09 Jun 2025 13:34:49
Pickford has proven to be a great bit of business when you consider how much we paid and the service he has given Everton during that time. In the last England game, he moved to 2nd on the all-time appearances list for goalkeepers, although still some way off the record holder in Peter Shilton.
So, it both annoys and amuses me how some come out to criticise him just for the sake of it. Some of the criticism would have been warranted earlier in his career but, hats off to the lad, he has worked hard to eliminate some of the mistakes he used to make as a young keeper. The thing that annoys me more than anything is that these pundits won't let go of the past, as if he is still making the same errors game after game when the truth is he has improved considerably, both through hard work and maturing as a person and player.
Alan Pardew, on talksport, is the latest to have a pop. He even went as far as saying his position would be under threat in his team for the 26 world cup. His team? Pardew hasn't been relevant in football for how many years? He can only dream of leading the national team out, he was an average manager at best!
I understand that criticism is part and parcel for footballers but at least keep up with the times. Criticise him for what he does now rather than having a go over things that he has worked on to change his game and his mentality. Without JP over the last few seasons, we would have been sailing closer to the championship than ever before.
{Ed025's Note - maybe even in it BP,,
09 Jun 2025 14:26:50
Journalists all over mate, bad news sells papers.
09 Jun 2025 16:11:40
There is a reason Pardew is no longer in management.
09 Jun 2025 16:38:54
From what I’ve read about the Andorra game, the issue with England is at the other end of the pitch…
Storm in a teacup.
09 Jun 2025 17:47:29
Thessaloniki was 12-month contract with extension options, yet he was gone after 6 months then talk sport pundit ever since 2023.
So this ex Newcastle manager at a loose end, really isn't a go to guy re Jordan (born and bred Mackem) Pickford lol.
10 Jun 2025 12:54:51
Agreed, gb, but they should at least be up with the times and not judging people on old perceptions.
Definitely, bb, think he should stay away from punditry too, he's awful to listen to.
I think the issues with England are to do with the manager, br. Some of his squad selections ha e been awful. Burn, Henderson, to name just two, are not good enough for that level. If he continues only selecting players playing games in Europe then he has basically slit his own throat already.
It wasn't just Pardew, gd, there have been quite a few having a pop at JP. I just watched his talksport gig and he ruled me mate! It is an outdated view, imo, and just an easy way of having a go at someone.
I think you're right there, ed25. He's certainly played his part in keeping us in the league mate.
{Ed025's Note - hes been a stalwart for us over the years BP and is Englands best by a country mile mate..
10 Jun 2025 18:53:19
Agree with you there, ed25. To be honest mate, I wasn't a big fan when he first came but, fair play to him, he sorted himself out and matured a lot. Since then he's never really looked back. He only has to see it out until next summer as I fully expect the manager to be on his way after the world cup.