Everton formally reject Stones's transfer request

Now what is everyone going to complain about? The silence from the boardroom has been 'officially' shattered.

Fazio? Shall we moan about our reported 'offer' for him because he's rubbish? Hmm...

John Stones was never going to leave this transfer window, and anyone who is still going on about him leaving (I just read on one thread that we're all 'fucking thick' if we think otherwise) really doesn't have a voice anymore.

I for one am delighted.

Is that a typical professional response to avoid more of a media circus, or did he not specifically mention the team for a reason?

I still fully expect another outbreak of hystrionics from the "other Premier League Club". I hope we wind the slimy buggers up just for the sheer bloody hell of it.

And whilst the RS gloat, let's not forget that St Steven of Huyton asked for a transfer TWICE.

Good on Bill.

Ok, Bill, what about getting in the other players we need, so that we don't have only two recognised centre halves at the club?

It doesn't have to be last-minute panic buying of who is left. That is a recipe for disaster.

COYB

Still, at least John Terry will be happy ;-)

Other much smaller clubs than ours continue to be active and we are spending less than championship clubs.

A real show of muscle would be to keep stones and to bring in top players who can strengthen the first team.

I think we will start to see summer transfer periods close before the season begins and so it should do and have no idea why this hasn't happened before.

A couple or three (quality) signings would also be nice, but I can't wait for the match against the Chelsea scum on 12th September. The atmosphere will be electric.

All together now "Fuck Off Mourinho, Fuck Off Mourinho" ad nauseum.

Oh, and while all this is going on, where in god's name are the signings we've been promised? The clock is ticking now and all we've got is Deulofeu and Cleverley, Martinez's new babe.

I'd hardly count these two South Americans as major signings; have we got to wait until the last minute of the window before the club unveil three marquee signings? Or will it be, "Oh we were going to sign x, y and z but the fax machine took the knock and we couldn't get the paperwork through in time."

I know which one my money is on.

Well done, Bill Kenwright, you've finally grown a pair! Just wish you had been a little bit more derogatory to that horrible prick of a manager at that horrible classless club – but then again why lower yourself to their standards, now see it through!!! Oh and get the cheque book out will yer and let's try and compete with them too.

Can't wait till we play them! The atmosphere will be hostile.

Just being a little cynical here but I'm wondering if that little plane episode at St Mary's hit a nerve with the board and they knew there would be one almighty backlash if Stones was sold?

James is right; no reference to the "another Premier League club" is Everton being Everton and acting with a bit of class. Much to the frustration of us fans, clubs shouldn't openly comment until a deal is struck.

Chelsea's underhand tactics, supported with venom by their groupie like media followers who are desperate for this to happen are sadly illustrative of the modern game. They seem perplexed, confused and downright outraged at our anti-Sky era approach; how dare we!!

If we do actually see this through, I will be absolutely proud of the club and glad we have kept one of the best emerging centre backs in a generation.

What I'm more interested in is signing some players who actually want to play for us! Mori was paraded with the scarf last week why is he still not signed? We are down to the bare bones in defence and still need a number 10.

Seen the video of the fan calling Stones "rat" and also someone abusing him on his way home. The lad is a class act both on and on the field and regardless of any request shouldn't be subjected to dickheads abusing him - he doesn't support the club, he plays for them.

Classy statement from the club, sadly not reflected by those involved in these incidents.

Convincing themselves 'surely this won't be last of this transfer saga with still 5 days to go'.

They are wetting themselves over the statement, no wonder Bobby and Board remained quiet - statements and denials just fuel them.

We'll have all and sundry ex players now who are in shock blah blah blah.

Just go and fuck off will yer, the lot of yer.

Can't wait for them to come to Goodison. That little runt's gonna get slaughtered every time he gets out of the dugout.

ps: How's the search for a new stadium and some investment going? It's pointless giving the ground a face lift while you have such grand plans isn't it? No wonder you've been ill, working so hard 24/7 for years would take its toll on anybody.

That is the end of it, for this window at least. Let's see where we are next summer. By then Galloway, Browning, Holgate or whoever we get in by the end of this window may be up to speed and we can consider bids on our own terms. That’s if Stones still wants to leave. You never know. By then we may have broken into the top four. It’s a funny old game.

Well done Bill Kenwright. Well done Roberto Martinez. Well done Everton Football Club.

Up yours Chelsea, Manchester Utd, Liverpool and any other no class football club who cares to treat us like this.

If you know your history ...

Hats off to you Bill. I know you probably had a gun to your head (Martinez's resignation letter?) but still, you've sent shock waves throughout the football world. Maybe, just maybe this might be the turning of the tide after the post Bosman free for all years.

As for John, I hope he gets the full support of the fans and team mates. We need him focused for the Spurs game and let's put this unfortunate episode behind us oh, and let's get those three players in please!!

Good point I thought.

This transfer deadline thing is all for TV.

Rather, I am convinced that on this occasion, Everton have plainly and repeatedly told Chelsea that JS is too important to the club, and respectfully, no, we do not wish to engage in transfer negotiations with you about him at this time. Please desist from this unwelcome and unsettling behaviour. Please.

Chelsea, the arrogant, classless shite that they are, decided to scoff at and ignore this message, preferring to believe their own deluded view of their importance and position in the football world (stoked by their sycophant friends in the press) and proceeded to embarrass and try to humiliate one of the proudest football clubs in Europe. A club that knows more about class and tradition than those whores at Chelsea will ever know. They are a disgrace.

I think RM's quote last night should be escalated to the same level as Moyes's 'People's Club' mantra. I can't wait to buy the tee-shirt and cheer the banners which will await the arrival of this riff raff come 12th September.

Well done, Roberto Martinez.
Well done, Bill Kenwright.
Well done, EFC Board.
Well done, the Everton family.

My wife wants to know why I'm walking around singing "Fuck off Mourinho"! Especially as my five-year old son just sang it!

Whatever the reasons I don't care, I can't stand Chelsea and at least someone has finally stood up to the billionaires ruining the game. This was a major event in Everton's history and it won't be the last we'll hear of this one.

However, only one club has put in a bid (Chelsea) and that club has been told no...

But things can alter quite quickly in the next few days and if another bid from another club is put in between now and 6pm on 1st September 2015, who is to say that the new offer wouldn't be accepted? Watch this space as they say.

So when clubs have a talented player they are thinking we are better keeping him and turning down the money. There will of course be deals but now the likes of ourselves and West Brom can sell at a time of our choice, and not have to sell at a time that suits one of the monied clubs.

And that Roberto will have the money to spend in the January window....

Heard it all before.

Plus I think this was also Roberto's way of telling John Stones that he wasn't going anywhere because he was still involving Stones in all of the pre-game prep. Frankly, he took control of this situation by saying, "I see this request - it means nothing to me. I'll address it when I want to address it. Meanwhile, we've got a game to play and you're in it."

First: it's now official from the Club.

Second: Lazarus has made an appearance.

I fear he may still go with the parting shot of....
"We refused the transfer, we did everything in our power, but John had his head turned. He made it clear his future was at Chelsea"

I think it is more than Everton dare do after the statements of both BK and RM irrespective of what Chelsea offer before the deadline. Now I am not saying we will still have Stones after the Jan window, but any prospective club know the price is at least £40 million.

Punches the air!

I agree that your assertion that the new Sky money has enabled relatively impoverished clubs like our to resist the bullying of Chelsea and the likes. The flip side of the perverse power of money! Just as the lack of it was probably the biggest contributor to us losing Rooney as a teenager.

I have no issue with players moving on to clubs that can offer more reward in treasure and silverware than we can, but is it too much to ask John Stones, only just a man, to deliver on the fantastic contract he was awarded less than 12 months ago, and try, just try, to contribute to a poorer clubs efforts to better itself through development of players who do not come via Monaco based agents and middle men at prices that would out-muscle the budgets of many a third world nation?

If you do your best ,John, and it doesn't work out, there's plenty of time for the 'Chelseas' of this world before your young persons' rail card expires.

Perhaps the only fly past we should want to see now is Gerard flying past the Chelsea defence....

Oh right.

I suppose the club will now be spinning this as 'just like a new signing'...

As you say, Stones has years to find out if he really is as good as everyone says. In the meantime tell these no class nobodies to sod off and get your head down with a proper club. You won't regret it!

I hope the camp bellend giving Stones abuse last night is not representative of how he will be treated from now on. I can't blame JS for having his head turned. It's the media and Chavski who we need to give abuse to. JS needs to feel the support of the fans and then he can get on with being class. Let's enjoy him while we've got him.

Well done, Bill and Roberto. I think a "No way Jose!" banner would be good for the Chavski game.

1 or 2 good signings and we have the makings of a good side!

The Chairman should have understood the turmoil that was being caused, that made the player hand in a transfer request by just leaving the manager in the firing line.

RM - money can't buy everything. Class.

It could take the oligarch up to 㿞mill+ I suppose, but even that classless pile of shite won't do that I guess.

It's not over til the fat lady sings, but the Toffee Lady is looking in good shape for the moment.

Very un-ToffeeWeb-like.

But by assisting John Stones to do the honourable and decent thing. And by telling the low-life gangster team of west London that it's money isn't good enough.

[Starts whistling theme from 'High Noon'...]

Only about 3-4 journos have come out of this not smelling of shite.

Proper scouse power. Everton and the Beatles. Yea yea yea. NSNO.

I'd like to think this is John with us for the long haul now, but I feel a new contract after the window closes in the offing; £50m buy-out clause and Stones to go after the Euros.

I don't like to be so pessimistic; I think it's just an Everton thing.

Still got a feeling there's something coming with a Marquee signing... Glimmer of hope for Yarmolenko still I feel.

They won't want him to walk away as a free agent next year so the only other spanner is barca agreeing to take him in January.

But, there's plenty more quality players out there and I think we may get a shock or two....

For all the smugness of this thread, the wisdom – or otherwise, of the decision to keep this reluctant player will only become apparent as the season progresses.

The time to start practicing the handstands is when we see our defence performing a darn sight more impressively than they did last season – Stones included.

"At this point, the sensible side of me wants to see Chelsea simply walk away, and focus their attention elsewhere for the remainder of the transfer window. Everton are well within their rights to force the player to stay, even if it seems a bit sleazy, given the size of Chelsea's offers and the player's preference for moving on"

"On the other hand, I'd also be thoroughly entertained if Chelsea simply began bombarding Everton with bids, while making sure the press knew about every single bid. Jose Mourinho making a few comments to keep the player unsettled would be hilarious as well."

Meanwhile, Darren Lewis has labelled Chelsea's latest 㿑m as 'astonishing' and 'incredible'. You can sense his anger that we've turned it down in every word he writes! I know I should be doing something more constructive with my time, but this is hilarious!

And some of our midfielders (eg, Barkley & McCarthy) were at levels well below previous season plus other significant injuries (eg, Pienaar) and the hardly ever available Man Utd cast-off Gibson.

With all your negativity & moaning, one could think you won't be happy unless we get relegated. The club, especially Bill K, have done all that could be asked regarding John Stones.

The board are not blameless; they should have invested more but part of this is down to players' agents telling them then are better than they are. Telling them being at a so-called big club bench warming is better than building something at a club which has actual history and played in the league more than a couple of years.

My favourite birds are Emperor Penguins due to their class and the dedication they show their young ones Once the young are born the Emperors are bombarded from the sky by skewers – a second- rate opportunist sort of a bird. The Emperors tell the skewers to piss off. They protect their young earnestly. Nature is wonderful and at times very reflective of the human condition.

Unlike the RedShite, 'we're not a selling club'.

To put this in context, Burnley have spent more than us... who aren't even in the same league as us.

We play Chelsea off the pitch at our place and guess who scores? Unbelievable, I know but in words of Van Morrison's Coney Island: "Wouldn't it be great if it was like this all the time"

We can dream....

Sorry, if they put out a statement like that saying it was raining outside, I'd look out of the window to check.

'EVERTON REJECT JOHN STONES TRANSFER REQUEST IN FINAL BID TO PREVENT CHELSEA MOVE'

They don't give up do they? So, this is your last chance!

It brings to mind Basil Fawlty thrashing his hapless Austin 1100 with some privets when it wouldn't start!

I guess if the club's owner stating he's not going doesn't work, then that's it. Our goose is well and truly cooked, or was it a blancmange?

I want to see the window out now with Stones still with us, some new signing secured and a packed house against Chelski, venting their fury at a classless Mourinho. With an Everton victory of course!

You've got a whinger called Mourinho
He's classless and suits you to a T.
You've got a racist called John Terry
He's past it, and must be fifty three.
And feel it in your bones,
You still ain't got John Stones,
And Jose moans and moans and moans and moans.

I'm made up that we've made a stand but in business it's always a game of chess or poker. Nothing is ever as it seems and strategy is always the agenda.

As someone just pointed out on Twitter, Chelsea have four centre-halves that are aged between 18 and 22, and everyone of them are loaned out.

Regarding that Darren prick, the FA seriously need to look into how close some of these so-called Journalists are with some of these clubs.

Chelsea Who? Loads of money! Oh and Harry Enfield!

I put a comment on the Mirror board under that shit Darren Lewis's 'take' on developments. The man is hysterical. Anyway, they published it, and I think I speak for many of us.

I think the score does matter when we play them on 12th of next month. Defeating them will be much sweeter than them winning and Jose having a few chants directed his way.

Getting that contract signed twelve months was really good management. The outcome would have been very different if there were only a year or two left. We would have had no option but to sell and at a price much lower than 㿊m.

As we used to say in the sixties 'hard bun', Jose!

What's the betting that Wolfsburg will come in for Lukaku now they have sold De Bruyne for whatever?

There's a huge difference of contacting contracted players through the correct channels and what's gone on here. It was the same kind of classless shit that made Lescott move so distasteful - only Roberto has been exemplary throughout.

Let's just hope that we give them two fingers when the window shut and then some come the 12th.

When people are thick and proud of it, they are immune to censure. The best response is to deny them their toys and laugh when they stamp their feet.

Stones stays. Great. Incomings?

Wish you had been with us last night (maybe not, you wouldn't have liked the pies); you'd have seen a second half, Everton Football Club: united, players, staff, fans

One love....

Yeah we went toe to toe with a League 1 team, slightly embarrassing, but it felt good seeing us with the shackles off. Hopefully a watershed moment.

It's only about 18 months since we had such a positive buzz around this club. I want it back.

There are lots of examples of leaders who were struggling and then dealt with a major issue... and went from strength to strength.

Just imagine if on the back of this stance we suddenly sign a few players and win a couple of big games. I can imagine the buzz and the confidence that would bring.

Come on Bill and Roberto. This feels like a big opportunity... go for it.

The hope and expectations are that Stones will behave professionally and get back down to business. I hope so too, but in the real world it doesn't always pan out like that. So... let's wait and see.

The level of pressure the board has been under – plane fly-overs; again, at Barnsley, the "Board out" flags were all on show, ex-players like Big Nev questioning the board's ambition if they sell Stones; likewise McNulty and the Echo even as well saying the transfer request has to be turned down.

The board member being caught on camera saying neither he nor Bill would sell Stones. Transfer request or not, it would have been the board signing their own suicide note if they'd have let Stones go after all mentioned in the paragraph above.

Why didn't Bill or the Club issue this statement after the first bid or least after the 3rd? The pressure the manager has been under via the media (having to constantly answer questions in TV interviews etc) has been immense, and it would have saved him a whole heap of bother allowing him to concentrate on team issues alone.

Now onto the players we we're supposed to be bringing in...

Others have said that there will be no marque signings or anything over £10M spent unless we sell Stones first, and have pointed out that we would likely sell him late, then bring in a marque name, with one of two other youngsters saying that the money was always there, we were just waiting to get the right targets and it was a not reliant on the Stones transfer. Whilst of course anything from 25% to 50% of the Stones money is also left over and lost to "operating costs".

Now we'll have to spend our own money, so to speak, so it will be interesting to see exactly how much we spend now, how many players we bring in and how much stronger the squad is at the close of the window, now that we don't have the Stones money to spend on players.

Another significant question for the board to now answer.

People can agree or disagree with the protests, some even if agree with the beliefs of the protesters do not necessarily agree with the protests themselves.

One thing I think you can definitely say now is, the fans unrest and the media publicity that it has created, has put a massive pressure on the board, they now cannot continue to act without impunity. Which hopefully should mean in the short term at least, they will have to continue to appease the fans that the club and team is growing and getting stronger.

How long that will be sustainable with the dire financial state they have left the club in is anybodies guess, but, without some quality signings in this window to show that we are at least keeping pace with Palace, Stoke and Swansea, I think unrest will only get louder and louder.

The next 4 days until the window closes will be very interesting to follow as an Evertonian.

He has to play well anyway to make the Euro's next summer, so get behind the lad at the next few matches, show him support & the actions at the Barnsley game are only that of a tiny, tiny minority.

That's always a possibility, but what everyone (media and thicko fans particularly) seem to be forgetting is that the player has a contract, and the club has the legal right to hold him to it.

The contract is there to protect both parties. If Stones has 4 years remaining at £30k a week, that's around £6m. If Stones hadn't progressed as hoped, and we wanted to move him on, or a myriad other things happened that meant we needed him gone from EFC, as long as he wasn't in serious breach of his contract then he would still get paid out in full, or an agreed settlement if Everton moved him on.

Therefore if the club don't wish to sell then it's within their right not to.

You are right, a lot of this is down to the player. He does so far seem to have a level head about him, and even if Chelsea ask him to start acting up, let's home he sees that's not in his interests. I hope the fans also keep their heads, because already the media are going balls out on him having to move home, receiving threats, etc.

Try to look at the bigger picture. We sell for £35m and it disappears into the famous Goodison black hole.

I've been a persistent critic of Martinez, but he has been a class act throughout this saga. By staring down and beating back everything that is wrong with football today, he has given everyone a huge lift... well everyone bar you and the media shite hawks.

This could go terribly Pete Tong for the Manager, we none of us need you preparing your 'I-told-you-so's to make us aware of that, but he has represented this grand old institution with dignity and pride. We should all be happy about that.

Come Tuesday at 6pm and the squad isn't improved as Martinez has talked about all summer. Will all of the strong words over these last few weeks about keeping a player be rather shallow? What happens in January when vultures hover over our other talent? You can only keep players happy for so long, and promises of 'creating something special' only happens when something special happens!

Take a bow. You see through the smokescreen as well. Elated to keep hold of Stones. Please don't get me wrong. But we haven't done shit except hold on to talent. Huge plus these days but what are we NOT talking about? Buying player. We're talking about retaining players. Again great start, but Billy is playing the clappers for fools yet again. This is all theater for him and he's having a laugh.

I would just show JS video footage of the RS fans burning Stevie Me's shirt and remind him how that turned out!

But somewhere on the back of my mind I have this nagging feeling are we just being stubborn? Will over £30m in our pocket not give us the financial muscle to really grow and improve? Is buying a world class Number 10 and a more than adequate replacement a CB not worth more than the romantic notion of keeping the future England Captain?

With our current model we might take years to have enough quality in depth to challenge, but we well could get there in time by keeping our best and adding to them one excellent player per season. By selling we can solidify the best of the rest position quicker and improve the quality of the squad in a few positions.

Fortunately I'm a romantic, when it comes to football at least!

Barry Jones (153); there is a precedent here and it comes from across the park. Liverpool dug their heels in over Suarez in 2013 and refused to sell the player to Arsenal despite a transfer request. The result; the player goes on to have the season of a lifetime (in the build up to a major international tournament) and single-handedly (and unexpectedly) almost wins them the league. Yes, he still went the following season but for 㿷m vice the 㿔-㿙 Arsenal were touting.

Once this sorry saga is over and 1800 hours 1 September is upon us, John Stones will play football to the best of his ability next season regardless of which blue shirt he dons.

What are our scouts actually doing if not working their arses off to ensure the squad improves?

I'd happily drive McGeady back to Russia ... With Gibson, Pienaar, Osman and Hibbert surely on borrowed time? Cut them from the wage bill by next season to fund that decent keeper. Cillesen?

Stand strong Blues. Mourinho asked for a statement from Everton saying he was not for sale and he would back off. Anyone think he will keep his word?

I admit to having spoken against Martinez and his tactics many times, but must give credit when due. He has quite obviously bought in to the whole history and set up at Everton and comes across as being as committed a manager as I can remember for a long time, and I have been a fan for 57 years! Roberto clearly loves Everton and maybe, if he starts to get it right on the pitch Everton fans will grow to love him too, a process that began in his first season but stalled last season.

I'm sure Kenwright knew he would possibly lose his manager if he allowed Stones to go. To do so would have represented public ridicule for Roberto after his tough stance from day one of this saga.

Surely the authorities should now be looking at preventing this kind of thing happening in future, either by closing the window before the season opens, and more importantly, making it illegal to tap up players under contract in public, as the gutless ones have done. A private approach to another club is okay, but to deliberately set out to unsettle a contracted player (and they have all but admitted doing that), using their own players, the press and TV companies must be deemed an illegal approach.

Well done also to West Bromwich Albion for taking a similar stand in the Berahino matter. They are now my second favourite PL club, though still can't forgive Jeff Astle, bless him, for his cup winning goal against us. There again, their top scorer has had to be left out of their team because his head has been totally turned by the unwanted attentions of 'another premier league team' towards a player who was nit on the transfer list.

Roberto is right again when he talks about contracts. They have to be made to mean something again. If a player signs a five-year contract, as Stones did, they need to be made fully aware that it means they are committing themselves both legally and morally to their club for that period of time. If a contracted player receives a long term injury, like poor Bryan Oviedo, the club continues to pay them, and foots the medical bills and supports their player, so the player must learn that loyalty is a two-way street, and they owe their club, their team-mates and their fans a degree of loyalty for the period of their contract. If they are unhappy, go talk to the manager, privately and if things are unable to be sorted, the club may place you on the transfer list, BUT, the power in these cases must rest with the employer.

The player has enough power under Bosman to do as he pleases when his contract expires, but until that time, his employer should, and technically does, hold all the aces. If more clubs and managers follow Roberto's great example, thing might begin to change and players begin to realise the gravy train is slowing down, and the price of their ticket has just gone up. In other words, don't sign a contract unless you mean to honour it.

John Stones was over the moon to sign a five-year deal with us just a year ago. We have since then, given him a place in the first team and coached him to international standard and England caps. His response? A transfer request at the first hint of a bigger money deal. I can't help but think he's been very badly advised, but if this is the 'real' John Stones talking, I'd be sadly disappointed in him.

If true, this is a terrible indictment on a small section of our support, but, is as seems more likely, this is yet another piece of sensationalist gutter press reporting, it shows how far the media has sunk in their efforts to undermine our club and further unsettle a young man who should now be left alone to get on with his daily business of being an Everton player.

On the other hand, that rag is not exactly reliable.

Someone I think should have a quiet word with John's agent explaining that the only time John needs to hear from him is when his current contract is potentially coming up for renewal. But this statement should really come from John himself and other players should do the same.

Only problem is, agents, media etc would appear to be in it all together to keep their preferred media darlings in the top 4 / CL so that the huge global advertising deals and subsequent media stories keep the fragile business model going.

1. There should be a new law from the authorities making illegal moves for players through media, making unwanted bids, making those bids public, using players and ex players to make comments and thereby unsettle a player in the same competition. Constructive illegal move should be created to avoid this seeking to gain competitive advantage. At least a code of Practice from Premier League, Managers Association and FA.

2. The new TV money and rights money that has already come in and steps up even more next year is going to level up the playing field. Not completely but it now allows a club to spot talent, nurture it and then protect it from top 4-6 teams. The advantage that middle teams have is they can give time and opportunity to play in Premier League to develop that talent.

3. EFC strategy of building youth from scratch and brining in 17- to 19-year-old talent, with opportunities and space to get to first team level has produced a result.

4. RM's vision and team/squad build is progressing, so is the team style and ability to execute at pace. Moving the ball at pace, on the break, less slowly around the back 5, investing big in Striker and attacking talent, replacing an ageing defence, midfield (Neville, Heitinga in CM anyone?). This pre-season Browning, Galloway, Pennington and even Holgate look to be adding more momentum to the strategy. It saves huge transfer budgets and builds intangible reputation value to attract the best youth.

5. EFC is no longer in financial dire straights. Compare to Peter Johnson point, Walters 73 CB's etc, Rooney going, Arteta, Felaini sell to buy situation, Able to buy a £28M CF.

6. Chairman has made some mistakes and there has been some commercial own goals, controversial loans, stadium etc, however he is an Evertonian and with the financial history of the EL changing the asset he brings of stability, oratory, history and respect from the vast majority of fans. He has backed his managers and has made a stand to create a trend for all on Top 4 clubs.

7. EFC Team is young and still evolving and we as fans have an opportunity to get behind this Golden generation and support their mistakes, cheer them on and create an amazing atmosphere that wants talent to stay and attract top top players to take on the very best. We as fans have both an opportunity and a responsibility to build our club. Supporting John Stones, Ross Barkley, Gerard Deulofeu, Romelu Lukaku etc can be the start.

Sure there is more but it does feel as though something is turning; let's play our part!

This shitty newspaper is a very long way from being a reliable source of information. If I were to hazard a guess at the origins of this story it is either (in order of likelihood):

a) completely untrue
b) the result of a stunt set up by Chelsea and its gangster owners
c) a bunch of RS trying to cause trouble.

If JS has indeed left his home (which I suspect is true), it may be because Bill Kenwright (or someone close in the celeb world) has advised him that the lizards of the gutter press will be everywhere along with various other undesirables seeking to cause trouble.

John Stones sounds like quite a sensitive young lad and is probably anxious about what is going to happen and will be best off out of the public gaze apart from when playing in front of a highly supportive crown of Evertonians (and, one suspects supporters of other teams who want to see the class-free bums of west London shown proper disrespect).

Anyway, I've just seen the crap written this morning online - "Stones forced to fee home - hate mob force him out". (Scenes of a torch-wielding mob heading for Frankenstein's castle spring to mind).

The BBC are just as bad - they've highlighted the Martinez press conference at 9am while also planting the seed for further John Stones debate. On Lawro's predictions, he says we should basically give up on keeping Stones - i.e. bend over when Loadsamoney comes calling.

The club have said "No" yet the dirty, leering media keep trying to tap us up.

Odious, self-serving scumbags - that just about sums up the tabloids and the TV / radio media. They have a London/ Manc/ rs bias and there's only one thing we can do - stop buying and subscribing.

It seems to me that Martinez has dug his heels in over this issue, as he sees Stones as very much a part of his vision of the future. I think therefore that it was possible that Roberto would have walked away on this topic.

Moyes tried to put pressure on the board for more funds, as he became more revered nationally. Martinez came with a good rapport with the media and probably feels more confident in pressing the club than Moyes did at the same stage in his tenure.

The relative inactivity over subsequent transfer windows would suggest that the board either will not or can't sanction expenditure on even mid-range targets.

While our rivals splash the cash, we are shopping in the bargain basement again at a time when it is clear that our young players are not ready to step into the first team on a regular basis.

There is not much time left, but we really need more defensive cover and another striker, not to mention the number 10. If Lukaku gets crocked or Jags joins the hammy brigade we will be seriously screwed.

Come on Bill, you've done the right thing on Stones (at last), so now open the till and give Bobby some petty cash.

Brian, I wonder where all the criticism of WBA is for not allowing Berahino his "dream move". I fail to see any difference in the two transfer sagas yet no one in the press is dragging WBA's name through the mud nor are there countless articles, talkSHITE discussions on the transfer etc. Maybe because Spurs are not bankrolling individual members of the media to get them to help push through a deal....

As many have already said, they have done the right and brave thing in standing up to Chelsea and keeping hold of Stones. We really do need to start buying the players we need now, though, too.

Nobody knows why John Stones asked for a transfer and who prompted him to do this, it will come out in the future, meanwhile loads of us are still waiting for the end of the transfer window before we start applauding the club.

Martinez will retain my applause no matter what happens.

The same principal applies, but, as you rightly point out, no one is 'having a go' at West Brom for wanting to keep their leading goal scorer. Might have been different if it was Chelsea after him, and that really makes it all the more important that the authorities do something to prevent moneybags clubs like them from acting in this manner in future.

Mix - The Beatles - Can't buy me love:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=venzPNvge18&list=RDvenzPNvge18

We could become successful by bringing together good young players and having an Academy that would produce Premier League quality players from quality young prospects.

I remember hearing that as soon as he came to the club, Martinez went to introduce himself to Kevin Sheedy and often watches the lads and takes a great interest in the development of young players.

We're beginning to see that group of players he's after growing into a team. I think he sold the idea to the Board and I think it was down to him that we are keeping Stones.

Well done Roberto.

I think we need to wait until probably the last day until we see the players who he wants, come in. It's been made clear that he would to some business very quickly (Tom Cleverley and Gerry Deulofeu) So I think the same crew who keep harping on about the need for players, could do well to wait until the window shuts before kicking off. I don't think criticising Roberto for the lack of transfer activity is right. The Board are the ones who sanction the purchase so let's wait and see.

As for Chelsea, well, we've got the home match in a couple of weeks where we can make our feelings clear about this saga.

As for John Stones, well, I hope we will be as supportive of him as he deserves. A great player but a young lad. If The Reds can show the support they did to Suarez, who manipulated the transfer saga, we can certainly do the same for a lad who has probably had is head wrecked by the storm of controversy around him.

As for those so-called fans who (if true!) abused our player, well... "Beam them up, Scotty!"

"You look great, mate," I said, "been on a good holiday?"

He smiled and said, "This fella from Wigan, who used to sit next to me, has fucked off!!"

I was also at Barnsley and the majority were supporting John Stones. I expect it will be the same tomorrow at Spurs.

Although he's now talking about how busy his acolytes are in South America, he's had all summer to fill the gap created by his release of Distin and Alcaraz. The Stones situation has been used as a smokescreen for this manager's prevarication in the market and I hold no truck with the repeated allegation that he has been deprived of funds until this last moment.

What is so amusing about this guy's utterings is that he slams everybody for extending player trading well into the season but he fails to do anything to fill his own vacancies until the very last minute.

Kenwright must be well pissed off with being painted as this summer's villain given that he has proved ample finance is now available at the club hence his rejection of Chelsea's £40M for this year's Wonderboy!

We bought the bloke for £2M, who knows how he will progress or whether he will suffer an injury tomorrow. We haven't a pot to piss in.

Like it or not, we are a sell to buy club, and we've been offered way above the odds in the here and now - noting that there's no hint of any competition on what Chelsea were prepared to stump up. Clearly few, if any, of the happy clappies amongst you have ever run a business in the real world.

I like it, Robbie. Couldn't have put it better myself!

I'm retired now, but the last business I ran, as CEO, had a turnover of more than 𧴰m a year, so I can claim to know a bit, and I don't agree with you.

All we can do is wait until Tuesday night to see who actually comes and goes. I just don't trust this club one bit and I think RM is making a rod for his own back regarding the situation with Stones.

The money is not his to splash out, otherwise he'd have the players in who hew wanted before now. What is the point of him waiting? Prevaricating? Do you seriously consider that a manager would not have his players in before now, if he was in control of the cash?

I think you just won't accept that Kenwright, Earl and Co are the ones who authorise the release of funds. It has been explained, in detail, on ToffeeWeb, why we won't see any major outlay of funds until almost the final hours of the window.

You seem to have it in for Martinez. By all means criticise him for what is in his power but I see no difference here between Roberto and Moyes. Last minute deals were the order of the day when Moyesie was manager.

Because we don't now have to sell, you have made a stellar leap of logic here, to the point that we now have cash to burn and Roberto can just go out and buy who he wants... but he won't because he's a prevaricator.

Dearie me!!

Roberto has definitely come out of this with a lot of admirers for how he's conducted himself throughout the whole saga.

I really like the players he's brought in – and youth policy he's adopted; if he can just get the defence sorted and better organisation and pressing as a team, I think we'll be really onto something.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/Everton/11830244/John-Stones-transfer-saga-Roberto-Martinez-proves-when-a-club-say-a-player-is-not-for-sale-they-can-really-mean-it.html

Link

Your derogatory tone towards your fellow blues seems to indicate you just don't get it. Of course it's emotional - but it's also the best decision coming out of our club for some time- in every sense... including a business sense.

Wind your neck in mate ,let's enjoy the news, and look forward to the rest of the season.

On the subject of bringing in players. We could do with cover in a number of positions. But I wish that Martinez would indentify that we could do with a top class Gk on board. We also need urgent cover at LB. As our left side is a disaster waiting to happen. How about Lescott as cover?Roll on the end of this window. And bring on Spurs. They have not started brilliant. Can Martinez conjur up a win. I might even become a convert. COYBs

If we don't make any significant signings and subsequently struggle in the league RM and BK will have some very difficult questions to answer. Obviously BK will go into hiding and leave RM to face the flack from the fans.

What a great Evertonian he is.

I don't feel I'm alone in not being very enthused with Martinez dealings in the market - this year and previously - but as you would believe he has been starved of cash we are urged to lay the blame at BK's door.

On the Stones issue, there can no longer be a cash crisis at Goodison or the banks would be on the club's back to alleviate the problem by trading whilst the kid is 'hot'. I just hope the failure to cover this vital position before now (whoever is to blame) will not ultimately come to be seen as the reason the club missed out on a bonanza deal.

If I performed so badly my boss would be asking me a few questions.

People, don't get me wrong, I want JS to stay. But just think what four 10 million rated players would bring to our squad. Four seasoned top premier league hardened players. Or John Stones. Do we trust Martinez? I just don't know. I just don't bloody well know.

Aah....poor little John

"I buy the notion a club that isn't blessed with limitless amounts of money can succeed with a plan that involves growing it's own assets ... that includes recruiting from lower leagues into a successful team that exceeds the sums of it's constituent parts ... Many, many smaller businesses outwit wealthier competitors by being more creative, more flexible, quicker on their feet, working harder and by exploiting softer strengths."

I would support that model 100% Peter. Unfortuately, until now, it is not a model the Everton board has adopted. Maybe this represents a sea change in attitude and ambition that can realise greater success for the club, rather than the survival not growth model we have adhered to, based solely on TV monies and player sales.

I live in hope.

The difference with Martinez in charge is that I don't think the signings he does eventually get in will be good enough or he has any sort of clear plan. with Moyes although the situation was the same I just felt more confident with him that, in the end, we would get what we needed as he had it all in hand.

The bottom line is this. We should be in a situation where we can keep Stones AND invest in the team, but due to the awful running of the club this isn't the case. My personal feeling that £40m reinvested in the team would be of more benefit to us.

I guess only time will tell.

Nil Satis Nisi Optimum

Oh and the little problem of having a player who told the world he wants to leave!! Now what about the signings we desperately need regardless of Stones going or not???

He decided for his future he needed the cash now?

The fans calling him a rat?

Doesn't believe in RM's vision?

Carefully orchestrated move by BK to make the move late enough to avoid reinvesting the cash and leaving the fault with Stoney's agent?

We all know or should know how Kenwright deals with the transfer windows so I believe that the reasons the deals are done late are down to him.

I also stated I will leave it to the end of the window before applauding the club, let's see what happens.

Regarding Martinez as a manager I decided to see if he will change his tactics this season, so far I am not sure that he has, again I'll wait and see over a few more matches.

Keep contributing Phil I enjoy your points of view, and I still think you will be back at Goodison.

But you are right when you say - only time will tell.

The conspiracy theorist in me thinks that BK knows that once the people he owes money to knew he had £40m on the way, they would be knocking on his door in next to no time. At the moment he can say "I can't give you what I haven't got". Better to have Stones and be skint, than not have him and still be skint. Naturally the fans would have been screaming for him to spend the money, and it would have been very difficult to explain it had been sucked up already.

I'm sure there are always hidden aspects to any club's agenda's, but some of the conspiracy theories expounded really do stretch the imagination at times.

A bit uncharitable to say it but I do believe the 'No' was more a personal protection matter than any requirement to support the manager's partly self- imposed discomfort.

"I can make an offer you can't refuse". Should go down well.

On other fronts:

Major Kudos to Roberto and the board for their admirable stance re Stones

However, we have had over 6 months to get a decent replacement for Alcatraz and Distin and known that we need a "special" number 10 and a goalscorer.

I believe we were genuinely chasing Yarmalenko but that sort of died with the "John Stones" affair.

I will keep my powder dry until the window closes but I believe most Evertonians are expecting a "marquee" signing" in addition to the other 2 "squad" players.

Over to you Bill????

I know it's not as cut and dried as that, but a valid point for me.

The fans who have given Stones a hard time over this make be ashamed to be an Evertonian.

I am more than happy he stayed and I cant understand the grief he has been given, after less than 2 seasons with us he is called a rat for asking to move on.

I think he will move next summer for excess of £50m and until then we should get behind him. This is not just my opinion but of several others who don't just watch SSN and then print an article.

There seems to be train of thought that we're defending great with him in the team. I don't think that's true.

If we had a deal in place, sold Stones for £50m next June and were able to buy three top quality players the same week, then it would be a great bit of business, but that is much easier said than done.

Ultimately the way the manager spends the money is part of his job and what he gets paid handsomely for. AVB, ended up getting the boot for blowing the Bale money and Brenda must have had a few "please explain" meetings.

Bale and Suarez are world class attacking players. Stones is an up and coming defender who, so far, has not improved our results. In fact you could argue the opposite.

Personally I think the transfer window should end once the season starts. The stones situation has been a joke. Reminds me of the Lescott affair a few seasons back, except this time Stones has given 100% despite all the press about him - all the credit to the kid.

Looking forward to the Chelsea game. The atmosphere will be toxic towards the Chelsea shite & that twat Mourinho - Bring out 'The Dogs of War'

£40m at present seems to be only 'buy in' money this window and who would be the intended targets that will move us up the table?

We really need to see if Roberto has changed, as hinted at by Howard K, before we start splashing cash.

Can anyone name a player that Mourinho has actually developed within the Chelsea set up to become a permanent fixture in the Chelsea team? So not sent on loan to someone else, or already proven at other clubs.

Myself and a couple of the lads have racked our brains and can not actually identify one in either of his two times in charge at Chelsea.

So if true, something for promising talent who have not yet finished their development to consider when moving to a club he is manager of.

The man may be a great tactician when working with proven, mature, international players. But he doesn't appear to have the patience or ability to develop them himself.

So what can we aspire to, 'seventhish'? But that was never good enough when Moyesey did it every season and was seen as boring so it must be the higher position Roberto gave us in his first season.

I bet Paddy Power is quaking in his boots when he sees all the money going on that happening!

You have called Roberto a prevaricator! Why, if you wouldn't mind sharing your logic with us, would Roberto wait until the final couple of days before getting in players who would bring in the improvements to the squad, he wants to see. Do ypou think he is so vaciilating over who to bring in, he waits until the final day and doesd a sort of choice procedure which goes something like "Eeny Meeny Miny Mo...

You say I have blamed the Board. I've done no such thing.I'm saying that the Board will wait until all the financial toings and frowings Don't be blaming Roberto without the facts before you. Two accountants who are Blues have told us all, the reason why we are not going to get anyone in before the last couple of days.

Anyone in their right mind would want their players in asap after the season ends.

You sat " I hold no truck with the repeated allegations that he has been starved of funds until this last moment"

Why is that then, Jim? Any kind of logic there, or is that something you just think suits your assessment of Martinez?

What possible reason can you offer for our manager holding off getting players in who, according to you, he caqn wave his chequebook at and snap his fingers and they'll come running.

Please share it Jim, I'm anxious tro know why a manager who has the cash in his arse pocket to improve the team, just "prevaricates" until the last couple of hours before the window closes.

Maybe that's how we got Besic?

I just happen to believe Kenwright is a simple mark to put the blame on but if you feel he is frustrating this dynamic manager, you are entitled to do so.

Let's wait and see how the window closes for us and how ALL the newcomers shape up before we draw conclusions, eh?

On the 7th August 2014, you signed a very lucrative 5 year deal at Everton. In the time elapsed between then and now, I would struggle to grow a decent beard.

The BBC headline that day said,

"John Stones pens a new 5 year deal at Everton, becoming the latest player to commit his future to the Merseyside club."

Did you see that one John?
You were quoted at the time as saying...

"I am over the moon. It's just been such a great last season and to get pen to paper on a new deal is a dream come true"

Did you mean what you said John? I am very sorry that your 'dream move' to Chelsea has been quashed for now, but at least you still have one dream left eh?

Phil, to me there's a separate issue about how the Board have fared over the past 16 years or so. The fact is, the Board have a certain amount of money which they usually release, as late in the window as they posasibly can.

It happened with Moyes tenure and it is happening with Martinez. I just cannot see how a manager prevaricatesd if he has no money. You seem to think that he has had funds to get players in...but doesn't. When we bought Fellaini (last minute) McCarthy, the same, Lukaku, the same.

I don't think any manager would wait until 3 or 4 games after the season starts, before getting the major purchase in. It doesn't make any sense at all.

So, did Mourinho sign him because he really wanted him, or, as I suspect, simply to take a potential opponent out of the equation by bringing the Colombian international to Stamford Bridge.

Be very careful what you wish for John, Mourinho, with all Abramovich's money, signs players because he CAN, not necessarily becomes he really WANTS them.

It would be great if another banner was flown at tonight's game reading "STONES STAYS... FUCK THE MEDIA"

We win fuck all. We must have spent less than every other club on ground improvements, and there are clubs in the Championship who have overtaken us in terms of transfer spending. Perhaps I am being unreasonable and should wait until Tuesday night before complaining, then maybe the same again next year and the year after and the one after that?

"Because you have a Champions League budget,you can't just click your fingers and get anything you want."

He goes up and up in my estimation

Truth or more lies to deflect criticism?

I would also like to know just who was loudly booing Stones? Not Evertonians, so why would Spurs do that? Surely they do not want him to sign for a London rival? Maybe they just thought it was a way to unsettle an opposition player.

Lastly, surely it is not beyond the ability of the Everton DJ to find a copy of that Beatles song and to ensure that it is played - very loudly - on 12 September, preferably when players and managers are present. I am sure that it will be sung loudly because, as you know, it is much easier to sing along with a song that is blasted out through the loudspeakers. They might just find that all Evertonians present sing along - and wouldn't that be just great!

Everyone is too immersed in keeping John Stones when selling him was the perfect opportunity to strengthen the squad.

What a shit way to run a club.