ToffeeWeb Season Diary
Season 2011-12
 2009-10 |
Index | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | 2011-12 
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August 2011
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News Headlines & Features Arsenal grab Arteta in £10m dealBeckford and Yak also move on; Stracqualursi, Drenthe arrive on loan 31 Aug - What most Evertonians assumed would be a quiet transfer deadline day ended with the Club's highest-paid player leaving in a shock move to Arsenal following an on-and-off transfer saga that looked to be dead a couple of hours before the deadline. Jermaine Beckford was also belatedly confirmed to have left the club in a switch to Leicester that could rise to £4m, while Yakubu made a £1.5m move to Blackburn Rovers. David Moyes did finally sign his first players of the summer, though, in striker Denis Stracqualursi, who makes a loan move from Tigres where he was the top scorer in Argentina's first division last season, and Royston Drenthe from Real Madrid. Moyes secures belated additions Drenthe & Stracqualursi in on loan 31 Aug - Real Madrid's left-sided defender/midfielder Royston Drenthe has joined Everton from the the Bernebeu, on a season-long loan. Denis Stracqualursi, who makes a loan move from Tigre where he was the top scorer in Argentina's first division last season, was the second acquisition announced after the transfer deadline had passed. Arsenal revive deadline-day Arteta move Yak, Beckford head out; Loan striker, Drenthe could be in 31 Aug - With the deal seemingly dead a couple of hours before the deadline, Arsenal have resurrected talks with Mikel Arteta, with BBC correspondent Dan Roan tweeting that the Spaniard has asked to leave Everton. The Blues have apparently accepted a £10m offer for the Basque playmaker and it looks very much like the 29 year-old could be heading south after all... Yak and Yobo may be staying... Fenerbahçe move still in doubt 30 Aug - Yakubu and Joseph Yobo may not have played their last games for Everton just yet, with the latter's move to Fenerbahçe looking a remote possibility after the Turks were turfed out of the Champions League amid match-fixing allegations, and the former reportedly turning down a move to Blackburn Rovers. If they do stay, David Moyes says he will welcome them both back into the squad. A means to an end Blue Union Statement Released 29 Aug - After almost two weeks of silence, The Blue Union has finally responded to the barrage of misinformation coming from the club and other shackled media outlets regarding the confidentiality of their seminal meeting with Bill Kenwright. While avoiding any discussion of the controversial taping, the Blue Union provide evidence that there was only one precondition to the meeting, which was observed, and that it was understood that a full report would be prepared. The agent for much of the misinformation campaign and delay in publication was Derek Hatton himself. Maybe Loans, Maybe Sales... Maybe Nothing 29 Aug - As Deadline Day for another disappointing transfer window looms, David Moyes says of any loan deals: “I don't expect it. Who knows, I don't want to tell you a lie and you said ‘you told me that'. I don't expect it. Will it happen? Who knows? I said when we were going away on pre-season, first day I said ‘it's us, I don't expect there to be a great deal of changes here'. The players have known that, I think they are aware of that but when the window shuts you've got what you've got.” Blackburn Rovers 0 - 1 Everton Astounding Penalty Tussle! 27 Aug - A dreadful first half was followed by an increasingly bizarre second in which Blackburn missed not one but two penalties! Howard saved one well (the other smacked off his right-hand post), and also played a more commanding game that saved Blues blushes on a number of occasions in a match that was forgettable for the dreadful anti-football from both sides. And in the final minute, Everton were awarded the third penalty of the game when Samba was penalized for climbing all over Fellaini, Mikel Arteta sent Robinson the wrong way to give the Blues a very undeserved but most welcome first win of the season. Blackburn Rovers vs Everton Match Preview 27 Aug - David Moyes takes his Blues up the road to Blackburn today seeking a win that would kickstart his side's season after the disappointment against QPR last weekend. Tim Cahill and Jermaine Beckford will be assessed for fitness after missing the Carling Cup win over Sheffield United while Diniyar Bilyaletdinov is eligible after serving a suspension. KO is 3pm. Everton recover to sail past Blades Everton 3 - 1 Sheffield United 24 Aug - Everton booked safe passage to the Carling Cup 3rd round with what was in the end a comfortable win over Sheffield United. A sucker-punch from Richard Cresswell after 27 minutes had the alarm balls ringing but when Cresswell turned Jack Rodwell's low shot into his own net just two minutes later and goals by Anichebe and Arteta put the Blues into a commanding half-time lead, the result was never in doubt. A slower second half was lit up by a rasping Osman shot off the post but Everton coasted into the draw for the next round. Everton vs Sheffield United Carling Cup Preview 24 Aug - Everton kick off their League Cup campaign at Goodison Park this evening as League One Sheffield United come looking for a top-flight scalp. The Blues will assess the fitness of Arteta, Saha and Fellaini before the game, as well as fresh fitness concerns in Cahill (illness) and Beckford (knee). Kick off is 8pm. Reserves fall to Fulham Yakubu unable to make the difference 22 Aug - Everton featured a relatively strong line-up in their first FA Premier League Reserves game of the season at Finch Farm on Monday. It included disaffected Nigerian pair Joseph Yobo (who clearly has not yet left the club) and Aiyegbeni Yakubu among a starting XI of which only three players had not appeared for the senior team, including pre-season friendlies. However, they were undone by two second-half goals from a young and no doubt determined Fulham side that included players who had lost the U-18s National Playoff to Everton back in May. Barkley debut can't lift dismal Blues Everton 0 - 1 Queens Park Rangers 20 Aug - Ross Barkley made a very impressive long-awaited debut for Everton in their delayed start to the season against QPR. He showed moments of quality that contrasted sharply with the Blues defence as they allowed QPR to take the lead cheaply despite creating a hatful of chances in a nervy first-half performance. Everton struggled to assert themselves in a frustrating second half that will be remembered mostly for Moyes's bizarre decision to haul off Beckford and replace him with Fellaini, who made one good pass but went on to have a very poor game. A shocking result to start what promises to be a long hard season. Everton vs QPR Match Preview 19 Aug - A week later than expected, Everton kick off the 2011-12 season this weekend with the visit to Goodison Park of Queens Park Rangers for the first time in 16 years. Shorn of Seamus Coleman through injury and Diniyar Bilyaletdinov because of suspension — there's also been no talk of Magaye Gueye who is a suspected absentee — David Moyes has issues on the flanks but an otherwise full-strength squad. KO is 3pm. Taping was 'the lowest of the low' Club Publishes Hatton's Blue Union 'Explanation' 19 Aug - Derek Hatton has asked Everton Football Club to publish his explanation of the circumstances which led to a transcript of the recent meeting between Club Chairman Bill Kenwright and the "Blue Union" supporters' group being published on numerous websites earlier this week. Via the SOS1878 website, members of the Blue Union insist they did nothing wrong and have announced a public meeting at the Casa, on Hope Street, at noon on 3rd September. Blue Union Release Meeting Report Notes on a Private Meeting with Bill Kenwright 17 Aug - Members of Blue Union have released their report on the meeting they held with Bill Kenwright last Friday in London. The Blue Union representatives, who included lads from The People's Group and Evertonians for Change, with input from Keep Everton In Our City, SOS1878 and Club Everton, were able to put their questions and concerns directly to the Everton Chairman, and have provided for all Evertonians their recollections of the answers and discussions that followed. Read their Summary and Conclusions, and, if you have the strength, their Full Report, then enter our discussion of this seminal meeting by clicking on the headline above. 2Y Force held by WBA Reserves West Brom Res 2 - 2 Everton Res 16 Aug - Everton Reserves, featuring Nigerian internationals Yobo and Yakubu, who are both expected to leave the club this month recovered a two-goal deficit against West Brom to secure a 2-2 draw in their opening match of the FA Premier Reserves League match season. Shkodran Mustafi and Jose Baxter played after featuring in the Dublin game last night; Conor McAleny and Aiyegbeni Yakubu scored the goals two minutes apart, mid-way through the second half. Everton held by tough Bohs Bohemians 1 - 1 Everton 15 Aug - Everton started this extra pre-season friendly with a fairly strong team that included a fit Mikel Arteta and a fit Marouane Fellaini, but was ominously shorn of both Jagielka and Baines (potential transfer targets of Arsenal & Liverpool respectively). In their places, rare senior appearances for Reserves Shane Duffy and Luke Garbutt. Young star Ross Barkley also started with no sign of Cahill, Yakubu or Saha, and rumours of Gueye's injury apparently reliable...
Everton: Mucha; Hibbert, Heitinga, Duffy, Garbutt; Fellaini, Anichebe Rodwell; Arteta, Barkley; Beckford. Subs: Howard, Mustafi, Distin, Neville, Osman, Bilyaletdinov, Baxter, Vellios. |
Snippets & Rumours Madrid confirm Drenthe's move to Goodison31 Aug - Everton have picked up Dutch wide man Royston Drenthe from Real Madrid on a season-long loan, the Spanish club confirmed on their website this evening. Reports: Everton accept £10m fee for Arteta 31 Aug - Sky are reporting that Arsenal's pursuit of Mikel Arteta is back on after the deal looked dead over personal terms. Everton have apparently accepted a £10m offer for the Spaniard and everything hinges on the midfielder's wage demands... Duffy joins Scunthorpe on loan 31 Aug - Following his tweet yesterday where he said he would be tying up a loan move this morning, the BBC confirm that Everton Academy graduate, Shane Duffy, has joined Scunthorpe United on a month's loan. Best Buy bring IT sponsorship 30 Aug - US electrical giant Best Buy is making its first foray into UK sport sponsorship by becoming the official technology partner of Everton Football Club. To celebrate the deal, Best Buy will launch a match day competition that gives Everton fans the opportunity to win a £500 Best Buy gift card. West Brom cup date 30 Aug - Everton will play West Brom in the Third Round of the Carling League Cup. The tie will kick off at Goodison Park at 8pm on Wednesday 21 September. Ticket are £20 (£16 for season-ticket holders). Rebel Rebel, How could they know? 29 Aug - Football blogger Elliot Pollak, who appears to be a Gooner plying his trade at the Huffington Post, proclaims that original Premier League 'rebels' Arsenal, Spurs & Everton won't get a look-in when the 'inevitable' European Super League takes shape... Moyes tots up penalty count 27 Aug - Moyes says the Blackburn players dived for both their penalties, and Howard was great to save one of them, while Samba was leaning all over Fellaini for the last-minute Everton penalty. He sounded cocky and feisty — with with a bit more conviction behind those blue eyes than he's shown so far this season. Wonderful what a win can do! Everton: A Club Going Nowhere 27 Aug - Ian Ladyman writes a lengthy article on the state of Everton Football Club in the Daily Mail, providing now familiar coverage of the events of the last two weeks, but without delving too deeply into the continuing mysteries... Fellaini talks 'Going Well' 26 Aug - Contract talks with Marouane Fellaini are going well, with the Belgian star's current deal set to expire. in the summer of 2013. David Moyes said at his Friday press conference: “I have heard that it is progressing well, so when we have some news we will give it to you.” Prentice blasts Internet campaigns 26 Aug - In his weekly column, David Prentice has come out blasting at a "a growing internet campaign to try and ‘dig the dirt' and put the boot into Everton Football Club at every possible opportunity." He plays up the Club line of marginalizing fans who have valid questions and concerns, pleading for unity from the fanbase, while just stopping short of repeating the "real fans" mistake made by Phil Neville this week. Barkley called up for U21s 25 Aug - Not surprisingly, now that he's fit and wowing Goodison with his precocious talents, Ross Barkley has joined Jack Rodwell in being called up for the England U21 squad. Moyes keen to protect Barkley 24 Aug - David Moyes has stressed he will be taking a typically cautious approach with Ross Barkley, who has had injury problems in recent years. "I think everybody wants to get excited about players," said Moyes. "Evertonians have not got an awful lot to be excited about at the moment, so Ross gives everybody something to look at and cling on to." Ian Snodin Podcast 24 Aug - A reader has sent this link in, suggesting it may be "okay listening", and might be of interest to other ToffeeWeb readers (if you can stomach the 'gay' Irish banter that occupies the first 10 minutes). Yak looking to 'stick it out'? 23 Aug - With no clubs showing much interest in taking Aiyegbeni Yakubu off Moyes's hands, it appears he may well stay on Everton's books — and payroll — until his contract runs down in June 2012. The once a prolific 28-year-old Premier League striker seems prepared to sit it out in the reserves until the end of the season to secure a free transfer (and sign-on bonus?). Yobo deal finally set to go through 23 Aug - Joseph Yobo's protracted transfer to Fenerbahçe was further delayed by the kidnap drama surrounding the father of Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel, who was finally released last night 10 days after his abduction in Plateau State, central Nigeria. They share the same agent who had been immersed in the negotiations with the captors. Gueye has a broken toe 23 Aug - David Moyes finally saw fit to disclose that Magaye Gueye has a broken toe, which explains the foot cast he has been seen wearing. He joins a lengthening injury list for Wednesday's visit of Sheffield Wednesday in the Carling League Cup 2nd Round tie. Hillsborough petition nears 100k 22 Aug - An ePetition aimed at persuading the government to fully disclose the sealed documents from the investigation into the Hillsborough disaster in 1989 is closing in on 100,000 signatures. If you have yet to complete the petition, you have another couple of weeks to do so. Neville: spirit sets us apart 22 Aug - Phil Neville, admits that the players feel their reputations are on the line after the poor start to the season and that, along with the spirit in the team, will motivate them to put things right. Board implements new stop-gap 21 Aug - A document that provides scanned evidence to support an assertion made on ToffeeWeb late last week by KEIOC's Colin Fitzpatrick shows that Everton took out another stop-gap loan this month, presumably (in the wake of Bill Kenwright's revelations to the Blue Union last week) to enable the Club to keep trading. Blue Union lost respect, says Moyes 21 Aug - David Moyes thinks the Blue Union fans are entitled to their opinion but that taping the meeting with Bill Kenwright broke a trust and and has lost them respect. At the end of his post-match comments to BBC Sport on Match of the Day last night, he had this to say... At last... a signing! 21 Aug - Not quite what we've been hoping for but Captain Phil Neville has signed a contact extension through June 2013, with his current deal due to end this season. "I feel really proud and this club has never let me down, " said Neville. Young guns shoot down Spurs 21 Aug - Everton Academy and reigning National U-18 League Champions brought a bit of pride and cheer back to the club yesterday, with some fresh faces carrying forward the form of last season in a stirring 2-0 win at Spurs. The goals in this season opener came from Chris Long and a new name in the U-18 side, Danny O'Brien, who came on as a second-half substitute. Yobo finally secures Turkey move 20 Aug - There has been no confirmation from Everton yet but it looks as though Joseph Yobo's protracted move to Fenerbahçe has been finalized, with a £2m fee agreed for the Nigerian defender. Blue Union rebut Hatton allegations 19 Aug - Via the SOS1878 website, members of the Blue Union insist they did nothing wrong and have announced a public meeting at the Casa, on Hope Street, at noon on 3rd September. Prentice on Harris the duck 19 Aug - Investigative journalism from David Pentice, using the discredited transcrpit of the recent BU/BK meeting to expose Everton's questionable reliance on Keith Harris — "a man who immediately makes you think of a duck" — to find a buyer, and asking "So why is he still being used by Everton?" — Good question! Moyes lowers expectations 19 Aug - Everton manager David Moyes has deliberately lowered expectations this season by admitting his side could struggle to finish in the top 10 of the Barclays Premier League. "I think we are going to have a big struggle to finish in the top 10 this season... I can see the likes of West Brom, Stoke, Fulham and Sunderland have all tried to improve and the reason they have done that is to finish where Everton can." Boss backs Kenwright Board 19 Aug - David Moyes has re-stated his support for Bill Kenwright, in the wake of the Chairman's revelations about Everton's parlous financial situation and criticism of the club's inability to add to the playing squad this summer. Moyes confirms low-ball Beckford bid 19 Aug - David Moyes confirmed in his pre-match press conference that Everton did receive a bid for Jermaine Beckford from Leicester City, one of a number of interested clubs, but that their £2m offer was rejected. Anger over taping of BK meeting 18 Aug - Fallout from the Blue Union meeting with Bill Kenwright may be building as Derek Hatton tweets The People's Group: "Sorry lads, taping [the] meeting without anyone knowing is disgraceful and underhanded. I feel I can never help you again!" In his BBC Blog, Phil McNulty talks of anger and embarrassment at Goodison Park over the apparent taping of the meeting. Bill's Bank Borrowing Bust 18 Aug - Everton's chairman Bill Kenwright has reacted to criticism from fans by pointing out that the club's inability to borrow any money from their bank is to blame for their lack of transfer activity. Survey Results from The Echo 18 Aug - The Echo has compiled results from their Everton pre-season Survey, to which 1,394 mostly Evertonians responded with a mixture of Hope and Fear, Optimism and Disillusionment, etc etc. BBC Interview with Mikel Arteta 17 Aug - Everton midfielder Mikel Arteta has said he understands fans' concern about the lack of signings and stressed they must keep their top stars. The Toffees have not bought anyone this summer and Arteta told BBC Sport: "We know the situation at the moment. We cannot spend money like other clubs. That is sensible, even if it is not very popular." Yak & Yobo in Reserves 16 Aug - The second-string squad travelling to West Brom this afternoon in the first FA Reserves League game of the season includes Nigerian wantaway duo Joseph Yobo and Aiyegbeni Yakubu.
Everton Reserves: Davies, Roberts, Browning, Bidwell, Mustafi, Yobo, Yakubu, Baxter, Wallace, Forshaw, McAleny, Orenuga, Nsiala, Forrester, Dier, Higgins. |
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