I was just thinking the same thing after the derby. A big hearted player in his prime, he was was feared and hated by the RS. Just when they must have felt relieved to see the back of him, we now have a clutch of players who cause them the same kind of problems - Fella, Mirallas, Pienaar, Naismith. If we have a fully fit team for the return derby, we will absolutely hammer them.

The only thing I feel bad about Tim's departure is that he never got a proper send-off from the Goodison crowd. Hope he comes back in Jan on a short loan for one last hurrah.

I agree with you, Ajay, I would love to see him come back and play some part – even if it's a small part – just so we can give him the send-off he deserves.

I used to love him playing for us and it does show that no one player is bigger than the team and the club. For me, he will go down in history, but, like all players, his time has come and gone.

Thanks for the memories, Tim!

I watched him play last month in Australia's World Cup qualifier: he missed a sitter, was booked and then leapt like a salmon to score the equaliser in a game the Ausies went on to win.

I agree that it would be nice to have him visit Goodison for a proper goodbye; as to having him in the first team, I hope we're not in a situation where we need him.

Never to be forgotten – a great servant to the club and a great lad.

Yes, the Shiite hated him, and rightly so as he terrorised them on enough occasions but one thing is certain in the heat of a derby battle he would never maliciously stamp on an opponent's foot or rake his studs down someone's ankle in front of officials. Unlike a certain other little charmer from across the park. What a wag – old Louis is full of scouse wit and charm.

Ajay #594, he did get a send off of sorts, well a sending off!

I agree that he was past his prime. I hope he doesn't come back on loan. One of the problems he had with fitness was he'd never turn down the chance to play for Australia (understandable given his battles to get the right to represent them after representing Samoa at U17 level). Similarly I think he'd find it hard to turn down a cameo Donovan-esque loan period during the MLS close season. But the last thing he needs at his age is a few games in England during January/February!

Most fans won't forget his deeds in a hurry. If Ferguson can become a "legend" (and I rated him as a player, just thought he achieved 1/3 of what he should've done) then Tim who gave far, far more deserves at least parity.

Love the guy but I think one of Moyes's faults was showing too much loyalty to him. Watching Cahill and Saha together at the start of last year was one of the least effective strike forces I've ever seen. Still, Timmy was such a good player and character in his prime.

Sam, your comments regarding Moyes showing too much loyalty to Tim are correct. However, I read many posts and texts from Blues slagging off Tim and even had fellow Blues slagging him off to me as if he were to blame. That really sickened me as I think he is one of the best signings both for value and what he gave us that Everton have ever made and he was and probably still is a true blue at heart.

Though his form had deserted him at the end, he never gave up trying and always fought for the cause. I think Everton should try and invite him back for a game for us all to say a proper farewell at Goodison.

So quick to turn on one of our own? Tim Cahill was his name and I will always remember him. One of Moyes's best buys in his time here so far. One of my favourite goals of the past decade was his dropped shoulder twatted goal against the Skunks to make it 2-0 and secure Champions League footy. (The qualifiers is still Champions League footy.)

Don't worry — he'll be back with us on loan.

Funny this thread has come up today. I was at the New York Red Bulls game away to Philadelphia Union last Saturday. I specifically went to watch Tim Cahill as I'm here on holiday (stranded). I have to say, as good as it was to watch Tim again, he unfortunately played the same way as he did for us for the previous year. I thought he would light the MLS up but I have to say, he looks tired. Too much travelling still in my opinion. I think the end of the MLS season and a rest from playing will be the best thing for Tim.

As an aside, Terry Henry looked shit hot, didn't break sweat and was almost embarrassingly head and shoulders above everyone on the pitch. I'd have him on loan.

Franny - Red Bull are my MLS team and having Tim in has helped. He doesn't move as much as he used to, but that's OK in MLS. There's a lot less technical threat in MLS and so less wear and tear on Tim.

About Tim the Terror though. Was watching a game a few weeks ago and some young opponent was "Cock-of-the-Walk"ing it to some effect. A few minutes into the 2nd half, he had the ball at his feet and Tim just jogged on over and cut him down AFTER he had passed the ball. Ref called foul, Tim just kept jogging away, although you could see him saying something over his shoulder. Real nonchalant about the whole thing.

Not much heard from the youngster the rest of the game. Got a big kick out of it. Same old Tim.

On Henry. For sure, he's head and shoulders above everyone else in MLS. During the all-star game against Chelsea this summer, he was the best player on the pitch then too. Just happy he always wanted to live in NYC and not LA.

I think Tim was a sad reflection of just how low are standards became. A bit like Ferguson, put on a pedestal but not really very good. His first season was excellent but thereafter with the exception of Liverpool he was average. I think Prentice summed him up perfectly. The fact that no major clubs ever came in for him would suggest he never was truly top quality

Gareth , I think you're being very hard on Tim , he was every bit a talisman as Ferguson and he scored a great number of goals for the Blues.

His only problem was that he hung on one season too many.
He had more quality than a great number of players who have plied their trade at so called major clubs in the Premier League.

I bet tje Everton players miss Cahill , not necessarily on the pitch , but around the dressing room as a highly motivated competitor.

If it wasn't for our terrible weather and lack of sun , I bet Tim would jump at the chance of being part of the coaching staff at Everton.

Never go back. Move on: saying goodbye to Cahill, then Neville, Hibbert and some time Osman, with affection but without undue sentimentality. There are good players out there at good prices (see some of Everton's or Swansea' acquisitions). Better quality in some positions and you might be surprised at the overall improvement.

Cahill and Ferguson were opposites in a couple of important ways. Ferguson had all the talent in the world and should have been so much more effective and achieved so much more than he did. He's an example of talent squandered. Cahill always lacked for talent (in comparison to the other top level players) but made the absolute maximum and beyond out of what he had, with exceptional professionalism, burning desire and will to win, and the heart of a legend.

Now if we can find someone with both the physical attributes and talent of Ferguson, and the mentality and heart of Cahill, we'll be in business.

We wouldn't be able to use him for a month if we brought him back, as he still has a 3 match penalty to serve. Would be great to see him back though, even if it is as a spectator early next year. sooner the better.

We could have done with him in centre mid over the last few weeks just to help us keep ticking over.

Always liked Cahill and I hope he is happy over there in the States.

A top player and man.

Mike Allison #673

We did - an 16 year old called Rooney.

A sort of catch 22 - if we hadn't of got rid of him (and Lescott) for the money we did, we wouldn't have the team we have now (or would we?) but if he was 16 now coming into this team, first would he have ever left and second, would he at 16 get in the team?

Now there is one to debate!

Would anyone prefer him to Phil Neville in midfield? Mind you my old gran good do a better job.. And she passed on 5 years ago!

Cahill was a true proffesional and during his first few years was a ray of light in the clouds. I'll always respect him, unfortunately we out grew him. We wanted to play the sort of football we are doing now, but he took key positions and didn't have the technical know how to play in that style. I had been calling for it for about 3 seasons before he left, but hot shouted down. I'd love for him to come back and get the applause and goodbye he deserves, but not as a player.

Big Dunc and Tim Cahill.

Never great players......but remembered with affection by all who watched them playing for EFC.

The last twenty years have been a wasteland for our club ('95 notwithstanding) but in those bleak years when we had nothing, we at least had two talismanic figures who kept the dream alive and whom became the scourge of the Kop.

Two legends in my eyes.

Domino, I think you could safely add Kanchelskis too.

Tim Cahill definitely played his part during the Moyes era. He was a whole-hearted player and deserves credit rather than this unfair flack.

I remember it was the same when Kevin Ratcliffe and Peter Reid started to slow down. People unfairly got on their backs.

These type of players bring something more than their contribution on the pitch and Tim Cahill was a great role model and ambassador for Everton FC. I think that's how he'll go down in the history of our club.

He's a Hall of Famer for me.

I would agree with Jon. Cahill's performances did not deserve a place in our side for his last season or so. On that basis I'm not surprised in the least that:

a) We've not missed him.

and

b) We're playing better football without him.

He always gave 100% to the cause, was a superb professional and by all accounts a really nice bloke too, but his performances tailed off quite significantly after his injury.

Not sure about that, Patrick. I was banned from the site following a rant because Cahill had gone to play in some two bit competition in Asia when we were 4 points above the relegation zone with games against Liverpool and Spurs to come. It has never sat well with most Evertonians seeing players put country before the club. With the exception of desire and a good header of the ball, technically he was poor. Goals return was nothing special considering he played as a second striker.

As for Mikes comment, I have never slagged an Everton player in all the years I have supported them. I thought it was a disgrace how that glorious 80s side were abused when the trophies dried up. I am merely pointing out that we have a tendency to put players on pedestals that there input/skill/dedication doesn't warrant. When you consider players like Horne and Watson never get a mention compared to the players mentioned above yet what they gave for the club doesn't compare.

I'll never forget when Tim was asked to lead the line when there was no one else and he stuck in a good 9 goals or so to save our fannies. Thanks Tim.

Favorite player for many-a-year but...

12 games started: 1 goal, 2 assists in the MLS...

NOT-GOOD-ENOUGH-ANYMORE

(although he could've at least been better than Neville the past few weeks)

We sold Tim to get Pienaar back, plain and simple really. He was at the end of his Everton career.

I think Neville and Hibbo are probably at the end or getting there. Hibbo was playing some nice football and getting in some first-time crosses; if only Coleman had Hibbo's defensive abilities, he would be some player.

Very harsh on Cahill some of this. The reason we're playing better football this year isn't just because Cahill's suddenly out of the team. It was the dissolution of the nightmare that was the Fellaini Rodwell midfield axis and the signing of players like Pienaar and Mirallas going forward alng with Osman being moved into midfield.

I felt sorry for Cahill towards the end, his exceptional quality in the air (not to be derided) meant that he was positionally abused by Moyes to try and give us a goal edge. The 'cahill role' was never his role. When he first arrived he played in a midfield three with carsley sat behind him and Gravesen. The three of them were so solid and a massive reason behind us finishing 4th, we could outmuscle and outgraft anyone we wanted and knew we wouldn't concede if we went up. Cahill and Grvesen were excellent at covering ever blade of grass and driving forward from midfield. Cahill would then arrive in the box late usually on the second or third phase of an attack and would glance in a cross.

Moyes saw this goal prowess and changed the formatin from a 4-1-4-1 to a 4-2-3-1 or 4-4-1-1 (depending on the quality of the widemen). Cahill got moved from being someone running onto the play, breakign up attacks and arriving late to a player who did no more than jump against centrebacks for goal kicks looking for flick ons, thi ort of physical punishment probably took years off his career (as did his long haul international career). Once he was paired with the impotent Saha and the Fellwell midfield then it was mission impossible for him, he only ever got long punts upfield to deal with and no-one even running for flick one, what did we expect from him? Bringing it down and running like Messi was never his thing.

For what its worth quality isn't always about touch agility guile and passing ability (if it was why do people rate Fellaini at all?). Physical quality, aerial prowess, stamina and timing are all qualitties too and Tim had these in abundance as well as obvious finishing skills. Some of our erly seasons uuner Moyes hinged on his fitness and there was a time when if he wasn't in the team we'd just roll over and die such was his psychological importance to us. Even as late as 09 he still changed the course of the quarter final against Middlesborough when he droppd into a deeper midfield role and got us playing on the ground which he could do. Would he have been out of place alongside Osman in the derby in a box to box role rather than Neville? Absolutely not. woud he have looked out of place trying to bring down 50 yard long balls against Agger and Skrtel? Yes. One of Moyes's greatest mistakes (as well as not moving Fellaini forward sooner and keeping Osman on the wing for so lng) was his posiional abuse of Cahill towards the end of his career. Great player for us and fans will still be talking about his name long after some others from the Moyes era.

I am not slagging the player, I just felt we were a much better football side without him. Like Ferguson the team sacrificed to accommodate him. Not his fault but he optimized the Moyes way. Like Prentice said loyal decent footballer but certainly no legend.

I'm not being funny, Gareth, but for a goalscoring midfielder to score 68 goals for the club, he must have been doing something right.

Cahill is an Everton legend, rightly so. I think there are approximately 45 players who have scored more than 50 goals for Everton, and he is one of them. And bearing in mind that he played at least 150 of his 278 games for the club as part of a 3-man midfield, that goals tally is not bad at all.

I felt a bit sorry for Tim in the end. His powers had lessened, but he was also pushed up front, sometimes playing on his own with his back to goal, especially in his last season. This was never his game, but he got on with it without a grumble. He always conducted himself really well, became a massive blue, and I for one will remember him fondly.

Danny that is over 8 years though. I would class someone as a goal scoring midfielder if they score 10 or more league goals a season and when you factor in he spent nearly half of his Everton career as a foward his goal record becomes less impressive.

I'm not slagging off his goal scoring record, its good but no where near the level of proper goal scoring midfielders that were playing at the same time like Lampard.

"we have a tendency to put players on pedestals"

Of course we bloody do.

This is the in-exact emotional game of football.

What else - we sit with scientific player assessments and when then tell our grand children that X was a quotient of 1.6 and therefore....zzzzzz

Everton crowd in 10 years....2,012

More seriously - very well put James Martin

There have been scant few players in the last 10 years who will go down as a true blue "legend" - Tim Cahill is one of those very few. I would hope that in years to come, when he has hung up his boots, he comes home and takes up an ambassadorial/coaching/other role with the club. He will have a lot to offer, and that drive and passion is a rare commodity that we can't afford to lose.

I am not sure though that I can agree with the suggestion that he was played out of position and thus less effective in his latter years. Whilst it may be the case that he wasn't in his optimal position, my over-riding memory of the last 18 months is that his starting role became less certain because he simply wasn't scoring (at a rate that we had become accustomed to - he was an attacking midfielder after all). He was still getting chances, but for some reason, they weren't being converted. He came agonisingly close sometimes - woodwork, goal-line clearances, brilliant saves; maybe it was more bad luck than anything, but it seemed to be going on for very long periods.

On reflection it was probably the right time to move on to a new challenge, but whatever Tim did - stay, move on, I'd have supported it. He has been a loyal servant and deserves nothing but praise. He will always be regarded as an everton player and you cant ask for more than that.

Cahill is back in the mid-field position James Martin described and contributing just fine. NY doesn't need him up-front. He's not the whirling dervish of old. But he doesn't have to be in MLS. Now if my Red Bull only had someone actually managing the Side, instead of Backe...............

James Martin,

Worst analysis of Tim Cahill I've ever read.

Well said Mike Hughes 732# - Hall of Famer all day long.

Paul,

If you consider that Tim had 3 metatarsal injuries in those 8 years, and also where he is in our all time scorers list, surely no-one can deny that he is an Everton legend?

His time might have come to an end but, make no mistake, when he was at his peak, he was absolutely top drawer for Everton.

Danny

I can and I will, I think its an insult to the likes of Southall to call Cahill a legend. For me the word legend should only be applied to the very best and Cahill wasn't. An average player who worked very hard, very good in the air and had a good goal scoring record but was never a top player.

Legend? It's a word that gets bandied about far too easily on these forums with distinctly average players projected into the "Legend" category..

If true Everton legends are the likes of Alex Young , Alan Ball, Brian Labone, Southall, Kendall (the player), Harvey, Latchford, Ray Wilson and Alex Parker then, sorry, but Cahill, as much as I liked the guy, cannot be placed in the same category as the players mentioned above. He was a terrific player in Moyes era and did what was asked of him but he isn't fit to lace the boots of such true "Legends".

The players such as Dean etc., from an era before I started match going in 1959 so I can only comment on from them from what I've read in books , the media or things my old fella said but, again, could he be placed alongside Dean? I doubt it.

Best to ask them in 30 or 50 years or so if he's a legend.

But you start with 'great servant' and build up from there. If you get as far as a 'great' that's up to you.

And if nothing else, we've had some very enjoyable seasons from Moyes' teams, and we know how much sweat and spirit have gone into those performances. So Tim comes very high on that particular list.

And one possibility is that he actually moved on for the good of the club. It sounds impossible in this day and age, but with Tim you just never know. What we do know is that when he comes back to see us we will make GP rock!

Keith, it would be great to still be here in 30 or 50 years.....

Ray - are you sure about that?