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Ahead of Saturday's clash against Everton at
The Hawthorns, we caught up once more with Toffees' fan Gary.
He gives us his views on
the Toffees' start to the season, the Baggies, Joleon Lescott, and more. You can follow Gary on Twitter @Gary_Maiden.
It’s not been
the best of starts for the Toffees this season with just two points from the
opening three games, how have performances been?
No, it really hasn't. The
annoying part is that it is largely our own doing. We've played well in all
three games and have a measly two points to show for it. We controlled the games
against Leicester and Arsenal and let late leads slip in both games to drop
points. For spells in the 6-3 freak show at the hands of Chelsea, our attacking
play was some of the best we've offered for a long time. The forward lads must
wonder when the defence is going to join them this season. We don't want to fall
too far behind but the performances suggest that results will soon follow.
Fans’
expectations for this season?
A trophy. Everton haven't won a
trophy since our FA Cup triumph over Manchester United in 1995 and that is
simply too long for a club of our stature. An entire generation of blues have
now never watched their club lift silverware. Roberto Martinez has an obvious
affiliation with the FA Cup so there is always the hope that he can rekindle
that with Everton. No blue would say no to the Europa League or League Cup
either. As for the league, it will be very difficult to improve on our position
of 5th from last season. Anything higher than the Premier League best of 72
points from last season will be a great achievement.
How important
is the Europa League to the club?
Very. Everton haven't competed
in Europe for six years but the memories of some great evenings remain. Our 3-1
home semi final victory over Bayern Munich on route to lifting the 84/85 Cup
Winners' Cup is still talked about now on Merseyside as the greatest occasion in
the clubs history. Martinez's possession football should suit Europe so we're
looking forward to a fair crack at it.
Were
supporters happy with the club’s summer transfer dealings? Was there anything
else you feel the club needed to do?
You'd have to say yes. Going
into the summer the name on all blues lips was Romelu Lukaku, a player you
Baggies know only too well. He seemed to click at Goodison from the off and was
clearly unwanted at Stamford
Bridge.
£28m is huge money for Everton, but is is the going rate for a proven Premier
League goalscorer with his best years ahead of him. Samuel Eto'o is an inspired
purchase. The three time Champions League winner claims to be in the best shape
of his career. If that is anywhere near to being true, he could prove a real
goal threat this campaign. Re-signing Gareth Barry made sense as he keeps the
play ticking over in the middle of the park and now has genuine cover in the
shape of Muhamed Besic. The defensive partnership of Phil Jagielka and Sylvain
Distin is showing signs of age early on in this campaign so perhaps a centre
half would have been welcomed. However, all in all it has been a productive
window.
Player to
watch this season?
John Stones. The former Barnsley
man made his full competitive international debut on Monday evening as England
beat Switzerland 2-0. He is a genuine star of the future and will likely replace
either Jagielka or Distin at the heart of the Everton defence at some point this
season.
Final thoughts
on 2013/14, enjoyable or a season to forget?
Our first full season under
Roberto was a breath of fresh air. Under Moyes, Everton were often wrongly
labelled as direct and actually played some attractive football. Under the
Spaniard, however, we have really kicked on. Comprehensive home victories over
Arsenal and Chelsea coupled with the double over Manchester United offered some
obvious highlights. It seemed to be a season that put Everton back on the map.
Player of last
season?
A tough one. Most likely a
split between the Irish duo of James McCarthy and Seamus Coleman. McCarthy's
engine is paramount to the way that we play but it has to go to Coleman. He was
the best full back in the division last season bar none, adding goals and
assists to his game and proving as solid defensively as ever.
Villain of
last season?
Evertonians love a scapegoat. As
local lads, Leon Osman and Tony Hibbert have been battered from the terraces for
years. Last season however, it was Arouna Kone. Martinez brought him in from
Wigan for a fee of £6m, a hefty fee considering his age. He couldn't do anything
right in his first few appearances and missed a couple of sitters before being
ruled out for the rest of the season with a cruciate injury. He has a point to
prove this season and will be keen to show the blues what they have been
missing.
Thoughts on
Joleon Lescott, how is he remembered by Everton fans?
Every club have a selection of
fans that don't see past their own. Everton are no different. Some fans will
just never forgive Joleon for leaving at a time when we were consistently
competing in Europe and Manchester City were not. In reality, he has no prior
connection to Everton and will have likely doubled his wages signing for the
Citizens. At £24m, Bill Kenwright may well have taken the decision out of his
hands. He was brilliant during his time on Merseyside and if he can replicate
that sort of form, you'll have a very good centre half in your ranks at the
Hawthorns.
Prediction for
Everton’s season?
We'll be in and amongst that
mini league of seven clubs at the top of the table, likely battling it out for
one of the Europa League spots again. Manchester United simply cannot fail with
the amount of talent in their ranks and Spurs finally have a manager to match
their enviable squad. I'll go with sixth, and a decent run in Europe.
Prediction for
Albion’s season?
Difficult to say. Alan Irvine is
a respected man amongst the Everton faithful but it remains to be seen how he
handles being the main man at a Premier League outfit. He's been active in the
transfer market and will hope his new signings click quickly and register that
first win. It may be a long season, but I think you'll be OK.
Premier League
Champions?
Chelsea. They look formidable.
Diego Costa is a frightening player and the acquisition of Cesc Fabregas is
brilliant business. Jose Mourinho has assembled his own team now and they will
take some stopping on route to the title.
Relegated?
Burnley, Leicester and Crystal
Palace. Letting Tony Pulis go may well cost the Eagles dearly.
Prediction and
thoughts on Saturday’s game?
Both sides are still searching
for that first win. A trip to the Hawthorns is always difficult but I have to go
with our boys. An Everton win by a single goal, sorry!
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