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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.
Homepage news items are in reverse chronological order (more recent first). 

Navigate to previous months and seasons using the calendar below.


<< 2003-04 Index Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun 2005-06 >>

News Headlines & Features

Money Talks, by Ray Mia
30 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 August
30 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.

 
May 2005


 

News Headlines & Features

Forssell deal imminent
30 May - Everton have confirmed that they are close to agreeing a deal with Chelsea to bring Finnish striker Mikael Forssell to Goodison Park. The 24 year-old was in the middle of a second season-long loan with Birmingham City when he suffered a long-term knee injury, but while Steve Bruce was keen to sign the Finn permanently this summer, Everton's guarantee of Champions League football at a bigger club looks to have secured his services. Assuming a fee is agreed with the new champions, Forssell won't travel to Merseyside to complete negotiations and undergo a medical until 9th June at the earliest because he is on international duty with Finland.

Dark Side - The Empire Strikes Back?
30 May - The Everton Way is never a straight forward path! Despite securing fourth in the Premiership, finishing ahead of our Merseyside rivals Liverpool, we remain waiting for confirmation that what is ours remains ours. The UEFA suits will meet in Manchester on June 17th to discuss matters arising from Liverpool's fortuitous Champions' League victory. Many of you will rightly query what is there to discuss.  The others may want to sign this petition... just in case...

Let's Be Positive
29 May - Evertonians continue to struggle with the nightmare scenario that played out last week after Liverpool produced the spawniest of victories to achieve the unthinkable. The clamour to have them in next season's competition is becoming deafening but at least the threat to Everton's participation now appears to have gone. Nonetheless, the historical overtones continue to sicken Lee Marman, who cannot forget what the red hordes did to Everton's moment of potential glory 20 years ago. Lee's positive hope? That we go on to win something next year...

Everton complete Davies deal
25 May - Everton have finally completed the formalities concerning Simon Davies' transfer from Tottenham and the 25 year-old has signed on the dotted line in a 3.5m deal, potentially rising to 4m depending on appearances. He is David Moyes's first major signing of the summer, with the promise of more to come. Negotiations with Scott Parker are said to be on-going, while a 4m bid for winger Mikael Forssell is also heavily mooted.

Family Enclosure Evictions
24 May - The issue of fans many of them season ticket holders of very long standing losing their seats and being relocated to make way for corporate facilities continues to sting, as this frustrated letter by Mike Owen to Keith Wyness attests. While the club may feel it can't do anything right while it answers to criticism that it hasn't been maximizing reveue from corporate hospitality, it feels very much like the ordinary fan is being made the victim of the Board's singular failure to attract any significant new investment into the club... other than that earned by the heroes on the pitch and the dugout, of course.

More disinformation about Vaughan's interest
23 May - Someone is being economical with the truth as more stories are bandied about in the local press regarding the interest Stephen Vaughan has in taking over control of Everton Football Club.  Vaughan, who has overseen turbulent times at Chester City, says he has now spoken to Paul Gregg about buying his shares... Gregg says they talked about Vaughan's ability to buy out Woods and Kenwright.  Vaughan apparently has 20M available, which could see him gain a controlling interest... if the parties are willing to sell.  Meanwhile David Moyes apparently believes things in the Boardroom have stabilized, and he expects the Fortress Sports Fund money to come through during the close-season.

Moyes under no illusions about Beattie
22 May - David Moyes seems to be talking a lot just at the moment, and what he says to The People about his biggest signing (and his biggest risk), James Beattie, seems to be bang on the nail.  Quite how Beattie is to impress and and win over the fans in the next three months remains a mystery, as he has run out of games, but Moyes is definitely looking for the lad to improve and show the critical Goodoson fans just what he is capable of.  Meanwhile, the girls in Spain are finding out first hand.

Everton cruelly denied more money!
21 May - Everton's financial interest in the outcome of the FA Cup Final was ultimately frustrated by the first-ever penalty shoot-out to decide the victor of this great old tournament at the Millenium Stadium.  Just one save from Jens Lehman made the difference despite total dominance throughout an excellent (but goalless) game by Man Utd and Official FA Man of the Match, Wayne Rooney.  So a vital injection of 150k to the Everton coffers, courtesy of the unique conditional payment scheme that was agreed as part of United's deal for Rooney, is forgone... but that look on Sir Alec's face at the end was worth every penny!

Everton to land 4m Davies
20 May - Simon Davies is on the verge of completing his long-awaited move to Everton after Tottenham Hotspur accepted an offer for the midfielder that could rise to 4m based on appearances. The Welshman was hotly rumoured to be hours away from making the switch to Goodison on transfer deadline day in January but the stories came to nothing. Further rumours emerged a month ago that the move was a done deal and that looks to be the case as the 25 year-old travels to Merseyside to undergo a medical and discuss personal terms.

The People's Club - you're havin' a laff
19 May - Success breeds success... Or should that be, success breeds contempt and resentment? Mike Keating is one of the unfortunate season-ticket holders at Everton whose years of unfailing loyalty have been rewarded by a nice kick to the back of the stand, courtesy of an Everton corporate machine in search of ever more income from the rickety Old Lady that is Goodsion Park. Surely they could have handled this better!

Moyes Manager of the Year!
17 May - David Moyes scooped up the top honour from his fellow league managers for his sterling work in turning the Blues around this season from relegation certainties to Champions' League qualifiers.  The award came at the LMA dinner, and Moyes was clearly over the moon with the accolade a tremendous reward given by his keenest competitors.  Well done, Davie!

There but for the grace of God...
17 May - Have you been smirking at the potential financial meltdown that is being mooted for Manchester United as their unwelcome suitor secures 75% ownership?  Could never happen to Everton, right?  Well... perhaps you should look at things just a little more carefully; consider what the Fortress Sports Fund could mean in terms of ownership, and ask how Paul Gregg may actually have acted to protect the long-term interests of the Club against our own group of would-be foreign owners.

Out of our Heads
16 May - It is the end of a momentous season for Everton and especially for David Moyes, who has seen so much of what he believes about football and management vindicated by his valiant band of boys.  Rob Fox takes time to review these achievements and consider the new challenges that now lie ahead for this inspirational leader as he once again enters the transfer fray in an attempt to build on the foundations of a great Everton team.

Blues vanquished by 10-man Bolton
15 May - Everton's ignominous end to an otherwise magnificent season was completed today when they went down 3-2 to Bolton who were a goal and a man down by half time after Tim Cahill had given the Blues a 1-0 lead and Bruno N'Gotty had been dismissed for violent conduct on the Australian. But Jaidi headed home a Diouf free kick on 51 mins and it got worse when Kevin Davies fired past Wright to make it 2-1. Almost immediately, however, Lee Carsley levelled matters again when he cracked home from 18 yards, but when Richard Wright dropped a corner, Stelios Giannakopoulos was on hand to nod home and leave the Toffees with a negative goal difference for the season. Elsewhere, WBA pulled off their miracle and stayed up, sending Southampton, Palace and Norwich down.

Everton-in-Europe T-Shirts
14 May - Everton are back in Europe for the first time in a decade, and this time we'll be playing in the Continent's most prestigious competition. Thanks to David Moyes and his players, we Blues can hold our head high and wear the colours with pride, so to celebrate, ToffeeWeb is proud to unveil a limited-run series of three T-shirts to commemorate this superb achievement. We're taking orders now click for details.

Show Me the Money!
13 May - With the end of the season approaching, Colm Kavanagh takes a moment to congratulate David Moyes and his players on a magnificent achievement this season and examine the changes that need to be made this summer to enable us to have a fighting chance of competing with Europe's elite. Of course, everything depends on the provision of money from the Board... but will there be enough?

Band of Brothers
12 May - This piece by ToffeeWeb reader, Chris Jones, may have been written before yesterday evening's Highbury debacle, but the sentiments still ring loud and true. What Everton have achieved this season in qualifying for the Champions League against all the odds and the predictions of all the pundits is quite remarkable. How a club managed to sell its best player twice and still end up riding the coat-tails of England's elite should become the stuff of Premiership legend.

Humiliation at Highbury
11 May - Professional pride was nowhere in sight as Everton received a footballing masterclass from irresistable Arsenal. Three times the Gunners carved the Everton defence open with consummate ease to go 3-0 up by half time thanks to goals by Van Persie, Pires and Vieira. They doubled their advantage with three more fortunate goals scored by Pires, Bergkamp and an Edu penalty after half time, before Henry skinned Hibbert down the flank, Reyes cut the ball back and Flamini completed the rout. After Mikel Arteta found himself clean through in the 3rd minute but shot tamely with just the 'keeper to beat, the Blues showed barely a glimmer of evidence of how they have qualified for the Champions League. It may have been a meaningless fixture but our worst defeat in living memory was an unnecessary blight on the week's celebrations. Match report

Weir not amused
10 May - David Weir reveals that he is unimpressed by the much-reduced salary that forms the base of a new one-year contract offered by Everton.  The 35 year-old Scot, who knows that a better two-year deal is on the table at Leeds United, says he deserves better for the commitment he has shown to the cause.  His case is likely to be similar to the Blues' other out-of-contract stars; it is common knowledge that Leon Osman is not being offered the 15,000-a-week he desires but Duncan Ferguson is more likely to accept a big pay cut in order to play one more season at Goodison Park.

Champions League Qualification
9 May - Time to start looking forward to August and developing some understanding of the exceedingly complex system of qualifying rounds that precede the group stages of the European Champions League. Phil Roberts has done a great job figuring it out and explaining what the various scenarios could look like. The bottom line is that Everton will enter the Third Qualifying Round in August where they could be seeded thanks to England's standing in Europe. Failure to progress to the group stage would see us transfer to the Uefa Cup instead.

Everton are back!
8 May - Everton secured fourth place in the Premiership and the right to compete in next season's Champions League qualifying rounds thanks to a perfect result from Highbury, where Arsenal continued their impressive winning streak with a very welcome victory over the nasty Red horde from Anfield! Oh Joy of Joy! Now the perfect outcome, should Liverpool somehow manage to go on and win the Champions League Cup, would be for them to be denied entry to next season's competition oh, wouldn't that be sweet revenge for the injustice of Heysel!!!

Everton 2 - 0 Newcastle United
7 May - Tim Cahill passed a late fitness test and was his usual feisty self as Everton fought tooth and nail to make an impression on a very deterrmined Newcastle side. The fiercely contested first half saw incredibly only one booking and many nervous moments for the Blues who finally struck gold when Arteta's excellent free-kick was nodded home by David Weir. Tim Cahill made it two in great style just after Ameobi had been sent off for lashing out at our wonderful little Aussie! And Everton finished comfortably in the end to make their biggest possible claim for fourth place.   Reports by Lyndon Lloyd and Paul Traill

The Age of Reason
5 May - After weeks of dithering uncertainty, the FA have finally stepped forward to confirm that the top four teams in the Premiership will be invited to compete for next season's Champions' League. What greater incentive do Everton need to pull out all the stops on Saturday and do our utmost to make that fourth place secure in the knowledge that whatever Liverpool do in the Champions' League Final no no longer matters: they still need to push us out of fourth place in the league.

NO GOAL!
4 May - So you're watching that game the other night, and you see this goal-line clearance after just four minutes in.... No goal, surely?  It didn't even look like it had crossed the line.  But a goal was duly awarded to the jammy reds by the referee and they went on to a win that could be crucial to Everton in their struggle for Champions' League qualification.

Lacking Resolution
3 May - Today was supposed to be the day that we finally saw the dreaded doomsday scenario of the Champions' League qualification controversy laid to rest! All we needed was a Chelsea victory, or a score-draw, and Liverpool would be out.  But Liverpool went a goal in front after just 4 minutes while Chelsea just couldn't convert. Oh dear...!! Over to you, AC Milan!

Giant Steps Are What Well Take
3 May - Stealing mercilessly from The Police, Colm Kavanagh says it's never too early to preview this weekend's upcoming game one being heavily overloaded with massive significance for Everton's ultimate European aspirations next season.  Perhaps our future path will also be given a massive boost with the right result from Anfield tonight when Chelsea meet Liverpool to resolve this season's Champion's League semi-final.

Women's FA Cup Final
2 May - Everton Ladies contested the Women's FA Cup Final today against favourites Charlton at Upton Park.  Just before the hour mark, Everton Ladies fell behind to a goal from Einola Aluko, and this proved to be the only goal of the game, thus giving victory to the finalists from the previous two years.  [Fans in the USA can see the match in full at 5pm EDT/2pm PDT on Fox Soccer Channel.] 

 
 

Snippets & Rumours

Generosity or frivolity?
31 May - In the middle of this article about Liverpool allowing Sunderland to make a final payment on Stephen Wright only when they had returned to the top flight is Mick McCarthy's assertion that Bill Kenwright wrote off 250,000 the Wearsiders owed Everton for John Oster.

First pre-season date confirmed
31 May - Everton will play a pre-season friendly at Motherwell on 16th July, kick off at 3pm. It's the first of three expected dates north of Border before the team jets out to the Far East.

Uefa site salutes David Moyes
31 May - The Uefa.com website carries this potted history of Everton's season in salute to the achievements of David Moyes, Manager of the Year.

New deal for KIlbane
31 May - Kevin Kilbane is expected to complete contract negotiations this week that will result in an extended new deal for him at Everton.

Everton pre-season in Austria
29 May - According to the local Austrian press, Everton will be in Austria between 5 July and 10 July for pre-season training, with a match on 10 July in South Styria with opponents to be announced.

Our day will come
28 May - We've done our best to ignore all the nauseating fawning over Liverpool and the events in Istanbul this past week, but this piece by TW reader "Big Baz" encapsulates (in spirit, if not in tone) what many of us really felt as the devil's children did their best to take the shine off our own achievements this season.

Everton finish as runners-up
27 May - It was so near yet so far for the ToffeeWeb Super League representing Everton in the Telegraph Fantasy Football league of unofficial Premiership websites this season. Our league finished second, pipped to the title by Palace Echo whose average top score was just 15 points higher.

Wyness talks finances
26 May - In an interview with Bluekipper's controversial scribe, Mickey Blue Eyes, Keith Wyness provides some answers on the Fortress Sports Fund (still no formal offer), the transfer budget (20m - 30m for fees and wages) and the potential revenue from our forthcoming European adventure. Just don't take "there is no debt" at face value...

Why David Moyes is a legend
26 May - Alex Buckley is still reveling in Everton's achievements this season and gives full credit to manager David Moyes. Paul Bassett and Laurence Corneille are similarly euphoric about the season just passed.

Player of the Season
26 May - In your opinion, who was Everton's best player this season? Vote now!

Site Update
25 May - Well, after a tumultuous couple of days, normal service at ToffeeWeb has resumed. To cut a long story very short, we've upgraded to new hosts who can, we hope, cope with our traffic levels. Once again, we apologise for the disruption and thank you for your patience.

Mourinho won't block Parker move
25 May - Jose Mourhinho says that he has spoken with Scott Parker and says that if the midfielder feels it is best for him to leave Chelsea, he won't stand in his way. Talks are apparently on-going with Everton regarding a 6m switch to Goodison Park.

Gregg has no intention of selling yet
25 May - Paul Gregg insists that he has no intention of selling his Everton shares and is committed to the future success of Everton FC. Reports in the Echo last week suggested he had held talks with Stephen Vaughan about the possibility of selling his holding to the Chester City chairman.

Davies medical underway
24 May - Everton have confirmed via the Official Site that Simon Davies has arrived on Merseyside for his his medical, so the announcement of the completion of his signing shouldn't be too far away now... assuming he's passed fit.

Everton confirm Parker talks
24 May - Goodison CEO Keith Wyness has confirmed that Everton are in preliminary negotiations with Chelsea midfielder Scott Parker. There is competition from a clutch of Premiership clubs, although none can offer Champions League football next season.

Moyes could have left last summer
22 May - David Moyes was invited to join another (unnamed) Premiership club last summer, but decided to stay with Everton.  He also talks more about Rooney and what might have been..

Big Dunc cut down to size
22 May - The new contract Everton have offered Duncan Ferguson is not being received well. The Big Yin feels somewhat aggreived that his valiant efforts for the Blues this season would see his basic salary cut to a measly 6k/wk.

Chang hope to extend Blues ties
21 May - Chang Beer are hopeful of signing on as Everton shirt sponsors for another year.  They will have to pay for the increased exposure, though the Blues' foray into the Champions' League means the deal will rise from 900k to 2M.

Goodison pitch gets a new start
21 May - Everton will use the summer to completely overhaul the playing surface at Goodison Park and future-proof it for the next two to three decades (does that mean we're staying put then?).  A 500k construction job will upgrade the undersoil heating, sprinklers and turf for the first time since 1972.

Gregg denies Vaughan buyout
20 May - In what he labels an exclusive in today's Echo, David Prentice suggests that Paul Gregg is speaking to infamous Chester City chairman, Stephen Vaughan, about a possible sale of his shareholding in Everton FC.  Mr Gregg has since issued a brief statement refuting the report.

Arteta close to new deal
20 May - Mikel Arteta has been in negotiations with Everton about making his loan move from Real Sociedad permanent and The Guardian report that he is on the verge of agreeing the 2.8m deal.

Moyes admits to pressure & stress
20 May - The second half of the season was not easy for David Moyes, who put on a brave face at the time as he saw his charges fend off the also-rans for fourth place.

Ruddy it's official
19 May - Following the deal struck back in February, the transfer of goalkeeper John Ruddy from Cambridge United to Everton on a four-year deal has been confirmed.

New deals offered to Hibbo & Cars
19 May - Everton are in negotiations with Tony Hibbert and Lee Carsley over extensions to their current contracts, which expire next year.

Gerrard signs for Walsall
19 May - Youth Academy product Anthony Gerrard was snapped up by loan-club Walsall on a two-year deal following his release by Everton.

Big Dunc: the epitomy of Everton
19 May - The Duncan Ferguson who did so much as a super-sub this season epitomises the Everton spirit, says David Moyes.

Moyes talks about Rooney
19 May - It's not clear what prompted this but David Moyes has spoken out in support of Wayne Rooney, who is, after all, still just a teenager.

20M Shrewd or Stingy?
18 May - Richard Jones pulls out his calculator and puts some fat on the bones of Keith Wyness's money numbers that David Moyes will have as his war chest for player salaries and transfer fees.

In the Money
17 May - Everton have earned a minimum of 12,295,000 on the back of this season's success, with 8,075,000 acquired for fourth place and 4,220,000 raised through appearances on Sky TV.

Reserve players released
17 May - Youth products Daniel Fox and Anthony Gerrard, along with unused imports Eddy Bosnar and Guillaume Plessis, have been released by Everton. New contracts have been offered to all seven players whose deals expire this summer: Osman, Weir, Pistone, Watson, Ferguson, Stubbs and Naysmith.

Medial ligament strain for Carsley
16 May - Lee Carsley was stretchered off in serious pain on 86 mins after twisting his knee at the Reedbock, but it appears cruciate ligament damage has been avoided.

The Moyes Miracle
16 May - Despite fizzling out at the end, Everton's campaign this season wins the plaudits of pundits who had the team relagated last August... although some dissenting views remain!

Tommy, Tommy, Tommy
16 May - Sorry, we missed this one on Saturday, where Thomas Gravesen speaks to The Guardian of his time at Everton.

Where are they now?
15 May - Unfortunately, on mutliple charges for possession and intent to sell drugs. Former Everton midfielder Mark Ward was arrested after a raid on his house in Prescott on Thursday uncovered cocaine and crack cocaine with a street value of 2.5m

Moyes: proudly defiant
14 May - David Moyes is unfazed by Wednesday's result, rightly insisting that "It doesn't overshadow the fact we've had a great season.  One really bad game won't change my views and how we feel."

Uefa Qualification Surprise...
14 May - A bit late, but still quite amusing, and guaranteed to raise a smile!

No worries
14 May - Passing quickly over a recent 7-0 reverse, Nick Armitage takes heart from a positive review of the season that is now winding down.

Haway the lads
14 May - Those daft mid-table Toonies have been sold by their own propaganda, and believe Bramble is better than Yobo!

Arteta keen to stay
13 May - Mikel Arteta, who is unlikely to be involved at The Reebok on Sunday because of a recurring ankle injury, has reiterated his desire to stay at Goodison Park. Everton have first option on the 22 year-old at a reported 2.8m.

Moyes's Van der Meyde move?
13 May - The Echo report that David Moyes has flown to Italy to initiate talks with Inter Milan regarding the possible transfer of Dutch winger Andy van der Meyde for 4m and Turkish international Emre. That's in addition to monitoring the status of midfielders Stephan Appiah (Juventus), Scott Parker (Chelsea) and Simon Davies (Spurs).

It Wasn't That Bad, Was it?
13 May - Our regular match reporter, Paul Traill, brings a more balanced response to Wednesday's embarrassing result at Highbury.

A nasty bite from reality
12 May - Columnist Lyndon Lloyd picks through the aftermath of the Blues' worst defeat for half a century and finds a couple of silver linings and admiration for the transformation of Arsenal under Arsene Wenger.

Moyes's Men Massacred
12 May - Yet another contemplative rationalization from one of our Far East readers of Everton's biggest defeat for 56 years...

Goodison trio called up by Smith
12 May - James McFadden, Gary Naysmith and David Weir have all received call-ups from Walter Smith to the Scotland squad for the World Cup qualifying matches with Moldova and Belarus next month.

No disgrace
12 May - Tony Cottee did not think Everton actually played all that badly at Highbury Arsenal were simply awesome.

Humiliation
11 May - Andrew Fairfoull's world has suddenly and abruptly fallen apart as Everton humiliate him buy losing a "must-win" game by a cricket score. Yes, it was bad, but get a grip, Andrew! Reader responses

Moyes embarrassed
11 May - It really goes without saying that David Moyes was left to feel nothing but embarrassment at tonight's Highbury drubbing.

Carsley keen on team spirit
11 May - Lee Carsley speaks of the team spirit at Goodison and how important it will be to ensure that new players coming in this summer have the right personalities.

Player of the Month: April
11 May - The final monthly vote before we open the Player of the Season ballot so cast yours now.

Fiscal Responsibility
11 May - Don't expect David Moyes's deliberative approach when considering new players for Everton to change much this summer that is the gist of his comments in this Daily Post article, where he acknowledges how close the Club came to Administration last summer.

McFadden still seeking his chance
11 May - Jamie McFadden seems to like talking about the possibilities rather than making them happen, but tonight at Highbury maybe he will get another chance.

Wenger praises Moyes miracle
11 May - Arsenal boss Arsne Wenger has some nice things to say about what Everton and David Moyes have achieved this season: Manager of the Year?

Dear Mr Wyness
10 May - George Carroll questions Everton CEO Keith Wyness, who has provided a fatuous rationale that supposedly underlies yet another round of season-ticket price increases for the Everton faithful.

Havin' a laugh
10 May - We've received lot's of contributions like this one from David Booth, celebrating the achievement and pouring scorn on the mockers who said with such arrogant confidence it would never happen.

What a difference the CL makes!
10 May - Andy van der Meyde, the Dutch winger Everton tried, unsuccessfully, to sign last summer is, according to this agent, suddenly interested in talking to the Blues now that they have qualified for the Champions League.

Blues bound for Asia this summer
10 May - Everton have confirmed that the club will take part in the four-team Asia Cup in Bangkok, Thailand, this summer. Manchester City are the other English representative. A return to the USA was rumoured to be the other pre-season option.

Moyes the Master
10 May - Bill Kenwright is gushingly fullsome in praise of the man who has achieved the miracle at Goodison Park: David Moyes.  But contract woes (see left) tell the lie to Blue Bill's rosy outlook for the team.

New Expectations
10 May - David Moyes talks about his remarkable achievement of making Everton great again, and looks to the heightened expectations this now creates.

Reds should defend the trophy
9 May - While there's been nary a peep from Rafael "Beneathus" by way of congratulations for Everton's stunning achievements this season, David Moyes believes that Liverpool should be permitted entry to the Champions League next season if they win the tournament this year. The signs are increasing that UEFA will indeed give them a backdoor pass should they beat AC Milan in the final on May 25th.

Arteta will have choices
9 May - Should they decide to make his loan move permanent, it won't be a formality for Everton to sign Mikel Arteta this summer. Real Sociedad could decide to keep him and Espanyol and Rangers (his former club) are two of four other clubs believed to be interested.

European Seedings Explained
9 May - This website provides you with more stats, coefficients and rankings than you would ever want to shake a stick at. It goes into exacting detail about the mathematical madness that underlies the qualifying round structure and in particular the seedings for the Champions' League.

Who's Laughing Now?
9 May - As we celebrate Everton's entry into the European Champions' League, John Clucas is reminded of the way we were denied this honour 20 years ago.

Mockers fall silent
9 May - A nice match report by Duncan White in today's Telegraph sums up a great weekend for Evertonians everywhere.

Moyes is dead chuffed
8 May - "There is no denying that Everton are the best team in the city this season." oh yes, Davie... rub it in!

The Sun still fixated on Rooney
7 May - Steve Watson talked to the The Sun (why?) about not missing Rooney their total fixation continues...

Bolton settle for Uefa Cup place
7 May - Bolton bowed outof the race for fourth place after a 1-1 draw at Portsmouth, leaving Liverpool the only threat, which hinges on a mathematical risk that they could still bridge the six-point gap that has now opened up beneath us.

Whipping up the frenzy
6 May - David Moyes wants the crowd to be a vital factor in Saturday's crucial game against Newcastle, but that will depend on just how his charges come out of the gate at 3pm and what sort of challenge they lay down for the fans to pick up on at the start of the game.

Talking the talk
6 May - Jamie McFadden's season has been something of a disappointment but that doesn't stop him and Scott McLeod fantasizing wildly in Echo about imminent glories that he is about to be a part of...

Martyn looking for a big effort
6 May - Nigel Martyn knows what's needed of him and the rest of the Eveton team on Saturday against Newcastle.

Robert slams long-ball tactics
6 May - Newcastle forward Lauren Robert spices things up nicely for the upcoming crucial encounter with Everton by slamming the typically British long-ball tactics he expects Everton to invoke if they take the lead on Saturday.

Flip-flopping around
6 May - The Independent has some fun with this page which has now been removed from theFA.com website, but clearly shows our beloved football authorities have done a full about-turn from last year's policy with regard to the fourth-place qualification for the Champions' League.

Gotta pick a pocket or two!
5 May - Everton have just announced new season ticket prices for next season, 2005/06, and are fully expecting to sell over 28,000 allocated season ticket places! Time to delve behind the sofa oncemore for a few shillings!

Table does not lie
5 May - BBC football pundit Alan Hansen comes out with some encouraging support for Everton's claim to fourth place.

Global accolade for Osmo
5 May - At the very bottom of this Knowledge piece in The Guardian is a question posed by Aki Niemi from Finland: "Is Osmo Tapio Everton Rihl the only composer in classical music who has dedicated his work to a football team and their players?"  Osmo is a well-known Evertonian who has been on the Internet for several years.

Youngsters win Senior Cup
4 May - Everton's Youth Academy/Reserves team lifted the Liverpool Senior Cup after winning the final of this year's competition 1-0 at Marine, the decider an own-goal from Michael Ellison off a Laurence Wilson free kick.

Fourth plus One?
4 May - The FA meet tomorrow to decide on backing fourth place for Champions' League qualification, and have submitted a request that Liverpool qualify as well, if they win the competition this season.

Doubting your allegiance?
4 May - This contemplative analysis by fan Sam Fearon will probably only resonate for those who are unfortunate enough to have kopite friends at this difficult time.

Reserves Final
3 May - In the last game of the season, Everton Reserves entertained Bolton Wanderers in Southport, but failed to score as it ended 0-0. Will this be the last time players like Guillame Plessis and Eddy Bosnar appear before another summer sellout?

Cahill doubtful for Saturday
3 May - The back injury that took him out of the game against Fulham could sideline Tim Cahill for the next crucial must-win Everton fixture against Newcastle.

From Stubbsy's Perspective
3 May - It's hard to summarize the diverse content of this wide-ranging interview with Alan Stubbs in today's Independent... so we won't even try!

Weir staying strong
2 May - David Weir rebuffs suggestions that Everton are satisfied with qualifying for the Uefa Cup: "We are not going to start shouting what we are going to do. All that matters is performances, Saturday's was not good enough and we will look at next weekend's game and be judged after that."

And then there were five...
1 May - The Uefa/FA/4th Place Champions' League saga took another turn today when Uefa President Lennart Johansson said five English teams could compete in next season's Champions' League.  To set this in context, he also said "We are there to serve football, not just dictate." so he obviously can't be trusted!

Oh dear... the Art of Punditry
1 May - Some character at SoccerNet who goes by the name of The Insider thinks he has Everton's prospects in the Champions' League already sussed...
 


     

 April 2005


News Headlines & Features

Blues frustrated at the Cottage
30 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 Champions
30 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


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
- Both Middlesbrough and Everton have been fined 8,000 for the part played by their players in the goalmouth melee sparked off when Boudewijn Zenden reacted to Duncan Ferguson's challenge for the ball on goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer in January's Riverside match-up

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 loss
31 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.
 
 
 February 2005



 

News Headlines & Features

Blues deliver the perfect riposte
26 Feb - Just as the doubts about their ability to sustain their Champions League challenge were creeping in, Everton put on a phenomenal performance at Villa Park to win there for the first time since 1987.  After an enterprising start, the Blues went ahead when Leon Osman nodded home after 18 minutes.  A magnificent first-half display appeared to have been ruined when Nolberto Solano equalised within 20 seconds of the restart, but Tim Cahill answered almost immediately, rising to head past Thomas Sorensen.  Bent and Kilbane then forced great saves by the 'keeper as the Blues pressed before Osman blazed just over when he might have done better.  Minutes later, though, the local lad found the net for the second time to hand Everton their first away win since November and their biggest victory since August.  In truth, they could have scored a hatful...  Great Match Report from Paul Traill.

Tired limbs and tired minds
26 Feb - As David Moyes's players pick themselves up from recent disappointments to, hopefully, resume their challenge for the fourth and final Champions League place, Chris Jones surmises that fatigue is taking its toll on our small squad. He points out that the fact that the Blues play just three games in the next 5 weeks could allow them the time to re-charge their batteries for the season run-in.

Aftermath
23 Feb - A lot of fans have written articles for us in the last few days, in fact we have been overwhelmed with them.  Most deal with the numerous issues arising in the aftermath of the FA Cup 5th Round tie played at Goodison Park last Saturday Evening.  While we continue to chew over your articles and pick out ones to be published, here is another weighty contribution from our own Rob Fox, who is never short of a word or two in these situations... Happy Reading!

Dad's Army
22 Feb - No, it's not what you might be expecting from our much-maligned columnist...  Colm Kavanagh takes a look at where we need to be at the end of the season to ensure European football, and comes to the conclusion that it will be the elder statesmen in David Moyes's threadbare squad who will step forward and bear the brunt of the responsibility in making it happen.

Police and FA to meet
21 Feb - As the aftermath of Everton's biggest flop this season dies down, the rumblings from the idiotic violence that marred the game and the post-match contemplations continue to reverberate around football.  The Police and the FA will meet, although they have already decided that the evening kick-off is not the problem. Meanwhile in our Mailbag, Evertonians of all shades (positive and negative; supporting, non-supporting...) have their say on the reactions to what many have labelled a spineless capitulation to the Premiership's form team.

No contest for superior United
19 Feb - Everton bowed meekly out of the 2005 FA Cup offering virtually nothing in response to goals by Manchester United in either half. Quentin Fortune easily headed home midway through the first half and when Martyn parried a deflected free kick into the path of Ronaldo, the Portuguese made no mistake for United's second. The Wayne Rooney circus was almost a side-show, the former Blue foiled by two one-on-one saves by Nigel Martyn. It was a match from which Everton emerged with no credit; comprehensively out-played on the pitch, where their one chance went begging when Marcus Bent hesitated with just Roy Carroll to beat and they mystifyingly made no real attempt to salvage the tie, there will surely be repurcussions off it for objects thrown from the stands, one of which struck Carroll on the head. "Champions League? You're 'avin' a laugh," the United fans gleefully sang. Indeed... Reports from Lyndon Lloyd and Paul Traill

The real jewel in the crown
19 Feb - We've taken yet more flak for Paul Holmes's latest piece of devil's advocacy, but Lyndon Lloyd is in full agreement with the criticism of suggestions that David Moyes shouldn't have been offered a five-year deal to stay at Everton and the assertion that he should shoulder equal blame to the likes of Bill Kenwright for Wayne Rooney's departure.  Our Webmaster and columnist argues that, despite his flaws, Moyes is far and away the best thing about Everton Football Club, and while the hierarchy can be blamed for plenty at the moment, they should be congratulated for holding onto their best asset.

Calm down, calm down...
17 Feb - The build-up to the massive FA Cup 5th Round tie against Manchester United on Saturday is going well, with Everton denying claims by various fans' groups that the general sale of tickets has allowed thousands of Mancs to snap up seats in parts of Goodison Park normally occupied by Evertonians. The police have kindly intervened, stating their determination to enforce the segregation on which the Club's safety certification depends, promising to lock out any fans who are drunk.

Running on Empty
16 Feb - This article from the Sporting Life website sums up the dilemmas facing David Moyes as he battles to name 16 fit players for his first-team squad to face Manchester United in the much-hyped FA Cup 5th Round clash on Saturday.  While Beattie and Cahill will be missing through suspension, Tony Hibbert will be available again, but mystery and rumour surround the plight of Leon Osman, who may be injured, or may be the latest victim of the 'local lad' syndrome that prevents the Club from giving home-grown talent a competitive wage deal.

Samuel Pepys at Everton
14 Feb - In a special Valentine's Day treat, Colm Kavanagh has served up a sumptuous image for the remaining months of this season's run-in, with some familiar recurring themes such as the goal-scoring prowess of ex-Evertonians, and extended tension over the non-arrival of the Fortress Sports Fund monies. But it all comes good in the end, with a dramatic final flourish that sees Everton triumph against all the odds.

Beattie idiocy hands it to Chelsea
12 Feb - All the pre-match hype and hope of overturning the Champions-elect counted for nothing after James Beattie was sent off after just 8 minutes for an obvious headbutt on William Gallas. It meant that Everton dug in for a doomed defensive stand but were eventually undone with 20 minutes to go when Eidur Gudjohnsen tapped in on the line after the ball had come back off the crossbar. David Moyes's side managed just one effort on target all game, a faint Lee Carsley header from the only-set piece that threatened Peter Cech's goal. It was a result made palatable only by Liverpool's defeat at Birmingham but the manager is now shorn of his main striker for 3 games and Tim Cahill for one through suspension and the usefulness of his other January signing, Mikel Arteta, hampered by the horrific Goodison Park pitch. That, is why you need strength in depth, something we missed out on by messing around during the transfer window. Reports by Lyndon Lloyd and Paul Traill

Chadwick finally moves on
9 Feb - Nick Chadwick has the remarkable record of having scored more goals for Everton than the number of senior games he has started. True, he was never going to set the Premiership alight, and it remains to be seen whether he will really make an impact in the Championship, where he joins Plymouth Argyle on a 2-year contract for a fee of 250k. It does further reduce the limited number of players David Moyes has available but it is clear that Moyes has never had any faith in the lad's ability at the highest level. Farewell Chaddy; In Moyes We Trust...

Out of Time by Rob Fox
8 Feb - As Everton enter perhaps the most difficult stage of the season, Rob Fox looks back on what happened during the much anticipated transfer window, and draws his own conclusions about the way that David Moyes is handling a tricky situation, balancing the success achieved so far with the need to conserve money for the summer, all the while doing his best to get the players to fulfill everyone's Champions League ambitions.

Last-minute screamer from Bent salvages vital point
6 Feb - An early and well-taken volleyed goal by James Beattie inside 4 mins on his return to St Mary's should have been the springboard for Everton's first away victory in two months.  But the players went walkabout for the rest of the first half and paid dearly with well-taken goals from Crouch and Camara undoing the standard defensive Moyes gameplan.  The manager responded by bringing on Bent, Ferguson and Arteta (for his debut) but little changed until the very last minute, when an absolute screamer from Marcus Bent, driven high into the net from an increasingly difficult angle, stole a crucial draw from the very jaws of ignominious defeat. Report by Lyndon Lloyd

Strachan on Beattie
4 Feb - In today's Guardian, Gordon Strachan, recent ex-manager at Southampton, provides some insight and potentially encouraging comments about James Beattie. He sees Beattie's move to Everton as a good one for both player and club, with explanations about his lack of fitness that point to goings on at St Marys.  Strachan sees a need for him to make the most of his new chance by getting down to work with David Moyes.

Ferguson makes the crucial breakthrough
2 Feb - Duncan Ferguson came off the bench to play yet another decisive role in Everton's season as the Blues finally overcame resilient Norwich at Goodison Park. James McFadden had probed and caused problems in a first half that saw Kevin Kilbane twice go close but David Moyes's side couldn't make their superiority tell. An improved second half produced more chances, with James Beattie flashing a brilliant shot inches over before turning a close-range effort over the bar. But it wasn't until Ferguson and Marcus Bent came on as the game ticked agonisingly on that the home side made the breakthrough; Robert Green saved Bent's leaping header and Gary Doherty's out-stretched leg beat that of Ferguson to divert the ball into the net.

He's Coming Home
1 Feb - The upcoming FA Cup 5th Round tie against Manchester United sees the potential return of Wayne Rooney to his spiritual home.  After all, Once a Blue, always a Blue... right?  Well, not quite.  Your average fan thinks he is one greedy fat bastard not the prodigal son who was forced out of Goodison Park for a fraction of his real value in order to ensure some incoming funds that prevented the Club from cratering financially...  But Nick Armitage isn't worrying about the conspiracy theories: he sees this as a wonderful chance to put one over the red devils.

 
 

Snippets & Rumours

Dear Mr Wilson
28 Feb - Mick Quirke is not happy at the rather derisory manner in which Paul Wilson, an Evertonian no less, casually dismissed Everton's chances in the Champions League t the end of his opinion piece in Sunday's Observer.

Ruddy Agreement in place
28 Feb - Everton have signed a pre-contract agreement to secure the services of Cambridge United's 19-year-old goalie John Ruddy in the summer.

Osman salutes Cahill
28 Feb - Leon Osman salutes the role played by Tim Cahill in what he calls the best Everton performance this season.

Moyes not happy with match balls
27 Feb - David Moyes has become the first manager to speak out about the new light-weight Nike footballs that are in use in the Premiership this season. He feels that the excessive movement of the ball in flight doesn't make for a true game.

Davey remains cautious
27 Feb - David Moyes is remaining understandably guarded about talk of Champions League qualification, acknowledging for the first time publicly that it's a possibility but not setting his players any target points tally.

Blues set to land Ruddy
27 Feb - Everton are apparently on the verge of securing Cambridge United's highly-rated young goalkeeper, John Ruddy. The two clubs have agreed an undisclosed fee for the 19 year-old who will train at Bellefield part-time until the summer when he will officially sign if he agrees personal terms. Cue lots of headlines like "Ruddy marvelous" in the "red-tops"...

Stomach for the fight
26 Feb - Well, well, well... Those plucky Blues do have the heart and desire to see this season through to its best possible conclusion! Lyndon Lloyd basks in the glow of a simply wonderful display at Villa Park which has restored the fans' hopes in the most unexpected fashion.

Just Rewards
26 Feb - What better way to answer the hate-filled ramblings of this prize Villain from earlier in the week than to comprehensively outplay his team on their home ground and give a lesson in football to that annoying David O'Leary.

Cahill the top goalmaker
26 Feb - Beside scoring a key goal himself, Tim Cahill set up the other two in a superb performance that takes him to the top of our Goalmakers table, ahead of Tommy Gravesen. As for the Goalscorers Cahill, Osman and Bent are all now tied on seven goals each.

'Rooney row' sponsor booted
25 Feb - Everton have told Ellesmere Port Motor Auctions that they will no longer be invited to sponsor events at Goodison Park after one of their representatives made an "inflammatory and aggressive" remark to Wayne Rooney as he left the pitch following a pre-match warm-up last weekend.

Target still a long way off
25 Feb - David Moyes talks about the possibility of Champions League football for Everton, and makes clear the level of investment needed in players to carry it off.

The final say
25 Feb - Rob Williamson got a few people's backs up with his "Mastermind" piece so we close the book on that discussion with his response to the various things people have had to say about him this week!

First pick of Belgian goodies
25 Feb - Everton are in talks with Belgian club Charleroi about becoming a 'feeder club', with Everton getting first pick of any tasty players they may pick up through their extensive scouting system.

Moyes is upbeat
25 Feb - The Everton team has recovered well from their two defeats against superior sides, says David Moyes, and is ready to get back to winning ways at Villa Park.

Fans Comment
25 Feb - Closing out our coverage of the aftermath of the FA Cup debacle and the sale of Thomas Gravesen are three new Fans Comment pieces we've received in recent days:
You don't have to be a Mastermind
The state we're in
Shattering a dream
Some perspective, please

Asia Cup invite
24 Feb - Everton have been invited to take part in the Asia Cup, to be held in Shanghai in late July, but this could clash with plans for pre-season bonding in America.

AirAsia could be next sponsor
24 Feb - As we reported in the Rumour Mill a few weeks back, Malaysian airline AirAsia could be the next shirt sponsors for Everton.

Media Sickener
24 Feb - More reaction to the media over-reaction to the events of last weekend, with our occasional match reporter, Paul Traill, taking umbrage at James Lawton and his scouse-bashing piece in The Independent.

Reserves derby called off
23 Feb - The reserves match between Everton and Liverpool scheduled for tonight has been called off due to the frozen condition of the Haig Avenue pitch in Southport.

Pressure on the FA
22 Feb - Concerns following violence between Man Utd and other unidentified fans in Everton Valley after Saturday's Cup tie have added to the coin-throwing issue, with more attention focused on the 5:30pm kick-off time.

Bob Latchford print winners
22 Feb - Belatedly, we're announcing the winners of the signed Bob Latchford prints we are giving away in association with bigbluetube.com. Congratulations to Caitlin Smith and Dave Whiteside who have been notified by e-mail.

Pre-match verbals hurt Rooney
21 Feb - This one is a bit different: a guest of Everton matchday sponsors, Ellesmere Port Motor Auctions, was seen to mount a verbal attack on Wayne Rooney as the United player left the Goodison pitch after warming up prior to Saturday's FA Cup clash.

Goodison pitch being relaid
21 Feb - Work started on ripping up the dreadful (hallowed?) turf of Goodison Park to make way for the laying of a new pitch in time for the next home game with Blackburn.

More SquareFootball Rubbish
21 Feb - After being bombarded with increasingly irrelevant nonsense from the editor of SquareFootball, we had placed a moratorium on links to that site, but now they come up with this absolute rubbish about Everton fans. Let them know your displeasure at mailbag@squarefootball.net and tell them our future boycott will be total.

Mastermind
20 Feb - Oh dear... we'll probably get slaughtered for publishing this, but Rob Williams has provided a cutting set of questions for the Masterminds behind yesterday's abject capitulation no doubt reflecting a valid degree of frustration and anger felt by a portion of the fanbase.

Everton will ban mindless moron
19 Feb - Ian Ross, Everton's Head of Communications, says the club will ban for life the mindless moron who threw a coin that hit Roy Carroll in the head, as clashes between supporters and police after today's game led to 33 arrests.

Media Rooneyfest
19 Feb - Lot's of pre-match hype in the media, starting with three pieces from The Independent: Ferguson on Rooney's return; Bent fills Rooney's boots; and a personal viewpoint written by Evertonian Brian Viner, plus this well-written piece by Dominic Fifield in The Guardian.

Perspective, by Rob Fox
19 Feb - In another of his characteristic in-depth analyses, ToffeeWeb Columnist Rob Fox springs to the defence of David Moyes against those who would question some of his recent decisions.

Moyes and Stubbs prepared
18 Feb - David Moyes and Alan Stubbs talk about tomorrow's game against Manchester United and the continually improving Wayne Rooney.

Gregg wanted groundshare
18 Feb - Everton director Paul Gregg talks to the Daily Post of his disappointment at the club's failure to secure a ground-sharing deal with Liverpool. [link fixed]

Creating the Plot
18 Feb - If you don't care for the depressing story that Paul Holmes provides below (and many Evertonians simply don't want to know), Hans Fyhrqvist provides a gentler more widely believed scenario, complete with a happy ending.

Curse of the Bambino
18 Feb - On the eve of Rooney's possible return, a grim view of what has really been going on behind the scenes at Goodison Park is provided by our ultra-cynical friend, Paul Holmes.

Player of the Month: January
18 Feb - Tim Cahill was the clear choice for January thanks to his goalscoring exploits from midfield.

Them 'orrible Mancs
18 Feb - Nick Armitage lets loose with a vitriolic tirade against those horrible Mancs and the crap they talk.

Up for it
17 Feb - The Everton squad have returned from their short break in Portugal refreshed and ready for the challenges ahead, says David Moyes via the Official Everton Website.

Everton rejects sign for Bradford
16 Feb - Of course (as we reported on 30 July 2004), Michael Symes and Steven Schumacher signed up for Bradford City at the end of last season. This repeated story caught us out sorry about that!

Big Dunc a doubt
17 Feb - Duncan Ferguson is doubtful for the big FA Cup clash with United this weekend; he has a back injury.

In Negotiations
16 Feb - The Liverpool Echo are reporting that all the Everton players out of contract in the summer are in talks with the Club over contract extensions   with the exception of Steve Watson, who continues to suffer with a stomach muscle problem.

West Brom game on Sky
16 Feb - Everton's Premiership fixture at West Brom in early April has been selected by Sky for live broadcast at 4:05pm on Sunday 3 April 2005.

Cheap Journalism
16 Feb - Whilst Everton Internet Forums are no doubt havens of wisdom and knowledge, it seems rather poor journalism to monitor these for a story in a once revered national newspaper about potential Evertonian responses to Wayne Rooney's possible Goodison return.

Dixie Dean Uncut
15 Feb - The Liverpool Echo is working on an 18-part series of unique interviews made with Dixie Dean over 30 years ago.  The collection of transcripts is to be made into a new book, Dixie Dean Uncut, on Sale 1 March 2005.

Youth bow out
15 Feb - Everton's youth team were eliminated from the FA Youth Cup tonight by Tottenham Hotspur. Paul Hopkins scored the Blues' only goal in a 2-1 defeat.

Special Protection
15 Feb - Wayne Rooney will be accompanied by a 6-ft 5-in ex-SAS bodyguard named "Ginger" when he returns to Goodison Park for Saturday's FA Cup clash. Maybe he's carrying the Fortress Sports Funds???

Shirt off yer back
15 Feb - Please bring with you on Saturday any old Everton kit items you no longer need. John Shearon and 14 other Evertonians will be traveling to Chile and donating them to teams and players in Via del Mar who are associated with CD Everton, the Chilean football club.

Moyes rescinds earlier comments
13 Feb - We have tremendous respect for David Moyes and it is with huge personal credit that he accepts he was a little hasty in his post-match comments yesterday, condemning Mike Riley's decision for what he now agrees was a red-card offence... but Gallas still went down too easily...!!!

Bad Press for Moysie
13 Feb - Davie Moyes gets slammed by Paul McCarthy in The People for his ridiculous defence of James Beattie and the pointless attempt to blame Gallas for the entire incident.

Beattie says it was unintentional
12 Feb - ... which only goes to make it all the more stupid. You're chasing a ball that is way ahead of you and going out of play; you bustle, you push, and finally you head-butt the blocking player... WHY???

Not a sending-off
12 Feb - David Moyes maintains that Beattie's offence did not merit a red card, but his opinion seems to be based on the perception that a bit of argie-bargie between attackers and defenders is justifiable. Sorry, Davie, but he stupidly butted Gallas with his head: Red Card; off; three-match suspension. Nice one!

Against All Odds
12 Feb - Anthony Paul provides some pre-game analysis of the likelihood that Everton can overturn the heavy odds in favour of a Chelsea victory at Goodison Park this afternoon.

Pride before the fall
12 Feb - Fine and bullish words form James Beattie in The Guardian ahead of today's game were rendered painfully hollow for Evertonians by his rush of blood to the head after just 8 mins.  Why can't players just keep their big gobs shut?

We can do it!
11 Feb - David Moyes believes his players have the ability and the desire to overturn Chelsea in this weekend's Big Match at the top of the table.

Stating the Obvious
10 Feb - It is no surprise to hear that David Moyes has acknowledged the struggle his team is having adapting to life without Thomas Gravesen.

Mirror stirs up Dunc's future
10 Feb - The Mirror carries a story claiming that Big Dunc will not be offered a contract extension in the summer, despite his 15-point contribution to Everton's season as a supersub.

Tranmere Rvrs 2 - 4 Everton Res
9 Feb - Everton reserves moved into the semi-finals of this season's Liverpool Senior Cup competition, beating Tranmere Rovers 4-2 at Prenton Park. Guillaume Plessis opened the scoring for the Blues.

Fund-raising dinner for Blue Blood
9 Feb - To be held on Saturday 5 March in the Blue Brasserie at Goodison Park. Lots of Big Name guests; 35 per person.  Cheques with return address, numbers and names attending, to Treasurer, EFCSA, PO BOX 118, Liverpool, L17 6WX.

McFadden eyes the derby
9 Feb - Jamie McFadden has been talking to The Guardian about what a victory over Liverpool in the upcoming Anfield derby will mean to Evertonians...

Cahill misses RSA friendly
8 Feb - Tim Cahill has pulled out of the friendly being played in Durban this week between South Africa and Australia, citing an ankle injury.

Hibbert misses Chelsea game
8 Feb - Tony Hibbert, who was booked again on Sunday at St Mary's, picked up his fifth yellow card last week against Norwich, and under the new rules this season he will consequently serve his one-match ban while Everton play Chelsea this coming Saturday.

Lies, Damned lies, and Statistics
7 Feb - Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Well... that's not what the turf accountants will tell you... and the stats on this Sky Sports page make intriguing reading: can Everton really reap a positive benefit from this useless midweek set of diversions otherwise known as Internationals?

Fourth place up for grabs
7 Feb - After a dismal Everton performance between the goals at St Mary's, the media focus will now home in on Everton's glaring inability to stay in fourth place under a strong onslaught from the loveable Reds.  And who better to kick things off than Rad the Rat?

Killa: Irish Player Award
7 Feb - Kevin Kilbane was awarded the title of Irish Player of the Year in the senior category determined by the FAI.

Moyes on 5Live
6 Feb - David Moyes talks to 5Live about the difficulties of signing a player such as James Beattie in January, and the perceived problem of "tapping up".  [Click Listen Again, Sportsweek, and fast-forward to 7'40"]

Martyn's experience vital
5 Feb - Both David Moyes and Alan Irvine have reasserted their faith in veteran goalkeeper Nigel Martyn, who returned to keep his 10th clean sheet of the season and underline the confidence he brings to Everton's defenders.

Moyes talks up Arteta
4 Feb - David Moyes has some fine things to say about the versatility he sees Mikel Arteta bringing to the team.  In Moyes we trust...

Reserve striker signs pro
4 Feb - Paul Hopkins, who plays for Everton's reserves and Under-18 sides, signed a professional contract with the club earlier this week.

Board still has few answers
4 Feb - Even the Everton Board of Directors now seems increasingly skeptical about the Fortress Sports Fund, with talk of Paul Gregg lining up new American investors to underwrite stadium development.

Watson still struggling
4 Feb - Steve Watson's stomach strain has got the Everton physios a bit worried as it drags on into its sixth week...

Keeping an Eye on the Fund
3 Feb - As Kenny Fogarty reports in his ToffeeBlog, the writers at Private Eye remain highly skeptical about Christopher Samuelson and the Fortress Sports Fund.

IT & Everton: Leading Edge
3 Feb - This upbeat article extolling Everton's savvy approach to IT made the pages of Computing, the weekly trade newspaper yesterday...

Turf supply and demand
3 Feb - Because Man Utd have first dibs on the specialty Dutch turf used to relay Premiership pitches, Everton can do little about the atrocious state of the hallowed Goodison Park playing surface ahead of the major crunch games against Chelsea and United in coming weeks.

New Investor lead leaked
3 Feb - Everton have been in talks with a new potential investor, it was revealled at yesterday's Board meeting, where Anita Gregg's election to the Board was ratified.

Telly time for Taggart's mob
2 Feb - The 5th Round FA Cup tie with Manchester United has been moved back to a 5:30pm kick-off on Saturday 19 February to facilitate live coverage on BBC tv and the usual broadcast markets around the world.

Is there paper in the fax machine?
2 Feb - Today's the day when Everton will finally receive the formal offer of the long-promised 12.8M investment from Fortress Sports Fund, with the money placed in an escrow account "within 48 hours"...

The chasing pack
1 Feb - In the race for the Champions League, the two teams above and the three teams below Everton were all in action tonight, with Liverpool pulling within four points with a 2-1 win at Charlton. Middlesbrough went down 2-1 at Portsmouth while Manchester United toppled Arsenal at Highbury.

Vote for your Player of the Month
1 Feb - Voting for the first ToffeeWeb Player of the Month of 2005 is now open. Make your selection and vote now.

Fox gets loan assignment
1 Feb - Everton have allowed Bells Scottish 2nd Division side Stranraer to take reserve defender Daniel Fox on loan until the end of the season.

Arty starts with knee injury
1 Feb - Mikel Arteta, highly rated star signing from Spain for David Moyes, will not play against Norwich tomorrow because of a knee injury... so much for medicals!

The Prodigal Son
1 Feb - Whether we like it or not, the visit of Manchester United in the FA Cup 5th Round is going to be all about Wayne Rooney. Assuming he plays, Rob Hamilton ponders how the player himself will react to the occasion.

Blues fail in Davies bid
1 Feb - David Moyes has failed in a week-long bid to prise Simon Davies away from Tottenham's greedy clutches after the Londoners refused to lower their asking price for the Welsh midfielder.

 
 
 January 2005



 

News Headlines & Features

Moyes secures Arteta on loan
31 Jan - Following Thomas Gravesen's departure to Real Madrid earlier this month, David Moyes has moved to fill the breach with the acquisition of midfielder Mikel Arteta.  The 22 year-old former Barcelona and Rangers star joins on loan from Real Sociedad for the remainder of the season with a view to making the transfer permanent for 3M in July. Meanwhile, Moyes has been testing Tottenham's resolve over Simon Davies whose prospects of moving to Goodison appear to hinge on Andy Reid's move from Forest to White Hart Lane.  The manager also tried to lure Barry Ferguson from Blackburn for 5M if reports are true but the player's return to Rangers was announced at 11pm.

Beattie off the mark as Blues coast through
29 Jan - Everton breezed into the fifth round of the FA Cup with a comfortable win over Championship side Sunderland. James McFadden started a game for the first time since his goalscoring appearance at Plymouth and he took just 9 minutes to find the net again, connecting with Kevin Kilbane's cross to give the Blues the lead. Everton were 2-0 up just before the half hour mark when James Beattie's turn and shot was deflected past ex-Evertonian Thomas Myhre. Sunderland pressed a little more in the second half but the Blues were rarely troubled and Tim Cahill added to the scoring with 10 minutes to go, converting another Kilbane cross. Richard Wright almost gifted the visitors a late consolation when he spilled a long-range shot but managed to keep his first clean sheet. Report from Paul Traill

Five Days and Countin'...
27 Jan - As Everton fans watch and wait as deadline after promised deadline passes for the arrival of Chris Samuelson's much-vaunted Fortress Sports Fund investment and stare in disblief at headlines that David Moyes will be making no further attempt to strengthen the Premiership's smallest squad before the transfer window closes, Colm Kavanagh makes an impassioned plea to Everton's Chairman to stop the charade and step aside for the good of the club. Reader responses

Li Tie injury setback
26 Jan - Chinese International Li Tie, who is looked open as a ready-made replacement for Gravesen in the beleaguered Everton midfield, has suffered a substantial setback in his extended mission to get back to match fitness since he fractured a shin-bone over a year ago.  The player suffered badly in a collision with Bolton's Ricky Shakes during yesterday's reserves game, and had to be stretchered off the field.  He later went to the hospital on crutches, but the results of a scan were unclear, so he was sent to a specialist today who allayed frears that he may have suffered another hairline fracture.  Another Everton reserve player, Christian Seargeant, is in the same hospital with a suspected broken ankle.

Martyn signs one-year extension
25 Jan - Nigel Martyn has signed on to another year at Everton, and hopefully a starring role in the team David Moyes is building for the future at Goodison Park. The contract extension will take Martyn through until the summer of 2006, putting a little more pressure on the nervy Richard Wright, who has yet to keep a clean sheet since he stood in for the injured 38-year-old veteran last month. Martyn, who is recovering from damage to a calf muscle, still appears to be some weeks away from full fitness and what must be an automatic return to the first team. Contracts for at least 10 other players in the first-team squad are still due to end this summer.

Curse? You make your own luck
22 Jan - The so-called "Capital curse" will be blamed once more but this sixth defeat of the season all by London teams was down to a lack of attacking inspiration and drive by an Everton side who are missing Thomas Gravesen, no matter what they say. James Beattie came closest during his home debut in the second half when he again hit the inside of the post, while David Weir had a header cleared off the line in the first half. The below-par Blues were punished right on half time when Matt Holland struck a 25-yard effort firmly past Richard Wright to give the visitors a half-time lead that the Blues never really looked like reversing. While teams below us all dropped points (except, Charlton, of course) this was another golden opportunity spurned, with the gap now opening up above us. And still the manager doesn't expect to make any signings before the end of January...?

Still on track for Europe
20 Jan - Steve Flanagan has updated his seasonal comparison to provide a new analysis of Everton's performance to date, and the potential finishing position this season.  Despite the recent Christmas blip, there is little sign that the early-season bubble has burst, with Everton now a full 19 points ahead of last year, based on corresponding games.  A total of 66 points is a reasonable expectation from these projections, which would give Everton European football based on league position for the first time in over 20 years.  In Moyes we trust...

FA Charge Everton & Boro
18 Jan - The Football Association have decided to charge Middlesbrough and Everton with a breach of Rule E21a in failing to control their players during Sunday's game, when most of them ended up in the Boro net after Duncan Ferguson challenged Mark Schwarzer for a dropped ball. Other clubs charged recently for similar offences have suffered 10k fines, which seems really silly. If the FA wanted to stop this sort of thing then they need to single out Zenden for his stupid reaction that caused the fracas.

Cahill salvages a valuable point
16 Jan - Tim Cahill scored a crucial equaliser with 15 minutes to go to atone for a Richard Wright error that had gifted Boudewijn Zenden a first-half opener and hand David Moyes the draw he apparently came for.  Despite looking like the home side for much of the game, Everton clearly missed Thomas Gravesen's invention, and it took the introduction of Duncan Ferguson to force the all-important goal after James Beattie had rolled the ball off the base of the post.  The controversial Scot nodded down a Tony Hibbert cross for Cahill to knock the ball past Mark Schwarzer.  Marcus Bent would have won it late on with more killer instinct but, ultimately, it's a shame Moyes played this one so conservatively because 'Boro were there for the taking.  Reports by Lyndon Lloyd and Paul Traill

Gravesen completes Real switch
14 Jan - As expected, Thomas Gravesen's Everton career has come to a premature end after he negotiated a 3-year contract with Real Madrid and the Spanish giants settled on a reported 2.5M transfer fee to bring the Dane to the Bernabeu Stadium six months early. The move strips David Moyes of his most valuable player and puts the pressure on the manager to find a top class replacement before the transfer window closes in just over two weeks' time. View from the Blue: Farewell, Dr Jekyll... we hardly knew you

Colm's Corner: Fortress Goodison
14 Jan - Well, it's been rather a long time since the huge promise of the Fortress Sports Fund first gave Evertonians hope that the Club's finanical woes may be laid aside... more than six long months ago! Colm Kavanagh has been biting his tongue, resisting the strong desire to cite the failed promises, chapter and verse. That was until today...  Meanwhile, Keiran Kinsella argues that if the Fortress cash does materialise, it should go towards investment in the club's infrastructure youth, new stadium, etc rather than a spending spree for David Moyes.

Gravesen agent in Real talks
13 Jan - Thomas Gravesen's agent has confirmed that he is in Spain talking to Real about a possible move for his client to Madrid in July. He is quoted in today's Independent has saying that it would be a wonderful opportunity for the Danish international but that he would also be happy if he stayed at Goodison Park, at least until the summer. Sivabaek insists that the final decision rests with Everton i.e. the club can inisist he stays until the end of the season or accept around 2m-ish for him now. At the BBC website, Jan Molby thinks Gravesen's relationship with David Moyes could be a factor, but cash is as ever a vital assest at Everton; the Club's short-term fiscal needs may therefore dictate this outcome... [Keep him or sell him?]

Independent Blues: Ten Years
12 Jan - This weekend's trip to Middlesbrough marks the Tenth Anniversary of the Independent Blues Everton Independent Supporters Association.  One of their leading lights, Ian Macdonald, has written a wonderful illustrated retrospective to celebrate the occasion.

Another kick in the teeth?
11 Jan - Is this yet another kick in the teeth for long-suffering Evertonians who troup off, week after week, to follow the players who they believe are giving their all for the Club... only to see them (or their slimey agents) engineering a move to sunnier climes? Yes, it seems that Thomas Gravesen, the fist-pumping loon who has excelled himself in midfield for Everton this season, could well be off to Real Madrid, and instant Champions League football. He said he wanted European football and we seemed on our way to providing that but without him...? If he does want to go, are Everton better off cashing in for him now (the 3m rumoured = 2m) or using him on the field until the end of the season? Vote in our poll.

Campbell leaves Goodison after 6 years
10 Jan - Six years after he arrived at Everton and single-handedly saved the club from relegation in Walter Smith's first season in charge with nine goals in eight games, Kevin Campbell has left Goodison Park for West Bromwich Albion. The 34 year-old negotiated a payoff to cover the remaining six months of his five year contract and joins Bryan Robson at The Hawthorns on a free transfer to try and save the Midlands outfit from relegation.

The Unsung hero of the Blues' revival
10 Jan - Eight months ago, Lee Carsley looked destined for the Premiership scrapheap. Seemingly confirmed as the second-rate journeyman midfielder he has always been billed as by the horrible 2003-04 season, there didn't seem to be any future for the Irish international at Goodison given David Moyes's desire to overhaul his squad. Fast forward past the financial crisis of the summer of 2004 and through what has been a wonderful first half of the season and Carsley's reality couldn't be more different. Far from a dispensible squad member, it's hard to see where we would be without him.

Premiership class tells at Home Park
8 Jan - Everton are safely into the fourth round after seeing off a stern challenge by Championship side Plymouth Argyle. It was a largely unspectacular display in which debutant James Beattie struggled to get involved, but two goals in two first half minutes by Leon Osman and James McFadden had Premiership quality stamped all over them. The home side got back into it before the interval, though, when Joseph Yobo knocked the ball into the path of Bjarni Gudjohnsson and he finished with aplomb. Everton laboured in the second half to keep Plymouth at arm's length until substitute Nick Chadwick ran clear to slide the ball under the 'keeper and seal the tie. Reports from Dave Moore and Lyndon Lloyd

Osman snatches it at the death
4 Jan - Leon Osman fired a priceless last-minute winner as Everton bounced back from two successive defeats to win their fifth straight at home. After Yakubu had quickly cancelled out Alan Stubb's opener on the half hour, the Blues threw everything at the visitors from the South Coast but they didn't get their reward until injury time. This was a crucial result in the context of Everton's faltering challenge for Champions League qualification and sets the stage perfectly for new signing James Beattie. Report from Paul Traill

Everton win Beattie battle
2 Jan - Southampton's James Beattie has accepted terms with Everton in a club record 6.5M move that will see the England international switch to Goodison next week.  David Moyes had to fend off the persistent attentions of Aston Villa, who upset Southamption by making approaches to the lad last summer, securing his first new signing of the January Sales.  Beattie represents a great acquisition who would likely force a change in playing formation now that the rest of the Premiership has sussed out this 4-5-1 malarkey...

Tottenham Hotspur 5 - 2 Everton
1 Jan - Any hope of dismissing the White Hart Lane hoodoo vanished inside half-an-hour of this painful game as the wheels really fell off Everton's bandwagon. Two simple goals from a rampant Spurs had Moyes's makeshift team rattled, with the loss of Stubbs to injury revealing gapping holes in the once solid defence.  But Tim Cahill got one back just before half-time to keep Everton in the game.  However, a screamer form Mendez looked to have sealed the points for Spurs. More goals from both sides (McFadden's first!) only made the scoreline look increasingly farcical.  Over to you, pundits.

 
 

Snippets & Rumours

Man Utd at home in 5th Round
31 Jan - Everton were drawn at home to FA Cup holders Manchester United in the 5th Round, bringing the prospect of an early visit to Goodison Park for high-profile departee Wayne Rooney.

'Merseypride'
31 Jan - In a piece at Squarefootball.net, Anthony Melvin suggests that the real bonus of Everton finishing fourth will be the almost certain departure of Steven Gerrard from Liverpool.  Lyndon Lloyd begs to differ.

Blues hope Beattie goal is upheld
30 Jan - Assistant Manager Alan Irvine says that Everton are convinced that the second goal against Sunderland is James Beattie's to claim.  Although Thomas Myhre was positioned to easily gather the ball, Black Cats defender Danny Collins deflected it into his own net, but Irvine says the goal should be credited to Beattie because the original shot was on target.

Moyes wants pitch re-laid
28 Jan - Having blamed the sub-par performance against Charlton on the playing surface, David Moyes has asked that the Goodison Park pitch be re-laid after the home game with Norwich next week.

French youngster drafted in
28 Jan - David Moyes has moved to strengthen squad numbers for the remainder of the season by signing Lens midfielder Guillaume Plessis on a 6-month contract.  The 20-year-old's contract with the French club was cancelled without him having made a first team appearance.

Scotland recall for Weir
28 Jan - David Weir has ended his hiatus from international games, with old Everton manager Walter Smith naming the defender in his first Scotland squad.

...always a Blue
28 Jan - A player who has turned down the promise of cash at other clubs in favour of staying with Everton?   Too bad this versatile midfielder/striker isn't eligible for the FA Premiership!

Joe-Max retires at 33
27 Jan - Former Everton striker Joe-Max Moore has announced his retirement at the age of 33.  The US international underwent reconstructive surgery on an injured knee last week and he made the decision to call time on what was an illustrious career Stateside.

Martyn returning to full training
27 Jan - Nigel Martyn, who has been suffering from a calf injury since Christmas, is to return to full training next Monday, and must be odds-on to replace Richard Wright, who has so far failed to keep a clean sheet.

Unsie on the move again
27 Jan - David Unsworth is joining his old Everton boss Joe Royle at Ipswich Town, on loan from Portsmouth for the rest of the season.

It's Groundhog Day!
27 Jan - Chris Samuelson tells the Telegraph that tomorrow (Friday) is now the day he expects to get approval from the Brunei authorities for his Fortress Sports Fund. Maana, maana, maana...

Bosnar's trial terminated
26 Jan - [Link in Norwegian] This story in Dagbladet, the Norwegian newspaper, indicates that Eddy Bosnar has been sent back to Everton after a trial that failed with Norwegian club Valerenga.

24
25 Jan - Everton are expecting to hear "... in the next 24 hours..." that the Fortress Sports Fund has been given Government approval in Brunei to start operating.   Hold your breath now and start the countdown!

Fans Comment: Doom & gloom
25 Jan - As many Blues wail and gnash their teeth in frustration as Everton's challenge for Champions League qualification starts to wobble, Stephen Burton doesn't see what the fuss is about. Nor does he think David Moyes should be throwing money at the team in an effort to keep them in the top four.

Reverves beat Bolton
25 Jan - Nick Chadwick and Li Tie lined up for Everton Reserves at Bolton tonight but there was misery for the latter who hobbled off just before half time, prematurely ending his comeback attempt. A Laurence Wilson goal sealed the game for Everton.

Fans Comment: All that glitters...
24 Jan - Colin Dempsey revels in the team ethic that surrounds the Blues these days and states the case for not spending rashly in the transfer market this January.

Spaniard rejects Everton offer
24 Jan - Spanish international forward Joseba Etxeberria appears to have turned down a 5.5m approach by Everton, choosing instead to stay with Athletico Bilbao.

Where is he now: Stephen Hughes
23 Jan - Captain of Coventry City; facing Newcastle next week in the FA Cup 4th Round.  This Observer feature traces the career of Stephen Hughes from big-money Champion player for Arsenal to Championship captain for Coventry, with the briefest mention of Everton in one paragraph.

SuperKev hits the Ton
22 Jan - Kevin Campbell had a great home debut for bottom club West Brom, scoring the opener (his 100th Premiership goal) and playing a significant part in the winner that gave the Baggies a great win over Man City only their second win of the season.

Beattie firm on Sven
22 Jan - James Beattie still feels Sven Goran-Erickson should have called him to let him know he was dropped from the England team (ah Bless!).  Let's hope he's getting his head right for today's game.

Chasing shadows
22 Jan - David Moyes seems to be increasingly doubtful that he will be able to pry away any of the players he wants from their current clubs as the transfer window approaches its final week.

Monday is new D-Day for Samuelson
21 Jan - Chris Samuelson, the man behind the proposed Fortress Sports Fund, has promised that all the red tape for the 12.8m investment will be cleared by Monday when he expects to get approval from the Brunei regulator and financial authority.

Smoke-Free (but mirrors to stay)
21 Jan - In a move that is, we understand, completely unrelated to any ongoing confusion over the absent Fortress Sports Fund millions, Everton are thinking about making Goodison Park a smoke-free stadium (although not the first, as claimed: Riverside; White Hart Lane...).

Ellis screwed Beattie deal
21 Jan - Aston Villa Chairman Doug Ellis is credited with screwing up David O'Leary's attempt to sign James Beattie from Southampton, requiring the striker to take a pay cut if The Villains were to be relegated!  But here's a cautionary note: this piece is written by Alan Nixon!

Nick Armitage's Unsung Heroes
21 Jan - It's been a while since we heard from ToffeeWeb Columnist Nick Armitage. In this piece, he has a few words of praise for four players who seem to have evaded the media spotlight so far this season.

Everton to be last Umbro link
21 Jan - Chelsea's decision to ditch Umbro as their kit manufacturer at the end of next season (for a staggering 24m!) means that Everton, whose strip they sponsor, could be the only Premiership club with which they will have an associsation after 2006.

So we are that desperate
20 Jan - Robbie Savage is claiming that Everton, the club he reputedly followed as a boy, made a last-minute bid to hijack his move to Blackburn but he decided to join Mark Hughes' plans at Ewood Park anyway.

Fans Comment: Get over it
20 Jan - AR Ismael-Mia believes that Everton fans should get over the departure of Thomas Gravesen and concentrate on those players who do want to play for the club. Meanwhile, Donnchadh Boyle ponders whether his sale betrayed a lack of ambition by Everton.

Youth demolish Yeovil
19 Jan - Everton's Youth team hammered Yeovil Town 6-0 at Huish Park this evening in the 4th Round of the FA Youth Cup. Prospects Paul Hopkins and Bjarni Thor Vidarsson both scored braces, Victor Anichebe and James Vaughan netting the other two.

Li Tie's benefit match invite
18 Jan - Everton's almost-forgotten midfielder Li Tie has been invited to play in the 15th February 'Football for Hope' match at Barcelona's Nou Camp stadium in aid of the victims of last month's tsunami. The Chinese international would join the team captained by World Footballer of the Year, Ronaldinho; Andriy Shevchenko will skipper the other.

Villa charged over Beattie approach
18 Jan - The FA have found Aston Villa and their manager David O'Leary guilty of illegal approach for James Beattie last summer.

SuperKev's fine words of thanks
17 Jan - Kevin Campbell has paid fulsome tribute to the Everton fans, the Club, and his time at Goodison Park.

Jigsaw, by Rob Fox
17 Jan - Rob Fox takes a look at the many pieces of the current jigsaw that is Everton and draws some positive conclusions.

Where's the Money?
17 Jan - The Daily Post tracked down Christopher Samuleson in Hong Kong and asked him some direct questions about the Fortress Sports Fund.  "The money will go into the fund ... certainly by the end of the week."  No worries, then...?

FA await Ref's report
17 Jan - The FA will wait until they see Dermot Gallagher's report before deciding if any action is needed over the silly brawl that had 15 players in the 'Boro net on Sunday.

Fans wanted Gravesen over cash
17 Jan - Our readers voted in record numbers and 7 out of 10 would have preferred that Everton keep Thomas Gravesen rather than 2m cash. Of course, that doesn't take into account what the player wanted, but it illustrates how important he had become to us.

Moyes's assurances
17 Jan - David Moyes insists that he is doing all he can to bring in new faces ahead of the transfer deadline having lost Thomas Gravesen and Kevin Campbell. With few players available at reasonable prices at this stage of the season, it's not going to be easy... but one midfielder at least would seem to be imperative.

Osman: long-service award?
16 Jan - THis excellent article on Lean Osman in today's Observer reminds us that Leon Osman has been around EFC longer than most, and won the FA Youth Cup in 1998 with the likes of Dunne, Jeffers and Cadamarteri.

Moyes seeks Midfielder
15 Jan - Despite numerous enquiries for other players to replace Thomas Gravesen, David Moyes sounds resigned to the likelihood that he will not secure a suitable one before the transfer window closes in two weeks.

Derby date switch
15 Jan - The Anfield derby has been switched to Sunday 20 March to facilitate live TV coverage on Sky and in the usual overseas markets. Kick off 4:05pm GMT.

TG: An Air of Inevitability
14 Jan - In our Fans Comment section, John Coyne laments the Air of Inevitability surrounding Tommy Gravesen's departure from Everton.

'Back-o-the-Echo' moves on
14 Jan - Former Everton striker, Ibrahima Bakayoko, has joined French club Istres from Osasuna after his contract with the Spanish side was cancelled by mutual consent.

New Everton Director
14 Jan - According to the records at Companies House, Everton have a new Director as of last month: Anita Gregg, the estranged ex-wife of now fellow Director Paul Gregg.

The wrong gamble?
14 Jan - Paul Grech at squarefootball.net is the latest "pundit" to suggest that Everton took the wrong option in choosing the cash over another 6 months of Thomas Gravesen's services. All well and good, but we don't know what the player really wanted and it should be remembered that he stalled on signing a new contract at Goodison, not Everton.

Higher Ground by Rob Fox
14 Jan - As the whirlwind swirls us around the January Sales, Rob Fox steps forward with a series of comforting thoughts about new acquisition James Beattie, and the seemingly impending departure of Thomas Gravesen. Rob believes that David Moyes will remain highly focussed on building a team for Everton's long-term future. Clearly Gravesen will not be a part of that, but does it make his departure now any easier to accept? As ever, In Moyes We Must Trust...

Everton confirm Madrid contact
13 Jan - Everton have confirmed via the Official Site that Real Madrid have officially stated their desire to sign Thomas Gravesen. The Dane can sign a pre-contract agreement with the Spaniards now and join them in the summer but Real are known to want his services immediately. Talks will continue tomorrow...

ToffeeWeb Player of the Month
13 Jan - Ouch!  For the second successive month, Thomas Gravesen is your top pick.  What a shame he might not still be with us by the time the transfer window closes this month.  They'll be awfully big shoes to fill...

Once a Blue...
13 Jan - Talking of Wayne Rooney, click the above link and scroll down to the second story in this odd Sports feature from Singapore's New Paper. Stubbsy says that Rooney is still a huge Evertonian and wanted to do an "Unsworth" at last month's derby!

More fallout from the Rooney saga
13 Jan - In The Telegraph, Mihir Bose reveals that the FA are to conduct a secret inquiry into "certain shortcomings" in the regulations governing football agents that were brought to the surface in the blackmail trail involving John Hyland and Paul Stretford, Wayne Rooney's agent. With an apparent absence of irony, the FA says "The emphasis is on improving transparency."

McFadden: I'm going nowhere
13 Jan - James McFadden has dampened speculation that he could return to Scotland to either Celtic or Rangers by committing his future to Everton where he is currently enjoying an improved run of form.

USA midfielder on trial
12 Jan - Everton will give a second trial to United States U-20 prospect Stuart Holden starting tomorrow. The British citizen and Houston native, who attends Clemson University in South Carolina, has 8 caps for the US and scored for them against Brazil and Denmark earlier this season, spent two weeks with the Blues during their pre-season tour in Texas last summer.

Everton deny Gravesen contact
12 Jan - With little they can do to affect the developing Gravesen saga, Everton are denying any contact with Madrid over an asking price expected to be at least 2M. Since 1 January, Gravesen's agent has been free (under the Bosman ruling) to conduct pre-contract negotiations with any club of his choosing, without seeking clearance from Everton.

Beattie: Right choice for Everton?
12 Jan - It's a question that has been addressed by plenty of non-Evertonians in the media. Here, ToffeeWeb reader Peter Roberts mulls over our new record signing and he isn't convinced James Beattie is the answer to our goalscoring problems. Time will, of course, tell.

Check your Passports
11 Jan - In this delayed Part Two of his periodic assessment that rates all the Premiership sides against last season's perfomances, Phil Roberts records an impressive spell for Everton that was then spoilt a little with those two London losses over Christmas.

Young Reserves top Boro
11 Jan - A very young Everton Reserves team comprised mainly of the Academy Under-18s traveled to the northeast today and beat Middlesbrough 1-0 thanks to a goal by James Vaughan.

Blackburn game live on Sky
11 Jan - Everton's home game against Blackburn will be broadcast live on Sky Sports 1 on Sunday 6 March 2005, kick-off 16:05 GMT.

Final 'No' to Groundshare
11 Jan - Liverpool City Council finally announced that both Everton and Liverpool have rejected the concept of sharing the new stadium being buit to replace Anfield, bringing to an end any further consideration of groundsharing.

Strachan on Beattie
10 Jan - In his Guardian column, Gordon Strachan seems to be saying that 4-5-1 won't really work for any striker, never mind James Beattie...

Fortress Fund Faltering?
10 Jan - Keith Wyness exhibits the first signs of frustration with the continuing Fortress Sports Fund saga, while Christopher Samuleson optimistically struggles with more "minor" red tape that has succeded in spinning this one out for the last six months. Dave Norman ponders whether the investment is right for Everton.

Beattie can be a success
10 Jan - Colin Illingworth at squarefootball.net believes the likes of Neville Southall are wrong in predicting that James Beattie will be a flop at Goodison, believing that the Lancaster-born forward has what it takes to succeed with the Blues. His colleague, Daniel Kelly, completely disagrees...

Beattie's fitness an issue
10 Jan - David Moyes pulls no punches in this stark assessment of James Beattie's match fitness or lack thereof saying that we may not see the best from him until next season!

Everton v Sunderland
10 Jan - In the Fourth Round of the FA Cup, Everton will play Sunderland at Goodison Park, Kick off will be 3pm on Saturday 29 January.

Grave nonsense hots up
9 Jan - The Sunday scuttlebutt has Man United moving in for Thomas Gravesen... although not until the end of the season... while he will (supposedly) be offered a mammoth 40k/week salary to re-sign with Everton.

The 'morale high ground'
9 Jan - Nothing particularly new in this Sunday Mail article from the north of the Border, but it's nice to read another positive article about David Moyes and the Blues.

Campbell heading for Goodison exit
8 Jan - According to Sky Sports, Kevin Campbell is on the verge of leaving Everton after coming to an agreement regarding the remaining six months of his contract. West Bromwich Albion are rumoured to be interested in the 34 year-old who will become a free agent if the report is true.

McFadden in Moyes's plans
7 Jan - While some fans have grown impatient with James McFadden, his manager is steadfastly behind the 21 year-old Scot who scored his first Everton goal at Spurs last week and looks likely to start in the FA Cup tie at Plymouth tomorrow.

Memories of Home Park
7 Jan - Some long forgetten encounters between Plymouth and Everton from the annals of history.

Price not quite right?
7 Jan - Carl Marlens reveals a plausible financial reason why the Fortress Sports Fund has been dragging its Euro-feet...

Still 18 points up on last season
7 Jan - Steve Flanagan's statistical comparison game-for-game with last season shows Everton have an impressive 18-point gain so far.  But attendances at Goodison are down by more than 2,000 per match.

Bent Officials? Surely not...
6 Jan - In The Guardian, Paul Doyle has the temerity to raise an unthinkable spectre: that some refs and linesmen may actually be corrupt!

FT: Some Comment
6 Jan - The Financial Times weighs in with some puzzlement over the non-appearance of Everton monies from Christopher Samuleson and the Fortress Sports Fund.  12.8M was going to be in the bank within 6 or 7 days, remember?  That was nearly a month ago...

Sheedy penalty still rankles
5 Jan - Joe McCarthy recalls the last time Everton visited Plymouth in the FA Cup: 1989 and stole a 1-1 draw with a late and hotly disputed penalty.

Trebs is torn
5 Jan - Mike Trebilcock, Everton's two-goal hero from the 1966 FA Cup Final, talks of split allegiances when contemplating Saturday's Third Round tie with his previous club, Plymouth Argyle.

Looking to the future
5 Jan - Frederik Dahl Pedersen assesses the current Everton squad following the signing of James Beattie.

Beatts of Everton resurgence
4 Jan - The writers of "original football articles" at the Square Football website see Everton's acquisition of James Beattie as confirmation of their resurgence.

Beattie a key to rebuilding
4 Jan - "James is just the first piece of a jigsaw that I hope to build to make Everton competitive at the highest level," said David Moyes as he introduced new acqusition James Beattie to the press at Goodison Park before the Portsmouth game.

Moyes balks at Davies fee
4 Jan - David Moyes is miffed at Tottenham's unreasonable price tag on midfielder Simon Davies. The Londoners want 5m for him but Moyes says, "we have our valuations and once we've set a figure, we don't tend to go above it."

Small clusters of water molecules
3 Jan - This article from some American "armchair sweeper" appeared on the Soccernet website last week and adds a new twist to the Everton success puzzle: Penta mineral water from Colorado.

Double Whammy
2 Jan - The very idea of these two somewhat less-than-popular ex-Everton players teaming up to save a Premiership side from relegation is guaranteed to give you a smile...
 
 December 2004


News Headlines & Features

Everton open Thai relief fund
29 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: December
31 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


News Headlines & Features

The Real Toffee Lady
29 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 view
30 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


News Headlines & Features

Blues held by Villa
30 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 gap
31 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 MilnePoll: 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


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 on
30 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

 

News Headlines & Features


If you know yer history...
31 Aug - In case you may have forgotten what has been said in the past about selling Rooney, here are a few stories archived at the Official Everton Website that may help you remember:

Rooney's going nowhere 20/6/04
Boss won't sell Rooney 19/5/04
Sell Wayne? NEVER! 20/9/03

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.

Rooney gone in 27m deal
31 Aug - Wayne Rooney is no longer an Everton player after it was confirmed that the 18 year-old star, on whose shoulders rested the Blues' hopes for a brighter future, has signed for Manchester United for 20m, rising to a potential 29.85m based on a complicated bonus structure that essentially means Everton need United to be successful in order to reap the maximum return. The transfer, which involves Rooney signing a six-year contract, had effectively been sealed earlier in the day with an announcement by United to the Stock Exchange that an "outline agreement" was in place between the two clubs. All that remained was for both parties to hammer out a final fee and the payment terms, which are believed to be 10m up front, 10m due in August 2005, and 8.5m dependent on appearances and the player's tenure with the club beyond August 2007. How on earth do we get used to seeing "Our Kid' in Manchester red?

Determined point at Cold Trafford
30 Aug - With Weir replacing the injured Yobo, Everton started the game in great spirit, determined to atone for a miserable record against Manchester United in the Premiership.  Tim Cahill finally made his Blues debut after finishing a 3-game suspension and was pivotal in an excellent first-half display from the Blues. Some great moves created wonderful chances for Cahill and Osman but no goals at the break.  Everton were under a lot of pressure in the second half, and denied a clear-cut penalty when Sylvestre handled. But they played a superb shut-out game and really could have scored a winner to compliment this great performance. Reports by Lyndon Lloyd and Paul Traill

Blues fans hit out
29 Aug - As the Rooney saga drags on with more mis-information, innuendo, press speculation and statements from those involved, the fans have their say. See also our MailBag special.

An Open Letter to Wayne Rooney
A post-Rooney era at Everton
Why we mustn't sell Rooney
Advice for Wayne
Rooney's off



So what really is the Truth?
29 Aug - The 'Truth' has been bandied around by supporters, by the Club, and now by Wayne Rooney himself...  But what really is the truth behind the impending loss of the greatest young Everton talent that long-suffering Evertonians have seen for many a long year?  This contribution came to us from one of the many 'sources' close to the action who seem to be only too willing to give their take on what is rally happening inside our Club.  We cannot vouch for it's veracity. Reader responses

Osman provides the perfect distraction
28 Aug - Everton dispelled the Wayne Rooney controversy from their minds albeit briefly; news broke at the final whistle that Manchester United have lodged a new offer with a determined performance and a second successive victory. Leon Osman gave them a tremendous start inside three minutes when Kevin Kilbane flicked on a Thomas Gravesen throw and the diminutive midfielder popped up to head home to make it 1-0. But the Baggies were level within four minutes when Scott Dobie headed past Nigel Martyn from Jonathan Greening's corner kick. Osman notched his second through midway through the second half when he got his head on a Lee Carsley free kick to restore the Blues' lead. Report from Jonathan Martin

Rooney requests transfer from Goodison
27 Aug - As expected, Wayne Rooney has handed Everton a written transfer request, partially confirming strong rumours that he will sign for Manchester United for 24m, with perhaps David Bellion thrown as well, before Tuesday's transfer deadline.  In an accompanying statement, Rooney parrots the pundits who cite the "need" to be playing regularly in Europe, and he hopes Everton fans will understand his decision.  His decision to quit Goodison comes a day after a blazing training-ground row with David Moyes and arrives against the backdrop of furious allegations by supporters that the malicious influence of his agent, Paul Stretford, has the 18 year-old believing, incorrectly, that his manager and chairman want to sell him.

Divide and Conquer
26 Aug - As Evertonians brace themselves for the imminent departure of Wayne Rooney, there is growing anger among the fans at the machinations that have been in place since the lad turned 17 and signed on with Paul Stretford's ProActive agency. While Rooney has been silent on anything to do with Everton this summer and has refusal to respond publicly to the contract offer, forces have been at work driving a wedge between him and his family, his fiance, and the fans who took him to their hearts.
Also, fans' Despair and Disillusionment.

United offer sparks potential bidding war
25 Aug - Manchester United have, as expected, joined the race to sign Wayne Rooney by lodging a bid of 20M for the 18 year-old just hours after Newcastle United, who never negotiate transfer fees, upped their bid to 22M. Both are still well short of Everton's asking price for the club's best ever prospect and Moyes is still insisting on full price, but while a bidding war will help, a final deal somewhat below his 30M price-tag seems increasingly likely. Everton are resigned to selling Rooney before Tuesday's transfer deadline after he declined to sign the 50k/wk contract that has been on the table for weeks, citing the tabloid rubbish as one reason why he thinks his future lies elsewhere.  Meanwhile, amongst the fans, rationalization...

Russian denial has investors back-pedalling
23 Aug - A spokesman for Boris Zingarevich has issued a statement denying that either the Russian paper and pulp tycoon or his son, Anton, have any intention of investing in Everton FC. The spokesman for IPE speaking on behalf of Zingarevich Sr said that Anton had no capital invested in Fortress Sports Fund which had fund chairman Chris Samuelson appearing to back-track: "The fund has every intention of continuing with the investment," he is quoted in the Moscow Times. "We have a number of substantial investors. We would hope that Anton Zingarevich can remain assisting the fund as a manager. He is very knowledgeable."

Board meeting postponed at Gregg's request
23 Aug - The Everton Board have delayed the announcement of their decision on the proposed 20M investment after Paul Gregg requested to scrutinise the details and meet with the potential new directors.  Increasingly solid speculation is rife that the mystery backer is Anton Zingarevich, the English-educated son of Boris, a paper and pulp tycoon who was revealed as the primary investor in the Sunday Times, later to be refuted by the club.  The Moscow Times reports that Fortress Sports Fund, of which Anton was founder, will provide 5M up front for players this week, then 15M next month to total a 40% stake in the club.  Early fan reaction

Blues win away at the first attempt
21 Aug - Thomas Gravesen was the architect of Everton's first away win since December last year and their first victory since April as they ran out 3-1 winners at newly-promoted Palace.  The home side went ahead as early as the 9th minute when Hudson headed home from 6 yards out. Stubbs cleared off the line from Freedman before the Blues drew level: Campbell was felled in the area and Gravesen fired home from the spot.  Just after the hour mark, the Dane bent a brilliantly-executed shot past Speroni to give Everton the lead and although Naysmith received his marching orders with 20 minutes left, Bent raced clear and beat the 'keeper to score his first goal with less than 10 mins to go.  Match Report by Julian Cashen.

David Moyes and the art of...
19 Aug - An in-depth analysis of what it takes to be a football manager in the modern game, and how well David Moyes fulfils those requirements.  That's the premise of this extensive three-part discussion prepared for us by Rob Fox.  Part Two deals with the manager's skills as revealed during the 2002-03 season, when his team is widely believed to have "over-performed'.  Part Three analyzes the debacle of last season, from which the manager seems to escape scot-free, with his reputation intact as he fights to drag Everton up by the bootstraps.

Everton revert to type?
15 Aug - The problems hampering David Moyes were laid bare at Goodison Park today as they were ripped apart by the Champions. Offering little in attack, the Blues put up some scrappy defence against the flowing Gunners until 23 mins when Henry and Reyes broke superbly to set up Bergkamp who picked his spot for the opener.  A totally unmarked Reyes then stooped to head home number two before half-time.  Hibbert and Bent came on at half-time but they couldn't prevent Arsenal from going three up through Ljungberg as the defence was embarrassed again.  Carlsey grabbed a consolation following a truly stunning interchange with Gravesen but Pires came on to underline the Champions' classy superiority with a fourth before the oh-so-predictable end.

Kenwright turns the tables
14 Aug - Just when it looked as though his stock with the Everton fanbase had reached its nadir, Bill Kenwright appears to have come up with an investment package that will pump 20m into the club's coffers. Is it just more smoke and mirrors designed to buy more time for the much-criticized Chairman or was his protracted media silence covering a diligent search for a consortium of his own that will preserve True Blue Holdings, albeit much diluted, and ease the club's most pressing debt? Only time will tell.

Kenwright realises 20m investment
13 Aug - Bill Kenwright has announced via the official site that he can provide 20m of investment in Everton Football Club via a new share issue. The statement on the eve of the new season claims that the club's bankers have seen evidence of the availability of the funds and that due diligence will be begin on Monday, August 16th, to be completed within a week. Paul Gregg has welcomed the new constitution of True Blue shares but whether or not his investors (specifically Lord Grantchester) will still come on board remains to be seen. Surely that would be too good to be true!?

Join the ToffeeWeb Super League
12 Aug - The 2004/05 Season kicks off in just a few days and what better way to make things a little more interesting than by entering the Telegraph Fantasy Football Challenge where ToffeeWeb is the exclusive representative for Everton fans? Join the ToffeeWeb Super League and compete with fellow Blues, 19 other Premiership fan sites in the Fanzine Challenge, and, of course, in the main competition for top prizes. It costs just 6 to enter and all the details can be found here.

Moyes to secure Colin deal?
12 Aug - Following reports that he was spotted in Belgrade last night watching PSV Eindhoven take on Crvena Zvezda, David Moyes looks set to capture 23 year-old Jurgen Colin on a 12-month loan. The Dutch full back who has made over 100 appearances for PSV (although he was omitted from last night's squad) is due to fly in for talks this evening and the club are hopeful of registering him before the deadline of noon tomorrow to make him eligible for Sunday's season opener against Arsenal.

The Real Thing
11 Aug - As we approach the new season with a gnawing sense of dread, ToffeeWeb columnist Nick Armitage takes aim at the feuding Board for its gross incompetence and its culpability in the thread-bare state of David Moyes's squad. However, he also offers some crumbs of comfort: "Not all squads have the future captain of Nigeria... the best 'keeper in England... the best young player in England... and Scotland." Most of all, Everton have Moyes himself, and that could make all the difference.

21 Days to Save Your Investment
10 Aug - Fans Comment: While most of our rivals in the Premiership continue to strengthen their squads ahead of this weekend's big kick off, the deadlock at Goodison Park drags on with no apparent resolution on the horizon. Phil Roberts addresses an open letter to Paul Gregg and Bill Kenwright warning that if the current situation isn't resolved quickly and doesn't result in immediate funds for David Moyes, they could lose their investment completely with Everton's relegation from the Premiership. [Should True Blue Holdings be dissolved?]

Time to defy the odds
9 Aug - With an encouraging pre-season programme behind us the new Premiership season looms ahead with Everton still rocked by the boardroom civil war and hindered by an empty war chest. If the air of new-found unity in the squad is true, however, and Moyes is able to rediscover his motivational magic, the Blues should be fully equipped to beat the drop and, if a certain 18 year-old stays at Goodison, surprise the pundits with a comfortable mid-table finish.

Final friendly ends all square
7 Aug - Everton recovered from a 2-0 deficit to end on level terms at 2-2 with Real Sociedad in their final fixture of the pre-season programme. David Moyes went with a line-up that will likely be close to the one he selects against Arsenal next week but the Blues, playing in all black, were 2-0 down after half an hour to goals by Kovacevic and Nihat. However, when Campbell was tripped in the area, Gravesen fired home the resulting spot kick to halve the Spaniards' lead. In the second half, after Real had changed their entire team at the interval, good work by McFadden fed Watson who crossed to Kilbane and he prodded in the equaliser in front of a crowd of 11,000+. Matchday Report from Colm Kavanagh .

Role Reversal
6 Aug - As time ticks on towards the start of the season and the transfer window beyond that, the deafening silence from "soundbyte" Bill Kenwright compared to the media posturing of the hitherto silent Paul Gregg represents a role reversal, but also an impasse that isn't getting Everton anywhere. Lyndon Lloyd asks whether we as fans are too busy looking for a saviour and allowing our understandable distrust of Gregg cloud what might be a very real chance to right the ship and finally see the club run as a business. [Reader responses]

Gregg hopeful of progress
6 Aug - Paul Gregg held meetings with a number of supporters groups yesterday to hear their concerns and answer questions regarding his proposals for taking Everton forward. Insisting that the deadlock at Goodison must be resolved as quickly as possible and restating once more his commitment to the club, Gregg said he was hopeful that progress would be made before the end of the week. He also confirmed that a bid for Michael Carrick had been tabled, although the 2.5m a year it might take to keep him is a little alarming. We're providing links to summaries of the various meetings: Evertonians for Change | Blue Kipper | People's Forum Pt I, Pt II | SFTH | EISA

Squad Numbers announced
5 Aug - Most players retain their previous shirt numbers except McFadden (11), Chadwick (19), Osman (21), and Hibbert (22).  New players joining the Club are: Bent (7), Cahill (17), and Bosnar (23).  In addition, Daniel Fox (32) and Anthony Gerrard (33) are elevated to the first-team squad from Everton's Youth Academy after they were give their first professional contracts in June 2004.  Peter Clarke (27) was reportedly released at the end of last season but is apparently playing on a week-to-week basis; Patrizio Pascucci (23 on trial with Oostende?) and Alan Moogan (33 released in May but still playing for the Reserves) are no longer named in the squad.

Halle Berry is not an Everton fan
4 Aug - In a stunning revelation on prime-time radio, Halle Berry, the gorgeous star of blockbuster smash-hit movie Catwoman, has once and for all definitively scotched our most fondly held belief. [Transcript]   "I am not an Everton fan", the svelte long-limbed beauty and one-time Oscar recipient told drooling Everton fans across the nation who had assumed that her Liverpool-born mother may have imbued her with just a drop or two of Royal Blue blood.  We shall, of course, be modifying ToffeeWeb's Celebrity Fans list...

We're not Sheffield Wednesday... yet!
3 Aug - Everton went on a scoring frenzy at Hillsborough in their penultimate pre-season friendly, this despite having only played Club America two days ago and no doubt suffering jetlag after the trip back from Texas.  Leon Osman opened the scoring after just 90 seconds but Wednesday equalised.  The Blues then roared to a 4-1 lead with goals from Campbell, McFadden and Watson before Nsungu scored another consolation for the hosts.  Kilbane and Watson added two more before Nsungu hit the mark once more to finish the scoring.

The confusion deepens again
3 Aug - Lord Grantchester has issued a second statement which appears to clarify his position after it seems the first one he made yesterday may have been misinterpreted.  He is quoted as saying, "I welcome the continuation of discussions regarding how I could help with providing long-term stability for EFC.  Success is more likely to be achieved through a wider investment group that I understand Paul Gregg is seeking to develop to provide EFC with a sustainable future.  However, until such time that the current issues surrounding True Blue Holdings are resolved, it is difficult to see how I could be involved at this stage." Sounds like he is not in bed with either side at this stage as everyone waits for Bill Kenwright to dissolve TBH...

Grantchester denies backing Gregg
2 Aug - Sky Sports report that Lord Grantchester has denied Paul Gregg's claim that he is under-writing the director's bid to plough 15m of investment into the club. If true, it would deal a massive blow to Gregg's plans. The Labour Peer is quoted as saying, "It's not the case that I am behind Mr Gregg's proposal to underwrite the club - and I have not seen the proposal." On local radio later today, Gregg admitted that Grantchester is not funding his bid but does agree, as everyone now surely does, that True Blue Holdings must be dissolved before the club can move forward.

Everton 1 - 3 Club America
1 Aug - Everton and Club America faced off in the second and final match of the Copa de Tejas and it was the Mexicans who emerged 3-1 victors, winning the tournament in the process. No one's entirely sure why Everton played twice while the Mexican teams didn't play each other at all or why after the Pachuca game we were told the Blues would take the trophy if they avoided defeat by three or more goals, only to be told today's game was suddenly worth six points, but there you go! America went into a 2-0 lead thanks to goals by Torres and Pardo before Marcus Bent got his first pre-season goal to make it 2-1. Valenzuela, however, grabbed a third in the last minute to deny Everton a chance to grab a share of the spoils.

 

Snippets & Rumours


Woodward, Everton & England?
31 Aug - Reuters is reporting that Sir Clive Woodward, a celebrity Evertonian who wanted to play for Everton when he was a kid, wants to switch from managing England at rugger to managing England at soccer!

Clock runs down on transfer hopes
31 Aug - Already reeling from the loss of Wayne Rooney, Everton's fans had to deal with the additional blow of no new faces arriving at Goodison before the transfer deadline.  An 11th-hour bid for Porto's Benni McCarthy failed and the Djimi Traor deal died as well as both their clubs elected to veto the moves.  Sunderland's Sean Thornton, Milan Dudic, Dario Simic and Darren Bent all cropped up as rumoured options but as midnight came and went, the silence from Everton was deafening.

McFadden not going anywhere
31 Aug - James McFadden is, thankfully, not on his way to Rangers in a loan-cum-permanent move. The Scot confirmed that reports linking him with Ibrox were pure speculation.

Paul Gregg, Businessman
31 Aug - In other news, this interesting article from the Financial Times relates much of Gregg's business history and contrasts it with the travails of buying into Everton FC (via TBH).

Gravesen going nowhere... yet
31 Aug - Thomas Gravesen's agent, John Sivabaek, has dismissed rumours that he will sign for Aston Villa before today's transfer deadline, insisting his client will stay at Goodison until January at least.

Transfers come down to the wire
31 Aug - Just as they did a year ago, Everton's hopes of bringing in new faces will come down to the very last minute as the transfer deadline expires today at 5 p.m. The short-term fate of Wayne Rooney will also be decided, with most speculation pointing to a 26m to Manchester United.

Moyes still targeting Traor
31 Aug - David Moyes reiterated his desire to sign defender Djimi Traor from Liverpool yesterday but admitted that he didn't know if the move was going to happen because of Rafael Benitez's late intervention and Sammi Hyppia's injury against Bolton yesterday.

Rise and Fall of a Blue Hero
30 Aug - As Wayne Rooney's transfer to Manchester United approaches, Oliver Kay in The Times comes close to reflecting some of the sordid history that underlies this very wrong move for the lad who was once such a hero to all Evertonians, but who is now widely reviled by many fans as the spin takes effect.

Talking with the Devils
30 Aug - Far from turning down the latest Rooney bid, Everton are, according to The Daily Telegraph, negotiating with Manchester United to set terms for a paltry 25M deal (just half of his original valuation by Moyes and Kenwright) that could see Everton get as little as a paltry 10M in cash up front for the world's best footballing prospect!  If this goes through, it will be a massive sellout by Everton, confirming our place as a third-rate nursery club for the big boys now.  What a sad, sad day for Everton.

The People thicken the plot
29 Aug - In today's edition of The People, Alan Nixon (whom it shouldn't be forgotten is a ProActive shareholder) adds myriad more elements to the already convoluted and confusing Rooney saga, including how Everton apparently broke their contract with the 18 year-old by defaulting on an image rights contract and alleging that Paul Gregg phoned Newcastle on Wednesday to tell them he would help push a 23.5m sale through the Goodison boardroom.

Wayne: I know the truth
29 Aug - Wayne Rooney says that he is "disappointed at some of the things Everton have said, especially considering that I know the truth," but so much has been said by the likes of Moyes, Kenwright and Gregg that it's hard to know what specifically he means.

Exclusive: Michael Ball to return
28 Aug - ToffeeWeb has learned that Michael Ball will re-sign for Everton tomorrow on a pay-as-you-play contract. The defender left Goodison to join Rangers four years ago but is now surplus to requirements at Ibrox.

Kenwright feeling the pressure
28 Aug - As he seeks to bolster the Everton squad with "a number" of new players before the transfer deadline, Chairman Bill Kenwright admits that the pressure at the moment is immense. With Wayne Rooney having handed in a transfer request, he is working to secure the best price possible from interested clubs.

United lodge improved bid
28 Aug - As Everton recorded their second win of the season, Manchester United put the focus back on Wayne Rooney with a new offer for the 18 year-old. No details are available except that the bid is more than the 23.5m offered by Newcastle on Thursday. David Moyes has said he is unaware of the new bid.

Fans' 'Truth' leaflet hopes
28 Aug - Blues fans from the People's Forum have mobilised behind a poster that they will distribute to the crowd at Goodison today in the hope of staging a half-time protest at the proposed sale of Wayne Rooney.

Traor deal likely to be called off
27 Aug - Everton and Liverpool had agreed a 1.5M fee for Djimi Traor but a late plea by Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez for the defender to stay seems to have stalled the move and it looks as though he will be staying at Anfield for the time being, although this has yet to be officially confirmed.

Gregg urges Rooney to stay
27 Aug - Paul Gregg has issued a statement that joins David Moyes in urging Wayne Rooney to ignore outside forces like his agent, honour his contract and remain within the "Everton family."

Moyes: Support the boys
27 Aug - No doubt anticipating supporter unrest aimed at the Board during tomorrow's home game with West Bromwich Albion, David Moyes has issued a rallying cry to the fans, asking them to throw 100% of their support behind the players as they aim for a second successive victory.

Moyes prepared to veto move
27 Aug - David Moyes will insist on getting the right price for Wayne Rooney or he will block any transfer of the 18 year-old to Manchester United or Newcastle (although that opens up a whole new can of worms whereby he goes head-to-head with the Board). He also insists he hasn't been offered any players in part-exchange and chastised the interested clubs for touting potential players in the media as possible make-weights.

Shareholders Association Release
27 Aug - The Everton Shareholders Association have issued a statement prior to next month's EGM and in response to the imminent sale of Wayne Rooney. [Link fixed]

Tell The S*n where to stick it
27 Aug - They want your opinion, so give it to them.

Cahill raring to go
27 Aug - Tim Cahill is back from the Olympics and can't wait to get started. The small matter of the final game of a three-match suspension keeps him out of contention against West Brom but the chance of making his Blues debut at Old Trafford awaits.

TV date for N. America Blues
27 Aug - Everton's trip to Manchester United on Monday, where they haven't won for 12 years, will be shown live in Canada and on 6-hour tape delay in the US. The Blues' clash at Portsmouth on September 26th will be available on PPV in both countries. Other overseas markets will no doubt also be carrying both games; check your local listings.

Board secures 'alternative funding'
26 Aug - Everton have announced that David Moyes will have cash to spend ahead of the transfer deadline after the Board secured an interim source of funding, separate from the on-going discussions with Fortress Sports Fund.

Everton reject Rooney offers
26 Aug - As expected, Everton have officially rejected the low-ball offers from Newcastle and Manchester United for Wayne Rooney. Newcastle's improved offer is widely reported as being 23.5M Everton want 30m.

Kenwright washes his hands
26 Aug - The latest barrage of soap opera soundbyte bullshit from the Chairman of Everton FC attempts to place the responsibility of Wayne Rooney's impending sale firmly on David Moyes.  Well, it won't wash, Billy: he's leaving because you, the man in charge of Everton's shocking decline for the last 4 years, have personally screwed up this club through your incompetence.  We shall not forget... Not everyone agrees: MailBag special

Harvey: You don't need to leave
26 Aug - Everton legend and former mentor to Wayne Rooney, Colin Harvey, has urged the 18 year-old not to rush into a decision regarding his future and assures him he doesn't have to leave Goodison so soon to further his career.

Blues draw Bristol City trip
25 Aug - Everton will travel to Bristol City, the ground where their last cup-winning campaign began 10 years ago, in the Carling Cup second round. This evening's draw pairs David Moyes's side with one of his former clubs and represents the third meeting between the two teams in the last decade.

Unanswered Questions
25 Aug - Frustration is the order of the day for Nick Armitage, who shares with many fans the extremes of depair and angst at the latest twists and turns in the sagas that are tearing Everton apart...

Eire call-up for Kilbane
24 Aug - Kevin Kilbane has been called up by Brian Kerr for the Republic of Ireland's World Cup qualifiers against Cyprus and Switzerland next month.

Paving the way for Rooney sale
24 Aug - The latest stage of Paul Stretford's strategy appears to be working even the Echo are talking up how Rooney now sees his future away from Goodison and that Moyes will accept 30m for the player. We can only hope that the reality is quite different but the rumours are piling up that Wayne's head has been turned and that he wants to leave Merseyside.

Gutter press plumbs new depths
24 Aug - You have to admire the incredible hypocrisy of that execrable rag The Sun... er... NOT!!!  After crowing about getting Wayne's exclusive "story" of luvy-dovy bliss with Coleen, they build on Rooney's recent belated confession following revelations in the Sunday Mirror by calling him a liar, and revelling in new accusations of sexual exploits with some rather dubious ladies of the night.  Nice one, Mr Stretford.

D'Urso suspended by League
24 Aug - Controversial referee Andy D'Urso will not be taking charge of Everton's clash with Manchester United next week after he was suspended by the Premier League for failing to send off Blackburn's Barry Ferguson at the weekend despite having shown him two yellow cards during the game. Dermot Gallagher will replace him at Old Trafford next Monday.

Rooney bid a Stretford ploy?
24 Aug - Oliver Kay in The Times floats the idea that the 20M offer by Newcastle, who are riddled with Formation Group players and shareholders, was part of a convoluted plot by Paul Stretford, Rooney's... ahem... "advisor," aimed at getting Manchester United's dirty mitts closer to the Everton striker. Newcastle have angrily denied the allegation, but they would either way.

Everton reject Rooney bid
23 Aug - Everton have flatly rejected a paltry 20M bid for Wayne Rooney from Newcastle United who are looking to use the cash from the sale of Jonathan Woodgate to buy a long-term replacement for Alan Shearer.

Gravesen cites revived spirit
23 Aug - Thomas Gravesen hopes that this weekend's 3-1 win at Crystal Palace will signal the return of the determination and spirit that drove the Blues to 7th place two seasons ago. The enigmatic Dane called on his team-mates to retain that level of performance against West Brom on Saturday.

Moyes dismisses Yobo link
23 Aug - David Moyes has quashed speculation linking perennial Premiership nearly-men Newcastle United and their new-found cash with Joseph Yobo. He also reiterated his desire to keep Thomas Gravesen following his display in the 3-1 at Palace.

Pulp Fiction?
22 Aug - Everton have issued a statement refuting the reports that Russian pulp and paper magnate Boris Zingarevich is the principal backer behind the proposed 20M investment in the club. But the BBC are now reporting that it's his son, Anton Zingarevich, with the Moscow Times adding a lot more meat on the bones...

Board Meeting on Monday
22 Aug - Everton have announced a Board Meeting for Monday, at which it is expected that a decison will be made on the 20M investment promised by Bill Kenwright. But reports that this will be incoming from Russian Boris Zingarevich are labelled 'incorrect'  by the Club.

Gregg to bury the hatchet?
22 Aug - Paul Gregg is, according the The Independent, ready to call a truce with Bill Kenwright if his 20M investment package comes together.  The article doesn't carry any quotes to that effect, however.

Russian emerges as investor
22 Aug - If a report in The Sunday Times is true, Bill Kenwright's mystery 20M backer is Boris Zingarevich, a Russian paper and pulp tycoon who, together with his brother Mikhail, is worth over 360M.

Best striker never to be capped
22 Aug - The Premiership player to have scored the most goals without earning a full international call-up is Kevin Campbell whose 76 goals put him top of the list of uncapped players.

Iraq defeat Australia
21 Aug - Iraq defeated Australia by a solitary goal in the Quarterfinals of the men's Olympic Football in Athens.  Everton's Tim Cahill sat out the match on the bench and will now join his new team-mates at Bellefield, although he has one more game of a three-match domestic ban to serve from last season's efforts for Millwall that means he will miss Everton's game against West Brom.

Young guns beat Cardiff City
21 Aug - Everton's new Under-18s Youth Academy side won their first league game of the season, away to newcomers Cardiff City, with a goal from Paul Hopkins sealing the points.

When skies are grey...
21 Aug - David Moyes is standing up to the challenge, the biggest of his career, while all the pundits are relishing the "told-you-so" certainty of Everton's imminent demise...

Running on empty
20 Aug - David Prentice, who is persona non-grata amongst the Everton players after slamming their end-of-season capitulation, takes a pop at the seriously limited resources Andy Holden can call upon for Everton Reserves this season.

Van der Meyde says 'no'
20 Aug - Inter Milan's Andy van der Meyde has indicated (through his agent) that he intends to stay in Italy rather than come to Everton. The Blues have not made a formal bid for the player but David Moyes told Sky Sports the Dutchman is one of 50-odd players in whom he has expressed interest.

Farrelly gets management job
19 Aug - Gareth Farrelly has been appointed as the new player-manager of eircom League Premier Division side, Bohemians.

Yobo injury worry
19 Aug - Joseph Yobo is a doubt for Everton's trip to Crystal Palace on Saturday as fluid on the knee is causing him pain.

Moyes expecting new faces
18 Aug - David Moyes says that he hopes to add one or two more new faces to the squad before the August 31st transfer deadline but, just like last year, it might come down to the wire.

Due diligence may take longer
18 Aug - Bill Kenwright's new 20M investors are depending on the process of due diligence which is being conducted at Goodison Park prior to the dissolution of True Blue Holdings.  However, it is taking longer than expected...

Reserves draw again
17 Aug - With Wright, Clarke, Chadwick and Bosmar in the side, Everton Reserves drew their second league match 0-0 against West Brom.  Report from Steve Milne.

Moyes staying put
17 Aug - It's sad that he has to dignify the fabrication by the "red tops" with a response but David Moyes has once again stated his commitment to Everton in the face of "reports" that he is ready to quit because of the lack of transfer funds available to him.

Reds gain with Blue youngster
17 Aug - By way of illustration how difficult it is to make the right decisions about the future potential of youth players, here we have those loveable Reds gloating about Darren Potter, a potential future gem released from the Everton Youth Academy four years ago.

Fourth from bottom will do, eh, Kev?
17 Aug - 'Super Kev' (!) reckons fourth from bottom will do?! He must have been smoking something surely. We expect more than that. If that's where you expect us to be 'SuperKev' then leave now and let someone else come in and do a far superior job than you will ever do for us.

EFC may stay at Bellefield
17 Aug - More bad news for Everton as it looks like the plan to sell Bellefield as prime housing land may be scuppered by new changes in planning policy.  This could prevent Everton going ahead with their plans for a new Youth Academy.

Stubbs waits on groin injury
16 Aug - Everton Physio Mick Rathbone has revealed that Alan Stubbs was subbed against Arsenal because he injured his groin stretching for a ball on Sunday. The club will wait for the injury to settle down before evaluating it further. Also, James McFadden took a kick to the calf and Kevin Kilbane required stitches in a small cut on the top of his foot after the game.

More to it than the scoreline
16 Aug - ToffeeWeb Editor Michael Kenrick takes a disarmingly positive view of the way Everton played against Arsenal, even though they were ultimately outclassed by some elegantly simple exhibition pieces of goal-scoring football.

Southall speaks out
15 Aug - It's unclear how the sensationally overblown title of this story in The People relates to the largely sensible comments Neville Southall has to say about the current state of Everton FC.

Moyes will hold on to Wayne
15 Aug - David Moyes states in this BBC piece that he is the decision-maker when it comes to Wayne Rooney's future and that future is with Everton as he expects Rooney to sign the 5-year deal.  Moyes also says that, if Rooney does not sign, he will be required to see out the last two years of this current contract!

Hopeful of survival
15 Aug - WSAG Author Mark O'Brien and Everton manager David Moyes talk to The Observer about Everton's limited prospects for the new season.

Cahilll on the mark in Athens
14 Aug - Everton new-boy Tim Cahill scored Australia's first goal as they hammered Serbia and Montenegro 5-1 in a Preliminary Group C match at the 2004 Olympics.

Fans: TBH should be canned
14 Aug - The voting took place before Kenwright's announcement on 13th August but the overwhelming majority of those who responded feel that True Blue Holdings, the apparent obstacle to Paul Gregg's money men investing in the club, should be dissolved immediately to resolve the boardroom impasse.

Colin move off
13 Aug - Jurgen Colin's proposed 12-month loan to Everton has collapsed due to an "unspecified" last minute hitch.

Call-ups for Scottish Blues
13 Aug - James McFadden and Gary Naysmith have been called up to the Scottish senior squad for the friendly against Hungary next week, while Iain Turner has been included in the U-21s squad.

Frustration and determination
13 Aug - David Moyes has set the tone for the new season with a message of defiance, saying that he will not allow Everton's name to be dragged through the mud anymore. Re-stating his People's Club mantra, the Scot said: "the one thing we can rely on is the supporters."

Moyes still interested in Carrick
13 Aug - David Moyes has admitted that he still wants to sign Michael Carrick but only if West Ham lower their asking price. While West Brom have reportedly already agreed a fee with the Hammers and the midfielder has been given permission to discuss terms at the Hawthorns, the Echo suggest that Carrick would prefer to come to Goodison.

EGM set for September 9
13 Aug - The Shareholders Association has successfully petitioned an Extraordinary General Meeting of the Everton Board aimed at trying to bring about resolution of the current off-the-field crisis.  It'll be a busy night at Goodison Park as the EGM coincides with the Alan Ball Dinner and the evening with Bob Latchford.

An Evening with Bob Latchford
12 Aug - The Everton Former Players Foundation present An Evening with Bob Latchford, Thursday 9th September 2004 at the Liverpool Holiday Inn. Tickets are available on 0151 520 2362, priced 50.

Who asked you, Judas?
11 Aug - Francis Jeffers is urging Wayne Rooney to follow his example and leave Everton. Right, because it's worked out so well for you, Francis. Remember how desperate you were to return a year ago saying you shouldn't have left in the first place?

Li Tie recovery continues
11 Aug - The Chinese midfielder hopes to resume full training in a month as his rehabilitation from a broken shin continues.

Bosnar features in Reserves draw
10 Aug - Eddy Bosnar played the full 90 minutes for a young Reserves side in tonight's 0-0 draw at Blackburn Rovers.  Previously billed as a full-back, the 6' 3" Australian was employed in central defence alongside Peter Clarke.  Report from Steve Milne .

Charlton snap up Jeffers
10 Aug - Charlton Athletic, the little club that could, continued their spending spree today with the 2.6m acquisition of former Blue, Francis Jeffers and rumoured Everton target Danny Murphy for 2.5m.

Moyes rejects Gravesen bid
10 Aug - David Moyes has rejected out of hand an undisclosed offer from SV Hamburg for Thomas Gravesen. Given the Dane's importance to the Everton midfield, the manager isn't expected to listen to bids lower than 3m.

Blues say goodbye to Moore
10 Aug - Eric Moore, who played for the Blues in the 1950s, including the season that ended a brief spell in the Second Division in 1954, was laid to rest in Sutton today. The defender went on to play for Chesterfield and Tranmere after leaving Goodison in 1956.

Former Everton player "snapped up"
9 Aug - Scott Brown, one of the 16 players Everton have lost in the last 3 months (funny how the media suddenly dropped that little nugget...) has been snapped up by Bristol City on a three-month contract.

Kilbane named in Irish squad
9 Aug - Kevin Kilbane will be in action for the Republic of Ireland three days after Everton's season opener against Arsenal after being named in the squad to play Bulgaria at Lansdowne Road on 18th August.

Time, Gentleman... Please!
8 Aug - Andy McNabb considers this analysis of Everton's current resources (and missed players?) to err on the positive side, and thus no doubt counterbalance the cynical realism we are oft accused of (Guilty!)

Everton confirm Wyness interest
7 Aug - Bill Kenwright has announced that ex-Aberdeen CEO Keith Wyness is likely to be the club's choice to replace Trevor Birch. He said that Wyness had held talks with all three directors and "he is a candidate." It is not known whether Wyness is one of the candidates Paul Gregg alluded to in a fans' group meeting this week.

Rooney recovery "on track"?
7 Aug - So, Wayne Rooney sustained his metatarsal injury just over six weeks ago... and, according to Everton's Mike Rathbone, his six-week recovery is bang on track...[Uh?]  Yet it will still be another two weeks before he even starts jogging... and the media have suddenly twigged that he probably won't be fit for the first of England's World Cup qualifiers in early September.  As they say, Go Figure!

Where's the money gone?
6 Aug - It's become a mantra for Everton fans who cannot come to terms with Everton's parlous financial state.  For a detailed answer, read Bill Gleeson's analysis in the Daily Post.

Enough's Enough
6 Aug - Ian Macdonald has been holding back from entering the fray between his good friend Bill Kenwright, and PR magician Paul Gregg.  In this piece, Ian goes over a lot of the ground that lies between the vying factions and is damaging our Club.

Gemmill in dream move?
5 Aug - Scot Gemmill has been given a three-month contract at Leicester City there's confidence for you!

Unsworth slams Everton Board
5 Aug - David Unsworth, who left Everton because they could not offer him a 3-year extension to his contract, has some strong words of condemnation for the Everton Board of Directors.

Bank getting nervous
5 Aug - Barclays, who provide Everton's overdraft facility, are reportedly concerned about the financial status of the Club as the agreed line is close to being maxed out.

Farewell to the Footie Echo
4 Aug - Whatever wonderfully positive spin they are putting on it, the real Football Echo is no more.  Since 1888, its primary purpose has been to convey the football results and match reports to Merseyside and beyond almost instantly every Saturday night.  But with the continuing demise of the traditional Saturday 3pm kick-off, The Echo has finally pulled the plug.

Moyes interested in Carrick
4 Aug - David Moyes has expressed an interest in West Ham's 23-year-old midfielder Michael Carrick but regrets that Everton don't have the money to better a 2.5M bid from Portsmouth that the Hammers rejected.

Carter calls for unity
3 Aug - Everton's Life President, Sir Philip Carter has called on the fans to ignore the boardroom shenanigans and focus on events on the pitch.  Mr Whippy obviously fails to acknowledge that it's pressure from the supporters that is forcing much-needed change at boardroom level without it there might not be anything to watch on the pitch next season.

Blues complete Bosnar signing
3 Aug - Eddie Bosnar officially becomes Everton's third acquisition of the summer today, putting pen to paper on a one-year deal. Thanks to a Commonwealth Working Holiday Visa, he joins fellow Aussie and childhood friend Tim Cahill at Goodison Park.

Campbell's Rooney gaffe
3 Aug - The Everton players truly are in the dark if you read this non-story from the BBC: Kevin Campbell thinks Wayne Rooney could line up for Everton against Arsenal despite the broken bone in his foot... unless Moyes has a surprise for the Gunners!

North-West Masters Champions
2 Aug - Everton Masters beat current Masters Cup holders Man City to become North-West Masters Football Champions. Neville Southall, Brett Angell, Joe McBride and Peter Beagrie all return this September for the Masters Cup Grand Final at Sheffield Hallam FM Arena where they face Liverpool Masters in their opening game. For more information and discounted tickets for Everton fans, visit www.mastersfootball.com, call Will Rogers on 0208 952 9525 or e-mail will@mastersfootball.com.

Moyes's swipe at feuding directors
2 Aug - With the transfer deadline four weeks away and no sign of the boardroom standoff coming to an end, David Moyes has called on Bill Kenwright and Paul Gregg to sort out the club's future as soon as possible.

Dixie Dean Memorial Ground threat
2 Aug - Plans remain in place to build an academy on the Dixie Dean Memorial Ground on Heyworth St. It is the only flat green piece of land left in the area available to kids and amateur players while numerous brown-field sites apparently exist nearby. Voice your protests to Mr John Woodwood, Planning Dept., Millennium House, Victoria St, Liverpool L2, Ref no dc/ad/slt/pn572

 

 July 2004



 

News Headlines & Features


Gregg: Grantchester is on board
30 Jul - In an interview with Sky Sports News, Paul Gregg has confirmed that Lord Grantchester is one of the backers in his consortium vying for the dissolution of True Blue Holdings. Grantchester, the former Goodison director whose family is reputed to be worth 1.5bn, has long been romanticised by Blues fans as the white knight who could save Everton. Gregg also threw his support behind David Moyes and pledged money for three new signings before the start of the season.

Pachuca 2 - 5 Everton
29 Jul - Everton have given themselves a great chance of adding a small piece of silverware to the Goodison trophy cabinet with a handsome victory over Mexican champions, Pachuca. McFadden started wonderfully with a goal on 3 mins and Everton went further ahead with a penalty from Gravesen after good work by Osman. But the Mexicans came back to equalize by half-time.  Despite more pressure, Everton went ahead just before the hour on a neat glancing header from Campbell, followed quickly by a close-range header from Kilbane.  Sub Nick Chadwick gave the scoreline a nice ring with the last goal of the game that puts the Blues a draw away from winning the second annual Copa de Tejas. Steve Milne | Fran Coop | Rob van Dijk

Linderoth makes Copenhagen switch
29 Jul - Tobias Linderoth will deplete Everton's threadbare squad further by completing his anticipated move to FC Copenhagen.  The Swedish international told David Moyes that he wanted to leave Goodison, paving the way for a 1M switch to Denmark after he persistently failed to make any real impact at Goodison Park.

The best of intentions
28 Jul - In his View from the Blue column yesterday, Lyndon Lloyd gave an assessment of the supporters' current perception of Bill Kenwright.  Today, as a follow-up that may satisfy some readers' desire for balance, he offers his personal thoughts on the Everton Chairman based on the history since his successful takeover in 2000 and hopes a third way exists whereby Blue Bill can remain on the Board even if he relinquishes primary control of the club.

Money talks...
27 Jul - ... and bullshit walks.  That might be a very harsh assessment of Bill Kenwright's chairmanship of Everton but it is clearly the growing perception among the fans.  While Paul Gregg has put forth a blueprint for the future that will deliver 15M of investment (but hopefully not mean the sale of young Wayne), his True Blue partner has been found wanting where concrete plans are concerned.  With disaster on the horizon without change, Evertonians are putting their faith in hard cash having seemingly been failed by Bill's Blue blood and passion alone.  The Editor responds to comments from our readers who think we are being too hard on Bill Kenwright.

Kenwright stalling
27 Jul - After 4 years of increasing incompetence in charge of Everton FC, Bill Kenwright has wangled another four days to come up with the goods as an alternative to the plan being put forward by Paul Gregg.  The Independent puts forth some suggested sources of future investment.  But Bill is still at it with the soundbytes: "If I step down big money will come into this club. And if that is what it takes I will step down.  I am totally, totally irrelevant.  All that matters is Everton."  If only that were true...

Los Desaparecidos
26 Jul - How many times have you read newspaper stories or heard this remarkable, nay frightening number bandied about in the media?  Makes things sound pretty bad for Everton, doesn't it?  And we can all name those 16 players, can't we?  Players who were the very key to Everton's future; players who have now been carelessly lost as Everton descend into chaos...  Well, it's all media rubbish, as you might have guessed.  In truth, we have lost just two decent players... and we have gained two possibly better players, as this analysis demonstrates.

No bad news is good news
25 Jul - With no new bad news today, it's time for the Sunday papers to regroup, although this piece in the Sunday Mirror looks ahead to tomorrow's boardroom showdown.  The Sunday Times has Kenwright on the brink, again quoting BK that he would step aside and dissolve TBH... The Scotsman provides little more than a retrospective of the last hectic week's happenings.  Similarly in The Independent.  Well, there was some bad news, actually: it was inevitable that the gutter press would dig up some dirt on Wayne Rooney, and now we have the sordid claims of some whore in the Sunday Mirror.  Thank you, ProActive Sports Management.

Gregg talks directly to the fans
24 Jul - "My passion is success and you are hungry for success."  That's one line among many that has distinct resonance in a well-written statement from Paul Gregg, directly to the fans of Everton, via certain fans' websites. The statement hits all the right buttons, saying the kind of things fans have wanted to hear for a long time about running EFC professionally as a business.  All sensible stuff... interestingly, no mention of new investors beyond the fans. The "October AGM" is puzzling: it might have to be an EGM before October.

Bill: It's time to go
23 Jul - In a letter to Bill Kenwright and the rest of the Everton Board, Paul Gregg asks them to stand down in the interests of Everton, and allow new directors to come in who will immediately invest 15M in the Club.  Just the scenario where Bill has previously said he wood stand down, but he continues to bluster along, pretending everything at Everton will somehow be fine...  Yes, Bill: it really is time to go.

Blues agree fee for Cahill
22 Jul - Everton are on the verge of signing Millwall midfielder Tim Cahill after the two clubs agreed a fee for the Australian international.  Cahill's proposed 2M move to Crystal Palace fell through earlier this month but it looks as though he will be Goodison-bound despite interest from Aston Villa.  The fee is likely to be funded from the sale of Tomasz Radzinski to Fulham which is expected to raise 1.75M.  FC Copenhagen have also agreed a 1M fee for Tobias Linderoth according to some of the national papers today.

Director's wife the instigator?
22 Jul - Just when you think things might be starting to calm down, another wacky Everton story pops up, as the broadsheets get more involved.  Mihir Bose in The Telegraph has Anita Gregg, Paul Gregg's wife, as the one pushing for things to happen at Everton. In this story, Alan Nixon in The Independent claims that Rooney is stalling on Everton's 5-year 50k/wk offer until Everton answer 50 probing questions from ProActive (now rebranded as the Formation Group plc).  Meanwhile, Louise Taylor in The Guardian provides little new news in this regurgitation of the sad story so far.

Moyes: Four or five players needed
21 Jul - With the new season less than 4 weeks away and the boardroom seemingly in damaging turmoil, David Moyes, the one steadying influence at the club, has issued a stark warning that Everton face a difficult campaign unless he is able to bring in four or five players just to make up the squad numbers. However, he also points out the more pertinent fact that his squad lacks genuine quality, a situation that if not addressed will make the Blues prime candidates for relegation based on last season's debacle. So far the paltry 400,000 spent on Marcus bent remains the club's only outlay this summer while the midfield crisis is still as deep as ever.

Crewe Alexandra 2 - 1 Everton
20 Jul - Everton fielded a team of 10 players (surely not... but that's what the Official Website indicates) in their second pre-season runabout; this one is in Crewe.  No sign of one Tomasz Radzinski, who has presumably played his last game for Everton Football Club.  Linderoth and Gravesen were also missing, primarily because they returned late from Euro2004. Steve Jones gave the home team a first-half lead after 30 mins, and Billy Jones increased the lead on 67 mins.  Kevin Campbell pulled one back for Everton before the end. Match Report from Steve Milne .

Gregg plans to dissolve TBH
20 Jul - Paul Gregg's next stage in revitalizing Everton's fortunes is a proposal for the dissolution of True Blue Holdings, the company he and Kenwright put together to take control of Everton from Peter Johnson on Christmas Eve, 1999.  The company owns the main block (72%) of the 35k shares in Everton FC Co Ltd, with Kenwright, the Gregg family, and John Woods as its own major shareholders who are being asked to agree to Gregg's plan so that he can bring in new investors and offer them seats on the Board.  In this overlapping article, he talks of money coming in from the Far East and reliance on the Everton fanbase buying into the Club and its merchandising...

Gregg taking the lead
19 Jul - Paul Gregg has taken a hands-on approach to filling the void left by Trevor Birch, as he stepped in to reassure staff at Goodison Park today.  He also opened up the shroud of secrecy that usually cloaks Everton affairs, stating that: "I recognise Bill's passion.  I do understand Everton is an outstanding brand, its fan base is incredible but our management has not been good enough for us to do what we want and that must change."

Kenwright next to go?
18 Jul - In the Sunday Telegraph, Colin Malam looks ahead to the likelihood that Bill Kenwright, faced with an impossible situation as his beloved Everton heads for meltdown under his perennially unsuccessful tutelage, does the honourable thing and resigns his post as Chairman.  That would allow Paul Gregg to take full control and call the shots, hopefully without any of the 'history' that has prevented investement from Evertonians like Lord Grantchester and Sir Terry Leahy, the Tesco magnate.

Birch Fallout
17 Jul - The shockwaves continue to reverberate as various analysts, pundits, and fans weigh in with their view of the latest Everton debacle.  Toffee Crumble says The Mirror, highlighting a fight between Kenwright and Gregg, which also has a very hard-hitting column by Brian ReadeDominic Field follows a similar theme in The Guardian.  Kenny Fogarty has some pertinent comments on his ToffeeBlog.  Fan Seb Gordon says Something's Gotta Give... while Paul Gregory has penned this highly apposite Open Letter to Bill Kenwright.

No-one else to blame
17 Jul - Everton fans are reeling from the latest Birch body-blow that seems to confirm the Club is in freefall, coming as it does thick and fast on the heels of the Rooney saga and then the Radzinski revolt.  So, who's to blame?  For Everton fan Ismael Mia, there is only one answer, although he takes a circuitous route to get there, and makes a lot of strange statements along the way.  We take him to task just a little bit...

BIRCH RESIGNS!
16 Jul - So, after just six weeks in the post, with a mandate to rescue Everton from the financial abyss, Trevor Birch has resigned.  His three-pronged approach to recovery (1) Dilute the shareholding; (2) Share a Stadium; (3) Sell Rooney!! proved ultimately unacceptable, so he's on his bike.  The ex-Liverpool player was ironically viewed as a breath of fresh air for the moribund Everton hierarchy, which must now regroup, possibly under much stronger leadership from TBH underwriter Paul Gregg.

What's Our Name? Everton!
15 Jul - Mark O'Brien, outspoken editor of the Everton fanzine & website, When Skies Are Grey, has compiled a new Everton book that has just been published.  It chronicles the story of Everton's 2003-04 campaign but don't hold that against it Mark is a great writer.  Click the link above to order your copy of the book directly for only 7.50 plus P&P.

Savage signs Brummie deal
14 Jul - The hits just keep on coming... with Robbie Savage signing a four-year deal that has been on the table for weeks at Birmingham City after Everton's 2.75M transfer bid prompted by Steve Bruce's cajoling was laughed off by the ex-Manc as being derisory.  All that is left after this ridiculous affair is another kick in the teeth for Everton, with the Club being unfairly ridiculed in the press after another of Moyes's transfer targets falls through, although perhaps many Evertonians will breath a sigh of relief that Lillie Savage is not on his way to Goodison. 

Everton confirm Savage Bid
13 Jul - Everton have confirmed that bid of 2.5M has been lodged with Birmingham City for the services of Robbie Savage.  This has now been, er, savagely rejected by Steve Bruce, as might have been expected. Savage is clearly a player on Moyes's wish-list for a long time, and he could have the kind of objectionable persona and undying commitment so desperately needed by Everton in the middle of the park and going forward.  The fact that he's an Everton supporter should help the firey Welshman to be accepted by the Goodison crowd comments from his mother notwithstanding but stating that Benitez could win The Premiership title for Liverpool is going to do him no favours whatsoever.  Comment from Nick Armitage.

Wayne wants to see the books
11 Jul - The latest nonsense in the Wayne Rooney saga is a letter the youngster is supposed to have written to Everton, asking to see the books and check if EFC can really afford the offer that is on the table.  Who makes up this stuff?  Over at the Sunday Mirror, they claim that, because Wayne's agent has not yet accepted Everton's 5-year offer, it has therefore been rejected!  Then there's his personal motivator and visualizer, old folk singer Watt Nicoll...  And some muppet in the Sunday Herald who has written this about why Everton have had no bids for Rooney.

Radzinski rats on Everton
9 Jul - To bolster his refusal of Everton's belated 3-year contract offer, Tomasz Radzinski has dropped a massive bombshell on the Club with a swingeing condemnation of David Moyes as a manager "who can't make a decision".  The inconsistent striker goes further in this Daily Mirror  story, urging Wayne Rooney to leave Everton if he wants his career to progress.  Player unrest had been strongly rumoured but this is truly shocking!  The official response seems to be a mixture of denial and disbelief with Moyes due to sit down with the striker to see if the quotes attributed to him are true.

Let's face it: we're broke
9 Jul - Through what has been so far a largely painful and depressing summer, we were hoping that Trevor Birch might herald enough change to carry us into the new season.  Well, it may be best to keep dreaming, and avert your eyes from this latest Viewpoint piece.  It represents an assemblage of current thinking, mostly vented by a small group of concerned fans, who understand that we are not out the woods yet and probably won't be for some time...

Radzinski rejection rocks Everton
8 Jul - Tomasz Radzinski has thrown Everton for a loop by rejecting a new three-year deal with the club.  With the Canadian having originally rejected a two-year contract because he wanted three years, David Moyes clearly wanted the 30 year-old to stay because yesterday afternoon the Blues offered him the terms he wanted.  However, despite initially seeming pleased with the new negotiations, Radzinski has thrown the offer back in Moyes's face.  Now, has that Sean Davis lad left Fulham yet...?  Comment from Nick Armitage

We DON'T blame Wayne
7 Jul - As much as it would be nice not to dignify The Sun's repulsive attempts to occupy the moral high-ground with a response, we would be remiss if we didn't offer some counter comment (if you want it put better, try this from Kenny Fogarty) or point out the glaring irony in their assertion that 15 years is a long time and we should move on. This from the newspaper for whom half a century wasn't too long ago for the "Let's Blitz Fritz" headline during Euro '96. Meanwhile, the Echo gets to the heart of the matter and asks, rhetorically, what the lad himself makes of it.

The gutter press
7 Jul - Today's editorial (if you can call it that) in The Sun  plumbs new depths of crassness in it's cackhanded attempt at an admission of guilt for continuing to be who they are and continuing to do what they have always done.  An unqualified apology would be too much to expect as they end up once again insulting the people of Liverpool, who will always put the memory of 96 football fans and their families above way, way above the sensibilities of puerile hacks in Wapping. For those like Wayne who were too young to recall what caused all this, here is a reminder from WSAG. The resulting boycott on Merseyside has lost the newspaper an estimated 250m in revenue. More on this topic from Anthony Evans.

Rooney deal on the table
6 Jul - Everton have announced that the new 5-year deal they have been working on for Wayne Rooney has now been formally passed to Rooney's agent, Paul Stretford.  No other details were provided, but Everton are obviously keen to counter the incessant transfer talk with a firm statement of determination to persuade the wonder kid that his place is at Goodison Park. 

Once a Blue...
5 Jul - Yet another opinion piece on Wayne Rooney, this one taking the tack that the sensitivities of thousands of distraught Evertonians need to be soothed by words not yet forthcoming from The Boy, committing himself to many future years at the Club he purports to love. Can you tell there has been a perceptible shift away from the Euro-adulation, with the atmosphere among Everton fans now soured by Rooney's media sellout to the soaraway Sun?  Meanwhile, at the BBC, the ProZone computers confirm: he is the Best.
Reader responses

Triumph and Despair
4 Jul - Tony Kay, once the most expensive wing-half in Britain when he was transferred to Everton (The Mersey Millionaires) in 1962 for the princely sum of 60,000, talks to The Observer about the way he ended up in prison after being successfully accused of match-fixing when, as a Sheffield Wednesday player, he agreed to place a 50 bet on losing a game at Ipswich Town.  For 150, he lost everything.

Keeping Rooney 'a priority'
3 Jul - David Moyes has hit back at media suggestions that Everton aren't big enough to hold on to Wayne Rooney. Citing the fact that by carefully nurturing him, it is Everton FC who are responsible for the player he is today, Moyes reiterated that the Blues have no intention of selling the 18 year-old. "This is a big club, with a big tradition, and he has plenty to achieve here," the boss told The Mirror.

Look on the Bright Side
3 Jul - Nick Armitage is being just a little sarcastic when he surveys the motley crew of professional footballers left on the Everton roster. Take a look at what constitutes the paper-thin squad David Moyes is expected to perform miracles with ... he has ten games in which to do it so goes one of the latest Chinese whispers.

Telly times announced
2 Jul - Six Everton games from the fiirst half of the new season have been selected for live television coverage in England, starting with the opener against Arsenal, which will now kick off on Sunday 15 August at 2pm.  Matches away to Portsmouth, Norwich, Birmingham and Newcastle will be televised, along with the Goodison derby in December.

 

Snippets & Rumours


No box for the Rooneys
31 Jul - In a very worrying sign for Evertonians, Wayne Rooney is not renewing the corporate box at Goodison Park that enabled his family to watch him play last season from a luxurious spot near the half-way line.

Blues buy Spanish feeder club
31 Jul - According to Sky Sports, Everton have beaten off competition from Charlton Athletic to buy out UD San Pedro of Spain's Andalusian regional league and have installed former Anfield and Goodison player Steve McMahon as director of football.

Wyness considering his options
31 Jul - Keith Wyness, who resigned as CEO of Aberdeen this week, says that talk of him taking up the post vacated by Trevor Birch at Everton is premature. As well as non-football interest, he is also being courted by another as-yet unnamed Premiership club.

Gregg keeps up the pressure
31 Jul - Paul Gregg has issued a statement to the media this afternoon restating the need to resolve the boardroom standoff so that he can make funds immediately available to David Moyes for team-building ahead of the new season.

Kenwright: There was no deadline
30 Jul - Bill Kenwright has broken his week-long silence to reject today's "deadline" as fictitious [umm, Bill, helloooo] and insist that he has had no contact from Gregg except e-mailed letters of resignation for him to sign.  He maintains his search for new players, a new CEO and new investment continues.

Hero?
30 Jul - Does the deafening silence from Bill Kenwright signal defeat for the True Blue who fulfilled a life's dream by becoming Chairman of Everton Football Club?  Seb Gordon thinks so and offers heart-felt thanks to the man who saved us from the Johnson regime.  Responses

Campbell declares team unity
30 Jul - Kevin Campbell who, if rumours are to be believed, was one of the dissenting voices towards David Moyes's training tactics says that squad harmony is as strong as ever.  The striker himself certainly seems revitalised with three goals already this pre-season.

Don't Kill Bill!
30 Jul - As the boardroom impasse continues, Everton fan David Booth states an empassioned defence of Bill Kenwright and asks if the theatre impresario has done such a bad job over the past four years. Responses

Ambassadors for the 'EPL'
30 Jul - The Blues' 5-2 win over Pachuca has got Houston Chronicle writer Jose P. Lopez proclaiming Everton to be the embodiment of Premier League class. With the superb job by the club's PR department, it seems victory in the Copa de Tejas might extend beyond the playing field.

"Target" resigns at Pittodrie
30 Jul - The man widely believed to be Everton's choice to succeed Trevor Birch has resigned as Chief Executive of Aberdeen. Keith Wyness, who recently played down such speculation, said the time was right to move on.

Can the season start, please?
30 Jul - With the boardroom saga and the Wayne Rooney's situation dragging on without resolution, it's the fans who are bearing the brunt of it all, as evidence by this out-pouring of frustration by TW reader, Stephen Burton.

Ex-Blues set for Bradford
30 Jul - Michael Symes and Stephen Schumacher, released from the Everton Youth Academy this summer, will sign for Bradford today according to the Stellar Group website.

Thai players set for Goodison
29 Jul - Sutee Suksomkit (midfield) and Choketawee Promrut (defence) of the Singapore "S.League" and Nirut Surasiang (defence) of Binh Dinh in Vietnam have apparently secured trials at Everton as part of the Chang Beer sponsorship agreement.

More on the Boardroom Battle
29 Jul - In The Telegraph, Mihir Bose seems to have an inside line to Bill Kenwright and compiles a history of the parting of the ways between him and Paul Gregg: "Paul wants me and Jon to step down.  If that means bringing in money for Everton, then I will walk away with my head held high but my heart bleeding." Arrrgh!

Leigh RMI 1 - 0 Everton Res
28 Jul - A young Everton Reserves side lost to Leigh RMI in their fifth pre-season friendly at Hilton Park, Leigh.

Moyes looks to land Bosnar
28 Jul - Everton are reportedly ready to sign defender Eddie Bosnar after his current club, Sturm Graz, gave him permission to leave. Because of his Australian citizenship, the 24 year-old defender would qualify for a two-year work visa.

Gravesen: Show me progress
28 Jul - Following discussions with David Moyes, Thomas Gravesen has declared that he will have no hesitation in signing a new contract if Everton can prove they are making progress by finding funds for new players.

Chester make Clarke enquiry
27 Jul - Chester City of Division Two (that's the old Fourth Division to those not keeping count) have confirmed that they have made enquiries about Everton's out-of-contract defender, Peter Clarke.

Gregg reaffirms commitment
27 Jul - In a direct response to an e-mail we quoted today in the Rumour Mill, Paul Gregg has issued a statement confirming his "personal and long-term commitment" to Everton FC and determination to keep Wayne Rooney at the club.

Moyes challenges players
27 Jul - With 14 players in the final year of their contracts, David Moyes expects them to perform and show they are worthy of extensions.  Sounds great in principle, but was it this kind of tough and confrontational management style that devastated the team spirit last season?

Gregg wants to beat window
27 Jul - In a statement released yesterday aimed at clarifying his proposal to raise funds at Everton, Paul Gregg outlines the need to get cash in for squad reinforcements before the August 31st transfer deadline.

Cahill off to the Olympics
27 Jul - Tim Cahill, who will miss the first three games of the Premiership season through a pending suspension, has joined up with the Australian squad for next month's Olympic Games in Athens.

Cold shoulder from van Bommel
27 Jul - "I want to move to a larger club ... and Everton are not a larger club than PSV."  So ends any prospect of van Bommel boosting the squad.

Can we stay up?
27 Jul - ToffeeWeb reader Andy Rowlands thinks so. While we await the next installment in the boardroom saga, he finds a few teams who may struggle just as much as us next season.

Naysmith looks forward to talks
27 Jul - According to his agent, Gary Naysmith will seek talks with Everton within the next two to three weeks regarding an extension to his current contract which expires next June.

Still one of the Big Five?
26 Jul - Antony Melvin's analysis of football tradition, history, and precedent suggests that Everton still qualify as one of the Big Five in English football.  But only if you go back 45 years or so, into the era well before Sky invented football...

Luvvy dovey soundbytes
26 Jul - "The fact that there is currently a grey cloud over the blue and white palace, hurts me more than I can say."  For God's sake, Bill, jack it in now while we still like you...  We must, however, wait until Friday before any decision is made about TBH and the future Board of Directors.

Where the money goes
26 Jul - Many fans seem puzzled by Everton's lack of money, given the avearge 38,943 gates last season.  In this long article, Prof Tom Cannon explains where the money goes and why there is so little extra available to pay for new players.

D-Day for Kenwright
26 Jul - The media are expectantly awaiting some sort of decision about Bill Kenwright's future to come out of today's Board meeting at Goodison Park.

Comfortably Numb
25 Jul - Paul Holmes takes a look at Paul Gregg and the effective strategy the seasoned businessman has adopted in furthering his agenda, despite a less-than promising history...

Everton passion in Houston
24 Jul - The Houston Chronicle has been doing a good job building things up for next week's Copa de Tejasa games in which Everton will play Mexican teams Pachuca and America in the Reliant Stadium.

Formby 0 - 1 Everton
24 Jul - Patrick Boyle scored a scrappy goal to take the honours in a pre-season reserves friendly game at Formby.  Still no sign of Pascucci in the line-up which included no experienced players.

A Day in the Life...
24 Jul - After all the wailing and gnashing of teeth, Paul Coleman feels we are nearing the bottom and he's already looking up...

Radz out; Cahill in
23 Jul - Despite earlier rumblings that the transfer of Tomasz Radzinski to Fulham was not yet done, Everton confirmed his departure on Friday afternoon... swiftly followed by confirmation that Tim Cahill has completed his move to Goodison Park.

Not phat, Felipao!
23 Jul - Portugal manager Luiz Felipe Scolari claims that Everton approached him during the summer with an eye to taking over the reigns from David Moyes but he scoffed at the 15M transfer budget he was promised!  The claim was of course vehemently denied by Everton FC.

Szetala in weird lottery
23 Jul - Some interesting snippets in this lengthy article about the MLS "draft" for Danny Szetela, who turned down a pretty lucrative deal Everton offered him last year.

Burnley 1 - 1 Everton
22 Jul - Everton were held to a 1-1 draw with Burnley tonight in their second pre-season friendly of the summer.  Joseph Yobo scored a late equaliser for the Blues.  We have a report on the action from Steve Milne.

Board meeting set for Monday
22 Jul - Bill Kenwright and Paul Gregg will sit down with Jon Woods on Monday to discuss the proposals put forth recently by Gregg.  Kenwright has remained silent since Gregg stepped out of the shadows last week until today's quotes on the Official Site.  He also said that he had a good meeting with Paul Stretford this week regarding you-know-who...

Ferguson denied US entry
22 Jul - As expected, Duncan Ferguson was denied entry to the USA for Everton's visit to Houston and the Copa de Tejas, because of a prior conviction for assault.

Vauxhall Motors 0 - 1 Everton
22 Jul - Paul Hopkins was on the mark after 16 mins of this Reserves friendly with Vauxhall Motors on Wednesday.  Read our report of the action from Steve Milne.

Keegan warns against foreign move
22 Jul - Speaking exclusively on the League Managers Association website, Kevin Keegan describes his experiences of playing abroad and suggests that 18 is far too young to make such a big move. Rumours connecting Wayne Rooney with Real Madrid continue to fly around media and Internet sources.

ESA Press Release
22 Jul - Steve Allinson, Chairman of Everton Shareholders Association, calls for True Blue Holdings to be dissolved in this press release, and gives advance notice that a petition for an Extraordinary General Meeting of Everton shareholders will be served on the Club this Friday.  As the groundswell against Bill Kenwright builds, Nick Armitage adds his views.

Everton dismiss Bosnar speculation
21 Jul - Communication head Ian Ross has dismissed reports that Everton have already signed Australian defender Eddie Bosnar. The Sturm Graz man played 90 minutes in the friendly against eleznik in Austria last week by way of a trial but nothing official has come of it thus far.

Rooney back on Merseyside
21 Jul - Wayne Rooney is back on Merseyside today after two weeks' holiday in the Caribbean and New York. Further talks between Everton and Rooney's advisers (formerly Pro Active, now known as The Formation Group) will take place before the squad flies to Houston this weekend.

Ismael Mia responds
21 Jul - Ismael Mia's recent article on the parlous state of Everton FC prompted some dialogue from the editor. The author offers some responses to clarify his position. [Link Fixed]

Self Destruction at Castle Chaos
21 Jul - Len Capeling wades in with a critical view of the two men at the heart of the Goodison power struggle, challenging Paul Gregg to show credibility and offering criticism of Bill Kenwright's ability to save the club on his terms.

Lazy Journalism?
20 Jul - Everton fan John Robert Preston takes umbrage at the negative spin placed on every story about Everton and Wayne Rooney, and copies us with the e.mail he sent in response to Soccernet.  Unfortunately, that appears to have been a PA report and the developing disaster that is Everton continues to be a major news story, no matter how upsetting the coverage is.

Spped to Bolton
20 Jul - Ex-Everton players on the move include 34-year-old Gary Speed joining Bolton for $750k and a 2-year deal.  Also, Martin Keown being picked up by Leicester City.

And then there were three
20 Jul - The Everton Board of Directors is down to just three wise men Kenwright, Gregg and Woods after Arthur Abercromby split the coup.  It was something he had planned to do at the end of last season, and makes the voting tally against Gregg look problematic after Jon Woods gave public backing to Bill Kenwright.  Kenwright (32.8%) and Woods (25.6%) between them control over 50% of the shares of TBH and can therefore block any proposal from Gregg to dissolve TBH.

Paul Holmes: Let it be
20 Jul - As if things weren't bad enough for Evertonians at the moment, Paul Holmes provides his own unique brand of negativity in this dubious interpretation of events so far, laced for good measure with malice and invective toward all the leading players.

New name in the game
20 Jul - In the developing struggle for control of Everton FC (oh sorry, Bill says there is no power struggle), The Independent claims that Kenwright will turn for help to another rich friend, Philip Green.  However, The Echo claims to know for a fact that this story is not true.

Kenwright considers future
19 Jul - Bill Kenwright is struggling to find the best way to take Everton forward as he considers an investment proposal that Paul Gregg put to the Board of Directors last Thursday.

Wayne given two weeks
19 Jul - Wayne Rooney and his management team at ProActive have been given two weeks to make a decision on "the biggest offer in Everton history" (Oh why did he have to say that again?), some details of which have been confirmed by Bill Kenwright.

Young goalie dies
18 Jul - Goalkeeper Alex Cole, who played for Everton Under-19s until he was released at the end of the 2002-03 season, died as the result of a traffic accident on the M53 early on Sunday.

Savage was never leaving
18 Jul - Robbie Savage tells the Sunday Mercury he never had any intention of leaving Birmingham City to join Everton.

Kenwright defiant
18 Jul - Some more classic soundbytes from Bill Kenwright as he spoke to Sky Sports News today, about Rooney: "He's got two years left on his contract, and that situation cannot continue forever." No shit, Sherlock!  And about a power struggle with Paul Gregg: "I don't know of any power struggle. It's absolute nonsense.  I am not interested in power and control."

It's Sunday: Rooney must be off
18 Jul - The usual litany of pundits, jurnos, ex-players (Alan Hudson) , and somewhat disappointingly Dave Watson all jump on the now utterly boring bandwagon, predicting (for the third week running) that Wayne Rooney will leave Everton.  Even fan John Reilly seems convinced...

Full eleznik Match Report
17 Jul - Paul Traill took in the pre-season jaunt against eleznik and provides us with a full report on yesterday's proceedings in Kflach.

Reserves draw at Southport
17 Jul - A young Everton Reserves side drew 2-2 with Southport on Saturday.  Goals came from trialist Dave McGoldrick and James Vaughan.

Youth team beaten by Chester
16 Jul - A very young (and very anonymous) Everton Youth Academy side were beaten 2-0 by Chester City in a pre-season at Netherton on Friday evening.  No teamsheet has been made available, so we have no idea who played...

eleznik 0 - 1 Everton
16 Jul - Everton won their first run-out of the pre-season with a threadbare squad through a goal from Kevin Campbell in a relaxed affair in the Austrian city of Klfach.

Moyes being stabbed in the back
16 Jul - Echoing many of the fears and concerns currently felt by downtrodden Evertonians, Phil McNulty rejects the rumblings that David Moyes should be tested and potentially sacrificed if Everton start the new season in the doldrums as everyone expects.  He concludes (as ever) it's the Board's fault.

Gregg Speaks!
16 Jul - For the first time since he began his financial involvement with Everton, Paul Gregg has spoken openly about what he wants for the Club, and how TBH must change to make that happen.

Council Leader wants sharing
16 Jul - Mike Storey, leader of Liverpool City Council, made it very clear where he stands with regard to the need for Everton and Liverpool to build a shared stadium. But Liverpool FC moved quickly to make it very clear they have no interest in sharing with Everton and want to press ahead with their current plans for the new Anfield.

Grimm Fairy Tales?
16 Jul - Colm Kavanagh has been away on his hols... and he's returned with a fairy tale that has quite a long provenance...

No new players?
15 Jul - A financial straight-jacket will prevent David Moyes from expanding his threadbare squad unless significant new investment is found quickly.  Recent and new bids for players will be funded by selling others, with Radzinski a likely candidate.

New bid for Radz rejected
15 Jul - Everton are holding out for 1.75M before they will transfer the registration of Tomasz Radzinski to Fulham, who yesterday made a second laughable bid of around 1.3M.

The Sun is at it again
15 Jul - Rebel-rousing, shit-stirring, you name it: today's piece of gutter journalism in the unrelenting stream of Everton-bashing media drivel tries without a quote in sight to start a fight between Manager David Moyes and CEO Trevor Birch over transfers... only Moyes is in Austria and Birch is on holiday. Go figure!

Reserves at Connah's Quay
14 Jul - Everton Reserves beat Connah's Quay 3-1 in their first pre-season run out at the Deeside College Stadium tonight.  Goals came from youngsters Laurence Wilson and a brace from James Vaughan.

Team spirit nurtured in Austria
14 Jul - Those searching for good news about Everton may be mollified by this report from the Everton pre-season training camp in Austria, where bad press and continuing criticism of the players for last season's debacle has engendered a siege mentality that is binding the players and management together as they look forward to the new season.

More Fans Comment
13 Jul - Everton fans are still reeling from the body blows the media is bombarding us with, all Because we are Everton, perhaps?  But should we really believe everything we read... for fear of missing something?  Or is it more a case of killing us for their sport?

Clarke still in limbo
13 Jul - Peter Clarke remains and out-of-contract player with Everton still holding his registration and expecting some reimbursement as a training fee when he does eventually move on.

Radzinski in hot water
13 Jul - David Moyes met and had words with Tomasz Radzinski this morning in Austria... but what they said is not widely known as the matter will now be dealt with internally. The Mirror claims Radzinski will be fined 35k.

Stubbs' plea falls on deaf ears
12 Jul - Alan Stubbs' attempts to deflect the blame for last season's shambles from the old guard in the squad has been met with defiance by the fans who know all too well why the club finished with its worst ever points haul. Suffice to say it wasn't all down to the manager.

Unsworth joins Portsmouth
12 Jul - David Unsworth passed his medical with Portsmouth today and has become a Pompey player.

Echo attack unjustified?
11 Jul - So Alan Stubbs and the rest of the players feel that David Prentice's stinging attack on them, Taking the Piss, in the Liverpool Echo back in May was unjustified?  Nothing about the disgraceful performances that saw them lose the last four games (and 2M)?  Nothing about them rebelling against the methods of the manager? Just the usual litany of meaningless excuses.  You can do better than that, Alan. Further comment from Nick Armitage.

Strong Words from Moyes
11 Jul - David Moyes has reiterated to the Sunday People  his absolute determination to keep Wayne Rooney at Everton and make him captain by the time he is 20.  David Moyes also talks at length about the other frustrations and challenges he faces in trying to turn Everton around.

Ex-Young Blues score
10 Jul - Trialists Michael Symes and Stephen Schumacher, who were released from Everton's Youth Academy in May, both scored for Bradford City in a 5-0 win over Harrogate Town.

Squad jets off to Austria
10 Jul - The Everton squad flies to their now-traditional Austrian pre-season training camp for a week's preparation.  Rumours that a twin-prop Cessna was sufficient to escort the lot have yet to be confirmed! < jk>

Will bow for cash
10 Jul - Thai Beverages, owners of Chang Beer, are apparently prepared to pay Everton additional money on top of the sponsorship deal if the players will perform the wai  on the pitch after matches.  The traditional Thai greeting would involve the players bowing to the crowd with their hands together. Embarrassing, but cash is cash!

Unsworth to join Portsmouth
9 Jul - Confirming an e-mail we received earlier today, Sky Sports report that David Unsworth will sign with Portsmouth next week after a medical.  He turned down a one-year extension to his current contract at Everton and was set to join Bolton before that move collapsed last week.

Fans: Don't sell Wayne
9 Jul - That's if our long-running poll is anything to go by. At a fraction of our daily readership, 2,600 votes may not sound like much but it is the biggest response we have had to a poll question. 70% say they would not sell Rooney even for 50m.

Davis joins Spurs
9 Jul - Sean Davis, the player whose pre-season injury scuppered a 5m move to Everton last summer, has joined Tottenham Hotspur in a deal believed to be half that according to the BBC.

Everton and ProActive open talks
9 Jul - Everton and Wayne Rooney's advisers sat down to discuss the contract offer on the table for the first time today. Talks will be "on-going" on a deal that is believed to immediately double the 18-year-old's 13k-a-week salary and net him 50k a week by the fifth year.

What we really want to hear
9 Jul - A good comment from Phil McNulty, carried by the Echo, hopefully draws a line under the manic media madness that has set this week apart...  Who said close-season was boring?

Rats leaving ships?
9 Jul - Contemplation of Tomasz Radzinski's techniques in contract negotiation have spurred Evertonian Mark Jones to eloquent prose and a philosophical diatribe on an old, old theme.

'Golden handshake' offer to Dunc?
9 Jul - The Independent report that Everton are considering a 500,000 offer to striker Duncan Ferguson to pay off the final year of his contract and get him off the wage bill. It would mean the Scot losing 2m in wages over the coming season but allow him time to find a new club before the new season starts.

Moyes admits Hemdani interest
8 Jul - David Moyes has confirmed that he has made enquiries about both Marseilles defender Brahim Hemdani and Millwall defender Tim Cahill.  However, Hemdani appears set on seeing out his contract where he is and Cahill is the subject of a 2M bid from Crystal Palace.

Ground-share proposal coming
8 Jul - The Telegraph report that Everton CEO Trevor Birch will formally approach Liverpool FC with a bid to share a new stadium and take advantage of 40M of public money.

Sun article irks Rooney camp
8 Jul - Wayne Rooney and his family were apparently not consulted over The Sun's decision to use the 18-year-old as a pawn in their veiled apology on the front page yesterday.  Because they would have said no, perhaps...  NB: there are no new episodes of the Wayne Rooney story in today's edition...

Simonsen joins Stoke
7 Jul - Steve Simonsen, out of contract at Goodison Park, has signed a two-year deal with Stoke City.

Neville talking in riddles?
7 Jul - "He's another team's player and I think I'd be lynched if I went to Everton having said we're going to sign him."  Can someone explain exactly what this strange comment from Gary Neville actually means?

Barmby moves home
7 Jul - Nick Barmby, once a badge-kissing Player of the Season at Everton but reviled when he moved to Liverpool, has left Leeds to join Hull City, the home town club... that he has supported all his life?

Chang Beer deal announced
7 Jul - As expected, Chang Beer announced a 1.5M shirt sponsorship deal with Everton at a Bangkok press conference today.  The year-long deal will see the Chang logo on Everton shirts, and three young Thai players join Everton's Youth Academy for next season.

Rooney keeping goal
7 Jul - Today's episode of The Wayne Rooney Story in The Sun  features Our Kid as a goalie as he recalls his early years learning his football at Everton.

Chang set to sign
6 Jul - On Wednesday, Everton will sign a new shirt sponsorship deal worth around 1.5M with Chang Beer, the Thai brewing company.

More from Rooney
6 Jul - Today's stories from Wayne Rooney in The Sun  include more praise for Sven, and how Wayne already knew about the dodgy penalty spot in Lisbon, after he had missed in practice.

Real Footballers' Wives
5 Jul - This article by David Chambers previews Becky Tallentire's new book on the stories of the women behind some of Everton's greatest men. The book will be published in September while Becky's first tome, Talking Blue is back in print by popular demand.

Internationals update
5 Jul - Steve Flanagan has updated the Internationals pages of our Complete Record section, adding recent appearances through Euro2004, as well older information on U-21 and B-team games.

Sean Doherty stays at Fulham
5 Jul - Rumours that ex-Everton Youth Team player 19-year-old Sean Doherty was to be released by Fulham are unfounded according to this BBC news story

Still looking for more players
5 Jul - David Moyes wants more players (obviously!), but seems less than certain where they or the money for them will be coming from.  So, er, what happened to the 7M offered for Alan Smith?

Wayne Rooney in The Sun
5 Jul - Two articles featuring Wayne Rooney's experience crashing out of Euro 2004, and his views on David Beckham as captain of England, appeared in The Sun, under a publishing deal believed to be worth 250k to the Everton teenager.

Bare bones report for training
5 Jul - A sparse-looking senior squad of Everton players reported back to Bellefield for training today, with five internationals still away, and a number of old lags (Gerrard, Simonsen, Unsworth) out of contract.

Rooney in Team of Euro 2004
5 Jul - As expected, Wayne Rooney's outstanding performances for England earned him a place in the Euro 2004 Team of the Tournament.

Lambs to the Media Slaughter?
4 Jul - Protection of Wayne Rooney and his fiance Colleen from the glare of media attention is no longer deemed necessary, as this News of the World double spread confirms...

No more incoming at Old Trafford
4 Jul - Manchester United Chief Executive David Gill has announced that the Old Trafford club can't afford Wayne Rooney at Everton's valuation and, in any case, they have bought all the players they are going to this summer.

Friendly against FC eleznik
3 Jul - An Everton XI will line up against Serbian club FC eleznik from Belgrade on 16th July at 6:30pm local time in a friendly during their pre-season training camp in Austria this month.

Yobo nicks it for Nigeria
3 Jul - Joseph Yobo scored the only goal with 5 minutes left as Nigeria beat Algeria 1-0 in a World Cup 2006 qualifier.  The win sends the Super Eagles back to the top of Group 4.

No place like home
3 Jul - Three Fans Comment articles (by Garry Adams, Colin Dempsey and Stephen Weightman) continue the feeling of resentment towards those in the football world pushing Wayne towards the door and reaffirm that he doesn't need to go anywhere in a hurry.

McGoldrick to have Bellefield trial
3 Jul - Notts County's striking prodigy David McGoldrick will have trial spells at Everton and Blackburn Rovers before deciding his future. The 16 year-old is valued at 500,000 by his club.

Stay. Go. Which is it?
3 Jul - Thomas Gravesen's agent, John Sivabaek, continues with the mixed messaging saying that now his client wants to stay with Everton despite interest from Britain and abroad.

Now Rooney writes for The Sun
2 Jul - The Sun is still hugely despised on Merseyside for its execrable treatment of the City of Liverpool in general and the supporters of Liverpool FC in particular over the tragic events at Hillsborough 15 years ago. We cannot know what Wayne Rooney thinks about this himself, but it is hard for us to understand how his advisors could presumably conceive it to be a good thing that Rooney would agree to be credited with stories from Euro2004 in this tabloid rag.

Season tickets selling steadily
2 Jul - New Everton CEO Trevor Birch is not unduly concerned about season ticket sales at Goodison Park, which are set to hit 20,000 shortly. It's a long way down from 28,000 and a waiting list last season, but the numbers are respectable when set in the context of the Premiership years, with last season classed as "a blip".

Everton are a selling club
2 Jul - No matter what the current spin might be coming out of Goodison Park, the precedent in recent years has been for Everton to sell their best players. David Prentice reviews the depressing evidence in Liverpool Echo.

Hang on or let go?
1 Jul - Richard Parker weighs up the financial benefit of cashing in on you-know-who now versus the possible risk of keeping him and him not fulfilling his potential.

Gravesen seeks greener pastures?
1 Jul - The clearest indication yet that Thomas Gravesen won't be signing a new contract at Goodison has come from his agent, John Sivabaek, who says after 4 years, "it may be now time for him to try something new."

Sound advice from Goodison greats
1 Jul - Everton legends the kind to which Wayne Rooney can aspire have publicly urged the 18 year-old not to consider leaving Goodison so soon.  Neville Southall, Kevin Sheedy and Dave Watson all advise him to follow his heart and stick with the Blues for the time being.

The other side of the coin
1 Jul - After weeks of the world and his dog urging Rooney to ditch Everton for the filthy lucre of Old Trafford or Stamford Bridge, a growing number of articles in the press are coming out on the opposite side of the fence, including this measured piece by John Thompson in the Daily Post.

ToffeeWeb enters its 10th season
1 Jul - ToffeeWeb has now switched to the 2004-05 season, our 10th year!  More on that in the coming weeks but for now, click here for a brief update.

Gerrard gets Forest wish
1 Jul - Nottingham Forest have confirmed the signing of Paul Gerrard who was released by Everton this summer when his contract expired.  The former Oldham goalkeeper apparently rejected offers by Leeds and Ipswich to sign on at the City Ground.  Scot Gemmill wasn't so lucky in securing his move to the Midlands.

Everton in America
1 Jul - The Houston Chronicle gives a quick overview of Everton's past exploits in the Americas, including how they once trained in Manhattan's Central Park and were the first European club team to cross international waters for a match when they played in Uruguay and Argentina in 1909.

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