Late leveller by Limassol holds Blues to damaging draw

Thursday, 28 September, 2017 254comments  |  Jump to most recent
Everton 2 - 2 Apollon Limassol

Overlooked against Bournemouth, Sandro Ramirez starts in the absence of Oumar Niasse

Everton were denied a vital victory by Hector Yuste's equaliser for Apollon Limassol after substitute Nikola Vlasic had put them on course for three points.

The Blues were leading as the game entered the 88th minute with the Cypriot side a man down following Valentin Roberge's sending off but they couldn't deal with a wicked free kick that Yuste guided beyond Jordan Pickford to level the match at 2-2.

Ronald Koeman made more changes to his previous line-up, with Jonjoe Kenny, Tom Davies and Sandro Ramirez coming into the side at the expense of Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Davy Klaassen and Cuco Martina.

Everton started poorly, lacking tempo and looking vulnerable to Limassol on the counter-attack.

Gylfi Sigurdsson had an early chance to create something with a free kick but delivered the ball too close to the 'keeper while Rooney's gamble to chase Pickford's long clearance almost paid off but he couldn't quite bring the ball in as it bounced in the opposition box.

Limassol's pressing paid dividends with 12 minutes gone. Under pressure, Ashley Williams elected not to pass back to his goalkeeper and gave the ball straight to Maglica.

The ball was quickly whipped into the middle where Adrian Sardinero was initially foiled by Pickford but the ball broke kindly off the Englishman's arm and he had a routine tap-in to give the visitors the lead.

The Blues were gifted an equaliser, though, nine minutes later. Looking for his goalkeeper, Yuste send a wayward backpass beyond Bruno Vale and Rooney had the simple task of stabbing into the empty goal.

Soon afterwards, Rooney missed an overhead kick attempt from Davies's looping header back across goal and Sigurdsson's volley was saved by the 'keeper.

After having to have his hand bandaged up when a defender landed on it with his studs, Rooney curled an effort narrowly wide as the Blues tried to take charge of the contest.

With the half drawing to a close and Everton struggling to trouble their opponents, the Vale was twice called into action. Davies stung his palms with a rocket from outside the box that he pushed away and he then fisted a Sigurdsson free kick to safety following a foul on the edge of the area.

Koeman looked to address his team's shortcomings over the first 45 minutes by bringing Vlasic on for Idrissa Gueye to add more options going forward.

The change didn't immediately change the pattern of the game as Everton toiled to break down an entrenched Limassol side and it was the visitors who forced the first save of the second half that Pickford pulled off one handed to foil a shot from distance.

It would take almost 20 minutes for the home team to threaten the Cypriots' goal when Sigurdsson swung a free kick to the back post and Williams connected but could only put it into the Gwladys Street on the stretch from a tight angle.

Limassol's mostly organised rearguard was opened up a minute later, though, when Rooney's pass deflected into the path of Sigurdsson who flicked Vlasic into the clear behind the defence and the Croatian finished with impressive composure, tucking his shot inside the post past the advancing 'keeper.

Koeman had already decided to replace Sandro and Davies with Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Davy Klaassen and they came on straight after Everton's second goal.

Yuste's cynical foul on Rooney earned him an entry in the referee's book and gave Everton another set-piece opportunity. The initial free kick was headed clear and Vlasic's volley was sliced wide but when the ball was worked back inside, the former Hajduk Split man fired a low shot that was saved.

A minute later, the Blues countered with a long ball to Calvert-Lewin that the young striker controlled well and then hammered narrowly wide searching for the top corner.

Rooney tested Vale with a speculative drive from distance, Kenny had a shot charged down as Sigurdsson slipped him in on the overlap and Rooney tried to emulate the Icelander's feat in Split with an audacious effort from the halfway line but it drifted wide.

When "Roby" was sent off for going into Calvert-Lewin's back with his studs, it looked to be game over but a free kick from the left conceded by Klaassen on Jander as he tried to gallop through set up the free kick from which Limassol equalised.

Everton responded immediately and Calvert-Lewin looked to have put them straight back into the lead from Vlasic's inch-perfect cross but Vale denied him with an excellent save.

In the final minute of stoppage time, Vlasic almost put Rooney in and a defender's clearance cannoned off another white shirt and almost looped in but it landed on the roof of the net instead.

Everton: Pickford, Kenny, Holgate, Williams, Baines {c}, Schneiderlin, Gueye (45' Vlasic), Davies (67' Klaassen), Sigurdsson, Rooney, Ramirez (67' Calvert-Lewin).
Subs: Stekelenburg, Martina, Mirallas, Lookman.

Attendance: 27,034

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Reader Comments (254)

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Charles Barrow
1 Posted 28/09/2017 at 19:17:01
I assume Calvert-Lewin being saved for Sunday. Shame he couldn't find room for Lookman – we need pace and width.
John Hammond
2 Posted 28/09/2017 at 19:28:36
Rooney starts FFS. Is that 2 upfront? 4-3-1-2?
Andy Crooks
3 Posted 28/09/2017 at 19:32:47
It seems to me that we lack width and pace.
Ciarán McGlone
4 Posted 28/09/2017 at 19:36:41
Same formation and tactical mistakes. Everton Groundhog Day. Should still be enough to beat this lot though.
Darren Murphy
6 Posted 28/09/2017 at 19:37:13
Rooney over Lookman???!!! Why does he not realise Lookman has pace, skills to burn over this 20-minute player? Two CDMs too, we only need Gueye there not Morgan as well.

I'd like Lennon on too for pace instead of him. I'll go for the safe 2-1 with hopefully Ramirez actually being played up front and not chasing on the wing out of position as per.

Can't he just play two up top and Sigurdsson in the Number 10 role we actually supposedly bought him for...

Brendan Fox
8 Posted 28/09/2017 at 19:42:08
Playing two defensive mids against this lot. Stinks of negativity, even Moyes wasn't this negative despite the disparity of the resources he had compared to Koeman.

Andy Crooks
9 Posted 28/09/2017 at 19:44:10
Brendan, I suspect that is an ironic comment.
Gavin Johnson
10 Posted 28/09/2017 at 19:47:20
Is the game being broadcast anywhere?
Steve High
12 Posted 28/09/2017 at 19:50:02
With Kenny and Davies on the pitch I am hopeful. Why we would start Ramirez over Calvert-Lewin, lord only knows.
Andy Crooks
15 Posted 28/09/2017 at 19:55:47
David, I respect your views, you put up some stuff worthy of debate. By the way, I hate the line-up.
Alex Gray
16 Posted 28/09/2017 at 19:56:51
Hi boys is there any live streams knocking about? Glad Kenny gets a start but think we're going to look toothless going forward again! COYB
Ciarán McGlone
17 Posted 28/09/2017 at 20:02:35
Bt2 Gavin
Chris Gould
18 Posted 28/09/2017 at 20:04:18
BT Sport 2, Gavin.

If you have Mobdro on your phone or tablet then you'll get a decent stream.

Mike Kennedy
19 Posted 28/09/2017 at 20:05:44
Where can I watch this game online?
Gavin Johnson
22 Posted 28/09/2017 at 20:13:39
Thanks for the link lads
Paul Williams
23 Posted 28/09/2017 at 20:18:46
Another shocking mistake from Williams. We're 0-1 down.
Geoffrey Hall
24 Posted 28/09/2017 at 20:20:07
Shocking!
Ciarán McGlone
25 Posted 28/09/2017 at 20:21:35
Good grief...

Williams showing his usual panache on the ball.

Other than that, there's players out of position on both wings and Schneiderlin doing his usual back passes. Dire.

Geoffrey Hall
26 Posted 28/09/2017 at 20:22:12
You wonder who's the Premier League club.
Mike Kennedy
27 Posted 28/09/2017 at 20:23:48
I can't find anywhere to watch this game. However, that may be a good thing.

We need a new manager!

Brian Murray
28 Posted 28/09/2017 at 20:26:47
Does Ron know where the rocket is?? Tell him to get his thumb out and take his free-loading bro with him.
Mark Morrissey
30 Posted 28/09/2017 at 20:28:42
It's exactly why he forgot to buy us a striker when Lukaku went. He thinks you can pack a midfield and walk the ball into the net. If it wasn't for Wayne and Niasse he'd be out of a job. The man is a fecking doombrain.
John Hammond
32 Posted 28/09/2017 at 20:35:11
I know he's scored, but Jesus, Rooney's been garbage.
Brian Murray
33 Posted 28/09/2017 at 20:38:29
He will systematically drop Davies and Kenny any or most Saturdays he can for his favourites, eg, Rooney until the mosh swings the axe on him, albeit 12 months too late as per...
Neil Roberts
34 Posted 28/09/2017 at 20:42:13
See Ancelotti just been sacked. Just saying like...
Paul Setter
35 Posted 28/09/2017 at 20:55:31
Another poor display. We are the dullest side in the league, without doubt. Please go, Koeman.
Brendan Fox
36 Posted 28/09/2017 at 20:57:55
http://cricfree.sc/watch/live/everton-vs-apollon-limassol-live-streaming
Joe McMahon
37 Posted 28/09/2017 at 20:57:56
Neil Roberts – sadly he wouldn't come to us. Being realistic i'd take Brendan Rogers. I wanted Benitez over Koeman, who is just awful, in every way.
Peter Hughes
38 Posted 28/09/2017 at 20:58:02
Burnley must be quaking in their boots!
Alex Gray
39 Posted 28/09/2017 at 21:08:12
Reckon if we all ask nicely United will let us have Lukaku back? This is going to be a long, long season.
Ciarán McGlone
40 Posted 28/09/2017 at 21:08:52
Gueye off when he's the only one doing anything worthwhile.
Mick Conalty
41 Posted 28/09/2017 at 21:13:41
Just heard comment about Everton forward line.

£95m received for Lukaku
£5m spent on Ramirez

Nice profit for Bill and his cronies.

Ciarán McGlone
42 Posted 28/09/2017 at 21:23:11
This is the footballing equivalent of John McLaughlins Jazz style..(without the enjoyment)
Stephen McNally
43 Posted 28/09/2017 at 21:27:18
Seems to be the same old story. I think this will be a long hard season for Everton and it's fans. Major money spent in the last window and, it appears the squad is unbalanced, important areas to strengthen have been overlooked (no proven striker) and the team doesn't seem to any fight/spirit.

The best we can hope for this season is for our Premier League status to be preserved because there's no chance of silverware or Champions League football.

Peter Gorman
44 Posted 28/09/2017 at 21:51:36
The fans really need to get behind Koeman.

In an orderly queue. Taking a long run-up.

Lennart Hylën
45 Posted 28/09/2017 at 21:54:58
This is dreadful!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Daniel Posada
46 Posted 28/09/2017 at 21:57:07
@Ciaran Mcglone (#42)

John Mclaughlin's fiery and passionate jazzgasms?

Nah, more like the Grateful Dead. Flabby, lumpen, going nowhere in no hurry, occasionally interspersed with a bit of magic from fat Jerry Garcia / Wayne Rooney.

Max Murphy
47 Posted 28/09/2017 at 21:57:48
Bye bye Europa.
Bye bye Williams.
Bye bye Koeman.
Bye bye Premier League.
Jamie Evans
48 Posted 28/09/2017 at 21:59:12
It's all Koeman's fault. Again. Yawn.
Daniel Posada
49 Posted 28/09/2017 at 22:01:08
Bye Ronald. You'll be missed like a polyp on the arse.
Christian Watson
50 Posted 28/09/2017 at 22:03:33
That was truly awful. Worst display to date. Totally clueless in every position. Calvert-Lewin from the start with Lookman for the weekend.

If Koeman can't see what everyone else sees then he's more of a fool than I thought he was. Europa League has gone, League Cup is as good as gone. Leaves us with survival and hopefully an FA Cup run against so called minnows.

Although on tonight's crass display minnows can give us a lesson too. Good night, Everton, you don't deserve me or my passion. Gutted!!!

Dave Older
51 Posted 28/09/2017 at 22:03:51
At least we can concentrate on the Premier League if we go out of Europe. We are obviously not trying to win this competition. Pretty depressing stuff.
Michael Morgan
52 Posted 28/09/2017 at 22:04:33
Koeman, just leave before you damage the club even more.
Clive Mitchell
53 Posted 28/09/2017 at 22:04:35
What a poor performance. What a shambles. Koeman – don't ever again have Rooney, Sigurdsson and Klaassen on the field at the same time. One of them. Or none.
Mark Andrews
54 Posted 28/09/2017 at 22:04:52
So Koeman tries the same thing yet again but expects a different result? If we struggle against the mighty Limassol, imagine what the rest will do to us?

Why do we play so slowly? The only urgency we show is after they equalise.

Way too many below par players in this team. It'll be a long, hard and painful season.

Ray Smith
55 Posted 28/09/2017 at 22:05:13
Did that really happen?

Where to from here?

Adolf Ng
56 Posted 28/09/2017 at 22:06:05
Ancelotti is now available. Will he have any interests to take Everton to where it belongs?
Lee Heath
57 Posted 28/09/2017 at 22:06:31
That was about 50% less exciting than watching England.
Ciarán McGlone
58 Posted 28/09/2017 at 22:10:04
We have lots of decent players, poorly utilised.

The players are at fault for individual mistakes, but Koeman creates the context in which those mistakes fester.

He's a chancer.

Jamie Evans
59 Posted 28/09/2017 at 22:10:50
A lot of people screaming for Jonjoe Kenny to play before tonight's game. Any of my fellow ToffeeWebbers care to give some thoughts on his performance? I thought he struggled unfortunately.
Jay Harris
60 Posted 28/09/2017 at 22:12:48
Why do Everton only ever play for 45 minutes. If we'd have played at the intensity of the last 5 minutes throughout we'd have won comfortably.

Result is an absolute disgrace to the club.

Christy Ring
61 Posted 28/09/2017 at 22:13:09
Back to square one, and playing against minnows from Cyprus at home! Can it get any worse. We finished with 3 No 10s again. We're so unbalanced, it's embarrassing.

Someone commented earlier, Ancelotti is available?

Michael Lynch
62 Posted 28/09/2017 at 22:13:34
I though Kenny was okay, but a bit timid going forward. He's young, he'll get better with experience. Davies was disappointing tonight – gave the ball away loads.

I think the main problem with playing the kids is that they're going to struggle for at least one game in every three – Koeman knows that, and he's tried to tell the fans that.

Jamie Evans
64 Posted 28/09/2017 at 22:14:09
I blame Bill. And his cronies of course. Well who else is there to blame. Certainly not the players. Yawn.
Ian Burns
65 Posted 28/09/2017 at 22:15:12
Cometh the hour – goneth the man – PLEASE Moshiri!

I don't think we can take much more of this. It is going nowhere fast – or slow if you draw the analogy on the pitch.

I didn't think it could get much worse – but tonight proved me wrong.

Andy Crooks
66 Posted 28/09/2017 at 22:15:27
Truly, truly, shocking stuff. That result should end the project. No-one, surely no-one, and as a defender of Koeman I hold my hands up, can defend this ineptitude for another day.

We are a million miles short of mediocrity. If there was a semblance of promise, a glimmer of hope, a hint of better days ahead, I would continue to support him. There is not a fucking sign. I am done with him. The line-up tonight was insane. Paceless, devoid of guile and width, utterly woeful.

He will not be sacked but in my view he is no longer fit to be our coach. To those who called this some time ago, I think you got it right.


Chris Gould
67 Posted 28/09/2017 at 22:16:53
Mistake from Williams and poor positioning from Holgate for their first. Stupid foul by Klaassen gifted the opportunity for the 2nd. Very frustrating.

It may have been asking too much of Williams to babysit both Holgate and Kenny. Holgate certainly has a lot to learn, and Kenny didn't show anything down the right. In fact Martina has been more industrious down the right flank. It didn't help Kenny that he didn't have any help down that side, but then neither does Martina.

At least Vlasic was positive and looks a confident lad. That's more than can be said for several of the others.

I just can't make my mind up about Rooney. He certainly works hard and he did score, but he doesn't create anything, and he takes up positions that Sigurdsson would. Every time Sigurdsson lined up a free kick, he had Rooney in his ear advising him. Why? Sigurdsson is one of the best in the Premier League at free kicks, don't get in his head when he's lining it up. Let him play.

I can't help but think that Sigurdsson would step up if Rooney wasn't in the team.

Jamie Evans
68 Posted 28/09/2017 at 22:19:13
Ashley Williams is an imposter.
Bob Parrington
69 Posted 28/09/2017 at 22:19:23
Should have won this. Let's face it, the defence didn't do a job on that cross that lead to their equaliser. Clearly, we're not yet good enough but FGS let's stop the "Koeman out" stuff for a while. It's becoming boring.
Steve Carter
70 Posted 28/09/2017 at 22:20:03
The population of Cyprus is shy of 1.2M and their players would be entirely home grown. Ours are so called elites drawn from around the globe. Ffs.
Jamie Evans
71 Posted 28/09/2017 at 22:20:09
Bob 69 bravo...
David Edwards
72 Posted 28/09/2017 at 22:20:31
That was a very poor performance! Better in the second half, but still not enough pace, planning and passing quality. Vlasic the only positive.

Amateurish defeating, lack-lustre midfield, slow build-up and no cutting edge. Rooney is slowing down everything, and while he seems to be playing better than most, his role is stifling the team.

Sorry to say, but the other youngsters didn't impress at all. Davis looked like a headless chicken at times, while Holgate and Kenny looked very raw tonight. Only Calvert-Lewin looks the part at present. Everyone else just looked bog average.

As these are good players when given a plan, the buck must stop with Koeman. His lack of motivational skills, team selection and tactics are unbelievable. He hasn't a clue what his best team is. (I don't either but I'm not the one on the training pitch every day.)

It's all going to end in tears unless we take action now! The Burnley game could be the game-changer!

Colin Glassar
73 Posted 28/09/2017 at 22:20:40
Spineless, dull, insipid, moronic, clueless, boring, slow, unimaginative, tepid, turgid, brainless etc... and they were the positive points out of today's game.

If we fail to beat Burnley on Sunday, then I can see tulip balls getting the boot. He combines the worst of Moyes and Martinez with none of their positives.

Gordon Crawford
74 Posted 28/09/2017 at 22:20:45
Jamie, I thought Kenny was quiet. But in saying that he had very few out balls. He will get much better. We lacked pace at the start, but with Calvert-Lewin coming on we stretched them more. Why Lookman doesn't play I don't know.
John Pierce
75 Posted 28/09/2017 at 22:20:48
Unmitigated shithousery of the highest order. The umpteenth time he sets up against an inferior side with his one paced, predictable line up.

No focal point, just a new signing sacrificed as a centre forward learning the English game.

My arl fella took up the walking football thing a couple of years ago, this lot look a set of zombies droning around the pitch.

Whatever the options are to replace him, and in Everton's stupidity there might be none, that would be better than waiting for a team sheet with all the unpredictability of day following night.

Its so predictable, are we caught in groundhog day? If feels like it.

The absence of Calvert-Lewin was criminal, or any player that can carry the ball; Vlasic & Lookman. Fair does to Vlasic, bright, clever and took his goal with great confidence.

We are in a lot of trouble, and messing around dithering over keeping Koeman or no just makes it worse.

Amit Vithlani
77 Posted 28/09/2017 at 22:23:44
Not much needs to be said to lay out the manager's ineptitude after tonight's nadir. Be gone, Koeman.

Concession of poor goals is becoming a habit and the signs of a manager who has lost his grip.


Christine Foster
78 Posted 28/09/2017 at 22:23:50
It was so painful to watch, absolutely no pace, all match when he has two pace men on the bench...

Koeman continues to pack and stack the midfield. Even when he changes it he puts another midfielder in a wide position, instead of pacemen specifically in their position... my goodness.

Missed sitters, bad central defending from Williams and Holgate (drop the pair of them they have been dire and responsible for so many goals) no pace no idea poor tactics..

As bad a team performance I have seen only surpassed by bad team selection and game management.

It was crying out for pace. It was awful.

Ash Moore
81 Posted 28/09/2017 at 22:24:05
That was pretty bad. A team that lacks firepower like we do has to be rock solid at the back. The defending at times tonight was febrile, and but for an absolute clanger by their hero and a narrow miss that would have been a worldy it could have been over by half-time.

Damning.

Andy Crooks
82 Posted 28/09/2017 at 22:24:09
Bob, I bowed to no one in my support for Koeman. However, in my opinion "Koeman Out", calls are not boring – they are pertinent and worthy of debate.
Gordon White
83 Posted 28/09/2017 at 22:24:18
How much more humiliation? Another disgraceful performance. How much longer before somebody says enough is enough?

It feels like the same mistakes are being made over and over again. Perhaps the sooner we're out of Europe the better. It's sickening to watch.

James Stewart
84 Posted 28/09/2017 at 22:25:05
Enough embarrassment now, we have suffered enough. Just sack him and let's save the season.
John Roberts
85 Posted 28/09/2017 at 22:25:08
I'm so angry! As Koeman says, shocking mistake by Williams. Williams for me has been poor far too often this season; very clumsy. But who can we play instead? We simply have nobody playing to their potential at the minute. Beside his gift of a goal, Rooney is taking up a key role in the team (creator) but he isn't doing that.

This manager is playing the same formation, same line up almost week-in & week-out and it's the same rubbish zero confidence, zero attacking threat. Is Koeman upsetting the players hence why they're not performing!!?

George Cumiskey
86 Posted 28/09/2017 at 22:25:34
Jamie Evans – it's all the players' fault,; Koeman and the board are doing a fantastic job. Yawn.
Ray Smith
87 Posted 28/09/2017 at 22:26:05
Said it before and I'll say it again: Rooney & Sigurdsson cannot play in the same team.

Sigurdsson is the future, Rooney is a good backup, but that's it, as far as I'm concerned.

Williams must surely be on borrowed time!!!

Declan Martin
88 Posted 28/09/2017 at 22:26:50
As a Republic of Ireland supporter, all I can say is I hope Ashley Williams is that bad for Wales.

He is a total liability.

Paul Tran
89 Posted 28/09/2017 at 22:27:53
No pace, zip or energy. Gifted a lucky goal. Brings on Vlasic, pacy and direct, we look better. Brings on Calvert-Lewin, we stretch them and look better. Sigurdsson gets space and looks good when Rooney stays out of this way.

If you want to play a pressing game, it's better to play pacy players who press the other team back. It always takes an hour for him to do this.

I've previously said it would be best to give him till Christmas to let the new players bed in. I wouldn't be upset if he was sacked tomorrow.

Gordon White
90 Posted 28/09/2017 at 22:27:58
Bob (#69) and Jamie (#71). It's not as boring as watching Everton.
Paul Thompson
91 Posted 28/09/2017 at 22:28:12
The missed gilt-edged chances and comedy defending for the equaliser should not obscure the underlying truth. The first half was a repeat of the spineless, shapeless dross we've seen too often this season.

The second half was much better, led by Vlasic, who must start on the left and Calvert-Lewin, another certain starter. Davies was poor, but should start, we need his energy.

Our problem against Burnley will be defensive if Jagielka and Keane or still out. Holgate is not ready for central defence and Williams error prone. Kenny, who I like, did his chances no good at all with an insipid performance. This will be Koeman's last role of the dice.

John Pierce
92 Posted 28/09/2017 at 22:29:12
Bob (#69).

List three positive aspects of Koeman's stewardship and outline your positive, constructive arguement to retain him.

Mike Hughes
93 Posted 28/09/2017 at 22:30:01
To be fair, they are one of the better teams in Cyprus.

And they did look "up for it" which is a bit unfair as it immediately puts us at a disadvantage.

I hope we learned from the Martinez fiasco and put a performance-related clause in the manager's contract.

Desperate times.

Andrew Clare
94 Posted 28/09/2017 at 22:30:33
Absolutely dire is the only way to describe that performance. Embarrassingly bad from start to finish.

If it's the same in two months time then we are going to be in big trouble.

It's not the players, it's the manager. He doesn't have a clue.

Clive Lewis
95 Posted 28/09/2017 at 22:30:43
Well how much more depression before it's finally agreed Koeman is shocking at motivating a team to win? We have played the whipping boys at hone and drawn. We are clearly out of Europe barring a miracle. Lyon and Atalanta will batter these at home.

Koeman hasn't got a clue, he is sadly disassociated now in his interviews, like a man who is desperate to be put out of his misery. He clearly knows he is crap now.

Ash Moore
96 Posted 28/09/2017 at 22:30:57
Mike Hughes – Our opposition drew on the weekend and presently are seventh in their league.
Kevin Tully
97 Posted 28/09/2017 at 22:32:48
We are the worst side to watch in the Premier League.

Koeman has had to change every starting eleven after watching his first choice plan fall apart.

Rooney hogs the play and is past it. Terrible mistake bringing him back.

How can you win games when we play with our backs to the goal in the opposition half?

£200m spent and £6m a season for the worst football since Walter Smith.

No striker to even give us a glimmer of hope.

Terrible man-management.

This will not all suddenly 'gel' or 'click into place.' Too many mistakes made in the summer transfer market.

All this, and I actually wanted him as our manager. Sometimes, every party has to admit it will never work. Sensible people will come to a decision, and everyone has to cut their losses.

Time to 'bite the bullet' and send him on his way.

Dave Williams
98 Posted 28/09/2017 at 22:33:02
Every game and he makes the same mistakes. We need width and pace and we do have the players to do this so why keep packing the side with centre-midfielders who get in each other's way and can't beat a man?

Kenny was not great but he needs a wide player in front of him. He, Davies, Calvert-Lewin and Vlasic will provide great energy if the right players are around them and surely a Lookman is worth some games too.

Koeman was hardly inspirational in his interview and his days must surely be numbered. A defeat on Sunday would be very damaging to him but surely we can beat Burnley at home... surely?????

Colin Glassar
99 Posted 28/09/2017 at 22:33:51
Don't be surprised if Dan Meiss (?) is wheeled out tomorrow with further hints at our futuristic stadium or, rumours about secret meetings with players agents like Cavani, Gameiro, Mandzukic.

The Kenwright PR department will be working overtime tonight to try and cover up this latest fuckup. Koeman out!!

James Stewart
100 Posted 28/09/2017 at 22:35:03
Nail head.

https://twitter.com/btsportfootball/status/913515312125026306

Andrew James
101 Posted 28/09/2017 at 22:36:40
My view, worth nothing I confess, was that the line up made the half time sub inevitable. But that meant we'd wasted 45 minutes against a spirited but weak team.

So at 1-1, I expected the introduction of Vlasic to enable us to be more attacking and go on to win with little fuss.

We made hard work of it but finally the perseverance of Davies, some class from Rooney and Sigurdsson and then a wonderful finish from Vlasic and we looked set to go and win.

But no. The master tactician continues with his subs he'd been preparing before the goal, on they go. One I agreed with, the other not. He's exchanged our box-to-box midfielder (who has played with Kenny dozens of times) for an out of sorts Klaassen who then continually misplaces passes, we lose our momentum and then he gives away the free kick for their goal. It was so unnecessary. It was like Koeman was trying to even things up for the neutral!

How often does a team at home surrender a 2-1 lead to 10 men?

Andy Crooks
102 Posted 28/09/2017 at 22:36:51
Mike Hughes, clever stuff.
Danny Broderick
103 Posted 28/09/2017 at 22:37:16
Having defended Koeman all season, I am frustrated tonight. Same old line-up, no width. The full backs are struggling because they look up and have nothing in front of them. It's the same in midfield. The centre of the park is crowded, there's little out wide and only 1 man up front.

Koeman is not learning from his tactical mistakes. In every game I see, we look better after his subs – isn't that an admission that he got his starting line up wrong, especially when it is happening every game?

There was a comparison made between Koeman and Van Gaal on TV. Our tactics are certainly looking lifeless and very rigid.

Koeman needs to improve. There is only so long that he can keep on repeating the rhetoric about confidence, aggression, mistakes etc. He needs to choose the right line ups to allow the players to perform well and gain confidence.

Hywel Owen
104 Posted 28/09/2017 at 22:37:31
Just when we were getting the upper hand at 2-1, God's gift to football, aka Ronald Koeman, takes off the only player who was committed and puts on League 2 standard Davy Klaassen in his place.

All this for £6m per annum – ye gods

Carl Taylor
105 Posted 28/09/2017 at 22:39:17
I'm sure it must have been said before, but teams reflect their manager;

Conte - Determined, organised, winner.
Guardiola - Football at any cost.
Mourinho/Ferguson - Win at any cost, 2nd place is nowhere.
Pulis - Stubborn and dull.
Klopp - Entertaining but not all there.
Southgate - Why? What?
Koeman - Dour, shite, living on past glories.

This team and it's style of play represent Koeman and his philosophy, his personality. Nothing will change until the man in charge changes; and Koeman will not be changed, like Martinez and Moyes before him.

Moyes is the classic example. We gave him Yakubu and Johnson, and they were thrilling together. Then Moyes put his personality and philosophy on them; and they were chasing back and forgot what they were capable of.

We need a manager/leader who can convince the players they are capable of so much more than Koeman does, just not the insane levels of confidence that a Martinez or Klopp possess. I don't know who that manager is, but I am 100% certain who it isn't.

George Cumiskey
106 Posted 28/09/2017 at 22:40:56
Ancelotti won the German league last season and is in third place this season. But that didn't save him from the sack, their management team could see they were in decline and did something straight away.

But you know with our lot they will hang on and hang on till it's too late to rectify it this season.

Mick Conalty
107 Posted 28/09/2017 at 22:42:31
The Talk Sport commentators on the game, made nothing but derogatory remarks all night about Everton's performance and lack of positive play. Considering the Cypriot side are 8th in their own league, the result was unacceptable.

Koeman and Everton are a laughing stock in the media. He must go before he does any further damage to our great club.

Michael Lynch
108 Posted 28/09/2017 at 22:42:57
Chris @67 – I tend to agree. Sigurdsson looks like he thinks he's Robin to Rooney's Batman at the moment, he needs to step up and control the game, which he looks capable of doing.

Bench Rooney on Sunday, start Sigurdsson in the middle with Vlasic to the left of him, and Calvert-Lewin up front.

Andy Crooks
109 Posted 28/09/2017 at 22:42:57
Kevin Tully, Walter Smith was dealt a shite hand. Koeman, in comparison, has been dealt aces to open.

I have disagreed with you for some time. You were right, Kevin.

Christy Ring
110 Posted 28/09/2017 at 22:43:13
Yet again, Koeman picks a team with no width or pace. It must be a nightmare for the fullbacks, absolutely nothing in front of them, when they're going forward and defending.
Tony Abrahams
111 Posted 28/09/2017 at 22:44:17
Coming out the match, I heard some fella shouting that Williams is finished. I honestly don't think he's ever got started since he joined Everton.

If "Koeman Out" is boring, then how would you describe his crazy, ill thought-out football? He brought Klaassen on to play on the right, even though he's too slow to play in the middle at the minute?

Positive tonight was Sigurdsson, he looks a very good player, but will only improve if the manager improves the personnel, the system, and plays him in his right position. I'm not holding my fuckin breath though.

Amit Vithlani
112 Posted 28/09/2017 at 22:44:54
His post match comments reveal signs of huge pressure. Blaming his players.
Dave Lynch
113 Posted 28/09/2017 at 22:45:34
When Rooney had that ridiculous shot from half way down Spellow Lane, I said to my lad "I've had enough."

He agreed and we left for a chinky take-out as we had no tea.

Utterly atrocious performance.

Mohamad Haryan
114 Posted 28/09/2017 at 22:49:39
Fraud manager. End of.
Kevin Tully
115 Posted 28/09/2017 at 22:49:58
Andy C – I'm desperate for any sign that there is a master plan in place we are all missing. That Koeman will one day turn around and look into a camera with a glint in his eye and say "Those daft supporters never realised what we were doing all along."

If that's going to happen, he's got me and thousands of others fooled, mate. I can't see for the life of me what the overall strategy is. There isn't a single indicator this is going to get any better.

John Pierce
116 Posted 28/09/2017 at 22:51:29
When is it okay to question Koeman's position? Asking for a friend.
Mark Riding
117 Posted 28/09/2017 at 22:52:09
If ever a pic sums up how we are playing, this is it from the other day.

image

Brian Murray
118 Posted 28/09/2017 at 22:54:40
The club in no way shape or form is geared for success. I honestly believe Bill doesn't want or couldn't handle Everton being a big player. Total losers but I feel sorry for the kids, mine included. It will take another derby humiliation before Moshiri finally ignores Bill's plea to give him more time.
John Keating
119 Posted 28/09/2017 at 22:55:31
It's called "insanity" – Martinez had it as well. Making the same mistakes time after time, refusing to see it, blaming everyone else.

I never want to see us get beat but hopefully draws will see us exit the Europa League and concentrate on staying in the Premier League. We really are that bad.

There are no signs that the manager has the skills to lift us out of the dire shit his tactics and team selections are putting us in.

We have to accept that the skill levels of our players are mid table at best and we need someone, anyone, who is able to motivate these overpaid clowns to actually get to and stay mid table.

The excuses we here would be laughable if they weren't so concerning. Players "getting used to each other" shouldn't prevent them being able to pass to each other.

As well as the managers failed parts, tactics and team selection, motivation and man management are other required attributes, well I suggest he's failed miserably there too.

Best to part company sooner rather than later, and who to put in? Well, anyone would do better than Koeman to be honest.

George Cumiskey
120 Posted 28/09/2017 at 22:56:12
Koeman and Van Gaal have been likened to each other because they have the same Dutch arrogance. That they are the only ones who can see the genius in what they are doing, and that all the fans, the media, the television pundits and the rest of the football world are either blind or stupid.
Brian Williams
122 Posted 28/09/2017 at 22:56:35
Just in from the game and still absolutely pissed off.

The only players to come out of that performance with any credibility are Baines, Kenny, Vlasic and Calvert-Lewin.

Darren Hind constantly says we play zombie football but if you've watched an episode of the Walking Dead you'd know that zombies do something in every show that we're unable to do, and that's go fucking forward!

They finished with ten men tonight but we didn't have any advantage because:

a) Rooney is half a yard short of pace and despite the odd very good ball doesn't do enough to warrant his place.

b) Sigurdsson is the same but without the odd very good ball.

c) Sandro just isn't good enough at the moment and although people say "new league" new country" etc how come Vlasic seems to have managed the change.

d) Schneiderlin MUST be under orders not to pass in a forward direction if a backward pass is possible (although he near gave me a heart attack when he sprinted forward ONCE in the second half and went past two players.

e) Williams is shite.

I can't remember us being THIS bad last season when people were saying we're only two or three players from being a very good side. At a conservative estimate we're about seven short this season.

I couldn't wait to leave my seat and eacape!


Tony Abrahams
123 Posted 28/09/2017 at 22:56:47
Calvert-Lewin did the same thing against Bournemouth Dave, trying to score from the halfway line.

A team with no adventure, has the players trying to score absolute worldies?

I could forgive Calvert-Lewin, given his age, and his inexperience, but what Rooney tried tonight was fucking ridiculous, and maybe told us a bigger story.

A top class manager wouldn't accept this type of play, unless he's fucking lost it, and realises the players must have no faith in the system... just a thought.

Ian Riley
124 Posted 28/09/2017 at 22:57:16
I think Koeman might resign after tonight. Game after game, Koeman is having to make changes to rescue games when going behind. No positives from our start to the season.

If only we played players with pace from the start. International break may see a change at the top.

Paul Birmingham
125 Posted 28/09/2017 at 22:59:04
Said it many times but watching Everton kills the soul and spirit..

Hope... if something doesn't happen very soon we will be lucky to stay up. It feels like we are stuck and no hope of an easy way out.

Start with Calvert-Lewin, Oumar and Vlasic v Burnley.. for the life of me I can't see us progressing in this Europa League, bar a miracle. No punch, passion, belief and until the subs we looked like a championship side.

Time soon to do a Reggy Perrin, the club should refund every one tonight, the latest disgrace to haunt this famous place..

SOS time.. no more to say.

Christine Foster
126 Posted 28/09/2017 at 22:59:59
Tony Abrahams... trying to pull rabbits out of hats because they know its not working. No faith in the system equals no faith in the manager.
David Barks
127 Posted 28/09/2017 at 23:01:50
I don't even know what to say anymore. All I can think is that if we are to believe that the ownership of Everton is ambitious, which is what they repeatedly tell us and have the manager telling us, then an ambitious club would have sacked this manager.

If this was Man City, Chelsea, Spurs, Liverpool, Man Utd, they would look at what this manager has done over what is nearly a year and a half and say, "This is not good enough, you're gone."

But there is the question. Is this ownership actually ambitious or just making a shitload of money by owning a football club and making money off of naming rights and sponsorships?

Colin Glassar
128 Posted 28/09/2017 at 23:02:08
Last post for tonight. I feel sorry for Rooney. He didn't come back for an easy retirement, he came back to win things. His legs might be slower but his (football) brain is still sharp and his passion and desire is still admirable.

What must he be thinking about this tulip brained manager of his with his gutless, boring tactics? I bet he wasn't promised these mindless tactics and cowardly decision making when he signed up for us.

I've never been a so-and-so out supporter but enough is enough. Koeman is becoming a caricature if his fellow Dutchman, Van Gaal with his arrogance and stubbornness. Time for action Moshiri if you are really serious about taking us forward. Don't let the rot become unstoppable.

Liam Reilly
130 Posted 28/09/2017 at 23:02:29
No pace in the side until Vlasic came on and then we looked a different team.

The goal went in 2-1; no need to change it, Just let it settle down; NOPE, on comes Klaassen.

I really hope I'm missing something but fuck me, he needs to improve and fast. At least Sandro puts himself about and caused the error for the first goal, but Klaassen has produced nothing of note dice he arrived bar one challenge late on the penalty area.

Koeman needs to ditch his 3 number tens for Sunday and play with some pace: Vlasic, Lookman or Mirallas .

Barry Williams
131 Posted 28/09/2017 at 23:03:06
Paul Tran (#89). I was exactly the same as yourself, willing to hang fire until Christmas, but I am finding it harder and harder to defend Koeman, and defend him I have.

Danny Broderick (#103). You sum up a lot of the sentiments I have been feeling lately.

When I saw the team sheet immediately I wondered where everyone would play and where the width was coming from. I agreed with playing Kenny, but was such an inexperienced player expected to be both a competent defender and winger?

Williams, Baines and Rooney are in their 30s and being overplayed, it is that simple. Williams looked heavy legged tonight. Rooney was outstanding, he was everywhere, gave a damn and even when he passed it from deep, he was the one in the box trying to get on the end of a pass, where were the other younger players?

What system are we playing? Why have loads of wingers in the squad and hardly ever play them. Like many have said, we keep playing better after subs have come on and provided width, penetration and pace, so why are we not starting with them?

We were playing a Cypriot team at home and we couldn't beat them, the country has a population of less than 2,000,000.

Koeman needs to get things right asap and dispense with his unnecessarily convoluted system that just isn't working.

How did it get to this!!??

Fran Mitchell
132 Posted 28/09/2017 at 23:04:37
Glad I missed it by the sounds of things.

Koeman is quite simply failing in every department. The defence is disorganised and leaking goals. The midfield loses possession, lacks dynamism, no creativity, and no pace. The attack is one paced, lacking confidence, and predictable.

And yet, time and time again, Koeman is going with the same system, the same personnel. No risk taking, no adventure, and no results. For me he should have been gone after the Man Utd game.

The 4 winnable home games on the trot seemed to have been his hope to get things back on track.

So far, we almost lost yet managed to fluke a win in one, and drew against 10-men from a ridiculously weak league (any decent PL team should be winning this 3/4/5-0 easily). Got to go.

Let's try for Tuchel or Ancelotti (£6 million a year we pay Koeman, enough to attract someone of this stature). If not, give Unsworh til December.

Sam Hoare
133 Posted 28/09/2017 at 23:04:54
No chance of Koeman resigning. Very little chance of him getting sacked. Yet.

Lose a few more games, be in the bottom five around December and the board may be forced to act but Kenwright prides himself on being 'patient' with managers. I don't want Crystal Palace level impatience but Koeman has had some time now. No sign of improvement equals time for a change...

Kunal Desai
134 Posted 28/09/2017 at 23:04:55
He won't get sacked. We have two luvvies sitting at the top who accept at best mediocrity. Unless we are in the bottom three by March, Koeman will still be here. 25 years of shite starts at the helm and filters down.
Paul A Smith
135 Posted 28/09/2017 at 23:11:36
All the negative doom mongers (or whatever the phrase was) must be gutted for sticking their neck on the line in a Moshiri believers platform and seeing this caper for what it really is now.

"But we have bought potentially great Under-23s."

Sound. Man Utd must be made up we babysit for them.

Matt Muzi
136 Posted 28/09/2017 at 23:12:25
Comes down to one thing IMO – we drew with the 8th placed team in the Cypriot league tonight.

If that isn't striking alarm bells with the club hierarchy, then we could be going back to scrapping it out in a relegation battle come April.

Gavin Johnson
137 Posted 28/09/2017 at 23:12:40
Ancelotti's just been sacked by Bayern so there would be an available replacement should Koeman be sacked! It's just conjecture at the mo. He will be given until Xmas by our board.
Mike Dolan
138 Posted 28/09/2017 at 23:17:34
Let's fire the manager... Three starting centre-backs injured; star full back injured; star winger injured. Bad draw today caused by dreadful error and a poorly defended goal, That must mean the team has no heart and is not trying because Koeman is a mean guy who is a lousy manager who knows nothing in spite of his good managerial track record and winning 3,000 caps for Holland and winning everything there is to win with Barcelona.

He's a shit manager? Well, tell me that in December. Tonight we played well enough to win. In this bad start to the season we look like a team that will never score goals but we forget sometimes that for the last three seasons when Lukaku went into one of his funks we looked like a team that would ever score another goal.

This is a team that has some brilliant players but they need a little time. This is a team that will click. I am still happy with all of the summer signings and the manager and the direction of the club. I think now is the time that Evertonians need to stay positive and support the players and manager while they work through this bonding period. Let's not get all panicky – it's unbecoming.

Andy Williams
139 Posted 28/09/2017 at 23:17:56
Christ on a bike! Koeman blaming players for not playing the ball forward into the channels but all season I have watched as players get the ball, look for the wide players running into the channels, only to find no bugger there. No awareness whatsoever.
Andrew James
142 Posted 28/09/2017 at 23:19:39
This reminds me of Mike Walker. He was the new fashionable name and so we took him. We gave him money and he had quite a large squad with some gems in it. He failed, perhaps he wasn't given enough time, most would argue he was as his career subsequently was quiet to say the least.

RK, of course, inherited a fine set of players and has been given a good budget. I look at what we have on the books and there's definitely some gems there.

When we get to such moments, I think in terms of who is at fault? Is it the squad or the manager? With Martinez - manager. Smith - both! Hence why I was stunned when Moyes did what he did. Walker - manager. I look at our players - Baines is still a good left back, Jags is worth having, Pickford I like, Gana, Davies, Barkley, Rooney, Mirallas, Vlasic, Sigg, DCL...all good players and we should be doing better by now.

Therefore my thought is that another manager could get more out of these players.

Tony Abrahams
145 Posted 28/09/2017 at 23:20:32
The reason I want him gone is because of what Barry Williams has just posted, what system are we actually playing?

Someone was criticising Everton's crowd the other day on ToffeeWeb, saying we don't sing, we moan, and although I think the fans are showing remarkable levels of patience right now, it's not going to last, unless something changes very quickly.

Kunal Desai
146 Posted 28/09/2017 at 23:22:04
Milan, Bayern, Real Madrid, and Chelsea. He has managed Europe's elite. Everton who? Behave; Carlo wouldn't damage his reputation to join an average mid-table Premier League side. Won fuck all in 25 years. Seriously... have a word with yourselves.
Paul A Smith
147 Posted 28/09/2017 at 23:23:59
Tonight we played well enough to win, Mike? Honestly.
Kevin Tully
148 Posted 28/09/2017 at 23:26:59
Real Evertonians"

Don't even go there. ,"Real Evertonians"

Don't even go there. ,Turned off,BlueKfrog,0,23:24:23,,5.64.193.206,ok,1191,09/28/2017 23:24:23,tulway26,reader,, 854929,35569,toffeeweb,28/09/2017,Stewart Lowe,stewartlowes@hotmail.co.uk,"This is the most talented group of players since the 1980s, Koeman simply hasn't got a system in which to play them. All summer I kept thinking, another midfielder??? But I kept reassuring myself that Koeman and Walsh know what they are doing, and that they have a format in which all these players would fit.

What's the point of buying lots of players that are great at set pieces and then no striker to put them away? We may as well have only bought a striker and no set piece takers as we would have reached the same consistent conclusion and saved money. Very narrow formation, very slow paced, no link up play, too many players out of position, no focal point.

I know it's very easy to say this now but I never wanted Koeman in the first place, as I thought his name preceded his ability. Its not too late to bring in Carlo Ancelotti or other manager of that Ilk who has won a lot and say, do what you can with this squad and we will give you £100m for players in January to try and push on for Europe from there.

John Pierce
149 Posted 28/09/2017 at 23:27:41
Barry, Paul. Isn’t the point you should be able to promote and support Koeman rather than have to defend him?

Surely thats the point of realisation?

Once I couldn’t make a positive argument for his selections/formations I knew that was it.

Sad times. Lets, hopefully, move on from him.

Bob Skelton
150 Posted 28/09/2017 at 23:30:48
I'm afraid we have another zealot for a manager. Can't see any other formation except 2 defensive midfield players, midfield full of so called no. 10's (I personally believe we have none as none of them can play a decisive through ball) and absolutely no width or pace. He picked the players we spent a shed load of money on and he will play them regardless.
Man management haha.
We are in deep trouble if we don't change this guy because he ain't gonna change.
John Malone
151 Posted 28/09/2017 at 23:31:33
It's koeman's player's, in koeman's formation's, playing Koeman's tactics and it's dogshite!!

What excuse has he got?

We've gone backward's this on a par with the early Moyes day's when we had no cash and had to make do with second rate player's!!

Koeman out!

Colin Gee
152 Posted 28/09/2017 at 23:32:22
It's was like watching the worst bits of Martinez tonight...

What formation where we playing? Rooney was at left back again... Baines playing as a wing back, but in a four man defence?

Can't defend, players out of position, Koeman has turned it around all right, he's turned it so far round we are back to square one

Only players to come out that with any credit were John Joe Kenny and both Vlasic and Calvert-Lewin when they came on.

David Israel
153 Posted 28/09/2017 at 23:32:53
Andy #66, Oh, he will be sacked, all right. But tomorrow will not be the eve of such a fortunate day.
Eddie Dunn
154 Posted 28/09/2017 at 23:33:34
Koeman blames a lack of confidence. He distances himself from what takes place. He makes similar mistakes in his selections in every game.
There is one thing that links all of our poor displays him!
Tonight, against a team 8th in Cyprus, the weakest team in our group. Oh , sorry, the second weakest team in our group.
This is a disgrace.
A decent manager would walk now.
Tony Hill
155 Posted 28/09/2017 at 23:35:26
Amid the gloom, it is great to see how well Vlasic is playing and he looks a fine prospect. He reminds me slightly in build and movement of Jimmy Husband (only slightly). At 19 he appears a proper find and Koeman deserves credit for that much at least.
Darren Murphy
156 Posted 28/09/2017 at 23:36:06
Going on to win 2-1 then draw against rubbish?! Make your excuse, Koeman. No pace, width or idea... this time with your usual bad selection.

Roon-eh?... has-been who scored a lucky tap-in... Too many Number 10s and no decent striker replacement. Mug.

John Pierce
157 Posted 28/09/2017 at 23:36:26
David 127. My focus is nearly always drawn to the manager, partly the most visible part of the club and in many way the most accountable.

Even my head is now sore from banging on about Koeman and actually you are right the the board (we still don’t really know whos in charge) need to speak up set the agenda. Cut lose or be clear what they expect.

Tony Abrahams
158 Posted 28/09/2017 at 23:39:01
Andy139, is Koeman, really blaming the players for not playing it into the channels early?

If this is true then I'm baffled even more, because this is how most second rate teams have always been coached in how to play the game. It has no real,thought behind it, and is also very easy to play against, especially when your team doesn't possess any real pace.

Someone said the Cypriots, are 8th in there league, but they just pushed a player, out wide tonight, in a position to cut off our out ball to the fullback, and this stifled our width even more than it normally does, (if that's possible) until Vlasic, came on.

Players out wide need support, not fucking iscolation, and whilst I understand Mike Dolan, I just don't understand Ronald Koeman, and his bizarre second rate tactics, at the minute.


Andrew James
159 Posted 28/09/2017 at 23:40:46
@Agreed Tony Hill

I also thought Tom Davies was good tonight. He makes mistakes but because he's so lively, not to worry, he'll come along to do something positive within moments.

Gana was good as well. RK subbed off the wrong DM.

Darren Murphy
160 Posted 28/09/2017 at 23:41:51
I've been reading these pages since a long time, as others.

So fed up listening to others banging on about yesteryear... get over it boys, it's 2017 and the game we knew once doesn't compare... So stop the bullshit comparison: "Blah blah... when Kevin Sheedy and Howard Kendall did this" bullshit...

It's been said, this is football 2017... nothing matters what you think because we're in the now!

Carl Allan
161 Posted 28/09/2017 at 23:43:22
Only Everton could get a billionaire owner, have a summer of spending we once could only dream of, yet somehow manage to assemble a side which arguably rates along side any of the most spineless and clueless outfits we have seen at Goodison since the formation of the Premier League.

Everton that.

Dave Bowen
162 Posted 28/09/2017 at 23:45:11
Will the Koeman apologists now STFU? The useless Dutch twat has to be sacked now!
Darren Murphy
163 Posted 28/09/2017 at 23:46:47
John Malone, I second the fool to be sacked, Koeman is rubbish. Get Ancelotti in January.
George Cumiskey
164 Posted 28/09/2017 at 23:47:32
Well that's it folks, as blue Bill would say to sleep perchance to dream (I hope it's not about Everton or it will be a nightmare).
Colin Malone
165 Posted 28/09/2017 at 23:51:40
Until Koeman realises that square pegs in round holes do not work, we are in the shit.
Ron Sear
166 Posted 28/09/2017 at 23:53:21
Well one thing is for sure, you won't make much money betting on Koeman to get the boot, he is now second on the bookies list after Slaven Bilić. After that performance he should now earn a first, something for him to boast about.
Ron Sear
167 Posted 28/09/2017 at 23:53:21
Well one thing is for sure, you won't make much money betting on Koeman to get the boot, he is now second on the bookies list after Slaven Bilić. After that performance he should now earn a first, something for him to boast about.
Brent Stephens
168 Posted 28/09/2017 at 23:58:41
Dave Bowen "STFU"?
Brian Wilkinson
169 Posted 28/09/2017 at 23:59:06
Just back from the match utter shite, that is all I will say for now. Goodnight fellow Blues.
Neil Lawson
170 Posted 28/09/2017 at 23:59:42
All of us are football managers. Well, we would like to think so. If you total all our incomes, we would still be shy of Koeman. But all of us could see that the team selection was timid and tedious yet again and that Koeman just cannot comprehend what we all see.

At half-time, I messaged my son: "So slow, frightened to pass forward, awful again. Everything has to go via Rooney. Width and pace required urgently." If it is so obvious to us all, why not to him?

Probably best we don't get out of the group. Need to save ourselves for what is looking like an inevitable relegation battle. We are awful. Utterly devoid of confidence and character.

No longer the Toffees. Now the Crabs (can only go sideways and at a walking pace). And if I could think of an animal that predominantly goes backwards then it would no longer be the Crabs.

Terry Underwood
171 Posted 28/09/2017 at 00:01:32
There can be no excuses, nothing but a total mess against what would be a poor championship side. This needs sorting, and fast
Alfie Lloyd
173 Posted 28/09/2017 at 00:08:22
The reason why we watch football is because it is unpredictable. The manager needs to be judged at the end of the season.

I'm one of the few that went the the Oxford FA Cup game when Inchy scored and saved Kendall's bacon. This gave us the confidence to move forward and develop into a good team.

We need some inspiration from the players to get things right. I have read all the points on team selection on this site; when Koeman plays the young players he still gets brickbats. It so easy making throwaway points and not being accountable. Give him time; he can and does attract top players.

Brian Porter
174 Posted 28/09/2017 at 00:12:43
Actually guys, I just looked and Limassol are 9th in their league and there are only 14 teams in it. This rates as one of the worst results I can remember in 59 years of supporting the club.

Koeman has taken a squad of talented players and turned them into a team devoid of passion, direction and confidence. Even the bloody match commentators could see it and were spot on in saying this was a team who were not receiving any direction from the bench whatsoever. Koeman has to go because he is sucking the lifeblood out of talented players who deserve to be coached in a far more positive way than he is capable of.

The fans booing at the end said it all really. Not even halfway through the season and he has totally lost the plot, refuses to change his as yet unidentified system and is once again blaming the players for his own shortcomings as a coach.

To use an old phrase, it's a bad workman who blames his tools. Well, Mr Six Million Pound coach, Koeman, the players are your tools and it's your job to get the best out of them. Their failure is I'm afraid, your failure and your responsibility.

Koeman is quite clearly not capable of learning from his mistakes, hence his continued selection of an unbalanced team with no pace, width or penetration. Again, the commentators mentioned all these things and if they can see what we are all seeing, then why can't Koeman?

More to the point, what the hell is the board going to do about the situation? We have a lame duck manager who, just like his predecessor, refuses to see any faults in himself.

The only bright spot in tonight's game was the performance of Vlasic, a really good find. I had a feeling Koeman's decision to foolishly include Barkley in his Euro squad at at he expense of Niasse might come back and bite us on the bum. Why the hell did he include a player who is out till Christmas at least and who obviously doesn't want to play for us.

His decision making sucks, his tactics are unfathomable and his man management stinks. Apart from that, he's doing okay... NOT!

Charlie Lloyd
175 Posted 29/09/2017 at 00:21:02
What's happened to the Koeman who lost half a team at Southampton and yet rebuilt them over a summer to end up getting in the Europa League, winning away at the top six and playing effective football with clear tactics.

When he was appointed I was pretty happy as many were that we had appointed a decent coach to push us on.

The big question is though “what's happened to him?”

The summer recruitment and subsequent line ups, tactics and substitutions are questionable.

He is becoming a master of his own downfall. Only one man can change this now. Koeman.

Eugene Ruane
176 Posted 29/09/2017 at 00:25:21
As their feller's getting sent off, I said to my mate "They're shite, they're down to 10 men, we're 2-1 up with a few minutes to go, you know how this ends"

He said "It's fucking nap isn't it"

I said "If there wasn't so much fucking lead on the poxy roof, I'd get onto my bet365 account and stick 20 nick..."

2-2.

For. Fucks. SAKE!!.

Right now even a bad plan would be an improvement.

Currently, we seem to have no plan.

None.

David Metcalf
177 Posted 28/09/2017 at 00:27:18
Some people on here tonight suggesting we lay off Koeman, which they're entitled to do. After all, there have been lots of comings and goings during his 16/17 months in charge, and more time IS probably needed. But whilst appreciating this, I would like to ask those backing Koeman this...

What is his gameplan?
What is his tactical system?
What is his philosophy?...

Because, from where I'm sitting, I don't see any evidence at all that Koeman has any real idea or plan. Game after game, we just look like a gang of individuals who only met each other 10 minutes before kick off!!

By now, there should be be some indication from our performances as to how Koeman wants us to play and progress, irrespective of results. What I mean is that surely by now, we should be seeing the development of a recognised method and style of playing. But we don't – it's a total mish-mash!!I

I have no idea as to how Koeman wants to play... does anyone?? The players' body language also gives off an air of doubt and uncertainty, which can't be right!!

I hate the idea of calling for Koeman's head after less than 18 months, but something has to change... pretty sharpish, methinks!!

Derek Knox
178 Posted 29/09/2017 at 00:35:52
What an embarrassment, watched the whole game, headless chickens for most of the first half, second half marginal improvement, a bit more urgency, but still even against ten men, we concede another goal.

I am sorry fellow TW'ers, but Koeman hasn't got a clue what he is doing, we have many good players, who have suddenly become, poor players.

There has to be one and only solution, if he has any modicum of decency, he will admit, he has bitten off more than he could ever imagined, he could chew.

Resign now Ron, before you take this once great Club, beyond the point of no return.

Kev Wood
179 Posted 29/09/2017 at 00:44:41
If I heard the post match interview with Koeman correctly, he agreed that the team were lacking in confidence and he was going to be working on building it up. There is no sign that he has the ability to do that.

Koeman exemplifies mediocrity as a manager, with seriously limited man-management skills (Niasse, Lookman, Mirallas and possibly Barkley all seem to have suffered). Of course, I may be mistaken though.

Phillip Warrington
180 Posted 29/09/2017 at 00:44:52
Everybody is blaming what has happened in the last 10 years bla bla, but therr is only one person to blame for the current way Everton play and that is Koeman.

It is not like he has just taken over he has had 3 transfer windows and has brought in nearly a new team, these are players he has given the green light to sign. He might not be involved in the negotiations regarding transfers and contracts, but he says yes or no if the player fits the way he wants to play.

Southampton, whoever takes them on, have a team and style of play that attracts good technical footballers who want to play football. Not players who look good going around in circles with their first preference is to pass backwards.

Koeman and Co had a year and a half to start scouting for a striker, that's how long they new so if they cant find and sign a striker in that time then maybe the board should find people who can. Koeman is destroying this team and their confidence, the team has seen what happens to players who try and be creative and attack teams – just ask Barkley.

Big teams take swift action when things are clearly not working – Everton and Koeman are clearly not working.

Gio Mero
181 Posted 29/09/2017 at 00:53:01
How good was Lukaku eh?
David Johnson
182 Posted 29/09/2017 at 00:53:52
Give it to Rooney at least he gives a fuck.
Brendan Fox
183 Posted 29/09/2017 at 00:54:17
Sherlock would never resign, he's too much of an arrogant prick to do the honourable thing, there is also the £6 million other reasons as to why he wouldn't resign.

He's a fraud like Martinez before him who has got to be given the bullet because he's too stuborn to change whatever the fuck his philosphy is to simplify the game and get back to basics with players playing in their correct position, some width and pace, with two up top from time to time, is not too much to ask.

He may have been a great player but he's a shite manager who is stealing a living based on past glories.

Colin Metcalfe
184 Posted 29/09/2017 at 00:57:03
I just hope Moshiri can see his mistake, swallows his pride, and tomorrow morning makes the call to Ancelloti's agent and offers him the Everton job for £6M a year.

We have had 14 months of this shite– enough is enough!!!

Declan Martin
185 Posted 29/09/2017 at 00:58:45
Funny how downhill we've gone since we lost Seamus Coleman.
Clive Mitchell
186 Posted 29/09/2017 at 01:12:12
Eugene, 177 - pure gold.
Derek Knox
187 Posted 29/09/2017 at 01:13:56
Brendan & Colin, businessmen rarely admit they have made a mistake, they tend to delegate that blame to whoever 'advised him', which beggars the question, who is he, or she?

I would imagine, maybe I am wrong, that, although Moshiri knows little about football in general, he has enough acumen, to realise that something is not right!

He will have also noticed, by sight or financially, that the the amount of attendees, at any given match, is dwindling, this is when he will ask the relevant questions, within.

I have also listened to his post-match interview, he, (Koeman) is not to blame, the players are?

We can't carry on like this much longer, just wait and see, I think there will be some action soon.

Well, I sincerely hope so, for the benefit of all, and mostly for the great Club that Everton, once was!

Ray Marsden
188 Posted 29/09/2017 at 01:16:28
Gutted I never checked Skybet when they had him sent off...

A nap, as always, no matter who is the manager.

Andrew Keatley
189 Posted 29/09/2017 at 01:17:24
Accepting mediocrity is one thing, but accepting what has essentially been 14 games of dross is asking too much.

The board need to roll the dice, and I'd like it to land on Unsworth.

Phil Sammon
190 Posted 29/09/2017 at 01:17:58
That was abysmal. So many poor performances. I don't want to slam Tom Davies but I've never seen anyone give the ball away quite so frequently. Koeman is at fault for not hooking him at half time, putting his arm around the young lad and comforting him that even the worlds best players have a bad day at the office.

When the substitution finally comes he brings on Klassen...a player I like...but fucking hell, get someone on like Lookman who is going to stretch the opposition.

I disagree with Eugene, I think Koeman does have a plan. He wants to make the pitch as narrow as possible. It's like he's trying to find the most difficult way to score goals.

Is it coincidence that every central midfielder at the club is having a terrible run of form? He brings on Vlasic, and he lights the place up by comparison. The solution is staring the manager in the face and he's too stubborn or too stupid to see it.

Dear god! I'd give the man more time...but it's getting worse, not better. Absolutely hopeless.

Tony Stanley
191 Posted 29/09/2017 at 01:27:27
I watched that debacle with my son, absolutely no comment.
Derek Knox
192 Posted 29/09/2017 at 01:27:28
Phil Sammon, you would normally give him more time, there are people in Walton, (Hornby Road Prison) that have been given 'life' for less than this charlatan has done to our Club.
Dennis Ng
193 Posted 29/09/2017 at 01:33:57
Ancelotti, Tuchel, the list goes on if we want to look. Sure, some might not bother to even look but surely there is something better than what we got.

I didn't get to see the game live but highlights seem to show we were in control, just not putting the ball in, so not sure what to feel about the game. I do agree with the assessment of Koeman's tactics. WTF is there a need for two defensive midfielders? And despite being so heavy defensively, we conceded first!?!?!

I said before I will give him a few more games but surely Moshiri gotta keep an eye out for a replacement if this goes over the deep end.

Tony Mace
194 Posted 29/09/2017 at 01:42:34
If we don't win both games against Lyon the Grande Fromage has got to go. Take Rooney with.

A manager who knows how to place a player in their natural position whilst at the same time generating pace & fluidity throughout the team is a must.

The players (excluding a world class striker) are there. We just need someone to manage and direct them.

Another game crying out for Lookman.

COYB

Habib Erkan Jr
195 Posted 29/09/2017 at 01:52:59
What a mess! Over £70 million spent on three Number 10s that would not get a look from a competent manager if Ross were healthy. When Koeman is eventually sacked, and let's hope it is sooner than later, his predecessor will inherit an unbalanced side with a total lack of pace.
Fran Mitchell
196 Posted 29/09/2017 at 02:45:05
I can't really remember a game understand him where he didnt need to change plan.

Apart from the blip of City at home, made by youngsters, Koeman's plans have consistently been crap.

And not once this season, no matter the opposition, have we played well for more than 20-30 minutes.

Dan Kemp
197 Posted 29/09/2017 at 02:58:12
It's interesting – I only saw the highlights (here: http://ourmatch.net/videos/28-09-2017-everton-vs-apollon-limassol/)

From this, it looked like we started badly but created a lot of chances after that, and that Tom Davies was involved in everything good.

But everyone who saw the game thinks we played badly – maybe influenced by the fact that we conceded a late goal to 10 men?

John Pierce
198 Posted 29/09/2017 at 03:16:48
What a shithouse. His post match comments threw the whole side under the Mega bus.

Truly atrocious that performance, even if DCL had headed that winner, its just another moment in papering over the almightiest arsecrack of infinity.

‘Lest not forget that Cypriot side were begging to be beat. They were comically bad, their centre half offered Koeman a Kevin Brockish back pass, gifted to the returning prodigal son.

We looked that Cypriot bearing a gift straight in the eyes and spurned it like so much milk.

That was the time to seize the game, Ronald knew better though preferring to hypnotise them into submission.

Even then the gifts kept coming a Rooney Hollywood pass takes the crazy golf route to Sigurdsson who passes forward, Vlasic undimmed by the crab football we play finished out of step with the game. Aplomb I say!

The Cypriots now fully under Koeman's hypnotic trance offered up their final gift, a crunching mistimed studs up assault on the budding maestro, Calvert-Lewin.

Hurrah victory is thine, erm not so fast there mate.

Having ignored all the help on offer, Koeman looks on cluelessly as his stardustman Ziggy and the callow ‘youth Holgate are outjumped by the very same Kevin Brock reincarnated as Yuste the moustachioed Cypriot pornstar

Ron-laa is not me, its you mate, time to see other people, go on a break, best not to call. See ya around.

Phil Sammon
201 Posted 29/09/2017 at 03:31:35
I've seen a few people now saying Davies was good. It was without doubt his worst game for the First Team. He gave away the ball every time he had it. He's a cracking player, a bluenose and I want to see him playing...but if you think he played well today I think we must have been watching different games.
John Boon
202 Posted 29/09/2017 at 04:17:41
I, along with others, thought that we needed to give Koeman more time . No more. The longer he stays the worse we seem to get. then I read someone saying we should get Ancellotti. Why?

We have two ex Evertonians in Ferguson and Unsworth who at least know the team and I am sure they could never do any worse than what Koeman is doing. Man Utd got rid of Van Gaal and Chrystal Palace got rid of De Boer. We need to get rid of one more dumb Dutchman. No manager Everton have ever had has had so much money to spend and up to now seems to have wasted it.

Koeman's lack of success is so similar to what Van Gaal did to Man Utd. When he was there all the players seemed to get in each others way. He looked clueless and managed to blame the players for the mistakes he made. He also lost the players.

This is exactly what Koeman is doing. I still think we have many really good lads in the team and they only need someone who can restore confidence. Koeman is not that man.

Anto Byrne
203 Posted 29/09/2017 at 04:46:22
Koeman is not fixing the project. We have known for 6 months when Lukaku said he wouldn't a sign contract. He has fucked Barkley and brought in classless Klaassen and a clapped-out Rooney with no pace. £45mil for a team was okay for Swansea but surely we needed a striker or two?
Clive Thomas
204 Posted 29/09/2017 at 05:07:17
Koeman Out! Ancelotti is available.

Or let's give Unsworth a chance!

Anyone but this pretender.

Paul Ward
205 Posted 29/09/2017 at 05:47:37
Phil @202

Me too, I thought Davies was very poor, his head down enthusiasm got him into trouble many times.

Once again a boring night and no entertainment or plan to really win the game.

There can be little excuse for the manager now and when the time comes he will probably be sacked. There should also be few players joining him in the next window as well.

Stewart Lowe@149 Is surely taking the piss suggesting, "This is the most talented group of players since the 1980s,". I wonder if he was the one who started that slogan when Martinez was in charge.

Rob Young
206 Posted 29/09/2017 at 06:02:32
Dan Kemp (#198),

This must be a wind up, surely! You only watch the highlights and yet believe the view of people who actually went to the match or saw the whole match could be clouded because of the last 10 minutes? Seriously??? Come on.

Let me tell you, we were disgustingly poor. Absolutely shocking.

Sad to say, Davies had a game to forget but was still not even close to being our worst performer.


Will Mabon
207 Posted 29/09/2017 at 06:02:49
You know though, Paul 206, when things are going this badly, tactics, team spirit and much else in disarray, I don't think it's possible to make an accurate, definitive assessment of the players' potential. There are one or two I have concerns about but I reckon the majority of them could do a lot better in a settled, structured and more positive team.

It might help a few of them if they could play in their own position, or at least the same position for more than one game. Rotation is for stable, established teams/squads. I don't think many of the players know their arse from their elbow under this manager.

Rob Young
208 Posted 29/09/2017 at 06:06:22
If Moshiri doesn't want to sack him before the Burnley game then please call him into your office straight after the game as I am not sure Koeman can be reached on his holiday address during the international break.

Sean Dyche will probably have a lie-in today, the best night of sleep he's had in many a year.

Rudi Coote
209 Posted 29/09/2017 at 06:20:45
What is it with Everton and 10 men? It's a bleedin' curse!

We won't get to the knock out stages – we will be embarrassed a lot more before then. The players aren't crap – the manager is. Why won't he pick the youngsters? Why does he play players out of position? Why? Because the guy is useless!

The way he slagged the players off for being "scared" is unforgivable. That should bring the end to his tenure at this now sad club.. We have been embarrassed too long, a laughing stock, relegation certainties. If or when we go down, it will be a long time before we get back into the Premier League unless Koeman goes

Daniel Lim
210 Posted 29/09/2017 at 06:25:46
Koeman must be delighted with the draw with mighty Apollon that he disappeared within 5 seconds of the final whistle into the dugout to celebrate with his wife. Or was he rushing to a typewriter to type his resignation letter? I'm dreaming.
Gerry Quinn
211 Posted 29/09/2017 at 06:37:37
Has anyone, like me, wanted the season to end as early as this?

Since moving back to UK at the start of the season, I have not watched or wanted to watch Everton play – is that sad or what?

Severely depressed and bored with Everton so far, and seriously I cannot motivate myself.

Rick Tarleton
212 Posted 29/09/2017 at 06:44:51
Last season, Barkley got unwarranted stick because when he moved forward with the ball there was no movement ahead of him and he checked and it appeared momentum was lost. It wasn't Barkley, Sigurdsson and Rooney have exactly the same problem. Koeman claims it isn't his tactics or formation, but the players' confidence. Rubbish.

The manager, recruits, selects, trains, chooses tactics and formations and above all motivates his players. Koeman seems to be failing on all counts.

This team we were playing yesterday, represents one of the minor leagues of Europe, but they were motivated and understood their tactics. Our team weren't and didn't.

I rest my case.

Will Mabon
213 Posted 29/09/2017 at 06:51:54
Gerry, the despair will melt away like the mid morning frost when Big Sam strides into Finch Farm. Keep the faith.
Daniel Lim
214 Posted 29/09/2017 at 06:56:20
Bob @69,
Koeman Out!
Tony Everan
215 Posted 29/09/2017 at 07:02:39
I do not like saying it but Davies was poor and inconsistent for most of the game, but he still gives us some much needed energy and urgency. Kenny looks far from the finished article but maybe still a better bet than Martina?

Williams looks mentally slow, especially this season... like his mind is elsewhere. Rooney often looks like our best player, but I can't see how he fits into a team desperate for pace and width.

Oh dear how can Koeman pick one of his marquee signings?? Klaassen cannot be in the team at the moment.
Sandro looks committed, but he is not doing nearly enough to warrant a starting role.

I woke up thinking about an attacking line up to face Burnley. Koeman needs help from us lot here to pick a proper balanced side with the players we have got. There's no way he can do it on his own.

Side to play Burnley:

Pickford
Kenny Williams (no choice) Holgate Baines
Vlasic Gana Sigurdsson Davies
Calvert-Lewin Niasse.

Fuck it, Ron, just let's go for it! Stop thinking defensively all the time.

I don't want to see a game where 10 or 12 players are mincing and battling around in midfield for 90 minutes. Especially against teams who were way below us last season.

I want to see an attacking line up that sees us on the front foot from the start .It would make a pleasant change.

Nev Renshaw
216 Posted 29/09/2017 at 07:04:56
Oh, the pain of being an Evertonian.
Mike Kehoe
218 Posted 29/09/2017 at 07:27:43
I've watched the game and read loads of posts describing the mistakes as shocking but I don't think it is shocking at all as it is entirely predictable. What will be truly shocking is if we field a team with pace and balance against Burnley and perform like elite professionals.

The absence of a quality striker is without doubt the biggest issue and the team looks fragile with low confidence. Koeman's many critics were calling him for not playing the kids but Kenny and Davies both looked anxious and the atmosphere was bordering on toxic at times: it is no searing insight to say this doesn't help.

The time to judge him is at the end of the season when we can see if there anything in the team to work and there must be a story why there isn't a forward. Confidence is a wonderful thing and I can remember the team that was shite until things clicked at Oxford and all the experts on the Gwladys Street calling for Kendall to be sacked.

For the time being we are stuck with Koeman so support the team and, if we do get rid, give Unsworth a go.

Geoff Williams
219 Posted 29/09/2017 at 07:28:02
I'm even angrier this morning. Last night was a total farce. How anyone can give support to Koeman is beyond my comprehension. He hasn't got a clue. He seems to get his team selections all wrong and the lack of continuity is worrying. Tactics and a style of play are absent. Good players look alarmingly poor under Koeman.

Why do we always start off so sluggishly, well I suggest you watch the pre match warm up. There is a total lack of intensity, I would go as far as saying it's totally pointless.

The board must realise that the club is in doodoo big time. Koeman must go now.

Brian Porter
220 Posted 29/09/2017 at 07:29:34
Well said, Will Mabon (#208) and, well, virtually everyone who has posted here. I have slept on it and thought I might see things more clear in the morning.

Instead I find my views are hardening by the minute. Having read most of the reports on last night's debacle, it seems the fans, the press and the TV pundits are, for once, almost universally united in their condemnation of Koeman's Everton.

Talk sport have published a selection of Twitter posts to their site, posted since the game. 100% in favour of sacking the Dutch master in charge of the total collapse of Everton as an effective team unit.

Slow, ponderous, lacking any pace whatsoever, players looking demoralised and dejected (while the game was in progress), lacking any sense of direction with no guidance coming from the touchline, a dispirited set of players, clearly lacking in confidence and leadership. Those are just a few of the comments from the media. TV pundits absolutely scathing in their condemnation of Koeman's tactics and overall leadership.

Perhaps the most telling one I've seen so far, is that the Burnley game has taken on all the proportions of a six-pointer, a game that if lost, could make Everton a prime candidate for a relegation battle.

As usual Koeman, like all bad managers blames everyone but himself, now blaming the players collectively for being scared and afraid to play football. He says he needs to work on their confidence... Der. Isn't that something he should be doing every day as the coach? Telling them they are good enough to win games, motivating them, using skilled man-management techniques to build that confidence in order to get the best out of them?

Bayern yesterday sacked one of the top coaches in the world because they are not satisfied with results so far this early in the season and they are only third in the Bundesliga.

We made Koeman one of the best paid coaches in the world, for what? To let him oversee the sinking of the good ship Everton

I've never see so many empty seats as I did last night. Will dwindling attendances get a message through to Moshiri? How much more of this fraud will the board accept before taking action?

A big team with ambition would take decisive action now, before it's too late.

Paul Setter
221 Posted 29/09/2017 at 07:31:36
I live in Exeter and have been to 4 home games this season. I will not put another penny into the club until Koeman is gone.

8-hour round trip to watch that muck; no thanks. I've better things to be doing like clearing the garage out...

Seriously, what has he served up this season?? Utter guff. Schneiderlin is terrible, Williams... if he was a horse, would already be put down – he is clearly our worst player in the squad by a long way. And the squeezing his No 10s in really grinds my gears.

I left before they equalised last night due to traffic and being bored; I wasn't at all surprised to hear the score on the radio. Koeman Out! 13 games this season – same tripe in every single one of those games.

Derek Turner
222 Posted 29/09/2017 at 07:36:37
And to think I was optimistic for this season. Dreading Burnley. We always struggle against the top teams.
Alexander Murphy
223 Posted 29/09/2017 at 07:40:18
Paul (post 222).

I live an eight-hour round trip from Exeter, but if you want a hand clearing out your garage...

Chris Watts
224 Posted 29/09/2017 at 07:47:15
Those saying we can’t get anceloti. West Ham are linked to him. We laid £45m for sig. We could get rid of koeman and get anceloti for far less and it would be a massive statement of intent. Plus he might be a bigger draw for top players in January.

We are not going to improve under RK last night was the same as the first pre season game. Awful to watch

Colin Glassar
225 Posted 29/09/2017 at 07:54:27
Very clever and astute is our Ronald. All the headlines today saying the Everton players are "too scared", "lack confidence", "need to be more ruthless" etc . He's cleverly moved the onus away from his own ineptitude onto the players.

I'd sack him today if I had the chance as he appears to be fucking clueless. Ancellotti, Tuchel, ffs even Benitez would be an improvement over this bugger.

James Macdonald
226 Posted 29/09/2017 at 08:06:01
The player we desperately need right now is Ross Barkley. Quite apart from the fact he is much quicker than all our other number 10s (possibly Vlasic being an exception) but most of all as he always shows and will look for forward passes.
Eddie Dunn
227 Posted 29/09/2017 at 08:20:14
Someone supporting our manager suggested that he still attracts good players due to his reputation. This may be the case but I would also suggest that many managers without a famous football name would have been sacked by now.

He shouldn't be given more time because he was a successful player. Gary Neville got the push fairly promptly once it was clear he was out of his depth and Koeman has displayed quite clearly that he is also out of his depth.

His selections are repetitively wrong, as is the balance of the team. He regularly blames the players and has only admitted that he prepared us badly on one occasion. His subs are usually also hard to fathom, and of course the results are also poor.

This is a results business. We can stomach losing to Spurs, Man Utd and Chelsea. However the manner of the performances, the tactics and the obsession with two defensive midfielders in every game and his devotion to the three number tens is plain daft. These are mistakes that most of us all recognise. It ain't rocket science.

The home game against a tough Burnley side that are well-drilled and won handsomely at Chelsea, will potentially be his last chance. Another home defeat (which looks very possible) would surely force the board to act.

The squad has injuries, but most teams do. We all knew we needed another centre-half whilst Funes Mori was out, as well as a winger, and a proper striker. We are now papering over the cracks, as the signing of a utility lad like Martina has signalled.

Why did we not get Giroud? Why was Vardy not chased as an alternative, or even a punt on Chris Wood for example?

We are watching a team mismanaged, confidence levels are plummeting and results are getting harder to achieve. If this guy continues, we will be in the bottom half all season, with a real chance of being sucked into the relegation scrap.

Derek Knox
228 Posted 29/09/2017 at 08:31:29
Well said Eddie Dunn, I think that just about encapsulates it all.

So, so, sad to see this happening to our Club, but as Gloria Gaynor said in her epic song ' We Will Survive '.

Paul A Smith
229 Posted 29/09/2017 at 08:43:31
Rick 213 that's spot on about Barkley. Shame our faithful would rather look for all the faults in a player rather than respect him or his good points.

I just hope we get a manager that thrives on having a really slow squad full of youngsters who aren't ready and experienced players who are not going to get better. We will fly once we find this man.

Ian Jones
230 Posted 29/09/2017 at 08:46:35
Our overall squad is decent. Just needs some direction. Probably better than the Leicester team who won the title. However, they knew how to work together. Had a system to work to. I think they had a settled defense that played together most of the season. Certainly knew the dark arts of defending.

As for us. No idea how we will be set up at the weekend. The team yesterday on paper looked okay. Good enough to win. I initially liked the idea of Koeman based on what I had seen at Southampton, but the reality is as it is not good.

As a manager, he cannot be totally responsible for the giveaway 1st goal, the way Klaassen conceded the free-kick or the inability to pass to a player in their own shirt.

The players need to take responsibility for that.

Koeman pretty much responsible for the rest.

Eugene Ruane
231 Posted 29/09/2017 at 09:04:01
Phewww!

So that's sorted then, they just need more confidence.

We can relax as the problem's been identified and in Ronald, we deffo have the man to sort it.

Pictures an unsmiling Ronald, eating a sausage roll, looming over Davies in the changies...

"You played shit. Don't play shit, play good."

The boss scrunches up a small paper Greggs bag, drops it and volleys it perfectly into a waste paper bin 20 feet away.

RK: "Can YOU do that? I think you can't Tom. Not in the first holff or the second holff."

Davies (head covered in flakey pastry) immediately cacks 3lb of piccalilli into his bills, breaks into a sweat and a day later is hauled off for 6 months psychotherapy (club psychotherapist claims "Barkley, Niasse, now this lad? I'm run off me fuckin' feet here!").

Probably.

Paul Tran
232 Posted 29/09/2017 at 09:26:51
Koeman was spot on. The players are lacking in confidence. Because they look and play like they don't understand or believe in what they're being told to do.

They look up, they have no space, they challenge for the same balls, they look to the wings, there's no-one there. They all look to each other to lead the team. And when he brings on pace and gives the team shape, they play better His players, his team, his tactics, his congestion, his confusion.

When good players, many of whom were leaders at previous clubs are performing poorly and shrinking into the blades of grass, there is one large reason for the lack of confidence.

His fate depends on the pride and stubbornness of his employers.

Brent Stephens
233 Posted 29/09/2017 at 09:29:16
Travelled back from Cairo yesterday, with a case of the squits. Chanced going to the game. Cairo squits held off but Everton squits getting worse by the week. Depressing in the extreme. Utterly depressing. And embarrassing.

Right, need to get back to my game of "thrones".

Nigel Munford
234 Posted 29/09/2017 at 09:29:21
Eugene, maybe the psychotherapist is our answer to pace, given he can at least run 😊 mind he’ll no doubt end up with a hammy strain.
Steve Solomon
235 Posted 29/09/2017 at 09:30:15
Koeman has managed to alienate some of our best players with his attitude. Barkley, Mirallas and Niasse to name a few. Thank goodness Niasse came through, but in sheer desperation. The team seems to be shell shocked. The look on their faces says it all.

To be honest, both of our goals were due to mistakes by Limassol defenders. In fairness so were their goals but we are a top 8 Prem team and they are not. This should have been an easy game.

Vlasic looked great and for me was by far our player of the game. There was one moment in the game where Rooney won the ball down the right and sent in a cross and there was no-one there to meet it. Sigurdsson was strolling outside the box. Even the commentators recognised that and pointed it out.

There is no fire in their hearts anymore and this shows that Koeman has lost the dressing room. Time for him to go.

Tim Griffiths
236 Posted 29/09/2017 at 09:30:43
Took my nephew to the match last night as a birthday "treat." I think he must think I don't like him!!!
Derek Knox
237 Posted 29/09/2017 at 09:36:16
Brent, be careful, watch out for Tyrion, especially if he has a crossbow! :-)
Paul A Smith
238 Posted 29/09/2017 at 09:50:16
This time last year Mr Koeman was starting the – let's wind Barkley up for a cash deal – with his "Barkley needs to do more" press conferences.

Why not the same to Schneiderlin, Gana, Sigurdsson Klaassen etc etc? At a time when we are playing worse football.

Koeman's man-management and game management are awful.

Brent Stephens
239 Posted 29/09/2017 at 09:53:25
Derek #238 - I winced at that one.
Amit Vithlani
240 Posted 29/09/2017 at 09:56:54
I thinm it is doubtful to think Ancelotti or Tuchel would join.

- Team in free fall
- No striker
- Best player injured
- half (or holff as Eugene brilliantly noted) the team out of form.

The solution is to sack this muppet and install Rhino.

Get back to basics and rebuild confidence.

If he is left in charge so much more damage will be done to team morale.

Also the squad is stupidly bloated and mismanaged.

The following players did not play yesterday:

- Martina
- Lookman
- Mirallas
- Besic
- Lennon
- Niasse
- Tarashaj
- Robles
- Stek

The following will return from Injury:

- Barkley
- McCarthy
- Funes
- Keane
- Jags
- Bolasie
- Coleman

That is 16 players on top of the 15 who played last night.

Absurdly bloated and mismanaged squad. Three out of the 4 natural wingers are fit and have hardly featured. Nonsense.

Barry Williams
241 Posted 29/09/2017 at 09:57:00
Habib Erkan Jr - 196

We have plenty of pace in the squad, it just isn't being used!

Paul A Smith
242 Posted 29/09/2017 at 10:05:54
Great post Amit. Simply logical. Why on earth the masses couldn't see this in the summer is beyond me. I felt absolute wounded reading posts and hearing fans saying Klaassen (who they had only ever seen play poorly in the Europa League final) should replace Barkley blah blah blah.

And while myself and a few others were laughed at for thinking we were in danger of blowing big money on players who had hit their peak, the masses were delighted selling Lukaku and hearing Barkley was going whilst spouting empty nonsense about ambition and doing things the right way.

It's been a pitiful plan from top to bottom since march last season. Joining the elite is just words. It will never happen with a squad full of slow has-beens.

Kris Boner
243 Posted 29/09/2017 at 10:09:14
I don't actually know why I feel like it, but I honestly feel there is a good team in there, somewhere. Every time he brings Vlasic on you can see the change in dynamic. Every time he takes Gueye off you can see how it upsets the rhythm of the pressing.

There is a certain amount of balance with a dedicated rightback on the pitch who can both defend and attack. Jon-Joe proves this. Calvert Lewin makes an immediate impact when coming on and leads the line more effectively than anyone else we have.

We have more to us going forward when Davies is on the pitch, because he gets forward.

Niasse for all his flaws is an excellent substitute for when the opposition defence is tiring, and his average technique won't cost the team as much as when the opposition is still fresh.

Christ, heaven forbid if Barkley was fit and staying. The ability to combine all of the elements that work with his drive from midfield would completely change our ability to turn teams over.

My biggest concerns though remain. Schneiderlin is woefully out of form. Defensively he is achieving less than the formation requires of him.

Calvert-Lewin is still a kid and can't have the pressures of full on his shoulders at the first choice striker, it could easily break him as much as make him.

And finally. Our defence lacks any semblance of pace or control, that you would require for Koeman's preferred tactic of passing a team to do with a high line.

Ashley Williams is so slow the whole defence drops deeper to compensate and creates a massive gap between our defence and midfield when we are pushed up attacking.

James Marshall
244 Posted 29/09/2017 at 10:19:13
In the grand scheme of things, we're only 3 points behind Atalanta after 2 games so it's still all to play for as far as qualification is concerned.

Putting a positive spin on things, we've won 2 and drawn one of our last 3 games.

Apart from that, we're shit.

Barry Pearce
245 Posted 29/09/2017 at 10:20:30
Agree young Tom didn't have the best of games, but he's never anonymous. His form will have dips, but he always tries his hardest.

The thing that saddens me as some other posters have said.
We are the worse team to watch at present. That in itself is down to Ronald.

John Hammond
246 Posted 29/09/2017 at 10:24:44
The Rooney experiment has to stop. He's a naturally gifted footballer so every pass and flick looks majestic compared to the rest of the team and to some that makes him look likes the best player on the pitch.

He's not. He was dog shit in the first half. Popped up in the left back positions a few times which I could appreciate had he been tracking back in defence but that wasn't the case. We had the ball and Apollon had got back into position. He's our forward FFS. With him in the team we're depriving a player with pace from being on the field.

We were excellent for a large part of the second half and if Koeman can't see why that was then he deserves the sack. This has been going on far too long now.

John Hammond
247 Posted 29/09/2017 at 10:34:35
James #245: Exactly what I was thinking. I said the other day we're only 4 points off a Champions League spot!
Danny Halsall
248 Posted 29/09/2017 at 10:36:02
I got berated on here the other week for an Ashley Williams comment, but I think last night cemented my thoughts on him. He shouldn't play.

Some have said he is our best defender and his effort is correct, but his lack of pace and knack of coming up with a clanger are really damaging our chances.

People are saying that we have problems going forward, but for me the bigger worry is at the back. It needs sorting asap and Williams needs to be cut adrift.

Kim Vivian
249 Posted 29/09/2017 at 10:39:00
Unless something dramatic happens between now an the end of October, I can see a scrappy draw with Burnley, draw away to Brighton, loss to Lyon, loss to Arsenal, out of the League Cup to Chelsea and a loss to Leicester.

I posted a few days ago that the run from the 20th September (Sunderland) through to the end of October would be defining with essentially nothing to be pessimistic about with the possible exception of Arsenal and Lyon although Chelsea have now been thrown into the mix, so realistically that challenge will in all likelihood be the end of our League Cup involvement.

I would love to be dancing on the furniture with us having achieved min 7 league points (or, Saints alive, 9 points) and retained our interest in the Europa League by beating Lyon, but I would have to accept an inevitable loss to Chelsea.

If my first predicted scenario, or worse transpires – see Koeman walking (if he's still around). From his point of view, despite the financial consequences to him of doing that, and the fact it will show up as a failure, it will look better on his cv than having being sacked, and I don't think he's walking the breadline.

It remains to be seen – if the worst comes to the worst – if Moshiri has the balls to pull the trigger sooner rather than later. We can't use Martinez as a template for the size of his balls because RM was halfway out of the door by the time he arrived and that was a pretty easy task. Koeman, on the other hand is Moshiri's man, and that makes it harder for him.

I, like most on here I hope, do not WANT Koeman to fail. On the contrary I know we would all rather be shouting his name from the roof tops but I am in agreement that the signs are pretty ominous so far.

I hope that our board has not got it's collective ostrich heads buried in the sand and are proactively exploring replacement possibilities because I truly believe he might walk, but I hope above all else that my second scenario pans out and my furniture can look forward to a good old bashing by October 29th, and you never know - we might even still be in the League Cup.

Alan J Thompson
250 Posted 29/09/2017 at 10:43:43
I haven't seen the game but reading the above comments it seems the only man to have a good game was the one who hasn't been here long enough to be influenced by the manager.

Also, Schneiderlin has rated only one mention, can I take it that is on a par with his (usual) input?

People are calling for Tuchel or Ancelloti but surely the first name on the list, at least as first option/caretaker, is the man who has managed an Everton side to win something, knows the players and wouldn't need time to settle in, David Unsworth.

Jim Wilson
251 Posted 29/09/2017 at 10:54:48
Sack him for fuck's sake.

And we need McCarthy, Barks, Mirallas, Coleman, Lookman back in the team asap.

Kim Vivian
252 Posted 29/09/2017 at 10:55:20
A postscript to the above comments, I think actually we could see his back in 3 weeks if Burnley and Brighton turn to shit and we do not get a win against Lyon. Bugger all interest remaining, I can see him jumping.
Colin Malone
253 Posted 29/09/2017 at 10:56:29
Just heard Koeman say we reverted to a diamond shape, which called for Vlasic to be brought on, but to ask Tom Davies to go on the right flank was a no no, then bringing Klaassen on in his place instead of Lookman or Mirallas.

Klaassen started to wonder infield, ball-watching instead of holding his position, which left a big massive space on our right side. As I have said, square pegs...

Matthew Williams
254 Posted 29/09/2017 at 11:05:56
The club now needs a major plan of action... Firstly, give Koeman his final game on Sunday, regardless of result, he then goes!

Secondly, give the job to Rhino as Caretaker Coach of the first team until January.

Thirdly, sound out Tuchel; he can only say no, pay him his full whack, give him total control & support of our great club.

Fourthly, salvage our season, build for the next using our youth and fringe players and sell our ageing players one by one.

Fifthly, buy players that fit the system and start looking in the Premier League first and foremost.

Tony Hill
255 Posted 29/09/2017 at 11:15:42
Another bright spot last night was the second half performance of Sigurdsson. I thought he looked generally sharper and his passing showed the craft we have so sorely lacked, his pass to Kenny for his chance was particularly subtle. Now he just needs to be allowed to play in the position and style for which he was bought.

Still a long way off what is required but encouraging. His dead-ball delivery remains disappointing though.

Keith Conchie
256 Posted 29/09/2017 at 11:38:56
Absolute shocking performance last night. Poor setup, no tactics, no direction and no fuckin' clue.

Playing 2 deep midfielders at home against a poor team like these is a joke.

Williams is shite, and has been all season. The sooner he's gone the better.

As for Rooney, I've been saying for weeks (as have a few on here), that he shouldn't be starting at all. He's finished, and with everything going on in his private life do we really expect any kind of half decent performance from him? But for some reason Koeman is scared to drop him. He shouldn't even be making the bench at the moment.

Calvert-Lewin and Lookman surely should be starting the game this weekend, with Sandro on the bench. Vlasic must also start too, he was a big improvement when he came on.

I'm not one for saying get rid of a manager, as I always think they deserve some time, and I said the same about Martinez. However, Koeman is into his 2nd season and has had more money to spend than our previous managers, yet has took the team backwards.

This is meant to be a new dawn, a new era for EFC. It's hardly looking that way at the moment.

New owner
New stadium (soon)
Same old problems on the pitch

Derek Knox
257 Posted 29/09/2017 at 11:42:48
I would much rather Koeman resigned, as opposed to the sack, and I'm sure the Board realise that the sack, would cost the Club a lot.

Besides, if he were to be sacked, the compensation, he would be entitled to, would smack of being rewarded for failure.

The other aspect the hierarchy will be aware of, is that should a successor be appointed, as inevitably happens at most Clubs, the new manager will have his own agenda, regarding players.

A lot of players we have probably overspent on, would be surplus to his requirements, and he will have his own list of who he wants. All in all, not conducive, or at all ideal, towards any progress this or even next season, assuming we are still in the Premier League.

Joe Bibb
258 Posted 29/09/2017 at 11:58:15
if anyone taped the Bournemouth game or watched Match of the day have a look at Koeman when Niasse scored the equaliser, he has his head down and walks on the line with a look as if he was the away team manager, Niasse put Koeman's nose out of joint.Last night, Koeman ran down the tunnel as soon as the whistle blew for full time.

He is not good enough or passionate enough to be our manager, he told the media Tottenham were a team which we want to aspire to; this before we played them. He told the press Keane was suffering from a confidence crisis. He told TV that Barkley had not lived up to his hype; that's why he was dropped. If this man has any positive things to say about Everton, I think I must have missed them.

Will the Board sack him? That's the Million-Dollar Question?

Andy Meighan
259 Posted 29/09/2017 at 12:03:51
Ian (#231),

"Our overall squad is decent, probably better than the Leicester City squad that won the title."

Oh my fucking god! You don't honestly believe that, do you? I can't believe some of our supporters, I really cant. We are fucking abysmal.

Under Moyes, we had some shit performances but we always got a reaction. This is happening every single game under this clown. We'll see the same on Sunday: Rooney, Schneiderlin, Sigurdsson, Williams, and Gueye will all start because the manager bought them, end of.

It'll be the usual slow, boring, pedestrian, non-creative drivel that's become the norm under Koeman. He's slowly destroying everyone's passion for the club; it's mind-numbing and horrible to watch

And here's the thing: it's going to get a whole lot worse – no doubt about it. The prick should be up the road on his away record alone.

Kim Vivian
260 Posted 29/09/2017 at 12:32:40
We should make a concerted attempt to get Aguero. He's got experience of car crashes.

Sorry for the lad, though. Hope he makes a speedy recovery.

Matthew Williams
261 Posted 29/09/2017 at 13:29:35
19 teams now watched live in the Premier League... only the Saints to go.

We're the worst! Sigh.

Paul A Smith
262 Posted 29/09/2017 at 13:47:24
Ashley Williams looks good when the bus is parked. Otherwise he is dreadful and that's why he was at Swansea so long looking good for them and Wales.

Schneiderlin never moves after a pass and very rarely stops teams gliding through us.

Gana tries to play like a footballer but he hasn't got the ability to dictate.

Klaassen looks at the moment to be very weak and off the pace and if he does improve, its not going to see us with a top midfielder.

Sigurdsson has had a slow start but again is he any better as a number 10 than Rooney would be?

Keane, already has the manager asking questions of him and seems to fear defending at the moment.

And lastly Koeman. He has either bought, identified or agreed to manage these players. And he hasn't got a clue where they fit in.

Karl Meighan
263 Posted 29/09/2017 at 13:49:26
Mike @138 please explain who these brilliant players we have are? There wasn't a player on that pitch at kickoff capable of going past a man with a piece of skill.

How is it possible to play a wingback system with a back four? We had a central midfield destroyer, Gana, trying and expected to be a playmaker. The two wide positions filled by Davies and Sigurdsson, who after falling behind after twelve minutes changed positions.

I would guess that before this season started neither of them two so called widemen had ever played there in there lives let alone at European or Premier League standard.

When we went ahead two subs were introduced,; the Sandro change was possibly justified although there was a case for it happening at half time. The second change was also made are third of the game so what happens if a player is injured? This after going ahead for the first time in the game.

Playing fullback or wingback or whatever Koeman thinks these positions are must be a very lonely and soul-destroying experience in this Everton team. Hopelessly outnumbered without the ball and expected to create chances for who I could not tell you as there is no target to hit, no system or even a fuckin' plan.

Daniel Lim
264 Posted 29/09/2017 at 14:06:45
Just got a push message from the Everton app starting with "Ronald Koeman...". I thought for hundredth of a second that it's about him being sacked. Sigh.
Ray Smith
265 Posted 29/09/2017 at 15:00:07
Daniel 265 Ditto.

No chance I'm afraid.

Steve Bird
266 Posted 29/09/2017 at 15:51:00
Mike (#219),

I'm with you, there are debatable tactics, positional shortfalls and calamities a plenty on the pitch. Koeman has to accept his portion of culpability.

We can spend all our time between matches spouting off on how much that portion of culpability is, but we are not a sacking club.

Where we let ourselves down is with our own responsibilities; I've said it before on another thread Goodison has the worst and most toxic home crowd in the premier league.

We berate the manager for not playing our young hopes in the team then, when he does, we subject them to a baptism of criticism and scorn.

Kenny shit himself yesterday and got rid of the ball everytime because all he could hear around him was vitriol. We all have a part to play.

Our role as fans in the Bayern Munich home game of 1985 is embedded in folklore – look how far away from that influence we are now!

Steavey Buckley
267 Posted 29/09/2017 at 15:58:23
On last's night showing, Everton are clearly not going to win the Europa League. The quicker Everton are out of this competition, the sooner the better. Then concentrate on domestic competitions, although hope for them also looks bleak.

But better than having Thursday matches that are fruitless, that do interfere with preparations for Everton's next match in the Premier League.

Dermot Byrne
268 Posted 29/09/2017 at 16:10:37
None of you can moan. I have to go to a works 'do' at Anfield tonight.
Paul A Smith
270 Posted 29/09/2017 at 16:14:44
Sorry to hear that, Dermot. Hopefully you come back from this chore a better person. 👍
Rick Tarleton
271 Posted 29/09/2017 at 16:24:24
Paul Setter of Exeter, when I was at Uni down there over 60 years ago. Now Exeter City had a Maurice Setter who played later for West Brom and Man Utd. He was the kind of hard lad you wouldn't find being allowed to play now.
Colin Malone
272 Posted 29/09/2017 at 17:06:40
Unsworth as stand-in coach? OMG, someone's lost the plot.
Will Mabon
273 Posted 29/09/2017 at 18:21:45
Jeez Dermot, that's a horrifying prospect. Get drunk as fast as you can.
Gerry Quinn
274 Posted 29/09/2017 at 19:03:33
Sincere condolences, Dermot – I am sure there will be a church open tomorrow for you to confess your mortal sin!
Andy Crooks
275 Posted 29/09/2017 at 19:53:59
Dermot, it will be character building, enjoy.
Jamie Evans
276 Posted 29/09/2017 at 20:53:05
Steve @ 267 you could not be more correct. If only our supporters were as quick to encourage as they are to criticize. I'm talking about the ToffeeWebbers who attend games and not those who 'couldn't make it.'
Tony Hill
277 Posted 29/09/2017 at 23:12:56
I've just had another look at that cross from Vlasic for the Calvert-Lewin chance at the death. It was absolutely perfect. You can also see how entirely calm he was for his goal.

I'm worried about boosting him too early but this young man is a real silver lining at the moment.

Brian Porter
278 Posted 30/09/2017 at 15:20:56
Rick @272, it was Maurice Setters, (with an S) that played for Man United. He'll be 81 in December and he did indeed begin his career at Exeter City, also in later years played for West Brom, Coventry and a couple more I think.

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