If there was ever an award for a manager who can pick a bargain, look no further than a certain David Moyes. Having to overcome financial obligations in the transfer market year after year, Everton have always been widely seen by many as a top ten Premier League club, and one who has performed admirably over recent seasons.

David Moyes is a manager who has too take full credit, a man who knows how to deal well within his limitations, and always seems too get the best out of the resources available too him. A club known to act shrewdly in the transfer market, by picking up free transfer signings along with the help of loan signings, Everton always manage to get by, comfortably as the seasons go by. Look no further than the 2004/05 season, when Everton defied the odds by breaking into the formidable ‘Top four’ at the time. A miraculous achievement, by a team who certainly know how to utilize their maximum potential.

Their Latest acquisition in Darron Gibson, is another who falls into the baragin basket, with the Republic of Ireland International signing for less than £2 million, as his contract was set to run out at the end of the current season with United. Everton have been no strangers to this years January transfer window, as Moyes completed the loan signing of U.S International Forward, Landon Donovan last week. Besides the possible addition of another striker, I don’t see Everton having the funds available too seriously add again in this window.

Gibson Impact

Gibson was a little unlucky to have not cemented a more permanent position at Old Trafford, as his impressive displays have seen him score some wonderful long-range goals that have Everton fans will no doubt be hoping to see. While it is not widely obvious Everton are lacking strength in the middle park, (with rising stars such as Jack Rodwell and Ross Barkley coming through the ranks), Darron Gibson will prove to be a valued addition to a goal-shy Everton side as we approach the run-in and second half of the season. Known for his intent to get forward, Gibson is very much a player who likes to get in the mix, and without doubt has an eye for a strike from outside the box. It could prove vital to provide Tim Cahill with some competition for the role, with another option of Phil Neville also returning to a full-back position to make way for a keen to play, Gibson. Everton have certainly acquired a player determined to prove his worth, with the Irish International also hoping to impress an ever-watching Giovanni Trappatoni, ahead of the managers’ Euro 2012 squad selection. Everton’s intent to committing him to a long-term contract, also shows their belief that they may well have a real player on their hands. Gibson joins fellow ex Manchester United players such as Neville and Louis Saha, as he hopes too prove that there is indeed life after Old Trafford after all.

Season Expectations

Currently lying in a respectable mid-table position of 11th, Everton will certainly be looking to push on this season and get as close to a European spot as possible. Whilst they realistically seem unlikely to break into the formidable ‘Top 6’, Moyes will be looking for his side to display what is usually a strong Everton finish to the season. Whilst their pre-season transfer kitty was next to nothing, I still feel Everton failed to replace the departing menace of strikers Yakubu and Jermaine Beckford. A lack of firepower up top has left them losing games they should be drawing, and drawing games they should be winning. Some of the positives David Moyes can take from the season thus far, is the emergence of young talent Ross Barkley, who in my opinion is a future England international. This guy is the new Frank Lampard for me, and it will be interesting to see how much of a role he plays when he gets back from injury. Everton have always been known for producing good young players, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see players such as Duffy and Velios be next in line for a first-team role.  My Prediction for the season: 8th place