Would you offer Phil Neville a one year contract in January?

[Blue Truth]

Everyone played well against United. Neville wasn't one of the better performers.

And singular performances aren't really a good yard stick for any player, never mind a defensive one. It's about consistency and as I said before, although he plays in defensive roles they are roles where some offensive threat is really required. It's not that he doesn't get into the final third, it's that when he does he is utterly useless. That's putting ourselves at a willing disadvantage.

That chart shows players touches against Villa. As you can see Neville had a fair few (bigger font = more touches). More than Naismith in fact, and as many it seems as Fellaini. Now we were on the front foot all that game, and Neville was useless in that department. His crosses are awful, he has no vision and he can't pass beyond 5 yards. He also has no pace and when pressed with the ball he panics as he has no real skill or ball control. I know we won that game but Neville was pretty much a passenger, and I can't help but think in similar games -- or any game where we're not on the back foot 90% of the time -- that someone with offensive abilities either in CM or at RB would be a better asset.

I'm happy with him as cover, but he will never be just cover under Moyes. He's started every game so far and we started the season injury free. I miss the days where we had an in form Arteta at the centre of our team. That was great. Seeing Neville on the ball there just makes me sad.

Against United, as you implied, he did indeed play well but he was asked to do a massively defensive role. We had to defend a lot in that game even if it didn't seem like it with their lack of clear cut opportunities. But in most games we do not have to do that. When we need to break a team down having Neville at the heart of our team is like playing with 10 men. Against West Brom this was fairly evident.

coleman needs to be RB. might not be the best defensivly but neither is hibbert or neville. and unlike them to he can go forward like baines

 

[Nashtbs]

Depends on the size of the wage, good to have veteran back up. He's well aware he's at the tail end of the career and he's preparing for the next stage, which hopefully will benefit Everton. His wages need to reflect a lowering importance on the pitch however.

 

[RFUS]

coleman needs to be RB. might not be the best defensivly but neither is hibbert or neville. and unlike them to he can go forward like baines

That would be my preference. Or rather, I'd like to see him given 5-10 games in that role. If he isn't cut out for it at the top level, then fair enough.

I think he is though. He was fantastic for Blackpool a few years ago at RB and the top of the championship isn't THAT much of a lower standard. Especially when you consider the extra few years of coaching and polishing he's had. Plus I think he's a decent tackler and his pace is just such an asset for a fullback, defensively as well as offensively. Neville is just so, so slow and any decent speed merchant would eat him alive at RB.

 

[riddick]

Neville is the future of Everton.

Ironic since he's been past it for quite some time.

 

[micknick]

I dont think you are understanding what I'm saying- I think Neville will become cover organically, I think Moyes showed last season he wasnt afraid to drop him but if we have a player that can perform well against the joint league favourites then why not offer him another year. He costs nothing apart from his wages, can still play and my understanding is hes a big reason why there is such harmony in the dressing room.

If players like Junior, Barkley etc can make the step up and be a better option then I'm all for it but experience in teh big games and cover when needed is invaluable.

 

[Blue Truth]

That would be my preference. Or rather, I'd like to see him given 5-10 games in that role. If he isn't cut out for it at the top level, then fair enough.

I think he is though. He was fantastic for Blackpool a few years ago at RB and the top of the championship isn't THAT much of a lower standard. Especially when you consider the extra few years of coaching and polishing he's had. Plus I think he's a decent tackler and his pace is just such an asset for a fullback, defensively as well as offensively. Neville is just so, so slow and any decent speed merchant would eat him alive at RB.

people talk about gibson bring balance to the team. if coleman was RB making overlapping runs like baines we would be much better off assuming hes half decent defensively

 

[chicoazul]

Did you use organically to state a point on a football forum there mate?

 

[IllinoisBlue]

Cahill had a pretty dramatic drop in form in the last 2 years, but I can't say that I have noticed Nevilles form drop off. He seems to play to pretty much the same level as when he got here. (Correct me if I am wrong).

For that instance I would keep him, but on the bench, because we now have a better squad and there are better players ahead of him.

 

[micknick]

Did you use organically to state a point on a football forum there mate?

yes mate do you know what it means?

 

[Tobin]

Yes but not to be certain starter. He has a lot of experience playing for us and United. The young lads look up to him and he is a good guy to have in the dressing room. Would like him to continue with Everton as a coach. He still offers a lot to the team.

 

[Big Fat Sam]

I'd offer him a one-year deal on a 1/3 of his current wage and make it clear in no uncertain terms that he is backup and should expect to start very few games. Oh, and that the captain's armband is being given to Bainesy or T-How.

 

[chicoazul]

yes mate do you know what it means?

It means you need to stay clear of the Guardian for a month and ditch those ridiculous fashion glasses you wear without a lense.

 

[chriswho]

No.

In an ideal world I would actually, if he was to be used just for cover. But under Moyes he will be shoe-horned into our team until he himself has had enough. When he's 50 probably.

So no. But he'll get it anyway. It's a shame as I like Phil; he's a stand-up bloke, a good pro and a very good captain. He's just not a good footballer anymore.

My thoughts exactly. Especially if he were to come back understanding that he is a squad player, on reduced wages, I'd have him back in a heartbeat. But due to Moyes's likelihood to play him, i think he will impede us finding a real RB and also keep someone else from stepping up as a leader.

 

[Tobin]

I'd offer him a one-year deal on a 1/3 of his current wage and make it clear in no uncertain terms that he is backup and should expect to start very few games. Oh, and that the captain's armband is being given to Bainesy or T-How.

Would love to give the Captains arm band to Bains but we are still not sure if he will be here next season. But Tim Howard is a good shout.

 

[Blue_Berry]

Would love to give the Captains arm band to Bains but we are still not sure if he will be here next season. But Tim Howard is a good shout.

Tim Howard is a f**kin good shout...