Allardyce 'not in control' of Barkley situation

Friday, 15 December, 2017 189comments  |  Jump to most recent
Updated Sam Allardyce says that there's little he would be able to do should the club accept an offer for Ross Barkley in the coming transfer window but he hopes the midfielder will stay.

Barkley will enter the final six months of his Everton contract in January and would be eligible to sign a pre-contract agreement with another club but there is speculation that he could also be tempted away in a permanent transfer as well.

Chelsea almost signed the 24-year-old over the summer but the move collapsed at the last minute and the London club could return next month with an offer to both the Blues and the player to sign him.

Barkley's difficult relationship with Ronald Koeman was cited as a possible reason why he didn't sign a new contract over the summer and there is hope at Goodison Park that he could yet commit his future to Everton now that the Dutchman has gone.

Allardyce admits he doesn't have much say in the matter but he holds out hope Barkley could end up staying.

“It's a difficult one,” the manager said in The Guardian. “I haven't had the opportunity yet to find out the truth, or the whole scenario, to ask: ‘Where does it lie?' and then make a decision one way or the other.

"I'm not in control of that in too many ways. If someone comes in during January and says: ‘Here you go' [with an offer] and the club says: ‘Look, if he's not going to sign for us this has to be the case,' then I accept that.

“If Ross stays until the end of the season and I feel he is giving 100% to the team, like he has done since he was a kid, then he is an available asset for us until he leaves on a free transfer. I would hate that to happen but it might do.”

Allardyce was quizzed on Barkley again during his press conference ahead of Monday's game against Swansea and he repeated his stance that he hasn't spoken to the player about his future.

He agreed, however, that it would probably make sense for Everton to listen to cash offers for him in January if he is set on leaving rather than letting him go for just a development fee in the summer.

“There's been no contact from Chelsea that I'm aware of. If that materialises then that discussion would happen between all the various people in the club from the top down to me to make the best decision for the football club.

“If Ross isn't interested in staying at Everton — and I don't know whether he is or if he isn't at the moment — then it would be sensible to consider any offers there are in January.

“But at this moment we're speculating because there is no offer to consider. At the moment, Ross is recovering from an injury. I'm more interested in Ross Barkley being fit and available because he is an Everton player at the moment.”

 

Reader Comments (189)

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Derek Knox
1 Posted 15/12/2017 at 03:48:00
Without wanting any argument or castigation, if I can just add about Barkley's situation. I have read several articles on this issue, and hopefully been able to extract some vestige of truth from them.

The Koeman situation did not help whatsoever, but Ross has decided more because of his domestic situation, that he wants to move away, read into that as you will. It is not a 'footballing decision' which does seem a bit strange, as it directly comes into the equation, even though another reason has been declared. Sam has apparently tried to persuade him, along with Rooney, but he seems to have his mind set on leaving. I don't think he will ever stop loving Everton, and hope he doesn't regret his decision later.

Getting back to Koeman, I know he's gone, but just would like to say, that for some unknown reason, he seemed to not want any standout or talented players, possibly being in the limelight.

He shipped Deulofeu out, put Ross back in the pecking order, in order to accommodate his over-priced flops. Lookman, to a degree hasn't had as many opportunities as he should have.

Will Mabon
2 Posted 15/12/2017 at 06:45:24
Barkley, who knows? It's all rumour and press stories as far as I've seen. I'd hazard a strong guess that the situation with Koeman started the problems. Maybe the bar incident added to it, maybe there are other "Town" problems.

As was suggested, he could move to Cheshire or north of Liverpool out the way if necessary. If he wants to stay, it can be sorted. I hope he does. You just know how it will turn out if he goes to one of the "Big Six".

Dan Kemp
3 Posted 15/12/2017 at 06:48:35
Sensible and fair analysis of the situation, as ever, from Big Sam!
Will Mabon
4 Posted 15/12/2017 at 06:59:52
Is this a softener for the inevitable or already-known? Allardyce earlier simply said he wanted him to stay, and mentioned having him back in the team.

It may indeed be "The club" that makes the decision, as opposed to Allardyce. Sell to buy? Sticking to their guns on a maximum salary? Will we hear any noises from "The club" about wishing to retain him?

“I haven't had the opportunity yet to find out the truth, or the whole scenario...".

Sorry, Sam, not buying that one. Less than five minutes conversation would sort that. You already know the situation.

Mark Andersson
5 Posted 15/12/2017 at 07:11:34
I think Sam must know more than he is letting on.

We're still a "sell before we buy" club...

Jay Woods
6 Posted 15/12/2017 at 07:27:11
Barkley won't play for us again, then.

It's like a Viz "Top Tip":

"Pretend to be a billionaire benefactor of a football club by selling its 2 star players for a combined value of over £100 million and then spending the money on half-a-dozen average players."

Mark Bruce
7 Posted 15/12/2017 at 07:28:38
Is he actually injured? I don't remember the reported injury sounding particularly serious. Or is something else going on?
Kunal Desai
8 Posted 15/12/2017 at 07:29:21
He won't be treated as badly as Koeman did and hung out to dry in public. Allardyce will give him that opportunity. He'll need to think carefully about sitting on a bench elsewhere taking his recovery process even longer.
Pat Waine
9 Posted 15/12/2017 at 07:29:27
If Barkley refuses to sign a new contract and instead waits until the summer to leave on a free transfer, I do not think Everton should play him. This would be like us getting him match fit so he can go to Chelsea. It would be a snub to Everton and a financial loss; Everton should make it clear – go in the new year or don't play at all.
Lee Brownlie
10 Posted 15/12/2017 at 07:31:24
"Not buying that'??.. "Sam must know more than he is letting on.'?? What else is there to know apart from exactly what there was before, you oh so knowledgeable conspiracy theorists, ffs???

Only difference now, with the new manager – as opposed to Koeman trying to 'force' the issue.. then mumbling a face-saving – but NOT! – apparent U-turn of 'Well, looks like he's still one of our players, after all... Er.., yeah, that's actually okay, that... or something!'!!

Is Sam Allardyce is absolutely not saying "He has to go cos he hasn't signed a new contract" and he is saying, "It's up to the board (of course!).. but.. I hope he stays"!! THAT really so difficult to grasp???

Sam Hoare
11 Posted 15/12/2017 at 07:34:25
I would love Barkley to sign a new contract but presumably the offer has still been on the table for the 2 months or so that Koeman has been gone.

The noise that he is has become unhappy in the area and has his mind set on a change of scene seems to make sense to me. Why else would he turn down great money at a club he loves? Perhaps Chelsea or Spurs may offer more opportunity for trophies but my instinct is that this is a personal decision as much as a footballing one. Hope I'm wrong.

My guess is that he's off in January and if so the best we can hope for is a bidding war. £20-£25m would seem the best we could hope for given he's only 6 months left.

Derek Knox
12 Posted 15/12/2017 at 07:50:25
Jay, hasn't Koeman already done that, for the money he spent we are not really any better, if at all?

We have more or less got used to Ross not being on the scene, so it won't make that much of a difference, when, and if he goes.

Let's not get too carried away either. I don't think he deserves a pedestal, he could change a game, but how often? He infuriated more often than exhilarated at times, with misplaced passes and back heels to no-one but the opposition. He also had the ability to win a game with a wonder goal, or flashes of skill. Being the Devil's Advocate here, how often was that?

He still claims to love Everton, but in my opinion, has a funny way of showing it.

It will be interesting to see if the £35M, which Chelsea were to pay, still stands in this upcoming window, or will it be greatly reduced? Assuming it is, we could well get Moussa Dembele for that fee!

I have a feeling, that Sam will explore old acquaintances in the window too, with less profile players who will do a job. A lot will hinge on who we can offload, we still have a lot of deadwood on contracts, again thanks to Koeman.

Peter Lee
13 Posted 15/12/2017 at 07:51:06
Never rated him, still don't. I can't see anyone paying in January for a player out so long and not fit. Reaction on here if we did that would be explosive.

The most likely outcome is that he stays until contract ends. That would give Allardyce a chance to evaluate Barkley's importance to the club, find a role for him in his longer term plans or not.

We are not exactly short of No 10s at the minute. Given Barkley's lack of interest in defensive duties he isn't an option short-term and given his lack of vision there should be no place for him longer-term either.

At the minute it would be him or Rooney.

Anyone seriously suggest that Barkley, even fully fit, offers anywhere near with the exception of pace? Pace alone nowhere near enough.


John McGimpsey
14 Posted 15/12/2017 at 07:59:06
Crazy that people are not arsed if he goes. Most talented player at the club and yet some want shut, maybe Blue Bill has many in his pocket.

These clubs that want him are no mugs, they see a top talent than can benefit their club, whereas the club see a cash cow... sell-to-buy – nothing has changed. If Ross walked in and signed, Blue Bill would drop dead with fright!

Darren Hind
15 Posted 15/12/2017 at 08:12:11
One of the few players in our squad who can break the the predictability of our attacks.

People talk about us struggling because we miss Lukaku's goals and their is undoubtedly credence to that argument, but Rooney is scoring as many as the big fella in the Premier League.

I believe Barkley's absence is also a big factor in our lack of goals, even if he doesn't create them he is a player who commands the attention of the opposition and therefore leaves openings for team mates.

Big Sam can not be held responsible or accountable for this situation... But if he can turn it around and persuade Barkley to stay, he will be accumulating an awful lot of brownie points from an awful lot of people – and I'd be one of them.

Liam Reilly
16 Posted 15/12/2017 at 08:13:36
Mark (#5),

There was a particular nasty picture of the scar on his hamstring from the op online yesterday, so it's fair to say he was injured.

If he stays, then he needs to play deeper alongside Gana, cause we don't need another No 10.

Will Mabon
17 Posted 15/12/2017 at 08:17:06
Lee – no, all very easy to grasp for me. I don't know what you misunderstand of my post. The concept of Allardyce being manager of the club and having "Not had the opportunity" to fully know the situation is frankly, ridiculous.

Allardyce relinquishes the decision to the board, and admits above, he doesn't have much say in the matter. This implies he's had the opportunity to learn this particular aspect, but not the situation or reasons that have led to Barkley wanting to leave? As if he's not even discussed why Barkley wants to go... sure.

As I said, I don't buy that.

Will Mabon
18 Posted 15/12/2017 at 08:18:49
Ajay Gopal
19 Posted 15/12/2017 at 08:20:15
From Barkley's point of view, if he is really ambitious about playing in the World Cup, the only chance would be to play for Everton and have a real storming impact over the remainder of the season. If he signs for Spurs or Chelsea, he would be mostly sitting on the bench and any hopes he has of getting a sniff in the England squad would surely evaporate.

I agree with Sam (#9), I think Barkley's decision to leave could be purely due to personal reasons, which would be very sad IMO.

Will Mabon
20 Posted 15/12/2017 at 08:31:00
"Anyone seriously suggest that Ross Barkley, even fully fit, offers anywhere near with the exception of pace? Pace alone nowhere near enough."

...and we've equally had a fine demonstration of what happens when we have no pace. To repeat an old argument; of the teams that would be in the frame for Barkley (yes, higher placed teams than ourselves), who else from our current team would they be interested in?

Iain Love
21 Posted 15/12/2017 at 08:34:59
If he goes, he goes. Last season, I would have swapped Ross for Sigurdsson in a flash. He's been out for a long time and probably needs half a season to get back to his inconsistent best. I would like him to stay, he's one of our own and has the potential to be one of the best.

In terms of other clubs, I think it would be a risk for them, fee and wages combined for someone who they can get for less in the summer and have time to assess him in the latter half of this season.

John Keating
22 Posted 15/12/2017 at 08:35:00
Ross decided not to sign a new contract for reasons known only to him. That is his right. Many have speculated but nobody actually knows – only Ross.

Personally I would love him to stay, however, if Koeman and Unsworth couldn't persuade him then I doubt us supporters will make a difference.

I have no doubt Allardyce is up to speed with the situation and will make his own mind up but at the end of the day it is Ross's decision.

More important is the Clubs transfer business. In my opinion don't expect too much, if anything be ready to be underwhelmed. Realistically what top players will be available mid season? Possibly one or two short term loaners and that'll be it.

I think more or less we'll go with what we've got

Will Mabon
23 Posted 15/12/2017 at 08:38:05
I agree, John. Little excitement due in January, possibly even less money.
John Smith
24 Posted 15/12/2017 at 08:40:51
Barkley is leaving. He would have extended his contract 3 years ago if he wanted to. Or 2 years ago. Or a year ago.
Phil Walling
25 Posted 15/12/2017 at 08:41:30
It may well be that his injury has cost the club many millions in the transfer market and wages while Spurs wait for him to get fit.

Of course Sam knows what's going on but you can't expect any manager to spill the beans whilst there is hope of Levine sparing us a couple of mil in compensation.

Les Martin
26 Posted 15/12/2017 at 08:46:50
Sam is the ideal Manager to get Ross's mojo working again; warming the Chelsea bench would be a disaster for the player.

Common sense says that if he wants out then he will be gone in January, he cannot be let go on a free, there's no way Moshiri will let that happen.

I would love Lanzini from W Ham and of course this elusive striker.

Phil Walling
27 Posted 15/12/2017 at 08:54:16
If Barkley does move on, it will prove once and for all that whatever we may think, the profile of the club is not big enough to keep any player who looks out of the ordinary.

Also, we have to accept that our kind of billionaire will look after the club's money and spend only what he can see covered by outgoing transfers. And he will arrange cheaper credit for us but not spend his own dough – and why should he?

So he's close to what we prayed for – but no cigar!

Alan J Thompson
28 Posted 15/12/2017 at 08:55:02
Mr Allardyce has said that he will hold one-on-one discussions with the players to find out who wants to stay and who wants to leave. Given the new contracts offered to Calvert-Lewin, Kenny and Holgate, then those discussions have at least started.

Unless Barkley's answer was "I don't know" which the questioner should see as not wanting to stay, then the next move is either the January window for a fee or the end of season on a free. The only question left is if the Board, the Manager or the Player's Agent will deal with the matter.

Personally, I think we need players of Barkley's quality.

Raymond Fox
29 Posted 15/12/2017 at 08:56:29
I think Ross will sign a new contract with us. I hope he does.

He now has more bargaining power for his new contract, as he can walk away to any club for free in the summer. Not good news for us; it's going to cost more if we want to keep him!

I just think deep down he does not want to leave.

John G Davies
30 Posted 15/12/2017 at 08:57:56
Darren (#15),

That's a great post.
Bang on the money.

Jon Withey
31 Posted 15/12/2017 at 09:08:38
He got fed up at Everton and his head was turned by his agent most likely – not really. Not much of a conspiracy but it certainly looks like Koeman was forcing him out and got his back up.

Sam said from the very beginning he would like him to stay but it's out of his control – some selective memories here!

John Keating
32 Posted 15/12/2017 at 09:10:00
I don't think it's money with Ross. I think there's a lot more at play and it wasn't necessarily Koeman, though I expect he didn't help.

But if we talk about money, look at what we've spent on players to play in his position!

We could have paid him a £10 million signing-on fee and £120k a week and still saved a fortune!

Bryan Houghton
33 Posted 15/12/2017 at 09:23:15
Phil – 23 I tend to agree with you regarding bad luck (and bad management) regarding both Ross's injury, (and his determination to leave,) as well as letting Lukaku go too early (in the transfer window), and how much it has/will cost the club.

I'm thinking, like Will, that he's going, and going for personal reasons. I honestly believe that if anyone can get him to reconsider, it would be Unsy. There's no hint that he was able to, which tells me he's deffo going, and has intended to since last season, and for personal reasons.

Ross without the injury, would have gone in the summer, and I think we would have haggled up to, and agreed £40M.

£75M for Lukaku as an early transfer, but if we had waited 3-4 weeks till after the Neymar nonsense, his value would have been £125m.

With Barkely sale, and Lukaku's re-evaluation, that would have given us an extra £90m-ish, give or take, with better luck, and better management.

Personally I don't think there's a cat-in-hell's chance that Levy will give us a penny for him at Xmas – he ain't the father Christmas type, especially if he believes he can get us to pay his wages till summer and get him then for nowt.

It pains me to say it, but we need to be stoking up an auction, otherwise we are going to outraged and insulted at the derisory amounts that will be offered next month, which we will have to accept, or resist, and then he will go for nothing in the summer.

Over a barrel. Bad luck and Bad management. Hand in hand.

Chris Green
34 Posted 15/12/2017 at 09:45:21
I truly hope that, with Koeman gone, he will rethink. As has been said here already, playing for us will be a lot better than benchtime at any of the other clubs. Unless he is guaranteed football (and I wonder if that was part of the issue with Chelsea) he would be crazy to leave if he wants World Cup action.

I agree with the Darren (#15) too.. Lukaku's goal are an issue, but Rooney is filling that at the moment, but Ross was the highest English creative player and top 5 I think in the premier league last year, and we miss that little bit of magic.

I never wanted him to go. My son thinks he is brilliant, and yes he has his moments of frustration, but we will lose a lot more than we will gain if he goes, just look at the "replacements" brought in!!!

Tony Everan
35 Posted 15/12/2017 at 09:46:51
Best: scenario he signs ,stays and plays out of his skin for us . Has a good World Cup. Helps us into champions league next year.

Worst scenario is he goes to Levy on a free for an inflated wage in June.

It seems like he has wanted Tottenham for a while now , so It's most likely he will go there in January for a meagre £10-15M. If we don't agree he will sit it out £15M better than nothing in June?

Maybe we can stick on a hefty sell on percentage of 40%, in case he goes for £60M in 3 years time.

Dave Williams
36 Posted 15/12/2017 at 09:56:06
The Barkley situation suggests to me that he wants to move on, possibly because he is unable to go out on Merseyside without attracting trouble? It all seems to stem from that assault and the stories of being involved with a gangster's girlfriend (or something to that effect).

I am probably way off beam here but the deafening silence from him and his agent (very unusual for an agent to be quiet in these circumstances) just makes me suspect there is more than football involved.

Tony Abrahams
37 Posted 15/12/2017 at 10:03:12
What did Allardyce say in an article before he got the Everton job about Barkley? He said that he could ruin his career, for the sake of looking for more money.

What did Allardyce say last week? It's possible that Ross, was tapped up months ago, and he already knows which club he's going too.

What did Allardyce say yesterday? It's out of my hands, but if he's fit, available, and looks to be giving 100%, then I will play him. He also said it's out of my hands if the club, decide to sell him now, rather than let him leave on a free.

So,if Everton, decide to keep Barkley until the end of the season rather than sell him now, it will mean they are not a selling club?

The decision has never changed, it's always been in Ross Barkley's hand, and now Koeman, has gone, he doesn't have a patsy, to hide his greed, or is it ambition? In my opinion.

Derek Thomas
38 Posted 15/12/2017 at 10:05:37
No he isn't, Barkley is... and he's off, maybe even in June for free.
Brian Williams
39 Posted 15/12/2017 at 10:06:13
We can only realistically go with the facts although we'll all have our theories one way or the other.

1) The club offered Ross a new contract.
2) Ross turned down that contract.
3) The club agreed a fee with Chelsea for the transfer of Ross.
4) Ross stated he wanted to wait until he was fully fit to make his mind up about what he wanted to do.
5) Ross hasn't changed his mind and signed a new contract with Everton.

I know how that looks to me, gents & ladies.

Shane Corcoran
40 Posted 15/12/2017 at 10:10:22
He must have the worst hamstring injury ever. It'll be five months. Interesting to see how long he's with his new club before he plays.

According to the man himself, via twitter on 2nd September, he'd assess his options in January when fully fit.

James Ebden
41 Posted 15/12/2017 at 10:12:39
Frankly who cares? he's had a great offer made to him, and he's ignored it. If Koeman was the issue then he's had plenty of time to sign up since Koeman left.

The team is on the up again, the youngsters are settling in and signing on. He would get more game time with us than the clubs who are rumoured to be in the mix.

He's made it obvious he wants to go, and he has managed to shaft the club out of any decent transfer fee in the summer, and cost us extra wages on top.

Even if he did sign, I don't really want him in an Everton shirt again. I think he has shown utter disrespect to the club. And far too many fans seem to watch his games with blue tinted glasses on.

2 or 3 quality moments in a season, combined with hundreds of misplaced passes and lost possession, along with zero defence ethic, doesn't make him a valuable asset for me.

See ya

Michael Lynch
42 Posted 15/12/2017 at 10:13:46
I can't imagine that Ross will have changed his mind because Sam has arrived. He wants to leave, and he will leave – Spurs and Chelsea both need to up their English Champions League quota, and he's as good as any other player available to do that, especially at about £15 - 20m which is all he will cost now, or zero pence in May.

From my perspective, Ross hasn't been all that good since he first broke into the side. We'll miss the romantic misty-eyed dream that some of us have of him, but we won't miss the reality of how little he did in so many games.

Paul A Smith
43 Posted 15/12/2017 at 10:15:55
I can't see him staying and I hope I am wrong. There will be a few reasons for him to be thinking a move over.

Koeman being a bit of a grump, the clubs offer, (which might sound lovely to some fans but anyone who links reality to the argument knows he can make more money by moving). Surely if you want him to stay you cover that problem?

And let's not forget, 75% of fans have give him a terrible time because he hasn't met their expectations.

Kevin Tully
44 Posted 15/12/2017 at 10:20:56
Maybe we have done a deal for a player swap with Chelsea? Batshuayi or possibly Moses? Wouldn't be too unhappy if that were the case. Poor Calvert-Lewin could end up ruined being asked to play up top on his own, it's not fair to the lad at all.
Stan Schofield
45 Posted 15/12/2017 at 10:26:43
I hope Barkley stays. If we keep on playing better and the results continue to improve, it would be very interesting to see the effect he could have in a well-organised, disciplined and motivated side under Allardyce.
Roger Helm
46 Posted 15/12/2017 at 10:29:21
It would be a pity if he moved for many reasons; we would lose a quality player, we would get less for him than his true worth and it would be bad for his career – very few players do well after leaving Everton, only Rooney that I can remember. He would be a club legend if he spent all his career here.
Trevor Peers
47 Posted 15/12/2017 at 10:29:36
Allardyce is playing the Barkley situation just right, he will of been briefed on how much controversy there has been on this issue, it requires careful handling no matter what the outcome.

Heaven knows – we wouldn't want to hurt poor Ross's feelings, would we?

Len Hawkins
48 Posted 15/12/2017 at 10:31:14
If he wants to move away from trouble that may be following him around his hometown surely, there are places nearer home Alderley Edge, Prestbury etc are good enough for the Manc Elite. Or perhaps the bright lights of Landan have been sold to him and the chance to go to Peppermint Hippo and other joints where he can rub shoulders with Royalty and Russian Oilygarks.

As for signing Moses, why not use the Ferry or one of the Tunnels to cross the Mersey.

John Keating
49 Posted 15/12/2017 at 10:38:13
Spurs will be under a lot of pressure from clubs wanting Alli, however, Lamela is back now so they won't be short in players behind Kane.

Also, unless Spurs give Ross a huge signing on fee I can't see them matching wages Everton could give him. It seems they refuse to break their salary cap for anyone.

Ross going to Man City or Man Utd, well if it is personal reasons moving up the East Lancs isn't going to solve anything.

That leaves Arsenal or Chelsea. Unless Chelsea ship out Willian, Fabregas can't see him getting a start every week.

Arsenal, if Ozil and Wilshere go then maybe a slot there.

Lots of ifs, buts and maybes but I suspect Ross and his agent have already done the deal.

Rob Halligan
50 Posted 15/12/2017 at 10:43:54
At the start of the season, when we were all dreaming of a top four finish (i bet some players were too), Barkley would still not sign a new contract, even though I'm sure I read somewhere he had been offered wages on a par with Lukaku to make him one of the highest earners at the club.

For me it therefore boils down to two reasons why he wants out: 1) he had a major fallout with Koeman, 2) the trouble he had in Liverpool city centre when he got sparked is still lingering and won't go away.

If it's No 1 then hopefully he will stay now Koeman has gone. If it's No 2, just move to leafy Wilmslow where all the other rich footballers live.

Anyway, I still think (hope) he will sign a new contract. As the boyhood blue that he is, I personally don't think he will settle in London, after all, why have a change of heart at the last minute to decide against signing for Chelsea?

Frank Crewe
51 Posted 15/12/2017 at 10:57:46
Hope he knows what he's doing. He'll have a lot of stiff competition at Chelsea, Arsenal or Spurs. As you can see below they all have a lot of very good players vying for places.

A lot of young English players have signed for these clubs with big ideas and have simply faded away. You sink or swim at these clubs because if you don't they have the resources to replace you without any problem at all.

Personally, if I was him, I'd stay at Everton. I think we are turning things around. Koeman (and his Barcelona dreams) has gone, we appear to have a manager and coaching staff who know what they are doing and we are winning games. Better the devil you know.

Spurs:- Alli, Wanyama, Eriksen, Dier, Sissoko, Dembele, Winks, Lamela, N'Koudou.

Chelsea:- Fabregas, Drinkwater, Kante, Hazard, Bakayoko, Willian, Musuonda.

Arsenal:- Ozil. Wilshere, Walcott, Ramsey, Cazorla, Xhaka, Coquelin, Elneny.

Paul Tran
52 Posted 15/12/2017 at 11:10:09
Of course, it may just be that he's seen Stones and Lukaku move to Champions League clubs and is thinking, "I'll have some of that!" You wouldn't bank on us hitting that level any time soon, would you?

I hope he stays, but if he wants to leave, take the money and move on.

Tony Abrahams
53 Posted 15/12/2017 at 11:12:27
Rob, after Barkley got sparked, him and two younger Everton players, attacked the kid, who by the way, was well within his rights, later on the same night.

Liverpool, has got CCTV everywhere, and this is probably the reason why Barkley, kept his mouth shut after this incident happened.

He's had a deal with Spurs from the minute he refused to sign another contract with Everton? I might be wrong, but the injury just gave him breathing space when Chelsea, were prepared to pay £35 million for him, and Spurs have told him to wait because he's injured, anyway and they know they can get him a lot cheaper.

It won't just be about money now though, because I'm sure he would have earned more money by signing for Chelsea, so maybe Allardyce can persuade him to stay?

A long shot I know, but not as long as the chances of Big Sam being Everton's manager was, when this season started.

Kim Vivian
54 Posted 15/12/2017 at 11:13:22
It's a real puzzle this, in my mind. Simply the reasons Ross has / will not agree a new contract that is. With clubs of the current stature of Tottenham and Chelsea vying for his signature the signals as to his playing contribution are loud and clear.

So is it discontentment with Everton management or the fans, career prospects or the money? Or a combination of these.

If it is discontentment with Everton management, I do not believe that stems from board level (Bill is a big fan), so it likely stems from is relationship with Koeman, and that canker has been removed. Sam can probably get him onside. He is a tough talker but I believe fair and I think is fairly popular with his players. I have not heard otherwise. Koeman was simply belligerent by comparison. If it's the fans getting to him then that is a mental weakness which will affect him wherever he goes but again I believe Sam (or his new psycho) can help with that.

If it is down to career prospects (ie, playing for England) then surely with the squads those two teams have he knows he is not going to walk in and hold onto a first team place every week, like David Silva for example, and will spend a fair bit of time bench warming or, indeed, sitting in the stands! As part of an Everton revival he will draw far more attention to himself.

Which leaves the question of money/wages. If he was to go for some sort of fee in January or on free in the summer we will likely as not spunk a pile of extra cash on someone less effective. I would take Ross all day before Sigurdsson or Schneiderlin or Klaassen. We would be likely to spend £10M or £20M extra replacing him plus all the bent add-ons, agents fees and stuff so why don't the board offer him a big fat resigning fee equivalent to an extra £10M a year over say a 2 year contract, amortise that and stick with the wages on the table.

If they want to fillet out the midfield some – just get rid of Schneiderlin and Klaassen. There is a risk, of course, that Ross would bomb and we would be financially down but that is where Sam's nous comes in. He will have to decide if Ross is worth the risk.

All three scenarios have Sam as a major player so how he can say it is out of his hands is not credible in my mind. It sounds from what he is saying that he wants Ross to stay and I hope that is not just a smokescreen to keep us guys happy for a couple of weeks.

For myself, the prospect of a rejuvenated Ross Barkley integrating into a team with Rooney and Sigurdsson, feeding Calvert-Lewin and A N Other up front is mouth-watering. We have less than a month before we know the answers to these questions and I hope for Ross's sake as much as Everton's that he remains – London's not for Ross, I feel.

George Cumiskey
55 Posted 15/12/2017 at 11:20:34
Will Mabon, spot on.

Sam: "Are you signing, Ross? Yes or No?"
Ross: "I don't know."
Sam: "Well, don't think you are hanging around here getting paid and getting fit so you can sign for another club at the end of your contract. You're going in January!"

How easy and quick was that?

Tom Bowers
56 Posted 15/12/2017 at 11:31:29
It's all business in the end.

Everton paid a lot more than they wanted to get shafted for Gylfi so they will want to get some compensation for Barkley before the contract expires.

Barkley has tremendous talent but was never consistent and never really moved to the next level.

It makes sense to let him go.

Derek Cowell
57 Posted 15/12/2017 at 11:34:22
Roger at 44. Alan Ball, Arteta, Lescott, Keown, McMahon, Stones as well as Lukaku and possibly Barkley, to name but a few, all left us for bigger and better things and most succeeded and won things or will? Even Rodwell got a Premier League Winners' medal with Man City.
Jay Wood
58 Posted 15/12/2017 at 11:38:11
Everton, not Sam Allardyce, long lost control of the Barkley situation on Koeman's watch.

Brian Williams @ 37 neatly sums up the known indisputable facts of the situation.

It is what it is and what will be will be.

Steve Ferns
59 Posted 15/12/2017 at 11:55:52
I've just seen Allardyce's press conference from this morning.

1. He doesn't say anything to give hope to Barkley staying. I won't repeat what I think of Barkley, save to say, that quite simply he is in a different league to every player we have in terms of ability. He has been the biggest single loss to us this season, Lukaku included.

2. He is given the opportunity to wax lyrical about the youth team, and does the opposite. He goes on about the English problem of not playing people between 17 and 21, and how well Everton have done, but side-steps any suggestions of playing any of the lads who played in Cyprus.

3. Signings – Yet again he's talked of having a big squad. He quoted 31 players last time, he's now said 32. The noises he's making leads me to believe we will hardly sign anyone, and a few might leave.

4. Sandro – he says the staff have told me he has not settled. Don't know if you can read into that that he will be sold, or that he will be given time and further opportunities.

Dick Fearon
60 Posted 15/12/2017 at 12:29:47
A bit off topic, does the club or some kind of insurance pay the wages of an injured player?
Scott Hall
61 Posted 15/12/2017 at 12:33:18
In my opinion, we replaced Ross Barkley with Wayne Rooney. To use a metaphor, we replaced a show pony with a race horse.

Wayne has scored more goals in a half-season than Ross has ever managed in a full season. Wayne has more influence on the team, doesn't get scared off by criticism, and he's a better passer.

Ross is a great player and of course he's younger so don't get me wrong – he's still going to be a big loss, but Rooney is better as a like-for-like replacement.

The player we haven't replaced is Romelu Lukaku. Ross is long gone and has been well replaced.

Brian Harrison
63 Posted 15/12/2017 at 12:39:45
You can debate all you like about his abilities or for some posters his lack of abilities. But the club have offered him back in June a contract worth £100k per week, which he has refused to sign.

I don't see what else the club could have done to persuade him to stay, and just as a comparison they reckon Alli is only on £100k at Spurs. How ironic that I stated Alli only!!! gets £100k per week.

You also have to question what sort of advice Barkley has been given, when you think he went down to Cobham, Chelsea's training ground, to have a medical and sign for them.

Then he suddenly decides "Hang on – I have got a hamstring injury; I wont sign the contract." Or maybe his agent got a call from Daniel Levy telling him the deal that Spurs will offer him in January when the window opens again.

Anthony Hawkins
64 Posted 15/12/2017 at 13:16:38
Let's pretend for one moment that Barkley does want to win something and that is his motivation for wanting away. That's not changed and neither has Everton's position in being likely to win anything this season – or arguably next season. That means Barkley's decision not to sign won't have changed.

The broader question is where will he go? Spurs are having a tough time at the moment and may or may not achieve Champions League next season. They're not in contention for the title, that's for sure. Even if Spurs were challenging as they hoped, who is he going to replace in their team? Winks, Sissoko, Lamela, Alli or Eriksen? Sissoko may be but he's behind most of the others.

It's unlikely to be Chelsea as he's probably pissed then right off! Arsenal aren't in Champions League contention; he doesn't fit the Man Utd mold and Man City are arguably well above his station.

I reckon Barkley will come back far stronger but his contract positioning is very odd.

Rob Dolby
65 Posted 15/12/2017 at 13:32:07
I don't expect Ross to play for us again. He is obviously very talented but doesn't want to stay, rejecting a kings ransom.

We are overloaded with Number 10s even though Big Sam isn't playing a true Number 10 at present. Lets face it Rooney could play in that position for years to come. Sigurdsson, Klaassen, Vlasic and Dowell to come back in next season.

Time to move on.


Dave Abrahams
66 Posted 15/12/2017 at 13:33:10
None of us know if Ross Barkley will stay or go; what I do know is, if he stays, he will have to work a lot more under Allardyce than he ever did with the Spanish or Dutch managers.
James Marshall
67 Posted 15/12/2017 at 13:36:36
I've always thought it was pretty obvious that Ross was leaving, and that he was leaving for reasons beside football. My mind hasn't changed at all on this.

It isn't money either. He can be a millionaire here or anywhere else so money isn't really a factor in these matters.

My feeling is that Ross has had enough of Liverpool and wants out. Off to live in London and see a bit more of the world.

Anthony Hawkins
69 Posted 15/12/2017 at 13:44:00
Rob Dolby @ #63 – I can't agree with the "Rooney could play in that position for years to come." comment. Sorry.

I get that motivation was rock bottom until Sam Allardyce joined but I don't think Rooney is far off retirement or dropping further down the leagues.

James Ebden
70 Posted 15/12/2017 at 13:50:22
Steve Ferns (#57)

Ross in a different league to every other player we have? Seriously? Have a word with yourself!

● Gana leaves him for dust with tackling;

● Rooney leaves him for dust for passing (in that he can actually pick a pass and Ross can't!);

● Sigurdsson's dead-ball delivery beats the pants off Ross;

● Lookman and Vlasic are better at beating players for pace.

Ross adds nothing to the team – except a gaping hole where someone else has to cover his shoddy work rate.

Greg Hasbrouck
71 Posted 15/12/2017 at 14:12:56
If this was all about Koeman and Barkley wanted to stay, his agent would have already approached Everton looking for a new deal by now. We can only assume that hasn't happened and he wants out. And given we have Gylfi and given what we paid for Gylfi, we should sell Barkley.
Ian Burns
72 Posted 15/12/2017 at 14:46:49
James Marshall (#65),

I think you are probably quite correct in your assessment as I feel the same way about the Ross situation.

I really wanted him to stay but looking at this season thus far; we need another striker and left back more than a Ross Barkley which really saddens me to say that.

Whatever happens, I can only wish him luck.

Paul Tran
73 Posted 15/12/2017 at 14:54:04
Of course, Steve, he's the most talented player in the squad, but that doesn't stop him being annoyingly inconsistent.

My instinct is that Ross has decided that we won't further his career and Pochettino is the manager with the magic touch of turning his ability into consistently good performances.

Best to plan without him.

Don Alexander
74 Posted 15/12/2017 at 15:16:12
I'm in the camp that regards Barkley as a lost cause to us and, in truth, to himself in developing into a consistently good player. I've been excited by THAT goal against Man City, THAT goal against a pretty poor Newcastle and THAT one against mighty Norwich all of which required extraordinary vision and skill but that's way to little to justify a rating better than good, at best. Defensively he is dire, and a glimpse at stats on Premier League.com show he's made 150 Premier League appearances, scoring 21 goals, with 18 assists and 26 "big chances" (the PL.com terminology) created from his average of making 40 passes per match.

Contrast that with Sigurdsson; 198 Premier League matches scoring 44 goals with 35 assists and 50 big chances created from just 27 passes per match on average.

The difference is stark, to Barkley's cost. Having played just 48 games more than Barkley Sigurdsson has scored twice the number of goals, had twice as many assists and created far more than twice the number of big chances, and all whilst needing to make a third less passes to achieve it – that's why I won't be too sorry to see Barkley go.

Bill Watson
75 Posted 15/12/2017 at 15:33:50
The Ross Barkley ship has well and truly sailed. If he stays, he'll be a good addition to the squad. If he goes, in January, we'll get some cash in for a player who has made zero impact over the last couple of years.
Eric Paul
76 Posted 15/12/2017 at 15:40:24
Anthony@ 62,

In what way has he pissed Chelsea off, as I see it they had him behind closed doors for a medical and realised he wouldn't be fit til January at the earliest. So they come to an agreement where they get him in January when we've got him fit and payed his wages whilst doing so and they get their man at a reduced fee with 6 months left on his contract.

But, then again, I might be wrong...

James Ebden
77 Posted 15/12/2017 at 15:40:36
Exactly Don. And all while playing in a pretty weak team in Swansea.

In a better quality team that will have more of the ball you would expect his contribution/stats to improve further. Hopefully after January, with a more settled team and the holes plugged, he will be fully up to speed after the clueless set-up Koeman used.

Amit Vithlani
78 Posted 15/12/2017 at 15:40:39
This is the clearest signal that Barkley is leaving and a question of not if but when (and therefore whether we get a fee).

It makes a mockery of Moshiri's grand plans. From a pure football point of view, the club would surely want to keep Barkley. Financially they can probably afford to make him an excellent offer. But from an ambition stand point they can do nothing.

The jam of top 4 within 3 years promised by the Koeman project has been replaced by the back to basics dose of Big Sam's marmite (you either love it or hate it).

A black mark to the hierarchy to add to the disaster that was this summer's transfer window and the shambles of a managerial search.

The recent revival on the pitch does not mask the lack of progress the club has made in establishing itself amongst the top 6 since Moshiri's arrival.

Danny Halsall
79 Posted 15/12/2017 at 15:42:19
I have never really rated him very highly to be honest. Certainly he is capable of flashes of brilliance, but he is a luxury player, one that we can not afford a place to have in our starting 11.

I'd also question his bottle. He goes missing in games and is content to coast. On top of all of that he is a mercenary. I will bet all of my money now that he signs for Spurs.

That, in my opinion is were he has wanted to go since the very beginning of this whole saga. On the brink of signing for Chelsea, travels to London then does a U-turn and comes back up the M6. Obvious that Levy/Pochettino have been onto him saying, "Wait until January, Ross, and we will bid for you then; we will give you a little signing-on bonus as well."

Brace yourselves for a derisory £10M bid for him this window. Heard it here first.

Jay Harris
80 Posted 15/12/2017 at 15:49:57
Allardyce hinted recently that Ross already had a deal in place elsewhere.

He has consistently turned his nose up at signing a new contract, even when Unsy was trying to persuade him, so I would personally be shocked if he stayed.

I feel absolutely no sympathy for him as IMO he has acted like the current crop of spoilt brats by denying the club a decent fee for him while taking wages and medical treatment with every intention of joining a competitor while professing to love Everton.

Unlike some, my only memory of him will be "potential" – great technical ability but cannot impose himself on a game and cannot tackle or head a ball. An oblong peg where only square and round pegs are required.

Stan Schofield
81 Posted 15/12/2017 at 16:13:42
Although hiring Allardyce seems to be steadying the ship and instilling discipline and organisation, our progressing to the 'next level' won't be anytime soon.

As such, if Barkley is ambitious in terms of actually wanting to win something or play in the Champions League, or simply in terms of wanting to move to his own 'next level' – as Rooney once did and Stones and Lukaku have done – I suppose he'll be reluctant to stay here.

Michael Williams
82 Posted 15/12/2017 at 16:22:50
Ross Barkley should leave ASAP for his own good. He was slagged incessantly by people on this website before he was injured and I take those comments to represent how the general fan base felt at that time.

In fact the only player ripped by folks here more than him was Stones ("Row Z FFS") or maybe Lukaku ("Lazy"). If he does come back and does not perform to very high expectations right away, the slagging will commence again. Who in their right mind wants that?

I love Ross but it's time for him to start fresh with a team where he can continue developing as more or less just another very good player as opposed to here, where he carries so much baggage with supporters. He needs to get out – just like Stones and Lukaku did.

Stan Schofield
83 Posted 15/12/2017 at 16:43:42
This is of course just another Barkley thread, with many posts being repetitions of what's appeared on many other Barkley threads. Much like the many threads we had about Stones and Lukaku. And no doubt like many future threads about promising young players who reach a point where top sides show interest in them.

At the end of the day, whenever we have a player in this category, we tend to end up selling them to a top side sooner rather than later. It's almost inevitable. If Barkley doesn't leave this season, he's likely to leave not long after.

Tony Everan
84 Posted 15/12/2017 at 16:49:59
I think he will leave in January. He wants to go to the World Cup so game time may be a factor wherever he goes.

If he decides to go on a free in June, I would be disappointed if we gave him game time. I would rather us build a midfield for our own future. I don't want to see Barkley replacing Davies or Baningime if he's buggering off.

Andy Bonner
85 Posted 15/12/2017 at 16:50:41
Stan (#79),

With a bit of luck Big Sam, little Sam and Craig have caught Ross's eye. Tottenham are caught up in a stadium that has escalated to nearly three times the costs envisaged. Chelsea are the ones who chased him when they found out about his injury.

EFC need to tell Barclay that if he wants World Cup football Chelsea need to stump up £35M if not do not let him train at Finch Farm or any where else whilst they are paying his wages.

Do not let him dictate terms he might not be around when the next World Cup arrives and that's what he wants more than anything.

Raymond Fox
86 Posted 15/12/2017 at 16:56:11
The ins and outs of the Barkley saga we can all guess at. Didn't that wonderful manager Koeman say that there was no rush to offer Barkley a new contract on a couple of occasions, when he was asked about it. Then the jerk says much later that the club have made Barkley an offer and he can sign it because that's all he's getting.

Brian is saying £100k was offered, do we actually know what was offered? My guess is that it was much less than he was expecting when compared to one or two other of our players. His agent probably told him he's worth more than that and he will get more if he moves.

The club have shot themselves in the foot with their handling of this affair; they either lose Ross for nothing or now have to pay him an inflated contract to stay... great business – you couldn't make it up!

Barkley all along doesn't really want to leave and his agent tells him, "Don't worry, we have Everton over a barrel. I will get you a better deal, no problem."

If he really wanted to leave, he would have signed for Chelsea wouldn't he?

That's my take on it. I could be totally wrong, only time will tell us.

Barry Williams
87 Posted 15/12/2017 at 17:06:26
Michael Williams – #81

Do you think the supporters of Man Utd, Man City, Chelsea, Arsenal or Spurs will be gentler on him?

James Flynn
88 Posted 15/12/2017 at 17:16:59
Well, he hasn't even gotten a few minutes run-out with the U-23s. He's going to be "fully fit" in January; just over 2 weeks away?

I'm in the "Stay Ross" group. He's a terrific talent. But no-one knows how that hamstring is going to react until he's back out there playing.

Why would Chelsea or Spurs sign a guy next month who depends as much on his physical gifts as he does his technical skills? I would think they'd want to see some display of full recovery out on the pitch before making a real offer.

If he's out there for Everton going full-tilt for 70-90 minutes in February or March, he's looking good whatever his next move. Plus good for us. I hope he re-signs and stays. Be great to keep him

If his hammy's not having it, he took a gamble and lost. (Think Baines's terrific left foot after his surgeries. It left and is never coming back.)

So, get better Ross and stay. Even at your age, you'll be a senior player with all these youngsters we have coming thru.

It all revolves around how that leg heals, though. Not interest from Chelsea or Spurs or any other club.

Andy Bonner
89 Posted 15/12/2017 at 17:33:33
Why would any club buy him without any past form? Put him in the reserves for six months so he doesn't qualify for the England team. If that's what the smart capital teams want to pay nothing for him, they get an untried footballer
Caio Jenks
90 Posted 15/12/2017 at 17:49:05
What about Ross going to West Ham and rejoining Moyes? He’d be in London (if that’s where he really wants to be) and he’d get playing time which could help him get into the England squad for the World Cup. He’d be riding the pine at any of those other “big” London clubs.
Kim Vivian
91 Posted 15/12/2017 at 17:55:56
Just reading my own post (52) from earlier. Brain (or finger) freeze - That figure at the end of para 3 should read £1m (not £10m) a year. Don't know if it would work but it would equate to an extra £20k a week wages without having to show it as wages (for the sake of parity).
Michael Williams
92 Posted 15/12/2017 at 17:56:32
Barry (#87) – Yes the fans of the bigger teams will treat him kinder. I think supporters at other clubs will treat him like they every other player who comes into their team. If Ross makes it as a starter or a decent squad player they will be happy.

If Ross is not up to it he will be out through loan or leave for a smaller club. In that case, Ross would be just another transfer who did not work out. Although those supporters bring up players who could not make at their clubs (ie, Sigurdsson at Spurs) , they do not slag them the way Ross is and has been slagged here.

For his own well-being, I believe he needs a fresh start and then he can find his level.


John Davies
93 Posted 15/12/2017 at 18:00:12
Really bored with this whole saga. And I'm not bothered if he doesn't stay. People can speculate all they like about the reasons why he is wanting away but how will he show any potential buyer he has recovered from his injury and is worth shelling out on?

If he doesn't re-sign in January – and no-one comes in for him – he should be left to keep himself fit anywhere he likes apart from Finch Farm.

Colin Glassar
94 Posted 15/12/2017 at 18:04:48
I'll be gutted to lose yet another great player (after Stones and Lukaku) but if he doesn't want to stay then he doesn't want to stay. It will be weird seeing him playing against us at some point.

Good luck to the lad. Something must've seriously gone wrong behind the scenes that we're not privy to.

Rudi Coote
95 Posted 15/12/2017 at 18:11:53
John Davies @ 93 I completely agree. He should NOT be allowed anywhere near Finch Farm if he wants to leave
Mark Hughes
96 Posted 15/12/2017 at 18:16:44
Ross cost us £25 million not going to Chelsea. He did it so he would get the bulk of that in a higher pay deal after Everton get him fit.

He is taking the piss out of us.

David Israel
97 Posted 15/12/2017 at 18:24:19
I'm pretty sure Ross Barkley has made his mind up to leave, long ago. Therefore, regrettable though IMO that is, I've given up on speculating about him. As a matter of fact, I only ever remember him, these days, when these sorts of threads come up.

Here goes another Steve McMahon, or David Johnson, or what have you. Sad, but true.

Bryan Houghton
98 Posted 15/12/2017 at 18:36:38
Slightly off topic – but very much to do with Ross, Are there any physio's here who can tell us whether that monster scar is normal for a hamstring injury? How bad was the injury to need to cut the back of his leg inside out?

And whether it is the same leg as the 3 leg break when he was 17, and lastly whether it could significantly impact his performance ?

The amount of players seen gripping the back of there hams, and hobbling off – they surely aren't all under the knife to that extent are they??

I'm saying this cos unless the answer is basically yeah, yeah No problems, surely no one is going to pay a penny till he can show he is back to full fitness, and giving it on all cylinders & that ain't gonna happen till after the window shuts, surely, cos it takes a lot longer than 6 weeks from where he is now to get to full match fitness and playing – especially when they can get him on a freebie in summer?

Barry Williams
99 Posted 15/12/2017 at 18:43:59
Michael Williams - #92

I beg to differ Michael, but there you go. Lukaku has been okay for Man Utd, scored goals, but has still been booed by his own supporters.

But truly, Everton are more important than any player. I have no idea what is going on with Barkley and wouldn't hazard a guess. I believe he is replaceable and it appears that no manager has been able to get the best out of him, and there have been a fair few now; maybe Allardyce is the one, but we'll probably never know.

Lukaku was replaceable, we just didn't!

Kim Vivian
100 Posted 15/12/2017 at 18:50:55
Very sensible post from Bryan Houghton there. That all makes sense and leads us to probably seeing him a fair bit after January.
Ian Horan
101 Posted 15/12/2017 at 18:56:28
I think certain supporters are building Ross up to a level he hasn't hit purely based on his absence. My view is Ross is not a great player, merely I perceived score of great goals.

As much as we despise Gerrard he was a great player who whether through his efforts, actions or sheer bloody mindedness drag his team to great heights... that is the sign of a great player..

Darren Hind
102 Posted 15/12/2017 at 19:21:29
Presumably the contract is still on the table if he chooses to sign it.
Jamie Evans
103 Posted 15/12/2017 at 19:49:48
Michael (#82), spot on. People on this thread making Ross out to be some kind of saviour make me laugh. When he was playing he was crucified most weeks by our so-called fans. It is no wonder some of our younger players can't wait to leave us.

By the way, Ross isn't innocent in all of this. If he was such a blue, he would have signed the contract, wouldn't he? Particularly once his nemesis Koeman was sacked?

Ross has had 'HIS' club with our kecks down.

Raymond Fox
104 Posted 15/12/2017 at 20:09:53
Depends what it says on the contract, Jamie.
Paul A Smith
105 Posted 15/12/2017 at 20:37:09
I think we need to make Barkley an offer he can't refuse if we really want him to stay. Then buy a good addition to the team in any attacking position with an offer they can't refuse.

That's what ambitious clubs do. We can redeem the mess by buying responsibly. We are not going down, are we? So let's say for instance we offer Mahrez a great deal and he signs. That would already put us on attractive mode and we could hold on for a striker of better quality in July.

Maybe it's not Mahrez and I am over ambitious? But one or two quality signings on long deals could really put us in a better position to keep it going every window.

Andy Meighan
106 Posted 15/12/2017 at 20:48:05
If he wants to go, let him go. The grass isn't always greener, is it? He'll be sorry... mark my word.

Hasn't exactly worked out well for our erstwhile friend Romelu, has it? 3 goals in 16 games and absolutely lambasted by Man Utd fans. You know the ones I mean; the paying customer.

Comments like "Scores against shit teams"; "Lazy cunt"; "Shit first touch" – You get the message.

I said all along a move to a Champions League club [laughs] wouldn't be the dream he made it out to be. And the same will apply to Barkley.

I do get the feeling, though, there's something more to this so-called injury than meets the eye... and we haven't been told the full story. At least we've been informed of Bolasie's injury every step of the way and, though he didn't exactly set the place alight, the lad has endeared himself to the fans with his positive attitude.

James Flynn
108 Posted 15/12/2017 at 21:55:10
What Bryan (#98) said.

Is Chelsea even interested anymore? The back of that boy's leg was opened up wide. And Roman's no forehead-knuckling beggar. If it ain't Barkley, he'll go get some other guy.

Chelsea or any club, Ross has to prove he's back to full-throttle fitness before any club offers him better than Everton has.

Which to me, as a "Stay Ross" supporter, says that Barkley has to prove he's still the goods right here with Everton. And if he is still good, that's good for us too in the second half of this season.

Beyond that, in the end, he stays or leaves. We'll all still be in here talking about the Club.

Andrew James
109 Posted 15/12/2017 at 22:32:47
If Ross had his head turned by one of the London clubs, are they the same prospect they were 4 months ago?

Spurs have not had the season the media said they would and they face an almighty battle to qualify for the Champions League. I wouldn't be surprised if they lose players again next summer.

That leaves Chelsea who are shaping up for another change of manager and already have players who would be ahead of Ross in the pecking order.

Michael Williams
110 Posted 15/12/2017 at 22:50:22
Barry (#99),

Yes, Lukaku gets booed by Man Utd supporters but Man Utd nor anyone else will have to pay £90 million for Barkley. Nor will Barkley be expected to play such a huge role on any top team that you mentioned. His situation is not analogous with Lukaku at all.

A much better comparison is Sigurdsson at Tottenham and Schneiderlin at Man Utd – two reasonably priced mid-fielders who were expected to be very good players but not top of their class. Supporters complained when it became apparent they were not working out but it never rose to near the level of slagging Ross faced here before his injury.

If Barkley fails at a big six, just like those two, he will be moved on and their supporters will move on as well. My heart wants him to stay and become world class but my head says he should leave.

Whether he packed them all or just a few, he has too much baggage to carry here.


Derek Thomas
111 Posted 15/12/2017 at 23:03:41
People are citing the return of Barkley (get over it, he's gone in all but name only) Bolasie and McCarthy like its Kendall, Ball and Harvey... once they're back we'll snot every one – it's like 3 new signings

Read those names again, especially the last one, without your 'Holy Trinity' glasses on.

If those three, plus Schneiderlin, Klaassen, Sandro and the so-called Super Kev are even anywhere near the bench in 14 moths, it'll be hat on toast with brown sauce for me.

Denny Kerr
112 Posted 15/12/2017 at 23:16:10
James (#70),

I absolutely second what you said. I've never rated him.Yes, he has talent, but rarely produces in a game. He has no leadership qualities, and what's glaringly obvious is that he has no footballing brain.

To be a top Premier League player, you need all those attributes, and strength of character to push on through adversities, both personally and professionally.

I wish otherwise, but I just don't think he's got it.

Barry Williams
113 Posted 15/12/2017 at 23:29:12
Michael Williams (#110),

We will just have to disagree, Michael. I may be wrong, you may be right, I am not trying to persuade you or anyone else to agree with me, just expressing an opinion, as you were.

For me, your Sigurdsson at Tottenham and Schneiderlin at Man Utd analogy are just as disanalogous (if it is not a word, it should be) as my Lukaku example, although I was just using that as an example, not a direct comparison. Neither Sigurdsson nor Schneiderlin are British players or English internationals and neither came to the clubs with such big expectations as Barkley would in my opinion, regardless of financial outlay. Barkley would also come with a much bigger media fanfare, I reckon.

Sigurdsson arrived at a Spurs team in a rather different position and with different expectations to the Spurs of these days, I think, and Schneiderlin wouldn't be signed by anyone as a game changer; Barkley would, I reckon.

If Barkley does leave, and he probably will, I hope he isn't given a hard time if he doesn't live up to expectations at whichever club he goes to.

All-in-all, whatever happens, I just hope Everton continue on the up. We have a large English contingent, loads of youth, and quite a few scousers in the squad. I have fallen out of love with football a lot; Everton have kept me interested as it is hard to throw the towel in when you have been following them for so long.

Michael Lynch
114 Posted 15/12/2017 at 23:31:59
Lukaku has had, and will continue to get, worse treatment from the Old Trafford crowd than he ever had from us. The expectations there are so much higher, and they have no emotional connection with their players at all these days. Look at the way they shrugged off Rooney with barely a second glance – their greatest goalscorer of all time.

Anyone who thinks we give our players a harder time than one of the big clubs is deluding themselves. We're pussycats compared to the "prawn sandwich" crowd.

When Barkley goes to Chelsea or Spurs, if he performs for them like he did for us last season, they won't chase him out of the place howling abuse. They'll moan until he's dropped and then they won't be that bothered, they'll just forget about him as he sits out his contract on the bench.

Tom Dodds
115 Posted 16/12/2017 at 00:29:53
Derek (#1),

Yes I heard same a few months ago ftom a good 'Sauce' (his personal chef).
It is defo a Youth, "nogzy", "gangsta" thang and he's basically fed up to the back teeth with it all.

Club have apparently done a deal with Chelsea. My take is that Spurs will only take him on a free or for buttons. Typical of them.

Tom Dodds
116 Posted 16/12/2017 at 00:32:19
Quick add to previous post:

He prefers Spurs.

Will Mabon
117 Posted 16/12/2017 at 02:09:18
Guess his personal chef may be looking for a new job now...
Dave Long
118 Posted 16/12/2017 at 02:27:27
Agree with Michael (#82). I only got over for two games last season, this is my report.

Ross, about to take a corner, massive shout from the Park End, "Barkley, you're shite!" What is that about?

Now there are loads of postings urging him to stay. If he'd have looked at this site for 5 minutes last season, he'd probably be head-in-hands depressed. Now he's coveted by top teams, we all want him back.

Alan J Thompson
119 Posted 16/12/2017 at 03:58:09
Barkley doesn't half come in for some abuse. After all, he is doing only that which Stones and Lukaku did except to see out his contract. It's about time we came to grips with the fact that you sign a contract to play for a club for an agreed period of time. At the end of that contract, you are not denying the club a fee any more than the club demanding a fee before that contract expires is holding the player to ransom.

As for being offered a good contract, £80k a week rising to £100k subject to scoring goals and winning matches is not bad but pales in comparison to the rumours that Schneiderlin is on a flat £180k per week.

Maybe the truth will out as part of an Everton History piece in 70 years time...

John Raftery
120 Posted 16/12/2017 at 08:54:46
'Rumours that Schneiderlin (aka Slowderlin) is on £180k a week'. What rumours are those?
John G Davies
121 Posted 16/12/2017 at 09:11:12
Tom,

I think he brings a lot of it on himself. Can't put yourself in the situations he does in this city.

Still he can go to Lahnden, no tough lads down there to upset him if he puts himself about with the ladies.

Dave Abrahams
123 Posted 16/12/2017 at 09:25:55
David (97), regarding your last paragraph, if Barkley was half as good as Stevie McMahon, I'd be desperate for him to stay. McMahon had more fight in him than Ross could even dream about. Pick another player to go with David Johnson but definitely not Steve McMahon.
Martin Nicholls
124 Posted 16/12/2017 at 09:27:16
If the rumours about him moving on to avoid "tough lads" in the city are correct, then why did he do the "about turn" on deadline day? Surely those same "tough lads" wouldn't have given him a "stay of execution" to allow him to "reconsider his options" while he got fit?

For me, this is about football ambitions with a large dose of "get rich quick" thrown in. "Massive Blue"? Not for me he isn't.

Paul A Smith
125 Posted 16/12/2017 at 09:47:43
Some of the guess work on here gets ludicrous. Like Barkley needs to move club because of Nogzy type soldiers? Like he couldn't move out of the city and still play for Everton. (Like Rooney does.)

Same old nonsense fish wife tales being spouted like these players are close friends of fans. In all likeliness he is off because apart from idiots over criticising him, like his friend Lukaku he has seen right through Moshiri's "join the elite" nonsense and wants to do that quicker than we will buying Swansea's and Sunderland's best players.

Dave Long (#118) has an idea about Barkley's feelings too. When empty heads shout abuse to a player who has to link up with shit midfielders and try to create everything himself; no wonder he is fed up.

Paul A Smith
126 Posted 16/12/2017 at 09:56:14
In fact, I want somebody to draw up a list of player names that actually live in the city.

We have fans that travel 30 miles and more to watch us at home but still people thinking Barkley has to live in Liverpool to play for Everton. Very odd.

Darren Hind
127 Posted 16/12/2017 at 10:03:03
I have no doubt Barkley will play for Everton again, and I believe our results and football will improve when he does.

Whether he stays after that is anybody's guess.

Alan J Thompson
128 Posted 16/12/2017 at 10:03:43
John (#120):

Those were the rumours about how much they were being paid or offered, is that not obvious to you? Everton had to meet what he supposedly was being paid at Man Utd. If you know better, then say so.

Brian Williams
129 Posted 16/12/2017 at 10:17:58
Darren (#127),

I hope you're right, mate, but I fear the opposite. I think he'll be gone in this coming window before he's fit enough to make an appearance for the first team. Shame if that's the case like.

Andrew Clare
130 Posted 16/12/2017 at 10:26:18
Unfortunately he has realised, as did Rooney, that we are a mid table club and he wants to go to a club that can win things. It's as simple as that.

I hate to say that but we really missed the boat 20 or 30 years ago, which is a long time, so now it is very very difficult to break into the top four without massive financial backing.

For someone of my age who has supported Everton for nearly 60 years we are still a big club but for anyone under 30 years old they have only known us as a mid-table team and that includes Barkley.

Having said all that, I still believe that we can get back to the top – the new stadium will be a game-changer – but it's going to take more than 5 years which is too late for Barkley.

John G Davies
131 Posted 16/12/2017 at 10:56:57
Genuine question:

What is a "nogzy type soldier"?

Brian Williams
132 Posted 16/12/2017 at 10:58:35
John, it refers to a gang member from Norris Green, an area in Liverpool.
John Keating
133 Posted 16/12/2017 at 11:02:13
It appears that our aim is to break into the top 4 or 5 and consolidate. We mention players on here that would help us achieve that aim. Some names are fanciful in the extreme but sounds good.

Man City, Chelsea, Spurs, Arsenal even Liverpool talk about not breaking into the top 4 or 5 but actually winning the league, winning the Champions League, consistently. They talk about buying the same players as we do but can actually sign them.

Is Ross Barkley a player that would help those teams achieve their aims?

Jeff Spiers
134 Posted 16/12/2017 at 11:39:09
Ross has to leave the city. Period. Too many rats.
Kim Vivian
135 Posted 16/12/2017 at 12:17:11
Ironic, isn't it, that possibly the last time many of us see Ross Barkley may be on the last page of the 2017 Everton calendar!
Jamie Evans
136 Posted 16/12/2017 at 12:58:55
For the purposes of clarity, accuracy and brevity, I think you mean a 'Nogsy Solja' 😉 . or as they are sometimes also known, a 'Nogga Dog'
Jamie Evans
137 Posted 16/12/2017 at 13:05:02
Stevie McMahon? Stevie? Jesus Christ I'm sorry but let us not discuss the virtues of that shithouse on these pages.

Ask Graeme Sharp or Peter Reid what they think of Stevie. Or even better – ask his neighbours.

Going around kicking Everton players didn't mean you had fight, it just meant you were a dirty bastard.

Eric Paul
138 Posted 16/12/2017 at 13:16:20
Andrew,

My daughters are both under 24 and they are fully aware how big a club Everton are.

Dave Abrahams
139 Posted 16/12/2017 at 13:35:50
Jamie (137), Stevie, yes Stevie, had more than fight, a great player with Everton, Aston Villa and Liverpool, not to mention England. Have a look at his record, oh and yes he could mix it as well.

Kendall got rid of Stevie, he was on £300 per week at Everton while Heath and Johnson were on £900 per week. When Stevie asked for a rise he was offered a pittance by Kendall and knocked it back.

Grahame Sharp in a programme page said he didn't have the natural aggression that Stevie had, Andy Gray later learned him how to put himself about.

I don't know what Peter Reid thinks of Stevie and I don't know where he lives to ask his neighbours about him. Maybe you can tell us? Have you had a bit of bother with Stevie away from football?

Dave Long
140 Posted 16/12/2017 at 13:41:13
Will concur about McMahon, he was shite for Everton in the 0-5 derby. Absolute shite.
John G Davies
141 Posted 16/12/2017 at 13:47:42
AKA Bullies who terrorise their own working class communities.
Don Alexander
142 Posted 16/12/2017 at 13:59:24
Steve McMahon was consistently a very good player as far as I'm concerned, not "a dirty bastard", and I for one was disappointed when he left us and was distraught when he joined "them" to show us what we had missed out on in midfield; an incredibly tough, goal-scoring, never-say-die, talented scouser.

I have genuine respect for Paul Bracewell but frankly I'd have had McMahon partnering Reidy given the choice.

John Keating
143 Posted 16/12/2017 at 14:15:14
Jamie (#137).

Kendall didn't do too much wrong first time in charge but one mistake he did make was allowing McMahon to leave.

Our loss was the RS gain – big style

Steve Ferns
144 Posted 16/12/2017 at 14:22:46
I once met Steve McMahon when I was 8-10 years old. I was with two mates who were reds.

McMahon lived locally, and was just popping to the newsagents. We pestered him for an autograph but had nothing on us. He went back into his car and got the three of us a photograph (each) and signed it in front of us.

He was a lovely fella, even when my mates told him not to give me one as I was an Evertonian! "Well I played for Everton too" he said.

I still have the photo somewhere, but as he was a red I think I stashed it somewhere rather than treasured it, like with my Everton stuff.

Jay Wood
145 Posted 16/12/2017 at 14:27:24
I'm sure most, if not all, are aware of the assault on Ross in a Liverpool night club at the back end of last season. His assailant was (allegedly) a member of some city drug gang. Again, allegedly, it was motivated by Ross messing with said assailant's 'moll'.

Whatever, if there are any grounds to the speculative rumours or not, it is still a stretch to me to believe this is the primary cause of Ross wanting away from Everton and the city. If true, then to a degree Ross has brought it on himself. Life is about choices.

He is a very wealthy young man with the means, if that is his inclination, to party and mix with other like-minded folk in far more secure, exclusive and discreet establishments than a back-alley smoke-hole in down town Liverpool.

Similarly, I have no idea about Ross's domestic arrangements – still lives at home with his parents? Lives alone? Lives with a partner? But surely those close to him – and I include the club here – have his ear and could support and advice on a 'pastoral' level about his social activities outside of football and the need for 'discretion'. Because wherever he plies his trade, he will be known, a name, a target. Moving from Everton for this particular reason will not resolve the problem.

I don't claim any greater insight or insider knowledge on Ross Barkley's situation than any one else. My own reading of what is in the public domain (and much of that is also speculative) is that Ross and his agent, Koeman and the club, tried to out bluff each other and both failed.

And the result is that someone else is about to scoop the pot with nothing more than King high.

Paul A Smith
146 Posted 16/12/2017 at 14:48:29
John Davies

It's what these up-and-coming petty gangsters refer to each other as. Nogzy is Norris Green. That's not the only place a petty gangster exists though, I must say. They all give themselves gang logos.

I wouldn't believe for a minute Barkley is off because of street troubles.

Steve Brown
147 Posted 16/12/2017 at 14:51:54
Dave (#139), Kendall sold McMahon to fund the signing of Trevor Steven. Good deal overall.
Steve Ferns
148 Posted 16/12/2017 at 14:55:38
Paul Smith, I believe Barkley still does live in Wavertree, with his mum. But more fool him if this is still correct. Tom Davies also still lives within the greater Liverpool area. I am unsure of where Calvert-Lewin and Holgate live, but it's certainly not in the city centre (I used to see Pienaar all the time in Sainsbury's on Old Hall Street when he first came over – Steve Gerrard too when he "didn't" split up from his missus (Why were you living in Beetham Tower then Stevie G?)).

As for the main players, nearly all to a man live in Cheshire around Alderley Edge, a couple live Heswall way (in Wirral), a couple live near Formby and Southport.

If Ross has issues related to the city, then he simply buys a mansion off one of the many big name North West players who get sold each season. All of the big name North West players live within a 10 mile distance of Alderley Edge and Wilmslow. Why can't Ross just move there, and he can pop in and see his old mate Romelu (who lives on the same road as Pogba and did so last season but obviously played for us).

Steve Ferns
149 Posted 16/12/2017 at 14:59:37
If anyone is interested in this kind of thing, Everton and Liverpool frequently use the penthouse suites in Beetham Tower to home new signings (such as Pienaar and Fellaini). The reason being that the Tower is next to the Radisson Hotel and the players get access to room service and so the club can be sure they are looked after. Erwin Koeman was also there for a short time.
Geoff Williams
150 Posted 16/12/2017 at 15:18:39
Playing football is his job. If he is offered more money and the possibility of winning trophies at another club then he would be stupid not to move on.

He has given Everton good service and was humiliated in public by the previous manager so he owes the club nothing. I for one would be sad to see him leave as I firmly believe that he, Rooney and Sigurdsson are talented enough to play together.

John Wilson
153 Posted 16/12/2017 at 15:19:14
Paul A Smith at #125, isn't the correct term in all 'likelihood' is there is no such word as 'likeliness'. Perhaps, but I can't remember seeing its use.
Steve Ferns
154 Posted 16/12/2017 at 15:28:32
John G Davies
155 Posted 16/12/2017 at 15:32:00
Paul A, I know.

I just wanted to see your take on it. Bullies who mistake fear for respect. Nothing more.

Steve Ferns, he doesn't live with his mother.

John G Davies
156 Posted 16/12/2017 at 15:37:41
Jay Wood,

His "assailant" holds down a maintenance job and has done long term.
Comes from a good family.

Jay Wood
157 Posted 16/12/2017 at 15:46:59
Thanks for that, John @ 156. I'll take your word for it.

My own post on the matter is clearly sign posted with 'alleged' and how speculative many opinions are on the Ross Barkley situation.

A great deal more is 'not known' than is 'known', is my belief.

Oh! And whoever and for whatever reason his assailant belted Ross as he did (your use of inverted commas rather implies he wasn't an assailant), and no matter if he comes from a good family and holds down a steady job or not, assail him he did. And in a cowardly, blindside manner as well.

Not nice...

John G Davies
158 Posted 16/12/2017 at 16:16:32
Wasn't having a pop at you Jay.

Deserved everything he got. Can't talk to a man's partner in the manner he did and expect anything else.

Dave Abrahams
159 Posted 16/12/2017 at 16:17:44
Steve (#147), yes Everton were short of money and the sale of McMahon, eventually led to Everton signing Trevor Steven who was a great signing for the Blues.

What I was trying to prove was that Stevie McMahon wasn't just a run of the mill player but a very good one.

Paul A Smith
160 Posted 16/12/2017 at 16:46:23
153 I don't know mate it maybe a typo I am sorry it took up your time wondering. Google can help you there. Or the Countdown forum maybe?

Steve Ferns – that's what i am saying too. I don't know where he lives – I just know he can move out of Liverpool and still play for Everton.

Also if Ross Barkley was out of order before the punch he could earn lots of respect back by either admitting it or having a quieter night.

Brian Williams
161 Posted 16/12/2017 at 17:05:31
Deserved everything he got. Can't talk to a man's partner in the manner he did and expect anything else.

I'm a bit lost on this now.... Who deserved what he got? Who spoke to whose partner?

Raymond Fox
164 Posted 16/12/2017 at 17:30:31
Ross and his agent have us over a barrel and they know it.

As I said earlier, if Ross wants to stay with us, and I suspect he does, the longer he waits before signing, the better chance he has of getting the most lucrative contract possible.

Off topic, I see that choice of some 'experts' on here – a certain Mr Silva's wheels are starting to come off.

Tom Dodds
165 Posted 16/12/2017 at 17:44:26
John G Davies (#155),

He stays at his mums 4 days a week in Wavertree and 3 days in his house in Formby!

Philip Bunting
167 Posted 16/12/2017 at 18:19:30
Lol...164. "If Ross wants to stay with us."??? Get a grip. No chance, he is out of here – make no mistake.

If you where a prof footballer looking to play every week, you would be telling the fans you're bursting to get back, love the club etc.

Our Ross is silent as feck... actually forgot him this season to be honest and have no belief whatsoever he will succeed anywhere else. In fact, I think this will prove to be his worst decision ever. The football world has forgotten our Pirlo!

Jeff Spiers
169 Posted 16/12/2017 at 19:05:41
Stop referring to these lowlifes as 'gangsters'. They are shithouses.
Raymond Fox
170 Posted 16/12/2017 at 19:54:00
Fancy a bet, Philip? I say he signs another contract with us, stays and plays for us next season. You say he doesn't sign another contract?
Eddie Dunn
171 Posted 16/12/2017 at 20:14:51
Raymond (164),

Yes, the much vaunted Mr Silva doesn't look quite the catch that some on here were admiring a few weeks ago. It's a funny old game...

Jamie Evans
172 Posted 16/12/2017 at 21:29:18
Stevie McMahon better than Paul Bracewell?

Ha ha ha. Now I've heard the lot.

Ernie Baywood
173 Posted 16/12/2017 at 22:22:25
For an interview that made headlines, there's nothing of any note in it.

If the club sell him, Sam won't be able to pick him. If they don',t he'll pick him if he's fit, committed and playing well.

It's added nothing to the mystery, if there is indeed a mystery. It all seems pretty straight forward to me. He thinks he needs to move away (I've also thought this for the last couple of years) so he's not going to sign a new contract.

Andy Williams
174 Posted 16/12/2017 at 23:26:21
Jamie (#172). I couldn't believe that comment either. Paul Bracewell was the a Rolls Royce of a player (my favourite midfielder ever) – McMahon a Land Rover.
Geoff Williams
175 Posted 17/12/2017 at 09:48:12
Having watched Spurs of late struggle, I am convinced that Barkley would walk into their team.
John Wilson
176 Posted 17/12/2017 at 13:33:29
Thanks, Steve Ferns @ 154.

Paul A Smith @ 160, it was just an interesting word as I couldn't recollect seeing it used before.

Paul A Smith
177 Posted 17/12/2017 at 18:38:54
John (#176), fair enough, mate, I thought you was taking the wee. Enjoy the game tomorrow mate.

Ray, I thought the same about Silva and I rate him but if you look in between the lines, they have been unlucky, especially yesterday and they were still playing well with 10 men.

I think its fair to say I wouldn't buy any Watford players so, on that theory alone, I personally don't expect amazing things from him at Watford.

If he turns them into a top 10 team 2 years on the run, I would say he has done well? And learnt that little bit more about the Premier League.

Steve Ferns
178 Posted 17/12/2017 at 18:59:04
I wanted Marco Silva as my first choice. I still hope he comes at the end of the season. But I did say to give Unsworth a chance as there was still a question mark over Silva and we would need to see how he would come through a sticky patch. I'd like a full season at Watford to really size him up.
Paul A Smith
179 Posted 17/12/2017 at 21:39:45
His record is excellent, Steve. It's a tough job to turn Watford into Europa League contenders and I wouldn't hold it against him if they don't win a trophy.
David Israel
181 Posted 18/12/2017 at 00:28:54
Steve (#178),

Sam Allardyce signed an 18-month contract. What's the point of continuing to suggest yet another change at the end of the current season? There's no way Allardyce will be given the boot then, unless things deteriorate rather badly. I was not much of a fan when speculation started about him being one of the possibilities but, by the Southampton fiasco, I was almost imploring the gods for him to come. Let's give the man a break.

David Israel
183 Posted 18/12/2017 at 00:55:27
Dave (#123), my last paragraph was meant as a compliment to all three players. David Johnson, after all, did go on to have a very decent career elsewhere. And, if you remember, we got Rod Belfitt in return...
Dave Abrahams
184 Posted 18/12/2017 at 16:02:46
David (#183), yes fair enough, I took it the wrong way; I was thinking of the David Johnson who came back to us from Liverpool, but you are right – he had sessions at Ipswich, Liverpool and England.

As for Rod Belfitt, say no more.

Lee Brownlie
185 Posted 19/12/2017 at 07:19:09
Will... I'm pretty sure I didn't misunderstand anything of your post. I just disagreed with the statement "I don't buy it' about what our new manager knows / doesn't know – from the point of view that what he said was, to me, basically all there is, and ever really was, to say about the situation.

Okay, so your implication was that Allardyce likely knows the actual 'deeper' reasons etc for Barkley probably still wanting to leave but, if so, he's hardly going to go public with that, anyway – especially if they're personal reasons as seems likely – especially as he did also say that he's hoping Ross will stay.

I suppose we'll all see, soon enough. I'm sure Ross would love a good run out with this team at the minute, though, and if he comes in and he and the team continue to do well – especially if everyone gets behind him! – I'm sure we'll all be happy!!

Geoff Evans
186 Posted 20/12/2017 at 14:03:28
The only mystery to me about Barkley, is why people rate him.

If he doesn't want to play for the club then feck off and good riddance.

John Smith
187 Posted 20/12/2017 at 14:48:01
Season injury time period Days Unavailable Games missed
16/17 Calf strain 35 days 6 Arsenal FC
16/17 Hamstring 12 days 4 Arsenal FC
15/16 Calf Injury 33 days 6 Arsenal FC
14/15 groin strain 28 days 7 Arsenal FC
13/14 Cruciate Ligament Rupture 280 days 38 Arsenal FC
13/14 Abdominal 59 days 11 Arsenal FC
12/13 Calf 10 days 3 Arsenal FC
12/13 Shoulder 7 days 2 Arsenal FC
12/13 Lung contusion 14 days 2 Arsenal FC
11/12 Thigh Muscle Strain 17 days 2 Arsenal FC
10/11 Sprained Ankle 35 days 6 Arsenal FC
10/11 Malleolar injury 35 days 7 Arsenal FC
09/10 Back trouble 28 days 5 Arsenal FC
08/09 Shoulder injury 91 days 18 Arsenal FC
John Smith
188 Posted 20/12/2017 at 14:48:43
Theo Wallcot's injury history above^.

If we lose Barkley, and get Wallcot, that's a bad move.

Jason Wilkinson
189 Posted 20/12/2017 at 17:38:49
Ross – your silence is deafening. Thank you for the moments you have given us and good luck with your career.
Stan Schofield
190 Posted 21/12/2017 at 13:28:54
If Barkley goes, and the likes of Wallcot is signed, that would simply be a continuation of the club's track record of selling the best players and signing players who are 'reasonably good' but not good enough to help us realise our supposed ambitions.
Stan Schofield
191 Posted 21/12/2017 at 14:00:30
Geoff@186: The answer to your mystery is that people rate Barkley because he is very good.

Barkley's 1st team career with us has, for the past few years, been under managers who most people consider couldn't organise a piss-up in a brewery. We now have a manager who, from the evidence so far, seems very good at organising a team and getting the best out of players.

It would be very interesting to see how Barkley performs in this apparently well-organised set-up. There's only one way to find out. Aside from that, any opinions on how he might perform are pure speculation.

Geoff Evans
192 Posted 21/12/2017 at 16:17:12
Stan 191: We'll have to agree to disagree on this one.
Colin Glassar
193 Posted 21/12/2017 at 22:14:54
I see Ross was with the rest of the squad visiting Alder Hey (pron: olderay for our foreign friends). Is that a good sign?
Brian Williams
194 Posted 21/12/2017 at 22:24:46
Col. If he was gonna sign he'd have signed by now.
Colin Glassar
195 Posted 21/12/2017 at 22:44:53
Clutching at straws right now Bri. He did look happy tbh.
Brian Williams
196 Posted 21/12/2017 at 22:53:57
Christmas miracle Col?
Mike Gaynes
197 Posted 21/12/2017 at 23:15:02
Brian and Col, he might just have been there coincidentally.

Donating his hamstring to their collection.

Tom Bowers
198 Posted 21/12/2017 at 23:16:20
Despite getting some much needed wins lately most fans will have to agree that in the offensive midfield department nobody has been outstanding.

Gylfi scored a nice goal against the Swans and appears to be settling in as a left sided player coming in from the wing. Davies Gana and Lennon are rare goalscorers so one looks at Barkley and we all know he has finishing prowess. Sadly what has happened to him over the last six months is anybody's guess apart from his fitness.

I for one would love to have him back in the squad under Allardyce to see what he can still offer especially with Bolasie hopefully coming back soon but if he wants to go and the right offer comes in then they have to cash in on him and move on to get a similar player. Likewise for a few others who are out of favour.

It appears we have seen the best of players like Mirallas, Besic and Niasse and they are no longer up to snuff as far as I am concerned.

Ian Smitham
199 Posted 22/12/2017 at 21:31:43
Instead of those who visit this site, maybe have been to Goodison one or whatever, have a watch of “We've got a diamond called Ross Barkley” on a Google search and see how the game-going fans feel who put their hard-earned into supporting the club.

Though I have heard a phrase that “It's the hope that kills you” I have and always will want and believe Ross to be that one that delivers. Anyone who “hates” him without even knowing him, has to look at themselves as to why.

God, I hope he signs a new contract and while he has been treated like shit by that confirmed non-man-manager, I don't blame him that he has not signed so far. Look at the clip. We have a diamond

David Barks
200 Posted 22/12/2017 at 21:40:54
Ian,

What in the world are you trying to say??? I've read your post five times and still cannot make out what you are trying to say there.

John Keating
202 Posted 26/12/2017 at 13:56:53
Just watching Spurs.

This season the hope was to get near them. They are light-years ahead just now.

Kane is brilliant. Where would Barkley hope to start in that team? Goalie??


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