Column

Love Affairs & Marriage

ToffeeWeb reporter Paul Traill was invited to the laiunch of deCoubertin's newest autobiographical release from by Howard Kendall, Love Affairs & Marriage: My Life In Football.

Given I'm recently nursing a rather nasty recent bout of Man-Flu it was just as well I'd decided to book the day off work upon invitation to the book launch of our greatest ever manager… one Howard Kendall.

Parking up at Goodison Park I was headed for reception when I heard the honk of a car horn behind me. It was a friendly face in Peter McPartland host of the Followtonians podcast and some local radio football talk shows. I've mildly gotten to know Peter on such vaunts and once inside the Brian Labone suite Peter was in his element, chatting to the assembled media all of various pedigree. He takes to these things like a duck to water. I on the other hand go into my shell and freeze somewhat, a bit overawed, though that's not to say I don't enjoy the fortitude of attending such events. I couldn't wait to get started and it wasn't long until we were led to a large rectangular table where the book author James Corbett got things under way.

A representative of Everton In The Community explained a little about some of the work they undertake – helping local kids who fall into crime; helping military veterans (work that is likely to increase with the current level of redundancies in the Armed Forces); helping people out of prison re-connect with families and helping those unemployed to find work. All noble causes I'm sure you would agree.

Next up was Kerry Roe-Ely of Wallasey based charity Stick ‘n' Step. They help children in the North West with cerebral palsy and other disabilities to develop and become more active. She told a heart-warming tale of a boy who before he was helped by the charity could neither walk nor talk…he is now able to walk, run and play football. Howard Kendall and Phil Thompson both complete commendable fundraising for the charity.

The significance? deCourbetin Books (publishers of Howard Kendall's book) have pledged to raise £10,000 for Howard Kendall's two chosen charities with the sale of signed copies of five exclusive limited edition versions of Howard's book: Love Affairs & Marriage: My Life In Football. A minimum of £10 from the sale of each of these books will be donated to the two charities. More details and information on how to buy can be found on the deCourbetin website.

We rolled nicely on to the Question & Answer session with Howard. I was fortunate enough to be invited along to a similar event last summer and had many questions I'd wanted to ask Howard answered then so any questions I'd prepared were more about current goings-on at Everton FC regarding Martinez, Baines, who we should sign, etc. It seemed the assembled media had similar questions planned however and by conclusion of the session everything on my scribbled sheet of paper was asked and answered without me opening my mouth once. It was probably just as well as given my heavy cold I could barely pronounce my name to an understandable level at Reception.

Howard on the other hand speaks very well and with a lot of sense. He spoke of how much he enjoyed writing the book and how it brought some fantastic memories. He was keen to stress the book is about his time at all his clubs though of course a significant portion of that time was spent at Everton. “Once you've experienced any length of time here the club has that pull. It's the fans. Passionate support that you get, you can't forget it. When you're invited back you can't say no…and I didn't.”

Howard was asked: So is the same pull of staying at Everton going to be prevalent with Leighton Baines? “I don't think it's his decision, it's the clubs decision. It happens too often now when players make decision when under contract with club. The Bosman ruling changed everything dramatically. It was all in favour of clubs, clubs could retain contract. It's in the players interests now – too much. It should be 50/50.”

Regarding David Moyes time as the highest earner when employed by EFC: “I think the manager should be highest earner. I'm pleased with Everton's position. There's no Russian's, no American's coming in for instant success. We've a passionate chairman and big clubs should appreciate that."

“I don't think Bill Kenwright is under-valued, I think he's appreciated. There's a frustration there but that's easing a little bit now. Supporters understand David Moyes got the best out of players and got them in a good position without spending vast amounts of money. We're not going to win the Championship this season, no way, but we'll be happy if we have a certain amount of success over the season. What has been lacking under David Moyes is a trophy and the best chance was with the cups. I don't think the fans were expecting to finish first or second in the league but they were expecting possibly a trophy.”

And so the obvious question – is Roberto Martinez the man to deliver a cup for Everton? “Well he brought one to Wigan so why not? There's no guarantee. You're not necessarily best team if you win a cup as Wigan have proved because they got relegated in the same season but it's a joy for the fans. Going to Wembley,…bringing the trophy back. It gives the fans a lift and then your in Europe and the fans want that. We'll never forget the Bayern Munich game here (pointing towards the pitch). It gives everyone a lift.”

The questions stayed Roberto Martinez themed for a short time. Howard was asked what he would do if he was Everton manager now. “Believe in your principles, and Roberto has his principles. But he's going to a (new) club so don't change what's right. We've a good back four, a great goalkeeper. He's bringing in a couple of players. If you know your players you're less likely to make mistakes on them. Moyes taking his backroom staff out makes it easier to bring his people in. He's no major decisions to make. It's totally different to when I came back and was told to have a clear-out. I'm certain he'll get the best out of players as David Moyes did. I spoke with Roberto. Players will play for him as they did for David Moyes.”

Howard went on to talk about his surprise (and delight) at some of the current backroom staff who have remained at Everton in Kevin Sheedy and Duncan Ferguson. He described how Sheedy was a quiet lad and a quiet person and that he couldn't see him doing coaching. He explained how with Duncan retiring at quite an early age he probably felt he wanted to come back and do something after being out for a while. “I'm sure he'll be a manager at some stage because he's got that presence and I think he's got the respect. I wouldn't argue with him, would you?”

Did the penny drop for Duncan when he was in Spain? Howard was asked. “I think the Peseta dropped in Spain” joked Howard.

Back on to Roberto Martinez and Howard agreed it was important to get your players in early in the summer, before the season starts, though perhaps not as important if you are signing players you know. “He knows what he's doing with players from Wigan” (Kone). On Jelavic: “He works hard. He's got a good attitude. It's mystifying what happened last season. Maybe he comes good next season but now there's a doubt.”

When asked about targets for the new season: “In my day we had three years to bring in a trophy and it was the same for Gordon Lee and Billy Bingham, but it was an even keel financially. Thankfully it happened for me in my third season. If not I would definitely have been out (of the job). Targets (for Roberto Martinez) should be a respectable league position and a trophy. Champions League qualification, that's setting your sights a bit too high. That's a bit like a Bill Shankly statement. It creates interest amongst fans and gives the players a bit of a lift.”

“Goodison Park is a difficult place to come and get a result and I don't see that changing. We've slipped up against clubs nearer the bottom of the table and that needs to improve.”

Howard was asked who we should sign, apart from a Centre-Forward. He answered diplomatically – “I really hope Darron Gibson is fit for the season. In the latter games he played he was very impressive.”

An interesting question was put to Howard regarding who we should sign next from Manchester United…apart from Wayne Rooney. “Van Persie!” replied Howard with a big grin. “I think Rooney has one more big move before he comes back here. I think he will finish his career here.”

It was fantastic to sit and listen to Howard again as he really is a great talker and has some fantastic stories. His book will be fascinating I'm sure and I look forward to reading many more stories from such an interesting character.

Howard Kendall – Love Affairs & Marriage: My Life In Football is available from Monday 19 August 2013.

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Listen also to this interview with Followtonians on his autobiography, on possible transfers, and on Bill Kenwright.

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