You're absolutely right Neil. I believe the fans in particular were very supportive of Lukaku, despite his numerous verbal outbursts. And initially, couldn't have been more behind Stones after his transfer request. However you can't deny the feelings by part of the crowd towards Stones did change which probably made his leaving a bit easier (in his mind) when it finally did happen.
Little bit different with Barkley. I don't believe he was ever booed as such, but as a STH for the last 4 years, I wish somebody gave me a quid for every time I heard a collective groan if he gave the ball away or held on to it too long. Or didn't see a pass that the rest of us could, or slotted one high into the stands from 30 yards. The complaints and abusive comments were clearly audible, especially on those numerous "quiet" days. Incredibly in many of those games he was probably our best player, but fuses have been always short where Ross is concerned. Probably because expectation is so high.
Anyway, todays announcement is nothing new. Apart from the deluded few, we all knew that Barkley would either be sold this window or see out his contract. I'm angry with the player for the part he has played in this, but more angry at the club for their total inability to bring in a replacement for him (and Lukaku). I just can't believe how far we've fallen from 18 months ago. We've lost our 5 best players and not properly replaced any of them. We're just an absolute joke.
Pretty accurate summary there.
As a player I've always rated him and think talent wise he is right up there. But he also has major flaws, the 3 glaring ones for me being - a hunger and desire at all times (like a Dele Alli), his decision making, and his fragile mentality. I've seen him strolling round the pitch at Anfield not looking bothered, shirking aerial challenges and slowly ambling towards 50/50s as we're getting humiliated 4-0. That isn't what you'd expect from a top player, especially a local Evertonian. I hate to have to mention him but he's the complete opposite in those 3 things I mentioned to Steven Gerrard and you'd never see him behaving like that in a Merseyside Derby either.
As for the stick Barkley took from the fans. I think those who claim it's a myth that he was treated more harshly have missed it for whatever reason. The atmosphere at times towards the team during the failed Martinez seasons was poisonous towards all players, but none suffered more anger from the fans than Barkley did in my opinion. Maybe Howard would have, but then any save he would make would be met with applause from the whole ground which is natural for a Goalkeeper so he would have been reassured by that.
That said, Barkley also had numerous occasions where he was shown support by the fanbase as a whole - the song we had for him and several banners. Yet his weak mentality has allowed him to focus on the fact that a section of our fans strongly dislike him rather than taking encouragement from those that did value him. And that is why I don't think he has the mentality to have an impact at Spurs that someone like Dele Alli has, or Frank Lampard did at Chelsea.
I won't boo him, unless he behaves like Rooney did when he plays against us, but I have little respect left for him and how he's treated the club in recent months and think wanting to leave Everton at this moment for a club like Spurs is a strange move from a Boyhood fan. Spurs (if he does go there) are doing great at the moment but they aren't Man United and can't see them winning more than a few cups, by which time, we could have made progress ourselves.
