Mersey-slide?

It would appear that Liverpool and Roy Hodgson have reached the end of the road and this could mark a significant turning point in the future of Merseyside football. It is a sad state of affairs that a solid win against Bolton at Anfield was played out with around 7,000 empty seats on a holiday weekend. Expect similar at Goodison when Spurs come to town. Forget the new stadiums(s) around Stanley Park - it is about time that both clubs showed some foresight and looked at a joint venture.

Liverpool has an ailing economy which will suffer more than most during a time of Coalition cuts. Such times used to call for this particular city to come together and unite. Now is the appropriate moment to put aside internet banter and media point scoring. Both Everton and Liverpool have been dealt a weak hand for differing reasons and have been left floundering in comparison to Reds and Blues from Manchester. Liverpool may be pro-active this next month - they need to be one way or another.

John W Henry has overseen much improvement at the Boston Red Sox. In baseball the winning product on the field has led to a winning product off it. It is with good reason that Liverpool fans to expect major squad improvements. Carl Crawford joined the Red Sox when it appeared he was set to join the New York Yankees - a similar move in the Premier League would no doubt see Liverpool entice Ashley Young just as Manchester United have him in their sights.

Except there is one thing sadly lacking in this comparison. Liverpool do not play in the same league as Manchester United. Champions League football means something different to players and fans alike. For a generation young supporters have grown old knowing exactly where the goose who lays the golden egg resides.

If Liverpool do decide to throw money at the problem in the form of transfers - it is highly unlikely they will get any value for their money.

Too many Liverpool players look like they want to be somewhere else and now the supporters are sharing the sentiment.

Everton do not have the luxury of hoping an American investment group will transform their fortunes. They have been caught in a constant tangle of false hope and near misses. Their FA Cup final side was ripped apart by a summer struggle with Manchester City over the future of a centre-half - the unwillingness to accept the game had changed even in a short few months held back a crucial period of necessary rebuilding.

Everton are the Premier League's most stubborn Old Lady. Pushing a relic of a ground into the new century with a local owner who cuts his cloth accordingly. A bastion of how the game used to be. Everton have battled odds with its low spending and traditions - including backing a manager that has been through the highs and lows trying to live up to success that, despite being a distant memory, remains a key part of the fabric of the club.

Except, for every former 'legend' that finds themselves taking a half time applause of appreciation, there is a current 'star' plotting a route out of the cub that gave them a platform.

Steven Pienaar is the latest to have the Goodison faithful dangling on his every move. This is the same Steven Pienaar who arrived on a loan because Borussia Dortmund had seen enough of his talents to demand all of £2 million for his services. A short time on and Pienaar has become respected for his talents at Everton. Used as a ball carrier he offers little goal threat but was a useful outlet for the expressive Leighton Baines. Now Pienaar has had enough and David Moyes has failed to take control.

The reason that Pienaar has become an issue for Everton is that he has become a symbol of what has gone wrong. A player who delights but never satisfies he lingers with uncertainty when he could be putting the front foot forward. Pienaar's energetic work rate has him largely forgiven for his contract wrangle by both manager and supporters. Compared to the disinterested Yakubu and the sulking John Heitinga, the South-African looks the part. Yet there is something missing. The extra few percent of the very thing that pushed him from a Bundesliga misfit into a Premier League fly-weight champion appears to have been absent in 2010-11.

It should be noted that of the four Premier League wins that Everton have enjoyed this term Pienaar has played in only one.

No good has ever come from indecision and Everton have been left in a situation where the players have once again taken over the direction of the club. This would be a good time to cut some losses. Make a plan.

Everton and Liverpool both need to re-engage with the support on the street. A passionate support that will take many things - but will not tolerate being bored to death in mid-table by footballers who look like they wish to be anywhere else.