Martinez looks inward amid impasse over loans

We have completed our number 1 transfer target in bringing Rom back who over the course of the season will be massive but he is not going to fully tuned yet.

We have more or less the same side as we went with last year, minus Deulofeu.

We have no real pace other than Mirallas, who is more about trickery than really skinning his full back.
We need more pace in the team and that has to be Martinez's priority before the window shuts.

I have no idea whats!oever what the hold up with the Traore deal is, why would discussions about extending his loan further be such a drawn out affair?.

Shouldn't he have been further down the line now with regards to his cruciate injury?
It was last October wasn't it?
And he hasn't figured with the squad at all yet during pre-season.

I think your looking more at November to be honest Roberto.

I'm sure I'm not the only one that thinks we could do with at least another two, possibly three.

I hope he's just playing his cards close to his chest and surprises us with two excellent loans/buys, preferably before the season starts!

I think the winner of the Europa League goes in to the Champions League next year, which means we'd have two possible ways to get there. As much as I dislike saying it, I think we should focus on playing our best players in the Europa League and the prem and play our young players in the domestic cup, even more than we usually would.

The side should be better due to settled contracts and (hopefully) the progression of the young players.

Lets see if they can scrape out enough for a few loanies to help through the difficult winter months

No doubt he would add 'Roberto knows how much I love him, after all I've plastered his mug all over the west wing of our sacred home, haven't I ?'

During our last three European campaigns, in 2007-08 season we took to it like a duck to water and produced the goods in not only having a great run in the Europa League but got to the semi of the League Cup too.

In 2009-10 however our league form suffered catastrophically during the Autumn of 2009 which finally culminated in being 3-0 down away at Hull City after half an hour, we were decimated by injuries and poor form because our squad was not that big and we were needing to rely on untested young players.

This year it is not negative but we need to be honest, six months ago our target was to nab that final Champions League place sheaf of Arsenal.

Right now we are facing more games but with roughly the same squad as last season, minus Deulofeu, but plus Besic.

Its more about being concerned than totally negative.

I'm not down about Everton at present, we have some good players here now, but we are going to need a few more, and a nit of variety, such as a pacy wide player and another back-up striker at least.

I do agree that we need a back-up striker and pacey winger and I hope Roberto will sort this before the window, even if its just on loan.

I agree with his policy of integrating the youngsters into the first team as it is our best chance of bridging the gap between ourselves and the money clubs. I remember when Moyes first started playing a raw Seamus Coleman. We could see he had potential but it took some patience. In the end he developed into the best right wing back in the league. Barkley and Stones have made the breakthrough and I look forwards to seeing the likes of Garbutt, Galloway, Ledson and Henen (if signed) follow in their footsteps over the next few seasons.

The shift in expectations since Martinez's arrival is great with fans now concerned that we could slip down from challenging for a Champions League place rather than slipping into the bottom half of the table. However, we all expected it to take a few seasons for Roberto to assemble his own squad of players and he is still in the process of doing this.

For me, after the signings of Barry, Besic and Lukaku, the best thing this summer has been our new-found ability to hang on to our best players. So far it hasn't even got to the point of serious rumours or players becoming unsettles. I'm sure that a few years back we would have been fighting tooth and nail to hold onto Barkley and Coleman and the signing of Lukaku would have seemed like a pipe dream. Expectations are on the rise. Lets not get too despondent over a few disappointing pre-season results and the slowing down of transfer activity!

Lets send the league a formal letter requesting we step down as we are SHITE!

Serious guys, get a grip. A week and a half to go before the KO (against 'mighty' Leicester!) and some people on here already needing the local Samaritans. Transfer window has about 3 and a half weeks to go and we don't have a single player on loan at the moment. We'll get a couple more in before the end of the month, may just not be before the KO - then again we still have........a week and a half before that.

Look at it another way, our current squad is better than it was a week and a half before the KO last season.

Enjoy the weekend.

Our first 11 v Leicester will be the same one that almost, but didn't, get into the top four last season. Is Fifth the new Optimum?

Pienaar, Osman, Naismith and Hibbert will be involved heavily this season and whilst I will love them forever they would no longer attract attention from any other top six wannabes. We're not doomed – just not as good as we could be with a little extra push...

Of course, that outlook will change if we get thumped by Leicester and/or the other clubs we face before the end of August.

One way or another, I shall be very surprised if Roberto is ecstatic about his summer's work....other than his Nice Little Earner in Brazil , of course.

Jim, I thought Kone had a cartilage problem, not cruciate. Still seems an inordinate length of time to be out, though.

Incidentally, it may appear that the so called doom mongers who expressed concern about the poor pre season may have been right, Martinez has arranged a behind closed doors friendly to help us to catch up with clubs with a more professional outlook. You know, clubs who got their players back on time or early, (Mirallas was only due back yesterday according to Martinez), clubs who organised top class opposition to play against. Mind you, if we HAD played better opposition it might have been even more embarrassing ...

The Surrey Mirror would obviously have the inside scoop on Everton or Newcastle dealings. Excellent player, if not a bit of a pain to manage.

Personally I'd be content to see us spend this season focusing on the Europa League and blooding our U21s who are likely to make the grade into the first team. I think this season could be the true 'transitional' season that we all expected last year and I'm alright with that.

WE have lost Delefeu, Velios, Traore and look totally toothless up front.

We also had big Vic and Jelavic at the start of last season.

It is the poorest preseason in my memory and RM doesnt look too enthusiastic at the moment.

There are 6 pointers coming up against Arsenal and Chelsea and you suggest not panicking.

If we had any ambition at all we would go and get that lad Nolito or a similar quality player or are we just going to continue with the we don't have the funds nonesense while the "other top 6" splash the cash.

Howard
Coleman?
Jagielka
Distin
Baines
Barry
McCarthy
Osman
Barkley
Pienaar
Naismith

Subs:
Robles
Stones
Alcaraz
Garbutt
Besic
Gibson
McGeady
Mirallas
Lukaku

Forgive me if I've missed anyone. I know it's not nailed on but I don't think the starting 11 will be much changed from above. No doubt Lukaku, Mirallas & Besic will start the 2nd & 3rd games. Plus 3 loans to come in before the 4th game.

Also bear in mind last year's loanees didn't exactly just make up numbers did they? Get a grip, fellow toffees, see the bigger picture and stop moaning!

I'm not sure now what kind of injury Kone sustained, it's been that long and quite frankly we never hear much on the guys progress.

He may well get blooded on at the end of September when the League Cup starts for us or the Europa League group stage (though I wouldn't hold my breath)

One thing that's certain he will take a long time to get up and running again, that's why I said I think realistically your looking at November before he's anywhere near full match sharpness.

The Europa League pays a pittance, slightly increased now, but you need to get to the later stages before you actual start seeing a profit.

The league is the bread and butter of the club, so I doubt we will see the youngster playing much. They will be playing in the Carling Cup games and the initial 6 Europa League games

Does that mean 4 players coming in then ? :-)

The one thing that I really admire Roberto for is giving the under 21's a chance to prove what they can offer, not only this season, but last season too,when he had only ust started the job !

However, what does disappoint me, is that apart from Luke Garbutt, the others have, been given ample opportunity to do so, and basically failed to show any positives, or glimpses even, as to how they could add to the squad !

I agree with fellow posters who say we need a left sided player with pace, and back up for Rom should he either be injured (hope not but it does happen) or hiiting a lean spell.

I would, also in addition, go for Micah Richards, as back up defensively, would be quite cheap, and needs a change, because he is a good player. I always finish off, with and a decent goalkeeper to oust El Teflon from 2nd choice !

I'm happy to see RM take a close look at the 'kids' in pre-season. Not sure how many are currently good enough for the 1st team but if we could identify even one or two who could contribute this season then I'd be encouraged.

It remains to be seen if any loan deals come to fruition but there's time yet. Personally I'd love it if we could sign one more pacey attacking player with some pedigree. Do that and the upcoming season would be full of more promise.

What would these people have the club do? Would they have the club take on unsustainable levels of debt that we would be repaying over the next ten years, which would then affect transfer policy.

Remember those transfer windows wishing we could bring in new players but knowing we needed to pay down debts that had been incurred years previously. We certainly do not want to do a Leeds, if Van Gaal cant come up with the goodies this season Manure may find it difficult to pay a massive wage bill with no European games. Is this what we want at Goodison.

COYB.

My starting eleven versus Leicester: Howard, Coleman/Stones, Jagielka, Distin, Baines, Barry, McCarthy, Mirallas, Barkley, Pienaar/McGeady, Lukaku. Not a bad first eleven with Besic, Osman, Naismith and Gibson on the bench. We definitely need the likes of Atsu and Traore in to give us the back we need, but I'm confident these kind of players will be signed or loaned in before the end of the transfer window. I think we have adequate numbers to compete with until then.

I would hope for a player who is more consistent and has a better attitude, but on his day he can be top class. If he joined a top club instead of a mid/regation side he might have an incentive to perform and prove Pardew is a complete numpty again.

With regards to the youngsters, Browning didn't look out of place and the others haven't had that much time on the pitch although it has to be said that Garbutt definitely looks the part.

My concern is not about the squad, he has time to do whatever he needs to do before the window closes but my concern is about our preparation for which I was slaughtered on another thread for criticising and airing my concerns.

I am pleased to see we have arranged another game behind closed doors, maybe one or two youngsters will be given another chance to put their names in the first team hat.

I think (hope) that Roberto has viewed every friendly as an experiment and a fitness exercise. We won’t play like that over 90 minutes in a league game.

Judging by the performances of the two European sides we have just played it will be a lot more difficult to win the EL than some people seem to think and even with our best eleven available that competition is a very tough one as all of the teams involved want CL.

Personally I would like to see another defender in the squad and if Micah Richards was available at the right price and wages he would fit the bill.

Don't forget there is another window in January although admittedly we never seem to use that one for bringing players into the club. Perhaps it was folly to give extended contracts to Osman and Hibbert as they are fast approaching the end of their football careers and seem to lack the necessary ability to compete consistently at the highest level.

But it does look like Bill has decided or has been told to close the wallet, for now and unless some bargain is available I think what we have now is what will take us into the first part of the season and we'll just have to get on with it and hope its enough to keep us competitive in the Premier League. That is the only competition that we should be paying attention to as its the one by which a team's standing is truly measured.

Not that I'm averse to a good cup run of course and a trophy would really help the cause - but once again it will probably take at least another season before we get our hands on one.

Since I compiled this post - several hours ago - Nixon in the Mirror wrote that the Atzu deal was being negotiated to a conclusion but he is the only one that thinks so.

I tend to agree with most of your sensible comments, and again I am with you re. contracts for Osman and Hibbo, which seem to be have been made more on loyalty rather than ability or possible contribution to the squad.

No doubt this will trigger a salvo of comments by some posters, but I would say that Osman can at least still provide something, even if just 45 minutes of a game or for cover. In Tony HibboÂ’s case, where do I start, there is no question of his commitment to the Everton cause, but on the pitch he plays like a player wearing divers boots and pushing a wheelbarrow full of bricks, only a bit slower !

It looks like there has been some form of resolution ( although not officially confirmed ) with regard to the Atsu deal, I really hope this is the case, I do rate this player.

If we can get Nolito too it not only covers us twice, for the left wing slot, but he can also play as a striker. I would deffo go for Micah Richards too. Oh and a replacement for El Teflon !

HBA Barkley Mirallas

Lukaku

What team ISN’T shitting their pants looking at all the pace, power, and skill in that front four?

But the long term outlook is good with a group of good young players on long contracts. I think we are in for a "transition" season, so letÂ’s just enjoy the footy and take what we can.

Sky Sports understands Christian Atsu has agreed to join Everton on season-long loan. Everton have been leading the chase for the Ghana international after holding talks with the player earlier this month, but the deal stalled because the player could not be guaranteed regular first-team football. However, those problems have been ironed out and Atsu is set to become the latest new face at Goodison Park.

CanÂ’t say I knew the guy til ye lot started talking about him a few weeks back but he looks quite good. Well done Bobby and BK again.

Any additions in the next few weeks are likely to be squad bolsterers rather than first eleven shoo-ins so there should be plenty of scope to get some loan deals or relatively cheap transfers worked out once teams have ultimately decided who they can afford / need to let go.

My one (minor) concern would be whether the pool of prospective candidates is going to be shrunk by the progression of the Europa League. Presuming we are hoping to get players who will be useful for us at the group level at least, then there may be some promising players who are going to become cup-tied in the near future.

While the Â’other lotÂ’ across the park are throwing cash around like itÂ’s going out of fashion, we continue to be the poor relations; unless BK can come up with a buyer (is he still trying??), the situation wonÂ’t improve anytime soon.

The more negative appraisal: No better off than last year in terms of numbers and quality. Being left behind by our rivals on the transfer front. Lacking any depth in the striking department. Missing out on a golden opportunity to progress.

The more positive appraisal: Star players secured on long term deals. No destabilising outgoing transfer sagas (see Fellaini and Baines this time last year). Two of our most important loanees from last season made permanent. These two loanees need no time to settle in and can hit the ground running. More inbound transfers sure to happen before the window closes (Atsu now looking likely). A European campaign to look forwards to.

I guess I'm a glass half full kinda guy but I'm thrilled with how this transfer window is panning out. Sure the pre-season friendlies have been rubbish viewing, but if we start the season well nobody will remember or care about them.

We finally have a potentially world class 20+ goals a season striker on our books. We have thrown off the tag as a selling club that works on a shoestring budget. All of our signings are real quality, not just squad fillers. We have a chairman who, despite his failings, has total faith in our excellent young manager and will do all he can to support him. Our boss has a plan for the future that doesn't rely on a cheque book and gives talented youth an opportunity.

I for one am brimming with confidence and am eagerly anticipating the new campaign. Why all the doom and gloom?

Added to that, Big Vic and Jelavic were gash last season so not exactly a massive loss.

I'd happily not have Velios, Vic or Jelavic as they added pretty much nought last season. As for Traore, I think he made on appearance in the FA cup and was then out for the season.

Fact is we didn't hav

My concern is despite their ability we've lost three strikers in Anichebe, Jelavic & although he was a fringe player Vellios. Kone is showing no real signs of progression, which means we're banking on Lukaku.

We need another striker, that is an absolute priority & what's happened with Henen?

A short time ago,we had Anichebe and Jelavic as back-up strikers and now we have no-one until Kone is fit. Traore has been a total waste of money as he spent a long time on our books when injured and now we are not sure whether he will be back??? ItÂ’s like renting a TV which works for just one week and no replacement is available for the rest of the rental period. Why was he not sent back to his parent club?

Our squad is also depleted by not only KoneÂ’s injury but also OviedoÂ’s unfortunate one. We are a few days away from our first game and we will be without Kone, Oviedo and perhaps Coleman. Now we are told that we may be without Mirallas and Lukaku.

I cannot see any further than the first six matches in which we play against three of our main rivals who have all their big guns ready. Our Premier League challenge may well be in tatters by the end of September.