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LoyalHoncho
02 Aug 25 15:11
Joined:
Date Joined: 28 May 10
| Topic/replies: 2,000 | Blogger: LoyalHoncho's blog
Has Patterson been playing in pre-season matches?
Thank you.
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Report Mr Spock August 31, 2025 5:22 PM BST
Yes we've missed Branthwaite but Tarkowski has been poor in 3 games so far. Keane is Keane but so far this season hasnt been too bad.
Report DixieDean60 August 31, 2025 5:28 PM BST
Mr Spock - yes both goals were avoidable, but let's face it there are very few goals scored in any game that couldn't have been avoided if the defending side had done something better. We are short on defensive options at the moment and our more attacking approach is going to leave us more open at the back than in recent seasons. Personally i think its a price worth paying, seeing Jack, KDH and Ndiaye together in the side is great to watch and it's one in the eye for Moyes's detractors who say he is too defensive as a manager.

Honcho - you're a bit late to the "Keane is not good enough" party - he's 32 and has made 199 appearances for the Toffees ! I feel sorry for the guy with all the flak he gets, much is undeserved. He would not have played that many games if he was that bad. He is also likely to pop up with important goals too. I presume the big blond guy you are referring to is Branthwaite, he is actually very good and put it this way, our record without him in defence has been a lot worse than it is with him.
Report Mr Spock August 31, 2025 5:36 PM BST
Yes Dixie, I'm quite happy with the score more goals than the opposition tactics (if thats what Moyes in promoting). The Tranfer deadline day will be interesting and hopefully the club can get a couple more in espically a RB.
Report The Dragon September 22, 2025 4:47 PM BST
i think everton are looking a decent team. played well v liverpool. thhey will have a good season if they continue like this
Report PorcupineorPineapple September 22, 2025 5:12 PM BST
Yeah. Think the same. But they've already f&cked me up twice.

I backed them at Leeds on the opening day thinking they're a top 10 team. Not only did they get beat but they were shocking. So then I backed Brighton against them on day two and they go and win that of course!


But it looks like they've finally got a bit of guile in the team to go with the scrappers. Reckon they'll be top ten.
Report The Dragon September 22, 2025 5:54 PM BST
early days but they look good going forward grealish is a super player and given freedom he will cause all defences problems. they move the ball about quicly too. defence looks aa bit iffy but id be surprised not to see them in top ten.

i think spurs are also looking good under their new manager. they very unlucky not to beat brighton and looked impressive
Report LoyalHoncho September 22, 2025 7:02 PM BST
Largely agreed here but I still maintain that Keane is a liability.  He was certainly at fault with the first goal and arguably with the second.  Yes he has scored a few vital goals at times but the Blues wouldn’t have needed them so badly with a more able defence, would they?  Please don’t take it personally.  Just ask yourself if you’ll ever achieve CL football with him in your defence.  And surely that has to be the first aim in any ongoing ambition.
Report DixieDean60 September 22, 2025 7:29 PM BST
Honcho, i maintain that Keane gets unfair stick compared to other players. I don't think he did much wrong on Saturday,  but why do you not mention Mykolenko getting caught out of position somewhat (again !) or Tarkowski going with the wrong foot to block Ekitike's shot for the second goal ?  Nobody is saying Keane is CL class but then he doesn't need to be as it's going to be some time before the Toffees are involved at that level ! Branthwaite will return in due course and also Jake O'Brien is a Centre Back currently playing out od position.

I would prefer to say that Liverpool's quick attacking play was responsible for the goals, not bad defending. As i alluded to previously ANY goal scored could probably be prevented if the defending team did something better or differently. But they don't have the luxury of analysing things on MOTD given they play in real time Grin

If Grealish ( cheers Pep, what were you thinking ?) and Ndiaye stay fit and carry on playing as they are then there should be lots to look forward to in the coming months.
Report LoyalHoncho September 22, 2025 7:47 PM BST
Well we’ll have to agree to differ Dixie.  One off errors are exactly that, consistent weak play is another.  Good luck to the Toffees.
Report DixieDean60 September 23, 2025 10:23 PM BST
Poor decision by DM to make seven changes for tonight's game, first real misstep from him since returning.

By all means bring a couple of new players in but don't disrupt the shape of the team and leave out all the flair players. Fatigue cannot be an issue as we are only 5 games in to the season and the next game is not for another six days.
Report The Dragon September 24, 2025 7:20 AM BST
yup very strange and poor management , with a good run cd ave been with a chance of doing well in the compCrazy
Report 1st time poster September 24, 2025 11:06 AM BST
moyes loses to l,pool goes out of cup early,was ever thus,
cant say the man never delivers on his 30 yr cv in management
Report The Dragon September 24, 2025 2:36 PM BST
yes given the team they have now maybe a more positive/younger manager could take them to a better place
Report LoyalHoncho September 24, 2025 4:26 PM BST
I doubt it personally.  Need much more quality than they have at present.  Take Grealish out and they are still an average PL side.  Imv.
Report The Dragon September 24, 2025 4:44 PM BST
rather be their posi than where man u are which will be a big thing for moyes i reckon
Report DixieDean60 September 24, 2025 8:50 PM BST
They have got quality Honcho, Branthwaite and O'Brien will be a very good partnership at the back, KDH is very decent in midfield and Ndiaye is a delight to watch, it's not all about Jack, good as he is.

31 points from 19 games after DM came in last season, that was without Jack and KDH.

The one thing they lack is a proven goal scorer up front, but they don't grow on trees mores the pity.
Report The Dragon September 29, 2025 3:56 PM BST
did you know that....

Jordan Pickford (Everton) has made the most accurate long balls in the Premier League this season, with 54.

top stuff
Report LoyalHoncho September 29, 2025 8:17 PM BST
Patterson back on the bench.  Good for Scotland if he can get into decent form.
Report LoyalHoncho September 29, 2025 8:38 PM BST
Grealish has won four free kicks in 33 minutes.  Also “Keane wins a free kick on the left wing”.  What was he doing up there?  Grin
Report DixieDean60 September 30, 2025 12:14 AM BST
I keep telling you Honcho, Keane gets unfair treatment from some of the fans. Not only has he looked our best bet for a goal lately but he was our most solid defender again against the hammers.

When Branthwaite returns it could give Moyes a headache as it would be unfair to drop Keane, but equally i can't see him leaving out Tarkowski either. Maybe we'll go five at the back Laugh
Report LoyalHoncho September 30, 2025 2:11 AM BST
I know you keep telling me but you’ll never convince me.  He’s a decent player, no more than that for me, who makes glaring mistakes.  He looks to me like a midfielder tu4ned central defender.  Once his year is out I can see him moving on.
Report DixieDean60 September 30, 2025 2:10 PM BST
I'm not trying to convince you he's world class Honcho, just that he gets stick whereas others escape it. You have admitted he is a decent player, which is all i have said he is.

The fact is that he has been our best defender this season so far, O'Brien is now being found out as not a natural right back (not his fault) and Tarkowski has made a few out of character errors, Mykolenko gets caught out of position too often, may be time for the young lad Aznou to get a start. Keane could have moved on at the end of last season but chose to stay for another year which showed how much he loves the club. He's never been a midfielder type but could certainly play up front if required, as has been said previously he is apparently seen as one of the best finishers at the club in training and some of his goals would bear that out. On current form i'd say he should play up front rather than the misfiring Beto and Barry Laugh 

Palace on Sunday will be a very tough game and KDH is now suspended after yet another soft booking from a plank of a ref last night Sad. I would like to see Jack take a few more shots at goal rather than continually trying to tee others up, it's the only slight negative about him as currently he is probably the most creative player in the league.
Report gotitwrong- September 30, 2025 2:53 PM BST
Keane up front instead of Beto/Barry isn't the worst shout.Grealish either chose , or was forced outside last night , and Beto/Barry never looked like getting to the ball.
Grealish will miss the Man City (loan rule) , so tough couple of matches upcoming.
Report LoyalHoncho October 1, 2025 4:14 PM BST
By decent I mean he would do a job for a Championship side but is simply not good/reliable enough to help Everton achieve anything.
Report The Dragon October 6, 2025 5:20 PM BST
cracking result to be palace. next one is away to city....i presume grealish wont be available for selection
Report DixieDean60 October 6, 2025 5:38 PM BST
You presume correctly Dragon, a chance for Alcaraz to get another start hopefully, he changed the mood yesterday when he came on. He has a great attitude.

Dibling looks too raw and i'm not sure he will live up to his price tag, time on his side of course.

The toffees have a poor record at City,the defence is looking a bit shaky, Haaland will be licking his lips, thank god for Pickford Grin
Report LoyalHoncho October 6, 2025 9:37 PM BST
Dixie, the defence has always been shaky.  How do you think you’ve had to fight off relegation so often in the last say five years?
Report DixieDean60 October 6, 2025 11:11 PM BST
Not true Honcho, on the contrary if  it wasn't for the defence they would have probably gone down at some point. Scoring goals has been the problem ;

24/25 season  Everton had the 4th best defence in the league, but the fourth worst goal scoring record .

23/24 season - again had the 4th best defence in the league, but amazingly the SECOND worst scoring record !

22/23 season - the 13th best defence and yet again the second worst attack.
Report The Dragon November 3, 2025 5:21 PM GMT
interesting game tonight which is a hard one to call -sunderland unbeaten at home with 3 wins and a draw.everton won 1 in 6 with 3 out of 4 away defeats

thinlk it will be a tight one but cant for the life of me see why everton are 7/4 favs based on the above
Report The Dragon November 6, 2025 3:26 PM GMT
finished 1-1

fulham at home next. btts looks very likely
Report LoyalHoncho January 19, 2026 12:42 AM GMT
He’s back.  Two games now and he looks fit and well.  Great for Everton and great for Scotland.
Report DixieDean60 January 19, 2026 9:13 PM GMT
I wouldn't go that far Honcho but Right Back has been an issue for the toffees this season. They are trying to recruit one in the transfer window.
However if Nathan gets a run in the side he obviously has the chance to impress and nail the position down. Staying injury free would be a start !

Been a very strange old season for EFC, started well at the new stadium but now struggling to win there. Injuries etc haven't helped of course.
But away from home they have won at Bournemouth (first time ever in the EPL) , Villa (first time in 10 years) and Utd (second time in 32 years).
Since Moyes took over again a year ago, they have won 10 away games, the most in the EPL alongside Arsenal.
And to return to our previous conversation about the defence - only Arsenal have kept more clean sheets that EFC this season Happy
Report LoyalHoncho January 19, 2026 9:51 PM GMT
I still don’t rate him nearly as highly as you.  The game you lost heavily a week or two ago he was at fault with two of the goals ( at least ).  Sry, but that’s my view.  Love
Report DixieDean60 January 19, 2026 10:20 PM GMT
?  I'm talking about the defence as a whole, that's why i gave the stats about the past two seasons and now the clean sheets this campaign.
Tarkowski was also all over the place (unusually) in that match you reference and yet again Keane has to be the scapegoat doesn't he (even though most observers agree he has been our most consistent defender this season).
Facts do not lie, in the last 3 years EFC have had a very good defensive record (apart from three poor home defeats this season).
One area we are very strong in is central defence - any two of Tarkowski, Keane, O'Brien and Branthwaite (soon to be back) is fine by me.
Its at full back that we need strengthening, Coleman will be fit soon but is getting on in years, Patterson has the opportunity now and has to grasp it, something he has not done so far in an EFC shirt, he is still only 24 years old but has been at the club for four years now and needs to finally make his mark. Let us hope he can do so.
Report LoyalHoncho January 20, 2026 12:33 PM GMT
Is it four years?  I would never have guessed if asked. Seriously, that surprises me.  As you say, it’s about time he restarted his career and gave the club what they’re paying him for.  As you say facts don’t lie so I grudgingly (Laugh) accept your points.  Willingly actually.  You know your club better than me!  Love
Report DixieDean60 January 20, 2026 7:40 PM GMT
Yes Honcho, hard to believe he has been at Everton that long. Only 53 appearances in that time which tells a story. Injuries just one reason, he has had several managers in that time some of whom obviously did not rate him but he has also been involved in training ground "disagreements" - read in to that what you will Grin
Rumours are that Seville want to take him on loan this month until the end of the season. Everton are also linked with a couple of European right backs so maybe he will end up in Spain which may  well suit and it would certainly give him a chance to press his World Cup claims.
Report ----you-have-to-laugh--- January 20, 2026 8:31 PM GMT
I remember rumours of this... Way back when.

Brushed off of course, at the time, but...

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cy8yp1nqd21o

..
Report LoyalHoncho January 20, 2026 9:00 PM GMT
Send him up to Tynecastle on loan.  We’ll find a role for him.  And a solid midfield player would be of use too.  Laugh
Report DixieDean60 January 20, 2026 9:11 PM GMT
Very much a "sliding doors" moment Donny.  The Everton board over the years have a very long charge list of failures in getting the right manager and cocking things up. Not exactly their fault that Revie stayed at Leeds of course.

Probably even worse than missing out on Revie was a few years later in 1977 when Bobby Robson had agreed to take the Everton job. Being the gent he was he wanted to tell Ipswich first and expressly stated that the news not be made public until he was ready. Then that numpty John Moores released the news to the press anyway and Bobby changed his mind.
Brian Clough was then linked with the job and was hot fav with the bookies to take it but he slipped through our fingers as well Cry Oh what might have been.

Funnily enough, although they didn't win a trophy that Everton side in 1977/78 under Gordon Lee was my favourite ever to watch in pure footballing terms. Great entertainers they were. It never really occurred to me at the time that Bobby or Brian may well have won things with them !
Report DixieDean60 January 20, 2026 9:14 PM GMT
He could do worse Honcho,  no surplus midfielders unfortunately - isn't Beni B enough for you Grin
Report LoyalHoncho January 20, 2026 10:53 PM GMT
Suspended for two, so we are short of two key players plus him for Celtic on Saturday.
Injury/absence was always going to be our biggest foe in this title challenge.  To lose these two both at once is a massive blow, whatever the manager might say.
Report Mr Spock January 21, 2026 5:44 PM GMT
Grealish out for 3 months FFS, probably send him back to City and any chance he had of playing in the WC just evaporated.Interesting to see what City do with him now. If they insist on £50m he won't be going anywhere.
Report DixieDean60 January 21, 2026 11:08 PM GMT
No way they will pay that kind of money Mr S.  It's a shame for Jack and will surely put the kybosh on his World Cup dreams.
Time for Dibling maybe to step up and fill the void. Not sure if Moyes trusts him enough yet. Ndiaye will be back (all being well) for the Leeds game and will probably go on the left wing although McNeil can play there too.
Report ----you-have-to-laugh--- January 21, 2026 11:12 PM GMT
Pity for Grealish, but could still make end of season and world Cup.

Should be in squad on merit.
Report Stringvest January 21, 2026 11:13 PM GMT
Sad news on Tommy Wright   RIP
Report DixieDean60 January 22, 2026 12:33 AM GMT
Yes String, sad news indeed. Tommy spent his whole career at the club and was an ever present in the great 1970 championship winning team. A fine right back who probably should have got more than the dozen caps for England. Morrisey, Royle and Harvey the only trio left of that title winning first eleven now Sad
Report Mr Spock January 23, 2026 12:26 PM GMT
I watched Tommy in the late 60s/early 70s immaculate defender. As you say Dixie the greats are disappearing fast as time goes by.
Report DixieDean60 January 23, 2026 3:20 PM GMT
Alan Whittle is still around Mr S, worth mentioning him as well due to his vital contribution in that 1970 triumph - 11 goals in 15 games without ever being a regular, shame we haven't got someone to knock the goals in like that at the moment !
Report Mr Spock January 23, 2026 4:26 PM GMT
West, Wright, Wilson, Kendall, Labone, Harvey, Young, Ball, Royle, Hurst, Morrissey. Sub Husband or Whittle probably my favourite line up from those days.
Report LoyalHoncho January 23, 2026 4:51 PM GMT
Did Brian Labone play for England in the 1970 World Cup finals?
Report Mr Spock January 23, 2026 6:17 PM GMT
Yes he did Honcho, his last ever England game was that ill fated Quarter Final v West Germany
Report LoyalHoncho January 23, 2026 7:08 PM GMT
Thanks.  Good player but had big competition at the time.
Report Mr Spock January 23, 2026 7:16 PM GMT
Any clues?
Report LoyalHoncho January 23, 2026 7:40 PM GMT
I presume you mean me.  He would have had many more caps but for Jack Charlton and Norman Hunter is my recollection?
Report Mr Spock January 23, 2026 7:48 PM GMT
Ok, but your orignal reply had 'me' at the end of it so was curious that you were an ex-player. Its disappeared now which is even more odd.
Report LoyalHoncho January 23, 2026 7:53 PM GMT
Me?  the letters me were at the end of the word time.  Confusion - let’s bin it. Love
Report Mr Spock January 23, 2026 7:59 PM GMT
Yes when I looked it said  - Thanks.  Good player but had big competition at the time. me   So I naturally thought you were the competition. I must be seeing things in my old age. Crazy Anyway lets hope they tonk Leeds on monday but ojur home form is abysmal currently.
Report DixieDean60 January 23, 2026 10:19 PM GMT
You just know DCL will come back to haunt us Mr S Cry

And  apologies for the pedantry but Ray Wilson was not part of the 1970 title winning team, he was transferred to Oldham in 1969.
Sandy Brown was the regular left back, most famous ironically for his stupendous own goal early on in the season in the Merseyside Derby at Goodison.
Alex Young, The Golden Vision, had also left by then (1968). Wonderful player, would have fitted in the 1970 side so well. At least he won the title with the toffees in 1963.
Jimmy Husband actually was a regular with 30 appearances.
Report Mr Spock January 23, 2026 11:50 PM GMT
Hi Dixie, sorry I wasnt saying they were the 70's title winning team just my favouriteplayers from that era (66-70) as I was born in 1959. I probably wasnt specific enough. Of course we fell off the rails dramatically after that title win (probably due to selling Alan Ball and Cattericks ill health) and I had to endure my teens growing up waching Liverpool win everything until 1984 of course.
Report DixieDean60 January 24, 2026 12:55 AM GMT
I was the same Mr S, the first game i ever recall watching as a  little  lad (5 at the time) was the FA Cup win over Sheffield Wednesday, thank god the toffees came back to win or i might have been an Owls fan all my life Laugh The team of the late 60s, start of the 70s made a big impression on me. Of course football was full of great players and characters generally in those days.  The board criminally allowed decent players go and managers slip through their fingers in the 70s, but even so we should have won the title in 1975 with a generally below par team, fancy losing home and away to rock bottom Carlisle Cry

The FA Cup semi against our Red chums in 77 still rankles, cheers Clive Thomas ! The 77/78 side under Gordon Lee with Dave Thomas, Latchford, McKenzie and co was my most enjoyable side to watch purely in entertainment terms. I much preferred watching the games prior to the EPL coming along, such is life.
Report Mr Spock January 24, 2026 11:41 AM GMT
Yes oh to have my hero Bob Latchford in todays side and Duncan McKenzie. But we have Beto and McNeil, at least Barry appears to be impproving a little.
Report LoyalHoncho January 24, 2026 1:57 PM GMT
Loved Latchford.  Very resourceful striker who did what he could do well.  What was it Thomas did ( have forgotten )?  Thanks.  I remember him being considered one of the better senior refs.
Report DixieDean60 January 24, 2026 2:26 PM GMT
It was one of the biggest travesties of justice in FA Cup history Honcho. Clive Thomas had an ego the size of Jupiter and always wanted to be the star of the show, he was our most well known ref but just look at the catalogue of controversies in his career - two of which involved Brian Hamilton. On that fateful day the semi final was locked at 2-2 with not long left when Hamilton diverted a cross with his body (hip i think) past Ray Clemence for what should have been the winner. Not one Liverpool player appealed but the dastardly Thomas blew up for who knows what ?   The linesman kept his flag down but initial feeling was Thomas somehow from his position had given offside, then that was changed to Hamilton handballing because Thomas "sensed" that's what he had done (god give me strength) - it was nowhere near his hand. Thomas even colluded with the linesman after the game saying "we have to get our story straight here" which tells you all you need to know. Many years later Thomas actually admitted he was wrong, bit late now mate ! The mild mannered Bobby Robson hated him, very telling.

Bob Latchford's biography is a great read, obviously deals with his Everton days but also Birmingham, Swansea and England as well as his life after the game. How much would he be worth now? Many younger fans will say Bob who? But he scored more goals than any other player during his top flight career (1972 to 1983), a superb centre forward. It makes you weep to see some of the millionaire numpties masquerading as strikers these days whereas a legend such as Bob (and others of his time) struggled big time after his playing days were over.
Reading his book reminds me of how unlucky the side were at times during the 70s, they really should have won at least one league title, maybe two. Great memories though.
Report Mr Spock January 24, 2026 2:37 PM GMT
Thomas, Latchford goal....
Report ----you-have-to-laugh--- January 24, 2026 2:39 PM GMT
Can't really think of Clive Thomas without
thinking of Treorchy... Motd used to caption
refs with their birthplace for some bizarre reason.

Also Thomas the Book, lol.

He certainly had a few controversial moments.

Not least when totally out of his depth in European semi between
Holland and Czechoslovakia, and reffing Brazil in world Cup.
Report LoyalHoncho January 24, 2026 2:48 PM GMT
Thanks all.  I remember his haughtiness, had forgotten these wounding decisions.
Report Mr Spock January 24, 2026 2:53 PM GMT
Famous as well for blowing for time and disallowing a goal from a corner in a World Cup match between Brazil and Sweden (for Brazil) saying time was up when the corner was taken even though the rules stated the play had to run its course.
Report LoyalHoncho January 24, 2026 3:02 PM GMT
Well remembered.
Ruby Walsh won’t have endeared himself to Toffee fans with that comment.  Sad
Report DixieDean60 January 24, 2026 3:10 PM GMT
When asked after that semi final why he had disallowed the goal, he originally would not clarify the reason why, all he said was "an infringement occurred ". So what was it then !
Took him some time to come up with the line that he had sensed a handball - not sure the laws of the game say you can do that Clive Angry
To rub it in further the Welsh windbag gave Liverpool a soft penalty in the replay which led to them opening the scoring.

In the 1975 semi replay between West Ham and Ipswich he chalked off two Ipswich goals with the score at 1-1, including another Hamilton effort which he said was offside even though the linesman did not flag. Bobby Robson was apoplectic and called for an enquiry after the match, Thomas was then furious himself and the two held a mutual dislike for each other ever after. The usually affable captain Mick Mills would never shake hands with Thomas again.

That disallowed Brazil goal in 1978 had big repercussions - it meant they did not win the group and faced Argentina in the 2nd round and of course they lost that match.
Report LoyalHoncho January 24, 2026 3:17 PM GMT
It was a feature of refereeing in those days that some refs. developed a huge sense of outright power fuelled by their egos.  “The referees decision is final” almost became a right to practise their tyranny.  We had one or two like that up here, notably one JPR Gordon from Airdrie.  He would eventually be found guilty of accepting gifts and bribes from one of the Milan clubs ( A.C.  I think ) and booted out of the game which was no consolation whatsoever to fans of the lesser clubs he had cheated previously.  Now we wish their decision once again was final.  At least I do.
Report LoyalHoncho February 7, 2026 4:13 PM GMT
Branthwaite back in the matchday squad I see.  Good luck to him.
Patterson benched so not 8mpressing Moyes it seems.
Report DixieDean60 February 7, 2026 4:37 PM GMT
Branthwaite played at left back last week Honcho, on todays evidence he should have stayed in the team and Mykolenko left on the bench !
Myk scored the own goal today to give Fulham the lead (unlucky to do so, rebound from Pickfords save) and has looked shaky.

I would have liked to have seen Patterson playing as he is a proper RB but Moyes seems desperate to have Jake in the side. We have four good centre halvess which is a nice problem to have, but who do you leave out ?
Report LoyalHoncho February 7, 2026 4:39 PM GMT
Hadn’t noticed, sry.  Good point.
Report LoyalHoncho February 7, 2026 4:40 PM GMT
KD-H pops up.  Again.
Report DixieDean60 February 7, 2026 4:41 PM GMT
And just as i slagged off Myk he has a great run down the left and sets up the equaliser Laugh
Report DixieDean60 February 7, 2026 4:43 PM GMT
How on earth are we now in front, probably due a bit of fortune to be fairBlush
Report LoyalHoncho February 7, 2026 4:47 PM GMT
Fortune favours the bold Rodney.  You’ll gladly take it!  Laugh
Report LoyalHoncho February 7, 2026 4:49 PM GMT
Once Citeh gub your neighbours the gap will only be two points!  Wink
Report DixieDean60 February 7, 2026 4:59 PM GMT
Indeed Honcho, swings and roundabouts etc.

Icing on the cake - my local side Gillingham signed Ronan Hale from Ross County last week and he got both goals today on his full home debut in a 2-1 win. shame they didn't sign him earlier, they've been desperate for a goals scorer all season.
Report LoyalHoncho February 7, 2026 5:15 PM GMT
Yep - well done him.  A couple of lower league hat tricks today.  Marcus Browne, ex Hammers youth I think, takes the AFC Wimbledon match ball home tonight and Kyrell Lisbie does likewise for Peterborough.  Has had a career broken up by injuries this lad so good luck to him.
Report Mr Spock February 7, 2026 6:27 PM GMT
If we started games like we finish them we could have been much higher in the table now. Moyes just too cautious until we go behind and always has been.
Report DixieDean60 February 7, 2026 8:32 PM GMT
I'm not sure the stats really bear that out this season Mr S.  Which games are you referring to and how much higher do you think we should be ?

I'm struggling to think of too many games this season where being too cautious has cost us, indeed the heavy home defeats against Spurs, Brentford and Newcastle were mainly due to getting repeatedly caught on the break. The home draw against Villa we dominated, 1-1 draws against West Ham, Wolves and Sunderland were all after we had taken the lead.
Report Mr Spock February 7, 2026 10:12 PM GMT
I feel some of the draws we've had could have given us at least another 6 points (the last 2 against Brighton and Leeds could easily have been wins) and put us on level with Chelsea. Lets make no mistake we were a bit fortunate today to go in at half time only 1-0 down but he turned it around second half by changing the formation. I like Moyes but why he persists in playing 4 CB's when we have Pattison at RB whos performed well when given the chance. Also Anzou looked good a couple of games a go and hasn't had a sniff since, playing McNeil on the right as well is just a waste. Its a poor league this season and there's a great chance to break top 6 if we just play players in their correct positions and at least put in some first half effort and not look like we're playing for a draw at the start of nearly every game. Just my opinion of course.
Report DixieDean60 February 7, 2026 11:13 PM GMT
We were fortunate today that's true but maybe were due a win like that. To be fair most teams could point to drawn games that they could have won so we are no different in that respect. Moyes's subs today were pretty much like for like so no real change in formation, just the injection of fresh legs (and pace from young George).

He has only played 4 CB's in one game to my knowledge - last week. O'Brien has of course played RB a number of times - he is a very decent defender and hopefully will be part of a long term pairing with Branthwaite in the centre. I agree though that i would rather see a proper RB like Nathan playing. I also agree that playing McNeill on the right doesn't really work and should not happen if more suitable players are available. Aznou looked ok in the cup game but that was in a more attacking role, not sure how good he is defensively, if Myk continues to struggle at times he will get his chance.

Regarding our excellent away record i would give much of the credit to Moyes - his tactics obviously do work given only arsenal can better our wins on the road since DM's return.
Report Stringvest February 7, 2026 11:49 PM GMT
Respect your knowledge and opinions Dixie , proper Football person , like myself Laugh  Would you pay to watch prem Football these days ?  I think its dire and wouldnt go for Free, nice to chat to someone who has good memories of 60s-70- Footy without using Google  ( YHTL )  Laugh
Report Stringvest February 7, 2026 11:50 PM GMT
And still good after a session Laugh
Report DixieDean60 February 8, 2026 12:54 AM GMT
Would i pay to watch the Prem string ?  Not unless i had to, i'd even think twice before accepting a freebie as i just don't like the way the game has gone, at "elite" level anyway. I have rarely attended prem games since money became their god. The atmosphere of the 70s and 80s is long gone unfortunately and although modern stadiums are fantastic structures they lack soul imo. I will probably find my way to the HD at some point just to say i've been there.

Without wishing to be jingoistic there are just not enough English players in our top league, some teams have even put out all-foreign elevens , you are ENGLISH clubs ffs Sad.  I am pleased to say that at least the toffees DO have at least 5 or 6 regulars who are English, sometimes more.  It's fine having some different nationalities but it's gone too far i think.

YHTL does love google and X Grin  but he is a true enthusiast, and hardly a fair weather fan having followed the toon for all those fallow years.

My brother used to change his team every couple of years in our schooldays and finally settled on the Hammers , not the best choice for a glory hunter Laugh

I have had some great times following EFC in the past, but my happiest memories are from watching the Gills years ago with my mates. As you no doubt know, you just cannot beat the banter on the terraces following a lower league club who only have success once in a blue moon. and the open air khazi at the Gillingham end was always a good talking point with opposition fans Laugh
Report Stringvest February 8, 2026 1:09 AM GMT
hes a know it all goat ,, probly good at Subbuteo... his mob could do with John Tudor and Super Mac
Report Stringvest February 8, 2026 1:17 AM GMT
Wenger started the influx...Clyde Best Laugh
Report DixieDean60 February 8, 2026 1:27 AM GMT
Yup. that pair were characters (sadly lacking today in the game) as well as being a fine partnership up front.

When i was a kid i could probably name all of the top divison teams first elevens, these days i'd have no chance.
Massive squads full of overseas purchases, you'd get a world record scrabble score writing down most clubs team sheets Crazy

Subbuteo was good but a lot of hassle and difficult to get a decent table to play on - i preferred Chad Valley, much less effort Cool
Report DixieDean60 February 8, 2026 1:31 AM GMT
I liked Clyde Best - he used to stand out (for somewhat obvious reasons), he scored a goal at Goodison Park in the mid 70s which has been voted on some EFC forums as the best goal ever scored there by an opposition player, but there seems to be no actual footage of it anywhere Sad
Report Stringvest February 8, 2026 1:49 AM GMT
same here mate , some great old names  Terry Daracott  Laugh
Report DixieDean60 February 8, 2026 2:03 AM GMT
Nice comb over Terry had string Laugh  He was a valuable part of the backroom team in the glory days of the 80s under Howard K, good lad.
Report Stringvest February 8, 2026 2:12 AM GMT
that was very good side , the mob across the park ruined your euro challenge .. i f i remember rightly...too much red wine Wink
Report DixieDean60 February 8, 2026 2:25 AM GMT
Yes, May 85 i was in Rotterdam with the massive EFC support as we beat Rapid Vienna in the Cup winners Cup final, got a ferry from sheerness, ticket on the day outside the ground from a kiosk - different times !  Dreaming of winning the European  Cup the next year. Then 2 weeks later our lovely neighbours scuppered all that, i'm sure they only did it out of spite Laugh
Report Stringvest February 8, 2026 4:05 AM GMT
its never their fault , are they still blaming Chelsea fans..Come on you Lions Cool time for my paper round Laugh
Report Mr Spock February 8, 2026 10:50 AM GMT
Careful Dixie they'll be on soon accusing you of being a bitter blue.
Report DixieDean60 February 8, 2026 1:43 PM GMT
I've been called a lot worse Mr S Laugh

Of course the powers that be were looking for an excuse to kick our clubs out of Europe due to some fans behaviour (and the fact our clubs kept winning their competitions!)and that night was the final straw.

But it was so galling having witnessed the exemplary behaviour of Blues fans in Rotterdam, even the Mayor there complemented them.
Report LoyalHoncho February 8, 2026 2:10 PM GMT
Yes Dixie, it is always forgotten just how many clubs suffered from that horrible night at Heysel.
Report ----you-have-to-laugh--- February 8, 2026 7:49 PM GMT
https://x.com/i/status/2020404908487549349

..

Good one honcho, deffo worth a look, even if it is twitter.

Ginola signs for Everton, gazza's welcome.
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