BlueBri

Firstly, I agree with the comment about showing some respect to our foriegn friends. They have made an interesting contribution and to disrespect them just lowers you to level i expect from Man Utd or Redshite fans. In answer to this comment, Everton have had a significant transfer budget compared to previous seasons due to Uefa cup Qual, Sky TV and 5th spot in the EPL. In order to continue to compete, that money needed to be spent. Moyes has made no secret he was prepared to spend on a young up and coming midfielder. The profile target was Moutinho, but he and his club priced him out of a move. Moyes has had his eye on Fellaini for a couple of years and has decided he is now worth the money, probably reinforced by his display against the red shite. This much for a young European player is cheap, Rooney cost Man U £30 million+ and he was 18. As good as he is, I don't see his value increasing if at all. Fellaini could become a shrewd investment if he continues to develop his game. If he was English, he would have probably cot £20 million plus. The frustration for Everton fans is not that we think we are paupers, but that on the face of it, our board does not seem to be doing much to encourage serious investment into the club to remain competitive and move the club forward. EFC are by far on of the biggest clubs in England, if not the world and it constantly baffles people as to why we are overlooked, when inferior clubs are bought up and have massive cash injections i.e. Villa, Man City, West Ham, Portsmouth etc etc. With a serious financier, and with our current team and manager, I belive we will not just be competing for UEFA and CL, but also realistically for the EPL title. Our history and stature deserves it, as do the fans, who are among the most loyal and respectful you will find.

Just read this article on Sky Sports. http://www.skysports.com/football/team/0,19734,11671,00.html I am wondering if someone has had the No 9 shirt legend conversation. I have to say, if true, that is very encouraging. I have always favoured honest, hard working players who show their commitment by their actions. Lets just see if his actions meet his words.

I think everyone was a little surprised, especially with the takeover rumours abound. I'm going to stick my neck out here though, I think Robinho will flop. He will have undoubted flashes of genius, but the rigours of the EPL will show through. He will struggle to shine in a team that is starting to look a bit 'thrown' together. Chelsea only managed to maintain their position because they had an exceptional manager who bought well, despite having to buy players he didn't want i.e. Schevchenko. I don't think Sparky is up to it and Man City are fickle at the best of times, unbelievably so under Shinawatra. They will push all the way this season, but I don't expect them to do well for a year or two if they are given stability. I am a firm believer in consitent and patient growth. All of the most successful teams have proved this year on year. And the way we are going, Premiership title 10/11 season???? (Just put that in for flavour, but anything is possible, and I believe in moyes. I also believe in fairies, but there you go:) )

I think Fellaini will settle quickly. You must remember with regard to match fitness, he must be at least 1 month ahead of the rest of the team and has played well in high level competetive matches so far. With our 'Team' ethic, we have seen the majority of new players bed in very quickly over the last few seasons, with injury generally being the reason this hasn't happened. I don't see Fellaini being any different. SkySports say it is a coup that Everton picked this lad up, and on a 5 year contract. It just goes to show that Moyes is committed also for the near future, as he is securing young talent on long contracts. It took its time coming, but I think we are almost ready for another good season.

As a matter of fact, ther is talk of Querioz leaving Man Utd and Sir Alex won't be around forever. Sir Alex is a HHHUUUGE admirer of Moyes and they apparently talk to each other regulalry. The pull of Man Utd could be too hard to resisit if our Boardroom don't pull a rabbit out of the hat. I agree that there is a lot of bullshit flying around, but it must be said that the conspicuous absence, AGAIN, of transfer activity, Wyness walking out, Kenwright mumbling about moving out if a decent takeover came in and the stadium being pulled in for inquiry, it pretty dire. I don't believe for a minute Moyes wants to go, he has built a formidable team that has performed and is improving, and all on a shoestring with seriously inept backroom support. But would you stay with all this hit going on year after year. It is becoming as regular as pantomime, or id that what Kenwright is after. OOOHHH no he isn't, OHHH yes hes is. (Sorry).

Hi Guys. Been away a very long time. Just trying to catch up on what is going on, but had to coomment on this. Manny was a sensation last season and we woul have all been very pleased had the transfer gone through. Following the questionable circumstances, everyone's opinion was split. What wasn't c;ear was just how much influence Manny had on the farce. His comments were misleading and didn't convince me he was a straight shooter (sorry). On his return, Moyes has obviously thought he would try him again and at the very least hope for a repeat. However, this time, it's not just Manny's ability that is under scrutiny and I think his true colours are showing. He seems to be a bit of a drifter and has to be 'loved' a litle too much. I don't think he will now fit in to our team ethic and will be moved on, gratefully on recent showings. His distribution and pass completion have been abismal, although, he has shown he can string a pass occasionally (pass for Osman was sublime). I don't think he is playing for the team he left last year and it shows, as he is not as much of a 'star'. Personally, in this situation, I think it is better not to go backwards and would have much preferred Appiah or players of that ilk rather than go with Manny again. There is no denying he is talented but he can't seem to get the attitude or the consistency right. Hate to say it, but I told you so.

The Pienaar and Arteta effect is starting to really show. Fantastic game. I think Birmingham will take that result as it should have been 4 or 5-0 by half time. I agree that there were many wasted opportunities, but I don't think that you could single any one player out for being wasteful. Perhaps they shocked themselves just how well they were plaing, at times it could have been Arsenal playing 'total football'. Great to watch, although typical Everton, they make you almost die with frustration.

"Moyes and the Everton board, look into my eyes not around my eyes, look in to my eyes.. your under. You WILL buy Appiah in the January transfer window and you will show your loyal supporters that Everton are back on the big stage, also, you will secure Pienaar as a permanent signing at the end of the season. 3-2-1 your back in the room!!!!"

4-3-1-2:- HOWARD NEVILLE, YOBO, LESCOTT, BAINES ARTETA, GRAVESON, PIENAAR CAHILL VAUGHAN, YAKUBU And bring on ANICHEBE if things not going well for whichever striker not performing.

I'm not convinced that we have seen the last of the 4-4-2 from Moyes. With our injuries etc, he hasn't been able to try his 1st choice selection with them all playing. I think we may see the following in the near future: ---------HOWARD---------------- NEVILLE--YOBO---LESCOTT--BAINES ARTETA-----GRAVESON-----PIENAAR -------------------CAHILL--------------- ------------AJ---------YAKUBU------------ That would be my take on our possible 4-4-2, more of a 4-3-1-2 with Timmy playing a free role behind the strikers. With Moyes favourites it would probably be: -------HOWARD---------- HIBBERT--YOBO---STUBBS--LESCOTT ARTETA-------NEVILLE----------OSMAN -----------------------CAHILL------------- --------AJ-------YAKUBU-------- Personally I think this could be quite effective and may actually yield some goal from Yakubu and make him worth buying in the first place. I am absolutely positive that Moyes has not played Yakubu in a team that he envisaged when he bought him and knows that he is not right for the selections he has had forced on him. Will put money on Yakubu being 1st choice for some time yet.

I hate these games, even more so because of our UEFA Cup commitment. I would like to think we aare good enough in depth to bring out some of the second string and youngsters for a run. My worry is that confidence is a big thing to us at the moment and Luton is a banana skin if we aren't careful. Risky as it may be, I woud field a full strength side, barring any possible injuries or niggles that can be rested. I think we have to go hell for leather in every competition. If we put our chickens in one basket, we could end up having a very dull season. A good domestic cup run is a must this year, as well as a top six finish. We have to make sure that we qualify for Europe next year to maintain our progression as a club.

I was in upper bullens at the Gladwys Street end and it was a great atmosphere on Thursday. I think the reason it went quiet is that the team went to sleep and it got a bit boring. Also, there were loads of kids at the game, I took my eldest (10). That's what happens when the tickets are cheap. All in all a great night though, there was a nice calm excitment about the place.

I agree that Cahill would make a good captain, but as with everyone else, I thought giving Yobo the armband seemed to get him more focussed. I still think he is one of our players who have yet to fully blossom, and there is no denying he is one of the most capable central defenders in the Premiership. His only vice, that he sems to have a Siesta for a few minutes, usually arou 65, 70 mins into the game, and it can cost us. He definitely looked less inclined to drift off against Larissa, and I really do think that was down to the Captains armband. I would love Cahill to be club captain, but i have always thought that defensive midfielders and particularly central defenders make the best captains, probably because they have a more complete view of the game.

And there it is. The reason Yak looked better is because he is, as you say, starting to realise that Evertons success lies in the players working for each other, with no exceptions. If he can manage to now improve on his performance, I think he will find himself settle and be right at home. After reading Cahills interview about staying, and the fans passion for players who play for the team, he must be starting to see this clubs deep rooted 'one for all and all for one' attitude. Just look at our side 84-87, not many top class players in there, but Everton were one of the most respected and feared clubs, because they were a proper team.

Are you sure it wasn't his wrist?? I think Cahill made a big difference, and Pienaar. Would have liked to see him switch with Arteta throughout the game as against Metalist 2nd game though. He seems to like to drift across the pitch. Both Tim and Peanuts were looking for the space and the quick pass, most of the lads were 1/2 second behind until the second half. Tommy came on and the game ignited into life. Great to watch.

Much better, more professional performance. Still think we are a little naive about european football, Larrissa started to put some moves together and were getting easy free kicks. The goals were all fantastic, particularly Osman's, what a team goal, and what a back heel from Pienaar, great awareness. Our passing has got to start getting better though, we are giving the ball away to easily and we seem to love playing the ball into danger. Cahill certainly made a difference, and looks very sharp considering his layoff. I will disagree with most comments on here about Graveson. The impetus totally changed when he came on. He may run round like a headless chicken, but Larissa weren't able to cope with the energy from the Blues. Lescott was fantastic and I thought Yobo had a good game as captsin. HE seemed to focus more on the game than usual, however, he still had his 5 minute mid second half kip. Got to get those ZZZZs in. Finally, I think Moyes is making a good move leaving Yakubu off. Although he chased back in the derby, once I think, he just doesn't do enough for the team, and still isn't showing any sign of being potent in front of goal. I am not saying he hasn't got talent or a good record. I do think he will score, but I am strating to think that DM is starting to think he made a mistake and I will not be surprised if he is gone at the end of the season. Anichebe caused them loads of problems last night and just has so much poise under pressure for a lad of his age, and with Vaughan returning in the near future, McFaddden's sudden rise and Cahills return, not to mention our resident dynamo AJ, I wonder exaclty how Yakubu will even get a place in the team. Just one more thing. Why do people pay to get in to watch their beloved blues, only to leave 5 minutes before the end. F***ing annoying gits. Was a great game and was finishing well and I felt like a bloody jack in the box.

I think what he is trying to say is that apart from the first 10-15 minutes, we were the better side and even with 10 and 9 men, caused them problems. At any rate, nothing can now change that result, lets just hope the boys show us they can play tonight. I am getting tired of the mediocre performances this season, we are a much better side than we are showing, even with injuries.

Heard this as well on the radio yesterday. Doesn't bode well. However, if the club stick with him, as they did when Dunc had his run-in with the law, he may start waking up to the fact that this club is a good place to be and start pulling his weight. That said, this should not affect his performance on the pitch, especially now that he will have to chauffered round until his license is sorted. Was the arresting officer a Liverpool fan??? Jusst thought I would ask. Just seems funny how this is all happening around Derby weekend???

I'm not sure whether it's the case that Dm doesn't like him. I think it is more likely that he is not ready for first team fotty yet. I've only seen him on the bench when there is no-one else to put on there. He is being used to make up squad numbers at the moment. He is only a young lad, maybe we'll see him later in the season as a sub coming in in less important games, or when we are cruising.

Hibbert, Yakubu, Howard (how can you dive the right way and still not save it?), Lescott- should've dealt with Babel pressure which lead to their winner... REALLY?!? HOW INTERESTING.

I would say to look at the Opta stats for Sissoko. He is one of those frustrating players to watch as he doesn't do anything fantastic. Having said that, his tackling and pass completion are awesome. I wouldn't complain if we did sign him, maybe he just knows he made the wrong choice, especially after listening to his level headed non biased gypsy shagging manager talk bollocks for the umpteenth time. I'd play shite for Benitez, he's a prick.

Top post!! Pretty much says it all and I like the philosophical angle. Nitzche would be proud.

Would only work with a good Defensive Midfielder. If we get Appiah (the more we ask and hope, the more the board might take notice) it may be a solid defensive formation that is capable of attacking from almost any direction. Could be interesting. Agree that Pip needs a replacement. Totally unimpressed thus far by Jags. Seems like a tryer, but he just chases shadows, if you get me.

I don't care who plays tomorrow, they had all better pull their heads out of their arses. I'm taking my lad to Goodison for his second game and the last time I took him, (Blackburn last season) they were shite. We are all proud of the club and all it has achieved in the past, but just because we are in the Uefa Cup is not all that. It's a damned sight better than years gone by, but we are supposed to be moving forwards. As I said, whoever plays, bear this in mind and just remember who pays your wages!!!!!! I am getting tired of the Blue cross we have all been carrying around, that leads us to hope before crushing all it into smithereens in a puff of poor attitude. Actually, one player I want to start, Pienaar. Where was he on Saturday Moyes? And Baines come to mention it. Probably our two most consistent performers outside of Lescott. I am not an FA card carrying manager, but anyone can see this logic, surely???? COYB