Fishing For Talent Part 3

By: Dr Fishy
Date: 28/07/2002

DR.FISHY has bagged a pair this week, after a trip down the River Mersey. Maybe Town coach Paul Wilkinson could return to his old club to look closer at the players Dr.Fishy has identified?

Fish no #1

The number 29 shirt was rarely seen in the first XI last season at Everton. Kevin Mcleod (left) is nearly 22, yet has barely seen any first team action. Despite a promising pre-season, he still has to fight his way past new boy Rodrigo, Gary Naysmith, Mark Pembridge and David Unsworth (thats 3 full internationals and the back-up to Rivaldo) to get in the first eleven at Goodison.

McLeod has been a reserve team regular, a frequent goal scorer, but never got a break under previous boss Walter Smith. Sound familiar? (see Jevons, Phil)

Ratings:

Ability: 7/10. Unproven, but highly thought of amongst Blues fans.

Affordability: 7/10 Difficult one - is he still at Everton because he loves the club and does not mind low wages? Or is he still waiting patiently on the reserves because he is quite happy with his salary?! In other words, who knows if Town could afford his demands. Dr.Fishy thinks... probably.

Viability: Permanent? Highly unlikely. David Moyes seems eager to give youth a chance. On Loan? Maybe. Opportunity to gain first team experience if his colleagues stay injury free. And he has played with Jevons on countless occasions...... a possible supply line for his ex-reserve team-mate?

Fish no #2

Idan Tal

On the one hand, Tal (left) is an underrated skilful winger, criminally under-used by Walter Smith, and a useful little squad player. He is almost certainly the best Israeli international in the Premiership today. Alternatively, he is a sulky lightweight sub-Premiership standard player, who would struggle if ever played on a regular basis. Name ANY good Israeli footballers. Er, Ronny Rosenthal?!

On 13th September, Tal turns 27, with McLeod reaching 22 the previous day. Will either of them celebrate their birthday at B.P.??

Ratings:

Ability: 6/10. Mr.Inconsistent. But to be fair, was regularly introduced seconds before the 4th official held up his board for injury time. Affordability: 4/10 Everton paid somewhere around 3/4 of a million for him.... Town are skint.

Viability: Permanent? Like Oster, Dr.Fishy assumes this guy wants to play for either the top-flight or a big Division One side. On Loan? Might be seen as too much of a gamble - see ability.

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