The Rot Starts at the Top

The responses that will surely follow will tell you everything you need to know

The other posters you mentioned have always been very open about their views -- obsessively so in my opinion -- and I'd be surprised if either had felt a reason to resort to a nom de plume.

So I think Steve just shares the views of the other two.

The golden rule of a takeover of a underperforming organisation is that the Culture of the takeover party or organisation has to impose a better performing Culture on the taken over organisation.

What Moshiri did was to take over a underperforming organisation agreeing to allow the existing Culture to continue, providing the funds, which the failed Culture was not capable of funding itself. and continued to underperform in the utilization of the funds provided. Mohsiri partly tried to retract his takeover strategy, by withholding funds and succeding in the appoint of Brands to partly control the utilisation of future funds and redress the performance of previous funds. The problem is that three quarters of The organisation is still operating the underpeforming Culture.

The Stadium Project was intiated round about the same time as the start of the utilisation of funds provided on the football side, as yet there are not sign of a plan to provide sufficient Funds to fund such a project.

As long as the underperforming Culture is allowed to continue it will continue to underperform, and the team will continue to underperform as well.

This will not change by just getting rid of the Manager.

For the record, I've never used a non-de-plume in my life. I live in the same village in Cheshire as an evertonian mate of mine, Brendan Connolly, Chairman of the Everton Heritage Society.

I'm happy to stand by my comments by the way.

There are people who have sold whatever integrity they ever had just so they can sit near to the top table at Everton and devour whatever crumbs might fall their way; free tickets, show their importance by arranging tours for friends around Goodison or the Liver Building, serve on "boards" etc. They know who they are, and they know me, they know I speak and write in my own name, they have my number and they know the unpaid work I put in for EFC. They do not dare to take me on themselves from their bases in places like Crosby and Manchester but it's always useful if you can find an apologist to make snidey comments about me on their behalf. I suspect that's where you come in.

Do I feel offended by your nonsense? No. Surprised maybe that anyone calling himself an Evertonian could be so daft. I don't know Steve or Don personally but I feel offended on their behalf and I think you owe Steve, in particular, an apology. It takes a little bit of courage as well as creativity to write an article for TW and as the author you have to accept that not everyone will agree with you. What is not acceptable is throwing cheap shots and slurs in lieu of a reasoned argument if you disagree with the author's view.

My thanks to those who felt irritated enough with Mr White to write in to defend Steve, Don and myself as Evertonians who have no need to hide behind anyone.

In my experience, this kind of culture change takes at least three years.

So I will happily defend Steve & Ged in their deservedly withering criticism of the people running the club.

I know you'd probably relish that day, seeing it as a chance to prove what you say. Regardless, it would take courage, and you have that in abundance. Anyone who knows you, knows you would always put your own name to things.

I appreciate the input of Steve and especially Jerome at #4 because he more succinctly says what I've been ranting on about for years. Why Moshiri seems to still rely on these un-achievers mystifies me.

To begin with I admire Gerard [9] for his strength of character in expressing his views, and although I have met Gerard, I have never learned his version of events, and to be brutally honest there is no need for me to do so.

My reason for joining the discussion is to give my opinion on the position we find ourselves in, I'm as concerned as any other Evertonian but I do feel that with 30 games left, the Board must be working on contingency plans.

There is [in my opinion] no one person to blame, the Manager, and the players must take their share of the blame. The Manager if his selection, substitutions, and tactics are questionable, the players if they are not playing to his instructions.

If the problem is, that the selections or tactics, are failing then the Manager must devise an alternative approach. In defence of any Manager, it would be churlish to criticise him, for the fact that international footballers can't pass a ball to a team-mate from a distance of 10 yards. I can't do anything but give my support to the team, [and Manager] and hope for a change of fortune.

Gerard #9, I enjoy and learn from your well-informed articles, and having spoken with others here who have met you, I know your views to be sincere and profoundly felt, which is why I spoke up. I'm sorry you are offended by the word "obsessive", but I have used it before in posting a response to an article you wrote about DBB, the one that was controversially edited by Lyndon out of concern for TW's legal liability. The word characterized my opinion of the intense language you used in that article.

The other element to it would be discussing in court whatever charges Gerard has made about the club and or individuals. Even if the court said Gerard was a fantasist, there would be a lot of people who see headlines about his allegations who assume there is no smoke without fire.

Again though, I am not advocating public dissemination of allegations I am just looking at it pragmatically.

I also feel that no matter what conclusion they arrive at, there will be some dissenters, judging by the preferred courses of action, and names of potential successor's to Marco Silva, should his services be dispensed with. The Board could find themselves 'burning the midnight oil' for a lengthy time and still come in for criticism from some fans.

Knowing that I can play no active part in proceedings, enables me to sleep peacefully in my bed, but I must confess that only age and experience has allowed me to adopt that attitude, I wasn't always so laid back.

The lack of progress on and off the pitch is a reflection of years of muddied strategy and poor execution by people with lesser abilities than their peers in other clubs.

A decade ago we were considered well run (largely through the onfield efforts of Moyes) but with no resources. Now we are seen as having plenty of resources (a falsehood, we've spent our windfall) but with a lost identity and sense of purpose.

Moshiri has to bring about change in the boardroom allowing directors to properly direct those charged with running the footballing and non-footballing sides of the business.

Well said Steve.

What windfall are you referring to and why do you believe it has been expended?

The reason is simple, because a split in the fan-base occurred once, at least half of us realised that our chairman was the root of Everton's problems.

Eleven years with Moyes, jobs for the boys, but he kept us in the Premier League, and for that, the other half are eternally grateful.

Don't criticise, he's done his best they say, but his best was never good enough for the Everton I remember, although he's definitely brought us down to his own level, and to think people called Peter Johnson an agent of LFC?

To be clear: the people I referred to as having sold their integrity are not actually employees of EFC, they are more what I would describe as hangers-on.

In terms of my criticisms, it really boils down essentially to one thing: as a club Everton needs to do more to live up to its own motto. That is not something you can be put on trial for saying, as far as I know. Like Kieran, I doubt they'd bother suing me because it would turn out badly for one or two people if I went for the "nuclear option."

If I am being brutally honest though I'm losing interest in talking about ineptitude and herewith I'm shutting up shop on the subject. I think I have proven in the past that I am not a one-trick pony and the article I wrote on legacy and pride in the shirt seemed to be well received, so in response to Andy Crooks on another thread I'll try to come up with something thought-provoking but not controversial: so don't get me started on SportPesa!

And I'd be very interested to read your views on SportPesa. It's a topic that has rarely been addressed here.

Jerome@4, gets it right when he talks about an underperforming culture, and that’s why the last transfer window was a mystery imo, because I’m not sure Silva would have picked the players that came to Everton, unless he had also been given both an experienced striker and a pacy defender, and possibly a box to box midfielder as well?

The only threat to his job might be Unsworth, because I'm not sure a sensible manager would come to Everton, if there was very little money to spend, because this squad is only half-way complete, at best?

Tony #27, Terry at #1 was being satirical, not genuinely accusing anyone of misrepresentation. He has a dry sense of humor.

Any questions please ask

I can understand Terry, he likes Kenwright, and what’s happening out on the pitch is definitely not down to our loveable chairman, but the fact that Bill’s still here, makes loads of people think that very little has changed behind the scenes, but hopefully it’s all getting stage-managed whilst we wait for “BIG AL!”

Unfortunately, we only got to speak briefly. We were team mates for the first-ever Cardinal Allen Grammar School football team, as I recall Gerard was our skipper. Previously, it had been an all-Rugby playing school.

I have read some of his highly informative posts on here and have been intending to reveal myself to him for some time. His critics have compelled me to do so.

The Gerard McKean I grew up with, as I recall, was a highly intelligent, trustworthy, straightforward, no-nonsense boy, of the highest integrity. Well thought of by pupils and teachers alike. Nobody's fool, a thoroughly decent young man. A worthy Captain.

To all of his doubters, I am happy to testify that the passage of time has not diminished his courage, fortitude and perception. Keep fighting the good fight, Gerard.

Tall striker I hope?

That commendation is going to cost you 4 Walkers, 4 Mojos, 4 Black Jack's, 4 Fruit Salads, a DC Superman comic, and back issues of The Valiant, Victor and Hotspur!!

(Alas, some things never change, mate!)

It is illuminating reading ToffeeWeb, seeing post after countless post from people who know absolutely nothing about the inner workings of Everton FC (that includes me). But where we differ is so many are quick to provide their particular solution for what is amiss inside the club, or at Finch Farm.

Yet what happens when someone steps out of the shadows with real knowledge of the inside workings, and (I feel sure of this) first-hand experience of where things appear to be going awry. Yet the response to this particular ITK can be quite dismissive. I just don't get it.

You'd think ToffeeWeb readers would feel like me: incredibly appreciative of the insight and narrative Gerard can provide. I'd love to hear more from him, a lot more, but I know he has been made very wary by the astounding reaction from some to his revealing posts... such that they are now nowhere near as revealing as they could be.

There are plenty of rumours doing the rounds now, I stress they are only rumours, but coming from quite a few directions.

Been called Hulk many times and I'm glad you brought a bit of humour into the debate, a bit heavy at the moment.

I agree on the Watford cup game being of prime importance. Although, I feel like I've seen this scenario play out before. It was March 2002, and all of Walter Smith's eggs were in the FA Cup quarter final basket. Hopefully it works out differently this time around.

Just by way of anecdote I remember the match when we bumped into each other for the first time in so may years because I was being a bit naughty in "bunking someone in." That person was the late, great Evertonian and gentleman, Freddie Armstrong. The reason I was in the disabled section in Gwladys St was that Freddie had not long since had a leg amputated, but nothing so trivial was going to stop him going to the match. As far as I remember some of his mates had helped him escape from hospital and one of them phoned me to see if I could arrange for him and his wheelchair and his carer to get into Goodison!

Getting a deserving person into the ground was one thing, not that I would ever have committed such a heinous crime, but a wheelchair and carer as well? Disabled spaces are in very short supply at Goodison unfortunately so I had to enlist the help of a senior member of EFC staff (they are not all bad, far from it) who was aware of Freddie's predicament and who helped me to do the right thing and get this passionate Blue in, wheelchair and all! Everyone in the section did whatever they could to make room for Freddie and although you can't move a mountain this mountain of man was moved to tears of gratitude for his fellow Evertonians that day.

Phil, I also remember that first match; we lost 1-3 to SFX Bilateral. I scored our goal and at this point I'm supposed to say how it meant nothing to me because the team lost, but I've dined out on that goal ever since! And even though we were primarily a rugby school, Cardinal Allen did produce the great Colin Harvey.

I can't pay you all the items you demand but I'd love to buy you a pint, if you fancy. Thanks again.

ps Michael K., I agree!

Absolutely.

My eyes light up when I see a post from Gerard.

Regarding Gerard McKean's past posts, so far as I can see, his comments on details of EFC culture are based on particular experience, which to my mind provides valuable food for thought compared with many other posters that look more like ranting borne of frustration. I would be disappointed if he stopped providing such insights, since it is rare to get any 'inside information'.

Everton have deep rooted issues that are unlikely to be solved by yet another change of manager. EFC needs to change more radically than that, otherwise it's a recipe for continuing mediocrity or worse.

Some people find the truth unpalatable. I'm certain that your past allegations and revelations on here have been totally truthful. I would expect nothing less from the lad I knew all those years ago.

Colin Harvey was an old boy of our school and as Blues, we were all rightly proud of the fact. Unfortunately, Colin was about five years older than us, so we were just starting as he was leaving. We could have done with him being a bit younger, if he'd played for us we might have won a few more!

I remember a teacher once telling me that Colin used to hone his skills, endlessly kicking a tennis ball against a playground wall alone, for hours on end. The story often came to mind, when I would hear reports of Brazilian wizards initially playing their beach football on the Copacobana, or youngsters in third world countries kicking around makeshift balls in their villages, then going on to become superstars of World football. Colin could hold his own with the best of them and to think it all started for him in our school playground.

Actually, virtually all of the professional British and Irish players of our generation and older, were working class kids, whose natural footballing talents were created and harnessed in the street. Or if you were a bit posher, the park. No academies then, or coaching classes. Just huge matches going on everywhere, everyday. You'd stroll up with your mate to a game already in progress, one of you would go pudding, the other beef and there you were, on opposing sides. Halcyon days.

I'll watch out for you on here Gerard and hopefully hook up sometime soon for that drink. Let's hope we are celebrating rather than commiserating our beloved Blues. We live in hope!

It's being said that the players are no longer playing for Silva, which rings some bells. I'm sure that was said of Martinez and Koeman and Allardyce. At no stage did they perform for Unsworth, unless you count the West Ham game when his successor had been appointed and was sat in the stand.

On an average salary of around £100k per week, surely it's not too much to ask that they perform for ninety minutes, either for the supporters or their own self-esteem?

I met him in the drop in centre in Everton Road, Freddie in his wheelchair, not long after losing his leg, he shouted over to me ‘ Dave are you okay mate, what’s wrong’ ‘ Fuck worrying about me, how are you Freddie’ I answered.

He loved our Tony, would do anything for him, a giant of a man, well liked as was shown at his funeral in St. George’s, Heyworth Street, a few ex Everton players there as well as Bob Penlington the Everton scout who brought Wayne Rooney to Everton, couldn’t get in the church, it was crambed tonthe door with loads outside.

You helped a goodun’ that day Gerard, well done, keep those letters coming, you have a good insight into the game of football as well as the other stuff, always nice to read them, I hope you are keeping well.

We were good mates but haven't seen each other for years. We met at the match a few years ago but lost touch again.

Made up to see your well and still going. God help us.
All the best, Lenny

Jamo!! Brilliant to hear from you, another blast from the past!

We bumped into each other many years ago outside the ground before the first match of the season. We hadn't seen each other for years. I was in a distressed state as my teenage son, who had accompanied me to the match since he was a toddler, had passed away that summer. I told you of my tragedy. I was upset because I didn't have a ticket and I wanted to get in to stand in the speck we'd always stood in.

Without hesitation you snatched your mate's ticket off him, gave it to me, saying to your friend, "He needs it more than you". I've never forgotten that. Len.

I've kept in touch with Mike Hessey and he's organised a couple of get-togethers with 'old boys'. As I've suggested to Ged McKean on here,, it would be great to catch up again.

Best wishes, old friend.

Be great to meet up sometime. I'm always opposite the Main Entrance about 30 mins before the game.

Some flashbacks on here tonight. Freddie Armstrong. The best Evertonian ever. Went all over the country on Freddie's tours. Great days.

Hope we can meet soon mate.

I’m glad my mention of Freddie stirred so many memories of the great man, and Dave A I’ll take you up on that pint! Phil, I was deeply moved to hear about your son, my prayers are with him and your family. I noted though that Lenny snatched his mate’s ticket rather than give you his own. Typical of someone not in Arrowsmith!

Typical Arrowsmith boy, trying to take the shine off a Johnson lad's generosity!! I love Phil Lewis but give him my ticket??? Anyway, it was only Tommy Mac's. He'd have got in somehow.

Steve Hennessey was my best man. The last I heard, he was living in New Zealand. Be great to meet up if we could arrange it.

My grandfather used to regale me with stories of Dixie, but being born in the early 1920s he couldn't have seen him, and instead I think he was relaying stories from his own father who was also a blue.

Down the paternal line, there's not a Red in the family. The reds are all on my mother's side, later arrivals to this country (Irish immigrants) and split down the middle, with 3 Reds and 3 Blues.

Fella's, enough CAOB stuff for now, back to the article thread, where do we start with this lot?

Like everyone else I'm totally unconvinced by the manager, but what about the eleven on the pitch? Where's the pride and passion? We are becoming a soft touch. I know the game has changed. It's less physical. Referees are being overruled by technology etc.

But what price a Bally, a Peter Reid, or more recently even a Tim Cahill for their winners spirit? All consummate pros. But to those men, it was never just about the money or the lifestyle that came with it.

God bless Freddie Armstrong, who I'm sure will be constantly asking “our lord” to give us Evertonians better days.

And I hope you Cardinal Allen Old Boys have got something more than friendship to celebrate on your trip down memory lane next Saturday afternoon. (It should be a funny day that, gentlemen!)

Thanks for understanding our nonsense and you're so right. There are many great Evertonians. I've just got back from the funeral of another one!!!

But what I'd like to say to Phil Lewis and everyone else on here really is that I was with a member of the first-team staff today and what he told me was enlightening.

This man is a proper Evertonian. Loves the place and always has. He said that, as much as we don't like or trust the manager, we need to take a closer look at the players. I only wish I could say on here everything he told me but I'd hate for things to come back to him.

Just to say that there's no quick fix. If a new man comes in, the problems will still be there. And yes, we spoke about defending corners and everything else.

The only good thing from my point of view is that there wasn't an oven handy that I could put my head in!!!

Good to hear from you Len. (I thought everyone had gone quiet on meeting up!)

Managers aren't allowed to manage in the way Catterick, Shankly and Co did. Money rules more than ever. Players dictate at the top now. Mourhino even recently experienced it with Pogba and others at Utd.

As much as I hate to say it, Klopp weeded out a couple of 'stars' who he identified as bad for team spirit when he arrived and sent them packing.

I wouldn't be in the least surprised to find that all is not well behind closed doors with our squad. Because it's certainly looking that way with performances so far this term.

Anyway Len, Gerard mentioned a meet up after the West Ham game. Where do you suggest?

ged@mckean.eu