Lukaku completes record £28m move

, 30 July, 579comments  |  Jump to most recent
'This is the place where I belong'
Everton have smashed their transfer record with the long-awaited acquisition of Romelu Lukaku from Chelsea in a £25m deal rising to £28m with add-ons.

The Belgian international, who spent last season on loan at Goodison Park and scored 16 goals in all competitions, put pen to paper on a five-year contract this evening before being unveiled to the media at a press conference.

The move for Lukaku had been mooted ever since the end of last season when Roberto Martinez made no secret of his desire to bring him to Everton on a full-time basis. The Blues were forced to wait until after the World Cup and the 21-year-old's post-Brazil holiday before sealing him, however, in a deal that eclipses the £15m paid for Marouane Fellaini five years ago.

In the interim, despite quiet confidence emanating from Everton via sources close to the club, media speculation linking Lukaku with a number of high-profile clubs, including Atletico Madrid, Wolsfburg, Real Madrid, Juventus and Monaco kept supporters wondering if the Blues could effect the coup of luring back to Merseyside a player who has scored 30 Premier League goals over the past two seasons.

The striker was due to link up with Chelsea's squad today ahead of a pre-season meeting with Vitesse Arnhem in Holland but a cryptic tweet sent from a private jet with the message “Time to write a new chapter” was the first indication that he would not be returning to the club he joined as a teenager from Anderlecht after all. News broke shortly afterwards that the Blues had concluded a deal for Lukaku.

He flew to Liverpool, underwent a medical and put pen to paper on a permanent five-year, £75k-a-week contract this evening, the transfer made official by the club at 8:45pm after a delay in the finalising of paperwork held up a press conference at the club's training complex.

The deal — reportedly already agreed with Chelsea before today — as well as a contingency agreement to loan the player if the Londoners decided to keep him, is reported to involve payments of £9.5m per year to a total of £28m if all appearance-related add-ons are activated. If true, it would enable Martinez to use other funds to continue his squad-building plans between now and the end of the transfer window.

With Muhamed Besic having claimed the No 17 shirt earlier in the day, Lukaku will play in the No 10 shirt as he begins that new chapter after leaving Chelsea.

Speaking to the media, Lukaku admitted that he had a strong inkling when last season finished that he would end up back at Everton on a permanent basis.

"I decided very quickly I wanted to come back here," he said when asked if it was a hard decision to leave Stamford Bridge following the arrival there of Diego Costa and Didier Drogba.

I told [Roberto] I wanted to work for him and play for this Club. This is the place where I belong.

Romelu Lukaku

Article continues below video content


"I needed to be in a place where it felt right. Here I have the confidence of the technical staff and the trust from the supporters. I can grow, I can develop... to become a better player.

"I told [Roberto] I wanted to work for him and play for this Club. This is the place where I belong. We want to become one of the best teams in England. We want to be in the top four.

"My expectations for myself are very high but when you have a manager who wants to push you and who wants to push the team to become one of the best in this country, it's the perfect environment for a young player to grow."

The signing came 24 hours after Everton's announcement that Ross Barkley had penned a contract extension that contracts him to the club until 2018 and Lukaku expressed how much he was looking forward to playing with the 20-year-old again.

"For me, to play with Ross is a wonderful opportunity. He is maybe the brightest young talents in the English game so to play with him again and grow with him at this club again is fantastic."

Martinez admitted that Lukaku was the crucial part of his transfer strategy this season and said that, “It's a very significant day in the history of our Club. This is a footballing statement of what we want to do. Signing Rom is every Evertonian's wish."

 

Reader Comments (579)

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Ian Jones
1 Posted 30/07/2014 at 16:29:39
Linda, hope you keep spelling his name the way you always do.
Kunal Desai
2 Posted 30/07/2014 at 16:28:24
Great news. Hopefully another attacking player and we might actually be looking very good before the season starts plus maybe one or two loan deals on deadline day and it will be another successful window....WOW.
Tony J Williams
3 Posted 30/07/2014 at 16:32:10
£5m upfront and £5m each year of his contract?

Can this fella sort out my mortgage for me?

James Marshall
4 Posted 30/07/2014 at 16:32:39
ToffeeWeb is alive! The meltdown on here made me smile broadly :-) Like that.

James Byrne
5 Posted 30/07/2014 at 16:34:35
Best Everton news I’ve had in years. Seriously a huge thank you goes to Roberto for his ambition in getting Lukaku involved in the first place; another thank you has to go to the club for their support in Martinez.

TJ Williams............I’m going to keep those season tickets afterall, fck it!

Iakovos Iasonidis
6 Posted 30/07/2014 at 16:32:29
Great news but if this is true " £5m up-front payment and subsequent annual payments of the same amount" then the news are at least terrific! Keep them coming!
Karan Oza
7 Posted 30/07/2014 at 16:38:48
I so happy about this! Love, love, love it! Welcome back to the greatest club on Earth, Lukaku!
Ray Roche
8 Posted 30/07/2014 at 16:40:21
Do you think there’ll be another Press Conference....?

I mean, we’ve had one this week already.

Mike Manchester
9 Posted 30/07/2014 at 16:40:01
Lord please let this be true
Jamie Crowley
10 Posted 30/07/2014 at 16:41:06
YESSSS!!!!!!

TW is crashing - that must be good.

We now support the most exciting, progressive, up and coming team in the Premier League!

THIS IS HUGE AND I’M THRILLED!!!!

We’re gonna win the league. :0) OK OTT a bit but I’m just thrilled!

Way to go Bobby! Way to go man!

Derek Knox
13 Posted 30/07/2014 at 16:36:49
Well, what a surprise that was ! Totally unexpected .

At long last , we have got ’ our man ’ at least we didn’t have to wait till the end of the window , and hope fully he can get a couple of games before the season starts in earnest !

It’s almost unbelievable but no sooner was the news released the bookmakers were taking odds on Rom scoring less than he did last season !

Oh I forgot to mention, did he bring Atsu with him ?

Matthew Roberts
14 Posted 30/07/2014 at 16:46:08
GETT INNN!! its good to be blue!
Tim Locke
15 Posted 30/07/2014 at 16:43:42
Amazing news. A 15 goal a season guy with clear potential to hit 20+. So impressed with the blend of older and younger players come in, all on long term deals. The aim has to be champ league within the next 3 years and from there who knows
Kevin Tully
16 Posted 30/07/2014 at 16:42:13
If this lad can stay fit, we can expect a minimum return of 15 goals a season, but I expect him to break the 20 goal barrier. The most exciting signing for many a year - can’t believe it.

Can’ wait to hear all the ’pundits’ now, they all said we would be knackered this season when all the loanees went back to their respective clubs. Martinez is making us dream again!

Chris Wilson
17 Posted 30/07/2014 at 16:46:16
I tip my hat to Colin Glasser. You called it, bud. You stuck your neck out, guaranteed it, made us feel calmer about it, and it happened! I salute you sir! Any other "rumors" you have; I’d love to hear them!
Chris Funk
18 Posted 30/07/2014 at 16:49:04
Oh my what wonderful news! Just spectacular!

We’ve now a core of young, excellent players who still have room to improve over the next few years: Coleman, Stones, McCarthy, Besic, Barkley, Lukaku.

Gerry Western
19 Posted 30/07/2014 at 16:47:48
Fantastic news, nice to see Fellaini’s congratulations, clearly he still has huge regard for the club and its fans. When Lukaku joined us on loan I never thought we’d end up signing him on a permanent contract. This has certainly lifted the mood and the expectations. Lets hope we can bag a few more, haven’t felt this positive for years.
Joseph Terrence
20 Posted 30/07/2014 at 16:48:51
Brilliant!
Now lets hope Roberto can bring in a solid left winger
Si Cooper
21 Posted 30/07/2014 at 16:49:41
TW not getting my posts at moment!!! Pretty much covered by others anyway. TW well ahead of Sky on this.
Kevin Jones
22 Posted 30/07/2014 at 16:49:33
"Permission to shout Hurrah Sir"
Paul Dark
23 Posted 30/07/2014 at 16:51:55
Fantastic news - delighted.

Give him the No. 9 shirt!

David Chait
24 Posted 30/07/2014 at 16:50:09
Absolutely made up for this news! The day after securing England’s beast young midfielder we secure one of the worlds best young strikers (stats tell us so). We also have the beat young defender in the country and we could go on!
If Lukaku and Barkley realise their potential within the next 2 years watch out! Exciting times to be an Evertonian!

I am so behind RMs buying policy it’s unreal. No more 4 average players when only quality can move a team forward..

Eugene Kearney
25 Posted 30/07/2014 at 16:51:21
ABSOLUTELY MARVELLOUS NEWS - and special payment rates too!!!

A masterstroke, Roberto!!

Nil Satis Nisi Optimum

Martin Handley
26 Posted 30/07/2014 at 16:48:45
Chelsea can now loan Atsu to Everton as Romelu has signed permanently. Under PL rules are you can’t loan two players from the same club.
Chris Lawlor
27 Posted 30/07/2014 at 16:52:50
THIS HAS MADE MY SUMMER!!

There is no doubt in my mind that its Bobby’s presence in the club that has our best players staying and the players of Lukaku’s calibre siging up.

We are on a new playing level now my friends!

What a cracking surprise...might make the rest of this working day redundant for me now lol

Christopher Kelly
28 Posted 30/07/2014 at 16:54:07
wowowowowowowoowow

We mean business this year!!! School of Science is back!

Matthew Roberts
29 Posted 30/07/2014 at 16:54:58
Eugene, I just wanted to repeat that, NIL SATIS NISI OPTIMUM!
Eric Holland
30 Posted 30/07/2014 at 16:52:52
Is this done??? or just hearsay? I hope this is true and still got a good wedge to spend on more players.
(picks self up off floor)
Brian Murray
31 Posted 30/07/2014 at 16:49:38
Brilliant news. Well done Roberto and the Everton board for backing him with funds😎
Mike Allison
32 Posted 30/07/2014 at 16:50:33
I wonder if the moaners will calm down now?

Or is Lukaku actually shite?

Actually, he hasn’t been pictured holding up the shirt, there’s time for this to go wrong.

It’s like a new signing.

Kenwright out.

Colin Glassar, what’s next please sir?

Keith Glazzard
33 Posted 30/07/2014 at 16:53:40
Looking very good. Good news on top of good news - it’s all a bit much!
Christopher Kelly
34 Posted 30/07/2014 at 16:57:09
and Yes... WELL PLAYED COLIN GLASSAR!!!!!!
Pete Cross
35 Posted 30/07/2014 at 16:50:25
How about a well done to B K. what a financial deal
Paul Ellam
36 Posted 30/07/2014 at 16:53:55
This is what we should have had a press conference about!
Brilliant news, confirmed by Liverpool Echo and Greg O’Keeffe and of course Colin Glasser!
Don’t suppose you have the EuroLottery numbers bobbing about in your head do you Colin? I would like to know them if you do!
Great to see the club show ambition and get their man.
Don’t let it stop there though Roberto, keep pushing that Board for more signings - Wilfried Bony is still available I think!
Derek Williams
37 Posted 30/07/2014 at 16:53:22
Bloody great news. Well done Colin G, right all along. Well done Bobby M. And dare I say it, well done Blue Bill for coming up with the loot and to whoever has managed to get an "on the drip" instalment facility, that’s some feckin negotiating done there if that bit is true. My nephew kindly gave me 6/1 only yesterday about us finishing above the RS. Wish I’d had more on now the silly sod.
Patrick Murphy
38 Posted 30/07/2014 at 16:56:46
The pen has not yet been put to paper but all the Echo guys including O’Keefe are calling it a done deal and it will be a formality hopefully; and then he will be our man. If the rumoured structure of the deal is correct then that is a bonus as I didn’t think splashing the whole wedge in one go would be prudent.

I hope we add a couple more players to the squad before the window but perhaps that’s being greedy.

Liam Reilly
39 Posted 30/07/2014 at 16:55:15
Terrific news; but why do I have that thought in the back of my head that we can still fuck this up.

Come on guys; get the medical done and the deal signed asap please.

Will Leaf
40 Posted 30/07/2014 at 16:57:29
This will energize the whole squad and fan base. The club of my youth has returned!

Oh, and well done Colin!

Ron Sear
41 Posted 30/07/2014 at 16:59:59
Thank Gawd I can breathe again, Let the merriment begin.
James Morgan
42 Posted 30/07/2014 at 17:00:21
Colin G is sat there with a big cheesy grin no doubt.
Go on pal, say "I told you so."
PS I never doubted you for a second.
Paul Dark
43 Posted 30/07/2014 at 17:01:50
Yes, well done, Colin.
Derek Turner
44 Posted 30/07/2014 at 16:46:35
I can not fucking believe it! Bill, I fucking love you for the first time in my life!!!!!
Chris James
45 Posted 30/07/2014 at 16:49:05
Awesome news. So in summary, so far we...
1. Have acquired the first choice goal-scorer and the experienced midfielder who drove us to fifth last year.
2. We've retained our hottest young properties on longer contracts and not lost any of our first team players (only Delboy missing)
3. We've acquired another midfield option with pedigree in Besic
4. We some important have injured players back or incoming to add depth and options - Kone, Gibson & Oviedo
5. We have a handful of young players straining at the leash that can be blooded in European games (especially Garbutt, McAlney, Lundstram, Ledson)
6. We've still got over 2 weeks to go before kick off (4 weeks for the window) and Martinez has other irons in the fire yet (full signings + loanees).

Naturally we could still do with another striking option and a winger, but even if we didn't sign anyone else we've got a good enough squad for another tilt, and crucially it's a settled squad too.

Clarence Yurcan
46 Posted 30/07/2014 at 17:00:40
Amazing, Everton finally a majotrplayer in the transfer market! For all the flack he gets, time to give Bill Kenwright for stumping the cash and not pocketing it.
Peter Bell
47 Posted 30/07/2014 at 17:00:16
All we need now is for the Barca coach to decide Del boy is not yet ready and we get him back also
Ross Hutchinson
48 Posted 30/07/2014 at 16:54:57
Superb news and if the payment structure is correct, it's a brilliant piece of business.
Tommy Meehan
49 Posted 30/07/2014 at 17:00:53
A real statement of intent here. Suddenly the transfer window has become a helluva place to be . . .
Shane Corcoran
50 Posted 30/07/2014 at 17:01:11
Why on earth are Chelsea trusting Everton to have £5m for the next four years?
Steve Brown
51 Posted 30/07/2014 at 17:00:51
Brilliant deal if the payments are staggered over five years. More to come in the next four weeks and signing Lukaku will be the just the statement of intent to persuade others we are serious.
Steve Brown
52 Posted 30/07/2014 at 17:00:51
Brilliant deal if the payments are staggered over five years. More to come in the next four weeks and signing Lukaku will be the just the statement of intent to persuade others we are serious.
Shane Corcoran
53 Posted 30/07/2014 at 17:01:11
Why on earth are Chelsea trusting Everton to have £5m for the next four years?
Mike Hughes
54 Posted 30/07/2014 at 17:03:20
I'm in shock - never saw this one coming.

Derek Turner
55 Posted 30/07/2014 at 17:04:39
Colin, you called it, whats the score on opening day so I can get down the bookies? Unbelievable.
Kev Johnson
57 Posted 30/07/2014 at 17:08:09
Live press conference at 7pm this evening, according to the OS.
Jim Potter
58 Posted 30/07/2014 at 17:05:08
Superb news. Bobby has his No 9 and I have a stupid grin.

LetÂ’s now pick up the other young Belgian lad, the young MK Dons one and the Swedish winger.

Looking pretty sound then. And who knows ..... he may go for a few more!

Eric Holland
59 Posted 30/07/2014 at 16:58:43
PREss confrence for 7pm
Eugene Kearney
60 Posted 30/07/2014 at 17:08:29
I bet he’ll get the number 10 shirt.
Eugene Kearney
61 Posted 30/07/2014 at 17:08:29
I bet he’ll get the number 10 shirt.
Eric Holland
62 Posted 30/07/2014 at 17:09:51
Conference hands typing to fast. Pheww
David Chait
63 Posted 30/07/2014 at 17:09:38
I'm with you Jim! If we can announce Henen today to.. I have a feeling about him... Then it's been the best summer I can ever remember! Probably is already !
Steve Brown
64 Posted 30/07/2014 at 17:09:43
65 league goals by the age of 21, that's 23 more than Messi.
Steve Brown
65 Posted 30/07/2014 at 17:09:43
65 league goals by the age of 21, that's 23 more than Messi.
Peter Bell
66 Posted 30/07/2014 at 17:09:53
Sky just had Atsu name on the screen next to Lukaku
Paul Tran
67 Posted 30/07/2014 at 17:05:13
If this is true - you've got to be wary with our previous - it's great news.

Martinez has said all along we'd do our business after the World Cup. Some of us thought this centred around whether we get Lukaku or not. Some of us suggested he was taking the piss on a jolly in Brazil.

I would suggest that in this case, the manager has been vindicated. And hats off to our maligned Chairman for making it happen.

Great news. Fact. No 'happy-clappy' stuff necessary.

Now let's make sure we get the best out of Lukaku.........and maybe get into the habit of cutting Martinez some slack before sticking the knife in!

Darryl Ritchie
68 Posted 30/07/2014 at 17:10:04
To all you who tried to put the damper on Ross's signing yesterday. Don't you feel the fool today!
Steve Durham
70 Posted 30/07/2014 at 17:10:44
Jeffers in on loan and Cadamarteri on three year deal I reckon
Brent Stephens
71 Posted 30/07/2014 at 17:10:04
What a shit club we are in the transfer window. No idea at all. Good on yer Roberto and Billy Big Bollocks.
Will Leaf
72 Posted 30/07/2014 at 17:11:05
What's this press conference going to be about? A fresh nick of paint for the Boot Room?
Jon Ferguson
73 Posted 30/07/2014 at 17:01:51
Fantastic news!

I'd like a left winger next please.

Derek Williams
74 Posted 30/07/2014 at 17:02:02
Best or at least the most exciting signing since ........?. Lineker??? I know we've had gems like Timmy in that time but in terms of the "feck me we've signed him I can't believe it woooo factor" this does it for me.
Andrew Clare
75 Posted 30/07/2014 at 17:04:39
Great news. It really does feel like the Everton I know is back. Absolutely fantastic! Just need two more quality signings and we will be one hell of an outfit!
Peter Mills
76 Posted 30/07/2014 at 17:10:43
I haven't been as excited by a signing since Johnny Cash sent me his autograph from Nashville in 1970.
Eric Holland
77 Posted 30/07/2014 at 17:13:34
Feel the Barclay card coming out of the hiding place, Wonder if I can get our old seats again???
My youngest and his blue mates are dancing and singing around the garden....
Derek Knox
79 Posted 30/07/2014 at 17:14:33
Andrew # 80

Ricky Van Wolfswinkel is available from Norwich, and Brett Angell would consider coming out of retirement ! :-)

Derek Turner
80 Posted 30/07/2014 at 17:16:39
Darryl 73, I'm a fool, a soon to be drunken fool. Hope I make the press conference! In Roberto we trust.
Peter Bell
81 Posted 30/07/2014 at 17:18:21
No F"""er is gonna fancy coming to the bear pit next season, we are Everton.
Tony J Williams
82 Posted 30/07/2014 at 17:19:50
Darryl 73, what's one got to do with the other?

Leave the snipes out of a celebratory thread.

Pete Cross
83 Posted 30/07/2014 at 17:17:29
Is it a five year loan deal at five mill a year
Craig Walker
84 Posted 30/07/2014 at 17:20:45
Let's hope he's not jetting into Merseyside to sign for the RS. Thinking about it, he can't be can he? He's not a Southampton player.

This is great news. Will keep my powder dry until I see him with the scarf aloft though.

Jamie Southern
85 Posted 30/07/2014 at 17:18:31
Derek Williams (79) sums it up for me... when was the last time Everton signed a player that genuinely made you grin from ear to ear?!

Better than anything is how strong the squad is now. Where's the dead wood? I just don't see any. What a difference a year makes. Belting time to be a blue!

Well done Roberto and credit where it's due - well done Bill.

Eric Holland
86 Posted 30/07/2014 at 17:20:48
The wife has had enough, got toffeeweb on pc Talk sport on radio and SS news on tv.
She has left the building Ha ha...
Dave Brierley
87 Posted 30/07/2014 at 16:45:38
Well done Bill Kenwright.
Chris Funk
88 Posted 30/07/2014 at 17:21:04
Tony 87 -- Agree, no reason to bring down the mood by sniping.

I do think the two (Barkley's press conference and Lukaku's signing) are related. They had to know that signing Lukaku for a record fee would bring a lot of fanfare -- if I were them, I'd have found a way to let Ross know that he's at least as important to our future as Rom, and I think yesterday was their way of doing that.

Kev Johnson
89 Posted 30/07/2014 at 17:25:38
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/28569197
David Hallwood
90 Posted 30/07/2014 at 17:20:52
Oh come on gents, this is ToffeeWeb, someone say something negative FFS. To quote Pharrell Williams,IÂ’m happy BUT IÂ’ll believe it when heÂ’s holding the blue shirt up.
Peter Bell
91 Posted 30/07/2014 at 17:23:55
Eric 91 thanks for the tip on how to get rid of a wife
Pete Cross
92 Posted 30/07/2014 at 17:25:15
Chris good point
Paul Andrews
97 Posted 30/07/2014 at 17:21:04
Fantastic day for the club.
Sends a signal that times are a changing under Roberto.
The power of persuasion that the manager has should not be underestimated.His enthusiasm shines through to potential signings.

On a negative note .....what will the usual whining suspects on ToffeeWeb have to gripe about now?

Duncan McDine
98 Posted 30/07/2014 at 17:24:59
Fantastic... Respect to Colin G, always said it would happen. Mega impressed with Blue Bill on this one, especially if he’ll be staggering the payments as written. COYB!!!!
Kev Johnson
99 Posted 30/07/2014 at 17:26:12
Sorry, I meant the BBC is saying £23.7m: Link

It's an odd figure to pluck out of the air. Maybe it's accurate.

I still say the number 19 shirt would suit him better than 10, but either way I'm a very happy blue.

Eric Holland
100 Posted 30/07/2014 at 17:27:35
Peter 96
Wait till she puts the radio on in the car lol.
Paul Ellam
101 Posted 30/07/2014 at 17:24:13
Derek #79
I think the last time I genuinely thought we had bought such a great goal scorer with a record bid was Tony Cottee and he turned out alright!
Fingers crossed that Lukaku does much better.
Extremely excited.
Mike Oates
102 Posted 30/07/2014 at 17:29:30
Can it possibly be a double whammy with Lukaku bought and Atsu on loan.
Anthony Flack
103 Posted 30/07/2014 at 17:22:55
Just finally got a signal in deepest Cornwall. So worth the wait. ...

Colin Glassar what are the lottery numbers this weekend....

Wife thinks I am an arse given how exciting this is....

Eric Holland
104 Posted 30/07/2014 at 17:29:19
Paul 106
3 goals in his first home match would do me.
Paul Mackie
105 Posted 30/07/2014 at 17:29:47
What I'm taking from this is that Roberto speaks the truth!

Chelsea are absolute idiots though. They'll be starting the season with Torres (lol), the ghost of Drogba, and Costa (who has had one good half season against La Liga defenders).

Lee Courtliff
106 Posted 30/07/2014 at 17:24:15
My stomach has gone a bit 'funny'.

I'm not being negative but the word 'set' is making me nervous.

Remember Nigel Martyn ? Ravanelli? Muller ?

If this comes off it is amazing news. It really sets us up as a force. And a nod to Barkley and Stones ( amongst others) that we are going........'places'.

I just can't quite believe we are spending so much on one player. The deal sounds too good to be true.

Why the hell would Chelsea agree to £5m a year ?????

Surely someone would give them , pretty much , a full up front fee ? Or near as damn it.

Can't wait for the press conference.

Chris Funk
107 Posted 30/07/2014 at 17:28:31
Paul (102) - Agree about Roberto. I think he is making us a place that players want to play -- he's positive, encourages development (and understands that mistakes are a part of that), and seems willing to consider the players' interests in the transfer market.
Derek Knox
108 Posted 30/07/2014 at 17:30:26
They are saying it could be a double signing with young brilliant prospect David Henen ( same agent as Lukaku ) when they announce at 19.00 !
Ged Simpson
109 Posted 30/07/2014 at 17:22:49
Now we can have some fun next seasons
Ian McDowell
110 Posted 30/07/2014 at 17:36:40
The last time I was as excited over signing a player was Kanchelskis in 95. Brilliant news. COYB!!! Lets get Atsu as well
Darryl Ritchie
111 Posted 30/07/2014 at 17:34:37
Tony @ 87 That's exactly what I was thinking yesterday.

But you're right. Very good news for all Evertonians.

Now, a little attacking help in the middle and on the right, and we will fear nobody.

Paul Livesey
113 Posted 30/07/2014 at 17:33:59
Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah
Zip-A-Dee-A

My oh my, what a wonderful day
Plenty of sunshine heading my way
Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah
Zip-A-Dee-A

Mister bluebird on my shoulder
It's the truth
It's actual
Everything is satisfactual

Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah
Zip-A-Dee-A
Wonderful feeling
Wonderful day

Yeah

Sid Logan
114 Posted 30/07/2014 at 17:42:53
Great news. Credit must be given to Bill Kenwright and Roberto. Let's hope we can now squeeze in a few more. Feels good to be a blue tonight!
Eugene McLoughlin
115 Posted 30/07/2014 at 17:45:29
WOW!! I roared to my niece WE’VE SIGNED LUKAKU!!! In teh car park of the local cinema and a redshite looked at me with envy in his eyes!! KOPITES ARE GOBSHITES I off coursse utered!!!! #YEAHBABY
Mike Hughes
116 Posted 30/07/2014 at 17:13:07
Typical Everton at it again - spend, spend, spend.
Money is like confetti to this club.

On paper, this is the strongest Everton side since the 80's.
What a signal of intent signing this lad permanently.
Top 4 / silverware is on!

(TW - given that he has special gifts and has been calling this transfer right for weeks, why not introduce a horoscope page on this site written by Colin Glassar? You could call it 'Glassar's Stars'. Can't be any worse than that Lawro bloke who predicted Brazil 1 Germany 0. Just saying like.)

Brian Garside
117 Posted 30/07/2014 at 17:26:21
I put this on no less a level than Alan Ball.
Geoff Harrison
118 Posted 30/07/2014 at 17:45:48
Now that's better.
Ian McDowell
119 Posted 30/07/2014 at 17:48:37
Press Conference called for 7pm
Mark Tanton
120 Posted 30/07/2014 at 17:48:30
Transfer deadline day will be strange this time around - no bickering, no going crazy with worry and no storming off to bed in a huff only to creep back down at midnight.
David Greenwood
121 Posted 30/07/2014 at 17:51:33
Fantastic news. We are going places.
Clive Lewis
122 Posted 30/07/2014 at 17:46:58
We will have to change the school of science lyrics. Where are all our loan players!. Great news this...
Geoff Harrison
123 Posted 30/07/2014 at 17:50:31
Good point Darryl (73)
And to all you who criticised Catterick for selling Alan Ball... I bet you feel silly now!
Andy Amey
124 Posted 30/07/2014 at 17:45:24
What a great day....

I have to say this is a master stroke by RM and his team

Absolutely perfect ......... I can't believe it

Am I dreaming ?

Kev Johnson
125 Posted 30/07/2014 at 17:34:09
Paul (110) - I think you'll find Chelsea sign someone else. Benzema is mooted. Torres may be on his way. Our signing will cause a chain reaction, I expect.

Honestly, I'm not just saying this, but I always thought it was probable we'd sign him. Colin Glassar went out on a limb and said it was a dead cert, so fair play to him for that, but it was plain that - for whatever reason - Rom and Jose didn't fancy each other and, if a transfer was going to happen, we were always likely to be among the favourites.

Nevertheless, I'm as chuffed as... well, as a bucketful of choughs Link

Frank Key
126 Posted 30/07/2014 at 17:47:24
Everton announce they have tied up the best English prospect on a long term deal and follow it up with the permanent signing of the Belgian Behemoth!!

The only way this could get sweeter is if the Shit Heads over the road where forced to sell the best striker in the world and inexplicably go out and buy the whole Southampton team. Hang on a minute!!!

Eric Myles
127 Posted 30/07/2014 at 17:39:51
Clarence #50, and others. The 'cash' being provided is £5 mill with the rest on hp.

The time for congratulating the board will be when we have spent a lot more.

Sid Logan
128 Posted 30/07/2014 at 17:53:37
This is all over the media and yet the breaking news on Sky Sports is the the Premier League is to use vanishing spray this season.
Kevin Rowlands
129 Posted 30/07/2014 at 17:54:40
Lukaku, Barry and Besic in, plus vanishing spray in the PL next season, and last but not least Suarez out, this summer is just getting better and better!
Danny Halsall
131 Posted 30/07/2014 at 18:03:22
100% deffo! Lukaku has just retweeted a stan collymore tweet!!!! I've never been this excited about a signing!!!!!
Kevin Tully
132 Posted 30/07/2014 at 17:53:08
Can't win anything without a decent striker - when Yak was knocking them in for fun, we were all dreaming of winning a pot or two, what a shame he got that bad injury.

I am so confident of our chances in the Europa League now, we can break our trophy drought with Roberto at the helm, no doubt in my mind whatsoever.

Our young guns will frighten the life out of everyone this season - I hope those redshite's are shitting themselves!

Brian Garside
133 Posted 30/07/2014 at 17:56:51
I remember last year when I was the first to post on here that the loan deal was confirmed. There where even a couple of warnings should it not be true. I thought that the chances of getting him on a permanent deal was fairytale land but would enjoy the season. Now look! Whilst I appreciate the foundations laid by Moyes there is not a chance in hell he would have developed the squad in this fashion. Hats off to RM. A shrewed man with a whole load of class to boot.
Dan Brierley
134 Posted 30/07/2014 at 18:02:21
To be fair to SSN Sid, they don't publish any signing until it is confirmed by the club.

Eric 132#, isn't that a good piece of business by doing it on the drip, allowing us to sign other players rather than just using all the cash on one player?

Jamie Crowley
137 Posted 30/07/2014 at 18:05:15
Is it the wrong time to ask Rom to grow his hair out again?

The locks gotta come back. He just looks terrifying with the long bouncy hair.

Short hair Rom is too friendly, too nice, too congenial.

Long hair Rom has defenders shitting themselves.

John Malone
139 Posted 30/07/2014 at 17:55:33
Well done the board and Bill Kenwright if this comes off as expected, you can definitely see Roberto's plan is to build a young talented squad mixed with experience and class.

All we need is a replacement for Deulofeu another attacking midfielder and Traore on loan and we'll be a match for anyone.

I'd buy Remy if the doe is in kitty!

Joe O'Brien
140 Posted 30/07/2014 at 17:59:12
Great great news. Welcome back Rom, you're gonna make history at this club.

At last we've got a proven prolific goalscorer. . When was the last time we had that??? Lineker?

Fair play to Bobby and Bill for getting this sorted. Roll on the new season. ...GET IN.... Yes yes yes I can't stop hopping around the place

David Nicholls
141 Posted 30/07/2014 at 17:37:25
Wonderful news! I remember thinking after the Newcastle home game last season that Barkley and Lukaku linked up so well that Ross would end up at Chelski. Instead Lukaku has joined us permanently. I'm in dreamland!
Dean Adams
143 Posted 30/07/2014 at 18:04:17
Where is Phil when you have news for him? Happy lads only tonight is it?
Jack Plant
144 Posted 30/07/2014 at 18:12:35
Spot on Dean 148, there have been a couple of names dropping off the forums the last couple of days. Press conference at 7, I've just got a feeling I know what it's about....
Jay Harris
145 Posted 30/07/2014 at 18:05:42
Great news and please don't let it stop there.

I actually believe it was planned for yesterday and a hitch came up so they paraded Ross out instead.

Peter Z Jones
146 Posted 30/07/2014 at 18:11:47
YESSSSSSS!!! All the moaners can shut up once and for all. We do have ambition. Times are changing. And if you're an Evertonian, they're changing for the better. Can't wait until we stick it to Chelsea with Lu leading the line. Martinez the genius strikes again!
Colin Glassar
147 Posted 30/07/2014 at 18:01:32
Right lads and lasses, I'm not one to gloat but, I DID TELL YOU SO!!!
I was told about the Barry deal weeks ago and despite losing my patience a couple of times it finally went through. Then a few weeks ago the same source told me that the Besic and Lukaku deals were nailed on certs. I did go out on a limb a bit but this is someone who has no reason to lie or make up stuff so I felt relatively confident keeping you in the loop so to say.

Unfortunately I don't have any more info on further signings except to say there will be one or two more. The Traore deal depends on Falcao I suppose. If he, Falcao, goes to Madrid then I imagine Traore might stay in Monaco. Atsu might still come, Hernandez will probably go to Spain now.

We still might go to Man United for a player but that is all conjuncture so far. The Rodwell deal seems to be dead in the water by all accounts but that could be a last minute move.

Anyone got any news on Kone and Oviedo? Are they back in training yet?

Adam Carey
148 Posted 30/07/2014 at 18:12:45
Ok, so I'm the one to rock the mood. £25M over 5 years seems to good a deal to come without some kind of clause. First dibs and mates rates for Ross when he's down to his last couple of years and we've developed him into a world beater..?
Sorry...
Tony Draper
149 Posted 30/07/2014 at 17:56:52
Marvellous news !

Until Colin Glassar persuaded me otherwise (and he really did) I had that feeling that we would be gazumped for Romelu.

And as many have already said previously, now let's really forge ahead and sign another striker and a winger (or two ??) and set ourselves up properly to have a real crack this forthcoming season.

Roberto, thanks.

Eric Myles
150 Posted 30/07/2014 at 18:10:21
Dan #139, I agree, IF we spend more money.

There's been posters expecting anywhere between £25 - £40 mill in summer signings based on our nett negative spend of last season. So far we've spent around £11 mill, no more than in previous seasons when we've had a surplus.

Personally I'll reserve the pats on the back for when the £40 mill is spent.

Paul Smith
151 Posted 30/07/2014 at 18:15:02
Great News. Loved the fact that Rom tweeted a cryptic clue to heighten the excitement & suspense.

This IMO is definitely worth calling a press conference for. Next, where's that new stadia gonna be ?

John Raftery
152 Posted 30/07/2014 at 18:17:59
A big well done to everybody involved in making this happen. Could this be a day without a moan on TW?
Nigel Gregson
153 Posted 30/07/2014 at 18:18:10
You most certainly did CG and boy are we all made up !!!

Mark my words this is not the end. I'm still expecting a surprise in the attacking midfield department - Kagawa on a 1 year loan on deadline day ? Banega ? A *real* addition from last year is coming on deadline day.

Chad Schofield
155 Posted 30/07/2014 at 18:18:59
I have everything crossed! Even with 40 minutes to go, until it's official, I'll be bluer from holding my breath.

When it happens going to get the away shirt with name and number (after they come baxk into stock circa April)!!!

Mark Tanton
156 Posted 30/07/2014 at 18:20:01
Eric - we are strengthening. We donÂ’t need to go all Â’BrewsterÂ’s MillionsÂ’ to show ambition. If we spend no more this summer IÂ’ll be happy. LetÂ’s get the debt down and improve the squad simultaneously.
Dave Cook
157 Posted 30/07/2014 at 18:25:38
Bah, now I donÂ’t know if I should get the free Barkley away shirt or pay for a Lukaku one.
Paul Dark
158 Posted 30/07/2014 at 18:25:40
I think Rom will help us to attract other top players.

Wish he had the no.9 shirt - wasted on Kone.

Dara Vaughan
159 Posted 30/07/2014 at 18:23:02
Oh wow...what a sea change on ToffeeWeb. I for one feel like a 12 year old and have a renewed sense of optimism I thought long since gone. I've gotta see it to believe it now of course which is perfectly normal considering the level of conditioning us blues have had bestowed upon us in the past.
Derek Knox
161 Posted 30/07/2014 at 18:21:00
Well in there Colin, Heff and Hoff will probably have a joint celebration , with you as guest of honour ( take plenty of KY jelly with you just in case, -ouch !! )

So, if we are paying only £5M down on this when is the big signing coming ? (lol)

Still think we definitely need a reliable second choice goalkeeper Alex McCarthy or David Marshall, Atsu and one more attacking midfielder ( sounds a bit greedy ) but we could then take on the World !

Rob Halligan
162 Posted 30/07/2014 at 18:19:25
Hey Colin, there was only me who stuck with you through all this. I was told couple of weeks back lukaku would sign and I had no doubt to not believe my source. Even got some doubting me when I posted my news on here!!

Let's just hope there is no stupid clause in the contract that says Rom cannot play against Chelsea!!

Eric Myles
163 Posted 30/07/2014 at 18:24:29
True Mark #162, but to congratulate BK now for spending £5 mill on a player, £11 mill in total, seems a bit incongruous when some fans are expecting a lot more.

As I said, so far it's no better than previous seasons when we've spent less than we sold for and BK and the board received brickbats.

Kevin Tully
164 Posted 30/07/2014 at 18:28:53
How things can change over 12 months. Two headlines today on SSN;

'David Moyes won't be charged over alleged assault'

'Everton sign a £25m striker '

Incredible.

John Audsley
165 Posted 30/07/2014 at 18:25:34
Well

I didn't believe he would come and it looks like we have him

Its a big statement of intent and if Colin Glassar lets me know of his favourite charity I will be making a donation on behalf of myself and my 2 sons.

Feeling very positive

Si Cooper
166 Posted 30/07/2014 at 18:04:17
Brilliant news - I thought that vanishing spray worked a treat at the World Cup!

If we can get Atsu in on loan as well then we have effectively reassembled our best team from last season with the bonuses of two loanees groomed to become permanent signings, a German-raised international to add to our midfield, long-term injury list petering out, and a crop of rated youngsters who will get opportunities to develop and prove themselves.

I have some hopes for a few more reinforcements. Someone suggested Torres would be going to Monaco which would allow Lacina Traore to rejoin us on loan and then Benzema would go from RM to Chelsea (which would be hilarious as he apparently rebuffed the RS as being too insignificant to interest him). Things look like they are falling into place very nicely indeed!

Jim Lloyd
167 Posted 30/07/2014 at 18:28:54
Berrrrilliant!!! What a man is our Robbie. I think that more than any other factor, Rommy felt that he was at home here, and Robbie was the man who made it home for him. We all helped a bit though.

Congrats Colin, but I did say on here a couple of weeks ago that our Butcher knew for ceratin that we'd got him.

Mind you, I thought he was talking tripe!!!

Sorry...delirious :)

Peter Howard
168 Posted 30/07/2014 at 18:29:49
Eric(156):

That money also has to go on players’ wages.

Tony Draper
169 Posted 30/07/2014 at 18:24:09
Colin, gloat away mate, gloat away.

You called 'em right you were solid and unwavering and referred to your "well informed source". You own the bragging rights and I'm so glad that you do.

Jamie @ 142
Correct ! Rom must grow the "dreads" back !
I've said this from the moment he chopped em off.
Ruud Gullit had 'em and he was brilliant.
So c'mon Rom mate, get the dreads back and put the Royal Blue fear into every defender in Europe !

Phil Bellis
170 Posted 30/07/2014 at 18:25:32
Colin (152)
Still wavering beteen your good self and Steve ("I said it last week and I will say it again: Lukaku will not join Everton") Durham

Medical? nah - no problem
Work Permit? not an issue
Pending court case? nope
Wants us to pay his income tax? Tcchhh!

Looking good Glassardamus, but still time for EFC to balls it up
As my arl fella used to say "Everton will always let you down" - maybe, just maybe, with Roberto we've turned a corner for real this time

Chris Wilson
171 Posted 30/07/2014 at 18:11:22
Now news sites are rolling the picture of "The Hug" between Roberto and Romelu at the Arsenal game.

Looking back now, in light of what's happening, how special was that moment? Seeing a young kid like him scoring a goal, then sprinting straight toward the manager of his LOAN team! Not his parent club, the manager of the team that is borrowing him for a season! It still brings a smile to my face thinking about the sheer joy of the moment, the smiles of the Everton fans in the background, and especially the grins of the Arsenal players on the bench. It really underlined how he was enjoying wearing OUR blue shirt; that he was having fun and relishing his time with us and for the first time I thought, "If Romelu likes playing with us, maybe there's a chance this can happen." Money was always going to be an issue, but just maybe.

Now, over to you Bill. And to paraphrase a quote from one of my favorite lines from the movie The Right Stuff, when Alan Shepard was waiting to launch into space, "Dear God. Please don't let [us] fuck up."

Eric Myles
172 Posted 30/07/2014 at 18:32:06
PS Mark, how have we strengthened by signing a player we already had in the team last season?
Richard Reeves
173 Posted 30/07/2014 at 17:51:07
ItÂ’s great news if he has signed and although the price is high I donÂ’t think it is much of a gamble.

What isnÂ’t great in my opinion is this club always owing money and IÂ’m not sure if 5 mill a year to Chelsea is a good deal for us, that partly depends on how much more money Roberto has to spend.

David Chait
174 Posted 30/07/2014 at 18:34:02
Cant remember who the chap was who said he saw the text on Ross's phone in Ibiza.. that was when I became relatively confident, even through the rumors..
Mike Corcoran
175 Posted 30/07/2014 at 18:36:59
Kinnel Eric join the love in. Believe hahahahaha

Kevin Rowlands
176 Posted 30/07/2014 at 18:36:43
Eric, it's not rocket science, we have strengthened because he has now committed to us on a permanent basis, as has Barry, he knows the club, the players, the manager, the City, and should be a lot more comfortable this season, and to top it off we are in RM's second season where all the player's understand what he wants playing wise and were not in a 'transition' period, it's a great day, be happy pal.
James Stewart
177 Posted 30/07/2014 at 18:42:03
Most transfers are payed over the course of a contract. Virtually none are all up front. Nothing unusual there. Great to get it done finally!
James Elworthy
178 Posted 30/07/2014 at 18:44:26
Hats off to Colin Glassar
Spot on will not take what you say with a pinch of salt anymore but with a glass of champs
Linda Morrison
179 Posted 30/07/2014 at 18:41:42
Ian don't worry will still give him the same spelling of his name. Like everyone else though I keep thinking this is too good to be true!

I will be a very happy bunny after 7.00.

Still can't belieive it though if it is true well done to BK after all the stick he gets on here

Onwards and upwards folks

Kev Johnson
180 Posted 30/07/2014 at 18:36:20
"Glossardarmus" - ha-ha! Like it, Phil!

In quatrain CII-62, Colin's distant ancestor, Nostradamus wrote:

"When Mabus shortly dies, there shall ensue
Of man and beast a laying waste most dread.
Then suddenly shall vengeance heave in view:
Thirst, famine, blood, with comet overhead.â€

If this doesn't mean that Lukaku will score a shedload of goals for us this season then I don't know what it means.

Eric Myles
181 Posted 30/07/2014 at 18:42:51
Kevin #182, I agree it's not rocket science. Lukaku and Barry are not additions to our squad from last season, so we have not strenghened.
Phil Walling
183 Posted 30/07/2014 at 18:46:55
Well done, Roberto !

Well done, Bill Kenwright !

Well done, Robert Elstone !

Well done, EVERTON !

Matthew Roberts
184 Posted 30/07/2014 at 18:49:29
Apparently Atsu has been given permission to to talk Sunderland about a loan move, maybe that ones of the cards for the moment.
Paul Andrews
185 Posted 30/07/2014 at 18:46:45
Eric,

We have strengthened because last season he was on a one season loan.
We have just signed him on a 5 year contract

Darren Warkcup
186 Posted 30/07/2014 at 18:49:38
Seems like David henan is going to be unveiled as well.

Colin well played mate defo insider dealing let's hope you are not a banker or your bonus will be taken away for a long time.

Tony Draper
187 Posted 30/07/2014 at 18:45:38
Eric @ 178
"PS Mark, how have we strengthened by signing a player we already had in the team last season?

I think you already know the answer.........

Ray Said
188 Posted 30/07/2014 at 18:51:21
Well done to whoever at the club handled the transfer business-cracking deal if the details are correct
Brent Stephens
189 Posted 30/07/2014 at 18:48:43
We.are stronger than we were just days ago. Barry, who wasnt ours, now is. Ditto Lukaku. Plus new signing Besic. Plus longer contracts for some ofthose who were already ours. And the man ain't finished yet. Sweet!
Paul Mackie
190 Posted 30/07/2014 at 18:51:49
To all of those posters questioning whether Lukaku is worth the money, here's a list of PL players and the number of goals they'd scored at the age of 21

Puts things into perspective nicely, especially when you consider most of Rom's goals have been in the PL.

Kevin Rowlands
191 Posted 30/07/2014 at 18:51:19
Eric, stop being so neg, they are both permanent Everton players now on long term contracts, as is Besic, Barkley just signed for 4 years, we are in the second year of RM's plans and their is probably a few more still to come, of course we have strengthened.
Paul Mackie
192 Posted 30/07/2014 at 18:54:16
Also I can't wait to see what that clueless twat Samuelson from the Daily Mail has to say about this and how we have no chance of signing him permanently and the loan system is bloody unfair!
Phil Walling
193 Posted 30/07/2014 at 18:48:41
Mike @ 181. I remember George Kinnell. He played over 200 league games - most of them for Stoke City.

A good centre- half but he was born before WW2, so how’s he going to strengthen our side ?

Eric Myles
194 Posted 30/07/2014 at 18:52:37
Tony #193, I know the answer is we have the same starting line up as last season. So where is the added strength?

Andrew #191, so if we had gotten Lukaku on another 1 season loan would we be stronger? Weaker? Or just the same?

Paul Dark
195 Posted 30/07/2014 at 18:57:56
Let it go, Eric.

We're all very happy, mate. This is a great time.

David Chait
196 Posted 30/07/2014 at 18:57:31
We're stronger because these guys are a year older. Plus being ours and not on loan means we own that capability and as such are stronger for it as it can't just disappear. But for me v last year the maturing of such fine talents is mouth watering. Paul - I'm going to hang that list in my office tomorrow!
Chris James
197 Posted 30/07/2014 at 18:34:04
Not sure why there's any grumbles with the way the board are 'apparently' negotiating to pay Chelsea. It's not uncommon for transfers to be done on the drip these days and even if it wasn't surely this is just good financial sense in terms of managing cash flow and allowing us to keep more cash in the bank for more signings or paying down debts.
Brian Waring
198 Posted 30/07/2014 at 18:56:20
That tit really pissed me off Eric the way he always used us as the example of the loan system. Funny how he never pointed out the players the shite had on loan, also Borini who was on loan from the shite to Sunderland scoring against Man City.
Mike Hughes
199 Posted 30/07/2014 at 18:57:21
19.01pm - no live images. Getting worried.
The beer has gone back in the fridge.
Eugene Ruane
200 Posted 30/07/2014 at 18:57:45
If this lad signs, I think it will be great because he’s a PROPER striker.

A few have posted (over the last 12 months) criticising various aspects of his game but, like (’lazy, fat, not arsed’) Latch, he has ’that thing’ I love to see in a striker - that they seem to exist for goals, that it’s (seemingly) only goals that makes them feel alive.

Take ’em away from a pitch and there doesn’t seem much spark there but give them a half chance and BANG - followed by pure joy.

For Latch goals were a ’fix’ and I get the same impression with this lad.

(of course every player enjoys scoring but the born striker lives for goals).

I also think it would be great to have him ’settled’ rather than wondering what he’ll be doing next season.

Pleeeease let this be true and go through unhindered.

Eric Holland
201 Posted 30/07/2014 at 19:18:39
19 20 and still no live coverage????
Jamie Crowley
202 Posted 30/07/2014 at 19:18:26
Eric -

I understand your point, but seriously man...

Did someone shit on your pillow this morning?

Eric Myles
203 Posted 30/07/2014 at 18:57:40
Kevin #197, no negativity here. I just don't see the logic in having the same players now as we had last season as 'strengthening'.

Brent #195 nails it when he says we're stronger than "just days ago". But that's about it.

John Zapa
204 Posted 30/07/2014 at 18:21:45
Not sure why many suddenly think top 4 is guaranteed with this signing. As nice as it is to smash the current transfer record and make a ’big name signing’ the fact is that the squad is still weaker now than when the season ended. Factor in the additional games to be played and the fact that many of the senior players are a year older and will struggle to play 90 min.

Yesterday Liverpool completed the signing of Origi for under 10m, who seems to be a better player with more pace and a superior first touch than Lukaku. Bony supposedly has a release clause of just under 20m, Remy is available for less than half that. Not sure the club got such a fantastic deal, except for the payment plan.
The club needs atleast 2 more decent players just to return to stay still, let along dare to move forward. Congrats to Bill and the board for having the balls to sanction such a deal.

Dave Cook
205 Posted 30/07/2014 at 19:21:44
We need to hire a time keeper I think, not only do we not know how long 48 hours is, but we canÂ’t even get a press conference at 7pm on time.
Brian Waring
206 Posted 30/07/2014 at 19:21:42
Fucking hell! our live press conferences take longer than our transfers.
Tony Draper
207 Posted 30/07/2014 at 19:19:55
Eugene

"The Latch"

Correct !

Andy Codling
208 Posted 30/07/2014 at 19:22:28
is anyone else getting conference will begin shortly?
Geoff Evans
209 Posted 30/07/2014 at 19:20:00
Whats the latest on Brian O, that would feel like a great new signing
Ian McDowell
210 Posted 30/07/2014 at 19:23:05
Whats happening with this press conference?
Jamie Crowley
212 Posted 30/07/2014 at 19:23:56
Anyone else getting that nervous feeling?

Start the freaking press conference please...

Karl Masters
213 Posted 30/07/2014 at 19:23:38
Have the moaning whingers on here finally shut up or is there a problem with how we have announced this, did it interrupt their evening meal or perhaps Roberto was wearing the wrong colour socks?
Paul Smith
214 Posted 30/07/2014 at 19:25:00
Jaysus! This pressers taking the piss.
Brian Waring
215 Posted 30/07/2014 at 19:25:58
I'm getting that Andy.
Stephen Brown
217 Posted 30/07/2014 at 19:24:22
Getting worried now. Come on get it sorted I'm a nervous wreck
Dean Adams
218 Posted 30/07/2014 at 19:24:58
Typical!! Even our timelines are distorted. Did they tell us which time zone the 7pm press conference was coming from. I know they said Finch Farm, but comon you blues!!!
Paul Smith
219 Posted 30/07/2014 at 19:27:26
Typical Everton, mention the word "live" & we don't show up.
Paul Smith
220 Posted 30/07/2014 at 19:27:26
Typical Everton, mention the word "live" & we don't show up.
Paul Andrews
221 Posted 30/07/2014 at 19:25:32
Myles,

Pour yourself a Singha,relax man.

Brian Waring
222 Posted 30/07/2014 at 19:27:46
Here's a thought, maybe Lukaku has changed his mind and hasn't turned up.......
Paul Smith
223 Posted 30/07/2014 at 19:27:26
Typical Everton, mention the word "live" & we don't show up.
Derek Knox
224 Posted 30/07/2014 at 19:25:28
Exactly ! What has happened to the press conference ?

I am tuned in with two computers, Echo & OS and nothing !

Maybe they are waiting on the Pizza Delivery ! Just when I was thinkng everything was running like clockwork !

Ian Burns
225 Posted 30/07/2014 at 19:27:58
Must have spilt me gin in fecking computer - I can't get the press conference.

Did we sign anybody?

Eric Myles
226 Posted 30/07/2014 at 19:22:47
Paul #201, I'm also happy we've got a proven goalscorer. But we are still no better off than last season so I have no cause to be ecstatic just yet.

John #210 glad to see someone else realises 11 minus 2 plus the same 2 = the same 11.

Paul Smith
227 Posted 30/07/2014 at 19:29:28
2 computers Derek ? Love your commitment mate.
Rob Halligan
228 Posted 30/07/2014 at 19:27:53
Only 47 hours & 30 mins to wait now. Be patient!!!
John Audsley
229 Posted 30/07/2014 at 19:29:54
This is taking a while................
Dean Adams
230 Posted 30/07/2014 at 19:29:02
19241 people watching youtube for the live press conference. What a patient bunch we are!!
David Hallwood
231 Posted 30/07/2014 at 19:29:42
Sorry to jinx it gents but I did say IÂ’ll only believe it when heÂ’s lifting the shirt up.
Chris Wilson
232 Posted 30/07/2014 at 19:28:44
That's okay. This is very "theatre". Hold the curtain, build the excitement.

In all seriousness, maybe there is a hold up presswise with a more than normal amount of reporters and cameras?

Ged Simpson
233 Posted 30/07/2014 at 19:29:55
Word is we cannot afford the doctor for a medical now and are trying to loan one
Geoff Evans
234 Posted 30/07/2014 at 19:29:59
Stop worrying, he's got blue blood
Dean Adams
235 Posted 30/07/2014 at 19:31:59
Maybe Bill forgot the tokens for the Electric meter!!
Chris James
236 Posted 30/07/2014 at 19:23:06
Really not sure how anyone can make a case for us being weaker than last season with Lukaku in.

The only other players that were here that aren't now were:
Delboy (a great talent obviously but not the finished article and more a sub)
Traore (only played once and we may get him back anyway)
Gueye (never played, not good enough)
Vellios (see above)

Vs that we have the best 2 loanees signed plus new boy Besic in midfield and long-term injuries Kone, Oviedo and Gibson also back in contention.

On top of that there's a clutch of youth players knocking on the door plus our young stars are a year more experienced (stones, coleman and Barkley).

There's also the increased familiarity with Martinez and his methods plus the benefits of holding onto a consistent team.

You can make an argument that we're only slightly stronger yes, but weaker...I just don't see it.

Eric Myles
237 Posted 30/07/2014 at 19:30:42
Paul #227, can't stand the stuff, I'm a Chang man myself.
Ste McCoombe
238 Posted 30/07/2014 at 19:32:13
Headline missing off sky sports what's going on.
Alan Corken
240 Posted 30/07/2014 at 19:28:00
Last year was terrific we played fantastic football, but it was based around a number of loan players, mainly Lukaku and Barry. This year there was a real chance that we could go backwards with these players going back to their parent clubs. Now however we are back in the race, we are already as good as last year withe the promise of much more permanent and no doubt some cracking loan signings before the window closes. So whingers give it a rest and enjoy the fact that Everton have made a real statement today (or will when the coverage starts)
Mark Tanton
241 Posted 30/07/2014 at 19:33:50
IÂ’d love to know what Davey Moyes makes of this. Do you think he believes Roberto has had better backing?
Derek Knox
243 Posted 30/07/2014 at 19:31:36
David# 237

Ay ay ! Mate this is Everton not the Lisbon !

Tony Draper
244 Posted 30/07/2014 at 19:31:28
David @ 237

"when he's lifting the shirt up."

Maybe that's the cause for the delay, TBH I'd prefer there was no "shirtlifting" involved. Surely that's best left to "the other lot" ?

Adam Luszniak
245 Posted 30/07/2014 at 19:35:29
I am a nervous wreck what is going on with this press conference?
Ged Simpson
246 Posted 30/07/2014 at 19:33:25
Typical...blah blah blah ....

Dave Roberts
248 Posted 30/07/2014 at 19:35:45
There's a message on the OS (timed 19.30) saying Stay Tuned! Press conference due to begin shortly. !!!

(Hopefully within the next 48 hours)

Mark Tanton
249 Posted 30/07/2014 at 19:36:29
If Liverpool fart SSN spend all afternoon going on about it - they couldnÂ’t give two fucks as about us.
Darren Hind
250 Posted 30/07/2014 at 19:20:59
Well done to Rom. Great decision son . You know it makes sense.

Well done to Robbie. it takes some balls to splash so much of your kitty on one player, but this was a MUST signing and he was determined to make it happen.

well done Kenwright - never thought I'd hear meself say that. but credit where its due

Now, about that CL qualification. . .

Michael Coffey
251 Posted 30/07/2014 at 19:36:39
£5m and the rest in instalments?

I knew Roberto was good, but how did he manage to squeeze that into the small print of yesterday's EU sanctions on Putin's cronies?

Chris Wilson
252 Posted 30/07/2014 at 19:39:03
AHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Tension breaker-had to be done!

James Hill
253 Posted 30/07/2014 at 19:37:38
Great news.
Chris Wilson
254 Posted 30/07/2014 at 19:42:20
Damn, I only clicked once and it didn't work. How was I supposed to know there would be site lag on a day like today? AHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!
Chris James
255 Posted 30/07/2014 at 19:37:38
Surely it means 7pm arrival for 8pm start, is no-one else mingling with champagne and vol-au-vents?
Peter Jamieson
256 Posted 30/07/2014 at 19:36:00
To any nay Sayers on here that might be moaning that all we have done is re-sign loan players etc! Etc!

I have one word............................Southampton.

We have managed to keep our squad. OK we lost Deulofeu but we have signed Besic and looks like Henen too.

Plus we may get some more.

We are at least showing some ambition, with the resources we have.

Rob Halligan
257 Posted 30/07/2014 at 20:45:47
Jeez, been thrown out for about 90 mins. Get connection just as SSN announce deal completed for £28m.
David Chait
258 Posted 30/07/2014 at 20:48:33
phew.. was getting a little nervous….
Brent Stephens
259 Posted 30/07/2014 at 20:48:53
Great news! Delayed press conference because Lukaku said he'd only sign if he could keep the pen - Bill said, OK we'll put it down under "Other Operating Expenses" - £50k.

Seriously great news.

Dave Cook
260 Posted 30/07/2014 at 20:50:25
Just need to get a backup striker and a winger and we're sorted.
Nicholas Page
261 Posted 30/07/2014 at 20:51:10
Egg all over my face.

well done Everton, the board, Bill Kenwright, Roberto Martinez and Romelu Lukaku.

fabulous

Dan Brierley
262 Posted 30/07/2014 at 20:49:32
Still pinching myself........ we have just signed a 28 million pound striker.....

This sends a message to the football world, you can imagine that other young players would look at what we are doing, and think 'actually, I wouldn't mind be part of that'. Lets get someone in now that can give a killer pass, and we have the makings of a very good side. Great day to be a blue, cant wait to be at Goodison against Arsenal. COYB!

Matt Traynor
263 Posted 30/07/2014 at 20:54:10
Oh FFS another press conference. Two in two days.

Small time club we are....

Go for the hat-trick Blues....

Dave Cook
265 Posted 30/07/2014 at 20:54:00
Love the fact that so many nay-Sayers are moaning about his lack of a first touch. His only first touch he needs in our system is to put it into the net, and he's the 3rd best striker in the premiership over the last 2 years for that.
John Audsley
266 Posted 30/07/2014 at 20:54:46
Great news, truly fantastic

But 28 Million!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sounds like a lot of cash

WOW

Dan Brierley
267 Posted 30/07/2014 at 20:53:12
'Your thoughts on vanishing spray'

What the actual fuck of a question is that??????

Ross Hutchinson
268 Posted 30/07/2014 at 20:56:22
Finally completed, was getting a bit nervous there. But Lukaku is an excellent purchase. A little bit more expensive than we were all expecting but compared to other players who have been sold for the same sort of money I think we have done very well. We have just bought a striker who is proven in this league and is a very young man who has his best years in front of him.
Duncan McDine
269 Posted 30/07/2014 at 21:12:29
Cant beleive he cost what we received for Fellaini... I know its silly money, but its a silly business, and in comparison to many recent transfers, looks like a good deal. Chuffed to bits he’s finally signed. Now we can look forward to the start of the season!!!
Colin Gee
270 Posted 30/07/2014 at 21:15:03
28million? for another £7million we could have had Andy Carroll instead....
James Marshall
271 Posted 30/07/2014 at 21:11:05
We just spent £28m ON ONE PLAYER!

Fuck me, I never thought I'd actually see the day we showed some ambition, some confidence in ourselves, and some intent. Delighted doesn't cover it. I even enjoyed the ToffeeWeb meltdown for some weird reason!

Press conference went to tits about halfway through for me as well, but fuck it, this is great news. I might actually get some sleep at night for a bit now. I still can't believe we paid so much money, but I believe its a good thing he cost that much - it shows we have balls, it shows we're not just the fucking best of the rest, and that we mean business. Up the blues!!

Matt Traynor
272 Posted 30/07/2014 at 21:11:55
Dan #276, my feed on the conference cut but did they really ask that? I tried looking on the youtube feed and saw vague mentions of it as well.

Quality journalism. Who was it who asked the question?

Duncan McDine
273 Posted 30/07/2014 at 21:18:55
Yep I heard the question.... I think it was the Everton tv guy, but he kind of asked it as a bit of a joke with some pun about lukaku reappearing and the dissapearing spray. Roberto just said he couldnt care less about it when we have just signed Rom!!!
James Marshall
274 Posted 30/07/2014 at 21:20:14
It was a joke in context - he said something about Martinez making Lukaku reappear, and linked it to the disappearing spray. It was a joke, Lukaku & Martinez both thought it was funny - chill out, FFS.
Stephen Brown
275 Posted 30/07/2014 at 21:17:10
This is a great day for the club- we sign an established player who we have all heard of ( no need to check YouTube clips!). He fits into the system well, he speaks with sense and is ambitious and it gets younger fans interested ( like I was when Lineker signed!) the fee is slightly ridiculous but arnt they all these days ( 27m for an unfit full back who needs to get fit - he's 19!) . Worst case scenario is he scores a load of goals and we sell him to Real Madrid for 60m although I feel we have moved on from this.
Good news 2 days in a row, now let's go for the hat trick - what can be next ? COYB
Michael Kenrick
276 Posted 30/07/2014 at 21:16:15
Fantastic news! Incredible that we went as high as £28M. That puts us into a whole new era in terms of transfers, and really sets the tone for the new season.

I had a feeling something might be on the cards after he ran over and gave Roberto that bear hug!

Welcome, Big Rom... Now... let's get Duncan working on that first touch of yours!

Michael Kenrick
277 Posted 30/07/2014 at 21:16:15
Fantastic news! Incredible that we went as high as £28M. That puts us into a whole new era in terms of transfers, and really sets the tone for the new season.

I had a feeling something might be on the cards after he ran over and gave Roberto that bear hug!

Welcome, Big Rom... Now... let's get Duncan working on that first touch of yours!

James Marshall
278 Posted 30/07/2014 at 21:24:52
The fee is perfect - it shows we have ambition. Time to start thinking like a big club, and not wallowing in our small minded mentality, us vs them bullshit from the ginger whinger.

£28m is what we should be paying for a striker. It is NOT too much money at all.

Derek Knox
279 Posted 30/07/2014 at 21:15:40
Vanishing Spray ?

No need to use it on TW and the OS too !

I missed the lot, but judging by most comments, I don't think many saw anything either !

Peter Mills
280 Posted 30/07/2014 at 20:59:36
As someone mentioned above, this feels like it did the evening we signed Alan Ball. Sometimes you are not just signing a player, you are putting out a statement to every other team out there to take us seriously. And the player will galvanise the rest of the team, they will now know that if they do their jobs properly there will be a guy who can stick the ball in the onion bag. Absolutely brilliant news.
Kevin Tully
281 Posted 30/07/2014 at 21:23:55
This signing puts us back on the map as far as I'm concerned. Always hated the 'plucky little Everton' tag. All these moneyed clubs know we've got Ross and a £28m striker playing for us. Here we fucking come!
Peter Laing
282 Posted 30/07/2014 at 21:30:29
The feel good factor is back, we've had so many dark days and frustrating times and although not wanting to overreact or act prematurely has there been a better week for Everton over the past 20 years ? The golden times are coming back, onwards Evertonians we shall not be moved !!!
Derek Knox
283 Posted 30/07/2014 at 21:31:44
I take it that Ricky Van Wolfswinkel is off the radar now ?

I've never felt this good since Brett Angell ---------------------------------- left !

Like I mentioned before, missed everything, so did the young lad sign too ?

James Elworthy
284 Posted 30/07/2014 at 21:34:29
Is this a record fee for a non Sky 4 club or a team not in the champions league
Matt Traynor
285 Posted 30/07/2014 at 21:30:43
Well yesterday with the presser called, the cyberumour mill was in overdrive, and there was 3 possibilities - Rom, claims it was done deal but too soon, Barks, and Del Boy's return on loan with Suarez pushing him further down.

Part of me wonders if the plan was to announce yesterday, but Ross was wheeled out when it wasn't quite done.

Hopefully it's a structured deal - they know we're not loaded, so no need to demand it all up front, so our hastily-arranged pressers shouldn't be done for the season. Fingers crossed.

Tom R Owen
286 Posted 30/07/2014 at 21:34:41
I have to put on record a good job done by Kenwright- praise where it is due.
I feel as excited as when we signed Bob Latchford and Gary Lineker!
COYB
Karl Jones
287 Posted 30/07/2014 at 21:33:53
Great to see Rom back. Immensely strong, perfect for the modern game and PL. A potentially world class striker. I just cant understand why Chelsea let him go.
Stephen Brown
288 Posted 30/07/2014 at 21:37:28
No pessimist posts tonight - so here goes an optimistic one - Lakaku, Barkley and Stones the spine that 2015-16 Premier league title was built on !!!
Peter Laing
289 Posted 30/07/2014 at 21:40:02
One reason Karl the ego of Jose Mourinho, fuck em their loss is definitely are gain
Raymond Fox
290 Posted 30/07/2014 at 21:27:38
Beware the Prem. Everton's steaming in, BK's supporting a proper manager, watch us go.

There are probably a few more players to come yet, no loans have been announced yet.
Top 4 is a more realistic goal now, not just a pipe dream, its a pity that we have the distraction of the Europa which could make us take our eyes off the ball in the League.

Derek Knox
291 Posted 30/07/2014 at 21:36:25
I suppose we can all be grateful that Bill has ' mates at Chelsea ' !

Just think, we could have ended up paying £18M !

Brent Stephens
292 Posted 30/07/2014 at 21:38:46
Agree, Tom. Credit where credit is due. Well done billy Big Bollocks. God, this feels fucking great. Hope he plays in Ossie's testimonial.
Danny Halsall
293 Posted 30/07/2014 at 21:40:44
Wow 28 million for a potentially world class player! And to top it off he is a striker! Finally some proven quality up front. This is a hug statement and one which I think will galvanise the entire squad!

I fucking love our club!

Mike Hughes
294 Posted 30/07/2014 at 21:28:13
Well, this is certainly thinking BIG.

The fee was mooted as £18m on here not so long ago, to £23.7 on the BBC website at 7pm then £28m by 9pm. Good job we didn't delay the press conference any longer than we did.

Never mind, football finances are crazy.
For that money I want 20 goals a season, the dreadlocks back and a trophy.

Really good player, even greater potential and a real statement from the Mighty Blues.

Welcome to Muhamed Besic too - he got a bit overshadowed today.

Exciting season ahead. A couple more would be nice but I'd rather be making these sort of incremental changes rather than wholesale splash-the-cash-to-become-the-new-spurs of our spivvy neighbours.

All this for us and the added bonus of BBC links to "Broken Gerrard's worst 3 months."

Peter Laing
295 Posted 30/07/2014 at 21:42:19
Raymond, I wouldn't mind bagging the EUFA cup mate, it would be excellent progress on our upward trajectory and the chance to savour silverware, I honestly never thought that I would be saying this again at the age of 40
Colin Glassar
296 Posted 30/07/2014 at 21:17:08
Hang your heads in shame Martin Lipton (daily mirror) and that other idiot from the daily telegraph (Jason Bart?). Last night both of them were confidently predicting that Lukaku would be either staying at Chelsea or moving to Europe as poor, little Everton couldn't afford them. Ha! Fuck both of you, especially you Lipton with your visceral hatred of EFC.

I missed the conf and I couldn't get on TW (server down?) but I'm glad it's all over for today. We will sign 2-3 more players but this is our marquee signing and a massive statement to the rest of the league. Everton is back!!

Alex Trevalyn
297 Posted 30/07/2014 at 21:30:54
Yeah Jamie@142 I want evil Rom back with the locks...
Mark Tanton
298 Posted 30/07/2014 at 21:45:24
I wonder how Davey Moyes feels watching this unfold. Regret? Jealousy? Wonde
Brian Harrison
299 Posted 30/07/2014 at 21:44:18
Well this has to be a massive statement from both manager and club. I think we have certainly paid top dollar for him, but he is young and he has scored on a regular basis for 2 clubs in the Premiership. I guess he must be the only player who has ever been sold for this amount without scoring a league goal for the selling club.

Eugene Ruane
300 Posted 30/07/2014 at 21:47:57
"So will you be playing on Sunday?"

Rom smiles and................my twatting computer froze.

Was there an answer?

Tony J Williams
301 Posted 30/07/2014 at 21:37:51
Chris 260. A line from one of my favourite films. Summer School. .brilliant
Mike Hughes
302 Posted 30/07/2014 at 21:47:46
Colin Gee #279

28million? for another £7million we could have had Andy Carroll instead....

A very fair point.

By the way, some tit did ask about vanishing spray at the press conference. RM smiled seemingly out of sympathy.

Kev Johnson
303 Posted 30/07/2014 at 21:53:03
Yup, same with me, Eugene. Anyone know the answer?

I suspect he'll just turn up on the touchline and wave, rather than play.

Joe O'Brien
304 Posted 30/07/2014 at 21:40:32
What a great time to be a blue. Massive signing. £28 mil is a lot but, as many previous posts state, it’s not compared to what other clubs are spending on far inferior players.

What a team we have now: Colman, Stones, McCarthy Barkley and now Lukaku... All extremely talented young players. Besic is going to be great as well I reckon.

IÂ’m mentioning only those but the rest of the team is great as well but the core of the team are at a great age.

What a time to be a Blue!!!

Dan Brierley
305 Posted 30/07/2014 at 21:51:46
Fair play to Mourinho, quite humble there.
Stephen Brown
306 Posted 30/07/2014 at 21:52:04
Surely the marketing people will be able to make some money back selling Lakaku shirts etc . Huge day for the Blues! It would be great to get amongst the sky darlings and upset the apple cart this season.
Alan Corken
307 Posted 30/07/2014 at 21:52:01
Only the cheating rat boy and RVP have scored more goals in the premier league in the last 2 years, so at his young age £28m is a friggin smash and grab!
Peter Laing
308 Posted 30/07/2014 at 21:52:30
Tip my hat to you Colin, spot on mate with your conviction regarding both Besic and Romelu. You heard about any other names ? I would expect that these will be loans and have a faint hope that Gerard Del will be back.
Karl Jones
309 Posted 30/07/2014 at 21:54:30
Eugene & Kev...The answer was " No but he will be there to support Leon and be introduced to the crowd. His First appearance will be on 7th"
Derek Knox
310 Posted 30/07/2014 at 21:53:43
Eugene # 309

You're lucky, I saw nothing at all and like you, don't know if we signed David Henen, or what !

Graham Holliday
311 Posted 30/07/2014 at 21:55:16
He said "I'll be there". Don't why they were being so coy about it... either he plays or he doesn't... assume they haven't decided.

Maybe Lukaku wants to play but Martinez doesn't want him to get injured having just spent the entirety of his transfer budget for the next 5 years!

David Chait
312 Posted 30/07/2014 at 21:37:01
I look at it and see:
  • Stones, Barkley, Lukaku, McCarthy – young, highly talented, so much so they are destined to be good enough for any side in the world;
  • Then we have Coleman and Baines – two of the best full backs in the league;
  • Experience in Jagielka, the first choice England CB (for now);
  • Barry, underrated midfield connector;
  • The mercurial Mirallas, on his day so creative, speedy and deadly;
  • and Howard – Everton fans may just have learnt to appreciate this guy;
  • Then we have Besic who I sense might be the signing of the summer at £4M.
I know I see through blue tinted specs but this team is frightfully talented. I know the youngsters still need to grow the around game, but there is no ceiling to that crop. ask Premier League Owl! I expect our first choice 11 can beat any team in England! No doubt... With Martinez, I know this team believe it too.
Kev Johnson
313 Posted 30/07/2014 at 21:56:26
Thanks Karl. What did Mourninho say, Dan B?
Ken Buckley
314 Posted 30/07/2014 at 21:29:32
Signing Lukaku for a record fee is a tremendous filip for club and fans alike. The fee itself says Everton are big time and although for top goalscoring strikers is not that high these days. The signing will also give our existing players belief that the club is intent on pursuing the Martinez way to silverware and that in itself can raise their game a few notches.
Players who may be on the managers radar now or in the future will have seen the ambition shown and the prospect of luring the players he deems suitable and necessary will become easier.
I also think how we are viewed throughout the media may well change for the better and as more pieces of the jig-saw come online and we become regular contenders for trophies we will be harder to just dismiss as seems the case at present.

This may all seem pie in the sky but you can bet your boots that as the crowds walk up to the ground for the first home game of the season the expectations will be high enough for us to believe we will be watching this seasons champions and we wont mean Arsenal.
Oh what joy it is to sign a top of the range striker. I cant wait to see who else we may sign before or on deadline day.
UP THE BLUES.

Raymond Fox
315 Posted 30/07/2014 at 21:47:17
Peter I know what you mean, Roberto has to prioritise the Prem. though, the two might stretch us a little too far.

What the hell, it feels great to be an Evertonian, this season could be the start of something special, I can feel it in my water.

Matt Traynor
316 Posted 30/07/2014 at 21:55:19
Colin #305, fair fucks to you fella, you put your neck on the line, and faced a Doddish or Wallingesque absence had it gone wrong for your prediction.

I do think it goes without saying this is our marquee signing.

Where's the Eastbourne Pier money Bill?

Mike Oates
317 Posted 30/07/2014 at 21:58:37
Apparently going back to Belgium for a few days and returns to "watch" Ossie's testimonial .Available for game on 7th
John Raftery
318 Posted 30/07/2014 at 21:46:26
While nothing will ever match the signing of Alan Ball two weeks after he became World Cup winner, this is still fantastic coup for the club. We will also have Rom from the start of the season. Last year he did not arrive until after we had played 3 matches and was ineligible for the 4th game against Chelsea.
Dan Brierley
319 Posted 30/07/2014 at 21:58:54
Just wished him well Kev, explained that Romelu wanted to be the number 1 striker, and Chelsea could not offer him that. He said a few times, that he is a good kid and deserves to be happy, and has the right mentality. He also mentioned about the FFP rules, and how it made sense to Chelsea to let Lukaku go to allow them more room to manoeuvre in the transfer market.
Dominic Tonge
320 Posted 30/07/2014 at 21:53:57
Brilliant news. Well done Roberto and the lads for making him part of it all. And well done to BK or whoever sorted out the deal. All round top work. Off to grab a beer and celebrate.
Harold Matthews
321 Posted 30/07/2014 at 21:36:04
Great news. Been blocked off TW all day. Big fee but others were coming in. Wolfsburg offered £22m last night and may have increased it.

These younsters will take a few years to reach their peak so I'm not expecting them to set the world alight just yet. Martinez has done amazing things in the past12 months and I'm quite happy watching how he builds a well balanced, competitive squad, piece by piece.

Ernie Baywood
322 Posted 30/07/2014 at 21:57:23
Unbelievable. I actually saw his tweet last night and noticed he was on a plane... took to Google maps to see whether you would actually fly from Belgium to Holland or drive. Came to the conclusion he was going somewhere but the "new chapter" would mean a new club (ie not us).

Woke up with the little blue icon in my notification bar. Big smile this morning!

What a statement by the club. Huge investment in a young player with massive potential. Evidence that Martinez will be backed. Really feels like we've arrived - back to somewhere we belong.

Terry Davies
323 Posted 30/07/2014 at 21:54:08
Michael (286)

Thought exactly the same at the time. You could see he loved Robbie and that the feeling was mutual. Thought then (hoped) that this could lead to a permanent move. During the press conference was really impressed with his composure, intelligence and eloquence. Seems a great lad and I'm absolutely delighted.

Derek (300)

Has your cup ever been more than a quarter full? For Christ's sake give Bill credit. He's done brilliantly with the interests of this club foremost. He didn't sell us to the Venkeys.

I'm more optimistic now than even last season and we'll have to do better this because of the money in the pockects of those who finished above us plus Man U

Mike Corcoran
324 Posted 30/07/2014 at 21:56:00
A few months ago we were scraping the barrel with Kenwynne Jones rumours.......still need another decent goalscorer to press Rom though and I think RM has hinted as much....could be a watershed couple of weeks
James Morgan
325 Posted 30/07/2014 at 22:04:44
Proper buzzing about this. I'm half expecting a dot between the 2 and 8.
Wayne Smyth
326 Posted 30/07/2014 at 22:02:43
Think we found out where the Arteta money went.

Can we have 5 minutes of peace now where people aren't carping on about how useless the club is???? Please?

Brian Abbott
327 Posted 30/07/2014 at 21:57:14
Great news This is
a brilliant investment. Lukako has been a proven goalscorer throughout his short career at the top level. We now own the rights on him in a brilliant instalment deal. Well done to Roberto and Bill.

Don't worry there will be more to come or how the hell could we put up a show in the EL. Roberto will really give that one a go.

These are great times. I was there when Andy Gray climbed all over the Watford keeper at Wembley and Elton John was in tears. I think he was a tad jealous. That was the start of a wonderful period in our history. I feel that Roberto can bring us something just as good. Keep the faith and the sky is the limit. Can't wait for the new season.

COYB NSNO!!!

David Chait
328 Posted 30/07/2014 at 22:07:24
Now RM has the fish he wanted and how much it cost, this opens up management knowing how much is left in the kitty. Obviously the fee is staggered although I find the 5m a year hard to believe. I reckon we have some cash left, hopefully enough to sign up Henen and Galloway.. although I have my sights on a left wing… but get Henen first please.
Chris James
329 Posted 30/07/2014 at 21:59:16
I know we shouldn't be greedy, but Robbie did say 3-4 so I'm hoping there's still a small pit left for small/young signings like Henen and Galloway plus a couple of loans in the ether to offer options on the flank and up front (Atsu, Traore)
Kev Johnson
330 Posted 30/07/2014 at 22:08:20
After splashing out on Rom, I think the next couple of players coming through the doors will have to be loans.Surely there's no way we can fund anything else? Not a big problem for me, it has to be said - we've shown we can use the loan system well.

Where was that thread where we were invited to predict how much we'd spend in this window? I went for £20-25m!

Derek Knox
331 Posted 30/07/2014 at 22:11:13
Terry # 332

Loosen up a bit mate, I was only having a laugh, or are you not supposed to do that on here !

Eugene Ruane
332 Posted 30/07/2014 at 21:52:17
Mark (307) - "I wonder how Davey Moyes feels watching this unfold. Regret? Jealousy?"

DM sits in a darkened room, naked and covered in calamine lotion.

There’s a knock on the door.

DM: "Whit is it the noo!!?"

Morag: "Av brought ye another bottle o’ lotion"

DM: "Aye come in, this wan is awmost empty"

Morag enters.

Morag: "Ach Davey, that looks awfy sore, whit have a told ye aboot sittin’ in the sun, yer’ve no got the complexion fer it"

DM: "Thought a’d be ok...had two cardies oan...an mah duffle coat"

Morag: "By the way, that boy’s gone back tae Everton"

DM: "Which boy?"

Morag: "Och ye know....ahm nae guid wi names...the big powerful looking black boy, cannae remember hoo tae say his name"

Moyes smiles and thinks ’mugs’

DM: "It’s pronounced ’An-ee-chee-bee’ and he’ll no do them much good, the boy’s gash"

Morag: "No it’s no him...whit’s his name?....LUKAKEEE...or sumpthin like that, anywayz they paid 28 million fer him - ah’ll gi’ ye a knock when yer fish fingers are ready"

Morag leaves.

Dave takes the bottle of calamine lotion....and begins to drink it.

James Richard
333 Posted 30/07/2014 at 22:13:00
I never thought I would see the day when Everton spend £28m on a player. I’m in dreamland right now. I’m just too gobsmacked to put my thoughts into words.

I have to say Well Done to Bill an the Board on this one. COYB! IMWT!

Colin Metcalfe
334 Posted 30/07/2014 at 21:57:18
More or less just stepped off the plane from Bankok and after seeing that drab game at the weekend this was just the tonic I needed !! Absolutely fantastic news and a real statement of intent , just hope there is more to come ....maybe a few loanees ?
At £28m - is he worth it ? Probably not but football prices are so inflated these days however we finally have a proven goal scorer who I believe genuinely loves the club ! I have often criticized Lukaku on this site , we all know his weaknesses ( first touch/link up play etc ) but as he readily admits he is young and wants to learn to become a better player.
Overall a major plus for our squad and an eye opener for our top six rivals - We Mean Business ! Although had to laugh at a comment by a Gooners fan on another site " Fuck me , have Everton won the lottery " well today it certainly feels like it !! COYB !
Brent Stephens
335 Posted 30/07/2014 at 22:13:21
David Chait #321 - and Oviedo baby - woh, oha, woh.
Carl Sanderson
336 Posted 30/07/2014 at 22:16:22
James 293:

I think Spurs paid £30m for Lamela. And look how that turned out.

Kevin Tully
337 Posted 30/07/2014 at 22:18:56
20/1 for Romelu to finish top P.L. scorer! Get on.
Brian Abbott
338 Posted 30/07/2014 at 22:15:13
Eugene 341

Bloody brilliant mate. You paint pictures with words even if you have to be a scholar of The Bruins to follow the prose.

Ian Pilkington
339 Posted 30/07/2014 at 22:11:01
Amazing that Blue Bill & Co have sanctioned a serious money deal at last. No doubt if the transfer had dragged on towards the deadline, Lukaku would have gone elsewhere. I'm sure he'll be well worth the money, just hope we have a big enough squad to cope with the Europa League.
Kevin Rowlands
340 Posted 30/07/2014 at 22:21:01
Eric, just a quick question regarding your assertion that we are not stronger than last season because we have the same amount of players, the RS have brought in 3/4 new players BUT lost Suarez, do you think they are now stronger because of that? no, didn't think so.
Sharabi Singh
341 Posted 30/07/2014 at 22:21:12
Glad hes here for start of season. Last seasons 3 draws in the beginning with lukaku maybe would have been 3 wins.
Hes a top lad with a bright future and theres no need to dwell on price. Martinez is right. This fuckers worth every penny and we all know it
David Chait
342 Posted 30/07/2014 at 22:24:22
yep Brent. I wanted to include him as he is my first choice LB.. but decided on the obvious for the point. But thanks for sticking him in… man we missed that kid.
Iain Love
343 Posted 30/07/2014 at 22:23:47
At least /last we are a team with teeth now wouldn't mind Shaqiri [ with the money saved ] to give us even more bite.
Brent Stephens
344 Posted 30/07/2014 at 22:24:43
Eugene #341 - you are one fucking King Cnut at times but that had me in tears!!
Colin Glassar
345 Posted 30/07/2014 at 22:29:28
Brent, I didn't know Eugene was a Viking.
Brent Stephens
346 Posted 30/07/2014 at 22:28:52
Well, that was a great transfer window, despite all the Jeremiahs. The window has closed, hasn't it? We can't sign anybody else, can we?
Tom Bowers
347 Posted 30/07/2014 at 22:26:02
HereÂ’s hoping he gets in a good, consistent shift without getting injured as the options are limited in his type of role unless RM has some cards still to play.

Whilst Koné and or Traoré are the only possible replacements, the alternative of Naismith in that role just doesn’t inspire me.

Peter Laing
348 Posted 30/07/2014 at 22:29:32
You couldn't make it up, yellow bar on SSN - Romelu Lukaku - Everton sign Lukaku for £28 million

Moyes - no further charges for his bar room brawl

Poetic justice !

Paul Andrews
349 Posted 30/07/2014 at 22:31:45
If he gets the amount of players he originally said he would get,one or two doubters will explode with embarrassment
Shane Corcoran
350 Posted 30/07/2014 at 22:28:12
Great news. Anyone hear anything on Atsu?
Matthew Roberts
351 Posted 30/07/2014 at 22:35:07
Atsu in apparant talks with Sunderland over a loan move; IÂ’m not sure how much weÂ’re interested in him. I like the look of him, though, so I hope he ends up here...
Brent Stephens
352 Posted 30/07/2014 at 22:31:20
Colin, he strikes me as a bit of a berserker at times (as per old Norse literature).
Paul Mackie
353 Posted 30/07/2014 at 22:37:30
So, just to summarise. WeÂ’re not even in August yet and weÂ’ve signed 2 of our best loanees from last season, plus a DM who had Messi in his pocket all game long at the World Cup.

What a shite summer so far...

James Marshall
354 Posted 30/07/2014 at 22:36:23
Atsu is in talks with Sunderland over a loan move. I canÂ’t see Chelsea offering us any more players.
Ross Edwards
355 Posted 30/07/2014 at 22:30:14
Brilliant signing, great to see Rom back at Goodison. It shows the new found belief and ambition we have now under Martinez. £28m may look expensive but I believe it is very much money well spent. 100%.

LetÂ’s be honest, we would have faced the terrifying prospect of bloody Kone up front against Leicester on the opening day had we not acted today. We are now two more signings away I reckon from being more than ready for the season ahead.

A backup to Rom, to add depth for the Europa League, maybe Hernandez, and a winger, either Atsu, or, we are being linked on Twitter with a Deulofeu return. I think it has some legs.

On Sunday, Barcelona released their squad numbers, and he wasnÂ’t given one, we have a link with Barcelona now it seems, and he is in the country now on training camp. He will also see next to no football this season now Suarez has signed for Barca, 4th or 5th in the pecking order now.

I also would like a backup goalie. has that Ochoa found a club yet? That free agent who single handedly kept Brazil out in the World Cup, because Joel is woeful. CouldnÂ’t catch a cold at all.

A very exciting season ahead. I wonÂ’t say that weÂ’ll win something, but I think we are on the verge of something special under Martinez.

James Marshall
356 Posted 30/07/2014 at 22:39:06
Paul Mackie - apart from the bit near the end when Messi burst free of, and past Besic for the winning goal.....but weÂ’ll all gloss over that bit! ;-)
Paul Mackie
357 Posted 30/07/2014 at 22:42:06
James - A small detail!
Brent Stephens
358 Posted 30/07/2014 at 22:40:40
Okay, James #365, but we are talking Messi! I know he might have similar problems shackling Gerrard... but heÂ’s a stumble bum!
Joe O'Brien
359 Posted 30/07/2014 at 22:28:49
Eugene, that was hilarious, mate!
Mike Hughes
360 Posted 30/07/2014 at 22:23:51
Just thinking about our squad.
When was the last time we had such quality and emerging talent?
Probably 84-85

Howard
Coleman - Jags - Stones - Distin - Baines - Oviedo
Mirallas - Besic - Gibson - Barkley - McCarthy - Barry - Pienaar - Osman
Naismith - Lukaku - Kone

I look at that squad and donÂ’t think they should fear anyone.

Tonight does feel like a landmark in the clubÂ’s history.
I have my natural Everton cynicism but canÂ’t help but be excited about the future.

People making comparisons with when we signed Alan Ball, Latchford and Lineker. IÂ’d add Andy Gray to that list and Peter Reid as both were catalysts to our success.

Hopefully weÂ’re on the verge of something great.

Even the lack of a creative midfielder is compensated by the attacking wing-backs IMHO - though we could do with a bit of flair in the middle. Perhaps some cover at centre back as well?

CanÂ’t wait for the season to start.
Feel like a kid again and wonÂ’t sleep tonight.
I might even buy The Indy tomorrow! Then again ......

Colin Glassar
361 Posted 30/07/2014 at 22:44:09
Peter, ginger was seen at the Preston game last night. Could it be? Surely not? Who knows? He won’t be on £4m a year there.
Kevin Rowlands
362 Posted 30/07/2014 at 22:39:20
Not sure about anyone else but this is the most optimistic I have felt about Everton in 20 years for all the obvious reasons. COYB!
Ciarán McGlone
363 Posted 30/07/2014 at 22:40:23
Well this is weird, but welcome.. a happy transfer window for Evertonians.

Oh my giddy aunt.

Dan Brierley
364 Posted 30/07/2014 at 22:45:33
Besic looks look an excellent prospect, I can see him being the replacement for Barry next season. He looks like a very intelligent player, able to pick out passes and bring others into the game. Looks more like a deep lying playmaker than an out and out defensive midfielder. Exactly what our team needs, as we have been too slow at times turning defence into attack.
Ian Burns
365 Posted 30/07/2014 at 22:40:52
Just woke up - anything happening on the signing front?
Stephen Brown
366 Posted 30/07/2014 at 22:48:30
IÂ’m hoping Besic is a nasty bit of work! As we have a great squad now assembled but just need that nasty streak like reidy and Andy Gray provided .
Paul Andrews
367 Posted 30/07/2014 at 22:50:37
"Robbie,Robbie,will we sign Rom?

"Of course we will"

A man of his word

Harold Matthews
368 Posted 30/07/2014 at 22:42:46
Carl. Watched Lamela score 2 fantastic goals the other day. New boss probably knows how to use him..
Muj Rasul
369 Posted 30/07/2014 at 22:51:43
Colin G - or should I call you The Oracle?

Who is next: Atsu? Remy?? Traore???

Mike Hughes
370 Posted 30/07/2014 at 22:52:17
Stephen #375 -
I have the exact same hopes for Besic.
Hopefully the new Peter Reid.

Trevor Powell
372 Posted 30/07/2014 at 22:51:52
Am I stupid bu but have we signed him as ours or are we going to pay an annual loan fees for five years?

See report: "The deal, reportedly already agreed with Chelsea before today as well as a contingency agreement to loan the player if the Londoners decided to keep him."

Does that mean Chelski get him back when they want as does it mean he can not play against Chelski?

Mark Pierpoint
373 Posted 30/07/2014 at 22:49:26
What an intelligent and eloquent young man. Humble as well. All in all he seems a top lad, and a first class player. Absolutely made up.
Dave Lynch
374 Posted 30/07/2014 at 22:51:22
I know a lot on here donÂ’t have any time for Mourinho but I do, I like the guy, think heÂ’s a great piss taker.

Reckon we owe him a beer on this one as he must have had a say in the lads transfer and obviously felt it was the best move for him as long as he wanted it.

Alan Corken
375 Posted 30/07/2014 at 22:51:43
Mike #369 McGeady isnÂ’t too bad either!
Dan Brierley
376 Posted 30/07/2014 at 22:53:35
Steve #375, I am not sure if he is nasty, but watching him in the World Cup he seems to have a level of arrogance about him, which is great. He seems to have no fear of being in possession, which is a great attribute. Yes, he has been caught in possession or lost the ball, but he is always looking to do something with it, and not just a 3 years lay off passing the book to someone else.

I got Bosnia in the sweepstake, so had a good look at him and I was quite impressed. Barry and McCarthy are both decent players, but you cannot say that they play with arrogance or swagger, they are more in the Â’honest workersÂ’ bracket. We need someone who is going to own the centre of the park, and let opposing teams know it.

Peter Anthony
377 Posted 30/07/2014 at 22:49:48
A fabulous evening for blues everywhere. I am ever the optimist, despite so many false dawns and hopes dashed over the years. The additions of Barry, Besic and Big Rom, allied to Barkley and ColemanÂ’s long term commitment to us, all bode superbly though.

Due to the Roberto Revolution, we really could be on the up and up. Oh for something shiny come the end of the season. Best chances the Cups of course, but we have real reason to believe at last.
Onwards and upwards, COYB.

Peter Laing
378 Posted 30/07/2014 at 22:57:13
4-3-3 formation next season for me :

Howard
Baines Jags Stones Coleman
Barry Besic McCarthy
Mirallas Lukaku Barkley

Mike Hughes
379 Posted 30/07/2014 at 22:56:47
Dave #383
I also like Mourinho.
HeÂ’s Â’my enemyÂ’s enemyÂ’ as the redshite hate him.
He was a bit up himself at the start of last season but also engineered the two best away performances - away to City and away to the shite.
Chelsea are my bet for the league this year (if itÂ’s not us!)
Stephen Brown
380 Posted 30/07/2014 at 22:59:34
Dan #385 itÂ’ll be good to have so many options! Lets hope he settled in well and with the Europa fixtures IÂ’m sure Bobby can keep all the squad happy !
GJ Butler
381 Posted 30/07/2014 at 22:58:59
Trevor, I assume it means a deal to get Lukaku back this season was already agreed, it was just a matter of which of the two deals on the table went through - (1) a permanent transfer, or failing that, (2) the contingency, another loan. It would appear we tied up the permanent transfer.
Paul Hughes
382 Posted 30/07/2014 at 22:57:05
Well, IÂ’ve just caught up with this after chasing around after kids all evening. Brilliant news, best transfer news since Tony Cottee - hmmm....letÂ’s hope he scores more.

And I hope all the miserable gits moaning about the Ross Barkley press conference will now shut the fuck up!

Mike Hughes
383 Posted 30/07/2014 at 23:02:55
Paul #391 - if I recall correctly, Cottee scored 99 goals for us.
He was a good finisher in a declining team.
Chad Schofield
384 Posted 30/07/2014 at 22:55:50
CouldnÂ’t be happier! As others have said itÂ’s a great statement from the club.

HeÂ’s a brilliant player with a huge amount of potential!!!

Stephen Brown
385 Posted 30/07/2014 at 23:02:23
Another positive from this transfer window (not wishing to tempt fate) is I haven’t had the constant worry of Sky darlings coming to pinch our players. Everyone seems settled and has bought into Roberto's vision . Spending £28M on a striker will help too!
Dan Brierley
386 Posted 30/07/2014 at 23:02:08
Agreed Steve, the Europa is really a blessing to allow us to blood some of these youngsters as there are a lot of young lads that are going to need game time. I absolutely loved watching Vaughany and Big Vic showing what they can do in the europa.

I am also thrilled that Tim Howard signed an extension, as I am still able to say I am younger than an Everton first team player for a little while longer!!

Dennis Ng
387 Posted 30/07/2014 at 23:07:32
HOLY COW! BK SPENT REAL DOUGH!

I definitely wanÂ’t expecting $28m and hope it doesnÂ’t come with other sacrifices. It is good to see him here regardless. Less UCL talk, more goals.

Harold Matthews
388 Posted 30/07/2014 at 23:12:19
Peter. Van Gaal would not like your line-up. For 4-3-3 he says you must have specialist wingers.
Patrick Murphy
389 Posted 30/07/2014 at 23:17:42
Just finished reading the other Lukaku thread from earlier today and somebody posted a link to the International Business Times and they had the story of the deal and the fee almost spot on £28.5m at 13:01 BST – I will have to keep on eye on their site in future.
Bob Parrington
390 Posted 30/07/2014 at 23:09:12
Great news to wake up to. Our youngest son told me yesterday it would happen but I truly expected Billy boy to knock it on the head. Well done, Blues. This is a great signal of intent.
Mark Halliday
391 Posted 30/07/2014 at 23:10:41
Buzzzzzzzin, Best news in 30 years.

I can’t wait for the new season. Well done Roberto and also ya gotta hand it to Blue Bill — he has come through massively for the club.

School of Science is back with a bang.

Mike Hughes
392 Posted 30/07/2014 at 23:23:56
Great night tonight.
Think IÂ’ll put my Russ Abbott album on.
Paul Hughes
393 Posted 30/07/2014 at 23:18:34
Mike (392), I take your point, but I still hope that Rom averages more than 12 or 13 a season. Ultimately TC was a British transfer record signing who never really delivered.
Jason Broome
394 Posted 30/07/2014 at 23:28:00
Speechless.
Mike Green
395 Posted 30/07/2014 at 23:30:02
Oh my God.....
Kev Johnson
396 Posted 30/07/2014 at 23:08:14
Dave (383) and Mike (388) - I rate Mourinho as well. The man has wit, intelligence and is as ruthless as fuck. One or two above talking about us needing a nasty streak in our team, well Jose has it in spades. The man is a winner.

I think people are getting a bit carried away about Besic. He played almost entirely at CB in Hungary. He played as quite a destructive DM in the World Cup. I donÂ’t think thereÂ’s any way heÂ’s going to turn into a deep playmaker.

The thing is, when everyone in defense is passing it out, you probably donÂ’t need a deep playmaker. Likewise, when everyone in the team is capable of creating chances (which I think is what Roberto is after), you probably donÂ’t need a "creative" attacking midfielder, an old school number 10. Those two roles are kind of redundant when youÂ’re playing total football.

Jamie Sweet
397 Posted 30/07/2014 at 23:36:38
Hear that?

ItÂ’s the sound of the rest of the Premier League shitting themselves!

Ryan Rosenberg
398 Posted 30/07/2014 at 23:32:58
Not ashamed to say I had tears of joy. In the words of Bobby, this is truly "phenomenal"
Mike Hughes
399 Posted 30/07/2014 at 23:37:23
Paul #402 - agreed; I just think Cottee gets a bad rap sometimes.
He knew where the net was which we could have done with a bit more of in these past 25 years.
Jim Lloyd
400 Posted 30/07/2014 at 23:25:29
Rommy said it all really. "I feel I belong here." I donÂ’t think that comment was some throwaway one. It was proof of how he enjoyed everything about last season, especially playing for our Manager.
As for £28 million being too much, I don’t agree. It’s a lot of money, granted but we have just bought a young lad with a great goal scoring record and he’s going to get better. His signing will also tempt other young players to our club, as Robbie is already doing.

Liverpool just paid £26 million for Lallana. I’m not knocking the lad but transfers like that just put in perspective just what a great purchase we’ve made.

As for Besic, heÂ’s another young player who came here because of Robbie, I think this lad is going to be a bit special. He looks so confident of his own ability, itÂ’s a bit gobsmacking. I get the feeling that he will be like Peter Reid once he settles in.

What a great few days... brilliant work

Jamie Crowley
401 Posted 30/07/2014 at 23:38:45
And I said on the "what will we spend this summer" thread <$10 million...

Jesus.

Andrew Hawes
402 Posted 30/07/2014 at 23:28:57
Credit where credit’s due!! Bill Kenwright has delivered; better still, if it is the reported £5 million up front, it’s the deal of the decade!!

Romelu has to improve on last season to live up to that kind of fee but I really thought we were going to be watching him banging in the goals elsewhere.

My one negative comment (as all us Evertonians have!!): If we had offered Chelsea £12-15 million last July, they would have taken our arm off!!

Maybe our chairman isnÂ’t the bungling idiot we love to hate? Could Atsu on loan with first refusal on buying be part of the deal??

Derek Knox
403 Posted 30/07/2014 at 23:45:53
Mike Hughes #401,

IÂ’d be careful there if I was you!

It could create an Â’atmosphereÂ’!

Kevin Rowlands
404 Posted 30/07/2014 at 23:44:39
Maybe a question for another thread, but, has there ever been a better time to either sell, or for someone to invest in the greatest club in the world, Everton Football Club? cash in Bill, you know itÂ’s the right thing to do!
Andrew Presly
405 Posted 30/07/2014 at 23:40:50
Bill, against all odds youÂ’ve done it. YouÂ’ve restored the pride. Whoever helped you do this financially and at what future cost I donÂ’t care at this point.

WeÂ’ll consider that tomorrow and beyond.

For now, thank you Bill & "friends" and thank you Everton.

Anthony Lewis
406 Posted 30/07/2014 at 23:42:35
Absolutely brilliant news. WeÂ’ve got a real chance of a Champions League spot this year now. COYB!
Nicholas Ryan
407 Posted 30/07/2014 at 23:56:51
As to the price ... ItÂ’s less than Liverpool paid for Andy Carroll, and itÂ’s half what Chelsea paid for Fernando Torres!

What takes my breath away, is that [unlike most of us] Roberto clearly never had a momentÂ’s doubt that it was going to happen. My God, IÂ’d hate to play poker against him!

By the way, does Â’Mystic ColinÂ’ have any views about the 3.45 at Newmarket this Saturday!!

Ant Dwyer
408 Posted 30/07/2014 at 23:52:44
Rommmmmmmmmeeeeeelllllluuuuuu is back!
WOW!

Gotta give it to Colin too. He continually called it, credit were itÂ’s due!

I hope heÂ’s right about us looking at a Man Utd player too, my bet now would be Cleverley as Welbeck or Hernandez may be out the question now weÂ’ve bought Rom. Then again thereÂ’s always Fellaini!

Who knows? Well maybe Col does... ;-) Spill the beans, Collin mate! I must admit though , if IÂ’d have been told the fee was going to be £28m I wouldnÂ’t have thought we’d have completed it! Well done, the Blues.

Jamie Sweet
409 Posted 31/07/2014 at 00:29:13
Roberto says thereÂ’s still more to come. I think we need another striker and a winger. Traore and Atsu, both on loan would be my guess.

Someone like Remy who can play up top or out wide would also be a good fit.

Would also like to see one more attacking midfielder to cover Ross. Kagawa on loan would be an interesting one.

Kase Chow
410 Posted 31/07/2014 at 00:35:40
Superb news!!
Jamie Sweet
411 Posted 31/07/2014 at 00:34:34
I also have to agree with Jim 409. I have a feeling that Besic is going to be a real gem.
Ernie Baywood
412 Posted 31/07/2014 at 00:31:34
Mike Hughes, I actually went to print in the pink Echo defending the departing Cottee when I was a kid. From memory he scored 99 in 200 games. Writing a letter (by hand) to the pink... those were the days. Tweeting my shit opinions doesnÂ’t have quite the same appeal.

These are good days too though. Still canÂ’t quite believe that weÂ’re actually going to try to compete. In the past weÂ’ve been ecstatic to secure the likes of Kevin Campbell permanently. Great servant obviously but it was the kind of signing no-one outside of Everton gave a shit about. This is something else.

Drew Shortis
413 Posted 31/07/2014 at 00:40:57
I felt confident that this deal would happen once the interest from Juventus seemed to cool but it was still a nerve racking few weeks. I’m extremely pleased we have finally got a genuine 20+ goals a season striker. £28m for a proven Premier League goalscorer with such a long career in front of him is a great move by the club.

He cost a lot but it does show that we are serious about becoming one of the top teams in the country again. When he signed on loan last season, I thought it was a real coup for the club but didnÂ’t seriously imagine us signing on a permanent basis. It just goes to show how far we have come in one season under Martinez!

Ernie Baywood
414 Posted 31/07/2014 at 00:44:40
And for all the criticism of LukakuÂ’s cockyness... How good is it to have a player who openly says he wants to be the best? He wants to be world class.

Then we have the best left back in the league. The incomparable Seamus. Stones with potential to be the sort of defender England have never produced. McCarthy with his boundless energy and Â’winnerÂ’ attitude. Barkley.

The others around them arenÂ’t bad either. Jags is still top level. McGeady and Mirallas will scare teams. Add the older influences and the up and young prospects and this is a very exciting time.

Nil Satis...

Steven Telford
415 Posted 31/07/2014 at 00:10:00
ItÂ’s a colossal amount of money to pay, and the fact that we have paid it is testament to a number of things:

1. Largely Shrewd transfer dealings for the past decade.

2. And – relatedly – how strong the rest of the squad is.

You look around our squad, and see the best team we have had in more than the last quarter of a century. Simply, a striker is our only positional shortage. The raw talent is all there. And it is that strength that lets us blow so much cash on one position.

And, to be honest – loathed as I am to do so – there are some people to thank for this; like it or not, Moyes is one of them, not just cynically for the Fellaini cash, but for stabilization. What we are taking now is the intent of the next step, that being something towards the restoration of true ambition.

What we are getting for this huge sum of money is not just a potentially world class striker, but possibly an enhancement of our ability to hang on to the likes of Barkley, McCarthy, Colman….etc. That’s what a proportion of the £28 million is about. A statement of ambition, a denouncement of the status quo, and, as somebody wrote recently, a stamen of intent.

ItÂ’s a big gamble, but one we had to take. The scariest thing now is the height of our expectations and if they can be met. There is little use in saying stuff like "ItÂ’s half what X paid for YÂ…." etc. As itÂ’s very easy to give a flipside to that: almost 3 times what RS paid for Sturridge or what they were about to pay for RemyÂ….. etc.

There are bargains and there are bloopers out there; Lukaku has what it takes, but also he has something to prove, and letÂ’s hope he takes the bull by the horns and does so. ItÂ’s strange really, because the change is only subtle in that our team is similar to what it was last season, but with the exception of experience and confidence. If those two elements can combine to make Barkley a better decision maker, and Lukaku to have better first touch, then then that subtle difference will be a lot less subtle. Touch wood, Martinez and his brand of beautifully positive football, is the oil for this engine.

Conn Prosser
417 Posted 31/07/2014 at 01:05:54
Holy Mother of God, I never saw that coming.

Thrilled to tiny bits!

Welcome, Rom lad, you and a good handful of others will make us great again.

Peter Laing
418 Posted 31/07/2014 at 01:05:43
Harold, my 4-3-3 comprises of Coleman and Baines raiding with Barry and McCarthy covering with Besic sitting deep and ensuring that he patrols the back four when the two full-backs bomb on.
Mike Hughes
420 Posted 31/07/2014 at 00:59:16
Ernie #421 - good for you.

Cottee was a decent player and the stats prove it.

I wonÂ’t have a bad word said about Super Kev. I know you werenÂ’t having a go. He served EFC well.

Also think we had one or two more who might have fared better if theyÂ’d been served properly.

Andy Johnson should have been close to 20 goals a season but played into corners.

Same will apply to Lukaku. Need to give him the right service. Think RM will have it sorted.

Trophies.

Andy Crooks
421 Posted 31/07/2014 at 01:15:24
Eugene, 341, great stuff. The Moyes biography is in your hands.
Barry Stevens
422 Posted 31/07/2014 at 01:41:40
Had a rant on here the other day, but now IÂ’m eating a whole tray of humble pie. This will make people sit up and notice us. A player with potential to be one of the worldÂ’s best. Never in a million years thought we would get him.

NIL SATIS NISI OPTIMUM

Martin O'Hare
423 Posted 31/07/2014 at 01:40:14
Lived in Sydney for 35 years, back in Liverpool on 20th August for 3 weeks, have tickets for the Arsenal and Chelsea games.

Heard the Lukaku news a couple of hours ago IÂ’m so exited its brilliant news for us long suffering Evertonians.

Remember like yesterday when we signed Alan Ball, we were a very big club then(1966) The Lukaku signing is very very important for our club, the Redshite must be spewing!

Harold Matthews
424 Posted 31/07/2014 at 01:33:51
Peter. I was not speaking from a personal point of view because, TBH, I donÂ’t know how the system is supposed to work. .i was just repeating the words of Van Gaal who is an expert. "For 4-3-3 we would need specialist wingers and more attackers."
Jim Knightley
425 Posted 31/07/2014 at 01:54:06
When I estimated a 30-40million summer spend in January, and this summer, it was understandably met with derision. I honestly doubted myself. I cannot believe that it turned out to be correct in exactly the way Everton fans wanted. We have just signed one of the very best young strikers in the world. We have an incredible array of youngsters in, or around, the first team. We have proved that we can compete.

This has vindicated MartinezÂ’s loan system. 2 of the 4 (The most impressive two) have signed permanently, and Traore may well re-join. LetÂ’s get Atsu in and a creative presence, and then I think we will have enough about us to compete in the Europa league and Premier League. If the payments are staggered then that is even better, as it will suit our debt repayments.

This has been a good day.

Jim Knightley
426 Posted 31/07/2014 at 01:54:06
Quite a bit of news also coming through about the Hennen kid signing too....

Oh happy days!

Gary Edwards
427 Posted 31/07/2014 at 01:56:19
My heart goes out to BIll, often maligned (justifiably generally) but in this case heÂ’s done the right thing.

Remember that feeling when after years of saving and squirreling away money gained from the sale of family heirlooms you finally decide to take the plunge and buy that dream house or trade in your motor for your dream car ? That moment when you put pen to paper, authorise that bank transfer and the money is gone, that moment you feel sick to your stomach, you feel lost .... youÂ’re skint.

Cheer up Bill, if you continue with these good practices we may actually go on and win the league within the next 5 years.

I imagine Bill will be at FF a lot in the next few months polishing his new asset and putting him back in the box at the end of each day.

Kevin Fitzsimons
428 Posted 31/07/2014 at 02:19:08
Woke up on a 'cold' (10 degrees) Brisbane morning to see this headline. Skipped to the bus stop (rare sight of a 50 something portly bloke skipping and whislting the Z Cars theme) Was still smiling on my packed bus, stuck in the morning rush hour. Am still smiling 3 hours later and keep looking back at TW to check the headline is still the same.

IMWT
COYB
NSNO

Paul Ferry
429 Posted 31/07/2014 at 02:26:55
Ciarán McGlone – #372: ’Well this is weird, but welcome.. a happy transfer WINDOW for Evertonians. Oh my giddy aunt’

Erm, Ciarain, where exactly where you on 2 September 2013?

If you were on ToffeeWeb that day, then utterly friendly I would suggest kindly that you take a trip to the Doc coz IÂ’m worried about the possibly of early dementia setting in... and, you being a fellow blue, I donÂ’t want that.

Have you really forgotten the last window? The first of BobbyÂ’s two great windows out of... well.. two? Do you remember Phil McNultyÂ’s piece early last September on who had the best window? Not Spurs, Liverpool, Man City, Chelsea, MoyesÂ’s Man Utd or the Gooners, but, guess what, Everton!

Peter Creer
430 Posted 31/07/2014 at 02:41:52
At the beginning of the transfer window there is not an Evertonian out there who would have said that this was going to happen……Okay, maybe the grand optimists out there. Money has been spent like never before and with the arrivals of Lukaku, Barry and Besic, along with the new contract for Ross, the days ahead look very promising. This transfer window has been about growth and not saving what we have.

A corner has most certainly been turned......

NSNO

The happiest man in Canada!

Lewis Barclay
431 Posted 31/07/2014 at 02:54:59
Great signing.

However, I'm a little surprised at the level of positivity, especially for. TW thread.

So far, compared to last season, we have strengthened the squad with one DM / utility player (Besic) and lost a loan winger (Dealaufeo) and it's cost around £33.5mil.

Clubs like the RS and Spuds are strengthening with their acquisitions. I won't be too unrealistic (about winning the Prem really!!!!) until we do the same.

Eugene Kearney
432 Posted 31/07/2014 at 05:52:20
"The Special One" has done us a massive favour. Fair play till ’im, I say!!!

I can’t remember the match, but the day Lukaku scored a goal and ran all the way to Roberto at the sideline and jumped on him to celebrate, I said to myself "Maybe he’s falling in love with Everton and will want to stay".

The future is blue - Everton blue.

Chris Funk
433 Posted 31/07/2014 at 05:33:55
Lewis (440) - For myself, I don't think that's a fair assessment of what's happened. Previously, "our squad" consisted of some key players that didn't belong to us. We either needed to pay significantly to secure their services over the long-term, or we would have taken a step backwards from the performances we saw last year.

For me, making progress from last year absolutely must be viewed in terms of the permanent squad – the players we do, in fact, have under contract. No other kind of player can be counted on, year over year. In that light, we have very much strengthened the squad in this transfer window. We have made the most significant short-term improvements we saw last year permanent (or at least long-term).

Imagine if I asked someone to temporarily stash £10k in my bank account for a year. The money isn't mine, but it makes my bank account look really good for a while. At the end of that year, if I permanently acquired that £10k, would I say that my "real" financial position hadn't been strengthened? Would I look at my wife and say, "Hey, we're just standing still here!"?

No – I've got £10k more than I did a year ago. Before, the £10k looked good in my account – and it was nice to pretend it was mine for the year – but it wasn't mine. I didn't actually have it. I got to play with it, nothing more.

I think that's how one has to view these signings – those performances last year were borrowed on some level, and we first had to truly own them before we could build on them. And that takes money.

Now, if your belief was that we needed to splash £50M in this transfer window instead of £30M, that's a different discussion. But what we have done has significantly strengthened our permanent squad – which is the only thing we can really rely on.

Slowly, slowly, we build a permanent squad that can challenge. I would consider it a big step in the right direction to duplicate our league performance from last season, and make waves in the Europa League and FA Cup. If we do so, it will be largely with players from our permanent squad, and we won't have to listen to pundits tell us that we've only 'loaned' our way to a high league position.

That's just how I'm feeling at the moment anyway.

Ajay Gopal
434 Posted 31/07/2014 at 06:08:29
Steven Telford (424), one of the best posts on this thread.

I said on another thread that possibly one of the most important signings in the last 2 decades for Everton happened last year - when Bill Kenwright decided to bring Roberto Martinez to Everton. I do believe that it will be looked back on as a turning point, a watershed event in Everton's history.

I know we have one of the most knowledgeable fan bases in the world, but I am just worried that Lukaku's huge price tag may ratchet up the expectations unrealistically, and if Rom has a few average games, the vocal minority may start turning on him. I hope we show him the patience and love to help him get over the inevitable blips in his (young) career.

Also, as Steven mentioned, thanks must go to David Moyes for his part in building up this excellent squad (Howard, Jags, Baines, Coleman, Stones, Distin, Mirallas, Naismith, Ossie, Pienaar, Oviedo) - when you think about it, his contribution to Everton is staggering really.

Do I believe that Everton will win the league this year? Yes, I do!

Paddy Conran
435 Posted 31/07/2014 at 06:21:26
This is great news. Can't wait for the new season to start. COYB
Mike Green
436 Posted 31/07/2014 at 06:23:45
Eugene #441 - the battering of Arsenal at home? He ran over giving it the four fingers for "4th"?

Woke up this morning and I'm still in shock. And I thought Martinez pulled off a miracle in the last transfer window.....

IMWT!

Mike Green
437 Posted 31/07/2014 at 06:29:06
Ajay #443 - you are spot on regarding supporting Lukaku, he's still a baby really and we need to help him to help us.

If he comes good he could be part of a catalyst for massive change at our club. I know we're all hyped up but yesterday could go down as a real milestone in our history – amazing how Martinez has engineered getting him on loan to doubling our transfer record and getting him permanently – the man's a genius.

And people say the loan system doesn't work.....

Mike Green
438 Posted 31/07/2014 at 06:57:05
Jim #409 - spot on about Besic, his OS interview on its own would get him in my team. With him, Barry, McCarthy and Gibson we've got a great set up in that part of the park potentially for years to come. If we can replicate that across the squad we could be right up there in a few years time.
Paul Andrews
439 Posted 31/07/2014 at 07:07:49
We should not forget the part Ginger Minge played in the signing of Romelu....

After all, he provided £27.5 million of the transfer fee.

Dave Long
440 Posted 31/07/2014 at 07:27:42
Great start to a sweaty Tokyo day... I can sympathize with Moyes and his calamine lotion. This reminded me of Cottee, cheering him on his debut as he bagged a hat-trick. We expected to be champions in those days.

Moyes was instrumental as Paul 448 says. The deadwood clearing has also been so welcome this past few months. Vellios, Gueye, Anichebe, Jelavic, Heitinga... perhaps a bit more to be cleared? Chelsea game next month is gonna be tasty.

BTW, what happened to Richard Dodd? Was he a Moyes mole?

Kieran Fitzgerald
441 Posted 31/07/2014 at 07:29:54
I'll probably get barred from TW for saying this right now, but I really hope the £28m is to be handed over in installments. While I am delighted with Lukaku's signing, he is still only one signing.

All the talk all week has been about us needing two or three decent strikers, another creative midfielder and a winger. Signing Lukaku, despite the lift it has given everyone, myself included, isn't the be-all and end-all.

We still need to keep our sense of perspective and hope that we have some cash left to pay for the other players our squad needs. Yes, I know I should just enjoy the moment but for some reason I just can't help myself.

Mark Pierpoint
442 Posted 31/07/2014 at 07:40:36
Excellent response by Chris Funk #442 everyone is entitled to their opinion but it is a bit simple to suggest that we have not improved our squad.

Loaning players is like renting a house you are getting a place but (in Britain At least) you have no real security. You are also paying into a black hole essentially. Same as Lukaku. We now own him and have a massive playing and financial asset for the next few years.

Lukaku, Barkley et al. Are also young players a year more experienced. If we have bought a thirty year old I may understand a bit, but you can't say we are not a stronger team

Mark Pierpoint
443 Posted 31/07/2014 at 07:59:10
I think it will be Kieran. People were talking about a £5m per year deal. I bet the extra £3 million is performance based.

To be honest, I don't think we need to spend a great deal more. I would prefer another few loans unless it is a bargain, á la Besic.

Darren Warkcup
444 Posted 31/07/2014 at 07:32:35
A great day for the club and us the fans. It does feel as though it was the day we truly arrived as a serious player in the Premier League. It will take time for the media to give us our due but let's not forget the media is infiltrated by RS everywhere.

On to the Management of the club. Whilst we have all wondered where the money has gone for the last few years with players being sold it would seem that there was a plan to put together a war chest and as nobody seemed to be aware of this until yesterday we have managed to sign some really good players at mid table fees. I suspect Southampton may find it harder to replace the players who left on inflated fees when everyone knows they have cash burning a hole in their pocket. Hopefully some of the money was used to further stabilise the club as has been claimed and even start the ball rolling on a new stadium project mark 3. All-in-all, the board still have their faults but perhaps this time they executed a plan perfectly.

Colin Glassar
445 Posted 31/07/2014 at 08:06:49
Wow, what a night that was. Great to see so many fellow Evertonians shake off that usual pre-season pessimism and enjoy themselves for a change.

This isn't the end of Roberto's rebuilding, and strengthening, of the squad but it is his sign of intent to the rest of the league. Now, please, sit back and await his next signings in peace.

Craig Walker
446 Posted 31/07/2014 at 08:13:18
Eugene #341. Genius!
Phil Walling
447 Posted 31/07/2014 at 08:26:06
Paul @ 448: Further to yesterday's debate, you could almost say Fellini has returned in the form of Romelu Lukaku!
Phil Walling
448 Posted 31/07/2014 at 08:31:13
Meant to add that Roberto seems to have found a way to pick his master's pockets.

His predecessor only managed to do it when his own contract negotiations were under way!

Good on him, I'm warming to that Spanish charm.

Peter Mills
449 Posted 31/07/2014 at 08:36:05
I hope Mirallas is as pleased as everyone else by this signing, if so he may pass the ball to Lukaku a little more often.
Conor Waters
450 Posted 31/07/2014 at 07:59:23
Got 150/1 on us to win the league.

Thats the kind of mood I'm in.

Andrew Ellams
451 Posted 31/07/2014 at 08:54:01
We are now in a good place to start the season so Roberto can relax a little bit and think about strengthening the squad for Europe which gives him a full month. But, saying that, I'm sure the targets are already identified.
Mike Keating
452 Posted 31/07/2014 at 08:46:21
A sigh of relief after the long delayed Press Conference last night has been transformed this morning into another bout of fear, loathing and spiralling anxiety and the cause is our old friend Colin Glassar @ 454.

"Sit back" he soothes "and await Roberto's next signings in peace"

What players?
When will they sign?
How much will we spend?

Peace FFS - a riot beckons and a new daily round of the Red Top's rumour mongers and ale house tittle tattle. I can't stand it

Bob Jackson
453 Posted 31/07/2014 at 09:17:11
Roberto is Mr Tambourine Man – you just have to follow him!
Duncan McDine
454 Posted 31/07/2014 at 09:18:21
There has to be more signings... we’re now back to the same amount of senior players as last season’s squad, and pretty much the same personel... but with a perminent central midfielder replacing a pacey winger/forward. I’d be surprised if we saw any more come in on a perminent basis or before the season kicks off, but surely 2 or 3 loans will be coming in before deadline day ends. At the very least we need another attacking player to replace Barca kid... or even the fella himself if roumers are to be beleived.
Matt Traynor
455 Posted 31/07/2014 at 09:31:47
Phil #457, it's not picking BK's pockets though is it? It's spending the surplus earned from the previous several windows of net negative spend, plus the increased income from the new TV deals.

Hopefully we haven't needed to renew the payday loan with Vibrac again. Time will tell.

George McKane
456 Posted 31/07/2014 at 09:37:41
Posso waves and cosmic grooves all the way.
Simon Smith
457 Posted 31/07/2014 at 09:39:24
Looking forward to my first trip up to the Ol' Lady for the Chelsea game, just a shame I cant make the Arsenal match the week before but here's hoping Lukaku can shove the special ones words back where the sun don't shine and get a hat full against him.
Ray Robinson
458 Posted 31/07/2014 at 09:46:41
Chris #442, a very good argument to demonstrate how we have "strengthened" as a club but it doesn't mean that we are a stronger on the playing front. If you think about it logically, how can we be stronger than last season with the same playing personnel? Absolutely made up about Lukaku last night but those calling for more signings to improve our playing position compared with last season are absolutely right. Another forward please!
Patrick Murphy
459 Posted 31/07/2014 at 09:42:46
Matt - While I agree that it hasn't exactly been 'pick-pocket' time...Roberto has managed to convince BK and the Board to part with the money, perhaps DM wasn't quite as good at the art of persuasion and backed down when challenged about potential targets.

Listening to and reading the various output from Roberto and the players it would seem that the decision to attempt to bring Romelu in on a permanent basis was taken quite a long time ago.

Fair play to sun-tan Bob and his staff in their clarion call to increase season ticket sales for what now seems to be the right reasons and not for the usual reasons of financial fire-fighting.

We mustn't get carried away though and suddenly expect Everton to be among the big-hitters in the transfer market because we just don't have the necessary resources to behave in that manner. However, we do have a manager who believes in his project a group of players who believe in the manager and a board who will at least consider pushing the boat out if the manager deems it necessary.

If we can keep adding younger players in the next couple of years to replace the stalwarts and maintain the standards set in the last few years we should be a happy group of supporters.

We have a long way to go to bridge the financial gap but out on the pitch is where it really matters and as long as Everton FC are at least capable of taking on the richer clubs that will suffice - but obviously as fans we want a winning team and winning teams improve the club's profile and that will in turn create opportunities to improve our finances.

Shane Corcoran
460 Posted 31/07/2014 at 09:55:06
Anyone think it's odd that he got the number 10 instead of 9 especially when RM talks in terms of "a number 9"?

Eugene Kearney, where are you from?

Andrew Ellams
461 Posted 31/07/2014 at 10:07:48
We may have virtually the same squad as last year but also players like Barkley, Lukaku, Stones and McCarthy are a year older and further along with their development. This will make us a better team.
Peter Laing
462 Posted 31/07/2014 at 10:08:21
Shane, Kone already has the No 9 shirt as issued at the beginning of last season, although when he will ever wear it again is anyone's guess.
Drew Shortis
463 Posted 31/07/2014 at 10:00:18
I'm not a Moyes hater as I think he did his best for our club and laid the foundations that Martinez is now building on. However, I just can't see Moyes pulling off this transfer. Martinez has a self-belief and enthusiasm that is infectious and I'm convinced this is one of the major factors in Lukaku joining. The best thing is that other talented youngsters watching this will now be much more receptive to a move if Martinez comes calling.

Mourinho's comments about Lukaku being unwilling to fight for his place seem like sour grapes to me. Having spent two years on loan and being the third highest Premier League goalscorer in that period, it's not surprising that Romelu would expect to be a regular at Stamford Bridge. The fact is that Mourinho didn't have enough faith in him and brought in Costa to be his first choice striker.

From my point of view, Lukaku has shown great ambition by signing for Everton and fighting for trophies at a team that doesn't solve all its problems with billionaire's cash. Okay, we spent big on this occasion but we have earned that money through hard work. If we lift a trophy this season, I'm sure it will feel that much sweeter to us than it does for the fans of clubs who brought their glory!

Patrick Murphy
464 Posted 31/07/2014 at 10:09:12
Shane, Romelu said he wanted the Number 10 shirt because his mother's birthday is October 10th.
Sam Morrison
465 Posted 31/07/2014 at 10:08:40
Steven @424:

What we are getting for this huge sum of money is not just a potentially world class striker, but possibly an enhancement of our ability to hang on to the likes of Barkley, McCarthy, Colman, etc. That's what a proportion of the £28 million is about. A statement of ambition, a denouncement of the status quo, and, as somebody wrote recently, a statement of intent.

A great point. It's not just a message to the fans but the players also. We are going places.

Shane Corcoran
466 Posted 31/07/2014 at 10:13:45
Patrick, are you serious?
Dan Nulty
467 Posted 31/07/2014 at 09:31:49
Can't remember the last time I felt this good to be an Evertonian, probably the night of the 95 cup final.

Can't believe all the naysayers out there saying we are only at the same point as last season without Del boy. If you remember back then we started the season with Kone, Anichebe and Naismith as our strike force. Come 7 August, we have Lukaku, Kone and Naismith. Last season you have to remember that we weren't Rom's paymasters. He didn't feel loved, he didn't know what his future held, whether it was even worth performing well for us and he would end up sitting on the bench at Chelski.

Now he is loved, he knows he is wanted, appreciated and most of all he is secure in his future. You know what it is like when you are trying to go about your work and you are worrying about other things in your life, you might be able to give it 80-90% but not quite 100% Now there is nothing stopping him from giving 100% for the cause. He comes across so well when he speaks I genuinely believe him when he says he wants to improve and become the best striker in the world.

The same could be said of Barry in that he was playing with that uncertainty, now he is secure in where he is and knows he will play, maybe we will see that freedom now.

Our midfield options are better, more strength in depth, Gibson coming back is also a bonus if we can keep him fit, I imagine Roberto will go softly softly with him. On the flanks we have Mirallas and McGeady on one side and I wouldn't be too shocked to see an improved Pienaar with the buzz about the place on the other. It isn't just the fans who will have got a lift from this, the players seeing Rom come in and the board spend the money they earnt last season will give everyone heart and the confidence to see that we are finally moving forward.

I for one am absolutely convinced we will finish above the RS this season as well as Spurs. For me, it depends on the Van Gaal effect whether we will get in the top four, I am also thinking that Chelsea have made a massive mistake and if Benzema doesn't come in to them then they will struggle a bit more than people realise.

Mike Allison
468 Posted 31/07/2014 at 10:05:14
Kieran in terms of what our squad needs this season we could do the rest in loans.

I agree that I'd rather buy them, but all we really need is a back-up no.9. I think we'd all like an extra attacking midfielder/winger to give us options (basically as a replacement for Deulofeu) and it seems Martinez agrees and will sort this out.

I wrote a piece for ToffeeWeb back in April that basically said we only really needed to sign or replace our four loan signings and add a central midfielder and a right back to back-up Coleman.

It seems that Martinez is happy he can cover right-back with Hibbert and the young players, but other than that he seems to be doing exactly that. Say for the sake of argument we sign Traore and Christian Atsu (the latest link) on loan, we'd have two players for every position in our usual formation, as well as Kone and Naismith in addition to play the secondary striker role. That's 24 first team players and that's before we count any of the young players who were out loan last season as part of the squad.

So although there are two more signings to be done, Lukaku basically was the big deal, everything else looks rosy in the light of that signing.

Shane Corcoran
469 Posted 31/07/2014 at 10:19:01
Mike, I think you're bang on.

We'll probably the young Belgian lad in permanently and then Toure and an attacking player both on loan and I'd be more than happy with that.

Patrick Murphy
470 Posted 31/07/2014 at 10:22:06
Shane that's what he said in an interview on OS so yeah I am serious, whether Romelu was, is another matter.
Sam Hoare
471 Posted 31/07/2014 at 10:23:54
I am delighted that we have a quality striker to spearhead our attack. I am happily surprised that it's Lukaku as I thought a CL club would want him, the fact they didn't should perhaps sound a note of caution.

£28m is a big amount of money for anyone. For Everton it's almost twice our transfer record. I very much hope it turns out to be money well spent though the natural skinflint in me feels we have overpaid by about 8-10m that could be spent elsewhere.

Mainly I am delighted at the first team we now have (and have permanently if such a thing exists). We still lack depth though.

James Fletcher
472 Posted 31/07/2014 at 10:33:02
To all the people saying we're in the same position as last year, we can still go the loan route on top of what we've signed and given what we've seen so far I have the utmost faith that Bobby M will pull off a few more masterstrokes before the window shuts
Liam Young
473 Posted 31/07/2014 at 10:33:00
As Roberto summed it up, this is a massive statement of intent for Everton Football Club. We have signed a proven goalscorer at the age of 21, who will continue improving, and let's face it, Robertos attacking attitude will help strikers thrive. Whereas, under DM we could turn Neymar into a nobody.

Ever since that moment coming in, BK announced that RM can get us in the Champions League, the belief in this club has risen higher by the day.

Don't know about everyone else, but I am feeling like a very proud Evertonian, positive attitudes create better results. The first team are buzzing, and importantly, the youth squad at Everton are buzzing, because they know if they are good enough, they will get a chance to become the next Everton legend.

What more can this club ask for? Far better than a billionaire takeover in my eyes. Integrity all the way, Nil Satis Nisi Optimum.

Raymond Fox
474 Posted 31/07/2014 at 10:18:59
I think BK and the board realise they will never have a better time than now to push the boat out.

Lukaku's signing is down to Martinez, while he is in charge the board will back him, what BK said about Roberto was echoing what Whelan said at Wigan that he is a special manager.

With some luck thrown in we could be really going places. The key is Martinez; we have to keep him at Everton at all costs.

Eugene Kearney
475 Posted 31/07/2014 at 10:36:09
Shane, @469, I’m from Downpatrick, County Down - where some of us have special psychic powers!!!!!!

Actually, I looked at the player profiles on the official site and as the number 9 shirt is taken......it had to be number 10. ;-)

Micky Norman
476 Posted 31/07/2014 at 10:33:31
What's the record on TW for the number of consecutive positive posts? Happy Days. Stephen Telford said exactly what I think.
Conor Waters
477 Posted 31/07/2014 at 10:30:58
How good does it feel to have fans of other clubs now starting to panic. They're all crying 'overpriced' or 'overrated' etc etc. They are cacking it, a realisation is hitting them that we are no longer a selling team or the often derisory term 'plucky little club'.

For anyone who thinks we did pay over the odds, grow a pair. This is what needs to be done to step up to the big leagues. It puts a marker down. Says we are serious. Sends a message to those hack journos who constantly belittle us. And as for that tosser Mourinho, he is the scourge of this game, no respect for him as a human being let alone as a manager. His ego was always his problem. He's gonna regret this decision when Rom bangs one in against them at Goodison.

We've got one of the brightest managerial talents at the helm, a national treasure and local lad committed to the cause, a monster up front, a central midfield mix of steel and guile, two of the most highly rated full backs in the league at present and a keeper who just enjoyed global recognition at the World Cup in Brazil.

Obviously a few additional players would help, a more reliable back up for Tim as Robles is just not good enough (although good things are being said of Stanek). Perhaps another RB as cover and another winger.

But the future is definitely Blue...

Shane Corcoran
478 Posted 31/07/2014 at 10:46:27
Eugene, I was noting your "future is blue" comment and wondered if you'd nabbed it from my own county, not that they came up with it originally.
Martin O'Hare
479 Posted 31/07/2014 at 10:21:43
Everton, the School of Science The 60s Merseyside millionaires... can It happen again? John Moores is looking from heaven, god bless.

We are a big club we can show the RS what it means to be supported by Scousers.

Peter Morris
480 Posted 31/07/2014 at 10:47:59
No chance of any intensive coaching one to ones with Big Duncan I'm afraid. These two will always need a translator on hand!

Welcome back Rom. It's the greatest club in the world.
Enjoy the journey!

Sam Hoare
481 Posted 31/07/2014 at 10:23:54
I am delighted that we have a quality striker to spearhead our attack. I am happily surprised that it's Lukaku as I thought a CL club would want him, the fact they didn't should perhaps sound a note of caution.

£28m is a big amount of money for anyone. For Everton it's almost twice our transfer record. I very much hope it turns out to be money well spent though the natural skinflint in me feels we have overpaid by about 8-10m that could be spent elsewhere.

Mainly I am delighted at the first team we now have (and have permanently if such a thing exists). We still lack depth though.

Jim Potter
482 Posted 31/07/2014 at 09:35:06
Editors - what have you done to TW? There are happy people on here for GodÂ’s sake!

I have actually observed comments about BK that could be interpreted as almost Â’pleasantÂ’.

I demand a restoration of misery, pessimism and an outbreak of inferiority complexes forthwith. If not, you will be hearing from my solicitors.

Paul Johnson
483 Posted 31/07/2014 at 10:59:05
Surprised? Yes.
Pleased? Yes.
Excited? Yes.

COYB!!!

Pete Hughes
484 Posted 31/07/2014 at 10:57:46
Lee 111, could it be that Chelsea are letting us pay for lukaku on the drip because they may have insisted on been given first refusal on Barkley?
Ian Bennett
485 Posted 31/07/2014 at 11:31:14
Very pleased to get him. Now go and get Remy and little Geri.

Special thanks to Moyes for buying Fellaini. We couldn't have done it without you! :-)

Andrew Ellams
486 Posted 31/07/2014 at 11:39:34
Not sure about Remy. The next striker in is going to have to be happy with plenty of bench time and Remy won't be. I'm not sure we are in a position to have somebody on his wages doing that. It either has to be a loan for me to get us through the next season and then see where we are then.
Simon Hermansen
487 Posted 31/07/2014 at 11:39:11
Wow, nearly 500 comments, we are excited aren't we. Summer stupor well and truely over!

Not had time to read through everything but my view is that this is a great signal of intent from the club. As Lukaku is so young it can be viewed as an investment signing i.e. if he brings success it pays, if he outgrows us and barca etc come knocking we get our money back in spades. The only bad situation is if he flops (then heaven help us!)

As for the player, at times last year he looked distracted and frustrated. His first touch and short passing was often lacking meaning promising attacks broke up. Hopefully being a permanent player will concentrate his mind and our manager and coaching staff will now have time to really work with him on his short comings.

Either way, its an exciting time. Just need a creative midfielder now to consistently supply the big man in a way our current midfield only did sporadically last season.

Chris Morris
488 Posted 31/07/2014 at 12:26:41
#494 Ian Bennett

I like the idea of bringing in Remy too, especially now his medical condition has been highlighted and we could probably half the reported £8m fee that QPR wanted.

I don't think he'll be playing every week but with Europa League, Carling Cup, FA Cup and the Premier League games then surely he could play for the most part? Remember that Lukaku will tire quickly (probably around Christmas) if he's expected to play every game. Good shout that for Remy.

Chris Morris
489 Posted 31/07/2014 at 12:31:44
I think Ross Barkley will be over the moon at this signing because he'll have someone on his own level to supply and make proper intelligent runs into space for him. I'm also hoping that Mirallas sees him as a genuine threat and bucks his ideas up. At times last season he was excellent but can also be so frustrating and greedy.
Anthony Jones
490 Posted 31/07/2014 at 12:35:45
Hoare, #490:

Premier League transfers have been inflated by a record TV rights deal. Look at recent transfer activity. Also, strikers rightly cost more than players of other positions.

Perhaps we beat CL clubs to him because we stumped up a fee that was too rich for them. I would much rather witness this scenario than see us bid £20 million and lose out to Juventus.

Furthermore, we won't actually pay £28 million as the structure of the deal will see some of our liability to Chelsea be eroded by inflation.

If none of the above convinces you that this is indeed great news for EFC, remember that we have essentially swapped Fellaini for Lukaku. Both symbolically and on the field of play this is fantastic for our club.

Gavin McGarvey
491 Posted 31/07/2014 at 12:43:06
Great signing of a player with real potential. Unfortunately, like others on here I can't help but let my wind start wandering to who else we can bring in as well. We're not an easy bunch to keep happy. I'm going to try and give myself 24 hours to just feel really happy about this without looking up videos of Atsu and worrying about how they'd fit in, where we'd get the money from, how it might effect the balance of the squad, why the media cruelly overlook us etc... Great day to be a blue.
Dan Brierley
492 Posted 31/07/2014 at 12:41:02
Quite harsh on Mirallas to be fair Chris #498:

Mirallas: 8 goals 8 assists
Barkley: 6 goals 0 assists

I would say they both need to significantly improve their game regarding decision making, as they are both prone to taking a shot when they have a bit of space, instead of looking up to see if someone might be better placed.

Chris Morris
493 Posted 31/07/2014 at 12:55:45
Dan #501

I can't disagree with you but I would add that there is far more scope for Barkley given that last season was really his first. The assists stat has always bothered me because players make chances but if the striker (or whoever it may fall to) misses the goal then no assist is recorded.

Mirallas can be brilliant and isn't afraid to take a player on but he needs to up his consistency level if he's to get a starting place I think.

Joe O'Brien
494 Posted 31/07/2014 at 12:53:58
Just saw on SSN that we are talking to Atsu today. ItÂ’s looking like itÂ’s between us and Aston Villa; Sunderland have ruled themselves out of the running.

HeÂ’s preferred choice is to join us, and he wants his future sorted tomor. .

ItÂ’s looking promising. What a cracking squad weÂ’re looking like having.

Exciting times to be a blue, weÂ’ve well deserved it to be honest. CanÂ’t wait for the season to start!!!

James Morgan
495 Posted 31/07/2014 at 13:00:02
Atsu is apparently moving closer to signing.
Mark Murphy
496 Posted 31/07/2014 at 13:00:47
For those querying the value we just signed "Chelsea's" top scorer of last season for £24m plus add ons!
That's good business in my view. If he'd been at Chelsea when he scored his goals last season they'd a won the league!

Delighted, but even more so that Ross is signed as well!

Steve Cotton
497 Posted 31/07/2014 at 13:02:38
Signing to who James??
Paul Andrews
498 Posted 31/07/2014 at 13:14:23
Lukaku at the age of 21 has scored more leagues goals than Messi,Neymar and a few more big star names of world football had by the time they were 21.

His first touch is shit though :-)

Duncan McDine
499 Posted 31/07/2014 at 13:21:37
I’m staggered to think the Mirallas needs to buck his ideas up to get in some fans’ starting 11. He might not be consistently brilliant, but he’s in my starting 11 without a doubt. His pace and desire to get forward is second to none. I’m a big fan of both him and Ross, and can excuse the poor decision making for all the good stuff they both do.
I’m well up for the start of the season now!!!
Colin Metcalfe
500 Posted 31/07/2014 at 12:51:28
As your flashing the cash Bill any chance of a new stadium ?
Denis Richardson
501 Posted 31/07/2014 at 13:24:49
No time to wade through the posts but great news and great signing. 28m is a big amount for any club let alone Everton but the lad has bags of potential and is only 21. We will not lose a penny on him (assuming no major injury). He'll get better and we'll finally have a proper striker!

Get in, NOW we can look forward to Leceister!

Steven Telford
502 Posted 31/07/2014 at 13:12:09
Also, we are forgetting that McGready is pretty much a new signing, and I think he will be putting in some quality deliveries.

On our day we have the players to beat any other team in England, the trouble is, we need to more consistently make it our day. The decision making of some players is our biggest required improvement.

Its quite hard to see who are first choice midfield will be. I reckon McCarthy is probably the most indispensable. And all of us are very hungry to see Barkley get a lot of playing time. I think we are going to see some interesting squad rotations in the midfield this season.

Mark Pierpoint
503 Posted 31/07/2014 at 13:23:48
For all those saying we are in a no better position to last year.

1) we are a young team who are a year more experienced. This is a big deal.

2) there is no uncertainty hanging over any of our big players. Unlike last year with Barry and rom on loan and Baines coveted by United. Nothing to unsettle anyone ATM. Big benefit.

3) it sounds like a statement from the dark days, but Gibson, and in particular Kone are like new additions to this season's squad, as neither were available for any significant part of last year. Neither are first 11 starters, but both will have significant playing time.

I will take this as a massive improvement on our position

Sean Kelly
504 Posted 31/07/2014 at 13:25:46
I said last night it was Fellaini plus a million but it Fellaini plus half a million. That deal just gets better and better. Along with this we have a new style no more hoof ball.

I think Roberto will iron out Lukaku’s first touch issues and will improve him greatly. I would like to see a cb and another striker in. Timmy needs proper competition – someone who can catch a ball.

If further addition can be had even on loan well and good but with a £5 million down payment for Rom I think we should be looking to buy a cb. I expect us to hold on to Gibson for this year for the extra fixtures but can see him here beyond that.

Phil Sammon
505 Posted 31/07/2014 at 13:28:35
There's a lot of people, Everton fans included, that are saying we overpaid.

Man City paid £27M for Dzeko and nobody batted an eyelid. Spurs paid a fortune for Soldado. The problem seems to be that it was too much money by Everton's standards. Well for me that isn't a problem. This kid is 21 and has all the potential in the world. We have bought him from a PL rival so you can factor in a couple of million for that alone.

How many opportunities do we get to buy a genuine world class talent?!

Well done Everton!

Patrick Murphy
506 Posted 31/07/2014 at 13:45:38
Phil I wonder what they would have said if we had bought him a few years ago for £18m and then sold him for £28m would Evertonians and other supporters have thought we had sold him too cheaply?
Alan Humphreys
507 Posted 31/07/2014 at 13:27:23
What game are we playing on the 7th?

Celta Vigo at Prenton Park is the 6th, so surely (unless they got their dates wrong) he will be ready to make an appearance for the SC Paderborn away game on the 9th. Hopefully with a1/2 more.

Then he scores the winner at Leicester a week later...

Paul Andrews
508 Posted 31/07/2014 at 13:52:37
Phil,

Good point.
Dzecko scores goals in the Prem,Soldado doesnÂ’t.

Lukaku has a better scoring rate than both of them.

Shane Corcoran
510 Posted 31/07/2014 at 14:01:41
James #504, source(s)?

I'm glad Rom mentioned that he judges himself on how he develops as a player rather than in the Sky Stats mode of how many blades of grass he touches or average length of his hair.

Ian McDowell
512 Posted 31/07/2014 at 14:22:34
Sky mentioned the Atsu deal moving closer about 2 hours ago
Kieran Fitzgerald
513 Posted 31/07/2014 at 14:19:29
There are a couple of ways of looking at the fee.

Lukaku has bags of potential and two decent seasons in the PL behind him. To buy him you were always going to pay a premium on what he has showed so far in terms of skill and what he may be capable of.

For Chelsea, City, Arsenal and even the RS, 28m is a manageable amount out of their budget to pay by way of fee plus premium.

Now if Everton have to pay 28m all up front, then for us given our resources, we have overpaid. All the extra cash from the sale of players over the last two windows, plus some of the extra T.V cash, is gone on one player. You could argue that we are back to bargain basement buys, loans and relying on hoping that rough diamonds come good.

If we are paying the fee over a couple of years, then we haven't overpaid. It is damned good business for an already talented player who is going to improve. It means we are buying Lukaku at a price we can afford, and it's not like there will be an APR of 4000% thrown in.

Some people will say that it is a statement of intent that we have bought Lukaku for 28m. We are here to stay, put it up to the big boys and impress upon our better players that they should stay at a club that is going places.

Some people will say that having marshalled our limited resources so well for so long, we have lost the plot completely. They will laugh at the idea of us suddenly spending an amount of cash we will never see again on one player and one player alone.

Me, well I am genuinely undecided at the moment. The fallout from spending all of this cash will very much depend on the way in which we will pay the fee. If it is 28m all at once, I will be gutted. That is three quality players that we may have paid for. Yes, Lukaku has the potential to be a world class striker, but if all of our cash is gone, he will only feel like one player, a 15 goal a season striker. If we are paying in installments, then we have signed a striker who will score 15 goals a season and will still have the cash in hand to buy two more quality players.

Si Cooper
514 Posted 31/07/2014 at 14:31:02
Is that Atsu deal with us as I can only find the reports that he was given permission to talk to Sunderland yesterday?

The stumbling block could be how much playing time we are prepared to guarantee him as Chelsea are apparently expecting him to be up to speed for the Prem for next season. Personally, I think RM would be happy to rotate the likes of Pienaar, Mirallas, McGeady and Atsu on a regular basis and as long as Atsu could also appear for us in Europe (shouldn't be an issue for a full season loan) then he should get plenty of game time, but we can't prioritise a loanee above our own players.

Eric Dier is supposed to be a £4 million target for Spurs as he has rejected a new contract at Sporting Lisbon. Is the timing wrong for us, or would he be worth going after to bolster our central defender options (especially in the longer term)?

Eugene Ruane
515 Posted 31/07/2014 at 14:25:11
Re the money, I go along with (and like the idea of) we simply swapped Fellaini for Lukaku.

11 months back, we got 27 mill for someone who wanted out and almost certainly wouldn’t have fitted in with RM’s type of football anyway.

Now we’ve spent roughly the same amount for a much younger player who DOES want to be at Everton, DOES fit into our style and bangs goals in.

I’ve seen a hundred posts screaming "Where’s the fuckin’ Arteta/Fellaini/Rodwell/Lescott/Sky money?"

Well there’s 25-28 mill of it so...enjoy.

James Stewart
516 Posted 31/07/2014 at 14:50:46
@452 You are correct: It’s £5M per year and the £3M is bonuses if we make the Champions League or win a cup. So it’s effectively £25M unless we do really well – in which case... money well spent.
Oliver Molloy
517 Posted 31/07/2014 at 14:52:45
Kieran @522

No club in world football pays this sort of fee upfront. The transfer fee will be paid over an agreed period, usually the amount should be settled in full a year before the player's contract would end. So we should be paying Chelsea over the next four years. We would probably be paying 30% of the fee now with balance over the next 3 years.

Geoffrey Caveney
518 Posted 31/07/2014 at 15:11:09
The new Everton fans who come on board after the Lukaku signing will never know how tough times used to be. Those of us who came on board with Tim Howard during the World Cup, we suffered long and agonizing weeks without a striker. ;)
Brian Furey
519 Posted 31/07/2014 at 15:05:26
Was trying to get online yesterday as I heard this story break very early but the site was in bits. Like everyone else I am delighted and I watched the interview last night on EvertonTV and I was very impressed how well he spoke and how humble he sounded.

I don't want to dig up the big controversy from last season but can you imagine if Liverpool had won the league last year and then players like Luke Akoo would be considering going there instead. People who didn't care that if we handed them the title by beating City don't really think of the knock-on consequences. Instead now Ratboy has abandoned them and they're back spending millions on average enough players.

Finally, I was trying to explain to a few lads & my wife how following a football team that is not your local team can be such an enjoyable experience sometimes (and bad other times). I spent a lot of last night and this morning on the bus reading stories from around the world on how signing Luke Akoo has brightened up their day. I was on a high from around lunch time yesterday and contacted a load of people I haven't been in touch with for years.
As a local fan said to me at the Arsenal home game last year.
Robbie has put the happiness and excitement back into being a Toffee and we actually look forward to watching our team now. I can't wait for the new season and might even buy the new shirt this year. My 2 oldest kids loved Lukakoo last year and will be delighted he's back for the long haul.
To me it was a no brainer cos he's only gonna get better as he still does have a lot to work on in my opinion. He'll be worth 50M when we sell him to RM (Real Madrid not Robbie Martinz)

Chris Williams
521 Posted 31/07/2014 at 15:53:05
Roberto is the Catalan Catterick!
A master of guile and misdirection, stealthily achieving his targets to the dismay of the tabloid knobheads and media whores, the surprise of the terminally pessimistic and the delight of al Blues.

Last season it was a delight to see them live on so many occasions, even travelling to the match where there were universal smiles and a collective spring in the step.

Roll on the new season, oh yes!

Dave Roberts
522 Posted 31/07/2014 at 15:19:56
Had a good start to the day by going to the Old Lady and picking up a couple of tickets for Sunday's game. I could have ordered them online and picked them up on Sunday but despite the longish journey I just needed to see the old girl again.

The day then went from bad to worse. I got home to a distraught missus whose car door lock had fallen inside the door. It took a while to convince her that this did not mean we had to take it to a scrapyard and got down to fixing it. A job I thought would take about 30 minutes ended up taking two and a half fucking hours and not even the Rom signing could stop me effing and blinding at the fiddliness that my fat, ageing fingers couldn't cope with. But I got it done in the end.

Having earned a couple of pints I went to my local with the Daily Mirror and that left me fuming. There was an article by Lipton about Everton and Lukaku which, in so many words, suggested that the only reason Lukaku was now with us was because Chelsea had decided there was something wrong with the lad and that he didn't have the capacity to fight for his place.

Now, it seems to me that Chelsea have had a problem scoring goals for a couple of seasons now. In fact, if they had had a striker scoring 16 goals for them last season they might even have won the league. While Chelsea have been struggling with Torres and Eto'o, Lukaku has been scoring just about a goal every other game for West Brom and us over the past two seasons. 31 goals despite a six week lay off with injury last year and he didn't play at all for the first 3 games of the season. It seems to me that Chelsea, therefore, should be asking what is wrong with them if they couldn't find a place for Lukaku this season rather than bringing back a geriatric Drogba who is nowhere near the player he once was and perservering with Torres who has forgotten how to score goals for the last four seasons now. I know they now have Costa and probably consider him to be number one, but if Lukaku is not a better proposition than the other two I'll eat my hat.

I can imagine how Lukaku felt. He goes out on loan for two seasons, scores 31 goals while his parent club can't score for toffee and instead of being welcomed back, his confidence reassured and told he is important he is sniped at from the sidelines and told that, basically he is trouble. Chelsea's loss is our gain as far as I am concerned but I just find it annoying that journos can never find it in themselves to consider that just maybe one of their 'darlings' have not got it right and that just maybe Lukaku made the move of his life to Everton....a sleeping giant that seems, at last, to be in the process of waking up.

Patrick Murphy
523 Posted 31/07/2014 at 15:48:32
Brian the way you have pronounced Romelu's surname made me think of that classic song by Alvin Stardust Coo-Ca-Choo. Just a quick alteration of the words - alright I'll get me coat!

Lu! Lu! we just want you
We really love the things that you do
Come on lad ! score a goal or two
Won't you be our Lu-Ka-Koo
Love you
yes we love ya
yes we love our Lu-Ka-Ku

Jamie Carroll
524 Posted 31/07/2014 at 16:06:20
Martin Samuel will not be happy with all the loan players signed!!!!
Daniel A Johnson
525 Posted 31/07/2014 at 16:15:32
I think we bagged a bargain.

Luke Shaw £33M
Adam Lallana £27M

Lukaku is 21 – a proven Premier League goal scorer – and he will only get better.

Dominic Tonge
526 Posted 31/07/2014 at 16:08:55
Regarding the Lukaku fee, for those that feel we have paid too much for him I would ask if you thought he did well enough last season to warrant his loan fee? I think he made the difference for us and that the fee was well spent. It may make you feel better to look at it as follows: for the same amount we have secured him on loab for FIVE years and IF he moves on, we get to keep the cash his transfer garners, in the meantime him being here for keepsies ( technical term alert) raises the profile of the club and will aid El Jefe in bringing other players of a high calibre to the club.
Just sayin.
Derek Turner
527 Posted 31/07/2014 at 16:07:44
COYB!
Dominic Tonge
528 Posted 31/07/2014 at 16:24:21
Roberto had a dream.
To build a football team.
We found some money,
So he brought big Romelu home......
Ray Roche
529 Posted 31/07/2014 at 16:21:54
Yes, Dominic, so if you factor in last seasons loan fee etc , we will have paid £33m for Lukaku on a six year deal! Don't know if it is a £5m a year deal or if the £28m INCLUDES the amount we spent last year on his loan, whichever, it's a smart bit of business by Chelsea. Paid £10m, received £33m! And he played about 10 games for them.
Dominic Tonge
530 Posted 31/07/2014 at 16:30:22
Ray, they have done better, WBA paid a whack too. In fact, getting him to play at benefit street.... sorry, the hawthornes must have been costly.
Ray Roche
531 Posted 31/07/2014 at 16:57:56
Benefit St....yer cruel get.... good business, though, eh?
Stuart O'Malley
532 Posted 31/07/2014 at 17:07:02
James McCarthy, M Besic, S Coleman, B Oviedo, J Stones combined cost less than llalanna. Stick that in your pipe and smoke it Lipton et al. That's some great business by EFC over the last few years.
Romelu will be worth every penny too. He is a PROVEN Premier League goal scorer. Very rare you get one of those these days for less than 30m.
Phil Walling
533 Posted 31/07/2014 at 17:19:59
Arguing about the size of fees and how the Club is to pay them illustrates the small club mentality of some of our supporters.

Let BK & Co worry about these issues and let's just relish the fact that - AT LONG LAST - we are in there fighting for the best players rather that fecking around in the bargain basement !

Tony J Williams
534 Posted 31/07/2014 at 17:29:53
Amen Phil......AND we still have Hibbert for two more seasons.

Loving it

Ben Hayes
535 Posted 31/07/2014 at 17:46:07
Atsu decision in 48 hours just said on Sky Sports and his choice would be us so things looking up there they said agents talking today COYB
Patrick Murphy
536 Posted 31/07/2014 at 17:49:43
x=48 hours y=2 hours (delay due to technical hold up ) z = random(x/y)

ETA = (x +y ) + z = Sunday at half-time during Ossie's testimonial.

Paul Andrews
537 Posted 31/07/2014 at 17:51:25
Lukaku,Barry,Besic and 2 or 3 more in?
Promote a couple of the young players to train with the 1st team squad?

That would be the 7 he spoke about.No?

You have the makings of a very strong squad there.

Phil Walling
538 Posted 31/07/2014 at 18:06:29
Paul, I've led the cynics through the months of inactivity but now the Fellaini money has been deployed, I'm much more relaxed.

Of course, we are going to look much the same as last season but I do think that owning players means that their focus is on what they can achieve with Everton rather than how they can impress possible future employers.

Am I being naïve?

Raymond Fox
539 Posted 31/07/2014 at 18:18:25
On the Lukaku attitude issue, when I listened to Mourinho it was plain to me at least that he was saying that when Lukaku was told that he was 3rd choice striker at Chelsea he was not willing to waste his time in a vain attempt to be the no.1.
He was not saying that the lad has a general attitude problem only that at this stage of his career he wanted Prem.1st team action now, not sat on his backside most games.
Not a big fan of Mourinho in general, but in this case I think he is innocent as charged.

Phil Walling
540 Posted 31/07/2014 at 18:29:15
......and Tony Williams @ 543, Hibbo was certain to get another contract as soon as we qualified for the Europa. His -and Ossie's -'local product ' status are essential for Everton to be allowed the full quota of 25 players for the competition.

Hull's ignorance in replacing all their locals with 'incomers' means their roster will be restricted to 19 ! !

Mark Tanton
541 Posted 31/07/2014 at 18:36:53
Looks like perhaps we can believe Bill when he went to great lengths to say that McCarthy was NOT dependent on FellainiÂ’s transfer out.
Dennis Ng
542 Posted 31/07/2014 at 18:55:09
Phil (542), I feel its not really small club mentality that awes our fans. Its more to do with small club illusion that the rest of the world forced upon us since our heydays. But glad you're on the bright side now!

Patrick, no math please. My head is still giddy from this news. With all the contract renewals and transfers, we're probably spending more this window than we did the last 10 seasons! OH MY GOD!

Mark, that afro-head fee part would make sense. I am curious how that plays out on the financial statement end. I've been hoping to see the debt size come down and all that, but is this going against new debt or did they just section out the transfer fund from that statement all this while?

Si Cooper
543 Posted 31/07/2014 at 18:41:36
It is really grating the way some of the media are going out of their way to suggest that Mourinho's comments on Rom's decision to leave Chelski can be summed up as 'unwilling to fight for a place'.

What Mourinho actually said was simply that he couldn't promise the lad the regular game time that he obviously feels he needs (and warrants) to further develop his game. There was no apparent rancour from Mourinho and he certainly didn't go out of his way to suggest that the lad had taken the easy option, just one of the options that was available to him.

Now it is up to the lad to prove that he made the right choice.

It is now up to

Patrick Murphy
544 Posted 31/07/2014 at 19:07:25
Si - This is the trouble with the British Media in general not just the red-tops they have an agenda via advertisers and personal preferences which no matter what the story they will spin it to suit their own ends. Unfortunately many of those who subscribe to the various outlets believe every word that is written or uttered as fact. Just because these outlets are often first with the news or interviews it doesn't make their commentary on any given situation fact.

I don't care how they spin it when or Everton win a trophy but we all know there will be an angle or it will be overshadowed by news of the favoured few having some trivial item to relate to the masses. I wonder if we beat one of the elite teams they will lead with the headline "Big Spending Everton.....

Lenny Kingman
545 Posted 31/07/2014 at 19:24:17
This and other deals in the world of football are not sustainable in the long term. The game will crash around our ears and it will all seem so ridiculous in the greater scheme of things.

Anyway, in the short term he isn't the second coming so don't get too excited my blue brethren.

Wayne Smyth
546 Posted 31/07/2014 at 19:32:04
I think even at £28M, its a good investment. He's 21 and scoring 1 in 2 in the top flight the last 2 seasons. Hopefully Martinez can improve him a lot too.

He's the sort of player that could end up moving to Real or Barcelona in 3 or 4 years for £80M because he could well be one of the top few strikers in the world given his current ability and physique. I'm hopeful though that he can help us get into the top 4 and win some silverware before he moves on.

If you look at the players we have in who are the right side of 25 there is some brilliant talent there. The spine of the team with Lukaku, Barkley, McCarthy and Stones is as talented as they come and with many years left to improve.

Michael Polley
547 Posted 31/07/2014 at 19:47:40
Great news. At last we got our guy. If the financial deal is true then weÂ’ve still got plenty of money left in the kitty to further strengthen the squad. RM has changed how people few our wee team. ItÂ’s a statement of intent. We are a team that is going to hurt others.A team thatÂ’s going to challenge again this season. IÂ’ve got a good feeling about this season. COYB
Nicholas Page
548 Posted 31/07/2014 at 19:19:19
Talking of the gobshite RS-infiltrated media (IÂ’m not paranoid), who remembers the Dream Final of 1995? Most of the media hacks are just paid up card carrying members of the Murdoch-mafia, and brown-nosing the monied clubs ensures them a front row seat at the press conferences, "exclusives" and increased readership by playing the percentages. Absolutely zero objectivity. Who said reporting was just a job..??!

Looking forward to bringing in some nice loans now. Atsu looks decent....heÂ’ll be playing for his future!

Danny Kewley
549 Posted 31/07/2014 at 20:06:52
Mourinho’s words make me cringe,once upon a time I thought that even though he acts like a pot-herb, there was a smart cookie inside that divvy persona but I reckon lukaku will stuff the smarmy bastards words right down his fucking Gregory!
Raymond Fox
550 Posted 31/07/2014 at 20:29:02
All media are business's, they are not there for the benefit of the public, their overriding priority is profit, not the truth or to educate us.
They pander to who or what they think will bring them the most profit.
Richard Farrington
551 Posted 31/07/2014 at 20:37:10
Yeah Danny, reckon Goodison will be rocking for the Chelsea game in a few weeks, hope Rom makes the gobshite suffer big time.
Richard Lyons
552 Posted 31/07/2014 at 20:54:11
Well, reading these posts has put me in a good mood, and I haven't had as many laughs in such a short space of time since Monty Python days... Particularly enjoyed Kev (130 & 186), Si (172), Jim (173) and Phil (199).

It's a really good day!

Mike Childs
553 Posted 31/07/2014 at 20:54:53
Look at it this way for those who feel we may have overpaid consider it an investment in Chelsea becoming our farm club. They always have good young players to loan out and now we stand to get our pick of these players.
Where did this guy Atsu come from? I thought we were interested in Hazard's younger brother.
As for Mourinho he is one of the best yappers out there so naturally the media eats it up and spreads the gospel according to Jose when the simple point is to challenge Jose is to find yourself on the fastest bus out of Chelsea.
Brian Wilkinson
554 Posted 31/07/2014 at 22:47:11
Fantastic signing, it has to come, really really has to come from someone, nah too much, player to old, too slow etc.

This signing and Barkleys new contract is making others sit up and take notice, Everton mean buisness.

Andrew Hawes
555 Posted 31/07/2014 at 23:41:18
A brilliant signing... but I want one more. If everyoneÂ’s fit, then our starting 11 will be the same as last season. Unfortunately, we came up short, so I hope that we can add one more player who can take the first 11 up a level, not just the squad.

We have an embarrassment of riches in defensive midfield but if we are talking about a player that can unlock teams and pull the strings then itÂ’s still the usual suspects of Osman and Pienaar? Neither of whom can complete a full 90 mins anymore.

I would love to see Roberto pull another little Spanish maestro out of the hat in the Arteta mould – then we would really be rocking!!

Colin Glassar
556 Posted 01/08/2014 at 00:16:01
Is this the longest thread ever on TW? I've only counted about three negative posts up to now.
Dennis Ng
557 Posted 01/08/2014 at 00:37:54
Think I remember a longer one a while back. MK and LL hasn't opened another thread for this yet so this definitely not #1 yet.
Sur Jo
558 Posted 01/08/2014 at 02:37:08
Folks... We, Everton, paid £28 million to get a striker. Come on fans, this is unprecedented and it all happened under Bill Kenwright. I think on this occasion he merits a big thank you from us.

I know this is not very welcomed at Toffeeweb, but can we at least say Thank You on this occasion to him. BK has been through thick and thin but the last few seasons have seen our club moving up. Long may it continue.

Paul Mackie
559 Posted 01/08/2014 at 02:39:54
Like most Evertonians, I've been beside myself with joy at the events of the last 48 hours. We've signed one of English footballs hottest talents on a 4 year deal and have finally secured the services of Lukaku on a permanent basis. Lovely stuff. Well done Roberto and the board, etc.

Despite the above, I'm not really excited about next season. Obviously I'm looking forward to it, I'm not crazy, but I think we'll be lucky to repeat last seasons efforts when it comes to league place. We'll also probably have a good showing in at least one cup.

It's the season after next that is getting me really excited. With the signings Martinez has made so far (and the transfer speculation floating around) he's clearly focusing on youth. Both from our academy and from further afield. The next 5 years should see him build a team around Coleman, Barkley, McCarthy, Stones and Lukaku. All young players who are improving at a rapid pace. Add to that the academy players that we've yet to see much of, several of which Martinez rates highly, and you can be forgiven for thinking that the next decade might finally consign our trophy drought to the history books.

So this season I'm just going to sit back, relax and enjoy watching Roberto give youth a chance with one eye firmly on the future. At times it will be frustrating, particularly if like last season we come desperately close to that 4th place trophy. But one things for sure, this manager of ours has a long term plan and I for one can't wait to see how things play out.

Dan Parker
560 Posted 01/08/2014 at 03:56:49
A great comment that Paul, well said Sir!
Paul Columb
561 Posted 01/08/2014 at 03:53:43
Sur (567).....
I honestly don't consider ToffeeWeb an unwelcoming place for credit where credit's due discourse and on this occasion, well done to all involved including our chairman.

We as fans are custodians with our influence more often than not of little consequence under the current (sport-wide) model. It doesn't detract from our responsibility to look out for the institution we love; both credit and critique go hand in hand in this endeavor.

Well done to all at the club this transfer window. Kudos to those looking to maximize use of our academy players and the importance placed on Finch Farm, most especially the vision of our manager in this respect. I'm hoping for improvements on the marketing, securing and improving club assets and sponsorship sides of the club which are to a degree inseparable from our aspirations on the pitch.

I was lucky enough to enjoy the successes of the 80s and will never consider Everton as anything but a top institution in English football.

Nil Satis Nisi Optimum and here's to a season of growth, pride and success.

Thanks to the ToffeeWeb community for playing a massive role in the fans' experience both in the peaks and troughs. Michael, Lyndon... all involved... I'm not sure you could ever know the magnitude of what you provide Evertonians like yourselves.
Thank you.

Dan Parker
562 Posted 01/08/2014 at 04:16:40
Yesterday's news had me excited on a scale not seen since Rooney's goal against Arsenal all those years ago. I think we're on the verge of something special under Roberto. I think Bill deserves credit for hiring Roberto in the first place and on the whole, generally negotiating well when it comes to buying and selling players. It's easy to mock, but his enthusiasm for the club is infectious. With financial fair play coming into effect, I'm glad he's our chairman.
Daniel Flosi
563 Posted 01/08/2014 at 04:30:46
Wow! Had the same smile creeping on my face all day thinking about big Rom signing! The 'did we improve' question is a funny one, like most initially I think 'yes, of course' given that we started the market without a 15-20 goal guy and now we have one. Understood we had him last season.

So for me it's not just about the mentality and what it means. For me it's the fact that we have a YOUNG striker whose proven the past 2 seasons he can compete within the Premier League — and, since he is ours, whatever improvements are made within his game will be for us to reap. Plus don't under estimate continuity.

Now we may not be exactly improved from last season's roster; however, it makes us better because we can give our young players chances without the added burden of HAVING to play well as well as learn their craft (playing to expectations). Plus in January we won't be looking for a replacement to what we have (because its soon to be gone) but will have the ability to add, hopefully with talented eager youth.

So yes we have the same (nearly) squad on paper, however the transfer window isn't done with as others have pointed out at least some loans due in and we have the benefit of continuity in the team so we should (fingers crossed) be in a better position when the window closes and into next season. And with one eye on the future it clearly demonstrates the ability to focus on other positions and better the squad. Yes, yes we have improved. Right(?)

Terry Murphy
564 Posted 01/08/2014 at 05:14:40
I'm not a Bill worshipper (and I'm not Bill in disguise either) but he's taken a load of shit on this site and some of it unjustified. So praise when it's due - bless you bill.
Michael Kenrick
565 Posted 01/08/2014 at 05:27:29
Nice post, Paul (#570), and thanks for the good words. We do what we can but the mood is dictated by our posters, so it's great to see how happy this has made most of them.

Although it does put the pressure on a bit. We need to win games from the off this new season... and the inquests if we don't will be painful.

Max Wilson
566 Posted 01/08/2014 at 07:44:10
It took long enough to bring off. Where else did he want to be? He was'nt wanted at Chelsea that's for sure. Do we still need a second striker? And as we've broken a Blue record for a signing, who are we going to sell? We could have a clear out of
our oldies and the mistakes- yes, it's hard to do that but others do it don't they?
Daniel Joseph
567 Posted 01/08/2014 at 09:01:13
’Hello, Mr Kenwright? It’s Barclays Bank Fraud Protection Department here. We’ve noticed some unusual activity on your account in the last few days...’
Roger Helm
568 Posted 01/08/2014 at 12:41:53
When you think of all the big money signings elsewhere who have flopped – Torres, Carroll, Fellaini, etc – it shows how canny RM is to try before you buy.

I am really excited at this group of young talented players – exciting times ahead!

Frank Crewe
570 Posted 01/08/2014 at 15:16:49
@Roger Helm.

RM is not the first manager to "try before you buy" Moyes took quite a few players on loan before making them permanent signings.

As for big money flops. I think some clubs have a tendency to buy players without any real idea of how they will fit in to whatever style they already have. For the players you mention. Torres lost his pace and Carroll and Fellaini never had any to begin with and in a league were pace has become everything having no pace is a big drawback.

One more thing regarding Lukaku. If Kone had not got himself crocked at the beginning of last season would we have loaned him at all? Because I doubt RM forked out 6 million just so Kone could warm the bench for a season.

So maybe the person we should really thank for getting Lukaku is Kone. Without his injury Lukaku could be wearing another clubs shirt today instead or ours.

Terry Davies
571 Posted 01/08/2014 at 14:48:00
Etsu now would be brilliant . Never been sure about Traore but if Bobby rates him he MUST be up there with the best. Brilliant so far ans apparently more to come. Wow, still struggling to believe it and still a month of the window to go. No problem with a couple of loanees (vis last season and this)
Paul Ellam
572 Posted 01/08/2014 at 15:28:25
£28m is a heck of a lot to pay but if, as expected Lukaku delivers on the pitch and (god forbid) maybe in the future does look elsewhere we will get a heck of a lot more than £28m for him. So, not only is he a great player to sign because of what he will give us now but because of his age he is a great investment.
It would be similar to the Lescott scenario - bought, did well, but at least when he wanted to go we got top dollar for him.
Obviously though I would like to see Lukaku with us til he retires so fingers crossed this will be a moot point.
Paul Burns
573 Posted 02/08/2014 at 11:45:13
So Bill Kenwright uses EVERTONÂ’S money to sign a player for Everton and heÂ’s a fckn hero?

Unbelievable!

The gullability of our own fans has stooped to an all time low.

Mark Patrick
574 Posted 02/08/2014 at 11:55:28
When ever it comes down to Billy spending money, I always think of DisneyÂ’s Robin Hood.
Jon Ferguson
575 Posted 02/08/2014 at 11:53:07
Paul - 582 - when Mr Kenwright messes up he deserves criticism, when he pulls off something like signing Lukaku £28 mil he deserves praise.

If you see everything in black and white then you are probably lacking balance in your life.

Raymond Fox
576 Posted 02/08/2014 at 11:58:40
Paul what do you mean by Everton money?
The club is owned by BK and other members of the board + share holders.
When a player is bought they are risking their own money, lets give a little credit when its warranted.
Sean Kelly
577 Posted 02/08/2014 at 12:17:52
I wouldnÂ’t be the biggest fan of Billy and the bBoard. So often weÂ’ve been let down in the past. But we have to give them credit for backing Roberto. It shouldnÂ’t go unnoticed that Man Utd didnÂ’t exactly pull up any trees in supporting OFM either. Maybe there is something in that or am I just stirring the pot?
Brent Stephens
578 Posted 02/08/2014 at 12:26:52
Hard to give credit when somebody seems to have such a bad track record with the club and its interests. But you have to bite the bullet. A not insignificant amount of cash has been splashed this window already, it aint closed yet, we've got some exciting signings, and it seems we can expect a few more before the window closes. What's not to like in that? It certainly had us all on TW in meltdown a few days ago! Martinez spots 'em and Billy Big Bollocks buys em (Elstone does the negotiations?).

Eric Myles
579 Posted 02/08/2014 at 12:26:02
Raymond #585, our board have never risked a penny of their own money to benefit the Club.
Brent Stephens
580 Posted 02/08/2014 at 12:41:24
Eric, any spend on a player can be a risk. But if you think these signings are not risks, then good business Everton! And we say that the low risk signing has been identified by Roberto, who brought in Roberto? I fucking hate whingeing, I really do, it really gets on my tit, cant effing stand it, on and on.
Paul Andrews
581 Posted 02/08/2014 at 12:55:22
The board have not invested 1p into Everton FC since the bought us.

Not being negative, absolutely happy with the way the club is progressing. That is not because the board is providing their own money.

Colin Glassar
582 Posted 02/08/2014 at 13:00:55
The sky money is a game changer. Now we can go out, each summer, and spend a few bob on top player(s) and add quality over quantity to the squad. Billy boy still doesn't get off the hook in my book but now sky have thrown him a lifeline.
Raymond Fox
583 Posted 02/08/2014 at 13:02:45
Eric M, The club is a business run by the owners, they risked their money when they purchased their shares in Everton.

The club is much more to us than a 'business' I know and the shareholders also might have got a bargain as things have turned out, but things can also go tits up, just look at Leeds Utd and others.

We are not doing too bad at present with the future looking bright, so I think the owners deserve some credit for the position we are now in.

Dan Brierley
584 Posted 02/08/2014 at 13:23:05
Never invested anything? How do you think they got hold of the shares, just found them in a street?

I will give you three scenarios:

One club plays in black and white, has had more than 200 million pumped in, but the chairman wants a say in footballing matters given this level of investment. He also uses the club as a way of making money on his other major venture. His club regularly finishes 8-12th. This club also have board members that take salaries. This club wold go bankrupt without frequent board financial intervention.

One club playing in claret and sky blue, have a chairman who has also invested a significant amount of money, but also makes money by charging his club interest. Famously fell out with their best manager in recent history resulting in significant decline. Following the investment, the chairman then sold every decent asset owned by the club to recoup some of the invested money. This club also have board members that take salaries. This club regularly finishes 8th-14th. This club would also go bankrupt without frequent board financial intervention.

One club plays in royal blue, the board doesn't put a penny in, and doesn't take a penny out. The manager has full control over decision making at the club. This club regularly finishes from 5th to 8th place. This club operates in a completely self sustainable environment.

So which is the best chairman? The one that can have a team challenging top 4 in a self sustaining environment, or the ones that need to pump continual money in to fight for mid table?

Patrick Murphy
585 Posted 02/08/2014 at 13:24:24
The situation isn't as simple as giving the board credit/stick when it's appropriate as there are a myriad of reasons for either to happen simultaneously. Yes in this window and perhaps last season the board do deserve credit for helping Roberto to bring in his targets.

If we want Everton FC to remain a traditional club then also the board are probably doing a good job, if however, we want Everton FC to be considered in the same way as Arsenal, Liverpool and Man U then we all know that won't happen under the present ownership.

Those clubs are not totally reliant on the TV money, clubs like us are. If it ever transpired that the big boys decided to go it alone or demanded a bigger slice of the TV money we would be left behind forever.

It's never a black and white situation and some of the commercial activities and the amount of money that disappears in interest payments cannot be ignored as that is money that goes out of the club each and every year for many years to come, which in my opinion could have been used to improve the ground or build a ground but instead some faceless banker is making more out of Everton FC than is acceptable.


Brent Stephens
586 Posted 02/08/2014 at 13:42:53
Dan #593 - far too reasonable!
Dan Brierley
587 Posted 02/08/2014 at 13:40:58
Patrick, you quote Liverpool, Arsenal and United, and then highlight excessive interest payments. Were you aware of the reverse mortgages that took place at these clubs? United were paying 60 MILLION a season in interest at one point. Hardly good examples of clubs living within their means.
Patrick Murphy
588 Posted 02/08/2014 at 13:49:32
Dan - that is fair comment but we are paying a high proportion of our income on interest payments each and every year for a set period of time; The club could help itself to alleviate that burden by increasing its commercial income yet it doesn't seem to have the inclination or ability to do so.

I wasn't really saying that those clubs were examples of good house-keeping more about whether Everton FC who historically were equals to those clubs on and off the pitch have the desire to re-join them in the future.

Two out of three of those clubs have grounds that make Goodison look like a shed and that shouldn't have been the case in any period of history and especially at a time when the game has had money thrown at it from all directions.

Paul Andrews
589 Posted 02/08/2014 at 14:10:14
Dan 593,

That would be the reason I said they hadnÂ’t invested 1p "since they bought us".

Pay attention please.

Dan Brierley
590 Posted 02/08/2014 at 14:17:20
Paul, fair point, I apologise. But please let me ask you a question, as you mention investment a lot.

If I had 100 million to 'invest' in Everton, how much would I get back within 5 years? I personally don't think I would even get my 100 million back, let alone make any profit on my investment.

Wayne Smyth
591 Posted 02/08/2014 at 14:07:22
Patrick, I think our club is not like Arsenal, RS or Utd because unfortunately our fortunes were on the wane just as the sky money kicked in. It's been a self-perpetuating gravy train ever since where those at the top tended to stay at the top.

That the club seem to do a sub-par job at maximising income is probably down to relative incompetence, rather than some kind of apathy at not wanting to.

When you've got CL money coming in each season, can afford the stars and get the merchandising income from having the Rooneys, Bergkamp's and Henry's, its easy to redevelop your ground.

Personally I think much of the flak BK gets is based on falsehoods. For example, Roberto obviously decided to keep his cash in the January window to save up to purchase the likes of Rom and a bunch of other players in this window, £35M spent so far, with probably a few more £M's to go.

So who got the stick because we didn't spend in January? All sorts of negative BS was flying about insinuating that BK and the board were pocketing cash. Even last week, after Martinez had asked the fans to be patient, people were talking all sorts of crap saying we'd not sign anyone or spend much money and blaming it on the board.

When all said and done I think I'm pleased to have BK as chairman rather than a foreign owner. He's a genuine fan, even if it makes me nauseous to see and hear him sometimes. I don't expect him or the other directors to put any money in, I just want the club run in a good, sustainable way and allow the manager full control over how we spend whatever money the club generates. That stability afforded to the manager by BK is precisely how we can compete with clubs who have many times our income.

Patrick Murphy
592 Posted 02/08/2014 at 14:30:15
Wayne I have never nor would I ever accuse the board of pocketing any monies from Everton FC and I dismay at those who do. However, as much as Bill and his buddies may have the best interests of the club at heart they haven't at times aspired to the ethos of the club and often they are happy to see the club trot along in the same furrow - perhaps, Roberto has reminded them of what the club really stands for and they may look to making real progress over the next few years, I would be happy for Bill to share any glory if the team wins a trophy in the coming seasons but do I want him to still be here in five years time then I would have to say no I don't.
Paul Andrews
593 Posted 02/08/2014 at 14:38:50
No need for apologies Dan. I would not have mentioned it if you hadnÂ’t tried to be a smart arse in your reply.

My point was some posters above were handing out the accolades re Chairman and board personally funding the transfers. Which they obviously havenÂ’t

Paul Andrews
594 Posted 02/08/2014 at 14:42:43
Dan,

A question for you if I may.

If you had £24 million to invest 11 years ago in a team that plays in Royal Blue and did so. Then went on to put not 1p into the coffers in the following 11 years, what would the £24 million investment be worth now?

Eric Myles
595 Posted 02/08/2014 at 14:46:22
Raymond #592, the position we are in now is that we are reliant on Sky money to survive day to day, or to make player purchases. Not because of investmenr from our board into the Club
Brent Stephens
596 Posted 02/08/2014 at 14:57:11
Eric, I think the sentiment might be that for a change Billy Big Bollocks has done the right thing. That's all, as far as I'm concerned.
Dan Brierley
597 Posted 02/08/2014 at 14:56:19
I would have no idea Paul. But I guess it would valued based on the amount of money that the squad is worth now compared to when they took over, and the amount of turnover the business is generating compared to that time. City were taken over for more than 200 million 6 years ago, we have to worth somewhere near that today with the current squad and income.
Eric Myles
598 Posted 02/08/2014 at 15:22:33
Brent #605, agreed, it is the first positive spend in 12 years, funded by last summer's negative spend.
Paul Andrews
599 Posted 02/08/2014 at 15:35:21
So initial investment multiplied x 8 with no expenditure?

ThereÂ’s no business like show business.

Wayne Smyth
600 Posted 02/08/2014 at 15:43:59
Very easy to comment in hindsight, Paul. There is significant risk to any investment. Especially football clubs reliant on TV contracts.

What happens if we had been relegated? Who would've predicted how the sky/bt cash would have increased over time? Not many would've guessed at BT entering the Premier League TV battle a few years ago which has massively increased our income.

I know now if I had £200M and wanted an "investment" I'd certainly not buy a football club. I'm sure you wouldn't either.

Eric, you talk about first positive spend in years, but does that include wages? Agent fees? Loan fees? Increased contracts?

Paul Andrews
601 Posted 02/08/2014 at 16:05:08
Wayne,

To buy a majority share in Everton Football Club (circa 80 % I believe) and Bellefield for £24 million was a risk?

I donÂ’t need hindsight for that one.

Raymond Fox
602 Posted 02/08/2014 at 15:39:51
Eric 604, I think you'll agree that the cost of players has gone barmy and we have/are trying to compete with owners that can afford to throw silly money about all day long, I cant see any sense in what City and Chelsea owners do.

I've said it before, I think considering the disadvantage the club is under, we have performed miracles in the league, we continue to push the moneyed clubs all the way and it is something all connected with Everton can be extremely proud of.

Whether these FFP rules will level the playing field some ,we will have to wait and see.

Matt Traynor
603 Posted 02/08/2014 at 16:22:31
Don't forget, with net debt swinging from +£5m to -£20m within 12 months of the take-over, there's a school of thought that we were the original leveraged buy-out. So actually, they didn't invest shit. And want the big payday too.
Robert Workman
604 Posted 02/08/2014 at 16:36:30
Returned home on thursday evening after a few days spent drinking copious amounts of good Austrian white wine, plus a bit if walking, to find the following title on an email from a friend (non-Evertonian, but liking us more all the time)
'Fellaini for Lukaku (a season later)'.

The initial reaction from my somewhat befuddled brain was to think that we had re-signed Fellaini and United had signed Lukaku! I quickly logged on to ToffeeWeb and discovered that he was simply using the money link that so many others have made here.

So, having read 550 posts over the last few days (62 more to go at last count), I just wanted to offer a few observations of my own :-

1. It is truly heartwarming to read so much positivity.
2. I am not the first to mention it, but it does feel similar to the Lineker transfer, as both are proven goalscorers strengthening already good teams.
3. Both the Barry and Lukaku signings prove the point about the loan policy of Roberto Martinez. He is clearly taking players on loan with a view to eventual purchase - not just to boost numbers. It works both ways, of course, as these 2 players have come to love this club and readily signed permanently.
4. I was amongst the Colin Glassar Believers. Why? It was the very specific comment that the club shop was stockpiled with 'Lukaku 10' shirts (so no surprises when he held up the 10 shirt).
5. Finally re-Eugene Ruane's earlier 'calamine lotion' post. So clever, so cruel and sooooo funny. Brilliant use of Glaswegian-speak!

Roger Helm
605 Posted 02/08/2014 at 20:33:39
Any reason why he isn't number nine, following the line of Dean, Lawton, Royle, Latchford, Ferguson et al? Or am I just old-fashioned, thinking a centre- forward should wear nine?
Steven Telford
606 Posted 03/08/2014 at 02:11:08
Roger, I think because Kone is Number 9.
A bright young prospect raring to go.............

The old fashioned part of me would also prefer to see him as Number 9, a classic Number 10 would need to be a bit more able and comfortable with the ball at his feet.

Andrew Hawes
607 Posted 03/08/2014 at 04:54:09
Just in from work an maybe not thinking straight... What if Koné, after reaching match fitness, keeps knocking in the goals becomes "the main man" rather than Lukaku?? It’s all win-win, lads.
Zahir Jaffer
608 Posted 03/08/2014 at 12:18:15
Believe the hype...
Dennis Ng
609 Posted 04/08/2014 at 03:00:43
Did anyone listen to ESPN's chatter about this a few days back? I wonder who's that guy who said "Lukaku is not that good". I'm hoping Lukaku finishes with a 30+ goal season and stuff the entire team's socks in this guy's mouth. After ESPN boots him of course.
John Schrempft
610 Posted 05/08/2014 at 09:08:14
Roberto:

The Tina Turner song comes to mind.

"You're simply the best"


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