Greg O'Keeffe: Martinez has cash to spend but will choose to bide his timeCriticism of Kenwright is unfair as Blues boss eyes loan signings - for now
“Where's the (Fellaini, Arteta, tea, dinner, tinsel) money Bill?” has become something of a tongue-in-cheek in-joke around Goodison these days.
Evertonians are partial to a bit of self-depreciating humour, and even critics of the club’s board recognise the knee-jerk elements of the supporter base who spring to life with pitchforks in hand every transfer window.
Even after a hugely successful navigation of transfer dealings last summer, there are already some who, after a brief gaze into their crystal balls, want to lambast Kenwright & Co for supposedly failing to support Roberto Martinez in January.
Their ire seems to have been triggered by the Blues manager revealing his focus on making more loan signings in the new year, rather than splashing the cash when the sales open.
Cue the suggestions that Martinez is being denied leftover funds from the sale of Fellaini on transfer deadline day, a deal which funded the arrival of the more effective James McCarthy, Gareth Barry and Romelu Lukaku.
Almost immediately in some quarters, the finger is pointed at the chairman.
How dare he leave his popular manager feeding on scraps.
It’s inaccurate and unfair.
Leaving aside the fact that the chairman pulled off one of the bargaining coups of the summer after Fellaini attempted to force through his dream move to Old Trafford, it’s simply not right to suggest he is pulling the plug on any further strengthening.
The reality is, Martinez has a considerable amount of cash to spend if he wishes in January, but presently feels inclined to sit on it.
He believes the imminent market offers little value, a sentiment which was regularly echoed by David Moyes, and would rather address short-term gaps in his squad caused by serious injuries to Darron Gibson and Arouna Kone by turning to the loan scene once again.
If he changes his mind and decides a player is available who can boost his Champions League ambition, the board will do what it can to support him.
With Everton sitting pretty in the mix for the top four, and positivity sweeping around Goodison like never before, it’s time to trust the judgement of the Catalan – and his chairman.
* FORMER Everton defender Gary Naysmith has been appointed manager of East Fife.
The 35-year-old had been caretaker manager since last month with the side sitting bottom of League One.
He has signed an 18-month contract with the Bayview outfit, which will keep him at the club until the summer of 2015.
Naysmith took over from Willie Aitchison, who parted company with the League One side following a number of poor results. He had been appointed East Fife manager in June, succeeding Billy Brown who had left the club under a cloud.
Naysmith failed to sign for Hearts in the summer for a second time, after the Edinburgh side were handed a transfer embargo for entering administration.
The left-back’s first task will be to stave off relegation for his new club.
* THE Blues’ game against Southampton on December 29 will be dedicated to those Evertonians who have lost their lives in 2013.
While the past 12 months have witnessed the sad passing of some former Everton players, the club would like to remember supporters who have also lost their lives.
In order to offer a fitting tribute at Goodison Park in the last home game of the year, they would like to assemble a list of fans who have passed away.
If there is an Evertonian you would like to honour who has died in 2013, you need only provide the necessary information to evertonfc.com ahead of the home clash against the Saints.
Last season the club paid tribute to Evertonians who had passed away in 2012 by displaying a fan mosaic at Goodison before kicking off the final home game of the year.
The capacity-crowd observed a moment's applause and ahead of kick off, supporters in the Park End stand held up pieces of coloured card to form the mosaic, which displayed the letters EFC.
Source: Echo
