Everton vs Brighton & Hove Albion

Also, Dixon and Campbell should be at least on the bench and be considered for game time.

Dyche obviously isn't keen on using young players, but he needs to realise that showing a little bit of faith in them can reap rewards either immediately in the team, in securing a better loan for their development or raising their price if we eventually sell them.

As for the match overall, I have no idea what to expect or how to feel about it.

Patterson out for at least the first 4-5 games and Coleman is well past his best.

Amazing. Surely just sign someone on loan as cover if we can't buy?

Roman Dixon has shown himself to be really rather good at right-back for the U21s last season and in most of the pre-season games with the first team.

But, with Dyche's well-established reluctance to blood the kids, the best we will get is a sight of young Roman idling away his time as an unused sub.

The Dyche bashing is so senseless, so nonsensical and now so utterly absurd that posters discredit themselves with some of the absolute rot they type.

No doubt it'll be ‘oh I didn't suggest Dyche should give him his debut….'

So what are you suggesting? Just another general moan at the guy that kept us up twice in 2 of the most difficult circumstances in recent times (a beleaguered, zero confidence squad with no January reinforcements and smashing past 2 points dedications in the same season).

We're just conditioned to moan moan moan aren't we?

My word bingo card usually wins on a weekly basis with 'Dycheball', 'disc-beard', 'new-Burnley', 'dinosaur', 'hoof' and 'ginger'.

This is the one position we knew we had to strengthen because we know Coleman is past his best and Dyche obviously doesn't fancy Patterson. There have been plenty of rumours about players coming in but nothing concrete.

Dyche says we are unlikely now to sign anybody else. I just hope we can sign somebody in this transfer window because we cannot rely on the 38-year-old Ashley Young and we should not be asking him to mark Mitoma. He will get run ragged and may even get sent off.

So this is a huge fuck-up by the club. Get it sorted.

If Mykolenko does that ankle again, we have no proper cover at left-back. Young is not adequate cover at either left-back or right-back but he will start as a right-back on Saturday, god help him, up against Matoma or Minteh.

Patterson has missed all pre-season training and won't be up to speed or Dyche fit for a good couple of months. Garner and Branthwaite will be the same, when they come back.

Keep it simple, the ball can go past you, or the player can go past you — but not both.

But I was slightly distracted when someone whispered Pochettino in my ear.

Liam M - 7: "coruscating", top stuff, must be the first time ever on these hallowed boards.

The manager will make the decisions. Last season, in real terms, he had us comfortably mid-table in difficult circumstances just behind tomorrow's opponents. I think we'll improve on that.

Anyway, let's embark on the last ever first match at the Grand Old Lady on what will be the first of many last evers.

My membership pack came through yesterday. Some cup mats, a pen, which will be useful. A shirt pin, which may be handy for dinner nights. I think a pack of cards, which I haven't opened yet. But most importantly, a beer bottle opener! Nice touch.

On to Goodison tomorrow. I hope to see some of you there. I'll be outside the Harlech, as the weather looks good. I can also try the Brick as I'm travelling early. I don't usually wear colours, but I'm thinking of bringing out my amber Everton t-shirt for a run out.

We can win this one. Don't get despondent if we go a goal down. A match lasts 90 minutes and the season ends in May. Enjoy Goodison while you can, as soon, she won't be there. A place that means so much to many.

Let's enjoy every second of this historic season and here's hoping we get off to a good start with a win. The continuation of our recent, excellent home form would go down great and we are capable of another 1 -0 victory without doubt.

I hope we get to see Ndiaye at some point but I think Lyndon's predicted line up will be spot on.

Onward Evertonians.

One love. One team. One Everton.
Tell your children.
💙

Well now, after such an eventful year, I am now home for the past few months — after many months in hospital, close to death. My wife and family were called in 3 times to be told I wouldn't last.

Many things helped me through: my wife and family and friends, the staff who were incredible; my own spiritual strength and spirit — and of course, Everton and my Dark House Blues friends — and of course my great friends at ToffeeWeb.

The Respiratory Consultant (one of many specialists I needed) was an Evertonian and we would chat about The Blues. He called in the morning after the Great Derby Win to celebrate with me.

There were times, of course when I thought I would never see Everton again — but I have Blue Blood and Spirit.

And take me disappearing through the smoke rings of my mind

Down the foggy ruins of time, far past the frozen leaves
The haunted, frightened trees, out to the windy beach
Far from the twisted reach of crazy sorrow
Yes, to dance beneath the diamond sky with one hand waving free

Silhouetted by the sea, circled by the circus sands
With all memory and fate driven deep beneath the waves
Let me forget about today until tomorrow.

In March, I was at my lowest — 32 kg / 5 stone — yet Gosia (my wife) and I made a film for Vincent van Gogh's Birthday, The Window — the view from my window in the isolation ward, and similar views from Vincent's window at St Remy.

Gosia brought in cakes with sunflowers on them for all the staff, it was a memorable day. I called the Consultant and told her I was determined to live but not in a hospital bed. I quoted Marcus Aurelius and said, “I have to have a life worth living”. We began work — everyone helping — on my “return to life”.

Each morning, I did my Meditation and played my Singing Bowls (and still do) — the staff loved it and came in my room to have a play on The Bowls each morning. I managed to see Everton games on my iPad and had all the Staff following Everton:

And I feel
Like I've been here before
Feel
Like I've been here before
And you know it makes me wonder
What's going on under the ground
Do you know?
Don't you wonder?
What's going on
Down under you
We have all been here before
We have all been here before

And so: I have decided that I will go to the game on Saturday v Brighton — my wife will take me. Under The River, the Seas will Part for me — or maybe I should just walk across the Water?

I will pass along those streets of my childhood and youth — to the right St Anthony's, left StGerard's and just then St Alphonus, Father Winder. (Amazingly the site of the pub I lived in, The Britannia, is now called Thomas Winder Court!)

Memories of my Sister Colette getting married there on the day England won the World Cup. To the right, The Harrison Brothers Tailors — I would get my “shot silk” made to measure suits there, looking cool with my Oxblood Comos and Ben Sherman… along Smith Street — I can feel it:

Ooh, I've got a feeling
That keeps me on my toes
Yeah, yeah
I've got a feeling, yeah
Yeah
Everybody had a hard year
Everybody had a good time
Everybody had a wet dream
Everybody saw the sunshine
Oh yeah (oh yeah)
Oh yeah, oh yeah (yeah)
Everybody had a good year
Everybody let their hair down
Everybody pulled their socks up (yeah)
Everybody put their foot down
Oh yeah

And there she is: The Dark House, and just past her I will see the roof of Goodison — what a thrill:

And we'll walk down the avenue in style
And we'll walk down the avenue and we'll smile
And we'll say:
"Baby, ain't it all worthwhile when the healing has begun?

I will walk in, as if nothing has happened since my last game there, Sandra and Tony behind the bar:

Suddenly I turned around and she was standin' there
With silver bracelets on her wrists and flowers in her hair
She walked up to me so gracefully and took my crown of thorns
"Come in," she said,
"I'll give ya shelter from the storm."

Going to Goodison— marvellous — along my old streets:

We know a cat who can really do the Cool Jerk
We know a cat who can really do the Cool Jerk
Well, this cat they talkin' about, I wonder, who could it be?
'Cause I know I'm the happiest cat
The happiest cat you ever did see
When they see me walking down the street (hey, hey, hey)
When the fellas want to speak (hey, hey, hey)
On their faces they wear a silly smirk
'Cause they know I'm the king of a Cool Jerk! (Whoo!)

Surrounded by my friends and family - - and reading ToffeeWeb

Life is Wonderful — Life is Bluetiful. See you All Saturday!

George, the brown acid? Nice Playlist. Life affirming.

I have liked him, but remain concerned about his own goals and howlers leading to goals.

And we will all watch through our fingers waiting for the next Keystone Cops moment.

I'm having an emotional week for many reasons and am absolutely boosted to hear that you are home and on the up again. Your taste in music is as impeccable as your choice of home towns.

I hope you are back in New Brighton looking out and dreaming as I do from my attic bedroom on Seabank at both the old lady and the new home on the dock road. I am listening to JJ Cale with After Midnight, segueing into Neil Young's Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere!

I love your quotes from Van, Bob and Donavan. For a slightly more modern and uplifting twist, me and my lads go for Belle & Sebastian's The Blues are Still Blue.

Good health to you, fella!

Yes, I am home in Manor Road. Like you, I can see the old and new Home of The Blues.

I have a lovely sitting room in the style of Van Gogh — all Yellow with lots of Vincent posters, throws and some Everton stuff.

I love sitting in the bay window, listening to music, reading… and tomorrow off to Goodison and The Dark House — for the first time in a long time.

I'm excited and delighted to be able to just go to the game. Up The Blues! Take care, mate. Good wishes to all.

I reckon most games will end in a draw on the opening weekend of the start of the new season, including this one, same as last season methinks.

A tough start ending in a 1-1 draw.

With a little water in my eye, because it's very rare for a grown man to actually cry, I felt your great spirit, George, and more than anything else, I know how much you're gonna enjoy being around your friends and favourite places tomorrow.

Although I prefer a negative thread before most Everton games (believing that we win more games when people are negative rather than positive), but for all you moaning bastards out there, read George's post and rejoice!!

Ringo in goal (none better despite some idiots opinion)
Back four: The Band (sans Helm)
Midfield: Van Morrison and McCartney
Wingers: George Harrison and Tom Verlaine
No 10: Beck
Centre-forward: Joe Strummer

A ball not even kicked and the boot is already in on Dyche.

Last season, we fielded quite a young side in most games.

We all know we need strength in depth for the full-backs, we all know we haven't got a pot to piss in. No leadership at the club besides Dyche and Thelwell.

For two seasons, we have had to deal with relegation scraps, selling our best young and established players, fought points deductions, and somehow managed to stay in the Premier League thanks to Dyche and his reluctance!

We have sold Onana who divided opinion; who is next up for the treatment? Calvert-Lewin, Doucoure or Alli???

We have bought 2 attacking players who I am looking forward to seeing. We have bought a young centre-midfielder… maybe Dyche bought him by mistake as he is under 30!

Everyone knows his reluctance!

You'll look good in your comos and Ben Sherman!

When it get's a bit colder, I'll give you my crombie. Oh yes, and Flemings jeans when you're just knocking about.

Great to see you back! Take care and enjoy every second

Back to the game, we are already missing these players:

Chermiti
Garner
Coleman
Branthwaite
Keane
Patterson
Alli (still coming up to fitness).

So, for me, I expect Lyndon's predicted XI to start, which appears decent. But, it is the bench which doesn't inspire a lot of confidence:

Beto
Maupay
Ndiaye
Lindstrøm
Holgate (!)
Armstrong
Dixon
Virginia

I am still predicting a 2-1 win.

It will be lot better tomorrow knowing you are there — good on you, it's remarkable what posso waves can achieve.

Let's all get behind the mighty blues for what will be emotional madness. We are the Spirit of the Blues and when we are united nothing can stop us.

Play O'Brien and Ndiaye and let's take it to Brighton. COYB

Up The Blues.

Last season, there was a huge clamour for Lewis Warrington to start matches in our relegation run-in. Surely, therefore, a player so ready for Premier League matches must have been picked up by a top Championship club at least when released this summer?

No. He's now with Leyton Orient in the third tier of English football. The people calling for Warrington to start matches last season were unrealistic about the standard of the player.

Dyche is very happy to use youth, if the youth is good enough.

Is Dixon good enough? Well, to play in the Premier League, you need to immediately be of the same sort of standard as seasoned internationals -— so academy players with lots of youth international caps (U15 to U21) is a good indicator.

Dixon has 1 cap at U16 level and nothing otherwise.

Compare this to, say, Brooke Norton-Cuffey who has just left Arsenal for Genoa for £2M. He is just 1 year older than Dixon but has loans at Lincoln, Rotherham, Coventry and Millwall under his belt as well as regular appearances for England from U16s to U21s.

This is the profile of a player who might (no guarantees) be ready for Premier League games...

Dixon might make it - but the idea (as Ben King notes) that he should be chucked in against Brighton is, frankly, daft.

But he can't be worse than Young, I hear people cry. Sadly, yes he can. Just as is the case for academy players generally who are only accustomed to playing at a standard which barely matches non-league football. He could be absolutely torn to shreds — destroying his confidence in the process.

This is why Dyche won't do it. Not because he doesn't like youth.

No Dylan, Mike? No Roger Waters? No Paul Simon? The list is endless, just like it becomes when people start talking about their favourite ever footballers.

But it would be intriguing to hear your best ever musical team, George, and we might even get to hear from Chris Williams on the eve of the new season!

Get this off the page, Lyndon, and start another thread… singing We Shall Not Be Moved!!

But this just shows that, once the takeover eventually happens, why Everton have got to start concentrating on this side of the club a lot more than they have done since Farhad Moshiri decided to try and run before he could walk.

I must admit, for me, there is no grander sight when you stand opposite the Holy Trinity staring at the crest on the side of the Main Stand.

Hopefully see you there. Evertonian and friend.

Norton-Cuffey might well have been an excellent right-back signing for us. Interesting to see how he gets on in Serie A.

I can only assume you're responding to posts elsewhere and your frustration is cumulative? The 4 posts above Ben's don't contain any Dyche-bashing and I certainly don't consider myself a ‘Dyche-basher'.

He is very reluctant to use young players and should do so more often. That's not ‘bashing', it's a combination of observable fact and reasonable opinion.

I'm grateful to Dyche for the stability and common sense he's brought to the club at a time when those two things were in short supply and what we desperately needed. That doesn't mean I can't have an opinion that he should do things slightly differently (or ‘better').

Absolutely you're right that we can all have different opinions - but what is your basis for saying it's an observable fact that Dyche is reluctant to use youth?

I've set out the reasons for my opinion to the contrary at post 36. Where am I going wrong?

This combines with a lack of using substitutes to change the game when needed. Even when we barely had any players, he'd keep the same 11 on all game, rather than send on young fresh legs. This continued even after Dobbin scored an important goal from the bench.

By the way, I'm talking about using players who've come from the youth system. Our current transfer policy (at least in part directed by Thelwell) is to sign young players with development and resale potential.

Ben's post at 5 seemed to be a really angry response to something that hadn't been said in posts 1-4.

I might pop in the Dark House even though I'm off the ale!

Danjuma has scored goals in Belgium, the Championship, La Liga, Champions League and in international football. He was always miles more likely to have an impact than Dobbin who didn't exactly shoot the lights out at third tier Derby (3 goals in 43 games) and has no England youth recognition since 2 caps for the U19s nearly 3 years ago.

I was surprised Simms didn't get more time in the relegation run-in 2022-23 season. That's a fair observation.

But it's by no means an observable fact that Dyche doesn't like youth. Nothing like it in fact.

I am pretty sure, if he had the likes of Kobbie Mainoo, Rico Lewis and Evan Ferguson available, they'd all be getting plenty of games...

Oh my, I wish I was walking down Scottie past the Rotunda and the valley tomorrow... A secret, when I cannot sleep, I close my eyes and remember every footstep from Portland Gardens up Slyvester Street, in front of St Anthony's, past the old Martin's Bank, past our old shop, crossing over, join the crowds, feel the buzz. Up the Valley, always turn left — never right to wards the park — turning to see the sea of blue and Goodison Park, home again!

Enjoy George, you deserve every minute!

Christine, as always, you and others will be there in spirit. Just close your eyes and think of the memories. There are going to be a lot of them this season.

I observed him not bringing on substitutes (fact) and believe he should have done but didn't because he didn't trust the young players (reasonable — I hope — opinion).

My main point remains that Ben @5 is responding to something that didn't happen in posts 1-4!

In the wider discussion on young players, I hope our situation forces him to be braver. They can't all be potentially world-class like the ones you mention, but there is an in-between where they could be:

a) Good enough for the team right now;
b) Good enough to attract a loan move which would help them develop to be good enough for the team in future;
c) Good enough to attract a fee from a lower league team.

I'd also argue that with young players:

1) You don't know if they're good enough until you give them a chance;
2) They will improve the more they play;
3) First-team exposure raises their profile, confidence and transfer value.

Our parlous financial state and the prospect of potentially boring mid-table mediocrity would put us in a really strong position to test this.

I think the first 11 is much better, it's when we get injuries, suspensions we have to rely on the fringe players, Holgate, Keane, Maupay, even Coleman and Young, tried and tested the last season when they played and we all know the outcome in games.

Anyway, of course I will stay positive tomorrow and we will beat Brighton. UTFT

If you want an example as to why we struggle, then not addressing the full-back position is perfect.

Young at 30 would be perfect cover — but not now.

We start the season with me worrying that we could be down to 10 men in minutes.

It beggars belief.

Looking forward to the season. Looking forward to some football through midfield, with pace, skill and through balls to run onto. Looking forward to goals from midfield and open play.

A few less Pickford Punts maybe, but as appropriate, just not every frigging time. I'd keep the goals from set pieces, but a few more sources too. Just looking forward to the season.

I didn't get to a single match last season but will be going frequently this season, including tomorrow. I'll be visiting the Spellow Library on the way up from Kirkdale. It opened about 1954, and was a big deal in our house, and we went every week to get more books. Gave me a love of books, and literature that still keeps me going these days.

Musical football team Tony:-

Number 1: Dylan
Back 3: Crosby Stills and Nash
Midfield 3: McCartney (Here There and Everywhere )
Ronnie Lane (The Passing Show)
Springsteen (Born To Run)
Left Wing: Ewan McColl
Right Wing: Kenny Everett
Striker: Billy Bragg
Number 9: John Lennon

Apologies mate!

When we hit that field tomorrow, only one thing on my mind. And for the rest of the season. Stay positive.

They have looked by all accounts a really tasty outfit, playing an aggressive high press. Minteh really caught the eye in their most recent match, a 4-0 whipping of Villarreal who, as we know, are no mugs.

We will need to be very compact and look to hit them on the counter. We have the home crowd and we often play well against Brighton so let's hope we get something from the match. I will be at a cider festival so at least will miss some of the agony. COYB.

If I ever saw Van Morrison in a blue shirt, I'd be finished. He's a hateful, pretentious, little gobshite and he'd be red-carded ever game. I reckon Iggy Pop would trouble most defences.

As for the match, I've got a knot on my stomach already. This is a big, big game.

With regards to Dixon, he is a promising young prospect with great pace, but for me would benefit from a season or two out on loan to a League One or Two side playing men's football. Let him make his mistakes and learn from them there.

He'll come back a much-improved player and maybe ready for Premier League football or maybe not! At any rate, it would be unfair to the lad to throw him into the deep end yet.

I tend to agree about Dyche's substitutions. They often come late in the game and can be like for like rather than designed to change the game. Then I look at the bench… !!!!

It's hard to get enthusiastic before any Everton game these days as they more often than not let us down.

Hopefully, however, they are up for this one after the crap served up over the last two seasons but it irks me that once again, we have players injured and the first ball hasn't been kicked.

The consistent issue though with the criticism of Dyche re youth is that people massively overestimate the standard of our youth and the quality of U21 football generally.

Realistically, who in the youth set-up is credibly good enough to play for a Premier League club now?

Dixon (19): no loan, no international recognition apart from one U16 appearance — but a decent couple of games against half-fit seniors trying not to get injured.

Welch (20) — 17 games for 4th tier Forest Green. A few promising England youth caps but nothing since November 2021.

Metcalfe (19) — looks comfortable at U21 level but no England youth recognition and no loan.

Mills (20) — 1 goal in 21 for third Tier Oxford. No England youth recognition.

Premier League academies are full of players this standard and much, much better who are not getting games. Arsenal have released two right-backs this summer — Walters (Luton) and Norton-Cuffey (Genoa) who are miles ahead of Dixon.

The reality is that we don't appear to have any of the "mid-tier" youth of which you speak.

How do you know they aren't good enough until you give them a go? Presumably you watch them in training, week-in & week-out, as Dyche does. The independent assessment of those who select England youth teams — and scouts who target people for loans — also counts a great deal.

Sent you an email re Tony's contact details

He made mistakes, like every player does, but he was part of a team that hit some real form around December time.

Yet Dyche thought it was a great idea to drop him and play Young or Godfrey instead, he even played Ashley on the RW against Palace when we hadn't won a League game in just over 2 months and they (Palace) were heading into the game with only 2 victories in their last 15 matches, in all competitions.

What were the reasons for that considering the biggest liability we had last season was clearly Ashley Young whi used all of his 'experience' to pick up a yellow card within 60 seconds against Brentford, managed to get himself sent off in the FIRST half of the Anfield Derby and contributed very little to our season overall?

That is Dyche for you, he'll always favour experience over youth and certainly has his favourites, like every manager in fairness. I'd be very interested to see what Dyche would say/do if Patterson had made the mistakes Young made last season...he'd be sold or sent out on loan imo.

He was in possession of the right back shirt at the start of last season. It was his, but he played badly against Fulham, Villa and Wolves. We lost all three.
He was all over the place when we played the awful Sheff U and we didnt win that either.
Nobody took the shirt off him. He gave it up himself.

He has to be better next time his chance comes

I've had a look round and can't find anything.

“Think of Everton, writing off a £50million player because of circumstances entirely beyond their control, yet failing to get that factored in when their books were inspected by the Premier League. They could have gone down. Maybe this year a club will go down — maybe some are already down — for the crime of trying too hard to succeed, of not knowing their place, or as the result of a sliver of financial misfortune.”

That doesn't say that Young, Coleman and Mykolenko are as poor as some seem to think — and that's not counting injuries.

That's not to say that we don't need some back-up in the full-back positions.

I think some get opinions out of the Beano.

Lampard kept us up but lost his job. But Lampard didn't oversee our longest winless run. Apparently that's okay for Dyche.

I also don't see that he's pragmatic. That's often misused for the word ‘negative'. Yes, he is negative, picks his favourites and only picks youth if he's forced into it. I don't think Branthwaite started last season until Keane needed to be dropped.

He sticks by players who are playing average rather than trying something new and exciting.

I hope I'm wrong but I think we'd be lucky to see any of our new players start tomorrow.

We had the 3rd or 4th best defence in the Premier League last season, so nothing to worry about in my view.

Even the teams with better defences made mistakes — something to do with being human, I expect.

Looking forward to a day out in the sun at Goodison Park.

Dyche didn't just keep us up last season, he got us to 12th without the points deductions. In fact, with points won on the pitch, we were closer to qualifying for the Champion's League than we were to relegation.

The fact Dyche managed that after taking over from the mess left by Lampard and Benitez and with everything that was going on off the pitch makes the idea that he ‘isn't good enough' quite frankly laughable.

As regards Brighton, I am looking forward to the new season with hope, expectation and trepidation. Hope that we have finally turned the corner, expectation that we will improve on last season with the new boys coming good, and trepidation that we still haven't resolved the full back problem nor the Calvert-Lewin situation.

Brighton have Mitoma and Minteh who are both fast and tricky against a back four without Seamus and Jarrad. I hope we keep a clean sheet but just can't see it which means we will have to score at least 2. Cue Ndiaye, Lindstrom and Jake O'Brien.

Let's make Goodison roar and lift the lads to a winning start.

COYB

Patterson played the full game against Burnley at Turf Moor, I know because I was there. But yes, he did come on as a sub against Newcastle... and made our 3rd goal!

He was criminally underused by Dyche in the second half of last season whilst we 'enjoyed' our longest winless run of the Premier League era!

The ref, Simon Hooper, had some good games last season, but also cocked up a few. On his day, he is decent. Remember the VAR changes Not so sure VAR will!

COYB

We are missing Branthwaite with Iroegbunam - try spelling his name when you have had a few - replacing Garner/Onana.

They look a match for us on paper I have to say, they will no doubt remember the 5-1 hammering we gave them not long ago but if it counts for anything tomorrow is anybodys guess.

I hope we win obviously, not a clue about the score 2-1 to us or maybe 2-2.

The betting has us as a slight fav. but a very likely draw at only 9/5.

I like Patterson I think he is better than he has shown, but the reality is, Dyche didnt drop him, He dropped himself. He was given a great chance from the start of the season He started the first four games and he was poor. That isn't Dyche's fault. You cant wait or a player to find form when he keeps getting exposed and you keep getting beat. The boy needs to learn to smell danger.

We played Burnley three times last season. We beat them in all three games. Twice without Patterson. -although he did come on with ten minutes to go in one of them.

He played a simple pass into a lot of space against Newcastle (one you could have probably made yourself). The big fella collected just inside their half. fended of the aggressive attentions of the defender all the way to their six yard box and slotted.

You may claim he made that goal, but I suspect Beto (and thousands of others )would have long since filed it as a great solo effort

Patterson will get his chance again (thats is certain, but next time, he has to take it

Whilst it's now fashionable for attacking or inverted full backs (no doubt there's some new name for them amongst the social media masses), but in a team who plays mostly without the ball, defensive basics are essential. Defending is all about positioning and minimising space. From what I've seen, Patterson just doesn't have them.

I've been a blue for so long that I never thought I'd see the day when a home draw with Brighton would be a decent result but with that side Lyndon is guessing at taking the field, it would be.

We are going to have an exceptional season given all the noise surrounding the club. 12th position finish and yes it will all happen on the watch of the man with a Disc Beard. UTFTs

Fingers crossed for a win tomorrow — a good opening of the campaign starting with 3 points and a clean sheet to get the confidence up, with Calvert-Lewin to score a brace to put himself in the shop window if he wants to move away.

Keep going, George — marvellous stuff!!

Billy Bragg, Old England is definitely dying, but even if it was meant in the best possible taste, I'm not having that Kenny Everett!

Absolutely love it.

Great to hear from you again, mark my words, you'll outlive us all.

Great lyrics from a couple of my heroes there, pal, absolutely fantastic, t'was in another lifetime the opening line in a song full of brilliant tracks.

4-0 to the Toffees tomorrow — have a city slicker on it! Bet you've never done that before.

Glad also that you have come through on the bright side. Doubt if you will be there in body tomorrow, but I know you will in spirit. COYB

If so I'll ring you for your match report on Sunday. 👍

Anyway, let's hope we can get off to a win for the opening game and will try and make the Harlech this time, traffic permitting.

One final mention, if anyone is visiting upstairs of St Luke's church for memorabilia, it's well worth a visit up there, tomorrow and every home game from now on, the Fan Advisory Board will have a drop-in centre where you can ask questions or make a suggestion.

Up the Toffees.

Dave Cashen, always the sense of sensible reasoning. Patterson will get his chance and I for one can see something in him. I'm not suggesting he's a world beater, but are we going to attract that level right now? Dixon has potential, but is very raw at this point.

Enjoy the match today, Blues, whether attending or watching in the early hours in various parts of the globe.

I will.

He played last night for the U21s and made one, scored one… so Young it is then.

Keane and Doucoure? Probably. Depressing.

Then I read that George McKane is back in town so I fancy us to win.

Great to have you back, George — here's wishing you good health.

Back in town and back in the groove.
Come on you blues.

Meanwhile, we are without Garner and Branthwaite, two of our starting XI from last season. It won't be easy and I fully expect Dyche to start with his known players and the likes of Harrison, Keane and Doucoure. O'Brien looked a bit ropey at times against Roma and will need time to settle, I hope we'll see lots of Lindstrøm and especially of Ndiaye.

Minteh and Mitoma against Young and a sluggish looking Mykolenko could be messy so I'm expecting us to sit deep, hopefully absorb some pressure, and hit on the counter.

2-0 to us no problems, no more injuries.

Wha, uh, where am I?????? Oh my God the season kicks off today, where is the couch? Must have it ready for 3 pm. Please God, let us win. I'll be good, Oh yey, oy vey oy vey. 😀

Welcome back — I can see your bet coming up today.

Disappointed Dixon played last night for U21s, he deserved a spot on the bench as cover for full-back. I'm worried and hoping all goes well today, we're still lacking a couple of signings, but 3 points would be a brilliant start, NSNO.

Brighton will be no push overs but hopefully the Goodison crowd will roar us on. Wish I was there.

Together we stand, divided we fall
Come on now, people
Get on the ball, let's work together
You know together we will stand
Every boy, girl, woman and a man
Well, right things go wrong, they sometimes will
And the road you travel goes uphill
Let's work together
Come on, come on, let's work together now people
You know together we will stand
Every boy, girl, woman and a man
Well, now make someone happy, make someone smile
Let's all work together and make life worthwhile

My Heart is overfull with Joy and Happiness and Love for You All - - just now 9.03 - - The Impressions:

We're gonna move it slow
When lights are low
When you move it slow, it sounds like more
And it's all right, whoa, it's all right
Now listen to the beat
Kinda pat your feet
You got soul, and everybody knows
That it's all right, whoa, it's all right
When you wake up early in the morning
Feeling sad like so many of us do
Hum a little soul
Make life your goal
And surely something's got to come to you
And say it's all right
(It's all right)
Say it's all right
(It's all right)
It's all right, have a good time

My friends. - - I am thankful to you all for your good wishes and care - - all those "posso waves" certainly helped - - the Doctor/Consultant said it "it was a miracle" - - I told them "I am a godam wonder of modern science" - - but a little change - - I would say in the past " I'm like Coll Hand Luke - - ain't never planned nothing in my life' - - now I have to plan today - - but I am here and ready for anything - - anything…

Zippin' up my boots
Goin' back to my roots, yeah
To the place of my birth back down to earth
I've been standing in the rain drenched and soaked with pain
Tired of short time benefits and being exposed to the elements
I'm homeward bound got my head turned around

I will walk back to TDH and Goodison through the memories of my childhood and youth - - how lucky were we to have those memories - - quick wave to Annie - -standing on the corner - - Ma Joad in Spirit - - "go on Son - - have a good day" - - have to go soon gang - - planning - - but I promise you I am going to give you a quick blow on my harmonica - - there you go - - just for you:

And the music on the radio, and the music on the radio
Has so much soul, has so much soul
And you listen, in the nightime
While we're still and quiet
And you look out on the water
And the big ships, and the big boats
Came on sailing by, by, by, by
And you felt so good, and I felt so good
I felt I wanna blow my harmonica

Gang thank you All for being a Big Part of My Life - - for filling My heart with joy and Fuelling my Soul and Spirit - - Man - - Think Bridge.

Walking Down Scottie and Smith Street - - Chapmans Chippy - - Mrs.Jones's Shop - The Dolls Hospital - - along Wessie Road. - -passing the baths - - and then - -then - -suddenly - - I Am Here.

Cosmic Grooves All The Way.

I hope, if it needs it, subs are brought on early!

The performance is more important than the result; a draw would be fine for me. Just show us that we are fully engaged and competitive this season.

The last first game of the season at Goodison. Quite emotional really, all that history to look back on (not the last few years of course).

I haven't met you, George, but you are a bright light shining to the Everton believers. Keep shining that light and bring it to the new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock next season and beyond.

I'm sure those in attendance today will send you bucket loads of positive waves and fill your heart.

Have a fantastic day.

It looks like we're missing Chermiti, Patterson, Garner, Coleman and Branthwaite which is obviously going to hurt us at right-back. No realistic option other than Young therefore — 7 years older than Brighton's manager!

Good opportunity for Iroegbunam to stake a claim for a first team spot though. It'd be nice to see O'Brien, Ndiaye and Lindstrøm as the game progresses to help them acclimatise and step up to a new league.

Brighton have a well assembled side strengthened further with Wieffer (£28M) and Minteh (£32M) — but we should be optimistic at Goodison.

On that wonderful sunny Easter Sunday a few years ago, George arrived at the Excelsior having backed Everton to beat Man Utd 4-0.

Do it again for us, George. May you and every Blue have a day of joy today. 💙

But if Everton believe and today, with the crowd on a very special occasion, there's no reason not to get the 3 points. Brighton are good but, on our day, Everton can be good and very good.

If the midfield can get a grip and get some runners, with good finishing, I see a 2-1 or 3-1 win for Everton.

I hope Dixon is in the squad today, he will be needed very soon.

UTFTs!

Our right flank is no doubt going to be targeted by Brighton.

First game at home at least so a packed Goodison will hopefully bring in 3 points.

Great to see you back George, your first post brought a tear to my eyes. Hoping that Goodison is rocking for the whole of our last season there.

I imagine Doucoure will start, I'd love to see Ndiaye there instead; the difference between them and their style of play is, well, night and Ndiaye…

Looking forward to it as well as a tad anxious as to what the season ahead holds for us, starting the season with 3 points would be just what we need.

They have been the only stabilising factor in the club for 18 months. The only voices and the only leadership.

I would say get it sorted now, but that would require strategic leadership from our invisible owner and hologram board.

Move Patterson on him you don't fancy him Shaun, I am on the side with a few others here that we should nurture his raw talent and give him a boost, he could still nail that spot. I don't see we have a choice as we can't afford to buy someone and we will lose money on him after mismanaging him.

Hopefully this season, with no points deducted, we'll see Dyche be a tad braver in his selections.

Hope everyone enjoys the game today and we get the win we all want. Safe travels.

Anyone expecting an ultra-attacking line-up and one-touch football didn't watch us last season. This isn't a criticism, Dyche gets the results required and more than anything that's what we need right now. When we get a multi-billionaire owner who wants to throw money around and ruin the club we can talk about it again.

I'd rather be us than Chelsea. COYB.

Why do you bother, for fuck's sake?

That's a rhetorical question, so don't bother.

" Wait, 'get a bump' isn't some kind of English double entendre, is it? No offence intended, or extended for that matter."

You're not pregnant are you ? :-)

I'm only just coming to terms with Summer Rugby League (Come on, The Saints today, btw) but, on saying that, I sincerely hope the Blues bring home the points today and that George and Danny in particular have a wonderful day out!

UTFT and see you in September!

Thats a brilliant ditty and fitting for the first game of this season for Everton and the last season at the Grand Old Lady.

UTFTs!

Xxx

I'm sure I read on The People's Forum that Dyche has been offered a new contract??

I read it in the Echo:

Sean Dyche gives honest response over Everton new contract talks

Well said.

Do you think Dyche could go into full-out attacking mode with the squad he currently has?

Because I am fairly confident in saying that we would definitely be relegated if we adopt that mode.

I wish.

Crazy, aren't I?

Our Christmas fixtures are hell. We need to bank points early in the season.

It's go time.

A mid-table season with no points deductions or relegation fears would do me just fine.

Do that, get ownership situation sorted, and stabilize our economic situation.

That would be a very good season in my opinion.

My God, how the bar has been lowered over the last 5 or so years! 🥲

Dale - you bring up a great point in my opinion. The team should have that nebulous aspect that anyone who watches sports knows is desperately needed, but can never be quantified: chemistry.

Ten of eleven back is probably the most stability we've had in years. And stability begets chemistry, which is a massive element of developing a winning, successful team.

We are playing a side today with a much better team / squad who have invested heavily this summer (miles more compared to us). Harrison will be used to support Young at RB, which does seem like a sensible thing to do - to help make sure we aren't torn apart on the very weak right flank.

The new boys have a whole season in which to make an impact - not the first game.