Tony at Number 10

No!?!?! Not him.

Players with great potential, at struggling-to-perform clubs: the perfect transfer target.
In the historical knowledge that “they let their Roonaldinho go.”
Throw in the pressure of questionable finances of recent seasons in almost full public view…

The temptation to follow suit and see a quick financial fix against realising the full potential of the strongest-willed player, who cares about our club far, far more than any 2/3 cheap & nasty transfer market rejects joining us because no-one else will take them.

Of course, this is hardly a decision that IN ITSELF means we’re going to see an instant upsurge in results. Nor is it necessarily warranting of terminology of groundbreaking proportions, For we are permanently snookered by entering UEFA’s 2011 indefinite glass ceiling on unchecked spending of full conviction (the FFP protocol) - completely unprepared.

Yet, despite this very difficult AND toxic atmosphere of mistrust;
three key figures at our club have performed majestically – in the face of very difficult obstacles to genuine progress.


I am, of course, talking about successfully keeping Anthony Gordon as an Everton player at our club.

It is 100% the right decision.


So, in making this transfer window decision, how well have we performed in alternative recruitment: incoming AND outgoing?


Dwight McNeil: a left-footed player who, with many of Richarlison’s credentials, will benefit from Lampard’s 4-3-3 visions. I believe the goals will soon come – injuries permitting.

Much of the public discussions over a reinforcement addition to Dominic Calvert-Lewin in Neal Maupay: a necessary move.

Likewise the quick-fix of Tarkowski & Coady in central defence: even more so with the post-Chelski home opener injuries.

A previous absence of charismatic, purposeful leadership in midfield; we’ll have to wait and see about Amadou Onana, though we know we’ll get a quick-fix from Idryssa Gueye.



Without wasting further time on what we all have a pretty good idea on what’s happened: we’ve recruited well.



But what about who we’ve let go of too?


There were unfortunate reasons why some had to go. We won’t go there.

There were also decisions that needed to be made, in light of players that, from the clubs they joined us from, were cheap & nasty £20m-£30m wasted fees. Those who either should never have been hired, or simply no longer cut it: they’ve gone too.


That leaves the discussion of: ‘Gordon-aside: who have we kept hold of’

And it’s a very interesting one when you scratch the surface.


One player that had strongly been tipped to leave was the (other) Brazilian: Allan.


Despite being our most all-round attributes midfielder in our squad, a lack of pace – and the age of 31 – has led to some feeling it’s time to cash-in.

Allan has certainly lived up to expectations the very moment he arrived in that Covid-19 shortened 2020 Summer offseason. Remember the 0-1 victory opener at Spurs? Indeed, the 1-0 surrender at the same stadium barely a few months prior?

He certainly gave us something very refreshing in his intolerance of opposing teams ever being in possession at all.

But he can do so much more. One of our club’s most composed footballers when we’re in possession; a facet crucial to the team, when facing fitter, as well as more talented foe, trying to wear us down physical and mentally through game domination.

And in buying a player from Serie A, you’d also take for granted his ability to operate in keeping opposing teams from scoring; remember what Mo Salah did in the Anfield derby last March? One cross that Robertson headed in on the hour. Sod all else (other than flagrantly ignore his manager’s instructions).


Like Seamus Coleman, Allan’s involvement from now on may well be in the substitution process. His presence will still add far more than take away.


And whilst speculation over an exit by Jordan Pickford was less present in the media’s voices; the fact that one of the world’s best goalkeepers is still with us suggests that we’re doing something okay.


This all leads to something rather important happening today.


Which Everton will turn up?
Which Liverpool, for that matter, will turn up?


Lampard, Thelwell and Moshiri, in this transfer window; what they've done, they’ve all done well.
The right signings, brought in at the right time. Retaining who we need to keep hold of, dispensing of what is surplus;
all with very little financial room for manoeuvre.

Yes: FFP is wrong, not just unfair or counter-productive. UEFA’s motives are clear – we’ve just got to get on with it.

Yet doing all we can in very difficult circumstances; it’s not for the want of trying. Nor is it being done without brains being used.

If those wearing red bring their shooting boots with them to Goodison like they did last December, expect more chillingly-lethal finishing. It’s the way it is.

But whilst the Premier League table will look very ugly for a while yet, we’re definitely on the right road of progression. It’ll just take a while to step up the gears.


Be strong.
See these times as a long-term test of human character throughout the club.
The harder the journey, the greater the reward for all of us – when we’re moving faster forwards, in very tough times.