Tempting as it is for me, as a huge supporter of the younger footballers at Everton, to say that George Finney is ready to answer the clamour for a modern natural right back in the Blues’ first team, even I acknowledge that he, and others like him, sometimes require a bit of reality to pitch themselves against grown men week-in, week-out.
That opportunity was afforded to Finney on Tuesday when he signed for high flying Scottish Championship side Ayr United on a loan deal through to the end of the season. They are managed by a very well-known footballer in Scott Brown who, in an illustrious career, made over 400 appearances for Celtic and earned 55 caps for Scotland. The man in charge of the club known as “the Honest Men” was a big draw for Finney in deciding on his loan.
In a whirlwind day for the 18 year old, not only did he start his first professional game against Stranraer but he also scored a goal and was credited with an assist. He won’t forget the date of January 13th in a hurry!
Wearing the number 55, the same shirt he has at the Toffees, he coolly took control of a cross from the left to lash home on the half-volley (see below).
His manager had encouraging words about Finney in his post-match interview following the 4-1 victory (see below)
I have seen the development of Finney this season especially, having made 15 appearances for Paul Tait’s Under 21s. He did see a red card recently in a Merseyside derby for a slightly over-exuberant tackle but he’s not the first to have that said about him and he won’t be the last.
He is an athletic full back in the modern mould, a good 6 feet tall, fast in his long stride and a good touch too. A converted right winger, he is very comfortable going forward and learning the defensive side well. Well done to him and we shall look forward to more.
On the outgoings front, it seems certain that Blues’ goalkeeper Harry Tyrer (pictured below) will end his association with the club despite such early promise and he will sign for Cardiff City at the end of this week when their transfer embargo is lifted. That is said to be just a formality. A shame as I, and others, had high hopes for him making the breakthrough as a locally-born goalkeeper but at the age of 24, still young for a goalkeeper, he will leave permanently and build his career in League One where he will no doubt play against one of his old clubs, Blackpool. Good luck Harry!
Some heart-warming news broke on Wednesday as it was announced that young Malik Olayiwola had signed his first professional deal with the club. A bit like Finney’s whirlwind experience this week, Malik had his 17th birthday last Thursday, got on the bench for the FA Cup tie against Sunderland on Saturday and then signed a contract until June 2028 on Wednesday. Weeks after that might be plain boring!
For those that don’t know him, he is a very skilful attacking midfielder, good balance and trickery to get past opponents, definitely one for the future! He’s pictured below.
Next up at Youth level is bit of a double-header on Friday, unfortunate in some ways as they’re both at the same time. The ones likely to suffer are the U21s taking on Birmingham. One would imagine that Braiden Graham, Olayiwola, and Demi Akarakiri will be preferred for the FA Youth Cup tie at Goodison Park against West Ham.
Good luck to them all, things are looking up!