Gibson Deal could spell Trouble for Everton

As Darron Gibson sealed his move from Manchester United to Everton on Friday, despite the needed addition, many believe that the exodus of top players from Goodison Park is set to continue come the summer. 

Paul Scholes’ return from retirement last Sunday in the FA Cup victory over their rivals, was the final nail in the coffin for Darron Gibson’s career at Old Trafford.

It was clear that Gibson needed to make the move in order to play football on a regular basis. For much of this season despite a string of injuries to the squad, he has been limited to cameos and cup appearances and was most recently captain of the reserves in front of 500 people in Altrincham.

Darron Gibson

This is a very good move for Gibson, as he will get a lot more game time and in doing so will secure his place in the Irish squad for the European Championships come June.

A lot has been made of the return of Scholes, many people have suggested that there is no money to spend, but realistically except for the 2006 window United have not done any significant business in January.

Sir Alex has been a long term admirer of Everton youngster Jack Rodwell who many believe is destined to follow in the footsteps of Wayne Rooney and make to switch to Manchester.

As with the vast majority of big deals they are done and planned months in advance and you get the feeling that this one is almost nailed on. Another six month’s playing time will allow him to continue in his development.

A full pre-season for Rodwell with United next summer will give him the chance to bed in which will be crucial if he is to hit the ground running.

If he was to join now the pressure on him to go in and deliver from the off would perhaps be too much. He is potential arrival would be a plan for the next ten years, and for now, Scholes is a perfect to come in and do more than just a job.

Jack Rodwell

Unfortunately for David Moyes his hands are tied behind his back. The club cannot say no to a ‘big offer’ and they are unable to invest it all back into the squad. Gibson now adds some much needed cover to the most depleted squads in the league.

Without any investment on or off the field Everton are not going to progress and there is only so much that Moyes can do. For over a decade now, he has continually found players who buy into his ethos of playing for the team and pulling together as one. This was typified in their qualification for the Champions League in 2005.

Speaking to a number of Evertonian’s today the feeling is that they are set to lose yet another of their brightest young stars. Worryingly they have the best left back in the country in Leighton Baines and he is sure to be topping the list of a number of clubs come the summer.

The fans have now started to make their voices heard with a number of protests and the overall feeling within Goodison Park, is that Bill Kenwright needs to go. Investment is needed sooner rather than later because one the greatest clubs in the world game will be in a serious mess very soon. 

Manchester's finest spark life into the Third Round

On June the 30^th 1999, Manchester United went a long way to devalue the oldest cup competition in the world as they pulled out of the FA Cup to play in the FIFA World Club Championships in Brazil, finally today's Manchester derby has gone some way to revive a dying old tradition.

At the time it was a decision that was set to play into the hands of the FA, it was made to aid England in their bid to host the 2006 World Cup. That of course never happened, Germany won the bid and United only finished fifth. 

United and the FA sold their soul to the devil and ever since it is something that wrangled with Sir Alex in particular. Ever since the infamous decision to withdraw the then Treble winners from the competition, year on year it has lost its importance with the Champions League’s riches proving to be more enticing that a trip out to Wembley.

Sunday’s barnstorming tie at the Etihad finally sparked some life into the cup weekend. Paolo Di Canio’s passionate post match interview was epic and magical. His League Two Swindon dumped out Wigan which provided us with the only genuine shock of the weekend, but we all know what Wigan's target is for this season.

Paolo Di Canio

The Wayne Rooney saga and the return of Paul Scholes ensured that pre match focus was taken off United’s poor run heading into argueably the biggest game of the season for the red half of Manchester.

The decision to rest Joe Hart and not risk the fitness of Mario Balotelli was testament that the trophy that launched Robert Mancini into City folklore, had taken a slide down in importance only a few months after winning it.

United fielded their strongest possible XI, and it was clear from the outset that they wanted it more and after soaking up the early pressure Wayne Rooney converted the fantastic Antonio Valencia’s cross.

Wayne Rooney

Then came the big talking point, never in a million years was it a red but if City are unsuccessful in their appeal Vincent Kompany will miss four games as it was his second dismissal of the season. It can be said this will be a more of a concern to Mancini than the exit, as Kompany would miss the entire Carling Cup tie and league games against Wigan and Tottenham.

City were excellent in the second half, and led by Sergio Aguero made a fantastic game of it. Sir Alex bemoaned his sides’ second half display as they took their foot of the gas and very nearly let City back into the game, but deep down he will be delighted with his team in a competition he loves. Earlier this week he discussed the need to re-ignite the magic of the cup and I believe his main suggestion of moving the semi finals away from Wembley would go some way.

This was the tie of the weekend, and early suggestions are that the average attendances are on the up and having the leading sides taking it seriously will also help with the push in popularity. You just get a feeling with their exit from the Champions League and City’s league form that the FA Cup is going to be very important to Sir Alex this season.

As I finish writing this piece I’ve just seen that United have the headline tie in the fourth round also having been drawn away to Liverpool. It is a mouth-watering game for obvious reasons, but on the pitch both teams have designs on winning the trophy and will be going hell for leather in what will be a pulsating game, it will be too close to call. 

Also for the other teams one of United and Liverpool will be out along with the holders, this season’s cup is brewing nicely and I hope it goes someway to breathing new life into the best competition in the world game.