Allardyce talks ambition and unity

Thursday, 30 November, 2017 86comments  |  Jump to most recent
New Everton boss Sam Allardyce says that he is looking forward to the job of rallying the team he has inherited at Goodison and pushing the team back up the table.

The 63-year-old was confirmed as the longer-term successor to Ronald Koeman this afternoon after he signed an 18-month contract to take over the reins from caretaker boss, David Unsworth.

Allardyce watched on from the Directors' Box as Unsworth signed off with a handsome 4-0 victory over West Ham United last night and he says his focus now will be on getting the most out of an under-performing squad that, until yesterday, was lying in 16th place with the worst defence in the Premier League.

“I've always thought Everton was a great club. It is a great club,” Allardyce told evertontv in his first full interview since he was appointed. “Obviously, the club has gone through a difficult spell and hopefully I can put that behind us as quickly as possible and start looking upwards again.

“Because, ultimately, it's the ambition of the club, the ambition of the owner and the board, allied to the fact that it's Everton and all the fantastic history, which have proved to be key for me.

“Ambition is important for any manager or coach, owner or director. It's what you need to have and hopefully we can deliver to the fans to get this Club high up the league. That's what we're aiming for.

“The attraction of the club itself, the people I've known at the club — Peter Reid is one of my best mates, so are Andy Gray and Paul Bracewell whom I worked with at Sunderland — these people have always made me aware of just how special and unique a club Everton is and I feel really enthused and energised to come in as manager,” Allardyce said.

“I think that whatever's happened before we've just got to all rally around together. Our will to do it all together would be my way forward.

“Because we are all in it together and let's all pull in the same direction. Let's try to get a healthy spirit around the club. That's difficult when you're losing but the win last night over West Ham and the magnificent atmosphere around Goodison, which was just brilliant, well that's lifted everybody around the club.

“And we've got to try to keep our heads up and push ourselves until we make sure we get that better. The fans are the most important people at any football club, of course, and we have to give the players every possibility to play to their best, really give them no excuses for not playing to their best and get them right back up to the top level we believe they're capable of.

“Last season showed what the club is trying to build and we need to demonstrate that level of ambition and assuredness again. We can. It's a question now of putting in the work to do that and I'm really enthused by the prospect.”

Quotes sourced from The Telegraph



Reader Comments (86)

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Steve Ferns
1 Posted 30/11/2017 at 19:48:21
You can watch the interview with Everton TV on the official site.
Paul Goodchild
3 Posted 30/11/2017 at 19:51:13
He has said more good things about the club than Koeman did in all the time he was here. I believe he is up for this challenge and we should get behind him. Let's give him every chance and give him a good reception on Saturday.
Jimmy Salt
4 Posted 30/11/2017 at 20:00:14
Unbeaten England manager. Not many of them about.

But seriously he is probably what this club needs at this time.

Victor Jones
5 Posted 30/11/2017 at 20:12:51
Big Sam talking the talk. But can he now walk the walk. Sorry about that. But I think that he can. I really do.

After last night I believe that our players can play when they put their minds to it.

I think that Allardyce will keep them focused. Keep them fresh. Keep them interested. Because with past managers a number of our players went very stale. They lost interest. They dropped heads. They stopped playing. I somehow don't see that happening with Allardyce. And it will be interesting to see how he deals with Schneiderlin and Mirallas. That will tell me a lot about his approach.

And on another topic. Notice that we looked a lot more solid (if not a little lucky) without Baines last night. Interesting to see what Allardyce does concerning that LB position.

Joe McMahon
6 Posted 30/11/2017 at 20:29:10
I like that he's using the phrase 'us'. Welcome to Everton, Sam.
Laurie Hartley
7 Posted 30/11/2017 at 20:49:40
We can." - Two word sentence in the last paragraph. That's what I wanted to hear.,"We can." - Two word sentence in the last paragraph. That's what I wanted to hear.,,,1,20:48:40,,110.144.27.201,ok,2306,11/30/2017 20:48:40,LaurieHartley,reader,, 877874,35880,toffeeweb,30/11/2017,Christine Foster,Chrisfoster49@aol.com,"BTW, Moshiri doing the welcome bits on TV, and footage last night with Allardyce etc.. no sign of Bill Kenwright, anyone wondering why he is taking the lead and not our media loving chairman? Conspicuous by his absence? Most odd...
Ian Riley
8 Posted 30/11/2017 at 21:03:40
Remember when players worked hard with purpose with a manager whom wants to win as much as we do. Sam is a winner at a club he thinks can achieve his goals. Don't underestimate his ability. We need him and those who have thoughts that we are to big for Sam are wrong on a massive scale.

He sees Everton as the biggest job he has had, except England of course. I'm willing to stick my neck out and say Sam will be signing a new extended contract next year.

Tony Everan
9 Posted 30/11/2017 at 21:05:47
It’s refreshing to here us and we , and unity is exactly the key to improving. It was in short supply under Koeman.

Next , I would like to see him using his Fatherly charms on Ross. Get Ross signed up and he will have gone some way to earning a lot of fans’ respect.

Andy Meighan
10 Posted 30/11/2017 at 21:09:56
Joe 6 Totally right And as Paul 3 said He's said more good things about US in one interview than the Dutchman did in the whole of his tenure. I'll never have anything good to say about Koeman, he's left this club in a mess and whether Sam can turn us around remains to be seen.

I've actually met him and he's a cracking fella but the world is full of cracking fellas but then again could any of them manage Everton. No they couldn't.

Last night's win has put a whole new perspective on things I just hope we kick on now. One thing is for sure we've got to get behind him because it's going to be hard.
Kunal Desai
11 Posted 30/11/2017 at 21:17:19
Ambition? No thanks. £6 million a year? Thankyou very much.
Oliver Molloy
12 Posted 30/11/2017 at 21:20:16
Yep, reading between the lines, Allardyce has told us all that there has been a lot of shite going on at the club.

He is saying that this is a new start for all and any bitching that has gone on ( and there has been a lot apparently) should be in the past.


David Pearl
13 Posted 30/11/2017 at 21:23:42
Yes, if you look at the team shape yesterday you'd see something I hope he builds on. Both full backs need replacing. A new striker. Bollasie coming in for Lennon and maybe Barkley for Davies. That and respect for the shirt could see us reaching the places we hoped for. Much better that he comes in to the job on the back of a good win instead of demoralising defeat.

This is Allardyce's biggest job yet with a club that should be challenging for honours. I think he gets that. My first choice if Unsy didn't get the job. No other option in my view. Another win on Saturday... coyb

Steve Ferns
14 Posted 30/11/2017 at 21:29:27
Farad Moshiri interview on Everton TV: We have a leader

Guys watch this. Tell me what you make of this. One thing that stood out for me is the comment: "he uses what he has".

Now, does this mean until January. Or is Moshiri telling us, Allardyce will not be spending a load of money in January?

Do you remember Moshiri calling up Jim White on transfer deadline day to shut down any talk of a striker saying that Koeman had the players he needs?

We better not get through January without a new striker. Worrying comments or am I reading to much into his words?

Steve Ferns
15 Posted 30/11/2017 at 21:30:31
David Pearl, both fullbacks need replacing? You mean Jonjoe Kenny? I thought he was excellent. He is coming on with every game he plays.
Steve McNally
16 Posted 30/11/2017 at 21:32:27
I hope he's a success because obviously I want Everton to be a success. I think he has been made aware of disunity at the club and, is already making noises to put a stop to it. I for one, will be happy if he shifts out the players not committed to the club to rebuild team spirit.

Furthermore, I will be interested to see his activity in the next two transfer windows and whether or not he will allow Walsh to have any influence.

Paul Birmingham
17 Posted 30/11/2017 at 21:37:45
Reality check and this is for real. Time to support EFC and stick together.

Life’s full of bumps, dips , highs and lows.. as is for every human being. Now to unite as Evertonians, and support the club.

The life and times of Sam And Little Sam has been done so now to the next game, and to build on last nights victory. Made up for Unsworth and hopefully he can martial the U23s, and get them back on keel, and now to move on and the Dutch Kloggs seem a long time ago, as it has been.

What a crazy year in The Life And Times of Evertonians. It can only get better..


George Stuart
18 Posted 30/11/2017 at 21:40:14
Well, at least he's clever enough to make the right noises. The link with Everton legends was clever. Makes us think he gets it.

Lots of references to bringing out the best in the players and team. A sort of broad "you're better than this" arm around the players. I'm certain he has a bollocking or two in him too.

As Hunter S Thompson famously said of Jimmy Carter "An endorsment, with fear and loathing".

Peter Laing
19 Posted 30/11/2017 at 21:54:56
Nice one, Steve.

I was also baffled about the comment regarding Jonjoe Kenny needing replacing. This is a kid who has stepped up to the plate, overcome an initial shaky start and has progressed with his start against West Ham culminating in a near man of the match performance.

For a young lad Kenny has shown courage and maturity beyond his years. He has also put to shame some of the senior pro's such as Mirallas and Schneiderlin to shame. Qualities that I would hope Allardyce recognised in the forthcoming weeks and months.

Brian Cleveland
20 Posted 30/11/2017 at 21:54:57
Steve (14), I didn't read it to mean that he won't get anything. I think Moshiri sees what we have all seen, that at the moment it's making do because there is no option, (or the only option being to play with 10 men instead of putting Williams on the pitch!) not that there is no possibility of changes come the transfer window.
Rob Halligan
21 Posted 30/11/2017 at 21:55:48
Will he be teaching his players to be clever at "disguising fouls"

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/blackburn-rovers/4933404/Sam-Allardyce-believes-Evertons-Tim-Cahill-needs-more-attention-from-referees.html

Liam Reilly
22 Posted 30/11/2017 at 22:02:30
Just mind games Rob; don't think we'd complain if he does that for us.

Our Ranieri - maybe

Wasn't my first choice but I'm softening to him.

Cummon Sam, give us a win across the park and your a hero for life.

Mike Gaynes
23 Posted 30/11/2017 at 22:11:57
Rob #21, a little "cleverness" wouldn't be a bad thing. We've been the poster boys for naivete this season.

Hate to admit it but I'm not as appalled as I was when we first approached him. His enthusiasm in the stands yesterday did warm me to him. Just a little bit.

Phil Bellis
24 Posted 30/11/2017 at 22:18:07
Well said Peter (19).. The lad's grown into the job
Paul Smith
25 Posted 30/11/2017 at 22:22:09
I wasn't overly impressed with the appointment of Allardyce but will give him a chance as I would any other manager. I will be interested to see who his targets will be in January.

He is coming in at a good time with 3 of the next 4 at home and on the back of last night's win. If he could somehow get a result over the dark side he will get fans on his side quicker. He will also have the injured players coming back soon.

My fears are what style of football we are going to see but hopefully a few wins will ease the fear we're playing with.

Stephen Davies
26 Posted 30/11/2017 at 22:29:46
Steve (#14).

Also what I took from that is Moshiri believes stability will come and once that's achieved a younger ambitious manager will come in.

I suspect that manager will be identified over the next 12 months or so ( unless it already hasn't been done so) and plans put in place for Allardyce's replacement.

Mike Hughes
27 Posted 30/11/2017 at 22:36:42
Nobody knows how this will work out.
What we do know is that what went before Allardyce definitely was not working.

No trophy for 22-23 years and counting.
No win at Anfield for 18 years (Think about that!!!!!! But not for too long.)
The lack of investment excuse was no longer there.
Treading water on the pitch then beginning to sink.
Players with their heads stuck firmly up their arses.
Awful performances on the pitch.

I'm sitting here in the Blue Room of my house (Goodison) writing this with my dog, Dixie, sitting in an armchair across the way. (Her Indoors is called Gwladys). On the wall above me is a set of Everton gold-rimmed porcelain plates. One of them has a painting of Catterick, Kendall, Royle and Moyes (!) on it.

It's hard to envisage Sam on there at this point but I, for one, hope he can earn his place in our history for all the right reasons. The chances of him doing that will improve – even marginally – with a bit of unity amongst the supporters.

We need to give Allardyce a chance at the very least.

(Anyway, whining like a bunch of spoilt, twatty teenagers in tight jeans belongs across the park.)

Lawrence Green
28 Posted 30/11/2017 at 22:46:11
Steve # 14
I read that interview slightly different to you. I saw a man who is impatient and probably a little pissed off, despite spending so much money he has seen his project go backwards very very quickly. He undoubtedly has made mistakes himself and very costly ones at that. So whilst many of us as supporters don't or didn't think we needed a firefighter, he as the money man probably thinks otherwise.

To get results on the pitch, we need the players fully focussed, disciplined and eager to give of their best each and every time they are chosen. Funnily enough I believe that if Unsworth had have been given until Christmas he would have been able to have produced those things but I also understand that Moshiri didn't think he could afford to take that risk.

I wonder how much money we can spend in the window given the FFP rules, perhaps you or someone else can answer that question, I wouldn't be surprised if there isn't too much wriggle room and therefore won't be expecting another 'spree'. However, I would expect that those players deemed surplus to requirements can be traded for the types of players that we are short of and that too could be in Moshiri's mind.

Moshiri may think that he purchased a number of expensive motor-cars and rather than sell all or some of them at a loss or add more to his collection, he would be better off hiring a mechanic who can get as many of them in working order as possible. Allardyce is the chief mechanic who has been given that responsibility. We'll see how things pan out in the coming months.

Steve Ferns
29 Posted 30/11/2017 at 22:56:07
Interesting view Lawrence.

As for the answer to the question you pose, no one can know. You would need to be a bloody accountant! It comes down to what Everton declare as turnover for the year, and what they declare as transfer spend for the year. Roughly,we spent around £150m and brought in around £100m. But how much of the £150m are we paying upfront? How much is spread out? How much requires clauses to be met (England caps, Champions League places, Europa League Semi-Finals, goals scored etc etc). This is why FFP is so complicated.

Take Neymar, that €200m deal is more likely to be €40m a year, over 5 years, and so PSG can work with that. Put it all in one year and they fall foul.

So with creative accounting, I don't think we do need to hold back, we just probably have to pay a bit more to spread the cost over a longer period.

Mike Gaynes
30 Posted 30/11/2017 at 23:11:51
Mike #27, thanks for the anecdote about Dixie's house.

My own late great Pomeranian had a favorite spot in the back yard to do his business. I had a name for the place that he learned to recognize, and he would perk up and wag when I said, "C'mon, Rambo, let's go to Old Trafford!"

Mike Hughes
31 Posted 30/11/2017 at 23:22:37
Mike (#30)

Nice one! (A Pomeranian – about the friendliest dogs you could meet – called Rambo – brilliant!)

I think it would be "Let's go to Anfield" for me but Old Trafford will do.

I don't feel the same antagonism towards Man Utd as the RedShite – though I have softened a little with age. I still hope we stuff them on the pitch. And the Seville come back brought a smile of joy. Well, more of a snigger really.

David Pearl
32 Posted 30/11/2017 at 23:41:18
Steve, yes Kenny had his best game in a blue shirt yesterday. (His pass across the pitch to Martina from a crossing position aside). He is getting better. But we need better than that. Don't we? We need better than one good game.

We had our backs firmly against the wall for a while yesterday. We won because of Rooney and a stronger desire all over the pitch. In the long run I'm not so sure we can count on the full backs we have, the strikers we don't have, or that extra class we need. We shall see...

Paul Birmingham
33 Posted 30/11/2017 at 23:49:58
Dave at 32, good point, and there's a longer-term position, which I think brings Ross Barkley into the mix, but who knows.

I reckon Sam will bring him back in the frame.


David Pearl
34 Posted 01/12/2017 at 00:38:11
If we don’t bring Ross back in the team Paul it won’t be cheap to bring in another number 10... (oh hang on). Well anyway, if we keep this shape there is still room for him. I hope we do keep this shape for now... we don’t want to start switching things up again. It’s taken all season so far to find it.
Tom Bowers
35 Posted 01/12/2017 at 00:59:37
Let's at least give him a chance. Every dog has it's day and Sam/Sam may just get things turned around. Things couldn't get much worse after what we have witnessed this season so far.

Obviously others touted in the media and by some in this column were just not interested or available.

With some decent lads possibly back by January there is some cause for cautious optimism.

Tom Bowers
36 Posted 01/12/2017 at 01:26:06
Let's at least give him a chance. Every dog has it's day and Sam/Sam may just get things turned around. Things couldn't get much worse after what we have witnessed this season so far.

Obviously others touted in the media and by some in this column were just not interested or available.

With some decent lads possibly back by January there is some cause for cautious optimism.

Nicholas Ryan
37 Posted 01/12/2017 at 02:45:14
Wasn't there a Rolling Stones song, something like: '... You can't always get what you want; but if you try sometime, you just might find; you get what you need...'.
Albert Perkins
38 Posted 01/12/2017 at 04:41:39
I don't think Sam has had such a talented bunch of players to work with. With a few good additions he might enjoy a 'School of Science' approach. It's the hope that kills you.
Gary Gibson
39 Posted 01/12/2017 at 06:18:17
My nephew is mates with Big Sam's son and he said that he is incredibly proud of having been appointed Everton manager.

He's always spoken highly of our club and its history in the past so I'm not really surprised at that.

I think we finally have a manager who "gets us".

Bob Parrington
40 Posted 01/12/2017 at 06:48:33
Quite interesting reading when you have the reports from others who have played or coached under Big Sam. Absolutely positive comments from each and every one about his professionalism, people skills, attention to detail, confidentiality and lots more.

Perhaps we should give him the chance to use these qualities on Everton before we judge him. Fair Go!!

Neil Gribbin
41 Posted 01/12/2017 at 07:03:08
I am more than prepared to give Sam, and his management team, a fair chance to do something with us. Would he have been on my list of managers I wanted, probably not, but maybe he is the manager that the club needs?

Too many players drifting around, too many players not caring. Will this change straight away? More than likely not, but I believe some players are in for a nasty wake up call. Which I fully agree with, because I would have had every one of them down Formby beach running up and down the sand dunes after the Southampton game .

William Cartwright
42 Posted 01/12/2017 at 07:11:49
Aren't we a fickle bunch. in the nicest possible way!

WELCOME TO EVERTON, MR ALLARDYCE!

I hope it works out well for all of us and that whilst we are winning you make the most of the opportunity to show the media there is more to your footballing pedigree than the ability to motivate a team of under-performers (mind you do need we need that).

If Sammy Lee is your choice then that's OK if he is a professional and decent person I don't care about his Redshite past (same as with Benitez).

Although he was not given a long enough period to make it work, I think it was a step too soon and / or a bit too far for Unsy, but I trust you will have the nouse to keep him as an integral part of the Everton backroom team, or if not assist him to catch a manager role elsewhere which would be the next logical step. I like most Evertonians really appreciate the professionalism and dignity he displayed during a very difficult time.

Enjoy the facilities at Finch Farm and I trust you will have the chance to make the most use of the hi-tech approach you are acknowledged with, and I hope you can integrate Ross and bring one or two misfiring players back into the frame.–

A win at Anfield would be nice... and upset Lawro and his red-eyed ramblings.

Keep the spirit and involvement with EITC. It gives the club and community a unique connection and that really is what football should be about.

If the current players on payroll were playing well and available my recommendation would be...

Second thoughts, no, I'll leave that up to you.

COYB

Ian Bennett
43 Posted 01/12/2017 at 07:22:06
It isn't an impressive move, but how many times have Everton signed good players that didn't deliver and ones we really weren't keen on that surprised.

Don Hutchinson, Kevin Campbell, Richard Gough, David Weir, Kevin Sheedy, Peter Reid, Andy Gray, Arteta, Pienaar.

If he delivers a top 10 finish, a win against RS and a cup that won't be too bad will it. Hope he sorts out a creaking defence and sorts a focal point up front.

Francis Gibson
44 Posted 01/12/2017 at 07:51:57
Honestly, I wanted to spew when I realised this was actually happening, and that this is what our club has come to. A manager I massively don't want, and that red gerbil Lee thrown in as the rancid cherry on top of the shitecake we've been served.

Was having a moan over supper about all things Everton with the missus last night, and she suggested maybe now was finally a decent time to have a look into some "other interests" (her words) and take a step back from obsessing over Our Club for once in my life, as it's all been such a long and winding road of misery recently.

As I dejectedly muttered a half-thought-out "yeah..." my brain clicked into gear. No. No, no, no. I can't; I'm not capable of it - not wired like that, to just shut off and take a break when it's all too much. I'm in too deep.

What are the five stages of Everton grief? I suppose today I'm coming out of depression and into acceptance. Sam is our manager, there's eff all I can do about it, so I'm simply going to give him and Our Club my full support and hope and believe we'll make a decent fist of it with him at the helm. I've no other option, dammit.

So, to paraphrase Otis Rush and Zeppelin, EFC, I can't quit you baby. But you certainly do not make things easy sometimes. Onward and upward, my Blue mates.

Ajay Gopal
45 Posted 01/12/2017 at 08:49:02
Way to go, Francis (44). Evertonians are famous for giving every player and manager a chance. So, why should it be any different with Sam?

As others have pointed out, I hope he continues to give opportunities to the superb line of youth players that we have at all levels of the club – Davies, Kenny, Holgate, Baningime, Dowell, Walsh, Connolly, Pennington, Browning, Galloway, Joe Williams, Onyekuru.

If he can get Barkley to sign and nurse players like Bolasie, Coleman, McCarthy, Funes Mori to full fitness, he will find that he really doesn't need to spend shed loads of money for reinforcements. All the best, Sam!

Nicholas Ryan
46 Posted 01/12/2017 at 09:27:08
Did anyone notice there was a tweet from a certain Ross Barkley, praising the Rooney 'wondergoal'. Could he be starting to have second thoughts?!
Dale Rose
47 Posted 01/12/2017 at 09:29:40
Kenny has shown great character and played well. Leave the lad alone.
Sue Brown
48 Posted 01/12/2017 at 09:33:58
Like others, Big Sam wouldn't have been my first choice but he's here now and looking at the broader picture I think he is what we need right now, and he is making all the right noises so far.

Gary (#39) I would go with that, whenever Sam has done the odd punditry job at our games he has talked positively about the club and enthused about our great tradition and what we should be achieving so he does “get us”.

I also fully expect Ross to come back into the fold with Sam Allardycce. He's a big fan of Ross and probably knows exactly how he will get him back to playing at his best.

Sam Hoare
49 Posted 01/12/2017 at 09:41:18
A good first interview. But then soundbites are (usually) the easy bit.

I'm very curious and somewhat excited to see how he is going to play this, how he is going to set us up. Surely he will be desperate to prove once and for all that he has more to his armoury than 'hoofball'.

I suspect he will want very much to get Everton playing decent football. At some point. Or will the need to get points on the board see him resort to the direct tactics he knows best?

Should be interesting.

And i'm fascinated to see who we target (if anyone!) in January. Is it fair to imagine that Allardyce is more likely to trust in and agree with Walsh (who supposedly advocated him for the job) than Koeman did. Will we be getting clever, hard working technical players that Walsh seems to admire or the big strong brutes that Allardyce traditionally favours?

Whatever the style I think most of us would agree that we need a striker, centre back and perhaps most pressingly of all a left back, though both Robinson (Bolton) and Connolly (Ipswich) have been doing well on their championship loans recently.

Curious and exciting (sort of) times.

Sam Hoare
50 Posted 01/12/2017 at 09:43:36
And Kenny certainly does not need replacing. The lad has often shone in the recent gloom and improved week by week. Seamus will have to come back strong to displace him.
Ronnie Pearce
51 Posted 01/12/2017 at 09:44:53
Mike #27
if Sam gets added you'll definitely need a bigger plate!
Dave Williams
52 Posted 01/12/2017 at 09:47:13
Can't believe David's comment about Kenny and Davies. I was so chuffed with the West Ham win I watched it again last night (much to the annoyance of my wife and daughter who don't get football at all) and these two young men had outstanding games.

Kenny's tackling was marvellous and he moved around with such energy and vision to help out in attack. Tom had by far his best game of the season and was greatly helped by the fact that we kept our shape so there was always Rooney, Sigurdsson or Gana available to pass to.

By the time Seamus is fit I think he will find it difficult to replace Kenny and may have to look at reverting to his old wide right midfield role playing ahead of Jonjoe.

Our midfield has to include Tom and he will learn so much playing alongside Rooney. I thought Wayne played exactly like he did in the semi final against us a couple of years ago – he ran the game then too.

Sam will do a good job- he will sort out the good from the bad and sure as hell won't be scared going to Anfield etc.

Tony Everan
53 Posted 01/12/2017 at 09:53:15
Maybe Moshiri is saying you must sell before you buy.

As far as the striking reinforcement is concerned that cannot happen.

I am expecting Walsh / Moshiri to be doing the striker deal over the next 2 weeks, so he can give us much needed options from January 1st.

No messing about this time, I hope lessons have been learned. We'll see.

Mike Hughes
54 Posted 01/12/2017 at 09:53:56
Ronnie (#51),

Ha ha - I'll Probably have to move house! But I hope Sam Allardyce is successful and wish him the best of luck. Glad to see the back of Robitic Ron.

Ernie Baywood
55 Posted 01/12/2017 at 11:06:01
He claims the club's ambition was a factor in him joining.

You're dead right there, Sam.

Ian Burns
56 Posted 01/12/2017 at 11:09:22
Time to move on – I'm now far more focused on which team Allardyce is going to put out tomorrow. Surely he will leave Rooney to "play anywhere he wants" – I am hoping it's the midfield role he played on Wednesday night. Will Niasse return? What back four will he play? Will I sleep tonight thinking about it?

Lee Brownlie
57 Posted 01/12/2017 at 11:33:43
All good to now on this front, then... as in someone 'solid' in at last and so we can hopefully move forward!!

One, thing, though... maybe we'll all be better with him sitting up looming like a big dark shadow in the Directors Box rather than in the dugout if that [West Ham game] is the effect his presence up there has on the team!!!

Feeling much more hopeful anyway... at fucking last. (I just hope it does last!) Now let's see what he, we, can really do!!!

Steve Jones
58 Posted 01/12/2017 at 11:44:48
The way I read Moshiri's comments is a reflection of reality. We cant buy anyone else until the window opens no matter what.

The manager that comes in has to get results with what he has in the inventory right now. Not make wonderful plans for total football in 6 or 7 weeks time.

Koemans legacy is a bunch of players that he couldnt make a team out of. Sam is here to fix that, if it can be done, and build the platform, in 18 months or so, that a younger, more dynamic, man can take over and build on.

Johnny Rainford
59 Posted 01/12/2017 at 12:34:45
Just watched the video and think I heard "us" and "we" more in 5 minutes than the last 18 months.

I still think the jury is going to be out for a while with this appointment since it has polarised the supporters but couple of things to consider... Allardyce didn't get us in this mess and he was one of the very few who has stepped up and offered to help get us out of it. (Subject to £££ obviously) so I think he deserves a go.

Coyb.

Simon Jones
60 Posted 01/12/2017 at 12:42:12
Sam Alladyce, I'm willing to be won over, but blimey, you've got some baggage.
Michael Lynch
61 Posted 01/12/2017 at 13:25:45
Kenny's doing well, and he will hopefully turn into a great right back as he matures, but the idea that Seamus will struggle to get his place back strikes me as ludicrous. Kenny is nowhere near Seamus at his best yet, the only question is whether we get Seamus back at his best. Kenny's time will come, and he'll be needed while Coleman gets back to full fitness, but Coleman will definitely be first choice.
Sam Hoare
62 Posted 01/12/2017 at 13:33:59
Michael, I don't think anyone thinks that Kenny is yet at a fully firing Coleman level but obviously Seamus has been out for a very long time. Kenny for me is first choice currently as he is the incumbent and playing very well.

I very much hope that Seamus comes back at full steam but chances are it will take him a while to get back to his best. Once at his best then i'm sure he will retake the spot, but we can't know how long that may take, hence the idea that he may struggle is not so ludicrous.

Jamie Evans
63 Posted 01/12/2017 at 13:35:49
Allardyce talks ambition and unity. And sausage rolls.
Dave Pritchard
64 Posted 01/12/2017 at 13:51:52
Your point being Jamie?
Sam Barrett
65 Posted 01/12/2017 at 14:16:32
Not my choice 5 weeks ago when Ronald was sacked but after enduring the last few games I think he is now a good fit. Personally I don't give a flying fcuk what he's done in his past and, to be honest, what he got sacked for England for hardly makes him Adolf Hitler.

I'm now prepared to back him fully and give him time. Is he gonna be worse than the last two? We just don't know and he has as much a chance as anyone else to be a success. You never know, he might just be successful!

Kevin Tully
66 Posted 01/12/2017 at 14:19:05
Unbelievably, there is still a long list of players who are stealing a living. There should be plenty of takers in January for the following:

Mirallas
Schneiderlin
McCarthy
Barkley (He doesn't want to play for us, or sign a new contract)

That could raise £70-80m right there – spend it all on a striker please.

Steve Ferns
67 Posted 01/12/2017 at 14:19:08
Michael Lynch, you finish off exactly right. Will Seamus recover to his best? As Kenny improves, it takes the pressure off Seamus. If Kenny was struggling, then he would be raced back into the team. If we get back into the top half and Kenny maintains his level, or continues to improve and Seamus stays out of the team for a bit longer, then this is better for Seamus. The biggest risk to him is coming back too early and having to do too much.

Kenny seems to have unlimited potential. For me he is better than Seamus was at 22/23, certainly until just after he came back from Blackpool, and certainly in terms of his defensive ability at that age.

I wonder if Kenny will be eased out of the right back slot for Seamus, and into the left back slot. Because if Coleman was fit and ready and back to his best for Saturday, I'd play both and move one to the left.

We have been very lucky to have Seamus Coleman, and just as lucky that we have another player who looks able to replace him in the long term. Replacing the players of the quality of Coleman has been something Everton have just not been able to do for a long time now. I'm thinking, Lukaku, Cahill, Arteta, Distin, and now it seems Baines.

Steve Ferns
69 Posted 01/12/2017 at 14:24:42
£70-80m?

Mirallas – £10m
Schneiderlin – £10m
McCarthy – £5m
Barkley – £10m

I reckon that's £35m. I wonder what prices you think?

Mirallas is old at 31, he's fading. No one wants him. Olympiacos won't spend more than £10m on him.

Schneiderlin is so badly out of form you want to offload him, fair enough, but you have to take half price, you cannot expect more than half what we paid for him.

McCarthy is crocked. No one (well maybe Sunderland but they are skint) would pay for him.

Ross Barkley can sign a mega-deal on a Bosman from March to Spurs or Chelsea, or a month from today, to a European Club, why would they pay more than £10m to get him now.

Best thing to do is to play Barkley until his contract expires and beg him to sign a new one or wait until the end of the season to decide.

Jamie Evans
70 Posted 01/12/2017 at 14:31:49
Dave 64, that he likes sausage rolls.
Tony Hill
71 Posted 01/12/2017 at 14:37:14
Interesting to read Allardyce's press conference. His reference to conditioning, styles of play and so forth. Straightforward, clear-cut.

Refreshing after the simple-minded bollocks we've had to put up with from so many of his critics on here.

Raymond Fox
72 Posted 01/12/2017 at 14:38:21
I said he was my choice weeks ago, predictably the was a flood of no,no, no, never. However it does appear that Silva was the clubs first pick, but I thought he hadn't enough history to be sure he was the man for us.

He knows the time of day, does Sam, he's very experienced and calls a spade a spade, he's just what we need to shake up some of our slackers. We are the biggest club he's managed and I think he will be looking forward to show what he can achieve with potentially better players. If I was him, as he's only just arrived, I'd put the same team out on Saturday that beat West Ham. They will be confident after that win.

What I would say is we cant expect miracles in the short term, we still have weaknesses in certain positions with the left back position an obvious one. Niasse has been our saviour in a few games now, I hope he gets some playing time from Sam on Saturday.

It would be great to come away with something from Anfield the following week, and it may be defeatist to say, but they still look to have too much fire power for us. Here's hoping for some success before too long, I'm not too fussed what it is.

Sam Hoare
73 Posted 01/12/2017 at 14:43:14
Steve@69, I think you're dealing at prices from 2 years ago. Bear in mind we paid £30m for Keane despite being in last year of his contract.

Experienced PL players usually go for a premium. West Brom were reportedly happy to pay £20m for Schneiderlin when we bought him.

I reckon:

Mirallas – £10m-15m
Schneiderlin – £15-20m
McCarthy – £10-15m
Barkley – £15-20m

£50-70m by my reckoning. Personally, I hope the top 2 go and the bottom 2 stay (so long as they get fit).

James Morgan
74 Posted 01/12/2017 at 14:45:13
I think Big Sam gets a bum rep far more than deserved. He gets his teams scrapping for every ball and organised to the nines. Exactly what we need! This is the best squad of players he's had since his Bolton days and he had them playing some lovely football.

With the right backing we could be hard to beat and easy on the eye under his leadership. He always likes a target man too so that would suit Sigurdsson down to the ground. Let's hope we pull a rabbit out of the hat in January like a Dzeko etc though it may be clutching at straws.

Welcome, and good luck Mr Allardyce.

Tony Abrahams
75 Posted 01/12/2017 at 14:57:17
I'm made up with the set up now, I just hope I'm made up with the people in the set up as time goes by. We have had far too much coaching, and way too less managing, for years now, and after 30 minutes the other night, we already had far more organization than we've had all year. Let the season begin!
Dave Pritchard
77 Posted 01/12/2017 at 15:09:51
Jamie 70, what relevance does this have on a football forum?
Mike Doyle
78 Posted 01/12/2017 at 15:19:46
For those unfamiliar with Ryland Morgans, this makes interesting reading:

http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11706/10909835/ryland-morgans-interview-how-crystal-palace-training-changes-helped-premier-league-survival

Jamie Evans
79 Posted 01/12/2017 at 15:40:06
In my opinion Dave, our new manager knows more about sausage rolls than football, unfortunately. Not the end of the world by the way. I am quite partial to a sausage roll myself.
Oliver Brunel
80 Posted 01/12/2017 at 16:12:35
Greggs or Sayers Sausage Rolls ?
John Graham
81 Posted 01/12/2017 at 16:46:28
Great interview.

Saying all of the right things and I like the way he keeps saying 'us' and 'we'.

Got to make Goodison Park a fortress where everyone fears to come. Not too bothered about how we win games so long as we just win. It's been a very very long time since we played good football on a regular basis. For me it was in the 80s when Kendall was manager.

We had a few games with Moyes and Martinez where I thought we played really good football but it never lasted. Looking forward to Saturday now for the first time in quite a while. Good luck lads.
COYB

Jay Wood
82 Posted 01/12/2017 at 16:53:44
Mike Doyle @ 78.

Thanks for that link. A really good read. Further affirmation of how thorough and professional Allardyce is in his work.

But then of course, Ryland Morgans like Sammy Lee is tainted by his prior association with t'neighbours.

Boooooo!!! Hissssssss!!!

Best to list and condemn a few other Blues down the years for those inclined to exorcise their wrath at such heresy:

David Hickson
Johnny Morrisey
Alan Harper
Kevin Sheedy
Dave Watson
Peter Beardsley
David Johnson
John Gidman
Don Hutchison

There's more, but that's enough to be going on with, doncha think?

Kim Vivian
83 Posted 01/12/2017 at 17:02:25
Jamie, Dave – not using your '5' very productively, lads.
Jim Marray
84 Posted 01/12/2017 at 18:53:49
Well Allardyce was not who I wanted but was the manager I saw as offering us the best chance of survival. Will wait to see if I was wrong on the score but doubt I will be.

Have been impressed with his comments following Wednesday's games and importantly with his comments about Barkley today. No pressure just telling the lad to get fit and start playing and to forget about contracts for now. Sounds like he is a better man manager than Koeman already.

The telling part of this will be how the next six weeks go with Christmas and New Year schedule congestion. If we are still out of the relegation zone then he will be doing what I expected. But I also hope that the board are looking longer term at someone to replace him in 18 months when he will be 69/70. We need a solid performing manager to pick up from him at that point.

Jamie Evans
86 Posted 01/12/2017 at 20:42:39
Fair point, Kim. For the record Oliver, Waterfields.
Laurie Hartley
88 Posted 01/12/2017 at 21:22:06
Mike (#78) – thanks for a very interesting link. Confirmed my suspicion that Sam Allardyce is not the "dinosaur" that quite a few people have labelled him.

As for Sammy Lee – Jay 's list of players who crossed the park includes one of my all time favourite players Johnny Morrissey.

Lee has pulled out of the Liverpool Legends night on the eve of the derby. He has picked a side – He knows what's at stake.

Colin Glassar
89 Posted 01/12/2017 at 21:41:31
I got all excited about the last two idiots (I almost backed Roberto to the end, almost) so this time I’m taking Big Sam with a big dose of healthy scepticism.

If he does well he’ll get my wholehearted support. If he mucks up I will remind him that he was 18th on my list of candidates. You’ve been warned Sam lad.

Bob Parrington
91 Posted 01/12/2017 at 23:47:28
Michael L & Sam H,

Agree about Kenny. What I really like about him is his attitude. He's really full-on and gives the other (and mostly older) players a mouthful (with passion) if they're not putting in the effort.

Still young and rough around the edges, hopefully he will be not prone to injury and will become a firm regular in the side for many years to come... perhaps a future captain, too!

Paul Burns
92 Posted 10/12/2017 at 18:50:39
The only players worth keeping at the club are Barkley and Pickford. The rest are garbage. It's the worst squad and condition the club has been in in its entire history.

It's beyond amateurish. A lot of the fans to could do with a free transfer as well the rubbish they come out with.


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