Letters to the Editors, managed by Michael, Lyndon and Colm. Want to have your say?
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I’ve got to disagree about Michael Coffey’s remarks on the UEFA cup final, I thought it was a pretty good game for a European final. I was also left wondering how well Everton would cope with Espanol, Seville, Werder Breman et al, especially as Seville beat Tottenham (who are probably on a par with us give or take) with some room to spare.
The core of this current Everton team is pretty sound, Howard, Yobo, Lescott, Arteta, Johnson, but I’d be worried about the ability of Hibbo, Stubbs & Carsley to retain possession of the ball. I’d also have to say a player like Fernandez would be much more of an asset, than a Barton, who, ignoring his various off the field misdemeanors, is much more of a poor man’s Arteta than a ball winning long term replacement for Carsley. As a tackler Barton’s about as effective as Gravesen. Fernandez, on the other hand, can win the ball & do something useful with it when he’s got it.
Colin Smith (18/5/07)
While not wishing to be thought of as a Smart Alec, I would suggest that the passage of time has clouded Gerry Quinn's memory.
Alex Young did indeed score twice against his cousin in the 1967 F.A.Cup replay,versus Burnley, his cousin being Harry Thomson, who later played league football for Blackpool and Barrow.
There is however, nothing wrong with his assessment of Alex being a class act, I count myslf fortunate to have had the privilege of seeing seeing the master at work
I mean no disrespect to Gerry, it's just that opinions can be debated and disputed, but facts remain just that.
John McFarlane, Senior (18/5/07)
To John Holmes of York. You're right. The £5M-£10M that Man United spent last season didn't win them the title. It was the £100M they spent in seasons prior - Rooney, Ronaldo, Ferdinand, Evra, Saha, etc.
You seem to have overlooked this and come to the conclusion that money doesn't bring you success in football. Maybe you would like to rethink. Perhaps revisting your stats using a broader, more relevant, timeframe would help.
From the top of the Premiership right down to bottom of the conference, there is almost a perfect correlation (if you factor in standard deviation) between club turnover and league standing.
If you're still living in hope that Everton, or any other club for that matter, are about to significantly buck this trend, then you had better prepare yourself for a bitter disappointment.
Ryan Crest (18/5/07)
Thank you for pointing me in the right direction, it seems the link to the site must have occured to you while commenting on my post.
I was having difficulty finding it. Many thanks.
Shaun Brennan (18/5/07)
I have them all memorised... but my memory ain't what it used to be. I'm sure they'll give you a warm welcome, Shaun... — Michael
Love him or loath him, he has been a real unsung hero. But remember, Rumour Mills are only rumours. I would'nt be suprised to see him stay. After all, he did say he wants to have a crack at Europe after missing the last campaign.
Up the Toffees
ps: There seem to be plenty a number of blues down this end of the country. Anyone any information on a supporters club?
Shaun Brennan (18/5/07)
Yea, that would be a good idea... I wonder why no-one's thought of that before...
Oh, wait a minute...
What's this? ? ESCLA!
Interseting snipet of information from Kevin Tully regarding Manny Fernandes but isn't this a double-edged sword?
It sounds a great deal to get him on a season-long loan to save us our precious cash for other players this summer but wouldn't that mean that if he achieved what we all hope and expect of him, ie, a great domestic and European campaign in 2007-08, his price will get even higher and further out of our reach? If he fails to live up to his potential and our expectations we will have had a poor campaign and wasted our time.
If we are to get him on a long-term loan deal, I hope we can fix a price first.
On another player, is it true about Lee Carsley and Wigan? I normally dismiss these rumours but this one seemed so definite (although no source or corroboration provided I notice).
There is no mention of it on the Official site or Sky Sports transfer window. Bearing in mind our limited resources and heavy workload next season, wouldn't this be a massive mistake? I'm no fan of Barton's but even if we did get him, surely we still need strength in depth for each position next season more than most and Lee is a proven worker and does a lot of the unfashionable work that others, Arteta in particular, would miss without him.
Finally, I know you hate us all playing FM Michael, but isn't that the only thing left in the summer months and almost every supporters favourite past time when not watching a game?
There seems to be a number of quality players available this summer for free that could boost numbers and achieve alot for us, Sylain Distin and Michael Ball of City, Viduka at Boro, Sidwell (still hasn't officially signed for anybody) from Reading.
A player like Viduka may not last a full season in all competitions but would be a very skillful addition for (hopefully) those many glorious nights on the continent.
Gary Joyce (18/5/07)
I've just read something on the rumour mill re Lee Carsley on his way to Wigan. I have to say that, if his departure is imminent, I for one would be sad to see him go. This season he has been a rock and has put some cracking, gritty performances in for the Blues. He's not everyone's cup of tea but he does a good job of doing all the less glamourous stuff in midfield. If I look on the bright side though, could this mean he knows that DM will be bringing in some fresh faces and Cars won't get regular first team football, something that he is more likely to get at Wigan.
Well, whatever happens, love him or loath him, Lee Carsley has served this club well and the fact that he stayed this season because of his injury problems in the previous season shows a man of integrity.
So maybe Barton is on his way here after all - suppose it's only a matter of time before we hear "Joey, Joey show us yer arse......" Eeeeek! Just when we were getting rid of "...the baby's not yours..."
Roll on next season, can't wait, can't wait.
COYB
Lue Glover (18/5/07)
Can't understand how PNE expect to get £10M for him ? I would say something closer to £4M-£5M is more realistic for a talented yet top-flight unproven Championship striker. He's also in the last year of his contract and can start talking pre-contract agreements in January. If he really wants to play for us (which it seems he does), and we really want him, (which also seems to be the case) then this is surely the best option for both parties?
Another season in the Championship isn't going to do too much harm to his International ambitions, AJ can talk to him about that one (and how much they improve when you play for the Blues!). With Vaughan and Vic coming on in leaps in bounds, we should have enough quality up-front and if it does look like he's holding out then maybe we can take him in the January window for a cut-price figure when it's clear PNE aren't going to get their ridiculous appraisal of him.
The money would be better spent on the midfield (quality left-mid and central ball-weinner/play-maker) as well as full-backs on both sides. Some experienced cover for Tim and Turner as well along with a utility player or two and we should be okay. Right then, Bill... over to you! :)
Peter Hurley (18/5/07)
Dave, I don't want to labour on it because it wasn't the point I was making but I will have to disagree about Kieran Richardson's ability. It's only the dazzling form of Messers Giggs and Ronaldo that are keeping him out of the first 11, He is also able to plug a hole at left-back, can play in central midfield and has had a handful of England caps. I'd say that was fairly versatile wouldn't you?
My point wasn't to directly compare Kanchelskis to Richardson though, Dave. As you rightly suggest, they are on different planets. I just wanted to say that certain fans seem to feel that any business done with United will be solely for United's benefit and that we're being duped in the process. Of course we should be looking for our own Ronaldo (Fernandes anyone?) but I don't buy into the idea that we're above approaching fringe players from the top 4.
And I'm still choking on my cornflakes over your Kilbane comment!
Ben Howard (18/5/07)
Thanks Dan (Moore) for that little piece of information. It's much easier for me now.
And I would like to point out some statistics for Barton that were mentioned by Mr Tosev from Wien. With 17 goals in 140 matches, his game/goal ratio should be 8.2 instead of 10.0, that puts him up there as the best of the four in term of game/goal ratio.
Daniel Lim (18/5/07)
Interesting feature in The Independent today comparing transfer spending by Premiership clubs between May 2006 and May 2007 to their change in league position from 2005-06 to 2006-07
Of the six clubs whose net spending (money spent minus money recouped from sales) totalled over £M, four out of seven dropped league positions (Chelsea, WHU, Charlton, Newcastle) and only Villa improved their league position.
Of the 8 clubs whos net spending was between £5M-£10M, five (Everton, Bolton, Man U, Boro, Portsmouth) improved their league placing and none were worse off (or were promoted teams).
Of the remaining teams who spent more than they received all (Wigan, Fulham, Blackburn) dropped league places.
Three of the biggest fallers in terms of league position were in the top seven spenders (WHU, Newscatle, Charlton) and three of the four biggest climbers were in the £5-10M bracket (Everton, Porstmouth, Boro).
Finally five of the top ten spenders finished in the top ten and five in the bottom ten suggesting money spent is a highly unreliable predictor of league position.
Obviously there are other considerations such as managerial changes and the fact the further down the league you are the more scope you have for improvement (and vice versa), this seems to show that whilst having SOME money to spend is important, having big money certainly isn't a guarentee of success. In fact it appears that carefully targetted signings for a few key areas of your team appears to work better than scattershot spending on numerous players who are not substantially better than those already available to you.
John Holmes (18/5/07)
Or they might be "good players" on paper who don't fit into the team or disrupt the pattern of play, etc. It does tend to provide some ammunition for those like me who feel this whole "lack of money" arguement is sufficient reason for us to accept mid-table mediocrity as our lot, and to not strive for higher levels of achievement through improvement in the myriad of other factors that contribute to being a good successful club again. ? Michael
After reading numerous comments over the last few days about whether Joey Barton would be a good addition to the club, I thought I'd add my two pence worth.
In pure footballing terms, unfortunately I think we absolutely need players like Joey Barton. The reason that we have had to play 4-5-1 over the last few years is to fill the midfield area with more players to compensate for the lack of quality & strength in these areas. When you look at the top teams in the leagues, they all have one/two top midfield players (or in the case of Chelsea 4!) which allows them to play 4-4-2. If we had a strong midfielder playing alongside someone like Cahill we could revert back to 4-4-2 more often and play the attacking football we all crave.
Joey Barton has his issues, and on a personal level I am not a fan ? but for football reasons he would enhance our current First 11 and would be a good signing.
It brings back to my mind a few seasons ago when we were linked with the likes of Robbie Savage (a completely different type of tosser to Barton), who a lot of fans hate ? but I had numerous conversations with other Evertonians about the fact that, as much as it pained me to say it, we could actually do with him and his energy in the middle of the park, as we all agreed that the midfield pairing is the real issue at the club these days.
This is what Moyesy needs to address in the summer as it's the midfield that we need to vastly improve. If that means signing Barton then so be it ? I may not celebrate wildly that he's joined us but deep down I know that he will improve us as a team and take us forward.
Ultimately, I'd prefer a nice guy like Owen Hargreaves alongside Fernandes but seeing as this isn't fantasy football we have to be realistic about our targets, and Barton is very much in our price range.
Andrew Bentley (18/5/07)
Sorry about the mix-up during the week lads. I just asssumed that with the season over you lads would be taking a well-earned break.
For selfish reasons, I'm glad your not. This part of the close season, just after the regular season has ended, is always hard ? especially when there is no summer tournament. You haven't been able to get your head around the fact yet that the season is finished. Your Saturday's feel empty without a game to revolve around.
Unfortunately for the Editorial team, and Michael in particular, this leaves us with the summer transfer window, and yes, fantasy football manager...
Sorry lads, perhaps you should take that break after all!
Kieran Fitzgerald (18/5/07)
Memo to self: I must introduce Michael to the joys and grace of All-Ireland Senior Hurling!!! ? Colm
There was a bulletin on Radio Merseyside last night that we are hoping to take Manny Fernandes on a season-long loan. This would be a good move so we can really see what he is worth. Does the first round of the Uefa Cup take place before the start of our domestic season?
Kevin Tully (18/5/07)
First round ties in next season's Uefa Cup takes place on September 20th. ? Colm
Hi, with reference to Daniel Lim's comment regarding transfering money to the Madeleine fund, I work for the bank in question, and as long as the account number and sort code are correct, it doesn't matter about the account name. Just thought I'd let you know :)
Dan Moore (18/5/07)
Figured as much. Thanks, Dan ? Lyndon
Ben, it appears that time has clouded your memory, old boy. Comparing Kanchelskis to Richardson is utterly ridiculous. Kanchelskis was one of the stars of United's team and was only sold after he had a bust-up with Fergie. Richardson, on the other hand, is a steaming pile of shite who is absolutely hated by the majority of United fans and is lucky to get a gig in a few cup games. He's terrible, we should steer well clear.
If we are shopping at OT again, let's either get a versatile player who is worthwhile, like John O'Shea, or try and add some real quality with a Louis Saha or a Gabby Heinze. Kieran Richardson is one of the last players I'd like to see at Goodsion, I'd take Kilbane back before him and I'm not joking!!
David Jones (18/5/07)
Re Barton and Steve Green: Interesting analysis of Barton, apparently two very expensive strikers, Samuras and Carradi, failed to hit the target for City and that somehow is down to Barton?!? And of course City have a relatively poor season and that's down to Barton also!?! So what exactly are you saying? Do you consider the club a to be a one-man band? If so, isn't that something of a contradiction? Perhaps you can also explain why he was recently called up for England duty, given that he has had such a poor season.
When Moyes made a recent bid for him, exactly what position do think he had in mind for him? Left-back? Left-wing? Right wing? I tend to think Moyes believed he would would fill a void in the middle of the park; clearly you think differently. I'd be interested to know what role you think he had in mind when he bid for his services.
Read the post again; I've alluded to the fact he would be a risk, his footballing ability is not in question ? his temperament is. My belief is simply this: he would (in my opinion) be a risk, but I think he might be a risk worth taking. Incidently, I agree entirely with Tony ? to the best of my knowledge, he hasn't killed anyone. Though, to read some of the comments appearing here, you'd think he had. The phrase "judge, jury and executioner" has a certain ring to it, don't you think?
Gerry Western (18/5/07)
I lasted about 30 seconds on the Uefa Cup website before I came to the following conclusions
I suspect that the Borat who contributed his opinions on Jailbird Barton is actually an Uzbeki impostor. Everyone knows Borat's last name is Sagdiyev and not Azamat...
Rory Brosnan (17/5/07)
Yea... wasn't Azamat his naked wrestling buddy?
Interesting reading those Uefa rankings. It warms the cockles of your heart to see us 18 places below Leeds Utd and Fulham. Three places above Milwall though. Ha!
Tony Horne (17/5/07)
Everyone can see, can't they, that Fernandes is just a lot better player than Barton?
I actually think we should be trying to buy better players than we already have to improve our squad. Barton is much of a muchness. Living amongst City fans they aren't arsed if he goes! His disciplinary record aside, I don't think he's good enough to play for us, especially not for £5.5 million.
Also how does Nugent's price rise to £10 million just cos he scores a tap in on the goal line for England against a bunch of part timers when the ball was going in anyway? Don't be held to ransom, Everton!
Alan Clarke (17/5/07)
We are in the First Round of the UEFA Cup (as you know) ? the important question at the moment is whether we will be seeded or not. The present best estimate suggests we will be seeded (amongst the top 40 ranked of the 80 teams which will make up the draw.
I don't remember saying that Barton is the type of player that can get hold of the ball and make things happen, but maybe you were refering to the other fella. Because I agree with you on that point, he's not that type of player, but putting together a midfield is all about balance and mixing different attributes. I feel Barton's particular attributes would definately add something. The question of whether he can drive a team on is were we really disagree, and if you cast your mind back to the season before this one, Barton was without doubt City's best player, and their season spiralled downwards when he got injured.
In the first half of this season, he picked up plenty of MOTM awards but his form did drop off in the second half, probably due to becoming disillusioned with life at City, but listen to Danny Mills's or Dickie Dunne's comments earlier in the season, he wasn't the only one. I firmly believe a move back home would be the making of the lad. Oh and by the way, Steve, I tend to get the train to come back for the match.
Ian Kearney (17/5/07)