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...

Did not get the soccer right here...have to say.....have to mention the parting of jimmy Hill....what a great promoter of the sport !.....loved his debating qualities about the game..most enjoyable and his rants with Terry Venables...

Everton come of age in Manchester City win
Roberto Martinez's side thrill in Capital One Cup semi-final first leg - but it can't be yet another false dawn
By Chris Bascombe, Goodison Park10:05PM GMT 06 Jan 2016 Comments1 Comment
It was a night for Goodison Park to host its own coming of age drama; a night to banish talk of potential and start discussing the finished product.
Roberto Martinez has been the champion and symbol of the possibilities for his emerging Everton side, but for every admiring glance for his positivity there have been accusations of underachievement. Martinez was at his most effusive again in his pre-match notes.
• Everton vs Manchester City: Five things we learnt
“We’ve accumulated a terrific mixture of top professionals with probably the most talented group of young players in English and European football,” he said.
As Ross Barkley’s decision making showed more signs of maturity, John Stones displayed the poise of a veteran by back-passing with his chest, Romelu Lukaku's reign of terror restored a deserved lead and Mo Besic put Yaya Toure on the deck with one of many perfect tackles, initial incredulity at the comment subsided.

The fear for Everton, as ever, was his caveat. One that looked prophetic when Jesus Navas scurried through to equalise.
“But we can only become a winning team with your patience,” added the manager.
• Everton vs Manchester City: as it happened
Martinez is only in his third season but empathy for those in their 21st year of patience is also needed.
These fans do not want to feel they are in a perpetual state of development prior to rebuilding the squad with the funds of another high profile sale.
Head to pubs around this stadium you wouldn’t be surprised to be served a pint half full, even when toasting exceptional performances like this.


Where many see a vibrant young team others dread they’re watching assets primed for future sale.
Mention interest from potential investors whose attention was surely pricked by the high quality of football against one of the most expensive teams in the world, and fatigued, cynical supporters will reel of a list of failed schemes and phantom benefactors.
Dare to suggest Everton’s ability to consistently compete for a top six position in the midst of daunting financial and sporting challenges earns the highest regard from boardrooms across the country and you’ll be shot down for tolerating mediocrity.
• Everton vs Manchester City: report
Talk about the current side ending a 21-year trophy drought and winning the League Cup for the first time, and you’ll hear mumbles about likely defensive howlers and naivety - the rawness that enabled City to equalise at a time when Everton were hunting an unassailable first leg lead intervening.
Whether it’s stadium moves, takeovers or squad reshuffling, there are well-established dividing lines on the Gwladys Street. Ambition and reality clash and neither side truly warrant harsh criticism for their point of view. All that exists is the fact Everton is a club continuously on the threshold of making a breakthrough to reclaim its historic place as European grandees, but never quite possessing those extra world class players or extra £25 million in the transfer kitty each summer to make it happen.

There were times at Goodison last night it felt those rifts could be healed, trust momentarily restored, Martinez’s relentless optimism backed by the actions of his team.
You can’t accuse Everton of not being aspirational and you can’t blame the dissenters for being upset at waiting so long for those aspirations to be met. When you’ve heard the same story so often only tangible results can erase long-standing doubts.
That’s why this semi-final with Manchester City, and a potential final if it is negotiated, represents Everton’s most important sequence of cup games since 1984. It can mean more than a sporadic success and be a springboard for sustained growth.

The supporters here well remember how Howard Kendall used the League Cup as the catalyst for the club’s most successful period. How the winning mentality was forged going toe-to-toe with the country’s best and realising there was nothing to fear.
Everton were at it again on Wednesday night. They looked a side capable of lifting a major trophy.
The trouble is they’ve been here before. This time has to be different. Everton can look to the future by delivering rather than promising.

FA Cup 3rd Round Middlesbrough 1, 2 or 3 Burnley 0.

...Oops a day early.

Very well played Exeter City tonight, leading for a long period against a very lack lustre Liverpool.

Lack lustre? Does that equate to shxxe! :0)

Boro 1 Burnley 2 undoubtedly the shock of the round. Can't remember when Burnley actually scored never mind won at their place.

Trip to Goodison next round Stan?

No thanks CC, Bristol City at home pending their replay please.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/35216449

Taxi for Slade.. and hibernation for Dil

Arsenal against Burnley :-))

Correct D/C.. another easy away win -):

Arsenal 3 Burnley 0 lol

Interestingly that was the last scoreline when they both met, we were then of course concentrating on our successful promotion push that season, we have a better manager now so don't rule anything out old fruit -):

Well if your betting money on a Burnley win Stan, make sure you can cash out within ten minutes. Good luck mate, scrape a draw a good money spinner for the club.

Stan you have more chance of winning the ftse comp then a win. Edit just had a look,
not a chance off winning the ftse comp. lol :-))

In ya dreams sun beam.. in ya dreams -):

Whilst the Arse can only scape a 0-0 with Stoke, the Clarets inflict more "Capital Punishment" at Brentford winning 3-1 win after an unstoppable 1st half demolition of the home side.

.. 3 magnificent long range shots were simply magnificent all agreed.

So there you are Dreamer as I have already said.. be afraid be very afraid

Stan we are just giving you false hopes, you are going to be buried. :-))

The only slight chance of your lot going through is if we decide on the day to concentrate on promotion and put out a weakened team.. other then that your toast -):