Matchday questionnaire - Love Everton Forum

[loveevertonforum]

Welcome back to the Premier League to all your fans, and good luck for the season.

 

I'd be grateful if you would answer a few well intended questions for our forum, which will be posted on our website as part of our Match Day thread.

 

I've deliberately kept it short, so thanks for any participation.

 

All the best.

 

Love Everton Forum

www.loveevertonforum.com

 

 

 

10 years since we last played you in the Premier League, with a goal from none other than Wayne 

 

Rooney not enough to stop on loan Marcus Bent (who would eventually sign for Everton) from scraping 

 

an equalizer in the 92 minute at the Walker Stadium.

 

Everton finished in 17th place that thoroughly miserable season, one place above Leicester City, who 

 

were relegated, along with Leeds and Wolves.

 

As if that wasn't bad enough after also having to go through administration a few years earlier, you then 

 

fell through the trap door once more into the 3rd tier of English football.

 

But, lots of managers and one or two Chairmen later, you're back, and I have to start by saying both 

 

congratulations, and indeed 'respect', as it must have been one heck of a ride, and sometimes as 

 

Everton supporters it's easy to forget how lucky we are not to have had to experience what your fans 

 

have been through.

 

After supporting Everton for over 40 years, I've seen some highs, including league titles and cup wins, 

 

and some real boring transitions where we were mediocre and lacking for long periods, but I can 

 

honestly say that I've never experienced relegation, and never experienced the thrill of promotion, so I 

 

think the first question surely has to be the following:

 

 

 

1: Can you explain what it has been like to go through such a dramatic decade (at least) of football 

 

supporting and how does it feel to finally return to the top flight after such a journey?

 

 

2: How have you found the constant Stadium name changes and indeed the ground move?

 

 

3. Despite reports over the last few years of 'huge investment' from your owners 'Asian Football Investments' there are few of 

 

your players that I would know by name, and so far your inbound transfers aren't exactly making the 

 

headlines, so do your owners actually have the ambition to 'stay' in the Premier League, in terms of 

 

bolstering the squad with proven faces, given their wealth?

 

 

I mean Mathew Upson is 35 and has been playing for Brighton for example. You could have a team full 

 

of unknown world beaters, as let's face it, it's the 'team' that makes the difference, but am I being 

 

disrespectful by suggesting you might need a little Premier League experience in your squad?

 

 

4. What are your expectations of the season in terms of success, and how do you think your squad will 

 

match up against the Premier Leagues bank rolling?

 

 

5. What are your thoughts about Everton FC, in particular our recent history and squad?

 

 

6. Finally, which teams are you excited about facing the most, and are there any teams that you 

 

particularly don't like?

 

Thanks very much.

[StanSP]

1: Can you explain what it has been like to go through such a dramatic decade (at least) of football

 

supporting and how does it feel to finally return to the top flight after such a journey?

 

I wouldn't call it dramatic, as such. Large parts of it were very mediocre and below-par. A miserable period of Leicester City Football Club until, ironically, our League One season which brought back that winning feeling. It set us up to where we are now - despite a couple of monumental heartbreaks along the way. But nothing tops the euphoria of the 13/14 season and the relief of hard work and effort finally culminating in a return to the Premier League.

 

2: How have you found the constant Stadium name changes and indeed the ground move?

 

Personally, doesn't bother me too much. Our owners clearly want their name and brand and company to be seen worldwide and now that we're in the Premier League, obviously their aim from the start, they can achieve that. As for the ground move itself, Filbert Street was and still is sorely missed. The new stadium doesn't have the fear factor of Filbert Street. Despite all the good times we've had at the KP so far, it'll take a lot more for it to overcome the many memories made at Filbert Street.

 

 

3. Despite reports over the last few years of 'huge investment' from your owners 'Asian Football Investments' there are few of your players that I would know by name, and so far your inbound transfers aren't exactly making the headlines, so do your owners actually have the ambition to 'stay' in the Premier League, in terms of bolstering the squad with proven faces, given their wealth?

 

 

They definitely do. They just probably realise the risk of spending so much and perhaps wary of that it all may fail at the first hurdle. The goal is to create a foundation for success now that we've succeeded in finally returning to the top flight. I'd rather have a squad who will stick by each other and play for each other as opposed to a team of individuals who love a good pay-check (QPR). Just because there aren't many proven faces which have come in (yet, as Esteban Cambiasso may still arrive(!!)), doesn't mean there's a lack of ambition. Nigel Pearson definitely has a plan in his head and always knows what kind of players are required. He's got a shrewd way of dealing with transfers.

 

4. What are your expectations of the season in terms of success, and how do you think your squad will match up against the Premier Leagues bank rolling?

 

In terms of success, I think we can genuinely get a decent mid-table spot if the players are consistent and the fans stick together. We know we won't be winning as many games as last season and it'll be many times harder to get some momentum, but that's the challenge of the Premier League.

 

5. What are your thoughts about Everton FC, in particular our recent history and squad?

 

 

Personally, they're my favourite of the 2 Merseyside clubs. Not to say I totally dislike Liverpool but Everton are the nicer of the 2 in my eyes. Been to  Goodison Park before and the atmosphere is something we can only crave at the KP now. The fans seem to be more welcoming than other clubs and I definitely have a soft spot for the Toffees. Regarding the squad, there's definitely bags of talent coming through. I saw Chris Long the other day and his goal was extremely well-taken. Then obviously you have Ross Barkley and John Stones who are future England regulars for years to come. I'm cautiosly optimistic about our match next Saturday. Apparently you've got a few players unfit (World Cup duty or injuries) and being perennial slow starters, I hope we can take advantage of that.

 

6. Finally, which teams are you excited about facing the most, and are there any teams that you

 

particularly don't like?

 

 

 

Everton are on the teams I'm most excited to face because I've got some friends who are fans. There's always that hype of who you'll face first up and this is a very good test. Also looking forward to going to the Emirates - we haven't played there at all yet.  Don't really like QPR or Stoke or West Brom. Perhaps more of an indifferent feeling to the latter.

 

 

[ScouseFox]

1) ups and downs are what football is all about. experiencing 4 managers a year and relegations, having to face trips to colchester, northampton etc is what makes promotion back to the premier league even more special. most our fans will say moments like wood's winner vs burnley last season (basically the goal that got us all thinking we're basically there) was even sweeter when you think back to days like cardiff/watford in the play offs or indeed stoke away that sent us down to the third tier. 

 

2) it's still not filbert street but it's getting better. hopefully now it'll be full week in week out it will properly feel like home. there's still not been many moments in our new ground that are particularly historic that make you relate to "home" if you see what i mean. when we start beating liverpool, united etc at home week in week out or if we're involved in a relegation scrap and secure safety at home on the last day or whatever it'll start feeling more iconic and really home. i like it though. the name doesn't really make much difference to me, sponsorship is sponsorship, at least king power is a pretty cool name .

 

3) our scouting network has found gem after gem under pearson. if, and i see no reason why most can't, they make the step up to the prem then we'll surprise a lot, whom like yourself will be looking through our teamsheet going "riyad what? DAVID NUGENT HAHA REMEMBER HIM!!" etc. 

 

4) mid to bottom half of the table would be a realistic aim, between about 14th and 17th. and we'd all take that despite what some will tell you about us wanting to finish top 10 or something else daft. we'll surprise a few with our pace and movement up top but our defence might be a bit suspect, we don't really have anyone good enough at left back, and if we're going to play schlupp, moore and de laet that's a very young back line that could be vulnerable. they've all got the attributes and potential to be premier league players but as you say experience is lacking somewhat. signings like upson, albrighton and possible esteban fúcking cambiasso will add top level experience to the squad, so hopefully come the end of the window we'll have a nicely balanced squad. 

 

5) obviously know a lot of everton fans, keep up to date with their business (not many lads in the pub are particularly interesting in having a conversation about leicester city so i've gotta get involved in liverpool/everton ). been on the face of it a cracking transfer window but a poor pre season, but i'm sure once everything clicks top 6 with an outside shout of top 4 if you continue to never lose at home is going to be the aim. like everyone else in merseyside and indeed the whole of england can't wait to see how barkley continues to develop. great business getting him to sign on the dotted line, along with nearly all other key players and staff. 

 

6) top of the list is liverpool and everton for me due to mates and family and location. i have a slight feeling we will lose all 4 games against you and them but it's just good to be able to play them and have a bit of a laugh about it with everyone round here instead of the usual "oh yeah leicester who cares what league are you even in?" i don't really like qpr or hull, outside of the usual united/chelsea etc. stoke are just a shit bellend of a club too. 

[Fox92]

1. It's a great joy to be back. In a way, the pain stretches a bit over a decade. I know we were in the Premier League in 2003, but during the 02/03 season, in which we were promoted, we had a terrible time off field and then-manager Micky Adams had his hands tied. That impacted our signings upon promotion, and we were only able to bring in either players past it or free transfers. And apart from Les Ferdinand and Ben Thatcher, the rest were rubbish which Adams did admit to. We went through years of drab football after our relegation with a ridiculous managerial merry-go-round, until we were eventually relegated to the third tier (which was always going to happen, we were declining each season). Upon our relegation though, the best thing Milan Mandaric ever did was appoint current manager Nigel Pearson. Believe it or not, some fans still don't like Pearson, but personally I have every faith in him and I'm pleased he's our manager. Yes, he has guided us to two League Championships and two separate play off campaigns but off the field his work has been incredible. The well-paid players such as St Ledger, Mills and Beckford (of who you'll know well) have all gone along with the ridiculous transfer fees. The likes of Morgan, Knockaert, Mahrez, Drinkwater, Vardy and James are all typical Nigel Pearson signings - signed for low fees and probably on low wages compared to what Sven was giving players - which is one of the advantages of having him back as manager. Last season was fantastic, a joy, and we were treated really. Easily the best team in the division, and I think teams actually feared playing us which is unbelievable compared to what we were during 2004 - 2008. I know it's going to be difficult this season, and at times we will be disappointed, but I'm going to try and "enjoy" this season as much as anything.

 

2. I'm not to bothered about the ground name changes. I think it remains Filbert Way to a lot. Granted, I would like a steady ground name but football is business nowadays (sadly), and whether it be Walkers or King Power it's just business. As for the move, well I'm only 22 and can't remember Filbert Street too much now. I only went on a number of occasions, but I do wish we still played there given everything I hear/read about it. It's more of a ground, fans were on top of players more, it was more intimidating. 

 

3. They'll want to stay in the division. No doubt about it, I doubt they've invested/spent all this time and money to not see a top flight return. But we've got to be realistic. We've seen other owners at Blackburn and especially at Cardiff and QPR, launch loads of money at the club and fail. Our owners are more "understanding", and I think they know it's much more harder than just saying 'well we are promoted now, Nigel, so here is £20million so keep us up'. If we are able to survive this season, there is no doubt you may see more ambition thrown around the club this time next year so we can push up. It was the owners who mentioned about wanting us to be a recognized Premier League club. It's massive for their business, as much as it is for the footballing side of things.

 

4. I think we have the ability to stay up, and I believe we will. In my opinion, the top seven of the division picks itself (yourselves, Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham, Manchester United, Manchester City) and then the rest is anybody's guess. Last season, we saw Southampton and Palace (albeit after a managerial change) both do well in the division, and even Hull had a great season staying up and making the FA Cup final. There is no doubt we are miles away from the top seven, but I cannot see why we can't compete against the rest of the division. I'd happily take a 15th-17th place finish and a decent Cup run (although Nigel has said the league is priority, which is understandable)

 

5. I like Everton. You are a likeable club, and certainly a big club. You have a rich history and a great/big fanbase. I know you see yourselves as "The People's Club", and to be fair, I don't think I've ever met a neutral (non-Liverpool fan) who dislikes Everton. Kenwright seems to run the club well, from an external point of view, and at the minute you have a manager who plays attractive football. It's good to see. I was pleased with the start to the season, yes it's going to be difficult against you lot, but you're one of the big clubs so it's a good welcome back for us.

 

6. Being back in the Premier League after such a long time, I'm excited to watch the obvious choices of Manchester United and Liverpool. I'm also excited to see us play Hull as well, because I've got a good close friend who is a Hull fan. In terms of away grounds, I'm excited about going to Anfield the most. I don't "hate" many teams, but I do take a dislike towards Chelsea and if I could pick one ground to win at it would probably be Stamford Bridge.

[MHC]

1. It's been an emotional decade to say the least plenty of ups and downs along the way, it's a brilliant feeling when you finally get back to where you should be. We are "supposed" to be a Premier League club, our stadium and facilities are top quality and Leicester is one of the biggest cities in the country, on top of that we are a one club city with a fan base to rival a lot of other Premier League clubs.

2. It's not something I personally care too much about, it's nice to have a bigger stadium as I think we needed it but the atmosphere isn't the same as Filbert Street, I preferred the old ground but it didn't hold a big enough capacity.

3. If our signings aren't making headlines they soon will once we sign Cambiasso (fingers crossed). I don't believe Premier League experience is much of an issue we have Schmeichel, De Laet, Upson, Konchesky, Hammond, Albrighton, Nugent and Taylor-Fletcher who all have it and the rest of our squad is an enigma, which could work in our favour. As for our owners, they are great and are going about surviving in the right way. They have money and we could go about throwing 10 million here and 15 million there but we are not and that is down to Nigel Pearson and his transfer policy, which is brilliant may I add.

4. Best case scenario we will finish mid table, worst case scenario we will finish bottom. Having said that I'm not expecting us to be relegated this season.

5. I like Everton, I like Martinez, I like Kenwright, well run club, good fans, massive club. Can't think of anything bad to say.

6. I'm looking forward to facing anyone as it is an upgrade from trips to Yeovil and Doncaster. I'm not fond of Q.P.R but that might be down to Redknapp who I think likes to be the center of attention, their transfer policy makes me feel sick. In fact I dislike London clubs on general.

[Carlos88LCFC]

1: Can you explain what it has been like to go through such a dramatic decade (at least) of football 

 

supporting and how does it feel to finally return to the top flight after such a journey?

 

It's been a good 10 year roller coaster in my eyes. We have suffered the hardships of being down in league 1 for a season but it was an experience going to the likes of Crewe Alex etc!

 

I have always felt we along with Leeds and a few others down the leagues are so called 'sleeping giants' and we could explode at any minute. Which happened when our Thai owners took over.

 

It is great being back were we belong. We will stay here for a long time now I feel.

 

 

2: How have you found the constant Stadium name changes and indeed the ground move?

 

Name change doesn't bother me at all..

 

Moving stadium had teething problems. We struggled to find our feet as a crowd in all honesty but for the past few seasons it seems to have the home ground feel to it!

 

 

3. Despite reports over the last few years of 'huge investment' from your owners 'Asian Football Investments' there are few of 

 

your players that I would know by name, and so far your inbound transfers aren't exactly making the 

 

headlines, so do your owners actually have the ambition to 'stay' in the Premier League, in terms of 

 

bolstering the squad with proven faces, given their wealth?

 

People called us 'big spending Leicester' last year. Our first team now is not really that 'big spending'... All the rubbish went out with Sven. Nigel is not a big spender and he uncovers hidden gems... Danny Drinkwater was arguably the best player in the Championship last year. Jamie Vardy will scare and defender this year, and the list goes on...

 

Yes the owners have the ambition. Its all in Pearsons hands... If he wants someone, they will invest... It's Pearson not wanting to pay over the odds... The owners have the cash but have given Pearson and the background staff the responsibility of spending it. (Which can only be a good thing!)

 

 

I mean Mathew Upson is 35 and has been playing for Brighton for example. You could have a team full 

 

of unknown world beaters, as let's face it, it's the 'team' that makes the difference, but am I being 

 

disrespectful by suggesting you might need a little Premier League experience in your squad?

 

We don't need 'Premiership Experience' we need the right player with the right attitude that will fit in to the 'Leicester squad which felt like family last year.

 

Upson is a great back up player and can imagine he will teach our younger defenders a lot.

 

Your right it is the 'team that makes the difference' and that's what we are. Its pointless doing a QPR and buying a load of individual talent that can't converse with each other because of language difficulties... We are a team

 

 

4. What are your expectations of the season in terms of success, and how do you think your squad will 

 

match up against the Premier Leagues bank rolling?

 

I think we will be more than safe. Some of our fans are worried about lack of investment and depth but I personally think we will finish mid table. Everyone is underestimating us, which is great but if you ask any of our fans that know a bit about football knows we will be safe. As long as we keep the attitude through the losses... and keep the chemistry in the team along with being safe on the injury front we will be more than safe!

 

We dominated teams last season in pretty much every game. It wasn't a matter of just scraping the Championship... Every manager we played against said we were the best team in the League and we would win it.

 

 

5. What are your thoughts about Everton FC, in particular our recent history and squad?

 

I like Everton. Breed good young players, don't overspend, that being said.. Lukaku at the price is a gamble.... You are a steady team and under Martinez you seem to be playing better football than under Moyes... I can see you pushing for Europa again this year if Lukaku does a job.

 

6. Finally, which teams are you excited about facing the most, and are there any teams that you 

 

particularly don't like?

 

I think its safe to say, most people are looking forward to playing against the likes of United, City, Chelsea, Liverpool... Having the worlds best coming to the KP is a good thing!

 

There are no teams we as fans really hate in the Prem, maybe Stoke... Possibly Villa...

 

I personally hate Chelsea & City for how they approached their League titles.

[loveevertonforum]

Awesome response so far, thank you.

 

http://loveevertonforum.com/thread/1460/leicester-city-everton-premier-league

[Steve_Guppy_Left_Foot]

1. It's been great fun, the lows make the highs sweeter

 

2. Owners are King Power so King Power it is. Filbert street was great but just not big enough, would of preferred to expand as the atmosphere was electric but just wasn't the space.

 

3. We have a great young squad, the likes of Danny Drinkwater, Riyad Mahrez, Jamie Vardy and a few others will take the league by storm.

4. Top 4, probably 1st.

5. always liked Everton, would be hard pressed to say anything remotely negative about them. Good chairman, 2 good managers in the last decade, seem to have a good youth system and is very well run, likeable fans, think your humility over the years towards Liverpool and Hillsborough is very honorable.

 

6. Looking forward to playing Man U, Chelsea, Villa, Everton. I don't like Liverpool and that's about it, I just think it's a horrible club.

[AdamN]

1: Can you explain what it has been like to go through such a dramatic decade (at least) of football 

 

supporting and how does it feel to finally return to the top flight after such a journey?

 

 

2: How have you found the constant Stadium name changes and indeed the ground move?

 

 

3. Despite reports over the last few years of 'huge investment' from your owners 'Asian Football Investments' there are few of 

 

your players that I would know by name, and so far your inbound transfers aren't exactly making the 

 

headlines, so do your owners actually have the ambition to 'stay' in the Premier League, in terms of 

 

bolstering the squad with proven faces, given their wealth?

 

 

I mean Mathew Upson is 35 and has been playing for Brighton for example. You could have a team full 

 

of unknown world beaters, as let's face it, it's the 'team' that makes the difference, but am I being 

 

disrespectful by suggesting you might need a little Premier League experience in your squad?

 

 

4. What are your expectations of the season in terms of success, and how do you think your squad will 

 

match up against the Premier Leagues bank rolling?

 

 

5. What are your thoughts about Everton FC, in particular our recent history and squad?

 

 

6. Finally, which teams are you excited about facing the most, and are there any teams that you 

 

particularly don't like?

 

 

1.

My interest in football started to wane a bit in the early 2000's, right up until around the 2006 World Cup, so for me it feels even longer than a decade since we were last in the Premier League. It seems clichéd, but it really has been a rollercoaster of emotions since I got back into fully supporting Leicester in around 2007/08 (the dreaded relegation season), with the fans going through a seemingly endless cycle of optimism and pessimism. So much has happened in the past 6/7 years that it feels like we've earned it, despite how the media might portray us as 'moneybags Leicester'.

 

2.

I was 13 when it opened in 2002, so while it was sad to see Filbert Street go - a place I'd spent many happy afternoons and evenings at when I was a kid - I perhaps wasn't quite old enough to appreciate what a stadium move means to the club and to the fans. I remember going to one of the early games and viewing it very much as a novelty - which obviously wasn't quite the case! Looking at it now, I'd love us to be at Filbert Street on a purely nostalgic and sentimental level, but our current home is no doubt better for the future of the club, especially if we manage to establish ourselves as a top flight side - something which we haven't managed to do since the move.

 

As for the name changes - they haven't really bothered me. With the new stadium came a new name in Walkers, but as they are a local company it wasn't particularly grinding that we'd given in to corporate sponsorship. It also meant the switch to King Power was easier to take as the stadium didn't exactly have a 'traditional' name to start with. Besides, I think "KING POWER" sounds a lot better than some of the potential alternatives (I'm looking at you, Sports Direct Arena).

 

3. 

The owners tried the whole 'Man City of the Championship' approach when we appointed Sven, but that simply led us to spending obscene amounts of money on a mediocre team full of supposedly 'great' individuals. It took a more shrewd approach from Nigel Pearson to lead us to our current stage where we actually have a team that has been assembled through clever scouting and a solid business plan, instead of simply throwing money at big-name players and hoping they'll do a job for us. To an outsider, our signings under Sven probably seemed a lot more 'impressive' than any of Pearson's, but the way Pearson operates is far more impressive than anything Sven has ever done. And that's coming from someone who didn't want Sven to be sacked when he was.

 

4. 

Obviously it feels dangerous to be overly optimistic about your own team, but I think we'll do well, in that we'll stay up and make a decent fight of it. Plenty of people will write us off, based on nothing other than the fact that the closest we currently have to a household name is David Nugent, but looking at the quality of the bottom half of the Premier League last season, it'd be very naive to suggest that we don't have the quality to finish above the likes of West Brom, Hull, Swansea, Sunderland, etc, not to mention Burnley and QPR coming up with us. I'm not saying that we will, but we certainly have the ability to.

 

5.

Decent, well run club, that are far more likeable than their neighbours. I'd be ecstatic if we could one day emulate Everton's success, in that they're a solid, Premier League outfit, playing good football, not ridiculously overspending, with no immediate danger of being relegated, and always 'up there', challenging for Europe. It's hard to look beyond 5th place for Everton once more, but I've no doubt you'll have yet another enjoyable season.

 

6.

Most looking forward to playing Newcastle, Man Utd and Liverpool, because of people I know that support them. But at the same time, I'm also looking forward to playing the 'lesser' teams as I feel that'll be where the key to our success will lie.

[Mapperleyfox]

1: Can you explain what it has been like to go through such a dramatic decade (at least) of football supporting and how does it feel to finally return to the top flight after such a journey?

 

Been painful to watch over the last few years mostly, apart from last season. How i feel depends on how well we perform this time now we're back. If we go straight back down it's gonna be tough to bounce back...

 

 

2: How have you found the constant Stadium name changes and indeed the ground move?

 

Don't care about the name change but preferred Filbert Street overall. Although we had to move to progress as they couldn't rebuild the old ground.

 

3. Despite reports over the last few years of 'huge investment' from your owners 'Asian Football Investments' there are few of your players that I would know by name, and so far your inbound transfers aren't exactly making the headlines, so do your owners actually have the ambition to 'stay' in the Premier League, in terms of bolstering the squad with proven faces, given their wealth?

 

Our owners state they want to sustain the club in the Premier League, and appear to have the financial clout to do so. Our philosophy though is not to overspend like QPR but identify and grow young, hungry players with potential to improve and/or make us a profit if we sell.

 

I mean Mathew Upson is 35 and has been playing for Brighton for example. You could have a team full of unknown world beaters, as let's face it, it's the 'team' that makes the difference, but am I being disrespectful by suggesting you might need a little Premier League experience in your squad?

 

The jury is out on many of the squad, so in a way we are gambling that they can cope with this level of football. Pearson seems to be showing faith in most of the tream that got us here, supplemented with a bit of quality/experience. Plenty of the transfer window left & i'd expect one or two more in before it closes.

 

4. What are your expectations of the season in terms of success, and how do you think your squad will match up against the Premier Leagues bank rolling?

 

I'd take staying up by the skin of our teeth and then build gradually. About time we had a proper cup run though...

 

 

5. What are your thoughts about Everton FC, in particular our recent history and squad?

 

Good club, decent fan base & travelling support. Over achieved in recent years when you look at transfer outlay. I'd expect top 8 again for Everton this year although champions league spot might be asking a lot given the other teams in the mix.

 

6. Finally, which teams are you excited about facing the most, and are there any teams that you particularly don't like?

 

Looking forward to the big teams at home. I dislike Chelsea, Spurs, QPR in particular, although i'm not fond of many other teams in general.

[foxfanazer]

1: It feels fantastic! We've had some torrid years in that decade and some really cruel defeats in playoffs. It's not been all had though and last season was my favourite supporting City

2. Due to my tender/ish years most of my memories are from the 'new stadium'. It gets a lot of stick for being soulless and boring but I love it personally. Prefer King Power to Walkers as well

3. Who knows? Nige and his team have proven to be quite savvy in the past with their signings so I have faith and I feel last season's team could be good enough to stay up. Cambiasso is an exciting rumour

4. All about staying up for the first season. Anywhere from 12th to 17th imo

5.Always liked Everton as a club. My uncle is an Everton fan so maybe that's why but you just seem like a proper traditional club.

6. Chelsea, United and Arsenal. Strangely I'm looking forward to Villa as well

[Captain...]

1. To be honest it was soul destroying watching a club just give up, our descent into League one tested of all of us and our passion for this club. It wasn't even the relegation season that did it, it was the dross before that, at least that season there were mitigating circumstances, and Holloway, whatever you think of his ability as a manager, he at least made it feel like he was hurting as much as we were. We had been bang average and going through the motions for years before we got relegated. You resented paying your money to watch the pathetic shower we had become. Pearson changed all that when he first came to the club and we nearly undid it all by allowing him to leave for Sousa and then Sven spunking it up the wall on mercenaries. No he is back and we are back among the elite, it really does make it all the sweeter for having to keep the faith when times were tough. 

 

2. Meh, bigger better ground was needed, the name changes are irrelevant, but the fact that the atmosphere has never been the same since we left is more of an issue, not helped by the performances on the pitch.

 

3. The owners tried the throwing money at anyone vaguely well known route with Sven and his numerous Loans including Yakubu, Kamara, Kirkland, Curtis Davies and any big 4 youth team player we could recruit, as well as signing "name" players like Darius Vassell, Michael Johnson, John Paintsil, Beckford, Fernandes, Michael Ball...

 

They have now realised that a team is not made up of well known and well paid individuals, our recruitment is now lead by a man with a clear vision of the type of player he wants, in terms of attitude and ability and supported by a very good scouting network, as well as a pay structure in place to ensure no dressing room squabbles over money. You may not have heard of them, but Nigel has and knows exactly what they can offer and how that will benefit our team. We are still a little light and need a few more signings, but the players you haven't heard of will hopefully surprise you on Saturday.

 

4. 17th or above will count as a successful season, we are in no doubts about that, we feel that we can compete amongst the lower tier of the prem, and could well get a top 10 finish and beat the likes of Newcastle, West Ham, Swansea, Stoke, but we could also really find ourselves struggling especially with a tough start to the season and so many unknown factors.

 

5. Don't mind Everton, prefer them now under Martinez than under Moyes, but I don't think they will ever be better than the best of the rest when it comes to the Premier League.

 

6. Pretty much all of them, except QPR and Burnley.

[HesNotGudjonsonn2]

Firstly can I say that I haven't read other peoples responses so apologies if they are rather similar which I am sure may well happen.

 

1: Can you explain what it has been like to go through such a dramatic decade (at least) of football  supporting and how does it feel to finally return to the top flight after such a journey?

When we were relegated from the Premier League for the last time at first I thought that we would go straight back up. I imagine everyone who gets relegated thinks the same but we are never privvy to the behind the scenes information and before you know it players are on their way out and the team simply isn't gelling. For the next few seasons we seemed to be slowly deteriorating and getting lesser standard managers and lesser standard players. We just kept slipping lower and lower down the Championship. Then finally under Ian Holloway, though he can't really be held accountable, the best thing possible happened to us. We were relegated to league 1. I'm not saying that I wanted to see us down in that division but it rejuvenated us. Pearson came in and we had one of the best seasons for a long time and it was a lot of fun. To think we had a striker with 20 goals before Christmas. I doubt that will happen again. Since we have been back in the Championship I can't help but feel had we stuck with NP we would have been up earlier but with the changes of managers it seemed to slow our progress. Under Paulo Sousa there was nothing to cheer about except possibly the most beautifully kept head of footballing hair since David Ginola but hair doth not maketh Manager. Then in came Sven and it was a circus but it was exciting. We had some good players on loan in the team but sadly his actual purchases were not the greatest. The excitement with having Sven manage you is when you hear rumours linking you to Beckham, Owen and the like...you actually think it may happen. The greatest thing under Sven was the loan of Yakubu and watching the difference in standard between him and other strikers in the the division. He was slightly round, didn't move much but he could score with a wink and that is all you ask of a striker. Anyway, we were still languishing around mid table under Sven and when a Darius Henderson inspired Millwall beat us it was the end of the line. In comes none other than Nigel Pearson again and things started looking up quite quickly. Under his first full season back we managed to reach the play off semi finals and just miss out unfortunately but then came last season and the enjoyment and fun of football returned again. It was the most fun since the League 1 season and I just hope we can have more fun seasons back in the Premier League.

 

 

2: How have you found the constant Stadium name changes and indeed the ground move?

 

To be fair it has only changed it's name twice in my lifetime, once from Filbert Street to the Walkers Stadium but that was actually a move and not so much of a name change and then to the King Power station due to sponsorship and ownership. I don't mind what they call it as I still often refer to it as Filbert Street even though that is quite wrong.

 

 

3. Despite reports over the last few years of 'huge investment' from your owners 'Asian Football Investments' there are few of 

 

your players that I would know by name, and so far your inbound transfers aren't exactly making the 

 

headlines, so do your owners actually have the ambition to 'stay' in the Premier League, in terms of 

 

bolstering the squad with proven faces, given their wealth?

 

I think in our management team we have a good ability to spot and nurture talent.  We also seem to have a good coaching structure which helps new players gel with the team quite quickly. I think a lot of our purchases are bought more for what they bring to the team and whether it is a style or ability we are looking for as opposed to spending big on well known players who may not fit in and may cause disharmony. Many teams have tried the latter to compete and many have failed, QPR two seasons ago is a great example. We have all heard of Chris Samba and didn't that work out well. I suppose we could also go and buy Fernando Torres for 50 million as we will surely succeed with that purchase.

 

 

I mean Mathew Upson is 35 and has been playing for Brighton for example. You could have a team full 

 

of unknown world beaters, as let's face it, it's the 'team' that makes the difference, but am I being 

 

disrespectful by suggesting you might need a little Premier League experience in your squad?

 

It is true that we have limited Premier League experience from Schmeichal, Nugent, GTF, Wood, Albrighton, Konchesky and Upson but we do have a lot of players who have graduated from top academies and trained alongside the great players. People like Drinkwater, James and De Laet all trained and learnt from Sir Alex and his team and trained with players like Scholes, Giggs etc.. I think a lot would have rubbed off on them and they would have developed with this tutalage. Also remember that our manager has a lot of top division experience that he can install in the players and then you have players like Wasileski who has a lot of international experience and hopefully Cambiasso which will be such a benefit in so many ways. I think we all have to remember that we are quite a young squad and you can't get experience without being there so this is their opportunity for experience.

 

 

4. What are your expectations of the season in terms of success, and how do you think your squad will 

 

match up against the Premier Leagues bank rolling?

 

It would be nice to get carried away and be over optimistic but as long as we avoid the drop this season it is quota filled for the management. I would like to think we can manage a sensible 15th. We are not going to be the push overs that a lot of people think simply because they don't know much about us. I believe it was your commentators on the Everton TV site during the friendly who clearly didn't know any of our players and would be commenting about a player not mentioning his name until his back was facing the camera and they could read it. We are an unknown quantity but this will be to our advantage. I can't imagine our owners are going to go on an all out spending spree like the big boys just yet but you never know what may happen in a few seasons. The purchase of Robinho started the wheels at Man City, the purchase of Gullit started the Chelsea revolution so maybe the purchase of Cambiasso could be the catalyst of our own.

 

 

5. What are your thoughts about Everton FC, in particular our recent history and squad?

 

I think you have definitely come along way since the last season we were together in a division. Looking through your team you clearly have some solid premier league standard players, some exciting top players and some young talents. I think you will be pushing for around 5th this season so as long as you decide to get started after the first week of the season then we are all happy.

 

 

6. Finally, which teams are you excited about facing the most, and are there any teams that you 

 

particularly don't like?

 

We have to beat Stoke and Villa twice so that i can shut up some very arrogant people I know and if we can do QPR twice then I'm sure we will all be very happy. It would be nice to take a few points off the tops teams and as long as we accumulate enough to stay up this season and then develop from there I will consider it a successful season.

[The Year Of The Fox]

1: Can you explain what it has been like to go through such a dramatic decade (at least) of football 

 

supporting and how does it feel to finally return to the top flight after such a journey?

It's been awful! The minute Wood scored the 2nd v Burnley was the time I knew we'd done it. All the relief came out at that point. I'm now finally over the shootout at Cardiff and more recently Watford away, but you have to experience those lows to really appreciate the highs.

 

 

2: How have you found the constant Stadium name changes and indeed the ground move?

Couldn't give a stuff about name changes but I can't stand the new ground, its soulless look and flat atmosphere. Filbert St was a ground better teams feared coming to.

 

 

3. Despite reports over the last few years of 'huge investment' from your owners 'Asian Football Investments' there are few of your players that I would know by name, and so far your inbound transfers aren't exactly making the headlines, so do your owners actually have the ambition to 'stay' in the Premier League, in terms of bolstering the squad with proven faces, given their wealth?

 

I mean Mathew Upson is 35 and has been playing for Brighton for example. You could have a team full 

 

of unknown world beaters, as let's face it, it's the 'team' that makes the difference, but am I being 

 

disrespectful by suggesting you might need a little Premier League experience in your squad?

I said all along we only need minor tweaks to our side last year to have a realistic chance of survival. Sir Nige has the financial backing I've no doubt, he's just usually incredibly shrewd, more so than other sides/supporters will be aware.

He'll be England manager within 20 years, but yeh we need a little PL experience.

 

4. What are your expectations of the season in terms of success, and how do you think your squad will 

 

match up against the Premier Leagues bank rolling?

I'm going for a 15th place finish. At times last season we would've held our own with the bottom 10 and I think the gap between the top of the championship and bottom of the prem is quite small.

As for the second league in the PL I just hope we don't try and absorb pressure how we did v man city in the cup last season, we were toothless and it was gutting. (Although we had two huge games either side of that match)

Play our own game particularly at home and we will get a couple of surprise results against the top sides.

 

 

5. What are your thoughts about Everton FC, in particular our recent history and squad?

Like your club and the fans I've met so far. Your manager is a gent and in Barkley we have Gerrards replacement for England.

6. Finally, which teams are you excited about facing the most, and are there any teams that you 

 

particularly don't like?

Liverpool. I absolutely despise the scum.

How many Liverpool fans does it take to change a lightbulb?

None. They all sit around in the dark talking about how good the old one was.

[Vacamion]

 

Welcome back to the Premier League to all your fans, and good luck for the season.

 

I'd be grateful if you would answer a few well intended questions for our forum, which will be posted on our website as part of our Match Day thread.

 

I've deliberately kept it short, so thanks for any participation.

 

All the best.

 

Love Everton Forum

www.loveevertonforum.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

5. What are your thoughts about Everton FC, in particular our recent history and squad?

 

 

6. Finally, which teams are you excited about facing the most, and are there any teams that you 

 

particularly don't like?

 

Thanks very much.

 

 

 

Same responses pretty much as everybody else, really but wanted to add: 

 

 

 5. What are your thoughts about Everton FC, in particular our recent history and squad?

 

A part of me wonders why you didn't overtake and then streak ahead of Liverpool when you were improving and they were in the doldrums.  I fear that the opportunity has passed you by. They certainly chuck more money around than you. That said, you have great young players and a likeable Manager and Chairman.  Never met an Evertonian I didn't like 

 

 

 

6. Finally, which teams are you excited about facing the most, and are there any teams that you particularly don't like?

 

City's local rivals Forest, Derby, Cov and (to a far lesser extent Peterborough) are all in the lower divisions, so we're all on our own.  You may have noticed that the East Midlands has not been a footballing powerhouse of late...

 

I can imagine the media using the term "midlands Derby" for City -v- Villa, but they are not really our rivals.

 

 

 

[lcfc_amie]

1: Can you explain what it has been like to go through such a dramatic decade (at least) of football 

 

supporting and how does it feel to finally return to the top flight after such a journey?

 

I see it as being part of supporting a club like Leicester - it's what makes it exciting in a way. Administration wasn't nice, but I was only young then & didn't fully understand how close we were to losing our football club. Relegation isn't nice either, but you go back the next season with renewed optimism and hope. 

One thing I will say is that the lows make the highs so much better. Last season was just unbelievable, & I still get giddy thinking about it now. A couple of minutes just before kick off at the last game of the season is a moment I'll never forget , knowing we are finally back after 10 years away is one of the best feelings ever! 

 

2: How have you found the constant Stadium name changes and indeed the ground move?

It doesn't bother me at all. I refer to the stadium as 'the KP' now, but I know a lot call it 'Filbert Way'. I think it's because it's never had a traditional name, so there's nothing really lost. I think it'll be the 'King Power stadium' for many years to come now though.

I was only 11 when we moved from Filbo, & my 1st ST was when we were already at the KP, so I do have fond memories of Filbo, but most of my happy Leicester memories come from the KP (& a lot from last season).

 

3. Despite reports over the last few years of 'huge investment' from your owners 'Asian Football Investments' there are few of 

 

your players that I would know by name, and so far your inbound transfers aren't exactly making the 

 

headlines, so do your owners actually have the ambition to 'stay' in the Premier League, in terms of 

 

bolstering the squad with proven faces, given their wealth?

 

Definitely! Nigel is not the sort to spend a massive amount of money on new players. We smashed the league last season, so he is putting faith in our young and up and coming squad. The few additions we have made are adding to the squad really well. Upson & Albrighton give us the experience, Hamer is a much needed back up for Kasper, & Ulloa gives us another dimension up front.

And if the signing of Cambiasso comes off, that will be a big statement of intent...it shows that Pearson isn't scared of signing big names, but they have to have the right attitude to fit nicely into the squad.  

 

I mean Mathew Upson is 35 and has been playing for Brighton for example. You could have a team full 

 

of unknown world beaters, as let's face it, it's the 'team' that makes the difference, but am I being 

 

disrespectful by suggesting you might need a little Premier League experience in your squad?

We do need experience, but I think you'll be surprised by some of the up & coming players we have. I wouldn't be surprised to see at least one of them called up to the England squad within the next 3 or so years. 

 

4. What are your expectations of the season in terms of success, and how do you think your squad will 

 

match up against the Premier Leagues bank rolling?

We're under no illusions how hard it will be. Hopefully we'll surprise a few. I will take 17th right now if you offer it to me. But I think we have the quality & team spirit to achieve better than that. 

 

5. What are your thoughts about Everton FC, in particular our recent history and squad?

Everton have always been a team I've had a bit of a soft spot for. I can't really pick out why, you just seem like a good club. You have some great players. and it will be a hard opening game for us. 

I can see you pushing for the champions league again this season. 

 

6. Finally, which teams are you excited about facing the most, and are there any teams that you 

 

particularly don't like?

 

Everyone! Just being in the Premier league is exciting, so every game is as big as the next one. 

I'm not too keen on QPR, I just don't think they really deserved promotion last season, and I've gone right off 'Arry over the last few months. Sean Dyche had also done himself no favours with the Leicester fans, with his 'many pound notes' comment. 

 

I hope this helps 

[loveevertonforum]

Thanks again. All posted. I'll have to find a secretary to help me keep up ha ha. Great replies.

[roger the dodger]

 

Welcome back to the Premier League to all your fans, and good luck for the season.

 

I'd be grateful if you would answer a few well intended questions for our forum, which will be posted on our website as part of our Match Day thread.

 

I've deliberately kept it short, so thanks for any participation.

 

All the best.

 

Love Everton Forum

www.loveevertonforum.com

 

 

 

10 years since we last played you in the Premier League, with a goal from none other than Wayne 

 

Rooney not enough to stop on loan Marcus Bent (who would eventually sign for Everton) from scraping 

 

an equalizer in the 92 minute at the Walker Stadium.

 

Everton finished in 17th place that thoroughly miserable season, one place above Leicester City, who 

 

were relegated, along with Leeds and Wolves.

 

As if that wasn't bad enough after also having to go through administration a few years earlier, you then 

 

fell through the trap door once more into the 3rd tier of English football.

 

But, lots of managers and one or two Chairmen later, you're back, and I have to start by saying both 

 

congratulations, and indeed 'respect', as it must have been one heck of a ride, and sometimes as 

 

Everton supporters it's easy to forget how lucky we are not to have had to experience what your fans 

 

have been through.

 

After supporting Everton for over 40 years, I've seen some highs, including league titles and cup wins, 

 

and some real boring transitions where we were mediocre and lacking for long periods, but I can 

 

honestly say that I've never experienced relegation, and never experienced the thrill of promotion, so I 

 

think the first question surely has to be the following:

 

 

 

1: Can you explain what it has been like to go through such a dramatic decade (at least) of football 

 

supporting and how does it feel to finally return to the top flight after such a journey?

great to be back going down to league one was horrible

 

2: How have you found the constant Stadium name changes and indeed the ground move?

prefer the old stadium at filbert street new stadium has no atmosphere 

 

3. Despite reports over the last few years of 'huge investment' from your owners 'Asian Football Investments' there are few of 

 

your players that I would know by name, and so far your inbound transfers aren't exactly making the 

 

headlines, so do your owners actually have the ambition to 'stay' in the Premier League, in terms of 

 

bolstering the squad with proven faces, given their wealth?

they will if we need them. there are at least 7 or 8 teams i think we will Finnish above

 

I mean Mathew Upson is 35 and has been playing for Brighton for example. You could have a team full 

 

of unknown world beaters, as let's face it, it's the 'team' that makes the difference, but am I being 

 

disrespectful by suggesting you might need a little Premier League experience in your squad?

maybe but lets see what some of last seasons squad do first

 

4. What are your expectations of the season in terms of success, and how do you think your squad will 

 

match up against the Premier Leagues bank rolling?

mid table i think. we have money a plenty if we need it

 

5. What are your thoughts about Everton FC, in particular our recent history and squad?

think you have been living in the shadow of Liverpool for too long Liverpool will always be the big club on Merseyside

 

6. Finally, which teams are you excited about facing the most, and are there any teams that you 

 

particularly don't like?

the big six for the chance of beating them. but hate man utd spurs chelsea arsenal and of course teams we won.t be playing i.e Notts trees and sheep shaggers derby

Thanks very much.

 

[Saxondale]

1: Can you explain what it has been like to go through such a dramatic decade (at least) of football 

 

I wouldn't really call it dramatic. It's been turbulent. We went from being a good, established top flight team to different shades of poor. Trying to build ourselves back up again has been long-winded, exasperating and, ultimately, exciting.

supporting and how does it feel to finally return to the top flight after such a journey?

 

A relief. After a few 'nearly' moments, it felt like it would never happen.

2: How have you found the constant Stadium name changes and indeed the ground move?

 

Filbert Street was unique and brilliant. It's easy to get nostalgic and to miss its cauldron atmosphere but we must be realistic and remember that, when we were back there, we were desperate cor a move to somewhere more fit for purpose. Thankfully, the old and new grounds are only metres apart, so the old matchday experience is not completely lost.

3. Despite reports over the last few years of 'huge investment' from your owners 'Asian Football Investments' there are few of 

 

your players that I would know by name, and so far your inbound transfers aren't exactly making the 

 

headlines, so do your owners actually have the ambition to 'stay' in the Premier League, in terms of 

 

bolstering the squad with proven faces, given their wealth?

 

Yes. But Nigel will only spend their money wisely. We trust him and them!

 

I mean Mathew Upson is 35 and has been playing for Brighton for example. You could have a team full 

 

of unknown world beaters, as let's face it, it's the 'team' that makes the difference, but am I being 

 

disrespectful by suggesting you might need a little Premier League experience in your squad?

 

A bit, yes. But I think we surprise people this year with how good our current crop of players really are.

 

4. What are your expectations of the season in terms of success, and how do you think your squad will 

 

match up against the Premier Leagues bank rolling?

It really is impossible to say. We need a little bit of luck and to maintain some momentum. We have a very tough start and I think it's important that, if the first few games a struggle, the morale doesn't collapse.

 

5. What are your thoughts about Everton FC, in particular our recent history and squad?

Soft spot for them because one of my best mates supports them. Also, having lived near Liverpool for a while, I respect what football means to the place and the unique relationship between yourselves and LFC. You seem to do things right - good managers who play good football and spend wisely.

 

6. Finally, which teams are you excited about facing the most, and are there any teams that you 

 

particularly don't like?

I hate Chelsea.

 

Thanks very much.

[Brauny Fox]

1: Can you explain what it has been like to go through such a dramatic decade (at least) of football 

    supporting and how does it feel to finally return to the top flight after such a journey?

 

Personally, I've enjoyed the ride, been some really good times thrown in amongst the anguish and that is what makes the sport so great. However, now we are back, I want to stay here!

 

 

2: How have you found the constant Stadium name changes and indeed the ground move?

 

Stadium name doesn't bother me I do miss Filbert Street though. We made it difficult for teams to come to Filbert Street with the atmosphere and the 'closed in' effect, atmosphere is getting there at the KP but nowhere near what it was at Filbert Street.

 

 

3. Despite reports over the last few years of 'huge investment' from your owners 'Asian Football Investments' there are few of 

    your players that I would know by name, and so far your inbound transfers aren't exactly making the 

    headlines, so do your owners actually have the ambition to 'stay' in the Premier League, in terms of bolstering the squad with proven faces, given their wealth?

 

Of course they have ambition! Right now we have a manager that is building something special based on a team ethic, no big time charlies required. The Sven days have given us the tag of 'big spending Leicester' when in fact under Pearson we haven't needed to spend big to get where we are, why change our plans now?

 

 

I mean Mathew Upson is 35 and has been playing for Brighton for example. You could have a team full 

of unknown world beaters, as let's face it, it's the 'team' that makes the difference, but am I being 

disrespectful by suggesting you might need a little Premier League experience in your squad?

 

Not a lot of Premier League clubs fans will have heard of De Laet, Wasilewski, James, Drinkwater, Mahrez, Knockaert etc. and if they do its because they made their name at Leicester. The Premier League team we want started last season, we are building a team...too many changes would disrupt that. Also, I think it would be impossible to recruit unknown players that are world beaters, world beaters are generally known!?

 

 

4. What are your expectations of the season in terms of success, and how do you think your squad will match up against the Premier Leagues bank rolling?

 

We will survive, we won't concede too many, especially at home. We play stylish, attractive but disciplined football and that will be enough for us to stay up. Like Everton, we have coaching staff that get results, its not necessarily all about those on the pitch.  A successful season would be 17th and a cup run.

 

 

5. What are your thoughts about Everton FC, in particular our recent history and squad?

 

Extremely well managed club with good support and a great record of bringing through youngsters. The national team kind of relies on clubs like Everton for the future.....don't change and start buying foreign youth! I think Everton will again look to break through into the Champions League places, if you can maybe look at strengthening your forward line. Lukaku will need cover!

 

 

6. Finally, which teams are you excited about facing the most, and are there any teams that you particularly don't like?

 

I'm looking forward to all of it! I'm not a fan of Manchester City and Chelsea for obvious reasons and I don't really like any London clubs or Aston Villa. I'm looking forward to seeing the shock on the 'big teams' fans faces when they leave the KP with nothing! 

[Kitchandro]

1: Can you explain what it has been like to go through such a dramatic decade (at least) of football 

 

supporting and how does it feel to finally return to the top flight after such a journey?

 

TBH, some of it has been dramatic, but a lot of it has been boring more than anything else. This time last year all I could think about was just how bored I was of the Championship. As you can expect though, it had the odd moments of both excruciatingly painful & the great highs amongst years of hope, disappointment and pointlessness. Nah, I don't miss it...yet

 

2: How have you found the constant Stadium name changes and indeed the ground move?

 

I can't remember the ground move much, but my conclusion is we probably were right to move out. Sadly, we moved into an ugly, crap stadium. I'm not that bothered about the name, without major redevelopment it will always be crap.

 

3. Despite reports over the last few years of 'huge investment' from your owners 'Asian Football Investments' there are few of 

 

your players that I would know by name, and so far your inbound transfers aren't exactly making the 

 

headlines, so do your owners actually have the ambition to 'stay' in the Premier League, in terms of 

 

bolstering the squad with proven faces, given their wealth?

 

I mean Mathew Upson is 35 and has been playing for Brighton for example. You could have a team full 

 

of unknown world beaters, as let's face it, it's the 'team' that makes the difference, but am I being 

 

disrespectful by suggesting you might need a little Premier League experience in your squad?

 

I should think they do, they have backed us financially so far, it wouldn't make sense to stop now. Then again, FFP is supposed to be controlling that sort of thing, isn't it?

 

Not sure what you mean about Upson, he has Premier League experience? I'm probably getting the wrong end of the stick. Some of our more unknown players will impress I'm sure. Look out for Drinkwater and Mahrez in particular. We are in talks with a very experienced Argentine, if you haven't heard

That's not to say I wouldn't like a couple more signings, because I would. But whether they've had loads of PL experience or not, doesn't really bother me too much. What we need is quality and commitment.
 

4. What are your expectations of the season in terms of success, and how do you think your squad will 

 

match up against the Premier Leagues bank rolling?

 

I think we'll do ok, if I'm honest. I don't think we'll trouble the top half but there's a blanket of average teams in the bottom half. Our squad needs a bit adding to it for me (at the back, mainly) to be totally comfortable with it, but I have faith in our core group.
 

5. What are your thoughts about Everton FC, in particular our recent history and squad?

I like Everton as a club, their ground is possibly my favourite. I also really admire Martinez. Other than against us I wish you well.

 

6. Finally, which teams are you excited about facing the most, and are there any teams that you 

 

particularly don't like?

 

Don't like? where do I start?

 

Particularly hate Chelsea, QPR & Man Utd. I'm just excited to be playing in the top flight again, with full crowds, and being noticed again. Obviously beating one of the big boys would be great, but I take no pleasure in watching big clubs thrash us.

[promised land]

1: Can you explain what it has been like to go through such a dramatic decade (at least) of football supporting and how does it feel to finally return to the top flight after such a journey?

In football nowadays there are very few teams that seem to just plod along every season in one league, the highs and lows are what makes supporting your club so good, ok the lows are not nice, they're absolutely horrible but there are two sides to every coin and it does go the other way at times and then the celebrations are so much more special.

Administration and not knowing where your club is going is the real low point, relegation you can overcome like we did to league 1, at the time you hate it, but the ride back makes it a time that will stick in your mind as part of the clubs history.

Last season was epic, I for one didn't think for one minute we'd have such success, I was at Vicarage Road in the play offs when we lost in such extreme circumstances, it was not nice. I thought top 6 last season would be good, the first away at Boro, we went behind, then came back and won. Something we never used to be able to do, this carried on throughout the season.

Loftus Road in December was where you thought to yourself, this could be setting up for a great season, then at Turf Moor when Chris Wood put the second in and we were guaranteed a play off place you started to believe the title was going to be ours, still a way to go but we hadn't given up that top spot since Christmas.

2: How have you found the constant Stadium name changes and indeed the ground move?

It's changed once from Walkers to King Power so not really fussed, it isn't Filbert Street so shouldn't be called that, times change and things move on, it's part of football now across all leagues.

3. Despite reports over the last few years of 'huge investment' from your owners 'Asian Football Investments' there are few of your players that I would know by name, and so far your inbound transfers aren't exactly making the headlines, so do your owners actually have the ambition to 'stay' in the Premier League, in terms of bolstering the squad with proven faces, given their wealth?

I mean Mathew Upson is 35 and has been playing for Brighton for example. You could have a team full

of unknown world beaters, as let's face it, it's the 'team' that makes the difference, but am I being

disrespectful by suggesting you might need a little Premier League experience in your squad?

Firstly you're being disrespectful of our owners as in December they wiped out all our debt so technically couldn't just sell up and clear off, they also bought the ground. But I'll let you off these facts.

FFP holds back the purse strings in the football league, our owners are fantastic, we couldn't ask for more, the set up and sourcing of players works very well, we won't get Messi,Ronaldo and the likes because we are not a club anywhere near those levels but they get players who Nigel wants who can fit into the squad and want to be here to play for the club, the Sven era was comical really when you look back.

4. What are your expectations of the season in terms of success, and how do you think your squad will

match up against the Premier Leagues bank rolling?

17th I will take, survival is first and formost, anything else is a bonus, hopefully it won't be a last day survival win against QPR.

5. What are your thoughts about Everton FC, in particular our recent history and squad?

You seem to be moving in the right directions like we are, although to keep on pushing forwards have you got the squad, finances to break into the elusive top four? Spurs a few seasons back looked like they were heading that way when they qualified for the Champions league, as one pundit said at the time, they need to do it reguarly now and not let this be just a one off, which it was.

Can you go further?

6. Finally, which teams are you excited about facing the most, and are there any teams that you particularly don't like?

All the games I shall look forward too, home and away, the big boys when they turn up to see how we deal with them and if we can get anything from the games, then the lower Premier league sides are just as if not more exciting as these are the teams we are competing against and the ones where we will be getting our points from mainly.

What I have noticed during the break since we won the Championship, is how very little Premier league club fans know about football underneath them, it's like it's almost non league to some fans. Yes there are going to be the ones who look at all the results and know players in certain teams but reading forums and chatting to fans, a lot seem ignorant to the fact there are 72 other clubs in the top four leagues.

I was in London the other week, a gunners fan (on his way to the Emirates Cup)in his new Arsenal top I was chatting to didn't even know we were promoted and playing in the Premier league this season, I've read a lot like this over the summer, now I cannot name all the squads and teams in all the leagues down to Evo Stik Northern Premier but I do look at the results, tables, reports watch the FL show and could tell you who is in what league.

A fan on one of your forums when we were playing the friendly said he knew why Everton were in Thailand but didn't know why we were out there.

Maybe it's because they are fans of the few clubs that like yourself have never experienced any other league, now I'm not tarring them all with the same brush, it was just an observation.

The top flight is a strange one as all through the league pyramid every season the strongest clubs go up a tier, the weakest drop a tier, this goes on until you get to the top where the weakest still drop out but the strongest can't move on to the next level.

It almost breaks the Premier league into 3 mini leagues, the top 4 or 5 who have a real chance of taking the title, then Spurs, yourself and up til the last few seasons Villa who will never drop out the league and always seem to be just outside the heavy weights, then it's made up of the rest who go up and down through the course of time. Manchester City were probably the last club to effectively buy their way through the league, could it happen again?

What is certain is no club will come out of the blue and win the league like in past decades, Forest for example.

[Xen]

1. It's been a mix, really. I started actively supporting City in our last year in the premiership, and the first few years were horrendously depressing. Repeatedly finishing in the bottom half of the championship was bad enough, but then the manager merry-go-round that sent us down was (obviously) a major low point. Also a blessing in disguise though - Pearson came in and - bar the brief period while he was at Hull - we've enjoyed success ever since. Storming the championship like we've just done would have been unthinkable 5/6 years ago, but here we are.

 

2. Ground move was just before I started going to matches regularly, so I can't comment too much on that. Got a few fond (albeit vague) recollections of the old Filbo Street ground, though. The tadium name change doesn't really bother me either. We could have had a lot worse than the Walkers stadium, and the King power stadium is actually pretty cool sounding as far as sponsored stadiums go.

 

3. Yes. We could do with another experienced head or two, perhaps (hopefully Cambiasso), but they don't need to have prem experience imo - and I personally don't get the fascination with such a concept. Our players have experience of winning, and playing impressive, attacking football, and that will stand us in good stead as we go forward. Maybe not so much against the top sides, but against those that matter (to us), we should be fine. Our players are smart enough as a unit to know that we wont dominate the same way as we did last year, and many of them are experienced from the season prior, so they'll be able to pull through the tougher times. 

Not having any household names is only going to benefit us imo. We're not going to storm the league, but nonetheless we're being vastly underrated by most so far. Particularly the pundits, whose fixation on QPR seems to be helping us go under the radar at the minute.

 

4. Survival. I can see us finishing anywhere from 12th down to 18th to be honest, but I think there are a fair few sides we could hope to finish above. Burnley look pretty weak, as do Villa and WBA, so I would hope to beat all three of those. I don't rate Swansea that much anymore, and I think QPR might struggle despite the 'investment' into their squad. When we played a nearly-full-strength Stoke side away in the cup, we put forward a half-strength XI and ran them close, so I can see us performing not too far off their level (mid-table?) this year.

 

5. Obviously you've got a very strong squad, and one which I think will probably finish 5/6th this season, ahead of Tottenham. Always end up picking the maximum number of Everton players in my fantasy team, and always seem to do well for me haha. Rate Martinez quite highly, and think he's one of the more likeable managers in the league. Can't say Imuch more than that, other than I prefer you/your fans over Liverpool (though recently some of your fans are being FAR too arrogant coming into our game, and it's clear how little a lot of you know about anything below the premiership)

 

6. Cant fvcking stand QPR. Would love to beat Stoke, too. Obviously the big teams are all going to be great to watch, and we'd love to beat, but those are the ones I'd most want to take 6 points from. Them and Dyche's Burnley, too. 

Ideal end to the season would be us to be safe with a meaningless (for us) final game against QPR who are teetering above the dropzone in 17th. They're safe in the 89th minute on goal difference, before we put one past them to send them down. Either that, or a couple early goals so we can watch them suffer for the whole 90..   

[Mickey O'Neil]

 

1: Can you explain what it has been like to go through such a dramatic decade (at least) of football 

 

supporting and how does it feel to finally return to the top flight after such a journey?

 

To be short and sweet, it's been a real roller coaster. It seems we never had a dull moment in this past decade. I'm truly gutted we hit the 3rd tier for the first time, but it was genuinely good down there. A lot of City fans try to block the relegation out of their minds. It happened. As for this promotion, there's a lot of glass-half -empty fans here. I quietly believed we'd collapse and I waited every week for it. Supporting Leicester does that to you!

 

 

2: How have you found the constant Stadium name changes and indeed the ground move?

 

​I don't feel affected by it. I'd be lying if I said I couldn't care less. But, I genuinely feel we have really really good owners and they've paid for the club so it's theirs to name. That won't go down well on here but hey! I can't see them changing names again under their ownership unless they pull off a big deal.

 

 

3. Despite reports over the last few years of 'huge investment' from your owners 'Asian Football Investments' there are few of 

 

your players that I would know by name, and so far your inbound transfers aren't exactly making the 

 

headlines, so do your owners actually have the ambition to 'stay' in the Premier League, in terms of 

 

bolstering the squad with proven faces, given their wealth?

 

 

I mean Mathew Upson is 35 and has been playing for Brighton for example. You could have a team full 

 

of unknown world beaters, as let's face it, it's the 'team' that makes the difference, but am I being 

 

disrespectful by suggesting you might need a little Premier League experience in your squad?

 

​I get where you are coming from. However, we have an absolutely solid management team and I truly believe the players will play hard for them. I'm sick of mercenaries signing for us in the past and I'd rather have what we have now than a big name Billy Big Bollocks. Yes, you do need experience but I honestly believe we have enough skill and experience to stay up at least. We will do a 'Southampton' this year!! We will add one or two more experienced players and Pearson always does an excellent job in doing his homework on new signings. I have faith.

 

 

4. What are your expectations of the season in terms of success, and how do you think your squad will 

 

match up against the Premier Leagues bank rolling?

 

We have a horrendous start, no doubt. We are capable of causing an upset or two through the season though. Success for me would be to stay up in one of the toughest leagues in the world. That's a big ask but we can do it. If we do stay up, we will build on it. There's some outstanding talent in the PL and I'm looking forward to seeing how we fare. As long as we don't get smashed too regularly, I'll be ok! I am expecting one or two hammerings sadly.

 

 

5. What are your thoughts about Everton FC, in particular our recent history and squad?

 

My favourite PL team. I was willing them to pip Arsenal last year. I always wish they finish higher than Liverpool as Leicester is full of plastic Liverpool 'fans'. I think you have a solid squad and a solid manager. Your chairman also seems decent (from afar).  I hope you continue building on your recent successes except for against us!! You also seem to have some exciting young players. 

 

 

6. Finally, which teams are you excited about facing the most, and are there any teams that you 

 

particularly don't like?

 

Spurs, Everton, Villa, West Ham and Newcastle are the games I'm really looking forward to. Add Liverpool and Manure to that list if we can do a job on them!!! 

 

Cannot stand Hull and Stoke. Thug clubs with horrible fans, especially Stoke. Chelsea fans think they're the sh!t 

[cjslcfc]

1: Can you explain what it has been like to go through such a dramatic decade (at least) of football 

 

supporting and how does it feel to finally return to the top flight after such a journey?

 

It's certainly been up and down. We've experienced pretty much everything from relegation to promotion to a revolving managerial door and changing owners. Although we fell to the lowest point in our history (League One), it actually turned out to be a very enjoyable ride and I think it almost refreshed the club and the fans, as well as leading us to first hire Nigel Pearson. He has really provided the main shining light in the last decade in getting us to League One promotion, Championship play-offs and finally to the domination of the Championship last season. Any other managerial period turned out to be a disappointing failure. We've also certainly had to learn a few lessons on how to run a club but now we all feel like we are finally the stable, well-run club we want to be. Hopefully this will be the first of many years at this level again and all of us are extremely excited to see how our younger players cope with the step up.

 

2: How have you found the constant Stadium name changes and indeed the ground move?

 

The name change of this stadium is a non-issue really as it was originally sponsor named when we first moved. It was gutting to leave Filbert Street and many of us, not particularly myself as I am fairly young, look at our time there with great nostalgia. It would be great to have the atmosphere of that old place back, especially to scare some of the big boys this year but overall it was the right thing to move and football has moved on much since then. Filbo still gave me many good childhood memories that, until last season, the new ground had failed to do. I would love more than anything to have a traditional ground with an atmosphere to envy but the King Power is our home and we need to try and make it a fortress, or at least a very difficult place to come this year.

 

3. Despite reports over the last few years of 'huge investment' from your owners 'Asian Football Investments' there are few of 

 

your players that I would know by name, and so far your inbound transfers aren't exactly making the 

 

headlines, so do your owners actually have the ambition to 'stay' in the Premier League, in terms of 

 

bolstering the squad with proven faces, given their wealth?

 

 

I mean Mathew Upson is 35 and has been playing for Brighton for example. You could have a team full 

 

of unknown world beaters, as let's face it, it's the 'team' that makes the difference, but am I being 

 

disrespectful by suggesting you might need a little Premier League experience in your squad?

 

Naturally, as a club coming up from the Championship fans of teams in the Premier League are bound to slightly underestimate our squad and our players. That's no offence to you as, understandably, the hype around the EPL leads to a bubble effect where fans of EPL teams tend to look at that league and nothing else. Nevertheless, we do think we need a little more PL experience in the squad, or players who have played at the top level. Due to our lack of "names" it seems pundits are writing us off and highlighting teams such as QPR because they have a few names they recognise. I'm happy for them to do that because I believe we can really surprise a few of these "experts". We are by no means the stereotypical Championship cloggers. To give you a few examples our 3 main centre midfielders are 2 ex-Man Utd players, aged 23 and 24, and a player who, at the ripe old age of 25, is the club's all-time goalscoring midfielder. Our wingers include a 23-year old Algerian who has just been to the world cup and only really burst onto the scene in January when we purchased him, as well as a 22-year old Frenchman who will keep on improving. Basically we do have a young but exciting and talented squad, probably not far off your Southampton from last year in terms of potential etc... . This may sound like we need some experience but we do have the odd older head in there to steady the ship, which is a deliberate ploy of our manager. Our captain (Morgan) may have spent all his career below the top tier but if Danny fvcking Gabbidon and Damien fvcking Delaney can form a mean defence then I have no doubts he can make the step up. Cambiasso is due to sign tomorrow, which is a real boost and players such as Nugent and Ulloa, although with limited experience of the EPL itself, have much experience of the game with both having a point to prove. Overall, some are concerned about a lack of PL experience but as I have said in another thread. PL experience isn't always bought, it can be made too! Our owners do have cash and ambition but a lot has also been done behind closed doors. Negotiations have been more sensible, we aren't just throwing money around carelessly. They have purchased the stadium, upgraded our academy to Category 1 and invested beyond that. They have a long term plan which they know will cost them but with Nigel Pearson at the helm we won't be making crazy huge money signings for the sake of it.

 

4. What are your expectations of the season in terms of success, and how do you think your squad will 

 

match up against the Premier Leagues bank rolling?

 

Any fan will tell you 17th is enough this season. We all hope and think we can do a little better than that but the realistic target has to be to stay up and not undo all the hard work of the past couple of seasons. A few scalps of the big boys (you'll be happy to know we tend to do well against the red half of merseyside) and safety, as well as a few decent cup games, will constitute a good season back. I know our players and manager, however, will be positive they can make an impact.

 

5. What are your thoughts about Everton FC, in particular our recent history and squad?

 

I've always liked Everton. Proper club with a traditional stadium and seemingly sensible fans which has become part of the furniture in the top tier. Don't know too many fans myself but I always feel like Everton are that team to disturb the top 4 or 5 in the country. With Martinez at the helm I now also think the football you play is top class at times and you have the ability to beat anyone on your day. I really hope you guys can push on and mix it up, as the monotony of United, Chelsea and, more recently, Man City dominating the league is really wearing thin. I also feel you try to do it the right way. We could be abused for throwing money around in the Championship but I have always thought Everton have been a well-run club to aspire to. After a history of selling top players, you are now pushing on to buy some of your own and compete right at the top. Obviously I hope you don't beat us on Saturday but I will be willing you on to breach the top 4.

 

 

6. Finally, which teams are you excited about facing the most, and are there any teams that you 

 

particularly don't like?

 

There's a few I don't like. West Ham for their arrogance and Allardyce's turgid football. QPR because of 'Arry. Arsenal's fans p*ss me off (friends with a few at university). I'm most excited about visiting grounds like Anfield, Goodison, Old Trafford, White Hart Lane etc... as I've never really had the chance to. In terms of a team I am looking forward to playing against.... Every game! Just want the season to start. Maybe playing Arsenal purely because they play class football. However, I say that more in fear than anything else.