Former Everton FC striker Paul RIdeout says Blues need investment
EVERTON do not have a chance of breaking the domination of the Premier League's big four without significant investment, according to former striker Paul Rideout.
For a number of years David Moyes's men have been the next-best team after the group of Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal but Rideout, who scored the winning goal in the 1995 FA Cup Final against Manchester United, said: "I don't think Everton can break into the top four right now.
"They can't maintain the situation they have got. They are treading water right now unless they get someone in who is willing to get five or six top players.
"And they have got to be able to get more fans in. If Everton don't get the investment they definitely won't get into the top four."
Despite their lack of resources he is disappointed the club have not won a major trophy since his header was enough to beat United 14 years ago.
"It does surprise me the FA Cup was the last thing Everton won considering the squad they have had over the last five or six years and how well they have done in the league," he said.
"You expect them to maybe win one of the cups and I thought they would have won something by now."
David Moyes' side have the chance to rectify that this season but must get past United in Sunday's FA Cup semi-final at Wembley to keep the dream alive.
They go into the match as underdogs but, as Rideout recalls, it was a similar story for the side he played in under Joe Royle's stewardship.
"I think anyone who plays United is going to be an underdog, that goes without saying, but the FA Cup is different to a league game," said the 44-year-old, who now coaches the youth teams at Major League Soccer club Kansas City Wizards.
Rideout also believes the current side have more quality than the 1995 Cup-winners.
"I think they have a far stronger squad; they have much more pace and strength over the entire field, and I wouldn't write them off," he said.
"Although they have had to deal with injuries but they are sneaking results here and there and with the size of his squad David Moyes has done a tremendous job."
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