Walter's Back

Blue Kipper can exclusively reveal that Walter Smith will be back in a job at Everton as part of David Moyes' backroom Staff. Smith will be used as an advisor on transfers. It is thought that with his extensive knowledge of European Football players, he would be ideal to help the inexperienced Moyes in that department. A title for Smith has not been discussed, although, General Manager, cannot be ruled out. John Ebbrell will continue in his job, as chief scout.

The announcement will not be made until David Moyes finalises the rest of his backroom staff, which will include, his number 2, a first team coach, and goalkeeper coach.

Bill Kenwright approached Moyes with the idea of bringing Walter back last week. Blue Bill felt that the loyalty shown during the Johnson affair, and the number of times Smith could have resigned should be rewarded. It is understood that Moyes has been in touch with Walter a few times for advice over transfers since he took over. Indeed it was Smith's suggestion that Everton should go for a loan deal with Tranmere's Jason Koumas. So Moyes could look at the youngster close up before finally taking the plunge in the transfer market.

It is thought that Walter Smith will look at the Scottish & European markets for young players with potential, where he has picked up Gary Naysmith, Olivier Dacourt, & Marco Matterazzi in the past.(01/04/02)

This contentious issue will surely have the fans discussing this in the pubs on Merseyside & further afield.

Last Year's April Fool

April Fool - Below are a few of the e-mails we received from the fans.

*Smith should never again be allowed anywhere near Goodison Park, he has done enough damage already. I can't remember too many of his transfers being that good. Any good players he got only lasted a season before they were on their way.
KEEP SMITH OUT. Mike Kendrick. (01/04/02)

*I think bringing Walter back as a scout is a great idea. No one can approach him for the players he brought in - many of them quality players. The problem he had was to keep them in the blue shirt. But that will be Moyes business for the future.
Thomas Green. (01/04/02)

*Almost ANYTHING is funny EXCEPT April 1 japes concerning WS.... he is OUT; get rid all over....Anthony. (01/04/02)

*I this some sort of April Fool ?? Does it mean we won't have to pay him the rumoured 1 million compensation ?
Daniel Simpson. (01/04/02)

*Hey Blue Kipper, Nice try mate! Rico. (01/04/02)

*I think the idea that Walter could be back as a scout for talent might not be a bad idea. Some of the players he found in the past have been OK. Its his tactics that were questionable. Bernard McLean. (01/04/02)

*I think that Billy hiring Walter was stupid. He'd probably say buy Sherringham.
From Ben Williams and Kevin Williams (Steve's old mate) (01/04/02)

*No. There is a big deference between asking your 'friend' for his opinion and making it formal. Would we have 39 points if Smith had stayed? Whilst we don't want to slag him off, he is gone and should stay gone. The new Manager should be his own man. Everton will never achieve the success they are due with the sentimentality of the suggestion of keeping Smith. He may be knowledgeable, nice etc. but we should learn the lesson from LFC's idea of two Managers (sentimentality). Also look at what happened with theMancs after Busby left. Great result over Bolton. James and Dominic (Balmain, Sydney) (01/04/02)

*I believe Walter did a good job for us in very difficult circumstances. Just as he was starting to assemble a team that looked like doing something, Johnson started pulling the rug from under him and instead of assembling a decent team he had to sell the decent players we had like Dacourt and wheeling and dealing.

The time was right to move on and I believe the Board were right to relieve Walter of the responsibility of the team, as I think Walter had forgotten how to anything but firefight.

If he does continue a link with the Club, I would have no problem, and think all considered he did a good job for the Blues. Things are looking up "but don't forget your history" even recent history! Alan Robinson. (01/04/02)

*Well I have to say it is a good decision if Smith accepts, he showed he can spot some good players and does deserve something in return from Everton for the shit he put up with. Ste Chapman. (01/04/02)

Last Year's April Fool

What do you think? e-mail Blue Kipper