28 May 2016 16:40:47
The comments by Phil Neville about John Stones - and comments by David Moyes in the past about players moving on from Everton to further their careers - shows how they clearly regard Everton as a second-rate club despite earning a very good living when employees of the club.

1.) 28 May 2016
28 May 2016 17:51:18
As much as I admire your loyalty to the Blues (which rivals mine) I have to say I understand what Moyes and Neville mean. Would you not agree that Everton have stagnated since Joe Royle quit as manager. We had players like Andrei Knochelski willing to Leave Manchester United to join us. Big Joe quit and then we were painfully under funded for many years and went into decline. Clubs like Arsenal, Manchester United Chelsea and City had loads of investment in grounds, staff and players. We were left behind. Our chances of winning a trophy were painfully slim and players rarely got picked for their national teams. As much as I love my Everton (and always have) I can see that being a professional footballer these days is a job. Any player is likely to benefit from all of my above points by playing for one of the so called "big" clubs. We may be a sleeping giant. but the same could be said about Newcastle, Spurs and even Liverpool now. Their points may have been disrespectful. but probably true.

2.) 28 May 2016
28 May 2016 18:21:17
the only way to reverse those ideas about our club is by not letting our star performers leave and making them honour their contracts and add quality around them we cannot be seen as a feeder club anymore.

3.) 28 May 2016
28 May 2016 20:20:23
I'm with you 100% Side. God I'm glad they are both nowhere near our club anymore.

Let's get people in who believe in our club and what it can achieve.

4.) 28 May 2016
28 May 2016 21:18:32
Degsypulford: I'm convinced that the Europen ban in the 1980s was a massive blow to our club. Not only did we lose our manager and many players, but it also meant that we didn't have the international exposure to generate commercial income and couldn't afford to really upgrade Goodison Park (or move to a new arena) . PIle the Agent Johnson debacle on top of that and we became the epitome of mediocrity for years. Although we've had time to get over those setbacks, we missed out early on in the PL and CL eras and fell way behind. So, I tend to gree with your point about the comments having some truth, but that doesn't excuse the disrespect or diminish the anger of our fans.

5.) 28 May 2016
28 May 2016 22:48:03
Players furthering their careers elsewhere? Rooney did, can anyone tell me who else did? Pienaar, Lescott and Felliani certainly didn't.

6.) 29 May 2016
29 May 2016 06:13:49
In fairness, Lescott has 2 premier league winners medals, one fa cup winners medal and a league cup winners medal. He's also played in the champs league and earned more money than he would have with us. I'd say that's furthering his career. Fellaini has an fa cup medal, champs league experience and more money. He'd probably say it was a good move to go there. Arteta has 2 fa cup medals, champs league and more money. Realistically, moving to a bigger club is better for a lot of players. If they actually play. Rodwell, for example.

7.) 29 May 2016
29 May 2016 08:26:56
Graveson did ok at Real Madrid. Materazzi and Dacourt also did ok. but I have to agree that some players do not get what they are after elsewhere. And the fact remains that some players and managers do see us as a smaller club these days. as much as it hurts us fans. and Cowpat, I agree completely that the Euro ban was the catalyst that started our decline. I am as bitter as anyone as to the reason. but the fact remains that we are still a sleeping giant. In reality 3 things are possible. 1. our rich new owner/ investor brings backsome of the good old days and we continue with steady growth to become one of the top English teams again. 2. We have loads of investment, but the rot has already set in so a situation similar to Newcastle's develops and we go up and down more than a yoyo. 3. It goes completely tits up and the destabilisation causes rapid decline and we drop 2 or 3 divisions and a situation like Sheffield Weds develops. Remember that they were once a top club not that long ago with cup final replays etc being played at their ground. A couple of seasons ago thet were getting gates of 3000 in league 1!

8.) 29 May 2016
29 May 2016 08:44:25
Lescott was a bit part player when he got those medals. Now he has been relegated with his new club. He wasn't a success at City. They wouldn't of sold him otherwise. He was lucky he happened to be with the club that spent big.

Same with Felliani, he hasn't exactly been Utd's star player and hasn't been a success. I'm sure Mourinho will get the best out of him next season though.

The money, is that furthering their careers? Financially yea but these players want to make a name for themselves at their new club. Despite Lescott and Felliani winning medals with their club they will hardly be seen as legends at these clubs they left for.

Arteta I would consider successful as most Arsenal fans would be happy with his contribution. Can't really say the same for Utd and City fans with the others. Especially now Villa with Lescotts current club. Him posting a picture of a car on social media showed how much he cared at Villa and where will he be next season?

Rooney and Arteta yea they furthered their careers. Rodwell is another example of far away hills. Can't think of anymore at the top of my head. 2 players that went on to further their careers out of how many tells me that maybe if these players stayed at the club and the squad strengthened we would eventually be challenging at the top.