Hibbert is at the heart of Everton FC

Has he been a good servant to the club, or has the club been an unduly wonderful servant to him, keeping him in riches for years, in return for turning up for training everyday and turning in mainly adequte (sometimes far worse) peformances.

I realise some will think this harsh, but it's how I feel on the matter.

Plus (again whatever his shortcomings) he does give it everything when selected.

Oh and I like that he keeps his mouth shut and gets on with his job (fucking sick to death of listening to the 'views' of thick-as-mince footballers).

I've had a season ticket at Goodison for 35 Years now and I'm still waiting for my testimonial.

The fucker's just bought a trout lake in France so he go fishing with his mates.

The Athens game should be free for season ticket holders and a fiver for others.

So what if the "fuckers" invested some of his money in a trout farm? What would you do, Kevin, piss it up against a wall? Give the bloke a break.

Recently an Everton stalwart died, and after his playing career, had worked as a security guard at Woodvale Aerodrome, benefitted from the Former Players' Foundation, but wouldn't take a drink of a fan in a pub in Waterloo as he was too skint to buy him a pint back.

More recently, one player got hit with fines from his club totalling £10m (including, ludicrously, "loyalty" payments with-held) for going on strike. Another, locally-based player, doesn't want to go on loan to West Ham with a view to a permanent move even though they're offering £36m over 8 years.

The spin I've read on this states that some of the proceeds will go to local charities, it doesn't mention all. Where are the old "Committee's" that handled these testimonial events? They're gone, as they're redundant - like these testimonials themselves.

I feel a bit sorry for Hibbo on this. Ultimately it's just a pre-season friendly with his name on it. As such it's also a commercial operation for the club, save for "some of the funds" going to a charity.

Would've been easier all round to run separate events as charitable events if they really had to honour the guy. Hope he scores though.

For me, he's a modern day Mike Lyons.

Limited ability but he's honest and gives it everything.

A throwback to the "tackle everything that moves" era.

Let me know when Your testimonial is. After 35 years you deserve it. But don't hold your breath. I didn't get one for my fiftieth.

Remember it was neville who was talking, not Hibbo!

I really don't understand the animosity towards someone who has been totally dedicated and never complains...and IS a decent player

I'd buy a ticket.

I love going to France. Gives me a rare opportunity ot feel superior....

Well done and good luck to to him

What's not to like? Oh, I forgot, he's just another thing not to like.

Its also my guess most of blokes slating him on here would cum down the inside of their trouser leg if he walked into their front room tonight.

Towards more picturesque speech.....

In an era of mercenaries - even local - think rooney, nationally think lescott or pinnear (even though I'm pleased to see him back).

Get real, with our limited means; Hibbert has been a true bargain.

Is anyone really that upset that the club have tacked his name onto a useful pre-season game (and are trying to drum up ticket sales for it)?

Has he bought a trout lake or a trout farm? Maybe he has spotted a business opportunity and will be able to buy the club lock, stock and barrel in 10 years time. Look out for the 'Hibbo's' brand name at your local fish counter.

Incidentally, have seen him in Spar and managed not to come over all peculiar (if that is a suitable phrase), though I did stammer a bit when I told Big Dunc he had left his lights on in the pub car park.

He got better at the close season, did a few assist for Jela, hes certainly improved his crossing.

And in terms of a defender, there aint many more better than him. His tackling and positioning is excellent.

Yeah hes not the modern full day back, but I would always keep him as a squad player.

I happen to think he's a very average player, but he doesn't select himself to play and he doesn't decide that present day footballers should get paid obscene money.

We're just left with one good defender and one good attacker.

I think its easy for people to call Hibbert average, and that is quite simply put that he doesnt go forward. James Martin has a point where Hibbert doesnt have enough credit for his defending, when Baines gets a lot of credit for his attacking. Although he overhyped Hibbert a little, I think Baines is a far better player.

Its just I don't think Hibbert is average, he is a genuine Premier League quality defender. He doesnt get enough credit, and I bet a lot of clubs would love to have him.

Think of Neville, he's as "average" as Hibbert, yet Spurs wanted him. Just goes to show.

From a financial perspective, he cost nothing, his wages are comparatively low by prem standards. Look at What current England first choice Johnson cost.

Hibbo is a 'Marmite' player — you either love it and him or hate it or him... Me? I love it. (Well, Vegemite actually!)

Perhaps he does't have Baines's offensive qualities, but I always feel secure with him on the RB.

Sure he does mistakes. So he's human bla bla bla.

I can't really understand why people don't see him as the great little defender that he is.

Anyway, the only player on the team I believe is earning his critics from the fans is V Anichebe.

I also mentioned the trout farm simply to let you know that the man does not need any more fecking money — he's got more than enough.

The Pienaar and Naismith signings aside this is easily the most exciting bit of news that has emerged out of this pre-season.

Although it always puzzles me how snippets of this nature emerge in to the public domain - it's not like it was announced on newsnow or anything - so being an inquisitive type I punched Tony Hibbert Trout Farm into Google and lo and behold it is true!

But what really caught my eye was the first story to come up which show's a picture of TH holding a massive fish (apparently his personal best). This would usually be unspeakably dull to a non-angler like me but what couldn't escape my attention was that he was wearing an Everton shirt – OFF DUTY!

I'm no expert but I'm pretty sure it's not written into his contract that he has to whip on the royal blue jersey everytime he spears a fish! — especially when the fella gurning next to him is in full survivalist gear.

That makes him one of us doesn't it

For that alone he deserves a sell-out testimonial!

Good on ya, Tone!

Just saying, like.

Kev, no-one will getting a single shekel of my money for anything remotely resembling a Testimonial. I gave that idea up many years ago, I imagine, for the same reason that you have. However, Testimonials have changed somewhat over the last few years when average footballers have become as rich as Croesus and in no need of your money or mine. They are now an opportunity to provide much needed money for various charities.

The "thick" comment was made because every item I've seen publicising Hibbert's match has emphasised that all or most of the proceeds will be be given to children's charities. I couldn't understand how anyone could read it, or have it read to them, without realising that.

The first paragraph in my earlier comment @450 wasn't aimed at you, but a general swipe at people who queue up to have a go at Hibbert. Only the second part of the comment was in your direction.
But I don't see what is wrong with him investing his own money in a trout farm or, indeed, any sort of business that will give him enjoyment and an income for years to com.

I also unintentionally omitted your name @464 when I joked about you getting a testimonial of your own... maybe you DO deserve one.

But I won't be going...

I am only 22 so I haven't seen any great right backs at Everton. Hopefully I will soon but I don't think I'll ever see a more loyal and dedicated right back for as long as I watch Everton and I go the games, home and every away!

If he ever scores, leg the London riots — there will be Everton riots! Haha!!!

Well done Victoria Pendleton by the way. I think she'd look good in leather. Ooooh er missus.