thoward18

Not to take this offtopic but can someone explain the relevance of bookies and odds to me in Europe? In the U.S. gambling on sports in basically illegal in most places and the only time they are taken even remotely seriously is for score predictions. Yet in European soccer/football I've seen them published and almost respected as sources for transfers and even managerial hires.
 
As for a potential transfer I know absolutely nothing about this guy. But a 23 year old who has scored 20 goals in 24 appearances so far this season... it's hard to ignore.

I think it's pretty clear what he's doing. He wants to still be in the picture, but there's no reason for him to be traveling across the world for friendlies constantly. Not so far away from the World Cup, at least. This gives him a chance to rest, focus solely on Everton, and spend time with his family. And then he can revisit in a couple years whether he wants to play in 2018. This is a guy who has been in goal for the U.S. forever and who knows the coaches and defenders better than anyone. It won't take him very long to get comfortable again if he decides to come back in 2016.

Our traveling fans are unbelievable.

Would be mildly disappointing but Cleverley seems more like a luxury than a necessity. We've already done our important business. Can always just save that loan spot for January.

Would be mildly disappointing but Cleverley seems more like a luxury than a necessity. We've already done our important business. Can always just save that loan spot for January.

I've seen unknown play and he totally lacks identity as a player. Don't think he'd fit in here.

It's Everton, we're very capable of losing a one horse race!

I've seen unknown play and he totally lacks identity as a player. Don't think he'd fit in here.

I've seen unknown play and he totally lacks identity as a player. Don't think he'd fit in here.

I've seen unknown play and he totally lacks identity as a player. Don't think he'd fit in here.

I've seen unknown play and he totally lacks identity as a player. Don't think he'd fit in here.

I've seen unknown play and he totally lacks identity as a player. Don't think he'd fit in here.

I've seen unknown play and he totally lacks identity as a player. Don't think he'd fit in here.

Agreed. Nice to see him using his hands to write something insightful and meaningful. If only you would ever bother to do the same.

If he plays like he just did the rest of the way then he's going to be a massive success. Might even force Martinez to consider going to with two strikers. Of course, it will mean fuck-all if the defense doesn't get its shit together.

Agreed. Nice to see him using his hands to write something insightful and meaningful. If only you would ever bother to do the same.

Imagine if a middle-budget baseball team in the US like the Milwaukee Brewers or Kansas City Royals gave a 2 year, 35-million dollar contract to a 36-year-old Alex Rodriguez.
 
It would kind of be like that. Eto'o was once one of the best goal scorers in the world. He was the the premiere striker on Barcelona about a decade ago. Ever since he made a move to play in Russia (which is, like, the 10th best league in Europe) in order to become the highest-paid player in the world questions have risen about his intentions. Now he is 33, so he's slowed down a bit.
 
On the other hand, he still clearly has plenty of talent. He scored 9 goals in 21 appearances for Chelsea just last season. Everton were pretty bare at the striker position after Lukaku, and Steven Naismith now being forced into the attacking midfielder role due to Barkley's injury makes it that much worse. Eto'o, if the production matches his inherent talent, is a massive upgrade over Arouna Kone as the second striker and gives Everton a legitimate option off the bench or for cup matches or if Lukaku is hurt.
 
Going back to the baseball analogy. If a team like the Yankees threw a bunch of money at a risky player like that and it didn't work out then whatever. Barely a blip on their bottom line. But a team like Milwaukee or Kansas City? That's going to hurt them financially. Everton aren't poor but they're not a team with much room for financial error. Presumably, Eto'o is going to be on an expensive contract, and if he doesn't provide the production to justify it then it's going to be a massive anchor on the payroll. Given how Eto'o's career has played out over the last 5 or so years, it seems like it could go either way.

I've voiced my concerns over the signing but here's a pleasant thought I just had; our backup striker is arguably better than any STARTING striker the team has had in a while. That's a pretty big indicator of the progress Everton have made under Martinez.

I've voiced my concerns over the signing but here's a pleasant thought I just had; our backup striker is arguably better than any STARTING striker the team has had in a while. That's a pretty big indicator of the progress Everton have made under Martinez.

Yeah, Cech is on the decline, Ruddy definitely isn't noticeably better than Howard. In fact, I don't think Ruddy is as good. Reina isn't noticeably better than Howard, De Gea is good, Szczesny is prone to making even dumber mistakes than Howard (though he's a good shot stopper) and even Hart was dropped in favor of Costel Pantillimon for mistakes, though is no doubt a good keeper.
 
Paddock, stop being such a disrespectful, argumentative, confrontational twat. You've been on this board for two weeks and you've managed to pick a fight with so many of the people who have been on this board for years. This board is quickly deteriorating quality wise to that of Grand Old Team or Redcafe or Red and White Kop.

Imagine if a middle-budget baseball team in the US like the Milwaukee Brewers or Kansas City Royals gave a 2 year, 35-million dollar contract to a 36-year-old Alex Rodriguez.
 
It would kind of be like that. Eto'o was once one of the best goal scorers in the world. He was the the premiere striker on Barcelona about a decade ago. Ever since he made a move to play in Russia (which is, like, the 10th best league in Europe) in order to become the highest-paid player in the world questions have risen about his intentions. Now he is 33, so he's slowed down a bit.
 
On the other hand, he still clearly has plenty of talent. He scored 9 goals in 21 appearances for Chelsea just last season. Everton were pretty bare at the striker position after Lukaku, and Steven Naismith now being forced into the attacking midfielder role due to Barkley's injury makes it that much worse. Eto'o, if the production matches his inherent talent, is a massive upgrade over Arouna Kone as the second striker and gives Everton a legitimate option off the bench or for cup matches or if Lukaku is hurt.
 
Going back to the baseball analogy. If a team like the Yankees threw a bunch of money at a risky player like that and it didn't work out then whatever. Barely a blip on their bottom line. But a team like Milwaukee or Kansas City? That's going to hurt them financially. Everton aren't poor but they're not a team with much room for financial error. Presumably, Eto'o is going to be on an expensive contract, and if he doesn't provide the production to justify it then it's going to be a massive anchor on the payroll. Given how Eto'o's career has played out over the last 5 or so years, it seems like it could go either way.

I've voiced my concerns over the signing but here's a pleasant thought I just had; our backup striker is arguably better than any STARTING striker the team has had in a while. That's a pretty big indicator of the progress Everton have made under Martinez.

Imagine if a middle-budget baseball team in the US like the Milwaukee Brewers or Kansas City Royals gave a 2 year, 35-million dollar contract to a 36-year-old Alex Rodriguez.
 
It would kind of be like that. Eto'o was once one of the best goal scorers in the world. He was the the premiere striker on Barcelona about a decade ago. Ever since he made a move to play in Russia (which is, like, the 10th best league in Europe) in order to become the highest-paid player in the world questions have risen about his intentions. Now he is 33, so he's slowed down a bit.
 
On the other hand, he still clearly has plenty of talent. He scored 9 goals in 21 appearances for Chelsea just last season. Everton were pretty bare at the striker position after Lukaku, and Steven Naismith now being forced into the attacking midfielder role due to Barkley's injury makes it that much worse. Eto'o, if the production matches his inherent talent, is a massive upgrade over Arouna Kone as the second striker and gives Everton a legitimate option off the bench or for cup matches or if Lukaku is hurt.
 
Going back to the baseball analogy. If a team like the Yankees threw a bunch of money at a risky player like that and it didn't work out then whatever. Barely a blip on their bottom line. But a team like Milwaukee or Kansas City? That's going to hurt them financially. Everton aren't poor but they're not a team with much room for financial error. Presumably, Eto'o is going to be on an expensive contract, and if he doesn't provide the production to justify it then it's going to be a massive anchor on the payroll. Given how Eto'o's career has played out over the last 5 or so years, it seems like it could go either way.

Imagine if a middle-budget baseball team in the US like the Milwaukee Brewers or Kansas City Royals gave a 2 year, 35-million dollar contract to a 36-year-old Alex Rodriguez.
 
It would kind of be like that. Eto'o was once one of the best goal scorers in the world. He was the the premiere striker on Barcelona about a decade ago. Ever since he made a move to play in Russia (which is, like, the 10th best league in Europe) in order to become the highest-paid player in the world questions have risen about his intentions. Now he is 33, so he's slowed down a bit.
 
On the other hand, he still clearly has plenty of talent. He scored 9 goals in 21 appearances for Chelsea just last season. Everton were pretty bare at the striker position after Lukaku, and Steven Naismith now being forced into the attacking midfielder role due to Barkley's injury makes it that much worse. Eto'o, if the production matches his inherent talent, is a massive upgrade over Arouna Kone as the second striker and gives Everton a legitimate option off the bench or for cup matches or if Lukaku is hurt.
 
Going back to the baseball analogy. If a team like the Yankees threw a bunch of money at a risky player like that and it didn't work out then whatever. Barely a blip on their bottom line. But a team like Milwaukee or Kansas City? That's going to hurt them financially. Everton aren't poor but they're not a team with much room for financial error. Presumably, Eto'o is going to be on an expensive contract, and if he doesn't provide the production to justify it then it's going to be a massive anchor on the payroll. Given how Eto'o's career has played out over the last 5 or so years, it seems like it could go either way.

Agreed. Nice to see him using his hands to write something insightful and meaningful. If only you would ever bother to do the same.