I don't think anybody would argue that this squad is the best we've had arguably since mid 80s, in fact I'd say there is a marked similarity between where this squad stands and where the squad Howie had in 83/84 stood.
Both were/are talented, both had/have excellent defenders, midfielders and forwards, and both squads did/do play some exhilarating footie at times.
But what Howie realised he needed to get that squad over the hump and winning trophies was to recruit a winner, a character that simply would not accept second best... And the arrival of Andy Gray filled that gap, ticked that box, completed the circle and we became and learned how to be winners.
El Bob has exactly the same issue as this squad needs that kind of mentality... and in my opinion, and I do not say this lightly, but I seriously think the player to bring that mentality is Wayne Rooney.
Many doubted the wisdom in signing Andy Gray due to his supposed dodgy knees, but Howie was bang on the money and I'd suggest nobody could seriously argue that.
Wayne Rooney is considered by some to be past his best, Manure fans are turning against him in droves, and he needs a challenge in order to spark him back into life and the kind of form needed to retain his England captaincy status.
We sure can't afford anything remotely close to the salary package those clowns at OT caved in and gave him, but I would definitely be seeking the opportunity to sit down with him to discuss whether there is a chance of making it happen.
Wayne Rooney is a winner, knows how to win, and the notion of winning with Everton and sticking it to all his current detractors would surely be of interest to him.
If it isn't of interest to Everton, then we're not the club we think we are and should be.
