This. This runs across all sports. These guys may be good people; but, a lot of them are really utter morons/cavemen who have very little business being in the positions that they are in, and are only there because of reputation/notoriety gained through their playing days. In theory the coaching badges/credentialing should help minimize this; but, how much do they really prove (with enough time/prep, I would guess anyone can get these, just like prepping for any professional or university entrance exams). They get the positions based on past playing days/rep, and the thought that they may have some man management/leadership qualities that are a bit more intangible – not for their speaking qualities or overall intelligence. Tactically, probably 80% of these guys aren’t any better than an average person pulled off the street with no knowledge of the game would be if you gave them 1 year to study/learn the game (again, true of most sports, not just football).

I’d give Caldwell two more games. If we don’t see results vs Cardiff and/or Reading (4 points), I’d make the change.

That would allow some extra time for the new gaffer during the international break vs having to take over when the fixtures start coming more frequently during the holidays. Also gives the new manager a good length of time to get a feel for what he has before the January transfer window.

Agreed. People seem to be judging the Strikers more harshly. I suppose that’s fair, since they are in the spotlight; But, for me, Koumas and Kapo are easily #’s 1 and 2 – huge fees, and did nothing.

What did we pay for Forshaw? Seems to be conflicting info on the internet.

My third would be either Rierea, Forshaw, Boselli or Aghahowa.

The thing is, Espinoza’s not really a creative player – his best position is as a defensive or holding midfielder, and his value comes from his flexibility (able to play left back, other midfield positions if necessary) and that he does the dirty work (or running around like a chicken) that allows the creative midfielders to get forward and not have to worry about tracking back as much – as let’s face it, the Mc’s and even Maloney don’t really do.

That’s why I’d always at least have him as a sub, if not starting. I’m not sure he’s always been played in his best position precisely because of his flexibility (& I think that flexibility is why Martinez brought him on). Last year, I would have always paired him & Gomez together, as I think they would have been excellent complements for each other – Gomez with the technical ability & creativity, and Espinoza with the energy & ball winning skills to help cover for Gomez’s defects.

Admittedly, I am an Espinoza fan from watching him play here in the US and in CONCACAF qualifying. That said, I think you can definitely make the argument that there are 11 players on this team that are individually better than him. However, it’s not about how good all the individuals are, it’s about piecing together the 11 who will work best together – and that’s where I think there’s a place for Roger in the lineup.

Anderlecht won’t sell Najar (according to article below, Tottentham and Valencia are interested), and Wigan probably can’t afford him anyway. It’s rumored that Anderlecht bought him from DC United for between 2 and 3 million. He’ll cost at least that much and probably more now.

But yeah, he’d be nice to have.

No Gomez Boyce or Espinoza. Gomez &Boyce can be squad rotation but that’s a couple in a row now without Espinoza…

Is Everton really a big step up for Bobby though? If we get relegated, maybe. But, Moyes hasn’t been backed with finances at Everton – & without Moyes, I can see Everton in a relegation scrap next year. Would Bobby really want to go from one club always in that battle to another one that seems likely to be?

Gotta figure that Moyes takes at least one, maybe two of Everton’s better players with him (maybe Baines finally makes the move to Utd?). Also that they lose Fellaini. Probably only get whatever funds they generate to go get replacements. Is that really attractive?

It’s too bad. If We can somehow manage to stay up, I could see Everton getting relegated next year – & if we would then stay up again, that could be the beginning of picking up more fans with Everton, Blackburn and Bolton all in the championship.