By Chris Kirwan
February 27 2003

Idan Tal’s protracted transfer to Everton convinced many of us that we had finally signed a left-winger who was equipped to supply quality delivery from the flanks to our strikers, but he is set for Spain after failing to impress. After Walter Smith had moved heaven and earth to sign the Israeli we were given the impression that he was something special, yet we never got the chance to see the promise that had persuaded Smith to sign him.

Tal was all to often the single outfield substitute left on the bench, and when he was given an opportunity it frequently came courtesy of Walter’s annoying habit of introducing a player in the 88th minute. But when he did play he never really stamped his authority on the game, I can only remember two instances of Tal having a major influence on the outcome. Firstly versus Arsenal at home two seasons ago when he frustrated Lee Dixon all game long, resulting in the right back receiving a caution and having to be replaced, and secondly when he was introduced against Middlesbrough in the same season, scoring a cracking volley in front of the Park End. Tal obviously didn’t produce the form that convinced Smith to sign him, as the Scot brought in Jesper Blomqvist, and Moyes is evidently a fan of having two hard working players down the left. But Tal leaves Goodison after being unable to live up to the hype that his protracted transfer produced, and departs with questions being asked as to why Smith went to all that bother if he didn’t plan on involving him.

In other Everton news Peter Clarke has been called up to David Platt’s under-21 England squad. Clarke has been getting rave reviews from Blackpool websites, who are delighted that his loan spell has been extended. Clarke has been performing well because he is being played in his preferred position of centre-back rather being asked to play the unfamiliar role of fullback. After the uncertain start to Stubbs’ season and the injury of Yobo it has to be asked why Clarke isn’t in the first team squad pressing for selection. Hopefully he will continue to learn his trade at Blackpool, and will come back ready to challenge for a first team place.

Injuries are also clearing up at Bellefield, and this coincides with the arrival of new physio Mick Rathbone from Preston. Hopefully the gap for internationals will provide the opportunity for Ferguson, Yobo, Gemmill and Pembridge to get back to full fitness. In the case of Gemmill, Moyes has asked Bertie Vogts to allow Gemmill to play in a reserve fixture on Wednesday and join up with Scotland a bit late, whereas Pembridge has shaken off a stomach bug and has joined the Welsh squad. He missed a week of training and lost seven pounds in weight, perhaps he could give the bug to Unsworth!

Kit sales have already reached the 8000 mark. Perhaps if Puma had got their skates on we could have used the funds to add to our squad prior to the transfer deadline, but in typical Everton style the money had probably already been spent, and it has probably chipped away at our debt.