Read Everton got the chance to talk to former Everton star and radio broadcaster Ronny Goodlass about a whole host of topics relating to the Blues.
1)What do you make of Everton’s season so far?
Ronny Goodlass:After dropping 2 points at home to Watford in the first game of the season, which was disappointing, we have improved our performances and results. We are lying in 7th, 5 points off the top and play Norwich at home in the Capital One Cup. If we beat them, we are in the last 8. It’s been a good start to the season and it can get even better.
2) How do you think the squad is looking at the moment, do you think Everton need reinforcements in January?
RG:There are more options for Roberto Martinez to choose from this season with the emergence of the younger players but all managers should want to strengthen there squads and we need to with ours. We should try for another striker and an attacking midfield player. If either Lukaku or Barkley get injured, we are short of their quality and type of player at the club.
3) Tyias Browning, Brendan Galloway, John Stones, Ross Barkley, Gerard Deulofeu, Romelu Lukaku. All young players who’ve had a considerable part to play in Everton’s start this season. How much does this crop of players excite you, and who has impressed you the most this season?
RG:It is a very exciting time at the club for the younger players in the squad. They have all taken their chances to impress the manager and play the type of football supporters want to watch. Hopefully we can keep them at the club for a number of years and they will get even better. For me, Ross Barkley has been tremendous this season and has started to show what ability he has on a more regular basis. He is playing with more confidence, scoring and assisting with goals.
4) What is your stance on Roberto Martinez and his reign at Goodison Park? Is the jury still out on him after last season?
RG:Roberto Martinez had a good first season, but the second one wasn’t so good. I think last season supporters didn’t like the slow play from the back and early exits from the cup competitions were a disappointment. Some supporters are unhappy but a high league finish and cup runs this season can make most supporters a lot happier.
5) What’s your favourite memory from your Everton playing days?
RG: Well there are a few! Making my debut against Man Utd, getting to the League Cup Final, scoring against West Ham from the half way line and beating Man Utd at Old Trafford 3 – 0 are among the best.
6) If you could choose one player from Everton’s long history to play with, who would it be and why?
RG:That’s a hard one, there’s two for me. One’s Dixie Dean, being a winger I would’ve loved to have played with Dixie. He would have scored from bad crosses. Records are there to be broken but his 60 goals in a season will stand forever. The other is Alan Ball, what a player and a World Cup winner, enough said!
7) And finally, can Everton finish in the Champions League places this season?
RG:We can finish in a Champions League position this season, keep this unbeaten record going as long as we can, strengthen the squad in January, ensure no players leave and stay free from injuries and we can all have smiles on our faces at the end of the season.
Thank you to Ronny for his time, we hope to check in him again as the season progresses!
