Martinez sets sights on 40-point goal

, 30 January, 113comments  |  Jump to most recent

Roberto Martinez says that he and his players are treating every League game as a cup final as they attempt to reverse their poor form and reach the traditional safety mark of 40 points.

Everton kick off today's clash at Crystal Palace with just 23 points from 22 games and are on a dangerous run of just one win in their last six League fixtures. That relegation-like form is starkly at odds with the team's impressive showing in the Catalan's first season in charge and it has forced Martinez to realign his targets for this season.

“Are we in a negative run of results? Clearly," the Blues' boss said in The Guardian. "I don't think anyone enjoys that but in the same way I'm looking at the way we performed against Manchester City at home, with 10 men for over an hour against West Ham and the way we performed against West Brom.

"We have 16 games to go and want to treat every one as a final.”

While the national media have spun his latest comments as an overt admission that his team are in a struggle against relegation, Martinez argues that every team is battling against the drop until they reach that 40-point mark.

It's a typically rosy assessment of Everton's predicament and he insists that even in the depths of the dreadful Festive period, he could see a way out of his side's malaise.

“Until you get 40 points everyone is in a relegation battle," he continued. “I've been long enough in this league to understand how difficult it is to get to 40 points. In the same way, I know what we are capable of doing. Last season showed our standard and that is what we are fighting for. We know what level we can reach.

“The hardest moment as a manager is when you look around the dressing room and think 'How and where is the next win coming from?' I've never had that feeling here, never,” he said.

 

Reader Comments (113)

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Trevor Peers
1 Posted 30/01/2015 at 23:17:20
Blah Blah Blah — does lots of talking... just WIN 3 points tomorrow!!!
Peter Barry
2 Posted 31/01/2015 at 00:30:44
Yep itÂ’s just one Â’phenomenal pivotableÂ’ match after another, isnÂ’t it, Roberto?
Harvey Miller
3 Posted 31/01/2015 at 00:25:59
RM Thinks we are fools. Like everything is fine when we win 1 in 13.

We have to change the manager before we are relegated. Today we will lose 2-3, IÂ’m afraid

Andy Crooks
4 Posted 31/01/2015 at 00:50:11
Now he is mentioning 40 points. Every comment shows a man at the end of his tether and way out of his depth. Go.
James Thornhill
5 Posted 31/01/2015 at 00:54:43
This is a Bad Dream. I just canÂ’t believe this season: I could see us getting beat tomorrow, then beating them lot over the park, which will buy him another 10 games & we will still go down. IÂ’m bricking it!!
Kieran Riding
6 Posted 31/01/2015 at 01:05:47
Proper Evertonians sort of knew this already, Roberto.
Ian Tunstead
7 Posted 31/01/2015 at 00:59:53
He sounds like he is quoting David Moyes with the "40 points" talk. I suppose that can only be a positive at this stage. We need to start getting results asap, no matter what the cost and however ugly it maybe. Maybe Martinez should take note of a real winner. These quotes seem apt at this time especially as it is the 50th anniversary of his funeral.

"Victory at all costs, victory in spite of all terror, victory however long and hard the road may be; for without victory, there is no survival."

"However beautiful the strategy, you should occasionally look at the results." — Winston Churchill.

James Flynn
9 Posted 31/01/2015 at 02:26:41
Well, heÂ’s spoken fairly at last. ThatÂ’s something. 40 points is the goal for this season.

I will be looking tomorrow for 2 banks of 4 and hit em on the counter. ThatÂ’s our way to 40 points. Certainly will work against CP. Jesus, how did Palace become a team weÂ’re worrying about?

Gavin Johnson
10 Posted 31/01/2015 at 02:09:37
On the one hand, weÂ’re being told that we have a really strong squad and donÂ’t need extra additions. Then the next day heÂ’s pretty much confirming weÂ’re in a relegation battle. ThatÂ’s an oxymoron if ever I saw one!

I will be seriously pissed off if we donÂ’t get 3 points tomorrow and donÂ’t bring in any new players come transfer deadline! What worries me though, is that I fully expect us to lose or get a draw against Palace, and then sign no-one, or at best, sign an unknown prospect who will be nowhere near ready for the first team squad. Even after enduring all that, IÂ’ll still make the effort to read and write posts on here.. but God knows why! The joys of being an Evertonian eh?!

Terence Leong
12 Posted 31/01/2015 at 04:48:49
At the risk of sounding that IÂ’m fighting the Martinez corner in a delusional fashion... I think that his comments about the 40 points are not the same as Moyes.
Moyes makes it clear in no uncertain terms that 40 points is what we aim for each time first, and then when we get there, itÂ’s a bonus to push on.

MartinezÂ’s take on this is different in the sense that he looks beyond the 40 points.

Of course, the fact that heÂ’s finally mentioned the magic figure of 40 points itself is a sad indication of the state of affairs.

Not that I am oblivious to the fact that weÂ’ve fallen far from last season. Just that the optimist (a realistic optimist) am still look for that final push for this season, with a view that we can still end this season with something (not just not being relegated) to cheer about.

Ian Linn
13 Posted 31/01/2015 at 04:34:47
Competely uninspiring comment from our useless manager.

I have refrained from taking part in this debate about weather Roberto is good enough to manage our club. However this comment takes the biscuit.

Like many Evertonians, I was prepared to give Roberto the benefit of the doubt and last season, I was happy that my reservations were clearly proved wrong as we played some great football.

At the beginning of the season we were pretty much unanimous in saying we had the strongest squad in years with a proven goal scorer up front, now we have a bunch of old crocks and an overpaid show pony.

For what it is worth, my opinion is that the manager has lost the plot. Baines and Coleman no longer get forward. Barry, despite numerous games looking (and passing) like shit consistently gets a game. Besic gets subbed after doing much right and little wrong. Barkley gets played out of position and looks lost and low on confidence. The list goes on.

if there is a bright spot to our season it is the Europa League. Despite mediocre performances we won our group and got a very favorable draw against young boys.

We are flirting with relegation, that much is clear. My fear is that we will do well (hell even win the fucking thing) in the Europa League and go down. Unacceptable.

Roberto has shown his true colours with the way he has tried to make us play, IÂ’ll not dress it up, itÂ’s a shit way of playing and it doesnÂ’t get good results.

I gave up booze for January but crumbled tonight, 6 Stellas and a couple of glasses of wine later I am annoyed.

But not as annoyed as I will be if this manager takes us down.

Jason Heng
14 Posted 31/01/2015 at 05:03:21
Hopefully he had a chat with Moyes and learned that to get 40 points first you must teach the team to defend, and next work on the set pieces...
Mark Andersson
15 Posted 31/01/2015 at 05:31:57
If we win, its a big IF a draw and poor performance should see the end of this clown. However even a loss, as some expect, I doubt that Billy will sack him. I find it quiet sad that like myself fans are getting nervous at the prospect of playing Crystal Palace.
Guy Hastings
16 Posted 31/01/2015 at 05:57:21
If he's looking at the way we played against West Brom as a positive I thinking we can start booking those trips to Reading and Boro.
Anto Byrne
17 Posted 31/01/2015 at 06:24:20
A point today at Palace home wins over Burnley and Leicester is paramount, I think we will do enough to avoid the drop.

As for the Europa its a passage for the CL next season. Those teams dropping out from the CL will have an eye on this trophy, I can see our R/S neighbours thinking along these lines so we will need some favourable fixtures to fall our way if we are to do anything in this competition, even Wolfsberg can win it.
Andy Cobham
18 Posted 31/01/2015 at 07:38:32
Welcome to our nightmare Roberto you gormless bugger, get in, the water is feckin freezing!
Thomas James
19 Posted 31/01/2015 at 07:48:25
@guy 16 boro will be going up.

There has been a lot going wrong this season. Teams have learnt how to stop us playing football, Roberto needs to think about doing something about it.

Talk that missing Osman and Pienaar are the reasons for the performances is woefully misguided - Roberto said in his press conference that these two were the reason for our problems. Pienaar does offer something to out play (bringing baines into dangerous areas), but we've bigger problems..

Every club now knows tight on Baines, Barkley, Barry and Coleman, and Everton will do nothing.

I hope McCarthy is fit and Barry can be "rested". Might be a catalyst.

Gavin McGarvey
21 Posted 31/01/2015 at 08:17:15
Well, at least an element of realism is starting to creep in. As for all this confirming we're in a relegation battle stuff, that's old news to say the least. I'm really starting to get the fear, think there was something Everton related in my dreams last night, and it wasn't us winning the league.

We desperately need 3 points and that's what happens if you don't win your home games against sides in the bottom half of the table and let too many other teams walk off with 3 points. Regardless of what it means regarding Roberto's future let's start winning some games.

COYB

Anthony Flack
22 Posted 31/01/2015 at 08:26:07
Nearly an intelligent rambling, but he stuffed up again by referring to how well we played against West Brom....

As a couple of others have said 3 points today will make some difference, but if we lose which is what I think will happen, then adios Martinez (if only)....

I wonder if Kenwright will say anything...have I missed an eloquent liturgy about his appointment?

Neil Pickering
24 Posted 31/01/2015 at 09:02:24
Maybe the penny has finally dropped with him that we are in deep deep shit? If it has I don't think it will anyone at the club any harm and he may now realise that having 65% of the ball doesn't mean shit if you don't win the game! It's all about the 3 points today, and I fòr one don't care if jags bombs the ball up the pitch all day for Lukaku to run onto and score as long as we win.

If we don't win I'm off to Goodison later to rip that stupid picture of Martinez down, or at least severely deface it!

COYB

Ant Summers
25 Posted 31/01/2015 at 09:01:54
He will be sacked by Monday if we get beat today. BK will put Dunc in temporary charge till the end of the season, To late for transfer market, but a big lift to the club prior to the Derby. Win win for BK. As for Bobby Bull Shit comments, I don't listen to his rhetoric anymore.
Christopher Dover
26 Posted 31/01/2015 at 09:08:28
It is said if you have a problem like drugs and alcohol the first step on the road to recovery is to admit you have a problem.

Lets hope the 40 point comment means the penny has finally dropped to our leader and he will make changes to the way he wants the team to play- hears hoping.

Eric Myles
27 Posted 31/01/2015 at 09:09:20
The more things change the more they stay the same!!!

This guy is becoming Moyes Lite.

Aidy Dews
28 Posted 31/01/2015 at 09:02:39
He's starting to sound like Moyesy by the weeks!.....

First when it comes to transfers - "we're not desperate to get players in... There's no one out there available to replace the likes of Pienaar & Osman... We don't need to replace Eto'o!"

Now it's the good old "we need to get to the 40 points Mark and take it from there... Treat every game as a cup final".

Naa, being serious, we do need to treat every game that we play from now on as a cup final and give our all to try and pick up as many points we need to start climbing the table.

Let's just start by picking up 3 points today at Palace ahead of a tough Derby coming up!

Matthew Williams
29 Posted 31/01/2015 at 09:10:35
Wow I am surprised by how quickly the tide is turning against Martinez if this site is anything to go by. I still think he is a very good manager, he deserves to get through this season and learn from his mistakes. Don't forget we had some yo-yo seasons under David Moyes and we stuck with him for ten years.

I think we need to draw a line under this season once we have avoided relegation, I think the struggle is going to last for a few more games yet until we get Chelsea and Liverpool out of the way but March/April is when we should finally move up the table and get a run of wins. Any points before the end of Feb will be a bonus in my eyes.

I will be avoiding all internet sites this afternoon as we never do well at Selhurst Park and I don't expect that to change today.

James Byrne
30 Posted 31/01/2015 at 09:13:40
So relegation becomes a reality for this deluded manager.

His record speaks for itself; unless there is some kind of football fucking miracle we are destined for relegation.

How many more defeats and shocking performances have to be recorded for the club heirarchy to hit the big red alarm bell?

Dan McKie
31 Posted 31/01/2015 at 09:14:52
If we do lose today, I hope we sack him. It will be an investment by paying him off. Sadly, a part of me thinks that going down would serve Bill and his mates right. We would become that ever feared Leeds/Pompey that the Blue Bill brigade bang on about as a reason for him to keep control.
Richard Dodd
32 Posted 31/01/2015 at 09:14:00
This was a Daveyism early in each season, rarely pronounced as he saw us to safety by Christmas !

It is a manager's first duty to see Premier status secured - all the bluff about aiming for Europe is just that- bluff. Yes, Moyes was pragmatic and realistic as he left the dreaming to us on TW. Only once in 11 years did he toy with relegation and, perhaps now, he will begin to be appreciated.

To those who found him boring, I say 'Welcome to excitement' !

James Byrne
33 Posted 31/01/2015 at 09:21:42
Matthew @29..................seriously?

"I still think he is a very good manager"

Eric Myles
34 Posted 31/01/2015 at 09:24:02
Terence #12, while I agree with your comment about Moyes and his looking to get 40 points and push on, I don't think Martinez is looking at beyond 40 points at this stage, it's more an ultimate goal to be achieved.
Mike Green
35 Posted 31/01/2015 at 09:33:32
Let's see what good a week in the sun and the ejection of apparent bad apple Eto'o has done for the boys. But lose today and get twatted in the derby and he has to go, no questions asked.
Ant Summers
36 Posted 31/01/2015 at 09:23:02
Marhew 29...with all due respect, any points we get by the end of Feb will be a bonus you say. I take it you would include the Arsenal game, that would be 27 played 26 points, even if we got 3. The statistics on teams getting out of shit at this point with this total are 1 in 8. You must have some trust in RM.,,By the way, teams with 23 points after 27, is 1 in 50, Good luck with March and April if we are on 23.
Max Wilson
37 Posted 31/01/2015 at 09:44:16
Talk about an admission of failure !
Brian Waring
38 Posted 31/01/2015 at 09:46:44
'How and where is the next win coming from?' I've never had that feeling here, never,"

Think you need to look around the forums Robbie lad because there are plenty who are wondering where our next win is coming from.

Denis Richardson
39 Posted 31/01/2015 at 09:51:13
Trying to stay positive and all I can hope is that if he's finally cottoned on that we in deep shit, he may for once chuck his pass to death philosophy out the window and just let the team play to its strengths.

Pains me to say it but we should just concentrate on keeping it tight and try and grind out a 1-0 win somehow.

This is not the time for pretty football, we need a result, even a point will get us a little bit towards safety.

Eric Myles
40 Posted 31/01/2015 at 09:30:05
" the first step on the road to recovery is to admit you have a problem."
Christopher, if he thinks that we played well against WBA then I fear he doesn't see that he has a problem.
Stuart Gray
41 Posted 31/01/2015 at 10:08:30
Tell you what, let's sack the manager. That always goes well. No way is it a good idea to keep continuity, it's never been proven that consistency eventually pays dividends.

Good job west ham sacked allerdice. Oh, wait....

Dave Richman
42 Posted 31/01/2015 at 09:45:36
Thing is Matthew, you say he deserves to get through this season and learn from his mistakes .... but will he? According to pretty much everything I've read, he's repeating the same mistakes with us as he did at Wigan when he took them down.
Colin Glassar
43 Posted 31/01/2015 at 10:08:51
I agree Christopher, slowly but surely he is acknowledging the predicaments we're in. This is a first step at least on he road to recovery. He still has to cut out the bs like when he said our only poor game was against Hull, that was just a stupid thing to say.

Get this season out of the way, like Matt Williams said, regroup, learn and act and we will be ok next season.
Ray Roche
44 Posted 31/01/2015 at 10:14:50
Matthew Williams @29

" Don't forget we had some yo-yo seasons under David Moyes "

The difference is that, under Moyes, we struggled for a real goalscorer, hence the commonly held belief that Moyes "ruined" strikers. Marcus Bent? Run all day but not a top striker.But Moyes teams could defend. Martinez, and what we laughably refer to his defensive coaches, are completely and utterly useless at getting a team to defend properly. Which is why our defensive stats for this season are as bad as any in the Premier League.

On another point, I think he'll leave Barry out today. If Barry receives one more booking he faces a two match ban and I rather think Martinez will want his blue eyed boy for the Derby game.

Brian Waring
45 Posted 31/01/2015 at 10:28:42
Hopefully Colin he'll now acknowledge we need some signings in before it's too late.
Colin Glassar
46 Posted 31/01/2015 at 10:31:28
If we do sign anyone Brian it will be on the final day (by the looks of it). Looks like Aaron Lennon is off to Hull so we can put that one to bed. Pienaar, for some reason, continues to be linked to a possible move (Sociedad?) even though he's injured.
Trevor Lynes
47 Posted 31/01/2015 at 10:40:00
Sounds to me that what I have written earlier is unfortunately true. This great board of ours has the manager as a punch bag protecting the real culprits. It was said before this season even began that we needed 6 or 7 additional squad members and now we find ourselves with a squad even smaller than what we began with. This board has undoubtedly told Martinez that he will get no funding in January unless he sells someone. That is why the remit is 40 points survival goals. Every other team above and below us is showing some activity in this window whilst it seems obvious that we will not ! The managers have protected this board for years and unless we really get ourselves into a relegation dog fight they will do nothing ! If we continue this dreadful run of form we will go down. Other teams below us are making signings to help their causes in the run in. I truly fear for our club and I have actually been there through the past relegation.All we can do as fans is get behind the team but if this board stay in power with their profiteering mentality we will suffer.
Trevor Peers
48 Posted 31/01/2015 at 10:36:58
To go from "we’re not thinking about relegation" to setting a 40-point safety goal in 10 days is a staggering sea change! Just about sums up the frame of mind our leader in very scary times. Hope we WIN today COYB.
Brent Stephens
49 Posted 31/01/2015 at 10:47:21
Every day is a new beginning for me. He's now open and honest about the fight we're in. Let's hope he can also be "honest" in deciding team selection, formation, tactics and substitutions today. Win today and we can bask in the knowledge that we're closer to 40 points, assuming no "dead cat bounce". Come on! 3 points, maestro!
Steve Woods
50 Posted 31/01/2015 at 10:58:48
At least Moyes set his target for reaching 40 points as a priority to for maintaining our PL status at the start of the season. Yet here we are at the end of January, twenty two games, five and a half months into the season and only now (perhaps) has the penny dropped with Martinez.
Paul Ellam
51 Posted 31/01/2015 at 11:14:48
Moyes lite - classic!
We have gone full circle in less than 2 seasons.
I knew qualifying for Europe didn't suit us!
Much better now that we are back to the old 40 point scenario. It's like putting on an old pair of slippers. It just fits us.
Lee Gorre
55 Posted 31/01/2015 at 11:32:59
"the way we performed against West Brom....." Fuck off!
David Hallwood
56 Posted 31/01/2015 at 11:22:26
If there's one thing that gets repeated on TW again and again, on this thread by Tommy James(#19) that the problem is that we've been 'sussed out' and that teams let us play then hit us on the break. Sorry I don't buy that, because I/we the world and his mother know what the Chelsea team will be, but it hasn't worked against them now has it?

IMO the glue that held the system together was Barry/McCarthy, and this season its hasn't had a chance to get going because McCarthy hasn't looked fit all season, BUT this is where a good manager should be able to adjust and compensate.

I don't know where I stand on Martinez; on one hand I think clubs that sack managers at the drop of a hat generally don't do very well, on the other hand he came in with a promise to bring CL football, inherited a great squad, and added to it with record signings, and here we are with February around the corner on our knees praying for 40 points.

I'm dreading the next month, but who knows it might turn out like the February of a couple of seasons ago where we beat Man U, Citteh & Chelsea and drew with Arsenal at the Emirates when Donovan joined us. But at the moment its a case of, with respects to Bob Geldof; "tell me why, I don't like sat dees"

James McPherson
57 Posted 31/01/2015 at 11:24:52
The comment is not surprising as it is the reality. The frightening thing is how it contrasts with the statement of 10 days ago - "not contemplating relegation". We have not even played a game in between! That shift shows a chaotic and irrational mind set of a man who is floundering and out of control. It's is this mind set that could ultimately take us down. Last year was now clearly an illusion of David Blaine proportions.
Brent Stephens
58 Posted 31/01/2015 at 11:45:15
James #57 - I wonder if the change in tone is down to advice from the PR / Communications arm of the club, who I guess will read the fans forums and sus out that Roberto needs to regain the fans?
Ray Roche
59 Posted 31/01/2015 at 11:43:35
David#56,
"the world and his mother know what the Chelsea team will be,"

Yes,top players who, collectively, have a value that would pay off the Gross National Debt of some banana republic. Comparing Chelsea and most Premier sides,at least, in that respect, won't work. It's easier to suss out an average team with no plan B than it is a team of super stars who can change things during a game. Martinez doesn't appear to know how to change his kecks. Like you, I really hoped Martinez would be the guy to propel us forward but he just seems to be a one trick pony that's gone lame. As for sacking him, Christ, who would we be able to bring in? Talk about Duncan Ferguson or Sheedy are just ridiculous.

James McPherson
60 Posted 31/01/2015 at 11:50:30
Not sure Brent. Don't think our PR team would have the influence to shape Martinez's comments. On another note, if we do lose today, part of me wants to hit the eject button...part of me wants everything to stay the same and for us to show this joker for what he is...for him to walk away into another job would be criminal. Same applies to a board who have been nothing other than chancers for years. Where is the TV money, the league place money? Lukaku was the Felliani money..Eto is gone so it's Besic! That was our investment to kick on? The whole thing is a sorry mess. The board have lost their shield in the manager being able to camouflage the rank amateurism that sits at the top of this once great club. The whole lot should be bulleted.
Jon Withey
61 Posted 31/01/2015 at 12:03:54
Share the frustration - but I hope we can get behind the team.

We need to get through this season and still be in the Premier League in summer - then we can re-think Roberto if he is still there.

There was always a chance this was going to happen when Moyes left, the transition wasn't going to be easy - a year delayed maybe.

The West Brom match was an improvement on a pretty low benchmark - but we have to score goals to win matches too Roberto.

Andrew Clare
62 Posted 31/01/2015 at 11:58:09
The worst thing of all is that it is guaranteed that we will lose today. I hate to say it but have you seen anything that gives a glimmer of hope because I haven't. When our manager thinks we played well in a draw with West Bromwich I worry.
Even when we were losing against Wimbledon and on the verge of relegation I was more optimistic than I am now.
I really can't see anything happening for the good with RM in charge now.
COYB
Phil Walling
63 Posted 31/01/2015 at 12:14:04
Bobby is now on home territory. His Wiganisation of Everton is almost complete. Let's just hope it has a happier ending !
Richard Lyons
64 Posted 31/01/2015 at 12:17:32
Oh dear oh dear... A survival target from the man who got the job on the back of the promise to get us into the Champions League within 4 years.

Such ambition!

And how will we make it to 40 points? With tippy-tappy passing, or with grit, determination and fighting spirit? I think the two are mutually exclusive, and I don't think RM knows how to do the latter any more (if he ever did)...

Andy Walker
65 Posted 31/01/2015 at 12:19:31
Relegation Roberto now on familiar ground. He can start to roll out all the post Wigan loosing interview garbage he used to use.

What happened to the promise to get us in the top 4 Roberto? Admit it, it was the talk of a dreamer.

Ross Edwards
66 Posted 31/01/2015 at 12:30:01
You can tell that he's feeling the pressure. We've gone from Stones saying 2 or 3 weeks ago saying we've had no thoughts about relegation at all to Martinez saying this week that we've played well in all but one of our games, now all of a sudden yesterday he gives in and says we could go.

I think he's finally realised that he is two or three games away from the sack if we lose today, the Derby and at Stamford Bridge.

Colin Glassar
67 Posted 31/01/2015 at 12:44:11
Sounds like some of you have already decided we'll lose today before even kicking a ball. Fortunately, games are won or lost after 90 minutes not several hours before.
Phil Walling
69 Posted 31/01/2015 at 12:49:51
Colin, you always accuse me of pessimism but today I am very confident of a good result. Palace have several injuries and two players still in Africa.

Almost leaving Martinez out of the equasion (how I wish we could !) our lads should be good enough to beat this lot and their noisy supporters will meet their match today.

If not, Everton will certainly have those 25-1 against relegation odds slashed by c10 points !

James McPherson
71 Posted 31/01/2015 at 12:55:29
Ross 66 - his downfall has been his arrogance and intransigence - it's confirmed many peoples suspicions that football management to him is all about his implementing his philosophy - it's nothing more than a vanity project. His shift in tone confirms that his pre-occupation is as it has always been - just himself. Don't confuse self preservation with humility. That said, don't rule out this shambolic board's culpability. Phil Walling, you have a complete blind-spot on that. Exclusively blaming Martinez is not right. They are as bad as one another.
Brent Stephens
72 Posted 31/01/2015 at 12:59:17
Phil #63, by happier ending I hope you don't mean Europa Cup and relegation as opposed to FA Cup and relegation!
Ant Summers
73 Posted 31/01/2015 at 12:58:07
Talking to an ex LFC player in the media now, outside Liverpool Hilton this morning, having laugh and joke with him, anyhow, there are real whispers that they have heard, if the next 7 days don't go well for him, he will be gone, im not naming ex player that would be unfair, but it must be coming from the right people.
James McPherson
74 Posted 31/01/2015 at 13:01:03
Colin 67, mark my words, it's only what the players will be thinking. appreciate it's just my view but Martinez's pre-season on the back of a faltering close to last season alienated fans and players alike - be honest, this season just did not get going at all. The fans are in the main talking about the 5 months that have elapsed.
Brent Stephens
75 Posted 31/01/2015 at 13:01:41
James #60, then that leaves us with the question, still, as to why he's done a U turn in what he's saying. I sure as hell don't know. Has Bill had a word? Did the PR guys have a word in Bill's shell-like? Or have the scales fallen from Roberto's eyes of their own accord.

Anyway, big question is what it all means today for tactics. I'm getting sorted of scared-excited as 3.00 pm approaches. Ever the optimist.

Brent Stephens
76 Posted 31/01/2015 at 13:09:57
Ant, give us a clue - what was his favourite position (football-wise)?
James McPherson
77 Posted 31/01/2015 at 13:09:02
Ant, the time to sack Martinez was early January. New man with funds to create a lift. Moving Martinez on in February, window closed, with a caretaker that would not be a first choice managerial candidate is a disaster. If this trajectory continues and the nightmare happens, the culprits will be both the board and Martinez. This board is so far removed from the decisiveness of boards past that made this club great, that made this club greater than any one manager, that made this club an institution steeped in class.
David Greenwood
78 Posted 31/01/2015 at 13:13:58
So the phenomenal/special second half of the season he has been talking about for three months is........................................ avoiding relegation.
Dave Lynch
79 Posted 31/01/2015 at 13:06:01
If we lose the next 3 then he will be sacked.

Think about it, BK cannot/will not be accused of taking any action because the blame will then be lain firmly on his shoulders.

His ego will not allow for that and his kudos with his disciples will be shot to bits. God forbid Blue Kipper may even turn on him.

Dave Abrahams
80 Posted 31/01/2015 at 13:13:25
Some people on here wouldn't look out of place fox hunting.
James McPherson
81 Posted 31/01/2015 at 13:14:33
Brent 76, he's just looking after himself and the penny has dropped not because of the 5 months of dross that's elapsed, but more, his vanity project could be soon terminated.
James McPherson
82 Posted 31/01/2015 at 13:17:36
Brent, that's why fans' support has evaporated so quickly. His arrogance and delusion has made it pretty damn clear that it's all about him.

EFC fans are some of the most knowledgeable out there. We have class. We don't toss managers aside on a whim. However, we will not tolerate chancers who put themselves above the club.

It's our club. Manager's are invited to manage for a period of time. He's been the architect of his own sorry demise. I have little sympathy.

James McPherson
83 Posted 31/01/2015 at 13:22:06
Dave Abrahams...? — What do you mean by that?
Colin Glassar
84 Posted 31/01/2015 at 13:30:31
Whatever your feelings about the manager are, just try and get behind the team today. We need those three points.
Dave Abrahams
85 Posted 31/01/2015 at 13:28:31
Tearing a man to pieces, when we all know who really is to blame. This has been coming for years and been held off selling players to keep the club running. You half answered the question yourself earlier in this section.
Brent Stephens
86 Posted 31/01/2015 at 13:30:28
James, on a professional level I have little sympathy also. I just hope this is all about him not only seeing we're in the cack but his bog-standard tactics need to change.
Jimmy-Ã…ge Sørheim
87 Posted 31/01/2015 at 13:23:08
He finally burst his bubble, hurrah!

We can still win the EL and get in the top 10, but we need reinforcements like 3 loans like last season.

Just add options to our pitiful squad!!!!

Dave Abrahams
88 Posted 31/01/2015 at 13:35:04
Sorry that was in answer to James (#83).
Brent Stephens
89 Posted 31/01/2015 at 13:36:25
David (#85), I don't go for tearing a man to pieces on a personal level. But professionally Roberto has much to answer for, regardless of the crimes of the Board.
Bob Heyward
91 Posted 31/01/2015 at 13:28:47
"I have been very excited about the second half of the season because I can see something special building in the dressing room." – Well, three games into the second half of the season: 2-points from nine available, one goal scored.

Today we play Pardew's Palace. Not Barca. Palace. Not Mourinho. Pardew. They're missing key players through injuries and Africa's Cup'. We've got a full squad, rested and holidayed. Indeed, we're so strong a unit that our manager feels we don't need to buy anyone. £34-million in strikers, the best-defence in 2013-14, a potentially superb defensive midfield, a potentially world-class number 10, Super Kevin and, errr, McGeady. All against Palace.

We need a performance today and, with that team, there is no excuse whatsoever not to be given one. One-nil is not going to salve the issues. It has to be convincing to even begin to act as the platform of confidence to move forward from.

If we fail today, coming back with a loss, draw or even a narrow win, then we have real problems.

This is he ideal opportunity to stop the rot – I hope our boys seize it. COYB!

Ant Summers
92 Posted 31/01/2015 at 13:39:17
Brent 76, in the bar.

No seriously, he was on his way there today after parking his car in the front, he is still fully involved with the local scene, a lot of charity etc, not my favourite on the pitch but as level as they come off it.

However RM has to be concerned for his position if it goes tits up in the next 7 days, in my view; Teflon BK won't want anything coming his way.

Phil Walling
93 Posted 31/01/2015 at 13:32:06
James, no blind spot at all. I was saying it was the wrong appointment as soon as it was announced. I didn't blame Roberto for taking the job – he must have felt it was a dream come true – but BK for picking him. No research went into it – merely based on his planning our destruction on his way to Wembley.

As far as the media tittle-tattle is concerned, my information is that the Press Box has been watching Kenwright's body language ever since Christmas and hardly a smile has creased his face. Apparently, he would have acted if we had gone out of the Cup in the home match but was persuaded to give it until the end of January.

A very local journo used 'the dead man walking' analogy to me on Wednesday but Bill hesitates even over his procrastination!

James McPherson
94 Posted 31/01/2015 at 13:25:56
Dave Abrahams, thanks for clarifying that. If it's about shared culpability then yes, Martinez is not exclusively to blame at all. You do acknowledge that I apportion blame to the board too.

The anger on here that you say resembles foxhunting is entirely due to Martinez's arrogance. He's alienated the fans and really been quite derisory of our collective football intelligence with his pre- and post-match summations. Had we seen a character who's having a bad run, earnestly acknowledging flaws, showing humility and demonstrating awareness of concern then after last season's achievements he would still have many on his side. But has he done that Dave?

He's been his own architect here. People see the aloofness that he exuded when Wigan went down and they see it repeating itself here. Have you seen the post match interview at the Emirates the night Wigan went down? Worth a look. Disgraceful disassociation from his responsibility. That's why his arrival here was not universally welcome.

Dave Abrahams
95 Posted 31/01/2015 at 13:42:32
Brent (#85),

Yes, you are right, of course he's had a very poor season, no-one can deny that, it's the personal names he's been called, to do this and to to do that in names that shouldn't be used on here when he has no way to answer back.

If it gets any worse, which it obviously could, then he will have to pay the consequences but to carry on like some have is over the top, IMHO.

Bob Heyward
96 Posted 31/01/2015 at 13:44:23
Sorry, Dave. Martinez is tearing himself to pieces. He was good but he dropped the ball. His decision to have a leisurely summer, not push the players, over-reward with praise and contracts, dogmatically implement the same transparent strategy, BS his way through the troubles, and, above all, to choose not to observe, listen and change.

What on earth has selling Fellaini for £28 million got to do with that? Because that's the only significant sale since he's been here – and if you can find me anyone that thinks that wasn't a sublimely brilliant bit of business, then I'm a cucumber. And as for Bill not backing this poor manager who is being 'torn to shreds', have you seen the contracts that are being handed out like toffee at the moment?

Sorry, BK has many questions to answer, but causing Martinez downfall is not one. Roberto did that all by himself.

Brent Stephens
97 Posted 31/01/2015 at 13:51:42
Dave, we agree about the OTT PERSONAL abuse – totally serious about that, it appalls me at times. Let's keep it to abuse about his professional competence.
Ross Edwards
98 Posted 31/01/2015 at 13:53:05
Not necessarily, James. For example, Swansea sacked Laudrup in February last season and appointed Monk. Bill could do something similar if his hand is forced by appointing someone from within until the summer and getting someone else in.
Daniel A Johnson
99 Posted 31/01/2015 at 13:55:12
I think the criticism of Martinez on ToffeeWeb has been fair, warranted and well balanced.

Where is the abuse?

Only things I've read are of concerned fans venting frustrations nothing more.

Ross Edwards
100 Posted 31/01/2015 at 13:55:28
Kenwright will act at some stage if it deteriorates because, at the end of the day, if we go down, his head will be on the block as well, so he would be acting in order to save us from relegation, but also to save his own skin.
Colin Glassar
101 Posted 31/01/2015 at 13:56:02
No chance, Ross. BK's not the sacking sort. He will give Martinez, at the very least, until November to see what he's made of. He stuck by OFM after a disastrous season and was proved right. I'm sure he's convinced that his present manager will work out to be the same.
Brent Stephens
102 Posted 31/01/2015 at 14:00:16
Colin, will he be given until November if relegated this season?
Colin Glassar
103 Posted 31/01/2015 at 14:00:19
Who's head will be on the chopping block Ross? BK's? And who is going to put it there? Who is going to swing the axe? BK's our equivalent to chairman Mao, he will be there until he bought, or carried, out.
Ross Edwards
104 Posted 31/01/2015 at 14:01:03
You never know, Colin, if we lose the next 3 games, that leaves us with 12 games to stay up with Stoke and Arsenal after that.

He won't want to risk it. I'm sure he is thinking about the possible circumstances.

Daniel A Johnson
105 Posted 31/01/2015 at 14:00:29
Kenwright will stick with the Romantic notion of backing his man as he's a "good supportive chairman".

However, with Martinez, if Kenwright does take that stance, then he's effectively playing Russian Roulette with the very future of this club.

If we go down this club is dead in the water, with no Sky money and a couple of years out in the wilderness we could well be the next Leeds, Notts Forest, Blackburn having a lengthy spell out in the wilderness whilst Goodison crumbles around us.

Ross Edwards
106 Posted 31/01/2015 at 14:03:40
He will be the scapegoat, Colin, if we go down.
Colin Glassar
107 Posted 31/01/2015 at 14:03:02
No of course not Brent. I've said before if this run continues then I could see him getting the big boot at the end of February or beginning of March. The thing is I DON'T think this bad run will continue, starting today.
Daniel A Johnson
108 Posted 31/01/2015 at 14:06:36
On a brighter note Hull-0 Bar Codes 2

Colin Glassar
109 Posted 31/01/2015 at 14:05:36
The problem is, Ross, that BK's untouchable in the sense that he's got no rivals on the Board. No-one is challenging him, no-one wants to take over, no-one wants to invest a penny. IF Martinez can keep us up, BK won't sack him as it would be too expensive.
Ross Edwards
110 Posted 31/01/2015 at 14:11:56
Testing times. Very important in this club's history.
Brent Stephens
111 Posted 31/01/2015 at 14:17:14
Ah, ok, Colin. Trust in your promises that we get 3 points today! Come on you Blues! come on Glassar!
James McPherson
112 Posted 31/01/2015 at 14:15:06
Dave Abrahams, I hope you are not insinuating that I have in any way been personal about Martinez. I do stick to his professional competence, part of which does involve how he projects himself in the media on football matters.
Tony Draper
113 Posted 31/01/2015 at 14:09:39
If these whispers about "the next 7 days", are true (and I'm not doubting the posters here) then that perhaps underlines and explains the shift in RM's comments over the last 48hrs ?

Personally, I hope that he does get things sorted and has us climb the table by the end of the season, perfom well in the EL and go on to seriously improve again next season. I'd be saying that about anyone who was currently the Everton manager.

Somehow, I don't think that will happen. What I think will happen is that we'll be erratic, hit and miss until the end of the season; that other clubs will volunteer for the "Trap Door Club" ahead of us; that BK will be afforded the luxury of time to think things through.

I'm not expecting miracles, just hoping for them.

Mike Barrett
114 Posted 31/01/2015 at 14:24:29
Just watching Hull v Newcastle. Hull have been away for warm weather training and team bonding..... Hull 0 - 3 Newcastle — 83 mins!!!!!
Jay Wood
115 Posted 31/01/2015 at 14:17:46
Colin @ 101 "No chance, Ross. BK’s not the sacking sort."

If yer know yer ’istory, ’n all that ...

BK sacked Walter Smith and very quickly installed Moyes, showing he had contingency plans in place if things got bad.

If BK and the board have not already considered contingency plans for continued bad results under RM, then IMO that represents a serious dereliction of duty.

We are rapidly reaching the tipping point whereby BK cannot afford to "give Martinez, at the very least, until November to see what he’s made of." — BK will prioritize the club’s future over the manager EVERY TIME.

The squad has had a long break to re-gather and re-focus. There has at least been some acknowledgement from within the club that we are vulnerable. No more excuses.

We cannot afford a defeat today. A draw maybe staves off a decision in the short term. A victory would bring much relief to all.

I’m sure I’m not alone in feel very, very queasy about this arvo’s game...

Dave Abrahams
116 Posted 31/01/2015 at 14:22:50
James (#112),

No, James, I thought your remarks were justified and you didn't use any personnel attacks on the manager. I understand Martinez getting stick, he will, or should acknowledge that himself; it's the personnel abuse which I think is out of order.

James Marshall
117 Posted 31/01/2015 at 14:33:32
For once Jay I agree with you. Not feeling good about today's game at all.
Gavin Ramejkis
120 Posted 31/01/2015 at 14:46:48
Even a win today is just papering over some pretty big cracks.

There are real problems with the ageing squad and a stubborn refusal to change formation and gameplay that is getting us nowhere.

Bob Heyward
121 Posted 31/01/2015 at 14:49:27
Well said, Jay. Some want him given till the end of March. MARCH!

At what point do we start respecting the next manager, giving him time to act, instead of over-respecting someone who is going? Everton are bigger than Martinez and attempts to assuage his ego.

That type of half-measured dancing around the pin-head is exactly how Wigan went down. He cannot turn around this mess, because he IS the mess. Leave it till March? Sign our relegation warrant...

Jeff Armstrong
122 Posted 31/01/2015 at 18:11:51
The majority of Evertonians surely want this clown sacked, but there's a distinct lack of alternatives being bandied about, I'd like to throw a name out there, wait for it – don't laugh – step forward ..... Gary Neville.

He has recently spoke about deciding his future in the next 18 months, about whether it's in coaching or the media. Well, let's make him decide in the next 18 days.

Think about it, he has learned off the best coach in the history of modern football, he talks absolute sense on his commentary, he knows how to prepare for a game, whether it's Shrewsbury away in an FA Cup tie or European cup final.

This lad could make a great manager, as long as he leaves his "busy cunt"of a brother on MotD!

Andy Crooks
123 Posted 31/01/2015 at 18:42:57
Jeff, while my next door neighbour's cat remains unemployed there is, indeed, a viable alternative to Martinez.
Jim Bennings
124 Posted 01/02/2015 at 10:49:23
A good win but we are still shite and basically playing to finish 13th.

Dreading next week because we just know that we won't play the game like a derby match, we all know we will persist with the snail-paced slow passing football and no doubt kill ourselves with a self-destruct job.

I'm dreading next but, then again, I'm dreading the closure of the transfer window tomorrow with the prospect of seeing this tired jaded team struggling through games.

David Ellis
126 Posted 02/02/2015 at 06:13:44
I continue to be appalled by the mob that is ToffeeWeb, with a few honourable exceptions. Continuity generally performs better than constant chopping and changing. Kenwright gets this, so forget about changing the manager. It will come good and we are not going down.

In the real world there are bumps in the road and this season is one of them. Moyes's second full season was another. Even Wenger has people calling for his head so I suppose I should not be surprised, but guys where is your perspective? I would gladly take your money if you want to bet that Everton will be relegated.


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