WITH the new season now less than a week away, it is little wonder the nerves are startling to jangle amongst Evertonians who have had to endure the summer watching other clubs splashing out cash for new players, while their own squad seemingly gets smaller by the day.
While few would argue against the decision to move on the likes of Wright, Pistone and Naysmith, most would understandably have expected an influx of new signings, particularly given the club’s impending foray into European competition, yet bizarrely, to date, only Jagielka and Pienaar have arrived through the doors of Goodison.
As always, there has been plenty of speculation concerning David Moyes’ possible transfer targets, with the names of usual suspects like Alan Smith and Kieron Richardson being bandied about before their inevitable transfers elsewhere. There is of course, still time for new faces, with Wigan fullback Leighton Baines the most likely candidate, but even his signing would not serve to allay the fears of the majority of fans.
Even before a ball has been kicked in earnest, Everton find themselves desperately short of numbers. With striker James Vaughan definitely sidelined for at least four months after dislocating his shoulder in the pre-season friendly against Preston and the recurrence of Tim Cahill’s foot injury ruling him out of the start of the season, the Blues will miss not only their influential presence on the pitch, but their firepower up front, which in turn puts a huge responsibility on the shoulders of Johnson and Anichebe.
Given the circumstances, there will have been more than a few eyebrows raised at the news over the weekend that James Beattie had finalised his much-publicised move to Sheffield United.
Fans’ opinion has always been divided over the striker, who has failed to live up to expectations following his £6 million move from Southampton, and while many believe a fresh start is exactly what the player needs, others felt the potential was still there for him to make a success of his time at Everton, and with the injury to Vaughan, he was almost certain to get the opportunity to make his mark.
Evidently Beattie believed he wasn’t part of the manager’s plans, and only time will tell if his transfer was essential to release funds to bring in new faces. Yet despite what must have been as equally a frustrating time for him as it was for the fans, Beattie leaves the club with his head held high and his reputation in tact.
The club’s leading goal-scorer in 2005-6, his form at club level led to much speculation in the press about a possible England recall and few could have argued had he been selected. In a desperately goal-shy team, who recorded their lowest tally in the league, Beattie scored almost a third of Everton’s 34 goals that season.
Playing as a lone striker in Moyes’ seemingly preferred 4-5-1 formation did not suit Beattie, yet ironically once Andrew Johnson was signed, their partnership was given little opportunity to flourish as Moyes selected Anichebe and then Vaughan as first choice ahead of him.
It is of enormous credit to Beattie and speaks volumes about his character that not once did he grumble about his lack of opportunities. He has always spoken highly of Everton football club, the players and the fans and was an integral part of the excellent team spirit within the squad. In interviews he was fully supportive of his teammates and always expressed his desire to prove himself, rather than being content with a place on the bench.
His move away from Everton is perhaps another indication of his character. He has suffered setbacks before, most notably being released by his childhood club Blackburn Rovers before signing for Southampton, but has always risen to the next challenge. In moving to Sheffield United, he has given himself a new aim - to bring the Blades back into the Premiership. Some might question his decision to drop down a division, but Beattie just wants to play football and this provides him with a perfect opportunity to get his career back on track. Few could argue he deserves it.
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