how Dithering Dave and his band of mediocre acolytes perform.
If he does start with Jake at right-back, I will seriously lose my shit. He should then just be sacked for fuckwittery.
Christy Ring
40 Posted 04/08/2026 at 16:17:39
40 Posted 04/08/2026 at 16:17:39
Tarkowski has been a great servant, considering we got him on a free, but his best days are behind him.
It's disappointing to see Moyes not putting O'Brien and Branthwaite together in pre-season.
It's disappointing to see Moyes not putting O'Brien and Branthwaite together in pre-season.
Paul Griffiths
41 Posted 05/08/2026 at 06:05:28
41 Posted 05/08/2026 at 06:05:28
Andy M 38 - I also hate way he tries to put the blame on others, most notably Jordan.
How many England caps do you have Skipper knobhead? He has to be replaced as skipper but it looks like he will not be and that he will be a nailed-on starter.
How many England caps do you have Skipper knobhead? He has to be replaced as skipper but it looks like he will not be and that he will be a nailed-on starter.
Jimmy Salt
42 Posted 05/08/2026 at 09:05:26
42 Posted 05/08/2026 at 09:05:26
The game is about levels and he's not at the level to maintain us, never mind move us forward.
He did a good job when we needed him, but that was three seasons ago, and time has caught up with him.
We need a new captain (Jimmy anyone?).
He did a good job when we needed him, but that was three seasons ago, and time has caught up with him.
We need a new captain (Jimmy anyone?).
Mark Murphy
43 Posted 06/08/2026 at 21:48:29
43 Posted 06/08/2026 at 21:48:29
Dave, in the interests of debate, what if we win?
Dave Lynch
44 Posted 06/08/2026 at 22:16:13
44 Posted 06/08/2026 at 22:16:13
Mark...
I'll jump for joy if we take 12 out of the first 18 points of course I will, I'm an Evertonian.
I'll jump for joy if we take 12 out of the first 18 points of course I will, I'm an Evertonian.
Brendan McLaughlin
45 Posted 06/08/2026 at 22:51:15
45 Posted 06/08/2026 at 22:51:15
Yeah, Dave #44...
But it'll be..."If it wasn't for Moyes... it would have been 16"
But it'll be..."If it wasn't for Moyes... it would have been 16"
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1 Posted 03/08/2026 at 15:07:25