Everton Banter Archive August 11 2015

 

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11 Aug 2015 23:40:31
I was asked the other day what's the hardest job in the world? My answer was I was in the Army for just short of 18yrs I have served in every conflict since 1992 including Bosnia Kosovo and Iraq twice but in 2007 I was badly injured by a roadside bomb and spent a year in and out of hospital. I'm in my early 40's now and have supported EFC since I was five then said with a little grin, hardest job in the world is being an Everton fan COYB.

Believable6 Unbelievable1

11 Aug 2015 19:50:18
I might be wrong, but it seems to me that Everton Football Club has failed over many many years (decades) to take opportunities to establish itself as an "elite" club and now finds itself firmly (and I fear permanently) outside that group of perennial Champions League qualifiers and having to compete amongst the increasing number clubs that are below that elite level. Financial fair play will prevent us competing with the established Champions League clubs and the TV money will mean that we have more clubs competing at our level.
We were an elite club before the Second World War, but apart from a few brief periods since then, we've not been. It took John Moores and his money to get us success in the 1960s over the post-war doldrums. Without his support I doubt f we'd have been anywhere near the success we had in the 1960s. Even Harry Catterick, who was party to they success, had his shortcomings and lost out to rivals like Shankly, Busby, Nicholson, etc. In fact, I'd contend that Everton WERE a bigger club than Liverpool, but we blew it. Other than Sir Philip Carter, we had boards who couldn't see the commercial opportunities of telelevision and a premier league. Bill Kenwright is a true Evertonian, but he just doesn't have access to the investment that was needed to raise us from amongst the also-ranks. Right from the 1950s until Sir Philip in the 1989s - and notwithstanding John Moores - we had boards and managers who were out of touch with the commercial realities.
Then, when we had a manager (Howard Kendall) with a winning team - and the backing of a visionary chairman in Carter - we were stuffed by the European ban. Put the Agent Johnson debacle on top of that and it's no wonder where we are. OK - we've had plenty of time to make progress, but it's unbelievably difficult to compete these days.
I live in hope - but not in expectation unfortunately.

Believable2 Unbelievable2

12 Aug 2015 08:36:16
If my memory serves me correctly, I seem to remember that Everton were against football being televised. Think this may have been around Harry Cattericks reign.

When I started following Everton, around 1952 , I considered they and Arsenal were the biggest clubs in the country. Liverpool were in the old 2nd division. In those days you went to Goodison and left smiling and happy both with the entertainment and the final score.
Sadly I still remember the 10-4 defeat at Spurs.

So I agree with cowpat Sid today's difficulties are not just recent and won't be overcome easily.
Having watched Martinez on Monday on ssn with Jamie Carragher, I was left with the impression that Jamie could educate Martinez a great deal what Everton Fc means to the fans and perhaps do a better job. Martinez can be a pundit on TV analysing other teams is beyond me when he doesn't seem to adopt the same with his club.

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{Ed025's Note - good point keenone..

11 Aug 2015 19:19:42
I know we have only played one game but just had a look at our next 10 games as that's when you know what sort of season it's going to be, and my god could it be any worse, all the big clubs last years top 7, we will do well to get 10 or 12 pts from that lot, I really hope Martinez has some good transfers up his sleeve cause he will need to get fans on his side during that period we don't want to be waiting for 1st win too long, I'm quite worried now basically next the next 3 weeks and those fixtures coming up will have big impact on Everton future one way or the other,
2 poss outcomes

1- Martinez goes ten games without a win and gets sacked because fans will declare war against BK

2- Martinez signs some top players and we have a good run of results and playing good stuff

Believable1 Unbelievable1

11 Aug 2015 19:12:00
I'm a toffee living in London and take a lot of stick from fans of others team but I remain the eternal optumist. I hope that there are a couple of exciting transfers to come that maybe haven't even been mentioned because if not I have to say if we had made the effort we could have brought in names like Shaquri, Ayew, Cabeye and Wijnaldrum(spelt incorrect in sure)but I get this horrible feeling we are going to end up with Lennon and Evans which just offers no excitement whatsoever to me, don't get me wrong Lennon did ok on loan while trying to impress but I feel he may go missing if signed permanently. Most people my way think we will finish between 10-15th which hurts to hear, I'm hoping for top 7 at least but with teams like Stoke, Swansea, Palace and Southampton pushing for those European spots with the players they have brought in its hard to keep that faith. The board and manager need to show us they mean to keep our great club up there and bring in a signing or two that can invigorate a club heading into stagnation. I don't want to seem a negative poster, I was a season ticket holder last year and will always get behind whoever wears our blue shirt, I don't agree with those who boo but we have been so close to taking that next step for 10 years and it now seems others are going to beat us to it so a certain amount of frustration is warranted. I'm blue till the end and will always back my team I just hope our manager and board are prepared to do the same

Believable2 Unbelievable1

11 Aug 2015 20:03:51
Interesting comment by the OP about Lennon playing to impress when on loan last season. I've read one or two similar comments by respected ex-Everton pundits.
As for finishing position, as Evertonians we do view our prospects through blue-tinted glasses :-) Last season's performances - and the first half last Saurday - should have been enough of a wake-up call and perhaps a dose of reality - rather than wishful thinking and undaunted optimism - is called for.
If we didn't have so many injuries, if we didn't have so many players the wrong side of 30, if our young talent could already cope with the demands of playing first-team football against top-class opposition, if our manager could find the right formation and tactics to entertain and win, if our board could unearth some substantial investment, and if (some of) our fans could stop waiting for the first chance to criticise and boo the player(s) they don't like - well "if" all of above, then we might be alright, but it's clear that Carlsberg don't do Everton Football Club!

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11 Aug 2015 19:05:04
.I'm so peed off right now about Shaqiri signing for Stoke! I can't help thinking we've really missed out on a gem there. players of his quality & ability don't come along that often - especially at only 12 million & 70k a week too.app. we only wanted a 1 season loan wiv an option to buy thereafter.pathetic once again from the club if you ask me!

Believable2 Unbelievable1

11 Aug 2015 19:40:48
Desperate as anyone to add some quality, but talented as he may be, his attitude stinkes, this one, may be a luckey escape.

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11 Aug 2015 18:18:30
Why do I get a horrible feeling. We will sell Stones to the Manc sherbets for about £15 mill + Evans and Hernandez.

Believable2 Unbelievable1

11 Aug 2015 20:54:46
Yeah that's the way I see it aswell mate. Missed opportunity on lots of top players so only the dregs left now Lennon,Evans that noone else wants.

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11 Aug 2015 18:31:43
Gareth Barry has urged Evertonians to be patient regarding transfer activity, but hinted that there could be a marquee signing ready to excite the fans.

The former England man said that he understands fans' frustrations at the lack of players coming into the club over the summer, but said that there is still plenty of time for the manager to buy the right players.

"It is just about being patient, " he said.

"It is always hard to be patient being a fan. You want players joining your club to excite you and give you something different to look at.

"Every club does things differently and if that means leaving business till late then that is the way Everton do it.

"Other clubs have strengthened really well and spent a lot of money so we are up against quality teams but it is about getting momentum and that comes from winning games.

"It is a great group of lads who really trust each other and we know what we are about and everyone does their jobs.

"If the manager can keep that core of players together and keep them fit we are capable of achieving good things.

"I am sure the manager and chairman (Bill Kenwright) have something up their sleeves to excite fans."

Copied from another site. Make of it what you will!!

Believable0 Unbelievable1

11 Aug 2015 18:58:21
Mmm marquee Evans wow

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11 Aug 2015 19:01:25
I sincerely hope you're right ball boy!

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11 Aug 2015 21:48:42
What Barry meant was we are getting a new marquee for the fan zone.

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11 Aug 2015 18:28:36
If we do sign lennon. that must surely mean super kev fighting for the no 10 spot with ross and naisy.

Believable0 Unbelievable0

11 Aug 2015 17:29:37
Got no real issues with the players mentioned, just hope Fridays signing is a forward, someone that at least gets us generally talking positively about EFC. Forwards are more exciting than defenders.

Believable0 Unbelievable0

11 Aug 2015 17:16:39
You need to improve on what u have, Evans is no world beater but is better than distin/ Alcatraz, prem experience and good competition for stones and jags

Believable2 Unbelievable4

11 Aug 2015 18:19:10
Evans is a liability did u not see him in the cup game for united against mk dons was @ fault for 3 soft goals.the centre half from Celtic would b better bet

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11 Aug 2015 18:37:02
Agree all the way. Plays in a top 4 team. Might not be the best in the world. But he's won lots and as a winning mentality

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11 Aug 2015 19:00:22
If we can't do better than Evans heaven help us is also injury prone bit of a sick note

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11 Aug 2015 20:00:34
At the moment we are placed 9th and to be honest that is where about we will finish and no doubt our Bill and Roberto will put a positive spin on it at the end of the season.

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11 Aug 2015 20:59:16
New manager will b in place b4 crimbo

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11 Aug 2015 17:16:31
Got no real issues with the players mentioned, just hope Fridays signing is a forward, someone that at least gets us generally talking positively about EFC. Forwards are more exciting than defenders. that's why they tend to cost more.COYB

Believable0 Unbelievable0

11 Aug 2015 17:55:19
It will be Lennon

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11 Aug 2015 19:01:46
Jesus another cast off

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11 Aug 2015 16:10:50
Just a comment on the 'resurgence' of the blue union. I think they lost a lot of respect and credibility when some members held a meeting with BK (posing as fans and not representing their group) and stabbed him in the back by recording it without his permission. In my opinion, if you represent a group then don't hide it slyly, be upfront about it. From that day, I haven't been much of a fan of them or how they go about their business.
They did crawl back under their rock for two reasons. Firstly, they did not generate the numbers they expected in their protests with many fans mocking them. Secondly, the team weren't struggling too much and the board had given a bit of cash to the manager to spend. Maybe they overestimated how much backing they had?
I see they are organising another protest for the City game, so my question is how many fans on here will be supporting them?
For the record, I like BK but I do share some of the misgivings, mainly towards the board as a collective unit. BK saved us, of that there is no doubt, yet he does not have the funds to take us to the next level. That is no reason to lambaste him and forget anything he has done in the past. We have very rich men on the board who are reluctant to invest too much of their cash. Why are they even in football?
I'm hearing all sorts with regards to BK's health, brain tumour, cancer, even read it was terminal but this is all speculation, I don't honestly know what to believe. But it is fair to say he is not in the best of health. For that reason, why don't the BU hang fire? If BK does have to give up his position and sell his shares then they have got what they were asking for anyway, albeit in a default sort of way. Or is it that their ego's are too big, they want to firmly believe that it was them that toppled the 'BK empire' and brought about change at Goodison? Personally, I think that the manager should be held accountable. His style of football is preventing players signing, his stubbornness doesn't help his cause either. I'm rambling a bit here so just post your thoughts on the BU and how effective they can be in creating change within our club

Believable4 Unbelievable0

11 Aug 2015 17:33:33
Blue Union and all critics of BK. Be careful what you wish for. Leeds Utd, Blackburn Rovers, Hull, etc. even the reds nearly went bust.

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11 Aug 2015 18:00:18
Bk does get a lot of stick even throw he saved the club people have very short memory, but let's get it right lots of clubs have bin bought out an we can't even get a bid on the longest serving top flight club with yrs of history somthink not right there an then there the fact we can't get a new stadium even no everyone els can, an the biggest piss take of them all is we can't sign a single player worth more than 15 mil, yes bk has bin great for the club but as fans we deserved some real answers

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11 Aug 2015 18:16:28
Spud:
I have to agree regarding Blue Union and support for Kenwright. However I think some of their questions need answering. The main one I'm asking for the very 1st time is there big one. Where has the money gone? Unless we have missed any payments to the bank and defaulted, then they wouldn't have taken it, Lukaku's deal would not have been affected. I'm afraid that the upgrade to the toilets in the lower Gwladys would not have accounted for it, and to be honest I didn't see any other improvements to the ground. If they don't trust Martinez to sign the right players,then sack him.

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11 Aug 2015 16:10:52
I personally really hope that these aaron lennon rumours are true, imagine the pace we are going to have on the wings if this comes off, would also like Austin from QPR, Van dijk from celtic (maybe offer mcgeady into a deal) and again personally I would like a new GK come in.

Stones MUST NOT be sold and i'm going to be really P####D off if this time in 2 weeks we are hearing that stones is going and we not have any time to replace him and to reinvest the money before it reaches the dusty wallets of the board.

but to sum up, Money NEEDS to be spent especially when you have got a championship team (Bristol City) making bids for players that is more than what we have spent.

Coyb

Believable1 Unbelievable0

11 Aug 2015 17:15:20
I like Lennon aswell mate I think he is a good player and really wants to wear the Everton shirt hope we get him.

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11 Aug 2015 17:27:43
I too would be mightily annoyed if any of our players moved out so close to the deadline that it left us with not enough time to realistically get proper replacements.
However, to suggest that any money (transfers, TV, other commercial, etc.) has ended up in the "dusty wallets of the board" is imho underestimating how much of that income has been needed to invest in infrastructure, improved contracts for our key players, reducing the debt (so as to stay within financial fair play), and just to pay for the day-to-day operation of a Premier League club. I accept that we may not be splashing the cash like some other clubs appear to be doing by bringing in every Tom, Dick and Harry. Well, we got our Tom (Cleverley - who on first impressions is looking OK), the other clubs have got plenty of Dicks (has-beens, never-wassers, mercenaries, and time-wasters), and we could have Harry (Jim White's deadline-day favourite) destroying our club financially with a cavalier transfer policy!
It's not great at Everton at the moment - and RM has yet to prove himself after last-season's failings - but that's what being an Evertonian is: equal measures of anticipation, desperation, frustration, and (occasional all too brief) elation! At least I'm old enough to remember the successes of the 1960s, 1970, the 1980s, and 1995.
Staying in the Premier League is vital - even if that means at the very worst finishing 17th! Without the TV money, I'm convinced we'd be doomed.
Winning the League Cup or FA Cup would be marvellous.
Qualifying for the Champions League group stage (highly unlikely at present) would be a major boost (financially and commercially) for the club.
A new stadium - or a revamped Goodison Park - would also be a huge boost for the club's income potential.
As a born-again Evertonian, I know how frustrating and depressing it gets, and I'll still comment positively and negatively as I see fit, but I've been a blue for over fifty years and I have to live with that addiction :-)

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11 Aug 2015 19:08:35
I like Lennon but do we really need another wide man I know people say mirralas could play no 10 role, he could do a job there but he ain't a no 10 that's for sure may as well play him up withlukaku.
So if Lennon signs we have

Mirralas
Del Boy
Mcgeady and then you have people that could do a job there like osman or Barkley if got bad injuries
So that will be 4 right wingers or right midfielders no way do we need that especially when we have not got a proper striker to go alongside lukaku not just someone who will chip in with a few an actual striker that can get us another 15-20 goals then there is a small matter of a no 10 for me u must for far too long we have had all our supply of goals come from either Baines or Coleman down both flanks its served us well but teams sussed it out last year, a no 10 for me is a silva or continuo or even Honda someone that can hurt teams through the middle to give more space to our full backs we need someone with magic around the box Barkleys good but we need more and apart from Barkley I don't see anyone els creating to much through the middle.
Then throw in another good defender and were good to go 3 players Martinez and good ones and you will stop all the hatred against you at moment, and although I really want things to go right for him next 10 fixtures in prem is a tough test and if goes wrong then he could be on his way

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11 Aug 2015 16:04:53
I think Evans and Hernandez would be great signings.both on loan with a signing option at the end of season.more money for a decent midfielder(play maker).

Believable0 Unbelievable2

11 Aug 2015 16:00:21
As games go by I am becoming a bigger fan of dm and lesser fan of rm, we need to keep stones no matter what price, even just for one more year, I think Lennon would b a good addition / price, just would love to see a change of tactics or plan b, example play McCarthy on his own at home v the lesser lights and play 2 strikers

Believable0 Unbelievable0

11 Aug 2015 15:56:22
I just don't get the views of some fans. We have to be the most negative bunch in Europe! When you look at our current squad, we have three, first-class England internationals and Seamus, in our back four (with Garbut and Galloway in reserve). In midfield we have McCarthy, Barkley, Cleverly, Deulofeu and Mirallas, up-front - Lukaku. This includes five of the best young players in Europe (Stones, McCarthy, Barkley, Deulofeu and Lukaku) and a spine that 'should' see us competing at the top end of the Premier league for the foreseeable future.

Yup. I get the need for investment, but. Shaqiri is a luxury we can't currently afford - and in all honesty; one we don't need. In fact, this applies to most of the transfer rumours we've been linked to this summer.

As it stands, Everton represent a risk for any player looking for regular (starting 11) first team action. Van Dijk would not (immediately) dislodge our centre-back pairing if Stones stays - so where's the incentive (this was the same for Ogbonna)??

Who are we going to attract that's 'better' than Mirallas, Deulofeu, Barkley and Lukaku for the number 10 and striking positions? I appreciate that Barkley is more effective playing deeper, and Mirallas appears more comfortable out wide, but both are still adequate options where the no. 10 role is concerned.

We absolutely need a centre forward, to provide some solid competition for Rom. But, whoever comes in will play second fiddle to our current, 28m striker! If you were Charlie Austin, would you risk it? If you have aspirations of playing for your country, you know you need to be playing week-in-week-out!

With the exception of Barry, our starting eleven, when fit, has crazy potential! But, if our fans continue to boo and jeer, we will continue to struggle. The most aggressive, attack-minded gameplan is impossible to execute if the players are unwilling to take the required risks through fear of being booed should they make a mistake. Our own fans are responsible for killing the confidence (and subsequent performances) of one of the most naturally gifted players we've ever produced, in Ross Barkley. For christ sake, he's only a kid - how would you respond if 10,000 people moaned every time you touched the ball?!?

Get behind the team and the manager. Fear breeds incompetence, which affects confidence, which in-turn affects morale, which affects results! It ain't exactly rocket science, is it?!?

COYB!! Kagawa, Hernandez and Lennon, please ;) (Reinstate Besic as a CB and we have adequate cover in that position until January)

Believable4 Unbelievable1

11 aug 2015 16:48:02
yes but do we have the manager to mold them into a top side, would like to think so.but wont be holding my breath coyb.

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11 Aug 2015 17:36:44
Good post but with all the internationals in our defence why can't we keep clean sheets which means we would have a better than even chance of winning.

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11 Aug 2015 15:49:53
. I'm hearing that we've managed to convince Shaqiri to join us at the last minute. any news on this Ed?

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{Ed039's Note - He is joining Stoke once they iron out the particulars of his transfer fee and sell on clauses)

11 Aug 2015 16:27:04
Oh. right, didn't think it was true!

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11 Aug 2015 15:36:05
With regard to at least the CB we need. We won't be spending 8-10 million on someone who is basically "cover". anyone at that price is going to be a first 11 player.

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11 Aug 2015 13:55:12
Wots Worrying since the Southampton's,palace,swansea stokes have been promoted to premier league they've left us behind.
Were going nowhere fast stood still laughing stock feeder club

Believable2 Unbelievable1

11 Aug 2015 15:03:30
Seriously? A feeder club? For who?

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11 Aug 2015 15:09:23
My goodness. Do you ever say anything that isn't so rank depressing.

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11 Aug 2015 16:06:33
Can't help it mate club are negative so rubs off on me

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11 Aug 2015 13:51:05
Utd clearing some of the dead wood so if their surplus to requirements how come their linked with moves 2 goodison.
Surely if Evans & Hernandez ain't good enough for utd they ain't good enough for us either.
Talk abt panic bying Robles,alcatrash,mcgeady, Kone how many more championship players is the muppet going to sign.

Believable2 Unbelievable0

11 Aug 2015 19:59:44
Might panic buy a mccarthy

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11 Aug 2015 08:01:52
Lennon evans and hernandez the rumoured incomings am so lifted by this can't wait! Sounds boring already. Hernandez possibly ok but will atempt to get him on a loan deal then West ham will make a proper bid and buy him ed put my out my misery tell me it's going to all be ok so I can get on with my Tuesday

Believable0 Unbelievable0

11 Aug 2015 13:05:54
On the proposed move on Lennon.

I have no issue with us signing him, (so long as it is for less than 5 million). But for me, if we play with 1 winger every game any way, what is the point?

Also, I can see why some people do not want him. Injury Prone (like most of our squad), and older (like most of our squad). He won't improve us dramatically, but will be a much more astute winger than McGeady.

I just hope we get rid of the dead wood, as for this season we need quality instead of quantity since we only have the prem to focus on.

Also, on Shaqiri, we've missed out big time in my opinion. We do need a number 10 desperatly. And someone who is creative enough to read the game. We need a player like Ozil or Silva to link mid and attack, otherwise lur lone striker is isolated.

We need a CB and ST also, I wouldn't worry about the CB position at the moment, who ever it is will give some valuable competition.

HOWEVER WE NEED TO PRACTICE DEFENDING. No point signing a Sergio Ramos or something and not practising how to stop an attacker. Very pointless.

Tactics need changing. RM had all summer, and I thought he'd do it, but nope. Still trying to be Barcelona at quater the speed. We played well with 2 strikers, but RM prefers 1. Which is fine, but that means the Wingers have to come in and help hold up the ball too, BUT if you're playing Osman/Cleverley on the left, then there isn't much attacking mentality there to do that job.

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11 Aug 2015 14:25:18
Proble No 1. Martinez, problem No2 ownership, everything eles is fixable.But how the hell we get past NO1 & No2, short of hireing a hit man, I have know idea.

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11 Aug 2015 12:35:40
And to add insult to injury, Watford were bottom with a mere 200 passes, so proves possession only matters if you use it correctly.

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11 Aug 2015 12:33:19
Interesting stat from the weekend. We were 4th behind city arsenal and Bournmouth for total passes completed. Our total was 451, player with the most completed passes? Barry?Barkley? Cleverly? McCarthy? Mirrallas? Nope none of them it was John Stones with 61. This highlights that what possession we do have is at the wrong end if the field to win games. Surely there has to be somebody on the backroom staff that monitors these stats and highlights it to the manager.

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11 Aug 2015 12:02:07
If we are looking for a playmaker on a shoestring budget surely Valbuena would have been a good option. See there are reports that he is moving from Moscow to Lyon for a fee between 5 - 7 million euros.

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11 Aug 2015 13:39:33
Couldn't live with the physicality and pace of the premier league in my opinion due to his size and distinct lack of pace. In Russia and in France the football is a lot more pedestrian. I know some smaller players are capable such as Silva and Ozil but they are truly exceptional. Wouldn't work in my opinion. very good player nevertheless.

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11 Aug 2015 11:59:04
Every Night I go to bed hoping I wake up to good news. Every morning I get more and more frustrated. First this lad shaqiri looks like he is going to Stoke. Not Everton but Stoke. Then we are linked with cast offs! Then we are losing all our good players! We have a chairman who is anonymous. We have a manager who is stubborn with crappy tactics and will not be flexible. What the hell are our scouts doing. Are they actually doing anything. Wtf is going. No wonder their is doom and gloom. I think it's time like Sunderland supporters did to Di Canio we do the same to Martinez. Don't boo the players get absolutely stuck into him. Banners and alike need to displayed all over goodison demanding his sacking or else we could possibly go down!

Ps. His interview would be Everton supporters today were phenomenal. Deluded little spaniard!

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11 Aug 2015 11:52:52
With Besic returning to fitness AND with the number of other centre-midfielders in the squad AND the possibility that we won't need to play two defensive midfielders in every match, I wonder if RM will rest and rotate the likes of Barry. Or will the only time he's not selected be when he's suspended - which as the player with the most yellow cards in Premier League history is likely to be at least a couple of times during the season.

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11 Aug 2015 11:41:59
Here's a thought about those wanting McGeady out - especially if we bring in Lennon: McGeady is currently out injured and, even if there are still a few weeks of the transfer window left for him to recover, he might not be fit enough in time to pass a medical.

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11 Aug 2015 14:06:51
Mcgeady going nowhere he's absolutely phenomenal.
The muppet must b the only one that thinks that lol.

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11 Aug 2015 11:38:02
Bobby 1st season. We drew 2-2 with newly promoted team who wear Yellow (And Barkley scored a long range goal). We finished 5th after selling one of our big name players and bringing in good replacements after a few games into the season. Spooky Coincidence? Most likely not but hey it makes for a good little discussion!

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11 Aug 2015 10:52:24
Right fellow Blues, i'm going to go out on a limb here, no inside knowledge, just a tingling in my groinal area.

Shaqiri will sign by close of play Wednesday, for us

Permission to call me a noob if this doesn't happen, i'm just reading between the lines of the press, the guy has agreed personal terms, he has had and passed medical with the Potters too and a fee has been agreed, there is something else going on

Come on Shakira, the tips don't lie

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11 Aug 2015 11:24:53
I agree with what you are saying in there must be a reason why it's not finalised. I personally think he is holding out for a move to someone besides Stoke. But at the end of the day money talks, and we never seem to want to stump up the cash

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11 Aug 2015 11:32:14
Well if he does sign for Stoke then it'll be because nobody else wanted him. As he's hung around waiting long enough. Lol

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11 Aug 2015 11:35:24
Have you ever seen him lay before media said we was after him. because I ain't. Why do you want him. Have Efc put a bid in. Have we said were after him

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11 Aug 2015 11:51:12
He's a good player, was excellent when he was younger bit of a prima donna now but on his day very good bit like key and a good finisher

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11 Aug 2015 12:40:47
agree Murf, I also share that sneaky feeling. Hope so, he's a quality player

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11 Aug 2015 13:30:34
If the fee is agreed, and if terms have been agreed, and if the player has passed a medical and it isn't concluded, then I agree he is hanging on for something t happen or someone else to come in!

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11 Aug 2015 17:03:33
Well Blues so much for my theory, I talk bollox

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11 Aug 2015 10:27:07
Just want to say Roberto should be careful with what he says last night he slated the transfer window still being open after season starts, I agree it should close before matchday 1, but Mr Martinez should not be saying that when he is looking to bring 3 in, why have you not your business yet now either your not bringing anyone else in or he's an hippocrate

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11 Aug 2015 11:24:53
Because its a bit like shopping in Tesco's, you have to wait until they're nearly closed to get the cheap stuff. Then there's a mad panic, and of course we will probably end up with something that wasn't very good in the first place and is now near its sell by date. COYB
Martinez out, McGreedy out, Barry out, Swan out ;)

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11 Aug 2015 10:19:47
Given the fact RM said we are looking at a number 10 and so many viable options have moved already, I have the feeling it could be Nolito from Celta.

They have already let 2 of their star men go in Santi Mina to Valencia and Krohn Dehli to Sevilla. their manager has already stated Nolito is likely to leave. Barcelona are yet to bid for him and considering he's Spanish I would guess Martinez might be able to convince him.

Id say the three options that are realistically possible for the No 10 (Who in my eyes are good enough to change us for the better) are Honda, Kagawa and Nolito.

Nolito is one of my favourite players in La Liga, but he is 29 now. spending 10m+ on a 29 year old seems a strange investment for EFC, i'd prefer Kagawa personally.

Not that I'm in the know at all, We will probably end up with someone no one has considered.

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11 Aug 2015 09:58:55
I don't want to see John Stones go and I think he has conducted himself well. Sterling when he left, did the opersite, but our friends across the park, handled the situation far better than we have. They said they did not wish to sell, but if their hand was "forced" the price was 50m. We should have adopted a similar approch, we don't wish to sell, but in any event, we would not consider any offer below 40m, that then put the ball firmly in the court of any club wanting to poach him, ie this is the price pay it, or don't bother us with silly offers.

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11 Aug 2015 11:42:17
They might have said that but it didn't stop city bidding lower until Liverpool were forced to give up.

We have said he is not for sale end of. In my expectations it doesn't become more clearer to everyone than that.

I'm not sure what else we are supposed to say. If we end up sticking to our guns past September 1st then we would have conducted this media bullying perfectly and respectfully well and I will take my hat off to the club for managing the situation in a much mor successful way tha Liverpool did when they said Stirling was not forsake when clearly he was.

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11 Aug 2015 09:20:59
Rm plays with one striker which personally I don't like I prefer two up top with a barkley/mirralas behind the top two I don't think the team is trained in running the flanks and swinging balls in so therefore lukaku is trained by the coachers to get the ball to feet an run the box but if big dunc was allowed to do one on one training with rom dunc could turn rom in to a aerial beast who beats most people in the air an heads allot moor headed goals.
As a team we should have 3/4 different ways of playing but Rm seems to only have one which is not good. I don't know what other people think but I think big Duncan could do a better managerial job than Roberto.
Does anyone else think anyone who is already at the club Coul do better than Roberto

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11 Aug 2015 10:56:34
I can't understand the obsession with ex players managing top clubs these days, he was a legend as a player but is relatively green in terms of club management, these days you need the experience and respect to do the job at the highest level so he needs to do his apprenticeship first.

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11 Aug 2015 13:40:12
Have you seen Lukaku play? He hardly busts a gut to get in the box to get on the end of crosses in the first place

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11 Aug 2015 14:41:01
Gary monk has been in the Pl for years asnt he errrm no he doing fantastic at Swansea

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11 Aug 2015 09:02:11
Alot of people saying Shaqiri picked Stoke over us. Am I the only one who doesn't believe that we were in the running? If we did make a bid it was probably less than Stoke. And we probably offered him much less wages.We are becoming a joke! The players where there to sign this season and really push on! Cabaye would of been a great signing for us. Just nobody at the club wants us to succeed, its all about maintaining.

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11 Aug 2015 11:02:53
I don't think we were going after him RM always talks about the right personalty fit, Saquiri doesn't have it and Cabaye kicked our ballboy.

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11 Aug 2015 11:28:58
Didn't he push him and then apologise and gave him his shirt afterwards I believe? And if Messi bitch slapped a ballboy but was available to sign would we still say no to him? I think Cabaye was the kind of player we needed. A classy ball player always going forward not that boring side to side passing we keep seeing.

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11 Aug 2015 08:42:18
I think most of us have forgotten the many frustrating transfer windows under Mosey when the deadline day was when we finally did something and were all as depressed as we are today with the clubs inactivity, so when RM was appointed I at least thought we would be more active and be seeing some real gems coming in after what he seemed to do at Wigan, however we are in the same frustrating stalemate for yet another season and maybe need to realise that it may not be down to the manager entirely and that the board could be the culprits holding the club back?

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11 Aug 2015 08:36:17
Why is RM wittering on about the unfair transfer window opening after the season has started, its the same for everyone else and surely has he not stated he wants to do late business? Double standards I think!

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11 Aug 2015 07:16:39
Bobby is moaning about people come by in for our players while the season has started! Why has he waited for the season to start to try and sign 3 players? If he was that concerned he would have had them all
Signed on July 1st and all had a good pre season together.

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11 Aug 2015 07:08:46
if we buy Evans, Hernandez and Lennin with Stones money who will be off this week that's over 20 million spent on dross cast offs, I have been a season tkt holder for 49 years is this the best we can do .Lennon goes missing especially in away games, Evans rubbish, Hernandez good substitute.
We should get solid good players like Wickham, Austin we need a bit of excitement to team, by the time Derby comes we will be in bottom 3

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11 Aug 2015 11:05:43
Stones isn't going. Wickham is crap and gone to Palace, Austin is too injury prone and too expensive. I would be happy with Hernandez, Van Dyck and Lennon unless someone better is available
Wellzee

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11 Aug 2015 11:32:20
Lennon put in a shift when he came so for a few million he isn't a bad signing. We need players like him direct pacey and take the game to teams. We are to slow in build up! Everyone said after Watford it was same predictable stuff!

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11 Aug 2015 03:04:17
Having watched Martinez on MNF, a few things got my attention. Carragher loves interrupting people, but, he was spot on with most of it. Martinez was dodging a lot of things, found a way around the issues surrounding our Defending, didn't seem to like the idea of 2 up front and I quote here. 'You need to be flexible at this level'-Roberto Martinez 10th August 2015. Martinez is about as flexible as a fat person with broken bones. He also showed his ever increasing vocabulary. Barely said phenominal, we now have 'momentum' and 'intensity' to add to the already irritating overuse of the same words every time he is on screen. Carragher was spot on with the booing too, I've made my thoughts on Ross Barkley very clear in here and I'd rather not repeat them as they are irrelevant in this topic. I don't care how bad the team is playing, I don't care how bad a player is playing, you do NOT boo individual players. Victims of this were Barkley for some reason (i thought he did well), Barry (the crowd booed and screamed at him to launch it, he did and they booed some more, weak), Galloway (unbelievable) and Kone which baffled me the most, I understand people do not rate him, I understand people will not be happy with him still being here and I understand people being angry he is coming on. But booing him before he even came on? Jesus. I know people will say 'i paid my money I have a right to boo', if that's the case and you only go to boo, why go? In fact, why not take it further and try and get something going if you want change, but nope, they boo and go under their rocks until the next game. I was not happy with the performance, hell, my least favourite player Tom Cleverley was playing and I still clapped him when he did something well, when he lost it at no point did I make it my mission to boo every time he got the ball. Apologies for ranting and if you do boo, don't take it personal. If I've offended anyone then my apologies. I just don't understand people who think constantly booing and screaming abuse at our young players will make things any better.

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{Ed001's Note - I thought that was an excellent post personally Swan. One thing I would say, and this after having this same discussion many times from the same viewpoint as you initially, I do understand if one of your players was given stick if he doesn't make an effort. I mean if they just stand around watching when the opposition has the ball, while everyone else was pressing and allowed an easy out ball. That would be a good reason to give a particular player some stick, but only at that time, and not just a general booing. Booing players just seems pointless to me, even opponents, as it is counterproductive. Opposing players tend to play better when booed and your own play worse. If booing and abusing players helped your team play better, then the Turkish league would be the best in the world.}

11 Aug 2015 07:18:09
I agree 100% in everything.not just because its you Swan. just because you are right. Booing actually affects players and makes them worse.

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11 Aug 2015 09:04:51
Yep have to agree to above comments.I thinks its disgraceful when our fans boo.The team is under enough pressure as it is,and the players don't need it.Carra was spot on last night with his comments and Bobby was looking like the fraud we already knew. I just hope he takes heed of some of the comments and changes our tactics as every team in the prem has us sussed!

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11 Aug 2015 11:00:44
Good post Swan. I simply can't understand booing your own players and the people who do so call themselves supporters. To boo the side off at half time in any game is out of order, but to do so in the first game of the season is a total disgrace. Players, both established and young need encouragement, not to be boo'd for the slightest error or sideways pass. Players need confidence to progress and they will not gain that when sections of the home crowd boo them. It will very soon become a burden playing at home and opposing sides will be given an advantage before a ball has even been kicked.
Like Ross Barkley or not, he was honest enough to admit that he felt the pressure last season due to the expectation placed upon him, so in order to help him the boo boys start again in the first game of the season, unbelievable! As for leaving the ground before the end I simply can't get my head around that.
Please blues get behind the chairman, manager and players for the 90 minutes on a Saturday and save the slagging off for the pub afterwards.

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11 Aug 2015 02:05:01
After sittin thru sats game it's clear we need width both sides mirallas doesn't work hard enough he'd suit being an impact striker instead. Tim Howard needs to feature less in my opinion he costs us more goals than he should. Galloway looked real mature

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