- Status
Baines' left foot
Player Valuation: £90m
I don't think another year would do too much harm.
SpurtingLesbian
Ken Dodd Nagasaki
Don't have a problem with it, could still do with a quick mobile striker as well just for the option.
He plays well in a support role but I'd be happier if we had someone like James Wilson that could play if the worst happened to Rom.
He plays well in a support role but I'd be happier if we had someone like James Wilson that could play if the worst happened to Rom.
Woolly Blue
Player Valuation: £80m
For those that don't know, the story's from the Echo
http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/everton-fc-can-finish-above-10189626
See below
If he carries on playing like he is then I'd happily see him given another year. His attitude's never really been in doubt, just his fitness. The quote
****
After having his first two years at Everton overshadowed by a serious knee injury, Arouna Kone is hoping that this is the season he can help the Blues finish above neighbours Liverpool.
When the Ivory Coast striker followed Roberto Martinez from Wigan Athletic to Goodison Park in the summer of 2013 to become the Catalan’s first signing, Everton had just finished above the Reds in consecutive top flight seasons for the first time since 1937.
However, while Brendan Rodgers side almost won the Premier League title in 2013/14, Kone had been forced to spend the majority of the campaign sidelined after suffering damage to his knee cartilage in a game against Hull City.
Arouna Kone during the Everton training session at Finch Farm on October 2, 2015 in Halewood, England. (Photo by Tony McArdle/Everton FC via Getty Images)
The road back to fitness has been a long one for Kone but now finally fully fit again, he believes he can play his part in helping the Blues to overhaul their rivals from across Stanley Park.
He said: “This might be the year that Everton finish above Liverpool again.
“The reason is nothing to do with Liverpool but I think we’ve made a good start, it’s been solid, and I think through the difficult times of last season a lot of our younger players have benefited from that experience and gained in strength.
“On Monday we came from 2-0 down at West Brom to win and in past seasons we haven’t shown that and been mentally strong enough.
“Our game management has improved now that we’ve gained some experience and for that reason I hope we can finish above Liverpool.”
A new start
Having only scored a single goal in his first two seasons at Goodison Park, Kone has now found the back of the net twice so far in the current campaign and is delighted to finally be repaying back some of the £6million outlay Martinez splashed out on him.
He said: “It really was tough. I’d just signed and you’ve got great hopes of doing well for your new side and then just two months later I suffered a major injury so it was very tough at that time.
“Fortunately that’s all behind me now and hopefully the best is ahead.
“I feel so good in myself fitness wise, I can really push myself really hard in training sessions now which I think is beginning to show on the field.
“This hard work is going to help me in my goal of helping the team reach its targets and finish as high up the table as we can.
WEST BROMWICH, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 28: Arouna Kone shoots to score his goal during the Barclays Premier League match between West Bromwich Albion and Everton at The Hawthorns on September 28, 2015 in West Bromwich, United Kingdom. (Photo by Tony McArdle/Everton FC via Getty Images)
Kone added: “Retirement is something that never crossed my mind. It was always a case of keeping positive during the period that I was injured.
“I saw it as a personal challenge to myself to come back again. I’d done it twice before so on the third time I was confident I could return to full fitness.
“The thing that really kept me going was that as I’d won a trophy at Wigan, I knew that I had to prove myself at Everton and I was determined to bring the good side of myself to this club and show that I could perform here.
“If there were any moments that I wasn’t positive, that’s what kept me going. It wasn’t so much as reinventing myself but doing what I’d done at Wigan again and prove that to the Everton fans.”
He continued: “I can only speak for myself and what motivates me to give 100% all the time is that Roberto Martinez not only showed confidence in bringing me to Everton but to Wigan.
“I feel that I have something special that I owe to our manager for showing confidence in me on two separate occasions.
“Now when I’m out on the field, every minute is an absolute joy and pleasure after the period I was out injured.
“That’s why I want to prove that I can bring something to the club and achieve things.”
Impact sub
Turning 32 next month – both Kone’s goals have come as a substitute and he believes that he can make an impact off the bench to change games.
He said: “In an ideal world we wouldn’t want to have to come from behind in games but I’d like to take the positive attitude that it shows that we are mentally strong and can manage games and turn them around more.
“It’s been nice to come off the bench and spark a comeback.
Everton's Arouna Kone (right) celebrates scoring his sides second goal of the game against Watford with Seamus Coleman
“I think this season we’re better in a lot of different little ways. We had a full pre-season, with everyone together sooner.
“We’ve got a slightly bigger squad and we’ve benefited from the adversity.
“The manager is clever because he makes us ready all the time. If I don’t start the game, I know that if I’m focused I can come off the bench at any time and make a difference and others can too.
“The manager is making us all feel part of things because at any moment we can change the game.”
Deal or no deal
Despite penning a three-year deal with the Blues in 2013, Kone is having to cram much of his efforts into a single season after an injury ravaged spell but he remains unconcerned that his contract is up next summer.
He said: “I don’t feel any pressure that it’s the final year of my contract. If anything it’s a positive pressure that I see as adding to the challenge.
“When you sign for a club and almost immediately you’re out for nearly two years the fans think ‘is he not fit? Has something else happened?’
Everton's Arouna Kone (left) and Manchester City's Eliaquim Mangala battle for the ball during the Barclays Premier League match at Goodison Park, Liverpool.
“This is the first season that I’m 100% cured fitness-wise and back to my best.
“It’s all about making up for that last time whether I stay or whether I go.
“I’d love to stay and extend my contract. Even if I do go I’d like to leave a lasting impression that here’s a guy that when he was fit, he presented a good image of himself at Everton.”
http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/everton-fc-can-finish-above-10189626
See below
If he carries on playing like he is then I'd happily see him given another year. His attitude's never really been in doubt, just his fitness. The quote
says it all for me. I thought he was finished here and needed a move to give his career a chance, turns out I was wrong.
****
After having his first two years at Everton overshadowed by a serious knee injury, Arouna Kone is hoping that this is the season he can help the Blues finish above neighbours Liverpool.
When the Ivory Coast striker followed Roberto Martinez from Wigan Athletic to Goodison Park in the summer of 2013 to become the Catalan’s first signing, Everton had just finished above the Reds in consecutive top flight seasons for the first time since 1937.
However, while Brendan Rodgers side almost won the Premier League title in 2013/14, Kone had been forced to spend the majority of the campaign sidelined after suffering damage to his knee cartilage in a game against Hull City.
Arouna Kone during the Everton training session at Finch Farm on October 2, 2015 in Halewood, England. (Photo by Tony McArdle/Everton FC via Getty Images)
The road back to fitness has been a long one for Kone but now finally fully fit again, he believes he can play his part in helping the Blues to overhaul their rivals from across Stanley Park.
He said: “This might be the year that Everton finish above Liverpool again.
“The reason is nothing to do with Liverpool but I think we’ve made a good start, it’s been solid, and I think through the difficult times of last season a lot of our younger players have benefited from that experience and gained in strength.
“On Monday we came from 2-0 down at West Brom to win and in past seasons we haven’t shown that and been mentally strong enough.
“Our game management has improved now that we’ve gained some experience and for that reason I hope we can finish above Liverpool.”
A new start
Having only scored a single goal in his first two seasons at Goodison Park, Kone has now found the back of the net twice so far in the current campaign and is delighted to finally be repaying back some of the £6million outlay Martinez splashed out on him.
He said: “It really was tough. I’d just signed and you’ve got great hopes of doing well for your new side and then just two months later I suffered a major injury so it was very tough at that time.
“Fortunately that’s all behind me now and hopefully the best is ahead.
“I feel so good in myself fitness wise, I can really push myself really hard in training sessions now which I think is beginning to show on the field.
“This hard work is going to help me in my goal of helping the team reach its targets and finish as high up the table as we can.
WEST BROMWICH, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 28: Arouna Kone shoots to score his goal during the Barclays Premier League match between West Bromwich Albion and Everton at The Hawthorns on September 28, 2015 in West Bromwich, United Kingdom. (Photo by Tony McArdle/Everton FC via Getty Images)
Kone added: “Retirement is something that never crossed my mind. It was always a case of keeping positive during the period that I was injured.
“I saw it as a personal challenge to myself to come back again. I’d done it twice before so on the third time I was confident I could return to full fitness.
“The thing that really kept me going was that as I’d won a trophy at Wigan, I knew that I had to prove myself at Everton and I was determined to bring the good side of myself to this club and show that I could perform here.
“If there were any moments that I wasn’t positive, that’s what kept me going. It wasn’t so much as reinventing myself but doing what I’d done at Wigan again and prove that to the Everton fans.”
He continued: “I can only speak for myself and what motivates me to give 100% all the time is that Roberto Martinez not only showed confidence in bringing me to Everton but to Wigan.
“I feel that I have something special that I owe to our manager for showing confidence in me on two separate occasions.
“Now when I’m out on the field, every minute is an absolute joy and pleasure after the period I was out injured.
“That’s why I want to prove that I can bring something to the club and achieve things.”
Impact sub
Turning 32 next month – both Kone’s goals have come as a substitute and he believes that he can make an impact off the bench to change games.
He said: “In an ideal world we wouldn’t want to have to come from behind in games but I’d like to take the positive attitude that it shows that we are mentally strong and can manage games and turn them around more.
“It’s been nice to come off the bench and spark a comeback.
Everton's Arouna Kone (right) celebrates scoring his sides second goal of the game against Watford with Seamus Coleman
“I think this season we’re better in a lot of different little ways. We had a full pre-season, with everyone together sooner.
“We’ve got a slightly bigger squad and we’ve benefited from the adversity.
“The manager is clever because he makes us ready all the time. If I don’t start the game, I know that if I’m focused I can come off the bench at any time and make a difference and others can too.
“The manager is making us all feel part of things because at any moment we can change the game.”
Deal or no deal
Despite penning a three-year deal with the Blues in 2013, Kone is having to cram much of his efforts into a single season after an injury ravaged spell but he remains unconcerned that his contract is up next summer.
He said: “I don’t feel any pressure that it’s the final year of my contract. If anything it’s a positive pressure that I see as adding to the challenge.
“When you sign for a club and almost immediately you’re out for nearly two years the fans think ‘is he not fit? Has something else happened?’
Everton's Arouna Kone (left) and Manchester City's Eliaquim Mangala battle for the ball during the Barclays Premier League match at Goodison Park, Liverpool.
“This is the first season that I’m 100% cured fitness-wise and back to my best.
“It’s all about making up for that last time whether I stay or whether I go.
“I’d love to stay and extend my contract. Even if I do go I’d like to leave a lasting impression that here’s a guy that when he was fit, he presented a good image of himself at Everton.”
Kiwi
Say NO to Ginger Managers
The article was done in the Guardian I think prior to the Derby and I was struck by how well spoken he was. Very literate and clearFor those that don't know, the story's from the Echo
http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/everton-fc-can-finish-above-10189626
See below
If he carries on playing like he is then I'd happily see him given another year. His attitude's never really been in doubt, just his fitness. The quote
says it all for me. I thought he was finished here and needed a move to give his career a chance, turns out I was wrong.
****
After having his first two years at Everton overshadowed by a serious knee injury, Arouna Kone is hoping that this is the season he can help the Blues finish above neighbours Liverpool.
When the Ivory Coast striker followed Roberto Martinez from Wigan Athletic to Goodison Park in the summer of 2013 to become the Catalan’s first signing, Everton had just finished above the Reds in consecutive top flight seasons for the first time since 1937.
However, while Brendan Rodgers side almost won the Premier League title in 2013/14, Kone had been forced to spend the majority of the campaign sidelined after suffering damage to his knee cartilage in a game against Hull City.
Arouna Kone during the Everton training session at Finch Farm on October 2, 2015 in Halewood, England. (Photo by Tony McArdle/Everton FC via Getty Images)
The road back to fitness has been a long one for Kone but now finally fully fit again, he believes he can play his part in helping the Blues to overhaul their rivals from across Stanley Park.
He said: “This might be the year that Everton finish above Liverpool again.
“The reason is nothing to do with Liverpool but I think we’ve made a good start, it’s been solid, and I think through the difficult times of last season a lot of our younger players have benefited from that experience and gained in strength.
“On Monday we came from 2-0 down at West Brom to win and in past seasons we haven’t shown that and been mentally strong enough.
“Our game management has improved now that we’ve gained some experience and for that reason I hope we can finish above Liverpool.”
A new start
Having only scored a single goal in his first two seasons at Goodison Park, Kone has now found the back of the net twice so far in the current campaign and is delighted to finally be repaying back some of the £6million outlay Martinez splashed out on him.
He said: “It really was tough. I’d just signed and you’ve got great hopes of doing well for your new side and then just two months later I suffered a major injury so it was very tough at that time.
“Fortunately that’s all behind me now and hopefully the best is ahead.
“I feel so good in myself fitness wise, I can really push myself really hard in training sessions now which I think is beginning to show on the field.
“This hard work is going to help me in my goal of helping the team reach its targets and finish as high up the table as we can.
WEST BROMWICH, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 28: Arouna Kone shoots to score his goal during the Barclays Premier League match between West Bromwich Albion and Everton at The Hawthorns on September 28, 2015 in West Bromwich, United Kingdom. (Photo by Tony McArdle/Everton FC via Getty Images)
Kone added: “Retirement is something that never crossed my mind. It was always a case of keeping positive during the period that I was injured.
“I saw it as a personal challenge to myself to come back again. I’d done it twice before so on the third time I was confident I could return to full fitness.
“The thing that really kept me going was that as I’d won a trophy at Wigan, I knew that I had to prove myself at Everton and I was determined to bring the good side of myself to this club and show that I could perform here.
“If there were any moments that I wasn’t positive, that’s what kept me going. It wasn’t so much as reinventing myself but doing what I’d done at Wigan again and prove that to the Everton fans.”
He continued: “I can only speak for myself and what motivates me to give 100% all the time is that Roberto Martinez not only showed confidence in bringing me to Everton but to Wigan.
“I feel that I have something special that I owe to our manager for showing confidence in me on two separate occasions.
“Now when I’m out on the field, every minute is an absolute joy and pleasure after the period I was out injured.
“That’s why I want to prove that I can bring something to the club and achieve things.”
Impact sub
Turning 32 next month – both Kone’s goals have come as a substitute and he believes that he can make an impact off the bench to change games.
He said: “In an ideal world we wouldn’t want to have to come from behind in games but I’d like to take the positive attitude that it shows that we are mentally strong and can manage games and turn them around more.
“It’s been nice to come off the bench and spark a comeback.
Everton's Arouna Kone (right) celebrates scoring his sides second goal of the game against Watford with Seamus Coleman
“I think this season we’re better in a lot of different little ways. We had a full pre-season, with everyone together sooner.
“We’ve got a slightly bigger squad and we’ve benefited from the adversity.
“The manager is clever because he makes us ready all the time. If I don’t start the game, I know that if I’m focused I can come off the bench at any time and make a difference and others can too.
“The manager is making us all feel part of things because at any moment we can change the game.”
Deal or no deal
Despite penning a three-year deal with the Blues in 2013, Kone is having to cram much of his efforts into a single season after an injury ravaged spell but he remains unconcerned that his contract is up next summer.
He said: “I don’t feel any pressure that it’s the final year of my contract. If anything it’s a positive pressure that I see as adding to the challenge.
“When you sign for a club and almost immediately you’re out for nearly two years the fans think ‘is he not fit? Has something else happened?’
Everton's Arouna Kone (left) and Manchester City's Eliaquim Mangala battle for the ball during the Barclays Premier League match at Goodison Park, Liverpool.
“This is the first season that I’m 100% cured fitness-wise and back to my best.
“It’s all about making up for that last time whether I stay or whether I go.
“I’d love to stay and extend my contract. Even if I do go I’d like to leave a lasting impression that here’s a guy that when he was fit, he presented a good image of himself at Everton.”
I think if he hadn't been so unlucky with injuries, we wouldn't have been worried at all with the pricetag he came with.
However since coming back from his long layoff he's contributed to the team, and I think if he stays injury free for the rest of the season that 6million we paid will seem justified and we can consider a new contract.
sageyefc
Player Valuation: £90m
James wilson would struggle to make our bench
Good touuch, links up play well and can score, I reckon he'll make a valuable contribution over the course of the season. Given his injury ravaged career, he'll probably be extremly motivated to give his all every moment he gets on the pitch.
Boss_Blue
I will find you and consensually bum you
Carries on like he has this season and I've no problem with handing him a twelve month extension.For those that don't know, the story's from the Echo
http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/everton-fc-can-finish-above-10189626
See below
If he carries on playing like he is then I'd happily see him given another year. His attitude's never really been in doubt, just his fitness. The quote
says it all for me. I thought he was finished here and needed a move to give his career a chance, turns out I was wrong.
****
After having his first two years at Everton overshadowed by a serious knee injury, Arouna Kone is hoping that this is the season he can help the Blues finish above neighbours Liverpool.
When the Ivory Coast striker followed Roberto Martinez from Wigan Athletic to Goodison Park in the summer of 2013 to become the Catalan’s first signing, Everton had just finished above the Reds in consecutive top flight seasons for the first time since 1937.
However, while Brendan Rodgers side almost won the Premier League title in 2013/14, Kone had been forced to spend the majority of the campaign sidelined after suffering damage to his knee cartilage in a game against Hull City.
Arouna Kone during the Everton training session at Finch Farm on October 2, 2015 in Halewood, England. (Photo by Tony McArdle/Everton FC via Getty Images)
The road back to fitness has been a long one for Kone but now finally fully fit again, he believes he can play his part in helping the Blues to overhaul their rivals from across Stanley Park.
He said: “This might be the year that Everton finish above Liverpool again.
“The reason is nothing to do with Liverpool but I think we’ve made a good start, it’s been solid, and I think through the difficult times of last season a lot of our younger players have benefited from that experience and gained in strength.
“On Monday we came from 2-0 down at West Brom to win and in past seasons we haven’t shown that and been mentally strong enough.
“Our game management has improved now that we’ve gained some experience and for that reason I hope we can finish above Liverpool.”
A new start
Having only scored a single goal in his first two seasons at Goodison Park, Kone has now found the back of the net twice so far in the current campaign and is delighted to finally be repaying back some of the £6million outlay Martinez splashed out on him.
He said: “It really was tough. I’d just signed and you’ve got great hopes of doing well for your new side and then just two months later I suffered a major injury so it was very tough at that time.
“Fortunately that’s all behind me now and hopefully the best is ahead.
“I feel so good in myself fitness wise, I can really push myself really hard in training sessions now which I think is beginning to show on the field.
“This hard work is going to help me in my goal of helping the team reach its targets and finish as high up the table as we can.
WEST BROMWICH, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 28: Arouna Kone shoots to score his goal during the Barclays Premier League match between West Bromwich Albion and Everton at The Hawthorns on September 28, 2015 in West Bromwich, United Kingdom. (Photo by Tony McArdle/Everton FC via Getty Images)
Kone added: “Retirement is something that never crossed my mind. It was always a case of keeping positive during the period that I was injured.
“I saw it as a personal challenge to myself to come back again. I’d done it twice before so on the third time I was confident I could return to full fitness.
“The thing that really kept me going was that as I’d won a trophy at Wigan, I knew that I had to prove myself at Everton and I was determined to bring the good side of myself to this club and show that I could perform here.
“If there were any moments that I wasn’t positive, that’s what kept me going. It wasn’t so much as reinventing myself but doing what I’d done at Wigan again and prove that to the Everton fans.”
He continued: “I can only speak for myself and what motivates me to give 100% all the time is that Roberto Martinez not only showed confidence in bringing me to Everton but to Wigan.
“I feel that I have something special that I owe to our manager for showing confidence in me on two separate occasions.
“Now when I’m out on the field, every minute is an absolute joy and pleasure after the period I was out injured.
“That’s why I want to prove that I can bring something to the club and achieve things.”
Impact sub
Turning 32 next month – both Kone’s goals have come as a substitute and he believes that he can make an impact off the bench to change games.
He said: “In an ideal world we wouldn’t want to have to come from behind in games but I’d like to take the positive attitude that it shows that we are mentally strong and can manage games and turn them around more.
“It’s been nice to come off the bench and spark a comeback.
Everton's Arouna Kone (right) celebrates scoring his sides second goal of the game against Watford with Seamus Coleman
“I think this season we’re better in a lot of different little ways. We had a full pre-season, with everyone together sooner.
“We’ve got a slightly bigger squad and we’ve benefited from the adversity.
“The manager is clever because he makes us ready all the time. If I don’t start the game, I know that if I’m focused I can come off the bench at any time and make a difference and others can too.
“The manager is making us all feel part of things because at any moment we can change the game.”
Deal or no deal
Despite penning a three-year deal with the Blues in 2013, Kone is having to cram much of his efforts into a single season after an injury ravaged spell but he remains unconcerned that his contract is up next summer.
He said: “I don’t feel any pressure that it’s the final year of my contract. If anything it’s a positive pressure that I see as adding to the challenge.
“When you sign for a club and almost immediately you’re out for nearly two years the fans think ‘is he not fit? Has something else happened?’
Everton's Arouna Kone (left) and Manchester City's Eliaquim Mangala battle for the ball during the Barclays Premier League match at Goodison Park, Liverpool.
“This is the first season that I’m 100% cured fitness-wise and back to my best.
“It’s all about making up for that last time whether I stay or whether I go.
“I’d love to stay and extend my contract. Even if I do go I’d like to leave a lasting impression that here’s a guy that when he was fit, he presented a good image of himself at Everton.”
Never thought I'd be saying that like but he would have earned it.
Whistlin' Dixie
Player Valuation: £50m
No.
I'm not letting a few half-decent games cloud me judgement. He's had a good whack out of us & we owe him nowt.
There's younger, hungrier players more worthy of (and better value for) his wages. If he applies hisself to the same degree between now & January 31st then I'd reconsider, but at the moment I wouldn't be offering him an extension.
I'm not letting a few half-decent games cloud me judgement. He's had a good whack out of us & we owe him nowt.
There's younger, hungrier players more worthy of (and better value for) his wages. If he applies hisself to the same degree between now & January 31st then I'd reconsider, but at the moment I wouldn't be offering him an extension.
SpurtingLesbian
Ken Dodd Nagasaki
nah, he'd be there for when Rom has a mare. Options is what it's all about. We do need someone for when/if Rom gets injured, Kone probably isn't it. we need a fast goal poacher for that final knock in.
admirschleck
Player Valuation: £8m
A really solid super-sub. Can't see why not.
EDIT: Just to be clear, Kone's extension would obviously not mean we can't sign another striker (like Wilson as stated). Opposite actually, we have to get another backup striker ASAP.
EDIT: Just to be clear, Kone's extension would obviously not mean we can't sign another striker (like Wilson as stated). Opposite actually, we have to get another backup striker ASAP.
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