Quinn31

Stones, though most of the back four was solid minus Hibbert.

But then we'd need to play Distin, who is in even worse for than Jags.

I hear Steve Round is available.

Home losses to relegation fodder means no man of the match in my book.

Absolutely atrocious. Have a chance to really boost ourselves in the league with Spurs, Liverpool, Man U losing and we lay a turd like this.

TIm having a 'mare.

Welcome back, John.

Not a bad idea. Richard Branson would buy Everton if our new stadium came with a spaceport! Problem solved, we'd have our billionaire owner!

Neville had a terrible final season, and had some shaky periods in prior seasons, but overall he was half decent given his age. He gave us his all. There's a certain subsection of football fans who will only remember a player's bad performances, or forever hold a grudge against someone because he left the club or whatever. Neville acted like a professional and did his best to perform on the pitch. That's all I can ask for.

What an introduction from him. He'll be alright, but I hope that error makes him realize that he's playing with the big boys and can't get cute or cocky in this league like he probably was able to do in Hungary.

Don't really get why he left Blackpool, he probably could've been first choice there given their crazy chairman.

Really don't get why this topic is a thing. If Martinez wanted to bring in a new #1 keeper he wouldn't have just handed Howard a contract until he's 39.

Haha! I know, I have to wind you up with that one every few months or so! I'll buy you a pint when I finally make it across the pond one day for a match!

If we could get a small fee for Duffy, we could combine that money with the Adam Forshaw money and bring in another 19 year old goalkeeper!

Only has this season left on his contract I believe, so we wouldn't get much for him. I wonder if there would be a buyer? That being said, if we can't find a buyer, I'd rather let him go out on loan rather than sit the bench here all season. He's 22, time he gets on with his career.

What is the deal with Duffy? It seems like Martinez tested him out in preseason but decided that he isn't good enough or doesn't fit the system. He's low down the pecking order, so I wonder if Martinez will look to either sell him or loan him out until his contract expires. What do you guys think? I know it's still August, but it doesn't look like he's close to breaking into the first team, so could this spell the end of his time at Goodison?

Agreed here. I really think we need a few more bodies to come in to handle the extra matches. Heck, our squad is a tad thin even if we weren't competing in Europe. Wonder what Martinez thinks after evaluating some of the young players?

Yeah, Cech is on the decline, Ruddy definitely isn't noticeably better than Howard. In fact, I don't think Ruddy is as good. Reina isn't noticeably better than Howard, De Gea is good, Szczesny is prone to making even dumber mistakes than Howard (though he's a good shot stopper) and even Hart was dropped in favor of Costel Pantillimon for mistakes, though is no doubt a good keeper. Paddock, stop being such a disrespectful, argumentative, confrontational twat. You've been on this board for two weeks and you've managed to pick a fight with so many of the people who have been on this board for years. This board is quickly deteriorating quality wise to that of Grand Old Team or Redcafe or Red and White Kop.

Number five? That's absurd. Almost as bad as Kone being #2 at Wigan. To be honest, I'd rather Eto'o be something silly like #99 rather than #5.

Really mixed feelings about this one. Was once a world class striker, but is definitely past his prime. He still had a decent Premier League scoring record with Chelsea last season (9 goals in 21 apps), but wasn't as good in Europe and the cups. He definitely still has his poachers instincts, but he's still a bit of a gamble. If the deal is structured well (not absurd wages, an option for a second year), this could be a really prudent move.

There are probably only 5 or maybe 10 keepers in the world who would be a noticeable step up from Howard. Really, there is no such thing as a perfect goalkeeper, as it really is a tough position. On Begovic, again, he'd be quite expensive. and I know Stoke have opened up their style of play somewhat, but he's still spent the majority of his time playing behind a Stoke defense and midfield that breaks everything up in front of him, not requiring him to make many last ditch saves. The people who are so critical of Howard are ridiculous. *Editi* For Howard, I apply the Hafnia test. If Haf thinks a player is good, then he must certainly be good, as Haf tends to be on the critical side when evaluating player performance (No offense, haf).

Plenty of technical ability but horrible at decision-making and his final ball. Probably too late in his career to expect any improvement in this area from him, but we'll see. Definitely a good guy off the bench, but frustrating to watch for 90 minutes.

My word you two are behaving like children. Cut it out. This board in the past has been mostly home to intelligent and insightful football commentary, but now with trolling and these childish back and forths, it's becoming really hard to talk about football, and especially hard to talk about football in any in-depth and mature way.

Transfermarkt has Begovic rated at 12m. Probably more than we'd spend on a keeper. http://www.transfermarkt.com/asmir-begovic/profil/spieler/33873 Really though, we have so many greater concerns than keeper.

Don't get all the hate towards Howard. He makes the occasional howler, but so do 95% of keepers. Maybe he'd be more well liked if he were fat, Welsh, and an obnoxious loudmouth on Twitter.