Foxes' Ascendency in Stark Contrast to Everton's Collapse

For the second away game in succession, Everton were shockingly inept, gutless and directionless. The Blues not only formed the guard of honour for the new Champions, they pretty much lay down and became the blue carpet over which Claudio Ranieri's men trampled towards lifting the trophy.

Lyndon Lloyd 07/05/2016 52comments  |  Jump to last

It was only about three weeks ago that Roberto Martinez was trumpeting Everton's away form as the “way forward” for his increasingly beleaguered team and describing it as “Champions League” level. His calculations were off a little — at the time, it would have put them just outside the top four in the Premier League “away table” — but the Toffees' performances since then have made a mockery of his claims.

The disgraceful showing at Anfield was only punished by a 4-0 hammering by a profligate Liverpool and today Leicester limbered up for their epic title celebrations with a similarly comprehensive display as Everton not only formed the guard of honour for the new Champions, they pretty much lay down and became the blue carpet over which Claudio Ranieri's men trampled towards lifting the trophy. Far from being top-four calibre, Everton's away record is now the ninth-best in the top flight and with that rather flimsy straw to clutch at gone, the manager has surely run out of road at Goodison Park.

Just a few weeks after admonishing Leighton Baines for his quite accurate observation that this Everton side lack chemistry, Martinez was forced to admit that his team had played like individuals who couldn't even get the basics right. He was referring to this 3-1 defeat at the King Power Stadium but it might just as well have been an epitaph for the entire 2015-16 season based on the way it has unravelled in recent weeks.

For the second away game in succession, the Blues were shockingly inept, gutless and directionless. From Riyad Mahrez, who you'd expect, to Wes Morgan, who you certainly wouldn't, Leicester waltzed through Martinez's porous outfit at will at times and only a combination of Joel Robles — a lone bastion of fight and defiance in a side bereft of spine — some last-ditch tackles by Aaron Lennon and the game but exposed Matthew Pennington, and profligacy by the likes of Jamie Vardy kept the home side's tally as low as three.

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The Foxes took just five minutes to take the lead with an embarrassingly simple cross by Andy King from an ocean of space on the right that picked out Vardy unmarked in the centre to plunder his almost obligatory goal.

By the 33rd minute it was 2-0. Mahrez jinked his way between two defenders, drawing a tackle from Baines that pushed the ball into the path of King and he despatched it emphatically past Robles.

In between, King had despatched a header straight at Robles, Fuchs had steamed towards the box but was halted by Lennon, and Kante had forced the Blues' keeper into spilling a hard, low drive in the first half hour as the jubilation rumbled and rolled through Leicester's stadium.

At the other end, a decent move where Bryan Oviedo appeared on the overlap before crossing in search of Romelu Lukaku in the centre was Everton's best moment of the first half but the Belgian appeared half-hearted in his attempts to get a foot to it and guide it past Kasper Schmeichel and Marcin Wasilweski cleared.

Indeed, Lukaku's demeanour and body language was telling of the entire sorry mess. Gone was the drive and determination that he once shared with Ross Barkley at the head of Everton's attack, replaced by an apathy and resignation at the team's declining fortunes and waning hope under Martinez.

Oumar Niasse, starting for the second time in a week, at least showed some more composure with the ball at his feet than on previous occasions but he still looked shockingly short of the ability required for this level. Oviedo was again struggling in the right back role that he should never have been asked to fill again after his nightmare at Anfield. In midfield, there was just no direction or impetus from Barkley, playing too deep, Tom Cleverley, Lennon or James McCarthy.

Leicester, meanwhile, revelled in the space they were afforded to probe the Blues' back line and Mahrez, who, fortunately, didn't run the show for the hosts in the manner that earned him the PFA Player of the Year award otherwise it could have been much worse, surged towards the Everton box but was hauled down by Pennington, who was booked for his troubles.

The Algerian wasted the resulting direct free kick and put a header over the bar in first-half stoppage time but the destiny of the three points was in no doubt by the halfway stage.

Everton could have made it somewhat interesting almost immediately after the interval when Niasse found himself clean through behind the Leicester defence but, seemingly caught in two minds whether to keep going or try and lob the onrushing keeper he effected a tame shot that Schmeichel simply headed away. From the same attack, Lukaku tried to back-heel the loose ball home but the ‘keeper was there again to smother it.

A dozen or so minutes later, Lukaku tried to guide in John Stones's downward header off a corner but Schmeichel again foiled him from point-blank range while Fuchs popped up in a one-on-one situation with Robles at the other end but Robles made an excellent save with an out-stretched leg to prevent Leicester from taking a 3-0 lead.

It merely delayed the inevitable, however, as within three minutes Vardy had profited from a margin offside decision and was in on goal before he was tripped by the unfortunate Pennington and referee Andre Marriner pointed to the spot. Vardy banged the penalty past Robles and he would get another opportunity from 12 yards a few minutes later when Darron Gibson, on for Cleverley, scythed through Jeffrey Schlupp with a late tackle and Marriner again awarded the penalty.

This time, however, Vardy's exuberance got the better of him and he smashed it high over the crossbar, drawing a defiant reaction from Robles in response to the England striker's taunting as he wheeled away in celebration after the first spot kick.

Vardy's search for a hat-trick ended with two shots deflected wide and Pennington dispossessing him impressively just as he was about to “pull the trigger”. Everton, meanwhile, had just a decent low shot by Oviedo that Schmeichel turned aside two-handed to show for their limp efforts before Kevin Mirallas grabbed a lovely solo goal two minutes from time.

The Belgian, who had come on after 62 minutes in place of Niasse, was rewarded for a determined run after he shrugged off one opponent, shimmied past two more and then made the most of a fortunate bounce by slotting past Schmeichel to make it 3-1.

It was scant consolation for those Evertonians who had made the trip and not graciously sold their ticket to Leicester fans wanting to be part of the greatest day in their club's history. Once again, Blues fans had travelled to witness their side be humiliated and many of them ended the contest by chanting loudly for Martinez's ouster from the manager's position.

That can't come soon enough now, unfortunately. He has spoken this week of being in a stronger position than when he started three years ago and while he may have been talking about knowing what was needed to push the team forward, it's clear that the incumbent of the Goodison hot seat hasn't looked so weak since the last days of Walter Smith

As has been argued before on these pages, Roberto should have gone after the Anfield debacle and he surely remains a “dead man walking” awaiting his fate at the end of the season. Assuming the hook doesn't come before then, he will face an atmosphere at the Norwich home game next weekend that is likely to be more hostile than the apathetic uneasiness with which much of the Bournemouth game was greeted.

It would surely do the man more favours to make an announcement before the final match to the effect that he will be leaving the post in June so that he is spared the banners and the chants baying for his sacking. You feel that were it handled in that manner, he and the likes of Leon Osman, Tony Hibbert and Tim Howard could leave in an atmosphere of farewell rather than anger and recrimination.

Above all, though, his time is unquestionably up. It is time now for Farhad Moshiri to usher in his new era with decisive action.

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Brian Porter
1 Posted 08/05/2016 at 06:53:03
Bang on point yet again Lyndon. Just how much longer must we suffer the embarrassment of being used as the Premier League's whipping boys? With Villa already down, Newcastle and Sunderland at least showing some fight, it would appear we're now everyone's favourite opponents. Easy meat, good for three points.

To be fair, Kevin Miallas's goal was totally overshadowed by everything else that too place yesterday, but under normal circumstances we'd be waxing lyrical about his skill in creating and finishing that run, worthy of being a match winner rather than a consolation.

So, back to Roberto. Dowell left on the bench, Leon Osman the latest 'young' lad to be brought on. Niasse looking every inch like a 㾹 player. Baines showing a bit of fire but his body language and that of all our team suggested a dressing room long ago lost to the manager, whose post match pronouncements flew directly in the face of his very own words earlier in the week.

As for Leicester, well, they turned up after a week of hard partying, then proceeded to do everything wrong according to the Martinez book of how to play football. That is, they ran around a lot, played with great chemistry, as a team, box to box, at pace, while our Martinez minions strolled around like gatecrashers at a wake, admiring the play and the 'intensity' of the new champions.

And finally, our esteemed manager turns his full venom on to 'the team' having in recent months blamed everything from bad luck, to poor refereeing decisions, to the fans upsetting and unsettling 'the team' to Leighton Baines for daring to speak the truth to almost everyone barring the GP tea lady!

Not once have I or anyone else heard this excuse for a manager accept any blame for even one single poor performance. Never once has he had the sense or humility to accept that he is anything but 'Mr. Perfect'. In itself that has been his biggest failing. He will not change, won't accept he is capable of making judgement errors and as a result I believe he has lost the dressing room even more than Mourinho did at Chelsea.

Ronnie Goodlass was virtually tearing his hair out on the radio last night in his condemnation of Martinez and his failed philosophy.

If anyone thinks this man should be our manager for even one more game, never mind one more season, they must be as deluded as the Catalan clown who believes Leicester play the 'wrong while his 'team' does it the way I should be done.

Has he looked at the league table recently? Does he not understand yesterday's celebrations? If I was a Sunderland player I'd be rubbing my hands with glee knowing that all they need to do to guarantee their PL survival is to beat Everton on Wednesday.

We are already next season's Villa in waiting UNLESS Martinez is immediately replaced with a new manager who can breathe fire and life back into our totally demoralised and dispirited 'team' and turn them once again into a real TEAM, something Martinez is singularly incapable of achieving.

Does BK seriously want to risk seeing Everton playing in the championship? Does he want that as his legacy? I understand he's very ill, and it may be he I on some very powerful medications. Charitably, I would say it is possible those meds are helping to cloud his judgement particularly if they include powerful pain killers which can have serious side effects, including loss of judgement making abilities.

This has to be the time for Moshiri to take action, to override BK and insist on immediate change if for no other reason than to protect his investment.

Our form since Christmas has been relegation form, as bad as any team below us and he sure as hell isn't going to get a great return on his investment from a team in a relegation fight next season. Time, I think for him and everyone who cares about Everton F.C. to stand up and be counted in whatever way they can.

Martinez has to go and we know he's too blind and arrogant to fall on his sword, (he'd probably fall sideways,and miss anyway), so he has to be shown the door and unceremoniously pushed through it. After almost 60 years as a supporter, Martinez has succeeded where others have failed in making me and many others seriously apathetic towards our results, has taken away the excitement and joy of watching Everton and is dragging us ever downward in a terminal whirlwind of decline. He has to be stopped, NOW.


Peter Barry
2 Posted 08/05/2016 at 07:10:50
Yep if there is one word that sums up Martinez's Everton it is APATHY and both the players and the supporters suffer from it.

We both feel the same way and making us APATHETIC is by far the worst thing Martinez has done to Everton and Evertonians.
Jeff Hughes
3 Posted 08/05/2016 at 07:12:43
Excellent Lyndon! The position of Martinez is untenable and you are right to point out that the final home game will be toxic unless the Board act. If they don't it would leave a sour taste as we say goodbye to players like Howard - though there are many more that should say goodbye.

Bill's position has never been weaker in terms of control but also in terms of fan support. I have been one of those who have defended his romantic, if deluded, stewardship. This season, his health problems have afforded him respect but at the end of the day there is a real worry we are heading to relegation territory unless the Board act and Everton must come first and not some misguided loyalty to a poor manager with a slow, sterile style of football and an arrogant and patronising relationship towards fans who want exciting football and who want honesty from managers and players in both words and deeds.
Kevin Elliott
4 Posted 08/05/2016 at 07:15:36
When he says that he's in a stronger position than what he was three years ago, I can only assume that he is referring to his personal finances.
Steve Hogan
5 Posted 08/05/2016 at 07:40:38
Not only a disgraceful performance, but an absolute dereliction of duty by this pathetically weak board who have failed to act accordingly.
Steve Hopkins
6 Posted 08/05/2016 at 07:47:39
Totally agree Lyndon. Unfortunately it feels like groundhog day though, we say the same things week after week and yet the clown still survives another day....very worrying indeed
Ian Hollingworth
7 Posted 08/05/2016 at 07:57:01
Laughing stock, embarrassment, we could go on and on.
Is there no end to it all under Bobby Buffoon?

His disgraceful verdict on Leicester in the Carra interview. His disgraceful treatment of Baines for telling the truth. Then to cap it all he claims we played with too many individuals against Leicesters intensity. FFS the cheek of this man.

He was not, is not and never will be upto the job. The facts are clear to see in his premiership record. Year on year decline.

He has to go and go now.
If he does not go now please do not feel sorry for the treatment he may get.
I feel the last home game may be our only chance to let the board know how the majority really feel.

Darryl Ritchie
8 Posted 08/05/2016 at 08:02:56
Martinez has completely lost the dressing room. The players that see their futures at another club, Lukaku, Barkley, Stones, etc., are playing like they want out. The players that don't have that option, are playing like they want a new manager.

This season it seems we lose by habit and win by accident. I honestly can't see us winning another game. Sunderland and Norwich are fighting hard to stay up, while our squad is the mirror image of Martinez...confused, apathetic and clueless. The bright, energetic, skillful club that placed fifth three years ago, has been almost completely obliterated.

It's time to pull the trigger. Sacking Martinez will end the squads misery; our misery; even Martinez's misery. It's the humane thing to do. If the board has a replacement in mind, do it before Wednesday. Please!!!

Douglas McClenaghan
9 Posted 08/05/2016 at 09:18:15
You have made my day, Brian. I am glad we only paid 13 quid for Niasse; I was under the impression we'd forked out a truckload of dosh.
Michael Penley
10 Posted 08/05/2016 at 09:22:50
From what I've seen of Niasse, 13 quid would've been a truckload.
Ron Sear
11 Posted 08/05/2016 at 09:51:55
I'm taking a book to read at the Norwich game, might as well get some enjoyment going to Goodison. Suggest the younger supporters take their video games so they have something to shout about.
Xavier Spencer
12 Posted 08/05/2016 at 09:54:00
Exhausting isn't it? You promise yourself that you won't get upset, that you won't build your Saturday (no your whole weekend) around the match. You expect the worse but that part of you that makes all football fans hopeless optimists means you really hope for the best. Then you sit through ninety minutes of excrutiable garbage and you find yourself back to square one. Angry, bewildered... lost for words... Except if you're a brown shoed mentalist.

Oh, and apologies to Newcastle and Norwich fans in advance for the abject, gutless, spineless and witless Everton performance at the Stadium of Light on Wednesday night.

Christopher Timmins
13 Posted 08/05/2016 at 09:55:23
This season can't end soon enough. It is just so sad how things have turned out. The Board are doing the manager no favours at this stage. He is a source of ridicule and I for one don't like to kick someone when they are down but the change which should have happened after the Cup Semi Final has to be made sooner rather than later.
Xavier Spencer
14 Posted 08/05/2016 at 09:59:49
Oh, and one more thing remember when opposition managers used to fear coming to Goodison, when they knew they were in for a fight, when the money bags of Man City couldn't get a point from us no matter how much they spent? Not harking for a Moyes comeback just a bit of fight, a bit of pride. What annoys me more than anything is that this charlatan has turned us into a joke, a soft touch. I want my club back before this maniac totally destroys it.
Iain Latchford
15 Posted 08/05/2016 at 10:02:59
Please be true....

https://mobile.twitter.com/TotalDutchFB/status/729220219160383489

Dick Fearon
16 Posted 08/05/2016 at 10:09:01
Will someone in the know tell the truth regarding the Niasse transfer? It takes only minutes for a spectator to recognise that he is far from PL standard.

There is something fishy about that needs investigation.

Lyndon and Michael for all our sakes and that of the club we love please keep on Martinez's case.

Rick Tarleton
17 Posted 08/05/2016 at 10:14:14
Martinez has manifestly lost the dressing-room as they say. On "Sunday Supplement" Everton were described as an embarrassment and as the perfect opposition for Sunderland to meet at this stage of the season.
To be honest, yesterday was pathetic. Lukaku can't be bothered to break into a trot, Barkley ran forward then checked and was swamped. Stones believes his own publicity that he's the best since Beckenbaur and fails to do elementary defensive duties, McCarthy couldn't even raise himself to kick someone. Niasse was only fractionally more energetic than Lukaku and poor Oviedo looks like a man asked to play exactly where he doesn't want to be. Pennington looked a good Division 1 player and the rest were anonymous.
Yet Martinez fails to see that it is his job to wake these zombies, to make them earn their massive salaries, and to motivate them to show professional pride in doing their job.
He has to go this week or we will be Villa next season.
Anto Byrne
18 Posted 08/05/2016 at 10:29:10
13 pence would be too much.

Vardy dived for the first pen clearly. Young kid barely touched him.

Think they have had 13 penalties this season in the league. 3 is the average.

Other stats for Leicester include the lowest average possession %
Lowest completed pass %
High foul count %

Says a lot about a team that wins the league when basically they are a counter attack team. A bit like watching a Moyes team with better fire power.

Maybe Martinez will go after we lose to Sunderland.

Ian Brandes
19 Posted 08/05/2016 at 10:35:11
Niasse, an unremarkable lower league player to say the least. Begs the question - who arranged this ludicrous transfer at such an astronomical fee, and who sanctioned the payment?

The sorry saga stinks to high heaven rather like the club we love under Martinez and BK.

As for Mr Moshiri, only our club could find a billionaire, and then move onto even more desperate times.

The tabloids could not make this up.

Barry Pearce
20 Posted 08/05/2016 at 11:07:46
Great report Lyndon, and some great responses too.

To play Oviedo again at right back,is a crime in itself.

I think we are really going to need major surgery before next season,as I think apart from the obvious departures. Lukaku & Stones. There are at least four current first teamers who aren't good enough to play for our great club.

Martinez tried to make us believe they were by spouting his bullshit.
Like I've said on previous posts, this joker should have been axed after we lost 2/0 to hull last season.

Damian Wilde
21 Posted 08/05/2016 at 11:14:24
Ron, why bother going? I'm not, waste of an afternoon.

Any thoughts on why RM never plays KM? Even though he is clearly better than some of the others. It's weird how we don't play a left midfielder - I watch at GP and there is never anybody in that space, bizarre.

As for Sunday, I'm not going, had enough. But it would be unfair on Hibbo et al if it was a dreadful atmosphere. My guess is even if he's not gone, the crowd are too nice to give him stick so it'll be polite clapping (as it was against Bournemouth even though there was supposed to be loads of singing). The fans accepting this shit are part of the problem.

Seamus McCrudden
22 Posted 08/05/2016 at 11:19:25
If no-one turned up to take their seats, would this get the message across? Go to the game by all means but remain outside in the streets or nearby pubs. That would be a clear message that could not be ignored.
Ian Pilkington
23 Posted 08/05/2016 at 11:55:43
I'm definitely going on Sunday to vent my anger at the man who has now overtaken Mike Walker as our worst ever manager. I can only hope that Mr Moshiri has held his fire ln respect of BK's clearly serious health problem. However BK's stupid gamble on a cup win to allow his disastrous reign as Chairman to end in glory has failed so spectacularly that even he must surely see sense and sanction the inevitable sacking immediately. David Unsworth in charge for the last 2 games would give the players an opportunity for redemption, gain a higher league position and most importantly allow an extra week in the search to appoint a new manager.


Nicholas Ryan
24 Posted 08/05/2016 at 12:05:26
The Board need to announce on Friday, that Martinez will leave by mutual consent on Sunday. This is the only way to avoid an explosive atmosphere on Saturday, and give those who are leaving, some element of respect and dignity.
Brian Williams
25 Posted 08/05/2016 at 12:21:58
If, and it's a big "If" Martinez is sacked it will be at the end of the season and not while we have games to play.
We're just not ruthless enough to get rid now, it's not Bill's way and that's one of the major factors holding us back.
Bill chairs the club like it's a showbiz thing. He hasn't a clue business-wise and he just wants everybody he deals with to be happy and nice and civil to each other, which is fine if you're running a charity shop.
I'll tell you, if he HAS to fire Martinez he'll actually cry doing it.
That's our chairman unfortunately.
Doesn't see the big picture just sees the personalities of the people he deals with and balks at the thought of upsetting them.
David Hallwood
26 Posted 08/05/2016 at 12:41:26
Once again great report Lyndon. For me there were echos of the 3-0 defeat at Middlesboro which ended Walter Smith's time here, and once again a baffling formation; was it 4-3-3 or the usual 4-2-3-1 or was it just a shapeless mess?

There is now 100% hostility to Martinez-and rightly so, but spare a thought for the players, because they are as culpable. If anyone watched the Paul Merson rant a couple of months ago about Stones & Martinez in which he asked the question why isn't this Everton side above Leicester in the table because we have unbelievable players. A question now, and certainly after watching yesterdays' game would be met with derision.

But look at Lukaku, whose Del Boy 'super agent' has been pimping him round stating to any journalist within earshot that 'his boy' should be playing for a top club, before adding "and I get 20% of the money" (well maybe not) Well Romelu you had a worldwide audience and playing against a side that collectively cost less than you, did you show that you can be a gamechanger, take the game by the scuff of the neck and turn it round, that you'll single-handedly show these journeymen what a true footballing star looks like,or did you flounce round like a bored 6 year old with a mardy lip who didn't want to be at his aunties?

Barkley looks shot and I genuinely believe that not being picked for the Euros would be the best thing for him; a) because he needs the rest b) to kick him up the arse.

I know all the arguments; look at what Klopp has done at Mordor with the same players etc. BUT that doesn't excuse a player who pulls on the blue shirt, most of them full internationals and all very well paid for the privilege putting a performance like that.

Not playing for the manager? fuck off! play for the Evertonains who went to the King Power giving up their time and money, probably going into to hock to get there.

John Raftery
27 Posted 08/05/2016 at 12:59:02
The 3-1 scoreline flattered our performance. Apart from Villa we have been the worst team in the league over the past two months. Aside from his numerous other weaknesses the manager has shown himself to be a very poor man manager. As for the team it looks bereft of leadership on and off the field. Our biggest signing in the summer needs to be an injection of team spirit. Without that whatever money we spend on new players will be money down the drain. Newcastle were last summer's biggest spenders but will be relegated because they have lacked direction and commitment. It is a frightening thought that we could possibly go into next season with our current manager still in charge. If that happens it is hard to see how we will stay out of the relegation pack.
Peter Carpenter
28 Posted 08/05/2016 at 13:40:02
If the real world is too much, take refuge in fantasy for a while...

May 2015 – after a poor ending to the season, the Everton Board of Directors, in a rare moment of decisive action (stay with it, I said fantasy, didn't I?), sack Roberto Martinez.

The usual suspects turn down the opportunity to take over from him and it looks like Sam Allardyce is heading our way until... in a surprising left-field move, Claudio Ranieri is unveiled as the new boss.

What follows?

Ste Traverse
29 Posted 08/05/2016 at 14:55:42
I hope this fuckwit masquerading as our manager took a long hard look at Leicester after he's twice criticised their style of play in recent weeks.

They do it wrong and he does it the right way, apparently.

The day Martinez and that arsehole Kenwright have no influence at this club can't come soon enough. I hate the pair of them.

Next Sunday at Goodison will be toxic and I hope just as much anger gets directed at Kenwright as Martinez.

Barry Pearce
31 Posted 08/05/2016 at 15:24:37
Well said david#26
Bob Heyward
32 Posted 08/05/2016 at 15:46:56
Lyndon - I thought your penultimate paragraph offered a neat solution. Nobody, except the ever-militant Blue Union, wants a show down on Saturday. Indeed, the class of the overwhelming majority of Everton supporters predicates against such a Newcastle style circus - remember the tennis balls during Bournmouth?

Let's hope such a 'day of farewells' prevails, capping the potential for any public pantomimes that are beneath our proud Club.

That said, I would have thought Club officials are working towards just such an aim. If such a farewell statement can't be arranged, I'd say it potentially indicates El Clown's mercinary obstinacy in the face the certainty of dismissal.

Barry Pearce
33 Posted 08/05/2016 at 15:59:02
Just a thought, now league two fixtures are completed, what about jonjoe kenny playing right back for the last two games, if that's possible. I'm sure he would do a better job than Oviedo or besic.
Stephen Brown
34 Posted 08/05/2016 at 16:14:57
Very good shout Barry. Can't be any worse than Besic or Oveido as he is a right back!
Peter Cummings
35 Posted 08/05/2016 at 17:02:27
After close to 70 plus yrs of being an Everton fanatic I have never known the mood of dejection, misery, and downright hopelessness that now haunts our club and it's wonderful fans.

That now we are, for the first time in our illustrious history, the laughing stock of football as we stumble from one disaster to another is a powerful indictment of those who instead of making every effort to promote our continuing success instead treat us with a measure of contempt and a 'let them eat cake' attitude which is unbeleivng in it's audacity.

From a charlatan posing as a manager to a board and chairman obviously oblivious to the scorn and downright hatred pouring on their heads from we who have to bear their insults, and sarcasm from around the world of football 'Only The Best Will Do' sounds now like a hollow mockery, For Pity's Sake, All Of You, GO NOW

Maynard Hanna
36 Posted 08/05/2016 at 18:14:32
This is my last comment on where we at Everton now find ourselves. It is a very disappointing juncture that we now sit at as regards our history.

Yesterday, I listened to Radio Five Live to hear what any Evertonian caller would have to say about our predicament. During the game, the studio presenters Robbie Savage & Co visited the King Power Stadium for updates on the game and the match commentators referred to Everton as woeful, atrocious, disjointed & pathetic. Sadly, it's the truth.

Now, all it would appear that you and I can do is to wait until 5pm next Saturday, when I hope that sanity will prevail on the part of our board, and that they take the long overdue action that is now urgently needed, DV.

Barry Jones
38 Posted 08/05/2016 at 18:33:07
Sadly, I cannot see Martinez being sacked while Kenwright pulls the strings. It is Kenwright that we need out of our club first and foremost, the rest will follow. He needs to step aside and have someone who understands business, football, supporters, people and basic common sense take over.
George Cumiskey
39 Posted 08/05/2016 at 18:37:16
Definitely not Pellegrini – just Martinez Mk 2 only older – have you seen City's defence? It's as bad as ours. He will be lucky if he gets them top 4 after all the money he has spent. Then again, he's such a nice guy, the luvvie will probably go running to him... that's if he decides to get rid of the other nice guy!
Patrick Murphy
40 Posted 08/05/2016 at 18:41:04
Interesting piece by Gregg O'Keefe in the Echo, in which he states that Roberto hasn't just lost the keyboard warriors or perennial doom merchants but the ordinary fan who pays out hard-earned cash and who travel the length and breadth of the country to watch their team. He seems to cast doubt on whether or not the board have made a decision but his article will at least alert them to the increasing discomfort of the fan-base, if they were in any doubt:

Martinez has lost ordinary fans

Barry Jones
41 Posted 08/05/2016 at 18:46:43
Very interesting article Patrick. Maybe we need the entire crowd singing the same song against Norwich.
Andy Crooks
42 Posted 08/05/2016 at 18:51:11
Brin,it cannot be a " big if". Martinez has contributed absolutely nothing to Everton. Not one fucking thing. His transfer record is utterly shite. Kone, Alcaraz, McGeady, and, the icing on the cake, Niasse. Lukaku was a good signing but, fuck me, he wasn't some find plucked from nowhere by the genius of Martinez. This fraud has robbed our club of millions and I hope he has enough shame to slink down the tunnel after the Norwich game and fuck off with his sidekicks. He deserves no thanks or no respect.
Barry Jones
43 Posted 08/05/2016 at 18:59:37
This is how Luke O'Farrell of ESPN soccer column described Everton's performance at Leicester:

"Describing this away offering as a performance would be a disservice to the word. From the complete lack of marking, awareness and pressure on the ball in defence, to the absent movement, ideas and anaemic attacking efforts, this was symptomatic of the directionless mess Everton have become."

David Hallwood
44 Posted 08/05/2016 at 19:10:13
Barry (#41) – the best way would be for the fans to boycott the game.
Colin Gee
45 Posted 08/05/2016 at 22:25:44
Don't know if it has been mentioned on here on the various threads but there wasa few Leicester fans by us in the away end, talking to them during the game they couldn't believe how bad we were, they were expecting a tough game against a side that plays a decent 'brand' of football....
Mike Campbell
46 Posted 08/05/2016 at 22:30:13
I hope I am wrong but unless Martinez is fired on Monday May 9th. 2016 he will be there next season.

There is a massive disconnect with the fans, also the players. Shape up, Bill, otherwise it's 1950 all over again!

There is also a proud record of the longest serving top flight team to be protected, This is EVERTON – an original of the 12... have some pride!

Dan Davies
47 Posted 08/05/2016 at 22:52:31
Patrick #40, probably Mr O' Keefe after the fans chants at Leicester, has realised that this will continue at the next game and into the Norwich game and he will look an utter twat of a journalist when Martinez is sacked.

He is just trying to look credible, saving face. He and the Echo are now changing their stance because the sacking of Martinez is looking more realistic because the fans going to the game are voicing their anger.

Tony Kinsey
48 Posted 09/05/2016 at 09:31:23
The board need to act now and sack Martinez! Last game of the season at home normally sees the players thanking the fans after the game. Can you imagine the atmosphere if this moron is still in charge?

What a way that would be to see the likes of Howard, Pienaar, Hibbert & Osman to end their time with us. They deserve better and so do we.

James Lauwervine
49 Posted 09/05/2016 at 09:34:46
I still can't believe he wasn't sacked after the derby. What does he have to do? There have been some dark days as an Evertonian as we all know, but the last few weeks have been the worst I can remember.
Paul Ward
50 Posted 09/05/2016 at 09:37:29
(Bob Haywood 32) You really do epitomise the "don't rock the boat, our club will do the right thing" mentality. Our proud club as you call it, has been diluted to a BK play toy to reap great financial gains for himself. At the expense of sounding like an uncivilised moron, do you not think it is time for Everton supporters to voice their disapproval?
Circumstances prior to the Bournemouth game respectfully reduced the protests and rightly so, but on Saturday if the problem has not been resolved there should be a showdown of great condemnation of how this club has been run.
Martin Mason
51 Posted 09/05/2016 at 09:42:35
The real worry is that his incompetence has now broken the back of a team that at least odd times had looked to have the potential to make the leap. This may be start again time and several years to fruition. Look at the price that United and Chelsea have had to play for fairly average players by their standards, we aren't going to find better at lower price.n £50 million isn't tp drawer now.
Phil Walling
52 Posted 09/05/2016 at 17:28:32
Martin, I think your use of the word 'incompetent' is most appropriate. It was first used about Martinez in these columns when he failed to prepare properly for his second season in charge. Behind the excuse of the World Cup, he totally abrogated his responsibility to his employers although I believe Kenwright was just as complicit in that, as he had been in the manner of Moyes's leaving.

At that time, I described the Catalan as a chancer who had found a soft touch of a chairman to work with. I know you have great respect for Kenwright and that is your prerogative.

My own take on him is that he has never matured from his days in the Boys Pen and falls in love with everyone he appoints. In such mode he does the club great damage and his ongoing major involvement is every bit as much a disaster as his ridiculous appointment of Martinez.

Don Alexander
53 Posted 09/05/2016 at 21:39:43
Brian Porter at #1, thank you. You, and Lyndon again, spell out the truth.

The big problem post-Martinez is the players who'll remain. I just don't detect a single one of them as having what is needed to succeed as individuals in a team effort. I think they're all soft. Some admittedly have skill, but even they are soft.

Leicester winning the league was done by players devoid of soft. Right through their spine they have hard seasoned players, as every successful team has done since football was invented.

Our new man, Mr Moshiri, may have to gulp when the interview questions are put together before the new manager is appointed because the costs involved in getting rid of soft in favour of hard may just be way more than he ever anticipated.

A spine populated by the likes of Robles, Stones & Funes Mori, McCarthy & Barkley, Lukaku & Niasse will continue to send shudders through only one set of fans next year... us, even with the Incredible One re-polishing his famous philosophical turd 24/7 whilst he wonders what to spend his/our £millions of compo on as a newly unemployed manager.

Michael Hughes South Wales
54 Posted 11/05/2016 at 17:23:55

Greetings and best wishes to fellow blues. My first post, but I have been a fan and regular reader of ToffeeWeb (excellent website!) for a long time now. Firstly let me introduce myself; my name is Mike Hughes, doffs cap to esteemed namesake and regular contributor. I am 59 years old, born and bred in South Wales and have been a blue for over 50 years – courtesy of my Grandmother. Those of a certain vintage will remember Typhoo tea team photos, in her wisdom; my Grandmother gave me the 62/63 Everton team photo and the rest as they say is history. Not the most exciting story I agree, but a love affair was born!

Although I read ToffeeWeb on a daily basis and have great interest in all things Everton and enjoy the eclectic (and humorous) views of members, I have not, until recently, felt the urge to write. This has gradually changed over the last 12 months, and culminated following the mauling at Analfield, which was swiftly followed by the abject performance of the FA cup semi-final defeat. These 2 performances filled me with such rage that only now has reduced to “simmering” and my blood pressure stable enough to enable me to write! Also, am I correct in thinking I read after the defeat to manure, that RM stated something like “.... we took the brakes off second half”? or maybe I misread the quote as the steam emanating from my ears fogged up my glasses! Anyway, there has been plenty of fair criticism regarding these and other games so I won't labour the point, everything that needed to be said has been ... but let's not forget our first ever league defeat to Swansea, probably the worst Swansea side since they were promoted to the Premier league.

This brings me to our most recent debacle, the no show against Leicester, where some players made it obvious, and not for the first time, that they no longer wish to play for RM. Whilst I can understand the reasons behind this; some have looked demoralised, lost and bewildered by what they are being asked to do, I cannot agree with this action.

So my message to the players is this; you are paid handsomely to give your 100% best, every game, for Everton Football Club, your responsibility is to the club and its supporters. It is not acceptable to display your dissatisfaction with the manager whilst you are on the field of play. If you wish to voice this dissatisfaction then do so to a board member / senior official of the club. If you are uncomfortable with this course of action then put your concerns in writing, or ask your agent to get off his overfed fat arse and write it for you – this may cost you a few shillings, especially if you want it in joined up writing, but it is I feel a more appropriate way to make your feelings known. Bollocks to the outcome of the relegation battle, you owe the fans, so put in a performance.

Finally my message to our manager; Dear Roberto, I am far from being an expert on the game so I am only able to present my simple view of our performances and style of play. In my opinion, a possession based style is based on “pass and move”, therefore players need to be at the top of their fitness – I don't think I need to expand on this! Fundamentally the game can be broken down into two areas; attack and defence – ok maybe we better skip this bit because neither seems to be working. So maybe you could enlighten us as to what the players do in training all week?

Fitness? There is no evidence to support this.

Defence? Ditto.

Set pieces? Er ... let's not go there.

Passing? Ok, this is just getting repetitive.

The season has been littered with half-arsed displays, reaching 2 semi finals does NOT constitute a successful season, and CANNOT be regarded as progress. The fact is we lost both, with the semi final against MU one of the most disappointing efforts of the season / ever, and this was probably my last chance (due to health issues) of witnessing some Blue glory (I am trying to erase the redshite result from my memory). Am I angry? Fucking right I am, I can feel my blood pressure rising just thinking about it! Sorry I could go on and on, but I would only be covering old ground.Personally I reached the point where I despaired of ever seeing another victory ... then we battered Bournemouth. Oh sorry, we didn't, we just about scraped a win.

Roberto, you come across as a thoroughly decent type of guy, and if it wasn't for the fact that you are destroying the club I love, I think it could share a beer with you and discuss football in general. For these reasons it is not easy to be rude or offensive, therefore I politely request you leave EFC with immediate effect.

Oh yes, before you go don't forget to let your defence coach out of the locked cupboard and take the rest of your backroom staff who have let us down so badly.


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