Everton 2014-15: Not In The Face! (this time with Europa)
- Thread starter mgoblue2
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mgoblue2 said:
Bony is too pricey and I think that Martinez may look to Welbeck and hope to get him on the cheap if he cannot bring in Lukaku.
mgoblue2 said:
See, I think Welbeck may be something that Martinez can get on the cheap (depending on how he performs at the WC) and build a foundation on with Barkley, Baines, Coleman, and Stones. Welbeck may come cheap and he is hungry to prove himself with a team that maybe on the rise in a situation where he would be in the Starting XI right away. I think Welbeck could be to Everton what Sturridge was to Liverpool a few years ago.
I most definately agree with you that Martinez has to be very wise as to how where he spends the money. I think he will look to extend Deulofeu's loan and hope to bring Barry back as well (hopefully on a cheaper wage too). I believe Martinez has an exact plan as to the direction that he wants to go. It will be an interesting summer for us as fans.
Almost forgot: not only has Martínez been awesome on the ESPN but he's extended his deal to 2019. Good news, it'd be very very Everton for him to Pardew us but I know this is the guy for the future. They've turned the corner and the sense is the best is yet to come.
Gareth Barry has signed a three year deal with Everton. Barry ended up being a stud for Everton last season and played very well within the system established by Martinez. It was speculated that he would have to take less money to sign on a permanent deal with Everton. Barry made £100,000 a week last year and I remember being a bit disturbed about paying that much of a loanee's salary. However, it was well worth it and imagine he didn't have to come down too much in pay to stay at Everton.
Here is the story:
http://www.espnfc.us/story/1939729/gareth-barry-joins-everton-on-three-year-deal
Here is the story:
http://www.espnfc.us/story/1939729/gareth-barry-joins-everton-on-three-year-deal
Anyone else using Tim F'ing Howard's USMNT performance and man-crushing Roberto Martinez as an excuse to get on the Everton train? Besides watching the games and coming to this thread, what should I be reading to learn about the current team? Favorite blogs/writers?
If you use Twitter there are plenty of places there to start catching up on the news as soon as it comes out. Royal Blue Mersey is the Everton site on SB Nation, their stuff comes out a little while after I first hear about it, but they do a good job there. More newsy stuff is on Toffeeweb, and if you're looking for SoSH like banter and wit the main forum for Evertonians is Grand Old Team. They're a bit biased but it's fun especially around now when they've spent £0 on players.mhdousa said:
Other than that, UK national media doesn't spill much ink specifically on Everton, but checking general news sites, they will occasionally put an article together.
AATS or Infield Infidel, did I miss something?
mgoblue2 said:
Sounds about right, but I would like to add a few things to this post:
--Toffeetalk.com is another message board that is set up very much like SoSH.
--Luke O'Farrell (ESPN) is a fantastic blogger and is very much a fan of using the numbers (much like SoSH) to validate his opinions. Twitter :https://twitter.com/lukeofarrell Website: http://footyscene.com/
--Everton did spend £2 million to get Barry even though he was a "free" transfer due to a clause in the loan contract.
Other than that, you wrapped everything up nicely. Everton seems like the team that other "big" clubs would like to see get into the top four of the BPL, but as long as it is not at their expense.
I think if you want to get into Everton you should also read up on its history - Dixie Dean, the School of Science, Alan Ball, and my favourite, those great 1980s sides (Southall, van den Hauwe, Steven, Stevens, Sharp etc.) cruelly denied domination of Europe only by the ban on English clubs.
Everton also have IMO one of the coolest stadiums - Goodison Park has St Luke's Church in one corner, yards from the corner flag. If you like the Monster as an architectural detail I think you'd like the church.
Also, I subscribe to the official Everton podcast; when they interview Roberto Martinez it's always a joy. I liked it when they interviewed him about this Christmas surprise visit and he spoke about how he talked to the 93-year-old woman about Dean, Ball, and the lot. http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/pictured-everton-boss-roberto-martinez-2951474
Everton also have IMO one of the coolest stadiums - Goodison Park has St Luke's Church in one corner, yards from the corner flag. If you like the Monster as an architectural detail I think you'd like the church.
Also, I subscribe to the official Everton podcast; when they interview Roberto Martinez it's always a joy. I liked it when they interviewed him about this Christmas surprise visit and he spoke about how he talked to the 93-year-old woman about Dean, Ball, and the lot. http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/pictured-everton-boss-roberto-martinez-2951474
Definitely. All teams have varied histories, and even Liverpool have had their great sidessingaporesoxfan said:
, but Everton's is a bit unique. Almost like multiple mini-Class of 92 types, lots of very good players at the same time. Barkley, Stones (although originally from Finch Farm), McCarthy, and Ryan Ledson are highly touted young players who could provide the backbone to some success. Being in a relatively lower financial state makes it "harder" to hold onto the younger guys but more success may ease those fears.The club's work in the community is also well known, they have a very good PR staff. At times they get some flak from the fans because of some reason or another, but overall I think they are fantastic at linking fan to club.
The derby is probably one of the more passionate ones in England if not Europe. It has hooked me in more than anything since I started really becoming an Everton supporter in 2012. Each one you wake up on edge and it gives you your highest highs and lowest lows as a supporter of any team. Last year was definitely a real case of that (I won't link the 4-0 because sad), as you can tell from the fans behind the Gwladys Street End (who make a important goal look awesome with their celebrating, look up Andy Johnson in 2004): http://youtu.be/HkT8gXiM5b4?t=4m47s I don't know how to embed.
If podcasts are your thing, the Followtonians put out the best one in the EPL according to EPL Talk (I think).
Yep, I've decided to make an effort to get into EPL, and have chosen Everton based upon Tim Howard. Looking into their history on Wikipedia, I also, for some reason, like the "Toffee" nickname. Makes me feel like this is Willy Wonka's football club.mhdousa said:
Also, if it makes a difference for people just getting into the EPL when I visited Liverpool I was told that Everton was John Lennon's club, and McCartney himself has said he comes from a family of Evertonians - though Brian Epstein supposedly told the Beatles not to declare their allegiances when they were up and coming lads.
http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/sir-paul-mccartneys-everton-secret-3480457
http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/sir-paul-mccartneys-everton-secret-3480457
Tim Howard passed over for World Cup Golden Glove award:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/soccer-insider/wp/2014/07/11/tim-howard-not-among-fifa-finalists-for-world-cup-goalkeeper-award/
I think he should have been in there, but the three names on that list aren't bad either. Although I think Ochoa makes a meal of every save and is a bit overrated.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/soccer-insider/wp/2014/07/11/tim-howard-not-among-fifa-finalists-for-world-cup-goalkeeper-award/
I think he should have been in there, but the three names on that list aren't bad either. Although I think Ochoa makes a meal of every save and is a bit overrated.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2697756/Romelu-Lukaku-rejoin-Everton-permanent-deal-48-hours.html
So, the Mail come out with this and I'm all whatever, but then:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/everton/10977699/Everton-closing-in-on-a-deal-to-sign-Romelu-Lukaku-from-Chelsea.html
It's close? Oh pretty pretty please. Oh and Muhamed Besic has been on and off all week. It will probably happen despite Bill's efforts to pay as little up front as possible.
So, the Mail come out with this and I'm all whatever, but then:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/everton/10977699/Everton-closing-in-on-a-deal-to-sign-Romelu-Lukaku-from-Chelsea.html
It's close? Oh pretty pretty please. Oh and Muhamed Besic has been on and off all week. It will probably happen despite Bill's efforts to pay as little up front as possible.
He'll be good for snapping a couple tibias this season. If his passing continues to improve then they could have a player there. He'll be good cover for the center of midfield, and with Gibson coming back, avoiding a Palace redux will be key. Martinez can not afford to rest McCarthy in big games.
https://twitter.com/DiMarzio/status/494136616211193856PedroSpecialK said:
link to tweet
Man, I am seriously bummed about this. Not that LFC had a shot, but still.
Lukaku signs a 5-year deal:
http://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/2014/7/30/5951363/report-romelu-lukaku-signs-five-year-everton-deal
Given that I'm a recent convert to the Everton side and only know Lukaku from the way he abused the USMNT, can someone fill me in on how big a deal this is? The Everton blogs are totally fired up, but is this because he's that good already, has the potential to be that good, or Everton doesn't typically get high-profile signings?
http://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/2014/7/30/5951363/report-romelu-lukaku-signs-five-year-everton-deal
Given that I'm a recent convert to the Everton side and only know Lukaku from the way he abused the USMNT, can someone fill me in on how big a deal this is? The Everton blogs are totally fired up, but is this because he's that good already, has the potential to be that good, or Everton doesn't typically get high-profile signings?
It's a huge deal. He's proven Premiership quality, if he stays fit you can expect 15-20 goals from him. He has international experience. He's not the complete player yet, he knows this and so he's got upside. He's powerful, really powerful, he has pace, he's a smart player, he's good off the ball, good in the air. He's settled, knows the team and players. he clearly loves working with Martinez, who is a coach that can improve players ability wise but also their footballing brains. I'm reading £28.5M - a record signing. So it shows ambition on all counts. The chairman clearly has a lot of faith in Martinez and that they must beleive Champions League is an attainable goal. Could be the signing of the off season so far. Lukaku nees to work on his first touch, but if anyone can improve him as a player Martinez can.
All three, actually. mgoblue, or allabout are free to correct me, but if you were to consolidate current and future potential and compare it to Everton history of high-profile signings (relatively few, as I understand it) it probably breaks down to 70/30.
Also, while the fee is high, Lukaku is young enough to where if he can improve and harness all of the physical gifts he has Everton could still sell him for a profit in a few seasons.
Great deal for the Toffees. While it makes the competition tougher, I'm happy they got him.
Everton has quietly had one of the best summers of any club, locking up several key players (Coleman, Barkley) to longer term deals and adding Barry, Besic, and Lukaku. Have they lost anyone of significance? I guess Deulofeu is going back to Barcelona but that was to be expected.
Everton has quietly had one of the best summers of any club, locking up several key players (Coleman, Barkley) to longer term deals and adding Barry, Besic, and Lukaku. Have they lost anyone of significance? I guess Deulofeu is going back to Barcelona but that was to be expected.
Excited about this. What was the last time Everton made such a major striker signing? Gary Lineker?
It's 24 million rising to 30 if they win a trophy or get CL qualification. So 24 million. It's a very big signing not only on the field but off it. It raises the profile of the club for sure. It's a real rarity and nice to see one of the best young strikers in the world come here for the foreseeable future.
What a man Roberto is. Props to Kenwright too for finally finding the Arteta money he found in his couch.
MMS you're right. I'd give this window a 9/10, I just don't feel confident about the wingers, especially if Pienaar declines. Maybe there's still money left.
What a man Roberto is. Props to Kenwright too for finally finding the Arteta money he found in his couch.
MMS you're right. I'd give this window a 9/10, I just don't feel confident about the wingers, especially if Pienaar declines. Maybe there's still money left.
If someone's hurt, of course. Otherwise he'll have to use the Europa League to get into the first eleven.Zomp said:
It's 28 million, good work fletch. Feels about right actually, of course it's a massive investment but they could yet sell him for more.
So Chelsea basically paid 4 million pounds for Diego Costa.
Nice piece of business all the way around.
Nice piece of business all the way around.
mhdousa said:
This is a huge deal for Everton as they now have a player who has scored 32 goals over the past two years and is only 21 years old. Keep in mind, that it is very rare that a player of Lukaku's caliber would sign for a team such as Everton when so many higher profile teams were courting him.
JayMags71 said:
This is a spot on response. Lukaku's upside will pay dividends for Everton and Martinez. Lukaku's fits perfectly into the system and style that Martinez runs. One could easily see how Everton didn't play nearly as well without him in the lineup (2 wins, 3 losses, 5 goals scored) over that time span when he was not playing for Everton (injury against Livercrap on January 28). Everton is a much more dangerous squad as Lukaku has size, pace, ball control skills (for a striker as he needs some work), and has great situational awareness.
Everton has been looking for a true striker for a long time. If you look back over the past few years Everton have had to rely on scoring from a myriad of options. Typically a majority of those goals came from set pieces through Cahill and Fellaini, both who are midfield players. Although Cahill at times would play up top, he was not a true striker and at times would go through spells where he couldn't find the back of the net. When Moyes was manager there was a time we thought we had a true striker in Yakubu, but he was more of a flash in the pan after the first year after scoring 21 goals (all competitions) in 2007. Yet only managed to find the net 12 more times over 3 YEARS and finished with a sum total of 33 goals in 4 years. When you contrast that with what Lukaku has done in two years (32 goals) and his age, potential, and the system he plays in. It is easy to see how Everton fans are so excited.
Yes, it is very true that Everton do not bring in the big signings of this size. Our biggest club signings were Fellaini (£15 million) and Yakubu (£11.7 million). Under Moyes, which I am still very grateful too, Everton seemed to find the hidden gems and develop them. Only to end up selling them later when they did not have the financial wherewithal to keep them at Everton. Wayne Rooney comes to mind as well as a few others. No doubt the players that have contributed the most are players Moyes "discovered", but Roberto Martinez has come in and completely changed the way of play, thought, and mindset of this organization. I, for one, can admit I was wrong about Martinez and didn't want him to get the job as I wasn't sure he was the right man for the job. I am glad I was wrong.
I believe that Romelu Lukaku is only at Everton because of Roberto Martinez. He [Martinez] showed faith in Lukaku and built his system around him and never disparaged him when he made mistakes. Martinez realizes that he has a team that has completely bought into his tactics and management style. With Baines, Coleman, Barkley, McCarthy, and Lukaku in the fold, it is easy to see why Everton fans are now believing that not only can we challenge for a top four. We can do so consistently with style of play and youth in this squad.
Do I expect that if Barkley and Lukaku perform above or to their potential do I expect them to stay? No, not really, but I will enjoy the ride for the time they are here and why not? I, and the rest of the Toffee fans, freaking deserve too.
Zomp said:
McGeady will be an important piece in the machine that Martinez runs. With Deulofeu having returned back to Barcelona, he will get much more playing time than he did last season. Also, with Everton having more games on the schedule due to European football (yeah boy!!) I can imagine there will be more playing time for him there as well. McGeady has pace and skills on the ball so he will fit right into where Deulofeu was last season.
On a side note, when one takes a look at what Everton have done this transfer window, one cannot help but to be impressed. Coleman and Barkley received new deals, Barry, Besic, and Lukaku are in the fold, and they are still working on trying to bring in Traore and Atsu in on loan. I am really excited about this upcoming season. There are some really exciting things happening in Merseyside (Liverpool and Everton) and I am glad to be a fan and part of it.
Seven Costanza said:
So Everton only paid £4.5 million pounds for Lukaku. Thanks Manchester United! Nice piece of business all around.
Traore is sounding like the ship has sailed from what I've seen. If there's money left, a winger would be nice, otherwise the loan market is there, although Deulofeu will not be returning. Atsu looks like a very interesting player, almost like a slightly stronger, less tricky Deulofeu. Last item on the list would probably be a new contract for Stones.
It was just so much fun to watch Everton last season - it's not just that Martinez brought results but the style of play was less dour. Most fun squad to watch since the 1980s.
Also - fletch I love Big Dunc and have a photo of me at Goodison next to his jersey. But I'm pretty sure I wouldn't think of him as a big name signing.
Also - fletch I love Big Dunc and have a photo of me at Goodison next to his jersey. But I'm pretty sure I wouldn't think of him as a big name signing.
Seven Costanza said:
I didn't mean that to come out as snarky. When you originally made the post it gave me a new perspective on the purchase of Lukaku. I remembered that we received £24 million from Manchester United for Fellaini. I thought I would piggyback off of your idea and I didn't see the fact that you were talking about positional change. Sorry about that.
singaporesoxfan said:It was just so much fun to watch Everton last season - it's not just that Martinez brought results but the style of play was less dour. Most fun squad to watch since the 1980s.
Also - fletch I love Big Dunc and have a photo of me at Goodison next to his jersey. But I'm pretty sure I wouldn't think of him as a big name signing.
That's why i typed 'Okay...maybe not.'
I keep reading in the EPL press that the Lukaku signing makes Everton a threat to qualify for the CL. This seems bizarre to me for two reasons:
- They were already a threat. They almost picked off Arsenal in the closing weeks of last season. OK, so maybe they wouldn't be much of a threat without Lukaku, and he was back at Chelsea. But...
- This signing doesn't improve them any more than Lukaku improves from last year to this year. Writers seem to be ignoring that Lukaku--DOY--played for Everton last season.
Agree with your take, though I would hazard a guess that last year was seen as perhaps a one time shot at CL qualification, but now with Big Rom locked up, the team has more long term stability and can build off of last year.DLew On Roids said:
I think continued growth and development of young talent under Martinez is what gives them a shot at Arsenal's Trophy, but it's going to be even tougher with an improved Gunners squad and a likely return to competence by ManU.
Correct. I think the press is trying to get at this meaning a challenge consistently for 4th. There's a young core that is as good as it gets for a club with Everton's buying power in Stones, McCarthy, Barkley, and now Lukaku, who was out for a chunk of last season as well. You can throw Mirallas in there, he's still relatively young. But all four of those other guys are under 24, and McCarthy doesn't have a huge ceiling but the other three definitely do. There are still holes in the squad: no cover for Coleman, an extra wide player to cover for Deulofeu (who last year might have won us all of four points-not a huge loss IMO), and overall depth is probably not equal to a team like United. I see no reason (other than extra games) why Everton can't challenge for fourth all season and fade away at the end, settling into fifth. A run into the Europa League KO rounds will be required, and add something like the Capital One Cup to that and I'd be thrilled.Dummy Hoy said:
Is it too late to jump on the Everton bandwagon? (fanwagon?) I was leaning that way with the Tim Howard vignette during the World Cup - and it has solidified while watching the 2013 EPL replays on ESPN. Somehow, I found myself getting excited during highlights of a 1-1 tie that happened last season.
(I think I may need professional help...)
(I think I may need professional help...)
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