Blue skies ahead – just need to look up

Denis Richardson 26/04/2016 33comments  |  Jump to last
Over the last few days it's dawned on me that Everton Football Club is about to enter into a period of immense change. Forgetting about the ups and mostly downs of the last few days, weeks, months, even years, the club is likely to not only change ownership in the near future but also change manager and most of the senior playing staff, never mind receiving somewhere around £200m over the next few months (Sky money and transfer receipts). Put together, that is a huge amount of change (and potentially turmoil) in a very short time and it's likely our beloved club is going to have a completely new feel (if not necessarily look) to it come the start of next season.

Given the general feel of stagnation, gloom, boredom (take your pick) overhanging the club for the last 6-7 years (Martinez's first season a possible exception) this should be a period of real excitement for most blues. However, this doesn’t seem to be coming through in the ToffeeWeb threads and general discussions as I think we're concentrating a little too much on the near term. Try and peel away the disappointment of the semi -final, the derby defeat and the generally disappointing Premier League campaigns and look at the bigger picture, however hard. In the next couple of months we could have a scenario of;

  1. no more Martinez,
  2. no more Kenwright (in charge at least),
  3. a 'decent' manager,
  4. a massive wage bill and transfer kitty to invest in the playing squad.

For the best part of 15 years, most of us would have gladly accepted just one or two of these 4 things and been very happy – we could now have all 4 within a few weeks. And dare I say it, a plan for Goodison Park that actually exists, is realistic and achievable rather than pie in the sky.

Big times potentially lie ahead for Everton and the next few months will have a massive impact on the performance of the club, on and off the field, for at least the next 5-10 years if not more. Just on the playing staff alone, we have no less than 5 senior players leaving as their contracts expire (or in Howard's case transfer). Added to this I'm struggling to picture either Stones or Lukaku with us come August – personally I'm fine if they both go as long as we receive decent money and it's reinvested wisely. For his own sanity I think Stones needs pastures new and Lukaku has been half out the door since Easter (he may be shocked though at a lack of 'Champions League' clubs queuing up for him after his recent performances). Add in others such as McGeady, Niasse (will he ever play again?) and Mirallas and that’s a good 10 members of the senior squad potentially gone this summer. So whatever happens, there will be a huge overhaul of the squad this summer, which brings us onto the appointment of a new manager…

The next managerial appointment is simply HUGE. This is not just someone to 'steady the ship', this is going to be someone who needs / has to replace half the senior squad in a very short space of time whilst putting his ideas in place. Advantages for the new man is that the funds are there to get the players he wants and most of the deadwood are already half out the door, disadvantage is that the squad is going to be completely new come seasons start. Can he get them to 'gel' in time, especially with the distraction of the Euros?

Lots of ifs and buts, but there is going to be a massive amount of change in the coming months whether we like it or not and most of it will surely be for the better. So let's make our feelings known re Martinez in the last few games to ensure he's gone (may be unnecessary if the board take action before) and then enjoy what's to come.

It may not feel like it now but these are very good times to be a Blue… finally!

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Reader Comments (33)

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Mike Hughes
1 Posted 26/04/2016 at 14:22:54
I'm all for optimism.
And it could work out as suggested / hoped.

But:
–Do Everton FC do fast-paced change?
–Do Everton FC drive the change agenda ?
There's not much evidence of either these past 20 years. (I feel we largely react to events).

The current situation could disintegrate into erosion rather than evolution.
Let's hope for the latter starting with an urgent management change and an ambitious appointment.

Rahul Sreekumar
2 Posted 26/04/2016 at 15:01:06
Agreed. Need to look forward to something otherwise what is the point of it all right?

Also, we may not do /aren't used to massive change, but the removal of about 5-6 players from the first tea squad is inevitable. That in itself is a change that I have been looking forward to for a while now.

Dick Fearon
3 Posted 26/04/2016 at 15:04:29
Denis, having lived through many years of disappointment I find it hard to be as optimistic as yourself and many others. Interspersed with those years of dismay we have had scattered moments of success but for far too long and too often we have deservedly been in the shadow of that mob across the park.
I use the word deservedly because almost without murmur we have put up with absolute garbage of a kind that would have Kopites on the march.
The difference between both sets of fans can be summed up in how we deal with the Martinez situation situation and that of Brendan Rodgers.
We are begging the board to rid us of an incompetent manager while Kopites DEMANDED that Rodgers be sacked.
They demonstrated with large scale demos against Gillet and Hicks. They invaded the city centre with a marching band, banners, Tshirts and a CD. They inundated talk back radio and newspaper columns and kept it up until their demands were met.
Recently they created such strong opposition to increased gate money the club had to back down.
I do not for one minute begrudge them their success either on or off the field. I only wish our own supporters would show a bit of the same fighting spirit.
Patrick Murphy
4 Posted 26/04/2016 at 15:16:03
Dick (3) I think you're being a bit hard on Evertonians there to be honest, we've only had meaningful investment for about two months and even then we're not sure what that investment will bring. Some people have tried their best to rid Everton of the board but that was almost an impossible task given the man in charge had to find a buyer that suited him and the club. Other clubs have had millions upon millions of pounds invested in them and their supporters rightfully clamour for change when it looks as if that investment is being wasted.

We would be the same and in fact the arrival of a Billionaire has probably upped the ante already and has put the pressure on the manager when in years gone by many would have shrugged their shoulders and said well what do you expect from him 'miracles'.

I tend to agree with those that say that for the club to move forward the Bill Kenwright era has to come to a swift end, he can stay as a life president or some such but he has to have his hand removed from the tiller and let those who are willing to invest do so as they see fit. If the new owners look as if they're getting it wrong, the fans won't be quite as patient as they have been in the last couple of decades and they will demand positive change - just like most other fans at most other clubs.

Brian Williams
5 Posted 26/04/2016 at 15:30:08
Not having a go here Dick, but what are YOU doing about it?

See we're quick to point a finger on here while being equally as guilty as those who we're pointing the finger at.

I've suggested the tennis ball demo on Saturday.

I don't do social media, facebook, twitter etc...but maybe the suggestion will be picked up and spread!

David Williams
6 Posted 26/04/2016 at 15:50:23
#6 Brian Williams

Like you, I don't do social media but I know a hell of a lot of people who do. I can assure you your tennis ball demo is gathering a lot of pace with the suggested time of launching the balls in the 21st minute. Dortmund did this and it was effective in driving home the point.

Brian Williams
7 Posted 26/04/2016 at 16:54:42
David #6.

Really? Oh I'd really like it to go ahead, if he's not already gone by then!

Rob Dolby
8 Posted 26/04/2016 at 16:58:22
Every cloud has a silver lining.
Just wish it didn't rain as much as it does at Goodison.
Rob Halligan
9 Posted 26/04/2016 at 17:10:14
Not saying I agree or disagree with this tennis ball demo, but how exactly are 20, 30 or 40 odd thousand tennis balls going to get into the ground on Saturday?

Or are we only looking at a couple of hundred, or is it just one big wind up?

Brian Williams
10 Posted 26/04/2016 at 17:13:55
Rob#9. Why would it be a windup? Are you not aware that it was done successfully at Dortmund not long ago.

....and if you you couldn't get a tennis ball into Goodison then I despair.

If as few as two thousand people took one each, that would be more than enough to make the point!

...or shall we just moan on here some more?

Rob Halligan
11 Posted 26/04/2016 at 17:18:03
My point is everybody will probably be prone to being searched as we enter the ground. I'm all for any demonstrations to get rid of Martinez.

Brian Williams
12 Posted 26/04/2016 at 17:20:14
I haven't been searched in God knows how many years!
Rob Halligan
13 Posted 26/04/2016 at 17:23:49
Nor me, but if the club are made aware then I suppose they might enforce the fans being searched.
Brent Stephens
14 Posted 26/04/2016 at 17:30:34
They'd have to search my cod-piece.
Rob Halligan
15 Posted 26/04/2016 at 17:51:52
Just reading about the Dortmund fans throwing their tennis balls onto the pitch. This is a quote from their spokesman:

We have to make clubs aware that enough is enough," Marc Quambusch, spokesman of the "Kein Zwanni" group that organized the protest, told CNN.

"Many supporters joined us and it made for good viewing on the television channels. It's been recognized all over Germany and all over the world. We've had news coverage as far as Argentina, it's been great.

"But it's a permanent conflict. It was a victory for us with public opinion and awareness, but we have to do this again and again and again or we won't achieve victory."

Could be worth a go then. Let the whole world know we need to get Martinez out.

New balls required!!

Phil Walling
16 Posted 26/04/2016 at 17:55:44
As any Villa fan will tell you it's not all about money by any means. Wise heads at the TOP of the club determine success or failure, not just managers.

No evidence yet that much has changed here so even more time in the wilderness is indicated !

Martin Nicholls
17 Posted 26/04/2016 at 18:30:00
Brian - we've talked about the tennis ball protest on another thread. I've now viewed it on YouTube and agree that it certainly captures the eye. Also agree that there would be no problem getting one into the ground. My concern would be having my collar felt by some jobsworth steward and getting a life ban for chucking a "missile" onto the pitch. Unless many hundreds joined in (strength in numbers) I would worry that this would be the likely outcome.
David Williams
18 Posted 26/04/2016 at 18:47:06
Real strength in these rumours of the tennis ball protest. Due to start in the 21st minute to tie in with the 21 years since we won anything.

Kevin Judge
19 Posted 26/04/2016 at 18:49:35
Seriously, why would any supporters would want to pay for a banner to fly over Goodison Park to say "Martinez Out"!!!

Why on earth would you want to waste your hard-earned money! !!

I personally think that everyone knows we have had enough of him now.

Ian Jones
20 Posted 26/04/2016 at 19:18:08
A fly past dumping tennis balls on the ground would get beyond the searches that would occur on entry.

Knowing our luck they would miss the target.

Fans present at the ground could do an ironic protest and cheer Martinez's every move throughout the game. That would confuse everyone !

Getting back to the original topic. I generally agree with the content. We could be close to something special happening at the club. Too late for this season but the next one is round the corner. If there is no change in management, I agree that Stones and a few others should go for their own sanity. We bank the money and move on.

I don't get to the games these days but it would be great to give the players a good reception in the last 4 games. We may not see some of them at Goodison next season and whatever we think of the players performance, I can only assume that the lazy, disinterested approach some of them take onto the pitch and some poor performances are all down to Martinez and his ways. If the likes of John Stones do go, it would be good for them to remember the Everton fans for being the best in the world. I saw enough on Saturday in the 2nd half and when Stones celebrated the goal we scored and the way he looked when we conceded to suggest he's still an Everton player....just looking for direction!

Of course, if Martinez was to go and we were to appoint a decent enough manager soon, it may just be enough to persuade John to stay. The later any change in management, the worse it becomes. The less chance we have.

As for Romelu. Will no doubt be devastating elsewhere and score goals but I would prefer to see some more mobility up front. Shane Long is not necessarily the answer but he moves around the pitch taking defenders with him making gaps etc. 2 or 3 of that style of player would help the Players like a fit Gibson enjoy that, even Stones in midfield would possibly benefit.

We may even have these players at rhe club in the U21s etc. Seems to work for Man U

Mike Allison
21 Posted 26/04/2016 at 21:04:49
I have to disagree with a key point in the OP. I think the last thing we need is a major overhaul of the squad. We've got the players but they've been held back by a 'philosophy' that prevented results. A good manager with a winning mentality will turn this squad of players into serious contenders. If we make the right appointment, things can fall into place very, very quickly.
Dick Fearon
22 Posted 26/04/2016 at 22:07:13
Brian @ 5, I was pictured in the Echo and Express at the forefront of what I think was the first Everton protest demonstration.
It was in the 50s I was the lad holding aloft a banner as an admittedly small group circled Goodison.
Emblazoned on the banner was, IF DAVY GOES I GO!
Sadly, that small demo did not have its desired affect.
Davy Hickson went but I stayed.

Steavey Buckley
23 Posted 26/04/2016 at 22:25:51
Under Moyes, in his last season as manager, Everton were only short of 3 players to qualify for champions league. 2 good midfield players, other than Osman and Neville. And a prolific goal scorer. At the moment, Everton look shaky in all positions. And look more like relegation candidates. That is down to the present manager.
Anthony Dwyer
24 Posted 27/04/2016 at 01:07:50
Steavey Buckley, I see your point, but I disagree.

I feel Moyes was 1 player away from Champions league in most of his last 5 seasons.

Give Moyes a Lukaku, or any £20m striker and we would have been in the Champions league most of the time.

I agree that we now look closer to relegation fodder than Champions league contenders, I agree that it's all down to Robertos management.

Bill has to shoulder blame too as he's the boss of Roberto and he's failed us in keeping Roberto this long.

Anto Byrne
25 Posted 27/04/2016 at 04:49:08
Tennis Balls is a really stupid idea. A mass exodus of 38,000 on 78 minutes would send a message to the board that it's just not good enough.
Dennis Ng
26 Posted 27/04/2016 at 05:18:08
Anthony and Steavey,

While I'm with both of you in saying Moyes is probably just 1-2 players away from UCL, I have to point out that Moyes, well, is Moyes, and whatever his strengths are, his shortfall comes in that he can't attract the talent that makes his team whole. A ceiling as you might say. e.g. United where he failed horribly, yet at Sociedad he was able to overachieve again for a short period of time.

Compared to Martinez, I would take him any day, grudgingly due to his posturing after he left for United. But given the riches of Moshiri, sure he will not spend as much as we like, I rather we try more ambitious targets like Simeone (dream pick yea, but have to aim for dream catches) or Emery or Tuchel. Less for Koeman and De Boer but you get my drift.

Why should we pay players ridiculous amounts of money for them to have speak out the way Lukaku did, or play with the zombie level of energy our highly paid team did over the past few weeks (it felt like months).

I want a fairly young ambitious manager who has already achieved some level of glory and wants to be at a place that works with him to reach the next level. Act like the "big" clubs that we want to beat, find the manager you believe in and give him a salary comparable to our best players (Like Athletico). Go out of our way to get the man, like Spurs did for Pochettino (dream man we missed). And if that doesn't attract our top candidates, then we can move on to smaller targets like Moyes who is probably bound for Celtic.

Derek Thomas
27 Posted 27/04/2016 at 06:34:25
Celtic eh Dennis @26; Best place for him. Unless the question is... who signed Tim Cahill for Everton? that's the only time a 2016 answer for Everton will be David Moyes.
Steavey Buckley
28 Posted 27/04/2016 at 11:50:38
Anthony Dwyer: In Moyes's last season, Everton had 2 of the worst midfielders in the premier league in Osman and Neville. Osman kept getting bundled off the ball (as the opposition waited to ambush him) and Neville kept passing the ball to the opposition.

Yet, in Fellaini, Everton had a player who could dominate both penalty areas, score goals and defend. The other player needed to make the top 4 was a striker. Now, Everton as a team are in disarray.

Alan Cox
30 Posted 27/04/2016 at 18:57:19
I don't get all this talk about Moyes. He was the right man at the right time for us, but should have moved on after 5/6 years after comfort zone moved in.

Martinez should go for sure as he has more comfort than ever and the players are snuggling up to him. We need a top,top manager, not Howe et al. Our players look like slugs compared to Leicester, Spurs etc so we need motivation in a big way.

If it's the hope that kills you... I AM NOW IMMORTAL!!

Clive Rogers
31 Posted 27/04/2016 at 23:26:20
Dennis #26,
Moyes only won 11 games out of 38 at Sociedad. His over achieving period must have been short.
Dennis Ng
32 Posted 28/04/2016 at 02:42:00
Clive, yea, I only paid attention to that little bit of news about him beating Barcelona. I guess that was his moment in Spain.
Denver Daniels
33 Posted 28/04/2016 at 08:01:09
I think we need to get past Moyes. He did a good job for a while under difficult circumstances but for the most part the football was dire. If we consider finishing 7th every season as an achievement then we deserve everything we get.

We need someone who cares more about winning than losing. We need the club's hierarchy to make a statement of intent by getting a world class manager. And we need them to get rid of Martinez asap.

Denis Richardson
34 Posted 29/04/2016 at 08:54:22
Dick 3, can understand the pessimism but there will be a huge change very soon, it's inevitable, whether we like it or not. Especially as far as the squad is concerned.

Only question is how we deal with it and the eventual replacement of Martinez is a massive part of that. As long as Kenwrong doesn't have final say in that I am hopeful it will be a good one.

As for the tennis balls, it will certainly get attention in the press (which is good) and if there's one thing the Everton board hate it's negative press.

Martinez is a dead man walking and hopefully he'll be gone very soon, not just because I've put money on him to be the next manager in the prem canned. If they decide today to get rid, they should do it immediately and not wait until the end of the season to at least give the players a lift.


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