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IS EVERTON’S POTENTIAL UNDERESTIMATED?

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Therefore, the drastic turnaround, inspired by the arrivals of Steven Pienaar and Nikica Jelavi? on transfer deadline day, added to the inspirational American loanee leader, Landon Donovan, earlier in the window meant things could feel positive again amongst the Everton faithful. Especially as the last-minute deals came parallel with the 1-0 home victory over Manchester City courtesy of the newly purchased Darron Gibson’s second half goal.

Jelavi? has been a shining star so far-10 expertly finished goals (before Wolves v Everton) in all competitions make him the certain bargain of the January transfer window, diminishing all doubts of his ability to ‘cut-it’ in the Premier League in the process. He deservedly won Barclay’s player of the month for April, proof he is creating an impact amongst a wider audience. Everton have needed a prolific striker like the Croatian for a torturous amount of time. His movement, intelligence and finishing ability means he stands head and shoulders above any other striker to pull on a Blue shirt in recent times.

Steven Pienaar, back on loan for his second spell on Merseyside, has instantaneously revived his left-sided relationship with the virtually ever-present Leighton Baines and has shared the role of protagonist with Jelavi? in attacks. His unmistakable trickery, eye for goal and ability to see a pass others cannot leaves Spurs fans scratching their heads. Evertonians are desperate that the South African pens a permanent deal this summer whatever it takes; seeing him sat on the bench in London, or featuring in the odd cup game has frustrated many, and may do so again.

Darron Gibson is unbeaten in every league game he has played for the Toffees so far, after joining for a ridiculously small price; a partnership has been quickly formed with Marouane Fellaini, the seemingly clumsy yet incredibly effective Belgian who is a vital part of Everton’s creativity, attack and defense. Gibson has been labeled as, finally, a replacement for Lee Carsley-a sturdy, able and trustworthy midfielder with many attributes to his game.

Evertonians can only dream of Middle-Eastern riches or a willing, wealthy buyer for now, as it is forever rumours that circulate and never actual financial progress. A 3-year kit deal with high profile manufacturers Nike will certainly put the club’s name out into the previously unknown and that can only be a positive to take as a step of progression. Large or small, every one of those steps is greeted with delight, whilst long-term sponsors Chang Beer continue to promote Everton in Asia.

Albeit eventually reaching a bitterly disappointing end for thousands, the F.A cup took both Merseyside teams to Wembley for a semi-final where Everton failed to grasp their greatest, most realistic opportunity of an unforgettable win due to a shaky performance and questionable tactics, just days after casually slotting 4 past a silenced Sunderland. 8 days after the long trip back from London however; the Toffees were at it again, netting 4 for the second league game running-at Old Trafford. In what may be a title-tilting match, Manchester United were subject to determination as what both teams lacked in defence was projected into attack, 4-4 the final result. Moyes’ change of heart, which was to go out and attack the Champions, worked superbly. Fulham travelled to Goodison Park’s as the last fixture in April commenced, and conceded 4 goals in the process-meaning that Everton became the first team to score 4 goals in 3 consecutive Premier League games. Has Moyes learnt his lesson?

Only time will tell.

The Premier League’s financially poorest have a firm foundation to work with for the future-they are often forced into a sell-to-buy situation, although if Moyes decides to stay that will not be such of a hindrance for Everton that it would for other clubs, providing that the better players are retained. Everyone is aware of his notorious deals that so often result in ‘average’ players stepping up and delivering at the highest level.

Priority lies with a lightning start, signing key players and consistency if a European place or any silverware is to be achieved. Patchy form has extended into further stages of campaigns of late and has been critical in terms of progression or failure. Anyone who keeps an eye on Everton will know that the potential is there for all-round outstanding seasons to come, and the pivotal factors have been detailed here. However, if the glory days are to return to Goodison Park, it is up to Everton to achieve that, for only themselves (and, don’t forget, more transfer funds) stand in the way.

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  • James Oliver says:

    ” … the second half of the current campaign (and many previously, it is worth remembering) has brought a much brighter, positive and more optimistic future on the horizon…. ”

    Yes, when there is absolutely NO PRESSURE TO PERFORM.

    Moyes is the most overrated manager in the Premier League. His ability, his tactics, his man-management are all none existent. His only vision is collecting his pay cheque. He has never been good enough for Everton FC. Only Kenwright, in reality, sees something in him. You know what that is? – Moyes is Kenwright’s lackey. The pair of them have sown up the present and future at Everton. In the meantime the Club is dying.

    Moyes is a traitor. Following the debacle of his team selection and subsequent heavy defeat to Liverpool he has shown no shame and no remorse. He failed in his spurious ambition to get Everton the the Cup Final – something the team could adequately achieved. 10 years and no further on. Your romantic vision is purely that.

    • Alex Leonard says:

      I would be interested to know if you are an Evertonian? Your point of view is an unusual one.

      I understand your points, however if Moyes left (given the lack of money), who would keep Everton the top 10? Would another manager be able to sustain a club in the way Moyes has? Yes, he hasn’t brought a trophy to the club and yes, his tactics are questionable from time to time. Given the fact he has to buy relatively unknown, cheap players (look at Pienaar, Cahill etc.) and maximise their potential, I thoroughly believe that to once again finish a place or two behind teams like Chelsea and Newcastle is a fantastic achievement. If only Kenwright sees anything in him, why is he such a popular character amongst the club’s fans and the media? Moyes’ name has been brought up as possible replacement for Ferguson at United countless times-pundits and journalists alike view him as a potential Premier League great, but only with resources he cannot have at Everton, meaning that eventually, he will move on and will be fully respected for it if Everton continue in their current financial situation.

      And your point about Kenwright-it’s questionable but Kenwright’s intention is to do the best for the club, which is selling it to good buyers-sell it to anyone and you could end up in Blackburn’s position.

      He’s no traitor. The selection in the 3-0 defeat to Liverpool was frustrating for Evertonians as it is questionable if he understands the scale of a Merseyside derby and it’s importance to the fans. In the long run however, that selection took us to Wembley, where the fans felt left down after some shocking tactics, especially 2nd half-that game was Everton’s to take to their biggest rival; it was their biggest and best chance for a long, long time and Moyes deflated that opportunity, leaving fans confused and angry.

      Any trips to Wembley and any European place is a bonus; all Evertonians would love a trophy more than anything and it is certainly not out of the question yet. Moyes may not be taking Everton to the top of the table-but he is keeping on otherwise declining club afloat. Until buyers are found, that is the priority.

    • J says:

      R a murderin red shite lad . He’s the best thing to happen to us who u think could do a beter job ??

      • Alex Leonard says:

        It’d certainly be a hard one. But with Moyes’ departure likely to become a reality Everton will have to face in the next few years, I’d say Paul Lambert-can’t fault the guy. Gets the best out of players from lower divisions in the Prem, plays attractive football.

  • BlueMark says:

    Blinkered fool. Everton are playing to their means, it is clear that at the top Man City are replacing Man United despite MU still being regarded as the most valuable club in the World. With an old stadium, low corporate sponsorship, a gate of 36k for each home game (but at a fraction of London based ticket prices) how does the club compete?
    What manager will take over from the proven Moyes? Mark Hughes, Peter Reid, McCarthy, Kendall MKiv ?
    Why would a high profile manager take on the vacancy with little or no transfer funds, an ageing squad and a strong likelihood of moving down the table.
    The team play for Moyes, they trust him and that is why we have outperformed. We hold onto Moyes and maybe a Qatari family member takes a punt on the 4th most successful team ever who are still top ten. Without Moyes we will be in the Championship within two years.
    After 45 years of following the blues, I remember the stagnant 70’s where a highlight of nearly a decade was the 28 goals Bob Latchford got in one season, yet the 80’s success was just around the corner. Let’s stay a competitive top flight side, let’s try for Europe and decent cup runs and let’s be thankful that we are not Leeds, Sheffield/s etc.

    • Alex Leonard says:

      You have some good opinions there. As, in fact, I’m not a ‘blinkered fool’, I wish to respond to your point without being called names. Firsly, I did not suggest that a high profile manager would have to take over-that special manager may in fact be a Paul Lambert, a Duncan Ferguson or a manager from the lower leagues like Moyes was-I just don’t know. Everton are certainly a club who deserve to have money injected into the system, and that is what frustrates fans. The cheif exec said there were apparently various interests around Christmastime, but now there are none. As we know, football (sadly) is a business. You simply cannot progress without cash. Therefore, aren’t Everton drastically overachieving? Every day Evertonians are thankful Moyes continues to work wonders on limited resources, but also frustrated with the financial situations, res

      • Alex Leonard says:

        …resulting in free agents and loanees being signed. How much most Evertonians would give to see Landon Donovan playing permantly is off the scale-a fee of £12m seems lightyears away whilst the neigbours overspend on average players.

        Seeing teams like Liverpool and Manchester City have money to throw away is painful. Don’t forget however, Everton may benefit from UEFA’s fairplay rule; players like Barkley, McAleny, Duffy, Forshaw etc. may prove to be a suitable, sustainable future whilst spending the odd bit of money here and there on players like Vellios who is a certain talent and bigger players like Jelavic to add experience.

        Sometimes you have to take a step back to take one forward; if that means finishing 11th/12th for a few years whilst the club enters a transitional period, surely that would be more beneficial in the long run so that, eventually, those European nights return to Goodison once again?

    • Bluescouse says:

      BlueMark made a lot of sense with his comments, with being brought up around the same time, we got to see the brilliant 1962/63 Champions, with the impervious Golden Vision (Alex Young), et al, the absolutely incredible Holy Trinity team, Ball, Kendall & Harvey, the almost unbeatable mid 80’s teams of Sheedy, Steven, Reid, Sharp et al, but since that time, younger Evertonians have had one FA Cup success to cheer about in 95, which is nowhere good enough! Financially we can’t compete with most premier teams, which is sad, it also makes us extremely vulnerable in having to sell our top stars, just pick a season out, to see whom it is/was! Money is the name of the game & we are for all intents & purposes…..broke, ultimately if we want to compete with the top 8 teams, we need new owners that have lots of dough, ideally like the Man City crew, or some other Billionaire that wants the best for EFC…..please forward names to Goodison Park! There has to be someone out there…..right?!?!?

  • jason says:

    Here are some of the major problems we have right now.

    To get money, we need to sell our better players…unfortunately selling also means that it’s highly likely the money goes straight to the bank as it’s done all season.

    This leaves us up shit creek without a paddle…we loose our better players, that cannot be replaced, we also then struggle to sign loanees because of the fees required to keep them on for the season.

    It’s a vicious circle. Sell your best players, any money received goes straight back to Barclays bank…leaving no money to get needed replacements.

    The other problem is needing to replace Moyes as soon as possible. We have been going backwards in the last couple of seasons and that is simply not good enough.

    As Fergie has said this season…it’s knowing when to offload your better players to make a profit…not keeping hold of them until their value becomes almost nothing.

    3 Losses to the reds is beyond completely unacceptable, and loosing / rolling over / bottling it in the semi should have been a sackable offense given the previous 2 losses, of which the entire thing was down to Moyes.

    Prem managers love him because he is completely predictable.

    to blather about having no money, is no excuse for his inability to change a game he is loosing. His tactics at best are laughable if not humiliating…if he was allowed to spend big with another club? hahaha he’d bankrupt them, have them playing some of the worst football their supporters have ever seen etc

    The man is a cowards, lacks skills such as understanding tactics and how to turn a match around…he sticks with as been players like Neville, Cahill, Osman and Hibbert…i mean seriously….look back at the coward and you try to tell me he never bottled it just once…in the europa league quarter finals, not once but 2 times…absolutely battered by SL and Benfica who where not that good anyway.

    The man has learned nothing in the 10 years he has been here….his commment a knife to a gunfight 0.o…that alone would have earned him a sacking from any other club…but he is the lackey of kenwright…he keeps kenwright the liar in his job….and why would moyes leave when he is getting 65 grand a week? one of the highest paid in the prem? If he moved to a bigger club, he would be found out and fired..why do you think no big club has ever come calling for him? coz he is not wanted….not unless you want to watch humiliating crap football week on week.

    Moyes must go this season…the job is just too big for him and he can take his badly perfoming has been’s with him and kenwright too!!!!

    Paul Lambert for me

    • Alex Leonard says:

      He certainly has ‘bottled it’ a few times-most notably the semi against Liverpool. However, you’re looking at it from a different point of view to me. I’m viewing it in optimistic way. Yes, the tactics are questionable..but after the Man U performance there’s certainly ability to achieve higher.

      The vicious circle the club is in is a position I would wish on no other club. However skint Kenwright is cannot prove that he doesn’t have the best interests of the club at heart.

      One more point: I would keep Tony Hibbert in the side anyday.

  • jason says:

    back in 2004 Moyes stated “we must aim to finish in a champions league spot”..this with a team that compared to today was just so laughably bad…we finished 4th on relegation form (we lost something like 10 matches on the bounce) the only reason we managed to finish 4th was because of liverpool’s even worse record…but then they cheated themselves into the competition and won it.

    This year Moyes said he would be thrilled to finish 10th…he isn’t interested in beating liverpool or even finishing above them 0.o.

    My how this coward’s standards have fallen, and yet he has a superior team at his hands, that all season long has misued..like every other season…sad but true..when the pressure is on..he hides and sulks..not remotely the same man we took a chance on when we gambled on a second tier unknown manager we poached…

    • Alex Leonard says:

      I see how you’ve detailed his clear decline of enthusiasm, which is concerning for anyone who supports Everton. It’s interesting that a manager should act like that: if a manager isn’t motivated, it’s time to go. However, the decline of resources at his disposal have been parrallel to what you have picked up on. It’s no excuse to give up or ‘bottle it’ in semi-finals, but it’s a situation that would depress any manager, surely.

  • SUPA1878 says:

    Bill Kenright the well supported owner, WTF are you smoking???

    NSNO – Need Some New Owners

    Kenwright OUT

  • James Oliver says:

    Alex Leonard Reply:
    May 8th, 2012 at 8:08 pm

    “I would be interested to know if you are an Evertonian? Your point of view is an unusual one.”

    1. Don’t patronise me
    2. If you don’t like the response don’t ask for comments

    • Alex Leonard says:

      That’s far from patronising. If I wasn’t interested by your view, I wouldn’t respond to it. I was geniunely asking if you are an Evertonian? It is interesting to me what people’s opinions are.

      If you’ve thoroughly read the whole of my response to your previous comment, you would understand that I have not suggested in any way that I did not like your response. I’ve read your comment and disagreed with a couple of your points, which is completely normal seeing as we both are of different opinion.

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