I rarely post here, but I thought I would go ahead and provide my thoughts regarding the season just completed.
Overall, I am pleased that Everton finished 5th. At the start of the season I thought at best Everton should do no worse than 6th. I was very happy that we held 4th place for quite a while. That said, I was a bit disappointed that the side struggled down the stretch to hold onto 5th. It's obvious that we've made strides to push towards the top four, but we still lack quality depth to get through the long season.
I was very happy how the team played in the UEFA Cup. After the scare of Metalist, we dominated group play and almost got past a decent Fiotentina side. I think Everton will likely do as well (or better next year) - we definitely have what it takes to win the UEFA Cup.
Yakubu, Pienaar, and Jagielka were welcome additions and fit in well with the squad. Manny came in January and while he took a while to get fit and settle back into the EPL, he did show some of the potential we all know he has (especially last two games against Villa and Newcastle).
Negatives were Moyes playing Neville in midfield, Arteta not playing up to his superb self (obvious with him carrying an injury second half of season), Cahill getting injured again, and constant hoof-ball/lack of midfield creativity to properly feed Yak and AJ up front.
Standouts of this years team were Lescott, Pienaar, Cahill, Yakabu, Yobo, Howard, and Jagielka. Osman also played well, although was a bit inconsistent. I'd give the nod to Lescott as he is now getting the credit/attention he so rightly deserves (one of the best defenders in Europe).
Areas to address - right back (Neville should only play here, but ideally should be replaced - maybe Jags?); get Lescott back into the center where he belongs and Baines as starting left back; sign Manny on a permanent basis (pay the $12 million if need be - obviously, if you can get him cheaper, do so; but don't let him get away); Find 2 quality midfielders (other than Manny) - one to replace Carsley and the other to compete with Osman/Cahill/Arteta (Osman likely the odd-man out of Cahill and Arteta are fit) - at worst, 1 quality mid-fielder (other than Manny - say Arshavin, Cana, Kallstrom, etc.) and one with a potential to become quality (Bradley, Barnes from Derby); need one more forward, preferably a target man with a good first touch that can work with Yak in a 4-4-2. Ideally would be Vaughn, but no guarentee he isn't injury prone. Victor is OK, but long term isn't looking to be Prem material (given where we want to be headed). AJ also OK, but needs fed from midfield on floor, not hoofed from back to utilize his strengths.
Long term - youngsters such as Gosling, Rodwell, Ruddy, and Baxter should transition nicely into squad at some point in future and add much needed depth.
Finally - Board needs to stop dicking around and sign Moyes to a new long-term deal (5+ years) as well as start ponying up the cash so Moyes can get the additional quality players we need (30 million - 10-12 for Manny and 18-20 million for other two.)
Overall, I am pleased that Everton finished 5th. At the start of the season I thought at best Everton should do no worse than 6th. I was very happy that we held 4th place for quite a while. That said, I was a bit disappointed that the side struggled down the stretch to hold onto 5th. It's obvious that we've made strides to push towards the top four, but we still lack quality depth to get through the long season.
I was very happy how the team played in the UEFA Cup. After the scare of Metalist, we dominated group play and almost got past a decent Fiotentina side. I think Everton will likely do as well (or better next year) - we definitely have what it takes to win the UEFA Cup.
Yakubu, Pienaar, and Jagielka were welcome additions and fit in well with the squad. Manny came in January and while he took a while to get fit and settle back into the EPL, he did show some of the potential we all know he has (especially last two games against Villa and Newcastle).
Negatives were Moyes playing Neville in midfield, Arteta not playing up to his superb self (obvious with him carrying an injury second half of season), Cahill getting injured again, and constant hoof-ball/lack of midfield creativity to properly feed Yak and AJ up front.
Standouts of this years team were Lescott, Pienaar, Cahill, Yakabu, Yobo, Howard, and Jagielka. Osman also played well, although was a bit inconsistent. I'd give the nod to Lescott as he is now getting the credit/attention he so rightly deserves (one of the best defenders in Europe).
Areas to address - right back (Neville should only play here, but ideally should be replaced - maybe Jags?); get Lescott back into the center where he belongs and Baines as starting left back; sign Manny on a permanent basis (pay the $12 million if need be - obviously, if you can get him cheaper, do so; but don't let him get away); Find 2 quality midfielders (other than Manny) - one to replace Carsley and the other to compete with Osman/Cahill/Arteta (Osman likely the odd-man out of Cahill and Arteta are fit) - at worst, 1 quality mid-fielder (other than Manny - say Arshavin, Cana, Kallstrom, etc.) and one with a potential to become quality (Bradley, Barnes from Derby); need one more forward, preferably a target man with a good first touch that can work with Yak in a 4-4-2. Ideally would be Vaughn, but no guarentee he isn't injury prone. Victor is OK, but long term isn't looking to be Prem material (given where we want to be headed). AJ also OK, but needs fed from midfield on floor, not hoofed from back to utilize his strengths.
Long term - youngsters such as Gosling, Rodwell, Ruddy, and Baxter should transition nicely into squad at some point in future and add much needed depth.
Finally - Board needs to stop dicking around and sign Moyes to a new long-term deal (5+ years) as well as start ponying up the cash so Moyes can get the additional quality players we need (30 million - 10-12 for Manny and 18-20 million for other two.)
