Everton win 'eleventh-hour' battle for King

ps: Can we sign out of contract players after the window closes?

On registering Besic, I guess we could but centre mid is well stocked already (albeit not with quality).

Also notice our former youth striker Sam Cosgrove has just joined Brum from Aberdeen. Keep working hard, Sam, and the Premier League may beckon.

We don't want an unknown who they think is the next best thing again.

I will be very surprised if we do not have something cooking.

If that happens, we're probably in okay shape.

I'd love us to pull an out-of-field option in, someone from South America etc, an unknown pacey winger. I'm going to be disappointed at the close of this window I think, manage your expectations man!!!!

If we have nothing in the pipeline (Bailey, Dzeko etc) we have diminished the squad, albeit of mainly expensive under-achievers, and not prepared for the rest of this season. Walcott, Kean, Bolasie, Bernard, Tosun, Simms all out. There must be someone coming the other way... Mustn't there?

As others have rightly said, the departure of those on the fringe has left our squad even more vulnerable to the loss of key players when injury or suspension strike. We do have one or two coming back – assuming Gbamin returns (and is actually useful after such a long injury) and Allan regains both the form he showed and the exciting promise he was showing as he settled.

We need one or two short-term loans to fill the gaps that are there for everyone to see as well as the additional forward.

I am not really confident it's the best business to do unless it is on loan. Massive wages, long contract, age and injuries. I am loathe we do more panic buying in the January window and we're lumbered with a player for 4 years who risks being bang average and doesn't have the quality to get us to the next level.

Would much prefer a loan and a get a player bit younger and a bit more quality in June. Young quality forward, with pace and improvement in him. There will be a few we could target in the summer.

There's still players sitting on that bench he clearly doesn't trust like Gordon, who can't even get on when Richarlison has stunk.

I'm not madly bothered about Zirkzee because I think he's another head-in-ass Moise Kean type player.

An experienced old hand would come in handy, a modern day Kevin Campbell type signing.

I know it's clear that has time passed he hasn't been able to cut the mustard here but still when he first arrived he dovetailed beautifully on the left with Lucas Digne, so well that brief comparisons were made with "Bainaar".

Another one for the failed filing cabinet however, but just for old times sake...

"Bernard, Bernard will tear you apart again!!!"

We need a striker. Obviously.

Sky Italy are reporting Joshua Zirkzee has arrived in Milan ahead of his move from Bayern Munich to Parma. The player will undergo his medical before signing his contract.

It is understood to be a loan deal with an option to buy for €15m, which could become an obligation.

Bayern Munich are understood to be adding a 7.5 per cent sell on clause in the deal.

Brands told us weeks ago that his mission in this window is to trim the over-blown squad not to add to it. So it wouldn't surprise me if nobody came in this window, and if they do its more likely a loan deal. This window is notorious for having to pay way over the odds for journeymen players; with our precarious financial position I think we need to be very careful on when and how we spend.

I know most fans expect players to be bought in every window, and if you don't they look at it as a missed opportunity. Yes, we have got a few off the books for now but come the summer if these players don't impress the clubs they are loaned to then they come back onto an already bloated wage bill. I know we are very light up-front should Calvert-Lewin our only out and out striker get injured we may struggle, but I don't think Tosun was a viable option should that happen, and the same with Bernard.

Come the summer we will be in a better position to assess where we are financially, we will hopefully have made the loan deals permanent and will hopefully have some spare cash to help the club buy a couple of quality players. I think, without the sponsorship money that Usmanov has supplied, we would be in a more precarious financial position.

We will be limited to what we can spend because we are close to our FFP ceiling, so whatever money we spend in this window will mean there will be less to spend in the summer, when usually you get a better quality player for a little less than if you had bought that player in January.

But this is Everton so we'll probably get a pair of falsies and go tits up.

Like many have said after decades of nothing from our club, nothing will change this season. The window with Lukaku and Barry was the standout for me.

I don't expect anyone in today and so far theres been one link to kink and perisic which don't scream concrete as of yet.

We've normally avoided January and whilst I don't rate Tosun or Bernard, letting them go and having absolutely nobody on the bench is lunacy.

We've had two keepers on the bench majority of the season and it will now be fully filled with youngsters who simply aren't ready.

The long term business from us has been shocking. Where's the plan?

As for top 4, that was always a stretch too far.

Top 6 was doable with luck and a fall from grace by one or two richer clubs.

Our squad looks about 7th or 8th really, and a Josh King won't make a huge difference to that. If Ancelloti gets us above 7th it will be a heck of an achievement.

Bit of a grim reality but the departures will pave the way for a material improvement in summer.

The long-term planning bit was more aimed at our business over the last 5 years, mate. Brands was brought in with the reputation of buying exciting young talent and selling them at a huge profit.

Bar Kean, who could still very well make us money, I don't think we've taken that approach and are now in a position where we have to get rid of our entire bench to break even.

Completely agree that it's underperforming players and they don't have a future but the idea that we just get rid of them all and bring in nobody is lunacy.

I've said all along, if we get Europa League, that's big progress for us and top 4 is a few steps too far but just imagine if Richarlison and Calvert-Lewin both pick up injuries? Is the plan to play Sigurdsson as a striker? I understand letting a few go now but we have literally no attackers.

Ancelotti stated at the start of the season that Europe was the aim. If that doesn't happen, he has failed. Some of the defeats so far can be put firmly at his door.

Bernard - Bolasie - Tosun represent combined wages of more than 200k a week. That is just bonkers and that is what we have been dealing with. Add Delph, GBamin to that and it's another 100k+ a week on players that currently contribute nothing.

So no chance of any more 100k a week players (Diego Costa/Perisic/Dzeko etc) coming in this window, or any window I assume.

We need a long term strategy - 15-16 first team players of real quality, and then another 6-8 younger players with great potential.

I can see movement the next summer window. More outward movement of underperformers and over earners - Gomes, Siggy, Delph, Coleman. And maybe a few big sales: Kean, Richarlison and maybe one of the centre backs (with Branthwaite taking their place). This would bring in 150 million or so in fees and give room for investment, but it will have to be sensible investment.

My hope, is that the mentality will change. Quite often over the years, we have actually responded well when we have had injury crisis' etc. The players develop a better unity and better mentality. The same small group of players week in week out, work out a way to play and win despite the problems.

Under Moyes, we performed well despite having a smal squad and no money. Our club had performed worse ever since we've started spending money and having squad filled with players just lining their pockets. A return to Everton that performs greater than the sum of its parts would be welcome.

He's done things wrong, but so what if he fails to get Europe. Koeman got us in Europe, and was gone before the group stages had ended.

I'm interested in Everton being able to compete before they move on to better things, so it's no use taking 4 points off Leicester, if we take none from Newcastle, because although we have been doing well when we park the bus, we are not so good when we try and move away from protecting our defenders.

Why? I'd say we are not good enough to do this yet, but that's just my opinion. sometimes we look miles away and sometimes we don't look that far away, so if we fail I won't despair, because I've always been of the opinion that making Everton great again (I wish) was never going to happen overnight

Ian, I agree Carlo will have failed in his own personal aim to get us into Europe. Noting that about 7 sides with better (generally much better) squads have the same or loftier aims, then it puts that aim into perspective. Based on the tools at his disposal then we should finish 7th or 8th. If he fails to do that, then it's a more objective failure.

I think he needs to set a budget and stick to it, and realize that throwing money at the problem has failed miserably.

Can you expand on that please Brian.
What stats? ,"There is no doubt and the stats back up that since we have had the benefit of Moshiris money we have regressed as a club"

Can you expand on that please Brian.
What stats? ,,,1,13:22:23,,109.249.181.101,ok,23848,02/01/2021 13:22:23,Tomrichards2@outlook.com,reader,,,no 1126482,40414,toffeeweb,01/02/2021,Phil Smith,djsentinelone@gmail.com,Lössl has left and so too has Tosun. If we don't sign an attacking player then we can kiss European football goodbye for next season. Richy is gonna lose his mate and is clearly not happy or fit or both. DVL is moaning with his arms in the air every 5 minutes and is either not happy or not fit or both. Very worried where the goals are gonna come from in the second half of the season and I'm fairly certain we'll slowly start to fade away in the next few weeks unless something drastically changes. I see a very unhappy squad at the moment. Worried...,Lössl has left and so too has Tosun. If we don't sign an attacking player then we can kiss European football goodbye for next season. Richy is gonna lose his mate and is clearly not happy or fit or both. DVL is moaning with his arms in the air every 5 minutes and is either not happy or not fit or both. Very worried where the goals are gonna come from in the second half of the season and I'm fairly certain we'll slowly start to fade away in the next few weeks unless something drastically changes. I see a very unhappy squad at the moment. Worried...,,,1,13:23:22,,142.118.88.51,ok,8604,02/01/2021 13:23:22,djsentinel1,reader,,,no 1126483,40394,toffeeweb,01/02/2021,Dave Abrahams,dave.abba@hotmail.com,"Paul ( 31), remember that game well, that Goodison Roar frightened the life out of most teams, it certainly panicked United into many mistakes, if I'm not mistaken Derek Temple playing upfront as a striker scored two of the goals, night game but before floodlights?

After years of being thrifty, of scouting players, of making sure players had the right mentality before signing. To just spending willy nilly on whoever came up, offering huge contracts, without any long term plan - is just depressing.

I'm willing to accept Everton being a top-7/8 club for the next couple of years IF it means there is some fundamental changes going on, with long term planning and structures put in place where we invest in youth, promote young players, and sign players when the due dilligence has been done and we know they will make a significant impact.

Like Leicester - after Leicester won the league, they predictably spent lots of money to try and improve their squad and most the of teh money was badly spent - Musa, Slimani and many other multi-million pound players who failed to deliver. But they quickly changed course and refocussed their transfer strategy and it is paying dividends.

I don't number myself among them. I fancy those busily refreshing their newsfeed every 30 seconds today are in for a great deal of disppointment.

To date in the month of January, across all 20 PL clubs, there has only been one (medium-priced) recruitment of a new player. United's £19 million transfer of the teenager Amad Diallo from Atlanta. A punt on future potential. Three weeks after signing, he hasn't as much as made their 1st team bench.

Like us and other clubs, they have been OFFLOADING players, not recruiting them. Lingard to WHU. Rojo's contract cancelled and on his way back to Boca Jnrs. Several academy players loaned out.

Arsenal have let Ozil go for free and recruited just Odegaard and the 34-year-old keeper Matt Ryan from Brighton on loan.

City, zilch.

Liverpool, looking to recruit a 25-year-old centre back from PNE for £2 million.

Leicester have let Demarai Gray and Slimani go and recruited noone.

WHU have sold Snodgrass and Haller and brought forward the intended summer payment of the on-loan Benrahma from Brentford to now, freeing up a loan spot to recruit Lingard.

Spurs, zilch incomings.

Chelsea, Piazon sold, Tomori and Drinkwater gone on loan. No incomings.

Villa have singed Morgan Sanson, a 26-year-old midfielder from Marseille.

And so it goes on all the way down the league.

NOBODY is going 'large', either in numbers or transfer fees. Most are clearing their books. Just like Everton.

After Moshiri: 7, 8, 8, 12.

And we can add teh caveat that, in the Moshiri years we have seen other clubs: Spurs and Leicester break the 'sky 6' barrier, which in the years preceeding Moshiri looked pretty impenetrable.

And all of a sudden we have fans saying our manager is failing if we don't finisg top-6 or top-4. Saying that we should target top-4 etc. It's like they ignore the reality.

Our team has suffered 7 years of increasing mediocrity. It's not a trend that we can simply turn around in one fell swoop.

That's the task at hand, so first we must yes, get rid of the dead wood of 3 failed managers and if need be, work with a limited, bare bones squad.

No more short term fixes - no more average players on big contracts.

I am all for offloading as many players as we can in this window. It's a panic buying market and probably our only chance of moving some of them on.

Regarding incomings, I want quality not quantity. Not filling the bench on a match day doesn't interest me.

If nothing changes it reeks of complacency, and complacency has tragically been the chief feature of our Premier League history, never mind the past seven seasons.

Moshiri needs to have the balls to realise that despite his misplaced largesse his five year project about which he was so lyrical in 2016 is maybe only now, with CA as manager, effectively in year one.

A world class manager.

A new ground in planning.

An improved points tally in managers first full season.

A multi billionaire backing the owner

Regressed?

I agree. This is Year one, and if it means clearing the decks, to allow Carlo and Brands to do their job better going forward so be it.

Short up front though (as the actress said to the bishop)

We won't qualify for Europe this time around and, even if we did, we don't have the squad yet to compete at that level. Next season should be when we expect to start seeing some results from Carlo.

I think the summer will bring us a new goalie, an upgrade on Siggi, and a back-up for DCL, plus a couple of squad players. I'm not expecting any incoming today.

I did wonder whether Lewis Dobbin might be considered - but that seems unlikely given trouble Gordon has in getting a game. And Dobbin has been injured too, I think.

Oussama Idrissi is going to Ajax on loan, with an option to buy.

My local club AZ won't like that, after selling him to Sevilla in the summer. And losing 0-2 to Ajax yesterday.

Snap. Made my weekend even better...

"I can't imagine Everton not adding to this very weak squad, won't allow myself to."

Do you remember the year Royle was sacked? He made deadline-day bids for Barry Horne and tried to sign Flo. But we got neither, he quit/got sacked and I remember we had to beg Paul Rideout into coming back from China as we ended up with a squad of only 15 players. Also, may have been the year we sold Arteta, when we ended up drafting 16-year-old Jose Baxter and Phil Jagielka into midfield due to a complete lack of players. So, sadly, we do have history when it comes to leaving ourselves short.

You're probably right lol he may even outlast Kenwright at the club.

Premier League Stats from this season:
Tosun - 3 sub appearances - 43 minutes no goals
Bolasie - Nothing
Lössl - Bench only
Kenny - 1 game - 76 minutes
Bernard - 2 starts + 3 sub appearances - 272 minutes 1 goal.

I calculate they have comprised 2.1% of a player's time on the pitch this season. Is it really weakening us?

If Calvert-Lewin or Richarlison got injured, would Carlo play Tosun or Bolasie? Bernard's time is over and so sell while we can or hold just in case and have him stuck here for 2 more years.

At the moment, I am not totally unhappy and for those who think we are in with a shout of Europe and this is throwing it away, I am trying to get something written up for the site which shows we are unlikely to make it anyway. If Carlo and Marcel look at the same stats, they are planning for next season already.

I stated in my post that we have regressed since Moshiri took over, as Fran detailed our league finishes prior to Moshiri taking over and since he took over. Let's also not forget that, before he took over, our managers had very little money to spend yet achieved by-and-large better league placings than those that followed; hence why I said we had regressed under Moshiri.

Yes, I agree he has now appointed a world-class manager, and yes, we have a new stadium in the planning, but that has to be paid for and as we saw with both Arsenal and Spurs they spent very little in the transfer market while building their stadiums. So I think we can expect our transfer kitty to be greatly curtailed when we eventually do start building our stadium.

Yes we have a multi-millionaire backing the owner obviously you are referring to Alisher Usmanov, but let's not forget Usmanov has already bankrolled Everton in getting first refusal on naming rights of the new stadium and in sponsorship deals he has done. But that money he has pumped in has been spent. I also think that those who regulate the FFP will be keeping a very close eye on any further investments from Usmanov into Everton. So that gravy train might run into problems further down the line.

So I am delighted we have Ancelotti on board – by far the best manager Moshiri could have appointed. I do think he will bring success to Everton but, with the financial constraints he may have to work under, it may take him longer than he would originally have liked.

Ps. You'd have made a great wing man in nightclubs. Always trying to chat up the stunners despite richer, more handsome men ahead of you in the queue.

A guy who lost his place in the Norwegian national team because he is no longer good enough, how the heck can he be good enough for Everton??? Even as a backup??? On a £130k a week??

Thanks Brian.

On the whole Everton don't do goals do they, even Big Dunc (I think) managed to top 10 PL goals just once in a season.

Agree mate.

King has scored a goal every three and a half games.

The demand to get him in has got me baffled.

Bring on Leeds. **gulp**

We could have
Tony Hibbert - 265 appearances. 127 games in a defence which kept a clean sheet.
Alan Hansen - 520 appearances. 1 taking the lace out of the ball on the goal line in a Cup Final.

The deadwood stage is riding on over the hills,
And it's ship crap away,
Ship crap away,
Ship crap away

Surely there's a striker in Scotland, Holland, Germany we could get in at decent age and price ?!

I like King who's a free agent in the summer but I don't think we wan't to pay the £100k weekly wage.

I would love a good attacking player now, but I can understand our new transfer policy.

Do not back down to these whinging attempts to get you to stop voicing your opinion.
There are a couple of posters on here who are averaging around 100 posts between them after each match. They patrol the threads like a pair of guard dogs refuting every criticism of this manager, no matter how factual...None of these shouter downers complain about them. In fact they will only support the excuses they offer. They're like sheep...all following the same path in the same unquestioning manner

There are some very knowledgeable fans on here who will take you to task with some fantastic counter arguments. The sheeple are not among them. They don't have a counter argument to what you say, so they will simply. err bleat that you said it.

I cant belief that people come on here to complain about your three line post..Everybody has the option of skating over posts from posters who's views they don't want to hear, but this mob mentality is designed to shut you up...They even tell you so.

You are right to criticise the shite we endure. If a small group on here cant handle the truth. Tough.

Keep reminding them of what it is they are excusing and applauding

Sad.

"Everybody has the option of skating over posts from posters who's views they don't want to hear,"

Have you considered taking your own advice?

I don't see us buying anyone. But, to me that sends a message to DCL and Richie that they are on easy street. If their only competition comes from Sig -- a guy who can't even get into the team in his favored position -- there's not exactly massive pressure for them to perform.

I went up to Walter Smith, and asked him why he'd signed them, and his reply was “for fucksake son I've got to do something”

That's my feelings now, but for some unknown reason, I don't think Ancellotti feels the same way.

Since we have been loosely linked with Josh King I have been watching Bournemouth games to get a glimpse, he hasn't even made the starting eleven in many. The other day I watched the Reading V Bournemouth game and had to check the team sheet to ascertain he was actually playing, such was his 'influence on the game' (?) where they were outplayed by Reading. One word, Swerve!

He's not playing that much now !

We are so short ! A couple of injuries (DCL and Richy) and we have no strikers available.

I understand the financial issues, poor value for money in January but with no incoming transfers we should have kept our existing players.

Might regret this badly in weeks to come especially as 4th is really up for grabs.

If we do manage a run of form to finish top 4, it will be down to our best players playing week in week out. Luck with injuries and suspensions.

It's unlikely, but that's the only way.

Didn't Sandy Brown do likewise on occasions? In fact, was there a position he didn't step into?! Talking about modern-day players having no bloody guts, Sandy Brown was always 100% committed.

So what ? You may ask Well they earn that sort of money to take care of the squad and yet, if Calvert- Lewin gets injured we are FCUK'd

Jimmy Gabriel played up front as well. Did ok

Leicester, Spurs, Southampton, West Ham, Villa are all teams that too a pretty reliant on their one centre forward. All have struggled to find adequate back up.

Good, reliant centre forwards just aren't that easy to find. More fail than succeed.

I'm guessing Brands and Ancelotti are hedging their bets - more likely DCL will not get injured than we are likely to find a striker who can adequately replace him.

Another one was Ian Marshall. Not at Everton but after he left, he was CB for Oldham until they had an injury crisis then suddenly became their striker. Ended with only four less career goals than Big Dunc.

Ancelotti is heading for 6th to 9th. There's no great gain from spending now. And there's nothing really at stake.

It's shit for us as fans because it robs us of a bit of hope - and might rob us of a few wins - and I like the Europa league too.

Assuming the Burnley rumors are true, then that makes absolutely no sense at all.

I get the saving of the wages but there's a real opportunity for someone this season and despite Saturday's terrible showing, why not us!?

We really are short now and a few injuries to forwards has a huge impact !! Who's 3rd choice CF now ??

I don't get why he agreed to go to Celtic. Dont get me wrong they are a great club with fantastic history and you'd have to be mad not to want to play in front of 60,000 screaming Sellic supporters...but this is lock down. the place is empty. The league is poor and much as I hate to say it the Hoops are currently crap

He took no prisoners, but he was very polite when he first arrived. He used to help them up off the floor after he'd flattened them. Soon gave up on that.

Jimmy, Stevens and Tony Kay were immense in the post freeze long run in to the 1963 Championship. As important as Young and Vernons goals.

Steel, class and commitment. It cemented Kay's reputation as an Everton great. They were magnificent.

He went to Celtic, because he's desperate to play football, Darren, and after the Burnley move broke down, he thought he was going to be stuck at Finch/Farm, just to make the numbers up.

Every other side will strengthen and the unique, volatile nature of this season is unlikely to be repeated. We have a big chance right in front of us while Tottenham, Chelsea and Arsenal flounder - and it looks as though we're going to pass it up. Relying on two forwards for the rest of the season will be absurd.

Yes some of the football has been appalling to watch at times but it's also produced some excellent and unexpected results.

Ancelotti inherited a bloated, overpaid squad, with players bought by many different managers including some still here since Moyes' time and with a few astute, targeted additions in the ONE real window he's had, has them threatening the top end of the table. In his first 38 games in charge he has achieved a points total that would have us challenging the top six most seasons.

Moshiri has gotten a lot of things wrong since he took control, but I don't think appointing Ancelotti or backing him, be it with money or time (ideally both) is one of them.

You don't have to be a sheep or a happy clapper to think that for once, there ‘might' be a plan.

P.s. on topic, I hope we sign a few, boy does Carlo needs them ;)

Ancelotti had signed four first team players?
One defender
Two midfielders
One genius.

Where is the defensive squad he is building?

We did indeed win 4-1 with King scoring a hatrick.

It is on YouTube that game a good 20 odd minutes, maybe more.

Joe Royle was playing for Bristol City.

The squad is now 3 keepers, 8 Defenders, 13 midfielders and 2 forwards.

I'm hoping and believe that the club has a stratedgy and a plan for this window and the summer window.

My gut is that there won't be any incomings, by 11 p.m. tonight, but I could be wrong.

Seriously massive game v Leeds, on Wednesday, and I hope the players can take their medicine, and antone for Saturday.

City have played without a striker for most of the season, lpool have played without an out an out striker for about 3 years.

The game is changing, speed and technique are the pre requisites. Who has been better than Messi or Ronaldo over the last 20 years? Neither of them you would class as out and out strikers

What ratio of positions would you think ideal.

Do you think the names you mention who have left would make a difference to our finishing position ?

Keane
Tosun
Walcott
Bolasie
Gordon.

Do you know how many league goals the five of them have scored between them for EFC this season?

Celtic a safer bet and will probably get more game time.

Financially I think we could still get 5M in the summer for him but this is a good chance to showcase his talents for a new contract or team.

Has to be an upgrade on players leaving though.

That isn't how I want my team to play either. I just don't get how a few of you go on about getting rid of Ancelotti as being the answer. He came in and improved us and several of the players he inherited. He's playing to our strengths while trying to not over-expose our weaknesses (largely in my opinion, ‘the midfield') That's the sign of a good manager to me.

Think that rumour died.

Maitland Niles move to WBA is reported to be on hold as anotber Prem club has made a bid.

Please let it be us.
Exact profile of player we should build into our squad

Regards Victor Meldew.

Not as bad as suggesting playing Simms, though, as your mate did!

SPIKE!!

Not linking these but I always believe there is talent in the Scottish PL and the Championship. Could we not loan someone..

Deeney, Ighalo, OK I've started to get desperate despite admitting that I don't think anyone is coming in.

Who are the two centre halfs Ancelotto has signed for Everton?

Ying tong ying tong, ying tong tiddle ey de

Spike 1992.

Hope you win the lottery my friend. 😁😁,"Money can't buy you happiness but it does bring you a more pleasant form of misery"

Spike 1992.

Hope you win the lottery my friend. 😁😁,,,1,20:31:50,,109.249.181.101,ok,23848,02/01/2021 20:31:50,Tomrichards2@outlook.com,reader,,,no 1126701,40407,toffeeweb,01/02/2021,Jay Wood
[BRZ],support@empacademy.com,"GREAT pick up and powerful run by Onyango, then unselfishly playing in Broadhead rather than take the shot himself for Broadhead's 2nd of the night. Back in the lead.

Stephen @172. I'd completely forgotten about Broadhead. He is a cut above U23s though no great shakes at Burton. Maybe they see enough in him to be an emergency stand in if needs be.

He is not someone who is going to transform our club, he is not someone who is gonna improve us.

He's a squad player. Nothing more.

Gordon on loan is a good move. He is not up to the level required, that has been clear when he did step up. He's talented, but needs experience playing week in week out. Bit of Championship experience and he could make an impact like Harvey Barnes is doing for Leicester.

I agree, a useless piece of shit on the bench is better than no shit at all but, for fuck's sake, make your fucking minds up!!

The echo are saying Gordon is going to Preston, a good move for young Anthony I'd say

Good post Rob, there's nothing worse than putting on subs, who are not really good enough, and usually just for the sake of it

Its balanced off though mate.

Using the same logic he has signed two flying attacking full backs.

Agree
If hes coming the sensible thing is to buy him

Doesnt work out you will get double your money back.

Less wages as well

Do we want to progress as a club or continue to pay average players top wages then moan about them.

We have all said we need to get rid of "deadwood" but we continually stockpile it.

I was hoping that with getting Ancelotti onboard that he would demand greater quality signings to progress us.

I can live with us selling poor players and only having a couple of subs on the bench in the hope that better quality will be brought in. Signing a 2nd rate striker isn't a good sign for the future.

That's if there is any truth in the King rumour.

But, I do sincerely hope we get a striker in. It would be baffling, especially now the finances have been eased by the various exits.

I think King is a good player. Maybe not a signing to get the pulse racing, but good given the circumstances and an upgrade on Tosun/Simms. Kean is hard to judge, but he didn't want to be here.

Jay Woods, who knows his stuff, reporting from Brazil " what the fuck a left back is doing in the six yard box from that move I don't know."

Off the cuff footballer this lad.
Got high hopes for him

I think we have established Carlo has signed two centerbacks (although one of them wont be 19 for a few months) He Has signed two midfield players who offer zilch going forward (but don't half tackle a lot) and he has signed a full back - who cant get a selected until the devil has been removed from his game

Just because 5 out of six of his signings are defenders. it doesnt mean Ian Edwards is right about building a squad of spoilers and It doesnt mean the excuse makers are wrong - Again !

Oh alright it does...but Josh King is on his way to redress the balance

They've signed Bergkamp's kid, who was released by a second-tier Dutch club, and Maurizio Pochettino from Spurs.

Maybe we should do the same. Does a certain infamously never-signed South American midfielder (whose name I have sworn never to use again) have a kid?

I just hope that he picks Fulham. Bad signs that we are even linked with him.

So you have to ask yourself whether you'd prefer Tosun who can't play as a lone striker and doesn't have pace, or would you prefer a player who can run with the ball and can over three positions, and is a proven premier league player?!?

If we also manage to offload Mo Besic's wages this will be a decent window.

Didn't Norwich used to do that? pretty sure at one point they had Paul Dalglish (son of Kenny) and Alex Bruce (son a Steve), may have been when Mike Walker (son of a bitch) was there

I hope you are right. If I'm honest. King has largely gone under my radar. I've seen him of course, but not enough to make a semi decent assessment.

He is getting dismissed here by people who have clearly seen more of him than I have..but sometimes this sort of signing works out.

If he signs I will embrace him and pray he forges a long successful career as an Everton player. If he doesnt... fuck him

If we get him surely he's a good signing that improves the squad and possibly team on current form.

Plus, it's not my money but I think good value.

I'd like to see if this transpires down to the player?

Looks like Gordon going on loan to PNE.

Carlo and Brands have had months to sort out this important striker issue but have shown a totally arrogant neglect of duty. Leaving it so late in the day to take any action.

Disappointed Lossl has been sold. Thought we may have eclipsed a Premier League record by having three goalies on the bench against Leeds. I seen there is a guy called Delph in our squad, does anyone know where he plays?

I think Delph plays hooky for the most part

If the interest in King is genuine then it smacks of the same desperation that gave us Iwobi. I can only think that we are trying to gazump Fulham so that he can't score his first goal of the season, and their winner, for them at Goodison in couple of weeks time. He will be next seasons deadwood.

His injury record was always a problem whilst King is more of a forward. Can cover the wing's and centre and less injury prone.

King improves us. Better than the out goings. Other top club's haven't gone for him because they don't need another forward who may not be better than what they have.

Look at other top clubs attacking options. They all have 4 or 5 good options. We have 2. Fulham have more options than we do. Its about the fit. Identify what we need and bring in the best you can.

Comparing our team and squad to Man City or them lot is laughable. Striker's or no Striker's, they both have forwards and midfielders that create and score and more importantly fit what and how they want to play.

If Gordon goes to Preston, we're even barer. Extraordinary in my view.

I'm Pretty sure Allan and James are Carlos buys. Doucoure possibly.

Other's could potentiality be brilliant, Godfrey and Brainthwaite. But what about finding what we have needed for several seasons ie forwards!

Carlo Fantastico couldn't even attract Josh King to Everton.

That means 5 of his 6 signings have been defenders. Yes, midfielders Allan and Doucouré are now defenders.

What a frankie! Give the job to 🦏

Im sure I'm not the only one fed up with low scoring negative football. Robertos first season the main highlight for donkeys. I'm with Darren as so far as Carlo goes, hes gonna have to kick this squad up the arse for me to be won over.

Maybe the club is simply having a slight dip in fortunes

In the land of the Hind, the one eyed man is King

Stephen, we know Darren wants Simms to be given a chance in the first team but surely that's a step too far?

What a pair of goons. - Brands and Ancelotti

A £5 million loan fee?

I think it's less irresponsible than what Everton have done. What with Pep having one of the best squads on the planet. A superb midfield and, lately, a stingy defence. If we had Stirling, Mahrez, Foden, De Bruyne etc., I reckon we could do without Josh King.

Maybe in the summer window....

Burnley signed a forward?

We're whittling down our squad.

Joshua won the battle of Jericho..and the walls came tublin' down

Is that us sorted now then?
Everyone happy? 😁

Come the summer, we will completely have Walcott's wages, Bolasie's wages, Besic's wages, off the wage bill. Potentially fees for Tosun, Bernard, Kenny and a big fee for Kean, thus it starts shaping more into Ancelotti's/Brand's squad.

Also, Lossl off the wage bill.

Branthwaite will have more experience, as will Simms, possibly Gordon if he goes out on loan.

Slowly, but surely getting there.

Quite.

City and Lpool don't play with out and out strikers and funnily enough are the most successful teams.

Why do we have to prioritize a striker when we need more legs in the midfield.

Since Koeman and Walsh stockpiled players we have been wanting to get rid of the deadwood. Now that we are getting rid of the deadwood people aren't happy in losing esteemed players such as Bolase, Tosun,Walcott and Besic.

The big picture to me is that we have a manager that the club should bankroll and compete for top players.

Competing with Fulham over an average player in the last hour of a transfer window is disturbing to me and more or less says to Ancelotti that the club has no ambition to actually improve.

Most fans expectations where raised when bringing in Ancelotti. Buying average players then expecting us to swallow that we will challenge is insulting. Average players bring average results.

It was never going to be an overnight fix, was it!?

Looks like you're right. According to the Athletic:
“ Blues chairman Bill Kenwright is understood to be playing a key part in negotiations over the transfer for the Norway international, who would add further attacking depth to the squad.”

"I get knocked down,, but I...,get. up,,,err...again"

Indeed, they need proper minutes under their belt. That's the problem with having an under 23s league, young peripheral players don't get enough minutes.

King, I don't know a lot about him, but he is fast I hear - and we are lacking pace, premier league ready and versatile. Ancelotti was talking up having versatile players in his squad.

6 hours watching the updates has done me in.

Keep smiling blue boys

Up the toffees

Well I can dream can't I?

All the best Josh.

With it being a short term deal it may give the player extra motivation to prove himself worthy of longer.

Financially we only have a 6 month commitment so whats not to like. An instant team / squad improvement in an understregnth area.

Now Brands and Carlo can work on the top / worldclass player's to bring in during the summer and really take us forwards to challenge for the top spots.

I'm guessing Bournemouth only get the full £5m if he stays beyond 6 months

The big boys aren't going to be quivering in their boots knowing that we have signed an average player to warm the bench. 5m for 6 months on the bench, Bournemouth must be laughing their socks off.

We have also probably made Kings agent very happy as he will probably sign for nomark FC in the summer and earn another 10%.

Does anyone know what Brands does?

Sad to say that lot over the park are far better in their dealings.

Blackburn signed another CB today, on loan from Man City. Harwood-Bellis, played in their cup match at Cheltenham a few weeks ago - competition for Branthwaite's game time there, unless they're going to play a back three

DCL has been good when those around him have got the ball in to the six yard box but hasn't created much for himself. I think Newcastle defended well against us because they packed the six yard box and denied him opportunities

He's joined Wayne Rooney at Derby.

What we do know is that we now have a player that covers 3 positions, and if we ain't happy with him, he will not be sitting on a long-term contract and be very difficult to shift.

He brings competition, pace and another goal threat to the squad. All much needed, and he is premier league ready and should be very motivated.

We have managed to get loans for 3 potential future first team players - Branthwaite, Gordon and Simms.

Got loan fees and part wages off the books for Tosun, Bolasie, Beningime this window, on top of getting the same for Walcott and Kean back in the summer months.

We have let Lossl go.

And this season we have brought in a keeper to back-up/challenge Pickford, 3 seasoned campaigners in Doucoure, Allen and James.

Youngsters in Branthwaite, Nkounkou, and Godfrey.

At the beginning of the season, we also got Niasse, Martina and Garbutt off the wage bill.

We still have Besic to shift, but every player now left at the club, apart from Besic, can contribute.

The summer will certainly see a lot of money freed up, and transfer fees coming in.

I am not sure whether Brands is doing a good job or not. But we are streamlining, plus improving.

It takes a lot of time to undo the last 4 managers mistakes!

Lossl, Bolasie and hopefully Besic (at least by summer I guess) gone, means we now have very little ‘deadwood' left. Hopefully Tosun finds some form and earns a permanent move too.

Simms, Branthwaite, Kenny and Gordon will all be tested now. Time to sink or swim boys. can't complain at any of these loan moves really.

There's obviously a lot of concern about the fire sale, and just how short we've left ourselves (particularly up top), but no-one who has left would currently walk in the first 11. Without Europe it's hard to justify a stockpile.

First 11 isn't bad at all for 6 months at least:

Pickford
Coleman Mina Keane Digne
Allan Doucoure
King James Richie
DCL

9 subs are decent:

Olsen
Godfrey
Holgate
Nkounkou
Gomes
Davies
Sigurdsson
Iwobi
Bernard (or a kid / Gbamin)

Small and Onyango to step up if injuries.

Options to play with “flat back four”, 442 or 4-3-3 if someone not firing or injured.

and hopefully a very cheap market in the summer where Mr Moshiri can go and splash another £60m and sort out the right hand side and attacking cover.

Still great to be a blue. Just don't smash any mirrors, or walk under any ladders folks.

Yes, getting the squad streamlined was never going to be easy!

I forgot to add Kenny to the list! Plus Steklenburg, however you spell it!

Plenty of options to change formation, which is always a good thing!

We have Delph still, too!

What I like about King is he has played most forward positions. So he should add to final third play. He can also take a chance attacks the near post and has pace. He should work well with James and offer competition to both Richalison and Calvert Kewin, who have both gone back on Ancelottis coaching. More so in the case of the former.

What I like about King is he has played most forward positions. So he should add to final third play. He can also take a chance attacks the near post and has pace. He should work well with James and offer competition to both Richalison and Calvert Kewin, who have both gone back on Ancelottis coaching. More so in the case of the former.

Yes, if he ever gets fit, he could actually contribute something in the right formation. It wasn't that long ago he was winning premier league titles and getting international caps!

I can't see any confirmation about King signing or signing for Fulham for that matter.

Out;

Yannick Bolasie - Middlesbrough, loan

Matthew Pennington - Shrewsbury, loan

Jarrad Branthwaite - Blackburn, loan

Ellis Simms - Blackpool, loan

Cenk Tosun - Besiktas, loan

Jonas Lossl - FC Midtjylland, undisclosed

Jonjoe Kenny - Celtic, loan

Beni Baningime - Derby, loan

Anthony Gordon - Preston, loan

Cenk Tosun - Besiktas, loan

Kevin Johnson the ex-heavyweight world-title contender. Now, he would have put Shelvey and his boot boys in place!

Unfortunately for him, CA, and us mere fans, the horror-squad was massive, on massive contracts. All the many scores of £millions spent in signing the horror-squad therefore stifle Marcel from right now signing what we all want - talented, young, enthusiastic, reliable players only.

Weeding out the dead-wood severely drops our squad numbers so, for now, we need to sign reliable, proven, talented players regardless of age.

Allan, Doucoure, James and King have all of these qualities. With Holgate, Godfrey, Branthwaite, Nkounkou, Davies, Gordon and whoever else youngster/s at the enigma that is Finch Farm already starting to show the qualities required by Marcel we might, right now, just be making a proper silk purse out of a few dozen or so pigs' ears.

And that is not even mentioning the Klassen, Williams, Schneiderlin fees, but 40 million for Sigurdsson etc!

Yes, it is a slow build, and getting the players that fit the young, hungry and talented template is not something that can be done without first getting in proven decent experienced players somewhere near their peak.

1. Pickford
2. Holgate
3. Keane
4. Allan
5. Richarlison
6. Delph
7. Calvert-Lewin
8. Sigurdsson
9. Digne
10. Mina
11. Doucoure
12. Iwobi
13. Nkounkou
14. James
15. Bernard
16. Gomes
17. Godfrey
18. Coleman
19. Gbamin
20. Davies
21. King
22. Olsen
23. Virginia

Definitely a bit thin, seeing as how 25 is really the ideal. Maybe a couple of the younger guys can round out the bench if need be, but I don't see them getting on the pitch anytime soon. If EVERYONE is healthy, it's a decent squad... but we don't have much room for error, especially in the attacking positions.

He is 6'2" strong and with pace - and he has got a heart. My guess is Carlo is going to go for brute force with a sprinkling of stardust to compliment it.

I think the line up we are going to see is:

Olsen
Holgate, Keane, Mina, Godfrey
Doucoure, Allan, Gomes
Rodrigues
King, DCL

Its a big team that with a lot of strength and pace.

I like Richy but if I was him I would take particular notice of this move - I think he is going to have to fight for his place in the starting 11.

King's talent and attitude are unquestioned, and he gives us a solid, professional backup for Richarlison and DCL that was desperately needed, but barring injury I really don't see him taking Richarlison's starting position.

Ritchie has been rubbish all season. Yes he gives us some defensive solidity but rather than kick on from last season he's actually gone backwards

Maybe King gives him some competition and he ups his game

I'd actually like to see King play up top with DCL. That would give us some serious pace and power and stretch teams.

We need some variability in attack and the King signing gives us that

It might not be a Hollywood signing but it could easily be an astute one. Marcus Bent did a great job for us once and King may be able to have a similar impact. If he gets us 10 goals I'll be well pleased. 5 goals is probably a decent return

If King's shit he'll be gone at the end of the season so why not lighten up, Peter?! ;)

He does have a knack for scoring late -- I distinctly remember him beating or tying the RS with a last-minute beauty a few years ago, and he beat us with a late pen more recently. Anyway, if he gives us a gamewinner or two in the league or Cup (does anybody know if he's eligible or Cup-tied?), I will consider this purchase a resounding success.

King Signs For Everton

I should imagine that the fee that could rise to a potential £5m will only happen if he stays beyond the 6 months. He was valued at £20m by United and Spurs have also had bids turned down in the past. This is a low risk deal for an established player. I'm not sure why people are being negative. You don't make flag ship signings in January.

Considering all his PL appearances have been exclusively with Bournemouth, his numbers aren't bad at all, according to the linked article on the club site.

48 goals in 161 PL appearances. 17 in 51 internationals for Norway. He had a very hot streak in the 2016-17 season (when we had that great 6-3 game with them at Goodison), scoring 12 goals in 14 games.

This compilation of all his Bournemouth goals shows he is a very tidy finisher, given the chance. And even if a good number were penalties, they were damn fine penalties the keepers get nowhere near.

All 48 of Joshua King's PL Goals

Be interesting to learn the full details of the deal, but again the club site is very explicit: 'a nominal fee until the end of 2020/21.'

Can only wish him well.

Like I said I like Richy but he is struggling at the moment.

I just think anybody expecting a bunch of goals from the guy is going to be very disappointed.

I just think anybody expecting a bunch of goals from the guy is going to be very disappointed.

As Laurie states, I think it's the directness and aggression that we're missing and he might not be everyone's 1st choice, but as a utility attacking player he could do a job for us either in the short term or for a couple of seasons. The balls in his court on the duration of the contract, so good luck to him.

Okay no cakes, not even the icing on one, but at least we got a Cherry!

I was not keen when I heard demands of £120K/week, now whether that was journospeak or not, another greedy mercenary is the last thing I wanted for Everton. Hopefully the fee and his subsequent wages are nowhere near the
rumours. I also hope if he turns out to be a hit, that we have an option on extending his contract. what is reported to be just till the end of the season.

The King deal is now concluded, Long live the King! Hopefully no Juan, Jo, Nosmo, Fuc, or Dic prefixes play a part in his appearances. To be replaced by Clic, Ston, and Stri we'll be alright!

When he is eligible to play I would imagine is against Manure (ironically the Club he started at) not sure how late the registration went in but I doubt whether it would be before 19.30 (48 hours before being allowed to play) Monday Evening. Hopefully we will learn more details as the day unfolds today.

So a thinner squad than you think?

Obviously the odds of everyone being healthy at once are VERY slim - Delph is always hurt, James is obviously fragile, Allan has had his share of injury woes this season and who knows if Gbamin will actually be able to contribute - so yeah, we could be potentially playing with fire, depth-wise. Is there anyone in the U-23 side who could conceivably make a leap this season?

I'm happy we have brought him in. If we had brought nobody in, we would have left ourselves underprepared for the second half of the season.

If we can get Allan back fit, our squad is looking ok. I still would have liked a striker to give DCL a breather. I guess Richarlison or King can have a go, if needed.

King's output can't be any worse than what Tosun, Bernard, Sigurdsson, Walcott, Klaassen etc have produced for us. On that basis, this deal was a no brainer.

A successful window on the whole bearing in mind nobody is splashing the cash.

Just one question: how come Besic is still with us? Not a bad player in my opinion either. Maybe he will make the 25 for the second half of the season?

Not fussed whether Bernard stays or goes.

More interested in how Gordon and Branthwaite develop

Bit galling the RS managed to get Kabak on loan because he's an exceptional young talent. We'll have to wait until summer for a real step up.

He can't play in the cup but he stil has 19 league games he can help us in. Usually the end of January signing wouldn't get that many games so thats a bonus.

Seeing we're paying his salary we should at least have him in as a squad player. Aside from his role as a defensive midfielder, he's also played previously as a right fullback for Ferencvaros. With Kenny off, we are short at RB with only Coleman and Holgate for the remainder of the season.

Edit: Just noticed the squad has been updated with Besic given squad number 30. Common sense prevails.

All's I hear about is his age. In this instance, I don't see his age being an issue at all. He's a good age and he turned 29 only 2 weeks ago. It's not an issue because he was signed on a 6-month contract for peanuts. If he does well, he gets it extended; if he doesn't, he leaves. There is zero risk to the club at all and – considering Spurs had a £25M bid knocked back 18 months ago and Man Utd had a £15M knocked back last season – that tells you how he is regarded.

Josh King kills two birds with one stone. We needed a wide player and we needed a striker, he's both. We needed pace and he's arguably our fastest player now. He's lightening and carries the ball. I think the club have played a blinder here and the onus is on him to earn his contract extension and pay rise.

Nothing better than having a hungry player who needs to secure his future. Look at Aubameyang before and after his Arsenal contract extension. Every time he's played us, he's destroyed us. We couldn't handle him. Especially last season. I don't judge him on this season, Bournemouth knocked back two huge bids from massive clubs and stalled his career, his heart wasn't in it for them anymore. Rightly or wrongly but that's just the facts of the matter.

A motivated Josh King is an asset and he has the attributes we sorely lack. If it doesn't work, it's thanks and goodbye in 6 months for hardly any outlay. Win-win. 👌🏻 UP THE TOFFEES

There's too much complacency within our squad so I think this signing can work for us in two ways:-

1) Richarlison recognises the threat to his pretty much guaranteed starting role and ups his game in response;

2) King gets an opportunity to get back in the spotlight for country and club, and we get to see the best of him.

Besides Sigurdsson, I find Richarlison the most frustrating member of our side. We are pretty woeful in attack – opposition managers have got our offensive strengths pretty well sussed and we get snuffed out easily – so I really hope that this signing might be a catalyst to relight our offensive fires.

Welcome to the Everton family, Josh.

When Steve Walsh and Ronald Koeman signed several No 10s but let Romalu Lukaku go and didn't replace him with Olivier Giroud, I never understood why we weren't in for players like Josh King then. Even under a short-term plan, he would have helped. At the same time, Fernando Llorente left Swansea City to sit on the bench at White Hart Lane, he would have done too. Instead, we gave Oumar Niasse his locker back and, in the next window, signed Cenk Tosun.

It finally feels that Marcel Brands has got rid of all the deadwood, or at least by the Summer, they'll have gone. BIg Summer ahead. Signing a top class keeper has to be the priority now surely. We'll really kick on next season I think. COYB.

This is make-or-break time for Gbamin to start his career. Hopefully he'll be like a new signing, and give us the extra physicality in midfield, and give Allan and Doucouré a more offensive outlet.

As for Delph, I can't see anything changing. He is too injury prone, and he'll just see out his contract for the next 18 months.

Nine players moved out in the month – Brands has done well.

Josh King is a lot better than the likes of Niasse, Tosun, Bernard and Walcott, in my view. He'll add competition for places up front. He can play in various positions and has pace and strength. Let's give the lad a chance before we rubbish his credentials.

Further note on Bernard - he might still be on the move. The transfer window shuts a little later in Saudi Arabia. I think if he does stay he's almost a dead-cert to leave at the end of the season.

Unsie coaches them so some would say it is down to him.

Looks like we've opened the door and let Besic back in, a mixture of the sublime (now and again) and the ridiculous( often) but at least he can run, move and tackle, I'd prefer him rather than the walking dead Gomes and Sigurdsson for the rest of the season.

Age problem?: I think check back when he's 38 before he's as slow as Siggy in the false no.9 role and has the strength of Bernard. For the next 6 months, he'll be lightening in comparison to anyone else we've had when we've looked down the the bench and 1 nil down.

Hopefully James will be freed up as well with more time and space, as it will be hard to press James if King makes a run beyond the back line and the full back goes with him creating lots of space.

I'd love a club video to see who are the quickest players at the club now.

At Anfield, I'm hoping to see their new media Messiah Davies do a Slippy G and bow before the King as he flies past him on route to goal.

Good window for us with lots of players away on loan to improve, play out their contract or put themselves in the shop window for next summer. Wish I knew what was going on with Besic though and the references to FFP issues worry me a bit.

Also he is a player that will be chopping at the bit to start games, that is good news where Richarlison and Dominic are concerned. They will have to be on their toes because King will be breathing down their necks for a starting place.

The terms seem in our favour for a change, and it looks like we haven't caved in. All good signs.

So a big welcome to Joshua, give us 100%, wear your heart on your sleeve bang in a few goals and us fans will love you. I am sure then a longer contract will follow.

Hopefully we get to keep him if he does well and, given his skill set, there's no reason why he shouldn't do well

Pleased with this one

We had the same discussion in the summer when James and Allan were signed - too old, performance declining, only here for a last pay day, their clubs were glad to get shot of them, transfer fee and salary excessive (James was quoted as costing 20 million plus when he was in fact a free transfer). They are the best players at the club in my opinion.

Good luck Josh, get some goals lad.

This team is miles off the top quality and we rely on grit and concentration. Without the low block spoiling tactics this season we would be in serious trouble.

Theres no was Calvert Lewin or James would be allowed their usual roles (the team are working for them) and we have lost home games to Newcastle, West Ham and Leeds. As well as others.

Without lack of panic and complicated tactics from Ancelotti we have managed to be top half with a team that we all know is miles off.

I can't believe the positions we have been in this season with only really Calvert Lewin to rely on for goals (again, something nobody really expected)

No we have 19 games to support what is going on and hopefully do better than landing in the hiderance that is the Europa league.

If it was a confidence thing, which could well have been a factor, I think playing regularly for Preston, could go some way to boosting that, and he will return a better player for it. Carlo rates him, otherwise he wouldn't have been on the subs bench as often as he was.

The highlight of the window has to be the media trying to make the RS spending half a million on a guy from Preston into some sort of mega story.

The aim this season was to arrest the slide and, being ambitious, crack the top 6 with a squad that is valued between £500m and £150m less than the 6 richer clubs.

We're still hanging on in there for top 6. We were never in with a shout of top 4 this season.

Leicester have shown a shrewd strategy, luck and good management can help bridge the gap too - but you time if you're not going to spend money

Potentially a very, very good player.
Hes not ready for the prem yet.
Hopefully the loan brings him on

A good window again. King might give Richarlison a kick up the arse, he's been total shite for months unless you count defending which he's decent at.

With a management team costing c£20M a year, the owner does right to expect more bang for his bucks and top six/seven is the least Ancelotti should deliver this term. Get real.

Iwobi is definitely a Marmite player, I wasn't overly upset when we first got him until I learned how much we allegedly paid for him, then after a couple of poor games he showed flashes of what we all thought he could do once he settled in. Alas, the last couple of outings have been totally abject, and he has reverted back to detritus mode.

Maybe as with a few others, the arrival of Josh King may just be the catalyst to spark a reaction.

In the period since Moshiri took over, richer clubs must have invested similar sums (or more) in squads that were already much better than ours.

Paying Ancelotti £20m does not change that. We could get Guardiola in and pay him £30m. It still wouldn't change the fact our players aren't good enough.

Leicester buck the trend a bit because they're so savvy (and a bit lucky) in how they do things.

Got yer gloves ready, should the club give you a call in the next 24 hours..?

Maybe, just maybe we could even score a RS goal- a 45 yard pass (hoof?) into the channels for any of the rapid front 3 to run onto, because 29 or not he's got pace to burn. I'm quite happy with the signing

James to play a free role a little deeper with Allan and Doucoure to protect and support him winning the ball back.

A solid back 4, or 3 with Digne attacking when space allows. Godfrey to play as his pace at the back is priceless. Olsen to be a steady eddy at the back.

Not sure they would ever have done much in the 1st team but we are still shedding forward players at an alarming rate.

Rumour has it he just wasn't happy at Bournemouth after his buddy got his move to Newcastle and no-one came in for him.
Who knows, he's an Everton player now so I hope he does well for us, but it is a strange one is it not?

Keane not getting a game after a good start.

Tosun back to Turkey.

Bolasie Boro

Walcott getting ripped by Saints fans

Hardly pulling the trees up.

Niasse? No idea where he is.

The point is, we have got players off the books who would not start a game for us.
Slowly but surely Ancelotti is developing the squad into what will be HIS squad.

We can judge him when he has his own team.
If, IF it goes wrong then I will be first to give him stick

Let's get him on the field and see how he performs,, give him a chance, I wouldn't be surprised if he looks a lot fitter than most of our players, nearly every team's players do. I hope the players have a proper go tomorrow and make Josh fight for his place, that will be another plus without him kicking a ball for us.

Discussion of the Leicester achievements intrigues me as they certainly haven't spent a fraction of our figure and on paper look very ordinary. What's odd is that Everton even tried poaching their recruitment specialist and he was hopeless !

Did we really need this guy? Not my money, but why spend it?

Hope he does well and contributes.

Best of luck to the lad.

Gives him a couple of days to settle in.

We need an option on the right, similar to Richarlison, who can cover ground, beat a man, and cross or shoot.

We need cover for Richarlison himself on the left and we need cover for Calvert-Lewin in 9.

King provides all these things, in one package, for one wage.

He is big, quick and productive. The players we had in Bernard, Gordon and Tosun are none of those things and two of them are off the wage bill and Bernard would have been too if we'd had it our way.

The Premier League has moved on. You need 9-10 athletes on the field and King fits the bill as Mr. Brands and the management team continue to unpick the mistakes of the past.

Window by window, player by player progress.

Then I think we could see the forward line be the priority in the summer with better quality competition coming in. I doubt that we'll see any sort of marquee signing though.

It is being reported that Everton are paying Bournemouth a loan fee, there were reports yesterday mentioning a figure of £5 million, but I havent seen that confirmed anywhere. There is also no mention of what Everton are paying King, but the deal is for 6 months and there is an option for the deal to be made permanent, but I think he may be out of contract with Bournemouth at the end of this season. But if we wanted him to stay I am sure both parties would come to an amicable arrangement.

Being in the last 6 months of his contract he is allowed to reach a pre contract agreement with a club abroad during that time. Now if he starts like a house on fire and has interest from clubs abroad, that would place us in having to maybe agree a permanent deal ong before the loan spell is up, or lose him to a foreign club.

Totally agree its permanent till the end of the season and yes if things go well then we can extend. But that still doesnt stop him agreeing a pre contract deal to sign for a club abroad long before this deal ends.

6 month deal is ideal. If he's good, then we can agree an extension. If he doesn't do more than merely plug a hole, then he can negotiate a move to a new club and we're not lumbered with a player we don't want.

If we had a 6 month try before you buy for 70% of our signings in the Moshiri era, we wouldn't be in the shit we are today,

I couldn't say no to Everton to play under Ancelotti

"He was incredibly quick, direct and he scored goals. There was one match at Villa Park where he took the place by storm and such were his performances it would have been impossible not to have signed him permanently.

Unfortunately once he landed a full-time contract his form dipped. It was as if that motivation which had been there was now missing."

Exactly how does this signing of King fall into the category of an Everton - Man Utd retirement home scenario? Josh king never played a senior game for man Utd. He joined United in 2009 and left in 2013. In between he had various loans at other clubs, before settling at Bournemouth in 2015, but as I say never played a senior game for man Utd. FFS, I bet I've been to old Trafford more than he has!!

So from now on, every time we are linked to, or even buy a player from man Utd, we can expect it to be a "Comfortable Retirement Home" move. Jeez!!!

He was on around £30 grand at Bournemouth, so Fulham might have offered him 10 grand more over 2 years.

So that makes me think we offered more money for 6 months with us with the possibility of another year or free to negotiate with another club.

Whatever, I just hope he loves the place and wants to show what he can do even for 6 months !!

Ancelottis pulling power strikes again.

Haha I wondered but that said, Carlo seems pretty honest so it's probably a genuine knock (from a source other than Carlo)

Rob #489, well said.

Drew #481, you're right about King's overall value, but to describe a player as "productive" who averages 7 goals per Prem season from open play is a considerable stretch. Not counting penalties, King scores a goal every 336 minutes and slips in an assist every 800 minutes (per Transfermarkt).

Mike #422, I fail to find any humor at all in the restoration of Besic to the active roster. The only "long game" I would have like to see us play with him would have been a slow boat to China.

He seems the right character, determined and physically strong and fast. 53 goals in 148 appearances for Bournemouth isn't a bad return. A good day's work to sign him, I think.

I remember both matches, especially the Roy Vernon debut. Another inauspicious debut was Dennis Stevens, who missed an absolute sitter and cost us a victory. He was already facing an uphill task, replacing Bobby Collins, but he won us over in the end.

His career seems to be summed up by two tackles. On Toure for us and on Bale in an international match.

I recall when Sheedy was coming towards the end of his career with us and I took my son, Andy to that match, when he was about 10. Might have been a Friday.

The pitch was it's usual puddingy consistency, and next to us were a couple of keen Blues, one of whom visibly tensed when Kevin misplaced a pass. He did the same again a few minutes later, whereupon the vilest torrent of foul mouthed abuse was unleashed, at great length and with eloquent creativity.

He took a breath, looked at me, being wrapt in admiration, and Andy. He was apologetic to me at swearing in front of a young lad. I pooh poohed it off. He said again he was sorry, but qualified it by adding but I fucking hate the twat!

It took the shine off his apology if I'm honest.

I don't recall Besic's performance though.

No I don't think its fake news. I think its just a couple of desperado`s twisting the story.

He was asked about Carlo and said nice stuff (I`m yet to hear a player call the manager he has just signed for a wanker) He then goes on to say BUT (see that word ?) BUT Everton is a big big club, that I hoped would be in.
He simply did what all of the signing we have made in the last year have done, opted for the biggest club to come in for him.

The desperation does amuse me "Carlos pulling power"hahaha. The guy has been relegated and his career was going nowhere,

I welcome the lad to the club. I must admit he has gone under my radar except for what I have seen on match of the day. I dont know enough about him to be for or against his signing, but I'm hopeful that he can become a very positive addition to the squad. A goal at Anfield would be a nice way t introduce himself

It was a link from a newspaper article that Jay posted.
Who is the sycophant?

Jay?
Or the reporter?

Going back when Aston Villa got relegated they had Grealish, and Norwich had Maddison when in the Championship. I wouldn't say either were poor players and have gone on to prove they are Premiership Class.

I don't think King is better than what we have and I wasn't particularly excited about the signing. But as someone pointed out to me, the club may just have shown it is finally being sensible. Possible decent backup up front that we all know we need, but on a 6 month contract. So we have much needed support for Dominic and the player is incentifised to prove his worth for a longer term contract.

This will be perceived as good business if the player does well for the remainder of the season. As opposed to previous January headlines like Tosun and Niasse coming in for big bucks on big wages and 3 to 5 year contracts, flopping massively but then being stuck with them.

It was a tame transfer window all around so I don't think this has anything to do with pulling power. We will maybe (maybe) see that in the summer when most main business is done.

We also done well to ship out quite a few on loan. I hope that experience does some of those young players with potential good for their future careers.

PS: back up for DCL or do we see King playing right of a King, James, Richarluson 3 behind DCL and in front of Doucoure / Allan?

Big of you not to deny he was relegated.

I don't know what words you see when you read my post, but nowhere to I suggest he was even partially to blame for Bournemouth's relegation.
Nor do I even hint that his signing was a bad one. Godfrey and Doucoure had been relegated too.

What I do say is he had been relegated and his career was going nowhere at bournemouth. Are you saying that isn't true ?????

This rabid defence of accusations that havent even been raised is getting out of hand.
I state quite clearly that I don't know enough about the players to comment either way...so what is your beef ?

Its getting so you cant breath on this site, within minutes of every post the Brady bunch are on it...doesnt matter how many times you blank them

The Underrated Market

Jesus. Embarrassing knowledge and a statement completely destroyed simply by having seen the last 3/4 years of dom playing in the blue shirt.

Theres now four of them arguing against a point that was never made.

Comedy gold

All one paragraph. The paragraph is meant to argue against the idea of Carlo's pulling power. As a way of supporting that argument, the finger is pointed at King who "has been relegated" and "whose career was going nowhere". All in one paragraph so clearly all related.

If the reference to King was not to support an argument about Carlo's pulling power by referring to a relegated player, what was the point of it???

When someone is on a downer at a club, and has the chance to join either Fulham or Everton, I don't think the manager at Everton is gonna matter so much.

So he aint seen much of him but uses him as part of an argument against Carlo's pulling power!!!

Oh the irony.

Hope he does well for us as I'm sure we all do. Just think the club has been more sensible about this one thN previous January signings.

Gordon will hopefully come back from his loan spell a better player but anyone who thinks he's premier league ready yet, sees something in him I don't. Cenk has been an unmitigated disaster and is a stark reminder to Moshiri not to sanction crazy transfer fees to bring in players in January.

King can provide competition for both and hopefully give Richarlison the kick up the arse be needs. It doesn't really matter if he's only scored one goal every 5,000 minutes or one assist every 10,000 games. (I have never got that one. How many “assists before the assist” does James have?)

The point is, he's a better option than what we have let go, for the next five months. If it doesn't work out, then no big deal, we won't have him on our books after June. If he does work out, we've an option of signing him.

Either way, we are surely in a better shape regarding wages than we were a month ago, some of the deadwood is all but gone and we have an apparently hungry, motivated player looking to earn a move to the PL. I see no downside to this.

Hope the lad does well with us!

Get paid.

I can give you 10 20 30 40 good players who have been relegated. But when they are still at the club six months later their carreers are dfinitely going nowhere..

While we are at it. I could give you six examples of signings Carlo has made who didnt have a bigger or better option than Joining Everton.

Championship player joins Everton and its "due to the managers pulling power"

Its laugh out loud funny and gives a graphic illustration as to how some people have become so besotted with the manager they have forgotten who EVERTON are

And yet he's trying to use him to make a point. Don't know enough about him but...!!!!

And now "when they are still at the club six months later their carreers are dfinitely going nowhere.." - that hole gets even deeper.

King was also wanted by 2 other premier league clubs yesterday. Hardly a career going nowhere!

Who in the thread (apart from the source I'm quoting) has stated that?

“ I can give you 10 20 30 40 good players who have been relegated. But when they are still at the club six months later their carreers are dfinitely going nowhere.”

Jack Grealish wants a word.

You jumped straight into his net.

He was joking...thats why he has come back furiously arguing his case.

I suppose Jay was joking too when he distorted the header on his linkm because nowhere does the player say those words..

You're such cards you lot teasing me like this

I'm off to work. Night all

The full headline of the linked article is this:

King reveals he ‘could not say no' to Everton move – Excited to join ‘big, big club' and to play under Ancelotti

I shortened it to:

'I couldn't say no to Everton to play under Ancelotti'

And you call that a distortion?

I linked to the article. Nothing more.

As for your claim that the player 'doesn't say the words', this is his very first sentence in Josh's actual quotes within the article:

'It's about the size of the club, the coach and the signals I got.'

Pretty much matches THEIR headline (and my shortened one) in my eyes.

Josh is further quoted as saying:

'Ancelotti is one of the world's biggest names in football and he's a great manager. I think I can grow under him. That was part of the factor, but Everton is a big, big club that I had hoped to be in before I ended up there.'

Phtt! Blatant distortion that, eh?

We need Olsen to carry on being safe and steady. Then look at it seriously in the summer before it's too late and some emotional dude offers him a 5-year contract!

Probably soothed by my Randy Rainbow Greatest Hits Compilation.

I shortened it to:

2. 'I couldn't say no to Everton to play under Ancelotti'

Perhaps your attempt at brevity and practicality implied that Ancelotti was the prime driver.

The headline and the quoted first sentence from King both cite the big status of the club first. He further summarizes Ancelotti as "...part of the factor" BUT Everton is a big, big club.

If I read this cold as an outsider, I'd chance my arm that the primary driver of the move was the big club status of Everton.

Debut goal tomorrow.

It very well could be that this fella is the answer for Everton - can play multiple positions and plug holes all within one pay packet.

Here's the thing for me. King isn't a household name. But Brass sees him obviously as an upgrade to previous players who have now left.

So let's get behind this guy and hope he comes in, is motivated, and does one hell of a good job for us.

Despite the New Castle poo-fest, we're not far off. Win 2-3 in a row and we'll be looking at a really promising season. If King can help us get there, great.

I'm not even close to writing off the season. We're 6 points off 4th with two games in-hand. Keep the faith until the Fat Lady sings. Josh King could be a spark plug and a revelation. We just don't know yet.

Cling to hope. Why not? What else you gonna do, and why else would you ever invest your time and emotions in a game where grown men kick a ball around a field of grass? We can finish well, and we can do something Everton haven't done in a long, long time. Let the season play out and let's see where we end up.

Darren honestly thinks we would have got James and Allan interested in Everton without Ancelotti? Interesting.

Incidently, I think King would have signed for us if Moyes was our manager but the words I read from him still made sense regarding Ancelotti.

The Partridge Family?

I'll jump into the Partridge Family ranks, just for shits and giggles.

We signed a guy from the Championship, not Real Madrid.
We signed a guy who clearly MAY not be the answer, otherwise we'd have locked his ass down for 3 years minimum.
We signed a guy who won't sell a hell of a lot of jerseys.
We signed a guy who clearly stated he wanted to join a Big Club.

But, does any of that really matter?

Dude is going to wear the jersey. Dude can possibly help us. Let's hope Dude kills it and plays lights out.

-Partridge Family Representative.

**not a paid endorsement. Actual results may vary, consult your physician.

I don't confess to understand the contractual nuances so be good to understand if he actually is now you call it out.

I like your style.

"he could be joined by new signing Joshua King, if he provides a negative coronavirus test."

Great, so now we're hoping for more negativity.

Now who was participating in this "battle"? Man City, Man Utd, Liverpool, Spurs? No. It was Fulham. If this guy was any good, don't you think one of the big clubs would be sniffing round?

What a fiasco these transfer windows have become. A complete circus. Feeding off scraps.

This season is a dead rubber, so why not keep our young players and try them out? Are there any statistics that show that loaning out players will make them any better? Isn't it possible they'll be brought down to the level of the division they´re playing in?

Kieran Dowell comes to mind. He's been at 5 loan clubs. He's not going to make it. Does anyone have the stats on how many loaned out players that have returned to the club, are in the squad now?

I said it earlier, all fit, I quite like the feel of Doucoure and Allan with Richarlison, James & King in front of them with DCL up top.

Are we saying there were no players in that 54 who couldn't play in the Premier League again, or is it Everton who chose the wrong one?

Im right and every single poster who disagrees with me is one of the following. . . .

Fanboy.
Happy clapper
Sycophant.

Etc, etc

Now, I understand you are reluctant to answer a straight question.
But

BUT..

Ahh its not worth it.
He never, ever answers a legitimate point.

Keep on keeping on Darren.
This site would miss you if you ever followed up on your numerous threats to leave.

I don't remember any of those players choosing us over the RS, Man City or Chelsea etc.

There are good players at unfashionable clubs. Rather than look at who they play for we should be looking at what they can offer and whether they'll give their all in an Everton shirt. If they do, then that'll do me at least until we can afford the likes of Neymar and Mbappe.

Dame Nelly Melba - how many times did she announce her retirement.

We have our own Dame Nelly.

It's a good point, Tom - and one not yet discussed much. Are we to play with two forwards now, and if so, how. Will King be covering/replacing DCL at times, so we stay with one forward? There goes the aerial threat (a large part of what we have right now).

I've only ever seen King play as a mostly standard centre forward really. Be interesting to see how it will all play out. Will he be simply a like-for-like Tosun sub.

Dame Edna Everage was my first thought after reading your post mate.

Is that still valid or was only during their 5 game run of form?

Newcastle losing at palace also.means nothing.

Sean, I don't think anyone has excused our capitulation against Newcastle, especially Ancelotti. From what I've seen he called the players lazy and complacent and some think they are better than they are. What else do you want him to say?

I'm still struck on Dame Nellie - "is she still here"?

I used to say that about Peter Beardsley Tony when the poor bloke played in a very average Everton team. It wasn't that he played a poor pass. He was playing into space; good players find space right. It was that no-one had the awarenesses, anticipation or pace to read it and get on the end of it.

You really think publicly calling out his players for.being lazy and complacent in their defeat is 'accepting' it?

No doubt procedures have been revised and "Developed" since then...

(Nothing to do with big clubs).

Don't like to spoil a good story with insignificant details but.

You'd imagine (Hope) that in such a case, his deal with us ends right then. I'll have to look into that...

I would consider more to productivity than just goals or assists but maybe I should have qualified the statement better.

King is involved more. He can receive the ball in deep areas and run with it. He can beat a man. He has vision for movement around him and an eye for a quick pass in the box. He is ingenuitive. And he can finish from the floor, with either foot or in the air. He's a much more complete forward than what we had.

That's what I mean by more productive. He can be involved in more phases of play and contribute in more areas of the pitch.

With all that said, I am remembering the Josh King who played in the Premier League and haven't seen much of this year's performances so am hoping he is still in prime condition.

I've always envied the ability of guys like Brent and Kevin P. to just let a hook drift out and see who they could catch. So I decided to try it myself... with one little sentence at #496. Figured nobody would notice.

And 100 posts later... wow.

I gotta do that again sometime.

And Jamiela, this one's for you, from Michaela:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hV1dQdR6E2M

Jay:
"Yeahbutnobutyeahbutno, your honor, I simply distorted what the journo said... and if the player didn't actually say those words, it's the journo's fault... I'm only the messenger."

Judge: "But Mr Wood. You have previous for this sort of thing; you often trawl fanboy magazines and recycle the misinformation you glean from them. When questioned about the manager he was signing for, the player gave him his dues for past triumphs and said "I think I can grow under him." He then went on to give his real reasons for joining... "but Everton is a big big club that I hope I would be in." Nowhere did he say he couldn't say no to playing under Ancelotti." But then you know that, don't you?"

Jay: "I only "shortened" the story, your honor... Honest!"

Judge: "Mr Woods, I don't see you as being a danger to the public. Nobody ever died as a result of reading this harmless drivel and there is very clearly an audience for it. The rabid defence of it is testimony to that... You are free to go and peddle/distort this shite to your heart's content."

I'm about to succumb to the temptation of a warm bed. Now that is really pulling power.

Big Game tonight. Let's hope the newbie hits the ground running. He said he wants to play for a big club. This is his chance.

Darren, no newbie tonight. Not yet eligible for the roster.

We desperately need more Judges like yours.

I couldn't find any more detailed info on the deal, but if another club in the Prem. was to make arrangement with the/our player mid-contract, that would surely be a conflict of interest, and not legal, ordinarily.

In the event the deal is structured that way, then should he make such arrangement with another club, it would then have to be all over from our (Everton's) perspective, as far as further playing/paying. As you say, we'd then see essentially see nothing from him.

I can't see this being the case.

How a simple link in post 487 to Josh King's first words after joining Everton has provoked a string of 'humphing' posts at 515, 520, 525, 538, 552 and the latest beaut at 606.

But the penny has finally dropped with me. It's because the author of those posts seemingly believes my harmless link @ 487 was a conscious and deliberate attempt to ridicule and provoke him.

What vanity. What an inflated (and fragile) ego. Making it all about HIM.

It wreaks of someone who thinks and posts with a certain mindset assuming that everyone else thinks and posts in the same vein. Thankfully, that is far from the case.

So once again we are treated to the tired and trite cliches Jim Jennings recently parodied from the Hind Greatest Shits Collection, culminating in a High Lord Executioner's judiciary fabrication.

Bizarre. Warped. False. Again.

You were born out of time, Darren. You (and Barry Rathbone) would have sat well on the bench of the Star Chamber or during medieval witch hunts.

You're beginning to sound like a battered squeaking door in an abandoned building.

Unhinged.

From dogging the King signing because the likes of Manchester City didn't want him (no doubt you were on here asking why we'd sign a relegated loser like Idrissa Gueye or a Barcelona reject like Lucas Digne), likening the transfer window to a fiasco (yes - shifting dead wood, sending young players who need game time out on loan and signing a versatile backup forward to a team-friendly deal. However will we recover?) and, best of all, declaring the season a "dead rubber" (I'm surprised you didn't say we're in a relegation battle while you were at it) - it's like the ToffeeWeb equivalent of a Rembrandt.

He can't accept the idea that anyone would join Everton because Ancelotti was the manager, and therefore he must twist and squirm and write his usual string of nonsense to justify his mistaken conviction.

He did just the same about James Rodriguez but I'm sure most people would say, if asked, that of course he joined Everton because of Ancelotti. As indeed the player did himself.

I hope those contract details that Carlo says he doesn't know, are properly structured!

Anyway - let's see how the guy performs. He's apparently comfortable out wide either side, anywhere across the front, though I've never seen him play that way, in the little I have seen of him. Maybe this will wake Richarlison up.

Does anyone thinks James would be playing for Everton if Ancelotti was not our manager?

"Judge: "Mr Woods, I don't see you as being a danger to the public."

At last. Michael. A post that didnt try to misrepresent me.

As for the twisting and squirming. Not I.

You see, You don't need to try to wriggle out when you stick to the players direct quotes. You can leave those trying to pull the wool to do the twisting and squirming.

I did not respond to Jay Wood until he put it to me (in his best Rumpole of The Bailey) voice "Who on this thread has said it"
The response from Jay and the posse when I gave him the answer was worth the entrance fee alone.

"It was a wind up...E wuz Onee messsen"

Anyway, as I say Michael is bang on the money when he says. I cant wont/accept anyone would join Everton because of Ancelotti...For me it will only ever be the other way round

Got no more to say on the matter

HOWEVER... he has tremendous pace and aggression, which we lack. He's an experienced professional with universal respect in the league, and he can step right in where we are desperately short of cover. And he's risk-free, costing us next to nothing.

If Carlo and his coaching staff thought one of the kids was ready for prime time, they'd have gotten the chance, but nobody was ready. Not one of the TWers who have regularly seen Simms or Broadhead play considers them ready for the first team.

This was a good move. Not a game-changer, but a good move.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not looking for an argument. I'm not saying Josh is a bad player, just that he's not a goalscorer, which I thought we were looking for.

I hope he proves me wrong and bangs them in! I really do.

There you go folks, I've responded, you dimwits have been defeated.

Captain Blowhard strikes again

The Bosman ruling was brought in to try and give the players a bit more control, but nowadays it seems to have swung massively in the players favour. It looks a bit like the Barkley transfer to Chelsea both clubs agreed a fee and all of a sudden while having a medical Barkley decides the move isn't right for him at that time because in his words he wasnt fit enough. But if he thought Chelsea would look elsewhere if he didnt sign would he have still pulled out. Or maybe his agent got assurances from Chelsea that if he didnt sign they would come back in the summer were most probably Everton would have to reduce their asking price, which is exactly what happened.