Everton clinch Premier League 2 title

Monday, 24 April, 2017 171comments  |  Jump to most recent
Everton Under-23s have won Premier League 2 following Manchester City's defeat to Liverpool today.

City's U23s needed to win both of their remaining games in order to deny David Unsworth's team top spot but lost 3-2 to the Reds' second string.

The title represents a significant achievement given Manchester City's superior facilities and resources and enhances Everton's image as having one of the most productive and exciting youth academies in the country.

The mini-derby against Liverpool at Goodison Park on 8th May, Everton U23s' final game of the season, will now be an occasion of celebration for the Blues rather than a crunch match with the title on the line. The Reds can secure second place with a victory, however.

 

Reader Comments (171)

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Rob Halligan
1 Posted 24/04/2017 at 21:02:41
Wonder if they will get the trophy on Sunday, or wait until the final match? I'd prefer it was presented at the final game. Show the RS what a Premier League trophy looks like!!
James Morgan
2 Posted 24/04/2017 at 21:03:07
Great stuff, young blues!!!
Paul Birmingham
3 Posted 24/04/2017 at 21:03:30
Congratszioni to the U23s, well earned, on winning Premier League 2.
Colin Glassar
4 Posted 24/04/2017 at 21:04:21
Needs to be at our last home game, Rob.
Colin Metcalfe
5 Posted 24/04/2017 at 21:05:42
Premier League 2 Champions – a clear indicator that the club is making big strides to make Everton is footballing force once again!

A big club with rich history should not go over 20 years without silverware, hopefully this will be just the start of our journey back to the big time!

Well done to Rhino and his young chargers!

Rob Halligan
6 Posted 24/04/2017 at 21:07:14
Official site say it will be presented on the night, Colin. I'm getting along to watch that game.
Dave Williams
7 Posted 24/04/2017 at 21:09:51
Great opportunity for a few to be given game time before the season ends. Play Mason at CB, Jonjo RB and give Walsh and Williams some time in midfield. If these lads are ready they can save us a fortune which we can spend elsewhere.
Peter Gorman
8 Posted 24/04/2017 at 21:12:57
I'm envious of all of you who can go to the game. I make a point of watching their highlights and it is a pleasure to see a team full of players who visibly give a shit about winning trophies for the club.

I think the role of Unsworth in instilling this mentality in his young charges can not be overstated.

Dan Parker
9 Posted 24/04/2017 at 21:15:36
They've done it. Well in lads, tremendous.
Rob Halligan
10 Posted 24/04/2017 at 21:19:55
RS can actually finish second if they beat us. Makes for an even more interesting game.
Tony Hill
11 Posted 24/04/2017 at 21:20:10
Great work, well done to Unsworth and all concerned.
David Chait
12 Posted 24/04/2017 at 21:34:53
Never been happier to see Liverpool win! So deserved by these lads!!! What a boost for them and the club!
Kieran Kinsella
13 Posted 24/04/2017 at 22:14:43
You could argue that Premier League 2 is bigger than the FA Cup. Not saying it's a good arguement mind. In all seriousness though it's good that these kids are now used to winning. Hopefully a few make it into the first team and have similar success.
Sam Hoare
14 Posted 24/04/2017 at 22:25:26
Champions!!! Great stuff. Can't wait to see who from this batch makes the step up. Think Kenny, Walsh, Baningime and Sambou look like the real deal though you could probably pick another 5 or 6 names who have just as good a chance.

Those who excel in pre season will get a shot next year I'm sure.

Joe O'Brien
15 Posted 24/04/2017 at 22:34:58
Well done lads. A lot of talented players there. Can't wait to see those young Evertonians in the 1st team. There could be a least 5, it'll be a big step up but they look like they've got it.

Would be great to see a few of them before the season ends. Well done, ye blues.

Eugene Ruane
16 Posted 24/04/2017 at 22:46:31
Impossible to say for sure who will make the grade (the step up is a massive one) but everything I've seen of Sambou tells me he must have a great chance.

Not only does he have bags of talent but a (not overly humble) attitude that I love.

A sort of 'I should have been here months ago - what took you?' attitude.

Brent Stephens
17 Posted 24/04/2017 at 22:53:50
Only got to a couple of U23 games this season. But one thing that always occurs to me is that the likes of City, Chelsea etc have strength in depth in the first team squad, so the knock on-effect down to the U23 must be significant. Contrast that with our wafer thin (hyphen to be inserted) first team squad and therefore knock-on to our U23. In that context, winning this U23 league is even more impressive.

Liam Walsh for me!

Gerry Quinn
18 Posted 25/04/2017 at 00:13:04
Note, the BBC is devoid of any reference to this Championship win – yet it has no problem wendying on about Carli Lloyd and Man City Women!!!!!!!!!!! If it had been the Shite or Chelski or City it would be all over their site
Peter Gorman
19 Posted 25/04/2017 at 00:27:09
To be fair Gerry, their ignorance is our bliss. Unsy is doing a great job of keeping the lads focused and grounded, I prefer Tom Davies that way than someone fannying about like Jack Wilshire.

The beeb are running a piece which is simply Puel saying his player Romeu is just like Kante. Everybody is banging on about Kante now.

I prefer our Idrissa Gueye and think if we are going to make lofty comparisons for young Beni Baningime it should be with Idrissa as they both provide great cover in tackling and intercepting.

Darryl Ritchie
20 Posted 25/04/2017 at 03:04:01
Silverware 2!!!!
Bob Butchard
21 Posted 25/04/2017 at 03:11:53
Not to be underestimated in the scheme of things. Congratulations to all involved and good luck for the future.
Mick Davies
22 Posted 25/04/2017 at 03:13:30
'Everton clinch Premier League' . . how good does that sound, even with the '2 title' added. Well done blues
Jay Harris
23 Posted 25/04/2017 at 03:26:41
Well done to Unsy and the boys.

This is no mean feat when you consider what Chelsea and Man City have invested in their academies.

Let's hope this is just the start of big things at the club.

Freddy Maldonado
24 Posted 25/04/2017 at 03:32:44
Congrats to Unsy and our future stars!
Dan Parker
25 Posted 25/04/2017 at 03:45:02
Congrats Lads & Congrats Unsy. The futures
Mark Andersson
26 Posted 25/04/2017 at 03:45:48
Brilliant news congrats to all the players, staff and Unsey... Let's hope that these boy's turn into men soon and make the senior squad fear for their future.

I watched a great documentary about Arsenal's fledglings like Adams, Rocastle and Keown making the grade and as they said we were determined to push the old boys out and had that arrogance of youth.

Unsey might want to try his hand at first team management soon and come back to be a proper Everton manager, who clearly understands the fans and their passion for the club. WELL DONE Blues Now go and hammer the shite.

David Young
27 Posted 25/04/2017 at 04:19:15
Well done U23 Team and Unsy, a great shot in the arm for all those future Everton senior team players and EFC fans.
NSNO is coming to fruition.
Andrew Lum
28 Posted 25/04/2017 at 04:23:38
Fantastic achievement by Unsy and the boys! Hope that more players in the U23 setup get to play some part in our remaining matches now that we are most likely to finish 7th after all. Would be good to see how we fare with Kenny at right-back and Holgate in his natural position of centre-back.
Will Mabon
29 Posted 25/04/2017 at 05:37:14
There seems little doubt that we're entering an era in which the academies will start to figure more strongly down the road.

The extent and manner in which they do will work itself out in coming seasons but it can only be good that we're in the position we are at this stage.

Laurie Hartley
30 Posted 25/04/2017 at 06:21:13
Well done to the Under-23s and Unsworth on a great achievement. Now go and cap it off in the last game of the season by showing your big brothers how to beat the dark side.

Up the Blues!!

Dan Egerton
31 Posted 25/04/2017 at 06:25:57
THIS IS BRILLIANT. Well done lads.
Liam Reilly
32 Posted 25/04/2017 at 07:01:54
Great achievement when you look at the resources of the other sides.

Hopefully the step up can be bridged by a few of these lads.

Is it time for Unsworth to go out to see what he can do with a Championship side and earn his stripes?

Kieran Fitzgerald
33 Posted 25/04/2017 at 07:06:50
The TV money isn't going to last for ever. For clubs like Everton, where it is the biggest source of revenue, having your own supply of decent players is something that we will start to rely more on.

Clubs like Man City and Chelsea may start to expect more than they currently are from their academies, but they will still have enough revenue outside of TV to buy big.

Jon Withey
34 Posted 25/04/2017 at 07:09:40
Really good job, and largely without Davies, Holgate, Galloway, Calvert-Lewis, Lookman – strongest group of youth we've had in years.

Odds are that some of these guys will go on to make a good career with us, others will make a living somewhere. Kenny, Baningime, Walsh, Williams seem to be on their way.

Plenty of credit to Unsworth who has kept them focused throughout the campaign even through the occasional wobble.

Kieran Fitzgerald
35 Posted 25/04/2017 at 07:18:26
Just read the Newcastle match report from last night. Is the Browning playing for Preston Tyias Browning?

Hope so because he has had a sustained run in a Preston team that has been playing well. A young Everton player that has gotten great experience if it is him and will give us an option at left back.

Alan J Thompson
36 Posted 25/04/2017 at 07:19:09
Well done, Unsworth, and the lads.

Now let's see some of them getting first team game time especially as most of the remaining games are practically dead rubbers. We don't want more leaving like Ledson and Holland.

Sam Hoare
37 Posted 25/04/2017 at 07:29:22
Same Browning, Kieran, though he has been injured for last few weeks and I imagine he's playing right back. It will be a big Summer for him coming up as he needs to force his way into first team squad or find new pastures, I imagine, at his age now. I don't see why he can't be as good an option as Funes Mori if given a run.
Derek Knox
38 Posted 25/04/2017 at 07:31:41
Congrats to all involved with the U-23 set up.

It is also encouraging and augurs well for the future, that we have a few talented lads with us.

Paul Kelly
39 Posted 25/04/2017 at 07:36:17
Top banana. Well done, Unsy and Co.
Clive Mitchell
40 Posted 25/04/2017 at 08:04:18
Excellent achievement; well done, David Unsworth.
Andy Codling
41 Posted 25/04/2017 at 08:57:08
Well done to the lads and very happy for Rhino's work paying off, the man continues to impress more and more every time I see him interviewed, a proper blue and another example of what makes this club so special.
Dave Abrahams
42 Posted 25/04/2017 at 09:17:30
Great work by David Unsworth and the lads. I echo what Alan J Thompson (#36) says – it is imperative we hold on to a lot of these lads. They are getting very good wages off Everton, that, in the long run, will not keep them here. They are ambitious and know how good they are; they want to play senior football.

Koeman should play a few of them before the end of the season... I doubt very much he will do it on Sunday. I hope he does in the other games.

Come on, Ronnie, be as ambitious as your young players.

James Lauwervine
43 Posted 25/04/2017 at 09:40:08
Congratulations to the team and to Unsy. There's an Everton manager in the making surely. Koeman can get us back contending for the top four over the next season or two then knob off to Barcelona. Unsy takes over and so begins an unprecedented era of success .
Eugene Ruane
44 Posted 25/04/2017 at 09:41:01
Congratulations!

A terrific achievement by David Unsworth and his team and all the squad.

The feeling of being winners can only benefit them (and hopefully us).

Enjoy the derby, should be some crowd.

Peter Mills
45 Posted 25/04/2017 at 10:03:27
A fantastic season for these lads. Not only is David Unsworth coaching a winning mentality into them, but developing good life-skills and character with projects like the rough-sleep night at Goodison.

We all crave to see these young men coming through into the first team and demonstrating their skills, but ability counts for little if not matched with grit and determination on the pitch, and humility off it.

It seems he is moulding them in his own likeness.

Barry Pearce
46 Posted 25/04/2017 at 10:21:55
Fantastic achievement, well done to Rhino, and all the lads, who played their part.

We truly have some wonderful young talent. The future's bright, the future's blue.

Ed Fitzgerald
47 Posted 25/04/2017 at 10:45:50
It's a fantastic achievement by David Unsworth and his team and it's great to see Everton winning something for a change.

It's even more impressive given the vast sums of money pumped into some of the academies we are in competition with.

Side issue about Unsworth he is the second highest scoring defender in Premier League history; Baines is third.

Congratulations Rhino.

Clive Rogers
48 Posted 25/04/2017 at 10:58:07
The next one to get into the first team should be Kenny. He has earned it. He was brilliant in the last game laying on both goals with crosses. He is a natural replacement for Seamus.
Dave Ganley
49 Posted 25/04/2017 at 10:59:42
Excellent stuff from Unsy and the young lads. Let's hope this is the start of success on all fronts
James Flynn
50 Posted 25/04/2017 at 11:07:19
While singing everyone's praises, Unsworth singled out his assistant, John Ebbrell, for the great contribution he made.
Brian Harrison
51 Posted 25/04/2017 at 11:21:00
Brilliant, especially as the management team are all ex-players in Unsworth, Ebbrell with Joe Royle keeping a watchful eye on everything.

I think if we are to try and compete for a top 4 spot in the coming seasons, it's important that we produce our own players as we can't compete financially with some of the top 4 teams. To be able to beat Chelsea, Man City, Man Utd and Arsenal for the title given the money they spend on young players is great.

The other plus is that Koeman isn't scared of giving youth a go, I think at other clubs young players don't get the chance to progress into the first team. I think as fans we also have to be patient with young players, as they won't have the consistency of the older players. Tom Davies has been terrific but he will need to be taken out from time to time.

Kim Vivian
52 Posted 25/04/2017 at 11:22:55
Having not been able to get to Goodison this season, I'm seriously thinking of travelling up from Kent for the RS game. How many fans turn out to watch these games? Does anyone have any thoughts as to what sort of crowd numbers are likely to turn up on the 8th? It would be nice to catch some atmosphere.

I know the U23s are well supported on here but what is the local Merseyside vibe and interest like. I imagine it's pretty good but have no clue how many fans actually turn out to watch. I know it may be like asking for next week's lottery numbers but are we likely to see 10,000? 5,000? More or fewer for this game.

Any ideas?

Brian Williams
53 Posted 25/04/2017 at 11:23:35
Congratulations to all involved!
Martin Nicholls
54 Posted 25/04/2017 at 11:42:56
Kim (#52) – I've been to last two U23 games at Goodison.

Southampton was free to all (as the Red Shite game is) – one of stewards told me they were expecting 7,000 (Upper Bullens and Park End open) but in the event I think about 4,500 turned up.

For the Spurs game (free to season ticket holders, £5/3 to adults/juniors), only Upper Bullens was open – I'd guess maybe 3000 at that.

Given the occasion, opposition and free entry, I wouldn't be surprised if 10,000 attend. Tickets are available from usual outlets from tomorrow – for Southamton game, you could pick them up on the night.

Brent Stephens
55 Posted 25/04/2017 at 11:45:08
Kim, lucky if a few hundred turn out normally. I'd be surprised if many more than normal turned out for the final game.
Colin Malone
56 Posted 25/04/2017 at 11:52:16
Most of these lad's have come through the Academy, which is the proper schooling of a young player.

So let's not forget the coaching skills of Kevin Sheedy, Phil Jevons, John Ebbrell etc, and of course Big Joe Royle – not only a experienced coach but a fantastic motivator. Well done to all!

Simon Smith
57 Posted 25/04/2017 at 12:29:06
Well done to the young blues and to Rhino for doing such a great job!!!

Who would have thought that the Red Shite would do us a favour like that!

Matthew Williams
58 Posted 25/04/2017 at 12:33:12
Everton Football Club... WINNERS !!!.

Has a nice ring to it... pity our first team play so average at home & piss-poor away.

Well done to Rhino & his staff for all their hard work, we may have some future stars in the making!

Well played, lads. COYBB

Jay Wood
59 Posted 25/04/2017 at 12:37:03
I hope they get a reet good turn out to watch them Monday night. Crowned as Champions. Local mini-derby to end the season on a high note.

It's free entry at the gate, isn't it? Who could resist that if you can get to the ground?

Add a few to the gate if Dave Abrahams and his drinking mates forego their Monday night session and head off to Goodison instead.

Go on Dave. You know you want to.

Peter Gorman
60 Posted 25/04/2017 at 12:54:06
Still no mention of this on the Beeb football page or even under 'Everton'.

I expect they are saving themselves for a massive feature on our future stars of English football once the trophy is presented.

David Hallwood
61 Posted 25/04/2017 at 13:10:40
Brent (#55), if you're going, if I was you, I'd get there early because I know lots of people going. And don't forget it's the RS so they'll be bringing some.

Don't think it'll be a full house but I wouldn't be surprised if it was 30k + that turns up.

Let's hope they're presented to the crowd on Sunday.

Amit Vithlani
62 Posted 25/04/2017 at 13:13:19
Congrats to Unsy and the boys. Hopefully a few of the young 'uns will be able to make the leap into our first team.
Dave Abrahams
63 Posted 25/04/2017 at 13:13:58
I wouldn't be surprised if there was quite a large crowd to watch this game, upwards of 8,000 to 10,000. Quite a few Reds fans will want to see their own young stars, and they have some good lads, it will be a very competitive game even though we have clinched the title, the Reds will want to beat the Champions.

Jay (#59), three of my mates are Reds, they will not be interested, they haven't seen the first team since St John and Roger Hunt retired, but I am seriously thinking of going and then getting a bus into town and meeting up with my mates, but it will be hard work listening to four drunken auld arses when the other auld arse is sober, plus I'm not carrying my rattle around town all night.

Peter Lee
64 Posted 25/04/2017 at 13:16:16
What a scattergun thread.

First, enormous credit must go to David Unwsorth and his team. It's not just him and John Ebbrell. This, to me, adds to the significance of the achievement rather than diminishes it.

The achievement is even more praiseworthy given the promotion of players from the squad to the first team, use of them as subs with the first team squad, injuries and loans.

When we won the FA Youth Cup in 1965 the home leg against Arsenal was attended by over 23,000 – and you paid to get in, so we have a lot to aim at on 8 May, get there blues, see the future. Incidentally, four of those players, Geoff Barnett, (who subsequently played for Arsenal) Frank D'Arcy, John Hurst and Jimmy Husband featured in the first team significantly, John and Jimmy to enormous effect in the years that followed.

The 1998 FA Cup Winners included Franny Jeffers, Leon Osman and Danny Cadamarteri in the team that beat Blackburn.

I'd rank winning the Premier League 2 as an achievement at least as significant as the Youth Cup. The lesson to be drawn from these victories is that 3/4 players making it in the first team is about tops. Given that we have already seen Tom Davies and Mason Holgate make the step up, we would be pushing it to think of more than another one or two.

The club list 40 players in the U23 squad (including Oumar Niasse).

Of those, Tyias Browning, Brendan Galloway, Dominic Calvert Lewin and Matthew Pennington have all had more than a glimpse of the first team as well as Mason and Tom.

I like what I have seen from this team in terms of the way they play the game. Those that stand out at this level include Bassala Sambou (I agree with Eugene regarding attitude), Jonjoe Kenny, Antonee Robinson, Liam Walsh, Joe Williams and Benin Baningime.

Yes, I know I've named a full team in that lot so, to narrow it down and stick my neck out, here goes.

Of the two full-backs I think that Antoine Robinson is the more likely to make it. He is well behind Jonjoe Kenny in many ways but he has the pace and physical presence that managers seem to look for in full-backs these days. His defensive capabilities need development.

Beni Baningime is a powerful, though in-and-out, presence in midfield and sitting deeper than he does currently I can see him develop. I would love to see Bassala Sambou develop into a monster; I think he can, provided the attitude is channelled into self-criticism and improvement.

Lastly in judgement of the players, I'm crossing everything in the hope that Liam Walsh develops the fantastic talent that he has already shown. His range of passing is incredible, he takes a great free kick and he has presence on the field. At this level, he can afford to show that little bit of indiscipline positionally that he occasionally does but he could be the magician behind our front players in the future.

Finally, I understand why posters are suggesting that the manager should give the youngsters a go in what they call dead rubbers. But look at Arsenal's fixture list. It is busy and challenging. We need to go hard at every point whilst it is still mathematically possible to do them for sixth. The difference between Europa League qualifying in July and going straight into the group stage is immense.

Realistically, we are not going to start the season with half-a-dozen of these lads as starters in the first team and a couple of good games by any of them in the next few weeks won't change that.

Jay Wood
65 Posted 25/04/2017 at 13:27:12
Dave @ 63.

That's the spirit! I know you take a keen interest in the young 'uns and this is too good an occasion to pass up.

As for walking around with yer rattle all night (circa 1960 model? Heavyweight wood number, painted in the club colours?) Persuade Tony to go the match with you and entrust it to him at the final whistle before meeting up with yer mates, rattle-free.

Or... wouldn't you trust Tony with a baby rattle, never mind such a precious family heirloom?

Dave Abrahams
66 Posted 25/04/2017 at 13:36:18
Peter (#64) agree with almost everything you say, but the last paragraph, if the first team play with the same players and playing style away from home as they have for most of the season then they will not win many points.

I'd put a couple of these young players in for these games, preferably Walsh and Kenny, they will give the team some energy and attitude that goes missing with quite a few stars (?) when we play away.

Sam Hoare
67 Posted 25/04/2017 at 13:37:17
Great interview by Unsworth in the Echo where he says that he would turn down jobs from Championship teams (and I bet he'll get offers) in order to stay with these lads and provide the continuity that they need. He loves his job and loves the club. Brought a smile to my face.

Personally I suspect that, by the time we face Swansea we will be pretty entrenched in 7th place, and I think its well worth giving these lads some Premier League time. Some experience of the first team as reward for their achievements makes alot of sense and will give them a lot to build upon this Summer. In some ways better if the games are not dead rubbers, let's see how they perform under a bit of pressure.

I'd be delighted to see something like this team against Swansea:

Robles
Kenny Holgate Williams (or Jagielka) Robinson
Walsh Schneiderlin (or Gana) Davies
Barkley Lukaku Sambou

Perhaps too many changes in the back 4 but these lads deserve a shot, plus it's important for Koeman to get a better idea of who might really handle the step up before he gets the chequebook out this Summer.

Brent Stephens
68 Posted 25/04/2017 at 13:47:18
David (#61). Cheers! I go to a few U23 games at Southport. Didn't realise the attendances at Goodison Park.
Amit Vithlani
69 Posted 25/04/2017 at 13:47:28
I hope the club and Unsy have a long term plan, where he is eventually elevated to the First Team. Hopefully this means he does not have to leave the club to satisfy his ambitions, but can achieve them in the fullness of time.

I hope the performances of the U23s will also serve to keep the First Team coaching and playing staff on their toes.

Koeman will hopefully propel us to breaking the glass ceiling and laying the foundations from which we can kick on – but I don't see him being here beyond the next 3 years.

Liam Reilly
70 Posted 25/04/2017 at 15:09:55
Whilst admirable that Unsworth loves the club so much he would turn down Championship offers too stay, I can't help feeling that's a little naive.

Although this is an excellent achievement, in the great scheme of things, success at this level will not get him a job at a top Premier League club.

Gary Edwards
71 Posted 25/04/2017 at 15:10:03
Peter (#64) spot on. I've been banging on about Antonee Robinson since the first time I saw him playing for the U23s vs Chelsea at Southport. I see a really bright future for him. I'd have him in the 1st team squad for next season without question. Liam Walsh and Harry Charsley too.

I really do hope that these lads realise what fame and fortunes lie before them, conduct themselves properly and professionally and go on to become Everton's class of '17.

Peter Lee
72 Posted 25/04/2017 at 15:21:39
Dave, contrary to most here, perhaps contrarily, I don't see that we do much different in set up between home and away. The difference for me is the way the opposition play.

We are always too stretched between front and back but at home Schneiderlin and Gueye playing pushed up do not get pressed as much. This gives a better contact with Lukaku et al. Away, they do get pushed back but they get caught too far forward anyway. The back four is left firefighting as a result and when the two of them do intervene they are often tackling facing towards our goal. Look at the bookings they have had you'll see that more often than not. Against Spurs and Liverpool, Gueye got caught the wrong side of Kane and Mane for the first goal in each case, game over.

I would sooner see us play with them in closer contact with the back four and with Lukaku shorter and width between the two and Lukaku.

We can't compete away, particularly against the stronger sides, without a genuine holding midfield player.

People compare Gueye with Kante. Not valid but could be if Gueye sat in more. That neither of them do so is down to the manager's tactics. It was disingenuous of him to blame the players for doing as they were told last Saturday.

Dave Abrahams
73 Posted 25/04/2017 at 15:45:46
Peter,

You may be correct in describing the way we play away from Goodison Park but the big difference is we seldom look like we are going all out to win, seldom win and seldom put any attacks in that look like ending in a shot at goal. Mind you, the first half versus Burnley and again versus Southampton and Hull all at home were the same so there might be something in what you say regarding the manager's tactics.

Dan Egerton
74 Posted 25/04/2017 at 15:53:32
Young Baningime is absolutely outstanding. One of the best young midfielders I've seen in years.
Peter Lee
75 Posted 25/04/2017 at 16:14:08
People see it differently, Dave, of course, but I think that we may appear to be more adventurous and pressing for a win at home because the opposition allow us to get forward more quickly and more often.

Even at home, when the opposition will typically try and close us down vigorously at the outset, it often takes 30 minutes or more before we prevail.

I've said before that you must credit the manager for addressing the fitness issue. Few teams are fitter; Tottenham is one, and at home, particularly, this shows in the last 15 or 20 minutes, hence the goals tally in that period of play. The main reason for the improved home form from Christmas may well be an increase in fitness levels.

If we are to challenge for trophies next season, we have to change the structure of the team. We need to be more compact and we need 3 or 4 better, preferably quicker, players. And we have to play with a more defensive midfield player in front of the back four. No change in approach will leave us short away and probably more challenged at home as other coaches will have adjusted to what we currently do.

Don Alexander
76 Posted 25/04/2017 at 16:41:06
Admirable sentiments at (#67) Sam Hoare but fielding that team, if we were to lose, would cause all hell to break loose for fielding a so-called weakened team to the cost of those around the relegation spots.
Mike Doyle
77 Posted 25/04/2017 at 16:41:45
Agree with Dan (#74). Don't see much of this group, but watched all of the Chelsea game. After Jonjoe Kenny, Baningime caught the eye.
Richard Reeves
78 Posted 25/04/2017 at 16:47:29
Fantastic news and well done to all the players and coaching staff. I've often predicted who I think will come through into the first team but most didn't make it so I'm probably not the best at judging who's good enough.

I just hope Koeman continues bringing them through if they are and gives a few of them some games before the end of the season.It would be good to see Kenny,Walsh and Sambou get a run out or anyone else who is considered good enough.
Brian Williams
79 Posted 25/04/2017 at 17:12:01
I see Niasse will get a winners medal too. Good coupla days for him as his red card's been rescinded. Hope he scores a few more for Hull.

Them wanting him might smooth the way for McGuire to come here (if you believe the media speculation on us being interested in him).

Dave Abrahams
80 Posted 25/04/2017 at 17:25:48
Peter (#75), We certainly need better players. If we had bought one established forward in January we could have possibly pushed for the top four. Maybe Koeman is disappointed that we didn't and hopefully a few players are brought in during the summer.

I think we have improved under Koeman and he has been here less than a season. I just hope he is not as cautious as he has been if we get the players he wants... or maybe 'cautious' is the nature of the manager.

Len Hawkins
81 Posted 25/04/2017 at 18:22:41
Firstly congratulations to Unsy, his staff and the players a fabulous achievement. Well Done.

Peter (#64), I still see Dave Pearson from the 65 team in Southport, he came to Southport and played in the successful Southport team of the time. Also winning Wales U23 caps. It certainly had a fair few stars in that team.

Tony Abrahams
82 Posted 25/04/2017 at 18:59:21
Jay, Dave rattles me every time I see him, but I've just realised I'm going to see Dylan, on the Echo arena on the same night.

Gutted really... but I've never seen the legend play live before because I was hoping to hire him for my campfire when I win the lottery... but I've got good seats and hopefully for Everton, the times they are a changin'!

Paul Thompson
83 Posted 25/04/2017 at 19:05:51
If you watch the team, Unsworth has them playing attractive, joined-up football. They haven't been as good in the second half of the season, mainly due to the 'promotions' to the first team and sending some players out on loan.

We've got some terrific players in midfield and defence, a little less so in attack. Henen, Dyson and Duffus haven't really caught fire. Sambou has more promise, though he's still a bit raw. Compare him to the Chelsea lad of the same age who scored a couple of goals against us the other night.

Anyway, it's all very promising.

Roger Helm
84 Posted 25/04/2017 at 19:23:22
It is true that the Sky money won't last for ever – subscriptions are already massively down as more people cotton on to watching for free on internet screening. So Unsy and the Academy will become even more important in the future.

Further to previous posts about fielding a "weakened" team at the end of the season if our league position is unchangeable, aren't all our squad players eligible to play? If not, why are we paying them to be in the squad?

Alan McGuffog
85 Posted 25/04/2017 at 19:28:35
Tony, I went to see him at the Echo about 5-6 years ago. Dreadful – his set consisted of cranking up the dB on every number. He deigned to speak to the audience just before the last number to introduce the band.

What was worse though was the behaviour of the crowd. Imagine all those pillocks who stand up and block your view in Gwladys St to go for a pie 10 minutes before half time well they were all at that gig that night.

Really hope you have a better experience but I'll not set foot in there again. Feckin piss heads!

I'm not a total killjoy... went to see Ry Cooder at Phil a few weeks later. Proper audience. Proper gig. No ale allowed in the theatre itself. Great night.

Jon Cox
86 Posted 25/04/2017 at 19:29:28
Sam (#67),

I agree totally.

And, if it happens, you will have said it first!

Spot on mate with the beautiful Blue puppies.

Phil Walling
87 Posted 25/04/2017 at 20:06:13
Means nothing. Davies is the only one who will make a Premier League player.
Brendan Fox
88 Posted 25/04/2017 at 20:07:10
Well done to Rhino and his young charges. Bringing some pride back to the blue shirt!
Jon Cox
89 Posted 25/04/2017 at 20:11:12
Phil, add Jonjoe to your list and you're getting close.
Brent Stephens
90 Posted 25/04/2017 at 20:15:19
Walling alert.
Dean Adams
91 Posted 25/04/2017 at 20:21:09
Phil, when you say only Davies will make a Premier League player, who exactly is on your "Won't make it" list?
Graham Mockford
92 Posted 25/04/2017 at 20:23:58
Phil

"Means nothing. Davies is the only one who will make a Premier League player."

Have you watched them often this season?


Jay Wood
93 Posted 25/04/2017 at 20:55:36
Tony @ 82.

The Legend that is Dylan, or our newly crowned champions?

Tough call!

Caught him in his prime way back yonder. I hope you have better luck than Alan @85, but a couple of mates who have seen Dylan in recent years rather echo Alan's experience, I'm afraid to say.

James Hughes
94 Posted 25/04/2017 at 20:59:58
Well done to the boys it's not often we win the league at any level these days. To beat the big moneyed boys and all their academies bodes well for us and what we develop on the pitch.

We will probably finish in the qualifying rounds of the Europa so give this to the lads as a reward. Lets see what they can do against some of the full strength 'minnows' who will enter at the stage. More experience and against different playing styles.

Plus we don't need most of the senior players in competitive games in July.

Andrew McLean
95 Posted 25/04/2017 at 21:03:32
Congrats to all the team and everyone behind them.

I see that the team's Reserve's page on Wiki has already been updated. I know it is a voluntary website and it takes time to update things but it would be nice to read more about it as Wiki only keeps stats on "Senior Careers"
If you look at Sambou's page as an example it reads that he joined us from Coventry and has done nothing. Whereas Soccerway's says he's scored 5 in 9.

Raymond Fox
96 Posted 25/04/2017 at 21:09:58
If Galloway doesn't make a Premier League player I'll eat my hat. He will make it elsewhere, if he does not get his chance at Everton.

It's tough though for managers of most, if not all Premier League clubs to play the young players – there's so much at stake nowadays.

Chris Williams
97 Posted 25/04/2017 at 21:24:50
Dylan at the Odeon London Road, backed by the Band in 1967!
Kristian Boyce
98 Posted 25/04/2017 at 21:50:41
This might sound a bit stupid, but does this qualify the team for 'Europe'? I recall Man City playing in a Uefa Youth League a couple of seasons ago and there is a Premier League International Cup.
Ray Roche
99 Posted 25/04/2017 at 22:12:22
Brent (#90),

I see Private Frazer is back... We're all doomed! Especially the Under-23s... all in a Scottish accent.

"Means nothing".

Word's fail.

Brent Stephens
100 Posted 25/04/2017 at 22:16:45
That's quite enough of that, Pike. Stupid boy.
Phil Bellis
101 Posted 25/04/2017 at 22:55:26
Harvey? Fuck off!... never make it (PW post-Inter, 1963)
Robert Leigh
102 Posted 25/04/2017 at 22:57:38
I hope with this success a few get moved up and out on loan another's have said to further develop.

I do though wonder what the plan for Jose Baxter is, who comes into the fold for this team next year. Will he rediscover something and get us a fee come January '18?

Ray Roche
103 Posted 25/04/2017 at 23:03:05
Sorry, Captain...
Steve Ferns
104 Posted 26/04/2017 at 09:07:40
Excellent work by Unsworth. Well done to all the boys.
Sam Hoare
105 Posted 26/04/2017 at 09:47:03
Does anyone know why the OS does not show U23 highlights?

I know it does occasionally but cannot find any of the last two games there. Given the interest in and success of the team this season, you'd have thought they might manage to show us a bit more...

I wouldn't be surprised if the bigger clubs have youth match highlights up every day after their matches. This is the sort of thing we should be doing now.

Stan Schofield
106 Posted 26/04/2017 at 10:30:13
Phil @87: It always means something when the younger teams (youth, reserves, etc.) win things. It usually means there are a few players good enough to make the first team and maybe have a big influence on games.

It's very early to start discounting others besides Davies. They show potential, the Under-23s are supposed to be 'first team ready' in Unsy's words, and how those who find first team spots progress is a matter of time and trial.

Tony Abrahams
107 Posted 26/04/2017 at 10:39:56
I think Alan's trying to get me to go to Goodison instead. Jay, but as soon as he mentioned "The Phil" – look who turned up? Mr impending danger himself, who's deffo been broken by Everton!

I've never wanted to see Dylan, unless as I said it was own little intimate bonfire party, although I bet you that gig in 67, would have been great.

It would be lovely if a couple of these kids proved "Mr Grumpy" wrong and went on to become real Everton legends, as Jay says, and I wonder what price Phillip would give me on that?

Alan McGuffog
108 Posted 26/04/2017 at 16:18:43
Tony, I would have loved to see Bob then, especially with The Band. I did though, in 1967 I think, go to see some kind of "Psychedelic " package tour gig at the Empire.

Guys, forgive me if my memory plays tricks but I am sure for 7/6 we saw Hendrix, The Nice, Pink Floyd and a host of others on the same bill.

Ruined for me as I still had a titty lip thanks to Ian Storey feckin Moore...

Chris Williams
109 Posted 26/04/2017 at 16:29:43
Alan and Tony, I haven't seen Dylan live since about 1998 when he was touring with Van Morrison.

He was as non-communicative and dismissive of the audience as he was dismissive of his own back catalogue. Imagine being ignored by Bob and Van the Man in the same show!

His attitude to the audience appears to have its roots in the treatment he got after he went electric in '65, when he and his band got a dogs abuse across three continents every night for months. Apparently it had a profound effect on him and the likes of Robbie Robertson.

There are some great books now chronicling those experiences, which of course led on to his extended holiday with the Band in Woodstock where they reinvented Rock Music and Americana as we now must call it.

Chris Williams
110 Posted 26/04/2017 at 16:44:06
Having just written that has prompted me to check my dates. The concert at the Odeon was 14/5/1966, just as I was finishing my A Levels!.

I've got a couple of tracks on my iPod from it.

Just Like Tom Thumbs Blues .
Help Me Momma.

Probably loads more given the number of Bootlegs Dylan authorises these days, some of which are superb.

Alan McGuffog
111 Posted 26/04/2017 at 16:46:30
Best story I know about Bob and EFC is related by Roger McGough. He had tickets for Dylan on May (14th?) 1966. And then found he had an appointment in north London on the same day. That took priority obviously. Wonder if he got back for the gig?
Dave Abrahams
112 Posted 26/04/2017 at 17:13:59
Alan (#108), well Ian Storey Moore would have given you a titty lip in 1967, March... or maybe April.
Chris Williams
113 Posted 26/04/2017 at 17:35:12
Dave, a couple of weeks ago you were talking about Della Reese and how much you liked her so I had a bit of a look round and found a Collection of 8 Classic Albums from 57- 61 on Amazon for about £8.

I'll be buying that mate. Cheers.

Sorry folks, currently got me music head on!

Peter Gorman
114 Posted 26/04/2017 at 18:14:47
Sam Hoare @105 - no idea mate but I wish the OS did a better job.

The Everton YouTube channel used to be very good at uploading all the U23 highlights but has become really lax of late, nothing since the 3-2 win against Derby about a month ago. Obviously a lot has happened since.

You might be able to see more on the channels 'Everton show' but you'll probably have to do some scanning to avoid listening to the (and I hate to disparage a fellow bluenose) piss-poor host.

Mike Rees
115 Posted 26/04/2017 at 23:07:40
A terrific achievement by everyone associated to the U23s! Great to see that an Everton team have won a championship and in such an emphatic fashion with 15 wins from 21 games and the final game against Liverpool now a celebration.

A reward for our faith as a club in developing young talent for the first team... Congratulations to Unsy et al.

Chris Hockenhull
116 Posted 27/04/2017 at 09:00:33
Amazing to find a Dylan thread amongst TW's back pages. On 8 May I will be attending my 60th Dylan concert.

Like Everton, Bob has dragged me over the coals emotionally for many many years only to keep my faith and appreciate the wonderful times/ the legacy and the inspiration of greatness and the continued hope of more better things to come out of darkness and despair. Does that ring a bell as to our love and longevity supporting the Blues, anyone??

Do touch on his lack of communication it's a common moan that he never says much on stage. Fact is he never really has/did. There are the Don't Look Back bits with odd comments but he's never been a chatterer really way back to now.

Yesterday I was listening to a pristine recording of his Festival Hall 1964 concert – first UK concert – and there was hardly a word throughout which certainly does not detract from what's been offered.

The only two constant things in my life... EFC and Bob. Long may I stay Tangled Up In Blue.

Dave Abrahams
117 Posted 27/04/2017 at 12:47:47
Chris (113), thanks; I'll get my grandson to get them up on Amazon, he deals with them, so will most probably have a go at them.
Chris Williams
118 Posted 27/04/2017 at 13:30:19
Cheers Dave,

I'm looking forward to a listen myself. There's a lot of her stuff on there including some later gospel albums.

Beware some of the live concert stuff though because judging by some of the comments the sound quality is a bit dodgy.

The one I'm getting is the first one on her page, a collection of 8 classic albums. Remarkable value with great reviews.

David Graves
119 Posted 27/04/2017 at 13:51:02
Phil Walling – 100% wrong and based on nothing but doom and pessimism.

I met an old colleague yesterday who is working with one of the big Yorkshire clubs' academy and he talked about a different culture at Everton's Under-23s. A culture and approach which he suggests is going to mean a higher proportion of that team make it through to first team football.

Chris Williams
120 Posted 27/04/2017 at 14:10:17
Chris (#116),

Nice way to link Bob and the Blues, 'Tangled up in blue'.

I'm currently reading a biography of John Hammond who was the Producer of Bobs first two albums, and it makes clear that even in Greenwich Village clubs when he was 20/21, he would tend to ignore or even antagonise his audience so as to cause a creative tension to feed off.

These days though, it's become a habit that can be a bit disconcerting to people who aren't used to it.

Never particularly bothered me though but some of the performances did. I still get all his albums though and love the official bootleg stuff.

James Flynn
121 Posted 27/04/2017 at 15:21:33
Dylan toured with Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers (If you can picture that pairing) in the mid-80s. Don't know if they made it to Europe, but it was a major, nation-wide tour over here.

Only went because my ex loved Petty, who I was indifferent to, while thinking I should see Dylan sometime in my life.

Great show. First, watching the crowd file in, given the performers. Swarms of girls for Petty and for Dylan... hippies! Quite a mix.

Had no idea Petty and his crew were such a great rock and roll band. They smoked it. Then Dylan came on for an electric guitar set with Petty, then Dylan acoustic guitar and harmonica under a spotlight, then all for the encores.

Only time I saw Dylan live. Don't remember if he talked to the audience. Is it a staple that he doesn't?

Finally saw Van Morrison at the Garden in NYC in 09. His rep for not talking to the audience was lived up to. I didn't care. 90 minutes of constant, great music. Was worried that perfect voice might not be the same, given his age. Turned out I worried for nothing.

Used to go to a ton of shows and we always have music playing in the house. Morrison is the only singer I've heard who can take folk, blues, rhythm and blues, country, jazz, spoken word, straight-up rock and roll, poetry, traditional Irish, and sing it all effortless and his.

Paul Tran
122 Posted 27/04/2017 at 15:36:32
When we lived in London, we went to see Dylan at Brixton Academy with Elvis Costello doing a solo acoustic set as support. Now that was a good gig!
Paul Turner
123 Posted 27/04/2017 at 15:39:14
Chris H (116) - "TW back pages" - excellent!

Chris Hockenhull
124 Posted 27/04/2017 at 15:51:56
Continuing onward .James (#121)... the Dylan / Petty (and Roger McGuinn) tour was indeed a full blown European tour from September to November. UK show were 3 nights Birmingham NEC and 5 at the old Wembley Arena (played out one night when the infamous hurricanes hit the UK).

Chris (#120)... the gospel shows were probably the last sustained of inspiration Dylan... totally full of fire and energy. In October, the next installment of The Bootleg Series cover those years with some amazing audio and I believe, film evidence that will re-evaluate these years 79-83.

I feel, Incidentally audio Dylan shows to download from various download sites sine late 80s of a great sound standard. Especially 2000 onwards you'd think some of the shows were officially recorded/released, such is the wonderful sound. One of the best being the 2001 Liverpool Summer Pops appearance with a fabulous audience film to go with it. Good hunting!!!

Chris Williams
125 Posted 27/04/2017 at 15:54:39
James,

Van can sing all that and play about six different instruments in the one show. Both him and Dylan had old voices in their twenties so no real change there.

Petty is one of those, like Elvis Costello, who started in post punk but have matured fantastically into great singers, songwriters and all-round musicians. But they both clearly were stand-outs from the early days.

You can get a lot of those Petty/Dylan concerts on CD now and the quality is brilliant. And the Rolling Thunder concerts too.

Peter Lee
126 Posted 27/04/2017 at 16:11:30
Chelsea have won the Youth Cup for the last four years and yet they are fifth in Premier League 2, 8 points behind the champions.

Doesn't make sense.

Michael Penley
127 Posted 27/04/2017 at 16:39:42
Why anyone would want to see Dylan these days is beyond me. Saw him around 5 years ago and it was hard to tell if he was even alive. Stood there like a sack of old bones with a croaky old voice resembling a toad. No doubt he would have been good to see live up to 20 years ago, but now? No way.
Dave Abrahams
128 Posted 27/04/2017 at 16:58:54
Chris Williams (#118), my grandson, Sonny, has ordered the same eight CDs as you, so I know we are both in for many hours of really great songs, sung by a brilliant singer and backed by great musicians. Thanks again for tipping me off about these CDs, and for £8 what can you lose?
Chris Williams
129 Posted 27/04/2017 at 17:13:20
Thank you Dave for reminding me. Your memory is always better than mine!

Some of the comments from people who have bought her albums put her alongside Sarah Vaughan which is one hell of a compliment.

Looking forward to it.

Don Alexander
130 Posted 27/04/2017 at 17:41:06
Tangled Up In Blue - my version of the first verse;

Early one morning the Sun was lyin'
As I was layin' in bed
Wonderin' why they ain't changed at all
From offendin' blue to red.
Its boss said that their sales forever
Sure was gonna be tough
Cos they never did like
Honest Scouse or Ross,
And Blue Bill's pocket wasn't big enough.
And we will stand right behind our boys
All of us die-hard Blues
Heading on up to Champions League
Lord knows we've paid our dues
Gettin' through
Tangled Up In Blue.

Brian Hill
131 Posted 27/04/2017 at 18:03:29
Chris Williams, thanks for the reminder about Sarah Vaughan, possibly the most beautiful voice I have ever heard.
Dave Abrahams
132 Posted 27/04/2017 at 20:09:05
Chris (#129), I like Sarah Vaughan, nearly as much as Ella, but the sheer emotion Dela puts into her voice you know she has lived life like some songs she sings about.

Like another great black female singer, Billie Holiday, and the beauty of Billie's recordings is the introduction music and in between verses is just as entertaining as Billie's voice.

They are all nearly as good as Everton, except THEY never let you down.

Chris Williams
133 Posted 27/04/2017 at 20:27:43
Dave, as I said before I'm reading about John Hammond and he was the first to record Billie Holliday too, as well as Dylan, 30 years apart . He recorded Billie shortly after recording Bessie Smith, like a passing of the baton. Interesting book.

The first track I heard by Billie was Strange Fruit, which was controversial in America. I know what you mean about the strains and experience in her voice.

If Della lives up to these standards, and I take your word for it, I'm in for a treat .

Dave Abrahams
134 Posted 27/04/2017 at 20:59:28
Chris (#133), I saw a play, with some film material, about the life of Billie Holiday. Very good, she lived a life, very hard life with some good times mixed with a drug addiction.

Strange Fruit is a song about black men being lynched by the Ku Klux Clan, shameful days, and although there are no lynchings now, there is still plenty of racial hatred and not just in America.

Music can be a bridge to bring people together, of all races.

Chris Williams
135 Posted 27/04/2017 at 21:22:36
Dave, I agree about music being a bridge and a bond but I feel sometimes that it can be a barb and a prompt to the conscience. Just listen to George on a match day, especially on the bond side!

Strange Fruit was like that as was early Dylan along with Pete Seeger and Woody Guthrie all those years ago and all of it done with great artistry.

These days I feel we miss some artistry and a lot of conscience in our music. But I'm knocking on now.

Can you recall the name of the play you saw?

Dave Abrahams
136 Posted 27/04/2017 at 22:27:03
Chris, the play was on the Royal Court, about ten years ago, Billie Holliday was played by an American comedians daughter, can't think of his name.

He made a few films with a white guy, both of them pretty famous, maybe his second name was Priors, anyway the play the play got a standing ovation that night, but I'm not sure of the title of the play, so much for my 'great memory'.

I think the great Artie Shaw was mentioned in the play, don't know if he had any connections to Billie,

I've rambled a bit here Chris, don't know if I've been any help to your question.

Chris Williams
137 Posted 27/04/2017 at 22:35:10
Dave

Was it Richard Pryor?

Having been reading about her this last week, amongst others, it makes you think about her and her life and music.

Not being obsessive you understand!

Dave Abrahams
138 Posted 27/04/2017 at 23:01:22
Chris, yes it was Richard Pryor.

I understand about trying to realise how people you read about lived their lives, the troubles they went through, it's not being obsessive it's being very interested in the subject you are reading about, and Billie Holliday was a most interesting person.

I like reading biographies, not so much when written by the person themselves. I thought Kirk Douglas was a very good actor, read his biography written by himself, I got to page 64, had to stop reading it, the man was an egomaniac in love with himself.

I got one by Groucho Marx... I was genuinely sorry when I got to the last page; I didn't want the book to end.

Chris Williams
139 Posted 28/04/2017 at 08:19:29
Dave, I read a biography of Groucho years ago and it was about an interesting character and well written. But it was honest and saw the flaws as well as the genius.

Autobiographies can be self serving for sure, but there are some exceptions.

Apart from Everton, and I have loads of books and biographies about them and their history, my great loves are music and film, so the vast majority of reading covers those, or related topics.

The people who are interesting in those fields are often deeply flawed individuals who have a great gift for something. The flaws are an integral part of what makes them them I guess. And they make them interesting.

People like John Ford or John Lennon. The most unflattering biography I ever read was about P.G. Wodehouse of all people.

Dave Abrahams
140 Posted 28/04/2017 at 09:25:42
Chris, I've always found, until the last couple of years, that reading books gave me the most satisfaction over most forms of entertainment. I love music and films but reading exercised my brain better, imagining what the person in the book looked like and the times they where in. Give me a good book and I was happy.

Now I still read but it takes me longer and once what took three or four days takes well over a week, but I think I still learn from every book I read.

Eugene Ruane
141 Posted 28/04/2017 at 10:42:01
Dave (#140), – Before I left school (at 16) I don't remember ever reading a book of my own volition. All books were presented by teachers and it was 'You WILL read this.'

I was born with a fairly decent willful streak and my response was always to think 'no I fucking won't and I can take all the punishment to can dish out.'

So I left school having read virtually nothing (Skinhead and couple of Sven Hassels) and regarded books as something to be avoided/feared/boring

However about 3 days after leaving, my bezzie mate (important - not a teacher) gave me a big fat paperback and said "This is fucking boss" (or whatever we used to say back then for excellent).

It was called Ringolevio (by Emmett Grogan) and it was like unlocking... um... something.

"There are books like THIS!?" I thought. "This is genius!" (it wasn't, I tried reading it years later – never go back).

The important thing is as soon as it clicked that nobody could ever force me to read this/that book and I got to choose, I've never been without a book (2,3) 'on the go' from that day to this.

Books are everything, information, entertainment, language and it truly scares me to think kids could be put off by how teachers/parents approach the whole thing.

A couple of years back, I was sitting in the garden of a (rented) house in Aix-en-Provence.

The sun was beating down and I sat in the shade with a beer and my ciggies (e-ciggies now) and was reading Max Hastings 'All Hell Let Loose'.

Despite Hastings being a prick, he's a good historian and the book was an incredible (single volume story of WWII) read.

I can remember thinking that if I won the euromillions (not much chance as I don't do it) I'd be doing this permanently (different books 'obvs').

By the way 'permanently' means during the week; at weekends I'd be jetting back to Goodison or off to see title fights around the world.

Chris Williams
142 Posted 28/04/2017 at 10:56:50
Dave and Eugene,

My experiences exactly. I did A-Level English Lit and most of it I did because I had to. With one exception which was Grapes of Wrath which coloured my views than and still does now.

Then I read Catch-22 and stuff like On the Road and caught the bug big time. I found I liked Charles Dickens when I was about 40 having been force fed for years and have since read most of his stuff.

I read a biography about Hemingway, called Hemingway's Boat, which remains the best biography I've ever read and I read his novels voluntarily for the first time and loved them.

Schools have much to answer for or did in my case. A great song by Harry Chaplin called 'Flowers are Red' covers this well.

Finished my John Hammond book now so now looking for something about Billie Holiday and Jerry Wexler...

Tony Hill
143 Posted 28/04/2017 at 10:58:49
Yes, the writer Frank Cottrell Boyce is very good on all this – public libraries, the pleasure of reading and so on. It cannot be forced, as you say.
Tony Abrahams
144 Posted 28/04/2017 at 12:00:19
Talking of films rather than books (Lyndon and Michael, have got a lot to answer for!) does anyone know where I could pick up a copy of Evil Roy Slade? I saw it years ago, and was wondering if it was as funny as I thought it was back then.
Dave Abrahams
145 Posted 28/04/2017 at 12:09:28
Eugene, Chris and Tony, I'm glad that you all enjoy reading, as Eugene says though maybe once a book is read, leave it.

I found this out with a book I read in my twenties 'No Mean City' which was about Glasgow before the second world war, I thought it was brilliant. I saw it in the library a few years ago and got it out. I was left very disappointed.

Then again, I have read 'The Ragged-Trousered Philanthropists' three times, which mirrors the struggle of working people of the early 1900s and find that, although things have changed, the order of working people stays much the same, and the book is a great read.

Chris Williams
146 Posted 28/04/2017 at 12:09:42
Tony, it is just as funny. I got a copy on Amazon in the last couple of years.
Chris Williams
147 Posted 28/04/2017 at 12:16:17
Dave, that was my dad's favourite book. He was born in Everton in 1910, which might explain it.
Dave Abrahams
148 Posted 28/04/2017 at 12:20:20
Chris, I wouldn't mind betting your dad, like me born in Everton, was a good trade unionist.
Chris Williams
149 Posted 28/04/2017 at 12:41:09
Oddly enough, Dave, he wasn't. It was something I could never get my head around. It must have skipped a generation, because I was, and a member of the Communist Party as a student. Sixties and all that I suppose, but still retain socialist principles at heart.
Eugene Ruane
150 Posted 28/04/2017 at 14:39:13
Tony (#144) – '..does anyone know where I could pick up a copy of Evil Roy Slade? I saw it years ago, and was wondering if it was as funny as I thought it was back then.

A real favourite of mine too - John Astin superb (and Dick Shawn).

Couple of years before Blazing Saddles as well.

"Roy, someone's coming!"

"Shoot him!"

"It's a woman"

"Wound her."

Yep, he was evil alright.

And you're in luck, entire film on YouTube...

Enjoy! Link

Chris Williams
151 Posted 28/04/2017 at 15:14:27
I like the bit where he takes off his guns and becomes incapable of walking.

Or

Here good boots, give me money.

Jim Hillier
152 Posted 28/04/2017 at 15:16:46
On Strange Fruit, it was written by Lewis Allan, aka Abel Meeropol, a teacher (sorry, Eugene) and a Communist.

Another thing he did apart from writing Strange Fruit was to take in and bring up the kids of the Rosenbergs after their execution.

Dave Abrahams
153 Posted 28/04/2017 at 15:41:42
Eugene (#150), Tony will enjoy it better watching it this time, it's in colour, we only had a b/w television when he saw it. Might watch it myself later, the beginning was as funny as I remember it.
Tony Abrahams
154 Posted 28/04/2017 at 20:46:46
Thanks very much for that, Eugene, I'm going to wait for everyone to go to bed, but I'll probably wake them all up with my laughter!

Can't agree with you about The Ragged-Trousered Philanthropists, Dave, and I never even finished the book.

I've just had a flier posted through my front door yesterday, and there is actually a play on tomorrow night in Liverpool Library, as part of the Bob Tressell Festival 2017. He's actually buried in the Rice Lane City Farm, and is probably why this was posted in our street...

I think Tressell was a very clever perceptive man, but his portrayal of the working man made me sick to be honest. Maybe I misread or misunderstood it, because it seems to me like the working man is usually fucked by the working man?

Alan McGuffog
155 Posted 28/04/2017 at 21:08:35
Tony, I've not read it for over 30 years but your point is probably correct. A brilliant but extremely gloomy book. Don't recall much working class solidarity being in evidence.

Now as for Bob Dylan.

Dave Abrahams
156 Posted 28/04/2017 at 21:20:07
Tony (#154) you have a point about men getting beaten by their own workmates, I could give a few instances, but more evidently beaten by the ruling classes.

As Alan (#155) says, it is a brilliant but gloomy book, depressing even, but they were very depressing times.

Tony, I have been to the grave Robert Tressell is buried in along with quite a few more people – is it 27 of them? They were taken from paupers graves and buried to together. This was paid for, along with a large gravestone, by the trade union movement; Idon't have the full details.

Enjoy the film, don't wake the twins up – if Joseph sees that Teddy Bear at the beginning of the film he'll want to see the rest of it.

Chris Williams
157 Posted 28/04/2017 at 21:26:00
Dave, you clearly have a great affinity with this book, it's message and the author.

Respect to you sir.

Will we hear from George this weekend do you think?

Dave Abrahams
158 Posted 28/04/2017 at 21:37:52
Chris (#157), the game is on a Sunday but I presume George will get ready for the game as usual. I hope so, I think he raises the spirit of quite a few of us on match days.

George wouldn't know me but I remember him from a Blue Union meeting at the Casa in Hope Street a couple of years ago, I got the impression then that he was a very genuine man with no ego, gave a little speech about the work he does for young men who have been forgotten and left behind, so to speak. The speech wasn't to praise himself in way but a brief outline of what the work consisted of.

Anyway, Chris, I'll look forward to Sunday for the game and to see if George starts our day with a smile.

Eugene Ruane
159 Posted 28/04/2017 at 21:47:02
Dave, I'm not sure if you've read anything by George Garrett but if not, I can't recommend him highly enough.

His work gives a real (personal) insight into the lives of the extremely poor in Liverpool in the early part of the 20th century.

I've heard him described as 'the writer Orwell wanted to be.'

Orwell's Road to Wigan Pier was a worthy social document, but his personal background was very comfortable and he was writing very much as an outsider.

Garrett was 'the real thing' so to speak and there are short stories of his I've read that I'll never forget.

News from Nowhere in Bold Street is where I found him.

This link will give you a flavour - Link

Chris Williams
160 Posted 28/04/2017 at 21:48:31
I'm away this weekend but I'll be checking out for the cosmic Grooves, Dave.
Graham Mockford
161 Posted 28/04/2017 at 21:57:22
One of my favourite Liverpudlian writers is Beryl Bainbridge.

An Awfully Big Adventure is just brilliant.

Paul Hewitt
162 Posted 28/04/2017 at 23:40:40
Well Koeman doesn't think much of the U23 squad then.
Dave Abrahams
163 Posted 29/04/2017 at 09:25:40
Eugene (#159) I'll have a look out for George Garrett, you say he was an outsider looking in at the working class's problems, much like Charles Dickens? I've read he was a bit of a snob, but he highlighted the poverty all around him better than most.
Eugene Ruane
164 Posted 29/04/2017 at 10:21:40
Dave – 'Eugene (#159), I'll have a look out for George Garrett, you say he was an outsider looking in at the working classes problems,..'

Er... no, I actually said the opposite, I said Orwell was the outsider looking in; Garrett was living the real thing (not to denounce Orwell out of hand, just saying Garrett's insights were possibly more valid/accurate).

George McKane
166 Posted 29/04/2017 at 14:16:28
Lovely day today – wish it was 3:00 pm kick-off today but nevertheless will be up and ready to go tomorrow morning.
Tony Abrahams
167 Posted 29/04/2017 at 14:39:45
This time tomorrow, we will all be inside our spiritual home, George. I'm already looking forward to your post in the morning, mate, but I might not be able to make it to my iPad though, so give us some inspiration now please!
Dave Abrahams
168 Posted 29/04/2017 at 16:13:35
Eugene (164), yes with you now Eugene, my mistake.
Chris Williams
169 Posted 29/04/2017 at 16:57:36
Yes George send us some cosmic Grooves on the Celtic Ray
Tony Abrahams
170 Posted 29/04/2017 at 17:09:07
This George, is reminding me of Dylan, here Chris!
Chris Williams
171 Posted 29/04/2017 at 17:44:11
I hope you enjoy him when you see him, Tony. He's a contrary bugger and always was. Christmas albums!!

Never comfortable with all that "voice of a generation" stuff and does anything to debunk it.

Chris Williams
172 Posted 29/04/2017 at 17:45:04
I meant Dylan, not George, by the way.

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