Even the most optimistic of Evertonians, a label which has been levelled at me many times, would have to admit that finishing the season in a European place looks a tall order after two defeats on the bounce, especially when you see the form of the likes of Brighton, Bournemouth and others.
With games against Manchester City at home and Palace away next for Everton, it’s difficult to see maximum points from those two games which is likely what would be the minimum needed if a top eight finish was to happen, on the face of it, it feels like a bit of a letdown when just a few short weeks ago it felt like a real possibility.
Why has it taken this long for Everton to complain? 🤷♂️
The club have FINALLY had enough… 😡
Angus Kinnear, Managing Director of Leeds United alongside Victor Orta, Sporting Director of Leeds United prior to the Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Leeds United.
Credit: Getty Images/Michael Steele
Whilst there needs to be a degree of realism and an acknowledgment of where we have come from in the last 12 months, there are a million and one questions as to where the club goes from here.
West Ham United v Everton - Premier League
Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images
Alan Myers urges The Friedkin Group to answer major Everton questions
The Hill Dickinson Stadium, the relative sense of progression away from the annual relegation fight and the suggestion or understanding that there is money to spend, all adds up to a demand for serious conversations to be had this summer regarding many aspects of the club.
There is no doubt there is still a lot of work to be done, a lot of decisions to be made and recruitment is probably at the top of the list.
With a loan move for Tyrique George the only incoming in the January window together with the suggestion that the money would be better spent in the summer, the pressure is on The Friedkin Group to make the correct moves, address some of the glaring issues in the squad, which have largely been overlooked, like the full back positions and the striker problems which have probably cost a European place this season.
Four games to go, have Everton blown their hopes of European? 🫣
Everton are only three points off sixth, though… 🤔
Premier League table.
Credit: Getty Images/Richard Pelham
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First of all though, there has to be an understanding of how the recruitment at the club works, who is making the decisions and what the strategy is. Looking at last summer’s incomings leaves you asking all of the above questions, it can be described as confusing.
There is around £75M of signings which have either not performed to the level expected [Thierno Barry] or have not played enough that a true judgement can be made [Tyler Dibling/Charly Alcaraz/Adam Aznou] of course there are successes, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall has been a revelation, Jack Grealish was a key signing until the injury and Merlin Rohl looks like a player who may well come good.
I’ve heard it mentioned that some of those were bought for their potential, I’m not too sure the club is in a position yet to be doing that, experienced, ready to play, players are what is needed.
Then there is the question of the owners: what are their thoughts? Are they going to back the manager, or do they have other ideas? I’ve said before I believe they should be more vocal, whether that is in person or through their representatives really doesn’t matter but communicate they must. Yes, steps have been made in the journey to turn the club’s fortunes around but there is some distance to travel before we can really feel the club is going in the right direction.
A comfortable mid-table team won’t suffice long-term, there needs to be more tangible evidence that the football side of the club has the quality and knowledge needed to make the bigger steps required. It seems like Evertonians have been predicting ‘a big summer ahead’ for a lifetime and at some point a big summer is needed, in football you can’t tread water because if you don’t keep swimming strongly you may be dragged back under and nobody is in any mood for that. Progress has been made no doubt albeit tentative, but details of the next steps are being eagerly awaited by each and every Everton fan. When you’re ready TFG!
Alan Myers urges Everton to voice frustrations with PGMO
I read with interest reports that the Club’s CEO Angus Kinnear is to make contact with the PGMO over the ‘consistency’ of refereeing decisions.
Can someone tell me why this wasn’t a penalty? 😤
A handball call on West Ham midfielder matheus fernandes against Everton.
Credit: GRV Media
Well, it’s about time someone at the club speaks out over what has been a catalogue of indiscretions over a long period of time now, it cannot any longer be left to the manager’s post-match comments, and Howard Webb should not be left in doubt how these injustices have affected Everton.
The PGMO has written numerous ‘apology’ letters, Everton being amongst many recipients, which are about as useful as a hole in a cup of bovril, and these decisions, which reached new levels of incompetence at West Ham on Saturday, have real life consequences, not only for Everton but beyond.
The club needs to make a strong demonstration of its anger to the PGMO because if it doesn’t stand up for itself nobody else is going to that’s for sure.
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