Everton Banter Archive August 02 2016

02 Aug 2016 22:08:40
What impact, if any, do you think Liverpool's bid for the Commonwealth games will have on Everton's chances of a new stadium, especially the dock-side ones. Surely a positive?

02 Aug 2016 23:17:26
Maybe, but would hate to have an athletics track around the pitch.
Heard today that the reason for lack of big money signings was due to the fact that the stadium is definitely going ahead sooner rather than later.

02 Aug 2016 23:53:23
I have been thinking that might be the reason, it makes sense.

02 Aug 2016 20:32:55
Squad numbers are out. is it me or has niasse been left out?

02 Aug 2016 20:54:47
niasse is number 9.

02 Aug 2016 20:56:49
Read my post below re who has squad numbers.

02 Aug 2016 21:08:59
sorry, meant kone 9.

02 Aug 2016 20:19:15
The squad numbers announced on the official club website show 5 players (Niasse, McGeady, Garbutt, McAleny and Rodriguez) without a number - which surely means they'll be leaving (either permanently or on loan) .
Allowing also for the signing of Gueye, we now have 22 aged-over-21 players, which leaves 3 vacant slots in the maximum allowed 25. If Stones and Lukaku (and and any others) leave, then there'll be further slots for incoming aged-over-21 players.
The current 22 aged-over-21 players are: 1 Robles, 3 Baines, 4 Gibson, 5 Stones, 6 Jagielka, 7 Deulofeu, 8 Barkley, 9 Kone, 10 Lukaku, 11 Mirallas, 12 Lennon, 15 Cleverley, 16 McCarthy, 17 Gueye, 18 Barry, 20 Oviedo, 21 Besic, 22 Stekelenburg, 23 Coleman, 25 Funes Mori, 27 Browning and 38 Pennington.
There are 6 aged-under-21 players given numbers today: 24 Tarashaj, 26 Davies, 28 Dowell, 30 Holgate, 32 Galloway and 39 Grant. Other U21/ U18 players will no doubt get numbers in due course. None of the aged-under-21 players take up slots in the 25-man squad.

02 Aug 2016 21:09:10
Good post Sid. So basically 3 places to be filled. Then anyone that leaves may be replaced also. We're looking at least 3 more players coming in then. More or less.

02 Aug 2016 19:39:38
I'd just like to say that the signing of Ladrissa Gueye has the smell of Steve Walshs influence all over it. if he really is to be the next "KANTE' then we will have 1 hell of a player on our hands. & bear in mind when KANTE joined Leicester from Caen in France for 5.5 million he struggled somewhat in his first season to show his full potential as he adapted to the epl. another advantage with this Gueye bloke is he's already played a full season in the epl and adapted to the pace and play meaning he should hit the ground running in his first season in an Everton shirt. expecting a couple more signings of this ilk yet including Ashley Williams, then expect 1 or 2 marquee signing prob. Being creative midfielder and a top striker once the 'egoed 1' departs.

{Ed001's Note - Kante joined Leicester last season, he had no struggles to adapt.}

02 Aug 2016 19:57:09
Haha plonker.

02 Aug 2016 20:46:29
Haha plonked indeed.2 many Stella's downed this evening. will be landing back on planet earth tomorrow.

02 Aug 2016 19:11:48
Had a quick look at squad numbers. Just 2 small observations. Niasse? No squad number? I may stand corrected but I didn't see it. Also from number 26 up to 39 are these under 25 years of age therefore not on our named 25 list?

If so then we have 4 free spaces according to the list. Again I maybe missing something. Didn't spend too long looking at it. A bit of banter. Happy with the signing.

02 Aug 2016 19:55:57
Kone No 9, what the heck do these Managers/ Coaches see in the bloke. Martinez I could understand but Koeman, (can't fault the blokes ability or experience, Koeman) so there must be something in Kone we are missing.

02 Aug 2016 19:56:17
Correct, in regards to Niasse. Looks like he's off. McGeady, Macaleny or Garbutt haven't been given one either.

02 Aug 2016 22:56:47
Because if Lukaku goes we have no other center forward for the squad.

02 Aug 2016 17:57:21
Anyone got their new season tickets? Just got mine with Sharpy, Kev the rat and Big Nev.
Looks very classy indeed. Heard there's different pictures on different tickets so was wondering who anyone else got?

02 Aug 2016 18:47:25
the young one Howard then cahil then ducan for 19 22 then adults is 84/ 85 squad and seniors is Kendal.

02 Aug 2016 20:36:07
Nice one Bretto.

02 Aug 2016 21:17:22
I seen on Everton site just passed it on.

02 Aug 2016 17:45:18
Remember the days we signed 7 players over a couple of days. Kendall's Magnificent Seven, of which Southall was the only real success. The others being, Jim Arnold, Alan Biley, Alan Ainscow, Mickey Thomas, Mike Walsh and Mick Fergusson!

02 Aug 2016 20:00:49
Funny I was trying to think of them the other day!

02 Aug 2016 17:27:38
welcome to Everton guegye hopefully ball start rolling now.

02 Aug 2016 16:08:38
Sunderland are offering kone a new contract of 70 grand to ward of interest from us.

02 Aug 2016 17:05:45
Hope you mean Arouna Kone lol.

02 Aug 2016 15:19:14
Just don't get why we haven't accepted massive offers for Stones n Lukaku when they don't want to play for us, seems silly really. All that dough n time running out to replace them, madness. Were shooting ourselves in the foot if ya ask me.

02 Aug 2016 15:49:31
Who says, other than the papers, they don't want to play for us? I read a couple of weeks ago that a 10 minute chat with Koeman convinced Stones to stay and also Lukaku had had a change of mind also. Don't know for sure but we cannot rely on paper talk can we.

02 Aug 2016 16:38:23
I'm sure RK will be over the moon if they stay! let's not forget the word professional!

02 Aug 2016 18:09:08
I think we are going the right way about this whole situation. The players are valued by the club and they won't sell until that value is met. Too many times over the years we've been pushed and bullied by the so called "bigger clubs" Now we're in the driving seat.

02 Aug 2016 13:38:15
While Gueye and williams will be good signings. Does anyone think we will get that marquee signing that has been speculated?

02 Aug 2016 14:02:34
Ive gone off the idea of a statement signing unless its a gk like foster or butland. Would prefer to sign players hungry to play with something to prove, unrealistic but the likes of tello or elhadadi types.
And i wouldn't underestimate the signings of williams/ gueye as they will prove vital for us over the season.

02 Aug 2016 13:45:59
Nope. Not at all. But I don't expect it either if I'm honest. Which Marquee signing would want to come to a prem club which has finished 11th 2 seasons in the bounce? What I'm hoping for are a few players who will progress us further this year, get us back to where we were so to speak, then next summer will be our big summer. (I wouldn't be upset if Messi signed for us though haha)

02 Aug 2016 19:22:58
Although most of the players will want European football, not all good players will have a chance to move to a club playing in Europe. take bojan and shakiri, both went to stoke and both are good players, not saying world beaters, but still good enough for better than Stoke.

02 Aug 2016 12:59:58
How dare Everton tell Chelsea a price and stick to it I mean what's wrong with us.

Chelsea go give your heads a wobble and come back with the price stated.

Chelsea and city won't have much say as they did with clubs all getting money now, they don't like it so they.

02 Aug 2016 11:51:31
The nearer we get to the end of the transfer window is it feasible to think the prices for players will come down.

02 Aug 2016 13:21:54
Depends what players. If a club wants to get rid of someone but the price is scaring clubs away then maybe. But if the club wants to keep someone, then it will likely go up. Plus, it gives less time for a replacement to be signed and implemented into the club.

02 Aug 2016 11:15:52
First time posting
Does anybody else feel Lukaku is staying put? No strikers recently linked has me thinking along these lines. In regards to Stones, take the money and run, I've lost count how many times he has gone to ground during games. We need a strong bully who takes no crap and can defend set pieces.

02 Aug 2016 11:43:30
I do Tim, think he is staying defo, Stones is gone 100% certain.

02 Aug 2016 11:55:53
I thought Tim17 posted as Sydney Blue?
Haven't seen him post recently, shame really his info was usually good.

02 Aug 2016 12:03:28
Sick of the whole Lukaku farce now. Chelsea need to put up or shut up. And if he happens to stay he needs to pull his finger outta his arse and start playing like the player he thinks he is .

02 Aug 2016 12:22:18
I call all Aussie Blues Tim Gene, bound to get it right once mate.

02 Aug 2016 12:32:55
There's method in the madness there Murf. Wouldn't be suprised to see Tim in some sort of role at Sunderland in the near future. Easily Moyes best ever signing for me.

02 Aug 2016 12:36:59
Jimmyc pay up or shut up?!? Bit rich when you still owe money on the £28m deal you brought him for.

02 Aug 2016 13:09:01
Fair point pinky. But regardless of what we owe, there's the price if you want him pay it.75 mill is a bit steep for a player whos worth 35/ 40 tops but that's the way the current market is right now. Correct me if i am wrong didn't Chelsea make 18 million on him when he was sold to us? and that's not taking into account what we paid to take him on loan in his first season .

02 Aug 2016 13:10:37
Would that be the deal that was agreed with Chelsea! We put our money up if you want him do the same! If not tough luck!

02 Aug 2016 14:24:01
End of the day am not bothered about money am worried bout players wanting to play for the club stones and lukaku don't. So why do you worry bout it? The money that's been offered for the pair is way over the top I wouldn't be to picky if I was Everton because these clubs won't pay up and your left with players who don't want to be there! Only you lose.

02 Aug 2016 11:08:21
First time posting from Australia. The lack of strikers being linked has me thinking Lukaku is staying put.
Might be me just being hopeful.

02 Aug 2016 10:40:00
Not over the moon at the Williams rumours to be honest. I feel like he has a few too many mistakes in him, isn't 6 foot nor the quickest. He does give 110% mind. Squad player, yeah (which is possibly harsh on him) , but 10 million starter, not for me.

02 Aug 2016 10:54:00
Gotta look at it differently, the statistics show he is a better DEFENDER than Jags, Stones or Mori. Something that has been missing for a while in Centre of Defence. Also i do believe he won't be the only Centre Defender we'll get either.

02 Aug 2016 10:54:55
better than anything we have mate, that's a certainty and a leader of men, hope Koeman makes him captain immediately.

02 Aug 2016 11:34:48
Agreed we really need a natural leader, his stats are certainly not that bad either!

02 Aug 2016 08:28:05
With the Stones and Lukaku deals seemingly moving along we have been linked with several defenders to replace Stones, however who is he looking at as the main striker replacement?

02 Aug 2016 09:30:30
Wakka my concern was we needed another decent striker to go with rom, now it looks like we need two, I think we will get some decent players in but we need a goal scorer fast.

Problem is there ain't much out there, i would go for bony now and get him in before rom goes.

I'm sure rk knows what he is doing though so we just have to trust them. We got cash so there shouldn't be a problem.

02 Aug 2016 10:12:54
Benteke and maybe a gamble on Ross McCormack see if he can make the step up as he scores for fun in the Championship. Both would cost less than what we recoup from Rom sale.

02 Aug 2016 10:30:43
problem is pb Lukaku is proven 20 plus goals striker we will have to unearth a gem to replace him all top strikers will want CL.

02 Aug 2016 11:04:39
Think we will end up with rolan and haller as our strikers. Praet as attacking mid and gueye, williams, bruno indi as defence reinforcements. Just my thoughts nothing to back it up with.

02 Aug 2016 07:17:16
It feels like there's a massive divide forming on this site. On one side there's all the positive Blues who choose to have a little faith in our new management. Examples include me, BlueJohnUns and NBTB. On the other side there's the likes DegsyPulford and Oxford Toffee, scaremongering and talking of relegation and a lack of quality in the squad. Most of the other Blues are floating somewhere in the middle, concerned by the lack of transfer activity but hopeful that our new management team will sort everything out.

I enjoy the banter as much as anyone but we need to be careful that it doesn't get too heated. We are all passionate but we are not Kopites. We should not turn on each other like they so often do because at the end of the day we all love Everton, no matter how annoying other Blues can be (I'm looking at you Degsy lol)

02 Aug 2016 08:26:51
There just needs to be a bit of perspective Tommy. People these days expect, and demand, instant gratification with everything. Koeman has a big job on his hands make no mistake! That needs to start by getting the teams to play a certain way and eradicate the mistakes and poor play that have blighted us for three years. This isn't going to happen overnight and people need to remember that instead of bleating about how we haven't signed messi!

02 Aug 2016 08:49:18
I agree about the divide Blue Tommy and it does worry me too. But I have to say there are 2 sides to every arguement. You use the word scaremongering. I would use the words "real fears for my beloved club". These are my genuine fears and I would be a bad supporter if I did not voice my opinions. You then say you are looking at me regarding turning on each other. last night I say a post specifically referring to me in the "gbar" weraing a fruity tee-shirt. I have never been abusive or personal against anyone mate, but I did find that quite a personal remark and absolutely nothing to do with Everton banter. I don't even remember who put it on and viewed it with the contempt it deserved. As an Evertonian of some 48 years. one who now lives in Cornwall. yet has travelled abroad and home and away games throughout those years. I do feel I should be allowed to voice my opinions. I have never once been abusive. only voiced my real fears. yet I get accused of negativity and the likes. and then a ridiculous post about visiting "gbars". I would suggest those who criticise me should look at themselves before "casting the first stone". Chin up mate.

{Ed001's Note - hmmm yet you say you can take a joke? Seems like a joke is fine so long as you are not on the end of it.}

02 Aug 2016 09:08:12
Nil Satis Nisi Optimum, Born not Manufactured. Evertonians should have OPINIONS, because we are passionate about our Club, like families we squable but at the end of the day its because we want the best for our Team . that's all it is, we all end up having a pint together regardless of our views. Respect views other than your own because somewhere there is common ground, and that is Goodison Park where we will cheer on our club, but its the right of all to seek better or ambition for the Club.

02 Aug 2016 09:31:39
I think you misunderstand my post Degsy, I was having a laugh saying that you are annoying not that the divide is your fault.

However you must accept that you (and others including myself probably) have contributed to this based on the reasons I have previously outlined to you on several occasions.

As regards the Gbar joke that someone else made. I'm not sure you realise why it was said. Apparently we are supposed to have agreed a lucrative shirt sponsorship deal with the online gambling site 'Fruity King', so we may end up with that on our shirt. So the poster made a joke ribbing you and Murf (probably as you are both regular posters) . Murf took the joke well. You did not.

I don't mean to be offensive here but I feel that I need to be a bit blunt. I understand you feel that everyone is having a go at you, but I feel that you bring it on yourself. Everybody on here appreciates that you have an opinion, but everyone has explained what you do on here that annoys them. I myself have done so. Yet you still persist. Read back on all the replies to your posts. If you can't handle the fact that the majority of people disagree with you and you can't handle the banter then maybe this site is not for you.

02 Aug 2016 09:36:19
Great post Pedro. A bit of perspective and patience is exactly what we all need. However, the new management (from the boardroom to the coaching staff) have so far given me every reason to trust them.

So despite the obvious problems with our playing squad and the hangover from the disastrous previous regime, this is the first time in my lifetime that I genuinely don't fear relegation.

02 Aug 2016 09:50:31
Well said HB, what we could do with is a shed load of positive posts to bring that feel good feeling back. I understand where Degsy and OT are coming from and to be fair all they are doing are voicing their concerns. The only thing I would say is that continuously posting negative posts will bring a negative feel to the forum, likewise continuous positive posts will lift spirits and bring that feel good factor out. You also have to remember you will read posts with an opposing view to your's with some negativity. Contrary to both Degsy and TO I believe that we will be fine. I think the new management still need time to asses certain areas of the squad and I think they will strengthen where they think they need to and we won't have a Scooby who the targets are, have been or will be. There is positive talk from the club that we will strengthen the squad. Similarly to last season both Lukaku and Stones had been sold by the media and panic ensued. The club has been progressing in a positive manor off the pitch we have new owners with a bit of cash that look to be taking the club forward out of the stagnation of the last three seasons.

02 Aug 2016 09:54:47
My god Degsy. You want to go the pub before a match and dealing with the ripping you do to each other there!

I get what you're saying though. Banter comes in all forms but if you're not comfortable with it just say so and I would expect the person would simply say sorry. I wouldn't hold a grudge mate it really isn't personal i'm sure.

I love this site because of the difference of point of view. there have been plenty of times probably a couple of times a week that I've seen a post and thought to myself "I never looked at it that way".

Personally I'm positive now because I've seen the worst. In the 90's we had a team that was so poor we really did deserve to be in the Championship. And Degsy that really was an old squad that had no goal scorers in Midfield or up front.

In Martinez I was terrified. The reason was because he wouldn't admit to his failings. Defensive mistakes were abundant in his first season don't be fooled into thinking we still had the Moyes steel. In the second and third season that continued but the confidence and belief in the manager went and that was a dangerous combination.

With Koeman he has already shown that he can adapt his team to whatever challenges there are. After successive seasons in losing his best players he adapted the team to be more successful that the previous season. That is some going. Martinez done completely the opposite.

So positive am I? Yes but I'm bloody demanding too and I want genuine improvement. As an example, I love Barkley and think he is the one player we can't do without. Before people start pointing this and that out let me finish. He makes the wrong choices sometimes, He doesn't slide tackle, he gives up chasing the ball back when he loses it and he let's things get on top of him and puts too much pressure on himself BUT he scores against anyone regardless of reputation, he gets as many assists as most midfielders of his type, he got more goals and assists that any Everton midfielder has done since 1985 last season and he could have done so much more, when he runs at people from a deeper position there isn't a player like him in the EPL and most in Europe.

Degsy and I look at goals in the team differently. Degsy points out about our lower scoring Midfield. I point out that we have scored roughly the same amount of goals over the past 30 years each year. I blame the defence for conceding goals rather than the midfield not scoring as much.

Maybe if our midfield score more goals, our attack score the same amount but our defence concedes less then we will win the league next year and me and Degsy can tell each other "I told you so".

My point is there is always two sides to every story. It's up to you how you want to see things but don't stop loving that club and don't start looking for things that aren't there. Signings will come along with a new ground and believe it or not we might win a few matches along the way. There's no need for panic, this year we're in much better hands than the last three.

02 Aug 2016 10:29:08
I just don't get the problem with the gbar? Had a few cracking nights in there myself. Banter is banter and some people can give and take and others just take offence which is fine. I have to say I am not a fence sitter I am firmly on the side of having patience whilst we make a transition from what the previous regime did. Mentioning players and managers that have gone and lack of goals etc gets boring Degsy, yes that is your opinion and we get it you don't have to remind us daily! Oxford Toffee is obviously a new poster and again is very repetitive in the criticism of a lack of signings, bearing in mind there is 4 weeks left of the transfer window. We will make signings and we will score goals. And with the youngsters in the squad I would be interested to see the average age of the squad for the coming season. I can just forsee it now we sign Ashley Williams who is 32 and Degsy will post how we have sold John Stones and replaced him with an old defender so the age has gone up again and how Moyes wouldn't have done this. as I said repetitive and predictable. Anyways let's set aside our differences and get our fruity shirts and make up on and head down the gbar for 2 for 1 on cock, sorry meant cocktails 😂.

02 Aug 2016 10:34:50
Degsy I think you totally misread that post. I know who posted it and IMHO he did not mean it at all in the way you took it up. It was just a fly away comment that meant nothing about the jerseys. Nothing to do with you really.

Of course your entitled to give your opinion as much as anyone. I think your reading into the posts too much. Chin up and stick together eh? I think you'll enjoy this season.

While I'm at it Oxford, sorry to hear about your loss. Football is fantastic but there's 2 examples of more serious and important stuff. Degsy don't let it get to you. I honesty don't think anyone was trying to be personal.

02 Aug 2016 11:42:11
Guys, gals and you inbetweeners I honestly believe you are a little harsh on Degsy, the only thing I can see wrong with his posts is that they do sometimes come across as a little condescending. Now regardless of if you agree or disagree with him he does come across with some very valid points, and the very admirable thing is he does not change his opinion.

What seems to happen when he posts is that the points he is trying to get across gets a little lost when he drags up what he has previously said days, weeks, months or years ago but that does not make his points any less valid, it only makes for poor reading.

The best way of debating anything is to have an open mind, and an understanding of what others are saying when not in agreement, unfortunately this appears to be a skill Degsy is lacking at the moment but once again it does not make his point of view less valid than anyone else's. The easiest debates in the world are between parties that agree with each other.

The "Fruity Kings" joke that has somewhat backfired was actually funny and nothing was wrong with it. Nothing was wrong with it if you knew the story behind it with the potentially new sponsors. Now put yourselves in Degsy's position, he comes onto these forums and see's his name associated with gbar and a "fruity kings" shirt he is wearing, knowing nothing regards the sponsors he see this as a personal attack, something I am sure most of us would had it happen to us. We are already dreading the stick we will get wearing "fruity kings" shirts, so we know what the initial feelings Degsy would of experienced, He took it personal, but then if we had no idea of the story behind it, and it happened to any of us then we also would of taken it personally, or at least I am man enough to admit I would of.

If you don't like the way Degsy writes his posts then don't reply to them, Just because we don't agree with how someones writes his point of view it does not give us just cause to attack them over it. If he left these forums as a result I would wager he would be missed.

Thats all I have to say on this apart from the fact, and I do mean fact, I will never wear a fruity kings shirt.

02 Aug 2016 13:09:29
Some good posts here, particularly Grumpy Toffee's made me think. Upon reflection, I can see that what I said in reply to Degsy above could have been taken the wrong way. I don't like anyone being upset.

For my part, I've told Degsy in a reply to his post that I think he offers a good counterpoint and it's good to have a different view on the site. I would be sad to see him go.

However his major problem is that he doesn't listen. The repetitive nature, condescending attitude has been flagged up by multiple users. And then he goes up and reposts something from a year ago. People have gone from debating with him in the spirit of the site (which I like to think I've always tried to do) to pretty much telling him to shut up. I don't want to see that happen to anyone, but Degsy has to take some responsibility for not considering what other people have said to him.

Not one person has said they have a problem with Degsy's actual opinions, as we all have one.

But I hope Degsy has not taken any of this to heart. It's just a banter site after all. When he's feeling better about it I think we can have a laugh about all this. Who knows, maybe 'Fruity King' will become Degsy's new nickname :)

02 Aug 2016 15:24:37
Blue Tommy I think, and I am sure Degsy will see the funny side, that the "fruity King" has now become Degsy's "cross to bear" . Deep down we will all be thinking of Degsy every time we hear "fruity king " and I would bet he will cringe every time he hears it.

02 Aug 2016 07:06:49
I have put in some bad posts recently, that I, m sorry but there is a reason for this, - I have just lost my beloved mother aka (mother toffee) she loved the club and it's fantastic fans and one of her last wishes was to see us win something, so come on boy, s let's roar our club to glory and give Koeman and co the backing thay need. if Leicester can do it then so can we, let, s do it for MOTHER TOFFEE rip mum and god bless you all.

02 Aug 2016 07:29:36
I mentioned you as a negative person above before reading this. Sorry to hear that mate. Hope you're okay.

02 Aug 2016 07:49:50
You have been a miserable sod Ox but that's a damn good reason fella, condolences, squad numbers delayed so hopefully some good news to cheer you up soon, unless they have been delayed as we are freeing up a couple :)

02 Aug 2016 08:52:32
Strangely, Oxford Toffee. yesterday when I was getting some insulting posts, I actually thought to myself, "these people have no idea wht is going on in other people's lives. They accuse people of being miserable. Some people may have a reason for that. other than Everton. My thoughts are with you mate.

I myself are quite cheery. Everton aside. my misery is all Everton based.

02 Aug 2016 09:13:29
So sorry to hear your sad news mate. At these times its important to keep your family close, and i'm sure your Mother too would have told you too. Remember there's no better families than your own and the Everton Family. Condolences to you all, RIP.

02 Aug 2016 11:28:56
Thank you all so much for your comments so very much appreciated. over to you Koeman and the boys, let, s create history for Mother toffee.

01 Aug 2016 23:52:01
Hi Ed do you think jags will have his captaincy taken off him if we get so called leaders like williams or fonte?

{Ed001's Note - if you signed Fonte, I am sure Koeman would want him to be captain, he thrives on it. The club are not currently looking at replacing Jags as captain though.}