The Official Everton Thread

[delzer]

Are Everton really for sale?





Just what kind of sinister stranglehold does Bill Kenwright hold on our nation’s media?

It seems to be blithely and unquestioningly accepted by all and sundry that the Everton chairman has for years been working “tirelessly” to find the right buyer to help take his beloved Toffees up to the next level.

Well, it’s been almost ten years since he wrested control of the club and his “24/7” search seems to be no nearer to drawing to a conclusion. At all. And all this during an era where wealthy benefactors have come in for the likes of Portsmouth, QPR, Southampton and Notts County.

No disrespect to any of those clubs, but Everton have a rich tradition, a huge fanbase and can already boast a squad that has achieved three consecutive top 6 finishes. Granted, a new stadium is required, but major playing staff refurbishments are not. In fact, David Moyes’ squad is arguably only three or four players away from being genuine challengers.

Last-minute transfers

Last summer, Everton splashed out only on Marouane Fellaini, for a reported fee of £15m which in truth depends heavily on how long he spends at the club. In any case, the sales of James McFadden and Andy Johnson had that sum roughly covered. This summer, Everton spent another net sum of precisely nothing, with Moyes only able to delve into the transfer market once Joleon Lescott had left for Manchester City.

In each instance, all incoming transfer activity was conducted right at the end of the window, leaving insufficient bedding in time for new arrivals and insufficient time for the squad to gel. Unsurprisingly, Everton have struggled at the start of both seasons. Moyes himself has said that he could not spend earlier as the money was not available, and yet some boneheaded Evertonians still call him up for supposedly “dithering”.

All the while, Kenwright is praised from all quarters for being “prudent” and going about things “the right way”. He can’t be blamed for not spending money that he doesn’t have but, if he really has been holding back from selling up in order to protect whatever personal interests he may have, then he is in danger of destroying the club he proclaims to love.

Moyes the miracle worker

Moyes has repeatedly bailed his chairman out by delivering astounding results within tight constraints, but it can’t go on for ever; or probably even for that much longer. Not when Manchester City, Tottenham, Aston Villa and Sunderland have the spending power they do from, surprise surprise, wealthy benefactors. If his ambitions cannot be realised at Goodison Park – or the dreaded Kirkby Tescodrome – then Moyes will leave, and so will the club’s star players. And all this gradual yet sterling progress will have been in vain.

Kenwright’s public persona is that of a lovable, misty-eyed romantic, a would-be Jack Walker who speaks fondly about his childhood sitting in the Boys’ Pen watching his beloved Blues. Within the theatre industry, however, he is notorious for his hissy fit-strewn dictatorship, cut-throat methods and wretched two-facedness. You can imagine him screaming at an intern for messing up his coffee order in one room, before moving next door with a big, warm smile and cozying up to Phillip Green in the hope of another generous donation.

The man is an actor. And, judging by the fondness and respect afforded to him by football fans all round the country, he is a much better actor than he is a chairman. He has a track record of reacting brusquely and dismissively to salient questions posed to him by fans at AGMs, while his regime’s litany of screw ups have seen the club continue to haemorrhage money, despite spending little and outsourcing heavily.

Bungling Kenwright

Evertonians might remember a proposed £20m cash injection from NTL, which was rumoured to have sat in then-CEO Michael Dunford’s in-tray until it was no longer on the cards. Then there was the Three Stooges-esque handling of the planned ground move to Liverpool’s Kings Dock, which would have given the club a princely home and made them part of the city’s skyline. And who could forget the mysterious ‘Fortress Sports Fund’ disappearing act, chaired by a team of investors with highly implausible names which are no longer searchable by Google?

I for one would love to accuse Kenwright of being a fraud, but chances are that it would induce an angry email from Ian Ross, his Head of Corporate Affairs and PR, who used to be a journalist of some integrity but whose main remit now appears to be scanning internet message boards, Gestapo-style, on the lookout for any anti-Kenwright sentiment or heinous reproduction of the club’s images or fixtures.

So, are Everton actually for sale? Well, Kenwright was quoted a while back as saying that no-one was looking to buy football clubs these days, which frankly ranks alongside Comical Ali’s pronouncement that they had killed and besieged the American forces as tanks rolled past in the background.

But why would Kenwright not want to sell? Does he merely, yet foolishly, desire to cling on to his train set? Or will he only sell up once he has relocated Everton into a mid-range stadium on a retail park on the cheap, ensuring that he gets as much of his money back as possible in the process?

Moreover, if he told you his reasons himself…would you believe him?

[stupidlikeafox]

David Moyes breaks his silence on the Diouf banana incident

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jT6JkceQ9FU

[The Zurich Connection]

Everton are of course for sale, but they are not a good long term investment unless they are sold dirt cheap.

[delzer]

Everton are of course for sale, but they are not a good long term investment unless they are sold dirt cheap.

incorrect tony they are a good investment if the stadium plan comes to fruition.

they will have one of the best managers in the epl a decent squad a new stadium with minimal debt

[delzer]

Moyes-Doctrine: Other Clubs wish they were Everton and we know why...
By Mark Reid on Oct 15, 09 09:30 PM in Fans
This season Everton will only get stronger as the season goes on.

Due to good management, despite circumstance, despite injuries, despite the hangover from last season, despite resource disparity, despite dogma, despite moaning - Everton are moving towards good shape.

The international break for Everton came at the right time due to Pienaar's injury. Arteta's another two weeks closer to making his return and Jagielka's back kicking footballs. Mick "Baz" Rathbone's been working overtime with the rehabilitation team. Our bad luck must now be used up and then some. But we've had the passion to carry on.

But why are Everton in good shape, and why do other clubs look at Everton now and think - we want to be like them (even with lower transfer budgets than other clubs in our league positions), the answer is responsibility, continuity and unity. David Moyes has year in year out took in players and put them together in a unit which plays better than "the sum of its parts".

This is why clubs now hate playing Everton. Quoting us as being "organised" and difficult to break down. What they mean is we're tough to play against - even for the so called Sky4.
Organisation doesn't mean we lack flair either, we've in Moyes time built year on year from Arteta to Pienaar, to up and coming Rodwell a 18 year defensive midfielder who can against the stereotype of English players - actually play football.

Criticisms get laid at Moyes time and again. But despite the odds over 7 years 9 times out of 10, Moyes' teams have answered them and many of the critics don't know what they're talking about - too fond of their own voices.

This year with the boys returning from injury only going to boost the squad and morale, star players returning and getting stronger, with the growing maturity of Rodwell, with the latest acquisitions - in left-footer Billy, solid-as-a-rock Distin, a "kicker" when we need him to give back what Everton may take in Lucas Neill, Moyes has strengthened this team on the sly.

Its up to the blue boys now to show us what they got. I for one will be supporting them across the country again in the new Purple, Everton - Liverpool Unites shirt. The brilliance of such a programme has already been repaid by huge sales. A testament to our football club and our fans.

With the developments of the opening of EvertonOne and EvertonTwo, along with EvertonDirect and Club Everton, steady improvements off the field are now matching improvements on it. Everton's growing and can look at any other club with pride.

The Everton way under Moyes is the right way. We grow our own talent. We supplement it with the right talent. And we play as a team - for our fans.
How many other clubs supporters feel as close as they do as Evertonians do with our team? Not many.

Despite setbacks, despite difficulties we always get back up and fight on. A sign of character. The 1-6 defeat no one wants to remember is a lesson that bad results may happen anytime. No one can win every game. But one game doesn't make a season and one battle doesn't win a war. Our battles will come thick and fast soon enough. Get the boys who've been away back and get ready for the big push against all comers. Remember its about being better than the sum of our parts...

We're a club other people want to be.

[Lapsy Pa]

Moyes-Doctrine: Other Clubs wish they were Everton and we know why...
By Mark Reid on Oct 15, 09 09:30 PM in Fans
This season Everton will only get stronger as the season goes on.

Due to good management, despite circumstance, despite injuries, despite the hangover from last season, despite resource disparity, despite dogma, despite moaning - Everton are moving towards good shape.

The international break for Everton came at the right time due to Pienaar's injury. Arteta's another two weeks closer to making his return and Jagielka's back kicking footballs. Mick "Baz" Rathbone's been working overtime with the rehabilitation team. Our bad luck must now be used up and then some. But we've had the passion to carry on.

But why are Everton in good shape, and why do other clubs look at Everton now and think - we want to be like them (even with lower transfer budgets than other clubs in our league positions), the answer is responsibility, continuity and unity. David Moyes has year in year out took in players and put them together in a unit which plays better than "the sum of its parts".

This is why clubs now hate playing Everton. Quoting us as being "organised" and difficult to break down. What they mean is we're tough to play against - even for the so called Sky4.
Organisation doesn't mean we lack flair either, we've in Moyes time built year on year from Arteta to Pienaar, to up and coming Rodwell a 18 year defensive midfielder who can against the stereotype of English players - actually play football.

Criticisms get laid at Moyes time and again. But despite the odds over 7 years 9 times out of 10, Moyes' teams have answered them and many of the critics don't know what they're talking about - too fond of their own voices.

This year with the boys returning from injury only going to boost the squad and morale, star players returning and getting stronger, with the growing maturity of Rodwell, with the latest acquisitions - in left-footer Billy, solid-as-a-rock Distin, a "kicker" when we need him to give back what Everton may take in Lucas Neill, Moyes has strengthened this team on the sly.

Its up to the blue boys now to show us what they got. I for one will be supporting them across the country again in the new Purple, Everton - Liverpool Unites shirt. The brilliance of such a programme has already been repaid by huge sales. A testament to our football club and our fans.

With the developments of the opening of EvertonOne and EvertonTwo, along with EvertonDirect and Club Everton, steady improvements off the field are now matching improvements on it. Everton's growing and can look at any other club with pride.

The Everton way under Moyes is the right way. We grow our own talent. We supplement it with the right talent. And we play as a team - for our fans.
How many other clubs supporters feel as close as they do as Evertonians do with our team? Not many.

Despite setbacks, despite difficulties we always get back up and fight on. A sign of character. The 1-6 defeat no one wants to remember is a lesson that bad results may happen anytime. No one can win every game. But one game doesn't make a season and one battle doesn't win a war. Our battles will come thick and fast soon enough. Get the boys who've been away back and get ready for the big push against all comers. Remember its about being better than the sum of our parts...

We're a club other people want to be.

Besides Man united, chelsea, liverpool, arsenal, man city, spurs:?

[delzer]

Besides Man united, chelsea, liverpool, arsenal, man city, spurs:?

have consistently finished above these two teams over the last few years!
;)

[ho chi feen]

Sounds like my man Cardozo ran riot tonight. Benfica are in real danger of looking like a serious team for the first time in years!

Read something about Everton being without 11 players, but looked like there were plenty of first team regulars still involved. What happened, Toffies?

[delzer]

Sounds like my man Cardozo ran riot tonight. Benfica are in real danger of looking like a serious team for the first time in years!

Read something about Everton being without 11 players, but looked like there were plenty of first team regulars still involved. What happened, Toffies?

yeah bad peformance.

two inexpierenced full backs got destroyed tonight.

hibbert had to play centre half due to yobos late withdrawl.

jo was terrible and the yak didnt look up to speed at all.

osman pienaar baines injured on top of the long term injuries and were missed.

benfica have some very good players and scoring goals for fun in portugal at the moment.

di maria was the best player on the park.

[ho chi feen]

yeah bad peformance.

two inexpierenced full backs got destroyed tonight.

hibbert had to play centre half due to yobos late withdrawl.

jo was terrible and the yak didnt look up to speed at all.

osman pienaar baines injured on top of the long term injuries and were missed.

benfica have some very good players and scoring goals for fun in portugal at the moment.

di maria was the best player on the park.

Yaaa. They've been a joke club for so long, but seem to have put together a tidy squad and begun to click this year.

I was laughed out of the place by Swoosh about a year back when I suggested that Cardozo (then moored on the bench, and probably available for £6m) would be a good back-up option for Liverpool. I'm still not sure about his lack of pace, but he could hardly do any worse than Ngog/El Zhar/Voronin.

Di Maria is a fantastic player in the making too, reckon he'll be in La Liga sooner rather than later.

[Lapsy Pa]

Young fella from Donegal called Seamus Coleman made his debut last night.

I don't think he'll be hanging on to the match programme

[delzer]

Young fella from Donegal called Seamus Coleman made his debut last night.

I don't think he'll be hanging on to the match programme

yeah he got destroyed as did gosling.

[Philby]

http://liverpool.premierlea gueinsider.com/2009/11/06/why-rafas-words-are-so-worrying/

[delzer]

well i hope any players on international duty come back injury free cant afford any more injuries

[delzer]

No rush for Rodwell move


Phil McNulty | 07:00 UK time, Thursday, 19 November 2009

Sir Alex Ferguson's touchline ban does not kick in until after Everton's visit to Manchester United on Saturday - so he can keep an eye on a potential Old Trafford prize at close quarters.

Everton's line-up is likely to contain Jack Rodwell, the elegant rising star who is fast-becoming the most wanted teenage talent in English football.

Rodwell's name was noted long ago by Ferguson and Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is also a huge admirer. Now the tall 18-year-old, who signed a new five-year contract at Everton in February, has attracted attention from potential new suitors in Chelsea and Manchester City because of his rapid development under David Moyes.

But after Rodwell exchanged shirts with Rio Ferdinand following Everton's FA Cup semi-final win against United last season, speculation is mounting that he is being lined up to claim the shirt on a permanent basis at Old Trafford in the future as the England defender's eventual successor.

So how long will it be before Everton's resolve to keep one of the game's bright young stars is tested again, as it was when Wayne Rooney left for United after Euro 2004? And would it be in the best interests of Rodwell to leave with his career only in its infancy?


Everton would want at least £20m to part with the talented Rodwell

Everton tell me there have been no expressions of serious interest in Rodwell. This situation may change - and quickly.

Chelsea will be active in January after their transfer ban was lifted and any move from Stamford Bridge is sure to spark a reaction from Manchester United, where it is understood that Ferguson, that prime judge of pedigree football flesh, rates Rodwell as a sure-fire star of the future.

Everton have been in this position before, but there are factors at work which mean Rodwell may not automatically take the exit route out of Goodison Park at the first sign of interest.

In the desire of some outside Goodison to see Rodwell rushed out of the door at Everton, they ignore the compelling evidence that it might actually benefit the young man to stay exactly where he is.

It should be stressed at the outset that Rodwell is hardly slumming it at a club that has finished fifth in the Premier League in successive seasons, so the opportunites for serious - and instant - improvement are limited.

All the indications, and the word from inside Goodison Park, is that this is a youngster mature beyond his years.

Rodwell was brought up in the Birkdale area of Merseyside, home of the famous Royal Birkdale golf course. He is closely advised by his father Malcolm, and was scouted by Everton from the age of six.

And Everton is in the family's blood. Dad Malcolm admitted to a Merseyside journalist in Lisbon recently that the hairs still rise on the back of his neck when his boy runs out to the familiar "Z Cars" theme at Goodison Park.

Of course Everton fans (and plenty of others) remember the bitter ending to a romantic story that started with Rooney's "Once A Blue Always A Blue" T-shirt in the FA Youth Cup final against Aston Villa - but hopes are high inside Goodison Park that this tale will have a happier conclusion.

Rodwell is a more measured and low-key character than the impulsive, explosive Rooney was at the same age, and he retains an excellent relationship with Moyes. Rooney, unlike Rodwell, was bitterly at odds with his manager when the parting came.

And unlike Rooney, who could have strolled into most teams in Europe at 18, Rodwell is still a work in progress and unsure of what will eventually be his best position. Indeed, it is unlikely Rodwell would have figured in Everton's team as often this season had all their players been available.

Despite the hype, Rodwell is currently not good enough to command regular football at Manchester United and Chelsea. This is not a condemnation of his quality, simply a recognition that he is taking the first steps on a long journey and perspective is required before the hype gets out of hand.

Rodwell's standing was put into brutal context when England coach Fabio Capello reacted with barely-concealed shock when it was suggested he might make his World Cup squad.

He has played in central midfield this season after originally emerging as a central defender in the Ferdinand mould - which may provide a clue to Ferguson's reported interest.

But Everton boss Moyes has been coming around to the idea that midfield may be his eventual territory after two thunderous long-range finishes against AEK Athens in the Europa League coupled with a naturally athletic, graceful style.

He has also looked anonymous at times this term, the inevitable consequence of Everton's inability to rest Rodwell as they wrestle with a lengthy injury list and his own attempt to adapt to life as a Premier League regular.

Rodwell is rangy, but his passing still requires a cutting edge in the midfield role and his tall and slender frame may not be equipped to fight the physical battles against the best the Premier League has to offer.

These are not criticisms - they are understandable facts about a young man still growing in a physical and footballing sense. At least at Everton he will be afforded the chance to grow with a reasonable expectation of first-team football.

If Rodwell went to Manchester United he could spend as much time on the bench as Sir Alex, at least in his early days, and the image of an unemployed Shaun Wright-Phillips should figure largely in his thoughts if Chelsea pursue an interest.

Former Everton striker Graeme Sharp has observed Rodwell closely and he told me: "First and foremost we are dealing with a young lad here. He has still got lots to learn and there have been times this season when I'm sure David Moyes would have pulled him out of the team if he had the players available to do so.

"People shouldn't forget that. He should not have too much pressure or expectation put on him. He has done well and has got bags of promise and his reputation is growing, but he is just 18 and it is unfair for people to expect too much because he is at a very early stage in his career.

"You hear comparisons with Wayne Rooney when he first came on the scene at Everton but you can't do that. This is totally different.

"When people first saw Wayne they had their breath taken away. As a kid he was explosive, off-the-cuff, made things happen in the final third. Jack can get the ball and keep it, but he's not someone who's going to get you 25 goals a season from midfield. And this is all understandable because he's just a boy in football terms. You have to take this into consideration.

"I think he will eventually play in midfield because I look at his physique, and I see the Ferdinand comparison with his style of play, but it would be a tough task for him against somebody like Didier Drogba. If I was looking to compare him to anyone at this stage, I would compare him to Michael Carrick.

"Don't get me wrong, Everton have got a very fine young player on their hands, but you have to keep going back to the fact that it is early days.

"If you were being over-criticial, which you can't because he is only a kid, you could say he might score more goals. He has also been playing in an Everton team that has struggled with form and injuries this season, so that situation hasn't helped him, but he is certainly a very promising young player."

The opening of the January window could provide the ultimate test for Everton and Rodwell, but Sharp believes he will not be fazed by the mounting speculation.

He said: "He is a very nice, sensible and level-headed lad. He is well brought up with a good family background. I do not see any of this affecting him. It is inevitable that when a good young talent like Jack emerges there will be speculation. It has always been there, but I think Jack has the sort of good character to deal with it."

Former Everton goalkeeper Nigel Martyn, who was at Goodison Park when Rooney left for Old Trafford amid bitterness and acrimony, also subscribes to the theory that Rodwell would be better staying at the club that has nurtured his career.

He says: "While it goes without saying that Jack leaving Goodison would be a disastrous move for the Blues, I also think it would be a terrible switch in terms of the lad's development. Jack is flourishing at Everton.

"He could go to Manchester United or Chelsea and that development would be immediately hindered. I'm sure at the start of this season David Moyes earmarked Jack for a certain number of games, but instead circumstances have dictated that he has played in almost every game."

An added attraction for potential suitors such as United and Chelsea is the perception that Rodwell is "gettable." Turn up at the Emirates with an offer for Jack Wilshere or Aaron Ramsey, or at Old Trafford with an offer for Fabio da Silva or Federico Macheda, and you would be ordered off the premises.

Everton's financial situation makes them more vulnerable to an offer - but they are not an easy touch as they proved by prising £24m out of Manchester City for Joleon Lescott.

And it would send an ominous, potentially fatal, signal to their demanding support base if they swiftly fell prey again to any possible pursuers of Rodwell. These will all be considerations for chairman Bill Kenwright should an offer, as it inevitably will, be made at some point in the future.

For now, however, every ounce of common sense and logic suggests Everton should not sell. And Rodwell should not consider exchanging shirts just yet.

[EL TORO]

How sad that we are becoming a feeder club to the likes of Utd. We take their cast offs and sell them our stars. What a deal eh?!

As for tomorrow's game. If we go at Utd from the off and could see us getting something there. Other teams ie. Sunderland and Burnley have stood up to Utd this season and taken points from them.

Moyes is defensive by nature (stating the obvious) but hopefully he will see their frailties at the back and play Saha and Yakubu up front. With Liverpool and Hull to come afterwards it'd be great to take all 9 points this week!

[delzer]

How sad that we are becoming a feeder club to the likes of Utd. We take their cast offs and sell them our stars. What a deal eh?!

As for tomorrow's game. If we go at Utd from the off and could see us getting something there. Other teams ie. Sunderland and Burnley have stood up to Utd this season and taken points from them.

Moyes is defensive by nature (stating the obvious) but hopefully he will see their frailties at the back and play Saha and Yakubu up front. With Liverpool and Hull to come afterwards it'd be great to take all 9 points this week!

wishful thinking i'd say el toro moyes never plays anything other than defensive against the big 4 away from home.

havent seen you on here for a while. how are things?

[delzer]

well as i expected everton play defensive.

were defending ok but a great strike from fletcher puts utd 1 up.

have shown very little going forward.

cant see everton getting anything out of this.

[Philby]

It's going to be the most stagnant mersey derby in years judging by the recent form of the two sides.

Then again derby games always throw up something a bit different so who knows...

[delzer]

It's going to be the most stagnant mersey derby in years judging by the recent form of the two sides.

Then again derby games always throw up something a bit different so who knows...

yeah the signs dont bode well.

but it is a derby im sure something will happen to liven it up.

hopefully everton will get a few players back from injury and give liverpool a game.

[EL TORO]

Well Moyes went defensive and we lost....and it rained in Manchester...which was more likely?

Yes, we are missing our creative players but we had at least 9 first teamers out there on Saturday and they played like a 3rd tier team full of nerves.

This weekend we have a footballing feast.. The merseyside derby, The Lisbon derby and El Classico.....Which do you think will be the least entertaining?

I am getting pissed off to the point of boredom with Moyes' negative tactics and fearful approach to every game...One up front against Wolves at home??? ffs.

Is it time for us to look elsewhere for leadership?

Alright Delzer, not been on for a while. Got married in Sept and everything is only getting back to normal now!

[STEVIEG]

. Got married in Sept and everything is only getting back to normal now!

It NEVER gets back to normal

lol:)

Congrats btw!

[EL TORO]

It NEVER gets back to normal

lol:)

Congrats btw!

Haha cheers fella. You're not wrong! I still havent sent the bloody thank you cards out....They'll be getting them with their Christmas cards at this stage.

My wife's dad is a masterchef and he designed the wedding cake. It had the groom in this season's Everton kit (with the badge and the chang logo) stood next to the bride.

Before the ceremony started in the church, our parish priest who is a City fan asked all Utd fans to leave the church and then proceeded drop football related comments throughout the service. Couldnt have asked for a better day!

[STEVIEG]

ha ha class!

[delzer]

congrats on the marriage el toro

you couldnt ask for more out of that priest in faireness.

at least pienaar may be back sunday so we will have some bit of creativity back in midfield.

moyes is persisting with hetinga in midfield so far i dont think he has set the world alight,i hope he starts saha and the yak sunday but somehow i doubt it.

without arteta the team just doesnt play imo.

[Paddy Wagon]

Philip out for another 2/3 weeks. Everton really need Arteta back ASAP.
http://football365.com/story/0,17033,8652_5715818 ,00.html

[EL TORO]

congrats on the marriage el toro

you couldnt ask for more out of that priest in faireness.

at least pienaar may be back sunday so we will have some bit of creativity back in midfield.

moyes is persisting with hetinga in midfield so far i dont think he has set the world alight,i hope he starts saha and the yak sunday but somehow i doubt it.

without arteta the team just doesnt play imo.

Cheers mate,

Yea great to hear that Pienaar is in contention. He's badly needed now. I actually rate Heitinga and can see him eventually playing the Lee Carsley role. I dont know what to expect this weekend, both teams are in the shit now it just begs the question whos worse than who at the moment!

Up front we should be stronger as long as he puts Saha and the Yak on together, its in the middle and a shaky backline that worries me most.

[delzer]

Cheers mate,

Yea great to hear that Pienaar is in contention. He's badly needed now. I actually rate Heitinga and can see him eventually playing the Lee Carsley role. I dont know what to expect this weekend, both teams are in the shit now it just begs the question whos worse than who at the moment!

Up front we should be stronger as long as he puts Saha and the Yak on together, its in the middle and a shaky backline that worries me most.

yeah distin and yobo dont seem to be gelling hopefully jags will be back soon.

they are too many grafters in midfield at the moment,no one can pick a pass out except billy at times who looks like a good buy imo or spark the game into life.gosling is ok but still not the finished article and rodwell's lack of expierence tells at times. but we struggle on.

[delzer]

another bad defeat last night.

it doesnt bode well for sunday,everton could face a backlash from the red shite.

kirkby shot down tonight as well.

[The Zurich Connection]

another bad defeat last night.

it doesnt bode well for sunday,everton could face a backlash from the red shite.

kirkby shot down tonight as well.


When you lose on Sunday... you will be dangerously close to the relegation zone.;):lol!:

[EL TORO]

another bad defeat last night.

it doesnt bode well for sunday,everton could face a backlash from the red shite.

kirkby shot down tonight as well.

I am absolutely dreading Sunday. As far as Im concerned Moyes has lost it. He needs to do the right thing now and step aside. The team put out last night should on paper have been good enough to beat Hull, but to be 3-0 down at half time is unforgiveable. Liverpool are going to tear us a new one on Sunday and Moyes will feel the wrath from each corner of Goodison by 3pm.

The Kirkby issue is also a major blow for the club and I think we are now at the brink of the club's future. I'm a worried blue today.

[RutlandStreet]

Whats the feeling of the knock back on the new stadium, wrong decision imo.

Its not going to help Liverpools bid for hosting World Cup gams in 2018 either. Lets hope something can be salvaged, the club deserve it.

[EL TORO]

Whats the feeling of the knock back on the new stadium, wrong decision imo.

Its not going to help Liverpools bid for hosting World Cup gams in 2018 either. Lets hope something can be salvaged, the club deserve it.

To be honest Rutland, most fans in Liverpool were dead against the move to Kirkby because it was outside the city bounds, a bit like Cork City moving to Kanturk.

WEBSITE : http://www.keioc.net/

As for Kirkby itself it is a massive blow. The area is in dire need of regeneration and employment creation but these decisions are made from a safe distance in Westminster.

The club are now at a major crossroads.

[RebelBhoy]

The outsider looking in looks at this horrendous injury list. Rodwell added to that. A club like Everton can't afford to have the core of its team ripped out like it has been.

Suspensions added to that last night made it even worse. What was the team?

I genuinely don't understand how Villa, Man City on two occasions and Portsmouth have all managed to get an investor whilst Everton haven't? What makes them a less viable proposition than say Portsmouth who have a worse ground than goodison, a smaller fanbase and a worse team?

How can you get investment now with this Kirkby project having failed? The last couple of transfer windows have been funded by player sales. That trend will have to continue now surely. Rodwell, Arteta, Cahill will surely be prime targets.

I hope that doesn't sound like I am having a pop. I know my own team have failed to invest in players from a position of strength, so its frustrating to see a club exploring avenues to progress only to have the rug whipped out from under them.

[Forsberg]

I am absolutely dreading Sunday. As far as Im concerned Moyes has lost it. He needs to do the right thing now and step aside. The team put out last night should on paper have been good enough to beat Hull, but to be 3-0 down at half time is unforgiveable. Liverpool are going to tear us a new one on Sunday and Moyes will feel the wrath from each corner of Goodison by 3pm.

The Kirkby issue is also a major blow for the club and I think we are now at the brink of the club's future. I'm a worried blue today.

How has he lost it though? The club is crippled with injuries that players can't recover from (this is another matter and needs to be looked at). Since january last year, at least three elite players have been consistently out injured, At present, Arteta, Jagielka, Osman, Neville,Bilyaletinov , Anichebe and Pienaar are all out. Yakubu is a only shadow of his former self. No club in England could cope with this.

I hate using injuries as an excuse as it normally is no different than other clubs but Evertons injury list has been extraordinary for the past two years. Moyes is being forced to either play players that normally wouldn't get near the team or play fellas out of position. The midfield is practically full of defenders at the moment .

For me this season is a write off. Batten down the hatches until January and hopefully if the injury problems subside they can make a climb up the table and finish respectably.

The injury thing needs to be looked at though. Too many players are getting serious knee injuries for a start and then no player seems to be able to recover without additional surgery. Sure the medical processes need to be examined.


Oh and welcome back by the way and congratulations.

[EL TORO]

Thanks Forsberg,

I'm sure you remember about this time last year when we lost heavily to Blackburn and I had a big go at Moyes and was questioning his abilities. Is it not a bit worrying that we are here again this season with the situation even worse? I understand the issues with injuries at the moment and there are mitigating circumstances but its the team as a whole that are not performing right now. Cahill is nowhere near the player of the past two seasons, the defence is a shambles with only one player injured from that area.

The team put out last night was extremely capable of getting a result at Hull, who have one of the worst records in the league over the last 12 months. Moyes post match comments pretty much summed up my feelings on him now. He basically said that...I tried to play 4-4-2 but look what happenend, we concede 3 goals! The is just incapable of playing attack minded football and will not/ can not mould the team into a forward moving cohesive unit.

The injuries are going to make it difficult for us to be in the top 1-6 places but to be where we are now is far below what the current playing staff are capable of. Arteta and Jags are a big loss but look at the games we have lost and goals conceded and tell me that those two would have made all the difference. The likes of Osman, Anichebe, Vaughan and Neville are hardly world beaters, although I think we are missing Neville's leadership more than any other facet of the team.

[Forsberg]

Thanks Forsberg,

I'm sure you remember about this time last year when we lost heavily to Blackburn and I had a big go at Moyes and was questioning his abilities. Is it not a bit worrying that we are here again this season with the situation even worse? I understand the issues with injuries at the moment and there are mitigating circumstances but its the team as a whole that are not performing right now. Cahill is nowhere near the player of the past two seasons, the defence is a shambles with only one player injured from that area.

The team put out last night was extremely capable of getting a result at Hull, who have one of the worst records in the league over the last 12 months. Moyes post match comments pretty much summed up my feelings on him now. He basically said that...I tried to play 4-4-2 but look what happenend, we concede 3 goals! The is just incapable of playing attack minded football and will not/ can not mould the team into a forward moving cohesive unit.

The injuries are going to make it difficult for us to be in the top 1-6 places but to be where we are now is far below what the current playing staff are capable of. Arteta and Jags are a big loss but look at the games we have lost and goals conceded and tell me that those two would have made all the difference. The likes of Osman, Anichebe, Vaughan and Neville are hardly world beaters, although I think we are missing Neville's leadership more than any other facet of the team.

i think Neville is a huge loss at the moment and i've always thought Cahioll was hugely overrated.

Moyes hasn't been able to put a settled team out all season. And when all the creative players are missing , it's impossible for Moyes to employ any sort of tactics. Teams like Hull, Stoke, Wigan who would lack creative players , just like Everton back in 05 set up to play to their strengths. Moyes over the past two seasons has tried develop the team to be a more attacking and attractive proposition. When the players that form the basis for this are not there , it's very hard to go back to a more basic style of playing, hence why they can't even scrape the 1-0 that they were so adept at before.

[EL TORO]

i think Neville is a huge loss at the moment and i've always thought Cahioll was hugely overrated.

Moyes hasn't been able to put a settled team out all season. And when all the creative players are missing , it's impossible for Moyes to employ any sort of tactics. Teams like Hull, Stoke, Wigan who would lack creative players , just like Everton back in 05 set up to play to their strengths. Moyes over the past two seasons has tried develop the team to be a more attacking and attractive proposition. When the players that form the basis for this are not there , it's very hard to go back to a more basic style of playing, hence why they can't even scrape the 1-0 that they were so adept at before.

I dont think he ever really achieved this fella. I can only think of a handful of games where we played anything near attractive football. We have the players in Arteta and Pienarr but then theres also Yobo and Jags hoofing long balls forward and completely missing out the midfield.

My main gripe with Moyes is his inability to have any of his team's play attractive linked up football. Last season I envied West Brom's style of play. Yes, they were relegated but how is it that their players could play the ball on the deck with numerous passes to each other whilst we were still launching balls from the back. There are audible groans from the stands everytime Yobo fires another one up to Saha in the hope of something positive happening.

[delzer]

without arteta the team doesnt really play imo.

if he was fit he would make a big difference with billy and pienaar we have a good threat on the wings but they need someone to play them into a position to cross the ball.

distin and yobo havent gelled at all and cahill is not playing well maybe a csa of too much football and travelling for him in the last year.

moyes still hasnt figured out what position to play felliani.

as for kirkby theres a slight glimmer of hope with the minister saying he doesn agree with the inspectors findings so there may be grounds for appeal.

although neville isnt the mst talented player he does galvanise the team and is a huge loss.

[EL TORO]

without arteta the team doesnt really play imo.

if he was fit he would make a big difference with billy and pienaar we have a good threat on the wings but they need someone to play them into a position to cross the ball.

distin and yobo havent gelled at all and cahill is not playing well maybe a csa of too much football and travelling for him in the last year.

moyes still hasnt figured out what position to play felliani.

as for kirkby theres a slight glimmer of hope with the minister saying he doesn agree with the inspectors findings so there may be grounds for appeal.

although neville isnt the mst talented player he does galvanise the team and is a huge loss.

Not a chance fella. Its a dead duck.

[delzer]

Not a chance fella. Its a dead duck.

fair enough.

i just read elstone harping on about sharing a stadium again.

i can never see this happening, he also said goodison will not be redevolped as it will cost too much money.

things are getting depressing at the moment,no sign of any good news on the horizon.

[Forsberg]

without arteta the team doesnt really play imo.

if he was fit he would make a big difference with billy and pienaar we have a good threat on the wings but they need someone to play them into a position to cross the ball.

distin and yobo havent gelled at all and cahill is not playing well maybe a csa of too much football and travelling for him in the last year.

moyes still hasnt figured out what position to play felliani.

as for kirkby theres a slight glimmer of hope with the minister saying he doesn agree with the inspectors findings so there may be grounds for appeal.

although neville isnt the mst talented player he does galvanise the team and is a huge loss.

The loss of Arteta is the biggest factor imo. When he was deployed in central midfield last year, the team was playing with more fluidity than I've seen since I was a little fella. I fear that (same for the Yak) he may never be the same after this injury.

As for Fellaini, I've flip-flopped on him numerous times but I'm nearly ready to concede that he's just not very good.

[delzer]

The loss of Arteta is the biggest factor imo. When he was deployed in central midfield last year, the team was playing with more fluidity than I've seen since I was a little fella. I fear that (same for the Yak) he may never be the same after this injury.

As for Fellaini, I've flip-flopped on him numerous times but I'm nearly ready to concede that he's just not very good.

as have i but im still not sure about him. he has shown glimpses of being a very good player but then he looks so ordinaty at times.

i dont know if its the way moyes is playing him or what.

yeah the yak definitely doesnt look the same but mayne he just needs a goal or two to get his confidence back.

[delzer]

on a lighter note.



Fonzarelli set for Merseyside derby debut



Henry Winkler, best known as The Fonz from iconic television show Happy Days, will attend this Sunday’s Merseyside derby between Everton and Liverpool on a personal invite from Toffees chairman Bill Kenwright.

Winkler is set to star as Captain Hook in the Liverpool Empire’s Christmas Panto version of Peter Pan, alongside such big-name draws as Les Dennis and Natasha Hamilton from Atomic Kitten.

He said: “On Sunday I’m watching the derby game, I've been asked by a man called Bill to go in a box.”

In a suitably bizarre article from the Liverpool Daily Post, Winkler also revealed that he bought an “exceptional” towel from John Lewis, and that he’s still on the look out for a decent Bolognese.

In January 2007, Sylvester Stallone went to Goodison Park to take in Everton’s 1-1 draw at home to Reading.

Rumours that Kenwright has described Winkler as ‘like a new signing’ are so far completely unfounded.

http://www.bolgernow.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/fonzie.jpg

[The Zurich Connection]

Whats the feeling of the knock back on the new stadium, wrong decision imo.

Its not going to help Liverpools bid for hosting World Cup gams in 2018 either. Lets hope something can be salvaged, the club deserve it.

Jesus wept.:lol!:

[kevinbitzz]

Well Moyes went defensive and we lost....and it rained in Manchester...which was more likely?

Yes, we are missing our creative players but we had at least 9 first teamers out there on Saturday and they played like a 3rd tier team full of nerves.

This weekend we have a footballing feast.. The merseyside derby, The Lisbon derby and El Classico.....Which do you think will be the least entertaining?

I am getting pissed off to the point of boredom with Moyes' negative tactics and fearful approach to every game...One up front against Wolves at home??? ffs.

Is it time for us to look elsewhere for leadership?

Alright Delzer, not been on for a while. Got married in Sept and everything is only getting back to normal now!


Congrats,

(however i hope you will not be celebrating this weekend..)

[EL TORO]

Congrats,

(however i hope you will not be celebrating this weekend..)

Cheers Kevin,

I dont think either of us will be celebrating on Sunday. I reckon we could be looking at a score draw perhaps 2-2. I'm worried about who we have available to nulify Gerrard's presence aswell.

Its tough times on Merseyside at the moment and both teams are going to be playing this like wounded animals after the last 7 days. I'm expecting both to go for each other from the off and wouldnt be surprised to see a few red cards. Strangely though i'm not actually looking forward to going to the game.

[Teknique]

Cheers Kevin,

I dont think either of us will be celebrating on Sunday. I reckon we could be looking at a score draw perhaps 2-2.


Thats what I have in IKTS actually

neither team looks like they have the ability to go and dominate the other team
of course I fancy Cahill for a goal from a set piece

[EL TORO]

Just to stoke things up a bit....Welcome back to Goodison Stevie la...

[Swoosh]

Cheers Kevin,

I dont think either of us will be celebrating on Sunday. I reckon we could be looking at a score draw perhaps 2-2. I'm worried about who we have available to nulify Gerrard's presence aswell.

Its tough times on Merseyside at the moment and both teams are going to be playing this like wounded animals after the last 7 days. I'm expecting both to go for each other from the off and wouldnt be surprised to see a few red cards. Strangely though i'm not actually looking forward to going to the game.

I think the pick of the two squads wouldnt make a title winning one at this stage. That said, I'd love a fully fit Arteta taking over Alonso's role for the Pool. I'd also take Tim Cahill in my team but I wouldnt know where to put him

[delzer]

torres having a fitness test to see if can play sunday.

for our sake i hope he fails it.

[EL TORO]

I think the pick of the two squads wouldnt make a title winning one at this stage. That said, I'd love a fully fit Arteta taking over Alonso's role for the Pool. I'd also take Tim Cahill in my team but I wouldnt know where to put him

I'd disagree with that Swoosh. A team made up of players from both squads would be capable of winning a title.

[delzer]

I'd disagree with that Swoosh. A team made up of players from both squads would be capable of winning a title.

without a doubt

[Swoosh]

I'd disagree with that Swoosh. A team made up of players from both squads would be capable of winning a title.

I dont know would they.

From everton with everyone fully fit i'd add Arteta,Jagielka, Baines, Neville, Cahill, Saha, Yakubu to the Liverpool squad. Obviously Howard would be a super sub keeper but he wouldnt be happy with that role. Jack Rodwell looks like a good young player too

I mean my first choice XI would be
Reina-Johnson-Baines-Agger-Jagielka-Mascherano-Arteta-Gerrard-Cahill-Benayoun-Torres.

[delzer]

i would have pienaar instead of benayoun

[EL TORO]

I would have Saha over Benayoun.

And Baines cant play at ctrl defence would need to be on the left with Jags in the middle.

[Swoosh]

i would have pienaar instead of benayoun

Benayoun has been one of the best players in the league this season. Pienaar has been very good for Everton and there is not much between them but I think we'll have to disagree on that one. I also left out Aqualini who looks to be a very good player

[delzer]

poxy bastards

[jbmmeidol]

Bilatdienov is the head off former toffee John Oster.

[delzer]

Bilatdienov is the head off former toffee John Oster.
heh heh good spot

[delzer]

have never seen everton dominate a derby as they have done in the 1st half. Going to rue those missed chances i fear.

[Forsberg]

have never seen everton dominate a derby as they have done in the 1st half. Going to rue those missed chances i fear.

Yup ... Great to see them play so well though.. I have no worries if this is going to be their attitude for the rest of the season.

Hugely impressed with Fellaini, this must be what he can do , eh?

Heitinga and Pienaar have been fantastic as well

[delzer]

Yup ... Great to see them play so well though.. I have no worries if this is going to be their attitude for the rest of the season.

Hugely impressed with Fellaini, this must be what he can do , eh?

Heitinga and Pienaar have been fantastic as well yeah all 3 have been excelent. Need to score soon

[Forsberg]

Awful miss by Fellaini,

Not going to be our day I'd say

[delzer]

no doesnt look like it. Had enough chances to get something out of the game. Fuck sake kuyt just scored. Same old story.

[daflange]

hard to take being beaten by that shower of shite

[delzer]

hard to take being beaten by that shower of shite

it is when everton were the better team

[daflange]

it is when everton were the better team

by a country mile ye were better i,d be sickened if i was an evertonian but i,ll be happy with the 3 points when it comes to fighting for 8th place in may

[delzer]

hopefully can produce that type of peformance for the rest of the season. Yobo didnt have the best of games the sooner jags is back the better

[The Zurich Connection]

hard to take being beaten by that shower of shite

You're well used to it.:lol!::lol!:

Relegation battle for you bitter cunts.

[daflange]

You're well used to it.:lol!::lol!:

Relegation battle for you bitter cunts.

i,m a liverpool fan myself just telling it straight, we were fuckin haunted today

[Loftydog]

You're well used to it.:lol!::lol!:

Relegation battle for you bitter cunts.

Nah I think Liverpool should stay up

[STEVIEG]

Nah I think Liverpool should stay up

:):):)

[EL TORO]

You're well used to it.:lol!::lol!:

Relegation battle for you bitter cunts.

Seriously, who the fuck is this guy?? Sounds like a 9 year old let loose on his dad's laptop. Grow up lad.

[delzer]

[/B]

Seriously, who the fuck is this guy?? Sounds like a 9 year old let loose on his dad's laptop. Grow up lad.
heh heh thats swiss tony the procs resident swiss millionaire

[STEVIEG]

[/B]

Seriously, who the fuck is this guy?? Sounds like a 9 year old let loose on his dad's laptop. Grow up lad.

heh heh heh

not far from the truth

[EL TORO]

Strange game yesterday. Even approaching Goodison on arrival it didnt have the usual derby atmosphere with both sets of fans a bit quiet and expecting the worst.

The game itself was the usual huff and puff affair of the derbys and is mentioned already, we were the better team until the ball got in and around the 6 yard box. The difference between the sides yesterday was a degree of luck and Liverpool taking their chances. Billi's 1st half miss was shocking and Reina's double save put every Toffee in the stands in the mind that it wasnt going to be our day.

I thought Moyes left the subtitutions of Saha and the Yak too late. Jo was floundering up front on his own and the Liverpool backline was suspect on every attack so why not go for the kill from the start of the 2nd half?!

The upside of the day was the return of Pienarr. He was the best player on the pitch by a country mile and showed how much we miss himself and Arteta's guile in midfield. The team itself put on a much better performance than of late and we need to keep the game at that kind of tempo although I felt they visibly tired from about the 70 min mark.

It'll be backs to the wall against a free flowing Spurs at the weekend and its a safe bet that Mr Defoe will be on the scoresheet. He loves playing at the old lady.

Roll on the new year!:D

[Philby]

Even more injuries tonight - Gosling, Distin and Jo. Madness.

Anyone know how Jose Baxter got on? Big things are expected from him apparently.

[Mr Jefferson]

Even more injuries tonight - Gosling, Distin and Jo. Madness.

Anyone know how Jose Baxter got on? Big things are expected from him apparently.

Didn't catch it all but he made sure he was in the right place to prevent a certain equaliser. Everton backs to the wall for the last 30 minutes, played well in the first half. Jo's injury was ominous.

[delzer]

it was a gutsy peformance in the end considering the conditions and the injuries which leaves the club with heitinga and o neill at centre half sunday if yobo and distin arent fit.

[delzer]

christ everton fell asleep right after half time shocking goal to concede the back four were static when that ball came across to defoe.

could lose by 2 or 3 now i reckon.

[jbmmeidol]

Jack Rodwell more like Jack Duckworth what is so special about him another Danny Cadamateri !

[delzer]

Jack Rodwell more like Jack Duckworth what is so special about him another Danny Cadamateri !

not one of his better games but hes carrying an injury like half the squad now at this stage.

static defending for the second goal again.

colemans peformance is the one positive note to take out of this game so far.

[delzer]

great play by coleman to set up saha.

[delzer]

great draw for everton. a huge point hopefully a turning point for the season doubtful though being away to chelsea next week

[bombdiggity]

This young Fella from Dun na NGall us a weapon of a full back.
Neat control. Agressive. Good going forward. Real find for us in the right back position.
Should be brought into next Irish squad immediately

[EL TORO]

Extremely happy with the end result yesterday. A spirited fightback coupled with the arrival on the scene of Everton and Rep of Ireland’s future right back.

I actually think we can stifle Chelsea next weekend and our season could be about to finally get started. Saha is showing what a bloody great striker he is and in my opinion is eclipsing Ferguson as the cult hero.

My only gripe is with Bili. I thought he was very poor yesterday. He stands off too much, ducked out of tackles and headers and failed to stop any attacks down his flanks. Maybe he adjusting to the pace but I expect more from a £10 million pound man.

Overall very happy with the spirit shown and looking forward to the new year!

[11 league titles]

Extremely happy with the end result yesterday. A spirited fightback coupled with the arrival on the scene of Everton and Rep of Ireland’s future right back.

I actually think we can stifle Chelsea next weekend and our season could be about to finally get started. Saha is showing what a bloody great striker he is and in my opinion is eclipsing Ferguson as the cult hero.

My only gripe is with Bili. I thought he was very poor yesterday. He stands off too much, ducked out of tackles and headers and failed to stop any attacks down his flanks. Maybe he adjusting to the pace but I expect more from a £10 million pound man.

Overall very happy with the spirit shown and looking forward to the new year!

Always was..its really only his constant injuries have prevented him from becoming a top top player imo

[de mange]

This young Fella from Dun na NGall us a weapon of a full back.
Neat control. Agressive. Good going forward. Real find for us in the right back position.
Should be brought into next Irish squad immediately

has he not played for NI u21?
id say his mind is made up

[RebelBhoy]

No sir. You may be thinking of Shane Duffy from Derry. He is still weighing up his options whether to play for the regional representative side or seek a full International cap.

[de mange]

No sir. You may be thinking of Shane Duffy from Derry. He is still weighing up his options whether to play for the regional representative side or seek a full International cap.

ah- who is this other lad then?

young full backs with potential is a must for us now - we need to get john o shea back in with dunne at cb and retire kilbane, which means a new left and right full required immediately

mcshane, st ledger and kelly need not apply

[RebelBhoy]

Shane Diuffy is a 17 year old lad from Derry. he has been involved in the set up for both the North and the Free state. I think he played during the week in the Europa cup as a sub. He's 6ft 4" and has been talked about for a little while as being something special, but I still haven't seen him.

[delzer]

Extremely happy with the end result yesterday. A spirited fightback coupled with the arrival on the scene of Everton and Rep of Ireland’s future right back.

I actually think we can stifle Chelsea next weekend and our season could be about to finally get started. Saha is showing what a bloody great striker he is and in my opinion is eclipsing Ferguson as the cult hero.

My only gripe is with Bili. I thought he was very poor yesterday. He stands off too much, ducked out of tackles and headers and failed to stop any attacks down his flanks. Maybe he adjusting to the pace but I expect more from a £10 million pound man.

Overall very happy with the spirit shown and looking forward to the new year!

billy has played an awful lot of football before he came to everton as the russian season was more than half way through and then he came straight in to the english season so id reckon he could be a bit fatigued at times maybe.

when spurs went two up i really didnt think everton wpuld come back.

saha was immense when he came on and i actually taught the yak showed up a lot better when he came on as well.

[RebelBhoy]

I interviewed Saha a few years ago and I'd say he's amongst the most decent men in football. I am delighted for him that he's had this renaissance.

[de mange]

Shane Diuffy is a 17 year old lad from Derry. he has been involved in the set up for both the North and the Free state. I think he played during the week in the Europa cup as a sub. He's 6ft 4" and has been talked about for a little while as being something special, but I still haven't seen him.

so its seamus coleman then, just looked up the everton squad on their site - must keep an eye out for him

duffy has been called into the NI squad vs Italy for their friendly but didnt get on the pitch - that ship has sailed id say

[EL TORO]

billy has played an awful lot of football before he came to everton as the russian season was more than half way through and then he came straight in to the english season so id reckon he could be a bit fatigued at times maybe.
when spurs went two up i really didnt think everton wpuld come back.

saha was immense when he came on and i actually taught the yak showed up a lot better when he came on as well.

Yep, fair point.

Saha could be heading for a 20 goal season, as long as he stays away from the treatment room. The guy is mustard.

[de mange]

Yep, fair point.

Saha could be heading for a 20 goal season, as long as he stays away from the treatment room. The guy is mustard.

as an everton supporter - whats the deal with coleman and duffy
i assume you have seen a bit of both.. are we looking at potential international pedigree here? although it seems duffy will play for NI

[delzer]

as an everton supporter - whats the deal with coleman and duffy
i assume you have seen a bit of both.. are we looking at potential international pedigree here? although it seems duffy will play for NI

both have only made a couple of first team appearances so its early days yet i wouldng get to excited about either yet as its still early days in their careers but the signs are promising

[Forsberg]

both have only made a couple of first team appearances so its early days yet i wouldng get to excited about either yet as its still early days in their careers but the signs are promising

Yup both played well in Athens last week in awful conditions and Coleman did well yesterday. A lot of hyperbole about him in this morning papers though. He made a few rookie mistakes defensively and he was lucky that spurs didn't punish him although he was very good going forward. He was totally exposed against Benfica a few weeks ago though so as you said let's not get too excited

[de mange]

cheers lads

[delzer]

GORDON Brown has personally stepped in to try to save Everton’s aborted plans for a new stadium in Kirkby.

The prime minister has asked for high-level talks to focus on reviving the proposal for a 50,000-capacity stadium and a Tesco store, but without the accompanying shops that led to the scheme's rejection.

Under the new plan, the huge additional retail space would instead be built in Kirby town centre proper – one of the centres that a planning inspector ruled would be damaged by the original proposal.

Intriguingly, the rescue plan will be put forward after Mr Brown urged his ministers to find a way out of the wreckage of “Destination Kirkby”.

The prime minister is concerned not only about the impact of the rejection on the region, but also its effect on England's troubled bid to win the 2018 World Cup.

The bid organisers believe Liverpool – with its proud footballing heritage and fanaticism for the sport – simply must have a modern stadium good enough to host some of the matches.

Now Phil Woolas, the “Minister for the North West”, will meet senior officials from Knowsley council and, later, Tesco chiefs to try to breathe new life into the Kirkby move.

Senior government figures believe they enjoy some leverage over Tesco because the food giant's big expansion plans include proposed stores at major sporting venues, including the Old Trafford cricket ground.

Furthermore, Tesco chief executive, Sir Terry Leahy, is a lifelong Everton supporter and is known to have been bitterly disappointed by the Kirkby knockback.

Mr Woolas said: "This issue is far from over and the needs of Everton Football Club are still real.

"The government is committed to the regeneration of both Kirby and Skelmersdale and we will be working behind the scenes with all parties to see if we can take forward a Plan B.

"We are not going to leave this to the free market. I will be meeting with local civic leaders to use government power to intervene in this."

Mr Woolas will report back to the prime minister on progress.

A key issue is whether the stadium, Tesco and other shops can still be part of a single planning application – with Mr Woolas convinced they can be.

George Howarth, the Knowsley North and Sefton East MP, who supported the project, said it was "too early to say" whether the rescue plan could succeed.

But he added: "There are high-level talks and it's very encouraging that Phil Woolas, with the blessing of the prime minister, is engaging with Knowsley Council, Tesco and others to see what can be done."

It is 12 days since Communities secretary John Denham decided the £400m Destination Kirkby project would breach shopping policies designed to prevent supermarket chains from sucking business away from town centres.

However, ministers sensed a chink of light with the inspector's conclusion that it was the large amount of accompanying retail – not the Tesco store – that broke the guidelines.

After the Kirkby decision, Everton chairman Bill Kenwright told the ECHO “in terms of Kirkby the chapter is over and the book is closed.”

However government sources believe the club does still retain an interest in reviving the project, provided other parties do the “heavy lifting”.

[SenorCarlsberg]

Landon Donovan to sign on 3 month loan deal (a la Beckham at Milan) in January - could be a very good addition

[delzer]

Landon Donovan to sign on 3 month loan deal (a la Beckham at Milan) in January - could be a very good addition

im not sure on this one myself.

he always looks very good for the usa but he was a flop at leverkusen and munich.

[AmadeusDC]

Landon Donovan to sign on 3 month loan deal (a la Beckham at Milan) in January - could be a very good addition

From 22-6-09 in the Landon Donovan thread.
Donovan could definitely do a job for a mid/upper mid level European team but they'd have to be convinced to put up a significant amount of money for an American. As a player though he is very quick and doesn't stop working (it's not hard to see him becoming a "fan favourite"). He's also a very good supplier from dead ball situations which is a disappearing art IMO and can be crucial to certain teams.

-AmadeusDC-

Time to show them now Landon...... I will not be offering to eat my jocks or anything like that though if it doesn't work out too well :-D

-AmadeusDC-

[Philby]

He'd be a great guy for Everton to get on loan.

[Pontipine]

A 3 month loan is a good deal for Everton.He always seems a right tenacious sort of a player to me so it will be interesting.If he des well are there talks about this becoming a permanent deal or is it to just keep him ticking over for the WC?

[AmadeusDC]

A 3 month loan is a good deal for Everton.He always seems a right tenacious sort of a player to me so it will be interesting.If he des well are there talks about this becoming a permanent deal or is it to just keep him ticking over for the WC?

There is NO WAY that US Soccer will let him go before the World Cup. If he does well at a club like Everton his value will rise and it will put him out of their price range IMO. It will also make US Soccer want to hold onto him until at least after the World Cup. A good performance there will see his value sky rocket, not just in Europe but his value to MLS as a draw. I'm sure at that point it'll come down to what he himself wants. In any case a loan spell is a great move for Everton IMO and hopefully it comes off. Landon has really won me over in the last year or so.

-AmadeusDC-

[Pontipine]

There is NO WAY that US Soccer will let him go before the World Cup. If he does well at a club like Everton his value will rise and it will put him out of their price range IMO. It will also make US Soccer want to hold onto him until at least after the World Cup. A good performance there will see his value sky rocket, not just in Europe but his value to MLS as a draw. I'm sure at that point it'll come down to what he himself wants. In any case a loan spell is a great move for Everton IMO and hopefully it comes off. Landon has really won me over in the last year or so.

-AmadeusDC-

I see what you are saying but sometims a deal can be put in place for a permanent transfer when they are making the loan arrangement outside the transfer window.So if Landon impresses i would presume if Galaxy are willing to sell then Everton would have first refusal at a certain fee.That fee would probably already have been discussed between both parties i imagine.

[AmadeusDC]

I see what you are saying but sometims a deal can be put in place for a permanent transfer when they are making the loan arrangement outside the transfer window.So if Landon impresses i would presume if Galaxy are willing to sell then Everton would have first refusal at a certain fee.That fee would probably already have been discussed between both parties i imagine.

This isn't a regular loan deal though. Donovan wants to do this to maintain his fitness in the off season and hopefully benefit his game. Also, Everton would have to negotiate with US Soccer/MLS, the Galaxy don't really have much of a say to the best of my knowledge. The MLS aren't going to let Donovan go for anything other than "serious" money. I just don't see Everton coughing up that much. Donovan would probably also have to try and force through the deal as they wouldn't want to sell when he'll be on display on the greatest stage of all this summer. There is zero chance of him pushing through a deal that US Soccer doesn't want to happen. Captain of the national team, leagues marquee player, face of the sport in the US etc.

-AmadeusDC-

[Pontipine]

This isn't a regular loan deal though. Donovan wants to do this to maintain his fitness in the off season and hopefully benefit his game. Also, Everton would have to negotiate with US Soccer/MLS, the Galaxy don't really have much of a say to the best of my knowledge. The MLS aren't going to let Donovan go for anything other than "serious" money. I just don't see Everton coughing up that much. Donovan would probably also have to try and force through the deal as they wouldn't want to sell when he'll be on display on the greatest stage of all this summer. There is zero chance of him pushing through a deal that US Soccer doesn't want to happen. Captain of the national team, leagues marquee player, face of the sport in the US etc.

-AmadeusDC-

I only read about about the deal after i posted a reply to you above.I agree with your post.It does seem that it is only to keep fit coming into the WC.But it will be interesting to see what happens if he does impress though.

[delzer]

Extremely happy with the end result yesterday. A spirited fightback coupled with the arrival on the scene of Everton and Rep of Ireland’s future right back.

I actually think we can stifle Chelsea next weekend and our season could be about to finally get started. Saha is showing what a bloody great striker he is and in my opinion is eclipsing Ferguson as the cult hero.

My only gripe is with Bili. I thought he was very poor yesterday. He stands off too much, ducked out of tackles and headers and failed to stop any attacks down his flanks. Maybe he adjusting to the pace but I expect more from a £10 million pound man.

Overall very happy with the spirit shown and looking forward to the new year!

Great call. Played well in patches today at times it looked like a hammering was on the cards but the defence were excellent in the second half.

Felliani is starting to show why moyes shelled out for him.

billy was very quiet again today.

[Forsberg]

Great call. Played well in patches today at times it looked like a hammering was on the cards but the defence were excellent in the second half.

Felliani is starting to show why moyes shelled out for him.

billy was very quiet again today.

I'm changing my mind about Fellaini every game I see him. He's been excellent the last month.

Bily looks shattered. Remember he's been playing non stop since March/April. If Moyes had any cover, I'm sure he'd give him a couple of weeks rest.

3 lucky goals today but a very good defensive performace second half. Heitinga was immense, as was Neill.

All this will be in vain if they can't beat Birmingham at home next week

[delzer]

I'm changing my mind about Fellaini every game I see him. He's been excellent the last month.

Bily looks shattered. Remember he's been playing non stop since March/April. If Moyes had any cover, I'm sure he'd give him a couple of weeks rest.

3 lucky goals today but a very good defensive performace second half. Heitinga was immense, as was Neill.

All this will be in vain if they can't beat Birmingham at home next week

yeah between the russian season and internationals billy has been playing non-stop.

birmingham are playing well at the moment as well so this will be a tough game.

i hope sahas injury isnt too serious. keeping him fit is a huge must at the moment.

im hoping the goal will give the yak a bit more confidence, jo is a mystery to me he always seems to look to come off.

i expect a team of reserves to play against bate thursday night.

[Loftydog]

Everton draw Sporting Lisbon

[Philby]

Can't imagine Everton would be overly keen on another tie against a Portuguese side after the Benfica hammering...Sporting are decidedly off the pace though despite having a few handy players.

[delzer]

Can't imagine Everton would be overly keen on another tie against a Portuguese side after the Benfica hammering...Sporting are decidedly off the pace though despite having a few handy players.

everton had very weak sides out for both benfica games with players out of position etc,hopefully there will be a few players back from injury by the time this fixture comes around.

if they come through this fixture another tough one lies in wait either athletico madrid or galatasary.

liverpool got a nice draw.

[EL TORO]

everton had very weak sides out for both benfica games with players out of position etc,hopefully there will be a few players back from injury by the time this fixture comes around.

if they come through this fixture another tough one lies in wait either athletico madrid or galatasary.

liverpool got a nice draw.

Quite happy with the draw to be honest. Sporting are no great team and nowhere near as good as Benfica this season. Remember their hammering by Bayern Munich last season?

The follow up game vs Atleti or Galatasary would be great even if to have some class opposition coming to Goodison.

Fulham got the toughest draw of the English teams although Liverpool should be wary of Unirea, they will have grown in confidence after impressing in the CL. They collected 1 more point than Liverpool aswell.

Injuries will hopefully have cleared up by Feb and we should be able to field:

Howard, baines, Jags, Yobo, Hibbert, Piennar, Felli, Arteta, Bili,Cahill and Saha.

I'm mightily impressed with young Coleman and would love to see more of him this season, a shoe in for RB if he keeps going.

[delzer]

Valencia midfielder Manuel Fernandes is having talks with Everton about returning to Goodison Park for a third spell.

Portuguese international Fernandes, 23, has had two loan spells at Everton and nearly moved to Merseyside in a £12million switch before going to Valencia.

But Fernandes is not in Valencia’s long-term plans and president Manuel Llorente is ready to let him go out on loan to boost the midfielder’s World Cup chances and also ease the Spanish club’s wage bill.

Agent Jorge Mendes said: “To have any chance of playing at the World Cup he needs minutes and matches and Everton is a serious chance.”

[Otto_the_bus_driver]

LA Galaxy's Donovan granted work permit for Everton
Landon Donovan
Donovan has played 120 times for the United States

Los Angeles Galaxy striker Landon Donovan has been granted a work permit, enabling the American to join Everton on a two-and-a-half-month loan deal.

The 27-year-old forward, who holds the US national team's goalscoring record, will join Everton on 2 January and remain with the club until mid-March.

"He's a good finisher," said Toffees boss David Moyes after the Donovan deal was announced last week.

"He is the first of two or three players I want to bring in in January."

Donovan's arrival will provide a much-needed boost to Everton's injury-ravaged squad as they look to move up the Premier League table.

Moyes delighted with Donovan capture

"American boys in the main tend to come over here and do well," added Moyes. "He was voted the best player in Major League Soccer (MLS), so I think he can bring some qualities we can use.

"He is relatively experienced and I need these players to come in and hit the ground running, not need a month or two to get ready."

Donovan has scored 42 goals in 120 appearances for his national team, although he failed to find his best form in the German league during spells at Bayer Leverkusen and Bayern Munich.

The forward has spoken to Everton's US keeper Tim Howard about the Merseyside club and is "very passionate" about a loan move.

606: DEBATE
Donovan brings pace, skill, and great field vision to the squad. Should be interesting to see how he works with Cahill, Fellaini, Jo, and Saha

merseysideoc

"Everton have been incredibly professional. I feel that it is a place where I would feel very comfortable," said Donovan, who has just signed new four-year deal with LA Galaxy.

If fit, Donovan is virtually certain to start for the US against England in his nation's first group match at the World Cup in South Africa next summer.

Hmm. Will be very interested to see how he gets on in the premiership. More than likely he will be clean shite but still should be interesting.

[delzer]

a draw not bad away to sunderland. Were better team for most of the game by the sounds of things. Fellaini playing great stuff the last 6 weeks

[marco 2005]

a draw not bad away to sunderland. Were better team for most of the game by the sounds of things. Fellaini playing great stuff the last 6 weeks

the best midfielder in the EPL as per his boss...

[Forsberg]

a draw not bad away to sunderland. Were better team for most of the game by the sounds of things. Fellaini playing great stuff the last 6 weeks

I take it all back. He's been superb recently.

[marco 2005]

great stuff for Everton that Morocco didnt make it to the ACN

[delzer]

great stuff for Everton that Morocco didnt make it to the ACN he plays for belgium though.

[marco 2005]

he plays for belgium though.

My bad...haven't watched Belgium play in years!

I just googled him as his name sounded really Moroccan to me.

[delzer]

My bad...haven't watched Belgium play in years!

I just googled him as his name sounded really Moroccan to me. his dad is moroccan though so its not that bad

[delzer]

a win at last today. Peformances seem to be improving.

[Loftydog]

a win at last today. Peformances seem to be improving.

Did Cahill go off injured?

[delzer]

i dont know lofty. I know neville came on for him. Dont know if it was tactical or an injury.

[Philby]

Any truth in the rumours that Everton are trying to steal young Adam Pepper back from Liverpool?

Very talented lad by all accounts.

[Jinky]

Any truth in the rumours that Everton are trying to steal young Adam Pepper back from Liverpool?


Nah, I'd say take that one with a pinch of salt.

[delzer]

Any truth in the rumours that Everton are trying to steal young Adam Pepper back from Liverpool?

Very talented lad by all accounts. pepper not happy with liverpools youth set up apparently. Thinks he will have a better chance to make it at everton.

[Philby]

Nah, I'd say take that one with a pinch of salt.

I like! :D

[Jinky]

I like! :D

So you get what I'm cayenne then? http://209.85.122.87/5902/57/0/e5001367/e5001367.gif

[Loftydog]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/e/everton/8437166.stm

[delzer]

happy new year fellow toffees!!!

[delzer]

Sounds like the blues were extremely poor.

Was only listening online but if carlisle lose this now it sounds like they were robbed.

Delighted to see Coleman set up another goal.

[Loftydog]

3-1 in the end seemingly.

[Mr Jefferson]

Word to the wise. Next Christmas don't get these...

http://evertondirect.everto nfc.com/stores/product_images/efc-59425.jpg

They didn't even contain any good jokes, just facts about Everton. They missed a real oppouttunity there.

[delzer]

Donavan starting today.

Will be interesting to see how he does.

[delzer]

Early day's but a great start.

[Mr Jefferson]

I saw that goal coming the second the extra time was displayed

[Mr Jefferson]

Bah. Great performance and 2 points dropped. Some great play but the faster Jags gets back the better. Way too indecisive at the back. Donovan played well. Vaighan needs to grow a brain.

[delzer]

I taught heitinga did well.

At the end of the day two deflections undone us.

[Forsberg]

Bah. Great performance and 2 points dropped. Some great play but the faster Jags gets back the better. Way too indecisive at the back. Donovan played well. Vaighan needs to grow a brain.

Vaughan's a busted flush. Ignoring his injury worries, he hasn't developed a football brain at all over the last 4 or 5 years. A championship player at best imo.

As I said in the other thread, Arsenal were there for the taking. Shame

[delzer]

Donavan did well,again i taught felliani had another decent game as well.

[Forsberg]

Donavan did well,again i taught felliani had another decent game as well.

The best player on the team :p

[delzer]

The best player on the team :p

He's in great form at the moment i just hope he keep's it up.

[gooner]

well played the toffee's... deserved 3 points today i hate to admit.

[delzer]

well played the toffee's... deserved 3 points today i hate to admit.

Should have kept the ball better at the end but would have taken a draw if offered at the start.

[Mr Jefferson]

Should have kept the ball better at the end but would have taken a draw if offered at the start.

Not after that pienaar goal. It would have been the perfect start to 2010 with us moving into the top 10 to boot.

[delzer]

Not after that pienaar goal. It would have been the perfect start to 2010 with us moving into the top 10 to boot.

I know should have killed the game but panicked again at the end.

[delzer]

Marouane Fellaini admits that he is relishing playing in his favoured position after months of being asked to fill in wherever necessary.

The 22-year-old made his name as a defensive midfielder at former club Standard Liege but since arriving at Everton at the start of last season he has often been deployed as a second striker or as an emergency frontman.

However, with the Toffees now welcoming back the likes of Yakubu and James Vaughan from long-term injuries this term, the Belgian international has begun to play a string of games in more familiar territory.

The switch back to midfield seems to be paying dividends for manager David Moyes with the club currently six games unbeaten in the league after their 2-2 draw with Arsenal at the weekend.

"Obviously I do my best wherever I play," he told the club's official website.

"If I'm put up front or just behind the striker, I'll play wherever I'm put. But I've always said that this is my best position. I'm enjoying playing here again."

Personal accolades
Moyes has even gone as far as to say that Fellaini is among the best midfielders in the Premier League but the £15million man is not interested in personal accolades.

"I just do my job out there on the field," he added. "I try to do my best. All I want is that the team wins, that's the most important thing for me.

"It's nice to hear things like this but it is always the results that count. We've got players coming back then we've won a few games recently, and played well doing so.

"Victories can give you confidence and the confidence can help you get better results. It all works together."

Fellaini also felt Everton were unlucky not to claim all three points against the Gunners at Emirates Stadium on Saturday in one of only two games to survive the weather in the Premier League over the weekend.

"We know when you play Arsenal that every player is good," he highlighted.

"But I think we proved that we can match them. We competed against them and did well.

"You have to play well if you want to get anything from Arsenal, but we have proved we can do that. We were disappointed.

"I think we deserved all three points. We put in a good performance and played well."

[delzer]

What a first half by the toffee's should be 3 or 4 up.

Fellaini having another great peformance.

[BostonRebel]

Tell me about it. I saw that City team selection and feared the worst. Then Santa Cruz went off and he brings on Robinho..?? Against Everton? He is terrified of Fellaini...

Need a physical presence against Everton and they are not up to it.

[delzer]

City's final ball has been woeful at time's.

They seem completely disjointed.

[STEVIEG]

Mancini's mercenarys fail their first real test

I still have this image of all these deluded idiots outside the council house the night they signed Robinho

How is he working out?




At least some of the wiser older heads such as Boston Rebel retained a sense of reality

Everton took the piss in the end

Form is temporary and all that

[BostonRebel]

Well beaten. No complaints. It was always going to be tough against an Everton that were all fired up by Fergie Junior beforehand even down to inflammatory comments in the match programme. And "Crocky" Santa Cruz going off after 4 minutes cannot have helped. You need big men against Everton.

But it's just one game. I wouldn't be too dismissive yet. And it is just what we need going into the derby this week. We will see if Mancini can get a response now. And I applaud his cojones in taking the woeful Robinho off after he came on as a sub. That was not the game for him.

Maybe unleash him on Wednesday then...or he may be gone before the end of the month.

Onwards and upwards.

[Forsberg]

Great performance.

Fellaini was immense. Completely dominated the midfield.

[TrickyBrick]

Great performance.

Fellaini was immense. Completely dominated the midfield.

To be honest,it was one of the best all-round midfielder performances iv seem on a long while.Pienaar was excellent aswel,I haven't seen everton play that well in years.heitenga looks like he's getting going too,it's a shame ye had such a poor start to the season

[Jinky]

Pienaar's been excellent this season.

Is he out of contract the end of the season?

[Forsberg]

Pienaar's been excellent this season.

Is he out of contract the end of the season?

No I think he's signed up until the end of next season.

I stand to be corrected though.

He's been Everton's best player fro two seasons now. he's superb

[Philby]

As predicted Everton look a totally different proposition once they've got the bulk of their top players back (and a smart addition in Landon Donovan).

Looked very strong in the bit of pieces that I saw of yesterday's game.

Micah Richards...he doesn't have an ounce of defensive cop on does he?

[delzer]

No I think he's signed up until the end of next season.

I stand to be corrected though.

He's been Everton's best player fro two seasons now. he's superb

yeah hope the club sign him to a long term contract soon as he will be signed by another club for free or a modest fee. Plus he will stand out in that south african team in the world cup.

[Loftydog]

Kinda makes swiss tony look even more like an idiot

[delzer]

Kinda makes swiss tony look even more like an idiot

That's not hard really lofty

[Mr Jefferson]

Into the top 10. Next challenge to get above Rafas lads and another good run in the cup.

[Philby]

Grayson in "small club" jibe

0957 GMT: Leeds striker Jermaine Beckford has been linked with a summer move to Everton, who are reported to have agreed a pre-contract with the striker, whose contract expires at the end of the season. However, Whites manager Simon Grayson said: "Pre-contract agreements aren't binding so both parties could pull out at any time. If he bangs in another 20 goals, there might be bigger teams than Everton coming in for him." (Press Association)

[Forsberg]

grayson in "small club" jibe

0957 gmt: Leeds striker jermaine beckford has been linked with a summer move to everton, who are reported to have agreed a pre-contract with the striker, whose contract expires at the end of the season. However, whites manager simon grayson said: "pre-contract agreements aren't binding so both parties could pull out at any time. If he bangs in another 20 goals, there might be bigger teams than everton coming in for him." (press association)




Fail

[Philby]

Presume Ferguson will be ranting about this arrogance from Grayson in his next available press conference..?

[Paddy Wagon]

[QUOTE=Philby;3125267]Grayson in "small club" jibe

QUOTE]

Didnt say small club anywhere in the quote, just that there are bigger clubs than Everton. Which is true!

Probably just trying to get Moyes to stump up a bit of Cash for the player in Jan instead of losing him for Nowt in the summer so that he can go and pick up a replacement like David Healy!

[STEVIEG]

Jesus Philby there is nothing wrong with what he said?????

[Forsberg]

Jesus Philby there is nothing wrong with what he said?????

Philby's losing it I think.

[Philby]

Jesus Philby there is nothing wrong with what he said?????

I fully agree.

That said EFC and Mr. Ferguson got all wound up about Rafa saying that Everton were a smaller club than Liverpool.

I presumed he'd also take exception to Mr. Grayson saying that there are clearly bigger clubs around than Everton.

Unless both EFC and Ferguson were jumping the gun acting out of latent inferiority and malice respectively?

[STEVIEG]

Ferguson was points scoring and trying to wind up Rafa

you are reading to much into it

[delzer]

I fully agree.

That said EFC and Mr. Ferguson got all wound up about Rafa saying that Everton were a smaller club than Liverpool.

I presumed he'd also take exception to Mr. Grayson saying that there are clearly bigger clubs around than Everton.

Unless both EFC and Ferguson were jumping the gun acting out of latent inferiority and malice respectively?Very poor wummery philler's. Rafa's statement had a lot more malice than Grayson's.

[EL TORO]

Moyesy is doing a cracking job at the moment but Rafa's doing even better! :cool:

[Philby]

Ferguson was points scoring and trying to wind up Rafa

you are reading to much into it

As did toffees fans when they got all up in arms with Rafa's initial comments.

Very poor wummery philler's. Rafa's statement had a lot more malice than Grayson's.

Personally I don't think he meant any particular harm by his comment but the way EFC (and ferguson) jumped all over has given many Liverpool fans a little chuckle.

Moyesy is doing a cracking job at the moment but Rafa's doing even better! :cool:

Indeed. Everton are as close to Liverpool are Liverpool are to 1st place.

[EL TORO]

As did toffees fans when they got all up in arms with Rafa's initial comments.



Personally I don't think he meant any particular harm by his comment but the way EFC (and ferguson) jumped all over has given many Liverpool fans a little chuckle.



Indeed. Everton are as close to Liverpool are Liverpool are to 1st place.

Nice one Philby, in disecting the three comments above you have achieved complete LFC supporter myopia. To not see Rafa's clear insult to towards Everton is either blind indifference or stupidity, i'd like to think its the former.

For my pennies worth Liverpool have been a shambles this season, to have spent what they have spent and to still be nowhere near winning the championship is unforgivable by that club's standards.

As for your last comment, Liverpool last won the league in 1990, Everton in 1987....Not much light between the two there eh?!

My feeling is that we will finish in 7/8th and will probably qualify again for the Europa league and we have to be happy with that given the horrendous start we have had due to more than half the 1st team being decimated.

Liverpool will strive for 4th (sad isnt it mate) and may get there but the chasing pack is a lot closer now and it may just be the case that the reds are left out in the cold and subject to the lack of CL money for next season.

Either way its not going to be a boring end to the season fella!

[Philby]

Nice one Philby, in disecting the three comments above you have achieved complete LFC supporter myopia. To not see Rafa's clear insult to towards Everton is either blind indifference or stupidity, i'd like to think its the former.

If Rafa did intend it then it was a fabulous subtle piece of wummage on his part, and one that would only further endear him to Liverpool fans by playing on Everton's inferiority complex.

For my pennies worth Liverpool have been a shambles this season, to have spent what they have spent and to still be nowhere near winning the championship is unforgivable by that club's standards.

Lots of clubs have spent lots of money and in recent transfer windows Benitez has been hung out to dry financially while the likes of Villa, Citeh, Spurs and even Stoke have vastly outspent them.

Benitez has delivered two CL finals (one win), steady progress in the league and the first genuine title challenge since I was in small pants.

Horrible season for LFC so far though. No getting around that.

As for your last comment, Liverpool last won the league in 1990, Everton in 1987....Not much light between the two there eh?!

I was talking about the league table as it currently stands.

My feeling is that we will finish in 7/8th and will probably qualify again for the Europa league and we have to be happy with that given the horrendous start we have had due to more than half the 1st team being decimated.

Me too, Everton have a good attitude and a core of quite useful players. They'll do fine.

Liverpool will strive for 4th (sad isnt it mate) and may get there but the chasing pack is a lot closer now and it may just be the case that the reds are left out in the cold and subject to the lack of CL money for next season.

Either way its not going to be a boring end to the season fella!

It'll be a frustrating season for LFC fans but boring? Perhaps not.

The race for 4th spot could be the enduring and most compelling story of the season.

Which is a little odd for traditionalists.

[delzer]

Christ awful stuff so far by everton. A total contrast in comparison to the Man City peformance.

[gooner]

Christ awful stuff so far by everton. A total contrast in comparison to the Man City peformance.

not the everton of the last couple of weeks thats for sure.

[delzer]

2-1 well worked goal by osman.

[gooner]

playing much better second half.

[delzer]

A welcome sight. Arteta back on the pitch.

[delzer]

Cant complain had the chance's to take something from the game. Arteta coming back from injury and another great game by Felliani the only positives to take from the game.

[delzer]

Be great if there is any truth in this.

Dutch striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar is expected to sign for Everton on loan this week, according to Johan Derksen, editor-in-chief of Voetbal International, Hollands most prominent football magazine.

Source: huntelaar wil snel naar everton | nusport.nl/engeland | Voor het laatste nieuws van elke sport
__________________

[marco 2005]

i can't understand why AW doesnt go for him if he's available for a 6 month loan....I really like that player.

[delzer]

i can't understand why AW doesnt go for him if he's available for a 6 month loan....I really like that player.

Yeah i always taught he looked/looks like a really good striker.

Scored goals for fun at Ajax and got his fair share at Madrid as well.

Has lost his way a bit at Milan but hes not the first player that has happened to.

[Forsberg]

Be great if there is any truth in this.

Dutch striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar is expected to sign for Everton on loan this week, according to Johan Derksen, editor-in-chief of Voetbal International, Hollands most prominent football magazine.

Source: huntelaar wil snel naar everton | nusport.nl/engeland | Voor het laatste nieuws van elke sport
__________________

I've never been convinced of him as a top player to be honest but it's a no brainer if they can get him

[STEVIEG]

I've never been convinced of him as a top player to be honest but it's a no brainer if they can get him

yup and yup

[EL TORO]

I am in agreement on Huntelaar. He was a promising young striker around the last world cup and hasnt really lived up to the hype...a bit of a Kezman type.

That said he couldnt be any worse than Jo! If we get him which I sincerely doubt we will. Not too sure about the signing of Senderos either. He seems to keep his best performances for the National team. I know that Moyes has to scrap around at the bottom end of the transfer market with little or no money. I know how he feels....I tried to sign Clinton Morrison for my FIFA10 manager team last night and couldnt get him....whats the game coming to?

I'm expecting a home win tomorrow night, anything less and we are back down amongst the dregs. Its push on time now and with our players coming back we need every available point.

COYB.

[ho chi feen]

yup and yup

Indeed.

[delzer]

Well it seems Huntelaar is staying putt in Milan judging by reports today.

AC Milan have ruled out the possibility of Klaas-Jan Huntelaar leaving in January.

The Dutch striker has been linked with loan moves to the likes of Everton, Spurs and Arsenal, but will remain with the Italian giants.

Milan general director Ariedo Braida told tuttomercatoweb: “Huntelaar stays here, all talk is unnecessary. Arsenal? No, I repeat that the player remains at Milan.”

[delzer]

Rooney 'I'm Still A Blue'

The England striker reveals why he always checks Everton's results when he comes off the pitch.

"I love Everton, I grew up supporting Everton and want them to win," he told evertonTV.

"In footballing terms I felt I had to move on but I still want Everton to win and that is never going to change.

"All my family are Everton fans, my son has his Everton kit now! Everton is still a big part of my life."

Also in part three of the Rooney special, the forward reveals what happened when he came face to face with Blues supporters at last season's FA Cup final.

"I was a bit nervous because I walked in through the Everton fans," he remembered. "To be honest though the Everton fans were brilliant that day.

"When Louis scored it was a great feeling! I still think there are trophies there for Everton to win but unfortunately it didn't happened that year."

[EL TORO]

Rooney 'I'm Still A Blue'

The England striker reveals why he always checks Everton's results when he comes off the pitch.

"I love Everton, I grew up supporting Everton and want them to win," he told evertonTV.

"In footballing terms I felt I had to move on but I still want Everton to win and that is never going to change.

"All my family are Everton fans, my son has his Everton kit now! Everton is still a big part of my life."

Also in part three of the Rooney special, the forward reveals what happened when he came face to face with Blues supporters at last season's FA Cup final.

"I was a bit nervous because I walked in through the Everton fans," he remembered. "To be honest though the Everton fans were brilliant that day.

"When Louis scored it was a great feeling! I still think there are trophies there for Everton to win but unfortunately it didn't happened that year."

He willl be back in Blue some day, of that there is no doubt in my mind.

[Philby]

He left Everton as soon as was humanly possible after barely breaking into double figures goals-wise for them.

Once a blue...

[Lapsy Pa]

He willl be back in Blue some day, of that there is no doubt in my mind.

When he's 38.........maybe.

[delzer]

He left Everton as soon as was humanly possible after barely breaking into double figures goals-wise for them.

Once a blue...

He was sold as the club could not afford to turn down the money being offered.

Unlike Stevie Me he didn't hold the club to ransom then declare his unwaivering love for all thing's L.F.C.

[delzer]

Inept officials costing everton at the moment had a stonewall penalty turned down and a good goal disallowed wrongly.

Just as i type Cahill strikes again!!!!!!!!!!

Super header by tiny.

[zimmerman]

Start terrible and end brilliantly - Why are everton always doing this?

Does gollum do any preseason training?

[delzer]

Start terrible and end brilliantly - Why are everton always doing this?

Does gollum do any preseason training?

They dont always do this.

This year they had half a squad which got smaller with even more injuries throughout the season and with a small budget it wasnt possible to bring in replacements for all the injured players.

[delzer]

Interesting article.

A sectarian division between Everton and Liverpool football clubs is, for some, an irrefutable part of our local football culture. There is a prodigious amount of anecdotal evidence claiming Everton to be the team traditionally supported by the city’s Catholic population and Liverpool being predominantly supported by Protestants.
For others, though, sectarian affiliation is more urban myth than reality. Football historians in particular have dismissed notions of sectarianism as being without foundation and a divisive intrusion on the city’s football affairs.

The issue, though, has never been investigated in any great depth and, perhaps, deserves closer scrutiny than hitherto afforded it. Whilst the claim of religious differences has little or no meaning in defining the relationship of the modern day Everton and Liverpool football clubs, the specific question to address is whether there is any justification for the perception that, in an earlier period, the basis for such claims existed?


http://www.toffeeweb.com/season/09-10/comment/fan/RedBlueGreenOrange.p df

[EL TORO]

....and the butterflies have already kicked in. If ever we had a chance of taking all three points off the RS then its tomorrow. Man for man we now have the better squad and as long as theres no Clattenburg type 'refereeing' we should see this one out.

I just hope Moyes plays two up front and does not let them come at us from the off. Stevie La should be marked out early on and thats the end of their attacking options.

I'm going to go for a 1-2 result in our favour. I notice the bookies here in Manchester have us at 29/1 for a 2-0 win....I'm tempted like!

COYB!

[delzer]

I hope they peform better than they did last week at Wigan.

I cant see moyes playing 2 up front tbh. Well two out and out strikers anyway saha with cahill playing behind him would be my guess.

[EL TORO]

I hope they peform better than they did last week at Wigan.

I cant see moyes playing 2 up front tbh. Well two out and out strikers anyway saha with cahill playing behind him would be my guess.

Yea, I agree, but to be fair when Cahill is on form he is a 2nd striker.

As for the Wigan game, if the ref had been on the ball we would have been 2 up by half time and it would have been a very different story.

I hope Coleman is on the bench tomorrow, I really rate that lad. He's already a better defender than feckin Senderos who does not inspire confidence in me.

[delzer]

Yea, I agree, but to be fair when Cahill is on form he is a 2nd striker.

As for the Wigan game, if the ref had been on the ball we would have been 2 up by half time and it would have been a very different story.

I hope Coleman is on the bench tomorrow, I really rate that lad. He's already a better defender than feckin Senderos who does not inspire confidence in me.

I wasnt pleased when he got signed. I never liked him at arsenal.it says something when Wenger replaces him with Campbell.

Ya the ref was brutal last saturday.

[marco 2005]

I wasnt pleased when he got signed. I never liked him at arsenal.it says something when Wenger replaces him with Campbell.

Ya the ref was brutal last saturday.

Philippe does not have found memories of Anfield alright...

[delzer]

Philippe does not have found memories of Anfield alright...

Hopefully he will banish those memories tomorrow ;)

[EL TORO]

Hopefully he will banish those memories tomorrow ;)

I'm thinking Mr Fellaini will be very much involved in tomorrows outcome...If he repeats his recent form they wont be able to get near the big fella.

My team would be:

Howard
Neville, Heitinga,Distin,Bain es
Osman, Pienarr, Fellaini, Donovan
Saha, Cahill

Subs - Arteta, Coleman, Bili, Yak, Senderos,Vaughan and Nash.

Osman for Bili purely based on current form. Bili's not up to speed yet and would probably be more effective as a sub.

[delzer]

I'm thinking Mr Fellaini will be very much involved in tomorrows outcome...If he repeats his recent form they wont be able to get near the big fella.

My team would be:

Howard
Neville, Heitinga,Distin,Bain es
Osman, Pienarr, Fellaini, Donovan
Saha, Cahill

Subs - Arteta, Coleman, Bili, Yak, Senderos,Vaughan and Nash.

Osman for Bili purely based on current form. Bili's not up to speed yet and would probably be more effective as a sub.

I would agree with that team. Hopefully Fellaini will put the shackles on Stevie Me.

Billy Arteta and the Yak all great options to have on the bench.

Hopefully Tiny Tim will continue his good goalscoring record against the neighbours.

[delzer]

Same team as last week except for Senderos.

Paul Walsh has just said he would have Kuyt ina team in front of Pieenar.

[Swoosh]

Same team as last week except for Senderos.

Paul Walsh has just said he would have Kuyt ina team in front of Pieenar.

that is fair enough Kuyt adds something more to a team than pienaar. If i was buying any everton plyer it'd be arteta

[delzer]

that is fair enough Kuyt adds something more to a team than pienaar. If i was buying any everton plyer it'd be arteta

I will disagree with you on this one.

Pienaar is miles ahead of Kuyt imo.

[Dan Brown]

that is fair enough Kuyt adds something more to a team than pienaar. If i was buying any everton plyer it'd be arteta

Kuyt is a donkey.

A poor man's Park.

[Swoosh]

I will disagree with you on this one.

Pienaar is miles ahead of Kuyt imo.

technically he's a better footballer but Kuyt is tougher and offes more to the team than pienaar does.

[delzer]

technically he's a better footballer but Kuyt is tougher and offes more to the team than pienaar does.

i would disagree with you again,but thats bound to happen

[Swoosh]

i would disagree with you again,but thats bound to happen

you are a disagreeable old fucker alright

[delzer]

you are a disagreeable old fucker alright

:D i have been called worse.

[Swoosh]

fair enough.

Everton do have a solid team and bringing back the likes of Jagielka and Arteta will impove them for the rest of the season.

They just lack the midfield creativity that the likes of Spurs/Villa have

[delzer]

fair enough.

Everton do have a solid team and bringing back the likes of Jagielka and Arteta will impove them for the rest of the season.

They just lack the midfield creativity that the likes of Spurs/Villa have

Arteta can bring that and i do think pienaar and billy on the wings would cause a lot of teams problems.

Billy is getting a rest at the moment as he came straight from the russian season into the english season and hopefully when he comes back he will make a big impact

[Swoosh]

Arteta can bring that and i do think pienaar and billy on the wings would cause a lot of teams problems.

Billy is getting a rest at the moment as he came straight from the russian season into the english season and hopefully when he comes back he will make a big impact

yep and perhaps if they can get donovan full time it would boost there squad.

a top striker would realy push them into the spurs/villa/lverpool/city group

[delzer]

yep and perhaps if they can get donovan full time it would boost there squad.

a top striker would realy push them into the spurs/villa/lverpool/city group

yeah a striker badly needed.

yakubu hasnt been the same since his return from injury.

[Swoosh]

yeah a striker badly needed.

yakubu hasnt been the same since his return from injury.

a Carlton cole or someone would be very good for them

[delzer]

Shocking by Howard.

[Swoosh]

Same team as last week except for Senderos.

Paul Walsh has just said he would have Kuyt ina team in front of Pieenar.

Paul Walsh seems to know his football!

[delzer]

Paul Walsh seems to know his football!

Anyone could have scored that unmarked in the 6 yard box ffs

Disaster

[Swoosh]

Anyone could have scored that unmarked in the 6 yard box ffs

Disaster

he also defended well there from donovans cross.

might not be on the showboat every week but he is effective

[delzer]

he also defended well there from donovans cross.

might not be on the showboat every week but he is effective

I dont doubt his workrate.

And today he is playing miles better tha pienaar.

[Swoosh]

benitez is trying hrd for everton by bringing on babel

[delzer]

Didnt deserve anything from that game a terrible peformance.

[jbmmeidol]

Moyes is the most overated manager in the Premier League they had an extra man and were still was as negative as ever.

He will never get one of the top jobs in Football.

[Swoosh]

Moyes is the most overated manager in the Premier League they had an extra man and were still was as negative as ever.

He will never get one of the top jobs in Football.

He works on a shoestring budget compared to Redknapp, O'Neill etc not to mention Mancini, Benitez, Fergie, Wenger and Ancelotti.

Does a great job for Everton, anyone who gets £20 million for Joelon Lescott and replaces him with a beter player for pittance is a good manager

[STEVIEG]

what he said ^^^



Liverpool defended well, took their big chance and Everton were always gonna lose the odd game after going over 2 months unbeaten

[jbmmeidol]

What better player replaced Lescott, how did Liverpool score so from a corner so.

Should have signed Richard Dunne.

[STEVIEG]

The keeper was terrible for the goal (he is prone to the odd mistake like this) but he has been a good signing overall

Moyes has spent a pittance of the money that all of those above him have spent


Dunne came from Everton in the first place and maybe would have been good but Jagielka is probably better for me

[Swoosh]

What better player replaced Lescott, how did Liverpool score so from a corner so.

Should have signed Richard Dunne.

Heitinga, Distin, Jagielka are 3 strong centre halves. Add in the signings of Biladenov, Pienaar shows he knows a deal when its on.

[Philby]

Gollum showing strains of bitterness. Any manager who turns a 0-0 with a man advantage into a loss has to have serious questions asked of him.

"We kept the ball well but didn't create enough chances with the extra man," said Moyes.

"Saying that, we did not deserve to lose as Liverpool didn't create many chances either."

[Jinky]

That's pretty bitter. He can expect a rap on that hand from the FA for that...

[EL TORO]

Not good enough on Saturday. A poor Liverpool were there for the taking and we didnt do enough to deserve a win. Not really Moyes's fault, the players showed no invention. Poor goal to concede but overall the game was dire. Carraghers tackle on Piennar in the 1st min should have been carded and this may have quelled the later violence. Cant blame the ref for defeat though. Neither team shone on Saturday regardless of the result. However results elsewhere went well for Liverpool.

Next come Chelsea...I am expecting a win in line with Everton's current form.

[delzer]

Gollum showing strains of bitterness. Any manager who turns a 0-0 with a man advantage into a loss has to have serious questions asked of him.

"We kept the ball well but didn't create enough chances with the extra man," said Moyes.

"Saying that, we did not deserve to lose as Liverpool didn't create many chances either."

I dont see any bitterness there tbh Philby.

[Philby]

He should be focusing on his team's inability to make any inroads for 50 odd minutes against 10 men rather than trying to deflect attention to how the depleted opposition didn't have enough chances to deserve victory (here's me thinking goals win games...)

[delzer]

He should be focusing on his team's inability to make any inroads for 50 odd minutes against 10 men rather than trying to deflect attention to how the depleted opposition didn't have enough chances to deserve victory (here's me thinking goals win games...)

He did say they didnt create any chances.

Again i cant see any bitterness in what he said.

[Philby]

Forgive me if I lack sympathy for Screech's ankle injury given the manner in which he sustained it.

Potential leg-breaker that.

http://www.bestq8.com/up/uploads/e0a63d8ff6.gif

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/e/everton/8507211.stm

Marouane Fellaini to see specialist over ankle injury
http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/47271000/jpg/_47271694_fellaini.j pg
Fellaini has netted three times in all competitions this season
Everton's Marouane Fellaini is to see a specialist on Thursday to learn the full extent of the ankle injury he suffered in the defeat at Liverpool.

The 22-year-old Belgian midfielder was hurt by Sotirios Kyrgiakos' tackle during Saturday's 1-0 loss at Anfield.

Fellaini had been due to visit the specialist on Tuesday but his train to London was cancelled.

"Until the specialist sees it we can't make any decision," said Everton manager David Moyes.

"He's got a really bad ankle," added Moyes. "I was really surprised - it was like an elephant's ankle, it was that bad."

"He has been integral part of how we have played in recent weeks and he will be a miss."

[Tony Angelino]

i must say David Moyes is a fantastic manager great result

[marco 2005]

nice one Saha and Everton....i hear Cech saved a penalty?

[delzer]

Forgive me if I lack sympathy for Screech's ankle injury given the manner in which he sustained it.

Potential leg-breaker that.

http://www.bestq8.com/up/uploads/e0a63d8ff6.gif

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/e/everton/8507211.stm

Marouane Fellaini to see specialist over ankle injury
http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/47271000/jpg/_47271694_fellaini.j pg
Fellaini has netted three times in all competitions this season
Everton's Marouane Fellaini is to see a specialist on Thursday to learn the full extent of the ankle injury he suffered in the defeat at Liverpool.

The 22-year-old Belgian midfielder was hurt by Sotirios Kyrgiakos' tackle during Saturday's 1-0 loss at Anfield.

Fellaini had been due to visit the specialist on Tuesday but his train to London was cancelled.

"Until the specialist sees it we can't make any decision," said Everton manager David Moyes.

"He's got a really bad ankle," added Moyes. "I was really surprised - it was like an elephant's ankle, it was that bad."

"He has been integral part of how we have played in recent weeks and he will be a miss."
No sympathy for the greek he stuck the two legs in Screech did nothing wrong.

Super result tonight and from what i saw it was well deserved. I am still puzzeled how they managed to beat Chelsea and not an extremely average Red Shite team.

[EL TORO]

Not good enough on Saturday. A poor Liverpool were there for the taking and we didnt do enough to deserve a win. Not really Moyes's fault, the players showed no invention. Poor goal to concede but overall the game was dire. Carraghers tackle on Piennar in the 1st min should have been carded and this may have quelled the later violence. Cant blame the ref for defeat though. Neither team shone on Saturday regardless of the result. However results elsewhere went well for Liverpool.

Next come Chelsea...I am expecting a win in line with Everton's current form.

Great result last night.....and as you can see above I did call this one!!

In all seriousness this puts the derby result to bed. That was a freak result and the game could have gone either way. Last night I thought we were finally seeing our boys playing to their strengths and pushed on by the noise from all four corners of the old lady it was a great night.

Saha was immense bar the penalty, Landon, Ossie, Baines and Heteinga were great also. My only worry is with Bili, he just does not look like a £10m player.

Bring on Utd next!

[marco 2005]

Great result last night.....and as you can see above I did call this one!!

In all seriousness this puts the derby result to bed. That was a freak result and the game could have gone either way. Last night I thought we were finally seeing our boys playing to their strengths and pushed on by the noise from all four corners of the old lady it was a great night.

Saha was immense bar the penalty, Landon, Ossie, Baines and Heteinga were great also. My only worry is with Bili, he just does not look like a £10m player.

Bring on Utd next!

watched the extended highlights last night and was very impressed. Great display.

Saha needs to stay fit. He looked back to his best and with a good end of season could well find himself picked for the WC.

[Philby]

Screech did nothing wrong.

Sweet God. Open your eyes man.

Super result tonight and from what i saw it was well deserved. I am still puzzeled how they managed to beat Chelsea and not an extremely average Red Shite team.

With a man advantage...