Install the app
How to install the app on iOS

Follow along with the video below to see how to install our site as a web app on your home screen.

Note: This feature may not be available in some browsers.

 

2024/25 Kevin Thelwell

He doesn’t even mention the 80s, you know, our most successful period?

I hate the way people bang on about the dogs of war crap. It was a response to the horrible position we were in when Royle took over - he needed to get the team battling harder - but it was the classy bits like Kanchelskis that made us worth watching.

In any case, Thelwell has done a very good job balancing the books over the last couple of years but, much like his coaching counterpart in that time, we need to move (him) on now and start raising the quality.
I get where you’re coming from with the dogs of war thing, but for me it’s more showing commitment and a bit of blood and thunder when required. A narkiness and willingness to go toe to toe with anyone.
Mix that with some skill / ‘school of science’ and I’d be more than happy with that.
Both terms are a little hackneyed, but for me at least, they are a good summation of an ethos rather than a style.
We have neither presently unfortunately.
 

He's been operating with 1 hand tied behind his back, but he's not unearthed any gems for us. I think TFG were hoping to scramble through to the summer and then get a new DOF and Head Coach to move us forward. Dyche throwing his toys out of the pram has scuppered that for them, and Moyes has come in and quickly realised what a dog's dinner we are. If I was TFG I would have a conversation with Moyes about who he wants, and then give Thelwell the list and let him try and get them, then get a new DOF over the summer.

As for @Eggs view that somehow a different DOF would have brought in a load of great players whilst operating on minus £35 million a year transfer budget with no board and a clueless owner, that's frankly laughable. Brighton and Brentford, the 2 successful models (although both are now in spending mode and haven't made a profit recently) have owners who are experts in analytics and have employed other experts throughout their organisations, there is no one person who has made them a success. Most bigger clubs chuck away money and get lucky sometimes, even the rs have paid out over £200 million on moderate players over the last 2 or 3 seasons.
 
Interesting that Moyes in his post match comments yesterday referred to the players Sean has brought in. Makes me think that the manager has the final say on incomings. At least since the two clowns BK and FM ceased involvement. Dyche alluded to as much in one of his last pressers.
 
Brands or Thelwell who is the better DOF?

Hard to judge if you are comparing their times as DOF of Everton, as both had/have little opportunity to actually deliver what that role is meant to be. Wrongly, most people interpret the success of such roles purely on transfers, so in that regard, neither had much of a chance, because of the utter mess a combination of Moshiri, Mino Raiola, Steve Walsh and Koeman created in the summer of 2017.

Also, I tend to think of them as difference types of DOFs as well - Brands a bit more strategic (which ultimately was why he walked as was not allowed to implement his for the club) and Thelwell more hands-on/operational (as sounds like he has undertaken a significant 'backroom' restructure).
 
Interesting that Moyes in his post match comments yesterday referred to the players Sean has brought in. Makes me think that the manager has the final say on incomings. At least since the two clowns BK and FM ceased involvement. Dyche alluded to as much in one of his last pressers.
Might be right but I wouldn't put too much stock in what Moyes said, it's more likely to just be a natural turn of phrase rather than a deliberate point being made.
 

I get where you’re coming from with the dogs of war thing, but for me it’s more showing commitment and a bit of blood and thunder when required. A narkiness and willingness to go toe to toe with anyone.
Mix that with some skill / ‘school of science’ and I’d be more than happy with that.
Both terms are a little hackneyed, but for me at least, they are a good summation of an ethos rather than a style.
We have neither presently unfortunately.
Yeah, agree with that like. You want every player to be giving their all for the club every time they get out there and giving as good as they get, but the skills are what elevate it.

The reason Rooney was so exciting as a kid was because you had no idea what he was going to do but you knew it had the potential to be amazing. That's been true of a lot of talented players who've passed through our ranks, that ability to do something amazing and change a game. James was the last player we had like that and we never even got to watch him.

This lot couldn't change their shirts without help, never mind change a game.
 
Interesting that Moyes in his post match comments yesterday referred to the players Sean has brought in. Makes me think that the manager has the final say on incomings. At least since the two clowns BK and FM ceased involvement. Dyche alluded to as much in one of his last pressers.
Or he's just asserting his own position. 'No Kevin, I pick the players. You make the tea while I do it.'
 

Welcome

Join Grand Old Team to get involved in the Everton discussion. Signing up is quick, easy, and completely free.

Back
Top