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Everton 2008-09 preview

It should be a season full of hope for The Toffees. Instead, nobody at Goodison Park quite knows what's going on.

Toffees struggle to make strides on and off the field during the summer

A fifth-placed finish, the promise of another campaign in Europe and a semi-final appearance in the Carling Cup. You could be forgiven for wondering exactly why Everton fans are quite as concerned as they are right now heading into the season. But a winter that was far from full of discontent has been followed by a summer that has brought about more questions than answers. This was meant to be the off-season when manager David Moyes added some quantity, and a little more quality, to an already impressive first-team squad. It was meant to be the time when The Toffees found out they would get the go ahead to build a brand new stadium in Kirkby and when their impressive boss finally put pen to paper on a new, long-term deal. Instead Moyes' future is still up in the air, the ground issue has been delayed and a paper-thin squad has not been boosted by the arrival of one fresh face. It could well be the club soon have new owners as well, current chairman Bill Kenwright admitting again recently that he would be happy to listen to offers. The resignation of chief exectuive Keith Wyness has also been a blow, particularly due to the murky nature of his sudden departure.

Few changes

The only 'signing' of the summer has been Steven Pienaar, the South African midfielder joining permanently following a successful season-long loan spell. While the exit has hardly been a revolving door, the loss of Lee Carsley, who has been allowed to leave for nothing to move closer to his family home, is a blow. Andy Johnson is the other major departure once his protracted move to Fulham finally went through thanks to the approval of Mohamed Al Fayed's personal physician. Signed for a then record £8.6million just over two years ago, the former Crystal Palace frontman failed to follow up a promising first season and once Yakubu arrived was always second choice in the favoured 4-5-1 formation. At least Johnson's exit will come at a profit, giving Moyes extra funds, which have been a major stumbling block over him signing a new contract, before the sales come to an end at midnight on August 31. While they have been linked with many, the only real interest that has been firmed up has been a bid for midfielder Joao Moutinho. An initial £11.8m offer was rejected by Sporting who want more for their prized possession. With a replacement for Carsley, who arguably had his finest season in Blue since arriving on Merseyside, still not found and another striker needed, there's plenty of work to do and time is running out. So often desperate times call for desperate measures, but Moyes is not a man to be rushed.
Disappointing pre-season
But a disappointing pre-season campaign will have heightened his desire to make signings, with as many as six new faces wanted. Despite the difficulties in the transfer market, the sticky situation the Toffees find themselves in should be put into perspective. They still have a playing squad capable of pushing all opponents and in Yakubu a forward guaranteed to score goals. The midfield has creativity in Mikel Arteta, goals in Tim Cahill (providing he can stay fit) and plain hard work in Phil Neville, although he may be best used at right-back. Likewise the defence in front of Tim Howard has been strong even though big money signing Leighton Baines has so far failed to pan out. In contrast, Phil Jagileka has been a revelation in the heart of the back four. So now Moyes requires some added depth and some extra dimensions in attack, either through the middle or out wide, to complement what he already has at his disposal. However, Everton's biggest signing would be getting the Scotsman to stick his signature on a new deal. Until then, the fans will continue to fret a little. How do you think Everton will get on? Let us know using the form below.

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