It is now time to switch to a new Money AM football blog as the world cup is now over and we all look to the future.....World cup 2010 is over, Bravo Espana, and Forlan, once again and bring on the new season !.....I never expected the last thread to be such a success...thanks all.... so this new one might go on for years without the need to edit the title...we shall see...

HNY to all - is it the thing to shorten?

Good luck to OGS and the 2 ex-MU youngsters, and if Zaha goes on loan then 20legend seems a good shout as tutor.

Cheers,
KidA

Eusebio, One if not the best players that I have ever seen and a fitting tribute here, worth a view of his skills and a read http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/25611762

Everton are ready for Champions League football...
by Michael Kenrick | 06/01/2014 Comments (213) jump to end
Moyes brainwashed fans into thinking 8th was good enough

This rather lavish spread in the much-maligned Daily Mail reminds us that, during Roberto Martinez's unveiling as the new Everton manager, chairman Bill Kenwright revealed the Spaniard had promised to deliver Champions League football to Goodison Park. It's fair to say the comment raised a few eyebrows. How could Everton compete with the likes of Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea, Arsenal, Tottenham and Liverpool on a shoestring budget? With virtually the same players Moyes left behind?
It has now become apparent to at least one journalist, Elliot Bretland, that Everton fans were brainwashed by David Moyes during his 11-year spell in charge of the club:

Every year the Scot - unable to sign players worthy of the top four due to the club's tight purse strings - convinced observers that he was pulling off miracle after miracle by guiding the Toffees to sixth, seventh or eighth in the table and that the club was punching above its weight.
Moyes created the illusion that it was impossible for Everton to challenge those with more financial clout - through a lack of belief in his own players and pessimism during interviews. There was a glass ceiling and Moyes' hands were tied — he was doing the best he could. or so he claimed. But Martinez has proved that's not the case at all.

Read the full article.

[Thanks to Ray Roche, who kindly flagged a link to this article on another thread. — The Editor]

Quotes or other material sourced from Daily Mail

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Patrick Murphy
488 Posted 06/01/2014 at 11:09:04 Thanks to Ray Roche for that link to an intelligent and decent article reflecting the altered mindset at Goodison Park – I assume the author is a Blue.
Phil Bellis
497 Posted 06/01/2014 at 11:46:27 Cheers for that link, Ray
It's not just most of us on here, then, who see the difference in management style, application, quality, skill, mindset and attitude
This exemplifies it for me...
"'The Champions League is the challenge that comes with the title of being Everton manager. I feel you need to have that dream."

Robert Elliott
506 Posted 06/01/2014 at 12:13:17 A well written article, primarily about Martinez, but with some pertinent points about the Moyes era as well.
The difference I see between Moyes and Martinez is how ready Roberto is to mention the history of our great club, not as something to shy away from, but as something to aspire to. Is it any coincidence that Moyes never had anything to do with Kendall whilst he was here, yet Martinez invited him to Finch Farm the first chance he got?

My feelings towards Moyes now are incredibly mixed. His manner of departure and subsequent comments, as well as his clumsy pursuit of Fellaini and Baines have soured a lot of what he did whilst he was here.

Lets be honest, as Evertonians we believe there is something just a little bit more special about this club. We idolise people like Alan Ball, Duncan Ferguson and Tim Cahill, who not only get it whilst they are here but also long after they've left, and we tend to have a low opinion of those who regard their time at Goodison as a stepping stone in their careers and nothing more. Lineker appears to fit into that category and I now suspect Moyes does as well.

James Hughes
510 Posted 06/01/2014 at 12:38:34 For me, nothing better typifies a Bluenose than this site: Erudition, wit, put downs, sartorial language and musical education — we my friends have no equal.
My dad and sister are reds but I prefer football; Goodison felt like HOME first time I went there, the other place left me feeling like I needed a wash.

So, from a child of the Latchford/Thomas era, I want the luxury of being able to dream to see good football — just like I did when I was a season ticket holder (well occasional good football).

Lastly, having lived 'down sarf' for 30 years, I was almost sacked when we won the league in '85 for going back to work a day late...

I WANT TO CELEBRATE THAT MUCH AGAIN

Craig Walker
514 Posted 06/01/2014 at 13:21:20 I got laughed at by some RS colleagues when I said that I wanted Martinez as manager on FB straight after the cup exit calamity.
When he went, RS fans were saying "that's all our dreams now. United will be shite and so will Everton".

Some of us were saying since the semi-final debacle that a manager who played the ball on the ground and didn't adopt this knife to a gunfight mentality would do a lot better than Moyes.

He's already playing down expectations for this transfer window just like he used to do with us.

Our achievements count for nothing this season though because we're abusing the loan system. Despite us having no money and being up there with the top teams, we are doing it by frauding the system.

Will anyone ever give us any credit?

Colin Glassar
515 Posted 06/01/2014 at 13:27:03 I can't add anything to that Craig. These are, essentially, OFM players but with a totally different mindset. They've been set free from the shackles that ginger and his cohorts had them in and Roberto is reaping the benefits. Now the miserable sod is using the same arguments at his 'bigger club' and the Mancs are hating it. I'm loving every bit of it.
Darryl Ritchie
537 Posted 06/01/2014 at 15:45:19 Perhaps the masses are starting to clue in, but, to Evertonians this is really old news!
Chris Williamson
538 Posted 06/01/2014 at 15:41:05 Nail, head.
Danny Broderick
539 Posted 06/01/2014 at 15:46:53 How refreshing! A lot of very true points in there.
Liam Reilly
540 Posted 06/01/2014 at 15:42:48 Cracking article and nice to see a journalist do thier homework for once.
Still flying under the radar as far as Sky (or graveyard for ex RS players) is concerned. Let's hope that continues into 2014.

Alan Ross
541 Posted 06/01/2014 at 15:49:23 Been dreaming since attending my first home game in '58 with a fair few coming true in the first 30 years and only very few since. Only this season have those dreams been reignited with any expectations of coming true. Long may that feeling continue.
Simon Hermansen
542 Posted 06/01/2014 at 15:52:01 A sports journalist that actually sees things for what they are rather that peddling the tired old cliches. (And a Mail journo to boot!)
I believe this is just another string to Roberto's plan to create and maintain a positive mindset inside and (also importantly) outside the club i.e. get the media and pundits saying this stuff – because once one or two start saying it others follow – and it all just adds to the ever expanding mass of belief he is building around our great club

Michael Kenrick
543 Posted 06/01/2014 at 15:57:17 I'm still dumbstruck that I can read an article on Everton — in the Daily Mail of all places — and feel I agree 100% with every single word. Fantastic stuff.
Simon Smith
546 Posted 06/01/2014 at 15:51:19 I was saying in the pub on Saturday after the cup game how good it is to wake up on matchday and no longer be worried about who we are playing that day and be able to look forward to the up-coming games.
Who knew that 'ol whiskey nose would do us such a good deed by picking DM to be the next captain of a sinking ship? Can only hope he goes down without a trace

Mike Hughes
549 Posted 06/01/2014 at 15:57:17 What a great read. I've just picked myself off the floor given it was the Daily Mail though if it had appeared in the Daily Mirror I'd have needed a defibrillator as well. They're as rs red as The Echo (and I'm talking football not politics).
Out walking our Dixie yesterday and I said to another Evertonian dog-walker that it feels like 1983 again. He agreed.

I particularly liked the line:

"There's a genuine feeling that Everton, not could, but will do something special under the Spaniard's stewardship."

Everton Football Club has joined the footballing world in paying tribute to Eusebio who has passed away, aged 71.

The Portuguese striker, considered one of the greatest players of all time, developed a close affinity with Everton as a result of his goalscoring feats at Goodison Park during the 1966 World Cup.

That summer he netted six goals at the Grand Old Lady – scoring twice in a 3-1 win over Brazil in the group stages before visiting Merseyside again in the quarter-finals where he helped himself to four goals in a thrilling 5-3 victory against North Korea.

Portugal were eliminated by England in the semi-finals but his total of nine goals in the tournament saw him win the Golden Boot award.

Eusebio returned to Goodison Park in November 2009 when Everton hosted Benfica – the club he represented for 15 years between 1960 and 1975 – in a Europa League clash.

He was a guest of honour at the game and that evening spoke to evertontv about his abiding memories of playing at Goodison Park – a venue he described as a ‘special place’.

The 1965 European Player of the Year said: “I have got very fond memories of this particular stadium because I scored four goals against Korea and two against Brazil.

"When I was having lunch with the Everton board I was remembering the occasion because it was at that point that I felt I became a world-class player. That was my signature, really, as a top quality player.

Eusebio
Eusebio holds aloft the plaque he was presented with on his visit to Goodison Park in 2009.


“It was a great pleasure to have received the warm welcome that I did. This is a special stadium for me and I feel very privileged to be back.

"I received a trophy from the Everton chairman and I feel honoured about that because this is a very special place for me. I will put that trophy at home along with the other trophies that I have."

Since Eusebio’s passing was announced on Sunday morning, various players and ex-professionals have been paying tribute to his lasting legacy.

Former Blues striker Gary Lineker tweeted: “Sad news that Eusebio has died. One of the greats of his generation. Could play and strike a ball like very few others.”

Ex-Toffees skipper Phil Neville, who presented Eusebio with a plaque on his visit to Goodison four years ago, also took to the social network site, simply adding: “RIP Eusebio.”

Chairman of the Football Association, Greg Dyke, said: “Every generation has great footballers. He was clearly a world-class footballer who scored an awful lot of goals. He was the Ronaldo or Messi of our time.”

Everton Football Club wish to express their condolences to Eusebio's family and friends.


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george willis
I was at both games in 66 it was a privilege to watch a great player as Uesabio R.l.P

Monday 6th January 12:51Report Comment
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ADRIAN THOMAS
Hope his 'Special Stadium' has a minute's applause on Saturday in recognition of his feats in 66 and subsequent fondness of Goodison.

Monday 6th January 07:49Report Comment
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Les Crabb
Was at the Brazil game, a truly great footballer

Sunday 5th January 17:40Report Comment
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Brian W. McCarthy
RIP Eusebio(the Black Panther). I was at both those ga mes 1966 fond memories of the 2nd half display against N.Koreans.

Sunday 5th January 16:40Report Comment
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Jeff Dolphin
One of the Greats... Last saw him on the pitch taking the applause & respect from the crowd prior to kick-off against Toronto a few years back...

Sunday 5th January 15:28Report Comment
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Alec Walker
Goodbye Eusebio, gone to the Great Stadium in the sky, I was lucky enough to see those two wonderful games in 1966. R.I.P.

Sunday 5th January 13:36Report Comment
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Playing shi-e again.

God knows.


Sunderland 1-0 up.

Made another few bob tonight GF, Swansea were 7/1 on Sunday LOL! They were dismal tonight mate. Can't spell his JANU Sigh? name your best player by a mile. Hope Moyes stays doing a great job.

Obviously missing Fellaini LOL LOL!!!!!

Well done Agent Moyes, keep up the good work.

Regards Everton Football Club :O)

Wonder what the odds are now on "Once a blue, always a blue" now a red but if you pay me enough could be a blue again, signing a new contract?

Are you talking about the footballing saviour, Tan ?

Wayne Rooney :O)

Solskjaer has already asked Tan to return to blue next season Joe.

We got to play Man United away this month ... easy 3 points :-)

Vincent Tan has once again denied he knows nothing about football but has confirmed he has told the captain to bat first if he wins the toss Saturday.

Solskjaer has already asked Tan to return to blue next season Joe

I heard it's so apparently next years colour, darling!

Well it wasn't last years colour or even this years for us honey !

Diouf on his way to Cardiff from Hannover apparently and Burnley have bought some rubbish from Brighton.

Blimey! Reunion at Cardiff City.

Only seen clips of Eusebio, most show him being kicked by Nobby Stiles - at least he's safe for a bit.

Cheers,
KidA

From My Seat: Norwich (H)
By Ken Buckley :: 11/01/2014
Comments (3) jump to end
Back to the room of nonsense in quick time after our cup win last week. The chat ranged around the transfer of Jelavic to Hull and who would be the signing in. Some thought it might have been best to keep hold of Jelavic such is the form of Lukaku at the moment yet others thought that along with the reported fee then it was good business providing we would spend to prosper. My take was that we have a Chairman and board plus CEO and manager to guide the club and whatever my preferences may be we get what they give us and then I gauge my judgement of their efforts by the enjoyment of my match day by what transpires on the pitch.

Today I thought the efforts of the club to promote Kids Day deserved praise and the free Kids programme handed out had ‘Goal King Coleman’ on the front of an ‘Action Packed Issue’ with among other great things Leighton Baines as the centre fold. We also had a child announcer of subs today. The walk up was of reserved fashion but once Goodison Road was reached the mass of bodies that were either queuing for food, tickets or souvenirs got the nervous pre match tension and expectation roaring.

Into the ground and an announcement that an important event would take place pre-kick off.
And so it came to pass that one Aiden McGeady was paraded and the announcer laboured the point that he had become an Everton player today rather than any sort of pre-contract stuff. The chat around me was of ‘Does anyone know much about him’ which I found rather odd for footy mad fans. He got a good reception from the faithful yet not euphoric.

Mr Friend got the game underway and we attacked the Park End. We were 5pts and one place better off than this stage last season. Could we build on it? Well we started well enough. Coleman had a dig then Lukaku missed connecting with a tempting cross from Mirallas. We forced a couple of corners and were looking far superior to the Canaries but you just never can tell and from virtually Norwich’s first attack a long ball put Hooper in one on one but Howard somehow smothered. Hard to know if it was a bad miss or a good save.

After that scare it was all Everton again as we forced corners that were almost but not quite converted, shots from distance that flew anywhere but into the net. Lukaku seemed at odds with his self-proclaimed billing yet every now and again he looked interested and none more than the 20min mark when he controlled well, used his strength to hold off his man and lay the ball off to the excellent Barry who took the ball forward with purpose and then hit a left foot screamer that left the keeper helpless and Everton 1-0 up. It really was worth watching the three replays on the big screen.

The game then took a familiar fashion that seems prevalent in all games, the side going behind puts the leaders under pressure and causes mistakes and uncertainty that had not been there before. From such a situation the Norwich striker hit one that Howard did really well to turn around the post whilst at full stretch. This scenario happens in most matches. I wonder why?

We regained our composure and continued pressing forward. Barry was instrumental in anything good and another superb ball saw the ball deflected for a corner. We really should have been out of sight now but just one ahead always gives the opposition food for thought and purely due to overconfidence we gave the visitors some hope when Stones who was making light of his youth and inexperience got booked for over exuberance which in turn put him under the collar for the remainder of the game as well as taking a chance when Howard spilled the free kick at the feet of an attacker to tackle and clear. We remained on top though and ended the half 1-0 up.

The half time chat centred on the outgoing and incoming transfers with most of our gang still convinced we need a striker as Lukaku seriously needs competition. My view remains we get what we get and we can’t do anything about it except hope all concerned get it right.

The second half was mostly one way traffic with the ‘Martinez Way’ being applauded loudly as the Blues sprayed passes about stretching the visitors but without really testing Ruddy. Our possession ensured domination but our finishing within the box was almost non-existent and their keeper was much less worked than he should have been which in turn led to the visitors sensing our frailty and deciding to have forward forays themselves. They didn’t come too much in truth but you just knew one mistake and hey-hoe here we go again. The stuff we were now playing was direct from joined up footy heaven and gaining applause from all sides of the ground but as the hour mark approached the faithful were muttering that a second would be helpful!

It duly came but not before Norwich gave us a scare as the striker strode on to a long ball but could not get necessary control. In clearing the ball we somehow after a passage of quick passes found Baines marauding forward only to be brought down some 25yds out. The ball was eventually set up as the ref was satisfied the wall was the requisite distance away. Baines and Mirallas were over it, both paced out their preferred yards. Who would it be? Baines shaped but Mirallas strode and sent a beaut just inside the post with keeper unable to reach anywhere near it. Bedlam and relief in equal measure and oohs and aahs accompanied the re-run on the big screen.

They say 2-0 is a dangerous lead yet I would sooner have one than not but me and my mate Keith really wanted another as we had 3-0 at 18/1 and boy did we think we hit pay dust as Lukaku got onto a long ball and slotted only for the lino to have his flag raised. It must have been close.

Martinez made some subs, Heitinga for Osman and shortly after Naismith for Pienaar. Now it was a case of spot the formation and that was not easy. The best I came up with was 3-5-1-1 which quickly morphed into 5-2-3-1 and at any given time anything you like. It sort of worked but it did allow Norwich to have their best spell of the game so maybe that scenario needs to go back to Finch farm and be progressed as we saw Snodgrass hit a post plus allowing opposition players the chance to shoot from distance which they quickly took on board. It was a right helter skelter last ten when we went from Barca like to Bacup like but in true grit fashion we held on and we all celebrated a very necessary three points.

M.o.t.M: Barry but not just for his great goal but for showing all in attendance the quality needed all over the park if we are ever going to get a look-in with all media outlets. We may be fourth tonight yet all the headline news excludes us.

Still I enjoyed the game and the football played did l at times resembled the flow of the ‘Royal Blue Mersey’ However with that free flowing dominance it must concern the manager as much as me that we don’t score more goals from such joined up play.

West Brom next. Will McGeady play, who will be fit, who will be injured that we didn’t know about? Well best get down there to find out. If we play the football we played today the three points should surely be ours but only IF we convert the chances we work so hard to create.

See you there!

UP THE BLUES

Reader Comments
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Patrick Murphy
436 Posted 11/01/2014 at 22:10:45 That still remains our main problem Ken, finishing off those flowing moves more often - I don't know how many shots we had today but we never tested Ruddy often enough and in truth we don't force most keepers to make as many saves as we should given the number of opportunities and corners we have. But a win is a win and it was a decent performance to boot, I'll take another dozen of those in the league between now and the end of the season.
Bill Gall
467 Posted 11/01/2014 at 23:06:07 Another good report , do not know what Everton have to do to make the media realise we are team that have the ability to make the top 4.
The game today at times was not that great but the pleasing thing is with all the changes made over the last few games the overall standards are being maintained.

Dennis Ng
471 Posted 11/01/2014 at 23:21:56 Bill, not us. They have to get rid of all the MU/rs pundits.

Well done the Baggies, well deserved point. You may be shite, but Everton were worse tonight. I had to keep pinching myself, thought I was asleep and having a nightmare seing David Moyes on the touchline instead of Martinez. Worse performance of the season. Instead of taking them to Tenerife to train should have taken them up to Aberdeen beach, the north east wind chill might have woken the lazy bastards up.

Uck me even we beat West Brom !