Southall fearful over Moyes's Everton future

, 21 February, 39comments  |  Jump to most recent
Neville Southall fears that the price of Everton's failure to back David Moyes's team-building ambitions in the January transfer window will be the manager walking away from Goodison Park when his contract expires this summer.

The Blues' goalkeeping legend believes that Moyes is being sensible in keeping his options open by delaying talks over a new deal, implying that he would be within his rights to seek pastures new if the team fails in its goals this season.

"If Everton win the FA Cup and reach the Champions League, they will have matched Moyes's ambitions," Southall is quoted by the Daily Post.

“But if they finish sixth or seventh and don't win the FA Cup, he is in a different position.

“Do Everton really want to be a top-four club? Moyes wants them to. But do the board? Can they match his ambition?

“I don't know. I appreciate their honesty in coming out and saying they have no money, but they can't keep on saying that forever.”

Southall hasn't been shy recently about voicing his frustration at the lack of financial progress at Everton where he enjoyed 17 years that encompassed the 1980s golden era in which the Blues won two Championship titles, the FA Cup and the European Cup Winners' Cup.

And he is disappointed in the Club's failure to strengthen the side last month.

“In all fairness, the board should have found some money in January and added three players,” he says.

“It would have made a massive difference and they could really have gone for it in the second half of the season.”

Despite the fact that he has been starved of the cash needed to really push for the Champions League, Southall still believes that Everton is the best place for Moyes for now, particularly as his lack of trophy success may preclude him from being approached by the top four or five clubs in England.

“Moyes has done brilliantly with what he has had to work with,” Southall continues. “But I believe for now Everton is the best place for him.

“Are any of the Premier League clubs above Everton going to take on someone as manager who hasn't won a trophy? I am not entirely sure. If Moyes does leave, he might have to go abroad.”

Quotes or other material sourced from Liverpool Daily Post



Reader Comments (39)

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Tony J Williams
1 Posted 21/02/2013 at 19:06:21
The man talks sense
Eugene Ruane
2 Posted 21/02/2013 at 19:10:12
- This is all total guesswork and simply an opinion, but I honestly can't see him going (despite many thinking he's already gone)

United, Arsenal, Spurs, City, Chelsea, Liverpool?

Can't see him at any of these clubs for various reasons (eg: some/all of them not wanting him, or him not wanting to go anywhere where there's interference).

Newcastle, Stoke, Swansea etc?

Well we tend to finish between 5th and 8th and often above 'the rest' so from his point, why would he?

Plus if he did, his battle for money/players wouldn't be THAT different (at most other clubs).

Germany?

Well he has expressed an interest but unless he already has something set-up (which is possible) it would mean a decent top-4 side over there sacking a manager at the end of May and thinking 'Moyes is our man'.

Possible but not very likely.

Plus there are very few places where he would be on the poke we pay him (nb: not saying he's money mad but never easy to take a cut).

Maybe I've missed something but my guess is he'll sign again.


Gareth Fieldstead
3 Posted 21/02/2013 at 19:46:15
Good points Eugene, but Liverpool took a huge gamble on a coach who hadn't even had much premiership experience. They could well win the EL but defeat tonight and he has done worse than his predecessor. I think Moyes had to prove he could play attractive football which over the last 14 months he has achieved that. I felt sorry for him in January because even with Fer he knew there was no guarantees he would be allowed to strengthen. I think he has to go, because he just looks like a money grabber or a man without ambition if he stayed and although I don't know the man I don't think he is either of them.
Tony McNulty
4 Posted 21/02/2013 at 19:59:44
Sorry all but I'm a bit bored with the, "will he? won't he?" link, whcih is destined to go on for months and months.

Unless you look like Brad Pitt it might remind some of you of attempts to chat up certain women. Yeh they will consider going out with you but they won't commit until the end of the dance/disco/hop/ they've seen what other offers they might get.

Shag off now, was always my reaction.

Philip Quilliam
5 Posted 21/02/2013 at 20:15:17
Tom. You found that didn't work? Am shocked.
James Flynn
6 Posted 21/02/2013 at 20:20:56
Eugene (271) — "Maybe I've missed something but my guess is he'll sign again".

My guess is that it's signed, sealed, and delivered he's gone and he and Kenwright and them have agreed so. The last transfer window seems to indicate it.

Would add, with all the speculation, not sure why anyone thinks he'll manage another club next season if he leaves us. Would guess he doesn't need the money and will sort out the offers; which he'll get.

And just as an American, Moyes want you to re-sign. But if you don't, please come manage my MLS Red Bulls. Please!!!

And since I'm at it, Moyes goes? Kenwright, sign up Bruce Arena. He's a decade overdue managing in the EPL. Much better than the usual suspects being touted.

Eugene Ruane
7 Posted 21/02/2013 at 20:56:20
Tony (278) you use the analogy..

"Yeh they will consider going out with you but they won't commit until the end of the dance/disco/hop/ they've seen what other offers they might get"

This isn't a situation I'm familiar with as I was a regular at the Grafton.

(and unfortunately I can't think of a Moyes leaving analogy that involves buying a drunken 55 year old women a hot dog, then giving her one in the doorway of Betfred).

Tony McNulty
8 Posted 21/02/2013 at 21:17:28
Philip

I never said it didn’t work (although I’m not sure how Tom got on). Although I am sometimes reminded of Woody Allen, who said that Parker Brothers had made an offer for the story of his sex life and were planning to turn it into a game.

Eugene

You might be able to think of a Rooney analogy not dissimilar to the scenario you suggest. And by the way I don’t believe things were like that when you were in Sweden. Especially given your linkedin photo.

Seriously folks. Does anyone want this endless speculation for month after month? In the business world, there's only ever one answer to the threat of resignation. It is as follows: "The door's that wooden thing in the corner."

Danny Broderick
9 Posted 21/02/2013 at 21:18:10
Southall is the only one of our ex-players who is worth listening to. He is the only one who tells it like it is.

I went to a Q&A/book signing thing in London at the Welsh Society last year, and he was quality. I asked him what he thought of Bill Kenwright – his answer was, "I think he's a nob. I mean, he works in show business, but he can't sell Everton? I think he's a fucking nob!"

He later added that he believes the club is for sale, but that Kenwright & Co are holding out for a massive profit.

None of this is anything new, but coming from an ex-player, I was delighted that the penny had finally dropped with at least one of them. Sharp, Snodin and Horne would have been playing the violin on the Titanic...

By the way, he also said that Everton is the biggest club that Moyes will manage, and that Moyes is a cautious manager, and he'd like to see him go for it a bit more (while recognising the good job he has done, I must add).

Once again, I repeat. Southall is the only one of our ex-players worth listening to, and he is quality live if anyone gets the chance...

Andrew Gilbert
10 Posted 21/02/2013 at 21:37:54
If he goes this year, it will probably be for a stint on TV, have a break and see what happens.
Philip Quilliam
11 Posted 21/02/2013 at 21:40:06
Danny (I think I have the name right this time) Nev was certainly quality live back in the day, by some distance the best I have ever seen live.
Colin Glassar
13 Posted 21/02/2013 at 22:33:14
Southall for manager!!

I agree with him when he says the board haven't really backed Moyes with sufficient funds over the years but, Moyes has accepted this situation while being paid a fortune.

John Maxwell
14 Posted 22/02/2013 at 00:35:56
I won't blame Moyes one bit for leaving and I think this will be his last season.

We could get to the Cup Final with a lucky semi-final draw but don't see us winning it and we will come up just a bit short of getting 4th.

Fair play to Southall for telling it like it is.

So what for the new manager? Surely just running into the same brick wall?

Patrick Murphy
15 Posted 22/02/2013 at 01:12:55
I've only drawn attention to this article from the Daily Post because Mark Lawrenson is supposed to be pally with David Moyes.

Lawrenson says: 'I do think there’s a real possibility Moyes could go in the summer – provided there is somewhere else worthwhile to go, of course.

It’s got to the stage where every season is Groundhog Day for him. I’ve always said he is as good a manager as any with the resources he has had at his disposal.'

In the rest of the article he also says that DM would like to be able to walk into the Chairman's office during the January transfer window and say I would like to add xyz to the squad and for the wheels to be set in motion, a luxury according to ML that DM hasn't had at Goodison.

That would seem to indicate pretty strongly that our suspicions that the board let David Moyes down during the last transfer window, are not too far off the mark.

Paul Ferry
16 Posted 22/02/2013 at 03:25:00
Grafton Rooms, Eugene?

Spot on, big Nev.

Jackie Barry
17 Posted 22/02/2013 at 05:37:29
He will sign a new contract in the summer and that will be our star signing. BK will hope this will keep the fans happy!
Phil Sammon
18 Posted 22/02/2013 at 07:07:22
Someone the other day was saying that Moyes has already had offers from Germany.

I wouldn't be surprised because everyone thinks he's a better manager than he actually is. And this is coming from someone who appreciates what Moyes has done for the club. I think only Evertonians recognise how woefully inept he is tactically.

In many ways I'll be sad to see him go. He has done a great job. However, though he thinks he has gone as far as he can with Everton - I think Everton have perhaps gone as far as we can with Moyes.

Our next manager - I want him to be young, hungry and to look to our youth system.

Keith Edmunds
19 Posted 22/02/2013 at 09:10:46
My theory for what its worth is that Moyes declared his love for Germany when the Bayern Munich job was open. Its now gone and he will either stay or take a year sabatical.
Anto Byrne
20 Posted 22/02/2013 at 09:48:08
Dave Thomas pointed out a simple fact that we as Evertonians know all too well: Moyes is not a manager that has built a team around flair. We do have flair players but they play to the manager's tune of safety first. All eleven back to defend a corner and, if they manage to clear it, it comes straight back. Oldham is case in point.

Moyes has done a good job, built a good side but when it comes to the crunch the negative side of the manager come to the fore. We should have beaten Kenny D's pretty ordinary team, capitulation and surrender is the hallmark of Moyes 11 year reign. So sign him up or another 5 years and endure the same ole shite.

Phil Sammon
21 Posted 22/02/2013 at 11:08:43
He's not that delusional surely, Keith.
Clive Rogers
22 Posted 22/02/2013 at 11:26:41
I don't think the money was ever there in January. Elstone said a few weeks before there is ony a small amount, i.e. the £1.5M from the French mid that fell through. Moyes told us loan deals were most likey. Then after the dodgy knee business they offerred £1.5M which wasn't enough. Say no more.
Clive Rogers
23 Posted 22/02/2013 at 11:38:43
That was £1.5M downpayment.
Peter Davies
24 Posted 22/02/2013 at 13:14:31
Shouldn't we be aiming our frustrations directly at the board? I believe that three of our directors between them have personal fortunes totalling getting on for one and a half billion pounds. Surely they wouldn't miss giving Moysie a tranfer pot of 30 mill? If that's too much for them how about £15 mill and an interest free loan of another £15 mill...or am I just a dumb idiot?
Phil Sammon
25 Posted 22/02/2013 at 13:22:25
Peter

Why would they invest their own money? You don't get rich throwing money down the pan.

Richard Jones
26 Posted 22/02/2013 at 13:30:36
Allow me to retort Phil, what are they here for if they don't want to invest or can't find investment. I'm afraid they've failed us and should fuck off!! I wont hold my breathe because I believe they are all hanging on for a big pay day.
Clive Rogers
27 Posted 22/02/2013 at 13:59:15
Richard, I couldn't agree more.

Also, BK is not as hard up as he makes out. His theatre production company, "Bill Kenwright Ltd" is the biggest in the world. He made a fortune from Blood Brothers which played all over the globe.

Jay Harris
28 Posted 22/02/2013 at 13:35:55
Phil,

It wouldn't be money down the pan if they're genuine about selling up because securing Champions League will enhance the value, profile and saleability of the club.

However, I just believe the board (Green, Earl and Grantchester) would not put money in while Kenwright is in charge.

Paul Gregg (a lifelong friend) realized his shortcomings so the likes of Earl, Green and Grantchester who IMO are much sharper have worked him out by now. He reminds me of those false beggars in the tube stations that con people out of thousands.

Andy Meighan
29 Posted 22/02/2013 at 14:17:38
Big Nev isn't a liar, is he. He's right. Kenwright is a fucking knob. Great to hear that from one of our legends instead of the usual PR claptrap.
Michael Kenrick
30 Posted 22/02/2013 at 15:20:21
Just to keep things straight, Jay (#404), the Everton Board does not feature Sir Philip Green or Lord Grantchester.

The Everton Board of Directors:

Bill Kenwright
Jon Woods
Robert Earl
Sir Philip Carter

Grantchester owns around 2,773 shares (~8%); he left the Board in December 2000.

Sir Philip Green... ??? Nobody seems to know what his involvement with Everton, is beyond being a special 'friend' — according to Bill Kenwright.

Harold Matthews
31 Posted 22/02/2013 at 14:53:05
The £62ml wage bill with nothing left for transfers probably signalled the end for ambitious DM who has brought in quality "readymades " and needs a few more in order to compete with the top premiership clubs. The youngsters would have to be exceptional to get a chance because he doesn't trust them and prefers to go with experience.

BK and the Board may now look for someone less ambitious who can keep us in the premiership on a reduced wage bill. Doesn't sound too good but it wouldn't surprise me. Moyes has raised the bar but they are not prepared to match it..

Richard Jones
32 Posted 22/02/2013 at 14:10:58
I'm afraid guys we're all guilty of allowing this to happen, I believe Moyes is a very resourceful manager and worked well with what hes had, I'm still very critical of how he handles big occasions, semi-finals, derbies etc. He seems to bottle it and his inability to identify early on when things are going wrong in a game can be infuriating.

That said, his stats are there for all to see. But my biggest gripe with him is that he has backed the very man who's let him down: Kenwright. I believe that without Moyes's backing Kenwright would have been chased out of town long ago.

I have to believe because it because the alternative is that we have allowed a proven liar to blow smoke up our arses about being the biggest blue ever born and then sell all our assets — including the training facility given to us by Sir John Moores — just to fund his own tenure.

A large proportion of us tried to get things started protest wise and I for one am ready to start again, I don't really understand why they stopped.

Colin Wainwright
33 Posted 22/02/2013 at 16:07:01
Agree with everything you say @429, Richard. Spot on.
Patrick Murphy
34 Posted 22/02/2013 at 16:17:32
Unfortunately public demos don't seem to have the desired effect these days. Perhaps having some sort of chant questioning Bill's intentions would be a way of highlighting fans dissatisfaction maybe in the 9th minute – representing our most famous player and shirt number.

It's only an idea whatever those fans who want a change do to protest , it has to be legally allowed in the stadium like the yellow/green scarves of Man Utd for example. It might even raise awareness that the club is indeed for sale.

Trevor Lynes
35 Posted 22/02/2013 at 17:01:27
This board have called Moyes bluff and also the FANS bluff.
I have said before that unless we are in danger of relegation this board will not find money for transfers without selling first.

Other clubs boards have backed their managers regularly and O'Neill left Villa as soon as money stopped being available.

I reckon Moyes has been duped so by making this stand over his contract renewal he will need to resign or back down completely to keep his credibility.
He made a similat gesture last time his contract was up for renewal but his position was not so strong then.
Now he has the best football playing first eleven he has ever assembled and wanted backing during January to keep the team flowing forwards.
It was inevitable that fatigue and minor injuries would take its toll but he wanted similarly good players in reserve to be able to keep up the momentum.
The board have more or less taken the mickey and put the ball back into his court.

Personally I admire Moyes integrity and genuinely believe he wants EFC to be at the top.
The fans share his ambition.

This board obviously do NOT !!

Richard Reeves
38 Posted 22/02/2013 at 17:07:56
I agree with Eugene, there's no doubt in my mind that he will stay but why do so many of our own supporters want this? Haven't you all had enough of the safety first, second, third etc, all the excuses, the surrendering to the RS and other Sky favourites?

The stubbornness of picking his old favourites, the reluctance to give youth a chance? The lack of vision? The basic football? On this site it seems like 70-30 in favour of him going but what do you think the odds are on that percentage being replicated in the stadium?

This is part of the reason why he's going to sign, there's just not enough pressure from the stands. Oh well, here's to another 5 years of what-ifs and the Groundhog Day scenario.

Kevin Elliott
39 Posted 22/02/2013 at 19:15:34
The only way to make this board dip their hands in their pockets is to boycott games. You can protest until you are blue in the face, but these people are businessmen and the only thing they understand is money. Don't buy a season ticket. Don't go to the home matches and don't buy the merchandise.

I know it's heartbreaking but once they start losing money hand over fist, they will panic and we will have got the message through good and proper. They will then either (a) spend some money; (b) sell the club for a reasonable price; or (c) go fuckin' bust. Call their bluff.

Steve Sweeney
40 Posted 22/02/2013 at 20:30:22
Kevin (#509) — Nail on Head!

If no-one takes up the coming Early Bird Sale (if they have one), surely the Money Men who are backing BK will see the writing on the wall. The only way to get rid of them is to stop giving the club your Money!

The club is going to get an extra £60m from TV this Summer... Why don't they use £13m to buy Finch Farm, that might reduce the 87p in the £ to a manageable 80p in the £.

It would also pay for itself over 6 years... oh, I forgot: our Chairman doesn't understand accounts!! MY ARSE as quoted by Jim Royal.

Danny Broderick
41 Posted 22/02/2013 at 22:27:17
I'm sorry Kevin, but the absentee landlords don't give a damn, they are prepared to play the long game. Boycotting games and merchandise won't get us anywhere. The jokers in charge will just do what they want anyway...
Andrew Wilson
42 Posted 22/02/2013 at 22:53:07
I think Moyes will be true to his statement. If Everton qualify for the Champions League or win the FA Cup he'll likely stay, otherwise he's off. Personally I think he's done a fantastic job and wouldn't blame him one bit for moving on.

Perhaps he simply doesn't fancy yet another year of fighting against the odds to make the top 4, particularly when Arsenal and Liverpool will both have far more money to improve in the summer.

As Big Nev has suggested, the boards failure to support him with a couple of signings in January could be the final straw for Moyes should the team fall short over the coming months.


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