Everton 2013-14: One Door Closes, But Does Another Open?

[allaboutthesox]

You're right that Barkley shouldn't move to a big club, playing time is important and he may not get enough of it at a bigger club.  I just think Rodwell isn't a great example.  City had/chose to go buy Fernandinho partly because Rodwell just hasn't been able to train, let alone play, with any regularity.  I think he had 11 muscle strains last season.  He's currently injured (again) and it's forcing Toure and Fernandinho to play in all competitions because they sold Barry to Everton and opted for Rodwell.  Jack should have seen plenty of time at City this season, but he's been unable to train and prove his worth.  I don't think that's particular to City, that's been a constant problem for Rodwell.  And I don't think he's soft, just unlucky with injury as some players are.  But any suggestion that he's been victimized by his move to a big club has to gloss over the very substantial issue that City have wanted to give him much more time to prove himself but he hasn't been able to sustain a run in the team due to his own injuries, not coaching decisions to bench him.

Even at Everton Rodwell struggled at times to stay healthy. When Rodwell was sold that was good business in the eyes of many Everton fans due to what Everton received for him. I do agree with you that Rodwell is a bit unlucky as well. However, when he plays he is very effective.

Barry was not sold to Everton, but loaned at the cost of eating all of Barry's salary.

 

[SidelineCameras]

That goal hurts. Howard took a bad angle in that shot.

 

[allaboutthesox]

Nine games into the season and Everton sit in 6th place with 18 points.  It seems as if the team is coming along well at a decent pace and beating teams it should.  Martinez seems to be doing well with the team he has and things could not be better for the Toffees after starting the season with three draws against opponents they should have beat.  Everton is 5-1 since then and seems to be in a grove right now.  However, with 4 out of the next 6 being against some of the better clubs this year (Tottenham, Manchester United, Arsenal, and Livercrap), we will get to see what Everton really has going forward.  If Everton can sneak in a win or two that might put Everton in a strong spot for the rest of the season. 
 
On the injury front, losing Gibson hurts a bit, but Osman is beginning to come on strong right now as well.  It is a shame to see Gibson hurt so often as I am fan of his play.  Although I was not a fan of Barry coming to Everton, it seems to be paying dividends for the Toffees.
 
Lukaku has been fantastic and I only wish there was a way to keep him at Everton once his loan spell is over.  Deulofeu is a player I would still like to see get more first team action instead of Cup ties and late game substitution time.

 

[mgoblue2]

Early in the season but a big, big game against Spurs early tomorrow morning. Lukaku is probably going to face his biggest challenge of the season thus far so it'll be on McCarthy (who has been a very fresh breath of air for me, outperformed my expectations for him) and Barry to slow down a somewhat depleted Spurs central midfield. High time for the defense to step up, I've been confident in their abilities thus far and IMO they've received some criticism that is unjust, they've played well against good forwards (Man City aside). Good test to see if Europe is on or if the gap is still there.

 

[allaboutthesox]

What a result against the Livercrap! 
 
That goal by Suarez was a great shot.  Howard should have set his wall up better and I am not sure as to what Pienaar thought he was doing on that shot.  But it was a good game and I really thought we were going to grab the 3 points after the Lukaku header.  Only to see our spotty marking get us again on Sturridge's goal.  I cannot stand Suarez as he embellishes everything, on every tackle, and all the time.  That being said, Mirallas was lucky to not walk away with only a yellow card on his horrendous challenge.  Other than that I thought it was a great game between both teams.
 
Lukaku has done so well for us, that it is a shame that he will have to go back to Chelsea at the end of the season.  He is exactly what this team needs and fits into the scheme of what Martinez wants.  We need to get the 3 points from Stoke next week to keep us moving in the direction we want to be in at the end of the season.
 
I hate Liverpool so much and Suarez and Sturridge only make it easier to continue to do so.  Great result for the Toffees and it is unfortunate that we didn't get the three points as I thought Everton were the better team in the second half and deserved the result more.

 

[OilCanCoulter]

The only two reasons your squad was in the match after halftime was Phil Dowd and Joe Allen.  And look no further than your boy Ross Barkley for embellishment.  Take your bluenosed glasses off.

 

[allaboutthesox]

The only two reasons your squad was in the match after halftime was Phil Dowd and Joe Allen.  And look no further than your boy Ross Barkley for embellishment.  Take your bluenosed glasses off.

 
Really?  That is the only reason we were in the game?  Did you even watch the game? 
 
Suarez has a history of diving and embellishment and you are mad that I have made a statement about it?  Get a grip, Everton played a heck of a game and almost pulled off the win.  Apparently, you missed that part of the game and could only see what you wanted to.  In football/soccer there are going to be times when a player(s) miss and opportunity, it happens.  But to insist that due to that miss only is the only "reason your squad was in the game" is just being dishonest.  It must be really hard for you to give anyone credit when your team loses.  Yet, I am the one wearing the 'glasses'?
 
Good luck to your team the rest of the year.  You have a good squad and I wish you the best of luck.  I am looking forward to the return fixture and I am hoping that we can win that one and that the game is just as good as this one was.

 

[SoxFanInCali]

To be fair, Suarez didn't do much embellishing in this game.  It was funny listening to the announcers insinuate that he flopped, then quickly change the subject when the replay showed him being tripped or having his foot stepped on.  Being physical to the point of dirty is the way a lot of teams try to deal with him. 
 
They did point out that if Suarez had done to Mirallas what Mirallas had done to him, people would be calling for a 10 game ban.  Of course, Mirallas will get no punishment because the ref saw it and gave him the yellow.  If Dowd had missed it entirely and given nothing, he'd probably have the next 3 or 4 games off.

 

[sachmoney]

To Dowd's credit, I thought he handled the situation correctly, taking his time to make the decision. Talking to the linesman and the fourth official or whatever, allowing for the contentiousness of the moment to diffuse itself. I thought the challenge was a red, but so often you see referees rush to make a decision. 
 
From what I did see from the game (was in transit to the Arsenal bar during the end), it was an exciting, open game. High entertainment level.

 

[allaboutthesox]

To be fair, Suarez didn't do much embellishing in this game.  It was funny listening to the announcers insinuate that he flopped, then quickly change the subject when the replay showed him being tripped or having his foot stepped on.  Being physical to the point of dirty is the way a lot of teams try to deal with him. 
 
They did point out that if Suarez had done to Mirallas what Mirallas had done to him, people would be calling for a 10 game ban.  Of course, Mirallas will get no punishment because the ref saw it and gave him the yellow.  If Dowd had missed it entirely and given nothing, he'd probably have the next 3 or 4 games off.

 
Well, I agree that Mirallas should have been sent off without question.  That was a horrendous challenge and he should be suspended a la Fellaini after the elbow to Shawcross last year.  However, to be fair to the announcers, Suarez has a bit of a history to include biting people and what not.  So with a previous history of punishments, he would more than likely being dealt with in a more severe fashion.

 

[mgoblue2]

Very encouraging performance from the players brought into the side today. Bryan Oviedo was brought in for Baines at LB and scored a goal from outside the box today, Deulofeu in for Mirallas and was MOTM, with some very good runs and a goal+assist. Lukaku scored again, and the team is in solid form before heading to Old Trafford. Should be a good game on Wednesday.

 

[mgoblue2]

Expecting a draw this weekend now. Very good performance, easy to see that Martinez outwitted Moyes. Oviedo has been a revelation despite the small sample size, and McCarthy has been improving every game. Real excited about the chances they have now to finish in a European place. At this point I wouldn't look back on a Europa spot.

 

[Zomp]

I'm not sure Martinez outwitted Moyes.  United were dominant and if not for Howard the game could have easily swung the other way.

 

[mgoblue2]

I think both teams had their spots of possession, United probably had a few more but I personally think Everton were closer to a goal at times, crossbar/Howard notwithstanding. All in all, it was an exciting goalless draw until Oviedo scored. Bit of smash and grab tbf.

 

[Dummy Hoy]

I think dominant is a bit strong Zomp. A draw would have been fair. 

 

[soxfan121]

So...how's the Roberto Martinez Era working out so far?
 
NBCSN's announcers made a big deal out of the contrast between Moyes' years of comments about playing at Old Trafford ("be responsible, try to grind out a result") and Martinez's approach ("make something positive happen; too easy to lose a 'grind it out' affair away"). I thought Everton out worked ManU - they weren't better, they just worked harder. And they seemed more fit, having more 'gas in the tank' in the late stages while guys like Vidic were sucking wind (although, to be fair, ManU plays more often). 

 

[DLew On Roids]

I'm not sure Martinez outwitted Moyes.  United were dominant and if not for Howard the game could have easily swung the other way.

Even accepting your premise (United were dominant) doesn't mean Moyes wasn't out-managed. Man U has a pretty talented squad relative to Everton. A dominant United should win by 2 or 3.

 

[Zomp]

Even accepting your premise (United were dominant) doesn't mean Moyes wasn't out-managed. Man U has a pretty talented squad relative to Everton. A dominant United should win by 2 or 3.

 
I guess not this year.  Excuse me while I go puke.

 

[allaboutthesox]

 
Couldn't disagree any more (with all due respect).  When I think that the Porto manager (Vito Peirera) was available for the hire, it only stings that we hired Martinez.  Martinez has a career win percentage of 37% and a results percentage (wins+draws/total games) of around 65%.  His results percentage isn't bad, but to qualify for the Champions League one will need more wins than just results.
 
Mirallas may prosper with Martinez, but Jelavic lacks the confidence to do well.  If Anichebe can progress over the summer and stay healthy during the first part of the season.  Jelavic may see a lot bench/sub duty.  I am not sure this was the right hire, but hopefully I will be wrong. 

 
Quoted myself as to show that even though I was very skeptical of the hire and didn't think he was the right one.  So far, I am glad to say I was wrong.
 
 

So...how's the Roberto Martinez Era working out so far?
 
NBCSN's announcers made a big deal out of the contrast between Moyes' years of comments about playing at Old Trafford ("be responsible, try to grind out a result") and Martinez's approach ("make something positive happen; too easy to lose a 'grind it out' affair away"). I thought Everton out worked ManU - they weren't better, they just worked harder. And they seemed more fit, having more 'gas in the tank' in the late stages while guys like Vidic were sucking wind (although, to be fair, ManU plays more often). 

 
I have had several posts in regards to the Martinez Era and how it has worked out.  It has been a steady stream of progression and the players are 'buying in' to his method of playing football.  Oviedo has been a bit of a relevation, but I have always thought that if given the chance he may shine.  Is he a Baines replacement?  I don't really think so, but if Baines were to leave I think Martinez could relax while Oviedo could fill in admirably.  I do tend to enjoy the way Martinez seems to be more of tactician with his substitutions and he definitely has a plan as to how he wants things to be done.
 
I do like the fact that he allows the younger players to embrace their talents (Coleman, Barkley) and play to their strengths within his system.  Barkley has grown a lot under Martinez, but even Martinez realizes with that comes risk.  Barkley has been a bit prone to dribbling too much at times.  Rather than getting frustrated and sending him out on loan, only to bring him back a month later (Moyes).  He [Martinez] allows him to work through it.  I do enjoy the fact that Martinez forces Ross to sit sometimes as to conserve him for the long grind of the season.
 
The only thing that concerns me is how will Martinez handle Everton when our three biggest signings (Lukaku, Deulofeu, Barry) go back to their respective clubs?  Those three players alone have had a major impact to Everton's success (Deulofeu much later in the season).  Lukaku has mentioned he may want to extend his stay at Everton, but Mourinho has already said "no" to that idea.  To be honest with you I am not sure Everton could afford his transfer fee, unless they save their money from Fellaini and the Anichebe sale.  Deulofeu does have a clause in his loan that would allow him to extend his loan another year.  Barry, on the other hand, may be available.  However, I cannot see Everton wanting to continue to pay those type of wages.
 
One last thing, I am a bit concerned about the amount of draws that Everton has.  It is nice to get them (and a win every now and then) against the 'big' clubs, but Everton is going to need to convert some of those wins into 3 points to have a chance at competing for a UEFA spot.  It is still very early, but I am impressed and hoping the team gets better as the season goes along.

 

[blueguitar322]

FYI, Everton's RPI is #1 by a huge margin.  Arsenal is #2. This hasn't translated to points yet, but if Everton maintain their current level of play, I see them as a CL team.

 

[mgoblue2]

Barry did come out in the middle of last week and say he would like to stay at Everton after the loan is done. It'd be a free transfer. Hopefully he can take a slight cut on the wages.

Priorities for January seem to be replacements for Kone and Gibson, a young CB to grow into the Distin role (their best youth defender is Shane Duffy, and he isn't there yet), and a non-loan first choice striker.

Barca people-is there a chance they let Deulofeu stay another year? He's a fantastic talent but I'm not sure how much they've played their other young forwards (ie Tello).

 

[soxfan121]

Barry did come out in the middle of last week and say he would like to stay at Everton after the loan is done. It'd be a free transfer. Hopefully he can take a slight cut on the wages.

Priorities for January seem to be replacements for Kone and Gibson, a young CB to grow into the Distin role (their best youth defender is Shane Duffy, and he isn't there yet), and a non-loan first choice striker.

Barca people-is there a chance they let Deulofeu stay another year? He's a fantastic talent but I'm not sure how much they've played their other young forwards (ie Tello).

 
Not a Barca people, but Pique just aired out Tello (and someone else, I forget who) for complaining about playing time. So, it doesn't sound like Tello has been playing very much. Pique followed up with "maybe they should just leave" which was both awesome and the epitome of Barca "people". 
 
And if Deulofeu doesn't stay, at least Everton & Martinez have been proven a "good spot" for their loanees. There's probably another Deulofeu or three knocking it around the academy pitch. 

 

[Rwillh11]

Yesterday's game has to be the least convincing 4-1 I have ever seen. The passing was terrible, defense was pretty suspect all game long, and fulham dominated a long stretch of the second half. On the other hand, I think its a sign of a good team to win going away against a bad team even when playing poorly. I feel like that is the kind of game they would have drawn under Moyes.
 
Shame on the Deulofeu injury, but Mirallas looked good in his cameo, and as long as Deu is only out for a few weeks we should have the depth to cover-Naismith hasn't looked a total disaster this year, and once Baines is back, Oviedo can give us some minutes on the wings as well.

 

[mgoblue2]

Agreed. I think Fulham kinda just rolled over a little after 2-1, and it is a testament to the confidence they've got right now that they went and got 2 more. This is one of the easier games in the next few, although they've done well away to Swansea in the past they're a tough team to play, and Southampton at home will not be a walk in the park. All the other games up to and including Stoke away should be wins if they want to keep pace. Deulofeu's injury is unfortunate and untimely but Oviedo can play left wing too if Baines comes back soon. Otherwise, there are 3 players on 4 cards right now (Barry, Barkley, Howard) so hopefully they can kinda pick and choose when to get their 5th. McCarthy served his yesterday. You can't help but like where they're at in the table right now but you have to hope there isn't some sort of drop off in these next fixtures.

 

[soxfan121]

Away win, Coleman with a rocket in play and Barkley with a rocket free kick. 4th until Chelsea play...and in the mix for CL qualification at the turn. Viva Roberto.

 

[mgoblue2]

I'm confused as to why Neil Warnock left him on the bench at Leeds while on loan(!) and then why David Moyes didn't feel like playing him until the last 7-8 games of last year. The guy has real talent, I've seen multiple times this year some stuff that I wouldn't expect from a guy in the prime of his career let alone one who just turned 20. If Roy leaves him at home then I don't know why, I don't know where he would play in Brazil but he works both as a attacking mid and a box to box guy who can also play on the right. That free kick felt like a goal from the moment it left his foot, he can put some real pace on his shots. He also kissed the badge, which was a nice touch.

Seamus Coleman is the best £60,000 player of the past century, right? He's improved vastly since the beginning of his Everton career and he could be a solid fixture at right back for the next 5-6 years.

The only player that feels off to me right now is Lukaku, and that's fine with me. I can see how fantastic it is to me to have a Suarez in the team, he can produce with the best of them but every week it's a new scorer for Everton and that makes me more confident in the sustainability of their current form than Liverpool's. Both teams are in form but I don't think either can win the title and City/Arsenal/Chelsea will stay ahead of them. The fight will be for 4th.

 

[DLew On Roids]

You know that Liverpool also has the third-leading scorer in the league despite his missing time with injury, right?
 
Just because Suarez is white-hot doesn't mean they're a one-man team.

 

[mgoblue2]

Very true. Sturridge had been playing well before his injury. I also didn't give enough credit to Coutinho, Sterling, and Henderson, who have also made sizable contributions to their season thus far. I just don't think they can win the title, I may be putting too much stock into their result at the Emirates or something who knows. It'd be nice if both teams made the CL but I'm obviously hoping Everton do.

 

[singaporesoxfan]

It's just glorious to see Everton play these days. (Knocking on wood.) The last Everton team this fluid might have been this team:
 

 

[JayMags71]

Very true. Sturridge had been playing well before his injury. I also didn't give enough credit to Coutinho, Sterling, and Henderson, who have also made sizable contributions to their season thus far. I just don't think they can win the title, I may be putting too much stock into their result at the Emirates or something who knows. It'd be nice if both teams made the CL but I'm obviously hoping Everton do.

I reserve the right to change my mind, but I honestly believe there's no doubt Liverpool are better than Chelsea. I think Mourinho has rocks in his head with the way he's burying Juan Mata. One or two smart buys in January, and LFC is in a good position to win the title.

 

[PedroSpecialK]

I reserve the right to change my mind, but I honestly believe there's no doubt Liverpool are better than Chelsea. I think Mourinho has rocks in his head with the way he's burying Juan Mata. One or two smart buys in January, and LFC is in a good position to win the title.

Similarly, if Chelsea are able to nab Falcao in January, that makes them (for me) the odds-on favorite in the league IMO.
 
Liverpool's done what they needed to make the top 4 a possibility - I still think the LB situation needs to be addressed and Sturridge needs to come back healthy and everything else needs to break right for them to challenge for the title. 

 

[Zomp]

I reserve the right to change my mind, but I honestly believe there's no doubt Liverpool are better than Chelsea. I think Mourinho has rocks in his head with the way he's burying Juan Mata. One or two smart buys in January, and LFC is in a good position to win the title.

 
Your last statement could be said for anyone in the top 5 though (not in the top 8   ) 
 
I'm not sure if Liverpool are better than Chelsea.  There is something to be said for Chelsea sputtering along this season and still only 3 points out of first place.  If Suarez can continue his form (blah blah blah not a one man team blah blah blah) then sure, I think Liverpool can beat any team in the world.  Going to be a nice second half to the season.

 

[soxfan121]

I reserve the right to change my mind, but I honestly believe there's no doubt Liverpool are better than Chelsea. I think Mourinho has rocks in his head with the way he's burying Juan Mata. One or two smart buys in January, and LFC is in a good position to win the title.

 
I love you but you are wrong, at least if you're questioning any aspect of Mourinho's plan. Chelsea's problem is a defensive one and that problem starts with players who don't track back aggressively enough. Burying Mata has gotten the other guys to buy in tracking back. The problem continues that there is not enough speed in the defensive midfield to adequately cover the on-going calcification of Terry. Why else would he be playing Essien with a quick hook, except to convince Roman that the position needs upgrade in the TM? He's probably also not thrilled with Luiz or Cahill as his other options next to Terry, so I'd expect a buy there, too. And if they shore that up, they still have more creative attacking talent on the roster than anyone in the league, Man City AND Liverpool included. 
 
I do think that Liverpool is a real contender and that one or two buys will help. And I think Liverpool is definitely top 4 with those buys AND good health for Suarez, Lucas and Sturridge. Look, Man City is great, Arsenal has played really well but Chelsea has both looked like utter shit at times AND is still in the top 4. And they have a defensive tactical genius and a world class keeper. Jose is a dick and Jose is a genius and I wouldn't bet on Liverpool being "no doubt better" than Chelsea based on Suarez playing like the best in the world for a few months. 

 

[DLew On Roids]

I do think Chelsea have the second-best squad in the EPL (City are far ahead in first), but Mourinho is dicking around trying to prove how smart he is.  He killed Real relative to their talent with this the last couple of years, too.  In fact, I'd say Mourinho hasn't done a great job since he left Inter.
 
I'm still skeptical whether Liverpool have the squad to hang with City and, presumably, Chelsea.  Not for want of quality in attack, but in midfield and at the back--Skrtel and Agger are both maddening, and I'm not sure they have enough players with skill on the ball at the back to play the way they want up top.  Yes, they can tear apart even good teams if they set up badly (hi, AVB!) but I'm afraid they're going to get tonked at the Etihad the way Arsenal got them.  I suspect they'll need a couple of goals based on Suarez brilliance just to have a decent shot at a draw, even with Aguero on the shelf.
 
Bringing this back to the thread topic, while I don't think Everton are there with Liverpool and Arsenal in overall squad talent, that doesn't mean they can't grab the fourth CL spot over someone.  Martinez might be the best tactician at the top of the table, and they're close enough that they won't need too much luck to pull it off.  

 

[mgoblue2]

Howard and Barry are out for the game at Southampton, which we'll be lucky to get a point from. I don't know what to make of that game. It wasn't complete hopelessness but it is concerning to lose at home to the worst team in the division. I think this proves that the top 4 is clear, and then there's everyone else (Everton/Newcastle/Spurs/United) challenging for what's left. The sky is not falling but it isn't very high either. The key will be a good result and performance against a good looking Southampton team.

 

[mgoblue2]

I think the season will be fine now. Good performance from a depleted squad (No Barry/Howard/Jagielka) against a good footballing team. If we sneak along all season in 4th and stay there, I wouldn't complain even if Liverpool leapfrog us as long as we had CL. Crunch games are probably gonna be away to Newcastle and Spurs, and home to City and Arsenal. Merseyside derby is obvious, that game is more important now than it was before the season for sure. The key will be to pick up away wins against the bottom 10 now. They can't have anything like the first 3 games-draws at Norwich/Cardiff plus home to West Brom. Basically beating the bottom 10 will be key.

 

[Rwillh11]

I thought it was a good performance overall. Robles was a disaster, and could easily have cost us the three points with his botched attempt at catching that cross. The goal was also inexcusable, if you watch the replay it seems to just fly right through his hands. Hopefully we don't see him again in a league game this year. He seems to have the physical tools to be a top keeper, but has been incredibly mistake prone in the limited minutes I have seen. 
 
Another great goal for Coleman. I have to think he is the top RB in the league right now. He has been solid defensively all season, and now he is popping up with some phenomenal goals. His weakness coming into this year was the lack of an end product to his runs, but he seems to have solved that. It was good to see Lukaku score today, he played well the whole game, and that was a classy finish. Not too worried about his drought, he will get his goals, and his presence opens up the pitch for the rest of the attackers.
 
Looking at the upcoming fixtures, as long as we can stay healthy I think we can solidify our position in the top 4 this month. Would like to see us add a striker (assume we are selling Jelavic, but even if not I would like to add someone who can actually score on occasion) and someone who can play both wings. Maybe a loan deal for Aidan McGeady who is out of contract in Moscow, and also bring in a young striker like mitrovic from Anderlecht.

 

[mgoblue2]

The options for strikers in January are almost limitless if you sell Jelavic. Maybe not all the £28M from Fellaini gets used (say 14 mil) plus 3-4 million for Jelavic means you can go out and get a good striker. Maybe two if you want, a nice project type is encouraged. Otherwise another CB to fill the gap between Distin and John Stones could be useful, I think they're set on the wings.

 

[mgoblue2]

Before I talk about the dire spectacle that was Stoke away, Johnny Heitinga doesn't want to go to West Ham. Hopefully he finds somewhere to go, he's a good squad guy for the Netherlands as well as a lot of club teams out there. He just doesn't fit Martinez's plans, although last year he didn't get much run out under Moyes either.

Okay. That was horrible. Everton had plenty of chances and were creating them at a reasonable clip, but Stoke blocked everything. Oft-maligned Steven Naismith even had a clear cut header pretty much beat off the line. The defense was fine for being so makeshift, young John Stones made his full debut and he was fine next to Alcaraz. Baines also looked better than he did against Southampton. Jermaine Pennant had a worldy after coming on, and that really saved Everton in the end. He conceded the penalty along with 4-5 other fouls. I've been harsh on Osman but he still has use for this team coming on as a sub. Lukaku was subbed off but not for ineffectivity, I like to think he could be rested for QPR Saturday in the cup but I just don't know. Either way, it was a lucky performance in that rainy night in Stoke stereotype. There's a slight gap between Merseyside and the top 3, so both teams have to hope for a slip up from someone.

 

[Morgan's Magic Snowplow]

Jelavic reportedly sold to Hull City, rumors in the £4M range.  Seems like a decent piece of business for both sides - there's no role for him in Martinez's squad but I could see him becoming one of the better mid-table striking options in the league with regular playing time at Hull.

 

[PedroSpecialK]

Bit of a surprise - Everton complete their move for McGeady and unveil him in front of the Goodison crowd today (in street clothes). Word was he'd come during the summer, that'll be a nice boost. 

 

[Zomp]

Are there official reports that he's coming in the summer and not now?  He underwent a medical the other day so that would seem a bit odd.
 
 
I love me some McGeady.  Silks galore.

 

[PedroSpecialK]

Yeah looks official:
 
https://twitter.com/Everton/status/422019437818941440

 

[PedroSpecialK]

That... that wasn't Gareth Barry right?

 

[Biggreenone]

McGeady is a super signing for Everton. Quite a gathering of a Irish at Goodison now.

 

[mgoblue2]

Barry looks miles different than last year at City. I just remember performances like the one he gave away to Southampton where he had an OG and just a terrible game and I remember thinking Martinez was making an unnecessary signing. Boy was I wrong. He looks to be the right fit next to McCarthy. I haven't seen McGeady much but if he's an upgraded Pienaar why not? Barkley will be out for a bit but I don't really mind as long as he's back by Anfield. Good performance today, it got iffy towards the end but being in 4th at this point in the season is great.

 

[teddykgb]

Disagree about Barry, he was mostly awesome for City, a couple of bad matches aside. Really underappreciated player

 

[soxfan121]

And McGeady is a fairly significant upgrade on Pienaar, at least IMO. Should work really well in partnership with Lukaku and Barkley.

 

[mgoblue2]

Barkley is gonna be out 3-6 weeks so that's probably a miss for the derby. Real shame. McGeady has gotta get fit for then, he hasn't played since November I think because he fell out with the Spartak coach.

I read (from the Mirror?) that there's a £7M release clause for Batshuayi but Standard Liege are playing a bit of hardball. One would hope they can reign him in, the local media has claimed it's a no good and Roberto hasn't said much about him so if they land him and he pops in 5-10 goals that would go a long way towards the Champions League.

 

[PedroSpecialK]

First it's Anichebe to West Brom for £6m, now Jelavić to Hull for... £7.5m?!?!
 
Please teach some of this to Ian Ayre