BlueBri

Heard earlier today that rumours of Carragher being called to the England squad were not simply hot air. Personally I think if I was Jags, I'd be really pissed. Of all the players that could go, Carragher in my opinion doesn't deserve a mention, he has hardly been outstanding. A case of jobs for the boys perhaps???

Personally, although novel, I don't like this idea. I actually find it quite insulting, as EFC have been thwarted at every step to build a new stadium, yet, only when the difficulty has raised questions of conspiracy or when LFC's new stadium started to lose momentum, has anyone external to EFC given any kind of a crap. As much as this is irritating, I would be quite happy to keep our heads down and plod on, as it surely can't be too long before we attract a billionaire benefactor. Then it will be 'fook 'em all'

Here's hoping that Moyes isn't tempted. I mean, Robbie Keane, that's one hell of a carrot to dangle. In all seriousness, the rumour mongering amongst the press is laughable at times. Why would we want another over the hill, journey man, past his best, has been. I said sarcastically in another thread that I missed the 90's, but a move like this would definitely put us right back there in glorious mediocrity. As long as we put a decent contract in fornt of Pienaar, he won't be going anywhere, unless Spain comes a knocking. Injuries aside, we were definitely a top four side but for our poor start and would have finished 3rd or 4th had we not been so unlucky. Everton have more longevity and consistency in the team than Spurs, and I am sure that Pienaar won't be sold on a Champions league dream by a side that will slip back down the table next year. Moyes has repeatedly stated we are not a selling club now, and I see no reason why this deal wouldn't get put straight into the bin. Tripe!!!

Of course nobody would want anyone to be hurt. I'm sure the Kopites are of the same sentiment, especially following their kind posts regarding Fellaini on one of their own forums.

Come on fellas, I think this is a bit OTT. Apart from the fact that Arteta wouldn't leave for City in a million, these comments are rather overstating what we all think of our treasured Spaniard. He 'is' good, very good, but so is Pienaar. On balance, over the last two years, I have thought we were a better side with both of them playing. When they are not together, I think we are more penetrative with Pienaar alone, than Arteta alone. This is not to say I think that Pienaar is a superior player as that is absurd. I just think that Pienaar tends to bring in the fullbacks more and creates more movement from the midfield and strikers, where Arteta is more of magician. I also think Pienaar is more consistent, as is his workrate and tracking back. I wouldn't want to lose either and value each to the team equally. Value wise, Arteta 3 times Pienaar, I think not, and if we don't have a contract for Pienaar sewn up before the world cup, we might see some silly offers for Pienaar. Out of curiosity, what would you value Arteta at currently?

lol well that's what you get when you don't read back what you have just typed. The obvious word is 'should' that has been omitted. I have wound my neck in, clipped and stowed my lip.

No!! It's mine, you just stole it in my absence!!! lol

Nice one Craig. Continuing the sublime to the ridiculous posting on this thread. While we're at it, why don't we sell Rodwell to Man Utd for silly money too, get rid of Cahill before he gets to old to sell and also Fellaini while people still think he is a good prospect. We can then scour the dregs for the biggest load of free shite we can get hold of, and perhaps pay over the odds for a flash in the pan or a long in the tooth journey man. God I miss the 90's.

Agree that we would have taken him a cople of seasons ago, but he wouldn'y still be with us if we had. We have grown since then and even in his prime wouldn't be good enough for us. He may have shined in a poor Wigan side, but they have been relegated and I can't think of any true Premiership quality players playing for them. We have a good, if small, squad. This would definitely NOT be the way to improve it.

I was on of the people jumping for joy the most when Pienaar joined us, and have been pleased he has lived up to my expectations. I would be sorely disappointed if we let him go and would also be shocked. Apart from the fact that he has just been named our player of the year, an indication surely that the club value his significant contribution and value, it would also go against quite vehement comments from Moyes that we are no longer a selling club, ( following the Man Utd game when the press went nuts over Rodwell ). The older I get, the less I take anything the press says with any value or credibility. The fact the player and agent have even discussed a move has been due to persistent and relentless baiting by the media. So Pienaar has said he wants to know who he is playing for next year 'before' he goes to the world cup. What exactly does that mean other than he wants to extend the 1 year left on his deal and he is not airing his linen in public. As frustrating as it is, I like the way we do our business quietly, despite any sensationalising by the media. As a nod the pessimist, if he does leave, I would think it will then only be a matter of time before Moyes goes, as at that point, Everton will have set their stall out that they have lost any ambition at all. But, I don't believe thats the case.

(Puts tin hat on in anticipation of a vicious onslaught) I actually agree with the theory of this thread. I will say that I wouldn't let Jags go, and I would also keep Neville as he is actually rather versatile and consistent. However, Distin, Yobo and Hibbert would not be missed, PROVIDING ( and this really is the crucial part) we were in fact able to attract two 'quality' players in. And that is where this all falls down really for me. In theroy it's great, but in the 'real' world, we have neither the financial clout, or even European football to tempt suitable replacements. So I will contradict myself now, and say, that unless some Tycoon comes in for us, we should be happy with what we have, as they are certainly not bad, we just want better.

Hi everyone, been a while since I have posted. Love the new, fresh forum. Sweeet. Which brings me to my post..... The who should we sign question that looms like a damp squib waiting to happen every year for us blues. Well, after reading about our interest in Scharner, I just had to find an outlet to 'vent' off. We have made solid and steady progress by bringing in young and progressive talent under Moyes, with the odd expception and there are not many 30+ players that make a positive or significant impact. I certainly would not view Scharner as a player of that calibre, and I think he would be best placed to accept he is going down with a team that resembles his level of ability. Any hooo. Although he is free, he would still want to be paid. I would much rather we continue to bring in and nurture some up and coming talent, as it is clear we have the basis of a very effective, well balanced squad. For example: Ajax have a plethora of upcoming midfield talent at the moment. In particular, I fancy Christen Erikson ( not literally ). He is a player that can control a game and has a great football brain. Seems to pick out passes that nobody else sees and is able to slow down or pick the pace of the game up to suit. Would cost a bit, as there are a good few clubs looking at him I believe, but nevertheless, would be just the ticket, and would probably cost less than Defour and may even be easier to obtain. As for strikers, what about Sam Baldock from MK Dons??? Small, penaly box finisher. We seem to have plaenty of great player getting balls in and plenty of people winning crosses and long balls. We could do with someone in those tight areas to 'finish' clinically. He's a terrier of a player and has a great eye for goal. Again, he may cost a bit as he is English and has played for England U20, but, cheaper than any established player at home or abroad, probably. I have no doubt that Moyes will pull another 'rabbit out of the hat' this summer, and there have been rumours, as usual, of us 'scouting' many players. But our lack of financial clout and failure to qualify for european competition this year is going to have a significant impact on transfers.

That's all the lad needed. Never really got the chance when he first came and his confidence dropped. I think he can feel he has the backing of the fans and seems to be really enjoying his game and it isn't half showing. Was obviously tired against Arsenal, but made up for it again last night.

Firstly, thanks to the City fans who have registered to bring their thoughts. Always a pleasure to hear what other teams fans think, adds perpective. I personally think Jo could be a runaway success. He was one of Moyes top targets. You have to remember that we were priced out as big money backers came into the market and prices were inflated. I mean come on guys, how much for Bellamy and £100 million for Kaka??? I'm glad he turned that down, that would have been the death of football. We have missed a big imposing Centre Forward and he could fill that gap well, especially with our wide players. I know he probably won't play that way as he is more of a striker, but if he stays, think about him and the Yak up front. If he can master the classic Centre Forward role, Yak is very good at finding space and shows good movement. Could be a match made in heaven.

Me fooled to. S*** myself then pissed myself laughing. Nice one.

I didn't hear that one. The interview I have seen, he is only crying about the sending off changing the game. I think he knows he has no complaints. He can't complain about the games they have had, as we have had a tougher run, and with a small squad and huge injury list. If he complains about that, he admits their training regime is crap and the players unfit. He can't complain about refereeing decisions, as on balance, the ref was more leniant with them, although I agree Lucas's first yellow was very harsh, but he was lucky on a couple of other occasions, so it all evens out. Can't complain about us defending, as even when they had 11, we showed intent to attack and posed a threat. For all their posession before the sending off, they didn't carve out anything of note, even with all that talent. Can't complain about us trying not to lose, as the second Gerrard went off, that's what they looked like. No red in the land could argue with the result. In the first leg, they rescued the game and last night, only one team looked like they wanted to win. Another point, it has been said here many times over the last couple of years, but despite Liverpools array of big money players, without Gerrard, they are hollow and fragile. I am not saying they are a one man team, but very close to it. Last point, IS RIGHT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Had to give this a long think. Stand outs for me were Lescott, Baines, Gosling and Rodwell. Arteta looked better than the last couple of games and Pip was solid. Had to go with Jags in the end though, kept Torres & co. in his back pocket all night. If he does not get an England call up after this run we have just had, he never will. Has pretty much kept the best the premiership has, quieter than silent bobs sponsored silence.

Went with Jags, But I have to say, over the last 6-8 weeks, it is becoming increasingly difficult to single people out. I thought everyone had a great game against an undeniably exceptional team. Their strikers had a miserable afternoon, even Ronaldo was quiet by his standards. Don't really know what Mikel was doing trailing his leg for the pen, but we all have moments of madness. Looking forwards to the derby again on wed, despite the RS beating Chelsea.

I think the point about fans not from the city is vague. My understanding is an irritation of 'knowledgable' supporters who come from another area where other major teams are based, and that these fans will drivel on about how great their team is this and that, but their knowledge is limited to what they hear down the pub, watch on Sky or read in the paper. I think just having a go at someone because they are not from the place their team is is short sighted. I notice Everton have a strong Irish and Scandinavian contingent, and also have a strong base in ex-pat communities worldwide. It tends to be directed at the likes of Liverpool and Man Utd, as their success has led them to be household names, and have supporters who go to see them as a status mark, like driving a BMW, or having a pair of Jimmy Choo shoes. Just because thay can afford the season ticket, doesn't make them experts, petrolheads or fashionable, it just shows they can afford 'the best'. Unfortunately, these fans have helped push football away from the working class game it once was, and is driving 'the common man' to occasional visits and armchair supporting due to the excessive cost to go. It then becomes frustrating to listen to these fans bleat on how good their team is, when they aren't really enjoying the game, but the result that the teams success bring and that is where their 'knowledge' ends. So when you get into a debate, they will just hamper on about how great their team is without appreciating the beautiful game. That is just my take on it and what gets my back up about non local supporters, not that they don't come from a place, but because of the motives behing their support and their subsequent bulls***.

Jags, Lescott, Fellaini and Cahill were all outstanding as was everyone. But I went with Pienaar. HArried them in attack and defense all night and created problems for them non stop. It was also his vision that put Baines in that space for the goal. You also have to remember who we were playing, and the fact that Arsenal were not firing was down to Everton not Arsenal, even Wenger admitted that. Great team display though. Hope for more of the same against Man Utd.

I wouldn't personally take much heed to any comments any more. We usually hear that players are having meds, discussing terms etc. and the deals never materialise. This could just be Moyes throwing the journo's off the scent so things can be dealt with discretely behinsd closed doors. Personally I don't think we will end up with anyone this window. You just have to hope that MOyes et al know what they are doing and if no-one comes in, hope we have more luck with injuries etc.

Well spotted. I'm not sure the difference Yobo would make, as his injury seems to be giving Lescott a new lease of life with Jags and Baines is starting to blossom at LB as we all thought he would given the chance. We are definitely missing the Yak though, his sheer power, pace and finishing is a big loss. However, Pienaar has been possibly our most dangerous player for some time. I admit, that when Arteta is on fire he is scorching, but he does tend to drift in and out of games and blows hot and cold. Piennar has been consistently outstanding and has a brilliant work ethic. He is quite happy getting stuck in on the 18 yard box as he is attacking down the wings. His play making blows me away and with his age, I think he will become one of the premierships outstanding playmakers.

My head says a Man U win, but it will be a tight game. Always is. Fergie has great respect for Moyes and with good cause. For the players we have, pound for pound, we give them more problems than most. Our lack of attacking options has galvanised the side, though, and if the Arsenal game is anything to go by, then Utd will find it very hard against us, particulalry if Rooney is out. Not too worried about the rest. Can see Anichebe starting in for Cahill up front, but I'd like to see some young blood on. I don't think Vic is fully fit and it showed on Wednesday. The legs are what we need with the formation and tactics and youthful exuberence will do well against a frustrated Man U side. I like the unknown quantity, it upsets 'stars' as they don't know what to expect and therefore can't prepare. As villified as he is, I think VDM might be a good shout on the right and stick Ossie up front. Seriously underrated finisher (Ossie) and will run all day, just lacks height. I think Fellaini would be better for us in the middle, will get right up their nose the way he seems to amble about, but always seems to get a foot in and gets a blue on the pass 95% of the time. Arteta hasn't got the 'muscle' against Utd. I hope Peanuts has a good game, at the moment my favourite player. Works so hard and creates so much for us ( Baines cross for Cahills goal on Wed due to amount of space Pienaar found him in).

I like the tone this thread is now generating, I just hope that some of those 'serious' bitter blues and reds are reading and feelilng a little stupid. I have said on this forum before now, that the relationship between red and blue is special because of the mutual appreciation of each others teams, clubs with a dash of humour, light heartedly ribbing each others teams. It's one of my fondest memories of going to Derby games and ENJOYING reflecting on the game with a smile, almost regardless of the result. Personally, I miss the solidarity that is quickly evaporating from the two sets of fans and I am sickened by anyone who uses peoples suffering or pain as cause for merriment. It is shallow and pointless. The reality is that this is a mindset that has developed over a number of years and is fuelled by thoughtless or brainless comments and actions by those who should be leading by example. This includes managers, players, boardroom staff and parents. I cannot go along with the easy blame thrower of 'it's the younger ones' because where do you think their mentality is founded. I do find it encouraging that 'opposition' fans come on this forum and share this sentiment and add real value and spice to some of the threads. I particulalry enjoyed our belgian and russian friends over the last year. Friendly banter and witty conversation about football, not mindless mudslinging and comments designed to do nothing than fuel bitterness. Back on point, my eldest son just likes the simple 'We're by far the greatest team........' especially when Gwladys Street and the Park End have a competition. Makes Goodison special.

I do agree that IF a club was to come in for £20-30 million for Cahill, Everton would have to accept it and would be foolish not to. At the end of the day NOBODY is irreplacable and that kind of money in the hands of Moyes would yeild some bright talent. HOWEVER, taking a bite of the reality pill, a realistic price for Cahill would be £8-12 million, depending on his injury run and form. I don't think Everton would sell him for that kind of money as it would be highly unlikely at this time to obtain someone who could deliver half of what Cahill provides for that money. I personally think Cahill has become one of the brightest stars in Premiership and is the envy of nearly every club. Again, though, I don't feel he would shine as brightlly outside of Everton. His heart is with club and his passion etc. is emulated by the rest of the team. I cannot think of a single club in the Premiership that has the same 'team spirit' as us. You even hear almost every football pundit and commentator making that point whenever they talk about us, and they continually heap praise and wonderment on Moyes for producing this with the Net amount of SFA. Cahill is without doubt one of the greatest buys of the last 10 years by any club and any standard. I wouldn't go as far as to say he is one of the greatest talents at the club, but he is certainly a legend and one of the greatest players. I think his face and name will be remebered even when I have grandkids, and unless Man City come in for Cahill with a stupid bid, I personally think he will see his top flight career out with us, before returning to Oz to put back into their game, as he promised to do a couple of years ago. And he has clearly demonstrated, he is man of his word.