Welcome Signs of a Bright Blue Future

McCarthy opened the scoring for a vibrant and revitalized Everton side, Baines adding a perfectly taken penalty, Mirallas pilfering the third.

Michael Kenrick 15/05/2016 123comments  |  Jump to last

Tim Howard plays his final game before departing for Colorado Rapids in July

Last game of the season with Martinez finally gone, David Unsworth in charge of team matters, ably assisted by Joe Royle. Youngsters Kieran Dowell and Tom Davies were rewarded with their first Premier League starts while Barkley and Cleverley were dropped to the bench. Captain Phil Jagielka made a surprise return after recovering from a hamstring injury and Tim Howard made his farewell appearance in front of a much happier Goodison Park crowd enjoying the bright sunshine.

Relegated Norwich City kicked off but as soon as Baines intercepted the ball, it was delivered long to Lukaku who had an early and welcome chance to fire in on ex-Blue John Ruddy.

Norwich responded and a tricky ball in from Redmond put Jagielka under pressure, Howard fumbling it behind. Olsson was injured and replaced after just 10 minutes for the visitors, Brady on in his place.

Barry did well to feed Lukaku again who made space and tried to place it past Ruddy but the keeper was down well, however, Lukaku got another bite of the cherry but it was saved again.

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The Blues warmed to the new regime with some excellent interchanges between Davies and Dowell, who added a spirit of youthful adventure that had Lukaku looking a little rusty and hesitant in comparison. But the Blues still looked very vulnerable at the back.

The breakthrough came with a nice move full of forward intent, started at the back by McCarthy who gave Dowell the opportunity to run at the visitors and then smash his loose pass superbly into the top corner. Great goal.

Much brighter stuff from the Blues, with Pennington scooping an early ball up for Lukaku to chase and almost control, winning a corner that was strangely played short before the cross came in.

Pennington was the next player unable to continue, another youngster, JonJoe Kenny coming off the bench for his debut. Lukaku played in Mirallas for a great run on goal and fierce shot that tried to beat Ruddy inside the near post but smacked into the side netting.

Norwich applied pressure down the Everton right, testing young Kenny who had had some nice early touches, Redmond getting inside him to unleash a strong shot just over the bar.

Norwich had a strong spell were they pushed the Blues back on Howard's goal, Naismith trying to place a shot against his old teammates, the ball popping up off Baines's ankle onto Davies's arm but not given. Jerome did well to set up Jarvis who squandered a wonderful chance, blasted over.

Everton finally got out amnd Mirallas was challenged on the edge of the area, Baines putting the free kick wastefully straight into the wall. The Blues pressed and Lukaku switched play, Davies working the ball well and it getting played in perfectly for Lukaku who was impeded and collapsed rather theatrically. Penalty given... NOT taken by Lukaku. Baines delivered the spot-kick with aplomb as of old, and Everton 2-0 up at the break.

It didn't take long for Everton to go further ahead after the break, a determined turnover won by Dowell who again strode forward with purpose and intent, options left and right; he chose right where McCarthy paused as Kenny overlapped then placed a dangerous cross that bobbled through the crowd to Mirallas on his own at the far post where he had a simple task to convert before a Goodison crowd finally being treated to a display of proper football after months of laboured sideways and backwards possession football.

Baines went down with a painful clash of heads, but it was McCarthy who made way for Aaron Lennon. The Blues youngsters were chasing every ball and trying all sorts of quick passes. It looked raw and unpolished at times but the intent and potential was clearly evident. Baines was sharing set-piece duties with Davis, and it was the senior man who tried to beat ruddy from 35 yards with a curler that bent the wrong way, well away from goal.

It was revealing to see so many balls being played in to Lukaku, who was full of energy but the shockingly bad habits he had picked up under Martinez were all too evident, letting the ball bounce, messing up his first touch, being offside, not being in the right place in the penalty area...

At the other end, Norwich had some good spells, Brady firing in low, and Howard saving well at the near post. Jerome headed just over with pressure from Stones behind him. Kieran Dowell was given a tremendous round of applause when Unsworth decide to bring on Ross Barkley for the last 20+ minutes.

JonJoe Kenny was doing a great job to contain Brady down the right. Barkley looked to have worked an opportunity with Lennon but it didn't come off. He then went on a great run, seemingly losing the ball and going down but the jumping up and firing in on Ruddy, and effort much appreciated.

Lukaku played a great ball for Baines but Pinto caught him late and for the free-kick, Baines slipped and fell down, much to the amusement of the crowd. Lennon was largely disappointing in that the things he tried looked good but the end product, be it a cross or a shot, just did not deliver.

It became something of a training match as the last minutes of the season ticked away and Goodison bade farewell to Tim Howard. Leon Osman, who may also leave in the summer, did not get on the field this time, while Hibbert, also assumed to have played his last match for the Blues, could only participate in the Lap of Appreciation that wrapped things up at the end.

Everton: Howard, Pennington (30' Kenny), Stones, Jagielka, Baines, McCarthy (53' Lennon), Barry, Mirallas, Dowell (69' Barkley), Davies, Lukaku. Subs not Used: Robles, Cleverley, Osman, Connolly.

Norwich City: Ruddy, Ivo Pinto, Martin, Bennett (50' Bassong), Olsson (10' Brady), Redmond, O'Neil, Dorrans, Jarvis (72' Hoolahan), Naismith, Jerome. Subs not Used: Whittaker, Rudd, Andreu, Odjidja-Ofoe.

Referee: Lee Mason

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Reader Comments (123)

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Jos Rowland
1 Posted 15/05/2016 at 14:45:05
Pleased Barkley has been dropped to bench he's been a passenger for months give the hungry kids ago. I'm fancying 4-0 Toffees today new era everyone has been lifted this week!!
Anto Byrne
2 Posted 15/05/2016 at 15:52:48
I had to look twice – I thought I was watching Leicester City.
Gerard Carey
3 Posted 15/05/2016 at 15:55:59
Simple game football really, play with tempo, get the ball forward not sideways and backwards and hey presto!! What a waste of two years.
Trevor Powell
4 Posted 15/05/2016 at 16:16:43
Haleluyah
Eugene Kearney
5 Posted 15/05/2016 at 16:33:12
Listening to the match commentary on the official site - it's great to be able to do so with a silly grin on my face again.

Some young blood on the pitch - and Baines is back on penalty duty again.

Happy end to a sad season - the only way now is up....

COYB.

Steve Bingham
6 Posted 15/05/2016 at 16:42:59
Don't suppose Jose is in the stands ?
Oscar Huglin
7 Posted 15/05/2016 at 16:56:14
The fans let BK/FM know what we want pre-match - https://twitter.com/ClareAOB/status/731865098130759680

Great win. So happy for Unsworth, Royle and the youngsters that got to strut their stuff today.

Have to remember, though, that we played a distinctly average, already relegated team.

Colin Hughes
8 Posted 15/05/2016 at 16:58:35
Atmosphere was dead there today, like a funeral, thought the sacking of Martinez may have lifted the gloom a bit and the fans may have found their voices. Got to change it for next season, quietest ground in Europe.
Jay Wood
9 Posted 15/05/2016 at 17:01:01
The kids are alright! Look at the age of them! We've got some real gems coming through. I hope they can maintain the level of performance and development.

Amazing what getting back to simple basics can give a team.

Well done Rhino and Big Joe. Too late to consider "what if..?" this wee managerial shake up had come earlier...

Colin Glassar
10 Posted 15/05/2016 at 17:03:47
Maybe people were psyched up for a massive protest Colin.
Dennis Stevens
11 Posted 15/05/2016 at 17:07:06
Oscar Huglin [7]
..."Have to remember, though, that we played a distinctly average, already relegated team. "

Rather like Tottenham, eh?

Dazz Storm
12 Posted 15/05/2016 at 17:10:23
Good to see the young lads and a decent managerial duo as apposed to the excuses machine for once... Albeit one/the last of the season.

Onwards and upwards lads and lasses. I just hope for De Boer or someone not named Moyesy, Sparky.

Nice flowing football with no pressure.

Interesting times ahead for us who support the best team on the planet....

COYB.

Conor Skelly
13 Posted 15/05/2016 at 17:18:29
Some very impressive performances today but what I liked most was the general mood and body language of the players was like night and day. Dowell is a baller - no doubt, with a lovely cultured left foot. There was a bit in the second half when he spun his marker which was really impressive it was just a pity the cross didn't reach Lukaku. Davies too looks a fine prospect with that bit of swag that comes with knowing you're a class player. McCarthy even looked totally re-invigorated as if the shackles had been let off him which is contrary to the perception that himself and Martinez were tight. What we did find out today is that without doubt the right decision was made regarding the manager. It wouldn't be a popular choice by any means but what I've seen and heard from David Unsworth in the build-up to this game has really impressed me. I think if it wasn't for some pretty greedy play by Rom in particular trying to get on the score sheet we would have scored more.
Mike Powell
14 Posted 15/05/2016 at 17:24:37
Well, that was a breath of fresh air... no tippy-tappy shit; we took it to them. We closed them down and got the ball in the box football is a simple game: get the ball in the box, shoot and score.

I hope you were watching, Roberto.

Colin Hughes
16 Posted 15/05/2016 at 17:32:47
36,691 was today's gate incidentally, the first time the final home game hasn't sold out for many many a year even in other poor seasons it has always surpassed 39k. Fans were starting to vote with their feet by the looks of it.
Ben Mackenzie
17 Posted 15/05/2016 at 17:32:53
72 points would be second place this year.
David Milner
18 Posted 15/05/2016 at 17:49:05
Just to think we have Liam Walsh, Ryan Ledson & Luke Garbutt to come back from loans for next season. Walsh & Ledson have had good seasons for their club sides.
Michael Kenrick
19 Posted 15/05/2016 at 17:49:56
I was surprised by the low crowd, Colin. I expected a huge turnout in relief to celebrate the departure of Martinez... It was enough, though, to keep the season average just above 38,000 (at 38,124).

Any significance in the list players NOT involved today?

Gibson
Oviedo
Kone
Niasse
Besic
Pienaar
Funes Mori

Perhaps reading too much into it...

Gavin Johnson
20 Posted 15/05/2016 at 17:50:20
Tom Davies and Kieran Dowell can be ready made replacements for the departing Osman and Gibson. I especially like Davies, such a high energy player (he ran over 10 miles in 90 mins) he's also got skill and has a footballing brain. He looks like he can do the lot.

I hope we bring in a manager who will work closely with Unsworth and won't be afraid to use the young talent knocking at the door. So the new manager has to be Frank de Boer for me. We don't need to go chasing after Koeman and Mourinho when we've got a manager in waiting who wants the job and will make the most out of the young players coming through.

Peter Cummings
22 Posted 15/05/2016 at 17:50:33
Colin #16

I think big crowds depend on the opposition, if they are a 'name' team or something is at stake the attendances will be high but when, like today, we had little to play for and Norwich were already relegated, I thought the attendance was quite good; at least we won.

Jay Wood
23 Posted 15/05/2016 at 17:52:51
Jack @ 21.

That was the difference today, Jack!

Jim Bailey
24 Posted 15/05/2016 at 17:54:11
Out of your list, Michael, I would only keep Besic and Funes Mori.
Oscar Huglin
25 Posted 15/05/2016 at 17:55:05
Dennis Stevens #11

Haha, very true. I live with a few geordies who are actually angry at the result today. A vision of what could have been if they'd sacked McClaren sooner.

Still, if Benitez stays they'll bounce straight back up.

Sam Hoare
26 Posted 15/05/2016 at 17:55:51
Ironic that Martinez was seen as a promoter of kids and I think Unsworth gave as many starting debuts to academy players today (Dowell and Davies) as Martinez has done all season (Pennington and Galloway?).
Martin Mason
27 Posted 15/05/2016 at 17:58:17
Just have a think about turns of events in recent weeks and then perhaps give the old fox Kenwright some credit at last. Firstly he gets a billionaire on board as investor/eventual owner to hopefully secure the financial future of the club and on Bill's terms. He then rides the fans discontent and gives RM enough time to win the Cup for him while still maintaining the right to get rid of him. Bill then gives him enough rope to hang himself and fires him exactly at the time when fan anger is high and deflates the threatened protests. He then, and this is the brilliant bit, hands the managerial reins to a team of Evertonians who bring in several Everton produced youngsters and bring about a very pleasing step change in performance that bodes very well for the future. I personally believe we'd be insane to look further for a head coach than within while the opportunity is there and maybe Bill will produce his master stroke and do that. Bill has put his hand in the Everton toilet and pulled out not only his customary Mars Bar but a bunch of roses too.

Very good performance today, like a dream watching those lads like a throwback to the days when Harvey came through and then Hurst, Wright, Royle, etc. It was so great to see smiles on the faces of the players and the wonderful relationship that they have with Unsy. The future of the club is with those youngsters and I sincerely hope with those like Unsy and Royle who developed them. What a day to be an Evertonian.

Good word for Norwich too, they played well in spells and we could do worse than try to buy Redmond and Brady. They'll be back up but badly need to spend.

Brian Williams
28 Posted 15/05/2016 at 18:00:28
Colin Hughes (8).
Were you at the game today Colin?
Joe Clitherow
29 Posted 15/05/2016 at 18:00:55
Colin Hughes

I don't know where you sit but you are talking crap. The atmosphere was a typical last game of the season with nothing on it. For the first time in ages the crowd responded to the teams effort. It's never rip roaring on the last day with nothing meaningful to play for.

Under Martinez it was dead due to the shite served up, today was much better on and off the pitch.

Oscar Huglin
30 Posted 15/05/2016 at 18:03:42
Colin Hughes #8

Trying to get a rise out of other commenters? Don't know what game you watched but I was encouraged by the atmosphere today. Much more positive, and good to see the crowd really getting behind the team.

Brian Williams
31 Posted 15/05/2016 at 18:07:01
Joe (29).
Agree 100%. The crowd were prepared to give people a chance, especially the kids, and applauded things that were tried even if they didn't work out.
The crowd recognized that the players WERE trying and didn't get on anyone's back at all.
Ian Bennett
32 Posted 15/05/2016 at 18:08:04
Really enjoyed the game today.

Davies and Dowell showed a real quality today. Nice skill, balance and touch from Dowell, and really energy from Davies. Definitely both have more to offer.

Big overhaul this summer, just hope we find someone who can bring in real quality and supplement with local raw talent.

Up the blues :-)

Anto Byrne
33 Posted 15/05/2016 at 18:08:44
Tim Howard looked a top class keeper today, defenders marking the posts and fullbacks tackling their opponents and stopping the crosses. Stones and Jags were good. Yes it was only Norwich who are not much better than Sunderland.

The team put out today and the way they played would have been a match for a lot of sides. Should be an interesting summer.
Martin Mason
34 Posted 15/05/2016 at 18:09:28
Davies is like a young Bremner
Tony Hill
35 Posted 15/05/2016 at 18:17:22
Agree about Davies, he looks a fine prospect. A word too for Kenny who was very solid.

Let's hope the new manager unlocks the attacking potential of McCarthy.

A dreadful season but reasons for hope.

Kieran Kinsella
36 Posted 15/05/2016 at 18:19:13
Michael

The absentees are mostly either on the way out or crap.

Stewart Lowe
37 Posted 15/05/2016 at 18:19:49
I'm going to intriguingly watch where Martinez ends up next, see which poor team he turns into Wigan next.

WE ARE BACK: COYB

Mark Tanton
38 Posted 15/05/2016 at 18:20:51
Hopefully Mirallas is back in the fold. He hasn't played nearly enough football recently and maybe the new man can get more out of him.
Paul Thompson
39 Posted 15/05/2016 at 18:21:15
Agree with all the positive comments about Davies and Dowell, but what about Kenny? He was excellent at right back against some lively wingers. And he set up the third goal. I think we've found our shdaow (and maybe replacement?) for Coleman.
Andrew Wayne
40 Posted 15/05/2016 at 18:22:56
Just back in from the game and puzzled by some of the comments about the crowd. The atmosphere was really good, much more relaxed than it has been for months. The team played a lot more freely and despite Norwich being relegated they did have a go. The young players were excellent and Tom Davies is a gem. Stones had a good solid game and didn't seem to be carrying the anxiety that we have seen this season. Mirallas had a really good game - closing down, chasing back and defending and doing all the things you generally don't see. There was none of the tippy-tappy 30 passes before the half-way line with the ball getting forward swiftly when it was possible. Lots to be optimistic about after an awful season.
Martin Mason
41 Posted 15/05/2016 at 18:27:26
Sorry, Kenny was possibly the best of the lot, beautiful tackler.

Dowell is like a modern Martin Peters and that says volumes for him.

Jamie Crowley
42 Posted 15/05/2016 at 18:29:07
We need to appoint a manager as soon as possible and one that is very "youth friendly".

Some of our kids look absolutely fantastic.

Today was a real breath of fresh air, for me at any rate. The dark clouds are parting and with the right appointment we will see ascendency.

Nigel Munford
43 Posted 15/05/2016 at 18:33:14
Looking like RM might end up at Espanyol.
Colin Glassar
44 Posted 15/05/2016 at 18:36:39
I will watch the extended highlights tonight but listening to Charlie Nichols and reading the above comments is sounds like we've got a few young gems.

I've been saying for a while now that under a different system the likes of Rom, Ross and JS will blossom. They aren't clueless, useless or lazy they are just misused and lacking motivation. Keep them as our core and we will be just fine.

Martin Mason 27, I think you've finally lost it.

Mark Ryan
45 Posted 15/05/2016 at 18:38:02
Perhaps this is not the right time to say this but I suspect that if we don't go now and speak with Rafa Benitez we will live to rue that day because he has transformed Newcastle. Forget his connections with our neighbours, he is a proven manager looking for a long term job.

In my view he is a better prospect than Koeman, De Boer, Mourinho et al. Today and the next few weeks are defining times for us and we need to get it right.

Benitez is hands down the best available manager currently without a club.....and yes I would prefer him to Jose M. If Newcastle get him, watch them walk the Championship next year. Mr Moshiri, forget the season past, go and get Benitez.
Martin Mason
46 Posted 15/05/2016 at 18:38:30
Unsworth is our most successful manager ever with a 100% Premier league success rate and a 90% U21 rate. Maureen would die for stats like that.

Come on Colin, where is post 27 in "lost it" territory. I think of it more as a Eulogy to Bill, legend of the boy's pen and the West end.

Darren Hind
48 Posted 15/05/2016 at 18:43:45
"Davies like a young Bremner"

Doesnt take long does it ? why cant we enjoy what was a very pleasant afternoon without saddling the boys with silly comparisons to past greats ?

Gary Reeves
49 Posted 15/05/2016 at 18:44:14
Colin (#44),

Stop with the Barkley "potential" stuff (If only he could be managed properly, instructed how to tackle, blah, blah, blah etc.,etc). We've wasted enough time on him.

Today's more energetic performance (and Leicester's masterclass) expose Barkley for the liability he is. Take the money.

Christopher Dover
50 Posted 15/05/2016 at 18:47:53
Thought it ironic that the worst player today was the most expensive, he ran and chased more than seen him do over the last months but as Michael said if his touch and control was better he could and should have scored a couple of goals.

Atmosphere best all season, play good to watch no tippy tappy and the players really tried and ran and worked.

Here's hoping for a good manager to start next season fast off the mark.

Martin Mason
51 Posted 15/05/2016 at 18:48:52
Darren, I saw the young Bremner at a similar age and it's a fair comparison so sod off and stop taking yourself so seriously on such a good day.
Colin Glassar
52 Posted 15/05/2016 at 18:50:03
Is Davies an ugly looking, dirty little ginger-headed Scot like Bremner, Martin?
Darren Hind
53 Posted 15/05/2016 at 18:51:45
yeah Martin... you probably saw Martin Peters too. These kids don't need idiotic comparisons after their impressive displays.

What say we allow them to develop without building them up for a fall?

Paul Ellam
54 Posted 15/05/2016 at 18:52:22
Agree with Gavin#20
First of all, and most important really, is that Frank DeBoer actually wants the job.
Secondly, he is well known for bringing through youth and that is tailor made for what our club is about.
Don't get me wrong I'm happy for him to spend big too, especially on key positions, but the knowledge that he can work with youth is encouraging.
Thirdly, he is free.
We are going to spending plenty paying off Martinez, if we were to go for Koeman, Hughes, Emery etc there would be compensation to pay. Money that could be spent on the squad!
Martin Mason
55 Posted 15/05/2016 at 18:54:13
Of course I saw Martin Peters or I wouldn't have said that you dolt. As I said stop taking yourself so seriously. The "building up" is 100% in your mind, what I said were factual statements.
Ray Said
56 Posted 15/05/2016 at 18:54:59
Is it possible we are reading too much into it and that Funes Mori was allowed to leave early so he can have a week off before he joins the Argentina squad for the Copa America ?
Colin Glassar
57 Posted 15/05/2016 at 18:58:07
You're being very belligerent today Martin. This isn't a day for arguing but one for celebrating. But I'm sure Darren can look after himself .
Darren Hind
58 Posted 15/05/2016 at 19:01:49
Martin try to understand the difference between fact and idiotic comparisons.

Let the lads breath before making these foolish statements

James Watts
59 Posted 15/05/2016 at 19:03:53
Roberto certainly would not have been happy. Only 46% possession!!!
John Otway
60 Posted 15/05/2016 at 19:08:54
Crikey Martin Mason, aren't you just the tough little internet warrior.
Paul Tran
61 Posted 15/05/2016 at 19:11:43
De Boer will cost around £2.5m in compo.

Whoever we get still needs to ship out and replace Howard, Osman, Pienaar, Hibbert and Gibson. I'd go further and replace Robles, Kone and Niasse. That's a tall order.

I do think the rest of the players will look better playing for a manager who keeps them fit and can give simple instructions.

Good to see us play with a bit of pace and the youngsters looked promising.

Kieran Kinsella
62 Posted 15/05/2016 at 19:11:44
I thought Davies was like a mix between Maradona and Platini. Dowell is like Messi Mark 2. The only was is up. If their performances ever fall below these levels, I will berate then mercilessly.
Michael Polley
63 Posted 15/05/2016 at 19:12:29
The players seemed to enjoy themselves and for once showed confidence in their play. Roll on the new manager and hopefully a new era for our club.
Dan Aspinall
64 Posted 15/05/2016 at 19:16:52
Martin's poor missus is probably cleaning his dinner off the wall after he read that last message...
Kieran Kinsella
65 Posted 15/05/2016 at 19:17:10
The 100 million war chest thing is a bit silly really. Realistically, having finished 11th we won't attract 100 million players (Bale) or 50 million players (Ozil) but we might get 25 million players which are a crap shoot (Lukaku, Saldado) some good some bad. If we spend well we might get half a dozen really good players but we will have to draw heavily on the under 21s to fill the gaps. So the future should be bright for these kids.
Martin Mason
67 Posted 15/05/2016 at 19:19:37
Guys, I made 2 perfectly acceptable comparisons to show what the potential of these lads could be and I saw both Bremner and Peters at U21 level. There is no justifiable criticism of these comparisons.

I note two things, criticism of what I said and yet nothing to back up the criticism, that is impossible.

This isn't being a keyboard warrior, if I'm incorrect then show it otherwise don't attack.

Dave Ganley
68 Posted 15/05/2016 at 19:19:41
In from the game and fresh from being excited walking down Priory Road towards Goodison, I really enjoyed the game. I thought the young lads showed a lot of energy, sadly lacking under you know who, and that seemed to re energise the older players too.

I was a bit disappointed using the 2 DMs but was pleasantly surprised with how far forward McCarthy got and his goal was an absolute gem. Barry was his usual excellent self and its just a pity he is on his last legs with his age. Maybe get another full season out of him but he will need replacing very soon. Shame we didn't get him years ago. I was also a bit concerned with Dowell on the wing but he was excellent. I thought he made himself available all the time and was very good with his distribution. Tom Davis was another to shine. Comfortable and terrier like, the boy can have a long future in the game.

All in all a good game and a good day. It has just been quite therapeutic in exorcising the demons left by that man and his sidekicks. The crowd seemed in good form and most had smiles instead of scowls... always a bonus. Emotion from Unsy when we scored, jumping up and down with arms in the air, like a proper manager in touch with the club. It's only a start but at least we can finally look forward to a new season with some kind of optimism.

Good to see Tim Howard given a good send off with warm generous support. He has taken a lot of stick, some justified a lot not. He has been left high and dry with the awful defensive set up you know who devised and he suffered badly. He has been a good servant to us and I prefer to remember him scoring on that horrible wet and windy night at Goodison and his Wembley penalty saves rather than being let down by idiotic defensive tactics. He goes with my best wishes.

Bainesy showed enough today to say he is not finished and played more like we know he can when backed up by a very capable Kevin Mirallas. Just goes to show what a difference it makes when being managed by someone who actually knows what they are doing. Glad Mirallas shined a bit today too. Thought Lukaku looked happier today too.

I know it was only Norwich today but its a start. Onwards and upwards to next season.

COYB

Mark Frere
69 Posted 15/05/2016 at 19:23:14
I thought Kenny was like a Cafu and Paulo Maldini all rolled into one.
John Otway
70 Posted 15/05/2016 at 19:25:58
Martin Mason. Calling fellow Evertonians "dolt" and telling them to "sod off" makes you an internet warrior. Looks like you're happy to dish it out but can't take it.
Matthew Williams
71 Posted 15/05/2016 at 19:30:02
As I posted on the live forum...our youngsters plus Frank De Boer equals titles.

Play the young lads next season, be brave, try and save a few bob in the process instead of pissing it away, add quality where needed but big time signings with dodgy agents...swerve big time please!

Martin Mason
72 Posted 15/05/2016 at 19:30:19
John, I can take it all day long. I was called idiotic, dolt is a very mild response and sod off a very mild admonition. You missed the idiotic thing?
Robert Workman
73 Posted 15/05/2016 at 19:30:40
I was hoping we would have a penalty and that Baines would take it - and score, as usual. Also pleased that Howard kept a clean sheet in his last game.

Very impressed by Davies and the other young players.

John Daley
74 Posted 15/05/2016 at 19:31:17
"Just have a think about turns of events in recent weeks and then perhaps give the old fox Kenwright some credit at last......rides the fans discontent and gives RM enough time to win the Cup for him while still maintaining the right to get rid of him. Bill then gives him enough rope to hang himself and fires him exactly at the time when fan anger is high and deflates the threatened protests"

Martin,

The biggest turn of them all was your shift from the 'Bill boosting' version of that bloke who invites Alan Partridge back to his house to slurp tea out of one of those little balls you shove in the washing machine, only to later stand revealed as a stalker when the lights go on for everyone to see he has pictures of Partridge plastered over every wall and a massive tattoo of the presenting prick's face on his flabby moobs and gut, to someone sneeringly calling Kenwright "the fat controller" and claiming it was absolutely imperative the club be prised out of his sweaty, strangulating grip because he is "not fit to run an EPL club". You said his lack of decisiveness in dealing with the Martinez situation was a disgrace, that he had let the situation drag on for far too long. Now you're back singing his praises for the very thing that (supposedly) caused you to turn fucking Fredo Corleone on your blue brother?

Sod off? Get to fuck I say.

Iain Latchford
75 Posted 15/05/2016 at 19:32:27
The reason Martinez should have gone after the Liverpool game. That semi final could've been so much different.
Martin Mason
76 Posted 15/05/2016 at 19:33:24
Oliver@66

The alternative was an individual with sole responsibility rather than the team which would have been possibly seen as divisive.

Brian Denton
77 Posted 15/05/2016 at 19:33:48
It will be interesting to see where we feature on MOTD. Only the City match had anything riding on it, so any choice after that other than the number of goals scored in the match will be revealing. No way, for example, should we be on after RS. But we probably will be.
Martin Mason
78 Posted 15/05/2016 at 19:34:25
John@74 I say the same to you and sober up while you're at it.
David Chait
79 Posted 15/05/2016 at 19:38:39
The only positives from this season came from the youth teams so to see a couple of them take the step up and shine is awesome!

To think that the ones that are (maybe) further along like Walsh and Ledson are out on loan and could come back too next season.

Its imperative that the next manager cares for the youth. I take huge pride in seeing our boys be successful and progress to the next level. We mustn't lose that!

Our best youth in the the groups are in different positions and we haven't seen all together. How far are we from seeing Walsh, Dowell, Davies, Ledson, Galloway in the same team and Stones, Lukaku and Barkley?
For the record I don't think comparisons hurt a player. The player will become whoever their talent and drive allows them to be.

Thats why for me I want de Boer.

John Otway
80 Posted 15/05/2016 at 19:44:15
Martin Mason. That's libellous and you're nothing but an internet warrior and sad little bully. Happy to hand it out but you can't take it.
Brian Porter
81 Posted 15/05/2016 at 19:50:08
Ray Said #56. I'm sure you're right with regards to Funes Mori who after all is now a regular Argentinian international and will probably go on to become a much better player without Martinez around to screw his mind up. Definitely not someone we want to lose as he will probably get better and better with the passage of time. I'm sure he was allowed to leave early as you said to join up with the Argentine squad ahead of their important qualifiers.
John Daley
82 Posted 15/05/2016 at 19:50:18
Sober up? I'm not the one who seemingly can't remember what he says from one moment to the next, Martin.
,
I'm surprised you didn't simply attempt to outright deny ever saying such things mind, seen as though that was your tactic when you basically looked around blankly and went "Wasn't me", back when someone reminded you that you recently stated that you wanted Everton to lose every game until the end of the season.

So, some progression on your part at least.

Duncan McDine
83 Posted 15/05/2016 at 19:51:01
Whoever is brought in to manage this group of players, the most important thing is to get back some of the togetherness and fight that's been lacking for such a long time. I actually agree with some of Martin's points, but praising BK on ToffeeWeb?... What were you thinking!!!
Colin Gee
84 Posted 15/05/2016 at 19:56:21
Goodison in the sunshine, no tippy tappy, no playing out from the back, baines back on pens. Kids making their debuts didn't look out of place.

The futures bright, the futures blue.

Martin Mason
85 Posted 15/05/2016 at 19:56:36
Duncan, praise where it's due that's all.
Oliver Molloy
86 Posted 15/05/2016 at 19:56:51
Martin,

You are trying to say that BK deserves credit for picking Unsworth and Royle.

Well , you should be thanking Martinez, because it was he who told Kenwright to put them both in the dug out for the Norwich game, according to Unsworth himself.

No BK has been far from brilliant this last season, it was quite obvious who would be in the dug out for the last game.

Gavin Johnson
87 Posted 15/05/2016 at 20:00:20
Iain #75

Don't torture yourself. It's defo food for thought. I think most wanted Martinez gone after the derby disaster. The way we played today points to the way we'd have played against United: We'd have gone at them straight off the blocks.

I guess Martinez was always going to be given his chance in the semi, warranted or not. It would have been nice to see Rhino and Joe having the final run in of games after the 'defining week' going off how the players performed today.

Joe Clitherow
88 Posted 15/05/2016 at 20:01:54
One thing I want to know though, where is Big Dunc? I don't recall him being released with the other backroom no-marks Jones and Lawrence in the week?

He wasn't on "The Tim Howard Farewell which is definitely not a lap of honour" celebration today which was a bit of a surprise.

Andrew Presly
89 Posted 15/05/2016 at 20:04:09
Should've gone this way straight after the Anfield massacre, might have had one more game this season.

As always with Everton, though, it's a day late and a quid short but here's to the future. A good day.

Ron Sear
90 Posted 15/05/2016 at 20:04:27
This really can't be right, I came away from the ground with a feeling of optimism, I can't find anything to moan about in the performance. Everton played as a team, their direction was virtually always towards the Norwich goal. There was a hardly a pass across the back four, they were energetic. I am going to wake up soon as it really cannot be right.
Martin Mason
91 Posted 15/05/2016 at 20:04:52
Oliver, I'm only saying how BK completely outflanked his critics and for the benefit of the club.

What about getting Moshiri to buy in on his terms?

Marcus Leigh
92 Posted 15/05/2016 at 20:06:37
Tim Howard: 'I was fighting back the tears at the end. This will always be my home. I love this football club.' Respect. And best of luck at Colorado Rapids.
Gavin Johnson
93 Posted 15/05/2016 at 20:09:32
Totally agree Andrew. It's sickening dwelling on it too much though. Knowing had we gone out and played positively from the kick-off like today, we'd have probably won with 2 other Evertonian's leading the side out, who have also both got winners medals.
Danny O'Neill
94 Posted 15/05/2016 at 20:10:09
Said it on the live forum. Regardless of the stick Tim Howard has taken this season (many would point out rightfully so), what a class statement to say about our (his) football club. Once Everton has touched you.....
Karl Parsons
95 Posted 15/05/2016 at 20:15:36
Colin #8

? Bollocks lad.

The kids were superb today as was the Howard send off.
Class fans us yano.

This close season could be our most important ever.
Have a happy summer Blues !

Julian Wait
96 Posted 15/05/2016 at 20:15:40
Similarly to Oscar's Geordie friends, I am angry at thinking we should have won at least a cup - minimum got to one final - and maybe finished in the top 4, and at least top 6. That would have been if we had had a decent manager, and if the team had pulled together.

Instead, we ended up taking a top 6 squad to flirt with relegation. Our home record is abysmal, truly, and today doesn't change that at all.

There's a lot of people don't come out of this looking good, including Martinez, Kenwright, and a good portion of the players.

I hope there's a lot of changes made in how we are run, managed, and play, but changes must be made in a way that doesn't further risk us continuing a slide down the table into next season, like Villa (poor decisions for years; over reliance on kids) and Newcastle (poor decisions for years; over reliance on mercenary foreigners).

Additional mis-steps and we really could get relegated next year.

Tony Hill
97 Posted 15/05/2016 at 20:15:56
Gavin, he stayed too long because, as always with Kenwright, the decision took too long. It is pleasing that Moshiri forced the issue in the end but Bill I'd still very much part of the scene.

The only jarring note for me today was the applause which followed Howard's tribute to Kenwright. Polite, no doubt, but yet again the Chairman has escaped, having caused us great damage. To that extent, Martin Mason is surely correct to pay him the compliment, but "old fox" would not be my description..

Garry Corgan
98 Posted 15/05/2016 at 20:16:59
Joe, he was definitely on the bench. He was shown sat next to Royle, with McCarthy when he went off.
Oliver Molloy
99 Posted 15/05/2016 at 20:21:06
Martin,
Now you are changing the subject a little.

Moshiri , as I keep saying has done sweet nothing other than buy shares - yet.

When he puts his hand in his billionaire pockets and spends the large sums of money the club will need to challenge and grow I may then believe BK deserves some credit, but until this happens, for me the jury is out.

Now I know you may say that it will be in the contract somewhere that Moshiri has to invest whatever in order to gain full control , so let's see what he does.

My thoughts are Moshiri knows very well he could make a load of money in a relatively short space of time if he gets it right and ultimately from reading a little about the man - he is a businessman first and foremost , a good thing but maybe a bad thing also.

Colin Glassar
100 Posted 15/05/2016 at 20:23:42
I think Martin M has been hacked, he's usually just a non-aggressive BK apologist.
Gary Willock
101 Posted 15/05/2016 at 20:28:29
Nice to be proud of being blue again!! At various stages today we had 5 young scousers on that pitch, with plenty of others youngsters (Grant, Walsh, Ledson, Connolly, Galloway, Browning, Garbutt, Duffus, Byrne, Williams, Foulds, golf are, etc.) all hopefully capable of stepping up and in too.

Unlike not listening to #MartinezOut for the last year and a bit - I really hope the board listen to this: YOU CAN WIN THINGS WITH KIDS (Hansen is a dickhead, we all know that already). We need a manager who is going to give these lads a real chance of making it into the first team and who can help them develop. The squad does not need filling with mercenaries; it needs players who can come in and help these kids too....just 3-4 top class talents, to supplement these kids and what is there already.

I don't care who the name is; Jose, Frank, Ronald, or whatever; the interview should be the same fundamental question: "how will you develop our youngsters and put the local heart back in the club?".

the future is bright, the future is blue! COYB 👏

Martin Mason
102 Posted 15/05/2016 at 20:28:32
Oliver, do you have any facts to discuss?
David Barks
103 Posted 15/05/2016 at 20:32:37
The former Everton players and manager did the club proud today, as did the players. Today just made it painfully obvious just how toxic things had gotten. The players actually played with a shape today, and Lukaku was being played the ball. Not even a week of training and the players looked more like the side we expected, and that was with youth players in the starting 11.

The previous manager just was unable to admit his mistakes and refusing to acknowledge the obvious. Today the players showed the relief in having that style of football removed and you could actually see the joy in the play. Funny how they weren't intimidated by the Goodison crowd today.

Charlie Lloyd
104 Posted 15/05/2016 at 20:40:10
Very pleased with the performance today. The young lads did us proud plus the established players stepped up.

Made up for Unsworth & Royle they deserve the accolades tonight for getting it right.

Oliver Molloy
105 Posted 15/05/2016 at 20:40:34
Martin,

A fairly typical response from you - fact !
I think if you read our corresponding posts you will see I did point to the FACT that BK was told by Martinez to put Unsworth in charge for today.

Just some time ago you were hanging BK out to dry - make your mind up and stop trying to belittle people while you are at it.

Victor Jones
106 Posted 15/05/2016 at 20:50:28
People, people, people...we won a football match today. Cease this bickering. And making comparisons with great players from the past is pointless, especially after only one full game. Dowell, Davies, Kenny, Pennington and Connolly are the next Dowell, Davies, Kenny, Pennington and Connolly. Nothing else. Let's hope that they really make the grade.

Just thinking that (despite today's win) Martinez has left the next manager with a few headaches. We need a new goalkeeper, the defence still needs to be strengthened and trained, the left side (midfield and wing) needs to be worked on and we need a midfield general, a player that we have not had for years. And we need alternatives up front. Lukaku (should he stay) needs to change his attitude and become a team player and just watch how many goals he would score should he ever learn to control a football.

As mentioned numerous times, we also need to clear out the walking wounded and the dead wood and then replace them. Not an easy job for a new manager. Compare all that to what Moyes left for Martinez. An almost ready to go squad of players, barring only a few.

Martinez has left a mess but the youngsters could really help the cause, they really could. And a war chest will of course help.

So that was a good win today. Shame that Martinez was not shown the door after the Liverpool game, we might now be looking forward to an FA Cup final, who knows?

Hard work ahead folks but this could be an exciting new era Experience and youth...chemistry, chemistry, chemistry. Let's hope that Kenwright does not fuck anything up. Keep Moyes away.

Onwards and upwards and all that nonsense. Forever Everton.

Colin Glassar
107 Posted 15/05/2016 at 21:01:04
New manager, new players, young kids coming through, what's not to like?
Andy Crooks
108 Posted 15/05/2016 at 21:05:19
Martin Mason, there is no doubt in my mind that Kenwright has played a blinder. He is still chairman, still lives the dream AND he has lined his pockets to a monumental extent. He has benefited himself incredibly and " wily old fox ", is one way to describe him. I imagine you see not a thing wrong with that. Fair enough.

However, I thing he has contributed nothing to our club. He has , craftily, created the blubbing Blue Bill boys pen character and it has served him well. I see nothing admirable about him and have no respect for him.

Anyway, good show today.Onward and upward.

Joe McMahon
109 Posted 15/05/2016 at 21:06:01
So true Colin, but lets wait and see who the next manager is first. I'd be happier if I knew Moyes was out of the equation!
Martin Mason
110 Posted 15/05/2016 at 21:40:53
Andy, what is illegal or immoral about Kenwright making money from running the club for 16 years?
Jeff Armstrong
111 Posted 15/05/2016 at 21:48:01
Martin you are being deliberately provocative in your responses, Andy said nothing of Kenwright doing anything illegal or immoral
Paul Andrews
112 Posted 15/05/2016 at 21:54:58
Nothing at all Martin. What he can't do is give the impression that he wasn't interested in making money.

That has always been his intention, from the word go.
Andy Crooks
113 Posted 15/05/2016 at 22:10:35
Martin, I used neither phrase. I believe he has been a poor custodian of the club and has ultimately served himself. Nothing illegal there.


Kevin Rowlands
114 Posted 15/05/2016 at 22:20:49
Martin, you know what's immoral and possibly illegal, bringing well known shysters like Philip Green and Robert Earl into our club, invest sweet fuck all just like himself, then ride off into the sunset having profited millions for doing absolutely fuck all.

If Kenwright is the true blue that he always claims, he should use the millions he's now made from Everton and invest it into a new stadium, that's when I'll start having a little bit of respect for the man.
Tony Draper
116 Posted 15/05/2016 at 22:53:11
The mark of ANY chairman of ANY club is precisely the same as it is for the clubs manager, the clubs captain.

Show us yer medals !

Tumbleweed, a lonely mission bell and dust gathering.

Brian Porter
117 Posted 16/05/2016 at 00:54:04
What pleased me most of all about today was seeing Leighton Baines playing with a smile on his face for the first time in ages. That one fact spoke volumes for me. In recent games he's looked like he was carrying the world on his shoulders.

Tim Howard can say what he likes about his big mate Roberto buy the fact that Baines looked and played like a man reprieved from death row told the truth of the matter as far as I'm concerned. Who knows,maybe some of the problems were caused by a split in the dressing rom with a small cadre of pro-Martinez acolytes holding out against the majority who wanted him out. Could explain why we witnessed a team who weren't together and played like strangers. No Martinez, no spilt, all in one boat, let the good times roll.
Jeff Hough
118 Posted 15/05/2016 at 06:32:38
I agree with you 100% Joe. So why did someone in the Park End feel the need to hold up a sign saying 'Moyes SOS? '
Les Martin
119 Posted 16/05/2016 at 08:27:34
Today was about getting a win to send the faithful off for summer recess with a smile on their faces. To give Tim Howard a deserved send off, and too look at the young players stating their case for a future at Everton.
Mission accomplished.

And I have to add special praise for Tom Davies, we have a star in the making "remember the name".
Dave Abrahams
120 Posted 15/05/2016 at 09:18:28
I was very happy with the performance of the team, the crowd responded to their efforts and gave great support and encouragement th the young lads who all impressed,Davies ran his heart out and looks a very good box to box midfielder, Dowell on the ball showed he has great skill, would have liked him to have taken one or two of the free kicks close to goal, he is brilliant with these.

Jonjo Kenny showed what he can do, aggressive in his tackling and created a goal, some more to come in as well, so the club is well provided in the future, just give the time to progress and they should save the club millions in transfer fees, all in all a very satisfactory day.

Tony Abrahams
121 Posted 16/05/2016 at 09:46:17
Martin Mason, I have nothing but admiration, for the clever way you went about getting Martinez, the sack.

I heard that when "YOUR BILL" heard you was ready to turn your back on him, Martinez, was sacked instantly.

Keep going though Martin, just lay off "the cheese"

Laurie Hartley
125 Posted 16/05/2016 at 10:57:13
It seems to me that the chairman might be still there but he is not running the show any more - if he was we wouldn't be looking for a new manager.

I believe we will get a new stadium or better still a revitalised Goodison.

What a change in two days:

Baines scores from the spot and is "in charge" of free kicks.
McCarthy scores from outside the box.
Mirallas starts a game and surprise surprise scores.
Square pegs in square holes all over the pitch.
Three "Everton" teenagers start the game - phew!

There is a lot of "blueness" about all this.

Perhaps Andy Crook's Corinthian dream is still alive.

I CAN SEE THE LIGHT!!!

Eric Myles
126 Posted 16/05/2016 at 11:03:17
Laurie #125, it was interesting to note Moshiri firmly in place in the front row between BK and Woods rather than languishing somewhere at the back as before.
Neil Quinn
127 Posted 16/05/2016 at 11:28:30
Laurie at 25, my thoughts exactly.

Great to see Baines on penalties again. Why the hell couldn't he have taken the one at Wembley? On the other hand, if he'd scored then Martinez would still be here.

Other reflections......Robles is not good enough & a new keeper is a must. Mori has too many mistakes in him for my liking & depending on whether Stones stays or goes, I think a new CB is also a priority.

We also need a general...someone who can carry the ball & keep possession like Arteta who we've never replaced. Whilst I'd like us to keep Barkley, he's not that man. Hasn't got the brain.

Laurie Hartley
128 Posted 16/05/2016 at 12:05:51
Eric - you are right - the boss always sits at the top of the table and/or in the middle of the group.

It a way of letting everyone know "who's who in the zoo".

Alan Bodell
129 Posted 16/05/2016 at 15:19:30
I think Tom Cleverley needs to find another club now that his mentor has left, I just don't see what he gives to the team apart from energy.
Paul Kossoff
130 Posted 16/05/2016 at 16:06:22
I would hold off on the bright new future for a while, if you read the Express or look at the BBC they are both saying Moyes is favourite to make a 'stunning return' to Everton if we don't get De Boer.

I for one would see no bright future for my club if this turn coat was welcomed back by his dear friend Kenwright.

Please God it's Morishi who has the final say as far as a new manager coming in.
We as supporters under no circumstance must allow Kenwrights heart to rule his head and convince Morishi to bring back Moyes.

Damian Wilde
131 Posted 16/05/2016 at 17:05:42
I thought we played well. Great to see Mirallas start and Davies and Diwell. We know under sideways bob none of them would have started. If anyone deserved bencing it was Barkley, woeful of late.

What I liked? Howard launching it up the field and not passing it to Stones!! We had more shape and pattern than we have had for months. I thought the kids did great, well played.

It was like a cloud had been lifted from the club with that prat gone (sympathy for him...none). First time in two years I looked forward to the match.

I feel more optimistic now. Just nice to enjoy the match again, to feel like our club is our club again. And we kept a clean sheet!!! We would not have got this result under sideways bob.

Well done Everton ;) COYB!! Enthsiasm is back.


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