Opinion & Articles

A New Everton

Paul The Esk

We have perhaps one last chance to deliver. New investors, new board members, new executives, existing players and coaches, the responsibility to change is yours. Remove the systems of failure, reinvigorate this global bastion of club football and build a New Everton.

When I seek solace

John McFarlane [Senior]

Football and How to Survive It

Rob Sawyer

This is the title of the second instalment of Pat Nevin’s memoirs, picking up with the author enjoying the happiest times of his playing career

This week... After the season

David Hardman

Summer Transfers 2023

Sam Hoare

Which areas do we concentrate on for recruitment? Ideally we’d be buying 21-25 year olds who have proven they can mix it but have their best years and good resale value ahead of them. With some more practical cheaper options thrown in. Let's looks at some options.

Irreparably damaged?

Barry Metcalfe

I firmly believe that Kings Dock was our opportunity but spectacularly missed, leaving us irreparably damaged

Summary of Everton’s current position: Not out of the woods

Paul The Esk

Funding for the stadium and Board changes with MSP Sports Capital's involvement won't provide funding for players or address the deficiencies of the squad but the latter will provide evidence of change

The Life of Barrie Rees

Rob Sawyer

Turning pro in 1961, the versatile Rhyl-born player made his senior bow for the reigning Champion Toffees during the 1963-64 season before leaving for Brighton and tragically losing his life not long afterwards

We Are Respected Wherever We May Go

Danny O'Neill

Never stop believing. We didn't. We never would have and never will.

Who's free or cheap in 2023?

Robert  Tressell

Possible targets for cash-strapped Everton this summer

Russian Roulette

Lyndon Lloyd

Farhad Moshiri has spun the chamber, pulled the trigger and been fortunate that the barrel has been empty both times over the last two seasons. Everton urgently need a change of leadership because the owner - and, by extension, the club - likely won't be so lucky next time.

When Time Stood Still

Steve Hili

Make Everton Great Again (MEGA)

James Corbett

A 10-point manifesto to revitalise our great club

Sean-celotti: the next steps

Robert  Tressell

‘Never again’… Again!

Russelll Smith

Let us get behind Sean Dyche and whoever plays next season right from the start so that we don’t have another ‘never again” season.

We found a way

Paul Traill

Sean Dyche has faced a lot of adversity with injuries but he has continued to find a way to get points, and he did it again yesterday.

Seventeenth Not Going Under

Lyndon Lloyd

It was the longest 43 minutes of our lives but Abdoulaye Doucouré’s 20-yard rocket would be just enough and the power of the spirit that courses through this wonderful institution proved indefatigable

Premier League survival assured by Doucouré stunner

Michael Kenrick

Everton entered the final day of the Premier League with the threat of potential relegation still hanging over them, as it has been for most of the season, as they did what was required to beat Bournemouth thanks to a stunning volley from Abdoulaye Doucouré

My Everton Aunties

Peter Carpenter

My aunties were mostly Evertonians too. They seldom knew who was playing, didn’t know who had won; if they had ever been to a match, it was only once… but they were firmly for Everton.

99 Minutes and 30 Seconds

Danny O'Neill

Relief and Indignation Should Replace Jubilation if Everton Stay Up

Lyndon Lloyd

As 1998 went after 1994, so should 2023 go after 2022 if Everton manage to secure their Premier League status next weekend.

Bad Ideas

Paul Traill

How important that point will be remains to be seen but we're certainly doing it the hard way.

A goal at the death averts a dark day in the Black Country

Lyndon Lloyd

This had the makings of a bleak afternoon for Everton but as it stands, it's two from three to join Southampton through the trap door next weekend

Disastrous defeat avoided by tremendous Everton rearguard action

Michael Kenrick

Everton's final away game of the season takes them to Molineux to face Wolves in an increasingly desperate bid to avoid relegation from the Premier League.

The Ballad of Captain Killybegs — Part 2

John Daley

John Daley continues his personal and eclectic tribute to Everton Captain Seamus Coleman.

Before the Big Bang, Everton’s 1905 Tour

Jimmy Milner

Not much was known about our very first overseas tour back in May 1905, which saw us head to Austria-Hungary for the first of seven friendly matches on the Continent.

38 Points… We Can Do This

Danny O'Neill

For at least half an hour, we were in this game. Possibly the best team in Europe went through the gears either side of the interval and that was that. But we didn't play too badly considering the opposition

Left sweating on Dominic

Paul Traill

Manchester City from Minute 1 just oozed calmness. They play with such an arrogance regardless of how things are going. They seem to think that the goal will come… probably because it nearly always does...

Mission Impossible

Michael Kenrick

Everton could not lay a proverbial glove to Champions Manchester City despite holding out for 37 minutes at Goodison Park

The sale of Moshiri’s stake in Everton looks increasingly inevitable

Paul The Esk

As new owners rather than new investment appear more likely, a look at how we got to this position

The Ballad of Captain Killybegs

John Daley

Financial riches from football can soon lead to humility and modesty being firmly pushed aside. Not in the case of Seamus Coleman, Everton’s Captain and longest serving player. Along with hard work and loyalty, they are the very qualities that define the Donegal born defender.

Never Ever Stop Believing

Danny ONeill

Every single one of them worked their socks off and got what they deserved, including the vocal plaudits from that amazing support at the end.

A Counter-Attacking Masterclass

Lyndon Lloyd

Everton demolished Europe-chasing Brighton with a stunning display that could have yielded more than the five goals they did score on the day to register their biggest away win since December 2018

Absolutely stunning Everton display sickens frustrated Seagulls

Michael Kenrick

Doucoure scored after just 34 seconds and Everton went on to register a 3-0 lead by half-time with an exquisite volleyed second from Doucoure and clever play from McNeil, who went on to score a brilliant 5th with the last kick of the game!

Not what we wanted, but not the end

Danny O'Neill

Desperate 6-pointer ends with a frenetic point each

Michael Kenrick

Everton travelled to the King Power Stadium this evening for what became a frenetic back-and-forth relegation zone six-pointer against Leicester City that somehow ended up as a draw

Time to Stand Up and Fight, Everton

Lyndon Lloyd

Regardless of who plays, the 11 that take the field need to stand tall, be brave, and fight for the shirt from the first minute to the last at Leicester on Monday evening.

The ‘R’ Word and its Financial Consequences

Paul The Esk

A detailed but stark examination of the financial implications for Everton should the worst happen this month

4 winnable games if Sean Dyche makes the right changes

Jim Wilson

We know Leicester will come out fighting, we know they can play good football, we know they have some good players, and we know their form has picked up. Surely Dyche must know the same.

Pathetic Evertonians. Who Can Save You Now?

John Daley

Although immensely long, the last bit is missing as it tails off... – MK

First Train From Euston, Next Stop Leicester

Danny ONeill

I think everyone saw a similar game. You couldn't knock the effort and for half an hour I thought we would get something. Newcastle did what so many teams have been doing against us. They stretched the pitch wide, particularly down our right hand side.

Gravity Taking Hold

Lyndon Lloyd

A night that exposed a multitude of weaknesses, not least in defence, and kept Everton hurtling towards the abyss

Spirit in abundance but lack of quality ends Blues resistance

Michael Kenrick

From a perilous position of 19th in the Premier League, Everton welcome to Goodison Park high-flying Newcastle Utd for a huge game in terms of the Blues' battle for survival.

None So Blind As Those Who Will Not See

Lyndon Lloyd

In poking a section of the fanbase with his mis-guided and divisive open letter, "Chairman Bill" betrayed a galling lack of self-awareness and humility at a critical time for the club while also proving the protesters' point: the time for him to step down has long since passed

One of Our Aircraft is Missing

Pete Jones

80 years ago a promising young outside left was lost over the Mediterranean at the height of WW2. Pete Jones tells his story through the letters his family have preserved and sets his loss against the pivotal period of the war

This Week: 11 Years Ago

David Hardman

Everton had been in decline for many years but, for me, for all the happenings, both on and off the pitch, the 2011-12 season saw the transition from Big 5 to ‘plucky little Everton’ complete.

Taking it to the wire

Paul Traill

Everton were resilient and dug in well with defending set-pieces and showed all the character they didn't show last weekend against Fulham, not least once Mason Holgate was given his marching orders with a second yellow card.

Confidence and quality in short supply but Everton take a point

Lyndon Lloyd

The recruitment failings of recent years were laid bare as another make-shift full-back struggled and Everton generally lacked the guile to break through a fairly languid Palace side

Pink Toffee Lady Shows a Point

Danny O'Neill

10-man Blues eke out a draw for a vital point

Michael Kenrick

10-man Everton held Crystal Palace at bay for the last 15 minutes of this contest after Holgate was shown a second yellow card.

Everton 2021-22 Accounts: Analysis, Part III

Paul The Esk

Farhad Moshiri's investment, how we are financed, the stadium options, the 'going concern' issue, and what Moshiri needs to do

Cut from a different cloth

Andy Crooks

Crushing setback has Everton teetering back over the abyss

Lyndon Lloyd

In terms of its timing in the season and the gut-punch it represented, this defeat is being compared to the Toffees’ ugly defeat to Dyche’s Burnley a little over a year ago. Just as then, while there are games to be played and points to be won, there is still opportunity and there is still hope

Good from Fulham, poor from Everton

Paul Traill

I haven’t had that feeling of numbness after a game for some time with the threat of relegation feeling so real

Perfect Storm

Peter Carpenter

A ‘national football calamity’ can still be avoided but it’s going to be tougher than ever before and I’m preparing myself for the worst. It’s looking more and more like a perfect relegation storm.

It could have been a lot more

Dave Williams

I am one of life’s positive people — never ever give up and always look on the bright side. We are not down yet. We need Sean Dyche to get the formation right. Just as important is ourselves, the supporters.

Dismal Blues out-played and out-fought in hapless capitulation

Michael Kenrick

Everton simply failed to turn up for a hugely significant game in the dogfight at the bottom of the Premier League as they were given a right old runaround by Marco Silva's Fulham side.

Keep to the Basics, Mr Dyche — A Strong Midfield

Jim Wilson

Some suggestions on how to compensate for the absence of Abdoulaye Doucouré in what is now a hugely important game against Fulham

High Lines in the M16 Sun

Danny O'Neill

Pickford was outstanding and saved us from a right mauling. Without doubt Everton's Man of the Match. In the context of an away fixture at Old Trafford, we did create chances but I don't recall many of them being on target. One, maybe two?

The Importance of Communication and Engagement in Our Current Plight

Paul The Esk

At a time when Everton's future will be driven by events in the next few weeks, communication is key. As Aristotle said "Communication must lead to change"

This Week: 28 Years Ago

David Hardman

Looking back at that wonderful FA Cup semi-final at Elland Road

Rampant Reds prove too hot for valiant Blues to contain

Michael Kenrick

Everton travel to Old Trafford on Saturday to take on Manchester United in the lunchtime kick off, with Elllis Simms in the starting line-up

Arrivederci

George McKane

George McKane says goodbye to Liverpool, the UK, and much more as he makes a move to Santa Caesarea Terme, Italia

Away to Home

Danny O'Neill

Keane achieves atonement in spectacular fashion

Lyndon Lloyd

This is a side increasingly cut in Dyche’s image, though — gritty, determined and indefatigable — and they refused to give in. This was another example of the psychological toughness and spirit that the new manager has imbued in this team.

This week: 37 Years Ago

David Hardman

The 1985-86 season had half a dozen clubs in contention for the Division One title heading into Easter weekend but a incredible run of form by Liverpool outs-stripped that of Everton and saw them eventually lift the trophy

Keep up that mentality

Paul Traill

I’d probably have taken the point before the game…and certainly would have done on 89 minutes. Keep doing what we’re doing and you have to expect that we’ll be fine.

Doucoure's petulance, a Keane mistake... and sublime redemption

Michael Kenrick

Doucoure's petulance at handbags with Kane, a Keane mistake to give away a penalty that Kane hammered past Pickford, but then sublime redemption for the Everton centre-half, a fantastic strike that beat Lloris all hands down. Goodison at its pulsating best!

Everton 2021-22 Accounts: Analysis, Part II

Paul The Esk

Farhad Moshiri's investment, how we are financed, the stadium options, the going concern issue and what Moshiri needs to do

Everton 2021-22 Accounts: Analysis, Part I

Paul The Esk

The great Moshiri experiment has reached the stage where the risk profile of the business has reached untenable levels.

Goodison Avenue — Everton’s Celebrity Street

Rob Sawyer

Between the 1930s and 1950s, on this modest terraced cul-de-sac backing onto Goodison Park, you could have chanced upon Everton stars of their day going about their daily business

A Night of Acclaim for Everton’s Pioneering Women

Everton Heritage Society

Shortly before kick-off of the women's Merseyside derby on 24 March, a fitting tribute was paid to the achievement of the Everton women's team of 1997-98 in winning the national league title for the only time, so far, in the club’s history

Do the media pick on Everton?

Paul Traill

Are we given a fair crack or are we an easy target; the team to reference when there’s a wider issue? The man to kick when they're down?

Referral by the Premier League, P&S explained, and the potential consequences

Paul The Esk

The implications of the Premier League's referral of Everton to an independent commission are huge for the club. Without hyperbole, this is the existential threat Moshiri spoke of

West London Calling

Danny O'Neill

Simms makes dramatic mark as Everton deny Chelsea at the Bridge

Lyndon Lloyd

Twice the Toffees fell behind to Chelsea on a ground where they have tasted defeat on more occasions than Evertonians would like to recall. And twice they battled their way back to parity to earn a point that could be vital in terms of the relegation picture at the end of the season.

Simms scores to win Everton another precious point

Michael Kenrick

Everton face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, hoping to end their longest away hoodoo of the Premier League era and maintain the gap between themselves and the relegation zone.

This week… 40 years ago

David Hardman

Looking for Jimmy Burns

John  Burns

My name is Vasco Manuel Magalhães Teixeira and I live in Portugal. I have been an Evertonian since I was 15 years old... I wanted to write this to thank a man called Jimmy Burns.

Feeling a bit better about it

Paul Traill

Precious win over in-form Bees changes the picture again for Dyche's Everton

Lyndon Lloyd

Even the most level-headed Blue must have felt fairly deflated after the Forest game last Sunday but back in front of the raucous Goodison faithful, Sean Dyche's men put on another defiant display to end Brentford's 12-match unbeaten run

Brilliant start leads to a massive backs-to-the-wall defensive victory

Michael Kenrick

Everton are back at Goodison Park following back-to-back away fixtures that, unfortunately, only yielded a point as they face in-form Brentford in what is another must-win game.

A call to arms for the fans at Goodison Park

Zack Threlfall

We may be going through a tough time as a club, but we cannot afford to let that affect us. We must unite as fans and give our all for every game left this season. Our players and management team need unwavering support in pursuing each priceless 3 points.

This Week:15 Years Ago

David Hardman

One Mistake away from Victory

Danny O'Neill

We need wins and they're going to come. Do it for those fantastic young Everton supporters. They deserve it more than me. They believe in you.

Precious points slip through Everton's fingers at Forest

Lyndon Lloyd

Despite the positives to take from the attacking dimension of this performance, it’s very difficult not to feel massively disappointed and frustrated that, having twice been ahead, Everton passed up this chance to collect a precious victory against a rival to beat the drop

Blues give up the lead twice to hand Forest a point

Michael Kenrick

Everton took the lead not once but twice at the City Ground, each time allowing Nottingham Forest to come back and ultimately gain a point in this relentless relegation battle for survival in the Premier League this season

This Week: 7 Years Ago

David Hardman

Back when we could actually beat Aston Villa

Everton torn apart by pure quality then abject stupidity

Michael Kenrick

Everton played well for the first 40 minutes until they were cut asunder by pure quality. Then a Gana brainfart opened the floodgates.

Leadership required urgently from Moshiri

Paul The Esk

The empty seats in the Goodison Park Directors Box are a visual representation of the board through a lack of its own leadership. We cannot wait another day longer for him to make the personnel changes necessary.

Disastrous January continues to drag on Everton’s survival hopes

Lyndon Lloyd

If two wins from three to start Sean Dyche’s reign as Everton manager had offered hope that not only would the Blues survive this season, they might do so fairly comfortably, then this result against Aston Villa will have swept away such fanciful notions.

That, my friend, is what you call a bogey team

Paul Traill

Shamefully, that’s four defeats in a row to Aston Villa, and no wins in eight against them (six losses, two draws) since they returned to the Premier League.

Why Do I Do It?

Danny O'Neill

Battling Everton undone again by their latest jinx team

Michael Kenrick

This weekend's visit of Aston Villa proved to be another massive relegation battle in Everton's quest to stay in the Premier League with Sean Dyche's fourth game in charge.

Cometh the Hour, Cometh the Captain

Lyndon Lloyd

This was a massive victory for Everton, Sean Dyche's second in three matches that vaults the Toffees out of the relegation zone and into 16th place

Impossible Coleman strike stuns Leeds and Goodison

Michael Kenrick

Everton took on Leeds United at Goodison Park in a massive game that should set the tone for the ongoing relegation battle at the bottom of the Premier League

We deserve answers!

Barry Metcalfe

Barry Metcalfe attempts to embark on a balanced forensic analysis of Bill Kenwright and his time in control of Everton Football Club… but he doesn't really get very far: "To be frank, I wish I had never started to read about this subject as all the unanswered questions leave a massive sense of frustration."

Throwing the Baton

Paul Columb

Our identity should not be ambiguous and should run from the very top, through coaching, playing, medical staff to the tea lady and the kitman. Supporters, whether current or prospective, need something they can identify with in order to get behind it. I know my lad does… I just hope it’s not too late. 

Everton fail to show up, gifting soft goals to Liverpool

Michael Kenrick

Beyond all the pre-match blather, blustering and bravado that began before the weekend and has carried through at a relentless pace, we will soon get to know the truth of the matter as the 252nd derby match is finally set to kick off at Anfield.

This Week: 17 years ago

David Hardman

Moshiri’s financial commitment, stadium financing & minority investors

Paul The Esk

A detailed look at Farhad Moshiri's spending on Everton so far and how the stadium financing can be achieved

Sam Chedgzoy — A Star on Both Sides of The Atlantic

Rob Sawyer

The Ellesmere Port-born player spent 16 seasons with Everton, forced a change in the rules of the game with his famous corner in 1924 and went on to have a 13-year career in North America

Will Jarrad Branthwaite be the next great player Everton sell on?

Michael Kenrick

Watching Jarrad Branthwaite play football brings back memories of first seeing John Stones strut his stuff in front of the Everton faithful, and draw their ire, only for him to go on and become an excellent centre-half for Manchester City.

What a start!

Dave Williams

Sean’s formation was a very solid 4-5-1 and, looking down from the stand, it was clear that he had grasped the problem of the gaps in our centre

It's not rocket science

Paul Traill

Dyche inspires high-octane display to stun high-flying Arsenal

Lyndon Lloyd

The new manager married technique and running with tenacity and defensive discipline to win his first match in charge — and what a huge result it was, too!

Brilliant Everton win for exultant Sean Dyche

Michael Kenrick

A massive day for Everton and new manager Sean Dyche as Goodison Park witnesses a tremendous win over Premier League leaders Arsenal under former star, Mikel Arteta

This Week: 20 Years Ago

David Hardman

A first win over Leeds for 5 years. First double over them since the 1950s, if not longer!

The Custodian

Adam McCulloch

"If you’d have told me that one day Everton would be in a mess and we needed someone to get us out of it, I know which man I’d pick"

What should have been!

Barry Metcalfe

In a parallel universe, the Kings Dock stadium gets built, Everton are taken over by a mega-rich Middle Eastern consortium, and the trophies have been stacking up

Change the narrative — protest but in a different way

Jonathan Mortimore

Show the world we are some of the greatest fans in the world.

The Accelerating Decline of an English Giant

Lyndon Lloyd

The debacle of this transfer window and the failures of the last one are an indictment of the inadequacy of Everton’s leadership and the mismanagement of the time available to them which has put the club's Premier League status in genuine jeopardy

Everton's Doomsday Clock

EFC Shareholders Association

Relegation in itself would not spell immediate annihilation for the Blues, but it could certainly place the continued existence of the club in jeopardy. The Everton Shareholders Association calls on all supporters to sign the petition registering a Vote of No Confidence in the club's Board of Directors

Shattered Glass

Michael Fisher

If the club did have money to spend and still turned up with nobody on deadline day then heads should roll. If not, by not buying willy-nilly, have Everton done better in the market than a year ago?

Sack. Hire. Repeat.

Ian Black

Appointing a new manager a full day before the transfer window closes to assess the squad, identify new players, negotiate their release and sign these players is frankly a ridiculous situation. This should not have happened and was entirely avoidable.

The Obvious Choice

Paul Tran

He’s got a strong record at the end of the league we’re at. He’ll demand the level of energy I like, the energy I keep getting told we like. And I suspect he’ll do the one thing no manager has done under Moshiri, which is get the best out of these players.

Last Days of the Transfer Window

Robert  Tressell

We have a new manager and a few days left before the Transfer Window closes to bring in new players for a relegation battle. So who might we now bring in to deliver much-needed goals?  

This week:10 Years Ago

David Hardman

Everton travelled to Bolton in the FA Cup 4th round

To be Frank, hard work wasn’t enough

Andrew James

Unfortunately, Frank Lampard's illustrious playing career, work ethic and great communicating did not a successful Premier League coach make

What’s our name? Everton’s and the British influence on early South American football

Jimmy Milner

After Southampton travelled to take on Everton last weekend, it's not just the mighty Blues who can claim to have their fingerprints on the early days of South American football. 

Next Man In

Sam Hoare

A quick rundown of some of the many, many managerial options out there.

Who’s Responsible for Everton’s Toxic Culture?

Colin Ellis

Now that the club have dispensed with the services of another manager, I’ll try and break it down to make it easier to understand and offer some ideas about why we are where we are and how it can be fixed moving forward.

Survival Strategy

Paul The Esk

How do we get through the next four months? What happens then? Doing nothing is no longer an option. That’s the challenge facing Farhad Moshiri, the very survival of Everton Football Club.

Vision Starts Now

Michael Fisher

I would like to see exactly what my club's vision and mission statement would look like. The club needs reform and a reset, but not today. What it does need is an agenda and timeframe to make it happen. Today we need a united front.

Floundering Lampard surely leaves Everton Board with no choice after latest defeat

Lyndon Lloyd

This was a performance by a side crippled by a lack of self-belief, overseen by a manager who looks incapable of instilling any confidence in them or changing a game to rescue a losing situation.

This week... 1 year ago

David Hardman

David Hardman recalls the tumultuous recent history of January 2022

Pitiful exhibition of Premier League football incompetence

Michael Kenrick

Another massive test was failed by Frank Lampard and his motley crew of Everton players as they huffed and puffed to a miserable defeat at the London Stadium.

They Never Promised Me a Rose Garden

Danny O'Neill

A long and disappointing day, but we are not done yet, despite the strange looks I get from my family and friends. The win has to happen at some point and Everton have a habit of doing the unexpected rather than the expected. On we go.

Rock Bottom

Peter Carpenter

If you believe in hitting rock bottom before the upturn can begin, we must be pretty close to that point now. (Don’t prove me wrong, Everton.)

Divided We Fall

Lyndon Lloyd

Things do seem to be irreparably broken at Everton, at least in the short term. There are moves the hierarchy can make, either through decisive action by the owner, or humility and acceptance from others around him, but in the meantime, the fans have to stick both together and with whatever players are in that squad come 1 February

Into the Death Spiral

Lyndon Lloyd

From the moment Everton threw away all the work it had taken to establish a slender half-time lead just 50 seconds into the second half, there was a haunting inevitability about the way this game would end up going

Saints marched in for a massive second half win over jittery Blues

Michael Kenrick

Everton took the lead against Southampton in this vital relegation clash but were stunned by two second-half goals from Ward-Prowse that left them and the Goodison crowd reeling as they staged a massive post-match sit-in.

Simple Messages

Michael Fisher

My point is there is no such thing as a simple message (like "Sack the Board"). The consequences or what comes next are the real extent of the simple message.

Sliding Doors — Now or Never?

Simon Harrison

This piece picks up on some of the themes in a recent article by Ell Bretland, All Together Now, reviewing the circumstances of the last few years that have brought Everton FC to the current watershed.

Joe Royle, Have a Word with Lampard Before It's Too Late!

Jim Wilson

I just wish Joe Royle could have a word with Frank Lampard right now and point out what is blindingly obvious to me and that is we need to strengthen in midfield

All Together Now

Ell Bretland

There have been no good times under this Chairman, Board and Owner. Only near misses and falling short time and again. Faint hope extinguished annually. Now, Evertonians are mobilising and will use their voice to ensure change happens at the top because they have all had enough.

Johnny Holt — Everton’s Little Devil

Rob Sawyer

T.G. Jones is widely cited as the club’s finest centre-half, with the next generation of fans also holding Brian Labone in the highest of esteem. But let us not overlook Johnny Holt, the Little Devil

Echo chambers

Paul Traill

This Week: 35 Years Ago

David Hardman

‘This month” would be a more accurate description, as it took four matches throughout January 1988 to separate Sheffield Wednesday and Everton in the FA Cup.

Rashford et al too good for valiant Blues

Michael Kenrick

Everton travel to Old Trafford this evening to take on Manchester United in the 3rd Round of the FA Cup.

The Unfashionable Mr Dyche

Bob Carlton

When Lampard was appointed, the perception of Graham Potter was extremely favourable for many (including me) but the perception of Sean Dyche was negative. Bob Carlton compares their relative records.

Players who can run?

Paul Traill

That club is head and shoulders above us. Brighton that is. Brighton! Fair play to them on the night, they were exquisite. This wouldn't be the ending for Frank I want, it might be the one that we need to squirm our way out of this mess.

The Seagulls are Circling

Alasdair Jones

Tomorrow evening, Everton host Brighton and Hove Albion (nicknamed The Seagulls) the last of a run of festive season fixtures.

Fantastic Gray goal and massive defence wins Blues a point

Michael Kenrick

The star of this show was Demarai Gray, who produced one of his all-too-rare moments of brilliance to score an excellent goal that tied a typical Haaland effort and the Blues (looking pretty in Pink!) survived a tremendous City onslaught to steal a point from the Etihad.

Be a Fan of Another Club for a Day

Rob Halligan

Rob invites us to pick a club in the bottom half of the Premier League table, put ourselves as supporting that club for a day, and tell us if you think you will survive or not?

It Is Horrific

Jim Wilson

We are now in a desperate situation. Confidence is everything. The players are good enough to have us in mid table but Lampard has failed to get the best out of them.

Pochettino

Richard Tarleton

This Week: A Boxing Day Special

David Hardman

A huge Lampard disaster as Wolves steal the last-minute win

Michael Kenrick

Everton could not have got off to a better start with a goal from Mina after 7 minutes. But they allowed Wolves back in with dreadful defending at a corner, and then were exposed pressing for a late winner that Wolves got at the death on a lethal counter-attack.

Welcome to The Wolves

Alasdair Jones

This is the second of a series of articles in which I attempt to encapsulate the mood amongst the fans of visiting teams to Goodison Park over the remainder of the season. Game 2, as it were, is the visit of Wolves on Boxing Day.

A Final Farewell to Neil Robinson

Rob Sawyer and Mike Royden

Last Monday, people came from far and wide to pay their final respects to former Toffee, Neil Robinson who passed away suddenly on 24 November, at just sixty-five years of age. 

This Week - 26 Years Ago

David Hardman

The Few, The Proud

Jay Harris

Jay Harris takes a look at the members of the young England team that won the U20s World Cup back in 2017: Where are they now?

This Week — 29 Years Ago

David Hardman

Remembering 'Chick' Meagan

Rob Sawyer

The death, at 88, of Mick Meagan this week reduces the illustrious cadre of players who contributed to Everton’s first post-war League Championship title to just five. Rob Sawyer and David France pay tribute to 'Chick'

This Week — 24 Years Ago

David Hardman

While Everton were playing Newcastle on a Monday night, moves were afoot off the pitch that would see Duncan Ferguson sold to the Magpies in controversial fashion by then Blues owner, Peter Johnson

Tom Walker — Nonagenarian Toffee

Rob Sawyer

In April 2022, Rob Sawyer and Sarah from Mint Collective caught up with venerable Toffee, 93-year-old Tom Walker in a café near his home in Upton.

A Painful Boycott — But I Have To

Stuart Bellamy

This Week — 28 Years Ago

David Hardman

Joe Royle succeeds Mike Walker as Everton manager and, with the help of hero-in-waiting, Duncan Ferguson, marked his first game in charge with a memorable Merseyside derby victory at Goodison Park

Frank Lampard must use the unpopular timing of World Cup to his and Everton’s advantage

Kevin Murray

Most would agree this Everton squad, although still short of quality, is collectively much stronger than last season’s.  It is therefore the job of the manager and his coaching staff to get the best out of them. 

Has Lampard's Time Run Out?

Steve Stobie

Can afford to let him have more to turn things around or would retaining him be another instance of Everton hanging on to failing manager for too long?

Knives Out or Dig In? The Case For and Against Frank Lampard

Lyndon Lloyd

Six months is a very long time in football. Frank Lampard has gone from being the toast of Goodison to a man whose future as Everton manager is in question just 15 games into what is supposed to be his first full season in charge. Not all the problems of his making but he quickly needs to show he has what it takes to mitigate them and keep this club afloat

Groundhog Day all over again

Robert Tressell

Unless we invest properly in an attack capable of scoring goals, we will be relegated sooner rather than later.

Hello, Darkness, My Old Friend

Lyndon Lloyd

The buck always ultimately stops with the manager and if, as seems likely, he survives the World Cup break with his job intact, Frank Lampard will be under enormous pressure to use the next six weeks to solve some of the glaring issues within the team he currently has

Another bewildering Bournemouth battering

Michael Kenrick

Everton returned to the Vitality Stadium to face Bournemouth in the Premier League with an almost completely different team to the one that was beaten there on Tuesday but the result was painfully similar – another shocking three-goal defeat.

Second string hogtied and bullwhipped in Bournemouth bloodbath

Michael Kenrick

Everton were utterly dreadful at Bournemouth for the Third Round of the Carabao Cup despite a wonderful goal from Gray

This Week — 33 Years Ago

David Hardman

Looking back to November 1989, a watershed for Everton after which they could no longer be considered a force at the top

Well, that was a bit of a hiding

Paul Traill

This was a hiding from Leicester City, make no mistake. Criticism is justified and we should be expecting better,

Second-rate Blues no match for slick Leicester

Lyndon Lloyd

Before tonight, Brendan Rodgers had failed to win on Everton’s home turf but his Leicester side played Everton off the park from start to finish

Foxes run riot in the Goodison chicken coop

Michael Kenrick

Everton struggled from the very first minute of their final home game before the Premier League goes on hiatus for the 2022 World Cup and it could have been a rout for rampant Leicester City, who ran the entire game.

Everton vs Leicester City. How do Foxes fans view this fixture?

Alasdair Jones

A flavour of the mood amongst Leicester fans ahead of this weekend's fixture at Goodison Park

Happy Birthday to an Unsung Hero

Trevor Powell

Today, 3 November, sees the 76th birthday of one of the unsung heroes of the Championship winning team of 1970.

Who do you support?

Michael Kenrick

In a recent post, Christine Foster drew an interesting line delineating the parts of the club she supported and the parts she didn't.

Everton stifle Silva's Fulham but find cutting edge elusive

Lyndon Lloyd

While this clash with a fairly porous but free-scoring Fulham promised goals, it didn’t end up producing any even if this was anything but a bore draw

Precious point as Everton hold Fulham at bay

Michael Kenrick

Everton fashioned some pretty decent chances in a very lively first half, and should have been ahead, only to shrink back into what had to be a very effective defensive shell as Fulham threw everything bar the kitchen sink at them after the break to try and get the win.

This Week — 38 Years Ago

David Hardman

A double-header against Manchester United in 1984-85 gave Everton the perfect opportunity to build on their win at Anfield and really make a statement

The Iwobi Thing

Peter Carpenter

Performing live and unscripted in front of 40,000 people willing to judge you on every single move you make, is a pretty specialised art. Those doing it are not all the same, all have different needs to be able to do their best work. Alex Iwobi is a great example of that.

From Barry to the Blues — The Keith Webber Story

Rob Sawyer

The Welshman's time at Everton got off to a dream start but he would later admit to ruing the decision to leave Goodison Park in search of first-team football in 1963

This Week — 23 years ago

David Hardman

Another ‘Lifer’ is initiated

Joseph Walsh

It was the first time I was taking my boy to Goodison Park for his first-ever game.

The Human View Obstruction

Paul Traill

3-0, and what an excellent performance capped off with a couple of great team goals

Everton find their attacking groove to comfortably see off Palace

Lyndon Lloyd

The Blues doubled their home goals tally for the season in some style today with a dominant victory over Palace, the least team they put three past back in May

Battling Blues Batter Vieira’s Bullies

Michael Kenrick

Everton secured a fine victory over a fractious and overly aggressive Crystal Palace at Goodison Park.

Lampard's challenge laid bare by blunt Blues

Lyndon Lloyd

If you don’t shoot, you can’t score. And if you don’t score, you can’t win matches. It really is that blindingly obvious and simple.

Another loss for the team that just cannot score

Michael Kenrick

Everton travel to the North East to take on Newcastle United with Anthony Gordon and Dominic Calvert-Lewin returning to the starting line-up.

Another ridiculous defeat for Everton

Michael Kenrick

Two glorious chances squandered, then the softest of penalties for Kane not even reviewed by the VAR before Tarkowski treats Højbjerg for cramp and he goes on to score the killer goal for Spurs.

ToffeeWeb Charity Golf Day

Stephen Vincent

Are we fighting the right battle?

Barry Metcalfe

I can’t realistically see a path for clubs outside the current cartel of the Sky 6 seriously competing given the Profit and Sustainability regulations.

Setback against United hands Everton a swift reality check

Lyndon Lloyd

If there appeared to be an air of complacency after Alex Iwobi had swept Everton into an early lead, it was cleared rapidly by mistakes, defensive porousness and ruthless finishing from Erik ten Hag's side

Early promise turns to a dismal farce

Michael Kenrick

Everton are at home to Manchester United looking for a third win in succession that would take them into the top half of the Premier League table

Partnerships

Robert Tressell

One of the notable things about our more successful sides over the past 20 years is the presence of partnerships all across the pitch. Baines and Pienaar on the left flank; Lescott or Distin and Jagielka in defence; Arteta and Cahill in midfield, etc.

She's a Grand Old Lady

Danny ONeill

As the move to Bramley-Moore Dock gets closer, it's starting to get emotional

This week — 28 years ago

David Hardman

Slim pickings this week as it’s usually International Break. In fact, the last time there wasn’t a break in early October was back in 1994, so let’s go there.

This week – 15 years ago

David Hardman

Back to nice round numbers this week in 2007 as Everton made the long trip to Kharkiv hoping to finally make progress in Europe

Onward and upward for Everton after laudable win at Southampton

Lyndon Lloyd

It wasn’t always pretty, by the end it was a little ragged, but this was a markedly better display than the one they put on in this fixture back in February and it helped extend the team’s unbeaten run to seven matches in all competitions

Blues hold on for a very important road win

Michael Kenrick

Premier League action returns this weekend with Everton travelling to the South coast to take on Southampton at St Mary’s Stadium

Moshiri’s £830 million commitment to Everton

Paul The Esk

A look at the extent of Moshiri's financial commitment to Everton and the future financing options open to him

The Birth Of The 'Grand Old Lady'

John McFarlane [Senior]

With the rapid progress being made on the new Everton Stadium project at Bramley-Moore Dock, I find it an ideal time to reflect on the time spent, and the highs and lows of the current home of Everton FC.

There’s Only Two Tommy Fleetwoods…

Rob Sawyer and Pete Jones

Celebrity Blue, golfer Tommy Fleetwood, has a namesake who is one of Everton’s greatest unsung heroes

This Week — 23 years ago

David Hardman

If you’d said to me back in 1999 that this would be Everton’s last win at Anfield for 21 years and their last one in front of a crowd, I’d have said you were crazy.

Everton, Elevate Sports Ventures and Bramley-Moore Dock

Paul The Esk

A look at Everton's decision to outsource the commercial development of Bramley-Moore & the questions re funding that arise from that

Something of a David Moyes throwback

Paul Traill

The bottom line is, if you make yourself difficult to beat, then you've always got a chance of nicking a win, and by shoring up our defence and improving our midfield options, we have certainly done that. It was a bit like a David Moyes win for Everton back in the day.

Tenacious Everton shake the monkey off their back at West Ham's expense

Lyndon Lloyd

Realistically, Everton really needed to win today and win they did on the back of Neal Maupay’s first goal for the club. And what a lovely goal it was.

Precious strike by Maupay seals Everton's first win

Michael Kenrick

Everton secured their first win of the season over relegation strugglers West Ham United thanks to a fine strike by Neal Maupay for his first goal in an otherwise difficult match that was full of errors and could far too easily have gone the other way.

This week — 12 years ago

David Hardman

An ugly home defeat to Newcastle killed any momentum gained from a hard-won point against Manchester United the week before and marked the first time for this author where it felt like David Moyes had taken Everton as far as he could

Air Blocker Filter Man

Robert Tressell

According to CIES Football Observator Everton have three of the world’s best U-25 players in their roles

This week — 16 years ago

David Hardman

David recalls a nice emphatic derby victory from what seems like a very long time ago.

Warney Cresswell — The Prince of Full Backs

Rob Sawyer

A natural tendency to favour players we have seen with our own eyes and the tactical evolution of football makes ranking players spanning many decades fraught with difficulty. But this cerebral, balding, defender, who played for Everton into his 39th year merits his place in the pantheon of great ‘number threes’

This Week — 34 Years Ago

David Hardman

Everton travelled to Highfield Road hoping to build on Tony Cottee’s debut hat-trick.

Determined derby display proves results aren’t everything

Matthew Parry

Mainstream media outlets would have you believe our poor start points towards another grave struggle around the relegation zone and that Lampard’s job is under threat. However, this doesn’t align with the optimism that Evertonians have as Lampard enacts his plan.

A Blue Is Born

Jamie Sweet

My boy Zac may have been born unto this world on the day of the Jagielka derby. But I’m starting to believe that he was truly born a Blue on this derby day, 3 September 2022.

Getting our Everton back

Paul Traill

Liverpool piled on the pressure more or less throughout, but our team stood firm and held out for the draw. We applauded the team off before heading back to the car and away.

Rapidly-improving Blues make their point in pulsating derby stalemate

Lyndon Lloyd

Frank Lampard’s Blues bridged a gap today on an afternoon where both goals seemed to live a charmed life, both goalkeepers had to underline their world-class credentials and the fortitude of the Goodison Park ‘woodwork” was tested at both ends

Pickford brilliant but Maupay lacks cutting edge

Michael Kenrick

Everton take on local rivals Liverpool in the first Merseyside derby of the season, and the first game since the closure of this summer's transfer window.

The window: how did we do?

Robert Tressell

Overall, I give Lampard and Thelwell a 7 out of 10 for their efforts.

A Noticeable Arc of Improvement

Lyndon Lloyd

There have been clear signs of progress in the last two outings and, more importantly, Everton are picking up points away from home, something they didn't do nearly enough last season

Pinks again surrender the lead for a tense and testy draw

Michael Kenrick

Everton head to Elland Road for Round 5 of the Premier League, against Leeds United.

A Brief Everton Love Affair

Alan Corbett

"I could see it in his eyes and in his big smile that Dave was now a fully-fledged Everton fan. I'm just sad that his love affair was too short."

This Week — 30 years ago

David Hardman

Looking back at an early-season midweek fixture in August 1992 when Aston Villa were the visitors at Goodison Park

Simultaneously a Point Gained and Two Dropped

Lyndon Lloyd

If 2022-23 is going to be another slog to avoid relegation, anything the team can collect on the road should be gratefully received. It’s hard not to feel despondent, though, at two precious points dropped

Everton squander a winning position for one more point

Michael Kenrick

Everton dominated possession before taking a brilliant £60M lead through Gordon, who finished in style.

Much changed Blues scrape through on Gray's goal

Michael Kenrick

Everton battled to their first win of the season in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday evening when Gray got the only goal of the game to defeat Fleetwood.

Everton: Where Have I Been and Where Am I Now? — Part One

Trevor Powell

A day trip on the 77-seat Taunton Express

Dave Williams

A point was very welcome as was a goal scored by our player and I really enjoyed the game. Frank has quickened up our passing and this will improve again once we get a striker and a midfielder.

A draw was a fair result

Paul Traill

On balance, I’d say a draw was fair as Nottingham Forest contributed a lot to the game. And to be fair I was quite grateful for the draw at the end as it could have been a lot worse.

Pressure Builds on Toothless Blues Ahead of the Deadline

Lyndon Lloyd

It’s still early days, the window is still open, but it’s hard not to feel uneasy even at this stage about Everton’s prospects for the season

Blues steal first point from jaws of defeat

Michael Kenrick

Everton hosted Nottingham Forest for the first time in 23 years and battled to a late goal that secured their first point of a massively underwhelming season so far.

The Opening-Day Curse?

David Hardman

Looking back at the win over Manchester United in 2012 that sparked an 11-year run of opening-day fixtures without defeat for Everton

Familiar Away-Day Blues for Blunt Everton

Lyndon Lloyd

Frank Lampard might rue waiting as long as he did to make changes to a line-up that wasn't working but Amadou Onana showed the way forward with a mixed but hugely promising late cameo

Tom Griffiths: The Player with More than one String to his Bow

Rob Sawyer

T.P. Griffiths may have understandably been overshadowed at Everton by his countryman and fellow centre-half T.G. Jones but he enjoyed a distinguished career with some of the greatest clubs in the land

Everton leave big chances too late

Michael Kenrick

The first away game of the new season at Aston Villa ended in defeat as Everton lacked the confidence and desire to play forward for large periods.

Everton 0-1 Chelsea — Short tactical review

Graham Holliday

An early assessment of how Everton are shaping up under Frank Lampard this season

This week — 5 years ago

David Hardman

Ronald Koeman is in charge, Wayne Rooney has returned and Everton are in Europa League action either side of a season-opener against Stoke City

Everton Colours Me a Bright Blue

Nazir Musa

A Blackburn Rovers fan attends a Premier League game in the city of Liverpool for the first time and is bowled over by the atmosphere at Goodison Park and the welcome he received by Evertonians

An Encouraging Defeat... Somewhat

Paul Traill

It's apparent to all what is required. Let's make sure we get that striker in because, as far as I can tell, especially with the other incoming additions, the rest of the squad will more than do.

Luck still in short supply at Goodison

Lyndon Lloyd

Ye footballing gods, this succession of serious injuries isn’t funny. But despite the frustration of an opening-day defeat by the fine margins of a penalty decision, there were elements of this Everton performance that were genuine cause for optimism

Better Days Are Coming

Stephen Dages

This one's from the heart as it's about my father-in-law's battle with stage IV cancer. Everton have given us hope during tough times and with the new campaign kicking off, we know that better days are coming!

On this week... 25 years ago

David Hardman

Looking back at similarly unsettling times as today as Joe Royle struggled to reproduce the promise of his first few months in charge at Goodison Park

A rubbish game of stop-start and self-destruction

Michael Kenrick

Depleted Everton kicked off the 2022-23 season with a ridiculous game that saw Godfrey seriously injure his leg through his own stupidity.... and it just went downhill with a plethora of game-destroying stoppages.

New signings provide a breath of fresh air

Michael Kenrick

In their final pre-season friendly, Everton's new signings showed they may bring enough freshness to inspire improvement in the strictly limited group of players that remain the core of Lampard's poor retinue.

Our Points Deduction

Michael Owen

It looks as though we could be starting the season with hardly any new players, and with just four pre-season games under our belt. That represents a self-imposed points deduction.

Inertia

Lyndon Lloyd

Farhad Moshiri has restated his commitment to Everton but, without any tangible change in how the club is run from the top, there is little hope it can make any meaningful strides towards realising the owner's stated ambitions from six years ago.

Grant Ingles - Everton's Invisible Money Man

Stephen Vincent

Grant Ingles. How has he escaped our wrath so far? Like our owner, he is a Chartered Accountant. In common with the rest of our Board, he has no commercial experience in the real world.

One month to go: what's left?

Robert Tressell

Whom could Everton still target as attractive options are being snapped up by rival clubs?

Everton's marketing… lazy or just incompetent?

Stephen Vincent

From ‘New Moston Beckenbauer’ to Potential Everton Skipper — Robbie Simpson on James Tarkowski

Ell Bretland

Speaking exclusively to ToffeeWeb, "Tarky's" former Oldham Athletic team-mate describes what the new signing can bring to Everton and it's a lot more than your typical no-nonsense centre-back

Everton — The Great Reset?

Kevin Murray

The strategic review has lead to a new Director of Football at the club and a new manager, along with several new coaches. This does feel like a genuine possibility to get things right at Everton.