Source: Liverpool_Echo
Tony Cottee backs Jermaine Beckford to succeed at Everton
Tony Cottee 300[LNB]TONY COTTEE knows only too well how to handle the expectations of signing for Everton. [LNB]Arriving at Goodison Park with the weight of a British transfer record on his shoulders, the man signed from West Ham United in 1988 fired a hat-trick on his debut against Newcastle United.[LNB]The Londoner would go on to claim a further five trebles in the days with the Blues as part of the 99 goals he finished on before a return to Upton Park in 1994.[LNB]Cottee dealt with the £2.2 million price tag in emphatic style and though summer signing Jermaine Beckford arrives on a free transfer from Leeds United, pulling the Royal Blue shirt brings pressure regardless of fee.[LNB] But Cottee has lent his backing to the 26-year-old to carry the predatory instincts which saw him take League One by storm into the Premier League.[LNB]'Of course it's a gamble when you sign any player from a lower division whether it's Championship or League One in this case' said Cottee.[LNB]'But what I would do is point to David Moyes, who is fantastic manager, as someone who has already done well with players like Tim Cahill and Phil Jagielka.[LNB]'There is a real pool of talent in the lower leagues and in my work for Sky I go all round the country and I see a lot of good players who are not given the chance, so I think it is fantastic that David and Everton are doing what other clubs are not; others will go and get a free signing from Norway for example because it's the cheap option. Jermaine has cost a little bit of money in terms of his wages but it is great Everton are willing to take a chance on him.'[LNB]Cottee not only points to Beckford's talent and Moyes' proven record of player development but also to the calibre of team-mate the former non-league player now finds himself alongside.
