Gordon joins Newcastle in £40m move

Great business for us though.

Move on.

Yeah, the way he's gone about it does SOUND a bit shitty, but I don't really care. Let him go and we move on.

He's costing the same as Guimaraes, so that a good deal for us.

Colin - please don't!

He's the second fastest player player in the league this season

He has more shots and expected goals than the vast majority of U21 players in the league

He sprints more in a game than any other Everton player

Yet, we can't wait to get rid of him.

£40m - that's only £5m more than McNeil and Maupay - and we think this will improve the team?

Shit business, and shame on many fans for the constant verbal abuse and for the horrible car incident, you've forced the lad out of the club. Who'd want to be an Everton academy player?

What an out and in that would be.

Anyway, good luck to him. I actually think he might thrive under Howe; but we'll see.

This is why we are not progressing as a team, if you cant keep hold of your better players we're never going to challenge the best teams. We are in the same boat as most of the teams in the Prem. though, as soon as a player is wanted by the usual suspects their off.

Its a stretch to class Newcastle a top team yet the're doing well, yes at the moment, but they will probably hit a bad patch before long.

I'm disappointed with Gordon though, to leave when we are in this position is beneath contempt. He'll be in for a rough ride when he comes to play here next time.

Anthony Gordon's premier league record:

65 games

10 yellow cards

253 passes forward

283 passes back

5 big chances created

7 goals

3 assists.

Good luck to him. Bottom line is we need the money to strengthen the squad.

Gray and Gordon are one-dimensional and very similar. We need something different up front.

There were moments early this season when I thought he was developing beyond my expectations -- which have always been somewhat lower than most here -- but he has not proven to be a regular contributor to success, and I will never forget that idiotic foul.

It's best for both the player and the club that he moves on, and I think the price is right.

Onana to Chelsea and Pickford to Spurs ?

So he gets 2 yellow cards for every big chance created? That sounds like the kind of record Vinnie Jones would have.

I know since I was born I only lived in Liverpool for 36yrs, but by that time I learned that if you are born in Liverpool you do not back down from a fight and that is what Everton are in at this time. He could have done the same as Richarlison and left in the summertime.

The only hope we have is we can use the money for a decent midfielder and a scoring winger. I for one will not wish him good luck as he is deserting when Everton need every player they have.

He can fill any spot on the Newcastle bench.

Kevin (15) - Like thousands of professional footballers before him, Anthony decided to go play for a team that would give him a huge pay raise.

Anthony was lauded for his efforts last season in helping us stay up. Deservedly.

Then showed up to training wanting away to Chelsea. Newcastle showed interest too. You think all the interest surprised Gordon and his agent? He wanted to leave then.

So, I'd agree that Anthony, like any player, shouldn't be harassed in public. Personally, I don't "boo" any players. Not that I'm so righteous. I just don't do it.

But this, "you've forced the lad out of the club." Bullshit.

He wanted away since pre-season and by reports is on the cusp of getting HIS wish. More money, better team, better for HIM. Good for Gordon and fair enough.

Still, being viewed as a rat deserting a sinking ship that supporters remain on by choice? Of course he got shouted at. Again, I wouldn't do it. But there you go. A HANDFUL did.

But Anthony Gordon left Everton Football Club only and exclusively because he wanted to since last Summer. Not because some supporters got on his back.

By the way, Mina was in his car that evening getting it too. He got out and faced up to the exact same bunch. Why didn't Anthony?

But nothing about the last several years has been ideal, and so here we are. This seems reasonable business, as was Richarlison I felt at the time. The issue will continue to be how we invest. If it's a Kudus type for £40 million or two solid £20 million players to add goals and attacking threat, then great. If it's Arnautovich and Antonio and more of the Maupay and McNeil overpay type, we will be in trouble. Unless, of course, Dyche works magic. My useless prediction for the second half, regardless of who does or doesn't come in the next few days, is that if we turn it around it will be James Garner who leads the way. Because if ever there is hope, it's with someone who has shone before and is on our books and we haven't really seen much of. COYB!

And thank you, Anthony, for giving us that tiny bit of hope you'd come good over the last couple of seasons, mostly working very hard, and seeming to care about your boyhood club (at least until the big names came calling).

100%
Peter Pan

45m ?. A player is like everything else. He's only worth what someone is prepared to pay for him. There were so many top clubs and qualified people thinking he is about 45m quid better than err "shite"

I don't care about Franny Jeffers. He left over 20 years ago, but, in the last five years we have pulled in over 62m from our academy boys.

If you take into consideration that David Unsworth persuaded Moyes to sign Stones. scouted Branthwaithe. Insisted we sign our biggest asset (DCL) after tracking him for years. Not to mention bringing through TD (Worth 5-6m ?) You realize what a fantastic job he did

While the cub has crashed all around the ears of multi million pound earning managers who have squandered half a billion quid. Once again we see irrefutable evidence that the FF junior staff have been running the only department thats worked at this club. They may not have had the top talent to work with, but my goodness have they paid for themselves

Gordon will thrive in Newcastle. The big fella will have FGR heading in the right direction and Rhino will undoubtedly restore Oldham to former Glories.

Here's to absent friends.

The new chapter begins this week. Lets hope Dyche can succeed where far more prominent names have failed so miserably

I am sad that AG had to leave under the circumstances that he had to endure especially at the end of the last game. No player deserves that kind of treatment.

Raymond (71) - disappointed to see that comment from you - et tu Raymond? I thought you were one of the reasonable ones here. "I'm disappointed with Gordon though, to leave when we are in this position is beneath contempt." Do you really blame him wanting to leave after the treatment meted out to him, especially after his efforts last season which helped keep us up? Oh.. us fickle Everton fans! In our present situation, probably Everton need this deal to happen more than the player does?

If Everton do not have any local lads in the team, I think something would be lost in the club's culture. I wish young Anthony all the very best in his future career. At the same time, contradictory as it may sound, I welcome the opportunity to invest the money from his sale on a couple of good sensible signings that will help keep us up in the league.

Last time Richy for Maupay and McNeil. Now Gordon for... per Colin @ 2, prospects like Antonio or Arnautovic; but likely worse.

Guessing. pontificating that Gordon will fail like others before is scant compensation, denial. If he is to fail, his potential should be failing here.

40 million, and there's every chance this big club with self-afflicted money troubles will nonetheless likely spend a good part of it on a couple of nags that can "do a job". Expect danger men the like of Chris Wood or lesser.

Sadly, I come from a time when there was some loyalty to the club that brought you through thier ranks. What a midfield of Rodwell, Barkely and Gordon could have been before greed set in!

Am I becoming Bitter and twisted!

I'm not sorry he's gone.

He wanted to leave in the summer, and has absolutely stunk for much of the season.

If, for once, the money is well spent, we'll look back more generously at this moment.

A dip in form for any player is to be expected now and again, especially a young one, particularly when there is a lot of speculation about their future and talk of ridiculously high transfer fees. Hardly any surprise if at times this season the lad's focus wasn't spot on. He is only 21.

But, given our financial position, especially if we are having to pay up the contracts of Lampard & Co, I suspect the club may be even more keen than Gordon and his agent to “successfully engineer an exit” for him.

So Gordon with his speed might do well if newly monied Newcastle keep building nicely and he gets games but the reality is he knows more than any of us the monstrous gap between Everton and challenging clubs.

I just can't bring myself to blame him.

I remember Mick Lyons getting stick. Peter Reid too. Ossie and Hibbo got tons of abuse. Then it was Barkley now Gordon. We have such high hopes for these lads so when they don't perform to our high standards it just hurts a lot more. Most of us would've given an arm or a leg to play at Goodison for Everton. So when a local lad wants to walk away it's like a dagger through the heart.

Many ex-players and managers get a deserved good reception at Goodison. Arteta, Richarlison, even Moyes will get a cheer and a round of applause at the beginning of a match (not necessarily the end!). I wouldn't expect Digne, Stones or even the likes of Gomes, Tosun or Rondon (if they were ever to return) to get anything but a friendly reception.

However, I expect this limited-talent, dim-witted, anger-management-issues moron will get some serious stick when he returns. And he will deserve every insult, piece of ridicule and abuse that comes his way.

As to his being quick, I remember when I used to go to Chicago a lot being told by an American colleague about an Olympic sprinter who was signed by one of the NFL team to play as a wide receiver (one of those blokes who run off down the pitch and the quarterback tries to throw the ball to him). He could outpace any defender and was signed for a fortune. But it turned out he couldn't catch for toffee and no amount of training made any serious difference.

In the last World Cup, I finally saw just how good Messi was, it wasn't his pace - indeed in some ways it was his willingness to slow down unexpectedly that threw defenders off, it was his amazing awareness of where to put a pass and his apparently miraculous ability to see moves no-one else could that made him great. Almost exactly the opposite of Gordon and Sterling.

Wish him well, but sadly I know he'll get dogs when he comes back to Goodison next season.

Roll the dice and trade potential for potential.

That kid doesn't do shrinking violet

Could have got ings with knees made of cheese strings, I can see us paying £15m on Antonio and a loan.

£40m clearly will help with Premier league sustainably rules, or does it just cover the above plus Frank's/benitez payoff?

took you until he was 35 to realise Messi was decent!

Then hope people take your comments seriously?

I just think he is the best young forward I've seen for some time. Aggression, skill and more than happy to have a fight.

Dyche would love him, but he needs to act fast. If he keeps playing like this he will be beyond our reach.

Gelhardt who Leeds have just loaned out to Sunderland is also a great prospect. Again, not going to happen.

We need to keep the pressure on the Board, however, it must be done in a dignified way, in addition we don't need anymore altercations between players and supporters on the streets surrounding GP, it's damaging the image of the club, deflecting attention away from the real issues that need addressing and it can't help in the task of convincing young players to come on board.

Onana signed 6 months ago isn't interested in a move as he wants to get us out of this mess according to the press.

Who am I going to warm to?

Kevin 15. Stats can be deceiving. No doubt Gordon has improved, no doubt his head was turned but blaming fans for forcing him out is well off the mark. Him and his agent are chasing the money.

Sports science doesn't seem to cover things like attitude or mentality.

He may be the 2nd quickest in the league but his sparrow like lungs pack in after 65 mins. A time when he switches off and the opposition take advantages.

Does expected goals actually translate into goals? A return of 1 every 10 games isn't great is it.

His agent will take a cool 4m out of the transfer whilst he gets his 100k a week.

I hope that I am proven wrong and that Antony becomes an England regular and has a great career. The evidence so far is a young lad that has potential. His quality and decision making is well short for a top player.

There aren't many local lads that we have let go who have gone on to have great careers. McMahon and Rooney.

Good to get the poison out of the dressing room and provide a clean slate for the manager.

ToffeeWeb that.

He was excellent the other week for Brighton at Goodison.

The calm before the storm, Jeff? I think most people enjoy it, when these two start!

Just another over-hyped, over-rated and over-paid young footballer. He's wanted out ever since another club became interested. Good riddance.

Is there really any need to be such a jerk? I hope you have better manners in person.

But if t was up to me, I would deffo be testing Brighton's resolve.

Interesting to see how/if the money is spent but based on the past six years or so no great optimism it'll be used wisely.

We'll never see the back of these. They're not getting flushed."

What a description!!

Made me laugh.

I think he'll do well for the Magpies, they enjoy pacy/tricky wide players. Good for them, good for us.

Superb news for our Profit and Sustainability spreadsheet. It makes a change not to completely undersell our players, or worse let them hang around and leave for nothing. The winds of change are upon us... hopefully!

For me it is the experienced guys who are supposed to carry the team, not a 21-year-old guy.

㿔M plus might be decent money, but they can easily end up in very average 㿀M buys. I will much rather have Gordon for the relegation fight than the likes of Iwobi, Gray, McNeil and Maupay.

Does anyone remember these transfer stories, when the players wanting transfers were really threatened, not a car chase in sight, but genuine, credible threats…………

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-308410/Gerrards-U-turn-threats-family.html

https://metro.co.uk/2010/10/22/wayne-rooney-receiving-death-threats-over-manchester-city-transfer-rumour-557266/

While they say "you can only play what's in front of you", it's not possible to make an objective assessment unless "what's in front of you" is the best in the world - and "best" can take many forms.

If you were the opponents' manager, who would you spend most time to neutralise – Iwobi or Gordon?

Frankly speaking, I don't think Iwobi scares anyone, while Gordon on his day is a handful. I would agree that these days have been few and far between especially this season. But he is only 21.

The only issue that I have is that we have limited attacking pace in the side and we're getting rid of one of them.

Tick tock goes the transfer clock.

Oh and other posters,

Newcastle didn't want Iwobi.

You have got me in suspence, having never heard of him, you didn't say whether he was a left-back or right, or, is he versatile and can do either?

If we were to take Spence on loan, that would be our quota of 2 loan signings from English clubs. We do have options to bring in loanees from abroad.

So if we are looking for a striker (which we are) on loan it couldn't be from an English club.

I think I'm right, am I?

It is funny you mention the need for a full back. I heard Stubbs earlier talking about the Gordon sale. He said we need to use it to get some attackers, and wingers, and better midfielders, and a left back. That's quite a list with a few days and little money.

Someone at some point needs to grow a pair and put a stop to agents provoking unilateral action outside the contract. The latter are worthless if not enforced.

That said, 㿔M is useful money for someone who very possibly won't make it at the highest level. If it's true it 㿔M upfront, then even more so, that will give us some proper buying power if we can make sure ours are on instalments.

The flaw in the plan is what we did with this kind of money last time around. Let's just hope we have been smart enough to line up the incomings this time (don't laugh).

But if you want a laugh, I've been in Buenos Aires recently and my driver was a huge River Plate fan, who have apparently just signed Salomon Rondon. Hearing I was an Everton fan, he wanted to know what I thought about him, what he could add to their team. Tricky one.

If we can reinvest, it's excellent business and Gordon will rot on their bench.

It's a good fee for Gordon. Hope we spend it well. I'd really like N'Diaye from Sheff United but not sure they'd sell him.

Spence on loan would be good. Personally I'd end Coady's loan immediately, he's been very mediocre, especially with Michael Keane potentially returning to favour with his old boss.

Michail Antonio would seem a decent fit for Dyche ball. Perhaps Gyokeres from Coventry or Beto from Udinese.

Not sure Dyche will fancy Gray so I expect a wide midfielder to come in too.

Can we end Coady's loan? I know we recalled Simms but I read that Besiktas couldn't end Dele Alli's loan as only the owning club can cancel/recall as opposed to the borrower?

Do not haggle, get them in before the close of the window. I don't believe Gordon wants to leave because of a few brain-dead nutcases; if he is, he will be changing a lot of clubs.

We should have held onto him. He'll be a success at Newcastle and we'll regret having let him go.

I thought he was a boyhood blue, not a red, so with that in mind, his recent form and behaviour, he can bugger off!

Not sure how much of that 㿔M is for potential but for a player with a weak shot, poor final ball and an inability to head the ball we have done very well.

His work rate was his main positive and that's dropped this year. Not sure why everyone thinks his form has dropped off a cliff, he didn't score or assist many last season either and has done nothing (yet) to justify the price.

What are the chances of us investing wisely?

This is the other problem to poor recruiting, when decent players don't want to waste years of their career with us.

I don't know if it is true or not but supposedly Chelsea (this was in the Mail and another paper) offered some kind of exchange deal for Gordon as they've spent all their cash but none of their players were willing to come to Everton.

For us, more importantly, we have funds, which I hope to the gods we use wisely, and we need two players in at least, someone who can score goals, someone who can create chances and score a few, someone like Mahrez for example.

If there's money for another one, then my view is that Gueye is knackered and not the same player as he was 3 years ago. If we can get something like the three places filled, then we might well do alright. Maybe another one or two players might be sold, but this is a start.

But the money could get us some more effective players for this season and staying up (I know we will probably waste it)! No hard feelings and wish him well in the future.

That's not a nice thing to want... just let him go, appreciate the exorbitant fee and let him lie in his bed.

Add to the inflated prices the winter market already requires and I'm shitting myself thinking how much we'll now pay for some terribly mediocre players.

I would've taken Ziyech and Pulisic in a heartbeat for Gordon. Or two of them and Brojas, Gallagher or Loftus-Cheek.

Never saw what you see in Gordon. For me, all huff and puff with no end product as demonstrated by his yellow card count. Also too selfish.

Biggest mistake was we didn't do a deal with Chelsea and exchange for Gallagher and Broge.

I'm also delighted that we have in Onana, and will continue to have, someone who is going to be one of the great assets in world football in 2-3 years.

Despite the shitstorm, I'm sensing the faint dawning of some intelligence in our club. Steady on, of course, but I'm convinced that Dyche will do a serious job for us. That's if we can all lift up our heads a bit.

These few days could save our stay in the Premier League.

Wish him well and please spend on a proper striker!

Dyche in so presume we're going 4-4-2 with crosses into the box so need someone slightly bigger than Maupay.

I am disappointed but wish him well.

Link

Let's face it, Anthony Gordon came to the forefront during a period when the club and supporters were desperately scrabbling around to find something…anything…they could latch onto as a positive. Nothing better than a local lad with potential to be the next big thing. Unfortunately, a large part of this ‘promise' was merely projected onto him and the bits and pieces he actually did possess blown out of all proportion.

His biggest attribute last season, in an apathetic outfit, was his appetite for the fight. He got the crowd going with his chasing and direct running, while others looked like they were merely going through the motions. That same enthusiasm never resurfaced when he re-emerged from his summer break with a ropy Cynthia Rothrock barnet from the 80's and a big money move to an ‘elite club' rejected out of hand.

All that left was pace (more often than not, pace without purpose), petulance and…once an hour or so had passed…puffing for air more than a minge-faced mutant in a Martian titty bar after Cohaagen turned the oxygen off.

There's no way he's currently a £45m player and I can't ever see him coming close to being one unless his passing, shooting, vision, decision making and stamina all progress by leaps and bounds. Speaking of leaps and bounds, I've never before witnessed a professional footballer (not even Per Kroldrup) go to head the ball while visibly flinching like they've just woke to find themselves in Noel Edmunds fucking gunge tank.

Maupay next hopefully. To think we got him when Brennan Johnson might have been our man instead. Shameful.

I suspect Gordon will look a better player in a side that plays the ball quickly like Newcastle. For time being, suspect he will be cover/sub for Almiron.

Good luck Anthony, I think you'll need it. I want you to prove me wrong. As a local lad, I truly want you to do well and make me eat my words. I always applaud talent, especially local talent.

Once the lad beds in at Newcastle, we may see the best of him. For his sake, I hope that proves to be the case. Nothing so far has impressed me with him other than his initial never say die breakthrough into Everton's team, which has long since passed.

Every penny must be spent on reinforcements. A striker the immediate priority.

Makes me laugh though that he actually acted out this way because a few fans called him a dickhead. Modern-day football at its best.

One last thing: and this isn't me being bitter but can all you do-gooders stop wishing this little fucker well. He's nothing but a cunt and he's deserted us when he should be trying to get us out of a hole.

At least with non-scousers there's no reason to expect loyalty.

If we sold him to PSV now what kind of fee would we get? On paper he's way down the line of our CBs. Although Mina will likely be gone in the summer, Coady May or may not. Coady and Tark are both over 30. On the other hand Dyche May rate his old player Keane. Then you have Godfrey and Holgate in the mix. I wonder if Branthwaite could get into the starting 11 next season? If not should we sell him or hold on hoping he becomes a top player? If we get relegated obviously everything is up in the air.

Obviously my sarcasm was wasted on you.

Having said that, most of those on here now calling for his blood and saying how useless he is, are the very same ones, had he stayed, who would be praising him to the hilt and trying to convince people like me (who have always criticised him) that he was the real deal.

I have no ill will for him, I'm just glad to see him gone and we've secured some good cash for a player who is and who I believe always will be bang average at best.

Get real, this is professional football. Its all about the money. They can kiss badges and proclaim their love for a club all day long, but as soon as someone comes in with a better deal they're off. All of them. They're all the same. The only ones who stay are the ones who are tied contractually to a club or those that no one else wants. That's professional football today. It's all about the money. More so today than any time in history. There is no such thing as loyalty anymore.

Scanning this site and others in the light of Dyche's appointment (if it happens) and Gordon's departure (if it happens), I think we are where we deserve to be. We've become a shrivelled, curdled mass waiting to be discharged.

We're going to loathe ourselves into oblivion if we're not very careful.

My comment wasn't about you in particular, I hadn't read 150-odd comments word for word.

It's not like I want the lad hung drawn and quartered, just think he's a dog, but what footballer isn't? 🤷‍♂️

Maybe the bleach got into his brain.

Anyway, I am happy with the deal – at least it gives us a transfer kitty which we can only hope is used wisely and no Maupay or McNeil types – just players who work hard and can score goals.

This should be the lift we need.

COYB

I was more bothered when Jeffers went to Arsenal and Rodwell to Man City and, based on how those moves went, I don't expect big things from Gordon at the Barcodes.

The lad believed his own hype and the Claire Balding wig changed him, sad really.

I'm all for players earning huge sums when the team are successful but not just because Man City, Man Utd, Chelsea over-inflate wage expectations.

But to drop it so quickly to 㿔M isn't a reflection on his value and potential, it's because of the wasted funds spent in the past. That really annoys me.

I don't understand the slagging Gordon is receiving. His stats may not be great, but it's only fair to compare him to our other young, developing players over the last few crappy seasons. Oh that's right, there's been no-one else break through.

So comparing him against his senior peers, he's been one of our most important players.

But let's forget that and trust the pirates who run the club to spend the money wisely. Ha ha, we know that's not going to happen. So I pray a few other youngsters can break through soon and become regulars.

Then repeat. New manager, new style, new player profile, sell the youth products, rinse and repeat…

We've typically done the opposite. Buy at a premium and hold them until they have no value anymore.

I've got no grudge towards Gordon. I've enjoyed his performances at times but I don't think we've ever really seen that he has real quality. 㿔M seems like great business for us and he can go and see if he can be a star player. He's 21 – he can prove us all wrong.

Remember he also got rid of Lucas Digne for a huge wad of money, the same player whom Unai Emery has sussed out and got a much cheaper replacement now? Ironical that the Kopites (Benitez and Gerrard) might have been the guys who just kept Everton afloat!

We were nearly relegated and only saved ourselves on the penultimate game of the season. Benitez had long been sacked and we were just about able to save ourselves from his disastrous stint in charge.

Cost management and football management genius.

The problem being, it's Everton! They will sell him, take the money and squander it on more rubbish. That's where all our problems have stemmed from. Buying crap.

Cheer up. Worst (and most likely) case scenario you'll be watching a team fight at the right end of a table next season. A promotion push will be more enjoyable than desperately trying to avoid the drop.

You know what. We are also the most loyal of fan bases. When we are playing, we get off our arses, put our match day gear on, put our wallets in our pockets, travel and turn up.

All a player has to do is run and put a committed tackle in or two and we are off our seats and right behind them.

You know what is saddest though? He wants to get out as quickly as possible.

We're at the bottom of where we can actually get at the moment… but where is our limit – if there is one?

I didn't see a player who "ran around a bit".

I saw one of the few players who excited the ground in a dark period and tried to lead the team on his young shoulders. Even in the despairs of the latter Benitez era, he was often the first over to the travelling blue army to face the music when more senior players were cautious.

We are an unforgiving bunch, us Evertonians, but the fact we regularly chanted his name in stadiums around the country and outside Goodison literally speaks volumes.

Okay, he's been off-form this season and maybe his head has been turned. But he's a 21-year-old who can be developed and get better.

Maybe the club has cashed in when the time is right.

But let's not crucify Anthony Gordon, From what I've seen, he will probably develop into a very good player. Sadly, not for Everton, it seems.

I just hope that money is used to invest in improving the squad. Like the Arteta money was.

I agree and I'm one of them. But it's changing, has changed actually, and we need to stop it before it's too late.

I could only hear two voices shouting, but anyone suggesting Gordon was running away from only two people is either numerically challenged or needs to book an appointment at Specsavers.

I grew up in an area where there was several genuine hard men in every alehouse. But there is no way on earth I would have gotten out of that car. We live in times where there is a gun or knife carrier in every crowd and people are killed or maimed for far less crimes than giving a free kick away. That lad isn't laughing. He is shitting himself. He's got a barrier at one end of the street and an angry mob at the other.

Anyway. It would be wrong of me to suggest this night was the reason the kid has left. Especially when I have been saying on these pages for weeks that I think the kid should run a mile from this club due to the abuse he was already getting. ....But where are we going here ?

What passes as acceptable. At what stage do we recognize the hatred directed at the "overpaid gobshites" who are in, or barely out of their teens ? This is not the end of this behavior, its only the most recent step in an what is escalation of abuse. To condone it and shrug it off as "just a couple of scallies" means it will go unabated and will escalate further.

Those who deny we have a "special" way of treating our academy boys must walk around blindfolded and with their fingers in their ears.

This shite doesnt even stop when they are gone. Look at the comments on this thread.. Look what happened to Rooney !!! Ross Barkley is still getting it five years after he left. People are still delighting in the fact that Franny Jeffers wasnt good enough to make it at a club which had world class alternatives. He still gets reminded of it today twenty years later.

I don't care about what happens at other clubs. I don't care about Rooney. or Barkley. I no longer care about Gordon. None of them have anything to do with us now. But if I'm Issac Price's arl fella. I'm on the phone today to his agent demanding he gets my boy the fuck out of here.

In the shape of Bill Kenwright. This club has the mother of albatrosses around its neck. Internally the club is a cesspit. We have highly paid senior players stinking the place out week in, week out. We have equally highly paid players who cant even get on the bench. We are odds on to lose our premiership status according to the bookies... But hey. Lets not get side tracked. Lets make sure those kids get the kicking they deserve.

"He's fucken shite lad...We should sell him for forty million"

Insisting on a single payment on the guaranteed portion of 㿔 Million is a job well done by Kevin Thelwell.

Disappointed, however, to know that the add-ons are only ٣ Million, which fails to get the total value of the deal closer to the golden benchmark of Brighton's 㿣 Million fleecing of Chelsea with Marc Cucurella.

Nonetheless, getting a single payment large enough for significant reinforcements and having one less saboteur in the locker room who has no appetite to fight at the trenches prevented this deal from getting a score lower than B-.

Hopefully this money helps us recruit better players (Ryan Frazer, does seem very uninspiring? I might be wrong) but, if we stay safe, I will be raising a glass to both Anthony Gordon, and even Rafa Benitez, at the end of this horrible traumatic season.

He was a shocking choice of manager who has sent us on a tailspin towards the Bottom 3 and now regular relegation fights.

Regarding Anthony Gordon, it's a shame he's left. I can't say I'm to bothered about it, I was more gutted when Barkley left, to be honest; let's hope we spend the transfer fee sensibly.

Darren, I'm no hard man, but like you, I knew and know a few. I have to face aggression from supporters of London clubs on a regular basis that I turn into intrigue and often friendship through conversation.

A Millwall fan once threatened to "smash me up" when I celebrated an Everton goal when we played them in the cup. I ended up buying him a drink.

I get your point though. I'm 51, young Anthony is 21 and probably was shitting himself in the inappropriate circumstances.

I don't think he's leaving solely due to being harassed, but it probably did push him over the edge. The extra money will definitely have been a factor too, plus Newcastle Utd look an exciting prospect for a young footballer.

If only we had an actual plan when Moshiri took over. Instead, we had Kenwright acting like a virgin with a fat wallet, on his first trip to a brothel.

BTW; You will no doubt have noticed you were dragged into the latest bit of fantasy. Apparently, I said you were part of a lonely hearts club.

Give my regards to the Mrs, the boys, the many friends you meet watching the boys in London pubs. The Evertonian mates you have made. The work colleagues. The family in Liverpool and the lifelong brothers who served with you.

Oh and I think you have a couple of dogs? Give them a pat for me too.

He is only 21 and shown plenty of potential, I am hoping it was all signed off by Dyche, or quite likely we needed the money and hopefully will get a couple new additions now.

So a decent-ish price but we have lost a quick talented player who can score and create, but boy does he need to do some work on free-kicks and corners because, without Townsend, we are rubbish at both. So I wish him well but do hope we can spend the money wisely.

For us, it's all about using that money wisely. Can we get someone (good) in this transfer window? Not so confident…

Great bit of business; good riddance. I just hope we can use the money to bring in a couple of players,

Benitez getting rid of a so called 33% luxury player and Digne Is like someone taking away chocolate and giving you bread and water.

We are still seeing the impact of Benitez time at the club. No quality supply from any part of the pitch but we got rid of 2 quality players and replaced them with empty footballers without an ounce of quality.

I don't see how the worst appointment in our history can be defended. Even now I can't believe he was appointed.

He might have got Gordon running harder. It would have been better if he had improved his decision making or crossing.

That said, we need attacking options so if there's nobody lined up to replace him, then we truly are fucked and this is a fire-sale

He must be one of the most over hyped players in our history. Great we got that huge fee for him though, as long as we spend it wisely, it might just save us from relegation. For that I thank him, good job Anthony lad !

Whoever negotiated this deal from Everton deserves a pat on the back as most pundits were suggesting 㿅m plus a ٣m add on.

The family, friends, lifelong Evertonians and Kopites alike that I have known for life as well as those I have met through here and elsewhere throughout life deserve more than that for listening to me over the years.

But I'll keep going. I know no different.

Especially the wife who has put up with me, often in dismay and a look of disapproval. And she's from the Midlands, so Everton didn't come naturally to her. She inherited it.

She's a knowledgable football supporter but has had to endure me. When I was playing when I wasn't away for long periods, so going away to play football and even more time away. Then spending most of my weekends coaching and / or following Everton as often as I can.

I don't deserve it. They don't. But I can't help myself.

As you mentioned it Darren, true story; we once had access to Sky somewhere in Helmand Province to watch the the Derby in 2010 (I think). We lost and I got told by my boss that he saw a side of me he had never seen!! He wrote to my wife to sympathise with her.

Back to Anthony Gordon, it's a shame it's ended with a stain on his Everton career. He seems a balanced lad and Evertonian. Let's not underestimate how much the club has probably been involved in this. I have no ill feeling towards him and wish him a good career.

I really don't see the potential that others see in him but if he proves me wrong then great. If as reported it is 40m cash payment up front then it is good business for us. I just don't trust us to spend it wisely.

In hindsight he was an awful manager that tried to impose formations and tactics on players not capable or suited to them, he had to be sacked.

I didn't need hindsight with the appointment of Benitez. Here for a pension top up. He probably made more money in his time at Everton than the 33% luxury player.

He's main attributes for us have been his tenacity, his pace over the first five metres, and his shithousery, which was second only to Richarlison last season. He did well last year, in a terrible side, but this season he's shown very little except the shithousery - which led to our defeat to Southampton, if we're being honest.

The fact that Lampard - who clearly had a high opinion of Gordon - hasn't picked him recently shows that either he's just not been good enough, or that he's been angling for a move all season.

Whichever of those it is doesn't really matter, because he's going now and I'd say £40m represents good business for us. I think he'll do well in that Newcastle team, he'll fit in well, but I'm not convinced he'll be an England regular - which is what I'd expect for the price.

I don't exactly wish him luck, and I hope we kick him all over the park when he plays against us, but I am sad that it didn't work out for him here. In the summer I was adament we should keep him, but now I'm not unhappy to see him leave.

It's not like he's at Richarlison's level, but he is a local lad, and it's always nice to have one of them in the side. But £40m for a want-away who's massively underperformed this season is a pretty good deal for us right now.

With Benitez, of course he shouldn't have been picked but he was, with the job of sorting the whole club out from top to bottom and when it came to the push he wasn't backed by those who appointed him, Usmanov and his messenger Mr. Moshiri, and was chased away, being honest his record didn't do him a lot of good either but neither did a lot of the players he inherited.

I doubt the fans would have got behind Rafa the way they did at the end of last season, we did it for Everton not for Frank but Rafa could have been a sticking and dividing point but we stayed up which counted more than anything.

On to this dismal season, the club dithered at the start, dithered at the before the World Cup and are still dithering four days before the end of the transfer window leaving a new manager starting the way the last two have, loads of problems and doubts which way the club will be carrying on,with the solutions anyones guess, my own thoughts, for what they are worth, if Lampard had stayed we would have been relegated, with Dyche we will do better, enough to stay up?

Money doesn't interest you is fair enough, but if Everton get relegated I'm led to believe that the constant mismanagement, has also led to us spending 96% of our turnover directly on wages, meaning the club, could be finished for years?

Benitez got £1.5 million to spend, after being told he would be given money, and was ridiculed for bringing in Rondon on a free transfer.

Bringing in Benitez was a total stitch up, (I often think this might have been done by Usmanov to bring Bill Kenwright to his knees?) but the only people who got stitched up were us Evertonians, especially considering Bill, never moved an inch, and probably ended up with more power once Brands was shown the door, because the appointment of Benitez was always going to end in tears.

If Benitez would have sold Anthony Gordon for £8 million on the day he arrived at Everton, most people would have said it was good business (maybe not?) so for us to get £40 million, 18 months later, with the club in a horrible precarious league position, whilst also appearing to be skint, then I think this might have just given us an incredible lifeline? I'm hoping that's the case anyway🤞

With his performances being average and being poorly advised, I think we are well shot of that type of thing.

Wish we'd cashed in on Dcl and Gordon in the summer. Vital cash could have targeted hungry players wanting to succeed.

Both Bielsa and Dyche have shown that they can operate without needing excessive funds. If Bielsa thought that the current squad contained the players to implement his style of play he would have got the gig, he was Moshiri's choice after all.

I wonder what the DOF is thinking this morning, when it came to crunch I doubt if he was a major player in making the appointment.

It suits the PR team at GP to have Gordon demonized – just as it does to have the fanbase demonized.

The events surrounding the Southampton game should never be forgotten, relegation battle or no relegation battle, change at the top must happen.

I'm more focused on what we do with the players we have. He can't impact that now.

Anyone seen him play? He looks strong, with a great eye for goal in the clips I've seen. Has he been training with the first team squad yet?

It's only good business if we bring in better players than Gordon

If we don't, it's bad business

Let's not forget that Gordon put in a shift last year in helping us avoid relegation. The lad deserves credit for breaking into the team proper last year and making a difference

There's no profit in this for the fans so let's not be swayed by finances right now. It won't help us having money in Kenwright's pocket while we're in the Championship

Fraser also got into a spat with Bruce

Our talent-spotting capability reaches new heights.

And Danny Baily, change the record.

“We have more money than sense!”

Nobody replaced Lukaku.

Grey replaced Sigurdsson.

Mykolenko replaced Digne.

Townsend replaced James Rodriguez.

McNeil finally replaced Kevin Kilbane.

Maupay replaced Richarlison.

Ryan Fraser replaces Gordon?

And we wonder why we have been in the relegation zone for two seasons.

Our recruitment team operates on the reverse midas principles. Everything it touches turns to shit.

Firstly, Anthony has scored three goals in a team which doesn't create chances and our goals usually come in the way of a piece of magic by Gray or Gordon. There is no concerted team goals. Moreover Anthony has only started twelve games so it's actually quite a decent return considering he is in a struggling team and seems really unsettled.

Secondly, Newcastle's record in the transfermarket since their new ownership took over is fantastic. They don't make mistakes. I doubt Anthony will be their first.

"McNeil finally replaced Kevin Kilbane."

Even by our standards that was a slow process.

Shows you how bleedin' desperate we are!!

I agree that Ferguson looks the business, but would be amazed if Brighton let him go.

Spence is an excellent player - really wasted on Spurs' bench - but RB is not one of our priorities.

Yes the mounterain mob may have give the little shit a scare but so what !!! Has any player ever been assaulted by a fan from our club? It s his excuse for being a greedy shithouse !!
Good riddance to spineless, overated bellend !!

The experience of playing in Europe will bring him on, and he played today for PSV. Brands will try to sign him, and knowing us, we'll let him go for a pittance.

Just hope Dyche had his eye on the Championship while he's been out of work and can pull a couple of rabbits out of the hat!

At least we know with Dyche we will go down fighting if that's our fate. Rather than surrendering weakly. Let's kick some ass!!!!

If Gordon is going to excel and succeed, then I think he might be better suited to playing inside. People say he has been sulking since he never got his move in the summer, but I think he was looking better playing as a false Number 9, and I think he might prefer playing inside.

Anyone else?

Stay and work hard or go!!

I liked his attitude in getting fit during lockdown so that Ancelotti selected him but subsequently he has been all energy and no output. When does he shoot? When does he play a killer pass?

I really don't like doing down our academy players but Gordon shows less than Rodwell, Rooney, Davies, Barkley etc and somehow has become a star.

While Rooney (obviously) went onto great things, the others who left didn't. I don't see Gordon defying that trend.

If there is a bright side then it is that the accounts and P&S requirements look better but why would you expect the playing side to improve when you are run by an accountant and a qualified failure whose credits include selling to said accountant?

It's just another judgement lampard got wrong imo. Yes decent young player but not irreplaceable. If we would of sold in the summer at 60m that would have went a long way to solving p&s issues, freeing up money for the striker we need. Hindsight is a wonderful thing but many fans thought it a deal too good to turn down at the time it could have been the deal to get lampard more time, instead he keep him, bearly had impact and left under a cloud for 20m less.
Will he get to the level expected? Who knows. I don't think he will get the opportunities up there especially if they get CL and spend a load more.

He had potential which isn't often realised and I honestly can't say I'm upset by him moving on but the £40M could come in very handy depending on how it is spent.

A) Abuse received for the free kick he gave away.

B) Abuse he received when in his car/truck/whatever.

C) Abuse online.

I can't remember seeing anyone suggesting that he wanted to leave to join a progressive, well run, club that has a chance of qualifying for Europe in the short term and winning trophies in the mid to long term. People seem to think that because he's a Scouser he'd naturally want to stay at the shitshow that is Everton.

Perhaps he put his career ambitions, and a chance to multiply his salary many times, above the fact that he was born in Liverpool.

It's the quotes only a few months ago that bite him on his ass now !
"Never want to leave "
"Live & breathe everton"
"My club"
An extra 10- 20 - 30 - 50 grand a week would mean nothing to me if I left Everton this way. Couldn't wait 4 months ? Give his all in the fight to keep us up ? Then leave with head head high?
I know which I'd choose!!

The club is skint, relegation is more probable and value of players go down in the championship. We must put the brakes on what we think we know. Everton sell their best players with value. This is a 30 year model at this club.

I think you may well be right.
Was the so called £60m bid by Chelsea, a sweetener for the future where a transfer for £40m + is seen as a bargain.
If that is the case well done someone.
I'm not happy with how Gordon has conducted himself during the past week, but his head has been turned.

Not a great return.

Shame. He'll get a torrid reception next time he comes to Goodison.

Hopefully we now reinvest.

Hopefully we don't get Fraser in return for an inflated fee (although I don't object at modest cost if we get Ndiaye and Gyorekes too - or similar)

There can be no mistake that we have sold a player that has been our joint top scorer this season albeit with a poor return, and one of the few that puts us on the front foot.

We have 48 hours to actually announce Dyche as manager then help the fella sign at least two attacking players.

Typical Everton.

But when he said this he pissed me off:

"People haven't seen what I'm capable of yet,"

Really Gordon then why didn't you fecking well show it on the pitch for us then then mate we sort of needed you to pal.

Eh, what a football club!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9tEMtlSRSf8

We should have been announcing atleast one of his replacements straight away. Oh hahaha sorry this is Everton Football Club. I forgot.

We escaped relegation by the width of a rizzla last season. We'd have almost certainly gone down without this kid. - Lord knows how many millions that saved. He cost nothing and he has only earned about a million quid in in the past two years. We've just got 40 times that with...add-ons !!!

I don't get this club anymore. We still feel grateful to a manager who fleeced the club of tens of millions before he snuck out after confessing he couldnt do the job..... Yet we chase a boy who has been better than a forty lottery wins all the way up the A1.

Out of the pair of them. I wonder which one history will decree was more beneficial to EFC ?

Interesting interview, thanks for sharing that Rob.

I'm more concerned that a club like Newcastle is now making Everton look like... what Newcastle were.

You can defend him all you like but total lack of respect in my opinion. He let himself down, refusing to train with his club, and turned his back on his teammates. Good riddance.

I think he will improve at Newcastle, and he may go on to be an important cog in their team, and like it or not, Newcastle are a far better team than we currently are, which will always be of benefit to a young up-and-coming player.

As it is, the player joins a club who have money and ambition, and we get a big wad of 'unexpected' cash to help us plug some of the gaps in our current squad, if it's spent correctly.

I understand what you are saying, but his head and heart left in the summer. Not because of a single yob banging on his car. He made the call to leave last summer.

Not angry at him, really disappointed in him, he hasn't been at the races this season. Hasn't done what he did last season and we know he could have made a difference this season if his heart was in it.

Listen to the interview again and tell me of his loyalty or respect. It's yet another testament to how badly run this club is... when the better youngsters don't want to be here. But there is a way of doing things in life, on both sides.

Personally, I thought he spoke well and was respectful towards Everton.

I don't have any ill feeling towards him.

The club were clearly looking to sell him and, as the kid says himself, he just hopes we reinvest the money wisely.

A shame, but a humble and wise head on 21-year-old shoulders in my opinion.

Between him and Carlo, One saw the relegation fight coming and rolled his sleeves up. The other declared he was not a magician and fucked off.

Christine.

Dont disagree.

We neither of us know for sure, but I think you are on the money. his head was almost certainly turned. But the hammering he as taken since was hardly encouragement to stay.

As ever. those who have been most critical are the ones who now feel the most outraged.

He's gone. This club is infinitely better off than they would have been without him... As you say. there is something really sad about all this, But I dont think there is any need for some to chase him up the A1.

Hopefully we have a transfer window like we haven't seen for a long time where we get some rabbits pulled out of hats. Can't see it but all I can do is hope.

I just hope the money is spent wisely but somehow I doubt it.

In support of your comments on the phantom Chelsea bid. Do you remember about a week before the window closed Lampard said Chelsea had to put up or shut up then said it was too late to entertain a bid if one ever came. There may or not have been interest but zero evidence of a bid.

My final word on Gordon as he is now Everton history.

Not only was his head turned. He was suspended. He was sick. He was injured and he was being asked to carry senior professionals who were letting him down every time he was selected.

Coleman, Gana, Coady and Tarkowski have all been truly abysmal. Whether Gordon played or not. Yet he has taken more flack than all of them.

Not the ideal apprenticeship.

Since Moshiri came to Everton, and went for Koeman first, he's been like a bad gambler who thinks his fortunes are suddenly going to change. Like the jinx in the Bronx Tale but nowhere near as funny.

Blame whoever you want, we'll never truly know, which is why playing the blame game is a waste of time. I just hope the money is spent well on new players and we stay up!

This looks a good deal from both points of view. Newcastle get a young player with potential whilst we get £45m for a player any decent fullback wouldn't have nightmares about facing. Ancelotti didnt think much of him and there were rumours of him knocking on his door expecting a shirt.

When all is done as ever its how the money is invested as to whether this turns out well for us. Most of us wont be confident this is the case.

Glad we got the money before everyone realised how bang average he really is.

He was sold and the club wanted to sell him to profit, so I won't criticise the kid. We done it with Rooney but as it transpires (apparently) that the club were trying to offload him to somewhere he didn't want to go, so he's picked his place of his own choosing...

So he wanted to get the best deal for himself and go to where he wanted to once he knew the club didn't want him anymore.

Alan Ball and Arsenal?

His attitude was simply foul. He allegedly refused to play, missed training etc.

Basically did everything he could to be disruptive and engineer a move. A few nice words on Twitter afterwards mean fuck-all.

He just hung around, didn't make the right runs in the box, weak shot, poor passer/crosser. I guess his career record is reflective of these weaknesses. And his attitude sucked. Good riddance.

I fear panic buys considering we've so little time to spend it. We should've moved him on weeks ago if that was the plan, and he seemed determined to leave anyway.

Wonder if we'll see Gordon's silly 'cupped ear' celebration when the Geordies turn up at Goodison in April??

Thank you from AG

Posted on the Echo's live EFC feed;

Anthony Gordon claims he never meant to 'disrespect Everton'

Anthony Gordon insists it was never his intention to 'disrespect Everton' after forcing his way out of the club in order to join Newcastle United.

He said: “It was a really difficult decision and it's been a really tough week for me. I've been at Everton for my whole footballing career so far, so it's been difficult, but this is an opportunity that I couldn't really miss out on.

“I didn't mean to disrespect or offend anyone at Everton, and I'm hoping they know that and hopefully they can reinvest the money now and stay in the Premier League.

“I never imagined it or wanted it to go like that, that's why it's been such a tough week for me. But I just couldn't miss out on this opportunity and they got a lot of money for me, so I'm hoping they can reinvest it into the squad.”

Seems sincere, and a many have said, footballers, all modern footballers, go where the money is, or where it is best to progress their career.

Bygones, time to move on now methinks.

Very rare is what used to be called the balanced, middle ground anymore.

Very, very funny

Hopefully we use the money well and everyone wins.

Hopefully the sale of Anthony Gordon, will help the cause in the couple of of days in this window.

I am interested to see whether and how we reinvest these funds.

If they're not spent then we're down with a very good indication that we are in austerity mode for the foreseeable.

Does anyone ever do really great business on the January deadline day? It's hard to believe that it's going to happen. The biggest and best struggle in this window - why would Everton be able to pull rabbits out of hats?

Keith Who?

Gordon leaving does not evoke any emotion whatever in me. 㿔M helps us more than he was ever likely to do.

It's going to be interesting to see how he develops, because reading these posts and listening to other Evertonians speaking about Gordon, I've never known the fanbase to be split down the middle, as much as they are about this player.

“His last game” summed his time up at Everton perfectly imo. He danced passed two players and put in a cross that Tarkowski could have scored from, and then he put in a lazy, stupid, unprofessional tackle whilst on the wrong side, and Southampton scored from the free kick.

I've never been convinced by Anthony Gordon, so I'm convinced that Everton, have just done their best bit of business in the transfer market for years (absolute years) but unless we bring in the right players with the money we have made, we are in massive trouble.

Let's hope we spend the money wisely, allowing us to give the kid who helped save us, dogs abuse, every time Everton play Newcastle in the future. This is how football works isn't it!?

As I said. My last word about an ex- player

But you seem to want to pursue me on this so I will addrees what you say.

You have been vehemently defending a player (against very reasonable criticism) who has been not been premier league standard for years.

Everyone is entitled to their opinion, judgement and even bias, but I believe that by defending and supporting our 1970's center back pairing, you have had and are still having your judgement exposed. Like in any walk of life. the senior professional should always,always,always take a greater responsibility than the apprentice.

It's been desperately difficult for the younger players coming into the team. Thats why they are in and out. They are working with a non existent forward line and a seriously shite back four. Senior pro's who simply don't have the guts or self belief to take it to the opposition.

Point the finger all you want at younger players, but if you need to understand why we are as shite on the field as we are off it. You need not look much further than the four players I mentioned. As senior pro's they should be teaching the youngsters, not hiding behind them.

BTW; If you think you think you will convince me that its ok to attack the kids while defending the senior pro's, I can assure you. You have the wrong poster.

Instead of banging on about somebody who doesnt play for Everton. You would do well to concentrate on the vastly experienced players who got us in this scrap,

Somewhat predictably They're still here.

BTW: Excuses ? I just put up what happened.

I watched a player who has potential, but still needs to develop. He won't be a superstar, he's not a leader on the pitch and never will be. But he might succeed as part of a better team.

Over the years and when I look in hindsight, I'm very sceptical on the club's motives and the part they play once that they seemingly decide to sell a player. I mentioned Alan Ball, who vocally came out and said years later that he didn't want to leave. Rooney has recently done similar, although he would have gone at some point in reality. Duncan Ferguson was sold; a totally adopted Evertonian if you listen to his words and would have stayed for life. There are probably other examples I can't think of right now.

I suspect Everton has been touting Gordon hence the summer rumours and now this move.

To draw parallels with Gordon, I think the one that really got me for petulance and getting ahead of himself was Francis Jeffers. But then again, who knows what motives the club had in the background? Cash in? It seems to be a theme with Everton.

In fact, now I think about it the Jeffers transfer more reflects what those who think badly of Anthony Gordon. If I recall correctly, he through a tantrum with Walter Smith for not being selected on the first or second game of the season and handed in a transfer request.

I guess we'll find out in about 15 years when he speaks fondly of his boyhood club having been apointed as a coach at Finch Farm with the then 92 year old Kenwright still at the helm.

I have to exercise the right to reply on the defence Darren, as part of the Centre Back Union. Despite the initial optimism, yet again we have a defence that sits deep and doesn't get us on the front foot. Attack starts from the back. Maybe it's been the tactics. Maybe the nature of the players. Maybe that we haven't had a functioning midfield in front of them. And the glaring obvious, what have they had to aim for? An inconsistent Demarai Gray, an off form Anthony Gordon and a near non-existent Calvert-Lewin. Numerous factors that indicate a dysfunctional team in a dysfunctional club.

In reality, it's good business. As long as we reinvest and the money doesn't disappear down the back of the Goodison couch.

That lot have shown over the years that you can sell your best players for good money. And then reinvest often at profit. How you spend, not what you spend.

It's only Monday. A long wait until we play Arsenal but I can't wait.

If Gordon has as good a career as Seamus, he should definitely be proud of himself. Seamus hasn't the legs to be playing every week, but still gives his all. A true role model for any young player to look up to.

A good few years back when Man Utd were sniffing around, Seamus didn't have his head turned or swelled, but gave his all for his club, unlike Gordon, who has been a passenger since last summer, and refused to play, nothing to do with being injured or sick.

A very good Evertonian told me this because he had been arguing with Franny when he returned to the club and Jeffers then asked him, “Do you remember what else I told you when I decided to leave Everton?”

“No” was the reply. “Can't you remember I told you Michael Ball would be next?” said Jeffers.

So it wouldn't surprise me if Everton have been hawking Anthony Gordon around, Danny. That's why I couldn't understand why Gordon never went to training. It's obvious Everton have needed to sell him to give our new manager some transfer funds, imo.

What would Everton have done? Sell all their talented kids maybe, Bill? Boyhood Evertonians who have sadly and inadvertently contributed to the demise of Everton, who made Everton at least 𧴜 million during the Kenwright era.

I don't want to turn this into a Seamus bashing exercise, because I have a great fondness for him but you are looking at this through your Green tinted Glasses. He has acquitted himself well in a team noted only for its mediocrity. But Man United "sniffing around" ???

At best, Seamus and the two CH's you defend so stoutly have only ever held their own in the EPL. They have a combined age of about a hundred. They have never won anything and they have never attracted a bid from a wealthier more ambitious clubs.

Seamus has too big a heart to not have another cameo or two left in his locker, but he really does need to get himself to fuck.

The much loved marauding Irishman is in danger of ruining his own legacy. It would be really sad if he was to be remembered as the guy who issued a rallying call every time he had just been ripped a new one.

Makes no difference to me if you or others want to comfort themselves by trying to portray a former player in as bad a light as you can. Like the rest of us you don't have a scooby what went on.

What we DO know now, is that there was clearly a deal being brokered. The player knew it. the club knew it. the fucking dogs in the street knew it.

IMO It would have been wrong for a player to go into preparation for the next game knowing he was not even going to be here for it. I suspect Leighton Bainse thought so too, given his comment about excused absence.

The club could have easily have cleared up this "mystery", but they chose to stay silent. They had their scapegoat and I find it staggering that there are still so many of you who have once again bought it hook line and sinker

I don't buy your story. I don't buy your conjecture and I don't share your desire to portray the outgoing youngster in the worst possible light. I'm far too cynical for that.

Like I say; We have far more things to worry about.

I am confident that the £40 million will be completely wasted, for all the good it will do we might as well have let Gordon go on a free.

However, I regard his departure as nothing but beneficial. Players like Gordon, Pogba, Ferdinand and - from what I've read - Danjuma, lead to poisoned, divided, unhappy dressing rooms and unmotivated losing performances on the pitch. There appear to be large numbers of these players, talented but immature, overpaid and convinced of their value by agents who make far more out of a good transfer than from a player developing loyalty to a club. And while I am second in the queue to no-one when it comes to loathing the RS, they appear to have kept the lid on player power for a long time - although perhaps even they are now seeing the beginning of the decline we've experienced under the diseased management of Bullshit Bill.

£40m rising to £45 subject to performance add ons is like theft even from the Barcodes, the money needs to be spent on a striker who can bang some goals in and a creative midfielder

We scout the wrong profile. Most are too slow, lack hunger, and the asking price doesn't correlate to the atual ability.

We buy at the wrong time. Yet again we are trying to buy goals at the 11th hour. How on earth do you buy good value, good players a day before the deadline. Its a stupid strategy. This was known in the summer, yet we signed garner, gana, onana, mcneil and Maupay. Where was the goals coming from in that?

We sell our better players. Yet again the family silver has been flogged, and everyone knows we've got £40m. Prepared to get done over for crap players.

We have more stories of our better players leaving, than actually seeing better ones come in. Gordon gone, Branthwaite bid for, Pickford not signing a deal and going to Spurs no doubt, clubs in foe Onana.

There are no guarantees if Dyche does become manager. Lampard failed to to see that our lack of goals and his style of play with hardly any creativity, brought about his downfall.

The next day will epitomise and define the rest of our season, with the quality and quantity of any signings, then it will be up to the manager to put his stamp on the remainder of our season.

He evidently began to believe the hype himself when he claimed to have aspirations of making Everton's World Cup Squad. Based on his performances this season, he was a far distance from that level.

I think he was badly advised over the last week, as Everton would have sold him in this window as they needed the money. He went for a good price so good luck to him.

In the broader context of Everton's recent history, Gordon is nothing compared to Seamus Coleman. Barely a footnote.

What we have also done for years is sell players then actually replace them with inferior more expensive players. I don't see that changing in the current climate of player mediocrity.

I thought a couple of years ago, given the amount of changes in manager we have had, that somewhere along the line it may just click and we start the climb back to success. Sean Dyche is now carrying all of our hopes for a brighter future and I wish him all the best.

However, to continue with these idiots who run the club means that Dyche's chances of success and all of our long suffering hopes of a better Everton will more than likely drag on.

A clever manager would have used Everton's clear desperation to iron out what he wanted to do at the club and also what he did not want regarding players and also intrusion by the board. I also hope he has signed a limited NDA so one day we get to hear the truth.

So Gordon has gone and Sean Dyche will now be looking at what players can suit his style of play to get results. There's a few in the current team that will help but Thelwell has a tough job on his hands bringing in creators and goalscorers.

Maybe Dyche is intelligent enough to develop a system which uses what he's got rather than try to get the players to have roles they're not suited to (like, perhaps asking Gueye to play like James Rodriguez).

I suspect next Saturday is going to tell us which division we'll be playing in next year.