Everton sign Stekelenburg

, 1 July, 102comments  |  Jump to most recent
Kenzo Triboullard/AFP/Getty Images
Everton have landed Maarten Stekelenburg from Fulham as Ronald Koeman begins the process of building out the squad.

Reports emerged earlier this morning in The Express's and then the Liverpool Echo the Blues were set to conclude deal of less than £1m for the Dutch 'keeper and the club have now confirmed the transfer on undisclosed terms.

Stekelenburg signs a three-year contract at Goodison Park, joining his sixth club after other spells at Ajax, Roma, Monaco and Southampton (on loan under Koeman last season).

The 33-year-old becomes Koeman's first signing after Steve Mandanda opted for the guarantee of the first-choice slot at Crystal Palace.

“I'm very happy,” Stekelenburg told evertontv. "Things have moved very fast over the last couple days. [Ronald Koeman] has come to Everton and he called me a few days after asking if I was willing to follow him. It wasn't difficult to make that choice.

“He's one of the best coaches. He's straight talking, he's fair and he has confidence in me which counts as well.

“I've been here [in England] for a couple of seasons and I love the Premier League. It's fantastic that I can stay.”

Stekelenburg is not expected to be the last goalkeeping acquisition this summer — Koeman is believed to be in the market for a new No 1 goalie but Stekelenburg will add competition for Joel Robles, although it is not guaranteed that the Spaniard will remain at Goodison Park.

It has been suggested that Real Betis are eyeing the former Atletico Madrid stopper whom Everton signed from Wigan Athletic for around £4m three years ago.

 

Reader Comments (102)

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William Cartwright
2 Posted 01/07/2016 at 05:23:27
Good to see the managing and player shuffling is going on quietly without fuss behind the scenes. An additional back up goalkeeper with an international pedigree is a no-brainer.

If Joel goes then best of luck to him. I thought he was an excellent team / squad player, patient and with a great attitude. He was clearly a Martinez man, and you can't really blame him for that as his relationship went back several years.

If he were to stay then that would suggest a lack of ambition? Reverse of Lukaku?)

If he stays and achieves top spot then good for him too, he deserves it. Has he the talent? Questionable.

Erik Dols
3 Posted 01/07/2016 at 08:18:40
Stekelenburg is lazy and won't push the first goalie for his place. On his day he will have good matches though. Let us hope the first goalkeeper coming him has enough intrinsic motivation and Stekelenburg gets the goal in cup matches, those might be just the occasions where he excels.
Geoff Risebrow
4 Posted 01/07/2016 at 08:19:01
I wish Joel all the best if he does leave. He was one of the players who could hold their heads up during last seasons shambles (the Sunderland game aside). Stekelenburg seems a logical choice for number 2.
Derek Knox
5 Posted 01/07/2016 at 08:55:01
I don't know if anyone agrees, but the best goalkeeping I have seen during these Euros is from the Icelandic keeper, H..............sson. Sorry I can't remember his full name, but his positioning, shot-stopping, and ability to catch, and hold on to a cross has been excellent, throughout.

I must admit, Stekelenburg doesn't exactly inspire me, but I trust our new boss knows better than me!

Shane Corcoran
6 Posted 01/07/2016 at 09:36:33
Off topic but £ 10m for Dwight Gayle from a Championship club sums up English soccer for me. I'm finding it very difficult to give a shit any more.
Mark Cooper
7 Posted 01/07/2016 at 10:21:44
At this point it looks like Stekelenburg is possibly going to be one of three first team squad keepers with Robles and A.N.Other. Koeman may bring in another that he sees as his number one. Then when he gets to have a look at the new lad from Oldham he may decide he doesn't need three senior and Robles may go.
Would like to see Butland or Horn added myself, from what little I know about the better goalkeeping prospects out there but let's not panic too much at the moment eh!
Peter Larkin
8 Posted 01/07/2016 at 10:22:29
I hear ya Shane. Prices are pathetic. Watford turning down 39 million for ingalo? The whole thing will go to pan soon and we will get our football back.
Damian Wilde
9 Posted 01/07/2016 at 11:10:24
Surely just a back-up keeper? Strange signing. Seems like a manager's favourite type signing.
Charlie Fath
10 Posted 01/07/2016 at 11:14:04
For me Robles has great potential and in his two stints over the past two seasons, he's only had one poor game at Sunderland. Remember, at youth level he was top dog at Atletico, keeping De Gea out. Also I'm sorry Derek (5) but the Icelandic keeper is probably the luckiest one at the Euros rather than one of the best. Basic errors every game and not a patch on the lads he has in front of him. I can't see Krul being an upgrade on Robles so it would take a real big signing like Butland to impress me.
Colin Hughes
11 Posted 01/07/2016 at 11:39:27
Last of the big spenders, same old Everton. A top class goalie is required if we are ever to win silverware again. You only have to look at United for that, De gea probably cost us or West Ham winning the cup last season and ultimately contributed to United lifting the trophy.
Erik Dols
12 Posted 01/07/2016 at 11:41:56
I have seen the Iceland goalkeeper in a couple of club matches last season. Stay away. His club at the time, mid table Dutch team, replaced him after 8 matches and signed a better goalie. He is a calamity in goal. Typical tournament wonder. BTW the lad is 32 and will not improve.
Helen Mallon
13 Posted 01/07/2016 at 11:51:02
Buffon anyone?
Erik Dols
14 Posted 01/07/2016 at 11:58:53
I love Buffon, especially his mentality, but I think he has no intention to leave Italy for another European country. If we're going Italian, how about the AC Milan goalie, Donnarumma? 17 years old and already has 30 matches in their first team under the belt. He impressed in those matches.
Alexander O'Brien
15 Posted 01/07/2016 at 12:02:01
Blimey, the new managers been here for 5 minutes and he's already getting criticised.
Sam Hoare
16 Posted 01/07/2016 at 12:10:53
The marquee signing we've been hoping for!

Not really sure that we need a 3rd keeper. Surely its the new GK in (Butland, Forster, Leno, Perrin, Mandanda etc) then Robles challenging for that 1st spot with a youngster able to take the 3rd spot? That new lad in from Oldham perhaps?

Anyway I think its good that Koeman has a good look at and think about what we already have before we spend. I'd say (assuming no-one leaves) 3 players to go straight into the first team. A GK, creative DMC and then a LM/LW.

In an ideal world something like Butland, Witsel and Perisic.

Thomas Surgenor
17 Posted 01/07/2016 at 12:12:07
Sam #16

Mandanda has signed for Palace on a free.

Thomas Surgenor
18 Posted 01/07/2016 at 12:14:32
Apologies, SSN now reporting a fee involved
Kim Vivian
19 Posted 01/07/2016 at 12:21:53
Derek - Not sure about his rugby tackle on Sterling, tho'.
Mike Allison
20 Posted 01/07/2016 at 12:35:40
Derek (5), you're the second person to post that this summer. He looks like a Sunday League goalkeeper who's won a competition to be there and is probably the second worst goalkeeper at the tournament (third if you count the one game Sirigu played).

There are an awful lot of 'grass is greener' posts going on about other players at the moment, but this Icelandic goalkeeper one has to be the ultimate.

Paul English
21 Posted 01/07/2016 at 12:40:14
Asmir Begovic of Chelsea!
Nick Page
22 Posted 01/07/2016 at 12:51:59
Hopefully this William Carvalho talk is not BS and we're going to bid for him. Been impressive in the Euro's.

Lets get on with it Everton

Conor Skelly
23 Posted 01/07/2016 at 13:01:11
I'm sorry but, what is this??
James Marshall
24 Posted 01/07/2016 at 13:16:25
Stekelenburg is clearly being brought in for his experience, and as one of 3 keepers as I think Koeman has already said. He has also said he wants to bring in a new number 1.

So that's Stekelenburg, Robles and a new number 1 to come. Good news.

Kim Vivian
25 Posted 01/07/2016 at 13:31:11
What happened with Mandanda? Did we miss the boat there?

Apparently 'worshipped' at Marseilles.

Jack Cross
26 Posted 01/07/2016 at 13:37:37
I rate Keiren Westwood, goalie at Shefield Wednesday.

Anyone seen him?

Trevor Lynes
27 Posted 01/07/2016 at 14:00:10
I just hope that we do not repeat the ploy that cost us all our original targets. That of waiting until the last couple of days before moving for anyone.

We usually let players leave either sold or on loan before we strengthen. We have already been open by releasing Osman, Hibbert and Pienaar all of whom were a part of our first team squad. So our squad is down 3 before we sign anyone.

Tom Bowers
28 Posted 01/07/2016 at 14:17:43
There are not many first class keepers around these days.
Experience, however is the key and Stekelenburg has that.
Joe Hart is the England keeper but is clearly deficient in some areas.
Some teams have really good defenses that mask the deficiencies of a keeper. Remember Tommy Lawrence of the sixties RS team?
James Stewart
29 Posted 01/07/2016 at 16:06:56
A collective 'meh' all round on this one. No where near good enough to be No.1 but he's probably better than Joel which wouldn't take much.

Still annoyed the Rs got Mane, we should have been in for him.

Mick Davies
30 Posted 01/07/2016 at 16:51:58
James @ 29 "No where near good enough to be No.1 but he's probably better than Joel which wouldn't take much"

Really? So you think the clean sheets he kept were down to our amazing defence? I think I know why our players haven't been trying: they realise that no matter what they do, Everton fans will always criticise their own players
Dennis Ng
31 Posted 01/07/2016 at 17:10:28
Mark 7, that's my opinion too. This is unlikely Koeman's long term solution so the next GK signing will probably be that or that Robles will be his man.
Laura Round
33 Posted 01/07/2016 at 18:35:21
We have signed him. Everton have announced it.
Kevin Rowlands
34 Posted 01/07/2016 at 19:01:00
I noticed Newcastle signed up a keeper last week so wouldn't be suprised to see Krul come in and Robles offski. Stekelenburg/Krul is a big upgrade on Howard/Robles imho.
Denver Daniels
35 Posted 01/07/2016 at 19:07:09
No.2 or No.3 keeper. Definitely won't be the first choice between the sticks.

Reminds me of Roberto's arrival when he immediately signed 2-3 players he already knew.

Gareth Clark
36 Posted 01/07/2016 at 19:12:47
Someone Koeman trusts & has worked with before - I back Koeman 100%! Stelelenburg has experience & that is something we need in the change room!

Mike Gaynes
37 Posted 01/07/2016 at 19:22:02
The team website confirms the signing.

Good news in my book. Tough, steady, experienced keeper... ideal #2. Won't make any miracle saves but won't make any Hart Howlers either.

Kevin #34, please tell me you're kidding on Krul. Except for being a genius on penalties, he's not an upgrade on anybody. Bad hands, gives up rebounds (ask any barcodes fan), bad knee, poor distribution, panicky under pressure. Search his howler against ManU last year. Ugly. No thanks.

Kristian Boyce
38 Posted 01/07/2016 at 19:39:29
Mike #37, I also have an issue with Krul also, but mainly that's due to his terrible hair.
Julian Wait
39 Posted 01/07/2016 at 19:42:25
Intrigued to see how many different mal-spellings of Stuquillinberg we can get on ToffeeWeb ...
Dominic Tonge
40 Posted 01/07/2016 at 19:51:06
Julian, have people been misspelling sticklebrick's name already?
Bjoern Haall
41 Posted 01/07/2016 at 20:05:05
For me Joel might be our no 1 keeper. I want him to be tried as it for at least the coming season.
Sam Hoare
42 Posted 01/07/2016 at 20:09:09
Cost 750k from what I heard. Less than a few academy players. Low cost low risk move to make sure we have some experienced cover tween the sticks.
Kevin Rowlands
43 Posted 01/07/2016 at 20:10:05
Mike, I'm not saying I rate him highly, but that it wouldn't suprise me if he came in, I suppose nearly anyone is an upgrade on Howard and I'm still not convinced on Robles, personally I'd like us to try and get Forster.
Phil Walling
44 Posted 01/07/2016 at 20:10:54
Fulham's reserve keeper ? Uninspiring, to say the least. Perhaps better to follow ?
Mike T Jones
45 Posted 01/07/2016 at 20:14:11
I can't believe the cynicism and pessimism on here. Some small time thinking. This is a new Everton. Shake off your inferiority complex
David Milner
46 Posted 01/07/2016 at 20:25:11
Stekelenburg is a good first signing & at 6 feet 5 1/2 inches is the right height for a goalie. Has a lot of experience at the top level winning trophies.
Mark Ryan
47 Posted 01/07/2016 at 20:27:47
Welcome to Everton Maarten. A lot of people on here don't understand why we have signed you. I get it and I'm very pleased to welcome you to our club.
David Hallwood
48 Posted 01/07/2016 at 20:28:45
Never sign a player on the strength of a Euro or World cup
Oliver Molloy
50 Posted 01/07/2016 at 20:41:10
I don't think Robles will be going anywhere, he is still very young and he did well when he got a run in the team.


Tony Hill
51 Posted 01/07/2016 at 21:33:21
I trust that Russian bloke on the board, the one who looks like he's got death on his mind. I don't think we'll be waiting till the last minute to pick up bargains. Stekelenburg is cheap and fine.
Gavin Johnson
52 Posted 01/07/2016 at 22:06:13
It seems as though we will be buying another GK and on that basis I am happy with having a World Cup Dutch international GK on the bench.

I've not seen much of Mandana but I wasn't entirely convinced, he seems a little small at 6ft 1" so I'm not that bothered that he's gone to Palace.

Let's make a statement and buy Forster or nab Joe Hart on the cheap as a makeweight in the Stones deal which does look like it will be happening. 㿊M and Hart for Stones. I'm basing that on a 㿞m valuation of Stones. Maybe optimistic but he's at that level IMO and the 㿔m fee mooted is selling him cheap as far as I'm concerned.

If we don't buy a marquee GK and we are left with Stekelenburg, Joel and another GK of similar status duking it out, then get Wayne Hennessey. He's finally becoming the GK he was meant be after a career blighted by injuries. Big Nev also really rates him and he would be available for reasonable money with 12 months left on his contract.

Dennis Ng
53 Posted 01/07/2016 at 22:09:16
Tony 51, very exciting times ahead. Looks like they are approaching the market in a very financial savvy way.
Phil Walling
55 Posted 01/07/2016 at 22:16:40
With every respect, what is exciting about Fulham's reserve keeper. Nothing 'brave new world' in the signings so far. Just bodies !
Darryl Ritchie
56 Posted 01/07/2016 at 22:21:31
Fulham's reserve keeper is now our reserve keeper. We need starter and a reserve, so that's one off the " to do" list. It's a start.
Eric Holland
57 Posted 01/07/2016 at 22:31:36
Have to agree with Phil here, we need two top class keepers fighting for one place.
Jack Convery
58 Posted 01/07/2016 at 22:36:36
Hennessy will be available from Palace soon ? Its him or Forster that Koeman will bring in.

Bobby Thomas
60 Posted 01/07/2016 at 23:33:59
Peter #8

Voted Brexit possibly?

Terry White
61 Posted 01/07/2016 at 23:49:24
I agree with Jack (#58). I cannot see any reason why Joel will want to stay with the new keeper as back up and everybody on TW wanting a new #1. Having two "top class keepers" (Eric #57) is a luxury EFC cannot afford - Hennessy will do me.
Steve Jones
62 Posted 02/07/2016 at 00:12:13
Lyndon, Joel was signed from Athletico not Wigan, he was only ever on loan to Wigan.
John Pierce
63 Posted 02/07/2016 at 00:30:43
Hart plus cash for Stones?

To make the point more emphatically, if EFC were to sell Stones & Lukaku then the wiser move would to be negiotate exchanges for established players, having 100m in the bank is all well and good but its no guarantee of filling the squad places with decent replacements

Hart I think is a definite possiblity, absolutely not Bony or Toure. It does look a definite possiblity Ter Stagen is Etihad bound.....

Kerry Frahm
64 Posted 02/07/2016 at 01:03:30
Wow, it's all doom and gloom for some isn't it? Inferences that RK is just another Martinez as well! Of course a manager is going to bring in someone they know and trust but let's compare...
Koeman with all his experience and success v Martinez with an FACup and relegation.
... Brings in ...
Stekelenburg with solid international experience v Robles who once was ahead of De Gea at youth level but hasn't exactly kicked on
And how much did both of these cost?
My faith is in our here and now manager and I'm excited by what he is building.
Jim Hardin
65 Posted 02/07/2016 at 02:34:05
So, we are to become the graveyard for past-it Dutchmen then? Next I guess will be RVP and then the return of Heitinga? He can fill the need for a back-up center-back though. Still, better to get the back-ups and squad players in early.

Declan Martin
66 Posted 02/07/2016 at 06:28:06
Let's cut out thus nonsense about signing Joe Hart.
I he was any good, Pep would want to keep him.
He's a liability
Nigel Munford
67 Posted 02/07/2016 at 07:32:19
Hear, hear Kerry! Totally agree.
Laurie Hartley
68 Posted 02/07/2016 at 07:38:04
Let's not write our new player off just yet.

Nigel Martyn was out of favour at Leeds before he came to us in his mid thirties as a back up for Richard Wright.

Ciaran Duff
69 Posted 02/07/2016 at 07:42:09
Kerry & Nigel are just RK apologists!
(That's a joke ok).
John Louis Jones
70 Posted 02/07/2016 at 08:07:20
We need 3 keepers so happy with this, Leno, Horn, Sportiello would be the first 3 names for no.1 IMO.

Koeman has brought the whole squad back on Monday for preseason. the First team were meant to get an extra week.

I think he wants to have a look at the whole squad and get rid of the players he doesn't fancy.

We have been linked with a few Left footed wingers which is good, Like I have posted before I can not remember the last time Everton had one. At the moment it is silly season and teams are bidding silly money for player trying to steak the march on other teams. Teams like Palace/West Ham etc bidding £30 million for a player is all well and good but they will have budgets of around £60/70 Million this season due to the TV money. We too have that money plus the £100 Million off our Man Mr Moshri and Player sales. I am for one very very excited. We have a couple of exciting Kids and with maybe 3-4 World class players our team looks very very strong.

With Ronald identifying our centre midfield as a weakness does this mean he doesn't fancy Barry , McCarthy , Gibson and Besic and Cleverly? we could see at least 3 of that 5 leave.

For me I would sell McCarthy and Cleverly in a heartbeat along with Niasse, Kone ( very strong rumours of china) and McGeady and Ovideo.

Denis Richardson
71 Posted 02/07/2016 at 08:13:01
Squad filler I guess.

Not overly impressed by a 3 year contract for a 33 year old though....even if he's a GK. Hopefully we're not paying him too high a wage to sit on the bench.

Better than Howard and Robles at least.

Ernie Baywood
72 Posted 02/07/2016 at 08:25:09
Well Denis, you do need a keeper who is prepared to sit on the bench unless you want to go down the road of swapping your keepers each week.

There's only three options there.

1. Young keeper. Not ideal as you need them to perform every so often and they're also not developing while they're not playing.
2. Shit keeper. Plenty of them around for a good reason.
3. Experienced/Old keeper. That will do for me.

Eric Myles
73 Posted 02/07/2016 at 09:07:56
JLJ #70 " they will have budgets of around £60/70 Million this season due to the TV money. We too have that money plus the £100 Million off our Man Mr Moshri and Player sales"

Any £100 million we may have will be from telly money, not in addition to it.

John Davies
74 Posted 02/07/2016 at 10:36:02
Bloody Hell !! We Evertonians are right bell-ends so often aren't we? Moaning and groaning already and suggesting that Ronald Koeman doesn't know what he's up to. One minute we are celebrating his arrival and the next we question his decision to bring in a decent no.2 goalkeeper. The guy knows what he's doing for Christ's sake ! Why can't we just belt up and let the new manager get on with his job. We wanted him in, we have him in and he is going to do a brilliant job for us. Why do we think we know better? COYB !!!
Paul Tran
75 Posted 02/07/2016 at 11:04:30
Thing to remember about this, and probably some other signings, is that we have to get rid of a lot of players and replace them. One of the reasons Koeman got the job is that he did this very well at Southampton.

I'm expecting more departures and more 'unspectacular' signings. And I'm looking forward to watching them gel with the odd quality signing he'll bring in.

James Royston
76 Posted 02/07/2016 at 11:06:04
How many games did he play at Soton last season? He appears to be more for a backup than first choice or is he intended as a goalkeeping coach for the younger lads...

Let's just cool down and wait to see.

John Audsley
77 Posted 02/07/2016 at 11:30:48
We are never going to get two top class goalkeepers fighting for the number one spot at Everton.

This is a good signing and if he is half as good as Nigel Martyn we have some player.

People forget but Nigel kept us up in 2003-04 and played a big part in finishing 4th in 2004-05.

If only we had got him sooner.... Mr Finch.

Dave Older
79 Posted 02/07/2016 at 12:37:28
Can everyone who is moaning about this signing just chill out???? Jesus, the transfer window has only just opened and some people are expecting us to just go and cherry pick the top players from Barcelona, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich or something?? Get REAL!!!

Give Ronny K a chance, can we not all be a bit more POSITIVE this season???? RM has GONE, forget him, he is history!!! Get behind the manager and the team this season eh?? NSNO COYB

Denis Richardson
80 Posted 02/07/2016 at 13:21:05
Ernie 72, there are things such as one- or two-year contracts, with options to extend if necessary.

Giving a 2nd (possibly 3rd) choice keeper a three-year contract, when he's already 33, doesn't sound like value for money if you ask me. He'll actually be 34 in September so will be pushing 37 by the time his contract is up. I know he's a keeper but that's still old.

Also, looking at his stats, he's played only 37 times in the last 3 seasons, so I'm not expecting him to contribute on the pitch anytime soon, if at all. Can only hope he provides some input off the pitch and behind the scenes.

Neutral on this one, I guess RK would also like to have some familiar faces around GP.

Tom Bowers
81 Posted 02/07/2016 at 13:30:57
No matter how big the name or reputation, a goalkeeper is only as good as his first clanger with a new club and everyone loses confidence and gets on his back. It's a no-win position and one that I sympathise with at every level.

Some of the so-called top guns at the Euros are making mistakes and some make lucky saves that are then called world class. However, you do need experienced back-up and this lad fits that category.

Whether Joel Robles is the permanent Number One, we can only wait and see... but the lad has done well so far.

Jim Hardin
82 Posted 02/07/2016 at 15:26:42
Denis,

Better than Howard and Robles? You do realize Howard isn't with the team anymore right? So is he better than Robles should be the question? Keep getting your digs in at Howard though or you could grow up and move on, maybe, hopefully, doubtfully?

Nigel Gregson
83 Posted 02/07/2016 at 17:20:33
Kerry F. "All his success" ? What success in management are you talking about ? couple of good seasons in top ten ? Or the near relegation stoush with Valencia ?
Peter Fearon
84 Posted 02/07/2016 at 19:44:23
I am not sold on Robles and by the looks of things neither is Koeman. Robles is a good shot stopper on occasion but a goalkeeper has to do more than that. He has to organize his defence and intimidate opposing strikers. He does neither. His own defenders are not confident in him which is one of the causes of disarray at the back. If he goes I wish him well but I won't miss him. If I was looking for a first choice keeper I would go for Fernando Muslera of Galataseray and Uruguay. He is not as good as Claudio Bravo but it looks like City will buy Bravo and dump Hart. And please! Stay away from Hart!
John Daley
85 Posted 02/07/2016 at 20:19:20
"Better than Howard and Robles? You do realize Howard isn't with the team anymore right? "

Fear not, Jim. Stekelenburg is merely a stop-gap. Word is your man Tim has (very graciously) been cooped up at Goodison assisting a cadre of top scientists to create his own cybernetic replacement. It's the only way of ensuring his 'legacy' will be in 'safe' hands. Admittedly, there's still a few kinks to iron out, but it seems RoboT'How has almost got his diving style down pat already:


Link

Gavin Johnson
86 Posted 02/07/2016 at 22:00:32
If we bring in Hart it will be statement of intent. Yes, he was shaky and probably at fault for a couple of the England goals but I don't recall any major boo boos for City last season. He's in his prime and a marquee name in world football.

Another thing to remember is that we have to give Barnsley 15% of the John Stones fee, so getting money and a player will reduce the money owed to them. 15% from 㿊m is a lot more desirable than 15% from 㿞m

Phil Walling
87 Posted 02/07/2016 at 22:04:32
Seriously folks, can you really see a Sky5 team or any other with ambition signing the likes of this bloke and Gibson ?

I appreciate both are going to be very much squad players but surely the 'new money' would be better spent on younger/fitter reserves.

These signings look very much 'old Everton'and not indicative of a'brave new world'.

Peter McHugh
88 Posted 02/07/2016 at 22:07:03
Phil I think Man City signed Richard Wright after they had been taken over!
Sam Hoare
89 Posted 02/07/2016 at 22:13:27
Richard Wright was still City 3rd choice last season wasn't he?
Gavin Johnson
90 Posted 02/07/2016 at 22:15:34
Yes, City bought Richard Wright and this fella is a definite upgrade on him, and many of the back up goal keepers we had under Howard over the years.

Would anyone seriously prefer Carlo Nash, the German and Slovak GK's who's names I can't even remember and can't be arsed to look up. Plus the bald Yank keeper from Reading who didn't even play a game.

I'm very happy with Stekelenburg as a back up keeper. It's a total no-brainer as far as I'm concerned.

John Daley
91 Posted 02/07/2016 at 22:24:19
Chelsea signed the then 40 year old Mark Schwarzer on a free from Fulham.
Phil Walling
92 Posted 03/07/2016 at 00:27:35
Looks like we've struck gold then !
Paul Conway
93 Posted 03/07/2016 at 09:01:27
It would be nice if some decent top names that Everton are linked to in transfer rumours decided to write themselves into history as being the catalyst in the Everton revolution of 2016-17.

Just to be bold (apart from the silly money!) and unpredictable, a bit like Eric Clapton, when he formed Cream! The rest is history!

Denis Richardson
94 Posted 03/07/2016 at 09:15:02
Jim 82 - it's amazing how you jump to defend Howard when there isn't even anything to defend. Wasn't actually having a dig. New GK IS better than Howard, who btw only left us in May.

(Should maybe get over him or support the Colorado thingamyjigs....)

Jim Hardin
95 Posted 03/07/2016 at 15:37:24
Denis,

That was the point, A player can't be an upgrade over a player that isn't there? He would be a replacement for a past player and a possible upgrade over the current player. Duh.

Phil Walling
96 Posted 03/07/2016 at 19:54:05
With the increasing demand for marquee signings, where do we see the opportunity for 'our rare crop of young players' to gain experience.

Browning, Galloway, Pennington, Davies, Dowell all got a sniff of the big time last season and Garbutt can be added to that list if Fulham didn't take him in exchange for their reserve goalkeeper.

Most of us laid the blame for last season's failure firmly at the door of the manager and many of us opined that we could have been top six if he had got the team playing to their full potential.

But with the demand/expectation of a another goalie, central defender, midfielder, winger and striker we are almost looking for a new team.

Spending for spending's sake or impatience for honours? Personally, I'd just like to see replacements for those leaving and a Mata style player and thus the chance for last year's squad – including the youngsters to show us what they can really do!

Helen Mallon
97 Posted 03/07/2016 at 22:12:48
Phil Walling best post yet. I have my fears though Phil. My son goes to football every Saturday morning. Now they have a new bloke who has insider knowledge of Southampton football club. He says the new Goal keeper is rubbish and Southampton went on their worse run of form when he took over an injured Forster. He also said that Koeman was let go of because he did not live upto the deal he set to bring the youth through. Now this bloke is a life long Evertonian tatoos and all.
Dennis Ng
98 Posted 03/07/2016 at 22:24:46
Helen, I looked at Southampton scores when Stekelenburg was playing. Not that bad really, and in fact, slightly better than when he didn't play in terms of points gained. Sounds more like a knock against Koeman and that's not fair after 2 seasons where many rate Koeman as overperforming. It is still a wait and see situation here.
Tony Draper
99 Posted 03/07/2016 at 22:37:01
Phil, I agree with Helens view of your post (96), you
pose a very, very awkward question.

However, if Koeman "buys us a bunch of mercenaries" (my choice of term, no-one elses) who bring home silver and severed heads...... then will that really bother the 31K season ticket holders who don't get to see the "exciting next generation" ?

Andrew Clare
100 Posted 03/07/2016 at 22:41:01
Gavin #86,
Joe Hart is a poor goalkeeper and always has been. He is prone to making mistakes and his distribution is awful.
If he's a marquee signing then I think it's time for me to give up football. Does anyone really rate him?
John Daley
101 Posted 03/07/2016 at 22:47:21
I'm sure Southampton fans like to tell themselves that Koeman was "let go" but that really wasn't the case was it? If the Southampton board were so disappointed in his failure to integrate youth, why were they already in discussion with the man over a new, improved, contract before Everton came sniffing around?
Denis Richardson
102 Posted 03/07/2016 at 23:04:17
Phil, fact is we need to replace at last 5-6 players simply because of age. All these players were in the first team squad. We also had a pretty small squad last year as it is.

I think there is still place for the youngsters who are good enough - hope so anyway. Only time will tell and it's still early days so let's stay positive.

@JimHardin - I've heard of pedants but your post 95 is taking the piss. Just to make you happy, the new GK is an upgrade on the one who left us in May. Happy now?

Mike Mulhall
103 Posted 03/07/2016 at 23:05:47
Roles will be gone, he isn't of the standard required
Raymond Fox
104 Posted 03/07/2016 at 23:44:10
Koeman is not going to stick many of our young players in our first team is he, there's too much at stake in his first year in charge.

My old mate Roberto was kicked from pillar to post on here last season.
Surprise, surprise, it now appears that many of us are now saying that there are too many moderate players on our books.
Of course it can be argued that Martinez signed a number of them, so he's still to blame in that respect.

Koeman is going to be given the opportunity to sign a better quality of player which should undoubtedly help, but so will plenty of other managers.
We are joint 8th with West Ham in the betting for the League title!
Ok, that's only opinion, which is proved to be wrong on plenty of occasions, none more so than Leicester at 5,000/1 last season.
But time is ticking on, and we need to start signing some real top quality players if we are serious about aiming for the top 6.

Patrick Carty
105 Posted 03/07/2016 at 23:52:59
Raymond (#104),

Why would Koeman not put any of our young players in the team next season? Pre-season starts tomorrow and he has not seen anyone in action.

Lee Hayes
106 Posted 04/07/2016 at 05:42:24
Let's not forget that the genius Martinez left us with one recognised keeper. This is about squad depth and drawing on this guy's experience.
Alan J Thompson
107 Posted 04/07/2016 at 06:42:09
John(#91); Isn't Schwarzer the only player to win consecutive Champions medals with different clubs without playing for either, Chelsea & Leicester, in the season in question.

Paul(#93); Facetiously, you've got to start somewhere, Derek(?) and the Dominoes.

Phil Walling
108 Posted 04/07/2016 at 09:12:42
My own take on the 'not up to it brigade' is that Mc Geady, Robles, Oviedo, Kone, McAleny and the recently re-signed Gibson could well be 'let go'.

Always provided they are replaced by better quality players, of course, although not necessarily marquee signings.

Having said that, I continue to worry about the wisdom of that contract for Gibson and the recruitment of a Fulham's reserve !


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