Roberto Martinez must beware the looming spectre of Mike Walker

, 8 March, 13comments  |  Jump to most recent
David Prentice writes that while the Catalan could never take away the undisputed tag of worst Everton manager from the "Silver Fox", there are worrying parallels between the two.
Mike Walker earned the Everton job by coaching an unfashionable club to a handsome win at Goodison Park, then pulling off a spectacularly unexpected victory in a major cup tie.

Fast forward a couple of decades and Roberto Martinez led Wigan Athletic to a 3-0 win in an FA Cup tie at a shell-shocked Goodison, then outwitted Manchester City in the final.

It's both men's refusal to budge from their footballing philosophies which is most disturbing.

Walker had a vision which he refused to budge from. He picked teams which were easy on the eye and attractive to watch, but didn't defend.

» Read the full article at Liverpool Echo



Reader Comments (13)

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James Thornhill
1 Posted 08/03/2016 at 17:39:53
Its quite funny, only after the West Ham game a couple of us mentioned in the pub, we should get a "Bring back Mike Walker!!" flag made. Just to show our disgust in a sarcastic sought of way.
Charles Barrow
2 Posted 08/03/2016 at 17:56:00
I don’t think Martinez is as bad – Walker was exceptionally clueless rather then just clueless!

Martinez is right in that we have the makings of a really good team – in fact it is a good team that should be in the top four, easy. But as we all know he just isn’t able to bring out the best in them over 90 minutes ...or is that 96? Like everyone else I was incandescent with rage after the West Ham game. I think that was the straw that broke the camel’s back.

The present situation is particularly depressing because we may not have this team by the time the Euros are over. We may have to start all over again with a new manager.

Mark Andrews
3 Posted 08/03/2016 at 18:28:16
He needs a defensive coach as he’s clueless in that department. He won’t ask for help with a defensive coach though, as it’s not his "philosophy".

Dead man walking.

Paul Hewitt
4 Posted 08/03/2016 at 20:30:04
Walker was rubbish. But he had a rubbish team. Martinez is just clueless with a very good team.
Tony Twist
5 Posted 08/03/2016 at 21:02:53
No defensive coach thank you very much, don't want Martinez hanging around. Mourinho is free and could be tempted with the players we have and a new well off major shareholder. We need someone who is meticulous and a winner to make the necessary small changes to make these players and team great.
Jack Cross
6 Posted 08/03/2016 at 21:10:43
Martinez, should play Baines, from the start against Chelsea in the cup and put the petty argument he had with Baines, to one side.

I mean if player's arn't able to question their coach about defensive tactical play without getting dropped, Baines, could go out of the club, just like Distin did.

Joe Clitherow
7 Posted 08/03/2016 at 23:57:44
Why do people always say Martinez *only* needs a defensive coach??? He has had one the entire time he has been here ffs!!!
Anthony Dwyer
8 Posted 09/03/2016 at 00:16:07
Joe @ 7.

Spot on mate.

Martinez does not need a defensive coach, he needs his P45.

Martinez can’t say he hasn’t been given a chance, he has spent £90m (odd).

He also can’t keep blaming refs, opposition, his own players or bad luck, he has to started look at his own failures, because everyone else is.

Jack Mason
9 Posted 09/03/2016 at 01:52:56
I've been a vocal critic of the Echo but I applaud their decision to print this.
John Keating
10 Posted 09/03/2016 at 15:57:58
Walker was a disaster, of that there is no doubt.
But we got rid asap.

We’ve kept this idiot on twice as long! And no sign of him getting binned!!!

Patrick Murphy
11 Posted 09/03/2016 at 16:01:02
Jack (6) The managers hand may be forced regarding Baines on Saturday as Bryan Oviedo is doubtful due to a chest infection.
John Keating
12 Posted 09/03/2016 at 16:13:11
Jack,

The dickhead "supposedly" Everton supporters at the Echo should be shot! They should be leading the campaign of putting Martinez on the spot – not reacting to other outsiders' comments.

Far too long has the Echo sat on the sidelines at Everton. I seem to remember they weren’t so quiet when the lot from across the Park were wanting answers.

Jack Mason
13 Posted 09/03/2016 at 20:29:37
Haha John, tell it like it is mate. I thought I'd have a go at being fair and balanced. But yeah they've been an absolute disgrace.

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