A defence of Matty James

[The whole world smiles]

Just now, baldeagle said:

Nicky Butt and the others wasn’t or aren’t always injured . Matty James WOULD  be a good squad player if he could stay fit .But that’s the problem he isn’t a good squad player and hasn’t  been for a while  as he’s hardly in the squad as he is constantly injured . I do actually rate him but he’s never fit so in my eyes hes taking up a squad position  that someone else could fill who could stay fit . This weekend is a prime example Ndidi is banned James is not fit so we only really have the option of playing Silva and putting s youth player on the bench or vice versus 

agreed this is a good point, especially with his latest injury. I wasn't getting annoyed by people questioning his fitness which is valid I was annoyed by people saying he is shit which is plain stupid.

[Babylon]

13 minutes ago, baldeagle said:

Nicky Butt and the others wasn’t or aren’t always injured . Matty James WOULD  be a good squad player if he could stay fit .But that’s the problem he isn’t a good squad player and hasn’t  been for a while  as he’s hardly in the squad as he is constantly injured . I do actually rate him but he’s never fit so in my eyes hes taking up a squad position  that someone else could fill who could stay fit . This weekend is a prime example Ndidi is banned James is not fit so we only really have the option of playing Silva and putting a youth player on the bench or vice versus 

That is indeed, the biggest question mark.

[Babylon]

13 minutes ago, The whole world smiles said:

Do you not think that having a player who would start for 6-8 premier league sides is exactly what we need for a 3rd/4th choice centre midfielder? for me its a question of Balance if we had 4 players as good as good as Wilfred Ndidi then we would have 3/4 deeply unhappy players upsetting the balance of the squad and also there would be constant transfer speculation.

 

Apart from the injuries (which are becoming a serious concern) James is a perfect squad player, he's english, been here years, well liked in the squad, fantastic attitude and like you say good enough ability wise to start for a lot of premier league clubs.

I think many people look at it far too simplistically. You see it when people say "get rid of Morgan, move him into coaching etc". I'm sure we can all agree we need to think about replacing Wes as a starter this summer, but we need someone to fill out the rest of the squad still.

 

In an ideal world we'd go out and get four or five amazing centre backs all as good as they next. But in terms of squad building it's not not feasible, there are going to be many players that aren't starting 11 quality in our 25. But in the match day 18 or the squad of 25 they are absolutely fine. They are likely to know their limitations and not be kicking up a stink every week, like a top quality player who isn't playing would.

[HankMarvin]

54 minutes ago, Babylon said:

He's played not far off what Iborra has.

 

That'll be the Everton in 9th.... Everton finished 11th in 14/15 and 15/16.

 

Were we losing every game he played? Nope. He's good enough to play in the midtable team we were and are with him playing.

 

Is James good enough to crack the top 6, nope. But then again I don't think Iborra or most of our team are good enough for that. Could we have finished 7th with him in the team, yeah I think we could have. Which is Europe.

 

Is Iborra better, yeah I think he is, but James is well worth a squad place and any of our troubles of late had little to do with him. A shambles of a performances against Brighton shows that. We should have been 2-0 down against West Brom AND Brighton.

Just because they are in 9th doesn’t mean they can’t be the worst team in years. That’s more of a reflection on the rest of the teams in the league, as opposed to suggesting the current team is better than the Everton teams that finished the season positionally lower in the years you mentioned.

[Babylon]

7 minutes ago, HankMarvin said:

Just because they are in 9th doesn’t mean they can’t be the worst team in years. That’s more of a reflection on the rest of the teams in the league, as opposed to suggesting the current team is better than the Everton teams that finished the season positionally lower in the years you mentioned.

Using the same thought process there is no real evidence it's the worst Everton for years then either?

 

I'd love to think the premier league was a real tough league in 15/16 with loads of great teams... But we won the league!

 

I think people are forgetting how bad Everton became under Martinez.

Edited 4 April 2018 by Babylon

[HankMarvin]

7 minutes ago, Babylon said:

Using the same thought process there is no real evidence it's the worst Everton for years then either?

 

I think people are forgetting how bad Everton became under Martinez.

But there is evidence though look at the teams??

I think if you look at that squad and ask Everton fans if they would be happier with the likes of an injury free Coleman, Baines in his prime.

Stones, Barkley, Lukaku, all for a few more seasons or the current lot after 200m investment not many would pick the current team.

 

plus I also highlighted the fact that the season isn’t finished, so to point out they are currently 9th is kinda irrelevant at this point.

Edited 4 April 2018 by HankMarvin

[Babylon]

4 minutes ago, HankMarvin said:

But there is evidence though look at the teams??

I think if you look at that squad and ask Everton fans if they would be happier with the likes of an injury free Coleman, Baines in his prime.

Stones, Barkley, Lukaku, all for a few more seasons or the current lot after 200m investment not many would pick the current team.

 

plus I also highlighted the fact that the season isn’t finished, so to point out they are currently 9th is kinda irrelevant at this point.

Names isn't evidence. If they aren't winning games it doesn't matter what the names are, they were poor as a team and that's why they finished 11th two seasons running.

 

 

[STUHILL]

He's just another Andy King type player for me, which isn't necessarily a bad thing, but certainly not a great thing either. 

 

He will come in when needed, do a job - Occasionally he will put in a very decent performance and give us something to shout about, but mostly we will get the same kind of performance each week, i.e hard working and solid, but with no real impact on the game. 

 

That's fine for certain levels, maybe even lower Premier League teams, but we are pushing for a regular 6th/7th finish and with the money we have available, I will always be inclined to think we can do much better in that central position. 

 

Personally, add this to his recent injury record, I'd allow him to leave in the Summer and look for a much more imaginative or combative CM to come in. 

[HankMarvin]

31 minutes ago, Babylon said:

Names isn't evidence. If they aren't winning games it doesn't matter what the names are, they were poor as a team and that's why they finished 11th two seasons running.

 

 

Names isnt evidence 

ok mate 

 

But you being presumptuous and highlighting someones comment on your own assumption that Everton will finish higher than 11th is evidence enough for you to try and correct someones opinion?

 

Not to mention the variables involved, 

I wonder how Martinez would fared with the current crop, and Big Sam with the teams the years you mentioned.

 

I agree with guys comment, this is the worst Everton team in years more so when you think of the 277m spent since Moshiri’s arrival.

 

[Babylon]

24 minutes ago, HankMarvin said:

Names isnt evidence 

ok mate

No it's not, otherwise I could just list out all the total shit that was in the Everton team in those seasons throughout the whole squad and not just a handful of their best players.

 

I could point out they replaced Barkley with a player who has actually regularly outscored and out assisted Barkley in Sigurdsson. I could go through the squad doing the same with a lot of players, because outside of the names you mentioned, they had a lot of poor players. Hence their excitement at the start of the season when they were replaced.

 

 

24 minutes ago, HankMarvin said:

But you being presumptuous and highlighting someones comment on your own assumption that Everton will finish higher than 11th is evidence enough for you to try and correct someones opinion?

I believe I just pointed out that they finished in 11th two seasons running. No other comment was made. Fact is, they were fairly woeful in those two seasons. They are currently 9th, it's a fact. If that changes, then it changes the discussion. They could also go on a run and finish 6th or 7th, which would make your comments look stupid eh.

 

24 minutes ago, HankMarvin said:

Not to mention the variables involved, 

I wonder how Martinez would fared with the current crop, and Big Sam with the teams the years you mentioned.

Indeed, lots of variables. But then I'm not the one making statements of what team is better than which am I... you two are. So perhaps you'd be wise to keep those variables in mind yourself.

 

24 minutes ago, HankMarvin said:

I agree with guys comment, this is the worst Everton team in years more so when you think of the 277m spent since Moshiri’s arrival.

Good for you.

 

 

Edited 4 April 2018 by Babylon

[HankMarvin]

1 minute ago, Babylon said:

No it's not, otherwise I could just list out all the total shit that was in the Everton team in those seasons throughout the whole squad and not just a handful of their best players.

 

I could point out they replaced Barkley with a player who has actually regularly outscored and out assisted Barkley in Sigurdsson. I could go through the squad doing the same with a lot of players, because outside of the names you mentioned, they had a lot of poor players. Hence their excitement at the start of the season when they were replaced.

 

 

I believe I just pointed out that they finished in 11th two seasons running. No other comment was made. Fact is, they were fairly woeful in those two seasons. They are currently 9th, it's a fact. If that changes, then it changes the discussion. They could also go on a run and finish 6th, which would make your presumptuous comments look stupid eh.

 

Indeed, lots of variables. But then I'm not the one making statements of what team is better than which am I... you two are. So perhaps you'd be wise to keep those variables in mind yourself.

 

Good for you.

 

 

I don't remember him saying statistically the worst team in years, yet you felt the need to try and look like a smart arse with your belittling nature even though the seasons not finished.

 

2 hours ago, Babylon said:

 

 

That'll be the Everton in 9th.... Everton finished 11th in 14/15 and 15/16.

 

 

 

[Monsell1976]

Isn’t he injured again?

[Babylon]

I should learn that I have people on ignore for a very good reason.

 

 

[HankMarvin]

14 minutes ago, Babylon said:

I should learn that I have people on ignore for a very good reason.

 

 

Truth hurts, im relived you wont feel the need to comment on everything i post. Still feel sad for the poor other posters you inflict yourself on though

[Babylon]

I can keep posting this until you get the hint.

 

 

[HighPeakFox]

51 minutes ago, Babylon said:

I can keep posting this until you get the hint.

 

 

I don't always agree with you Babylon, but I've still not worked out what on earth you've done to upset some posters. I've never known you attack people unprovoked. 

[Babylon]

1 minute ago, HighPeakFox said:

I don't always agree with you Babylon, but I've still not worked out what on earth you've done to upset some posters. I've never known you attack people unprovoked. 

Ha ha rational thought seems to bother some people I think.

[HankMarvin]

50 minutes ago, Babylon said:

I can keep posting this until you get the hint.

 

 

Hopefully you see this so you get the hint

 

 

[Guest Col city fan]

2 hours ago, STUHILL said:

He's just another Andy King type player for me, which isn't necessarily a bad thing, but certainly not a great thing either. 

 

He will come in when needed, do a job - Occasionally he will put in a very decent performance and give us something to shout about, but mostly we will get the same kind of performance each week, i.e hard working and solid, but with no real impact on the game. 

 

That's fine for certain levels, maybe even lower Premier League teams, but we are pushing for a regular 6th/7th finish and with the money we have available, I will always be inclined to think we can do much better in that central position. 

 

Personally, add this to his recent injury record, I'd allow him to leave in the Summer and look for a much more imaginative or combative CM to come in. 

Yes, same here.

James is too injury prone unfortunately and even when fit, is just ok.

Personally I think he’s a top of the Championship/ lower Prem standard player. I could see him go to Cardiff or somebody If/when they come up.

[fuchsntf]

17 minutes ago, Babylon said:

Using the same thought process there is no real evidence it's the worst Everton for years then either?

 

I'd love to think the premier league was a real tough league in 15/16 with loads of great teams... But we won the league!

 

I think people are forgetting how bad Everton became under Martinez.

At that period,I just think Ferguson left Manu at the right time,Moyes left Everton at the right time,

but Moyes and Martinez in turn joined their New Clubs,just at the wrong time.

Too much upheavel,and rebuilding needs relevant to their new clubs,they would takeover.

Both Manu and Everton,had squads that had ran their course and were fragmenting.

Plus the management of both,were not actually showing any continuity or togetherness.

 

I actually believe Moyes could of Turned it around,Ferguson  needed also several years.

Martinez,was left without the real initial backing in his early Period.Even Koemann struggled.

Fans are fickle in forethought,and expectations,nomatter at what level,or past glories they

have had to feed that appitite.

 

In all Clubs,there are the real top players and stars that,scribe their names in that

Clubs book of legends.In the top leagues,even opposing Fans will remember them.

But like it or not,its those also rans squad players,that will keep that individual Club,

competing at the top level,or  compete readingly to Stave off those Relegation dog fights.

Recognising and Holding on to those,solid performers,then trying to up that positions

quality of performance,is that every-season-football struggles,to trying to make that managers

dreams and hopes a reality. 

Obviously not all cant have that 1-2 top quality gems,that actually lead to a few Int.caps,

like...N.Butt,Milner,etc , our own Kingy, Wasi,even Amartey. Now in Discussion Marty James.

 

These not so famous,but still honest performers from the non-glamorous clubs,

might of just had a high flying career, like N. Butt if they had their peak days,

at a Top-successfull Club... Just the Luck of life's-draw,no different to the people on the terraces.

We cant summize the "what might of been", we have seen over many years, within our own Club,

and neighbouring clubs,where injuries Layed short,or slowed down players rise to promised potential.

 

The Fans seemed before ca yr 2000. were more appreciative and supported far more with forethought,

afterthought,and reason,on the squad players. Social media Highlights alot more intensively,

the immature spitefull,whinging critic over individuals in any Sport.

 

Matty James,Andy King,and their ilk,like all players who present themselves to any paying

Public should not be free from critic,but imo deserve  more respect ,from so called

balanced knowledgable supporters.

 

I find it quite pathetic,when so called fans,go on some self-righteous spitefull

continuous crusade against  individual players/managers.

Its bloody amusing reading over the course of a season,their collection of self-built opinions,that they

then self construe over the season,then in some like self-conspiracy broadcast,

continually post their opinions as known facts.Just to throw negative platitudes over their intended

targets.  Usually qualifying themselves equal to those over ambitious Journalist,who also have no idea

how to construct an honest competent unbias report,who we the Fans show also frustrating disdain

towards.

Probably,its their own weird way to get onto their own entertaining-quirks through life.

Knee-jerk Emotions during and within that post match adrenilin hour, I unterstand,but

we dont half  have some pecking fishwives,in our Forums.

 

I for one like and appreciate James's,and King's ,rolls in our most  successfull and exciting

period of our clubs history.Their input was just as important and also with someothers underrated.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Beechey]

 

[Babylon]

4 minutes ago, Beechey said:

 

Well, I think that's him quite possibly finished here now. If King goes and we just can't trust Jame's body, or Mendy's for that matter we're going to need another player or two.

 

Sad.

[Guest Col city fan]

5 minutes ago, Babylon said:

Well, I think that's him quite possibly finished here now. If King goes and we just can't trust Jame's body, or Mendy's for that matter we're going to need another player or two.

 

Sad.

But surely not unexpected. I’m afraid it was only a matter of time.

[MC Prussian]

16 minutes ago, Beechey said:

 

Makes me wonder whether he was carrying that injury for a while now, even when he was allegedly fit and ready to play or even in the starting XI.

 

Just re-emphasizes our lack of class in a more advanced central midfield position, also when you think of trying to spread the "goal threat" more evenly amongst our players. James is by no means a bad footballer but - rationally speaking - unsuited for a starting place in a team that wants to establish itself in the Premier League Top Ten.

 

I don't regard footballers as machines, but they seem to need the (basic) quality to "function" regularly. Matty James has a rather terrible injury history and I'm not sure whether he'll be to able to play on a Premier League level again in the foreseeable future. Seems as if he's reached his zenith.

Even back in the Championship and having played a large part of the season, one goal and one assist in 35 league matches isn't very good for a central midfielder.

 

Btw, speedy recovery, Matty. Maybe one day...

Edited 5 April 2018 by MC Prussian

[Babylon]

2 minutes ago, Col city fan said:

But surely not unexpected. I’m afraid it was only a matter of time.

Having now read the more on it, it's not actually a serious injury thankfully.