Blue 250

I suppose that is the whole crux of the matter, personally I think we have been crap all season and deserve to be exactly where we are in the league

Being new to the forum I have looked at this thread with great interest.
Everyone has some very valid arguments about Lukaku and we are all entitled to our opinions.
As long as he is an Everton player I will back him 100%.
There may be times when I am absolutely pissed about his performances, offsides being a prime example but I believe that we have a decent striker in our team.
I hate the tag World Class being bandied around for players, how many genuine world class players are there...... Messi, Ronaldo, Neuer etc.
The Premiership is exciting but there are very few of these "World Class" players operating in it....Hazard, Silva, Toure, Aguero ?.
My point is that we could never afford one of these types of player so we have to make do.
28 million was a lot of money for Everton to spend on one player but after his loan spell I like many other fans, was quite excited about his signing.
Ok this season he hasn't hit the heights of last, but neither have the team.
When the team has played well Lukaku has generally done so too.
He has missed opportunities but at least he is in there to miss them, and we haven't had too many strikers doing that over the years.

at golden boy. Lukaku is far from my golden boy. Kone is like the opposite to Lukaku - great build up player but he's just not a great finisher. I can't tell you how pleased I am that he's not our main striker and that Lukaku is, or we'd be in a hell of a lot more trouble in the league than we are now.

A blind man can see Lukaku isn't the finished item, only an idiot thinks he's the finished item at 21 !
 
Well played again tonight Rom, still room for improvement, but the real fans are right behind you.

Isn't it just fucking crazy that when we play fast, attacking football in the Europa Lukaku thrives, but in the league we play slow, pedestrian shite and Lukaku struggles?

He's sticking out because he can see a forward pass. Nobody else in this squad can see them like him. It's his footballing brain and passing ability!

Dissapointed Barkley isn't starting, slightly less pressure match, a chance to get another 90 mins under his belt, room for the odd mistake without it being a disaster and a chance to shine.
 
Lukaku will want to play, add to his goal tally and get some confidence back after the Liecester game.
 
If we can get a couple of goals up, rest some and give the likes of Osman a run.

Dissapointed Barkley isn't starting, slightly less pressure match, a chance to get another 90 mins under his belt, room for the odd mistake without it being a disaster and a chance to shine.
 
Lukaku will want to play, add to his goal tally and get some confidence back after the Liecester game.
 
If we can get a couple of goals up, rest some and give the likes of Osman a run.

OK Blue - ETO "has not officially led a mutiny" - as it hasn't officially come out. But a liittle read for ya.... courtesy of Mr Roberto Carlos....
 
“He did everything at Anzhi, except play football.”
Getting even more critical about Eto’o’s contribution in Russia, the Brazilian added: “I came to the club and in my first year we finished in the top five.
“We managed to professionalise the team. In the second year, we signed Eto'o and I had control of the team - I organised the players and worked with the coach. I put Anzhi among the best.
“With the arrival of Eto'o, with the values of everyone involved, I had some little problems in the dressing room and had to talk to the Russian players and explain why Eto'o was there.
 
“However, a moment arrived when Eto'o thought to interfere with my work, to control the club, taking my position and that of Guus [Hiddink, the team manager].”
Showing that he bears a grudge against the West African forward, Carlos believed Eto’o was the reason why he left Anzhi, saying: “We talked about one thing, and then he went to the players and talked about another. That stressed me out and I warned that I would pack my bags and go.
“No one believed me because I had a four-year contract. But then I called Anzhi and came to an agreement.”

surely Pienaar will never play for Everton again after the part he played in 'mutiny' (unless of coures it was all bullshit, apparently he was a major force in the changing room debacle)
 
I'd love Pienaar back, trouble is how much has he got left to give, bit like Osman really.
 
There's no other way than attack tonight for Young boys, Martinez should be able to set up against those tactics.An early goal for us should make impossible for them, let's hope the crowd tonight don't get on peoples backs too quick if things get a tad tight, it really isn't helping.
 
Barkley needs to be allowed to get a few things wrong, we'll get the benifit later.

Here we go again, Billy Bullshit lays the entire blame squarely on the shoulders of Lukaku, his poster boy Martinez was the one who paid Big bucks!
 
This is the ' Has Martinez got it wrong ? ' thread.
 
Most of the woes associated with Everton FC this season are down to Martinez, he decided to go to the world cup as a pundit, he sets out the pre-season routine, he made the signings, he picks the team, he decides the tactics.
 
It's been mentioned above as to how last season was just the opposite to this one, the Moyes factor has to play a part.
 
Sure we are still in Europe and I'd love to win it, and to be honest we can, but it's league football that is the life blood of any club.
 
We aren't just having a bad season results wise, our fooball at times has been awfull, I kinda feel sorry for the players, Gibson can play through balls, Barkley also, so stop with the side ways tip tap, that's pretty sometimes but we have two of the best over lapping full backs in the country so use them.Coleman thrives on that type of football, a goal in Europe and Man of the match against Liecester, so mabye things are slightly on the improve, but there's so much more to get right.
 
Can Martinez change things, that was the question, I think he needs to take a long hard look at himself this summer, he has the players to change things, some really good young players.
 
He has Fuc%ed it up this season, but I think he has a chance, but he needs to be honest with himself and admit his mistakes.If he can't, then 1/3 of next season will show us.

Here we go again, Billy Bullshit lays the entire blame squarely on the shoulders of Lukaku, his poster boy Martinez was the one who paid Big bucks!
 
This is the ' Has Martinez got it wrong ? ' thread.
 
Most of the woes associated with Everton FC this season are down to Martinez, he decided to go to the world cup as a pundit, he sets out the pre-season routine, he made the signings, he picks the team, he decides the tactics.
 
It's been mentioned above as to how last season was just the opposite to this one, the Moyes factor has to play a part.
 
Sure we are still in Europe and I'd love to win it, and to be honest we can, but it's league football that is the life blood of any club.
 
We aren't just having a bad season results wise, our fooball at times has been awfull, I kinda feel sorry for the players, Gibson can play through balls, Barkley also, so stop with the side ways tip tap, that's pretty sometimes but we have two of the best over lapping full backs in the country so use them.Coleman thrives on that type of football, a goal in Europe and Man of the match against Liecester, so mabye things are slightly on the improve, but there's so much more to get right.
 
Can Martinez change things, that was the question, I think he needs to take a long hard look at himself this summer, he has the players to change things, some really good young players.
 
He has Fuc%ed it up this season, but I think he has a chance, but he needs to be honest with himself and admit his mistakes.If he can't, then 1/3 of next season will show us.

Pretty much what most of us are saying.
 
Thing is, ours is a pretty good squad, the players could turn this around, can Martinez ?

Here we go again, Billy Bullshit lays the entire blame squarely on the shoulders of Lukaku, his poster boy Martinez was the one who paid Big bucks!
 
This is the ' Has Martinez got it wrong ? ' thread.
 
Most of the woes associated with Everton FC this season are down to Martinez, he decided to go to the world cup as a pundit, he sets out the pre-season routine, he made the signings, he picks the team, he decides the tactics.
 
It's been mentioned above as to how last season was just the opposite to this one, the Moyes factor has to play a part.
 
Sure we are still in Europe and I'd love to win it, and to be honest we can, but it's league football that is the life blood of any club.
 
We aren't just having a bad season results wise, our fooball at times has been awfull, I kinda feel sorry for the players, Gibson can play through balls, Barkley also, so stop with the side ways tip tap, that's pretty sometimes but we have two of the best over lapping full backs in the country so use them.Coleman thrives on that type of football, a goal in Europe and Man of the match against Liecester, so mabye things are slightly on the improve, but there's so much more to get right.
 
Can Martinez change things, that was the question, I think he needs to take a long hard look at himself this summer, he has the players to change things, some really good young players.
 
He has Fuc%ed it up this season, but I think he has a chance, but he needs to be honest with himself and admit his mistakes.If he can't, then 1/3 of next season will show us.

Here we go again, Billy Bullshit lays the entire blame squarely on the shoulders of Lukaku, his poster boy Martinez was the one who paid Big bucks!
 
This is the ' Has Martinez got it wrong ? ' thread.
 
Most of the woes associated with Everton FC this season are down to Martinez, he decided to go to the world cup as a pundit, he sets out the pre-season routine, he made the signings, he picks the team, he decides the tactics.
 
It's been mentioned above as to how last season was just the opposite to this one, the Moyes factor has to play a part.
 
Sure we are still in Europe and I'd love to win it, and to be honest we can, but it's league football that is the life blood of any club.
 
We aren't just having a bad season results wise, our fooball at times has been awfull, I kinda feel sorry for the players, Gibson can play through balls, Barkley also, so stop with the side ways tip tap, that's pretty sometimes but we have two of the best over lapping full backs in the country so use them.Coleman thrives on that type of football, a goal in Europe and Man of the match against Liecester, so mabye things are slightly on the improve, but there's so much more to get right.
 
Can Martinez change things, that was the question, I think he needs to take a long hard look at himself this summer, he has the players to change things, some really good young players.
 
He has Fuc%ed it up this season, but I think he has a chance, but he needs to be honest with himself and admit his mistakes.If he can't, then 1/3 of next season will show us.

New to the forum as a member but been following for several yrs and am a season ticket holder in the Paddock.
On the Lukaku issue the problem as I see it is that he likes the ball at his feet, facing goal so he can run at defences... That is when he is at his most effective, example ....Arsenal last season.
Unfortunately Roberto plays him as a hold up striker and he just doesn't have the tools for this despite his obvious physical attributes.
I know all the arguments he is only 21..... He can't trap a bag of cement etc... I actually believe he will live up to his undoubted potential and prove to be a good signing for us.
 
Howard; he has cost us at least 10 goals this season with silly mistakes, dropping catches, miscommunication with his defenders and fumbling shots. He should be dropped for Robles who after a shaky start did look very good indeed and should never have been dropped to the bench.
 
I am also frustrated at our shape, lack of movement and desire to win the ball back when we lose it... why we constantly play 4:2:3:1 is beyond me! We need width and players playing in their preferred positions not central mids playing wide.
 
This all points to a stubborn manager who is either unable or unwilling to change, I like Roberto and really want him to do well but even his press conferences are now starting to grate me.
In his defence though, yesterday he made the double change early in the second half which did improve us and lead to us going one up only for us to be undone by more mistakes from Howard, who should not have been playing!.
 
I don't belive it is time for a managerial change at present as I genuinely believe we will be ok, I do think though the summer will be a time to reflect on what has gone wrong and maybe then change, I am just fearful Roberto could be following the same clueless route that Mike Walker took!!

I totally agree , I cant ever remember a more shambolic pre-season in all the years Ive followed Everton and it certainly played a part in the first few games of the season. It was obvious the players were not fit enough when we surrendered leads late on to Leicester and Arsenal and I don't think we have ever recovered from that sluggish start
 
If we survive this year I would give him the summer to sort this shit out but if we are still playing this boring sideways shite and results haven't improved dramatically come October then I think he has to go

You have just described precisely how the entire team have been performing this season

Thats probably the most balanced post you've made about Lukaku and I still cannot agree with what you say!
 
Don't have an agenda? I know you want the best for Everton, but you've got to admit you're massively overly critical of the lad? Can you not see that? You've given him nothing but grief bar glimpses of praise when, and only when, he's been brilliant. If he's not brilliant, he's shite in your eyes even when he's playing well or average even.
 
Its funny though, because I think he is proving me exactly right
 
His touch is improving He's working harder as he gets better service (rather than getting fed up after making loads of runs without being found) He's learning to position himself better to win headers He's a goal scorer and a match winner, given the chance.  
The one thing I will agree with you on, this season he's not done it anywhere near enough this season. Though I still maintain that he has not had the support in order to keep up his morale and he's let his frustrations impact his performances. That will also change with experience, and again, we've bought potential, massive potential. Last night shows what he is going to be, a perfect example of why I have so much faith in him. He can destroy anyone given the support, early balls into the box or in front of him. It's not rocket science, Roberto just tried to change too much too quickly and now we're getting a bit of balance, we're seeing the rewards.

Out of curiosity (I'm going to ignore the nonsense being posted for everyone's sanity), when was the last time we had a striker that got into double figures 2 seasons in a row? I can only think of Saha in the last 10 years (including cup goals). Looking around, add Duncan to that list for the whole Premiership era, and I cannot find anyone else. Correct me if I'm wrong!
 
Even if there are one or 2 others to add to the list, thats a pretty shitty list if we've got max 5 strikers hitting double figures in consecutive seasons in 25 years. Lukaku is still scoring despite his poor form and the poor form of the team. Everton have 44 goals in all competitions so far, Lukaku has scored or assisted 25% of them. Last season he was responsible for nearly 40% all told. But he is not good enough
 
Another point... Certain people wanted and moaned about getting a marquee player, for the board to show we had the money and "ambition" (still find it ridiculous that spending money equals ambition) to compete with the top. We brought in a goalscorer for 24m (potentially rising to 28m) which for me ticks the marquee and "ambition" boxes, whilst covering a position we have been desperate for for years with a player who can actually score goals. But then, because he cost so much he gets battered by the same people who wanted an expensive player! Because he shows ambition to play at the highest level, he's ridiculed! Maybe if he spent a lot of money, that would show his ambition better
 
I know he is under performing (along with the whole team), which has been down to injury and a change in our approach play early in the season, etc. etc. but FFS the lad is still scoring! And people want to get rid of him?! The mind boggles!
 
I'm going to try not to reply to the "yeah, but.... he talks to the media" or "he's not the complete player" comebacks, they've been done and I still think they're utterly irrelevant. He is a goal scorer brought in to score goals and is... wait for it.... scoring goals!
 
I will continue to support the lad even if he isn't playing his best, like I support the team even when they're not playing there best. When he is shite and stops scoring, I'll call for him to dropped for good or sold, but until then....

YAWN !

Lukaku had season with us on loan, Martinez and the Everton coaching staff had plenty of time to watch and assess the lad.
 
Martinez wanted him and paid mega bucks, Lukaku didn't set his own price.
 
Sturridge is the better striker of the two at present no doubt, Sturridge with age will probably only get more injury prone, whilst we can only hope with time Lukaku will develop into what Martinez obviously thought he was buying.
 
What did Martinez see in Lukaku to spend £28 million !.

What a brain fart of a story from Ian Doyle, he's been reading too many forums.
 
On the subject of Lukaku and Mirallas he says, "The pair haven't been among Evertons leading performers this season ".......well who the fuc% has been !!
 
Then he goes on to praise Seamus Colman for not rocking the boat and asking for a move, when let's be honest on this seasons form, who would want Seamus !
 
I wonder why more hasn't been made of the Eto uprising, the changing room mutiny , Pienaar throwing Duncan Ferguson out of the door

You would know
 
Wow, Lukaku comes out with a daft statement, you must be creaming your pants.At last a chance to look like you got something right.
Stick the best striker in the world up front for us and this season he'd struggle.
Most of us on here would admit Lukaku falls down in certain areas, at times it isn't pretty.Not that nice either watching Coleman and a few more have a poor season, but hey ho ! get behind the lads.

Asking a few obvious questions.....are a wind up !
 
You haven't had it all your own way, that's very sad for you.I've always seen straight through you and that's what you don't like.
All this ignore shit, it's like a child in the playground who doesn't get his own way. " I'll only speak to the people who believe everything I say "
 
I asked you some questions about the incident as did others, funny how all this deflects away from the actual point.
 
Ignore this !
 
You said Lukaku is shit......he isn't.
 
You said Martinez was way better than Moyes.....he isn't
 
You said Stats were 100%.......MikeO said they were infact 'nebulous crap'......you revised your stats down to at best 'wishy washy'.....SO stats were 100%........they aren't.
 
You said you ran off a broken toe in a few days......you didn't.
 
You said you scored numerous goals from the half way line......you didn't.
 
You come up with 100% stories from the changing room.......bullshit.
 
I'd like to ignore YOU.......but your on here so fucking much that would be half of the daily posts....fuck it I'll give it a go !