Everton vs Norwich City

I can see Ross Barkley really putting a show on and would not be surprised to see Pennington, Dowell and Connolly get some game time.

COYB

I can't believe Norwich paid so much for him, then it's wasted on the biggest 13.5 million waste of space we'll ever see. What a Manager.

I would have been wrong not to honour Martinez's promise to Howard. Hope he enjoys himself and keeps a clean sheet

I also started doubting whether Martinez was a good and decent man after the way he seemed to treat people. It's how you deal with pressure and criticism that makes people stand out.

I am sure his time will come. Be interesting to see him return to Goodison as an opposing manager.

What a reception.....

As for Norwich. Be good to see some organisation in any team put out. Defend the goal and move on and up the field!

I think the players we have are more than capable to perform at a high level.

Looking forward to the game

Sunday should go some way to tell if some players had downed tools, or where playing under strict instructions to only pass sideways, or backwards (McCarthy); not to tackle or chase back (Barkley); not to defend (Stones); keep giving the ball away (Funes Mori); ... or to look like you've never played before in your life (Niasse).

Over to you, boys.

I expect to see more passion as the dark cloud that has presided over the team has hopefully lifted. What we can't expect is Unsworth and co to remove all the failings of the team in 2 days.

I reckon were all up for this though and it should be a great atmosphere.

Be great to see Joe Royle back involved.

Daryl @4. A good way of looking at it. The club needs to make sure that the players don't just walk out the front door of Goodison after the game carrying all the baggage of this season. The squad can't be allowed to dwell over the six odd weeks of the close season on what has gone on.

I would ask the interim management team to hang on to the players for a week and clear the air in every way possible.

I hate to sound like a damned hippie ( shakes fist Homer Simpson style) but we need to do everything possible to cleanse the soul of the club. There has been something cathartic for the fans with Martinez leaving and we need to carry that on with the players and staff at Goodison and the training ground.

Nobody has been more anti Martinez than me but there have been many occasions when the players should have suffered far more criticism than they ever came in for. Laziness, lack of awareness, bad judgement could all be applied to certain members of this 'best squad since......' and , generally apart from Tim Howard, they have got away with it. At least, they will still be here to pick up their millions if they so choose.

As ever, I shall be cheering on the lads to victory from afar even if it only in the hope that at least ONE of my ill-judged cross doubles on these three fixtures against the Prem's 'no hopers' comes in !

Pretentious gossip

I thought you were pressing the Everton "Off" button until Kenwright had gone?

That didn't last long did it?

It definitely feels like a fresh start now. A little bit more spring cleaning is still to happen at the club though.

Hoofball looks more appealing to me right now than then tippy-tappy crap we've been made accustomed to under Bobby.

Just get the ball to the opposition half fast. Don't care how or why... Just do it!!!!

Long Live Randle P Mc Murphy and Up Yours all you Nurse Ratchets.

God Bless Evertonians said Tiny Tim Cahill.

However, we are where we are now. Like others, I am actually looking forward to going to the game tomorrow for the first time in ages. Hopefully Rhino's first job will be to get rid of the stupid 2DMs. Not necessary and never was if you know how to defend as a team. Plus it frees up a player to give Ross support. I'm not expecting too much in the energy department given how unfit they all are, but with a bit of luck, they will play with a bit of freedom and stop all this unnecessary pissing around at the back. As far as the team goes, well I guess I would go with this team

Howard
Connelly Pennington Stones Baines
Gibson
Lennon Barkley Mirallas
Dowell Lukaku

Nothing to lose, lets see how they go

Tomorrow's a dead rubber give the kids a chance, even start with Lukaku & Barkley on the bench; after all they've earned a rest after the shifts they've put in the last 2 months(haha haha haha haha haha)

As far as sticking around, just totally pissed of with Kenwright and until he's out of the picture, I'm having a sabbatical

The lads have looked lost for months now so I'm hoping they give us all some hope for next season.

Actually looking forward to this one, and I have no predictions as to who will get played but expect a solid if not exciting performance. No fireworks today. A win 2-0 maybe 2-1(Nais? - would be nice!) and at least a considerably better atmosphere for the parade lap. I hesitate to call it a lap of honour - other than for the 30 odd thousand bluenose die hards who have shelled out each week to watch the recent dross. They/you guys deserve an ovation alone. (I would love be among you but for the pressure of distance and weekend work).

Looking forward to an exciting summer. Hopefully Ross can get some confidence back at the Euros and an incoming incumbent with the fire, brimstone and experience to get them revved up again. Risky I know but it's El Loco - Bielsa - for me. He'd sort some of these egos out.

Re Kenwright, if, what we here is true, that Moshiri overruled him on the decision to sack Martinez, en I don't think it will be long for Moshiri to solve that problem. Sounds like his own man, and not a Kenwright puppet.

I also hope the players get lifted too, and put a show on for the fans, we haven't seen that for a while now. I do hope our better players want to stay too, because I believe, although the results recently dictate otherwise, that we have the nucleus of a very good squad.

With a new owner, a new manager on the horizon, a Transfer Fund, with hopefully some equally talented players to join as well, things could be looking good after all!

COYB

As for tomorrow it will be a day of goodbyes to quite a few of our players so I'd like to see his team start:

Howard
Hibbo (if fit)
Jones
Funes
Oviedo
Martinez
Ossie
Gibbo
Pienaar
Kone
Niasse

Give them a rousing send off.

The sooner this Club gets ruthless with its players (and so-called managers ) the better.

Thanks to all of them, now go and milk some other sucker club !

I'm sure BPB has everything choreographed down to a tee including a (half time) musical extravaganza illustrating his glorious reign. I've heard Elton will be playing a ditty and Michael Crawford will be singing a few tunes from The Phantom of the Opera and there will be a photo montage of Bill and his mates including Sly Stallone, Phillip Green, OFM, Robert Earl, Sharon Osborne, Roberto Martinez, Betty from Corrie, Gazza, Bernie Madoff, Andrew Lloyd Webber and the toffee lady.

It should be a day to remember.

Yep, I want them to win but moreso want to see them tear into Norwich right from the start. I don't expect Joe and Unsy to be able to revolutionise our style just within a couple of days.

No point in playing those who are likely to leave, just for the sake of it. They can have their swansong with the lap of whatever it's called.

From right now, we should be setting the stall out that Everton are in football to Win matches...and then Trophies.

I thought two things. 1) What a simple way to tell you a lot about a person. 2) I reckon we'd be a much more effective side if we had 3/4/5 players who could be described that way.

At the moment, I can't see one single player in our squad who makes me (regularly) think 'I bet the opposition don't fancy coming up against him'

I'm not suggesting we replace them all, but imo if we are to progress, we do need a few natural leaders.

I hope whoever comes in sees quickly that we are without real leadership (ie: not just pointing) on the field.

This is not the worst Everton side I have seen but it is the quietest and we need someone (possibly with an air of menace) who never switches off and makes sure his team-mates don't.

Anyway, up the Toffees and (with tomorrow in mind) 'JOE JOE MEXICO!'

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2016/05/13/Everton-goalkeeper-tim-howard-takes-leave-with-note-of-optimism/

Howard is annoying me now. Roberto didn't kick a ball apparently...oh yeah, nothing to do with him. And he's banging on about his records, arrogant.

I like Nais, but why would a hat-trick beating a mid-table side in an horrific season go down in 'folk lore' - no wonder people say we accept mediocrity, struth.

Also, why does a millionaire deserve an award for giving a few tickets away? What about local teachers, healthcare staff?? A footballer gives away what would be a quid to us and people are all over them.

Alex Young in his Radio Merseyside (got an old tape of it) interview mentioned how Bobby Collins was "The General" and woe betide anyone who he felt was giving up. Jimmy Gabriel, Tony Kay, Alex Parker, and more, in the sixties. We had them in the mid Eighties but, you're right we don't have them now.

Even though he's "veteran" stage, I'd have John Terry in like a shot for a year, maybe two.

A very slanted interpretation of Howard's harmless honest interview, Damian.

Given a number of others are probably off during the close season, there will be a significantly different look to the squad come August.

But for tomorrow now the Martinez thing is done, it's time to show appreciation to Tim Howard, Leon Osman, Tony Hibbert and Steven Pienaar.

We roll out the old show ponies for one last hooray and loose then we could end up loosing big in the summer.
What better than a 5-0 win to send the fans away with a bit of hope for next season, the players too. Some who look elsewhere might think "hold on... Maybe there is something here".

I would start ONLY players who will be here next year. With the exception of Howard who (inappropriately in my opinion) has been told in the media he is playing so pretty much forcing unsi's hand.

Remember this... Your only as good as your last game. I believe as fans we will cling to whatever performance on Saturday till our next competitive game.

We move on starting tomorrow with an Unsy win and he can retire with a 100% record.

Can't remember the last time I actually looked forward to the last game of the season, bring it on - then bring in the right man to show the young "potential" stars that it just might be worth hanging around next season and getting fit after all!

Howard;
Connolly, Stones, Funes Mori, Baines;
Besic, Davies;
Lennon, Dowell, Mirallas;
Lukaku.

If the likes of Pienaar and Ossie are going to be playing their last game give them a 15-minute cameo but would rather see a couple of the youngsters given a start.

I'm certainly not suggesting starting either Osman or Pienaar, and Hibbert is injured again. Although they both should get a chance to come on as substitutes.

In fact probably a chance to play a few younger players as its a pretty meaningless fixture which will have no bearing at all on what happens next season.

As for you are only as good as your last game, that's just a nonsense cliche. You win things in football over a season of games, that's how you are judged.

http://www.clickliverpool.com/sport/Everton-fc/3734-Everton-fc-legend-calls-on-farhad-moshiri-to-appoint-jose-mourinho/

Although he was way out of form, I don't blame Howard entirely, as he didn't pick himself. Also, if you look at the goal from a corner at Sunderland, Robles palms it out, there are 3! yes 3 Everton defenders standing together at the near post, with no Sunderland player near them. One attacker in the box and he scores. I've played, managed and watched Sunday League games and that ridiculous setup wouldn't be allowed there!!!

There are no leaders, no-one to set up defences from set pieces, and a total lack of direction on the pitch; all down to bad management. I expect to see a tighter unit at the back, and more protection for the keeper with a new boss – not a nutcase like ORFM who doesn't think defending is part of the game.

Mr Moshiri will flex his muscles and Kenwright will know his time as leader has gone, with it we will see a united fan base with focus and optimism.

The sun is shining, after such a long winter of discontent it's good to have something to look forward to.

I have a feeling that after so many yearsof bs being such a "well run club" we may actually discover what a really well run club can do.

Bring it on.

I know it's a cliche but I just feel the whole mood would be better/more positive around the club finishing off with a win.

For me, this season ended a few weeks ago and we need to salvage any small scrap of positive out of it so that out first pre season get together is in better temperament.

Also, I love big nev and his ideas. He really knows how to put pressure on the board and say what the fans want. He has said a few similar things in the past about performances.

It depends if you include caretaker managers

Spot on. Love the positivity. Absolutely right.

Move it on up!

McCarthy will be out of the side when the new manager comes in.

A midfielder who hides from the ball. Runs a million miles a game but never passes forward, his first thought is to go square, if that is not on it is to go back.

A very poor player in my opinion.

I guess 'going through the motions' will best sum it up as we await news of the new man. In doing so, we can only hope enquiries will be made of each candidate's style so that we may be spared another bloody 'philosopher' !

Couldn't agree more, it's time for a change.

I have no doubt we will start with Barry with McCarthy again. Wouldn't mind seeing Basic with Cleverly.

Once the game is over at the final whistle I'm out the of the ground as fast as I can. The start of next season will be with a clean slate.

By my calculation it is Colin Harvey. As you have 9 former managers so that would be

Martinez
Moyes
Smith
Kendall twice
Watson
Royle
Walker
Gabriel twice

And then Colin Harvey

If you didn't include caretakers it would be Billy Bingham

You want to try me on FA Cup winners, I can still do as my party piece every winner ever in order since 1871

I like acronyms Colin and do use them, but in this case it's a little bizarre. Common use of acronym would be for example 'EFC' 'cause someone can't be arsed typing the full hit. But why not just say 'Moyes'?

Phil, re: Unsy

"the attack from your own goal line' bit."

Ha ha made me laugh! Unsworth was an horrific passer of the ball. 9/10 if he passed forward it would result in a goal kick.

Who is a worse passer Unsy or Jags? I'd say Jags, great defender, but possibly the worst passer in England.

What was missing from the 1953 FA cup final that was in every one before that and everyone since?.

No not one I know. It was between the death of the King and the Queen's coronation but I'm clutching at straws.

Damien, personally I refuse to name him. He's a bit like Voldemort or Sauron. Oh shit, I shouldn't have mentioned them either!!

Who won in '37 Graham?

That's an easy one because Sunderland won in 37 and 73, that's how to remember it.

Who won in 1878 then Graham?

The answer is the referees left arm. The referee was Alf Bond who also refereed the Everton v Bolton semi final the same year. He only had half an arm on his left hand, don't know if he lost it during the war.

I'll now get my coat.

Saha, what a talent he was.

Depends how you code / do your maths formulas I suppose!

Like a few on here looking forward to the final match, but not a fan of these token final appearances, even if only for a few minutes. Play the best XI available every time. But I'm old Skool I guess.

It'll be interesting to see how the players react today, I expect something better from Barkley especially - he's happy to see the back of RM & his cronies

Two things, the first is that we all owe a big thanks to those Evertonians who DID protest. Not only those who did stay behind to be kettled and subjected to muzak abuse by Chaiman Bill's cronies and the guys with the plane, but the numerous fans who spoke eloquently and passionately on the talk shows and those who planned to protest at the end of season dinner, Fridays press conference and the game on Sunday. Chairman Bill's poor attempt to allow Martinez more time back fired with some miserable, pathetic and bereft performances, I've not seen since the mid 70's (unfortunately this time the world was watching us surrender to Leicester and Sunderland). What the Club was attempting to achieve in the two hours after Sky had reported Martinez had been sacked is beyond any normal comprehension. Except of course, this seems part of Chairman Bill's agenda. Even though the media pack had smelt blood earlier in the day, arrogance turned into an amateur miscalculated effort, to show who was in control. End result… Everton Football Club looked like a bunch of ‘chumps' and their fans were subjected to more torturous hours, of not knowing what was going on at their club. This is despite, the so called professionals, we have at the club, to manage the media and advise the board. Personally, we were driving up the M5 to attend the dinner with our own plans, when Sky announced the news and then spent an hour at Bristol services before deciding too still go to the dinner and have a pop at Chairman Bill. We all know what happened after that… just passing Birmingham and the bugger cancelled the dinner… after that we just went back to Cornwall and got trashed.

Secondly, it's time for us to move on, our fans who say we are no longer a big club are right, to get back there, we need to re-build, both on and off the field. Teams like Southampton, West Ham, Stoke, Swansea are above us and of course, the brilliant Leicester. West Ham are doing a Man City with the new stadium, probably resulting in a further drop. So now we have to re-build carefully, for us Operation Adiós Martinez is over and ‘OPERATION GOODISON Gets its Mojo Back' begins.
Let's hope it starts today and our team gives us something to cheer… COYB!!

As far as I am concerned it was a decree absolute and 500 metres restraining order against Moyes and Martinez, with costs awarded against them to pay for our counselling.

That's a fun team he's put out today.

I predict GP will be rocking today, out of relief more than anything else.

The playing field of English football is wide open now because of what Leicester City achieved, with a lot of effort and some sense you can achieve success, oh and I say Aston Villa are a big club too regardless of where they are now.

We play in a tired old stadium and with up to now, a constant limit on funds. We have 30,000+ who religiously attend the home games no matter what. Yes we do have a big fan base. Oh and certainly a loyal fan base but that doesn't mean we are still a big club. Big clubs constantly play in Europe and win things at home. This in return attracts big named managers and players with ease, or we are able to offer our best players, an incentive to stay. We just don't and the fault lies with those who run and manage our club.

Next season, as this, will be totally different. The big clubs have already reacted to this season, new managers and players in place or lined up. The top five big clubs, which does not include Leicester nor does it include us (it hasn't since the Premier League began), are the ones that have consistently performed on and off the field.

Man Utd, could still not win anything for ten years and still be classed as a big club, purely on their Premier League titles. But Villa are not a big club anymore and destined to become the next car crash following Leeds, Coventry and Birmingham.

All we can say to that, is thank Buddha it's not us and that we now have the opportunity to bring in a new manager and offer him substantial funds so that we can re-build.

Oh and normal service is hopefully resumed as we beat Norwich City 3-0.