Insipid Blues never really got going against belligerent Barcodes

Ancelotti cannot survive on his reputation alone – and I'm afraid that reputation is fast turning into a crock of shit. He has to get rid of Sigurdsson, Gomes, Davies, Coleman and Pickford, to name but five. He could then start trying out our youngsters – we have nothing to lose.

Why does he persist with that Icelandic ironing-board? Adds nothing. Dead-ball specialist... my arse.

Gomes is too slow – a liability with his fouls. Davies is s a tryer, but a lightweight. Guaranteed to lose every 50-50 ball.

Coleman, sadly is past his sell-by date. Pickford? Enough said.

Give me big Dunc every time – at least with him, the team played with fire in their bellies.

A slack, lazy, even gormless performance from a team in a comfort zone. if your boss tells all-and-sundry that he is happy with our position etc, etc, then you wander around thinking you have already made it.

The players will go home to eat with their posh cutlery with the smell of freshly laundered towels in their nostrils... a pretty wag, dressed in haute couture, will emerge from an anteroom and offer her beautiful body as a means of distraction.

It's a fucking hard life.

Who's our leaders? Nice-as-pie Seamus? Boy-next-door Keane? Deaf-mute Sigurdsson? Serial whinger Richarlison? Rabbit-in-headlights Iwobi? Spinning-top Davies? Who?

Maybe Allan if he ever returns but for years we've had loads of spineless, gutless players and it's now part and parcel of Everton Football Club.

Obviously we are a diverse bunch in everything but our futile support of a once-great football club. I need to ask the other ToffeeWebbers:– Does anything in your life fail to meet expectations as often and as deeply as Everton?

As I nearly had an aneurysm watching an absolutely inspid performance, it seemed quite incredible that I had actually commenced watching the match for pleasure.

I might come back and post about the actual game tomorrow or I might just try and wipe it from my memory as quickly as possible. We made a team at its lowest ebb look like Champions elect. Just dreadful.

Do you not think that he would have been a massive improvement on Sigurdsson and Gomes today?

Lot's saying they were all shite except Keane. That's way over the top – Mina was also decent..

I'm done with Sigurdsson and Gomes and patience is wearing thin for Richarlison. I too am eagerly looking forward to Allan coming back but it will take more than that. I still believe in Carlo but I'll feel better towards him if he absolutely hammers those shit houses who didn't put in a shift today.

If Sigurdsson or Gomes start the next game, I'll close my laptop and read a book instead. It will be the first game I've not watched all season so we'll probably play like Brazil but the disappointment tonight is weighing me down. It's the hope that kills you.

UTFT

Without our home crowd, the spineless losers that infect this club are exposed to the world. I'll be relieved when we get over 40 points and I can relax and not have to watch us for the rest of the season.

Ancelotti is living on past glories, dire players on stupid contracts... will the bleeding ever stop?!

As Colin said, keep Allan, James and Doucoure and get rid of all our other midfielders. Davies is okay for backup. Gomes, Bernard, Delph, Sig and Iwobi offer nothing.

James was the only one who showed anything and he was awful after 70 mins.

"We have the quality but you won't win games with that attitude."

I have backed Sigurdsson on many occasions on here.

Not today.

You are a better man than I, and I tip my hat.

Can't see James wanting to stay next season and play with so many rank average/poor teammates.

Getting outplayed by Newcastle is embarrassing. For 10 minutes in the 2nd half we appeared to have a game plan to stay patient and keep the ball. Looking for good openings, James playing deep dictating play.

Then we stopped. I don't know why but then a strange sub followed. Gomes for Iwobi. We lose control of the game and an attacking option out wide.

It's easy to criticise when we lose. I don't know what the thinking was but it didn't work out.

Our slow defenders started to play a high line. As has been said many times they can't! Our true full backs offered no protection defensively. Wilson bullied them all.

We lost to a brilliant headed goal. That can happen. But we stopped playing and doing what we had done well before that goal.

We have no game changers on the bench. No pace in defence and the continued lack of movement and pace going forward will only change with a few quality incoming players.

For me Godfrey is a must starter in any defensive position. He's a good defender with outstanding pace. Wilson would have seen a lot less ball and space.

Siggy isn't a midfielder. He wasn't the problem but he's certainly not the answer.

The rest of the season is going to be a slog. I don't think we will recruit new players until the summer.

I'd still bring in King. I hope we bring in some attacking reinforcements but sadly I don't think we will.

Shameful display by all of them.

Apart from the odd rare occasions, now decades ago, they always do. It's almost as if they are scared of success as they don't want the benchmark raising too far above the level of mediocrity as this just might create an expectation of success instead of the never-ending cycle of dashed hopes and false dawns and the "plucky little Everton" jibes that we are continuously having to endure.

After nearly 55 years of watching and supporting this club, I have long since stopped expecting anything other than what we get... which is, in the main, a mix of some good but mostly meh. Fuck me, I was a young(ish) man the last time we won at Anfield and I'm now into my 60s.

Where this club is concerned it really truly is the hope that kills you. The RS (apart from the plastics) don't even take the piss anymore, it's that long since we have been relevant and it's getting harder each season to be even bothered anymore by results like today... never mind surprised. I could have almost expected it with this lot.

Also, Carlo is clueless. He ain't a squad builder. Just a glamour coach!!!!

It was clear from the start Newcastle's objective was first to stop James. How many times did he have his feet stamped on, and they weren't accidental, they were deliberate. And what is it with this new goal kick routine we've started using, whereby Keane or Mina touch the ball for Pickford to clear? FFS just let Pickford take it.

Overall, a really disappointing performance but fair play to Newcastle who deserved the win.

We were told Brands was the best at what he does, well he's not. He's just another wage thief taking the piss out of the most gullible club in football.

From the owner to the CEO to the Chairman, the Director of Football, the manager and his coaching staff the club is rotten to the core.

The old ship Everton is still light years away from dining at the top table again. Probably never will. Acceptance of mediocrity and tales of the Everton family, Grand Old Team, Dixie, Ball, Howard's way, Unsworths starlets and EITC can only run for so many decades.

I'm done with this shit, no more money from me until I see genuine shake up from top to bottom and in a new stadium (gonna be a good few years then)

'Sig was the pick of our players? Seriously?'

Yep! That's what I saw as I watched the game through my eyes, not yours, or anybody else's. I judge performances of the team and individual players on the present game alone, not some preconceived prejudice I may hold.

Time and again Siggy was the out ball for the defence. Time and again he played neat short interchanges with Doucoure and James which kept possession and kept the ball moving. Time and again he fed both Richarlison and Digne in acres of room on the room. More occasionally he switched play accurately to either Coleman or Iwobi on the right.

He wasn't in the team to tackle. His role is not to play the midfield enforcer. He wasn't out of position. He wasn't played around. He gave away one unfortunate free kick on the edge of our own penalty area which anyone could have conceded in a similar situation. He put in one bad free kick on the stroke of half-time.

Other than those two blemishes, he was consistently the most accurate of our players today in his passing and in retaining possession.

Other opinions allowed. I'm happy with mine.

A few decent players amidst a collection of average footballers (which is what we have now) can go a long way if caring, sharing and working is part of their make up. Joe Royle's mish mash pf a team were "a team". They nailed the shite and defined "esprit de corps" by rampaging through Spurs in that never to be forgotten semi then won the trophy

The players here aren't dreadful they just go through the motions at 75%. A coach who could get 95% out of them wouldn't put up with this shrinking violets act whenever someone stands up to us.

Unfortunately after a seasons worth of togger under the charming Italian I can see that is not in his gift. He is a square peg in a round hole here

I imagine it will be a relaxing evening for them glass of wine, nice meal, chill.

How many will feel physically sick? None I'd say. Not as sick as we will. How appalling that vastly paid, incredibly fortunate, hired hands can do this. We deserve better than the disinterested crap served up today.
No heart, no passion, no hurt, no guile,no fight no shame.

I hate feeling this gutted; gutted for every single blue who has had their emotional investment shit upon by these sorry specimens.

Richarlison got a kick after 3mins and instantly disappeared for the rest of the afternoon contributing only his usual 3 or 4 roll arounds seemingly injured only to then get back up on his feet in a Lazarus like recovery. He's done nothing all season and deserves to warm the bench for a few games. If this doesn't give him the kick up the arse he deserves then get rid in the summer and use the money to find somebody who doesn't play in a sulk every week

Mina oh please!! 6ft 5ins tall and goes down like he's been shot face after a non challenge from Wilson who then goes on to run him ragged all afternoon.

Digne way off the pace and his crossing not up to its usual standard. Meanwhile on the other side Iwobi couldn't cross the road to go the chippy let alone find a blue shirt with the ball. Some on here have been singing his praises lately. Have standards fallen that low that people question it when he's not in the side?

Coleman, great club servant but no longer should be considered as a starting player. Offered nothing going forward and has always been fairly average defensively. JJK clearly isn't rated by Ancelloti so a new RB is a must.

Gomes was never the quickest but I'd fancy my chances in a sprint with him and I'm in my 50s! Same with Sigurdsson. As a result the midfield gets over run and players with pace running at our central defenders is only going to end one way

DCL gets zero service and ends up looking the version who was in and out of the side under Silva. He's not going to score if nobody creates chances for him as hes not the type of player who will create something from nothing

This performance surely puts to bed the delusional talk from some regarding Champions League qualification. Absolutely light years away

Its games like this that completely deflates me. I wish we had someone like Peter Reid to go and play merry hell in that dressing room, but alas there is no one who will do that role now. Who tells them how much it hurts because it appears nobody tells them at the moment.

They're really lucky they can go out and do what they allegedly love doing and thays playing football while the rest of us are in lockdown and they can't even be arsed to put in the effort.

Beer o clock has started early today

So again the question is what is wrong - - we seem to have The Owner - - The Manager -- and in most cases The Players - - but it's not working - - or doesn't seem to be - - What Is Wrong At Goodison.

The problem is time/patience/empathy/support/belief/ is running out.

“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us, we were all going direct to Heaven, we were all going direct the other way – in short, the period was so far like the present period, that some of its noisiest authorities insisted on its being received, for good or for evil, in the superlative degree of comparison only.”

That is probably the most damning statement a captain can make against his own players.

Whether the statement has any affect on some of our players is a different story

That was fucking woefull today.

In the world of coupon busters we are serial offenders. Anyway it's all ok because apparently when it comes to seeking a boost for a squad left pathetically short up front and wide right. ”we will look but we are not desperate ” of course we are not desperate, after all here we were with another great opportunity to move up the table, build momentum, and all those other things successful teams do only to blow it with a performance that insults every last one of us. Honestly, it's the very definition of pathetic.

Regardless of how Sigurdsson played today, he is not a central midfielder and has consistently shown himself to be poor against weaker teams for over 3 years. How has this not been seen yet?

Playing a version of 4-2-3-1 has not worked against weaker teams since Martinez's first season. How has this not been seen yet?

We will always struggle to press weaker teams with a centre back pairing that is slow. We need at least one fast centre back so we can keep pressing high up the pitch.

If we play with attacking full backs and intend to use them as such, we need a midfielder who is happy to cover for this.

Calvert-Lewin can't score without service.

This season, rather than being a season to sing Ancelotti's praises, should be looked at as a massive missed opportunity. We should be about 6 points clear at the top of the table. I have no doubt Ancelotti has improved the team, but he has also made countless silly tactical mistakes that have cost us points.

I thought the team selection was too weak. The midfield included Iwobi James and Sigurdsson, too many players in there who cannot tackle or win the battles. It leads to a disjointed performance with no control or shape. Coleman's inclusion offered little offensively, I think Holgate at right back gives Iwobi or James a bit more license.

Godfrey brings some much needed energy, drive and determination to the team. He has to be the first name on the team sheet. I think the time has come to give him his natural role as CB. Bring his qualities to the heart of the team.

I think the game could have been won with a bit more shape and bite in the midfield today. Davies starting alongside Doucoure instead of shoehorning Sigurdsson into the central midfield where he fails time after time.

I'm totally pissed off today, annoyed and miserable. A win at Leeds will give us some respite.

It was a poor performance. A bad day at the office. It happens to us all.

Best thing is to put that one behind us an move on.

The defence was too deep. DCL was isolated. Richarlison was isolated wide left. Iwobi isolated wide right. No support from midfield.

Combined with that we have a Dinosaur in charge who has got rid of every forward not guaranteed a start and filled the bench with Defenders and Keepers. His sole tactic is too nick a goal and then defend it with reinforcements from the bench.

Sacked from his last 3 jobs. Terribly negative football.

We have been lumbered with Brontosaurus Carlo topping up his pension.

Outcoached by Steve Bruce. What an indictment.

There were very few positives to be taken from our performance, other than it provided confirmation of the inadequacies of several players. If they are at the club next season (I'm thinking Sigurdsson, Iwobi Gomes and Pickford in particular) I shall be disappointed.

I saw a team wanting James and Digne to produce something everytime they touched the ball and forgetting their own responsibilities.

This is where levels show like the sky. Richarlison, perfect example.
One of our most influential players and one most would certainly expect to start games. All he shows me lately is that he can't jump to the top level.

The mentality of our games is different now. Expectation is there before Kick Off and there is not much room for error.

Did anyone see the expectation affect James game? Keane Mina? These 3 all looked up for the challenge of pushing the side forward again. Not losing concentration and managing the ball well.
Doucouré also to an extent.

Someone tell me where Iwobi, Calvert Lewin, Richarlison, Sigurdsson, Gomes, Pickford, Coleman are playing high level football or playing like they have a winning mentality?

Richarlisons composure stinks. Gomes passes and moves slower than every opponent he faces. Sigurdsson the same. The heart is there but the speed of play at the top level evades these players.

Funnily enough Richarlisons best passage of play was winning the ball back, getting his head up and following his pass. Where is his head at when he runs with the ball?

Iwobi too, what a boring player to watch. Where was the heart to make a run like the Wolves run he made?

I don't think we could have had a more attacking line up than today and once again we showed timid, sluggish, flat football going through the motions and admiring James.

I'm trying to keep a sense of perspective here!! It's one game in reality but let's face it we really are an irrelevant team. We never win anything, rarely qualify for Europe and when we do we choke and we are never in the relegation fight! A pointless team ( hard to say )!

I don't know how it changes really ? We thrown a lot of money at it! Have a classy manager ( I'm still 100% behind him despite errors) and yet we're still nothing !! In a fight for 7th with Southampton, West Ham and Aston Villa!! Once we go out of the cup v Spurs next week then once again we can focus on the this fight for 7th!

Truly depressing and can't stop thinking about it!

A big signing out of the blue might help me recover a bit ?!!

But for God's sake we have to wake up and be bold; and we need to get a striker in. All is not lost, not yet.

Time and again he played neat short interchanges with Doucoure and James which kept possession and kept the ball moving.
Neat short interchanges that kept the ball moving? We couldn't string two passes together today. You must be getting a different feed in Brazil. And where did these neat interchanges take us? And as for Sigurdsson moving, well that does not happen.
Time and again he fed both Richarlison and Digne in acres of room on the room.
If Digne and Richy were in acres of room, which they were, then anyone could find them, especially when playing deep and given time on the ball.

You are obviously willing Siggy to be the superstar that he definitely is not, not in this game, or any other.

You are entitled to your own opinion. But you are not entitled to your own facts.

My eyes are very open as they have been for the 49 years I've been following Everton.

That allows me to both praise and criticise based on what I see, not just make an argument fit my dislike or disapproval of the manager.

Kendall must go leaflets.

If only the club employed a man who's job it was to do something about that.

If the management team can't motivate this group then bye bye. It was miserable and predictable today. No complaints about the result. Might be a blessing in the long term going forward. Let's hope so.

Its clear within the thread we have poor midfielders though and not a great deal of difference was sat on the bench.

I don't believe for a minute more than 2% of Evertonians looked at our line up and never thought - this side should beat their lot?

I don't believe Ancelotti never thought that we couldn't win. Or maybe he thought - i'll start our most direct players and restrict them all because I don't fancy winning.

If Ancelotti pissed in the centre circle most would say it was raining.

I'm not bothered if he can't tackle. He is supposed to be a creative midfield player and has this reputation as being a player who can spray passes and land the ball on a sixpence. It's a complete myth. Gylfi was in the media this week saying he's never been happier at Everton. No bloody wonder. Trot around a bit. Do some pointing and have fans thinking he's done okay. Nice work if you can get it.

Danny @261, no criticism meant here but we have to realise that what we see isn't necessarily real only our interpretation. What we comment isn't fact only opinion. We were pretty shit today though.

I feel we have improved if you look bigger picture.

Today was a shit performance and we deservedly lost. In the course of a season you win games, you draw games and you lose games. Even champions do.

But in the more strategic outlook, I think we are moving forward. That's how I see it. You maybe don't and I think (please correct me if I'm wrong), you would rather not have Carlo Ancelotti as manager and will therefore use every defeat or poor performance to force that view home.

Simple fact is, a poor performance is poor regardless of who the manager is / was. Today was poor.

Don't be so down, fellahs. Between you, you are closer to 150 years of supporting Everton, than a century. You've seen a LOT worse times than a home loss to the PL's most out-of-form team.

The manager in his post-match comments identified the issue today. At different times, for prolonged periods, we have shown we have both the quality and the spirit to compete at the sharp end of the table. Today the spirit was sadly lacking in too many. And without the spirit, the quality also suffers.

As Carlo said, the mentality has to be switched on from the start, all game. If not, you will get results and performances like today.

Opportunity missed? Absolutely.

Terminal and indicative that we will never return to past glories? Exaggerated.

In the last 9 PL games it's W 5 D 2 L 2. Add two cup wins into that run.

It's not all bad, is it?

'Jay, you are entitled to your own opinion. But you are not entitled to your own facts.'

But evidently you are, Barry, claiming your view of the game as the only factual and valid one.

Convenient.

Carry on.

As Martin Mason said, Newcastle were good — today. They haven't been shite all season, they started well then turned shite. Like most teams they've a lot of average players and a few good ones. Today their average players upped their game, ours didn't. Their good players showed their quality, our good ones were dreadful. As we saw with Sheff Utd v Man U, the difference between the top and bottom isn't that great and if you're below par you can lose to anyone.

I reckon two at best.

We need to improve that home form very quickly if we are not to undo the work in gathering the points from the first half of the season. Can't afford to have too many of games like today. We need to move quickly on to leeds and get 3 points.

If we stay calm and the manager and team change their approach then this can still be a truly excellent season. We all feel desperate now but things can turn again. We must fight and we must take risks.

And get those two hard cases Holgate and Godfrey back in.

I'd say James would. Him apart Godfrey has a shot

Next year for Godfrey.
Imo he will be a top class CB.

I agree on James.

Football is dead simple now. You are either in that mix of darling clubs where most of your 11 is quality, the squad is made of 2 teams and you can get away with mistakes, or.

You are one of the other hundreds across Europe that can't make mistakes, rely on perfection, minimal injuries and genuine officials.

I'm sure he told Steve Bruce the exact same thing.

I posted same at the start of the season.
Sulks like a big tart.
Good on his day, but they are few and far between lately

Building on your Dads Army theme, an empty Goodison looks a lot like an auld empty barn. Hopefully the warden will instruct us to get those ruddy lights off on Wednesday so floodlight failure saves us from Leeds.

Did Carlo, take the squad on a field trip to a Fish Processing plant during the week, or recently? Why, because they had no backbone, were gutless and stunk the place out. I will however give a reprieve to James Rodriguez, who seemed to be the only one committed into trying to play.

George @ 220 such a poignant analogy of not only today's debacle, but one that has been lingering and threatening to manifest itself for a while now. Mark @234, & Tony@235 and many others expressing what we all as a (Everton Blue) family feel about our beloved side, it is gut-wrenching and I know nearly all of us feel the same way. Trouble is, I don't know what the answer is, I believe it goes a lot deeper and further 'than a bad day at the office' and one unfortunately you know is going to be repeated until the root cause is eradicated.

Finding a way to keep us solid, whilst adding creativity is the next step for Ancellotti, and I doubt he can do it without signing more players.

I'm not moaning because we deserved to lose today, but if I honestly can't remember the last time I saw a good ref, then this fella lowers the levels of officiating to an incredibly poor standard.

No player likes to get relegated as it lowers their value so they put the extra effort in their game as Newcastle did, Evertons players never did and performed as if they expected to win. There are no easy games in the premier league as Sheffield Utd showed against City, the difference in this game, is City fought for the win. Everton's players didn't.

The problem we have is we do not have that good a squad that we can drop under performing players, but there should be a couple dropped and explained why. It is no use blaming individuals as there was to many but listening to Ancelotti's comments I doubt if in private with the players he held back.

There is another problem and that is the standard of refereeing. Newcastle laid out there tactics in the first 10 min with the tackles on a couple of players 1 was a yellow and the rest ignored. I don't blame Newcastle for their tactics as if you can get away with it why stop. The problem now is other teams have seen it and can see how to slow Everton down. I
just hope that Ancelotti has a go at the referee's and Everton's players start surrounding and complaining to the referee like the other teams do.

We have blown away the 2 game advantage we had and I hope this is rammed down the players throats, as poor displays like this lower their value as players, both financially and as a person.

If you've never turned off a game before then either your remote has been out of batteries or you've a much stronger constitution than me.

Thomas 300

Who indeed? Nathan Broadhead? Maybe Baningane as a fill in? The options from the mythical academy are endless

I don't actually hate using them as an example, but Liverpool under Klopp done it the other way around. Go hell for leather going forward, then in year 3 put the final pieces in the jigsaw at the back.

I reiterate. Poor performance all around today, bad result. But 12 months on I think we're in a better place and have more to look forward to than not. It's a bad performance and result but in the context of what may turn out yet to be a good season, it's just a result.

To be fair.

That is your take on most things Everton

What we had on the bench today was a disgrace.

Do you honestly believe that Carlo is so happy with his squad that's he's decided to further weaken it just to what? Show off his turd polishing skills? The players leaving have gone for a few reasons a) they're crap b) Raiola unsettled one c) because the club has massive debts, an unsustainable wage Bill and greatly reduced income due to Covid.

You dare not say such things the claim "Martinez benefited from "Davey's defence" will raise it's doddering head despite the fact Martinez' Wigan (among many others) shoved 3 up that pillar of organisation and defiance.

If Mosh had any idea about the game he would have rescued Bobby and saved himself a shedload of cash, unfortunately he is absolutely clueless about the game.

None of them play for Everton

As for Seamus saying "they wanted it more" - that should never EVER be said about the opposition. Shameful - what more motivation do players need than zeroing in on the Top 4? Which manager is it who looks first for character beyond anything else in his new signings? That's what we need now with all new signings.

And if Tosun and Bernard go within days then we can say goodbye to anything above 7th or 8th. We'll have a ridiculously thin squad but at least we'll have made inroads on the wage bill and cleared out some lockers for new boys in the summer.

😂😂😂😂,"Kieran. I don't know what goes through Ancelotti's tiny mind"

😂😂😂😂,,,1,18:22:51,,213.205.242.227,ok,23848,01/30/2021 18:22:51,Tomrichards2@outlook.com,reader,,,no 1125828,40397,toffeeweb,30/01/2021,Ian Edwards,ipedwards4@sky.com,Financial Fair play has been suspended due to covid. Tosun and Bolasie aren't great but they are better than nothing and certainly better coming off the bench when we need goals than bringing on defenders. ,Financial Fair play has been suspended due to covid. Tosun and Bolasie aren't great but they are better than nothing and certainly better coming off the bench when we need goals than bringing on defenders. ,,,1,18:22:55,,82.41.37.23,ok,21159,01/30/2021 18:22:55,ipedwards4@sky.com,reader,,,no 1125829,40397,toffeeweb,30/01/2021,Kieran Kinsella,haggerwood@msn.com,Jeff

I agree but I suspect at this point Carlo trusts Sig or James as an auxiliary striker more than Simms. The balance of th squad is wrong and has been for a long time but that's more on Brands than Carlo surely? ,Jeff

I agree but I suspect at this point Carlo trusts Sig or James as an auxiliary striker more than Simms. The balance of th squad is wrong and has been for a long time but that's more on Brands than Carlo surely? ,,,1,18:25:36,,72.135.31.157,ok,2769,01/30/2021 18:25:36,Evertongator,reader,,,no 1125830,40397,toffeeweb,30/01/2021,Jeff Armstrong,aa7028@sky.com,"Thomas 317,

your not daft, you get the point.

Steve fuckwit Bruce loves a tight game and if the referee is willing, stick in a few late tackles, then keep repeating till the referee stops it. Well, as we saw, the referee was barcode blind. You know what, sometimes you have to let teams know who is who on that pitch and Bruce did just that. Now I don't give a fuck if Digne can cross the ball like a Jesuit priest on acid, for me he does not hold his position or the boy attacking him if your not good enough to hold your position, at least put a tackle in.

Now Godrey and Holgate both love a tackle and we had them on the bench, whilst Shelvey was roaming around Goodison slapping James and Richy at will. Fucking twat.

Carlo, just so you know. Just so you are fully aware, we haven't had good football at Goodison for almost 3 decades. Yes that's absolutely right, three. whole. fucking. decades. Don't be fooled by "Nil satis nisi optimum" because it's not at Goodison anymore, it's been fucked right off.

Please. Bring it back.

I do, but its no good speculating on players not at the club.

I think we will see new player (s) over the next day or so

Over the course of a season it's going to count against us. So dislodging a side from the rich 6 is going to be a big ask. Obviously Leicester are a very good side / squad too.

There's a chance - because I do think Ancelotti is a clever manager. But without reinforcements at this stage it's going to be very hard work and we might well fall short.

Important to remember we're never as bad (or good) as we think. So there's no reason to be all doom and gloom about the Leeds game. But this is not going to be the season we crack top 4 (and never was).

The players aren't good enough.

- playing Gylfi in a CM role, after it was a disaster last year, and proved to be one today too.

It must be a real kick in the teeth for Tom / Andre to see themselves behind such a square peg in their round hole.

- Not giving Gordon a go from the bench.

Maybe he's just another in a long list of talent that never really was, but when chasing the game surely his ‘defensive deficiencies' (according to Carlo advice) are worth the risk.

- Not using the full 9 spaces on the bench and wasting one of the 8 on having a 3rd goal keeper.

Surely keeping Small and Onyango in and around the team, and their hope high. is sensible. Especially if we are as skint as Kieran believes.

Overall, I'm also just really worried where the squad is at. It's right that we've stripped it down, and I think Allan in for Siggy today would have changed the result, but we've left ourselves unbelievably lightweight in attacking third.

Really hoping we get a surprise in next day or so, because what a wasted opportunity this season will be.

Team for next game for me (442)

Olsen
Holgate Mina Keane Godfrey
James Doucoure Gomes Digne
DCL Richie

The team out today was nearly the same that started off like a house on fire at the beginning of the season. We have a poor squad to overcome injuries and suspensions (yes) but do we have to buy in every transfer window when we are still trying to sell off the deadwood, and loose a couple of games (no)..

We are not the only team in the premier league who need new players and they may be after the same players we are. We may have a billionaire owner, but reading about the richest premier league clubs, there are 14 clubs richer than us and some of them may be after the same players.
It is easy sitting at a keyboard saying we should go out and buy new players, its harder when you have to do it in a midterm window when clubs want to keep their best players and sell their deadwood. That is why we cant sell ours.

Just read Tim Cahill's autobiography. Seamus' comment could never have been made in Moyes's day.

Now, big picture before I rant a bit! Everton are on course for 66 points, that would have gotten you 3rd last season. We are definitely better off than a year ago, no question.

However, today that showed the limit of the squad, the bench was unbelievably shallow. Two keepers, and not all the sub slot allocations taken!!?? Man, we have really really spuffed a lot of money away, it is untrue!

Richarlison embarrassed me today as an Evertonian. The rolling around, the going to ground and sulking - he's a big strong lad from Brazil - dish it back out fella! I am a little peeved that the drama queen mentality that has stopped me watching anything other than Everton games, has no crept into Everton. It makes me frustrated and a little angry to watch grown athletic men play acting like a little girl who has lost her dolly. It is just pathetic.

Right, not one Everton player stood up to the bullyboy tactics of Newcastle today, not one defended James, a small chap, or went to his aid, not one. Carsley, Fellaini, Cahill, Distin etc. what has happened? Everton used to at least have a pair!

I can handle poor performances, I can handle wrong selections; that today was insipid - no communication on the basics (not even a 'man on' Zingari league like warnings today). Where are the leaders? They do not look that bothered, they really don't seem to care or want to achieve. That is totally unacceptable, even for one game.

Having eight subs including two goalkeepers and not giving a young player match day experience stinks of arrogance and really not giving one flying fuck about the structure of the club.
I didn't see the match but I am horrified that an insightful blue like Derek Knox could take no more.

I looked at the live forum to get an update about what was happening and ended up with another reason to be gutted at the performance:
The fact that it gives credence to some really vile views. Banter? Fuck me, how can some on there attach their name to the utter brain dead poison they post.

We will, I am confident, have a better squad for the 21/22 season. Always next year though isn't it?

Koeman, and Walsh wasted a lot of money, Allardyce only spent a fraction, although both players were high earners, who we have had to loan out, just to get them off the wage bill, but I've just heard financial FairPlay has been cancelled, so if Ancellotti doesn't sign anyone now it's obvious he's being negligent, especially if he's getting another two top earners out of the club.

And even if he is by then we will be judging him on his own squad.

Thanks for letting me know that I am delusional Sean! That'll explain why the rich super-models keep knocking me back!

Other teams have Europe, we don't - though with Everton who knows?

Half way through a season, double the points, not really delusional me think! It's possible we'll get 'em from the same source as the previous 19 games, just a thought. And, we may not!

And no, it wasn't me who mentioned 36 points mate! Some other deluded head!

Your correct about Silva/Zouma too, but I think Kurt fancied his chance at Chelsea with Fat Frank, and was proved right for 18 months at least.

Or Barry it might be because you're one ugly fucker. Just another option to throw into the mix. No offence like.

Haa haa, what a lovely chap you are !

Other than the youngsters that we have loaned out all the others have been expensive flops. WE easily have the worst record in the Prem for buying players.

We are an infinitely different team today to the one that finished last season.

We ARE in the process of rebuilding and it will take more time.

We WILL get setbacks, like today.

But OVERALL, surely, anyone can see a general improvement in comparison to the YEARS mentioned above.

This first half of this season has been a quantum leap forward for us and if anything of the same magnitude happens in the second half of the season we will end on 66 points (or hopefully a few more) which should guarantee a top 6 finish and, with a bit of luck, we might get to the top 4 (although I doubt this squad is capable of competing at that level in Champs League - yet).

But, Come on guys and gals, give Carlos a chance to at least get his feet under the table!

He's been here two half seasons and I for one can look at the EPL table today and say - yes, I can see the effect he and those he has signed so far, have had to date.

He will need a couple more windows at least to truly put his stamp on the side, but if after those windows the players he brings in have the same incremental effect as those he has brought in already, then I can see us being serious challengers in 12 months time.

Meanwhile, we will still suffer the occasional HICCUP.

3rd transfer window? I make it 2 until Monday.

And in a pandemic. Shit I'm making excuses and being an apologist. Or a realist. Depends on your view.

His signings to date as I see it are Allan, Doucoure, James and Godfrey as well as Olsen. Personally I feel that has improved the squad.

You've posted that before, about three transfer windows, and backtracked when somebody pointed out he'd only just arrived for the first one, and that was also a notorious winter-nothing-much-available-window. So why post it again when you backtracked before?

And the third one is also such a window!

I have mentioned a lot of what you have covered in your post today. The last few games were really hard to watch, but it is the bigger picture that needs looking at. Now, if we haven't improved on last year by the end of the season, then yes, we can be more critical.

These times are utterly unprecedented.

Taking it a stage further, it seems though not always, that certain teams seem to be dealt with more leniently than others. I'm neither suggesting that any brown envelopes are involved, I don't think there needs to be, because the average referee is on an absolute fortune plus expenses, but is arguably the most influential character on the pitch.

I do appreciate that decisions have to be made on the spot, not always supported by VAR, or the benefit of a slo-mo replay, and there are some good actors out there, amongst the alleged victims of foul play, but surely this has to be addressed sooner rather than later otherwise the game we all love is going to be irreparably ruined beyond belief.

Look at the players Villa have put together ( since Ancelotti arrived here) Watkins, Cash, Barkley, Traore.

Bobby Mallon. I want better for my club. I'm calling out the bullshit we are seeing. It's a pity you accept it

Gomes, missing in action
DCL, captured behind enemy lines
Pickford, shell shock suffered in the battle of Leicester
Godfrey, faking his age trying to get to the front line.
Richarlison, impersonating an officer
Sigi and Digne, still playing in the Christmas day friendly
Coleman, copped a Blighty one some time ago but won't desert his comrades.
ToffeeWebers, stuck on the home front, powerless, angry and resentful of the Kaiser across the lines.

Bill Kenwright, court martialled, convicted. Sentence to be decided by Don Alexander.

Time for carlo to get angry. Expectations and reality are our problem. This is a top ten squad. Further additions are required. The players going. Really, have they made a difference at Everton? No! That's why its called rebuilding. Carlo knows what we need but it will take time. However desire to win is a must at any level of football.

By the way, it was a penalty that should have been awarded following a clear handball by that well known villa player, Cash. Sorry don't know his first name!!

I believe some of these star struck refs like hob knobbing with the stars. Think Clattenburg taking advice on red cards from Gerard after going on tour with them. You get big personalities like Pep and Klopp acting all smiles while patronizing their mistakes and I think these muppets want to keep them happy. In the old days it was the bullies who influenced the ref eg Fergie time. Bullying gets you nowhere any more as Mourinho has learned but flattery and the chance to join “the cool kids” seems to affect refs. Beyond that, the EPL refuse to enforce their own rules on diving so why would a ref? Lastly, a lot of refs are fat, short sighted and or incompetent

But, we still have everything to play for. I hope the manager is given a striker at the very least to help this improved squad finish in the top 6 as we approach the business end of the season.

This slow, ponderous, pointless passing out from the back is shit to watch and a shit way to try and get a result.

We have no plan of attack.

I saw Everton make a decent start to the game, with some slick passes and decent movement. Sadly they allowed Newcastle to gain a grip on the game and they were worth their success by virtue of their workrate overall.

I understand the frustration of everyone because I experienced the same frustration, but whether you agree with Carlo Ancelotti's team selection or tactics, I think it's unfair to blame him for the lack of spirit shown by the players. It's long been my opinion that, once the players cross the white line, the manager has little or no control over their performances; personal pride should be motivation enough.

I fully appreciate the feelings of the fans, we all react in different ways but my reaction was one of great disappointment. It's also my view that most of us know that that the players we have, whilst good individually, are not what we require collectively.

Let's pray that on Wednesday the mess of today is washed out the system andEverton, turn up.

I hope there's no more feedback from Seamus or the other players, they owe the Everton. Supporters, a proper performance v Leeds.

The next game that is important, the players must turn up, and as Jay @273,, has stated earlier, with perspective, Everton's form over the last 9 games, results based, is not the worst.

As we all know it's the hope, that fekkn destroys you, but today hopefully, is a lesson to this squad and management, of not preparing mentally for every game with the right mindset.

Well, let's see what happens at Leeds.

It was definitely a team plan to injure him or at least make him get rid of the ball quicker than he usually does. Unfortunately it worked and if other evil bastards catch on this will happen more often. I wonder who suggested that this was the way to neutralize him? Could not be the tactics of centre back manager?

It takes a better ref than Atwell to spot this or know what is going on. I can never understand why refs don't know more about the dark arts and give quality players more protection.

Today, we were without the two players – Godfrey and Holgate (and Allan) who are prepared to give as good as they get while most of today's team didn't have desire to do anything about it.

I hope Carlo has learned today's lesson that we have to play a back 4 of centre backs and use Digne in front of Godfrey. I for one would much rather see a more defensive set up and try to nick a goal than be opened up like today.

Just to rub salt in the wounds, Barkley has just scored for Villa. If we don't get anyone in before the window closes, our only hope will be waiting for Allan to return, which will give us some bite in midfield.

I was surprised Carlo didn't bring Ben on to cover the pace of the lad who came on. And James should not play wide... In any formation.

If it looks like shit and smells like shit, I can assure you it is shit.

For the owner to write the rest of the season off to balance the books is a pretty understandable, but he could've at least given the heads up.

With no new forwards coming in, it's just the same two stale worn-out zombies we already have up front, that's the reality of watching the Blues.

As for a new ground, don't make me laugh, just sort Goodison out. Perfect timing during a pandemic, I would have thought; stop treating the fans like total idiots.

He did ok today after his injury/withdrawal earlier in the week and was better than a lot of others. He made errors certainly but he usually tries to move us forward.

He put in a couple of balls to the penalty area which were well directed, he defended generally well including one crucial covering run and his removal was a mystery as far as I am concerned at that stage of the game.

Some have decided to dislike him.

Well, there's your answer, mate.

Ancelotti knows more about football than I ever will, and I still have faith he will make us a force. However, I do think his decision to stick with calamity Pickford was a bad one, even showing a sign of weakness perhaps. Calamity deserved to be dropped after the fuck-up the other night.

Why the fuck did he chase Olsen and bring him in if he's not going to give him a run, from what I have seen he has done very well when picked.

Today's result should be no surprise to me, as an Evertonian I have come to accept that when opportunities are there Everton will probably fuck it up nine times out of ten.

Leeds next, Let's hope they are off their game!

Today he dumped his defensive plans and went full steam ahead, but we just couldn't pick the pace up to attack quickly. Whether it was due to months of slow play or just Coleman and Digne didn't perform as attacking full-backs at all, I don't know. What was obvious is that Newcastle had sussed us by attacking our full-backs and Wilson gave not only Digne a bad time but also Keane with his pace, movement and physicality. Digne hung back, James's trademark long ball left-wing switch wasn't on at all after the first 10 mins and we floundered.

The midfield we have, even with Allan isn't one of pace. movement, it's static and relies purely on James creating any moves we make. We will get taken to the cleaners again on Wednesday at Leeds as they will press us, outpace us, and frankly I fear another significant loss.

He just has to get Godfrey on somewhere in that back 4, preferably as a centre-back who with his phenomenal pace will allow us to push right up and cut the gaps out and our midfield can push up and support our front two – who also want a right kicking up the backsides, as both are developing into right little moany schoolboys.

Last point – I know James gets targeted, but the amount of downtime he and Richarlison cause us with their theatrics is ludicrous.

A sweet smell of great sorrow lies over the land

George's poetry lamenting our plight (This world was never meant for one as beautiful as George)

Dave A's street wisdom ( heartbreaking to witness his pain)

Even Derek Knox is having his Godfather moment (just when he thought he was out. They pulllled him back in)

I don't think many of us saw this defeat coming.., I suspect most posters were expecting another bun fight about the manner of our "victory" tonight. Not so.
Many thought a new dawn was about to break. The rest of us, secretly hoped they were right.

Today hurt. Really hurt. You can reach out and touch the pain.

This thread reads like a Greek tragedy. Theyre all out tonight. The philosophers. The thinkers. The poets. The artists. The street wise. The cynical. The Ravens. The pipers. The painters. The purist...and lets not ever forget the excuse makers,,,,We're all united by the terrible realisaton that our seemingly endless wait goes on.
We could examine the facts, Analyse why every time we think we are climbing back up the mountain. it always goes so terribly Pete Tong. We could be philosophical. poetic. cultured and dignified in our misery.... FUCK THAT. We're Evertonians.

"WE GET KNOCKED DOWN, BUT WE GET UP AGAIN. YOU'RE NEVER GONNA KEEP US DOWN"

"WE GET KNOCKED DOWN, BUT WE GET UP AGAIN. YOU'RE NEVER GONNA TO KEEP US DOWN"

"WE GET KNOCKED DOWN, BUT WE GET UP AGAIN, YOU'RE NEVER GONNA TO KEEP US DOWN"

"WE GET KNOCKED DOWN, BUT WE GET UP AGAIN, YOU'RE NEVER GONNA TO KEEP US DOWN"

Sorry to be so self indulgent. but right now, I'm feeling no pain.
Get on Bushmlls Irish, if you havent tried it before. Its not in the same league as the single pots, but its cheap and cheerful and it's so much better than paracetamol. The best 20 quid I've spent this weekend.

"PISSING THE NIGHT AWAY...PISSING THE NIGHT AWAY"

The problem today seemed to be after Newcastle starting handing out crunching tackles, a number that should have been punished but were not, the Everton players did not want to become involved in this type of game, nor protect our more skillful players.

I agree with John #391 and mentioned it in a previous comment. I don't believe that after coaching through the week, Ancelotti tells his players to go out and play like that as it seemed with no effort. This may be one of the reasons we can't sell our deadwood as they give the impression that Everton players have no fight in them.

It's terrible today that when we read the team sheet we had the team to win the game; the problem was the players did not believe it.

Iwobi has improved, I was thinking more of the balance today.

That'll do me.

Cheap and cheerful?

How dare you, sir... (Try the 16 or the 21 single malt.)

I'm not a Tom Davies fan at all but I would have him in the midfield ahead of Sigurdsson every time. I'd even rather see Holgate sitting in front of the back four which would at least free up Doucouré to drive forward more.

The mobility and stamina of this squad is worrying as is the ability to pass and move. We have very few players who can actually run with a ball at their feet; Iwobi can but has no end product and Richarlison looks like he just can't be bothered – I'd bench him and give Gordon another try.

Whoever starts out wide, Richarlison or Gordon and Iwobi say, they need to play narrower so they're closer to James and Calvert-Lewin which will allow us more link-up play while allowing space for the full-backs to overlap.

Finally, the lack of pace throughout the squad needs to be addressed at the end of this season, we must be the most pedestrian team in the Premier League.

Glad it wasn't the old Wimbledon we were facing. Hate to think what ‘Fash the Bash' would have done to them.

Seeing both Sigurdsson and Coleman in the starting XI today and Godfrey, Holgate and Davies not in it left me feeling we would get a draw today at best. I put my bets on accordingly and normal service was resumed; betting on us to lose lined my pockets once more.

Perhaps one of the worst aspects of that game was the fact that the Everton substitutes must be thinking to themselves, "Why the fuck I am here? We are shite and I am unable to get in this fucking side!"

Godfrey is entitled to feel royally fucked off, Holgate and even Davies too. And Carlo, if you are gonna defend so deep, you need players with pace or players who are prepared to run at opposing defenders, you had Moise Kean and Theo Walcott, you and Brands let them go (without replacements) and Calvert-Lewin chooses rarely to run at defenders despite (allegedly) being the very fastest sprinter at the club.

That 'performance' today was shameful, inept and embarrassing and the players out there today mirrored your own passive stance on the sidelines.

We all need to follow Darren's line now. Circle the wagons and take our drink.

That's where are. Ancelotti will get us up there but needs another year to clear the deadwood from the last 4 years and replace them with decent players.

Licking my wounds and accepting defeat as much as I hate it. That was a bad performance and bad result. Happy clappers, apologists, excusers and those who don't like our manager alike, sometimes we can all be in agreement with what we see. I think most of us are today.

Poor from Everton. Let's move on to the next one. No point dissecting this one.

I've preached all season about patience and see where we are. February is a key month. Leeds, Fulham and Liverpool. Then we go into the business end of the season.

The same players that have got shut of our previous Managers, have done the same yet again. They start off playing then, after a while, down tools and stroll across the pitch far too slow and struggle to play the simplest of passes to a teammate.

You can look at Allan, Doucouré, Godfrey, Digne, Holgate, Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison (when he can be bothered) as the team we need to build around; you can also argue Keane.

So that leaves us needing a right-back (I love Coleman but sadly age caught up with him), another power house midfielder, and certainly another centre-forward. The rest I would move on when possible.

In regards to the goalkeeper, do we stick or twist?

It's looking like Bernard, Tosun are leaving, Bolasie Gone, Kenny... that still leaves Delph, Davies possibly Gomes who I would look to bring better in, in the summer.

Gbamin could be the one who could come into midfield, as long as he does not turn out to be another sick note.

So not that far off when we have a fully fit starting 11. But the backup is very poor, and that is where we need to act, bring in some quality, and once we have those fringe players out of Goodison, we can then start to bring hopefully better quality of players in; too many are just happy enough to stroll around the pitch.

He did. Anyone you play there would give more protection than James.

That is not slagging James in any way. I have said many times on here, build a team around James having a free role. I don't want him tracking back.

My wagons are well circled, mate.

We were too nice out there today. Stroking the ball around like we were in a training match.

He defends so deep because the centre halfs havnt got pace (Godfrey has)
Imo it should be Ben first on the sheet and AN other alongside him.

Some of his passing and touch today was again wonderful. Some was less wonderful, but Pure Everton, pure football, he is; and he was betrayed by the dim traffic warden, Atwell.

Tony,
Genius mate.
Was thinking before, who was the last player we had with his qualities

You see them, and then.. frost. Then, you sulk, rant, accept your fate, miss MOTD, once more, and have another drink.

I still think we are well placed in the league.

Poor show today. But I'm confident we are moving in the right direction.

High praise mate.

"Rodriquez expresses and embodies everything we all want Everton to be about."

Amen brother

When he's put in that deep lying midfielder role I'm assuming his job is to provide a hard working, defensive screen and receive the ball from defenders and find a way out. He did that consistently. I wouldn't expect any more of him in that position. Did he light up the game? No. But he wasn't as culpable as many others.

I'm not sure how Doucoure continues to get a free pass. He stands alongside Sigurdsson. His passing can either be slow and ineffectual or quick and suicidal. He's not 'enforcing' in midfield. Did he make a tackle yesterday? He's not picking moments to break from midfield. What is his job in a setup like yesterday? He's capable of doing the things Sigurdsson is being criticised for not being capable of doing.

James has great moments. He also has plenty of the game where he drops in between the miniscule amount of space that exists between Sigurdsson and Doucoure. Who is the ball going forward to if 8 of the players are in defence?

Our striker and wingers are capable of more but the above leaves them pretty isolated. Can't even really judge them.

Carlo found a tactic out of necessity. Our attackers were injured or suspended and we were still shipping goals without the corresponding goal threat. So he took a pragmatic approach ahead of a set of tough fixtures. We went defensive, and hoped to nick one at the other end. We had a great run against good teams. That run had plenty of luck too.

But the attackers are back now. There's no need to be relying on luck against teams like Newcastle. Remember that period before the Derby when we were top of the league playing beautiful football? When every neutral wanted to watch our games? Save Allan, those players are all available.

I was gonna go dry January, but the lockdown and the age old recurring ulcer, which is EFC, saw to that, being honest always does.

Redemption in Leeds!

All stay safe and well.

Slainte.

Up the fuckin toffees

We didn't deserve a point on Wednesday, and that made me angry and sad. But I believe we will get better, and that makes me happy.

I'm optimistic... More than I have been for years.

I'm also pissed. Goodnight, Blues. Up the Fucking Toffees!

A happy clapper.

Equally happy clapping.

Everton is my escape. As I am sure it is everyone's.

Bottle, no one had the bottle to harass the referee for allowing the Newcastle players to leave the foot in, sly over the top stamps, it was clearly a tactic that was engineered to happen with Richardson, James in particular, one after another Newcastle players took turns in dishing it out with the only objective being to injure.
No Peter Rieds in our team anymore.. we can't take it and we can't dish it out.
There are several players that need to be gone and frankly the sooner the better.. there are players who didn't want to know today, there are others who are just out of form.. and it goes a long way to say we have no replacements up our sleeves...

So lets get down to the nitty gritty..

Pickford.. can't fault him today but his inconsistancy is a problem
Coleman and Digne.. dreadful day for both.. contributed nothing. Stopped nothing.. did nothing. and one is the captain..
great servant but time to say thank you and goodnight for Coleman.
Siggy.. said before, he needs to go.. just not what we want or need anymore (if we ever did, should never have been bought)
should never play alongside James..
Gomes. I like him but he no longer has outstanding qualities, a shadow of his former self, needs to go too
Richalison, completely lost his confidence and needs to dropped but little if anything to replace. Gordon?
DCL, did anyone notice how often he was playing deeper and deeper to start attacks?? Alarm bells anyone? Remember Ancelloti telling him to stay in the box? I realize why he is dropping but its an indictment of the middlefield and not his play, he can see it as we all can.

We need a few hard-nosed leaders as well as skilled players for they are the ones that allow the skillful ones the room to play. We are only half a team and too many are failing to turn up.

Final word, dreadful referee. professional fouls on key players continually left unchecked. Steve Bruce? deliberately targeted and coached those fouls. He brought the game into disrepute.

Fed up.

It's no good continually blaming the management. The players on the pitch have to show they want to win. Coleman, for all his qualities, just doesn't have the legs anymore. We bought Sigurdsson to be the playmaker behind a front two. It should be a choice of him or Rodriguez in that role. Not both and certainly not as the ball winner in midfield.

I think Ancelotti was sending the board a message today. "Get your cheque book out!" If I was interviewing him, I would first ask why two keepers on the bench? Gomes and Davies got the run around against Leicester. They might have had more of an impact today.

Richarlison looks like he wants away. He spends so much time sulking, he has forgotten why he's on the pitch.

The difference between Premier League teams is small. It's a game of chess. You need eleven committed players trying to exploit the opposition until you find a weakness.

Digne doesn't look fit. Maybe his confidence has been shot with his injury.

On to face Leeds. We have to give a performance. Never mind the result. The players need to come off the pitch thinking they couldn't have done any more. All the talent in the world is no substitute for hard work.

I do wonder what will be said at Finch Farm. We can/t win any games with eight or nine giving it a go while two or three are not at it 100%. I hope Ancelotti lets Dunc give it to the whole squad. I just don't see Carlo as the teacup-throwing type.

For all the weird decisions by Ancelotti: three keepers, Sigurdsson in centre-midfield, not dropping Richarlison, and the formation changes – it is the players that need to give more.

Ancelotti - Damned if he does...play the 4 of a kind and KITAP1 against side that will come and defend.

Damned if he doesn't.

He wasn't helped by the Reff and many players, even for them, playing collectively pooly I typed in 'poorly' but 'pooly' came up and it fits the bill so I left it in.

Ancelotti fluked into this 4 of a kind back 4 when Delph injured himself by moving faster than walking pace Vs Burnley.

He got some good results with it, but seemed to zig when he should zag, when it comes to which teams to play it against.

We would all be up in arms if he went...as best he could given player limitations...the full Italian - 0-0 is a result and 1 point in the bag thanks and I'll take it all day long - Job...
I wonder how many points we would have?
It couldn't be any worse to watch.

I saw Ferguson try to tell him something...I can't lip read glaswegian... Ancelotti raised the eyebrow, shrugged, Dunc left him to it and sat back in his seat.

As the season ends early - yet again - not with a bang but a whimper...
What? Spurs in the cup? give over, they only bottle Vs the rs, not us.
'It's not in his nature' Son will run rings round Kegger and Mina

Is it too much to ask for a road map, a menu of even small achievable dreams??

The footballing arm of EitC doing charitable works for winless team, and none scoring forwards since...if not forever - Too fucking long anyway.

Seeing Shelvey kicking lumps out of Rodriguez, I ask myself who we have on the pitch who can sort someone like him out? The only candidates were sitting on the bench – Godfrey, Holgate and Davies.

And another thing: Who is the boss cockey in this group? There isn't one... but, the sooner we get Allan back, the better.

I would swap you Gomes, Sigurdsson and Delph for Almiron.

They ALWAYS do it to us. Fed up, I am.

Could be a long hard February.

In Rugby League, after too many fouls, the ref puts the whole team on a warning, and the next foul, even if it is the player's first, gets a yellow card.

As a player, when I crossed the line, I was in a different world and didn't think of anything else (work, life pressures etc) for 90 minutes. Watching Everton has always been the same for me. Highs like winning a title, lows like yesterday or being part of a thumping and knowing I could have done better. It takes me to a different place. Sadly, yesterday was one of those places I'd probably have taken life pressures over!

I think Allan is probably the only player who would have done something about Shelvey yesterday. I was about to call him a shithouse but, let's be honest, he was just carrying out instructions. I still think, with better officiating, he's not on the pitch to deliver that corner for the first goal, but come on Danny, that's clutching at straws. No hiding from that performance.

Looking above, absolutely agree on the recent back 4 but, at some point, we have to break out of that posture. Personally, if fit, I definitely have Digne in. He is such a good supply chain for Calvert-Lewin and, amongst the dross we saw yesterday, there were occasional glimpses of that, particularly in the first half. Maybe as someone says above, we have brought him back too quickly from injury.

I hope Dunc doesn't get disheartened by this spell. That was NOT a Big Dunc performance.

The Godfrey boys, or should I say 'poets', have got me cursing that I never paid enough attention during lessons, but stick with that Irish Bushmills, because you'd never find an argument with that post, mate!

(ps: I also never felt any pain, and it's definitely not because I'm immune to it!)

He is slow (I bet Godfrey would beat him by 10 yards in a 100-yard sprint), weak, and a really poor crosser of a ball. Yes, he does hit the target now and then, but so do full-backs in pub-football.

I have played the game at quite a high level, and have never played with a full-back who couldn't put at least one good cross in a game.

Overrated, overpaid... and should be over there!

Personally I'd like to see Mina & Godfrey, but it's harsh on any of the centre backs to be fair as all have improved this season.

Doucoure I think is good but not on his own. Also, I don't think you can have Sigurdsson and James in the same starting line up. One or the other, preferably James, but not both.

We should think, though, that we can do well this season and not at some undefined future point. So much of sport is in the mind.

After one game out and some saying we don't miss him, we had players fighting for his position. That has rode its cause now and the likes of Sigurdsson and Gomes need to go back to bit parts.

They cannot handle the demands of the 90 minute game and they seem to do better coming on against tired legs.

We need some steel in the team and a driving force. Allan is about the best of the lot in this respect.

Any time Carlo has 1 chance to change the team or formation slighty it all goes to pot and it will take him 4 shit games before he finally gets it right. In Lukaku we had a streaky striker. in Ancelotti we have a streaky manager, who must get it right from kick off or else thats it we are stuck till the next game because he cant change tactics mid game.

Of course it doesn't help when lwobi and Richarlison go awol.

And ffs we have 1 striker. The bench is good covering the back positions but Allan is such a huge miss, we have a hole when he is injured.

Another season wasted? Yes if we don't strike now and get a couple players in. The alternative with injuries to dcl and Richy will be Siggy up top again. We cant keep asking the players to try to win sitting so deep.

Godfrey was a huge miss yesterday for his pace, fight and spirit. Maybe the answer will be a switch to a back 3. Whatever it is, it cant take a month for him to get it right.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=O0YiuSbBdaQ

I thought he looked reluctant to commit into challenges yesterday but I also think our players were way over confident and expected an easy win.

Looking back now at the laid back passing, Richarlison thinking he could dribble through five players when he struggles with one, we thought it was a walk in the park.

My own view is that although it hasn't been pretty, at least we have been playing with a method, but the minute we move away from playing to our current strengths, then even second rate teams can cause us problems.

You have just got back in after an important game (sunday league)

The skipper is telling everyone "they wanted it more than us"

What is your reaction?

Either way and to Tony's point, play to the strengths of the players available and that includes formation.

I don't think even if I used Darren Hinds use of the Bushmills would it make much difference, even though it might for a short while. My wife has become more concerned about my blood pressure in watching our games of late, and is even suggesting she might ban me from watching us live. She said just watch it on MOTD were you will know the result and wont get so irate. I think last night was the first time in decades that I didn't watch MOTD when we have played. I have seen a lot worse performances than yesterdays including some really embarrassing defeats by our neighbours but for some weird reason I just didn't want to watch that again.

I think both manager and players are equally to blame, but probably the players more so as they can actually have an impact on what is happening. One defeat shouldnt define a season but I have this nagging feeling that yesterdays defeat might just have done that, despite all the optomism I have to accept that my loveable Blues just make up the numbers now and trophies are consigned to our past. I hope with all my heart this isn't the case, and I have a lot of faith in Ancelotti but it seems that it is becoming almost impossible to reach the heights we once occupied.

If the other team want it more, then plainly and simple you've got problems. Either not enough competition or players who think they're better than they actually are, will always amount to the same thing, because football is like any sport, and once you get to big for your boots or lose your desire, (I'd say we have got to many players with nowhere near enough desire) then you will always struggle.

You get it Christine and so do most of us, most of this squad and the coaching staff, seemingly, are on the outside looking in.

Christine, I hope you are settled now in NZ and enjoying life there, except for days like yesterday, but girl you are wasted there, Everton desperately need someone in the boardroom like you. Think about it!!

I'll put one out there and either get nods of agreement or laughed out of ToffeeWeb. Phil Neville for David Moyes. Not the greatest player, not the most aggressive (but that tackle), however when he didn't play you could see that squad missed his leadership and presence.

These players, surely want to take it to the next step and get into Europe. Sure to God that is motivation enough, because it seems their massive wages don't motivate them.

I generally don't come and slate the team, maybe lockdown makes it hurt more now when we lose

It seems to me that the formation doesn't get the best out of the team. Back four are too deep. Midfield slow and ponderous. DCL isolated in the middle and Richarlison isolated out wide. There is no link play.

The answer to this in my view is playing the best formation which if course is 4-4-2.

This would give us two banks of four when defending and the wide men joining the front two when attacking. It would also mean Richarlison and DCL would play closer together and link together:

My team for Leeds:

Olsen
Godfrey Keane Mina Digne
Iwobi Allan Doucoure Gordon
DCL Richarlison.

The wide men aren't the best it's what we have and I don't see any attacking width anywhere else in the squad.

We need to prioritise buying attacking pace asap.

And.. I didn't even mention the "A" word.

Not a lot wrong with that. Arguably should have been the defence for yesterday.

Is Allan fit?

I'd probably tweak that slightly. James for Gordon playing No 10 and make it a 4-2-3-1. But I'm just not a fan of 4-4-2.

I was going to ask you a follow up question, the same scenario but from a professional point of view.

Nobody in any saturday/sunday teams I was involved with would last more than one game if he was accussed of that.

In Sunday league terms.
"you spewed it there" resulted in fisticuffs
The worse insult you can aim at a player imo

But would also consider Richy in left mid. I just think DCL could do with someone playing off him and until end of play tomorrow we don't, criminally so as you point out) have anyone else.

Only one of the teams liked fighting Dave, and usually with each other. This was very hard to comprehend, because they were all best mates in the boozer, and although I think I started getting through to them in the end, I was always brought up on the opposite.

Help your mate on the pitch, but try and destroy him in the boozer, nothing better for team spirit imo, just as long as you don't go to far!

The loss to Newcastle, made it all the more important that we beat Leicester, which we would have done, but for Psycho Billy.

I have 2 questions: What's happened to the previously wonderful Andre Gomes?; and Who has stolen the real Ducoure and replaced him with an automaton that goes missing for 70 minutes?!

Newcastle, and other teams fighting for their lives will do whatever they can to put the likes of Rodriquez and Richarlison off their game.
The latter in particular would need to fucking wise up, dropping to the ground at the slightest touch isn't doing him any favours with the ref's, now marked as a play actor I would think.

Ancelotti told it like it is, we had no desire on the pitch yesterday, and of course he is right but I have a problem with him saying this also, as for me he has to show HIS desire with actions not words.
Although he is not on the pitch, he can clearly lead by example when picking the team.
Selecting Calamity, a player who has just you lost three points with really poor goal keeping ( again ) was a big mistake and really sends out the wrong message as far as I am concerned.

I'm sure Ancelotti knows fine well we are fairly weak when it comes to getting stuck in, there is no doubt that's why Allan was brought it, a good player who will also be up for the contest and will fire a few rockets up your arse.
The only other player I have seen having a rant at his team mates including Rodriquez has been Godfrey, that's what we need - more like him.
This young man wants to win, you can see it in his game.

Roy Keane ( love him or loathe him ) said " as long as you did your job and gave your all for the team I would never have a problem with you, if you didn't then I would let you know - being popular in the dressing room was of no interest to me - winning football matches and trophies were".

Isn't that's what this club had when we were last winning stuff - the "all for one" mentality, just the right mixture of skillful and tough players.
Any team can go out and have a good match day, it's the teams that go out to do this every match day that win trophies

If he stays, I believe Ancelotti will make us better, but it's going to take a right few windows I reckon.
The mentality of the team is not good and has been perhaps overlooked for far too long.
We need players who take it badly when are losing, and want to do something about it - we don't need players who sulk.

I believe the thinking behind agreeing Keane loan to PSG was to show clearly "if you don't want to be with us" then you can go and of course hope he does the business while over there.

So the right reason in my opinion, but then we need to replace don't we, and we didn't !
And now if the rumours are true about Tuson and Bernard, we are doing it again !

I think fans being allowed back into stadiums can not come soon enough. players need to hear what it means to us all again !

Now
"what the fuck were they thinking selling Keane"

Fucked if you do.
Fucked if you don't

I don't think yesterday's result defines the season. But I do think that by the end of February we start to get a clearer picture of whether we are still in the mix, or making up the numbers again as you say.

Ever the optimist, but the next 3 games are pivotal and one of them is you know who.

Silva tried the high line and we got done time after time because both of our centre halfs turn like truck.

Its not pretty we know but theres no Stones or Ramos we can call upon. Our defenders are what they are and until either Godfrey becomes classy with his feet or we sign a 70 million Centre Half we need to sit deeper.

Godfreys pace if he becomes a reliable centre half might allow us to play a higher line but he can't pass a ball so I doubt he'll play much higher.

Most of the top sides have got a sub centre back as good as ours or better in some cases, we are doing what is required to get the best out of our defenders so we have a better chance against the top sides.

None of them have hammered us yet and thats a big difference from most of the last 20 seasons supporting Everton.

By the way Ian your last post wipes the floor with all your previous in my honest opinion. Far more constructive and much more of a problem solver than the defeatist posts you previously made.

Frustration is horrible mate thats why i never hold grudges over a football argument.

I don't think anyone is bemoaning Newcastle's tactics. As I said earlier, Shelvey was just following instructions.

It's more our inability to stand up to it and I think just about everyone here is in agreement with that.

Undoing the scattergun collection of recent years' transfer "strategy" was never going to be a quick fix.

What we are seeing now is the impact of having a good team but scratch the surface and we are back to last season's squad.

Not done much with them? I'd say we are better placed in the league now than we were just over 12 months ago.

Agree, and put less politely.
Some of them have no heart, no stomach for a fight.

I reckon, after we get over the disappointment of yesterday, the game we saw will be of massive importance in our development.
Ancelotti has publicly accused them of having no fight, no desire.
An unusual statement from any manager, even more so from a manager who is well known for backing his players.
The performance and attitude against Leeds will be interesting.

Cast iron guarantee Godfrey and Davies will start.

You might be right and I might be wrong.

Some of the teams you've mentioned have Europe to contend with, this has been a very unusual season, and we do not know what other factors might impinge on the season.

Not here to try and convince anyone of anything. We just have to wait and see!

Apart from that it is the manager and his coaches that should be laying into these players, and I am sure if we had a decent squad being able to rotate the players more they would do it.

Talking about Sunday Football, it was years ago when I run a team in the Liverpool & District Sunday Football League and was also on the league management committee, it was a tough league but fighting was dealt with by a disciplinary committee once a month a we usually only had 4/5 players appearing. I always found the majority of teams, and at that time there was 8 divisions with usually about 8/10 teams in each division played hard but never seen any fighting between team mates.

Reading the comments today and after watching the game again I agree with most of the comments of lack of effort, poor refereeing, and poor tactics on the managers part. All of the comments are definitely not except able, and the people responsible are all to blame. The problem now is what they do about it.

Enough complaining I will carry on watching the darts.

Talking to our own experiences as players and coaches at our own levels, I think we all agree. Ability is one thing. But it has to be matched with desire and commitment.

I can begrudgingly walk off the field of play having been beaten by an opponent who played better on the day but knowing I had given everything I could.

Mistakes and being outplayed can be tolerated and accepted. A lack of desire cannot.

Don't worry folks, I know him!!

As I remember it.
We all gave 100%,anything less and its yourself you are letting down.
I probably posted from a personal point of view.
The highest insult to anyone on a pitch.
"you took seconds"

Interestingly, maybe 10/15 mins before the James throw-in, in real time, I called Newcastle out for a blatant unpunished foul throw.

As a lot of posters have stated here, there was a lack of fight and aggression in that team yesterday, and as I mentioned in a previous post, nobody stood up to Shelvey, and no one helped out James. Richarlison needs to stop embarrassing himself, and put himself about a lot more - he is a big strong lad from Brazil! Maybe he needs to watch the Gracie brothers in action!

Whilst Allan is out, I feel we need to get Davies, Holgate and Godfrey in the team to add the grit that was missing from the Newcastle game. Even a midfield 3 of Allan, Doucoure and Davies in some games too. Thus allowing the full backs to overlap, and getting any one of those 3 forward more.

Just a thought. It might not be pretty, but it could work for now.

I had a poor opinion of him anyway and that was before being aware of the Watford-Reading "goal". Shocking.

I'm sure him and the linesman had "enjoy watching yourselves being utterly incompetent on telly later " from Watford players and management - probably not as nice as that..lol
I will be keeping an eye on this ref from now on!

Were you based around Lower Breck mate

I just want to refer back to the incident with Pickford and Saint Virgil. Michael Oliver has recently come out and said he probably should have sent Pickford off that day. So I suppose that's incompetency in itself, but think about it for a minute, if he had done his job properly in the first ten minutes of that game, he could very well have given Van Dick two yellow cards for the cynical challenges on James and DCL. Again, incompetent refereeing, but at least we wouldn't be putting up with all this shite from the gobshites regarding their beloved Virgil.

I had high hopes that video technology would help them much in the way it does in Rugby where officials are actually respected.

But they seem to be in conflict with it and feel threatened by it.

I find football officials too much in tune with their own ego and authority. They feel like they have to demonstrate authority and control, even when they know they've got a decision wrong.

For too long they have gotten away without having to explain. Managers and players have to come out and face questions after a match. Why shouldn't officials?

If you watch the best centre halves in the world, they all have one thing in common, they all let the opponent know as soon as possible what they are up against, all have that dirty side of the game in them..
In stead of Mina getting stuck into Wilson yesterday, he decided to play the big kid and look what happened.
We had the chance to buy VVD when he was at Celtic, but let Southampton buy him and that's another story !

I really hope for a better performance against Leeds, tey will allow us to play football if we can sort that out !

I thought you may have a connection to an old mate of mine, sadly no longer with us.
Les Gall.
What a man. What a Blue

Creasehead in action.

EDIT: Sorry - link function not working.

One of the few tough players we have is Godfrey and he wasn't even on the field against Newcastle. On a more positive note Leicester also only got one point from two games. The Premier is a tough league and we just DON'T have tough, hard working players, particularly if we try to play defensively. No bite no fight !!!!!

What does your point prove there? Leicester who are not scared of us, are scared of Leeds?

Or Everton and Leicester fear sides when they are at home?

It was hard to work out if there was a genuine fact?

No mention of the fact that we are also equal on points with Spurs, and also have two games in hand, or the fact that we are eighth, but equal on points with sixth place, so it should be "Leeds only four points behind top eight".

BT sport or sky sports don't like to mention us, do they. 😠😠😠

To the next game; I feel unclean saying it but a Liverpool win favours us more? Based on realistically who we are challenging and where we can finish?

Tin helmet at the ready. Soap ready to wash mouth out.

Is that how it works???

I bought a coat off them for my niece
Fuckin arm and a leg it cost me.
I'd take a job off them just for the discount

Ian, get that, but it is also unarguable that we beat Leicester by 2 clear goals on their own patch this season.

SKY viewers aren't interested in lowly unfashionable Everton. The only ones that are are Everton fans. The only way this attitude to Everton will change is by regularly qualifying for the CL. Even an FA cup won't make any difference.

Good point Joe. Beware of living in your history. History and traditions are a good thing but they should be the benchmark to remind you of what you stand for, not nostalgia. Being an exile in London, I recall healthy debate amongst Chelsea and Liverpool fans when Chelsea were in there ascendency and Liverpool as average as I have seen them in my lifetime. The Liverpool fans pointed to history and titles won past. Chelsea pointed to making history not living in the past.

Actually I was suggesting that a specific Everton fan had the ability to shake the club up at Board level, there doesn't seem to be any there at the moment who is concerned enough or has the football knowledge to go in and question the manager, coaches and players about the way they are all operating at the moment, it will never happen the lady in question is happy where she is, but I would love someone with her football knowledge and absolutely loves Everton football club to be in the position to shake the club up, it definitely needs somebody to start getting things changed, unless it doesn't need changing and we are all happy to carry on dreaming about winning trophies instead of actually winning them.

I have NEVER done that before, always believing (stupidly), even when under the cosh, we would somehow turn things around. It was evident early on yesterday that apart from James, we lacked creativity, and the rest (possibly Keane and Mina excepted) didn't even share a backbone or any responsibility.

For fear of repetition I have always maintained that I can reluctantly accept defeat if it had been by a better side, even bad reffing or Lady (bad) Luck, as long as they gave their all in the process. Sadly there wasn't even a vestige of that yesterday, and no sign of anyone willing to make a change, incite or galvanise any team spirit. (?)

I don't think that player is Allan.

The board of directors run the club that involves a lot more than the first team, the team are as they say, the icing on the cake, The board provide the rest of the ingredients that make the cake and most of that has nothing to do with the team but what is required to run an organization as large as Everton F.C.

.

Sure we have won games but even some of those were far from impressive and those two cup-ties summed up the current malaise. The draw against Leicester was not a bad result but yesterday was a disaster against Bruce's mob.
One thought after three quarters of the game that Everton had enough quality on defence to get at least a draw but then it went pear-shaped.

The Leeds game coming up is vital if they want to stay in the top half but another defeat may take them to mid-table and this squad are playing like a mid-table side currently.

It's hard to imagine that given some of the mediocre performances since the RS game that they haven't made a signing or two in January especially a midfielder and a forward.

Richarlison is under a cloud and there is no punch to help from midfield where they easily concede too much of the ball.

With some of the top teams coming around soon who knows where we will end up if Carlo doesn't get a grip.

He was mate. A nicer lad you could not meet, a gentleman.
Home and away.
Everton and Bob Dylan fanatic.

Sadly missed

Come on, Brands, go and get him. Gana, Allan and Doucouré would be a great midfield.

By the way, Kenwright was the owner and chairman for a lot longer than John Moores... A massive difference in football knowledge and how to make it work, and I know Moores had plenty of money. If Kenwright had had the same amount of money, he'd still be a pauper football-wise.

I hope I am wrong but, from where I am standing, he looks like he has morphed into another wanker on Everton's books.

Hi Thomas [536], I knew a Billy and Harry Gall, who lived in one of the streets that led from Townsend Lane to Breck Park, I believe they had an uncle [Leslie Gall] but I can't recall them following either Everton or Liverpool.

The dockers club was a brilliant place to spend a Sunday, it was full of rogues, comedians, and comradeship, along with loads of great amateur footballers, playing for many a different team.

The story of Everton Football Club.

I know you weren't asking me but I was alarmed when we appointed him as much as I was when we appointed Martinez and then Silva after that (acknowledging Koeman in-between who I had high hopes for). I accepted humble pie after that first Martinez season but concerns came home to roost.

Well, it turns out most results have gone our way this weekend. With games in hand, we remain in a good position. Over to you Mr Ancelotti and Everton. Your / our fate is in your / our hands; no-one else's. The 3 league games in February are massive and season-defining.

We have everything to play for. Take yesterday as a huge kick up the backside.

Concern is the already thin squad is getting thinner. I hear Kenny is off to Celtic on loan? I hope tomorrow brings a couple in the other way.

What was the centre-forward's name? Half-decent player but would cause mayhem in an empty house.

I know you weren't asking me, but I always thought John Deehan was the brains behind Mike Walker's short-term success at Norwich.

He was a canny footballer too.

Still remember my first game, I went past a player and rolled it wide for one of our players to square it to Kevin for a tap-in. Our player miscontrolled it and it went out for a goal kick. I hadn't even turned to get back in, and Kevin's running at me like a fuckin lunatic. “What the fuck are you doin passin to him” he said, “pass it to me cos he's fuckin shite - don't be stupid lad, just give the ball to fuckin me!”

Brilliant, it the start of a very funny period in my life!

My name was William but I was always called Bill my dad's name was Harry I don't now if it us you are referring to as we lived in Scarisbrick Road. My dad had a brother George who lived on Kingsland Crescent over near the Crown.

I know he had a daughter, Sylvia, who now lives in Spain bit I can't recollect if he had a son. Gall is an unusual name, will have to phone my sister and see if she knows anything about a Leslie.

Apologies, I have only just seen your post.
Leslie was my mates dad.

I met him in far and wide places following our beloved Blues.
As I said a great, great man

Assuming the players in the news are sent out on loan and no one arrives before Wednesday, this is my team to face Leeds, in a 4-2-3-1 formation:

Olsen
Coleman, Keane, Mina, Godfrey
Holgate, Doucoure
Davies, Rodriguez, Digne
Calvert-Lewin

I believe that Richarlison, Sigurdsson, Iwobi and Gomes deserve to be relegated to the bench. My team selection will hopefully give these players some competition at least. Drastic measures, wholly justified, in my opinion.

European football is still there for us as it for about six other clubs. The two Manchester clubs and the club across the park will probably occupy the top three spots at the end of the season but after that it's a lottery.

Yes, Everton have the billionaire and his mate, they both know how to make money. They need help to make a successful football club; they haven't had much help up to now. I'll leave it at that.

Apologies, I had a bout of depression after watching the game the other morning, woke up with a sore and miserable head at midday, and swore I wouldn't catch up on ToffeeWeb until I found some Zantac!

Dave, I am flattered by your comments but alas they are unfounded. Perhaps 20 years ago, I would have given an arm and a leg to do it, but it has only been the last 20-odd years that I had the opportunity to actually be a senior executive and learn the trade, so to speak. So timing in life is everything; perhaps in another time and place, the dice would have rolled that way and god I would have loved it! To be honest, I am not sure I could have sat in the same room as Bill Kenwright during the Kirkby fiasco... we will never know!

But Bill is right: there are those younger, better qualified to be of value to the club and my time is done! I have watched the Blues since the early 60s and proud to have done so, travelled the world but never forgot where I came from: Portland Gardens, Virgil Street and Scotland Road. I know every foot of the walk between Mile End and Goodison Park. I am proud to be an Evertonian. But what is STILL brilliant is the people, the blue blood on here, it flows the world over.

Yesterday, I drove an hour, about 30 miles out of Nelson, to a field in Tasman where they were having a village festival, a family day, music acts and sitting in the sunshine with local people in the Upper Moutere Valley. Sat on a hay bale listening to the music, drinking a glass of wine and thinking how lucky I was to be able to do so.

I had my pink Everton Ladies shirt on... within 10 minutes of sitting down, I had a woman tap me on the shoulder, and ask me where I got my shirt? "In Liverpool One," I replied. She was from County Road, her husband and kids, all Evertonians, knew of my family... shared a laugh for a couple of hours. Then one of their teenage kids said, "Don't you write on ToffeeWeb?"

14,000 miles, Dave... Evertonians are everywhere and I am proud of that. I am proud to be one. I get it.

We all felt Saturday's fiasco, but we get over it, we are well used to such days, had plenty, especially in the last three decades.

Anyway, made up you had a great day yesterday and meeting fellow Scousers and Blues too, bet you talked the legs off each other!! That's the spirit, we get put down but always jump back up and get on with it.

Happened long ago to me and my mate, 12 and 10 years old, got on a bus full of Toffees outside Maine Road, just lost to Bolton 4-3 in the semi-final of the FA Cup. Quiet at first, then an old fella shouts out, “Are we down-hearted" - pause, then, "No!” In seconds, the bus kicked off with “Give us an E then V right through to N then EVERTON repeatedly. The bus became alive with Everton songs, bucked me and my mate up.

It's been the same ever since, that spirit will never die with Everton supporters, but by God we need one of us in that Everton boardroom, not some pseudo Evertonian who acts like one, if you know what I mean.

Carry on enjoying life, Christine, where you now live. On match days, your spirit will always be back in Liverpool cheering on the Blues.

Sat outside the Crown Hotel in Hawkes Bay one evening before Covid, having a cold beer, and two gents sat down on the table next to me. Started chatting and it turned out that one of them was from Breck Road and had emigrated to New Zealand many years before.

I was brought up in Woodville Terrace as it was then and he was from Richmond Terrace which was the next street to mine. Small world. Staunch Everton supporter and we had a good old chat about past glories.

Unfortunately not much to talk about since then and we spent 15 minutes berating Bill Kenwright. How he ever got to boardroom level is mind-boggling but they say that opportunists have an eye for money and he certainly did have a good eye and a gift of the gab, as we say in Liverpool.

I'd been at board level for many years before my retirement in positions both in Singapore and China and would love to be able to question some of the comical, idiotic and crap decisions made over his Everton tenure. Never mind... we are born Blues and he can never take that away from us hard as he has tried.

Keep enjoying the great wines there and, mad as we get, we will never forget who we support. COYB

I. was born in Norris green and when I started supporting Everton in the mid 50s I walked to the ground through Walton Hall Park. My wife was from near your neck of the woods she is from Queen Anne Place the 4 Squares before moving to Croxteth

The Kings Dock fiasco finished me with B.K. but I believe Moshiri has now got a more a professional board to look after his interests and keep Bungling Bill in check.

We are in one of the safer areas of the Covid 19 but it just takes a couple of idiots to change that, good health and take care of yourself.

Bill, I have a property in Davenport to the south east of Orlando. Well, town address is Davenport, but it's on Highway 27 in the Four Corners area. Not been able to get out this year.

Having spent a lot of time serving abroad and in different parts of the country, now living in London, I love bumping into fellow blues. What I also like is the intrigue that foreigners and other parts of the country get when they realise you are from Liverpool and support Everton. They get very interested and inquisitive.

I think we all had a bad day yesterday. Still in the mix, so let's move on. It's all we can and ever do!!

I was playing football and said to our manager, “ no way am I getting back on that aeroplane to go home, have a good game and I'll swap places with you he said, but don't think that ferry is plane-sailing, if you don't”

I went to take a corner and someone was flying a kite behind the goal for some reason. My stomach turned, it was honestly like the flight I'd just been on, and luckily for me our manager kept his word, which was lucky for me because I've never been fond of sailing!

A beautiful place NZ, it was sadly wasted on a stupid city kid like myself, but at least the people are living properly again, which gives me hope for Wembley in may!!

It is great to hear a positive story on normal life resuming. I too second your Wembley May call. I just hope we get the Green Man end, not that dreadful industrial estate on the other side with that awful place; forget the name of it.

I am another scouser, born and bred Evertonian, who has lived in Canada since 1963. We live about twenty minutes from Niagara Falls. We have a few things in common.

I was born in 1939 and lived all my Liverpool life in Clubmoor, right next to Norris Green. I went to Norris Green baths on a very regular basis. When we were not swimming, we chased whoever was the enemy (could be the RS) with rolled towels. I also frequented The Regal (the rag house) when I was not at 'The Clubmoor Cinema'', a little bit posher.

I also walked right through The Cemetary to watch Everton. When I was 10 to 14 I used to push a handicapped man to the match. Ulterior motive. I got in free.I also played football at Clubmoor Rec most Sundays.

Keeping things relevant. I am more nervous now watching Everton than I ever was 60 plus years ago.Totally pissed off by the Newcastle game. However this whole league is inconsistent and I ALWAYS try to stay positive. Win the next game and I will be reborn. My Scottish wife thinks I am insane when watching Everton. Actually she is only partially right because I am like that most of the time.

I have great memories but thats all they are Memories. I prefer to live in the present. I still get as much pleasure watching the present Everton as I ever did. I really don't care what Liverpool do. I find that is the best way. Canada is far enough away to not receive to much taunting.

I have been back quite often to Liverpool to see family and 'of course' Everton games. In fact I and my sons were one day away from the Derby game when Covid 19 struck and we had to cancel the trip. We are still paid for whenever this thing ends

I have mentioned this before but I have two adult sons who had no choice to be EVERTONIANS. They are named John Everton and Andrew Goodison. My wife would not let me call our daughter Gladwys. I don't know why.

I got that impression Christine. I do love nature and the outdoors, but I'm a city boy at heart so always like to return to my home comforts. New Zealand I think is larger than the UK land masse wise but has a population of 4 million, so it gave a feeling of isolation. Whereas we have 67 million with the majority of that crammed into an area south and south east of the M62!!

I'm fortunate to have lived abroad but do love the UK. I think we beat ourselves up a lot. For me, the ideal retirement scenario is splitting my time between the UK, the States and Germany.

For the Canadian cohort, love Kingston in Ontario. Spent time there when in the Army too. Great place.

Maybe it's watching on the telly? But it's mad because I relaxed around the sixty minute mark on Saturday, probably because I felt we never had the craft, and I started resigning myself to a defeat.

I will be nervous again on Wednesday, and if we win, then I will be even worse on the Saturday for the United game. That's nothing to how I will be next week though, because my nerves will be absolutely shattered for the Tottenham game.

Maybe it's because we've been defending for our lives, or maybe it's because we lack a bit of adventure, but watching on television is becoming a horrible experience, (I don't know how you fellas do it) and I just can't wait to get back in the crowd.

It is definitely more nerve wracking watching on the box. It is probably made worse by that time coinciding with mainly watching very average and often defensive Everton sides, but for some odd reason, you feel like you have more control over the game when you are in the stadium.

Even though clearly you don't! I know what you mean though. I've watched Everton in some very odd locations and settings, but much prefer when I can be in the stadium.

“When I'm in the crowd” might have changed with the introduction of all seater stadiums, and although it's great putting the kettle on at half time, nothing beats the noise, the emotion, and the whole picture, which can never be replicated watching on TV.

He's a Chelsea fan - I told him he wouldn't understand.
He said of course he does but actually he wasn't sure how they got on as he's not seen the score yet.
I said, there you are then!

I am the same as you, try to get back as often as I can, and ever since I have been in Canada my vacation has been at the end of October and the beginning of September (after checking the fixture list) if I am going back to England.

I don't know about you but I have been in Canada since 1976, have a Canadian Citizenship and passport but still call Liverpool home.

She impressed me most of all when we met in 1964 and she told me that her cousin was best friends with Alex Young. That lead to marriage mainly based on the fact that I would almost be Alex Young's second cousin. He was and is my all time "Favourite Blue"

Mind you it wasn't all peaches and cream. She told me last weekthat she was related to Kenny Dalgleish. After 56 years of marriage divorce proceedings could be in the works. No, not a chance, she is a really great cook although she has never come up with a decent scouse . other than ME.

The closest we got to an Everton player was Rooney. My niece, her dad was my wife's brother, was a school friend of Rooney and his wife and they were often around at their house, I met him a couple of times before he went to UTD.
They are still friends and she went to their wedding in Italy,but my niece would never say anything bad about them.

You can tell your wife that I have Scottish ancestry. In our family tree there is a, William Gall ( bread maker) born 1791 Peterhead Scotland died 1855 liverpool.

Hope you are all keeping well.. we just celebrated our 60th anniversary, but with all the restrictions going on we couldn't even go for a family meal. Don't now when we will get our vaccinations but the wife's younger sister her husband and their daughter have already had theirs in Liverpool.

Was Christy thier relation?

She said yes, she was an old battleaxe and skinny as a rip, she said she could be a rite cow so I expect she gets her milk.

Sorry.
Memory playing tricks again mate.
Was Christy Harolds mate?

Yes, strange and really desperate times, there seems to be a small light at the end of the tunnel with these vaccines, let's hope the light grows and wipes out the darkness that has gripped most people these last 12 months and you can finally complete your plans to come over again.

Best wishes that you do. In the meantime, keep tight hold of that Friary girl!!!

Sorry, I somehow missed your post and thinking of Hawkes Bay reminded me of my pre-Christmas visit to Napier and what a joy it was, I was very impressed! Indeed I sat outside the Napier club with a glass (or two) and a great meal in lovely sunshine.

The place is the Art Deco capital of the world I think, it is like you woke up in a Chicago gangster movie of the 1920s! The place is amazing, difficult to get to in that it's miles from anywhere but worth the drive.

It's the 90th anniversary of the Napier earthquake this week, the devastation was immense. I have been in the middle of the bad one in 1986 here, but not the one in Christchurch that did so much damage and loss of life.

I wouldn't mind settling in Hawkes Bay but prices in New Zealand have gone through the roof. I should have worked for longer!! Stay safe and enjoy Hawkes Bay the next time you are over!