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Everton Independent Research Data
Barry Horne: Stoke players will stay faithful to manager Tony Pulis
May 1 2010 by James Pearce, Liverpool Echo
I'LL be at the Britannia Stadium today and I'm confident Everton have the quality to get three points. I'm a big fan of Stoke and manager Tony Pulis. He's done a great job and I've enjoyed watching them at times this season. But their style of play is very physically demanding and at this stage of the season it has taken its toll. They're safe in the league with nothing to play for and the Blues can get the win to keep their season alive. People have questioned the unity of the Stoke squad after reports of a half-time altercation between Glenn Whelan and Abdoulaye Faye at Chelsea last week. But their success has been built on togetherness and a common sense of purpose, and I don't think there's a problem. When James Beattie had a bust-up with Pulis earlier in the season he took it to a formal hearing at the club but not a single player would speak against the manager. Pulis' management style is uncompromising and the players know exactly what is expected of them.
Barry Horne: Everton FC must keep going until final day
May 1 2010 by James Pearce, Liverpool Echo
EVERTON'S excellent form so far in 2010 means there is still a chance we could have something riding on our last game at home to Portsmouth next Sunday.
Of course for that to happen the Blues need to win at Stoke today and hope Liverpool lose to Chelsea tomorrow. Liverpool's Europa League exit on Thursday was both physically and mentally draining. Going out like that saps morale and I'd be surprised if they got anything out of their game. I'd still expect them to win at Hull in their final game but while there's still a chance Everton have to keep going and it would be great to take it to the last day. David Moyes seemed relaxed at his press conference yesterday which is no surprise as things are coming together nicely at the club.
I was impressed by Phil Jagielka's comments this week when asked about his chances of making England's World Cup squad. He said he's in a win-win situation in the sense that if he goes then great and if he doesn't he can rest up and get ready for next season with Everton. That's the kind of professional attitude we've come to expect from the centre-back.He struggled to make an immediate impact on his arrival at Goodison but he worked hard to improve his form and finished last season as Everton's player of the year and an England international. It's the same positive approach that has seen him overcome a potentially career threatening injury. His attitude and enthusiasm makes him a great example to any young pro.
Leighton Baines must be nailed on for the squad but I fear Jagielka may just miss out as Michael Dawson has played consistently well for Spurs this season.
I think Dawson will be the third choice centre-half with Ledley King's quality convincing Fabio Capello he's a risk worth taking. However, the fragile fitness of both Rio Ferdinand and King may convince Capello to take a utility player. And if he's looking for experience, quality and versatility then Phil Neville must have an outside chance.
Royal Blue: Book recalls Everton FC's grand victory over Chelsea
May 1 2010 by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
GAMES gainst Chelsea have, rather unusually, provided reasons to be cheerful for Bluenoses this season. But there was a time when wins over the Londonders were routine. In his excellent book, 'Everton Strange But Blue', Toffee stat-king Gavin Buckland recalls the day Dixie Dean put five past Chelsea in the opening 32 minutes.
His preparation for the game? A few pints the night before and a kip in the trainer's room at Goodison. Evertonians in the capital will also be glad to know the Dixie Dean Story, a unique show narrated by Dean's biographer John Keith, hits London in May. See it at Westminster Kingsway College Theatre on May 21.
Royal Blue: Former Everton FC star Criag Short's new career in Budapest
May 1 2010 by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
CRAIG Short was a reassuringly solid, towering presence at the heart of Everton's defence for 104 games over four seasons. The 6ft 3in Ted Danson look-a-like was a no-nonsense centre back with an added aerial threat in the opposition penalty area courtesy of his vast frame. Evertonians will remember his elbow to Ronald Koeman's nasty face, for which he was sent off, as the Blues crashed out of the European Cup Winner's Cup against Feyenoord, as much as they will recall his partnership with Dave Watson. And while he was never destined to become a cult hero at Goodison, eyebrows were still raised in 1999 when the board accepted a surprising bid of more than £2m from recently relegated Blackburn Rovers. Short was disillusioned with the bid being accepted and could have been forgiven for leaving Merseyside with a grudge. But true to form he has never criticised the club since, instead embarking on a career path which is as intriguing as it is random. He retired at the end of the 2005-06 season to open a sailing school in the Lake District but was tempted out of retirement with the chance to return to the Premiership with Sheffield United. He signed a one-year contract but only played two League Cup appearances that season, and was released at the end of the 2006-07 season to resume his retirement. Short returned to his sailing business on Lake Windermere, teaching sailing to the public and corporate teams, and delivering boats to their owners. He was even featured on Sky Sports series 'Where are they now?'. It appeared the man mountain had settled on a life away from the pressures of the professional game, and had never spoken about an ambition to manage. So it was a surprise when he popped up as boss of Hungarian side Ferencvaros last year. The BBC's Paul Fletcher managed to track Short down for an interview. Ferencvaros is owned by Sheffield United chairman Kevin McCabe and was managed by Bobby Davison prior to the appointment of Short. It was former Guiseley boss Davison who originally invited Short to join him in a coaching capacity in September 2008. "It was a very difficult decision as my two girls are in England and being away from them does not get any easier," said Short. "But it was too good an opportunity to miss. "I look at myself now and think how lucky I am to have a job in football while many of my former team-mates are still out of work." Short knew next to nothing about Ferencvaros before his move to the continent. He phoned former Blades team-mate and Ferencvaros striker Paul Shaw for information and also started reading up on the club. What he discovered surprised him. Ferencvaros, in his words, were "basically the Manchester United of Hungarian football", having won their domestic title 28 times and reached the European Cup Winners' Cup final in 1975.
"The media and fans of Hungarian football are very demanding," he said.
"But the response of the supporters has been good, particularly over the last few games." His side are undefeated in their seven fixtures since the winter break, although six of these have been draws. Short's aim for the season is a top-six finish.
Short has found the style of football very defensive, with away teams often content to play with 10 men behind the ball, hoping for a goal against the run of play.
It's no wonder he is adapting quickly though. This is after all, one of the many centre-halves Walter Smith liked to select. It is nice to see such an unassuming man enjoying life back in the game.
Everton FC's Australian midfielder Tom Cahill insists pre-season tour Down Under will benefit the Blues
May 1 2010 by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
Everton's Australian midfielder insists pre-season tour Down Under will benefit the Goodison club TIM CAHILL today predicted Everton can reap huge benefits from their pre-season tour to Australia. The Socceroos star is thrilled at the three-week tour Down Under, and is especially pleased it will include a trip to his home city of Sydney. It will be the Toffees' first visit to the country since 1987, when the then champions of England participated in a post-season tour, playing two games in Melbourne and Brisbane. The Blues will return to both East-coast cities to face Hyundai A-League sides Brisbane Roar and Melbourne Heart and will complete a three-game tour with an exhibition match against Sydney FC. Ironically, Cahill could still be involved with Australia's World Cup campaign when the Blues make the trip, but he is looking forward to it regardless. He said: "I think it's fantastic for Australian football and also Everton because Australia's got a massive following of Everton supporters. I get together and have a lot of signing sessions with the Everton supporters over there and they come from all corners of Australia. They're a proud following and I think for a Premier League team like Everton to grace the shores of Australia is absolutely massive." David Moyes will prepare his non-World Cup participating players for the start of the 2010-11 Premier League campaign by spending almost three weeks in the Southern Hemisphere.He said: "Our pre-season will start with a trip to Australia and we're looking forward to seeing all the Evertonians in Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne. "The facilities there are first-class and that's important to us because the training and the games will be a good part of our pre-season preparations. Thanks to Tim Cahill, the Aussies know all about Everton and I am sure we'll get a typically warm Australian welcome." Everton will face Brisbane Roar at the Suncorp Stadium on Saturday, July 10 and then fly to The Etihad Stadium to take on Melbourne Heart five days later on Wednesday, July 14 before ending the tour at the ANZ Stadium with a game against Sydney FC on Saturday, July 17. Kick-off times are still to be confirmed alongside ticket details for the matches. The club will be looking at an official travel package from the UK to Australia and will announce details on evertonfc.com. Meanwhile, Moyes hopes Jack Rodwell and Leon Osman could return from injury for today's clash with Stoke at the Britannia stadium. Osman has been struggling with a medial knee ligament injury, and Rodwell a thigh strain, but both are on the mend. John Heitinga, however, is still nursing a fractured foot and although he hopes to return in time to play Portsmouth, will miss out today.
Stoke City 0 Everton FC 0 - full time report
May 1 2010 James Pearce
EVERTON'S hopes of qualifying for Europe are over after they were held to a goalless draw by Stoke City at the Britannia Stadium. The Blues needed to win their last two matches to have any hope of climbing above rivals Liverpool and now whatever happens at home to Portsmouth next Sunday they will finish eighth in the Premier League. The draw meant Everton equalled their Premier League record of 10 matches unbeaten but that was little consolation after a frustrating afternoon against Tony Pulis' mid-table side. Blues boss David Moyes made four changes from the team which beat Fulham 2-1 with the major surprise the omision of Steven Pienaar.
The South African international, who has been linked with a summer move away from Goodison, wasn't included in the squad and his midfield place went to Leon Osman.
Joseph Yobo made his first start since the defeat to Sporting Lisbon in February as Phil Jagielka moved to right back and Tony Hibbert dropped to the bench.
Victor Anichebe and Louis Saha were also handed a chance to shine in place of Diniyar Bilyaletdinov and Yakubu. Stoke had nothing but pride to play for with their Premier League status long since secured, but boss Tony Pulis had demanded a response following the 7-0 mauling they suffered at Chelsea. During a dour opening 45 minutes both sides struggled to create chances. Anichebe tested keeper Asmir Begovic from 25 yards, while at the other end Ricardo Fuller latched on to Mamady Sidibe's flick but his weak effort was straight at Tim Howard. Stoke had appeals for a penalty waved away just before the half hour mark after Mikel Arteta collided with Glenn Whelan in the box. Anichebe was lively and he went close again from long range before the break. The Nigerian was in the thick of the action and couldn't get out of the way of Leighton Baines' goal-bound strike after a short corner from Arteta.
Both sides showed more urgency in the second half and two minutes after the interval the Blues enjoyed a major let-off. Sidibe picked out Matthew Etherington down the left and his cross found the unmarked Rory Delap who inexplicably blazed wide from eight yards. Everton responded positively and looked the more likely to claim maximum points. Ryan Shawcross got away with tugging Anichebe's shirt in the box and then the Blues striker curled a 20-yarder inches wide of the upright with Begovic beaten. With 18 minutes to go Moyes introduced Yakubu and Jack Rodwell at the expense of Saha and Osman. Just moments later Everton thought they had the breakthrough. Jagielka rose to head home Arteta's corner but the visitors' celebrations were curtailed by the assistant's offside flag.
Stoke City 0, Everton FC 0: David Moyes tight-lipped over decision to disallow Phil Jagielka's 'goal'
May 3 2010 by James Pearce, Liverpool Daily Post
DAVID MOYES wasn't in the mood for talking on Saturday.
As the Everton manager marched towards the tunnel at the Britannia Stadium there was frustration etched across his face. Try telling the Scotsman he can be proud of his side's efforts in the face of adversity this season. Everton's European dream died in Stoke and there was no consoling their fiercely ambitious manager. Moyes kept his thoughts to himself as he sent assistant Steve Round to face the media but it's fair to assume he was fuming at Howard Webb's decision to rule out Phil Jagielka's 74th minute header. Victor Anichebe was undoubtedly standing in an offside position but with the Nigerian not touching the ball there's no doubt many officials would have given the goal. In truth victory would have flattered Everton who only really came to life in the second half. On a day when only three points would do too many players failed to impose themselves on proceedings and they were fortunate not to fall behind when Rory Delap somehow conspired to miss a glorious chance just after the break.
But Moyes' frustrations run deeper than what was played out along Stanley Matthews Way on Saturday. The reality is there will be no European football on offer at Goodison next season and that will make life tough when it comes to attracting players this summer. Forget the Europa League, Moyes wants to be leading Everton out in the Champions League but with the financial might of Manchester City, Tottenham and Aston Villa the battle for a top-four spot has never been tougher.
Moyes has transformed the club's fortunes over the past eight years and built a squad of genuine quality but the next step will be the hardest. "Qualifying for Europe was the goal of the manager and the players and they were very down afterwards," admitted Round. "Europe is always a must. That's the pressure we put on ourselves.
"The manager's big goal every year is to qualify for the Champions League. That's the first target and if not then it's the Europa League. "We want to win trophies. That's the ambition of the manager and he drives it throughout the whole club." Moyes likes to look forward, not back, but when he's on the sun lounger this summer he will surely reflect on another year of progress. Of course the stats don't show it. Everton will finish eighth – three places lower than 12 months ago and with fewer points.
It's their lowest Premier League finish for four years but try finding an Evertonian who believes the club are going backwards.
A wretched injury list effectively wrecked this season. Having to do without the likes of Mikel Arteta, Jagielka, Phil Neville, Yakubu and Steven Pienaar for long periods crippled them.
In November there were fears Everton would be dragged into a dogfight. Remarkably, since then they have lost just twice in 23 league games.
In 2010 only Manchester United have picked up more top-flight points and Saturday's stalemate equalled the club's Premier League record of 10 games unbeaten.
Moyes' biggest challenge this summer is fending off interest in his star names with speculation about Pienaar's future intensifying. The South Africa international, who only has one year left on his contract, was conspicuous by his absence on Saturday with a twisted ankle in training apparently leaving him sidelined. His place was taken by Leon Osman who returned from injury to play on the right flank. Joseph Yobo made his first start since the defeat to Sporting in February as Jagielka moved to right back and Tony Hibbert dropped to the bench. Anichebe and Louis Saha were also handed a chance to shine in place of Diniyar Bilyaletdinov and Yakubu. Stoke had only pride to play for with their Premier League status long since secured but Tony Pulis had demanded a response from his players after their 7-0 mauling at Chelsea.
The Potters' manager had been left fuming by the mole in the camp who had leaked news of a dressing room spat between Glenn Whelan and Abdoulaye Faye at Stamford Bridge. Normal service was resumed on Saturday as instead of fighting each other Stoke simply kicked lumps out of the opposition. Arteta came in for some rough treatment during a dour opening 45 minutes which was high on effort but desperately low on quality. Saha was a passenger up front and frequently outmuscled, but alongside him Anichebe was lively and after a neat turn he tested stand-in keeper Asmir Begovic. The Nigerian was in the thick of the action and inadvertently blocked Leighton Baines' goal-bound strike after a short corner from Arteta. At the other end Ricardo Fuller latched on to Mamady Sidibe's flick but his weak effort was straight at Tim Howard. In truth the first half was a great advert for just about anything apart from Premier League football with chances in short supply. Stoke had pleas for a penalty waved away when Arteta collided with Whelan but there were few complaints. Both sides showed more urgency in the second half and two minutes after the interval Everton enjoyed a major let-off. Sidibe released Matthew Etherington down the left and his cross found Delap who inexplicably blazed wide from eight yards. It was a horror miss by the man with the giant throw.Everton responded positively to that lucky escape and finally started to exert some concerted pressure.
Ryan Shawcross was lucky to get away with tugging Anichebe's shirt in the box and then the striker cut in from the left and curled a shot inches wide of the upright with Begovic beaten.With 18 minutes to go Moyes introduced Yakubu and fit-again Jack Rodwell at the expense of Saha and Osman. Just moments later Everton thought they had the breakthrough. Jagielka rose majestically to head home Arteta's corner but the visitors' celebrations were curtailed by the assistant's flag.It was cruel on Jagielka as a first goal since October 2008 would have capped an excellent personal performance.
The defender certainly furthered his claims for inclusion England's World Cup squad with a faultless display and Fabio Capello should take note of his versatility after he effortlessly slotted in at right-back.Moyes got involved in a deep discussion with the fourth official over the disallowed goal with confusion surrounding why it had been chalked off.With a draw of little use to either side, belatedly the game opened up and late on they both threw caution to the wind. The hosts were able to exploit some gaps at the back but Fuller lashed a shot over and Etherington's half hearted plea for a spot-kick after his shot struck Baines' hand was ignored.At the final whistle Stoke embarked on a lap of honour to celebrate their solid mid-table finish. Moyes was in no mood to party. The Scotsman craves so much more.
STOKE CITY: @Begovic, Wilkinson, Shawcross, Huth, Higginbotham, Delap (Pugh 88), Whelan, Whitehead, Etherington (Lawrence 88), Sidibe (Tuncay 88), Fuller.Subs: Simonsen, Diao, Collins, Moult.
EVERTON: @Howard, Jagielka, Yobo, Distin, Baines, Osman (Rodwell 72), Neville, Arteta, Cahill, Saha (Yakubu 72), Anichebe (Bilyaletdinov 90). Subs: Turner, Hibbert, Senderos, Baxter.
REFEREE: @ Howard Webb (S Yorks)
NEXT GAME: @ Everton v Portsmouth, Sunday
Everton FC's frequent fliers are grounded . . . for now
May 3 2010 by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
THE pre-match Calypso band outside Stoke's Britannia Stadium might have evoked thoughts of far-flung destinations, but the ensuing game ensured Everton won't see any next season. A pre-season tour of Australia will give some fans with the chance to dust off their passports, but they will not be using them to follow the Blues on the continent after any lingering hopes of European football were erased on Saturday.
Everton did not quite have enough to take three points from the wounded animal that was Tony Pulis' Stoke side, after their 7-0 thrashing by Chelsea, so the season ends on a whimsical note. What-ifs will continue to dominate conversations about this disjointed campaign, with the Blues finishing eighth in the Premier League.
Expectations and perceptions have shifted significantly right across the board. From David Moyes, to his players, and Everton's fans, failing to qualify for European football feels like a failure. Finishing outside of the top five leaves a bitter taste.
It is the eternal Catch-22 which faces most top flight clubs. Improve and expectations soar, fail to match them and you're left with disappointment and frustration.
Appropriately, this drab scoreless draw against Stoke summed-up Everton's biggest problem all season. Against a side as well organised, purposeful and vocally supported as Stoke, Everton needed all their creative talent on the pitch.
Once again though, injury – that constant companion – denied them it.
Steven Pienaar's absence with a twisted ankle, removed much of the Toffees' ability to create space and pull their opponents apart. The little South African's link up with Leighton Baines and Mikel Arteta is part of the formula which has seen Everton go unbeaten for so long, and it was sorely missed. Ensuring he is still wearing a Royal Blue shirt next season is now the defining task facing David Moyes this summer.
The Blues boss had opted for a defensive re-jig to combat Stoke's sizeable front line and aerial threat. Joseph Yobo was drafted in at centre-half, which allowed Phil Jagielka to slot in at right back and provide more height in the back line.
Ricardo Fuller's pace caused early headaches, as one lung-busting charge down the flanks earned the home side a corner. In response, the Toffees' start was halting. Their passing was inconsistent, and Moyes' men were lulled into matching Stoke's direct approach. At least Victor Anichebe was putting himself about effectively. He worried Begovic with a snap-shot born out of sheer persistence; moments after his toil had won a corner. Everton have encountered few more bruising attacks than Mamady Sidibe and Fuller all season, but while any chances were at a premium, Jagielka looked solid in the unfamiliar role. Stoke just about enjoyed the better of the opening 45 minutes, but with five minutes to go in the half Everton suddenly asserted themselves. First Leighton Baines unleashed a goal-bound pile-driver with his right foot which only went wide after it struck Anichebe, then a clever pass from Arteta found the threatening youngster who won another corner. It was but a brief flurry though. This had been a half so devoid of inspiration it could have made an audience with David Cameron seem enticing. The second period was little better. It started with Everton riding their luck, as Mamady Sidibe broke down the left, and slipped the ball to Matthew Etherington who squared nicely for Delap. Fortunately, the midfielder skewed his first time shot woefully wide. Phil Neville tried to spark some snap into his side's passing, but too many of his team-mates were struggling to get going.
Everton were denied a penalty claim when Ryan Shawcross hauled Anichebe down in the area, and then the striker curled an effort just wide from 30 yards.
David Moyes has insisted Anichebe can be an exciting talent when his attitude is right, and the powerful striker was playing an increasingly pivotal role.
Sadly though, his next intervention saw Everton denied the goal they so badly needed.
Jagielka leaped highest to head home an Arteta corner, but a linesman's flag spoiled the party. Anichebe had been judged offside for loitering in front of Begovic, presumably interfering with play by blocking the keeper. The game had finally opened up, and Ricardo Fuller, a menace all afternoon, was causing problems with his strong running and quick feet. For once in recent weeks David Moyes' substitutions did not have the required impact either. Yakubu replaced the ineffective Louis Saha, and Jack Rodwell entered the fray for Osman, who looked to be carrying his knee injury.
But there was to be no repeat of the last-gasp factor which propelled the Blues against Blackburn and Fulham. No Europe on the horizon then, and only a dead-rubber final run-out against relegated Portsmouth left. A deflated feeling is natural, but it's vital to remember why just missing out on European football feels so galling.
Everton have finished fifth in the last two seasons, and have a team which can beat anyone on its day. Even if it's not to Europe for one season at least, the club is still going places.
EVERTON: Howard, Yobo, Distin, Jagielka, Baines, Arteta, Osman (Rodwell, 71), Cahill, Neville (capt), Saha (Yakubu, 71), Anichebe (Bilyaletdinov, 90). Subs not used: Turner, Hibbert, Senderos, Baxter.
STOKE: Begovic, Wilkinson, Huth, Shawcross, Higgingbotham, Whitehead, Sidibe (Tuncay, 87), Fuller, Whelan, Delap (Pugh, 87) Etherington (Lawrence, 87). Subs not used: Simonsen, Diao, Collins, Moult.
REFEREE: Howard Webb
Attendance: 27, 579.
Everton FC skipper Phil Neville so empty at eighth
May 3 2010 by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
PHIL NEVILLE has vowed that Everton will hit the ground running next season to avoid the slow start which hampered this campaign's European mission.
The skipper admitted he felt "empty" after the draw with Stoke City on Saturday meant the Blues' faint hopes of finishing seventh were extinguished. But Neville firmly believes Everton can extend their excellent form since November across the whole of next season, when they hope to finally have a fully-fit squad. He said: "It's an empty feeling really because it's European football that we want and the realisation has settled in that we won't be playing it next year. "You look at the league table and we're in eighth and it looks disappointing. I've been looking at it for the last week, and I honestly can't believe we're there. "We need to put right what we didn't do at the start of this season. Eighth position feels like a bit of a failure. "You get what you deserve in the league, and the poor first half of the season has cost us dearly. We can't feel sorry for ourselves, we've had to climb a mountain to get us out of trouble.
"Our form after Christmas hasn't surprised us, but I don't think eighth is good enough for this set of players or this club." Everton were hit by yet another injury curse before the Britannia stadium clash, when influential midfielder Steven Pienaar was ruled out.
And Neville said that the steady stream of injuries this season have taken their toll.
He said: "I don't like to use excuses. Every team in England has been suffering really bad injuries at the moment, but we seem to have been hit hard just before Christmas and it took us a while to recover. "We've amassed a points total this season which is similar to what we got last season when we finished fifth, so it shows that the standard outside the top four has increased dramatically. "The bar's been raised now and we have to keep moving with the teams above us." While speculation grows that Leeds striker Jermaine Beckford will be David Moyes' first summer recruit, on a free transfer, Neville repeated his belief that the Blues do not need to draft in many players. He said: "I don't look at the spending issue. I look at the group of players we have here, and it doesn't bother me who we bring in at all. It doesn't bother me if we don't bring anyone in because we've got a strong squad. "We've had players missing in the second half of the season like Fellaini who was probably our best player until he got injured, and if they can come back and we can keep everyone fit, with maybe one or two additions, it doesn't bother me what anyone else is doing. "On our day we can beat any of the teams above us and it doesn't scare me." Now, the club captain insists the focus will be on signing off on a high against Portsmouth.
Monday match report: Stoke 0-0 Everton
By Martin Spinks
May 03 2010
by Martin Spinks The Staffordshire
ALL is well in the world again between Stoke City and their faithful fans.
Their relationship, arguably the strongest of its kind in the Premier League, had unquestionably been tested by events at Chelsea the previous weekend.
We are not talking divorce here, but maybe separate bedrooms for a while – and certainly if Stoke had turned in anything like their Stamford Bridge performanceagainst Everton on Saturday. What we witnessed, however, was not just a return to the kind of committed display to which we have become accustomed, but one of their best footballing performances during their two years in the Premier League. Rarely have Stoke enjoyed such prolonged periods of possession – and possession put to such attractive, if not deadly, use. Everton were admittedly short of the form which had garnered them more points than anyone bar Manchester United in 2010, but that takes little away from the constant wholeheartedness and frequent flair we were to enjoy from their hosts on Saturday. The entire team was under scrutiny after both the 7-0 battering at Chelsea and the dressing-room shenanigans subsequently leaked so maliciously by one of their number. But the spotlight will have shone brightest on Mama Sidibe and Glenn Whelan after their respective roles leading up to Saturday's final home game of the season. Sidibe's return to the ranks was as much a political as a footballing decision, of course, as the manager was determined to serve notice of his feelings towards Dave Kitson for that petulant departure of his at Chelsea six days earlier. Kitson's failure to even make the bench is entitled to leave us assuming that the latest of his many comebacks was also his last. And James Beattie's absence from the matchday squad did nothing to weaken the impression that we may have seen the last of him in the famous red and white striped shirt, or its curious replacement for next season. All of which piled the pressure on Sidibe to produce something like the excellent offering everyone enjoyed and appreciated, not least his manager in the circumstances. Then there was Whelan, his professionalism under more scrutiny than ever after questioning his captain's at Chelsea, but even Abdoulaye Faye would have to admit that the Irishman's all-action display, arguably the best of its kind in his two years at the club, was a thoroughly decent response helping to further inspire those around him. The only pity was that Stoke's relatively free-flowing football was not rewarded with a more fitting scoreline with which to draw the curtain on the Britannia for another season. So that's seven home wins and 27 points at HQ – compared to 10 wins and 35 points last season – but matching that second set of figures was always a long shot. And of potentially greater significance to Stoke's long-term future is the seven extra points and the seven less defeats on their travels this term – albeit with two games remaining at Fulham and Manchester United.
Victory number eight at the Britannia would surely have been stamped into the record books on Saturday had Sidibe and Ricardo Fuller found the cutting edge to complement the rest of their admirable game. Once again, however, the visiting goalkeeper spent too much time on his toes and too little time flying through the air.
The one exception came just after half-time when City, it seemed, were about to deposit their goal of the season, or certainly their team-goal of the season.
Fuller and Sidibe were almost inevitably involved after trading passes just inside their own half down by the dugouts. Sidibe then progressed upfield and released Matthew Etherington. He ventured towards truly threatening territory down the Stoke left, then squared for the onrushing Rory Delap, arriving on cue at the far post.
Delap may have had time to control before shooting, but it would have ruined the moment of such a vibrant move, but sadly his first-time effort skewed wide of the far stick to ruin it anyway. So that is an extra 500-mile charity bike ride for Delap this summer as suitable punishment. Everton did break the deadlock momentarily in the 74th minute when Phil Jagielka headed a far-post corner into the roof of the net.
Asmir Begovic appeared a tad slow to react on an otherwise assured home debut, but the reason soon became apparent as the linesman had correctly flagged for an offside against Victor Anichebe. It was a borderline decision that upset the Everton contingent afterwards, but TV replays vindicated the decision on both Anichebe's positioning and his interference with play. And a goal, legal or otherwise, would have been a massive injustice in a game safely restoring our faith in both the ability and the integrity of Stoke's squad. Or at least those on show.
Fans' views v Everton
The Shaffordshire
By Why Delilah Published: Monday 03 May 2010
AFTER last week's shambolic performance and a dressing room bust-up, I was looking for a much-improved performance on the pitch and for the players to show togetherness. They showed both as we played some decent football at times, even though it was two minutes into the second half before we created an opening – and what an opening it was, only for Rory Delap to miss. Everton must have thought they had wrapped things up when they scored from a corner, but to the delight of the Stokies it was disallowed for offside. The lads went some way to repair the damage done at Chelsea and I think the fans appreciated that as a good number stayed behind to acknowledge the players on their lap of honour.
DAVE HARRISON, Eaton Park
THE Britannia was full and rocking and we did get a much better performance – if there is discontent in the camp it did not show. Everton are a good side, but we were unlucky not to win as Rory Delap missedwas guilty of missing a sitter.
A point and the usual farewell parade from the players after the final whistle, but I wonder how many of them will be here next season?
SUE BRYAN, Meir Park
IT'S fair to say last week wasn't the best in the club's recent history but, just like Stavros Flatley at the awards show, Stoke put a smile on my face.
It was a brilliant team effort against a strong Everton outfit and, had Rory Delap scored when the goal was gaping, we would have broken theat magical 45-point barrier. There were plenty of positives, and it was a good way to end the home campaign. We now look towards Fulham in our quest to beat last season's tally. Play like we did against Everton and I think we will do it. Well done Stoke. We'll be with you.
JAMES KNOWLES, Eccleshall
From Times Online
May 3, 2010
Phil Neville wants atonement after 'failure'
Stoke City 0 Everton 0
Peter Lansley
Phil Neville wants Everton's World Cup stars to make amends for the "failure" of finishing eighth in the Barclays Premier League when they return from the finals.
The Everton captain feels this group of players should have been good enough to qualify for Europe for the fourth year in succession and that pre-season will be the time to start proving themselves again. Steven Pienaar missed this draw with an ankle injury but, with a year remaining on his contract, the South Africa midfield player is entering a game of brinkmanship with Everton by seeking parity with Mikel Arteta, on a reported £60,000 a week. But Neville suggests this squad of players have the requisite quality, if they stay together and start next season better, to continue competing for a top-six place. "We've got a lot of players going off to the World Cup and we wish them all the best," he said. "But when they come back it's time to knuckle down, work hard and make sure we start the season well. We've got to put right what we didn't do at the start of the season." Everton have lost twice in 23 league games. Neville, 33, argues that, notwithstanding the injuries that deprived them of Arteta and Phil Jagielka, they cannot afford another slow start. "We need to hit the ground running," he said. "It doesn't bother me what anyone else does because on our day we can beat any of the teams above us." Jagielka, pressing his England claims with an impressive display at right back, had a headed goal disallowed because Victor Anichebe was in an offside position and distracting Asmir Begovic, the goalkeeper. Refreshingly, Howard Webb, the referee, explained his decision publicly.
Ryan Shawcross, making his first start since his dismissal against Arsenal in February, epitomised Stoke's trademark resolve as they recovered from their 7-0 thrashing by Chelsea eight days ago. Indeed, if Rory Delap had converted Matthew Etherington's cross, they would have had deserved a victory. "Ryan's kept his head right," Delap said. "He's going right to the very top. If there are a couple of places left [in the England squad], there's no reason he shouldn't be on the plane."
Stoke City (4-4-2): A Begovic 6 — A Wilkinson 6, R Huth 6, R Shawcross 7, D Higginbotham 7 — D Whitehead 6, R Delap 5 (sub: D Pugh, 88min), G Whelan 5, M Etherington 6 (sub: L Lawrence, 87) — M Sidibe 6 (sub: Tuncay Sanli, 88), R Fuller 5. Substitutes not used: S Simonsen, S Diao, D Collins, L Moult. Next: Fulham (a).
Everton (4-2-3-1): T Howard 6 — P Jagielka 7, J Yobo 5, S Distin 5, L Baines 6 — P Neville 7, T Cahill 5 — V Anichebe 5 (sub: D Bilyaletdinov, 90), M Arteta 7, L Osman 5 (sub: J Rodwell, 72) — L Saha 5 (sub: Yakubu Ayegbeni, 72). Substitutes not used: I Turner, A Hibbert, P Senderos, J Baxter. Next: Portsmouth (h).
2nd May 2010 The Daily Star
By Steve Millar
Stoke 0, Everton 0
BRITAIN'S Got Talent comic dancers Stavros Flatley star in Stoke City's Player of the Year awards at the Britannia Stadium tonight. You can bet that joke act will be far more entertaining than what was on offer between Stoke and Everton for 90 miserable minutes. Avoiding defeat meant David Moyes' men equalled their record of ten games unbeaten but it was a point of little significance other than they can't now qualify for Europe. Their season has definitely gone Flatley with one game to go. And it was all Greek to Everton's players when they hugged and danced to celebrate Phil Jagielka's headed "goal" – only for referee Howard Webb to rule it out in the 73rd minute. Everton's assistant boss Steve Round bemoaned the fact that they are without European football for the first time in four years – and was still puzzled by Webb's decision. "We have had no official reason," he said. "We thought it was a good goal but the official made the call and we have to accept that. "It's a blow missing out on European football. We want to be in the Champions League or the Europa League. We are very disappointed." Stoke boss Tony Pulis will wield the axe in the next few weeks with Dave Kitson, James Beattie and Tuncay targeted for the chop. He said: "We've got a great bunch of lads and this football club is a great place to be. "We don't want players here who think they are doing us a favour and we will have the opportunity to weed people out." There was little to shout about on a day when the biggest cheers were reserved for the Stoke players' thank you lap of honour at the end of a game everyone will want to forget. Not even Rory Delap's missile launcher throw-ins were a talking point – for probably the first time this season.
His first came after 19 minutes and the usual panic erupted when he found Ryan Shawcross, who glanced his header just wide. But Everton came back well with Victor Anichebe testing Asmir Begovic on the Bosnia keeper's Britannia Stadium bow. The action turned back to Everton's box and Mamady Sidibe flicked on for the impressive Ricardo Fuller to have a go – but his effort didn't have enough power to trouble keeper Tim Howard. Drama was hard to find in a first half of little goalmouth activity but there should have been a breakthrough seven minutes from the interval.
Leighton Baines found himself with a rare sight of his opponents' goal and let fly with a blockbuster which had "goal" written all over it until the ball smacked Anichebe on the shoulder and flew to safety. Another hard luck story, then. But still not enough to bring a packed ground to life as Everton's travelling fans amused themselves by keeping the match ball – much to Howard's frustration – before another was found.
We hoped and prayed for a more exciting second half. And, to be fair to Stoke, they did pick up speed on the restart. They went from snail to tortoise pace.
And when they did finally get into top gear, Delap wasted a glorious chance to put his side ahead. There was great build-up work at the start of a marvellous move involving Fuller and Sidibe, who released Matthew Etherington down the left flank.
Etherington looked up, spotted Delap running free and squared accurately and invitingly only for the Stoke sinner to side-foot hopelessly wide. It was certainly a rush of blood from Delap when the moment demanded a cool head. Still, at least Stoke had a go at this crucial point in the game. Everton, after a wonderful second half of the season just couldn't stamp their authority on the game. That gave Stoke every opportunity to pile on the pressure and Baines could do little else but foul Fuller when the striker once more threatened on goal. Everton cried out for Mikel Arteta to spin his Spanish magic. But he was lost in a midfield of mediocrity when he should have stood head and shoulders above the rest. It was left to Anichebe to try to produce the goods but his low, curling shot flashed by the post. There was drama at last when Arteta's corner was headed in by Jagielka but a linesman had spotted Anichebe standing on the goal-line and Mr Webb immediately wiped out the strike.
And at the other end, Etherington's floated pass into the box clearly hit Baines on the hand but no penalty was awarded amid muted appeals. It seemed no one even had the energy to protest.
Stoke City 0 Everton 0: Toffees left feeling Blue over Europe but skipper Phil Neville is upbeat
By Neil Hallam
3May 201o The Mail
New players for next season? Not bothered. We're good enough to compete with the best already. That was Phil Neville's attempt at an upbeat response to the stalemate that left Everton in eighth place and without a place in Europe for the first time in four seasons. Have a word: Phil Neville appeals to referee Howard Webb after Everton's goal was dissalowed for off side 'I look at this squad and even if we don't bring anyone in, it doesn't worry me,' insisted Neville. 'If we do add one or two this summer, it won't bother me what anyone else does because on our day we can beat any of the teams above us.' But then, finding all this optimism impossible to sustain, the Everton skipper admitted to 'an empty feeling' in their dressing room as 'the realisation sank in that we won't be playing European football next season'. 'That's not good enough for this set of players or this club,' he admitted. Target man: Everton striker Victor Anichebe fires an effort past Stoke's Danny Higginbotham 'I look at the table and can't believe we are that far down, but you get what you deserve and our poor start to the season has cost us dearly. 'But our form after Christmas has been everything that everyone in the club expected.' It might have been even harder for Neville to put on such a brave face if Stoke midfielder Rory Delap, who can land a throw-in on a team-mate's forehead from 40 yards, had not missed one of the sitters of the season from point-blank range in the 47th minute. Tough challenge: Leon Osman of Everton tackles Andy Wilkinson of Stoke City Everton thought they had settled it when Phil Jagielka headed in a 74th-minute corner but with Victor Anichebe standing almost on the toes of goalkeeper Asmir Begovic, the effort was ruled offside.
For Stoke manager Tony Pulis, a goalless draw was a 'highly satisfactory' end to a destabilising week that began with a seven-goal walloping at Chelsea. Pulis admitted: 'We have a fantastic group of players, we are building great new facilities at our training ground and we are debt-free. 'I'd say we are in great shape to keep taking this club forward.'
STOKE CITY (4-4-2): Begovic 6; Wilkinson 6, Huth 7, Shawcross 8, Higginbotham 6; Delap 5 (Pugh 88min), Whelan 6, Whitehead 6, Etherington 6 (Lawrence 87); Sidibe 6
(Tuncay 88), Fuller 6.
EVERTON (4-4-2): Howard 6; Jagielka 7, Yobo 6, Distin 6, Baines 7; Osman 5 (Rodwell 72, 5), Neville 6, Cahill 6, Arteta 6; Anichebe 6 (Bilyaletdinov 90), Saha 6 (Yakubu 72, 5).
Referee: Howard Webb.
Natasha Dowie double gives Everton Ladies FA Women's Cup final win
May 4 2010 by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Echo
NATASHA DOWIE'S extra-time winner secured Everton their first FA Women's Cup triumph as they beat Arsenal 3-2 at the City Ground in Nottingham.
Dowie's 16th-minute strike had put Everton in front before Kim Little's penalty leveller. Everton grabbed the lead again before the break when Faye White headed into her own net. Julie Fleeting forced extra-time when she equalised early in the second half, only for Dowie – niece of Hull boss Iain – to score a minute from the end of the additional period to prevent the need for a penalty shoot-out. With both sides flagging there was little goalmouth action in extra-time until Brooke Chaplen found Dowie in the area and the striker coolly converted. Arsenal were chasing a fifth successive triumph in the competition and twice came from behind to level.
The loss handed 10-time winners Arsenal their first ever defeat in a final.
Dowie had put Everton in front for the first time after 16 minutes, firing in a close-range shot after goalkeeper Emma Byrne had parried Fara Williams' 20-yard drive.
Arsenal hit back strongly, but striker Julie Fleeting headed a great chance wide then left winger Rachel Yankey had a cross-shot well saved by keeper Rachel Brown.
The Gunners equalised in the 43rd minute, midfielder Kim Little hitting her 42nd goal of the campaign from the penalty spot after right winger Gemma Davison had been fouled by left back Rachel Unitt. Two minutes into first half stoppage time, however, the lead was handed back to the Toffees as Arsenal captain Faye White headed a Toni Duggan cross into her own net. The Gunners levelled for a second time nine minutes after the break, Fleeting scooping home a 10 yard shot from Yankey's low cross.
Arsenal had the better of the remainder of the second half but forced Brown into only save, an 88th-minute goal line stop from midfielder Jennifer Beattie's header. And five minutes into extra-time Everton should have regained the lead, right winger Jody Handley finding Dowie free but from eight yards she shot feebly at Byrne.
As extra-time progressed play switched rapidly from end to end. In the 109th minute only a great block by right-back Becky Easton prevented central defender Gill Flaherty from putting Arsenal in front. A penalty shoot-out was beckoning when Dowie raced on to substitute Brooke Chaplen's pass, dinked the ball over the advancing Byrne to score the winner. It was her 28th and most important goal of the season, coming on the day when her uncle Iain saw his Hull City side relegated from the Premier League.
EVERTON (4-2-1-3): Brown; Easton, Westwood, Johnson, Unitt (Whelan 63); Scott, Williams; Hinnigan (Chaplen 77); Handley, Dowie, Duggan (Evans 111). Subs: Culvin, Hobbs, Chaplen. ARSENAL (4-2-1-3): Byrne; Fahey, White, Flaherty, Yorston; Grant, Beattie; Little; Davison, Fleeting (Carter 70), Yankey. Subs: Tracy, Spencer, Lander, Bruton.
Everton FC captain Phil Neville backing Phil Jagielka for England spot
May 4 2010 Liverpool Echo
PHIL NEVILLE believes Phil Jagielka "won't let anyone down" if the Everton defender wins his battle for inclusion in England's World Cup squad.
Boss Fabio Capello is set to name his provisional 30-man squad in a fortnight and the Blues skipper is hoping Jagielka makes the cut along with team-mate Leighton Baines. Jagielka could then have the chance to impress the Italian in friendlies against Mexico at Wembley on May 24 and Japan in Austria before Capello announces his final 23-man squad on June 1. The Blues defender showed his versatility at Stoke on Saturday when he slotted in at right-back. Neville said: "Jags' best position is centre-back but Saturday was a horses for courses type of thing as we needed height to cope with the long throw ins. "He's athletic, strong and has a good chance of making the World Cup squad. "The first step is to get named in the provisional 30-man squad and if he does that and goes away, he's fresh and hungry after nine months out so tiredness isn't a factor. "We just hope he gets in the squad along with Leighton Baines.
"Capello will take four centre backs. The obvious two stand out and the other two need to come from a small quality pack and Jags is in it. "He has another game left and hopefully he'll be picked in the squad, then if he goes away there's warm up matches and he has got to take his opportunity when he gets it. He won't let anyone down." Meanwhile, Blues midfielder Steven Pienaar says he's finding it hard to stay focused due to the constant speculation over his future. The South African international only has one year left on his current contract and has been linked with Chelsea, Manchester United and Spurs. Pienaar said: "There's a lot of stuff going on about me and my future in the papers. The thing is the supporters only get what's in the papers and people are asking questions all the time. "People will shout at me: 'Hey you must sign the contract'. So from this point it's hard to stay focused, and if you make mistakes on the field, then people will get at you. "My job now is to stay very focused, keep my head cool and make sure I don't make mistakes. After all though, I'm still an Everton player." Pienaar missed the draw at Stoke with an ankle injury but Everton are hopeful Pienaar will be fit to face Portsmouth at Goodison on Sunday.
Nigel Martyn: Spend wisely to ensure Everton FC start next season quickly
May 4 2010 Liverpool Echo
THERE'S no doubt missing out on the Europa League is a big disappointment but Everton's players can hold their heads high this season. We all love big European nights and competing against teams from the continent is where the Blues want to be.
But now David Moyes and his players just have to concentrate on ensuring we're only out of Europe for a year. The Joleon Lescott debacle and the well documented injury crisis took their toll this season. Our form since Christmas has been amazing but after a poor start we had left ourselves with just too much to do. It's vital we start next season well and to do that we have to spend wisely this summer and get a good pre-season in to ensure everyone is ready and raring to go. We want to get back to where we belong in the top six and with the squad Moyes has assembled I believe that's a realistic target. The most important thing is that we hold on to our key players and in particular Steven Pienaar. He's had a great season and it's no surprise other clubs are interested in him. I don't expect a lot of transfer activity but a couple of new faces are always good to freshen things up a bit. It's important to have competition for places and although the current squad is good, if we have more than two or three injuries we do lose a bit of quality. The challenge for Moyes is ensuring you are getting players better than what you've already got. I don't think the type of players we'll be trying to attract to the club will be swayed too much by whether we can offer Europa League football. Players will want to be part of what Moyes is building at Goodison.
Our hopes of getting into the top seven were dashed on Saturday and Everton were unfortunate not to get three points at Stoke. Phil Jagielka thought he had won the game late on when he headed home Mikel Arteta's corner but it was ruled out.
I can see why it was disallowed because Victor Anichebe was clearly in an offside position. But what's frustrating is that there's no consistency and it's an area that needs clearing up. The fact is next weekend someone will be stood in front of the keeper and the goal will be given.From a keeper's perspective, I think goals like that should be disallowed. A player might not touch the ball but if he's in the keeper's eye line he's certainly interfering. I don't think anyone really knows what the offside law is anymore. It's so open to interpretation and one referee looks at it differently from the next. Of course if we had won at Stoke there would have been all to play for at home to Portsmouth this weekend, especially after Liverpool lost on Sunday.
After going out of the Europa League to Atletico Madrid in midweek, it was always going to be difficult for Liverpool to compete against Chelsea. They were well beaten and could now find it difficult to lift themselves for their final game at Hull.
It would have been nice to make Liverpool sweat and put them under pressure going into that match but it wasn't to be. Australia trip will be great for Blues
I USED to love the pre-season tours when I was at Everton.
We went to USA and Thailand during my time there and they were great for fostering team spirit. You get to know people pretty quickly in that environment and it's especially important for helping the new players settle in. Everton are going on tour to Australia in July to play three games and I'm sure it will prove to be a beneficial trip.
Commercially, it's obviously important but it will also help to get everyone focused ahead of the new season. Hopefully David Moyes will have his new signings sorted out by then and while they are Down Under they will learn all about the work ethic which has been crucial to the progress made in recent years.
Jermaine Beckford would be good signing
I WAS interested to see Everton being linked with a move for Leeds United striker Jermaine Beckford. There's no doubt Beckford has had a great season in League One and 30 goals is an impressive return. He would be different to what we've already got. He's got pace and is someone who works off the shoulder of the last defender.
Beckford has the ability to run away from defenders and is a good finisher.
The fact he's available on a free transfer makes him attractive, but it's fair to say he's a work in progress. Holding the ball up isn't his strongest point and he needs to work on his link up play. If we do sign him, he will need to improve and I'm sure the manager will work on him to add extra bits to his game. If Beckford could make those improvements then we could end up with a top player on our hands. A free transfer could turn into a £10million striker and that would be a great piece of business.
Everton FC can still attract quality despite lack of European football, claims Leon Osman
May 4 2010 by James Pearce, Liverpool Echo
LEON OSMAN is confident Everton's failure to qualify for Europe won't hamper David Moyes' chances of landing his top transfer targets this summer.
Saturday's draw at Stoke ended the Blues' hopes of a top seven finish but the midfielder insists attracting players to Goodison won't be a problem. Osman also believes Moyes will have little trouble keeping hold of his current stars.
"Not being in Europe is a setback, but I don't think it's going to put players off coming here," Osman said. "We've shown over the last four or five years that we have got a good pedigree and we've got some top players playing for us already.
"If we can keep hold of them I don't see any reason why other top quality players wouldn't want to come and play here as well. "This is certainly the strongest squad since I've been here. "We've built up a bit of depth so that if there are a couple missing we aren't struggling for quality to come in. "Over the summer hopefully the manager will be able to keep what he's got and add a little bit more in the right areas.
"With the quality we now have, it wouldn't surprise me if other clubs are interested in our players but I don't think anyone wants to leave. "We're all really close and have a good team ethic." Osman believes Everton's absence from the Europa League could have a positive impact on the club's domestic fortunes next season.
The gruelling schedule undoubtedly contributed to some disappointing league results in the first half of the campaign. We've really enjoyed our European nights over the past few years, but maybe we can use not being in Europe to our advantage," he added. "Europa is great but the league is the bread and butter. We've missed out this year and maybe the European adventure had a little bit to do with that. "When we were short on players we still had to play those games and it maybe took a bit out of us. "Next season we'll be able to concentrate solely on the league and the domestic competitions. "The focus will be on pushing for a better position and hopefully we'll give a good account of ourselves. "But I certainly don't feel like we've gone backwards this season. We've had massive injuries but we're still going to finish around the 60-point mark and that's not to be scoffed at. We were near the relegation zone in November, but since then we've pushed on and had a terrific second half of the season." Osman returned from injury in Saturday's stalemate at Stoke and he admits it was a desperately frustrating afternoon for the Blues.
ACADEMY FOOTBALL: Everton under-18s need two wins in last two games to top Group C
May 4 2010 by Chris Wright, Liverpool Daily Post
VICTORIES against leaders Manchester United and against Manchester City on Saturday can see Everton under-18s finish top of the Group C table. Saturday's 2-1 victory at Crewe Alexandra coupled with Manchester United's 1-1 draw at Bolton has left Everton five points behind the leaders. The top two clash today at Finch Farm (kick-off 1.30pm). The match is United's final one and a draw will see them finish top. But after last week's disappointing 2-1 defeat at Stoke City, Everton are glad to have their destiny back in their own hands. Two wins can see them overhaul United and reach the National play-off semi-finals. Dewsnip said: "It is like a cup final. If we win we will have another one on Saturday. If we don't it is over and Saturday doesn't really matter that much." Everton thought their title chances were all but over last Tuesday as they suffered a 2-1 defeat away at Stoke City. Stoke took the lead after 25 minutes. But Everton dominated for much of the match, and got a deserved equaliser when the impressive Conor McAleny set up Lewis Codling to head home.
Everton were caught on the break late on. Femi Orenuga brought down a Stoke attacker in the box and the home side sealed the point from the resulting penalty.
But Dewsnip's youngsters bounced back with a 2-1 win at Crewe thanks to goals from Danny Murphy and Codling. Dewsnip said: "We played well and were probably just a goal better than them. When we came off someone said Man United had drawn and makes this week massive."
EVERTON UNDER-18s (v Stoke City): Davies, Barrow, Murphy, Barnett, Bidwell, Kinsella (Dobie 85), Craig (Orenuga 80), Codling, Hope (Forrester 65). Subs: Roberts, Cummins.
EVERTON UNDER-18s (v Crewe): Davies, Barrow, Bidwell, Murphy, Barnett, Barkley, Kinsella, Craig (Thompson 75) , McAleny, Codling (Forrester 70), Hope (Dobie 75). Subs: Roberts, Orenuga.
Everton FC star Phil Jagielka hopes team-mates come home from World Cup injury-free
May 5 2010 by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
PHIL JAGIELKA is praying that Everton's World Cup stars survive the tournament unscathed, to prevent injuries ruining their Premier League ambitions again next season. Speaking at last night's Everton Sports Awards at the Anglican Cathedral, The centre-backbelieves the Toffees' preparations over the summer must remain unhindered to make their assault on the top five in the 2010/11 campaign possible.
Everton have six players already guaranteed to take part in June's show-case competition, and a host of others waiting to learn if they will go. But Jagielka insists that the Blues do not need any more bad luck on the injury front, after a season in which he has only figured in 10 games himself. Saturday's draw with Stoke City meant that Everton can no longer qualify for the Europa League during this campaign, so the 27-year-old is looking to the future. He said: "We've got an important season coming up. "We would have hopefully gelled-in all the new players and we'll be looking for those – and the ones who've been here for a while – to put in a good start and give the fans something to cheer about from day one rather than Christmas time.
"We hope everyone has a fantastic World Cup with the numbers that are going there – but first and foremost we don't need any more injuries. "I think (Marouane) Fellaini should be back around the start of the season, (Dan) Gosling is going to be a little bit later and Johnny (Heitinga) will be back. "Hopefully we will have a nice strong team and everyone will be used to playing with each other and there won't be a bedding-in period. "We hope to have a good start, because we've struggled to do that over the last few seasons." Meanwhile, chief executive Robert Elstone has urged supporters to roar on the Blues every week next season. He said: "Football at Everton promises to be very exciting next season with the team currently showing fantastic form. "I urge supporters who have not yet guaranteed their seat for next season to do so and avoid disappointment."
Everton FC end of season awards - rundown of winners
May 5 2010 Liverpool Echo
Everton Giant (sponsor – Boodles, presented by Tim Cahill and Mikel Arteta) – Trevor Steven
Fan of the Year (Yes Money!, John Heitinga and Diniyar Bilyaletdinov) – James Lyon, chairman of Rice Lane Supporters Club
Employee Award (Robert Elstone) – Rachel Sutton
Male Disability Player of the Season (Duncan Mckenzie and Derek Temple) – Jonathan Gribbin
Female Disability Player of the Season (Ronnie Goodlass and Ian Snodin) – Danielle Evans
Shareholders' Young Player of the Year (Leighton Baines) – Jack Rodwell
Ladies Player of the Season (Sylvain Distin and Louis Saha) – Jill Scott
Academy Player of the Season (Kitbag, Kevin Sheedy) – Adam Davies
Special Recognition Award (Ray Hall and Leon Osman) – Keith Tamlin for his services to Everton's Academy
Reserve Player of the Season (Alan Stubbs) – Shane Duffy
Howard Kendall Award (Rippleffect, Tim Howard) – The 1970 title-winning team
Players' Player of the Season (Sportech, Phil Neville) – Leighton Baines
Young Player of the Season (Whitestone, David Moyes) – Jack Rodwell
Goal of the Season (Chang, Graeme Sharp) – Diniyar Bilyaletdinov v Man United
Chairman's Blueblood Award (Bill Kenwright) – Tim Howard and Tim Cahill
Player of the Season (Mercedes, Phil Jagielka and Kenwright) – Steven Pienaar
Everton FC star Phil Jagielka hopes team-mates come home from World Cup injury-free
May 5 2010 by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
PHIL JAGIELKA is praying that Everton's World Cup stars survive the tournament unscathed, to prevent injuries ruining their Premier League ambitions again next season. The centre-back, who is hoping to be part of Fabio Capello's squad for South Africa, believes the Toffees' preparations over the summer must remain unhindered to make their assault on the top five in the 2010/11 campaign possible.
Everton have six players already guaranteed to take part in June's show-case competition, and a host of others waiting to learn if they will go.
But Jagielka insists that the Blues do not need any more bad luck on the injury front, after a season in which he has only figured in 10 games himself. Saturday's draw with Stoke City meant that Everton can no longer qualify for the Europa League during this campaign, so the 27-year-old is looking to the future. He said: "We've got an important season coming up. We would have hopefully gelled-in all the new players and we'll be looking for those – and the ones who've been here for a while – to put in a good start and give the fans something to cheer about from day one rather than Christmas time. "We hope everyone has a fantastic World Cup with the numbers that are going there – but first and foremost we don't need any more injuries.
"I think (Marouane) Fellaini should be back around the start of the season, (Dan) Gosling is going to be a little bit later and Johnny (Heitinga) will be back.
"Hopefully we will have a nice strong team and everyone will be used to playing with each other and there won't be a bedding-in period. "We hope to have a good start, because we've struggled to do that over the last few seasons." Meanwhile, chief executive Robert Elstone has urged supporters to roar on the Blues every week next season. He said: "Football at Everton promises to be very exciting next season with the team currently showing fantastic form. I urge supporters who have not yet guaranteed their seat for next season to do so and avoid disappointment."
Steven Pienaar wins Everton FC player of the season award
May 5 2010 by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
STEVEN PIENAAR'S dazzling skills and tireless work ethic saw him crowned Everton's player of the season. The South African midfielder carried off the top honour at the club's fifth-annual end of season awards in the Anglican cathedral last night. He was presented with the accolade by chairman Bill Kenwright and last year's winner Phil Jagielka, during the glamorous black-tie ceremony attended by hundreds of supporters and VIPs. Pienaar, 28, who is widely expected to shine for South Africa on home-soil at this summer's World Cup, said: "It's been a nice night and it's an honour to win the trophy, and get the recognition of the supporters of course.
" To receive it in a special place like this is the cherry on top of it. "I think since I joined Everton I've been a different player, and since the Tottenham game this season really turned around. "The whole team deserves to win player of the season, because after that game we just played really well. "The win against Manchester United was the best moment of the whole season. To win against a big club like that is something special. All my friends support them so it's really special. "Hopefully we can go on to bigger and better things. The people behind the club and the players really want that to happen." The former Ajax star carried the burden of creativity in Everton's midfield for large chunks of the season when team-mates Mikel Arteta and Marouane Fellaini were out injured. He also scored crucial – and eye-catching goals – in the impressive win against Manchester City at Goodison and the draw with Arsenal at the Emirates.
Attended by David Moyes, his first team squad and a host of greats from the club's illustrious past including Duncan McKenzie and Derek Temple, the Mercedes-Benz sponsored-event also featured a special charity auction, the proceeds of which will be split between The Everton Foundation and the club's charitable partner for the 2009/10 season, Liverpool Unites. Tim Cahill, who was singled out by chairman Bill Kenwright for the inaugural Blueblood Award, along with Tim Howard, said: "The chairman loves the club, the gaffer loves the club, and the players love the club. It's brilliant to be around." David Moyes said: "Next season there will be bigger expectations, but I think we are ready to handle them." After Leighton Baines won the Players' Player of the Year Award, captain Phil Neville said: "If any player deserves to go to South Africa it's Leighton. He's been our best and most consistent player all season."
Everton FC midfielder Marouane Fellaini is confident of being fit to start next season after ankle injury
May 6 2010 by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
MAROUANE FELLAINI is confident of being fit to return to Everton's midfield for the start of next season. The Belgian has been absent since undergoing ankle surgery following a clash with Sotirios Kyrgiakos in the Merseyside derby against Liverpool at Anfield in February. The initial diagnosis of at least six months on the sidelines meant it was unlikely the Belgium international would be available for the start of the new Premier League campaign, which kicks off on August 14. He said: "I am much better now, I have been training for two weeks. The first and second months were difficult because I had my operation but now it is good. I don't know if I will have a normal pre season, but I hope to be ready for the start of next season. I will start back in July or August." However, David Moyes is unlikely to rush back the Belgian having spent such a lengthy spell on the sidelines. Injury meant the midfielder missed out on Everton's New Year revival, with a run of just two defeats since December pushing the Goodison outfit into contention for European qualification until last weekend's goalless draw at Stoke City. "That's life," said Fellaini. "We did not have a good start to the season but I hope next season will be better and it will be possible."
Everton FC fans jury
May 6 2010 Liverpool Echo
LEE MOLTON, St Helens
STEVEN PIENAAR must be kept at Goodison Park in the summer.
He is such an important part of our team and Everton must fight to keep him and not have another situation like last summer with Lescott. Let's get him signed before he goes to the World Cup. I think he will sign a new contract when the season ends.
It is a major disappointment not being in Europe next season, the trips abroad were great and Everton as a club need to be in Europe. Europe will miss the Blues too as the locals of Germany, Portugal and Spain loved having Evertonians in town not to mention the hundreds of beers that were bought too. We will have to save our Euros for August and September next year. Let's go out with a win on Sunday against Portsmouth to end our season unbeaten at home in 2010 and then we can look forward to next season and a challenge to the top four.
Debbie Smaje, Upholland
SO Steven Pienaar deservedly took the Everton Player of the Year award this season, and if that doesn't underline just how important he is to this team, how much we missed him against Stoke certainly did. There has been uncertainty over his future for a while now, but until he actually says he wants to go, I would never dream of cashing in on him. We are supposed to be building a team, and we currently have all the makings of a top class midfield, and Pienaar is very much at the heart of that. His influence in the months we were without Arteta, his goals and assists, his work rate, and all for little more than £2 million. Someone could give us £20 million and we would struggle to find another player like him. And even if we could, why shouldn't that player play with Pienaar, rather than replace him? So long as Steven Pienaar wants to be at Everton, I want him to stay.
Mike Williamson, Chester
HOW fitting that Pienaar should win the Player Of The Year Award last night. It was thoroughly justified but let's be absolutely clear about one thing – if he wants to leave the club, open the exit door to Goodison and wish him all the best. David Moyes may not want to admit it but he handled the Lescott saga in a spectacularly naive fashion, contributing to the obvious bad feeling all over the ground on the opening day.
I would love Pienaar to stay but if he wants to go then just make sure we get the maximum fee possible and let's not have the pre-season spoiled by wrangling over a player who doesn't want to wear the Blue shirt. As for those who do want to wear the shirt, they have given us a magnificent second half of the season, playing some magnificent football along the way. It is now vital that we get the pre-season right and start the next campaign at full throttle. Bring it on!
David Wallbank, Huyton
EUROPEAN qualification sadly eluded Everton after a disappointing scoreless draw at Stoke last weekend. Everton's season only threatened to get serious about success during the latter stages. Everton face a difficult dilemma, the uncertainty over Pienaar's future. Can Everton afford to turn down offers in the region of £14m for a player with only 12 months left on his contract? I don't recall Pienaar having to fight off a mass of clubs all falling over themselves to sign him after a disastrous spell in German football, but Steven's loyalty will be placed under the microscope.
No man is bigger than Everton and if Pienaar refuses to sign a new deal then why wouldn't we cash in now and try to make the best of a bad situation? Everton need to continue to improve and publicly display big ambitions to stay current and attractive.
Everton FC's John Heitinga desperate to win fitness battle to face Portsmouth at Goodison
May 6 2010 by James Pearce, Liverpool Echo
JOHN HEITINGA is desperate to win his fitness battle to play a part in Everton's final game of the season against Portsmouth at Goodison on Sunday.
The Dutch utility man has missed the last three matches after suffering a hairline fracture on his ankle in last month's 2-2 draw at Aston Villa. Heitinga has proved a major hit following his £6million move from Atletico Madrid last summer and wants to help ensure the Blues finish their campaign on a high in front of a 40,000 sell-out crowd. "I wasn't happy when I was told I had to rest my injury because I want to play," he said. "I am hoping I can return for Sunday's game so we will have to see before the game. "It's been a good season for me. It is a very different league here but I think it is perfect for us and the way we play. "We all love playing for Everton and we enjoy it here at the club. "I will be at Goodison for the final game to thank the fans. I hope I am on the pitch and not watching from the stands." Meanwhile, Marouane Fellaini has given Everton a boost by declaring he hopes to be back in action before the start of next season. The Belgian midfielder has been sidelined since he suffered an ankle injury in the Merseyside derby in February. After undergoing surgery it was feared Fellaini would need around seven months to recover but the 22-year-old is on course for an early return. "I am feeling much better now," he said.
"The first month and second month were difficult for me but now it is better.
"I should be back running in the next month then I should be able to do ball work. I hope that by July I will be back playing with the team. "I am hoping I will be back in time for pre-season. We thought it may be September when I return but I really hope I can start the league with the rest of the team in August." Fellow Blues midfielder Steven Pienaar has indicated he expects to still be at Everton next season. The South African has just one year left on his contract and his failure to agree a new deal so far has alerted rival clubs. "For me, my league is starting now for next season," he said.
"Hopefully I can return against Portsmouth then go to the World Cup with my national team and then come back for the other games at Everton next season."
Meanwhile, former Everton striker Francis Jeffers has been shown the door by Sheffield Wednesday. The Owls have been relegated to League One and Jeffers is one of six players released by manager Alan Irvine. Jeffers started his career at Goodison and made his debut at the age of 16 in 1997. Arsenal bought him for £8million in 2001 but he never realised his potential.
Everton's South African midfielder Steven Pienaar gets pre-World Cup boost at awards night
May 6 2010 by Chris Beesley, Liverpool Daily Post
STEVEN PIENAAR received the perfect pre-World Cup fillip ahead of this summer's finals in his native South Africa by being named Everton's Player of the Year at the club's fifth annual awards ceremony. The glittering black tie ceremony saw the midfielder receive his prize from club chairman Bill Kenwright and last year's winner Phil Jagielka. After enduring a frustrating spell in the Bundesliga with Borussia Dortmund, former Ajax man Pienaar, 28, who initially arrived at Goodison Park on-loan in 2007, has revived his career in sparkling fashion with Everton.
Pienaar currently has one year remaining on his current contract and manager David Moyes will now be hoping the Johannesburg-born player repays the club's faith in him by signing a new lucrative deal to place him among the Goodison outfit's top earners. Having won his first full England cap against Egypt in March, Leighton Baines will be hoping the consistency that saw him named Everton Players' Player of the Year will be enough to earn him a place on the plane to South Africa with Fabio Capello's squad to provide cover for Ashley Cole in the left-back slot.
A potential England star of the future is midfielder Jack Rodwell whose continued development this season saw him scoop a double gong of Young Player of the Season and Shareholders' Young Player of the Season. The inaugural Blueblood award for a player epitomising 'The Everton spirit' in the eyes of Kenwright was shared between another two World Cup-bound performers, goalkeeper Tim Howard of the USA and Australian midfielder Tim Cahill who will see Everton jet out to his homeland on tour this summer after the finals. Goal of the season went to Russian winger Diniyar Bilyaletdinov's strike against Manchester United which left veteran Dutch goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar flat-footed and inspired the 3-1 comeback victory at Goodison Park over the reigning Premier League champions. Reserve Player of the Season was young Irish centre-back Shane Duffy who broke through to David Moyes's first team early in the campaign, impressing with his gutsy displays in Europa League action.
Goalkeeper Adam Davies was Academy Player of the Season in what was an encouraging year for Neil Dewsnip's youngsters, who ended as runners-up but were in contention to win their regional division of the FA Premier Academy League until Tuesday. Jill Scott, who helped Everton to lift the FA Women's Cup with a 3-2 extra-time victory over Arsenal on Bank Holiday Monday was Ladies Player of the Season.
Keith Tamlin received the Special Recognition Award for his services to Everton's Academy while Trevor Steven was this year's Everton Giant and the 1970 title-winning side collected the Howard Kendall Award. Male Disability Player of the Year was Jonathan Gribbin with Female Disability Player of the Year going to Danielle Evans. Employee of the Year went to Rachel Sutton while Fan of the Year went to James Lyon, chairman of Rice Lane Supporters Club.
DAVID PRENTICE: Why Everton FC and Liverpool FC missed out on title presentations
May 7 2010 by David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
THE Premier League champions will celebrate with silverware on Sunday, even though 200 miles separate Manchester from Stamford Bridge. The coveted trophy will be lurking in or around Chelsea's ground – with an exact replica on stand-by at Old Trafford in case of dramatic turnarounds. It's something modern football does so much better than its predecessors. Derek Mountfield expressed his frustration – 25 years on – at being denied the chance to parade the league title trophy around Goodison Park when Everton beat Queens Park Rangers in 1985. The Football League refused to have the trophy transferred half-a-mile across Stanley Park from the Anfield trophy room, because there was a mathematical possibility Liverpool could still catch their neighbours. Honestly. Even though Everton were 15 points clear with five games to play – and a massively superior goal difference – the trophy couldn't be handed over until the following Wednesday night when the celebrations had started to subside. Liverpool had the same experience in 1964 – which is why when you see pictures of Ron Yeats on a lap of honour, he's holding a bizarre papier mache imitation handed to him by a fan. Coincidentally the real trophy was, again, only half-a-mile away, having been won by neighbours Everton 12 months earlier.
Everton did actually ask the League if they could courier the trophy over to Anfield at 4.45pm should they beat Arsenal – relations were more cordial between the clubs in the carefree 60s – but the League refused. The Reds had to celebrate without a trophy, just like Everton did 12 months earlier after beating Fulham. It should be an intrinsic part of football – that if you win a trophy you actually get the prize to parade. And it's something the Premier League has done consistently well.
HOWARD KENDALL: Everton FC have no need to fear spending of Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur
May 7 2010 Liverpool Echo
MANY fear that with Spurs qualifying for the Champions' League, and Manchester City set to spend big in the summer once again, the window of opportunity for Everton is shutting. If you look at the amount of money spent on transfers this season, Spurs and City are only finishing where you would expect. But it isn't all about just money. The top four should remain an objective for Everton next season, and they should not be deterred by the astron-omical cash that City are almost certainly ready to splash. It's too easy to fall into the trap of worrying what other clubs do in the transfer market. What matters is what happens on the pitch during the season.
City can add more and more superstars, but like with Robinho they don't always work. I believe Everton's squad can compete with almost anyone. More importantly, we have got a settled squad who have had time to knit and gel as players. They know each other, and that's better than just a collection of individuals. Spurs' potential to recruit bigger due to finishing fourth is more of a danger. Harry Redknapp is canny and got where he has ended up by recruiting players he knows – the likes of Peter Crouch, Jermaine Defoe, and Niko Kranjcar. Yet, there aren't many more players left he'd want to sign who are versed in his methods so it won't be that case again.
If Everton can quietly carry on building, keep hold of the deserved player of the season Steven Pienaar, and enjoy a strong pre-season, there is nothing to fear for the next campaign. Only reasons to be positive.
Portsmouth fans deserve respect
PORTSMOUTH on Sunday are an example of a club which has been so badly managed it is almost criminal. The managers can take no blame when they have been spending, which has got them so badly in debt. They should have been told to stop and warned the club never had the money, My old chief executive Jim Greenwood and I knew the finances of Everton inside out, but more often than not, managers aren't as clued-in these days. They will spend until they are told not to.
Yet the fans have stuck with the club and they deserve immense credit for that.
I hope Pompey fans who make the long journey to Liverpool on Sunday are applauded by the Everton fans and not taunted with chants of 'Going Down'. On the pitch, Everton can't afford any sentiment on Sunday though. End the season on a high with three points!
David Moyes confident Everton FC can build for bigger season next year
May 7 2010 by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Echo
MANY words were spoken at Everton's end of season awards, an event which, in some ways, resembled the Baftas more than a football bash. The lavish black-tie function at the Anglican Cathedral recalled an age when Everton were the Mersey Millionaires, complete with a harpist, huge ice sculpture of Goodison, and a grand dining area decorated with more tasteful flourishes than Elton John's living room.
But amid the praise and back-slapping, one sentence rang out loud and clear, delivered by Everton's manager David Moyes. Being interviewed by host Steve Rider, Moyes acknowledged the belief his squad are capable of a great 2010/11 season, and said: "Next season there will be bigger expectations – but I think we are ready to handle them." Maybe the words themselves were not poetic or particularly inspirational. Rather it was the manner of their delivery – and the sentiment they underline.
Moyes was utterly confident. It is a confidence he has quietly oozed for some time now, even as a top seven finish this season seemed just beyond his reach.
The Scot has seen enough in training, and in the level of his team's performance in key games, to know Everton could shock the Premier League next season.
Privately he believes the football they have displayed at times this season is the best of his eight-year tenure, including his Champions League qualification, and two more recent fifth-place finishes. The Royal Blue faithful largely share his optimism. Before most World Cups the catchphrase England Expects is rolled out. Well, ahead of the next domestic campaign, it is Goodison Park which expects. They hope Lady Luck can never abandon Everton as mercilessly as she did this season. They pray for a period free of crippling injuries, and unrest. Then, the optimistic among them, say – Everton can mount a realistic challenge on the top four. Of course their mission is not without stumbling blocks. Steven Pienaar's future remains a major influence on how successfully Everton can prepare for the crunch season in this team's maturing.
Moyes insist he is calm about the ongoing contract talks between Pienaar's agent and the club. Again, he is confident that the influential South African will sign a new contract. It can only be hoped that his confidence is not misplaced, and a deal for Pienaar is agreed before he goes away to the World Cup on home soil.
Because, if the former Ajax star performs to his true capability in the tournament, the line of suitors with the lure of Champions League football will only grow.
Sure, Everton could recoup a stellar fee for Pienaar. Maybe in the region of the £20m plus they received for Joleon Lescott. But even that master of wringing value from the transfer market Moyes, would be hard pressed to replace like for like.
Pienaar's presence in midfield along with Mikel Arteta and Marouane Fellaini next season, is a potentially huge symbol of ambition waiting to be sent out. It would be a clarion call. A note of defiance to the clubs who have finished above the Blues this season. Two of those clubs; Manchester City and Spurs, represent significant obstacles to Everton's progress. Manchester City, as is their modus operandi, will spend, spend and spend some more until their squad is bursting at the seams.
Spurs will also be lively in the transfer market as usual, and will have the pull of potentially playing in Europe's top cup competition should they successfully navigate their qualifier. Finishing above either would be David Moyes' finest achievement. As too would be lifting a trophy, given the importance both those clubs, and Aston Villa and Liverpool, attach to any silverware in this age of the league winners being so predictable. So Goodison will have much on its mind on Sunday afternoon, when Portsmouth arrive. The club, now with an increased debt of £138 million, were relegated to the Coca-Cola Championship after being deducted nine points by the Premier League, but have since gone on to reach the FA Cup final against Chelsea.
The financially-stricken south coast club are hoping to be able to finalise a Company Voluntary Arrangement, which will allow Pompey to come out of administration ahead of the new campaign, and so avoid further a points sanction – this time from the Football League. Everton's meeting with them on Sunday will have little impact on next season's daunting, yet tantalising mission. John Heitinga hopes to be fit, Steven Pienaar is equally keen to play in the finale of this disjointed campaign.
Three points as a summer farewell will be the objective as ever, but there are more important things, like keeping Pienaar and proving that all the optimistic words spoken at the cathedral on Tuesday are prayers which will not go unanswered.
Louis Saha wants Everton FC to finish season with a flourish
May 7 2010 by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
LOUIS Saha today ordered his Everton team-mates to reward the fans for sticking with them this season by signing off in style with a win over Portsmouth.
The striker believes the Goodison Park faithful have been extra-special this season, particularly after the club's awful start to the campaign. And he warned that relegated Pompey, who have FA Cup final places to play for, will not come to roll over.
He said: "It will be a tough test for us against Portsmouth. They have been relegated but they are a decent side and they are professional so they will try their best to win. We will do the same as it is a good way to say thank you to the fans for their support this season. "They have been tremendous this season and have helped us through some difficult times. We are going to try to win the game to show our thanks for their support." It is a message backed by goalkeeper Tim Howard, who is equally keen for the Toffees to end the 2009/10 season on a high. The American said: "It is so important we go out on a high in front of the fans. There's not much left to play for but I am sure the manager will set his stall out and put a team out there to win.
"All the players will go out and try to win on Sunday." Howard picked up the Chairman's Blueblood prize at the end of season awards on Tuesday.
The stopper shared the accolade with Tim Cahill after Bill Kenwright honoured the duo for their heroics in an Everton shirt. "It is special to win that award because when you come to a club like this you realise how deep the tradition is and how many big players have played here," he explained. "It is nice that you become a small part of that. When you then get an award like that and from the chairman himself it is very special. "It has been fantastic since I came here four years ago. I could only dream that it would be like this. "I am looking forward to what the future holds and hopefully I will be here a long time." Once the final whistle blows at Goodison on Sunday, Howard will head to the USA to begin his World Cup preparations with his national side." "I will go home for a week once the season ends then I am with the national side on May 15. It's going to be a busy summer and I am looking forward to it!"
Everton will play Norwich City in a pre-season friendly this summer.
The Blues will travel to Carrow Road as a part of their preparations for the 2010/11 season on Saturday, July 31. Everton will also undertake a pre-season tour of Australia this summer.
Royal Blue: Everton FC Ladies were toast of awards
May 8 2010 by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
EVERTON'S FA Cup winning Ladies side were the toast of the cathedral at the awards night. The girls were overwhelmed with the steady stream of fans offering congratulations all night. They appear to have the sort of unity and spirit that any side needs to be successful, not to mention a figurehead in goalkeeper Rachel Brown who clearly shouted herself hoarse during the win over Arsenal. They seemed to have a good time letting their hair down on Tuesday, and enjoyed the two bottles of champagne sent to their table by the men's team. Let's hope they can lift the title next season.
Royal Blue: Young Everton F.C. stars are good value for their honours
May 8 2010 by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
CREDIT to Jose Baxter for overcoming that awkward incident last year which got him headlines for the wrong reasons.The teenager was cleared of being at fault, and has not let the potential set-back deter him from doing everything he can to forge a successful career with Everton. He has certainly impressed everyone at Finch Farm with his attitude. Jose collected the prestigious Keith Tamlin Award in recognition of his impact on the field as well as his contribution to Academy life as a whole during Thursday's Youth Academy awards at St George's Hall. The 18-year-old striker has made more than 10 appearances for the first team and become a regular member of David Moyes' squad since making his debut for the senior side at just 16.
Congratulations also go to U-18 goalkeeper Adam Davies who picked up his second award of the week, winning Player of the Season for his age group, after winning Academy Player of the Year at Tuesday's senior awards. Both are clearly young players with a lot of potential, who must harness every bit of effort, fortune, and ability at their disposal to one day break into the first team. It won't be easy. Baxter is tasked with overtaking a host of talented strikers, and Davies behind two internationals.
Barry Horne: Steven Pienaar must recognise what Everton have done for him
May 8 2010 by Barry Horne, Liverpool Echo
WITH the Premier League season coming to a close, I'm very grateful for the World Cup to get me through the summer. I want to wish the Everton players jetting off to South Africa all the best and hope that Leighton Baines gets a thoroughly deserved call-up for England. Whilst out there I hope Steven Pienaar recognises and appreciates he is at a club which is totally supportive and has given him this opportunity to enhance his reputation. Steven must realise that Everton are making a steady rise to rightfully re-establishing itself as a great and successful club. Next season, with a better run of form and luck with injuries, Everton can undoubtedly improve and make sure they get back into Europe. Missing out this season is a double edged sword but Pienaar must recognise Everton are on the up.
Royal Blue: Everton FC end of season awards were a real talking point
May 8 2010 by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
EVERTON'S official end of season awards on Tuesday night provided a mixture of quirk, intrigue, and bonhomie. Quirk, in abundance. The Goodison Park ice sculpture which started the evening looking imposing and glacial, and ended up looking rough. The tartan trousers of Chang's (HELLO! I'M SCOTTISH) UK rep who presented David Moyes with a bottle of 1972 vintage Scotch on stage. Then there was the slightly surreal, but actually quite good, rendition of 'If You Know Your History' by Merchant Taylor school's girls choir. The intrigue was largely thanks to Bill Kenwright's speech. The chairman opened by admitting he had been busy negotiating for a player but didn't elaborate. He then thanked a host of people for contributing to the club's ongoing development, including retail magnate Philip Green.
Coupled with some sumptuous rumours about exciting pre-season friendlies (watch this space), there was much to whet the appetite. Many eyebrows were raised when Diniyar Bilyaletdinov's strike against Manchester United won goal of the season ahead of Steven Pienaar's 'Messi-style' chip at the Emirates. But that's where the bonhomie came into it. It was heart-warming to witness how genuinely chuffed Bily was to win (his first ever award, he said), and hear his determination to improve.
He might have had an inconsistent debut campaign, but expect plenty more from the Russian after he has a deserved break. Then there was Marouane Fellaini, looking pleasingly on the mend, as he engaged in a 'Fro-off' with a strikingly and similarly coiffured event girl. Lastly, it was also uplifting to see Tim Howard and Tim Cahill so thrilled at being chosen by their chairman for the inaugural Blue Blood award. The two Tims proved how much the club means to them with heart-felt acceptance speeches, which had Kenwright and everyone else grinning. Not least when Phil Jagielka sarcastically added how surprised he was to see teacher's pet Cahill carry off the award. Then player of the season Steven Pienaar brought a smile to his manager's face, by declaring he had recovered from his ankle injury and would "definitely" be playing on Sunday. News to Moyes before he has even picked his team, it seemed (even if he was probably right). There was even time for a "Sorry I Can't Be There Tonight.." video message from the sickeningly tanned Landon Donovan, who promised to return soon.
But as the serious gongs have all been handed out, here's an alternative list of a few more categories the Blues didn't have room for..
Save of the season: Tim Howard's last-gasp penalty save from Jermain Defoe to kick-start the Blues' revival by securing a point against Spurs at Goodison in December.
Celebration of the season: Cahill's corner flag boxing still gets the Blue blood pumping, and the Yak's first Super Eagles flutter after returning from his 12 months out was nice to see.
But Steven Pienaar wins for the, ahem, 'Drunken Staggering Man' effort after his stonker in the snow of the Emirates (since the subject of a few good-natured skits at Finch Farm). Next season's early favourite is what John Heitinga will do when he finally scores – inevitably from a net-buster. I'm going for some Big Duncan-style madness. Tackle of the season: Manchester United at Goodison. The Red Devils take the lead. So far so familiar...will the Blues slump to their customary defeat? Not if the super-charged Leon Osman had anything to do with it. Ossie took the game by the scruff of the neck, launching into tackles, including one to win possession by the Park End on Darren Fletcher which hinted at a big afternoon in store. Cameo of the season: The three-month presence of the man Kenwright calls the Yank, Landon Donovan. Even David Moyes could not have predicted the immediate and positive influence the USA international would have. His directness, pace, and willingness to get forward have been missed since he returned to California. Miss of the season: For everything Donovan did so well, his staggering miss against Spurs at White Hart Lane still defies logic. Score and the Blues would have had a point which may have proved important.
Brave but misguided soul of the season: The national hack who asked David Moyes if he feared for his job after the 3-2 away defeat in Hull. He has never been seen again.
Wish You Were Still Here: Donovan (see above) has been missed, but Seamus Coleman has proved why he has such a bright future in royal blue during his scintillating loan spell at the sea side. His return is much anticipated. Showboat of the season: What else? Marouane Fellaini's imperious moment of magic which left Craig Bellamy swiping at thin air goes down in Goodison folklore. Sartorial put-down of the season: David Moyes was left distinctly unimpressed by a certain journalist's boarding school-style stripy scarf on New Year's Day at Finch Farm, and told him so. Fancy picking on a fellow ginger too! Horrendous Karaoke moment of the season: To those unlucky souls who had their ears mangled by my debut in Athens, I sincerely apologise. Blame Mark Rowan.
David Moyes: Everton FC's top four target will be tougher than ever next season
May 8 2010 by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
DAVID MOYES had conflicting emotions when Peter Crouch's late goal sealed Spurs' chase for fourth place on Wednesday evening. On one hand the Everton boss welcomed the break-up of the traditional Premier League top four cartel, with Harry Redknapp's Londoners just surging past rivals Manchester City. But he admits it will now be harder than ever for Everton to gate-crash next season, and insists the top four concept could now become the top eight. "Some of the clubs below the so-called big four will spend to get up there again," he says. "Certainly, Tottenham and Manchester City will go in that group. Spurs have deserved it and it's been brilliant for Harry Redknapp. They have been out in front nearly all season (in race for fourth) and Harry has done a brilliant job. "You might find it harder to pick next year's top four. That monopoly on the top four could be on the verge of getting broken up. Up until this season, we were the only side to break into that top four. "But next year it might be more of a top eight and it will be very hard to predict who will finish where.
"I think it's a good thing. I've been saying for a while that in the past there have always been different teams up there. "We've had a spell where it's been the same four clubs because that's mainly been down to Champions League money. That's where Everton have missed out, but we still have to compete if we can and we have done okay."
Moyes fears that his noble efforts of competing for the top half of the table could be hindered by other clubs hoarding players.
It is a concern also ironically raised by Harry Redknapp, whose transfer policy often mirrors Moyes's, as with the capture of Kyle Naughton from Sheffield United last summer. Redknapp revealed how "bullying" Manchester City warned him off his pursuit of Craig Bellamy with the threat they would swoop for his target Wilson Palacios if he did not back off. "We just have to watch that the top teams don't hoard the top players," he says. "It means the clubs below can't get the players that make the teams more level. "The teams can do that because there are enough games, such as in the Champions League, to keep them happy. "But next season I'm sure you will see a strong Sunderland and Birmingham, no-one will enjoy going to Stoke and Newcastle are a massive club coming back into the Premier League. "If other teams spend lots of money then it will be very hard for us. I'm just looking to try and get our squad stronger and keep the players we have got. "We're all quite optimistic about what we have as a team and we will see if we can be one of the underdogs and come from behind as we have done in several other seasons." Moyes does admit that even his positive nature is tested when teams like Manchester City roll out signing after signing. "Sometimes clubs sign players and it makes you a bit deflated," he says. "But you have to find a different way of competing. That's what you do as a manager. And I think we have, there are a lot of clubs around us who would say we have a good group of players. "Both Man City and Tottenham have been big spenders in recent years and I don't think being in the Europa League or Champions League will stop them from spending money as they have been doing." The Everton boss is already planning his summer work schedule, with team building still a priority, if not a desperate one.
"We have been planning for a long time" he says. "The job of a manager never stops just because on Sunday the season ends. I will go and sit on a beach for a week or two and try and do nothing but then it will be back to work. "People will be interested in our players and they should be, they are good players. I have no problem with that at all. "That's part of what we do here. We bring players in, we work with them, we try to give them opportunities and now maybe it's a case of us looking for them to give us a little bit back." Part of his hard work will at least be done with the benefits of a change in horizon, as the Blues head to the Southern Hemisphere for a three-week tour of Australia. "I'm quite looking forward to Australia. We've brought them back early because it's a long trip," he says. "We have a base in Sydney and at the end of that we will play three games. "Normally we'd go to America or Switzerland, but we will go to Australia this time. We are also going there for some finances which makes it a bit more worthwhile."When we come back there's still four weeks until we start the season, so there's plenty of time. "We've given the World Cup players dates for when they come back, depending on when their countries get knocked out."
The Toffees will take on A-League champions Sydney FC on July 10, at the ANZ Stadium. They will then head to Melbourne on July 14 to take on the newly-formed Melbourne Heart at the Etihad Stadium before concluding the tour with a game at the Suncorp Stadium against the Brisbane Roar. The dates are in contrast to previous years, when Everton's major international tour has come later during the pre-season period. Kick-off times are still to be confirmed alongside ticket details for the matches. The club will be looking at an official travel package from the UK to Australia and will announce further details on evertonfc.com
A pre-season game against Norwich City on July 31 has also been confirmed
Barry Horne: Everton FC fans should be proud of their team's season
May 8 2010 by Barry Horne, Liverpool Echo
THE main awards given out at Everton's end of season gala dinner did not come as a surprise. In a year which has been full of inconsistencies, not just at the club but throughout the Premier League, it has been certain for some time that Leighton Baines and Steven Pienaar take the plaudits. Their form and inter-play down the left has been a consistent feature in Everton's season, particularly since the turn of the year, producing some of the club's best moments. The Premier League season threatened to be the most open for many a long year. The prospect of a genuine three-horse race, four or five teams equipped to be fighting for the remaining European places and seven or eight sides looking over their shoulders at relegation. But going into the final weekend of the season it is only the biggest prize of all that is to be decided.
In many ways this season as a whole has mirrored the topsy-turvy nature of Everton's campaign. From the disastrous start with crippling injuries that David Moyes and his players never used as an excuse, to the second half of the season which saw them in brilliant form. Every Evertonian should be proud of the way the players and manager just got on with their job and kept faith. Some of their form was blistering in this period and saw them beat Manchester United and Chelsea. But of course we will all look back at dropped points at home to Stoke and Wolves and letting leads slip at Birmingham and Villa. Perhaps missing out on Europe is a blessing in disguise and will allow Moyes to secure Europa League football for next season.
It has been a fantastic year, but for all the great management David brings, he will need a financial leg up at some point.
David Moyes: Everton FC may have to wait a while to buy players
May 8 2010 by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
DAVID MOYES today predicted he may be forced to bide his time again this summer until he can swoop in the transfer market. The Everton boss would prefer to do the minor recruitment he requires early, but must operate on a tight budget and concedes that could make his search for players more drawn-out. Moyes has signed players late in the previous two summers, but is more relaxed about the situation at present because of the strength in depth he has at his disposal. He said: "We lost Joleon with a week to go and brought three players in during the last week with that money. We had to integrate them quickly, notwithstanding Jags, Mikel, Yak and Victor not being fit for the start of the season. "The continuity is why the club is where we are now, the club has kept the manager, the manager has got the players understanding what is required. We have good characters here. We have tried to add the one or two every year and some drop off at the bottom. "The changes we made last year were very late and we only brought Fellaini and Saha last season, really. "The signings have come very late and I don't think that will change this summer. I don't need to sell before I buy. I'm not madly saying we need to buy. "Sure, I'll try and get some players in and that'll be at the lower end of the market to get those players in. "I'd like to get a top striker in, but how much do they cost? That would be the problem." Meanwhile, John Heitinga will face a late fitness test before the final game of the season against Portsmouth tomorrow. The Dutchman hasn't featured for the Blues since the clash with Aston Villa last month that saw him suffer a hairline fracture on his ankle. Moyes said: "He is desperate to play but we think he has had a little hairline fracture. We will need to decide if it is worth taking the risk and allowing him to play. Johnny wants to play though and that is the important thing." Everton will also be without skipper Phil Neville, who on Thursday underwent a minor procedure to rectify persistent problem on the knee he injured earlier this season. Dan Gosling also had surgery to repair his damaged cruciate knee ligaments on Thursday. The injury was so severe, that the 20-year-old had to wait until all the swelling fully subsided before going under the knife.
Everton FC boss David Moyes: Avram Grant deserves credit for Portsmouth role
May 8 2010
David Moyes has sympathy for Avram Grant - but not his club - as Portsmouth prepare to bow out of the Barclays Premier League. Debt-laden Pompey face Moyes' Everton at Goodison Park in their final top-flight match before returning the Championship tomorrow. Relegation concludes another chapter in a sorry saga of financial mismanagement at Fratton Park - an affair which has seen them sell several star players and enter administration. Yet although they have struggled at the bottom end of the table all season, manager Grant has somehow defied the odds to lead them to next weekend's FA Cup final. Moyes said: "He has done an outstanding job to keep them focused and going in the right direction. "Look at some of the results they had in the FA Cup - everyone felt they would go out along the line. "They put out Birmingham and Tottenham at Wembley, which I don't think anyone had down to happen. "He deserves a lot of credit for the way he has kept it together and held together a club which is obviously in a terrible condition. "He has done a good job but that doesn't mean there is any sympathy for Portsmouth and the way they have handled their affairs. "They've overspent to try to get success - at Everton we've not.
"We've kept the purse tight and done what we can within our means. "It is hard for any club to be £138million in debt - it is wrong. "It should not have been allowed to get into that position." Tomorrow's game has little riding on it for either side.
Pompey have been destined to finish bottom for some time and their players will inevitably be looking ahead to their likely last hurrah together at Wembley next Saturday. Everton also know they will end their campaign in the eighth position they currently occupy having fallen short in their late charge for a European place.
Yet the Toffees have lost just two of their last 23 games, and gone unbeaten in 10, and Moyes has no intention of easing up. "It is a Premier League game, one of 38, so we have to win it," the Scot said. "I want to get into the 60s points total - last season we got 63 and we have got a chance of getting to 61. "Under the circumstances and the problems we have had, I think that would be a gallant effort." Everton were ravaged by injuries throughout the early part of the campaign and lay 16th with just 15 points from 14 games. Their form since early December has been that of title challengers and Moyes is confident looking ahead. "I think everyone has got a deal of optimism because of the way they have seen the team play," he said. Moyes will soon be able to turn his full attention to his main business of the summer - squad refinement.
He has no intention of making major signings but needs to add depth and is anxious to tie key players, notably Steven Pienaar and Jack Rodwell, to new contracts.
Moyes said: "I don't think it will be a busy one - the biggest thing is we keep the players we have got at the club. "It is for the board and chief executive to re-sign the players we have got and if they do I will be happy. "Hopefully add one or two additions, then I'll be looking forward to next season." Another event taking place this summer is the World Cup and Everton will have several players involved, including Tim Cahill, Steven Pienaar, Joseph Yobo and Ayegbeni Yakubu. Leighton Baines, Phil Jagielka and Phil Neville are also potential England players. "I think it is good for your club if you have people there," said Moyes, who will be without Neville tomorrow after the 33-year-old underwent minor surgery on his left knee.
"They have got to experience that level. I am pleased and there are one or two I think will really benefit, so I am looking forward to seeing how they do at the World Cup.
"I hope one or two will come back with greater self-belief and confidence and realising they are top players. That is what I want."
Everton FC 1, Portsmouth 0 - full time report
May 9 2010
Diniyar Bilyaletdinov fired a stunning injury-time winner to send Portsmouth out of the Barclays Premier League as gallant losers. The Russian substitute struck from distance in the fourth minute of time added on, just as relegated Pompey looked to be bowing out of the top flight with a creditable draw. Victory was no more than the Toffees deserved after they squandered a multitude of chances at Goodison Park but Pompey - who at least have the FA Cup final to look forward to at the end of a dismal season - could feel aggrieved. Anthony Vanden Borre appeared to score a perfectly good goal in the second half only to have it ruled out for offside. Until Bilyaletdinov's late intervention, Portsmouth's fans had cheered the loudest throughout the game.
Despite the sadness of their plight, the visiting supporters, some of them in fancy dress, turned up in the mood to party at the end of a seven-year spell in the top flight.
Their constant singing - tinged with gallows humour over their uncertain future - was a credit to the south coast club and they will at least get one last hurrah next weekend.
With this afternoon's result counting little for either side, Avram Grant used what reports claim could be his last league match in charge of Portsmouth to rest goalkeeper David James. The England international was a notable omission as Grant made five changes, although a lengthy injury list limited him to just six substitutes.
The presence of the inspirational Jamie O'Hara on the bench, after four games out with a back injury, was at least a bonus. Jamie Ashdown took James' place while Ricardo Rocha, Hayden Mullins, Papa Bouba Diop and Marc Wilson also came into the Pompey side. Everton, who knew they would finish eighth regardless of the result, were without Tim Cahill due to a minor groin strain and Mikel Arteta replaced the injured Phil Neville as captain. Steven Pienaar and Jack Rodwell, whose future remains the subject of speculation, both returned. It soon seemed Pompey were in for a long afternoon as Everton, looking to finish with a flourish after falling short of a European place, carved out five chances within the opening six minutes.
Tony Hibbert got a sight of goal but Rocha managed to put behind and Arteta then had a dangerous cross headed to safety by Diop. Louis Saha headed narrowly over from a Leighton Baines cross and Arteta shot tamely at Ashdown after being set up by Victor Anichebe. Ashdown was in action again as Rodwell met a Hibbert cross but the keeper dealt comfortably with his header. Pompey's first chance came against the run of play after 10 minutes as John Utaka curled a free-kick over. The visitors went close again as Frederic Piquionne raced on to a Boateng through ball and got the better of Phil Jagielka but Tim Howard blocked as he cut inside to shoot. Arteta then forced a good low save from Ashdown with a shot from the edge of the box and Rodwell side-footed wide from inside the area after a good run by Hibbert. Piquionne had another chance after a quick break but shot straight at Howard from distance. Anichebe burst into the box just before half-time after a neat turn on the 18-yard line but fired left-footed into the side-netting. Ayegbeni Yakubu replaced Rodwell in the 54th minute and was immediately into the action, shooting straight at Ashdown from the edge of the area. Portsmouth thought they had taken the lead just before the hour but saw the goal harshly ruled out for offside. Piquionne took advantage of a slip from former Portsmouth defender Sylvain Distin to skip into the area and coolly take the ball around Howard. Distin recovered to block his cross but the ball rebounded to substitute O'Hara and his scuffed shot was turned in by Vanden Borre at the far post. Vanden Borre was clearly behind at least two Everton players but referee Peter Walton and his assistant remarkably thought differently. Leon Osman found an opening for Everton with nine minutes remaining but his long-range effort was deflected over by Mullins. Saha met the resulting corner with a firm header but Mullins was again on hand to clear off the line. Everton continued to press to the end and Hibbert blasted just over and Saha was inches away from connecting with a cross. Pompey looked to have weathered the storm, but with four minutes of injury time almost over, Bilyaletdinov curled in a superb left-footed winner from 30 yards.
Late strike sinks Pompey
Published Date: 09 May 2010 The Portsmouth news
POMPEY'S Premier League era came to an end in fitting fashion as they were struck with a late blow to fall to a last-gasp 1-0 defeat at Everton. In a low-key fixture with neither side left with anything to play for, Diniyar Bilyaletdinov struck a fabulous stoppage-time winner with a curling strike that arrowed into Jamie Ashdown's top corner from 25 yards. Although Pompey should have taken the lead around the hour mark when Anthony Vanden Borre's goal was wrongly ruled offside, Everton had the majority of the chances. But Avram Grant's side continued in the same professional approach they have shown since their relegation was confirmed and looked a threat on the break when they did get going. While Pompey looked good for a battling point to take into next week's FA Cup final, Everton's late winner will not have hurt quite as much as it would have done if there was more riding on the game. Positive news from the game saw Jamie O'Hara come through the second half unscathed after his recent back injury, while Ricardo Rocha also got 90 minutes under his belt, while Tal Ben Haim also got some pitch time. But there didn't appear to be any fresh injury concerns for the Blues boss to contend with and he will again take heart from a solid defensive performance.
Grant: More rough justice for Pompey
Published Date: 09 May 2010 The Portsmouth news
Avram Grant rued more rough justice as Pompey ended life in the Premier League with a 1-0 defeat at Everton. The Blues conceded with virtually the last kick of the match as Diniyar Bilyaletdinov netted a cracker for the hosts. But Pompey boss Grant was left unhappy after Anthony Vanden Borre had a second-half effort ruled out - despite former Fratton defender Sylvain Distin playing him onside. Grant felt the decision summed up the club's season in a campaign which included a nine-point deduction and refused entry into Europe. He said: 'What happened in this game was something we saw all season - we scored and the ref said it was not a goal. 'I don't know why, it's happened many times, then at the end we conceded.' Despite the loss, though, Grant was proud of the effort his side showed just six days before their FA Cup final against Chelsea. He added: 'We played well, for the moment we can say goodbye and hope to come back soon. 'It's been a very tough season, but I'm happy I chose the difficult way, not to give up. We were always fighting, that's what I think everybody will remember from this season.
9th May 2010
By Steve Millar
The Goodison boss, like the rest of us, has read the stories of his Merseyside rivals being takeover targets for consortiums from the Middle East, India and China.
But Moyes is convinced that Everton are a better proposition because financially they are in good shape without a debt which would cripple a superpower. He will resist the temptation to take his high ambitions to a richer club because he is fiercely loyal to Everton and chairman Bill Kenwright. Moyes would love the chance to see Everton receive a huge cash boost to allow him to compete with the big money clubs and again claim a top four Champions League spot. He said: "Our results since November prove that if Everton get it right we might come out of the woodwork and shock one or two. "We have very rarely had money. Roughly we have spent £5million a year for eight years. But I believe that, somewhere along the line, Bill and the board will give me a chance with investment. "I'm hoping that someone is going to come in and give us some help financially. Bill is actively looking for some help, some finance. "And I have got to hope that maybe that's just around the corner. Liverpool have got a real big brand but Everton are a steady football club.
"We have some debt but not as much as most. If you put Premier League clubs in order of wage bills that table would look pretty much like the league table now.
"We would be 10th or 12th or even lower. So I think any owners coming in would see a club which has tried to do the best it can without the massive money and is run properly. "I think we're attractive and should be a target for any investor. I wanted to say this job doesn't need to be done with money. It would be great in football if money didn't decide so much. But it does. "The hardest part for me in the summertime is watching all our rivals signing players. I can see other teams getting stronger and we can't really compete with some of the spending.
"I think at the moment we are challenging Liverpool – but they could spend £50m or £60m in the summer if they get some new investment and blow me out of the water again." So once again the question crops up about whether he would jump ship if Everton wasn't kept afloat by investors in the next few years. Moyes is emphatic. His eyes are Blue and they will stay that way for the foreseeable future. He added: "I want success to be with Everton. I am really loyal to Everton. I have been treated really well here and the job has been good for me. "So I want to try to do the job right and finish it off. I have got a real belief that we have got a good team and I will be asking the board to give me the money so we can have a go."
Everton target £3m 1860 Munich striker Peniel Mlapa and weigh up complex deal for midfielder Aleksandar Ignjovski
The Mail May 9 2009
Everton are closing on a £3million deal for 1860 Munich's young striker Peniel Mlapa. Scouts have watched the 19-year-old who is 6ft 4ins tall and have been suitably impressed. Young midfielder Aleksandar Ignjovski also caught the eye but a deal for him is more complicated.
Everton 1 Portsmouth 0: 'Sleeping' linesman costs Avram Grant as Diniyar Bilyaletdinov punishes Pompey
By Colin Young 9th May 2010 Daily Mail
Portsmouth had every reason to claim they were robbed as they took their leave of the Premier League by going down to to a late, late Everton winner from substitute Diniyar Bilyaletdinov. They could have no complaints about the spectacular strike from the Russian with only seconds left of the four minutes added by referee Peter Walton. But there was cause for protest after 59 minutes when Anthony Vanden Borre had what video evidence later showed was a goal ruled out for offside. It was a wonder defeated manager Avram Grant had a smile on his face as he shook hands with the Everton players on the pitch after the final whistle. The lively Frederic Piquionne had the Everton defence in trouble, running in from the right and finding John Utaka, who got the ball forward to Vanden Borre, who knocked it into the net. There was amazement when the goal was ruled out and TV pictures showed why, with one defender in line with the midfielder from Zaire and another, along with goalkeeper Tim Howard, nearer the goal-line. Even after that, it still looked that the FA Cup finalists would be able to finish their troubled season with a point. Then in the 94th minute Bilyaletdinov hit an unstoppable shot with his left foot that flew beyond Jamie Ashdown into the far corner of the net. Grant said afterwards: 'We got a perfectly good goal and I don't know why it was disallowed. Everton had two players on the line. It was one of the worst decisions I've ever seen. Maybe the linesman was asleep.
EVERTON (4-5-1): Howard 7; Hibbert 6, Jagielka 7, Distin 7, Baines 7; Anichebe 7 (Bilyaletdinov 65min, 8), Arteta 7 (Heitinga, 84), Rodwell 6 (Yakubu 53, 6), Osman 6, Pienaar 7; Saha 6.
PORTSMOUTH (4-4-2): Ashdown 7; Finnan 6, Mokoena 6 (Ben Haim 65, 6),
Rocha 6, Mullins 7; Vanden Borre 7, Diop 6, Wilson 6 (O'Hara 46, 7), Boateng 6; Piquionne 8 (Basinas 77, 6), Utaka 7.
Man of the match: Frederic Piquionne.
Referee: Peter Walton.
'But what happened in this game reflects our season. We score a goal and it was disallowed and then we lose in the last second. That was a fantastic goal.
'It's goodbye to the Premier League, but only for the moment.'
Everton manager David Moyes agreed with his opposite number. 'Theirs was a goal, but we had one disallowed in our last match at Stoke,' he said. 'I thought we played really well, especially in the opening part of the game, but we didn't finish it off.
'We're a bit disappointed to have finished eighth and that shows how far we've come. We're only two points worse off than last year, when we finished fifth.'
Tim Cahill set to sign with Everton FC for the rest of his career
May 10 2010 by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
TIM CAHILL is poised to end his career with Everton after he agreed to sign a new four-year deal. The Australian wants to spend the rest of his time in the Premier League with the Toffees, and will become the first high-profile first-team star to put pen to paper on a new contract. Cahill, 30, will officially sign over the next few days, then spend some time with his family before joining Australia's World Cup training camp. The Everton board hope that the move will convince other team-mates, including Mikel Arteta and Jack Rodwell, to also sign new, improved deals.
David Moyes has repeatedly said he does not need to be busy in the transfer market this summer, but insisted he wants his current crop of players tied up on long term contracts to boost his hopes of breaking into the top four next season.
It is hoped that Cahill's popularity in the dressing room will persuade the rest, including Steven Pienaar, to follow his example. Fans' favourite Cahill had signed a five-year deal with Everton in 2007, which was set to expire in 2012. He will now extend his contract until the end of his playing career. The former Milwall midfielder, who signed for the Blues in a £1.5m deal in 2004, has previously said he intends to return to his home country to play in the Aussie A-League after his time on Merseyside is finally complete.
Everton FC 1, Portsmouth 0: Bilyaletdinov wonder strike caps things off in style
May 10 2010 David Randles Liverpool Daily Post
THEY handed out the goal of the season gong early at Everton this year.
The recipient was correct only they got the wrong game. Diniyar Bilyaletdinov scooped the prize for his eye-catching strike against Manchester United at last week's end of season awards ceremony. Granted, it was a great goal. But on pure aesthetic quality you're unlikely to see a finer struck ball than his injury time effort that snatched maximum points against Portsmouth at Goodison Park yesterday.
Such had been the frustration of this deadest of rubbers that the only thing missing when the fourth official raised his board to display four extra minutes was a collective groan. Prolonging a season that promised so much but ultimately delivered little was not on anyone's wish list prior to kick-off. With Everton rooted to eighth in the table regardless of this result, and Pompey relegated weeks ago, there wasn't much to get too excited about. Bilyaletdinov's stunning winner put paid to that notion though, and in the swing of the Russian's lethal left boot, the mood was lifted and faith was restored that Everton have much to look forward to next season. Such are the margins between success and failure in football at times that had it remained goalless there would no doubt have been those who'd have drifted off into summer scratching their heads. Instead, Bilyaletdinov's wonder goal has placed a different emphasis on an end of season sequence that now extends to 12 games unbeaten. It is Everton's best run of results in the Premier League and surpasses an 11-match streak from December 1985 to March 1986. A draw would have led to the same conclusion. For Evertonians, it felt much sweeter this way. The sell out crowd was a show of support for a season that was dragged away from danger by a resurgence that has been title challenging form since January. Severely compromised by a crippling injury list throughout the first part of the campaign, Everton were as low as 16th place in November.
That was a time when they were being spoken of in the same breath as the likes of Portsmouth as possible candidates for the drop. In truth that was never likely to happen but, as Moyes said in his programme notes yesterday, there is a sense of disappointment that his team haven't reached the heights of last season when fifth place and a trip to Wembley underlined the feeling that this is very much a club in the ascendancy. Despite missing out on European football for the first time in four years, they are still on the up. Indeed, with Moyes suggesting that the so-called top four should now be referred to as a top eight, the lack of midweek Europa League distractions could prove to be a blessing in disguise next season.
It was only last season when Portsmouth welcomed AC Milan to Fratton Park.
Look at them now. Of course, their well documented problems stem from much deeper rooted concerns than juggling domestic and European fixtures. But it was clear that their fleeting Europa League run did nothing to help Tony Adams' managerial aspirations. Everton are made of sterner stuff however, and it was significant to hear Moyes talk about 'stability' and 'continuity' at Goodison when denouncing the gross mismanagement that has brought Fratton Park to its knees. While Pompey are likely to lose the bulk of their remaining crown jewels this summer – if not their manager too – as they prepare for life in the Championship, Everton will be keeping hold of theirs. Moyes has already revealed he won't be looking to add too many star names to what he already has. He doesn't need to. While the Toffees should really have had this game wrapped up by half-time, the eventual difference arrived when two of Moyes' substitutes combined on the edge of the area. John Heitinga's pass to Bilyaletdinov with less than sixty seconds on the clock came shortly after the Dutchman had sent an inviting cross dipping into the six-yard box. The fact that Moyes can bring this kind of quality off the bench – and in the absence of the injured Tim Cahill, Phil Neville and Marouane Fellaini to boot – bodes well for the future. What doesn't is the profligacy in front of goal that was on show in the first half. The Everton manager has earmarked another striker among his summer targets. He will have seen little here to persuade him otherwise. With Portsmouth content to sit back and invite Everton on to them, they were there for the taking. The Toffees failed to capitalise, though.
First, an unmarked Louis Saha headed over from Leighton Baines' whipped cross inside the opening five minutes, before Mikel Arteta aimed a shot straight at Jamie Ashdown from 10 yards when placing it either side of the stand-in goalkeeper would have produce the desired effect. As Portsmouth retreated deeper, Leon Osman, Steven Pienaar and Arteta were able to pass at will between them ahead of the visitors' 18-yard line. Getting any further proved a problem however. With Frederic Piquionne operating as a lone striker, Pompey effectively played with 10 men behind the ball.
It was a strange policy given they had nothing to lose. It was stranger still if you assume there are places up for grabs in next week's FA Cup final. Use this strategy against newly crowned Premier League champions Chelsea at Wembley and they will be ripped to shreds. But, as Jack Rodwell, Tony Hibbert and Victor Anichebe all squandered chances to break the deadlock before the break, Portsmouth almost got away with it yesterday.
Diniyar Bilyaletdinov beauty fuels more Everton FC optimism
May 10 2010 by Ian Doyle, Liverpool Daily Post
DINIYAR BILYALETDINOV reflected on his 'beautiful' winner against Portsmouth yesterday and admitted it was good enough to scoop the goal of the season award.
The Russian international's strike in the 3-1 win over Manchester United in February was voted for by Everton supporters as the best of the campaign. Bilyaletdinov was honoured at last week's end of season awards ceremony at the Anglican Cathedral but now the winger admits that he saved his best until last. His injury time winner, curled into the top corner with pace from 25 yards, left Pompey goalkeeper Jamie Ashdown with no chance. While Bilyaletdinov says his goal against United was more important, he believes yesterday's was better. "I took the prize last week for the best goal of the season against Manchester United," he said. "That was a brilliant goal and really nice for the supporters to choose me. "Today I think it was probably a more beautiful goal, although against United it was probably more important. "But today's goal was very beautiful for me." Going into the final game of the season, Everton knew they could finish no higher than eighth place. That means missing out on European football next season. While the aim will be to secure a place in Europe the year after, Bilyaltedinov says next season's omission could benefit Everton in domestic competitions.
"Maybe it will help but we will still have three tournaments to focus on, the FA Cup, Carling Cup and the Premier League," he said. "That's still a lot of games to play throughout the season. "It could help in these other competitions if we're not in Europe, but the best teams in the top four play all season in four tournaments.
"It's normal for them and we would prefer that to be normal for us in the future."
The 1-0 win over Portsmouth saw Everton finish just two points behind seventh placed Liverpool, who claimed the last Europa League place. Despite a difficult start to the season in which a startling injury list contributed to David Moyes' side taking just 14 points from their first 15 games, Everton came back strong since the turn of the year. Just two defeats in 24 games placed Everton among the top teams in the country in terms of form in the second half of the season. Bilyaletdinov says that, combined with yesterday's win, has helped what at one point threatened to be a disastrous season end on a positive note and will provide a good platform for the 2010/11 campaign. "It's been good for us because we lost just two games in the second half of the season," he said. "We beat Manchester United, Chelsea and Manchester City twice. "If we had more luck maybe we would have had six or seven more points, which would have been enough for Europe. "It was important for us to finish with a win to end what has been a mixed season. "We wanted to end on a positive to take away with us during the summer before we come back for pre-season training."
From Times
May 10, 2010
Diniyar Bilyaletdinov makes name for himself with late winner
Everton 1 Portsmouth 0
Chris Brereton
Diniyar Bilyaletdinov has already been given Everton's goal-of-the-season award, but he produced another contender to liven up an otherwise dour occasion at Goodison Park. After 94 minutes during which Everton had had the chances but not the class to break down Portsmouth, the Russian decided this encounter with a fabulous 25-yard effort to send Everton's fans into the summer with a smile on their faces.
This intervention was classier even than his award-winning effort against Manchester United in February. "It was arguably the goal of the season," David Moyes, the Everton manager, said. "It was a stunning, stunning goal. It came out of the blue and it was right in the top corner, it was a fantastic finish. It was a bit of relief for the supporters and I told the players at half-time that I wanted them to be more ruthless."
Before that effort, Everton had failed to capitalise on Portsmouth's absent-mindedness before a trip to Wembley next Saturday to try to deny Chelsea the Premier League and FA Cup Double. David James was rested by Avram Grant, the Portsmouth manager, but Jamie Ashdown, his replacement in goal, dealt comfortably with Everton's poor finishing. Louis Saha, Mikel Arteta, Leon Osman, Tony Hibbert and Jack Rodwell all missed fine first-half chances while Saha also had a header knocked off the line by Hayden Mullins after the interval. Portsmouth had a legitimate attempt ruled out for offside after Anthony vanden Borre tapped in a Jamie O'Hara delivery from close range. Both Sylvain Distin and Phil Jagielka were playing him onside, but it mattered not and Grant did not hold back afterwards. "They had two players on the line; it was one of the worst decisions I have ever seen," he said, with more than a hint of justification. "Maybe the linesman was asleep."
Everton (4-5-1): T Howard 7 — A Hibbert 8, P Jagielka 7, S Distin 7, L Baines 7 — V Anichebe 7 (sub: D Bilyaletdinov, 66min 8), J Rodwell 7 (sub: Yakubu Ayegbeni, 55 5), M Arteta 6 (sub: J Heitinga 85), S Pienaar 7, L Osman 7 — L Saha 6. Substitutes not used: I Turner, J Yobo, P Senderos, J Baxter
Portsmouth (4-5-1): J Ashdown 6 — S Finnan 6, R Rocha 6, A Mokoena 7 (sub: T Ben-Haim, 66 6), H Mullins 6 — A Vanden Borre 7, P Bouba Diop 6, M Wilson 6 (sub: J O'Hara, 46 7), K-P Boateng 6, F Piquionne 6 (sub: A Basinas, 77), J Utaka 4. Substitutes not used: L O'Brien, T Smith, M Ritchie.
Referee: P Walton.
Attendance: 38,730.
Everton 1-0 Portsmouth:
The Daily Mirror match report
By David Maddock Daily Mirror
How ironic that Everton should steal a game they didn't deserve to win with the last dramatic kick. Because this morning they will look back on the campaign with a haunting sense of what might have been – finishing just two painful points behind their bitter rivals Liverpool in the last Europa League spot. This win over a spirited Portsmouth side – thanks to a wonderstrike from Diniyar Bilyaletdinov – ensured David Moyes' side set a new club record run of 11 unbeaten Premier League games.
They have lost only twice since November. Yet even during that period they dropped points that were rightfully theirs. No fewer than 11 in fact, starting with that last defeat in February at Spurs, when they missed a chance to equalise from two yards out. Since then they have tossed away 10 more points with draws in matches they dominated – the difference between where they are and a Champions League place.
It emphasises just what a good team they have here at Goodison, and how much they can achieve. Even Moyes accepted the point afterwards: "There is a sense of regret at the points we have dropped on the run-in because we have a gifted a few away after playing such good football. "I think now the players need me and the club to back up the work they have done in playing some exceptional football, by making sure we have something at the top end to finish off the chances we create. "So in the summer we have to add that general mentality to see out games if we are going to kick on and be at the top." This game was a case in point until Bilyaletdinov scored an incredible winner in the fourth minute of injury time. It really shouldn't have taken them that long. They could have been four up within the first five minutes, as a stunning opening passage of play ripped the visitors apart, only for Mikel Arteta, Tony Hibbert, Victor Anichebe and Louis Saha to miss golden opportunities. Everton's weakness, as Moyes accepts, is a distinct lack of a ruthlessness in front of goal. And here was a case in point, because those missed chances gave Portsmouth confidence and a growing strength in their admirably resolute defence. They were only breached when Bilyaletdinov got the ball in the dying seconds, looked up and from 25 yards curled a beautiful left foot shot into the top corner with the accuracy of an army sniper.
Again, that goal hinted at the quality the Russian winger possesses, and illustrates perfectly the sort of football Everton are capable of playing. Yet this was a game that Everton could easily have lost because Pompey scored a perfectly good goal that was ruled out for offside. In surely the worst officiating decision of the season from a clearly visually impaired linesman, sub Jamie O'Hara scuffed a shot that found Anthony Vanden Borre, who converted with THREE defenders between him and the net. It wasn't even close. For Portsmouth, it sums up the story of their bizarre season. Even here, with nothing to play for and after – apparently – a big night out on the eve of this game, they gave it everything. No wonder their manager Avram Grant was full of pride and no little optimism afterwards. "It's the last game after seven years in the Premier League for Portsmouth and it's goodbye - but only goodbye for the moment," he said.
New Siamese stadium plan for Liverpool and Everton football clubs unveiled
May 10 2010 by Luke Traynor, Liverpool Daily Post
A LOCAL business consortium today unveiled a "Siamese stadium" to house both Liverpool and Everton football clubs. The proposals show two grounds standing side by side in Stanley Park sharing one "central spine" wall. The Mersey Stadia-Connex group, which is behind the idea, believes the "Siamese-style" blueprint could save the clubs between £180m and £220m. They argue it would allow both Liverpool and Everton to maintain separate stadiums – but the unique design will hugely reduce overall costs. Images reveal a two-sided, ten-level central hub, with a 60,000 ground capacity for Liverpool and 50,000 for Everton. Both stadia, the consortium say, could be extended to accommodate an extra 10,000 fans with work completed by 2013.
Quick Vote
WHAT'S your preferred stadium option? The scheme includes a 300-bed hotel, complete corporate and hospitality facilities, 150 executive boxes, and an underground car park with 1,350 spaces. The central spine entrance features an atrium and hotel tower extending four storeys above the stadium roof. Around 200 of the 300 hotel bedrooms face the pitch, and also twin as executive boxes with balconies.
Representatives from Mersey Stadia-Connex are understood to have communicated on a number of occasions, once face-to-face, with senior Everton FC bosses.
However, publicly, the Blues dismissed the plan, denying any contact with the group and describing the scheme as "unworkable, unaffordable and undeliverable".
Liverpool FC were sent copies of the plans but have made no contact with Mersey Stadia-Connex. An LFC spokesman said: "We remain committed to building our new stadium in Stanley Park." The Connex group is made up of architects, structural, civil and services engineers and a construction and cost consultant. The National Football Museum, currently relocating their main base from Preston to Manchester, has expressed interest in the project. The Northwest Development Agency (NWDA) was shown the proposals but appear to have distanced themselves, advising the Connex group it was the clubs' prerogative to put forward new proposals. The project, which has taken eight months to design, is said to have reached "outline planning design stage and initial project construction cost status". The group has based its plan on Stanley Park. But they said the scheme could still be "transferable" to alternative sites, and would allow each club to put together its own stadium-naming rights package.
A spokesperson for the Mersey Stadia-Connex group said: "We need to reach the prospective new owners of Liverpool FC to inform them about this sensational investment opportunity. "Most fans will understand the many advantages and financial implications. "This scheme differs from all previous concepts during the last decade in that we believe it manages to achieve all the clubs' objectives.
"Primarily they seem to be, in the absence of it being practical to rebuild Anfield and Goodison, to offer state-of-the-art, 21st-century facilities to their faithful supporters, increased capacity and transformed hospitality, while retaining the strongest link to their heritage, all in a way which delivers the very best value for money in order to ultimately enhance their on-field performances and successes.
"As important as any of those just mentioned is the passionate desire to retain independence from each other, and we are protecting that requirement through a brilliant design concept formulated by Merseysiders for Merseysiders, where what is required is an open-mindedness and a degree of cooperation."
Mersey Stadia-Connex also wished to clarify they do not represent or act with authority for either Liverpool or Everton FC.
Everton u-18s fire five past Manchester City in last match flourish
May 11 2010 Liverpool Daily Post
THEIR title dream may have ended, but Everton under-18s at least ended the FA Premier Academy League season in fine style with an emphatic 5-2 victory over Manchester City on Saturday. Neil Dewsnip's side's hopes of topping the Group C table ended with last Tuesday's 2-0 defeat to Manchester United at Finch Farm.
But they confirmed the runners-up spot with a wonderful display at Manchester City thanks to a hat-trick from Conor McAleny and other strikes from James Wallace and Danny Murphy. Everton were 5-0 up and cruising, and also missed a penalty. But City scored two late goals from Ahmad Benali following a corner and a Harry Bunn penalty. Against United Jose Baxter went close twice early on and centre-back Shan Duffy headed over. United took the lead following hesitancy in the Everton backline.
Baxter was denied early in the second by a wonderful save by the United keeper following his superb free-kick. Everton striker Hallam Hope hit the bar and post as they tried to grab an equaliser, but a counter- attack with three minutes left ended their hopes as United scored a second. Despite the disappointment of missing out on top spot, Dewsnip was delighted with their efforts in the final weeks of the season and the campaign as a whole. "It has been a really positive season," he said. "All the youth players really have contributed to that. We are playing so well at the moment we don't want the season to end. But it has and we do need to rest. We have played a lot of football, the lads will go away and rest for four or five weeks and then get back at it."
Midfielder Ross Barkley and defenders Jake Bidwell and Luke Garbutt have been named in John Peacock's 18-man England squad for the UEFA U17 European Championship.
Everton FC winger Diniyar Bilyaletdinov says break will do him good
May 11 2010 by David Randles, Liverpool Daily Post
DINIYAR BILYALETDINOV believes a well-earned break this summer will help him produce his best for Everton next season. His winning goal against Portsmouth on Sunday brought the curtain down on the 2009-10 season but also ended a marathon 17-month campaign for the 25-year-old. Prior to joining Everton last August, Bilyaletdinov was well into the Russian season with Lokomotiv Moscow that had started in March. He then had just a handful of days off before moving to Merseyside and making his debut as a late substitute in a 2-1 win over Wigan. Add to this that his pre-season with Lokomotiv had commenced in the January, and Bilyaletdinov admits his first campaign in England has been a long, hard slog. "I played from January last year to this May," he said. "That's 17 months, which is a long time without a proper break. "Last season I took just three days break before I came to Everton. After January or February it started to take its toll. You feel like you have a heavy head.
" In Russia I used to take a break every year at December and start working again in January. "But that has not been possible for me at Everton yet." Russia's failure to make the World Cup means that, while some of his Everton teammates will link up with their national sides for training camps before travelling to South Africa, Bilyaletdinov will finally get to put his feet up. Since his arrival at Goodison, Bilyaletdinov has shown flashes of why David Moyes forked out a fee in the region of £9million to make him his most expensive summer acquisition. Stunning strikes against Manchester United and Portsmouth underline his potential, but the winger admits seven goals from 34 appearances falls short of his personal expectations.
He says a rest and a ful pre-season with Everton will help him show what he is really capable of. "Having a proper pre-season with Everton will help," said Bilyaletdinov. "I have a lot more to show. I know that I can do more and want to show it.
"I need to progress here. I want to score more goals and create more assists next season. This season has gone now. But I look forward and want to take more from next season. "I hear the pre-season is very hard here. In the Russian Premier League we had two months pre-season, in January and February. Here in England we have just one-and-a-half months. "It is harder work too, with up to three training sessions in a day. But that's okay." Meanwhile, Everton have confirmed they are close to securing a new long-term contract with Tim Cahill. The Australia international has two years to run on his existing contract but Goodison chiefs have been keen to extend that deal, and are now confident the 30-year-old will sign a new four-year deal before the World Cup kicks-off in South Africa next month. Chief executive Robert Elstone said: "We are at an advanced stage of negotiation with Tim and his representatives and we would be hopeful of concluding an extension to Tim's current deal and put pen to paper on a new four-year contract before he departs for the World Cup."
World Cup dreams shattered for Everton FC captain Phil Neville
May 11 2010 by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
PHIL NEVILLE'S hopes of a fairy tale trip to the World Cup have been shattered by the knee surgery he was forced to undergo last week. The Everton captain underwent a procedure in London last week to correct damage to his meniscus in the knee he initially damaged in a 2-1 defeat against Fulham last September. Neville returned after a 15-week lay-off to perform as consistently as he did during the season that culminated in with the Blues reaching the FA Cup final and his versatility caught the eye of England head coach Fabio Capello and his assistant Franco Baldini.
Neville was written to by Capello, informing him that he was part of an initial 45-man squad of players – which also included his team-mates Phil Jagielka and Leighton Baines – that were under consideration for the trip to South Africa. However, Neville had a scan last week which revealed the damage to his knee and, as surgery was the only option, it meant he was forced to accept that he would not be part of Capello's plans. It is a crushing blow for Neville, who was capped 59 times by England – the last coming in a 3-0 win over Estonia at Wembley in October 2007.
He also figured in three European Championship but missed the cut for three World Cups at the last moment. Capello will whittle that 45-man party down to the 30 this afternoon and will announce his decision at a Wembley press conference.
Meanwhile, Seamus Coleman is determined to help Blackpool realise their Tangerine dream tonight as they bid to secure a place in the Championship play-off final.
Coleman, who has been on loan at Bloomfield Road, played a key role in Saturday's first leg 2-1 win over Nottingham Forest and will again be involved at the City Ground. "Saturday went very well," Coleman said. "We didn't get off to the best start, but we stuck at it and got the 2-1 victory in the end. "We go down there (tonight) with a big task on our hands really. I was delighted to play some part in the goal.
"I just picked the ball up and it seemed to open up a bit for me, so I laid it off to one of the lads and he crossed it and we scored so I was just happy to play a part in it."
Coleman, who joined Ian Holloway's side in an initial one-month deal in March, had his loan extended as a result of their fantastic form in the second half of the season.
And the 21-year-old revealed he is thrilled to be enjoying such a wave of success on his loan spell on the coast. He said: "It's been great for me to get some games. Every game mattered because we were pushing to get in the play-offs, and thank God we got in there in the last game of the season. "Winning against Forest and hopefully doing it again will get us to Wembley. "There's no reason why we can't do it.
"We've got a great team – people think of Blackpool and think that we shouldn't be in the play-offs, but we've got a great side and we believe we can do it."
NIGEL MARTYN: Tricky dilemma facing bosses as stars need rest
May 11 2010 by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Echo
EVERTON'S players need to go away and get as much rest as possible over the summer. It's been a gruelling 10 months and you need to let your body recover.
Of course for those who are off to the World Cup it's not so easy.
If your country gets to the quarter-finals or further you're playing through to July – a time when clubs are getting into their pre-season schedules. I know Arsene Wenger insists on giving his players one month off from the day they are knocked out. It's a tricky situation for club managers. You have to ensure your players get plenty of rest otherwise there's a much greater chance of picking up injuries next season. But by the same token you want to get new signings bedded in and it's difficult to do that when players are still off. Having so many players at the World Cup reflects well on Everton and underlines the progress made, but it also makes preparing for next season more difficult.
NIGEL MARTYN: World Cup call for Liverpool FC's Jamie Carragher could be bad news for Everton's Phil Jagielka
May 11 2010 by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Echo
I CAN'T believe eight years have passed since I was preparing to go to the 2002 World Cup. It's a special event to be part of and I'm excited about next month's tournament in South Africa. It appears that Fabio Capello has tempted Jamie Carragher out of international retirement. I can understand why because he's versatile and is tried and tested against the best strikers in Europe. His inclusion could mean Phil Jagielka misses out. Jags has done all he could to force his way in since he came back from injury, but Carragher will probably get the nod for his greater experience.
England were awesome in qualifying but I fear we might have peaked a year too soon. I remember in 1997 we won 'Le Tournoi' against Brazil, Italy and France. If the World Cup had been that year we would have won it. I just hope we play with the passion and belief we see in the Premier League. We tend to get to tournaments and be too tentative.
Diniyar Bilyaletdinov targets Champions League for Everton FC
May 11 2010 Liverpool Echo
DINIYAR BILYALETDINOV expects Everton to challenge for a Champions League position next season. The Toffees ended the 2009-10 season in superb form after losing just two of their last 24 Barclays Premier League games. After a dismal start to the campaign, that was still only good enough for eighth, but Bilyaletdinov, who struck a superb last-gasp winner against Portsmouth on Sunday, said: "After two weeks' holiday I need to train. It (next season) is coming very fast. We are going to Australia for pre-season and we need to work hard. "When we come back we need to have a good start. We must come back and maybe top four – it should happen."
A superb goal in February's 3-1 win over Manchester United earned Bilyaletdinov the club's goal of the season award last week. But the Russian said: "People tell me this one (against Portsmouth) was better. The goal against Manchester was special – at home, Goodison Park, and we won the game 3-1. "I think that was more important but this was more beautiful. "It was just a small second, you don't mean to score in the top corner, you just want to shoot on target. "But it was great for me that it went in the top corner. "I need a rest but will go into next season with big feelings I can do more."
Leeds United chairman Ken Bates labels Everton FC 'a two bob club'
May 11 2010 Liverpool Echo
CONTROVERSIAL Leeds United chairman Ken Bates has been apparently caught on a YouTube video branding Everton a 'two-bob club.' The Blues have been linked with a summer swoop for Leeds striker Jermaine Beckford, who is a free agent.
But talking at a celebratory dinner following Beckford's winning goal against Bristol Rovers which clinched promotion to The Championship, Bates was filmed saying: "Jermaine, thank you. "It's not too late to think about not going to a two-bob club like Everton, and staying with a club who have got a great future, like Leeds United."
It's not the first time Bates has targeted Everton. He accused the Blues of poaching youngster Luke Garbutt last summer when he demanded that the League take action.
"The days of nicking Leeds players and paying peanuts are over. "We are determined to be adequately compensated for the work we are doing in our academy," he said.
Everton insisted they acted properly in the transfer. Beckford has been the subject of much speculation linking him with a move to Goodison, while Leeds are considering a move for Newcastle United's Nigerian international Shola Ameobi.
NIGEL MARTYN: Tim Cahill deal will convince more Everton FC stars to sign
May 11 2010 by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Echo
EVERTON finished the season on a high and there is good reason to be optimistic about the future at Goodison. It's difficult when you've got nothing to play for and it was never going to be a classic against Portsmouth, but Diniyar Bilyaletdinov's stunning late strike sent everyone home happy. It's been a fantastic second half of the season and it's exciting what the club could achieve in 2010/11. We're not blessed with loads of money so David Moyes is going to have to spend wisely this summer.
But in truth we don't need many players and the big thing is ensuring we keep this squad together. I was delighted to read that Tim Cahill is ready to sign a new four-year deal. Cahill clearly loves the club and is happy in the area. He's been a fantastic signing for us but at 30 he still has a few years left in his legs. It's really positive that such a key player is committing himself to the club The fact that Cahill is staying might be the deciding factor in convincing a few others to stay put. Steven Pienaar walked away with the Player of the Year award and rightly so because he's been exceptional. Pienaar really took on the mantle while Mikel Arteta was out injured. Arteta's absence gave him an opportunity to really shine as our ball player and he grabbed it. It's vital we keep hold of him and hopefully we can get his new contract sorted out before the World Cup. He's a 'proper' Everton player. Yes, he's skilful and has an excellent football brain. But he's also got the determination and work ethic that's needed. Pienaar is bound to have offers but he'd be wise to stay. The fans love him and he's guaranteed a place in the side. If he goes elsewhere that might not be the case.
English Everton to play Chilean Everton in pre-season friendly
May 11 2010 by David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
EVERTON will take on their namesakes this summer – in a unique pre-season friendly that Everton can't lose! David Moyes' Everton will entertain CD Everton of Chile at Goodison Park on Wednesday, August 4. It will be the first time any club side from Chile has undertaken a tour of Europe. And manager of the South American side, Nelson Acosta, said: "We are very proud to have been invited to play Everton.
"We hope to do the best we can to represent Chilean football to the best of our abilities." The Chileans should pose David Moyes' men an interesting challenge.
CD Everton were crowned champions of Chile in 2008, qualifying for the Copa Libertadores – the South American equivalent of the Champions League.
They currently lie sixth in Chile's Primera Division, with 24-year-old Uruguayan striker Mauro Guevgeozian Crespo their star player and leading scorer.
The club are nicknamed "Ruleteros" – meaning roulette players, after Viña del Mar's status as a gambling resort. They were founded in 1909 in the Vina del Mar area of Chile by a group of visiting sailors from Liverpool – following a landmark visit to the continent by Everton and Tottenham Hotspur. Almost a century later, in 2002, a group of Everton fans calling themselves Los Ruleteros Society set out on a mission to establish greater links between the clubs – with the ultimate ambition of the two clubs meeting in friendly match action. Club officials, including club president Antonio Bloise, were invited to Everton's Premier League match against Bolton last year, and Bloise said: "We received a present during half-time and the whole stadium applauded in an incredible way." Paul Wharton of Everton Shareholders' Association, who were instrumental in arranging the friendly match, said: "We're delighted that a friendly between the two Evertons has finally come to fruition. "Fans will get two Evertons for the price of one. "The first time we knew of the other Everton was way back in 1977, at the Stoke City FA Cup tie where Duncan Mckenzie did his famous dribble from one side of the pitch to the other. "The match programme that day contained a feature about CD Everton and we often wondered whether it would be possible for the two clubs to meet each other." That ambition will finally be realised this summer. Everton is Chile's sixth most successful team, having won four national titles.
Liverpool FC's Jamie Carragher and Everton FC's Leighton Baines names in Fabio Capello's England squad
May 11 2010 By Greg O'Keeffe
JAMIE CARRAGHER and Leighton Baines were celebrating today after they were named in Fabio Capello's provisional 30-man squad for the World Cup finals.
It completes a remarkable turnaround in the Liverpool vice-captain's career, who had retired from England duty in the summer of 2007 after becoming frustrated by a lack of opportunities. Carragher's advisors were contacted by Franco Baldini recently and after the situation was explained to him, he was receptive about reversing his decision.
For Baines, meanwhile, it confirms his status as the second best left-back in England and inclusion in the squad is a reward for his outstanding form for Everton. He made his England debut in the 3-1 win over Egypt at Wembley in March. As expected, Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard and Reds' right-back Glen Johnson were both included but there was agony for Phil Jagielka, who figured in Capello's initial 45-man group that has now been whittled down. England will go to a training camp in Austria next week before completing their World Cup preparations with friendlies against Mexico, at Wembley) on May 24 and Japan in Austria six days later.
There are no real surprises in the squad except, perhaps, for the omission of Manchester United's Owen Hargreaves who, despite only playing one minute of senior football since October 2008, had been heavily touted for inclusion. Once his final 23-man party is named after the second of two forthcoming friendlies, in Graz on May 30, Capello can still make changes due to injury and those replacements do not have to come out of the original 30
Goalkeepers: Joe Hart, David James, Robert Green.
Defenders: Leighton Baines, Jamie Carragher, Ashley Cole, Michael Dawson, Rio Ferdinand, Glen Johnson, Ledley King, John Terry, Matthew Upson, Stephen Warnock.
Midfielders: Gareth Barry, Michael Carrick, Joe Cole, Steven Gerrard, Tom Huddlestone, Adam Johnson, Frank Lampard, Aaron Lennon, James Milner, Scott Parker, Theo Walcott, Shaun Wright-Phillips.
Forwards: Darren Bent, Peter Crouch, Jermain Defoe, Emile Heskey, Wayne Rooney.
Steven Pienaar delays Everton FC decision until after World Cup
May 12 2010 by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
STEVEN PIENAAR will wait until after the World Cup to decide on his Everton future. The midfielder has previously said he wanted to resolve contract negotiations with the club before the tournament, but will now wait until it is over. Pienaar, 28, also insisted that he wants to extend his stay on Merseyside, despite speculation linking him to several high-profile clubs. He said: "I've made it clear before that I want to stay at Everton. We will just have to wait and I made it clear to the manager also that we will talk after the World Cup. "The rumours have been going on for a while, but it's just stuff in the newspapers. "To be honest, it is a bit distracting because I'm still an Everton player at the end of the day. I want to be more like a normal human being, walk about in town and I don't want people to shout stuff at me like 'you have to stay, you don't have to do this'. "It's just a lot of rumours, but it is also flattering at the same time because it is big clubs." The former Borussia Dortmund midfielder has starred for the Toffees this season, scoring seven goals in 37 games. He added: "If God wants me to come back after the World Cup healthy and happy then I'll be here. "I want to go to the World Cup with my mind fresh and because it's going to be another task for me. It's my country I'm representing."
Pienaar, who has played 54 games for the Toffees, initially arrived on loan in 2007 from the German and was signed on a permanent basis for £2m, following his successful short-term stint, on a three-year contract in 2008. Meanwhile, Tim Howard believes Diniyar Bilyaletdinov's end of season wonder strike is just the tip of the iceberg. The Everton goalkeeper is convinced that Bilyaletdinov has the ability to shine in his second full Premier League season, just like Marouane Fellaini.
He said: "Bily is a really good player. The thing with David Moyes is that he's such a powerful presence and he demands such character from different individuals in different positions, that it does take a while to come in and know fully what he expects from his left winger, or his left back. "You have to mould yourself into that. Forget the talent you have. That talent will shine trough, but it does take a season.
"The perfect example is Felli. Now he's cracking on and Bily can do the same. He's fantastic. A good international and everyone will see his real qualities next season."
Leighton Baines was celebrating being included in Fabio Capello's 30-man provisional World Cup squad. Capello has selected the Everton left-back, but did not have place for Phil Jagielka, despite the centre-half impressing the England boss since his return to fitness. Victor Anichebe has been included Nigeria's provisional squad, alongside fellow Blues Joseph Yobo and Yakubu. Mikel Arteta however does not make the list released by Spain. Everton have also been linked with German striker Peniel Mlapa, along with several other clubs. Togo-born Mlapa, 19, is already a fixture in Bundesliga club 1860's first team and scored six goals last season.
His English agent Peter Harrison confirmed interest was growing in Mlapa, but denied a deal had been agreed with Everton. He said: "To suggest a deal is done with Everton is somewhat premature."
Everton FC fans give their views about the Blues
May 12 2010 by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Echo
TIM CAHILL has got to be the bargain of the decade at £1.5m – always a danger to the opposition from free-kicks and corners with his vital goals.
He must be a nightmare for any defender to mark – just ask Liverpool's zonal markers! What would his current transfer fee be today? Priceless!
Stewpot THE news that Tim Cahill would like to spend the rest of his career at Goodison Park is great news indeed! He has been an outstanding player and wears the shirt with pride. Leyster IF Everton can hit the ground running next season, then top four is a very realistic possibility – and would help to secure a good player or two during the mid-season transfer window. By the way, Steven Pienaar is a quality player – but if he is itching to leave then get him out of here as soon as possible! Remember Joleon Lescott? Kenny Boy REGARDING Leeds United chairman Ken Bates's alleged comments describing Everton as a "two-bob club", I have this message for him: Been promoted have we? Before you start mouthing off, let's just see how well Leeds do in the Championship. Yes after three years in the third tier of English football, they've actually been promoted by the skin of their teeth! I'm sure I speak for the majority of Blues supporters in wishing you good riddance back to League One where you belong! Bluewinner IS this the same Ken Bates who sold Leeds for a pound coin and dragged Chelsea into the doldrums? Leeds are no longer Premier League material. They struggled through League One and will struggle in the Championship. Brian brown WELL, "two-bob" is more than Leeds have!
Darkother1 I AM already looking forward to next season. I hope we have a better start, add a couple of signings and make a real offensive charge on the Premier League and domestic cups. Joleon2 TO break into the top four in the Premier League, Everton must have a replacement for Sylvain Distin. He have done a good job this season but his real place in the squad is back-up for Leighton Baines. Steven Taylor, Ryan Shawcross, Nedum Onuoha and Micah Richards have all the potential to be big players. My plan would be to sell Tony Hibbert for £3.5m, Joseph Yobo for £4m (he's good but injured most of the time), Leon Osman for £5m and James Vaughn for £4m.
That money together should be one or two great players. Sweden hake GIVEN the nightmare season our friends across Stanley Park endured, it's such a crying shame we failed to finish above them in the final table. This really was a campaign where we should have taken advantage of their many slip-ups, but for whatever reason, we just couldn't. Still, I have every confidence we will finish above Liverpool next season, especially if their raft of off-field problems remain unresolved. GwladToBeABlue
GREAT to see Leighton Baines named in Fabio Capello's initial group of 30 squad players for the World Cup. I hope he gets the nod to be in the final 23. It was sad, though, to note the absence of Phil Jagielka who could do a good job for England in at least three positions if needed. ParkEnder
Fans give their reaction to Liverpool FC and Everton FC 'Siamese stadium' plan
May 12 2010 by Alan Weston, Liverpool Echo
RADICAL proposals for a twin stadium housing both Liverpool and Everton FC have received a mainly hostile response from fans. The plan would involve two stadiums standing side by side in Stanley Park, and sharing one "central spine." The local business consortium behind the scheme, the Mersey Stadia-Connex group, said the "Siamese-style" blueprint could save the two clubs between £180-220m.
But fans reacted with a mix of incredulity and amusement after the plans were exclusively revealed in the ECHO on Monday. Comments on our website ranged from "cloud cuckoo land" to the plans, if realised, leading to Liverpool and Everton being the "laughing stock" of England. "MiloTheMonkey" summed up the thoughts of many by saying: "Unfortunately, you take one group of architects with too much time on their hands and this is what you get! "Thanks guys, but no matter how 'practical' it appears to some, it's just not going to take off." "Beaniecheese" wrote: "Would be better off with one huge stadia between both clubs rather than the conjoined option. Really, whoever thought up this idea needs their head checking." Images released to the ECHO revealed a two-sided, ten-level central hub with a 60,000 ground capacity for the Reds and 50,000 for the Blues. The consortium said both stadiums could be extended to accommodate an extra 10,000 people, and they could be completed by 2013. The scheme includes a 300-bed hotel, complete corporate and hospitality facilities, 150 executive boxes and a 1,350-space underground car park. The central spine entrance features an atrium and hotel tower extending four storeys above the stadium roof. Some 200 of the 300 hotel bedrooms face the pitch and also twin as executive boxes with balconies. But both Liverpool and Everton clubs have poured cold water on the idea.A spokesman for EFC said the plan was "unworkable, unaffordable and undeliverable," while his LFC counterpart said the club was still committed to building its own stadium in Stanley Park. The Connex group is made up of architects, structural, civil and services engineers and a construction and cost consultant. The Northwest Development Agency (NWDA) was shown the proposals but appear to have distanced themselves, advising the Connex group it was the clubs' prerogative to put forward new proposals. Not all comments were hostile.
One by cedar9, welcomed the idea, saying: "Two new separate stadiums are unrealistic, either ground sharing or Siamese stadiums are the best option, let's put this stupid rivalry between red and blue on the backburner, let's stop being tribal and let's think of the best way for both clubs to get a much needed new stadium /stadiums." Another by "drummer" said: "All other attempts by Liverpool and Everton to build a new stadium have failed. At least this one shows financial sense."
And NH wrote: "Apart from how close the stadiums are together this is the best idea for the city. Both teams could share the park and once the existing grounds have been knocked down the council could build a smaller all purpose stadium for the community." Mersey Stadia-Connex said they do not represent or act for either LFC or EFC
Arsenal target Everton star to replace Fabregas
By MirrorFootball
May 12 2010
Arsenal will make a move for Mikel Arteta if Cesc Fabregas leaves the club this summer, according to reports in Wednesday's papers. Fabregas has been consistently linked with a return to Barcelona where he trained as a youth player before moving to London and Gunners boss Arsene Wenger is already drawing up contingency plans in case his captain decides to leave The Emirates. Wenger has identified Everton's Mikel Arteta, 28, as a possible replacement who would be able to fit into Arsenal's team with ease, and has plenty of Premier League experience. But the Frenchman would have a job persuading Everton to sell a player who is under contract until 2012.
The Jury: Everton FC fans assess the Blues's campaign & their hopes for next season
May 13 2010 Liverpool Echo
TONY SCOTT, Walton
INJURIES, and if onlys sum up our season, Lescott left for fourth place, well that was his reason. Trips to Anfield and Lisbon that left the Blues so low, but goal of the season is Pienaar's "chip" in the snow. Dan Gosling, Jack Rodwell shown we've got youth against United. Landon Donavan simply left us delighted. Chelsea came to Goodison with John Terry on front page, it wasn't the first time a French person left him in rage. Moneybags City were battered home and away which proved passion can beat greed any match day. Howard's save from Defoe to Seamus Coleman's great heart, Fellaini's Pirouette on Bellamy which tore Man City apart.
Your season ticket should include a government health warning but with 3pm kick-offs next year there'll be hangovers Sunday Morning.
COLE FRASER, Litherland
THIS season has been a season of many a 'what if?' for us Evertonians.
What if the squad hadn't been so hampered by injuries? What if we hadn't started the season so poorly? What if Moyes had given Mancini a face full of fist? And what if Tony Hibbert had buried one of his chances on Sunday? The latter two could have resulted in ugly scenes. The former two, I think, could have resulted in a Champions League place. We played out the second half of the season in great form. I think the key for us was, with some superb individual performances, as well as team displays. Leighton Baines and Steven Pienaar were rightly rewarded for their fantastic efforts, whilst Johnny Heitinga was also an outstanding performer. We also saw impressive spells from Arteta, Fellaini, Donovan, Rodwell and Saha, whose goals carried us for a while. Looking forward to building for next season, I don't think that there are any positions that are desperate for investment. We have now reached the stage where we just have to try and bring in players of a better quality than we already have.
RICHARD KNIGHTS, West Derby
IT'S been a case of marking time this season and so it ended with a whimper not a bang (despite Bily's last minute spectacular). The Portsmouth game had anti-climax written all over it. Fans were left to ponder those eternal questions like what the hell is 'Operation Goodison Exercise'? The 'lap of honour' turned into a half-hearted stroll round the centre circle. Still, September 13, 2009, played 4, lost 3, won 1, points 3. all credit to David Moyes for turning the season round. Highlights? Doing the double over Abu Dhabi City, thrashing Man United and Chelsea at Goodison and creditable draws at Arsenal and Chelsea. Low points? Two derby defeats (kicked off the park again) and the absence of a cup run in Europe or at home. There's no question that at the start of the season the Lescott transfer saga was a diversion alongside the misguided attempt to move the club out of the city. The season showed that the cartel of the 'Top Four' is breaking up, they've all shown signs of vulnerability. Time for Everton to capitalise next season. Main transfer priority a top striker.
MIKE WILLIAMSON, Chester
LOOKING back at the season now, that opening game fiasco against Arsenal can possibly be viewed as the lowest point. Some may say the Hull away game but at least by that time the fans didn't have to stomach the sight of a player who didn't even want to be on the team bus. The turn around since January has been nothing less than spectacular but as always with Everton the question is whether that was just a good run or the beginning of something we have spent 25 years waiting for. One thing is for sure, we still need several players to help us make that leap. A new striker and a top class right back are essential purchases. For me, Saha has been the one disappointment of the past six months and perhaps we should have cashed in when we had the chance. For now, I am just grateful to have seen some of the best football played at Goodison in years.
I'd love to go back to Everton FC says Landon Donovan
May 13 2010 Liverpool Echo
LANDON DONOVAN has recalled with great fondness his mid-season loan spell with Everton, and has opened the door for a potential return in the future.
Donovan is currently preparing for the World Cup in South Africa and was a massive hit, both with players and supporters, at Goodison Park. It was an experience the LA Galaxy man cherished. He said: "The experience was a priceless one for me. The games were always fast and ultra-competitive and my time there certainly made me a better player. "I loved playing at Goodison Park. I feel like I had to earn the respect of the fans and, once I did, they were always going to support me. "I would absolutely consider going back to Everton if the opportunity ever presented itself again."
Everton FC close to new deals for Jack Rodwell and Leighton Baines
May 13 2010 by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
EVERTON stars Jack Rodwell and Leighton Baines are close to agreeing lucrative new deals to keep them at Goodison Park. Highly-rated Rodwell has been linked with a move to Manchester United, but manager David Moyes and chairman Bill Kenwright are confident talks with the player's agent have gone well and the 19-year-old wants to sign a new five-year contract. The Everton chairman is determined to finalise extended spells on Merseyside for Rodwell, and England international Baines, even though both have more than a year left on their current deals. Kenwright wants to ensure his manager does not have to worry about losing key members of his current side this summer, as he plans an assault on the top four next season. The Everton boss will have to wait until after the World Cup to learn whether Steven Pienaar will sign a new deal, with talks so far failing to persuade the South African to put pen to paper.
So Moyes aims to have the rest of his squad settled and tied down to long term deals before the tournament. Tim Cahill has already agreed in principle to end his career at Everton, with a new four-year deal, and talks have been held with the representatives of Mikel Arteta even though he is under contract to 2012. Moyes knows the Spaniard could become a target for other Premier League clubs, with Arsenal reportedly monitoring him in case they lose Cesc Fabregas after the World Cup. Leighton Baines' new deal will reflect his status on the brink of England's World Cup squad, and a successful season contributing 10 assists from left-back where he was an ever-present. Leon Osman and Tony Hibbert are also likely to be approached about new deals over the summer, while youngsters Dan Gosling and Seamus Coleman will also be rewarded. Meanwhile, Diniyar Bilyaletdinov believes he has settled into Merseyside life after a satisfactory first season. He said: "For me Liverpool is first of all the cultural capital of England. And not only because of the Beatles.
"The majority of the largest British festivals and concerts are held here – and whenever I have time, I try to attend those. "My personal target was achieved. I feel like a first team player, though no one is guaranteed that he will play in the next match. "I could have scored more. I wasted quite a few chances."
Blue Watch: Ken Bates isn't worth bothering with but Jermaine Beckford could be
May 13 2010 by Mark O'Brien, Liverpool Daily Post
THERE probably isn't enough space here to fully lay out all the reasons to dislike Ken Bates, but his recent 'two-bob club' comments about Everton shouldn't be included.
Anyone who saw the video from the Leeds United end-of-season awards when he made the throwaway remark, in relation to Jermaine Beckford moving to Goodison, would have to agree that it was nothing more than a joke. Reports that the one-time advocate of electrified fencing at football was making slurs about the Blues were well wide of the mark. What was far more interesting, and lost slightly in the reporting of the video clip, was the way in which Bates spoke about Beckford's move as if it is already completed. We hear all the time about rumoured 'done deals' in the game – Tim Cahill's been signing for Manchester United for about the last four summers – but this one, previously hinted at by a Simon Grayson slip of the tongue, seems genuine. It certainly ties in with David Moyes's comments made straight after the final match of the season, an encounter that was about as rewarding as a Julie Andrews or Whitney Houston gig until Diniyar Bilyaletdinov scored his wonder goal with the last kick of the season. The Toffees have continually struggled to break down the increasingly organised sides that pack the modern Premier League, and so there is perhaps an opening for a lethal finisher who can provide that crucial edge in tightly contested matches. Opinion among supporters though seems divided as to whether Beckford can be that man. Leeds fans continually bemoan his attitude, workrate, and also the number of chances he misses. However, you have to wonder whether those complaints started in earnest when it became clear, during the last transfer window, that he saw his future away from Elland Road. Remember, Middlesbrough fans tried to convince us that Yakubu was a cross between Brett Angell and Gus Caesar once they knew he was Goodison-bound. And if Beckord has been lazy and wasteful this season, while scoring 31 goals, imagine what he would be like if he pulled his finger out. Obviously League One is a far cry from the Premier League, but David Moyes has clearly seen enough to think that he can make that step up and continue to score goals. Hopefully he can repay that confidence in the same way that Cahill did when the Blues' boss took a similar punt on him.
Everton end of season report 2009-10
By David Maddock in Daily Mirror
May 13 2010
To mark the end of one of the most eventful Premier League seasons ever, the Daily Mirror's expert football writers have filed report cards for the teams that they've covered each and every week. You can check out other clubs' report cards by clicking on their badge at the top of the badge and following the links there.
Everton by David Maddock
1) Was the season a success or failure?
Failure, because Everton are a much better team than 8th, though there were mitigating circumstances with early season meltdown, and a record since November that would have put them second had the league started then. 6/10.
2) How did the manager do?
Probably David Moyes' best season yet, because his ability in a crisis came through remarkably. To take them from a relegation scrap to the fringe of Europe with a squad reduced, at one time, to just seven fit senior outfield players was an achievement. 8/10
3) Player of the season: Tim Howard
Pushing Pepe Reina for title of Premier League's best keeper, he showed incredible consistency and incredible leadership. 9/10.
4) Villain of the season: Joleon Lescott
Can't blame him, but the defender's decision to take City's pieces of silver destroyed Everton in the first few months of the season. He may have been rubbish at Eastlands, but the £24million City spent on him was probably the only reason they finished above the Goodison club. 2/10
5) Best signing: Jonny Heitinga
Toss up between Heitinga and Sylvain Distin, but the Dutchman gets it for playing on the final day of the season with a broken foot. 8/10.
6) Worst signing: N/A
David Moyes doesn't seem to make bad signings any more. Diniyar Bilyaletdinov didn't set the world alight, but his goals against Manchester United and Portsmouth showed his innate class. 7/10.
7) Best game
Toss up between Chelsea and Manchester United at home, but the 2-1 win over Chelsea just edges it, if only for Louis Saha's humiliation of John Terry.
8) Worst game
Has to be the Europa League defeat in Benfica, though again there were mitigating circumstances, not least they had a defence of kids that had to be introduced to each other. 0/10.
9) Funniest moment of the season
Has to be the bust up between Moysie and Roberto Mancini at Eastlands when the City boss went to square up, realised he was up against a proper nutter, and backed off quicker than Usain Bolt. Tim Howard's comment afterwards: 'anyone who attempts to fight with a scarf round his neck knows nothing about fighting'.
10) Key lessons to be learned
A bigger squad is required, and new signings must be made earlier in the summer. If Everton can find a top class striker and an experienced, calm defender in the summer, they can be a top four side.
Howard Kendall - I feel sorry for Phil Jagielka after his World Cup blow
May 14 2010 by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
IT'S a big shame that Phil Jagielka has missed out on going to the World Cup.
He has already proved that his knee injury hasn't ruined him, but his return to the first team possibly came slightly too late.Capello and his deputy Franco Baldini have watched him, but they can only select on what they have seen and not the fantastic form he enjoyed last season. Maybe they've seen him when he has been a tiny bit rusty, and not at his magnificent best. It's very unfortunate for the lad. There is a lot of uncertainty about who will make the final 23. I'm not sure all the doubts will make England's odds of going all the way improve. It's interesting to see Jamie Carragher is back in the squad. I feel he should have stuck with his original decision, once he'd made his mind up. It was a shame he retired in the first place. Playing for your country is the highest honour any player can get. Carragher will provide solidity though, but along with John Terry, he has possibly lost half a yard of pace in the last few years.
Howard Kendall - Is Jermaine Beckford the man for Everton FC?
May 14 2010 by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
IT'S been a positive start to the post-season so far for Everton, they seem to be getting the important things right and tying up their main performers on new contracts.
There is a lot to be said for getting players like Cahill, Rodwell, Baines and Arteta sorted out early, because other clubs could try and exploit their positions and offer European football. I don't think there will be many looking for a way out of Goodison though, especially given the amount of optimism for next season. It is less certain on Steven Pienaar's future. He has decided to see if the World Cup puts him in a stronger bargaining position, which is a gamble. If he has a great tournament he can probably try and ask for an even better contract from Everton, or another club, but if he doesn't he would have been better signing what had been offered beforehand. Everton will do all they can to keep hold of him rightly. But I'm not convinced they should be pushing the boat out to get Leeds' Jermaine Beckford. He has some good qualities, and has scored a lot of goals in the third tier but Everton have two proven goal scorers. Yakubu may not have hit the heights this season, but he is a consistent scorer when he is fully fit and fired-up. Beckford has been around for a while, so other clubs have had plenty of opportunity to go for him. There's an element of risk in taking him onboard, but Moyes has a great track record in bringing players from the lower divisions through. Recruiting players who fit Everton's wage structure won't be easy, so perhaps Moyes will cut his cloth once again.
Everton FC history timeline is back online
May 14th 2010 by David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
REGULAR readers of this column (thanks mum) may recall a website I publicised a couple of months ago. It was quite staggering in its scope. Everton Independent Research Data, put together by True Blue Billy Smith under the pseudonym the Blue Correspondent, is trying to compile every single match report of every single Everton match, home, away and abroad, from all-time . . . . ever. The day I highlighted the website, perhaps because of its enormity, it crashed. But it's now back online again – and astonishingly Billy is up to 1930-31. Not every season has uploaded yet, but plenty have – including sparkling reports of Everton's 1924 tour to Barcelona and the tour of Dixie Dean's champions to Germany in 1932. That particular return journey included a tragic postscript, an Everton forward telling the Evening Express: "This morning we heard that our boat during the night had run down a Dutch fishing boat in which were five men, four of whom were drowned." Tragic. But there's much, much more. Have a look yourself on www.bluecorrespondent.co.nr – but prepare to be hooked. It's more addictive than Maynards Wine Gums.
Everton FC keeper Tim Howard insists Blues must kick the drawing habit next season
May 14 2010 by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
TIM HOWARD knows what it takes to be successful at the very pinnacle of English football. The Blues goalkeeper might have had moments of frustration and doubt during his time at Manchester United, but he still won an FA Cup winner's medal and selection in the 2004 PFA team of the year. Not bad, some might say, for a player plucked from Major League Soccer side Metrostars by Alex Ferguson, and then asked to step up to one of the biggest challenges in world football. But with Howard part of the furniture at Goodison Park these days, it is easy to forget that his experience was already vast before he first ran out as one of David Moyes' chosen men. It's why Howard, 31, refuses to get carried away with Everton's impressive second half of the recently finished season. He knows the Blues must learn from the example of Chelsea and his old club United , when it comes to maintaining title-winning consistency.
Reflecting on Chelsea's seven-match winning streak at the start of the season, he says: "You look at Chelsea and Manchester United. They emphasise a strong start. They hit the ground running and then you're not left with 'what ifs'. "We feel like because of the last half of the season it was a relative success. If you look for the important things, we were unable to tick them off, but the way we've been playing has been so well, it's a heartache not to get anything." Howard was left frustrated by the drawing habit which hampered Everton's otherwise fantastic second half of the campaign, and undermined their Europa League ambitions. Crucial points were dropped against Stoke, Wolves, Birmingham and Aston Villa and West Ham, a series of draws which prompts a deep sigh of frustration from the Goodison number one. "To sum the season up you've got to say we've had too many draws," he says. "It's not the losses that kill you, it's the draws. That might sound daft, but it really is true." Howard is right of course. The eventual Premier League table proves that, had the Toffees won just two of those games, Europe would have been theirs – not to mention a place above their rivals across Stanley Park. Their cause was not just hampered by a failure to win games though. The catalogue of injuries still leaves Howard shaking his head in bemusement. "OK the injuries haven't helped," he says. "Not using that as an excuse but it's a real reason. We've never had a fully fit squad, and for one the size of ours we cannot afford those types of injuries. "The start was awful and now we've got to a stage that we're such a good team, we have to put an emphasis on the start."
However, ask Howard about next season, and the ultra-positive veteran has no time for regrets or retrospect. He rattles out the list of targets his team-mates should aim for without pausing to take a breath. "Next year you just have to see us having a go for it. We've got the players. The manager will trim the squad, bring in some better players, and then go right for it," he adds. "Starting with the league, getting those couple of first wins, then onto the Carling Cup, cracking on with that. Playing strong teams every single week, and with the cups feeling like we can do it." Howard has enjoyed an impressive personal season, keeping 11 clean sheets, and triggering Everton's revival with a crucial save from Jermaine Defoe's last-gasp penalty at Goodison.
But ever the team-player, he refuses to take much satisfaction from his own good form. "I've felt OK. As a goalkeeper you always feel that your mojo comes from how the team is doing," he says. "Last year we were flying high and I felt like I was on the crest of a wave. This year it's only OK. "But as a whole defensively, as a unit, we weren't resilient enough. I look back to the draws again and most of those draws we were leading. Villa, West Ham, Wolves, Stoke. We need to be more resilient and cut throat." David Moyes made a point of asking for more from his strikers, particularly when chances went begging in those sapping draws, but Howard refuses to single the club's strikers out for blame. "You want the guys up front to be more clinical, but it goes both ways," he says. "When they do get you a goal, they are looking behind saying now you keep them out."
Everton FC chief executive Robert Elstone hopes new city leader can push stadium plans
May 14 2010 by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
Robert Elstone
ROBERT ELSTONE is hoping the change of leadership at Liverpool City Council will boost Everton's plans to build a new stadium in the city. The Blues chief executive insists civic support is key to the club finding and funding a new ground, and is excited about planned talks with new leader Joe Anderson. Elstone repeated his belief that redeveloping Goodison is problematic, and the strongest option remains a new site elsewhere in the city. He said: "Hopefully, discussions with Liverpool City Council and the newly-elected Labour leader will be exciting. "The truth is that the city council does hold the key to a new stadium; a new stadium that's so important to us to keep pace at the top of the Premier League. "Goodison redevelopment has an uncertain time frame, an uncertain cost, restricted funding streams and no guarantee, ultimately, of success. "What is very evident, to bring a stadium to life is a Kirkby-type funding model with substantial private sector support facilitated by a supportive and progressive city council. "Being supportive, in my view, needs the council to fully appreciate the significance and contribution made by Everton Football Club to the city and its communities; an indisputable fact that all too often seems to be overlooked.
"We look forward to fresh and progressive dialogue which centres on the delivery of a funding model and an affordable stadium." Anderson said talks with Everton are imminent, and was equally upbeat. He said: "I'm determined to work as hard as I can to make new stadiums a reality for both clubs, as quickly as possible." Meanwhile, David Moyes is enjoying watching the progress of Wembley-bound defender Seamus Coleman. The 21-year-old right-back, currently on-loan at Blackpool, is heading to London after the Seasiders won their Championship play-off semi-final. His impressive performances at Bloomfield Road have seen Ian Holloway's side move to within touching distance of the Premier League. Moyes said: "I think Seamus is someone who has caught the imagination of a lot of the supporters. We'll get him back but it's great for him. "You've got to remember this is a boy we've taken from Ireland, we've paid £60,000 for him, we've brought him in and he's had very little of what I would call senior football. So we had to get him some games."
BARRY HORNE: Everton FC's eighth place finish was still remarkable
May 15 2010 Liverpool Echo
EVEN though David Moyes played down the propsect of European football in the closing months of the season, he must be acutely disappointed that the Blues missed out by just two points – two points maybe dropped against Aston Villa, Birmingham, Wolves or West Ham. But to finish where Everton did after the start they had was, I believe, still remarkable.
Everton FC Foundation scoops top award
May 15 2010 by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
EVERTON have beaten Manchester United on the pitch this season, and they have pipped their regional rivals elsewhere too. The Everton Foundation came out on top at Europe's most prestigious commercial sport awards this week, above the Manchester Club. The Blues' official charity has won the Community Programme Award for its 'Imagine Your Goals' Mental Health Football Project at the prestigious Sports Industry Group Awards at London's Battersea Evolution on Thursday evening.
Attended by the glitterati of the sporting world, the awards recognise the best sport has to offer across a number of areas including marketing, PR, new media, advertising and community. Up against Derby County, the England and Wales Cricket Board, Manchester United, Sunderland and the Cricket Foundation, the Everton Foundation won for the programme that assists an often marginalised population to achieve better health and better education while becoming active and valued members of their community. Chief executive of the Everton Foundation Denise Barrett-Baxendale said: "It's testament to the fantastic progress the Everton Foundation is making. We all we can continue this type of work for a long time."
Everton FC clash with Everton Chile will be exciting
May 15 2010 by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
EVERTON'S forthcoming friendly against Everton Chile could be the pre-season highlight at Goodison Park. A much-awaited clash against the Ruleteros will capture the imagination, and it's nice to read Robert Elstone say: "Pre-season games at Goodison have struggled to capture the imagination but I'm sure, with some sensible pricing, we can attract a great crowd for such an historic and unique game.
"Anyone who knows their history knows Everton vs Everton is a fixture to be treasured. "I'm sure Goodison will be packed for an historic game which is the definition of a win-win fixture."
Summary of Everton FC's season
May 15 2010 by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
"I would definitely imagine that I will be back here at some point in my life.
"I think it's been an incredible experience and away from football, the people have been extremely nice." Landon Donovan on his Everton loan "Myself and Andy Holden...we've both put ourselves in the frame this morning when we joined in training and did okay, so we're waiting on the manager's decision. I know what we would be trying to do in the first 30 seconds, rake our studs down the back of their legs!" David Moyes jokes at the height of Everton's injury crisis. "When you are injured and been out so long, it takes a lot of getting used to – the distances, the pace, even things like putting your shinpads on, you have to think about because you've been out for so long." Mikel Arteta on his comeback "We were well beaten, simple as that." Alex Ferguson after Everton's 3-1 win. "From what I remember now that I have seen it, I think I will say it is the most beautiful goal I have scored." Steven Pienaar on his chip in the snow against Arsenal.
Everton 3 Manchester United 1. Sat Feb 20.
David Moyes gets a rare victory over his inspiration, Alex Ferguson, courtesy of some terrific football and a goal of the season strike from Diniyar Bilyaletdinov.
Everton 2 Chelsea 1. Wed Feb 10. The Toffees beat Chelsea in the Premier League. Enough said. And Louis Saha's barnstorming display was the icing on the cake.
Everton 2 Manchester City 0. Sat Jan 16. The school of science was in full flow. Scintillating football, culminating in Fellaini's pirouette, saw off the City moneybags. THREE WORST GAMES
Everton 1 Arsenal 6. Sat Aug 15.
With his transfer plans in tatters, Moyes' side were caught cold by a rampant Arsenal in Joleon Lescott's final appearance in royal blue. Hull City 3 Everton 2. Wed Nov 25. Arguably the season's low point. 3-0 down to Phil Brown's Hull at half-time. Even a late fightback could not prevent Moyes facing questions about relegation afterwards. Sporting 3 Everton 0. Thurs Feb 25. Everton folded in Lisbon to go crashing out of the Europa League.
There are many contenders. Steven Pienaar won the club's official award, a deserved tribute to his skills, hard work and sublime goals against Arsenal and Manchester City. Mikel Arteta returned in style, Tim Cahill kept the flag aloft in the dark injury days, and Marouane Fellaini shone. But LEIGHTON BAINES was an ever present with such strong form he is likely to go to the World Cup. Composed, confident going forward, and with 10 assists, what more could you want from a left-back?
Diniyar Bilyaletdinov netted two strikes which could justifiably win any goal of the season award. His final act of the campaign was that scorcher against Portsmouth.
But for sheer, unadulterated artistry, Steven Pienaar's chip over Manuel Almunia at the Emirates was Lionel Messi-esque.
Greg O'Keeffe reviews Everton FC's season
May 15 2010 by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
IT WAS a season of extremes which belatedly promised much but delivered nothing except hope. Everton's 2009/10 campaign was a disjointed affair that threatened to implode at times thanks to an injury crisis that saw David Moyes' senior squad decimated. The winter bit was hard as the amount of walking wounded made Finch Farm resemble a battlefield medical post. Players dropped like flies, some more seriously hurt than others, but each casualty forcing David Moyes to find new ways to field a competitive first 11. Moyes was on the verge of running out of appropriate players. Seamus Coleman had to make his debut at left-back away to Benfica in the group phase of the Europa League. The young right-back had the unenviable task of marking the Agentinian winger Angel Di Maria, who is now among the most coveted players in the world. Benfica won 5-0. It was the headache Moyes did not need after an opening glut of games that saw his side languishing near the foot of the table.
The Scot had already witnessed his transfer plans thrown into disarray by Joleon Lescott's protracted departure from Goodison. Lescott joined Manchester City in a £22m deal in August after several weeks of bitter wrangling between the clubs.
Moyes was highly critical of City's conduct throughout the saga and insisted the affair had a negative effect on his team. Remarkably, Everton recovered enough to push for Europe, but during that opening few months they collected just 15 points from their first 14 Premier League games. Moyes said: "Damage was done by that transfer.
"I think it had a lot to do with how we started the season, it wasn't just injuries. It took us a long time to recover. "Our away form hasn't been as good as our home form.
"That could have had a lot to do with the instability we had at the start with new defenders coming into the team. "It was a bit unfair on Sylvain Distin and Johnny Heitinga, being thrown straight into it when the team was short of one or two players."
It is true testament to the manager's ability that he was able to make Europe a possibility – even if ultimately it was not to be. But his real achievement was to finally get Everton playing football good enough to match the top sides in the Premier League. Wins over Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City, along with a draw against Arsenal, were achieved with football which fulfilled the club motto.
It was fluid, inventive, and ever so entertaining. Some critics labelled the first 20 minutes of Everton's victory over Blackburn at Ewood Park as being football in the Barcelona mould. Their final burst of form – ending in a victory over a spirited Portsmouth side – ensured David Moyes' side set a new club record run of 11 unbeaten Premier League games. They had lost only twice since November.
Yet even during that period they dropped points where victory should have been sealed. Eleven in fact, starting with that last defeat in February at Spurs, when they missed a chance to equalise from two yards out. Since then the Blues let 10 more points slip away with draws in matches they dominated – the difference between where they finished and a Champions League place. Ultimately the Everton faithful had to settle for eighth place, just below Liverpool in the table and without the prospect of European nights next season. It seemed like meagre reward for such a dramatic turn-around in form, during a campaign when Lady Luck vanished.
Still, supporters talk glowingly of their optimism for next season. The what-ifs and frustrated imaginings of this season are already being forgotten, as everyone connected with the blue half of Merseyside hopes the Moyes revolution can continue. A steady summer without any unwanted player exits, coupled with fewer injuries next term, should put the Blues in line for the special season – one which they have been threatening for a while.
Everton FC's David Moyes on his Celtic love affair
May 15 2010 by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
FOR some time now one football club has dominated discussion over David Moyes' post-Everton career. It has almost become accepted wisdom that Moyes would only leave Goodison Park should a certain vacancy at the other end of the M62 suddenly open up. Many view the Everton boss as the natural successor to Alex Ferguson, while they list the various similarities between the two men as evidence. This season the speculation reached its peak, when it was alleged that Ferguson had verbally anointed Moyes as the man to take over when he draws the curtain on his illustrious reign at Manchester United. Further reports, later rubbished by Bill Kenwright, suggested the chairman would allow his manager to go to the Red Devils with his blessing. Yet all this conjecture about Manchester ignores another destination, further north, where David Moyes has openly said he would like to work. The one-time uncompromising defender considers his project with Everton to be unfinished business at present, and says he wouldn't be interested in being the man to permanently succeed Tony Mowbray at Celtic. But he is certain about one thing.
"My ambition is to manage back in Scotland someday," he says. "At Celtic, in time. But it wouldn't be my time just now." The 47-year-old boss started his playing career in Glasgow with Celtic in 1980 before heading south for a seven-year period, which encompassed spells with Cambridge United, Bristol City and Shrewsbury Town.
He then returned to Scotland with Dunfermline Athletic in 1990 and spent three years at East End Park, followed by a brief spell with Hamilton Academical. At the age of 30, he returned south to become a stalwart at Preston before taking over from Gary Peters as manager. That four-year tenure at Deepdale, which culminated in taking them to within one game of promotion to the Premier League, led to Everton snapping up the promising manager and he has been building steadily since 2002. Like in his playing career, Moyes would like to flit between Scotland and England in management. But for now he will not consider quitting the hard work he has put in with the Toffees to gamble on being a success in the cut-throat role as Celtic manager.
"I hope someday people think I am good enough to get a job back up the road," Moyes continued. "But I still think I have a lot of work to do down here. Maybe someday that will come around." Evertonians hope that Moyes can achieve everything he wants at Goodison Park. Champions League football, a concerted crack at the top four, maybe even one day being in the mix for the ultimate domestic prize. But if that were not to be the case, a sideways move to Celtic would, in theory, provide the experience of winning titles and managing in the European Cup. Championship medals in the SPL may not carry the same kudos as elsewhere, but they would still be notches on a CV.
Perhaps there is more to the Celtic link than people imagine. It is certainly a club, and a league, Moyes is still passionate about. This week it emerged that he has suggested to the powers that be in England that Celtic and Rangers should join the reserve set-up in the English Premier League. Moyes believes it would be a testing ground for any future possibility of the pair moving to play south of the border permanently.
The financial treasures on offer in England's top flight has long attracted interest from both sides of the Old Firm. But chairmen threw out plans to welcome them into their league in November last year. The Everton boss hasn't given up hope of the Glasgow pair participating in England in some shape or form. Evertonians will hope that seeing Celtic take on his Everton team twice a season one day would be enough.
Everton FC face potential fight for transfer traget Jermaine Beckford.
May 15 2010 by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
EVERTON could face competition for the capture of Jermaine Beckford from Italian club Parma. The Serie A side are believed to have made their interest known in the striker, who appears to be heading for a summer exit from Elland Road. David Moyes has watched the 26-year-old several times, and is considering whether to bring him to Goodison on a free transfer when his contract expires on June 30. But a move abroad could also appeal to Beckford, who scored 30-goals this season in League One, and is known to be attracting interest from other Premier League sides. Contrary to some reports, a move to Merseyside is not already set in stone and the striker is one of several candidates Moyes is mulling over. Beckford rejected a new three-year deal last summer and was subsequently transfer-listed by Leeds. He submitted a transfer request to the club in January after being made aware of repeated bids from Newcastle United but he chose to see out the recent term at Elland Road, and scored the dramatic goal which carried United into the Championship last weekend. Leeds chairman Ken Bates has publicly called on Beckford not to join what he outspokenly and controvesially branded a "two-Bob club" like Everton, but admits he is facing defeat.
He said "Although the manager (Simon Grayson) would like him to stay, I suspect it is unlikely. But he will go with our best wishes." Meanwhile, Landon Donovan has left the door open for a possible return to Goodison Park. The US international proved a hit with the Goodison faithful during his two month loan spell from LA Galaxy last season. He netted two goals from 10 starts during an impressive loan period which included famous victories over Manchester City, Chelsea and Manchester United.
Following his return to California the forward was keen to stress how enjoyable his stay on Merseyside had been and how moved he had been by the way in which theEverton supporters embraced him. He said: "I may go back someday. If I get the opportunity one day and they want me back I would definitely think about it."
Man United and Arsenal in fight for Jagielka - Exclusive
Daily Mirror By Simon Mullock
May 17 2010
Manchester United and Arsenal are battling to sign Everton central defender Phil Jagielka. Jagielka, 28, is regarded by Arsene Wenger as the perfect partner for Thomas Vermaelen and the man to bring experience to the Gunners' young squad.
But United are also keen on Jagielka. Manager Sir Alex Ferguson wants to bolster his own outfit as he plans to regain the Premier League title. Jagielka, who can also play at full-back and in midfield, would give United added strength for their next Champions League assault.
Everton FC rumour mill: Duo linked with exits, Moyes faces duel for Schalke striker, Blues tracking Pele Junior
May 17 2010
West Ham are considering a move for Everton's Nigeria striker Yakubu.
Source: Daily Mail
Leicester are keen on signing Everton striker James Vaughan on a permanent deal for a fee of £1m.
Source: Daily Mail
Everton boss David Moyes is facing competition from German side Schalke 04 for 1860 Munich's teenage striker Peniel Kokou Mlapa.
Source: Tribal Football
Everton are tracking Ghana winger Andre Ayew, the son of former African Player of the Year and Marseille legend Abedi Pele.
Source: Tribal Football
Everton clinch runners-up spot in Women's Premier League
May 17 2010 by Nick Smith, Liverpool Echo
EVERTON clinched the runners-up spot in the Women's Premier League with a 2-0 win at Blackburn Rovers on the final weekend of the season. The victory means that The Toffees will also join champions Arsenal in Europe next season. The FA Cup winning Everton side ended their season on a high after substitute Toni Duggan gave the Blues the lead and Natasha Dowie, with her 31st goal of the season, wrapped up victory. Dowie's goal was also her 18th of the Premier League campaign, but she lost out to Arsenal's Kim Little for the Golden Boot award. Arsenal, who secured the title last weekend, ended their campaign with a 4-1 win against Birmingham City,
While Chelsea won 2-1 at lowly Nottingham Forest to finish third, one point behind Everton. l TOTTENHAM captain Ledley King has signed a new deal with the club, keeping him at White Hart Lane until 2012. King said: "I am delighted to have signed a new contract with Spurs. I have been here since I was a schoolboy and I could never see myself going anywhere else. This is where I want to continue playing my football."
Phil Jagielka not for sale insist Everton FC
May 17 2010 by David Randles, Liverpool Echo
EVERTON insist they have absolutely no intention of selling Phil Jagielka.
Weekend reports claim a host of top clubs, including Arsenal and Manchester United, are ready to swoop for the Blues central defender. The message from Everton, however, is simple; do not bother. Jagielka has been one of the Premier League's most consistent centre-halves since joining Everton from Sheffield United three years ago and has become an England international since moving to Goodison Park.
Despite missing out on Fabio Capello's provisional 30-man World Cup squad last week, the 28-year-old is still regarded as one of the most improved defenders in the country. Arsenal boss, Arsene Wenger, is thought to see Jagielka as an ideal partner for Thomas Vermaelen if, as expected, William Gallas leaves on a free transfer this summer. United manager, Alex Ferguson is also thought to be an admirer of the versatile player who can also play at full-back and in midfield. But any approach for Jagielka will be strongly resisted by Everton. David Moyes has made clear his plans for strengthening his squad this summer and has been backed by chief executive Robert Elstone who said: "As we finalise budgets and identify funds, we move into the player market and consider the existing playing squad with the sole objective of starting 2010/11 with a stronger, more competitive squad than the season just finished." Jagielka is central to the club's plans and Moyes is looking to add to his squad in a bid to continue the momentum that saw Everton end the 2009/10 season with just two defeats in 24 games. With Jagielka valued at £15million upwards, Everton could make a huge profit on a player who cost just £4million.
However, with Moyes building a squad capable of challenging at the top of the Premier League, selling his best players is not an option. Should the interest in Jagielka increase, Everton will be keen to avoid a saga similar to last year that saw Joleon Lescott move to Manchester City in late August. Moyes has admitted the drawn out Lescott affair disrupted the start to Everton's campaign and will be quick to ward off any possible suitors for Jagielka's signature. Meanwhile, Landon Donovan has backed Leighton Baines to make England's final World Cup squad.
The USA captain, who will come up against England in South Africa in a Group C clash in Rustenburg on June 12, said: "I'm not surprised that Bainesy made it (into England's 30-man squad). "It would be awesome to play against him on June 12th."
Everton FC's stats on a season of many highs and a few lows
May 17 2010 by Ian Doyle, Liverpool Daily Post
The double over Manchester City and home defeat of Chelsea were rightly lauded.
But for the level of performance, the quality of goals and sheer passion of the occasion, the manner in which David Moyes's men came from behind to defeat the champions cannot be surpassed.
GOAL OF THE SEASON: STEVEN PIENAAR v ARSENAL
Diniyar Bilyaletdinov posted two real contenders with his Goodison strikes against Manchester United and Portsmouth.
But for the purist, the nod goes to Steven Pienaar for the way in which he raced half the length of a snowy Emirates pitch before impudently lifting the ball over Manuel Almunia back in January.
Having impressed sufficiently during a six-month stay the previous campaign, Jo earned a full season on loan from Manchester City.
But a poor return of just two goals in 24 games meant there were few grumbles when his spell was cut short in January after going AWOL.
Tim Howard was consistent in goal, Leighton Baines grew in stature at left-back and Jack Rodwell, Marouane Fellaini and Mikel Arteta all enjoyed spells of fine form throughout the season.
But for the second year running, midfielder Steven Pienaar wins the award for being consistently impressive throughout the campaign.
Steven Pienaar 6, Jack Rodwell 5, Tim Howard 4, Tim Cahill 4, Leon Osman 4, Leighton Baines 4, Marouane Fellaini 4, Mikel Arteta 4, Louis Saha 3, Tony Hibbert 3, Yakubu 2, Sylvain Distin 2, John Heitinga 2, Diniyar Bilyaletdinov 1, Lucas Neill 1, Seamus Coleman 1, James Vaughan 1, Victor Anichebe 1.
Everton boost as Marouane Fellaini targets pre-season comeback
May 18 2010 by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
MAROUANE FELLAINI'S injured ankle is healing so well he could yet return to action during Everton's pre-season campaign. The Blues' assistant manager Steve Round says the midfielder's recovery from ligament injury has delighted staff at Finch Farm, and hopes to see him in action before the 2010/11 campaign gets underway in August. He said: "We wouldn't like to put any definite time frame on it for him because these things can always take little twists and turns. "We are hoping he will become available in full training at some stage during pre-season." The Belgian's season came to an abrupt end during the Merseyside derby at Anfield in February.
He was involved in a heavy collision with Liverpool's Sotirios Kyrgiakos, and scans later revealed the former Standard Liege midfielder needed ankle surgery.
Initially a return date of September was suggested for the 22-year-old but, Round says he's worked hard during his rehabilitation. He said: "It was a really nasty injury that he got but he is doing exceptionally well. "He has kept himself remarkably fit. He looks lean and the one thing with Felli is he's got great motivation. "He wants to be around the club every day, he wants to be training and he wants to be out there. I am sure it won't be too long before he is bouncing back." Before his injury, Fellaini had been described as one of the best young midfielders in the Premier League by his manager David Moyes. He had turned in a series of commanding performances, particularly in the 2-0 victory over Manchester City at Goodison, after being switched to his preferred defensive midfield role. Fellaini had already insisted he wanted to be fit by the time the new season gets underway, when he appeared at the club's end of season awards.
Liverpool Unites supports community groups and charities with Everton FC's £150,000 gift
May 18 2010 by Tina Miles, Liverpool Echo
LIVERPOOL Unites is looking forward to investing in vital community projects and charities thanks to Everton. The ECHO announced the club has raised £150,000 for our children's charity. To commemorate the end of this charitable partnership with the Blues, Everton legend Duncan McKenzie and Ray Evans, managing director of Kitbag, presented Tom Woolley from Liverpool Unites with the cheque. Everton Football Club chief executive officer Robert Elstone said: "I am delighted by the significant amount which has been raised for Liverpool Unites. "The charity continues to do a fantastic job in our local community and we are pleased to see the money invested in the right type of programmes, including those delivered by The Everton Foundation, which will benefit people on Merseyside. "Liverpool Unites struck a chord with Everton fans, who really got behind the campaign to help underprivileged children across Merseyside. "As ever, I cannot thank them enough for their continued support not only for the team but for the club's off-the-field initiatives." One charity to already benefit from the fundraising is Fairbridge Merseyside, which recently accepted a grant of £20,000 to fund a new media suite. The remaining cash will be donated through the Liverpool Unites Awards. Liverpool Unites Awards
The ECHO's charity is inviting local children's charities and community groups to apply for a cash gift. We recognise the work of these groups, which is carried out across Merseyside, is extremely valuable and we would like to help you achieve your aims by awarding you with a grant. You can apply online for our help, go to www.liverpoolunites.co.uk and complete an entry form for a Liverpool Unites Award.
Applications close at 5pm on Friday, June 4. Liverpool Unites In Dance Applications are pouring in from youngsters wanting to take part in this year's Liverpool Unites In Dance. The show will take place at the BT convention centre on July 17.
Auditions are being held in the Liverpool ECHO building on Sunday, May 23.
Liverpool Unites urges all dance schools to apply. All schools must register for an audition by visiting www.liverpoolunites.co.uk or call Cathryn from the production team on 0151 550 0048. Face Fashion Tickets are on sale for our fashion event.
Face Fashion will be held at the Devonshire House Hotel on June 10. Standard tickets are £12, to book call 0151 285 8400.
Everton FC physio Mick Rathbone leaves Goodison Park
May 18 2010 by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
EVERTON were today beginning the search for a new head of sports medicine after Mick Rathbone left the club. The 51-year-old's departure comes eight years after he joined from Preston North End where he had also worked alongside David Moyes.
Rathbone's exit follows a tumultous season of injuries at Goodison, which has seen a string of first team stars sidelined with serious set-backs. The popular figure nicknamed Baz around Everton's Finch Farm training ground, had been tasked with planning the rehabilitation of players like Mikel Arteta, Phil Jagielka, Victor Anichebe, Yakubu and Marouane Fellaini last season, and news of his unexpected farewell emerged late yesterday. Paying tribute, David Moyes said: "I would like to personally thank Mick for the contribution he has made to Everton since his arrival in 2002. "He has played an important role behind the scenes for the past eight seasons since joining us from Preston, and I would like to take this opportunity to wish all the very best." The former Birmingham and Preston North End Rovers full-back joined Everton in 2002 as a physiotherapist. Rathbone's playing career at Preston was disrupted by a succession of injuries, including a broken arm and a fractured cheekbone. When a serious knee injury forced his retirement from playing in 1991, he began a degree course in physiotherapy at Salford University. He was later appointed physio, and then temporary manager of Halifax Town In 1995 Rathbone returned to Preston North End as physiotherapist, and spent six years at the club. When Moyes joined Everton as manager, Rathbone followed a few months later after the clubs had agreed compensation. The club are already scouring the top sports medicine specialists in European football to find a replacement, for a role which has become increasingly important in the top flight game. Meanwhile, financially-troubled Preston North End have been announced as Everton's latest pre-season opposition.
The Blues will travel to Deepdale to take on the Lancashire club formerly managed by ex-Everton assistant boss Alan Irvine, on Saturday, July 24, not long after their return from the official pre-season Australian tour. The 3pm kick-off is a regular fixture of Everton's pre-season preparations.
four-year deal with Blues
May 18 2010 by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
TIM Cahill today signed a new contract that will see him stay at Everton until 2014. The 30-year-old Aussie is now almost certain to remain at Goodison Park for the rest of his career in England's top flight. Cahill, who signed from Milwall in 2004, had two years left on his existing deal but the Everton board were keen to secure his long-term future. As exclusively revealed by the ECHO on May 10, the midfielder told chairman Bill Kenwright he would not hesitate in extending his spell in Merseyside. The Socceroo, who last week married his partner Rebekah Greenhill in Las Vegas, has scored 56 goals from 209 games for the Toffees so far. Speaking earlier this month before putting pen to paper, he said: "The chairman and the gaffer know what I think of the Club and so do the players. It is amazing. "The chairman knows my thoughts, I will sign here for life. He knows my thoughts on what I love about this club. I respect everyone so much and hopefully I am here for a long time." Cahill recently celebrated his 200th start for the Blues. He is now in Sydney as he joins up with his national side to prepare for the World Cup finals. He married his childhood sweetheart, and the mother of his three children, in a lavish ceremony at the spectacular Bellagio Hotel before a group of about 50 friends, including Mikel Arteta and Kevin Kilbane. He recently said of his 30-year-old wife: "She is my best mate, my everything." The couple's kids; sons Kyah, seven , and Shae, five, and daughter Sienna, three, participated in the wedding ceremony, all three standing with their father during the bridal ceremony. He is now set to play a World Cup warm-up game with the Socceroos against New Zealand next week in Melbourne. The newlyweds are expected to make a rare public appearance tonight in aid of the Tim Cahill Cancer Fund for Children.
Everton's £10m defender bid rejected by Ajax
Published By EuroSpy
Everton have had a £10million bid for defender Jan Vertonghen thrown out by Ajax.
Dutch reports suggest that the Merseysider's tabled an offer for the Belgian, only for manager Martin Jol to demand £17million for the 24-year-old, who has taken Thomas Vermaelan's old shirt at the Dutch giants. The same paper also claims that Liverpool are monitoring the situation of the marauding defender, who can play anywhere across the back as well as midfield, but have yet to make a firm bid for the Belgian international.
Tim Cahill: Signing new long-term deal is a 'massive moment' in my career
May 19 2010 by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
TIM CAHILL today described signing a new long-term deal with Everton as "a massive moment" in his career". The 30-year-old agreed a new four-year deal which will more than likely allow him to see out his top-flight career at Goodison Park.
And the Aussie, who will now set his sights on next month's World Cup, admitted he never had any intention of looking elsewhere for a better offer. He said: "It's a massive moment in my career. I've pretty much instilled in my life loyalty on and off the park," said Cahill. "There's been long-term talks with Everton and for it to be executed like this I'm so proud. "It's massive for them, massive for me. A big, big moment. I'm very close to the chairman, manager, and board.
"For this to go so smoothly, brilliant. It's a big decision for both of us, and for me, I couldn't be happier." Cahill has been at Everton six years since signing from Millwall in 2004 and could have attracted other clubs offering Champions League football.
There would have been no shortage of takers for a goalscoring midfielder who is prolific in the air, but the Australian is happy at Goodison Park and believes there is still plenty of scope for improvement. He said: "When you assess the situation, see where you are as a footballer, people question money and things like that, but there's only so much more you can earn. The grass isn't always greener. "I don't chase big moves. That's the one thing I've done all my career, I've never invited clubs, I've never speculated. "Everton know the way I work. It's a sign of respect. With the history we've got, the future we've got, I feel there's no bigger club. "Obviously people will say I'm crazy because there's Manchester United and Arsenal and Champions League but when you put it down in black and white, what I've achieved, what I'm going to achieve, it was the right decision to make. "The last 26 games, we lost three. That's top-four form. We were very unlucky we had a lot of serious injuries to some big players. "Who knows what would have happened if they weren't injured?
"I know the intentions of the chairman and the gaffer, and that's good enough to me."
Everton FC fans letters: Blues' fans on Tim Cahill's new deal & their summer hopes
May 19 2010 by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Echo
WHAT a chuckle I got from Liverpool fan Phil Gannon's letter (Football Echo letters, May 15). He calls Everton Football Club a "two-bob club", hopes Steven Pienaar will leave after the World Cup and thinks Marouane Fellaini is much over-rated.
Well, Mr Gannon, dream on. Liverpool is £350m in debt (and rising daily); Gerrard apart, Liverpool have not got any midfield players to touch Fellaini, Pienaar, Arteta and Rodwell etc. Not bad for a "two-bob club", eh? Joe Collins, EFC season ticket holder
PHIL GANNON (Football Echo letters, May 15) seems to be an expert on two-bobs.
Perhaps he could organise a collection of them. Then, with the proceeds, he could nip down to his local DIY store and perhaps purchase a spade that his club seem to have so much difficulty in obtaining.
T Gilligan, Anfield
THE departure on Monday of Everton's head of sports medicine, Mick Rathbone, seems a bit strange. Surely it wasn't down to 'Basil' that we have had so many injuries.
THE news that Tim Cahill has signed a new four-year deal for Everton is fantastic.
Even though it was expected, it's a prime example of a player's loyalty – such a rare commodity nowadays after the ongoing Pienaar saga. Let's see if others involved in 'negotiations' – Steven Pienaar excepted – follow suit.
I HAVE been saying for a while now that Seamus Coleman is old enough and definitely good enough to play regularly in our side.
He plays like a mirror image of Leighton Baines on the other flank and his pace and ability puts the wind up defenders.
He is also good in the tackle and only regular first team football will give him the experience needed to read the game like a top Premier League player.
He is the best right-back on the Everton books and why David Moyes doesn't play him is a mystery. Let's hope he gets his chance next season. Meantime, if Pienaar deserts us in the summer, and we get a decent price, how about getting Landon Donovan back? He was superb for us and with John Heitinga and Marouane Fellaini returning we don't lack creativity. Donovan can play out wide as can Mikel Arteta and with Dan Gosling back around late autumn just a couple of additions to the squad and no European distraction, we have a possibility of landing the title. If you consider that we beat the two best teams in the league and went on an unbeaten run of championship-winning proportions , why not?
SEAMUS COLEMAN should definitely be recalled and given as many games as possible. I think this lad will develop very quickly and could turn out to be the next star player off our youth production line to make it to the first team.
Everton FC star Mikel Arteta's agent says the midfielder is not looking for a transfer.
May 19 2010 by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
MIKEL Arteta is happy to stay at Everton, according his agent.
The Spanish midfielder has been linked with a move to Arsenal as a potential replacement for compatriot Cesc Fabregas, who is being pursued by Barcelona.
Reports have also claimed Manchester United are monitoring the 28-year-old, who has two years remaining on his contract with the Toffees. But agent Inaki Ibanez said: "Newspapers always say many things. He has a wife and child and is happy in the city." Everton intend to thrash out a new and improved deal with Arteta this summer.
The news that he is not looking to move will come as a boost to the Goodison faithful, who hero-worship the playmaker. Manager David Moyes has made the re-signing of key players one of his top priorities for the summer and yesterday completed a new four-year deal with Tim Cahill. Negotiations are also ongoing with player of the year Steven Pienaar and young player of the year Jack Rodwell. Arteta, who returned to action in January after almost a year out with a knee injury, joined Everton from Real Sociedad in 2005 after a successful loan spell. He previously played for Rangers.
Seamus Coleman signs new four-year deal with Everton FC
May 19 2010 Ian Doyle Daily Post
SEAMUS COLEMAN has become the latest player to commit his long-term future to Everton. Coleman has agreed a new four-year contract which will keep him at Goodison until 2014. It is reward for an impressive campaign from the 21-year-old, who broke his way into the Everton first team before joining Blackpool on loan and helping the Seasiders into Saturday's Coca-Cola Championship play-off final against Cardiff City. Coleman, who arrived from Sligo Rovers last summer, made seven appearances for David Moyes's side last season, including a man-of-the-match performance on his home debut in the 2-2 draw with Tottenham Hotspur in December. The Republic of Ireland under-21 international moved to Blackpool on loan in March until the end of the season, and has made 11 appearances in aiding the Tangerines' charge to Wembley. Moyes confirmed last week that Coleman would return to Goodison after the weekend and has now rewarded the youngster with a new deal. "I think he's someone who has caught the imagination of a lot of the supporters," said the Everton manager. "You've got to remember this is a boy we've taken from Ireland, we've paid £60,000 for him, we've brought him in and he's had very little of what I would call senior football. "So we had to get him some games.
"He had a terrible injury in pre-season which kept him out and, if hadn't been for that, he might have had more games and he might have even been further along.
"But I think these games for Blackpool, at the level they're playing at, will do him no harm at all." Coleman becomes the second player to commit his future to Everton this week after Tim Cahill also signed a new four-year contract.
Everton FC legend Graeme Sharp looks back at the remarkable period of the club's history which holds special memories for him.
May 20 2010 by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
Everton FC legend Graeme Sharp looks back at the remarkable period of the club's history which holds special memories for him. TWENTY-FIVE years ago when Everton proudly paraded the Canon League Championship around Goodison Park, the ECHO was there on hand to capture the jubilant scenes. However, since 1985 one batch of photographs had remained in our archives unseen, UNTIL NOW...
THE memories in Graeme Sharp's mind are still every bit as vivid as the photographs on this page. Even after 25 years and countless conversations, the former Everton centre forward displays not a flicker of boredom in discussing the extra-special period of the club's history which he spearheaded. In particular, the amiable Scot still cherishes the cast-iron team spirit which propelled the glorious 1984/85 season.
Sharp and the majority of that team were reunited in March for a 25th anniversary celebration of the historic 1984/85 league and European Cup Winners Cup team.
But despite that milestone, it still feels like yesterday for him. "I can't believe all this time has passed," he said. "Some of us met up last week and I think it took everyone by surprise when it dawned that it was 25 years ago. "It was hard trying to get them all over. The likes of Pat Van Den Hauwe who lives in South Africa now, and Adrian Heath who manages in the States. "It was a special time for the football club and we went down in history so it's nice that we got together." Of course supporters marked that season their own way, many naming offspring after the team. Graeme said: "I've met a few people who've mentioned that they've named their son after me. Maybe not the right spelling of Graeme but they did it anyway which is nice. "I'd love to see if there's one named after Van Den Hauwe. "There were so many special occasions and games in that season and you know what happens with football fans when they get back after their team's won – so there'll no doubt be a few babies named after us.
"The ultimate would be to find someone named after every member of the squad. It'd be great to find them and reminisce with their parents." Graeme tends to see more of the players who still live nearby and work in football. He said: "I meet regularly with Andy and we go golfing together. Andy is always at Goodison with Sky and Reidy is nearby at Stoke. You see more of the lads who are in the same game. "We don't see as much of Neville because he's based down in Dover now working with under privileged kids. I used to see Inchy a lot before he went to the States, but I can't remember the last time I saw Pat (Van Den Hauwe) before the reunion dinner. It was great to see him. "When everyone gets together people are amazed that we are still so friendly. It's like nothing has changed. When we meet up it's just like another day at training except we're older, heavier and some of us have less hair. "Off the field we used to mix a lot. It's all changed now. We couldn't get away with now what we got away with then. "Howard was a great believer in building team spirit. At first we had a lot of young lads in the squad and we struggled a bit, but then Howard brought in experienced pros like Andy and Reidy who'd seen it and done it all and that helped.
"Howard said we always had to look after each other, not just on the field but off it as well. "After games we'd go for a beer, sit down and discuss football. Reidy lived in Bolton but he'd come to Southport. The social side of things was great.
"If we were out, everyone was out. I always remember one Sunday and Andy came in and said every Sunday we're meting up at 12pm until 2pm at the Falstaff pub in Southport at the back of the Prince of Wales. Everyone had to attend. You could say 'Hold on what about the wife and kids' but it wasn't open to debate.
"It was great though because it really built team spirit. It just grew, and grew and the more successful we got we were all swept along. Eventually the lads didn't need to be asked twice if we were going on a night out. They were friends for life we'd made.
"If we were having a difficult time, or we'd lost a game, then we'd say 'Right we're going out Tuesday'. "Even lads who were on the periphery of things like Ian Atkins, and Paul Wilkinson…every time you ask them to come to a meal like the one in March they're there." If one game stands out from that era, it is the European Cup Winners' Cup final, and the scenes after the final whistle in Rotterdam.
He recalls: "There are lots of myths about what happened after the game. We were quite comfortable in the game and probably a bit disappointed afterwards with the presentation of the trophy. "It was up about four steps under a balcony and that was poor, but we got back in the dressing room and the champagne was out. "Then it was straight on the plane and back to Liverpool. The champagne was still flowing, and the wives and directors were on another plane. "When we got back to Liverpool airport the wives were waiting for us. I jumped in a cab with Andy and his missus and we went back to his house. "We sat down and he'd recorded the game so we watched it again and had a few beers. It wasn't too crazy because we had the FA Cup final on the Saturday. "We were on such a high we wouldn't have been able to sleep if we'd gone straight to bed anyway. "We were off the next day, then we were at Bellefield the following morning, trained and then got the bus to London. "Come that final I think we were mentally drained as well as physically. "It was a remarkably hot day in Wembley, but we were still confident. "After the first 15 minutes I turned around to Andy and said: 'I'm absolutely knackered here.' Then Moran got sent off and that changed the whole atmosphere. As we know when teams go down to 10 men they are so difficult to beat. It urged them on. "It was awful not having that energy, with more rest we'd have won."
Graeme Sharp: Team spirit was the key to Everton FC's 1984/85 glory
May 20 2010 by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
TWENTY-FIVE years ago when Everton proudly paraded the Canon League Championship around Goodison Park, the ECHO was there on hand to capture the jubilant scenes. However, since 1985 one batch of photographs had remained in our archives unseen, UNTIL NOW...
THE memories in Graeme Sharp's mind are still every bit as vivid as the photographs on this page.Even after 25 years and countless conversations, the former Everton centre forward displays not a flicker of boredom in discussing the extra-special period of the club's history which he spearheaded. In particular, the amiable Scot still cherishes the cast-iron team spirit which propelled the glorious 1984/85 season.
Sharp and the majority of that team were reunited in March for a 25th anniversary celebration of the historic 1984/85 league and European Cup Winners Cup team.
But despite that milestone, it still feels like yesterday for him. "I can't believe all this time has passed," he said. "Some of us met up last week and I think it took everyone by surprise when it dawned that it was 25 years ago. "It was hard trying to get them all over. The likes of Pat Van Den Hauwe who lives in South Africa now, and Adrian Heath who manages in the States. "It was a special time for the football club and we went down in history so it's nice that we got together." Of course supporters marked that season their own way, many naming offspring after the team.
TWENTY-FIVE years ago when Everton proudly paraded the Canon League Championship around Goodison Park, the ECHO was there on hand to capture the jubilant scenes. However, since 1985 one batch of photographs had remained in our archives unseen, UNTIL NOW...
Graeme said: "I've met a few people who've mentioned that they've named their son after me. Maybe not the right spelling of Graeme but they did it anyway which is nice.
"I'd love to see if there's one named after Van Den Hauwe. "There were so many special occasions and games in that season and you know what happens with football fans when they get back after their team's won – so there'll no doubt be a few babies named after us. "The ultimate would be to find someone named after every member of the squad. It'd be great to find them and reminisce with their parents." Graeme tends to see more of the players who still live nearby and work in football. He said: "I meet regularly with Andy and we go golfing together. Andy is always at Goodison with Sky and Reidy is nearby at Stoke. You see more of the lads who are in the same game.
"We don't see as much of Neville because he's based down in Dover now working with under privileged kids. I used to see Inchy a lot before he went to the States, but I can't remember the last time I saw Pat (Van Den Hauwe) before the reunion dinner. It was great to see him. "When everyone gets together people are amazed that we are still so friendly. It's like nothing has changed. When we meet up it's just like another day at training except we're older, heavier and some of us have less hair.
"Off the field we used to mix a lot. It's all changed now. We couldn't get away with now what we got away with then. "Howard was a great believer in building team spirit. At first we had a lot of young lads in the squad and we struggled a bit, but then Howard brought in experienced pros like Andy and Reidy who'd seen it and done it all and that helped. "Howard said we always had to look after each other, not just on the field but off it as well. "After games we'd go for a beer, sit down and discuss football. Reidy lived in Bolton but he'd come to Southport. The social side of things was great. "If we were out, everyone was out. I always remember one Sunday and Andy came in and said every Sunday we're meting up at 12pm until 2pm at the Falstaff pub in Southport at the back of the Prince of Wales. Everyone had to attend. You could say 'Hold on what about the wife and kids' but it wasn't open to debate.
"It was great though because it really built team spirit. It just grew, and grew and the more successful we got we were all swept along. Eventually the lads didn't need to be asked twice if we were going on a night out. They were friends for life we'd made.
"If we were having a difficult time, or we'd lost a game, then we'd say 'Right we're going out Tuesday'. "Even lads who were on the periphery of things like Ian Atkins, and Paul Wilkinson…every time you ask them to come to a meal like the one in TWENTY-FIVE years ago when Everton proudly paraded the Canon League Championship around Goodison Park, the ECHO was there on hand to capture the jubilant scenes. However, since 1985 one batch of photographs had remained in our archives unseen, UNTIL NOW...
If one game stands out from that era, it is the European Cup Winners' Cup final, and the scenes after the final whistle in Rotterdam. He recalls: "There are lots of myths about what happened after the game. We were quite comfortable in the game and probably a bit disappointed afterwards with the presentation of the trophy.
"It was up about four steps under a balcony and that was poor, but we got back in the dressing room and the champagne was out. "Then it was straight on the plane and back to Liverpool. The champagne was still flowing, and the wives and directors were on another plane. "When we got back to Liverpool airport the wives were waiting for us. I jumped in a cab with Andy and his missus and we went back to his house.
"We sat down and he'd recorded the game so we watched it again and had a few beers. It wasn't too crazy because we had the FA Cup final on the Saturday.
"We were on such a high we wouldn't have been able to sleep if we'd gone straight to bed anyway. "We were off the next day, then we were at Bellefield the following morning, trained and then got the bus to London. "Come that final I think we were mentally drained as well as physically. "It was a remarkably hot day in Wembley, but we were still confident. "After the first 15 minutes I turned around to Andy and said: 'I'm absolutely knackered here.' Then Moran got sent off and that changed the whole atmosphere. As we know when teams go down to 10 men they are so difficult to beat. It urged them on. "It was awful not having that energy, with more rest we'd have won." March they're there."
Everton FC boss David Moyes praises his mini-me stars
May 20 2010 by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
DAVID MOYES today paid tribute to the mini-managers in his Everton squad who he believes could one day follow in his footsteps. The Everton boss knows he can rely on Tim Cahill, Phil Neville and Leon Osman to help him spread his message in the dressing room, and hammer home his philosophy on the field. Moyes, who says the bond he shares with his players is as strong as ever, said: "I say to the players, 'If I wasn't here one week, I'd expect you to turn up and know exactly how to play, what to do. "We are getting to a level and the players know the level that we want. In a way, the players are young managers themselves. "Tim Cahill, Phil Neville and Leon Osman, they see how it is and, in the future, they could go on to become good, young managers." The Everton boss insists that despite mellowing in his approach to players since arriving at Goodison, he can still convey his anger when things are not going to plan. One of the low points of the Toffee's season saw them trailing 0-3 at Hull's KC Stadium at half time, and the Scot admits he did not hold back during his team-talk.
He said: "At half-time, I was probably as angry as I have been in my time at Everton.
"A few days later, thinking about the way the players reacted, made me realise they really do care. "It's important they don't get too used to me. I hear them saying that the gaffer is mellowing but, behind that, they know what is expected and they knew there would be no way I was putting up with that. Moyes also explained his high standards when it comes to researching potential transfer targets. He said: "I said when I came into management that every player I sign, I want to see. I'll watch videos but, unless I've seen them live, I won't take them – and I haven't changed. It's what I do." The Goodison Park boss is aware his current crop of stars will attract interest, but with Tim Cahill, and Seamus Coleman having already signed new deals, and a new contract for Jack Rodwell believed to be imminent, Moyes is in bullish mood.
He said: "There's no European football for us next season, so we'll concentrate on doing well in the cups and the league. I believe in them and they have earned that with the football they have played. "We may be the tortoise and the others are the hare, but I still think we can do more."
Everton FC latest: Manchester City set their sights on Mikel Arteta
Mar 20 2010 by Ian Doyle, Liverpool Daily Post
EVERTON are bracing themselves for another transfer battle with Manchester City after Mikel Arteta emerged as a leading summer target for Roberto Mancini.
The City manager has placed Arteta high on his midfield shopping list as he strives to bolster his squad after missing out on Champions League qualification.
Arteta's future has already been the subject of speculation this week with Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger reportedly considering the Spaniard as a replacement for Barcelona-bound Cesc Fabregas. The player's agent, Inaki Ibanez, responded to such rumours by yesterday stating Arteta was content at Everton and said: "He has a wife and child and is happy in the city." However, that is unlikely to deter City who, bankrolled by their billionaire Abu Dhabi owners, would tempt the Spaniard with a lucrative contract offer. Everton have no intention of selling Arteta and have already opened negotiations with the 28-year-old over an improved deal with David Moyes keen to tie the core of his first team to long-term contracts. Of course, Everton were involved in an protracted, acrimonious transfer saga with City last year over Joleon Lescott, who eventually departed after the start of the season for £22million.
And Moyes has warned anyone wanting to take any of his senior players would have to provide "a very big cheque" before Everton will even consider a sale.
"I am not bitter now about Joleon, but I don't think anybody realised what it did to us," he said. "It had a massive effect, but we got over it. It showed me that the team is bigger than any individual. "Are we susceptible? Of course we are, because people look at us and think, 'We can go to Everton and take their best players'.
"But if they do, they know they are going to have to come with a very big cheque. If they come here, they know it is going to be very expensive and our intention is not to let any of the players go. I expect them to be here next season." With Tim Cahill having this week signed a four-year deal, Seamus Coleman yesterday agreed to follow suit by becoming the latest player to commit his long-term future to Everton
Coleman has agreed a deal which will keep him at Goodison until 2014, reward for an impressive campaign from the 21-year-old, who broke into the Everton first team before joining Blackpool on loan and helping the Seasiders into Saturday's Coca-Cola Championship play-off final against Cardiff City. Coleman, who arrived from Sligo Rovers last summer, made seven appearances for Moyes's side during the season, including a man-of-the-match performance on his home debut in the 2-2 draw with Tottenham Hotspur in December. The Republic of Ireland under-21 international moved to Blackpool on loan in March and has made 11 appearances in aiding the Tangerines' charge to Wembley. Moyes confirmed last week that Coleman would return to Goodison after the weekend and has now rewarded the youngster with a new deal. "I think he's someone who has caught the imagination of a lot of the supporters," said the Everton manager. "You've got to remember this is a boy we've taken from Ireland, we've paid £60,000 for him, we've brought him in and he's had very little of what I would call senior football. So we had to get him some games. "He had a terrible injury in pre-season which kept him out and, if hadn't been for that, he might have had more games and he might have even been further along. But I think these games for Blackpool, at the level they're playing at, will do him no harm at all."
Everton star snubs Man United and Chelsea to stay at Goodison
May 20 2010By Alan Nixon
Daily Mirror
Everton will finally tie Jack Rodwell down to a new deal in the next 48 hours - and slam the door shut on Chelsea and Manchester United. The England Under-21 starlet earned a rise to the ££25,000-a-week class by reaching a set number of appearances and the last details have now been ironed out. Rodwell is set to sign for a further four years, giving Everton control of his future - and the price if a big club comes in for him down the line. Boss David Moyes is keen to tie down most of his squad, but hopes of keeping Steven Pienaar are fading after he rejected the offer to extend his deal.
Everton FC to hold special season ticket promotion event
May 21 2010 by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
EVERTON are holding a special season ticket promotion event at Goodison tomorrow. A group of fans have been invited to preview some of the best remaining seats in the stadium, following the successful 'Early Bird' and 'Secure Your Seat' campaigns. Season tickets for these seats are available and the club are keen to offer fans the chance to try before they buy. Around 3,000 seats will be marked with special tags from 10am tomorrow.
David Prentice: Elementary reasons why physio Mick 'Baz' Rathbone left Everton FC
May 21 2010 by David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
EVERTON'S recently departed physio, Mick Rathbone, is nicknamed Baz. You don't need a briar pipe or a deerstalker to work out why. Basil Rathbone, of course, was the star of countless Sherlock Holmes movies in the 1930s and 40s – but you didn't need acute powers of deduction to work out why modern day Baz and the Blues parted company this week. Rathbone's reputation throughout his eight years at Everton has been glowing. A learned and talented physio, his offbeat but engaging personality also endeared him to all at Finch Farm. But during the past 12 months Phil Jagielka, Mikel Arteta, Victor Anichebe and Phil Neville have all suffered severe setbacks to serious injuries. And for a club with resources as tight as Everton, that's a serious problem.
Sadly for Baz, the buck stopped at the Head of Sports Medicine. Outsiders could argue that Rathbone was unlucky. Certainly the Blues have picked up more serious injuries on the pitch in the last 12 months than at any time in the last 20 years.
But Moyes' reaction was telling. For a man about to embark upon his ninth full season as Everton manager, his ambition, his drive and his desire to improve still burns as brightly as ever. The decision to part company with his physio was a ruthless one.
Especially when you consider Moyes and Rathbone go back a long way – more than a decade, in fact, to their time together as younger men driving Preston North End towards the Premier League. But Moyes' desire to drive Everton higher and higher knows no bounds. The perfunctory two-paragraph statement which announced Rathbone's departure from the club was perhaps a little underwhelming.
"I would like to personally thank Mick for the contribution he has made to Everton since his arrival in 2002. "He has played an important role behind the scenes for the past eight seasons since joining us from Preston, and I would like to take this opportunity to wish him all the very best." But you got the impression Moyes was already looking forward, not back. Ironically, on the very day Rathbone's departure was announced, a positive fitness bulletin was filed on Marouane Fellaini's return.
Sadly, too late to influence Baz's future. Mick Rathbone's departure from Finch Farm was hugely disappointing. An impressive and likeable individual, I certainly wish him well in his future career. But David Moyes can certainly never be accused of giving 'jobs to the boys' – and his burning desire to make Everton as successful as he possibly can is still as strong as ever.
25 years on - what Everton's stars of the glorious 1984/85 campaign are doing now
May 21 2010 by David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
THEY'RE the most successful group of footballers ever to pull on the Royal Blue jersey. But what happened to Everton's 1984/85 squad after that classic campaign had ended? And where are they now? The Echo investigates in the latest of our series celebrating the 25th anniversary of that season.
SOUTHALL was widely considered to be the world's best goalkeeper in 1984/85, the season he was voted the Football Writers' Player of the Year. He stayed at Everton a further 13 years to become a true living legend, winning another league title two years later and a second FA Cup 11 years after his first! He left Goodison in March 1998 for Stoke City – perhaps fittingly on Friday the 13th – and ended a brief top flight spell with Bradford City. He had a spell as Wales under-19 coach, but showing the same typically forthright views he often displayed as a player, quit, claiming he was treated with "a total lack of respect" and that the coaching was compromised because "...as always, it's about money." He managed Hastings United and then Margate in the Isthmian League Premier Division, but currently teaches academy football at the Chaucer Technology School in Kent.
A WONDERFULLY gifted athlete, Stevens became frustrated during Everton's exile from European football and the club's subsequent slide and moved north to Glasgow Rangers. He returned to Merseyside to play for Tranmere Rovers and retired in June 1998 to start work as a physiotherapist. He now works in that capacity at Ellesmere Port Cottage Hospital.
SUFFERED a serious injury during Everton's second title winning season of the 80s – and when he recovered found that Howard Kendall had spent £1million on a replacement, Dave Watson. Moved to Aston Villa and then Wolves, before taking his career appearances tally to over 600 at Carlisle, Northampton and Walsall.
Worked for the Everton Former Players' Foundation and now works as part of the PE staff at a specialist sports college in Wirral, Pensby High School.
AS the most successful skipper in Everton's history, Ratcliffe was a man who could offer telling and insightful insights to his team-mates during the course of a football match. He now puts those skills to good use as a football summariser for BBC Wales and Channel Five. After leaving Everton he enjoyed spells at Dundee, Cardiff, Nottingham Forest, Derby and Chester – and while at Cardiff took his careers goals tally to a perfect hat-trick! Having scored with his right and left foot for Everton against Norwich and Liverpool – he ended with a headed goal for the Bluebirds!
MADE a long-awaited return to Merseyside this year after many years working as first a gardener and latterly a football coach in South Africa. Always a colourful character during his time at Everton, his life story became even more complicated when he left for Tottenham. He married model Mandy Smith, the former wife of Rolling Stones star Bill Wyman, but they separated two years later and divorced in 1997.
FOLLOWED his team-mate Gary Stevens north to Scotland in 1989 to recreate their formidable right-flank partnership for Glasgow Rangers. Two years later he joined Olympique Marseille – then a major power in the European game. Despite being a reliable penalty taker at Everton, he wasn't asked to take one despite finishing the 1990 World Cup semi-final against Germany. His future Marseille team-mate Chris Waddle was, and the rest is history. Since retiring from the game in 1997, 'Tricky Trev' has been a pundit for Irish television station RTE and is currently a football agent.
DESPITE having two years cruelly ripped from his career by an ill-diagnosed ankle injury, Bracewell played in further FA Cup finals for Everton in 1989 and Sunderland in 1992 – each time repeating his cruel experience of 1985 and 1986 on the losing side. He then joined Fulham as player-coach before moving into coaching full-time. He took over as manager at Halifax Town but resigned after less than a year and now works for a company which specialises in the provision of indoor football centres.
AFTER a supremely successful playing career, Reid proved almost as successful as a manager at Manchester City, Sunderland and, somewhat strangely, the Thai national team. In 1996 a group of Sunderland fans operating under the name Simply Red and White had a top 50 hit with the song "Cheer Up Peter Reid" – an altered version of the song Daydream Believer. He returned to this country last season to become assistant manager under Tony Pulis at Stoke City.
AFTER ending his Everton career just three goals shy of a century of goals – from midfield – Sheedy took his cultured left foot to Newcastle and then Blackpool.
After spells on the coaching staff of Blackpool, Tranmere and Hartlepool he returned to Everton where he currently works as a coach at the club's Academy.
THE ubiquitous Gray always urged his Everton team-mates to reach for the stars – but decided the Sky was his limit after his glittering playing career finally came to an end.
Sensationally replaced by Howard Kendall just months after the 1984/85 season had ended, Gray rejoined his first English club, Aston Villa. He also managed to shoehorn in a spell at childhood heroes Glasgow Rangers – scoring five league goals in 14 appearances – before finally hanging up his shooting boots for good.
Briefly linked with a return to Everton as manager in 1998 – he was never offered the job despite claims at the time – he is now synonymous with Sky Sports' football coverage with his punditry and summarising on almost all the high-profile games.
IDOLISED by the fans throughout a career that saw him become the Blues' second highest goalscorer of all-time, behind only Dixie Dean, Sharp was a logical choice to become a fans' liaison at the club. After moving to Oldham in the early 1990s, Sharp later became manager at Boundary Park and then Bangor City, but is now back at his spiritual home.
THE man whose goal was credited with changing Everton's history at Oxford United in 1984 (although others might also point to the semi-final winner over Southampton two months later), Heath was the top flight's leading scorer and playing the best football of his career when Brian Marwood's reckless tackle cruelly ended his season.
Never quite as effective again, Heath still won a second title medal at Everton and scored 71 league goals in his 226 games. Later a manager at Burnley, Sheffield United and then Coventry, he now manages Austin Aztex in the USA.
Everton FC tracking Ajax's Belgian defender Jan Vertonghen
May 21 2010 by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
DAVID MOYES is mulling over a move for Ajax defender Jan Vertonghen.
The Everton manager has been to watch the Belgian centre-back a number of times and is now weighing up a bid for the highly-rated 23-year-old. Reports that the Toffees have already tabled a £9m offer are inaccurate, but Moyes is attracted by Vertonghen's versatility, particularly his ability to provide him with much-needed cover at left-back. The Belgium international has inspired his club to the Dutch FA Cup and second place in the league, and is under contract in Holland until 2013.
He is believed to have been recommended to the Blues by his national team-mate Marouane Fellaini, with several other Premier League clubs also known to be among his admirers. Vertonghen helped Ajax concede just 20 goals in 34 games, and replaced Thomas Vermaelen after his fellow Belgian quit Ajax for Arsenal in a £10m deal last summer. He is left-footed and adept at playing anywhere on the left flank or in midfield.. While Moyes has no shortage of central defenders, it is understood the club is prepared to listen to bids for Joseph Yobo this summer and would want to replace the Nigerian captain. Meanwhile, Seamus Coleman says it is a dream come true to sign a new deal long-term deal at Everton, 11 months after a career threatening injury. The Irish right-back needed emergency surgery last summer during the Blues' pre-season tour of America when a blister on his foot led to a serious infection.
ŠIt meant the 21-year-old, currently on loan at Blackpool, missed the start of the season but after a string of impressive displays this term, he has now been handed a four-year deal. ŠHe said: "When I was lying in a hospital bed last summer with that blister I never thought that at the end of the season I would be getting a new deal.
"Thankfully all that is behind me now. I am delighted to be offered a new deal at Everton.ŠIt has been great for me recently as I have been out on loan at Blackpool and that's obviously helped me get a new contract." Coleman made his Goodison debut against Tottenham in December, coming off the bench. ŠThe defender's impressive display won him the man of the match award after helping the Blues claw their way back to a draw from 2-0 down. In March the Republic of Ireland Under-21 star joined Blackpool on loan and he has played a pivotal role in their push for the Premier League.
Rodwell a good fit for United
By James Robson Manchester Even News
May 21, 2010
Jack Rodwell, rather than David Villa, is the epitome of the type of player Sir Alex Ferguson will target as he attempts to return United to Premier League dominance.
Ferguson has made clear his intention to invest in youth - preferably British - as he rebuilds at Old Trafford this summer. Which is why he kept his chequebook in his pocket as Barcelona swooped for £34m Spain striker Villa. Ferguson's interest in the prolific former Valencia forward was well-documented. A near-obsessive admirer of goal-scorers, he watched Villa on numerous occasions over the past two years before opting not to be drawn into bidding war for a player who will turn 29 later this year.
He was already burned with the £30.75m purchase of Dimitar Berbatov in 2008 - a player whose value has plummeted since joining United from Tottenham.
And with the purse strings getting ever tighter at Old Trafford, due to the enormous debt taken out by Glazers to buy the club, value for money is the order of the day.
Which is why - at a cost of around £15m - Rodwell tops United's summer wanted list.
Ferguson has already been allowed to invest substantially in recruitment this summer.
A layout of £19m on unknown prospects, Chris Smalling and Javier Hernandez, this year alone is evidence enough that United's owners are still prepared to back the manager's judgement. And it is a policy that Ferguson will continue to deploy at a time when he believes transfer fees are reaching unrealistic levels in light of the sugar daddies at City, Chelsea and Real Madrid. He will instead seek out relative bargain-priced emerging talents that he hopes will become the next generation of United stars.
Just as Wayne Rooney, Cristiano Ronaldo and Darren Fletcher developed into the nucleus of a Premier League hat-trick winning side, Ferguson hopes the likes of Rodwell, Smalling, Nani and Federico Macheda can provide the backbone to United's next period of success. His continued interest in Karim Benzema and Franck Ribery, however, is proof that he will splash the cash if a genuine world class talent becomes available at the right price. Rodwell, though, ticks every box when it comes to United's recruitment policy. An elegant, versatile player, who can play in either the centre of midfield or defence, the 19-year-old is valued at a very affordable £15m by Everton. And with plenty of Premier League experience for David Moyes' side, he proved he has the temperament for the big stage when scoring a stunning solo goal in Everton's 3-1 victory against United last season. Throughout his time at United, Ferguson has always made determined efforts to bring the best young domestic prospects to Old Trafford. From Paul Gascoigne to Alan Shearer to Rooney, he has been prepared to invest huge time and money to bring Britain's best to United.
And in Rodwell he could at long last have found the natural successor to Roy Keane, who he snapped up from under the nose of Kenny Dalglish at Blackburn when signing the Irishman in a then British record £3.75m deal from Nottingham Forest in 1993.
Paired alongside Fletcher in the centre of midfield, he could have a partnership that could last for years - just as Keane and Paul Scholes managed in the late 90s and early 2000s
Seamus Coleman sure Blackpool Wembley run helped secure Everton FC future
May 21 2010 by Ian Doyle, Liverpool Daily Post
SEAMUS COLEMAN believes his run to Wembley has helped earn a new contract Everton – barely months after his Goodison career was threatened before it had even began. Coleman this week became the latest player to commit his long-term future to the club by agreeing a new four-year contract. It was reward for the 21-year-old after breaking into the Everton first team before an impressive spell on loan at Blackpool that will end on Saturday with an appearance in the Coca-Cola Championship play-off final against Cardiff City. Coleman was signed from Sligo Rovers last year but, before even having the chance to don a first-team shirt, required emergency surgery during the pre-season tour of the United States when a blister on his foot led to a serious infection. And the right-back said: "When I was lying in a hospital bed last summer with that blister I never thought that at the end of the season I would be getting a new deal here. "I am absolutely delighted and thankfully all that is now behind me now.
"I am delighted to be offered a new deal at Everton. "It has been great for me recently as I have been out on loan at Blackpool and that's obviously helped me get a new contract here." After a baptism of fire in Lisbon, where he made his debut playing out of position as an injury-ravaged Everton were thumped 5-0 by Benfica, Coleman impressed on his Goodison debut as a substitute in the 2-2 draw with Tottenham Hotspur in December. Coleman made seven appearances before being allowed to join Blackpool on loan in March until the end of the season. But despite playing an integral role in the Tangerines' promotion push, the youngster believes his future lies at Goodison. "I just love it here," said Coleman. "I love the coaching staff and if you look around you can see the facilities are top notch. I just want to do well here and hopefully I can push on here next year. "You always hope to play and when I am here next season I am obviously going to want to play in the first team. "I am not going to be impatient and I will wait for my chance because I know I have some big players ahead of me. "If I can learn off those players though then you never know what could happen." Coleman added: "The manager has a history of bringing younger players up through the ranks and it is great for the younger lads to know that the manager doesn't go out and buy players instead of giving us a chance. "It gives us all something to aim for and we know if we do well then we may have half a chance of getting in the first team."
Everton's fans remember double-winning season of 1984-85
May 22 2010 Liverpool Echo
Everton's fans remember double-winning season of 1984-85
I HAD a great day in Rotterdam. To win the Cup Winners' Cup was just great. But I remember one funny thing. We were held up getting our flight home (fog) and when we did get going this chap comes around with a cap saying "whipround for the driver." He gave the cap to the air hostess and she couldn't believe it. Anyway she took the cap to the driver (pilot) and he came out to thank everybody and said when we landed at Speke he would give it to a local charity (the money that is, not the cap!).
Does anyone else remember this? Doug Best, Liverpool 9 SOME great memories from that season – the first real season I started to going to game at the age of 10.
Adrian Heath getting injured against Sheffield Wednesday and me getting soaked sitting on the bar in the Street End.From being part of only 9,000 at home to UCD, to Bayern Munich – enough said! Sunderland at home – pure football. And John Wark's missed pen in the derby when we had half a team out! Think it hit the corner flag!
Paddy Cleary, Wallasey YOU wanted Evertonian memories from the 1984-85 season, well I was there and saw some fantastic games. I was in the Kop when Sharp scored that wonder goal. Other games to stick out were the 5-0 thrashing of Man Utd – and Old Trafford in the League Cup a few days later when we won 2-1. Then there was the 5-4 win at Watford after drawing 4-4 the season before, supprised those two games never get talked about now. I still say the best game that season for the football played and goals scored was the 4-1 win at Goodison against Sunderland. I still rate that as the best Everton performance I have ever seen. I can still remember one night in particular. Working by the ground I usually went home and had something to eat before a night game, but realised I would need to be at the ground early to have any chance of getting into the Bayern game. Glad I did because it is one game I would not have wanted to miss. It always happened to me that if I went to get the teas I would miss a goal, so if we were losing my mates always sent me to get the teas, even if it was someone else's turn, but in this case it was Bayern who scored so I was not too bothered. When I got home after that game I could hardly speak for a couple of days – it was one of the greatest footballing nights I have experienced. It paved the way for the final in Rotterdam and yes I was there as well. Although it was a fantastic time, the game and atmosphere came nowhere near that Bayern game at Goodison and I still believe if we had played the FA Cup final first and then the Cup Winners' Cup Final we would have won them both. Steve Lansdowne, Anfield IN 1985 I went to Rotterdam for the Cup Winners' Cup Final with my Dad. However, my Mum would only let me go if I went into school the next day. She didn't want me to have two days off school. We flew to The Hague, spent the day there before heading to Rotterdam by coach for the match. It was a superb, unforgettable day and obviously the result went our way. On the coach going back to the airport after the match, someone had the actual match shirt worn by Gary Stevens. It got passed around the coach and I thought that the day can't possibly get any better – but it did. When we got back to Speke Airport, the plane carrying the team had just landed before us. Word went around the plane and as soon as we were able to, we legged it off the plane to the players. Pat Van Den Hauwe had hold of the cup at this point, so next thing my Dad pushes me next to him for a photo (the last one on the film) of me, Pat Van Den Hauwe and the European Cup Winners Cup. Absolutely brilliant. Next day I was in school (very tired) but still elated by the whole previous day's experience. However, a few of my mates didn't believe me that I'd not only been to the game in Rotterdam the night before, but met the players and held the cup. "I'll prove it," I thought. Sure enough, when the photos were developed, on the picture is me, the European Cup Winners' Cup and Pat Van Den Hauwe's right arm! No-one in school would be believe that it was him. It is though. Great memories. Onward Evertonians. Gary Hart, Norris Green
I WAS at Rotterdam in 85. Me and a mate were both working in Fords at the time and got last minute tickets for both plane and the match. Got to Rotterdam about lunch time and everybody was walking around with cases of beer. Although not a big drinker we had to buy a case to join in the spirit. It was a fantastic day from start to finish. It was a long slog to get home, though, as we waited for hours after the match to get our plane home. I remember talking to Brian Labone at the airport afterwards and naturally he was pleased as punch. Is it really 25 years ago? Oh how time flies and memories are forever. David Browne DURING the 1985/86 season we played a derby match at Anfield. I had gone to the game with my friend and went into the Kop.
Before the game kicked off a crush started, putting people in danger of injury.
The police decided to pull people out of the crush and sit them on the cinder track around the ground. My friend and I had become separated by this time, and I was pulled out of the crush and told to sit on the track and not move until the final whistle.
The match kicked off and the Blues scored first through Gary Lineker. The Blues fans erupted, 1-0 up at Anfield, 'HAPPY DAYS'. When Kevin Ratcliffe's long range effort went in under Bruce Grobbelaar's body, we went 2-0 up. That's when it happened. Because I was on the cinder track in front of the Kemlyn Road stand I had access to the pitch towards the Kop goal. Not even realising what I was doing, seconds later I was celebrating the goal with my arms around Sharpy and Gary Lineker, jumping up and down like some demented lunatic. I was actually grabbed by a very large policeman and asked "How old are you?" "45" I replied. "Well you should know better at your age, sit back down on the track again, and if I even see you blink I will personally throw you out of the ground." I never moved a muscle after that. We won 2-0. I was in BLUE HEAVEN. Come Saturday night I settled in to watch Match of The Day with a couple of beers and to re-live the victory. Then suddenly there on the screen, its me racing across the pitch into the arms of Gary and Sharpy. It seemed as if they were waiting just for me, it all happened in a daze. I went to bed after the programme still on cloud nine after a Derby win at Anfield. The next morning I was having a lie-in and my wife had gone downstairs to make breakfast. After about 30 minutes I heard the Sunday papers being shoved through the letterbox, then an almighty scream. I ran downstairs thinking there had been an accident and found my wife sitting at the table and staring at the back pages of the papers. My picture was on both back pages of the Sunday Mirror and Sunday People, celebrating with Gary and Sharpy, great picture from a great day. The phone then started to ring for the rest of the day with friends ringing and asking my wife "is that Ron on the back of the sports pages?" The following midweek we played Luton Town in the FA Cup and I bought a programme, stood on the terrace, and started to flip through the pages. I got to the centre spread and there over the two page centre was my picture again from the Derby. I never did get it signed. Maybe one day. Ron Benjamin, Maghull
Greg O'Keeffe: Superstition is no stranger to Everton FC
May 22 2010 by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
FROM supporters to the athletes they idolise, professional sport is awash with dubious superstitions. Many sportsmen call their daily quirks part of their routine, something that's necessary to prepare them for the game. Goran Ivanisevic readily admits he was superstitious while he was on the court. The former tennis star would always try to be the second person to get up from his chair on the change-over and would try to never step on any of the lines. Off the court, he was even worse. If he won a match at a tournament, he would repeat everything from the previous day – go to the same restaurant, eat the same food and try to talk to the same people.
"Sometimes, it got very boring," he wrote on his website. Paul Gascoigne was famously plagued by obsessive compulsive disorder, often surprising team-mates at Bellefield with his irrational routines. Across the pond, baseball star Wade Boggs is a perfect case study. Known as the "Chicken Man," Boggs would eat poultry before every game and was obsessively compulsive about his routine. He took exactly 150 ground balls during infield practice and had a fixation on time. He entered the batting cage at exactly 5:17 pm. and ran wind sprints at 7:17 pm. Before each at-bat, he would write the Hebrew word "Chai" – meaning life – into the dirt of the batter's box.
It gets better. Between pitches, he had a habit if he was playing defence: he'd swipe the dirt in front of him with his left foot, tap his glove two or three times and adjust his cap. Legendary Evertonians have been no stranger to superstition either.
Bluenoses still shiver at the memory of Gary Lineker's infamous old boots. With the crumbling pair on his feet he fired the Toffees to the brink of the 1985/86 title.
But when someone forgot to pack them for a vital away clash at Oxford United, the Blues lost – handing the momentum, and ultimately the title, to Liverpool. This season Tim Cahill insisted Leighton Baines did not throw away his tired and mangled boots, worried that the assists might dry-up if he did. Even Mikel Arteta puts his socks, boots and shin pads on in a particular sequence. How many Evertonians have the same bet, go through the same turnstile and wear the same clothes they wore during a big win?
A friend of mine refuses to listen to a certain radio station when Everton are playing away from home because the Blues once lost when he did. The same person won't sit in the main stand, even if its a "freebie" because he's never seen the Blues win there in 40 years. This season the club released a black and pink striped away kit, which intriguingly took on a lucky omen status of its own. Everton did not lose a single game in the strip, launched with a display of a traditional Maori Haka on the Goodison pitch last summer. A 1-1 result away at Sigma Olomouc in the Europa League was the first time the "haka" kit was worn by the team. The positive results racked up, away at Birmingham and double winners Chelsea. Fantastic wins away against Portsmouth, FC BATE Borisov, Wigan Athletic, Manchester City and Blackburn Rovers suggested the away strip was one of the luckiest in the club's history. There have been whispers that Everton's forthcoming away strip might be even pinker. But if it becomes as lucky as the last one, Blues fans won't be complaining, even if they do make a particularly camp sight on the road in the forthcoming campaign. When I mentioned to pals I'd like the next Everton home kit to copy the 85/86 bib kit, I was chastised for ignoring the bad luck it could herald.
So touch wood that the chosen design is full of injury-defying good fortune, and sets the Blues up for a successful season.
Greg O'Keeffe: Paying the penalty for criticising Everton FC spot-kick howlers
May 22 2010 by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
LOUIS Saha, I owe you an apology.
After the French striker missed a penalty against Burnley at the start of last season, I speculated the Echo tea lady could have dispatched a cleaner strike. Well I was tucking into my own words on Monday evening. I was lucky enough to play in a media match on the hallowed Goodison turf, refereed by Mark Halsey, with Graeme Sharp managing my side. The game ended 2-2, and pens ensued. Up I stepped to take the decisive spot-kick at the Gwladys Street – only to see my horribly scuffed effort saved. Don't expect to read me slagging off dodgy spot-kicks any time soon.
Everton's new keeper Jan Mucha is looking forward to the World Cup with Slovakia and his new career at Goodison
May 22 2010 by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
KEEPER Jan Mucha might have just swapped the relative obscurity of the Poland's top flight for the bright lights of the Premier League, but he does not seem the type of character to shirk a challenge. The 27-year-old goalkeeper has been signed by David Moyes to provide competition for main man Tim Howard, but he has already told his new manager exactly how he feels about the situation. "Jan sees himself as a number one," says Moyes. "So we are looking forward to the challenge he will provide for Tim Howard. "He is an international goalkeeper and I wanted to be sure that if we do get an injury to Tim we have options there. he will add more competition."
Mucha has made a whistle-stop visit to his new club already, with involvement in Slovakia's first ever World Cup campaign on his immediate horizon. The keeper, who started his career in his local club TJ Slovan Belá nad Cirochou, before later moving to Inter Bratislava has already built up a solid base of experience. He moved to MŠK Žilina in summer 2002, winning the Slovak championship there twice. But in 2005, Czech-born Mucha made his second-biggest move to date, when he signed for Legia Warszawa in Poland that summer. Initially second-choice to Lukasz Fabianski, Mucha became the first-choice keeper after Fabianski's transfer to Arsenal in 2007. He went on to win the 2007–08 Polish Cup and the Polish Supercup in 2008. His 6ft 2in frame and shot stopping ability attracted the attention of Everton's network of European scouts last year and Mucha signed a pre-contract deal to join the Toffees in January.
He says Goodison felt like the place for him after his first visit. "It was very nice," he says. "I felt very well and everything is positive. "Everton has a nice family atmosphere and there are a lot of good people around. Of course it's great to be in the Premier League as well." Mucha has already trained with the man he intends to knock out of the team, Tim Howard. "He is a good lad," he says. "I am good friends with Lukasz Fabianski and I consulted him before I made the decision to sign for Everton. He recommended the club to me." For the time being though, Mucha is focussing on a historic summer for his international side in South Africa. He made his debut for Slovakia in February 2008, in a friendly match against Hungary, and is the first choice for the tournament. Slovakia's group F contains a mixture of tough fixtures and potential banana skins, so Mucha is aware he will have to be at his very best.
But he is bubbling with excitement about games against World Champions Italy, South American's Paraguay and under-dogs New Zealand. "It's not the most difficult group of all of them, but obviously we must face Italy who are the reigning champions and Paraguay who are strong. "It is Slovakia's first World Cup. The transfer to Everton and my participation in the World Cup will be the best steps in my career so far." Although he has yet to meet new team-mate Mikel Arteta, Mucha is tipping the Spaniard's national team to lift the ultimate prize in South Africa. "I think Spain will win it," he says. "There are many top teams with a chance, but for me Spain play the most beautiful football and they are in top form. "It is very exciting, but I am also looking forward to playing at Goodison for the first time."
Everton FC starlet Jack Rodwell is ready to sign new deal
May 22 2010 by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
JACK RODWELL has told David Moyes he is ready to agree a new long-term deal with Everton. The 19-year-old is on the brink of signing a five-year contract at Goodison Park, ending speculation linking him with a £15m summer move to Manchester United. As revealed in the Echo on May 13, Rodwell will put pen to paper after being persuaded by Moyes and chairman Bill Kenwright that Everton is the right club to help him fulfil his potential. It is expected that the Birkdale-born midfielder will formally sign the deal early next week. The news comes after Moyes again urged his star players to stay at Goodison, and resist the temptation of being lured away. A number of Toffees stars are being linked with moves away from Merseyside, including Rodwell and Mikel Arteta, who is reported to be on the radar of Manchester City and Arsenal. While Tim Cahill has committed his long-term future to the Blues, Steven Pienaar has postponed making a decision about his new deal until after the World Cup. Moyes has seen big names leave in the past, such as Thomas Gravesen, and he believes the grass is not always greener elsewhere. The Scot is a firm believer that players should put their happiness first and not be seduced by the offers of fame and riches. He said: "Some of the players who have left Everton might say it was the right place for them after all. "At the end of their careers, they might look back and say Everton was the best time – they enjoy it here. "Even Gravesen, who went to Madrid, would say the same thing. "There are lots of players who are going to look back at Everton and say they had a really good time, without winning anything obviously." Meanwhile Moyes believes it will be tougher than ever to compete with the likes of Manchester City and Tottenham for fourth spot next season.
He continued: "We don't want to give up on our position but the spending that has gone on at Tottenham and Manchester City makes it much harder for us. "I don't think you can ever go out to finish fourth because of the money that is spent elsewhere.
"When you looked at it at the start of the season, people were probably saying we would finish eighth."
Everton FC pledge Shane Duffy assistance after life-saving operation
May 24 2010 Liverpool Echo
EVERTON will give Shane Duffy every assistance he needs as he begins the slow process of recovering from a life-saving operation. Duffy, who was named the Blues' Reserves Player of the Season, lost two-thirds of his blood supply after rupturing his hepatic artery during a training game between the Republic of Ireland and an amateur team at Gannon Park on Friday evening. After being attended to on the pitch by team surgeon Professor John O'Byrne and team doctor Alan Byrne, he was rushed to nearby Mater Hospital in Dublin where surgeon Gerry McEntee performed an emergency operation. Everton officials are keeping in constant contact with the Football Association of Ireland and they received some welcome news last night when they were informed he had been moved from intensive care to the high-dependency unit. Duffy, 18, made his Everton debut in a Europa League group game against AEK Athens last December and also went on to start against BATE Borisov later that month. A spokeswoman for the FAI said Duffy was "making good progress" but Professor O'Byrne revealed the severity of the trauma. "Shane collided with a player in a way that you would see thousands of times in football matches," he said.
"It was a freak injury that in another 100 years of medicine, we may never see again.
"Shane sustained a laceration to his liver and was rushed to hospital for emergency surgery. Gerry McEntee and the intensive care staff in the Mater must be credited for their expertise and fast response which in no uncertain terms saved Shane's life."
Duffy had been included in Irish manager Giovanni Trapattoni's senior squad, solely for training purposes, ahead of next week's friendly clashes against Paraguay and Algeria. Trapattoni offered his thanks to Prof McEntee and his specialised crash team as well as the national side's medical staff. Trapattoni said: "I would like to thank Dr Alan Byrne and Prof John O'Byrne for their quick reaction to Shane's serious injury.
"As time was critical, had they not acted as they did, Shane's life could have been in more danger. "On behalf of the FAI, I would also like to praise Prof Gerry McEntee for conducting the emergency operation and ensuring that Shane was given the best possible attention. Shane is very lucky." Meanwhile, Leighton Baines has a chance of winning his second England cap in tonight's friendly against Mexico at Wembley; the left-back should be given some time on the pitch as Fabio Capello assesses his options for the World Cup. Jack Rodwell is set to sign his new contract today. As revealed in Saturday's Echo, the midfielder has told manager David Moyes he was ready to sign a new five-year deal and the formalities are expected to be completed today.
Everton FC star Steven Pienaar rejects latest Toffee's contract offer
May 24 2010 by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
STEVEN Pienaar has cast fresh doubt over his Everton future by revealing he rejected the club's latest contract offer. The club's player of the year, who has just one year remaining on his current deal, admits he doesn't know whether he will be at Goodison next season. Speaking to South Africa media, Pienaar, 28, said he rejected an offer two weeks ago and his agent has not heard from Everton since. He has previously said he will make a final decision on his future after the World Cup, although speculation linking him with a move to Manchester United and Tottenham continues to grow. He said: "Yes, I'd say the spirit of discussions was very good, but we have differing valuations, so my future isn't clear. I don't know. "Everton may keep me for the last year of my deal. But they could sell me too. If they decide to sell, and the move is correct for my career, then I'll consider it. "Hopefully this hasn't been my last season at Goodison. But in football, who knows?" David Moyes has repeatedly insisted he does not want to sell Pienaar, and has slapped an £18m price tag on him which he hopes will deter other clubs. Moyes must strike a careful balance in contract talks though, aware he cannot completely undermine the club's wage structure.
Rodwell signs new Everton deal
By MirrorFootball May 24 2010
Everton midfielder Jack Rodwell has spurned reported interest from Manchester United to sign a new five-year contract with the club. The 19-year-old had been linked with a £15million move to Old Trafford but has committed himself to the Toffees having been persuaded by manager David Moyes and chairman Bill Kenwright that his prospects would be better at Goodison. Rodwell made his full Everton debut as a substitute against AZ Alkmaar at the age of just 16 years and 284 days in December 2007, to become the youngest Everton player to play in Europe, although his record was subsequently beaten by Jake Bidwell last December. His Barclays Premier League bow came in March 2008 when he made a substitute appearance at Sunderland and since then he has developed into a first-team regular.
Rodwell only signed a five-year contract in February last year but due to his progress and interest from other clubs Everton have rewarded him with an improved deal.
Only last week Moyes warned his players that leaving Everton was not always the route to success. "Some of the players who have left Everton might say it was the right place for them after all," said the Scot. "At the end of their careers, they might look back and say Everton was the best time - they enjoy it here. "Even Thomas Gravesen, who went to Real Madrid, would say the same thing. "There are lots of players who are going to look back at Everton and say they had a really good time, without winning anything obviously. "I'm very pleased that Jack has signed an improved contract because it re-affirms Everton's ambition to challenge the top clubs," said Moyes. "I want to keep all the players we have here to make us stronger in the coming season." Rodwell said he had never taken any notice of speculation about his future and had always been committed to Everton. "I'm perfectly happy at the club and I'm very happy to be signing a new deal," he said. "I have enjoyed every minute of being at this club and I try not to look at speculation that much, I just try to play my best on the pitch."
Man City set to raid Everton for £20m midfield star
May 24 2010By David Anderson
Daily Mirroe
Everton are bracing themselves for a £20million bid from Manchester City for Mikel Arteta. City have abandoned hope of luring Steven Gerrard to Eastlands and feel Arteta is a more realistic proposition. However, they risk re-opening their feud with Everton by moving for the Spanish star as relations between the clubs have not recovered after Joleon Lescott's bitter transfer wrangle last summer. City refuse to let this put them off and believe they can tempt Arteta to join their blue revolution.
They can offer him a significant increase on his £60,000-a-week deal, which makes him the best-paid player at Goodison Park.
Everton FC star Jack Rodwell is content to flourish at Goodison Park after signing new five-year deal
May 25 2010 by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
DAVID Moyes must be wondering how simple life would be if only all contracts were as straight forward to resolve as the deal which secured Everton's brightest young star.
As further rumblings emerge of the contract discussion impasse with Steven Pienaar, and thoughts turn to tying up Mikel Arteta on another long-term deal to ward off circling vultures, Jack Rodwell committed his future to Everton with a minimum of fuss. The 19-year-old followed Tim Cahill and Seamus Coleman in signing new deals, agreeing to spend the next five-years of his flourishing career in a royal blue shirt.
It is satisfying outcome for Everton's board, with Chelsea, Manchester United and Spurs all ready to follow up genuine interest in the Birkdale-born star if given a hint he was looking for a move. Fortunately, the down-to-earth player's head was not about to be turned. "It's not really crossed my mind to leave," says Rodwell. "I've been here since I was a kid and I've been happy ever since. I was perfectly happy to sign my new deal. "I'm comfortable at this club. The gaffer knows me well and that's a big issue for me and I enjoy working under him. Hopefully more games will come and whatever else happens that's a bonus for the international scene. "It's definitely not about money. I love the game, I love to play football and that's the main thing.
"It's a great club. The fans are passionate, all the players play for the shirt and the manager is brilliant with blooding young players. His track record speaks for itself and you're more than happy to play for a manager like that." Far from considering himself a world-class talent already, the humble teenager is focussing on nailing down a regular place in David Moyes' first team. "I like to get game time. I got a bit last season and hopefully this season I can get even more," he says. "I'll always stay level-headed. The money doesn't change anything for me. As long as I'm playing, everything else is just a bonus and I don't think there's any chance of me changing. I've always had my feet on the ground and I will continue to be like that."
Despite being on the conveyor belt of a professional footballer from an early age, Rodwell never feels regret over missing out on the wild partying days of an ordinary teenager. It is apparent his ambitions outweigh any desire to let loose and go clubbing with his friends. "I try to relax more during the off season," he says with a shrug. "Obviously I've got to try and stay sensible. Everyone's different. Everyone's got their own personal ambitions. "I suppose it's good for all my mates to go out and do whatever they do. During the season I can't really do any of that. I've just got to stay focused on the football but I'm quite happy to do that. It's what I love to do.
"I enjoy listening to all the stories to be honest. Personally that's not for me. I like to go with my mates and a have a laugh. But I wouldn't want to wake up the next morning wondering how I got there." It is not just Rodwell's ability which has endeared him to the media. His model good looks and articulate manner have attracted sponsors and an enthusiastic young fan club. But, as with most things, Rodwell takes it in his stride and is unworried about being dragged into celebrity culture.
"If people want a picture of me that's fine. It proves they're enjoying the way I play. I'm more than happy to sign a picture or give my autograph when I'm out and about," he says. "It doesn't worry me. It's just part of the game now. There isn't much you can do about it. You just have to accept it. "There have been times when you notice it, with people looking over. There have also been times when there's been a bit of trouble but you sense it and just move away. You try to keep as clean as possible.
"Now I'm playing more it's changed and people recognise me more. I've changed with it though. You have to adapt." Just back from a week of relaxing on holiday in the Greek Islands, Rodwell will continue taking it easy until he reports back for duty on July 1. Inevitably though, thoughts of next season are rarely far from his mind, and Rodwell is more convinced than ever that central midfield is the position for him.
"I'd like to continue in midfield," he says. "I've played defence a lot but I wouldn't see my future as a centre half. I like to do more than just stay at the back, I like to get forward and midfield suited me last season. "I wouldn't like to say what will happen in the future, maybe one day I will step back, but for the foreseeable future it's definitely centre midfield. I don't think goals like against United would happen if I was centre half." Behind the laid-back manner is a young man with complete determination to be the best. "I don't set goals. But when I'm in training I'd like to always be the best and then on a Saturday I want to give it my all and keep getting games," he says. "Because I'm such a young lad, just trying to get time on the pitch is my main role. There's a high standard here. Training is brilliant , and I'm more than happy turning up to training never mind the game days. "I wouldn't say I'm surprised how quickly this has all happened. I've always had belief in myself that I'd play a lot of games at such a young age. That's happened now but I think there's a lot more to come from me."
Journalist and author John Sweeney on Wayne Rooney: "He got out of Croxteth so fair play"
May 26 2010 by Paddy Shennan, Liverpool Echo
MANY Merseysiders may still wish to disown him – or worse – but the fact remains that Wayne Mark Rooney is one of Liverpool's most famous sons. And the boy who was born in Fazakerley Hospital and brought up in Croxteth could even, should Rio Ferdinand and Steven Gerrard get injured (and England actually play to their potential for a change), end up lifting the World Cup on July 11. Investigative journalist and author John Sweeney, 51, would love to see this – and it probably wouldn't do any harm to sales of his new book. Rooney's Gold, which is colourful, controversial and entertaining, is described as "the uncensored life of the nation's greatest footballer, and the people who sought to exploit his gifts". The Sweeney, who made headlines himself following an onscreen bust-up with a scientologist during a Panorama investigation, certainly doesn't pull any punches, not least when he's writing about Croxteth. "You only go to Crocky if you turn off the East Lancs Road by mistake" he writes, and of its Western Approaches pub comments: "Drinkers in the Wezzy treat strangers to their pub with a circumspection that can be chilling".
And while praising Rooney, he tells me: "Anyone who can get out of Crocky, fair play to them." But although his dismissive descriptions will wind-up a lot of people, other parts of the book, including the passages about former Sun editor Kelvin MacKenzie, will provoke cheers and applause. He tells me: "If you look at what happened at Hillsborough, the victims were blamed by MacKenzie and those responsible were essentially given a free pass – it was entirely the wrong way round and entirely unjust. With Hillsborough it's simple and straightforward – the Liverpool fans were wronged and MacKenzie has never seriously apologised for it." Well said – though he knows he will lose brownie points elsewhere, admitting: "No, I haven't dressed up Crocky in flattering terms and I don't expect to receive an invitation from the Croxteth Tourist Board." But the Tranmere Rovers supporting author (who, though born in Jersey, comes from good Mersey stock – he's the son of Birkenhead-born Leonard and Liverpool-born Barbara) stresses: "What is great about Liverpool culture is its wit, its toughness, its sense of fair play and its excitement. "Liverpool has got some beautiful buildings but when I think of Liverpool I think of somewhere that is full of life, wit and humour." Of his book (which, among others, won't please Rooney's agent, Paul Stretford), he says: "It's a general attempt to tell the story of Wayne Rooney and to say that he's a lion; a rough one, not a smooth one. It's also an attack on Britain's moronic celebrity culture, which I hate. "The book has had a complicated history. It was pulled by the first publishers in 2007, then I went away and rewrote a lot of it. And as I rewrote it, it became obvious that Wayne Rooney had changed. Although he had made a series of mistakes – the worst one being the deal with The Sun, although in my view that was a mistake made more by his agent than by him because he was only a lad – he was now working very hard at trying to master his demons. "He has a lot of demons but, at times, it's difficult to keep genius trammelled. But do we want to? I like Nicholas Parsons as chairman on Just A Minute but I don't want him to play for England. "Wayne has changed and my understanding of him has changed. I do think he's a genius, but for a genius to deliver he still has to work hard – and he is doing. He has shown tremendous application and discipline and for that you've got to give him credit." Then again, as Rooney's Gold examines his worst of times as well as his best of times, the footballer is unlikely to welcome it – is he? "I'd think Wayne would say 'It's my bloody life and I can write a book about it but I don't bloody want anyone else to write one.' But I'd say 'This is a democracy!' There are obviously stories out there he wouldn't want to be in it but, in general, I think it's fair to him.
"I have dealt with the devastating prostitute stories, which was a ghastly time for Wayne and Coleen – but they got through it and fair play to them for that."
He adds: "We know he's not perfect but he's not a bad man. He has done some great things and – should there be injuries to others – I'd love to see him lifting the World Cup as the captain of England." And his hopes for the book? "I'd like people who have dismissed Wayne Rooney as a gum-chewing yob to come away and think 'He's a bigger man than that'. I think it's the life of a man in the round. He's a complicated man with lots of demons and flaws but someone who has given us an enormous amount of entertainment and some laughs – including some terrible laughs at his own expense." In February, I wrote a piece for the ECHO asking whether it was time for Evertonians to forgive Rooney for his past sins – and quoted the rapidly-maturing man as saying: "The club (Everton) is still a big part of my life and my family's life . . ."
While, regarding his former manager, David Moyes, he said: "Things haven't been good between us. I've said a few bad things in the past about him, but when I look back, I see what he did for me. He helped make me the player I am today."
Looking ahead, Sweeney says: "I think he could well end up going back to Everton."
And he adds: "I also think he would be a thumping good manager. "Wayne really understands the game and he's got that belief and aggression you need – we are uncomfortable with that but when you go into battle you don't want your sergeant major running away at the sound of the enemy." Rooney's Gold by John Sweeney (Biteback, £18.99) will be in the shops on Monday.
Everton FC star Jack Rodwell targets top four finish after agreeing to new Toffees deal
May 25 2010 by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
JACK RODWELL pledged his future to Everton and immediately targeted Champions League football as his royal blue ambition.
The 19-year-old insisted he can fulfil his footballing ambitions at Goodison Park, after completing the formalities of his five-year deal yesterday. Rodwell's new contract brings an end to speculation linking him with a £15m move to Manchester United and Chelsea, and the midfielder is hoping he can play at the highest level thanks to his continuing progress under David Moyes. Already touted as a future full England international, the Birkdale youngster is confident his new deal will boost his chances of a call-up into future Fabio Capello squads. He said: "It would be brilliant. It would obviously show I am playing as good as I can be, and hopefully sooner rather than later that can happen. "I haven't had any contact from the full England set-up.
"You hear rumours in the papers and stuff saying 'he's got a shot', but I don't really look into that sort of stuff. "I play for the U21s now and maybe next season even more so, so hopefully I'll kick on now and see what happens. "I feel like I can fulfil all my ambitions here. "The club has a great squad at the moment and if everybody is fit, like we showed the back end of last season, we can do really well. I think we can beat the big teams as well." Rodwell believes qualifying for the Champions League via a top four finish is not out of the question for Everton next season. He said: "When everyone got fit the second half of the season was great, but we even lost Marouane Fellaini who was a big player for us. "The sky is the limit for us I think.
"Whoever else the manager adds to the squad, if any, it's going to help us even more so. "If you look at the squad when everyone's fit it is really good."
He is equally confident this current Everton side can convert their good football into silverware soon. "We were so close the season before last, getting to Wembley," he said. "You get the feeling that fans will have something else to cheer about soon.
"Maybe that's a cup or hopefully in a few years a cup in Europe, be it Europa League or maybe even Champions League. You never know. "The squad's moving forward,.
"I think there will be something to look forward to sooner rather than later." Blues boss Moyes said: "I want to keep all the players we have here to make us stronger in the coming season." Meanwhile, Steven Pienaar's agent has reiterated that Everton risk losing the South Africa midfielder if they do not complete negotiations over a new deal before the World Cup. But this conflicts wildly with Pienaar's stance of a couple of weeks ago, when he said he was prepared to wait until after the World Cup to discuss the terms of a deal that would keep him at Goodiosn Park. Ivan Modia said: "At the moment it is unlikely that we can find a solution before the World Cup.
"He is very loyal to the club and it is up to what Everton want to do. "To be honest he is really looking forward and hopes they can agree before the World Cup. If nothing happens before the World Cup with Everton we may have to consider other options.
"I am aware of the interest of some big clubs." Everton defender Shane Duffy could be back playing within three or four months. The 18-year-old survived a life-threatening injury after a freak accident during a training match on Friday evening.
Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni said: "It is important he is fit, he is conscious and he is not in danger as he was in the first two days."
Agent warns Everton over Pienaar contract
May 25 2010 By David Anderson
Daily Mirror
Steven Pienaar's agent has warned Everton risk losing the winger if they do not agree a new deal before the World Cup. Ivan Modia claims Pienaar, who has one year left on his contract, could leave if Everton do not offer him the £60,000-a-week deal he wants. Tottenham and Bayern Munich are chasing the South Africa star and Modia claims they are growing tired of waiting for Everton to make their move.
"At the moment it is unlikely that we can find a solution before the World Cup. Steven is very loyal to the club and it is up to what Everton want to do.
Tuesday May 25,2010
The Express
EVERTON are braced for another summer raid from Manchester City – this time for Mikel Arteta. City have not been put off by last summer's rancorous saga over their £22million signing of Joleon Lescott from Goodison and are understood to be ready to make a £20m offer for 28-year-old Spaniard Arteta. With Roberto Mancini identifying creative, attacking midfield players as a priority if City are to launch a title bid next season, he has drawn up an ambitious hit-list including Steven Gerrard, Cesc Fabregas, Joe Cole, James Milner and Arteta. Gerrard and Barcelona-bound Fabregas were always likely to be non-starters, while Aston Villa have rejected City's £20m offer for Milner. Cole and Arteta remain on the radar, with the latter sharing the agent who helped push through Lescott's transfer. Mancini is eager to get some business done before the World Cup starts, especially as Arsenal view Arteta as a possible replacement for Fabregas. Arteta, who made a successful comeback in January after 11 months out with a knee ligament injury, has two years left on a contract that is understood to be worth £45,000 a week. He can expect to double that with City.
Everton boss David Moyes does not want to sell even though he could make a staggering £18m profit on a player he picked up for a bargain £2m from Real Sociedad five years ago. But if City follow up their interest by making a firm offer and Arteta indicates he wants to speak to them, then Moyes will not want a repeat of the Lescott affair that dragged on last summer and impacted on Everton's start.
They were thrashed 6-1 at home on the opening day by Arsenal and failed to get their campaign up and running until December. The fractious Lescott episode, during which Moyes exchanged angry words with then City boss Mark Hughes, will hardly help smooth any deal for Arteta. And relationships between the two clubs hit rock bottom when Everton won 2-0 at Eastlands in March, with Arteta scoring.
Mancini, Hughes' replacement, was fined and warned after a touchline altercation with Moyes and City chief executive Garry Cook had a bust-up with an Everton fan in the VIP seats. In a recent interview with the Daily Express, Moyes warned rival clubs that they should not regard Everton as an easy touch when it comes to transfer dealing.
Referring to the Lescott saga, he said: "I am not bitter about Joleon but I don't think anybody realised what it did for us. It had a massive effect, but we got over it. It showed me that the team is bigger than any individual. "Are we susceptible to offers? Of course we are because people look at us and think, 'We can go to Everton and take their best players'. But if they do, they know they'll have to come with a very big cheque." City could offer £10m-rated Stephen Ireland in a player-plus-cash exchange after he told the club he wants a move after falling out of favour under Mancini. 'If they want our best players they will need a big cheque'
Sports Pie
* Baines played for England against Mexico at Wembley for 90 minutes, England winning 3-1
Leighton Baines eager to keep World Cup dream alive
May 26 2010 Liverpool Echo
LEIGHTON BAINES has vowed to banish his frustrations by proving to Fabio Capello his claims for being included in England's World Cup squad are irresistible.
Everton's left-back was noticeably subdued when he left Wembley on Monday evening, clearly bothered by a performance he admitted was below his own expectations during the 3-1 friendly victory over Mexico. Inevitably, his efforts were seized upon in the post-match fallout and some critics have started to speculate whether he will make Capello's final 23-man party or if he will miss out to Aston Villa's Stephen Warnock. Baines, though, should be reassured by the fact that unlike a few of his colleagues on Monday – notably Manchester United's Michael Carrick – he was not hauled off and it is the second time Capello has overlooked Warnock to give him 90 minutes. But while he might have mixed emotions about the way in which he acquitted himself against Mexico, Baines is not disputing it was a hugely beneficial experience as it provided a glimpse of what life will be like at the World Cup.
Though he has been pleased with his form for Everton in the past 12 months, dislodging Chelsea's Ashley Cole as England's left-back will require another leap forward but Baines is determined to show Capello he at least deserves to travel to South Africa. "When Mr Capello said the Chelsea lads would not be playing on Monday, I wasn't sure if I'd start or what would happen – luckily enough I got to play the full 90 minutes," said Baines, who collected his first cap in the 3-1 win over Egypt in March. "It would be a dream come true to make the 23. "The majority of places for the other lads are probably cemented but it's far from the case for me and a few others. We are still fighting, trying to get there. I'd have liked to have done better against Mexico. "But the more time you spend with everyone, the easier it is. It takes time to settle in fully but the lads here make it easier for you. There is a good spirit amongst the lads and that is a real help." England's players were given a day off yesterday to spend some time with their families before jetting back out to their pre-World Cup training base in Irdning, something that will have done Baines the world of good. Perhaps a change of scenery and the opportunity to catch up with his two sons, Lennon and Rhys, will have been just the fillip he needs to go into the final warm-up game against Japan in Graz on Sunday in a positive frame of mind.
Trying to deal with the quick feet of Giovani Dos Santos and Pablo Berrera may have been a chastening experience but Baines has taken comfort there are plenty of places he can turn to for support, not least Liverpool's Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher.
"It was a massive step up from the Egypt game," he said. "Mexico were miles better. They have been playing a lot of games recently and they looked really sharp. We didn't and at times that showed. But it still says something that we've managed to win. "It's harder to make the step up when you are playing against top teams. In the World Cup, we'll get to play against better teams than Mexico because we will hopefully go all the way. But Mexico were very good. "They looked fit and strong and you have got to up your game when you play against them. Everyone wants to be a part of England, to come away and play, but I have always found it really hard – even when I was teenager – being away from home. "I have always struggled with it. That's quite tough. But the more time you spend around the lads, the more you begin to feel part of everything. They are all good lads, everyone is friendly and gets on with each other. There's no feeling out of the picture."
Everton FC: Fans' forum
May 26 2010 by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Echo
REGARDING the reports this week in the ECHO that Steven Pienaar has turned down the latest contract offer from Everton, I say let him go. Get decent money for him now. He wants top dollar – really that's the be all and end all of it. Pienaar is trying to get Everton to pay it as well. Well, call his bluff and sell him and wherever he goes the grass is never greener when you leave Everton. I hope he regrets it as well. No player is bigger than the club. Padwack I DON'T know how much Steven Pienaar wants, but if it's parity with our top earners then we should be offering it. If he's trying to engineer a move then let him go and we'll replace him with someone who wants to play for us.
WHATEVER the new and improved offer is we have made to Steven Pienaar, it will be a lot more compared to what he was on previously. The arrogance of these players makes me laugh. Why does Pienaar think he is worth so much more all of a sudden?
Yes he is a good player but there are many more who are better than him. If he won't sign, let's get rid, cash in and move on!
I'VE no doubt that Seamus Coleman will be a fixture in our team for years to come.
I'm absolutely made up with his success with Blackpool at Wembley and equally so to see the Tangerines get their chance in the Premier League next season. blooper
WITH the World Cup just around the corner and England fans eagerly awaiting much-needed national success, I would just like to remind all those supporters that football achievement much nearer to home can be followed. Southport FC will be playing Blue Square Premier League football from August, with teams such as Luton Town, Cambridge United, Mansfield Town, Wrexham, York City and Grimsby Town as the opposition. So why not give us a try? The number of supporters who every Saturday afternoon and Tuesday evening prop up the bars and clubs of Southport following teams whom they are never likely to see in the flesh is staggering. Why not see a 'live game' and give your local team a try? You never know, you might just enjoy it! You'll be watching a decent level of football with nationwide coverage at a reasonable cost and supporting your local club. Name and address withheld I HAVE been enjoying the nostalgic look back in the ECHO at our 1984-85 campaign and the great goals scored on our way to the League title and Cup-Winners' Cup triumph.
A personal favourite of mine from that season was Andy Gray's finish from a Trevor Steven flick-on against Leicester City away and also Gray's goal at Tottenham Hotspur which flew past Ray Clemence. Gary Glover
Everton FC star Seamus Coleman relishes Blackpool Premier League match-up
May 26 2010 by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
SEAMUS Coleman can't wait to face Blackpool in an Everton shirt after helping the Seasiders clinch promotion to the Premier League. The Toffees right-back joined the Bloomfield Road outfit on loan in March to gain vital match experience, making 12 impressive appearances. He played the full 90 minutes of the dramatic Championship play-off final at Wembley on Saturday that saw Ian Holloway's side win 3-2 to book their place in the top flight for the first time in 39 years. He said: "It was an unreal experience and to see all the people who came out to support us was amazing. It was crazy to see the crowds during the parade on Monday. "To be honest it all hasn't sunk in just yet. My family and friends were all at the game and they were more excited than me! Maybe over the next few days it will sink in what we achieved." More than 35,000 Tangerine fans headed to the capital and tens of thousands lined the streets of the seaside resort on Monday to welcome back Coleman and his team-mates.
The young defender says he is thrilled his loan club will now get to play against the Blues next season. Coleman last week signed a new contract with Everton and will report back to Finch Farm for pre-season on July 1. He said: "It will be great to see Blackpool playing at Goodison next season. It will be nice to see all the lads again too. "It will definitely be a fixture I will look out for when they come out next month!" Meanwhile, Coleman has revealed more about the recovery of his Republic of Ireland and Everton team-mate Shane Duffy. He said: "I got such a fright when I heard about it. Thankfully he is okay now. "I spoke to him yesterday to find out how he was and he seemed upbeat enough. I am delighted he is getting better."
We won't be held to ransom by Pienaar – Everton
May 27 2010 by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
EVERTON will refuse to be held to ransom by Steven Pienaar after he turned down the chance to become one of their top earners. The club were dismayed when the 28-year-old shunned a highly lucrative five-year deal which would have put him on par with their highest-paid stars. Instead Pienaar's agent Ivan Modia attempted to heap pressure on the Goodison board, by claiming the South African midfielder will consider leaving if a deal is not wrapped-up before the World Cup starts.
Everton have become increasingly frustrated with contradictory statements from Modia. First he claimed Pienaar wanted to wait until after the summer tournament to decide on his future. Then he announced that the club's player of the season wanted everything finalised before he jets off to his home-land – or he could leave.
His outbursts are believed to have staggered the Everton board, with contract negotiations having started with Pienaar's representatives some time ago.
Modia has let it be known that "big clubs" are waiting in the wings to sign the player, with Manchester United and Spurs reported to monitoring the situation.
But the ECHO understands that Everton will not consider bids from any other Premier League clubs, and are prepared to make Pienaar see out the final year of his contract.
Modia has maintained that his client would like to stay with Everton, but his decision to knock back their hugely generous contract offer suggests he is ready to leave.
He said: "We recently had a couple of meetings with Everton, we got to agreements on some aspects of the contract but we are still far on some other aspects about the valuation of the player. "At the moment it is up to them but it is very unlikely we can find a solution before the World Cup. "He is loyal to the club and it is up to what Everton want to do. "To be honest he is really looking forward and hopes they can agree before the World Cup. If nothing happens before the World Cup with Everton we may have to consider other options." Meanwhile, Pienaar believes South Africa can reach the quarter-finals of the World Cup. He is set to play his first warm-up game against Columbia today. "I rate our chances of doing well in the tournament very high. In fact I am very confident that we will go further than the second round," he said.
"We are definitely ready to go because the confidence is there, the spirit is there and I believe we will do well. "The team has been doing well and I have been following their progress since they started with the training camps – Durban, Brazil and Germany – because I am part and parcel of the team even though I was not there. As for me, I am hopeful that I will get a chance to play against Colombia."
Everton FC and USA goalkeeper Tim Howard has tiredness concerns ahead of World Cup
May 27 2008 by David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
EVERTON'S American goalkeeper Tim Howard chose the perfect time to have a rare night off – as the USA crashed to a 4-2 friendly match defeat to the Czech Republic in Connecticut on Tuesday evening. After 51 senior appearances for the Blues during 2009-10, Howard was left out of the warm-up match to rest a thigh strain.
And he admitted that the biggest problem for the USA players ahead of their World Cup opener against England on June 12 would be retaining their mental and physical sharpness after such an arduous schedule. "I think the challenge for us will be to go into the tournament off the back of a long season as we will be tired both mentally and physically," said Howard. "That is not an excuse though, as you get to play in the biggest tournament of your life, so it is about managing yourself so you feel fit and ready to play. "The routine is a little bit different to back home (in England) because when we are away with America we are in hotels and shacked up and secluded from everyone else. "It is not like you train then go home every day, but we have got a good chemistry between the boys so we enjoy being around each other."
WHILE Howard had a watching brief for the USA, club-mates Joseph Yobo and Victor Anichebe were both involved in Nigeria's goalless draw against Saudi Arabia.
But while Yobo looked understandably rusty, Anichebe was bright and powerful, had a number of shots at goal and got a standing ovation from the fans when he was substituted.
Everton FC will refuse to be held to ransom by Steven Pienaar
May 27 2010 by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
EVERTON will refuse to be held to ransom by Steven Pienaar after he turned down the chance to become one of their top earners. The club were dismayed when the 28-year-old shunned a highly lucrative five-year deal which would have put him on par with their highest-paid stars. Instead Pienaar's agent Ivan Modia attempted to heap pressure on the Goodison board, by claiming the South African midfielder will consider leaving if a deal is not wrapped-up before the World Cup starts.
Everton have become increasingly frustrated with contradictory statements from Modia. First he claimed Pienaar wanted to wait until after the summer tournament to decide on his future. Then he announced that the club's player of the season wanted everything finalised before he jets off to his home-land – or he could leave.
His outbursts are believed to have staggered the Everton board, with contract negotiations having started with Pienaar's representatives some time ago.
Modia has let it be known that "big clubs" are waiting in the wings to sign the player, with Manchester United and Spurs reported to monitoring the situation.
But the ECHO understands that Everton will not consider bids from any other Premier League clubs, and are prepared to make Pienaar see out the final year of his contract.
Modia has maintained that his client would like to stay with Everton, but his decision to knock back their hugely generous contract offer suggests he is ready to leave.
He said: "We recently had a couple of meetings with Everton, we got to agreements on some aspects of the contract but we are still far on some other aspects about the valuation of the player. "At the moment it is up to them but it is very unlikely we can find a solution before the World Cup. "He is loyal to the club and it is up to what Everton want to do. "To be honest he is really looking forward and hopes they can agree before the World Cup. If nothing happens before the World Cup with Everton we may have to consider other options." Meanwhile, Pienaar believes South Africa can reach the quarter-finals of the World Cup. He is set to play his first warm-up game against Columbia today. "I rate our chances of doing well in the tournament very high. In fact I am very confident that we will go further than the second round," he said.
"We are definitely ready to go because the confidence is there, the spirit is there and I believe we will do well. "The team has been doing well and I have been following their progress since they started with the training camps – Durban, Brazil and Germany – because I am part and parcel of the team even though I was not there. As for me, I am hopeful that I will get a chance to play against Colombia."
Everton complete deal for Leeds Strike Star
By Alan Nixon May 27 2010
Daily Mirror
Everton boss David Moyes swooped for Leeds striker Jermaine Beckford yesterday to make him his first signing of the summer. Beckford's move to Goodison has been on and off for months but finally went through after he headed for Merseyside to finalise terms and undergo a medical. Free agent Beckford had rival interest from West Ham but wanted to stay in the north for personal reasons. Moyes has been tracking Beckford for more than a year and stuck to his guns despite the forward's dip in form as Leeds almost blew automatic promotion in the last couple of months of the campaign.Beckford eventually took Leeds up but he wants to try his luck at Premier League level and has also picked up a contract worth just over £1million-a-year.
Moyes is looking to shake up his attack and will let James Vaughan go, while Yakubu could also be sold if West Ham increase their opening offer.
Everton FC's Shane Duffy has been described as very lucky boy by Republic-of-Ireland captain Robbie Keane.
May 28 2010 by David Randles, Liverpool Echo
Shane Duffy has been described as 'a very, very lucky boy' by Republic-of-Ireland captain Robbie Keane. Shane Duffy has been described as 'a very, very lucky boy' by Republic-of-Ireland captain Robbie Keane. SHANE DUFFY has been described as 'a very, very lucky boy' by Republic-of-Ireland captain Robbie Keane. The Tottenham striker has visited Duffy in hospital and revealed the youngster is already plotting his return to action. Just days after undergoing life saving surgery following a freak accident while on international duty last week, the Blues defender is looking forward to getting back out on the pitch again. Duffy lost two-thirds of his blood supply after rupturing a hepatic artery during a training game for the Republic of Ireland on Friday evening. A collision with amateur team goalkeeper Adrian Walsh left the 18-year-old fighting for his life. Republic doctor Alan Byrne admitted Duffy, who was named Everton's reserve player of the season, was just seconds away from death.
However, following surgery at Dublin's Mater hospital Duffy is now on the mend and could be back in action within three months. Keane visited Duffy with Republic manager Giovanni Trapattoni, his assistant Marco Tardelli and fitness coach Fausto Rossi. Keane said: "He was very upbeat. "The lads went in last week and said he wasn't looking very well, but I went in yesterday and he was fine. He had a colour in his face. "Obviously, he is still in a little bit of pain, but his family was there and it was certainly nice to see him. He is a very nice lad. "Considering what happened to him, he is very upbeat and he is already looking forward to getting back playing.
"His family was there as well and they are a lovely, lovely family. It was only right as captain to go in and see him. "Myself, the manager, Marco and Fausto went in also, and it was good to see him. "He is looking well and he is a very, very lucky boy."
Duffy had been invited by Trapattoni to join the senior Republic squad for training purposes last week after switching his international allegiance from Northern Ireland last season. And he may soon be joined by Everton team-mate Seamus Coleman who has caught the eye of Trapattoni's number two, Tardelli. Coleman is already a regular at Under-21 level and has just sealed a promising debut season on English soil by helping Blackpool reach the Premier League at the end of a three month loan spell at Bloomfield Road. The former Sligo Rovers full-back recently put pen to paper on a new contract at Everton and could soon be celebrating his first full international cap.
"Coleman, I know very well," said Tardelli. "I knew him at Everton and then he went to Blackpool and he has played well, but we have good players in that area.
"Maybe in the next training camp we will see him."
Get kitted out for those 2010/11 away day Blues: Everton FC latest
May 28 2010 Liverpool Echo
A REVOLUTION is coming. And you can be its leader.
Everton and its retail partner Kitbag will launch the Blues' new away kit next Thursday with a dramatic unveiling at 10am at the Club stores Everton One and Everton Two. And the Echo has teamed up with Everton and Kitbag to offer one of its readers the exclusive chance to win the very first official 2010/11 away shirt, signed by a first team player. But that's not all. Everton has planned their new shirt launch with military precision. On the day of the reveal a marching band will parade down Goodison Road to Everton One where the new kit will be unveiled for the first time.
The Echo winner will help perform the unveiling after they lead the procession to Everton One. To enter the competition all you have to do is answer the following question: Where can you pre-order the new Everton away kit for the 2010/11 season from 1 June?
Get kitted out for those 2010/11 away day Blues: Everton FC latest
May 28 2010 Liverpool Echo
A REVOLUTION is coming. And you can be its leader.
Everton and its retail partner Kitbag will launch the Blues' new away kit next Thursday with a dramatic unveiling at 10am at the Club stores Everton One and Everton Two. And the Echo has teamed up with Everton and Kitbag to offer one of its readers the exclusive chance to win the very first official 2010/11 away shirt, signed by a first team player. But that's not all. Everton has planned their new shirt launch with military precision. On the day of the reveal a marching band will parade down Goodison Road to Everton One where the new kit will be unveiled for the first time.
The Echo winner will help perform the unveiling after they lead the procession to Everton One. To enter the competition all you have to do is answer the following question: Where can you pre-order the new Everton away kit for the 2010/11 season from today? Send your answers by e-mail to to firstname.lastname@example.com, or by post to Everton Shirt competition, Liverpool Echo sports desk, Old Hall Street, Liverpool L69 3EB. Fans will be able to pre-order their new Everton away kit before they see it, online via www.evertondirect.com from today.
Everton FC's Shane Duffy has been described as very lucky boy by Republic-of-Ireland captain Robbie Keane.
May 28 2010 by David Randles, Liverpool Echo
Shane Duffy has been described as 'a very, very lucky boy' by Republic-of-Ireland captain Robbie Keane. Shane Duffy has been described as 'a very, very lucky boy' by Republic-of-Ireland captain Robbie Keane. SHANE DUFFY has been described as 'a very, very lucky boy' by Republic-of-Ireland captain Robbie Keane. The Tottenham striker has visited Duffy in hospital and revealed the youngster is already plotting his return to action. Just days after undergoing life saving surgery following a freak accident while on international duty last week, the Blues defender is looking forward to getting back out on the pitch again. Duffy lost two-thirds of his blood supply after rupturing a hepatic artery during a training game for the Republic of Ireland on Friday evening. A collision with amateur team goalkeeper Adrian Walsh left the 18-year-old fighting for his life. Republic doctor Alan Byrne admitted Duffy, who was named Everton's reserve player of the season, was just seconds away from death.
However, following surgery at Dublin's Mater hospital Duffy is now on the mend and could be back in action within three months. Keane visited Duffy with Republic manager Giovanni Trapattoni, his assistant Marco Tardelli and fitness coach Fausto Rossi. Keane said: "He was very upbeat. "The lads went in last week and said he wasn't looking very well, but I went in yesterday and he was fine. He had a colour in his face. "Obviously, he is still in a little bit of pain, but his family was there and it was certainly nice to see him. He is a very nice lad. "Considering what happened to him, he is very upbeat and he is already looking forward to getting back playing.
"His family was there as well and they are a lovely, lovely family. It was only right as captain to go in and see him. "Myself, the manager, Marco and Fausto went in also, and it was good to see him. "He is looking well and he is a very, very lucky boy."
Duffy had been invited by Trapattoni to join the senior Republic squad for training purposes last week after switching his international allegiance from Northern Ireland last season. And he may soon be joined by Everton team-mate Seamus Coleman who has caught the eye of Trapattoni's number two, Tardelli. Coleman is already a regular at Under-21 level and has just sealed a promising debut season on English soil by helping Blackpool reach the Premier League at the end of a three month loan spell at Bloomfield Road. The former Sligo Rovers full-back recently put pen to paper on a new contract at Everton and could soon be celebrating his first full international cap.
"Coleman, I know very well," said Tardelli. "I knew him at Everton and then he went to Blackpool and he has played well, but we have good players in that area. "Maybe in the next training camp we will see him."
Everton FC set to sign Jermaine Beckford from Leeds
May 28 2010 by David Randles, Liverpool Echo
EVERTON are set to clinch the signing of Leeds striker Jermaine Beckford on a free transfer. Goodison sources today confirmed the Blues have offered the 26-year-old a four-year deal. Beckford was set to become a free aqent at the end of June but is expected to terminate his contract today so he can become an Everton player immediately. Subject to a medical Beckford will become David Moyes' second summer signing following the capture of Slovakian goalkeeper Jan Mucha.
Everton have beaten off competition from a host of Premier League clubs who were also interested in capturing Beckford. Aston Villa and West Ham were tracking the player's situation as were Newcastle who had several offers rejected by Leeds.
Everton were always Beckford's preferred destination however. He fired 31 goals in total last season and 25 in the league to help Leeds gain promotion to the Championship. Beckford sprang to national prominence when he struck the winner against Manchester United at Old Trafford in the FA Cup. The Elland Road club were desperate to keep hold of their top scorer but were always fighting a losing battle.
After turning down Leeds' final offer, they gave Beckford permission to talk to other clubs. Moyes has been a long term admirer of the former Chelsea trainee who will now provide competition for Louis Saha, Yakubu and Victor Anichebe.
Meanwhile Shane Duffy has been described as 'a very, very lucky boy' by Republic-of-Ireland captain Robbie Keane. The Tottenham striker has visited Duffy in hospital and revealed the youngster is already plotting his return to action. Keane said: "He was very upbeat. "The lads went in last week and said he wasn't looking very well, but I went in yesterday and he was fine. He had a colour in his face. "Obviously, he is still in a little bit of pain, but his family was there and it was certainly nice to see him. He is a very nice lad. "Considering what happened to him, he is very upbeat and he is already looking forward to getting back playing. "It was only right as captain to go in and see him. "Myself, the manager, Marco and Fausto went in also, and it was good to see him. "He is looking well and he is a very, very lucky boy." Duffy had been invited by Trapattoni to join the senior Republic squad for training purposes last week after switching his international allegiance from Northern Ireland last season. And he may soon be joined by Everton team-mate Seamus Coleman who has caught the eye of Trapattoni's number two, Tardelli. Coleman is already a regular at Under-21 level and has just sealed a promising debut season on English soil by helping Blackpool reach the Premier League at the end of a three month loan spell at Bloomfield Road.
The former Sligo Rovers full-back recently put pen to paper on a new contract at Everton and could soon be celebrating his first full international cap. "Coleman, I know very well," said Tardelli.
Everton star Shane Duffy says 'I'm just glad to be alive'
May 29 2010 by David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
EVERTON defender Shane Duffy was discharged from Dublin's Mater Hospital yesterday – and admitted he's happy to be alive after last week's freak injury.
A routine challenge with Irish amateur goalkeeper Adrian Walsh during a Republic of Ireland training match in Malahide resulted in a lacerated liver which saw the 18-year-old left fighting for his life. And Duffy admitted: "This time last week, I thought I wouldn't be here, so I have to realise I am here and I have to look at the bigger picture. "I am just here to thank all the medical staff who saved my life. Gerry McEntee (surgeon), (Ireland team doctor) Alan Byrne and (Ireland team surgeon, Professor) John O'Byrne saved my life. I just want to thank everyone in this hospital for everything they have done. They saved my life. "This time last week, I was in there having an operation and it was a scary time. I just have to thank everyone. It's been a crazy time, a crazy week." Duffy lost 3.6 litres of blood – around two-thirds of his supply – and underwent emergency surgery after suffering a sudden and potentially fatal drop in blood pressure in casualty. Dr Byrne said: "Shane was very frightened. He thought he as going to die. "There was 3.6 litres of blood in his abdomen that has leaked from this artery, and he had received over 20 units of blood.
"You are pouring it in one way and it is leaking out the other way. "All you can do at that stage is put as much fluid in as you can because you are trying to keep the circulation going to the brain and to the heart. "FAI surgeon Professor John O'Byrne rang me a couple of times from the ambulance and he thought he was going to die because you cannot replace the loss of this fluid and blood. "He had lines going in everywhere in A&E to try to maintain his blood pressure." Dr Byrne revealed he knew within seconds of running on to the pitch at Malahide United's Gannon Park home that he was dealing with a serious injury. He said: "I made my mind up probably 30 seconds into it. I just knew this was odd. "I wasn't quite sure of the nature of it. He was in so much pain and I needed to know where that pain was. "After a while, he was able to say it was near his lower breastbone, so what you think is the worst case scenario – the sac that covers your heart is behind there and you can bleed into that from a trauma, collapse your lungs, break your sternum. "I noticed a bruise, a mark on his lower abdomen where your liver is, but I just knew we were in trouble. "I wanted to see if he was stable – his pulse was okay and his heart and lungs, and I just knew we had to get to hospital quickly." Duffy said: "I really didn't know what had happened, it was a blur. I woke up on Friday night with the operation done, but my mum and dad were telling me that I had nearly died last night. It was crazy.
"But everyone in there was top-class, and I can't thank the FAI enough, the nurses and the staff. Alan and John were the first two to get to me and realise how serious it was.
"I am so happy to be alive now." Duffy has been inundated by messages of support from his Everton team-mates and fans and received visits from his colleagues in the Ireland squad, manager Giovanni Trapattoni and captain Robbie Keane. He said: "I was speechless. When they walked in, I didn't know because I was still sleeping. But when I saw the manager and Robbie there ... "Robbie is a top lad – all the lads were top, to be fair. The day before, they all came, about 14 of them, and I couldn't ask for any more of them. All the Everton lads have been in touch. Everyone has been so supportive – I can't get over how much people care about it." It will be a tough and arduous road back to health and one that has to be monitored but Duffy hopes to return to action before the end of the calendar year. He said: "I am getting there now. The pain has gone a bit, it's easing off and hopefully over the next couple of months, I can recover well and get back playing. Hopefully, in four to five months, I will be back playing. I will take it easy, just not rush it back."
Liverpool council leader Joe Anderson is the right man to help Everton FC find their new home.
May 29 2010 by Dominic King, Liverpool Echo
ANYONE who has spent time professionally engaged in Everton's stadium debate knows it can be like sticking your brain into a washing machine on full cycle.
Ideas and claims are twirled about ad hoc, a lot of froth builds up, but ultimately the central themes seem to go around and around in ever decreasing circles.
For every ray of enlightenment, every balloon of optimism, there is a pin ready and waiting to do the bursting. Each new proposal, no matter how ambitious, good-natured, and impressive, seems fatally vague over the crucial question.
How are Everton going to fund that? A Siamese shared-stadium complex? Intriguing. But how would Everton fund their half? A new ground on any number of proposed sites within the Liverpool boundaries? Bring it on - but where is the money?
Robert Elstone must feel like a broken record sometimes. He has said, time and again, that nothing can happen without the significant support of either the private or public sector. Enabling retail facility is a fundamental must. It is what made Destination Kirkby a realistic prospect. So too, is a cooperative local authority. Under the recently-departed Liberal Democrat council, the degree of cooperation was often debatable. Initially prevented from officially talking to Everton under the terms of the exclusivity agreement between Everton, Tesco and Knowsley council, ex-city leader Warren Bradley could do little but make sympathetic noises. Yet when the channels of communication were finally opened, the council were far from dynamic. A string of unsuitable sites were offered up for Everton's consideration, as relations on both sides grew increasingly fraught. To the bemusement of everybody at Goodison Park, the council sat on, and then denied the Toffees planning permission to generate vital funds by building luxury homes on their former Bellefield training ground.
It meant a £10m hole in their stadium budget and left an understandable sense of rancour which would not dissipate. To this day, the future of that Bellefield land resembles the future of Everton's stadium - in stasis. That is why the arrival of new council leader Joe Anderson is good news. Joe, an Everton season ticket holder like Warren Bradley, has a useful habit of making things happen. The former publican and sailor is not overly fond of the word 'no'. He is not one to allow red-tape and complex situations to deter him. When many advised Joe that Michael Shields was likely to have to finish his full jail term, regardless of his innocence, he refused to accept it.
The human battering ram took on his own party, his own Government, the Bulgarian Government and even the EU, until finally Michael was released last year. "Hopefully, discussions with Liverpool City Council and the newly-elected Labour leader will be exciting," said Everton's chief executive. "The truth is that the city council does hold the key to a new stadium; a new stadium that's so important to us to keep pace at the top of the Premier League. "Goodison redevelopment has an uncertain time frame, an uncertain cost, restricted funding streams and no guarantee, ultimately, of success. "What is very evident, to bring a stadium to life is a Kirkby-type funding model with substantial private sector support facilitated by a supportive and progressive city council. "Being supportive, in my view, needs the council to fully appreciate the significance and contribution made by Everton Football Club to the city and its communities; an indisputable fact that all too often seems to be overlooked."
Jermaine Beckford can be a class act - Everton FC latest
May 29 2010 Liverpool Echo
FOR a non-league club, Wealdstone FC has a pretty good pedigree of nurturing the careers of top-flight stars. And whilst the Middlesex club's production line has dried up somewhat since the days of Stuart Pearce and Vinnie Jones in the 1980s, Everton fans will be hoping Jermaine Beckford can be the latest 'Stone' to make an impact at the top level. The Ealing-born 26-year-old, who as recently as 2005 was fitting windscreens for the RAC, has agreed a four-year deal at Goodison Park, subject to the completion of a medical, and could become an Everton player as early as next week if, as expected, he insists upon the early termination of his contract at Leeds United.
Beckford had caught plenty of eyes during his four-year spell at Elland Road. After 85 goals in 149 appearances at Elland Road, including high-profile FA Cup strikes against Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur, the prolific striker now has another chance to shine in the Premier League, after being released by Chelsea - where he played alongside Carlton Cole at youth level - as a youngster. David Moyes has worked hard in beating the likes of Aston Villa and Newcastle United to secure his signature, and the Londoner will compete with Louis Saha, Yakubu, Victor Anichebe and James Vaughan for a place in the Everton attack. And according to Phil Hay, Chief Football Writer for the Yorkshire Evening Post, Blues fans can expect plenty of goals from their latest capture. "The one thing Beckford can definitely do is score," he says, "He took League One to the cleaners over the past few years. He is a great finisher with plenty of pace, and can create goals too. "But he is also a striker who thrives off good service. He has had relatively decent service at Leeds but of course that will improve greatly at Everton. Someone like Mikel Arteta is tailormade for Beckford. Despite his goalscoring exploits Beckford had come in for criticism from some quarters this season, with supporters questioning their top-scorer's attitude and commitment once it became apparent his future lay away from Elland Road.
But whilst Hay admits effort is not his strong point, he says he will leave Yorkshire a hero, having scored the goal which sealed Leeds' promotion to the Championship, after three years in the wilderness of League One. "Despite how valuable he has been to Leeds since his arrival, Beckford had a strange standing among the fans," says Hay, "Although he was quite prolific he seemed to have a strange attitude to the game at times. "Beckford isn't a grafter compared to others. Where someone like [strike partner] Luciano Becchio is all energy and effort, Beckford will be the first to admit he isn't. "He came in for criticism from the Leeds fans last season when he and the team were struggling for form. Beckford took the brunt of that as they thought he wasn't doing enough. But it was a bit harsh blaming one player for the collective problems of the team. "Of course, it was Beckford who scored the goal against Bristol Rovers that sent Leeds up to the Championship, and you suspected that was always the way it would happen and he will leave with everyone's best wishes." So now for the new chapter in the confident striker's career. Beckford is a late-comer to the professional game, having only really started to break through, aged 23, during a productive loan-spell at Scunthorpe United back in 2007. The goals began to flow following his return to Elland Road, and his 34 strikes in the 2008/09 season was the best return by a Leeds player since the great John Charles in 1953/54. But whilst his figures are impressive, there is still plenty of scepticism as to whether Beckford will be able to cut it at Premier League level. His experience at even Championship level is limited to just a handful of appearances, and plenty of strikers before him have found the step up from lower league football to be too great. Nevertheless, given Moyes' own record of moulding rough diamonds into seasoned top-flight performers - think Tim Cahill, Phil Jagielka & Joleon Lescott especially - Everton can be confident that Beckford will prove a shrewd acquisition, even if the initial adaptation process may take some time. Hay says: "Is he a gamble for Moyes? Not really. Because he's on a free he's definitely worth the risk. "Obviously it is yet to be seen whether he can translate his form up to the Premier League. He's not the biggest physically, and isn't great in the air, which may cause him problems up against Premier League centre-backs. "It may take him some time to adapt to the Premier League. Because of that I'm not sure he'll start straight away. I'd be surprised if David Moyes sees him as first choice. "But I find it a little bit unfair that people have said he won't be able to make the grade at Premier League level without actually giving the player the chance to do so first.
Jury is out on whether Jermaine Beckford will join Everton FC
May 29 2010 by Dominic King, Liverpool Echo
IT looks increasingly likely that Leeds striker Jermaine Beckford will become David Moyes' second summer recruit after goalkeeper Jan Mucha. The prolific, albeit in the third tier of English football, forward has long-been linked with the Toffees, and has been watched on various occasions by Goodison scouts. He is quick – a quality Everton's strike force is not overly blessed with – and would cost nothing.
The player is due to meet David Moyes this weekend, while his agent will talk to Blues chairman Bill Kenwright. The lack of a transfer fee appeals for obvious reasons, and Beckford is reported to have turned down Leeds' offer of a £10k a week deal, so it would hardly take a massive contract offer to lure him to Merseyside. But he flattered to deceive in the closing stages of Leeds' successful promotion push. Yes, he scored against Manchester United and Spurs in the FA Cup, but was also benched before one league game for Leeds. Perhaps his mind was already on pastures new. David Moyes' track record of bringing unproven players from lower divisions and watching them sparkle is unmatched. Beckford has plenty to prove, but so did Tim Cahill, Joleon Lescott and Dan Gosling.
Leeds cancel Jermaine Beckford contract paving the way for Everton FC move
May 29 2010 by David Randles, Liverpool Echo
LEEDS UNITED have cancelled Jermaine Beckford's contract - paving the way for him to join Everton. The in-demand striker was set to become a free agent on July 1 when his deal at Elland Road expired. However, after failing to persuade Beckford to remain in Yorkshire, Leeds have finally conceded defeat and severed ties with the player. By officially terminating his contract, Beckford is now free to complete his switch to Goodison Park. That is expected to happen early next week once the player has passed a medical at Finch Farm. First, the 26-year-old will meet with David Moyes this weekend while Bill Kenwright is set to meet the players agent to put the finishing touches to the transfer. Everton have offered Beckford a four-year deal after being given permission by Leeds to speak to the player. Despite interest from a host of Premier League clubs, including Newcastle who had a £1.5m offer for Beckford rejected in January, the former Chelsea trainee is known to prefer a move to Everton.
Aston Villa and West Ham were also tracking his situation but Beckford wanted to remain in the north for personal reasons. Leeds had put a new deal on the table for Beckford last May but the player turned it down and was subsequently placed on the transfer list for two months. The club then returned with improved terms of around £10,000 a week in January after Beckford had submitted a transfer request. Beckford also rejected that offer, although once the Newcastle deal collapsed he withdrew his request to leave and instead pledged to help Leeds gain promotion to the championship. He fired 25 league goals last season to help Leeds achieve that - 31 in all competitions - the last of which was the vital winner in a 2-1 win against Bristol Rovers that clinched promotion on the final day of the League One season. Moyes has long been an admirer of Beckford who is likely to provide competition for Louis Saha, Yakubu and Victor Anichebe. Meanwhile, midfielder Steven Pienaar claims this season was a "failure" for the Toffees. Everton struggled badly with injuries early on but rallied impressively in the second half of the campaign. "I think it's been a failure," said the South Africa international, whose future at Everton remains in doubt as no agreement has yet been reached on a new contract with just 12 months remaining of his existing deal. "We didn't start fresh at the beginning of the season due to injury problems and we suffered from that throughout the season. We didn't qualify for Europe so the season has to be considered a failure."
City and Everton in business again
Manchester City, 10:59, May 30, 2010
Everton defender John Heitinga has confirmed that Manchester City are interested in signing him this summer.
Roberto Mancini is said to be targeting the 26 year old to bolster a side that conceded 25 Premier League goals last season - more than any other team in the top seven.
Heitinga, who is currently in Holland's World Cup squad preparing for this summers tournament, joined the Toffee's for £6m in September 2009.He told De Telegraaf, "I have heard the reports, but nothing is serious as yet.""City have ambitions and I am always looking to move to a bigger club."But I have a contract for four years, without any get-out clause in it, so I will fully focus myself on Everton. I am very happy at this club."There would be a sense of déjà vu for the Goodison Park side after losing star defender Joleon Lescott to Eastlands a week before signing Heitinga - who consequently took his number 5 shirt.Heitinga settled into David Moyes' side during the 2009/10 season; establishing himself as a versatile and integral member of the team as he proved to be equally adaptable either in defence or midfield.He made 33 appearances during the course of the season - 10 more than Lescott who has so far struggled to make an impact in Manchester.
Everton FC's John Heitinga risks David Moyes' wrath with Manchester City talk
May 31 2010 by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
JOHN HEITINGA has risked the wrath of manager David Moyes by claiming he would move to Manchester City to fulfil his ambitions. The 26-year-old defender, who only signed for the Toffees in a £6.2m deal last summer, has become a popular figure among Everton fans after a string of committed displays. But in an interview with a Dutch newspaper, he responded to speculation linking him with Roberto Mancini's side by reportedly suggesting he would welcome a switch. He said: "They're a club with big ambitions and I have the door open for a big club.
"I hear things said here, there and everywhere about a move for me, although there is nothing definite yet. "At this moment I am still contracted to Everton for another four years without a clause in my contract. "I am focusing on Everton right now and enjoying life there." Heitinga will be asked to explain his comments to Moyes when he returns from his World Cup duties with Holland. The Scot was infuriated last summer by how Manchester City conducted their approach for Joleon Lescott, and has been a critic of the Eastlands club's methods in the transfer market. The former Ajax and Atletico Madrid player joins team-mate Mikel Arteta as reported targets for Manchester City. Meanwhile, Leighton Baines took a step closer to selection for Fabio Capello's final 23-man England squad for the World Cup without kicking a ball against Japan yesterday. Baines did not figure in the 2-1 victory over Japan, but neither did his rival for the role as Ashley Cole's understudy at left-back, Aston Villa's Stephen Warnock. With Warnock not playing any part in either of England's two warm-up games before the tournament, he is now unlikely to be on the plane to South Africa. That would mean Baines, who played for the duration of last week's win over Mexico, getting the go-ahead. Elsewhere, Leeds United manager Simon Grayson has hinted that Jermaine Beckford's anticipated move to Everton this week could be a formality. He said: "We knew it was going to happen eventually. "We decided in January to keep hold of him and try to get us goals to get promoted and that's how it panned out with him scoring the goal that took us up."
Everton FC complete signing of Leeds United striker Jermaine Beckford
May 31 2010 David Prentice
EVERTON have completed the signing of striker Jermaine Beckford from Leeds United. The 26-year-old has signed a four year contract after meeting Blues boss David Moyes over the weekend and passing a Finch Farm medical. After agreeing with Leeds to terminate the remaining month on his contract he can now join up with his new team-mates when they return for pre-season training in July. Beckford scored 31 goals last season and was a huge success during his three-year stay at Elland Road.
He famously scored the goal which knocked Manchester United out of last season's FA Cup at Old Trafford and was subsequently named as the League One Player of the Year for the second time, following on from his 2008 triumph. Beckford began his career as a youngster at Chelsea but failed to break into the first team and after being released from Stamford Bridge he drifted into non-league football with Wealdstone.
His prolific goalscoring form soon attracted Football League scouts and he joined Leeds United in March 2006, where, after loan spells at Carlisle and Scunthorpe, he established himself as a regular goalscorer
May 2010