This isn’t an overreaction. This isn’t hyperbole. This isn’t knee-jerk.
A day or so on from a calamitous end to Everton’s ill-thought out, poorly planned, and badly executed transfer window, most fans have probably started to calm down, but that’s not to say the anger is any less palpable.
And while the entire transfer window, and the approach to it, deserves to be looked into as one big mess, there is also a fair argument to say that really, it all boiled down to four disastrous days right at the end.
In the space of those four days, The Friedkin Group, Angus Kinnear and his fellow team of “experts”, have lost any credit or trust they had from the fanbase.
Here’s how it all played out.
DAY ONE: SATURDAY, 29 AUGUST
Everton’s 96 hours of turmoil began on Saturday, as news broke that Nottingham Forest had lodged a bid for Harrison Armstrong. That bid should have been rejected out of hand, but instead, Everton were considering it.
Speculation swirled that Armstrong would be left out of the squad to face Bournemouth on Saturday afternoon.
In the end, the 19-year-old started, and played well in a respectable 1-1 draw at the Vitality Stadium, where the traveling fans sang their hearts out and made it clear to the club’s leadership — this kid should not be for sale.
Still, as of Saturday evening, Everton were advancing in talks with Forest over a deal worth around £40M. The bid had all but been accepted, now it was just a matter of fine-tuning the payment structure between the clubs and then, crucially, the player deciding on the move.
Armstrong had not pushed for it, and neither had his agency, though they had negotiated a hefty pay increase should the move go ahead.
Oh, and let’s not forget, early rumours began that Everton had agreed personal terms with Kenny Tete — the Fulham full-back who, in 2025, had been on the verge of a move to the club but then decided to sign a new contract at Craven Cottage instead.
DAY TWO: SUNDAY, 30 AUGUST
Sunday, mid-morning. The reputable John Percy of The Telegraph reports that Everton had pulled out of the Armstrong deal. Soon, others follow suit. The move is off. The fans have won. Armstrong is staying put.
It swiftly emerged that Dan Friedkin himself had stepped in. The issue is, it is Dan Friedkin himself, or, at least, those involved at the TFG level — and not their “local team”, led by Kinnear — that had made the decision to cash in on Armstrong in the first place.
Good news, but there wasn’t really any time for an inquiry, because within an hour, news filtered through that Everton and Tottenham had agreed a deal in principle for Iliman Ndiaye. The transfer was worth £60M and the Toffees were also in talks to bring back former fan favourite Richarlison from Spurs.
An hour later, and the Richarlison fee was made public by Paul Joyce and then The Bobble — a total deal worth up to £35M, albeit the up-front payment was set to be £25M.
There was understandable concern at the amount Everton would be paying for a 29-year-old with plenty of injury issues, while Spurs seemed to be getting Ndiaye at a knockdown price. It was becoming abundantly clear — Everton needed a big sale, and they were getting desperate.
The Tete deal was also on, and by the end of the day, all that seemed to stand in the way of Ndiaye going to Spurs and Richarlison returning to Everton were the latter’s personal terms.
Oh, and Adam Aznou joined Malaga on loan to get some much-needed gametime.
DAY THREE: MONDAY, 31 AUGUST
It wasn’t a slow Bank Holiday Monday for the Toffees. Far from it.
Everton had agreed a fee of roughly £9M with Fulham to sign Tete, who was expected to be granted permission to travel north for a medical.
Ndiaye’s move to Spurs was still on, but the Richarlison transfer to Everton was held up.
The Bobble reported that the issue was on Spurs’ end, with Richarlison’s camp demanding loyalty payments be made to the Brazilian, who would be taking a wage cut to come to Everton.
This was then all but confirmed by Richarlison, who remarkably took to social media and hit out at Spurs, insisting he would have happily returned to his “beloved” Everton, but he wanted what he was owed by Tottenham.
By the evening, that move was very much on ice, and in the meantime, Manchester City pounced on Ndiaye. With their approach for Cody Gakpo rebuffed by Liverpool, Man City pivoted back to Ndiaye, and a deal worth up to £65M was swiftly struck with Everton.
Disappointing, but better than the offer on the table from Spurs, while Jack Grealish’s loan move back to the Toffees was advancing, and Everton looked set to reinvest some of the Ndiaye fee into a deal for Folarin Balagoun.
It was scattergun, but it was at least exciting, as it was soon confirmed that Everton and Monaco had agreed a fee of around £35M, plus add-onsfor Folarin Balogun. A steep fee, but a quality player and a welcome addition to the forward line.
Beto was on his way to Fiorentina, and Hull City had come back in for Tim Iroegbunam. Things were moving fast but Everton looked in a strong position, even if their targets seemed to be rather random, heading into deadline day.
DAY FOUR: TUESDAY, 1 SEPTEMBER
Everton’s position of strength going into deadline day was relatively refreshing. Yes, players were heading out, but they looked set to be bringing three in, and possibly a fourth.
But this day was the worst of them all.
By lunchtime, Balogun had landed at the airport and was headed for his medical, while Grealish’s was already well under way — great news. There was talk the Tete deal was off, though, and those rumours were firmed up when it was confirmed that Everton had bid £4M for Lyon’s Ainsley Maitland-Niles. That offer was accepted by the French club.
A quiet afternoon followed, but Nathan Patterson was in Turin to complete a permanent move to Torino, while Beto was at Fiorentina to complete the formalities of his exit. Iroegbunam was having his medical at Hull. All on track.
By early evening, Beto had gone — £15M in the bank. Then, it was Patterson, with a fantastic sign off message in which he poked fun at David Moyes’s slip of the tongue from a few weeks ago.
But then, it all started getting silly.
Reports from France claimed Balogun had failed his medical. Those rumours were soon firmed up by the press in England, albeit The Bobble did cite it as an “issue with the medical”, rather than a guaranteed fail.
Ndiaye’s departure to Man City was confirmed, but the drama was all at Everton, who were frantically scrapping around for an alternative option to Balogun.
They offered a £10M package to take Joshua Zirkzee on loan from Manchester United, but that was rejected by the Red Devils. There was even talk of a last-gasp push for Chris Wood. What in the world was going on?
Amid the furore and panic, Everton announced Grealish’s return. Great, but nobody cared! Classic Everton, holding and holding it back until late in the window when everyone was so riled up, and there were so many twists and turns.
And then, another twist! Balogun’s deal was back on — Everton and Monaco had been able to renegotiate some of the payment structure and a dealsheet was submitted. All parties were working towards a deal.
Somehow, it looked as though Everton would get away with it. A thorough assessment of the window would still need to take place, but there would be a positive end, with a genuine improvement coming into the squad for Beto.
Maitland-Niles’s transfer was also confirmed, shortly after midnight — a right-back through the door, albeit there is no chance that he is the right-back Everton wanted and Kinnear bullishly claimed they could get just two weeks ago.
But then, the last turn. Balogun had decided not to sign the contract on offer. It was subsequently claimed, by Monaco’s CEO, that the United States forward felt harshly treated by Everton, who it seems fairly obvious, had used a small medical concern as a way to renegotiate.
And that was the final nail in the coffin. For TFG, for Kinnear, for his fabled transfer committee.
Everton finished the window, arguably, worse off than when they went into it. On deadline day, they brought in around £100M, and spent around £15M, when including the loan package for Grealish, while also, frankly, making themselves look like complete amateurs.
AND NOW…
In the space of four turbulent days, TFG has lost any trust they had from this fanbase. They are now under increasing media scrutiny, but do they care? Dan Friedkin, or his son, Ryan, are yet to attend an Everton game. In the time they have owned the club, Everton have moved grounds — it’s disgusting.
As for Kinnear and his band of merry men, they look like fools, and frankly, they have acted like fools, too. Moyes is not blameless in all this, either, but he is now the one with the challenge of rallying a small squad, with just one striker and only two out-and-out full-backs, for at least half a season.
Of course, Everton being Everton, it was heads in the sand on Wednesday. Monaco are the ones that got on the front foot and got their narrative out there. Everton thought photos of Grealish at Finch Farm and an interview with Maitland-Niles would suffice.
Let’s see what the rest of the week brings, but there’s no doubt, those four days, TFG and the leadership team they employ, did their very best to burn it all down.
Reader Comments (104)
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Eugene Stalker
2 Posted 03/09/2026 at 10:22:14
2 Posted 03/09/2026 at 10:22:14
Maybe Andy Burnham will nationalize us?
Steve Brown
3 Posted 03/09/2026 at 10:27:34
3 Posted 03/09/2026 at 10:27:34
I've already scheduled 1 February 2027 off work and booked myself into counselling for the day.
Believe some Scottish bloke has also put down a deposit.
Believe some Scottish bloke has also put down a deposit.
Ian Wilkins
4 Posted 03/09/2026 at 10:34:51
4 Posted 03/09/2026 at 10:34:51
Nicely captured the events, Patric, and what an absolute shambles.
Will there be a response from Everton? Unlikely, unless to rebuff Balogun's assertions. They'd do well to leave that alone -- it's already not a good look and further bad PR, including Stateside, probably not helpful.
I note several groups have requested an interview or discussion with Kinnear, including shareholders. No response, as yet. Will Friedkin act, will heads roll? I guess this depends to the degree that Kinnear and Co have a free hand to run the business.
I think we all thought they were put in place and trusted with management. But Kinnear suggested in interview he talks to Dan Friedkin daily, and there are suggestions of Friedkin getting involved in the Armstrong fiasco.
I very much doubt Friedkin does the detail, but does he set the agenda and the playbook by which Kinnear and Co acted…?
I'm sure the Friedkins will continue to build the asset, no doubt sell a stake. Pity they don't invest as much time and energy and money into improving us on the pitch.
Moyes will play to the audience with his fresh 'squad depleted' position, but to an extent without overstepping boundaries. He won't resign.
As fans, we should continue to voice our displeasure and concern with owners and management, but have to put that aside and get behind the team. It's not the players' fault. It's our football team; always was... always will be.
Will there be a response from Everton? Unlikely, unless to rebuff Balogun's assertions. They'd do well to leave that alone -- it's already not a good look and further bad PR, including Stateside, probably not helpful.
I note several groups have requested an interview or discussion with Kinnear, including shareholders. No response, as yet. Will Friedkin act, will heads roll? I guess this depends to the degree that Kinnear and Co have a free hand to run the business.
I think we all thought they were put in place and trusted with management. But Kinnear suggested in interview he talks to Dan Friedkin daily, and there are suggestions of Friedkin getting involved in the Armstrong fiasco.
I very much doubt Friedkin does the detail, but does he set the agenda and the playbook by which Kinnear and Co acted…?
I'm sure the Friedkins will continue to build the asset, no doubt sell a stake. Pity they don't invest as much time and energy and money into improving us on the pitch.
Moyes will play to the audience with his fresh 'squad depleted' position, but to an extent without overstepping boundaries. He won't resign.
As fans, we should continue to voice our displeasure and concern with owners and management, but have to put that aside and get behind the team. It's not the players' fault. It's our football team; always was... always will be.
Mark Taylor
5 Posted 03/09/2026 at 10:39:02
5 Posted 03/09/2026 at 10:39:02
It does seem to be the modern way that, when there is a cock up, organisations don't step up to the plate and address the issues proactively, they try to ignore it even happened... nothing to see here, deflection technique etc.
I've always felt there was a good chance of TFG flipping us in relatively short order, either wholly or in part, albeit I didn't see them trying to do this so quickly.
I've always felt there was a good chance of TFG flipping us in relatively short order, either wholly or in part, albeit I didn't see them trying to do this so quickly.
Andrew Merrick
6 Posted 03/09/2026 at 10:58:13
6 Posted 03/09/2026 at 10:58:13
More to come on this then, little bit at a time, until they are no longer the sole focus of discontent. We are still better off than we were a few years ago, but that doesn't sweeten things too much in this moment.
The fans will be needed, the squad has to work hard, work well together, they have to find a way to keep the energy for the full game, and play til the whistle goes. No sitting deep, inviting pressure, we need captains all over the park, and fans all over the stadium.
The fans will be needed, the squad has to work hard, work well together, they have to find a way to keep the energy for the full game, and play til the whistle goes. No sitting deep, inviting pressure, we need captains all over the park, and fans all over the stadium.
James Marshall
7 Posted 03/09/2026 at 11:01:01
7 Posted 03/09/2026 at 11:01:01
Our problems are only really going to start when we start getting the inevitable injuries -- that's when this mess is going to bite.
Our first 11 is decent, plus we have subs who can change things up a bit, but one or two injuries and we're going to be playing under-21s again.
Our first 11 is decent, plus we have subs who can change things up a bit, but one or two injuries and we're going to be playing under-21s again.
Eugene Ruane
8 Posted 03/09/2026 at 11:24:14
8 Posted 03/09/2026 at 11:24:14
When I was a kid, my Everton dreams were basically about the team winning titles and cups.
Oh and there was another dream that involved Alan Ball's car breaking down on his way to Goodison and Harry Catterick asking me (aged 10) to come out of the crowd and fill-in for Ball. (nb: Alan was lucky to get back in the side after I banged in five against Liverpool!)
These days however, my Everton dreams are very different.
I dream of a season when more or less nothing happens.
A season with no worry, or concerns of fear.
A dull-as-@$%! season would suit me fine.
A season when we get enough points on the board by February, so we're not cracking walnuts between the cheeks of our arses at the start of May.
A season when we're not deducted points for some nonsense I still don't understand.
A season when we don't have to pay out £40M to another side for some nonsense I still don't understand.
A season when someone isn't trying to buy us, or sell us, or buy shares in us, or sell shares in us.
A season when information comes clearly and willingly from the club's owners.
A season when players who're bought and sold, and all dealings involving them are clear and simple and above board.
At my age (67), I have long since given up on the idea of seeing Everton side-sweeping all before them on the pitch, but surely it's not asking too much for just one season with no drama.
UTFT!
Oh and there was another dream that involved Alan Ball's car breaking down on his way to Goodison and Harry Catterick asking me (aged 10) to come out of the crowd and fill-in for Ball. (nb: Alan was lucky to get back in the side after I banged in five against Liverpool!)
These days however, my Everton dreams are very different.
I dream of a season when more or less nothing happens.
A season with no worry, or concerns of fear.
A dull-as-@$%! season would suit me fine.
A season when we get enough points on the board by February, so we're not cracking walnuts between the cheeks of our arses at the start of May.
A season when we're not deducted points for some nonsense I still don't understand.
A season when we don't have to pay out £40M to another side for some nonsense I still don't understand.
A season when someone isn't trying to buy us, or sell us, or buy shares in us, or sell shares in us.
A season when information comes clearly and willingly from the club's owners.
A season when players who're bought and sold, and all dealings involving them are clear and simple and above board.
At my age (67), I have long since given up on the idea of seeing Everton side-sweeping all before them on the pitch, but surely it's not asking too much for just one season with no drama.
UTFT!
Steve Jones
9 Posted 03/09/2026 at 11:38:39
9 Posted 03/09/2026 at 11:38:39
Andrew, Spot on.
My thoughts are... We need to be more balanced and fair.
TFG have been great financial custodians. Saved us from bankruptcy, funded completion of the new stadium, paid off the payday high-interest facility, and restructured the long-term debt. Great job!
The squad has been totally transformed from season 2024-25. Younger talent with much higher ceiling. Big tick for TFG and the CEO and recruitment team.
Clearing the dead wood is also a good thing.
Shame about the end of transfer window cock ups but if just Balogun crossed the line, we would say okay but not perfect window, with more to do in January.
If Richarlison had come as well, we would be even more comfortable.
As Andrew said -- let's get behind the team and manager. COYB's
My thoughts are... We need to be more balanced and fair.
TFG have been great financial custodians. Saved us from bankruptcy, funded completion of the new stadium, paid off the payday high-interest facility, and restructured the long-term debt. Great job!
The squad has been totally transformed from season 2024-25. Younger talent with much higher ceiling. Big tick for TFG and the CEO and recruitment team.
Clearing the dead wood is also a good thing.
Shame about the end of transfer window cock ups but if just Balogun crossed the line, we would say okay but not perfect window, with more to do in January.
If Richarlison had come as well, we would be even more comfortable.
As Andrew said -- let's get behind the team and manager. COYB's
Steve Jones
10 Posted 03/09/2026 at 11:38:39
10 Posted 03/09/2026 at 11:38:39
A reason to be hopeful this season is the improved playing style and all the young talent we invested last summer is now developing well.
Let's get behind them.
Let's get behind them.
George McKane
11 Posted 03/09/2026 at 11:51:48
11 Posted 03/09/2026 at 11:51:48
A quick re-action to this - - I will be 78 years old next year and have been watching Everton since 1958-59.
I have seen great times and bad times, great players and bad players, great managers and bad managers. As you know, I rarely miss a game if I can help it -- even watching Everton and its affairs while on my death bed.
My saying to my friends and fellow Blues is that, for many years now, I have fallen out of love with "football"; I only watch because I am an Evertonian and as such am loyal and blue and enjoy meeting up with my "Blue Bloodies".
Even that has changed with the move to Hill Dicjkinson Stadium, and that's it: I don't like much about Modern Everton. We were talked into believing that "we have to move with the times"... "modernism"
New Stadiums: "Oh, don't worry about access or the prices, we can sell events, music, rugby... make money" -- for who?
New Owners: Russians, Saudis, Arabs, Americans -- The nouveau riche who, to me, have no interest or emotional investment in our club.
I was on TV the first week of the introduction of the Premier League and I said then it was interesting that the new league starts up just after the fall of Communism and the Monopoly of Capitalism... Well, we got what were sold and here we are.
It seems that we have to shut up and accept the demise of what was for me Working Class Theatre... our game. As always, we The People do the graft, put in the hours, the work, the commitment... make the product and then it is sold on and we are left doffing our caps and clicking "our cloggs" and saying "thankee, sir."
Well, here we are, 4 days before a big game with Man Utd, talking money, accounts, agents, contracts... "Shove it!"
I lived in a pub on Smith Street and I remember when decimalisation came out and an old lady who came in at the same time every day for a bottle of Mackeson. Tom (my dad) replied something like, "That's 7 new pence." She replied, "Ahh, I can't stand this new money, I'm going to live with my sister in Huyton."
Where can we go? Where do we go? Shut up and accept it -- know your place.
I have seen great times and bad times, great players and bad players, great managers and bad managers. As you know, I rarely miss a game if I can help it -- even watching Everton and its affairs while on my death bed.
My saying to my friends and fellow Blues is that, for many years now, I have fallen out of love with "football"; I only watch because I am an Evertonian and as such am loyal and blue and enjoy meeting up with my "Blue Bloodies".
Even that has changed with the move to Hill Dicjkinson Stadium, and that's it: I don't like much about Modern Everton. We were talked into believing that "we have to move with the times"... "modernism"
New Stadiums: "Oh, don't worry about access or the prices, we can sell events, music, rugby... make money" -- for who?
New Owners: Russians, Saudis, Arabs, Americans -- The nouveau riche who, to me, have no interest or emotional investment in our club.
I was on TV the first week of the introduction of the Premier League and I said then it was interesting that the new league starts up just after the fall of Communism and the Monopoly of Capitalism... Well, we got what were sold and here we are.
It seems that we have to shut up and accept the demise of what was for me Working Class Theatre... our game. As always, we The People do the graft, put in the hours, the work, the commitment... make the product and then it is sold on and we are left doffing our caps and clicking "our cloggs" and saying "thankee, sir."
Well, here we are, 4 days before a big game with Man Utd, talking money, accounts, agents, contracts... "Shove it!"
I lived in a pub on Smith Street and I remember when decimalisation came out and an old lady who came in at the same time every day for a bottle of Mackeson. Tom (my dad) replied something like, "That's 7 new pence." She replied, "Ahh, I can't stand this new money, I'm going to live with my sister in Huyton."
Where can we go? Where do we go? Shut up and accept it -- know your place.
Ian Burns
12 Posted 03/09/2026 at 11:52:23
12 Posted 03/09/2026 at 11:52:23
Eugene - dream on - I got on in place of Alan Ball - time has dulled your memory. If only AB had been available this last window!
Back to reality - roll on January!
Back to reality - roll on January!
Mark Taylor
13 Posted 03/09/2026 at 11:53:12
13 Posted 03/09/2026 at 11:53:12
Steve
I respect your view but it is not one widely shared, not least in the media. Dominic King in the Telegraph described the last few days of our window as 'a masterclass in incompetence'. It is hard to disagree.
True, we are better out of the dead hands of Moshiri but let's be clear here, TFG were acquiring a distressed asset and it seems clear their plan was to flip us once they got the financial basics in order. Nothing wrong with that in many ways, but saviours they are not.
Where I agree is that we have improved quality in a number of areas, at least on paper. But you said 'squad'. We barely have one. Moyes was begging/demanding major incomings a few days before the window closed, what he got was 2 in, 5 out, a net reduction of 3, the smallest squad in the Premier League with no back-up for either full-back positions or striker. The squad, as in the whole, is weak and desperately under-resourced.
I also agree we now need to get behind the team who are at the end of the day, blameless in this. Ironically, and while I am not a Moyes fan, he may well be the best-placed person to manage a very small squad with a Dogs of War attitude. That is, if he doesn't resign in protest.
I respect your view but it is not one widely shared, not least in the media. Dominic King in the Telegraph described the last few days of our window as 'a masterclass in incompetence'. It is hard to disagree.
True, we are better out of the dead hands of Moshiri but let's be clear here, TFG were acquiring a distressed asset and it seems clear their plan was to flip us once they got the financial basics in order. Nothing wrong with that in many ways, but saviours they are not.
Where I agree is that we have improved quality in a number of areas, at least on paper. But you said 'squad'. We barely have one. Moyes was begging/demanding major incomings a few days before the window closed, what he got was 2 in, 5 out, a net reduction of 3, the smallest squad in the Premier League with no back-up for either full-back positions or striker. The squad, as in the whole, is weak and desperately under-resourced.
I also agree we now need to get behind the team who are at the end of the day, blameless in this. Ironically, and while I am not a Moyes fan, he may well be the best-placed person to manage a very small squad with a Dogs of War attitude. That is, if he doesn't resign in protest.
Sean Mitchell
14 Posted 03/09/2026 at 11:57:03
14 Posted 03/09/2026 at 11:57:03
Does anyone really think these pricks will spend any money in January?
They couldn't give a fuck. The useless wankers will probably try to sell another player.
They couldn't give a fuck. The useless wankers will probably try to sell another player.
Andrea Jacobs
15 Posted 03/09/2026 at 11:59:18
15 Posted 03/09/2026 at 11:59:18
The people on here who have defended how crap this window has been and how terrible the owners are has astonished me.
Yes, this isn't the end of the world, currently, but it's a depressing realisation that the club is going nowhere under these clowns.
They are doing the absolute minimum required regarding investment. It is not a bright new dawn. It is shambolic. Wake up!
Yes, this isn't the end of the world, currently, but it's a depressing realisation that the club is going nowhere under these clowns.
They are doing the absolute minimum required regarding investment. It is not a bright new dawn. It is shambolic. Wake up!
Rocco Bugaj
16 Posted 03/09/2026 at 12:02:43
16 Posted 03/09/2026 at 12:02:43
Steve,
It is very difficult to recognize irony as such in writing.
It is very difficult to recognize irony as such in writing.
Tony Abrahams
17 Posted 03/09/2026 at 12:07:13
17 Posted 03/09/2026 at 12:07:13
George, you have written some incredible stuff on this website over the years mate, but nothing resonates with me as much as that post, mate.
Modern football? You can't get in without a phone, you can't buy a cup of tea without a piece of plastic... (I hope every single person swerves the digital cafeteria on Sunday.)
And then a goal can't be given until a person sitting in front of a television, miles away, can verify to the on-field referee, that there have been no impediments.
Fuck the silent fucken Friedkins.
Modern football? You can't get in without a phone, you can't buy a cup of tea without a piece of plastic... (I hope every single person swerves the digital cafeteria on Sunday.)
And then a goal can't be given until a person sitting in front of a television, miles away, can verify to the on-field referee, that there have been no impediments.
Fuck the silent fucken Friedkins.
Mike Keating
18 Posted 03/09/2026 at 12:14:58
18 Posted 03/09/2026 at 12:14:58
George,
Not the Goat's Head by any chance?
Not the Goat's Head by any chance?
George McKane
19 Posted 03/09/2026 at 12:19:16
19 Posted 03/09/2026 at 12:19:16
Mike - - right opposite - -The Britannia/The Brit - and then later on Everton brow just at the top by EFC Tower - - The Brit is now amazingly and somehow appropriately Thoma Winder Court - - God Bless Father Winder.
Paul Washington
20 Posted 03/09/2026 at 12:26:49
20 Posted 03/09/2026 at 12:26:49
Welcome back Moshiri!!
(That's a joke before I need to get down the Anderson shelter!)
(That's a joke before I need to get down the Anderson shelter!)
Andy Meighan
21 Posted 03/09/2026 at 12:28:15
21 Posted 03/09/2026 at 12:28:15
Sean @21.
Absolutely right, I wouldn't trust this lead development team or whatever fancy moniker they give themselves to buy anyone in January, in fact they'll probably try, as you said, to sell a couple.
Their recruitment has been nothing short of embarrassing and I've heard plenty saying just get by til January and we'll sign X, Y and Z... Really???
It's taken them 2 years to get a right back and we still haven't got one, so what makes anyone think they're capable of getting a striker in within the January time frame???
I wouldn't trust the liars to run a message, shower of cretins.
Absolutely right, I wouldn't trust this lead development team or whatever fancy moniker they give themselves to buy anyone in January, in fact they'll probably try, as you said, to sell a couple.
Their recruitment has been nothing short of embarrassing and I've heard plenty saying just get by til January and we'll sign X, Y and Z... Really???
It's taken them 2 years to get a right back and we still haven't got one, so what makes anyone think they're capable of getting a striker in within the January time frame???
I wouldn't trust the liars to run a message, shower of cretins.
Pete Hughes
22 Posted 03/09/2026 at 12:43:46
22 Posted 03/09/2026 at 12:43:46
Wouldn't surprise me if these phoneys sell Armstrong in January?
Mike Keating
23 Posted 03/09/2026 at 12:43:55
23 Posted 03/09/2026 at 12:43:55
George
In my final year at university I worked in the Goats Head.
I got the job after walking to the pub for the interview from Goodison following a 1-0 defeat by Leeds (Jack Charlton header I think).
Walking past Lime Street 45 minutes later, I was stopped by Everton fans who asked the time -- as the reply wasn't in a strong scouse accent, it was assumed I must be a Leeds fan and was set upon.
The only time I've ever been involved in any form of football violence.
In my final year at university I worked in the Goats Head.
I got the job after walking to the pub for the interview from Goodison following a 1-0 defeat by Leeds (Jack Charlton header I think).
Walking past Lime Street 45 minutes later, I was stopped by Everton fans who asked the time -- as the reply wasn't in a strong scouse accent, it was assumed I must be a Leeds fan and was set upon.
The only time I've ever been involved in any form of football violence.
George McKane
24 Posted 03/09/2026 at 12:51:42
24 Posted 03/09/2026 at 12:51:42
Mike sad to hear that about your episode with violence. - - I was of course at that game - - time wasting - - devils tactics et seq - - on that corner alone was The Brit/The Lancaster (gone by then I think) The Goats Head/The Zante - - take care mate - - look after yourself.
Sean Kearns
25 Posted 03/09/2026 at 13:10:47
25 Posted 03/09/2026 at 13:10:47
Don't put a picture of that cheapskate con-artist prick on the thumbnail please! I don't wish to even lay my eyes upon the wanker... He's never laid his eyes upon us!
Petition to never include a picture of Dan Friedkin on this website. All in favor say "Aye"…
Also, Mike #31: that was the classic move in the dark days of the 80s, even for our fans going to away games. Getting stopped and asking for the time was a way to see if you were an away fan so they could fill you in. My old man always told me about that!
Petition to never include a picture of Dan Friedkin on this website. All in favor say "Aye"…
Also, Mike #31: that was the classic move in the dark days of the 80s, even for our fans going to away games. Getting stopped and asking for the time was a way to see if you were an away fan so they could fill you in. My old man always told me about that!
Colin Quinney
26 Posted 03/09/2026 at 13:25:24
26 Posted 03/09/2026 at 13:25:24
Can I ask that all those sat close to Kinnear on Sunday give him as much abuse as possible
Raymond Fox
27 Posted 03/09/2026 at 13:43:13
27 Posted 03/09/2026 at 13:43:13
There's no excuse for leaving us with one recognised left-back and one centre-forward, admittedly the latter might not have been entirely their fault.
Then it's reported we are not looking for any free agents either, that's a clear "We are in charge, we don't care what you fans think."
Have we anyone on the books that might fit into left-back? I mean, why the hell loan Aznou out, that make no sense whatever. We could recall him couldn't we?
Then it's reported we are not looking for any free agents either, that's a clear "We are in charge, we don't care what you fans think."
Have we anyone on the books that might fit into left-back? I mean, why the hell loan Aznou out, that make no sense whatever. We could recall him couldn't we?
Christy Ring
28 Posted 03/09/2026 at 13:48:06
28 Posted 03/09/2026 at 13:48:06
I know we're discussing the incompetence of TFG, Kinnear and our recruitment team....
Norgaard signed a 2/3 year contract, did his fitness exam, and the club knew he's out for at least 3 months, so what's different?
Norgaard signed a 2/3 year contract, did his fitness exam, and the club knew he's out for at least 3 months, so what's different?
Michael Kenrick
29 Posted 03/09/2026 at 13:51:36
29 Posted 03/09/2026 at 13:51:36
Standing back a little ways from the feverish foment...
Transfer deals get fucked up all the time. Isn't it just part and parcel? Angus and pals didn't deliberately fuck it up this time.
None of us knows what the medical issues was... but had they actually learnt something from the Norgaard nonsense and were being a little more circumspect before signing off on the deal?
The only real question for me is: why leave it so late? Why not get things done earlier in the window? Or are too many of the parties involved pushing for this idiotic scramble because they can extract the biggest fees and when people are in panic mode? Even that doesn't really make any sense.
ps: Posts about the Friedkins looking for investment have been moved here.
Transfer deals get fucked up all the time. Isn't it just part and parcel? Angus and pals didn't deliberately fuck it up this time.
None of us knows what the medical issues was... but had they actually learnt something from the Norgaard nonsense and were being a little more circumspect before signing off on the deal?
The only real question for me is: why leave it so late? Why not get things done earlier in the window? Or are too many of the parties involved pushing for this idiotic scramble because they can extract the biggest fees and when people are in panic mode? Even that doesn't really make any sense.
ps: Posts about the Friedkins looking for investment have been moved here.
Mark Murphy
30 Posted 03/09/2026 at 13:53:19
30 Posted 03/09/2026 at 13:53:19
…”Everton thought photos of Grealish at Finch Farm and an interview with Maitland-Niles would suffice.”
And to further take the piss made the announcement that the blue doughnuts would be available for another season as if it was a major signing.
I’m not as eloquent as George
Cnuts the lot of em.
And to further take the piss made the announcement that the blue doughnuts would be available for another season as if it was a major signing.
I’m not as eloquent as George
Cnuts the lot of em.
Brendan McLaughlin
31 Posted 03/09/2026 at 14:04:57
31 Posted 03/09/2026 at 14:04:57
Christy #28
Norgaard didn't flounce out of the building?
Norgaard didn't flounce out of the building?
Brian Harrison
32 Posted 03/09/2026 at 14:06:07
32 Posted 03/09/2026 at 14:06:07
Michael 29
Of course these things can occur were the medical team find a problem, but given the medical report Everton still wanted to carry on with the deal and it was Balogun who pulled the plug.
Had they been doing their homework they would have known he hasn't trained much if at all since the World Cup, surely that should have had our recruitment team asking questions.
This is about our recruitment team who knew before the end of last season we needed a striker and a fullback, but they let Beto and Ndaiye leave before they were certain they had replacements.
That is gross negligence and for that someone has to take responsibility and walk or be sacked.
Of course these things can occur were the medical team find a problem, but given the medical report Everton still wanted to carry on with the deal and it was Balogun who pulled the plug.
Had they been doing their homework they would have known he hasn't trained much if at all since the World Cup, surely that should have had our recruitment team asking questions.
This is about our recruitment team who knew before the end of last season we needed a striker and a fullback, but they let Beto and Ndaiye leave before they were certain they had replacements.
That is gross negligence and for that someone has to take responsibility and walk or be sacked.
Raymond Fox
33 Posted 03/09/2026 at 14:20:04
33 Posted 03/09/2026 at 14:20:04
What can we expect at Moyes next press conference? That should tell us a lot...
Or maybe not: he dare not say what he probably thinks about the transfer shambles and keep his job this season.
Or maybe not: he dare not say what he probably thinks about the transfer shambles and keep his job this season.
Mike Price
34 Posted 03/09/2026 at 14:29:59
34 Posted 03/09/2026 at 14:29:59
Apart from Ndiaye, we've got rid of a load of rubbish and have finally injected some pace into the team. We're short on numbers but the quality of the squad has improved. We may have dodged a bullet with Balogan as well, Monaco were more than happy to get rid of him.
We aren't in Europe, which helps, but a few injuries could mean we're limping towards the January window where everyone will know how desperate we are.
I agree that the recruitment team aren't what we need, especially Kinnear, who we were warned about by Leeds fans delighted to see the back of him.
We aren't in Europe, which helps, but a few injuries could mean we're limping towards the January window where everyone will know how desperate we are.
I agree that the recruitment team aren't what we need, especially Kinnear, who we were warned about by Leeds fans delighted to see the back of him.
Mark Taylor
35 Posted 03/09/2026 at 14:34:36
35 Posted 03/09/2026 at 14:34:36
Unless he resigns (small chance but it's possible), I expect he will mouth the usual platitudes that fall short of full-on criticism. Here's a precis:
We did some decent business and tried hard to get what we wanted over the line before the window shut, just fell short in one or two areas, but it wasn't for want of trying.
The job now is for everyone to pull together and do the best we can for the club (ie, avoid relegation and forget about the cups with this squad depth).
We did some decent business and tried hard to get what we wanted over the line before the window shut, just fell short in one or two areas, but it wasn't for want of trying.
The job now is for everyone to pull together and do the best we can for the club (ie, avoid relegation and forget about the cups with this squad depth).
Kevin Molloy
36 Posted 03/09/2026 at 14:42:11
36 Posted 03/09/2026 at 14:42:11
I don't think there's any mystery here, we were pulling our standard operating procedure. Bid, walk away, return with a lower offer.
This Balogun chap has been nursing an ankle injury for months, and missed the last few games. If you're him, you hear we've bid £40M and time to go.
When he gets here, he does the medical, whereupon, our negotiators get to work. 'He's got a problem with his ankle!'
'Yeah, and? It's the same injury I've had for months which doctors expect to right itself in a couple of weeks.'
We then tell the world he's failed his medical. The rest is history.
But this deal actually takes away from the overall window, which has been a catastrophe. We've turned three loans into permanent deals, brought in three 30-year-olds or older, and had Middlesbrough over a barrel cos they didn't get promoted. That's it.
After running out of gas so spectacularly last season, it was clear we needed major investment in the defence, which has resulted in two-bob Maitland-Niles. Otherwise it's as you were with two 33-year-old centre-backs, and Jarrad Branthwaite.
And then we sell five players from an already threadbare squad and don't replace them. The first team is unquestionably weaker than last year. The five 30-year-olds are all a year older, we've swapped our best player for one who Palace were dying to get rid of, and now have only one striker.
What do we think December will look like with 18 fit players, six of whom are over 30?
This Balogun chap has been nursing an ankle injury for months, and missed the last few games. If you're him, you hear we've bid £40M and time to go.
When he gets here, he does the medical, whereupon, our negotiators get to work. 'He's got a problem with his ankle!'
'Yeah, and? It's the same injury I've had for months which doctors expect to right itself in a couple of weeks.'
We then tell the world he's failed his medical. The rest is history.
But this deal actually takes away from the overall window, which has been a catastrophe. We've turned three loans into permanent deals, brought in three 30-year-olds or older, and had Middlesbrough over a barrel cos they didn't get promoted. That's it.
After running out of gas so spectacularly last season, it was clear we needed major investment in the defence, which has resulted in two-bob Maitland-Niles. Otherwise it's as you were with two 33-year-old centre-backs, and Jarrad Branthwaite.
And then we sell five players from an already threadbare squad and don't replace them. The first team is unquestionably weaker than last year. The five 30-year-olds are all a year older, we've swapped our best player for one who Palace were dying to get rid of, and now have only one striker.
What do we think December will look like with 18 fit players, six of whom are over 30?
Eric Myles
37 Posted 03/09/2026 at 14:58:21
37 Posted 03/09/2026 at 14:58:21
Kevin #36, Ndiaye went to City, not to Palace.
Kevin Molloy
38 Posted 03/09/2026 at 14:59:25
38 Posted 03/09/2026 at 14:59:25
No shit, Eric.
Eric Myles
39 Posted 03/09/2026 at 15:01:54
39 Posted 03/09/2026 at 15:01:54
You said we swapped him to Palace, Kevin.
I'm sure that was someone else we swapped?
I'm sure that was someone else we swapped?
Eric Myles
40 Posted 03/09/2026 at 15:04:16
40 Posted 03/09/2026 at 15:04:16
Raymond #33, I expect he will be happy to be sacked after this shitshow of a window.
He'll be paid up in full and won't have the ignomy of being the manager that relegated us.
He'll be paid up in full and won't have the ignomy of being the manager that relegated us.
Kevin Molloy
41 Posted 03/09/2026 at 15:06:18
41 Posted 03/09/2026 at 15:06:18
By 'swap' I mean 'replace', one for the other, Eric.
I think that was obvious.
I think that was obvious.
Tony Abrahams
42 Posted 03/09/2026 at 15:15:14
42 Posted 03/09/2026 at 15:15:14
A really good post still leaves you having to explain yourself to some people, Kevin. Not "That's a very good post with a load of very valid points of view," just a "You got that one wrong, Kevin."
Was Ndiaye one of our best players? Yes. Does Ndiaye still play for Everton? No!
Fuck the silent Friedkins.
Was Ndiaye one of our best players? Yes. Does Ndiaye still play for Everton? No!
Fuck the silent Friedkins.
Nigel Scowen
43 Posted 03/09/2026 at 15:20:55
43 Posted 03/09/2026 at 15:20:55
Michael @29,
So as it's ‘ridiculous nonsense' in your words to suggest that Kinnear should be fired for this ‘shambolic' (BBC's words, not mine) window then who do you think should be held responsible?
TFG aren't going to fire themselves are they.
So as it's ‘ridiculous nonsense' in your words to suggest that Kinnear should be fired for this ‘shambolic' (BBC's words, not mine) window then who do you think should be held responsible?
TFG aren't going to fire themselves are they.
Kevin Molloy
44 Posted 03/09/2026 at 15:27:31
44 Posted 03/09/2026 at 15:27:31
Tony yes indeed. For Everton fans it's been a disastrous few days, I think we're all still drinking in the full implications.
And even worse than our individual issues with these pirates, the penny is also dropping with the new rules for all the clubs. For some reason, the Premier League is letting the six top clubs just run riot, and fence the rest of us in, not being able to spend.
And it's not even related to success. Chelsea and Spurs who both stank the place out last season, have nevertheless spent near half a billion each. We on the other hand 'have to sell' even though we've not spent a fucking penny in 5 years. It's a fix.
And even worse than our individual issues with these pirates, the penny is also dropping with the new rules for all the clubs. For some reason, the Premier League is letting the six top clubs just run riot, and fence the rest of us in, not being able to spend.
And it's not even related to success. Chelsea and Spurs who both stank the place out last season, have nevertheless spent near half a billion each. We on the other hand 'have to sell' even though we've not spent a fucking penny in 5 years. It's a fix.
Michael Kenrick
45 Posted 03/09/2026 at 15:31:02
45 Posted 03/09/2026 at 15:31:02
Brian,
A lot of supposition there.
Had they been doing their homework they would have known he hasn't trained much if at all since the World Cup, surely that should have had our recruitment team asking questions.
How do you know they didn't do all that?
And I don't think it was a mistake as such to let Beto and Ndiaye leave. As I've said, Beto is just a joke... and they got £15M for him! That is brilliant work!
Ndiaye was always on his way; Evertonians thought he was great to watch but the end product... not so great, I'm afraid.
The only question of merit is why wasn't all this done much earlier in the transfer window? Then 99% of this nonsense is avoided.
We now have Barry, Grealish, Johnson, George, Dibling and Alcaraz... the problem is we also have Moyes, who has no idea how to use them properly other than telling them (a) Don't lose the ball; (b) Track back immediately if you do.
A lot of supposition there.
Had they been doing their homework they would have known he hasn't trained much if at all since the World Cup, surely that should have had our recruitment team asking questions.
How do you know they didn't do all that?
And I don't think it was a mistake as such to let Beto and Ndiaye leave. As I've said, Beto is just a joke... and they got £15M for him! That is brilliant work!
Ndiaye was always on his way; Evertonians thought he was great to watch but the end product... not so great, I'm afraid.
The only question of merit is why wasn't all this done much earlier in the transfer window? Then 99% of this nonsense is avoided.
We now have Barry, Grealish, Johnson, George, Dibling and Alcaraz... the problem is we also have Moyes, who has no idea how to use them properly other than telling them (a) Don't lose the ball; (b) Track back immediately if you do.
Martin Berry
46 Posted 03/09/2026 at 15:43:07
46 Posted 03/09/2026 at 15:43:07
I hope the fans vent their feelings to the board and hierachy on Sunday.
This club belongs to the fans and they have been treated appallingly.
This club belongs to the fans and they have been treated appallingly.
Sean Mitchell
47 Posted 03/09/2026 at 15:47:43
47 Posted 03/09/2026 at 15:47:43
Andy #21
Spot on.
No one is coming in January.
I wouldn’t trust these pricks to pass me the salt.
They’d probably try to sell it.
Spot on.
No one is coming in January.
I wouldn’t trust these pricks to pass me the salt.
They’d probably try to sell it.
Steve Brown
48 Posted 03/09/2026 at 15:57:15
48 Posted 03/09/2026 at 15:57:15
I assume the deal wasn’t done earlier as the Friedkin demand was sell to buy. If Armstrong had been sold to Forest, the club would have used that fee to fund the Balogun transfer and concluded the deal over the weekend.
None of us know the medical issue, although a knee issue has been cited. What we do know is that he arrived at Finch Farm for his medical at 1pm and Everton notifed Monaco at 7pm there was an issue. So what the hell happened in that 6 hour period? Deliberate or not, Angus and pals did fuck it up as the player walked out.
As for the sale of Beto without getting the Balogun done, repeating it was not a mistake doesn’t mean that is correct.
How do we know it was a mistake? Because we only have 1 striker in the first team squad. Outcomes matter, not intentions.
None of us know the medical issue, although a knee issue has been cited. What we do know is that he arrived at Finch Farm for his medical at 1pm and Everton notifed Monaco at 7pm there was an issue. So what the hell happened in that 6 hour period? Deliberate or not, Angus and pals did fuck it up as the player walked out.
As for the sale of Beto without getting the Balogun done, repeating it was not a mistake doesn’t mean that is correct.
How do we know it was a mistake? Because we only have 1 striker in the first team squad. Outcomes matter, not intentions.
Martin Farrington
49 Posted 03/09/2026 at 16:03:14
49 Posted 03/09/2026 at 16:03:14
Michael. @45
You say Brain !!! I'm sure he is. Pinky perhaps 🤭
You call him out for supposition
Yet your final paragraph - points a and b.
Isnt that similar? Surely !?!
Has Moyes confirmed those instructions personally?
As for the transfer window debacle. Calamity. Incompetence and all of its synonyms, Uncles, Aunts and cousins all showed up for this one.
Its a another embarrassing low on the road of incompetence.
As I predicted upon the final kick of the ball last season. This was a nailed on cert.
It breezes into the vast warehouse of abject efc transfer window history.
The stratospherical sadness is that every single last buffoon involved in this particular show of cluelessness remains in situ.
You say Brain !!! I'm sure he is. Pinky perhaps 🤭
You call him out for supposition
Yet your final paragraph - points a and b.
Isnt that similar? Surely !?!
Has Moyes confirmed those instructions personally?
As for the transfer window debacle. Calamity. Incompetence and all of its synonyms, Uncles, Aunts and cousins all showed up for this one.
Its a another embarrassing low on the road of incompetence.
As I predicted upon the final kick of the ball last season. This was a nailed on cert.
It breezes into the vast warehouse of abject efc transfer window history.
The stratospherical sadness is that every single last buffoon involved in this particular show of cluelessness remains in situ.
Ian Wilkins
50 Posted 03/09/2026 at 16:03:59
50 Posted 03/09/2026 at 16:03:59
The new set of Financial Controls, SCR, replacing the former PSR, was voted in by the Premier League club members.
A number voted against, predictably Brentford, Brighton, etc, but a two-thirds majority was needed to pass. It just got the two-thirds. Everton voted in favour.
It would be interesting to hear the for and against debate.
A number voted against, predictably Brentford, Brighton, etc, but a two-thirds majority was needed to pass. It just got the two-thirds. Everton voted in favour.
It would be interesting to hear the for and against debate.
Bill Hawker
51 Posted 03/09/2026 at 16:09:08
51 Posted 03/09/2026 at 16:09:08
I wanted to give TFG every benefit of the doubt but they've squandered any goodwill they may have had so massively, it defies logic.
There's absolutely no possibility of TFG leaving the January window to chance with Kinnear and his gang of "happily dissatisfied" merry men of the transfer committee. They have to go. All of them.
If there was any doubt that the Everton hierarchy were inept and incompetent at their jobs, that doubt has been completely removed.
There's absolutely no possibility of TFG leaving the January window to chance with Kinnear and his gang of "happily dissatisfied" merry men of the transfer committee. They have to go. All of them.
If there was any doubt that the Everton hierarchy were inept and incompetent at their jobs, that doubt has been completely removed.
Christy Ring
52 Posted 03/09/2026 at 16:58:29
52 Posted 03/09/2026 at 16:58:29
Kevin #36, Spot on with your post.
What some can't see here, from the very start of the transfer window, it was complete incompetence by TFG, Kinnear & Co. When our CEO Kinnear told us, a week before our first game of the season against Palace, we won't be signing a fullback until 2 weeks later, at the end of the window, and then they agreed to sell Armstrong, the wheels were in motion.
Imagine we took in £100M and spent £4M on deadline day. We sold our best attacker Ndiaye for £60M+, and had to wait all day for it to go through, even though City had pictures of him on their website; we knew he wanted to go, why didn't we sell him weeks ago?
We were totally shafted, and now TFG want to sell a minority stake, and like Man Utd did, let him finance the club.
What some can't see here, from the very start of the transfer window, it was complete incompetence by TFG, Kinnear & Co. When our CEO Kinnear told us, a week before our first game of the season against Palace, we won't be signing a fullback until 2 weeks later, at the end of the window, and then they agreed to sell Armstrong, the wheels were in motion.
Imagine we took in £100M and spent £4M on deadline day. We sold our best attacker Ndiaye for £60M+, and had to wait all day for it to go through, even though City had pictures of him on their website; we knew he wanted to go, why didn't we sell him weeks ago?
We were totally shafted, and now TFG want to sell a minority stake, and like Man Utd did, let him finance the club.
Minik Hansen
53 Posted 03/09/2026 at 17:48:18
53 Posted 03/09/2026 at 17:48:18
Now they (the recruitment team) has a chance to make it up slightly with the available free agents -- let's see how they mastermind this ;) -- before they face further consequences.
Liam Mogan
54 Posted 03/09/2026 at 18:06:41
54 Posted 03/09/2026 at 18:06:41
Players leave, players come in. The quality always varies. That's the way it works.
Not to have enough players though -- that's criminal. 18 senior outfield players. 2/3 injuries to key players and we are fecked.
Not to have enough players though -- that's criminal. 18 senior outfield players. 2/3 injuries to key players and we are fecked.
Kevin Molloy
55 Posted 03/09/2026 at 19:06:53
55 Posted 03/09/2026 at 19:06:53
Ian 50, Wow! Well there we have it. We did it to ourselves.
Why would we do that? Ascent to our own servitude. They couldn't have set this system up without Everton saying 'Yes, we're in!'
I agree, imagine what Everton must have been promised to swing in behind this. Abolition of relegation in 5 years? Locking in future Premier League bungs for the next 10 years. We may stay 16th, but our owners earn tens of millions just by standing still!
Why would we do that? Ascent to our own servitude. They couldn't have set this system up without Everton saying 'Yes, we're in!'
I agree, imagine what Everton must have been promised to swing in behind this. Abolition of relegation in 5 years? Locking in future Premier League bungs for the next 10 years. We may stay 16th, but our owners earn tens of millions just by standing still!
Brian Harrison
56 Posted 03/09/2026 at 19:25:09
56 Posted 03/09/2026 at 19:25:09
Michael 45,
The reason I know they hadn't checked how much training he had done of late was because it was only when a problem occurred during his medical that Everton asked to see his GPS tracker.
The reason I know they hadn't checked how much training he had done of late was because it was only when a problem occurred during his medical that Everton asked to see his GPS tracker.
Roscoe Nicholson
57 Posted 03/09/2026 at 19:34:16
57 Posted 03/09/2026 at 19:34:16
Maybe this was written before the details came out, but I'm not convinced that this is necessarily a screw-up or just a tactical mistake by the medical staff and decision-makers.
It sounds like Monaco weren't providing requested medical information (or not in a timely manner), and Balogun arriving for the medical check much later than planned seems suspicious as well.
We may never know, or it may become clear that there was an issue when he is back on the pitch for Monaco or wherever he lands.
It was also surprising that he'd walk away like this when it was only the fee and not his actual wages being renegotiated.
It sounds like Monaco weren't providing requested medical information (or not in a timely manner), and Balogun arriving for the medical check much later than planned seems suspicious as well.
We may never know, or it may become clear that there was an issue when he is back on the pitch for Monaco or wherever he lands.
It was also surprising that he'd walk away like this when it was only the fee and not his actual wages being renegotiated.
Michael Kenrick
58 Posted 03/09/2026 at 21:13:08
58 Posted 03/09/2026 at 21:13:08
Brian @56, you may have a better source, but I'm looking at The Athletic account and not seeing what you claim. It says the following, implying a reverse order of events:
Everton requested GPS data to better understand the player's situation, as is standard practice in such deals.. At that point, Everton had some concerns over what they saw in the data.
It was around 7pm on Tuesday, the final day of an already manic transfer window, that Monaco were told by Everton of an issue flagged in Balogun's medical, which had the potential to derail the transfer.
“Around 7pm we were contacted by Everton, raising questions on the medical of Balogun, which for our medical staff, and for the personal medical staff of the player, made totally no sense.”
From your wording, it sounds like an issue in the medical triggered the GPS data request. That's not how The Athletic narrative reads. It sounds to me like they were doing their homework, seeing discrepancies and asking questions.
Yes, we agree they should have done everything a lot earlier... but all this was irrelevant because Everton and Monaco were then able to agree and sign off on the deal, only to have Balogun himself pull the plug and walk away.
But it's all Kinnear's fault?
Everton requested GPS data to better understand the player's situation, as is standard practice in such deals.. At that point, Everton had some concerns over what they saw in the data.
It was around 7pm on Tuesday, the final day of an already manic transfer window, that Monaco were told by Everton of an issue flagged in Balogun's medical, which had the potential to derail the transfer.
“Around 7pm we were contacted by Everton, raising questions on the medical of Balogun, which for our medical staff, and for the personal medical staff of the player, made totally no sense.”
From your wording, it sounds like an issue in the medical triggered the GPS data request. That's not how The Athletic narrative reads. It sounds to me like they were doing their homework, seeing discrepancies and asking questions.
Yes, we agree they should have done everything a lot earlier... but all this was irrelevant because Everton and Monaco were then able to agree and sign off on the deal, only to have Balogun himself pull the plug and walk away.
But it's all Kinnear's fault?
Ian Bennett
59 Posted 03/09/2026 at 22:01:09
59 Posted 03/09/2026 at 22:01:09
Should have been done a week before, MK.
To be honest, even with Balogun, it wouldn't have papered over the cracks. We still would have one left-back, a bodged job at right-back, sold our best player, no top quality on the right wing, a weak centre-back position, and a team prepared to sell Armstrong, and presumably punting around O'Brien and Garner.
The constant calls to exceed Brighton, Brentford and Bournemouth were missed. We still lack smart transfers that are developed on loan etc. For an expensively assembled transfer set-up, there were zero seeds planted for another day.
Selling the deadwood was required, but whoever signed that off with nothing coming in shouldn't be near a football club. It certainly torpedoes any cup or European qualification, and could start a relegation fight if injuries strike.
I was fearful of Kinnear from Leeds, as he sounded low quality. I had hoped for Lina Souloukou, or a couple of other well-respected European CEOs. We ended up with Clifford Finch, Elstone and Barrett-Baxendale calibre.
I don't know what has dogged Everton more: terrible centre-forwards, terrible right-backs... or terrible CEOs. Perhaps all three.
Kinnear Out!
To be honest, even with Balogun, it wouldn't have papered over the cracks. We still would have one left-back, a bodged job at right-back, sold our best player, no top quality on the right wing, a weak centre-back position, and a team prepared to sell Armstrong, and presumably punting around O'Brien and Garner.
The constant calls to exceed Brighton, Brentford and Bournemouth were missed. We still lack smart transfers that are developed on loan etc. For an expensively assembled transfer set-up, there were zero seeds planted for another day.
Selling the deadwood was required, but whoever signed that off with nothing coming in shouldn't be near a football club. It certainly torpedoes any cup or European qualification, and could start a relegation fight if injuries strike.
I was fearful of Kinnear from Leeds, as he sounded low quality. I had hoped for Lina Souloukou, or a couple of other well-respected European CEOs. We ended up with Clifford Finch, Elstone and Barrett-Baxendale calibre.
I don't know what has dogged Everton more: terrible centre-forwards, terrible right-backs... or terrible CEOs. Perhaps all three.
Kinnear Out!
Ian Wilkins
60 Posted 03/09/2026 at 23:29:30
60 Posted 03/09/2026 at 23:29:30
Kinnear out by all means.
He is a poor CEO, a corporate dummy, full of bull.
But don’t forget that he is executing our Owners strategy. We had to sell this window to orchestrate additions, all last minute, missing targets, creating mayhem, ending up in a circus.
Kinnear may go yet, Moyes end of season, but I bet they’re both paid to sign Non Disclosure Agreements.
He is a poor CEO, a corporate dummy, full of bull.
But don’t forget that he is executing our Owners strategy. We had to sell this window to orchestrate additions, all last minute, missing targets, creating mayhem, ending up in a circus.
Kinnear may go yet, Moyes end of season, but I bet they’re both paid to sign Non Disclosure Agreements.
Paul Kossoff
61 Posted 03/09/2026 at 23:42:09
61 Posted 03/09/2026 at 23:42:09
Everton are considering a move for Jamie Vardy, 39, after failing to sign a striker on transfer deadline day, with the ex-England forward available after leaving Cremonese. (The Sun, external)
David Moyes' side could also approach former France striker Anthony Martial, 30, who is also a free agent after departing Mexican side Monterrey.
David Moyes' side could also approach former France striker Anthony Martial, 30, who is also a free agent after departing Mexican side Monterrey.
Brendan McLaughlin
62 Posted 03/09/2026 at 23:54:57
62 Posted 03/09/2026 at 23:54:57
Michael #58
It's been a disappointing window but for sure Everton aren't to blame for the Balogun debacle.
We got a lot wrong though in this window.
It's been a disappointing window but for sure Everton aren't to blame for the Balogun debacle.
We got a lot wrong though in this window.
Eric Myles
63 Posted 04/09/2026 at 04:06:33
63 Posted 04/09/2026 at 04:06:33
Not so obvious Kevin #41, since we did directly make a swap with Palace it makes it sound like McNeil was our best player.
If you mean Ndiaye though, surely we replaced him with Grealish, not Johnson? You could even say we 'swapped' Ndiaye for Grealish as they switched clubs.
If you mean Ndiaye though, surely we replaced him with Grealish, not Johnson? You could even say we 'swapped' Ndiaye for Grealish as they switched clubs.
Si Cooper
64 Posted 04/09/2026 at 04:47:32
64 Posted 04/09/2026 at 04:47:32
Brendan (62), how can you make such an assertion about why the player got cold feet?
If you take the player’s words at face value then a large portion of the blame (if not the entirety) does lie with ‘our’ people not making the guy feel appropriately appreciated, and EFC representatives have not yet made any statement to really counter that view that I’ve seen.
I find it very off-putting to see how quickly football supporters will try to trash the reputation of any player who doesn’t show the deference to their club that they (wrongly) think everyone must.
If you take the player’s words at face value then a large portion of the blame (if not the entirety) does lie with ‘our’ people not making the guy feel appropriately appreciated, and EFC representatives have not yet made any statement to really counter that view that I’ve seen.
I find it very off-putting to see how quickly football supporters will try to trash the reputation of any player who doesn’t show the deference to their club that they (wrongly) think everyone must.
Si Cooper
65 Posted 04/09/2026 at 04:57:14
65 Posted 04/09/2026 at 04:57:14
Ian (60), how do you know Kinnear isn’t given a fair amount of autonomy in how he delivers on TFG’s overall expectations?
Personally, I’d much rather that the cock-ups in this transfer window can be ascribed to Kinnear messing up his brief than the rot going all the way to the top. At least then some relatively minor pruning of bungling executives may be all that is required to sort things out.
Personally, I’d much rather that the cock-ups in this transfer window can be ascribed to Kinnear messing up his brief than the rot going all the way to the top. At least then some relatively minor pruning of bungling executives may be all that is required to sort things out.
Andy Walker
66 Posted 04/09/2026 at 06:31:39
66 Posted 04/09/2026 at 06:31:39
Can we please stop moaning and get behind our club. We had a near miss with Balogun, imagine if we’d bought him, all the usual moaners on here would have been doing what they do, moaning about EFC ‘buying another crock’. Well we didn’t, we dodged a bullet. Our club had to make a judgement call about Beto as the Italian window closed 4 hours before the uk transfer deadline. In hindsight it was a bad call, but that’s hindsight for you.
We have a good squad of players now, yes it’s small, but we also have exactly the right manager to get the most out of the situation.
Ever since Moyes came back there’s been a vocal section of our supporters who’ve done nothing but moan about Moyes at every opportunity. Well we now can put a bit more context around the environment he is working in, owners who having literally saved our club from liquidation, are now applying strict fiscal rules going forward.
Stop fucking moaning now, it serves no purpose other than some self indulgent cathartic release, Support the team, support the manager, move on.
We have a good squad of players now, yes it’s small, but we also have exactly the right manager to get the most out of the situation.
Ever since Moyes came back there’s been a vocal section of our supporters who’ve done nothing but moan about Moyes at every opportunity. Well we now can put a bit more context around the environment he is working in, owners who having literally saved our club from liquidation, are now applying strict fiscal rules going forward.
Stop fucking moaning now, it serves no purpose other than some self indulgent cathartic release, Support the team, support the manager, move on.
Paul Hewitt
67 Posted 04/09/2026 at 07:02:31
67 Posted 04/09/2026 at 07:02:31
Andy, were evertonians. We are built to moan.
Denver Daniels
68 Posted 04/09/2026 at 07:10:37
68 Posted 04/09/2026 at 07:10:37
Once we'd sold Beto, and with the window rapidly closing, did we not expose ourselves to the chance that Monaco could have upped the price? Given that we were over a barrel so to speak.
Also, the sheer panic move of throwing £10m at the utterly woeful Zirkzee is even worse than the Balugon fiasco, in my opinion.
Also, the sheer panic move of throwing £10m at the utterly woeful Zirkzee is even worse than the Balugon fiasco, in my opinion.
Steve Brown
69 Posted 04/09/2026 at 07:30:21
69 Posted 04/09/2026 at 07:30:21
Andy @ 66, what an amazing surprise your post is.
As usual, you are a trigger-finger apologist for crap who seems to relish slagging off your fellow Blues. Maybe try retracting your nose from the manager's and owner's bum cheeks for once. You might be able to see a broader perspective.
Over the last 7 days, two words have featured in almost all comments and articles from former player, sports journalists, podcast hosts and Everton fans - "disaster' and "embarrassment".
So to use your language, give your servile excuse-making a fucking rest. After 30 tears, we are all tired of reading crap like that.
As usual, you are a trigger-finger apologist for crap who seems to relish slagging off your fellow Blues. Maybe try retracting your nose from the manager's and owner's bum cheeks for once. You might be able to see a broader perspective.
Over the last 7 days, two words have featured in almost all comments and articles from former player, sports journalists, podcast hosts and Everton fans - "disaster' and "embarrassment".
So to use your language, give your servile excuse-making a fucking rest. After 30 tears, we are all tired of reading crap like that.
Tim Barford
70 Posted 04/09/2026 at 07:47:50
70 Posted 04/09/2026 at 07:47:50
the transfer market was a shambles but thrilled with a front 7 of George, Johnson, Dibling, Grealish, KDH & Alcaraz, with Thierno up front - some genuine speed and skill sets that give Moyes some different cards to play - compared with Maupay Gordon and Gray just 4 years ago, and the most exciting squad since a long time ago. An excellent core of England U21 with Branthwaite, Armstrong and Hackney gives lots of hope to build on, a real team emerging and likely these recent setbacks will gel them further. 100% behind Moyes and team and relishing the new season UTFT.
Steve Jones
71 Posted 04/09/2026 at 07:48:42
71 Posted 04/09/2026 at 07:48:42
Andy @66
Spot on. We need to be supportive not negative ungrateful moaners that bring the energy and the players and fellow fans down. Well said.
Spot on. We need to be supportive not negative ungrateful moaners that bring the energy and the players and fellow fans down. Well said.
Andy Walker
72 Posted 04/09/2026 at 07:49:05
72 Posted 04/09/2026 at 07:49:05
Steve Brown - “Trigger-finger apologist”, “nose in the manager’s and owner’s bum cheeks” fuck me you’ve really gone for the intellectual jugular there. 😂
I particularly enjoyed the bit about having a “broader perspective”. Presumably that’s the perspective gained from reading the same opinions you already agree with.
The funny thing is, you haven’t actually countered a single point I made. You’ve just thrown a few insults at me and informed me that lots of other people apparently think you’re right.
That’s not a broader perspective. That’s an echo chamber and you’re the microphone.
And calling anyone who doesn’t share your particular level of outrage an “apologist” is getting a bit predictable. Sometimes Evertonians can actually support the club, acknowledge what has improved and give the manager some credit without requiring a 500 word disclaimer explaining why we’re still allowed to be miserable.
But carry on. I’m sure the next paragraph will contain another reference to my posterior and yet another fascinating revelation that everyone agrees with you.
I particularly enjoyed the bit about having a “broader perspective”. Presumably that’s the perspective gained from reading the same opinions you already agree with.
The funny thing is, you haven’t actually countered a single point I made. You’ve just thrown a few insults at me and informed me that lots of other people apparently think you’re right.
That’s not a broader perspective. That’s an echo chamber and you’re the microphone.
And calling anyone who doesn’t share your particular level of outrage an “apologist” is getting a bit predictable. Sometimes Evertonians can actually support the club, acknowledge what has improved and give the manager some credit without requiring a 500 word disclaimer explaining why we’re still allowed to be miserable.
But carry on. I’m sure the next paragraph will contain another reference to my posterior and yet another fascinating revelation that everyone agrees with you.
Steve Jones
73 Posted 04/09/2026 at 07:52:57
73 Posted 04/09/2026 at 07:52:57
Tim @70
Spot on. I’ve recognised the U21 theme in the squad build, it is the only way to go. It gives us a higher ceiling and fits the strategy the club, new owners and recruitment team have laid down.
We also shed more dead wood 🪵 in this cycle. Beto in last year of contract and Patto needed an exit for his own best needs.
Yes it was a poor finish to the window, we are short on numbers and squad depth but let’s put that behind us and rally the players and our fan base to push on for a great season ahead.
Spot on. I’ve recognised the U21 theme in the squad build, it is the only way to go. It gives us a higher ceiling and fits the strategy the club, new owners and recruitment team have laid down.
We also shed more dead wood 🪵 in this cycle. Beto in last year of contract and Patto needed an exit for his own best needs.
Yes it was a poor finish to the window, we are short on numbers and squad depth but let’s put that behind us and rally the players and our fan base to push on for a great season ahead.
Sean Kelly
74 Posted 04/09/2026 at 08:06:38
74 Posted 04/09/2026 at 08:06:38
I feel a Mike Ashley / Glazer situation coming on. Hopefully we get the Ashley result and get rid of TFG. Dark days ahead folks. TFG were only ever interested in the money making side of Everton. The stadium is their cash cow. Without it Everton haven’t a pot to piss in.
Tim Barford
75 Posted 04/09/2026 at 08:07:03
75 Posted 04/09/2026 at 08:07:03
Despite our own shortcomings, have to remember that the premier league is corrupt and Moyes and team (including recruitment) are battling a corrupt system that clearly benefits only 6 clubs. Yes a shambles but without an even playing field its going to take one massive mission to crack the 'top six' permanently and establish ourselves in Europe.for years to come.
The amount of dollar being thrown at substandard players in the hope of a quick fix is eyewatering, and buying in the likes of Hackney, George, Dibling and Barry whilst retaining Branthwaite, Armstrong, Garner and KDH gives us a genuine chance of creating a proper team that can establish itself for years to come. As long as we can keep that core together and build on it, that's likely the best solution to what is increasingly becoming a very warped premiership when it comes to available dollar and spend.
Am super optimistic for the next few months, albeit painfully aware a couple of injuries could soon bring that crashing down.
The amount of dollar being thrown at substandard players in the hope of a quick fix is eyewatering, and buying in the likes of Hackney, George, Dibling and Barry whilst retaining Branthwaite, Armstrong, Garner and KDH gives us a genuine chance of creating a proper team that can establish itself for years to come. As long as we can keep that core together and build on it, that's likely the best solution to what is increasingly becoming a very warped premiership when it comes to available dollar and spend.
Am super optimistic for the next few months, albeit painfully aware a couple of injuries could soon bring that crashing down.
Steve Brown
76 Posted 04/09/2026 at 08:13:17
76 Posted 04/09/2026 at 08:13:17
Did you "enjoy" it Andy @72, oh that's good. It must be hard for you to get enjoyment these days.
if you want to have an "intellectual" argument (congratulations on spelling the word correctly), then try engaging with facts, data, analysis, broader perspectives and you will gain respect on here.
Ironically, it is your posts that exist in an "echo chamber" as most posters ignore you. They consist of a) idolising the manager b) apologism for the latest owner failings c) abuse of fellow fans d) clumsy attempts at condescension. I don't usually read your posts when they pop as they are variations of the above, so treat today as your lucky day,
Every supporter on here supports the club. Like me, many put their money where their mouth is and buy season tickets, others follow the team on long journeys around the country, and plenty support the club religiously from home in the UK and around the world.
All of them are devoted supporters, they are allowed a voice and they have the right, actually the responsibility, to speak up about what is happening at the club. They do not need agreement and approval on what they post from you.
That means that they can moan, shout, gnash their teeth or write whatever they want. If you don't like it, then off you trot.
if you want to have an "intellectual" argument (congratulations on spelling the word correctly), then try engaging with facts, data, analysis, broader perspectives and you will gain respect on here.
Ironically, it is your posts that exist in an "echo chamber" as most posters ignore you. They consist of a) idolising the manager b) apologism for the latest owner failings c) abuse of fellow fans d) clumsy attempts at condescension. I don't usually read your posts when they pop as they are variations of the above, so treat today as your lucky day,
Every supporter on here supports the club. Like me, many put their money where their mouth is and buy season tickets, others follow the team on long journeys around the country, and plenty support the club religiously from home in the UK and around the world.
All of them are devoted supporters, they are allowed a voice and they have the right, actually the responsibility, to speak up about what is happening at the club. They do not need agreement and approval on what they post from you.
That means that they can moan, shout, gnash their teeth or write whatever they want. If you don't like it, then off you trot.
Andy Walker
77 Posted 04/09/2026 at 08:29:51
77 Posted 04/09/2026 at 08:29:51
So Steve Brown, you’ve established that you buy tickets, travel to games, support Everton and are entitled to an opinion. Congratulations, nobody disputed any of that.
The funniest bit is you claiming you don’t read my posts while simultaneously giving me a detailed analysis of them. Impressive.
You’re perfectly entitled to your opinion. I’m perfectly entitled to mine. The difference is I don’t need to declare myself spokesman for Evertonians everywhere or throw insults around when someone disagrees with me.
But please, carry on telling us about your “broader perspective”. It’s becoming increasingly clear that the perspective is rather narrow. 😉
The funniest bit is you claiming you don’t read my posts while simultaneously giving me a detailed analysis of them. Impressive.
You’re perfectly entitled to your opinion. I’m perfectly entitled to mine. The difference is I don’t need to declare myself spokesman for Evertonians everywhere or throw insults around when someone disagrees with me.
But please, carry on telling us about your “broader perspective”. It’s becoming increasingly clear that the perspective is rather narrow. 😉
Mark Murphy
78 Posted 04/09/2026 at 08:47:13
78 Posted 04/09/2026 at 08:47:13
I think we’ve a right to moan that despite needing to bolster our already weak striking options we’ve managed instead to critically weaken them. Whatever the circumstances involved in the Balugon “fiasco” we now have one striker instead of two, and I would argue, the three we needed.
I’m no fan of Beto but we should not have considered selling him until the summer, whether or not Balugon was incoming.
Unless Moyes is thinking Braiden Graham is ready, which I seriously doubt.
I’m no fan of Beto but we should not have considered selling him until the summer, whether or not Balugon was incoming.
Unless Moyes is thinking Braiden Graham is ready, which I seriously doubt.
Steve Brown
79 Posted 04/09/2026 at 08:54:23
79 Posted 04/09/2026 at 08:54:23
Don't worry Andy, I am in a good mood mood today and happy to help you.
You say that I own a season ticket (I do) and travel to away games (rarely actually). Let's test you out on those as well a) Do you own a season ticket? b) Do you attend away games? c) How many Everton games a season do you attend?
You say that I think "everyone" agrees with me. You have been getting yourself confused at that point, but I will stay curious. Use the copy and paste function to post where I said that, and if I am wrong I stand corrected.
You also claim that I seem to know about your posts - I think I have read two of them before today. Honestly, I don't need to read more as those I read were variations of a theme.
You want "facts, data and analysis" - right back at you Andy. Give us facts and data to support your claims that a) Moyes is a successful manager at Everton b) the owners have literally saved our club c) They are operating within strict financial rules.
Here is are a few facts to help you warm up:
1) Moyes is in his 13th season at the club and has never won a trophy.
2) He was 20th in the Premier League table for minutes by substitutes last season.
30 He was 20th for subs used.
3) He was 20th for players used.
4) He was 3rd for minutes given to players aged 29 and over
5) He was 17th for minutes given to players under 24 years old.
6) TFG net spend this summer was 18th in the Premier League.
7) The club's SCR ratio is between 65-69% despite their being headroom up to 85%.
Over to you Andy, I am every excited to see what you come up with,
You say that I own a season ticket (I do) and travel to away games (rarely actually). Let's test you out on those as well a) Do you own a season ticket? b) Do you attend away games? c) How many Everton games a season do you attend?
You say that I think "everyone" agrees with me. You have been getting yourself confused at that point, but I will stay curious. Use the copy and paste function to post where I said that, and if I am wrong I stand corrected.
You also claim that I seem to know about your posts - I think I have read two of them before today. Honestly, I don't need to read more as those I read were variations of a theme.
You want "facts, data and analysis" - right back at you Andy. Give us facts and data to support your claims that a) Moyes is a successful manager at Everton b) the owners have literally saved our club c) They are operating within strict financial rules.
Here is are a few facts to help you warm up:
1) Moyes is in his 13th season at the club and has never won a trophy.
2) He was 20th in the Premier League table for minutes by substitutes last season.
30 He was 20th for subs used.
3) He was 20th for players used.
4) He was 3rd for minutes given to players aged 29 and over
5) He was 17th for minutes given to players under 24 years old.
6) TFG net spend this summer was 18th in the Premier League.
7) The club's SCR ratio is between 65-69% despite their being headroom up to 85%.
Over to you Andy, I am every excited to see what you come up with,
Andy Walker
80 Posted 04/09/2026 at 09:03:26
80 Posted 04/09/2026 at 09:03:26
This is the post that you see as so contentious and resulted in your ad hominem. Think on that. I won’t be getting into a purile game of who’s the best supporter top trumps with you Steve. If you would like to counter any aspect of my comment with some reasoned articulate counter argument as opposed to personal insults, feel free. As for your stats they reflect the depth and profile of last years squad, does that really need to be pointed out?
Enjoy my original post once again:
Can we please stop moaning and get behind our club. We had a near miss with Balogun, imagine if we’d bought him, all the usual moaners on here would have been doing what they do, moaning about EFC ‘buying another crock’. Well we didn’t, we dodged a bullet. Our club had to make a judgement call about Beto as the Italian window closed 4 hours before the uk transfer deadline. In hindsight it was a bad call, but that’s hindsight for you.
We have a good squad of players now, yes it’s small, but we also have exactly the right manager to get the most out of the situation.
Ever since Moyes came back there’s been a vocal section of our supporters who’ve done nothing but moan about Moyes at every opportunity. Well we now can put a bit more context around the environment he is working in, owners who having literally saved our club from liquidation, are now applying strict fiscal rules going forward.
Stop fucking moaning now, it serves no purpose other than some self indulgent cathartic release, Support the team, support the manager, move on.
Enjoy my original post once again:
Can we please stop moaning and get behind our club. We had a near miss with Balogun, imagine if we’d bought him, all the usual moaners on here would have been doing what they do, moaning about EFC ‘buying another crock’. Well we didn’t, we dodged a bullet. Our club had to make a judgement call about Beto as the Italian window closed 4 hours before the uk transfer deadline. In hindsight it was a bad call, but that’s hindsight for you.
We have a good squad of players now, yes it’s small, but we also have exactly the right manager to get the most out of the situation.
Ever since Moyes came back there’s been a vocal section of our supporters who’ve done nothing but moan about Moyes at every opportunity. Well we now can put a bit more context around the environment he is working in, owners who having literally saved our club from liquidation, are now applying strict fiscal rules going forward.
Stop fucking moaning now, it serves no purpose other than some self indulgent cathartic release, Support the team, support the manager, move on.
Mick O\\\'Malley
81 Posted 04/09/2026 at 09:21:43
81 Posted 04/09/2026 at 09:21:43
After.30 years of being seved a shit sandwich,.a handful of Derby wins and a manager with a face like a robbers dog the fans have got every right to moan,.our home record is appalling, the tickets are an absolute rip off along with the food and drink so a trip to the game costs you about the same as a long weekend away by the coast
Ive always got behind the players, ok I hate Tarkowski but for me it serves no purpose to slag players off at the game, wether you like Barry or not he is our only striker so we should do our best to get behind him and the team, regarding Moyes I'm also of the opinion that I cant wait to see the back of him, he's more of a miserable bastard now than he was first time around, but I'm not worried about relegation even though we've got a threadbare squad
Ive always got behind the players, ok I hate Tarkowski but for me it serves no purpose to slag players off at the game, wether you like Barry or not he is our only striker so we should do our best to get behind him and the team, regarding Moyes I'm also of the opinion that I cant wait to see the back of him, he's more of a miserable bastard now than he was first time around, but I'm not worried about relegation even though we've got a threadbare squad
Brendan McLaughlin
82 Posted 04/09/2026 at 09:26:33
82 Posted 04/09/2026 at 09:26:33
Si #64
What did the player say about his decision to walk away from the deal on the table?
What did the player say about his decision to walk away from the deal on the table?
Mark Taylor
83 Posted 04/09/2026 at 09:43:12
83 Posted 04/09/2026 at 09:43:12
I think it is possible to describe the handling of the transfer window as a shit show, which most commentators described it as- the Daily Telegraph journo accurately called it a masterclass in incompetence- while also wanting to rally around (what's left of) our team.
As supporters we (or some of us) will have an eye beyond whether we win the next match towards the longer term and whether our current owners and management have a reasonable chance of delivering something a bit closer to success. I'm now ever more persuaded they won't. As the Esk's piece comprehensively explained, football success is not a big priority.
As supporters we (or some of us) will have an eye beyond whether we win the next match towards the longer term and whether our current owners and management have a reasonable chance of delivering something a bit closer to success. I'm now ever more persuaded they won't. As the Esk's piece comprehensively explained, football success is not a big priority.
Liam Mogan
84 Posted 04/09/2026 at 10:10:57
84 Posted 04/09/2026 at 10:10:57
I would be very surprised if anyone didnt support the team, back the players etc on Sunday. Evertonians always do.
But the vast majority of fans are unhappy, rightly so, with the transfer window and the lack of direction and want to express this. That's not 'moaning', thats what forums like this are for.
You can be unhappy with the club but still support the team. They are not mutually exclusive.
As has been mentioned by others, we often thrive when our backs are against the wall. Hopefully, this is one of those situations and the team can make light of what does appear to be an under strength squad.
But the vast majority of fans are unhappy, rightly so, with the transfer window and the lack of direction and want to express this. That's not 'moaning', thats what forums like this are for.
You can be unhappy with the club but still support the team. They are not mutually exclusive.
As has been mentioned by others, we often thrive when our backs are against the wall. Hopefully, this is one of those situations and the team can make light of what does appear to be an under strength squad.
Steve Brown
85 Posted 04/09/2026 at 10:36:00
85 Posted 04/09/2026 at 10:36:00
Andy @ 80, hahahaha!!!!!!
Where are those facts you seemed so keen on?
Your original post was drivel so no need to repeat it. By the way, the correct spelling is “puerile.”
Quit telling your fellow supporters what to think, feel or write. If they want to complain, they can do and they would have every right to do so.
Where are those facts you seemed so keen on?
Your original post was drivel so no need to repeat it. By the way, the correct spelling is “puerile.”
Quit telling your fellow supporters what to think, feel or write. If they want to complain, they can do and they would have every right to do so.
Andy Walker
86 Posted 04/09/2026 at 10:50:17
86 Posted 04/09/2026 at 10:50:17
You now want to pick up on typos I see. OK here’s yours: ‘I am in a good mood mood today and happy to help you’. Doesn’t bother me but it’s clearly bothers you, I guess you’re the pedantic type.
I’ve presented the facts Steve, you’ve simply failed to counter them, resorting to ad hominem and deflection instead.
Come on lad let’s see some of that ‘broader perspective’ you mentioned.
Here’s my post again, full of facts labelled up to help you. Any you dispute and have a counter argument for?
Can we please stop moaning and get behind our club. We had a near miss with Balogun, imagine if we’d bought him, all the usual moaners on here would have been doing what they do, moaning about EFC ‘buying another crock’ (opinion, although I can’t imagine fans wouldn’t have been moaning about signing an injured player, that’s already happened with Norgaard) Well we didn’t, we dodged a bullet (fact - he was injured). Our club had to make a judgement call about Beto as the Italian window closed 4 hours before the uk transfer deadline (fact). In hindsight it was a bad call, but that’s hindsight for you (fact).
We have a good squad of players now, yes it’s small, but we also have exactly the right manager to get the most out of the situation (opinion).
Ever since Moyes came back there’s been a vocal section of our supporters who’ve done nothing but moan about Moyes at every opportunity (fact, evidenced by several hundreds of posts on here ever since he returned). Well we now can put a bit more context around the environment he is working in, owners who having literally saved our club from liquidation, are now applying strict fiscal rules going forward (fact, masses of supporting evidence re liquidation)
Stop fucking moaning now, it serves no purpose other than some self indulgent cathartic release (opinion), Support the team, support the manager, move on.
I’ve presented the facts Steve, you’ve simply failed to counter them, resorting to ad hominem and deflection instead.
Come on lad let’s see some of that ‘broader perspective’ you mentioned.
Here’s my post again, full of facts labelled up to help you. Any you dispute and have a counter argument for?
Can we please stop moaning and get behind our club. We had a near miss with Balogun, imagine if we’d bought him, all the usual moaners on here would have been doing what they do, moaning about EFC ‘buying another crock’ (opinion, although I can’t imagine fans wouldn’t have been moaning about signing an injured player, that’s already happened with Norgaard) Well we didn’t, we dodged a bullet (fact - he was injured). Our club had to make a judgement call about Beto as the Italian window closed 4 hours before the uk transfer deadline (fact). In hindsight it was a bad call, but that’s hindsight for you (fact).
We have a good squad of players now, yes it’s small, but we also have exactly the right manager to get the most out of the situation (opinion).
Ever since Moyes came back there’s been a vocal section of our supporters who’ve done nothing but moan about Moyes at every opportunity (fact, evidenced by several hundreds of posts on here ever since he returned). Well we now can put a bit more context around the environment he is working in, owners who having literally saved our club from liquidation, are now applying strict fiscal rules going forward (fact, masses of supporting evidence re liquidation)
Stop fucking moaning now, it serves no purpose other than some self indulgent cathartic release (opinion), Support the team, support the manager, move on.
Steve Brown
87 Posted 04/09/2026 at 11:21:47
87 Posted 04/09/2026 at 11:21:47
Hahahahahaha!
I don’t think you understand what a fact is.
I don’t think you understand what a fact is.
Sean Kelly
88 Posted 04/09/2026 at 11:41:17
88 Posted 04/09/2026 at 11:41:17
To Andy and Steve for god sake grow up. This is an Everton supporters forum not a spelling bee contest. None of us are perfect and maybe that’s why we have supported the team through thick and thin for so long. Everton is an imperfect but supported by loyal and passionate supporters. Nobody and I’m strongly believe that NOBODY here gives a shit about your spelling mistakes or grammar. Grow up the pair of you FFS.
Andy Walker
89 Posted 04/09/2026 at 11:52:08
89 Posted 04/09/2026 at 11:52:08
Still no counter points to my original post then Steve. You’ve tried abuse, deflection, picking up on a typo I made (ironic as you made a typo too) and are now just left with a simple and clearly inaccurate personal dig (‘I don’t think you understand what a fact is’). Well done.
Sean Kelly
90 Posted 04/09/2026 at 11:54:24
90 Posted 04/09/2026 at 11:54:24
Andy give your head a wobble lad
Andy Walker
91 Posted 04/09/2026 at 12:04:00
91 Posted 04/09/2026 at 12:04:00
Give my head a wobble a Sean, why? For responding to someone choosing to personally abuse me rather than make a reasoned counter point?
I think everyone on here should be allowed to express an opinion without someone responding with personal attacks, because they don’t agree with it. There’s many comments made on here I don’t agree with, but I have never responded by resorting to insults and name calling, unlike some.
I think everyone on here should be allowed to express an opinion without someone responding with personal attacks, because they don’t agree with it. There’s many comments made on here I don’t agree with, but I have never responded by resorting to insults and name calling, unlike some.
Rob Beattie
92 Posted 04/09/2026 at 12:10:21
92 Posted 04/09/2026 at 12:10:21
Balogum. quality ? I seriously doubt that. He hit a bit of a purple patch end of season/world cup that is all. look at his record total I think we may well have dogged a bullet with this one !!! Doesn't excuse the transfer shambles one bit, but. we'll see.
Ndiaye £65m. seriously, they offered the shite £80m for Gakpo FFS.
Something wrong here... I thought at the time Thelwell was hard done by when he was sacked how good does the job he done look now. AND I think he did do a decent job.
It cannot be denied that TFG has stabilised the club and it is in a way better place financially.
TFG's lack of appearance at HD though, smacks of insult/disrespect to the fans. Kinnear needs to come forward and EXPLAIN their lack of appearance and WTF happened re transfers.
Moyes, is he blameless in this ? Can't believe he has nothing to do with transfers.
What worries me now is his complaints about too small squad suits his "game" to the ground.
No point of a big squad. He WON'T USE it. He doesn't/didn't use his subs as it is/was.
More reasons to stick with his favourites !!! More Tarkowski mistakes, OBrien at RB, Armstrong as left winger, Mykolenko ???
What I really fear is a season of dreadful football.
Rob
Ndiaye £65m. seriously, they offered the shite £80m for Gakpo FFS.
Something wrong here... I thought at the time Thelwell was hard done by when he was sacked how good does the job he done look now. AND I think he did do a decent job.
It cannot be denied that TFG has stabilised the club and it is in a way better place financially.
TFG's lack of appearance at HD though, smacks of insult/disrespect to the fans. Kinnear needs to come forward and EXPLAIN their lack of appearance and WTF happened re transfers.
Moyes, is he blameless in this ? Can't believe he has nothing to do with transfers.
What worries me now is his complaints about too small squad suits his "game" to the ground.
No point of a big squad. He WON'T USE it. He doesn't/didn't use his subs as it is/was.
More reasons to stick with his favourites !!! More Tarkowski mistakes, OBrien at RB, Armstrong as left winger, Mykolenko ???
What I really fear is a season of dreadful football.
Rob
Kevin Molloy
93 Posted 04/09/2026 at 12:24:57
93 Posted 04/09/2026 at 12:24:57
I'm going to be 100% behind the team and the manager. But let's not ignore the elephant in the room, events of the last few days have shown us now beyond any doubt, we are in the hands of total gobshites.The future looks bleak. If Moyes manages to get us on a winning run, and a couple of the youngsters knit together and find their feet. under these twats they will then be sold to fund the next bargain hunt. That's our future with this lot.
And why are people thanking the Friedkins for 'straightening us out'? they bought us, so the loans which the previous regime had saddled us with were discharged when they provided the purchase monies. Big deal. that's like praising a buyer who buys off a distressed seller who's got a massive mortgage. they've done fuck all for this club. they plan to sweat this club, they are terrible custodians.
And why are people thanking the Friedkins for 'straightening us out'? they bought us, so the loans which the previous regime had saddled us with were discharged when they provided the purchase monies. Big deal. that's like praising a buyer who buys off a distressed seller who's got a massive mortgage. they've done fuck all for this club. they plan to sweat this club, they are terrible custodians.
Andy Walker
94 Posted 04/09/2026 at 12:29:03
94 Posted 04/09/2026 at 12:29:03
I agree with much of what you say Rob, although I don’t believe Moyes doesn’t want a big squad. It seems very clear to me, based on what’s been said by Moyes as well as his demeanour in pressers, that he wants more players. There is a narrative that Moyes doesn’t like making substitutions or makes them too late, the stats support it but what the stats don’t show is the quality and options available to Moyes on the subs bench. There have been many games where the quality of our bench has been poor and/or limited. Compared to City, Arsenal etc we generally have far less talented players on the bench compared to on the pitch. This inevitably makes substitutions more problematic. I don’t see this changing much this season as our squad is so small, although I do think the overall player quality has improved.
If we can keep key players fit I think we’ll see some decent football this season. Of course the risk is if we get injuries the small squad will then be exposed. That’s a situation that shouldn’t have happened but not much can be done about it for a few months, unless we bring in out of contract players.
If we can keep key players fit I think we’ll see some decent football this season. Of course the risk is if we get injuries the small squad will then be exposed. That’s a situation that shouldn’t have happened but not much can be done about it for a few months, unless we bring in out of contract players.
Andy Walker
95 Posted 04/09/2026 at 12:45:13
95 Posted 04/09/2026 at 12:45:13
Hi Kevin
I think you are looking at this like it was a normal takeover, but Everton wasn’t a normal sale, we were a distressed, insolvent club with a collapsing stadium finance structure. Saying “they just paid off the loans” massively understates what actually happened. TFG didn’t simply settle debt; they had to rebuild the entire capital structure of the club because the debt itself wasn’t the problem, the type, timing, and lenders behind it were toxic.
And yes, they could have funded everything with equity. They’re wealthy enough. But doing that would have been financially irrational, PSR‑dangerous, and structurally unstable. No serious investor funds a billion‑pound stadium entirely out of their own pocket, not Spurs, not Arsenal, not Liverpool, not even City. Institutional debt is cheaper, safer, compliant, and gives contractors and lenders the guarantees they actually require.
If TFG had just dumped cash in, we’d still have had: no long‑term financing, no lender confidence, no stadium guarantees, and no sustainable structure. The club would have been one bad season away from another crisis. Instead, they put in place a proper institutional facility, stabilised operations, replaced predatory lenders, and provided the guarantees needed to finish the stadium and avoid administration.
Now I suspect TFG aren’t exactly emotionally attached to our club and may not be the best custodians for the long term, but pretending they’ve “done nothing” ignores the reality, they didn’t just buy a distressed asset they prevented it from collapsing and rebuilt the financial system underneath it. That’s was a huge relief at the time.
I think you are looking at this like it was a normal takeover, but Everton wasn’t a normal sale, we were a distressed, insolvent club with a collapsing stadium finance structure. Saying “they just paid off the loans” massively understates what actually happened. TFG didn’t simply settle debt; they had to rebuild the entire capital structure of the club because the debt itself wasn’t the problem, the type, timing, and lenders behind it were toxic.
And yes, they could have funded everything with equity. They’re wealthy enough. But doing that would have been financially irrational, PSR‑dangerous, and structurally unstable. No serious investor funds a billion‑pound stadium entirely out of their own pocket, not Spurs, not Arsenal, not Liverpool, not even City. Institutional debt is cheaper, safer, compliant, and gives contractors and lenders the guarantees they actually require.
If TFG had just dumped cash in, we’d still have had: no long‑term financing, no lender confidence, no stadium guarantees, and no sustainable structure. The club would have been one bad season away from another crisis. Instead, they put in place a proper institutional facility, stabilised operations, replaced predatory lenders, and provided the guarantees needed to finish the stadium and avoid administration.
Now I suspect TFG aren’t exactly emotionally attached to our club and may not be the best custodians for the long term, but pretending they’ve “done nothing” ignores the reality, they didn’t just buy a distressed asset they prevented it from collapsing and rebuilt the financial system underneath it. That’s was a huge relief at the time.
Kevin Molloy
96 Posted 04/09/2026 at 12:51:39
96 Posted 04/09/2026 at 12:51:39
I don't agree with this Andy. Any nasties in terms of the problems the club had were directly factored into the purchase price. If those problems weren't there, the purchase price would have been much higher. the cleaning up they did, quite simply, saved them money. Renegotiating the loans with non cut throat lenders just meant they reduced their overheads. that's just what any new owner would do.
We all recognise that we needed new owners, that the previous regime had got itself into a hole. But the whole point of the purchase was so that our situation could be regularised financially. What they have done is only what any logical buyer would have done.
We all recognise that we needed new owners, that the previous regime had got itself into a hole. But the whole point of the purchase was so that our situation could be regularised financially. What they have done is only what any logical buyer would have done.
Andy Walker
97 Posted 04/09/2026 at 13:08:43
97 Posted 04/09/2026 at 13:08:43
I understand where you’re coming from Kevin, but the issues Everton had weren’t just “priced in”, they were structural problems that couldn’t be solved simply by paying a lower fee. Toxic short‑term debt, lenders pulling out, and a stadium financing model on the brink don’t disappear because the buyer got a discount. Those had to be rebuilt after the purchase, not before it. Remember there weren’t a load of suitors lining up to buy us.
And yes, TFG could have funded everything with equity, but that wouldn’t have given the club the long‑term financing, contractor guarantees, or PSR‑compliant structure it needed. Even the wealthiest owners don’t run major stadium projects purely out of pocket. Using institutional debt isn’t about saving themselves money, it’s about creating a stable, sustainable capital structure that actually lets the club function.
So while what they did was logical, it wasn’t trivial, and it wasn’t just “tidying up” to reduce overheads. It was rebuilding the financial foundations the club couldn’t survive without. It was a risk buying our club, no question, sorting out the mess was not ‘a given’. TFG succeeded where others weren’t even prepared to take the risk, other than 777 and we know that was ultimately a scam.
And yes, TFG could have funded everything with equity, but that wouldn’t have given the club the long‑term financing, contractor guarantees, or PSR‑compliant structure it needed. Even the wealthiest owners don’t run major stadium projects purely out of pocket. Using institutional debt isn’t about saving themselves money, it’s about creating a stable, sustainable capital structure that actually lets the club function.
So while what they did was logical, it wasn’t trivial, and it wasn’t just “tidying up” to reduce overheads. It was rebuilding the financial foundations the club couldn’t survive without. It was a risk buying our club, no question, sorting out the mess was not ‘a given’. TFG succeeded where others weren’t even prepared to take the risk, other than 777 and we know that was ultimately a scam.
Kevin Molloy
98 Posted 04/09/2026 at 13:28:02
98 Posted 04/09/2026 at 13:28:02
Andy
I still don't see what they did as anything other than what any institutional investor would do. Our previous owners were cash rich, and so initially funded everything through cash injection. When they turned off the taps, they didn't have the know how to get money in using other people's money. the Friedkins however are very used to using financial models which utilise third party funding, and so were able to get get us on our feet again without eg dashing to wonga for another crap deal. Why deal with Wonga when you have established relations with JP Morgan. Again, I don't give them any credit for this, they are used to dealing with lenders at commercial rates rather than insane ones. I admit I am not inclined to give these texans the benefit of the doubt on anything, but I like to think they have earned my distrust.
I still don't see what they did as anything other than what any institutional investor would do. Our previous owners were cash rich, and so initially funded everything through cash injection. When they turned off the taps, they didn't have the know how to get money in using other people's money. the Friedkins however are very used to using financial models which utilise third party funding, and so were able to get get us on our feet again without eg dashing to wonga for another crap deal. Why deal with Wonga when you have established relations with JP Morgan. Again, I don't give them any credit for this, they are used to dealing with lenders at commercial rates rather than insane ones. I admit I am not inclined to give these texans the benefit of the doubt on anything, but I like to think they have earned my distrust.
Tony Abrahams
99 Posted 04/09/2026 at 13:28:55
99 Posted 04/09/2026 at 13:28:55
If this was all “fact”, then that would have been a sensible post Andy.
Andy Walker
100 Posted 04/09/2026 at 13:40:34
100 Posted 04/09/2026 at 13:40:34
Fair enough, Kevin.
I don't trust them either but I am glad they came in when they did.
I don't trust them either but I am glad they came in when they did.
Kevin Molloy
101 Posted 04/09/2026 at 13:48:49
101 Posted 04/09/2026 at 13:48:49
I've just checked our net spend, and of course we spent the least of all the clubs, not just this year, but over the last 5years. That's why this year was important, cos you can't continue to buck the system like this without it eventually catching up with you.
We needed significant investment just to get back to normal. Instead, we've brought in 3 thirty-somethings to play in our first team. Storing up further trouble down the line when they run out of gas, and we've lost that time in giving it to a youngster who would be adding value.
So, we brought in £25M this summer, from that ramshackle squad which crawled over the line in May. And sold a third of our goals.
But also, it's not just £25M in net profit Angus can point to in his next chat with the gobshites. He can also point to five less players. If we assume wages of £5M a year, that's another £25M.
So, if Moyes manages to keep us up this season, getting us between 13th and 16th place, he's saved these assholes £50M!!!
Does anyone think the Friedkins are really going to be furious with Angus?
The ones who have been really fucked by all this are us the fans, and Moyes. It's backs against the wall time. Again. So they will make sure he earns his wages before they sack him in the summer.
I wonder if that was the plan all along...
We needed significant investment just to get back to normal. Instead, we've brought in 3 thirty-somethings to play in our first team. Storing up further trouble down the line when they run out of gas, and we've lost that time in giving it to a youngster who would be adding value.
So, we brought in £25M this summer, from that ramshackle squad which crawled over the line in May. And sold a third of our goals.
But also, it's not just £25M in net profit Angus can point to in his next chat with the gobshites. He can also point to five less players. If we assume wages of £5M a year, that's another £25M.
So, if Moyes manages to keep us up this season, getting us between 13th and 16th place, he's saved these assholes £50M!!!
Does anyone think the Friedkins are really going to be furious with Angus?
The ones who have been really fucked by all this are us the fans, and Moyes. It's backs against the wall time. Again. So they will make sure he earns his wages before they sack him in the summer.
I wonder if that was the plan all along...
Mike Corcoran
102 Posted 04/09/2026 at 13:55:27
102 Posted 04/09/2026 at 13:55:27
Balogun has been left out of Monaco's European squad...
Once Trump touches you, eh?
Once Trump touches you, eh?
Jack Convery
103 Posted 04/09/2026 at 14:18:36
103 Posted 04/09/2026 at 14:18:36
Mike@102, he'll end up in Turkey or Middle East but not for £40M.
Rocco Bugaj
104 Posted 04/09/2026 at 23:31:51
104 Posted 04/09/2026 at 23:31:51
Balogun was not in the squad against PSG today. Official reason: player injury.
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1 Posted 03/09/2026 at 10:04:51