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Everton manager Sam Allardyce wasn’t the popular choice among the fans when he succeeded Ronald Koeman in November, following a disastrous start to the campaign under the Dutchman, and then caretaker boss David Unsworth.

The former England boss arrived at Goodison Park renowned for playing a direct style of football that looks to get the ball forward as quick as possible, which can often lead to long balls up to the attackers from the back.

At the time of his appointment, the Merseyside outfit were in 16th position and just two points above the bottom three having conceded 28 goals in 13 Premier League matches.

While the large majority of the Goodison faithful wouldn’t have been happy with the 63-year-old’s appointment, they also knew that he had never suffered relegation from the top flight as a manager and was ultimately a safe pair of hands.

They hosted fellow strugglers West Ham United at the end of November having suffered consecutive 5-1 and 4-1 defeats against Atalanta in the Europa League and Southampton in the top flight respectively, and while confidence was low Allardyce’s presence in the stands saw them cruise to a brilliant – and much-needed – 4-0 win.

Everton took eight points from their next five matches – conceding just two goals – as their new boss got them organised at the back, with their strong defensive performances allowing them to pick up points that they wouldn’t have earlier in the campaign.

Allardyce knew that he needed to find a balance between being solid and also bringing a goal threat too however, but the four straight defeats in all competitions since Boxing Day haven’t exactly been great.

The 2-0 reverse at home to Manchester United was disappointing, but the 4-0 loss against Tottenham Hotspur at Wembley last weekend was worse.

While they were weak defensively and struggled to cope with the movement with both teams’ impressive frontlines, Everton also failed to muster a shot on target in either match – something that wasn’t usually an issue under Koeman.

In fact, in Allardyce’s nine Premier League matches in charge so far, his team have managed 36 fewer shots at goal than in the nine games at the start of this season before his Dutch predecessor was given the boot.

All of these statistics would make Toffees fans believe that they need to be more effective in the final third given that they understandably wanted to be treated to entertaining football, but Allardyce believes otherwise.

Following the defeat to Spurs he claimed that perhaps his team need to be “more boring” in the future in order to make sure they aren’t on the end of more results like the one in the capital.

While the Everton supporters wouldn’t have been happy to hear those comments, the 63-year-old does have a point.

The Merseyside outfit currently like 12 points behind Arsenal and the last remaining European qualification spot in the Premier League, while they are seven points above the relegation zone and on a poor run of form right now.

While the Gunners aren’t at their best this season, it would be a huge shock if they surrendered a 12-point advantage to the Toffees in the final 15 top flight matches this season.

Their bid to avoid being sucked back into a relegation battle is more pressing right now, and considering the campaign looks to be a write-off from the point of view of qualifying for Europe, they still need points to ensure they survive.

The visit of West Bromwich Albion to Goodison Park on Saturday is a fine example.

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The Baggies picked up their first Premier League win since August against Brighton and Hove Albion to move to within two points of safety, and they will want to follow it up with another three points on Merseyside.

It is the type of match that Everton could easily slip up in if they are set up to be too gung-ho, and Allardyce would much prefer a 1-0 win.

It may not be what the supporters want to see, but preserving the club’s top flight status has to be the principal target in the present moment.

If they pick up the points they need to ensure survival in the next couple of months then they can perhaps take a few risks in the remaining weeks of the campaign, but until that point Toffees supporters need to accept their manager’s tactics and trust him.

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Later this year the Football Association, now under the stewardship of Greg Dyke, will publish plans centred around increasing the numbers of British Asian players and coaches in England.

The move will come as a breathe of fresh air, as long-overdue focus shifts to a community that despite representing around 7.5% of the national population (approximately 4.2m people) according to the 2011 census, has almost non-existent representation in the national game.

Indeed, at present, only eight players of British Asian heritage are on professional contracts across the country’s top four divisions, with just two in the Premier League, but the governing body hopes that new measures will help to address the situation.

Speaking to the BBC, FA inclusion projects coordinator Kevin Coleman said “there are some specific targets around Asians in football…(and) the fact that all the authorities came together is the first time that has happened in 150 years. That is a milestone that has really opened some doors.”

The authorities comprise the Premier League, PFA, LMA, Football League, Football Foundation and Referees Association, all of whom have signed up to the new plans which will look to facilitate a transition in attitude and perception, similar to that which has seen the emergence of black footballers in the country skyrocket since the late seventies.

Primary focus will be directed towards improving the provision and accessibility for Asians at the grassroots level of the game, with Coleman telling the broadcaster “increasing the number of Asian players at the bottom of the pyramid should logically increase the number at the top.

“For example, if we have more young people playing in development centres, you have more coaches and referees and you have more people working in the game, you should see players then go through to academies and then into the professional game”.

Though it is clear the plans will have a welcome place in the national governing body’s strategy going forward, it must similarly be acknowledged that the timing of their publication will be a welcome distraction for Dyke and associates at the FA. Following the announcement of the panel geared around improving the England national team, which was heavily criticized for a lack of ethnic diversity.

Though this is probably a coincidence, a stern realism must be applied when considering how long it could potentially take to reverse the trend of particpation barriers for British Asian community in football.

Previous strategies to engage this particular ethnic minority, have been unsuccessful, for reasons ranging from physical stereotyping among those in the game to a cultural preference for focus upon education as well as passions for different sports, like cricket.

Now however, it would appear that the FA is ready to get serious about tackling the issue once and for all. This attitude is reflected in the assertions of equality consultant and former West Brom player Brendon Batson, who said “Nobody can ever convince me that there aren’t talented Asian players out there.

“They just need somebody to tap into them and, hopefully, they will flourish.

“From talking to Asian players and people who run Asian clubs, one of the things that comes back is that parental influence has been very negative with regards to letting their youngsters participate in football.

“It takes a long time to get that sort of conveyor belt of talent to come through and now there seems to be a much more positive attitude from those who are influencing young Asian players and those who are involved in running Asian clubs.

“They are saying ‘look, this is a sport that we should be more involved in’, whereas before there was almost a morality issue about being involved in professional football.”

Though the process may be a slow one, it is likely to be aided by provisions that have already been devised by some clubs, including Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea, who for five years have run an annual Asian Star search which attracts around 350-400 youngsters.

One thing the FA will be keen to avoid however, is accusations of tokenism, but it would seem clubs are already wise to the prospect of this and will ultimately have the final say over the inclusion of young players in academies, be them Asian or otherwise.

And so it would seem that the barriers to participation for British Asians in football are finally being addressed, though lasting effects may take some time to be seen. The longest journey, however, starts with the smallest step.

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As expected, Anton Ferdinand refused to shake the hand of John Terry before the Queens Park Rangers – Chelsea game on Saturday but Rangers captain Ji-sung Park was also in on the circus performance the Daily Mail report.

A heated exchange, or lack of exchange, pre match saw John Terry, who was found innocent of racially abusing Anton Ferdinand in court late last season, snubbed by Ferdinand but also by Park when the captains met in the centre circle.

Terry, seemed unworried by anything that happened in the pre match handshake department, was clearly surprised when QPR’s new signing from Manchester United and newly appointed captain refused to acknowledge him in the captains meeting for the toss.

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Ferdinand also refused to shake the hand of Ashley Cole, who gave evidence in the court case supporting his team mate Terry and the Football Association are still looking into the incident from 2011 in a debacle that seems to be dragging on for a needless amount of time and the 0-0 draw at Loftus Road yesterday has gone no way to putting the incident to bed.

Manchester United need a defensive overhaul after a trophyless season and the Manchester Evening News report that they are moving closer towards a deal for Tottenham centre-half Toby Alderweireld.

After a shaky performance from Phil Jones in the FA Cup final defeat against Chelsea and a season in which Chris Smalling failed to suitably impress England manager to earn a place in the World Cup squad despite the dearth of top centre-backs available, the Belgian’s undoubted quality would be a coup for Mourinho.

However, part of the appeal of signing Alderweireld is his as yet unresolved contract situation in North London, which United would hope to use to engineer a cheaper deal.

It does not appear that will be the case, as the report quotes £55m as the price Spurs want for the out of favour Belgian and that has not gone down well at all with the United fans…

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Arsenal could only manage a draw on New Years’ Eve in the English Premier League, failing to beat West Bromwich Albion at the Hawthorns after a dramatic and controversial finish to the match.All three points looked like they were heading to the Gunners after Alexis Sanchez’s free-kick was deflected in off James McLean, but a late penalty awarded for handball was converted by Jay Rodriguez to ensure the Baggies shared the spoils.Arsene Wenger was left fuming by the decision, feeling it was a harsh penalty to concede and even accusing referee Mike Dean of not seeing the incident before blowing his whistle.Fans were disappointed with the draw and the performance from their team with sharp criticism aimed at usually reliable players like Alexandre Lacazette.The French striker hasn’t scored in his last six matches, leaving some to question whether he could be offering more in an Arsenal shirt.Supporters took to Twitter to share their thoughts on his performance…

The international break came at the worst time for Millwall, just as it was all starting to come together, we get a week off…

We are now five games in to the new season and are second bottom of the Championship. But this season was never going to be a smooth one. With an influx of new players, coaching staff and manager, it was always going to take a considerable amount of time for it all to fit well.

But now it is slowly starting to come together.

Two tough away games at the end of the month saw us undefeated, most fans would have taken a point at Sheffield Wednesday and Brighton, and after all we were only two minutes away from a win at the AMEX.

Within the first four games of the season, Lomas used 25 players, the most in the Championship. It’s very clear that Lomas didn’t know his best starting line-up. He now has a very good idea and to be honest the back five basically picks itself. It’s in midfield where Lomas has difficulty. We have quality midfielders now, but how do they all fit in? Especially with Liam Trotter back from injury.

To be honest I can’t see this squad struggling for much longer.

Last season we had Sean St.Ledger and Josh Wright in centre midfield. Now it’s Nicky Bailey and Richard Chaplow.

We had Rob Hulse and Nathan Tyson up front. Now it’s Steve Morison and Scott McDonald.

As you can see, it’s a massive improvement…

It was always going to be a slow burner on how the Lions would play. Steve Lomas brought in his own staff and ideas. Most fans can see what he’s trying to do. He’s mostly trying to get us to play it on the floor, proper football.

Yes, we may still hoof it up to the strikers, but somehow Scott McDonald manages to get the ball down and play it around the pitch.

It’s going to take time and Lomas will still need that to make it a success at the Den. Chairman John Berylson has already said he will be given time, but will the fans give him the same treatment?

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The majority of the season can see he’s trying to build a good team here, but some still can’t get past the fact “he’s West Ham” but he’s here now, why not just support him? Who knows what could happen…..

September will be seen as a vital month with the Lions having a seemingly good chance to get some wins on the board, with three home games and an away South London derby at Charlton. Lomas talked about home form when he first got the job. He wanted to make the Den a scary place again for away opposition. Well now is the perfect chance, especially when the final game of the month is at home to Leeds, always a lively one…

COYL

On Saturday evening I asked Argyle fans when was the last time the Pilgrims came from behind to win a game at Home Park. Nobody could actually give me the answer as it is simply so long ago.

After searching through various Argyle websites and rifting through my own memory I found out for myself. The 23rd November 2010. That was the last time Argyle won a game at Home Park after being behind, it was an npower League One fixture against Dagenham & Redbridge. That record stood, until Saturday.

Despite his return on loan from Burnley being greeted with excitement by most Argyle fans, Alex MacDonald found himself on the bench for this game, alongside 32-year-old Rhys Griffiths who was making his first competitive appearance of any kind for Argyle after turning professional to sign for us in the Summer.

The game kicked-off at a very slow pace with neither side really taking the initiative. Onismor Bhasera and Paris Cowan-Hall both had pop shots that went wide and were saved respectively, before Bhasera nearly headed in at the back post off a Durrell Berry cross.

The visitors, who understandably looked more than happy to soak up the little Argyle pressure after only playing Wolves in the Capital One Cup on Thursday night, then scored with their first attempt on goal.

Quite how Alex Nicholls was allowed the time and space to turn and shoot with his back to goal with three green shirts around him baffles me. The 24-year-old took advantage of the lax marking to swivel and poke home the opener in front of the Devonport end.

Conor Hourihane almost found instant parity for the home side, but his shot from just inside the area flashed just wide of the post. In all honestly he should have buried it. Shortly afterwards Paris Cowan-Hall, who was making good progress down the right flank, had to go off due to injury. On came Alex MacDonald, receiving a warm applause from the Home Park faithful who hoped he could recreate some of the magic they had seen from him last season.

The substitute did not immediately turn the tide though, as Northampton spurned two or three good chances to increase the lead as half time approached.

Standing there at half-time, I could see nothing but a loss for us. We looked short of ideas and I could see the Cobblers scoring again. One point after now four league games seemed to be beckoning.

As the teams re-emerged for the second half, we could clearly see that Fletcher had gone for a change of personal and tactics. Paul Wotton made way for league debutant Rhys Griffiths as Argyle changed from 4-5-1 (never understand why we play this at home anyway) to 4-4-2.

The change, and what was probably said in the changing room, ignited the sleeping Pilgrims.

First Bhasera got on the end of a Griffiths knock down before hammering his shot at Lee Nicholls in the Cobblers goal before the equaliser arrived through the same route. Bhasera again benefited from a Griffiths touch before running towards the box and delivering an inch perfect cross for Warren Feeney to glance across Nicholls and into the far corner. 1-1, and with only two minutes of the second half played and Forza Verde now in full voice it was game on.

Argyle started to pour forward in numbers, and before long they had the lead. Bhasera – who was having the half of his life – played the ball to Feeney who layed it off to Griffiths. The Welshman then found MacDonald in acres of space on the right. He drove towards the box and crossed a ball that always looked like it would cause trouble for the Cobblers. A combination of Warren Feeney and a Northampton defender resulted in the ball rolling loose towards the edge of the box, right into the path of a perfectly placed Griffiths who stroked home.

Sadly though, Griffiths outstanding league bow was to last only 22 minutes as he trudged off with a small injury.

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The Pilgrims kept pressing though, and made it three not long after Rhys had departed. Robbie Williams crossed a perfectly flighted ball for stand-in striker Curtis Nelson to nod home. The Cobblers did score again, but Artell’s header deep into injury time was little more than consolation.

None of us saw that second half performance coming. Hopefully we can continue in that vein on Saturday, with a Devon Derby against rivals Torquay United. The 32-year-old Rhys Griffiths was working as a fireman just a few months ago and playing for Llanelli in the Welsh Premier League. He scored 182 goals in 182 appearances for them. On the 22 minute showing we saw on Saturday, what a signing Fletcher could have made here.

For more Argyle talk, you can follow me on Twitter.

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According to the Daily Mail, West Ham United assistant manager Stuart Pearce scouted Anderlecht midfielder Leander Dendoncker against Club Brugge last weekend.

The Hammers have been linked with the Belgium international for some time, and it is understood that they have the option to sign him in this summer’s transfer window.

However, the London club are said to be unsure whether Dendoncker is worth £18m, which is the transfer fee that Anderlecht are said to be demanding.

Manchester United were linked with the 23-year-old in last summer’s transfer window, but the midfielder ultimately remained at Anderlecht.

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He has only managed one goal in 42 appearances for Anderlecht this term, but more than held his own in the Champions League.

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The West Ham fans have been offering their views on the latest transfer report, and it would be fair to say that it was a bit of a mixed reaction on social media.

A selection of the Twitter reaction can be seen below:

The transfer window is well and truly in full swing now, as all the Premier League’s big guns look to improve their squads ahead of the new campaign.

Although most are active, Louis van Gaal’s Manchester United are well and truly in the mix, and have had a very busy few days.

United have moved to strengthen their midfield for next season with two quality signings. World Cup winner Bastian Schweinsteiger has joined from Bayern Munich for around £14m and he was swiftly followed by Southampton midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin, who has switched to Old Trafford for around £25m.

Both players will likely form a central midfield trio, alongside Spaniard Ander Herrera next season.

It has not been all about the incomings at Old Trafford, though. One major departure is Robin van Persie who has penned a deal with Fenerbache.

His departure leaves LVG with a major problem in attack, as, currently, the only fit strikers at the club are captain Wayne Rooney and youngster James Wilson.

The Dutch manager’s next target has to be a big name striker to fill the void Van Persie leaves.

They have been linked with a number of Europe’s top strikers, but the answer to all United’s attacking problems may well be a little closer to home. Aston Villa striker Christian Benteke is the perfect signing for Manchester United.

The Belgian has been the subject of intense interest from Liverpool of late, with the Reds, according to almost daily reports, chasing his signature.

However Old Trafford would be the best destination for the player, as he has a number of qualities that make him the ideal man to lead the attack next season.

Benteke is a proven Premier League goalscorer, he has scored 49 goals in 101 appearances for Villa, a quality return considering he was often starved of quality service at Villa. The 25 year old is a strong, intelligent striker with great aerial ability and a sharp eye for goal, which has allowed him to register such a record.

So just imagine the striker’s potential when working alongside some of the world-class players Manchester United have. Players like Rooney, Schweinsteiger, Mata, Di Maria, Depay and Schneiderlin will be there to provide quality service, and that would surely bring great rewards.

Having a big target man will also suit Van Gaal’s tactics – it is evident from many of last season’s performances that the former Holland manager has no problem with turning to direct football when in need of a goal.

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Benteke could also form a formidable partnership with Rooney, with both forwards possessing playing styles that compliment one another. Rooney is the engine of the United strike force, the player is constantly on the move, often coming deep to collect the ball and play in his team-mates, whilst Benteke is a big target man who can hold the ball up and provide knock downs for Rooney and co to latch onto.

Together they tick all the boxes and could could go on to form another of the great United strike pairings like Andy Cole and Dwight Yorke.

United will have to move quick, though, before their rivals step their pursuit up to the next level.

ne Tottenham failed to qualify for the Champions League ahead Arsenal despite ending the final day with a victory over Sunderland at White Hart Lane.

Andre Villas-Boas post-match…”It is difficult to take, in the end we did what we had to but Arsenal did their job well and go through. It is difficult at this moment. It was extremely disappointing because we saw how the results can influence the running of the game. Our game could have been even better.”

Paolo Di Canio post-match… “At this moment we do not have the weapons to damage the opponents. My players kept their discipline in the game, tried to give everything but it was enough to get the point. Again Gareth Bale made the difference.”

Man of the Match…Gareth Bale: Again? Yet again Bale was the only man that looked like scoring for Tottenham…and he did…at the death….with another spectacular strike from distance. It’s all becoming a bit textbook now.

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Flop of the Match…David Vaughan: Every piece needs a villain and unfortunately for Vaughan he held that particular ticket. A clumsy tackle on Aaron Lennon in the 75th minute bought him a second yellow, an early bath and Sunderland’s third red in four games.