Season 2011-12 Fan Articles

Something needs to Change

Never ever thought I?d say this but I think I am willing to risk relegation for a change of philosophy and/or manager.

At the moment I liken Everton to a stale marriage; we could stay this way and although it?ll be boring and basically soul-destroying, there might be the occasional highlight and at least we?re comfortable. We get the occasional sneak over the fence at the neighbour?s wife and the dreams about her will do. OR we could ditch the current missus and try something different ? after all we?ve given it a decade. Maybe a younger, fresher model would make us happy again and at least we wouldn?t be just sitting there counting the clock down, fantasising. Sure, it could all go tits-up and we might die alone BUT alternatively we might just end up happier than ever. That?s the gamble...

I think David Moyes looked a beaten man on Saturday, and not just because of the result. This really felt like his last chance and we all know they blew it. Now, I don?t want to be ungrateful and say he has to go because I do think he?s done an admirable job of steadying a sinking ship and for a time, he did make me believe again. He has brought some amazing players through our ranks on a restrictive budget and although the football has been criticised as being functional, it has achieved results in the main. However, he is now starting to resemble his predecessor more than the sprightly, confident Scotsman I first saw back in 2002. And that is not good for anyone, except whoever is playing us.

If he is to stay, he MUST change his philosophy against the big clubs. We MUST try to win. If you don?t try to win in any sport, what?s the point in turning up? We don?t want a Keegan-esque tactical naivety but you can be positive without being careless. We undoubtedly are bottlers and choke on the big stage but I?m pretty sure nothing is more nerve-wracking for players than attempting to hang on for dear life to one goal leads. One way to relieve tension is to increase your lead - even an eight year playing FIFA on PS3 can attest to that. A great time to start would be at Old Trafford on Saturday when we have absolutely nothing to lose. Play the youngsters at the expense of the Cahills and Nevilles, who despite their undoubted passion have failed to lead when it matters.

I wonder if Moyes is actually too in the mindset of 2005 where we didn?t have good players and had to grind out results. Does he need the summer to take a step back and actually realise that for the first time since Tony Cottee (don?t sigh) we have a striker who could score 25+ goals per season? This squad is better than just sitting on 1-0 leads, I seriously believe that. Someone needs to take him aside and just point it out, maybe a senior pro or one of his mentors like Hodgson or Fergie. Sometimes it really is that simple. I do get the feeling that he wouldn't listen though and I am just typing this last paragraph out of my loyalty to him as a man who clearly does care about Everton.

If he does go, we really do need someone who plays positively, not just ?attractively? (I am not a arrogant Spurs fan who expects Barcelona type football week in week out). Two candidates stand out right now; Lambert and Martinez; they also come with the bonus of being able to get the best out of average players, essential as our financial situation doesn?t look like changing anytime soon. I know I?ll get shouted down as just making knee-jerk judgements to Saturday?s result on in-vogue candidates and maybe I am.

I?d love to be sitting here suggesting Hiddink and Mourinho but we have to be realistic about who would take the job should Moyes leave. I?d go with Lambert ahead of Martinez simply because I believe his pedigree as a player convinces me he is a winner. We NEED a winner in the hot-seat and preferably one with some cup pedigree as this is clearly our best chance of silverware in our current financial mess.

Whatever way, I think we all agree that something has to give this summer. But it really isn?t as bad as it could be... or maybe it is and we?re just so used to it now.

BTW: Not sure if it?s true but I just read that we are the most supported EPL club in USA. Surely that must mean someone would be interested in buying us?!??!

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