Why Andrew Johnson may come to regret his actions
AS has been the case all summer, one transfer story has dominated matters at Goodison Park, namely the future of Andrew Johnson.
After weeks of speculation and conjecture, things came to something of a head in midweek when Johnson withdrew from the team to face Preston North End after a concrete bid of £10.5m was lodged for his services.
Hindsight is a wonderful thing and if everyone could live by it, we would never make mistakes and always choose the right option. That's why Johnson has been left to rue and regret his decision to leave Deepdale at a time when he was needed.
No disrespect to Lukas Jutkiewicz and Kieran Agard, who admirably filled the void left by his absence, but, with injuries and holidays leaving senior professionals thin on the ground, Johnson had a duty to fulfil against Preston.
For some reason, though, his wires became scrambled and while he has no doubt apologised for his actions - Johnson is not an arrogant or malicious character by any stretch of the imagination - he can't change the fact that he upset a lot of people.
Not surprisingly, manager David Moyes was - to put it mildly - furious and that is why it will not be the greatest shock if the transfer is dragged out.
You don't need to be a genius to work out the logic. If someone messes you around in life, why should you help them?
Another reason why Moyes won't hurry Johnson out of the exit door is simply because he doesn't want to weaken a squad that is already thin on the ground. Once a replacement is found then - and only then - will the England international be on his way.
Yet, Everton find themselves in a curious position. Heaven forbid that fitness issues become a problem but just say Johnson picks up an injury - the nightmare scenario sees the deal scuppered and the player left in limbo.
It will be interesting, then, to see if he is part of the squad that travels to the United States.
Things happen quickly and unexpectedly in football and he could well find himself waiting to board a plane to Chicago if Everton have not made any headway on a deal.
If, for some reason, he does stay on Merseyside, it wouldn't be the end of the world by any stretch of the imagination. After all, Johnson's pace, voracious appetite for work, diligence and instincts around the box could well be utilised next term.
Bringing in a new striker, however, has been one of Moyes' top priorities since the most recent campaign ended - hence the interest in the Brazilian Jo, Manchester City's powerful new recruit from CSKA Moscow - and making £2m profit on Johnson would be good business.
Yes, Johnson has made a big contribution since he arrived from Crystal Palace in 2006 and many of his
22 goals have been riotously celebrated - think of the two in his first derby, one at Tottenham which secured a first win at White Hart Lane since 1985 and another against Arsenal that helped secure Everton's return to Europe.
The arrival of Ayegbeni Yakubu, however, gave the Blues a different dimension last season and if - once
Tim Cahill is back firing on all cylinders - Moyes is going to stick with one man up front, then the Nigerian is more suited to the role than Johnson.
With all things considered, it would take a dramatic u-turn to see Johnson playing for Everton after the transfer deadline closes, especially as - contrary to some suggestions - Fulham's bid was accepted and they thought they had their man on Tuesday evening.
It will be a shame to see Johnson go but the cyclical nature of football means he isn't the first and won't be the last to move in such circumstances.
Expect Moyes, as always, to invest the money he receives wisely.
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I don't think we can afford to drag out Johnson's potential transfer as we might have to depend on the funds from his sale to buy new players.
instead of all this Moyes 'eyeing up' players, we sould be out there spending the 20million we were promised by kenright, sell johnson for 11million, thats a bargain, we shudda sighned robbie keane 2 years ago, but we always wait and wait, like andriy arshavin, shudda got him in january, but we always like to wait and wait, comes to the summer and there price tag has gone up and we cant afford, the everton board are a joke, instead of spending 70 million moving to kirby, that 70million shud be invested into new players, NOBODY WANTS TO MOVE TO KIRBY KENRIGHT GET THAT INTO YOUR HEAD, diego miltio, 7million they want for him, snap him up hes a striker who will gt you goals nealrey every game from what ive seen of him
I agree with last comment. BK and KW are jokes. I renewed my season ticket in April and have since been told by ticket office that season tickets are non-refunable! I can not see me being at first game of season and may be others should do the same! If the Everton board want to save their money for the new stadium then we should all do the same!
Anyone been on Bluekipper tonight? They reckon that Wyness has resigned.
I fully support Bill Kenwright. He could definitely do with further outside investment, but I am happy with him as chairman.
People are quick to criticise him, because we never have a lot of money, and there are teams of a lower stature and further down the league than ourselves seem to be throwing money around left right and centre.
Despite the fact that half the players they have being buying aren't particularly special, we naturally feel a bit edgy because we haven't got anyone yet.
But, in the current financial climate, there is more chance of 'doing a Leeds' than ever. Look at Sunderland. Out of the 4 players they wanted to spend a load on from Spurs - Kaboul, Chimbonda, Tainio, and Malbranque - only Malbranque is any good. Would he really leave Spurs for Sunderland?
I much prefer Moyes' and Kenwright's more cautious approach. If another club went for one of their targets, I reckon they'd act pretty quickly, but if you go out and announce to the world who you want to sign, you can end up upsetting people who would then not want to do business with you.
Just look at the stink Real Madrid have caused over Ronaldo, and Rafa with Barry.
The Wyness resigns rumour is now on Kipper , NSNO , and vital football , Nothing from Everton though and apparently Ian Ross has stated " Keith is still CEO " ... but last week Andy Johnson was a ' vital member of the first team squad ' !