Nine Article Kieran.
But, perhaps a little oversight, regarding a certain Pantomime Villain, who was on the Piggybanks Back for way too long.
his incompetence and self interest left us in a mire and has retrograded our Club, at least 15 years.
All this cronyism was criminal, and the presence of Moyes is a grim reminder.
alas! Some of us won’t have the time to see the eventual turnaround.

Where are we compared with twelve months ago? A very good question.

Huge pluses are that the ownership has been settled, we have a new administrative regime in place, we have freed ourselves of the PSR threat, we have the new stadium and obviously the increased revenue to go with it. Instead of fighting for survival we are now in a position to move forward but the path will not be even or straightforward.

On the pitch the revamp of the squad has started but we are nowhere near being able to compete on level terms with the clubs able to spend £116m on one, up to now very average forward. We have improved in attacking areas with the acquisition of more skilful players but still lack a genuine goal threat.

On the evidence of Monday night Gana might struggle to maintain his form of previous years leaving the midfield heavily dependent on James Garner who has arguably been our best player so far. We wait to see what Merlin Röhl can offer while having concerns about Tim Iroegbunam’s lack of progress.

The defence, which in recent years has been the strongest area of the team, is starting to look threadbare with no recognised right back, Tarkowski’s loss of pace and form and Branthwaite’s continuing absence through injury. Keeping Michael Keane has proved to be a great decision in the circumstances. He has held the defence together and provided more of a presence in the opposing penalty area than some of our forwards. Moyes faces a huge selection dilemma as and when Branthwaite returns.

We have managed to make a reasonable start to the season with eight points from six games. I would have settled for that before the season began. My hope is that as players settle in, become accustomed to their new environment and develop greater understanding of each other’s strengths and weaknesses the team will grow into a more cohesive unit.

The aims at the start of the season were to secure a top half finish, avoid any threat of relegation and have a long run in the cups. On the last one we have obviously fallen at the first hurdle which makes a run in the FA Cup even more important. In regard to the league position clearly it will be important to keep picking up points, showing greater urgency when we are in possession of the ball and tightening up at the back.

I believe the squad is strong enough to achieve that much but probably no more than that.

A very honest collection of thoughts, ideas and views, Kieran and an enjoyable read.

For me off the park, its in a positive place, a different era and dynamic over the Administration and Management of the Evertons business operations.

Better late than never, and it will be slow but edging north in that aspect and commercially Everton, will be able to improve their transfer operations, over time.

On the football side, its concerning that imo, we needed reliable natural left and right backs, and a proven striker who can lead the line and make opposition defences wary.Players brought in don't look a good fit. I like what I've seen of Merlin, hopefully he will recover from his injury soon. Tyler will need game time. On Sunday I'd player IlLie, up front, and Dibling on either flank. But Moyes will know best.

But this is looking like a tough season. In view of the players at Moyes disposal, clearly Everton are exposed in defence, midfield and attack, in view the cohesion between the lines, looks to have gone the last 2 games, and was lost for about the first 30 mins of the Derby but was recovered and Everton. Were unlucky.

So for me progress is winning x3 or 4 games back to back.

This seems to be very hard to attain in recent seasons.

Patience, and hope but I hope Everton turn up for 97 mins v Palace, and reduce the number of mistakes, unforced errors giving the opposition hope and belief.

A grinding win v Palace would be nice.

John Raftery
Good point on the 116 million !
I’m watching the Progress of Mbeumo, or, lack thereof.
in excess of 70 Million.

He plays in a Similar position to Dibling and Ndiaye.. bigger Frame, minus the Dribbling!

It really is a Funny old game when it comes to evaluations of Players.
Take Garner for example a player who I had wrote off at the beginning of of the season.
MU would probably take him back !
For me he has been our standout player so far and he seems to be maturing with each game.

Paul Birmingham.
97 mins! … only if Everton are winning by one goal!😀

Nice one Paul Conway.👍

Going back to the old cliché, it's the hope that kills you, in view of the old habits of buying players to fit in positions, rather than proven players who can play at left back or right back, as their best position.

Accepting the squad is in transition, it would be some great good fortune to get at least one good striker and an RB, in the January 2026, transfer window.
We need a reliable LB. as well, but but hopefully the missing pieces in terms of this squad being more balanced will happen eventually.🤞