Ant1979

I don't think Haf is disagreeing with you. I think (Haf correct me if I'm wrong), that he was agreeing in part with my earlier post. All I was saying that I don't agree with positive discrimination. I.e. the number of minority workers in a certain field should 'roughly' match the percentage of applicants, not exceed it. This is all based on them being equally skilled and experienced to the non-minority applicants of course.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/26364371 Jags is injured, seems only short term

Two scarecrows standing in a field. One turns to the other and says... 'Can you smell carrots?'

Ruiz has played in the prem for a while and scored hardly any? Van Wolfswinkel isn't setting the world on fire either, and neither were cheap? That Liverpool target isn't a striker is he? Can't be bothered checking, but they probably offered about £20m as well. On topic, watched this game in a pub in Birkenhead (long story), was absolutely gutted definitely didn't deserve to lose

Sorry mate I just tried to make an absolutely shit joke about nepotism and Frankk Lebeuof being Shia's dad. Haha, I'll get my coat

Exactly. It's the same with transformers, Shia only got the gig because Michael bay is a big Chelsea fan...

Haven't seen that much of him other than clips, but the price is right then I hope so

I wouldn't complain at all if that was the team and subs. From what Martinez has said this week (might have been today?), it sounds like he thinks McGeady is ready to make an impact. Might be a good game for him to try it

Yeah I agree with you there. I'm sure I posted somewhere that signing him injured might be a big mistake. If not then I definitely thought it haha. I just hope that the summer window brings in an exciting striker to fit our style, plus one or two prospects

He does exactly what it says on the tin and can't argue with his record, I just prefer more attractive football as I know Hammers fans do too, playing the West Ham way and all that. As much as I don't like his brand of football, it's more him as a person I don't like. Unlike my hatred of Justin Bieber, this one has a bit more substance as I've actually met him. Good luck for the rest of the season, apart from this weekend!

Hey mate. Nothing personal against you guys, I just hate allardyce with a passion

Allardyce and his boys needs to feel the backlash here of a few disappointing and unlucky recent results. Would settle for a narrow win but I really hope we destroy them. On a side note I worked at the reebok stadium for 5 years, and the guy is a monumental prick.

Fair enough. The only things I would disagree on with what you just wrote, is that we don't know yet if we're any nearer to cracking the top 4, as the season isn't over yet. Looking at the fixtures remaining I honestly think we can win every single one on our day. Not saying we will of course! And also that being closer to FA cup success isn't the 'one' thing that's changed, I would also say that being more attractive to watch is a positive change, as well as near universal praise from the press, pundits, other team's fans, etc. Yes not a tangible 'success' as such, but adds to the current feel good factor at the club and may help in attracting the top players in future. Would Barcelona have trusted their protege to us last season? Rhetorical question it doesn't need an answer. Having said all that, I get people's frustrations and yes debate is always welcome

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/26350661 The players are not happy with his high-tempo, pressing style, want to to back to counter attacking. How about shut the fuck up and earn your thousands per week, let the manager pick the team and tactics? Job in jeopardy after 6 games is laughable, 3 of those were against top 6 sides and they've drawn 4 of the 6 games. The real issue is they shouldn't have sacked Clarke. But this looks to me like players or agents have leaked discontent to try and get him sacked, which is disgusting.

I see what you're saying. I just think that the irony of this thread is that Martinez himself would agree that perennial challengers isn't good enough, he wants trophies and serious challenges for the league. He's said so himself on numerous occasions: Everton are a club with 9 league titles, one of the biggest in the land, etc. He's also said that without money you have to build the club up in a different way, it's harder but it can be done. Paraphrasing of course but those are his sentiments from day one. I think he would probably expect to be given more than 9 months to do it though?

I watched a lot of Wigan last year and I honestly think that Kone would have knocked in over 20 goals if he had Barry, Barkley, Mirralas, Baines, Coleman, Pienaar, etc providing the through balls and chances for him. Not saying he's good enough to be the main option of a top 4 chasing team, but he'll be a good option and rotation asset next year.... hopefully! But still 2 strikers needed in the summer, possibly one young prospect and an established goal scorer? Wish I could suggest the perfect name, but most who are already known to be good enough would cost an arm and a leg.

I'm not enraged I just cringe. There are some valid arguments mixed in too, you're right. But the main valid arguments are over the financial inequality at the top end of the league, so why be negative over something we can't affect? I'm not aiming that at you by the way. If we accept (as we must, it's irrefutable), that at least 6 teams have bigger wage and transfer budgets; then surely we should be positive that we're knocking at the door, at the same time playing the game the right way. I agree that the summer transfer window will be hugely important, I just think negativity after only 9 months is ridiculous. I personally think perspective is needed, i.e. what league position / level of performance would people have taken at the beginning of the season, bearing in mind it's a season of transition. As other people have noted, I think it's a testament to how the club has moved on that we're gutted to lose at Stamford Bridge, and more importantly didn't deserve to. Took the game to the league leaders and were unlucky. Exciting times I say!

Didn't know much about him so just had a quick look. Seems possibly injury prone looking at his appearance stats over the years?

This thread is like a car wreck. I shouldn't look, I should do the right thing and just ignore it.... but I can't help looking anyway :S

An extreme example to answer your point that it can't be judged without seeing / testing the partnerships first. I believe it can be judged without that. But I do believe, if consistently fit, that he'll be a useful squad player and a good option used in rotation

But we can discern that (for example), Robbie Savage wouldn't be a better option than Xavi for Barcelona, without needing to actually 'see' and test the partnership first. Can't we?

Nikica beat me to it, good post mate. I was going to say that the reason we have two holding midfielders, is that it allows all 4 attacking players, plus the full backs, to bomb forward when we have the ball. Then, when we don't have the ball, we in effect have 6 defensive players. Yes we'll sometimes get caught out on the counter, but overall I believe that 4-2-3-1 with the right personnel is the best way to go. Hence why so many teams are adopting it now.

Haha! Nail on the head

Everton 3 - 0 WHU Baines

But as I said, not having the money to challenge city and Chelsea isn't something we can change. So I prefer to be positive and give Roberto time to try and back up his ambitions for the club