We're still missing quite a few (more than I realised) through injury - see below - but I'd agree that the friendlies so far have shown very little cause for optimism. I was supposed to be at both Salford and Coventry but had to miss most and didn't miss a thing!. Hopefully things will improve on Saturday at Preston with a few new faces (I'm going with ToffeeMc) and definitely against Roma (our usual "family trip" - probably my dad's last ever visit to Goodison )

I think the Dele situation is still very odd as he's not currently on our books, yet is listed everywhere as if he is, and indeed looks like he is part of the squad, wearing all the training gear etc. I can only imagine that is a legal thing as I believe we'd have to pay Spurs if he signs a new contract, but I'd hope that there are some deadlines in place, for the benefit of both the club and the player - if it's not going to happen then we need to part ways and wish him well in my opinion - we've gone over and above for him.