19 Mar 2017 11:51:34
Rom has certainly divided supporters this week with yet more comments, we can't get away from that fact, but does he really deserve some of the criticism levelled at him?
I wasn't too bothered by the initial report, where he just said 'no' three times with a smile. But his follow up interview left himself wide open for the boo boys to stick the knife in. Many of us have given the club and board a bit of leeway due to the timing of RK and SW being brought in, it left little time to judge the squad as well as bring in new players to improve the squad. For that reason, I was annoyed with Rom for running his mouth. If he knows of targets that we could have bought but never then he should be naming them, not hiding behind anonymity. I can only think of 3 targets, the forward that has joined the saints but his club wanted a silly fee in the summer. Perez (think that's his name) who wanted champs league so went to Arsenal and the fella that agreed to join but then turned his phone off and joined spurs with hours to go. Only two of them look good enough, one can't even get in the spurs team! So one window was wasted. The likes of Schneiderlin and Lookman have improved the squad and it is no secret that FM wants to bring in more talent over the next few windows. In truth, Rom should not be talking about such things, he knows things will improve but it takes time when there is no European football on offer. He has been spoken to by RK so hopefully he will learn from the experience.
But let's get things straight, some fans have come out and slated him for being lazy, for not showing interest etc etc. The lad is only 23 and is the leagues top goal scorer, the first player to hit 20 league goals for us in the prem plus a host of other records. We have cried out for such a player for decades yet there are still those out there that want to rip him to shreds. The things that he gets abuse for can be improved with time, again he is still relatively young, and he will get better as he gets older. He has consistently scored goals in a top division so he has got the talent, despite what his detractors say.
We can't blame him for wanting to play in the champions league, he has proven himself in one of the best leagues and that is the natural progression. As a club, we have to try and get into those competitions if the owners vision is to be realised. It's obvious really.
I say just enjoy him whilst he is still wearing the royal blue, we are lucky to have a player who knows where the net is, just as he is lucky that he is at a club who have helped him improve and give him a platform to perform. In my mind he will be one of the top strikers in the game in the next few years, embrace the fact that he has donned our shirt rather than look for the slightest weakness he may have. If, and when, he leaves wish him well don't hate on him.

1.) 19 Mar 2017
19 Mar 2017 12:14:59
I've been the one guilty of being critical spud, I have let my emotions get the better of me because of Roms statement about the lack of respect so I have been highlighting his faults to justify why he should stay.
On reflection and looking at our record since 1st January, we would be top of the league, we have momentum now and I just hope we turn up at Anfield and lose the inferiority complex, we are better than them and the players need to believe it, Swansea went there and beat them by exposing there weaknesses. We have 9 games left and I seriously believe that it's only Chelsea out of who we have to play that we should be concerned about, so my optimism is back and my criticism is gone. We are Everton and we can get Champions League football and a top 4 finish and show Rom that not only are we an ambitious club on the up, we are a big club ready to compete again.

2.) 19 Mar 2017
19 Mar 2017 12:42:32
It's an emotive game bluegray, we are all guilty of getting carried away at times. I think there is a balance needed though when we become too critical, a good player doesn't become bad because of things done off the pitch. As fans we seem to get hurt far too easy and it can breed contempt!
I hope you're right about the derby, it's about time we showed up at their place. Let's hope RK can keep them calm, it may also help that we have a few young local lads too.
I think 4th is beyond us but I will be happy to be proven wrong. More investment in the squad in the summer could help push us on, although that depends on who we could lose as well. But, like you, I'm optimistic about the immediate future and beyond. It's the best position we've been in since the late 80's for me.