Season 2004-05 Diary
ToffeeWeb's comprehensive news archive
If it happened and it was Everton-related, it's right here in the
comprehensive Season Diary.
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 2003-04 |
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News Headlines & Features Money Talks, by Ray Mia30 Jun - This commentary from Ray Mia pretty much sums up most people's responses to the range of transfer sagas, new signings, re-singings, and potential prospects excersing David Moyes as he builds for pre-season training. Ray also goes off on one about players' salaries, which is a bit of an old moan... yes the salaries are obscene, but if you have a problem with it, you should not come anywhere near football, because anything you do actually supports and encourages it. Sermon over! Goodison in Virtual Reality 29 Jun - Hopefully this will not be breaching any copyright laws; it's a fun site that lets you explore the intricacies of Goodision Park through the medium of 3D interactive virtual graphics, courtesy of Marc Rea at his VRGP website. Marc has been developing this neat application as a project at John Moores University. To get the full version burnt on CD, and sponsor Marc in the New York Marathon for the Western Spirit charity, go to his order page and fill in the order form. Opener moved to Sky on Sunday? 28 Jun - Everton's opening game of the season, at home to fellow Champions League contenders Manchester United, may now take place at 4pm on Sunday 14 August. This Sunderland fans' website is listing games to be televised live on Sky next season [although please be forewarned: no other sources are confirming this list at the moment]. Other televised fixtures listed are Middlesbrough (h) and West Brom (a) in November; Liverpool (h) in December. And now it's gone... 28 Jun - The picture of Tim Cahill modeling the new Everton kit, which was sent to us by a web designer who extracted it from a flash countdown file that is no longer available on the Internet, is considered by the club to be copyrighted intellectual property. Everton FC have requested that we remove such images until their official release on Thursday. We have complied with this request. Krldrup signs on 27 Jun - Per Krldrup was on Merseyside today having a medical and finalizing personal terms as his 4.5M transfer from Udinese to Everton was completed without incident. The powerful 25-year-old defender discussed his move with fellow Dane Thomas Gravesen, and is saying all the right things about his new employers. Now, can we have a couple more midfielders — Mikel Arteta, perhaps — and a top-class goalscorer please, Moyesie? Crunch Time 25 Jun - With the news yesterday that yet another Everton transfer target, Belozoglu Emre, has chosen filithy lucre and lack of ambition at trophy-less Newscastle over the prospect of Champions League football at Goodison, it may be hard to get your head around the challenges David Moyes faces this summer. But Paul Cooke is convinced that what Moyes is doing is for the long term, and for Evertn's best interests. Li Tie close to a full recovery 24 Jun - The Official Website carries some promising news about Everton's forgotten man, who suffered a fractured shin nearly 18 months ago and then reinjured the same leg in a reserves match last season as he was well on the way to recovery. It's been a long, frustrating and very worrying time for the Chinese International, who will be looking to regain his match fitness, starting with Everton's now traditional pre-season training camp in Austria. Blues kick off with United clash 23 Jun - The fixture list for next season has been released and Everton will kick off the 2005-06 season with a home clash with Manchester United. A match-up at Bolton follows in the Blues second match of the campaign before David Moyes's side play newly-promoted West Ham. The Goodison derby is scheduled for 28 December while we travel to Anfield for the reverse fixture on 25 March. The final game of the campaign will be against West Brom at home. For the full list, click here. Contract extension for Turner 22 Jun - Everton have secured a three-year extension to their contract with Iain Turner, the young Scottish goalkeeper who joined the club from Stirling Albion 18 months ago. Still to break in to the first team, he has had loan spells with Chester City and Doncaster Rovers. Let's hope he is performing better than Richard Wright, who was initially hyped as England's next No 1 but has deteriorated markedly while at Everton. Kings Dock project finally starts 21 Jun - A ground-breaking ceremony marked the start of construction on the Kings Dock project, featuring a 165M arena and conference centre that will in 2008 become a lasting feature on the Liverpool's famous waterfront skyline. But Everton are playing no part in it, despite years of wonderful hyperbole from leading proponents who predicted this as a new begining for the club. "The Everton Stadium plan fell through not because of the city council or its partners, but because Everton FC did not come up with the money." Said Sir David Henshaw. And that remains a huge missed opportunity for Kenwright and Co. Krldrup set for Everton talks 20 Jun - Everton have confirmed reports that they have agreed a fee with Italian side Udinese for the services of defender Per Krldrup. Commuications head, Ian Ross, didn't confirm the price but a figure of 5m is being widely speculated. The 25 year-old defender will now travel to Merseyside to discuss personal terms and undergo a medical, but given recent disappointments in the transfer market, no one at Goodison is counting any chickens until they've hatched. The real deal for football's future 19 Jun - The takeover of Manchester United by Glazer's megabuck manipluations may be of only passing interest to Evertonians, but Andy Burnham who is himself an Evertonian sees in this a clear polarization for the critical question of future club ownership in English Football. Drawing heavily from his massive involvement in Supporters Direct, Andy sees Supporters Trusts as the mechanism for fans to finally put control of their clubs where it should be: in their hands. Forssell changes his tune 18 Jun - When you get the once-over from the Club's consultants... medical consultants? But it wasn't a "full" medical. And he was only in the UK to visit friends, remember; nothing to do with a possible transfer to Everton. Why would you come out with all this cock and bull? "The reason I am saying this now is that David Moyes and Bill Kenwright were the reason I went to Everton that weekend." And the reason you didn't sign? Could it be that Everton withdrew on the basis of a dodgy knee? Return to Scotland a long way off 17 Jun - Some candid comments from David Moyes show that he is determined to win fame and fortune with Everton, building on the success of getting into the Champions' League Qualifying Round. While he would obviously consider managing one of the Old Firm clubs if the time was right, he sees that as being a long way off, and stays focused on more basic needs Job One being to make sure that Everton stay in the Premiership! Win the Official Season Review DVD 15 Jun - "Champions League... We're Havin' A Laugh", that's the title of the official Everton FC Season Review DVD for 2004/05 and it went on sale at the Megastore yesterday. This must-have record of our best season in far too long goes on sale nationwide on the 20th but we have three copies to give away free. Click here to enter for your chance to win. Growing up in Public, by Rob Fox 14 Jun - The normally unflappable Rob Fox is having some trouble maintaining his usually calm and confident assurance that David Moyes knows what he is doing, and that what he is doing is the right thing for Everton. The problem is Parker, and what this presumably failed transfer means to Everton in terms of implications, insinuations, and inferences that can be drawn about everything from the salary cap to the Board's level of ambition. Leon Osman signs a new contract 13 Jun - Leon Osman, who had a good season for Everton, scoring seven goals in vital games that Everton went on to win, has signed a new four-year contract that is set to run through 2009. There were many rumours and fears that the lively midfielder was having some problems at Goodison Park in recent months, and it could have been the uncertainty over his contract that was affecting his game, but he seems very happy now at the prospect of playing in Everton's Champions' League campaign. A pyrrhic victory? 12 Jun - We'd hoped to have left this one behind but the mostly intelligent comments of Gabriele Marcotti in the Sunday Herald are well worth a read: Weve got rules, but if youre big enough, rich enough and make enough of a fuss, were happy to ignore them. However, the conclusion regarding what would have been a better course of action for all involved is not the sort of thing we want to hear, as he completely ignores the accepted principle set at the start of the season that the top four teams play to qualify for the so-called Champions' Legaue. Cahill's national service pledge 10 Jun - So what's Tiny Tim up to for his summer hols? Playing footie that's what. In this interview feature for the Sydney Morning Herald, Tim Cahill speaks freely about the joys of being a footballer for Australia's Socceroos, and being a footballer for Everton's Blues. Loyalty to his family's adopted country is obviously a big deal for Tim. And he has some interesting things to say about his loyalty to Everton. What a difference a year makes 8 Jun - Feeling a bit depresseed after the latest transfer saga shenanigans have taken the wind out of your sails? Don't worry... be happy. Neil Martin sees everything as positive in the new firmament where the light of David Moyes shines brightly, attracting new stars to build a great Everton side for the future. The Price of Progress 7 Jun - In a brilliant piece penned by our columnist Nick Armitage, he captures what it means to be a football fan then and now... poignantly contrasting the football experience many fans grew up knowing and loving to the corporate money-fest that is relentlessly headed our way. Of course there is nothing we can do about it, other than relieve our angst just a little bit by revelling in nostalgia for what was, and is no more... Everton will not be bumped from ECL 5 Jun - In one of the strongest statements yet reported from a Uefa official regarding their upcoming decision on making room for Liverpool in the Champions' League, communications director William Gaillard confirmed: "I have heard the claim that Everton may be ordered to drop out because they finished fourth in the Premiership, but that is not the case." Well, let's hope his friends in Uefa, who have a record of speaking with forked tongues, stick with what he said so definitively: "Under no circumstances will [Liverpool] be allowed to take the place of another club, particularly an English one." McFadden scores again for Scotland 4 Jun - James McFadden, Everton's enigmatic winger who seems perennially unable to come to terms with the Premiership, was on target once again at full international level as he tucked away Scotland's second goal in a vital 2-0 World Cup Qualifier win over Moldova at Hampden Park. Manager Walter Smith had kept Faddy on the bench until the 74th minute, while Everton teammate David Weir played the full game in the Scottish back four. ToffeeWeb Player of the Season 3 Jun - It's no great surprise that the player who perhaps above all others is most responsible for Everton's presence in next season's Champions League should be voted the overwhelming winner in the vote for ToffeeWeb Player of the Season. Tim Cahill finished as the Blues' top scorer with 12 goals scored from midfield, no less! and at a mere 1.8m surely qualifies as signing of the 2004/5 Premiership season. Forssell set to sign today 3 Jun - It looks likely that Everton will unveil Mikael Forssell as their second major signing of the summer either this afternoon or over the weekend with the news that the Finnish striker has taken leave from international duty to fly to Merseyside and complete a 3m move from Chelsea. And ToffeeWeb understands that his good friend and Chelsea team-mate Scott Parker is due at Bellefield next week to undergo a medical and discuss personal terms, while David Moyes is believed to have lodged a bid for yet another Chelsea star, Carlo Cudicini. Optimistic times, indeed... Arteta's heading home 1 Jun - Despite having the first option to buy the Spaniard (now expired), it looks increasingly unlikely that Everton will sign Mikel Arteta on a permanent basis from Real Sociedad. Conflicting reports from Spain suggest that either the Everton Board tried to negotiate a lower transfer fee than originally agreed with the Spanish club or the midfielder himself failed to agree personal terms. Either way, the talks have stalled and while many rate Arteta as being key to any success next season and there is still some hope that an agreement can be reached, it doesn't look good. |
Snippets & Rumours Naysmith out until August30 Jun - Gary Naysmith had an operation on his ankle in May and will not be fit to partake of pre-season training until the end of July. Carsley on the mend 30 Jun - Lee Carsely spent most of his summer break recovering from a nasty knee injury sustained a few minutes before the final whistle of the last season's final game. Four more, says Moyes 30 Jun - David Moyes is hoping for another four new signings. Just so you don't miss the main quote, we will repeat it here too: "I am confident that we will have more new faces - hopefully they will be here before we go to Austria next week." Kilbane signs new 3-yr deal 28 Jun - Kevin Kilbane has agreed a new deal at Everton that runs through 2008 on more favourable terms for him, superseding his current contract that expires next year. Nev: direct and to the point 28 Jun - Neville Southall says Everton should sign Craig Bellamy: "He's likely to score you goals and although he might kick off occasionally, what he can give you is something that nobody else can." Why can't we bring back Nev as our Sensitivity Trainer? Arteta wants to stay 27 Jun - According to his agent, Mikel Arteta's priority remains to stay at Goodison and sign on with the Blues on a permanent basis. However, personal terms relating to the different tax structure in the UK remain the obstacle, with Everton's offer coming some way short of the mark. Goodison unlikely for TNS 27 Jun - Suggestions that TNS could play their home leg of the upcoming ECL First Qualifying Round at Goodison are off the mark due to construction work and it being in a different Uefa member country. TNS: Everton connections 25 Jun - Evertonians with Welsh Champions TNS are relishing their pairing with Liverpool in the First Qualifying Round for next season's Champions League. Moyes on his hols in Thailand 25 Jun - Not much of note in this oddly written semi-interview from Bangkok's The Nation, whose intrepid reporters spotted David Moyes and his wife catching a few rays in Samui. Fixture shuffling begins 24 Jun - The home game with West Ham that was scheduled for 24 August will have to be rescheduled because it clashes with the Blues' Champions League Third Qualifying Round second leg tie. Champions' League Qualifiers 24 Jun - The draw for the First and Second Qualifying Rounds has taken place, and it narrows down the range of possible opponents Everton will face after the Third Round draw in Switzerland on 29 July. Derby photo competition winner 23 Jun - The winner of that now famous photo of the goal celebration during the Goodison derby has been drawn and it's congratulations to Neil Bula. If you weren't the lucky winner, you can still own a print by purchasing one at BigBlueTube.com Michael Essien is crap 23 Jun - Rob Fox is seeking to stir things up a little with another in-depth analysis of Moyes in the Transfer Market. He moves in mysterious ways... Media finally figures out CL seeding 22 Jun - The mainstream media seems to have finally twigged to Everton's parlous seeding situation in the Champions' League, as if it was new news. We have been publishing this link for weeks. Go read it if you really want to understand the system. Tiny Tim needs a rest 21 Jun - Tim Cahill came on for Australia as a sub after 61 mins, got booked within a minute, and then missed a glorious sitter as the Socceroos crashed out of the Confederations Cup losing 2-0 to Tunisia in their final group game in Liepzig. Names to conjour with... 21 Jun - Teerathep ``Leesaw'' Winothai, Sompong Soleb and Rattaphol Piyawuthisakul were the three Thai youths who faired rather badly in the first Chang exchange deal with Everton. But this Bangkok Post article says that Sompong and Rattaphol have returned to training with Everton, so maybe they will feature in next season's Under 18 Academy games... Tommy puts a word in 21 Jun - Per Krldrup is excited by the prospect of playing for Evertopn after hearing good things about the club from fellow Dane Tommy Gravesen. Cahill gets a few days off 21 Jun - Everton will allow Tim Cahill to miss the training soiree in Austria so he has a chance to recover after Australia play their last Confederations Cup match tonight against Tunisia. Paging John Kilgarriff 21 Jun - Would John Kilgarriff who ordered one of our ToffeeWeb T-Shirts please get in contact with the Webmaster via the feedback form. Ta. Another 'trophy' for Newcastle 19 Jun - In The Observer, Paul Wilson questions the wisdom of Scott Parker's move to trophy-less Newcastle, in preference to the challenge of playing under the Manager of the Year in the Champions League. Don't Panic! 19 Jun - As Newcastle look set to steal yet another of Everton's transfer targets with the offer of silly wages, RIchard Price says "Don't Panic!". Cahill only manages a booking 18 Jun - The Australians found Argentina just too much to handle in today's Confederations Cup game in Nuremberg, where Tim Cahill managed to get a yellow card after ratcheting up six fouls in a 4-2 loss to the South Americans. Big Dunc signs in 18 Jun - Duncan Ferguson sealed the one-year extension to his contract that reportedly lowers his wage packet significantly, stating that he still thinks he can do a job for Everton in his 11th season with the Toffees. Stretford must answer FA Charges 17 Jun - Paul Stretford, the agent who engineered Wayne Rooney's transfer away from Everton, has been charged by the FA for breaching the Fifa players' agents regulations and FA rules. An Agent's lot 17 Jun - Ex-Everton Reserve player Neil Sang talks to the Liverpool Echo about what he does now: he's a Footballers' Agent. Thailand trip details confirmed 17 Jun - Everton will compete with Bolton, Man City, and the Thai national team in Bangkok next month for the Premier League Asia Trophy. New Chang deal agreed 17 Jun - Everton have agreed a three-year deal to extend Chang's shirt sponsorship. Worth 2M each year for the Blues, they will try the Thai youth experiment again, with three youngsters joining Everton's Youth Academy. Who's lying now? 16 Jun - Mikael Forssell "categorically denies" having a medical at Everton that he failed, thus refuting the earlier statement made by Everton coach Alan Irvine. Here we go again 16 Jun - Columnist Nick Armitage is also having some trouble believing the nonsense that is going on in the transfer market this season. Watson still hopeful of staying 15 Jun - While flattered by the interest shown in him by West Brom boss, Bryan Robson, Steve Watson has admitted that he is still keen on staying at Everton. The 31 year-old has taken a few days off to mull the situation over. Osman nearly went to Portsmouth 15 Jun - Leon Osman was given a very tempting offer by Portsmouth before he agreed to re-sign with Everton, so Alan Irvine reveals in The Echo, where he also talks about re-signing Gary Naysmith. Moyes frustrated 15 Jun - Nothing new in this recap of the transfer window so far for Everton and David Moyes, who is suffereing under the stiff competition (and deep money bags) from other clubs. Alan Irvine backs this up here, confirming that Forssell failed his medical. Nace re-signs 13 Jun - Gary Naysmith is delighted to have re-signed with Everton for another three years. Luring players to Goodison 13 Jun - There is little news in this Soccernet piece where Norman Hubbard reiterates the transfer sagas involving Everton so far this summer: "Champions League football gives them a unique selling point, but will that bring the players Moyes has targeted?" No Mercenaries Please, David! 12 Jun - Everton's daliance with the possible signing of Scott Parker has raised mixed feelings, focused here by Martin Doherty. It doesn't add up 12 Jun - The recent twists in Everton's transfer sagas have left many fans dazed and confused. Jez Clein is having trouble with the money maths... Tim, Dick & Harry 11 Jun - Okay, there s no Dick, but Tim Cahill thinks Harry Kewell has "nothing to prove" (except perhaps that his groin surgery has solved his recent injury problems) and, if he were to become available, Everton should snap him up. Ladies chief gets MBE 11 Jun - Everton Ladies manager Mo Marley has been awarded the MBE by the Queen in her Birthday Honours List as recognition of her service to women's football. Moyes Interview: Part 2 10 Jun - In the second part of the LMA interview with David Moyes, he talks about Duncan Ferguson and the Champions League. Liverpool in at Round 1 10 Jun - As widely expected (except by Evertonians!), Uefa have changed their rules to allow Liverpool to defend their Champions' League trophy next season, but they must enter the competition at the First Qualifying Round. Revenue may be affected only if all five English teams reach the group stages. Playing catch-up 9 Jun - In The Independent, Paul Walker provides a potted summary of where Everton stand currently with regard to a slew of ongoing transfer dealings. Building the Squad 9 Jun - Everton fan from Canada, Andrew Gaule, has some thoughts on the players who are interesting David Moyes in the transfer market. Four to stay; three to go 8 Jun - Leon Osman, Gary Naysmith, Duncan Ferguson and David Weir have verbally agreed to accept contract extensions that should keep them at Everton next season. Watson, Pistone and Stubbs have not, and appear to be on their way out. Wish you were here 8 Jun - This one's a bit old (15 May from Australia) but has a nice contrasting counterpoint for David Carney, once an Everton Youth Academy player, who hopes to be playing for Sydney FC in the World Club Championships next Decmeber. His old Everton pal from that Academy team, Wayne Rooney, won't. Arteta negotiations continue 7 Jun - Sky Sports report that Real Sociedad president Jose Luis Astiazaran is flying to Merseyside to try and resolve the impasse regarding Mikel Arteta's proposed transfer to Everton. The method of payment and not the 2.8m fee itself is believed to be the problem. And then there are the player's personal demands... Moyes the Magician 7 Jun - Not much new to speak of in this 'exclusive' interview with David Moyes at the League Managers Association website. No medical for Forrsell 7 Jun - Mikael Forrsell was in England at the weekend, but reports that he was having a medical at Everton were apparently rather untrue. This story indicates the real problem is the return of his knee injury... Everton still chasing Parker 6 Jun - Everton have countered suggestions in the media today that they have dropped out of the race to sign Scott Parker by announcing that they still want to sign the midfielder. Reports have suggested that Parker wants £15,000 a week more than the Blues are prepared to offer. Wynness takes a stand 6 Jun - CEO Keith Wyness has come in for criticism for seemingly supporting Liverpool's bid to enter the Champions League by the back door without reservation. So, it's pleasing to see him come out and state that he is not in favour of any move that will include our rivals but also dilute the revenue pool allocated to English clubs. Blues confident of 'double swoop' 6 Jun - David Prentice hopefully opines that Parker and Forssell will become Everton players... eventually... while in Newcastle's corresponding ic-sponsored organ, The Chronicle, we have lost out on both players (see Rumour Mill link above). Yes it's Silly Season! More adulation for Osmo 5 Jun - Celebrated Finnish composer and Everton fan, Osmo Tapio Rihl and his Duncan Ferguson-inspired composition "Barlinnie Nine" get a nice write-up in the Arts section of The Scotsman. Weir happy to sign 1-year extension 5 Jun - After previously sounding right narked about the paltry offer of a one-year contract extension at Goodison, David Weir now says he would be happy to sign "to be there to help Everton do well next season." The Quiet Man of Goodison! 5 Jun - In an interview given to Vincent Hogan of the Irish Independent newspaper, Kevin Kilbane takes time to reflect on the season just finished. As the season drew to an emotional close, two defeats and the jammiest of results over in Istanbul left Kilbane with one thought, "It felt like we'd been relegated." I take it that the 2-2 draw with Israel last evening will not have pleased all in the Kilbane household either! A Shakespearean Drama 3 Jun - What would be The Bard himself's take on the Champions League qualification debacle? Perhaps something like this... Good old Mr Generosity 3 Jun - Despite the fact that it contravenes UEFA's rules and could end up costing Everton £5m in lost Champions League revenue, Keith Wyness is still backing Liverpool's entry to the Champions League next season. Perhaps the ground-share proposal isn't dead after all... Champions' League Seeding Update 3 Jun - The linked site confirms that Everton's Uefa coefficient is well below the threshold required for seeding in the Third Qualifying Round of next season's Champions' League. But we won't know who we will be playing until the draw is held in Switzerland on 29 July. Game-by-game season comparison 3 Jun - Although Everton seemed to stutter a bit over the second half of the season, Steve Flanagan's final comparative analysis shows that incremental improvements over last season continued to acrue pretty much to the end, with 22 additional points lifting us from 17th to 4th. Tal wants to come back... 2 Jun - ... although not necessarily to Everton, where his problems were due to him being played out of position! Idan Tal was voted best player in the Israeli league for Champions Maccabi Haifa, and would like to give the Premiership another shot. Fox saddles up with Walsall 2 Jun - Defender Daniel Fox, released by Everton this spring, has joined Championship side Walsall who recently snapped up Anthony Gerrard, also let go by David Moyes. Faddy's frustrations 2 Jun - Jamie McFadden, who never seems to miss a chance to talk to the press, admits to some frustration in his quest to become a first-team regular at Goodison Park: "I think I have improved as a player but the only way to tell is if I get a decent run in the side and am playing week in, week out." Perhaps someone should let him know the season is now over... Please form an orderly queue 2 Jun - Another Bose article in the Telegraph suggests that ex-Tottenham board member Howard Shore is leading one of three consortia looking to invest in suddenly fashionable Everton. Keith Wyness has confirmed that "preliminary talks" have been held with Shore's group (last November, according to The Echo ) but nothing more than that. The cost of a Uefa climbdown 2 Jun - In today's Telegraph, Mihir Bose details the millions that Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester United and Everton stand to lose in revenue from the "market pool" should a 5th place be created for Liverpool in next season's Champions League. Wouldn't it be easier to just stand by the qualification rules? There's a light in your eye 1 Jun - Everton's young Scottish goalkeeper, Iain Turner, is to undergo laser eye surgery to correct a problem with his eyesight. The short-sighted shot-stopper will miss his country's Uefa European Under-21 Championship double-header against Moldova and Belarus because he is having laser treatment on his defective vision. Familiar story for Nyarko 1 Jun - Ex-Everton midfielder Alex Nyarko has had his contract terminated by Norwegian side IK Start after failing to show up for training on Monday citing family problems. The Ghanaian has played just 53 minutes for the club since he joined, mainly because of injury. |
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News Headlines & Features Blues frustrated at the Cottage30 Apr - Everton came out to great traveling support at Craven Cottage and started brightly but had a goal disallowed in the first minute! Cahill was then forced off by a nasty Diop challenge, and it got much worse when Collins John fired Fulham ahead. Despite a strong response from Everton it was ex-Blue Brian McBride who gave the Cottagers a vital second goal, giving Everton a massive mountain to climb. Diop was sent off after getting a second yellow but Everton failed to capitalize on the opportunity and fail to consolidate fourth place, which they will hold for at least another week as Liverpool dropped two points at Anfield. Chelsea set to go easy on Bolton 29 Apr - In this article which appeared in today's Telegraph, Henry Winter reveals that Chelsea are likely to rest a number of their players for tomorrow's match at Bolton so that they will be fresh for the second leg of their Champions' League semi-final at Liverpool on Tuesday. The prospect of this is both good and bad for Everton as we all hope to see Chelsea knock out the Anfield upstarts but are also relying on yet another Chelsea victory at the Rebock to supress the on-going battle for 4th place in the Premiership. What Lies Ahead? 27 Apr - Anthony Newell has put together an incisive overview of what lies ahead on and off the field this coming summer. Will manager Moyes see enough cash to strengthen his squad? Can James Beattie come good? Duncan for another year? There's even room for good old 5Live's regular curmudgeon, Alan Green! We're assured that Mr Green is relishing the prospect of covering Everton games in Europe next season! FA and Premier League bust-up? 27 Apr - Since there seems to be nothing else anyone wants to talk about, we're also making it our lead story, with a nice LFC crest alongside it. The link is to a piece from the Evening Standard which forsees a bust-up between the Premier League and the FA over the hypothetical question of the day: If Liverpool go on to win the European Cup, and If Everton finish fourth... well, you know the rest. And now, everyone and their mother, including Kenny Dalglish, is set to pontificate their own meaningless opinions.... Come on Chelsea! Super Spin from Mr Wyness 26 Apr - Everton CEO Keith Wyness primes the spin-machine with an extra load in this amazing piece of devisive revisionism posted on the Club's offical website: "What is also important is for us to remember the summer and Bill [Kenwright]deserves a great deal of praise also for providing David [Moyes]with the platform and stability to move forward and create the environment that allowed the squad to flourish and to get the results that we have done." Not a mention of the persistent uncertainty over Fortress Sports Fund, Moyes's inability to strengthen the team effectively, and many other annoying little details. Incredible! Pride ain't the word 25 Apr - Caught in an off-hand moment musing to his many admirers on an Everton discussion forum, Colm Kavanagh waxes lyrical in his praise for David Moyes, the players, and an Everton season that has reaped a very special reward: European football by virtue of the team's league position. Today's victory for Arsenal over Spurs confirmed that the lowest position Everton will finish this season is 7th, and that guarantees a place for the Blues in Europe next season. Moyes hopes for Beattie's Best 25 Apr - While many in the Goodison crowd bayed in frustration when James Beattie missed a real siter after 9 minutes of Saturday's Birmingham game, David Moyes is more reflective about the striker and what he can bring to Everton when he starts firing on all cylinders. "He snatched at his chance but that's what forwards sometimes do. Hopefully, he'll keep getting the chances. I hope to see the best of him this season, but he just needs a little bedding in." Everton 1 - 1 Birmingham City 23 Apr - David Moyes made three changes to the side facing Birmingham City, with Watson, Ferguson and Bent replaced by Pistone, Beattie and Osman respectively. A pretty lacklustre first half performance saw Everton trailing 1-0, courtesy of our old friend from across the park, Heskey. Moyes brought those three payers back on in the second half and it was Ferguson who stabbed home a vital leveller that Everton rarley looked worthy of as they failed to recreate the dominance of Wednesday night's heroics. Report from Paul Traill He Ain't No David Brent! 21 Apr - Seb Gordon pays homage to manager David Moyes - for the manner in which Moyes has turned matters around, fashioning a side to compete at the top of the League and perhaps more importantly instilling that self-belief now so evident in the playing squad. Mourinho may collect the silverware but it is Moyes who deserves the managerial plaudits. Cometh the hour, cometh the man: David Moyes... Everton 1 - 0 Manchester United 20 Apr - A great night for Evertonians, thanks to a headed Duncan Ferguson goal ten minutes into the second half of an action packed match, evoking memories of old. Quite simply put - Everton, as a team tonight, were magnificent and thoroughly deserved victory which strengthens the Blues' grip on that coveted fourth place in the Premiership. The dream continues... Match Reports now added. Rum Business 19 Apr - Michael Coffey analyses the state of the modern game and the hurdles facing Everton as we continually try to claw our way back to the pinnacle of the domestic game. Citing Tesco's superb strategy where "every little helps" has pushed that company to the top of the tree, he wonders what lies ahead for the Club, mindful that we now have Sir Terry Leahy installed as an advisor to the Board. Think Of The Poor Fans! 17 Apr - Rick Tarleton awaits the return of Wayne Rooney and his Manchester United teammates to Goodison Park for the second time this season, this coming Wednesday night, for one of those oft-hyped six-pointers! The question of loyalty and what it means for different groups of people who are so intimately involved in our beloved game looms large in Rick's interesting assessment. Once A Blue...? 16 Apr - The clock ticking, losing 2-1 at home and playing towards the Kop end. Time for a splash in that opposition penalty box, Stevie? Of course! Shame about the following effort from twelve yards, eh? Listening afterwards to various radio phone-ins, we suspect poor Stevie walked home alone! Fellow Blue In Need 16 Apr - Ian Macdonald from the Everton Independent Blues asks Evertonians to come to the aid of a fellow Blue, Stan Tyrrell, who is seriously ill. Stan was voted Everton Fan Of The Year by the Liverpool Echo and plans are afoot for a benefit after the Birmingham City home match next week in Crofts. Satis? damn right 15 Apr - Someone has finally stepped up to question one of the meandering dissertations Rob Fox assembles for us. Paul Appleyard was not impressed by Rob's latest offering, and proceeds to take him to task on a number of his sweeping or speculative assumptions, ending with a shocking but sadly accurate assessment of the real value of the big-name signings that fans tend to crave after. Satis? 13 Apr - After the great result from Sunday's game, Rob Fox is able to provide a more upbeat analysis of where we may be headed, empahasizing once again one of his familiar themes — that David Moyes is in it for the long-haul and is brave enough to avoid making short-term decisions that could arguably have secured more immediate returns. Instead, he is always planning for the future and taking the right steps to build a solid team that can vie for top honours. In short: In Moyes We Trust! Slick Everton turn on the style 10 Apr - Everton capitalised on Liverpool's defeat yesterday in the best possible way, blowing Crystal Palace away at Goodison Park with four goals, the last of which was scored by James Vaughan. The 16 year-old made history, first by coming as the club's youngest ever player and then taking Wayne Rooney's record as youngest scorer. The impressive Mikel Arteta opened the scoring, whipping a free kick home in the 8th minute and Tim Cahill trebled the advantage with two goals inside the first 10 minutes of the second half. Cue Vaughan who came off the bench to seal a fantastic win that re-establishes Everton's Champions League credentials and offers hope for the visit of Manchester United in 10 days' time. Kudos to Moyesey for his tactical change. Reports by Paul Waring and Paul Traill Blues' blushes saved by City 9 Apr - A fantastic last-minute winner from Kiki Musampa produced a dream result in the most fitting way for Everton fans who were hanging on the news from the City Stadium today. Any result for Liverpool would have taken them above Everton into fourth place but that was not to be after City's late rally sunk the nasty reds to make sure they are kept at bay for at least another week. With the pressure on Everton slightly reduced, let's hope this inspires them to play the football they need to play tomorrow at Goodison Park to ensure the right result a resounding win! Elsewhere, Middlesbrough and Charlton both lost; of the European challengers, only Bolton managed to pick up three points today. Opportunity knocks! Is Vaughan ready for his debut? 7 Apr - It wouldn't be ToffeeWeb if we didn't pour some tepid water on the latest straw offered up for the grasping... but we could not supress this special report from Mike Brennan who went to Haig Avenue on Monday with his young son, specifically to run his eye over young James Vaughan. One match is hopefully not enough to make an accurate assessment on the lad who could steal Joe Royle's record on Sunday and become Everton's youngest player ever. Lyndon Lloyd is wary of rushing him into the first team. The Spinners! by Colm Kavanagh 5 Apr - The remarkable article by David Prentice in the Liverpool Echo last week the first in a special series examining the financial state of Everton Football Club continues to draw the attention of Evertonian commentators, including our own Colm Kavanagh, who takes pains to provide background information and context for some of the strange claims made. What new and great achievements by CEO Keith Wyness will be revealed in Part Two? We can't wait... Slip, slip, slipping away 3 Apr - Everton's Champions League aspirations were again made to look overly ambitious as the urgency and incisiveness their situation requires simply wasn't there against relegation-threatened West Bromwich Albion. Thanks to the returning Mikel Arteta, the Blues were more tidy and inventive in their passing but they created few chances, all of which seemed to fall to Marcus Bent who was foiled in equal part by Russell Hoult and some off-key finishing. They then conceded a soft goal at the back post when Gera headed home but the brief spell of pressure they applied late on was never going to be enough. Four defeats in five is relegation form, not what you'd expect from a team hoping to be mixing it up with the Real Madrids of this world next season. Report |
Snippets & Rumours Chelsea are Champions30 Apr - Roman Abramovich reaps the ultimate return on his massive mega-millions investment in Chelsea as they are proclaimed Premiership Champions after beating Bolton 2-0 and doing Everton a huge favour in the quest to retain 4th place. Mother of all Derbies? 30 Apr - If the dreaded 4th place/Champions' League scenario plays out, Peter Fearon suggests a good solution: a massive derby play-off for next season's ECL honours! Ideas and comment on the same subject from James Brand, Brian Parker, and Andrew Loomis. Windy City Blues 29 Apr - Ahead of Saturday's game at Craven Cottage, the FulhamUSA website features a nice interview with Diane Salisbury, who runs Everton's North America supporters club out of Chicago, IL. Simon Davies A Done Deal? 29 Apr - ToffeeWeb understands that Everton and Tottenham Hotspur have agreed a deal which will see Welsh international Simon Davies moving to Goodison Park this summer. Hats Off To Leicester City 29 Apr - Ian Macdonald from the Independent Blues relays news of the recent tribute to the late Bernard Murphy and his family by the people of Leicester City. A nice touch from The Foxes... Women's FA Cup Final 29 Apr - Everton Ladies play Charlton Athletic on Monday in the Women's FA Cup Final, to be held at Upton Park/Boleyn Ground, London, kick-off:1 pm. Stubbs and Pistone miss Fulham 29 Apr - Alan Stubbs and Alessandro Pistone are both set to miss Saturday's match at Fulham through injury. Gary Naysmith is also injured. Another vote for 4th Place 29 Apr - In the continuing debate over the Uefa/FA/4th place saga for Champions' League qualification, another Uefa spokesman has backed potential 4th place over potential holders... but says it is up to the FA. The 4th place debate continues 28 Apr - "Liverpool are almost certain to miss out on the Champions' League next season if they finish outside the top four in the Premiership even if they win the competition this season." That's the reassuring news from today's Independent. The FA Board are due to dicuss the issue today, but are unlikely to make any decision. Lions get Lyons 28 Apr - Mick Lyons, Everton great from the 1970s, has been named the new coach (ie, Manager) of Australian 6PR(?) Football West Premier League club Stirling Lions. Lyons follows in the footsteps of another former Blue, Steve McMahon, who was appointed manager of Perth Glory - a founding member of the new 'A-League' which kicks off in August. The suspense continues 27 Apr - Chelsea and Liverpool played to a pretty even 0-0 draw at Stamford Bridge in the first leg of the first-ever all-English Champions League semi-final despite the collective prayers of hundreds of thousands of Evertonians for a decisive and unassailable Chelsea victory. The Uefa/FA/4th Place saga looks set to continue for at least another week... Hands Off! It's Ours! 27 Apr - Korean Evertonian, Koi Ng, tries to remove the emotion from the argument over who plays in next season's Champion's League. In the meantime, we all hope Mourinho's lot have the answers! Remember back in '75? 27 Apr - The Uefa/FA/4th Place saga has some resonance for Everton that predates 1985, and is remebered in this Staffordshire piece from the Stoke City perspective. Killa looks to Europe 27 Apr - Kevin Kilbane looks forward to playing in Europe next season, with both Everton and Ireland. Lee Molyneux turning heads 26 Apr - A feature on 16-year-old Everton and England Youth star, Lee Molyneux, who is making a good impression. Paul Gregg salutes achievement 26 Apr - I would like to congratulate David Moyes, his staff and all the players after qualifying for European football for the first time in 25 years as a result of the teams league position. The next four games are incredibly important as they may result in an even bigger prize of Champions League qualification. Every Evertonian will be anxious to see how the Club will move forward following this success. — Paul Gregg Poigniant plea from Howie 26 Apr - Howard Kendall, speaking on BBC 5Live, reminds how Everton suffered unjustly at the hands of Liverpool under the Heysel ban, and says how wrong it would be for them to be given preferential treatment ahead of Everton this season, if they win the Champions League. Thanks from the Walnut Blues 26 Apr - The Walnut Blues offer their thanks after last Saturday's benefit at Croft's Social Club for Everton Fan of the Year, Stan Tyrrell. It goes without saying that we all wish Stan the very best. Ball Boys bag all the balls 25 Apr - This dubious article suggests some cunning machinations afoot regarding the activities of the Goodison Park ballboys last Wednesday. An new ruling from Uefa will no doubt be forthcoming... Subs changed the game 25 Apr - Mikel Arteta praises the astute substitutions made by David Moyes on Saturday that changed the pattern of the game for Everton, with two big men upfront allowing them to get the ball up quicker... Come back Unsie — all is forgiven! Uefa say it's up to the FA 25 Apr - In the hopefully unlikely event that Liverpool are successful in the Champions League, Uefa Chief Executive Lars Christer Olsen says that the decision on the fourth English representative would be down to the FA, although he thinks it should go with Premiership placing. The BBC interpret this as the FA asking for a fifth place, which Olsen rules out. No Regrets! 24 Apr - David Moyes sounded content with one point yesterday. Considering his thoughts were offered before Liverpool collapsed (again!) at Palace, it's not hard to see why Moyes remains confident: "We're pleased with our points total and we know that we've got some big games to come." European Football next season! 23 Apr - Barring an almost impossible scenario, Everton should be playing European football next season for the first time in ten long years. Today's results mean that it is next to impossible for Everton to finish lower than 7th, with a Uefa Cup place going to that slot because the FA Cup finalists will both qualify for the Champions League (by virtue of their league positions). Gap opens just a little... 23 Apr - Despite Everton's faltering performance today, the gap behind them to aspiring Champions League contenders Liverpool and Bolton opened up again to four points and Everton still have a game in hand! Liverpool were beaten by Palace and a lovely headed goal by Andy Johnson from a superb first-time volleyed cross. We can smell it!!! Come To Crofts After The Match! 22 Apr - Please attend if you can and assist with the benefit for Stan Tyrrell. All are welcome, a small donation on entry is suggested, a price of a pint. Crofts is two minutes from the ground, if you're looking at St Luke's church turn left and two hundred yards down the road is Crofts, the old supporters club. Prentice Calls For FA Action Now 22 Apr - Dave Prentice, writing in the Liverpool Echo, calls for the FA to act now and clarify the position regarding qualification for next season's Champions League. As ever, the silence from the FA remains deafening. Perhaps they're praying for a Liverpool exit along with Evertonians! Confident Weir Challenges Reds 22 Apr - Defender David Weir has issued a challenge to our rivals from across Stanley Park. "It is a big prize we are fighting for and everyone is pulling out all the stops as it gets closer to the end of the season." Don't tempt fate there, Davey! Passports at the ready! 21 Apr - A home win on Saturday lunchtime over Birmingham City will guarantee European football next season. It has been 25 long seasons since Everton qualified for European football via their final League position (allowing for Championship winning sides!). Simply Awesome! 21 Apr - David Moyes pays tribute to the Goodison faithful for the atmosphere created last night which evoked comparison with the great night back in 1985 when Bayern Munich were sent crashing out of the European Cup Winners Cup. Moyes Asks For Focus 21 Apr - David Moyes offers all who will listen (not easy, today!) that victory over Man. Utd. is now in the past. We must focus on the huge match this coming Saturday when Birmingham City come to Goodison. Moyesie's Pride! 20 Apr - The thought of leading Everton into Champions League battle next season fills David Moyes with immense pride. "For me, getting Everton into the Champions League would be my greatest managerial achievement so far in my career, but that's a way to go yet." Too right, Davey! Reserves Held By Leeds 19 Apr - Alan Irvine's young reserve side shared the spoils with Leeds United's reserves (managed by ex-keeper Martin Hodge) in an entertaining 1-1 draw at Haig Avenue, Tuesday night. Anyone play left back? 19 Apr - David Moyes might have a defensive crisis on his hands tomorrow night for the visit of Manchester United. Already denied the services of both Alan Stubbs and Alessandro Pistone, there are worries that Gary Naysmith will also be missing. Papa Don't Leave... 19 Apr - Fulham manager Chris Coleman claims that midfielder Papa Bouba Diop is going nowhere. That may be the case should he choose to remain at Craven Cottage! Meanwhile, he continues to be linked with a move to Goodison. Talking the talk 18 Apr - The Liverpool Echo credits Mikel Arteta with slightly more than he actually said about lessons learnt from the last time we played United. The Echo also carries this longer interview with Arteta. Gerrard On His Way? 18 Apr - Despite not yet being offered an extended deal at Everton by manager David Moyes, young Anthony Gerrard has not given up hope of staying at Goodison Park for another year. "It's a possibility, but at the moment I'm just content with being on loan here (Walsall) and when the season is over I'll see what options I've got and consider them all," said Gerrard. Moyes Ready To Make Changes 17 Apr - Manager David Moyes suggests "horses for courses" with just six games left this season. Sounds as though the 4-5-1 formation that has served us well this season has been finally put to bed... Emre's "extensive discussions"? 17 Apr - On London Marathon day, Sky Sports claim that Everton are leading the chase to sign Turkish international, Emre. Should he sign for the Blues, what odds he becomes known as "Dick"! Allardyce Keen On Catching Toffees! 17 Apr - Bolton manager Sam Allardyce's wishes for a last-day cliffhanger between his Wanderers and Everton at the Reebok Stadium remain on track after Bolton's victory at Charlton yesterday. Bolton can move into fourth place with a home win over Southampton this coming Tuesday night. Bolton emerge as the threat 16 Apr - Bolton Wanderers leap-frogged Liverpool and pulled to within two points of Everton with a 2-1 win at Charlton. The Reds twice had to come from behind to draw with Spurs and now lie three points behind the Blues, who now have a game in hand. Cahill On A Par With Lampard? 16 Apr - With just six games left, manager David Moyes sings the praises of Australian midfielder, Tim Cahill... We smell money 15 Apr - The Liverpool Echo delves into a bit of predictive book-keeping, toting up the increases in money that will be coming Everton's way this season. Beattie on the mend 15 Apr - James Beattie expects to start training again next week after recovering from ligament damage to his knee, but won't be ready for the United game on Wednesday. 16 years ago today 15 Apr - Today marks the 16th anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster when 96 fans lost their lives at an FA Cup semi-final. While Liverpool FC was directly affected, many Evertonians had friends and family on the Leppings Lane terraces that day while Everton were involved in the other semi-final. The fight against perceived injustice on the part of the establishment continues from the people of Merseyside and the Hillsborough Justice Campaign. England duty counts Vaughan out 14 Apr - James Vaughan is likely to miss an important part of Everton's run-in because of European Championship commitments with England U-17s. They have matches on May 3rd, 5th and 8th, with possible semi-final and final fixtures on the 11th and 14th which would count him out the Blues' matches against Newcastle, Arsenal and Bolton next month. Stubbs won't give up hope 14 Apr - Alan Stubbs talks about the shoulder injury that is likely to keep him out of contention for the last six games of the season. Big Dunc makes a difference 14 Apr - Duncan Ferguson leads Opta's Premiership super-sub table, having made 27 appearances from the bench, and being credited with a beneficial influence on match outcomes worth 13 points so far this season. Reserves struggle at Leeds 13 Apr - A young Everton Acedemy side lacking any senior players came unstuck at Leeds this evening, losing 3-0. Cahill fingers Arteta factor 13 Apr - Tim Cahill reinforces to the Liverpool Echo that Mikel Arteta was a key factor in Sunday's important win over Crystal Palace. Vaughan playing in Europe 13 Apr - James Vaughan is virtually a dead cert for the England team due to compete in the European Under-17's Championships in Tuscany during the first week of May, and could miss some important games for Everton. Local award for Academy prodigy 13 Apr - John Paul Kissock is not a name many Evertonians will recognize, but the 15-year-old has been featuring in Everton's Youth Academy Under-18 campaign this season, and last night was named Young Sports Personality of the Year at the City of Liverpool's Annual Sports Awards. Weir on Vaughan 12 Apr - Some sensible thoughts from David Weir, who talks appreciatively about James Vaughan in this article from the Daily Post. Here we go again 11 Apr - "We'll be working very closely with the club to ensure James is allowed to concentrate on his football and not be too distracted by any unwelcome interest." Familiar words from Vaughan's agent. Even Bill Kenwright broke his silence to comment on the Premiership's youngest goalscorer. Arteta's apology to Palace faithful 11 Apr - Mike Arteta has offered his unreserved apologies to Crystal Palace's supporters for celebrating in front of the away section yesterday. The Spaniard confessed that he didn't know they were the away fans in the excitement of scoring his first Everton goal, he just ran to the nearest fans. Agent cool on Gravesen's return 11 Apr - Thomas Gravesen's agent, John Sivebaek, has poured cold water on suggestions that his client could return to Everton in the summer. Stubbs facing extended lay-off 10 Apr - Alan Stubbs was added to the injury list today when he reptured ligaments and separated the acromioclavicular joint in his shoulder in an aerial challenge with Palace's Andy Johnson. He won't require surgery but he will face "weeks" on the sidelines according to the Official site. Vaughan breaks four records 10 Apr - James Vaughan broke three records today: youngest ever Everton senior player; youngest ever Everton goalscorer; youngest ever Premiership scorer, and youngest ever Premiership player to score on his debut. Ferguson to be offered new deal 10 Apr - Everton are reportedly ready to offer one-year contract extensions to Duncan Ferguson, Alessandro Pistone and Lee Carsley. Fogarty on the death of football 10 Apr - ToffeeBlogger, Kenny Fogarty, gives a chillingly accurate account of the corrupt state of Premiership football, where Chelsea can buy the title and the big three are in a separate league to everybody else. Is the domestic game dying at the hands of corporate greed? 'The Red Echo' 8 Apr - That's how many Evertonians have long regarded Liverpool's biggest local paper because of their bias towards Liverpool FC and, as highlighted on the People's Forum, their actions in recent weeks have done nothing to change the perception of a decidedly less-than-level playing field. Reserves edge Newcastle 7 Apr - A single goal by midfielder Alan Kearney was enough to lift the Reserves to a 1-0 win over Newcastle in a behind-closed-doors affair at Bellefield this evening. Correction for US/Canada viewers 7 Apr - Contrary to what we previously posted, the home game with Crystal Palace will not be screened on Sunday in the US and Canada. Fox Soccer Channel and Fox Sports World are broadcasting it on a one-day delay at 3pm ET / 12pm PT on Monday. Attack as the best form of defence 7 Apr - Everton are hurting for goals and some fans are advocating the blooding of young James Vaughan against Palace. While agreeing that we have to go out and attack on Sunday, TW columnist Lyndon Lloyd urges caution against relying on an untried 16 year-old and advocates handing striking responsibilities to Leon Osman instead. Transfer speculation on a roll 7 Apr - Although there are still a couple of months left of the season before the transfer madness starts again in earnest, speculation is already swamping the media, with Davies and Keane coming from Spurs, while Stubbs is going back to Bolton... Palace is a must-win game 7 Apr - It's fast becoming another football clich but Sunday's match against Crystal Palace really is a must-win game. "How often in the last 10 years have Everton entered this point of the season with something positive to play for?" asks David Moyes. Indeed! The glass is half empty 6 Apr - A quartet of less-than-cheerful Fans Comment articles reflect the mood of many Blues right now. Seb Gordon bemoans our lack of firepower, Steve Thompson lashes out at Bill Kenwright, Stuart Reid analyses our current form and Peter Fearon is firmly on the CL-or-nothing bandwagon. Some won't like this 6 Apr - Not because we're linking to 'Kipper (and therefore not adhering to the bizarre polarized world that must, apparently, exist between our two Evertonian communities), that's the title of this well-penned piece by Joe90 about the effects of self-perception. Vaughan to play against Palace? 6 Apr - David Moyes has shown little inclination to bring in any new blood from the reserves, but Sunday could be the big chance for recent England Under-17 goalscorer James Vaughan. CL qualfication is paramount 5 Apr - Everton director Paul Gregg has publicly called on the club to put all its weight behind supporting the team's bid to qualify for the Champions League and postpone decisions on new investment until the summer. The run-in on TV 5 Apr - The TV schedule for Everton's remaining games is taking shape, with six of the seven being televised live somewhere in the world and the final game likely to also be shown if the Blues are still in the Champions League mix. Player of the Month: March 5 Apr - We only played two games but March was a pretty bad month anyway seeing as we lost them both, so this month's poll is either going to be very hard or very easy. Vote away... Where did it go wrong? 5 Apr - In The Times, Oliver Kay provides little new insight by way of explanation for Everton's return to relegation form once the team had attained the magic 40 points on Boxing Day. Pistone expects to re-sign 5 Apr - Alessandro Pistone expects to extend his stay at Goodison Park by accepting the contract extension on offer from Everton. The view from across the Pond 5 Apr - Steve Green, a Canadian-based Blue, looks on the bright side of life — while admitting that his geographically detached status makes this an easier position to adopt — and suggests that Everton's lack of readiness for the Champions League means that missing out on qualfication for that competition wouldn't be a bad thing. Reviving the relegation mindset 5 Apr - This piece on WSAG reinforces the Champions League vs UEFA Cup argument and suggests Everton should use their past experience of fighting off relegation to their advantage in the run-in. What a difference one game makes 5 Apr - TW reader Daniel Mckeown does an about turn on his previous optimism and is now not so sure that Europe will do us any good given the small size of our squad and the number of players out of contract this summer. David Moyes: Positive Thinking 4 Apr - The diverse snippets from David Moyes that form the basis of this Daily Post article provide an excellent lesson in the value of positive thinking... or, on the other hand, is David Moyes starting to become ever so slightly delusional? "There is no fear about not getting in the Champions League because we weren't expected to be here." despite being in the top four for most of the season... TW readers disagree In Moyes We Trust... 4 Apr - ...says David Prentice, who continues his camelion-like transformation since that cutting piece of journalism at the end of last season pissed off the players and no doubt the club. More players in January would not have been the answer... Beattie injury confirmed 4 Apr - James Beattie, of whom a fear was that he is injury prone, sustained a tear to a medial ligament when he fell during training ahead of Sunday's match, and will be out for around three weeks. In the blue corner 3 Apr - In this interview with David Moyes in the Sunday Herald, Michael Grant hears about Evertons transformation from Premiership lightweights to European contenders. In it, Moyes states: "Talk is cheap. You have to be able to deliver. — which we are adopting as ToffeeWeb's new motto. Telling it like it is 2 Apr - For the small group of Evertonians who might really want some insights into what's really going on at EFC, this lengthy analysis by Kenny Fogarty on his ToffeeBlog was prompted by what he sees as a recent whitewash job from David Prentice. For the majority who are more sensitive and don't like anything negative said about our great club... DO NOT FOLLOW THIS LINK! Catch us if you can 2 Apr - Alessandro Pistone rightly says staying ahead of the pack is within Everton's purview, although the gap is now down to just one measly point. Less talk: more action please, Sandro! The Aussies love Tiny Tim 2 Apr - Lots of good stuff in these three articles from the Sydney Morning Herald, along with a Fact File of sorts on Tiny Tim Cahill, who has no intention of forgetting his roots down under... and in the Pacific. Another April Fool? 1 Apr - Part One of a "special series examining the financial state of Everton Football Club" appears today in the Liverpool Echo. It tells us what a wonderful job Keith Wyness is doing; promises an incredible 30M for David Moyes (but wait! The real number for transfers this summer is only 12M...); slams Paul Gregg's attempts to find backers; and makes just a passing mention of the mysterious Fortress Sports Fund. Treasured tradition trashed? 1 Apr - Since football was invented (in 1993), one annoying throwback has continued to irritate the wonderful governing body at the FA... but no longer! 40 years of tradition means nothing to the unifying principles of the Premier League, who have commanded that Everton will not be running out to the Z-Cars theme any more after the Crystal Palace game. But wait... those wags at the Official Everton Website proudly acknowledge they had plenty of Evertonians fooled with this April Fool's joke. Moyesie's Pride! Apr - The thought of leading Everton into Champions League battle next season fills David Moyes with immense pride. "For me, getting Everton into the Champions League would be my greatest managerial achievement so far in my career, but that's a way to go yet." Too right, Davey! |
| March 2005 |
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News Headlines & Features 2003 all over again?31 Mar - Two years ago, Everton went into March in fourth place having occupied a place in the top four for many weeks prior but the campaign eventually fizzled out to a seventh place finish and the club missed out on European qualification. Despite being even better positioned this season, the same pattern is emerging and while some fans are content to just be in the top 10, Lyndon Lloyd says that it will be devastating if the Blues let fourth place slip and they end up with the Uefa Cup as a consolation prize. Nil Satis Nisi Optimum, and all that... Readers' Responses. Boro & Everton each fined 8k Nottm Forest Res 0 - 1 Everton Res 29 Mar - With Reserves games coming thick and fast as Everton struggle through something of a fixture pile-up, Neil Dewsnip is fielding some very young teams with few recognizable names as he uses more and more players from the Youth Academy. At The City Ground on Tuesday, 16-year-old John Irving came on as a substitute for his debut at this level, with Mark Hughes scoring a late winner from the penalty spot. Rob Fox: A Better Hand 27 Mar - Rob Fox pulls together a series of cogent thoughts about the present personnel forming the Everton squad, and he analyses the probable improvements David Moyes will be looking for as we head towards another summer that will no doubt be rife with all manner of transfer rumours. Reasons to be Cheerful 25 Mar - Some great stuff in this little article from Andy in London, who reels off his top ten positive points about the good side of being an Evertonian. And in response to this warm glow of fine and wonderful feelings about Everton on the first day of Spring as we approach the Easter weekend, we hereby declare Supporters Day No negativity allowed, especially in the Mailbag. Get a bloody grip 24 Mar - Knee-jerk reactions published on ToffeeWeb from fans who were distinctly unimpressed with Everton's derby performance have brought out a slew of "real fans" who have another view: "Whats with all the misery? Were enjoying the best season Everton have had in more than a decade. Weve got a manager who shows every sign of knowing what hes doing, without needing to mortgage the club for the next 25 years to pay for it." So says Laurence Jones... Numbers, Part 1: Shuffling the pack 23 Mar - "No complaints," says Rob Fox in his latest double-header. "We were outplayed and didnt really deserve anything from the game, even if their two goals were both avoidable up to a point. Sorry to be predictable, but Im going to defend Moyes yet again. I honestly dont think 4-4-2, Yobo in defence rather than midfield, Arteta or even Gravesen would have made a lot of difference on Sunday." We Shall Not Be Moved? 21 Mar Creativity and desire win out 20 Mar - All the pre-match hype was about doing the double over Liverpool but when the curtain was raised it was the reds who burst out of the gates and blitzed Everton's defensive stand with two goals in the first half an hour. Steven Gerrard broke the deadlock on 27 minutes when he stroked the ball through a gap in the wall from a direct free kick and four minutes later, Fernando Morientes hammered a half-volley that Nigel Martyn flapped onto the bar and Luis Garcia followed up to easily head into the empty net. Lee Carsley curled a free kick agonisingly wide in first-half injury time but Everton struggled to create anything until, with the reds down to 10 men, Ferguson flicked on for Cahill to bury a phenomenal strike past Dudek and set up a grandstand finish. But the telling statistic, as usual: two shots on target all game long. Report Walk Don't Run, Part 3 16 Mar - Rob Fox concludes his latest analysis of Everton's current management decisions and choices regarding potential players, as demonstrated with increasing skill and commitment by the manager, David Moyes. Rob is convinced that Moyes is fully in control and knows exactly where he is going, and where he is taking Everton Football Club. In Moyes We Trust! Walk Don't Run; Part 2 15 Mar - Rob Fox continues with his latest theme, trying to put some real numbers on the potential value of Champions League qualification [note: monies now quoted in Swiss Francs, not Euros], and what this may mean in terms of the current game of cat & mouse developing for David Moyes and the Club regarding the numerous players who will be out of contract at the end of this season. Walk Don't Run 14 Mar - Rob Fox has been busy again this weekend, as he analyses the prospect that it could in fact turn out to be Bolton who thwart Everton's European aspirations this season. In the discussion, Rob uses the example of Joe Royle and his signing of Nick Barmby as an example of the kind of thing David Moyes is not doing as he shapes his long-term transfer policy through progressive implementation. Nil Satis Nisi 4th Place 12 Mar - With no football to speak of this weekend, why not put your feet up and read all the way through the latest extensive analysis of all things Everton from our resident tome-writer, Rob Fox. This week, he looks at the split personality that adds a dose of uncertainty with regard to which team will be turning up at 3pm next Saturday... oh hang on; we don't kick off at that traditional hour any more, do we? Unsie suffers the hardships 10 Mar - This sad story about David Unsworth reminds us of the human trials that players still suffer, despite their elevated status. Remember the role that his wife reportedly played some years ago in getting him to blow off Aston Villa in favour of a direct return to Everton from his season's sojourn at West Ham? Obviously, it's not all plain sailing, especially in the twilight of your career. Hang in there, Unsie; we feel for you. Living on a prayer? 9 Mar - The home defeat by Blackburn at the weekend is still smarting but Colm Kavanagh is still optimistic that David Moyes and his men can hang onto that fourth spot and earn qualification to the Champions League, either through our own endeavours or the "consistent inconsistency" of our neighbours whom we visit in a titanic showdown at Anfield next week. Watson in reserves comeback 8 Mar - Steve Watson returned from a niggling stomach injury that has kept him out of action since before Christmas. He played 45 minutes for Everton Reserves this evening as they lost for the first time in 2005 against Manchester City, 1-0. The goal came form Mikkel Bischoff, whose swerving shot flew through the flailing hands of Richard Wright in goal. Everton fall flat when it matters most 6 Mar - Everton threw away the opportunity to stretch their lead over Liverpool to 11 points as they were frustrated and then killed off by a disciplined Blackburn side who made David Moyes's outfit look decidedly ordinary. After the Blues had lost Mikel Arteta to injury after just 25 minutes, they reverted to long-ball predictability when Duncan Ferguson was introduced in his place. Ironically, the Blues' only real chance of the game came from route one but Marcus Bent was foiled by Brad Friedel in a one-on-one situation. With Everton going nowhere, Rovers stole the game when Stephen Reid released John Stead and he buried the ball past Nigel Martyn with a sweet strike from the edge of the area. With Tim Cahill and Leon Osman showing no inspiration, there was no way back for Everton. What a waste... Report The Curse of Ghoul Din 3 Mar - Are supernatural forces at work, exerting some strange and mystical influence on the happenings that befall Everton FC over the course of time? After 'minutes' of exacting research, Rob Fox has unearthed the chilling tale of Ghoul Din, describing the powerful hold it has exerted over the Club and those who would cross our path. If you know your history... Everton holding their own 2 Mar - Steve Flanagan's statistical comparison with last season shows that, although Everton stuttered a little over the eight games before Aston Villa, amazingly they held their ground point for point when compared with the same games last season. And the win at Villa pushes Everton's points differential over last season's corresponding games to its highest yet 21. Is it too soon to say we are back on track? Beattie attacked in nightclub brawl 1 Mar - James Beattie was the victim of an unprovoked attack in some Birmingham nightclub (why Birmingham?) on Saturday night (news travels slowly in these days of the global Internet...) while out celebrating his birthday with his girlfriend and a group of other friends. David Moyes is reportedly surprised that the player would chose to venture out in Birmingham after turning down a move to Aston Villa. |
Snippets & Rumours Micro-mini-derby loss31 Mar - Everton's youngsters just couldn't do it in their 8th game over the last 16 days, losing 2-1 to Liverpool U-18s at their Kirkby Academy the first win for them since 9 October 2004! The Invisible Aussie 31 Mar - Eddy Bosnar, the Australian player signed by David Moyes who has yet to appear for the first team, talks on the Official Everton Website about the value of his time at Everton. Wyness off to Thai up deal 31 Mar - Ouch... aren't those tabloid punchline puns just hideous? Keith Wyness is traveling to Thailand to negotiate an extension of Everton's sponsorship deal with Chang Beer.. or a new deal with Air Asia. Hall of Fame Gala photos 31 Mar - Take a look at a selection of photographs from last week's Hall of Fame dinner at The Adelphi. Moyes concerned about jet-lag 30 Mar - David Moyes thinks Tim Cahill will need a few days to fully recover from jet-lag after he flies in following a week in Australia on International Duty, although the media sources who said earlier in the week that Cahill would not get back for the West Brom game on Sunday appear to be somewhat mistaken. Irvine looking for focus 30 Mar - Very little news around at the moment, so we have the words of Alan Irvine inspiring the team to achieve their own results at West Brom this weekend... Kilbane in action again 29 Mar - Kevin Kilbane, who leads this season's appearances list for Everton, played his second game in 4 days for Ireland before being substituted. Cahill warms the bench 29 Mar - So, after all the bluster and media posturing, Tim Cahill sat warming the bench throughout Australia's 3-0 win over Indonesia in Perth. Will he now be able to get back to England by Sunday??? Mikel Arteta nearing return 29 Mar - Mikel Arteta is expected to be fit for Everton's trip to West Brom on Sunday after recovering from an ankle injury sustained against Blackburn. Vaughan scores for England 28 Mar - James Vaughan scored his first international goal for England U-17s in his full debut as they defeated Northern Ireland 3-0 in the Second Qualifying Round of the UEFA European U-17 Championship. Cahill in Aussie struggle 27 Mar - Tim Cahill played the first 71 minutes of a stroll that turned into a struggle for the Aussies, who eventually beat Iraq 2-1 in Sydney. Li Tie's long road to recovery 27 Mar - Li Tie is still recovering after re-injuring the leg he fractured in training with the Chinese team over a year ago, and will not play for Everton again this season. International action 26 Mar - Gary Naysmith and David Weir started for Scotland in Walter Smith's first game as manager (with a 4-1-4-1 formation David Moyes), but they could not stop the key goals from Pirlo for Italy (with Marco Materazzi). Kevin Kilbane played earlier for Ireland in a 1-1 draw in Israel. It's in Our Hands 26 Mar - Daniel Mckeown offers up the heart-warming prediction that we can stave off the challenges for fourth place... in theory. It really is all in our hands. Virtual Reality 26 Mar - It's a funny old game; Paul Traill illustrates just how easily things could have been quite different last Sunday at Anfield... while Eddie O'Neill believes we must rid ourselves of The Monkey on our back. Kilbane looking for glory 25 Mar - Kevin Kilbane talks about his improved game for Everton and Ireland. McFadden's hamstring problem 24 Mar - It seems that Jamie McFadden contracted a pretty nasty hamstring injury in training 12 days ago, and will now miss next weekend's encounter at West Brom. Reserves draw with Liverpool 24 Mar - The local mini-derby between Everton and Liverpool reserves ended all square at Haig Avenue. Eddy Bosnar and Vladimir Smicer scored the respective goals in a 1-1 draw. Cahill does the Aussie thing 24 Mar - Tim Cahill is keen to play in both upcoming games for Australia, despite reservations of his Everton boss David Moyes. Sky Sports say this means he will miss the West Brom game a week on Sunday... Anthony Gerrard off on loan 24 Mar - Anthony Gerrard will spend the rest of the season on loan at Walsall, getting some first-team experience under his belt. Team Selection? 24 Mar - Jonathan Fruin has no truck with those critics who think the team selection for the derby was flawed, while Tom Maher provides some additional analysis. Naysmith admits to sulking 24 Mar - Gary Naysmith is an automatic choice for Scotland against Italy under his old mentor, Walter Smith, which makes it all the harder for him to understand how he has continually been overlooked by David Moyes. Cahill on International Duty 23 Mar - Tim Cahill plays two games for Australia, in Iraq and Indonesia, before returning (hopefully) in time to play West Brom. David Moyes has concerns about his hectic schedule. What Happens Now? 23 Mar - Fan Paul Coleman has some ideas on the strengths and weaknesses in the current squad that are probably widely held after Sunday's derby defeat. The Ball is Still in Our Court 23 Mar - The title says it all for the latest piece of analysis from Nick Armitage, in which he calls upon David Moyes to bin the 4-5-1 formation. Man Utd game now on Sky 22 Mar - Everton's game at home to Manchester United will be shown on Sky TV in the UK and in the usual markets around the world on Wednesday 11 April, KO 8pm. Getting Real, or Getting Mad? 22 Mar - Everton fan Martin Kulkarni is not a happy bunny after Sunday's dreadful display... compounded by 36 years of watching Everton. (I thought we had won a few gongs in that spell?) Driven by fear??? 22 Mar - Kilbane produces a typical stream of fairly lame excuses for the poor derby performance, confirming that being driven by fear just doesn't cut it. Contracts on the table 22 Mar - Martyn, Stubbs, Weir, Naysmith and Osman have been offered contract extensions at Everton. Only Martyn has accepted and only Naysmith has rejected these offers. Pistone, Ferguson and Watson remain in limbo. Lost in Translation? 22 Mar - "I closed my eyes and ran for it and unluckily I hit his knee. I am sorry. My style of playing is based on aggressiveness." Milan Baros provides this bizarre explanation for his criminally dangerous lunge at Alan Stubbs. Reserves draw at Birmingham 21 Mar - Steve Watson played another full game for the reserves in Birmingham, where James Vaughan scored the Everton goal in a 1-1 draw. Moyes the Master 21 Mar - The Times provides a post-derby boost with a salute to the hard graft David Moyes has put into being the best he can be. "Stubbsy" t-shirt competition closed 20 Mar - Our competition in association with Goalhanger.com has been closed and the winners announced. Naysmith set to leave... 20 Mar - ... in the summer. His agent says they have received no encouragement from Everton, so go figure! Ladies in FA Women's Cup Final 20 Mar - Everton will face Charlton in the FA Women's Cup final after surprising favourites Arsenal 3-0 in the semis. Fan conduct crucial to Blues' hopes 20 Mar - Alan Stubbs admits that Everton are probably on a final warning from the FA for failing to control their fans this season amid concerns that one more transgression could mean docked points, especially as the heat is turned up in the final few games. Lineker rues the Heysel ban 20 Mar - Much of the pre-derby build up has brought focus back to how Everton, widely regarded as the best team in Europe in 1985, were denied entry to the European Cup that year. It's rare for Gary Lineker to talk at length of his time at Goodison but, as he tells the Telegraph, he believes the Uefa ban cost him and others their only chance to play in that competition We should have been invited back 20 Mar - Howard Kendall talks to The Independent about today's derby, his time at Goodison and the Blues being denied entry to the European Cup because of the ban on English clubs between 1985 and 1990. He says Everton should have been invited back first as a gesture by Uefa. Spare a thought 20 Mar - Today marks the first anniversary of the death of Bernard Murphy, who was killed by a piece of flying debris on the way to the Walker's Stadium for an away game at Leicester City. Our thoughts are with his family and friends and you can read a tribute to the committed Blue and family man by Ian McDonald here. Stubbs in bullish mood 19 Mar - On Sunday afternoon, Alan Stubbs will lead out an Everton team intent on completing the double over Liverpool for the first time in 20 seasons. Martyn remembers 19 Mar - Nigel Martyn relates the strange tale of his encounter with Clifford Finch, the Everton director who, instead of signing the player in 1998, gave him directions to Leeds!!! Not a level playing field 19 Mar - In this pre-derby interview with The Times, David Moyes talks about how the Blues' current position means it's often forgotten how far apart Everton and Liverpool are in terms of resources. New Arsenal date scheduled for TV 18 Mar - Everton's re-arranged fixture with Arsenal will now take place on Wednesday 11th May and will be screened live on pay-per-view in the UK. The game had to be moved from 16th April because of the Gunners' involvement in the FA Cup semi-finals. Turner joins Doncaster on loan 18 Mar - Everton's young goalkeeping prospect, Iain Turner, has been allowed to join Doncaster Rovers on loan until the end of the season. Bet on the derby 18 Mar - ToffeeWeb's betting partner, Blue Square, have some very tempting prices for this weekend's big game, like 9/1 on Everton winning 1-0, 16/1 on them winning 2-1 and 12/1 on Tim Cahill scoring the first goal. If you're a first-time member, they'll give you a free 10 bet. Beware the chasing pack 18 Mar - David Moyes points out that the chase to displace Everton from the fourth Champions League qualifying spot is wide open, with Bolton, Charlton and Middlesbrough putting strong pressure on Liverpool. Lessons of the past 18 Mar - Saying Everton have learnt the lesson of a poor run-in from two seasons ago (and last season, for that matter!) is one thing... proving it on the field is what we need to see now! Calm Down, Calm Down... 18 Mar - Just another game, eh, Davie? Some folks have spotted there's a little bit more riding on this one... Strachan backs Moysie 18 Mar - Gordon Strachan obviously has a lot of respect for his fellow Scot, David Moyes, but he ends up recycling most of what we have read and heard many times already this season. Expectations of Beattie 18 Mar - David Moyes notes that James Beattie probably owes something to his teammates (not to mention Everton fans), and his first chance is on Sunday. McFadden struggling 17 Mar - McFadden looks unlikely to overcome back and hamstring problems in time for Sunday's Anfield derby. Oceania Player of the Year 17 Mar - Tim Cahill has been named the Player of the Year for Oceania, the continent that includes Australia. Well done, Tim! What's at stake? 17 Mar - As the Anfield derby approaches, this BBC page summarizes what's at stake in terms of potential European placings. Watson helps Reserves top Wolves 16 Mar - Steve Watson played the full 90 minutes and scored a fine winner as Everton overcame Wolves 2-1 at Haig Avenue. James Vaughan scored the other goal for the Blues' second string. Blackburn deliver derby boost 16 Mar - Evertonians had one nervous eye on events at Anfield tonight as Liverpool were frustrated by Blackburn Rovers and had to settle for a goalless draw. The result narrows the Blues' points advantage to 7... but that's better than 5! Everton counter with derby DVD 16 Mar - After Liverpool released a greatest-wins-over-Everton DVD, the Blues have responded as this weekend's clash looms by releasing a collection of their own. Entitled "Victories Over Liverpool," it features eight famous derby wins since 1978 and is priced 15.99. The Derby Cometh 16 Mar - Nick Armitage gives his views on what is being hyped up as the most important Merseyside derby in years. Once an Evertonian... 16 Mar - Members of the Ruleteros Society wish to express their thanks for the donation of shirts they will be taking to Chile this week. McFadden to be withdrawn 15 Mar - David Moyes is planning on withdrawing James McFadden from the Scotland squad traveling to Italy for a World Cup qualifier on March 26th because of his lingering hamstring injury. ToffeeWeb Complaints 15 Mar - We are finally getting around to dealing with complaints we received last July. As you can see, the list is quite diverse, but we appreciate your feedback and will ensure that some of the offending departments are severely disciplined before the end of the season if they don't improve. Never satisfied... 14 Mar - Every season, someone has to moan about the fixtures. This time, it's "two games in a month" crows the Echo. (Actually it's four games between March 20 and April 20, but that would spoil a "good" story...) But hang on! Weren't they just telling us last week that a break was good for the players? History repeating itself? 14 Mar - It's sad when you can't read a nice piece about an Everton manager talking up one of his players as an ideal candidate for the England squad, without your memory conjouring up vivid pictures of... Nick Barmby. Player of the Month: February 14 Mar - A familiar face scoops the award for February ahead of the only non-defender to have won the ToffeeWeb PotM this season. European Club Rankings 14 Mar - After the silly World Club Rankings, this one from EuroFootsie seems more reasonable: it is based on the last 50 domestic and European games played, and puts Everton currently in 31st place. Arteta still a doubt 13 Mar - After promising that he would be fit for the Anfield derby next Sunday, Everton are now listing Mikel Arteta as doubtful for the game, although he still appears to be making progress... Patrizio Pascucci finally spotted 12 Mar - This BigSoccer forum carries a thread relating to Patrizio Pascucci, the Italian youth player who secured a spot in last season's Everton first team squad, only to vanish without trace, presumably as part of last summer's deadwood clear-out. Apparently he now plays for the youth team of Italian Serie C club Sora. Getting better all the time 12 Mar - Everton have moved up 31 places to the heady heights of 177th in the IFFHS World Club Rankings this month. "The World Club Ranking is a precise classification showing the real level of the clubs free of any subjective influence. It is the result of a profound analysis that allows us to fairly report the level of international performance for each country." ... which clearly explains why Newcastle United are ranked Number 2!!! Uefa confirm Nightmare Scenario 11 Mar - Uefa have confirmed that a 4th-place finish for Everton may not guarantee Champions League football next season, if Liverpool win this season's competition. Club respond to Gregg statement 11 Mar - Everton have distanced themselves from Paul Gregg's recent attempt to get the groundshare proposal back on the agenda. A club statement seeks to make it clear that Gregg's views do no necessarily represent those of the rest of the Board. Final day switch 10 Mar - The last set of fixtures in this season's Premiership campaign have been shifted to Sunday, 15 May 2005. All games will kick off at the same time: 4pm. Gregg still pushing groundshare 9 Mar - Just when you thought the prospect of a shared ground with Liverpool had been killed off, Paul Gregg a big supporter of a groundshare solution says that the site for any proposed stadium must be right and that Stanley Park may not be it. You wouldn't let it lie 8 Mar - Walton MP Peter Kilfoyle is angry that the Northwest Development Agency is withholding 11M in funds for Anfield's regeneration and other local improvements unless the groundshare proposal between Everton and Liverpool is resurrected. Vaughan gets U-17s call-up 8 Mar - Everton's James Vaughan, who was an un-used substitute against Chelsea and Villa recently, has been called up for England U-17's European Championship qualifiers later this month. Yobo takes the fall 8 Mar - Joseph Yobo has magnanimously taken full responsibility for the defeat against Blackburn after his mis-placed ball from defence set up the winning goal for Jonathan Stead. Not your fault, Joe. Voting still open for PotM 7 Mar - It's time again to reflect back on the month just passed and select who you thought was the best performer for the Blues overall in February. Arteta looking to mend in time 7 Mar - Everton hope to have Mikel Arteta fit for the Anfield derby in 12 days time he is suffering slight damage to ankle and knee ligaments following a tough tackle on Sunday. Blues did not play well 7 Mar - David Moyes admits that against Blackburn there were too many below-par performances from players who had excelled themselves the previous week at Villa Park. Local hero 6 Mar - The Independent profile the Leon Osman who, unlike Rooney and Jeffers, has made a gradual entrance to the Premiership scene but looks like sticking around at Goodison a lot longer... assuming he's offered the kind of contract his superb form this season deserves. Gravesen making his mark in Madrid 6 Mar - There were many who scoffed at Real Madrid's decision to sign Thomas Gravesen but the former Blue appears to be winning over the fans and critics at the Bernabeu, just as he did in his final months at Goodison Park. Hyperbole in overdrive 5 Mar - In The Mirror, Brain Reade gushes in full Len Capeling style over the marvelous feats the Moyesiah is on the brink of achieving this season. Nyarko set to Start on second pass 5 Mar - So in the end Nyarko wasn't that crooked after all as he managed to pass his second medical test with newly promoted Norwegian PL side Start. He will now travel with the team for a pre-season training camp at La Manga where he will also sign the contract. He'll probably have to see a hefty paycut as his annual wage will now be around 85k... Thanks to Sverre for the above link (in Norwegian). Bad memories for Hibbo 5 Mar - Tony Hibbert says the memory of United celebrating winning the Premiership at Goodison two years ago still smarts, and that will spur the lads on to a better finish this season. Nyarko move in doubt 4 Mar - Alex Nyarko's proposed move to Norwegian club Start could be scuppered by the fact that he has apparently failed a medical. Thanks to Sverre for keeping us up to date, including this Norwegian link. Tommy Speaks 4 Mar - One-time Everton favourite now Madrid mercenary Tommy Gravesen talks up the prospects for Everton under David Moyes. A night with Nev 4 Mar - Mid-Cheshire Blues presents an evening with Everton legend Neville Southall at Winsford United's football ground on Saturday night, to raise funds so that the Winsford Diamonds Under-15s can go to a football tournament in Holland in the summer. Tickets are just 17 including Buffet and a comedian; contact Kenny on 0794 4623512. Tim Cahill 8m man? 4 Mar - The Aussie version of the Daily Telegraph features a nice little piece on Everton's Tim Cahill following his "perfect" display against Aston Villa. Ex-Premier League player Robbie Slater likens him to Roy Keane and the article suggests his price tag has quadrupled since last summer. Lies, Damned lies, and Statistics 4 Mar - This statistical analysis is a bit harder to get your head around, but in his third part of the series, Phil Roberts extends Steve Flanagan's game-by-game seasonal comparison for all the teams in the Premiership, and uses it as a predictor of this season's finishing positions. Everton to defend FA charge 3 Mar - Everton will present a defence against the charge that they failed to control their players during the silly handbags incident provoked by Zenden's zealous retaliations at Middlesbrough last month. Search for coin thrower continues 2 Mar - Merseyside police continue to pour over many hours of CCTV tapes of the crowd for Everton's FA Cup tie with Man Utd, searching for the culprit who threw a coin that hit Roy Carroll, while the FA patiently awaits the outcome. Reserves complete Villa double 1 Mar - A young reserves side made it two Everton wins over Aston Villa in a week with a 1-0 triumph at the Bescot Stadium thanks to Patrick Boyle's 5th-minute strike. 25 years ago today... 1 Mar - Today is the 25th anniversary of the death of William Dean, the greatest striker ever to grace English football. Fittingly, the true Blue legend passed away at Goodison Park just moments after the end of a Merseyside derby. Nyarko's taste for lutefisk? 1 Mar - If you follow this link (in Norwegian), you'll see that former Everton "great" Alex Nyarko is rumoured to be on his way to Start, which last season was promoted to the Norwegian Premier League. |
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News Headlines & Features Everton open Thai relief fund29 Dec - Everton FC have moved quickly to open a relief fund for victims of the devastating tsunami in Thailand and SE Asia. Through its sponsorship with Chang Beer, the club has deep ties with the country and is appealing for other clubs to join them in raising cash to help the millions affected by the disaster. A collection will be held before the next home game with Portsmouth but you can deposit a contribution into the designated bank account at any time, details of which are here. Nice one, Mr Wyness and Co. A far cry from the Champions League 28 Dec - The Boxing Day hangover was clearly in evidence as Everton crumbled to their second away defeat of the season. After another ineffective first half in which Marcus Bent had the only effort on target, the second half started more brightly with a goalmouth melee in which the ball was hooked off the Charlton line. But the home side made the breakthrough with nine minutes to go when El Karkouri scored off a corner and a minute later, Duncan Ferguson typically got sent off for throwing an elbow. Two minutes later, the home side scored again through Hreidarsson to compound Everton's misery and provide yet more evidence for why David Moyes needs to get his chequebook out when the transfer window opens this weekend. Win a signed Bob Latchford print 27 Dec - Bob Latchford had been at Everton four years before he lit up Goodison with his "magic 30" that shone like a beacon in the otherwise dark days of the latter 1970s. And you could own a print commemorating that magnificent goals haul, signed by the Latch himself, in our third and final competition for prints from bigbluetube.com. Simply answer a Latch-related question, enter your e-mail address and cross you fingers! Click to enter. Andy Gray winners Bent secures Boxing Day points 26 Dec - Everton completed the double over Manchester City and returned to winning ways thanks to a second-half header by Marcus Bent, his first goal in eight games. After a bright start, Everton flagged with few ideas in response to a lively City team, but first blood was drawn with a great Gravesen free-kick that Tim Cahill headed in superbly at the near post. But more pressure from the visitors led to a Robbie Fowler equaliser just before half time when the former Red headed home before being booked for an over-zealous celeberation designed to taunt the home fans. The Blues regained the lead through Bent, however, just past the hour mark. Late on, sub Christian Negouai was sent off for City just 3 mins after he came on and Everton held on the retain third spot in the Premiership. Rob Fox calls for a Ceasefire 23 Dec - With the lastest headlines spawning a great diversity of speculation as to just what David Moyes will/will not spend on players he will/will not be bringing in next month, Rob Fox has prepared a nice Chirstmas message for Evertonians that clebrates the unity created by the excellent derby result, and goes on to analyse more realistically the options facing the manager as he sets the course for Everton in the New Year. In Moyes We Trust! Win a signed Andy Gray print 22 Dec - The 1985 European Cup Winners' Cup semi-final against Bayern Munich is rightly celebrated as one of the greatest nights in Everton history. Now, you can own one of 500 limited edition prints of Andy Gray celebrating his goal from that game, signed by the man himself. All you have to do is answer a Gray-related question, supply us with your e-mail address and cross your fingers! Click here to enter. Alex Young winners Beware the ghost of Everton past 21 Dec - While Bill Kenwright has made assurances that funds are in place to strengthen the squad during the January transfer window, David Moyes's rhetoric has been very cautious. It could be a ploy to throw off clubs with which he plans to do business next month, he may be treading carefully around the morale of his current squad of heroes, or he could be managing the supporters' expectations. Whatever it is, Lyndon Lloyd hopes that it masks a positive move towards adding key personnel to the team to support a drive towards Europe and not a repeat of past failures to strengthen. Blues draw a blank at Blackburn 18 Dec - Everton escaped from Ewood Park with a point after substitute Paul Gallagher's late goal was chalked off for offside and Brett Emerton saw an injury time shot cannon off the outside of the post. This was a horrifyingly bad game refereed in the same vein in which the Blues allowed themselves to be dragged down to their hosts' level. David Moyes's side didn't muster a shot on goal in the first half and created nothing apart from a Marcus Bent turn and shot that Brad Friedel parried in the second. Blackburn pushed forward as the clock ran down and almost made Everton pay for a shocking display but the defence held out. Chelsea's 4-0 win over Norwich and Man United's triumph over Palace makes this a bad result. Report Win a signed Golden Vision print 16 Dec - Alex Young is one of Everton's greatest ever players, a true Goodison legend who had to be seen to be believed. Now, you can own one of 500 limited edition prints of the Golden Vision, signed by the man himself. All you have to do is answer a Young-related question, supply us with your e-mail address and cross your fingers for a Christmas gift to remember! Click here to enter Picking bargains in the January sales 15 Dec - Both Keith Wyness and David Moyes hinted at last week's AGM that there would be movement in the transfer market next month. Whether the manager is handed the 10m that conventional wisdom in the media assumes or less, he will still need that eye for a bargain. ToffeeWeb reader Jamie McDine takes a look at his options. Poll: What sort of player should Moyesie be looking at? Smells like Team Spirit 14 Dec - It has been a wonderful weekend for Everton and Colm Kavanagh was at Goodison Park to enjoy it. In this Corner piece he reaffirms his belief in the team and its newly-won spirit, reveling in the possibility that we could go on to consolidate a position near the top of the Premiership, thus breaking the stranglehold exerted by the big five moneybag clubs. Kids go through in extra time 13 Dec - It required a goal in extra time against the well-fancied lads from Charlton Athletic for Everton's youth team to triumph in the Second Round of this season's FA Youth Cup campaign. Christian Seargeant scored the goal off a Paul Hopkins corner dring the first period of extra time after the regulation 90 minutes ended in stalemate. This is a great victory for the Under-18 team, many of whom are as young is 15 and 16. Carsley hands Moyes derby triumph 10 Dec - David Moyes masterminded his first Merseyside derby victory and ended five years without an Everton win as Lee Carsley's second-half strike settled a scrappy affair. Tim Cahill really should have broken the deadlock in the 21st minute after great work by Bent but he somehow headed wide from 6 yards. Nigel Martyn made a terrific point-blank save to deny Neil Mellor 10 mins later to keep it goalless at the break. The second half started poorly but Everton broke the stalemate with 25 minutes left when Carsley swept the ball past the unsighted Kirkland from 20 yards. Steven Gerrard twice went close to equalising, though, firing inches wide before seeing Martyn tip another shot over the bar as the Reds pressed in vain. Everton increase their lead over Liverpool to 12 points and go second ahead of Arsenal who play tomorrow. Report AGM Summation from Steve Allinson 9 Dec - In an unprecedented break with tradition at Tuesdays AGM, the Shareholders Association Chairman Steve Allinson was denied the opportunity to present the customary summary of the Associations view of the Meeting at the close. This may have just been a memory lapse on the part of Bill Kenwright; its certainly an unusual snub for the Shareholders Association, with a growing membership of over a quarter of the existing shareholders representing around 15% of the Share Capital. We have acquired a copy of Mr Allinsons summary and it makes interesting reading A Team for all seasons 8 Dec - Following Everton's fantastic form this season, Columnist Rob Fox has finally allowed himself to revel in the Blues' lofty Premiership position ahead of the Goodison derby this weekend. He takes a look at what was so successful in the last two games while assessing the teams around us as we prepare for the first match-up of the season with the dark side. Fortress insist the funds have been raised 7 Dec - Everton's Board unveiled their financial plans this year's Annual General Meeting this evening. CEO Keith Wyness outlined his 3-year Business Plan to increase the club's turnover to 70M. Potential investor, Chris Samuelson, (really a Spurs fan) was also in attendance, offering assurances that the first tranche of his investment will be completed this month and that Fortress Sports Fund does not want control of Everton FC. Disconcertingly, for fans fearing more transfer disappointment in January, though, David Moyes said in his speech that "if its not possible [to strengthen the squad in January] then, then it will certainly be in the close season." On the plus side, the club confirmed that they will purchase the David France collection, mostly with funds raised from the fans. PA Report at Sporting Life Running out of road 7 Dec - With Paul Gregg's surprising announcement that True Blue Holdings has been liquidated and Chris Samuelson's request for 14 more days to finalise his proposed tranche of investment, fans are weighing up the moving goalposts and broken promises of the past few months and are seriously questioning whether Bill Kenwright can deliver the rescue package. For Lyndon Lloyd, this latest apparent stalling tactic, coupled with Gregg's statement, is the last straw. He believes the amount of evidence that the Chairman has been stringing us along is too much to ignore. Tonight's AGM could be pivotal in confirming that "Blue Bill" is running out of road. Phil Houghton responds. Progress tempered by another typical delay 6 Dec - True Blue Holdings, the company formed by Paul Gregg, Bill Kenwright and Jon Woods to take the club over in 1999, has been dissolved as of last Thursday according to a statement from Gregg today. "True Blue Holdings was placed into liquidation last Thursday... the Club now needs to move forward and to support every Evertonians ambition both on the field and off the field with new initiatives and fresh energy." This was supposed to pave the way for the 12m investment package by Fortress Sports Fund to be ratified either at tomorrow's AGM or immediately afterwards. In an entirely unsurprising development, however, FSF head, Chris Samuelson, has asked for another fortnight to firm up the investment, which adds further weight to the skeptics for whom this constant stalling is all smoke and mirrors before the inevitable disappointment in January. Blue blood and thunder 4 Dec - Everton's strength and determination prevailed in a typical English blood and thunder encounter at Goodison Park as a Rhadi Jaidi own goal six minutes from time capped two thrilling fightbacks by the Blues. Kevin Davies stunned the home side when he half-volleyed home Nigel Martyn's poor punch, but Duncan Ferguson, starting in place of Leon Osman, headed an equaliser on the stroke of half time. Davies struck again, though, looping a header over Martyn, only for Thomas Gravesen to piledrive a re-taken free kick into the bottom corner. With the match simmering under boiling point for much of the second period, substitute Osman's wayward shot into the melee was hacked into his own net by Jaidi. An exhausting game to watch, but a fantastic result. Reports by Lyndon Lloyd and Paul Traill. Everton Fans Council 2 Dec - Anne Asquith of Everton Fans Council has issued this Update to members [a two-page 33kB .pdf file] detailing the objective of the next meeting on 4 December 2004, where attendance by any interested Evertonians is widely encouraged. The second page of the Update is a Proposal to reconstitute the Fans Council as a Supporters Trust. More from Vancouver Island 2 Dec - Following on from last week's revelations, Liz France called us up to deliver a health report on husband David and on his prize possession, the Collection. This frenetic interview includes some more background information on the creative ideas David has been discussing with the Club to help set up a Heritage Trust, and to encourage the Sons of St Domingo... Player of the Month: November 1 Dec - Over a third of the season gone and the Blues are still third in the table showing few signs of faltering despite the confident predictions of the pundits. It is increasingly obvious that David Moyes presides over a team without any discernible "star player" which makes picking one player from the a squad of heroes a difficult task. We offer a few contenders for November but the choice is yours. |
Snippets & Rumours Player of the Month: December31 Dec - Last chance to vote for your final PotM of 2004. Who, in your opinion, was the best performer for the Blues in December? What a difference a year makes 31 Dec - Fan Jim Potter sums up the fellings many Evertonians shared during the tumultuous year just ending. Here's to a great New Year! Oster sent back to Sunderland 31 Dec - Ex-Blue John Oster has had his loan spell at Leeds terminated due to a couple of disciplinary issues, and now returns to Sunderland. Blues lodge Beattie bid 31 Dec - Aston Villa chairman Doug Ellis has confirmed that his club have made a 6m offer to Southampton for striker James Beattie and said that Everton have matched the bid. If true, it'll be up to the player which club he joins, with rumours abounding that he had a medical on Merseyside today. Just a little love and attention 31 Dec - David Moyes continues to give his players all the plaudits for their efforts this season as he briefly reviews the roller-coaster year at Everton. Ball cleared to continue at Ibrox 30 Dec - According to Rangers's official site, the Glasgow club have come to an agreement with Everton over the payments due when Michael Ball passes 60 appearances. No details are given, but it allows the defender to continue his career with the Gers. Everton's 'lumbering liability' 29 Dec - Harsh words by Jason Burt in The Independent about Duncan Ferguson but most Evertonians will be nodding in agreement as they nurse their angst at yesterday's 2-0 defeat at Charlton in which the volatile Scot was sent off for elbowing Herman Hreidarsson. Martyn facing a month out 29 Dec - The early prognosis on Nigel Martyn's calf strain sustained at Charlton yesterday is that he will be out of action until the end of January at least. The 39 year-old will have a more detailed scan in the next couple of days. Moyes: Tactical Nous 28 Dec - Paul Hayward in The Telegraph one of the better recent articles on the New Everton phenom most beloved of embarrassed pundits who, forced to eat their early-season words, must search the Glwadys Street shoe piles for some logical basis to explain Everton's lofty league position. Second Half: repeat of the first? 26 Dec - In this Independent feature interview, David Moyes talks once again about some of the factors underlying Everton's success this season, and comes up with another honest statement that goes to the heart of football management: "I'd like to turn round to you and say that was because I knew exactly who was going to work out best, but which one of us can honestly say which players will work out and which ones wont?" Final nail in ground-share coffin? 24 Dec - Representatives from Everton and Liverpool apparently met again last night to finally bring to an end the talk of a joint stadium for the City's Premiership pair, although that won't be announced until next week. Southall spurns boring Prem 24 Dec - In today's Independent, Neville Southall takes potshots at just about every aspect of today's soaraway Premiership. No one, Southall says, should be surprised to see him working in non-League football not least because, he believes, his brand of honesty would not be allowed in the Premiership. David Moyes: Tactical genius 23 Dec - ToffeeWeb reader, Rick Tarleton, adds his voice to those lauding David Moyes for his and his team's achievements so far this season, and urges him to push on towards Champions League qualification. Moyes sounds January warning 23 Dec - Given that transfer speculation continues to dominate internet traffic above all else, many Everton fans are going to be disappointed to hear that most of the players David Moyes has targeted may well not be available until the summer. Contract extension talks for Weir 23 Dec - David Weir is in talks with Everton over an extension to his contract, which is one of 11 that expire at the end of the season for current senior players. Fortress Sports Funds are coming! 22 Dec - Chris Samuelson has stepped forward to explain that banking regulations and other red tape are holding up completion of the first investment tranche from Fortress Sports Fund, totalling 12.8M. Once EFC are sure the money is actually in the bank, they will issue notice of an EGM to vote on the deal. If successful, the whole process won't be complete until the end of January. More details in the Daily Mail. No loan for Campbell 22 Dec - Everton have turned down a loan request from Leeds United for Kevin Campbell. Christmas cheer 22 Dec - The successful nominations for the free tickets to Boxing Day's game with Man City were for Nathan Smith, a cerebral palsey sufferer, and family who was nominated by his cousin, Phil Spencer; and Dave Breeze who was put forward by his wife, Jean. Many thanks to Ian MacDonald who came up with this wonderful idea. Osman has a knee injury 21 Dec - Leon Osman may not be fit for the Boxing Day clash with Manchester City; he is suffering from a knee injury that caused his substitution in the Blackburn game. No news is... er, no news 21 Dec - The continuing saga of the Fortress Sports Fund rumbles on, with David Prentice casting some doubt on proceedings as the deadline for the extended exclusivity clause expired last night. But we must support Bill Kenwright as he strives to bring much-needed investment into the Club to back David Moyes and his great work with the team... What type of striker? 21 Dec - Our poll on what sort of striker David Moyes should go for next month drew a record number of respondents and opinions spread pretty evenly between a Robbie Keane, Dean Ashton, Benni McCarthy and James Beattie-type player. Aesop's Fables 20 Dec - AR Ismael Mia waxes lyrical on the season so far, dealing with Kenwright, Fortress, Rooney, Moyes, his squad, and more. Moyes happy with a point 18 Dec - David Moyes admitted that his lads did not play particularly well, but a point is a point away from home. Thai Bluesblood Site 17 Dec - The Everton fans in Thailand send their greetings via this nice looking website (give it plenty of time to load...) and the webmaster says: "Hi i think everton big performance i a little bit english but i want smile give you haha sorry" Cool, bro! We get the picture. Welcome to Ian Macdonald's worldwide Everton family!!! Give the gift of Everton this Xmas 16 Dec - Do you know of a deserving Blue who can't normally afford to go to the match? Ian MacDonald of the Indy Blues has four tickets to the Man City game on Boxing Day to give away. Send us your nomination via our General Feedback form and maybe your friend or family member will get a ticket to Goodison for Christmas. [Nominations closed 20/12] Blackburn tickets still available 16 Dec - There are still a few tickets available from Everton's 7,500 allocation for Ewood Park on Saturday. Make the short trip east to cheer the Blues to a sixth away win! Nev takes Hastings post 16 Dec - Goodison goalkeeping legend Neville Southall has been appointed the new manager of Ryman League side, Hastings United. He recently stepped down as coach of the Welsh U-19s citing a 'total lack of respect' from the Wales FA. A sad reflection 16 Dec - Everton's amazing performance so far this season is gaining plenty of plaudits but the Blues still aren't taken seriously as a force at the business end of the table. Rob Walker feels it's a sad reflection on the modern game. Our best form yet 16 Dec - Steve Flanagan's unique Season Comparison shows that the last three games represent the biggest turnaround so far on last season: 7 points versus none! Kudos to the team and that man Moyes! The Rant 16 Dec - In his own words, Dave Moore has far too much too say on football. We're not going to argue with him. In this lengthy article he wanders from glory hunters to next month's cup tie at Plymouth and a detailed dissection of the team's current strengths. Contract Extensions 15 Dec - The Daily Post is reporting that Nigel Martyn, Alan Stubbs, Leon Osman, Thomas Gravesen and Gary Naysmith are all being offered contract extensions for at least one more season at Goodison. Kids to face Yeovil 15 Dec - Everton will face Yeovil Town in the next round of the FA Youth Cup after the West Country side beat Luton 2-0. The new Mark Hughes 15 Dec - Everton Youth Team Captain, Mark Hughes, has been given a porfessional contract by the Club after impressing at Academy and Reserve levels. Suddenly everyone wants us! 15 Dec - The Blues' trip to Blackburn on Saturday is to be screened on tape delay in several overseas markets, including Fox Sports World in the US (3pm ET / 12pm PT) and Supersport 5 (9:30pm) in South Africa. Check yer local listings. Everton can win the title 15 Dec - So says Sean O'Meara at squarefootball.com, who scoffs at the notion that the Blues simply aren't good enough. On the same site, Tony Rubin is more in line with general punditry when he cites Ipswich Town as the precendent that pride comes before a fall. Midfield dynamos 14 Dec - Thomas Gravesen (3) and Lee Carsley (5) are Everton's two representatives in the top 10 of the Actim Index which ranks the Premiership's players by performance. Not surprisingly, Everton's entire first XI is in the top 100 but see if you can find a certain Wayne Rooney... Support for sharing 14 Dec - The general perception in the media is that the vast majority of fans are against the idea of Everton sharing a stadium with Liverpool, but 52% of respondents in our poll support the idea in principle. Culture shock for Thai trio 14 Dec - The three young Thai footballing stars who came over to England have returned to Thailand for their winter break and are apparently unhappy with the way the Club has treated them. They expected to be playing in Everton's Youth Academy but instead appear to have spent most of their time at Myerscough College sharpening their languuage skills and "getting used to the weather". Finding the 'man' in manager 14 Dec - In the Daily Telegraph, Henry Winter joins the growing list of journos extolling the managerial virtues of David Moyes and his comparatively small squad. Don't hold your breath 14 Dec - A cash windfall of 51.4M for Rangers from a rights issue that was poorly supported by the fans is being touted as a vehicle for funding the M payment Everton are due when (if?) Michael Ball plays his 60th game for the Old Firm outfit. However, they have known about this for months but sidelined the ex-Everton star to prevent him playing, and have shown no inclination to pay their dues. Cup game on TV 14 Dec - Everton's trip to Plymouth in the Third Round of the FA Cup will be televised live on BBC at 5:30pm on 8 January 2005. The only thing that matters... 13 Dec - ... is the next game. As the media react to Everton's perserverance in this season's campaign, David Weir cuts through the hoopla to remind us of the only really meaningful adage in football. FA Youth Cup tonight 13 Dec - Everton's Youth Academy team plays Charlton Athletic tonight in the opening tie of their FA Youth Cup campaign. Kick off is 7pm at Goodison Park. Prices are 3 for adults and 1 for under-16s Fans Comment: Media Mafia 12 Dec - Richard Ewart expresses annoyance with the blinkered attitude of many media pundits who have trouble coming to terms with Everton's success, notably the rather obnoxious Alan Green. Paul Traill: Isn't it Fantastic 12 Dec - Paul Traill was at the game on Saturday and had a fine old time; read his special report. Staying Second!!! 12 Dec - A perfect result from Highbury today (Arsenal 2-2 Chelsea) compliments yesterday's great derby win, allowing Everton to consolidate second place in the Premiership Table for the first time this season. Unsie chuffed with chanting 12 Dec - David Unsworth thought he could sit unnoticed in the Gwladys Street and absorb the derby atmosphere... until a chant of "Rhino" went up half-way through the first half. David Moyes Interview 11 Dec - Click on the Watch and Listen link on this page at the BBC web site for David Moyes being interviewed on MotD. And there is more from Moyesie here. Stubbs wants to settle his future 11 Dec - Alan Stubbs is quoted in the Telegraph that he feels that Everton having 11 players out of contract by next summer is "not a good situation." He is hoping to secure an extension to his current deal. Cahill ready for derby baptism 11 Dec - In an interview with The Independent, Tim Cahill, in his typically down-to-earth manner, talks of his smooth transition to the Premiership and his anticipation of playing in his first Merseyside derby. Blue Blood a Historical Fanzine 11 Dec - If you walk past the Winslow before the derby game on Saturday, spare just 1 for a copy of the excellent Everton fanzine written with an eye to Everton's much hearlded history: Blue Blood, prepared with loving care by author George Orr. Bet on the derby 10 Dec - Everton are 6/4 with Blue Square, ToffeeWeb's online betting affiliate, to win tomorrow's derby and you can also get some nice odds on the final score (9/1 on us winning 2-1, 10/1 on a 2-0 Blues victory). If you're a first-time subscriber to Blue Square, you get a free 10 bet! DM: 'Blues are underdogs' 10 Dec - David Moyes is down-playing the nine-point lead his team enjoys over tomorrow's opponents from across the Park by pegging Everton as the underdogs to Liverpool's expensively-assembled outfit. Moyes voted 10th best 10 Dec - World Soccer, who voted Everton as Team of the Year back in 1985, list David Moyes in 10th place for their Coach of the Year award. Fortress cash could arrive sooner 9 Dec - In an interview published on Sporting Life, Bill Kenwright describes hisannus horribilus and explains that the Fortress Sports Fund investment could be transferred into Everton's bank account in as little as "six to seven days." He also says that cash for player purchases in January is already there; the FSF money will act as a "cushion for the future." More from the AGM 9 Dec - We have supplemented our coverage of Tuesday's AGM with this well-written account of the evening from Guy McEvoy. Eastern Investment 9 Dec - Nothing much of note in this recap of potential investment from Fortress Sports Fund... except for the claim that Paul Gregg turned down an offer of 7.5M for his stake in the club! Click here to read our definitive analysis of how the FSF deal could impact the future holdings of current Everton Shareholders. Watty not Potty 9 Dec - A nice cannabis growing operation has been discovered in the house Steve Watson used to live in during his Newcastle days. He still owns the house but now rents it out; the horticultural tenants are, er, helping police with their enquiries... Goodison options being explored 8 Dec - Details are emerging of discussions Bill Kenwright has held with Liverpool Council about making improvements to Goodison Park and possibly increasing the existing footprint. With the ground share option looking less and less likely and moving prohibitively expensive, staying put looks to be a viable possibility. AGM: The interesting bits 8 Dec - Chris Samuelson getting cornered by a suspicious shareholder over his assertion that he has been a "lifelong Evertonian" was just one of the more interesting aspects of last night's AGM that you won't read in the official reports. We also received this Fly on the Wall report... Letter from Alex Young 7 Dec - We received a copy of this wonderful letter from Alex Young his personal testament to the priceless value of the David France Collection and the importance of keeping it together for the children and grand-children of all Evertonians. On this subject, there was good news regarding the Collection at tonight's AGM; Kieth Wyness confimed that Everton will be setting up an independent trust for the collection, with the Club's memorabillia, and future acquisitions. More details to follow... Tesco millionnaire on board 7 Dec - Everton have announced that Tesco CEO, Sir Terry Leahy, has been appointed as a "special advisor" to the club. The lifelong Blue has been viewed by fans as a potential financial saviour unfortunately, this latest pre-AGM ploy won't involve any of Leahy's money. Fortress Funds imminent? 6 Dec - Everton have made a statement on the "extension of the period of exclusivity" regarding negotiations with Christopher Samuelson's Fortress Sports Fund. They had hoped to have the investment in place by the AGM... AGM Tomorrow 6 Dec - Anticipation is building toward tomorrow night's Annual General Meeting of Everton FC Co Ltd and its shareholders. The BBC are confident that Bill Kenwright will unveil the 12.8m FSF investment; Everton shareholders, alarmed that the issue was omitted from the meeting agenda and weary from countless broken promises, are less so, as Micheal Kenrick explains. Bent and/or Big Dunc? 6 Dec - Will David Moyes keep Duncan Ferguson in the attack for Saturday's 200th derby encounter? Read Marcus Bent's views in the Daily Post. Tim Cahill Speaks... 5 Dec - The Soccernet site carries an interview with Tim Cahill that was aired on ESPN before yesterday's game against Bolton. You can watch it at Standard (100bps) or Cable Modem (300bps) bitrates with Windows Media Player. FA Cup Draw: Plymouth (A) 5 Dec - Everton face a long and not so easy trip to the south coast for the Third Round of the FA Cup, away to Plymouth Argyle, where Michael Dunford has been appointed CEO! Down memory lane 5 Dec - The Times revisits 1970 and the squad of heroes that went on to lift the League Championship that year. Unfortunately, the online version doesn't carry the accompanying photos. Player of the Month: November 5 Dec - Denied last month by the slenderest of margins, Everton's midfield dynamo is the undisputed king of November. Secure the Collection 5 Dec - Our readers have voted overwhelmingly in favour of Everton purchasing the David France Collection but are apparently split on how to finance it. Resurgence in the air 4 Dec - Another nice piece of good press about the resurgence of Everton, explaining how last season was "just a blip" as Moyes is now recovering the form he established in his first full season. Ball has played 59... 3 Dec - Michael Ball played in his 59th game for Rangers last night; if he plays for them in one more game, the Glasgow Club is under contract to pay a further M to Everton as part of his agreed transfer fee. Or will they hold him back and then sell him on in January? Price of Admission: 50M 3 Dec - Liverpool have told Everton that, if they bring 50M to the table by Christmas, then they may be prepared to consider sharing their new ground. Everton as role models 3 Dec - New Wales assistant coach, Roy Evans, the former Liverpool boss popular among Everton fans because of his lack of success at Anfield, believes that the Welsh should employ the teamwork ethic employed by David Moyes at Goodison Park to compensate for their comparative lack of world-beaters. One game at a time for Gravesen 2 Dec - The longer Everton reside in the top three, the more realistic a challenge for Europe becomes, but Thomas Gravesen insists that the players are focusing solely on the next opponents. He also dismisses any pressure to continue contract talks to extend his stay at Goodison beyond next summer. Smith named to Scotland job 2 Dec - Ex-Everton manager Walter Smith has been appointed to manage the Scotland national team in place of Bertie Vogts. The pitfalls of sharing 2 Dec - Bill Urban, a Liverpool fan based in the US, states his reasons on squarefootball.com for believing the two Mersey clubs sharing a stadium to be a bad idea, not least the potential effect of twice the number of matches being played on the pitch through the typical northwest winter. Osman rumours denied 1 Dec - Rumours fed to Ian Doyle in the Daily Post that Leon Osman has rejected a new deal from Everton and is holding out for more money are being played down by his agent in The Echo. This is how it starts, as Colm warned us last month.... Groundshare Meeting held 1 Dec - The BBC are reporting that the ground-share initiative may still have some legs, given that Liverpool are short of cash for their new stadium, and could get extra grant money if the stadium is shared. Opinions on Ground Sharing? 1 Dec - In our Mailbag today, Rich Middleton is soliciting your opinions on the thorny issue of ground sharing. We have provided a link so you can reply to him directly. If you know yer history 1 Dec - Lyndon Lloyd expands on recent responses in the Mail Bag section and to Steven Astley's alternative view on the issue of the David France Collection and the need for the club to secure it for future generations. Bolton game on TV abroad: update 1 Dec - Everton's tricky home clash with Bolton Wanderers this weekend is to be screened on tape delay in the US and, presumably, live or delayed in other global markets. In addition, the Goodison derby is on everywhere and the away game at Spurs on New Years Day will be screened in the US. Fantasy Football Fanzine Challenge 1 Dec - Ever wonder how the ToffeeWeb Super League matches up against that of other Premiership websites? Well, the Telegraph Fantasy Football Fanzine Challenge table is now being published weekly and ToffeeWeb is currently 4th in the table. |
| November 2004 |
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News Headlines & Features The Real Toffee Lady29 Nov - There is one lady who knows the inside track on the David France Collection, and the ceaseless dedication of the man who diligently assembled it. Liz France agreed to share some of that intimate knowledge with the ToffeeWeb Editor, and what she reveals about the goings on that have stalled action on the collection for the past 18 months is quite astounding. What should Everton do about the Collection? Vote now! Carsley classic secures a point 28 Nov - This turned into quite the game of old-fashioned full-blown English football in the sweeping rain, as Newcastle brushed off early attempts by Everton to take the lead with a rapier strike from Bellamy inside five mins. Everton were under the cosh for most of the first half after that, but stuck resolutely to their game, waiting their chance. That came with a free-kick executed with stunning continental perfection by Lee Carsley, and Everton looked to have won it when Bent later got past Given... but crucially missed the target. 2 pts lost? Or 1 pt gained??? Report by Lyndon Lloyd Reasons to be Cheerful 27 Nov - Rob Fox has been busy again, this time coming up with 11 reasons why Evertonians can be cheerful as we head off to the northeast for tomorrow's big game with the Geordies. And in the process he debunks many of the clichs being thrown in our direction by the doubting pundits. David Moyes: 100 Up! [Link Fixed] 27 Nov - Sunday's challenging visit to St James Park marks the 100th game David Moyes has overseen for Everton. To celebrate this occasion, we have commissioned a statistical analysis of his performance, developed as ever by our resident statistician, Steve Flanagan. Reader response Wyness needs Your Help! 25 Nov - Ture to his word, Keith Wyness is involving the fans as never before at Everton. And we are duty-bound to respond. Keith Wyness is the prime contact for a decision on The David France Collection, which we have featured prominently here on ToffeeWeb. Read his request on the Official website, fill in the questionaire, and help him build a plan for the long-term success and viability of the collection in its spiritual home, secure for generations of future Evertonians. Poll: What should EFC do about the Collection? Haircuts must guide Moyes 25 Nov - As he ponders his options for the upcoming transfer window, David Moyes is urged by Everton fan Sam Morrison to take into consideration the tonsorial tendencies of any new players he may consider bringing to Goodison. Through an in-depth analysis of the styles sported by the current players, Sam has established that this is a clear factor in determining personality and thus protecting Everton's all-important team spirit. Rob Fox: Blood Brothers 24 Nov - In a long but again extremely well written article, columnist Rob Fox addresses a perenially difficult issue: that of mobilizing Evertonians to act together in the best interests of Everton Football Club. The latest but little-heralded effort in this direction is the Fans' Council, which has been formed with the intention of establishing a Supporters' Trust that would likely be affiliated with Supporters Direct, whose Chairman is Evertonian and MP for Leigh, Andrew Burnham (pictured). A Night With Bob Latchford 23 Nov - What are doing on 3 March 2005? Book your tickets now for a special evening in Dublin with Everton seventies star Bob Latchford. Proceeds go to the Everton Former Players' Foundation, a very worthy cause indeed. Tickets can be ordered now from Colm Kavanagh. Hotel packages are available too. In the Grip of the Don 22 Nov - The private viewings of prized historic items from the David France Collection last week were held by invitation only, amidst some beefy security. However, our old friend Travis Furious managed to stake out the joint. He was eventually able to send us this disturbing report on the comings and goings he witnessed. Perhaps Keith Wyness needs some additional persuasion (from us fans) to make the right decision? This is his correct e.mail address: Keith.Wyness@EvertonFC.com W R Dean Classic Print 21 Nov - The LegendsFC.com website has a few remaining copies of their limited edition high-quality wide-angle photo-print of a classic Dixie Dean image: the Everton legend, ball in hand, leading out the Toffees at Highbury for the first game of the 1936-37 season against Arsenal. The print run was limited to 500, and this is the final offering for just 15 each (unframed). Dunc digs one out for the Blues 20 Nov - Everton chalked up their sixth 1-0 win of the season in a relatively dire game where it all came down to grinding out the points to keep up the pressure on the top two who both drew at home! The match was pretty dreadful, with Fulham determined to stiffle the Blues' dogged 4-5-1 formation. They almost succeded, as it took substitute Duncan Ferguson to turn things Everton's way, five minutes after he came on, getting to the second ball from a corner to bundle it over at the far post. I don't do programmes... 18 Nov - Evertonian Frank Hargreaves viewed The David France Collection yesterday and was simply blown away. The Collection is to be memorialized in a new book being prepared by Dr France together with David Prentice of the Liverpool Echo. Dr France has kindly provided ToffeeWeb with this wonderful 20-page summary [135kB pdf file] that describes how he began compiling the collection a 25-year effort and highlights many of the unique gems it contains. View a summary catalog [link fixed]. Please express your interest in the collection via our feedback form. The David France Collection 17 Nov - Many Evertonians are curious about the status of the David France Collection. We can reveal that Dr France has been negotiating with Everton FC for the past 18 months to secure these priceless archives for future generations. The club had hoped to participate with the City of Liverpool on an application to Heritage Lottery Fund but those plans were derailed last week; David France is in the North West today and tomorrow to host private viewings of classic items from the Collection for qualified parties. Club debt now at 42 Million! 15 Nov - Everton have sent out letters to their UK shareholders ahead of next month's AGM, explaining that the total debt at Everton FC Co Ltd at the end of last season rose to 42M. Bill Kenwright is still promising that the Fortress Sports Fund monies will be incoming, with Christopher Samuleson taking his place on the Everton Board, enabling the promised "tranches" of millions to come rolling in... Everton win ugly 13 Nov - It wasn't pretty or particularly inspiring but it was enough to overcome a poor Birmingham side as David Moyes's gameplan worked perfectly to get Everton back to winning ways thanks to Thomas Gravesen's second-half penalty. Muzzy Izzett punched a superb Lee Carsley shot off the line, received his marching orders and set up the decisive spot kick midway through the second half. Leon Osman had a wonderful chance to seal it but cracked his shot wide, while Birmingham almost stole a point at the death when they got in behind the defence for the first time but substitute Dwight Yorke blazed over. The Blues stay third and capitalise nicely on Bolton's home defeat earlier in the day. Report by Lyndon Lloyd Moyes Signs 5-Year Deal! 12 Nov - Great news for Evertonians everywhere: the hugely popular David Moyes has signed a new contract with Everton that runs through 2009. Moyes welcomed the new deal, saying: "I am ever so pleased. The opportunity to sign a second contract at Everton doesnt come around very often, whoever you are. I am delighted and extremely humbled to receive it because I realise that a big part in me getting this is because the players have performed well." Leon Bosman? 11 Nov - The brightest young star we have is Leon Osman yet he is one of the many who's contract at Everton expires come the end of the season. Colm Kavanagh lifts the lid on his current deal, which is nowt to write home about, and on the remarkably poor deal he is apparently being offered to stay at his boyhood club... More reader responses Blues dumped out by Arsenal youth 9 Nov - Everton limped out of the Carling Cup with a 3-1 defeat to Arsenal's youngsters despite flying into an early lead with Thomas Gravesen's 7th-minute strike. After the Blues lost Marcus Bent to injury after quarter of an hour, replaced by Nick Chadwick, the Gunners' own sub Owusu-Abeyie scored four minutes after coming on to level the tie. Everton surrendered the initiative completely in the second half and fell behind to a Lupoli goal four minutes after the restart. Then, with time running out and Everton going nowhere, the Italian striker finished a fine move and the tie with his second goal. A poor showing overall by Everton of whom more was expected against Arsenal's second string. Report by Jonathan Martin Kilbane: Best Club 8 Nov - Kevin Kilbane reckons that Everton is the best place he has ever played club football as he confirms the players' reaction to the Chelsea game as a lost opportunity after Everton failed to capitalize on the chances they created. Killa also makes a good point about the quality of the players in the team, and the standard of football they are playing something that tends to get overlooked by the "hard-working" epithet the media somewhat begrudgingly applies... Champions League killing football? 7 Nov - The message in this Observer piece should not come as big news to many Evertonians, who know to our cost the result of failing to compete in football at the highest level, having been cruelly denied European football at a critical point in our recent history by of all people our loveable neighbours. Yet perhaps the ultimate irony is that Everton, so recently written off as relegation no-hopers in the New World of Sky Football, may well prove to be the exception to the new rule that threatens to deepen the gulf between the haves and the have-nots. Robben simply too good for Everton 6 Nov - Everton put in a superb display at Stamford Bridge, defending well for long periods and then taking the game up the other end to threaten the Chelsea goal on a significant number of occasions. But trademark headers from Cahill were saved by Cech, and Stubbs missed a gilt-edged scoring chance before Arjen Robben who was simply a class apart for Chelsea finally broke the deadlock on 72 mins, evading David Weir on a long ball to chip neatly over Martyn for what proved to be a six-point winner. No shame though here for Everton: just that perennial problem of making the chances they created count on the day. Reports: Lyndon Lloyd, Rob van Dijk ToffeeWeb's News on the Go! 4 Nov - Here at ToffeeWeb Towers we are pleased to announce a couple of new features that we are launching that will allow you to access the latest Everton news from anywhere. An RSS feed (what is RSS?) of the ToffeeWeb headlines is something we've received requests for recently so we're happy to unveil what we believe to be the first dedicated XML Everton news feed at http://www.toffeeweb.com/rss. A Mobile Edition for hand-held devices and web-enabled mobile phones is also something brand new we are trying with a beta version that we invite you to test-drive and let us know how you get on. Blue Watch 3 Nov - BBC Radio Merseyside is finally available via the internet with lots of local sports coverage every weekday evening starting at 7pm and sports bulletins throughout the day. There's also the Saturday footy prog at 2pm followed by the John Keith phone-in between 5.15 and 6.15pm. One programme in particular should be of interest to Evertonians around the world: Blue Watch, their Friday night Everton programme (20h00 GMT) is hugely popular. They also have an Everton page, although Bluenose Reports are well out of date. Slapheads 2 Nov - One of the more persistent and recognizable features of Everton's much improved midfield this season has been the link-play between Thomas Gravesen and his doppleganger Lee Carsley, the two follically-challenged lookalikes that cause commentators no end of confusion. Nick Armitage, who has been a bit quiet recently, admits he has been forced to reassess their value to Everton. Coming good for David Moyes 1 Nov - An excellent interview from Evertonian Brian Viner in The Independent focuses on the great achievement of pulling Everton up by their bootstraps after the summer from hell. Another wonderful original quote from Moyes: "What I do know is that this division is better for having a strong Everton Football Club." Additional credit for Moyes in The Telegraph. |
Snippets & Rumours An alternative view30 Nov - Steven Astley offers a different view of the issue of the David France Collection, saying that this season and the push for Europe is far more deserving of the club's financial attention. Lyndon Lloyd responds, warning that once it's gone, the Collection is gone. Livingston, I presume? 30 Nov - Former Everton linchpin, Richard Gough, takes over as manager of Livingston in the Scottish Premier League, with old mate Archie Knox alongside him for good measure... Non-story of the week 30 Nov - Thomas Gravesen will make a decision on his future "in the coming months," says his agent, John Sivabaek. Will he stay at Everton? "It's hard to say." Thanks for that, John. Cahill won't miss the Derby 29 Nov - Despite what it may say in The Echo, Tim Cahill picked up only his fourth yellow card of the season at Newcastle, according to our records, and will not miss the home game against Liverpool. Everton success good for Bill 29 Nov - In The Mirror, David Maddock looks forward to the Everton AGM next week confident that the performance of Moyes and the boys is enough to render Bill Kenwright untouchable, unfilled promises notwithstanding — and he is probably right. Goodison Spark 28 Nov - Another excellent piece of coverage for Everton's impressive turnaround this season, this one from Joe Lovejoy in The Sunday Times. Results good for confidence 27 Nov - Alessandro Pistone returns to Newcastle on Sunday and is obviously looking for a win against his old club. Fitness Coach speaks out 26 Nov - Stefano Marrone is one of two fitness coaches who are probably making a difference this season for the Everton players; this is an interesting interview with him in The Echo. Gary Stevens sell-off 26 Nov - [Note: link is to a 620kb pdf file] This came to our notice from earlier in the week. It seems such a pity... but perhaps it is needed family income for the old greats. (ps: Don't let David France know...) Youth Cup date set 26 Nov - Everton's Youth Cup tie with Charlton Athletic will take place at Goodison Park on Monday, 13 December 2004 at 7 pm. Liverpool rule out ground share 26 Nov - With The Guardian and the Official website confirming a high-level meeting next Wednesday, Liverpool FC CEO, Rick Parry, has said that his club would rather abandon their new stadium project due to rising costs than share a ground with Everton. This runs contrary to Keith Wyness and Bill Kenwright's general assumption that sharing a stadium with Liverpool is the most logical conclusion to the Blues' own ground issue. Reserves struggle at Man Utd 26 Nov - Steve Milne has provided a brief report on the tough 1-3 loss Everton reserves suffered at the hands of Manchester United last night, despite going into an early lead. Richard Wright and Gary Naysmith played the full game. Collection Funding Campaign 25 Nov - In our Mailbag today, Robert Balmain provides some key links for fans who want to make their opinions heard on the National Lottery Commission's decision to withold funding to support purchase of The David France Collection. Collection future hangs in balance 25 Nov - In today's Echo, David Prentice does a big spread freaturing the David France Collection of Everton memorabilia, and notes that a joint application for National Lottery Funding by Everton and The City failed. Scoring enough to win 24 Nov - David Moyes thinks Everton are getting enough goals... but would like more: "Obviously, we would have liked to score more goals, but we have still done enough in the games to get the results we have anyway." Is that a way of rationalizing the Spurs result, where we did everything but score? Everton: a pack of subversives? 24 Nov - Ged Simpson draws attention to a somewhat sinister thread running behind the pundits' continued expression of surprise over the success of clubs like Evertn and Bolton this season, who are trying to break the stranglehold of the supposed glamour clubs on the Premiership. Season Comparison 24 Nov - Steve Flanaghan has updated his Season Comparison page, which tallies points and people differences between corresponding games this season and last. Everton are now 9 points ahead on this basis, but home crowds are down 2,500 per match on average. Call up for Kissock 23 Nov - It's important to know there is plenty of talent still rolling through the Everton Youth Academy production line. John Paul Kissock, a 14-year-old striker, has been selected to play for England Under-16s against Scotland. Give him another 3 or 4 years... Moyes in the Transfer Market 22 Nov - Another rather weak article from square football trying to make a judgement on the transfer record of one David Moyes... by a Spurs fan. Ten Years Ago Today 21 Nov - Today, Phil Roberts is 50. Ten years ago, on his 40th birthday, things at Everton were a lot different. Joe Royle had just been appointed manager, Everton were bottom of the league, and due to play Liverpool... Scotland's Wonder Boy 21 Nov - This big feature on James McFadden from the Sunday Times has him pretty much accepting his lot. Although it's obvious he would like to be playing more, he won't be chapping on Moyes's door... Moyes beaming :)) 20 Nov - David Moyes had a smile as wide as the Mersey tunnel as he heaped praise on his side for their ninth league win of the season equal to their total haul last season. "It doesn't matter how many you win games by as long as you do." All he's really wanted was for Everton to be winning their matches... brilliant! — and Gravesen is OK according to Moyes on this mp3 audio clip at EvertonFC.com. Fink they found the key 20 Nov - The Fink Tank as featured in The Times comes to an interesting conclusion based on a statistical analysis of Everton games and goals over the last three season. Cahill defiant of critics 19 Nov - Tim Cahill expresses his annoyance that the pundits don't seem very willing to consider Everton as title contenders. Scotland talk to Walter 19 Nov - The Scottish Football Association have confirmed that former Everton boss Walter Smith has been interviewed for the role of National team manager. Radz the Rat 19 Nov - David Prentice calls it about right when contemplating the return of Tomasz Radzinski to Goodsion Park with Fulham tomorrow. Gravesen's agent cagey 19 Nov - Despite the Echo putting positive spin on Gravesen's neutral comments last week, his agent seems pretty cagey about the player's future, postponing any decisions to the New Year, when he will be able to freely open talks with other clubs and negotiate with Everton from a stronger position. Youth Cup tie v Charlton 18 Nov - Everton's Youth team has been drawn at home to Charlton in the Third Round of the FA Youth Cup. The date for the Goodison game has not yet been fixed. Reserves draw with Forest 18 Nov - Steve Milne reports on the relatively uneventful reserves game last night, when the generally young team were held to a goalless draw. Gary Naysmith registered another 90 mins of football as he recovers his fitness. McFadden's consolation penalty 17 Nov - He may not be able to score for Everton but James McFadden was on the mark yet again for Scotland, this time from the spot, as they slumped to a 4-1 home defeat by Sweden. Looking in The Mirror 17 Nov - Nick Armitage is spurred to write about the long piece on Everton featured in today's Daily Mirror, complete with errors (Darren Cahill? Yobo a forward?? Journo hacks...) China WC bid fails 17 Nov - China failed to qualify for the World Cup despite beating Hong Kong 7-0, with ex-Blue Li Weifeng scoring the last goal. Li Tie didn't play. Carsley not lamenting lost caps 17 Nov - Lee Carsley thinks his retirement from the international game is now permanent, after declaring that he does not miss having to go off for and play for the Republic of Ireland; he earnt 29 International caps. Li Tie may play after all 17 Nov - Li Tie is causing grave concern to the Everton medical team by suggesting that he could be selected China to play in tonight's game against Hong Kong, despite concerns about his fitness level. (Isn't Hong Kong now part of China?) Cahill scores for Australia 16 Nov - Tim Cahill put in a Man of the Match performance agianst Norway in a friendly played at Craven Cottage, scoring the opening goal past ex-Blue Tommy Myhre in a 2-2 draw. Kilbane plays for Ireland 16 Nov - Kevin Kilbane palyed in the 1-0 win secured by Ireland in their friendly against Croatia. Losses increase to $15M 16 Nov - Everton's Annual Report shows that loses last season increased from $13M to $15M... but no worries as the same source reports that David Moyes will be going on a spending spree in January. Oh, and the Report shows a mysterious 10.4M debt, thought to be a bridging loan to keep the banks and the taxman at bay at the end of last season. Could it be that the Rooney millions have already been used up to pay that off? But don't worry: we're third in the League, so everything is just fine... Gravesen hints at staying? 16 Nov - The headline suggests that this piece, which includes a lot of heart-warming quotes from gaolscoring playmaker, Tommy Gravesen, includes a hint that he will extend his stay at Goodison when his contract runs out next summer. Yobo injured again 15 Nov - Despite assertions that there were no injured players before the Birmingham game, the Official site is now reporting that Joespeh Yobo was out with a damaged foot sustained in the last minute of the Arsenal game. The news comes amid rumblings that Yobo will be sold in January. Patience 15 Nov - Rob Fox has been looking at the rollercoaster week we just had, and the effect Carsley's absence and presence had on the team. He has also put some thought into what it might mean for Everton in the rapidly approaching January Sales always assuming of course that David Moyes will actually be given some money to spend by Bill Kenwright and the Everton Board... Oh, sorry; of course he will... Bill promised us tranches of millions from Fortress Sports Fund, remember? Dear Mr Laphan 14 Nov - Colm Kavanagh responds to the highly critical and sarcastic response that Colin Laphan posted on ToffeeWeb after reading Colm's previous Corner piece, which was about the potential risk of losing Leon Osman on a Bosman. Rangers playing hard Ball 14 Nov - Rangers will play Michael Ball in the five or six games buffer before his 60th appearance triggers a £500,000 payment to Everton to put him the shop window. They blame the Blues' intransigence over the fee (in reality Rangers can't afford to honour the transfer) for their decision to cut the defender loose. Moyes not getting carried away 13 Nov - David Moyes insists that the magic 40-point mark for Premiership safety remains his only goal for the time being despite the resumption of his team's four-point cushion from fourth place following today's well-earned win at St Andrews. The Flower of Youth? 13 Nov - So, er, what happened to that wonderful new Academy and training centre that Everton got planning permission for in Halewood back in May? John Burgess thinks we need to start a campaign to make it happen. OK, John; we're right behind you. What's the next step? Naysmith offered 'good' deal 12 Nov - David Moyes is hopeful of keeping Gary Naysmith at Goodison Park and is confident that the club have made the Scottish international a good offer to extend his contract beyond next summer. This follows indications that the defender's form has been suffering and that he was eyeing a return north of the Border. Reserves at Wolves 11 Nov - A mostly young and inexperienced Everton Reserves side crashed to a 5-0 defeat at the hands of Wolverhampton Wanderers lat night. But at least Li Tie played 30 mins of competitive football his first since February and Gary Naysmith played the full game following his recent injury problems. Report from Steve Milne. Wilson signs contract 11 Nov - After featuring for the Youth Academy teams in recent seasons, and making his way into the Reserves, youngster Lawrence Wilson has signed an 18-month professional contract at the Club that will run through May 2006. Player(s) of the Month! 11 Nov - Well, not quite. We had to pick one from the two players who polled the most votes for October but it was by a razor-thin margin. Moyes Photoshopped! 11 Nov - This entertaining feature in The Guardian showcases the creative arts of Adobe Photoshop directed to the photogenic subject of David Moyes. Bent rated doubtful 10 Nov - It's still three days off so he has time to recover but Marcus Bent is currently rated doubtful for the trip to Birmingham with the knock he took to his knee last night. With Messers Ferguson and Campbell injured, Moyes may have only James McFadden and Nick Chadwick as striking options. January sales key 10 Nov - Yet another article this one from Square Football contrasting the expectations and the eventualities of Everton, Season 2004-05. Yawn... CD Everton make the playoffs 10 Nov - Our namesakes in Chile, CD Everton, have squeaked into this season's playoffs. Despite losing 2-1 to Unin Espaola, the Ruleteros qualified because Huachipato lost to Concepcin. Martyn wants another deal 9 Nov - Nigel Martyn has declared his desire to stay at Everton beyond next summer when his current contract expires. The 38 year-old has been keeping Richard Wright out of the team for the past year and hoping to get another year at least at Goodison. FM 2005 winner announced 8 Nov - The winner of our Football Manager 2005 competition has been announced. If you weren't lucky enough to win, the game is on sale in the shops now. Wright a doubt for Highbury 8 Nov - This injury update from David Prentice in The Echo rates Richard Wright's chances of playing in tomorrow's Carling League Cup clash against Arsenal Reserves as 50-50. Naysmith may play, along with starts for Yobo, McFadden and possibly Chadwick. Carsley is still suspended. Stretford may not be charged 8 Nov - In The Independent, David Conn reports that Cheshire Police will annouce today there is insufficent evidence to secure a conviction aginst Paul Stretford for perjury when he lied on the stand in the blackmail case against John Hyland last month. However, the FA may still investigate him for serious breaches of their regulations. PotM: Last call 8 Nov - Last chance to vote for the player you felt was the star man for Everton in October. Pleasingly, it's another difficult choice. Everton stay in Third Place 7 Nov - Everton cling on to Third Place in the Premiership, thanks to a last-minute equalizer from Middlesbrough that restricted Bolton to just one point from their 4th v 5th encounter. Moyes's Management Mantra 6 Nov - Sorry, we seemed to have overlooked this one from Saturday's Guardian, in which Michael Walker interviewed David Moyes. Moyes miffed not to earn a point 6 Nov - David Moyes rightly takes pride in another impressive display against the best in the division but rues a couple of near misses that might have garnered his side a deserved point. Win Tickets for Brum 6 Nov - BBC Sport has a competition running for fans in the UK to pick up a couple of tickets to the Birmingham - Everton game next Saturday. Do you know who is Birmingham City's Chairman? Moyes re-states Parker interest 6 Nov - Timed nicely to coincide with Everton's visit to Chelsea, The Guardian link David Moyes with Scott Parker who has thus far failed to hold down a first-team place at Stamford Bridge. Charlton (loan) and Spurs have also been linked with the midfielder who is apparently reluctant to leave London. Bet on the Blues 6 Nov - Blue Square are offering handsome odds of 8-1 on Everton winning at Stamford Bridge today. Sign up today and get a free £10 bet (with a minimum £10 account-opening deposit) and use it to back the Blues against Chelsea! Last chance to win FM 2005 5 Nov - Our competition to win a copy of the new management sim, Football Manager 2005 from SI Games, the creators of the Championship Manager series, closes at noon GTM today. FA talking balls? 4 Nov - Saturday's game at Stamford Bridge will be Everton's first with the new "Total 90 Winter" football that the Premier League believe will be more visible in the "dull" winter months. The new balls are yellow with a blue circular motif designed to make them more visible against green pitches and grey skies. Yobo should be fit 3 Nov - Joseph Yobo is back in training and should be ready for inclusion against Chelsea on Saturday in place of the suspended Lee Carsley. Moyes rules Tie out 3 Nov - David Moyes has ruled Li Tie out of the China squad, declaring that the player is still two months away from full fitness as he suffers an ankle problem derived from spending so long in a plaster cast. Reserves lose to Birmingham 2 Nov - Everton's second string lost 2-1 at home to Birmingham City this evening, ending their recent run of good results. Nick Chadwick scored the Blues' only goal from the penalty spot. Report from Steve Milne. Li Tie gets China call 2 Nov - Despite a distinct lack of match fitness, Li Tie has been recalled to the China National team, where he sustained the shin fracture that has kept him sidelined for the last 9 months. Just doesn't seem right... Blues on the box 1 Nov - Three of the Blues' next four games (Chelsea, Birmingham and Newcastle) are lined up for live or 'as-live' broadcast on Fox Sports World in the USA and, presumably, in many other global markets. The Brum and Toon games are live on Sky in the UK. Check your local listings. Brede Hangeland in town 1 Nov - We understand that the Norwegian centre-half Brede Hangeland of Viking FK is in Liverpool with his agent today. They are supposed to have a chat with David Moyes, and have a look around the ground. He may join in on a training session or two as he considers interest from Everton. Yobo out with head injury 1 Nov - After the Goodison rumour mill went into overdrive at the weekend with all sorts of conspiracy theories explaining Joseph Yobo's unexpected absence from Saturday's team, it has been revealed that he was out with a head injury received in training on Friday after a clash of heads. Weir turning heads 1 Nov - David Moyes has admitted that he may be forced to reconsider his position on David Weir's contract, which is up at the end of the season. |
| October 2004 |
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News Headlines & Features Blues held by Villa30 Oct - Everton were frustrated by a combination of bad luck in front of goal and determined Aston Villa defending; they just couldn't find the decisive strike that would have pulled them within a point of Arsenal. The Blues went close early on through Gravesen and Kilbane but, out of nowhere, Lee Hendrie looped one from 20 yards that beat Nigel Martyn to break the deadlock. Everton were level within minutes, though, after terrific work by David Weir who set up Marcus Bent to chip the 'keeper. In the second half, Watson's header deflected just wide, Bent had another chance but he lifted it onto the roof of the net, and Osman fired across goal and off the post. Everton remain 3rd, within 3 pts of the leaders... Report from Paul Traill. Everton Players at Wembley 28 Oct - Our statistician, Steve Flanagan, has prepared for us another unique list of stats for Everton buffs and quiz-masters alike: the total number of minutes played by individual Everton players at Wembley Stadium. In fact, there are two tables: one lists minutes played in Everton games; the second lists minutes played in Everton games and in Internationals played at Wembley. Yes; there will be a test... Everton book safe passage to Round 4 27 Oct - Lee Carsley broke the resolve of Preston with a curling free kick six minutes into the second half and Marcus Bent came off the bench to seal the tie with his first kick of the game after Carsley's eventful evening was completed with a red card in the 72nd minute. The Championship side brought a huge traveling contingent and after a late kick off both sides settled quickly. Everton had the better of the opportunities though, Duncan Ferguson and James McFadden going close in the first half. The Blues broke the deadlock shortly after half time, though, when Carsley bent it like Beckham around the Preston wall to make it 1-0 before seeing red for apparently elbowing Eric Skora. While McFadden put a gilt-edged chance over the bar, Bent wrapped up the scoring from close range after coming on as a late substitute. The Blues now face away trip to Arsenal. Strangeways, Here we come? 26 Oct - The furore that followed the shocking revelations which came out at the Stretford blackmail trial may have died down but we are determined not to let this one slide away into the murk that hides the dirty side of football from common view. Colm Kavangah has assembled a detailed critque of Stretford's activities that demand legal action for perjury, as well as the FA's withdrawal of his licence to practise as a players' agent. Still a long way to go 25 Oct - We are riding high in the Premiership, but we need to sustain our level of improvement for the rest of the season to retain a Champions League spot. That's what we reckon from this rather complex table that Phil Roberts has put together. It shows the relative improvement for each team compared with last season, based on the corresponding games played so far. One flaw is that Phil's prediction does not extrapolate the current improvement to the end of the season; he has us down in 14th because we have secured only 7 points extra so far: we need 25 or so... Duncan digs out fantastic result 23 Oct - After striding imperiously into a two-goal lead thanks to excellent strikes from Kilbane and Bent, it looked like plain sailing to second place (briefly) for a confident Everton. But there were enough warning signs from the home side in the first half to suggest that it might not be that easy, with the Canaries clawing their way back to parity early in the second, in front of a stunned travelling Everton army. Moyes threw on Watson and Ferguson on the hour and, 15 mins later, they combined in classic style for Big Dunc to nod one in at the far post. [The Big Man finally used effectively] Norwich writhed and wriggled but they could do nothing to change that great scoreline! Report by Lyndon Lloyd See Liverpool.com 21 Oct - Football is not the only topic at this excellent website, assembled as a loving homage to his home city by Evertonian Mike Owen. This site represents an invaluable resource for any ToffeeWeb readers who make only occasional trips to Merseyside. Everything you need to know, from Where to Stay to the the all-important night-life hotspots... Everton the Protestant Team? 20 Oct - Oh deary me... why oh why do these ignorant people write of things about which they know so little: "Liverpool are the Catholic team and play in red at Anfield. ... Everton are the Protestant team and play in blue at Goodison Park." This old chestnut (or the exact opposite) pops up at irregular intervals. Our opinion some years ago was this; it hasn't changed. It was 10 years ago... 19 Oct - Early November in 1994 was the last time Everton visited Carrow Road in the League. Although the blank scoreline reflected a tight match, our reviewer on the day Geoff Henshaw saw enough to keep him entertained... but the real significance of this match was that it would be the last Mike Walker would oversee as manager, with Everton languishing at the bottom of the Premier League. Joe Royle was appointed and produced results immediately, starting with the next game against Liverpool, and a very welcome 2-0 win as he went on to capture the FA Cup with most of the players listed here. A game of other halves 18 Oct - Becky Tallentire's new book, The Real Footballers Wives: The First Ladies of Everton gets a very nice review in The Times. The whole point of the book is that it is not about the modern mock glamour surrounding current footballers. Instead, it profiles the poignant stories of real women from a bygone time before money created such havoc. And the review ends with a rather telling statement from the author herself. Osman goal just enough 16 Oct - Leon Osman popped up with a couple of minutes to go to earn three points that looked beyond Everton for most of this disappointing encounter against struggling Southampton. The Blues had the better of the first half but had little to show for it apart from a couple of Marcus Bent efforts and a Tim Cahill shot over the bar. Bent had two good chances at the start of the second half but was again foiled before he set up a great chance that neither Leon Osman nor Cahill could connect with. Then, with the game limping to goalless tedium, Osman cleverly engineered space for a shot and beat Antti Niemi to steal the points at the death. Match Reports from Paul Waring and Paul Traill. Friendly debut for Davidsen 14 Oct - Today at Netherton, an impromptu friendly was played out between Everton's Under-18 Youth Academy side and a visiting XI from Shanghai that included a few other characters. As Steve Milne reports exclusively for ToffeeWeb, James Vaughan banged in a nice first-half hat-trick for the Blues, while Johann Davidsen, new signing from the Faroe Islands, made his first appearance, and Icelandic youngster Bjarni Vidarsson completed the scoring. A couple of young Chinese trialists also got run-outs before the end. Everton Ladies crush Liverpool 13 Oct - Everton Ladies returned to the top of the Nationwide Women's League by establishing a three-point gap over rivals Charlton after crushing neighbours Liverpool with a very pleasing 5-1 scoreline. Fara Williams, Michelle Evans, Kelly McDougall (2) and Rachel Unitt scored the goals for Everton, setting the stage for a real top-of-the-table six-pointer againts Charlton when the two sides meet on Sunday. Rob Fox: Big Brother 12 Oct - This sounds more like a rant as our loquacious columnist unloads on MoTD and on Mr Graham Poll for his incompetent refereeing in our last game... yes, it still rankles. But, warming to his topic, Rob considers a possible fix: video. Yes, we have the technology! Stretford misled the Court 11 Oct - In a stunning conclusion to the Stretford blakmail case, the Judge threw out the charges against the John Hyland and the Bacon brothers after documents revealed that Paul Stretford had lied on the witness stand about exactly when he had poached Wayne Rooney from his original agent Peter McIntosh. Stretford will now be investigated by Cheshire police who could charge him with perjury. Everton The School of Science 11 Oct - One on the most significant and substantial books written about Everton in the last 25 years is now available in paperback. James Corbett's labour of love takes a slightly different tack for a historical work, casting each chapter from the perspective of an individual in Everton's great and illustrious past. It's a fantastic read, and James assures us that the handful of minor errors which crept into the hardback version have all now been rectified. Fortress Goodison: Final 10 Oct - In the fifth and final part of his detailed fiscal assessment in which he has examined the prospects for the near-term future of Everton FC, Rob Fox looks briefly at ways of increasing revenues off the pitch; he backs Keith Wyness, the new CEO, for saying the right things regarding what needs to change and where we need to be heading as a Club. Many thanks to Rob for this substantial and very well-written dissertation. Fortress Goodison: Part 4 9 Oct - In his inpromptu seminar on the money side of things, Rob Fox looks into the second of three main ways in which Everton can increase their revenue streams: TV and prize money. But that depends on success... and success depends ultimately on money... or so we are led to belive. Fortress Goodison: Part 3 8 Oct - In Part 3 of his thorough and exacting financial analysis, Rob Fox looks at ways in which Everton could increase revenue, a major challenge that really has proved difficult to achieve over recent years, with success on the field the obvious but largely ellusive key to the entire process. Today, he looks at three options for getting more from Match Receipts. Fortress Goodison: Part 2 7 Oct - That's what they say if you want to know what's really going on: "Follow the money trail". In Part 2 of his financial analysis, Rob Fox delves into the typical account balances of Everton and some of their Premiershiop rivals to try and understand just what happens to all the money we, the fans, channel into the Club. Reader responses Fortress Goodison: Part 1 6 Oct - Rob Fox has pulled out his pocket calculator and got working to try and figure out the answer to the question everyone is asking: just how much new investment and transfer income will David Moyes have to spend when the transfer window opens again in January 2005? We'll not quibble with Rob's assumptions, which offer two basic scenarios, and assume that opearating income and expenditure will balance out, Look out for Part 2, coming soon... The Chairman knows... 4 Oct - Colm Kavanagh asked a long and complex question of Bill Kenwright at the EGM last month... and got short shrift in the form of an answer. His question related to the role of players' agents in modern-day football... a subject that Colm has been researching for a good few weeks before and since the EGM. Some of his findings relate to the amount of money agents are sucking out of the game in general... and out of Everton in particular... Off-key Everton come up short 2 Oct - North London came to Goodison and left with the points for the second time this season as a headed goal by Noe Pamarot early in the second half was enough to end the Blues' terrific recent run. After dominating the first half Everton were disappointed that their lack of firepower had prevented them from converting that superiority into goals. Tim Cahill came the closest when he headed off the post. 8 minutes into the second period, Spurs struck against the run of play and while the home side responded when Osman fired off the woodwork, the Londoners grew in confidence as their hosts resorted to the predictable route-one ball to the front two after Duncan Ferguson came on for Lee Carsley. In the end, Moyes's side came up short and were undone by the first goal they had conceded in over 8 hours of Premiership football. Report by Lyndon Lloyd |
Snippets & Rumours Clubs must address wealth gap31 Oct - In The Observer, Andy Burnham — Labour MP for Leigh, Evertonian, and chairman of Supporters Direct — makes a strong case for football clubs and the FA to take action on the problem of wealth distribution that is threatening to destroy balanced competition in domestic football. Cahill's Great Adventure 31 Oct - Tim Cahill talks to Patrick Barclay in The Telegraph mostly about the last five years at Milwall, briefly about his new Premiership adventure, and most worryingly about his knee, which has bone-bruising that will last for months — thanks to that kopite twat Redknapp. Just keep chugging along 31 Oct - After-match comments from David Moyes sum up the frustration felt by the players at their failure to blow Villa off the park, despite excellent football and plenty of chances. Gravesen inclined to stay? 30 Oct - Before another stirring performance from Tommy Gravesen today, word from The Mirror is that he may be prepared to stay at Everton if he is given more than a 3-year contract, and more than his current 15k/wk. Deepdale Duck is Quacking Mad 30 Oct - More negative feedback regarding fan problems at Wednesday's cup game... but this from an unusal quarter: the Deepdale Duck who was (thankfully) prevented from strutting his stuff again, on safety grounds. This hilarious complaint goes a long way in demonstrating that these so-called mascots are an abomination to football and should be banned. 'The best team on Merseyside' 29 Oct - It's fun to enjoy articles like this piece in today's Guardian while they last, particularly when they specifically highlight that there is more to our fantastic start to the season than just team spirit and hard work. Give McFadden his chance 29 Oct - James McFadden should be given an extended run in the first team to prove himself according almost half of voters in our latest poll. Over 1/3 thought that a loan spell in The Championship would do him good as well, though. Unlike Arnie I won't be back 29 Oct - As more information comes to light it looks like the Club made another serious error in the eyes of many fans when they decided on unreserved seating for the Preston game, and totally pissed off fans like David Booth, who was forced to miss the match despite there being at least 6,200 empty seats inside the ground. Saftey reasons? My Arse! Becky's Real Footie Wives 29 Oct - This Real Audio link is to a Woman's Hour interview with Becky Tallentire talking about the subject of her latest book Real Footballers' Wives, along with two of the real thing: Pat Labone and Victoria McMannaman. U-18 'keeper joins Hull on loan 29 Oct - Goalkeeper Craig Gallagher, who has found himself behind Sean Lake in the pecking order at the Everton Academy will spend a month on loan at Hull City. Everton defend lock-out 28 Oct - Everton are defending a ticketing fiasco that saw 2,000 fans locked out of Goodison Park on Wednesday night with the claim that reduced capacity (required by local authorities for saftey purposes due to unreserved seating) was the problem. Yet Everton made the decision to reduce capacity by an additional 5% for the comfort of fans and families, and refused to reverse thiis when more fans than anticipated turned up. Wyness has his say 28 Oct - Everton CEO, Keith Wyness, continues his bonding with the fans with a new area on the Official Site whereby he explains the circumstances behind last night's lock-out at Goodison and establishes a process whereby the club can demonstrate its responses to fans' complaints. Blues may face Arsenal 2nd string 28 Oct - Arsene Wenger has hinted to the young team he fielded at Manchester City that they will get another chance to advance in the Carling Cup against Everton on November 9th. The Frenchman fielded only two players over 21 at Eastlands on Wednesday and is likely to do the same in Round 4 with the Gunners stretched by Premiership and European commitments. Yobo ideal cover for Carsley 28 Oct - As Lee Carsley prepares to serve a three-match ban for the red card he picked up against Preston yesterday, Joseph Yobo has emerged as the ideal candidate to deputise for the Irishman in the midfield holding role. Redknapp gets three-game ban 28 Oct - It's not much consolation to Everton, as David Moyes so rightly pointed out, because Redknapp crucially stayed on the field and helped Spurs secure their unfair win over Everton after his gruesome tackle on Tim Cahill. The FA have extended his automatic one-game ban (for his fifth yellow) with an additional two-game ban. Blues facing Highbury test 27 Oct - Everton's reward for disposing of Preston North End in the Carling Cup is the Herculean task (assuming Wenger plays a full-strength side) of taking on Arsenal in Round 4. The Blues were drawn away to one of only two teams who have managed to beat them this season, the high-flying and reigning Premiership Champion Gunners. Scott Brown Blues 27 Oct - Former Everton Youth Academy player Scott Brown, who has earned a one-year contract at Bristol City despite apparent difficult getting into their first team, says David Moyes didn't really like him. Everton Reserves tie with leaders 26 Oct - Everton Reserves pulled off a good result against Reserve League leaders Mancheater City, with James Vaughan grabbing both Everton goals in a 2-2 draw. Report from Steve Milne. Headbanger Bilic 26 Oct - One-time Everton player Slaven Bilic is set for a new career as a guitarist in the Croatian hardrock band Newera. Hopefully he won't injure himself... Cup admission prices cut 26 Oct - 15 will get you into Goodison Park tomorrow night for the visit of David Moyes's former club, Preston North End, in the Carling League Cup Third Round clash. Alan Stubbs is an injury doubt. Under-18 game postponed 26 Oct - The Youth Academy Under-18 team did not play Crewe at the weekend after the pitch was declared waterlogged. Virtual Animation of Bent goal 25 Oct - Marcus Bent's nicely taken goal at Norwich gets the Virtual Animation treatment from BBC Sports (provided it doesn't crash your browser...) Everton edge closer 24 Oct - Everton edged closer to the top of the Premiership, now just three points behind Arsenal, who lost their incredible unbeaten record at 49 games when Manchester United beat them today on a dubius penalty earned by Wayne Rooney, who then got on the scoresheet himself, on his 19th birthday. More bleating from Rangers 24 Oct - Rangers boss Alex McLeish continues to moan about the 500k payment to Everton that will be triggered if Michael Ball passes the previously agreed number of appearances. Now that the Ibrox club have fallen on hard times they want to renage on a signed transfer deal; the Blues' CEO Keith Wyness is, quite rightly, refusing to negotiate. The sad part is that the player is suffering from the impasse. Singing in the Bath! 24 Oct - Plenty to feel happy about in the Everton dressing room after yesterday's victory, as reported to The Scotsman by David Moyes. Moyes wants more goals 22 Oct - And he's not the only one! As marvellous as this first quarter of the season has been for Everton, a failure to score more goals could still be our undoing... Contract status not fazing Pistone 22 Oct - Alessandro Pistone is one of a clutch of players whose contracts expire next summer, but like Weir, Stubbs et al, the Italian is not letting that affect his level of commitment to the Blue cause. Killa keen to extend 21 Oct - Kevin Kilbane is keen to excerise the option of an additional yeaar on his contract, which is due to expire in June 2005. Chadwick reaching his limit 20 Oct - Nick Chadwick feels that four years playing for Everton Reserves, with even less evidence that he can break through while Ferguson keeps getting the nod, will be enough for him as he thinks about looking for a move come January. Golden Memories of a True Blue 20 Oct - A rare piece from old Uncle Len with real depth and meaning as the Daily Post columnist provides his own personal memories of one of Everton's greatest: Alan Ball. McFadden on the mark for Reserves 19 Oct - James McFadden, his second-half replacement, James Vaughan, and Nick Chadwick all made the scoresheet as Everton Reserves beat Aston Villa 3-1 at Haig Avenue this evening. There was no sign of Icelandic trialist Emil Hallfredsson, though. Report from Steve Milne. Poll: What's best for McFadden? Thai tongue-twisters arrive 19 Oct - Three youngsters from Thailand have joined Everton's Youth Academy for nine months as part of the sponsorship deal with Chang Beer. Their names are: Rattapol Piyavutiskul, Sompong Soleb and Teeratep Winothai. Fans expect large kitty 19 Oct - The majority of respondents to our latest poll believe that an acceptable transfer fund for David Moyes in January should be between £7.5m and £15m. Hosie is History 19 Oct - We understand that Andy Hosie, Everton's Head of Commercial Operations, who was due to host this networking beanfest at Goodison tomorrow night, has been relieved of his duties by new CEO Keith Wyness... Hibbert in Prem Best of Week 19 Oct - Tony Hibbert gets the nod at Goal.com as they choose the best 11 in the Premiership for last week. Mixed Messages... 19 Oct - Now it's Scotland star Gary Naysmith who is being unsettled as his agent claims a three-year contract extension offered by Everton has been rejected, while Keith Wyness maintains that "Discussions are continuing..." Moyes strong on Gravesen 18 Oct - David Moyes wants to cut off the Gravesen whispers early by insisting that Tommy will not be going anywhere when the transfer window opens in January. FA must persue Stretford 17 Oct - More belated analysis of the seedy world of players' agents, this time from Ian Ridley in The Observer, and the duty of the FA to bring these charatans to book, together with another summary of the Stretfrod Balckmail case. And more on the same theme from the Sunday Herald. Meet Labone, Ratcliffe & Watson 17 Oct - Winsford Diamonds Under-15s are having a Sportsmans Evening on 19 November at Barton Stadium to raise money for their forthcoming trip to Denmark. The last three Everton FA Cup winning captains will be the main speakers and a comedian and buffet are included in the price of 22 per ticket. Rangers blackmail Ball and Everton 17 Oct - So let's get this right: Glasgow Rangers agreed to an appearance-based payment as part of a 6.5M transfer deal for Michael Ball in August 2001 ... but now want to renegotiate it so that Ball can play for them again without triggering a M payment to Everton?!? Life is a Rosy at Goodison 16 Oct - A good piece in The Telegraph, focusing on what David Moyes has done to bring things back on track at Everton after the dreadful season that may become known as Rooney's Last. Stretford Blackmail Case Review 16 Oct - In The Independent, David Conn pieces together a veneer of the sordid details behind the activities of Paul Stretford (who resigned from the Board of the Formation Group on Thursday) as he poached Wayne Rooney from his then current agent Peter McIntosh in July 2002. What he fails to cover is the alledged role of Everton players (and staff?) in persuading Rooney to sign with Proactive. It was all so strange... 15 Oct - Fleeting interactions and captured momments experienced by John Quinn mingling with some real Everton Greats at the launch of Becky Tallentire's new book, Real Footballers' Wives. Player of the Month: September 15 Oct - Suspended twice already but a match-winner as many times, a certain Aussie midfielder is proving to be another astute Moyes purchase. Keith Wyness on ToffeeTalk 15 Oct - New CEO, Keith Wyness, addressed questions from online Everton fans today at the Official Website's ToffeeTalk facility. Here is a transcript... nothing much to note. Except "11 men on the itch". I suppose we could have fixed that... Hibbert much happier 15 Oct - Tony Hibbert talks to The Echo about how things at Everton are much improved over last season as he looks to establish himself within the squad. Manager of the Month confirmed 15 Oct - The League Managers Association must have already decided this one before the Spurs game (so why not dole it out then?) as the famous jinx worked its magic again... Cahill may be fit 15 Oct - Everton are hopeful that Tim Cahill will be declared fit for Saturdays' clash with Southampton, while Gary Naysmith is out with an ankle injury sustained while playing for Scotland. Stretord steps down from Board 14 Oct - Paul Stretford has resigned his position as a director of Formation Group plc "for personal reasons" ... ahem ... just three days after he was proclaimed to be an unreliable witness in the prosecution of the failed blackmail case against John Hyland over the poaching of Wayne Rooney. Moyes pleased with Cahill 14 Oct - David Moyes has expressed how pleased he is with the start Tim Cahill has made to his Premiership career with Everton. The step up from lower division football has proved to be better than he expected. Moyes close to new contract 14 Oct - David Moyes is close to signing a new contract at Everton after extended talks with the Club over the last few weeks. Although he has 18 months left on his existing contract, he is the lowest-paid manager in the Premiership, which hardly seems right! Bosnar in goal-scoring shocker 12 Oct - Anthony Gerrard returned from a month's loan at Accrington Stanley to inspire Everton Reserves against Liverpool tonight in Wrexham, with Richard Wright pushing his claim for consideration in the Everton goal by making a series of good saves to keep the Loveable Reds at bay. Aussie Eddy Bosnar put the Blues into a shock winning lead after 65 mins the first of the season for this very young side. Just shows there's nowt wrong with our portakabins. Brief match notes from Steve Milne. Latest new signing 12 Oct - Johann Davidsen has agreed to join Everton's Youth Academy. The 16-year-old Faroe Islander is a big lad at 6 ft 1 in and is a member of the Faroes Under-17 squad. Stretford may be sacked 12 Oct - Although it would be welcome if it happened, the lads at The Telegraph appear to be stretching it a bit when they claim that Proactive may sack executive Paul Stretford as a result of damaging revelations from the abruptly concluded blackmail trial. Tribute to Bernard Murphy 11 Oct - Ian Macdonald has written a lovely tribute to Bernard Murphy to thank all the people who have helped the Murphy family since Bernard was tragically killed in Leicester last March on his way to the Walkers Stadium. Li Tie back in training 11 Oct - Everton's forgotten Chinese midfielder, Li Tie, is finally back in training 10 months after fracturing his shin. He may play a reserve game later this month. Kevin Kilbane excels for Ireland 10 Oct - Kevin Kilbane produced a Man of the Match performance for Ireland in the Stade de France last night as they pulled off a great result, holding the usually rampant French stars to a goalless draw in their World Cup Qualifier. Lunch with the (former) stars 9 Oct - Visit ebay and submit your bid for lunch at next weekend's Southampton game on Saturday 16 October with Derek Temple and Gordon West, two icons from the Catterick era who starred in the great 1966 FA Cup comeback against Sheffield Wednesday. Proceeds go to the Everton Former Players Association. Young Boys held by Mancs 9 Oct - Steve Milne reports from Manchester United's Cardington training ground, where Everton's Under-18s were held to a 2-2 draw, with Paul Hopkins scoring in his sixth consecutive game, adding to a Laurence Wilson goal. McFadden walks for handball 9 Oct - James McFadden got a red card for handling Claus Lundekvam's goalbound header on the Scottish goal-line against Norway, who scored from the resulting penalty. Cahill may be OK 9 Oct - Everton physio Mike Rathbone is pleased to report that the damage to Tim Cahill's knee from Redknapp's horrible lunge last weekend does not look too serious; there is a chance the Aussie could be fit for the Saints next week. Stretford Blackmail Trial (Day 7) 9 Oct - On the witness stand, Paul Stretford gets a right grilling from Lord Carlile, who said of Stetford's cohort and ProActive shareholder: Kenny Dalglish has a wide range of contacts among dishonest people, doesnt he? — ex-Red Dalglish arranged for a convicted gangster to put the squezze on Stretford's business rivals. Ken Bigley, RIP 8 Oct - Ken Bigley, the engineer from Liverpool kidnapped in Iraq by radical Islamic terrorists, has been executed by his captors. Whatever your feelings on his reasons for being there and his awareness of the risks, an innocent Evertonian was needlessly murdered today. Our condolences go out to his family and friends. Stretford Blackmail Trial (Day 6) 8 Oct - Follow the latest developments via these stories in The Independent, The Guardian, The Scotsman, and Daily Post. Phil Jevons... Talisman? 8 Oct - Well, it was only to be expected that something of Big Dunc would rub off on the former Everton stiker who has been voted Player of the Month in, er, "League Two" that would be the Fourth Divison to anyone who is not keeping up. Phil Jevons now plies his trade with Yeovil, having left Grimsby Town in the summer. Player of the Month: September 7 Oct - With a 100% record in September, it won't be easy picking one player from a cast of heroes but pick you must! Emil Hallfredsson gets a trial 6 Oct - Everton have invited Icelandic youngster Emil Hallfredsson for a trial at Goodison Park. The 19-year-old attacker will arrive on Merseyside next week to undergo a trial at the Premiership outfit. The FH Hafnarfjordur starlet has come to the attention of Everton's coaching staff after impressing for Iceland's Under-21s. Hallfredsson is regarded as one of the best young players in Iceland and was voted the best young player last year. Stretford Blackmail trial (Day 4) 6 Oct - Wayne Rooney's dad (full name: Thomas Wayne Rooney), gives more evidence about how the "ruthless" Paul Stretford secured Rooney's image rights for just 2. Also here at the BBC. Revealing quotes from Weir 6 Oct - David Weir, who along with some of the other "elder statesman" at Goodison has been told he won't be offered another contract after this season (a good idea?), offers more insight into where David Moyes went wrong in his management style last season and the changes he has made since the squad "heart-to-heart" over the summer. Rooney sold image rights to agent for £2 6 Oct - archive Black Cats maul Blues' Reserves 5 Oct - A young Reserves team suffered a 4-0 reverse at home to Sunderland this evening, the second string's worst home defeat for 6 years. They are now sitting at the bottom of the league (Northern Section) with a winless record. Trial for Icelandic prospect 5 Oct - Everton will give a one week trial to Icelander, 19 year-old Emil Hallfredsson. The U-21 international defender currently plies his trade with FH Hafnarfjordur and has impressed Goodison scouts. Rooney's agent 'was in tears after threats' 5 Oct - archive Stretford Blackmail trial (Day 3) 4 Oct - The most detailed report of these bizarre goings on is from The Scotsman, with Wayne Rooney's father giving evidence. It's another reunion for Moyes 4 Oct - Having scraped through against Bristol City, Everton will face another of David Moyes's former clubs in the Carling Cup Third Round after Preston North End overcame Leicester City 3-2 with a Richard Cresswell hat-trick. Good news for Cahill 4 Oct - MRI scans on Tim Cahill's injured knee revealed no serious damage from the studs-up challenge by Jamie Redknapp on Saturday. The midfielder is ruled out of Australia's forthcoming international with the Solomon Islands, though. Redknapp, meanwhile, has picked up a three-match ban from the FA who, if there is any justice, should take action against Graham Poll as well. Ladies on top despite draw 4 Oct - Everton Ladies are joint top of the table with Charlton Athletic (with a game in hand) despite losing their 100% record with a 2-2 draw with Birmingham this weekend. Samuelson looks to the future 4 Oct - In his first interview since emerging as the man behind Bill Kenwright's multi-million pound rescue package, Chris Samuelson reveals his admiration for Everton's history and core support as he prepares for life on the Goodison Board. His initial 12.8m investment is expected to be ratified at the club's AGM in December. Lunch with the (former) stars 4 Oct - Visit ebay and submit your bid for lunch at the Southampton game (16 October) with Derek Temple and Gordon West, — two icons from the Catterick era who starred in the great 1966 FA Cup comeback against Sheffield Wednesday. Socts in squad 4 Oct - Gary Naysmith and Jamie McFadden have both been called up for Scotland's World Cup Qualifiers against Norway and Moldova next week, despite their failure to hold down first-team places at Everton. Redknapp may face ban 4 Oct - In an earth-shattering confession, Graham Poll actually admits he may have been "too close" to the dreadful foul Jamie Radknapp perpetrated on Tim Cahill, that threatens to have ended his season. Poll is expected to work with the FA to charge Redknapp with violent conduct and a 3-match ban. Cahill due for scans 3 Oct - Tim Cahill must wait until Monday to get some MRI scans on the knee that got hammered by Jamie Redknapp in that x-rated challenge on Saturday. Moyes sees red for Redknapp 3 Oct - David Moyes was livid over the reckless challenge by ex-Red Jamie Redknapp, who came in with his studs high on Tim Cahill's leg, ending the Aussie's game, ruling him out of upcoming internationals, and possibly giving him serious ligament damage... but no Red Card! Redknapp bleats his applogy to the media but the damage is done. Blues deny Bellefield punch-up 2 Oct - David Moyes has laughed off a report in the Daily Mirror that Thomas Gravesen and Marcus Bent had come to blows in a training session this week. Parker in the frame 2 Oct - David Moyes has admitted that he would be interested in signing Chelsea's enterprising midfielder, Scott Parker, if he were to become available in January. The former Charlton man was signed last season but has found opportunities few and far between in Jose Mourinho's bulging squad. Another great Moyes quote 1 Oct - "We are not looking at January and transfer targets. That may happen in the future but it is not important now because that would be a slur on the players here who are doing ever so well." Meanwhile, stories featuring possible transfer targets continue to get the biggest internet hit-rates... Moyes speaks of honesty 1 Oct - "This club is an institution and a lot of greats have passed through the doors. What we have to do is make Everton great again." — the last and most telling comment from David Moyes in this piece from Sky Sports where he talks of his and the players' honesty in the wake of Rooney's departure. Looking back 7 years... 1 Oct - Prior to last season's great win over Spurs, this was the only other occasion that Everton have beaten them in the Premier League at Goodison Park. It marked the first win for player-manager Dave Watson, who had taken the reins after the sad departure of Joe Royle the last Everton manager to win a trophy. Read some of the great match reports the likes of Guy McEvoy, Richard Marland and Lyndon Lloyd wrote back then. |
| September 2004 |
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News Headlines & Features String Him Up and Burn Him!29 Sep - A somewhat toungue-in-cheek title for a well-penned response to the latest wave of anti-Bill sentiment caused by the realization of what we as a Club have lost in the sale of Wayne Rooney... Well, no, that's not what this is about; Sam Morrison shows that there are Evertonians out there who can rationalize above and beyond the raw emotion of seeing our Great Blue Hope now wearing the red of Manchester United. Bill will do well for us; we just have to be patient... Heartbreaker 28 Sep - Nick Armitage provides a description of his feelings as an Evertonian watching Rooney fulfil in his first match all the gauling hype the pundits had gushed while wishing his move away from Everton. The reality of the devasting loss and what this means to the dreams of our future as Evertonians could not have been brought home more clearly... it really does just make you feel numb. Rob Fox: Black & White 28 Sep - In his latest View from the Street, ToffeeWeb Columnist Rob Fox provides an excellent assessment of the new Everton and the key dynamic underpinning this season's success so far: the relationship between David Moyes and his players. Rob Fox considers a variety of the contributing factors, including players' pictures above their pegs(?), little chats, and the new fitness coaches David Moyes has installed: it all seems to be coming together rather nicely! Super Blues march on 26 Sep - Everton's remarkable start to the season and even more remarkable record away from home continues as Tim Cahill turned a hitherto subdued performance into a match-winning display with the game's only goal 10 minutes from time. David Moyes once again employed a five-man midfield behind Marcus Bent and although his side had the better of the first half, it was Pompey who came closer to scoring when Nigel Quashie rattled the post from 25 yards out. The Blues were less dominant in the second half but Bent twice went very close before Cahill peeled off his marker and nodded a Lee Carsley free kick past Shaka Hislop to keep Everton third in the table, just a point behind big-spending Chelsea, and unbeaten not only since the opening day but also on their travels. Report from Jonathan Martin. Strength and Weakness 25 Sep - Some of ToffeeWeb's readers have very strong opinions... David Cornmell is definitely one of them. His main contention is that support for Everton and support for Bill Kenwright are not one and the same. This stinging rant is unfortunately directed at the many, many fans who give Bill Kenwright their support because he is "one of us" a tug at the heart strings that Kenwright uses to telling effect, not least in his empassioned speeches to shareholders at this month's EGM. Reader responses... Hibbo: Blue Barometer 24 Sep - The first thing I noticed about the Arsenal game was how much better Tony Hibbert was playing. Nick Armitage has noticed as well, and has written this article proclaiming the young right-back as the Blue Barometer. Last season turned into a nightmare for him and for Everton; this season, he's playing out of his skin... Confidence is Key 24 Sep - Still searching for his first goal and having missed two gilt-edged opportunities to break his duck in the past week James McFadden's confidence has taken a battering as he tries to stake his claim for a permanent berth in the Everton attack. His scintillating performance against Spurs in April seems to have been forgotten by fans and his manager alike in the wake of his erratic form this season, while his displays at international level prove that he does have what it takes to succeed at the top level. Where to now for "Faddy"? Everton edge plucky Bristol on penalties 22 Sep - Lee Carsley scored the decisive penalty as Everton were forced to contest yet another shoot-out in the Carling Cup. Everton were comfortably ahead at half time thanks to a Duncan Ferguson penalty and Nick Chadwick's injury-time header. However, the Blues were pegged back to 2-2 by the League One side within 10 minutes of the restart (Cahill o.g., Lita). Moyes's side could have won in normal time but James McFadden saw his penalty saved before Kevin Campbell had a goal chalked off at the death. After a scoreless extra time, Steve Watson missed the Blues' first spot-kick but the hosts missed two, sending the Premiership side through to Round 3 by the skin of their teeth. EGM every last word 21 Sep - For the benefit of Evertonian Shareholders who were unable to be there on the night, Colm Kavanagh has painstakingly transcribed from tape every word of the EGM held at Goodison Park less than a fortnight ago. It's all in here, every detail, with no colour added, for you to read and learn. Of course, it's not short: 31 pages in the form of a 136kB .pdf file that will download to your Acrobat Reader (if installed). Spirit is the difference 20 Sep - David Prentice writes glowingly in the Liverpool Echo about the change in team spirit at Everton that has reaped such rewards early in the season. He also makes a subtle reference to the scathing attack he penned at the end of last season that could be considered as one of the catalysts which has energized such a turnaround at Goodison Park, with players like captain Alan Stubbs helping to make the critics eat their words. Blues keep defying the odds 19 Sep - Everton moved into 3rd place in the Premiership with a determined 1-0 victory over highly-fancied Middlesbrough thanks to a goal three minutes into the second half. Marcus Bent, who had been denied twice in the first half by great saves by Mark Schwarzer, raced through and fired in off a defender to give the Blues the lead before later leaving the field with a hamstring injury. 'Boro, who were poor for the most part, really only came into it in the last five minutes as Everton's rear-guard defended desperately but James McFadden missed a gilt-edged chance for his first goal, choking in a one-on-one with the 'keeper in injury time. Samuelson planning takeover 18 Sep - The Sunday Times has extrapolated the investment plan for Fortress Sports Fund, leading to a controlling 50.1% stake in Everton for Christopher Samuelson's group at some unpsecified time in the future. That will follow on from the conversion of Phillip Green's 15M credit guarantee that would presumably be covered by the issuance of new shares, although it would seem to be a perfect opportunity for Paul Gregg to cash out if that's what he really wants. Intersting times ahead... Peter Clarke on his way... 17 Sep - David Moyes has clearly decided that, no matter how thin his squad appears to be on paper, there are certain players on his roster who are simply not, and never will be Premiership quiality. Under that precept, Peter Clarke, Everton's 22-year-old defender and England Youth captain at all levels, today joins Blackpool initially on loan (again) for one month, with a view to the move becoming permanent. Yobo reaffirms Everton commitment 15 Sep - In a strongly worded response at the Official Everton Website to the article that contained quotes attributed to him, Joseph Yobo has firmly rebutted any idea that he is unhappy at Everton or looking for a move away. Is this yet another example of hidden forces at work deliberately trying to unsettle a player and soften up the fans for another kick in the stomach? Certainly this recent article would seem to suggest otherwise and that the Nigerian is happy with life at Goodison. Billy Liar or Walter Mitty 14 Sep - Rob Fox has written some great articles for us in the past, and has accepted our invitation to write a column of his own, so this thoughtful contemplation of where we really stand after the summer from hell provides a good start, and offers up a rationale for understanding the wildly optimistic pronouncements Bill Kenwright continues to produce. Bob Latchford walks on water 13 Sep - Ian Macdonald has excelled himself with this lengthy piece centering around an evening with Bob Latchford, Everton's goalscoring hero of the 1970s, who made a rare trip the the UK from his home in Salzburg, Austria. The Latch relived lots of the key moments in memorable games from that era when Everton under Gordon Lee were good, but not quite good enough. And it was great to hear him commentating on the Man City game. Moyes's heroes defy FIFA madness 11 Sep - Everton recorded their second away win of the season thanks to a gutsy second half display that put one in the eye of FIFA and their ridiculous rules concerning goal celebrations. After the Blues had shaded a first half during which Marcus Bent and Leon Osman were denied by good saves by David James, the game came to life ariound the hour mark with an Everton goal by Tim Cahill. The Australian was horrified, however, when he was sent off for an over-exuberant celebration of his first Blues goal. Despite playing the last third of the game a man down, Moyes's boys hung on for three precious points. Report from Rob van Dijk. Kenwright unveils Wyness, reiterates investment plans 9 Sep - An Extraordinary General Meeting of shareholders in Everton FC Co Ltd took place at Goodison Park tonight to address the Shareholders Association's concerns (set forth in a complex motion was developed by Prof Tom Cannon) at the Board's handling of the club since the True Blue Holdings takeover in 2000. Under-fire Chairman Bill Kenwright confirmed the appointment of Keith Wyness as CEO; made assurances that the Fortress Sports Fund is still in the pipeline; explained that the 15m cash injection (rumoured to be from Philip Green) is available interest-free and can be converted to shares; and, together with David Moyes, insisted that Wayne Rooney wanted to leave and that, therefore, the club couldn't realistically keep him." [Are we too hard on Bill? Vote] Let's Give Bill a Chance 8 Sep - Everton fan Sam Morrison believes we are being too hard on Bill Kenwright, daring to blame him for all the disasters that have befallen Everton on his watch that's the last last 4 years. He thinks we need to be less critical of his theatrical pronouncements that promise so much but deliver so little. Obviously, we're not convinced, but he'll no doubt escape unscathed from this week's EGM and carry on regardless! The Terrible Realization 6 Sep - Dan Hollingworth wrote this piece about what Rooney's departure really means for Everton's stature in the game before the latest Rooney plea for us to be understanding and be supportive. Well, Wayne, that is not going to be easy for a lot of fans, and having you coming back at us every week is not going to help either. Game, Set and Match, Billy Liar? 5 Sep - The transfer of Wayne Rooney has been painted as the best deal that could be obtained for the player who represenetd our one real hope of being great again. He's now gone, but Bill Kenwright is still here and he is even being credited with doing a good job while in reality the Club plunges further in to debt, with none of the promised investment materializing. Colm Kavanagh takes exception to the continued hope of those who still believe in our Billy, no doubt setting the tone for the shareholder's EGM this Thursday. Could have been a God 4 Sep - After all the gushing and fawning from the pundits, this piece by Brian Reade in The Mirror goes a long way to redress the balance. "Bill Kenwright gets a hug from the bankers, Rooney takes his soap opera to a new level, and Stretford waltzes away with 1.5M. Meanwhile what have Everton got to stop them sliding out of the Premiership? 10M. With the shops shut." Says it all really. Evertonians force Nixon to resign! 3 Sep - In a great moral victory over crass jurno hacks, a campaign led by Tooffeeblogger Kenny Fogarty has forced the resignation of Alan Nixon from The Independent. By highlighting Nixon's self-serving stories on the Rooney saga, Fogarty drew attenion to the obvious conflict of interest regarding Nixon's 20,000 shares in the Formation Group (fromerly Proactive Sports Management) that benefits to the tune of 1M from Rooney's transfer. Where the money will go 2 Sep - The Business Editor of the Daily Post speculates about how the sale of Wayne Rooney will change the finances of Everton FC, as David Moyes is left to struggle without the benefit of three or four new players that the pundits said would be the immediate result of the Rooney's transfer. Instead, it's a complex litany of debt accounting, but he speculates that as much as 12M could end up in the manager's transfer fund... which, unfortunately, he can't spend for at least another four months. Will the truth ever out? 1 Sep - As the focus switches back to Bill Kenwright and a growing list of broken promises chief among them the adamant proclamation on Thursday that new faces would "absolutely definitely" be arriving before the transfer deadline devastated Everton fans are searching their souls trying to ascertain the reasons why the kid they had taken to their hearts chose to walk away. Was it because forces within the club hell-bent on maximizing their return on his value drove him out, the pressure from his agents, or simply a case of a rapidly maturing kid choosing to surround himself with some of the Premiership's best players? |
Snippets & Rumours Cadamarteri moves on30 Sep - Former Blue Danny Cadamarteri has left Bradford City to join Sheffield United for a fee of 50k. Neil Warnock talks the lad up a treat in this piece. Radzinski fine stands 30 Sep - An FA tribunal has upheld the fine of a fortnight's wages imposed by David Moyes on Tomasz Radzinski for the outspoken remarks that preceeded the Polish Canuck's move to Fulham. Moyes retains faith in McFadden 29 Sep - David Moyes says he is not worried about James McFadden overcoming his current frustrations, citing his natural talent and hard work ethic. The 21 year-old has spent extra time in training recently in a bid to recapture the form that brought him to Goodison from Motherwell last year. Eddy throws his rattle 29 Sep - They aren't half feisty, these Aussies... Eddy Bosnar has reacted angrily to being left out of the Australian squad, vowing not to play while Frank Farina remains in charge. The Stretford Blackmail Case 29 Sep - The tangled intricacies of the Hyland blackmail case are explained a lot more clearly in this story from The Independent. Also here at The Guardian. Perhaps the Echo jurnos should take note... Wyness talks the talk 28 Sep - Keith Wyness talks a good line in the Financial Times story about turning Everton around off the field and making sure the Club is run right so that he can look potential investors in the eye, and say we are a better prospect than Liverpool. Rooney's Utd debut hat-trick 28 Sep - Underlining the lie that Kenwright obtained the best deal he could for want-away Rooney, the 18-year-old former Everton star scored a stunning hatrick on his debut for United as the red devils crushed Fenerbache 6-2 in the Champions League. A 50M player indeed... for a paltry downpayment of just 10M. Stretford Blackmail case starts 28 Sep - The trial of boxing promoter John Hyland, charged with blackmailing football agent Paul Stretford, is getting under way with allegations of a planned M payoff that would have given Stretford control of Wayne Rooney... which he got anyway. Confused? Join the club. Cahill call-up 28 Sep - Tim Cahill has been called up by Australia manager Frank Farina for the Confederations Cup qualifier against the Soloman Islands. Kenwright denies 30M pot 28 Sep - Not surprisingly, Bill Kenwright has had to publicly deny media reports following his BBC interview that David Moyes would have a 30M transfer kitty come January. Even though he refused to reveal the amount that would be made available for player transfers, he claims that the press misconstrued his comments. Judge for yourselves from this transcript. Kenwright re-states cash hopes 27 Sep - Speaking on BBC Radio Five Live, Bill Kenwright reiterated his hopes that the 28m investment by Fortress Sports Fund will be available by January. His comments appear, however, to have been misconstrued as the BBC website is suggesting that that is the amount David Moyes will have to spend in the transfer window, which plainly isn't the case. Gravesen's future hinges on Europe 27 Sep - David Moyes has admitted that Thomas Gravesen will only sign a new contract at Goodison Park if Everton qualify for Europe this season. The Danish midfielder, whose current deal expires in June, wants to play for a team challenging in Continental competition. Can't say you can blame him... Star players versus star team 27 Sep - Funny how a few decent results gets your name in the national and international media for the right reasons all of a sudden! Fox Sports World sing the praises of Moyes's boys in Blue ahead of that channel's screening in North America of our home game with Spurs on Saturday, while this Singapore site also cites the benefit of team unity over individual star power. Moysey proud of his lads 27 Sep - Daid Moyes gives full credit to the effort his small sqauad has put in to get them a nice haul of 16 points from the first 7 games of the season. Ossie and Moyesey 26 Sep - Leon Osman and a new approach from David Moyes get star billing in this revealing analysis by Louise Taylor in The Telegraph. It is very interesting to read that Moyes was smart enough to see where he was going wrong with the squad last season, and to make changes that are obviously reaping huge rewards. U-18s win again 26 Sep - Paul Hopkins grabbed another brace as Everton's U-18s beat Newcastle United 2-1 in the northeast. Get Over It 26 Sep - Well, someone has taken up the challenge flung down tempestuously by David Cornmell in his comment article, Strength & Weakness. Graham Hardman challenges every tennent of the Cornmell analysis and takes a swipe at ToffeeWeb for good measure. Everton make news in Houston 26 Sep - Interesting to see Houston Chronicle finds Everton's great start worthy of its 'EPL' leader article this week. It seems Everton did make an impression there, with the soccer fans at least. Real Madrid? or Everton? 26 Sep - It's good to read Everton getting good press in the world, while Real Madrid appear to have become the laughing stock. It probably won't last... nice if it did, though... enjoy it while you can! Taylor retracts his prediction 25 Sep - Graham Taylor explains at some length in The Telegraph how he got his prediction about Everton being relegated this season sorely wrong... after just six games? Moyes angry at shoot-out policy 24 Sep - David Moyes has hit out at the Bristol City match officials who opted to have the decisive penalty shoot-out in front of the home fans without the toss of a coin to decide which end of the ground it should take place. Moyes was instrumental in a 2001 law introduced so that clubs could veto a coin toss if crowd safety were an issue but he insists this was not an issue on Wednesday. More waffling from Andy Gray 24 Sep - Andy Gray plays just about every possible angle in this piece about the resurgent Everton. Good... but ultimately mid-table. Is his punditry becoming increasingly annoying? Scroll down to this gem: "I'm a lifelong Man Utd fan and have always trusted your opinion above all others." Enuff said! Shootout record is improving 23 Sep - Last night's penalty shootout was Everton's fifth straight in the League Cup over the last five years but only the second one we have won in that competition, reports Steve Flanagan. ... for Worse 23 Sep - The second part of Rob Fox's extended analysis of what it means to be an Evertonian. Blues draw home tie in Round 3 22 Sep - Everton will play Leicester or Preston North End in the Third Round of the Carling Cup after squeaking through against Bristol City this evening. For Better... 22 Sep - In this first part of a Rob Fox double-header, our man in the Gwladys Street stand provides a perceptive analysis of the feel-good factors contributing to the wonderful atmosphere that pervaded Goodison Park at the end of the Middlesbrough game on Sunday. Rob also has some observations on being a footie fan in the 21st Century, and concludes that we are still a bit different from the rest... Second part coming later. Nearly became Bristol manager 21 Sep - David Moyes actually came close to becoming the manager of Bristol City, where he played over 100 games in the 1980s. So it will be an interesting return for him in the League Cup this Wednesday... Player of the Month - August 21 Sep - The Blues' good start to the season in August was fuelled by goals and dynamism from midfield, so it's not surprising the voting for the month's Player of the Month came down to two midfielders. View results FSF Investment finalised this week? 20 Sep - Fortress Sports Fund's first investment of an estimated 12.8m in Everton FC could be finalised and announced this week as Geneva-based financier Chris Samuelson and Bill Kenwright tie up the loose ends on a long-anticipated deal. FSF have an option to buy another 17m stake later on. The last time we were Third 20 Sep - It came after the sixth straight win in that great run during the autumn of 2002, with a 1-0 win against West Brom, who were bottom of the Premiership. Over 40,000 fans packed into Goodison on 23 November 2002 to watch Everton climb to third their highest league position under David Moyes. Moyes happy to confound critics 19 Sep - Good words from David Moyes on the effort put in by his lads, and the team spitrit that is binding them together in the aftermath of the summer's adversities. Moyes upbeat before big game 19 Sep - David Moyes is obviously a much happier manager this time around as he basks in the warm glow ffrom a series of excellent performances Everton have put together this season. Youth team marches on 18 Sep - Everton's Youth Academy Under-18s continued their great start to the season with a good 2-0 win over Middlesbrough at Netherton today, both goals coming from Paul Hopkins. Cahill ban stands 18 Sep - Despite a change in the interpretation of this stupid Fifa law that will go into effect today, making Cahill's shirt-lifting celebration no longer a bookable offence, the Everton player will still be suspended from tomorrow's big top-six clash with Boro since Ref Steve Bennett refused to rescind the yellow card he gave last week, claiming he was right in applying the rules at the time of the offence. Go Figure! Blues Night 18 Sep - The next Blues Night takes place on Friday 29 October 2004 at Bootle Town Hall. Guest speakers will be Kevin Ratcliffe and comedians Micky Finn and John Martin. Tickets for the night are 20 and available by contacting Paul on 07810 560 216. Compendium of recent events 18 Sep - If you've been following along with the news stories here at ToffeeWeb, very little of this compendium by David Conn in The Independent will come as news to you except perhaps the dubious claim that financier and wannabe Everton Director Chris Samuelson is a rabid Evertonian! Sensible insights from Hinchcliffe 17 Sep - Andy Hinchcliffe provides some intelligent and insightful comments on what lies behind Everton's good start to the season, comparing it with the Dogs of War mentality Joe Royle inspired in our last trophy-winning side. Cahill ban lifted? 17 Sep - This Liverpool Echo headline says it is... until you read the small print underneath, where it becomes clear that is by no means certain, while EFC maintain that he is definitely out. Nice journalism, guys! Ladies retain 100% record 16 Sep - Everton Ladies kept up their flying start to the season with a 2-1 win over Liverpool, their fifth straight win in the Nationwide Women's Premier League. Fitness coaches the key? 16 Sep - David Moyes has pointed up the contribution of two new fitness coaches who have joined the backroom staff at Everton: Dave Billows from the Academy, and Italian Stefano Marrone from Fenerbahce. (Some have attributed last season's dreadful on-field performances and team morale problems to the departure of the previous fitness coach, Aurelien Henry, in the summer of 2003 over a contract dispute.) 'The Truth' 16 Sep - Perhaps this can be the last word on Wayne Rooney, as Graham Kelly provides a succinct analysis that could be sufficient to finally put this painful issue to bed for us: so please, no more articles on Rooney... OK? Conspiracy theory #112 16 Sep - Everton fan Vinny Ferguson has been mulling over the departure of Wayne Rooney and what caused it, and comes up with an alternative scenario. Yobo to see out contract? 14 Sep - Buried in this article on how his loyalty to his country has prevented a move to a club like Arsenal or Manchester United is a quote attributed to Joseph Yobo, who says that he will leave Everton when his contract expires (in 2007). He blames the current upheaval and the fact that good players are refusing to sign for the Blues. Bennett refuses to rescind card 14 Sep - Tim Cahill's automatic one-match ban stands after ref Steve Bennett refused to rescind his second yellow card, insisting he was applying the rules as laid down by Fifa. In the Liverpool Echo, Scott McLoed provides some of the background to the contradictary opinions of the ruling bodies that led up to Cahill's ridiculous dismissal on Saturday. Aussie pair in long haul 14 Sep - Tim Cahill and Eddy Bosnar have been selected for Australia's squad to play the Solomon Isles in the Confederation Cup next month. Tim Cahill Virtual Replay 13 Sep - Forget about all the shirt nonsense, this was a really nicely worked goal, as you can see from every concievable angle with the BBC's virtual replay. Wyness makes a good impression 13 Sep - Someone at the Liverpool Echo has a new friend in the form of Everton CEO Keith Wyness, who is credited with the idea of forming an Everton Fans' Council, meeting soon... Cahill may escape ban 13 Sep - As some semblance of sanity seemed to hit the game's various regulators squarly between the eyes, indications are that Tim Cahill seems increasingly unlikey to serve a one-match ban for his controverisal shirt-lifting activity at the weekend. Best Ever Premiership Start! 12 Sep - Paul Traill sings Everton's praises after a great start to the season has seen 10 points garnered from five games, unbeaten away, and since the opening day. Right hand, meet left hand 12 Sep - Fifa president Sepp Blatter you know, the head of the organisation who came up with the laughable rule in the first place has criticised referee Steve Bennett's decision to send off Tim Cahill yesterday. The bureaucrat said that players should only be dismissed if the whole shirt comes off. Some clarification needed, methinks. Michael Ball forced to deal 12 Sep - In a shocking story from north of the border, Michael Ball reveals how he had to broker a deal with Everton over additional 500k payments Rangers must make to Everton if he passes 60 and then 90 appearances for the debt-ridden Old Firm team. Mr Motivator is back 11 Sep - As Everton stretch their unbeaten run since the Arsenal defeat to four games and plant themselves in the top six, it looks as though David Moyes' motivational magic is working once more on his unified and determined squad. Rival bosses protest Cahill farce 11 Sep - David Moyes branded the decision "ridiculous", Kevin Keegan claimed "the game is going mad" and referee Steve Bennett defended his decision to send Tim Cahill off for an over-exuberant goal celebration as a FIFA regulation of which both teams were made aware before the game. Michael Ball in limbo 11 Sep - Another example of how screwed up football has become, and confirming earlier rumours,... Michael Ball is apparently not playing for Rangers at the moment in part because, if he does, it will trigger a further payment of 500k to Everton. Moyes taking stock 11 Sep - This story in The Guardian recaps the decision by David Moyes to defer discussion of his own contract extension at Everton because he "wanted to see what the club's ambitions were first." 1906 Cup Medals for auction 10 Sep - 15-carat gold FA Cup Winners' medals inscribed with the names of Everton players Jack Sharp and Billy Scott, awarded on the occasion of their first Cup Final victory over Newcastle at Crystal Palace in 1906, are to be auctioned at Christies's next week. Kenwright came close to quitting 10 Sep - Bill Kenwright has revealed that the pressure of this summer culminating in the banners protesting his leadership of the club at the pre-season friendly at Crewe almost led him to quit as Chairman of Everton. At the urging of David Moyes and Everton fans, however, he decided to stay. Harmony returns to the Board 10 Sep - Paul Gregg has confirmed that the dtente between himself and Bill Kenwright is over now that plans to dissolve True Blue Holdings will usher in new investment from Fortress Sports Fund. The Dust Settles 10 Sep - As we look back at the not insignificant changes announced at the EGM, it will be good to move on from the contentious issues that have dragged us down and caused a number of readers to object to our editorial stance. Just one final observation... Wyness appointment confirmed 9 Sep - As expected, Keith Wyness (previously of Aberdeen and Norwich City) has been announced as the new Chief Executive of Everton at tonight's EGM, filling the spot left vacant when Trevor Birch quit. Positive outlook from Paul Gregg 9 Sep - In a press release, Paul Gregg has indicated that "The Board will listen to the genuine concerns and views of shareholders and will seek to provide a positive and credible way forward for the Club" ahead of tonight's EGM. ESA Appeal for Calm 8 Sep - The Everton Shareholders Association hope to keep tomorrow's hotly anticipated EGM an orderly affair with the publication ahead of time of the proposed agenda for the meeting. International Action 8 Sep - Jamie McFadden and Gary Naysmith (who picked up an injury and will miss the Man City game) played in Scotland's poor start to their World Cup Qualifying campaign, drawing 0-0 with Slovenia, while Ireland drew 1-1 in Switzerland with Kevin Kilbane in the team. The People's Dictatorship? 8 Sep - The Echo's Len Capeling isn't buying into the spin surrounding the Wayne Rooney transfer and myriad other troubling events at Goodison Park this year. Citing rumours that the club wants to close tomorrow evening's EGM from the press, he believes Everton FC has plenty to hide. Chadwick saves point for Reserves 7 Sep - Nick Chadick scored in the last minute to salvage another draw for Everton's reserves against Middlesbrough at Haig Avenue. Peter Clarke scored the first. The Blues' second string have yet to win this season having now drawn three and lost one. Report from Steve Milne. No fears over Youth Academy 7 Sep - Rumour-mongering in some quarters (we have not been able to identify) had Everton's Youth Academy doomed due to closure by the FA Premier Youth League beacuse of inadequate facilities. We all know they're not the greatest but an FA spokesman has confirmed that Everton have a valid academy license for the next 12 months. Off to a good start 7 Sep - Everton's good start to the season is confirmed in Steve Flanagan's comparison with last season's corresponding games: we are already three points better off after just four games. Gerrard to go out on loan 6 Sep - Rising Everton midfielder Anthony Gerrard will join Accrington Stanley on a month's loan after making the step up from the Youth Academy to the senior Everton squad. Tie back in October? 6 Sep - Li Tie may be back in action in October after a long and slow recovery from fracturing his shin in February. Radz fights fine 6 Sep - Our recently past players just won't go quietly... Radzinski will fight the fortnight fine Everton imposed on him for mouthing off to the press before he left for Fulham. Wayne could have been a God, but now he's a Devil 4 Sep - Archive Billy Liar 4 Sep - Bill Kenwright is widely loved and revered by many Evertonians... who probably suffer from limited recall. Someone has decided to help them by setting up this website that cycles through a myriad of Bill's famous but ultimately meaningless quotes just in time for next week's EGM. Under-18's beat Huddersfield 4 Sep - Daniel Fox got himself a red card for foul and abusive language in today's Youth Academy fixture that saw the young Blues thrash Hudersfield Town 4-1 with a glut of second-half goals. Agent plays for both sides 4 Sep - In The Independent, David Conn looks a litttle bit harder at the money that went to Paul Stretford's Formation Group, and lifts the lid on some dubious practices this transfer reveals. Faddy scores again ... sort of 3 Sep - A free-kick taken by Jamie McFadden clipped Ruben Baraja's head and flew into the Spain net to give Scotland the lead in tonnight's friendly, which was hampered by floodlight failures and then abandoned due to torrential rain that rendered the pitch unplayable with the score at 1-1. More losers than winners 3 Sep - In The Telegraph, Sam Wallace steps back from the hype surrounding Rooney's transfer and sums up some of the realities: "Everton were too small to contain him, which is surely the real sadness in all this." Reality Bites 3 Sep - Rob Fox writes a long piece that tries to come to terms with the events which culminated on Deadline Day. McCarthy gutted by move collapse 1 Sep - South African striker Benni McCarthy has admitted that he is desperately disappointed that his proposed move to Everton fell apart because his club, Porto, pulled the plug at the last minute. Reserves lose at Newcastle 1 Sep - The reserves included Richard Wright in goal, plus Clarke, Chadwick, and a debut at this level for Icelandic youngster Bjarni Thor Vidarsson but they could not keep the Toonies at bay all night, losing to a goal from Raamage. |
| August 2004 |
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News Headlines & Features
And the worst of it is we have been told Wayne Rooney wanted out SIX
MONTHS ago. It has taken that long for the spin to be spun.
We shall not forget.
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Snippets & Rumours
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| July 2004 |
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News Headlines & Features
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Snippets & Rumours
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