Everton Fan Interview - Boxing Day Special
There was a first for us this season as we failed to find a willing QPR fan to be interviewed, but we move straight on to a proper club and I chatted to Everton Fan Paul ahead of his side's trip to Wearside for the Boxing Day clash......
The failure to find a willing QPR fan to do the mid-week interview left a bitter taste in my mouth. Its normally been Blackburn & Spurs who have let me down over the years!
But on we go to a more reliable club, and our Boxing Day visitors; Everton.
Wigan fan and friend of the site; Ben passed the details of Everton fan Paul onto me and he was more than happy to chat to SAFC-FANS about the Christmas meeting between our two clubs. So here is the finished interview alittle earlier than normal because QPR are rubbish! Haha....
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Hi Paul, firstly let us know alittle about yourself, why you support Everton, how long you have supported them and what Everton websites/forums you contribute to?
Hi Barrie. Funnily enough I actually started out supporting the enemy, Liverpool. This was when I was around six years old but then my older brother David began playing for Everton in the reserves so I started going along to the games at Goodison Park. I loved it. He got released by Howard Kendall when I was roughly 10 but I carried on supporting Everton regardless. I'll turn 30 next year so have been a sufferer for some time now. With regards to Everton websites, I just contribute to the one - Toffeeweb. It's a very well run website and very professional.
Pre-season, what were your expectations for Everton?
They were very low really. We're well known for starting seasons badly so we were hopeful of perhaps getting off to a bit of a flyer and then you never know. Our opening game was away at Spurs but it got postponed due to the London riots. This seemed a God-send as the next fixture was QPR at home, who'd just been stuffed 4-0 at home to Bolton. A home banker and off to a flyer surely? But no. We lost 0-1. Typical Everton really.
It was quite gauling going through the whole pre-season without signing anyone, but then to lose Arteta and two strikers on deadline day was particularly tough to take. It's even harder to stomach when you see everyone else signing players willy nilly.
Given your season so far, are these expectations still the same?
To be honest I thought the teams that have all spent a lot would make up the top 6 and Everton would be in that 'best of the rest' position but I have to say this appears unlikely now. I suppose you can take inspiration from a team like Stoke City who've just won four games on the bouce, and three of them have been very tight, so it goes to show how things can change...said that, they've spent loads. We've spent nothing...as usual.
Which Everton players have impressed you most this season?
Christ! Drenthe looks about our most positive player when he's gotten a game. He's just on the way back from injury so can hopefully kick on now. The word was he'd fallen out with Moyes (not surprising) because he won't track back enough during games. I find that surprising as he always seems full of energy to me.
You said 'players' right? Erm...I suppose Vellios has looked so-so, and McAleny has come on in the last couple of games and looked decent but other than that it's been really tough going. Most of the more senior players are either past it or out of form whilst most of the younger players aren't quite ready yet so it's a really unbalanced team at the moment.
Are there any young talents in your academy who we should be keeping an eye on in the coming years?
Oh yes. Several I think. Of course Rodwell is progressing though has been struggling with injuries since starring for England. Ross Barkley has just signed a new contract and he really looks the part though I can see why Moyes is holding him back at the moment as from what I've seen so far he's not quite ready yet. Vellios, though not from the Academy, also looks decent and I really like the look of Conor McAleny. Otherwise the Under-18s won the league last season so we really have to hope some or most of them are good enough. One to look out for is George Green who's recently signed from Bradford. He's only 15 or 16 and is supposedly extremely good but we'll just have to see. The Academy has been very important to Everton for years now. The old Academy Manager Ray Hall, who's still employed by the club, was saying a few weeks ago how this is the 17th consecutive season Everton have given a player from the Academy their debut. It's saved us millions, and given our financial plight I don't know where we'd be without it.
Which players have been the most disappointing this season?
Ha. Where do I start? Jagielka seems to be settling a bit now but was costing us a goal a game at the start of the season. Fellaini, though immensely talented, just seems to coast through games sometimes. Coleman hasn't really got going and Saha just isn't getting us the goals we need. Cahill has struggled badly for form also. That's part of the problem. When our strikers have struggled for goals previously Cahill has always been there to get the goals but he hasn't score for a year now. We need him back in form and quickly. <<<< Just watch Cahill score against us AGAIN!
What is your opinion of Sunderland and their fans?
I'm not sure your going to like this. There's only a handful of times I've seen problems at games over the years and nearly all of them have involved Sunderland fans. That can't be a take on the whole support of course. Sunderland appear quite well supported in the main, at least away from home. I seem to see a lot of empty seats on TV at the Stadium of Light but they have a better average attendance than Everton this term so who am I to criticise?
Sunderland as a club and a team? I've never really had a big afinity for the club really. It's not really a team which gets my imagination going but that may change under Martin O'Neil.
Do any Sunderland v Everton games stand out for you over the years? I'm sure there is one game you will mention haha.....
Ha, well yeah the 7-1 back in the 2007/08 season obviously stands out. That was as good as I've ever seen us play. Otherwise...it's not a fixture which ever really stands out does it? I recall last season's game at the Stadium of Light was decent and both teams could have won it at the end.
Which Sunderland players have impressed you most this season?
I don't know how well he's done but I've always quite liked Seb Larsson. Otherwise...I'm not so sure. I remember watching Sessagon playing up front away at Arsenal and holding his own but it's probably about as difficult as it is to pinpoint decent Everton performances this season really.
What is your thoughts on Martin O'Neill's arrival on Wearside and can he be a success?
How do you measure success? I think it's a great move really. Steve Bruce seemed a bit out of ideas for me even though he got royaly screwed with the Bent and Gyan transfers. I think Martin O'Neill is a much better manager and will see you safe for sure. Success depends on what money he'll have available. He needs money and time. This won't be a quick fix for Sunderland.
Where do you see both clubs in 3 years time?
I think we'll both be more or less the same - finishing the season anywhere between 8th and 12th. It's getting harder and harder to compete with what the 'big teams' spend. If we were to get a big takeover then who knows but that doesn't seem imminant at all at the moment.
Who would you like Everton to sign in January, and have there been any rumours surfacing?
Well everyone knows we need a striker but I haven't the faintest who's out there and available in January...especially as we don't have any money. We've signed Landon Donavon again who's a decent player. There was even talk of Thierry Henry signing on loan also the other week but that's just fantasy. We'll just have to wait and hope.
David Moyes has been under pressure of late, are the fans still firmly behind him?
Most are I think but some are getting fed up with negative tactics, body language and interviews etc. Some think he's gone stale. I don't feel comfortable criticising the man as he's done all he can for us and done much better than we could ever have hoped. I fear he may leave in the summer as he must be starting to think he's taken us as far as he can without any investment.
Who do you think will win the Premiership this season?
I still think Man Utd will pip Man City to the post. It's betwen those two. No doubt about it.
And which trio are going to go down?
It seems obvious but Bolton, Blackburn and Wigan really look in trouble.
Where do you think both clubs will finish this season?
Round about the same position probably. Everton will probably get their act together but all too late as always, and Sunderland will steadily improve under O'Neill. I'll say Everton in 9th and Sunderland 10th.
Are you attending the Boxing day game at Sunderland, and have you been to the Stadium of Light in the past?
Afraid not. Not going on Boxing Day and I've never actually been, which is strange as I've been to most Premiership grounds.
What is you prediction of the match?
A few games ago I thought it looked winnable but at the moment I think a draw looks quite likely. 1-1.
Finally, some quickfire questions....
Lager or Bitter? Lager
Chinese or Indian? Chinese
Bacon or sausage? Bacon...though I have just had a bacon and sausage buttie. Haha.
Newcastle Utd or Sunderland? Sunderland. Fat Newcastle fans with their tops off in the winter does my nut in. <<<<Hahaha
Quinn or Shearer? Shearer. Sorry.
Match of the Day or Football First? Match of the Day
Cricket or Darts? Cricket. I'm quite a big cricket fan actually, at least internationally anyway. Darts, though admitedly very skilful, isn't quite a sport I can watch. Cricket I can get well into though. <<<<Man of taste. Can't beat abit ODI cricket.
Thanks again and Merry Xmas!
You to. Thanks very much.
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Chestermackem's Conclusion: "A brutally honest assessment from an Everton fan who seems nearly as down in the dumps as we have been this season. Two great clubs that are both underachieving this season. Shame that Paul has seen bother with SAFC fans in recent years down at Goodison as its always a fairly friendly match up at the SoL. Both clubs lack a goalscorer and for that reason alone I'm going for a 0-0 draw on Boxing Day as much as I want to be more adventurous."
But on we go to a more reliable club, and our Boxing Day visitors; Everton.
Wigan fan and friend of the site; Ben passed the details of Everton fan Paul onto me and he was more than happy to chat to SAFC-FANS about the Christmas meeting between our two clubs. So here is the finished interview alittle earlier than normal because QPR are rubbish! Haha....
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hi Paul, firstly let us know alittle about yourself, why you support Everton, how long you have supported them and what Everton websites/forums you contribute to?
Hi Barrie. Funnily enough I actually started out supporting the enemy, Liverpool. This was when I was around six years old but then my older brother David began playing for Everton in the reserves so I started going along to the games at Goodison Park. I loved it. He got released by Howard Kendall when I was roughly 10 but I carried on supporting Everton regardless. I'll turn 30 next year so have been a sufferer for some time now. With regards to Everton websites, I just contribute to the one - Toffeeweb. It's a very well run website and very professional.
Pre-season, what were your expectations for Everton?
They were very low really. We're well known for starting seasons badly so we were hopeful of perhaps getting off to a bit of a flyer and then you never know. Our opening game was away at Spurs but it got postponed due to the London riots. This seemed a God-send as the next fixture was QPR at home, who'd just been stuffed 4-0 at home to Bolton. A home banker and off to a flyer surely? But no. We lost 0-1. Typical Everton really.
It was quite gauling going through the whole pre-season without signing anyone, but then to lose Arteta and two strikers on deadline day was particularly tough to take. It's even harder to stomach when you see everyone else signing players willy nilly.
Given your season so far, are these expectations still the same?
To be honest I thought the teams that have all spent a lot would make up the top 6 and Everton would be in that 'best of the rest' position but I have to say this appears unlikely now. I suppose you can take inspiration from a team like Stoke City who've just won four games on the bouce, and three of them have been very tight, so it goes to show how things can change...said that, they've spent loads. We've spent nothing...as usual.
Which Everton players have impressed you most this season?
Christ! Drenthe looks about our most positive player when he's gotten a game. He's just on the way back from injury so can hopefully kick on now. The word was he'd fallen out with Moyes (not surprising) because he won't track back enough during games. I find that surprising as he always seems full of energy to me.
You said 'players' right? Erm...I suppose Vellios has looked so-so, and McAleny has come on in the last couple of games and looked decent but other than that it's been really tough going. Most of the more senior players are either past it or out of form whilst most of the younger players aren't quite ready yet so it's a really unbalanced team at the moment.
Are there any young talents in your academy who we should be keeping an eye on in the coming years?
Oh yes. Several I think. Of course Rodwell is progressing though has been struggling with injuries since starring for England. Ross Barkley has just signed a new contract and he really looks the part though I can see why Moyes is holding him back at the moment as from what I've seen so far he's not quite ready yet. Vellios, though not from the Academy, also looks decent and I really like the look of Conor McAleny. Otherwise the Under-18s won the league last season so we really have to hope some or most of them are good enough. One to look out for is George Green who's recently signed from Bradford. He's only 15 or 16 and is supposedly extremely good but we'll just have to see. The Academy has been very important to Everton for years now. The old Academy Manager Ray Hall, who's still employed by the club, was saying a few weeks ago how this is the 17th consecutive season Everton have given a player from the Academy their debut. It's saved us millions, and given our financial plight I don't know where we'd be without it.
Which players have been the most disappointing this season?
Ha. Where do I start? Jagielka seems to be settling a bit now but was costing us a goal a game at the start of the season. Fellaini, though immensely talented, just seems to coast through games sometimes. Coleman hasn't really got going and Saha just isn't getting us the goals we need. Cahill has struggled badly for form also. That's part of the problem. When our strikers have struggled for goals previously Cahill has always been there to get the goals but he hasn't score for a year now. We need him back in form and quickly. <<<< Just watch Cahill score against us AGAIN!
What is your opinion of Sunderland and their fans?
I'm not sure your going to like this. There's only a handful of times I've seen problems at games over the years and nearly all of them have involved Sunderland fans. That can't be a take on the whole support of course. Sunderland appear quite well supported in the main, at least away from home. I seem to see a lot of empty seats on TV at the Stadium of Light but they have a better average attendance than Everton this term so who am I to criticise?
Sunderland as a club and a team? I've never really had a big afinity for the club really. It's not really a team which gets my imagination going but that may change under Martin O'Neil.
Do any Sunderland v Everton games stand out for you over the years? I'm sure there is one game you will mention haha.....
Ha, well yeah the 7-1 back in the 2007/08 season obviously stands out. That was as good as I've ever seen us play. Otherwise...it's not a fixture which ever really stands out does it? I recall last season's game at the Stadium of Light was decent and both teams could have won it at the end.
Which Sunderland players have impressed you most this season?
I don't know how well he's done but I've always quite liked Seb Larsson. Otherwise...I'm not so sure. I remember watching Sessagon playing up front away at Arsenal and holding his own but it's probably about as difficult as it is to pinpoint decent Everton performances this season really.
What is your thoughts on Martin O'Neill's arrival on Wearside and can he be a success?
How do you measure success? I think it's a great move really. Steve Bruce seemed a bit out of ideas for me even though he got royaly screwed with the Bent and Gyan transfers. I think Martin O'Neill is a much better manager and will see you safe for sure. Success depends on what money he'll have available. He needs money and time. This won't be a quick fix for Sunderland.
Where do you see both clubs in 3 years time?
I think we'll both be more or less the same - finishing the season anywhere between 8th and 12th. It's getting harder and harder to compete with what the 'big teams' spend. If we were to get a big takeover then who knows but that doesn't seem imminant at all at the moment.
Who would you like Everton to sign in January, and have there been any rumours surfacing?
Well everyone knows we need a striker but I haven't the faintest who's out there and available in January...especially as we don't have any money. We've signed Landon Donavon again who's a decent player. There was even talk of Thierry Henry signing on loan also the other week but that's just fantasy. We'll just have to wait and hope.
David Moyes has been under pressure of late, are the fans still firmly behind him?
Most are I think but some are getting fed up with negative tactics, body language and interviews etc. Some think he's gone stale. I don't feel comfortable criticising the man as he's done all he can for us and done much better than we could ever have hoped. I fear he may leave in the summer as he must be starting to think he's taken us as far as he can without any investment.
Who do you think will win the Premiership this season?
I still think Man Utd will pip Man City to the post. It's betwen those two. No doubt about it.
And which trio are going to go down?
It seems obvious but Bolton, Blackburn and Wigan really look in trouble.
Where do you think both clubs will finish this season?
Round about the same position probably. Everton will probably get their act together but all too late as always, and Sunderland will steadily improve under O'Neill. I'll say Everton in 9th and Sunderland 10th.
Are you attending the Boxing day game at Sunderland, and have you been to the Stadium of Light in the past?
Afraid not. Not going on Boxing Day and I've never actually been, which is strange as I've been to most Premiership grounds.
What is you prediction of the match?
A few games ago I thought it looked winnable but at the moment I think a draw looks quite likely. 1-1.
Finally, some quickfire questions....
Lager or Bitter? Lager
Chinese or Indian? Chinese
Bacon or sausage? Bacon...though I have just had a bacon and sausage buttie. Haha.
Newcastle Utd or Sunderland? Sunderland. Fat Newcastle fans with their tops off in the winter does my nut in. <<<<Hahaha
Quinn or Shearer? Shearer. Sorry.
Match of the Day or Football First? Match of the Day
Cricket or Darts? Cricket. I'm quite a big cricket fan actually, at least internationally anyway. Darts, though admitedly very skilful, isn't quite a sport I can watch. Cricket I can get well into though. <<<<Man of taste. Can't beat abit ODI cricket.
Thanks again and Merry Xmas!
You to. Thanks very much.
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Chestermackem's Conclusion: "A brutally honest assessment from an Everton fan who seems nearly as down in the dumps as we have been this season. Two great clubs that are both underachieving this season. Shame that Paul has seen bother with SAFC fans in recent years down at Goodison as its always a fairly friendly match up at the SoL. Both clubs lack a goalscorer and for that reason alone I'm going for a 0-0 draw on Boxing Day as much as I want to be more adventurous."