Martinez: We need a number nine

, 28 July, 316comments  |  Jump to most recent
Manager makes striking acquisition top priority

Martinez refused to be drawn too far into discussing the likelihood that Romelu Lukaku would be returning to Everton
Roberto Martinez has identified a need for two more signings, in addition to the imminent arrival of Muhamed Besic, before the new season starts and insists that one of them must be a striker, even if it isn't the name at the top of his wish list, Romelu Lukaku.

The manager was pleased with the workout that his team underwent in hot and humid conditions in Bangkok against Leicester City yesterday but, while the defeat was meaningless, the goalless performance underscored the necessity of bringing in striking reinforcements before the Premier League kicks off in less than three weeks' time.

Only last week, Martinez expressed his hopes of bringing in four new players before the transfer deadline at the end of next month, three of them attacking, but his latest comments suggest that he wants at least two of them in before the 16th August.

Lukaku remains the key piece in his jigsaw but Martinez was forced to reset expectations a little in the wake of a YouTube clip from Thailand, in which he quipped that "of course we'll get him (Lukaku)," that gained national media exposure.

There have been a lot of reports [about Lukaku], some even saying I've told people it's done but the situation is very clear," the Catalan is quoted in the Liverpool Echo.

We need a number nine going into the start of the season and we will make sure we sign one.

If Mo Besic comes through we need another two signings as well before the start of the campaign and one must be a striker.

Rom created incredible memories we'll never forget and enjoyed his time at Everton but that doesn't mean anything between now and the end of the window. Everything is in the air and you can imagine there are options on the table. We'll try to work hard on it.

Though the media is awash with rumours of interest in Lukaku from the likes of Wolfsburg, Juventus and Real Madrid, speculation was heightened greatly by the spread of the video and then comments made by Everton's Head of Recruitment, Ian Atkins, to talkSPORT on Friday evening where he expressed his own hopes that the 21-year-old Chelsea striker was "settled in his mind" that Goodison Park was where he wants to play his football.

Martinez dampened the talk, though, stressing that Lukaku remains contracted to another club. It would be disrespectful for me to speak too much about someone else's player, he said.

I don't like to see people talking too much about my players. We must be respectful to their registration of players. But I can speak about our relationship with Chelsea which that we were delighted with how his loan went and I think they were delighted with how he was treated and developed.

He developed a big affection with our fans. It was a success. But from this point onwards it's all speculation.

You never know when we'll have a conclusion. At his age and with what he's capable of we all know he's someone who will be wanted by many clubs and be a good number nine."

If Mo Besic comes through we need another two signings as well before the start of the campaign and one must be a striker.

Roberto Martinez

Though no further complications are expected, Everton are still waiting to rubber stamp Besic's 4m move from Ferencvaros when the team gets back to Liverpool.

The midfielder travelled with the squad to Thailand and was present at a signing session with supporters on Friday before taking part in an open training session on Saturday.

We hope things will be wrapped up for Besic soon," Martinez continued. There are certain details that need to be solved and once that's done we'll be okay. Mo already feels like part of the squad, it's been so important for him to travel with us, interact with the squad and get to know us all."

Confirmation of his signing is expected around the same as that of David Henen. The 18-year-old striking prospect has remained on Merseyside while the squad has been in Thailand and should seal his move from from Anderlecht this week.

Martinez reiterated his intention to first blood Henen in the U21s and explained that he does not envision him being ready to impact the first team in the same way that Gerard Deulofeu did last season. An exciting talent for the future, Henen would likely be in addition to the two additions the boss says he needs before the season kicks off.

"[David's] only 18 and has attracted a lot of attention but we need to give him a bit of quiet time to allow him to work on his game and develop as a footballer," Martinez said.

I hope we can complete his signing very, very soon. He's someone we need to protect but I won't expect him to come straight into the team like Gery.

He will go into the U21s and needs games. He has real talent with a view of one day making it into the first team but that will be down to him and his hard work.

In the meantime, the Blues continue to be linked with a succession of players, the latest among which is another Chelsea player, Christian Atsu. The link between Everton and the Ghanaian winger appeared initially to be little more than his agent pushing to get his client out on loan again but Greg O'Keeffe's assertion in the Echo that Martinez is trying to sign him could hint that there is some substance to the story.

Quotes sourced from Liverpool Echo



Reader Comments (316)

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Mike Oates
1 Posted 28/07/2014 at 07:10:58
As I said last week, Mourinho won’t allow transfer until deadline day to ensure Lukaku doesn’t play against them on the Saturday before. Always going to be the case.

It’s about time the new Everton management team learnt to be absolutely certain re transfers before they open their mouths.

Rick Cole
2 Posted 28/07/2014 at 07:13:36
As soon as I saw the video with Roberto talking about Rom, I was quite pleased. Although it was a little cringe worthy in some ways.

This statement from him was inevitable, he would have realised he shouldn't have said what he said, as soon as the words came out of his mouth.

I doubt they would have come out of his mouth if it wasn't what he believed though. Welcome back Rom.

COYB!

Mark Tanton
3 Posted 28/07/2014 at 07:32:18
At least we’re talking about this before the season, rather than before the window closes. I would expect business to be done before both those deadlines.

Will we get Lukaku? Who knows. Is this backtracking and face-saving or has Martinez been ticked off by Chelsea for getting ahead of himself?

So this number nine... Who is out there?

Sam Hoare
4 Posted 28/07/2014 at 07:45:07
Given that Kone will not be match fit any time soon I would say we need at least two strikers and even then we would only have 3 fit senior strikers for 4 competitions.

No doubt that we are currently short of numbers and hopefully there are more players to come in especially in the attacking departments.

If we could buy Lukaku and loan atsu and Traore that would be a decent position.

My worry is that '6-7 players needed' has become 3-4 and that we are once again going to struggle for depth.

Andy Parsons
5 Posted 28/07/2014 at 07:53:04
This latest shift in expectations is a real indictment of our board. At the end of last summer and with Europa League games Roberto, rightly, explained we needed 6-7 new players. After a summer working closely with our board and realising their unwillingness to reinvest money brought into the club, now he's talking of just TWO more. The fact we're also struggling to secure a kid he saw playing at the World Cup for 4m is nothing we haven't seen before but for Roberto, this will be his first taste of the ineptitude at the top of Everton Football Club.

But it isn't just about signings because while everyone has been distracted following the will-he-won't-he saga of Lukaku, neither Stones nor Barkley have signed new deals. Meaning both of them will edge even closer to leaving next summer in my opinion. In fact, it wouldn't surprise me if the only long term plan that the board has is that one of them will be sacrificed next summer to fund any investment in the squad then.

Did Roberto have a list of targets because the board don't seem to be paying the slightest bit of attention to it. Meanwhile Rodgers, for better or worse, has a list of players he wants and his board – keen to back him – go out and get practically every one of them.

The money is there, we all watched it pile up as Fellaini, Anichebe and then Jelavic were all sold. And we all bought that line in January that we'd wait to invest it in the summer.

Unlike Moyes, whose loyalty could be secured with increasing his salary to the point where he became one of the highest paid coaches in the Premier League, I doubt Roberto's motivation goes beyond just money and we will find it harder, much harder, to keep him if we can't come close to matching his ambition. Which, by the evidence of this summer, is precisely what the board are unwilling to do.

Andy Boyer
6 Posted 28/07/2014 at 08:03:05
The comment I picked up on was IF Mo Besic comes through..........

IF....???? sounds a bit uncertain.

Mark Pierpoint
7 Posted 28/07/2014 at 08:15:46
Agree. Would argue that we need at least two signings for the first team still so I am ignoring Henen, preferably three. I accept that two of these may be on loan such as Traore and Atsu. How hard can this be?

I think that the media have jumped upon a small comment in jest by Martinez like it was gospel. I hope that there is a Plan B in place in case Lukaku does not sign. It would be Bony for me at £19M.

Anthony Hughes
8 Posted 28/07/2014 at 08:22:55
Totally agree, Andy@5. We've brought Barry back and hope to have Lukaku / A N Other back in. These aren't adding to the squad depth – they are merely putting us at the same status as we we're last season. Henen isn't going to be a first-team player so that leaves one new addition in Besic to bolster the squad so far.

We should still be looking to bring in another 3-4 quality players able to play in the first team. The money must be there, for fuck's sake; after such a good season, we should be looking to build on it.

Phil Walling
9 Posted 28/07/2014 at 08:39:16
Isn't much of what Roberto says 'a little cringeworthy', Rick ? If ever anybody utters what he thinks his audience would like to hear, it's Our Bobby. Trouble is, he seems to forget what he's said before.

One day he needs 6-7 new players, the next 2-3 and now we seem to be down to just a No 9!

OK, so he's got the mighty Besic (when his masters can find the dough to pay his agent!) but all hopes of putting in a serious challenge for honours have disappeared.

But this is Everton, and whoever is at the helm, I guess they have to dance to their master's tune. And it sure ain't one likely to top the charts.

Derek Knox
10 Posted 28/07/2014 at 08:41:43
I have always said like some fellow posters, that because Rom IS still under contract at Chelski, it is NOT in Chelsea's interest to wrap up any outgoing potential transfer quickly, even if HE DOES WANT to come back to us.

Having watched both pre-season friendlies, and I know they are exercises to improve fitness essentially, but also a glimpse at what reserve players can add, plus any signings will improve us as a team (new signings??), I may be jumping the gun here, but apart from Luke Garbutt, the others, seem eager, but not ready to step up to the rigors of not only the Prem but Europa League too this year; throw in two cups as well and we have a demanding schedule .

Having said that, a couple of the senior players who were playing well last year have looked to be 'wanting' and, then again, I hope this is just down to having not played competitively for a few weeks!

Anthony Flack
11 Posted 28/07/2014 at 08:54:58
BBC report RS Remy deal has collapsed on a medical... So doesn't just happen to us..
Denver Daniels
12 Posted 28/07/2014 at 08:48:24
So, even if by some miracle we sign Lukaku, taking into account that both him and Barry were with us last season, that means only 2 new players IF we get Besic plus one other.

Really???????

Only at Everton. Same shit, different year.

John Audsley
13 Posted 28/07/2014 at 09:10:44
If...............

The big if.......... This is all starting to feel a bit last minute and when you think that Roberto discusses his hit list with BK etc its not hard to work out who is to blame for the lack of action.

If the player doesnt want to come or the club wont sell then thats out of our hands BUT surely to goodness we should have a bigger squad than this??

We do not have a fit striker at the club!!!!!!!!!!

Hopefully the Besic deal goes through but the lack of forwards is incredible for a club aiming for the top 4 and winning the Europa Cup. If we don't get at least 2 forwards in by the start of the season then points will get dropped again and it cost us last year.

BK and team need to pull a number of fingers out...............

Christopher Timmins
14 Posted 28/07/2014 at 09:14:38
For all the talk over the past couple of weeks we are not in a good place with three weeks to go to the start of the season. It's just not on that we would be signing a striker on deadline day given our current numbers.
Duncan McDine
15 Posted 28/07/2014 at 09:24:19
No shit we need a number 9!!!!

Unfortunately to afford a good one Bill needs all 7 numbers to come up on his Euromillions.

Al Reddish
16 Posted 28/07/2014 at 09:19:44
We were told we need around 7 players. We are now told we need 2... as stated Barry and Rom still leave us a Traore and Del Boy short of last season. The board knew the players Martinez wanted as far back as January and are sitting on a fortune so why the hold up?

Is it to attest that we are once again scraping around until the Sky money gets paid in a week or so? Did Martinez being in Brazil so long disadvantage us? Are we waiting for Lukaku to decide and then see what's left of the kitty?

Or are we just doing things the Everton way again? We should have had a few players now integrated into the team and learning how Bobby wants them to play ready for the start of the season.

Mike Allison
17 Posted 28/07/2014 at 09:23:05
Mike, as I’ve pointed out a few times, if your theory was true, there’d be nothing to stop us loaning him right now with a "can’t play against Chelsea" clause, then finalising the permanent signing the day after that match. In fact, that would suit Chelsea fine as he could play against Arsenal the week before and possibly take points off them. I’m afraid there’s definitely more to it than that, and according to rumours today it could be that Chelsea are holding out for bigger bids from richer clubs in Italy and Spain.

Denver, it could be one new player, because the other is quite likely to be Lacina Traore.

It’s a bit like Groundhog Day on ToffeeWeb at the moment. Do you guys not read the other threads? Only I’m sure I’ve seen you posting there. Part of Martinez’s philosophy for Everton is developing young players, the 6-7 new players in the squad will include young players who were out on loan getting first team football last season. Garbutt, Browning and possibly McAleny seem to be at the front of the queue, although Duffy, Hope, Long and Lundstram have also been involved.

If Everton weren’t developing youngsters and constantly went out and bought squad players we’d be moaning like buggery, so why are we moaning when we are showing signs of making use of our youth system? This, as I and others have discussed before, is about the only way Everton can get ahead of the market, as we can be outspent by other clubs, and players who’ve come through our system are more likely to feel a loyalty and connection to the club. We’re also sending a message out to all young players around the country and even Europe, that if you want to go to a top club, Everton is the one where you’re actually likely to be given a fair crack of the whip, as most other places they’ll be going out buying ready made players, not showing the patience in your development. I believe that even from last season we’re reaping the benefits of this already.

Therefore we’re doing the right thing by not spending loads of money on filling up the squad. We need two or three special players, not six or seven average ones.

PS> A Liverpool supporter friend of mine was moaning that "why is it only us (Liverpool) who make such long drawn out sagas out of most of our transfer situations..." I had to chuckle, he should read ToffeeWeb, he’d feel much better.

Trevor McKinlay
18 Posted 28/07/2014 at 09:26:25
Good point, John (#14). I've heard of a false Number Nine, but this is ridiculous!
Anthony Jones
20 Posted 28/07/2014 at 09:40:16
Very disappointing transfer window so far. If Real or Juve intersest is genuine then Lukaku will have to join the ever-increasing EFC list of non-deals. We will not be underestimated next season; sides will know what to expect and will use the Anfield derby as a template to undo us. We need some top players in now.
James Elworthy
21 Posted 28/07/2014 at 09:43:07
It doesn't take a rocket scientist to tell us we need a Number 9. How can you go into a season without a centre forward?

Apart from Garbutt the kids looked average players only. We also need a better backup keeper too. The numbers keep going down that we need, and why hasn't any of these players signed yet, Besic, Galloway and Henen... something very fishy about all this.

Considering the amount of TV money plus the fees for Jelavic and Fellaini still not used up you wonder where Blue Bill has stashed the cash. We need two strikers and a winger big time or forget Europe or even a top 10 finish.

Karl Parsons
22 Posted 28/07/2014 at 09:34:16
Whilst I quietly go mad over our continual non activity, the only strand of hope remains the argument that we are keeping our powder dry to spend big on a striker.

However, I – like a lot of commenters here – believe we will get Lukaku, but not till after we have played Chelsea. The striker remains out of the country on garden leave. If that's the case, we'll get done over by both Cockney wannabes in our first two home games. And 3 games in be on 1 point, 7 behind Man Utd. Crank up the pressure Roberto!

Jon Withey
23 Posted 28/07/2014 at 09:57:10
Dont forget, we sold Vic too and have wages available from Gueye and Vellios.

Compared to last preseason, this is very.... Moyes !

Tom R Owen
24 Posted 28/07/2014 at 09:55:21
I have been a major critic of Kenwright for years. Once again, we hear lots of soundbites and how he is friends with people at Chelski.

This is business and nothing to do with friendship. It is time to step up, actions are far louder words.

Stop talking bullshit, Bill and act.

John Audsley
25 Posted 28/07/2014 at 09:57:36
At the end of the day Roberto has to crank up the pressure on the useless board we have. If we start the season with Naismith as our only central striker (and he isn't one really) then he will get the pressure from the media etc.

No-one will blame Kenwright and Co.............to the outside world, he is a true blue with a heart of gold.

RM said he expected 3 signings by last weekend, we haven't got 1 yet

Very, very worrying

Jim Bennings
26 Posted 28/07/2014 at 10:08:31
It's gone from "we''ll sign Rom of course" to basically ..

"if we can't sign Lukaku on loan then we still have the Traore loan deal to fall back on"

Its a joke really with Everton.

The lowest spenders of the summer so far despite the money in the Premier League.

We all know that Everton's board won't stump up that money for Lukaku, Bony or whoever.

Kenwright is privately hoping we can get Lukaku on loan again and if it falls through then we will sign Traits on loan, big him up and then hear the usual bullshit on the transfer window closes of

"we tried very hard to sign Romelu but it became obvious he was out of our price range and he wanted Champions League football blah blah blah"

Its oh so predictable isn't it?

Nicholas Page
27 Posted 28/07/2014 at 09:52:27
on the plus side, Hibbert looked like a new signing.
Mark Tanton
28 Posted 28/07/2014 at 10:21:55
Starting to get very worrying. Why are we so far behind in our planning? God only knows what is really going on - us bottom feeders not in the know can only play at guessing. I can feel Everton beginning ruin my summer again like every year. The Echo knows less than nothing too.
Ian McDowell
29 Posted 28/07/2014 at 10:25:07
Tell us something we don't know Roberto. We have needed a number 9 since Yakubu had his good first season.
Dominic Tonge
30 Posted 28/07/2014 at 09:41:50
The magical seven players that was mentioned, was NEVER going to be seven new signings. El Jefe said from the outset that we would use a mix of youth/u21s stepping up, signongs and the loan market. At no point has He said anything about buying seven players.
Also, we need a striker or two, but it isn't the end of the world. This time last year we had naismith(version 0.0- lacking confidence and goals, used out of position by Moyes), Jelavic who couldnt score in a brass house and Vic , least said the better there. Now at least Naismith looks the part. Which is more than the three put together. We WILL sign a striker, fret not.
Ian McDowell
31 Posted 28/07/2014 at 10:27:54
This is beginning to remind me of the summer after we finished 4th. We knew we desperately needed a striker and we started the season with Simon Davies, Per Koldrup and Phil Neville! Not good enough Everton. Sort it out!
Kevin Jones
32 Posted 28/07/2014 at 10:30:39
My vote goes to Kev Johnson for Number 9. You know it makes sense
Peter Laing
33 Posted 28/07/2014 at 10:37:21
Quite frankly the Lukaku saga is getting very boring, how long can it take for a transfer to be concluded ?
Mark Tanton
34 Posted 28/07/2014 at 10:40:51
Record points total last season and yet as usual the club seems utterly determined not to push on. It’s just ridiculous really.
Brian Waring
35 Posted 28/07/2014 at 10:42:38
The problem is only Garbutt looks ready to make the step up to the 1st team, the other young lads look ordinary at the moment. Squad depth has always been a problem, and if we are going to be relying on some of these young lads, squad depth is still going to be a big problem, especially with us involved in the Europa cup.
Kev Johnson
36 Posted 28/07/2014 at 10:42:28
Thanks for the vote of confidence, Mr Jones (34).To let you into a little secret, there's been a bit of a hold up on my contract. I've been 48 hours from signing for about 18 months now. Basically, we've got different ideas of what "signing on a free" means. I say it means that there's no transfer fee. Sir Bill say it means that I'll play for nothing. (That's what he wants me to call him - he says the knighthood is just a question of time. He's already bought some new keks for the investiture.)

It's a bit of a stalemate, to be honest with you.

Danny Kewley
37 Posted 28/07/2014 at 10:31:38
Nicholas, agreed mate and pretty much the sort of thing good old uncle Bill would say! I thought Hibbo’s long-sleeve act was as appropriate as wearing footy socks with sandals.

On a more serious note, the striker situation we have is dire to say the least. I think the Lukaku deal ain’t gonna happen so Bobby is going to have to really pull something out the hat now.

Mark Pierpoint
38 Posted 28/07/2014 at 10:53:29
Agree with Brian and others on the youngsters. Significantly as well with Garbutt, he may be ready to step up but into a position where we are already well stocked in comparison to others.

Lunstram couldn't get in the Yeovil team last year, so have my doubts about him at least for the moment. McAleny I would love to do something, but you just feel he is destined to be a championship level player really, or a Nugent figure at best. Duffy, for me anyway, is a relic in defending terms. When you look at John Stones, Caulker etc. It is clear the the Duffy school of defending finished a good many years ago.

The rest of them, Kennedy et al. are surely not earmarked for premier league football for at least 12 months I would say.

Mark Pendleton
39 Posted 28/07/2014 at 10:59:43
Taking every single word of a guy who's native language is not English literally. And we wonder Pochetino was reluctant to conduct his interviews in English.
Patrick Murphy
40 Posted 28/07/2014 at 10:45:21
No wonder our previous managers didn't do much more than react gruffly to questions from the press or the private citizen. Roberto will have to get his wife to teach him non-committal phrases with a Scottish accent.

He also has to realise that, despite not being a rich club, we are a very well followed club with fans who are every bit as interested in what the manager has to say as any other major club in Europe.

He will have to learn that being the face of Everton whilst good for his profile also has many drawbacks particularly when it comes to money for transfers or holding onto players who the board would be happy to cash in on.

I am not yet in total panic but, like somebody mentioned on another thread, this pre-season has a lot in common with the one immediately following our CL qualification year; god forbid it manifests itself in the same way out on the pitch in the coming season.

A little under 3 weeks left to the start of the campaign but if, by this time next week, things haven't resolved themselves regarding new arrivals, then I will also be throwing the lifeboats over the side of the ship.

BTW, when did Bill last speak to the fans or the press? — Always a worrying sign when he goes missing from public view.

Nicholas Page
41 Posted 28/07/2014 at 10:49:27
Two weeks to go come Saturday, and we’ve brought in one player whom we had on loan from last year. Lol!

Martinez must be wondering what the fuck he’s doing at Everton. Was business ever this hard at Wigan with ’arl peg leg? Was it fuck. We’re an embarrassment. And you think of the potential this club has.....

Where the fuck is all the money? Where???

Brent Stephens
42 Posted 28/07/2014 at 11:04:07
So the transfer window has closed, that's all the business we've done and we can now gripe? Or should we wait until the window does close before we start to draw conclusions?
Danny Kewley
43 Posted 28/07/2014 at 11:03:09
Patrick, I was just saying the same thing to my lad.
James Byrne
44 Posted 28/07/2014 at 11:05:09
It looks like the Lukaku fiasco will fall on its arse now other European clubs are looking at the lad. We should have had this deal done at the end of last season.

The club must be sitting on a possible £50M purse so they have no excuses for not investing in a high priced striker; although I appreciate this isn't easy post a recent world cup.

If the club don't pull a big signing out of the bag before the season starts I'm sending my 3 x season tickets back; I'm sick of the way our club is run.

Mark Pierpoint
45 Posted 28/07/2014 at 11:05:38
In fairness Nicholas I think it is clear that all of the money has been earmarked for a move for Lukaku. I am going to go out on an optimistic limb here and say that the board are prepared to spend the Fellaini and Jelavic money if the figure is around £20m. Any more than this and I imagine we are out. If it gets to this point, I am not optimistic there is a comparable alternative regardless of what Martinez says. We are engaged in some high stakes poker here.

The problem comes though that for a club like us, all of our other business is so dependent on this, particularly the wage budget I imagine. Therefore we are leaving everything on hold until there is some resolution, even so far as the Traore loan.

Drew Shortis
46 Posted 28/07/2014 at 09:58:09
I agree with Mike Allison 18 regarding developing our own youngsters to fill out the squad and reserving our money for a couple of real quality players as well as getting a couple of decent loans in. Every team needs a few special players who can win a match with a moment of brilliance. Lukaku is that kind of player. Yes his first touch is a bit heavy and he can drift out of matches but he scores goals and can only improve. We have Barkley with a spark of brilliance and on their day Mirallas and McGeady. We also have two rampaging full backs who can chip in with goals.

Spending all our cash in a diluted manner on 7-8 decent squad players won't get us to the next level. Look at what Spurs did with the Bale money and what Liverpool are doing with the Suarez cash. Quantity does not equal quality. I would be happy to see the likes of Garbutt, Duffy, McAleny and Henen given some playing time in the early rounds of the cup competitions if it means we can spend on 2-3 top quality players who can make a real difference in the big matches. I'm confident Lukaku will be one of these. The others will probably happen on deadline day and catch us all by surprise.

Kieran Fitzgerald
47 Posted 28/07/2014 at 11:07:28
Brent, it's the fact that you need the time to bed these players in. It's the fact that yet again, all of our profit made from previous transfers has disappeared down a black hole. It's the fact that just for once, it would be nice to have all of our business done in a timely fashion and be properly prepared for the start of a new season.

Mark, I mentioned it on another thread this morning that it is a good twelve months before we can expect anything substantial from our younger players. It's part of the frustration with the lack of transfers into the club. We are going to lose a whole season, as well any any ground we made on the other clubs around us last season. We are barely standing still at the moment, let alone moving forward.

Steve Cotton
48 Posted 28/07/2014 at 11:07:35
RM: "Bill how are we getting on with all the signings you promised me?"

BK: " Errrrrr (looks at floor)… they are all coming along slowly to be fair Roberto, honest…."

RM: "Bill, we can't go into the first game with just Naismith up front, our fans will go ballistic!"

BK: "Listen, Bob, David (Moyes) and I had a great understanding, he kept us out of Europe and the fans' expectations down and I paid him top dollar, you are seriously rocking the boat here fella! Bloody hell, I have already spent £2 million on that Barry guy and we normally sell our best player by this stage every season.... and I have expectant directors to pay…"

James Richard
49 Posted 28/07/2014 at 10:39:24
With the sale of Fellaini, Anichebe and Jelavic as well as TV money we recouped over £100m last season. Can somebody out there explain to me why this money is not being reinvested into our club?

And I don't want to hear about the debt. Its been around £40M as long as I can remember. We could earn £500M and the debt would still be around £40M. There is a massive black hole in our club that is swallowing funds and it needs explaining once and for all.

Colin Glassar
50 Posted 28/07/2014 at 11:29:25
I haven't read all the above posts but what I will say is, we either sort out the Lukaku deal this week or we'll have to move on.

The problem isn't supposed interest from Madrid or Juventus (where he would be a squad player) or Wolfsburg for that matter. The stumbling block is Mourinho who is still unsure whether to let him go on loan or to sell him. Jose is under no pressure to bring this to a quick conclusion but we are.

I still believe we will get him but who will blink first? This is football poker at its best/worst.

Brent Stephens
51 Posted 28/07/2014 at 11:38:38
i hope we get Lukaku. if we do, no bedding in time is needed for him.
Al Reddish
52 Posted 28/07/2014 at 11:40:15
Bobby is now saying if the the Lukaku deal fails we will need a plan B. We should already have Plans B, C and D!!! Hopefully it's just a translation problem but you never know with Bill.
Andrew Hawes
53 Posted 28/07/2014 at 11:32:48
"Romelu is going to make someone a fantastic Number 9" — Is Roberto looking to sign him or is he his agent??

Sorry but if another club comes in for him now, we have only ourselves to blame! 3 months we have had to sign him, or 15 months if you count the fact we had all last season to have a word in his ear. I'm really disappointed with our transfers so far...

Early business with 4 quality first team players for £30 million and we were ready for a massive season. What happened to Roberto's mantra of coming out of a transfer window stronger than when we went in??

Whichever way you dress it up, Besic and even Lukaku are not an improvement on last season unless he has a few quality loan deals in the pipeline. Traore was a crock all last season who we still paid a wage too and yet, with only 3 weeks to go, we're still talking about him maybe returning??

Has anyone at goodison seen our first 10 fixtures??

Steve Cotton
54 Posted 28/07/2014 at 11:42:19
Just a quick glance of what other Premier League teams are doing and spending:

Team Players In Spent
Arsenal 3 – £52m
Aston Villa 3 – £4m
Burnley 7 – £9m
Chelsea 5 – £99m
Crystal Palace 3 – £4m
Everton 1 – £0
Hull City 3 – £14m
Leicester 5 – £7m
Liverpool 6 – £81m
Man City 3 – £60m
Man Utd 2 – £57m
Newcastle 6 – £34m
QPR 3 – £8m
Southampton 2 – £26m (£92m received) and counting
Swansea 5 – £12m
Spurs 2 – £16m
WBA 6 – £16m
West Ham 5 – £29m


Some fees were approximated but assumed right as reported in press.

Paul Smith
55 Posted 28/07/2014 at 11:40:39
This is all getting a bit tiresome now, Roberto's main thread is we will be stronger after each window. For me we cannot contemplate signing Traore on loan again as he looks like an accident waiting to happen.

We all know we are desperate for an out and out striker and as I have said before we need to move onto other targets as Chelsea and Romelu seem to be playing us like a fool with the promise of a deal with us if nothing better for either of them comes up. The more we wait the more desperate we become and the stronger any selling clubs hand becomes.

So let's up the ante for all signings as we can't afford to start slowly again next season, I would settle for Besic, Henen and 3 other forward thinking players by the start of the season. My 3 would be Lukaku / Bony, Traore (Barcelona) and Jay Rodriguez.

Brent Stephens
56 Posted 28/07/2014 at 11:55:27
Al, I'd be amazed if somebody as astute as Roberto doesn't have a Plan B!
Linda Morrison
57 Posted 28/07/2014 at 11:51:14
Totally agree with the 3 posts above.

We need to cut our losses on Lukaku and look elsewhere or all the hard work of last season will have been for nothing.

The Chelsea manager is the one holding this up not our board. Why would he let Lukaku go now when he really does not need to?

It's not as if he needs to sell to buy. Lukaku could force the transfer by putting in a transfer request.

Like most on here, now I'm fed up with it all and so dissapointed.

Colin Glassar
58 Posted 28/07/2014 at 11:54:45
Just seen on the talkSport website that Chelsea have accepted a bid (from Everton?) for Lukaku and talks are set to begin.

I know it's talkShite but it is promising and they give it an 8/10 to happen.

Norman McIain
59 Posted 28/07/2014 at 11:18:05
The power of the media. One off-the-cuff quip goes viral. So, now he will keep shtum about transfers until they are well and truly bagged.

Relying on rival Chelsea to release Lukaku after the season has started will ensure an uncertain beginning to Everton’s campaign. Either the deal should be done soon or not at all. If Chelsea pull out close to the end of the window, at the last minute, that would potentially take us out of contention for a top four finish.

If JM, who would you prefer to sell, Torres or Lukaku? Keeping Lukaku could seem the much better option – especially with Drogba to help coach.

Let’s hope a deal for Lukaku can be struck soon! Or else ...

Liam Reilly
60 Posted 28/07/2014 at 11:30:27
Rushing out to purchase 5 or 6 players is not the answer. Look at Tottenham last year and the RS (who should have bought Southampton; it would've been cheaper) this summer. There's no quick way of integrating that number of new footballers and expect immediate success. Even Man City with all their cash had to undergo a transition period and that was with unlimited resources.

I'd be more concerned of the delay in the negotiations with Chelsea over Rom: I suspect this is less about cash and more about an option on a certain Ross Barkley.

Andy Parsons
61 Posted 28/07/2014 at 11:57:04
@18 Having a youth system is fine, but look at the game yesterday - most of those younger players are miles away from first team action with the exception of maybe Ledson. They're nowhere near ready for UEFA Cup or Premier League action and Roberto has already made it clear that if we sign Heden he will play for the U21's, not the first team.

If we're relying on simply bringing players through the youth setup, then any talk of competing for top four is misleading fans. That's survival, that most definitely isn't pushing on.

What is sad is that Roberto is no longer talking about targets, apart from Lukaku - which I can't see happening. He's talking now, like Moyes often did, of just looking for somebody. Anyone, almost.

James Stewart
62 Posted 28/07/2014 at 12:05:01
We will be short of numbers, AGAIN! Cost us last season and it will be the same this one coming. We haven't even replaced the ones we lost. So we are 3 players down at present from the squad we had last season. Treading water.
Shane Corcoran
64 Posted 28/07/2014 at 12:13:14
Bill is working on a half-time show for the Chelsea game at which point, even though we have no points, he'll present Lukaku and our other new signings; Hibbert, Gibson and Kone. All followed up by an announcement that there will be an announcement on the new stadium any day now.
Colin Glassar
65 Posted 28/07/2014 at 12:19:56
Liam, spot on first paragraph. Don't agree with the last bit though. Ross isn't on the table.
Kevin Tully
66 Posted 28/07/2014 at 12:11:46
Don't forget - we are supposedly looking into building a new stadium. Mr. Elstone said ;

"There are a number of obstacles to overcome before we push on with it and the central one is about the economic model of moving home. A lot of the new stadiums which have been built over the last 20 years have had a compelling business case behind it which is: they were short of capacity and had a long waiting list.

"If you have that combination you build it and your business plan looks pretty rosy.

"In that case we will have an element of that but it's not as significant an element as some of the other clubs who have moved.

"There will be some intangible things about future proofing the football club going forward.

"There will be an intangible about whether it will help us attract new investment. It's difficult to put those things down in black and white and ink them into a business plan.

"That's exactly what the board is looking at and why we're looking at this great opportunity. But there are also risks associated with it, which will be the level of debt we'd need to take on and whether it's the right thing for the club to put that debt on its balance sheet and service it over the next 10, 20 or however many years.

"That's not a decision to be taken lightly and one the board is currently on with.

It's not inconceivable this could go ahead so they could all cash in their chips. Or they may well take a large dividend before they sell up. Who knows what their plans are?

Kunal Desai
67 Posted 28/07/2014 at 11:33:36
Didn't that clown Elstone state a few weeks ago in his blog that Everton will be run as a club and not a business. Sums up the mindset of these morons that run the club. 3 weeks to get some players in or I think the pressure should well and truely be cranked up on this board.
Nicholas Page
68 Posted 28/07/2014 at 12:25:52
Shane, I expect there’ll be an announcement on new announcements anytime soon. Watch this (new) space.
Mark Tanton
69 Posted 28/07/2014 at 12:38:14
Nicholas will this announcement be in a normal forty eight hours or an Evertonian one? Let’s hope Sky don’t start talking on the Thursday about ’48 hours before the season starts’ or we might not even turn up at Leicester.
James Elworthy
70 Posted 28/07/2014 at 12:38:01
As they are back from Thailand, shouldn't Besic be signed by now? And what is causing the delay to Henen and Galloway?

El Bob is sounding more like Bullshit Bill at the moment, his answers sound like Prime Ministers question time as he gives an answer nothing to do with the question. Who cares if he has a good relationship with Chelsea or Besic has made friends with some of the squad in Thailand? — We need players signed on the dotted line, at least enough to replace the ones who left on loan.

Four out, one in so far.

Tony J Williams
71 Posted 28/07/2014 at 12:38:38
Ahhh close season, don't you just love it.

It's a little early to judge the younger players or in fact any players after one pre-season game in the blistering heat.

It's a fitness gainer game, that's all.

It would be nice to have any new signings in but to be fair, we are only one player down from last season (hopefully he will sign soon) and that team wasn't too bad.

I know others are buying players, but look at Everton. We have had a consistent strong core of players for years now with the odd addition every now and again.

We are not suddenly going to slip miles behind teams, as we still have good players already and youngsters coming through too.

James 46, what use would sending the season tickets back be? You have already paid for them.

Tony J Williams
72 Posted 28/07/2014 at 12:44:19
"Unlike Moyes, whose loyalty could be secured with increasing his salary to the point where he became one of the highest paid coaches in the Premier League"

To be fair, he has just been given a new contract...it's all starting to look very familiar at Casa Everton

Colin Glassar
73 Posted 28/07/2014 at 12:44:05
It'll all be sorted in the next 48 hours lads (nudge nudge, wink wink). Remember the powers that be at Everton work mon-fri, 9-5pm. Nothing happens over the weekend at GP as our beloved chairman, Bill turns off his phone and Elstone goes into hibernation. I'm sure Roberto will have woken them both up by now.
Anthony Hughes
74 Posted 28/07/2014 at 12:25:36
No we shouldn't be rushing out to buy 5 or 6 players. They should have been brought in at a steady rate over the course of the transfer window so they can bedded into the squad, I think its called preparing and planning the team for the new season. Martinez must have had a list of players and a back up list of players if his first choices fall through. The squad wasn't big enough last season and we ran out of steam after Christmas, we have more games to play this season and relying on a band of untested youngsters isn't the answer. Welcome to the world of Bill Kenwright Roberto.
Harold Matthews
75 Posted 28/07/2014 at 12:25:07
I have to believe we will get Lukaku, even though he prefers Chelsea or a CL club. Finding a top class No 9 in the latter stages of a window is virtually impossible. In fact, it was the reason Cardiff were relegated. Massive sums of money offered all over Europe brought no response. With seconds to go they were chucking wads of notes at Leeds, but to no avail. All they managed to get was a vastly overpriced Kerwyne Jones and the rest is history.

Of course, I could fall back on the words of wily old Dave Whelan, Roberto's business tutor. "If you are going after a goal scorer, keep your lips tightly sealed, because they all want one." So, fingers crossed, something might be going on we no nothing about.

As for the other positions. We don't want a Gueye or a Velllios. It has to be the exact player for the exact role. Martinez has spoken of this on many occasions. Time is not important. Getting the right player is.

Shane Corcoran
76 Posted 28/07/2014 at 12:49:48
In fairness to Martinez, a lot of the frustration from fans is based on what they want and the joke he made about getting Lukaku.

We have no idea really (except Colin) why the Besic deal is being held up or what Lukaku wants or how long he'll take to make up his mind.

He has clearly stated, which he rarely does, that he wants a number 9 before the start of the season. If we get one and if everyone stays fit then I think we're ok. Once we get all the desired business by the end of the month of course.

Geoffrey Feeney
77 Posted 28/07/2014 at 12:56:46
It was 6 or 7 before he went to Brazil. If we get Barry and Lukaku then Besic, that means one other signing – and that isn't much of an improvement from last season's squad.
John Audsley
78 Posted 28/07/2014 at 12:51:20
Well

We are lacking a main central striker, a cover for him and a creative midfielder.

Im sure we will loan in a couple of people but its getting a touch late in the day. I know some people aren't too bothered and are happy to wait till transfer deadline day but for me its too late to get your main targets in.

3 or 4 games are gone by then and they have missed pre-season with us as well.

Im struggling to understand the delay if RM has identifed the players, we have the money and the guys want to come.

I think its fair to say that none of us have any idea whats happening at the moment

Its up to BK and the ever gurning Elstone to sort it out

Watch this space.................................

James Byrne
79 Posted 28/07/2014 at 12:57:03
Tony JW (76)

I know mate, I'm full of shit........I'd never send them back, just letting off some frustration. The signing of Lukaku would put a smile on my face no end.

James Elworthy
80 Posted 28/07/2014 at 12:58:24
On the market at the moment if you want a number 9 is Lukaku, Bony who Swansea want an arm and a leg for, the Redshite reject Remy, if he failed a medical there I am sure the Everton doctor would find something entirely different to fail him on.
My patience is wearing thin not because we have signed anyone but the fact we appear to dawdle over the deals and don't get them over the finishing line.
Tony J Williams
81 Posted 28/07/2014 at 13:02:59
Don't worry James, you're not the only one.

Several times each season I swear down that I will not renew....then April comes along and soft ollies here pays the full whack at once

Derek Knox
82 Posted 28/07/2014 at 13:00:59
Didn't we sign Joe Royle recently ?

Nobody mentioned anything about the age bracket ! :-)

Colin Glassar
83 Posted 28/07/2014 at 12:57:27
Harold, you can't really compare us to Cardiff can you? We have an excellent core of tried and tested players. What we need are a couple of top class reinforcements, not a new squad to ensure premiership survival.
Kevin Tully
84 Posted 28/07/2014 at 13:07:05
Remember when Bill said he's got some very good friends at Chelsea? Here's how that call went ;

"Hello, it's Bill Kenwright here Darling, can you put me through Roman please?"

"Hello Roman, There's someone called Bill on the line, says he's a massive pal of yours."

Roman; "Not that fucking bum - always on the bastard mooch for players. Tell him I'm on my yacht, and if he phones again, tell him he can't pay for Lukaku on the drip over the next 27 years either."

Nicholas Page
85 Posted 28/07/2014 at 13:12:48
Speaking of Cardiff, I thought that Gary Medel was decent for Chile. Is he still there?
Steavey Buckley
86 Posted 28/07/2014 at 13:06:45
Germany proved during the World Cup the importance of getting bodies and big lads into the opposition's penalty area, not just by having a lone striker. Yesterday's match was a flimsy attempt to emulate what Germany did; with the punitive Osman trying to fill in for a striker along with Naismith. Very poor and embarrassing performance by Everton against Leicester.
Rokas Grajauskas
87 Posted 28/07/2014 at 12:51:07
The main hold-up of this transfer window is the Lukaku deal. We are hostages of the circumstances in the hands of Chelski. It's potentially our record transfer deal, so it's not easy to bid for other players until we know how much we have left in the purse after/if the Lukaku transfer happens. Surely, it's annoying, but looking at the comments in this website makes me think of the cliche phrase of all the cheap action movies: "That's what the enemy wants us to do!"

I've been following the club for the last decade or so, and I can not remember a single transfer window where we'd spend big and sign a bunch of players. You can call Bill Kenwright a Scrooge McDuck, but just look where this transfer window philosophy got us and where is, eg, Tottenham with more than £100M spent on useless rubbish players.

Personally, I do prefer signing quality instead of quantity. Besic, Galloway – the deals will be sorted out, and if we don't get Lukaku, I'm sure Roberto Martinez has it all covered with numerous "in case of" scenarios.

You can always choose two ways of reacting to stuff – the positive one and the negative one. Hasn't Roberto shown you the right one during the last season? Stop your bloody whinin', you lads look like a bunch of elderly women selling eggs in a Lithuanian market and criticisin' authorities with your know-it-all attitudes. IMWT, COYB, ETID.

Kev Johnson
88 Posted 28/07/2014 at 13:04:28
Hi. My name's Devil Sadvocate. One reason - and I repeat, one reason - why are perceived to "dawdle" over deals is that we don't wantonly overpay. I mean, £20m for Louvren? Come off it! Lallana for £25m? Be serious!

If we paid silly money we would doubtless grab our targets immediately. I'm glad that we don't. "OK, Devil Sadvocate," you may be saying, "but the Besic, Galloway and Henin deals are hardly big money, are they? Why haven't they been signed, sealed and delivered by now?"

Well, I don't have that information to hand, but let's say Galloway wants more money and/or better clauses than we can sanely offer? What do we do? Give in to him (as Man City probably would) or carry on negotiating? The latter, I'd say. Even Chelsea have to have a wage structure in place, witness Mourinho's recent comment about Man U overpaying Shaw on the wages front.

There is plainly no problem with Besic himself, or he wouldn't have gone to Thailand with the squad; so maybe the rumours are accurate and there's a problem with who pays the agent for a deal that's already been agreed. Tiresome, I agree, but not obviously evidence of EFC's inherent shitness at board level. Henin? There's been no huge delay, and I dare say he'll be an official Everton player as soon as RM is settled back at Finch Farm.

So there we have it. Don't worry, be happy.

Ian Bennett
89 Posted 28/07/2014 at 13:10:50
What's the chances we can't spend a bean until mid august, when the rumoured sky bounty arrives. Given the club finances I wouldn't be surprised.
Trevor Lynes
90 Posted 28/07/2014 at 13:12:59
I just do not buy this waiting until the end of the window crap.If we have targets then they should be bought !

Every other club has moved in the market and the gap between our squad and the other clubs is ludicrously big. Other clubs are entering the final couple of furlongs and we are still in the stalls.

Martinez will soon lose patience with this club’s attitude if he has serious ambitions. I am sick of being among the only ’real’ investors in this club (the fans). The present board are hanging onto the money for grim life and hoping we can get away with spending nothing!! If Lukaku is off the hook we could well be catching a crab. Even Besic is not yet signed and all the other clubs are buying really good players without hitches.

The story is Remy has a minor heart condition and the deal has fell through due to Borini not agreeing to stay at Sunderland. Remy will still be snapped up by some other club I am sure.

Harold Matthews
91 Posted 28/07/2014 at 13:17:06
Colin. No mate. We're definitely way ahead of Cardiff. I was just trying to illustrate the importance of someone who can put the ball in the net and the difficulty in signing one.
Brent Stephens
92 Posted 28/07/2014 at 13:27:32
Kev #90 - spot on. The details in the devil.
Colin Glassar
93 Posted 28/07/2014 at 13:24:56
Sorry Harold, I misunderstood then. I was very hopeful that Roberto would pull one or two Latin bunnies out of his hat but he seems determined to get big, strong European players who seem to cost more.
Btw, when do we get the sky dosh? Is this what's holding things up? So Bill and co. have blown the Fellaini, Big Vic money then?
Drew Shortis
94 Posted 28/07/2014 at 13:34:27
Colin, the problem with trying to sign South American players who aren't established internationals is the work permit issue. I'm sure there are loads of bargains out there that just wouldn't qualify. That narrows the market down to EU players and non-EU internationals with higher price tag. Martinez has acquired young players from Spain, Belgium and Hungary already and I'm sure he is scouting others.

I have said on another thread, I'm usually stressed during the summer transfer window, but this time I'm feeling pretty calm. I just have a feeling that the pieces of the puzzle will fall into place over the next few weeks. If we get Lukaku he won't need bedding in time. This is also the first window in ages where we haven't had to fight off aggressive advances for one of our stars. That stability do the squad the world of good.

Jackie Barry
95 Posted 28/07/2014 at 13:39:13
Some of this sounds worrying now and as much as I like Martinez I have to say I wish he would just shut up and help get these deals finalized, then he can do all the talking he wants. Sorry but right now all I am hearing is a lot of 'if's' and 'buts' and it's not good enough to be honest.
Jackie Barry
96 Posted 28/07/2014 at 13:43:37
As for Besic and this player agent issue, why don't we just pay the darn agent, it's a 4-million deal from what I hear how much is the agent wanting 5-million, lol. I understand the need to keep costs down but things like this make us look a little pathetic at times and also affect the beginning of our season, we need to move a little quicker.
Tom Bowers
97 Posted 28/07/2014 at 13:38:15
Seems to me that Lukaku is holding out for that Champions League club to come and get him but it may well be that those interested won't pay the ''big fee'' or the ''big'' wages? Certainly none of the bigger teams in the competition. Whilst Chelski are keeping ''mum'' on the situation, we are left to speculate on the outcome.

I now think that maybe if Lukaku comes back that he may be sulking a little in light of the move he couldn't make and his performances may not rate as high as last season. Just a thought!

Hopefully RM is working on a contingency plan given that the options of injured Kone and up in the air Traore are not viable at the moment. As it is, he only has Naismith and Mirallas as possibilities so maybe he will try to play without the usual ''big'' target man, which would only work if some of the midfielders give support quickly, like Barklay or McGeady.

Harold Matthews
98 Posted 28/07/2014 at 13:32:21
Cheers Colin. I was a bit unclear. Don't know about the money side of things. Usually rely on Matt Traynor, our economics whizzkid who rarely paints a positive picture of Bill and his mates.

Interesting note you made about big strong players. Watching the football last night I was struck by the size and power of some of these guys, and how they made it count at set pieces. That said, it was the smaller, sharper players who opened things up and created chances. Tall or small, there was no-one like Pienaar or Osman. They all had good body strength and were able to ride tough challenges.

Still time for a few surprises. No-one knew about Delboy or Lukaku before they arrived all wrapped up.

Bill Gall
99 Posted 28/07/2014 at 13:41:57
Sorry I do not believe the on going talk about Lukaka is on hold until he comes back off holidays. Players negotiating is done between the 2 clubs and the players greedy agent with the player being advised over the club that is in negotiations for him and that just takes a telephone call.

As with Besic most delays are not with the player but with other minor problems as the player usually is in agreement with going to the club before negotiations begin. In regards to Lukaka if he is in favour of coming to Everton then the problem is in the negotiations.(if any)

As some one else has stated (you do not have to be a rocket science to know we need a striker) why not at the end of last season when the manager was aware that Lukaka was leaving was no plan for another striker put foreward instead of waiting to see if he; may become available.?

We also need another quality midfielder and there does not seem to be any movement to getting one and so far with less than 2 weeks to the start of the season the team does not seem as strong as the team that finished at the end of last season.

My belief is that you should have the strongest team you are going to use over the season at the start of the season and have the remaining couple of weeks of the transfer window, if funds are available;? to strenghthen the squad.

People who try to exept what is going on as (the Everton way ) should not exept this as there is something Extremally wrong in the club when it comes to transfers.

Jackie Barry
100 Posted 28/07/2014 at 14:34:59
Completely agree Bill you are 100 percent correct, not even the WC is much of an excuse when you look at the teams that have completed their deals.
Tony J Williams
101 Posted 28/07/2014 at 14:38:53
The problem we face Bill, is that there is sweet FA we can do about it except bitch and moan on forums.

We all know what's going on but we are powerless to do anything about it.

We can't vote with our feet, as most of us have already renewed our season tickets and I certainly don't want to see another daft clown with a cake scenario again, as ultimately it does nothing at all.

Even with all the daft protesting our knobhead neighbours did about the last Americans, it came to nothing. The reason the last ones were ousted was due to the banks, not the knobs with stupid placards.

James Marshall
102 Posted 28/07/2014 at 14:44:54
What delay on the Lukaku deal? Where is the hold up people are talking about? Dragging on too long? What are you talking about?

None of the above actually exists - Lukaku is not due back until the 30th, and Martinez and Chelsea have stated long ago that nothing would conclude on his situation before then.

I don't understand why everyone is freaking out about a deal that wasn't ever supposed to have happened yet anyway.

Mike Manchester
103 Posted 28/07/2014 at 14:42:48
Anyone know anything about Sam Byrne? I don't think I saw anything on the OS, and the Martinez statement above clearly means he's not the solution. But I occasionally use a site betinf.com to check on foreign transfers, it has Sam Byrne to everton. So I wiki'd him. 19yo. ST decent youth international scoring record. Anyone know any more?
Jackie Barry
104 Posted 28/07/2014 at 14:54:55
Good points James but don't think putting all your eggs in one basket could be a little daft? If it works we will be going "Yee-haw" or something like that, if it doesn't we will be left wondering about the jokers we have ruining this club. If we have to look elsewhere we could be left with unknowns who are not used to English football and need time to bed in. I'm sorry but once again it looks like in the traditional Everton way we are unprepared for the start of the upcoming season.
Kev Johnson
105 Posted 28/07/2014 at 14:55:46
Mike - I think we picked him up from Man Utd on a free. Supposed to be quite skillful but didn't particularly impress during a loan spell last season with a lower league side (I forget which one). We'll be giving him a chance in the U21s to see if we rate him. That's it really.
Callum McNab
106 Posted 28/07/2014 at 14:56:14
Sadly it’s looking like I thought it was going to turn out this season (I still hope to god I am wrong); that’s why after following my beloved blues for nearly 50 years (30 being a season ticket holder) I chose to pack it in this year. I got fed up with the same bull from this board.

Success is expensive, and this board want to take, but not invest. So it’s not hard to work out what direction we are going. I think it’s going to be really hard for Bobby this year, again I hope I’m wrong , but we haven’t moved forward in any way.

Still trying to pick up scraps of loan players , struggling to complete a transfer. Same shite just a different season. And as somebody else has stated, wait till Billy Liar starts selling our gems.

Mark Boulle
107 Posted 28/07/2014 at 14:58:27
I keep telling myself to be patient, that RM has it under control, that the signings will happen etc, but it gets harder day by day, especially as we approach August and we see our paper-thin squad (albeit without 4 world cup players) in pre-season friendlies. Especially when so many other sides, complete with some or all of their reinforcements already, are playing ominously well. Although I hate them, at times I think it must be amazing to be a Chelsea fan, seeing your club ruthlessly go out and get the players it has targeted by mid-July, then have your manager smugly announce before the end of July that 'we're done, we have made all the signings we want'!

There is no point repeating all the perfectly valid questions already posed on here regarding the whereabouts of our surely substantial transfer budget. We all know there should be one, swelled by recent player sales, but God knows where the Board have put it.

If it is to be Lukaku we go all out for, I predict nothing will happen before next week at the earliest. We have to wait for the Sky money, then comes the phoney war of whether or not we've made a bid, followed by protracted negotiations...Waiting until then is going to be horrible, but I reckon we'll be lucky to see Rom signed and sealed before the season kicks off.

I just hope to God there is a Plan B ready, rather than a plan to panic if Lukaku doesn't come. That Plan B, incidentally, cannot be Traore! It needs to be a big-name, established striker who guarantees goals and is ours to keep.

Still, at least we're not Southampton!

John Audsley
108 Posted 28/07/2014 at 15:03:36
He isn't coming

I cant remember a time in my 38 year old life when it seems we have pinned so much on one player

Lets hope Roberto has a plan B or C....................or X, Y and Z

Mark Boulle
109 Posted 28/07/2014 at 15:07:02
ps - I am not in the least bit religious, two references to God in one post is not like me at all. It must be Everton's maddening transfer dealings driving me to pray to a higher power for something to happen!
Harold Matthews
110 Posted 28/07/2014 at 15:07:09
On the Lukaku thing. Sky have him @ 1-2 with Real and Wolfsburg on the drift.

In other words, he's already wearing the socks and shorts and the shirt is halfway over his head.

Mike Manchester
111 Posted 28/07/2014 at 15:10:28
@Kev- cheers

@John 110. He IS coming

The reason you cant remember another time wth so much on one player is because it has not happened before. Hence (potentially) record signing.

Potential game changer/paradigm shift if we can recruit and keep Rom and Ross at Everton for some decent length of time I believe.

Sam Hoare
112 Posted 28/07/2014 at 15:19:17
What depresses me is that at this point even if we do manage to get Lukaku, atsu and Traore then that will only make our squad as good as it was last season and no better.... We stand still whilst those around us move forward.
Sam Hoare
113 Posted 28/07/2014 at 15:19:17
What depresses me is that at this point even if we do manage to get Lukaku, atsu and Traore then that will only make our squad as good as it was last season and no better.... We stand still whilst those around us move forward.
Phil Walling
114 Posted 28/07/2014 at 15:08:03
Biggest disappointment of the last week has been the lack of a stand-out player amongst the 'next generation.

True, Garbutt has shown promise but defensively seemed somewhat naïve. Duffy looked capable but after that I'm struggling to think of anyone who looked anything but a novice in either game.

And that bloody useless goalkeeper................!

Nicholas Page
115 Posted 28/07/2014 at 15:08:53
Can anyone tell me why it (apparently) takes until August to get all "the Sky money"? Is it paid in advance? What about the money from the Premier League for fifth place etc? When is that paid - surely its in May. This £85m in earnings from last season, again how is it all split up? I can’t believe its all paid in one lump sum come August. This is what i’m referring to:

http://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/475896/97m-haul-sees-Liverpool-BEAT-Manchester-City-in-the-Premier-League-earnings-table

Paul Andrews
116 Posted 28/07/2014 at 15:29:43
Phil,

You’re basing that opinion on pre season friendlies ?

Paul Andrews
117 Posted 28/07/2014 at 15:32:00
Sam,

Is that the same squad strength that seen us get a record total of points for a Prem season?

Do you not consider, with the benefit of last years experience, we could improve that total?

John Audsley
118 Posted 28/07/2014 at 15:35:37
Mike @113

I hope your right, I really do

Im just feeling very uneasy about it all. Its taking an age to sort out and goes again his dream of playing Champions League football

Having everything depend on one guy who could cost £20 M plus in the "Blue Bill" era is astonishing to me.

All summer this has dragged on and I hope one way or another it gets settled quickly

Mark Tanton
119 Posted 28/07/2014 at 15:43:04
Not without strengthening significantly Paul. Man Utd and Spurs should both be far better next season, and Arsenal and Liverpool have bought some good players.
Jamie Barlow
120 Posted 28/07/2014 at 15:57:31
Throw in maybe another 10/15 games because of Europe Paul. Are you happy to stay the same?
John Crawley
123 Posted 28/07/2014 at 16:37:52
Apparently talksport are saying Chelsea have accepted a bid off Everton for Lukaku
Tony McNulty
124 Posted 28/07/2014 at 16:30:49
The disillusionment of some on here is really surprising.

The manager warned us that we would be doing deals right to the final minute of the deadline. To me that meant that the clubs with the dosh would be doing their deals first, and we would probably end up with sloppy seconds.

We have the same owners, an identical board, and no new investors. I’m curious: what was it that made some of you think that this close season would be any different from previous ones?

Ed Fitzgerald
125 Posted 28/07/2014 at 16:28:14
You can tell its close season Evertonians neuroses are now at a fever pitch. Let’s be fair at the 11th hour last year Martinez performed miracles got Lukaku, McCarthy, Barry and got rid of Fellani for 28 million. Many posters were predicting disaster and that didn’t happen at all did it, in fact the reverse happened, we played our best football for decades.

I know it’s frustrating not to have the millions that some teams have but it’s no guarantee of success look at Spurs outlay last year it didn’t get them top four football did it. The RS have 43 in their squad now and they still haven’t got a defence as good as ours plus they will miss Suarez big time. As RM says we need a number 9 and if we can’t get Lukaku, we should go for Bony or Jackson Martinez from Porto

Jack Plant
126 Posted 28/07/2014 at 16:36:55
It seems like a lot of people on here are angry that the 6-7 players we needed has been revised down to 3-4 and that this may now only be a number 9. I think it was reasonably clear when the initial comment was made that the 6-7 would include bringing players through from the under 21s, which I’m sure most of us would prefer to buying in players who may not understand the league or the club. Also Martinez is clearly saying here that he wants to bring in a striker before the season starts, which doesn’t contradict the fact that he wants to bring in 3 or 4 players before the window closes. I think there are some people who take any piece of transfer related news as an excuse to criticise the board. Personally I think this sounds quite positive.
Patrick Murphy
127 Posted 28/07/2014 at 16:40:28
Just looked at a web-site that lists transfers in and out of the PL and it looks like most clubs have released / sold as many players as they have bought in with many clubs having reduced the number of players in their squads.

Southampton have sold an incredible amount of players and Chambers has officially joined Arsenal as of today. Perhaps the need to reduce the wage bill is having a real impact on the clubs as they adjust to the various rules that have come in recently.

It won’t make it a level playing field overall, but there will be a few more players available on free transfers towards the end of the window and it might help explain Everton’s seemingly slow progress in bringing players to the club.

Then again......

Joe Halligan
128 Posted 28/07/2014 at 16:46:48
Besic deal completed..finally!
Martin Farrington
129 Posted 28/07/2014 at 16:18:10
I have continually beaten the knackered youth team drum - our young players who recently signed professional contracts fall way short of quality and what we need.
Not one has achieved anything or proven themselves on loan or singled out under Stubbs development. Nor have any done anything internationally.
It’s not their fault. They had potential but haven’t turned that into an end product.
It appears there is potentially some excellent youth teamers further down the line, but that’s not now.
Quite clearly Martinez pissed off Billy Liar at the end of the season by saying we need 7 new players in addition to the finishing numbers to compete in Europe and other fronts.
The Liar probably choked on a prawn sandwich in a royal box somewhere whilst glorifying himself at one of his productions upon hearing such proll talk.
He’s whipped Martinez into shape.
Hence the quick backtrack by Martinez to include the newly signed youth team players in the numbers he meant.
The fact that he’s stated openly there is nothing to report on new blood forthcoming outside of [having signed Barry] Besic, Henen [who you cant count as Mr M has said he isn’t going to be considered for first team action !!!!
and the fast fading Lukaku mess clearly underlines Billy Liars intentions. How many hours are there in 48 ?
Mr Martinez may state he wants two more players [especially a number 9] - so I assume thats the permanently injured Traore on his way as well.
Lets face facts - we are saddled with an owner who has no intentions of selling his pet, a board of filthy stinking rich non-investors and an overachieving side that is strengthened and supported about as much as the public sector and a tory government !
John Audsley
130 Posted 28/07/2014 at 16:47:46
Besic looks a mean fucker
Kev Johnson
131 Posted 28/07/2014 at 16:24:52
I don’t think it’s about numbers, Jamie. It’s about buying what we need - which is, in my opinion, two strikers and a reserve keeper; reserve right back optional.

Even if (god forbid) we don’t buy anyone else apart from Besic, we can still field a decent second XI without using any of the kids apart from Garbutt, who definitely looks up to the job:

Robles, Hibbert, Garbutt, Stones, Alcaraz; Besic, Gibson; McGeady, Osman, Oviedo; Kone

I reckon that team is probably good enough to get a result away at FC Honka Espoo of Finland. (In case you’re wondering, yes, that is a real team and they will play in the first qualifying rounds of the Europa League!)

John Crawley
132 Posted 28/07/2014 at 16:44:51
Ignore my earlier comment about Talksport. Someone sent me a text but I’ve just been listening to the radio and no mention of it.
Harold Matthews
133 Posted 28/07/2014 at 15:43:13
With Lukaku, Traore, Besic, Kone, Oviedo and a couple of loans, I think we’ll be slightly stronger than last year. The downside are the older players. They’ll be one tear older and several are beginning to show it. I only hope Roberto doesn’t leave them on the pitch when their legs begin to buckle.

Pienaar and Mirallis are useful players but never in a million years will they strickly adhere to the football philosophy of Martinez. He didn’t sign them and you can tell. Both are determined to play their own game and if it means ignoring team-mates....so what. In fact, with Pienaar, if your name is not Baines and you pass him the ball, don’t bank on getting it back. Garbutt has already found this out, as did a few youngsters against Tranmere. A weird man indeed.

God knows what goes on with this transfer business. I’ll bet Roberto is in the dark much of the time. Some even do it by fax. In fact, Newport did a deal on twitter. Agreed everything then sent the papers by express mail. Crazy stuff indeed.

Paul Andrews
134 Posted 28/07/2014 at 17:04:02
Jamie 122,

I like your confidence.
Another 15 games would mean we would be playing in the final

Jim Knightley
135 Posted 28/07/2014 at 16:53:50
I do not think we will know if we stronger or not till the end of the window. If Lukaku joins Besic and Barry, we will have signed two proven performers (one of them is one of the best young strikers in the world) and another young promising player. If Traore joins as expected (I expect doubts over Falcao’s future is effecting that deal), then we will have three real forwards for one spot, and two out of position options in Mirallas and Naismith.

We need to add two attacking midfielders in my opinion, and one of those must be creative. But what of the loan market this year? If all goes well, we would have signed two of the four successful loans from last season, and re-signed one (a real vindication of the loan strategy). I’d be amazed if, given the added pressure on the squad and Martinez’s penchant for loans, Martinez does not bring in another couple of players on loan. If Lukaku does come in, and joins Besic and Barry, I still expect another 3 players, and hopefully a deeper squad than last season. That said, we’ve no chance of fourth place in my opinion. We came 7? points behind Arsenal last season, and they’ve strengthened this summer. We now have to deal with the added pressures of Europa League football, not to mention a better United side and a Spurs team who have had longer to gel.

Patrick Murphy
136 Posted 28/07/2014 at 17:01:00
I noticed that in the Leicester City match Harold - Garbutt made himself available on numerous occasions and Peanuts just ignored him. Roberto I’m sure will have noticed it too and both the creative players Mirallas and Pienaar will have to be told that they are professionals and not a bunch of mates having a kick-around in the local park. We need every player to trust whoever their team-mates are at any given time and we have no room for people who think that they know best. Win lose or draw as a team is the only way we should ever play and if we happen to get a good lead in a game then the personalities can express themselves in a selfish way but not before.
Brian Cleveland
137 Posted 28/07/2014 at 17:04:11
As this thread is now a bit on the long side, I may have missed it if it has been referenced, but if not.... Link (goal.com) says Lukaku wants to come back and that Bobby agreed a DOUBLE deal on SUNDAY with Chelsea.... so that must mean he is definitely not coming then! ;-)
Patrick Murphy
138 Posted 28/07/2014 at 17:17:07
Brian I’m not sure whether that makes it better of worse for us fans. On the one hand we might get Lukaku for another year which is good but because he won’t be ours and if he bangs in a shed load of goals Chelsea can sell him for a fee far in excess of what we can afford and next year we will be in exactly the same situation in need of a proven goalscorer. On the other hand we hand over a large wedge of our funds -he doesn’t recapture his previous form and we are left with a lemon. Who’d be a manager or that matter a fan.
Harold Matthews
139 Posted 28/07/2014 at 17:29:16
Brian / Patrick. OK, I know I’m getting on a bit but could you please say all that again in plain english. Right now it sounds important and exciting but reads like double dutch.
Patrick Murphy
140 Posted 28/07/2014 at 17:49:43
Apparently Harold according to the link there are two deals in place for Everton to sign Romelu - Firstly as a loan another full season. Secondly a purchase of Romelu for a fee of what I would suppose is around the £20m mark. None of it is confirmed by any other party apart from the website itself.

But it would make a lot of sense if Chelsea are reluctant to sell him outright and are happy for him to have another season at Goodison whilst at the same time it might suit our manager and Board.

My musings were a reaction to the possibility of either scenario becoming a reality.

Sam Hoare
141 Posted 28/07/2014 at 17:48:34
Paul Andrews 119, yes, the same squad that finished 5th. To do better we will need more/better players in my opinion. The likes of Man U/Tottenham/arsenal have improved their squad significantly and as we saw at times last season our lacks depth.
Paul Ferry
142 Posted 28/07/2014 at 17:44:56
Deary me Jon Withey - 25: ’compared to last preseason, this is very.... Moyes !’

Deary me, again! How about making the comparison fair and square instead of naff rash remarks at the end of July. The business you are comparing this with was done and dusted at the start of September.

So, why the need to make this false comparison now? Tell ya what, you pop back on here on September-3 - my birthday, by the way, mark the date - and THEN and only then make sort of comparison you have made here.

James Flynn
143 Posted 28/07/2014 at 17:52:35
From the "For What It’s Worth File", Mourinho quotes from yesterday:

"It’s still important for us to have all our players back. We don’t have [Andre] Schurrle, Oscar, Willian or [Eden] Hazard and they are the four players we build the game around. At the same time they need a holiday, but the players who are here on this training camp are working very hard."

"We are going to have Christensen and Ake, who are coming from the Academy," he said. "We are going to have training with us, but also playing for the under-21 team, [Dominic] Solanke, [Jeremie] Boga and [Izzy] Brown.

"The other ones who are a bit older, 20 or 21, we feel they need to compete against men in a different league, people like Patrick Bamford, John Swift, Nathaniel Chalobah. They are ready to go to other clubs and have a good loan".

Not a peep about Lukaku.

Denis Richardson
144 Posted 28/07/2014 at 17:42:00
Season start still 3 weeks away, let’s see what happens in the next couple of weeks before we start throwing toys out of the pram....

I still have confidence we will have two new strikers in the squad before 1st sept. (If we only have Naismith up front until kone is back we’ll be in the relegation zone come November!).

Have patience and keep the faith in Roberto.

(Although I must admit I’m not sure why the Traore loan is dragging on....maybe it’s Monaco dragging things out and not us....)

Mark Frere
145 Posted 28/07/2014 at 17:52:17
I don’t think there’s any need to panic just yet. Our squad is not as small as everyone is trying to make out; we have to remember we had a catalogue of injuries last season that put a massive strain on the squad. Kone and Gibson were injured before the season even got going. There was the horrific broken leg suffered by Oviedo - and Baines, Barkley, Jags, Deulofeu, Lukaku, Pienaar and Distin all spent sustained periods on the sidelines due to injuries.

To compete in 4 competitions its important to have 2 players for every position... well we can just about manage that at the moment:

Howard
Coleman Jags Distin Baines
McCarthy Barry
Mirallas Barkley Pienaar
Kone

Robles
Hibbert Stones Alcaraz Garbutt
Gibson Besic
Mcgeady Osman Oviedo
Naismith

We aren’t too far away from being where we need to be... its just the overall quality and size of the squad that needs a little investment. If we can add the signings of Lukaku, Astu and Traore to the players listed above, before the season starts, then I think we will be in decent shape - and hopefully there will be enough cash left in the kitty for another permanent signing and a loan before transfer deadline day.

Paul Andrews
147 Posted 28/07/2014 at 18:11:15
Sam,

With the money the other clubs have spent I think 5th would be a great achievement.Obviously hoping for better,but a bit if realism called for

Harold Matthews
148 Posted 28/07/2014 at 18:13:30
No Paul. 5th would be a miracle. There again. I thought 70 points was a very silly forecast last year but we exceeded it.
Ajay Gopal
152 Posted 28/07/2014 at 18:48:03
Ok, if we don’t get Lukaku, would you all be happy with 2 out of the following:
Bony
Remy
Jay Rodriguez
Hernandez
Wellbeck
Patrick Murphy
154 Posted 28/07/2014 at 19:00:40
Looks like Spurs are in for two Saints players Schneiderlin and Rodriquez so he's out. Bony I would have liked but his price may be too high. 'Arry is not happy about the fact that Remy apparently failed a medical and claims the deal must have fallen through for some other reason. The two United lads are good but would either suit our style of play.

If we could take Romelu on loan for a year and buy another such as Bony or Remy I would think that would be a good piece of business for the club. But as usual we'll have to wait and see what transpires.

Wayne Smyth
155 Posted 28/07/2014 at 18:53:58
iakovos(123), the problem with Sam's post, is that I think he, like you and a few others heard one thing, and assumed another.

Someone above apparently heard Martinez say that we needed 7 new players in addition to the 4 on loan last season that returned to their clubs. I didn't realise the Europa League involved 30 extra games per season...

I'm sure I've been listening to the same soundbites as everyone else, yet I was always under the impression that we'd get 4 or 5 new players, plus hopefully a couple from the youth team.

We got Barry and Besic, we've been told most recently we're getting at least 2 more attackers. Atsu and Lukaku have been strongly suggested as those targets.

I suspect on deadline day(when Martinez told us we'd probably be doing some business), we could well possibly pick up another couple of players if other clubs are getting desperate to offload and Martinez likes the look of them.

This site sometimes reminds me of an online version of Chinese Whispers played by a bunch of manic depressives. Especially so during this time of year.

Jimmy Hill
156 Posted 28/07/2014 at 19:14:08
I’m gonna laugh when we finish above the RS and I have faith that RM will deliver with or without Lukaku.

I like that he will bring youth through, look at the great mix of experience and youth. Brenda’s like a spoilt kid in a sweet shop RM has a plan.

Besic is a master stroke.

Denis Richardson
157 Posted 28/07/2014 at 18:37:21
Paul and Harold, it's not the amount of money you spend, it's how you spend it. Remember spurs spent 100m last summer and finished below us.

Am really not that worries this season. Top 4 will be a miracle but top 6 is achievable with a decent striker and luck on the injury front.

Liverpool, Man U and a couple of others are almost signing half a new team this summer. It will take these players at least until Xmas to gel property so not too bothered. And that's if the player end up performing well...

Kev Johnson
158 Posted 28/07/2014 at 19:46:17
Hey, Mark (147) - your post is almost exactly the same as mine (133).

No copying or you'll have get detention!

Raymond Fox
159 Posted 28/07/2014 at 19:26:13
I wouldn't touch Remy with a barge pole, plays well but looks like a wrong un to me.

God knows what's happening with Lukaku, + no loan players have surfaced yet, I'll be very surprised and disappointed if we don't get 1 to 3 quality loan players in this season.

How would you feel if you were a Southampton supporter?
Finished 7th for a great season for them, now had their team decimated by the 'rich clubs'.
Something intrinsically wrong with the Prem. what chance have the smaller clubs of breaking the strangle hold the money rich clubs have?
You can argue that Southampton didn't have to sell them but if a player is determined to leave it is usually folly to keep them, so dispiriting for supporters.

Harold Matthews
160 Posted 28/07/2014 at 19:53:25
Mark / Kev. 2 intelligent, positive posts. Have steadied my nerves a bit.
Mark Frere
161 Posted 28/07/2014 at 19:54:00
Sorry, Kev, iv'e got to admit, I didn't really read through this entire thread. I missed your post. Great minds think alike eh!?
Mark Frere
162 Posted 28/07/2014 at 20:03:35
By the way, Kev, neither of us gave a mention to poor Shane Duffy. Hopefully this could be the season he makes the breakthrough?
Iakovos Iasonidis
163 Posted 28/07/2014 at 19:41:35
Wayne Smyth 157 this is exactly what I heard:
"It's not about improving the squad, it's about increasing it. When you are playing in Europe you need six or seven new players. That's the reality and we will do that. I get excited about bringing new players in. You need fresh blood."

Maybe I took it wrong but reading these lines I understand 6 or 7 new additions to the team. Maybe again I wanted to believe 6 or 7 new transfers because in my mind these are exactly the numbers we need in this ageing team. Young lads are welcomed, maybe another rooney or another barkley is ready to pop out but to be honest I don't know a lot for these guys, never seen them play. I have faith in Martinez he will try whatever he can to add strenght to the team, my lack of faith is about the board. Whatever money come in this club somehow they vanish, I hope the debt would vanish the same way one day. I would like to see what excuse the board will have then...


Peter Laing
164 Posted 28/07/2014 at 20:08:33
Duffy looks better than Alcaraz, not been at all impressed by him other than one decent game. Too slow and ponderous for my liking.
Kev Johnson
165 Posted 28/07/2014 at 20:15:02
Great minds, as you say, Mark. Great minds.

I had Kone in my second XI purely because who the hell knows when he'll be fit? If he is, I have a sneaking suspicion he might play a useful part over the season.

I'm afraid Duffy will make a competent stopper for a mid-table championship side, but is unlikely to feature much for us. To be fair, he defended ably against Leicester, as did Hibbert, but the both of them are too 'old school' for Roberto.

I agree, Peter, but I think Alcaraz has more in his locker than Duffy. Mind you, it's about time be brought it out and showed us!

Brian Wilkinson
166 Posted 28/07/2014 at 20:16:32
Relax chaps, weve got our number 9 as promised, Joe Royle.

As long as Chelsea know we are desperate for Lukaku they know they hold all the aces.

Martinez needs to call Chelsea's bluff and look elsewhere and not put all his eggs in one basket.

Its a little like being at school collecting footy stickers, as soon as you showed excitement about a particular card, you knew it was going to cost a few stickers and a shiny badge in exchange.

Darren Hind
167 Posted 28/07/2014 at 20:10:53
Wayne Smith

Before you accuse any more people of "hearing one thing and assuming another" lets have a recap of what Martinez actually said.

"It's not about improving the squad, its about increasing it.
When you are playing in Europe,you need six or seven NEW players, thats the reality of it and we will do it.
I get excited about signing NEW players, you need FRESH blood " Sam #4 and iaKovos #123 are merely quoting the manager, not, as you claim starting "chinese Whispers" . . Not once does Martinez mention promoting kids already at the club as part of that seven. The clue is in the word "NEW"

It's quite inexpensive for people to come on TW and blindly post "IMWT" - actually its free - but I wonder how many youngsters believed his promise and bought season tickes on the back of it ?

Two down ( even if they will probably be competing for the one place ) and five to go

Paul Ellam
168 Posted 28/07/2014 at 18:50:24
We need more than just a number 9!
Why does this club never deliver on it's promises or do it's transfer business early?
No wonder we struggle to win trophies!
Paul Andrews
169 Posted 28/07/2014 at 21:07:56
Your declaration re not getting involved with posts concerning Martinez was rather short lived.

He is a compelling subject though,hard to resist commenting on I’ll give you that.

Ian McDowell
170 Posted 28/07/2014 at 21:15:16
I think Remy would be a steal for £8.5 million.
John Crawley
171 Posted 28/07/2014 at 21:27:51
Darren: May 8th: Martinez:"Right now I am disappointed that Ryan Ledson has gone away with England U17 because he deserved to make his debut this season. He was very close against Southampton. Ryan has got a fantastic future."

May 27th:

"I also have a few youngsters who will be given an opportunity in pre-season and depending on how they do they will fill some of those positions in the first-team squad. I think our youngsters next season will have a massive say in how good we are going to be.

"We know what we are going to get from the experienced players but every time you bring a player into the club there is always a margin of error in terms of how they will adapt."

I don't think it's quite as clear cut as you are making out. I'm cynical myself when it comes to Kenwright but we'll know when the window shuts exactly what the situation is.

David Chait
172 Posted 28/07/2014 at 21:26:39
Not in any way relevant but I'm astonished what's going on at the Saints. They have literally sold half the side with more expected .. Just spent a few moments on a saints forum and they are going spastic and you can't blame them. All big money moves but the message they are sending is shocking.

I remember reading an article just after the season about whether they would keep the stars and that it was vital for any confidence in the clubs resurrection. They look stuffed right now... Hectic. Wonder what is driving this exodus?

Patrick Murphy
173 Posted 28/07/2014 at 21:31:41
Darren of course you are correct about Roberto's statement which was made before we had secured a European berth sometime in March or April - we also have to consider that purchasing a £20m striker wasn't on his mind at that time so he may have been thinking x amount of money to spend equals x number of players to be purchased and or loaned. However, he also probably didn't realise what a tight wad Mr Bill Kenwright is even compared to his former boss at Wigan.

But he could still bring in six or seven players before the transfer window closes but that imho is highly unlikely. We have 2 new additions on board and will probably add another 3 dependent if one of those is Lukaku.

However, I do believe that Roberto as I have stated earlier had better learn the art of saying nothing at all, otherwise his good qualities will always be undermined by saying things that he believes, at the time, he says them but will come back to haunt him as lots of people will point them out if the results are not what we hope them to be.

To be frank it really doesn't matter to me if he says that the earth is flat as long as he produces a team that we can be proud of and one that wins more often than it doesn't. If he fails to produce a good winning team in a reasonable time scale with adequate backing from the club then he goes and I won't lose any sleep if that unfortunate scenario transpires.

Obviously I want him to succeed at Everton and for him to be here for long long time.

Mark Pierpoint
174 Posted 28/07/2014 at 21:43:25
Ian, Remy is not an option at 8.5m for us. It was a clause for a team in the Champions League. And lets be honest, if he has medical issues to stop Liverpool buying him at that price, there is no way that Everton are going to pass a medical for him at a considerably higher price.

Rumours are that he has a minor heart defect and it is this that is troubling Liverpool. Maybe they can't insure him apparently. If (god forbid) something happened where he could not play again they would have lost all of the money.

Patrick Murphy
175 Posted 28/07/2014 at 21:48:05
David #174 I wonder if the new owners at St. Mary's have friends who trade on the High Street or live in far-flung places with little or no interest in the club. It does seem strange how things have developed at Southampton in the last six months and I don't know how much they have banked from player sales but it must be touching £100m, perhaps the new owners have decided to be debt free and this was the perfect opportunity to secure the clubs future or perhaps they didn't have the necessary finance to buy the club in the first place and are using the assets to help pay for the loans they took out - thank god we have never had owners like that eh?
Norman McIain
176 Posted 28/07/2014 at 21:31:23
@ Raymond Fox 161

Southampton selling players because they want to leave. — That’s OK with players the team can do without, but not the key players (unless they like biting the opposition!).

Suarez could have been sold before last season, but Liverpool refused. Suarez just had to get on with it. No club has to sell a player under contract who wants to leave and if the player reacts badly on and off the pitch then he will ruin his career. Prof. footballers have to be just that. If they are under contract, they have to give 100%. No decent club would expect anything less. For Southampton to sell so many makes a lot of cash for the club, but will seriously damage the team. I predict Southampton will have a relegation scrap this year.

Thankfully, Everton will keep hold of their key players. — Losing your keys is very worrying!

David Chait
177 Posted 28/07/2014 at 21:59:38
Yep Patrick... Many believe it was after the chairman left as no-one was sold until then. Of course players will leave but it's like the big teams smell blood and it's snowballed so much the players probably want to bail out now before the ship sinks.

I have wondered sometimes why we have never had this type of run for our players... I think we just don't make ourselves seem approachable and we are quite good at giving new contracts... For the most part.

Mike Allison
178 Posted 28/07/2014 at 21:56:33
There have been some cracking, reasonable posts explaining why we don’t need to be freaking out and that everybody should calm down. Three or four have been posted on almost every major thread in the last week and a half.

Stop freaking out and calm down everyone! James Marshall #104 makes a nice simple point that might help.

And also, please stop explaining your ridiculous versions of what MUST be going on behind the scenes based on absolutely nothing but your own fevered imagination!

We didn’t need a massive overhaul, in fact our stability and squad togetherness is our strength and signing too many players would be a bad thing. We’re three signings away from having two good players for every position as well as further options and young players with the potential to develop into first team players. That they’re not good enough right now doesn’t mean they never will be. If we signed Lukaku, Traore and say, Atsu we’d have a fantastic squad of between 25-30 players capable of performing at the top level.

Those three signings are also genuinely likely to happen, although obviously the big unknown is will it be Lukaku or a ’plan B’. But as James says, no-one involved at Chelsea is in a hurry to offload him. From what we can tell, he’s chosen us because he knows he’ll be the main man here, which is what he wants, but Chelsea, as is their right, are taking their time. He hasn’t even been back in the country to talk to Chelsea since the World Cup, so how can anyone expect to ’know’ what’s happening?

Jay Harris
179 Posted 28/07/2014 at 22:19:43
David,

I reckon Pochettino going so soon after Nigel Adkins together with the attraction of big time and Europe allied to agents making big fees on every transfer (something I think should be controlled better).

As for us, I am reasonably happy that we look sound defensively now and for the future but we look totally impotent in MF and the striking department.

Since Fellaini and Tim Cahill left we have been unable to find a decent goalscoring MF player... hey it may have even been worth a gamble on Fat Frank.

We desperately need players who can score goals and I would consider Remy who is now surely available for less than £8.5M together with Lukaku and forget Traore who would only be on loan anyway. Then if we don't get Lukaku at least we'll have a decent No 9 and if we do then it will keep both of them on their toes.

Harold Matthews
180 Posted 28/07/2014 at 22:20:42
David.. Fergie always said that Everton's best signings were the ones we managed to keep.
Darren Hind
182 Posted 28/07/2014 at 22:11:31
To be honest, Patrick, I would be happy with Lukaku and perhaps one more, I know money will be tight so I wouldn't object to a gamble – talent which comes with baggage, someone who Martinez could get a tune out of.

My post isn't another dig at Martinez; I just get a little frustrated when the fingers-in-the-ear crowd claim he didn't say these things and his "accusers" are making things up. Sometimes it takes a direct quote.

I agree with you that Martinez would sometimes be better advised to say nothing. His latest promise of signing a number nine before the big kick off didn't need to be made. I hope for his sake he can deliver.

Mark Halliday
183 Posted 28/07/2014 at 22:49:12
Mike 1 Don't think Lukaku playing against Chelsea is the reason. i'm fairly sure that, if they agreed to sell Lukaku to us on the condition he didn't play against them for that one game, that would be acceptable.
Chris Jones
184 Posted 28/07/2014 at 23:06:35
It's been a strange window so far for quite a few clubs; probably due to most of the more sought-after players sorting themselves out after the World Cup. There are also remarkably few rumours or hints from the normally reliable sources around incoming players to Everton.

This makes me think that either the Lukaku deal is pretty much done, but is subject to some agreed delay (I've heard 30 July mentioned a few times, also post-Chelsea game for obvious reasons) or Roberto is letting that speculation continue to be a smoke-screen whilst looking somewhere else entirely. Sometimes he gushes a bit, but the bloke's a long way from daft. I reckon we're in for a surprise or two.

Kev Johnson
185 Posted 28/07/2014 at 23:16:04
Perhaps the "We need a number 9" comment was aimed at Big Rom himself? Perhaps it was saying, in effect: "It's make your mind up time. We want you here, but if you're not coming we will look elsewhere. We won't wait forever." That would make sense, because otherwise it was a gratuitous remark to which our collective response was "No shit, Sherlock!"

As Chris says, RM is a long way from daft - and he's a great one for public relations (which is a plus and a minus, as far as I'm concerned, but that's another story) so there is likely to be some method in his statement.

Ant Dwyer
186 Posted 29/07/2014 at 00:10:18
I hate to be negative on this site, there’s plenty of negativity on here already!! — But this is possibly the most worrying interview Roberto has given.

I can’t see how he believes two signings will be enough now we have added to our midfield with Besic and Barry. The only logic I can see is that he means two proper signings, one being a Number 9 (Rom or someone similar) and another being another attacking player with the value of minimum £7/8m.

I’d then like to imagine Henen and Galloway will also sign but as they are for the U21 side; he does not include them. Then I’d imagine Bobby would want Traore (on loan) and at least one or two other loan signings to bulk up the squad.

Please, please tell me I’m not as deluded as the kopites in thinking this... cos, if I am, we are in for a struggle this season.

Come on, Bobby mate, sort it out.

Karl Masters
187 Posted 29/07/2014 at 00:37:04
Karl Parsons - And 3 games in be on 1 point, 7 behind Man Utd. Crank up the pressure Roberto!

So just how will Man Utd be on 8 points after 3 games???

More whiners on here than its possible to believe, although Kenwright being called Scrooge McDuck nearly made me spit my tea out!

Si Cooper
188 Posted 29/07/2014 at 00:57:23
James (#145) - doesn't mention our other supposed (loan) target, Christian Atsu, either.

Interesting, but is it significant.... ?

Ian Riley
189 Posted 29/07/2014 at 01:33:45
It will all come together, in our chairman we trust.

James Flynn
190 Posted 29/07/2014 at 01:33:07
Si (190) - Significant is my interpretation. Wouldn't know another way to see it.

The press has a field day speculating, as we know. But, to have a just-turned 21-year-old, whose scored at a 1 for 2 rate over 2 seasons with different EPL teams, all but off the press radar? When does that happen during Silly Season?

Something's up.

I'm thinking Colin Glasser is calling it correct. (By the way Colin, one of the spell-checks to your last name is "Gasser").

Atsu, I don't know and familiar with his name because of talk on here. You're right, no mention of him in Jose's comments from the article I quoted.

Today we add Roberto's "We need a number nine", comment to the dead calm regarding so hot a prospect as Lukaku. I conclude he's coming.

We'll need another striker signing beside him. I think Kone is done. Second surgery on a knee already subjected to major surgery some years back. "Floating cartilage" Roberto referred to it a week before Kone was set down again for the same knee.

Floating cartilage is a big no-no for baseball players, never mind footy ones. Roberto needs to get in someone else beyond Lukaku.

Lukaku first though. We get him in, those 4 clubs finished above us need to look out.

Harold Matthews
191 Posted 29/07/2014 at 01:30:09
Si. re your Atsu query, although he can't come if we loan Lukaku. Last night on Sky Sports News, Van Gaal pointed out that in the case of them going 4-3-3, he would need specialists on the wings and more attackers. Martinez would need the same. Pienaar and Mirallis are definitely not specialist wingers. TBH, I don't know what they are. One runs round in circles, the other cuts in and tries to shoot. Atsu is a specialist winger.
Julian Wait
193 Posted 29/07/2014 at 02:42:12
Looks like Valbuena (OM) is on the market, supposedly QPR sniffing around. He was very impressive for France in the World Cup. Both he and the Swiss fella Shaqiri (from Bayern) were very influential for their team, and to me had a similar style (partly based on physique) although Shaqiri played more central than Valbuena who is more wide/attacking midfield/#10ish. Shaqiri (he is young, maybe 22) is probably not available (or affordable) but the older (29) Valbuena might be more affordable?

Would we want him? For me, Yes (as well as Lukaku of course, not instead) Would he want us? More than he would want QPR, surely? Can we pinch him from under Harry's nose? Maybe..
Can we afford him? Perhap...

Brian Wilkinson
194 Posted 29/07/2014 at 03:49:01
We need big Dunc to do a Steffen Freund on Lukaku and shake some sense into the guy. Sign for us or do one.
Harold Matthews
195 Posted 29/07/2014 at 05:51:39
Julian. Yes. Valbuena is one heck of a little fireball. Works his socks off and can whizz through the eye of a needle. Unfortunately, at age 29, £8m and 70k a week, he is off our wish list. Pity we couldn't swap him with Pienaar who will be strolling around Goodison for another 2 years on wages of £60k+. OK, he was once a fine little player and was injured for a while last season, but with one goal and two assists, his best years are behind him.
Paul Andrews
196 Posted 29/07/2014 at 06:41:00
Hopefully we can sign Lukaku and all the kids who spent their pocket money on season tickets can get their money’s worth.

I fell sure the kids only asked their parents to buy them a season ticket because Roberto mentioned signing a certain amount of players,they had no intention of asking their parents,grandads etc for a season ticket before that statement.

Sam Hoare
197 Posted 29/07/2014 at 07:35:00
Harold, agreed bout Valbuena. Looking for a younger version should be right up there with our need for a striker. At the moment I see not nearly enough creativity in both our wide and central midfield berths. Mirallas and Mcgeady are both perhaps capable on their day but neither are in the Valbuena class.
Mark Tanton
198 Posted 29/07/2014 at 07:42:49
How much do we weasil out of the Fellaini Napoli deal? Sling that in the Lukaku pot too!
Phil Sammon
199 Posted 29/07/2014 at 08:30:45
Good point there Mark. I hope we slipped that clause in his transfer.

Valbuena has been a fabulous player for years now. I don't know why he is suddenly being linked with a move away really. If he wanted to come to the Premier League then he should have done it 3 years ago. I'd be surprised if he lowered himself to QPR's level, but they do have a habit of paying exorbitant wages.

Very intelligent player though and someone I've always liked. He would play in Barkley's position though. I reckon we have more pressing issues to tend to really.

Phil Walling
200 Posted 29/07/2014 at 08:35:34
I have been berated on here for describing Arouna Kone as a 'sick-note'. Brilliant record at Wigan, they all say, but look a little deeper into his history and you will see it is peppered with long absences due to serious injuries (cruciate ligament 2008), late starts to seasons ( familiar?) and training ground bust-ups. Having said that, he has a good scoring recordwhen he plays !

I wish the lad a speedy recovery from the latest of his set-backs but mention all this to emphasise he cannot be regarded as a candidate for regular appearances in the No9 role !

Matt Traynor
201 Posted 29/07/2014 at 09:05:39
Phil #204, I don't think that's the only reason you're berated on here :P

I do agree with your sentiments though, I was under-whelmed when we signed Kone. Yes, I'd seen him have 3 very good games against us that season, but was aware of his limited appearances previously, and thought we overpaid for a decent striker who had just been relegated, and was 30.

It's looking like he may go down as blip on the Martinez transfer record, but everyone makes mistakes. OFM signed his fair share of turkeys, and even HK deemed it a good investment bringing Mick Ferguson in, in 1982. Mind you that batch of transfers did include Big Nev.

Mike Allison
202 Posted 29/07/2014 at 09:22:47
Kone doesn’t play as a number 9 anyway, he plays alongside one, usually wide.
Shane Corcoran
203 Posted 29/07/2014 at 09:30:46
What's this about Fellaini and Napoli?

Also, that Swiss lad at Bayern looked to be up there with the best of divers in the World Cup. No thanks.

Phil Walling
204 Posted 29/07/2014 at 09:35:22
So who is the No9 he will play alongside, Mike? Naismith?
Sam Higgins
205 Posted 29/07/2014 at 09:54:48
Everyday for a week now. Log on. TW. BBC. SKY. Wikipedia. Nothing not a hint of Lukaku. Not a sausage. WTF does this have to happen every summer. Please RM just get the fecking players in before the first game. Why all this nonsing about??!! Either Romelu wants to come to Everton or he doesn’t.
Karl Parsons
206 Posted 29/07/2014 at 10:19:18
Karl Masters: Like Kenwright I'm shit at Maths.
Kev Johnson
208 Posted 29/07/2014 at 10:40:19
Actually, we need a number 10. We've already got a number 9, literally.

Ernie Baywood
209 Posted 29/07/2014 at 12:13:22
Fk it. I'm just going to wait until that little blue logo appears in my notification bar.
Derek Turner
211 Posted 29/07/2014 at 12:24:42
Hey Paul,

Lets hope Mrs Ferry doesn't make you wait till 11:55 on the third to reward your faith and optimism, or worse, fail you on a medical at 11:58 cause of a dodgy knee.

Al Reddish
212 Posted 29/07/2014 at 12:13:42
Matt, can we add Robles and Alcaraz to his mistakes as well?
Al Reddish
213 Posted 29/07/2014 at 12:41:09
According to sky sports news everton have some major news to announce today that doesn't involve Lukaku......
Andy Boyer
215 Posted 29/07/2014 at 12:44:06
Press conference called for 4pm..............theories...???
Al Reddish
216 Posted 29/07/2014 at 12:47:06
Just said on sky sports everton getting closer to permanent signing of lukaku for club record 24mill negotiations over payments everton want to pay over 3 years if unsuccessful everton will take on loan, everton also want atsu on loan but villa want him as well.
Duncan McDine
217 Posted 29/07/2014 at 12:42:55
Thanks Al, now I’m going to get fuck all work done this alvo... The refresh button on TW will be given a workout me thinks. Hoping for a big story like Alkaraz signing a one year contract extension.
Mark Pierpoint
218 Posted 29/07/2014 at 12:49:41
It will probably be Henen?
Andy Boyer
219 Posted 29/07/2014 at 12:52:04
Al,

When did they say that........? I'm in work so missed it.

Al Reddish
220 Posted 29/07/2014 at 12:54:48
About half hour ago. Fourth official have just tweeted a press conference has been called and were told it's not you're usual type of one and it's not regarding Besic. (Which would be odd anyway!) Rumours now Del Boy has asked his agent if he can come back on loan as the Suarez deal has pushed him further down the pecking order and Martinez says the Henan deal is virtually done. Some reports now have us as agreeing the £24m with Chelsea but just need to work out how it is paid.
Mark Pierpoint
221 Posted 29/07/2014 at 12:58:30
Or new contracts? Barkley? Stones?
Peter Laing
222 Posted 29/07/2014 at 12:58:10
On the official site that a press conference has been called at 4pm today with Roberto Martinez at Finch Farm. Can't be related to Lukaku as there is no news breaking elsewhere today on Romelu. Weird though that Lukaku is not training / doesn't appear to be involved in Chelsea's pre season plans.
Mark Tanton
223 Posted 29/07/2014 at 13:01:09
Martinez has resigned over transfer funding...
Peter Laing
224 Posted 29/07/2014 at 13:03:18
We all need cheering up, let's hope for some good news for once.
Jackie Barry
225 Posted 29/07/2014 at 13:03:22
He states he can't deal with where all the money goes.....
Patrick Murphy
226 Posted 29/07/2014 at 13:03:50
Bill has told Roberto that unfortunately he left his pin number written on a programme in a London theatre and somebody has cleared out his bank account and that means that Besic will be the last signing for some considerable time. But seriously I don't think it will be the announcement of a new signing it has probably got more to do with the plans for Finch Farm or something of that nature.

Brian Wilkinson
227 Posted 29/07/2014 at 12:55:07
Season tickets still available, press conference maybe mystery investment whos also going to build a new ground on an ideal location.

Then he will disappear quicker than a bishop from a brothel raid once more season tickets have been sold.

Should call uncle bill buttercup, he builds us up then knocks us down with another false dawn, lets hope once, just this once, the press conference is about a proven striker bought.

Peter Laing
228 Posted 29/07/2014 at 13:05:24
Trying to pay the £24 million over three years according to SSN, Atsu given permission to speak to two English clubs about a possible lian
Drew O'Neall
229 Posted 29/07/2014 at 13:08:13
Martinez has just signed a fat new contract to keep his mouth shut same as the last guy...
Jackie Barry
230 Posted 29/07/2014 at 13:07:46
A new Finch Farm Theater? Bills is trying to get the players to also star in his theater productions.
Tom R Owen
231 Posted 29/07/2014 at 13:09:37
Maybe Kenwright has sold up! I wish!
Patrick Murphy
232 Posted 29/07/2014 at 13:09:18
Drew he already has extended his contract - I know I know Roberto has brought David Moyes in from the cold to be youth development officer perhaps not...
Andy Boyer
233 Posted 29/07/2014 at 13:04:59
Al I hope ALL of that is true, that would make my day :)
Ian Bennett
234 Posted 29/07/2014 at 13:10:36
### Breaking news for Everton ### Club shop are expecting kids replica socks any day now.
Al Reddish
235 Posted 29/07/2014 at 13:14:04
Clubs talking to Atsu are Villa and Everton. Martinez says it will be a major announcement.
Jackie Barry
236 Posted 29/07/2014 at 13:16:21
Signing of Lukaku and Atsu on loan? OK I'm in for that idea.
Paul Smith
237 Posted 29/07/2014 at 13:15:39
Exciting stuff. Gonna have to cut short my 40 mile bike ride to get home and wait for the big announcement....Royston's back after his stint at The Betty Ford Clinic. Yes!
Andrew Ellams
238 Posted 29/07/2014 at 13:20:08
If this is an anti-climax, then I give up. And if they are calling a press conference to announce a loan deal, then I might just give up then too.
Al Reddish
239 Posted 29/07/2014 at 13:19:41
Me too but Sky say they are told it's nothing to do with Lukaku. I thought it might be a stadium update but the conference is with Mr. Brown Shoes so probably player related. New contracts could be good shout.
Brian Wilkinson
240 Posted 29/07/2014 at 13:15:34
It has now been confirmed the hold up in the Lukaku transfer saga, Jose has now grasped how the green shield stamps work and finalising how many books it will take Bill to land Lukaku.
Drew O'Neall
241 Posted 29/07/2014 at 13:23:49
Patrick

That's what I was stating in reply to Jackie's post but I didn't respond quick enough to make it join up..

Joe O'Brien
242 Posted 29/07/2014 at 13:19:21
Don’t think its anything to do with Lukaku. Hopefully new deals for Barkley and Stones. Need them tied down to long long contracts even tho contracts mean nothing these days. But if clubs want to buy them it’ll cost them an awful lot more if they’re signed up for 5 years.
Dominic Tonge
244 Posted 29/07/2014 at 13:12:38
The press conference will be to announce our barca-loanee I reckon.
Al Reddish
245 Posted 29/07/2014 at 13:28:34
Rumours are Big Joe and Dunc are to be presented as two of the three players Martinez wants up front.
Al Reddish
246 Posted 29/07/2014 at 13:30:42
Dominic, that seems to be doing the rounds on facebook, along with Del Boy returning. However come 4 o clock we will all probably feel deflated again!
Dominic Tonge
247 Posted 29/07/2014 at 13:34:18
Maybe finch farm is opening as a franchise for MLS. Bk unveils big bird as a winger and reveals this weeks episodes have been brought to us by the letters F and U and the number 9
Ian Bennett
248 Posted 29/07/2014 at 13:38:33
It could be a deal involving fortress?
Thomas Surgenor
249 Posted 29/07/2014 at 13:40:18
As much as I would love it to be Geri,

Havn’t Barça brought in Suarez (1 in) but offloaded Sanchez, Bojan and Tello??

I’d say things are looking better for Geri than they were at the start of the summer.

James Morgan
250 Posted 29/07/2014 at 13:38:59
McCarthy hardly sounds wholly committed to us on the piece on Sky Sports app.
On rumours of interest from United, "If a club like Manchester United are interested, obviously you are doing a good job," McCarthy told the Evening Standard.

"We will see what happens."

Brian Wilkinson
251 Posted 29/07/2014 at 13:39:02
Let me please point out my posts and others are light banter, if its great news then no disappointments, but getting carried away then the news be something not as expected saves that age old false dawns feelings, well does for me anyway.
Ajay Gopal
252 Posted 29/07/2014 at 13:36:27
it has been mentioned before, but suppose the announcement is about a straight cashless transaction between Everton & Chelsea - Ross heading one way and Lukaku AND Atsu heading the other way. I am split on this one, to be honest.
Tom R Owen
253 Posted 29/07/2014 at 14:01:26
Ian 252
And Kings Dock and NTL and......
Mark Tanton
254 Posted 29/07/2014 at 14:01:11
I honestly don’t see anyone leaving- I think if Barkley was going there’d have been endless rumours all summer. I also genuinely believe we don’t need to make a sale. If we do then Bill needs stringing up.
Joe O'Brien
255 Posted 29/07/2014 at 13:59:07
I was thinking the same, James (#254), but he’s not thinking about going anywhere. These papers edit interviews just to make better back pages. I am hoping so anyway
Jackie Barry
257 Posted 29/07/2014 at 14:06:04
From what I read McCarthy said he is also committed to Everton.
Peter Laing
258 Posted 29/07/2014 at 14:17:28
If the BBC can bring Nick Cotton back from the dead, anything's possible..........stand by operation Goodison
Julian Wait
259 Posted 29/07/2014 at 14:18:58
I saw something on Deulofeu's twitter about "last training and 'stage' en Ingleterra" .. .interesting ...
James Stewart
260 Posted 29/07/2014 at 14:18:53
£24m is overpriced for me. Is he really worth 3 Remy’s? Not for me. I would love us to get Remy and watch him score in the derby! Priceless
Shane Corcoran
261 Posted 29/07/2014 at 14:17:02
I reckon Martinez will announce that he has a new favourite superlative. Guesses please. Mine is Meritorious.
Patrick Murphy
262 Posted 29/07/2014 at 14:20:57
Peter Johnson, Walter Smith and Archie Knox are returning to their spiritual home after a long absence while Billy Boy renews his friendship with the Russian Oligarchs in the Siberian salt mines while Sun Tan Bob is ousted by Michael Dunford and we are all thrust back to the previous millennium....Noooooooo!

Ernie Baywood
263 Posted 29/07/2014 at 14:30:21
We just found Danny Williamson
Steve King
264 Posted 29/07/2014 at 14:28:14
Julian, Barca are training at St Georges Park this week, that tweet has nothing to do with everton i’m afraid.

Is it me or are Everton the bigest wind up merchants ever?!! First Besic joins us on our tour but doesnt sign, leaving us all waiting for a glitch over the weekend.
Now they announce a press conference shrouded in mystery at 4pm with no media links about anything!

I am guessing it will be about a young belgian striker signing.....but not the one we all want it to be.

Paul English
265 Posted 29/07/2014 at 14:28:48
Dixie Dean’s statue to be moved to Gwladys St!!!!!
Harold Matthews
266 Posted 29/07/2014 at 14:11:55
James. Nothing non-committal in the McCarthy quip. Put the kettle on and have a nice cup of tea.
Gavin Ramejkis
267 Posted 29/07/2014 at 14:31:58
Does anyone know what today’s press conference is about? Surely the snake oil salesman doesn’t think we already know about the Besic deal being done? Is the useless tightwad still in hiding?
Thomas Surgenor
268 Posted 29/07/2014 at 14:33:37
Barça are in England.

Would we have a press conference to announce a friendly with them?

Or some sort of club ties?

Ernie Baywood
269 Posted 29/07/2014 at 14:31:02
Barca are in England at the moment. Del is where my money would go.
Patrick Murphy
270 Posted 29/07/2014 at 14:35:04
That’s it Gavin - Roberto has BK locked in a cellar at Finch Farm and if we don’t donate a thousand quid apiece he has threatened to release him. I’m logging into my Pay Pal account just in case.

Peter Laing
271 Posted 29/07/2014 at 14:36:46
Gavin, he was last seen negotiating the speed bumps along Goodison road straddling uncle Cyril’s handlebars
Paul English
272 Posted 29/07/2014 at 14:36:54
Ticking time-bomb countdown on EFCs website!
Pete Cross
273 Posted 29/07/2014 at 14:38:14
My daughter works at channel 4news ,even the sports jurnos
Know nothing !
Nicholas Page
274 Posted 29/07/2014 at 14:43:36
http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/watch-everton-fc-press-conference-7526814

I reckon there will some significant comments about significant announcements to be made soon, significantly.

the countdown has begun......

Geoffrey Caveney
275 Posted 29/07/2014 at 14:43:39
Paul McCartney was very impressed by Roberto on ESPN and he is now purchasing the club.
Ian McDowell
276 Posted 29/07/2014 at 14:47:24
Just seen that on the Liverpool Echo website with regards to a significant announcement.

Whats everyones thoughts?

Ernie Baywood
277 Posted 29/07/2014 at 14:47:15
How pathetic would it be for me to stay up until gone 1am for this?
Nicholas Page
278 Posted 29/07/2014 at 14:47:29
Roberto’s had enough of the Billy bullshit and is packing it in.
Brian Williams
279 Posted 29/07/2014 at 14:49:15
I believe it may concern a new stadium.
Paul Andrews
280 Posted 29/07/2014 at 14:50:21
It’s to announce plans to reimburse the kids who bought season tickets on the back of Roberto’s claim he was bringing 7 new players into the squad
Andy Boyer
281 Posted 29/07/2014 at 14:54:01
It’s Riquelme I’m telling you....!!!!!
Gavin Ramejkis
282 Posted 29/07/2014 at 14:54:45
Kenshite to reveal next seasons early bird before this season even kicks off
Andrew Ellams
283 Posted 29/07/2014 at 14:54:42
Brian, surely BK would give any press conference in relation to the new stadium. He would never miss out on the glory.
Drew O'Neall
284 Posted 29/07/2014 at 14:52:23
Stadium.
Steve King
285 Posted 29/07/2014 at 14:55:52
Barkley/Stones new contracts?
Pete Cross
286 Posted 29/07/2014 at 14:50:56
If it was player signing the player would be there therefore
The press would know.
I agree with Brian it’s a stadium .
Shane Corcoran
287 Posted 29/07/2014 at 14:57:56
Probably something very vague on the stadium.

Confirmation of the site they’re interested in but nothing more.

Ian McDowell
288 Posted 29/07/2014 at 14:57:33
Just seen on Sky Sports News. Sky Sources "Everton moving closer to signing Lukaku on a permanent deal"

Weather its is anything to do with that god knows. Everyone seems to be in the dark.

Lets just hope its something exciting

Brian Williams
289 Posted 29/07/2014 at 14:58:43
"Interested in" wouldnt really constitute "significant" would it?
Ernie Baywood
290 Posted 29/07/2014 at 15:00:16
They’ve created a right hoopla with the way they’ve done it. Countdown running on the site and all that.

It has to be something major or they’re going to look pretty stupid. I just can’t believe it hasn’t leaked in this day and age.

Peter Laing
291 Posted 29/07/2014 at 15:01:31
Must be to do with player acquisition, if it was the stadium it would be sun-tan Bob, chairman Bill etc. The official site states the conference is with Martinez.
Brin Williams
292 Posted 29/07/2014 at 15:02:35
’Weather its is anything to do with that god knows’

Ian, What the fuck has the weather got to do with signing Lukaku.

Dean Barton
293 Posted 29/07/2014 at 15:02:21
I may be wrong, but I doubt it’s the stadium. The page says it’s a RM presser. Wouldn’t it be RE and BK if that was the case? My money is on a new signing/s. Besic and one or two others being revealed!
Brian Williams
294 Posted 29/07/2014 at 15:03:53
BK is more than happy for Roberto to be the public face of Everton I reckon.
Eric Holland
295 Posted 29/07/2014 at 15:04:56
My source at Everton not telling me anything!!!!

Usually gives me a bit of information, very strange that!!!

Ian McDowell
296 Posted 29/07/2014 at 15:05:26
Sky Sports just announced Lukaku fee believed to be around £24 Million. Payments to be made over 3 years. If that fails a loan move could be back on. Atsu given permission to speak to 2 clubs Everton and Villa.

This announcement @ 4pm is not about Lukaku.

Al Reddish
297 Posted 29/07/2014 at 14:59:50
The Mayor of Liverpool has just tweeted about the press conference and said it’s definitely not about pies going up by 25p!!! If the Mayor knows then maybe it is the stadium.......or Bill’s excuse for no transfer fund as I like to call it!
Brian Williams
298 Posted 29/07/2014 at 15:07:50
Eric, that may be due to the staff being warned on threat of dismissal if the leak is traced back to them.
Joe O'Brien
299 Posted 29/07/2014 at 15:09:02
Brin,

Brilliant — that made me laugh!

Tony McNulty
300 Posted 29/07/2014 at 15:09:55
We need a toffeeweb prize for the person whose guess is the closest to the truth. For example, two tickets to the Directors’ cut and preview of Rocky 23.
Brian Williams
301 Posted 29/07/2014 at 15:14:25
I’ll send you my details Tony ;-)
Ernie Baywood
302 Posted 29/07/2014 at 15:15:59
Brian, just to be clear, are you claiming to be in the know on this?
John Audsley
303 Posted 29/07/2014 at 15:15:09
Maybe.........................just maybe BK has finally sold up

But, if its Roberto at the press conference then it must be about a player

my serious guess is that’s is the FSS cheque and its finally cleared.......after 10 years at the bank

Eric Holland
304 Posted 29/07/2014 at 15:15:54
Brian, this guy would be doing the dismissals himself.....
Ajay Gopal
305 Posted 29/07/2014 at 15:16:06
As someone mentioned above, it must be new contracts for Barkley & Stones. I would be ecstatic with that.
Drew O'Neall
306 Posted 29/07/2014 at 15:18:11
"Significant" doesn’t necessarily mean good.
Tony McNulty
307 Posted 29/07/2014 at 15:18:38
Someone found Yakubu’s birth certificate stuck in the fax machine
Sam Hoare
308 Posted 29/07/2014 at 15:16:55
Henen and Galloway? A new owner? discount tickets for Bills new show?
Ernie Baywood
309 Posted 29/07/2014 at 15:20:57
Moyes coming back as attacking coach
Duncan McDine
310 Posted 29/07/2014 at 15:20:02
Its not Ronaldinho... he’s off to QPR!
Shane Corcoran
311 Posted 29/07/2014 at 15:20:13
Jaysus I’m going to explode and be sacked. But which first?
Kunal Desai
312 Posted 29/07/2014 at 15:22:48
Its about the ’other operating costs’ Bill doesn’t know where it’s gone, he cannot find the funds from the sales of Fellaini, Anichebe and Jelavic either
Tony McNulty
313 Posted 29/07/2014 at 15:24:44
Riquelme’s satnav has been found. Last message: "Turn off the Roman Road, avoid the marauding Etruscans, and Goodison is on your left."
Gerry Quinn
314 Posted 29/07/2014 at 15:24:06
Probably the new Stadium announcement - wasn’t that penned in by Elstone for late July/early August?
Pete Cross
315 Posted 29/07/2014 at 15:23:39
And to think all this all this excitement is for free !
David Chait
316 Posted 29/07/2014 at 15:22:22
I’m going with Henen and/or Galloway... Unless Elstone is around then it’s the stadium...
Duncan McDine
317 Posted 29/07/2014 at 15:29:50
Whatever it is now, after all this hype, it can only be a let down....
... unless of course Hibbo has scored a goal in practice this morning
Eric Myles
318 Posted 29/07/2014 at 15:28:26
So what happened? 4 pm UK time was 30 minutes ago. Nobody posted in an hour?
Ian McDowell
319 Posted 29/07/2014 at 15:26:49
Well accruing to Sky we can rule out transfer news

Stadium/ Take-over and the press conference would have been made the Chairman/CEO.

So that leaves new contracts for Barkley/McCarthy and Stones?

Not liking the interest in McCarthy from Man Utd.

Ernie Baywood
320 Posted 29/07/2014 at 15:32:52
Got your times wrong Eric. T-25 minutes
Paul Smith
321 Posted 29/07/2014 at 15:34:16
Barkely to UTD ?
Ian McDowell
323 Posted 29/07/2014 at 15:35:13
Contract news according to Sky.
Andy Boyer
324 Posted 29/07/2014 at 15:31:49
They wouldn’t have an MI5 style blackout for something small scale like Henen and Galloway surely....? has to be something pretty big.
David Chait
325 Posted 29/07/2014 at 15:38:49
You would think Andy.. But we don’t call news conferences for contracts... Surely.. Maybe Roberto is leaving!
David Chait
326 Posted 29/07/2014 at 15:38:49
You would think Andy.. But we don’t call news conferences for contracts... Surely.. Maybe Roberto is leaving!
Al Reddish
327 Posted 29/07/2014 at 15:46:18
Don't wish to piss on your parades but I have just seen a new shipment of lawnmowers being delivered to Finch Farm!!
Ray Roche
328 Posted 29/07/2014 at 15:39:44
Martinez to leave for a club with a pot to piss in.

And we've found a plumber capable of lagging the pipes.

Brian Williams
329 Posted 29/07/2014 at 16:44:22
Told ya......new stadium. I'll get me coat!
David Hallwood
330 Posted 29/07/2014 at 22:27:20
Just picked this up on the internet. It’s from the Daily Star so it must be accurate:

http://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/football/391558/EXCLUSIVE-Chelsea-REFUSING-to-print-Thibaut-Courtois-or-Romelu-Lukaku-shirts?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+daily-star-sport+(Daily+Star+%3A%3A+Sport+Feed)

Paul Johnson
331 Posted 30/07/2014 at 11:39:09
Bob Latchford looks in better shape now than when he was playing.

Pretty sure he's available as well...

Brin Williams
332 Posted 03/08/2014 at 22:56:30
The title of the article is 'We need a Number 9'

So what's changed? Nothing. Lukaku is a No 10 and Martinez has said we need a No 9... so expect one to arrive shortly – together with a winger methinks.

Colin Glassar
334 Posted 05/08/2014 at 12:57:18
Great interview in France Football with Roberto today. Gives a great insight into his philosophy.

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