What does Walsh do?

Paul Ferry 28/08/2017 112comments  |  Jump to last

I ask this not as a DNA pessimist or programmed moaner but because, as I type with around 80 hours to go until this transfer window slams shut, I have real concerns about what has not been done up to now. (By the way, I am referring here to this window; also fuelling my current concerns is the way Koeman sets us up on the pitch but that, for now, is for another time.) Again: what does Steve Walsh do, what has he done this window, what is he doing today, what was the Italian jaunt for?

Walsh was second to none for spotting gems on the European mainland for relative peanuts in his Leicester City days. Actually, now I think about it, he was second to Les Reed (some sharp irony there). Oh how we clapped and smiled when we nicked him from the Champs. More than a few of us said that this was the most important bit of business we had done all year. The die was cast. There must have been some doubting Thomases – there always are – but the majority of us looked ahead at a bright blue future with a big smile.

Remember that I am just talking about this transfer window in the full knowledge that it is not the only one that Director of Football and top-notch scout Steve Walsh has wheeled and dealed for us. My question is in large part framed in terms of, for what we know – and there is a lot that we do not know – does this window so far have the footprints of a crack talent-spotter digging in shadowy nooks and crannies for... well, another Mahrez all over it?

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  • Sigurdsson? No. At the top of Koeman’s shopping list apparently.
  • Martina? No. Koeman’s Southampton lad (wish it had been Reed).
  • Klaassen (or "fucking Klaassen" – this is for many on the Live Forum)? I’m not sure to be honest. Big fee. The Dutch pipeline might be the key ingredient here.
  • Rooney? Erm …….
  • Ramirez. Again, not sure. It smells of Walsh. Lowish fee. This might be as close to a ‘Walshy’ that we have had this summer so far.
  • Keane? No. An obvious buy. (nb: I don’t count ‘obvious’ as talent-spotting because it's, well, obvious.)
  • Pickford? Ditto.

And then we have Onyekuru, Markelo, Mathis, Bowler, Gibson, and Donkor. For the future, it seems. But as we have seen, this a long and hard road with many twists and turns and many do not make it. This seems to have been Discoverer Walsh’s main theatre of operation so far: pumping lads into the U23 set-up in the fingers-crossed hope that base metal (so to speak) will one day turn into gold.

I know that there are all sorts of caveats and variables to throw into the hat. We do not know what goes on behind closed doors or on text. There may well have been rejected approaches that have slipped under our radar. There might be a long file of raw talent on wily Walsh’s costly club-bought latest high-end Apple lap-top on which Round-like he can also draw pictures. We are always far more in the dark than out of it. That is how it is.

But, for me at any rate, the question remains – and it is highly relevant and sadly damn timely: What does Walsh do?

We need width. We need pace. We need a striker. We need a left-back who could step into Leighton’s boots straight away. We need a centre-half of Keane’s quality. Jeez, it’s not rocket science. Sam Hoare can reel off reams of classy sounding European lads at the drop of a hat. I haven’t heard of many of them but that’s the point, isn’t it? Jeez, I wish Harold – RIP – was our Director of Football and Head Scout.

Breaking news. Walsh wants Vardy! Fireworks! Fire the ceremonial cannons! Run around yer house (or flat) singing Hallelujah, one and all. Even I could have come up with that one – and so could you, you, you, you, you and you ad infinitum....

Get me Dembele at least. Get me Tierney while you are up there sharpshooter Walsh. Get me a classy winger I have never heard of. Get me Van Dijk or similar. Jesus there are now less than 80 hours to go. Get me someone!

Mind you, they would be filed under ‘obvious’, wouldn’t they?

What does Walsh do?

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Reader Comments (112)

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Mark Riding
1 Posted 28/08/2017 at 23:00:51
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Steve Hogan
2 Posted 28/08/2017 at 23:10:10
Amazing how the first defeat of the season (away to the champions) brings out the cynics in great numbers?

People feel compelled to put pen to paper questioning people's ability to do their job, despite an impressive CV prior to joining Everton and prompting Moshiri to tempt him away from a club where he was well respected.

Perhaps he should account for all the trips abroad Paul, and inform you who he intends to 'scout' before he books his flights?

Or he could post his 'weekly planner' on ToffeeWeb. so everyone could see he was doing his job and not skyving in the back room at Finch Farm.

Why don't you cut him some slack instead of counting down the hours to the end of the transfer window. Both him and Koeman will be judged soon enough on the quantity and the quality of the players they bring in, without the thinly veiled criticism of his job role.

Steven Sturm
3 Posted 28/08/2017 at 23:20:20
It's my fault Paul. I've had him scouting for my fantasy football team. I'll tell him he can get back to Everton business until Friday.
Brian Williams
4 Posted 28/08/2017 at 23:21:07
I think it's a very valid question.
Andrew W James
5 Posted 28/08/2017 at 23:21:37
Agree Steve.

Too soon to judge. And we know too little of what goes on behind the scenes to make informed judgements.

One gem here or there will more than cover his salary. But there are few certainties in football, be patient and I'm think he ll deliver as he has in the past.

John James
6 Posted 28/08/2017 at 23:27:18
Paul (proff?)...

Yes, what was Walshy doing in Italy, apart from carrying a bag like a concierge?

I heard a Radio 5 broadcast where David Platt really got angry with him, claiming that HE (Platt) knew who REALLY did Walshy's work, and recommendations, and that he wasn't all he was cracked up to be.

Walshy did recommend at Leicester, but I also read that Leicester are not that impressed nowadays with the players on board... and last season seemed to prove that. Although I detest that charade, Shakespeare, he seems to be a horrible backstabber!

Ronnie seems to want a big centre-forward and a lot of runners to latch onto his drop-downs to shoot. Pelle, Lallana, Rodriguez...
I


Peter Warren
7 Posted 28/08/2017 at 23:28:08
Paul - I think he buys players with potential (the U23 ones you mention and not to mention Lookman) and recommends potential first teamers (i.e. Gueye) and top tier first teamers (Pickford, Keane and Klassen).

You say obvious players - Pickford I suppose as an example. Early days but he looks class. Made up Liverpool, Man City, Arsenal didn't go for him - we put money we're mouth is - I don't think he was that obvious to many - indeed I remember loads saying far too much when £25-£30m quoted.

At chelsea he brought in a few 24/25 year old players including Drogba and Essien. Again, you may say obvious but I would say they both had potential but nobody thought good enough to buy - he thought so and proved right.

Now Klasssen - I think that's another Steve Walsh buy - despite people putting Dutch connection together with Ron. Again Walsh is saying this guy will be top class. I hope he's right.

Paul Ferry
9 Posted 28/08/2017 at 23:32:54
I'm not a cynic, Steve (#2). Nor is this being written because we lost to Chelsea. If it was, it would be entirely different, don't you think? Check out Sunday's Live Forum; I'm the one trying to see the good in things and begging other folks to think about the circumstances in which we came to this game.

Listen, I have reservations for the record but I have faith and have never questioned Koeman on here or joined in the castigating he gets.

So, let's clear that Walsh did not come to us with a clean sheet; if I am right, he brought along his Leicester hit-list. I'm talking about this window, by the way, and as such I think this is a valid and fair question. I would, quite frankly, have thought that there would be more of Walsh's fingerprints in this window.

The reason I post now rather than Friday is to continue talking about what has been going on and what might happen and also, by the way, in the hope that I will be proved wrong.

Jack Convery
10 Posted 28/08/2017 at 23:33:00
Hopefully all will be clear on Friday.
Keith Slinger
11 Posted 28/08/2017 at 23:48:38
If other clubs know our targets we could get gazumped so lets wait and see if 2 gems can be unearthed by thurs night.
Paul Kelly
12 Posted 28/08/2017 at 23:49:15
I've heard we're after some player called Costa, residing in Brazil, apparently.

Another Walsh gem unearthed as I ain't heard of him, anyone?

Tony Twist
13 Posted 28/08/2017 at 23:52:02
What does Walsh do...not enough at the moment imho. Lukaku has been crystal clear as to whether he was going or staying and really we needed a quality reserve centre forward when he was here. It was madness not to get a replacement lined up before we sold him but the transfer window closes shut in a matter of days and rumours of a loan deal for Costa, a striker who causes nothing but trouble, are circulating. This smells of failure for all concerned with transfers. A centre forward should have been first on the shopping list.
John Daley
14 Posted 28/08/2017 at 00:09:16
Steve @2,

Is his CV really that impressive?

We constantly hear about Walsh 'unearthing' the trio of Vardy, Kante and Mahrez, along with his scouting of Zola a zillion years ago. Not so much about the 30 years spent as a PE teacher, unremarkable spells at Leicester (first time round), Newcastle and Hull, or his short-lived stint as a stunt double for the fucking Equalizer. He'd also never before performed the role of Director Of Football prior to being brought on board last summer.

Given the 'look no further than my own back yard' nature of the bulk of those recruited for first-team duty following his arrival, it seems a perfectly fair question Paul has posed.

Peter Laing
15 Posted 29/08/2017 at 00:10:07
Remember - this is the second year of Koeman's three year reign / project. The clock is ticking and Moshiri will undoubtedly have his key performance targets drawn up. For those in doubt please recall the hour long interview with Jim White in January this year - Koeman fails to deliver and Moshiri will have no trouble replacing him. Key to success will be the ongoing relationship with Steve Walsh - 3 games in and with the window still open there is time yet.
Tony Hill
17 Posted 29/08/2017 at 00:33:58
So far, not much. The next 3 days will tell us.
Kieran Kinsella
19 Posted 29/08/2017 at 00:38:04
I know (well according to that Italian scout) that he went on a tour of Italy this summer enquiring about every footballing resident of Milan.

It is a weird window for us. Even if Lukaku has stayed we needed another striker. The fact we'd knew he'd leave makes it all the more puzzling that we are 72 hours from deadline day without one. It makes me think we are waiting on the Barkley money. Maybe our real budget was the money we spent on Sig. The rest was contingent on player sales. Even Barry, no fee involved but we save a hundred grand a week with him gone.

Barry Williams
20 Posted 29/08/2017 at 00:39:56
Onyekuru, Markelo, Mathis, Bowler, Gibson, and Donkor. Is that bad?

Plus Sandro and Lookman? All in the space of a year!

The signing of expensive/ well known players doesn't mean Walsh isn't doing his job, unearthing gems might be his job and a couple of those above might just be that! If one or two make it and are sold for a massive fee, that'll more than cover his wages over the contract I reckon.

Just a thought!

Julian Wait
21 Posted 29/08/2017 at 02:57:40
I'd have to guess we thought we'd get Giroud or Welbeck (I'd rather have Welbeck) but got neither (so far). And if I were Arsenal, Everton is the last team I'd be selling a top class forward to. Plan C.
David Barks
22 Posted 29/08/2017 at 03:12:54
Barry,

Do you see the purpose of Everton Football Club to buy young players and sell for a profit, increasing the wealth of the owners? Or for Everton Football Club to compete for titles, compete to win the league and compete in the champions league? Judging by your opinion on Walsh, it seems you believe the former and not the latter.

James Watts
23 Posted 29/08/2017 at 03:15:09
Koeman #19.

Agree with the first part of your post but;

It makes me think we are waiting on the Barkley money. Maybe our real budget was the money we spent on Sig. The rest was contingent on player sales.

Whenever we go a week with no incomings peoples default is this. Hasnt this been put to bed yet? We've spent way more than we've brought in. And im not talking net spend either as that is by and large a false barometer. We need to spend more, no question but to drag up 'we only spend when we sell' again?

Even Barry, no fee involved but we save a hundred grand a week with him gone.

He was on 60k a week. Which may have helped offset Sigs wages anyway.

Jay Harris
25 Posted 29/08/2017 at 03:58:20
A very valid question Paul but one that I think needs asking of the board who seem to be in total control if the Sigurdson saga is of any relevance.

My concern is the quality of what we are being associated with.

We are still shopping at Tesco never mind M&S while others including the RS, United, City and Chelsea are shopping at super Harrods.

City have just paid over 250m for 3 full backs while we struggle to get cover for Bainsey and much as though I love the guy I would be hounding Danny Rose to join us if I was in charge of recruitment.
I have also said all summer pay whatever it takes to get Vardy who for me is the only viable replacement for Lukaku. Why havent we had a cozy chat with Southampton over VVD.

If we had real ambition and could walk the walk instead of just talk then we should be looking at this standard of player not some gangster that Chelsea want to see the back of or a player who cant even get a game for Benefica.

If the board want top 4 let them show it in the market rather than buying no marks or has beens.

Darren Hind
26 Posted 29/08/2017 at 04:14:29
Paul

Having exchanged views with you many times over the years, I know you are not a cynic. If you have been guilty of anything in recent seasons, you may have been a little too loyal and patient with Everton staff.

You ask a pertinent question, one which I know you were asking before the Chelsea game, so I sincerely hope this thread doesn't get side tracked by silly accusations of knee-jerk reactions to a defeat.

You balance the article by accepting that you don't know what goes on behind the scenes. Fair play, we none of us do, but if we didn't speculate or discuss, there would be virtually no point in football forums.

I can't see what Walsh does either. That doesn't mean he isn't making a valuable contribution, but if you are going to support somebody, it always helps if you know what the fuck they are doing.

All I know is I wouldn't mind his job. He will get high praise and have his reputation advanced by any signings which turn out to be decent... and the boss will get all the blame if they don't.

Nice work if you can get it.

Paul Kelly
27 Posted 29/08/2017 at 04:40:42
"I ask this not as a DNA pessimist or programmed moaner", could've fooled me! Another over-the-top reaction to a defeat; sort yourself out, Mr Ferry!
James Watts
28 Posted 29/08/2017 at 05:11:42
Jay #25.

I think you're being a bit harsh there.

We are looking for cover for baines, not to replace him. That's a different debate. Someone like Rose is not going to come here to be second fiddle nevermind the 40m plus 150k a week in wages he's probably want. And that's ignoring the comments rose said about wanting to win things. We aren't a better proposition than Spurs right now.

How do you know we haven't asked or spoken to VVD? But again, he's most likely holding out for champions league. Let alone whether we can afford him or not.

Vardy, absolutely would buy. Hate the little shit but think he'd do well for us. But as before why would he want to come to us right now? Would you of you were Vardy when if you actually wanted to leave you'd have a chance at a champions league club which he may well still get if reports are true.

Costa I would take all day long. Only for the fights he'd have with Koeman if nothing else. But seriously once he's fit he'd be a great loan signing. Sure short term but exactly the type of player we need. A nasty fucker.

That Benfica lad, wouldn't touch him with yours going by his stats.

We have to face the simple fact that we are not a huge draw to players who want to win things and we generally can't afford the money it takes to warrant a second look at us because the market is getting more ridiculous by the day.

Mike Gaynes
29 Posted 29/08/2017 at 05:15:39
This general theme just makes me shake my head, especially the folks implying that in three days we'll know how well Walsh does his job.

No, we won't. This isn't a one-year project. I remind you that Leicester won the title in '15-'16, but Vardy had been around since 2012, Mahrez since '14. Only Kante was a "new" signing. Who knows, we might win the title in 2019 led by Onyekuru, Vlasic, Klaassen, Pickford and a guy we've never heard of who'll be signed in the January window.

And Tony #13, re " A centre forward should have been first on the shopping list." How do you know it wasn't? Why do you think we haven't signed one, because Koeman didn't know we needed one? Ridiculous. Who do you think we could/should have signed? Who actually wanted to come here? I'll say it again ad nauseum... quality strikers are rare and expensive, and they have to be interested in Everton. How often have we landed a truly top-class goalscorer? You don't find 'em on the shelf.

James Watts
30 Posted 29/08/2017 at 05:24:14
Darren #26.

All I know is I wouldn't mind his job. He will get high praise and have his reputation advanced by any signings which turn out to be decent . .and the boss will get all the blame if they don't.

Disagree with that. Every man and his dog knows Walsh is in charge of finding players. He's also said as much in public. As has Koeman. The media might report them as 'Koeman signings' but internally that wouldn't wash. Let's face it if it did, then Moshiri is a moron as he brought Walsh on board so surely knows what he should be doing?

Also surprised you haven't blamed Koeman yourself. Surely that would have been a nice opportunity to have another dig or are you taking pity on him after the deserved criticism he's getting from Chelsea?


Alan J Thompson
31 Posted 29/08/2017 at 06:08:18
Barry (#20); I tend to agree with you but it seems a policy that goes back before Walsh i.e. Henen, Byrne, Tarashaj, Rodriguez, etc, possibly a commonsense policy albeit the four I mention aren't as yet the best examples.

Also, I find it hard to believe that Walsh identifies "senior" players who are signed without first consulting Koeman and getting his agreement. I would imagine this would be a discussion both before and after scouting and identifying likely players and one that would also include the Manager insisting on certain players with or without Walsh's agreement.

The question remains, how many have been identified but were unable to be signed, for whatever reason, quite possibly including price and valuation?

Paul Ferry
32 Posted 29/08/2017 at 06:15:11
James - 30 - I often agree with you but please mate let's not turn this thread - just one thread - into a Darren v the rest of the world thread or Darren and 4 or 5 or 3 v the rest.

Darren deserves better. So do you. So do we.

James Watts
33 Posted 29/08/2017 at 06:18:15
Alan #31.

The question remains, how many have been identified but were unable to be signed, for whatever reason, quite possibly including price and valuation?

We'll never know. Nor would any fan of any club. It's been like that since transfers were created.

Craig Fletcher
34 Posted 29/08/2017 at 06:27:14
How about Idrissa Gana Gueye? Walsh came to Everton on 21 July 2016; within a fortnight he had given us our version of Kante . not bad going I would have thought.

Lookman came in in the next transfer window; and he is already looking a snip given what we paid Charlton and with the future he is likely to have.

Also Paul, all the other young players we have bought, Onyekuru, Bowler, Gibson etc. time will obviously tell but if we get even a couple of these "potentials" to come off, we'll be singing Walsh's praises.

OK, Schneiderlin, Sigurdsson, Keane, Pickford are not "unearthed gems", but they are all players that Walsh has helped bring to the club who have/will make us stronger than what we have had before.

Alan J Thompson
35 Posted 29/08/2017 at 06:37:44
James(#33); Quite right but it does need saying occasionally especially when the question is, "What does he do?" which could be construed as apportioning responsibility even if it does appear that is why he was appointed albeit, without overriding authority, unlike team selection and tactics.
John G Davies
36 Posted 29/08/2017 at 06:39:11
It is pure conjecture over what part Walsh plays in the transfers.
Was he the man who identified Gana, did Koeman bid for him when at Southampton. Who knows.
Credit due either way.
Speculative ideology will not surmount the conundrum.
Suffice to say someone will have to din their thinking cap and identify players to sign over the next days.
Paul Ferry
37 Posted 29/08/2017 at 06:42:36
John G Davies 36.

Speculative ideology?

James Watts
38 Posted 29/08/2017 at 06:53:40
Alan #35. Amen to that!

John #36. It's not conjecture though. Both Walsh himself and Koeman have told us the part Walsh plays in transfers. Granted it may not apply to every transfer (Stelk and Martina being two cases that spring to mind) but it does to most. As if it didn't, what's the point of Walsh?

Ian Burns
39 Posted 29/08/2017 at 08:17:36
Excellent article Paul and the question is most pertinent.

Although the question you are asking is specifically about this window, to judge Walsh one would need to take an overall view since he arrived and as Mike Gaynes points out we could be up there with a nose bleed in 2019 if the new recruits bear fruit.

However, what your question throws up for me about this specific window is not only the positions (especially a striker) that require improvement but the purchases appear to have provided an overload of players who can operate in midfield to cover what Koeman calls his productivity problem. I wonder if Walsh is working to a Koeman remit on the types of players he requires and apart from the obvious striker he may have delivered on that remit.

The question is pertinent and the answer might (or it might not) be answered later this week.

John G Davies
40 Posted 29/08/2017 at 08:18:40
Thanks James.

Thats a lot clearer.
It does in some but not in others.

James Watts
41 Posted 29/08/2017 at 08:27:49
John #40. You know I'm saying in most cases it's down to Walsh to find them but there is the odd case it being down to being down to koeman as he has his favourites, like Stelk and Martina.

Steve Walsh. 2nd June 2017.

“My department is very well run, very organised and we make sure we get as much information about the player that we possibly can. If we like the player, I’ve got to try to convince Ronald that he’s the player for us.

“It could well be that Ronald has seen the player as well, so it’s a collective decision at the end of the day.”

So again, it's not down to conjecture is it? Seems clear cut to me.

Darren Hind
42 Posted 29/08/2017 at 08:35:20
James don't be so naïve.

I can accept Gana may not have been a Koeman signing as he hadn't really had time to get his coat off. but you are talking nonsense.

Like every assistant, Walsh will make recommendations, but if the manager does not want the player, you can be very certain he wont be coming.
How on earth does that make Mosh a mug ???? what would be the point in spending 6m a year on a manager if you didn't support him with the eyes and ears of other staff ?

Also trust me when I tell you. Koeman will stand or fall by these signings. If for some reason they all went belly up, Koeman would be the guy known for blowing 200m. It his bollocks that are on the block and if they all excel in a blue shirt, he his entitled to and will get all the praise.

What you are spouting is absolutely ill-informed conjecture. Klaassen has told us he didn't speak to any other club after he spoke to Koeman. He didn't even mention Walsh. I don't remember Keane or Pickford mentioning Walsh either. So unless you know something they, or anyone else, doesn't know. you are. quite simply, making it up.

Paul Tran
43 Posted 29/08/2017 at 08:43:58
A really interesting and partly redundant thread, this one. I'd love to know how Walsh's performance is measured, both short and long term. If it was my business, I'd see his role as long term, providing some stability regardless of who is manager. Get young players in, have the succeed in the first team and/or make a profit on them at a later stage. Go to Italy, meet clubs/players/agents and repair our poor reputation as a club to deal with. Might not get a gem this summer, but may be offered one first in future windows?

One thing I have noticed, is that every time we've bought a player under this regime, I can see why they bought him and what he could do for us. Doesn't mean they've been used well, doesn't mean they've played well, but I see that as a welcome change from previous regimes.

Another sign that the club is being better run, but I guess all we want to know is are we getting closer to trophies?

James Watts
44 Posted 29/08/2017 at 09:00:59
Typical Darren #42. Straight in with a sledge hammer, again. Tact really isn't your strong point is it?

Why is it naive? Naive to believe what Koeman and Walsh have both told us about transfers and how they work within the structure?

Like every assistant, Walsh will make recommendations

When has Walsh ever been Koemans assistant? New job role we don't know about?

Agreed, Walsh makes recommendations and koeman signs off on them. We know that. That's not even up for debate.

Because Klassen or Pickford or Keane didn't speak to Walsh what relevance is that? How do you know Walsh didn't flag those players up to Koeman? Are you suggesting Walsh speaks to all our transfers? Why would he? It's his job to find them, not take them out for a cozy chat over dinner. Isnt it normally down to the manager to persuade a player to join not his 'assistant' or director of football as most people know him by? So what weight does it hold when a player states they only spoke to Koeman?

Koeman will take blame yes agreed but Walsh will also take equal if not more blame. Especially internally as we know Walsh is heavily involved in the process as that is his job. So yes it would make a mug of Mosh because that is Walshs job as he wouldn't be doing it. Why is that ill informed conjecture?

Paul Tran
45 Posted 29/08/2017 at 09:04:14
My last point is where I agree with Darren. Whoever brings the players in, it's the manager who coaches, drills and puts them on the pitch. He get the glory/sack and that's how it should be.
Tony Marsh
46 Posted 29/08/2017 at 09:29:42
Steve Hogan @2,

It's not the first defeat of the season that has made people start to question Walsh & Koeman – it is a whole host of reasons.

The away form last season was abysmal, so was the the football we played. The recent signings have been nothing short of shite, and now we hear another midfielder being bought??? Sorry to say this but Carragher was right – none of our players would get in their team.

We could so easily have lost every game this season and only Rooney has scored a goal so far in this campaign. Koeman didn't fight to keep Lukaku and made Barkley an outcast. I actually believe right now we are missing the energy Barkley provides.

Why didn't Walsh or Koeman realise the impact losing Lukaku would have on this team? Why hasn't a replacement been found? Who on earth sanctioned the Klaassen deal? Why are we intent on signing players with no pace or physical presence?? I mean the list of fuck-ups is endless, isn't it ?

Have we taken the wrong guy from Leicester City? Maybe it was Shakespeare who moulded the title-winning squad!! Walsh has done nothing yet... neither has Koeman. I don't see what there is to defend or be happy about right now. Thank God for the International break because I am already fearing the worst. The derby is looming and we all know what that will bring.

This season is already a disaster just by the way we set up and capitulate on the field. I think the off-field activity is no better. Koeman is a fraud and needs to go. Take Walsh with him. Sorry it's just not good enough. We the fans keep thinking we are a big club yet it doesn't actually feel that way does it???

Oh, wait a minute... Moshiri bought the Liver Building so we must be... FFS, Everton fans need to wake up.

Tony Abrahams
47 Posted 29/08/2017 at 09:32:59
Darren 42, I was surprised you posted mate, but glad you did though because it makes a lot of sense!
Stewart Oakes
48 Posted 29/08/2017 at 09:37:39
Two points to make on this, could there be players we've spoken to who were waiting to see if we got through to the group stages of the Europa League, and how do we know who they've spoken to, do we tell the press everybody were interested in or make inquires about?
Alasdair Mackay
49 Posted 29/08/2017 at 09:58:00
I think Walsh is doing a good job.

I hadn't heard of Lookman, Calvert-Lewin or Gana (much) before we signed them. We haven't seen which of this summer's signings have been successful yet, but Sandro was a steal for the price and we beat just about every club in Europe to Onyekuru.

I also credit Walsh with getting us £75m up front and Rooney for nothing from Man Utd. I think that is top dollar for a player with a worse first touch than my Mum.

I think there will be others before the end of the transfer window, too.

Mike Allen
50 Posted 29/08/2017 at 10:30:05
What I don't get is not using the talent we already have; playing them out of position just to give them a game is not for me.

The period Coleman was/is out, Kenny should have been drafted in with Holgate taking one of the centre-back positions.

While not looking to have what it takes, Calvert-Lewin has shown that, playing in the centre-forward position, he can be a handful, yet he was dropped for the Chelsea game for a player who has contributed as much to the team as Niasse. Baines has been poor yet no-one has been given their chance to prove themselves.

We all have our take on things but I can't get my head round sending talented players out on loan for a season.

John G Davies
51 Posted 29/08/2017 at 10:52:43
Thanks for the support in that post Darren.

If your trying to sweet talk me into the dual presentation on George's gig suggested by Tony it ain't happening.

Nicholas Ryan
52 Posted 29/08/2017 at 10:58:29
It's too early to tell with Walshy. If the 18/19 year-olds he's buying now, are all First-team stalwarts in 3-4 years' time, he will have been a success. If not well hmmm.

Remember, when asked why we were recruiting so many youngsters, he [surprisingly] said something like: 'We need to plan for when RK is not here'.

Brent Stephens
53 Posted 29/08/2017 at 10:58:33
Paul F. I think your question is relevant if you're asking other than this window. But you say "Remember that I am just talking about this transfer window". In which case, all the piece seems to be suggesting is that not much has been done this window.

First, I think that's clearly debatable, and a matter of opinion.

Second, the window hasn't actually closed yet, so the question any case might be premature.

And third, I think it's best to judge Walsh's role over the long term.

Alex Doyle
54 Posted 29/08/2017 at 11:06:01
Unbelievable. We have signed an entirely new spine, early in the transfer window, while other clubs were still on the beach. That's what Walsh does.

As to those who claim 'this is not difficult', you don't have a rashers what you are talking about.

David Ellis
55 Posted 29/08/2017 at 11:13:46
Well I don't really know what most people actually do when they are working. Doesn't mean they aren't working or adding value.
I do believe Walsh plays an important strategic role and his job his not directly linked to team results or Koeman so he will provide continuity to recruitment when we lose a manager. His trip to Italy for example is to build up contacts with potential suppliers/customers. The fact that we have no deals with the Milans does not mean it was a failure or waste of time.

If we buy someone we've heard of we say we don't need Walsh. If we buy an up and coming star we say its risky and they may not make it. Well yes...but if you don't buy the up and comers then you are not going to unearth the next diamond. And even well known players have to fit into the ethos and tactics of the team so need proper scouting.

I think we have to accept there's a lot at the club that we don't know about - but that doesn't mean its not happening or its being done badly. We just have a gap in our collective knowledge. Not particularly helpful to speculate (but fun no doubt)

Chris Williams
56 Posted 29/08/2017 at 11:36:25
I think his title is Director of Football which is different from his previous job(s), which implies a wider brief.

It is a matter of record that his role in transfers is player recruitment and also that he discusses all transfer targets with Koeman, even bringing proposals to him. Been several articles and interviews with the two of them to that effect. Koeman has also been supportive about it and has even said things such as it is important to have a Walsh around who is looking longer term than a coach whose focus tends to be shorter term.

That would tend to support the idea that Walsh has had a major input into the recruitment of younger players for the longer term. It is not a continuation of what has gone before, because of the fees being spent. Onyekuru cost more than Sandro and as much as Gana if we're to believe the reports. Some of the others like Lookman and Bowler, Gibson also appear to have tasty add ons too. This is not pissing around like we did with Henen for example. Possibly Vlasic too now.

We also know he has been recruiting recruitment analysts vigorously and has a ' large' department. Again this indicates a possible benefit in the future,and possibly filling in a gap in the infrastructure that existed. We also know about a restructuring in the youth set up, which again may indicate Walsh's input. This seemed to include a promotion for Unsworth for example.

All this is conjecture to a greater or lesser degree, and you never know for sure, but to try and cherry pick each signing, and say Walsh or Koeman, is surely not sensible. The question is are we moving forward, and in a planned, sustainable way?

Is the recruitment of players more professional than what happened last summer? The consensus beyond these pages seems to be in the affirmative. The results though are not yet clear, and won't be for a while. That's football. Instant gratification tends not to happen, even if you're state sponsored like City or PSG.

Moshiri seems to have a vision and a plan. He recruited Walsh to work within this plan. The first phase of that plan was to bring in Koeman for three years and we are at the start of year two. Walsh is planning beyond that period as well, as is Moshiri with a stadium etc going into the 2020s.

But all plans are monitored and results and outcomes will be measured against targets and that will decide what Moshiri and the club will do in due course. This will include Walsh and Koeman.

John Raftery
57 Posted 29/08/2017 at 11:44:44
The time to pass judgement on Walsh will be in three years not three days. He is responsible for overseeing a network of over 300 scouts covering every level and every age group in this country and across Europe. Yes, with the benefit of hindsight some of the big signings may now seem fairly obvious targets but were they so obvious before they were made? The final decision on those presumably was made by Koeman after looking at a shortlist of recommendations compiled by Walsh. As an example Walsh would have drawn up a list of centre backs with a full analysis of strengths and weaknesses. After looking at the options Koeman decided Keane better meets our requirements than Harry Maguire or any others on the list. Time will tell us if that decision was correct.

We have been linked with over 60 players in the gossip columns since the beginning of May. Of the first ten on that list, we have signed six which is not a bad return. It is safe to assume the stuff we see in the gossip columns is only the tip of the iceberg with a whole load of enquiries being made under the surface which never get publicised.

All this said, it remains a mystery to me that we have failed so far to sign an experienced, proven striker. Plenty have been mentioned in the gossip listings but bringing in a striker ought to have been a priority ahead of spending a record sum on Sigurdsson. Now we are probably reduced to a stop gap solution while DCL develops and we assess Onekuru's progress at Anderlecht.

Steve Brown
58 Posted 29/08/2017 at 11:54:58
The early career part of recruitment is looking very promising - Onyekuru, Markelo, Mathis, Bowler, Gibson, and Donkor. Added to Lookman, Keane, Pickford, Sandro, Klaasen who are all under 25.

When combined with the homegrown talent with us or out on loan - Tom Davies, DCL, Browning, Galloway, Pennington, Kenny, Walsh, Holgate - that is a massive investment in future talent that will bear fruit. Not all Walsh's doing of course - take a bow David Unsworth - but that part of the strategy is clear and coherent.

I am less sure about the recruitment strategy for established players who can step into the first team and improve the quality. In particular, as Paul says the need to sign a striker, winger, left centre back and cover for Baines (poor this season). All clear and identifiable needs from the start of the summer, yet here we are on Tuesday with no clear indications on targets or signs of progress. He might be a very stealthy operator of course but we were hearing rumours on the players we brought in well before they were signed. It might also just be that persuading established players who might push us toward top four is a lot harder.

Michael Lynch
59 Posted 29/08/2017 at 12:06:34
I'm a big fan of Walsh's youth recruitment policy, but I just hope I live long enough to see it reap its rewards.

In the meantime, I wouldn't mind a little bit of pace in the side and a goalscorer. And a left-sided defender. A trophy wouldn't go amiss either. Preferably in this decade.

Derek Knox
60 Posted 29/08/2017 at 12:15:24
A bit too early to criticise, who knows, we may get a few over the line yet, and see others departing to kind of balance the equation.

I think the performance at Chelsea, regardless of the scoreline, is still very hard for most of us to digest, a 2-0 defeat to Chelsea (who are one of the Prem Champ eventual favourites) would not normally be taken so badly, but the manner, in which we failed so miserably to compete, is!

I, like many have mentioned, cannot understand the mentality behind letting Lukaku go so easily, and, without some sort of replacement in sight. It has been so glaringly obvious in games thus far, that it is a target man who is so apparently absent, hence why we have scraped 1-0 wins and draws.

Dermot Byrne
61 Posted 29/08/2017 at 12:29:46
I agree Steve 58. My view is that the aim and strategy is to build towards the best team for generations when we first play in new stadium. Probably have earmarked the manager for that bit already too. Now there is insane optimism to make a few on here shudder!
Barry Williams
62 Posted 29/08/2017 at 12:32:10
David Barks - 22

Actually it was a typo that I noticed after I couldn't edit the piece

If one or two make it and are sold for a massive fee, that'll more than cover his wages

Should be

If one or two make it OR are sold for a massive fee, that'll more than cover his wages

So no, I don't think Everton should just develop youngsters just to sell them, that would be preposterous!

Steavey Buckley
63 Posted 29/08/2017 at 12:39:36
To compete at the level of a top four place, Everton needed a new back four at the beginning of the season. Keane was a non brainer at 25 million with 1 season left on his contract. Yet, Maguire formerly of Hull went for a modest 15 million in today's market to Leicester. Everton would be much stronger if Everton had bought him. No need for 3 at the back to cover up for defensive inadequacies.

The rest of the aquisitions don't make much sense, as most are midfield players, who lack real pace with no proven goal scorer and real width on both sides to support.

I am afraid it's going to be another disappointing season.

Barry Williams
64 Posted 29/08/2017 at 12:42:01
Alan J Thompson - 31

Some fair points Alan. We know that Walsh isn't just a scout as he has the title Director of Football I believe, so I can truly say I don't exactly know what his job description is. He must be involved in a number of other none scouting tasks by my reckoning.

As some posters mention, Gueye, Calvert-Lewin and Lookman (Possibly) had Walsh's influence on them

Chris Williams - 56

You make some eloquent and valid points.

James Watts
65 Posted 29/08/2017 at 12:43:41
Steve #58.

The under laying thing is we needed quality players in every position, def mid apart, all as priorities. Imagine where we would be without Pickford for example? Or Keane? Not getting a quality striker is an aberration granted, but I personally don't think overall our first XI recruitment strategy has been too bad.

I think your line of It might also just be that persuading established players who might push us toward top four is a lot harder is 100% correct.

Well, at least it should be an interesting few days. Didn't think it would be after the first part of the summer!

Brent Stephens
66 Posted 29/08/2017 at 12:47:52
Off-topic but just looked at Birmingham Mail report on possible Okaka move to Everton - "He scored the opening goal as Watford lost 3-3 to Liverpool on the opening day of the season" - why can't we win with the same number of goals as the opposition. Koeman out!
Andrew Ellams
67 Posted 29/08/2017 at 13:26:17
If the club fails to acquire a new centre forward this week then this season could well become a very average one. We won't trouble the top 6 because we won't score enough goals and we won't be anywhere near the bottom 6 because we won't concede too many either but if we slip out of the top 7 Walsh and Koeman may well need to pray that Farshad Moshiri is a patient man and who the lack of said centre forward is attributed to.
Phill Thompson
68 Posted 29/08/2017 at 14:36:09
We may not reap the rewards from Walsh for a few years, particularly in regard to youngsters we've bought this season – Onyekuru, Markelo, Mathis, Bowler, Gibson, and also Donkor who's on loan.

Onyekuru was known about and we nipped in smartly, Markelo too was promising at youth level, Donkor played against Calvert-Lewin, Lookman and Kenny for Germany U19s, Lewis Gibson looked a future star for England U17s. What we've done is back the judgement early and paid out money on potential – if I was a betting man, I'd put money on Gibson playing for England one day and being worth £50 mill by then!!!

The intriguing two for me are Josh Bowler and Boris Mathis. I've seen nothing beforehand to indicate Bowler is worth the money we paid for him, no rave reviews for England youth etc, yet we pursued him for about six months. If he makes it to our first-team squad ,it will have been a remarkable bit of scouting. Same could be said of Mathis.

Six players with a total outlay of less than £20 mill, which used to be a lot of money. If one makes it big, then we'll easy recoup our money. If two make it big, then Walsh will have been seen as having done an outstanding job. Give him time; I'm happy, excited and intrigued by these youngsters and how they will perform.

Brent Stephens
69 Posted 29/08/2017 at 15:14:58
Phill #68 you clearly have a knowledge of the young players signed, so I respect your take on Walsh. Of those you mention, I've only watched Donkor and Gibson – and the latter is a really exciting prospect. As you say, we can't judge Walsh on scouting like that until the lads have had a chance to mature and progress.
Kevin Gillen
70 Posted 29/08/2017 at 15:36:47
I think Paul you make a very good point. So far it is not entirely clear what is the added value of Steve Walsh as many of the signings are no-brainers. I posted on a different thread after the Chelsea match that I thought we were woefully short on numbers of fit players especially when one takes into account the extra fixtures of the Europa League.

We cannot use fatigue as an excuse for poor Premier League performances, the squad should be big enough and competitive enough to deal with the additional fixtures. I make it that we are actually one player short of where we were last season when we didn't have a Europa League campaign ahead of us.

I really thought that our recruitment would have progressed further by now and that those players who clearly have not impressed the manager would have been moved on. In truth I cannot see us recruiting more players without the likes of McCarthy, Barkley, Niasse, Robles and Mirallas moving out. The squad does need a left sided defender (Fuchs?, Tyrone Mings?) and a central striker but I cannot see it happening. It's not pessimism either, it's hard deductive reasoning based on the evidence of previous transfer windows – NSNO and COYB.

Philip Bunting
71 Posted 29/08/2017 at 16:01:10
What does Walsh do put simply, he scouts and deals with the transfers and getting them into the club. Who else do you expect to be scouring Europe for players, Koeman? While he is tied up attempting to conjure these new players into a team, is he also expected to be sitting aside Blue Bill, totting up the stats.

No, what Walsh does do is allow Koeman the time to manage training and team selection week to week. Even 3 games in 6 days. Called teamwork, I think, so let's hope it works.

Tony Waring
72 Posted 29/08/2017 at 17:04:57
Forgive me for boring everyone on here when the question of Lukaku's replacement crops up. The club certainly knew we were about to lose him – for a fat fee! – and that a replacement would be necessary.

But can anyone tell me where there are half a dozen ready made, affordable replacements who can guarantee 20-25 goals a season, stay free of injury and who actually WANT to come to Everton? Anyone who believes that the club have not tried to get a replacement must be living in cloud cuckoo land.

Jay Woods
73 Posted 29/08/2017 at 17:12:23
Never mind Walsh, couldn't we instead have gone for Monaco's chief scout? He seems to have an eye for a player.
Brian Williams
74 Posted 29/08/2017 at 17:25:18
Tony (#72).

Tony I think people, myself included, are just very frustrated that we've been unable (up to now) to fill the most important "vacancy" of all during what's been a long enough window when we've managed to accomplish a number of transfers with ease, and quickly too.

I accept strikers are bard to come by but even Koemam seems to be getting worried and I for one believe all the good work we've done in this window could be for nothing without a very good striker.


James Hughes
75 Posted 29/08/2017 at 17:30:30
Monaco are 'the' buy to sell club of Europe. They get home gates of 12.5k and know to stay solvent and competitive they need to develop talent, then sell on for profit.

Frank Wade
76 Posted 29/08/2017 at 18:04:58
A fair question Paul and one which is well answered in posts by Chris, John and Steve in 56, 57, 58 above and others.

The role of Director of Football or Chief Scout is a very difficult and time consuming job these days, with no guarantee of unearthing a Kanté. I am confident in the belief that Steve Walsh and his scouts are busy trawling reports, watching matches, compiling reports, rewriting reports on hundreds of players young and old, assessing performances under several categories and seeking character references. So far we have signed a number of players, mostly for U23s, so we will have to wait and see how they progress.

If we don't sign anyone, particularly the much hoped for striker, by Thursday, is Steve Walsh a failure? No, his is a long term project. Maybe, he has recommended bids for Mbappé, Dembele, Keita, Lemar etc etc and for economic reasons or the player's personal preferences, we haven't been able to do a deal. This doesn't make him a failure in his role.

My own hope at this stage is that we have been monitoring the Costa saga, in the hope that we can do a deal with Chelsea/Atletico for a six month or season long loan at the end of the window. He isn't the most likeable of strikers but he has shown in the title winning teams a level of hunger, desire and skill that could reap dividends for us in the short term and as an excellent tutor for Dom. There aren't any better strikers out there that would be willing to sign for a non-Champions League team. Maybe this is Steve Walsh's contribution to the Transfer Window. Truth is, we just don't know. Judge him over time.

He can make recommendations. Koeman and the board make the decisions to act on those recommendations. Don't shoot the messenger.

There's a couple of promising lads named Kenny and Walsh from the Everton U23 side last season that we could nick before Thursday.

Tony Everan
77 Posted 29/08/2017 at 19:32:13
It is possible that he has two or three gems in his radar beam. He is just waiting to make his move on Thursday so that tailgaters West Ham Arsenal etc etc cannot react.

Ok , unlikely , but possible...Thursday could be interesting . I live in hope !

Paul Hewitt
80 Posted 29/08/2017 at 20:42:13
Koeman doesn't get involved in transfers. That's what Walsh is for.
Guy Hastings
81 Posted 29/08/2017 at 21:39:55
I was on a bus one Saturday night about 18 months back when a Charlton fan was bemoaning the fact that Lookman was rumoured to be going to Palace. He really rated him, as did his mates, and reckoned he'd shine at the top level. A few months later we sign Lookman. Maybe all we need is a team of scouts with Stagecoach passes listening to fans.
Sam Hoare
82 Posted 29/08/2017 at 21:54:16
Good article Paul. Thanks for the namecheck!

For me it's still not clear what the balance is between Koeman and Walsh in the transfer process. My intuition (which is nearly always wrong) is that Koeman probably has more sway on players who will be first team and Walsh has more sway in term of fringe and academy players which might explain why most of our big transfers have been relatively unsurprising PL names such as Pickford, Keane and Siggy.

My guess is that Walsh will outlast Koeman at this club and his success or failure will be more evident in 5 years or so when we see how many of the likes of Onyeruku, Gibson, Bowler, Mathis etc have contributed to the first teams progression.

As for the present someone has surely dropped the ball in terms of prepping striker options unless something is pulled from the hat in the next day or so

Paul Kossoff
83 Posted 29/08/2017 at 22:42:34
Apart from showing Bill how to polish a mythical magic wand, Fk all so far!
Paul Kossoff
84 Posted 29/08/2017 at 22:53:06
James 75, "Monaco are 'the' buy to sell club of Europe. They get home gates of 12.5k and know to stay solvent and competitive they need to develop talent, then sell on for profit."
Dmitry Rybolovlev owned the potash producer Uralkali and, in 2011, became the President of Monaco's football club AS Monaco. In 2017, Rybolovlev was ranked 190th on Forbes's list of billionaires with a net worth of $7.4 billion. They sure do know how to stay solvent, being billionaires and all just may help!
Paul Ferry
85 Posted 29/08/2017 at 23:12:21
I think that I could have been clearer. Apologies for that to one and all.

I wasn’t thinking of say Keane or Donkor. I had in mind a Mahrez or Kante. Someone brought in at low cost who is a Walsh find who had an immediate impact in the starting XI. I think that Walsh – bringing his notes from Leicester with him – might have reasonably been expected to find us one. We were buying him and his notes.

I was thinking about strategies in this current window to help us make that much wanted significant improvement? In this respect it seems to me that there has been too much emphasis maybe on U23s in what is, quite frankly, the area where we are least likely to succeed. It must be done. Don’t get me wrong. But to say wait three years or look at Lookman (all accepted) is not what I at least had in mind, though of course these points matter. I’m delighted with Keane, Pickford, and Sigurdsson (all of whom did not need to be ‘scouted’). But in terms of strategizing in this window: haven’t we bought too many lads for the middle of the pitch? This is why I made a list of where I felt we still needed new faces. This for me is a failure of strategy this window. And we now have less than forty-eight hours or so to wrap up things that ought to have been dealt with at some point in July or early August. Above all, a striker and width. If we do get someone this window or next we will almost certainly pay more than we would have done in say June. This did not need to happen

I was hoping to home in on an angle that I didn’t think had been squarely addressed in our discussions of this window: the exact role and seeming impact of Walsh. It is not in my opinion with due respect sufficient to say give it three years. Our most important signings I feel are the ones where the lads are first-team ready straight away with a quality that can help us leap up a position or two in the league this season. This is where I think that we can ask legitimate and reasonable questions about what Walsh has been up to.

Phil Sammon
86 Posted 30/08/2017 at 02:00:48
Nice to see an article from you, Paul. I had no idea you could be so coherent mate!

It's a great question...'What does he do?'...and one that we'll probably never truly have answered.

One thing I do know, however, is that cuddly-faced Steve is currently living my dream. Last year I worked in a mango grove in far North Queensland with Ian Reeves' son. Ian was the previous incumbent in the role of Head Scout under Martinez...and a former England player too, apparently. Though not glamorous enough to be adorned with the title 'Director Of Football', let me tell you, the man had the best job in the world.

He travelled the globe watching football on behalf of EFC. I'm sure there are pressures and targets...but I couldn't tell you what they were. You pick a lad with bags of potential. If they succeed, you're a genius. If they don't, well, they didn't apply themselves. Nice gig if you can get it.

Kristian Boyce
87 Posted 30/08/2017 at 03:17:05
There were rumours last year that Koeman and Walsh didn't see eye to eye due to lack of incoming players. I wonder if the lack of players we actually need this year is due to the Director of Football and manager not agreeing on targets. Could be the real reason why we don't have a replacement for Lukaku or the other 3 areas Koeman has mentioned a number of times over the last few weeks?

The Milan/Italy trip is probably the best example of a possible issue. You don't go out to a country with a decent sized delegation and come back empty handed.

Koeman actually worked under probably the best talent spotter / Director of Football in the country at Saints. Les Reed has been credited for unearthing most of the gems at that club over the last 10 years. I read a story about the 'black box' he has on data on 100's of players worldwide. When they lose a player (normally to Liverpool), he has 2-3 ready made alternatives already being watched and will bring them in for a fraction of the price.

I wouldn't be surprised that, if things don't fall into place on Thursday, we see some comments from Koeman having a slight dig at Walsh.

Steve Ferns
88 Posted 30/08/2017 at 03:52:55
It's pretty obvious what Walsh does and it's spelled out above.

All I would add is that where he has free reign to sign whoever he wants without Koeman's agreement, U23s he has signed a bucket load. Where he needs Koeman's agreement there has been few.

Any criticism of a lack of pace or width is not the fault of Walsh. Koeman does not value this. He wants a narrow side and he wants them big, he's happy to forgo pace.

How do we know that Walsh is not giving Koeman player after player and Koeman is not either turning them down or dithering and delaying so we then lose out?

As for the striker, my take is this. We always knew we needed a striker and number one target was Giroud.

Think of signing a striker like pulling a girl in a night club. Okay, if you want to pull early and be off home, go for a safe bet and the chances are you'll get her. However, is if likely your mates will be scoring her highly in terms of looks?

If you want to pull the best girl in the club, you have to be patient and time it right. You know everyone else is after her, and there's better looking lads than you there. So instead you have to play it smart and get in at the right time.

Everton aren't the best looking lad in the club, so the reality is, we're waiting til the end (deadline day) trying to see who's the best one we can get that's left. The question is, is this girl better than the safe bet or not?

All of the big 6 in England, the big two in Spain, PSG, the Milan sides and Juve have all been after a top striker. This means we're about 10-15th in the queue and if we haven't been getting the player lined up already, then we'll miss out to someone else.

It seems like Giroud strung us along and maybe our next target felt more wanted by another club. So many of the strikers we want, simply aren't moving. It's not been a good market for strikers. But let's hope it's better in a few hours time.

ps: Sorry if I offended any girls out there with my analogy!

James Watts
89 Posted 30/08/2017 at 04:08:02
Great analogy, Steve. Made me chuckle. As long as we aren't left with a 10 to 2er like last year is all I guess most of us are asking.
Daniel Lim
90 Posted 30/08/2017 at 04:20:56
I think the analogy was fun, Steve. But if the club closes at 3am, do you wait till 2:55am? But it's quite likely that by then the gorgeous ones would have gone. (I know Lukaku in 2013 would probably be an example.)

Everton aren't the best looking lad in the club, so the reality is, we're waiting til the end (deadline day) trying to see who's the best one we can get that's left.

Why wait till the end to see who's the best we can get that's left? Why don't you go for it once you have identified her as the one, regardless of the time?

Ron Marr
91 Posted 30/08/2017 at 04:57:32
Best not to leave it too late, the best ones are gone by then. Don't be bashful, pluck up the courage to make the approach early on. Always be proactive, accentuate your positives.
Mike Gaynes
92 Posted 30/08/2017 at 05:38:18
Steve #88, I liked your view too... but of course it's not just that we're competing with a bunch of better-looking dudes for the "best girl in the club"... those Handsome Harrys are also flashing rolls of $100s and valet keys to Maseratis when we're tossing $20s on the bar and parking our own Toyotas in the side lot.

Phil Sammon
93 Posted 30/08/2017 at 05:47:17
The trouble comes when you wait around too long you're own judgement can be somewhat impaired. You think you've gone home with Kate Moss, but wake up in bed with Troy Deeney.
Colin Glassar
94 Posted 30/08/2017 at 08:13:58
One of the most worrying photos I've ever seen. "look into my eyes Walshy, look into my eyes ."
Tony Abrahams
95 Posted 30/08/2017 at 08:33:31
The best ones usually have the most choice, and the beggars can't be chooses. I think we are waiting for Costa, on loan, and even though he's an ugly fucker, it seems he's been chosen by one of the best.

Ditched off his last club, it looks to me that he wants to make things as difficult as he can for them, so I just hope we have got other options, otherwise we might end up with a donner fucking kebab!

Tony Everan
96 Posted 30/08/2017 at 11:49:05
If we are after Okaka, Koeman and Walsh have been drinking heavily in this virtual nightclub.

They will wake up on Friday morning with a hangover and a rather large fat lump in the the bed between them.

Michael Lynch
97 Posted 30/08/2017 at 11:54:54
WBA have completed Gibbs deal for £5m, supposedly. Am I the only one wondering why we didn't speak to him, assuming we didn't?
Michael Lynch
98 Posted 30/08/2017 at 11:58:34
Err, sorry, didn't read the preceding analogy posts. My post should have read: "Some ugly fucker has just pulled a pretty decent bird and taken her home in a clapped out mini-cab! Wouldn't it have been worth buying her a couple of glasses of cider and offering her a rid in our Ford Fiesta?"
Ray Roche
99 Posted 30/08/2017 at 12:03:07
Steve (#88),

I think it worked the other way round in The Grafton... We were the prey.

And who would you have thought was the "safe bet" for Koeman to buy?

Amit Vithlani
100 Posted 30/08/2017 at 13:48:59
Paul, this is a very valid question. But therein lies a paradox. If Walsh is supposed to be in charge of player recruitment, and is getting flak for not doing the most obvious thing to date - i.e. replacing Lukaku - then that could let Koeman off the hook for some of the performances where we were crying out for a proper CF to hold the ball up (i.e. Chelsea).

I am in the camp that believes Walsh does not have the remit to acquire key players for the first team. These key signings begin and end with Koeman - Walsh & the board are responsible for the dirty work of getting it across the line.

I say this on the evidence of Rooney's public statements - he said he and Koeman had been speaking since January and since then he wanted to join. If media reports are to be believed, Siggy was on Koeman's shortlist for some time.

Therefore, Koeman has to shoulder a chunk of the blame if we fail to land a proper CF tomorrow. He must know his job is on the line if we underperform with only Sandro, Rooney and DCL as our attacking options until January.

What does that imply for Walsh's role? In my opinion, he is a glorified scout. I think he is there to sniff out bargains, players with low release clauses, and perhaps buy players with an eye for the future.

Beyond that, it starts and ends with Koeman. Having splurged 200 big ones plus taken on players on fat wages, he needs to deliver this season, and if he fails to do so, he cannot pin his failures on Walsh.

Phil (Kelsall) Roberts
101 Posted 30/08/2017 at 17:01:43
To pick up on comments above about the Italian trip.

One phrase I had was 'a positive No'. If you never ask the question then the answer is no, it can never be yes. So you have to ask the question and then you know the answer is no.

So did Walsh ask can we have this player or that player and the answer was No and he was offered this player or that player a d said no we don't want him or his is not good enough.

So he may have come back having got answers to questions which were all no. But at least he asked the questions, which if he had not gone we may have always wondered if the answer could have been yes but we assumed it would be no.

Just because he did not get any positives it was not a wasted trip.

Andrew McLean
102 Posted 30/08/2017 at 19:54:32
OP did you write to Mr Walsh first before posting? Did he reply?
Paul Kelly
103 Posted 30/08/2017 at 20:18:09
Andrew @ 102, if he'd have got a reply it wouldn't be titled "What does Walsh do"? now would it?

Silly Q to the OP asking about did he ask Walsh, not like your going to get an answer from him detailing all future transfers is it?

It's all about presumption , and that's the best we can go on along with signings made in this transfer window as this is what the OP asks, we can only judge on what we see/know and make a judgement on these findings.

I'd love nothing more than knowing the inner workings of the director of football but it's never going to happen, unless I tie him up, stick him in a box and dress him like a gimp ala Pulp Fiction style, saying that, would have to remove the red ball from his grid so he could talk first, interesting conundrum.

Tore Fredlund
104 Posted 30/08/2017 at 21:50:51
I, for one, think he was part in convincing Koeman to trust Davies last season, and to make sure Koeman's short term ambition does not give our next manager a worse starting point than what's needed to move into the new stadium as a top dog in the PL.
Tore Fredlund
105 Posted 30/08/2017 at 21:52:33
Type or paste your comment here. PLEASE capitalise initial letters of proper names and use proper grammar. No txt-speak; all-lowercase posts are likely to be deleted
David Pearl
106 Posted 30/08/2017 at 22:16:04
I think that there's is credence in the article by Paul Ferry. It isn't a knee jerk reaction if you look at how lob sided our squad Is after 3 transfer windows. That's 3 transfer windows and we are in need still for cover left side of defence, no width or pace and only Rooney so far that's found the back of the net.
We have 6 or so players that may or may not come good... but will that happen in Koemans 3 year plan? We need to buy for the here and now. Actually, right now!
Steve Ferns
107 Posted 30/08/2017 at 22:21:56
David. Koeman doesn't want width. And when you go for big and strong, it's rare you end up with pace. Those criticisms are for Koeman not Walsh. It's the system Koeman is playing.

No point in Walsh signing a load of nippy little wingers if Koeman won't play them.

Paul Tran
108 Posted 30/08/2017 at 22:24:05
Steve, if he doesnt like width, why did he buy Bolasie?
David Pearl
109 Posted 31/08/2017 at 00:10:57
Why didn't he play a right back against Stoke. I could go on..
Ian Linn
110 Posted 31/08/2017 at 01:53:55
I think it's unfair to assume Walsh does/has done nothing - none of us know what goes on day to day in the club - so because we don't hear about any transfers we assume nothing at all has happened. Don't agree with the sentiment of the article.
Daniel A Johnson
112 Posted 31/08/2017 at 13:41:08
Not sure if I read it somewhere but I believe that Koeman always has the final say on transfers. So for all we know Koeman/Walsh could have chewed the fat over a large number of targets only for Koeman to say no. I would Imagine that although as a club we need to plan for the future Koeman is only interested in players he can use right now.

It does seem this season that we had high hopes of Giroud and then no plan B when Arsenal said no. Which given that Lukaku has been leaving for the last 2 years seems ridiculously narrow and short sighted.

Also if Sigurdsson was top of Koemans list then why did it take 15 yrs to get the deal over the line?

Walsh till the day he leaves will always remain an Enigma a well paid Enigma.

Andy Crooks
113 Posted 31/08/2017 at 21:50:07
Really good article, Paul, which was well thought out and balanced. ToffeeWeb needs less of this stuff!
Steve Ferns
114 Posted 31/08/2017 at 22:47:33
Paul Tran - because Lukaku insisted on it.
Mark Riding
115 Posted 31/08/2017 at 23:04:49
Go on then Walshie, what the fuck were you doing in Milan lad ? Phoney.
Ian Burns
116 Posted 01/09/2017 at 11:43:42
After the disappointing TDD, Paul's question is now most pertinent!
Laurie Hartley
117 Posted 01/09/2017 at 12:25:13
Paul - "Jeez, I wish Harold – RIP – was our Director of Football and Head Scout." - So do I.

As it stands, I am beginning to think Walsh's job is to report to Moshiri what is really happening on the pitch and the quality (value) of the players (squad) in the same way that Ryazantsev tells him what is really happening on the profit and loss report and balance sheet.

Having spent somewhere in the region of £140m on players, the next 3 months will define Koeman's future at EFC.

Jeff Armstrong
118 Posted 02/09/2017 at 10:10:34
Phil#86, maybe you didn't remember Ian Reeves playing for England cos his name was Kevin! Big money signing for Man City from Norwich I think ,where he'd scored hatfulls, but ultimately failed at City partly due to injuries.
Jon Withey
120 Posted 04/09/2017 at 11:40:48
I suppose Walsh is there for continuity, hence a whole bunch of youth signings. Our 'here and now' signings are likely to be Koeman requests, signed off by Walsh.

Both should be accountable for the lack of striker – and praised for decent signings like Pickford and Keane.


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