TM Trotter

Everton v Bolton first game in the new stadium, with a goal dubiously chalked off for the home team?

Can't disagree. So many things went wrong yesterday that it's almost irrelevant. Just an observation that probably demonstrates that I'm still in the "bargaining" stage of grief.

On today's showing, Everton will be lucky to beat Derby's record low points tally. Truly abysmal.

I was particularly fuming with Jones's passing yesterday, but is there anything around the strikers not coming short like Charles does so often? So many times, his passes were aimed on the deck to a striker, but were 10 yards short as Vic and Dan were static. Not defending Jones btw, it was appalling, but it perhaps illustrates how important that deep lying striker is to our play.

Horror show all over. They wanted it more, and absolutely bullied us from start to... well, I left after the fourth. I've never left a game that early before. Won't go over the negatives again and again, but a tiny glimmer from today - Maghoma and Mendes Gomes look useful. Rivals, not rivals? Personally, I can't fucking stand them. Today hurt.

Someone far more learned than me on the matter would have to confirm what video tech, if any, is allowed on the touchline by the FA. I honestly don't know!

Iles tweeted that Pete Atherton had said Evatt had been sent off for "misuse of technology". Could be either. Sorry, thought I'd seen that tweet on here, apparently not.

Oh no, I'm with you. Ridiculous, but it's in the rules. Looked like the fourth official shopped him for it. Who'd have thought referees would be jobsworth twats(!)?

Incredibly... he has. Who knew? "A team official who uses unauthorised equipment or who behaves in an inappropriate manner as a result of the use of electronic or communication equipment will be sent off." https://www.thefa.com/football-rules-governance/lawsandrules/laws/football-11-11/law-4---the-players-equipment No idea what the punishment will be - is it just 1, or more, for a managerial straight red?

"Misuse of technology"... never heard anything so ridiculous. Not having that put a dampener on tonight, we were unplayable that first half. Fantastic from Vic, but the service he was getting down the right was magical. Fair enough to Fleetwood, they did threaten more than our previous few opponents. Baxter looked impressive.

Yep. Classic 😆 Questionable defending from the Cheltenham CB but great that we've taken the chance. COYWM

England's was a bit shite, but you could perhaps partly blame it being a mis-hit cross. Colombia's GK error was unforgivable though 😬

Pardon my ignorance, as I barely remember 1999. Why did that have an impact on our gates?

Loads of positives there - a mullering without really breaking sweat, lots of lovely, crisp passing moves, Dempsey outstanding throughout, two goals from set pieces, that gorgeous ball from Thomason... A pleasure to watch throughout - that was a really, really encouraging start. Happy days.

A stance articulated far better than I managed. Nice.

Sure, the Women's WC standard isn't what we're used to in the men's game, but then, we're lightyears behind City, Madrid and the like. If anyone on here was that arsed about "quality", they'd have given up and gone to the Etihad a long time ago.

Haven't seen it, but yeah, freak ACLs happen. Done it myself years back on an astroturf in Prestwich, same week as Yannick Bolasie did his for Everton. Safe to say neither of us have hit the same heights since... Sickener, hopefully the Port Vale lad is capable!

Ropey pitch a factor? Gutted for the lad, but really, we could do with reducing the risks that come with these games.

Let's be fair, before the "flat dicks" comments come in. She: a) has been academy manager there for 4 years b) surely can't be any worse than the awl gobshite who preceded her. Vince is a bellend, but sure, if shes actually capable, why not be the first to give a woman a go? If she succeeds, brilliant, FGR have done a great thing for your daughters and sisters. If she fails, she's no worse than Adkins or the like who keep landing jobs on mentalities better served in the 80s. #NOKENdenyamanageronthebasisofgender

Apologies if so.

Opinions? Pfft. Might as well shut the forum down, eh? Really wasn't a comment worthy of an arsehole response.

I don't think there's egg on any Bolton fan's face. Sure, they're in slightly less immediate danger of going pop, but there's still: A - No way of knowing Danson's endgame, for certain. B - The fact they're now in the back pocket of their longest and bitterest rivals. All 200 of their fans have had a tiny little taste of what we went through, and they're far from coming up smelling of roses yet. (I still can't believe how incredibly lucky they are though, christ.)

Having had a little look at Speyk, they're definitely well into the "Bargaining" stage of grief. 3/5... Tic tock... "Humble pie" really is a delicacy, isn't it? Wonder how well it goes with jelly and ice cream?

This has got Bassini all over it. Summer is going to be fantastic to watch.

In the words of a Belgian bloke when I first went there as a surprise stop off as part of our Euro 2016 tour in a clapped out Toyota Corolla: "Brugge ish where you take your girlfriend, Ghent ish alive." Both are really historic, beautiful cities. And having done more than just one night there this time, I'd actually argue Ghent is prettier. It's got a 12th(?) century castle right in the centre, and little boat tours round the canals; it's just a very nice place to be. Big University town so there's a really good vibe - I'd recommend having a look at both over a long weekend.