Everton Season Review, 2000-01

 1999-00

2001-02 

Ian MacDonald season review becomes an Open Letter to Bill Kenwright

DOCTOR'S ORDERS 

Well, after what seems an age of the red mist trying to engulf us, and their achievements being rammed down our throats, you can go one way or another.  You could say "Ah well, so what.  I've had enough" and just meander along...  Or much worse – throw your hand in following the Blues. 

But then again, you could try and fight back.  It is the latter that I will choose.  Our summer will be shorter than most because we have more work to do than most.  We have to act and move fast now to get what talent is available.  

First of all, I know the ground rules of what I hope to recommend to get us further ahead.  The main thing is that we do not have loads of money for a quick fix and I take it that Walter will be at the helm for the start of next season.... but – take it from me – the fans are not happy one bit about what has gone on this last season; they are not daft and have worked hard for their match days. 

The natives are very restless – and who can blame them after witnessing the likes of the Man City away, Southampton away, Bristol Rovers home and away, Ipswich home and away... to an extent and so on cumulating with the worse performance Tranmere?  We used to have one watershed a season – like York City, Port Vale, Bradford, etc.  Now, we are having at least six pitiful performances that leave you embarrassed and angry.  

I am painting the back picture of why the fans are feeling the way they do.  Over the years, after a bad season, some of the fans have said "I am not renewing my season ticket" but during the close season they have forgiven the bad parts of what they have seen served up as entertainment.  This time, the number of fans saying they won't renew is frightening and worryingly I think they mean it.  They will pick and choose their games and see if the vast improvement that is obviously needed transpires. 

We should treat where we have finished in the league with the contempt it deserves.  I hope we never accept fifth from bottom as an achievement – even with the amount of injuries we have had.  When you think back and remember who beat us in the Cups were relegated along with City and Coventry in the league then the realisation of how bad we have been in games hits home.  But, to be fair, on the last Saturday, would you have known which team finished seventh? And which fifth from bottom?  But just six home wins!  

Having watched all the games this season, I think I can give an honest and qualified view – remember, when I write the following, I want to help get this club back on track.  With a lot of games this season, we have taken at least 20 minutes to get into some pattern of play and identify who's playing where – by which time, we are losing!  Man City was a classic example – both home and away.  So this gives rise to the question: "What is the squad doing at Bellefield all season?" 

I am taking into account the unbelievable injury crisis, which has hampered us a lot all season.  But surely we have had enough cover or players that can adapt to the system Walter wants to play?  Again this leads to more questions: What is the system?  What are the tactics?  The game plan? 

There appears to be no real pattern of play – even taking injuries into consideration.  Too many times this season, players have obviously been out of position – with disastrous consequences.  Walter may change it during the game but the damage is often already done.  Would it not be prudent to play the system at Bellefield first!  

The number of goals conceded from free kicks and corners speaks volumes of poor coaching and organisation.  Why is no one left up front when defending corners and free kicks?  The ball just comes straight back, ultimately leading to a goal...  

Some games we have started well and taken the initiative and the lead, only for our fragile make-up to disintegrate under pressure.  We give too much room and respect to the opposition, instead of them worrying about us, and consequently they run right through us.  

Here lies one of our biggest problems: the midfield.  Fair enough, the three stooges left before the season started, ripping out the engine room and giving Walter very little time to rectify the matter.  Nyarko, Gravesen and Hughes should (on pre-season form) have filled the hole vacated.... but – for one reason or another – they did not. 

These three players have been very disappointing and should be shown the door.  Nyarko formulated his epitaph himself, in my humble opinion.  Hughes seems lazy and disinterested for a fight – going missing too easily.  Gravesen makes all the right noises but, to be honest, with little end result.  His passing is both erratic and dangerous to his fellow team-mates (hospital balls) but he does show passion and commitment – sadly, it's not enough in the Premiership for a midfielder. 

I've started naming players so I might as well continue... beginning with the goalkeeper position.  Of the three currently on the books, I don't think I'd keep any.  I don't rate any of them for one reason or another.  Myhre is going anyway, so let's look at the other two. 

Gerrard (Gluechip is his nickname).  When a keeper saves a penalty that is so crucial – like the Bradford one – you could forgive a lot of the bad things.  But, in Paul's case, the bad far outweighs the good. His kicking is terrible; he rarely commands his box with crosses; and he does not come off his line quick enough.  He is a good shot-stopper but too often he leaves the rebound in the path of the attacker (Aston Villa love him – and so do Leeds) resulting in a goal. 

Simonsen From the little we have seen of him, he lacks confidence and is unproven in the Premiership.  Remedies here are two-fold: (1) get Neville back – if he hasn't upset too many at the club – to train the keepers; he was the best.  Any of the two goalkeepers at Coventry (Magnus Heldman has been approached by West Ham already); or, more cheaply, Poom of Derby; or Nemini of Hearts... Kasey Keller of Rayo Vollocano also come to mind 

DEFENDERS 

Unsworth  I'd keep as he is turning himself around now (quicker than the QE II anyway) and is cover for several positions.  He battles well and his character has been tested this season but he came out with flying colours 

Ball  Keep at all costs without insulting demands that is, could be real class. 

Weir Another very good player – but not great.  Very dependable and not injury prone. 

Watson  Hmm.... on the fence a bit with Stevie...  He can make costly mistakes but worth another season as he is committed and full of running. 

Naysmith  I like him; young and energetic – overlaps on the wing and likes getting forward. 

Pistone  Gut reaction, on what I have seen: no thanks.  Not as good as Naysmith.  Pistone is another who tends to look disinterested. 

Cleland  I like the lad – when he plays... but that's the problem: he appears to be always injured.  The Goodison curse struck early on this lad – he was hardly ever injured at Rangers.  But we can't have sentiment here.  Iif he does not prove his fitness in the next couple of months, then he will have to go.

Xavier  I'll be surprised if he is still here next season.  He looks great with Portugal but out of sorts with us – so what does that tell you?  Well, you can read a lot of things in it. Walter, Archie's tactics, or he is just happy to pick the money up for his latest hairstyle. 

MIDFIELD 

Gazza  I love the guy.  It's a shame he did not have his Indian Summer we all hoped for.  I also fear for the lad but injuries have caught up with him.  Just ten games all season, and seven the season before with Boro tells the sad story of it all.  How about sending him off on a coaching course and keeping him in that and other capacities – obviously on a reduced wage.  He commands respect instantly with the kids – trouble is, he still is mentally a kid in the nicest possible way!

Degn  This guy allegedly said that he could not leave just yet.  His contract is that good, and this lad does not even figure much in the reserves –now that tells the story how good he is.  Goodbye, stop taking money under false pretences. 

Cadamarteri  Apparently, he is too busy buying and driving fast cars.  Given the wages he is on, here is another insulting player to the fans' minds.  I'd tell him to get a motor mechanic's job instead.  Would we really miss him?  And we would have extra parking lots at Bellefield. 

Alexandersson  Again, disappointing with long term injuries but, based on his previous season with Sheff Wed, I'd keep him a bit longer.  He enforces the gypsy curse theory, as he was an ever present with Sheff Wed. 

Idan Tal  He really does give his all; hates losing the ball and does try to be inventive. A good buy, but maybe he needs a bit more stamina. 

Pembridge  Sorry to say this, but he does not have enough quality to move us up in the Premiership.  He has no pace and his passing is 50/50 – it needs to be better than that. 

Joe-Max Moore  Again, not good enough for the team to aspire to better things.  Off-load him. He could have been great to open up the American market 

Gemmill  A squad player, just about – in the nature of Richardson – but nowhere as good.  I'd keep him though for a bit of depth in cover 

FORWARDS

Campbell  His deal is done now so I'm not going there.  He looks like he has lead in his boots at times – may be a victim of our injury crisis and had to play when not match-fit, or too much money in his shorts when playing.  He's not the player he was when he first came.  A rest and better competition for places up front might work wonders. I hope. 

Ferguson  What are we to do with him?  Love or hate the guy, when fit there is no better a player on the books up front.  A rest and fatherhood might work on this true centre-forward in the summer.  Keep him, but let him know the appearances are not good enough for the cost.  I know he plays if he can but his injuries are keeping him out for weeks, even months. 

Jeffers  What will be, will be, with this guy.  Show him some videos of the golden child across the park – a model professional.  He could achieve good things – loyalty for starters – and remind him that a medical might stop his 'dream move' – dodgey ankles and all... 

Dave Watson and Richard Gough have gone now – and I thank them for being good servants.  The discipline on the field is also bad again – Everton are second in the dirty league table.  Is there a correlation with the way players have been out of sorts in position's alien to them?  

So, how many players will go in summer?  I don't know.  How many will be brought in is also of great concern because, next season, unless the right action is taken now, will have us in the relegation dogfight again – the league table does not lie.  Blackburn and Fulham have money and good teams now.  Bolton will be in the pack of clubs that will be tested for their Premiership status. I include Leicester, Boro, Derby, West Ham (a lot of upheaval there, I think, if they get the wrong manager...); possibly Newcastle and ourselves, sadly – with the odd surprise free-faller. 

It is frightening when we are worried about next season already.... so what do we do?  The reserves did not win their league by chance, against a lot of odds and spanking new training grounds.  There are kids already blooded in the Premiership.  Kids like Clarke, Hibbert, McLeod and Jevons have all came on the pitch and have not been found wanting on the big stage.  That gives us a bit of hope but it would be dangerous to rely on them totally over a full season.  The permanent promotion of Andy Holden to first team affairs would be an asset as well, if permitted by Walter. 

Money has to be found to continue this remarkable youth development or I fear heads will drop amongst the staff there.  If the players go as I recommended then the wage bill and the transfer fund accumulated could help a little in that direction.  This would also appease some of the fans who in the main hold the youth development close to their hearts.  

The likes of Kevin Gallagher – who we are allegedly associated with – does little to inspire the fans.  These type of names are always met with groans in conversation.  I have often said before, we spend too much money on old players who are bound to be injury prone, on big wages and with little or no sell-on value.  One big high-profile signing would be better than lots of average players.  This would mean a statement of intent to get back into the big time and a real fillip to the fans.  

The medical side of things has to be closely looked at.  Without throwing wild accusations about, I think we are getting left behind in both medical and dietary treatment of the players.  Do we have a masseur on the books?  And are the chartered physios coming next season as recommended?  Again, it's down to money available, but a thorough overhaul is required desperately.  Players last season were out for long periods, on big wages, doing nothing to pay us back.  Like planes and taxis, they earn nothing parked up. 

The appointment of a Scandinavian scout, Nielson, was a good thing.  Pound for pound, these players are better than the continentals who come with more baggage and demands.  Ask the scout to take a look at Ruddi, on loan at Molde from Sheff Wed and gaining rave reviews.  An update on findings and recommendations must be frequent.  

If we are looking at any old heads, let's do a lot more background work on them medically and ethically – we could not afford any more Bilics.  Do we have some one to help with our foreigner's day to day?  A bit like a grown-up's nanny to help them with the new culture etc – even the buying of furniture and setting up bank accounts, for example.  This would let them settle easier and not feel alienated after training.  

Video playbacks of games last season should be analysed again and again.  If it's quiet for anyone at GP in the summer, then lists of potential prospects for both players and business development should be drawn up.  A suggestion box opened for current employees with rewards if they work.  The whole club needs to be looked at in depth at each department – not so much a witch hunt but to identify what or where can we improve. 

It has been said to me on many occasions that there are too many Kopites employed at the club and not enough expert Blues, but what can you do now once they are amongst us.  You don't want to be accused of ethnic cleansing!  

To keep it simple, I would look at each facet of the club.  I have already mentioned the youth development – a frank and constructive meeting with the staff is needed as soon as possible.  

Public Relations  Ian Ross is only just really starting his role and I know he is very capable. 

Rumours  The rumour factory is well blossoming at Goodison and that needs nipping in the bud quickly.  Let's face it we are not the darlings of the media.  The recent Nyarko accusations should be met head on – if they are not true, then we must sue Nyarko and The Observer.  If they are true then Archie must go.  Stephen Price was banned for three years for running on the pitch; assault is much more serious. If no action is taken, then it sends out a message of Everton's moral standing when dealing with unruly fans as a different set of rules are being used. 

Information  On the whole, the fans still think not enough information comes out of the club. And information that does come out is not quick enough!  I have endorsed to Michael Dunford that what is discussed at the fans focus meeting needs to be reported to a wider audience.  These meetings are very worthwhile – a lot of positives come out. 

Merchandising  Andy Oldshall is currently restructuring the department but, in a nutshell, his sales are very much at the mercy of how we are doing on the pitch.  The new kits should have the fans' input on designs.  The Internet lends itself to such a facility, ideas for what the fans want should also invited.  I would suggest also that our fan clubs be kept in touch a lot more with newsletters, etc.  We have to build more bridges to our loyal fans instead of them just drifting along.  Make them feel wanted and appreciated for their efforts.  

Pre-Season  We will not do very much for our brand name with the pre-season we have lined up to now.  Burnley, Preston, Tranmere – are we getting ready for the Nationwide???  I know it's money again, but look at the markets others are chasing: China; America.  Vast and largely untapped but soon will be with pay-per-view.  People outside Britain will still be asking "Everton, who?"  

I have to mention this also that a full time professional management is constantly suggested.  As well as Michael Dunford's CEO position, we need a commercial director and a finance director.  

Hospitality  From what I know, this is good but could be better in terms of more value to the higher paying season-ticket holders.  One criticism said to me is that the bar shuts too early after the game and they would love to spend more time in the ground afterwards to spend more money.  I have also been told there are too many tables in the legends bar, making it impossible to move about. 

Ticketing  Getting better all the time. There are always going to be hiccups but they are quickly ironed out when alerted too.  Mr Dunford does listen.  It has been suggested that a ticket outlet should be in the City Centre for ease of sales.  We don't necessarily have to have a shop, but maybe a ticket agency like HMV/ Virgin to keep costs down.  

In the late seventies and eighties, we could buy tickets for Goodison and away games from Jack Sharps.  The customer / fan is a bit lazy at times – why not bring the ticket-buying facility to them?  But it must be well advertised like any promotion at the start. Also more concessionary tickets for games that are never sold out – but only to kids as adult season ticket holders get riled.  

On the ticket sales, I would like to add that,when we next play a derby at home, we tell our fans to keep their ticket stub's at a certain match at the time of the game.  This is to prevent so many reds infiltrating all around Goodison because tickets went on general sale.  This way, no one loses their ticket and season ticket holders can (on a first-come, first-served basis) get another ticket, keeping the reds down to the away allocation only. 

Funding  Well, if you don't want to dilute your existing shares by doing a fans' share issue – and I can understand this – because you have to pay the bank back for your heroic deed of getting the club back...  How about doing a share issue for the youth set-up only, the Youth Academy?  A separate company sharing in profits for players home grown and sold on at a later date, if it suits us.  

As I have said before, the youth set up is close to Evertonians' hearts and what better time than now after the Reserves and under 19's remarkable achievements?  If we can develop the academy a lot more, who knows what we may achieve?  

The golden-goal ticket should be advertised for the sole benefit of the youth set-up.  With more winners achieved by lengthening the winning timescale – say 15 s either side of the winning time.  £5 to £10 then £15 and so on the nearer you get to the winning time – with £500 for the win.  I don't know anyone who has won the golden goal and we endorsed bringing it back!  More interest with more winners.

I'd sell Bellfield and Netherton all together as soon as possible and create one vast complex, fast-tracked by a local willing council, preferable Knowsley – next to the motorway.  We could have a set up by early spring if we moved quickly.  This again would please the fans.  You see, Bill, that's what the fans want more than anything – light at the end of the tunnel.  Hope, not despair. 

Kings Dock  With a Vision such as the Kings Dock, our dreams may one day be fulfilled.  You know how much I want that site for all the right reasons.  Last week's events by the dark side have endorsed it even more to many Evertonians.  Their recent success is hitting Evertonians over the head like a big stick. A Tram system would be a great asset to our bid.  The reds in Dortmund praised this.  Goodison made Everton but the stadium of light has re-made Sunderland.  But please Bill get the ownership right for us – it's very, very important

If, God forbid, we don't get the site, then is there a plan B we can fall back on?  I'd also send out a task force to the other Premiership clubs on how they are succeeding, if they allow it.  Leeds and Ipswich are good examples. 

Again, Bill, I realise we have the third-world debt around our necks – most of it inherited.  Aston Villa fans are restless as well.  I don't want it to the same extent here.  They also have lost fans gradually over the last few years – which alarmingly is against the trend. 

I always use Sunderland as an example to Michael Dunford as to what can be achieved.  I don't want to mirror Man City – we could so easily...  It's not all doom and gloom, but it is serious.  Let's go forward together and make positive strides on and off the field.  For our children's sakes and our own sake's.  Lets bring the fans back we have lost and entertain them once more. 

Hand on heart, Bill, we are pushing them away with performances like last season – and injuries have not been fully responsible.  Evertonians want a style and level of play (with passion and commitment) brought on by our past traditions even more than the win. 

We scored 45 goals in the league this season 15 less than Dixie's solo feat.  We have not had a goal shown in the Goal of the Month competition – let alone the Goal of the Season. 

Bill, we're in this together – I'll help all I can.  I'm sorry there is no magic formula here and I have not had the time these last couple of days to do more for our club with this article. You know me by now there will be more coming your way, all positive I must add.  We live in the past too much with our club (with the obvious exceptions), comparing past times with the present.  Let's go forth and write about the good times we deserve.

KEEP THE FAITH and have a short break with a mobile next to you

Your friend Ian Macdonald, Vice-secretary of the Independent Blues

PS I hope this article makes some sense to you I know you know most of the above, for you are a fellow Blue and watched the same games as I.  Writing it all down helps exorcise this last terrible season – we need some of the above to happen, and Lady Luck needs to courted a bit more.