2023/24 TEAM ASSESSMENT, TAKEOVER LATEST, AND TRANSFERS

2-0 is the most dangerous score in football. If you're Everton, it precedes near cetain calamity.   After the ATP missed last match, the football gods clearly wanted the ATP to pod after a 3-2 loss after take a 2 goal advantage.  However, this match at Aston Villa had a very different feel and tactical backdrop that James and Ryan break down in their latest episode. From the lineup choices to the tactical approaches and the confusing substitutional patterns, the ATP explores the problems as well as potential solutions going forward.  James and Ryan also get into some borderline unbelievable numbers from the match performances as well.  The ATP then bring in a bunch of listener comments to explore team solutions going forward.     LINKS: linktr.ee/usatoffeepod Intro: Steve Barkwill  Production: James Boyman Outro: Kenboib 

In a rematch from last year’s cup battle, Everton turn it on in the second half to comfortably dispatch Doncaster at Goodison Park in the Carabao Cup.  The ATP discusses all the lineup changes, individual performances, and key points in a needed win on a weekday night.  James and Ryan also discuss whether any of the new players earned another start with their performances and how they believe Sean Dyche will line up this weekend.  The tag team also tackle the end of silly season, talk about the potential latest signing, and what might happen as Everton nears the end of the summer transfer window.  As always, they feature several listener comments that continue to help drive their content forward, so thank you for listening!   LINKS: https://linktr.ee/usatoffeepod Intro: Steve Barkwill Production: James Boyman  Outro: Kenboib

It was a tough one in London where Everton once again incurred an unfavorable result in a 4-0 beating courtesy of Spurs.  The ATP tries to make sense of a bad combination of tactical mishaps, individual mistakes, and curious coaching decisions that contributed to the lopsided scoreline.  James and Ryan gets into some of the game stories such as Dyche’s pre and post-match interviews about zero, heros, and European expectations.  The dynamic duo also try and look ahead to see if there is light at the end of the tunnel and whether or not they might see it sooner than later.  As always, the conversation is guided by the loyal ATP listener, who are very much appreciated after poor results such as this one.     LINKS: https://linktr.ee/usatoffeepod Intro: Steve Barkwill Production: James Boyman Outro: Kenboib

Toffees worldwide were hoping to see the beginning of Goodison's final season begin on a bright note. Instead, we were treated to all-too familiar reminders of Everton's shortcomings and bad fortunes of late, as EFC fell 3-0 to the visiting Brighton & Hove Albion. James and Ryan break down the season opener: from lineup selections, to the questionably overturned VAR decision, to the Ashley Young straight red, and more. They also lament the over-the-top reactions from some of the fanbase who seem to be in rare form for the opening weekend. It also would not be a true ATP episode if the DESPERATE NEED OF A RIGHT BACK was not discussed at length. The show wraps with the guys trying to guess when Sean Dyche might start to incorporate the new signings into the team. We appreciate all our listeners and contributors as we head into our 6th season covering the Toffees, and we hope you enjoy the episode!   LINKS: https://linktr.ee/usatoffeepod Intro: Steve Barkwill Production: James Boyman Outro: Kenboib

Very excited to bring you all something a little bit different from the ATP ahead of the start of the 24/25 PL season! James is joined by Shan Khan for an Everton-oriented preview of the soon-to-start campaign. In this episode, the guys remove the top 6 finishers from the conversation and elect to focus on the moves made by the clubs expected to be in and around Everton's league position come next May. They give a rundown of each team's performance last year, discuss any major incomings and outgoings, and give their take on how they feel each club will fare. Any feedback on the format and content is more than welcome! Producer's Note: We continue to be unfortunately plagued by recording issues and as a result, James' audio is a bit robotic intermittently during this episode. Hopefully it's not too distracting, but sincere apologies. We are working to get it resolved ASAP. LINKS: https://linktr.ee/usatoffeepod Intro: Steve Barkwill Production: James Boyman Outro: Kenboib   TIMESTAMPS BY TEAM: 2:58 - Leicester City 7:38 - Ipswich Town 12:46 - Brentford 16:42 - Southampton 21:38 - Nottingham Forest 26:13 - Fulham 31:39 - Wolves 37:07 - EVERTON 43:14 - Bournemouth 49:06 - Crystal Palace 55:09 - Brighton 1:00:00 - Man United 1:03:45 - West Ham 1:09:25 - Newcastle

The ATP follows up its annual team assessment pod with a new episode to talk about the several outs/ins this week – Onana, Lindstrom, O’Brien – as well as where they think the team is position by position after the friendly vs. Salford City.  The head of the Optimism Train himself, Shan Khan, joins Alex and Ryan in place of James to offer his takes on the direction of the team and the impacts on each transfer.  The boys address everything from Onana’s parting words about style of play and Jesper Lindstrom’s insightful interview to dispelling some misconceptions about Jake O’Brien. LINKS: https://linktr.ee/usatoffeepod Production: Alex Johnson Intro: Steve Barkwill Outro: Kenboib

Preseason has begun and the ATP has kicked into gear with the annual team assessment.  But before the pod gets into the depths of the EFC squad, the full Power Trio give their takes on the collapse of the Friedkin Group takeover negotiations, as well as make some observations from the Sligo Rovers friendly.     As they move into the Assessment, Alex, James, and Ryan focus more on individual player performance rankings based on several analytical models and explore some of the current state of Silly Season gossip.  Lots of dialogue with some surprising opinions on things such as DCL, Dele Alli, as well as rumors for guys like Jake O’Brien, Willy Gnonto, Jesper Lindstrom, Ricardo Rios, Kalvin Phillips, Scott McTominay, Angelo Preciado, Weston McKennie, Tanner Tessmann, and many more. MAJOR TIMESTAMPS 01:46 Friedkin Group Fallout 17:33 Sligo Rovers Friendly/Castore Kit First Impressions 22:33 Start of Team Assessment: Squad Numbers 32:29 Positional Breakdown   LINKS: https://linktr.ee/usatoffeepod Intro: Steve Barkwill Production: James Boyman Outro: Kenboib

PRODUCERS NOTE: Hey all, this episode has been republished from yesterday in the hopes of fixing the audio issue that occurred yesterday. If you continue to experience issues, please reach out and let us know. Apologies, and now back to our regularly scheduled programming.... The Power Trio is back for a monster episode! After about a month hiatus, Ryan, Alex, and James are here to discuss the major recent developments in Everton world, of which there have been plenty: Insights into the Castore sponsorship deal, the increase in revenue and the potential commercial opportunities at the new stadium.  The emergence of the Friedkin Group as the new prospective owners of Everton, providing background information on Dan Friedkin and his ownership of AS Roma. Analysis of Roma's performance under the Friedkin Group, their recruitment "strategy", and the potential impact on EFC.  Potential transfers: Today's official announcement of the arrival of Tim Iroegbunam and a brief scouting report.  Jack Harrison's return for a second year on loan. Potential sale of Dominic Calvert-Lewin and the need to strengthen other areas of the team. The ongoing transfer saga involving Jared Branthwaite and Manchester United's approach given the financial implications for Everton and the need to meet the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability Regulations.  Lastly, they provide an overview of the club's financial situation and the potential impact of player sales. The episode concludes with a discussion of the positive momentum surrounding Everton, including the potential new ownership and the promising recruitment decisions. As always, thank you for your support! LINKS: https://linktr.ee/usatoffeepod Intro: Steve Barkwill Production: James Boyman Outro: Kenboib

For the final post-match of the year, the ATP brings you a full analysis and MORE after a controversial 2-1 loss at the Emirates vs. the Gunners. In a match that meant absolutely nothing due to the City win and Brentford loss, Everton conclude their season with 48-8 points, good enough for 15th in a rather down year from the Premier League, but fully safe from relegation under all circumstances. Alex and Ryan bring to you all the highs and the lows of a fairly uneven match in Arsenal’s favor, but also get into some of the squad news and the implications as Everton go into the summer. A final thanks to all of the pod’s loyal listeners and the tremendous club support that has us continue to do what we do – and as you all know; it’s not always been easy. Onwards and upwards! LINKS: https://linktr.ee/usatoffeepod Production: Alex Johnson Intro: Steve Barkwill Outro: Kenboib  

The ATP brings you a relaxed post-match verdict on a 1-0 win at Goodison Park for the final home match of the season. Alex, James, and Ryan get into lineups, team tactics, postive performances, and even look at possible upcoming squad turnover. The trio also has plenty of help from the community with listener comments throughout! LINKS: https://linktr.ee/usatoffeepod Production: Alex Johnson Intro: Steve Barkwill Outro: Kenboib