Haven't posted on here for a while, but thought I would come on to give my thoughts on events over the last few weeks…
Quite simply, Moyes has fucked up big time. European football was there for the taking. Before yesterday, four games stood out for me which have cost us: West Ham, Crystal Palace, Man City and Sunderland.
West Ham were a team fighting relegation, were basically shite, and yet we sat back and invited them on. They were there for the taking, but no, Moyes probably thought he would give them an early hand in their relegation fight.
We can moan all day about the penalty decision, but we still had to score it, and I think had it been given, and scored, the goal we did score wouldn't have happened because the whole pattern of play changes.
Crystal Palace away, a place where we have a decent record, against a team in-between two European semi-final games, a team who would surely have their minds on nothing but a probable European final...
Yet incredibly we again sat back and invited them on, hoping we could snatch a winner on the break. For the last 30 minutes of that game, we couldn't get out of our own half, and only one team looked like winning it, and it certainly wasn't us. You'd have thought we were the team with minds elsewhere, other than in Selhurst Park.
The Man City game, I actually thought Moyes managed that game quite well. Had he attacked from the off, we would have been down and out by half-time. We did superbly to get a 3-1 lead after trailing at half-time, but the killer was their second goal, about 10 seconds after we scored our third.
Keep that out and we win the game, but you simply cannot allow a pass like that from Kovacic to split your two centre-backs and give Haaland a free run on goal.
Again, we can argue all day about the penalty decision, but it still had to be scored. So overall, not much criticism aimed at Moyes on this game.
Last week against Sunderland was just a shit show. There wasn't much in it in the first half. We were leading 1-0 at half-time, which at that stage put us 4 points above Sunderland, and hopefully in a European place...
But no, a mistake by a centre-back playing right-back lets them in for an equaliser, a goal scored by a player who strolled through probably the slowest centre-back pairing in the league.
Jake O'Brien should not be playing right-back. We have two right-backs on the books who, whether you agree or not, one of them should be playing, which allows O'Brien to play in his natural position.
Nathan Patterson would have been my choice. He had decent games at Aston Villa and Nottm Forest earlier in the season, so why suddenly discard him?
I'll tell you why: because Moyes wants to shoehorn his favourites into the team, and if that means moving players from their natural positions, such as O'Brien, or taking them out the team altogether, then so be it.
Anyway, we then find ourselves 2-1 down going into the final few minutes. An equaliser would put us back above Sunderland and Europe within touching distance, so let's go for it, and put an attacking player on.
But oh no, not Moyes... his sentimental mind appears and throws Seamus Coleman on. Point(s) and European place gone -- and all because our captain is retiring!
All this tells me that Moyes simply cannot manage a game out. How many times did we concede goals late on, or in added time?
His substitutions are a joke. He might as well write them down on a piece of paper and hand it to the opposition manager. “Here you go, these are who I will be putting on and at what times.” It's always like-for-like, the opposition manager doesn't need to think about anything.
Why have the likes of Tyrique George, Tyler Dibling, Merlin Rohl and Harrison Armstrong not been given more playing time, regularly?
Some may say it's because they have little or no Premier League experience. Doesn't cut the mustard with me, that one.
In case Moyes doesn't know, a team whose entire playing squad, bar one that I can think of, who have spent a good few years out of the Premier League, has just finished above us, qualifying for Europe!
I feel sorry for West Ham and their fans. Despite his promise of doing his former club a favour, Moyes threw the towel in yesterday. Spurs were there for the taking.
They were shitting themselves, one goal for us and they would have been building a brick wall in front of their goal. What did we have to lose?
Try two up front, try attacking teams, tell your players to attack, not pass the ball backwards or sideways, tell them, god forbid, to try a shot and try and score!
Then we have our CEO with his: Are we “Happily dissatisfied” quote. Are we fuck, we are very much dissatisfied.
I've looked at the final league table and I'm horrified to see Leeds Utd, a team fighting relegation for most of the season, only 2 points behind us. In fact, West Ham, who eventually went down, were only 10 points behind us.
We finished one point better off than last season, and in exactly the same position, whilst making our usual early exits from both cups. How can you call that “Happily dissatisfied?" How can you call that progress?
Moyes has hit his glass ceiling very early in his second stint as manager, and he should do the honourable thing and Fuck Off. If TFG are happy with him, then fine, expect more of the same shit next season. If they are not happy, then sack him.
God knows how many managers, when combined, Spurs, Forest and West Ham have been through this season, but they've made the changes because the ones they had weren't good enough, and Moyes is not good enough for us. Simple as!!
Reader Comments (41)
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Mark Murphy
2 Posted 25/05/2026 at 10:39:48
2 Posted 25/05/2026 at 10:39:48
100% Rob,
If Moyes is still in charge next season, I won't be scrounging tickets off you, mate. That 'insanity' saying applies to me as well.
Have a great summer ToffeeWebbers -- I'm trying to switch off Everton for a while. Trying…
If Moyes is still in charge next season, I won't be scrounging tickets off you, mate. That 'insanity' saying applies to me as well.
Have a great summer ToffeeWebbers -- I'm trying to switch off Everton for a while. Trying…
Rob Halligan
3 Posted 25/05/2026 at 10:42:02
3 Posted 25/05/2026 at 10:42:02
Another thing that came to me over the past few days was this………People say where would we have been if Moyes had been there from the start of last season? I'll tell you where, exactly where we finished, around mid table on the same number of points.
When Moyes came in in January, he had to throw caution to the wind, he had to simply win games, which meant having to attack more and go at teams. Had he been in from the start of the 2024-25 season it would have been the usual Moyes, too cautious, defensive minded, scared to attack and win games.
Without checking back, but I believe his points won over a 17-game period was right up there with the best. But believe me, over the course of an entire season, that 17-game period would not have been as good as a 38-game season.
When Moyes came in in January, he had to throw caution to the wind, he had to simply win games, which meant having to attack more and go at teams. Had he been in from the start of the 2024-25 season it would have been the usual Moyes, too cautious, defensive minded, scared to attack and win games.
Without checking back, but I believe his points won over a 17-game period was right up there with the best. But believe me, over the course of an entire season, that 17-game period would not have been as good as a 38-game season.
Tony Abrahams
4 Posted 25/05/2026 at 11:03:49
4 Posted 25/05/2026 at 11:03:49
I know you're your own man, Rob, but was this also the feeling amongst a lot of the away fans yesterday, mate?
Mark Murphy
5 Posted 25/05/2026 at 11:15:07
5 Posted 25/05/2026 at 11:15:07
Tony, I noticed a big swing at the Palace game.
Up until then, I was greeted with incredulity when I mentioned a change of manager. Since then, I think it's been pretty unanimous.
Up until then, I was greeted with incredulity when I mentioned a change of manager. Since then, I think it's been pretty unanimous.
Rob Halligan
6 Posted 25/05/2026 at 11:23:33
6 Posted 25/05/2026 at 11:23:33
Tony, everyone I talked to, or heard was saying the same thing. During the game, at half-time down in the sanctuary of the coolness... fuck, even on the escalators on the London Underground, in the Wetherspoon's near Euston, and then on the train journey back home.
It was all the same: "Moyes has got to go". There was not one voice I heard who said he needs stay, he needs time etc. Quite simply he's fucking useless!
It was all the same: "Moyes has got to go". There was not one voice I heard who said he needs stay, he needs time etc. Quite simply he's fucking useless!
Neil Copeland
7 Posted 25/05/2026 at 11:24:37
7 Posted 25/05/2026 at 11:24:37
Rob, good article mate and agree.100%.\
Tony #4, yes, I didn't hear of anyone wanting to keep Moyes at the game yesterday. We all knew the line-up before the game (other than Barry for Beto) and the support was deflated before a ball was kicked. At the end, all I heard were "Moyes Out" calls.
How much more clear does it have to be before Moyes figures out that O'Brien is being hung out to dry at right-back but would improve us no end if he was moved central to replace Keane? We have looked a much better team when O'Brien is in the middle and either Garner or even Patterson is at right-back. That move alone sees us play 10 yards further up the pitch.
Then he continues to burn out Ndiaye when we have options to give the lad a breather. He fails to give game time to Armstrong and, until recently, Rohl. Alcaraz gets 5 or 10 minutes... what the fuck?
Why aren't Aznou and Dibling getting a chance? How are they meant to prove themselves?
Moyes is the master of square pegs in round holes, he has plenty of history. The reversion to type of Dithering Dave who sets out not to lose has cost us big time.
And don't get me started on Angus Kinnear's comments and Moyes's post-game shite.
A message to TFG: “We, the supporters of the greatest club in the world, want our Everton back. We want a team that puts everything into winning and leaves nothing on the pitch. Nothing else is good enough. So pull your fucking finger out and get it sorted now before the summer so we can rebuild with a manager befitting of Everton Football Club.”
NSNO.
Tony #4, yes, I didn't hear of anyone wanting to keep Moyes at the game yesterday. We all knew the line-up before the game (other than Barry for Beto) and the support was deflated before a ball was kicked. At the end, all I heard were "Moyes Out" calls.
How much more clear does it have to be before Moyes figures out that O'Brien is being hung out to dry at right-back but would improve us no end if he was moved central to replace Keane? We have looked a much better team when O'Brien is in the middle and either Garner or even Patterson is at right-back. That move alone sees us play 10 yards further up the pitch.
Then he continues to burn out Ndiaye when we have options to give the lad a breather. He fails to give game time to Armstrong and, until recently, Rohl. Alcaraz gets 5 or 10 minutes... what the fuck?
Why aren't Aznou and Dibling getting a chance? How are they meant to prove themselves?
Moyes is the master of square pegs in round holes, he has plenty of history. The reversion to type of Dithering Dave who sets out not to lose has cost us big time.
And don't get me started on Angus Kinnear's comments and Moyes's post-game shite.
A message to TFG: “We, the supporters of the greatest club in the world, want our Everton back. We want a team that puts everything into winning and leaves nothing on the pitch. Nothing else is good enough. So pull your fucking finger out and get it sorted now before the summer so we can rebuild with a manager befitting of Everton Football Club.”
NSNO.
Kunal Desai
8 Posted 25/05/2026 at 11:31:28
8 Posted 25/05/2026 at 11:31:28
Agree Rob. Nothing will ever change with this manager. 22 years ago, I made the horrid 4-hour journey to take up my season ticket seat in The Paddock when, in similar fashion to this season, he threw in the towel then.
We lost four on the bounce then, witnessing absolute garbage, being beaten at home by Mark Hughes's Blackburn Rovers and Allardyce's Bolton Wanderers, together with away defeats at Man City and Wolves.
If he is here next season, it'll be a battle against the drop.
We lost four on the bounce then, witnessing absolute garbage, being beaten at home by Mark Hughes's Blackburn Rovers and Allardyce's Bolton Wanderers, together with away defeats at Man City and Wolves.
If he is here next season, it'll be a battle against the drop.
Darren Hind
9 Posted 25/05/2026 at 11:39:15
9 Posted 25/05/2026 at 11:39:15
Not much to argue about there, Rob.
Although you don't need to leave these pages to know we have plenty of fans who have described this season as an improvement.
Expectation has been expertly managed. Seasons of stress and worry have led to many within this club settling for being able to sleep at night.
These restful nights may ensure we will all live a little longer... Unfortunately, displays like those you mention will probably make us wish we hadn't.
Although you don't need to leave these pages to know we have plenty of fans who have described this season as an improvement.
Expectation has been expertly managed. Seasons of stress and worry have led to many within this club settling for being able to sleep at night.
These restful nights may ensure we will all live a little longer... Unfortunately, displays like those you mention will probably make us wish we hadn't.
Mike Doyle
10 Posted 25/05/2026 at 12:21:38
10 Posted 25/05/2026 at 12:21:38
Great to see you posting again, Rob.
I know from posts over previous years how much you enjoy the European away trips and I guess you had been preparing your travel diary for next season -- so the recent displays must have been particularly hard to swallow.
The achievements of the likes of Bournemouth, Brighton, Sunderland and my local team (Brentford) continue to put us to shame.
Under Kenwright, with a negligible transfer budget, Moyes could get away with his lack of success. Hopefully, the new regime won't be so tolerant of him or Kinnear.
I know from posts over previous years how much you enjoy the European away trips and I guess you had been preparing your travel diary for next season -- so the recent displays must have been particularly hard to swallow.
The achievements of the likes of Bournemouth, Brighton, Sunderland and my local team (Brentford) continue to put us to shame.
Under Kenwright, with a negligible transfer budget, Moyes could get away with his lack of success. Hopefully, the new regime won't be so tolerant of him or Kinnear.
Peter Moore
11 Posted 25/05/2026 at 12:25:14
11 Posted 25/05/2026 at 12:25:14
Painfully true, Rob.
TFG need to act. Pep has resigned, citing he does not have the energy to drive success any more...
Does Moyes? Did he ever? He looks spent. Finished. Gone. Please, TFG, put him out to pasture and get a younger, better, more positive, more modern manager in. Like Andoni Iraola!
NSNO.
TFG need to act. Pep has resigned, citing he does not have the energy to drive success any more...
Does Moyes? Did he ever? He looks spent. Finished. Gone. Please, TFG, put him out to pasture and get a younger, better, more positive, more modern manager in. Like Andoni Iraola!
NSNO.
Stu Gre
12 Posted 25/05/2026 at 12:35:02
12 Posted 25/05/2026 at 12:35:02
Excellent post Rob.
I reckon you could republish this at the end of next season, alter a couple of teams and it would still make sense.
My feeling is Moyes is playing games with the owners. He's been reassured of his position so deliberately didn't use players who could win because he can go back to the board and say he needs more players and more quality.
The fact of the matter is, De Zerbi would have been able to pick his team and tactics for this match on 31st March when he joined Spurs. Because even though we'd be without Branthwaite and Gueye, the tactics would still be the same.
I can only assume Moyes has a vast array on Epstein like files on everyone making decisions at Everton and the whole of the wider media who seem to see something I have never seen in him.
I reckon you could republish this at the end of next season, alter a couple of teams and it would still make sense.
My feeling is Moyes is playing games with the owners. He's been reassured of his position so deliberately didn't use players who could win because he can go back to the board and say he needs more players and more quality.
The fact of the matter is, De Zerbi would have been able to pick his team and tactics for this match on 31st March when he joined Spurs. Because even though we'd be without Branthwaite and Gueye, the tactics would still be the same.
I can only assume Moyes has a vast array on Epstein like files on everyone making decisions at Everton and the whole of the wider media who seem to see something I have never seen in him.
John Collins
13 Posted 25/05/2026 at 13:11:51
13 Posted 25/05/2026 at 13:11:51
Rob,
If the core base,the away fans,are against him there is no way back for him.
The sooner the decision is made the better.
Iraola has made it clear,through his agent,he wants the job.
Give it to him sharpish before someone else gets him.
If the core base,the away fans,are against him there is no way back for him.
The sooner the decision is made the better.
Iraola has made it clear,through his agent,he wants the job.
Give it to him sharpish before someone else gets him.
Rob Halligan
14 Posted 25/05/2026 at 13:39:28
14 Posted 25/05/2026 at 13:39:28
Mike # 10. Cheers mate.
What I can't stand is people saying this squad is not ready for European football. Can someone explain to me how exactly Sunderland are therefore ready?
They have a squad that, until 12 months ago, had no Premier League experience, never mind European experience, except for one, Granit Xhaka.
The whole idea of football is to have an objective at the start of the season… either win the league, win a cup or qualify for Europe. Did Palace or Forest fans think their squads weren't ready for European football 12 months ago?
For fuck's sake, get into Europe first -- then think about squad improvements after. Had we even just made the Conference League, then you don't need your strongest squad to win that... The competition is so weak, and every English team that's in it should consider it a major disaster if they don't win it.
What I can't stand is people saying this squad is not ready for European football. Can someone explain to me how exactly Sunderland are therefore ready?
They have a squad that, until 12 months ago, had no Premier League experience, never mind European experience, except for one, Granit Xhaka.
The whole idea of football is to have an objective at the start of the season… either win the league, win a cup or qualify for Europe. Did Palace or Forest fans think their squads weren't ready for European football 12 months ago?
For fuck's sake, get into Europe first -- then think about squad improvements after. Had we even just made the Conference League, then you don't need your strongest squad to win that... The competition is so weak, and every English team that's in it should consider it a major disaster if they don't win it.
Mark Murphy
15 Posted 25/05/2026 at 14:04:12
15 Posted 25/05/2026 at 14:04:12
On that last point, Rob, those people need to realise that we'd have a much better chance of getting a squad that is ready for Europe if we qualified and offered them it.
No, the current matchday squad as picked and organised by Moyes isn't good enough for Europe, but 3 or 4 astute buys would change that over the summer.
No, the current matchday squad as picked and organised by Moyes isn't good enough for Europe, but 3 or 4 astute buys would change that over the summer.
Steve Brown
16 Posted 25/05/2026 at 14:13:41
16 Posted 25/05/2026 at 14:13:41
For much of the season, Everton were in the hunt for Europe. After Chelsea, it was there for the taking.
But Moyes managed his squad really badly. I read today that we have the third-oldest side in the league at just over 28 years old and rank bottom both for line-up changes (1.5 per game on average) and substitutions made (3.3).
Yet he still flogged them to death. 14 goals conceded in 6 games with Keane and Tarkowski at centre back. O’Brien tormented every week; he even made Tel look like a decent player yesterday and was hauled off as an act of mercy. Ndiaye and KDH selected ahead of George and Alcaraz when their form has fallen off a cliff.
Stubborn and stupid, he has to go as there was never a better chance to qualify for Europe with so many average teams about. He bungled it.
But Moyes managed his squad really badly. I read today that we have the third-oldest side in the league at just over 28 years old and rank bottom both for line-up changes (1.5 per game on average) and substitutions made (3.3).
Yet he still flogged them to death. 14 goals conceded in 6 games with Keane and Tarkowski at centre back. O’Brien tormented every week; he even made Tel look like a decent player yesterday and was hauled off as an act of mercy. Ndiaye and KDH selected ahead of George and Alcaraz when their form has fallen off a cliff.
Stubborn and stupid, he has to go as there was never a better chance to qualify for Europe with so many average teams about. He bungled it.
John Collins
17 Posted 25/05/2026 at 14:22:25
17 Posted 25/05/2026 at 14:22:25
Next Liverpool Manager Odds: Iraola Becomes Betting Favourite | Oddschecker https://share.google/XoTbQ2K3HZFY7VMDR
Dave Abrahams
18 Posted 25/05/2026 at 15:18:19
18 Posted 25/05/2026 at 15:18:19
It’s good you have come back Rob to air your comments on Moyes, soon to be our former manager if the board have any sensible people on the board to listen to but as Neil Copeland @ (7) points out Angus Kinnear is the CEO and who the fuck knew about him in football 18 months ago? He wants to be given his marching orders along with Moyes and by the way who recommended Kinnear to the owners? They want a good coat of looking over as well as well as Moyes’s coaching staff all using bus passes and that doesn’t exclude Baines who has no real coaching experience either.
At least you now have the cricket to look at in the summer Rob so I wish you a happier summer with that rather than the disappointing last nine months watching our club.
At least you now have the cricket to look at in the summer Rob so I wish you a happier summer with that rather than the disappointing last nine months watching our club.
Keith Harrison
19 Posted 25/05/2026 at 15:48:46
19 Posted 25/05/2026 at 15:48:46
I can't say good to see you back, Rob, as I come on this site very little, as most of the stuff was shite since Lyndon left.
You obviously know I was wanting Moyes out before 5 games were up, and I am aware of the dissatisfaction of a number of younger players who have been very largely or totally ignored, especially where favourites are continually picked. Other players are then shoehorned round them.
Moyes says that all transfers were under his control, so why have Dibling and Aznou had no time at all? If they weren't ready for the Premier League -- especially Dibling at up to £40M -- Moyes should be sacked over that alone. His problem is that he doesn't trust youth, or is not skilful enough in man-management to control the dressing room instead of the likes of Tarkowski etc.
I did post on here early into the season his square pegs policy, where in his first stint, Lescott and Jagielka were played as full-backs and Baines never got a game until a centre-back injury meant Lescott moving to centre-back (his natural position). Similar with Jagielka, who also had a spell in centre defensive midfield.
There is nothing new to be learnt from David Moyes. The glass ceiling has been reached, the man is not for turning, and we need to replace him now before he spunks possibly north of £150M on our next round of incomings.
Ditch the Burnley triumvirate, who have been good servants but are past it now; wish Gueye well for the future; and arrange an unfortunate accident for Barry and claim the insurance. Iraola would be a great manager for us I believe.
And finally, Micheal, put this up as a proper Article so the majority of site users can see it instead of simply being a link on another thread.
Happy holidays Blues, but unless there are major changes, I'm already dreading the fare on my Season Ticket for next season.
See you at the Fiji game in July, Rob. At least there won't be 22 tarts rolling about for sod all there!
You obviously know I was wanting Moyes out before 5 games were up, and I am aware of the dissatisfaction of a number of younger players who have been very largely or totally ignored, especially where favourites are continually picked. Other players are then shoehorned round them.
Moyes says that all transfers were under his control, so why have Dibling and Aznou had no time at all? If they weren't ready for the Premier League -- especially Dibling at up to £40M -- Moyes should be sacked over that alone. His problem is that he doesn't trust youth, or is not skilful enough in man-management to control the dressing room instead of the likes of Tarkowski etc.
I did post on here early into the season his square pegs policy, where in his first stint, Lescott and Jagielka were played as full-backs and Baines never got a game until a centre-back injury meant Lescott moving to centre-back (his natural position). Similar with Jagielka, who also had a spell in centre defensive midfield.
There is nothing new to be learnt from David Moyes. The glass ceiling has been reached, the man is not for turning, and we need to replace him now before he spunks possibly north of £150M on our next round of incomings.
Ditch the Burnley triumvirate, who have been good servants but are past it now; wish Gueye well for the future; and arrange an unfortunate accident for Barry and claim the insurance. Iraola would be a great manager for us I believe.
And finally, Micheal, put this up as a proper Article so the majority of site users can see it instead of simply being a link on another thread.
Happy holidays Blues, but unless there are major changes, I'm already dreading the fare on my Season Ticket for next season.
See you at the Fiji game in July, Rob. At least there won't be 22 tarts rolling about for sod all there!
Dale Self
20 Posted 25/05/2026 at 15:51:40
20 Posted 25/05/2026 at 15:51:40
Good stuff Rob, and good to know we are all in agreement.
TFG need to do some interviews.
TFG need to do some interviews.
Mike Gaynes
21 Posted 25/05/2026 at 16:09:34
21 Posted 25/05/2026 at 16:09:34
Dave #18, do you think Farke has done a good job as Leeds manager? Getting them up and keeping them up? I do.
The guy who hired him was Angus Kinnear.
He also previously hired Bielsa, who had a pretty good run at Leeds for a while. If Kinnear's put in charge of finding a new manager, I'd say he seems qualified for the task.
Also worth noting that Kinnear was brought aboard as a business CEO to drive new revenue streams into the club, which has since secured deals with Pepsi, Budweiser, Heinz, Aramark and the new shirt sponsor CMC. Our revenues are estimated to be up 50% for this fiscal year.
I'd call that evidence that, his chirpy public statements put aside, Kinnear has shown in his first year on the job that knows what he's doing. He's the last guy I'd sack right now.
The guy who hired him was Angus Kinnear.
He also previously hired Bielsa, who had a pretty good run at Leeds for a while. If Kinnear's put in charge of finding a new manager, I'd say he seems qualified for the task.
Also worth noting that Kinnear was brought aboard as a business CEO to drive new revenue streams into the club, which has since secured deals with Pepsi, Budweiser, Heinz, Aramark and the new shirt sponsor CMC. Our revenues are estimated to be up 50% for this fiscal year.
I'd call that evidence that, his chirpy public statements put aside, Kinnear has shown in his first year on the job that knows what he's doing. He's the last guy I'd sack right now.
John Collins
22 Posted 25/05/2026 at 16:13:30
22 Posted 25/05/2026 at 16:13:30
More spending money for the club, Mike?
Mike Gaynes
23 Posted 25/05/2026 at 16:21:06
23 Posted 25/05/2026 at 16:21:06
Yes, John.
John Collins
24 Posted 25/05/2026 at 16:33:43
24 Posted 25/05/2026 at 16:33:43
Good news.
We are going to need it, Mike.
We are going to need it, Mike.
Dale Self
25 Posted 25/05/2026 at 16:39:17
25 Posted 25/05/2026 at 16:39:17
If we have an Aramark contract, the locals need to watch what they eat at the stadium.
Tony Abrahams
26 Posted 25/05/2026 at 18:31:33
26 Posted 25/05/2026 at 18:31:33
Thanks Rob, Neil and Mark.
I maybe shouldn't say this but, when we were badly labouring during the second half against Sunderland last week and they made it 3-1, my initial thought was that, if it gets rid of Moyes, it might just end up being worth it.
It's pretty simple: I go the match because I love Everton... but if I'm getting completely frustrated watching them play, then why wouldn't I want to see change?
Watching central defenders playing at full-back, watching the team defending deeper than the ocean, watching midfielders playing too far away from each other, and watching an isolated centre-forward struggling to get a hold of the ball.
Having a good football team is about so many different things but one of the most important things is having players who complement each other. Last season, when Moyes came in, it looked like Alcaraz had a very good understanding with Beto. This season, it looked like Dewsbury-Hall had a similar understanding with Grealish; since they came back from Afcon, I thought Gueye had started to form a similar understanding with Ndiaye.
Other than that... nothing. Maybe Dibling looked like he could form an understanding with a full-back who wants to run forward, and was it just me who thought that our best performance of the season was when we had three very clever and energetic midfielders complementing each other at Villa?
It has been a boring season for someone like me who currently doesn't attend any away games, with the highlights being the opening game for non-football reasons, the last-minute winner against Palace, and probably our finest game was in the sunshine against Chelsea, who were in the middle of losing seven straight matches on the bounce.
Moyes can't go soon enough for me and, for the first time in my lifetime, my season tickets were renewed very reluctantly, so hopefully there's going to be a silver lining in the next ten days...🤞
I maybe shouldn't say this but, when we were badly labouring during the second half against Sunderland last week and they made it 3-1, my initial thought was that, if it gets rid of Moyes, it might just end up being worth it.
It's pretty simple: I go the match because I love Everton... but if I'm getting completely frustrated watching them play, then why wouldn't I want to see change?
Watching central defenders playing at full-back, watching the team defending deeper than the ocean, watching midfielders playing too far away from each other, and watching an isolated centre-forward struggling to get a hold of the ball.
Having a good football team is about so many different things but one of the most important things is having players who complement each other. Last season, when Moyes came in, it looked like Alcaraz had a very good understanding with Beto. This season, it looked like Dewsbury-Hall had a similar understanding with Grealish; since they came back from Afcon, I thought Gueye had started to form a similar understanding with Ndiaye.
Other than that... nothing. Maybe Dibling looked like he could form an understanding with a full-back who wants to run forward, and was it just me who thought that our best performance of the season was when we had three very clever and energetic midfielders complementing each other at Villa?
It has been a boring season for someone like me who currently doesn't attend any away games, with the highlights being the opening game for non-football reasons, the last-minute winner against Palace, and probably our finest game was in the sunshine against Chelsea, who were in the middle of losing seven straight matches on the bounce.
Moyes can't go soon enough for me and, for the first time in my lifetime, my season tickets were renewed very reluctantly, so hopefully there's going to be a silver lining in the next ten days...🤞
Dave Abrahams
27 Posted 25/05/2026 at 18:54:19
27 Posted 25/05/2026 at 18:54:19
Mike (21),
If he gets us a decent manager, then I'll reconsider my opinion of Kinnear.
Until then, I'd leave him in charge of the business part of his job and have second thoughts about him making his chirpy (?) remarks and keep them to himself.
If he gets us a decent manager, then I'll reconsider my opinion of Kinnear.
Until then, I'd leave him in charge of the business part of his job and have second thoughts about him making his chirpy (?) remarks and keep them to himself.
Mike Gaynes
28 Posted 25/05/2026 at 19:47:30
28 Posted 25/05/2026 at 19:47:30
The only problem is, Dave, that Kinnear is the only top club official we are going to hear from. If he stops chirping we will live in silence, because the Friedkins don't talk.
To anybody, about anything. I don't think they even posted congratulations yesterday to the Roma club or the manager.
To anybody, about anything. I don't think they even posted congratulations yesterday to the Roma club or the manager.
Christy Ring
29 Posted 25/05/2026 at 20:39:13
29 Posted 25/05/2026 at 20:39:13
Spot on, Rob, and great to see you back.
Moyes's total arrogance, stubbornness and lack of ambition is clear to see. We haven't won in seven matches and he still won't change the back four.
When we won earlier in the season, with Patterson at full-back, and O'Brien in his proper centre-back position, and both excelled, he went back to his old and trusted, Keane and Tarkowski.
He doesn't believe in youth. Armstrong and Rohl played beside Garner in a superb win at Villa months ago. Rohl started his first game since that game 2 weeks ago, Armstrong has hardly featured since, and then the limited time George and Alcaraz have played?/
Is there a cosy cartel with the owners, Kinnear CEO, and Moyes as manager? Listening to Moyes even after another pathetic selection and performance yesterday, he sounded like a man not under pressure whatsoever!
Moyes's total arrogance, stubbornness and lack of ambition is clear to see. We haven't won in seven matches and he still won't change the back four.
When we won earlier in the season, with Patterson at full-back, and O'Brien in his proper centre-back position, and both excelled, he went back to his old and trusted, Keane and Tarkowski.
He doesn't believe in youth. Armstrong and Rohl played beside Garner in a superb win at Villa months ago. Rohl started his first game since that game 2 weeks ago, Armstrong has hardly featured since, and then the limited time George and Alcaraz have played?/
Is there a cosy cartel with the owners, Kinnear CEO, and Moyes as manager? Listening to Moyes even after another pathetic selection and performance yesterday, he sounded like a man not under pressure whatsoever!
Tony Abrahams
30 Posted 25/05/2026 at 20:55:12
30 Posted 25/05/2026 at 20:55:12
Only on instagram and facebook Mike. Rome were champions are made, or something like that. Forza Roma, thanking everyone for their support.
Over to Merseyside, where it was left to our current CEO, to give us that wonderful news about a season that has left him and therefore his bosses, happily dissatisfied🙈
Over to Merseyside, where it was left to our current CEO, to give us that wonderful news about a season that has left him and therefore his bosses, happily dissatisfied🙈
Oliver Molloy
31 Posted 25/05/2026 at 20:57:34
31 Posted 25/05/2026 at 20:57:34
Bang on Rob - send this to TFG!
On another thread John Collins said he had a mate who reckoned Moyes was looking to get sacked - could be right you know, his press conference yesterday was full of bullshit.
It's really surprising to me anyway how many pundits think Moyes had a decent season, the only guy I heard saying that young kids would struggle to get a chance under him was Collymore -- he also thought he did okay but was let down by the experienced senior players he prefers to sign.
Hoping he will be relieved; if they are serious, TFG will only sack him when they have their new man in place. If there is an announcement, you can bet the new manager is in place.
So then praying for breaking news on Everton sometime soon!
On another thread John Collins said he had a mate who reckoned Moyes was looking to get sacked - could be right you know, his press conference yesterday was full of bullshit.
It's really surprising to me anyway how many pundits think Moyes had a decent season, the only guy I heard saying that young kids would struggle to get a chance under him was Collymore -- he also thought he did okay but was let down by the experienced senior players he prefers to sign.
Hoping he will be relieved; if they are serious, TFG will only sack him when they have their new man in place. If there is an announcement, you can bet the new manager is in place.
So then praying for breaking news on Everton sometime soon!
Oliver Molloy
32 Posted 25/05/2026 at 21:28:13
32 Posted 25/05/2026 at 21:28:13
AC Milan in for Iraola, so that probably rules us out
Steve Brown
33 Posted 26/05/2026 at 02:49:55
33 Posted 26/05/2026 at 02:49:55
The "happily dissatisfied" comment has definitely undermined Kinnear's credibility with fans. It's timing was also poor given the collapse in form over the last 6 games.
As Mike G shares, he is building a commercial mindset across the entire club which will improve professionalism and revenue, but he needs to demonstrate he can do similar in terms of football operations. A football club stands or falls on the team on the pitch, as West Ham have just demonstrated.
As Mike G shares, he is building a commercial mindset across the entire club which will improve professionalism and revenue, but he needs to demonstrate he can do similar in terms of football operations. A football club stands or falls on the team on the pitch, as West Ham have just demonstrated.
Paul Griffiths
34 Posted 26/05/2026 at 03:21:02
34 Posted 26/05/2026 at 03:21:02
Great to hear from you Rob and this is word-perfect from first to last.
MG (28): I don't think they even posted congratulations yesterday to the Roma club or the manager.
'They' didn't need to MG, as good old Ryan F. was at the Marcantonio Bentegodi Stadium yesterday and no doubt headed down to the dressing room to congratulate the manager, staff, and team in person.
He might even have got Daddy on WhatsApp or FaceTime.
Mind you the two of them chose to watch golf in Scotland on a Saturday when we were playing at home.
Hmmmm, visit the club you own or follow a round of golf?
We should wait and see what happens over the summer and not rush to judgment, even though the signs can look ominous for some.
I read yesterday that: 'As of May 2026, Ryan Friedkin has taken a prominent, hands-on role in shaping AS Roma's transfer policy, holding critical meetings at the Trigoria training center with coach Gian Piero Gasperini to plan for the 2026/27 season'.
Perhaps Saint Daniel-the-Absent flew into Liverpool on Sunday and hopped back into his jet to head home as there was nobody there from Everton.
How many 'critical meetings' have been held 'to plan for the 2026/27 season' for us I wonder?
MG (28): I don't think they even posted congratulations yesterday to the Roma club or the manager.
'They' didn't need to MG, as good old Ryan F. was at the Marcantonio Bentegodi Stadium yesterday and no doubt headed down to the dressing room to congratulate the manager, staff, and team in person.
He might even have got Daddy on WhatsApp or FaceTime.
Mind you the two of them chose to watch golf in Scotland on a Saturday when we were playing at home.
Hmmmm, visit the club you own or follow a round of golf?
We should wait and see what happens over the summer and not rush to judgment, even though the signs can look ominous for some.
I read yesterday that: 'As of May 2026, Ryan Friedkin has taken a prominent, hands-on role in shaping AS Roma's transfer policy, holding critical meetings at the Trigoria training center with coach Gian Piero Gasperini to plan for the 2026/27 season'.
Perhaps Saint Daniel-the-Absent flew into Liverpool on Sunday and hopped back into his jet to head home as there was nobody there from Everton.
How many 'critical meetings' have been held 'to plan for the 2026/27 season' for us I wonder?
Andy Kay
35 Posted 26/05/2026 at 07:22:58
35 Posted 26/05/2026 at 07:22:58
Couldn't agree more Rob, and there are plenty more like us too. All this 'be careful what you wish for ' bollocks from Moyes fans is just painful.
I didn't want him back in the first place, because he bottles the big games, his derby record is appalling, his cup record is awful and he is so negative and defensive, never making positive subs.
How we managed to win away while being dreadful at home this season baffles me. But I honestly wasn't surprise we finished where we did, in the manor we did with him in charge. Just 1 win in 9 games is Moyes all over, snatching draws from winning positions. Just everything I never wanted to return too.
But 'he get us, we've got our club back'. The sooner TFG sack him, the better chance we'll have of actually progressing. It only took Sunderland one season to prove that. Moyes Out!
I didn't want him back in the first place, because he bottles the big games, his derby record is appalling, his cup record is awful and he is so negative and defensive, never making positive subs.
How we managed to win away while being dreadful at home this season baffles me. But I honestly wasn't surprise we finished where we did, in the manor we did with him in charge. Just 1 win in 9 games is Moyes all over, snatching draws from winning positions. Just everything I never wanted to return too.
But 'he get us, we've got our club back'. The sooner TFG sack him, the better chance we'll have of actually progressing. It only took Sunderland one season to prove that. Moyes Out!
Jimmy Carr
37 Posted 26/05/2026 at 13:11:18
37 Posted 26/05/2026 at 13:11:18
I agree with Mike, getting rid of Kinnear makes no sense, but he needs a new scriptwriter.
Thing is, the Friedkins seem to have put all of their footballing eggs in Moyes's basket, they are hands-off owners, they want stability. So unless Kinnear and Moyes have a spectacular fall-out, I don't see Moyes being shown the door.
Trying to look on the slightly brighter side, Moyes can make an argument, whether you believe him or not is another thing, that with the right investment in the summer he can take the club into Europe next season. He will argue that a stronger squad would have got us over the line this season.
In fact, he's already started this schtick hasn't he? And there may even be a kernel of truth in it. None of this negates the fact that he under-used the players he already had at his disposal and ended the season very badly.
I don't believe we'll be in any trouble if our manager sticks around until the end of his contract, in fact, we may even qualify for Europe, but it also means that the progressive football we all crave won't be happening anytime soon, because whoever we sign in the summer, Moyes's tactics and approach will likely still be the same.
Kinnear is probably aware of all of this but isn't in a position to make any changes. This leaves me concerned about our summer business as this will be Moyes's last window, does he get fully backed to go all out for Europe, or is it a case of give him some of what he asks for, sell one of the crown jewels and settle for another season of 'stability'?
It's likely to be the latter, and that's not exactly a mouth-watering prospect.
Thing is, the Friedkins seem to have put all of their footballing eggs in Moyes's basket, they are hands-off owners, they want stability. So unless Kinnear and Moyes have a spectacular fall-out, I don't see Moyes being shown the door.
Trying to look on the slightly brighter side, Moyes can make an argument, whether you believe him or not is another thing, that with the right investment in the summer he can take the club into Europe next season. He will argue that a stronger squad would have got us over the line this season.
In fact, he's already started this schtick hasn't he? And there may even be a kernel of truth in it. None of this negates the fact that he under-used the players he already had at his disposal and ended the season very badly.
I don't believe we'll be in any trouble if our manager sticks around until the end of his contract, in fact, we may even qualify for Europe, but it also means that the progressive football we all crave won't be happening anytime soon, because whoever we sign in the summer, Moyes's tactics and approach will likely still be the same.
Kinnear is probably aware of all of this but isn't in a position to make any changes. This leaves me concerned about our summer business as this will be Moyes's last window, does he get fully backed to go all out for Europe, or is it a case of give him some of what he asks for, sell one of the crown jewels and settle for another season of 'stability'?
It's likely to be the latter, and that's not exactly a mouth-watering prospect.
Si Cooper
38 Posted 26/05/2026 at 14:03:04
38 Posted 26/05/2026 at 14:03:04
I'm hoping that it is essentially ‘talking softly but carrying a big stick' and Kinnear and the Friedkin's are actually seriously considering ejecting Moyes if they can attract a better successor.
The public inference that stability can only be achieved by retaining this manager looks like they don't think the club was also badly managed in many other ways before they took over, which surely can't be true. I certainly believe a few managers could have done better if they weren't effectively hamstrung by the interference of the likes of Kenwright and Moshiri.
I can understand that they may not want to look like panicked amateurs by ditching Moyes without the next guy being a done deal, so hopefully it's just a case of getting all the ducks in a row.
If we don't seriously improve over the summer, I think the illusion of stability will rapidly evaporate. Spurs looked well in control on Sunday despite still having some key players missing. One thing that was clear was that they easily outpaced us in practically every match-up whilst still at least equalling us strength-wise.
The public inference that stability can only be achieved by retaining this manager looks like they don't think the club was also badly managed in many other ways before they took over, which surely can't be true. I certainly believe a few managers could have done better if they weren't effectively hamstrung by the interference of the likes of Kenwright and Moshiri.
I can understand that they may not want to look like panicked amateurs by ditching Moyes without the next guy being a done deal, so hopefully it's just a case of getting all the ducks in a row.
If we don't seriously improve over the summer, I think the illusion of stability will rapidly evaporate. Spurs looked well in control on Sunday despite still having some key players missing. One thing that was clear was that they easily outpaced us in practically every match-up whilst still at least equalling us strength-wise.
Keith Harrison
39 Posted 26/05/2026 at 22:52:34
39 Posted 26/05/2026 at 22:52:34
I believe that, when Mr Moyes was appointed for the second time, the players themselves felt less hamstrung than under Sean Dyche, and responded accordingly with the results until the end of the season. This is not to say they did it all themselves, but there was certainly some element of this, with a large number actually playing for new contracts, or to put themselves in the shop window.
Come the start of this season, we had both a new stadium and 'New Project' to sell to prospective players. This was alluded to by both Grealish and Dewsbury-Hall as a major reason in moving to Everton. We signed or loaned youth in the form of Rohl, Aznou, Dibling (all mostly ignored) and a young goalscorer in Barry, who has probably had more time than he deserves and would probably have been in the same boat as the other 3 if we had any back up at all. (I'm discounting young Braiden Graham here as Moyes has given him no minutes at all, so can't comment).
Our project has definitely stalled, the stadium is no longer a first season pull -- and certainly no fortress -- and we have no European football or cogent youth policy to attract those type of players who are better than what we have.
Europe was within our grasp, but the manager's policy of same old same old predictability with selections, tactics and timings, lack of substitutions has thwarted both this and any viable domestic cup hopes once again.
To re-energise 'The Project' needs a short, sharp, shock in the managerial department. Offer Iraola whatever he needs. He lost arguably his 6 best players since June last year for £300M and still finished 6th with yet more astute signings.
Clear the decks to get us back on track, Everton, or we will descend to Moshiri years Mk II.
Come the start of this season, we had both a new stadium and 'New Project' to sell to prospective players. This was alluded to by both Grealish and Dewsbury-Hall as a major reason in moving to Everton. We signed or loaned youth in the form of Rohl, Aznou, Dibling (all mostly ignored) and a young goalscorer in Barry, who has probably had more time than he deserves and would probably have been in the same boat as the other 3 if we had any back up at all. (I'm discounting young Braiden Graham here as Moyes has given him no minutes at all, so can't comment).
Our project has definitely stalled, the stadium is no longer a first season pull -- and certainly no fortress -- and we have no European football or cogent youth policy to attract those type of players who are better than what we have.
Europe was within our grasp, but the manager's policy of same old same old predictability with selections, tactics and timings, lack of substitutions has thwarted both this and any viable domestic cup hopes once again.
To re-energise 'The Project' needs a short, sharp, shock in the managerial department. Offer Iraola whatever he needs. He lost arguably his 6 best players since June last year for £300M and still finished 6th with yet more astute signings.
Clear the decks to get us back on track, Everton, or we will descend to Moshiri years Mk II.
Gary Russell
40 Posted 02/06/2026 at 02:09:08
40 Posted 02/06/2026 at 02:09:08
History shows Moyes just divides whatever fanbase he inherits.
I was dreaming of TFG courting Iraola. That looks like it's heading in the worst possible direction.
Patience in football has long gone, but we are probably going to require heaps of it moving forward.
I was dreaming of TFG courting Iraola. That looks like it's heading in the worst possible direction.
Patience in football has long gone, but we are probably going to require heaps of it moving forward.
Hugh Jenkins
41 Posted 03/06/2026 at 08:19:29
41 Posted 03/06/2026 at 08:19:29
Great to see you back here Rob.
Truly missed your insight and knowledge of the game generally, and Everton specifically.
I hope too that Sam Hoare will start to post again as he is anotehr whose contributions I sorely miss.
Truly missed your insight and knowledge of the game generally, and Everton specifically.
I hope too that Sam Hoare will start to post again as he is anotehr whose contributions I sorely miss.
Jeff Armstrong
42 Posted 13/06/2026 at 21:51:36
42 Posted 13/06/2026 at 21:51:36
Only just read this article tonight cos ToffeeWeb has gone sideways for me and the start of the World Cup has been shocking.
But what a great article from Rob Halligan from the last weekend of the season! I completely agree with all what he said.
I was arguing with Evertonian work colleagues about Europe: get in there first, then worry about the squad and fixtures later.
Moyes is a useless manager who will keep you 11th forever… if that's what you want!
But what a great article from Rob Halligan from the last weekend of the season! I completely agree with all what he said.
I was arguing with Evertonian work colleagues about Europe: get in there first, then worry about the squad and fixtures later.
Moyes is a useless manager who will keep you 11th forever… if that's what you want!
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1 Posted 25/05/2026 at 10:28:44
Perfect mate.
Absolutely bang on the money.