Back by very popular demand is the return of Ask The Opposition. Our segment where we ask fans of opposing teams forums some questions and post a selection of the responses back on here.
In our next domestic game, we'll be playing Norwich and asking them some questions. If you've got anything to contribute, feel free to PM me or tweet the RedCafe account.
I've asked questions to Everton fans on Grand Old Team and here are their responses. Thanks to some newbie users for providing some of the questions (they have been credited):
Q1: What have you made of how Moyes has done for Manchester United this season?
ijjysmith: I have laughed so very very much, but in all honesty he's done about as well as expected. He inherited an impossible situation. Not managed it particularly well, and ended up being scathed for it.
Azza: As well as expected really.
Eric Djemba-Djemba: Haha, I thought he'd be a failure but I never expected him to do this bad. Taking the champions of England to a fight for a Europa League spot is remarkable.
Blue 1: I've laughed. He should've left Everton two or three years ago. Was glad to be rid of him.
daz4matty: Transition period he will get it right.
GraemeS1980: It has been a very 'David Moyes' season for you, some shocking substitutions at the wrong times, all sounds too familiar to me. Good luck with that one.
Simon Smith: Pissing myself laughing at how poor he has been!
Del: It's gone quite poorly to say the least, Taking last years champions out of the top 4 tells you everything you need to know imo, Bringing in his own backroom staff instead of learning from the ones Ferguson had in place was a massive cock up
chris ashton17: Terribly. Has turned united into everton basically and similar results with better players is a little bit worrying personally.
Billy Dean: He's been found out, as I thought he would be.
SunKing: I didn't think he'd win the league but I didn't think it would have gone as badly as it has done. I just think he's badly out of his depth, caught in different mindsets; when things go bad his default setting is defend and sneak a goal but you just cant approach games like that with Manchester United.
Oviedo37: Haha. It's what I expected to be honest, he's tactically inept and I thought he'd crumble under the pressure of such a big job. Thought you'd at least be still realistically challenging for top 4 though.
sageyefc: What i expected to be honest, was always gonna be difficult to replace fergie but all of moyes negatives have shown up alot more now that hes at a club like UTD who's not use to a little ginger negative troll like moist
Ihaters: Very poor for you, even worse for his media outbursts against us since moving
witchdoc187: exactly as expected - managing expectations and turning the place dour and negative.
Q2: Where do you think Manchester United will finish in the league come the end of the season?
ijjysmith: Think you'll pip Spurs to 6th
Azza: 6th.
GraemeS1980: 5th
Simon Smith: Hopefully not in a European place unless they enter THE EUROPEAN SONG CONTEST
Del: 6th
SunKing: 5th/6th
sageyefc: 7th
Ihaters: 5th, you seem to be moving in the right direction at last
Q3: RM has had a great first season in charge, do you think that he will be able to sustain this while evolving the side away from the one he predominantly inherited?
ijjysmith: Yes. He's done magic this season whilst it not being fully his side. Once he's made it his own we should be even better, despite the odd balls up like last night.
Eric Djemba-Djemba: Yes, this team isn't his side. He's done a great job with largely a Moyes squad. Give him time to build his own side that's suited to how he wants to play and we'll only improve.
Del: All depends on how much money he's given in the summer and the quality of player he brings in
Billy Dean: It will depend how much he has to spend in the transfer market in summer and how well he spends whatever we have, but there's no reason why not.
SunKing: His transfer dealings are the only aspect that its still too early to judge on, our buys always have to be astute. I imagine with Roberto he has long term plans of the type of player he wants and likely has a shortlist for the summer already.
Ihaters: Yep, think it will improve over time, although losing Lukaku will be massive
witchdoc187: Absolutely and i am really looking forward to it. He has been a breath of fresh air and it has been fantastic to watch and be part of.
Q4: Do you fear Roberto Martinez could land a job at a bigger club (e.g. Arsenal) so soon after doing such a wonderful job in one season at Everton?
Eric Djemba-Djemba: No, media talking [Poor language removed] as usual. When they're not trying to sell our players they're trying to move our manager on.
Simon Smith: Why are Man Utd on the lookout for a new man in charge ?
Del: Not yet, I believe Martinez wants to buid something here and has a long term plan
chris ashton17: No. He needs to prove himself and apart from the F.A cup his only reputation is playing good football.
SunKing: No, not right now. Unless the ultimate job like Barcelona came knocking he's here to stay. I really believe he starting to build something here and is excited by the young talents we have at the club.
Oviedo37: Nah. Not at all, he's a man with a vision, a goal. He will eventually leave and probably to Barca but only after his work at Everton has finished.
sageyefc: He always stayed loyal at his previous clubs so i expect him to be here at least a couple of seasons
witchdoc187: there are very few clubs bigger than everton - he'll be here for a while yet i am sure.
Q5: What is the biggest difference between Moyes' Everton and Martinez's Everton?
Azza: Martinez plays to win. He makes reactive decision, if that's us going behind or trying to make sure the outcome is a win. Always positive in his decisions. And he actually makes sub's before the 80th minute most of the time.
Blue 1: Martinez has changed the attitude at the club from that of believing we have no right to be where we are to believing we can achieve anything. It's nice to have our club back, I've got to be honest.
daz4matty: We are not afraid anymore. Martinez encourages creativity
GraemeS1980: Positivity, the players in fact the whole Club support him because he is like a breath of fresh air!
Del: Not being scared to play football even against better sides and giving the players and fans belief
Oviedo37: The style of play to be honest. Under Dithering Dave it was very one dimensional and boring but under Roberto as us blues say 'The School of Science is on it's way back'.
sageyefc: Playing wise hes pro active not reactive, he goes out to win games, he actually understands tactics and learns from his mistakes. Mentality wise, he dares to dream, hes uber uber positive, hes bought into everton and gets it, its like night and day compared to moyes
Ihaters: Extra DM allows us to push both full bacs forwards, this makes for a more balanced attack, no more nulify Baines, nulify Everton.
More belief in Barkley and Stones
Shorter passing
More balanced all round
Q6: Do you think you'll finish fourth this season?
ijjysmith: When you have to rely on the like of Hull and Newcastle to help you out you have to say no.
Eric Djemba-Djemba: Probably not after last night. We just need to secure 5th place now which would be excellent for his first season.
Blue 1: Probably not, but look, we're above yourselves and Spurs, will hopefully stay there, and are battling it out with Arsenal for 4th in what was meant to be a transitional season and on a budget of about eight quid.
chris ashton17: No honestly. A lot of what if's but we need a perfect finish and arsenal to do the opposite basically.
SunKing: I'm not giving up on it yet but after last night's hiccup its out of our hands now, I believe we can win all our remaining games I just don't think Arsenal will slip up.
Oviedo37: I thought it was on until last night and that was a killer blow for me. You never know with football though.
sageyefc: Think we'd have to win all our remaining games to stand a chance, but never say never
Q7: Do you think your club will be able to handle the heavy schedule with European football next year, especially with the number of players you brought in on loan this season?
Azza: Barry will sign, Deulofeu will probably stay. Get in 3 other decent loanees and splash some cash and we should be okay. Wouldn't be bothered if we didn't get past the group stages we'd need to make sure we qualify again though.
Blue 1: People are only banging on about our loans because they've been successful. We're far from the only team with several loan players. If we loaned well this season, why can't we do it next? I think we'll also probably make Barry a permanent and there should be a few quid to spend this summer. It does concern me a bit though, the Europa League format is ridiculous.
Simon Smith: If we have a fully fit squad don't see why not, and we can always borrow a few unwanted Man Utd players.
chris ashton17: Europa yes, play the kids most weeks. Champs league perhaps not, best team twice a week at that point and something will give.
Billy Dean: Depends how many players we bring in over the summer. We will be able to loan players next season too.
SunKing: Depending on which European football we have will most likely impact our approaches to the two comps. We have a fair few younger lads coming through who I believe Bobby would definitely not be afraid to play in the Europa. If its CL then hopefully we'll bring in enough bodies to cope along with more loans. Sod it though, I'd rather be in Europe than not.
sageyefc: Yes, roberto has already spoken about expanding the squad to cope with either european competition
Ihaters: We improved and increased our squad with -£13 mil net last season, this season we should have some money so who knws what he can do with our squad.
Q8: Which player have you seen the biggest improvement in this season compared to last?
Blue 1: Steven Naismith, the Scottish Messi.
daz4matty: coleman the scouse cafu
GraemeS1980: John Stones, Ross Barkley and very impressed with the signing of McCarthy.
Simon Smith: Coleman, given a better role under Bobby Brown shoes
Del: Oviedo before has nasty leg break and John Stones
chris ashton17: Easy answer is Stones but i pick Naismith. Always said from when he signed was good for 10 goals a season and i think he is on 9 now.
Billy Dean: Barkley, Naismith
Oviedo37: Either Steven Naismith or Seamus Coleman. Naismith was Evertonians scapegoat last season and now we all want him to start. I don't really have to say much about Coleman, the best right back in the league...
sageyefc: Pretty much the entire squad has improved but Out of the players that were here last year that i think have stepped up the most in terms of level id say Howard, hes improved so much this year
Q9: Which player has surprised you the most with their levels of consistency and performances?
ijjysmith: Will come as a shock to nobody on this forum that I say James McCarthy. I thought he was turd. He is not turd.
Azza: McCarthy, for the money we paid its been very reassuring.
Eric Djemba-Djemba: James McCarthy. I expected him to be good but he's been excellent. Definitely my player of the season, we missed him big time last night.
Blue 1: James McCarthy. Didn't know what he'd be like and raised an eyebrow at the price we paid for him but what a signing he's been. Player of the season for me. Him or Seamus Cafu, anyway.
Simon Smith: Gibson has done a great job in keeping the backroom staff busy
SunKing: McCarthy. He's superb every week and will run through brick walls for you.
Oviedo37: James McCarthy. I was very pessimistic when we bought him for 15mill but he has been worth every penny.
sageyefc: Mccarthy, never rated him before but hes utterly amazing since hes been with us
Q10: Which team would you prefer to win the league out of Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester City, and which team out of those do you think will win the league this season?
Eric Djemba-Djemba: Chelsea, the RS will probably win it though. *cries
Blue 1: My three least favourite teams, but given my inlaws support them and it would troll the redshite hardest I'd have to pick Chelsea.
daz4matty: would prefer Chelsea but Liverpool will win it
GraemeS1980: I only prefer Everton to win the league but if I had to pick from one of them then Chelsea.
Del: Chelsea but Liverpool will win 100% (Deserve to as well imo)
chris ashton17: I think Liverpool, i want chelsea. Simply because chelsea will spend big on the back of it and be a much bigger target next season.
SunKing: Not bothered who wins it as long as its not Liverpool. City blew it at Anfield though and it looks like Liverpool will do it. I've a feeling Chelsea will keep plugging away and throw a spanner in the works at Anfield. I live in hope.
Oviedo37: Chelsea. I hate The [poor language removed] and hate City so it's a no brainer for me. I think The [poor languge removed] will win it though, it seems written in the stars.
witchdoc187: I would least prefer the 'red men' to win it. They are still going on about the last time they won it it will be unbearable.
Q11: Are there any youth prospects you have that you’re excited about/looking forward to perhaps see breakthrough in the future?
ijjysmith: I'd like Connor McAleney to be boss.
Azza: Martinez has already sounded out a few, Browning and Garbutt. Maybe see Lundstram and McAleny hopefully
Blue 1: George Green, Luke Garbutt, Ryan Ledson.
daz4matty: Green,ledson,mcalney and browning
chris ashton17: Stones / George Green / Ryan Ledson / John Lundstrum to name a few.
Billy Dean: George Green, Ryan Ledson, Jonjoe Kenny, John Lundstram, Ty Browning
Oviedo37: There's George Green who looks a talent and Callum Dyson as well, and Connor Mcaleny who got a bad injury near the start of the season.
witchdoc187: George Green was an expensive signing for his age it will be intersting to see how he develops
Q12: What signings do you think/hope your club will make this summer?
ijjysmith: We need a striker we can call our own so very very badly. I'm not sure who that will be. As good as Lukaku has been, my god he does my nut in sometimes.
Eric Djemba-Djemba: Desperately need another 2 strikers minimum, a playmaker and another CM.
daz4matty: Would love lukaku but we have no dosh so not going to think about it yet
GraemeS1980: Striker, Goalkeeper (TH is not getting younger and Robles is gash)
Billy Dean: Lukaku is the big one, and we will need another defensive midfielder and at least one more attacking midfielder
SunKing: Lukaku, if not a permanent striker you can rely on for goals, actually 2 permanent strikers would be nice. Be nice get Barry in permanently as well. I'd take another exciting loan signing like Deulofeu as well.
Oviedo37: I'm not sure if I want Luaku yet (I'm undecided).
We 100% need at least 1 striker.
A Central Midfielder.
A Centre Back.
Possibly a CAM somebody like a Kagawa or Mata for you.
Ihaters: Striker, replacement DM if Barry goes and another silky, quick winger to repalce Deulofeu if we can't extend his loan, anythig else is a bonus
Q13: What are your goals for the club next season?
ijjysmith: Be better than this season in all competitions.
Azza: Win a cup, qualify for CL.
Eric Djemba-Djemba: Europa League minimum and have another go at Champions League qualification
Blue 1: Improve on this one. Win a f*cking trophy. Been far too long now, especially when you look at some of the rubbish that's picked up pots since we last won one.
daz4matty: Keep progressing with Roberto and hopefully a cup
GraemeS1980: Win one of them shiny pot things and hopefully not roll over and have tummy tickles against certain opposition for a change.
Simon Smith: To finish higher than this season and win a cup or two
chris ashton17: Finish one place higher than this season. And win at anfield.
Billy Dean: Retain top 4 spot, win a trophy, keep playing sexy togger
Ihaters: Same as this season would normally see us into the CL, better showing in the cup would be good though.
Q14: Which XI would you like to see your team field against us?
daz4matty: howard coleman jags distin baines mccarthey barry barkley Naismith miralles lukaku
GraemeS1980: Howard, Coleman, Stones, Distin, Baines, Mirallas, Barkley, McCarthy, Barry, Osman, Lukaku
Del: Howard,Coleman,Stones,Distin,Baines,Barry,McCarthy,Naismith,Osman,Kev,Lukakau
chris ashton17: howard, coleman, jagielka, distin, baines, barry, mcCarthy, barkely, mirallas, mcgeady, lukaku
Billy Dean: Howard, Coleman, Baines, Distin, Stones, Barry McCarthy, Mirallas, Barkley, McGeady, Lukaku
SunKing: Howard, Baines, Distin, Stones, Coleman, Barry, McCarthy, Osman, Naismith, Mirallas, Lukaku
Oviedo37: Howard, Coleman, Stones, Jags, Baines, McCarthy, Barry, Osman, McGeady, Naismith, Lukaku.
Ihaters: Howard, Baines, Distin, Stones, Coleman, Barry, McCarthy, Barkley, Miallas, Deulofeu, Lukaku..
Q15: Finally, your predictions for the match?
ijjysmith: As long as we win i'm not too bothered.
Azza: 3-1 to us.
Eric Djemba-Djemba: 6-0 Everton
Blue 1: Draw.
daz4matty: draw
GraemeS1980: We will win, after last nights mess against Palace Roberto will have them ready. The crowd inside the old lady will be deafening and this is a season for records so the last time we did the double over you lot must have been a while back. Mind you Clattenberg is ref so 3-0 to you lot!
Simon Smith: OFM to stand in the middle of the pitch and apologize for not signing a new contract last year so that Man Utd would of had to pay us for his services, Then kissing Bobby M's shoes and saying "forgive me, I bow to the better manager and you let us off by only scoring 6"
P.S.
I'm not bitter in the slightest, really I'm not, honest!
Del: 2-2
chris ashton17: 2-0 Everton if Rooney is not passed fit.
Billy Dean: 2-1 Everton
SunKing: Your away record is very good and I'm sure Moyes will have his players ready for this one as I doubt he wants humiliating. It's going to be a really tough game, if we perform to our best though we'll win. 2-1 to us.
Oviedo37: 3-0 Everton. I think we will turn you over, not nervous at all.
sageyefc: 4 nil to us but im being modest
Ihaters: 3-2 , could go either way, my money's on us.
witchdoc187: as an evertonian i have a horrible feeling about this.
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If any of you have any suggestions on what we should do as part of this, or any questions for future games, reply to the thread, PM me or tweet @red_cafe, thank you.
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