EVERYONE who has ever sat in the stands at Goodison Park will at some point have dreamed about playing for Everton.
Doubtless many, whether young or old, still do dream – and if the chance presented itself to have just two minutes wearing a Royal Blue shirt - they would give all they could afford to do so.
No prizes for guessing where this is going.
If, as looks increasingly likely, Andrew Johnson heads for pastures new, do not spend too much time mourning his departure or make accusations that the club he is leaving lacks ambition.
Some will regard this as propaganda, so perhaps it is best to draw your own conclusions and find an answer to this question:
Why would you want to leave a club set for another European campaign to join one that was nearly relegated last year?
Johnson has been a good servant for Everton, scored two of the most wildly celebrated goals Goodison has seen in modern times, and if for some reason his £10.5m move to Fulham collapses he will return to the fold and continue to play a part.
But the fact he left Deepdale last night when Everton – shorn of so many first team players – needed him tells its own story.
It is for good reason that rumours of his departure have swirled around all summer.
Johnson – who has kept his own counsel – may simply yearn for a return south but if his decision is based on football, don’t shed too many tears.
With respect, Fulham and Everton do not occupy the same stratosphere and David Moyes needs a squad full of committed individuals if recent progress is maintained. Fortunately, he has the nucleus of a strong squad in place.
Granted the right investment, the Blues should continue to flourish and in registering their first pre-season friendly win over Preston, we once again saw evidence that the kids are all right – one in particular.
If Jose Baxter continues like this, Moyes is going to have a problem but, happily, not the kind to have him tearing his hair out.
One does not wish to put unnecessary pressure on this 16-year-old but it is quite evident he is going to mature into a ‘player’.
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