Allardyce plans to question Everton players about wanting to stay

Tuesday, 12 December, 2017 61comments  |  Jump to most recent

In The Guardian, Andy Hunter reports that Sam Allardyce plans to question his Everton players about wanting to stay before the January transfer window opens.

Allardyce will ask every member of Everton's first-team squad whether they wish to be part of the club's future before finalising transfer plans for January.

“If every player is honest enough when I finally get through the one-on-ones they will tell me if they want to stay or they don't,” Allardyce said. “If you are going to be honest with the manager, or if they want to leave it a bit longer and see how it goes to January, then I'll deal with it.

“I don't want anyone here who doesn't want to be here. By the same token there's always a price to pay and the club accepts we are not going to be mugs and let people leave under value in today's market. People might want to move because it hasn't quite worked or they have not settled as well as they thought. Up until then all these guys have a chance.”

Article continues below video content


Allardyce also hopes to sign a proven goalscorer when the transfer window reopens after the club failed to replace Romelu Lukaku in the summer. Allardyce admits his first signing “has to be correct for Everton and for my future here – make bad signings and you get the sack, it's that simple”.

» Read the full article at The Guardian



Reader Comments (61)

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Terry Downes
1 Posted 12/12/2017 at 17:11:56
Like him or loathe him but Alladyce does come across like a class act. He's talked more sense in a month than Koeman and Martinez did put together.
Peter Gorman
2 Posted 12/12/2017 at 17:42:11
Allardyce shouldn't even be giving some of them a choice.
Stan Schofield
3 Posted 12/12/2017 at 17:48:54
Peter, for such players, if he asks them and they want away, then no problem for him, they can just go. If, in contrast, they want to stay, then presumably he'd say okay, provided they satisfy certain requirements that he sets out. Allardyce seems quite logical in his approach, certainly judging by the way he talks.
Mike Hughes
4 Posted 12/12/2017 at 17:55:22
Peter – sadly, in the current football world, it's not as simple as that. Contracts have to be paid up (mostly) regardless of the crap performances.

I think Sam is going about things the right way. The more I see and hear of him, the more I like the guy and think he is exactly what we need right now. We've been soft-arsed for long enough.

Niasse, for all his limitations, was refreshing with how he dealt with the appalling treatment he received from Koeman. I hope he can prove his doubters wrong on the pitch because he seems to possess integrity. I suspect a few others lack that.

Sam is setting the bar for them to show their desire to perform for EFC. I doubt he'll take any bullshit.

Si Cooper
5 Posted 12/12/2017 at 18:10:20
Giving the words used by the manager, I am more bothered about the chance of losing the likes of Lookman and Vlasic than not being able to ship out under-performing players, especially since I think those two would be very easy to find buyers for.

I think those who have yet to show their worth are more likely to want more time to prove themselves, whereas these two may feel they are not getting the recognition they deserve.

Hope this isn't just to prime us for the next bout of sell-to-buy (in no particular order).

Des Farren
6 Posted 12/12/2017 at 19:07:53
I do not like Allardyce. I dislike his persona, his questionable history, his self-conceit and overpowering boorishness. Oh, and his style of play, if I can describe it such. What has happened to us that we can embrace a man whom our flawed board only considered third or fourth choice?

When you see the players that come in and those who leave in January. it may be more apparent what kind of football we can look forward to. It was very unlikely we would be relegated with the players we have.

Lets see where we go with Sam's new bunch... that is, if you don't already know what's in store. Performance be damned. He cannot lose in his present position. What is failure for him?

Dan Davies
7 Posted 12/12/2017 at 19:13:02
Sam's probably looking at the squad thinking there is big potential but there are too many average and under-performing players. Are some players hearts really still in it?

If players don't want to play for Everton, what's the point in keeping them?

He wants to bring in his own players but has probably been told he'll need to trim the squad to do so.

Also puts the onus back on the player as, if they say they want to stay and fight for their position, then Sam can say they need to get on side and buy into what he's trying to do.

Very sensible, I'm thinking.

Steavey Buckley
8 Posted 12/12/2017 at 19:19:24
It is also a question of the manager telling certain players he does not want them.
Brian Williams
9 Posted 12/12/2017 at 19:24:00
I wasn't enamored with the idea of Allardyce coming to manage us. I have to say though, that I've read and listened to all the interviews I could that he's done since joining and he talks sense, and hasn't waffled or bullshitted.

He's overseen two games, a win against Huddersfield and a draw against the RS. Early days to slag his style of play, IMO, but I prefer winning and drawing to getting twatted by the likes of Southampton.

John Otway
10 Posted 12/12/2017 at 19:39:56
Des (#6).

I'm not a huge Allardyce fan either but "It was very unlikely we would be relegated with the players we have"! Possibly, but very likely with the management we had.

Allardyce is here to right a sinking ship and is on a fixed contract of 18 months. Give him the benefit of the doubt; you and I might be pleasantly surprised.

Phil Walling
11 Posted 12/12/2017 at 19:42:49
From what we've seen this season, he hasn't got a lot to work with and they seemed comfortable in the style they apparently trained all the week before the Anfield showpiece.

Perhaps as an arch pragmatist, that's the best he can do with what's available in the quest to reach safety at that 40 points mark.

Most on here seem to think the ends justify the means but I bet they will want rid of him before season's end!

Des Farren
12 Posted 12/12/2017 at 19:43:35
A bit selective in your choices, Brian. In truth we are probably not too far apart in our views although not waffling would not be top of my requirements.

"Early days to slag his style of play" – Really? Where you been over his tenure at many clubs, Brian? Do you really think this will change overmuch?

Danny Baily
13 Posted 12/12/2017 at 19:44:13
I wonder if Schneiderlin and Klaassen may soon be on their way out...?
Rob Dolby
14 Posted 12/12/2017 at 19:44:54
Des,

Its easy to say after a couple of wins that we wouldn't have been relegated. We had shipped more goals than other other Premier League team at that point in a season and it wasn't getting any better.

We needed a change and after unsuccessful pursuits of Silva, Zorro and probably many others who are under contract we got a manager who knows English football and has a proven track record of getting teams out of the mire.

He can spot a shirker a mile away. The squad is unbalanced and he needs to bring in 3 players in January. I hope they are in the class of Youri Djorkaeff , Fernando Hierro and Anelka.

If any player doesn't fancy it with us then they should be sold; give me the attitude of Tom Davies, Kenny and Niasse over Mirallas, Barkley, Schneiderlin any day. It's not the size of the man in the fight – it's the size of the fight in the man.

He will never be everyone's favourite but he is here and we have to get on with it. He takes no shit and isn't fazed by giving it back to the so called sky big 4.

If Moshiri backs him it will be the 1st time that he has had any money behind him in the market. I am cautiously optimistic that he will be better than the previous 3 managers that we have had.

Joe McMahon
15 Posted 12/12/2017 at 19:45:42
Des Farren, that's a bit strong considering no manager has delivered anything since Joe Royle in May 1995.
Dan Davies
16 Posted 12/12/2017 at 19:52:51
Think he'd be interested in what the likes of Sandro, Klaassen, Barkley, Mirallas, Schneiderlin and McCarthy would have to say – to name a few!
Des Farren
17 Posted 12/12/2017 at 19:56:21
Okay Rob " a proven track record of getting teams out of the mire." So, what really has he achieved? Being better than the three worst teams in the league?

On the back of this we employ him on a king's salary and pay him a fat bonus if he finishes 17th.

Meanwhile we use up another year of our lives watching games like yesterday's tripe. I don't think so.

John Keating
18 Posted 12/12/2017 at 20:00:22
Hopefully Allardyce has done his homework, spoken to the likes of Unsworth regarding the season so far. He will be watching them in training and am sure will have a good idea what he needs and who he wants out. As Peter says at the first post, some shouldn't be given a chance.

I hope we can add in January but we still have half a dozen matches or so in order for him to have a good look at things.

Buying over-priced half-decent players for the sake of it if we are in a comfortable position in January, in my opinion, would be a big mistake.

Len Hawkins
19 Posted 12/12/2017 at 20:07:21
We use up another year of our lives watching games like yesterday's tripe?????

Pray tell us, oh mystic one, who you think could turn a team into world beaters in 10 days? Also, tell us what you think the score would have been yesterday had that Dutch clown still been here?

I bet if anyone asked him, Allardyce would probably not have a good word to say about you either.

Kevin Bennett
20 Posted 12/12/2017 at 20:09:41
Wow!! Talk about being negative!! Give the man a chance it's about time someone had the balls to look these players in the eyes and ask them "Do you want to be here???"

Too long have we pussyfooted around overpaid mercenary players who don't play with the passion that we and our club demands.

Breath of fresh air, I say... we might not like some of the answers but we will know where we stand and can deal with it. Good luck, Sam.

Jay Woods
21 Posted 12/12/2017 at 20:33:05
Des Farren... "It was very unlikely we would be relegated with the players we have."

Says who? You? Did you even watch those players perform this season prior to the West Ham game?

Every single match was a relegation display, even the ones we fluked a win in.

Your post has naivety written all over it. Sorry, but true.

Sam Hoare
22 Posted 12/12/2017 at 20:34:06
Strangely, I'd be happy with more players out than in during January. Our squad is bloated and I'd happily lose the likes of Mirallas and Schneiderlin along with Sandro and Klaassen if they are not up for it (though I hope they are).

I'm not sure how many good players will be available and to be honest I'd rather give more game time to the likes of Calvert-Lewin and even Hornby than get someone mediocre like Deeney. If someone is available who will be a significant upgrade (like Giroud) then by all means let's go for it.

A new left back wouldn't go amiss either though I wonder if Kenny might play there when Coleman returns? Much as I love Baines, he's not quick or strong enough and hasn't been for a couple of years, in my opinion.

Rob Dolby
23 Posted 12/12/2017 at 20:37:25
His salary is irrelevant. He is here to do a job which is to give us enough points to stave off relegation and maybe a cup run. That's generally been the expectation over the previous 20 years or so. Sad as it is.

We have a lot to be optimistic about under Moshiri but we cannot afford to drop out of the Premier League. It wont be tripe every week under Big Sam and already we look far more organised. What formation and line up should he have picked on Sunday that would have won us the match?

3 weeks ago, names were getting pulled out of a hat and we were getting spanked which was no doubt very entertaining for the opposition but it was 'tripe' served up by us and Big Sam was nowhere to be seen. Under the circumstances, I would take a draw at Anfield and deprive that shower of any form of joy in watching it even if it means watching tripe.

Its obvious what we need on the pitch lets just hope we can buy the players in January and ship out anyone who doesn't fancy it, Barkley included.

Andy Meighan
24 Posted 12/12/2017 at 20:56:35
Yes, Des Farren – totally spot on. Because, before Koeman got the Spanish archer, the football was a joy to watch, wasn't it?

As Jay (#21) said, every display had 'relegation' written all over it. In fact, if Koeman had still been manager on Sunday, I dread to think what the score would've been.

Allardyce has been here 5 minutes and yet you've already made your mind up how shit he is. None of us are under any illusions we played well on Sunday – in fact, the manager himself said as such, but to castigate him already is complete folly.

I said at the time of the appointment we'll have to give him time... so let's give him time. I'm more confident going into games now than I was 2 weeks ago – and that's down to the manager.

Des Farren
25 Posted 12/12/2017 at 21:19:19
It's my opinion, yes Jay. If a threat of relegation materialised it was mainly down to the board's prevarication in appointing a new manager.

As for my naivety, I may very well suffer from this trait, among others but would prefer to be accused of it than the undisguised hubris you display at every opportunity.

Sorry, but true.

John Pierce
26 Posted 12/12/2017 at 21:25:30
I've yet to be moved by anything Allardyce has done.

The group we have is more than capable of staying in this division; certainty has brought direction, the lack of which was created by the board.

Allardyce has by his own words done nothing more than the basics, which any half-decent appointment would have achieved.

My criteria remains the same. He must buy players that look up not down; by going back to his old stalwarts, it reeks of regression. The FA Cup must be given the respect its due and youth players must be retained, not shunted sideways.

The style must change quickly; if he cannot evolve, then that type of football will only keep us in the lower reaches, because we will not win away playing like that.

Because if that's all we have if it starts to go wrong then we have, well, nothing. I'll only truly know come the end of January, how I feel about it it all. At the moment, it all feels a little bit less than it did before.

Brian Williams
27 Posted 12/12/2017 at 21:36:12
I've yet to be moved by anything Allardyce has done.

.... in the two games he's been in charge!

John Pierce
28 Posted 12/12/2017 at 21:58:44
Brian, read the whole thing rather than selecting the bit you want and put nothing up in retort other than trying to look smart?

I'm clear I'm not in favour; I set out what I want to see from him with a set of standards. The opinion is based on his managerial career to date – not two games he's had with us – and I even put a time frame on it.

What a shallow response. Argue the point properly rather than ridiculing it behind quotes. I might even think you have a point rather trying to be a clever dick.

Mike Jones
29 Posted 12/12/2017 at 22:20:18
John Pierce at #26. Re-read your first three paragraphs. Try to correct your contradictions. Or at least realise what you have said. I despair.
Dan Davies
30 Posted 12/12/2017 at 22:40:57
He's cancelled the Christmas party now. He is growing on me slightly.
John Keating
31 Posted 12/12/2017 at 22:53:10
To some, even if we won the league, Allardyce would not be accepted.

I am not sure what people were watching prior to Allardyce's appointment but anyone who thought we weren't playing relegation standard football must be daft. No clean sheets, no scoring, no plan, nothing.

It's quite obvious some people don't want Allardyce here but at least give him a chance. Can he be any worse than the last two numpties?

Graham Hammond
32 Posted 12/12/2017 at 22:55:44
Have to agree with Si Cooper that keeping the likes of Vlasic and Lookman is paramount if we are to move forward. These two players need significantly more game time than they have been getting of late; otherwise it is only natural they will want out, our loss if it happens.

Danny Baily speculated that Schneiderlin and Klaassen may be on their way come January... I am all for that! It pains me to think we have spunked nearly £50M on these two. Ouch!

Barry Williams
33 Posted 13/12/2017 at 01:06:39
Not long ago probably every team in the league wanted to play us; we couldn't score and had a porous defence.

In the last 4 games we have scored 10, let in 1 and come away from Anfield with a point. We have 6 first team regulars injured and a bunch of kids playing, plus our 2nd/3rd choice right-back at left-back.

We have done brilliantly recently in comparison to what went previously.

For what it is worth, we were terrible at Anfield I thought. However, we were organised and hard to break down. If that game was in September or October, what would the score have been?

Ernie Baywood
34 Posted 13/12/2017 at 02:13:41
This is all well and good but we've just been through a few different managers who have bought and sold in their own image. Their view of what was required. Are we about to go through it again? Why expect a better outcome?

Obviously we need a forward. It aligns with anything that we could possibly be planning. But beyond that, do we want Sam buying for even the medium term?

We still don't have a better idea about the medium or long term plan – we thought it might have been Walsh working with the board and manager but he's still there after a disastrous summer so I'm guessing that's not his responsibility. I'm also guessing it's not Sam's – how long do we expect him to be around?

Roman Sidey
35 Posted 13/12/2017 at 02:46:55
If this is true, people need to see that it is just a manager's way of figuring out his players. If the players are half smart they'll give an answer that benefits themselves too. Sam's not stupid and he'll know what most players are about.

While it's being debated, people really do need to ease up a little bit. In the two games he's managed, the team has looked a hell of a lot more competent than under Unsworth. No disrespect to him, but I do believe if Rhino had been given til the end of the season we would have been relegated.

Big Sam certainly wasn't my first choice, or second or third, but he's here now and is undefeated in 2.5 matches (half marks for the no-show in Cyprus). The derby wasn't pretty, but he oversaw the team hold Liverpool to an unusually low score. That we didn't attack much is more down to the fact that counter-attack was our only possibility, and it was pelting snow in spectacular fashion.

Darren Hind
36 Posted 13/12/2017 at 04:31:20
I don't think it is as simple as that. Some of these players clearly don't love the game. For me, they proved that when the chips were really down and we have had to claw our way out using kids – Kenny, Davies, Calvert-Lewin, Holgate. The problem Allardyce faces is getting these players to walk away from their very lucrative contracts. It`s not going to happen

Rooney clearly wants to be here, He is on course for 16-17 goals this season (not bad for a free) and Sigurdsson, despite not firing on all cylinders yet, is pulling his tripe out.

Sandro hasn't really been given a chance, but people like Klaassen, Schneiderlin, Mirallas don't care enough for me. Then there is the likes of Baines, Williams, Jagielka, Martina. Their spirit is still willing, but the flesh becomes ever weaker.

Koeman has done an awful lot of damage to this club. He spent a fortune and only succeeded in sucking the life out of it.

For me, this is a "rip it up and start again" job. If Moshiri really wants to back his new manager, he has to make some of the decisions for him and pay the passengers off. The best thing he could do for Big Sam right now would be to send Walsh and Kenwright in the same direction he sent Koeman.

Derek Knox
37 Posted 13/12/2017 at 05:16:57
Like a couple have said. to keep the likes of Vlasic and more so Lookman, is very important for the present and future shape of the squad.

There are quite a few that I would not lose any sleep over, if they never played for us again. Martina, Schneiderlin and Mirallas to name but three, but has also been alluded to; thanks to Koeman, they are all on Lottery-equivalent contracts; and not so easy to get shut of.

I do expect that any players leaving, if anyone comes in for them, we will not get anywhere near the inflated prices we paid.

I also expect a couple of low-profile players, who have been with Sam before, may just come in, because he knows them and that they can play well for him. I doubt whether we will see any big-money buys in January.

It will be interesting too, to see his selection for Newcastle tonight, it will obviously require a different approach than the derby, and we need a more attacking game plan, while trying to remain solid at the back.

Will Mabon
38 Posted 13/12/2017 at 05:24:07
"Some of these players clearly don't love the game."

It could actually be that simple in some cases. Easy to assume the players are all highly enthusiastic and committed to the game but, despite the riches, and sometimes because of them, it probably really is just a job.

I bet many of us here fell out of love with something in our twenties that we loved as children. Remember Matt Jackson? Openly said he was more interested in the business side of football than playing, and during his career, used to spend down time learning the administrative side of the club.

I don't know fully how he did it, but Koeman sure did give an excellent display of how to psychologically destroy the mindset of a top-level football team, and this perhaps enhanced individual player shortcomings too. That guy could earn a living destroying football teams...

Klaassen, I have to say he looks like a headless chicken. I don't think he'll make it by now but there's no way of knowing 'til he at least gets his head together. Almost trying too hard, I think.

Will Mabon
39 Posted 13/12/2017 at 05:29:02
I agree, Derek, but I also fear some of who we believe to be our better or potentially better players, may be sold if there are larger purchases made in January. Despite sailing close to the wind recently, I'm not convinced the sell-to-buy strategy is over.
Laurie Hartley
40 Posted 13/12/2017 at 06:09:31
I have listened to (I think) all of Sam Allardyce's interviews since being appointed the manager as well as those of his coaching team of Sammy Lee, and Craig Shakespeare.

The impression I have got from those interviews is that he believes we have a "big squad" - 31 professionals on contracts, and he and his team are in the process of analyzing each player individually and sorting the wheat from the chaff. That of course is only my perception of things.

His stated priority is getting us away from the relegation zone and into the top half of the table. Reading between the lines if he could get us to seventh he would regard that as a very good result.

During our civil war pre and post his appointment period(s) many fans said that his appointment would be the end of youth development. However when questioned he has spoken in glowing terms not only about the youngsters in the first team but also the academy stating that the latter is a place that all premier league teams should take notice of if they want to develop young players in this country - check it out on the official web site.

In one of those interviews he stated that the back four was the "only back four" that David Unsworth could field and that if one of them got injured during the game it would have created a big problem.

However, significantly in my opinion, both Jagielka and Keane were on the bench for the Anfield game - he started with Kenny and Holgate (a Merseyside derby mind you) and kept them on for the full game. In addition Vlasic and Lookman where the other two outfield subs. I think that goes a long way to putting the "end of youth" myth to bed.

So if you are among the many who have misgivings about Sam Allardyce's appointment perhaps in the "Everton" environment with the backing of Farhad Moshiri who has said "Sam can go as far as he wants too", you may see a manager emerge who changes your mind.

Maybe, just maybe, when he fields we are safe (safe enough to have a post Christmas Christmas party) we may see a couple of good signings and some free flowing football. That is my hope.







Gary Russell
42 Posted 13/12/2017 at 06:38:28
Will 38,
'That guy could earn a living destroying football teams...'

What do mean could?!

Will Mabon
43 Posted 13/12/2017 at 06:41:59
Gary, I know - the economic hitman of football.
Will Mabon
44 Posted 13/12/2017 at 06:44:44
Laurie, there may be more to come from Allardyce – is there enough from Moshiri, is what I'm thinking, when it comes to purchases without selling first? We've almost broken even so far.
Kieran Fitzgerald
45 Posted 13/12/2017 at 06:47:52
Firstly I think that what is important in terms of managers is who we replace Allardyce with. If he does do his job and get all the basics in place, there is no point in getting in a manager who undoes all the god work. (Compare Martinez's first season to his second after replacing Moyes.) If we get it wrong, Allardyce will have been another quick fix.

Secondly, in terms of players, I don't think that there is any harm in Allardyce putting agents and other clubs on alert. "We are having a fire sale in January, folks, come and see." True, we may not shift all of the deadwood, but doing what we can to offload some of it at least won't hurt.

Laurie Hartley
46 Posted 13/12/2017 at 07:32:45
Will (#44) – I'm guessing Moshiri will give him what he needs for a striker in January. The left back, centre half and maybe Nzonzi will probably have to come from sales.

Wouldn't be surprised to see 5 or 6 go either sold or out on loan.

Kieran (#45) – Sam Allardyce has stated that it was the clubs "ambition" that was what enticed him out of retirement. I think he sees himself here for several years if he gets it right.

Ian Jones
47 Posted 13/12/2017 at 08:04:58
So, over the next 18 months of his contract, if Sam does get the basics in place, gets the team playing further upfield, up the table, winning more matches than losing, resulting in the team gaining confidence, playing more attractive football and is able to bring in a player or two like Djorkaeff, Okocha or Anelka to help complement the team's play, is it a 'thank you for your time, let's move on'.

He would not have been my first choice as Manager, but despite what happened to him whilst England manager, and putting aside anything else that may or may not have occurred in his career, I feel he is a very British style manager for a very British club. I watched the 20-minute press conference yesterday. He talks a lot of sense. At least we know where we are with him.

I feel he deserves a chance. The FA saw enough about him to warrant giving him the England job.

Ian Bennett
48 Posted 13/12/2017 at 08:20:54
You'd expect 3 in and 3 out as a best case in a month where it's hard to do any deals. Certainly any for the long term, rather than temporary fixes.

Klaassen, Sandro, Besic, Mirallas and Barkley will be on the endangered list.

Hopefully a left back, centre back and striker coming in. Nailed on we will get Kone from Sunderland.

Thomas Lennon
49 Posted 13/12/2017 at 08:49:31
Moyes kept the back door shut and kept us in top half, when he left the club clearly decided to try to be more expansive in an attempt to move into the top 4. We needed to beat teams above us much more often.

The following two managers left the back door wide open and paid with their jobs. Regardless of how good they made us look in attack ultimately it did not work and even threatened us with relegation – though part of the blame must go to difficulties acquiring better players in vital positions.

Sam has a different job that he might manage to develop into a longer term job if we can attract the players, but one thing looks assured – the back door is firmly shut.

Brian Williams
50 Posted 13/12/2017 at 08:50:09
John (#28).

I did read it all mate. It wasn't clear to me that you were referring to his management pre-Everton. It still isn't after reading the post again.

Apologies if you were offended by my post. As for my reply being "shallow?" You haven't got a sister called Julie have you?

Brian Williams
51 Posted 13/12/2017 at 09:41:48
On a different tack, regarding the cancelling of the players Christmas do.

https://thisisfutbol.com/2017/12/blogs/premier-league/allardyce-cancels-everton-christmas-party/

Sorry can't do links.

Can't argue with his reasoning or the way he's handled it.

Steve Bingham
52 Posted 13/12/2017 at 10:44:43
Cancelling the Christmas party is also a signal to all, particularly the players, of exactly who the boss is.
Shane Corcoran
53 Posted 13/12/2017 at 12:57:41
I imagine there's a chance one of the 'keepers will go, on the assumption that Stekelenburg is fit. Most likely Robles I'd have thought.

No surprise if any of Mirallas, Besic, Barkley or Sandro left either permanently or on loan.

I'd be a little surprised if anyone else left.

Roman Sidey
54 Posted 13/12/2017 at 14:40:11
I think the fact Besic was played at centre-half in Cyprus, and our lack of quality in that position, could mean he isn't quite on that list yet, Shane.

Not saying he's a definite stayer, but without more recruitment in that position, I don't think management will allow him to leave.

Shane Corcoran
55 Posted 13/12/2017 at 14:53:39
Roman, I'd have thought that Jagielka, Keane, Williams, Holgate and the soon(?)-returning Funes Mori would be enough cover.
Terry Underwood
56 Posted 13/12/2017 at 15:46:19
Wow, Never has a manager polarised opinion like Sam Allardyce. I admit, I was against his appointment but am willing to give him time before voicing another opinion.

In all honesty, he has inherited a squad that has too many 30+-year-olds and others that under-perform on a regular basis. On the plus side there are a number of very promising youngsters. Not every player should be asked, For instance I would hate to lose Lookman for lack of game time. Looking forward and upwards.

COYMB

James Hughes
57 Posted 13/12/2017 at 16:47:18
I have been moved by something Sam has done: t took the Southern Softie Red supporting Shites I work with, 3 working days to mention the game. Then with great reluctance.

Klopp's rant has been ignored and air-brushed out. It's been a good week. All of a sudden this was the must win game and they expected points, 3 of them not 1.

Maybe Sam isn't the answer but he is a part of the solution.

Roman Sidey
58 Posted 13/12/2017 at 20:25:17
Shane, good point, but Jags is 35 and not half as good as he was a decade ago, and Williams, whilst involved in a few clean sheets of late, is not what I'd call a reliable long term option.
Alan J Thompson
59 Posted 14/12/2017 at 05:01:45
Mr Allardyce was not the choice I'd have made and the football so far has not been exhilarating but it is still early days yet. However, you do have to like his interviews and statements.

"Make bad signings and you get the sack", now what could he be thinking of there and has he learnt other lessons. Cancel the Christmas Party; no way he's turning up in a red suit with a red tree!

Anyone want to leave? No, good as you've no objections to what we've done. You want away? Good, just in case Bill has lost the transfer pot again.

Bases covered.

Laurie Hartley
60 Posted 14/12/2017 at 05:27:23
Steve Bingham (#52) – when asked after the Newcastle game about postponing the Christmas party he said something like – "its off – we might have a look at it after the cup tie".

That brought a smile to my face – if they didn't know who the gaffer was before... they certainly know now. Long may it continue.

Anthony Hawkins
61 Posted 18/12/2017 at 13:37:22
As others have mentioned, there are far too many 30+ players accredited to the first team who get into the team due to a lack of available younger, experienced players - and that number is only on the up.

The team needs a massive refresh and to be built around players we have now and for the future.

Tom Bowers
62 Posted 18/12/2017 at 14:06:07
They say a new broom sweeps clean and Everton certainly have some debris to clear up.

Some players, great in their day are past their prime and should be let go in January especially if Sam doesn't consider them a starters.

Everton seem to have an abundance of younger, talented players, some who have already had some valuable playing time and these should be readied to form the basis of the squad for years to come.

Some players, Mirallas, Barklay, Sandro and Klassen could be moved on as none seem to figure anymore.

I do appreciate that some younger players never quite reach the next level but under the guidance of experienced men like the ''Sammies'' the batch at Goodison could bear fruit in the next season or so.


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