SO the week has ended with Everton parading a new club record signing and the squad is now in good shape for the challenges that lie ahead in the coming weeks and months.
Aiyegbeni Yakubu’s arrival is great news, yet some will wonder what might have happened if Manuel Fernandes had decided to put pen-to-paper last weekend, rather than jump ship for Valencia in the most startling manner.
While there was no doubting he has talent, I don’t think the midfielder had done enough for Everton to smash their transfer record for him.
Yes, he is a good player and David Moyes obviously saw what he could give to the side, day in and day out at Bellefield.
But, in a couple of years, he might just realise that it was a lucky escape.
If Fernandes didn’t want to play for the club - which is looking more and more obvious - don’t shed a tear over him.
You need committed players, if you want to be successful.
Put it this way, do you really think it took a day to arrange a £12.25m transfer to Valencia? Exactly.
It’s quite obvious that his agents have been in talks with other clubs while Fernandes was training with Everton, looking to get the best possible deal for themselves and their player.
In many ways, he reminds me of a player who Everton will come up against tomorrow.
With the transfer window open, was it any surprise that Nicolas Anelka started the season in blistering form?
Draw your own conclusions.
When he is in the mood, there is no doubting that Anelka is one of the best in the business and he will represent a threat to Everton’s ambitions at The Reebok, but I think it was a blessing in disguise that Bolton got their first win of the campaign last week.
I was pleased for Sammy Lee that he was able to relieve some of the pressure on his shoulders with that victory over Reading, as he is a great little character and I sincerely hope that he makes a success of things there.
It will take time for him to get things just how he wants them but Everton might be able to take advantage; in the past you had to win a war of attrition when you went to The Reebok but Sammy’s approach to football is more subtle than Sam Allardyce’s.
As that is the case, I don’t think Everton should be overly worried about tackling Bolton.
While I expect them to be challenging the Blues for a place in the top six, they are not world beaters by any means and, all being well, the sound start to the season can continue.
City ace Ball has shown the perfect attitude
LEIGHTON BAINES made an impressive start to his Everton career last weekend, but another left-back not too far from here has caught my eye lots of times since the start of the season.
Michael Ball has resurrected his career at Manchester City and, whenever I have seen him recently, he’s looked very comfortable, no matter who he has been up against.
He’s got a contract and it’s no surprise he has settled down.
People might have doubted his fitness but he has come back strongly and it’s great to see him and Richard Dunne doing so well.
They might have strayed off a right line at times when they were kids but have matured now and learned from their mistakes.
He has got all the talent in the world and he will continue to be an asset for City - and Baines can do the same for Everton.
Quick, strong in the tackle and blessed with the ability to deliver a great cross, there will be plenty more to come from him once he settles in.
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