Reports: Everton in talks with Martina

Thursday, 25 May, 2017 179comments  |  Jump to most recent
Ian Walton/Getty Images
Cuco Martina could become a Toffees player after all with reports suggesting that the club are started negotiations with the Southampton defender.

Martina was strongly linked with a move to Goodison Park to link up again with Ronald Koeman last summer but nothing came of the speculation.

Now, with The Guardian's Andy Hunter and others reporting that the Dutch defender has flown in for talks with the Blues, it looks as though Koeman has decided to take Martina on a free transfer now that his contract with the Saints has expired.

The 27-year-old, who played under his compatriot at St Mary's Stadium, would provide cover at right back for the injured Seamus Coleman while also being an option in central defence if needed.  



Reader Comments (179)

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Oscar Huglin
1 Posted 25/05/2017 at 20:19:22
Fine with this. Squad depth for Europa League never a bad thing.
Dominic Tonge
2 Posted 25/05/2017 at 20:24:06
Koeman's Alcaraz!

A good goal against Arsenal aside, he's not been turning heads. Couldn't get in at Saints and when he took his very limited opportunities he didn't look great.

Quick but not great defensively – just really underwhelming, in fact no, it's just not what we need at all. We have better youth players.

James Stewart
3 Posted 25/05/2017 at 20:29:41
Koeman channeling his inner Martinez. I'm sure Lukaku will be thinking twice about leaving us for a bigger club when we sign the likes of Martina on a free.

Seriously though, timing is everything. If this lad came in off the back of us landing Rooney, Keane, Sigurdsson etc then we wouldn't bat an eyelid. As a first piece of business in a proclaimed new era its highly underwhelming. Especially when we have a great young player in that position.

Bob Hannigan
4 Posted 25/05/2017 at 20:32:04
Agreed, Oscar, in addition Koeman knows him so I feel that is a positive.
Nigel Johnson
5 Posted 25/05/2017 at 20:38:49
Hey guy's, let's not forget – it's on a free.
Eric Paul
6 Posted 25/05/2017 at 20:43:33
He knew Stekelenburg!!!!
Jeff Armstrong
7 Posted 25/05/2017 at 20:44:08
Meanwhile Jonjoe Kenny falls further behind in the pecking order.
Paul Kossoff
8 Posted 25/05/2017 at 20:49:23
Maybe Koeman has been taken to one side by Kenwright and told, "This is your budget, keep quiet – it's not much unless we sell Rom, but don't worry, Niasse is back!"
Paul Kossoff
10 Posted 25/05/2017 at 20:52:55
Here are his stats.
Career
CLUB FROM TO FEE LEAGUE FA CUP LGE CUP OTHER
APPS GLS APPS GLS APPS GLS APPS GLS
Southampton 07 Jul, 15 ٟ,000,000 17 (7) 1 3 (0) 0 2 (0) 0 7 (0) 0
FC Twente 01 Jul, 13 07 Jul, 15 41 (7) 1 0 (0) 0 0 (0) 0 0 (0) 0
RKC Waalwijk 01 Aug, 11 01 Jul, 13 51 (2) 1 0 (0) 0 0 (0) 0 4 (0) 0
Totals ٟ,000,000 109 (16) 3 3 (0) 0 2 (0) 0 11 (0) 0
Goals per Game 0.02 0 n/a 0
Peter Gorman
11 Posted 25/05/2017 at 20:58:51
Good god there are some cynics on TW these days. I say why not? He could be our new Felipe Mattioni.
David Barks
12 Posted 25/05/2017 at 21:16:44
If this is true, God help us. We'll just continue to be a mediocre club, feeding any quality players to the big players and feeding on scraps, celebrating an occasional Europa League appearance. How far we've fallen.
Joe O'Brien
13 Posted 25/05/2017 at 21:17:18
I hope he's being brought in as back up to Kenny... he looks a fine player who for sure to be ready for the 1st team. We need 2 natural right-backs besides trying to shoe horn players in there who aren't up to it, Holgate for example.

He's also a very good player, but he's a centre-back. I'm happy with this, we need a big squad next season, and as Nigel said he's here on a free.

Paul Birmingham
14 Posted 25/05/2017 at 21:23:59
This I hope is the early start to some real business, and hopefully none of the usual last minute gazumps but no doubt the rumour mill will be doing 24-hour shifts around Goodison Park.

Next season we will need a bigger and competent squad and I see this fella as a squad boost player who is versatile.

Gonna be very interesting to see which so-called top quality players sign and wear the shirt.

Brian Cleveland
16 Posted 25/05/2017 at 21:43:59
If looking for an experienced defender to cover Coleman and also free... we might do worse than Zabaleta on a short term contract. Decent defender who gets forward too when necessary...
Ian Burns
17 Posted 25/05/2017 at 21:44:31
An ordinary start to the high expectations of ever suffering Evertonians. Ordinary manager, ordinary signing – I pray it is an ordinary summer.
Ian Burns
18 Posted 25/05/2017 at 21:45:33
Not an ordinary summer!
John Tyrrell
19 Posted 25/05/2017 at 21:50:13
I'm for this, Coleman will be out till at least Christmas, Holgate is not a right back and, with Europe to play in, we need back up for Kenny so as it's free – I think it's a good move. Keep the money for more important players.
Peter Warren
20 Posted 25/05/2017 at 21:52:58
Thought that too Brian when saw he was leaving. An excellent player
Daniel Lawrence
21 Posted 25/05/2017 at 21:54:02
The more things change, the more they stay the same.
Ian Bennett
22 Posted 25/05/2017 at 21:58:46
Not good enough for Southampton, sounds perfect. Change the motto for ffs.
Mark Morrissey
23 Posted 25/05/2017 at 22:04:15
What a load of shite.
Tony Dove
24 Posted 25/05/2017 at 22:13:52
Mark @23. I have a feeling we are in for a long summer of shite.
Raymond Fox
25 Posted 25/05/2017 at 22:24:29
Not really inspiring, its the same old make do for as little as possible.

I'd sooner give our young defenders a fair go, but this is the problem for young players at a club like ours, there's a lot of pressure on the manager to get the right results so is he brave enough to play them?

To be fair to Koeman, he has played some, mainly though when we had 7th place sown up.

Shane Corcoran
26 Posted 25/05/2017 at 22:24:53
Yes, let's wait to buy a few expensive players and hope that Martina plays his part in the cunning plan and doesn't go to another club that is willing to sign him now.
Mark Murphy
27 Posted 25/05/2017 at 22:35:02
For fuck's sake, there are some negative twats on here who think they know better than a qualified, revered and respected coach.

Anyone got links to the Idrissa Gueye, Bolasie and Schneiderlin threads please??

David Barks
28 Posted 25/05/2017 at 22:40:37
Mark,

What exactly do those three players have in common in any way with this guy, other than being professional footballers? We signed those players, two of them for very large sums. This guy wasn't even good enough to get on the pitch for a poor Southampton and they've let him walk away for nothing.

But, since you brought those players up, Bolasie didn't really do much before his injury. Gana did a ton of tackling but his passing was generally poor, and the manager was having to substitute him at halfway multiple times in the last weeks of the season. And Schneiderlin was signed from Manchester United for a large fee and is a quality player that most everyone was pleased with.

So again, how in the hell are you comparing them with this guy?

Chris Gould
29 Posted 25/05/2017 at 22:47:18
Coleman will be back. Hopefully as good as ever. We need cover in his position while he's gone. This guy is free and Koeman knows him well. Obviously Koeman knows a little more about defending than us, and a whole lot more about this guy.

We're not going to get better than Coleman (hence the 5 year contract), and anyone who comes in has to accept that he's only keeping the spot warm until Seamus has recovered.

There aren't going to be a load of quality right backs willing to do that. Why would we look to spend a load of money when we already have a first choice in Seamus and a young kid with potential in Kenny?

This makes sense.

Danny Broderick
30 Posted 25/05/2017 at 22:50:48
If this has been done to release Jonjoe Kenny to go out on loan for the season, then I'm fine with it.
David Barks
31 Posted 25/05/2017 at 22:51:53
I've said this before but I'll say it again. Would Spurs, City, United, Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool even consider this guy for one second? The answer is absolutely not. And that is why it will be a travesty if we sign him.
James Marshall
32 Posted 25/05/2017 at 23:06:25
I wouldn't know who he was if he sat on my lap.
James Watts
33 Posted 25/05/2017 at 23:13:29
If true, utterly embarrassing. A club with ambition trying to break in the top 6 and we are looking at a Southampton 3rd choice?!! Ron and Steve been here almost a year and this is the best they can come up? What a statement of intent.
Eddie Dunn
34 Posted 25/05/2017 at 23:21:57
David Barks, well said! There is no comparison with those two. Also, I have to agree that the much vaunted Gueye might have an incredible engine and be worth his weight in gold in a destructive role, but his passing is awful.

At his age, it is unlikely to improve either.

Eddie Dunn
35 Posted 25/05/2017 at 23:29:47
Mark Murphy (#27), the minute you start referring to other posters as twats, your opinion plummets in my eyes. We all have different views, but there really is no need to call anyone you don't agree with "twats".

We have had a series of managers, who have all been revered by many, but have all been guilty of mistakes, so being a proper, professional coach really is no guarantee of being right on anything.

Rob Dolby
36 Posted 25/05/2017 at 23:36:48
Not exactly inspirational; I think I'd rather stick with Holgate and Kenny until Seamus is back.

On the flip side, he is a free transfer and Koeman knows what he can do and he is young enough for us to get a transfer fee for him if we need to offload.

Kieran Kinsella
37 Posted 25/05/2017 at 23:41:10
Brian Cleveland,

Good call on Zabaleta who can also play left-back. To put this move in perspective, at the time I was more excited when we signed Sansom, Phelan, Hottiger, Mattioni.

Don't see the point in this at all. If we expect Seamus back in four or five months then use a U23. If we worry Seamus may never be the same, get a top notch replacement. Why sign a mediocre journeyman?

Gordon Crawford
38 Posted 26/05/2017 at 00:34:43
Said it the other day that this isn't a good sign. And it would be another joke signing. So much for players like, Dijk, Keane, Sandro, Tielmans, Hart etc. But I'm hoping for the best. Don't let us down Moshiri.
Peter Cummings
39 Posted 26/05/2017 at 00:47:55
Sorry but we have enough dead wood on the books without adding more Premier League cast offs, so once again 'Promises, Promises'.

At this rate, it wouldn't be surprising if the new ground fell through; we may be getting 'free signings' but they won't play for free.

Dan Davies
40 Posted 26/05/2017 at 01:32:23
Really? A free transfer. A player that adds depth to our squad with extra games in Europe.

Needed cover for Seamus at last. I'd like to see the academy boys given a chance don't get me wrong but is it really that bad?

Give your head a wobble! Are we really going to sign a star player to replace our future Captain?

I wonder what was going through people's heads when we signed an unknown player for 㿨,000?

Dan Davies
41 Posted 26/05/2017 at 01:35:53
Oh, we're signing cover for Seamus... Shit, there goes the new stadium. Hahaha lol. Brilliant.
David Barks
42 Posted 26/05/2017 at 01:57:44
Dan.

Nobody is saying this will cost us a new stadium. I'm the one that brought up the stadium to say that having a shit team in a new stadium means absolutely nothing to me.

This player wasn't good enough to get a game at Southampton, shite Southampton, and was allowed to leave for nothing. If he's not good enough to be a backup there, why in the hell would you ever accept him as a backup here?

Stop accepting mediocrity at this club.

James Watts
43 Posted 26/05/2017 at 02:03:37
Dan, you're forgetting we are supposed to be in a new era. If this was 10 years ago and fighting relegation every year, we'd expect it.

Now? A guy who can't get anywhere near a Southampton squad let alone first 11?! And we're supposedly trying to break into the top 6 with him? Our super scout and Koeman have been in place for a almost a year and they come up with this guy? Are you kidding me?

We have Kenny who is ready to be tried. We have Holgate who can cover as well. Two better options surely? And if we are truly serious about top 4 or 6 why aren't we chasing a right back who is better than Coleman or at least on a par who will give him serious competition?

If this happens, this signing is horrific which ever way I look at it. Even on a free. I'll keep everything crossed it's just paper talk.

Mike Gaynes
44 Posted 26/05/2017 at 02:03:59
Koeman knows him. Fee zero. Weekly paycheck minimal. Risk zero. So what's the problem?
James Watts
45 Posted 26/05/2017 at 02:07:53
Mike. The problem? He's gash! Simple 😀
Dan Davies
46 Posted 26/05/2017 at 02:10:29
David.

Just saying that signing cover for Seamus has absolutely 'fuck all' to do with our new stadium.

Get a grip.

Dan Davies
47 Posted 26/05/2017 at 02:15:49
Horrific, travesty!

C'mon on then James who are we signing to replace Coleman?

Woe is me! Lol

Goodnight.

David Pearl
48 Posted 26/05/2017 at 02:23:23
James (#32),

I'd hope if he did you'd at least then ask his name!

James Watts
49 Posted 26/05/2017 at 02:30:54
Dan @47. No idea as I'm not a scout. BUT surely our scouting team can come up with better? Its their job and this is the best they can do?

Plus you're forgetting, it may be cover for Seamus, eventually, but it's likely this lad will play until Seamus is back. Which could be anything up to 6 months. 6 months of watching this guy as our right back. Let that sink in as you head off to bed. Good night fella!

Kieran Kinsella
50 Posted 26/05/2017 at 04:39:35
Fact. As things stand, McGeady, Niasse, Tarashaj, McAleny and Garbutt are all due to report back for pre-season training. Most likely new signing? Soton reject on a free. Likely outgoing? Everton's homegrown hero Barkley. The Moshiri revolution looks a lot like the Kenwright devolution.
David Ellis
51 Posted 26/05/2017 at 05:28:56
Kieran – likely outgoings are all the players you mentioned.

First signing is cover for Coleman which is needed because Holgate is not a right back and it would be foolish to bet the farm on Kenny at this stage. Hopefully Kenny (or another of the kids) will stake a claim to challenge Seamus or be his back up – but if this bloke from Southampton is better than Kenny today then this makes sense in the short term as it strengthens are starting XI for the first half of the season.

No point is blowing big money on a right back that won't get a kick once Seamus is back and which will also entirely block off Kenny. I think the balance is right on this decision.

David Barks
52 Posted 26/05/2017 at 05:40:21
David,

If you think that a Southampton backup right-back reject us good enough to be our backup right-back, then you have a very low opinion of Everton FC.

How in the hell can you say for one second that we should accept as supporters signing a player who wasn't even good enough to be a reserve right-back at Southampton? Honestly, this mentality makes me sick.

Karl Jones
53 Posted 26/05/2017 at 05:50:36
Really poor start. Barkley for sale for £50 million... Southampton reserve on a free... Typical Everton. The only change so far is the cladding on the Stadium.
Jim Harrison
54 Posted 26/05/2017 at 05:59:54
Why the outrage? The season finished a week ago and people seem to expect that signings should be done and dusted already. Or that signing a back up right back on a free will be indicative of other transfer business. The window doesn't actually open for another month!

As for Kenny, what I saw of him was promising, but nothing more. Not ready to be first choice. Even if Koeman thought so, there would still need to be a back-up as it's not a given that Coleman will be back for quite some time.

If by August there has been no progress, fair play, we can have a bitch. But how can anyone be disappointed so early?

Ian Jones
55 Posted 26/05/2017 at 06:19:17
I guess the reality is many of us don't know much about Cuco Martina and what he is capable of – just because he is not a 'big' name doesn't mean he's no good. Also buying him doesn't show that we have no ambition.

Puel came to Southampton and signed Pied for the 3rd time, probably giving Martina no chance to impress first. Managers have their favourites.

I assume Koeman sees more in Martina than we do, knows him well, so wants him.

He can also play central defence so also assume there is further cover available there as well. I am all for playing youngsters and like what I have seen from Kenny but building up a solid squad and numbers is also a good thing.

However, we also have Tyias Browning as well for these positions.

Mark Murphy
57 Posted 26/05/2017 at 06:37:22
Eddie,
Really sorry. I broke my golden rule never to post when pissed!
My apologies.
David Barks
58 Posted 26/05/2017 at 06:38:52
I'm somehow shocked so many are actually defending this signing. He isn't a signing from Southampton. He's a reserve right-backthat wasn't even good enough for them to retain. They let him walk.

This type of signing should be met with outrage from the supporters. Unless of course Everton is to just go on existing as one of the middle-of-the-pack clubs, which it seems is very much the ambition. Get sponsorship and soak up the TV money, try to leverage that into a stadium to put more money in the owner' pockets.

At least Martinez brought garbage players that were actually in his starting 11 and Moyes signed cast offs that played for trophy winning sides. This guy couldn't even get a game for Southampton and was allowed to walk for free. We should all be embarrassed.

Sam Hoare
59 Posted 26/05/2017 at 06:39:01
A backup squad player that almost no one has seen play and haven't even signed yet and the outrage!

Will Mabon
60 Posted 26/05/2017 at 07:06:20
David (#58):

"Unless of course Everton is to just go on existing as one of the middle-of-the-pack clubs, which it seems is very much the ambition. Get sponsorship and soak up the TV money, try to leverage that into a stadium to put more money in the owner' pockets."

I want to be completely wrong but you sum up almost exactly what I most fear. There's no hard evidence to support this but nor are there indications to the contrary to my eyes.

I'm not talking a top four finish in the season just passed, nor expecting 𧷤 million spent on players by now. Not expecting the diggers in at Bramley-Moore Dock already.

However, something isn't ringing true.

Ian Jones
61 Posted 26/05/2017 at 07:11:42
Okay, we all have our differing opinions – whatever the merits of 'possibly' signing this player, who I admittedly know nothing much about, at least he can do this to the Arsenal!

Link

For all those who don't want Rooney back, some papers suggest he's off to China, so that will make some on here very happy and lessen their outrage... Of course, it's only a rumour, so if he signs for us and we get Martina... that should make for fun reading.

Andrew Ellams
62 Posted 26/05/2017 at 07:21:24
Get a grip people. This is an additional signing on top of the summer plan that only came up because of an unforeseen injury. This does not reflect what else will be happening over the summer.
Marc Sansum
63 Posted 26/05/2017 at 07:35:22
Zabaleta will want ridiculas wages.
Martin Nicholls
64 Posted 26/05/2017 at 08:07:58
If this guy signs it won't be long until those who are supportive of the move are referring to him as "deadwood" who needs to be moved out. Do your job, Walsh, and find quality back-up who deserve a place at EFC.
Bob Parrington
65 Posted 26/05/2017 at 08:08:54
Which wonderful source did this rumour come from? There's a lot of emotion on here with scathing comments about Koeman, Walsh, Kenwright and Moshiri et al but let's be realistic, we'd be matched with a 3-legged dog by much of the gutter media.

Let's see who we actually sign and then comment!

As far as the Niasse sale goes, Hull are probably just trying to bring the negotiated price down so they can come in with an ambit claim!?!?!?

William Cartwright
66 Posted 26/05/2017 at 08:08:57
Excellent start to the close season. Seriously. A good back up to the right-back position. Lets Seamus know and feel his future worth to the club.

Keeps realistic competition in the back-up role alongside Kenny, and provides a good utility defensive option without any risks of egocentricity or wheelbarrow full of wages.

He may also surprise a few people, then again he might not. But a low risk squad filler who Ronald already can see the worth, what's not to agree with?

Let's show some respect for the manager's judgement...

Jim Harrison
67 Posted 26/05/2017 at 08:12:28
David Barks & Will Mabon. Are you on a wind-up?

The major shareholder loaned the club enough money to be debt free, interest free. Do you seriously think this is the best way he could have invested 㿼 million?

The total out going in transfers last season was around 㿵 million. A teenager was signed for over ٥ million as a future prospect. Two players were signed for over 㿀 million. Lukaku excepted, the previous highest outlay was 㾻 million, and that was in 2008.

Lukaku has been offered the highest ever wage packet in the clubs history. If rumours are to be believed, the offer to Barkley is a substantial increase on his current deal

This is one potential signing, a covering player. Coleman is still viewed as first choice right back, he has just been given a new long term contract whilst injured. There is a promising youngster in that position too.

Can't you wait until the transfer window is at least officially open before passing judgement? Please don't roll out the "typical Everton" line, seen all this before, Billy Liar stuff. The changes at the club in the past year have been significant. The Premier League performance by the team an obvious improvement.

Martin Nicholls
68 Posted 26/05/2017 at 08:14:12
And for those who see him as cover for Europe, be careful what you wish for. Remember the abject performance of Alcaraz (Martinez's very own "cover for Europe") at Kiev?
Bob Parrington
69 Posted 26/05/2017 at 08:17:10
Oh! It seems it's the Express! Sorry, I haven't seen that in the last 35 years or so. Is it still as bad as it used to be then?

Good one, Jim! (#67).

Ian Jones
70 Posted 26/05/2017 at 08:21:39
Martin, thanks for the memories of Alcaraz. My dad says he was a talented player, often played out of position by which he meant on the pitch as opposed to being on the bench.

To be fair to him, Alcaraz was probably a decent player, but didn't really show it at Everton!

Eddie Dunn
71 Posted 26/05/2017 at 08:45:51
Reports on BBC online that Rooney is being offered 𧼐,000 per week to go to China.

We may see him in a blue shirt next season - playing for Shijiazhuang Ever Bright FC. They have "Ever" in their name and have a foreign player slot left.

Steve Ferns
72 Posted 26/05/2017 at 09:09:54
So much negativity and crap on here.

This is the safest transfer we will make all window. He costs nothing. He's gonna be on low wages and both Koeman's have worked with him before and think him good enough.

The only question is good enough for what?

Good enough for the first team?
Good enough to mind Coleman's place?
Good enough to cover Holgate or Kenny?
Good enough to be cover for right back and right of a back three?

I thought we need an extra right back. Funds are not bottomless and this is the type of signing I wanted to see. For me, it gives the impression that Coleman will be fine, and that Holgate or Kenny can press their claim.

If Coleman is not fine, then we will make a proper signing for good money in 12 (14?) months time.

Dan Egerton
73 Posted 26/05/2017 at 09:11:46
Ronald Koeman, holds the world record for most goals scored by a defender. I'd value his opinion of a defender better than anyone on this site, mine included.
Dan Egerton
75 Posted 26/05/2017 at 09:19:50
Check out Matthijs de Ligt and Davinson Sanchez instead.
John Keating
76 Posted 26/05/2017 at 09:28:29
Thankfully this is only paper talk just now so I wouldn't wrap chips in it.

I would only panic if this became reality. A one-legged Coleman is better than this guy.

Barry Pearce
77 Posted 26/05/2017 at 09:35:42
Underwhelmed.

Back-up to Jonjoe Kenny at best.

John Daley
78 Posted 26/05/2017 at 09:44:14
"I thought we need an extra right back. Funds are not bottomless."

Exactly. It would make little sense to lash out a large fee on a right-back likely to be no more than back-up later in the season when other positions will have been earmarked as priority long ago.

Dan Egerton
80 Posted 26/05/2017 at 10:11:25
Pablo Zabaleta looks like he is moving to West Ham, by the way.
Dan Egerton
81 Posted 26/05/2017 at 10:12:24
Two-year deal at £100k a week. Not really crazy money.
Chris Williams
82 Posted 26/05/2017 at 10:38:26
We were allegedly after him in a previous window but Southampton wouldn't release him, so unsurprising that Koeman (who signed him in the first place) is after him on a free now.

International, 27 and can cover centre-back too.

i can't see the problem really.

Dave Ganley
83 Posted 26/05/2017 at 10:44:29
Don't know why people are getting so agitated by rumours, hearsay and supposition. It's the silly season and will be linked with anything that moves.

Yeah but my mate knows Billy who works at Kwik-Fit but he was told by a customer who knows Joey who's next-door neighbour cleans windows for the kit man, etc etc.

This is Everton. Never count a deal is done till it's signed on the dotted line and he's on the pitch in the line-up... and, even then, I'd be wary.

Tim Sharpe
84 Posted 26/05/2017 at 10:59:42
We've not even had the FA Cup Final yet, and some posters are going bananas over a paper link, which probably is the tenuous thread that he played for Southampton, so therefore Koeman must sign him.

Experienced right-back to cover Seamus, on a free transfer.

We've been surprised by people we all thought were pants, and we've been disappointed by superstars who never quite turned it on.

Until he (and the 4 million other transfer 'targets' )is shaking Koeman's hand on the hallowed turf, I wouldn't waste my fingers getting too wound-up about it.

Terry Underwood
85 Posted 26/05/2017 at 11:16:06
I am prepared to keep my opinions about signings to myself and trust Ronald Koeman. Next season, I expect to see improvement with a possible cup win, the following season, I would want a top 4 challenge. These things take time but, as ever, fans' patience is not infinite.
David Hayes
86 Posted 26/05/2017 at 11:28:31
Jim (#67),

Every word spot on. I can't understand how fast a rumour becomes fact for some people on here, then they blame and attack all concerned for a deal that's not happened yet or even can't happen for a month if true at all.

Judge the club when the window closes. Speculation is only speculation; enjoy it, debate it but don't take it to heart.

Kevin O'Regan
87 Posted 26/05/2017 at 11:45:32
So a player on a free transfer is not worth anything?

I bet you Man Utd (Zlatan) and Bayern (Lewandowski) will beg to differ.

Not saying this guy is comparable, but just because someone comes without a huge fee doesn't mean anything... if in doubt, ask Seamus or even Tim Cahill.

Try again, this time with some logic.

Iain Thomson
88 Posted 26/05/2017 at 11:47:07
I'm not sure why there is hysteria about this. He's free – the manager is familiar with him.

Zabaleta will want more than we just offered Barkley and Coleman will be back during the season so, when you are signing a backup player, which we know this lad will likely be, you have to expect that signing to not exactly be exciting.

Alexander Murphy
89 Posted 26/05/2017 at 12:57:29
Surely our highest priorities must be addressed first, before we start to "bulk the squad up" with freebies and make weights?
Chris Jones [Burton]
90 Posted 26/05/2017 at 13:02:38
Alexander: If we put him on the back-burner for a couple of weeks and then, when we re-visit we find someone else has snapped him up, well you'd criticise the club for not getting him when he was available!
Ian Jones
91 Posted 26/05/2017 at 13:05:44
Alexander. The other way to look at it is that if certain players are available that may be of use to the squad, in whatever capacity, why not strike while the iron is hot and get them in.

If left, players go elsewhere, we miss out, and these threads go into meltdown.

Ian Jones
92 Posted 26/05/2017 at 13:06:41
Chris. You beat me to it..
Kieran Kinsella
93 Posted 26/05/2017 at 13:13:47
If we want someone crap on a free, why not bring Kone back? We desperately need strikers. He's experienced too.
Andrew Ellams
94 Posted 26/05/2017 at 13:21:33
Dan Egerton @75 – why would we look at two centre halves when we are trying to fill a right full-back slot?
Barry Williams
95 Posted 26/05/2017 at 13:35:48
This is why papers print this type of stuff because people lap it up and therefore people feed the very gossip columns they complain about.

Let's say it is true. A player, free, not huge wages, the coaching staff know him, he has Premier League experience and we can sell him on at a profit.

If it isn't true, so what?

Brian Cleveland
96 Posted 26/05/2017 at 14:21:48
Just saw the England U20s game against South Korea, won 1-0 with a goal from Dowell, ably assisted by Kenny.

Kenny got MotM from the commentators: "I'm stunned at Kenny's performance, he's been absolutely amazing."

He also got one off the line and, from the first to the last minute, you'd see him getting between the two dead ball lines... first rate. On that form, I don't think he'll look out of place if needed for the first team.

I was very impressed... Dowell some nice through balls too, very precise. Lookman very active and tricky, hit the post twice. Calvert-Lewin put himself about too.

It was actually a very good game to watch, even if I did have to get up at 6am to watch it!

Alexander Murphy
97 Posted 26/05/2017 at 14:22:08
Chris & Ian, I appreciate the logic of "snap them up now cos they are free" Can't fault that. But you don't climb a ladder by putting your feet on the rung below where you are now, do you ?

My point is that we must seek to improve, not mend and make do. Ultimately that is false economy, ask Sunderland's fans.

Finally, please do not hold me responsible for the opinions & replies of others. I speak for myself an nobody else. Please, don't read this as a terse or snappy reply; it isn't, I just don't agree is all.

Chris Green
98 Posted 26/05/2017 at 14:24:39
Holy Moly, some people are depressing on here.

Is this guy good enough to be Number 1? No.
Back up to Holgate (our Number 2 by the way)? Possibly.
Joint 3rd spot with Kenny (who couldn't get a game because a centre-back was playing so well in his position)? Yes.
Do I want to spend £100k a week on a 32-year-old right-back who will sit on the bench from Xmas onwards!? No.

Seriously, get some perspective. Koeman is a fantastic manager who turned us from proper shite last season to actually okay this season. We made Europe, not the top table admittedly... but Europe, That's positive. We climbed the league and were "best of the rest" outside the stupid uber rich. Positive.

If we blew a huge wadge on a right-back sitting on the bench and then had no money for every other position that someone on here thinks we need the latest best player in Europe to fill – THAT would be wrong.

Davison, De Light etc... fantastic players... ALREADY linked to Barca and Bayern. We aren't the first to recognise how good they are!!

Jim (#67) summed it up perfectly. The changes at the club HAVE been significant –not as quick as some might like... but they are happening.

Matthew Williams
99 Posted 26/05/2017 at 14:29:37
Jeez... what's wrong with playing Jonjoe Kenny? Save the funds for attacking options, Ronny!
Dominic Tonge
100 Posted 26/05/2017 at 14:51:42
I think the reason some people are being vocal might be similar to mine, so here goes.

I would much rather we went out and got a Zabaletta or Sagna type of signing. I think it's because I don't see them sitting on the bench, I see us rotating the two because ideally I want Mr Koeman to have us step up and act like a top four team. I want us to take the League Cup seriously, I want us to win that or the FA Cup, or if not then we go out with our heads held high, having fielded a good side and being beaten by the better team on the day.

I hope to see the likes of Holgate, Kenny, Browning et al playing a real part or going out on loan to get game time.

For me, This signing doesn't represent evolution, it doesn't represent us bridging the gap. It doesn't improve the squad overly and so for me it's a waste of money and also an opportunity. I just want us to work towards the maxim associated with the club – he isn't the best, he isn't even best of the rest , or the best of the available. No kids (unless he has kids – I dunno) will have his name emblazoned across their shoulders. "Bagsy being Cuco Martina!" said no child ever when having a kick-about with their mates.

I know the last part may sound frivolous but I'm just trying to get across that I'm disappointed but I will also say, if he does sign, then I wish him well and I will be keen to give him every encouragement to prove me wrong.

Trevor Lynes
101 Posted 26/05/2017 at 16:18:14
Fully agree with Dominic, Zabaleta has just joined West Ham on a free.Surely he would be better value than a full back who is not wanted at Southampton.We are still shopping at Charity shops !! No ambition in anything I have read so far.
Karl Meighan
102 Posted 26/05/2017 at 16:40:09
I don't see why hes needed 3 right backs including Coleman is enough, we wont find out if we have a player in Kenny and the same for other positions if Koeman keeps bringing in other Clubs deadwood.

Kenny and others will only ever be promising until they turn out for the first team; we don't want him going out on loan. Coleman's injured so it's a perfect chance to draft him in. If he's good enough, he is old enough and experience will come playing for Everton if any youngster is good enough.

Dave Williams
103 Posted 26/05/2017 at 17:37:25
He will only be a squad player, is free and wages won't be anything huge, unlike Zabaleta who would cost a lot in that regard – plus a no doubt a hefty signing-on fee.

I don't see how we can lose with this; trust Ron and Steve and, if he is no good it, won't be a Niasse type disaster.

The way Kenny is playing for England, he will be first choice if he shows well in pre-season.

Nathan Jones
104 Posted 26/05/2017 at 20:29:14
I seem to see this differently to most posters. I think this is a clever signing. We have a great right back in Coleman so we don't want to spend money on a temporary right back. Holgate is centre back and maybe Jonjoe Kenny isn't ready yet. So a free right back known by the manager is a good solution
Denver Daniels
105 Posted 26/05/2017 at 20:29:35
I'd rather we gave some of the youngsters a chance than signing journeymen. I know he's on a free so there might be a small chance of a sell-on fee but not for this level of player.

If we are going to sign free agents, they need to be of a caliber of Zlatan, not this guy.

Mike Oates
106 Posted 26/05/2017 at 20:41:40
Jonjoe Kenny should be right back when we start in July. The lad is aclass act, don't give him a chance and he'll be gone .
Gavin Johnson
107 Posted 26/05/2017 at 20:50:17
I have to agree that this seems a pointless signing. Yes, I can see the merits in Martina being free and not on huge wages, we need a bigger squad and he can also play at centre-back and defensive midfielder...

But... we have some very promising lads coming through at right-back. Jonjoe Kenny deserves game time and a chance like Holgate. We also have Callum Connolly, not to mention Holgate himself. It doesn't make sense.

John Audsley
108 Posted 26/05/2017 at 21:14:57
Kenny looks a very good player and a potential future leader. Whatever happens with any signings he needs to get his chance.

He deserves that opportunity.

Jim Hardin
109 Posted 26/05/2017 at 21:19:30
Look at this signing from the standpoint of the club's long term strategy to improve and challenge at the next level. Everton does not need a right-back better than Coleman as part of the jump to the top four level of player. He is there already. Coleman is our starting right-back whenever healthy. Right-back is not an area that needs strengthening long-term. No player of top four quality is going to come now to sit behind Coleman. Nor should Everton spend funds on securing such a player as the money is needed elsewhere.

Similarly, Everton do not need to bring in a very young prospect to learn from Coleman. The club already has two other right-backs who are young and being groomed.

This player is not a future Everton long term player to bridge the gap to the top four. He is not supposed to be and should not be judged by that standard of player we want. He is a known quantity deemed to be good enough by the manager to do the short-term job needed and to add depth in case Coleman doesn't recover as quickly as anticipated, or if the young players cannot step up.

Getting the player on a free is good business. There is not a downside to this decision if true.

Ian Jones
110 Posted 26/05/2017 at 23:38:00
How about moving Coleman forwards to fill the wide right midfield role? Could he and Kenny interchange roles and cover each other's back etc?
Eddie Dunn
111 Posted 26/05/2017 at 23:47:51
Mark Murphy (#57), No problem mate – I have posted pissed on TW before, and in the morning read what I wrote, and nearly choked on my cornflakes!
Mike Gaynes
112 Posted 26/05/2017 at 23:50:49
James Watts (#45), my BS alarm is buzzing loudly.

"He's gash"

Righto. Tell me when you've seen him play.

Oh, that's right, you haven't.

Koeman has.

James Watts
113 Posted 27/05/2017 at 00:51:03
Mike (#112), Talking of BS alarms. 3rd choice right back at the mighty Southampton where he hardly made the bench let alone start a game but because Koeman has seen him play we shouldn't question it?

You're right, I'll bow down to your wisdom. He'll be the signing of the season... *eye roll*

Dan Davies
114 Posted 27/05/2017 at 01:36:36
Once again, James, your very quick to pour scorn on this potential signing.

Do you believe we need another player in that position?

If so, let's hear who should replace Seamus in your opinion? Or back him up... enjoy...!

James Watts
115 Posted 27/05/2017 at 02:23:41
Dan (#114). The reason I pour scorn on this potential signing is because I don't believe he is not good enough, even as a backup.

My viewpoint is based on from the very little amount I've seen of him, the viewpoint of 99% Southampton fans and the fact that he has hardly played (hardly got in the squad) for a poor Southampton side.

Now, I've been wrong before and I'll no doubt be wrong in the future, but for my mind we should either trust the young lads we have (Holgate, Kenny, Connolly) until Coleman is back, or go all out and buy someone who will give Coleman serious competition.

Our aim is top 6, pushing to top 4 right? This is the kind of signing we absolutely should not be targeting. Free or not.

If we were still in the Moyes days, then I'd expect this kind of signing. Not now. Not with our ambition.

As for naming someone, I'm not knowledgeable enough to know who we should be targeting, but Walsh is. And Koeman should be. That leads on to the other part of my gripe, being they have been in place almost a year and this is what we are looking at?

I know who ever we sign we won't please everyone, but this? I dunno. Just doesn't make sense, however it's explained to me.

David Barks
116 Posted 27/05/2017 at 03:05:00
This player was garbage, trash, at Southampton. He could barely get a game and when he did the supporters wanted him off at halftime. How anybody could try to justify that player as good enough to receive a single paycheck at Everton is completely beyond me.
James Watts
117 Posted 27/05/2017 at 03:12:31
Careful David (#116). Mike's BS alarm will be going off because you haven't seen him play and Koeman has.
David Barks
118 Posted 27/05/2017 at 03:41:14
He has been with Southampton. He played last season, in the Premier League. He was awful. And the Southampton supporters will tell anyone willing to listen the same thing.
Jim Harrison
119 Posted 27/05/2017 at 06:16:29
Has he signed? Has there been any official club statement on the matter?

Let's all get incredulous over a media report that, as of yet, has no confirmation. This afternoon, I am going to be pissed off with my wife about an affair she hasn't had yet.

If the signing goes through, then jump up and down in anger.

I for one trust the managers judgement. Over his 3 years in the Premier League he has bettered his teams performance in the league. The current director of football has been credited with identifying the players that helped win the most unlikely Premier League champions. I think they are qualified enough to decide whether a player good enough.

And finally, if the player signs, he is likely to be 3rd choice for his position!!! We have one of the best right backs in the league out injured and a promising young right-back being introduced to the team. We don't need to spend too greatly in this department but do need cover. Some are mentioning Zabaletta, but he wouldn't want to come to Everton to sit on the bench, and we don't need to be paying back-up options first team wages.

And David Barks, forgive me if I am wrong, but weren't you championing Unsworth to be manager? A relatively new coach with one games experience picking the team in a dead rubber end of season encounter? Only sign top quality subs but pick a manager with no top flight pedigree? I think I will defer to the pros.

David Barks
120 Posted 27/05/2017 at 06:56:13
I was championing Unsworth? I remember saying that if the new owner really was a change that he should make every effort to get someone like Simeone. I remember being disgusted by the appointment of Martinez and not being thrilled in the least with Koeman's appointment.

Walsh was not the one credited with finding those players at Leicester. He was in a different role there. And so far, there isn't really much to show for his time at Everton.

As for your wife, if it was being reported in the local papers that she was having an affair, I'm positive you would be concerned.

Trevor Peers
121 Posted 27/05/2017 at 07:15:33
More worrying is the fact we have now offered ١ million for Josh Bowler? Who has played just 21 minutes for QPR...

What the fuck is going on? Haven't we signed enough young players with promise? It's not looking good at all.

Chris Gould
122 Posted 27/05/2017 at 07:40:24
Trevor, how can buying talented young kids be a bad thing? Some of the U23s are now in the first team squad; others will go out on loan. We need to keep the U23s winning in order to attract other quality young players. Bowler would be an Unsworth signing, not a first team signing. Stay calm, it's early days.
John Daley
123 Posted 27/05/2017 at 07:46:31
"Walsh was not the one credited with finding those players at Leicester."

That's not true at all, David. Walsh has repeatedly been credited with 'discovering' Mahrez, Kante, Vardy, and as being the man 'behind the scenes' who assembled a title-winning side at Leicester. He's been only too happy to accept the credit and has cranked out a number of interviews saying how he went about it as well.

Whether he actually deserved such credit is another matter and there's been nary a whisper about how his stellar scouting expertise worked out for Newcastle and Hull, weirdly enough.

James Watts
124 Posted 27/05/2017 at 07:55:20
Jim #119

"And finally, if the player signs, he is likely to be 3rd choice for his position!!!"

Sooo exactly what would be the point in signing him? This is my point entirely. I'll mention again what I've already said, if we are serious at looking at top 6, pushing top 4, this potential signing is absurd.

I firmly believe we should be looking at one of two options:

i) Letting the young un's fight it out – Kenny who would be my choice right now as he has come on leaps and bounds, followed by Holgate and Connolly as the back up in case of injuries.
or
ii) Sign a quality player (not Zabaleta though) who is not going to be happy just to turn up and get his wage packet from his old pal Koeman but a player who should be pushing Coleman all the way (when he is back).

I really hope it's just paper talk; my gut tells me it's not because of the history around it. I guess that's why I, and many others, are up in arms about this possibly happening.

Anyway, time to put this to bed for now I guess as thankfully it's all gone quiet re him signing. Let's hope it stays that way.

Chris Gould
125 Posted 27/05/2017 at 08:21:49
James, many of us are not up in arms about the possibility of this happening. If you're going to get yourself all worked up over a potential short-term back-up right-back – 5 weeks before the window officially opens – you're in for a long and stressful summer.
Nick Armitage
126 Posted 27/05/2017 at 09:03:06
Chris Gould (#29) – who do you think you are, coming on here with a logical, reasoned and totally correct standpoint?
Colin Glassar
127 Posted 27/05/2017 at 09:13:03
Whilst we are arguing over a 3rd-choice, 3rd-rate, right back Man City have agreed to sign Bernardo Silva (Monaco) and Monaco have agreed terms with Youri Tielemans (Anderlecht). Pre-contract deals are being made.
Steve Foster
128 Posted 27/05/2017 at 09:13:11
Everyone is assuming Southampton let him go on a free – as we know it is also the players right not to accept a new contract even if offered.

We need cover for Coleman and in defence and this has been well documented on TW with criticism of Jagielka, Williams & Funes Mori & at times experience will be better than youth. We also have the Europa League.

See this as a start; yes, we have money but no club has a bottomless pit of cash – using it wisely on higher priorities is surely a better way forward.

Adam Scott
129 Posted 27/05/2017 at 09:16:48
Bloody hell, Trevor (#121). That is probably the most negative post I have seen on here.

Tottenham have done this for years. Lennon, Walker, Dier, Naughton to name a few. How can you possibly see it as a negative?

Dave Abrahams
131 Posted 27/05/2017 at 09:34:54
John (#108), nothing wrong with that post except it should have been in capital letters to make it stand out.

Jonjoe Kenny should have been our right back since Seamus broke his leg and, if David Unsworth hasn't been pushing his case, he should have been.

Colin Glassar
132 Posted 27/05/2017 at 09:41:05
Anyone seen the footage of the Everton-Chelsea game (1931) which shows Dixie Dean scoring two goals? It's in the Echo and I'm surprised it hasn't been posted on here.

㿞,000 worth of talent on the pitch that day.

Chris Williams
133 Posted 27/05/2017 at 10:21:25
Yes I've just been watching it Colin. Amazing that he could hardly get a game for England despite scoring for them nearly every time he played.

I think this was the season they won the Second Division title to kick off the three-season sequence of Second Division Champions, then First Division Champions, and then FA Cup Winners that is still unique.

John Daley
134 Posted 27/05/2017 at 10:36:57
Colin @132,

"Seen the footage"? Dave Abrahams was probably there.

Wonder what the mentality was in regards to rumoured signings back then? ToffeeGram probably went into total meltdown when news broke about the blues being in for that William Ralph bloke:

'� STOP For a fella from the third division STOP Is that how low Everton are setting their sights these days? STOP A striker from Tranmere Rovers sans one teste? STOP It's bloody phonus balonus STOP We should be giving his sort the icy mitt STOP If he scores more than 10 goals this season I'll do the Lindy Hop down Lime Street in my Long Johns STOP Sod it STOP Off to get zozzled''

Colin Glassar
135 Posted 27/05/2017 at 10:44:41
Lol, John, I wouldn't be surprised if that happened back then. Chris, it would appear that the FA has always had an anti-Everton bias.
Chris Williams
136 Posted 27/05/2017 at 10:46:18
John #123

Ranieri was on Goals on Sunday last weekend and when the subject of Walsh's input came up he was, shall we say, somewhat less than fulsome in his comments. Certainly not effusive.

Maybe trying to support his own legacy, maybe not.

John Daley
137 Posted 27/05/2017 at 11:26:51
Chris @136,

Maybe.

As I mentioned, it's debatable whether Walsh actually merits the credit but he's certainly received his fair share from the media and hasn't exactly shied away from it:

Link

The flipside of accepting such acclaim is he's now got to pull his finger out while at Everton to prove his 'formula for success' wasn't just a flash in the pan. He's worked at clubs besides Leicester and hasn't come close to leaving a lasting legacy. People lavishing him with praise usually bring up the names Zola and Drogba, and then progress straight to the 2016 title-winning side, but there's a fairly lengthy barren spell in-between.

So far, for me at least, the signings that have been made since his appointment (whether at his or Koeman's behest) have been fairly underwhelming and decidedly unimaginative. I'm certainly not giving up hope that, this summer, after a full season of preparation, he might have something better up his sleeve, but I'm not banking on it either.


Trevor Peers
138 Posted 27/05/2017 at 11:30:45
Adam, I guess it might be that he's played 21 mins and is worth ٣ million; you must be in the "Let's give youth a chance" brigade... sucker!
Chris Williams
139 Posted 27/05/2017 at 11:31:47
I know what you mean, John.

Fingers crossed though.

Alan J Thompson
140 Posted 27/05/2017 at 11:35:14
Probably the only way Koeman will win over the dressing room is to fill it with old cronies. What would this be, 3 or 4?

Give the kids who are getting good notices a chance until the first choice is fit enough to prove he still has it and if that is still good enough.

John Keating
141 Posted 27/05/2017 at 11:41:17
As mentioned previously, Kenny should be the automatic replacement for Coleman, no question. Should anything happen to Kenny, then put Holgate back in until Coleman returns.

Goalie, attacking midfielder and striker are far more important positions to fill.

Phil Walling
142 Posted 27/05/2017 at 12:17:31
Koeman is following the Martinez pattern and it's one that also proved disastrous for Moyes at Sunderland. The 'old cronies' philosophy is doomed to failure and merely proves how limited the manager is in outlook.

By the way, does anyone know precisely which of the players loaned out last season are still on the books and will return to the Everton roster?

Kunal Desai
143 Posted 27/05/2017 at 12:42:45
Phil – Cleverley has agreed to join Watford. Deulofeu, McGeady, Niasse and Galloway will be back at Everton, although I imagine the first two will make their loans moves permanent.
Drew O'Neall
144 Posted 27/05/2017 at 12:57:42
Now Tyias Browning has apparently been written off, centre-mids can usually play full-back on the side of their preferred foot.

We have a plethora of central defensive midfielders so any from; McCarthy, Davies, or Gana could be used; however, I'm not averse to getting this guy in for free on a short contract as cover and don't understand the outrage.

I am less convinced by Coleman's a) defensive ability in the first place, and b) probability to return at full capacity; so, in that regard, I would like us to sign a commanding right-back.

In summary, it is just a free with little risk and is likely to be the least complicated, and so first of many... so am not getting over-excited yet.

Jim Harrison
145 Posted 27/05/2017 at 13:07:48
John (#141), in said scenario, what happens if both right-back and centre-back are injured Although, l doubt that would ever happen...
John Keating
146 Posted 27/05/2017 at 13:19:39
Yes, Jim, you could go on and on with 'what if's. Even Real Madrid and Barcelona would have trouble if we had that type of scenario.

Based on today's squad, we have Jagielka, Funes Mori, Williams, Pennington, Holgate, Galloway and one or two U23s who have played at, and could turn out at centre-half if the shit hit the fan.

Peter Barry
147 Posted 27/05/2017 at 13:32:27
Plus ça change, plus c'est la même chose.
Jim Harrison
148 Posted 27/05/2017 at 14:07:56
I mean, it's not as if that is the actual situation at the club presently, John, is it? Jags only playing again as Funes Mori injured. Coleman out long term. Both rated by the official site as return date unknown.

Galloway has proved so effective that West Brom didn't want him, so, as the argument goes, not good enough for West Brom.

So, why not get a short-term back-up right-back, if indeed that actually happens and isn't newspaper trash talk?

John Keating
149 Posted 27/05/2017 at 16:35:19
Jim I agree we should get a decent back-up for Coleman but I am afraid the rumour of this guy is beyond belief.

I would rather have Kenny in, any day of the week, before him and if you are going to put in suggestions about 'what if'? ... Then next season I would imagine most of my suggestions will still be here and fit for the start of the season to play centre-half to allow Holgate to move to right-back if needed.

A third-choice Southampton reject I just cannot comprehend.

Jim Harrison
150 Posted 27/05/2017 at 17:11:07
Sorry, John, I think you and many others are missing the point a few of us are trying to make. If this guy is signed, and that is yet to be seen, it will be as a stop-gap whilst Coleman recovers. Kenny or Holgate are still just as likely to fill that void.

My "if"s are not "if"s. They are "are"s. Currently, our first-choice right-back and until his injury just about first-choice centre-back "are" injured and there is a good chance neither will be fit for the beginning of next season. At this point, it is far from clear whether Jags will still be there.

If you are suggesting that we really start next season with Galloway or Pennington as first choice centre backs along side Williams I take my hat off to you, but on evidence so far neither are ready. It would also mean our back line would consist of pretty much only youngsters.

Again, I would like to highlight a post I made earlier:

"I for one trust the manager's judgement. Over his 3 years in the Premier League he has bettered his team's performance in the league. The current director of football has been credited with identifying the players that helped win it for the most unlikely Premier League champions. I think they are qualified enough to decide whether a player is good enough."

I stand by this. Should this move go through it will be because the manager and director of football have deemed it worth while. And it's only an if!! It maybe a load of bollocks!

So, if it is only a rumour, it's not worth getting wound up about. If it turns out to materialize, it will be because the well-paid professional with a good recent history has chosen to do so; your comprehension will not be his concern.

Brian Cleveland
151 Posted 27/05/2017 at 18:03:54
Based on his performances so far in the U20 World Cup, if he gets to play, Kenny might stop Coleman getting back in again once fit! I know, I know, one swallow doesn't make a summer, but he has looked a cut above the rest so far and perhaps someone will drop a video of his performances into Koeman's lap while he's sitting by a pool somewhere that might make him sit up and take notice.

Of course we still need extra bodies until Coleman is fit again, which will be around mid-season or more, so the question is whether the likes of Kenny, Holgate and Browning can adequately fill in. Maybe; maybe not... but is this guy any better? Will he be able to do it if those three can't? Personally, not convinced he will be better than those three, but I don't have the information Koeman has...

So basically, before reinforcements we have three youngsters for the position until Coleman comes back. Is that enough? I still think Zabaleta would have fitted the bill nicely, but I guess that ship has sailed...

If we get someone, I think it needs to be someone with experience and well rated, not someone who is only at the same level as the lads pushing for the spot.

Buy a good 'un or use the boys!

Rick Pattinson
152 Posted 27/05/2017 at 18:10:22
Well he was shit on Football Manager, so that confirms his level of shit for me
Julian Exshaw
153 Posted 27/05/2017 at 18:16:09
My brother is a big Saints fan. He reckons Koeman loves this guy. He can't cross the ball to save his life evidently. It doesn't augur well. With Kenny already there and the practically forgotten Browning, we may have enough cover.
Tom Bowers
154 Posted 27/05/2017 at 18:30:34
All managers have a different view of certain players and if Koeman was still with Southampton then Martina may have indeed started many games this last season. However it is a little disconcerting that Everton are looking at free transfer players instead of established quality even though they may cost a bit but we all expected a little more initiative from Moshiri.

Having said that, it may still happen but one has to ask: Is Martina better than what we already have at the club? If Koeman does bring him in, he had better hope he doesn't become another liability in the back four (or three).

John Keating
155 Posted 27/05/2017 at 19:03:59
I still say there are more important roles we need to cover. What if Robles is injured and Stekelenburg gets run over and Hewelt gets an ingrown toenail? Sorry – all this is nonsense. There should be cover for each position and, until Coleman returns, we should use Kenny with Holgate covering.

Reading some of these posts we'll need a squad of 66 just to cover our first 11 ! Wasting a salary on this guy is just that – a waste

Darren Hind
156 Posted 27/05/2017 at 21:29:58
I think we should employ Alfie Solomons. Not just to get the best deal, but to spell out to the mediocrity embracers.

Signing mediocre players... Not fackin negotiable!!!!

Jim Harrison
157 Posted 28/05/2017 at 02:20:38
Except sorry, Darren – if the record appears to be broken, who has actually at this point been signed?
Gary Russell
158 Posted 28/05/2017 at 02:26:40
And, let's not forget Brendan Galloway. He looked more than able when he had that run in the team, which proves he has it. I hope he can shake off his disappointing WBA loan and regain his form.
Andy Crooks
159 Posted 28/05/2017 at 12:04:40
Darren, I like "mediocrity embracers". You might well consider me to be one but I still admire the phrase.
Dave Abrahams
160 Posted 28/05/2017 at 12:17:47
John Daley (#134) re Everton versus Chelsea, 1931, I'd love to say I was there but one of the horses pulling our coach on the way to the game collapsed and died in St Anne Street and we had to stay there as witnesses.
Andy Crooks
161 Posted 28/05/2017 at 15:03:01
Brilliant post, Dave.
Brian Wilkinson
162 Posted 28/05/2017 at 16:26:49
I do not know much about this player, but what I do know is Jonjoe Kenny is ready for the first team at right back.

Forget letting him go out on loan – this guy is ready now; he reminds me of a cloned Coleman.

David Currie
163 Posted 28/05/2017 at 18:16:49
Why sign average foreign players when we have one of our own in Kenny who deserves his chance to be our right back? Total waste of wages when one of our talented young players is good enough.
Anthony Dwyer
164 Posted 29/05/2017 at 00:10:18
A waste of wages and a waste of a shirt.

Swerve him and play Kenny; if Kenny doesn't make the step up, then Holgate is easily good enough to play until Coleman is fit.

27 years old and not good enough for Southampton means he's not good enough for us. We've only just got shut of the likes of Oviedo and Gibson, we don't need any more average players taking good wages.

Mike Gaynes
165 Posted 29/05/2017 at 06:35:38
James (#117) and David (#118), the BS detector has melted down... short-circuited by pure malarkey about "99% of Southampton fans" and the "supporters wanted him off at halftime"... etc etc ad nauseum.

BS opinions of a player you have NEVER LAID EYES ON, buttressed by "opinions" of Southampton supporters you have never spoken with. Yep, you two are so full of it you'd need two extra anuses just to get halfway to empty.

I've never seen Martina either, but we all know of someone who has. He has played 18 games (and practiced every day for a full season) for our manager. And if Koeman thinks he's worth a no-risk punt, he's basing that decision on infinitely more knowledge than yours.

Mike Gaynes
166 Posted 29/05/2017 at 06:45:32
Drew (#144), don't know where you get your belief that Browning has been written off, but they signed him to a new contract less than four months ago that runs through the 2018-19 season, after he'd shown he was recovered from a very bad knee injury.

And he made eight appearances in a three-month loan spell at Preston NE before returning to us, so it doesn't seem to me that he's been cast aside. Koeman's never had a look at him yet but hasn't sold him, so he may get another chance.

David Barks
167 Posted 29/05/2017 at 07:51:22
Mike,

Maybe you only watch Everton matches but I do not. I did watch him play for Southampton. And the views of Southampton supporters are readily available online, with a Google search. But the fact is that hardly anyone could have watched him because he couldn't get a bloody game! He wasn't good enough for them, why in the hell would he be good enough for us!?

That club let him go, after hardly giving him a game. He was a backup at that club, and not judged to be good enough for them. So he is certainly not good enough to be ours. That's not BS.

Koemam isn't some God of infallible wisdom when it comes to judging players. We don't need to get down on our knees and accept anything he does or any player he signs. Stekelenburg was not good enough. Valencia was not good enough. Williams was not good enough. And honestly Bolasie was not good enough. If we were going to sign anybody from Palace it should have been Zaha.

If Everton is to get back among the big boys and actually challenge for anything again, the caliber of signings must be far higher than this type of player. That's how it works. If we are going to sign a right-back from Southampton it should be their starting right-back. The goal is to improve your squad, not just fill the numbers.

James Watts
168 Posted 29/05/2017 at 07:52:06
Ah, Mike, you've been missed. The personal attacks on fellow fans are somewhat over the top no? Just because you disagree?

Swing it which ever way you want but your sole defence of 'Koeman has seen him play' is quite frankly as absurd as this signing.

Just because Koeman has seen him play we shouldn't question it? Righto. He hardly has an unblemished record.

Didn't Koeman want Sissoko and Kone? Who both have been proven to be shite. And I reckon he is only 50/50 on the signing he did make.

And 99% of Southampton fans on the couple of fan forums I've been looking through do think he's shite. No question. I think it's a great way to find out how decent a player is. Fans generally have a very good idea.

So there you go. That's my opinion. All said without any personal abuse. See it can be done.

Hopefully that's calmed your BS alarm down? Then again ,if you speak it'll probably go off again... dammit ,so close to getting through that reply.

Paul A Smith
169 Posted 29/05/2017 at 10:02:48
I am joining this thread late but glad to see the comments in the first 10 are coming from where I am coming from.

This just seems like more of the same. Call it cover or whatever you want. At some point he may have to play. His record looks awful. Does Koeman know his agent very well?

This coming season will be tough as the Europa League we all know can be a massive drain. Also on fans. Hence poor Sunday atmospheres. Players like Martina who can't make the cut anywhere else are simply a wage loss and frustrating for fans who will see as much ability in a youngster.

I'm not soppy enough to say Koeman knows best because any manager can make an error and I have witnessed Stekelenburg and Ashley Williams all season.

On another note, I will be keeping an interest in where our fixtures fall after playing away in Europe this season. The last Europa League campaign seen us playing away after nearly every away tie in Europe.

Mike Gaynes
170 Posted 29/05/2017 at 15:33:25
"He wasn't good enough for them, why in the hell would he be good enough for us!?"

I read that exact post here on TW many, many times when we were pursuing Schneiderlin, who had been abandoned by Mourhino. Had played 11 minutes I believe. The club spent 㿄m on him based on one thing -- Koeman's experience with him. And there's an argument to be made that he's been our best player since he arrived.

Obviously Martina ain't Schneiderlin, but it's a no-risk signing. If Martina turns out to be crap and never gets a game, the club loses nothing except his wages, which will be chump change.

David Barks
171 Posted 29/05/2017 at 16:16:40
Mike,

Schneiderlin was a very good player that earned a big move to Man Utd. He had played and played well under the prior manager. Then they signed Pogba and Mourinho didn't have a spot for him in his tactics. How you would ever compare that with this guy, who hardly played at Southampton and was allowed to walk away is beyond me.

As for a no-risk signing, in what world does that make sense? You sign a player to be able to play. So, when he gets in the game and is garbage, the way Alcaraz was garbage, suddenly it's a big bloody risk as he hurts the team and costs us points.

Jim Harrison
172 Posted 29/05/2017 at 16:25:48
David Barks, Again, just for the record, who has actually signed?

And do you and James Watts plan your posts together? Or is it just immaculate timing?

I love how you make the point about the caliber of the players we need to sign, as if it isn't something everyone, including the manager, is blissfully unaware of! Koeman himself has made the point that the squad needs more quality, but unless you haven't noticed top notch players want to play for good teams. AT the beginning of this season Everton were the club that scraped into 11th last season

Judge the manager on his signings at the end of this summer. If you cant see the progress this season at least wait until 10 games have been played in the next to see if he really isn't up to it

But please, please stop banging on how we shouldn't be signing players THAT WE HAVE NOT ACTUALLY SIGNED!!

James Watts, is that 99% from a survey or did you do the percentage calculation yourself? Forums are obviously a true barometer of the stature of a player. All you would have to do is check ToffeeWeb to get and accurate idea of how we feel about Ross.

Andy Crooks
173 Posted 29/05/2017 at 16:47:23
I have never seen this man play and if, by the end if the window, he is our only signing, I will be as outraged as some on this thread. However, if he joins us, I will welcome him, accept that the coach admires him, and wish him luck.

I recall a number if years ago that I championed Seamus Coleman when he arrived. I got some fierce abuse on here, including being asked if I was related to him. You just never know what a new start can do.

James Watts
174 Posted 30/05/2017 at 01:03:13
Jim (#172). It is great timing on David and I posting! Purely coincidental let me add.

I agree. He hasn't signed so this is kinda pointless right now. The point I made way back in one of my earlier posts.

However, my post before this was purely defending myself against Mike who made things personal very quickly. We have history. Going back to when he falsely accused me of laughing when Bolasie got injured. We obviously don't see eye to eye but that's fine. I'm happy to ignore his posts like he probably is with mine. But when things get personal I will defend myself.

I was pointing out that this guy is garbage. Whatever way you look at it and it's bizarre that it's being defended as a possible signing just because Koeman has seen him play. And I believe my argument back sets out a reasonable stand point. So does David's in my view.

My 99% calculation? Based purely on pretty much every post on said forums laughing at us for taking this guy. If we take this guy. Maybe it's not 99% exactly but check out a couple of forums yourself. It won't be far off.

And I believe fans forums are a decent way to find out if a player is good. Not everyone will agree of course but when the very high majority of fans rate or don't rate the player you will get a good idea no? You mention Ross and TW. That being the perfect example. Some love him. Some don't. That's because he is hit and miss. So overall you can get a feel for what he's like from people who have seen him in the flesh.

And don't forget I have also seen him play. I have also seen his record. Neither are encouraging.

I'm happy to agree to disagree with your good self and Mike. We all believe we are right after all, so no point flogging this dead horse anymore.

We can take it up again if he does indeed sign.

James Watts
175 Posted 30/05/2017 at 01:06:01
Andy (#173). I'm surprised you got abuse over the Coleman signing! He was a young lad when he joined us with loads of potential.

However, this guy is a journeyman 27-year-old so no way can we compare them.

Colin Glassar
176 Posted 01/06/2017 at 07:27:37
Reading the BBC football gossip page today, all sorts of big players moving towards big clubs. Right at the bottom (amongst the Championship teams) is Everton's awe inspiring move for Martina. Depressing really.
Will Mabon
177 Posted 01/06/2017 at 07:40:06
Relax, Colin, it's a project.
Rob Baker
178 Posted 01/06/2017 at 07:40:32
I agree Colin, news of Everton players OUT to better clubs high in the gossip column, news of back up squad players IN just above the social media BS at bottom. No marquee signings in sight, I guess everyone is having their well-earned holiday.
Colin Glassar
179 Posted 01/06/2017 at 07:53:35
Guys, remember, we are Everton, we do everything by the book! No transfer talk from Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid until the transfer window officially opens and then, and only then, will we start contacting Ronald's 3rd and 4th choice players (as his other targets will have already agreed to move to other clubs).
Sam Hoare
180 Posted 01/06/2017 at 09:38:47
I mainly hope this doesn't happen as it is an impediment to Holgate and Kenny. The latter in particular has been outstanding for the U23s and in the U20 World Cup and surely deserves the chance to deputise for Seamus till he has recovered.

I reckon you play Holgate in matches against the better teams where you need to be defensively solid and then Kenny against teams where you expect to have more of the ball as Jonjoe is superior going forward.

Joe Edwards
181 Posted 01/06/2017 at 11:22:01
So this is Koeman's idea of "exciting signings", a player who couldn't get into Southampton's side is considered good enough for our squad?

Underwhelmed is not even beginning to describe how I feel about this player, he is awkward on the ball, has a woeful first touch, can't get forward and, in my opinion, wouldn't even make a decent squad player.

We have one of the most exciting right-backs developing in Jonjoe Kenny although I understand the need for a bigger squad for Europe and that it would be unfair to throw him in the deep end. Let's not forget Koeman's own mantra – if he's good enough, he's old enough.

Please don't make this a close season of disappointment again, Ronald, and please please don't go back in for the Tottenham flop Sissoko.

Dan Egerton
182 Posted 04/06/2017 at 10:55:27
Sometimes a new manager on purpose harms the chances of certain players that were brought in by a previous manager, especially if they're a vocal supporter of the previous regime. It's an ego thing to prove that they're a better manager.

Let's hope this is what happened with Cuco Martina's time at Southampton.

Will Mabon
183 Posted 08/06/2017 at 03:35:52
Just nipped back in hoping to see only tumbleweed re this move and thankfully, no further developments...
Albert Perkins
184 Posted 08/06/2017 at 06:49:19
I think a lot of booze is talking here. Nothing wrong with that. After a cuppa I have to say that this isn't a crazy signing.

We want to bring Seamus back after christmas. We also want to blood Jonjoe, our next Seamus. So we buy Martina if Jonjoe wobbles.

No good right back wants to understudy Seamus after the holidays. They know the score. Also we don't want Jonjoe to get discouraged by placing too many experienced players in his way.

It's a tricky little conundrum. Holgate isn't a right back and so we need cover. Koeman knows Martina but maybe he doesn't want to play third in line again. Maybe he'll say no to us.

I'll have another cup of tea and stay calm.

Dan Egerton
185 Posted 10/06/2017 at 09:43:29
@ 94 "Dan Egerton @75 – why would we look at two centre halves when we are trying to fill a right full-back slot?"

Because we need centre-backs more than right-backs. We already have 5 or 6 players can play there.


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