FANS COMMENT

Nil Satis Nisi Optimistic

With the bulk of the squad resuming training this week joined by the new arrivals Johnson and Lescott and a busy pre-season fixture programme ahead, the feeling of optimism couldn't be greater. From a personal perspective, this new-found confidence isn't only due to the transfers as Lescott remains unproven and Andy Johnson still lacks the experience at the highest level but is down to the fact that we have been able to keep hold of the likes of Yobo, Arteta and Cahill.

Following the huge dissapointment of last season which was reflected in a lack of goals, creativity and dire entertainment, the vultures and doom-&-gloom merchants began to circle around our most prized assets. The commitment shown by Yobo and Arteta means that we can build on our strengths with the spine of the side bolstered and a hope that new partnerships develop to provide a springboard to greater success.

The key now for David Moyes and the backroom staff is to get the blend right in terms of both a formation and who is suited best to each position. Questions such as what position does Arteta play to maximise his contribution most effectively to the team? Moyes can undoubtedly learn from the mistakes of previous seasons, he can also learn from the failings of Sven Goran Ericksson in not selecting both a system and the right personnel (regardless of personality) to fill it.

In looking at the sides around us, it is evident to date that we have stolen a march and strengthened in key areas whilst teams such as Wigan have been depleted and are seemingly unable to attract players to fill the void:

• Charlton, Newcastle, and Middlesborough have all appointed new managers.
• The likes of Wigan and West Ham will find it more difficult following the honeymoon of a first Premiership season.
• Aston Villa and Man City seem to be treading water and in the same financial situation as Everton 3-4 seasons ago and may struggle.
• And then there arethe newly promoted clubs, Reading, Sheffield United and Watford who must be odds-on for relegation.

The way a season pans out and predictions are really no better than guesswork; however, it would have to be considered that this season is the acid test for Everton under Moyes and an improvement on last season is to be expected.

Responses:

"Fans Comment" articles are submitted by outside contributors to ToffeeWeb. The views contained therein may not correspond with those of the site owners. Editorial policy