RuffRob

To be honest if comes back for free on is on low wages, I have no problem with having Alan Stubbs in the squad. It's not like he is going to be a major signing on long term mega contract. I don't think we will have to sacrifice other signings to have him back. Weir has been great, but is definately coming to the end of his shelf life. Yobo will be off to the african cup. So we could be a injury or two away from a limited back line. I would guess it would only be a contract until the end of the year. Even if he never gets a game, he is nice to have as back up or on the bench. Stubbs is a decent defender to have in the squad in the short term.

Were have you just heard that?? The Sun said this morning he's signing for Celtic, But last week he was signing for us, this week it was Madriad. So unless you have heard definative news then my guess is we are still an as likley destination for Keane as anywhere. I agree with bringing in young blood. But if you have a chance to sign a player of Keane's calliber (i.e proper world class - still) for a free - you have to consider bringing them in. I for one would love to see him don the Everton shirt. He may not have the legs of a young man, but his midfeild brain, tackling and passing is still top draw. Man United would still be a better team with a 34 year old Roy Keane in it, than anything else they have got instead. Having his experience in our midfeild can only be a positive in both the short term when he plays and in the long term with the experince and guidence to younger players will get from one of the worlds best players over the last 10 years. (he beats the socks of Egder Davids anyday of the week!!!!) Yes, he is only a stop gap as you will not get more than 18 months out of him, possibley less. But as we know a lot can happen in 6 to 18 months.

Thinking about it - the later we see Kroldrup the better in my opinion. Moyes has Yobo and Weir together at the back, for one good reason at the moment - Our defence on the whole is now just a stingy as it was last year. In the last 7 games we have only lost one game, draw twice (against the two top clubs in the country), and won 4 keeping 4 clean sheets. Now if we continue this form for the next 7 games, then I would be happy. If good form means no Kroldrup - then it suits me at the moment. If he has to wait for his chance until injuries, suspensions or African Cup duty then so be it. It will come, at least this way he knows there is no easy rid at Goodison, and if you get into the first 11 you need to be on top of your game to stay in it.

In all honesty he has missed his chance to join Everton, if he did come he would NOT be a first choice player and would be in a similar position to what he is at a Spurs.

Real's interest in Keane suprises me to be honest, as he can't play CL games this January. But then again, if he is free then is definately worth having in the squad. Is Keane a 'squad' player though. Bit of up rooting to be a squad player at the end of your career. I imagine we will find out in good time.

These are the matches we HAVE to pick up 3 point in my view, a good result against West Ham would set us up nicely for the Xmas period. It now looks as if we have 'turned the corner' since the well earned draw against Chelsea. But becasue of the really poor start we had - we still have plenty to do. I would like us to be firmly in the top half of the table in the New Year, With home games against West Ham, Bolton, Liverpool and away trips to Sunderland and Villa, between now and the end of the month. I would hope taking our recent form in to these games we could expect 10 of the 15 point available. A very do able target (three wins and a draw) That would put us on 27 points after 19 premiership games (half way mark). Considering we only took 4 point from our first 9 games, this would be a very decent return going into the New Year. Counting my chickens a bit at the moment I know, but with Arteta and Cahill also waiting in the wings to 're-claim' there spots in the team - I can't help but be a little optimistic this Xmas.

I am not a Wright fan (as he hasn't given us Evertonians any encouragement to get behind him). He played well yesterday and will at least get another couple of games over the next week. If he can keep a couple of clean sheets and not do any howlers over the next two games, then if I was Moyes I would leave him in the team to further build his confidence and see how he goes until the middle of January. I think he will take a lot from yesterdays game (I wouldn't say he made a load of spectacular saves, but he deal well admirably with everything thrown at him, and that all you we can ask of him). What I would like to see is a 'normalised' Wright. What I mean by that is a player who's confidence is not low , a player who has intergrated in to our backline (trains with the first choice backline and played a number of competative games with them) i.e a player who feels comfortable and at home as first choice keeper. If I remember correct we have seen Wright play well in a Everton shirt (didn't he help us get to 7th place a few seasons ago). To begin with he lost his place to Martyn through injury and largely down to Martyns great form hasn't had much of a prolonged chance between the sticks since that time. As we have paid a fair few quid for him and paid his wages for a number of season, I think it would be a shame not to have a proper look at him again before we basically give him away. Lets just see how he goes over then next couple of games and beyond, to see if he can gain our confidence - one in the hand is worth two in the bush as they say.

Yeah, he has been very poor this season, and his attitue suprises me after the way he performed last season. Something tells me he has spat his dummy out to some extent after doing so well last season and slipping down the ranks this. Same it going this way, as he did a great job for us last term. Can't see him with us in January, if we can get a another pacy player for the frontline. Make me think of Nugent as neither Robbie Keane or Trudle have any real pace. Doesn't sound if AJ is going anywhere this January.

A draw was a good and fair result. I must admit when I first saw the team sheet and we were without four starters then I did think we may struggle a little, but all credit to the boys. They ALL played well yesterday and limited Uniteds chances. Davies is really starting to impress me. He is stating to look a tidy player in the middle, is strong and hard working, can tackle, pass and is good on the breakaway. Anybody, who offers more than £1M for Bent should have their hand snatched off.

To be honest I think the biggest thing with Wright is the facts that his confidence is low. He always seems to get his chance when the team arn't doing particulaly well, so he seem to always let a lot of goals in personally. Yesterday, we played a team that again on paper at home could have put three or four past us. I though Wright played his part and was not a weak link we all feared. Lets hope this game builds his confidence for the next few games, and allows him to kick start his Goodison career. I think bedding in as a keeper is the most difficult position to slot in to, because you need to have a good undertanding of the players around you and visa versa. It does take a 12 or so games. Jury is still out as only one game, but I am all for giving the lad a far crack at the whip. It would be nice if he got his confidence back and becomes the keeper that was challenging for an England spot three or four years ago. We will see, I would say he HASto play well enough to keep Martyn out of the side until well into the New Year to give Moyes enough confidence to not buy a new number 1 to replace Martyn. I hope he does it as I would like to see half a dozen clean sheet over the next month. Good Luck Wrighty

Emm - Can I now change my prediction for sundays game I would say VDM position is the one with the least cover. McFadden has shown he isn't suited, Kilbane well what can I say. three quaters of our midfeilders missing on Saturday then.

He has got a bit of time on his hands at the minute - (can't play until January). So to be honest if I was him I would also take my time to be honest, no real point in rushing anything.

As I mentioned, indeed we won't be favs on Sunday, but I just feel its to our advantage that they got dumped on there ar5e in mid-week. They will get a mouthful of AF, but to be honest I don't think the band of players he has got now will respond the way the team may have done 3 or 4 years ago. Frustrate Rooney on Saturday, and you could see him losing it. He will have 'stewed' nicely over the past couple of days, so playing Everton may just make his head go on Sunday. I really fancy him for a red card if enough 'abuse' is directed at him. I am sure the Everton defence will be well breifed on how to wind him up and frustrate him. Everton need to frustrate United and in particulary Rooney on Saturday - Step up Phil Nellive - a player the United fans I would imagine give a generouse reception. A good performance by Neville would also help wind up the United camp. I must admit as 12/1 underdogs, strange to think I am actually looking to us playing United this weekend. What odds on Rooney getting a red card I wonder - anybody know?

Well said Hafnia - this is what the forum is here for - to post rumours and churning up discussion - so shouldn't knock you for it, even if he doesn't sign in the end. I must admit I tend to put as much creedence if not more on these types of rumour as I do those lazy journalists write.

http://advfn.oddschecker.com/advfn/mode/o/...425x/sid/776806 At odds of 12/1 for an Everton win (by whatever score) I must say I fancy a couple of quid on a double Beattie, Ferguson or McFadden to get the first goal (1/14 to 20/1) I would say we are farily high in confidnece now as a team, while this United squad must be on a all time low after getting dumped out of Europe last night. High odds for a good reason, but 12/1 thats value to me in a two horse race especially after last night.

http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,2002390...5550343,00.html I know its the Sun, but during my usual lunchtime browse over the sports pages came across this.

I would say the disapointment of last nights exit from Europe will still be at the back of the Man U player minds the next time they take to the pitch. I personnally think this weekend is probabley the best time to face them. OK it could be argued that they will want to put in a good performance and 'bounce back', but history suggests that 'bouncing back' is easier said than done, as so many teams get hit with a bad result in the league straight after major European disapointment. Still wouldn't have us down as favs or anything like that, especially with the Arteta and Cahill missing, but I would say we how have a better chance of getting something from the game. Especially, if we get at them early on.

Stats RK - age 25, played 320 games scored 111 goals, about 1 goal in 2.9 games. Generally most of his goals have been at top level. AJ - age, played 236 games and scored 86 goals, about 1 goal in every 2.75 games. allthough only one top flight season under his belt. However, played the first 80 games as a winger and not a striker. Since playing as a out and out striker for Palace his stats have been - played 136 game and scoring 73 goals, about 1 in every 1.9 games. Also remember that he also scored and manufactured a lot of goals in the Prem last season for a poor team who ultimately got relegated. So I recone is goal per chance ratio is also farliy high. A very pacey player who CAN finish, unlike Radz or Bent. And thats what does if for me with AJ - the pace

I can't see Grav's coming back to be honest. We are not bad in the middle of the park to be honest, so I can't see spending £2M and big wages on him being a priority at the minute.Both he and Everton have moved on to be honest. He had a cracking first half of last season with us, but to be honest over the full duration of his term with us he did blow a bit hot and cold. He is on massive wages now, and it will be tough for Everton to come anywhere near them. What will be his drive to come back to Goodison. Thanks for the memory We all love our Cahill, Arteta and Neville and over the last couple of games I have thought Davies is starting to show his true form after a poorish start. (largely down to shin splint problems and settleing in time), VDM is also going to improve as he get in to the pace of the Prem and match fit. With Carsely and Osman as decent back up I feel we have 7 players ranging from excellent to good there, we also have Bent, Kilbane and McFadden that can slot in on the wing if injuries get really bad. Defensive cover is reasonable at present, although it will be nice to have Valente and Ferrari fit again, and don't think this will need any reinforcement in January Up front I think Beattie, now he has had a run of half a dozen games on the bounce in looking good upfront for us. He really is the first line of defence, is working hard and is starting to give opposition defences problems, once he has got his eye back in I also think we will see more goals from him. But at present our back up front is lacking a bit of quality and PACE, McFadden is now getting the forward role he wanted, he has looked a lot better this season, but I still feel he needs to move up one more gear if he want to be considered as one of our top three strikers come the end of the season. Although, he will improve our squad, I am not convinced Keane is the answer, I would like to see Moyes take a punt on Nugent in January, he has shown some class, is pacey and is only 20. If he found wanting in the Prem, then we should go all out for AJ in the summer. If we can get the £2M for Bent that has been banded about, then I would take it and take another gamble on Trundle. Beattie, McFadden, Ferguson, Vaughan, Nugent and Trundle as our strikeforce come January for me. I think our main area for improvment/reinforcment is in goal - I think I am speaking for everyone when I say we sh1te it on Saturday when Martyn went off. The sooner Wright is of the books the more we can relax. His confidence is shot for me, neither the player, the manager or fans have faith in him. I think it would also do Wright good as well. I would say and Martyn is getting very near the end of his shelf life. Cudichini as a first option and if not joy with him then Nieimi.

Souness for me - I would have to say over the years he must have spent a huge amount of money on players - for very little return. He look to buy player that every other club say they are after. He falls out with more player than any other manager (would lead me to think it may be HIS persona that is the problem. His record is very poor in English football - yet has had decent jobs. Made mess of Liverpool, walk out on Blackburn leaving them in a relegation fight, and spent a load more money at Newcastle on some talented players, but done very little with it, I would say Newcastle are no further on than they were before he took control. Has to be the worst considering the money he has had to play with.

For me I would snap the hand of any team who offer £2M for Macus Bent. I would gladly swop Marcus Bent and £6M to get AJ at the club. We have to remember that AJ signed a new contract in the summer so he isn't going to come cheap. To be honest this shows that AJ isn't a money grabbing, glory hunter and has a bit of integraty and loyalty by signing a new contract even though it meant going down a division with Palace. I can't think of many players that have shown that kind of loyalty and commitment to a club and st of fans. He would have got his increased wage packet to whoever he would have signed for. However, based on Palaces position in the table, I don't feel they are going to let AJ go until the summer. They are just outside the play-off places with a couple of games in hand and AJ now back to full fitness. They must fancy their chances of getting to the play-offs at least- why let AJ go in such a position, and why would AJ re-sign, if not to give them one more season. Maybe CP and AJ came to some sort of agreement - help us get a good start and we will sell you to a Prem club in January to give you a chance to get to the World Cup. If I remember right it was a strange old saga with AJ's possible transfer then re-signing for Palace last summer - it made little sence to be honest. Its a strange one and I don't think its as black and white as it may seem. Can't see where the one hit wonder comment has come from - he was top scorer in the Championship before he can to the Prem, scored plenty in the Prem (although many where pens, he did win most of them which his pace), and this season he has scored 6 in 7 starts. Sound consistent to me rather than one hit wonder. I would like to see Everton go for AJ this Janaury, but if they can't get him then, I think some funds should be allocated for him in the summer, and if that means a bargain basment striker to see us through in January then so be it. Any money for Marcus Bent should go into the 'bring AJ to Goodison fund'

I have never been a huge Keane fan to be honest. He is not a bad Premiership striker, but nieither is he one of the best to be honest. We desperately needed a striker at the end of last season, and having missed out on so many other, I would have been glad to get Keane. Trouble is half the season will be gone, we know it takes time to bed a new player in, especially one brought in January. Trouble is if we buy keane and the wages he will demand (he will definately be up there as one of the highest paid if not THE Highest paid) It sort of shuts the door on bringing in other players, paritulaly a decent striker in the summer. I am a huge AJ fan, and would love to see him at Goodison - We know he is on about £25,000 at Palace - so we are not going to have to break the wage structure to get him. But I can't see us going for him if Keane comes to us in January. With hindsight, I think we should have tried a lot harder to sign him last summer. I would prefer to wait until the summer and take a gamble on Trundle or Nugent in January. Vaughan is due back soon and McFadden is beginning to look a lot better playing up front. Lets see how the team does in the next 7-8 games before we try and bring Keane to the club in January. AJ is well known for pace, hard work and scoring goals, he is also young. I would rather wait until the summer for AJ, than a panic Keane purchase in January. Ideally, I would like AJ brought to Goodison in January. Would anybody take Keane ahead of AJ???

http://advfn.oddschecker.com/advfn/mode/o/...948x/sid/763254 Latest odds on Keane - we are currently favs at Evens.

AJ is the striker I would like to see here, more than anyone else. One think our team is really missing is good pace up front. Robbie Keane would be a good buy, be he will not give us anymore pace up front. I read that West Ham are going to make a bid for AJ. Well, I think we should pull out all the stops to bring him to Goodison, if there is a chance. even if we have to dip in to next summers budget to get him in. He has started 7 games this season for Palace , and also come on twice as a sub. He has scored 6 goals. If he has any ambition of going to this summers World Cup, he has to move in January. He would fit in well, as he is another player who gives 100% every game and will run and run and not give up. I really hope there are some legs in this rumour

a 24 year old not being able get in to a team fighting relegation, err he sounds great!!!!!