Reports suggest Everton aren”t giving up on their top targets

Waterside dream Stadium, transfer activity to be proud of and maybe even at a stretch an adequately run marketing department and commercial team... Exciting times!

Still, it does sound like Moshri knows what he wants and won't be rushed; which can only be good news for the club.

A new Manager, ground move and exciting players? We can dream, but it's a real possibility.

Surely, if he was a realistic prospect, Moyes would have been appointed (or as BK would term it, anointed) by now.

So in my head I am slowly moving away from this appointment has to be 100% right, we are not in the last chance saloon any more, if we fail we can go again. So take your time get the man you want, as fans we will give them 2 years to see they are making progress, but fail and we should be looking for a replacement.

So to avoid cherry picking the reports I like, I'm holding fire until there's something more solid looking... while checking ToffeeWeb daily!

Totally agree.

It's all changed.No matter how much they talk about 'projects' the fact is that modern managers know that more than ever they are in a results based business- hence, they do not expect to be given loads of time.

Finally, a bit of common sense. IF Moyes was to be instated as the next manager he'd have been in by now, spreading his misery and gloom across the fields of Finch Farm, the offices and the terraces of Goodison Park, like Private Frazer from Dad's Army.

But he's not, despite his availability and his, hopefully last, appearance at Goodison watching one of our own knock seven kinds out of an opponent. Moyes is yesterday's man. He's pissed on his chips, not only with us, but after his failures at Man Utd and Real Sociedad his stock has plummeted.

We're too big for him and his style now.

I'd like our apparent first choice targets (Emery and Koeman) in ASAP naturally but I hope we don't wait too long for them and thereby scupper an important summer's rebuilding programme. There should be a cut off date whereby we look at our Tier 2 targets (FdB and Pelligrini) so that we can best utilise the close season.

However, whilst we still don't know much about Moshiri, the clubs appears to be run differently to the past and that can only be a good thing.

As a final thought, it could be that Moshiri agreed to interview Moyes as paying lip service to Kenwright. After all, he can't just dismiss everything the man says or suggests.

Why would Dein have to move Merseyside?!

Do you think Moshiri has boxed off a place in Allerton?

*Unless it's Moyes.

I want us to appoint a manager that makes the present players, such as Stones and Lukaku, think twice about leaving (although I fully recognise it is far too late) and Koeman for me doesn't really do it.

Simeone I know is highly unlikely but can you imagine the reaction amongst the fans, players and opposing fans if we pulled that one off!

You are right Carl (#18) – get the barbie on; get the beers out and wait for the announcement. In the meantime I will be back on TW in an hour – just in case!

BK used Moshiri to play the bad guy to get rid of Martinez so that he could return to the safety of his 'blood brother'.

Pray to God that I am wrong all of youse!

I was actually a fan of Moyes, but do not want him back. Not only did he sneak out the back door, but also branded EFC fans as "a discrace" just for singing that he was full of shit. Roberto lost the fans, Moyes wouldn't have them to start with.

With Koeman, he's still to sit down himself with the Southampton board and talk about the future and budgets etc and the longer we go on with no manager news or appointment, then I think we're waiting on developments with Koeman and Southampton before we make our move.

If the likes of Pellegrini & de Boer were top choices to be our manager, then we could of made deals for either by now but we haven't, so clearly we're waiting on a manager who is already at a club.

My choice as always been de Boer, and I wouldn't mind Pellegrini either but both Koeman & Emery are good choices as well but personally I think us Evertonians would have to be happy with either if we're honest!

I just want us to get something sorted out now, within the next week or two at the very latest.

I agree there is no reason for him to move to Everton, but let's be clear it would be a step up, not a step down. But for him its not a big enough step up to make it worthwhile, and he's better waiting for a bigger offer in a years' time from Arsenal.

As for Emery, the fact is that the Premier League is now the "NBA" of football – it's totally dominant off the pitch. Once again the team that finishes bottom next season will earn more than the title winners this season from TV money. Already, all 20 Premier League clubs are in the top 30 of the rich list and this is only going to get more obvious until there is a breakaway of big clubs at the other leagues.

So for someone like Emery he will be able to attract far better players to Everton than he can to Sevilla (even though I think they would give us a hiding if we played them tomorrow). This must be tempting. The Premier League is the new Champions League (at least for managers).

If rumour is true, Moshiri will double the money what Southampton are offering. Therein lies the answer.

As long as that stays the same, I'm confident we'll get a manager everyone can get behind and Everton will push on on all fronts.

Also the prospect of a new ground but mainly the money will allow him to buy better players than he ever could at Southampton. I also believe Koeman is the man to build this club back to were it was 30 years ago, again rumour says he will stay at Southampton for another 12 months and get the Arsenal job. Well, first, a lot can happen in 12 months... and Wenger has just agreed a 2 year deal.

Well, Simeone IS considering his future following cup final misery (I saw it on Sky News so it has to be true) and all the top Premier League clubs are now spoken for plus EFC have shed loads of dosh and the prospect of working with Osman and Hibbert must be irresistible.

As I have now doubled the groundswell of fan based support for Simeone, it is only a matter of time before this is reported in the Daily Star as "a source close to Goodison Park" and the club will be forced to appoint amid the media frenzy which follows.

Job done.

Therefore, any prospective manager would surely look at us and think "ALL THAT and ٣-6M a year? Wake me up !".

It's a complete no-brainer for a top manager. Just because they are at a decent club with a decent squad is absolutely no guarantee that, even 12 months from now, their stock will still be in the ascendant.

Everton have a an unrefusable opportunity to any manager with real hunger. That, of necessity, rules out the cautious brigade, thank god.

All this 'why would he come?' Is getting on my nerves. Leave it to fans of other clubs to belittle us, we don't need to do it ourselves. We're the best club in the world (biased) and bigger and better than Southampton (objectively true on pretty much any measure). Two years of bad management doesn't change that.

The only reason Koeman wouldn't come is if he felt he was in line for one of Europe's big, Champions League regulars in a years time, not because Southampton is a bigger draw than Everton.

I'd love Emery. Not totally convinced about Koeman.

Why do people seem to think we're getting Dein? What, because someone 'ITK' on twitter said so? Okay:

I have had it on very good authority from a source who is always spot on and is 'ITK' that we are to sign Messi, Higuain and De Gea are sugning hext week"

Do you believe me?

I see Higuain has been linked with the RS. As it! He's netted 36 in 35 and cost Roma £35M. They quoted £45M, surely given Rom's price, that's a joke?

Every chance Emery wanted to wait for the end of the Champions League Final, as he was being touted to take over from Zidane if they lost the final.

So, for all of our rants about 'typical Everton' taking so long, this is actually a show of just how far we have already come under Moshiri. Press are in the dark just as much as us. I can live with that! COYB!

http://www.oddschecker.com/football/football-specials/Everton/next-permanent-manager

Maybe, if the pursuit of all of the others fails, Moyes will still be there waiting. If Koeman has a year left on his contract at Saints, he will be cheaper in a year. In the meantime, Moyes may come in on a temporary basis, to assess the damage and prepare the ground for the next man, much like he did at Man Utd LOL.

My spin on it is that the longer it goes the more I am convinced that we are in for a big, very pleasant surprise.

If the changes being proposed are true and the Waterfront for example is a possibility; I'd suspect a role such as Dein's would necessitate a large amount of hands on, certainly over the interim negotiation, and due diligence period.

Now it may be that he could commute when required; but again at 72, I doubt he'd have the appetite. I could be and hope I'm wrong but I'd be surprised if this happens.

Consider this scenario: Moshiri employs the services of Jorge Mendez one of the most persuasive men in football to get his man. There is only one thing on his agenda and that is his commission which will be massive.

The super salesman gets the chance to sit in front of the targets agents. If the targets agents are as greedy as Mendez (no-brainer) then the potential commission to these vultures is significantly more than they are likely to get by their client staying put.

Where money talks, never say never.

Why do these reporters so often shoe-horn our neighbours into an Everton story? It's no wonder many Evertonians have an inferiority complex when it comes to those from over the park. We should all take leaf out of Tony Bellew's book and stick two fingers up to what happens on the other side of the park and stop belittling our own club almost as often as the RS and the media do.

As for the link with David Dein, the Arsenal news website has the following: "Former Arsenal chief David Dein is being linked with a sensational move to Everton. The Daily Star Sunday says former Arsenal vice-chairman Dein has been sounded out about a boardroom role at Goodison Park. Dein helped introduce Farhad Moshiri to Everton chairman Bill Kenwright and has continued to advise the pair. Everton are currently seeking a new manager."

The post Ex-Arsenal chief Dein linked with sensational Everton move appeared first on ArsenalSpy.

We can target whoever we want, but we have a history of appearing to aim high before settling for the tried and tested, HK Mk 3.

Common sense would say David Moyes won't be back... but since when has Bill had any?!?

That old double decker has long since left the station.

Give him a war chest of 𧵎 million plus what he gets for Lukaku and Stones. Link his new purchases up with the rest of the lads (those who are left after the clear out) mix in the youngsters. What a team we could be eh people.

If so, I would hope that any manager appointed watches his back because OFFM as DoF will be looking for any opportunity to return to his old job.

That, I suspect, is the scenario Kenwright negotiated when he finally agreed to sack Martinez.

There is no need to go back seven year just go back three and look at his recruitment strategy at Man Utd, he was bloody clueless and couldn't attract anyone of quality.

We need a manager who players want to play for and for Moshiri being able to decide who he wants. Time for Kenwright to get out of the way for good.

For instance have any of the names being bandied about been interviewed, or even approached, since Martinezwas sacked?? We all know the answer to that one, a firm 'Mind your own bleeding business you're only a supporter'.

Not only does the club need a shake up at the top they badly need to address their attitude to public relations, which at present are virtually non-existent, as far as the best fans in the game are concerned.

Disbelief.

It does seem as if we've got mixed signals coming from Goodison Park. Kenwright interviewed Moyes, he had him as his guest last night – meanwhile, the press say Moshiri is focusing on different targets.

Emery – another Spanish manager? Nah, not for me – been there, done that.

I'll be happy with de Boer or Pellegrini myself.

If it's Moyes, I'm giving up entirely.

If TGT becomes our manager, I will personally fly to Cyprus and buy you a drink or twenty, night out, meze, a night at that brothel with the pool table outside a further bit down (I think) from the Railway Inn in Chloreka.

Your choice, what can you offer in return?

On our managerial position, I would favour Emery by the way.

Post Leicester, the Moyes's of the world have run out of excuses. Personally, I'm getting bored with the speculation but anyone but Moyes.

Spending money is simply not a guarantee of success, good coaching, team work, fitness and a strong winning mentality are what make the difference.

We need 2/3 players at most, any more would bloat the squad and deny game time to some promising youngsters. Selling Rom and/or Stones changes this but also brings in a lot of money.

If we had a successful manager and other clubs were trying to poach him we would be outraged and this forum would be full of posts expressing said outrage. Yet here we are shamelessly trying to poach another clubs manager.

Football supporters, and I include myself, are such hypocrites..

@Peter53

Everton are not alone in not giving out the sort of information you want. No club does. All clubs tell the fans what they want them to know when they want them to know it and not before.

All Evertonians are long used to disappointments, just like Christmas when you wanted a train set and got something else you didn't want, well our next manager is going to be uncle Bill's Christmas present to us, someone we don't want.

If there are any legs in the rumours about him coming back, wouldn't it be a clear message we don't want him to whoever those are who will decide?

Everyone who hears these words of mine, and doesn't do them will be like a foolish man, who built his house on the sand. The rain came down, the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat on that house; and it fell — and great was its fall.

You're one of several, but the spelling of my name is there! :D

"If it's Moyes, I'm giving up entirely."

With you James!

Paul K, why is Koeman 'a top manager'?

Even Jags said there's a possibility of 10 players leaving this Summer, I think we need more than two or three in, Stones, Lukaku, Osman, Hibbert, Pienaar, Howard, McGeady, Kone, will be sold, let go or retire.

We need a complete revamp of our squad with players who want to achieve success, not just another contract. We have the cash now to compete, let's hope we have the owners and a new manager who want the same.

Who is your choice?

Or there's the other alternative, if they can't get the manager they want, they put Moyes in on a 12 month deal? Again NOOOO!

Personally I am hoping that they, (by they I mean Moshiri) are taking their time talking to a lot of people before getting the right person in place.

One thing I feel is very encouraging is talk of David Dein coming into the club, I'd be very happy with that.

According to this link he signed a new contract at £4.4m pa in March 2015, valid until 2020.

Link

Isn't that equivalent to what we were paying Moyes in his final years...?

Money talks...

Moshiri can't talk to anyone who is under contract, he has to approach the club for permission, then the agent, the only candidates we have spoken to are free agents, Pellegrini and Moyes and I don't want either of them.

I don't think it's too late at all Paul, just unnecessary as I don't believe jack shit about him coming back. To what? An unforgiving bunch of people who see him as a traitor? And what about Mosh? Surely he's been with us long enough to understand he ain't welcome and if he was such a fan of both of these perps, why didn't he arrive 3 years ago?

Possibly he wasn't around then but either way, if you want a welcome diversion to keep everyone off the trail, the ginger zooprick would certainly give us all something else to talk about and from what I've seen, it's working a treat) The only truth is we are all as uninformed as each other and if Lauries post is right, we might just be in for a very pleasant surprise. We wait and see.

Any relation by the way? I bought my ticket to go see your namesake at Leicester De Montford hall a short time before he left us and for the record dude, I was devastated....a massive loss for anyone who liked rock and blues...

It's the, "if only I had had some money then, Bill" argument that I think OFFM will be using.

I would be very surprised if he hadn't called Bill and made that point. And Bill might think that he deserves a chance.

I really hope not because we would face another three years or more of excuses and wheel spinning should Davie return.

I wouldn't worry too much about Kenwright; Moshiri is the main man now. I'm confident we will have a top manager at the helm for next season. An announcement before the Euros would be nice. COYB

Relation to Koss, I did ask him at the stadium in Liverpool when I got to go back stage, he said it's possible, he actually let me try his Les Paul when I asked him what's the chord after D in Alright Now, Koss told me it's still D played with a descending C and B notes as in A A D A, he was amazed that I played his guitar upside down as I'm left handed. He said the only one he knew who could do that was Hendrix. I was about 14, 1972 I think.

Lovely lad... such a waste him dying at 25, he died on a plane he shouldn't have been on as he had the heart attack, so medically that's what caused the embolism.

We can now aim for a top calibre manager and we'll get one because money talks. We are in danger of becoming a properly run, commercially savvy football club if we are not careful.

Fellas, I love you all and I truly want your wishes to come true... but whilst the thought of Simeone or similar and a dockside arena makes me increasingly mellow, whilst the present board are in charge, here is my scenario:– a Lego-built cheap-and-cheerful bowl off the East Lancs. Capacity 45,000, but games attracting 35,000. We have a dream team coaching set up of Gary Megson and Ian Holloway. Remember, this is Everton.

Garçon!!!! Efes, por favor!

He was always a shrewd operator in the transfer market and I quite like the suggestion of his taking the Football Director post. I can't believe he was talking to Kenwright only about boxing last night!

Small world eh Paul?...and you lucky sod!)))

I hope I'm right too but this is a different time now with different personnel and nobody ever became a self made billion because they got lucky right?

The more I read about Moshiri, the more I begin to believe this guy could be the one that lights the blue fire that's been smouldering for far too long.

My hope... the prophecy that nothing will be the same (ever again) becomes our new reality...

That being said, I don't want Moyes back. He had his chance, he had 11 years, I don't think there's anything more he can offer. We need a new manager to take us to a whole new level.

Remember Paul, it's a heavy load with tons of sobs, and only when it's alright now and we're smiling from our head to our feet, will I believe In the wishing well.

I think the way it'll work is that he 'does the right thing' first by speaking to Southampton, then decides he's either staying with them or will tell the world he 'couldn't resist the lure of a big club like Everton'. And the money.

Southampton are a well-run club, but we've got more potential than they'll ever have. Koeman will do well to remember that only two years ago, Martinez was going to be Arsenal's next manager. Look what happened to him!

Still, best remember that we took four points off them last season. Oooerrr, where's that Spanish phrase book Bill chucked away!

I have no personal preference so long as its not Moyes. Everton are always good at keeping things secret till the last minute, and there must be 6 or 7 very real contenders.

My gut feeling is that FdB will be the man.

Ahhh, I see what you did there you little tinker.

You could also say we are all agreed we don't want anymore 'Bad Company' – and I know I'm using a bit of artistic free license there – but when we're all 'travelling in style' the '7 Angels' will appear forcing us gently to all' come together in the morning' and take a massive leap of faith into the old blue 'wishing well' like 'leaves in the wind' and each discover our own 'heavy load' has been well and truly 'fucked off.'

Plus, very much in the same way people who have no idea what Buddhism is, often are the first to tell you what goes around, comes around. Karma. So too with those who say be careful what you wish for, it might just come true. However, a pretty switched on dude once said, thoughts invite events and as electrical impulses seem difficult to just dismiss, I believe him but either way.

Come on Paul, keep your chin up and maybe a bit more positivity will I'm sure make you feel at least a bit better and if you have a bit of a setback, I just think about the last 2 seasons and immediately know it WILL get better.

To my mind the most disappointing aspect of Kenwright's tenure has not been the lack of trophies but the failure to force through the Kings Dock move.

The Bellew fight and so much more besides should have been staged there – a prestigious venue AND a money maker.

Still wouldn't mind Simeone though.

You know the thing that pisses me off the most?

I just walked into the pub, got a Screech Owl and then a notification on my phone telling me an Iranian billionaire call Mr Farhad Moshiri was the new kid on the block. Soon he was announcing himself as the new adopted member of our family and was going to... well, you know what he said. Anyway the point is, when every Toffee should have been partying like bastards, all we've had is bollox.

Really, really pisses me off.

I ain't rifling through my CDs Paul, you win)))

What about Marcelo Bielsa?

I heard is name mentioned once at the very beginning and nothing since but why? After what many would describe as a huge overachievement with Chile in the last World Cup, he should at least be considered and when a bunch of 'unhappy' fans went to his home to protest after this great feat, he chased them down the road with a live hand grenade! If there was anyway - or anyone with the will to hang onto donkey touch Lukaku - I reckon even Bielsa would struggle to get his feet untangled but at least he'd be fit enough to run for 90 minutes.

And he'll definitely give the kids their chance....this is my biggest concern really. We need someone who will give them a go and when 20 year old 'potentials' are valued at £40-50M, we could easily see £200M walk out the door for first team footy somewhere else like our biggest rivals.

Get him signed.

With Moshiri at the helm the likelihood is we're on the verge of being professionally run for the first time in 17 years.

Kenwright should be allowed only to operate like the Beach Boys' father who because he was such a useless prick was given a dummy control desk on which he believed he was influencing their songs - but at least it kept him happy and out the way!

He must not be allowed to do any more damage to our club. This is a Chairman remember who couldn't even get an administrative building built within the Goodison park footprint so we were obliged to make do with the Everton version of Disneyland: the Fan Zone!

Please Bill just stay out of things and let Moshiri and his people do what they're capable of. Anything you meddle with will simply be a fuck up. If Moshiri is left to get on with it I have complete faith that the huge majority of us will end up happy!

He must be aiming for the elite, it is a long shot, but Simeone has to be the first call, the guy will contest every throw in, just what we need, some endeavour and passion.

Decent enough squad, solid 3 year plan, possible new stadium, funds, pitted against top class managers, anyone looking for a Premier League challenge must be interested.

Aim for the best to signal the intentions. If Benitez ended up in the Championship with Newcastle from Madrid, what is so inconceivable about Simeone at Everton, especially if Moshiri is seriously aiming to put a marker on the map.

Don't worry, I reckon the only reason Kenwright is still there is to show Moshiri where the toilets are and who to contact if he wants a sandwich. After that, I'm pretty sure he'll buy him out. He's a self-made billionaire, he's heard all the bullshit before. His time is up.

And the press don't exactly help do they? All this talk about Kenwright being at the Bellew fight with Moyes so it must mean he's coming back... however, there doesn't seem to be much said about Moshiri being there for the Champions League Final and just in time to hear Simeone saying he needs time to think about his future.

Until somethings announced, it's all just entertainment Sid.

I hope, and to be honest, believe you are right. But when it all happens for the good – I'll be happy!

I could live with that Colin but I still fancy Marcelo 'Hand Grenade' Bielsa after 12 months of Pellegrini... I think 2 years maybe too long for the kids to wait but with his style of play and a very healthy attitude when it comes to giving the kids a chance, who knows what could happen? Too risky?

Like I, said to Paul Kossoff, when not even 20-year-old 'potentials' are valued at 㿞M these days, the last we want is to see 𧶀M worth of them want out due lack of first team opportunities.

If we can get someone before the European Championships they can get settled in while all the newspaper talk is about the competition. Going to be an exciting season all around by the look of it with all of the changes.

COYB

He will build the foundations for a younger, hungrier manager to take over. This is a transitional period for us, and he's perfect for the role.

I also like his style, a decent honourable man I reckon. Totally devoid of bullshit, which would be a pleasant change.

Jay 74, yes, that's what I read as well, so it's hard for us to top that with the current setup. We could offer him "grow alongside him" but that's it. Money is not the argument we can use in his case. If for any reason he comes though, he would easily have the entire fanbase singing his name.

We'll all be happy Sid and it's not far away now so don't fret.

You know, I wouldn't be surprised if we get someone who isn't even on the list (including unwanted ginger bug infestations that are rumoured to be).

It's all good in the 'hood baby... it's all good...

You're right about Pellegrini but if it is to be him I would like to see him working with a younger more energetic coach.

In other words if he's masterminding things that would be great but I would like more energy not in the least on the touch line.

Patience is the watchword!

EEK!

To be honest, I would personally prefer someone like Simeone or Emery eg a high energy, highly demanding manager but I have no problem with Manuel's more laid back style. The man is a winner and that's what counts.

As for Manuel's style, he has often said he prepares his teams during the week and before the game but once they go onto the pitch it's up to them to follow the game plan.

Sorry if I offended you Sid.

Players especially young players need cajoling during a game and with the high tempo of the Premier League when players are flagging a bit towards the end they need encouragement.

Pellegrini is far too laid back for me.

We need a high-energy animated demanding manager to whip this lot into shape.

I think we need to go balls out for Simeone (likely to fail but we could try), Emery (who might want to test himself against the top managers in the world) and Koeman.

Surely one of them could be seduced to the job especially by their greedy agents who have a lot to gain financially.

I hear that about Pellegrini but there are times in games when a team might need a massive kick up the arse and there were times last season when I wasn't sure Pellegrini was animated enough to get a reaction! I'll still support him strongly feel he comes!

Paul, absolutely no offence taken – I'm with you all the way!

"Top bloke, some of the football we played in the 1st season was the best I've ever seen. But not very good at organising a defence. Not convinced about most of the purchases he made, but I don't think he signed them. Sometimes a little tactically naive, not the manager to follow Martinez. You need someone to add backbone to the team, he doesn't do that, too nice a guy."

A no for me. Plus he's a dour fella.

Your concluding comments are particularly Bellew~esque.

Before anyone jumps in to kill him, Fergie did the same thing a few years ago. That season went so badly for Man Utd that Fergie changed his mind and stayed on for another two (?) years until he won the Premier League again.

I'm not making excuses here. His CV is there for all to see. Some will like him, some won't, that's the beauty of the game. And I agree, Sid, there are times when a manager needs to go ballistic but everyone has their own style, I guess.

Everton FC sits at a nexus........
1) Onward and upward?
2) Grateful and stable?

Well clearly option #2 has worked a fucking treat since 1995 hasn't it?

No more arse licking!

I'm sorry but you can't promote Unsy to first team coach.

Whoever we get has to have proved himself more. This is to some degree the old Duncan Ferguson argument.

That's not to say Unsworth won't go on to become a first class Manager/Coach but, at this time in our history, we need to have (as far as possible) proven credentials.

I simply couldn't stand another 17 years of winning nothing. We have to go for the best we can get!

Those who don't think that maybe have more time ahead of them than the rest of us!

Phil W – I might be wrong but think your "A False Dawn" piece of 28/4/16 will be back to haunt you. I can see that you're desperate for Moyes to return so that you can say "I told you so". A strange way to support our Club!

This looks like the start of something.

Would still prefer Emery or Simeone (i'm joining the dreamers) but lets see how the cards fall....

I am not at all keen on Davey coming back but, were he to do so, I am sure he would improve on Roberto's work with the team and soon have us competing for at least the Europa League spot without spending big money.

Point 1 – improve on Roberto's work? How difficult would that be? As difficult as being safer around children compared to Jimmy Savile?

Point 2 – soon have us competing for the Europa League without spending big money? That sounds more like a threat than an opportunity.

I'm going to 'hold fast' and wait!

Sounds very interesting.

Sounds much more exciting than Pelligrini in my opinion. Could be a very interesting 24 hours ahead.

I don't know why, but I don't think Pellegrini or Koeman would change the academy staff that much or at all, but Emery and De Boer may have a vision they want to implement.

John, I'm glad people are starting to see the value of a top DoF. This would be a dream team but, sadly, I can't see it happening.

https://www.theguardian.com/football/
2016/may/30/manual-pellegrini-manchester-city-exclusive-interviewn interesting interview with Pellegrini:

Looks like he will be our new boss. What do people make of him?

That's the reality guys, anyone for top 4, top 6 predictions?

Maybe stabilising and establishing ourselves as consistent European competitors,whilst the stadium gets built?

Then we are in a position to attract the elite – remember after Pellegrini came Pep for Citeh....

He obviously wants Moyes back and didn't want to sack Martinez. Those two examples have really shown us what's he all about. The sooner that false blue leaves the club, entirely the better...

Simeone it is. And a waterfront stadium.

And Lukaku to go fuck himself in public.
COYB

"That's the reality (finishing 10th)" – based on what the bookies say?

I mean, this time last year they really hit the nail on the head with Leicester at 5000/1 didn't they?

Just a possibility that he has been offered a role at EFC. I wouldn't mind if he was given the job of guiding Unsy. He might not want the role of Manager any more but with him and Joe Royle to provide insights in all aspects of Managership, it might work.

It would certainly provide continuity within the Under-21 and Under-18 set ups and I think there's no doubt Unsy has the passion.

Yep, if one of the first choice (supposedly) took the job, I'd be made up that we had attracted a good, winning manager, but if they don't take it, Unsy could prove to be a really good manager.

So when I think of Emery and the way his team took them apart a couple of weeks ago, and then compare it to Man City getting overrun against Liverpool twice in the League last season, it's got to be Emery over Pellegrini for me. Or either of the Dutch duo.

"... the betting for the league makes us likely to finish 10th."

Probably the wrong time to remind you how you backed away from a playful bet around Xmas when Everton were 11th and you were confidently bigging up Martinez and the team to make top 6, eh Raymond..?

Far too early a book to call odds with the club still without a manager and not knowing the make up of the squad for next season.

I think of the wait very positively because it means we're not just getting whoever is available, e.g. FdB and Koeman. Surely a few days and the rumors of Monchi leaving would mean Emery will make up his mind soon. Perhaps both of them here next season? Would be a dream team for our rebuild.

I'd definitely like to see that with our next appointment. Keep the bits that work, the rest is up for debate.

In fact I'd love to see our vision decided by someone other than the manager.

I can't see it containing any of the staff brought in from Wigan and not many of Roberto – I've a certificate in physiotherapy – Martinez's 'yesmen/physios' who replaced most of the Moyes appointments.

Jay (#178), I 'backed out' as you put it because you offered pathetic odds, I could have had 3 times the price elsewhere. I get your point about being early to judge but the odds are compiled with the possible future factored in. I'm all for optimism but I do wish some would look more logically at what our chances are each season!

I also see that several of the first team have come out and admitted that themselves and other members of the team let Martinez down. Good for them, it would have been easier and better for their futures if they had kept their mouths shut. They also said that all the speculation about what was wrong inside the team and club was a load of cobblers!

I hope to be pleasantly surprised at some point this week but, somehow I doubt it.

I personally don't understand why people want a manager for a year or so. If the roof on your house is leaking and rain is coming in good style why throw a plastic sheet over it and say "I'll fix it next year"? Fix it now. Properly. A full-on enthusiastic, lively manager. A Director of Football. Proper commercios.

Get a new fresh team all pulling on the rope together and in the same direction. Pellegrini? OK. Motivator? I bet his players feel as though they were 'savaged by a dead sheep'
Come on Monchi, I've got some olives, chorizo and can do bacalao con tomate. I'll even take you to The Wine Lodge!!!

This long wait is like that Charlton Heston film 'The Agony and the Ecstasy'.

Surely we must be getting down to it now. Decisions and offers being made etc.

Will be disappointed if we do not have something in place by the end of the week.

We've got some smashing youngsters that the new man needs to have a look at, so come on Mr Moshiri – gazump Southampton's offer.

"Jay 178, I 'backed out' as you put it because you offered pathetic odds, I could have had 3 times the price elsewhere."

Errr, Raymond, you have a very poor recall of the proposed bet. It wasn't for personal monetary gain. It was a 'fun bet' as I said earlier, with the loser paying the value of the bet to an Everton related charity.

You backed out on the grounds you repeat here.

Not a scrap of evidence, no-one saying "I spoke with Everton, let's see". Some saying that they'd love the chance, or rather Ronald saying that Frank would.

Apart from that? As John Bellushi once said. "So quiet you could hear a mouse getting a hard-on."

I expect all will be revealed before the start of the Euros on June 10th, with some news on the manager possibly even this week. Nothing is off the table concerning any names from what I've read over the past few weeks, which is really encouraging. For the first time in a generation, we are showing some real ambition regarding our future plans for the club and that's not even taking into consideration the new stadium options.

I know a lot of Blues are still unsure about the role of Moshiri and his associates (which is completely understandable after past false dawns) but I personally think he will deliver. We could see some success after 25 years of mediocrity! Bring it on.

This is all positive – don't get me wrong – but makes you wonder what has it been like for years for so many changes happening.

David Dein coming on board would be amazing – probably the best bit of dealing we will do this year... this guy hunted out all Arsenal legends, he can spot a player.

Errr... as you like to say, there's nothing wrong with my recall, I never mentioned the top 6 – that was you!

The proposed bet from me was that we would finish in the top 8; it was in fact yourself that 'backed out' when asked to bet on that result. You should have accepted the bet, should you not?

Go back and look at the thread, and please stop bending the facts to suit yourself!

Stubbs, now having talks with Rotherham going by Sky Sports. It doesn't have the same appeal or ring to it, does it? Everton-Rotherham.

So it looks like he (Stubbs) knows his future lies further down the leagues. He's done well at Hibernian, winning the cup against Rangers but we are talking Scotish football.

I think Stubbs will be a coach for the future, but I don't think he is quite ready for the Blues now.

Have you forgotten to take your medicine today?

Ok - will do.Link

Ray 187 As for us being in 11th place at the moment, do you care to have a bet? I'll have we will finish closer to the top than 11th, but only if Martinez is manager.

Jay 193 As for your offer of a bet, that's very vague. What counts as 'closer to the top than 11th?' 10th...? 9th...?

Ray 200 Andy, the proposed bet was in response to Jay 163 post of which part was – are we on course this season to improve on our bottom half finish of 11th last season ? I was a bookie for 40 yesrs, I know Jay would never have bet on that outcome, it was never a bet.

(And, just as an aside, there was this beaut Ray 203: "As far as supporting Martinez is concerned, we will see who is correct when the season's over, wont we." Remind me again how that one worked out for you ... you announced you were 'giving up' on Everton BEFORE the axe fell on RM.)

To continue...

Jay 209 Let's do it. Are you game?

This is what I propose.

Let's bet a pony - £25 - or £50 if you like.

Let's also ensure that neither of us financially gain, but that the loser donates the winnings to a cause related to Everton. I suggest EITC, the Everton ex-players Foundation, or Alder Hey Hospital. Any one is a suitable choice, in my eyes.

Everton are currently 10th with more than half the season to go - 21 games. They are currently 6 points adrift of Palace on 29 points in sixth place.

I'll give you the top 6 places. If Everton finishes in the top six, you win and I cough up to the selected cause.

Anything 7th and below, I win and you cough up the winnings to the charity we agree on.

I'll throw in the rider you mention: for this bet to have legitimacy, Roberto Martinez must still be manager at season's end so it is HIS results the team is judged on, not on those of any possible incoming manager.

So ... are you game or not, Raymond? Are you willing to put your money where your mouth is? Time to put up, or shut up...

Ray 211 Isn't that what you're saying, in your opinion we won't finish higher than 11th? Now they have to finish in the top 6 for me to win my bet – that's called shifting the goalposts, don't you think? Who mentioned top 6?

I'll gladly bet you we finish 8th or higher, how about that?

Jay 214 Pretty disingeneous of you to cut and paste my comments out of context and try and claim I have categorically stated we wont finish higher than 11th this season.

YOU are the one all over TW bigging up Roberto.

YOU are the one claiming to have been a bookie for 40 years.

You might have fleeced some mug punters in all those years. I'm not going to be one of them and allow you a mere improvement of 2 places from our current position to accept the bet.

You can't have THAT much faith in your man if you are not willing to back him to make up a mere 4 places and 6 points (as it currently stands) over the next 21 games.

Aren't you the one telling us that the likes of Leicester, Palace and Watford cannot maintain their lofty position until the end of the season...? That's 3 places of the 4 whittled away right there ... just one more team to overhaul.

Looks like you've taken a step back, run the numbers and seen, for all your claims, an Everton surge up the table ain't gonna happen any time soon.

Typical bookie. Not even willing to risk a mere £25-50 and donate it to a good cause.

****

A fair bit of deflection and indignant huffing and puffing followed from you Ray, but you clearly bottled a reasonable betting proposal whilst continuing to claim Everton were destined to surge up the table before season's end.

For example, 2 months later in February you posted in the match report from the win at Stoke showing how desperate you were to be proven right. It was the only time in FORTY-ONE PL games, spread over 2 seasons under Martinez that Everton managed two consecutive games, but for you...

Link

Ray 116 if theres any chance of keeping this squad together next year we'll be knocking on the top 4 door loudly.

Ray 129 2 wins in a row and we are back in contention, that's how close we've been all along!

Ray 246 we are in contention for top 6.

So, no Ray. Your recall is wrong and I'm not "determined to paint you in a bad light."

You're doing just fine off your own bat on that score.

Nobody is interested who's effing right are they? Last word from me is that you're doing your usual ploy of cherry-picking bits to suit your argument. We both know who's correct, don't we.

Look at the state of the your last post, you must be short of something useful to do. Please just take your leave, or other words to that effect.