Mid-Summer Chatter

RIP Rob Burrow.

Stricken by the cruelest of ailments. blessed with the greatest of friends.

I'm no egg chaser, but I know a sporting giant when I see one.

Barely into his forties. Fuck me. We don't half argue about irrelevant shite.

Dave, well said. MND is horrible, and what a wonderful man he was. Like you say just 41.

I was just about to decide where to place a mention of Rob Burrow but up popped Dave Cashen with a very appropriate message.

May I just add to not forget his wife, children and extended family to your 'blessed with the greatest of friends.'

From documentaries and news reports I have seen, the family have been amazing.

If you have time, this video on YouTube is worth watching.

Link

Sad sad news indeed about poor Rob Burrow.

I've seen first hand what this horrific disease can to do a man having seen my brother in law reduced to a shell of a man, and a great blue I know who worked in Ford's who some on here will know suffering the same fate.

Cruel cruel world good honest hard working people suffering while the scum live normal lives.

Beautifully put Dave Cashen.

What a human being and player Rob Burrow was - is. With Kevin Sinfield, he brought some real light into this world. This is one legacy and example that will never fade.

I can only imagine how Rob Burrow's family, Kevin Sinfield, and all his numberless friends are feeling right now. Pride will one day overtake grief.

RIP Rob Burrow.

100% Dave and Joe, we must be grateful for every day.

Rob and Dodie Weir, who succumbed to the MND, last year were inspirational.

It puts life and values on what counts into perspective.

Well said, Dave Cashen and Paul Ferry. A close friend of mine died of it 10 years ago. Awful disease. He was an airborne soldier and really good goalkeeper, who I played alongside with.

Horrible to see him gradually waste away.

We have an annual tournament named in his memory.

I've been following the Rob Burrow story. He defied the odds as an athlete in what is traditionally a big mans sport and fought to the end. Rest easy.

Just heard the news rugby league legend Rob Burrows has died.The guy was an inspiration, sad loss.

Yes, Paul, a very sad loss.

Rob was the smallest man on the pitch and yet the biggest heart, he was a joy to watch, so skilful with a brilliant sidestep and turn of speed just mesmerising. RIP Rob.

Dave,

A very good post about proper men in a man's game who play for a pittance, knock each other all over the place for 80 minutes then shake hands at the end of the game and get ready for the next game.

And we argue over a game we used to love when it was a man's game, still plenty of men in it but also loads of tarts who knock you sick.

Goodnight God Bless Rob Burrows, a true hero on and off the pitch. What a friendship you had with your true friend Kevin Sinfield an emotional inspiration to everyone.

Just been reading that someone called Sam Fuck/Matterface has been on TalkSport saying Everton are going to have to sell Pickford, Calvert-Lewin and Branthwaite. And although we allegedly want around £80 million for our defender, we will be lucky to get that for all three.

Maybe he's just trying to get people to ring the show, but I'm busy!

Tony, he's in the pocket of Man Utd and Co.

No doubt the brief is to throw this shit out, and in return he'll get some Man Utd gossip. He's going to get nothing out of Everton, so where's the downside for him? Apart from more Man Utd fans believing him...

Tony,

I avoid TalkSport and haven't listened to it for years. They are wind-up merchants to get people to phone in so they can shout them down.

It's a bit like BBC Breakfast. Now I like the BBC, but that breakfast show tries to tell me how bad the world is every day and I get told off for shouting at it, sometimes having it forcibly switched off!!

RIP Rob Burrow.

Thoughts and prayers to his family, especially his children.

That picture of Kevin Sinfield carrying him across the finish line is just beautiful and puts things into perspective for me.

Dave 149, thanks for the update.

Jamie, all I can say to you is go read about Dupont and Teflon... that just says it all.

AIG, Wells Fargo, Lehman Bros, Goldman Sachs, Pfizer, Boeing, Amazon, Bayer, Monsanto (died in hell), and a host of others, just to make the list slightly terrifying by adding to our friends at Dupont.

777 Partners anyone? 😳

Jamie,

I fully agree with you regarding the scurrilous mega-wealth of a very few who're devoid of morals - the odious Donald Trump being a hideously poor (by the standards of his psychotic mega-loaded peers) exemplar of your point.

I completely accept that, of the very few founder clubs of the Premier League, we have been by a million miles and 30+ years the worst run of those clubs.

Now though, the Premier League has morphed into such an unaccountable, shifty, bent, self-serving Frankenstein that I just wonder whether Kenwright was the ONE football "genius" (in his own absurd words, in effect) that attracted the Premier League hierarchy to enact all of his advice.

If so, no wonder the Premier League, and everybody except the mega-wealthy clubs they always kow-tow too, are fucked for years to come, as we are.

ps: In the weekend just gone, there's been some fantastic games of cricket and rugby league in the UK!

Jamie, you are absolutely correct, about as rare as hens teeth!

Personally, I just want to know what the preseason plans are…

Laurie -

You and myself are on the exact same page.

Whatever occurs is allowed to occur. It's that simple.

Doesn't stop me from considering the state of things and being wholly displeased with the current landscape from a human perspective.

But... chin up. Everything is temporary, if you catch my drift.

Conspiracy theory can be a strange creature.

I still believe that Princess Diana was murdered, am still not convinced that the moon landing in '69 was real and many others.

Back in the early ‘70s (on Tyneside), my wife's best friend and her husband suddenly disappeared. We'd had dinner with them at their house the previous weekend and called by 6 days later, which we would do regularly.

An older woman came to the door and calmly told us she'd never heard of them and we must be mistaken.

So, I try to look for logic in such scenarios. As Kevin writes, there is some plausibility in the thought process of Usmanov pulling the strings in the background, using 777 Partners as a front, while the Ukraine war edges towards an end.

I'm not convinced but who knows the secrets of the Black Magic Box?

Kieran, you mention two players that bring up a few thoughts.

Allegedly, Saha wouldn't play unless he was 100% fit. Some would call that a lack of desire, others would say sensible.

And Ian Wright. There was a period when he seemingly just couldn't stop scoring against Everton. We must have been his favourite team to play against.

Whereas you had idiots like me, Phil, who would put Tiger Balm on his back and hamstrings to get through the pain!!

Top tip.: if you use Tiger Balm or Deep Heat, be sure to wash your hands properly before the pre-match pee —and don't rub your eyes!!

And then go home hardly able to move for a day and get told off!!

Danny,

After a game in the dark dank changing room where lightbulbs were prohibited and pegs to hold clothes had long since been stolen to break into cars, a mate asked to borrow some deodorant.

I had some. I also had some spray-on Ralgex. I couldn't help myself and chucked the latter to him. He thanked me, flipped the cap and before I could shout "Jimmy, No!!!" (having suddenly realised he was also a local ABA champeen at some weight or other) –
sshhhsshhhiissss!

"Soz mate. That's the ralgex. Bloody lighting in here."

The effect was immediate. His arm now stuck in the 'does anybody have a question / miss I need a piss' mode.

Scornfully he stared. Then:

"You'd be dead by now if my armpit wasn't on fire and I could see through the tears of pain."

I made a sharp exit wearing a mixed array of clothing including one shoe and a studded boot.

It took a while and me changing in other teams' dressing rooms before it was safe to venture back.

Funniest one I ever came across was one of my old Sunday league mates, who is sadly no longer with us, putting his strapping on the wrong ankle because he couldn't see in the dark, Martin! Hilarious.

What in my day was tomorrow's chip wrapper is, for this generation, click-bait.

Shoddy journos, justifying their existence by making up as many semi-plausible stories as they can.

When, finally, one comes off, and even a stopped clock is right twice a day, they headline with 'told you so'. Ignoring the 99 names that they guessed incorrectly.

I'll start to get excited (or underwhelmed) when I see a player on the ground in blue. Signed sealed and delivered.

I mostly tend to take little notice, Martin.

I am waiting for the fixtures to come out and can then think about who will be playing for us come August.

Bob,

Are you certain you hadn't just simply dropped one humdinger of a fart in their house?

5 Midfielders out of contract July 1st.

Daichi Kamada, Japan International, aged 27. Spent 23/24 at Lazio. They signed him last summer on a free from E Frankfurt. Where he scored he scored 40 goals with 33 assists in 179 games. (22-23 he scored 27 goals with 7 assists in 47 games.) Not done as well with Lazio but he hardly got a look in until near the end of the season, scoring 2 goals with 2 assists. Does his best work as an attacking midfielder, though he can play CM and as a second striker to good effect. Deffo worth a look - goals and assists, something we lack. Current value £15m.

Wilfred Ndidi, Age 27. On a 'free' from Leicester. Prem experience and apparently on our radar already. Current Value £16m.

Robert Skov, aged 28. Danish Int - 14 games - 7 goals. On a freebie from Hoffenheim. Plays primarily as a Left Midfielder, though has played RM / RW too. Last season played 25 games, scoring 3 goals with 5 assists. Current value £5m.

John Lundstrum aged 30 and on a free, from Rangers. Been on our books as a youngster. Current value £5m.

Bobby De Cordova-Reid, aged 31. On a free from Fulham. Played 33 games last season, with 6 goals and 2 assists. Every time I've seen him play he always puts a shift in and would put pressure on Harrison, if Leeds let him come back to us. RM / RW, though he has played LM/LW too.

Given our pauper status, it's in the free transfer and loan markets, where we will be looking, not to state the blindingly obvious, which I just have!

I wouldn't speculate Jack.

It will be Thelwell, the Manager and owner or potential new owners that decide who we loan, buy and sell.

All we can do is wait and see who lines up for Everton come August. We have no say.

Jamie, as a multi billionaire, I take offence at your assumption that me being stinking rich is unfair!!!!!

I do agree, we don't want 777 anywhere near EFC.

However, despite everyone's thoughts on billionaires, if one came walking through the door at Everton, we would embrace him. What could possibly go wrong if that happened?? See timeline and state of club since 2016… doh!!

Bob, do you believe a lone nut job killed John Lennon or like me think the CIA had a hand in it?

Nixon failed to deport Lennon. Then, just under 2 weeks after his Government gained office again, and one week away from Lennon receiving his life-time card to stay in America, he was killed. That's one for you to mull over.

Anyway, back to the football, and Danny mentioning the footy fixtures, I think the fixture we will be all looking at is will we get our final game of the season at home, as for the start of the season, I think Ipswich will be our first or second game of the season, no inside knowledge, just a feeling.

These next few weeks will be filled with negative media, from players being sold to administration, they will make the above two up, any bad press they can throw at Everton, they will target us, by targeting Everton, City and Chelsea are forgotten about, distracted tactics at the best, picking an easy target without solicitors, a board who cannot fight back makes it easy for them.

I would ignore any clickbait that will come our way on a daily basis, sit and wait until we hear about it officially, just don't fall in the trap of believing the bullshit you will read the next few weeks.

Bob, you've left JFK, Lord Lucan and the Bermuda Triangle out it!!!

And Martin Luther King and the Arteta money, Danny.

After the covid farce, if the government told me it was raining outside I'd have to look out of the window first.

having reexamined all these conspiracies, they all seem to be true. all of them.

What, we managed to get to the moon 60 years ago, which is 250,000 miles away, and on a single tank of fuel, but haven't managed more than 200 miles since cos it's too difficult? And you know what, all the footage of them landing on the moon etc, it's been lost sadly somewhere in NASA. They taped over it all, as you do. So we can't reexamine it all and call out the bullshit.

Lennon was murdered by the overlords, just like McCartney, am I right?

And since when does ice tear a whole through a steel ship? None of the survivors saw an iceberg, but they do remember a fucking big bang before getting that sinking feeling. It's those poor bankers who opposed the creation of the Fed I feel sorry for, they were all on board, sadly.

Kevin, put another layer of foil in yer 'at, quick!

Yes, all these conspiracy theories, you never know – fiction is stranger than truth. My one is Kenwright is living in Argentina with Lord Lucan and Elvis living on the proceeds of the breeding of Shergar, who sadly I have to concede has passed on.

I also believe either Lord Lucan or Elvis will snap and really put Billy Boy in the ground listening to his boring bleedin' stories day after day. In fact, I'm saving up to go there, find them and watch them do that deed… I'll have to stop myself from joining in!

Sorry, that should have read. “truth is stranger than fiction” in that post.

My mind was on Lord Lucan or Elvis doing Billy Boy in!

Dave, take Tommy Steele with you.

According to Boys Pen Bill, Steele and Bill showed Elvis around London. Steele look suitably embarrassed.

That's a true story.

All we can say for certain is that the guy who murdered Lennon must have been a music lover, no?

Bob,

There must be more to that story (or you have a strange sense of humour if you are making it up).

If they were such good friends to your missus, she or you must have known someone else who would miss them if they disappeared. What did the police say when you reported this mysterious vanishing of 2 people?

If your curiousity and investigative abilities amount to just walking away and shrugging it off, then you'll forgive me for not worrying too much about what else you don't know the full facts about.

Ray,

Yes, no doubt it is a true story that Kenwright told the story and he would have no doubt that it actually happened, he lived a life of fantasy boring the balls off everyone and is still doing it now in Argentina!

As for Tommy Steele he was toted as the English Elvis, Jesus I couldn't stand Elvis but Tommy Steele —give us a bleedin break from him and his “ Little White Bull”.

It's nice to know ToffeeWeb has its finger on the pulse.

I log in at least 10 times a day for news on my 56-year obsession with my beloved Everton. Even the fucking Daily Star is miles ahead of you. What the fuck is going on?

I see the Leicester manager has got the Chelsea job.

Moyes to Leicester?

Still a few potential interesting managerial moves, Jack.

Tuchel, Pochetti are both available and dare I say, Ten Hag remains under scrutiny at Manchester United?

I think the former Brighton manager is still available.

It could be an interesting summer.

More likely Potter to Leicester, Jack.

Leicester supporters won't want Moyes's safety-first footy for sure.

I forgot about Potter Brian.

Moyes to Burnley?

Then there is the spectre of Klopp. Outside bet of the German national team after the Euros?

John Atkinson, get a friggin life, man – 10 times a day.

I'd say he'd suit Burnley but I reckon Moyes would want another Premier League club.

He did do well for West Ham and I think he'd believe he deserves to manage in the top league. Just my opinion.

That's a fair call, Brian.

I was thinking about his links with the Northwest with Preston, Everton and United.

Although having been at West Ham, maybe he would consider Brighton? But would they consider him?

Brian,

I believe Potter is waiting on the England Job depending on what happens to Southgate.

With his rich pickings from Chelsea, he can afford to sit and wait.

It always fascinates me how this managerial revolving door keeps throwing the same names around. I say give the up-and-coming coaches a chance and forget about the failed managers.

Brian,

Um... no. Lennon had received his "life-time card to stay in America" -- it's called a Green Card -- way back in 1976. I think it was the day his son Sean was born.

Also, the Republicans had not yet taken office when he was killed, and Ronald Reagan knew Lennon. There's a famous story about the two of them watching our Monday Night Football together: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s16NcDji_rY

So don't spend more time mulling that one -- it's entirely inaccurate.

John,

it's because this isn't a newspaper site, and the two moderators of this site both have lives and careers -- and presumably families -- to attend to. And neither is a journalist with any responsibility to be "first" with breaking news and beat the papers. As Michael says....

Danny, seems like a pretty good shout. I'm convinced he will not return to club management, but a high-profile national team gig would suit him just fine.

Green cards aren't "lifetime" — you have to renew them every 10 years.

Only in Kansas City, Kieran.

I believe that Green Cards were lifetime prior to 1989.

Kieran,

Even if the Green Card was only 10 years it doesn't matter anyway because Lennon moved to NY in 1971 and was assassinated in 1980.

(I am assuming of course that you have to actually live in the US for a specific period before a Green Card is issued, in other words you cannot obtain one in advance?)

I have a friend out in the US on a green card. I say the US, it is Texas. The American Scotland! Very independent sense of identity.

He has retained his British passport. His wife is American and his two children were born in the UK. They have dual citizenship.

I did have a visa to work in Texas for 3 years.

It still was causing me questions at the airports when I travelled to San Antonio.

Not as much as the big stamp I had from the Afghanistan Embassy. For several years, I would often be taken aside and questioned!!

Danny,

#2 of 5 sons now lives in Austin, Texas. Loves it. Texas is an amazing state and a jewel in the USA in my opinion.

Austin is brilliant, it's America in a nutshell (or what it should be) - Liberals and Artisans living right next to gun-toting Conservative Texans in harmony. It's beautiful.

But I think you may be right – it might be the Scotland of the USA? They'd jump on cessation today if they could! Very independent-minded folk.

Get off with the secessionist talk. Love it or Leave it is a good phrase from the 70s for that. I hear they may have an area called the Readout in Idaho and Montana and maybe some others. Work someting out with Canada, fine

My nephew and sister-in-law just received their green cards last week, an occasion for great celebration in our family after the three-year effort to get them out of China. Kevin already got his GED (high school equivalency) in the year he was waiting for his green card, and now he can enroll in a US university. I'm so proud of that kid I could bust.

Jamie and Danny, agreed that Austin is generally fabulous, but overall Texas is a nightmare -- extreme heat and humidity, gun politics and repeated mass shootings (El Paso, Dallas, Allen, Uvalde, Sutherland Springs, Midland/Odessa, Fort Hood), a failing power grid, and general legal extremism. It's also a cradle of white nationalism and anti-Semitism -- an Austin synagogue was set on fire a couple of years ago, and you can see freeway overpasses in central Texas with Jewish hate banners hanging from the railings.

If they want to secede, personally I'd happily wave 'em bye-bye.

I never made it to Austin, Jamie, but heard great things about it.

Having been to 30 of the 50 states, I noticed how much you see the lone star flag flying.

I loved San Antonio. Second only to Annapolis in Maryland.

Favourite state? Hard to choose as they are all different. I'll go for New Hampshire.

I'll never drive from Colorado to Chicago again. I love Colorado and the Rockies, but 3 days of driving on ruler like straight interstates with corn fields the only scenery. We measured one stretch and it was 85 miles without a single turn!

Danny,

I made that drive regularly between my home in Chicago and my university (Oregon). It is excruciating, isn't it? Makes you hate corn.

You should know, however, that it is also the track of American history.

Much of Interstate 80 follows or closely parallels the Oregon Trail, which the 19th Century pioneers used to open the West. There are places you can pull off and literally see the fossilized tracks of the covered wagons.

Wow, just wow. Read the thread to catch up on Everton stuff. God almighty was that some catch-up. There are some truly, mind-blowingly, eye-popping, jaw-dropping, deranged, terrifying loons posting on here.

Being a conspiracy theorist doesn't mean you have an open mind. It means your mind is utterly shut to fuck about reason.

There are a couple of posters who have, somehow, hidden their utter looniness by just restricting their deranged dumbness to football. Now, they have come out in the open and it is terrifying.

Think I will stay away from ToffeeWeb for a while.

That was a scary read.

Oh, it is Mike. I pulled up to refuel and there were pumps with 10% corn-based fuel in them. I wasn't sure what to think, so just went with it.

Stay with it, Andy. Keep fighting the blue fight.

A good glass of wine will help.

See you next season. If not, before if I visit my sister in Armagh.

Andy, I read your post and wondered what you were talking about so I read the posts from the bottom up. Jesus Christ, I see what you mean!

I love the title of this thread, Chris. Brilliant, Michael and Lyndon!!

Chris you read from the bottom up!

And here's me thinking Arabic was the only language not read from left to right but obviously there is a form of English read from the bottom up and different from what we had drummed into us at school.

Well, well, well…

British bank accused of helping to fund terrorists

Given all the insistence on having to disconnect ties with Russian sponsors, it now appears that our neighbours are sponsored by an organisation that funds multiple terrorist organisations.

What will the Paddington do? Instruct them to drop them as a sponsor? I won't hold my breath.

The men in suits in this country are like politicians and get away with absolute murder with regards a lot of their decisions.

Moving the semi-finals of the FA Cup to Wembley to help pay for the new stadium being a perfect example, because it's simply all about money nowadays.

I have fond memories of those semi-finals at Villa Park, Tony.

Then it made the trip to Wembley really special and meaningful.

We get taken in, Danny. I remember being delighted when we beat Middlesbrough in the quarter-final of the FA Cup because we were going to the new Wembley.

We dress it up but the reality is often different and just another one of those great tricks that the money-men are very clever at playing.

I prefer watching the English cricket team rather than the football team. Which reminds me, we kick off (or rather bowl off) the T20 World Cup today against the mighty sweaty socks in Barbados!

Like the Euros, I think we're favourites to win the T20 World Cup, so fingers crossed. Today will definitely bring back memories of a fabulous two weeks me and the missus spent out in Antigua and Barbados last December when England played the West Indies.

Danny, I think your so right.

For me its been a North-South thing, England was Wembley, the English team always seemed London-centric, the manager, despite the tremendous success of Northern managers, always seemed to be a southener.

It fell into disinterest and for me it was never the same after the 80s. For me, it was a strange sort of life: life was hard up north, while the south were rolling in the yuppies of the Thatcher years.

I have never recovered... unless England have 10 northern players, I find it pointless. Pathetic aren't l?

Get yourself off to Wembley this Saturday, Danny. I know you are itching to watch a rugby league game! :-) It's the Rugby League Cup Final: Wigan v Warrington.

Has anyone watched that YouTube clip yet? Darragh MacAnthony, anyone who buys Everton, be good if someone could put the link on ToffeeWeb, doesn't half give it to them about the fire sales and media negativity on Everton, well worth a watch.

Finally did anyone watch Football Cops, it's a 4-part series, last night Channel 4 at 10 pm was Liverpool at Man City and some fans turning up without tickets, a bit of Heysal thrown in before getting down to policing football stadiums.

Next week's episode looks like they are covering the Millwall v Everton cup tie, looking at the clip.

Christine, I remember watching the World Cup, I think back to the 1994 and just about every one in my local cheering on Ireland.

Brian, you will convince me one day.

I hope they give Rob Burrow a fitting tribute and send off.

Rob,

I can't understand why you prefer to watch the England cricket team rather than the England football team.

England stopped being an England cricket team when they allowed South African Tony Greig to play and captain England, he was also the biggest culprit in the Kerry Packer cricket fiasco. Since then we have had another South African Kevin Peiterson play and captain England, and we now have a New Zealander captaining England.

Plus today they go out to bat with helmets and armguards, Brian Close faced Wes Hall and Charlie Griffiths of the West Indies and was covered from head to toe in bruises as both these bowlers bowled in excess of 95 mph.

I'd also like to pay my respect to Rob Burrow, being a Rugby League fan. What a career he had, 8 super league titles, 3 times World club champion and 2 challenge Cup victories, an impressive haul of trophies for a man who was towered over by most on the pitch.

He was 5ft-4in but showed size isn't everything, he was a pocket dynamo, fast and could slalom his way between players in the pitch, check out his match winning try against St Helens in the Grand final in 2009 I think it was, he was an incredible athlete and an even better human being, I have to admit I welled up when I heard his final words.

Let's hope that all the money he and Kevin Sinfield among others have raised can hopefully lead to a cure for an absolutely horrific disease.

RIP Rob Burrow, a true sporting great and absolute gentleman.

Brian… I think this is the link you refer to on Talksport…

Darragh MacAnthony claims anyone who buys Everton for £700M will have landed a bargain!

Nice words, Mick O'Mally.

I agree with every thing you say.

Mick, I'll second everything you said. I've gown up watching some great rugby players. The Widnes team of the '80s the magnificent Wigan team of the '80s and '90s. Even my club saints have produced some great teams over the years.

Rob Burrows could have played in any of them teams. A true giant amongst men. I too shed a little tear hearing the news. It's the first time I've ever done that for a sports star.

Brian & Rob,

I remember when I started watching cricket in the '90s and the England team had Robin Smith, Graeme Hick, Allan, Lamb, Defreitas, Malcolm, Lewis, Caddick, Hussain, Pringle, Morris, McCague, Hollioake etc — none of whom were born in England and only Morris was even born in Great Britain.

Andy and Paul, thanks,

Paul agree about the Widnes and Wigan sides of the 80s, they seemed to contest every Challenge cup final through the 80s.

I think I read that the Lance Todd trophy for player of the match will become the Rob Burrow trophy, not sure if it's going to be every year but what a way to honour an incredible sportsman and human being.

Wigan were the Man City of the '80s. By that, I mean they overspent the salary cap every year to buy talent and simply paid the fines from the winnings.

It wouldn't be allowed these days.

Mick, if I remember correctly, didn't Martin Offiah used to drive around in a sponsored car with the slogan "Be a flyer with Marin Offiah" on the side?!!

Brian # 82………I can't seem to find any enthusiasm when watching the England football team. It doesn't matter how good certain players are, if you don't play for any of the so called big clubs, or Spurs (Big club my arse), then you will generally be overlooked by Southgate. I mean, how can Eric Dier, who's absolutely shite, have so many caps? Even now, the likes of Maguire or Luke Shaw have barely played this season, yet you can almost guarantee they will be certain starters in the euros. Even the way the media, Sky, the BBC etc, fawn over the team like they are the best team in the world is just laughable. As regards foreign players playing for the English cricket team, well just look at how many players who weren't born in the country they play for in football!! Also with cricket, you are picked for the national team on merit, not because you are a favourite of the manager, no matter how good or bad your form is? Also, as many have said, it's more of a north / south thing with the football team. Definitely more southern fans seem to follow England than northern fans.

As regards players wearing helmets, arm guards etc, is a bit of a silly comment. Getting hit by a ball made from cork, encased in leather, at over 90mph is highly dangerous, especially around the head or neck. Players have been known to have died in the past before the introduction of safety helmets, or suffered broken ribs if not wearing body protection.

Do I want England to win the Euros, of course I do, but I will not be crying into my pint and going on the rampage if / when they get knocked out.

Danny. Martin Offiah. What a nickname : “. Chariots “.

Danny, I've also heard that Martin Offiah's nickname was “Chariots”.

Ah, schucks, beaten to it by Les!!

Brian (#82);

I'm fairly sure that Tony Greig's parents were Scots who moved to South Africa while those true blue Englishmen, Cowdrey and Dexter, were born in India and Italy.

I think in all, something like 20 captains of England cricket teams were born in other countries.

I understood that Martin did not like that nickname. A bit like William Ralph wasn't over-enamoured with his.

Within the team, I hear his accepted nickname was Tin.

And if my other information is correct, it is a shame that the club has decided to insult him by using it in the name of one of the bars at BMD. I think his preference was for Billy.

And then to all who asked: "Who is Billy Dean?" — we can then regale them with stories of the greatest centre-forward of all time.

My god, did anybody hear these two absolute knobheads, Sam Matterface and Perry Groves? What an absolute crock of shit they are saying………

TalkSport: Sam Matterface lists which players Everton must sell to avoid further points deductions!

Rob, it sounds like two pissed fellas down the pub making out they know something about football.

Not sure, Danny, but as others have mentioned he was known as Chariots Offiah, he was absolutely Rapid!

Rob @91, it was always thus.

Remember Mexico, '86. Reid the best midfielder in the land but Robson was picking Captain Marvel (Bryan Robson) and Wilkins in front of Reidy.

It took suspensions and injuries before the manager gave Peter his go.

Folks, to show how unequal the footy world is, Real Madrid have given Mbappe a £128m signing on fee, to be paid over 5 years. That's on top of £12.8m a season.

There's only a couple of clubs in the world who can compete with that.

The sooner they all bugger off to a Super League the better.

AC Milan are interested in Ben Godfrey. This is being reported on NewsNow, so probably all bollox…………….

https://eplindex.com/111813/report-serie-a-sides-eye-premier-league-defender-for-champions-league.html

If TalkSport are to be believed (who does?), we will have a team of Under-17s next season, complemented by the experience of Ian Woan, Steve Stone… and the new player-manager — Sean Dyche!!!

I haven't read the entire thread but just want to mourn the illness and death of Rob Burrow.

And when Offiah went to play down under, the Aussie TV commentators relentlessly identified him as "Great Balls....... !"

Phil #96,

"I understood that Martin did not like that nickname."

Could have been worse. They could have nicknamed him 'Ring'.

Stan, only by those wanting to curry favour from him.

I was watching an interview between Gary Neville and Wayne Rooney. The progress of his son Kai was brought up. Kai, who was born in Liverpool, is on Man Utd's books and has broken their U12s scoring records.

When talking about him, Neville was very glowing but Rooney appeared very level headed when describing his talent for scoring goals.

One to watch... I wonder if he's an Evertonian?

Stephen

Wasn't Kai on our books as a young kid when Rooney came back from DC? I can't think of too many father-son duos who were both top top level (as opposed to Neville Neville or the Allen family, Johnny Morrissey jr, Jackie McNamara etc).

There's just the Maldini's and Schmeichels that spring to mind. I remember Zidane fast-tracked his kid into the Madrid first-team squad but he was out on his ear as soon as his Dad left.

Ed #37, he'll never be George but he scored for his country at the World Cup. Not bad.

Kieran #36, the Schmeichels are the only true top-top father-son combo I can think of. Both won the league and the FA Cup and played over a hundred times for Denmark.

I think Jordi Cruyff would have become a true star as well were it not for the knee injuries.

Mike

Yeah Cruyff junior was on the right trajectory for a while there until injuries kicked in.

Mike G, what about Tony the Tiger and his son Timmy ? Both scored in the same match against Pat Jennings, and not only that, neither wore football boots ! :-)

Does anybody remember the name of father and son who played cricket for Glamorgan?

Brent,

Is that Mathew and Tom Maynard you are thinking of. Mathew was a very good wicket keeper and represented England.

Didn't Eidhur Gudjohnson and his arl fella both play for Iceland in the same team?

Still on cricket, Chris Broad and Stuart Broad?

Or Colin and Chris Cowdrey.

I wouldn't say that Gudjohnson's Dad was "top top" class by which I meant truly world class. The same vein I wouldn't say Frank Lampard was in that class though his son was.

You cricketeers will have to educate me as I've never played or followed the game.

But a few of my Welsh friends tell me it is England & Wales.

If so, why don't they go by that name?

Miandad!

Before you dig your bucket hat out, flannels and Fosters lager Danny, ready for the cricket season, have a peep on. On bbc this Saturday at 3pm for the rugby league challange cup final between Wigan and Warrington.

It's easy to follow, 2x 40 minute halfs, you have 5 tackles to make yards or boot the ball downfield and try and get the ball back, unlike Union you cannot pile on the man with the ball and try to take it, it's classed as first tackle 2nd tackle etc

4 points for a try, 2 points for converted try or penalty, 1 point for a drop goal

Yellow card is 10 minutes in sin bin

Red card early bath, that's about it mate

Cricket is a sport where you can go 4 Days on the trot to the match and still not know the winner, until the 5th and final Day :-)

Brian, that's only test match cricket. County games only last four days! 😁😁😁

I don't watch any sport that can't be played in the rain.

Brian, e

Even after watching 5 days of test cricket, there might still not be a winner, that's what makes it a great game, absorbing and interesting until the very end, a true sporting test.

Brent - was that Miandad?

Also, Danny, don't forget, providing you can hold an egg-shaped ball, and be able to run as fast as Usain Bolt, then you should have no problem playing rugby!

I find the central contracts that are awarded quite ridiculous, the test and county cricket association determine when and where these players can play for their counties. Although along with football it's considered our national game, but considering that there are few if any ordinary schools in our city that even play the game makes it a nonsense. So this has now become an elitist sport that is mostly only played by private schools.

Kieran,

I'd say Enrico Chiesa was a top player. Part of a very successful late '90s Parma team that was as star-studded as it gets. His son, Federico, plays for Juventas and is a mainstay of the Azzuri.

Denver,

Good one. I'd forgotten about Chiesa -- the younger -- I actually have a Parma Chiesa shirt from the 90s in my closet somewhere, lol. He was a good player.

Brian, I promise to watch it. Who do I support?

You'll convert me eventually!!

Kieran, that Parma team had Buffon, Crespo, Cannavaro, Veron, Thuram. Pretty damn good.

Denver

Now that you mention Thuram, his son Marcus is pretty good also.

NOT Wigan Danny!
Anyone but Wigan!
Pie eating gobshites!

Wigan. Worse then them lot over the park.

Danny (#117);

I think the name was changed to the England & Wales Cricket Board but originally England only played home games as they toured under the name MCC, (Marylebone Cricket Club - no relation to Brian).

In other news, I'm in Mallorca through “work” and it's fcuking beautiful here.

Anyone who's been put off by the Magaluf gambero drunken ingerlund culture, try a visit to the Pollensa area. Paradise on earth!

Enjoy, Mark.

In other news, USA beat Pakistan in the cricket T20 World Cup. Game was tied so went to a super over, with USA scoring 18 runs, while Pakistan could only muster 13 runs. Shock of all shocks!

I'm lying by my illuminated pool with a beer (Estrella Galicia Rob not pisswater Miguel). It's a clear night and I'm watching the stars.

I rang my wife feeling all romantic, as you do, and said I can see Uranus. She swore and said I should have taken those photos down and hung up!
FFS - women eh?

I see West Ham's stadium is hosting Major League Baseball this weekend and Trafalgar Square is heaving.

Tottenham with their regular hosting of NFL.

This demonstrates the potential for the new Everton Stadium.

Assuming that we are taken over by extremely rich, business savvy (Everton fans?) people where do you think that leaves Dyche?

Will they stick or twist?

I think they'll stick with him for a year to see how he performs, Colin.

No doubt about it, Colin. We would be foolish to do anything but stick until, at least, we have entered calmer waters. Think about twisting then and only then.

But, even then, look seriously where twisting has got us in the past. Not very far except in the wrong direction.

For better, or worse, I think Moyes will be waiting in the wings to see how Dyche does. Moyes will surely be the appointment if Dyche does get the sack.

Not saying I want Moyes, but I think he'll be next manager should Dyche go.

Gavin, no malice intended, but give your head an exceedingly good wobble.

Moyes will only ever attend the new stadium as a spectator.

How does Moyes get a mention? A bright new future and we're still looking to our pauper past.

Not anymore – we're gonna be stinking rich – I'm with City.

We haven't even been taken over yet and already we're talking about replacing managers.

I personally wouldn't bring Moyes back. Been there, done that. He was very unpopular amongst quite a lot of West Ham supporters. It would be divisive.

Sean Dyche has grown on me and deserves a crack. We finished comfortably despite the points deduction and the uncertainty surrounding the club.

If it goes wrong and the new owners decide otherwise, there are other options available.

Really Brian...?! I think there's a very high chance it will happen should Dyche get the sack.

He over-achieved at West Ham and was their most successful manager in over 40 years, and was forced out by fans who got used to their relative new found success and started thinking West Ham were a bigger club than they are.

Personally, I'd like us to get McKenna (highly doubtful) Graham Potter, or the guy from West Brom, but unless we have new owners who can back us as far as PSR allows, I think Moyes would be the logical next appointment.

At the same time, I certainly not calling for Dyche to go...He deserves another go after the back-end of last season, even though he would have already been sacked if the club wasn't rudderless after equalling Mike Walkers record.

Fuck Moyes.

Danny,

With you being a fan of Kevin Sheedy, there is a video on the main Everton site of Sheedy and Osman doing a tour of the new stadium.

Danny,

Sean Dyche deserves to see out the final 12 months of his contract, and if we do well next season, then he fully deserves to be leading us out at the new stadium.

Okay, he's not the Hollywood manager that Moshiri wanted when he first took over, but my god, if it weren't for Dyche, then god knows where we would be?

Yesssss! Get in!

Not really, Danny, I fear, the Yanks want to be in and around London and nowhere else. Chicago Cubs fans came in their many thousands last summer for the Cardinals games at West Ham's gaff.

I'm not even sure that the dock is of the size needed for MBL or NFL. (Spurs Stadium was put together with NFL in mind from the start and there is an exclusivity agreement which might also be the case with the Olympic place.)

He's rubbish, Colin. I really do hope he ends up at Man Utd.

Not in body Mr Halligan you magnificent blue beast.

Dale, I hope that's not to do with England loosing

Old Father Time is catching me up, Paul. Me knees and ankles are knackered! Walking the dog the other day and I slipped in a pot hole in the park……..well the language was choice, and my ankle, well it's swollen like a bloody balloon!

Thanks Bill. You've just dropped the second Sheedy bomb of the day!!

That's me watching Howard's Way later tonight for about the 125th time!!

Totally agree Rob. We all went through it and if it wasn't for Dyche using pragmatism and protecting the players from what was going on around them, we could have been toast, even though you and I never believed it.

He's earned his stripes and deserves to stay on.

Despite preconceptions and our lack of firepower, I was pleasantly surprised with some of the football I watched. Yes, they gave me nervous moments as we dropped deep toward the end of matches. Chelsea was a low point, but then we beat the neighbours comfortably.

Mr Dyche gets my vote to carry on.

I'm "Team Bell, MSP, and Yankee backers".

The discussion about replacing Dyche is hysterical. You really think just because a Blue and a Yank Sugar Daddy come into the picture we won't still be in a world of pain financially? It'll take a few years of steadying the ship on the field and off it.

Dyche is honestly the only man for the job at this point in time. Oh, and he's done a marvelous job and doesn't deserve to be shit-canned.

Up the Bell + Yanks!

I'm not a fan of Dyche but I do think he deserves another season with some serious backing.

As others have said, he's stabilised the ship, let's see what he can do with a rudder and some sails.

What's that, Colin?

Speak up please.

Nice surprise to meet Bainsey in the public cafe today at the Plaza, off Old Hall Street. We had a good chat for a few minutes. If only we had his equal now.

Let's hope for some good fortune for Everton, these next few days.

James Marshall : 42: "a fine-looking man… and my god, that barnet".

To be honest James, I'm getting a little sick and tired of your bragging.

Believe it or not, Jamie, it was 16 years ago when we forked out £15M for Marouane Fellaini.

Lighthearted random one.

The Princess of Wales wrote a letter to the Irish Guards, apologising for not attending the Colonels review ahead of Trooping the Colour due to health.

What struck most was the Regimental mascot, an Irish Wolfhound, although having an official KC name, goes by the name of Seamus.

Get him fit this summer!!

Paul Ferry,

Isn't that absolutely crazy? Fifteen years.

I know God puts time in 5th gear when you pass 45/50 years of age, but man, sometimes I feel things are zipping by at light speed!

Hopefully a new owner, worthy of Everton, buys us at light speed and we won't have a worrisome summer.

I can remember sitting in a beach bar with my two sons in Turkey when it was showing every club's signings during that transfer window and the three of us looking at each other before I said, "Who the fuck is that Fellaini, and for £15 million, as well?"

We had sat there watching the transfer window closing the previous night, without any news about this, with Sky concentrating on Man City signing a Brazilian who eventually flopped.

My oldest son was 12 and he made me a grandad yesterday, so I'm just going to the hospital now to see the latest edition to our family. Time definitely flies, so my advice to anyone getting older is to start stretching, because the body definitely starts aching more as the years start passing by more quickly!!

Tony #189 - congratulations!

Thank you, Brent.

The last time we won anything was the year before his dad was born (9 months) so hopefully this little blue nose, can bring us some luck and help us break the longest curse in our history, mate!

Congratulations, Tony and family.

I'm with you. All of those injuries, both football and occupational, come back to shout at you! Legs, ankles, feet, back.

Stretch and, if you can't run, get a dog and walk. They make you run anyway!!

Tony, I bet Dave is made up……Great grandad Dave!!

Congratulations by the way.

Danny, walking is enough for me as my knees and ankles are well cream-crackered!

Watching our dog run around makes me feel tired.

Congrats Tony mate. I'm gonna avoid the grandad and great grandad references as I like my face just the way it is. 😁

Fantastic news Tony! What a wonderful day for you and all the family.

Enjoy the new light of your life (I hope that Dave doesn't mind being replaced).

Great news, Tony and Dave, congratulations!

Talking of walking, I suffer with my knees too. I have 2 Springers, just watching them makes me feel knackered!

Great news Tony, congrats to all of you!

Thanks everyone and hopefully there is going to be a lot more light coming into our club, in the near future.

We have waited long enough, as my reference to my eldest child, never seeing us win a trophy, has already just been explained, so if anyone has stood the test of time for sheer loyalty, then it is definitely this generation of fanatical Evertonians, whose sheer willpower and love for our club, definitely helped keep Everton, in the premier league over these last few horrendous seasons.

Everton is passed down through the generations, so hopefully my little grandson brings us a lot more luck than his father ever did.

I don't know how they do it Tony.

They deserve more credit than me as they just keep going and believing. It is really humbling watching the younger generation on the concourses and in the stadiums around the country.

I'm the family Everton idiot, my son was 5 months old when we last won a trophy, so he doesn't remember.

He is far more sensible than me and often tries to talk sense into me. It usually falls on deaf ears and he shakes his head at me.

He's a massive Evertonian though. That's my fault!!

Danny,

Spot on. Having met your son I can attest to the fact that he is more sensible than you.

Tony,

Congratulations mate, wonderful news.

Congratzioni, Tony and Dave, and best wishes to the Family.

"What's Our Name?"

Tony and Dave

Congratulations and thanks for bringing another Evertonian into the world.

Tony & Dave - congratulations to you both and your family.

My my, how the (not so) mighty can easily fall. Tom Davies has opened his own business venture, making furniture from chopsticks! He's still at Sheffield Utd so let's hope he doesn't get “The Chop” from them as well…

Former Everton man Tom Davies opens new chopstick business

Rob, I remember reading an article about his interest. Link below.

Tom has been involved with them for a few years. He seems to be really interested in sustainability so taking on a more senior position with them is great. Good luck to him.

Tom Davies Talks Sustainability, Chopsticks, & The Highs & Lows Of Football

Cheers Ian. First I've heard of it was only this morning.

Summer is here, lots of 'Everton after £30M Broja' reports.

Off topic but this is the place for off topic.

If you type “Bee Gees” into YouTube the first result that comes up is the 1941 mining disaster

What struck me about the Tom Davies article is that he is still only 25.

It puts into perspective some of the criticism he received at a young age. As well as his new business venture, I hope he resurrects his football career. I wish we'd kept him. He would have been useful to the squad.

Kieran mentioned the Bee Gees. They belted out some classics. But my favourite is "You win again".

Only because it was on the car radio as we were driving to Newcastle away to stand on crumbling terracing in a corner of the ground next to a temporary stand. The stadium had one main stand but the rest was open terracing. A far cry from St James' Park today. We drew 1-1.

It might not have been the best in terms of facilities, in fact it was atrocious. But I'd take that over those 140 plus steps and having to need binoculars to see the match!!

We'll win again.

Villa Co-owner says PSR is not good for football and he is going to sue the Premier League. They need to sell players even though they have qualified for the Champions League.

They were very quiet when we were getting hit with deductions though…

PSR rules 'not good' for football – Villa co-owner

That's City and Villa.

It makes me wonder why Everton didn't make more of a stand. Instead, we seemed to roll over and have our tummy tickled like a compliant Labrador.

Dave and Tony, belated congratulations on bringing another Evertonian into the world! Hopefully heralding the birth of a fabulous generation for The club too!

Rumor, speculation and silence. It's silly season, when you are linked with players you have either never heard of or would never want! Amidst all this we have the speculation of new owners, the million words written about something or someone we had never heard of, but apparently desperately trying to do a deal.

On top of all of that there is the press and Jordon and White telling us what we should believe.

Silly season, when 99% of what you read and hear is click bait at best, scare mongering at worst. Has it always been like this?

Yesterday's "news" today's chip paper still holds true.

I seem to have given up reading never mind commenting on any new owner or player, what colour undies Seamus has (green obviously) or the views of a Mister Wyness who was totally and utterly silent on all things Everton until his NDA must have expired along with our much loved chairman, who apparently now runs a football consultancy and knows everything, you can read about him it continually in Goodison news, I thought the Echo was bad..

The Euro's start tomorrow, it's free to air here, the land of rugby, trying to make conversions no doubt, hardly likely though, in a land where you can see a NSW player almost decapitate a Queenslander as a sport..

There's something tribal and satisfying in the brutality of confrontation after watching feathers falling, diving and complaining of injustice, faking crippling injury or offense.

Winter here, summer at home, time to sit and wait, hope, pray even! And smile because another little blue nose picks up the mantle of passion in a Royal Blue Palace on the banks of a Royal Blue Mersey. 💙

Welcome to the new generation of the Blues of Bramley Moore..

There is a nice ring to that..

Dave and Tony,

I will join Christine in wishing you many congratulations and hopefully happy moments.

It seems everyone wants to say something about Everton most of it absolute drivel from ex CEO's ex chairmen, ex players, ex pundits the operative word being ex in fact I think we should rename Goodison News the Ex Goodison News for all the tripe they publish.

The uncertainty of it all is killing us. It's a good job Dyche is made of granite.

Not sure if anyone has made a comment or posted this but this popped up on Facebook. For those on FB, it's worth watching:

Link

An Everton fan has edited the Premier League video from a few weeks ago that mostly cut us out... We need some light entertainment in these fun times. Enjoy

Didn't that place go bust just after you worked there Paul?

Paul, you were probably served in Sayers by my Nan who worked there for years... still love custards...

Probably akin to an American asking someone from Leicestershire if he knows John Smith.

A recent acquaintance, on hearing who I support, asked me to help her find a long lost friend from Walton. Does anyone know a Tommy/Thomas/Tom Ashton?

On Lord Street Christine? I loved my lunches there.

Sayers, now there is a blast from the past!

I think we need the season to start so we can get back on the football.

Keep it sensible and kind fellow blues. There is no problem having different views and we can debate. But we don't have to get personal. You can stand in a pub on County Road amongst friends and do that. Face to face is often better in my opinion. I do it with family, reds included.

Euros tonight. I can relax and watch the football.

Paul, yep, that's the one lol, I seem to remember her in the one in Old Hall Street too. I just remember the cakes!

Back to the footy... who is going to win the Euros? Fraid it takes a poor second place to Everton.

I used to go to that one too Christine, as the Official Receiver was on Water Street before jumping ship to North John Street.

Your Gran served up pure pleasure. Anyone who thinks that Greggs is tops needs to hop in the Tardis for a Sayers lunchtime.

Sadly, I fear that anti-footy France will win the Euros Christine, not Gareth's 26. Portugal are worth a tenner.

Kimberley Guilfoyle has led a fascinating life.

If she were to express a wish to see Everton play at Bramley Moore-Dock, I for one would not stand in her way.

Tammy Abraham if DCL goes anyone?

Was about to post exactly the same thing, Sam!

Kevin, it was a joke intended to wind up Mike G. Let's not invoke the succubus.

Tammy Abraham if DCL goes anyone?

Is he related to Dave and Tony? :-)

Tony, is that your stepson who's just become a dad? Highs and lows, eh?