How far behind the so called ‘big boys’ are Everton?

I have made no bones about my football allegiances in the past and a lot of my regular readers will know that I am a diehard Everton fan.

However, I believe as a writer (I use the term loosely!) I can comment on teams honestly, without bias. So here is my honest opinion of my beloved club.

Competitive

Every season Everton are competitive. They are hard to beat and David Moyes sends out teams that always give 100 per cent. Nobody gets an easy ride when they face the Toffee’s, especially at Goodison Park.

However, Everton used to be a far bigger fish in the English game. Everton have enjoyed fleeting periods of domination of the English game in years gone by. However, without massive investment will get nowhere near the likes of Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea in the near future.

Finances

Finances is the major issue for most Evertonians. The club was once known as the Mersey millions, now they would probably be better described as the peoples paupers. Everton have been punching above their financial weight for along while and are light years behind the teams they are competing against at the top of the Premier League.

The club needs investment and quickly, or the Toffee’s may be resigned to midtable mediocrity for the foreseeable future.

Manager

I don’t care what his critics say Everton boss David Moyes has done an admirable job under ridiculous financial restraints at Everton. At times he must feel like he is managing a League One club, not a team expected to challenge for European places.

I can’t think of many managers that could have put together a better team with the budget that Moyes has been given. Of course he has made mistakes in his ten years, but like all of us he is only human. David Moyes is the man responsible for Everton punching above their financial weight in recent years.

Shrewd

Moyes has been very shrewd in the transfer market since he arrived at the club, and he has had to be. This trend hasn’t changed this summer. The permanent signing of midfielder Steven Pienaar was the Scot’s priority and despite the £4.5million fee, I think the 30 year-old will be a good signing.

Pienaar’s return on-loan in January, coupled with the arrival of excellent Croatian striker Nikica Jelavic revitalised Everton’s season and saw the Toffee’s go on a run of form which resulted in them finishing seventh in the Premier League table.

Another interesting signing was that of Scottish forward Steven Naismith. The highly-rated Scot can play on either wing or up front and was brought in as a free agent. The Scottish international suffered a long-term injury last season, but signs all from pre-season suggest he is over his injury-problems.

Reports on Sky Sports and in various papers are suggesting that Everton are closing in on the signing of Olympiakos attacker Kevin Mirallas. The 24 year-old Belgian international scored 20 goals in the Greek to flight last season and won Player of the Year.

The reported fee of £6million is part of the £12million Everton received from the sale of highly-rated young midfielder Jack Rodwell to Manchester City. By all accounts Mirallas could be an exciting addition to the Blues forward line.

Exciting

This season could be an exciting one for Everton and their supporters. Everton have a very good starting line-up and have managed to avoid selling any of their star players this summer, so far.

The only worry for Everton is the lack of strength in-depth in the squad. Should crucial players be injured then they will struggle to replace them.

Everton are the Premier League’s perennial slow starters. Every season the Toffee’s get off to a poor start, only to rise like a phoenix from the flames in the second half of the season. Somebody jokingly suggested having the Christmas party in August, then the team would start performing.

I’m sure boss David Moyes has been tearing his hair out looking for a solution to the poor starts and I really wouldn’t rule out the Christmas party option just yet! If Everton get off to a good start then they could really surprise people this season.

Behind

Unfortunately, Everton have fallen badly behind some of their tradition rivals in the English game. Everton are no longer the big club they once were. Although, while David Moyes is in charge of the team they will always be competitive.

However, I’m afraid money talks in the modern game and until somebody with a full wallet relieves Bill Kenwright of his duties as Everton owner, the club will always struggle to keep up against the so called ‘big boys’.

How far behind the so called ‘big boys’ are Everton?