It's being reported that Derby County are interesting in signing Everton striker Ellis Simms on loan. The 21 year old was on loan last season at Blackpool where he made 21 appearances and scored 8 goals. We spoke with Up The Mighty Pool and Jane Stuart from Jane Stuart's Football Tourist Guide to find out all about his time at the seaside and what he could potentially bring to The Rams.
It’s rumored that Derby are interested in signing Ellis Simms on loan. What do you make of it?
UTMP: Disappointing if he does go as we had hoped and somewhat expected a return for him given he was injured at the end of last season and was looking likely to return prior to that. However, Neil Critchley does prefer to do permanent deals and develop his own players rather than rely on the loan market.
Jane: He’d be a great asset to a Championship club. We were hoping for him back ourselves but we’ve signed Jake Beesley now, so who knows if we’re still in the market for a big man up front?
He’s played at Blackpool promotion back to the Championship last season. Why did the Seasiders not go back in for him this year?
UTMP: As mentioned there was an injury after the semi final of the play offs which meant he missed the final and returned to Everton for surgery. We have just signed a striker permanently in Jake Beesley so it looks like our pursuit isn’t likely
Jane: He got injured just before the play off final and still wasn’t fit during the last transfer window.
Would you call his time at Blackpool a success?
UTMP: Yes, it was a tremendous success as he came in with us in midtable looking upwards and scored some of the key goals that took us up, including in the first leg against Oxford, where he tore them apart.
Jane: Definitely. It was lovely to watch him grow and develop as a player as he got to grips with the physicality of men’s football in League One. He was pretty prolific, which is exactly what you want from a striker.
What are his strengths? His weaknesses?
UTMP: Strengths are his physical strength and pace, composure and technical ability. Weakness is he’s still raw. He learnt a lot from when he first signed to when he left and built his confidence and also how to use his body to protect himself and the ball. He will need time to adjust but with some patience and an early goal he will be a good signing.
Jane: He’s prolific. Look at his record for Everton U18s and U23s. It’ll blow your mind. As for weaknesses, I can’t remember any really.
He is a striker. What kind of striker is he? Is he a pacy forward or a hold up man?
UTMP: I wouldn’t like to put him in a box to be honest between target man and pace. He’s tall and strong, but also quick so he’s genuinely a bit of both and a really all-rounded modern forward. Needs to bring more physicality to his game but his talent is unquestionable.
Jane: He’s a bit of everything really. He was beginning to learn holding up the ball from Gary Madine. He’s not afraid to go at defenders and he certainly knows where the goal is.
Derby manager Wayne Rooney likes players who are committed to the cause and give 100% in training sessions and games. Is Simms this kind of player?
UTMP: He’s not one who will chase around, start arguments and wear his heart on his sleeve and he did go missing early on in some games when he first joined and confidence was low. He will need some help from older heads on and off the pitch but is well capable of the step up.
Jane: Yes. He’s a good lad. Described as kind. He’s a hard worker.
Do you think he can adapt to Championship football?
UTMP: Yes, he can make it at Championship level and if he was fit in the summer I think he would’ve come back and done well for us this season. Whether it works for Derby will depend on the fans patience, a bit of luck so the pressure doesn’t mount with an early goal. He has all the necessary tools to make a good go of it and will one day play in the Premier League, of that I’m certain.
Jane: He was too good for League One, that’s for sure. The Championship is where he needs to be right now for his development. If he’s looked after and given the right support and encouragement he’ll do well.