COLUMNIST JIM HOURIGAN
Buying British
By Jim Hourigan : 05/04/2008 : 
Comments (32) :
It seems to have almost slipped under the radar with little comment or discussion, but DM's comment that he will be looking primarily to bring in British talent fills me with dread. Look at the present squad and who are the first players who spring to mind when we question 'ability to take us onto the next level'? I would suggest the list reads (in no particular order), Neville, Hibbert, Carsley, Osman. Whilst we can probably add Grav and Valente they are not playing so the decision to offload I think has already been taken. The jury is out on Fernandes and VDM is just a waste of space.
Comments (32) : Jagielka I believe has been showing signs of weakness recently, and personally I'm not convinced about his long term prospects, besides I would rather have Lescott in the centre. In terms of quality British players who have we got? Lescott and ??????. True Vaughan might make it, Baines has not had a chance to show if he can ( will he ever if Lescott is LB?, if Lescott move Jagielka goes !!!!) AJ is clearly worth a squad place, and then we have all this young talent that is never seen Kissock, Turner, Ruddy, Spencer, Rodwell, Jutkiewicz, Gosling. On the law of averages one or at best two might make it but are they going to take us on? Who are the other players we look to each week? Howard, Yobo, Arteta, Cahill, Piennar, Yakubu - not British !!!
Then we have the issue of which British talent should we go for? Bentley immediately springs to mind and possibly Walcott or Lennon as Premiership players who would 'hit the floor running'. Where we are now requires players who can immediately have an impact, not players from a lower division who might need time to adjust and have less guarantee of success. Remember Lescott was being touted as Premiership class before his injury and DM's gamble on his fitness has paid off magnificently.
I'm sure there is British talent around but my God is it in short supply and most of the good stuff it is already at one of the top 3. McFadden is the best from Scotland and we offloaded him, Keane is the best of Irish but why should he move? As for the other home nations.... well!!!!!!. Look at the England U21 and how many bright lights spring to mind? Yes there is a much bigger issue here in terms of the lack of opportunities, quotas etc but that is not my point. My point is why is DM planning to shop in this market? It's not a smoke screen either because his present squad has more British than anyone in the top 7 so he clearly believes in it. But will British players help us challenge the top 3? Well sadly I think not and I think it shows limited horizons.
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Thought Moyes had said he was always looking to buy British--meaning they aclimatise into the clubs culture more easily?
Of the purchases he has made in our 1st 11 arent all but Yobo bought from British clubs? (other than Arteta who has British experience)
British players beginning with the letter B to sign would be;
Bentley-The new Beckham.
Barnes-Promising winger
Brown-Out of contract at man utd
Bullard-Good for the squad
For me Lennon runs in circles like McFadden though Walcott looks like he would be good for counter attacks
Of the purchases he has made in our 1st 11 arent all but Yobo bought from British clubs? (other than Arteta who has British experience)
British players beginning with the letter B to sign would be;
Bentley-The new Beckham.
Barnes-Promising winger
Brown-Out of contract at man utd
Bullard-Good for the squad
For me Lennon runs in circles like McFadden though Walcott looks like he would be good for counter attacks
Come to think of it we could go for;
Bentley and Brown that would probably set us back £15million for Bentley and we would have England's right side!
If Moyes got those 2 in together it would say a lot for our intentions.
Bentley and Brown that would probably set us back £15million for Bentley and we would have England's right side!
If Moyes got those 2 in together it would say a lot for our intentions.
I think Bentley’s the next in the long line of overrated English players. Don’t get me wrong he’s good but he’s not as good as the media are making out.
Where would he fit in our team? I’d have Arteta over him on the right every day of the week. Mikky although his poor form has alot more of a rounded game. He always seems to be one of those players who gets a yard and whips in a cross. Not what where looking for. If where going for a winger then we need someone with pace who’s direct.
I’d rather take someone like Giles Barnes. Much more potential and has pace. He also wouldn’t demand to be played unlike Bentley. He could come on for someone like Pienaar or Arteta with half an hour to go and give us a completely different option. He’s good alot of things on his side has Barnes and can fill two or three roles.
I’d also take Brown aswell. I know people don’t like him but he’s a step up from Neville and he’d allow Baines to revert to left back without Moyes worrying about the lack of height in defense. He had an excellent season this season and behind Sagna has probably been the second best right back in the League.
But being realistic it isn’t going to happen and Neville will without doubt be our first choice right back for the next 2/3 years.
Where would he fit in our team? I’d have Arteta over him on the right every day of the week. Mikky although his poor form has alot more of a rounded game. He always seems to be one of those players who gets a yard and whips in a cross. Not what where looking for. If where going for a winger then we need someone with pace who’s direct.
I’d rather take someone like Giles Barnes. Much more potential and has pace. He also wouldn’t demand to be played unlike Bentley. He could come on for someone like Pienaar or Arteta with half an hour to go and give us a completely different option. He’s good alot of things on his side has Barnes and can fill two or three roles.
I’d also take Brown aswell. I know people don’t like him but he’s a step up from Neville and he’d allow Baines to revert to left back without Moyes worrying about the lack of height in defense. He had an excellent season this season and behind Sagna has probably been the second best right back in the League.
But being realistic it isn’t going to happen and Neville will without doubt be our first choice right back for the next 2/3 years.
Reading between the lines does Moyes actually mean players with british experience.
The Yak had been in England for years
Arteta proved himself on loan and had done it for Rangers.
Howard had proved himself at Utd
Cahill had proved himself at Millwall
As Mark says there?s only Yobo and Pienaar not bought from a british club who?s any good, and both of those proved themselves on loan 1st anyway.
What would you prefer? Proven record in England such as the Yak or an expensive foreign import like Bakayoko, Kuyt, Bianchi, Shevchenko, Pizzaro, Forlan etc.......
The Yak had been in England for years
Arteta proved himself on loan and had done it for Rangers.
Howard had proved himself at Utd
Cahill had proved himself at Millwall
As Mark says there?s only Yobo and Pienaar not bought from a british club who?s any good, and both of those proved themselves on loan 1st anyway.
What would you prefer? Proven record in England such as the Yak or an expensive foreign import like Bakayoko, Kuyt, Bianchi, Shevchenko, Pizzaro, Forlan etc.......
Giles Barnes would certainly interest me. Although he hasn?t had the greatest of seasons he does have something about him and would offer genuine width .... providing his injury problems are sorted out.
I think Brian Howard from Barnsley would be worth a poke too, and not just because of his performance against the shite!
Both tick the box for Moyes being young English players.
I think Brian Howard from Barnsley would be worth a poke too, and not just because of his performance against the shite!
Both tick the box for Moyes being young English players.
I like the look of Barnes too; plus I think that we may get him cheaper than Howard. I note that the tabloids were recently awash with bids of £3-4 million for him.
I?d like Bentley too. However, I suspect that he?s angling a move to that shower over the other side of the park. Plus I?m not sure if we?d be able to pay the wages that he wants.
I?d like Bentley too. However, I suspect that he?s angling a move to that shower over the other side of the park. Plus I?m not sure if we?d be able to pay the wages that he wants.
I can’t see the point in settling for just one place to source talent, the majority of British players are shite and overpriced. If anything the point of British experience over British has some merit but again shouldn’t be a yardstick. Interesting fact about why Arteta went to Rangers too, they played against PSG many many years ago and sat in central mid for PSG were Mssrs Arteta and a certain Ronaldinho. In the game Ronaldinho by all accounts was shite but Arteta dominated and tore Rangers a new one, after which Rangers went and bought him, isn’t it a funny old world?
We need to be realistic:
Bentley - wont come to us
Brown - his salary expectations rule us out
Lennon and Walcott - no way will they be available
Anyone got some more likely players in mind?
Bentley - wont come to us
Brown - his salary expectations rule us out
Lennon and Walcott - no way will they be available
Anyone got some more likely players in mind?
i?ve said it before and i?l say it again rb johnson from pompey holding midfielder barry from villa and a left midfielder downing from midds. cost should should be around 25 mill for all three.
Marouane Fellaini,
Manuel Fernandes
Steven Pienaar,
Giles Barnes,
Kim Kallstrom,
Darren Bent,
Steven Appiah,
Andrei Arshavin,
Brian Howard,
Dario Simic,
Some players we’ve been linked with. Whether there true or not I don’t know.
Manuel Fernandes
Steven Pienaar,
Giles Barnes,
Kim Kallstrom,
Darren Bent,
Steven Appiah,
Andrei Arshavin,
Brian Howard,
Dario Simic,
Some players we’ve been linked with. Whether there true or not I don’t know.
I agree with Paul Whitehouse, what is the point in speculating in players that are just not going to happen, Lennon, Walcott, why would their respective teams sell. As for Wes Brown a good player but how can we afford him if Man U can’t? More likely to go to West Ham or Newcastle, a team who will pay him the world.
I think Jimmy Bullard and Kevin Nolan could be good additions to the squad for not too much money and wouldbe more likely options especially if their teams are relegated. This worked last year with Moyes taking his pick of the best team of Sheff Utd when they were relegated with Jags.
I’m interested in what other people think of possible good signings, I personally believe as part of the new contract negotiations Moyes will be asking for £20-£30m to spend during the summer and we have got to trust his good judgement, he has got us where we are today, we have a good relatively small close knit squad and i think that we need to keep this ethos if only for the time being if we are to progress so fully agree with Davey in bringing in quality and not just packing the squad with £30k a week benchwarmers who are only there in case of injuries, we need a bench that we can bring on and be dynamic and in midfield at the moment we just dont have this. Who can we get to fill this gap and who do you think Moyesy will go for?
I think Jimmy Bullard and Kevin Nolan could be good additions to the squad for not too much money and wouldbe more likely options especially if their teams are relegated. This worked last year with Moyes taking his pick of the best team of Sheff Utd when they were relegated with Jags.
I’m interested in what other people think of possible good signings, I personally believe as part of the new contract negotiations Moyes will be asking for £20-£30m to spend during the summer and we have got to trust his good judgement, he has got us where we are today, we have a good relatively small close knit squad and i think that we need to keep this ethos if only for the time being if we are to progress so fully agree with Davey in bringing in quality and not just packing the squad with £30k a week benchwarmers who are only there in case of injuries, we need a bench that we can bring on and be dynamic and in midfield at the moment we just dont have this. Who can we get to fill this gap and who do you think Moyesy will go for?
Michael Ward, whats the point in adding squad players? I just don’t get it. We should be adding players that are more than likely going to demand a place in the starting line up and the players who they have replaced are moved to squad players. Thats the way to improve.
I’d take Bullard if we where desperate but we need to be looking a little higher than that in my opinion. And I doubt he’d come to us. He moved up south to specifically be with his family. I doubt he’d want to move up north again.
Nolan is one of the most overrated players in the league. Very one dimensional and very average. The only reason a handful of Evertonians want him is because he’s scouse. A poor mans Cahill in my eyes. Slow, lack technical ability and can’t play in a four man midfield. Only things he’s good at is feeding off Davies’s knockdowns and we don’t have that type of player.
I’d take Bullard if we where desperate but we need to be looking a little higher than that in my opinion. And I doubt he’d come to us. He moved up south to specifically be with his family. I doubt he’d want to move up north again.
Nolan is one of the most overrated players in the league. Very one dimensional and very average. The only reason a handful of Evertonians want him is because he’s scouse. A poor mans Cahill in my eyes. Slow, lack technical ability and can’t play in a four man midfield. Only things he’s good at is feeding off Davies’s knockdowns and we don’t have that type of player.
CM/AM - Kallstrom, Arshavin or Fernandes, my preference is Arshavin but all are class.
Winger - wasn?t that Lucho Gonzalez we were linked with a winger? If so he?d be a good signing, as far as wingers I know are concerned I?d like to see a quality player such as Joaquin and Vicente would be nice, I mention these two as I?ve heard they are both unsettled at their respective clubs.
RB - not so easy but theres a lad at Shakhtar that I have seen playing a few times who looks good at LB and RB, his names Dario Srna (spelling is probably wrong) although I would prefer Wes Brown ( wages would probably be a stumbling block) or Glen Johnson (Same) or failing that why not go for a top young right back like Manu Eboue who might be willing to sign due to his limited appearances at the Arse this season.
Obviously I know this is fairly unrealistic but we?ve been linked with most of the players there and also we know that, even if one from each position signs, Cars Pip and Mikky will still be at CM, RB and LW respectively due to Moyes?s tendency to stick by certain players through thick thin and shit.
Winger - wasn?t that Lucho Gonzalez we were linked with a winger? If so he?d be a good signing, as far as wingers I know are concerned I?d like to see a quality player such as Joaquin and Vicente would be nice, I mention these two as I?ve heard they are both unsettled at their respective clubs.
RB - not so easy but theres a lad at Shakhtar that I have seen playing a few times who looks good at LB and RB, his names Dario Srna (spelling is probably wrong) although I would prefer Wes Brown ( wages would probably be a stumbling block) or Glen Johnson (Same) or failing that why not go for a top young right back like Manu Eboue who might be willing to sign due to his limited appearances at the Arse this season.
Obviously I know this is fairly unrealistic but we?ve been linked with most of the players there and also we know that, even if one from each position signs, Cars Pip and Mikky will still be at CM, RB and LW respectively due to Moyes?s tendency to stick by certain players through thick thin and shit.
I can see Michael?s point Connor as without regular Champions League funding you?re not going to compete with the players that the top clubs are after. Our form of late has dipped when key players have been unavailable. Bringing in a couple or three squad players of equal status would, at least this season, probably have meant a 4th place finish for sure. And we have unearthed some gems in that process anyway. Some of the "squad players" that we?ve signed have gone on to become players that the top few clubs probably would now pay big money for.
As for new signings I agree Connor in that Bullard and Nolan are not players we should be going after. The idea of Sean Davis also doesn?t set my pulse racing. I also feel those clamouring for Appiah and Arshavin are bandwagon jumping as i?ve certainly not seen enough of either to suggest they?d make it. I can?t think of any suggestions, but then again i?d not have thought of Arteta, Cahill, Pienaar or Lescott so i?ll trust Davey again!
As for new signings I agree Connor in that Bullard and Nolan are not players we should be going after. The idea of Sean Davis also doesn?t set my pulse racing. I also feel those clamouring for Appiah and Arshavin are bandwagon jumping as i?ve certainly not seen enough of either to suggest they?d make it. I can?t think of any suggestions, but then again i?d not have thought of Arteta, Cahill, Pienaar or Lescott so i?ll trust Davey again!
I spent some time tonight thinking about possible players that Davey might go for if delving into the lower leagues this summer. The easiest way I could think of getting a shortlist was to take the 4-4-2 football league best 50 players shortlist and remove anyone over the age of 25 or 21 if playing in a division below the championship, I also noted that we have had a few grumblings about the general lack of height of the squad, so i also included the players height if i could quickly find it. I admit that I dont watch mutch championshipor below football and so dont know much about these players, but if anyone has much of a clue any ideas?
GK
22. Wayne Hennessey, Wolves 21 gk 6?2 CH
33. Lee Camp, QPR 23 gk 6?0 CH
DF
23. Ryan Shawcross, Stoke 20 centre bk 6?3 CH
39. Mark Hudson, Crystal Palace 25 defender ? CH
MF
3. Michael Kightly, Wolves (Football League Young Player of the Year) 22,winger 5?9 CH
14. Wes Hoolahan, Blackpool 25, left mid 5?6 CH
16. Brian Howard, Barnsley 25 mid 5?8 CH
17. Akos Buzsaky, QPR 25 centre mid 5?10 CH
34. Marvin Elliott, Bristol City 23 mid ? CH
37. Andrew Surman, Southampton 21.mid 5?10 CH
43. Joe Ledley, Cardiff City 21, left wing ? CH
44. Kris Commons, Nottingham Forest 24,winger 5?6 L1
45. Jason Puncheon, Barnet 21, winger ? L2
FW
18. Andy Keogh, Wolves 21 striker 6?0 CH
26. Sylvan Ebanks-Blake, Wolves 22 striker 5?10 CH
27. Jonathan Walters, Ipswich 24 striker 6?0 CH
30. Chris Dickson, Charlton 23 striker? CH
36. Joe Garner, Carlisle 19,striker 5?10 L1
GK
22. Wayne Hennessey, Wolves 21 gk 6?2 CH
33. Lee Camp, QPR 23 gk 6?0 CH
DF
23. Ryan Shawcross, Stoke 20 centre bk 6?3 CH
39. Mark Hudson, Crystal Palace 25 defender ? CH
MF
3. Michael Kightly, Wolves (Football League Young Player of the Year) 22,winger 5?9 CH
14. Wes Hoolahan, Blackpool 25, left mid 5?6 CH
16. Brian Howard, Barnsley 25 mid 5?8 CH
17. Akos Buzsaky, QPR 25 centre mid 5?10 CH
34. Marvin Elliott, Bristol City 23 mid ? CH
37. Andrew Surman, Southampton 21.mid 5?10 CH
43. Joe Ledley, Cardiff City 21, left wing ? CH
44. Kris Commons, Nottingham Forest 24,winger 5?6 L1
45. Jason Puncheon, Barnet 21, winger ? L2
FW
18. Andy Keogh, Wolves 21 striker 6?0 CH
26. Sylvan Ebanks-Blake, Wolves 22 striker 5?10 CH
27. Jonathan Walters, Ipswich 24 striker 6?0 CH
30. Chris Dickson, Charlton 23 striker? CH
36. Joe Garner, Carlisle 19,striker 5?10 L1
Connor, I completely understand your point and in hindsight Bullard who I think has had a very good season, did move for personal reasons which I had forgotten about.
I agree and said in my earlier post that we need to improve the squad and not just get in deadwood, but I also think that bringing in good players to replace the lesser ones in our squad i.e. Bullard for Gravesen just as an example would improve the team as a whole and give us an extra option when things aren't going the way we had hoped.
I agree and said in my earlier post that we need to improve the squad and not just get in deadwood, but I also think that bringing in good players to replace the lesser ones in our squad i.e. Bullard for Gravesen just as an example would improve the team as a whole and give us an extra option when things aren't going the way we had hoped.
Look at Jags, he has been top quality for us this season, but it could still be argued that Lescott and Yobo are our two best central pairing. Also, I'm a big fan of Baines and think he will be great for us with an extended run in the team. So bringing in Jags has been a great signing but in general he hasn't improved the best two center backs.
With Manny I think a lot of it comes down to the fee and the way he performs in the remaining matches, at the moment I would pay much more than £5M for him and I would even consider that a risk based on recent performances.
Midfield is definitely the main area of focus the problem is. With the Euros coming up I think that the main players we could be after, Arshavin and Kallstrom included, could be tempted by the likes of Liverpool or Man City where they can get more wages, or other teams from abroad. One player that has impressed me for some time has been the Swiss player Tranquillo Barnetta, I think he could be a really good signing for us and is also at a reasonable range. I think it is players of his ilk and maybe one star name as the best we can hope for.
But as mark said Davey could pull a surprise out of the hat and our form in the Uefa Cup this season could make us a more attractive prospect especially if we can make sure we tie up a top 5 finish ? Spurs got Berbatov after a similar season so who knows?
As I said in a similar post last week, I believe that by ’buying British’ Moyes means buying British based players who may be foriegn which he has had some success with to date.
Eric, I don?t get that. If Moyes meant buying British-based player?s, who may be foreign, why didn?t he just say that? To me, it means what it states. That being, buying Britisn players.
I think all the comments to date reinforce my point, namely looking to buy British will not improve our team. It may add numbers to a squad but most of the names mentioned, and I accept that the better ones are unlikely to join, only means we standstill at best and at worst go backwards. If DM only shops in this market we will be overtaken by Villa, Spurs and then City, followed by Newcastle and possibly Pompey who will also go past. DM must open up his mind and get beyond the runners and chasers that are all too typical of British players and buy creative and resilient quality. But has he got the desire to change his approach and the ability to play a style of football that will challenge the top 3 with the necessary personnel and will BK back him?
What will buying British achieve? Compare it with shopping at primark and you probably get my drift. The best of British could not get even 1 side to this summers international tournament - saves the frustration of England going out on pens again though. British will not close the quality gap on the top 4 at all will it. It will save money but class costs money - big money. Class that treats a football like a friend not like a grenade to be booted as far away as possible. Therein lies the secret to closing the gap - class/money. The best that can ever be achieved with buying British will be the best of the rest which is where we are now. Just a thought but didn?t we produce the best British footballer for a generation and sell him to be replaced by mediocrity!!!!
Spend the money wisely Moyesy and buy class; treat us all and shop at Harrods not at Primark.
Spend the money wisely Moyesy and buy class; treat us all and shop at Harrods not at Primark.
Mark P, if you?d seen Arshavin?s performance a few nights ago in the Uefa Cup (which wasn?t a one-off) you would quickly come to realise that he is JUST the sort of midfielder we need - quick, bright, killer passes, knows where the onion bag is. The depressing thing is that I feel that performance against Leverkusen has already priced us out of the market PS Neville at RB for the next 2/3 years - that?s enough to make you want to end it right now!
I think the talk of buying British will not improve the team is rubbish. Look at a few British signings/ players who have improved the squads of teams recently, Young at villa, Richards coming through at Man city, Bentley at Blackburn, Lescott for us also look at Man U, they have more British based players than any other club in the top 4 and they dont seem to be struggling to do anything with that squad.
Moyes isn’t going to just buy British for the sake of it. If he thinks there is a player who can improve the team he will go for them regardless of whether they are British or not. Plus the comment that it will be cheaper is just not true, look at the quotes of £12m for bentley a player on the fringes of the national squad think what £12m could buy you on the continent.
Moyes is looking to build a squad with a British core, i.e stylise our team on Man U, by getting in young and talented English players and giving them the opportunity to shine in the Prem he hopes to do this, I personally dont think we will even look at Bentley because his price is ridiculous, more likely a Championship signing or someone from one of the relegated teams like Barnes at Derby as an example. Of course he isnt just going to buy exclusively British signings but we have to be realistic we aren’t going to sign Joaquin who someone has linked us to on this page. We need Moyes to uncover some gems again and we may get one big name to go with them if we are lucky.
Moyes isn’t going to just buy British for the sake of it. If he thinks there is a player who can improve the team he will go for them regardless of whether they are British or not. Plus the comment that it will be cheaper is just not true, look at the quotes of £12m for bentley a player on the fringes of the national squad think what £12m could buy you on the continent.
Moyes is looking to build a squad with a British core, i.e stylise our team on Man U, by getting in young and talented English players and giving them the opportunity to shine in the Prem he hopes to do this, I personally dont think we will even look at Bentley because his price is ridiculous, more likely a Championship signing or someone from one of the relegated teams like Barnes at Derby as an example. Of course he isnt just going to buy exclusively British signings but we have to be realistic we aren’t going to sign Joaquin who someone has linked us to on this page. We need Moyes to uncover some gems again and we may get one big name to go with them if we are lucky.
On the subject of British players beginning with B, I think Gareth Barry is the man to replace Carsley and make things tick in the middle.
Gareth Barry would be the perfect signing but wrestling him away from Villa + the likely price tag would make it highly unlikely.
What do we lack at Everton??
1. Lack of pace
2. Lack of presence
3. Can't pass the ball that well
Answers:
Arsharvin very good on the ball, good passer and gets goals.
Giles Barnes, young full of pace and skill plus shouldnt cost that much.
Bradley very strong good passer box ro box with bag full of energy
Kallstrom, also very good passer got a good shot and can cross.
Now the cost according to the press.
Arsharvin £8 million
Barnes £4-5 million
bradley £6 million
Kallstrom £6-8 million
So let's just say the total cost is £25 mill not including wages, isnt really big money in terms of the premier league big boys. We got £5 mill for McFadden; cost £20 mill for the above players. Get rid of some deadwood, i.e Osman, Gravesen, Van der Meyde, Valente and then this should help pay for the new boys wages.
Someone made the comment above that these players wouldn't come to Everton why? First Arshavin said he would come as did Bradley and Kallstrom. you have to remember most of these players probly wouldn't get into the top 3 first 11, so they look to the next best thing ie, Everton. playing in Europe helps as we get more exposure. Like Connor said we need to go to the next level we need to buy big this year as Villa, Spurs and City will no doubt spend big this summer. COYB
1. Lack of pace
2. Lack of presence
3. Can't pass the ball that well
Answers:
Arsharvin very good on the ball, good passer and gets goals.
Giles Barnes, young full of pace and skill plus shouldnt cost that much.
Bradley very strong good passer box ro box with bag full of energy
Kallstrom, also very good passer got a good shot and can cross.
Now the cost according to the press.
Arsharvin £8 million
Barnes £4-5 million
bradley £6 million
Kallstrom £6-8 million
So let's just say the total cost is £25 mill not including wages, isnt really big money in terms of the premier league big boys. We got £5 mill for McFadden; cost £20 mill for the above players. Get rid of some deadwood, i.e Osman, Gravesen, Van der Meyde, Valente and then this should help pay for the new boys wages.
Someone made the comment above that these players wouldn't come to Everton why? First Arshavin said he would come as did Bradley and Kallstrom. you have to remember most of these players probly wouldn't get into the top 3 first 11, so they look to the next best thing ie, Everton. playing in Europe helps as we get more exposure. Like Connor said we need to go to the next level we need to buy big this year as Villa, Spurs and City will no doubt spend big this summer. COYB
I'll tell you who Moyes is going to bring in, he ticks all the Moyes boxes. Hard working, British, bit of ability. His name is Steve Sidwell.
I think yer on to something there, Ben. I don?t think that Sidwell would be an improvement on what we already have, though. Then again,maybe he would be...if he took Carsley?s place in the starting 11.
A British guy that I believe would help us is Pompey?s right-back, Glen Johnson. He does have those off-field "issues", however.
A British guy that I believe would help us is Pompey?s right-back, Glen Johnson. He does have those off-field "issues", however.
"Get rid of some deadwood, i.e Osman, Gravesen, Van der Meyde, Valente and then this should help pay for the new boys wages."
I still fail to see how people can say Osman is dead wood. Okay he might not be the answer in the future but as a squad player he’d be excellent. He can fill in a number of positions and more than not puts in a good performance. He’s scored 7 goals this season from midfield and has been our second best midfielder behind Pienaar.
I thinks its disgraceful that Osman is even out in the same category as the likes of Van der Meyde and Gravesen. Good little player in my opinion and optimizes the football club.
I still fail to see how people can say Osman is dead wood. Okay he might not be the answer in the future but as a squad player he’d be excellent. He can fill in a number of positions and more than not puts in a good performance. He’s scored 7 goals this season from midfield and has been our second best midfielder behind Pienaar.
I thinks its disgraceful that Osman is even out in the same category as the likes of Van der Meyde and Gravesen. Good little player in my opinion and optimizes the football club.
Don?t want to get too involved in Football Manager stuff, but a couple of players who have always impressed me and would add to the squad
Paul Scharner - Wigan - More cover for midfield (Cahill) and eye for a goal plus plays defence too if needed
Scott Brown - Celtic - bite and drive in midfield
Think we missed a big opportunity not getting Alan Hutton in too.
Would get shot of
Andy Van der Meyde ( utter waste of time )
Phil Neville (worst passer of a ball I have seen for a long while,sad to say)
Paul Scharner - Wigan - More cover for midfield (Cahill) and eye for a goal plus plays defence too if needed
Scott Brown - Celtic - bite and drive in midfield
Think we missed a big opportunity not getting Alan Hutton in too.
Would get shot of
Andy Van der Meyde ( utter waste of time )
Phil Neville (worst passer of a ball I have seen for a long while,sad to say)
I have not seen one convincingly valid reason why any manager should choose British players over non-British players.
It’s a nonsense.
It’s a nonsense.
Fair do’s offloading Neville et al, but Osman I’d def. keep. He’s a decent in the middle and although isn’t always consistent, he’s often played well for us. It annoys me when many people slag him off!
The ’British player’ thing isn’t as simple as people make out. I always thought Moyes banged on about it because his experience was with a lower standard of player, both at Preston and initially at Everton. Therefore the hard work, fitness and spirit associated with British players was more to his taste. The sort of players who, if you like, got us from 15th to 10th to 6th.
I think he’s beginning to realise that most British players are ’athletes’ who sometimes pass and control a football. The rare exceptions are massively overrated and overvalued. Who did West Ham and Spurs buy last summer? Moyes has done a great job in finding some gems from the lower leagues.
Every transfer is a gamble. You don’t know how good anyone will be till they’ve been at the club for a few months. People come on here praising Moyes for not buying players who have ’flopped’ - for all we know they might have done well at Everton. More to the point, we may get some of them cheaper now!
Moyes and Kenwright got stick last year when everyone was spending daft money on average British players. We got Yakubu, who is pure proven class and gambled on a ’flop’ - Pienaar - who has been a success.
I don’t care where they come from. We need an infusion of class. We’re not mid-table anymore, so let’s stop talking about journeymen and start looking for more genuine quality.
I think he’s beginning to realise that most British players are ’athletes’ who sometimes pass and control a football. The rare exceptions are massively overrated and overvalued. Who did West Ham and Spurs buy last summer? Moyes has done a great job in finding some gems from the lower leagues.
Every transfer is a gamble. You don’t know how good anyone will be till they’ve been at the club for a few months. People come on here praising Moyes for not buying players who have ’flopped’ - for all we know they might have done well at Everton. More to the point, we may get some of them cheaper now!
Moyes and Kenwright got stick last year when everyone was spending daft money on average British players. We got Yakubu, who is pure proven class and gambled on a ’flop’ - Pienaar - who has been a success.
I don’t care where they come from. We need an infusion of class. We’re not mid-table anymore, so let’s stop talking about journeymen and start looking for more genuine quality.
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1 Posted 05/04/2008 at 16:39:56
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I don’t think he is going to limit himself to purely British players. He signed Yak and Piennar in the summer for example. Don’t forget there are as many shite foreign players as British ones. Liverpool sign most of them. Dirk Kuyt for example?
Also, I’d like to think Everton’s scouting system is a bit more advanced than the "think of the first Englishman, Irishman and Scotsman that comes into your head" approach.
I can see your point about not limiting your options, but I think what he means is he is still going to bring in quality foreign players but not mediocre ones.