Liam_Baggies
Player Valuation: £500k
Monday 20th January 2014
Welcome to the first edition of 2014. I must apologise for several of the editions not being uploaded over the past month or so. The Christmas period is pretty hectic and I've now started my job which has meant time has been at the minimum. In the mean time, we've sacked Steve Clarke and appointed Pepe Mel and he will take charge of Albion for the first time on Monday against another spaniard, Roberto Martinez who appears to be doing a quite sterling job at Goodison. The meeting at The Hawthorns last season saw Albion walk away 2-0 winners with goals from Shane Long and Gareth McAuley continuing Albion's unbeaten start.
For this weeks edition I've headed over to Grand Old Team.
For this weeks edition I've headed over to Grand Old Team.
What are your opinions on Everton's season so far?
Azzuri: The most exciting season I've ever seen in my 18 years as an Evertonian, including the one in which we finished 4th. Our new style of play and confidence that borders on arrogance is a sight to behold, tellin' ya. With a couple of additions we could be in for something special here, and even if we fall short we've failed trying to do it the right way.
bicycleheader: Better than expected, and I was one who thought it would be pretty damn good! The main thing is regardless of the result at the end of each game we will have know that we tried to attack and to win every time
mythbuster: Considering it's a transitional season, with a new manager who has a different outlook on how the game should be played than our previous manager of 11 years, then I think it's fair to say that as a team, we've exceeded the expectations of the fan-base thus far.
SpeedEFC: Absolutely boss, even though on the face of things it looks like more of the same it's been a long time since people felt this good about Everton. There's a belief around Everton that people haven't felt since the mid 80s
NigelCOYB: Exceeded all expectations
DublinBluenose: This is the best Everton side to watch since the mid 80's. There is a palpable belief that we are going to win every match we play, which is a strange feeling. We've been generally lucky with injury up until now so the next 4-5 weeks will probably go a long way in deciding how we end up.
bicycleheader: Better than expected, and I was one who thought it would be pretty damn good! The main thing is regardless of the result at the end of each game we will have know that we tried to attack and to win every time
mythbuster: Considering it's a transitional season, with a new manager who has a different outlook on how the game should be played than our previous manager of 11 years, then I think it's fair to say that as a team, we've exceeded the expectations of the fan-base thus far.
SpeedEFC: Absolutely boss, even though on the face of things it looks like more of the same it's been a long time since people felt this good about Everton. There's a belief around Everton that people haven't felt since the mid 80s
NigelCOYB: Exceeded all expectations
DublinBluenose: This is the best Everton side to watch since the mid 80's. There is a palpable belief that we are going to win every match we play, which is a strange feeling. We've been generally lucky with injury up until now so the next 4-5 weeks will probably go a long way in deciding how we end up.
What are your opinions on WBA's season so far?
barneygrumble: I'd say it's possibly a little underwhelming, if not a bit more realistic. West Brom undoubtedly overachieved last season, whilst taking nothing away from the season, you've had rocky patches, but you're certainly not relegation fodder for me, and now it's about regrouping, picking up those valuable points, crossing the 'magic' 40 point marker, and letting your new manager get a pre-season under his belt.
daveysgingerlovechild: Oh dear. What happened? All that promise last year, sudden nose dive this. Some poor signings by Clarke (Anichebe, come on!) and some uninspired results/displays. Oddly counteracted by some good performances / results against the big teams. Pepe Mel Who knows. I honestly think you may go down though.
Degreeinblue: Slightly underachieving. Expectations were far too high at the beginning of the season, however you too have a decent core to the side with Yacob, Mulumbu and Sessegnon and you should be able to see out the season looking at finishing with Swansea directly below Southampton and Newcastle.
Azzuri: Strange, really. So much promise early last season which tailed off, this season a lack of anything exciting really. Reckon you must be slightly disappointed in your summer signings - Vydra hasn't shown anything near the level a was producing last season, Sessegnon and Sinclair are talented but inconstent fair weather players IMO and Anichebe for £6m? Thanks. Think Anelka alone could push you a couple of places up that league, though, and who knows how the new manager will do?
Oviedo37: I expected more to be fair. It was always going to be hard after last season of finishing 8th in the table and pushing for the Europa league. I do believe you will still finish 11/12th this season, Mel will do a good job.
baines on toast: You have won 4 games of football all season. Need I say more? When you've won less games than Fulham, Palace and Norwich then you really can't expect to be any better off than you currently are.
daveysgingerlovechild: Oh dear. What happened? All that promise last year, sudden nose dive this. Some poor signings by Clarke (Anichebe, come on!) and some uninspired results/displays. Oddly counteracted by some good performances / results against the big teams. Pepe Mel Who knows. I honestly think you may go down though.
Degreeinblue: Slightly underachieving. Expectations were far too high at the beginning of the season, however you too have a decent core to the side with Yacob, Mulumbu and Sessegnon and you should be able to see out the season looking at finishing with Swansea directly below Southampton and Newcastle.
Azzuri: Strange, really. So much promise early last season which tailed off, this season a lack of anything exciting really. Reckon you must be slightly disappointed in your summer signings - Vydra hasn't shown anything near the level a was producing last season, Sessegnon and Sinclair are talented but inconstent fair weather players IMO and Anichebe for £6m? Thanks. Think Anelka alone could push you a couple of places up that league, though, and who knows how the new manager will do?
Oviedo37: I expected more to be fair. It was always going to be hard after last season of finishing 8th in the table and pushing for the Europa league. I do believe you will still finish 11/12th this season, Mel will do a good job.
baines on toast: You have won 4 games of football all season. Need I say more? When you've won less games than Fulham, Palace and Norwich then you really can't expect to be any better off than you currently are.
Roberto Martinez seems to be doing the business. What have you made of his tenure at Goodison so far?
dead soft: Look into his eyes, mate, and it's like finally realising that not only do you love him but for the first time, you've been able to truly love yourself
Reidy's bottle of grecian: Changed not only the style of play but the whole attitude around the club, such overhauls usually take years not months.
Txbill: In word, Outstanding.
dublinbluenose: Its been fantastic, even down to his dealings with supporter & media has been a breath of fresh air compared to the dour monosyllabic musing's of David Moyes. The displays from the Newcastle match on have need superb of course, the performance at the Emirates a highlight.
barneygrumble: Amazing. He's instilled a belief into the players, and the fans. He's brought in some very exciting players, and after a tough time initially getting into the Bobby style of football, we've finally kicked on, and it's such a refreshing change to see us attacking teams, and wanting to win every match. Going behind, or being pegged back isn't all doom and gloom anymore, because we know we always have a rabbit to pull out of the hat.
His decision to play Barkley, for me, has shown that the replacement of Moyes was truly needed, and looking at United, it's no surprise to see them there. Martínez is doing a great job so far, and long may it continue.
baines on toast: I quite frankly refuse to downplay what he's done so far. He's implemented a dramatic shift in playing style within 5 months of competitive football in the "best league in the world." He's well and truly established his foundations already and, providing he receives support, we're in for a good future with him.
Reidy's bottle of grecian: Changed not only the style of play but the whole attitude around the club, such overhauls usually take years not months.
Txbill: In word, Outstanding.
dublinbluenose: Its been fantastic, even down to his dealings with supporter & media has been a breath of fresh air compared to the dour monosyllabic musing's of David Moyes. The displays from the Newcastle match on have need superb of course, the performance at the Emirates a highlight.
barneygrumble: Amazing. He's instilled a belief into the players, and the fans. He's brought in some very exciting players, and after a tough time initially getting into the Bobby style of football, we've finally kicked on, and it's such a refreshing change to see us attacking teams, and wanting to win every match. Going behind, or being pegged back isn't all doom and gloom anymore, because we know we always have a rabbit to pull out of the hat.
His decision to play Barkley, for me, has shown that the replacement of Moyes was truly needed, and looking at United, it's no surprise to see them there. Martínez is doing a great job so far, and long may it continue.
baines on toast: I quite frankly refuse to downplay what he's done so far. He's implemented a dramatic shift in playing style within 5 months of competitive football in the "best league in the world." He's well and truly established his foundations already and, providing he receives support, we're in for a good future with him.
WBA recently sacked Steve Clarke and appointed Pepe Mel. What are thoughts on Clarke's sacking and eventual replacement?
Oviedo37: Personally I would of gave him another month or two, I think he's honestly a great manager but I do understand why your chairman made the sacking. I saw Real Betis at Goodison in pre-season and they played quick attacking football and I think he will do well for you.
bicycleheader: Thought Clarke was good but his results suggest otherwise so probably deserved to go. Pepe Mel is a very odd choice. He is hugely respected in Spain and a bit of a legend as he is a maverick. Chequered record as a manager but despite being recently sacked by them he is a hero at Betis. Stood up to Jose, so I love him for that.
Kev: Was really surprised at the Clarke sacking. Honestly don't know enough about Mel to comment. Hope he does well with you.
robertor: I was surprised when it first happened but now the replacement has been made I think that it could turn your season around because in my opinion Mel's a class act.
barney grumble: I thought it was harsh, but stats speak for themselves, and West Brom's record in 2013 was simply not good enough, but as we'll soon find out, losing a huge figure like Lukaku, is tough, and replacing him with Anichebe was like suicide.
Pepe Mel, well, this is why i thought Steve Clarke's sacking was harsh, it took so long to replace him, and the fella has a tradition of being sacked. His achievements are the equivalent of leading the current West Brom team out of League One, as that's how strong Rayo were when he was promoted with them, and Real Betis, was a mere formality, all he had to do was turn up.
Eventually the one flash out of the pan, last season has turned out to be a fluke, and naturally he was relieved of his duties, with Betis languishing at the bottom.
I'd slightly sceptical, for me Clarke is better.
bicycleheader: Thought Clarke was good but his results suggest otherwise so probably deserved to go. Pepe Mel is a very odd choice. He is hugely respected in Spain and a bit of a legend as he is a maverick. Chequered record as a manager but despite being recently sacked by them he is a hero at Betis. Stood up to Jose, so I love him for that.
Kev: Was really surprised at the Clarke sacking. Honestly don't know enough about Mel to comment. Hope he does well with you.
robertor: I was surprised when it first happened but now the replacement has been made I think that it could turn your season around because in my opinion Mel's a class act.
barney grumble: I thought it was harsh, but stats speak for themselves, and West Brom's record in 2013 was simply not good enough, but as we'll soon find out, losing a huge figure like Lukaku, is tough, and replacing him with Anichebe was like suicide.
Pepe Mel, well, this is why i thought Steve Clarke's sacking was harsh, it took so long to replace him, and the fella has a tradition of being sacked. His achievements are the equivalent of leading the current West Brom team out of League One, as that's how strong Rayo were when he was promoted with them, and Real Betis, was a mere formality, all he had to do was turn up.
Eventually the one flash out of the pan, last season has turned out to be a fluke, and naturally he was relieved of his duties, with Betis languishing at the bottom.
I'd slightly sceptical, for me Clarke is better.
Romelu Lukaku won many hearts at The Hawthorns. How has he performed for you?
SpeedEFC: Great player, he provides us an extra dimension up front that gives us a focal point to attack around. His goal haul so far is a bit on the small side for what he could have too, if our midfielders weren't so greedy he could well be on like 12 or 13 by now.
FTY: At times, world class, the rest of the time, average at best.
Azzuri: Started off brilliantly, faded a bit now. He doesn't look the finished article at all (to be expected at his age), and you can see why Mourinho sent him out on loan. He doesn't win many headers and his touch lets him down sometimes but he will be world class and whenever he's having a poor game he usually scores which you can't complain about.
bicycleheader: He scores goals and at times excites, but I'm sure as you saw he is nowhere near the finished product. First touch sometimes awful.
barneygrumble: He started off brilliantly, absolutely brilliantly, but i feel of late, he's started to tire a bit, and needs a good rest, sadly for us, we have no options on the bench to start, so until a new striker is signed, Lukaku will continue to become stale, however, he is the best striker we've had on our books for many a year.
FTY: At times, world class, the rest of the time, average at best.
Azzuri: Started off brilliantly, faded a bit now. He doesn't look the finished article at all (to be expected at his age), and you can see why Mourinho sent him out on loan. He doesn't win many headers and his touch lets him down sometimes but he will be world class and whenever he's having a poor game he usually scores which you can't complain about.
bicycleheader: He scores goals and at times excites, but I'm sure as you saw he is nowhere near the finished product. First touch sometimes awful.
barneygrumble: He started off brilliantly, absolutely brilliantly, but i feel of late, he's started to tire a bit, and needs a good rest, sadly for us, we have no options on the bench to start, so until a new striker is signed, Lukaku will continue to become stale, however, he is the best striker we've had on our books for many a year.
The transfer window is open, is there anywhere that strengthening?
Azzuri: Another striker and CM please. We got the wide player in McGeady
DanEFC92: Need a new striker, desperately
Baines on toast: I just answered this in the previous post, I think. We need a striker who can realistically challenge Lukaku. Another central midfielder wouldn't go a miss either.
sideliner: we need a CM , a striker and cover at DM
DanEFC92: Need a new striker, desperately
Baines on toast: I just answered this in the previous post, I think. We need a striker who can realistically challenge Lukaku. Another central midfielder wouldn't go a miss either.
sideliner: we need a CM , a striker and cover at DM
What side is RM likely to choose?
Ron Burgandy: Howard, Baines, Jagielka, Stones, Coleman, Mirallas, McCarthy, Barry, Osman, Pienaar, Lukaku
jtl60: (If all fit) Howard, Coleman, Jags, Distin, Baines, Mirallas, McCarthy, Barry, Pienaar, Barkley, Lukaku
Rook: Same as Norwich, maybe with Naismith starting (hopefully behind the striker and not out wide though). Also maybe with Oviedo starting as well.
Bicycleheader: Howard, Coleman, Jags, Stones, Baines, McCarthy, Barry, Mirallas, Osman, Pienaar, Lukaku
jtl60: (If all fit) Howard, Coleman, Jags, Distin, Baines, Mirallas, McCarthy, Barry, Pienaar, Barkley, Lukaku
Rook: Same as Norwich, maybe with Naismith starting (hopefully behind the striker and not out wide though). Also maybe with Oviedo starting as well.
Bicycleheader: Howard, Coleman, Jags, Stones, Baines, McCarthy, Barry, Mirallas, Osman, Pienaar, Lukaku
Who are the three clubs that will be relegated?
Rook: Cardiff, Sunderland and Fulham (Palace looks to have righted the ship)
Barneygrumble: For me
Cardiff, Fulham and Crystal Palace
Reidy's bottle of grecian: West Ham, Sunderland, Villa.
Estivage: Norwich Palace and Cardiff
Barneygrumble: For me
Cardiff, Fulham and Crystal Palace
Reidy's bottle of grecian: West Ham, Sunderland, Villa.
Estivage: Norwich Palace and Cardiff
What are your strengths and weaknesses?
baines on toast: The game against Arsenal highlighted just how good we can be at the passing/possession game. We're hard to break down at the back and we also don't know when we're beaten.
Our squad depth is a massive weakness. If our first XI isn't winning, we're painfully short on players that can turn a game around at the moment.
DanEFC92: Strengths: Possession football, quick passing, great movement. Weaknesses: Not finishing teams off, not threatening enough from corners, not feeding the striker.
BarneygrumbleWe're very hard to play against, we pass a lot, so teams need to be very fit, or else they will be in trouble, if you go 4-4-2 aswell, you'll struggle, as your midfield usually becomes overrun, by our passing.
We're excellent from free kicks lately too, and have excellent options from that.
Our Wing-Backs are the best in the league imo, and poses a deadly threat always.
Weaknesses? I guess, that we try to pass a little too much, and we often cut off the supply line to Lukaku, but i'm not complaining, but would like to see us get into the box a bit more.
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Our squad depth is a massive weakness. If our first XI isn't winning, we're painfully short on players that can turn a game around at the moment.
DanEFC92: Strengths: Possession football, quick passing, great movement. Weaknesses: Not finishing teams off, not threatening enough from corners, not feeding the striker.
BarneygrumbleWe're very hard to play against, we pass a lot, so teams need to be very fit, or else they will be in trouble, if you go 4-4-2 aswell, you'll struggle, as your midfield usually becomes overrun, by our passing.
We're excellent from free kicks lately too, and have excellent options from that.
Our Wing-Backs are the best in the league imo, and poses a deadly threat always.
Weaknesses? I guess, that we try to pass a little too much, and we often cut off the supply line to Lukaku, but i'm not complaining, but would like to see us get into the box a bit more.
Gwladys St Glory: Back four and goalkeeper have been playing together quite a while now. Playing with the confidence of Martinez and the doggedness of Moyes.
WAToffee: Strength - complete domination of games due to being absolutely boss. Every goal is a contender for goal of the season. Weakness - not getting the goals that our play deserves (see point 6)
WAToffee: Strength - complete domination of games due to being absolutely boss. Every goal is a contender for goal of the season. Weakness - not getting the goals that our play deserves (see point 6)
Score predictions
Ron Burgandy: 2-2 A tough away fixture!
Baines on toast: You've got a new manager and know how to take points off us but I think we'll turn up and send a message going into the derby. 3-1.
sideliner: 1-1 or maybe a surprize win for you - the refs owe you and must help Man united catching up with us
Support your new manager and start winning after Monday - we want to see you here next year.
Baines on toast: You've got a new manager and know how to take points off us but I think we'll turn up and send a message going into the derby. 3-1.
sideliner: 1-1 or maybe a surprize win for you - the refs owe you and must help Man united catching up with us
Support your new manager and start winning after Monday - we want to see you here next year.
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A thank you to the Everton fans for their superb replies. I don't know about you, but throughout all the editions we've done over the last season and a half, the Everton editions have been by far and away the best. To view the remainder of their answers, please Click Here.
Here's hoping for a victory in-front of the Sky Cameras!
Here's hoping for a victory in-front of the Sky Cameras!
Viva Pepe.
