Coventry City 2, Everton 2 - Joleon Lescott’s silence speaks volumes

Aug 3 2009 by Ian Doyle, Liverpool Daily Post

THE locals came to salute one of their own. But for Everton, the man of the moment was conspicuous by his absence yesterday.

Having commanded the headlines during the past week, Joleon Lescott avoided the spotlight when David Moyes’s side continued their pre-season programme with a draw at Coventry City.

The reason for the defender’s non-appearance was a hip injury which had limited his training since the return from the United States on Friday.

That, though, will do nothing to quell the growing speculation that the England international may find the lure of Manchester City’s multi-million revolution impossible to resist.

Moyes had, not without good reason, hit out over the weekend at the lack of class shown by City and the disrespect they have shown towards the Goodison outfit over their continued pursuit of Lescott.

Everton have already dismissed two offers for the 26-year-old with Moyes unwilling to part with any of his squad, a stance resolutely backed by chairman Bill Kenwright.

Nevertheless, City are expected to imminently lodge a further improved bid to further test the Goodison resolve.

Lescott, of course, could end a saga that is adding unwanted intrigue to Everton’s Premier League preparations by publicly declaring he is going nowhere.

But his ongoing silence is merely fuelling the fire; Evertonians will hope it does not prove telling.

Without Lescott, Everton posted a performance that was in parts encouraging against their Coca-Cola Championship hosts.

Yet the manner in which they twice let the lead slip due to some slipshod defending underlined why Moyes is so keen to hold on to Lescott during this transfer window, particularly with Phil Jagielka sidelined until well into the new campaign.

Following the keenly contested encounters in North America against River Plate and the MLS All-Stars, this was another worthwhile run-out for Moyes’s side in what was a testimonial for Coventry’s veteran full-back Marcus Hall.

The matchday programme illustrated the impact the defender has made on the local community throughout his career, but the stadium announcer was stretching things a bit when declaring the home supporters had turned out in force for the match.

Steven Pienaar, who missed the victory over the MLS All-Stars in Salt Lake City due to a thigh injury, was again sidelined, while Louis Saha, who scored on Wednesday night, was rested.

The absentees meant Jack Rodwell stepped back into the heart of defence alongside Joseph Yobo, while Marouane Fellaini ostensibly patrolled the left flank of midfield.

Moyes believes Rodwell will ultimately develop into a successful centre-back, and the youngster will have learned from attempting to keep the experienced Clinton Morrison in check. Quite whether Rodwell is yet capable of stepping in at that position when the hurly-burly of the Premier League begins is another matter, however.

Resplendent in their new away kit of black with – there’s no avoiding the fact – pink trim, Everton were comfortably in control during the opening period, with Jo influential.

The Brazilian is clearly enjoying life back at Goodison after his profitable spell on loan earlier in the year, and continues to hint at why Manchester City splashed out £18m to bring him to the Premier League 12 months ago.