Walter Smith Interview
Tipster
As many of you may know by now I often speak to Bill Kenwright
regarding matters concerning our club. When it comes to off the field
matters Bill can give me direct answers, but with matters regarding the
team, well that is down to our manager Walter Smith.None of us would
want it any other way. Lately I have been more than worried about team
affairs and the frustrations and lack of optimism of our "more than
loyal" fans. So it was arranged for me to go along and air our common
desires and concerns to the only man who could answer our questions,
Walter Smith MBE.
It was last Sunday night that my wife received a phone call from a
Scottish-speaking gentleman, it was Walter Smith himself arranging for
me to meet him on Wednesday afternoon, the 11th of July. Unless you
were as hard as nails and not in the real world you would feel a little
bit oftrepidation in meeting this, well lets face it, statesman of the
modern game. A man who has won everything in Scotland and reached a
semi-final place in the European Cup with Glasgow Rangers. Remember
Rangers were the
sleeping giants and perennial underachievers before he went there as
Graeme Souness' no 2, later becoming manager and setting all sorts of
records.
Wednesday came too quickly. I wondered whether I was ready or good
enough to represent our fans adequately. The meeting was at Bellefield
on the first day back in training for the first team players. I was
early and while I waited I saw and spoke to some of the players - all
with varying degrees of suntans! They were all having a laugh and joke
and seemed a happy bunch to meet up with each other again. Well this
seemed to dispel the unhappy and divided camp rumours, a question
regarding which I was set to ask. I hardly recognised Pistone; he
looked like he had been to the same hairdresser as Xavier and looked a
couple of stone lighter.
My time had come to meet our manager in a one to one situation. I was
called upstairs to his office above the training ground. Walter shook
my hand and made me feel comfortable, he looked as fit as a butchers
dog dressed in his grey tracksuit. Firstly I thanked him for steering
us through troubled waters, especially during the Johnson period. I
haven't the memory of a goldfish, so I realise we are in big trouble
largely because of Peter Johnson's previous tenure. To be honest I
did feel a little bit humble in his presence, especially given the
reasons why I was there.
But I took a deep breath and started to express the fans' feelings at
this moment in time. For an Evertonian I told Walter read frustration.
Last season would live long in our memories and only for the worst
reasons. It was to put it bluntly bloody awful and we could not wait
for it to end. I spoke again of the humiliation at City and other games
and added that we were used to at least one bad result a season like
Port Vale, Oxford etc but it was getting to ridiculous numbers last
season. I said we felt that we should have been better placed and
playing a better brand of football. I have never known the fans so down
and fed up even before a ball has been kicked in anger. I asked Walter
about the job in hand and our thinking that survival was our realistic
aim, sad but true. When you look at the spending power of Blackburn and
Fulham and where we finished its frightening to think what might happen
to us this season. I also asked what would be deemed a success for us
this season.
Walter cleared his desk a bit and I got ready to take a punch or a
Glasgow kiss. Thankfully, it was only to reveal his desk pad. Walter
started drawing three group spaces. At the top were six places, then a
division of eight followed by another six places. Walter went on to say
at the top of the Premiership were six teams who, apart from Ipswich,
were since the Premiership started
the top spenders. Newcastle were the exceptions as they had spent a lot
but for one reason or another underachieved. These top six clubs are
self-perpetuating since they get more money in income from placing and
merchandising etc.
We start the season at least thirty million behind the top clubs and
that is the difference in spending power for transfers for quality
players. Last season this came to haunt us even more because of the
injuries - we could not go out and buy more players to overcome the
problem. Walter told me the season before last we were looking good to
break into a top six place against the grain but fell away right at the
end due to injuries to Jeffers and Campbell particularly. We finished
fourteenth. In the middle section you have the likes of Spurs who like
us have tradition and high expectancy but again less spending power
overall in the Premiership .We, sadly, are in the bottom six just at
the moment both in performance and in spending power. It's a simple
enough formula but it hits home and makes sense. I think Walter would
take it as being a successful season if we finish around the top of
the middle group. A cup run is always a bonus.
I told Walter that what I think we need right now is stability and I
reminded him that he said just that at the AGM .I also reminded him
about what I said at that meeting regarding watching Everton being
likened to going to the dentist these days - painful to be there and
painful to watch. Walter said that at the time the papers reported it
as if it meant he was pleading for his job when talking about
stability. He was not talking about himself but the club in general.
Where he came from at Rangers they had had possibly only three or four
managers since the war. We have had that many during the nineties
alone. If Walter left tomorrow the new manager would want to scrap most
of the present team and start his own - that is what normally happens.
That takes time and money - two things we do not have in abundance.
Let's not forget we have been in decline since the late eighties.
Remember the one season when we finished just short of Europe under big
Joe we were also one of the top spenders. Then the wheels came off with
the
Peter Johnson's own personal decline in business. Walter was given a
rubber cheque that came bouncing back with "we must sell"
repercussions. PJ threw his last dice with Walter to make it happen but
it was not to be with the bank wanting its money back and the only way
to get were the liquid assets being sold the players. Do you think we
would be a better team if the likes of Materazzi, Dacourt, Judas,
McCann, Hutchinson, Collins, Jeffers etc had not been sold? "I don't
think that one needs answering. Those players went for one reason or
another but if we had a lot of money I think most wouldhave stayed."
That ultimately is what all players want, so get real about this. Sadly
Stubbs is a big exception to this rule but what a refreshing change.
Walter spoke of him being involved in 65 deals and asked me what does
that say when you consider he has actually spent less than nine million
pounds? I answered it goes to show that we have had no real money to
spend and that he has had to wheel and deal accordingly. I asked Walter
did he think the Bosman ruling had helped the likes of us he answered
yes it does but the players still want to go to a top placing club
though for Europe etc. Is that why we have had so many foreigners then
Walter? "Yes" came the reply. I think he would rather buy British
players but they cost so much compared to the overseas players. We have
had to cut our cloth accordingly. The temperament of the foreigners is
the downside though. Lets be honest anyone who watched Nyarko preseason
and the games at Leeds and Spurs would have thought we had a cracker
here. But he went on a downward spiral, he
found God, and wanted away as early as October and it showed. By which
time our injuries were piling up and the gypsy's curse in full swing.
So what do you do? You've got £4.5 million tied up in a player who
is good but mentally not with us your squad is depleted and points are
needed. An experienced player at such times should be better than a
kid, but in this case he wasn't. "Midfield is a problem and we
don't have a young kid to fit in there to be honest." I think Walter
has learned a few lessons on the foreigners of late.
I then went on to ask about the present staff, the physios, dieticians
and masseurs. Were the injuries just down to bad luck? Walter assured
me things are about to change for the better. Regarding the injuries he
told me in twenty years of management he had never experienced or seen
anything like it. Even cuts like Alexanderson's needed skin grafts.
The injuries were long-term as well as being demoralising and
frustrating to everyone involved. Alexanderson and Cleland were ever
present at their previous clubs. I asked if present facilities at
Bellefield were not helping and he agreed but said it's all down to
money again. Remember when Walter first came he told PJ that Bellefield
needed pulling down not just a lick of paint. PJ sent the architect
down to draw up some plans with Walters help but that was the last
Walter heard. I can tell you he was not happy with that. I said that
regarding Bellefield all that had changed was the cost of the cars
outside and the personalised plates in the last thirty years! A porta
cabin with"Youth Academy Office" on it endorses how little we have
moved on.
I then talked about the present squad and asked was he happy with it?
Walter replied by identifying the positions in need of strengthening
and it goes right through. A goalkeeper, another commanding centre half
in the Gough mould, a desperately needed midfielder and a different
sort of striker than we have now. Radzinski fitted that bill and Walter
said he would be bitterly
disappointed if he failed to land this lad. He really does rate him he
has pace and scores good goals .I said I'd love to see us on goal of
the month never mind goal of the season.
I asked about Kevin Campbell and whether he is any fitter now ? Last
season it was obvious he was carrying an injury as he looked so
sluggish except at Coventry away in that six thousand pointer, ( no he
did not have a needle for that game ), Walter replied that Kevin was
suffering from 'jump knee', the same injury Shearer has been
recuperating from. Kevin came back earlier
than we wanted on his own insistence because of the injury crisis up
front. He loves the club and its fans. The money deal was to get parity
with Duncan and it's not what was published in the papers ,as many
things are these days. If you look at Kevin's deal over the four
years it would cost us just as much to buy a striker of his ability
when fit and a signing on fee with wages to suit. That's modern day
football finances. Don't forget I think we owe Kevin a lot - what
cost relegation? A deal was on the table after
Christmas from Villa but what would we have said if we had then sold
him with no ready replacement or fit strikers.
I then went onto asking about the scouting system. Walter said it was
practically all scrapped at one time because of a lack of money but
John Ebbrell is now doing a great job and the fruits of his work should
blossom sooner rather than later. Nielson the Scandinavian coach is
making inroads as well. Pound for pound Scandinavians are better value
players and have a
temperament more suited to the British game and lifestyle.
The youth system was also mentioned in conversation. Walter is like us
on this matter ( no laughing at the back it's true ) - its
embarrassing but down to money again. "What do you think parents must
think Ian when they see the Kirkby academy then ours in a porta cabin?
We need to keep Bellefield - you wont get better pitches anywhere, but
knock half of this building down and build onto what's left with the
academy separate. Preferably in the north of Merseyside, Knowsley
possibly. We have done exceptionally well though with a good crop of
kids under twelve and under nineteen especially. But we need to address
this academy ASAP it is vitally important to the long term development
of the club." It was close to his heart when he spoke of this subject
and the impression I got was that he wants it sorting out quickly.
Tactics and training methods were brought up, why don't we play 442
at home at least? "Ian tactics or game plans work with certain players
available. Last season was a nightmare for picking a team. What would
you think if we were like Ipswich or Bolton up and down for three
seasons?" I'd say goodbye Walter. I've never known relegation in my
lifetime and never want to.
"Exactly. I can only play with what is available but we needed to get
safe. I never really had players fit enough to play a system I wanted.
I lost Gough early on who holds things together and is a talker,
Alexanderson also a winger and Tal carrying an injury. The pressure is
on here to keep us up while at Rangers it was different .The pressure
was to win every game and I mean every game. Laudrup and Gazza could
play together up there in free roles down here you could not get away
with it. It's a far harder league."
I went on about Coventry one week with the kids then Tranmere in the
cup, different teams, and different results. Fans think you are too
defensive; no set style of play, strangers for twenty minutes with
players constantly outof position, but needs must be taken on board in
that equation. WS - "Imagine though if we were relegated because of a
Gung Ho attitude?" I also mentioned about the set pieces being a
weakness. "Listen Ian you have seen how well we played against Derby at
home in the first half (and it was good)
but second half the fragile make up of the midfield especially was
brought home. Derby changed tactics dramatically with subs and we feel
apart from2-0 at half time to 'lucky to draw' in the end. Don't you
think I get frustrated? Someone at the AGM asked why am I not more
animate like Gordon Strachan, I could not get round that one, Gordon
Strachan went down." I agreed stating that Fagan, Paisley etc did not
jump up or down at the line. We are all different. I also mentioned the
pitch, lets widen it again and
make it fortress Goodison again.
I then went on to the rumours about fights, not talking to so and so
etc. His honesty of what had happened on such accusations shone
through. The Hughes affair at Bradford is about the 250th on the end
list of such matters in his time in football. "Something and nothing,
heat of the moment stuff like teacups being thrown etc. Where there is
passion you will find such moments. As for not talking to kids - no way
that happens. But the rumour factory is in overdrive and things need
exorcising." I went on about Dick
Advocaat probably getting the same questions asked of him because of
their triple winning neighbours and underachieving when they have spent
a fortune. But again Advocaat could point to his own gypsy curse with
his own horrendous injury list.
Season ticket sales to date are a story in itself, the fans loyalty as
compared to Sheff Wed and Coventry who went missing when needed, our
aspirations, the Nyarko incident what drove the fan to do what he did
was purely frustration. Our entertainment value has been poor; fans are
waiting for a lift and a leap of faith. We are frustrated though
Walter! "Ian who motivates me? You know I could retire but I want to
see this through and make it happen. In that squad of players down
below us with a couple of additions lies a decent team I truly believe
that."
What of the pre-season Walter? Most fans are disappointed with the
itinerary. It's doing nothing for the brand name. With cheap fares we
should have gone to Ireland where at least there are dormant and active
Evertonians. And the next time we play Tranmere it should be only in
competition to get our pride back a bit .All they want to do is kick us
off the park, look what they did to Gazza last season he had to be
taken off for his own protection. " Well again Ian its down to money,
do you think the reds played on a field in Switzerland last night for
nothing. They get paid we had a couple of offers from Germany but it
would not have been enough .I want this team settled before the season
not affected by travelling over the place. The Italy camp gets players
bonded and away from distraction." Incidentally I think this will be
the last time the Tuscany camp will be used. Another venue will be used
for next preseason.
I then went on to recommending certain players in each department were
needed. Walter's knowledge was amazing of players in Europe and in
Britain his finger is certainly on the pulse. He mentioned the Kings
Dock as being the answer long term and the only way forward for Everton
realistically, it truly is an awesome project and Walter has seen
Celtic's and other clubs' around the world. He was excited about
the Dock and all it could bring, but for now it was what was going to
happen short term. He has since signed
Radzinski of course. There is nothing a quick 60 million would not
change overnight. This is the root of the problem with Everton."If we
do not see a dramatic change in our style of play with all our players
available then I will be surprised - especially if we get the
midfielder we need. I could live with the defence just now. I want
Bally to stay as well but I think it's up to him personally. I'd like
him to accept the offer on the table and review his situation in say 18
months would that be so bad? It's not as if it is his last big move."
I know for a fact that Bally has been carrying a leg injury for a while
and that is the real reason why he has not travelled to Italy .I was
told that from a family member of Ball's. With Stubbs there and the
rest of the players who care about this club it can only be good
times ahead.
I spoke about Bill and his relationship with Walter. He said if Bill
had 200 million pounds he would give it to him to spend on Everton he
is that committed .The manager/chairman relationship was as good as you
will get anywhere. It's just a pity about the money.
We had a in depth conversation for over two hours .Walter put on his
woolly hat and shook my hand and said goodbye to go back training with
the squad. I wished him well and said if any of the players asked who I
was tell them I'm the new striker
I went back to work feeling more optimistic than of late regarding the
coming season. I would like to think the fans could wipe the slate
clean just for now and see what happens shortly. Lets be honest with
ourselves we don't want to see the club slip further down the mire do
we? With all the
unrest that will incur from a change of manager. Who would come ? The
new manager would want to bring in his own players ,but with what ?,we
have no real money . I would dearly love to eat lots of humble pie
regarding Walter Smith for the good of the club and our kids
especially. Did I tell you about the fortune teller who predicted the
reds would win three trophies on Radio
Merseyside last September? Well she also said this forthcoming season a
young foreign lad will be a sensation and Everton will be Ok. Could
this be Radzinski or an injury free Tal?
I was impressed with Walter's honesty on all subjects and his
determination to get it right the Everton way. I think we should give
him another chance for stability and to see if the team can click and
stay free from injury. If you go through the squad it's not that bad.
Thomasz Radzinski
If anything comes from the meeting its that most of the questions were
asked and he was told how we feel right now. Maybe we didn't get all
the answers we would want but I may have forgotten some things since I
was not writing anything down but taking most of it on memory. I do not
presume to speak on behalf of all Evertonians just from a Blue who is
just as frustrated as the next and wants this team to turn the corner
quickly and play in the style and tradition I was brought up on. Time
will tell in the coming weeks if
Walter is getting it right with a fully fit squad and a few additions
we may yet see a team pleasing to the eye and heart. All we want is to
come away from Goodison or an away venue and to have a smile on our
faces. WE have been the difference over the last few years from other
struggling teams I hope our undoubted loyalty over this period is
repaid in the forthcoming season. I know many will dissect this
offering, it won't be enough or I was fobbed off etc. I'll never
change the minds that are so entrapped against
the present management but I am trying to make the hierarchy listen to
constructive criticism and our fears and hopes. I'll go now and get
my flack jacket !
Yours sincerely, Ian Macdonald. EISA
PS Walter poured the tea. (16/07/02)