 I HAVE two wishes now that Everton have achieved the main priority of UEFA Cup football next season. One is that they buy David Nugent from Preston. The other is that they bring in Joey Barton from Manchester City. Both are Evertonians, both are fine footballers and both would improve Everton’s squad significantly. Now that they have European football on their agenda next season, the Blues will need greater quality and greater quantity in their squad. James Vaughan and Victor Anichebe have both made huge contributions this season, but both are young lads still learning the game and it would be both wrong – and risky – to rely on them throughout an entire season. Nugent is an experienced, accomplished player who would slot in well alongside Andy Johnson. I’ve seen a lot of Nugent this season and I’m convinced he could make the step up to the Premiership. He’s such a big Evertonian as well, that he would crawl to the club. I’m sure most Blues fans would love to see him at Goodison. The signing of Joey Barton would, apparently, be less universally popular. But it’s not often you get the opportunity to sign a quality footballer for £5.5m and I think it’s a chance worth taking. There are some managers out there who don’t like taking chances on so-called ‘problem’ players, and there are others who relish trying to get the best out of controversial figures. I played for one at Leicester. Martin O’Neill took a chance on Stan Collymore when nobody else in the game would touch him with a bargepole. He scored a hat-trick on his debut! Joey’s at an age now where he needs to settle down and I think a move to Everton would do him good. David Moyes wouldn’t have any problems taking on a player with his reputation and I think Joey would get his head down and do well. Remember all the baggage which came with Duncan Ferguson when he joined Everton? That didn’t prevent him becoming a Gwladys Street hero. People at Goodison tell me the dressing room atmosphere is good, and one player isn’t going to disrupt that. If anything, older, more respected pros like Lee Carsley, Phil Neville and Alan Stubbs would soon jump in if a newcomer tried to step out of line. Everton need new players, and I think Nugent and Barton should be priority signings this summer. European reward is sixth of the best >>> | 
Article
