Nil Satis Nisi Optimum, the Latin phrase that is on the emblem of Everton FC. This is the motto of our once-great club. The truth is, as an Evertonian all mylife, I’ve learnt to accept the fact that our last seen glory days could only be traced back to 17 long years ago. Since then, we have had a couple of trips to Wembley and somehow or another a keen interest towards relegation dogfights. 39 points sends you down most seasons. The game against Man City should have been the final relegation place decider. It's only because of what happened to Leeds that we can finish fourth from bottom not third. We have an ageing squad of little saleable value.

Last season was terrific with the gift of wonder kid Rooney bursting into the scene with the infamous goal that stopped Arsenal’s unbeaten record (then), DavidMoyes’ tactical arrangement and his master in motivation managed to secure us numerous victories!!On the face of it, this season has been a shocker, especially after the highs of last season and the promising prospect of the ‘awakening of the sleepinggiant’. But in all honesty the cracks were appearing before the first day at Highbury where the Gunners had Sol Campbell sent off and yet that still lead us to an outcome of a 1-2. The run-in to end last season was as bad as this one, but the euphoria of seeing ourselves in the top half conveniently airbrushed that from most memories. Both full seasons under Moyes can now be consigned to the history books... But what about the future?

There is a group at Goodison who will be remembered by Evertonians for generations to come. But for all the wrong reasons!! They are simply the Everton Directors who have failed over the years to bring success to one of the best-supported clubs in the Premiership. They have persistently lied to the fans about a new ground, an academy, transfer funds etc. They have also misled the manager, Moyes who otherwise would have never taken this job. Unless they take out their fat wallets and give the manager adequate funds, I feel that we will be all but relegated by next Christmas. If Mr.Kenwright (Chairman of Everton) and the rest are pleading poverty, why not resign then and give this opportunity to someone who would fill in the club’s needs? Or has the prestige of owning the club gone to his head? Be a true supporter, let someone else with funds take over the club. Otherwise, you will be remembered in our history as the man who stood by with his hands (and wallet) in his pockets and watched our beloved club slide relentlessly into oblivion.

However we have a few players who should have good futures in the game:

1)Of course, there's ‘The Duke’ Rooney. Need I say more about the wonder kid?
2)Joseph ‘Joey’ Yobo has the ability to become one of the best centre backs in the world. Concentration is the key with him. He reads the game very well.
3)Tony Hibbert made a couple of mistakes but he looked to have regained a lot of his mobility and sharpness that we remember. Well, he’s still learning…
4)James McFadden!! There is obviously no doubt on this lad’s ability. He proved it in the SPL and even in the international games for Scotland and he was the scorer of Scotland’s 1-0 victory over Holland in the Euro qualifier. If he can stay focussed, he will have an impact on the Premiership sooner rather than later.
5)Leon Osman! Finally Moyes gave Osman a start in the team after numerous hype from Goodison regarding this bright player. It's been a long time since I saw an Everton midfielder pick holes in the opposition as much as he did. He uses the ball and space very intelligently and appeared to never stop running. His timing is excellent and instinctive.

And to add to the team is, Radzinski, Martyn and Wright for the next couple of years and then our team would have some genuine quality to build on. Next up is our own Tommy ‘mad dog’ Gravesen He regularly provides us with glimpses of breathtaking brilliance that leave your jaw in your lap. He is never anonymous; he's either man of the match, or should be sent for an early shower. This season however he has stepped up a gear and demonstrated his worth to the club. His mistakes are the ones that are noticed, probably because he is trying to do something.

You don't see mistakes from Linderoth, but then again you don't see cones on the training ground making mistakes either (Ok maybe I should give him a little more credit, he does do a little running though).Looking beyond the first team Gemmill, Gerrard, and Simonsen have all but gone. The remaining dinosaurs of the Smith era will soon be departing. The club needs them out as soon as possible. Campbell, Weir,Carsley, Nyarko, Watson and Linderoth all fall into the has-been or never-will-be category. This will freeup capital, but will it be enough, and will it be soon enough?

We have been poor this season but we have also been unlucky. Fortunately for us, the Everton bug has bitten David Moyes and he appears to be in for the long haul. The Everton Board of Directors watch what we watch and the Board know what Moyes needs. Let's hope that some of the increased income goes on the pitch where it is needed... or history may repeat itself. David Moyes could find himself managing a nationwide club with a glorious past and a very uncertain future.

What goes on in the close-season will have a major bearing on the future of our club. Whatever happens this summer, one thing is for sure that if we want tosee Everton at the right end of the league, it's going to be a long hard and tough slog. The club needs our support and the first thing fans need to do is to renew their faith and hope. We should take more than agrain of hope from the names of Moyes, Rooney, Yobo,McFadden. After all, there really is no other team!!

Evertonians are born,
Not manufactured,
We do not choose.
We are chosen.
Those that understand
Need no explanation
Those that don’t understand
DOESN’T MATTER!!




Once an Evertonian, always an Evertonian

Everton Emblem