Philinsuffolk

A little surprised that you guys thing it was a poor performance, I thought there was some good stuff against a decent side. Granted they had 10 men (disgraceful decsion) but I thought there was some good build up. Still, to have won the group with a game to spare is fantastic news. Gives us a real crack at getting into the last 16 and then we'll see. 100% agree on McFadden, he's a playground player. Cash in whilst his stock is high and he's kidding people with a few great goals.

Hi, have hardly had any chance to log onto here recently what with being busy at work and being given the runaround by my little boy (cannot wait until I get the chance to take him to his first game one day but at the moment its Underground Ernie for him!). Have got my ticket for the cup game at West Ham and as of today there were still tickets for our end going. Trusting we're going to sell our allocation and have a right good night. Living in Essex/working in East London I know a fair few Hammers and a cup quarter final for our 2 clubs under floodlights at Upton Park should be a good night. Can't wait for a few beers before the game and then get in there to see us through to the semi's (Citteh in semi will do nicely!). So, if you're tempted, get your tickets for this one. Really do think we're going to the Final this season. Come on Blues!

Must say I am a little surprised that there isn't a little more interest in us keeping Irvine. We have continued to improve/evolve under Moyes and it is only fair that Irvine gets some of the credit for this as they are a management team. If he gets the chance and fancies it, then he goes with good wishes. But why would we be keen to rock the boat? Evolution not revolution is the only way it can be for us in this age of the game.

Absolutely. You tend to come unstuck the moment you try to be clever with seeding systems. Seek to get a positive result with every game (sometimes an away draw is a very positive result) and then take what comes. Better to end up going down fighting to a qulaity side than going out to a side we may expect to beat. Nil Satis...

American Basketball games. Follow the short odds and build it up over time. Its like playing Championship Manager or something! Or a 4 game accumulator relying on the likes of Juventus, Madrid, Bayern etc. If I was going to have any Everton based bet for tomorrow then what about The Yak to get first goal (before Chelsea kick into gear..!)

Where abouts are you Craccer? I'm in Gidea Park. You reckon you'll get tickets for the cup game in the Everton end? I don't think I'll mange it, but hoping that the 2 games in 3 days means our allocation for the Prem game at Upton Park may go to general sale. I think we'll win at least 1 of these 2 games at West Ham...just not sure which one!

Bobby, I live in Essex these days and like you tend to get to more away games than games at GP. As EFC Fanatic indicates you just have to wait and hold your nerve for tickets for the Everton end. Some away games don't end up on general sale as they get snapped up - it depends on how we're doing at the time, the amount of away games in a short space of time etc. I think you (and I) may have a decent chance of getting tickets for the Everton end at Fratton. I say this because we have all these UEFA ties, we will completely set our allocaton for the cup game at West Ham (not to mention the West Ham league game 3 days later) and its close to Christmas, a long trip to portsmouth might be too costly for some...hence leading to us ex-pats getting them on general sale. However, Everton won't put the tickets to general sale until the week before the game so you have to hold your nerve. However, they are very good at posting them, they have always arrived next day for me. if its any good to you I suspect that tickets for the Everton end for the Prem game at West Ham will also go to general sale. Keep checking the Everton website.

Just taking a very quick flick through this topic and some ideas for people; 1) 24. If you haven't watched it, you should. Absolute class. Got to start at Series 1 though! Best way to watch it is by watching 4 episodes or so in each sitting. ou may just find yourself watching 7 hours or so in one go! Basically action combined with political dealing. 2) Borat. Very funny. 3) Hotel Rwanda - someone mentined it early on in this thread. Has depth and is an important film but very watchable also. Likewise "The Killing Fields" is fab. 4) A film called "Basic". Travolta and Samuel L Jackson. This was surprisingly good in my view and rarely gets a mention. Give it a try. Suspense thriller based on armed forces. Deception etc. Nothing particularly new or revealing given here, but if someone gets a bit of enjoyment from them, then job done. If you like thriller books then Tami Hoag is good and a legal thriller called "Rule of Law" by Dexter Dias is also good, but thats books now! If you like a GOOD footy book look out for 1 called "Playing at Home" by John Aizlewood - basically saw a home game at every league ground in 97-98 but combines it with observations of the towns or grounds. I will shut up now! Regards, Phil

I'm up in Liverpool this weekend and sitting here fingers crossed that a few tickets are still left on general sale this Wednesday morning. I've not managed to be at a Derby for a good number of years and would love to be there. I can't believe I may just get the chance to go!

I am aware that I am in a minority but I am yet to be convinced that either Vaughan or Anichebe are good long term options. I think they are getting by on youthful energy without having the tools to be top strikers. would have course love to be wrong on this. In the meantime, they pull on the shirt and as such will always have my support.

Bouba Diop or Vogel

Look at it this way...last time round it was amusing when refs couldn't tell the difference between Mad Dog & Cars. Now we've got the 3 of them with AJ so it should be a right hoot. The 2 signings tomorrow are then Phil & Grant!

I take your point Goldfish, its a decent one. But to some degree, jobs for the boys, some bad decisions mixed in with good ones and falling out with people - is also just like most businesses.

Ask yourself this - do you think you could do a better job being the Chairman, CE or part of the senior management team? Lets not forget these are senior professionals for a multi million pound company..except with the twist that there are much less certainties in football than in most businesses. If we're debating the complexities of the job and still think they are poor, then that is fine. But lets consider the complexities rather than just express the frustration that we all feel as fans. The club has been top flight for so many years, have wons things and under Moyes we're moving forwards in an era when its harder to get success.

Joe Cole is not a very real possibility at all for us. The lad has proven himself at Chelsea and if he left he would be going to a CL team only. Diarra I would agree, could be a possible. With 3 days to go, I think we need to have low expectations now. Unfortunately.

That is a fantastic gesture by Liverpool Football Club. Well done to them and thank you.

My guess would be Papa Bouba Diop. Avaiable and with 4 days to go, that will mean quite a lot.

Looks like the webiste has crahsed then?! Anyone with official confirmation?

Goldfish - I'm afraid that regardless of where we play, every Premiership team is doing that. I hate it too, but football has well and truly sold its soul and we can only try to maintain some semblence of why its special. The one thing that is helpful is that there have been enough new grounds built to avoid some mistakes - ensuring that the ground is tight for atmosphere purposes etc.

I understand your concerns, but lets face it lots of other clubs have been through ground moves and whilst I am sure we are not aware of how their moves went, they are all still going ok and simply having the usual ups and downs of supporting their teams...from Arsenal to Darlington.

I could not help but get out my "100 years of Goodison Glory" book out last night and got all misty eyed at some of the stories and photos! I am sure the club know this, hence the dates, but did you know that Goodison was officially opened 115 years ago TODAY!! Anyway everyone - whichever way this vote goes, please lets not end up turning this into an ongoing argument. In the light of recent events, the Everton Family needs to stay tight.

I was going to say Brett Angell. If he did have the number 9 he must win. I almost feel as though we all deserve a game in the 9 shirt for the Blues gives that he got a go...

Good article Louis. And I agree with you, I suspect it will be a yes vote that wins, but with about 60% which does put the Board in a nightmare scenario. Take out the heart feelings on this and honestly a tight vote will be trouble.

It is worth listening to. I will admit that I am on Kenwright's side and think he's doing a hard job very well. Mike is spot on, questioning his motives would be wrong. His love of our club is fervent and as strong as yours and mine.

If he gets the great honour of wearing the Everton number 9 shirt he had better live up to the shirt better than the last player that held it.. Good luck to him. Get us goals lad. And if you don't want Moyesie after you, work hard..