Season › 2024-25 › News Another poor Everton defeat in third pre-season friendly Michael Kenrick 30/07/2024 255comments | Jump to last Coventry 3 - 0 Everton A third pre-season friendly sees Everton wearing their all-black (with yellow trim) new away kit for this rather dismal defeat to Championship side Coventry City at the Coventry Building Society Arena. Kick-off: 7:45 pm. There are still a number of Everton first-team players who are not being risked in these pre-season runouts in order to help them regain full fitness for the upcoming season, when the pressure to secure wins and rack up points really starts in earnest. New loan signing Jesper Lindstrøm still not making his first appearance tonight, even though he has had a few days to settle in. And, today's new signing, Jake O'Brien, does not feature. But James Tarkowski is still is missing from the opening pre-season friendlies after suffering a glute injury that caused him to fly home early from the training camp in Ireland. Sean Dyche has said that Tarkowski's issue is not thought to be serious and he will step up his training this week. Vitalii Mykolenko, Jarrad Branthwaite and Nathan Patterson are dealing with longer-term issues that cause them to also miss out tonight. Idrissa Gana Gueye is also sidelined., and Chermiti is missing from the squad with a foot problem. The home side kicked off and the first to have a pop at goal was James Garner. Coleman worked the ball well to find Calvert-Lewin who chested it down a fraction short of Jack Harrison. From a long throw-in, the ball eventually fell to former Blue Ellis Simms who held back nothing in smashing the ball past Virginia for the first goal. Jake Allen then fired in a rocket, low and fortunately straight at Joao Virginia. At the other end, Ndiaye scooped a shot well over the Coventry goal. Then, Garner fed a nice enough ball to Calvert-Lewin but his shot was not strong enough to beat the Coventry keeper. McNeil got a chance to drive forward with the ball but Calvert-Lewin ran ahead of the last defender and the break came to nothing. Ndiaye and Ireogbunam did well to push out from the corner but again it came to nothing. Calvert-Lewin was gifted a terrible play out by the home side but, with only the goalkeeper to beat, Everton's star man passed the ball weakly into the keeper's welcoming hands. Coleman jarred his knee when a Coventry player came down with much of his weight on the side of his leg. But he recovered quickly and was back on his feet. Young could have played in Ndiaye… but his pass failed and a minute of added time saw us through to the break with Everton trailing. Doucoure replaced Ndiaye for the second half as Everton resumed. Ireogbuman had a couple of great forward runs but nothing developed. At the other end, Hogate had to make a great challenge to stop another Coventry goal. A hopeful cross in by Coventry saw Maason-Clark get over Coleman to head past Virginia for their second goal of the evening. Everton looked to play the forward ball but just couldn't pull it off and kept playing themselves backwards, Keane gave away a free-kick that was powered toward the top corner by Palmer, pushed behind by Virginia. A ball finally came to Beto but his shot curled over the angle. And Covemtry's response was to roll in a third after strolling through Everton's right flank with far too much ease. Joao Virginia had to make a fantastic low save to his left to stop the fourth from going in after a Coventry free-kick. Dixon, on as a late sub, made a lively forward run but could not find a black shirt with his cross. Coventry kept coming forward, looking to further embarrass a poorly structured and seemingly unmotivated Everton side who were just going through their paces for their fitness-mad manager. Garner tried late on with another wayward shot but it was a disappointing display on pretty much every level. Everton: Virginia, Coleman (78' Dixon), Holgate, Keane, Young (78' Campbell), Harrison, Garner, Iroegbunam, McNeil [Y:67'], Ndiaye (46' Doucoure), Calvert-Lewin (59' Beto). Subs not Used: Crellin, Tyrer, Welch, Whitaker, Onyango, Metcalfe, Armstrong, Okoronkwo, Maupay. Attendance: 17,439 Reader Comments (255) Note: the following content is not moderated or vetted by the site owners at the time of submission. Comments are the responsibility of the poster. Disclaimer () Bobby Mallon 1 Posted 30/07/2024 at 18:47:28 COYB Jay Harris 2 Posted 30/07/2024 at 18:58:25 Back 4 a bit suspect but MF and forwards look more promising.Lets hope we see a better show today. Michael Kenrick 3 Posted 30/07/2024 at 19:00:42 Any news on Chermiti?He must have a knock. Not great to start the season with half-a-dozen or so injured players out of our 'threadbare' squad.Talking of which... O'Brien makes it 25 who I believe are all over 21, and this is the Premier League max. That's excluding Alli. So there will need to be some exits (Keane, Holgate, Maupay, Calvert-Lewin?) if we are to have any more incoming… Paul Ferry 4 Posted 30/07/2024 at 19:10:25 Anyone know of a good link to watch this - ta!Really glad to see Iroegbunam and Ndiaye start.Centre back pairing is the best that we have. Made up.MK: live forum? Anthony Dove 5 Posted 30/07/2024 at 19:16:27 It appears that the majority of the team you would expect to trot out of the tunnel in two and a half weeks either won't be there or will be seriously undercooked if they'are. There again it is only club managers who can make the slightest sense out of pre season friendlies. Billy Shears 6 Posted 30/07/2024 at 19:18:14 Like the look of their Midfielder Palmer...he can get Coventry moving and can pick a pass too.He missed out on the Cup Semi-Final verses manure.Would love him here, just the type of central Midfielder we need! Christy Ring 7 Posted 30/07/2024 at 19:24:59 Dixon has looked really promising in our last two games. Jay Harris 8 Posted 30/07/2024 at 19:29:36 Agreed Christy. He looks to have the pace and the confidence. I think he just needs to bulk out a bit more before getting exposed to the PL. Michael Kenrick 9 Posted 30/07/2024 at 19:35:05 So here's the link... http://evertonfc.com/liveAlthough it may present a challenge to some: you need to be an Official Member or Season-Ticket Holder, you need to be registered online, and you need to be logged in. Now you wouldn't have thought, in this day and age of Artificial Intelligence etc, that that would pose a problem…And Paul, just for you: Live Forum Michael Kenrick 10 Posted 30/07/2024 at 19:40:46 Since our wonderful club did this horrible redesign of the Offical Turdbucket (aka Webshite), I can't figure out how to get their live match blog anymore. Help! Paul Ferry 11 Posted 30/07/2024 at 19:42:56 Nice one MK! Ta. Derek Knox 12 Posted 30/07/2024 at 19:43:58 Paul @ 4, it's on ESPN + ! ðŸ‘🙠Ben Howard 13 Posted 30/07/2024 at 19:51:26 Not enough time to get names on the back of our shirts then? Mike Gaynes 14 Posted 30/07/2024 at 19:54:01 We're still in this. Neil Tyrrell 15 Posted 30/07/2024 at 19:56:30 Found it on the firestick under EFL then Coventry City. With Everton's commentary. Bill Gall 16 Posted 30/07/2024 at 19:56:36 Hi Michael I log into Everton F.C. and it tells me to log out and that must mean I am logged in, but when I log onto Coventry v Everton it tells me I have to buy a ticket, so I am not sure if I am a member. Mike Gaynes 17 Posted 30/07/2024 at 19:57:42 This Simms guy for Coventry is pretty impressive in the box. Where'd they get him? Liam Mogan 18 Posted 30/07/2024 at 19:58:24 Ellis Simms knows that Keane and Holgate aren't up to it Neil Tyrrell 19 Posted 30/07/2024 at 19:58:37 Ellis Simms nearly scores.Plenty of seats available! Freddy Maldonado 20 Posted 30/07/2024 at 19:58:41 Mason schooled by Simms. Christy Ring 21 Posted 30/07/2024 at 20:02:05 Jay#8 I saw him up close against Sligo Rovers, put in a few 50/50 challenges definitely all there. Mike Gaynes 22 Posted 30/07/2024 at 20:02:06 First glimpse of Ndiaye is VERY impressive. Lovely skill. Michael Kenrick 23 Posted 30/07/2024 at 20:02:08 Bill, Do you have your membership number?Have you registered?Then try logging in with Username and Password. Jamie Crowley 24 Posted 30/07/2024 at 20:02:34 Dude how is that offside? Freddy Maldonado 25 Posted 30/07/2024 at 20:03:15 Ndiaye looked like he was on Youtube for a moment there. Neil Tyrrell 26 Posted 30/07/2024 at 20:04:10 Yes Mike, great footwork on the turn from Ndiaye. More of that please!And less of the giveaways.... Freddy Maldonado 27 Posted 30/07/2024 at 20:04:32 Jamie-he was definitely not offside. Horrible call. Jamie Crowley 28 Posted 30/07/2024 at 20:07:14 Freddy -Totally. He was through. 1-0 Everton! 😉 Freddy Maldonado 29 Posted 30/07/2024 at 20:08:42 He would have had 2 if DCL hadn't stolen the ball off him on the earlier play. Jamie Crowley 30 Posted 30/07/2024 at 20:10:45 Horrific defending Jamie Crowley 31 Posted 30/07/2024 at 20:11:41 Surely Young should be on Simms? Looked like Young wasn't marking? Neil Tyrrell 32 Posted 30/07/2024 at 20:12:02 Had to be Simms didn't it? Michael Lynch 33 Posted 30/07/2024 at 20:12:22 Holgate is dreadful again Jamie Crowley 34 Posted 30/07/2024 at 20:12:38 Holgate isn't good. It's so obvious. We have to offload him to any taker. Brian Williams 35 Posted 30/07/2024 at 20:13:13 I really look forward to seeing Holgate playing this coming season.Somewhere else! Soren Moyer 36 Posted 30/07/2024 at 20:13:32 I say give Holgate another 5 year contract. He deserves it 😂 Jim Bennings 37 Posted 30/07/2024 at 20:14:25 If they are trying to put Holgate in the shop window then I'd imagine the tins are always down on that said shop. Freddy Maldonado 38 Posted 30/07/2024 at 20:15:01 I'm just glad that isn't our CB pairing to start the season. For every great play that Holgate makes, he will make a bonehead one. It's like he dislikes his own success. Jonathan Tasker 39 Posted 30/07/2024 at 20:15:43 Simms must have enjoyed that Soren Moyer 40 Posted 30/07/2024 at 20:18:16 We desperately need a RB and a decent cover on LB. Jim Bennings 41 Posted 30/07/2024 at 20:19:34 FreddyNah he's just a Billy big bollocks, always struts around thinking he's Beckenbauer but in reality he's a Championship clogger. Michael Lynch 42 Posted 30/07/2024 at 20:19:36 Mike Gaynes 43 Posted 30/07/2024 at 20:21:31 Nice knees, Dychie. Mike Gaynes 44 Posted 30/07/2024 at 20:22:31 Am I allowed to comment on Holgate too or I have already used up my 5-year allowance of insults? Freddy Maldonado 45 Posted 30/07/2024 at 20:26:05 Mike - There is a cap on insults? /unsubscribe Michael Lynch 46 Posted 30/07/2024 at 20:28:35 Coventry well on top. Good job we didn't get relegated last season, cos we don't look Championship quality tonight. Mike Gaynes 47 Posted 30/07/2024 at 20:29:33 Nice moments there from the two new boys. Bill Gienapp 48 Posted 30/07/2024 at 20:29:41 Couldn't imagine last season going much worse in terms of salvaging any remaining value for Holgate. Went on loan to the Championship and was so poor that Southampton sent him back, then we loaned him to by far the worst defensive side in the Premier League in Sheffield United and he couldn't get a game. Not sure why anyone would pay two nickels for him at this point. Michael Lynch 49 Posted 30/07/2024 at 20:30:55 DCL kitten shot Michael Lynch 50 Posted 30/07/2024 at 20:32:28 oh fuck Bobby Mallon 51 Posted 30/07/2024 at 20:32:46 Seamus out for season knee gone Ian Jones 52 Posted 30/07/2024 at 20:33:02 Michael, great description of DCL's attempt on goal:)At the other end, Ndiaye fed a nice enough ball to Calvert-Lewin but his shit was not strong enough to beat the Coventry keeper. Mike Oates 53 Posted 30/07/2024 at 20:33:33 Just trying to work out how many of these players !!!!!, will be in the first eleven 2-4 at most, one hopes. Absolute putrid football. Liam Mogan 54 Posted 30/07/2024 at 20:33:36 DCL is not a good finisher. Never has been, never will be. Bobby Mallon 55 Posted 30/07/2024 at 20:33:38 DVL effort was so powder puff shite Brent Stephens 56 Posted 30/07/2024 at 20:34:02 I feared for Seamus knee there. Steve Cotton 58 Posted 30/07/2024 at 20:39:31 Calvert-Lewin is not worth the shirt so far... Steve Hogan 59 Posted 30/07/2024 at 20:40:22 Watching the game 'live' on Evertontv. Ashley Young has stunk the gaff out. Too slow to defend the crosses from the tricky Japanese winger, can't pass the ball 10 yards to a team mate, and when in the 6-yard box, hit a hopeless pass out of play.Hope to God he's not in the starting eleven versus Brighton. Mike Hayes 60 Posted 30/07/2024 at 20:41:22 Looks like the same old same old.At least we know what to expect! Freddy Maldonado 61 Posted 30/07/2024 at 20:46:38 Steve, I think Young will be in that starting eleven. Mykolenko looks like he may need more time? I hope Seamus is okay because that doesn't help the chances of Ashley riding the pine for that match either. They have been playing Campbell at left-back in preseason and he doesn't look ready. Am I missing someone? Michael Lynch 62 Posted 30/07/2024 at 20:56:26 Calvert-Lewin: "So boss, what do you want from me tonight?"Dyche: "Just play your usual game, Dom."DCL: "Okay, boss, no problem." Pekka Harvilahti 63 Posted 30/07/2024 at 20:57:19 This is the 3rd pre-season game and it does not matter who we play, we have been truly awful in all of them.We all know these games are about preparing for a new season but why do all those other teams look so much better? And why some of our 'stars' (Dwight and Dom mostly) look so out of it, it's embarrassing?Only the new guys are doing something, hope they don't start to play like the old ones.Garner has tried I have say. Jim Bennings 64 Posted 30/07/2024 at 20:57:22 You wonder really why Calvert-Lewin hasn't signed that contract really?He's not going to a bigger club than Everton, I'm quite certain of that.If someone does come in for him like a Newcastle then he's a bench warmer.Then again, Newcastle aren't a bigger club than Everton. Brian Williams 65 Posted 30/07/2024 at 21:01:41 The thing concerning me is that most of the Coventry players look technically better than most of our players.They also seem able to get from their defending third to their attacking third with fast one or two touch football with plenty of players in space to receive the ball. Pat Kelly 66 Posted 30/07/2024 at 21:02:12 Jim, hopefully he won't sign it. Barry Hall 67 Posted 30/07/2024 at 21:04:10 Mike @44. If you feel you are at your PSR limit of Holgate insults, I can trade you straight up for Ashley Young comments, allowing each of us to reset and stay under the PSR limit for insults. I think that's how it works. Neil Tyrrell 68 Posted 30/07/2024 at 21:04:54 Had to love the commentators "Dom usually does better one on one with the goalie". He does?I like the guy but one one-on-one with the goalie he's about 1 in 10, not his strong point. Soren Moyer 69 Posted 30/07/2024 at 21:07:23 O'teb for Calvert-Lewin. Mark Ryan 70 Posted 30/07/2024 at 21:08:05 Just give Holgate away, to anyone who will have him. Awful arrogant air about him and he's also shite. Liam Mogan 71 Posted 30/07/2024 at 21:08:07 The lack of quality on the ball and lack of cutting edge means it's Groundhog Day. Attrition all round.We'll be heavily reliant on Tarkowski and Branthwaite to perform like they did last season. Billy Shears 72 Posted 30/07/2024 at 21:08:22 While we're down at Coventry... any chance of making a cheeky bid for their left-back... the Welsh lad Da Silva?I don't think he's playing tonight?! Soren Moyer 73 Posted 30/07/2024 at 21:09:51 0-2 now. Dave Williams 74 Posted 30/07/2024 at 21:10:50 This really isn't looking very good! I'm telling myself that it is a reserve back 4 and it will all improve! Neil Tyrrell 75 Posted 30/07/2024 at 21:10:51 Can we storm back like against the mighty Sligo Rovers? Freddy Maldonado 76 Posted 30/07/2024 at 21:11:46 Coventry 2- Tim Iroegbunam 0 Neil Carter 77 Posted 30/07/2024 at 21:22:25 Not looked good — a lot to do before our first match. Strolling around like this won't win games. Coventry look miles ahead in fitness and preparation for their season. Chris Milligan 78 Posted 30/07/2024 at 21:24:42 3-0 Brent Stephens 79 Posted 30/07/2024 at 21:25:41 Well that'll dampen down expectations!But I quite like the look of Iroegbunam. Pat Kelly 80 Posted 30/07/2024 at 21:26:02 Getting embarrassing now… Colin Malone 81 Posted 30/07/2024 at 21:26:37 Same old, same old. Fuck off Dyche. Dycheball is not the way forward. Headless chickens ahead of skill. Ian Edwards 82 Posted 30/07/2024 at 21:26:45 Where's Branthwaite? Chris Milligan 83 Posted 30/07/2024 at 21:26:47 I just hope we have all the first team available for 17 August. Derek Powell 84 Posted 30/07/2024 at 21:27:32 Absolutely fuckin disgraceful! David Vaughan 85 Posted 30/07/2024 at 21:28:50 Utter, utter, utter drivel. 56th year, same old shite. No, I take that back...we've sunk even lower than that. On the positive, Tim Iroegbunam MotM. Great couple of saves from Virginia. Meanwhile... Calvert-Lewin worth £30M? Not even 30p. Jim Bennings 86 Posted 30/07/2024 at 21:29:05 We've always struggled finding players that look calm in front of goal.You can see why Dyche thinks we need Gnonto: pace, the whole team lacks pace too.Hopefully the lad Lindstrøm can add punch… well, he's gonna need to really, isn't he. Neil Tyrrell 87 Posted 30/07/2024 at 21:29:06 Only pre-season but Christ this is dire. Virginia somehow keeps it at 3-0. Rob Jones 88 Posted 30/07/2024 at 21:29:21 "Fuck off, Dyche."It's a pre-season friendly, and they're clearly not playing at full tilt. Grow up, for fuck's sake. Kevin Naylor 89 Posted 30/07/2024 at 21:29:36 Only brought on 1 sub in 80 minutes in a friendly, for fuck's sake! Paul Jones 91 Posted 30/07/2024 at 21:30:05 Coventry taking the piss sending on a 7-year-old! Neil Carter 92 Posted 30/07/2024 at 21:31:19 Another Gaffer's Day needed…They don't look up to Championship level yet. Chris Milligan 93 Posted 30/07/2024 at 21:31:25 You watch Coventry: 4 passes from the back and they are in our penalty area. Ben Howard 94 Posted 30/07/2024 at 21:31:37 Do they think they're playing Man City? Kieran Kinsella 95 Posted 30/07/2024 at 21:32:05 Michael,Not sure if this was a typo or just an accurate summary of our fellow:"Then, Garner fed a nice enough ball to Calvert-Lewin but his shit was not strong enough to beat the Coventry keeper. Allen Rodgers 96 Posted 30/07/2024 at 21:32:05 Embarrassing really. Only Joao Virginia comes out with any credit. And now the sound has gone on the stream after buffering all night. Amateur hour. Paul Hewitt 97 Posted 30/07/2024 at 21:32:46 Anyone for Potter? Ian Edwards 98 Posted 30/07/2024 at 21:33:15 We've signed 5 players and only Harrison with Premier League experience. It's going to be a long season. Buying level 2 players on the never never will end in tears. Andy Crooks 99 Posted 30/07/2024 at 21:35:46 Michael, you deserve a medal for this report. Surely you must feel like smashing your laptop to pieces? Kunal Desai 100 Posted 30/07/2024 at 21:36:06 Not bothered about pre-season friendlies. We'll finish next season in the top half. Watch. Mike Hayes 101 Posted 30/07/2024 at 21:36:07 No fucking pride at all. Friendly or not, it's embarrassing! 😡😡 Pat Kelly 102 Posted 30/07/2024 at 21:36:49 Dyche's head has been turned with thoughts of the England job… Christy Ring 103 Posted 30/07/2024 at 21:39:31 Colin #81, Nothing changed, we know you're not a Dyche fan. Probably only 5 of that team will be starting in our first game? Colin Malone 104 Posted 30/07/2024 at 21:39:48 Our Number 10 didn't run around like a headless chicken. So Dyche took him off for a headless chicken. Fuck off, Dyche. Clueless. Danny O’Neill 105 Posted 30/07/2024 at 21:41:15 It wasn't a pleasant watch for the thousands of Evertonians who made the trip from all parts of the country. I'll sleep on this one on the way home. Rob Jones 106 Posted 30/07/2024 at 21:41:59 Alternatively, he was giving players minutes, rather than responding to a game situation. Enjoy your bile. It must be such a novel mood for you. Jamie Crowley 107 Posted 30/07/2024 at 21:43:46 It's preseason. The game means literally nothing.Dyche is going to get players fit, try players in positions to see if he likes them, experiment, etc.It's not a pretty scoreline, but it means literally nothing. Look for individual performances, not scorelines and tactics.Pre-season. Try not to go apoplectic. Dave Williams 108 Posted 30/07/2024 at 21:45:32 Awful! Full-backs non-existent attacking and not great defending. Wingers poor and unable to beat their full-back. Calvert-Lewin with a few bad misses, Doucoure and Beto looked like they had never played football before. Tim was good and Jimmy not bad.I know it's pre-season but the lack of creativity and a cutting edge is concerning. That said, we looked sluggish and nowhere near match sharp. Dixon again impressed. Jamie Crowley 109 Posted 30/07/2024 at 21:46:51 Some advice, take it or leave it.If you're pissed at Dyche, or wondering where any points will come from after this game, maybe try a few things?Read a book.Go for a walk.Pick up a new hobby.Try knitting.Take on that project that hasn't been done but needs to be started.Hug your wife. Paul Hewitt 110 Posted 30/07/2024 at 21:47:47 I'm not bothered about losing, it is just a friendly. But the performance was terrible. No patterns of play, no quick movement, no overlapping fullbacks. Just passing backwards and then long balls. We start the season in 3 weeks. Stuart Sharp 111 Posted 30/07/2024 at 21:48:25 I'm a supporter of Dyche and not one to read much into preseason friendlies. But my God that was poo. We created absolutely zilch. Don't care about the score, but it would be nice to see us trying different patterns of attacking play... As usual, we'll have to put a lot of hope into the new signings. I like the look of the young midfielder from Villa though. Andy Crooks 112 Posted 30/07/2024 at 21:48:30 Jamie, I agree that in the bigger picture it means little, but Evertonians paid to go and see this shit show and they have been disrespected.Coventry and Salford were probably preparing for big challenges ahead and they did it properly. Defeat should never, ever be acceptable. Jack Ledwidge 113 Posted 30/07/2024 at 21:49:04 Friendly or not, this was a shocking performance. No commentary on my feed but you'd be forgiven for thinking it was the sky blue of Man City.They looked very comfortable all evening and dominated the ball. Very hard to take anything from this. None of our starting back four tonight can surely start v Brighton. Pains me to say but Seamus, for all his inspiration, just isn't the answer. That's the nice bit — the other 3 just aren't at the races. Lad from Villa looks half decent, the rest huffed and puffed. Pekka Harvilahti 114 Posted 30/07/2024 at 21:50:47 They played us off the park totally by 3-0 but it could have been 6-0.This lot plays like the Lampard team or Dyche's from last December to April.What is the matter with Everton? Steve Hogan 115 Posted 30/07/2024 at 21:53:05 Result aside, two very different management styles on display tonight. One fast, free-flowing football, with young players given the freedom to express themselves. The other, slow predictable, players unsure just exactly where they should be playing, or how they are going to get there.Goals win games, and this team once again looks like it will struggle. Special mention to Graeme Stuart of Evertontv who wins the 'most stupid comment of the night award', after Calvert-Lewin misses his second sitter of the night after 30 minutes: "It doesn't really matter, it's preseason, in two weeks time, he buries that." Really? Roy Johnstone 116 Posted 30/07/2024 at 21:53:16 100 quid plus down the tubes to see that shite. Dom not arsed, midfield lightweight, defence slow. Doesn't bode well if we don't get some players back. Ian Linn 117 Posted 30/07/2024 at 21:53:32 Caught the last 15 mins on the computer, we were very poor in that time and Coventry stroked it around like they were Brazil. For all his noise, Beto plodded around like a donkey and did nothing to pacify his detractors. Tony Abrahams 118 Posted 30/07/2024 at 21:53:36 Was there really thousands of Evertonians, there tonight, Danny? I shouldn't be surprised, because our away support is second to no one, but that is still an incredible achievement for a set of fans that deserve so much better.I have similar feelings to Kunal, and think we will have a decent season, but there is always the worry that what Ian Edwards says might end up happening, so let's see what happens before the transfer window closes, and hopefully we start getting a few of our better players fit. Billy Shears 119 Posted 30/07/2024 at 21:59:36 Black away shirts obviously suits us... another dire showing away from home! Kunal Desai 120 Posted 30/07/2024 at 22:02:38 Agree Tony. Too much over reaction. We know that Dyche will have barren spells next season but also put sporadic winning runs together, like he did prior to Xmas and the back of last season. We've lost two players in Onana and Godfrey that were not game changers last season; we've brought in some quality in Lindstrøm, O'Brien and the young lad Iroegbunham who I think will be a real star for us next season. Hopefully we'll add a few more before the window closes and resolve the Calvert-Lewin situation one way or another.Plenty of positives as it stands… it's a better squad than last season. Roy Johnstone 121 Posted 30/07/2024 at 22:02:49 Kevin 89 — spot on. What did we learn from that? Sam Hoare 122 Posted 30/07/2024 at 22:04:37 The same people were giving the same complaints all last season and often predicting certain relegation. Especially after any loss.We ended up comfortably safe with 48 points.It's unlikely to be much different this season. It will be mostly scrappy, we probably won't play a lot of beautiful football and there will be teams below us who look more exciting. So long as we keep getting the points, I won't mind too much.Hopefully one day, in our new stadium, we can aspire to better things but currently our finances and playing resources require a more pragmatic approach. Chris James 123 Posted 30/07/2024 at 22:04:49 I think the thing a lot of people are missing here in the over-reaction is that we won't be having to play the likes of Salford, Coventry and Sligo every week once the Premier League kicks off... Michael Kenrick 124 Posted 30/07/2024 at 22:05:21 Andy, I think I've faithfully recorded far worse, to be honest, when it actually mattered. But the laptop does need a new keyboard. Which might explain that well-spotted typo, Kieran. Gave me a good laugh. I think I'll have to leave it there now and just try to dodge the hate bombs! Karl Meighan 125 Posted 30/07/2024 at 22:05:37 These games are important for fitness purposes, not much else. If that back 4 ever have to start games in the Premier League, it won't be pretty.They looked like they had lots of hard training in their legs and it's possible that had an effect.Most of them players have never been able to pass a ball well or had a good first touch. That hasn't changed; let's hope their fitness does. Roy Johnstone 126 Posted 30/07/2024 at 22:06:18 Tony @ 118. Not rammed but fairly full. The away allocation is 3000. I would guess 2000. Subjected to that. Bobby Mallon 127 Posted 30/07/2024 at 22:07:56 Brian Williams 65 that's because they are managed by a progressive manager Derek Powell 128 Posted 30/07/2024 at 22:10:31 Dyche's team for the first game of the season:PickfordColemanTarkowski Branthwaite YoungGarner GueyeDoucouréHarrison McNeil Calvert-LewinI'll put a monkey on it! Stan Grace 129 Posted 30/07/2024 at 22:12:28 Pat, I think Dyche's head has been turned by Beto's shots. His neck too. Jamie Crowley 130 Posted 30/07/2024 at 22:13:21 Andy -I say this with all due respect, you're not a person on TW I'd ever take issue with. Like ever.I disagree. When I went and saw Everton in Orlando when they came to America, and before that when they came to Miami, I knew damn well what I was getting myself into.You're not going to see the main players by and large. You're going to see preseason levels of effort, and experimentation by the manager. You're going to get a preseason experience.And that's fine! But any fan going to this match knows damn good and well it's a preseason game, wins and losses aren't paramount, and you get what you get.There's a reason stadiums are at 50% capacity prior to the season starting. Back ups, young kids, managers tinkering with all sorts of shit, rightly, so they know what they have when the games actually matter and count. To suggest any fan was disrespected misses the mark. You know what you're getting into with a preseason friendly. If you pony up your moola for a preseason jaunt, the game itself might fail to impress. Just go and enjoy the day and experience, no? Christine Foster 131 Posted 30/07/2024 at 22:14:35 People say it's just a friendly, we have senior players out, it's all about fitness blah, blah...We are a Premier League club, with supposedly Premier League players given football lessons by clubs far below us. It's been said but there was no structure, pattern of play, or attempt to do anything other than get fit. Just how were they instructed to play? Because that was a half-hearted approach by everyone concerned. That had to come from the top: direction, instruction and intent. Because there wasn't any.Yes, I know there is nothing on the game, but how do you choose your best 11? Where are the players fighting for their places? What identity are we forging? When will everyone switch on, game on..?We are bringing in new players, ins and outs, it's going to take a bit of bedding in, I get that. But the poor underlying individual performances are not the only concern as they knit together, but style, desire and understanding, has to be given by Dyche. Bad day at the office for all concerned, should we be worried? Early days? Hats off to Coventry, played like a team... oh and their last goal — nutmeg for both Holgate and Keane — would be funny if it wasn't. Andy Finigan 132 Posted 30/07/2024 at 22:17:46 Can any one tell me what's the point of these friends unless it's making money for Everton? I hate loosing and if you're playing knowing there is no tactics and half the team is injured and on hols, then spare the many pounds we have to pay out for a futile exercise. Get a grip, Dyche and Thelwell. Jamie Crowley 133 Posted 30/07/2024 at 22:22:40 Christine -How many players on the pitch know they're out the door and honestly don't give a flying you know what about how Dyche views them? They're playing to not get hurt to get a move? Surely that's plausible?Look, no one wants to lose to Coventry 3-0. If that happened in the League Cup, or whatever the hell they call that thing, I'd be fuming beyond words. This is just not that at all. Additionally, these rag-tag line-ups full of players that haven't played together by and large, won't "click" in the least. There's something very important about chemistry, and you won't find that in the third preseason game.I understand the frustration, but there's been a few very over-the-top comments with little to no perspective of the landscape of today's game. Danny O’Neill 134 Posted 30/07/2024 at 22:24:18 Safe travel home to those dedicated thousands who made the journey. Apart from the odd seat, we packed that away section in an otherwise half-empty stadium. Adam Carey 135 Posted 30/07/2024 at 22:27:11 I live in Coventry so bought me and our youngest tickets, though in the home end.A good number of Blues in the south-east corner. Felt bad for any of them that travelled any distance to attend.We didn't look arsed. Coventry players wanted it more and chased and harried for 90 minutes.Iroegbunham looked the best of us. Harrison and McNeil did a lot of running without really achieving anything. Calvert-Lewin went through the motions. Garner tried to dictate play but was either crowded out or went missing. We never take on a man on the wing, (except the young right-back Dixon after 80-odd minutes). You see why we don't score many, always cutting back and passing inside. Only Ndaiye looked to go forwards and he is very quick.I kept looking across at the bench and Dyche was constantly holding his arms out stretched in frustration and looking bemused at Stone.As I said to our lad on the way out (while he was complaining about his team Chelsea have stunk so far), it's only pre-season. Neil Tyrrell 136 Posted 30/07/2024 at 22:31:22 Best things about this match were the home side "licked off" and DCLs "shit" not strong enough.No offence Michael, just looking for the first rays of the new rising sun through the gloom! Always grateful for a laugh. Joseph Walsh 137 Posted 30/07/2024 at 22:31:32 I know people will defend that as a pre season run out but that was truly appalling. I went tonight and was in with the Coventry fans and those all sat around us were shocked at how bad we were. They summed up how I felt - “Everton couldn't string two passes together”, “didn't dominate one minute of possession” “didn't create any real chances” and the general consensus “Calvert Lewin is utter garbage” - I thought he looked more disinterested than his usual level of lack of interest. Couldn't tell you the last time I saw him chase a ball down. Admittedly they played like it was their cup final they never had but I found it hard to largely disagree with them. If a few of them played to be in the shop window - I would be amazed if even Marine came in for any of them! Fred Quick 138 Posted 30/07/2024 at 22:54:27 The best thing about Dycheball is that you don't need a ball, and after so long in the job, it seems that Mr Dyche is convinced that everything revolves around working hard, running hard and putting loads of effort into the task. He obviously has never heard of the phrase 'let the ball do the work'. Coventry City aren't exactly blessed with lots of spare cash, nor the financial rewards that comes with Premier League status, but that doesn't prevent them trying to play progressive football. Give me Mark Robins over Sean Dyche any day of the week. Moyes, Allardyce, Benitez and now Dyche, when the hell will it all end? If things don't improve, at least in terms of footballing quality, a final season at the Old Lady and the opening season in the new place will see many of us who expect to see a tiny bit of entertainment from an Everton side, regardless of the often cited, mitigating circumstances, walk away without a care.It's so obvious that those who lead the club, from top to bottom, don't care about the crap they serve up as long as they keep their lucrative positions at an unambitious football club - who have stained the memories of the legends that once graced Goodison Park. Look at the upcoming league fixture list and honestly tell me which of those games home or away that we are nailed on to win, given the paucity of chances that we'll likely create in those games. Dixie would struggle under Dyche as would Lineker, Sharp and Ferguson. Dominic has never been good enough to lead the Everton side, he probably knows that himself, but the fact that Everton Football Club is relying on him to score the goals, for yet another season, is frightening and with Bambi Beto as his stand-in, it doesn't bode well for the future.Still, it was only a pre-season friendly, results don't matter, you get nothing for winning them, do you? But what about performances? They do matter and so far this pre-season they've been scandalous. I'll be at Deepdale on Saturday, I'm not at all looking forward to the game. I do hope that Everton aren't swapping places with tonight's hosts in May next year. Christine Foster 139 Posted 30/07/2024 at 22:54:35 Jamie, yeah I know exactly what your saying, but none of the probable 2nd string did themselves any favours and you would expect by the third outing that some resemblance of the way the manager wanted the team to play would be coming through. If Dyche was trying new formations, new roles, or assessing individual capabilities (which should be the case in pre-season stuff), then I would expect a few holes.. but in honesty exactly what did we learn from that, that we didn't already know? I actually don't care about individual performances too much, but for me it's about how we want to play, where are the gaps, seeing who can step up and who can't. But being played off the park? That shouldn't happen. Andy Crooks 140 Posted 30/07/2024 at 23:01:28 Fair comment, Jamie. Mike Allison 141 Posted 30/07/2024 at 23:02:04 Just got in, so I'll give some first impressions.Even for pre-season we were appalling. We didn't care, didn't work and essentially just jogged around covering spaces while Coventry passed the ball around. Coventry, on the other hand, played like it was a big game. I can only assume they're further along in pre-season than we are.I went with low expectations and was still disappointed. Calvert-Lewin, who I'm usually a fan of, looked like he didn't want to be there at all. Young and Coleman would be weaknesses in a Championship team.On the other hand, Beto looked like he wants to make things happen this season. Garner is a decent player and Iroegbunam looks good. I especially liked the way he carried the ball forward from midfield.It is important to remember that this was only pre-season, and we played without Pickford, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko and Gueye — meaning the entire foundation of our team was missing. However, you'd think the professionals on the pitch would show a bit more pride in themselves. Hugh Jenkins 142 Posted 30/07/2024 at 23:02:35 Jamie (107), You are a calm head with an objective view - in a sea of recrimination.I'll bet we get three points on 17 August (2024). Brian Wilkinson 143 Posted 30/07/2024 at 23:10:45 Well, here is my two pennies worth.Pickford, Tarkowski, Mykolenko, Branthwaite, Patterson will certainly make us stronger, Gueye back in midfield and Onana's replacement Iroegbunam will strengthen the midfield, my main concern is hopefully we bring a centre-forward in.I was very impressed with Iroegbunam, who holds the ball well and carries it forward.Dixon looks very promising, so on a whole, I would not be too worried about the players, half of them will not get near the starting 11.A centre-forward coming in will do for me. Forget Kalvin Phillips, I'm happy with our new number 42.Go all-out for a striker and job done for me. Matthew Johnson 144 Posted 30/07/2024 at 23:14:56 I was there, even I cheered the third goal.We were awful. Rob Williamson 145 Posted 30/07/2024 at 23:20:15 So let me get this right. It's not about the result, nor even the performance and anyway Coventry (and Salford) start their season a week before we do — it's just about getting match fit. So, in a week's time then — once we're fit — we can expect to see a lot better from Everton. We can look forward to seeing fast, incisive forward play, movement from our midfielders and forwards (that isn't backwards), shots on goal that don't look like they've been hit by someone with an ingrowing toenail. In addition, we can expect to see passing sequences of more than one, control of the ball where the second touch isn't a tackle, and an understanding between our players which looks a bit stronger than just having been introduced on the coach. Can we? Can we? You'll excuse me if I don't hold my breath! Justin Doone 146 Posted 30/07/2024 at 23:22:56 Yes it's pre-season so I'm not bothered about results. It's the lack of performances, pattens of play and very little creativity that I as an Evertonian am embarrassed about. I hate Dycheball. I've a lot of time for him as a person and he's a good fit for our current clown show of a club. But he is a poor football coach with seemingly no intention of trying to play football or keep a bit of possession even against poor teams. We optimistically believe every new signing will improve our first team and it goes without saying they will hit the ground running and be successful. I'm not wanting to moan, but another average season playing crap football awaits.In the meantime, I'm loving the brilliance, dedication, heart and fair play 99% of the Olympians are showing.The football season can wait. Jack Convery 147 Posted 30/07/2024 at 23:25:47 I keep banging on about it but we should go and get Coufal from West Ham on a free. He's a better right-back than what we have right now. Coleman and Young should not be starting more than 10 games between them this coming season… and never at the same time. 32 in August. 2-year contract is a no-brainer.Another freebie: Ricardo Rodriguez. Swiss International, plays left-back and left-sided centre-back. 32 in August. 2-year contract please. I know there are signing-on fees and wages but it gives us breathing space, given our finances. We need to spend, the little we have, buying a striker and a speedy left-winger. Sean Kearns 148 Posted 30/07/2024 at 23:27:22 Means absolutely bugger all, but still hurts non the less… Add Jazza, Tarks and Jordan to that plus Myko and we are okay… but Dom is deffo doing my head in. People say he doesn't get many chances but that's a myth, he bloody well does!! Plenty of them!!… We need a goal scorer asap and I'm sure Dyche and Co are aware. Calvert-Lewin is always offside and isn't ice cold!!! Get Richarlison back or Broja or Lukaku! John Wilson 149 Posted 30/07/2024 at 23:37:45 I learnt from that, when Plan A doesn't work, such as no Branthwaite, no Tarkowski, we let goals in; and when Calvert-Lewin is misfiring, we don't score. What is Plan B again? I don't think Dyche knows either and they pay him millions. Fred Quick 150 Posted 30/07/2024 at 23:39:03 Playing attacking football…“That's the aim of the game. We want to try and try and play but not showboat, I don't want any of that.There's a fine balance to be had with some of the really good football and some of the slick movements that we saw tonight won't always be the case, we've got to try and find different ways of breaking down teams and look forward to that.” Mark Robins on the Coventry City web page following the game against Everton FC Andy McNabb 151 Posted 30/07/2024 at 00:19:21 Jamie #109 - thanks for the advice. Despite my best efforts at distraction, it still hurts to be an Evertonian, although my oldest son and I can attest that emigrating to Australia 20-odd years ago has been reasonably effective at numbing the pain. The results don't change but there are fewer people over here to torment you on a Monday morning after another poor result. We are currently 11 hours ahead of the UK and I have also learnt that it's easier to sleep through a bad performance than endure the torture of the 'real-time' match experience. Brian Wilkinson 152 Posted 31/07/2024 at 00:36:51 See if this cheers you up, Andy.Pickford, with a 3-man defence of Tarkowski, Branthwaite and O'Brien, with Patterson or Dixon as wingbacks.Gueye, Iroegbunam, Doucouré as our anchor midfield along with Garner.Harrison and McNeil attacking the flanks.That's as far as I can go, Chermiti is our only hope, so if we can bring a centre-forward in, I think we will be alright. Danny O’Neill 153 Posted 31/07/2024 at 01:03:39 Well, just home and on my second wind, sat with the dogs.Early start, in fact I got there too early and was sat in the Coventry sun, burning my neck. I was drinking Coke (the Cola type!) to get sugar into me. I met some very nice people and gradually the Evertonians started gathering in numbers outside the ground.Then along comes Graham Stuart! Really nice touch as he walked past the Evertonians and stopped to take time for photos and selfies with the supporters. At one point, the Coventry stewards pulled him back as he'd missed someone out!Let's get the negatives out of the way first. I'm never too concerned about results in pre-season, but the performance was dire. Coventry were sharper and we were disjointed. We just didn't look like a team. Sloppy passes and giving the ball away far too easily. And we can't expect Dominic to cut an isolated figure with little support.For those travelling supporters, probably more than 3,000 of us, it was disappointing to see that.Now, you should always end on a positive. That isn't the Everton team that will start the season. Pickford, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko and the new lad Jake O'Brien. I watched his interview on the way back. He says he likes to get forward and score. Fine by me!! And Doucoure doing his Doucoure his thing. Plus the new signings. We'll be fine.Once the season starts, we'll see a different Everton. I think the midfield will be Garner and Idrissa. McNeil will find his form and Jack Harrison looked lively on occasions.I can't make Preston, but I'll be at Goodison for the Roma match. Mike Gaynes 154 Posted 31/07/2024 at 01:14:19 Brian #152, you overlooked Lindstrøm, who I believe is a starter from the first week, and Ndiaye, who was the best player on the pitch for Everton today. Jack #147, Coufal has never impressed me much, but Rodriguez would be a great get if we can pry him out of Italy.Mike #141, to me, Coleman looked slow. I mean really slow. I saw it late last season and thought it was likely due to nagging injuries or fatigue, but now I really believe he has lost his pace. Christine #131, I thought it was hilarious. They looked like croquet wickets. Jay Harris 155 Posted 31/07/2024 at 03:33:28 Let's be honest, a back four of Coleman, Young, Holgate and Keane is immediately going to undermine the team. Playing deep, which has always been a trait of Holgate and Keane, means the midfield has a lot of ground to make up to get forward.Ndiaye and particularly Iroegbunam looked quality but Calvert-Lewin, McNeil and Doucoure looked yards off the pace and poor quality linking up as if they had never played together.I will excuse the fact that they say they are fatigued after Gaffer's Days but there is no excuse for conceding 8 goals against supposedly vastly inferior opposition. Jerome Shields 156 Posted 31/07/2024 at 03:58:26 Get well soon, Seamus. Terry Farrell 157 Posted 31/07/2024 at 05:43:22 Our older players looked old last night! New man Iroegbunam is the type of midfield player I love, driving forward into space and trying to create chances. Harrison once again cannot make a simple pass to a player running forward and stops too many of our attacks. Coventry were superb and bossed it from start to finish. Danny O’Neill 158 Posted 31/07/2024 at 07:10:31 I forgot about Lindstrøm, Mike. Nice to have options.I think that was harsh on Harrison, Terry. He was very lively and direct and put some good balls into the box, there was just no one on the end. Tony Abrahams 159 Posted 31/07/2024 at 07:25:54 Jay@155, that collective defensive unit would possibly see most teams relegated from the Championship, mate.I go along with Brian W @143 and think it is absolutely imperative that Everton sign a centre-forward although we also need another midfielder and also a couple of fullbacks. David Murphy 160 Posted 31/07/2024 at 07:50:13 Well that was v disappointing. Coventry looked the quality team on the pitch and tbh Everton have played like that for most of last season, playing within themselves, devoid of any ideas, and unable to pass the ball to each other. The coventry fans sitting by me were not expecting a premier league masterclass but they were disappointed that Everton couldn't even play some sort of keep ball. Coventry did play well but that was just a typical performance by them, they didn't really have to step it up, but they should have been made to work for it. Rudoni looked class and ran the show, showing how it should be done finding pockets and moving the ball constantly. Iroegbunam was the only shining light, showing great composure, driving forward in patches Viera style, and able to shrug off challenges. Our two wingers received the ball a few times and look to get their head down and run towards goal, often straight through the middle and into awaiting defenders, then we lose the ball. Unfortunately this game although a meaningless friendly was just a carbon copy of so many performances last year. Coventry played on the front front, taking chances, playing in pockets, passing and moving, and they looked the superior side Robert Tressell 161 Posted 31/07/2024 at 07:54:48 Tony # 159, you could say that with DCL, Beto, Maupay and Chermiti on the books we're well stocked for strikers. Wouldn't be a surprise if that's how we approach the season. Key thing is development of Chermiti into something better than DCL. Derek Knox 162 Posted 31/07/2024 at 08:03:14 Having missed the last (Salford City) match, I was really looking forward to this one, to perhaps get a glimpse of both improvement and a look at some of the new signings. The new signings Ndiaye and Tim Iroegbunam didn't disappoint, but the majority of the rest did.I know you can never read (allegedly) too much into these pre-seasons, but when we are on the end of a three goal defeat, I must say it does raise a few questions. How many 'chances' has Calvert Lewin had, and fairly easy ones, but failed to even be on target ? Tony Abrahams 163 Posted 31/07/2024 at 08:25:01 I haven't watched any of our games Robert, but listening to people who have, it seems like Dominic, hasn't got his heart in it and the kid is possibly hoping to leave?My own view is that he his the only forward, that we have got who is currently good enough to lead the line by himself right now, and this is the reasoning for my thinking.With regards Chermiti, I have got hoes for the kid, from his appearance against Brentford, last season Robert, but going back to Lewin, and we definitely need better, than what we currently have, imo, if he his going to leave. Paul Hewitt 164 Posted 31/07/2024 at 08:27:00 You could see last night which team was properly coached. Tony Abrahams 165 Posted 31/07/2024 at 08:31:23 Keep the faith Paul, stay positive mate! Neil Lawson 166 Posted 31/07/2024 at 08:43:56 I had forgotten about this game and was watching the swimming and tennis which was exciting. Enjoyable read this morning.Dyche the saviour already the wrong man for many even before the season starts, it seems. I'm keeping my views on that subject to myself but come mid September the pages of TW may be thoroughly entertaining. Dave Abrahams 167 Posted 31/07/2024 at 08:45:35 Never saw the game although I have tried to watch all three games, least said about that the better.I am happy with the transfer dealings up to now, we lost some players at the end of last season through contracts being finished, we released some players and have sold a few in the summer so we still need three or four more players to bring the squad up in strength, a striker if/ when Dominic goes, a right back and another centre midfielder.The results up to now are not bothering me but still very disappointing, especially if you were watching, I've bought a ticket for the Roma game, I might wait to see the team and subs. before I attempt to go to the game, I don't want to waste my time seeing loads of theU21squad on the day, I've seen most of them already and unless most of them improve I doubt many will reach the first team, Metcalfe I think has a decent chance but Dixon's pace will not be enough to get him there especially if he is going to be a good solid defender but I wish him well. Eddie Dunn 168 Posted 31/07/2024 at 08:56:48 Only Chermiti, who dragged us back from the brink in Sligo has shown any prowess in front of goal.Beto and DCL both look like they have never scored a goal before.Last night's performance was worrying.The fact that Holgate and Keane are still around is even more worrying. Rob Halligan 169 Posted 31/07/2024 at 09:07:47 Couldn't give a rat's arse about friendly games, but it clearly looks like some are suicidal after last night. I had it on my iPad, but was also watching that Hundred cricket on TV. A poor format of cricket, but fun to watch! Anyway, to me it seems like Calvert-Lewin does want out. Some of the chances he's missed in these three games is beyond belief. Also getting caught offside, but one or two of those last night were very dubious, to say the least. One clear offside, however, was when Ndiaye worked some magic to get into a scoring position and was just about to shoot when Calvert-Lewin took the ball off him. The stand-out player for me though, was Tim Iroegbunam. He looks really comfortable on the ball, and could be an ideal replacement for Onana. Why on earth did Villa let him go?So a starting eleven, that will be nowhere near the starting eleven against Brighton, are beaten by Coventry, a team robbed of a deserved cup final place last season. So what!! The time to start worrying is if the first three league games end with the same result as the first three preseason games. Ray Robinson 170 Posted 31/07/2024 at 09:14:44 Rob, as you say, it was only a pre-season friendly and the result doesn't matter. However, the performance does matter because it highlights again that we will struggle to score goals. There is no discernible pattern of play.At least I saw another ground to add to my list. Simon Jones 171 Posted 31/07/2024 at 09:23:30 That was pretty turgid last night, there wasn't many out there I'd be upset at being sold. We basically watched a training match. Dyche didn't make many changes, I think 7 players went the full 90 minutes.I laughed when the full backs Campbell & Dixon came on to replace Coleman & Young. Wearing numbers 73 & 75 they are one less and one more than the combined ages of numbers 18 & 23 who they replaced.Just a word for Coventry, they looked at it and might be a decent shout for automatic promotion after coming close last year. Their number 9 looks a right handful! David Bromwell 172 Posted 31/07/2024 at 09:24:46 Why is supporting Everton such hard work ? I am sure we must have had some good pre seasons when we have won games and played exciting football but I really cannot remember many.This is the time when young players particularly should be full of energy and eager to stake their claim for a first team starting place. But last nights starting eleven was anything but exciting. It looked like a real miss match of players in a cobbled together team in seemingly a pointless exercise. We seem to have had a good transfer window, but we look vulnerable at both full back positions, and just awful in front of goal. I am thinking more of the same for this season. Sam Hoare 173 Posted 31/07/2024 at 09:26:29 Robert@161 is bang on. We won't be signing another striker currently. We may not even if we sell DCL. And even if we did I'm not sure it would change things all that much. Great strikers are like gold dust and the chances of us bringing someone in who could hit the ground running and bag 15 goals next season whilst running the channels as a lone front man are very slim.Our best hope is that Chermitti develops quickly or that DCL picks up from where he left off last season (he managed 4 goals and an assist in his last 7 games).Whatever happens it's unlikely to be a goal fest this season but hopefully Tark and JB and Gana return soon and we remain solid at the back. Christopher Timmins 174 Posted 31/07/2024 at 09:29:22 Folks It's a preseason game, the sole purpose of which is to get players fit. The Championship kicks off earlier and Coventry will be ahead of us in the fitness stakes.When Rob says that DCL wants out, that has to be a worry as fans who watch players week in week out can sense if there is an issue.Holgate and Keane will not be lining up against Brighton and while they may not be sold, due to the lack of a buyer, they will not play many games in the season ahead.I am hoping that the season ahead will be a break through one for the boy from Portugal and that he can become a regular. Tony Abrahams 175 Posted 31/07/2024 at 09:35:38 If Robert is bang on, Sam, then I hope to god Dominic Calvert-Lewin doesn't leave because none of our other forwards are quite good enough, mate.You and Robert are a lot more interested in looking at players, and then forming an opinion of whether they are good enough and also good value, Sam, so what do either of you make of the forward who allegedly wants to leave Arsenal, who goes by the name of Eddie? Martin Farrington 176 Posted 31/07/2024 at 09:37:48 I don't see any point to "friendlies". We are not stadium fillers nor an attraction. We always put in pathetic performances to the deep concern and irritation of our own fans. It enhances the knowledge that our strength in depth is full of fuckkin crap players. What did any of those pre-season matches achieve? I believe it rhymes with Speke Hall. The pattern we follow is crap pre season, dreadful start to season. The only exception to that was the Ancelotti experiment.Now Seamus is out. Yup. That was worth it . Not.Oh and for those who think he is great and doing an oh so wonderful job Thelwell still hasnt found us a goal scorer.Hmmm. fart jam jar? Mike Allison 177 Posted 31/07/2024 at 09:38:27 That's another point from last night, Simms looked really good. Denis Richardson 178 Posted 30/07/2024 at 09:48:18 I didn't watch the game and, judging by the comments, I'm glad I didn't waste the time.A big concern for me is that our entire first-choice back-line is injured. We still have a couple of weeks until the Kick-Off but there's little chance of all 4 being fit, never mind match fit, for Brighton. Team has done well in the market so far but it's critical we now sign a full-back, preferably two, but a right-back at a minimum. This was a high priority before Coleman's injury, now it's simply not avoidable. We can't put Holgate or Garner there. Buy a round peg for a round hole.As for the result, embarrassing on paper but get 3 points in 17 days time and no one will even remember, let alone care. Derek Knox 179 Posted 31/07/2024 at 09:52:14 Rob H, apparently some turn up just to see Tom Daly knitting (yes, you heard right). Wonder if he could knit us a centre-forward? Calvert-Lewin and Beto (won't mention Maupay) are looking more woolly by the minute. Strewth. Joe McMahon 180 Posted 31/07/2024 at 09:52:40 Mr Thelwell, please find us at least one striker who can actually shoot and takes chances, even 1:1s v Salford. The one-off Lukaku left 7 years ago and we still have come nowhere near a replacement. Maybe we just need Liverpool's scouting network. They have a track record of endless goalscorers, and it's very frustrating. Mal van Schaick 181 Posted 31/07/2024 at 09:53:29 Don't let Holgate anywhere near the first team squad. Move him on with Keane and Maupay. Sam Hoare 182 Posted 31/07/2024 at 10:26:20 Tony@177, I like Nketiah. But I don't think he'd suit Dyche's system at all as he's only 5ft 11 and not the strongest. Think he would struggle as an isolated lone striker (as would most players).He looks a decent finisher but he's 25 now and has never scored more than 5 goals in a season (admittedly due mainly to lack of playing time). Could do well elsewhere but not sure he'd be an obvious fit for us.I see we are linked to Boulaye Dia again today who has a bit more power to him and could be an option. Though I'm honestly not sure that any of these players are a significant upgrade on Beto, who is a very good fit (in theory) for how Dyche wants to play. Brian Harrison 183 Posted 31/07/2024 at 10:29:33 I have been on holiday for a few weeks so I have only read reports of the Sligo and Salford pre-season games. Again, only read reports about last night's game so, unless you see the game, then you can't really comment on the performances. I read we have got some injury problems and neither Pickford nor Branthwaite have played any part and I don't think Gana has either. But my worry for the last couple of seasons has been who is going to score the goals, and last season only Sheffield Utd scored less. We have added a centre-back a wide player and a midfield player but no striker, Calvert-Lewin is nowhere near the player he was under Ancelotti and I am not convinced Beto will come good. I think Chermiti looks promising but is only young and it would be a big ask to expect him to lead the line for most of next season.So I ask… who is going to score the goals? Dave Cashen 184 Posted 31/07/2024 at 11:01:28 Took the short drive across to Coventry last night. Impressive turnout from the faithful — we knew that would happen.Team has not improved much in the few days since Salford —We knew that would happen too.Coventry are a decent side. Their FA Cup performances last season showed that. I think they are a knocking bet to be promoted, but It was still worrying to see how far ahead of us they are in terms of fitness. That said; I lost no sleep last night. The side which starts the season will be totally different to the one which ambled through last night's game.This was just the latest demonstration of the lack of depth in our squad. The fringe players may be able to slot in for the odd game as cover, but they will not be good enough to compete, week-in & week-out, in the Premier League.Disappointed, but confident we will see the required improvement come 17 August. Ian Wilkins 185 Posted 31/07/2024 at 11:18:27 Made the trip to Coventry last night, good turn out from travelling Everton fans.It's pre season, building fitness, plenty (whole back four) missing, but there are concerns. We need full-backs, cover left, first choice right. Sorry, Patterson isn't the answer, he can't defend. We can't rely on Coleman or Young, they both had to consider a further year, they are both over the top now, deep squad cover only. We have no squad depth, you wouldn't want to see Holgate or Keane on first-team sheet. We have no youngsters pressing for a starting berth, save for the new recruit from Villa (who made an encouraging start). The regular first-team players (Garner, McNeil, Harrison, Calvert-Lewin) should be able to stamp a level of control; they can't. No change up front, you struggle to see Calvert-Lewin or Beto scoring enough goals.We have plenty to come back in, we really have to add more quality in some obvious places. We will be very different in a few weeks time: fitter, full strength, organised… but this squad needs greater depth. Barry Rathbone 186 Posted 31/07/2024 at 11:21:49 It must be remembered this club is on the verge of going bust, we might even lose ownership of our new ground — a truly horrendous situation which must impact behind the scenes.Whereas Coventry… Oh hang on!! Colin Malone 187 Posted 31/07/2024 at 11:43:22 Never mind, we need this player and that player. The football we are watching is horrible. I watched Onana for Villa, he looks world class, his distribution was excellent.Why didn't he do it for the blues? Because of the AllarDyche football we play.Ndiaye is going to suffer as James Garner doess with this type of football. Eddie Dunn 188 Posted 31/07/2024 at 12:11:51 Sam, wee Neal Maupay is not 5ft-11in. He is 5ft-7in! Jim Bennings 189 Posted 31/07/2024 at 12:41:48 We don't have a striker anymore that can make a goal for themselves, that's what someone mentioned to me a few months ago, and they are right.You watch other sides, they've got players that can make their own opportunity when service isn't at a high standard.I suppose we had that type of player when we had Lukaku, Rooney definitely, Louis Saha was another one, even to lesser extent the likes of Tomasz Radzinski could fashion a chance with pace and hard running.We don't possess with any of those current crop of strikers anyone capable of that.I still think it's too early to make a judgement one way or another on Chermiti, I'm not basing too much on a few friendly matches, time will tell on that one. Danny O’Neill 190 Posted 31/07/2024 at 12:54:41 On a lighthearted note, I forgot to mention my travel epic. The station conductors at Coventry told me the platform for the Euston train.An Avanti West Coast came in, so I jumped on. By the time the doors had locked, I was going in the wrong direction and ended up in Wolverhampton. So, remedial reaction. I caught a train to Birmingham International and picked up a train to Euston that ironically went via Coventry.Roma at Goodison should be easier. My sister is still insisting I cancel the Adelphi and stay at hers in Speke. Steve Brown 191 Posted 31/07/2024 at 12:57:35 As a big supporter of Calvert-Lewin, I have to admit that his performances this pre-season remind me of Lescott before he secured his move to Man City — his head is elsewhere, he wants a move and it is evident. I don't see Beto, Maupay or Chermiti as capable of leading the line next season, so I agree with Tony A that we need to replace Dominic if he secures his move. Not sure we will though.Full-backs are the priority for the remainder of the window. Rob Jones 192 Posted 31/07/2024 at 13:12:22 I want Calvert-Lewin to stay. But if he doesn't sign a contract, he needs to go. Not just for our finances, but for his own sake. If he's still holding onto bitterness from when he's been booed before, that treatment will pale in comparison to what he's going to be on the end of.He clearly can't be arsed, and above all, Everton fans prize effort from their players. If they can see him going through the motions during the season, it's going to get very ugly from the crowd. Dave Cashen 193 Posted 31/07/2024 at 13:39:15 interesting Steve.195I see it the other way. I think he is weighing up his options and will not sign for just any club simply to get away from this one. He's in a strong position. Almost guaranteed to start if he stays. This season offers him the perfect shop window, a great chance to show everyone what a fully fit DCL can do.For the first time in a few years He goes into the season healthy. He has a manager who (unlike others) will not risk his career by asking him to play injured. No club is going to pay full market value for a player they can get for nothing in 10 months. so unless we accept a really low offer. I expect him to still be here.Despite serious injury, loss of form ( himself and his team mates ) plus the handicap of getting less chances than any of the other top forwards. He got stronger and found his form in the latter part of last season.Even in a team that doesnt create. I fully expect him expect him to score 15+ goals this coming season Ian Bennett 194 Posted 31/07/2024 at 14:20:19 £3-3.5M a league place next season. It will be congested at the bottom, so it's conceivable Calvert-Lewin could be the difference between 18th and 13th.Relegation costs at least £100-150M, complete melt down of the club. 13th would be £15M more.Based on Calvert-Lewin starting over Beto, it looks like he will start the season as Number 9 unless a good bid comes in. Talking £25-30M. Anything under £20M isn't worth accepting.Obviously leaves Beto knowing he's not really wanted. Behind the striker who wants out isn't a great place to be and with Chermiti looking more likely to eat into his minutes. Danny O’Neill 195 Posted 31/07/2024 at 14:26:14 I too think he will stay. And he will find his form and avoid the seemingly eletro-magnetic field that presents itself when he's been shooting.I also think Beto may come good in his second season.And then there's Chermiti. Only 20 but showing promise.As said, if he stays fit, he's guaranteed to start. I'd rather have him for a season than not. John Raftery 196 Posted 31/07/2024 at 14:31:32 It's only a public practice match. Never take these outings seriously. Coventry will be a more than decent team this season. We will be much better than this when the season starts. Oliver Molloy 197 Posted 31/07/2024 at 14:32:16 @ 200 Ian, It's up to Beto to claim a staring place - if he can not - that is his problem - the ball is in court so to speak and nothing would please me more than to see Calvert Lewin benched but Beto has shown he has the touch of a donkey so it's not going to happen in reality - the young fella Chirmiti should be starting in front of the two of them ! Danny O’Neill 198 Posted 31/07/2024 at 14:45:12 Me and my brother have been saying exactly that, John. We never read into pre-season results. Especially as that was half a second-string team.When the season starts, it will be a very different Everton that lines up.Calm the horses as they say. I said I couldn't make Preston, but I might try. Definitely at the Roma match. And then Brighton when the real business starts. Robert Tressell 199 Posted 31/07/2024 at 15:05:40 If we buy a ready-made striker, he will be a mediocre striker unlikely to outscore Beto. These sorts of strikers cost upwards of £20M and don't meaningfully appreciate in value. Many rapidly deteriorate in value.In fact, our best chance of a striker who scores more than 12 goals next season is Calvert-Lewin. If we buy young potential, again the goal return (and overall play) might be found wanting — but over a period of seasons the player might develop into someone better than Calvert-Lewin. Someone like Fofana at Chelsea is a good example. He isn't there yet, but he could become really good. Jack Convery 200 Posted 31/07/2024 at 15:09:58 The only way Calvert-Lewin will get the terms he wants from another club is if Everton are forced to accept a much lower offer than what they want. I expect him to go for around £20M plus add ons. We need to get someone in asap. Alan J Thompson 201 Posted 31/07/2024 at 15:47:03 I've not seen either of the preseason games but you cannot be pleased with those results knowing there is only 17 days to the first game of the season.Our first-choice keeper still on holiday, an entire defence out injured, and several new signings still to turn up never mind try to fit in. Still, fitting in might be easier if we continue with our "kick it down their end and try and get it back" football. Jay Harris 202 Posted 31/07/2024 at 15:48:08 If Calvert-Lewin doesn't want to stay at the club that has given him its full backing over the years, and especially over the last 3 injury-ridden years, then don't play him, put him on the transfer list and play those that want to stay and play for their places. Having a player that wants away can be toxic and the way he has failed to contribute in the preseason games means we would be better served giving others an opportunity. Ian Bennett 203 Posted 31/07/2024 at 16:07:33 Oliver @202 — totally agree. It's on Beto to prove he's good enough, and clearly Dyche doesn't think he is.Robert @206 — I agree on Fofana, and I'd take him. I guess that we won't as they'll consider him to be too similar to Chermiti. Looks like Abrahams is wanting to stay in Italy. He's a good goal scorer and might solve the here and now, but his injury record and resale value make it a poor long-term buy. Robert Tressell 204 Posted 31/07/2024 at 16:20:04 Ian #203, Looking at the stats, Abraham's goalscoring for the past 4 seasons is remarkably similar to Calvert-Lewin. Note he's also playing in a weaker league and for a top 4 to 6 club in that league. He's not completely isolated in a team desperately struggling to survive. I put the stats on another thread recently to illustrate. Ian Bennett 205 Posted 31/07/2024 at 16:38:55 True, but he's more of a natural finisher than Dom.He's had a bad knee injury, which like dcl, he's struggled to get over - and why roma want to get rid id guess. He's still had 50 goals and assists in 113 Roma games, which ain't bad when you take away subbing off.Neither is top notch and why probably they're being discussed. Seems to be a lot being linked with Ac milan, so it looks that's the start of the dominoes once they choose.I'd prefer younger, more potential and less injury prone. Looking at the valuable strikers we've missed out - Boniface, Gykores, Zirkzee, Brobbey, Haaland - go Everton... Scott Montgomery 206 Posted 31/07/2024 at 17:04:07 Dave #193,Ah here, you're actually playing with my head on purpose now :) You have me doubting myself to the degree that I'm sitting up at night questioning myself whether I can be such a poor judge of a footballer. Hope to God you're right and I am. David Murphy 207 Posted 31/07/2024 at 17:16:20 I think the disappointing thing is the performance and the way they set about the game; result doesn't matter. I am usually optimistic, but seeing the same performance and ‘gameplan' as we saw in prior seasons is tough to watch. It doesn't really matter if we sign a striker to replace Calvert-Lewin or not, we don't play the game in that half of the field so it doesn't matter who is there. Ray Said 208 Posted 31/07/2024 at 17:47:18 Danny (190), listen to your sister and give the Adelphi a miss mate. It's been a horrible dump for years now and gets worse by the day. Christy Ring 209 Posted 31/07/2024 at 18:12:52 Looking at our preseason games, and I was at the Sligo game, Calvert-Lewin is definitely not tuned in, his head is elsewhere.Either we get him to commit to a new contract; if not, we have to sell him and add to the money and buy a striker, because Beto is way behind Dom, and we'll be in deep trouble scoring goals this season. Dale Self 210 Posted 31/07/2024 at 19:03:17 Jamie @109, You left off one other thing one could do, one. Geoff Lambert 211 Posted 31/07/2024 at 20:33:47 Jack #200, It's not like there are a load of teams trying to sign him, We will be lucky to get £20M for him maybe a bottom-half Premier League team or a Championship team looking for a bargain. And to think, last year, there was some on here saying he was worth £70M. Brian Wilkinson 212 Posted 31/07/2024 at 20:37:52 Danny@190,If you think Everton have been poor this pre-season, our ratings would still be higher than the Adelphi.If you have not already booked, avoid it,;if so, see if you can get a refund, the rooms are outdated and shocking.You have been pre-warned mate. Robert Tressell 213 Posted 31/07/2024 at 21:04:48 Geoff, plenty of teams will want Calvert-Lewin — including the likes of some very big Champions League teams in England and the likes of, say, Atletico Madrid, Marseille and Juve. However, he would be a back-up striker for that sort of club (as he should be for us really) rather than first choice. Given the spending restrictions that have affected the market, it's more likely a club like this would pick him up at a discount in January, or free next summer.The likeliest destinations this summer are, for me, West Ham and Newcastle. The fee would be around the £30M mark I expect. Oliver Molloy 214 Posted 31/07/2024 at 21:08:15 There will be clubs interested in signing Calvert-Lewin at the right money.But he apparently wants a minimum £130k per week — is any club going to pay him this? He simply is not worth it. Danny O’Neill 215 Posted 31/07/2024 at 21:27:19 Thanks, Ray and Brian. Fortunately my son will be home to look after the hounds or I might have to have smuggled them into Goodison.Speke it is then, to be hen-pecked by my sister and cousins. Neil Copeland 216 Posted 31/07/2024 at 22:50:33 Danny, sorry I missed you last night. Regarding Roma, after everything you have been through, I think Speke would be the best option by far. Look forward to seeing you at the Harlech.As for Calvert-Lewin, let's see how he performs when the real business starts. Ditto for the others too. Danny O’Neill 217 Posted 01/08/2024 at 05:56:56 I'm sorry too that we didn't meet up, Neil, but we'll meet at the Harlech.I don't think I've got much choice. My sisters and cousins can be very persuasive to say the least.Don't argue with scouse women was a lesson I learned early in life!! Eric Myles 218 Posted 01/08/2024 at 07:24:50 I wonder if anyone giving the warnings about the Adelphi has ever stayed there?I had the same warnings some years ago from friends when I was visiting Liverpool but the place was fine; dated, yes, but clean and central and cheap, all I wanted for a couple of days. Staff were friendly too and the place was mad busy 'cos there was a tattoo convention going on. Phil (Kelsall) Roberts 219 Posted 01/08/2024 at 08:34:27 Adelphi is owned by Britannia Hotels. They bought big old hotels and then use them as cash cows. Guaranteed that they finish bottom of the UK hotel quality list every year, without fail. They also own Pontins Holiday Camps (since 2011) and closed 3 without warning last year.It is 30 years ago I went for a trade dinner and the story going around was one of the guys complained about his room so they moved him. He realised he had left something in his old room so they gave him a key to go back and opening the door he found a couple involved in horizontal aerobics. Kim Vivian 220 Posted 01/08/2024 at 11:09:10 Pontins closed one near me in Kent earlier this year (or last year). Best thing that could have happened. Should've been torched years ago. Nothing other than a cockroach farm. Raymond Fox 221 Posted 01/08/2024 at 12:11:32 Friendly results don't count for much. Sure it's better for the lads who go to the games if we perform well and get a win; otherwise, they don't bear much relation to Premier League games.They're okay for the manager to try out new and young homegrown players; otherwise, forget it. Gerry Quinn 222 Posted 01/08/2024 at 12:15:07 We stayed in the Adelphi when we flew over from Houston, Texas for the Man Utd game (April 2014, Moyes sacked by them on the Monday after). Everything was reasonably good, including the food, but the rooms were not exactly hotel quality that you would normally see... it looked like they just shoved everything into the room and left! Never again though! Brian Wilkinson 223 Posted 01/08/2024 at 12:46:17 Hi Eric, yes, I stayed there once about 4 years ago, it's nice in the hallway and reception, but the room was terrible, windows would not open, no fridge, just a bed a small table with a 18 inch tv on it. That was it; if you stood in one place more than 5 seconds, your feet stuck to the floor, bathroom was no better.Fortunately I have no sense of smell, but daughter said it had a musty smell in the room and a bit of a smell of the Kop before all seating, asked to change rooms but other room was the same, got there late so had no option to cancel and look elsewhere.I may have just been unlucky with the two rooms, but I will never stay at the Adelphi again. Danny O’Neill 224 Posted 01/08/2024 at 13:29:34 Brian, the Kop before all seating, when we used to mix. If my memory serves, there were three exits at the top.So grown men used get the jewels out and urinate on the terracing. At least it temporarily created some space!! Paul Hewitt 225 Posted 01/08/2024 at 13:31:04 Kim @220. Many years ago, the wife entered a competition for a week's free stay at Pontins in Blackpool (why, I haven't a clue). Unfortunately, we won. We arrived on the Sunday. Let's just say that, by the Tuesday, we were on our way home. Absolute shit tip. Why people pay money to stop at them camps amazes me. Russell Smith 226 Posted 01/08/2024 at 13:36:07 If, as has been reported, Calvert-Lewin is looking for £130k per week, then there will be no takers, even if we give him away. He will want a 4- or 5-year contract and, with every Premier League team looking at their PSR positions, he will not be an attractive buy considering his injury record and his pre-season finishing. I think he will eventually realise Everton's offer is the best he is going to get and he will re-sign after the transfer period closes. I suspect he has been offered slightly better monies than he currently earns in a team where he will be first choice if fit. He would be unwise to ignore that; a bad injury at the start of the season and that offer will evaporate — as will any other options. Rob Halligan 227 Posted 01/08/2024 at 13:50:51 Thing is, Russell, if we do give him away, which we certainly will be doing in 12 months time if he doesn't sign a new contract, then there will be plenty of takers for him. £130k per week equates to just over £6M per year, obscene isn't it, so any club will be paying in wages what they would pay alone for a transfer fee, anything between £20M - £30M. As you say though, his recent injuries may put off any suitors, but it seems like he has finally got over them. Calvert-Lewin has plenty of good qualities about him, is excellent in the air, got good ball control, both on the ground and even in the air, and does lead the front line well. I agree his finishing is not the best, but used as a proper target man, he can create plenty of chances for teammates. How many times do we see him chasing his own flick-ons, when he could have a teammate doing this for him? Used properly, Calvert-Lewin can be a very good player. Ben King 228 Posted 01/08/2024 at 14:13:26 DCL is excellent at what he's good at and not so good at what he's not good at (see Rob #227 if you need a list)He's ours, he's always been committed whilst playing for us and has scored some important + iconic goals for us. How about we support him eh? Christopher Timmins 229 Posted 01/08/2024 at 14:18:55 Let's hope the DCL issue is sorted one way or the other before the window closes. We can't afford a walk away for nothing scenario at the end of the season. Brian Williams 230 Posted 01/08/2024 at 14:30:05 The Coventry game showed just how poor we are at creating and feeding our striker.Coventry's midfield were the opposite of ours; fast, decisive, technically gifted, and brave.I still maintain with decent supply Dom will score goals.He doesn't get that supply and hasn't for quite some time.And if Beto is the answer I dread to think what the question is. Ray Roche 231 Posted 01/08/2024 at 14:42:47 Ben @228,I'm also a fan of Calvert-Lewin but, if he doesn't want to be here, then you can support him all you want but he's going. As two clubs* have allegedly claimed that his wage demands are too much, then he will no doubt stay and walk away towards a big signing-on fee next year.* Skunks and Hammers Paul Hewitt 232 Posted 01/08/2024 at 14:45:24 Brian @230. Coventry where much better and braver than us. But are the players not good enough, or is it the manager's negative tactics holding us back? Dave Cashen 233 Posted 01/08/2024 at 14:46:44 So many people still struggling to get their heads around who is in control when players are coming to the end of their contracts.Of course there will be a queue of clubs prepared to pay DCL 6m a year if/when he becomes a free agent and he will still be cheaper than most other forwards who cost a transfer fee. From a club point of view, we want to sell him, if he is not going to sign, because If we don't, we will end up with nothing. The closer he gets to his contract expiring. The less we will get for him. Of course he can sign new contract with us, or simply pick up the 5m he will earn between now and the expiry date running down his current contract. The player has numerous choices and every one of them is fantastic Bill Gall 234 Posted 01/08/2024 at 15:09:41 I would like to see more information coming out on who is really interested in buying the club, not guesswork on overpriced players as they are on the last year of their contracts. We need solid backing from people who are aware of the situation the club is in to put it back into a professional organization that would help bring in players as a stable operation. Frank Crewe 235 Posted 01/08/2024 at 15:21:47 Paul @232,I don't believe the manager's tactics were negative. Last season, we made plenty of chances. The problem was our lousy forwards failed to put enough of them away. We have to get a better, more consistent striker than Calvert-Lewin. He's probably the most cross-reliant striker in the Premier League. But sometimes a striker has to make a goal or two for themselves. Bend one in from an angle. Force their way past a defender. Can't always be about an inch-perfect cross onto his head. Jay Harris 236 Posted 01/08/2024 at 16:30:37 Totally agree, Frank. Calvert-Lewin is excellent at winning 50-50s and holding the ball up but is not a clinical or natural goalscorer. We haven't had one of those since Lukaku.When chances come in the Premier League, you need players to convert them and that has been our Achilles Heel over recent years. Brian Williams 237 Posted 01/08/2024 at 16:37:36 Paul #232, I don't think it's down to the manager's tactics at all.I'm pretty sure Dyche doesn't say "Now, when midfielder A gets the ball, I want midfielders B and C to stop in their tracks and not give midfielder A an outlet so he has to turn with a sideways or backwards pass."I can't quite put my finger on why we're bad in the creative side of things but every team that visited Goodison last season had a more mobile and quicker midfield than us. Derek Taylor 238 Posted 01/08/2024 at 19:09:25 I've come to fear that fashioning an attacking team is way beyond manager Dyche. He has spent so long concentrating on survival at both Burnley and Everton that actually getting his team to score goals is a luxury beyond the ambition of such a modest tactician. He could well be Big Sam's apprentice!On the other hand he is, most probably, all we need at present — a manager who can deliver a Premier League team into the stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock in just 13 months from now. Let's just hope Moshiri will have divested himself of Everton by then! Robert Tressell 239 Posted 01/08/2024 at 19:26:10 I think that Dyche's defensive structure makes it harder to play expansive passing football — but the football would surely improve with better players.Add players from our recent history to Dyche's usual 4-4-1-1 (ish) formation and I think we'd be very good. Hard-working, but very good quality players like Baines, McCarthy, Richarlison, Gordon and Sigurdsson would all fit right in.I'd be confident of finishing top 8 this coming season if we had those players in their prime in the squad. Add prime Coleman and Lukaku and we'd be an outside bet for the Top 4. David Murphy 240 Posted 01/08/2024 at 20:13:24 I'm with you, Brian @237, it's baffling to me why they play like that. They can't be told to go out there and not pass forward. Bizarrely it looks like they are scared to have the ball sometimes.It doesn't matter who they play, every other midfield outplays us, link up with the forward line and find the gaps between the lines. Coventry made sub after sub on Tuesday but the outcome and the way they played was exactly the same. I feel sorry for Calvert-Lewin sometimes (granted he is definitely not the best finisher) as we don't have the ball for long periods and it's only a half chance here and there that's snatched at. If we played joined-up football, had a midfield that supported him up and around the final third I'm sure we would see more goals from himHopefully we can evolve with new faces and over the course of the next few weeks. Derek Taylor 241 Posted 01/08/2024 at 20:16:46 Yes, Robert -and if Pigs could fly ........... Brian Wilkinson 242 Posted 01/08/2024 at 00:09:14 Players might be able to lay off a pass to Dom if he stayed onside, what is the point of playing a pass, knowing the player you want to pass to is offside nearly everytime.If Dom can time his runs better, he might see the ball a bit more and maybe get more chances.You can have a go at players not giving him the ball or not putting him through, but until Dom gives players half a chance by staying onside, we might just fix the issue.I'm at Preston Saturday and predict he will be flagged offside a good few times. Mike Gaynes 243 Posted 02/08/2024 at 01:52:57 Another perspective on the unfortunate results of our preseason games reveals that the club trained on the morning of the first two games and then went through two particularly brutal sessions in the days before the Coventry game.Andy Hunter in the Guardian: In total, it is a tour of approximately 1,350 miles using Everton's Finch Farm training base as the starting point to each friendly. And that is just how Dyche wants it.Everton's well-documented financial problems and ongoing uncertainty over the club's ownership could be presented as reasons for being the only Premier League side not to venture as far as mainland Europe.The truth is more prosaic. Everton's manager believes there is more value in maximising training time, limiting travel time and replicating the challenges of domestic football during pre-season than sampling the delights of California or Tokyo, however lucrative or appealing to the club's wider fanbase that may be (there are almost 50 Everton supporters' groups in the US, so the audience is out there). And Dyche gets the final say. This summer, as well as last, when pre-season included trips to Tranmere, Wigan, Bolton and Stoke, Everton's small, interim board has more pressing concerns than global expansion, with a club to sell and a stunning new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock to complete.Everton's homely itinerary has given Dyche time to enhance his taskmaster reputation this summer, if that were possible. After daily double-training sessions at the Dublin camp there have been double, sometimes triple-training sessions at Finch Farm. His infamous “Gaffer's Day” — when the players' mental resilience is pushed to extremes with two hours of non-stop running drills while Dyche stands on the sidelines laughing — came with a twist last week. Having kept the squad on edge over when “Gaffer's Day” would take place, he finally broke the news it was happening last Tuesday. An added bonus this year — but only for the Everton manager — was that the squad then had to do it all over again on the Thursday.Everton trained on the morning of their friendlies against Sligo and Salford, offering a mitigating factor for their laboured displays. Dyche's priority at this juncture is “getting the sharpness in them” and building fitness levels towards the first game of the new season against Brighton on 17 August. But while pre-season results are secondary, and six first-team regulars were missing at Coventry, the Everton manager was perturbed by what he witnessed on Tuesday. “Beyond the result, which is important by the way, we are trying to get players through these games,” he explained.“We are trying to get minutes, we are trying not to break them because of the other injuries we have got. The only thing I am really disappointed in is you want players to come in and really lay down a marker. I don't think we had too much of that. Forget about the result, you are still looking for that spark from players, and habits, and I thought the habits were miles off in the first half and most of the game, to be fair.”Despite the gruelling nature of a Dyche pre-season there have been few complaints from his players about the workload, either at Everton or Burnley. Most recognise the long-term benefits. Standards have improved under him. So too did Everton's injury record last season. His team were more durable and resilient, mentally and physically, as they withstood the unprecedented blows of two separate points deductions to secure Premier League safety with three matches to spare. There is something to be said for keeping things real, however unfashionable that seems. Mike Gaynes 244 Posted 02/08/2024 at 01:55:45 Brian #242, It's not all Dom's fault. Twice against Coventry he was offside because whoever had the ball took an extra touch and didn't play the pass in a timely manner.Sometimes there's no time to look up and measure. Just touch it and play it through. Eric Myles 245 Posted 02/08/2024 at 05:59:26 Gerry #222 "but the rooms were not exactly hotel quality that you would normally see"They were back in the 1960s! But yes, if you're used to staying in cookie-cutter chains like Hilton etc it's maybe a shock.I've stayed in worse, I spent 4 months backpacking around India in my 30s so have a high tolerance I guess. Oh, and a hotel in Vientiane that was full of bedbugs. Jeff Armstrong 246 Posted 02/08/2024 at 17:39:19 Bererton Diaz to Southampton for £7 million is a steal imo. If we could have off loaded DCL for £20 million and got this guy in, it would've represented great business, but who wants DCL? Brian Williams 247 Posted 02/08/2024 at 18:24:49 Me! Julian Wait 248 Posted 02/08/2024 at 18:29:20 I didn't think much of Brereton Diaz when I saw him against decent opposition tbh. Pass for me. Ben King 249 Posted 02/08/2024 at 18:46:42 Jeff #246Fearfully I don't think you're joking when suggesting Bereton Diaz as a replacement for Calvert-Lewin.Calvert-Lewin may be lacking in certain areas but is criminally underrated by Everton fans. Ian Bennett 250 Posted 02/08/2024 at 18:52:28 I thought Brereton Diaz was Championship quality. Maupay Mk 2. Robert Tressell 251 Posted 02/08/2024 at 19:29:44 Brereton Diaz is okay — and I think he's pretty good value at £7M. I'd have been happy with that. But he doesn't seem to be anything like a replacement for — or improvement upon — Calvert-Lewin. He'll get many more games at Saints than he would for us which is presumably what he's after.As things stand, only two strikers have moved this window (within our budget) who could credibly have replaced Calvert-Lewin. These are:Strand Larsen (loan to Wolves): good season in Spain where he got 13 in 37 games for Celta Vigo. Dallinga (£15M Toulouse to Bologna): scored 14 in 33 for Toulouse before his move to Serie A. Both are very unlikely to score more than 10-ish in the Premier League. This is because not many strikers do. In fact, the only out-and-out strikers to score more than 15 goals in the Premier League last season were Watkins, Solanke, Mateta, Haaland and Isak. For perspective, this means some very big money signings delivered pretty mediocre results:£50M Cunha (12 goals)£80M Nunez (11 goals)£70M Hojlund (10 goals) Jay Harris 252 Posted 02/08/2024 at 19:44:30 It's a pity we didn't get Gyokeres when he was available. He is well outside our budget now.As Lukaku proved, you pay big money for good strikers, and you waste your money if you shop at the bargain basement. Dave Cashen 253 Posted 02/08/2024 at 20:18:03 Are you sure Jay ?Man Utd paid £75M for Lukaku. Chelsea paid just on £95M for him... He was ran out of town by both clubs. The fans despised him and his bitching.The archetypal flat-track bully. Okay in an Italian league which is much easier than it once was and fine in the international qualifiers for Belgium, but seldom has a single player missed so many chances in major tournaments. Some of his misses have defied belief.I don't get this constant harping back to him. We got the best seasons of his career and then made a handsome profit on him. For some years now, Lukaku has been a pale shadow of the fella who played at Goodison. When you look at the teams he has played for, his medal haul is really quite embarrassing.For once, we sold at the right time. Jeff Armstrong 254 Posted 02/08/2024 at 20:41:51 Bereton Diaz was class for Sheffield United at Goodison in May. Dave Cashen 255 Posted 02/08/2024 at 20:42:34 The mistake wasn't selling Lukaku. The time and the price was right.The mistake/s was paying nearly £200M for Vlasic, Tosun, Walcott, Klaassen, Kean, Iwobi, King, Maupay, Chermiti and Beto to provide us with goals. Calvert-Lewin cost £1.5M and has scored more for the club than the lot of them put together.Richarlison was the only decent forward we signed and, although he clearly loved our club, even he couldn't get away quick enough.Unfortunately, we were never much more than a pit stop during James Rodriguez's farewell tour. Anthony Flack 256 Posted 02/08/2024 at 21:15:36 Jeff @254,It's funny how two people see something completely different I was sat in the Upper Bullens looking forward to seeing Brereton DiazI thought he was average, and looked like he overrated himself, contemptuous towards his teammates, and a bit of a twat… Jeff Armstrong 257 Posted 02/08/2024 at 21:36:15 Yes Anthony, it is funny how people see performances from different parts of the stadium, TV, YouTube etc. I thought he led the line well, demanded a lot more from his already relegated in January teammates, always looked to beat the offside trap, and held the ball up very well. I'm not saying he is the new messiah, but he is worth £7M, compared to say Maupay at £15M… now he is a proper twat. Add Your Comments In order to post a comment, you need to be logged in as a registered user of the site. » Log in now Or Sign up as a ToffeeWeb Member — it's free, takes just a few minutes and will allow you to post your comments on articles and Talking Points submissions across the site. How to get rid of these ads and support TW © ToffeeWeb