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...

A few weeks ago I would have agreed with you but not now as everyone is capable of beating everyone.

True but only the Boro playing tomorrow.............

Yes, 1st time they will have played more games then Burnley.

Up the Boro!

You should be so lucky -):

Birmingham City 1 Boro 0. 33 mins. Boro sound nervous.

1-1 40 mins.

Don't think I can take another 45 minutes! pheeeeeeew!

It's tough at the top.

:-)

Goals flighting in 2-2.

Finished 2-2. Think it puts pressure on the others now.

Tough game versus Pep Pulis today. Draw most lıkely.

From My Seat: Bournemouth (H)
By Ken Buckley 30/04/2016 5 Comments [Jump to last]
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EVERTON 2 - 1 AFC BOURNEMOUTH

We arrive at the Room of Nonsense via Anfield and Wembley and still-shell shocked at the outcomes of the games at those venues. In both of those games I came away with the impression that our present manager employs scatter-gun instructions to his players as throughout the derby and first half at Wembley our players were all over the place, thus leaving gaps to be exploited – and they were.

Then in the second half at Wembley after about ten minutes the players seemed to rip up the script that had been given to them, played from memory of what is right and wrong and with better finishing from Lukaku could have won it. Still that’s water under the bridge now so it was Bournemouth to contend with today and the opinion in our room was that we hoped he didn’t play too many youngsters as the last thing we need was to shatter their confidence early doors. As it happened, only Pennington started in the left centre back role and I don’t think he did his chances any harm at all.

The talk turned to the Martinez conundrum and agreement was unanimous that his reign so far had gone demonstrably backwards. Most seemed to think that protest these days isn’t taken that seriously by owners unless the whole ground is fully involved so we hope for the board to come to a decision on the best course of action, basically either "in" or "out" and to communicate this to the fans as soon as possible. If it is "in" then most will not be happy but at least the uncertainty that his dogging all aspects of the club will be resolved. Also the board will have noted that even with all the fan outlets hinting at various types of action including boycotting the game the attendance today being 38,345 tells a story.

The walk up was pleasant in the L4 sun and we mingled with the visiting fans discussing all things football. At the fat van they went their way and we made our way among a heaving mass of fans and entered the ground in decent time. Z Cars rang out earlier today as we showed solidarity with the families of the 96 in celebrating ‘Justice and Truth' at last. As the families waved to all sides of the ground one gentleman with them raised an Everton scarf aloft. We may have right ding-dongs with them over football but when push comes to shove they are indeed our blood brothers and amid the mighty cheers, clapping and general raucous noise He Ain’t Heavy, He's My Brother played through the PA system. Was that a tear I wiped away?

Our ref for today, Mr Swarbrick, got us under way. It was a strange first few minutes as there was quiet about the place as if we were weighing up what version of Everton was on display, especially as we had a new spine to the team with Howard in goal, Pennington at centre back, Gibson in the Barry role and our first real glimpse of Niasse. Our start was sharp enough and with just six mins gone we put a decent move together down the left and Barkley fed Cleverley with an astute ball. Cleverley controlled the ball with some aplomb and turned as he did so and placed a crisp shot across the keeper. One nil up. I thought players and fans were a little muted in celebration at that goal, probably the result of the hangover from previous games.

But right from the kick off, us being Everton, we got ourselves in a bit of a mess. It all started on our right with Besic trying to play keep ball too long and then hitting a left-footer across field without looking straight to a Bournemouth player. This allowed Bournemouth to attack up our left and it looked as though Pennington was pushed to the ground but the lino and ref saw no foul, much to the disgust of our fans. The ball was put across our box and the first shot was blocked, the second was saved by a Howard star jump but only out to a third attacker who netted. Our players remonstrated with the lino and ref but to no avail but in truth it was Besic who made an unforced error that allowed that attack to happen. Some things never seem to change.

The rest of the half tailed off in end of season fashion which was causing a bit of unrest from the faithful. Niasse was in and out of the game with some decent movement and pass one minute then diabolical stuff the next e.g. passing back direct to a Bournemouth attacker who luckily did no more than force a corner. Barkley was only noticeable in patches and in one of these Niasse made one of his good passes and Barkley was on to it but, alas, aimed at the top of the stand. But he was back again a few moments later in a foot race with keeper Boruc who just won it. Cleverley got some stick for not missing out the first man at a three corners before Baines eventually took over.

As the half wound down a plane appeared trailing a banner with the words ‘TIME TO GO ROBERTO NSNO’. It looked as though the pilot tried to drop the banner onto the pitch but he was well wide with the attempt. It was time for Roberto to go but only down the tunnel as the H/T whistle went

H/T 1-1 and the chat seemed to be anything but football.

Second half and Besic was jettisoned for the evergreen Tony Hibbert who received as loud of a welcome as I have heard for a long time. Tony was back and with his first touch he was urged to SHOOOOOT! Just think, this was Tony’s first game in 16 months. We seemed now to be getting on top a little but both teams suffered with the same thing – no cutting edge. Both teams playing this possession footy and neither really able to get at either defence. We did applaud one piece of joined up play that had pace to it when Gibson, Lennon, Niasse and McCarthy combined to find Barkley who was in looking for a shooting chance but overstayed his welcome and had the ball taken from him.

It did precede a good spell of play though that had the visitors under pressure but no matter how many balls we provided in the box a shooting hole could never be found and the pressure slowly dissipated with nothing to show for it. Up to the hour mark with us and them shooting either wide or high or tamely. So our present manager swopped Niasse for Lukaku. Niasse got a nice ovation but I got the impression that he has some way to go yet before he can be considered first-team ready. I wish him all the best.

Pennington had grown into the game second half and Tony Hibbert had improved our back line. Gibson often operated as the third centre back with his defensive know how and you could see him organising them and getting them into proper position. Could he be the defensive coach we so badly need? In fact it’s a pity he wasn’t fit sooner. Maybe he would not suit our present manager as defensive know how seems foreign to him. Stones was looking good today too and was not shy in coming forward with purpose in that second half safe in the knowledge that Hibbo had the defence and its duties boxed off.

Sixty fifth minute and Barkley fed in Lennon on the right, his cross was miscued by Cleverley but it fell for Baines who thundered the ball just under the bar and into the roof of the net. The crowd responded well to that goal, Baines's first from open play since January 2013.

This did liven us up quite a bit and Lukaku was looking to get more into the game but the ball up to him was never quite what it should have been. Barkley laid a ball back encouraging Hibbo to shoot which he did but not with enough rocket power. Eddie Howe sent on two subs to try to get back into the game but only the odd half chance occurred and none enough for heart in mouth time.

Stones was having a fine spell and looking like he was enjoying it and was applauded for forays forward and good passes. That should help his confidence. The lad Wilson was causing us a bit of bother from time to time and with us having a tendency to concede late it was comforting to see him subbed with about ten to go. Stanislas came on, got past Hibbo but before he could pull the trigger Hibbo had chased back and put in a terrific tackle blocking the ball away and got rapturous applause from all assembled.

Eighty minutes came up and I wondered if would ever see Dowell. Well we did but with just four minutes plus stoppage time to go. You could not expect to see much from the lad in that time but he did look lively and pacy as twice he chased back passes and had the keeper worried on both occasions. He put Lukaku to shame as his contribution was no more than a carry over from Wembley. He just seemed to stand and watch until a ball bounced off him or get caught offside for not coming back after an attack. Now that’s just idleness, nothing to do with form.

Four minutes added went up on the board. Right away we looked a touch wary and edgy, such is our propensity for letting in late ones. However, we survived those and booted the ball away a few times and didn’t try anything fancy. Eventually the ref blew and we breathed a sigh of relief and took in that we had actually won at home. Grand Old Team was played but much louder than normal and my guess was an attempt to drown out any dissent from fans. Some did stay and display banners and good on 'em. I hope, although small in number, their effort can resonate just a little with those that own our club,

M.O.T.M. – Stones with a special mention for Hibbo. A true defender.

The walk back was much better and the mood lighter. We met up with some Bournemouth fans and over a pint talked footy. We all want Leicester to win the league and we all agreed that we had just seen an end of season game and neither team had much to write home about. They were keen to ask about the Martinez and said they were surprised as they thought he was a top manager. I told them that today we got our sixth point out of 24 on offer and this would be our worst season in our history for a few things. They seemed surprised.

Two away now and then our last game of the season at home v Norwich which could turn out to be the game that seals their fate depending how results go. I wonder if the board will have had anything to tell us by then? We can but hope.

See you soon.

UP THE BLUES!

2 very big games today as Brighton take on Derby at 2.30 and then Burnley face QPR at 4.45. 2 games that have a direct bearing on promotion and the Championship in the 2nd tier.

#NSNO
By Steve Carr 02/05/2016 8 Comments [Jump to last]
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1978. Nine Years old. My first visit to Goodison Park.

Having taken the first six years of my life to realise that I'd been 'chosen' to support the blue half of Merseyside as opposed to the dark side like many of my peers, by '78 I was very well educated in the School of Science. We're a long way from that now. In the words of one of our own, I salute you Mr Leighton Baines when you said that we lack chemistry. You can't have science without it!

On that cold winter's day, I watched in awe my heroes George Wood (I was enjoying a spell between the sticks at the time) and Bob Latchford, (legend). Even a 1-0 loss to Ipswich Town couldn't dampen my love for the club.

Fast forward to 2016 and I'm still visiting Goodison Park and still getting the same sensations as I did all those years ago. The excitement, the adrenalin and the disappointment. Maybe it's me, maybe it's the intervening 38 years or maybe it's just part of being a Blue that's made me cynical, but heroes in this current crop? No. My son on the other hand, does. Unfortunately for him, he'll learn soon enough.

Back in 1978, I'd have given an arm or a leg to play for the Toffees. Now, at an age even a veteran professional would view as old, I realise that my chances of being spotted are diminishing by the day. They say with age comes experience. This I believe is true. Today, the idea of donating a limb to fulfil my dreams is something I'd not willingly do. Partial dismemberment is not something to take lightly.

However, two kids down the line and the closest thing to a scout watching me play, is one that wears a woggle, there is another body part that I would give to be involved with the club I love, and that's a bollock.

And let's be fair, I won't be the first or the last to make this offer, as I've been watching a load of old bollocks for months.

This season has been my son's first with a season ticket, albeit a half season ticket, but a season ticket nonetheless. Having sat through the last ten league games (won 2, drawn 2, lost 6), you can see where his pessimism comes from. I made sure he was 'born not manufactured' as a blue and that 'we go the game', but none of that counts for anything if it's not enjoyable. This season has been harsh.

Roberto's first season was excellent, nobody can deny him that. Three great loan deals made the difference. Two years on and those same three players now on permanent deals which would suggest progression. As would the addition of three more players on permanent deals, especially when you list them as two ex-England internationals and an up-and-coming Argentinian international. Yet none of them have set the Premier League alight.

Don't get me wrong, Funes Mori and Lennon have done themselves proud (not taking the Anfield derby into account), and even Cleverley has impressed me at times. I was one that visited change.org a couple of years back voting for him not to be included in the England squad. In my defence he was playing for the Mancs at the time. What I didn't like in his play, was the constant sideways passing, which explains why he has slotted in so well to our current line-up. And before anyone says that I've forgotten Niasse, I haven't but don't get me started on him!

In all the years I've been watching Everton, we've had our ups and downs from the unforgettable Kendall inspired glory days to the forgettable uninspired days of Mike Walker, but this season has to be one of the lowest I can remember that didn't involve a relegation battle.

Everton Football Club is no minnow.

No player is bigger than the club (are you reading this Romelu? Champions League my arse!), no manager is bigger than the club (ditto Martinez), and no shareholder is bigger than the club. If you really are a 'true blue' (and you Kenwright), with only the club's best interests at heart, then do what is best for the club, no-one else. #MartinezOut.

My point, if you haven't guessed, is that although I was #BornNotManufactured and that my son and I, #WeGoTheGame, there's only one tagline that Messrs Kenwright and Moshiri need to take heed of, and that's the one on our shirts and closest to our hearts, #NSNO

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Reader Comments (8)
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Tony Draper
1 Posted 02/05/2016 at 08:28:20 I've read and re-read your outpourings 3x now Steve.
Flawless, just bloody flawless. Thanks.

Darren Hind
2 Posted 02/05/2016 at 08:41:38 Steve you must be pretty crap if you watched Niasse on Saturday and STILL believe your chance has gone.
Good article. I feel for your boy. What a pathetic run of results he has had to suffer

Pete Bridson
3 Posted 02/05/2016 at 09:30:57 Excellent post Steve. Being of a similar vintage to yerself, I too have given up hope of being 'discovered' and given a chance to play.
I also really feel for the youngsters who have had to wait for so long for that experience of winning. I don't remember 1970 to well so being at Wembley in '84 to see the Rat lift the cup happened a fair bit sooner than the 20 plus years we've had to wait for a sniff that's for sure.

HT. Brighton 0 Derby 0.

FT. Brighton 1 Derby 1.

"Some" pressure off Burnley and Boro now, but still all to play for.

Grrrrrrr, Derby a tad unlucky, was a good game.

Well done Burnley (Always knew they would do it .Ha! Ha!)

Congratulations Stan top tier footie for you next season.
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