Everton - fan's 2008/09 Premier League preview
Wednesday, 06 Aug 2008 15:33
Everton - fan's 2008/09 Premier League preview and predictions
A supporter's views and expectations for the 2008/09 season.
Last season
Premier League: 5th - P 38 W 19 D 8 L 11 GF 55 GA 33 GD +22 PTS 65
Uefa Cup: Last 16 – lost to Fiorentina on penalties (2-2 AET)
FA Cup: Third round - lost 1-0 to Oldham
League Cup: Semi-finalists - lost 3-1 on AGG to Chelsea
The manager
David Moyes seems to command more respect on Merseyside, and across the English game for that matter, with every passing season.
Everton's fifth-place finish in the league and good run in the Uefa Cup will have increased that respect even more.
Moyes has shown a talent for getting the best out of his players and fans will expect him to show that skill again this term.
Another crack at the Uefa Cup will excite the Scotsman and he will hope to drive the club to its first silverware since the 1995 FA Cup.
The manager has done so well in recent years that fans are unlikely to turn on him, even if the club were to experience difficulties on the pitch.
Chances of managerial change?
Moyes' popularity will likely ensure his position is safe at Goodison for a few years yet. The problem for the Everton board may be keeping hold of him.
Moyes has yet to sign a new contract and with both Manchester United's Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsenal's Arsene Wenger likely to call it a day within the next few years, it seems to be only a matter of time before one of the 'big four' begin to look his way.
The players
Exits
After only five games for the club, Stefan Wessels' loss is no great tragedy for Everton, who are likely to stick with Tim Howard in goal.
Lee Carsley will be missed slightly more, after making almost 200 appearances for the club. Never an outstanding player, the Ireland international seemed to tick away at Everton and do all that was asked of him.
New arrivals
With no new arrivals of note so far, Toffees fans will be getting a little nervous about the approaching season, but Moyes is likely to bring in a new face or two before the end of the transfer window.
Needs
The manager will look to bring in a couple of players to freshen things up and, with Andy Johnson expected to move to Fulham, a striker may well be the most likely option.
Having said that, Everton have been very heavily linked with Portuguese international Joao Moutinho, although it is believed this will hinge on the amount Fulham pay for Johnson.
A goalkeeper to act as cover for Howard might be useful too, but this is not absolutely essential.
As is Moyes' style though, drastic changes are unlikely and he will look to take the stability he has created into the new season.
The fanbase
Everton fans will be delighted with the club's progress after firmly establishing themselves as one of the top teams in the country.
A couple of wins over Liverpool, a repeat of last season's league heroics and another long run in the Uefa Cup would keep the fans grinning.
Picking up a trophy along the way would have them on cloud nine.
One sticking point could be the proposed new stadium in Kirkby, which many supporters are opposed to as it would remove the club from its roots in the centre of the city.
Prediction for 2008/09
Everton will have a tough task finishing fifth again, with Spurs strengthening and Villa, Blackburn and Pompey still sniffing about.
Although it is still a possibility, I would expect to see the team drop to sixth, simply because the team has barely developed since last term while those around have strengthened.
Cup success is a realistic possibility and Moyes will fancy his team's chances in the League Cup as well as the Uefa Cup.
One thing is for sure - Everton will continue to plug away in their slowly-does-it style and success will come eventually.
Chris Malone