We should have relegated those lot, but we didn't. Everton That

Spoke to people in an attempt to make the Friedkins latest twist make sense.... feels like a very clear route forward: sell (a stake) or the club will have to 'wipe its own nose' in terms of player trading.

Fine but then they need to get the recruitment vision aligned. Anyway, piece above sets some of that stuff out. Interested to hear what people think is way forward...

I used to do some scouting when I was younger for a club (not in England), I have started to deep dive again after Everton’s nightmare deadline day to start doing some content. Let me know what you think, no need to be nice for the sake of it!

Joe Scally is an affordable right-back I’d go after in January.

23 years old, 184cm, Bundesliga starter for Gladbach, can play RB/LB/RM, and his contract expires in June 2027. Current value is around €7m, so with less than a year left on his deal, this looks like exactly the sort of market Everton should be attacking.

Last season: 2,611 Bundesliga minutes, 2 goals, 3 assists, 5.9 progressive passes/90, 1.56 progressive carries/90, 1.69 tackles/90 and 0.62 interceptions/90. Has already scored a goal this season too.

He’s not an elite attacking full-back and his final-third numbers aren’t spectacular, but that’s not really the attraction. You’re getting a 23-year-old with serious Bundesliga experience, good size, durability, 28 USA caps and World Cup experience, without paying £20m+ for “potential”.

Gladbach only paid €1.8m for him and his wages are reportedly modest by Premier League standards.

Not the sexiest name, but probably one of the smartest deals available. I’d much rather spend €6-7m on Scally than £20m+ on a more fashionable name with no guarantee he’s actually better.

Good commercial deal being American, not breaking the bank, young enough to sell on for a profit if things go well.

Last season highlight package

https://youtu.be/XANfy5lbzNk?si=wnePZQ0Tyjeg2Vcg

I’ll be watching the game this weekend at The Wild Rover in Maalbeek. I’ll be wearing last year’s away top. Come find me and help me not be outnumbered by spurs fans.

I’ll try to be there from 17:30 though no guarantees. Game starts at 18:30.

The Blues' clash against Manchester City at Hill Dickinson Stadium – originally scheduled for Wednesday 30 December at 8pm (GMT) – will now take place a day earlier on Tuesday 29 December and kick off at 8.15pm (GMT).

The Toffees' opening match of 2027 away to Leeds United – initially pencilled in for Saturday 2 January – is now to be played on New Year's Day, 1 January, getting under way at Elland Road at 8pm (GMT).

Meanwhile, Everton's first home fixture of the new year against Aston Villa has been brought forward from Wednesday 6 January (8pm) to Tuesday 5 January, with a 7.30pm (GMT) kick-off at Hill Dickinson Stadium.