Everton banter 8

28 May 2026 10:37:39
This upcoming window will determine what these new Everton FC owners are about. I'm not getting sucked in by the links in the rags. We see time and time again how wide of the mark they are.

Barry was just a woeful signing and whoever was mainly responsible for that, should be sacked. Dibling, I refuse to judge but fear that he will never recover that natural attacking intent he showed 2 seasons ago after having his confidence shattered by Moyes. Forward players that put defenders to the sword live of rhythm, repetition and confidence and once you lose that, it is hard to find it again.

Rohl, underused. I was happy when I heard we had got him. It is still hilarious that the Everton fans were unable to realise that the lad had some pace about him until April, April! - thanks to the manager. KDH and Grealish proved valuable signings.

I gave them a pass in the summer because we were still feeling the pain of FFP and we didn't have the new "best in class" team in for long and some even until after the window.

What I can't overlook though is the utter negligence shown in the winter window. We were positioned very well in the league before KDH did his hammy, Ndiaye and Gana left for Africa and then Grealish broke his foot in Jan.

Had we brought in 2 or 3 signings, we can be all but certain that we would have secured European football this season and the financial outlay would have been recouped as a result.

We didn't have to go silly and risky by spunking a load of cash. We could have made a couple of smart signings to continue and replicate the work we had already done.

A fullback or two are the obvious ones and maybe a central midfielder or a winger to freshen things up and provide new blood and energy.

I can't remember the exact statistic but we made the least amount of subs this season out of any side and we had the most amount of players that played over x amount of minutes. The players were understandably spent in the last third of the season and it cost us dearly.

It doesn't take a business or footballing genius to have worked that out but the fact that we failed to predict the inevitability is surely quite worrying. After all, we supposedly have the "best in class". Let's see what is done in the summer but if it is more of the same, then we may as well just pack it in altogether.

28 May 2026 11:41:14
Top post BN, can't argue with any of that, good to read a measured reflection. I suppose FFP will still have played a part in January. Can only hope that we’re well positioned to go again and that TFG are set to demand an improvement.

28 May 2026 11:56:16
Excellent post BN, this window will show exactly what TFG intentions are, I believe DM will secure a significant amount, as you say, two or three short for Europe, I can see several ins and hopefully several outs, exciting times, looking forward to it, window 18 days away mate.

28 May 2026 14:43:17
Good post BN.

As I've said on here loads, you can get as many players in as you want, but if the rotation isn't there then that's where the issues come in. My big worry with DM is he will not rotate enough and that means we fall away at the end of the season.

28 May 2026 16:11:59
I think it would have definitely still been on the agenda, JB, but not to the point where it stopped us bringing some bodies in mate.

Juanlu Sanchez, for example, would have cost us 10m. If we spread the cost over the length of his contract, it would have been minimal.

It is, of course, difficult to say that he would have got us an extra 5 points on the board, but given how restricted having a 6ft 5 CB at RB makes us, I would be fairly confident to say that it would have.

I think we still had a loan spot to utilise as well, so why we didn't choose to use it is beyond me.

Agree, GB, I am happy to give them the summer window until I make a decision on them, but if they mess this one up, I think any confidence will quickly disappear for us all.



We definitely need a lot of outs, mate, some of these players don't deserve to be playing PL football/to be part of a PL football team.

Spot on, Benny. You only have to look at the top clubs who have a first 11 that is lightyears ahead of ours, they still rotate. This is exactly where the "you can't teach an old dog new tricks" comes in, mate.

Fingers crossed that they do a job this summer and we can have something to look forward to. Still to be convinced, though.

28 May 2026 16:38:50
Our present team are just not good enough. With TFG on board and no more constraints from FFP, we can finally do something about it. Big window for DM, make or break time.

28 May 2026 18:35:24
Does anyone know why Roma fans have been protesting about TFG wanting them out???

28 May 2026 19:16:43
Maybe a couple on here joined the Roma forum????

28 May 2026 20:50:27
That was in 2024 I think. Not happy about De Rossi being sacked. Sure they're quite happy now they've qualified for the Champions League.

29 May 2026 04:45:50
Cheers. ??? I didn't have my glasses on and thought it was recent. ??????

29 May 2026 06:50:51
Top post as per, bn. Refreshing to read something on these pages that explains a point of view without resorting to rage baiting! Big summer window coming up mate, let's hope TFG don't screw this up.

28 May 2026 09:08:09
I know It's bad journalist. But if we're going to change management, best to do it now before the start of the new season so the new manager can look at our young players.

28 May 2026 11:59:42
Don't think TFG will change anything at all, big transfer kitty this window. DM will have to prove how good he is, if not, then on his bike by Christmas.

28 May 2026 14:36:19
The first signing will set the tone. I wouldn't get too excited just yet.

28 May 2026 14:45:07
I don't expect you to mate, but you don't know you could be very pleasantly surprised.

28 May 2026 17:50:04
My worry is that the big transfer kitty goes to Moyes. He buys five 31 year olds, lets the young lads go, and then, when he is hopefully sacked, the new manager is left with absolute rubbish and we need another rebuild.

I'm tired of managers who are clearly dead-men-walking being given the window, then sacked shortly after.

Think of the damage that Benitez did weeks before he was sacked, then the fact that we allowed Dyche to build much of this squad before binning him off, too. If we want a new manager (which almost every fan does) , get them in now, not in 6 months.

28 May 2026 19:14:13
Why would he buy 5 thirty year olds? Makes no sense at all.

29 May 2026 00:33:32
Don't mean to pop the big transfer kitty balloon and as always I admire the optimism, but what makes you think we have a big budget?! I highly doubt we do irrespective of not making signings in January. I'm not being negative, just realistic. I get the Moyes out opinions on here and think I would twist rather than stick as well, but again, realism wise, I highly doubt Moyes is going anywhere and I think summer signings will be limited.

That said, I still think we will be ok next season, but I think it will be more of the same, good days, bad days and inconsistency until the club is better balanced. People forget how far backwards we went from circa 2017 up to maybe 2 seasons ago, and that takes its toll on any club.

28 May 2026 07:39:01
{Ed's Note - Ed001 has posted a new article entitled, Matchday 38 - Quick Round Up

29 May 2026 03:56:24
If we want to progress, Moyes has to go. He will never change his style or his philosophy on certain players.
We have a fairly talented squad, but you'd never know that because Moyes refused to use players.


He is a marginally better version of Dyche or Big Sam. He has seen us through the transition from Goodison & now is the time for a new more forward looking coaching team.

UTFT NSNO. ? ? ?

27 May 2026 23:21:15
3rd trophy in 2 years for Crystal Palace, have to feel sorry for them, having to put up with winning things when they could have stability instead.

28 May 2026 07:27:38
Leicester won something the league, where are they now?

28 May 2026 10:35:51
Yeah, I'm sure Leicester are so sad they won the league 10 years ago, they must wish it never happened.

28 May 2026 12:42:02
Never seen Everton lift a cup at 30 years old, I'd take Leicester's last 10 years over it, genuinely would.

Prem, FA Cup, Community Shield and a UCL campaign. Have never seen any of those.

Are we close to doing so? Is the stability worth it?

The only thing I can ever say is 'not been relegated' - who cares anymore.

Lower league fans seem to be happy enough, and most have won something even if it's only promotion. We play the worst brand of football you'll find anywhere, what's the point if we get no results and it provides zero entertainment.

28 May 2026 14:42:14
Can't argue with that, PB. I am old enough to have watched this great club from the 60s onwards. I have two sons around your age, and, apart from the Chelsea final, they have had nothing to cheer about. These days, supporters celebrate not being in a relegation scrap. How far we have fallen.

27 May 2026 21:23:55
That Andy Gordon lad off to Barcelona from the Toon for £69m. We should have a look at him, really complete hard working player.

28 May 2026 04:53:48
Don't feel anything for them, but it does show the strength of the Prem, whether Arsenal beat PSG or not. If only we could sing.

27 May 2026 19:44:13
Not saying I’m a fan of relegated players as general rule, but with West Ham down, do you think it’s possible we get some on loan for a season? Like a “see if we come back up straight away while you stay in the Premier League until then” type situation. Ideally meaning either Summerville, Bowen or someone? Saves us money and allows West Ham to keep the player for if they come back up.

Or do you think they’ll only want to cash in while they can as Bowen is not getting any younger and Summerville will likely have suitors long term?

As for Burnley, Esteve has been linked. Personally I’m not a fan. I think he’s a Premier League quality centre back, but not good enough for a team who wants to push for Europe.



For Wolves, Mane is very talented but Moyes probably wouldn’t buy him as he’s not old enough to be someone’s granddad yet.

If we are going to do business with Chelsea or United again like we have in the past, would anyone turn their nose up at Acheampong on loan? I think he’s exceptionally talented and versatile. For United, Aiden Heaven?

I’m just spitballing names here but surely these are the types of players we should be looking at as opposed to the likes of Ben White, Kieran Tripper and Tomas Soucek.

27 May 2026 20:21:27
I really hope we are not interested in any of those 3, Swan.
White is a centre half playing at right back.
Kieran Trippier must be near the age of Seamus Coleman.
And Soucek is a cheap version of Fellaini.



The others you've mentioned, I don't know much about other than Bowen and Somerville. And I think both those would definitely improve our squad and starting 11.

27 May 2026 20:48:41
Professional footballers these days tend not to believe in loyalty, therefore I doubt any of them will want to go out on loan. I would imagine their agents got to work the minute the final whistle went.

27 May 2026 22:36:46
Can't see United letting Heaven go, he is highly thought of there, and will get more game time with the added European games.

Acheampong is a good shout though, Swan, although Alonso has a brain, so will probably utilise him.

27 May 2026 16:11:40
If your main concern is a new striker, but not full backs, a centre back and a defensive midfielder, then I have no idea what you're watching.

Beto is fine, he's not Lukaku, but he gets goals, he is definitely less of a worry than number 16, O'Brien and an aging Gana.

I'd rather go into the next season with Beto and Barry as opposed to that fraud at left back or a centre back at right back.

27 May 2026 16:48:28
My worry for this window, Swan, is not a new striker but old familiar Moyes. Of course we would benefit from a new striker as Barry should never play for us again. What baffled me is that he refused to play the only fit recognised right back we have in Patterson, and move the best fit centre back we have in O'Brien back into the middle.

I'm hoping that this transfer window doesn't continue as it's started.

I'm also baffled as to why Mykolenko was even retained, never mind given a 3 year extension; he simply hasn't improved during his time with us. You are, of course, correct about Gana.

We are all aware of the failings of this current side, so I'm hoping that Moyes, if he is retained, will act upon them; otherwise, next season will be as abject as this one. My other concern is that we may lose some of our young talent.

27 May 2026 17:15:35
Been saying this for several months now. What under 25 year old player would join us after this last 12 months farce. We have already between 5 and 7 players already who should have been given minutes since Christmas. But, no, they are deemed not Premier League ready or Moyes has an issue with them. Graham called up for international duty today, but not good enough for us. Armstrong, highly thought of in the Championship, but wasted here, the list goes on and on. Anzjou, George, Dibbing, Patterson.

Half of Moyes favourites are not fit to wear the shirt, let alone Premier League ready, couple that with square pegs round hole syndrome, and we are heading only one way next season unless things change drastically. Other teams and managers give youth a chance and benefit. Why the f*** can't we. Hate to say it, but if Moyes stays and rumours of geriatric incomers are true we will be in Spurs territory next season. Great stadium but in the Championship.

27 May 2026 17:30:24
There's no way we will go with Beto and Barry next season.

27 May 2026 17:52:04
We've needed a striker since Lukau Swan mate.

27 May 2026 17:53:37
I'm not saying we will go with Beto and Barry.

I'm saying if we did, that's better than having that pub team left back we have starting.

27 May 2026 18:22:07
No, mate, we need a forward (again) .

27 May 2026 18:48:02
My view is that we do need a centre forward, but main priority is a rb to free up O Brien to move to central defence. Could have played Patterson rb at latter end of season to give O Brien chance to settle into role properly.


Be interesting how we proceed, given that we need lb as well. Recruitment team will need to get cracking as decent full backs are at a premium.

27 May 2026 19:36:22
So you'd rather have Mykolenko start every game than Beto?

27 May 2026 19:46:57
There are quite a few positions that need immediate attention, that is blatantly obvious. I haven't seen many say that up top is our most pressing position to improve over all other positions, so not sure what you're referring to with your opening post, Swan?

Both full back positions need immediate attention. We need another CB or two. A DM to replace Gana would also be a priority. And then, yes, the two up front need getting rid of asap. Barry, we don't really need to say anything there, as it is a common theme in this forum, nearly getting as many posts as the manager! But to say Beto is worth keeping is ridiculous.

The lad is not good enough for this league, he misses more than he scores and is very erratic. It's comical that some say 'yes, but he tries and works hard and has a great attitude', so what? He spends 90 minutes punching himself after yet another wasted opportunity. I'm surprised he doesn't come off the pitch with lumps on his head. Look at the derby, he almost hit the corner flag when it was easier to hit the target! Is that going to get us higher up the league? Not at all. If you can't see that the forward line needs attention, then I don't know what you've been watching yourself.

27 May 2026 19:59:15
Got more goals than Salah, Gakpo and Woltemade in way less minutes.

As a backup he's absolutely fine. Started half our league games and got 9 goals with no penalties.

I'm not saying we do not need a forward, I'm saying that it isn't even close to a priority. Outside of the goalkeeper and wingers, it's the position we need improvement on least.

27 May 2026 20:00:53
Getting rid is probably harder than we think. Beto could possibly get a move back to Italy, but who in their right mind is gonna pay for Barry?? Villarreal are laughing their heads off. Getting £27 million for him. I reckon 1 of the chuckle brothers will leave, and we will bid for Delap, get turned down by him, and probably sign Vardy last minute or something like that.

????? And can I say I don't rate Delap either. Typical Moyes signing, physical but can't score.

27 May 2026 20:21:24
You must have played in some Pub Team, Swan! In my travels, very fortunate to have been on the same pitch as visiting teams on their annual jollies. Seen these 'pub team' players up close but tackled air. I believe No16 has just signed till 2029.

27 May 2026 20:31:46
You have a point, Ron, about Delap. As far as I recall, he had one good season at Ipswich and that is it. Can't see he would offer us any more than Beto does.

27 May 2026 20:53:28
If we carry on with our tactic of just lumping it up the pitch, then it won't matter who the striker is.

27 May 2026 22:43:39
He might have scored more goals than those you mention, but that doesn't mean too much. The lad just isn't good enough, and the old shout of 'but he works hard and has a great attitude' is ridiculous (in general, not saying you said that) , as you need ability to go with that too. Most fans want to see us attack the euro places, but he can't take us there.

Get a bit of cash back before his contract runs down, soften the blow of shelling out 26m for him in the first place.

Not too sure who would buy him, Ron, but I think we should at least try to offload him in the summer. Has to be a lot better out there than either of those two, if not, then football is doomed!

27 May 2026 22:47:13
I would also like a 10 because KDH certainly isn't one. He even said as much himself. Nowhere near slick enough for that position for me. His passing, particularly his through balls, is diabolical. His strengths could be better utilised elsewhere.

28 May 2026 01:42:03
We have a no 10 with Alcaraz for me, but doesn't get the minutes to show it.

28 May 2026 14:46:51
BN, you're right, the lad has always said he likes to play a deeper role, but Moyes, in his wisdom, decided differently.

27 May 2026 16:11:25
{Ed's Note - Ed001 has posted a new article entitled, Matchday 38 - Quick Round Up

27 May 2026 09:41:14
In truth the poster in here and this absolutely stellar article by John has summed it up completely. I can only add: watching Moyes manage our beloved Everton is like watching the epic movie Titanic and expecting the ocean liner not to sink. You know it's as inevitable as Moyes taking the club backwards, regardless of any decent start to a league campaign.

He is just too pragmatic: what we have we hold. I have often said to my mate who is a Geordie and a long suffering Newcastle United supporter that not wanting to lose is not the same as going out to win the game. Moyes quite simply does not have a winners mentality.

27 May 2026 16:07:17
What really summed Moyes up for me was in 2012 in the semi final against that lot. They had Brad Jones in goal, Glen Johnson, Jay Spearing, an aging Carragher, and Stewart Downing all starting.



We went 1-0 after 25 minutes and barely threatened them again, we sat back for 65 minutes and eventually got what we deserved.

He doesn't have a killer's instinct and he's terrified of success.

27 May 2026 20:55:27
Final against Chelsea got the early goal, then hardly crossed the halfway line again.

27 May 2026 07:50:10
19 days till the transfer window opens, looking forward to that will be intriguing a lot to be done in and out.

27 May 2026 08:34:18
I'll be honest, GB, I'm getting fed up of the constant slurry of garbage that comes from media about our transfers. Every old player will be linked. Every Spurs target will be linked, and every Championship half decent player will be linked. And none of them will be anywhere near the truth.
It's getting very boring but fortunately there's the WC to distract me.

27 May 2026 15:25:21
What gets me is, we brought in a new team to find players and the same names are mentioned. Either it's lazy journalism or lazy scouting, hoping for some fresh, pacey players that can play and improve, no one over 30, please.

27 May 2026 16:09:14
Can't see much happening until late on as always with dithering Dave.

Reality is, we need a few players in before the World Cup starts and we cannot be having old men looking for a last payday come in.

Soon as one of them pops in, like Soucek or White, it will kill any excitement for the season off right away.

27 May 2026 18:53:40
Not sure that many will go, GB. Patterson, Alcaraz (who has been treated terribly by Moyes) and maybe Gana. If he gets rid of the likes of Dibling or Armstrong, then I'm done with the man.

27 May 2026 20:24:20
New team brought in, but very often you hear/read get quotes of recommended by scouts. Have the scouts?