Tony Cottee backs Jermaine Beckford to succeed at Everton

Tony Cottee 300TONY COTTEE knows only too well how to handle the expectations of signing for Everton. 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.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.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. 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.'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.'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.'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.'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.

Source: Liverpool_Echo