Everton Hoping More Than Expecting in 2010

By: Paul | January 6th, 2010

When you turn back the clock to the post season following the 2008/2009 season very few would have predicted the stagnant almost beleaguered state that Everton currently find themselves in.
The 3 month loan arrival of Landon Donovan from the MLS does not set the pulses of Evertonians racing and with investment seemingly as close now as it was 2 years ago there is little to be overly optimistic about…..
Everton’s dire start to the 2009/2010 season came as a shock in many quarters but not to the fans of the club. David Moyes and his band of merry men have overachieved consistently in the past number of years when you take into account the resources the fiery Scot has to play with.
One of the most incompetent boards to ever maintain control of a top flight club continue to “run” the team in an almost slapstick way – almost slapstick as its not that funny if you are following them.
But I won’t get too involved in that part of affairs in this post. Thats for another time and when shoots of optimism are available to cling to.
Looking at the here and now Everton are in dire need of fresh blood. Manuel Fernandes is crying out to be rescued from his Valencia nightmare and hopefully Davey can get that in a loan with a view to buy fashion. It’s worked in the past and relatively risk free when you consider the cost involved.
The funds just aren’t there and although Moyes may look at cashing in on a few of his ailing assets in the summer, Tim Cahill being a prime example, he has never sliced and diced to any great extent in January and should not be expected to do so this season either.
A loan move for Philippe Senderos from Arsenal hardly sets the pulse racing but he could revitalise his career and seal a permanent move when his contract expires in the summer. If not again we are not overly extending the paltry budget available at the current time.
The next area is the injury room where our heart and soul of the team currently reside. Arteta has endured set backs on his road to recovery and Jagielka too seems to be behind schedule.
After such serious injuries the contribution to be expected from these guys cannot be over estimated. Ergo we have our fingers crossed that Donovan brings to the club what Brian McBride delivered, an instant impact.
Donovan cut the mustard in Germany, he’s bundles of skill and with our current attacking options flattering to deceive-Jo/Yakubu playing as if early retirement is a foregone conclusion or else looking in desperate need of a rest-Bilyaletdinov/Cahill, there’s no reason why “Landycakes” won’t get to roll the dice.
All in all Everton are set for a season that will be chalked off as one where they learned from their mistakes -except unfortunately it’s more a case of deja vu.
It may be the straw that broke the camel’s back either for Chairman Kenwright and his flawed relocation plans and lack of a Plan B, Manager Moyes and the ceiling of what he can achieve at the club or more importantly for the people that click the turnstiles as with no signs of progress they cannot expect to churn out as many season tickets with the fare currently being offered up.
Grim Times but Hey who knows an FA Cup/Europa League Run may make this prognosis seem extremely knee jerk. I just feel we used up our once in a decade Cup run last year and that this could be the watershed some of us feel the club needs.

COYB!