01 Sep 2021 12:16:46
Well I have mixed feelings about this transfer window. On one hand I am pleased that we have not made the mistake of previous windows and not brought in expensive misfits. In Grey we have the sort of player who I expect Brands to be spotting, young and inexpensive, with obvious talent.
On the other hand I do expect Brands to be identifying and recruiting more young and talented players. We have lost a young left-back and sent out another on loan so both left-back and right-back are still areas that could possibly be a problem this year.
What I expect from Brands is identification and recruitment of the next generation of
Everton players, i. e. a long term plan and I don't see enough of that IMHO.

1.) 01 Sep 2021
01 Sep 2021 13:25:15
I suppose its the same at every club tbh mate. Not many of us fans really know what the clubs do with their youth recruitment until players come through the door.
With regards to the full back positions, I'm glad they have let one of the young players out on loan rather than getting a game here or there in the cup. That will give him plenty of playing time and minutes under his belt. I think we have left back covered with Godfrey and we have both Kenny and Holgate that can cover right back. Not ideal but it should see us through to the next window.

2.) 01 Sep 2021
01 Sep 2021 13:30:53
Now the dust has settled, we can be pleased that no major risks have been taken, as you said Mike. In short, we got ourselves into this mess. No doubt, we’re short, at full back especially. Silver lining, hopefully, is that there’ll be opportunities for u23s to make a name for themselves.
Mid table would be ok this year. More to leave in June (Delph, Siggy etc, on big wages) . By then, Benitez and Brands will have no excuse and should have identified the 3/ 4 key players that can take us to the next level.

3.) 01 Sep 2021
01 Sep 2021 17:01:13
Blue Mike you say you don't see enough of it. Well I don't think we've seen any of it. From what was touted of brands when he came in I was expecting we bring through 1 player a year from our youth system. We've not seen any. The fact we have 2 GK on the bench must prove Rafa doesn't rate them as well.

4.) 01 Sep 2021
01 Sep 2021 17:40:43
Mid table will not be ok. We have to qualify for Europe otherwise we are just standing still. European football generates money, money needed to improve the squad. It’s not simply about getting rid of players, who let’s be honest will have little sell on value.
So no Europe no 30m+ players coming in = no progression.

5.) 01 Sep 2021
01 Sep 2021 18:09:55
How quick do you think kids grow? You perception of how human beings work is extremely skewed.

It takes 18 years for a human to grow to an adult age. Given that he has only been here for three years, it's going to take a few more to get any into the 1st team.

On a serious note, he's been here for 3 years, the 1st will be to assess the club never mind the youth set up. Then he needs to get the right people and set up at the club, then for the philosophy to be adapted by the staff then the players. Young players will take 3,4 5 years to learn their trade, then either train with the 1st team or go out on loan.

Eventually they may break through or go for a fee somewhere else.

I keep saying this but for youth, you are looking at 5 years for this to really bare fruit. We produce decent youth players at the moment but none that really break through. Its a handful in 30 years that went on to play for our 1st team.

We just need to be patient.

6.) 01 Sep 2021
01 Sep 2021 19:31:39
Sadly his changes work from the bottom up, we have no real idea what's happening lower down the clubs foundations and as bluejohn says these youngsters need time, not forgetting moshri had some dodgy advisors messing stuff up, and also he couldn't sign any youth players for 2 years, that will have put a big dent in plans.
We are paying the price for our splash the cash policy and moshri's advisor meddling probably.

7.) 02 Sep 2021
01 Sep 2021 23:03:23
Or they refuse to sign a contract and bugger off for peanuts to another club.