Everton: Attempting to understand David James’ logic

We try to work out what the heck David James’ thinking was, when he made his recent comments regarding Everton and their flurry of transfer activity.

David James is arguably one of the most polarising figures in the history of the Premier League – despite his undoubted talent, he was equally capable of frustrating and amusing football fans, in the process earning the nickname “Calamity James”. Certainly, this is something Everton fans can agree with, especially from his time playing for Liverpool.

Now a media pundit for BT Sport, James has managed to again bring himself to the attention of Evertonians. And thanks to his comments about their team’s transfer activity, he is once more frustrating and amusing them in equal measures.

In essence, the 46-year old believes Everton used the now departed Romelu Lukaku as bait, to help lure players to the club. Speaking to the Daily Star, he said:

"“It makes me laugh because, dare I say, there were a few players signed before Lukaku left and I can imagine part of the conversation (before signing) would have to have included the word Lukaku. And then two minutes later he leaves. Whether or not players are happy or not with the fact he’s left remains to be seen.”"

So, where do we start with these comments? If we wanted to, we could just dismiss them without much thought.

After all, this was a goalkeeper who earned a reputation as one of Liverpool’s “Spice Boys”, with more of an interest in partying than winning football games. James also admitted his spate of errors was as a result of playing too many computer games, which in turn affected his concentration.

However, we’re going to rise above all that. Instead, let’s actually consider the former England internationals comments. More specifically, do they make any sense?

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Pure and simple, the answer is no. For a start, speculation was rife for quite a while beforehand, about the possibility of Lukaku leaving for pastures new.

Further, why would the Blues take such a risk of almost immediately alienating their new signings, by essentially lying to them? Word spreads fast among footballers, and if the likes of Davy Klaassen and Michael Keane felt they had been duped, they would let as many people as possible know, thus gaining Everton a reputation for being untrustworthy.

With this in mind, what was James’ motivation for even making such comments in the first place? Isn’t he meant to be considered a smart guy, or something along those lines?

If that’s the case, why would the 2008 FA Cup winner make himself sound as if he had given no thought whatsoever to what he was saying? As such, we’re going to put this down to wanting to winner favour with Liverpool fans once again, while simultaneously winding up the blue half of Merseyside.

But don’t just take our word for it. Consider these additional comments James made to the Daily Star, when asked how Everton’s new goalkeeper Jordan Pickford will deal with increased expectations:

"“I’d like to think with the staff that Everton have got then he gives himself a good chance (of being successful).” However, James then added: “For England, if I’m selfish. Nothing to do with Everton.”"

Never change David James, never change. Football is certainly more entertaining for still having you involved in some capacity.

Next: Swansea fire warning over Sigurdsson

What did you make of James’ comments? What was his angle? Is there anything to say in his defence, or is he completely offside with his rationale? Share your thoughts in the comments section.