Season › 2012-13 › News Rodwell fluffs his start at City Michael Kenrick , 19 August, 54comments | Jump to most recent Jack Rodwell was selected by Roberto Mancini in Manchester City's starting XI, along with fellow ex-Blue, Joleon Lescott for the first game of the new season at the Etihad Stadium against Southampton this afternoon. But a lazy pass by the ex-Blue led to Southampton going ahead 2-1 before Edin Dzeko equalised and Samir Nasri fired the winner to hand the Champions a 3-2 victory. Reader Comments (54) Note: the following content is not moderated or vetted by the site owners at the time of submission. Comments are the responsibility of the poster. Disclaimer Paul Smith 1 Posted 19/08/2012 at 15:37:12 Just watched Wigan v Chelsea, Moses looks hot even if he is playing in a weak Wigan side. Would of loved to see him at Everton, either way it looks like we have the makings of a really decent side this season,Welcome to Goodison, Kevin, look forward to seeing what you can do in the royal blue jersey.Right time to watch Rodwell in his debut for Shiteh, is it just me or does anyone else want him to be shite? Mike Gaynes 2 Posted 19/08/2012 at 16:01:07 Sorry, Paul, but I'm happy for Rodwell... watching him bounce around the field looking nervous, starting right behind Villa. He's a good lad and I wish him the best. But I don't expect him to see many days like today. Paul Smith 3 Posted 19/08/2012 at 16:05:15 Maybe I'm being a bit harsh on the lad, but it will still hurt if he goes on to be the success City think he's gonna be, and we couldn't keep hold of him. It is just my feelings on the matter, sour grapes maybe. Si Cooper 4 Posted 19/08/2012 at 15:55:53 Paul Smith - didn't see the whole game but the bit I did see of Moses I was a little disappointed by. Easily shepherded out on a couple of occasions and quality wasn't there when he did cross it. Maybe he was brilliant in the bits I didn't see.I am interested to see how well Rodwell does at Citeh because of what it will tell us about our own club. I don't want him to be shit (I have nothing against the lad), but I'd be fairly happy if he is distinctly average as that would truly show we made the right decision to let him go. Mark Riding 5 Posted 19/08/2012 at 16:39:10 Sure I must be hearing thing watching the City / Saints game? Eric Kobal 6 Posted 19/08/2012 at 16:41:04 Rodwell looking ok. Lots of sideways passing and a couple of good long balls. One very neat side step (never saw that in an Everton shirt?) but largely anonymous. Mark Tanton 7 Posted 19/08/2012 at 17:02:35 Rodwell is the kind of player who needs six or eight consecutive starts and an arm around him; he could be very big at City — I hope he is a success, he's never given us any reason to think badly of him. Ste Stanley 8 Posted 19/08/2012 at 17:05:11 Anyone could do what Rodwell's just done first half and it's irrelevant. I'm just looking forward to tomorrow night, it's been a long summer away from Goodison and it'll will be great game with a full house and I like it if Mirallas has a half-time walk out, like Jelavic did, to all our support. Kevin Tully 9 Posted 19/08/2012 at 17:35:05 Rodwell just gifted lead to Southampton !!! Michael Kenrick 10 Posted 19/08/2012 at 17:35:21 What a horrendous moment for Jack the lad! A lazy sideways pass intercepted.... and Bang!Southampton 2-1 up!!!! Hehehehe. Jim Knightley 11 Posted 19/08/2012 at 17:36:10 Didn't take him long to make a major mistake....unbelievable potential result on the cards Michael Kenrick 12 Posted 19/08/2012 at 17:36:52 Fantastic stuff at the Etihad! Listening to Five Live is a riot. Mike Gaynes 13 Posted 19/08/2012 at 17:38:59 Paul, even if Rodwell does make it, look at the whole picture. He was never going to beat out Fellaini or Gibson, who are both 24. His only chance would be if one of them left. And his leaving allowed the signing of at least one new player who could have a much greater impact. Mirellas is dazzling, and we need what he brings.But I guess you just got your wish. Huge blunder by Rodders. Mike Gaynes 14 Posted 19/08/2012 at 17:40:16 I take no pleasure in the lad's blunder... but I've said from the moment we heard about the deal that he's wind up in obscurity at City. I feel for the kid. Awful moment. Jamie Barlow 15 Posted 19/08/2012 at 17:45:10 I'm the same as you Paul.I don't wish the lad any harm and hope he has a good career but I don't want him to set the world on fire. Dan Owens 16 Posted 19/08/2012 at 18:07:41 I don't think he fluffed his debut. Apart from one dodgy pass he had a decent game. Made lots of passes, albeit most of them sideways, but his confidence will come in time. The fact that City won will take a lot of the pressure off him and it will be put to rest. Debut done, well played Jack. Michael Kenrick 17 Posted 19/08/2012 at 18:05:44 I was surprised to be honest how he seemed to stay in the middle of the park for most of the first half. I thought occasionally he was being bypassed a little as he jogged around, but he did put a fair number of forward balls in to be fair... with mixed results. Perhaps he played more forward in the second half, at least at times... but one moment will surely stick in the memory of Roberto Mancini when it comes to team selection for the next six games... Oh no, wait. I'm thinking of someone else. Nevermind. Keith Glazzard 18 Posted 19/08/2012 at 18:03:10 He played for them exactly as he used to play for us. Steady, but ...? Phil Neville would have done the same - or even a better - job.I'll be very interested to have a chat with my City mates tonight. Paul Gladwell 19 Posted 19/08/2012 at 18:10:24 The lad has not got a forward pass or drive in him and that's one of those reasons I`m glad we sold him. All bog-standard six-yard passes back to the man who has just passed to him.I`m surprised he played him; maybe it was a way of having a go back at the critics who said he won't get many starts.Good luck to the lad, he may well turn out great but, as someone commented last week, he looks like Carlton Palmer to me at the moment. Steve Jones 20 Posted 19/08/2012 at 18:19:55 Looks like United have had an offer accepted for Buttner, a left back from Holland, so hopefully they have given up on Baines. Well done Moyesie, let's get Niang and Johnson on loan and call it a day... Phil Sammon 21 Posted 19/08/2012 at 18:29:00 I like Rodwell. He comes across as a really nice lad and he clearly has talent. However, he is one of the least effective players I've ever seen on a football pitch. Everyone goes on about his pace and athleticism but he just doesn't use it. You just want him to get the game by the scruff of the neck, just like Yaya does. But he lacks aggression and desire. Moyes was right when he said, "He's too nice." I hope he grows at City. Good luck to him. However, I reckon we got a good deal. Ian Bennett 22 Posted 19/08/2012 at 18:34:23 I hope he makes a success of it. He never asked to leave, he cost us nothing, and if he plays well, we get another £5m which isn't to be sniffed at. You've got to be pretty narrow-minded and bitter to hope he fails.For some who have left, fair enough, but not this one, surely? Phil Walling 23 Posted 19/08/2012 at 19:32:23 Don`t wish the kid any harm at all but he'll have to do a bloody sight more than today to keep his place in the side. He stood around like a statue most of the time and just returned the ball where it came from. His howler was a stinker and I don't think he made a single challenge. Neville would have contributed more and I'm just glad we're left with him, Gibbo and Felli for centre midfield.Good business that, Moysey! Joe Bibb 24 Posted 19/08/2012 at 19:42:53 Yes Rodwell did make a mistake but he wasn't dragged off and banished like Barkley was and others under Moyes.Just like Rooney before him the "He's only a boy, he needs protection" didn't wash with Fergie or Murhinio. Rooney never missed a minute when he left but he was mainly a sub under Moyes, the same as Rodwell. I hope Jack goes on to greater things. Ten years of Moyes and there isn't and hasn't ever been a single young lad that has come through the youth system that has been given a prolonged run in the team and became a regular.All you Moyes fans can tell me all day that Barkley, Rodwell, etc are not ready yet, But the rest of the League play the youngsters on a regular basis. The latest bit of rubbish from Moyes is that Barkley should go on loan and make his mistakes in the Championship. Great way to build a young lads confidence!! Phil Bellis 25 Posted 19/08/2012 at 20:06:59 Good luck to the lad but I've a feeling we're going to be mightily pleased we swapped Steady Jack Rodwell for Magic Mirallas. Joe McMahon 26 Posted 19/08/2012 at 20:46:08 I hope he does ok too. Maybe he needs a new challenge, he seems like an ok lad, that have never bad mouthed the club or manager. Doug Harris 27 Posted 19/08/2012 at 21:01:38 Jack Rodwell is now a Man City player we have sold him on... his ability as a player is maybe questionable for a first team player in the Premier League, that's for City to ponder on... Good luck Jack is what most Evertonians will say to him... No need for nit pickin over a player that is not with our club. It's our team and players that matter... Michael Kenrick 28 Posted 19/08/2012 at 21:24:18 Yea, Doug, Jack Rodwell now plays for Man City. Thanks for pointing that out.I don't think I'd call it 'nit-picking' — more a natural curiosity regarding how the lad plays for his new team, having been with Everton since he was seven. He was playing today; Everton weren't.And after all... Once a Blue, Always a Blue! Some of us can't ignore that!!! Paul Smith 29 Posted 19/08/2012 at 21:16:56 Who knows what really happened with the Rodwell transfer, did he jump or was he pushed? Some people on TW seem to think he was pushed, be it far from me to questions people's sources and it's irrelevant: he's a Shiteh player now anyway. As Mike said "I got my wish". He made a mistake, but I take no comfort from it, he looked wounded out there and anyone with an ounce of compassion would find it hard not to feel for the lad.I think Mankini will play him again, he can afford to nurture him more than Moyes could (team of stars and all that). Good luck Jack, you may need it. Barry Rathbone 30 Posted 19/08/2012 at 21:46:37 Rabbit in headlights and didn't look fit.If he doesn't up his game 200%, Moyes will have a pulled a con comparable with Newcastle's £35million from Liverpool; all to do for Mr Rodwell. David Barks 31 Posted 19/08/2012 at 21:55:46 Hmm, Rodwell plays as the defensive midfielder, plays nothing but sideways and back passes, and gives away a goal. If he had been playing for us and had the game he did today, he would be getting nothing but abuse on these pages. Except from others, who would say Moyes obviously set him out with the game plan to sit back, and handcuffed the young player, it must be Moyes's fault. For the record I have no doubt Rodwell will continue to grow and become a very good player. But he didn't play often last season because of injury, and wasn't first choice because of mistakes like today. City have an overwhelming attacking force that can far more easily overcome terrible mistakes like his today, we don't. Good luck to him. Mike Andrews 32 Posted 19/08/2012 at 22:08:56 David, we didn't. Now I think we may have, Mick Davies 33 Posted 19/08/2012 at 22:13:37 He looked overawed out there today, a very small fish in a massive ego-filled pond. As he's now a City player, he's not our concern but I don't wish him any malice: he never slagged our club at all and until he kisses a badge in front of us then so be it. As for Moyes and his negative vibes, he has just told everyone not to expect too much from Mirallas... for £6m pound, my boss would expect a hell of a lot!!! I don't know how good he is or isn't but Belgium scored 4 the other night and he didn't get any. He has a good record in the Greek league but not international level. I would rather have seen a right back coming to the club and filling a hole we badly need closing. Mirallas – in the vids I've seen – tends to drift to the left, as does Naismith, and we have Pienaar out there and possibly Vic, so a bit of balance with a winger for the right side and especially a replacement for the ageing Neville and ineffective Hibbert (sorry, 3 good crosses in 10 years, but more sendings-off than goals or assists or tackles without fouling). David Barks 34 Posted 19/08/2012 at 22:36:42 We do not need a right back, we have 2 with Coleman possibly becoming a 3rd, also signing this young Irishman. We need attacking midfielders/forwards. It's easily the place we needed to strengthen Mick. At least you didn't go on about Alan Hutton. James Morgan 35 Posted 19/08/2012 at 23:08:11 I'd say our priority should now be a creative mid in the mould of Ben Arfa. Dave White 36 Posted 20/08/2012 at 00:33:09 Joe Bibb - Leon Osman, he also went on loan before breaking into the first team. Oh and Rooney aside I'd hardly say our released youth have gone on to make us regret letting them go....mmm actually maybe John Ruddy Tom Dodds 37 Posted 20/08/2012 at 01:05:41 Agree wholeheartedly with Paul Smith above.I felt watching him today like he was still one of our chicks, that was pushed out of the nest.And you know what I truly believe that's how he felt: in a strange team in a strange town...Good luck, young'un. Jay Harris 38 Posted 20/08/2012 at 01:34:19 I really cant inderstand the mentality of some on here.Imo the lad had a solid but unspectacular debut and made QUITE A FEW forward passes and did not look out of place.He made one short pass which most of our team do every game and you want to vilify him.We should have been able to keep Rodwell and bring in Mirallas for all the players we have got rid of in the last 3 years.I for one will always wish JAck all the best unlike Lescott who let us all down. Jackie Barry 39 Posted 20/08/2012 at 01:36:14 Remember that goal he scored against United? Well I believe that is what he capable of, unfortunately I don't think Everton are the kind of team that can nurture talent right now. It requires quality all around to bring youngsters through, maybe we are starting to see a change. Eric Myles 40 Posted 20/08/2012 at 02:23:55 Jay #521, I noticed a few forward passes as well, including one long one across half the field that found it's intended man.Amazing what he has learnt in only 1 week at City isn't it! Chad Schofield 41 Posted 20/08/2012 at 03:10:43 I whole heartedly agree Jay. Only listened to some of the game and saw highlights. He won't get dropped until Christmas for his mistake, and I hope he does well in his career. John Sreet 42 Posted 20/08/2012 at 07:17:23 Look, nobody would wish the lad ill, but at 21 we should have seen more than just potential. Jack does pass the ball sideways a lot just like Ray Wilkins, that doesn't mean he's not a good player... However, last night I had the impression that, in the last 30 mins, he was overlooked by other City players and now that Jack is in amongst the superstars I think that his ability to do well will rest more with his determination and self-belief than ever before as he will get short shrift from the superstars who have no history with Jack. His fee says he's in their class and so my guess is that they the players will expect a performance week-in & week-out. He needs more than potential now — he needs to deliver!I wish Jack well and desperately hope that in two years time he's not offloaded to Fulham or Stoke or Sunderland etc. Maybe City will bring the best out of him, but maybe he will drown in the expectation; I am concerned for him. Anto Byrne 43 Posted 20/08/2012 at 09:19:02 Bit harsh being first game an all, hey they won didn't they? Looked to have settled by the end of the game. Next England captain for sure and at £12mil an absolute steal. We do have Neville and Anchibe, the headless chicken Irishman and Kermit the frog to look forward to I suppose while our cultured Jack plies his trade for medals and glory and a £100k a week. It's a hard life being a footballer but then again someone has to do it, eh? Lee Mandaracas 44 Posted 20/08/2012 at 09:38:01 I'm torn. I wish Rodwell every success and always wanted to see him reach his potential. However, I detest Man Shitteh now (I used to like them when they were a modest club with heritage like us). I despise the way they conduct themselves in transfers and their lack of dignity. For example, take Mankini's comments about the Rodwell transfer at the Community Shield last week. Along the lines of 'Rodwell is coming to a team that goes out to win so this will be a new experience for him.'Now I am not saying Moyes is not defensively-minded and that it doesn't frustrate the crap out of me at times but how disrespectful and classless a statement is that? Especially when you factor in that his team's recent and his personal record against us is utterly woeful. The biggest snake since Raphael Beneathus!If Rowell suffers a couple of years on the bench to then agitates for a move to pretty much any other club (besides the obvious), I will wish him every success. In the meantime I am torn. Joe Bibb 45 Posted 20/08/2012 at 10:02:26 Dave White (#509) — That is my point exactly, Moyes and his Policy have not produced one single player who has made it into the Everton Team as a regular. But I keep reading in the media how many young players Moyes has brought through. And as for Leon Osman, yes he did go out on loan twice but he also was here before Moyes came. David Milner 46 Posted 20/08/2012 at 10:19:17 I wish Jack all the best, except against us, & hope he achieves something. The deal was the best for us & the best for the player.We have all seen the donkey Neville selected ahead of him anyway. Having looked at video clips of Kevin, is it just me or do others think he looks a bit like Christian Ronaldo on the ball. If he performs half as good we will have some player on our hands for the next 4 years. Lee Preston 47 Posted 20/08/2012 at 12:04:39 I see quite a few people on here wishing Jack all the best, hoping he's a success etc, which is fair enough, you're entitled to feel that way.For me, I couldn't care less how he does, it certainly wouldn't hurt me if he was awful. He no longer playes for us, so it's not my concern any more.Truth is, he was ineffective for us for about 3 years and based on the first game for city, he's taken all of his 'skills' there too.Great deal for Everton for a player who was not going to displace Fellaini or Gibson and allowed Moyes to strengthen in other areas. Matt Butlin 48 Posted 20/08/2012 at 12:33:12 I think Rodwell was a token signing for City when they needed to satisfy their whinging manager and although his bank balance will tell you otherwise, it was a mistake for him to go there. In a few years time he will be playing a QPR. I'm afraid that the only reason he is going to be huge at Man City is because of a combination of their (no doubt) luxurious buffet and the seat reserved for him on the bench.Brilliant for us though... Lets hope the old lady is rocking tonight. Tony J Williams 49 Posted 20/08/2012 at 12:38:30 He will be seen as successful, as the team he plays for now will continue to win things with all the moolah they will plow into buying the best players.He is a sky blue now so don't care what happens to him, all I care about is that Baines is in the starting line up tonight and not out with a "mystery illness"."ineffective Hibbert (sorry, 3 good crosses in 10 years, but more sendings-off than goals or assists or tackles without fouling)." - Absolute twaddle!! Tony J Williams 50 Posted 20/08/2012 at 12:59:37 I'm sure he has only been sent off twice in his career hasn't he? He obtained more assists than that last year. Chris Davies 51 Posted 20/08/2012 at 12:58:29 For the one's who are complaining about everything City,.. We might need to remember that they're almost single handedly kept us afloat for a while. Now, they've paid for Heitinga, Jelavić (via Billy), Distin, Mirallas and perhaps Niang. 4/5 first teamers in exchange for (questionably) 2.I say, long may it continue that they keep throwing money at us!COYBB Tonight!!!!! Jim Harrison 52 Posted 21/08/2012 at 08:39:54 chris, I pointed that out to a City fan, he pointed out that every time I fill up my car I am helping Cities owners out. Felt disappointed at that thought. Richard Styles 53 Posted 21/08/2012 at 09:57:59 I actually loved the KID and thats what a lot of people forget, he is still a kid..he has been through some really bad times during his professional life at Everton through injuries... Normally I would say Yes I want him to do well, But not to well because in about 4 years time when his contract is up, I would be hoping we could buy him back and get him on the cheap!I cant see that happening so GOOD LUCK JACK!!!! Ross Kerry 54 Posted 21/08/2012 at 10:06:38 Rodwell has the perfect image to be an English football superstar, but he is just an OK player.He will soon be forgotten at City but he deserves no sympathy at all, he is getting paid far more than his ability merits and when City are done with him he'll probably enjoy a good career at lesser clubs. Add Your Comments In order to post a comment, you need to be logged in as a registered user of the site. » Log in now Or Sign up as a ToffeeWeb Member — it's free, takes just a few minutes and will allow you to post your comments on articles and Talking Points submissions across the site. About these ads