Everton Independent Research Data
Blues panto is cancelled
Aug 2 2004 By Joe Riley, Liverpool Echo
GLOOM at Goodison is being blamed for the collapse ofa panto starring former Everton players.
The uncertainty fans feel over their beloved Blues' current plight is thought to be behind the lacklustre ticket sales for the midsummer run of Snow Blue and the Blue Noses at the Empire theatre. Ex-Brookside actor Danny McCall, comedian Micky Finn and radio presenter Billy Butler had been booked to appear with Everton legends Colin Harvey, Brian Labone, Neville Southall and Kevin Ratcliffe in the Snow White parody. But now the producers have pulled the plug, with thousands of tickets remaining unsold. Chief backer Brian Snagg said: "We stood to make a loss of up to £20,000. There was nothing else for it but to cancel the show." The pantomime's scriptwriter Mike Howl said: "It seems fans are just not in the mood for a laugh. "The situation at Everton has got to the stage where it's no longera joke. There is only so much that the fans can take, and they are definitely not in the mood for pantomime." Danny McCall said: "I am very disappointed the show has been pulled. I was looking forward to seeing everyone. But I suppose it's inevitable in view of the general state of things at Goodison at the moment." Mike Howl said it was now hoped to present the pantomime later in the year or next Easter. The show had been booked into the Empire from August 19-21, following its sell-out success at the Royal Court theatre in March.
Club America 3, Everton 1 (D, Post)
Aug 2 2004 Ian Doyle In Houston, Daily Post
TIRED and depleted, Everton succumbed to the technical wizardry of Club America yesterday to end their Texan tour with defeat. But it was a rare negative of a worthwhile journey in which David Moyes will have been pleased by the preparation of his players and, perhaps more importantly, the impressive team spirit which has been forged during the 10-day sojourn. While back home the spotlight has been trained on the ongoing boardroom battle between Bill Kenwright and Paul Gregg, Moyes and his players have been able to concentrate on building the fitness and sharpness required for the new season away from the plethora of problems which threaten to engulf Goodison.
Being away has worked in their favour. Although defeat in the Reliant Stadium in the final match of the Copa de Tejas meant there was no silverware to take home, that was never really the point of this visit. In truth, the game was probably one step too far for an Everton squad which has applied itself wholeheartedly to the tough training schedule in the stifling heat and humidity of Houston.
However, in doing so they unwittingly revealed what will prove Everton's Achilles heel this season unless the squabbles in the corridors of power at the club are sufficiently sorted before the closing of the transfer window at the end of the month. Squad depth. Put simply, there is hardly any. Moyes knows this, the players know this, the supporters know this. The only way it can be solved is through signing new players. The only way to sign players is to spend money. The only way Everton can gain money is... well, you can see where this is going. The sparseness of Everton's touring squad was highlighted by yesterday's team line-up. With Joseph Yobo, Tony Hibbert and Alessandro Pistone all sidelined by minor knocks, Moyes could name only three outfield substitutes of which Thomas Gravesen was carrying a knee injury which meant he was not risked. Although Moyes will in time be able to call on injured duo Wayne Rooney and Li Tie, stay-at-home Duncan Ferguson and new signings Tim Cahill and Eddy Bosnar, it hardly augurs well for the forthcoming rigours of a long Premiership season that a pre-season tournament can leave the manager struggling to fill a substitutes' bench with senior professionals. The Reliant Stadium's retractable roof was again closed for the mid-afternoon fixture, which was just as well considering the temperature outside was into the hundreds. However, despite the presence of Mexico's most popular side, the attendance of 16,434 was way below the number anticipated. Despite their numerical predicament, Everton made a bright start and should have been ahead in the second minute. A slick passing move saw James McFadden slip Steve Watson into space inside the right of the penalty, but his firm, low cross could only be jabbed over by Marcus Bent from close range. It may have only been a friendly but McFadden, given another opportunity up front, demonstrated his desire to impress with a couple of fiesty challenges which solicited a stern word from the referee. Another chance went begging in the 12th minute with Gary Naysmith this time the culprit. Bent's neat turn initiated a move which culminated in McFadden's cross being headed back across goal by Kevin Kilbane, but once Bent laid the ball on a plate for Naysmith the Scottish international embarrassingly miskicked from six yards.
It proved costly when on 19 minutes Club America went ahead with a goal that, like the two conceded against Pachuca, owed more to poor Everton defending than any outstanding attacking skill. A crossfield ball was not dealt with by Peter Clarke, and after Reinaldo Navio beat Alan Stubbs to the loose ball, Franscisco Torres shot across Richard Wright into the goalkeeper's bottom right.
The Mexicans certainly provided a sterner test than Pachuca, and their insistence on moving the ball forward at pace led to a sprightly first half in which they largely dictated the play against an Everton side showing the effects of playing a second game in three days. However, it was the tourists who created the next opening when McFadden just failed to get enough purchase on Watson's cross.
At the other end, German Villa was the next to try his luck for Club America but his 25-yard drive was always rising over Wright's crossbar and the goalkeeper then did well to beat out Djalma Feitosa's angled drive. Only another piece of poor finishing prevented Everton from drawing level six minutes before the break. A low McFadden cross from the left found Bent completely unmarked inside the six-yard area, but instead of controlling or blasting the ball home, the striker attempted a clever sidefoot finish which almost went out for a throw in. After netting five in their previous friendly here, scoring one was beginning to look a difficult task for Everton. The Mexicans showed Bent how it should be done with a well-taken second goal 11 minutes into the second half. Navia's backheel allowed Pavel Pardo to break beyond central midfield, and after being given the time and space by a retreating Everton defence he cracked a low drive past Wright from 20 yards. The cheers began to ring around the vast arena as the sizeable Club America support began to enjoy their side's performance against a tiring Everton. However, they continued to toil and Bent was rewarded with his first goal for the club two minutes from time when he headed in a Nick Chadwick cross at the far post. But there was still time for Club America to score again, and after
Pardo raced clean through he played the ball across for substitute Rodrigo Valenzuela to tap in.
CLUB AMERICA (4-4-2): Saja (Martinez 46); Castro, Davino, Rojas, Ameli; Torres (Valenzuela 73), Pardo, Villa, Mendoza; Navia, Feitosa. Subs: Igotcha.
EVERTON (4-4-2): Wright; Clarke (Chadwick 63), Stubbs, Weir, Naysmith; Watson, Carsley, Osman, Kil-bane (Campbell 63); McFadden, Bent.
Time to unite
By Scott Mcleod, Liverpool Echo
Aug 2 2004
DAVID MOYES has made his strongest call yet for Everton to bring an end to the club's boardroom dispute. The on-going battle for control of Goodison between chairman Bill Kenwright and director Paul Gregg has undermined the manager's summer rebuilding plans. And he has become increasingly frustrated by the failure of the directors to bring an end to the saga. With the new season less than two weeks away, the manager has only been able to bring in Marcus Bent and Tim Cahill as the club's major summer signings. With 17 players having now departed in the last three months, Moyes' squad has been severely depleted. As a result, he was only able to name two fully fit outfield substitutes for yesterday's 3-1 defeat to Club America in Houston's Reliant Stadium.
At the start of the summer the manager made it clear he needed at least four new players.
The manager can only see the likelihood of bringing in new players diminishing if the row between Gregg andKenwright does not reach a conclusion before the transfer window closes.
Moyes said: "This is too big a football club for it to be handled in the way it has been. "That is on the field as well as off it. We have to pull together as a club. I will make sure I do my side with the players. I just hope everybody else at the club can do the same." Moyes has been promised a cash injection for new signings from Gregg, who claims he has £15m of new investment lined up. But the money will only be made available if Kenwright steps aside. He added: "I don't see us getting anyone else in before the start of the season. "It's not as though we'll have many other players to choose from when we get back. Duncan Ferguson will be available and we hope to have Eddy Bosnar in by then." The manager was satisfied with the effort of his players in yesterday's second game of the Copa de Tejas. He added: "We didn't play as well as we did on Thursday but the defeat was more to do with the chances we missed. We had four great chances to score but we missed them all." Moyes takes his side to Hillsborough tomorrow for the penultimate pre-season friendly against Sheffield Wednesday.
Signings unlikely admits Moyes
By Ian Doyle In Houston, Daily Post
Aug 2 2004
DAVID MOYES has conceded he is unlikely to attract any new faces to Goodison before the start of the season. The Everton manager has been desperate to bolster a threadbare squad, which has seen 17 players depart and only three arrive during a summer dominated by the board-room power struggle between Bill Kenwright and Paul Gregg. Moyes, saw his side lose 3-1 to Mexican side Club America in Houston last night. The squad only arrives back on Merseyside this lunchtime before travelling to Sheffield Wednesday for another friendly tomorrow night. Their pre-season is completed on Saturday with a home fixture against Spanish outfit Real Sociedad. With Wayne Rooney injured and new signing Tim Cahill preparing for the Olympics with Australia, Duncan Ferguson is the only senior professional Moyes can add to the squad which travelled to Texas.
And the manager has admitted that will almost certainly remain the case when Arsenal visit Goodison for the Premiership opener on Sunday week. "I don't see us getting anyone else in at the moment before the start of the season," said Moyes. "It's not as though we'll have many other players to chose from when we get back. Duncan Ferguson will be available and we hope to have Eddy Bosnar in." He added: "It is too big a football club for it to be handled in the way it is being handled, not just off the pitch but on it too. "Everyone has got to pull together and work for the club. I am going to do my bit with the players and I know the fans will do their bit."
Gregg pledges transfer funds
By Paul Walker, Daily Post
Aug 2 2004
EVERTON director Paul Gregg has put further pressure on chairman Bill Kenwright by promising money for transfers this season. Manager David Moyes returns home from the club's USA tour today after admitting in the Daily Post last week that preparations for the new season have been hindered by the boardroom rift. Gregg has now pledged transfer funds for Moyes as he again set about dispelling fans' fears that the priority for his proposed immediate investment of £15 million would be reducing the club's debt. Last Monday's meeting between the final three remaining members of the Board - Gregg, chairman Kenwright and fellow True Blue Holdings member Jon Woods - ended with a statement that the future of the club would be resolved by Friday, but the deadline passed with only further confusion and recriminations to the dismay of supporters.
Gregg was critical of Kenwright's failure to accept a financial package for the club and step down as chairman, while the theatre impressario branded the deadline as "fictitious" and insisted they had yet to receive a formal proposal or details of who was backing Gregg's plans. On Friday it was revealed that Gregg was being supported by former director Lord Grantchester, although the member of the Moores family has yet to go public on the exact extent of his backing and what future role he wants to play in the club. Meanwhile Gregg claims Moyes will have immediate funds if Kenwright backs away. Gregg said: "On Monday morning David Moyes and his team return from America with a desperate need to fulfil his ambitions for the team. "We have made a commitment to support those ambitions immediately so the team can start positively on August 15." And in another clear attack on Kenwright, Gregg added: "The continuing delay is frustrating the club's future and it should be understood that every director has a duty to act at all times in the best interest of the company and not to prefer their personal interest for any reason." Gregg has threatened legal action and has highlighted the importance of securing the financial future of the club. Gregg added: "The current issues go to the core of each director's duty to the company and its shareholders and in Everton's case to its fans as well. "Along with every Evertonian, we believe that the fans deserve better. Together we have a plan for the future and a passion for success that will give every Evertonian new hope and new heart." Everton, who have lost 17 players over the summer and signed just three, play Sheffield Wednesday tomorrow. Moyes says he wants the issue resolved to allow him to strengthen his squad before the start of the season. Meanwhile former Aberdeen chief executive Keith Wyness insists talk of a move to Everton is premature. The 47-year-old stepped down at Pittodrie after almost three years at the club. The Goodison Park club have been linked with a move for Wyness after the shock departure of Trevor Birch just six weeks into the job. But Wyness, who helped steer Aberdeen away from financial difficulties after his arrival in October 2001, is still considering his options.
Rooney sale right option says veteran
By Neale Graham, Daily Post
Aug 2 2004
EVERTON should accept any substantial bid for Wayne Rooney - and spend the proceeds on a new stand. That's the view of Everton's oldest surviving player, Wally Fielding. The 83-year-old, who now lives in the tranquil Cornish village of Bude, finds himself frustrated with the goings-on at Goodison Park. This summer has brought only more problems for the club but Wally thinks the solution is only a sizable offer away. He said: "Wayne Rooney is not going to be around forever but the club will be. A stand will be there long after Rooney is dead and buried, and even if they used the proceeds of his sale to cut the debt, at least it would be something positive." Wally made 410 appearances in blue between 1946 and 1960 at inside forward alongside the legendary names such as Joe Mercer and Tommy Lawton. He views the club's off-field troubles as deeply worrying and alien to its traditions. "This backbiting in the boardroom is not Everton. The Everton I knew was from 1945 until about 10 years ago," he rued.. "There's too many changes upstairs with people coming and going. It gets you nowhere and there needs to be stability." Although it is 44 years since Fielding's playing days, his love of all things Everton remains as steadfast as ever. "I'm often asked to recall my greatest moment in football and the reply is always the same - the day I signed for Everton," he said.. "You don't get the same feeling from players today." But Wally is optimistic that Everton can once again be among the big hitters in the Premiership and as revered as it was in his day. "If we can aim to finish in the first half dozen we might be able to attract the players we need to build from there," he said. "Everton are among the elite as far as I'm concerned. That's where they should be. "There doesn't seem to be much money available. That means the players who are there need to pull their stockings up." For now, London-born Wally is a long-distance fan but hopes that one day he can make a permanent return to his spiritual home. "I keep getting asked by Harry Ross [minister at St Luke's in Goodison Road] when I will be coming back up to live and it might happen," he said. "I would like to get to Goodison more reguarly this season. I always get a great reception. Once you're a blue, you're a blue for life."
Everton to lose out on Ball windfall
By Ian Rogers, Daily Post
Aug 2 2004
EVERTON look set to miss out on a potential £500,000 windfall after Rangers admitted they could not afford to continue playing Michael Ball. Ibrox manager Alex McLeish insists he can still play defender Ball for a "few games" before reaching the tally which will see the Scottish club owe their Premier-ship counterparts a further instalment on his transfer fee. The England international joined the Light Blues under Dick Advocaat for £6.5 million in August 2001. Under the terms of the transfer, Gers would be liable for a further instalment when Ball makes a certain number of appearances. McLeish has already conceded the player is set to move from the Glasgow giants with Liverpool defender Gregory Vignal trying to win a permanent deal with Rangers. But the Light Blues' manager, who has had "tentative enquiries" for Ball,, maintains the full-back can still play a limited number of matches before the agreement with Everton kicks in. McLeish said: "I've spoken to Michael and said it is nothing personal, it's just a sad fact of football at the moment. "There is an extra payment to be made when he plays a certain amount of games and, at the moment, we can't afford to do that. Could I play him? Yes. He still has a few games to go before there is a payment to be made." McLeish added: "It's frustrating of course but I've always been aware of the parameters.
"And it's important everyone knows the situation with Michael because it has been a grey area.
"That's why we are looking at Gregory Vignal because, if Michael goes, I'm short of left-back cover.
"There have been one or two tentative enquiries for him although he is not as fit as the rest of the guys. "He had a wee niggly ankle injury and should be training again in a week or so."
Club America 3, Everton 1 (Echo)
Aug 2 2004 By Scott Mcleod In Houston
EVERTON are in need of the cavalry. But the generals back at fortress Goodison are focusing on control of the club, leaving David Moyes' troops outnumbered and under attack. The Blues departed Houston last night having missed out on the Copa de Tejas following a 3-1 defeat to Mexico's Club America. But what is far more worrying than the club's failure to secure a meaningless piece of silverware from a pre-season tournament is the lack of options available to the Goodison boss.
He has worked wonders developing a steely resolve amongst the players at his disposal during preparations for the new season. His quandary is numerical. Before a ball had even been kicked in the Reliant Stadium the problem which has been all too obvious throughout pre-season reared its head again. Moyes was able to name just two fully-fit outfield substitutes, Thomas Gravesen making up the numbers despite a minor knee complaint. Tim Cahill will join up with the squad once Australia's involvement in the Olympic football tournament is concluded. Duncan Ferguson and Eddy Bosnar, who did not make the trip to the States, plus the injured group of Wayne Rooney, Li Tie, Alessandro Pistone, Tony Hibbert and Joseph Yobo should all return in the weeks to come.
But the tour of Houston has under-lined exactly how wafer-thin the Everton squad is.
New faces have to be signed before the transfer window closes in four weeks' time.
Without them, there could be occasions this season when the manager will not have enough senior squad players to name a full 16-man complement. Moyes is in need of a financial cavalry charge to make it happen. He doesn't expect one to be forthcoming before the big kick-off against Arsenal.
But at least the men in the boardroom are all pulling in the same direction to rectify the situation, heh? The bickering in the club's upper echelons is in stark contrast to the solidarity amongst the players. That spirit, that togetherness ensured they found an extra yard of pace from their aching legs after a week of tough graft on the training ground to make an impressive start against Mexico's most glamorous side. It was an explosive start to match the opening against Pachuca. The one thing missing was the goals. A flowing move in the second minute ended with a low cross from Steve Watson which picked out Marcus Bent. But the striker squandered the chance to net his first goal in an Everton shirt, sending his shot high over the crossbar from eight yards. McFadden, having set the tone on Thursday with a third-minute strike, was guilty of an equally bad miss 10 minutes later.
Bent teed him up in the penalty box but from 10 yards he scuffed his shot meekly wide.
They simply could not keep that bright start going. As with the two goals conceded against Pachuca, Everton's sloppy play gifted the opposition. Peter Clarke's terrible slip inside his own area led to the opening goal in the 19th minute. Reinaldo Navia stole in, squaring the ball for Francisco Torres to fire home. On Thursday, the attacking quality ensured defensive lapses did not deny the Blues a positive result. But Club America were far better organised than their Mexican rivals Pachuca. The Blues had to defend for long periods and when they did take possession they had to be more patient in their build-up. The few chances that did materialise before the interval fell for Kevin Kilbane and Bent.
The Irish international saw a back-post shot and a back-post header saved by Sebastian Saja.
Bent was guilty of the worst miss, ending the half as he started it by failing to hit the target from eight yards. If only the Mexicans had been that wasteful. In fact, they were clinical. Their second goal was excellent. A neat back-heel 30 yards out from Navia played Pavel Pardo through the middle. Rather than making the most of the acres of space ahead of him, he chose to hit a first-time shot which skimmed into the bottom right corner of Richard Wright's net from 25 yards. It left the Blues needing two goals in the final third of the game to deny Club America the trophy. Bent made amends for his earlier misses two minutes from time when he headed home a Nick Chadwick cross. But too many players were running on empty. That was emphasised moments later when the Mexicans burst clear, beating the offside trap through Pardo, who teed up Rodrigo Valenzuela for the third of the game. Moyes was only able to introduce two substitutes - Kevin Campbell and Chadwick - to try and salvage the situation after falling two goals down. Lone rangers are welcome. But Evertonians need to know there is more support about to ride over the horizon. EVERTON (4-4-2): Wright; Clarke (Chadwick 63), Weir, Stubbs, Naysmith; Watson, Carsley, Osman, Kilbane (Campbell 63); Bent, McFadden. CLUB AMERICA (3-5-2): Saja (Martinez 46); Ameli, Davino, Ortiz; Pardo, Castro, Torres (Valenzuela 72), Villa, Mendoza; Feitosa, Navia.
ATT: 16,434 STAR MAN: Leon Osman
Everton: man in the middle does a U-turn
By Mark Hookham, Daily Post
Aug 3 2004
THE crisis at Everton Football Club descended into farce last night after Paul Gregg's millionaire backer announced he was not behind the scheme - and then changed his mind. Last week, Lord Grantchester, an heir to the Moores family fortune, was heralded as one of three investors willing to inject £15m into the club. But yesterday afternoon he released a statement denying he was offering financial support. He said: "It is not the case that I am behind Mr Gregg's proposals to underwrite funds for the Club, and indeed I have not seen Mr Gregg's proposals to the Board." Within hours, his advisers issued a second statement. This time, the Labour peer gave his full support for a "wider investment group" to be established by Gregg and and strongly hinted that he, like Gregg, wanted Everton chairman Bill Kenwright to dissolve True Blue Holdings, which owns 72% of the club. He said: "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." The confusion follows a week of bitter in-fighting between Kenwright and Gregg. Last Monday, Gregg claimed cash would only flow into the club if True Blue Holding dissolved and Kenwright, the majority shareholder, resigned. But Kenwright has insisted he will not hand over the club without knowing who the investors are. Fans last night reacted with anger and the Daily Post understands supporter protests are likely to be held at Everton's pre-season friendly at Goodison against Real Sociedad on Saturday. Carl Roper, from Evertonians for Change, said: "The fans are the losers in all this. All sides are treating us with contempt. I would like to hear what Mr Gregg has to say about this because I was at the press conference on Friday and heard him confirm Lord Grantchester." Steve Allinson, chairman of the Everton Shareholders Association, said: "They (Gregg and Kenwright) are equally culpable for this mess and the situation is deteriorating." Lord Grantchester is the grandson of Littlewoods founder Sir John Moores and already owns 10% of the club's shares. The Cheshire dairy farmer resigned from the Everton board in 2000 amid rumours of a disagreement with Kenwright. Last night, he said he was frustrated at the club's lack of progress, explaining: "I am a lifelong Evertonian and share with all Evertonians deep disappointment and frustration at seeing our great club failing to compete at the highest level. "I look forward to the board's proposals to make progress with a clear vision for the development of Everton Football Club." Paul Gregg, the founder of Apollo Leisure Group, said the club now desperately needed stability. He said: "Lord Grantchester is reaffirming that Everton FC needs to change and find a new way forward before the start of the season. "I welcome Lord Grantchester's support in his second statement he issued today and I am committed to ensuring the necessary funds are available should the present board be prepared to step down." Kenwright declined to comment last night. The gloom at Goodison is being blamed for the cancellation of a pantomime starring former Everton players. Ticket sales for the midsummer run of Snow Blue and the Blue Noses at the Empire Theatre had been poor, with many thousands remaining unsold.
Resolute Stubbs sets top 10 target
By Ian Doyle, Daily Post
Aug 3 2004
ALAN STUBBS has set Everton the goal of a top 10 finish for the forthcoming Premiership campaign.
The 32-year-old is desperate to improve on last season when David Moyes's side finished just one place clear of the relegation zone. And the centre-back is confident the new streamlined squad can respond to the criticism which met last term's poor showing and reclaim a place in the top half of the top flight. "Next season we have to set ourselves a target of a top 10 finish," said Stubbs. "We proved two years ago that it is achievable by hard work and a little bit of luck. "But we're not kidding ourselves. It will be tough, but our motto for the coming season has to be that we must do better. "The manager will demand that from us, the fans will demand that from us and the players will demand that of themselves too. "We had a lot of criticism last season and no-one took it as badly as the players. No-one likes to be criticised and we'll be doing our best to make sure we aren't this time around." Stubbs also believes the fact there is a smaller squad at Goodison has helped engender an impressive team spirit. "We have got to try and get away from what happened last season as soon as we can," he added. "During pre-season we have been working together in a small squad, and that has helped us gel. Most of us have known each other for a while now but what has maybe helped more is that all of the lads have been getting a game in the friendlies.
"If we had had a bigger squad, maybe some of the lads who are here would not have had as much of a look in as they have had. "The morale is good, we are getting behind each other and we're ready to start from square one again." Meanwhile manager David Moyes has admitted the lack of numbers in his first team squad is 'ridiculous.' "We only had two outfield play-ers as subs against Club America and we can't go on like this, it's ridiculous," he said.. "I've been saying for a while that we are as stretched as any football team I've ever known. I hope we can do something about it."
And he admits tonight's game at Hillsborough might be a step too far for his players after their long journey home. "We have to accept the players will be suffering a bit from jet lag, but we'll go there and try our best to continue our build-up," he said. "Because of that, I wouldn't read too much into the team on Tuesday but maybe more at the weekend." Moyes was pleased with the tour to Texas, which has proven beneficial in terms of preparation and team morale. "The training has probably not quite been as tough as it was in Austria, but we have looked a lot sharper and a lot quicker here," he said. "The players are certainly fitter and look it. We are pretty far down the line in our preparations now and when we get back, we'll be in the final furlong." Liverpool defender Steve Finnan
Question time at Goodisom
Post Soapbox IcLiverpool & Daily Post
Aug 3 2004
SO MUCH for Dithering Bill's alternative plans. Surely all you BK lovers must realise if he gets no financial backing this club is doomed. BK said: "For my part, since Monday's board meeting I have spent all my time continuing to work closely with the team manager on team-rebuilding, progressing and hopefully concluding the search for a new chief executive and - as was agreed at that meeting - trying to conclude my pursuit of potential investment into the club". Well Bill, it's now time to show all Evertonians the results of your endeavours. We need answers today, before it's all too late.
Neil Bull, (via e-mail)
No trust
LIKE most other Evertonians, I simply don't trust Paul Gregg.
Gregg's agenda is about recuperating his investment which he provided on the back of the failed Kings Dock project. Thank goodness for David Moyes, who is the only figure in this mess who can hold his head up high. PS where is the boy wonder in all of this? Once A Blue Always A Blue -pass me a bucket someone!
Tony Rowan, Liverpool
Time to move on
I LOVE Bill Kenwright. He has put so much heart and soul into that club and now he is being pushed out. However I feel that it is the right time for him to go. I feel it would benefit the club if Paul Gregg took over. Everton need the leadership and money that Paul can offer. I just wish that Bill could offer this as he is a True Blue. I just hope they can sort it out sooner rather than later, for the good of EFC.
T Morgan, Liverpool
Takeover plans still on track - Gregg
Aug 3 2004 By David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
PAUL GREGG today insisted his blueprint for Everton was the right one - despite a day of almost farcical about-turns which left the club's long-suffering supporters reeling and cast doubts over the credibility of his takeover plans. Lord Grantchester now appears to be back on board with Gregg, after originally releasing a statement yesterday afternoon saying he was not behind the rebel director's proposals. A second statement, released three hours later, confirmed he still desired to see True Blue Holdings dissolved. But the confusion has now left supporters despairing of any successful resolution to the wrangle. Chairman Bill Kenwright did not take any delight in the apparent vindication of his reluctance to step aside until he has proof that funds are in place.
He declined to comment this morning, insisting he would continue with his own plans for seeking investment. But privately he is increasingly saddened by the public infighting. Gregg said this morning: "This is just an indication of the frustration that everyone is feeling at True Blue's continued control of Everton Football Club. "I was hoping that the future of the club would be resolved last Friday and it's very disappointing that we have reached today without seeing any evidence of fresh proposals from the chairman of the Everton board which secures the club's long-term future. "As far as we are concerned we are still heads down with our project. We believe
"We hoped the Everton board would recognise the seriousness of our approach and allow us to go forward with our fans, but it is clear that until True Blue shareholders become true Everton shareholders than it's very difficult for anybody to take the club forward. "We are absolutely confident we can have £15m of investment in place for the September board meeting. We still believe that our way forward is the right way forward for Everton." On Friday Paul Gregg confirmed that Lord Grantchester was one of the major investors prepared to back his takeover. It seems, however, that the 53-year-old Labour peer was concerned at being portrayed as a potential Everton saviour and issued a statement claiming only preliminary discussions had taken place. When it was pointed out that the statement represented a major boost to Kenwright's cause - the Cheshire farmer who was forced off the Blues' board four years ago following a row with the current Chairman, issued his second statement. In the meantime manager David Moyes was left to try to select a side for tonight's friendly match at Sheffield Wednesday. The Blues play their final pre-season match against Real Sociedad at Goodison Park on Saturday - and it is believed that Paul Gregg intends to attend, his first appearance at a Blues' fixture there for more than 15 months.
Over-stretched Moyes forced to turn to gambling
Aug 3 2004 By David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
DAVID MOYES admits the boardroom crisis at Everton has left him "gambling" on the club's Premiership future this season. The Blues' boss - caught in the middle of a public takeover battle between Bill Kenwright and Paul Gregg - takes his threadbare squad to Sheffield Wednesday tonight for the penultimate friendly before the season kicks-off. And he admitted: "We will probably be gambling and we have to accept that. "We only had two outfield play-ers on the subs bench in Texas and we can't go on like this. It's ridiculous. "I have been saying for a while that we are as stretched as any football team I've ever known. I hope we can do something about it." At least Moyes can add Duncan Ferguson and possibly Alessandro Pistone and Steve Watson to his squad for tonight's trip to Hillsborough (kick-off 7.45pm) - a fixture the club was committed to when it was without a chief executive in the summer. The players only stepped off the plane from Texas mid-afternoon yesterday and Moyes admitted: "We have to accept the players will be suffering a bit from jet-lag but we'll go there and try our best to continue our build-up. "Because of that I wouldn't read too much into the team tonight, but maybe more at the end of the week." The Blues end their pre-season preparations with a home match against Real Sociedad on Saturday. Tonight's clash will be Wednesday's final game before they start their League One campaign against Colchester United on Saturday.
True Blue shambles
Aug 3 2004 Liverpool Echo Comment
HE'S behind you! Oh no he isn't ... oh yes he is!
And so the Goodison summer pantomime serves up its most farcical scene yet as Lord Grantchester issues a statement saying he's not backing Everton director Paul Gregg in his power struggle with Bill Kenwright. Then hours later, the shy peer and Littlewoods heir puts out another press release suggesting he sort of, well is , actually, backing Gregg. Or rather he's with him in his desire to build a new future and abolish True Blue Holdings, the sub-company which controls Everton.
It almost leaves you lost for words. But let's try just a few. Shameful. Hapless. Disgraceful. Those who don't care much for football must wonder why on earth any sane person would want anything to do with this debacle. Let alone devote their time, money and energy to supporting Everton week in, week out. But they do - because it's in their blood and they can't help but be there, in sickness and in health, for better and for poorer. Surely, though, even the most loyal Evertonians must now find their vows being tested to the limits, as the club they love is made to look more and more ridiculous by the day. Gregg's backer - if that's what he is - may be a private country man, but right now he looks like a nervous rabbit caught in the headlights. Nonetheless, Gregg, who made his fortune via Apollo Leisure, insists his mission remains intact today for the good of the club's future.
Bill Kenwright, who has found no money himself yet to invest in a wafer thin playing squad, is either keeping a dignified silence or burying his head in the sand. Evertonians have had enough of this embarrassment. The new season is about to start and manager David Moyes has a tough enough job on his hands without this endless nonsense getting in his way. What a way for those who claim they have Everton's best interests at heart to run a proud and distinguished football club.
Stubbs targets top 10 finish
Aug 3 2004 Liverpool Echo
EVERTON defender Alan Stubbs has targeted a top 10 place in the Premiership this season.
The centre-back believes the Blues must work hard to avoid a repeat of last season's disappointing finish of 17th place. "Next season we have to set ourselves a target of a top 10 finish," he said..
"The manager will demand that from us, the fans will demand that from us and the players will demand that of themselves too. "We proved two years ago it is achievable by hard work and a little bit of luck. We're not kidding ourselves. It will be tough, but our motto for the coming season has to be that we must do better." The 32-year old also believes the small size of Everton's squad could have helped their pre-season preparation. "During pre-season we have been working together in a small squad," he added. "That has helped us gel. Most of us have known each other for a while now but what has helped more is that all of the lads have been getting a game in the friendlies. "If we had a bigger squad maybe some of the lads who are here would not have had as much of a look in as they have had. "The morale is good, we are getting behind each other and we're ready to start from square one again."
'Kenwright should have sorted out the problems over investment two years ago'
Aug 3 2004 By Rob Brady And Tim Roberts, Liverpool Echo
EVERTON fans have been left bewildered and angry by the latest turn of events at Goodison. Blues fan John McEvoy said: "I can't think of another club with as many problems as Everton. The problem has been mismanagement on a grand scale over 10 years. "Bill Kenwright has not really done anything to improve the club. He is now running around looking for investment. "Why was he not doing that two years ago when we finished seventh in the league? Within one season the whole house of cards has collapsed because of a lack of investment. "I can't understand why they can't gain investment in a club with the best young player in the world and one of the most promising managers. "I don't think any Evertonians care where the money comes from. They need at least five more players. David Moyes must have the most difficult job in football." Supporter Phil Bartley added: "This time last year everyone was looking at Leeds and saying they would be relegated. Now they are looking at Everton and thinking the same. "This could be the year the Blues bite the dust unless they sort things out and get more players in before the season stars." Steve Allinson, chairman of the Everton Shareholders' Association, said: "It doesn't seem anyone knows what is going on. The fans have no clue as to what the right way forward is. "True Blue Holdings Ltd have already proven that they are not fit to run a jumble sale, let alone a Premier-ship football club.
" What was a public and embarrassing argument is now degenerating into a farce. It is clear to everybody that the directors of True Blue are further apart than ever. "They must finally recognise their responsibilities to the entire Everton community and dissolve. "Only then can we be certain that a decision on the future of our club will be made by shareholders of Everton . "If they dissolve they each have a reasonably large, but individual, shareholding. "If True Blue is dissolved at an EGM it will be a straightforward vote on what plans are put forward, bringing the decision back to Everton fans."
Blues' disabled squads on trial
Aug 3 2004 Liverpool Echo
TRIALS for Everton FC's adult disabled squads will be staged at Liverpool College Sports Centre on Monday, August 9 (7pm-9pm). All adult disabled footballers, male or female, are welcome to attend although these particular trials are for ambulant players primarily. Other opportunities for junior (under-16), blind and wheelchair users will available at a later date. The trials will be on an astroturf surface at Liverpool College Sports Centre, North Mossley Hill Road, Wavertree, and trainers are recommended, rather than boots. Everton will be co-ordinating eight different competitive disabled football squads for next season including amputee, deaf, partially sighted and five pan-disability (consisting of female, junior and three adult categories). For more details contact Steve Johnson or Mark Elliott on 0151 330 2307 or email community@evertonfc.com. Everton's summer soccer camp at St Edwards College, West Derby, is now completely full. There are places, though, left at the following venues: Hudson Primary School, Maghull (Aug 9-11), Victoria Park, Warrington (Aug 16-18) and Formby Junior Sports Club, Deansgate Lane, Formby (Aug 23-25). Courses run from 10am-2pm each day, and are for five to 12-year-old girls and boys. Cost is £40 for the three days with discounts for Jblue members and groups of two or more.
Everton captain offers £20,000 pendant reward
Aug 3 2004 Daily Post
EVERTON captain Kevin Campbell has offered a £20,000 reward for the return of a pendant stolen from controversial R&B singer Mark Morrison. Morrison, who has been signed to Campbell's record label, 2 Wikid Records, was arrested outside a nightclub on suspicion of assault as he allegedly tried to catch the robbers, his lawyers said yesterday. Morrison, who lives in Leicester, is releasing his comeback single today, after he was signed to Campbell's record label. The 32-year-old, who famously sent a lookalike to do a community service punishment for him, was thrown out of the Leicester club and arrested in the early hours of Sunday morning. He was questioned on suspicion of assault and affray before claiming he was the victim of a robbery and his attacker had escaped with a £10,000 necklace. The singer spent a night in custody after the incident at the After Dark club. His solicitor, Oliver D'Sa, said he was filing an official complaint to police following his arrest at around 12.30am. A spokeswoman for Leicestershire Police said: "We are investigating an allegation of assault and robbery against a 32-year-old man in a nightclub in Churchgate, Leicester, in the early hours of Sunday. "We are also investigating an allegation of affray and assault and arrested a 32-year-old man who was later released on police bail pending further inquiries." A spokeswoman for 2 Wikid said: "Ironically, Morrison's redemption single - in which he tries to explain his past brushes with the law - is released today." Campbell, who is chairman of 2 Wikid Records, has put up a £20,000 reward for the return of the pendant, which was custom-made for Morrison. The singer was taken to hospital for treatment. His solicitor said: "Mark Morrison was in a nightclub in Leicester when he was attacked by a man who punched him without warning and snatched his pendant around his neck which is worth around £10,000. "He was then trying to defend himself and tried to get his necklace back when the bouncer pushed himself and his attacker outside the nightclub. "The police arrived and Mr Morrison was arrested for affray. His attacker --the police simply took his name and address and released him."
Sheffield Wednesday 3, Everton 6 (D, Post)
Aug 4 2004 By Ian Doyle At Hillsborough, Daily Post
THE game no-one seemed to want ultimately provided Everton with further pre-season encouragement on the pitch last night (Tuesday 3 Aug). Coming barely 48 hours after their defeat to Club America in the Copa de Tejas in Houston, this was a fixture which David Moyes had privately been prepared to write off. Equally reticent - certainly judging by team selection - was Sheffield Wednesday manager Chris Turner, who fielded only three players expected to line up for their League One opener against Colchester on Saturday. Even the anticipated protests at the boardroom wrangling at Goodison failed to materialise, no doubt being kept in cold storage until Real Sociedad visit on Saturday for Everton's final pre-season fixture. But to their credit, what could have been an embarrassment turned into a romp as Everton's players showed few effects of jet lag to sweep aside Wednesday with a professional display. The trip to Houston has certainly had an influence. Beforehand, Everton had struggled against the likes of Crewe and Burnley. But the team spirit forged during that 10-day trip to the USA and the hard work both during training and the games themselves against Pachuca and Club America have had a galvanising effect. James McFadden was again the star turn in the roving role in which he clearly revels. Leon Osman and Kevin Kilbane also shone brightly but it was the overall team performance which will have pleased Moyes more, not to mention those six goals. The manager will no doubt have been less pleased by the three goals conceded, but with two coming in the final 12 minutes a clearly tiring visiting defence will probably be afforded some grace. If Everton's jet-setting players needed any reminder they were back in England, they need only have noted the weather. Although quite humid, the conditions were far removed from that experienced in Houston and with the rain falling, that retractable roof in the Reliant Stadium looked an even more attractive proposition. The lack of playing resources meant six of the players who began the game against Club America on Sunday were in the starting line-up last night. In fact, with Joseph Yobo the sole absentee from the USA travelling party and Duncan Ferguson absent with a foot injury, only youngsters Daniel Fox and Anthony Gerrard were added to the squad. It was a situation far from ideal but one with which Moyes had little alternative, given the well-publicised shortfall in squad strength. Wayne Rooney, who travelled with the players last night, cannot return soon enough. That said, the plethora of departures during the summer has afforded certain players an opportunity to impress they would not maybe normally have had, with Osman a significant beneficiary. And within 98 seconds last night the midfielder again strengthened his claims with a well-taken goal. Tony Hibbert's cross from the right fell slightly behind the 23-year-old, but Osman managed to wrap his right foot around the volley and crash the ball past David Lucas from 10 yards. The lead should have been extended moments later when McFadden slipped Kilbane in behind the Wednesday defence, but the Irishman dithered and his finish lacked conviction as he dragged his shot well wide of the goal. It was somewhat against the run of play when the home side drew level on 17 minutes. Alan Stubbs has not enjoyed the best of preseasons and after his Mistakes allowed Pachuca two goals last Thursday, he completed an unwanted hat-trick of errors when clearing Chris Marsden's long pass perfectly into position for Adam Proudlock to have a free run on goal. Although Nigel Martyn got a hand to the shot, the finish was too powerful for the Everton goalkeeper to repel. The setback failed to deter the visitors and they dominated the visitors and they dominated the remainder of the half. Osman was unfortunate to head over after jumping well to reach Kilbane's cross before a fine, flowing passing move ended with the winger cutting back for McFadden on the edge of the area, who took one touch before opening up to send a curling effort narrowly wide. The left flank proved a profitable avenue for Everton, and another good combination out of defence saw Gravesen free Kil-bane down the left. His pull back was behind Campbell, but the striker did enough to tee up the onrushing Carsley, who hammered the ball against the cross-bar from 25 yards. Another chance was then spurned when Wednesday defender Chris Carr threw himself in the way of McFadden's goalbound effort. Richard Wright replaced Martyn in goal at the break and he was a relieved man within minutes of the restart when Glenn Whelan's deep cross from the right beat everyone but Marsden blasted into the side-netting with the goal gaping. Everton made the most of the escape by finally making an opportunity count with a well-taken goal on 57 minutes. Gravesen's lofted a pass over the top with the outside of his foot towards Campbell, and after the striker turned inside past the last defender he side-footed in at the near post. The pair's reward was to be immediately substituted as Everton went goal crazy in the final quarter of the game. First McFadden dispossessed Paul Heckingbottom to race clear and blast past substitute goal-keeper Ola Tidman on 72 minutes. Three minutes later, a fine Kilbane run and cross found Steve Watson who stroked home from close range. Wednesday then reduced arrears minutes later when Jon Shaw put Guy-lain Ndumbu Nsungu clear to fire past Wright, but Kilbane responded 60 seconds later with the goal of the night, hammering a shot in off the crossbar from the left-hand edge of the penalty area. Watson made it six on 82 minutes with his second by tapping in after a corner had fallen to him, but it was Wednesday who completed the scoring with Ndumbu Nsungu hammering in three minutes from time. That's 12 goals in three games for Everton now. Moyes must hope they are keeping some in reserve for Arsenal in 11 days' time.
SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY (4-4-2): Lucas (Tidman 64); Greenwood, Heckingbottom, Carr, Cockerill; Shaw, Marsden (McMahon 75), Whelan, Smith (Evans 83); Proudlock (McGovern 68), Ndumbu Nsungu.
EVERTON (4-4-2): Martyn (Wright 46); Hibbert, Weir (Gerrard 83), Stubbs (Clarke 75), Pistone (Naysmith 46); Osman, Gravesen (Watson 58), Carsley, Kilbane (Fox 83); McFadden (Chadwick 72), Campbell (Bent 58).
REFEREE: Mr P Prosser. ATT: 9,613.
Moyes pondering late bid to snatch Carrick
By Ian Doyle, Daily Post
Aug 4 2004
EVERTON could emerge as rivals to Portsmouth for the signature of West Ham United midfielder Michael Carrick. The South Coast side yesterday lodged an offer believed to be in the region of £2million for the England under-21 international, who is almost certain the leave Upton Park and make a return to the Premiership. But Everton manager David Moyes last night revealed he may yet launch a late bid for the 23-year-old, provided he is supplied the funds. "Michael Carrick is one player we would certainly be interested in if we had the money to buy him," admitted Moyes. "But that's been a problem for a while now." The Scotsman watched his side romp to a 6-3 friendly victory over League One side Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough last night, despite the game coming less than 48 hours after Everton lost 3-1 to Club America in Houston. Leon Osman scored the opener but after Adam Proudlock equalised, the visitors stormed away in the second half with Kevin Campbell, James McFadden, Kevin Kilbane and Steve Watson (twice) finding the target.
Guylain Ndumbu Nsungu netted two late goals for Wednesday as Everton tired, but overall Moyes was encouraged by his team's performance. "The players did brilliantly and went the right way about it," he added. "I told them afterwards they did well. I tried to get as many of them off towards the end of the game to give them a rest." Youngsters Daniel Fox and Anthony Gerrard were handed their debuts for Everton during the second half, with Moyes admitting the duo may feature again in the first-team squad this season. "They did fine," said the manager. "They will need to be as responsible as the rest of the players once they are on the field. We lost two goals at the end.
"But we are trying to give them a run out and get used to things as we may need to call on them during the season." Moyes added: "The spirit is good among the players. We have built a momentum over the last week or so and I think we are doing well, which has shown in one or two results." He said: "The players are doing the best they can. We have all been dealt hands during our life that we do not like. "We just need to make sure we are as dignified as we can be and let our football do the talking. "The real stuff begins in the next fortnight and we have to make sure we are ready for that." James McFadden again impressed, and Moyes said: "We are using James McFadden a bit more now and he has responded with a few goals. "He still has a bit to learn but we can use him in a variety of positions."
* SOUVENIR programmes from Everton's trip to Houston for the Copa de Tejas are now available from the Everton Megastore and city centre store, price £2.
Gregg keeps up takeover battle
Daily Post
Aug 4 2004
PAUL GREGG insists he is the right person to lead Everton into a more prosperous future despite the flurry of statements from the man said to be backing his plans for an immediate £15 million injection into the club. Lord Grantchester, revealed last Friday as a supporter of Gregg's proposals, backtracked on Monday only for a second statement released hours later to re-iterate the former Board member's desire for change at the club and extra investment. After a week dominating the PR battle surrounding the power struggle between Gregg, and club chairman Bill Kenwright, it was the first public sign of a flaw in the campaign to see True Blue Holdings dissolved. Kenwright continues with his own plans for seeking investment, but refused to be drawn into the latest exchange of words. Privately he is dismayed over the way the future of the club is being fought out in public. However Gregg moved to assure fans confused by the latest twist in the tale and again looked to turn up the pressure on Kenwright. "This is just an indication of the frustration that everyone is feeling at True Blue's continued control of Everton Football Club," he said. "I was hoping that the future of the club would be resolved last Friday and it's very disappointing that we have reached today without seeing any evidence of fresh proposals from the chairman of the Everton board which secures the club's long-term future. "We are absolutely confident we can have £15m of investment in place for the September board meeting. We still believe that our way forward is the right way forward."
Sheffield Wednesday 3, Everton 6 (Echo)
Aug 4 2004 By David Prentice At Hillsborough
THIS was a friendly no-one wanted. But Everton and Sheffield Wednesday still managed to produce a very watchable nine-goal affair, far more entertaining than these fitness exercises usually offered.
The Toffees had only stepped off a plane from the United States 48 hours earlier; Wednesday kick off their League Two campaign on Saturday and started with only four players likely to begin against Colchester; it was a damp, murky summer's night - and there was a local bus strike. But still more than 9,000 turned up to watch a very professional performance from the Premiership side.
Six goals were converted - one thrillingly by Kevin Kilbane (above) - but the three goals disappointingly conceded could be put down to one schoolboy error, plus two in the closing stages when legs were tired. A succession of substitutions disrupted the side's shape, but there were reassuring performances from key individuals. During Everton's shock march to seventh place 15 months ago, Kevin Campbell, Steve Watson and Lee Carsley played unsung but influential roles.
Injury limited all three last term, but with a solid pre-season behind them they could make more of an impact again this season. None are in the flush of youth, but they possess a professionalism and an influence that is often overlooked in favour of more flashy performers. One of the flashiest is Duncan Ferguson. On the way over Snake Pass, seduced by the wild beauty of the Peak District moors, I had entertained notions of penning a romanticised call to arms to the enigma. On the eve of a new season - almost certainly his last in football - could Big Dunc give his adoring Evertonians a stirring swansong to remember him by, harking back to the days when the Tartan Talisman terrorised the tightest of defences? He didn't even get on the team bus. During the eight days Everton were in the States, Ferguson somehow managed to injure his foot. Wayne Rooney is also injured. But he came along for the trip to enjoy the galvanised team spirit we are told now courses through the squad. Everton took the lead inside two minutes. Tony Hibbert raced down the right and crossed for Leon Osman to turn cleverly and crash a rising drive into the net. Kilbane missed a good chance to make it two, before Stubbs guided a hasty pass across his own penalty box and straight into the path of Adam Proudlock. He comfortably accepted the gift. A classy left flank move in the 33rd minute ended with McFadden, pictured above, bending a shot narrowly wide, Carsley crashed a fierce effort against the crossbar, then Kilbane produced the kind of close range finish which left him thanking God the linesman's flag was raised for offside. Everton would happily have settled for a draw at the interval, but in the second half they ran riot. Gravesen cleverly flipped a ball over the Wednesday defence and Campbell controlled, dragged the ball inside his marker and finished neatly. It was their last touch of the night as both were substituted. McFadden then robbed the dawdling Heckingbottom - a defender as cumbersome as his name - and raced 30 yards before planting a firm shot past Tidman. He was instantly substituted as well. Three minutes later, Kilbane ended a mazy dribble with a pull-back for Watson to side foot firmly home. Guylain Ndumbu Nsungu pulled a goal back, then Kilbane cut inside from the left and fizzed a spectacular right-footed drive just under the angle of post and crossbar for the goal of the night. Following the fashion he, too, was instantly substituted. In the last 10 minutes, Daniel Fox and Anthony Gerrard were given first senior run-outs. They saw Watson hook in his second of the night off a defender, before Ndumbu Nsungu took advantage of the disruption in the Everton ranks to score his side's third.
It seemed to leave both sides satisfied. "What kind of workout was it for you," Wednesday boss Chris Turner was asked. "Fantastic!" he declared, daring anybody to disagree. Nobody did. Nine goals in a pre-season friendly no-one seemed to want was far better than anyone dared expect. SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY: Lucas (Tidman 64), Greenwood, Cockerill, Heckingbottom, Carr, Marsden (McMahon 75), Shaw, Whelan, Proudlock (McGovern 67), Ndumbu Nsungu, Smith (Evans 82).
EVERTON: Martyn (Wright 45), Hibbert, Stubbs (Clarke 75), Weir (Gerrard 82), Pistone (Naysmith 45), Osman, Carsley, Gravesen (Bent 58), Kilbane (Fox 80), Campbell (Watson 58), McFadden (Chadwick 72).
Referee: P. Prosser. Attendance: 9,613.
Goals: Osman (2) 0-1, Proudlock (14) 1-1, Campbell (57) 1-2, McFadden (71) 1-3, Watson (72) 1-4, Ndumbu Nsungu (77) 2-4, Kilbane (79) 2-5, Watson (81) 2-6, Ndumbu Nsungu (87) 3-6. STAR MAN : Kevin Kilbane.
Blues sign up Aussie Bosnar
Aug 4 2004 By David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
EVERTON have completed their third signing of the summer - with Australian defender Eddy Bosnar joining the club on a one-year deal from Sturm Graz. He is expected to make his debut in Saturday's friendly against Real Sociedad. The 24-year-old does not qualify for a work permit - not being a current international - but the Blues have sidestepped the problem with Bosnar playing in the UK on a Commonwealth working holiday visa. It gives manager David Moyes an extra body to work with, but further efforts at bringing in new faces look like failing on a lack of finance. The sale of Tomasz Radzinski effectively financed the deal for Tim Cahill, while Bosnar's arrival has already eaten in to the money made available by Tobias Linderoth's departure. It means interest in West Ham midfielder Michael Carrick looks doomed before it has even started. "He's one player we would certainly be interested in, but I don't think we have that money," said Moyes. Portsmouth have tabled a £2m bid for the player. The same problem will also prevent any Everton bid for Craig Moore, the Rangers defender whose proposed switch to Blackburn yesterday broke down on both personal terms and a medical problem. Everton officials, meanwhile, have said they are "baffled" by reports linking them with a buy-out of Spanish third division club UD San Pedro with Steve McMahon installed as director of football. Everton had reportedly pipped Charlton to a deal with the Marbella outfit. No-one at Goodison is aware of any deal.
* Season ticket sales at Everton have now topped 22,000 and tickets for the opening day of the season against Arsenal are on sale. Fans can pay at the turnstiles for Saturday's visit of Real Sociedad to Goodison (tickets priced £10 adults and £5 juniors). Official souvenir programmes from the club's recent tour of the USA are on sale from the club megastore, priced £2.
Mac tonic in lead role
Aug 4 2004 Liverpool Echo
DAVID MOYES hopes that wide boy James McFadden can sparkle on centre stage this season.
The Scottish winger has been used in a striking role during the Blues' pre-season campaign - and scored again from that position last night. Moyes feels he can flourish in that position. "James still has a lot to learn, but we want him to be able to play wide and up front for us," said Moyes. "He is getting a few goals and has a bit about him, but we also want him to play on the right and left when necessary." Moyes was very satisfied with his side's performance just 48 hours after returning from the USA. "The lads did brilliantly, didn't they? The way they went about things was great," he enthused. "We tried to get as many of them off as possible because they played on Sunday night in America and we just let them go home to get over the jetlag, turn up here, pull their boots on and play." Moyes also gave first senior run-outs to Daniel Fox and Anthony Gerrard and, while he admitted that neither were quite ready to make the step up regularly, the stretched nature of his first team squad meant that they may figure quicker than he would have hoped. "We lost goals in the end and I told them that when they come into the team they have to be responsible," added Moyes. "But if we have got nothing else they may have to figure. "We have built up momentum as far as the dressing room goes and we have a terrific togetherness, which was questioned - and that is showing in some of our results."
A new-look Pink
Aug 4 2004 Liverpool Echo
IT'S the Football ECHO, but not as we know it . . . From Saturday, August 14 the ECHO 's famous Pink will be kicking off early. And in a brand new kit! This season we're switching it from its traditional Saturday evening solo slot to give it away free inside your superb new Weekend ECHO . Packed with all your favourite columns and articles, we'll bring you upto-the-minute previews of the big games involving Liverpool, Everton, Tranmere and newly-promoted Chester. Our top pundits Barry Horne and John Aldridge will still be analysing the action and issues at Goodison and Anfield - and they'll be joined by a weekly celebrity columnist. Chris Bascombe, Scott McLeod and Rob Brady will bring you the inside tracks on Liverpool, Everton and Tranmere in their new columns: Blood Red, Royal Blue and Roverflow. There'll be fun and laughs too, with our ever-popular Football ECHO quiz, a sports crossword, caption competitions and lots more. You can get your views across to the clubs and the readers of Merseyside's best-selling newspaper in our weekly letters, text and emails section.
Fight fans can keep up with all that's happening in and out of the ring with Nick Peet's Seconds Out.
Stuart Rayner returns with his hilarious, not to be missed On the Bounce - taking a not-so-gentle side-swipe at football's characters from the good and the bad to the downright ugly. Corinthian will be back as usual, with Brian Flanagan casting his eye over the region's Saturday and Sunday leagues, plus all the latest tables each week once they hit their stride. In Racing Editor Mike Torpey's new Horsepower page, the ECHO 's top tipster will bring you the best for Saturday afternoon's races, plus we'll have Sunday's cards. And there's all the best local news and comment from the worlds of rugby league and rugby union as seen by John Lawless and Ron Roby. ECHO Sports Editor John Thompson said: "The Football ECHO has been published since 1888 on a Saturday night so this really is a landmark change in its proud history. "Some people will be disappointed at what is the end of a long and distinguished era - but it really is the start of an exciting new one for the Football ECHO.
"Times are changing fast thanks to new technology - and so many games being moved from their traditional Saturday afternoon kick-off times. "Liverpool and Everton have had no fewer than 17 fixtures moved from their traditional Saturday 3pm slot - and that's only up until the New Year. "We are re-inventing the Football ECHO for the current age. "All the familiar favourites will still be there, along with lots of great new features, in a superb-looking 24-page Pink which we're giving away free with the new-look ECHO every Saturday morning. "It's great for us that so many more people will now be able to read the Football ECHO. "And, of course, we'll still be there every Monday with the best of the action, reaction and analysis in our Monday Xsport pull-out - not to mention Junior Xsport every Tuesday from September." And the ECHO is planning a special, not to be missed final souvenir Football ECHO edition early next month, revisiting some of the greatest moments in Merseyside's sporting history and recalling how we captured them in the Saturday night Pink.
Dispute hitting Blues' future
Aug 4 2004 By Tommy Smith, Liverpool Echo
THE farcical twists and turns of the boardroom struggle at Everton is hardly the ideal preparation for a new season. The continuing Bill Kenwright-Paul Gregg saga has deflected attention away from David Moyes' problems of lack of finance for the team - and that cannot be right. Football is not about directors, egos and power, it is about the team and the fans. There has also been the unsettling speculation over Wayne Rooney's future. The off-field crisis and the club's lack of investment in the team does not help their cause over the young England striker's future.
Moyes' small squad only just survived the drop last season. With restraints on team-building again during pre-season things are no different. The fans have shown unstinted support in years of crisis for the team and they will continue to do so. But the team - and Moyes - needs support from within the club. The future depends on it.
Blues join racism fight
Aug 4 2004 Liverpool Echo
THE Merseyside Coalition Against Racism & Fascism (MCARF) has joined with Everton FC in the fight against racism. An advertising hoarding will be displayed at all Goodison's games in the coming season bearing the wording: Don't Let Racism in - Kick it Out. The hoarding, at the corner flag near the main stand and the Park End stand, will be seen by millions of people throughout the world during live games. The money for the hoarding has been raised by trade unions and sympathetic organisations including Ed Sweeney, general secretary of banking union Unifi, and Liverpool solicitors Begbies Traynor. Alec Mc Fadden, president of Merseyside Trades Councils and MCARF, said: "I'm delighted to have been approached by Everton and given the opportunity to display our anti-racist message."
Bosnar glad to finally settle down at Goodison
By Richard Williamson, Daily Post
Aug 5 2004
EDDY BOSNAR is looking forward to spending the next few days in the same country after a hectic schedule that ended in him becoming Everton's third signing of the summer. The Sturm Graz defender (right) has moved to Goodison Park on a one-year deal after shuttling between three countries in just five days. The Australian left-sided player had hoped to make his debut against Sheffield Wednesday on Tuesday, but his clearance from Austria failed to arrive in time. However Bosnar, who joins Marcus Bent and Tim Cahill as the summer arrivals at Everton so far, is looking forward to cutting down on the air miles and picking up his career on the pitch. "It's been quite a week," he admitted. "In the past seven days, I've travelled to Australia from Austria and I was there for five days - three of which were spent on the move. I got here on Tuesday morning, but didn't get the clearance to play against Sheffield Wednesday, but I think I'll be able to play against Real Sociedad." Bosnar had joined the Everton first-team squad in Koflach in Austria on a pre-season training camp where he did enough to impress the coaching staff to earn his opportunity. The former Australian Under-20 international, who was already known to Alan Irvine following a trial at Blackburn Rovers, added: "I was out for a week training with the lads in Austria, but before that, Alan Irvine came out to watch me play in a game - the Canberra derby and I did quite well, so that's how the contact started. But I must have done all right in Austria - otherwise I wouldn't have been here now! "I'm looking forward to working on my game with the players who play in my position and the coaching staff and getting to know everyone better." Bosnar will already know one of the faces at Goodison - fellow newcomer Cahill. He said: "I know Tim very well - we grew up together. I suppose I'm one step ahead of him at the moment, because I've met the lads and played for the team, so I'll help him settle in."
Gregg meets supporters over proposals
Exclusive by Richard Williamson Daily Post Sports Editor
Aug 5 2004
PAUL GREGG will today step up his campaign to convince Evertonians that his proposals for the future of the club are genuine by holding a series of meetings with supporters' groups. The Goodison Park director is locked in a power struggle with chairman Bill Kenwright over future control of the Premiership club. Gregg, who has not attended a home Everton game in more than a year, insists he has £15million ready for an immediate cash injection to the club with plans for a share issue to raise a further £15m. But his plans depend on the chairman stepping down and True Blue Holdings, which was set up to allow Kenwright to take over the club from Peter Johnson, being dissolved. Kenwright continues to remain unconvinced by the validity of Gregg's propsals while fans have been equally sceptical. But today Gregg will meet with representatives from Evertonian websites bluekipper, ToffeeWeb and Speke from the Harbour as well as pressure group Everton for Change and the Everton Shareholders Association. The meetings will be on an individual basis with Gregg taking the opportunity to press home his vision for the future, assure fans of his long-term commitment and answering questions from supporters frustrated by the increasingly drawn out public infighting between members of the club's board. Carl Roper, spokesperson for Everton for Change, said they would be looking for Gregg to finish what he started by going public with his proposals on the day Trevor Birch resigned as chief executive after just six weeks in the job.
"We want honesty, clarity, commitment and ambition and for it all to add up to give Evertonians hope for the future," he said. "We will be urging Mr Gregg not to make the mistakes of the past when we feel we have been drip fed bits and pieces which have been sugar coated. "We want to hear that his commitment is serious, what future role he intends to take and that whoever is chairman it will be a full-time role." Roper, who urged Kenwright to also engage with fans' groups, believes Gregg does have a credibility battle to win. "When fans fork out good money to watch every week and he can't even make use of his free seat, then there is obviously a credibility problem," he added. "Twenty-two thousand season ticket holders have just had to convince their nearest and dearest about meeting the latest price hike and they are probably not looking forward to the season. "But this is something Gregg started when he outlined his plans and then told us Lord Grantchester was supporting him. "Grantchester's flip-flop this week was damaging and he now needs to restore belief in what he is proposing. "Everyone agrees the status quo cannot remain, but we are still waiting to see what Bill Kenwright is proposing to do about it." Nick Williams, secretary of the Shareholders Association, who expect their petition for an EGM to result in a specially convened meeting in early September, says they will also be seeking assurances but do not expect to receive all the details. "The details of Gregg's proposals should be heard by the board first and not at individual meetings with fans' groups," he said. "But one of the things we will want to know is why he is acting now when he has been in a position to do so in the past and what his long-term objectives are. "We are already calling for the dissolution of True Blue Holdings and we believe all the individuals involved are culpable for our problems today and our position on that will not change."
Pompey leading Carrick chase
By Richard Williamson, Daily Post
Aug 5 2004
EVERTON will need to use all their powers of persuasion if they are to prise Michael Carrick out of the clutches of Portsmouth. Manager David Moyes admitted after the 6-3 win over Sheffield Wednesday that he was interested in signing the West Ham midfielder. Portsmouth had moved into pole position by making a club record £2.5million bid, only to be told the terms of their proposal were unacceptable. However further negotiations are due to take place today, which leaves Everton with ground to make up. West Ham manager Alan Pardew fears that the East London club has little option but to sell the midfielder to safeguard their long-term future. And Portsmouth chairman Milan Mandaric believes he is the kind of quality signing they need at Fratton Park. "The fact that we are prepared to break our transfer fee record to get Michael Carrick shows the direction in which this club is still moving," he said.. However Everton chairman Bill Kenwright continues to work behind the scenes to give manager Moyes some financial leeway in the transfer market, although at the moment the only money readily available will be the balance of Tobias Linderoth's departure to Copenhagen. Moyes is keen to ensure the club's focus remains on resolving Wayne Rooney's future, despite the off-field distraction of a power struggle within the boardroom. Chairman Kenwright and fellow director Paul Gregg have become caught up in a public struggle over the future direction and control of the club. Rooney, who is not yet ready to play a game after breaking a bone in his foot during Euro 2004 but sat on the bench in Sheffield on Tuesday night, has yet to decide whether to pledge his future to the club by signing a new long-term contract worth £50,000 a week.
Moyes said: "We would like Wayne to remain an Everton player and hopefully that will happen," he said. "But the board situation has taken the attention away from the fact that we need to get Wayne's contract sorted out. "What's happened with the board has interfered with that and we've lost our focus and direction which should, hopefully, be to get some new players, prepare the team for the Premiership and see if we can get Wayne Rooney to stay at Everton." Moyes, who would also like to add another centre half to the squad and has been monitoring the breakdown of Craig Moore's move to Blackburn, continued: "I didn't want to get into a situation like last year where we brought four players in on deadline day and that affected the start we had to the season. The players who came in did exceptionally well but it took them time to get bedded in. "But I've got to say the people behind the scenes are trying to get money for me to get players. If they can do that, then that's all I can ask, and they've always done it in the past." Moyes also took time to thank the supporters for getting behind their team at Sheffield. "The supporters have been terrific throughout, as they always are, but if ever we need them, it is now - no matter what side they're on, it's up to them to keep the club going," said Moyes.. "They always will do, because Everton Football Club is bigger than any one manager, any one player or, dare I say it, any one chairman."
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Daily Post
Aug 5 2004
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Blues in bid for Carrick
Aug 5 2004 By David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
EVERTON have lodged a formal bid for West Ham midfielder Michael Carrick. But that swoop will not be financed by the sale of Thomas Gravesen to Liverpool. A national newspaper report today claimed the Blues were planning the controversial sale of the Dane to their neighbours. Boss David Moyes said, however: "I've heard the rumours and I was aware a newspaper was going to run with it, but we've had no contact whatsoever from anyone at Liverpool nor from Thomas's representatives. "I've said all along I don't want to be without Thomas and that remains the case."
Moyes' squad is so thin that only an offer he could not realistically refuse would persuade him to sell Gravesen. That would have to be considerably in excess of the £2.5m quoted in today's report.
Moyes must balance his signings with sales, and with West Ham demanding £3m for an unproven Premiership performer like Carrick, he knows it would cost at least that sum to replace Gravesen.
Everton lodged a bid for Carrick yesterday, believed to be in the region of £2.5m. But Portsmouth have broken their club record with a similar bid and both clubs are waiting for a response from the Hammers. A third Premiership club is also believed to have expressed interest yesterday and if an auction for Carrick's services develops, Everton would be priced out of the transfer.
One player they have secured, Australian defender Eddy Bosnar, has spoken of his delight at joining the Blues. "It's been quite a week," he said. "In the past seven days, I've travelled to Australia from Austria and I was there for five days - three of which were spent on the move. "I got here on Tuesday morning, but didn't get the clearance to play against Sheffield Wednesday. But I think I'll be able to play against Real Sociedad." The former Australian under-20 international was known to Blues' assistant-boss Alan Irvine following a trial at Blackburn Rovers, and he added: "I was out in Austria training with the lads for a week, but before that Alan Irvine came out to watch me play in a game - the Canberra derby - and I did quite well. So that's how the contact started. "I'm looking forward to working on my game with the players who play in my position and the coaching staff and getting to know everyone better." There is one face, however, which will already be familiar to Bosnar - fellow newcomer Tim Cahill. "I know Tim very well," he explained. "We grew up together. I suppose I'm one step ahead of him at the moment because I've met the lads and played for the team, so I'll help him settle in." Former Everton chief-executive Trevor Birch, meanwhile, has been approached to take over as chief of operations at the England and Wales Cricket Board. Fans can pay at the turnstiles for Saturday's visit of Real Sociedad to Goodison Park (admission £10 and £5).
Gregg's promise to fans - if he can win
Aug 5 2004 By Mike Hornby, Liverpool Echo
EVERTON director Paul Gregg met Blues fans and promised a better future for the club - if he wins the boardroom battle. Mr Gregg is locked in a long row with Everton chairman Bill Kenwright for control of the club and has promised to bring in new investors and more money. Mr Gregg was meeting seven invited groups at Liverpool's Radisson SAS hotel in Old Hall Street today with organisations including the Independent Supporters' Club, fanzines, and fan websites. Speaking exclusively to the ECHO, he issued a fresh ultimatum to Bill Kenwright, saying: "This is about trying to find a way forward. "Everton is a great club but it's just going through a tough time at the moment.
"It's frustrating from my point of view that the club can't move on until True Blue Holdings is dissolved. "It needs sorting as soon as possible." Asked about the current ridicule which is being heaped on the club by rivals, Mr Gregg added: "I don't think it is being ridiculed, I think it's just trying to find a way forward." The boardroom wrangle has seen Everton making headlines for all the wrong reasons in recent weeks, and left anxious fans demanding answers. Carl Roper, of the Everton For Change group, met Mr Gregg for the first time at the event and said giving the club a stable future had to be a priority. Mr Roper said: "We got the chance to do what all Everton fans want to do and look Paul Gregg in the eye. "We asked about his motivation and his commitment to the club. "He knows he's got a lot of work to do to earn credibility with the supporters. "Clearly, he is a successful businessman and by his own acknowledgement he's not an Everton supporter, but he sees the potential in the club, and if he realises that potential his investment will be returned." Asked whether Mr Roper or the Everton for Change group would now be backing Mr Gregg in his bid, Mr Roper added: "It's not about individuals, it's about the future of our football club. "All we are saying to him is that in all dealings with the fans he should be honest and clear about his intentions. "If Kenwright had any form of plan or investors waiting in the wings we wouldn't have this farce. Kenwright has had four years and he's failed."
My club sold short by same old mistakes
Aug 5 2004 By David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
DAVID UNSWORTH has hit out at the men in control of Everton - and fears history has repeated itself at the club. Defender Unsworth ended a 12-year association with the Blues this summer when he joined Portsmouth. But he takes no pleasure from seeing his former club at the centre of a bitter public takeover battle - or his current club outbid the Blues for players like Michael Carrick. In fact, the boardroom wrangle has angered Unsworth, and he snapped: "It's a shambles. Just when the club wants real men to stand up and show leadership, we've got divisions at the highest level. "I'm amazed, first and foremost, by the timing of it all. "Yet again Everton are in the papers for the wrong reasons - but I shouldn't be surprised because I've seen it all before. "It goes back to Joe Royle's time as manager, when we won the FA Cup then finished a very, very respectable sixth. "Joe wasn't supported in the transfer market, he was forced to leave and the rot really began to set in. "History repeated itself when David Moyes came in and we finished seventh. "It was a phenomenal turn-around and that was the time when we needed investment to build on it. "It's all very well trying to make £15m available now. The time we needed it was two years ago, not now. It's a bit like shutting the stable door after the horse has bolted." Unsworth also called on the Blues' board to accept responsibility for the problems the club currently endures. "People are quick to get on players' backs when things go wrong," he said "but the board has consistently acted diabolically. "If the board members were footballers they would be getting an unbelievable amount of stick. "They have got away scot free. "I can speak from afar now, without the restrictions of being employed by the club, and it's shocking to see how the board of directors are behaving. "Players have always had to stand up and take responsibility and now it's time the boardroom did just that. It's no exaggeration to say we could be facing a Leeds United situation, God forbid, unless things are sorted quickly. Despite his concern for the club he left behind, Unsworth has enjoyed his first few weeks on the south coast. "When you have been at the same club for as long as I have, any change is a shock to the system," he said.. "But I've worked with Harry Redknapp before at West Ham so there is some familiarity, and the lads have been great. "There was a great deal of professional sadness at leaving Everton.
"But I'm 30-years-old and my priority had to be my family. If I was a young, single lad my decision might have been different. "But Portsmouth offered me the security of three years while Everton only offered me a one-year extension with a big pay reduction, before they bumped it up to two years. "I didn't ask for the world. I just asked for what I thought I was worth and Portsmouth gave it to me. "The fans here seem to have just as much passion for their club as the Evertonians - there just aren't as many of them. "And I'm still wearing a blue and white shirt which is important to me psychologically - although the socks are red which is the only snag!" Unsworth hopes his former club aren't left red-faced by the boardroom bust-up this summer.
Transfer fees an endangered species
Aug 5 2004 Liverpool Echo
FOOTBALL'S leading finance experts are predicting the demise of the transfer fee for all but the biggest stars. While Chelsea continue to spend Roman Abramovich's money as if it was going out of fashion, elsewhere in the professional game belts are being tightened as never before.
In their latest 'Annual Review of Football Finance', Deloitte and Touche reported a staggering 50 per cent decline in the cash clubs spent on new players. The figures are based on the 2002-3 season - before Abramovich arrived on the scene. The overall £203million budget was exactly half the previous year's spending. The 20- team Premier League - slashing its costs in the hunt for Bosman bargains - cut down by 41 per cent to £187m. In the Football League, the situation is even more acute. Outside the top flight only £16m was spent on transfer fees - a massive 81 per cent decrease. According to Dan Jones, sports business group partner at Deloitte and Touche, the trend is set to continue. He said: "We have been saying for a few years that eventually transfer fees will only be paid for the star players. "The process is not going to occur instantly but finally clubs are starting to abandon what we have always thought to be the risky strategy of buying players in the belief that if things go wrong, they can always be sold.
"Long-term, that is an unsustainable position."
Money matters
Premiership clubs with biggest net debt, 2002-03: Fulham £133m; Leeds £78m; Chelsea £75m; Arsenal £60m; Middlesbrough £57m; Man City £50m; West Ham £45m; Newcastle £43m; Bolton £38m; Sunderland £36m Lowest wages to turnover, 2002-03): West Brom 41%: Man Utd 45%; Newcastle 47%; LIVERPOOL 52%; Birmingham 54%
Blues flying the flag for fans
Aug 5 2004 Liverpool Echo
EVERTON are reminding visitors to their Goodison Park stadium that they are the People's Club of Merseyside! The club has hoisted 11 enormous banners around the ground - which will hang there all season - featuring images of their supporters. They include veteran fans - two 96-year-olds and a 93-year-old - babies,, season ticket holders, corporate fans, husband and wives, family groups, grandparents and grandchildren, teenagers and 20-30 somethings.
And one banner paying tribute to Bernard Murphy, the Evertonian who tragically lost his life in an accident at Leicester City last season. The Blues advertised in the ECHO for fans to come forward to be pictured for the banners. The fans selected were invited back to Goodison Park on Wednesday to see the finished product. The oldest was 96-year-old Norman Hill, while the youngest was Ella Mordecai at just nine months old.
Moyes desperate to get Rooney signed up
August 05, 2004
Manchester Evening News
DAVID Moyes has admitted that the infighting at Everton might have hit their chances of persuading Wayne Rooney to sign a new contract. The 18-year-old striker has so far failed to put pen to paper on a new deal that would make him the highest earner in the club's history on around '55,000 per week. But with Manchester United at the head of a queue of clubs waiting to pounce for the England international, Moyes is worried that a turbulent summer has taken Everton's focus away from securing their prize asset on a lengthy deal. "It's important that we get Wayne Rooney's contract sorted out and I think what's been happening with the Board has interfered a little bit with that and lost the focus and direction," Moyes told Everton's official site. "That has hopefully been to get some new players and to prepare the team for the Premiership and one of the other things is to see if we can get Wayne Rooney to stay at Everton."
Wayne lands get-out clause
Aug 6 2004 By David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
EVERTON are ready to offer Wayne Rooney a get-out clause to persuade him to sign his new contract. And the indications are that the youngster will stay if the parties can agree on a suitable release figure. Goodison officials want a bid in the region of 30m to trigger the clause. Rooney's advisors, however, want a lower sum, fearing such a large fee may scare off potential buyers. No new deal has yet been drawn up. But the compromise has been discussed and both parties are agreeable in principle. If Rooney signs, the getout clause would offer the striker the opportunity to leave at the end of the season, provided any interested club met the stated asking price. Everton's move for Michael Carrick, meanwhile, looks like being hijacked. Arsenal were reported to have lodged a £3m bid last night, while Tottenham and Crystal Palace have also joined Portsmouth and Everton in the hunt for the West Ham midfielder. The Blues had still not had a response this morning to their £2.5m bid, but it looks increasingly likely that the player will stay down south. New face Eddy Bosnar will be in the squad for tomorrow's pre-season friendly against Real Sociedad at Goodison Park, but is unlikely to start. The Blues also have doubts over Alessandro Pistone (thigh) and Duncan Ferguson (sore foot). Entry to the ground is by payment at the turnstile, £10 adults and £5 juniors, but the Main Stand and Top Balcony will be closed while work is completed on both sections of the ground. Boardroom rivals Bill Kenwright and Paul Gregg are both expected to attend the match - Gregg for the first time in 15 months. Kick-off is 3pm. Everton's squad numbers have been announced for the new season, meanwhile, with Marcus Bent handed the number seven shirt. Most existing players retain last season's numbers - with Tomasz Radzinski's and David Unsworth's number eight and six jerseys left vacant for further arrivals before the transfer deadline.
Everton wait on West Ham's next move
By Ian Doyle, Daily Post
Aug 6 2004
EVERTON will wait and see if West Ham lower their asking price for Michael Carrick after making an offer for the England midfielder. The Goodison club yesterday lodged a bid for the 23-year-old (right) worth an initial payment of £2.5million rising to £3m based on appearances. West Ham are holding out for £3.5m for their most prized asset, but Everton refuse to meet the Coca-Cola Championship side's valuation for a player who is out of contract in less than 12 months' time..
David Moyes allowed Tomasz Radzinski to depart Goodison for £1.9m last month after finding himself in a similar contractual position with the Canadian international. Portsmouth, who had a club record £2.5m bid for the player rejected this week, have submitted an improved offer and Premiership rivals Crystal Palace have also confirmed their interest. But any suggestion Liverpool are also interested in the Upton Park favourite was last night refuted by officials at Anfield. Carrick, however, is believed to prefer a move to Everton with West Ham conceding the player has almost certainly played his last game for the club as he seeks a return to the Premiership. Hammers manager Alan Pardew said: "There are more than two clubs involved now and rightly so because he's a top class player. "Michael leaving was something we knew would happen as soon as we lost the play-off final to Palace last season. We need the money. I've tried to make him stay but he wouldn't sign a new contract." Portsmouth chairman Milan Mandaric was yesterday confident he can broker a deal to bring Carrick to Fratton Park. "I know of Everton's interest and I am not surprised because there is always going to be competition for a player of his calibre," said Mandaric. "But I have had a long dialogue with West Ham's chairman Terry Brown and improved our offer. "I believe we should be there but they wanted to sleep on it." Palace are also hoping to prise Carrick away from Upton Park but have conceded the player himself has doubts over whether to make the move across London. Eagles manager Ian Dowie said: "We made a bid that I think is very reasonable and we will see what happens. "Michael is a player I like and admire. I would like to think he would find it interesting to come to our club. I think Michael has been saying that this would not be the right move for him, but I don't understand that." New signing Marcus Bent will be Everton's new number seven after the club announced the new official squad numbers yesterday. Fellow new boys Tim Cahill and Eddy Bosnar are numbers 17 and 23 respectively, Nick Chadwick moves from 30 to 19, and Leon Osman takes over the number 21 shirt.
* EVERTON's new home kit is on sale today. The kit will be produced and distributed under licence by retailing giants JJB Sports, and the launch marks the start of the biggest kit deal in the club's history.
Bank officials show yellow card to Everton
By Bill Gleeson, Daily Post
Aug 6 2004
EVERTON Football Club has been warned by its bank that it could be placed into administration if it oversteps its overdraft limit. Barclays has told Everton it will not extend the club's limit beyond the current £5m. In addition to its overdraft facility, Everton has debts of £30m owed to City investment bank Bear Stearns. Further sums are owed to other football clubs for past player purchases.
A source close to the talks between Everton and its bankers said: "Those talks are robust and the word administration has been mentioned." The Daily Post understands that the threat is not imminent but, under new Premiership rules, if the club is placed into administration later in the season, it would have nine points deducted from its league total, a move that would make relegation much more likely. Everton would also be prevented from buying any more players while in administration. In a statement yesterday, Barclays Bank said: "We always work with customers to achieve a mutually acceptable solution and talks with Everton are ongoing." Those talks included a meeting yesterday. Club director Paul Gregg acknowledged Everton was in talks with Barclays about its overdraft facility, but denied that it had been threatened with administration. Mr Gregg said: "The bank is having one of its regular meetings with the club. The club is living comfortably within its facility and will continue to do so. We are aware the club needs new investment, but it doesn't impact on us on a day to day basis. "The club is confident of their (Barclays) support." But the fact Everton has an overdraft at all marks a significant deterioration on the £5m Everton had in the bank a year earlier. According to a source close to the club, it must raise new finance if it is to continue trading throughout the coming season. A combination of factors, including a reduction in television revenues and debts due on past transfers, mean Everton's bank balance will get critical before the end of next season, unless new money is found. Revenue from broadcasting was worth £25.1m in the year to May, 2003, according to Everton's most recent accounts. That hefty sum was earned during a season in which the Goodison Park side finished seventh. Last season, however, Everton slipped 10 places to finish just one spot above the relegation zone. Television revenue falls away by £600,000 per final league place under the Premier League's formula for sharing out the money between clubs. As a consequence, Everton's television revenues will be £6m less in the accounts for the year to May, 2004, due to be published in autumn. In addition, the Premier League's deal with BSkyB means the bulk of broadcast payments are received by clubs towards the end of the three-year contract. This coming season is the first year of the latest deal, making it a relatively lean year for television money. The club's accounts for the 2002/3 season show trade creditors of £9m, which is money largely owed to other teams for players bought in the past. According to the Daily Post's source, this figure will be similar next year. The cash flow troubles at Everton have not been helped by the fact that manager David Moyes has spent £10m more on buying players than he has recovered from sales. Duncan Ferguson and Kevin Campbell earn £2m a year each, adding to the strain on finances. The pair contribute to a wage bill that helped keep Everton firmly in the red at the end of the 2002/3 season. The club's profit and loss account showed a loss for the year of £13m.
The year before that, the club shows a profit of £1.5m, but that was achieved only after including the proceeds from the sales of Michael Ball to Rangers and Francis Jeffers to Arsenal. Stripping out those sales reveals that in the year to May, 2002, Everton incurred an operating loss of £11m. The financial troubles have meant that cost-cutting has had to be introduced. Everton's squad currently has less than 25 first-team professionals, meaning the Blues are likely to start next season with one of the thinnest squads in the Premier League. That should keep the wage bill down. The likelihood of Everton going into administration is low while the club has a saleable asset in the form of Wayne Rooney. If a fee in the range of £20m to £30m is achieved, it would be enough to keep the club going for two more seasons. Dr Rogan Taylor, head of the University of Liverpool's Football Industry Unit, said: "Paul Gregg is a rich man and it's not beyond his ability to raise £15m from his own funds. The sale of Wayne Rooney would not stem the tide for long. That would not be a long-term solution."
Is club on same path as Leeds?
Daily Post
Aug 6 2004
LEEDS United were the last Premiership club to be threatened with administration when they went into financial meltdown last season. However, they managed to stave the threat off long enough to find a new buyer. But it did not prevent their slide into the First Division at the end of the season, completing one of the most dramatic declines of the modern era. It was only three years ago that then manager David O'Leary led a young and emerging side to the Champions League semi-final.
But Leeds then lurched to disaster in a shambles of financial mismanagement, the sale of top players and managerial changes. Leeds ended last season with fewer than 40 points, compared with the 1999/2000 season when they finished with 69 points and qualified for Champions League football.
Peter Ridsdale stepped down as chairman in March, 2003, after six years at the helm. During his reign, he sanctioned almost £100m of transfer spending, but the strategy hinged totally on a permanent place in the Champions League. When the club failed to hit the target in 2001, the meltdown started. After O'Leary was sacked, the club had a succession of managers - Terry Venables, Peter Reid and Eddie Gray - but nothing could prevent them slipping out of the Premiership.
Fans remain underwhelmed as Gregg attempts to charm them over to his side
By Mark Hookham Daily Post Staff
Aug 6 2004
0ShareEVERTON fans last night gave millionaire Paul Gregg a lukewarm reception after he launched a charm offensive. The businessman hoped to win over the club's supporters in his campaign to oust chairman Bill Kenwright and inject new cash into the club. He arranged seven separate half hour meetings with around 20 fanzine writers and Internet site editors in the foyer of Liverpool's Radisson Hotel. Everton has been in a state of crisis for a fortnight with former friends Gregg and Kenwright locked in a struggle for control of the club. Gregg claims to have three investors willing to inject £15m into the club, but only if True Blue Holdings, which owns 72% of Everton, dissolves and Kenwright resigns. Kenwright has refused to hand-over control of the board because Gregg will not tell him exactly who his investors are and how much they each want to commit. Frank Hargreaves and Colin Berry from Toffeeweb internet site said Gregg failed to convince them that he had the best interests of the club at heart. Mr Hargreaves said: "The thing he wouldn't tell us is who his investors were. I found that very disappointing. It just makes you believe that he is in exactly the same boat as Kenwright. "We asked him whether he could dissolve True Blue without Bill's permission. He told us that legally he believes he could do that, if it came to that. "I said to him at one point that he was talking nonsense. You talk for an hour and get nowhere. "The slight thing we did get out of it was that he said he was thinking about going 18 months ago but he wants a return on his investment. He said he wants a return and more. The majority of fans will accept that - they know he is a businessman." Steve Jones and Paul McIver, founders of Bluekipper website, presented Gregg with 600 emails with questions from fans across the world. During the last week a total of 30 fans have contacted the Bluekipper website offering a total of £75,000 to be donated towards manager David Moyes's team-building efforts. Mr Jones, 45, from Aintree, said: "We are getting 95,000 hits a day at the moment - Everton fans across the world are deeply worried about what is going on.
"We initially got a pledge of £20,000 from four people. Then more money started to be pledged. We have just had to say that's not what we are about but it shows the depth of commitment among Everton fans." The pair asked Gregg twenty questions of their own but said they learnt nothing new about the millionaire's intentions. Mr McIver, 49, who is a building society manager, said: "It was just very basic PR stuff really. He wouldn't give details of his investors. He just said that Kenwright hadn't given any details of investors either. "I still think this is just like two school boys - one saying something and then the other saying something completely different." But Carl Roper, of pressure group Evertonians for Change, said he was impressed with Gregg's honesty and believes Kenwright must step down. He said: "As a normal Evertonian I have no reason to doubt what he has looked me in the eye and said. "He said that he had made a mistake in not turning up to more games. He has said he wants to reconstruct the board. Kenwright has had years to find investors but has not come up with the goods." Gregg said the fans had told him they want a change in the way the club is controlled. He told the Daily Post: "This wasn't a matter of winning them over. It was about listening to their ambitions for the club. "They are passionate and they are ambitious and they have told me the club needs to change and needs new investment to go forward."
Owls show the need for wise heads
By Mark O'Brien Everton Supporter, Daily Post
Aug 6 2004
SIX GOALS and the signature of Eddie Bosnar; things are looking up. Seriously though, it was nice to see Everton cruising to victory and knocking the ball about in midweek, even if it was only against an apparently weakened second division side. It doesn't seem so long ago that Benito Carbone was intercepting back-passes at Goodison for Sheffield Wednesday, yet now their biggest draw is Chris Marsden. The Owls' is a salutary lesson for us all, but it's one that seems to have been paid little heed at Everton. The boardroom division between Paul Gregg and Bill Kenwright seems wider than ever while the Barclays Bank are now rumoured to be concerned about how close the club are drifting towards their overdraft limit. With the present chair-man's position so weak it would seem that the way is wide open for Gregg to state his case from a position of overwhelming strength.
And the ex-SFX man has gave the supporters a glimmer of hope with his talk of £15million of new investment, but then it was revealed that the one backer he talked up, Lord Grantchester, hasn't seen any plan and hasn't actually pledged any money. Which leaves us all wondering, who exactly are the real backers and why is Gregg so reticent to reveal them? And just what is the point of getting a public relations firm to invite fanzine and website editors to private meetings? If he wants the backing of the supporters he should just come out in the local and national press and convince all the fans and Bill Kenwright that he does have the club's best interests at heart. The fans are justifiably upset and confused about what's happening to their club, with rumours circulating about protests at tomorrow's game against Real Sociedad. If anyone thinks that such waving banners and singing 'Sack the board' will provoke a mystery benefactor to cough up £50m then by all means strip the bed linen and crack open a fresh tin of emulsion. In reality though, all any protest is going to do though is give the Reds something have a chuckle over. Now more than ever is the time for clear heads, not hysteria. What we the supporters must do is stick together and make sure we back David Moyes and the players he sends out onto the pitch, because as the manager said in midweek, this season they are going to need us more than ever.
Show unity
Post Soapbox, Icliverpool & Daily Post
Aug 6 2004
Show unity
LISTEN to what Sir Philip Carter says: "We start the season very soon. I think the fans just have to look forward, keep on buying the season tickets and coming to watch the team. "Everton is about football. It is about the team and about the players and that's really what we should concentrate on." Show unity and mutual support, prove that you are Blue for ever!
John Trondheim (via e-mail)
Last time
I RENEWED my season ticket in early June, but looking at the depressing reality our club now finds itself in, I'm thinking of making this my last one. Although we have a good manager, a large and loyal fan base, a good youth system and an excellent new training ground on the way, it just isn't enough. All that can save us now is a group of investors willing to put up £150m over five years to build a new stadium and to buy in at least three decent players each season. Sadly that just isn't going to happen. We'll be lucky if we get £20m for Rooney now when everybody knows he's worth at least £35m. Let's support our great club 100% in its hour of need next season, but we have to face the fact that EFC is now on its death bed!
Chris Gloucester (via e-mail) Bosnar boost
EDDIE BOSNAR is a good signing. Let's hope he can play well with Yobo and that we get Carrick as well. Come on the Blues.
Tom Davis (via e-mail)
Two choices
REGARDLESS of whether Paul Gregg has the money to convert his dream into reality, Bill Kenwright has two options facing him currently. They are (1) bring in a swag of money now (not later) and allocate a large lump of it to David Moyes to build up his squad and (2) disband True Blue Holdings immediately so that investment can be sought and gained. The business structure of TBH is the single most important factor mitigating against the future of Everton Football Club. How many times does Mr Kenwright need to be told this - and by how many informed people - before he listens?
Laurie Bennett (via e-mail)
Blue disgrace
EVERTON are an absolute disgrace. This summer has been purgatory for David Moyes and the fans, and the people who purport to run the club should be ashamed of themselves. I am sure that certain wealthy individuals will have spoken to Bill Kenwright about making an investment in the club. However, what seems to matter more is the battle for power in the boardroom between Messrs Kenwright and Gregg. If this carries on, Everton will be relegated and faced with a difficult job to get back up. And, it hurts to say, deservedly so.
Patrick Hart, Liverpool
Relying on 'Blue' Berry is fruitless
Aug 6 2004 By David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
NO stone is being left unturned in the search for an Everton saviour. Philip Green, Terry Leahy, Mike McComb . . . the Aga Khan. Bill Kenwright has searched high and low for investors willing to touch the business equivalent of bankrupt stock. Then when someone promising to offer £15m does turn up, he won't tell us who's putting it up. But it is surely the latest rejection which will hurt Blue Bill the most. Because it comes from someone from his own walk of life. That breed of superstar who has so much disposable cash that small islands in the South Pacific are bought and sold as anniversary presents. Super-fox Halle Berry, despite her Toxteth-born mum, is not an Evertonian.
And she has no intention of bailing the Blues out in their hour of need. Not even the promise of the part of Mrs Johnston at The Empire next Christmas, it seems, could convince her. Claimed as a celebrity Blue by the Toffee-web website, the Hollywood superstar was interviewed by BBC1 journalist Dominic Byrne this week. The chat went something like this: Dominic: Um. So you've won an Oscar. B: Yep. Dominic: Well done. HB (laughing): Thank you. Dom: Um, wella, so I understand that you're an Everton fan - Everton Football Club - is that true? Cos your mum, was your mother born in Liverpool? HB: Yeah, but I'm not a Everton Football Club fan. Sorry. Dom: Ah. A guy on the show, Dave, is a big Everton fan and was hoping that you may be able to buy the club. HB: (Laughs) Dom: Because they're in a bit of trouble at the moment. Not very much money - I don't know how much you get for a movie, but you know . . . HB: I don't get enough to buy a club that I don't even know about. Dom: Everton's not . . . not expensive, though. HB: How much is it? Dom: Have you heard of Wayne Rooney? HB: No (laughs). Dom: No. Well he plays for them and they've got some other players too and it's probably about . . . (to someone else in the room) How much do you think? £20 million? Voice: Yeah. Dom: Yeah. It's one to think about. HB: Uh, sorry (laughs). Dom: So that would be a no. OK. It wasn't the most crushing of blows at the end of a week when Everton Football Club began to resemble Mike Tyson - on its knees scrambling around for some semblance of dignity.
But it leaves Evertonians asking once again, Kenwright or Gregg? A rock or a hard place.
Neither choice appears to offer a complete solution. But unless Paul Gregg can dress up his proposals with more concrete information, Kenwright cannot stand aside. Unless Ms Berry has a dramatic change of heart.
New Blues kit goes on sale
Aug 6 2004 Liverpool Echo
BLUES fans were up with the lark this morning to bag their new kits. Everton's souvenir shops next to Goodison Park and in the city centre's Ranelagh Street opened at 7am to cope with the demand as the 2004/5 strip hit the shelves.
The Umbro logo is once again on the kit after Everton returned to the Cheshire-based manufacturer after a brief period with Puma. The royal blue shirts also have the club's new main sponsor, Thailand-based brewery Chang. Both stores are open until 7pm today. Blues' forward Duncan Ferguson was set to make an appearance at the Goodison Park megastore to promote the kit, and centre back David Weir was visiting the city centre store.
Birch poised as FA repent
Aug 6 2004 Liverpool Echo
THE Football Association today launched an urgent internal review into the self-confessed management "deficiencies" which have engulfed it in scandal. And former Everton chief executive Trevor Birch has emerged as a front-runner to take control at Soho Square after Mark Palios's resignation over his part in the controversy. Sven Goran Eriksson escaped censure last night, although Faria Alam, the FA secretary with whom he had an affair, resigned. And with the resignation of director of communications Colin Gibson finally being accepted, the FA was hoping to put the unseemly saga behind it. But they have still been left to confront the fact that, while chairman Geoff Thompson and executive director David Davies were not publicly censured, there had been serious management failings. While Eriksson was cleared of lying to his bosses after it was decided there was "no case to answer", the board was left to wrestle with the vexing question of how a false statement denying an affair with Alam was ever put out. Both Thompson and Davies are likely to have been left in no doubt by their colleagues that there had been failings on their part. And two senior figures - Premier League chairman Dave Richards and Roger Burden, from the amateur side of the game with experience of running the Cheltenham and Gloucester Building Society - have been asked to "support" Thompson. Birch, who had a six-week spell as Goodison chief executive this summer and previously held the same position at Chelsea and Leeds, is the most obvious candidate within football to succeed Palios, especially as the Premier League's own chief executive Richard Scudamore is hardly likely to jump ship. But the FA could once again look outside the game, possibly to a man with rather more management experience than Palios displayed in the alleged move to reveal details of Eriksson's affair in order to keep his own name out of the story.
Reds set for Rooney re-think?
Peter Spencer
August 06, 2004
Manchester Evening News
RUUD van Nistelrooy's early-season absence could lead to an Old Trafford rethink over the timing of any move for Wayne Rooney. England's Euro 2004 hero is set to sign a '50,000 a week five-year deal at Everton with a proposed escape clause should another club make a big-money offer. Everton manager David Moyes, who watched Boca Juniors play PSV Eindhoven at Old Trafford last night with Rooney's agent Paul Stretford, is desperate to hold on to his prize asset but could yet be forced to sell. Rooney's "escape clause package" would leave the way clear for United to pounce. And with United now losing Ruud van Nistelrooy as well as back-up striker Ole Gunner Solskjaer, as well as question marks over Louis Saha's Achilles problem, Sir Alex Ferguson is believed to have put Rooney back on top of the United agenda. United have refused point blank to pay Everton's '30m asking price but the Goodison club are well aware his value could shrink if Rooney is advised to play out the two years left on his current deal. Rooney, who is recovering from a foot injury sustained in Portugal, has stressed he wants to stay in the north west.
Rooney out of England qualifiers
Daily Post
Aug 7 2004
ENGLAND look certain to be without Wayne Rooney for their first two World Cup qualifiers. The Blues striker is recovering well from the fractured metatarsal he suffered against Portugal at Euro 2004. However, he will not be able to resume even light jogging duties for another fortnight, leaving him with little time to get match-fit before the international matches against Austria and Poland on September 4 and 8. "Wayne has had a scan and we have been advised that it will be another two weeks at least before he can start light jogging," said Everton boss David Moyes. "We are staying cautious and not taking any chances on his fitness." Goodison physio Mick Rathbone added: "There are very good signs of healing, and we are all very pleased with his progress. So far so good.
"In two weeks he will be running, swimming and working in the gym. He was always given a six-week recovery period, and we are bang on that." There is no chance though Rooney will be fit to play before the transfer window shuts on August 31.
Competition is still fierce - Watson
Aug 7 2004 By David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
IT'S widely acknowledged that Everton have one of the smallest playing squads in the Premiership.
But the versatile Steve Watson says that doesn't mean competition for places is any less intense at Goodison. Converted from full-back to right midfield, the Geordie, still has Leon Osman, James McFadden, Marcus Bent and Lee Carsley more than capable of doing a job there. "There's one more competitive game to go before the start of the season (today's visit of Real Sociedad)," said Watson. "It's everybody's aim to be in the starting XI and I'm no different." Watson chose the perfect moment to remind boss David Moyes of his goalscoring potential, with two goals at Sheffield Wednesday in midweek after stepping off the substitutes' bench.. "Goals breed confidence and it was nice to get on the scoresheet," he added. "I think everybody quietly feared the worst after the day's travel (from the USA) we endured on the Monday, but we were determined to get back on home soil and put on a good show. "It was a tough test, but we knew that we could create chances and we came out in the second half and did just that." After today ' s final friendly against La Liga side Real Sociedad, the Blues have a clear week to prepare for next Sunday's curtain raiser against champions Arsenal. David Moyes still hopes to add new faces to his squad before then, but his hopes of bringing in Michael Carrick appear to be receding.
Everton 2, Real Sociedad 2 (D,Post)
Aug 9 2004 By Andy Hunter at Goodison Park, Daily Post
GOODISON'S Main Stand was closed on Saturday to allow four weddings to take place in the lounges below. There was no funeral on the pitch either, but that didn't prevent Everton's bitter divorce over-shadowing David Moyes's attempts to move forward yet again. No-one expects Bill Kenwright and Paul Gregg to stroll down the aisle for the common good of Everton together having decided to fiddle long after Rome began to burn. And while they are poles apart on how to save the club from the ruin above which it now stands, the lack of any communication between the pair during the final friendly of the summer against Real Sociedad showed the fear and depression that surrounds Everton's immediate future is well-placed. The Goodison chairman and his bitter rival brought their boardroom manoeuvrings out into the open on Saturday and it would have been childishly comical but for the seriousness of the impact the so-called custodians of the club are having on it. First to appear was Gregg, returning to the scene of a senior game after a 16-month absence, who headed straight for the front row of the directors' box just before kick-off. Usually the venue for the powerful elite, currently its only contribution is towards the amount of "spares" on sale outside the ground. Kenwright then appeared and, seeing his usual seat occupied by his chief protagonist, chose to watch an unusually entertaining first half standing in the gangway behind. It was a great position for a half-time collision with Gregg as every occupant had to file past for the interval Earl Grey and scones but, alas, there was an about-turn just before their paths crossed. But that wasn't the end of the crafty moves as the chairman strode out of the boardroom long before the start of the second half and reclaimed his front row throne unopposed. The first equaliser of the afternoon. On the hour Gregg, by now relegated further up the directors' box, departed for a pre-arranged meeting in London to the most amusing note of the whole affair. "See ye next season Gregg!" yelled one of the few fans in close attendance to the corridors of mis-spent power. This Sunday, the directors responsible for Everton's ongoing demise will not be so fortunate. No amount of nuptials can cordon off the Main Stand for the opening day's visit of champions Arsenal and if last season's form book and this summer's preparations hold true, then the wrath of the fans they purport to represent will be theirs. There were only two cries of "Sack the board" from a tiny Goodison crowd on Saturday and while Moyes needs every positive he can unearth right now that, bizarrely, is one of them. As Leeds United showed last season - a Leeds squad currently far stronger than Everton's don't forget - financial hardship does filter through to players and play-ers can use constant unrest as a fortunate excuse when they fail to deliver. But by putting support for the team above boardroom criticism during matches the Everton fans' display of unity will be crucial this season, even though a balancing act between the two will be hard to keep at times. More positives came from the performance on Saturday which, while hardly enough to knock the relegation-tipsters into submission, brought some much-needed reminders of the tenacity and determination that underpinned Moyes's first, successful, full season at the Goodison helm. Everton started with a glaring reminder of last season's problems, which of course will persist without new players in the ranks. Dominant in possession but uncreative and unthreatening with it, over-reliant on Thomas Gravesen for midfield inspiration and lacking a genuine striking menace, the home side's first half display was in stark contrast to that of Sociedad, who broke in numbers and with finer movement and distribution whenever an Everton attack floundered. The Spaniards took a deserved lead on 20 minutes when they carved open their hosts down their left and former Sheffield Wednesday striker Darko Kovacevic wrong-footed Nigel Martyn with a firm header from an inviting chip into the centre. A combination of Martyn, Tony Hibbert and a goalline clearance by Gary Naysmith prevented Sociedad doubling their advantage a minute later but on the half hour they gratefully accepted the invitation for number two. After the Everton midfield stood back to allow Mikel Arteta a free 20-yard run at goal, their defence did the same when the ball eventually fell to Nihat Kahveci, and from the edge of the area he despatched a clinical low drive into Martyn's bottom corner without a challenge in sight. Two minutes later, however, the home side were handed a reprieve when Kevin Campbell was adjudged to have been tripped as he twisted on James McFadden's cross into the penalty area. Up stepped Gravesen and, befitting his 66 minutes on Saturday, put a precision spot-kick where it counted. While the Danish international again reminded Goodison of his importance to Moyes's plans, Campbell could also have a contribution to make if Everton are to survive in this his last season with the club. The Everton manager, who could use the veteran striker only sparingly because of injury last term, admitted: "Kevin has scored four goals this pre-season and was involved in the penalty that got us back into this game. He may be in the final year of his contract but there is no sign of him winding down. Quite the opposite in fact. He has worked and trained as hard as anyone this summer. He has given his all and more. Sometimes when you near the end of your playing days you realise just how good football is to you and it drives you on and if that is the case with Kevin then great."
Eight minutes after the restart Everton drew level when McFadden finally produced a lay-off to compliment one of his mazy runs at the Real defence and Steve Watson, at the second attempt, crossed for Kevin Kilbane to volley home the equaliser at full stretch. Responding to early setbacks were as much a failure of last season as they were a success the year before. And although Sociedad should have won the game with two late chances for Bittor Alkiza, denied by Watson and Richard Wright, the obvious display of team unity was refreshing nonetheless. "I thought we looked a bit tired today and we are going to have to step up quite a lot against Arsenal next week," said Moyes afterwards. "We have not done a lot of training this week as we only arrived back from America on Monday, played Sheffield Wednesday Tuesday, had Wednesday off and then we worked them extremely hard on Thursday as a result. "We knew that would probably produce a bit of tiredness in this game but it had to be done." But enough of tired limbs, what about fresh faces? That, presumably, would be a marriage too far.
EVERTON (4-4-2): Martyn (Wright 66); Hibbert (Pistone 55), Yobo (Weir 66), Stubbs, Naysmith; Watson, Gravesen (Ferguson 66), Carsley, Kilbane; Campbell (Bent 55), McFadden (Chadwick 74). Subs: Clarke, Bosnar, Osman.
REAL SOCIEDAD (4-4-2): Riesgo (Alberto 46); Rekarte (Zubiaurre 46), Da Silva (Labaka 58), Brechet (Jauregui 46), Garrido (Barkero 46); Karpin (Prieto 46), Xabi Alonso (Mikel Alonso 46), Arteta (Alkiza 46), Uranga (Gabilondo 46); Kovacevic (De Paula 46), Kahveci (Estefania 46).
REFEREE: Mark Halsey.
ATT: 11,156.
NEXT GAME: Everton v Arsenal, Premiership, Sunday, 2pm
Moyes to take it easy with Rooney
By Andy Hunter, Daily Post
Aug 9 2004
DAVID MOYES insists he will resist the temptation to rush Wayne Rooney back into Premiership duty as he prepares to join the chase for Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy. Rooney, remains an integral part of the Everton manager's plans for next season despite speculation linking him with Real Madrid and Manchester United plus the refusal to give an answer on the club's £13million contract offer. The Everton hero was at Goodison Park on Saturday to watch his boyhood team end their pre-season programme with a 2-2 draw against Real Sociedad. And despite the paucity of resources at his disposal, Moyes will not rush Rooney's recovery from the broken metatarsal he suffered at Euro 2004. That could see the striker miss the first seven games of the new season plus England's World Cup qualifiers with Austria and Poland in September. But Moyes cautioned: "It will be two weeks before Wayne can start light training so we'll have to wait and see how he does after that and what the specialist thinks is the best course of action to take. "It is a fracture that is healing well but could also refracture if we are not careful so we have to give it every opportunity to heal properly. "I've no idea how long it will be before Wayne plays after he returns to light training and I certainly won't put pressure on Wayne, the football club or anyone for him to return ahead of schedule. "In a way I'd like to take a risk and have him back playing again as quickly as possible but we cannot afford to do that." Moyes continued: "He is chomping at the bit to play again, he can't wait to start training and playing again, but we can't afford to risk aggravating the injury either."
And Moyes admits he has few alternatives to the side that faced the Spaniards ahead of Sunday's Premiership opener at home to champions Arsenal. "I'm not sure that will be the side that starts against Arsenal but it can't be too far away because that is the nucleus of what we've got," he added.. Thomas Gravesen, was given a rousing reception despite the uncertainty surrounding his long-term Goodison future. The Danish international, linked with Liverpool last week, will not commit to a new contract with Everton until he sees signs of serious rebuilding taking place.
And even with the shortage of transfer funds at his disposal Moyes insists he is not prepared to cash in on Gravesen. "There is no doubting what a good player he is and that is why I want him at this football club," he said.. Moyes, meanwhile, has been put on alert by Liverpool's decision to accept a £2.5m offer from Tottenham for the England international Murphy. But whether Everton have the money or pulling power to compete with Tottenham, Charlton and Aston Villa for the 27-year-old is doubtful. Moyes said: "I would love to add to the squad by the start of the season but I don't know if that will happen."
Gregg back at Goodison after 15 months
Daily Post
Aug 9 2004
MILLIONAIRE Everton director Paul Gregg appeared at a Blues home game at the weekend - after not watching a match at Goodison for 15 months. The businessman's appearance is his latest attempt to win over fans to his plans for injecting cash into the club. Gregg is locked in a power struggle with Everton chairman Bill Kenwright. He says he has three investors willing to spend £15m on the club but only if Kenwright stands down and dissolves the holding company which owns 72% of the club. Gregg has been criticised by fans in the past for not being interested in football.
But last week he met fanzine writers in a Liverpool hotel and on Saturday watched Everton's 2-2 draw with Real Sociedad.
Everton 2, Real Sociedad 2 (Echo)
Aug 9 2004 Scott Mcleod at Goodison Park
NEVER has a pre-season meant so much to Evertonians. Blues fans have become accustomed to disenchantment. But even by Everton's standards, the last three months have been exceptional.
The football has taken a back seat to events off the field. Rooney, the board, the lack of transfers - there has simply been too much dread and foreboding to go round. A poor pre-season would have pushed many over the edge. Thankfully, there have been no heavy defeats, a couple of victories and plenty of goals to celebrate. But, as every manager stresses, the results are not important - it is the performances which matter. And those 11,156 fans who watched Everton draw 2-2 with Real Sociedad on Saturday will know there is plenty of room for improvement ahead of Sunday's visit of Arsenal. Throughout pre-season David Moyes' men have looked sharp and adventurous going forward. They have trained tirelessly, benefited from some innovative fitness ideas and bonded better than at any other stage of Moyes' reign. But at the back they have been wobbly and there is no hiding the fact the squad is perilously short of numbers. Sociedad changed their entire 11 in the second half on Saturday. Had Moyes attempted to do the same some of the punters in the Gwladys Street would have been getting their boots on. Everton's only half-time changes were in the directors box. Bill Kenwright and Paul Gregg, attending his first Blues match for 15 months, were playing their own game of musical chairs. Gregg snatched Kenwright's front row pew before kick-off. Kenwright was one step ahead in the second half, returning to his usual seat and relegating Gregg to a few rows back. But while the battle for control of the boardroom has distracted everyone, the team has been left to rot. And the fear is that will be all too painfully illustrated in the weeks and months to come. Saturday's performance hinted at the frailties which will surely be exposed in the forthcoming season if Moyes cannot make further signings and does not get lucky with injuries. He made it clear at the end of last season what needed to be done. He insisted at least four additions were required. And that was based on the assumption that assets such as Tomasz Radzinski and Tobias Linderoth would not be sold on. The new campaign is just six days away and Tim Cahill and Marcus Bent are the only major additions. That explains why the crowd turned its attention to the Main Stand in the second half despite a fightback from the hosts after falling two goals behind. Chants of 'Sack the board!' echoed around Goodison twice. The problem is, there are not many board members left to sack. The message from the fans was clear. Their patience has worn thin. It is time to put up or shut up. At the moment neither Gregg nor Kenwright are giving the fans what they want - a side to be proud of. Kenwright is still the man at the helm, who shares the passion of the fans and who has worked so closely with the manager to change things. Gregg is the great unknown. He says he has the money and the vision and says he supports Moyes. But there is only one way of finding out if his actions match his rhetoric. In the meantime, the manager must try and mastermind an opening day result against the Gunners. There were some bright spots from Saturday's friendly to take into that game. Thomas Gravesen gave no suggestion he has been distracted by a summer of speculation over his future. He was the star of the show in mid-field and capped it with a supremely-confident penalty conversion in the 34th minute after Kevin Campbell was felled by Jeremie Brechet. After his second half substitution, Steve Watson - not for the first time this pre-season - switched to central midfield and showed he has the vision to provide decent support in that area. Likewise, Kevin Kilbane was his usual reliable self. The problems have been at the back, where there have been too many slips - and not enough options.
This time around, though, they were undone by the impressive attacking talent of the opposition.
The Spaniards deserved their two-goal lead, thanks to a well-worked move which ended with former Sheffield Wednesday man Darko Kovacevic heading home on 20 minutes and Nihat Kahveci driving home from 20 yards shortly after the half hour. Everton's best move provided the equaliser in the 55th minute, Watson teeing up Kilbane to volley home deftly. As is the norm with these fixtures, the game fizzled out in the last 30 minutes. And Gregg's early departure meant there weren't even any fireworks in the directors box. EVERTON (4-4-2): Martyn (Wright 66); Hibbert (Pistone 55), Yobo (Weir 66), Stubbs, Naysmith; Watson, Gravesen (Ferguson 66), Carsley, Kilbane; Campbell (Bent 55), McFadden (Chadwick 74). Not used: Clarke, Bosnar, Osman. REAL SOCIEDAD (4-4-2): Riesgo (Alberto 46); Rekarte (Zubiaurre 46), Da Silva (Labaka 58), Brechet (Jauregui 46), Garrido (Barkero 46); Karpin (Prieto 46), Xabi Alonso (Mikel Alonso 46), Arteta (Alkiza 46), Uranga (Gabilondo 46); Kovacevic (De Paula 46), Nihat (Estefania 46).
REF: Mark Halsey
ATT: 11,156
STAR MAN: Thomas Gravesen.
I'll not waste transfer cash - Moyes
Aug 9 2004 By Scott Mcleod, Liverpool Echo
DAVID MOYES will not waste what little transfer money he has at his disposal on players not good enough to wear the Everton jersey.The Goodison chief (right) admits his squad is painfully short on numbers with the new Premiership season just six days away.But he is refusing to be sucked into panic buying because he is not willing to land the club with a host of fringe players on hefty contracts."I'm not going to buy players that are not good enough for Everton," Moyes told the ECHO today."I want to bring in quality and if I can't afford it I won't bring people in just to make the numbers up."We need to add numbers to our squad, because we have a very small group at the moment, but we need to find people who are good enough to go straight into the first team."Liverpool's Danny Murphy fitted into that category, but the manager's hopes of snatching the England international from under the noses of Tottenham were scuppered because the Blues could not match the London club's £2.5m offer.It is another blow in what has been a hugely frustrating summer for Moyes, having missed out on Michael Carrick, Alan Smith, Martin Laursen, Mark van Bommel, Jelle van Damme, Matthieu Flamini and Sean Davis.Meanwhile, Moyes will resist the temptation to rush Rooney back to the first team.The 18-year-old is continuing his rehabilitation from the broken foot he sustained playing for England at Euro 2004.But he is set to be missing until September, which could rule him out of the Blues opening seven Premiership games.Moyes added: "It will be two weeks before Wayne can start light training so we'll have to wait and see how he does after that and what the specialist thinks is the best course of action to take."It is a fracture that is healing well but could also refracture if we are not careful so we have to give it every opportunity to heal properly."I certainly won't put pressure on Wayne, the football club or anyone for him to return ahead of schedule."
Moyes backs Campbell's work ethic
Aug 9 2004 By David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
DAVID MOYES hopes Kevin Campbell can end his Everton career the way he started it - with a flurry of goals.The 34-year-old (right) is in the final year of his Goodison contract, but has showed no signs of winding down during a pre-season when he has already hit four goals.Top scorer in four of his six seasons at the club, injury meant he had to wait until the final day of last season for his only goal.But manager David Moyes appreciates the work he has put in since recovering from a succession of problems and he hopes that the team can benefit."Kevin's scored four in pre-season and was involved in the penalty kick today," he said after Saturday's 2-2 draw with Real Sociedad."He's started okay and worked and trained as hard as anybody. If anybody had seen him running in training you wouldn't think he was in his mid-30s."He's done all the work and more, as much as any of the younger ones, and he has not looked less than anybody else."When you are a professional you always want to do the best you can and I think when you get near the end of your playing days you actually realise how good football has been to you so you just get on with it and that's what Kevin's doing."Moyes also praised midfield general Thomas Gravesen. The Dane's performance stood out like a beacon in the Blues midfield - and in converting his second pre-season penalty, he showed he is prepared to take on more responsibility."He's a terrific penalty taker, but we've got other people who are good penalty takers," added Moyes."I've always fancied Tommy on penalties, and he fancies himself!He would have been on them last season but we had Unsy who was good and Duncan who was good. "We have no doubt how good Thomas is, which is why I want him at the football club."Moyes added: "I'm not sure if that side is what we will start with next Sunday but it's the nucleus of what we've got."All the players involved today were all the players we have - with the exception of Li Tie, Leon Osman who had a groin strain and Wayne Rooney."I think we were a bit tired because we've not had an awful lot of training this week. Maybe their legs were a bit tired in the last 20 minutes. I think we'll have to step up quite a bit for next week."
Blues fans' message to the board
Aug 9 2004 By Neil Hodgson, Liverpool Echo
IN THE end football was the winner as Everton cheered their side to a well-earned draw on Saturday, despite worries about boardroom squabbles.The beleaguered Blues fought back to 2-2 in their friendly with top flight Spanish side Real Sociedad.But the battle for control of the club between chairman Bill Kenwright and director Paul Gregg was on everyone's mind.The pair took their seats at the start of the second half to a chorus of "sack the board" from fans in the Gwladys Street end, who kept up an intermittent protest throughout the half.Before the kickoff, fans were calling for an end to the uncertainty as Everton's off-field troubles continue to overshadow their preparations for Premiership survival.Lifelong Blues fan Steve Warner from Ormskirk said: "It's a total shambles."I read on the Blue Kipper fans website about their meeting with Gregg. It's just a farce."There's all these guarantees about him putting everyone in the picture and from what I read he was just rushing about and making excuses."William Dunn, from Whiston, was treating his six-year-old son Peter to his second Everton game and he said: "Gregg is not a Blue but Kenwright is. I just hope they sort things out so we can compete again."Season ticket holder and Everton Shareholders Association executive committee member Anne Asquith, from Aigburth, said: "We met Gregg last week. He didn't tell us much new and I got the impression it was still all a bit vague."Kenwright has said nothing but Gregg is asking us to take a lot on trust. He is a director and is responsible as much as anyone for the state the club is in."Season ticket holder Steve Fisher from Crosby said: "Kenwright has clearly not been able to organise the finance that people thought he was going to bring in to the club."There's suspicion among the fans that because Gregg is not a Blue he would look to refinance the club, get his money out and leave us in a bigger mess than we're already in."So I think we should stick with Kenwright until finance or backers with the best interests of the club at heart come into the fold."
Moyes will not rush into new signings
By Ian Doyle Daily Post Staff
Aug 10 2004
DAVID MOYES is resigned to starting the new season with his current squad as Everton's financial problems continue to bite. The Goodison manager was keen to bolster his threadbare playing resources before his side kick off their Premiership campaign against Arsenal on Sunday.
However, after having seen the champions hijack his move for West Ham midfielder Michael Carrick, Moyes has been forced to admit defeat in his attempts to lure Liverpool's Danny Murphy across Stanley Park. Murphy was prepared to talk with Everton if they could come up with a genuine offer, but the combined package of a £2.5million asking price and the player's wages made a transfer prohibitive. With Tim Cahill on Olympic duty with Australia and Eddy Bosnar still settling in at the club, Marcus Bent is so far the only new Everton face competing for a place in Sunday's starting lineup. Moyes still has until the closure of the transfer window on August 31 to finalise any deals to replenish his depleted squad numbers after having seen 17 players depart over the summer.
But although there are only five days until his side's season begins, Moyes has insisted he will not waste what little money he has on any panic purchases. "I'm not going to buy players that are not good enough for Everton," said Moyes. "I want to bring in quality and if I can't afford it I won't bring people in just to make the numbers up." Despite the lack of many newcomers, James McFadden is confident Everton can upset Arsenal when their Premiership season gets underway at the weekend.
The Gunners were held to a 1-1 draw at Goodison in January while the season before Wayne Rooney's wondergoal sealed a 2-1 victory for Everton on Merseyside. And McFadden - who has been impressive throughout pre-season - is confident Everton's testing preparation for the campaign can encourage another positive outcome. "The game was tough on Saturday against Real Sociedad and the games in general have been very testing, but hopefully, it'll benefit us on Sunday," said the 22-year-old. "It was a good game for us. Obviously to come back from two goals down is great for the players' confidence and we know now that we can come back if we need to. "We know that Arsenal are going to be a step above Real Sociedad. That's no disrespect to them, because we know how good Arsenal are and how good they're going to be. "But we just need to get at them. "We believe that we can win the game, we just need to work as hard as we can."
Are we the new Leeds?
Post Soapbox, Icliverpool & Daily Post
Aug 10 2004
The new Leeds?
IF we're being honest, Everton haven't got the squad to stay up. It hurts me to say that but it's the truth. I fear the same will happen to us as it has to Leeds.
Stu Parkes, Liverpool
Missing money
EVERTON bid £7million for Alan Smith of Leeds and now David Moyes has no money to buy any players?! I think that Mr Kenwright and Mr Gregg should go to their bank and put some money up so Moyes can buy - or else..
Keith Johnson, Merseyside
False promises
IN typical Everton fashion, Kenwright and Gregg have made some great announcements but absolutely no changes have been made. We enter the new season with clubs like West Brom offering £4.5m for players and Everton struggling to offer £2.5m for Murphy or Carrick.
We are in dire straits.
Shez Khan (via e-mail)
Cautious optimism
I WENT to the Real Sociedad game and thankfully it has given me a little bit more optimism for the new season. Sociedad are a very good team so we did very well to come from two goals down to draw. There were some real positive performances from the consistent Kilbane and Yobo, who is a class above the rest. Marcus Bent also looked extremely sharp and was a constant threat with his pace and aerial power.
H Bishop (via e-mail)
Looking fine
ABOUT the only good news I've heard these last two weeks is that Umbro are once again Everton's kit suppliers. While we may not be the most attractive footballing side at present, at least we can be the best dressed!
Gary Harlingen, Allerton
Backing for Bill
LEAVE Bill Kenwright alone! How many of you moaners would keep on sticking your hand in your own pockets like him? He is a True Blue through and through. Get behind the team and stop moaning.
Julie Jackson (via e-mail)
Moyes: Numbers low, but spirit is high
Aug 10 2004 By Scott Mcleod, Liverpool Echo
DAVID MOYES' Everton squad is smaller than ever before but he insists the team spirit is better than at any time during his Goodison reign. The club has been rocked throughout the summer by a battle for boardroom control and the on-going saga over Wayne Rooney's future. And a lack of transfer funds has left the manager with a depleted squad. Moyes has just 18 senior players available for selection for Sunday's opening game of the new season against Arsenal. But while his options are limited, he has been delighted with the attitude of the players he does have. "The spirit is better than it has ever been," Moyes told the ECHO. "There is a great togetherness among the boys and we can rely on that. "As a group they have done really well. The size of the squad we have means we will need a big slice of luck (in terms of injuries) but if the players give their best that will get results.
"You can never ask any more than for the players to give their all, and that is what they are giving me right now." Moyes still believes he needs at least three new faces but is resigned to starting the campaign with no further additions. His situation has been complicated by the continuing battle for control between chairman Bill Kenwright and director Paul Gregg. Gregg has called for Ken-wright to step aside, insisting he has £15m of fresh investment waiting in the wings if the constitution of True Blue Holdings is amended. Kenwright is standing firm. He is continuing to search for a new chief executive, with former Aberdeen top dog Keith Wyness his number one choice, and is intent on finding the funds to give Moyes a transfer boost before the end of the month. Meanwhile, tickets have gone on general sale today for Sunday's Premiership opener against Arsenal (kick-off 2pm).
A host of Everton stars will be in the club's megastores this week. The highlight will be Wayne Rooney's appearance at the Goodison store tomorrow. He is expected to arrive between 1pm and 2pm.
Moyes has it tougher
Aug 10 2004 By Ian Millward, Liverpool Echo
WHENEVER I get disappointed, I think about other people in sport who are in a more difficult situation. Losing the last four away games and seeing Martin Gleeson go to another club isn't what I'd have wished for myself. But then I think of my friend David Moyes at Everton and what he has to put up with and I think I'm not so badly off. The St Helens squad is going to visit the Everton training camp this week. It will be a chance for the players from both clubs to gain a different perspective on things and maybe challenge themselves in different ways. Hopefully, the Everton boys will visit us at Knowsley Road at some point and we're hoping to set up a bit of a cross-code challenge in the training session involving some tag rugby and football.
Blackburn Res 0, Everton Res 0
Aug 11 2004 Daily Post
EVERTONIANS got their first look at new signing Eddy Bosnar last night as the reserves opened their campaign with a goalless draw. The centre-half, who joined from Sturm Graz last week, played well and looked more than assured in his position. Laurence Wilson had Everton's best chance of the first period but shot wide while former Liverpool midfielder David Thompson went close for the hosts.
Paul Hopkins came close to beating American keeper David Yelldell with a low drive but his shot went just wide of the target. Substitute Victor Anichebe might have set up James Vaughan to sneak the points for Everton late on but the youngster was inches away. BLACKBURN RES: Yelldell, Peers, Morgan, Douglas, McEveley, Bruce, Thompson (Harkins 38), Danns, Jansen, Johnson (Derbyshire 70), Donnelley. Subs: Fitzgerald, Taylor, Hodge. EVERTON: Turner, Wynne, Fox, Bosnar, Clarke, Gerrard, Seargeant (Wright 90), Wilson, Vaughan, Hopkins (Phelan 81), Boyle (Anichebe 66). Subs: Lake, Hughes.
Everton rebuff bid for Gravesen
By Ian Doyle Daily Post Staff
Aug 11 2004
DAVID MOYES will only allow Thomas Gravesen to leave Everton for the right price after yesterday dismissing Hamburg's bid for the midfielder. The German outfit made an official approach in an attempt to bring the Danish international back to the club he left for Goodison in a £2.5million deal in 2000. The offer is believed to be £2m for a player who is out of contract at the end of the season.
Hamburg director of sport Dietmar Beiersdorfer said: "We have spoken to both the player and the club and have made an offer. We want to buy Gravesen because we are missing a holding player in midfield. That has our highest priority." But Moyes responded: "They are not even close to bidding enough money." Gravesen said last month he would like to remain at Everton provided the club's ambition, particularly in the transfer market, matches his own. However Moyes would listen to offers of £3m for the 28-year-old, which would give him sufficient funds to attract some new faces to Goodison before the closure of the transfer window on August 31. One player Everton could renew interest in is West Ham United midfielder Michael Carrick. The 23-year-old's proposed move to Arsenal collapsed yesterday to alert the Goodison club, along with other interested parties Portsmouth, Crystal Palace, West Bromwich Albion and Tottenham Hotspur. Moyes made an offer for Carrick last week worth £2.5m rising to £3m depending on appearances after refusing to meet West Ham's asking price of £3.5m for a player who is out of contract in 10 months. That deal remains on the table, but with Everton refusing to improve the terms of the bid they are not considered to be favourites for Carrick's signature. Meanwhile, Scott Brown, released by Everton this summer, has signed a three-month deal with Coca-Cola League One side Bristol City.
* TICKETS for Sunday's game against Arsenal are now on general sale at the Park End Box Office.
Moyes dismisses approach for Gravesen
Aug 11 2004 By Scott Mcleod, Liverpool Echo
DAVID MOYES has dismissed out of hand a cheeky approach by SV Hamburg for Thomas Gravesen.
The Danish international's former club made an enquiry to chairman Bill Kenwright yesterday, proposing an offer of less than £2m for the player. Moyes has revealed the club has shrugged off the approach, saying: "They are not even close to bidding enough money." The Blues chief is unlikely to consider anything less than £4m for the midfielder. The Blues remain interested in Michael Carrick, but their £2.5m bid falls short of West Ham's valuation of £3.5m, with Portsmouth his likely destination. The chase for the player has opened up again after Arsenal pulled out of a deal yesterday. Moyes is continuing to look for reinforcements. He was at Parkhead last night to monitor former Lens midfielder Charles Coridon, who is on trial with Celtic. The Celts are in the driving seat, but Moyes could be ready to step in if he feels the the 31-year-old Martinique international has what it takes. Meanwhile, Everton have put together a special package for the Blue Brasserie for Sunday's game. Every ticket comes with a free child place. As well as enjoying seats in the main stand, a match day programme and a souvenir gift, the package includes a glass of champagne on arrival, a three course meal and a complimentary bar.
Ex-Blues star passes away
Aug 11 2004 Liverpool Echo
FORMER Everton player Eric Moore has died.
Moore, who was born and bred in Haydock, made 184 first team appearances for the Blues during eight years between 1949 and 1957. His most important game came at Oldham in 1954, when a 4-0 victory ensured top flight safety. In the next two seasons he only missed one game. But after making one appearance at the start of the 1956/57 season, he moved to Chesterfield for £1,000 in January 1957. He went on to play for Tranmere before becoming a publican in Atherton and Sutton.
He died in St Helens at the age of 78. Exteammates Tony McNamara and TE Jones were amongst the mourners at his funeral.
No need to fear Gunners
Aug 11 2004 Echo Sport Letters
No need to fear Gunners
LOOKING ahead to Sunday's game, the Blues need not fear Arsenal. If you look at the last two seasons ' results against them, we have shown that if we start the game with confidence and get at them, we can upset them again. Arsenal looked good on Sunday but that counts for nothing.
We haven't got the biggest or best squad in the Premiership but we have got a team, and if they all give 100 per cent, then we can definitely get something out of the game.
Peter Booth, Liverpool
Will support for Bill last?
THERE seems to be a segment of pro-Kenwright supporters whose main reason for sticking with him is that they distrust Paul Gregg to the extent that they are comparing him with Peter Johnson.
Come this time next year when the Blues are in administration and relegated to the Champion-ship, I trust these same people will still be so vocal in their support for the man who has over-seen the darkest period of the Blues' history??
Johnny Rainford, Liverpool
Transfer cash has vanished
HOW is it that we could bid for Michael Carrick last week but can't bid for the greatly admired Danny Murphy? Bill Kenwright is still working hard to assist Moyes in the transfer market, so we are told. But where are the fruits of all this hard work? We, the fans, have had enough. We'll still be here when all else has gone. Trouble is we won't be in the Premiership!
John Grimes, Skelmersdale
Moyes keeping us on even keel
THANK God for David Moyes with all the turmoil we have had to endure this summer. He has been about the only thing that has kept me sane. We will stay up this year and win the League Cup.
Dominic McHale, Widnes
Adopt positive outlook
I'M fed up with seeing our club described as a 'crisis club' in every tabloid. I realise the boardroom is a total shambles and we are heavily in debt, but this is nothing new to Evertonians. We do have a small squad that needs bolstering, but I'd rather have that than be paying the wages of players who do nothing all season. We have more quality than the three teams who came up and will pick up enough points at Goodison to ensure safety. It'll be a struggle, but keep the faith and we'll survive.
I M Grimley, (via e-mail)
Soccerbus fleet start new season
Aug 11 2004 Liverpool Echo
SOCCERBUS kicks off a new season on Sunday with a bigger fleet. The award-winning match day 50p service for football fans was introduced by transport authority Merseytravel and has been operating for five full seasons. It links Sandhills station on the Northern Line with Goodison Park and Anfield on match days. There is also a service to Prenton Park from Birkenhead Central and Hamilton Square for Tranmere's home games. Everton take on Premier League champions Arsenal at Goodison Park on Sunday and the Soccerbus service now has a seven-strong fleet which will ferry fans two hours before kick off and 50 minutes after the finish. The Everton/Liverpool service carried nearly 38,000 fans last season. Soccerbus was developed by Merseytravel with Liverpool council, Merseyside police, the local community and Everton and Liverpool football clubs.
Bosnar shines as Blues keep a clean sheet
Aug 11 2004 Liverpool Echo
EVERTON RESERVES began the new season with a creditable point away to Graeme Souness' second string at Morecombe's Christie Park. The Blues fielded an inexperienced side while the home side included Matt Jansen in their line-up. It was a first chance for the few travelling Evertonians to see Australian Eddy Bosnar in a blue shirt as he lined up alongside Peter Clarke at centre-half. The defender, who joined from Sturm Graz last week, looked more than assured. Jansen it was, though, who saw the first real effort of the game from Donnelly's cross but Iain Turner was equal to it in the Blues goal. Laurence Wilson had Everton's best chance of the first period but shot wide while former Liverpool midfielder David Thompson nearly put the home side in front with a tremendous drive. Thompson did not last much longer, replaced by Harkins five minutes before the break.
Everton's Paul Hopkins came close to beating American keeper David Yelldell with a low drive but his shot went just wide. Substitute Victor Anichebe might have set up James Vaughan to sneak the points for Everton late on but the youngster was inches away. Matt Darbyshire should have sealed it for Blackburn but watched in disbelief as he screwed his shot wide. EVERTON: Turner, Wynne, Fox, Bosnar, Clarke, Gerrard, Seargent (Wright 90), Wilson, Vaughan, Hopkins (Phelan 81), Boyle (Anichebe 66). Not used: Lake, Hughes.
Jeffers in call for Rooney to leave
By Mark Staniforth, Daily Post
Aug 12 2004
WAYNE ROONEY has been urged to turn his back on Everton by former Goodison Park colleague Francis Jeffers. Jeffers completed his first training session with Charlton yesterday after signing from Arsenal in a deal worth up to £2.6million and then advised Rooney to follow his example by seeking a new challenge. "With all the stuff going on off the field at Everton it is bound to affect Wayne mentally," said Jeffers. "I'd love Wayne to stay because I am an Evertonian and when I stop playing I will be back there watching. But it looks best for all parties for him to move on. "Wayne is a world-class player but maybe Everton are not as ambitious as they seem. After all, they sold good young players like Michael Ball, Richard Dunne and myself. Maybe the board need to be more ambitious."
The 23-year-old has signed a two-year deal, but his comments are sure to alienate him further from Evertonians after his disappointing loan spell at the club and disagreements with manager David Moyes last season. Jeffers followed Liverpool's Danny Murphy as the second England international to join Charlton in 24 hours. He added: "This is an ambitious club as the signing of Danny showed.
"At Arsenal I was surrounded by some of the best strikers in the world and there was no way in for me there. "When I went back to Everton on loan last season I didn't get a fair crack of the whip. They were crying out for someone to score goals yet I only got five league starts. Maybe I should look at myself and that's fair enough." Charles-Edouard Coridon's agent yesterday claimed the midfielder could move to Everton if his switch to Celtic does not materialise. The Lens midfielder wants a move to Parkhead to play in the Champions League. But Everton manager David Moyes watched the 31-year-old in Celtic's 2-0 friendly victory over Tottenham and is ready to pounce if Celtic fail to clinch a deal.
Li Tie aims to return to full training by end of month
Daily Post
Aug 12 2004
DAVID MOYES has been handed a fitness fillip after Li Tie revealed that he should return to full training within three weeks. The Chinese international fractured his shin on international duty in February and has been out ever since. The 26-year-old midfielder stayed in his homeland until the end of the season, but has been back at Bellefield every day since his return in a bid to regain his fitness. And he is determined to get back as soon as possible. "I know the new season is coming soon and I do really want to play the first match at home against Arsenal," he said.. "Unfortunately I under-stand the situation I am in. I am going to miss the start of the new season and that is a massive blow. "This is the first time I've had such a serious injury in my career. I've never had this experience before and it has cost me a lot, not only for my body but also my time. "I have spent more than half a year already recovering, I missed a lot of matches and training but optimistically I will go back into full training in two or three weeks' time.." He added: "I hope I can start regular training with all my team-mates as soon as possible. Then I am going to fight for my place in the first team squad."
Goodison upset not without precedent
By Philip J Redmond Everton Supporter, Daily Post
Aug 12 2004
THE undefeated champions of last season begin their defence at Goodison this coming Sunday, and according to the form book Everton have no chance. However, football is played on grass, and in recent years Arsenal have often had a tough time of it in the bear-pit atmosphere that an up for it Goodison crowd can often provide. One such example was when Howard Kendall's young ragtag outfit pulled off an unlikely comeback against Arsene Wenger's 97-98 side, the one that went on to win the double. This was Kendall's third tenure in the Goodison hotseat, and amid the backdrop of boardroom disharmony (sound familiar?) as Peter Johnson's dream turned sour, a tough season was unfolding. Howard had been given a David Moyes-type transfer budget, and a threadbare squad was supplemented with a succession of journeymen signings and promising kids. It was the kids who stole the show on a still autumnal afternoon after the Gunners had eased into a 2-0 half-time lead with routine strikes by Ian Wright - with what felt like his 712th against Everton - and Marc Overmars. Incredibly though, after looking dead and buried, Everton were level before the hour after a rousing spell highlighted by a Michael Ball header and a slick turn and powerful finish by Danny Cadamarteri . Both teams slugged it out right up until the end but ultimately the 2-2 result was fair. In Autumn 1997, Danny Cadamarteri, for a brief moment in time, created a stir almost as big as Wayne Rooney's initial Goodison impact. Somewhere, however, it all went wrong. Everton, of course, will be without Rooney this Sunday, but hopefully the team will be able to summon up the type of performance that they've managed against the Gunners for the last two seasons at Goodison Park. Come on you Blues.
Coridon hiccup alerts Blues
Aug 12 2004 By Scott Mcleod, Liverpool Echo
EVERTON'S interest in Lens midfielder Charles-Edouard Coridon could be stepped up after his proposed move to Celtic hit a stumbling block. The 31-year-old played for the Bhoys as a trialist in Tuesday night's 2-0 friendly win over Tottenham. But the £1.5m price tag appears to be a sticking point for the Parkhead outfit. Goodison chief David Moyes was present at Tuesday night's game. And the Martinique international's French-based agent Willie McKay has confirmed interest in the player from the Blues. McKay said: "I'm very confident he will get a big move. Put it this way, if he doesn't sign for Celtic he will sign for a Premiership club in England. David Moyes was there on Tuesday night and saw he is a very good player." Coridon had initially been attracted to Celtic because of their involvement in this season's Champions League, but would relish a chance to play in the Premiership. He said: "If Celtic decide not to take me then I have the opportunity to play in the English Premier League." Meanwhile, Everton's opening game of the season at Goodison on Sunday is still not a sell-out. Tickets are on general sale from the club's box office.
'Boardroom problems will affect Wayne' - Jeffers
Aug 12 2004 Liverpool Echo
WAYNE Rooney has been urged to turn his back on Everton by former Goodison Park colleague Francis Jeffers. Jeffers completed his first training session with Charlton after signing from Arsenal in a deal worth up to £2.6m and then advised Rooney to follow his example by seeking a new challenge. "With all the stuff going on off the field at Everton it is bound to affect Wayne mentally," said Jeffers. "I'd love Wayne to stay because I am an Evertonian and when I stop playing I will be back there watching. But it looks best for all parties for him to move on. "Wayne is a world-class player but maybe Everton are not as ambitious as they seem. After all, they sold good young players like Michael Ball, Richard Dunne and myself. Maybe the board need to be more ambitious." Ambition is a word which dominates the Jeffers vocabulary. It is the reason he left Everton for Arsenal and the reason he has now quit Highbury to join manager Alan Curbishley at The Valley as replacement for Paolo di Canio, who has been allowed a free transfer to Lazio. Jeffers followed Liverpool's Danny Murphy as the second England international to join Charlton in 24 hours. He added: "This is an ambitious club as the signing of Danny showed. "Having an English manager was also a factor. Foreign managers tend to bring in a lot of foreign players and they take time to settle. They don't know what it it is like to go to a lower division club on a freezing night in January.
"At Arsenal I was surrounded by some of the best strikers in the world and there was no way in for me there. "When I went back to Everton on loan last season I didn't get a fair crack of the whip. They were crying out for someone to score goals yet I only got five league starts. Maybe I should look at myself and that's fair enough. "But the whole experience has simply made me more hungry to do well at Charlton." Jeffers, still only 23, has signed a two-year contract and accepts he needs to turn the clock back to when he earned his nickname of the 'fox in the box' as well as England caps to go with his reputation. "The atmosphere and the squad at Charlton are fantastic," he said. "I need to get back to where I was three years ago and I think coming here can help me do it. I had offers from other clubs but once I talked to Alan Curbishley I didn't want to go anywhere else." Curbishley has now brought in five players during the summer at a total cost of around £7m. He said: "Francis is angry at how his career has gone and eager to put things right. "He's hungry. He needed a change of club and a new direction. "He can see he's got more of a chance of first-team football here."
Play a part in the beautiful game
Aug 12 2004 Liverpool Echo
As Everton and Liverpool prepare for kick-off, Paddy Shennan looks at the jobs carried out behind-the-scenes A NEW Premiership season gets underway this weekend - but you don't need to possess the precocious talent of Wayne Rooney to play a starring role at your favourite football club.
For many of the skills on display at grounds across the country belong to the armies of often overlooked and undervalued workers who help keep our famous stadia in business. They may often be behind-thescenes, but the results of their labours are there for thousands - and, sometimes, millions - to see. And now learndirect has teamed up with Everton Football Club to help raise the profile of a whole host of jobs which are vitally important to every winning team - and encourage people to join courses which could lead to football-related work. So what's it like to work within such a famous and familiar environment, and in such close proximity to so many household names?
The ECHO visited Goodison Park to meet one of Everton's groundsmen, Phil Dixon, and Chris Shaw, the club's food supervisor and duty manager. We all know about footballers who have crossed the park, but what about those workers who have switched sides? And those who support one club, but work for another? Chris Shaw is a True Blue who once worked at Anfield. And guess who his colleague Phil Dixon supports? When I asked him he said "No comment" and started to look uncomfortable. More about him later . . . "I've worked at Goodison Park for four years," says Chris Shaw, 26, from Crosby. "You can take it for granted now and again, but when I first arrived I remember thinking 'Look! There's the pitch! There are the stands! There are the players and there's the manager! "But now that everything is so familiar, when I look out on the pitch it's like looking out at my back garden." Though he stresses: "As somebody who supports Everton it is great to be working here day in day out, even if I don't get to see more than few minutes of each match because I'm so busy!" On weekdays, Chris is likely to be looking after the food and drink requirements of clients who have booked one of the stadium's lounges for a conference or meeting, while on matchdays everything is geared towards the corporate fan who will dine before the game. In addition, the club hosts an array of functions at night-time, including wedding receptions and sportsman's dinners. "We can be catering for up to 1200 meals on match days while the stadium can have nine functions taking place at any one time." But blue hasn't always been the colour for this Everton man . . "I spent three years stocking the bars at Anfield!" confesses Chris, who is quick to add: "A lot of Everton fans work at Liverpool and vice versa. And although it was difficult wearing LFC clothes, it was a great place to work and I've still got a lot of good friends there. "But being an Everton supporter was one of the main reasons why I moved over. I also knew a lot of people who worked at Goodison because I worked part-time in the lounges here. "I also enjoy this more than the Liverpool job because I've got more responsibility." And regarding the perks of the job, he explains: "There are about 200 full-time staff here and we all get a season ticket - I give mine to a mate - and we get Everton ties and training gear to wear. "You do see the players a lot - I wouldn't say I was friends with them, but we say 'Hello' to each other."
Any secrets to report from the boardroom?
"I don't look after the board-room on match days, but I do when there's a board meeting on. But I don't hear any secrets. Sometimes when you walk in you are greeted with silence, which is understandable!"
PHIL DIXON, 23, from Walton - he lives within walking distance of Goodison - became one of Everton's magnificent seven ground staff just six months ago. And his free season ticket? He gives it to his True Blue dad - his five brothers are also Everton season ticket holders, leaving himself and his mum as the only Reds in the family. But Phil is keen to underline his working allegiance to Everton: "I really love this job and I put everything into it. And you get really well looked after. "I know a lot of Evertonians would kill to do what I do and my own brothers are dead jealous. "It really is something special. It's great to see the pitch you help look after on Sky and Match of the Day. And I'd love Everton to get into the Champions League so even more people could see them - and the pitch - on TV.. The first game of the season - against Arsenal this Sunday - is live on TV and I can't wait for everyone to see how good the pitch looks. "I've also spent time working at the training ground and we always have a laugh and a bit of banter with the players. "We stand in one of the corners of the ground while the game's going on and walk on the pitch at half-time to replace the divots, and it's a great feeling when you see the faces of people you know in the crowd." Phil is looking forward to taking a course in turfing and horticulture, while Chris, who already has an NVQ in hotel and catering, is set to continue his own studies.
Moyes brings in Dutch defender
By Ian Doyle, Daily Post
Aug 13 2004
DAVID MOYES last night captured his latest summer signing - then reiterated he will not be held to ransom over Michael Carrick. The Everton manager will today complete a deal to bring PSV Eindhoven defender Jurgen Colin to Goodison on a season-long loan. The 23-year-old - a right-back who has made more than 100 appearances for the Dutch club - arrived on Merseyside yesterday evening to seal the move, which will cost Everton £500,000. If terms can be agreed and the player is registered before noon today, Colin will be available for selection for Sunday's Premiership opener at home to champions Arsenal. Moyes moved for Colin as he attempts to bolster a threadbare squad which has seen 17 departures over the summer and Marcus Bent, Tim Cahill and Eddy Bosnar as the only other confirmed arrivals. They could be joined at Goodison by Car-rick, provided West Ham United lower their asking price for the England international. The 23-year-old will leave Upton Park for a return to the Premier-ship, with Everton facing competition from Portsmouth, Crystal Palace and now West Bromwich Albion for his signature. The Baggies were yesterday given permission to hold talks with Carrick with the clubs understood to be close to agreeing a fee, while Portsmouth have already had a £3.5million bid accepted by West Ham. However, while retaining a firm interest in Carrick, Moyes is refusing to meet that valuation for a player who will be available on a free transfer at the end of the season. "There is still an interest in him, but not at the valuation West Ham have for him," said the Everton manager. Everton have lodged a bid worth £2.5m for Carrick, which would rise to £3m on appearances. Any deal seemed to have been scuppered when Arsenal revealed their intention to sign Carrick, before they withdrew their interest earlier this week.
Unhappy echoes steel Kilbane to excel
By Ian Doyle, Daily Post
Aug 13 2004
SUPPORTERS who are unhappy and restless. Boardroom strife. Question marks over the playing squad. Relegation candidates. For Kevin Kilbane, the Everton of present day offer more than just a passing similarity to the Sunderland with which he was preparing for the new Premiership season two years ago. However, the winger insists that's where history will finish repeating itself despite Goodison followers bracing themselves for what threatens to be one of the most testing campaigns in recent times. Given what Evertonians have been forced to endure over the past decade, such a statement illustrates the air of gloom which has enveloped the Blue half of Merseyside. But while Sunderland ended that 2001-02 season by finishing bottom with the lowest points total in Premiership history, Kilbane believes Everton's troubles off the field have helped steel the players to deliver on it, starting with Sunday's season opener against champions Arsenal. "There are people who are writing that we are relegation candidates and you do read these things," says Kilbane.. "I'm sure our players will be telling everyone that our aim at Everton this season is to finish higher up the league, but I started that season two years ago at Sunderland in a similar position and we ended up going down with the lowest points total in Premiership history. Idon't think that is going to happen to us this time. We have got a better squad and more players capable of pushing us up into the top half of the table if we apply ourselves properly. We have got it in us to do that. "This club is too good to go down. I know people will keep on saying that, but we just have to stick together and make sure it is proven true." Everton's problems off the field have been well documented and Kilbane admits that it has been impossible for the players to ignore the rumours as Paul Gregg and Bill Kenwright struggle for control in the Goodison boardroom. However, rather than be distracted by the unseemly proceedings, the 27-year-old is confident such uncertainty among the upper echelons at the club and the negative press it has attracted has brought the small squad at David Moyes's disposal closer together and more determined than ever to deliver. "From the outside I suppose it looks grim," he says. "We went to Austria and America probably in part to get away from the troubles, but it filters back all the time. The lads were taking phone calls from their wives or girlfriends, mums and dads or whoever. "There was something on the radio or in the papers, and it was happening three or four times a day as new things came out. It has to bring you closer and bring you together, and I'd like to think that's what it has done with the players. "We've not got a big squad, and although the manager wants to bring new players in, having the small squad has made us tighter. We've had a really good time together in pre-season. "As players you just have to get on with it. We can't focus on it anyway, we can only focus on our games and we have one coming up against Arsenal on Sunday." Focus is something Kilbane has learned to appreciate following his Sunderland experience. On Wearside, supporter patience finally snapped and the abuse thrown down from the stands and elsewhere succeeded only in upsetting the team even further with relegation the inevitable consequence. "At Sunderland, outside influences unsettled the club and I think that affected everybody," adds Kilbane.. "There are a lot more things to worry about than worrying about what people are saying about individuals or teams. If you stick together and you perform, then ultimately people will get behind you and everyone will be together, supporters and players alike. "I don't know if the crowd will turn here at Everton. There's always that possibility at every football club. I suppose it would be on a bigger scale here because of the problems that have been reported and documented recently." While the terraces grow increasingly twitchy, rumours abounded last season of dressing room distress at Moyes's training methods. Not so, insists Kilbane.
"We aren't unhappy with the manager," says the Republic of Ireland international. "We had a talk before we went to Austria in which we said we all made mistakes last season. We didn't ultimately do what we wanted to do on the pitch last year. "The manager brought me in so I don't have a problem with him. And I don't think the players have a problem with the manager at this moment."
Having signed from Sunderland for £1.25million on transfer deadline day last September, Kilbane went on to be one of the surprise success stories of an otherwise forgettable season at Goodison. After such an encouraging opening campaign with the club, expectation levels have risen among the fans. But Kilbane says: "You want to have that little bit of expectation on your shoulders. I just hope I can produce good form this season and carry on the way things are going. I really do enjoy it here.
When I joined, I signed with James McFadden, Nigel Martyn and Francis Jeffers, and it was probably expected that we would kick on a bit from there. But we'd have a couple of decent results and then three bad results, and that's the way it went for us all season." And what of this season? "If we can get a bit of consistency and better away form, then I think we'll be okay."
Naysmith focused on survival fight
By Paul Walker, Daily Post
Aug 13 2004
EVERTON defender Gary Naysmith believes the club's stars will put aside their contract problems to concentrate on staying out of a Premiership relegation battle. A boardroom battle at Goodison Park plus severe financial problems have hampered pre-season preparations ahead of Sunday's opener against Arsenal. But Naysmith, one of those players who will be out of contract next summer, admits that the play-ers will have to prove they are worth a new deal during the current campaign.
Naysmith said: "Ever-ton's own future is more important than individual players' contracts. If we cannot go forward together as a club at boardroom level at the moment, we won't be able to get down to talking about new contracts. "We know realistically that at the moment we cannot talk about contracts because we haven't even got a chief executive and that is who usually does things like that. "The sooner all that is sorted out at boardroom level, the sooner our contracts will be sorted out. "A lot of us have a year to go, Maybe we have to go out now and earn a new contract on the pitch." The rumpus between chairman Bill Kenwright and director Paul Grgg over ownership of the club has come to a stalemate with no prospect of a quick conclusion. Naysmith added: "Like the supporters we want things are sorted out one way or another, whoever is going to take charge of the club."
Vieira is likely to miss opener
By Mark Bradley, Daily Post
Aug 13 2004
ARSENAL were last night waiting for Patrick Vieira to clarify his long-term future as the club were seemingly handed fresh hope in their bid to persuade him to stay at Highbury. Real Madrid had been hoping to clinch Vieira's potential move to the Bernabeu by the weekend, with newspapers in Spain originally claiming that a deal of around £23million had already been agreed. However, while some observers expected Vieira (right) to be unveiled in Spain today, reports last night indicated the deal could have encountered a hitch and that Real had broken off negotiations. Spanish newspaper As reported on their website that Real were unhappy because the fee had risen sharply yesterday, supposedly up from £22m to £25.5m, plus £3.4 m in bonuses. Real and Vieira are also said to still be far apart on wages, with the French midfielder thought to be seeking equal treatment to the existing 'galacticos'. The situation was therefore once again clouded in some uncertainty, with Arsenal left waiting to hear from Vieira himself as to his final decision within the next 48 hours. Real could still force the deal through by increasing their offers to both Arsenal and Vieira, and the possibility remains that the Spanish club are simply playing hard-ball. However, Vieira has only been given until this weekend to decide on his future by Arsene Wenger, who does not want the saga to affect his team's preparations for the new season, with their title defence starting at Everton on Sunday.
"Only Patrick can come out and clarify the situation now, and he needs to do that very quickly," declared Wenger after last Sunday's Community Shield. Arsenal fans were last night still waiting to hear any public comments from Vieira, who has previously rejected overtures from Real but this time looked to have been persuaded to move - if the terms were right. Arsenal, meanwhile, were making no official comment, while Real seemed to be preoccupied with moves to sign Michael Owen. If he does still lose Vieira, Wenger must decide whether to plunge straight into the transfer market for a replacement or to rely on the likes Gilberto Silva, Edu, 17-year-old Cesc Fabregas or Mathieu Flamini, 20, to hold the side together. Arsenal's interest in Michael Carrick seems to have cooled, while Wenger has played down a move for Porto's Maniche. Vieira, meanwhile, will be absent from Arsenal's lineup at Goodison Park this weekend as he is still ruled out of action with a thigh injury. Sol Campbell is also out with an Achilles problem, while Edu is still on holiday, Jeremie Aliadiere has sustained a serious knee injury and Francis Jeffers has been sold to Charlton. Wenger will nevertheless be hoping that Thierry Henry and Fredrik Ljungberg can shake off nagging injury problems, while Robert Pires should also return to the side.
New blood needed
Post Soapbox, Icliverpool & Daily Post
Aug 13 2004
New blood
WHY don't we do a double swoop for Michael Carrick and Craig Moore - players who are young and passionate. My team would be: 1 Wright 2 Hibbert 3 Naysmith 4 Yobo 5 Moore 6 Osman 7 Carrick 8 Gravesen 9 Bent 10 Rooney 11 Kilbane. Subs: Cahill, Campbell and Watson.
Terry Nolan (via e-mail)
Transfer woe
FOR the life of me I do not understand how Everton are so much in debt. We sold the following players for big money; Kanchelskis, Jeffers, Ball, Ferguson, Dacourt etc. We got Unsworth for the same as we sold him for plus Ferguson for a fraction of what we got for him. We have gates of above 35,000 every home game. How can other clubs like Middlesbrough, Charlton, WBA and Bolton beat us in the transfer market? We don't even have a new ground to blame things on.
Trevor Lynes (via e-mail)
End in-fighting
I CANNOT believe the lack of activity by the Everton board to provide funds to strenghen the squad. As a supporter since 1956 I am starting to imagine being a survivor in a lifeboat watching the Titanic go down while listening to a message from the chairman saying it will not go down it is unsinkable.
Mr Kenwright this great club was here before you were born and will still be here when you are gone, but as its present chief custodian it is your responsibility to ensure its success. The supporters will always watch the team on the pitch and provide 100% support, what they will not accept is the continuous backstabbing and schoolboy antics from the people who purport to be running the club.
Bill Gall (via e-mail)
Battle weary
WE must be the only Premiership club whose fans are not looking forward to the new season.
The promoted clubs will live the dream whereas established clubs will go into the new season with blind optimism. Ideally, Everton would like to see the season start in January because that might give us enough time to sort out the boardroom battles.
Steve Johnson (via e-mail)
Unhelpful Jeffers
WHO on earth does Francis Jeffers think he is? After all he can hardly be held up as a shining example of why a player should leave Everton. All he has done is to make him even less welcome at the club he claims to love. If Franny really loved Everton he would not be encouraging the best player we've had at the club in years to leave. Never mind the money we could get for Rooney, he is the player we should be basing our club around, not selling.
Joe Wilson, Wirral
Board fallout
THIS summer has been purgatory for David Moyes and the fans, and the people who purport to run the club should be ashamed of themselves. What seems to matter more is the battle for power between Messrs Kenwright and Gregg. If this carries on, Everton will be relegated. And, it hurts to say, deservedly so.
Patrick Hart, Liverpool
Brush up on your Blue superstitions
By Mark O'Brien Everton Supporter, Daily Post
Aug 13 2004
ARE you excited yet? Are you ready to resurrect your usual rituals that have been shelved for the 'summer': eating the Penguin in the blue wrapper with your mid-morning cup of tea, because you did that once before a match years ago and we beat Coventry that day so it must have been lucky?
People may mock these superstitions and traditions, but we know, for instance, that the true mark of manhood isn't when you get married or spawn offspring, but when you finally get your own blue toothbrush. All through your childhood you have to make do with yellow (Everton away) or green (the goalie of course) while your dad hogs the blue one. It's only when you strike out into the world that you can get that blue brush of your own and leave a stack of Evertonians on the cistern without getting told off by your mum. Don't scoff, these things are very important, although perhaps not quite as crucial as Everton's need to make a good start to this, of all seasons. Words like 'confidence' and 'morale' are going to be repeated endlessly as the campaign progresses. The very last thing we need is a dispiriting walloping on the opening day, and if any team is capable of administering one to us - although arguably there are quite a few - it's the reigning champions. We've done as well against Arsene Wenger's outrageously talented side as anyone in the past few seasons, but unfortunately we face them on Sunday without the two players who have risen to the occasion more than anyone in recent encounters. Without the pace of Wayne Rooney and Tomasz Radzinski to use as an outlet we could find ourselves penned in our own half for long periods. The Gunners looked as assured as ever last weekend against Manchester United, and even without Patrick Vieira they are still leagues ahead of most Premiership sides in terms of their pace and their passing. But stranger things have happened and we can perhaps take some comfort from how Thierry Henry and co. froze at Goodison last season. So hopefully all the Evertonians will put the miserable summer behind them, forget about the boardroom nonsense for 90 minutes, and ensure the stadium is as satisfyingly hostile for the visitors this time out as it was in January. Perhaps that's all in the realms of clutching at straws and mindless optimism but, just like blue toothbrushes, that's what going to the game is all about.
Carrick wants to follow Dutchman to Goodison
Aug 13 2004 By Scott Mcleod, Liverpool Echo
EVERTON have moved into pole position in the race for Michael Carrick after securing the club's fourth signing of the summer. David Moyes was today tying up the signing of PSV right-back Jurgen Colin, as Carrick was making it clear Goodison is his preferred destination if he leaves West Ham.
The Blues will pay PSV a £500,000 loan fee for the 23-year-old Dutchman. The season long loan could become a permanent switch if he impresses. Colin joins Marcus Bent, Tim Cahill and Eddy Bosnar as the club's summer additions.
Carrick wants to be number five.
The Blues tabled a bid of £2.5m rising to £3m for the former England U-21 international last week.
It seemed the club had missed out when Arsenal entered the chase, but they dropped out earlier this week. West Bromwich Albion are close to matching the Hammers' £3.5m asking price and were today given permission to talk to the Geordie midfielder. Moyes is refusing to increase his offer for the player. He said: "He is a player I am interested in, but not at the valuation West Ham are asking." But if Carrick has set his heart on a switch to Goodison West Ham will have little choice but to consider Everton's offer rather than run the risk of Carrick remaining for the forthcoming season and leaving on a Bosman next summer. Both Portsmouth and Crystal Palace have slipped by the wayside, suggesting it is a straight battle for the player's services between Everton and the Baggies.
As for Colin, the defender (right) is unlikely to go straight into the Everton starting line-up for Sunday's Premiership opener against Arsenal. But his arrival will turn up the heat on Tony Hibbert, who is currently Moyes' number one choice at right--back. Meanwhile, Wayne Rooney's representatives are believed to prefer a one year extension to the striker's current contract rather than putting pen to paper on the lucrative five year deal which has been on the table since June.
The 18-year-old, who will be missing until September because of the broken foot he sustained playing for England at Euro 2004, has two years remaining on his current £12,000-a-week contract.
His injury means there is no chance of Rooney leaving Goodison before the current transfer window closes at the end of August. But Manchester United are believed to be waiting in the wings. Everton are keen to secure the player to a long-term deal.
We've got to convince Wayne to stay at Blues
Aug 13 2004 By Scott Mcleod, Liverpool Echo
EVERTON have five months to convince Wayne Rooney his long term future lies at Goodison. That's the firmly-held belief of Scottish international Gary Naysmith. The Blues defender can't wait to see his clubmate back in an Everton shirt again this season. And he hopes that Everton's performances between now and the opening of the next transfer window in January will persuade Rooney to at least see out the season. "Everybody wants Wayne to stay but that is up to him," he said. "But it looks like he will be here now until at least January so that will be great for us. "Hopefully, he will be back playing in September after injury and having him in our side will be a great boost. "If we can be hanging in there by the time he is fit, he will be able to come in and really help us. Maybe we can get things going and convince him to stay until next summer. "Everybody is expecting him to leave, but it is down to him and we will respect whatever decision he makes." Naysmith believes the rest of the club's players will put aside their contract problems to concentrate on staying out of a Premiership relegation battle. A boardroom battle at Goodison Park, plus severe financial problems, have hampered pre-season preparations ahead of Sunday ' s opener against Arsenal. And having jettisoned 16 players during the summer, including senior stars like David Unsworth, Tomas Radzinski, Scot Gemmill, Paul Gerrard and Steve Simonsen, with 14 others in the last year of their contracts, the club are facing a crisis at every turn. But Naysmith, one of those players who will be out of contract next summer, admits that the players will have to prove they are worth a new deal during the current campaign. Naysmith said: "Everton's own future is more important than individual players' contracts. If we cannot go forward together as a club at boardroom level at the moment, we won't be able to get down to talking about new contracts. "We know realistically that at the moment we cannot talk about contracts because we haven't even got a chief executive and that is who usually does things like that. "The sooner all that is sorted out at boardroom level, the sooner our contracts will be sorted out. "A lot of us have a year to go. Maybe we have to go out now and earn a new contract on the pitch." The rumpus between chairman Bill Kenwright and director Paul Gregg over ownership of the club has come to a stalemate with no prospect of a quick conclusion. Naysmith added: "Like the supporters, we want things sorted out one way or another, whoever is going to take charge of the club." For now, Naysmith is simply focusing on Sunday's visit of last season's unbeaten champions, hoping for an unexpected ray of light at the end of a gloomy Goodison pre-season.
Problems filling ground are small beer for Blues
Aug 13 2004 By David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
EVERTON appear to be anaesthetising their fans against the inevitable this weekend. Clearly disputing the assertion that they couldn't organise a p*** up in a brewery, Everton will offer all fans who turn up to the visit of last season's unbeaten champions free beer. That's right. As part of the sponsorship deal with Chang, you buy a big can inside the ground (660ml), and get a small one (330ml) free. It is a sign of the gloom over Goodison, though, that by Thursday lunchtime only 32,000 tickets had been sold - that's 8,000 sceptical souls who could not be persuaded to abandon their armchairs. Not even the prospect of free ale could convince some Evertonians to attend the footballing equivalent of peeling the skin from your fingertips, then rubbing them in rock salt.
At least there are cushions to hold up in front of your face in the front room. Those tickets may have gone by kickoff on Sunday, but even a full house is unlikely to generate an air of optimism. You can gauge the mood of your average Evertonian by the number of calls fielded at Old Hall Street.
The sportsdesk this week gave a good impression of The Samaritans. Evertonians are worried. And with justification. The squad is thin, ageing and sorely lacking in pace - especially at the back - and there is no money to rectify that situation. The boardroom bickering is merely prolonging that problem rather than solving it. And the one truly world-class talent the supporters can turn to is injured - and may not want to stay, anyway. Even the fixture fates have conspired against the Blues.
The last time I can recall Everton going into a season with the 'R' word being bandied about so freely was 1993-4. But, back then, they kicked off with three very winnable games. They did win all three - against Southampton, Manchester City and Sheffield United - and even though they still only survived on the last day of the season, a relegation scrap never looked like materialising until Howard Kendall quit over boardroom bickering.
Sound familiar?
The fixture computer could not have generated a tougher start this time. And no amount of beer will drown their sorrows if Everton have not prised four points away from Crystal Palace and West Brom by the end of August. With a fully-fit squad to select from, Everton are still better than the three promoted sides - witness the FA Cup humbling of champions Norwich City last January.
But how often can any team enjoy an injury-free run? Everton will need their famed fans' loyalty more than ever this season. Everything points to a bumpy, hair-raising, sometimes sickening, occasionally exciting roller-coaster ride of a season. Strap yourself in . . .
Blues' EGM go-ahead
Aug 13 2004 Liverpool Echo
EVERTON shareholders have successfully petitioned for an EGM at the club. What is sure to be a stormy meeting will be held on Thursday, September 9, at Goodison Park. The shareholders association will call for a full account of expenditure at the club in recent seasons, plus a breakdown of other revenue issues. ESA chairman Steve Allinson said: "True Blue Holdings has served the club poorly. We have watched with growing alarm the mounting debt and lack of investment under True Blue. "Now we are expected to sit here and watch them pull themselves apart."
A pundit in the premier league
Aug 13 2004 Liverpool Echo
As Match Of The Day returns to Saturday nights on BBC1, Chief Feature Writer PADDY SHENNAN seeks some opinions from top pundit Alan Hansen HAS "outspoken" pundit Alan Hansen lost his touch - or just run out of opinions? Neither. But his views on allthings-football have become increasingly precious over the years and, unlike some dial-a-gobs, he doesn't give them out willy nilly. "You can have 10 minutes on the 'phone with Alan, but you can't ask him about the Michael Owen situation," a BBC publicity person told me. Alan (right) was affability itself during our chat - though I'm sure I'd only had nine minutes of his time when he brought the interview to an end.
And the Owen gagging order? Of course! The former Liverpool captain writes for one of the posh papers on a Saturday and Monday. So you'll just have to wait for his pearls of wisdom on St Michael.
Could we talk about Everton's Wayne Rooney? Yes. Will he go? Should he go? "It's a difficult call, because Everton are strapped for cash and £25m to £30m is a hell of a lot of money for a guy of that age." Er, thanks, Alan. But it's not just me. Asked by the BBC Sport website whether Arsenal will retain the title, big Al replied: "They have a chance." The steely-eyed Scotman's tip is actually Chelsea - but what about Liverpool? Could new boss Rafael Benitez do what he did at Valencia, by winning a championship in his first season? "I don't think it's realistic, but I'd love to be proved wrong," says the 49-year-old father-of-two, who lives in Southport. "Finishing third would be a remarkable achievement, and that's a sign of how far Liverpool have fallen. "If you'd said they might come third 15 years ago, people would have laughed. "I just hope we see some entertaining football from the team this season - that's what people want." But if the supposedly long-suffering Liverpool fans are hoping for a bright new dawn, what about the Evertonians - some of them would just be glad if their club, currently being torn apart by its own board members (all three of them), is still in existence this time next year. "It's such a hard job for David Moyes," says Alan,, displaying yet more insight. "The turmoil in the boardroom doesn't help at all. Everyone has to stick together, because if the club went down things would go from bad to worse. "What's happening at Everton is bad for Merseyside. The best time we had was when there were two great sides at Liverpool and Everton in the mid-'80s. I don't want to see Everton going down, but I think they've got a good manager and enough decent players to stay up." There remains, meanwhile, little chance of Alan Hansen being relegated to, say, five or the Premier-ship Plus pay-per-view channel - not when, as seen on Sunday night's Match Of The Day At 40 documentary, people like Noel Gallagher, of Oasis, says: "Alan Hansen is the man" and presenter Gary Lineker describes him as the country's best football pundit.
As happy as a pig in excrement, Alan, who has been with the BBC since 1992, compares making MOTD to being in the Liverpool dressing room. "That's the one thing I miss about Liverpool FC. It's not the playing - when I retired,, I was ready to retire. But I miss going in every day and having a laugh with the lads." He puts the appeal of MOTD down to a combination of things, including its distinctive theme tune: "It's so catchy. People hear it and immediately think 'Football.' And the BBC has always been at the top of the tree in the way it has covered football - as it has with golf and cricket." Alan Hansen never liked pundits when he was playing, but doesn't feel guilty about criticising today's stars, explaining: "You try to qualify things. You can say a player is normally better than that, because people are going to watch it and they've got kids and mums and dads. You don't want to just slaughter everyone." Careful, Alan. You're in danger of turning into a great big softie . . .
Premiership Preview
Aug 13 2004 By Chris Amery, icNorthWest
WITH the new season upon us, Chris Amery runs the rule over the Premiership hopefuls and woefuls and predicts who's in the frame for honours ... and for the drop THERE will be no surprises regarding the teams that will once again be contesting the title in the 2004/05 Premiership campaign.
Indeed, if anything, it is becoming increasingly more difficult for the other 17 teams to compete with the financial muscle and squad strength of the usual suspects; Arsenal, Manchester United and Chelsea. Here are my predictions for the top four and bottom three this season.
1st) Arsenal - Title Odds 11/8
Arsenal remain probably the most smartly run club in the Premiership with the intelligent and uncompromising combination of vice-chairman David Dein and manager Arsene Wenger. Wenger, who seems virtually incapable of making a mistake in the transfer market, has recruited Robin Van Persie, Manuel Almunia and Mathieu Flamini this summer to bolster his already impressive squad.
The Gunners are particularly admirable because they have achieved success without the spending power of Manchester United and Chelsea and the only potential weakness in the squad is at centre-back where any injury to Sol Campbell could prove costly. Expect talented youngsters Jose Antonio Reyes, Cesc Fabregas, Jermaine Pennant and Gael Clichy to play a more active role in the first team this term. Also, the confirmation of inspirational captain Patrick Vieira's decision to resist the attention of Real Madrid is a huge 'shot in the arm' for them and will provide sufficient continuity for Arsenal to retain their Premiership title, but will they remain unbeaten again?
Player to watch: Jose Antonio Reyes
January's £10.5 million signing is tipped to shine in his first full season after his impressive performance in the Community Shield.
2nd) Manchester United - Title Odds 5/2
Manchester United look set to be more competitive at the top of the Premiership this season as Sir Alex 'the hairdryer' Ferguson will undoubtedly not settle for the lack of consistency that plagued last season. New signings Alan Smith, Gabriel Heinze and Liam Miller add youth and depth to a mature squad and the return of Rio Ferdinand after his 9-month ban is a massive boost for the team.
Expect nothing less than full-throttle this year from Keane and co in their pursuit of the title, and in Cristiano Ronaldo they have a youngster who has already proved himself a world-star in Euro 2004.
Player to watch: Cristiano Ronaldo
One of the stars of Euro 2004, Ronaldo is expected to continue his rapid rise to football greatness this season for the Red Devils.
3rd) Chelsea - Title Odds 15/8
Mr Abramovich's millions can buy almost anything but not, I'm afraid, this year's Premiership title.
While the introduction of egotist new manager Jose Mourinho suits the cash-happy Blues far better than Claudio 'the tinkerman' Ranieri, it will take him time to indoctrinate the squad with his ideas and gel a successful, consistent first team. His signings, whilst ridiculously expensive are most impressive. Both Didier Drogba and Ricardo Carvalho are fine players but it's unreasonable to expect the goods from them immediately and the question mark surrounding Chelsea is whether they can match Arsenal's consistency over an entire Premiership campaign.
Player to watch: Ricardo Carvalho
Probably the best defender at Euro 2004, the £20 million signing is tipped to prove his worth for the blues and form a formidable partnership with John Terry in his first season.
4th) Liverpool - Title Odds 12/1
Liverpool did not finish 30 points of the title pace for no reason last year. Whilst they will undoubtedly improve on that total in this campaign, new manager Rafael Benitez has plenty of work to do, particularly following the departure of Michael Owen. Djibril Cisse looks likely to succeed, based on his pre-season form, and Josemi will provide some much-needed steel in defence.
A spot in this seasons Champions League will stretch a relatively thin squad however, and 4th place would still represent success in the Premiership providing strides are made to compete more closely with the top three.
Player to watch: Djibril Cisse
The young Frenchman has pace to burn and boasts a remarkable goal scoring record for previous club, Auxerre.
Relegation:
Yes that's right...I'm tipping serial escapologists Everton to avoid the drop once again, largely because I think they will find three teams worse than them are competing in the 2004/05 Premiership campaign.
18th) Blackburn Rovers - Relegation Odds 6/1
Graeme Souness' uncanny ability to fall out with his most talented players will cost the club dearly this season. With games against Arsenal, Manchester United and Newcastle United in the first three weeks, expect Souness to be the first manager in the division to be shown the door.
19th) Norwich City - Relegation Odds 8/15
Delia Smith's beloved Norwich will fight hard against the drop but will ultimately fall short on the quality required to earn enough points at Carrow Road to ensure their survival.
20th) Crystal Palace - Relegation Odds 2/5
Palace are nailed-on for relegation as they lack the quality required for this division and have inspirational manager Iain Dowie to thank for their unexpected presence in the league this year.
Palace are therefore tipped to become the most relegated team in the Premiership's history in May 2005.
No pointer for future
Aug 13 2004 By David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
FOND as I am for stats, this one raised my eyebrows just a little. David Moyes has collected 1.31 points per game since taking charge of Everton in March 2002. That's better than Steve Bruce at Birmingham, Sam Allardyce at Bolton, Alan Curbishley at Charlton and Steve McClaren at Middlesbrough. Hard to see that ratio remaining for much of this season.
Moyes not ready to bite the bullet
By Andy Hunter, Daily Post
Aug 14 2004
FOR a harsh introduction into the world of political infighting, diplomacy and accountancy that constitutes a Premiership manager's job these days, there are few better seats of learning than Everton. Over the last 15 years it has tried and tortured some of the most experienced men in the game and, in just 29 months, has transformed the rising young star of British management into a battle-hardened sage who must feel the world and his wife has turned against him. Twelve months ago it was a question of whether David Moyes could again work wonders on a minuscule budget and lead Everton into the European competition they lost on the final day of a pride-restoring season.
Now it is of relegation, that the transformation demanded at the end of last season but not yet delivered by directors fighting personal battles as well as Everton's will finally turn regular flirtations with the drop into a full-blown, inevitable embrace. No money (again), the Wayne Rooney contract saga, the failure to land top transfer targets, the abrupt departure of Trevor Birch and, of course, the damaging dispute between Bill Ken-wright and Paul Gregg that has crystallised uncertainty and brought the Everton pantomime season forward at just the wrong time for Moyes. It will take something special to survive all this but Moyes, safe in the knowledge he has the Goodison crowd's backing, believes he and his team can. Indeed, just to endure this far has given Everton's manager an impression of impregnability. It has been distracting, of course it has," says Moyes on the on-going boardroom battle. "But what can you do? You have to try and keep focused on your work.
"I've nearly become bullet-proof now, I've been shot at and the team has been shot at so often now. We just have to deflect them and move on. "I've not had much contact with the boardroom. I have had dialogue with Bill Kenwright. I am employed by Everton Football Club. I go through the right channels of communication and deal with the people I have to deal with." If the siege mentality has clearly got to Moyes then it is a message he will instill into his players along with the sense of what Everton, for all the failures at the top, still means to so many. He declares: "We've been pushed into a corner. When you're in a corner you don't have much choice but to fight back. "It's not just the players or the staff, the whole of Everton Football Club has been pushed into a corner. We need to stand up and fight back. "This is a great football club which not only the city of Liverpool needs, but Britain as a football country needs. It's a great institution and a fantastic football club, and we're certainly not going to let that go." At this point one national journalist gets on the receiving end of that emotion when he suggests that belief once filled Wolves and Sunderland, two established clubs whose gradual decline met with inevitable results. "They aren't in the same league as Everton, not in the same league at all," snaps Moyes. "This football club is one of the biggest in the country and the job is to keep it there." If only others accepted that theory. While foreboding rather than optimism has been the over-whelming approach to this season among Evertonians, Moyes and his players see it as a sanctuary from the constant negativity surrounding them. After all, it is the only place it can be dispelled. "I'm looking forward to the start of the season because that's the only place we can do something about what's been going on," he admits. "It gives us a chance to fight back, and that's what has got to happen. The job is difficult, but I am very fortunate to be manager of Everton Football Club. There are loads of people who would be interested in my job. It's a great job, and maybe a bigger challenge than I first thought; one I think we're more than capable of dealing with. "I've had some difficult moments this summer. We've had a lot of stuff in the Press since the end of last season, but it hasn't really been to do with the team. It's been to do with other situations, such as certain members of the team and the club itself. "But it has been a combination with our poor end to last season, and we have to accept that and take that one on the chin. "When you win you say good things, when you lose you say bad things. It's easy to talk about winners - the top teams can't have enough good things said about them." As Moyes admits, it is not only boardroom ructions and a star striker's unsigned contract that has led many to tout Everton as relegation favourites. His team's own appalling form last season hardly whets the appetite for a new season boasting only four new signings, though it did lead to a clear-theair meeting between Moyes and the players at which both sides admitted mistakes had been made. "It was a way of levelling things out and saying where we are and what we've got," explains Moyes. "The players are doing the best they can, and if that's not good enough that's all I can ask of them. They've been terrific since the start of pre-season. There is a good spirit among them and they've trained really hard.
"They've done what we have asked, played in the games and tried not to be injured because they know that we are short of numbers. We thank them for that because they are trying to do the best they can. "I hope they can use the negativity as motivation. The Press don't expect much from us any-more so we are coming in from a different situation than we were last year. People are not expecting much and hopefully we can prove those people wrong." And what of the fans, many of whom now enter the new campaign fearing the worst for their beloved club? "My general feeling is they are very supportive of what we are trying to do," insists Moyes. "They are frustrated as we are, they know our problems and what we need to change. Supporters are good judges. They are never that far off the mark." Moyes may feel the criticism is unwarranted, wherever it has come from, but the fact remains it was the Everton manager himself who, following the 5-1 humiliation at Manchester City on the final day of last season, insisted only a radical transformation in the way the club operates could save it from even further ignominy. And despite those warnings, and countless posturing in the boardroom, the only changes have been for the worse - if that was possible.
He admits: "There's no doubt that Everton have been needing a transformation. Changes have needed to be made, but we haven't been able to make them. "If we had been able to make the changes last season, then maybe the progression would have continued. But we haven't. We've taken a step backwards. Financial changes would have helped." No help will be forthcoming from Everton's opening day opponents tomorrow either. Champions Arsenal, buoyed by Patrick Vieira's decision to stay at Highbury, are just the team to ruthlessly expose Goodison's insecurities in front of a live televised audience. But Moyes insists: "I don't really think about other clubs and what they are doing. I concentrate on this one, and maybe I should look at others a bit more. We know we are a little bit short but hopefully we can do well. "It would be a great start to the season to beat Arsenal. We have a good chance. We are at home, we have been a good team at home in the past and hopefully we can put on a good show. "The last couple of times we have played them at Goodison, we have given them a good game. All I can ask is that the players do the same again, which is the same they have been doing in pre-season - giving their all. "This fixture is ideal for us to pull together and focus. Everybody here has been bashed around a bit and this is a chance to see if we can take things on, and they don't come any bigger than Arsenal at this present time. "We'll try and make it as tough as we can for them and they know they won't be coming here for an easy ride."
They will be the first people to get one at Goodison this summer if they do.
Moyes suffers transfer setback
By Andy Hunter, Daily Post
Aug 14 2004
DAVID MOYES has urged Everton to use their tag as relegation favourites to their advantage - as he suffered yet another setback in the transfer market. Moyes had hoped to include PSV Eindhoven defender Jurgen Colin in his threadbare squad for tomorrow's Premiership opener against champions Arsenal at Goodison Park. But a proposed season-long loan deal was scrapped last night over the terms of the 23-year-old's transfer. Colin trained with the Everton squad yesterday while his representatives attempted to finalise a deal with Goodison officials and register the full-back in time for the visit of Arsenal. But he flew back to Holland after the collapse of the transfer last night and it is unlikely Everton will be able to resurrect the deal. "At the present time the deal is off," confirmed Moyes. The Everton manager, meanwhile, insists his players must use the constant criticism they have faced this summer as a motivational tool for the new campaign. Everton are among the favourites for the drop after making only three additions to a squad that finished one place above the relegation zone last term and being beset by bitter boardroom fighting this summer.
But Moyes, who could be without the injured Joseph Yobo and James McFadden tomorrow, insisted: "My job is to create expectation. I was pleased this time last season and was happy to bring on all the opposition. "But this time I'm not happy. I don't like being told we are one of the favourites for relegation. But we have to face up to those facts and do something about it, and the only way we can do that is on the pitch. "You have to take responsibility for the good seasons and the bad seasons as well, and I certainly wouldn't duck that. I didn't expect us to have the season we had last season. "I didn't want it, I wouldn't have it, I won't accept it but I have to try and work with it.
"At the end of that good season, we maybe should have strengthened more than we did but we didn't have the finances to do that, and in that respect we were only a step off the financial situation we find ourselves in now. "We had to lose players to cut the wage bill and that's made it difficult numbers wise. We've lost eight or nine players who I would consider to be members of the first team squad and not brought enough in. There are one or two players that we are still quite keen on and others too. I'd rather wait and bring in players of the quality I want." Moyes is still in the race for West Ham midfielder Michael Carrick, but despite West Brom being close to matching the Hammers's £3.5million valuation Everton are refusing to increase their bid of £2.5m rising to £3m.
Moyes had also hoped for a decision on Wayne Rooney's future from the 18-year-old before the start of the new campaign. But despite the offer of a get-out clause, Rooney's representatives remain in no hurry to give an answer on the five-year offer while Bill Kenwright and Paul Gregg's board-room battle drags on.
£20m rescue plan for Everton
Aug 14 2004 BY Andy Hunter, Daily Post
BILL KENWRIGHT looked to have won his bitter boardroom battle with Paul Gregg last night after unveiling a dramatic rescue package for Everton worth £20m. The Everton chairman revealed plans for a guaranteed share issue which has been put before the club's bankers and will be vetted this week. Even rival director Gregg described the plans as "great news" and said: "I hope for Everton that this is the first win of the season." The Oxford-based entertainment magnate had previously called on Kenwright to resign as Everton chairman over the club's mounting financial problems.
He said he had investors waiting with £15m to put into the club but the deal depended on Kenwright stepping aside and agreeing to dissolve their True Blue Holdings group, which has majority control of Everton. But Kenwright appears to have out-manoeuvred his rival - who has yet to reveal the full background to his £15m investment - by formulating a guaranteed share issue that will give manager David Moyes some much-needed transfer money and ward off the threat of administration.
The theatre impresario has been closely advised by billionaire retailer Phillip Green in recent weeks but the BHS supremo has not invested any of his own money in the deal. Instead, Kenwright's backers are believed to be from an American-based consortium. A statement last night said: "Bill Kenwright, chairman of Everton Football Club, confirms that he has received formal confirmation of a proposal for £20m-worth of new investment into the club via a new share issue. "The club's bankers have received evidence of the availability of the funds, due diligence will commence on Monday and should be completed by the end of the week." The conditions of the consortium's investment in Everton are as yet unknown, but could see True Blue dissolved and Gregg marginalised if they demand seats in the Goodison boardroom. But whoever the new investor is, the outcome will be that £20m of new shares will be issued and the club's valuation will jump from £30m to £50m, with Kenwright no longer the major shareholder. Gregg, who has £7m of his own money invested in Everton, said: "I have been saying for the past 18 months that True Blue Holdings needs to be disbanded and the club constitution changed to attract new investment. "This move to turn True Blue Holdings shares into Everton shares is welcome, and I welcome new investment into the club. It is something I have been proposing for 18 months, not just the last three weeks. "I hope this will provide new strength and new energy to the Everton board." A source close to the Gregg camp last night said the battle "was never about personalities, it was about what's best for Everton Football Club". Last week, the Daily Post revealed how Everton's bankers had warned the club they faced the threat of administration by the end of this season if they did not keep within their agreed overdraft facility. The club - now £38m in debt - are confident the fresh investment will stave off that threat. Manager Moyes will receive some of the new investment for team rebuilding and can now step up his offer for West Ham midfielder Michael Carrick - valued at £3.5m by the Londoners - before the transfer deadline closes on August 31. The Everton manager could also rekindle his interest in Birmingham City's Robbie Savage and one other player and the club hope the deal can convince Wayne Rooney's advisers they can afford his £13m five-year contract and attract new talent.
It's like Christmas come early, says supporters' chief
IAN MacDonald from the Everton independent supporters' club spoke to Mr Kenwright last night as news broke of the planned investment. He said: "This is welcome news. Bill rang us about 7pm to let us know. "I asked him where the investment was coming from but he said he couldn't tell us until the process of due diligence was over. "He seemed completely relaxed with the weight of the world off his shoulders. "We desperately need to increase the squad. Bill has promised to try to get three new players and he said they 'will excite us'. "This is like Christmas come early for Evertonians and they will be walking with a spring in their step now." Mr MacDonald added that Mr Kenwright had said he could work with Paul Gregg in future as he was "not a vindictive man". "I do hope that Bill and the rest of True Blue have learnt lessons, that the club needs to move on in a business-like manner. "The manager should be awarded a medal for his patience with the club. Everton cannot live on passion alone." He added: "Supporters will now feel that they have a chance in the Premiership. Fans lashed out when they were frightened and said things they didn't mean. But I hope we can wipe the slate clean now. "And at last Bill's mum, Hope, can rest her head on her pillow and know that her son came up trumps." Let's wait and see, say the shareholders THE Everton shareholders' association last night said it was pleased at the developments but remained cautious until the full package of funding was unveiled. Secretary Nick Williams said: "The shareholders' association welcomes all new investment into the club. "But there's some more detail that still needs to come out and hopefully we can all learn what that detail is as quickly as possible.
"We should use the investment to address the major financial problems and help David Moyes out, and get the youth academy up and running as well as the situation with the bank." Sources close to the association suggested that the money should be divided with £5m going to the bank, £2-£4m to the youth academy and the rest, £10-12m, on new players.
Everton 1, Arsenal 1 (D,Post)
Aug 16 2004 By Andy Hunter at Goodison Park, Daily Post
THE last time Everton lost 4-1 at home on the opening day of the season they went on to win the league. Just staying in it will constitute an achievement 20 years later. It is the latest in a long line of signs of the club's decline that surviving relegation is the objective of a once-proud club and up for discussion on day one of the new campaign. Not even the luxury of pre-season optimism is bestowed on Everton any more and realistic fears for the opening day proved well-founded when they were completely outclassed and dismantled by champions Arsenal yesterday. Right now the only crumb of consolation lies in the £20million investment package proposed by Bill Kenwright just 18 days before the transfer window closes. Money that will help David Moyes improve a threadbare and limited squad, but which really should have been in place several months and one bitter boardroom dispute ago, is essential if humblings such as this are to be prevented from demoralising Goodison even more. As the manager admitted himself, however, all his primary transfer targets have already been snapped up so in the absence of even that hope and in an attempt to stop Evertonians leaping lemming-like off the Albert Dock it is worth pointing out that Arsenal are not in town every week. Given their respective fortunes last season and this summer these were three points that even the most optimistic blue had written off long ago. Once the two teams settled into their familiar styles, it was easy to see why. But trying to stop a rampant Arsenal inflicting serious damage is not where Everton's Premiership status will be won or lost, it is against the new boys and the middle-tier, even though many of those supposed rivals have strengthened considerably this summer. It is away at Crystal Palace next week and at home to West Bromwich Albion on August 28 where the pressure will be on Moyes's men to deliver and for all the limitations shown yesterday six points from those two fixtures is well within their capabilities. "It was a sunny day and everything went well for us so it looks good for us," said the victorious Arsene Wenger, who soberly added his Arsenal team are not yet at their physical peak. "Let us wait until it's raining and it's winter before we really judge how good we are." Despite confirmation of Everton's worst suspicions against Arsenal the theory also extends to them, even though they were inferior in every department to the reigning champions yesterday. The pace and precision of Arsenal was in complete contrast to their opponents, and never better exemplified than when they took the lead in the 23rd minute - all as a result of an Everton throw-in near the Gunners' corner flag. In a rare passing move to compare with the visitors, James McFadden and Leon Osman produced a neat exchange which saw the former released clear of the Arsenal defence for the only time. But by the time the Scot's shot was unleashed Pascal Cygan had arrived to divert the attempt out into the most unlikely place for a goalscoring move to begin. With the throw cleared and Everton caught in attack Thierry Henry sent Jose Antonio Reyes sprinting through on goal with only Alan Stubbs to beat. Stubbs won that duel with a perfectly timed tackle, but the speed of the Arsenal attack ensured Henry was able to collect the loose ball, roll it square to Dennis Bergkamp, and stand back and admire as the Dutchman drove a low shot beyond Nigel Martyn. After a determined but predictable start - in which Gary Nay-smith hacked Cygan's header off the line - the issue was how Everton's brittle confidence would cope with the setback. And the grim answer arrived 16 minutes later when criminal defending ensured there was no way back as Arsenal grabbed a second. Right-back Lauren spent almost as much time lurking around Everton's penalty area as his own and it was from another of his inviting crosses that the danger came. Not that the home defence didn't have the opportunity to clear, they had several.
Lauren's cross sailed past five blue shirts before Freddie Ljung-berg collected the loose ball unopposed on the opposite left flank. Even when he skipped past Alessandro Pistone and crossed back into the area there seemed little danger, with at least three defenders marking only Reyes, but it was the Spaniard who displayed the speed of thought so badly lacking in his markers with a run that left Naysmith and Stubbs standing and a header that gave Martyn no chance. Until the Arsenal opener there had been enough Everton spirit to at least offer hope of a surprise. After it, however, the contest was an exercise in torture as the visitors magnified their hosts deficiencies and even the simplest of tasks - passing,, control, marking - seemed beyond many in blue.. Goodison began to resemble a morgue as Wenger's immaculate side went through their repertoire of talents without breaking sweat, and only a superb save from Martyn plus a great tackle by Yobo prevented Francesc Fabregas, who at 17 already looks a worthy addition to this Arsenal team, and Bergkamp from inflicting more damage respectively at the start of the second half. Arsenal appeared to believe they could walk the ball into the Everton net at times, and just to prove the point on 54 minutes they did.
Bergkamp was the orchestrator, finding Henry with an angled pass that dissected the home defence. The French maestro was left with plenty of time to either go for goal or cause pandemonium in the Everton area with a low cross through the six-yard box. He chose the latter, and Ljungberg had the easiest of tasks to convert into an empty net. Only new signing Marcus Bent offered any intelligent disruption to the Arsenal procession with a display that made his first half omission to the substitutes's bench at the expense of McFadden even more mystifying than it initially appeared.
On 63 minutes he helped provide the one, brief highlight of the afternoon for Evertonians by instigating a consolation goal for Lee Carsley. Collecting Bent's ball in midfield the Republic of Ireland international swapped passes with Thomas Gravesen, who's chipped ball over the Arsenal defence allowed Carsley to round Jens Lehmann before tap-ping home. Until that point the only resistance to events at Goodison came in another banner criticising Kenwright's belated rescue package for Everton, but there would be no more. With nine minutes to go an accurate reflection of Arsenal's superiority returned to the scoreline when Robert Pires pounced on a rebound off the crossbar when Ashley Cole attempted to chip a loose ball, spilled by Martyn from Henry's 20-yard drive, over the keeper. Time for the exodus to the exits. This was not the game on which to judge Everton's standing as a Premiership force, once Arsenal found the form that has stretched their unbeaten run to 41 games they were never going to be a match for Wenger's team. Panic measures help no-one, but describing this Saturday's trip to Selhurst Park as the first six-pointer of the season is not as ridiculous as it seems.
EVERTON (4-4-2): Martyn; Pistone, Yobo, Stubbs (Hibbert 46), Naysmith; Osman (Ferguson 71), Gravesen, Carsley, Kilbane; McFadden (Bent 46), Campbell. Subs: Wright, Watson.
BOOKINGS: Carsley, Osman (fouls),
ARSENAL (4-4-2): Lehmann; Lauren, Toure, Cygan, Cole; Ljungberg (Pennant 64), Gilberto (Flamini 69), Fabregas, Reyes (Pires 64); Bergkamp, Henry. Subs: Almunia, Hoyte.
BOOKINGS: Cole (foul).
REFEREE: Mike Riley
ATT: 35,241
NEXT GAME: Crystal Palace v Everton, Premiership, Saturday, 3pm
Moyes: Rescue package may have come too late
By Andy Hunter, Daily Post
Aug 16 2004
DAVID MOYES last night revealed he fears Bill Kenwright's rescue package has come too late to ease the burden of "the toughest job in football". Goodison chairman Kenwright responded to Paul Gregg's calls for him to resign by announcing a £20million investment proposal that will stave off the threat of administration and hand Moyes some much-needed transfer money. But the Everton manager (left) admitted his top transfer targets have all been snapped up by rival clubs and that he has the hardest task of any Premiership manager to preserve the club's 51-year stay in the top flight.
Moyes saw his side torn apart by champions Arsenal yesterday as Everton went down 4-1 in their first game of the new Premiership campaign. And he revealed: "I don't know if the money will change things. We will try and do something if it comes off but my concern is it has come a bit late in the day to get the players we really wanted, so we need to be careful with what we do spend it on.
"I did know who we wanted but they have all gone now. We have one or two other possibilites but it's hard to get to the deadline and find the targets you want are still sitting there. "But there is a definite need to improve. This job would be a hard enough job for Alex Ferguson or Arsene Wenger to deal with. "This is probably the toughest job in the Premiership at the moment. "It is a great challenge and opportunity for me to try and come through all of it and we will all be better people if we do. "The other clubs who have just been promoted have their problems and tough jobs to do but there is much more expectation at Everton. "We have spent 125 years in the top flight of English football so there is an awful lot at stake and this is a very big job for any manager. "Nothing has really been said to me about the investment and we might have to get by with what we have. Whatever hand we are given, we will do the best we can."
All we expected from typical Goodison drama
By Mark O'Brien, Daily Post
Aug 16 2004
IT'S been a great week for entertainment. The fifth series of the Sopranos started on E4 and Everton's Premiership season kicked off. What more could you ask for? There was out-of-breath Italians, wild shots, savage in-fighting and murky deals aplenty. The Sopranos wasn't much different.
Those of us hopeful of a repeat of the last two stirring home performances against Arsenal ended up mightily disappointed with the opening-day encounter at Goodison. Everton opened up lively enough, pressurising the champions all over the pitch and disrupting their rhythm, but expecting to keep that going for 90 minutes in the blazing heat was a tall order. You need a bit of good fortune when you're up against such a classy side as the Gunners, but it seems doubtful whether the result would have been any different if James McFadden's effort hadn't been blocked by Kolo Touré or if Mike Riley had awarded what looked like a certain penalty when Pascal Cygan manhandled Kevin Campbell. Arsenal, on the other hand, made their own luck; the reason that Alan Stubbs's magnificent tackle in his own box broke to an opposition player in the build-up to the first goal was simply because so many red shirts flooded forward whenever Arsene Wenger's men were in possession. Compare that to the way in which the Everton forwards were so often isolated and it's really no surprise that they score so many goals and we don't. Much has been made of our problems in the transfer market this summer but let's be honest, even if we had landed every one of our targets we would have struggled here. Arsenal are a magnificent side - only sullied by Thierry Henry's constant moaning and cheating - and there aren't many teams in Europe who can give them much of a game. They'll certainly hammer better, more expensive sides than us this season, so not too much should be read into this result; don't forget they beat Manchester United 3-1 last week and there hasn't exactly been a run of punters backing the Red Devils for the drop. Obviously, some sort of decent result would have been a great fillip for Everton, especially on the back of the relatively positive news emanating from the boardroom, but it's how the players react that is important and the acid test comes next week at Selhurst Park. The Blues were worse travellers than Dennis Bergkamp last season, and if they start throwing away points against the weaker sides such as Palace this time around, then we really will be in grave danger. There weren't really that many positives for David Moyes to take from this game into the match against the Eagles, but if we were to squint and look really hard for some causes for optimism then we could do a lot worse than start with Joseph Yobo. The Nigerian was the one Everton player who wouldn't have looked out of place in a red and white shirt yesterday; he's a 'Rolls Royce' of a footballer, as someone described him.
Marcus Bent, a second-half substitute, showed plenty of encouraging signs too; he's big and strong and looked determined to make a good impression with his work-rate and enthusiasm. It will be a big surprise if he doesn't start on Saturday. If Bill Kenwright's new investment materialises soon then perhaps we will be able to add those much-desired new faces to the squad too. In fairness to the present lot, though, they couldn't be faulted for effort, something that wasn't always the case last season, especially towards the end. One banner apart - and its tiny lettering and the fact that it never appeared until we were behind kind of lessened its impact - the fans,, on the whole, appreciated the players' application in the face of a far superior collection of footballers.
So despite this defeat, and all the rest of our problems, it's still great to be back, and unlike Tony Soprano we're not quite ready to book a session with out psychiatrist just yet. Bada bing!
Arsenal would have beaten most teams, says Moyes
By Andy Hunter, Daily Post
Aug 16 2004
DAVID MOYES admitted Arsenal would have triumphed against most teams on the form they displayed at Goodison Park in beating Everton yesterday. The defending champions opened the defence of their crown with a devastating 4-1 victory to pile on the misery for Everton. Arsene Wenger's side were too strong for Everton, and while Moyes could not fault his player's overall effort, he suggested they contributed to their own downfall with a series of sloppy mistakes.
"The players are doing the best they can and that's all we can ask of them in the main," he said.
"I was expecting that from Arsenal after watching them beat Manchester United last week and I don't think we could have done much better. We worked hard and the effort was there.
"Arsenal would have beaten anyone with this performance, but we also had opportunities to clear the ball in the lead up to their goals. We had chances to put our foot in but we didn't do so and that led to their goals." Dennis Bergkamp, Jose Antonio Reyes and Freddie Ljung-berg gave Arsenal an unassailable lead. And though Lee Carsley tapped in a second-half consolation, Robert Pires completed the rout in the 81st minute. Moyes added: "We were ready for the game and were desperate to perform. Maybe if we hadn't come up against an Arsenal side in this form we would have got something on another day. "We showed hard work and sweat but that is not enough to compete with teams like Arsenal. You need money to spend on quality players but not every manager is fortunate enough to have a cheque book to work with." Such was the ease with which Arsenal beat Everton there will be talk of repeating last season's feat when they went through the league campaign undefeated. Wenger smiled when asked whether his side could match that achievement and said: "We've played one game. "Yes, we played well. We tried to play football, to go forward and score goals, and today it worked. "But we tried that the whole season last year, and we will try to do that this season, but how far we can go, I don't know. "There was a positive attitude from my players. For big periods in the game we played well, although you could see we are not all there physically. Our level dropped a little bit, but overall we showed some great qualities.
"What impressed me the most is that we were able to move the ball quickly and that we looked like we could score when it was needed."
Probables for relegation
By Steven Mills Everton Supporter, Daily Post
Aug 16 2004
READING a quote from David Moyes before the game against Arsenal, he said that he wanted his team to prove that they were not certainties for relegation. Well congratulations David we proved just that, but judging by this performance we are just probables for relegation. Forget that we were playing the champions and the best team in Britain as our performance was so inept creatively that I find it hard to see a Premiership team that we would have beaten. There was no spark, no pace up front and Yobo excepted absolutely no clue how to defend. I do not blame David Moyes one little bit as he is working with his hands tied behind his back and this £20million worth of investment has come too late Mr Kenwright. Did Kenwright not see last season that we would need to strengthen this summer and why wasn't he getting this investment for Moyes to build prop-erly before the season kicked off? Hats off to Arsenal - they played exceptionally and were better all over the pitch but we made it too easy for them with some of the players we had playing. At the back we looked weak with Pistone and Naysmith seem-ingly competing as to who could play the worst. In the centre Yobo was trying to do the work of two men as once again Stubbs proved that against world-class strikers he will get the runa-round every time. In midfield I appreciate the effort that Gravesen, Osman and Kilbane put in but young Leon looked way out of his depth. The same can be said for our front pairing - McFadden has time on his side but Campbell's only contribution was to fall over and be caught offside. For the next game changes must be made.
Moyes back in for Savage
Aug 16 2004 By David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
DAVID MOYES may seek to rekindle one of the summer's longest running transfer sagas, now he has cash to spend. The Blues' boss is considering his transfer options after yesterday's opening day embarrassment by Arsenal, and Birmingham midfielder Robbie Savage may come back under his radar once again. A long-running bid to sign Savage ended when the player put pen to paper on a new three-year deal at St Andrew's. But Moyes remains an admirer and the player has never hidden his desire to play for the Toffees. Given the torrid summer Everton have endured, and yesterday's result against The Gunners - persuading players to come to Goodison could be Moyes' most difficult task before the August 31 deadline. Southampton striker James Beattie has also been spoken of as a potential target, but Moyes has already conceded that the player is unlikely to move to a club which could be involved in a relegation dogfight. Savage, however, would not be put off by that. The Blues' boss and his assistant, Alan Irvine, watched Blackburn against West Bromwich Albion on Saturday, sparking speculation that Sean Gregan could be a potential target. Moyes has dismissed those suggestions for now, pointing out that the Blues play the Baggies in a fortnight and Saturday was an opportunity to run the rule over them. Injury hangovers from yesterday, meanwhile, include Kevin Kilbane and Alan Stubbs. Kilbane had two stitches in a foot injury and Stubbs reported a groin strain. James McFadden, however, was fit enough to join up with the Scotland squad despite coming off with a knock at half-time.
Blues living down to expectations
Aug 16 2004 By David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
COME on, there was one sliver of consolation on a wretched opening day of the season at Goodison.
Arsenal declared at 4-1 - when just one more goal would have plonked Everton clear at the bottom of the first Premiership table of the season. There was precious little else to enjoy - the pacy Joseph Yobo apart - on a day when pretty much everything Evertonians feared came true. The most worrying aspect of the whole one-sided afternoon is that most fans expected it. Arsenal had to fight to the death for a 1-1 draw here last season. They saw another long unbeaten run ended at Goodison the season before. Yesterday they did pretty much as they pleased. Even the prospect of a £20m rescue package does not appear to have 100 per cent acceptance. A banner draped over the edge of the Bullens Road stand appeared critical - although the lettering was so small the only words that could be clearly made out were "£20m" and "The Playhouse " - a failed theatre venture of Bill Kenwright's. Even Everton banners, it seems, are not ambitious enough these days. The chairman's dramatically-unveiled investment is undoubtedly good news. The only reservation is whether it has come too late in the summer to significantly help David Moyes' squad rebuilding. The Blues' boss did his best to put a brave face on matters at his post-match conference. After all, the last thing he needs now is players sulking because he has had a pop. But he must have watched Match of the Day the night before wringing his hands in frustration. Martin Laursen - who sat with him in a Milan hotel room two months ago expressing a desire to play for Everton - was bossing Aston Villa's defence. Sean Davis stood out like a beacon as the best Spurs player on show, while Danny Murphy was the only one of Alan Curbishley's summer signings thrown straight into Charlton's starting line-up. That trio might have given Everton a much more solid spine. It remains to be seen whether that quality of player is still available now, 14 days before the transfer window closes. Before we become too downcast, it should not be forgotten that this current Arsenal is a very, very special side.
Francesc Fabregas showed the kind of swagger in a 17-year-old Everton thought they held the copyright on. Jose Antonio Reyes was refreshingly direct and dazzling, Dennis Bergkamp a classy Dutch master and Thierry Henry simply the best footballer in the Premiership by a country mile.
Everton did not even begin to compete - despite the willingness of two men who could prove influential against lesser opponents this season, Kevin Campbell and Lee Carsley. Campbell started alongside James McFadden up front. Given that the pair played 45 games between them last season - and mustered one goal - we should not have been too surprised the partnership misfired. But, given reasonable freedom from injury, Campbell can undoubtedly weigh in with goals again this season. Marcus Bent offered a more physical presence, while Duncan Ferguson came on when legs were tiring, won a dangerous free-kick and got on the end of a cross. But the end of the game could not come quickly enough for a 35,000 first-day crowd. At least the famed gallows humour of Evertonians was still evident. "Last time this happened we won the league," quipped one, referring to the day Spurs won 4-1 at Goodison Park - the prelude to the most successful season in the club's history. That was 20 years ago. And it could be as long again before this wonderful old institution is in a position to challenge for it once more.
'I won't be forced into panic buys' - Moyes
Aug 16 2004 By David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
DAVID MOYES fears a £20m cash windfall may have come too late to spare another battle against relegation.The Blues' boss is waiting to hear exactly how much he will get to spend from Bill Kenwright's investment package.But after seeing summer targets Martin Laursen, Jelle van Damme, Sean Davis and Danny Murphy all move elsewhere, he will not be rushed into panic buying."I might just stick with the players I've got," he said."It's hard to get to the deadline and not find that a lot of the targets you would really want to bring to the club are still sitting there."But whatever hand we get given, we'll play it the best we can."I don't know what money I'm going to get to spend, but I'm sure Bill will try and do something. My concern is that it's a bit late in the day to get what we would really want."I would need to be very careful on what I spend it on."There's a definite need to improve. We need to do that. But this job would be a hard one for Alex Ferguson or Arsene Wenger."I think this is probably the toughest job in the Premier-ship at the moment, but it's a great challenge, a great opportunity for me to stand up and try and come through it."If we can, then we'll all be better people for it."The three clubs who have come up have tough jobs, but maybe their expectations aren't to do too well. Everton have been in the top flight for 100 seasons so this would be a big job for any manager no matter who it was."Despite a 4-1 chasing, Moyes insisted he couldn't have asked for anything more from his players."The players have done the best they can and that's all we can ask of them. We worked very hard and that's what we must continue to do," he said.."We chased the ball for long times, but we did it with an eagerness and a willingness."After watching Arsenal last week I think we were expecting a performance like that from them."And I don't think we could have done much differently. Maybe we could have put our foot in a couple of times which we didn't do, but we worked hard."We could have stopped a couple of crosses and maybe there was an opportunity to tackle Henry on the halfway line before he played in Reyes just outside the dug-out."But the lads worked hard."
We're in the pink
Aug 16 2004 By Nick Murton And Mike Hornby, Liverpool Echo
MERSEYSIDE awoke to a bright new dawn with the launch of the new-look Weekend ECHO.On Saturday readers were treated to a new bigger, better-value Saturday read, packed with the latest news and entertainment, a new bumper Jobs section and our great nostalgia section Flashback.Packed with expert opinions and first-class news, from North West Sports Writer of the Year Chris Bascombe, the latest Tranmere news from Rob Brady, and analysis from Blues reporter Scott McLeod, the new-look Football ECHO is already a hit with footie fans across the region.Reds fan Ian Muldoon, 42, from Norris Green, said: "The Footie ECHO is the best in the business, I've been reading it for years."The new Pink looks so much better, it's brighter and it's free."Paul Williams, 35, from Rainhill, added: "The match previews are better than any other newspaper."The writers get straight to the point and that's what matters."Stephen Taylor, 19, from Garston, said: "The Pink is best because it's local, and the writers know Anfield, Goodison and Prenton Park better than anyone else."Michael Nickson, 18, a sales assistant from Wavertree, said: "It's not just about the match previews, it's the amateur football coverage and columnists as well which make the Pink a must for every true fan of the game on Merseyside."For the first time both Reds and Blues have found something they can agree on.Evertonians queued up to sing the Football ECHO's praises before the Blues' season opener at Goodison against champions Arsenal. Gill Lynch, 56, a lifelong Blue now living in Chester, said: "My family travels to the match most weeks, and the Pink is the first thing we reach for at the newsagents." I ' ve been reading the ECHO's sports coverage for years, and I've never seen it look better."Gary Gelhardt, 30, a builder from Dovecot, said: "The best has got even better. The Football ECHO is invaluable for fans who want to be in the know."Season ticket-holder Craig McMeekin, 26, from Bootle, said: "The Pink's writing staff know the clubs, the players and the issues that matter to the fans. The new Pink looks fantastic, and its look is matched by its content."Tony Gallagher, 29, a gym worker from Walton, said: "Reading the ECHO is part of following football - the two go together like Everton and Goodison Park."The columnists are second to none, and the match reports are first rate."Michael English, 28, a civil servant from Bootle, said: "If you want to know about football, you read the Pink. It's new look is as sharp as its writers. Its amateur coverage is peerless, and fans will love it."
Cahill of the mark
Aug 16 2004 Liverpool Echo
TIM CAHILL scored his first goal for Australia at the weekend - and ensured his Everton debut will be delayed.The Blues' summer signing opened the scoring against Serbia and Montengero to inspire a 5-1 stroll.It means Australia need just a point from their final qualifying match against Argentina tomorrow to book a place in the second stage of the tournament.Coventry's John Aloisi and Ahman Elrich hit two goals apiece.
Ladies get off to super start
Aug 16 2004 Liverpool Echo
IT wasn't total gloom on the opening day of the new football season at Everton.The club's Ladies team hammered Leeds United 8-0, with four of their five summer signings finding the net.Leeds had also made four close-season signings, amongst them England captain Karen Walker. But they were outclassed on their home turf by the Blues.England colleagues Fara Williams and Kelly McDougall hit two goals apiece, Michelle Evans, Rachel Unitt and Jody Handley all all scored on their debuts, as did England under-19 striker Karen Boyle.Liverpool's Ladies, meanwhile, went down 3-1 at Charlton with England under-21 star Heatherson hitting a hat-trick.
Everton 1, Arsenal 4 (Echo)
Aug 16 2004 By Scott Mcleod at Goodison Park
BILL KENWRIGHT has found £20m and won the biggest battle of his Goodison reign. But the war still isn't over. The biggest fight of all will take shape over the next 10 months. Before the chairman's cash boon, the situation was ominous. And, until we see the manager spending some of the cash, it still is. Four £5m signings would not go amiss. But however much of the new cash is made available to David Moyes, it must be spent as quickly as possible. Because Everton simply don't have enough troops for the months of combat ahead. And those that are available, as yesterday proved, are light years away from the Premiership's top dogs. Titles may not be won in August. But after just one round of games, it is clear it is one side's to lose. Arsenal were magnificent yesterday. So much so, that it is hard to know how big a bearing Everton had on the outcome. Are the Blues really that far off the pace, or were they simply in the presence of a side head and shoulders above anything else in the division? The answer to that question will come in the next fortnight, with new boys Crystal Palace and West Brom on the menu. Not only will those games provide a better barometer of where Everton are, they could also signal the death knell for one or two Goodison careers - on the field, I hasten to add. Before this weekend, there seemed little chance of Moyes adding significantly to his threadbare squad. Now, thanks to the rescue package put together by Kenwright, the focus in the boardroom is no longer on the power struggle. Paul Gregg had come forward, insisting he had £15m waiting in the wings and daring Kenwright to trump him. Trump him he has, and now Gregg will have to take a back seat again as Kenwright, ever the showman, orchestrates the rebuilding of a squad which has been left by the wayside during a summer of confusion and in-fighting. Having spent a lifetime in the theatre, Kenwright is a master of the dramatic. Friday's late announcement on the eve of the new season was proof of that. Now he must pull a few more rabbits out of the hat before the closure of the transfer window in less than a fortnight. Yesterday Moyes' side picked itself. He had just two fit central midfielders to choose from and Joseph Yobo started in the centre of defence, despite having not trained all week. His presence was essential against the Gunners' searing pace. And he was the best player in blue. The side tried to rattle their visitors in the opening minutes. Nobody could doubt their effort or their endeavour. But that was not good enough - not by a long way.. It was Arsenal's class which stood out. After eight minutes they had forced four corners, and inside 25 they had taken the lead and threatened to add to it. The outcome was depressingly obvious long before Mike Riley gave the Blues a welcome break by blowing the half-time whistle.
The second 45 minutes merely confirmed the magnitude of the defeat. In this fixture two years ago a 16-year-old dramatically unveiled himself to the footballing world with a goal of sublime quality. Yesterday, another teenager was equally impressive. But this time, he wasn't wearing blue. Patrick Vieira's decision to turn down the chance to move to Real Madrid was seen by many observers as the key to Arsenal's title defence. Without him, a Spanish 17-year-old by the name of Francesc Fabregas was given the opportunity to prowl central midfield. And for an hour, he ran the show.
But for a superb point blank save by Nigel Martyn, he would have capped the performance with a goal. Instead, it was left to the more established stars to secure an embarassingly emphatic victory.
Dennis Bergkamp thumped home after good work by Thierry Henry and Jose Reyes in the 23rd minute. Reyes headed in himself six minutes before the break, and the procession continued nine minutes after when Freddie Ljungberg tapped in after more Henry magic. The fourth was smashed in by Robert Pires eight minutes from time after Henry and Ashley Cole had both been denied.
The way the Gunners tore through the Everton defence was frightening, and confirmed what many Blues had suspected after watching some of the horrific defensive displays of pre-season. In those games, there was the fillip of some decent attacking play. Yesterday, there simply wasn't the time or the space to reproduce that football. Leon Osman was a bright spot, showing good vision and some neat touches on the right flank, particularly during the opening 45 minutes. On this evidence, this will be the season he establishes himself as a Premiership player. But too many of his team-mates, who have been present in the top flight for a long time, looked jaded and past their best. The side was worn out well before the end, having spent much of the afternoon chasing shadows. At least there was the ubiquitous consolation goal, netted by Lee Carsley 26 minutes from the end, after being fed in by the side's other follickly challenged midfield man - Thomas Gravesen.. That strike ensured that it was not the heaviest defeat of the weekend. But already the Blues are where many pundits predicted they would be this season - in the relegation zone. The chequebook cannot be opened soon enough.
Wyness waits in wings for Everton job
By Andy Hunter, Daily Post
Aug 17 2004
KEITH WYNESS will accept Bill Kenwright's offer to become Everton's new chief executive if the chairman's £20million rescue package is accepted later this week. Kenwright turned to the Aberdeen chief executive following the shock resignation of Trevor Birch on July 16. But the on-going boardroom dispute with Paul Gregg and the uncertainty surrounding Kenwright's own future has delayed Wyness's move from Pittodrie. Due diligence began on Kenwright's £20m investment proposal yesterday and could be completed by Friday, releasing funds for David Moyes to improve a side humbled by Arsenal on Sunday. The Everton manager has not ruled out a revived bid for Robbie Savage despite the controversy surrounding last month's approach and the Welsh international's new three-year deal at St Andrew's. West Ham's Michael Carrick is also a possible target but Moyes is reluctant to meet the Hammers's £3.5m asking price, believing £2.5m rising to £3m is a fair price for the 23-year-old. Alan Stubbs, meanwhile, is a doubt for the weekend trip to Crystal Palace after injuring his groin in the 4-1 loss to Arsenal. But the injury is not a recurrence of the problem that plagued the Goodison skipper throughout last season and he still has a chance of playing at Selhurst Park. "It was a little bit uncomfortable today, but hopefully it will settle down over the next couple of days," said physio Mick Rathbone. "The good thing from our point of view is that it wasn't the same groin that he injured last season, so if there is any good news, that would be it." Kevin Kilbane required stitches in a cut to his foot after Sunday's game and, despite collecting a calf injury prior to his interval substitution, James McFadden has teamed up with the Scotland squad ahead of Wednesday's friendly against Hungary. Both are expected to be fit for the Palace game.
Housing ban could halt Everton training academy
Daily Post
Aug 17 2004
EVERTON'S plan to build a new training academy for its first team squad and youth players has been thrown into doubt. A recent change to Liverpool City Council's policy for approving residential planning applications could force the club to abandon the plan. Everton had hoped to win planning permission for a housing development on its current Bellefield training ground in West Derby. A sub-sequent sale of the land to a housebuilder was intended to help finance the new facility at Halewood. However, the council's new policy, which follows government guidelines, restricts the number of new homes that can be built out-side the city centre and some inner-city districts.
Although it applied for planning permission in May, this has yet to be granted, and, as a consequence, the application falls within the new rules. A council spokesman said yesterday: "The new policy would be one of the considerations that will be taken into account when this application is determined." The spokesman added that no date has been set for a planning hearing as negotiations with the club are still going on. With residential planning approval, Bellefield could net the club £12m in badly needed cash. The site is, however, virtually worthless without approval.
The new academy will cost around £10m. Proceeding with the academy is optional and building work could be deferred until Everton's finances are in better shape. Staying at Bellefield is a viable alternative. Alan Bowen, stadium manager at Goodison Park, said: "We are considering our position because we did lodge our application before the change in policy. "We are considering all the possibilities at the moment." Mr Bowen acknowledged that the cost of constructing the Halewood academy assumed that there would be money coming in from the sale of Bellefield.
£20m will buy extra breathing space
Daily Post
Aug 17 2004
Business Editor Bill Gleeson reports on how Everton could best spend Bill Kenwright's cash injection
EVERTON chairman Bill Kenwright's promised £20m cash injection would throw the club a lifeline that could be enough to see it survive in the Premiership for another season. We are promised that the investors have begun the process of due diligence, and that their identities will be revealed when that process is completed at the end of this week. In most corporate transactions, it is normal for the terms of any deal to remain up in the air until after the due diligence, which looks at cash flow, profitability, asset valuations and club debts, is concluded. The whole thing could fall through yet. But let us suppose that an agreement is finalised. How far will £20m go at Goodison Park?
Everton has in excess of £40m in debts. Around £30m of this is a long-term secured loan. The club only needs to find £2.4m a season to service this debt, so it is not a crucial issue, as it won't bankrupt Everton. On top of that, there is a £5m overdraft facility. Everton's bank, Barclays, is understood to be concerned that the club can see through the whole season while remaining within its limit.
As we revealed recently, the bank has warned that, should Everton overstep its limit, it will consider placing the club in administration. One source close to the board has told the Daily Post that the crunch time for cashflow could be just two months away. Up to £10m is due to other football clubs this coming season for past player acquisitions. Football finance expert James Dow, who runs corporate finance firm Dow Schofield Watts, in Warrington, explained that such debts come first in the queue of demands on club cash. He said: "These debts will have to be settled. Existing obligations to football creditors are well protected. Clubs owed money can go to the authorities to get their money. It's not discretionary." Mr Dow also believes that any new money could end up doing no more than paying the club's wage bill. "That's got to be significant. Almost certainly the club is continuing to consume cash at the basic operating level." He added that he would not expect a due diligence exercise to be completed in the space of a week, as has been suggested.
"It would be nice to see it resolved, but I don't see it done in a week. A month is nearer the mark," said Mr Dow. With all the competing demands on the club's finances, one insider at Goodison told the Daily Post that he expected manager David Moyes would only see around £7m of the new cash for the squad. The bitter pill for Evertonians to swallow is that this £20m is, at best, only enough money to stave off the club's financial problems for just another season. After that, it is almost certain that the colossal weight of paying the £35,000 a week salaries of strikers Duncan Ferguson and Kevin Campbell will be lifted once and for all as their contracts come to an end. That will ease the pressure to some extent, but it appears increasingly likely that it will have to cash in on its most valuable asset - Wayne Rooney.
David Moyes has to act - and act quickly
Daily Post
Aug 17 2004
Chief Soccer Writer Andy Hunter looks at how Bill Kenwright's £20m cash injection could affect Everton's struggling team CHELSEA aside, the depressed state of the transfer market spreads £20m much further across the Premiership these days. Yet despite the possibility of a long-awaited rescue package for Everton it is no surprise David Moyes is in a depressed state. The Everton manager has been appealing for major investment for 18 months, admitting in Saturday's Daily Post that the club missed its best chance to progress when it failed to harness the feel-good factor of 2002-03's seventh place finish and the emergence of Wayne Rooney. The time between Friday's announcement of an investment plan by Bill Kenwright and the closure of the transfer window on August 31? 18 days. That is the reason Moyes currently does not rival Jose Mourinho for bubbling with confidence. As his experiences of working with the Goodison hierarchy proves, far better to wait until a deal actually materialises than proclaim salvation is close at hand. A sum of £20m should be enough for any decent manager to transform the ambitions of a middle-tier club in the Premiership. But Moyes will not get that much. Once administration threats and outstanding debts are taken care of, perhaps six or seven million will swell his transfer budget. Yet even that isn't the problem. Moyes would have been content with £6m at the start of pre-season (albeit added to the £5m saved on released players' wages but not reinvested in a threadbare squad). But now the campaign is under way, with a thumping home defeat to Arsenal making Everton an even less attractive proposition, the dilemma is which players able to elevate his team from the relegation frame are still available? Very few. Seven million - exclusive of wages - could have bought Everton Sean Davis, instrumental in Tottenham's second half recovery against Liverpool on Saturday, Martin Laursen, superb in Aston Villa's clean sheet win over Southampton, and perhaps a free signing or loan deal in the Dominic Matteo or Carlton Cole mould. Or a new midfield of Danny Murphy, Mathieu Flamini and Davis. But that was before Spurs, Villa, Middlesbrough, Charlton, Blackburn and Arsenal all acted like Premiership football clubs and went out and signed Moyes's preferred transfer targets. The rotters. As events at Goodison painfully reminded everyone, Moyes does not just need a new midfield. A new centre-half, full-back and strike partner for Wayne Rooney, presuming he stays, are also areas the Everton manager wants to address. A new approach for Robbie Savage is a possibility once the investment deal goes through even though the Welsh international has signed a new three-year contract at Birmingham since Everton last called with a £3m bid on the never-never last month. Michael Carrick is still holding out for a move from West Ham, and there must be some more Jurgen Colins out there somewhere. For all his reservations Moyes has to spend - and spend quickly.
Moyes upbeat over Rooney fitness
By Alan Easel, Daily Post
Aug 17 2004
EVERTON manager David Moyes is clinging to the hope that Wayne Rooney will be fit again soon to help save the Goodison club from a season battling against relegation. Surveying the wreckage of a 4-1 opening day defeat at home to champions Arsenal, Moyes was hard pushed to find consolation.
But the possibility of a swift return for teenage striker Rooney - who broke a bone in his foot in England's Euro 2004 quarter-final defeat against Portugal two months ago - is one ray of hope for the beleaguered manager. As he reflected on his team's thumping by the Gunners, Moyes was cautiously upbeat. "I don't know whether he will be fit or not (for England's autumn World Cup qualifiers)," said the Everton manager. "I hope he is because that means he will be fit for us.
"He will probably start jogging in a week, but it might take him longer. "We can't put any time on it."
In the meantime, Moyes must find a way of rebuilding some confidence after Sunday's mauling as Everton try to get by without Rooney and confound those who already believe they are doomed to a struggle to stay in the top flight. He is not about to start, though, by making excuses for his men who were outclassed by the Londoners on day one. "We played a very good team," he said. "I don't think there is any question; the better team won, so that's about it." Moyes nonetheless had no qualms about the industry of his side who kept their heads above water last season principally by digging deep when they had to. "I wasn't disappointed by the players' effort," he said.
"I think it was excellent, as it has been for the entirety of the pre-season - and I can't ask for any more than that." Even so, Moyes felt Everton's last-ditch defending might have been more effective.
"I was disappointed that one or two of them didn't put their foot in at the right time. They could have blocked crosses and maybe could have made a difference," he said. "But overall, they did fine."
It was hardly a surprise, the manager admitted, to discover what Everton were up against as top-quality Arsenal launched wave after wave of fluent attacks. "We knew how hard it was going to be," he said. "We wanted to work hard and stop them playing the best we could. "The players were ready for it and prepared. But when you work hard to close them down they move and change position - and if you give them time they pick you off."
It's no surprise transfer collapsed
Post Soapbox Icliverpool & Daily Post
Aug 17 2004
It's no surprise
DEAL off for Colin? Hey what a surprise! Everton seem to like to bid for players with no real intention of signing them. Or maybe the deal fell through so we could afford Carrick - that would be good or am I just dreaming again?
Gary Howarth, Chester
Bill is the man
AS I always said, Kenwright would come up with the goods. I really hope that this £20m requires Gregg to step down and take a running jump off our team.
Simon Wade (via e-mail)
Palace poser
THERE was some poor defending on a couple of the goals but generally the gulf in quality gave Everton little chance of success against Arsenal. We should have had a penalty and several decent chances went unconverted but Arsenal seem to be able to score when they need to. I am not saying it will be much easier for us against Palace away but they are not Arsenal.
Frank Black, Liverpool
Moyes concern
I'VE always liked what David Moyes says in inter-views. He is obviously intelligent, concise and often tells it like it is. Trouble is, he can't seem to communicate with the players, and our style of play is historic. Arsenal are brilliant, but the lack of motivation, allied to the obvious gulf in class, is very worrying.
B Renzo (via e-mail)
Duncan disgrace
THE sound of the final whistle was still resonating round the ground, the TV cameras swung round towards the bench and the players tunnel. Lo and behold, big Dunc was off down the steps as fast as his long legs would carry him. He was last on, first off, a grand old union tradition - what does it tell you about the bloke? I wouldn't pay him in washers.
Bob Butchard (via e-mail)
Miller an admirer of wing wizard
By Ronnie Esplin, Daily Post
Aug 17 2004
SCOTLAND forward Kenny Miller insists he can team up with the mercurial James McFadden and form a striking partnership for the forthcoming 2006 World Cup qualifi-cation campaign.
Miller partnered the Everton striker against Estonia at the end of last season where McFadden scored the only goal in a 1-0 win. But the Wolves striker, in Berti Vogts' squad for the friendly against Hungary tomorrow, admits he would be more than delighted to renew his partnership.
He said: "Obviously McFadden has been unbelievable in the last couple of games and he's made a lot of goals at this level so he'll be in automatically so I'll just work away at training and hopefully I'll get the nod to play alongside him. "I enjoyed playing with him against Estonia and we could have won four or five-nil."
Fourth from bottom will do - Kev
Aug 17 2004 By Scott Mcleod, Liverpool Echo
KEVIN CAMPBELL has admitted Everton's players are preparing themselves for a fight against relegation.Sunday's 4-1 opening day defeat to Arsenal left the Blues bottom of the table.The 34-year-old striker (right) is under no illusions as to the size of the task facing David Moyes' small squad after a summer in which the manager's rebuilding plans were undermined by boardroom in-fighting."If you were to offer me fourth from bottom now, I'd take it," admitted Campbell."That means that we will have another season in the Premiership."I think that this season is going to be a long haul for us, but we know what we have to do."We have to fight, scrap and pick up points. We know that we are in a dogfight. But we're professionals."We get paid to go out and play and to try and win games."It is tough at times to know you're fighting relegation, but we are all in it together. It is a case of backs against the wall."We had a difficult start against Arsenal, so perhaps our season starts against Palace."Meanwhile, the club has entered its second day of due dilligence as chairman Bill Kenwright's proposed £20m injection into the club is examined.The members of True Blue Holdings were presented with the proposal yesterday and Kenwright is optimistic it will not be opposed.He needs the approval of the board, which includes Jon Woods and Paul Gregg, before the share scheme can become reality.Due dilligence is being rushed through in order to free up cash for Moyes before the August 31 transfer deadline.There is the prospect of the proposal being opposed by Gregg, or of the millionaire director putting forward another rival package.But senior club officials remain optimistic Gregg has conceded defeat in the power struggle.
True Blue Daniel shows Hart is in Goodison
Aug 17 2004 Jblue, Liverpool Echo
TRUE BLUE Daniel Hart is all smiles after his success in our fantastic ECHO competition.The 11-year-old from Bootle (right) won membership to Everton's junior football supporters club, JBlue. He is joined by our other winner, Jake Cockburn, of Aintree.And you could be just like them by signing up to the Blues this season.There are three different types of membership available giving you a variety of benefits that include a discount off all club merchandise, savings on selected Premiership matches, ticket priority and other Everton goodies.Don't forget to look out for our fantastic JBlue features in the ECHO throughout the season.
Everton Res 0, West Brom Res 0
Aug 18 2004 Daily Post
EVERTON RESERVES' first home game of the season ended in another goalless draw following last week's blank at Blackburn Rovers. Australian defender Eddy Bosnar got another start at the heart of the Blues defence alongside Peter Clarke. Richard Wright was also on show as Andy Hold-en's side opened their campaign at Haig Avenue. It was a game of not too many clear cut opportunities, however Everton did have their chances early on to put West Brom on the back foot with Daniel Fox going close in the first couple of minutes. Laurence Wilson then found Scott Phelan who fed James Vaughan, but the youngster's effort went straight at Thomasz Kuszczak in the Albion goal. The bright sunshine from earlier was replaced by black clouds and rain as both sides tried in vain to create the opening goal. For Everton Wilson and Vaughan saw efforts go wide while the ever troublesome Nick Chadwick put the visitors' defence under pressure with first a header and then a long-range effort which also ran wide. With Everton's threadbare squad stretched to the limits the likes of David Weir and Steve Watson might have normally played, but are likely to be needed for duty at Crystal Palace on Saturday. However the youngsters did well keeping a more experienced Albion side under pressure. The visitors though did come close on a couple of occasions with Scott Dobie the main culprit of their missed chances. After two games Everton Reserves are still searching for their first goal but they do remain unbeaten. EVERTON RES: Wright, Wynne, Fox, Clarke, Bosnar (Hughes51), Phelan, Seargent, Wilson, Chadwick, Vaughan, Boyle. Subs: Anichebe, Lake, Hopkins.
WEST BROM RES: Kuszczak, Midworth, Holmes, O'Connor, Moore, Albrechstan, Chambers, Wallwork (Davies 50), Dobie, Elkins (Patterson 80), Dyer. Subs: Berthe, Murphy, Hodgkiss
Moyes facing transfer scramble
By Andy Hunter, Daily Post
Aug 18 2004
DAVID MOYES may have to wait another week before he can revitalise his threadbare squad with money from Bill Kenwright's £20million investment proposal. The Goodison chairman had hoped to finally release funds for team rebuilding by the end of this week. But the due diligence process on his £20m plan could take until the middle of next week to complete - leaving Moyes with even less time to improve his squad before the August 31 transfer deadline. Michael Carrick is still available for the Everton manager in the meantime and yesterday rejected a move to West Brom. However, Moyes - who has admitted the package has come too late to land his preferred transfer targets - wants an established centre-half as well as midfield reinforcements and will have to implement a late flurry in the market for the second sucessive summer to land all his objectives. But the Everton manager will not walk away from Goodison Park if Kenwright's investment proposal is delayed by a rival offer from Paul Gregg. Kenwright, Gregg and fellow director Jon Woods met on Monday to discuss the plan to dissolve True Blue Holdings and allow fresh investors into the club. And despite obvious frustrations at the board's failure to provide sufficient transfer funds again this summer, Moyes dismissed reports he is on the brink of quitting. He said: "I can only tell you the truth and I hope people believe it. As always, I am continuing with Everton to get them as high up the table as possible. I am not leaving - not as far as I know of anyway! "I am very proud to be part of such a great football club and being there you've got to live with that and we'll get on with it."
Moyes looks at Slovenian Dudic
By Ian Doyle, Daily Post
Aug 19 2004
DAVID MOYES was in Slovenia last night to watch his latest transfer target, Serbia and Montenegro international defender Milan Dudic. And officials for the centre-back's club side Crvena Zvezda - formerly Red Star Belgrade - have claimed that Everton are on the verge of agreeing a £2million deal for the 24-year-old. "We have had contact from Everton," said a spokesman for the Serbian club last night. Moyes had watched Dudic in action in Belgrade last Wednesday during Crvena Zvezda's 3-2 Champions League victory over PSV Eindhoven. And the Everton manager travelled to Ljubljana last night to again view Dudic during his country's international friendly against Slovenia. Moyes has been in the market for a centre-back throughout the summer, and expects his transfer budget to be expanded once Bill Kenwright's £20m investment is ratified early next week. His desire to strengthen his defence has been highlighted by increasing concern over the fitness of Joseph Yobo, who saw a specialist yesterday as a precaution. The Nigerian international had been complaining of a sore knee since Everton returned from their pre-season tour to Houston, and despite a man-of-the-match performance in Sunday's defeat to Arsenal, Yobo had not taken part in a full training session since the game. However, the centre-back was given the all clear by the specialist and is in contention for Saturday's game at Crystal Palace. Meanwhile, Hamburg have abandoned their bid to bring Thomas Gravesen back to the club as the Dane revealed the strain at Goodison is beginning to show on Moyes. The Germans lodged a bid of around £2.5m for the midfielder but Everton were holding out for at least £3m. "We've tried everything but that's that for this season now," said Hamburg chairman Bernd Hoffman. One player who almost certainly won't be arriving is Michael Carrick after Everton's interest cooled. Tottenham Hotspur have now emerged as front-runners for the 23-year-old's signature.
New signing Madar helps to storm Palace
By Philip J Redmond Everton Supporter, Daily Post
Aug 19 2004
FOR this week's memory game we again go back to the almost apocalyptical 97-98 campaign when Everton faced a season of struggle from the off. This was also the last time that this week's opponents, Palace, were in the top flight. It was January 1998 when Howard Kendall's Blues tore the Eagles apart with a freewheeling display of attacking football down at Selhurst Park. Kendall had certainly been dealt a poor hand on his third stint in the Everton hot-seat, with a chairman in Peter Johnson who quite clearly had little or no confidence in the club's greatest ever manager. Like David Moyes this season, the Dome had a threadbare squad and little or no money. However, in Howard's favour he didn't have the transfer window to contend with, and throughout the season was able to add to his squad with a succession of cheap, and in some cases nasty, signings.
For the Palace game, he was able to bring in his latest acquisition; a temperamental Frenchman who had recently fell out with the manager of Spanish side Deportivo La Coruna. Yes folks, mad Mick Madar had arrived. The long-haired striker quite clearly had issues, but what he did bring to the Everton frontline was presence, strength, a beautiful touch and more importantly, goals. Indeed Mickael was on the mark on his debut, smashing in Everton's third just before the break. This came after a Nick Barmby strike in the very first minute followed by a typical header from our other highly-strung goal-getter, Duncan Ferguson. A Bruce Dyer penalty, sandwiched in-between Ferguson and Madar's goals, was the home side's only consolation, and their own debutants, Tomas Brolin and a certain Marcus Bent, were to bring them little cheer either. The Londoners were out of their depth that season and were eventually relegated with quite a few games remaining. Hopefully they'll be similarly outclassed this coming Saturday.
Wolves bid to land Dunc
Aug 19 2004 By Scott Mcleod, Liverpool Echo
EVERTON are considering an offer from Wolves for veteran striker Duncan Ferguson.Molineux boss Dave Jones has made the 32-year-old (right) his top transfer target and the Championship side have contacted the Blues notifying them of their interest.David Moyes is keen to lose the striker from the club's wage bill because of his £37,000-a-week pay packet.But the manager is worried that if he cannot bring in the signings he wants before the transfer deadline, his squad would be perilously short of numbers if he sanctioned Ferguson's release.Wolves are willing to take over Fergie's contract, which has one season remaining, but would want Everton to continue paying a large chunk of it.Jones sees Ferguson as the answer to his attacking problems, with Carl Cort, George Ndah and Dean Sturridge currently sidelined through injury and Henri Camara having been sold to Celtic.Moyes could delay a deal for Ferguson until he is happy with the signings he makes before the transfer deadline.Because Wolves are now in the Football League they are not restricted by the transfer deadline and could secure Ferguson beyond the August 31 cut-off.The final decision will rest with the player.Meanwhile, Moyes was in Slovenia last night to watch Serbia & Montenegro international defender Milan Dudic.The £2m-rated 24-year-old has attracted Everton's interest, according to his club, Crvena Zvezda.A spokesman said: "We have had contact from Everton." Moyes is hopeful of making a number of additions before the closure of the transfer window on August 31 after Paul Gregg chose not to oppose Bill Kenwright's £20m investment proposal.* Tickets for the Bank Holiday Moday visit to Old Trafford are on general sale. Half of the 2,400 allocation have already been sold.
The Jury
Aug 19 2004 Liverpool Echo
"Pascal Cygan, would probably walk into the Everton team. That says it all really." - Jon Sellick
ASIDE from the form of Joseph Yobo, the promise of Marcus Bent and the opportunity to top up the holiday tan, there was little of a positive nature to take from Sunday.The contrast between Arsenal's outstanding movement and the Blues' wastefulness in possession reflected a summer dominated by infighting which has again left David Moyes fighting with rubber bullets.But we should have nothing to fear this Saturday from Crystal Palace.The talented Wayne Routledge excepted, they appear to suffer from a similar lack of pace and creativity.It would be a nice to think a positive out-come might lift the deflated mood around Goodison, typified by Kevin Campbell's assertion that they'd accept 17th place now.That is not, and should never be, acceptable and the sooner Moyes can bring in more enthusiastic new faces the better.
DAVID SPOWART, 25, Wavertree
THE season has yet again started with a defeat to Arsenal, but this time we could not say we did well.Instead, Evertonians have been left embarrassed, deflated and worried.The boardroom battle is really frustrating now and it doesn't look as if it's going to be sorted out soon.As for new players, who would want to come to a football club which has no heart, no passion and no direction? Especially with Kevin Campbell admitting he would take fourth from bottom this season.
How much of Kenwright's £20m investment would Moyes actually get? If he gets £20m to spend, there's still a £40m debt.True Blue Holdings must go. Let's hope a decent performance against Palace will give the players confidence and allow us to build on our away form which last season was a shambles. We need nothing less than a win.
GARETH SCOTT, 22, West Derby
"Pascal Cygan, would probably walk into the Everton team. That says it all really." - Jon Sellick
THE fixture list ensured our opening match was never going to be anything other than an inevitability.It didn't tell us anything new, except perhaps that Lee Carsley possesses Henry-like audacity in front of goal.The one true plus point was, yet again, the imperious Joseph Yobo. He was that good on Sunday he looked like an Arsenal player.The Gunners' weakest link, Pascal Cygan, would probably walk into the Everton team. That says it all really.A far more accurate barometer comes in the form of Saturday's trip to Crystal Palace.Expectations are now so low, a draw would probably be deemed a good result.Marcus Bent would offer a livelier attacking option than Kevin Campbell.He may also offer a slightly more optimistic viewpoint - fourth from bottom may be good enough for you Kev, but it never will be for the fans who pay your wages.
JON SELLICK, 23, Crosby
THE Arsenal game was written off long before a ball was kicked and our upcoming visit to Old Trafford will yield a similar return.We are not challenging for the title and we have to concentrate on beating teams who will be near the relegation trapdoor next May.And as I fail to share Kevin Campbell's view that 17th is an acceptable position for Everton to finish in, we could take a step towards ensuring we end up higher than that by winning on Saturday and taking confidence into the West Brom game.The travelling Blues will, even at the ridiculous price of £35 a ticket, fill the away end at Selhurst Park. It's then up to the players to repay us with three points.Six points come the end of August wouldn't be such a bad return on what is a very tough month. Any less and we may already be seeing the beginning of the end.
STE DALEY, 25, Speke
McFadden: I will stay and prove myself
By Andy Hunter, Daily Post
Aug 20 2004
JAMES McFADDEN insists he will prove his Premiership credentials with Everton rather than make a hasty return north of the border. Glasgow Rangers have been linked with a move for the boyhood Celtic fan, who only arrived at Goodison Park in a £1.25million deal from Motherwell a year ago.
Alex McLeish reportedly wanted the Scottish international as part of an exchange deal with defender Fernando Ricksen. And though Everton have denied any interest in the Dutch fullback Rangers' interest in McFadden remains. But the 21-year-old, who made 27 appearances for Everton last season and started against Arsenal on Sunday, hopes it will be several years before he considers a return to Scotland as he attempts to establish himself as a regular in David Moyes's side. McFadden revealed: "I joined last season after pre-season had taken place and it was easy for me and the manager to say I needed time to adapt to life in the Premier-ship and English football. "This time I know what it's all about. I don't have those excuses. It's about consistency, that's all. Overall, I was pleased with what I contributed last season but I want to find more consistency in my game this time around. I've told the manager I don't have any excuses this year. Hopefully I can back that up. "I was aware of the speculation, reading it in the papers, but I haven't been here a year yet. Hopefull
Another Scot determined not to leave Goodison Park, meanwhile, is Duncan Ferguson. Wolves manager and former Everton defender Dave Jones contacted Goodison officials on Wednesday with a view to signing the 32-year-old for his side's Premiership promotion challenge. Moyes is anxious not to lose any more play-ers from his threadbare squad but would have made an exception for Ferguson. The striker's £37,000-a-week wage is one of several factors restricting Moyes's moves in the transfer market this summer. But Ferguson would rather see out the final year of his contract at Goodison than revive his career in the first division and Jones has now turned his sights elsewhere.
Moyes closes in on Dutch winger
By Andy Hunter, Daily Post
Aug 20 2004
EVERTON were last night closing in on a stunning £4.75million deal for Inter Milan star Andy van der Meyde. Goodison officials have been locked in secret negotiations with the Dutch international for the past two weeks as they attempt to ease a summer of transfer misery in one sensational stroke.
Right-winger van der Meyde is available after falling out of favour with new Inter coach Roberto Mancini. And despite major financial problems and boardroom rivalry at Goodison Park chairman Bill Kenwright hopes to clinch the star's signature with funds from his £20m investment proposal.
The 24-year-old was in line for a swift return to Ajax following a difficult debut season at the San Siro. But the Dutch giants, who sold the midfielder to Milan for £5.5m last summer, cannot afford the fee or personal terms to take him back. That prompted Everton to steal a march on several Premiership rivals by opening transfer talks with the talented winger and they hope to conclude the incredible coup within days. Van der Meyde scored three goals in 25 appearances for Inter last season but lost his place in the side when Alberto Zacceroni replaced the sacked Hector Cuper.
Despite a fine European Championships in Portugal, where he kept Ajax sensation Rafael van der Vaart out of Dick Advocaat's side throughout the tournament, his days at Inter are numbered.
That was spelt out to the midfielder by Mancini last week when he was not even given a squad number for Inter's Champions League qualifier against Basel. Everton's firm interest in van der Meyde is a major surprise given their financial worries and problems attracting new players to the club this summer, with moves for Mark Van Bommel, Robbie Savage, Dominic Matteo and Martin Laursen among others all ending in failure. The size of the transfer fee involved is also a shock as the due diligence process on Kenwright's £20m investment plan is not expected to be finalised until next week at the earliest. However, Everton's bankers are understood to be satisfied the investment is in place and are therefore willing to sanction a purchase at this stage, while the club can pay Inter the fee over the length of the player's contract and still have £1.5m available from the sale of Tobias Linderoth. Manager David Moyes, meanwhile, is continuing to monitor Red Star Belgrade captain Milan Dudic as he searches for a new centre-half to bolster his creaking defence. Moyes watched the £2.5m-rated Dudic in action for the second time in a week on Wednesday in Serbia's 1-1 draw with Slovenia.
Let's hope Moyes can be as canny as last campaign
By Mark O'Brien Everton Supporter, Daily Post
Aug 20 2004
IF due diligence - a phrase everyone is bandying about at the moment as if we all know what it means - is completed soon and the latest set of mystery investors cough up their dough, then David Moyes may just have a chance to make some additions to his squad before the transfer deadline.
However, given the late hour and the relatively modest sums he's going to have to spend, his selection will possibly resemble the tail end of the playground pick. All the lads with muscles and bum-fluff muzzies have been snapped up. Therefore he's going to have to pick from the best of the rest, the kids who would much rather spend their PE lessons indoors playing table tennis or some improvised rounders type game with a tennis ball and some skittles. You know that there isn't much quality available when so many clubs are coveting Michael Carrick, who is hardly a favourite of the West Ham crowd by any stretch. Moyes has been pretty canny in the transfer market before though, most notably last season when he brought in Nigel Martyn and Kevin Kil-bane, who was something of a joke figure at Sunderland. Those two were probably our two best performers last time around; so let's hope the manager can unearth some more players with similar attitudes, if nothing else. At least the existing players showed a willingness to work hard last Sunday, but against Arsene Wenger's Arsenal that wasn't nearly enough to provide an upset. The Gunners were stronger and quicker than us in every position and, as expected, without the pace of a Rooney or a Radzinski as an outlet, we were under constant pressure. We have to be pragmatic though, and seeing as Arsenal will thrash just about everyone else in this division, we have to view our season as starting in earnest tomorrow at Selhurst Park. No doubt Ian Dowie will have his players geed up for their first home game in the Premiership, but if we can't go and get a good result against a side that sort of stumbled through to promotion then perhaps the doom-mongers have been right all along.
The players had the benefit of the doubt against Arsenal; now it's time for them to go out there and put two fingers up to their critics. With Marcus Bent likely to start against his old club - his energetic debut was one of the few plus points of the opening game - there's really no reason why we can't bring home all three points.
Prawns shell out
Post Soapbox, Icliverpool & Daily Post
Aug 20 2004
Prawns shell out
EVERTON FC has sold out to the prawn sandwich brigade.
Me and my son have had season tickets on the front row of the main stand for many years. On arriving in the stand on Sunday for the Arsenal game, we found that an additional four rows of seats had been added to the front of the stand. These seats are occupied by people using the hospitality of the Blue Brasserie. None of the people on the front row (long-standing regulars) were informed of this when asked to renew our tickets. To make matters worse, many of the people directly in front of us were Arsenal fans, something they made very clear as the goals started going in. This is all about gaining extra revenue at the expense of genuine supporters. The huge debt the club has will be there for a long time; many of us genuine supporters may not. What price the People's Club? Upwards of £105 per game. What price loyalty?
Alan Tarr, Warrington
Moyes concern
I HAVE a lot of respect for David Moyes and I hate to say this but I think he is really a Preston manager at heart. He cannot hope to spot talent in the Spanish, Italian or French leagues.
I hope Moyes and Ken-wright do something because I will not go to Crewe or Burnley or Plymouth next season. These £40,000-a-week do-nothing superstars need to start respecting the shirt and us, the fans.
Darryl Caeden, Liverpool
Be positive
WHY is everyone so negative? There is still another 37 matches remaining - that's more than 100 points still to play and fight for. Let's get behind the team, show everyone that we still are the dogs of war and can fight and survive - remember we are the people!
P Carsley (via e-mail)
Too much debt
MOYES is looking for fresh faces? There will be no more new players, we have too much debt.
The best we can hope for are some good loan deals - look at the gifts being picked up by Bolton, Spurs and Pompey by grabbing the Anfield cast-offs. We should do the same, Chelsea will be offloading soon!
DS Thomas (via e-mail)
Flaws revealed
SUNDAY'S game came at the perfect time. Beaten by a great team but showed all of our flaws.
Rooney, Hibbert, Yobo, Bent, Kilbane and as much as he annoys me, Graves-en, are the nucleus of a half-decent team. The likes of Campbell, Ferguson and Stubbs are finished, full stop. We know we are in trouble but we have all been in trouble in our lives and we cannot just give up. That's part and parcel of being Blue. Davey Moyes is a little naive but I would not swap him for anyone else.
S Clarke (via-email)
Change needed
EVERYBODY knows it, but changes need to be made behind the scenes before Moyes can do his job prop-erly (and he will). On the pitch there are people from all over the globe, but behind the doors of Goodison it's full of Blues.
Changes are needed.
S Smith, Liverpool
Back Moyes
I WENT to the game on Sunday. It is simply not good enough. Fourth from bottom is not good enough for a club like ours.
Ben Harte (via e-mail)
Naysmith: Players, not Vogts to blame
By Ronnie Esplin, Daily Post
Aug 20 2004
SCOTLAND defender Gary Naysmith insists it is the players rather than coach Berti Vogts who should be under the spotlight after their embarrassing defeat by Hungary at Hampden. The inquest into the latest shambles is continuing and after losing three goals at home to a supposedly weaker nation, Vogts' abilities are again under examination. However, the Everton defender backed the coach, who he claims still has the confidence of the squad. He said: "The squad is still totally behind Berti Vogts. Once he puts the team on the pitch, it's up to us to get the results and too often we're letting everyone down, we're letting ourselves down, the manager down and the fans down. I am disappointed. I hate being beaten at anything but to lose 3-0 for your country hurts. "But everybody is hurt and we want to qualify for the World Cup as much as the fans and we've got to realise that it lies on our shoulders. Everyone will point the finger at the manager but it's the players who need to improve. "I wouldn't blame the tactics, we did make a tactical change but I wouldn't blame that. In the second half, we didn't pass it as well, we sat off them and gave them too much time on the ball."
Naysmith admits to concern ahead of the World Cup qualifiers which begin next month and is looking for the players to bounce back as soon as possible. He said: "Of course I'm concerned about the qualifiers coming up. We'd like to be winning these friendly games and going into the qualifiers in a positive frame of mind. We've got a lot of hard work to do before the first game against Slovenia but we've got to stick together as a group."
Moyes waits on Kenwright cash
Aug 20 2004 By Scott Mcleod, Liverpool Echo
DAVID MOYES is hoping to make vital additions to his squad, even while he waits for Bill Kenwright's £20m investment plan to be given the green light.The cash injection has been delayed to allow accountants Price Waterhouse Cooper to carry out the process of due diligence. That is close to being completed and Moyes could soon receive a major boost to his transfer kitty.Dutch international Andy van der Meyde may be the first signing with the cash.The Blues have tabled a £4.75m bid for the Inter winger, but they will need all their powers of persuasion to secure the 26-year-old who is believed to want Champions League football.He was signed by the Italian giants from Ajax for £5.5m last summer, but is not believed to figure in new coach Roberto Mancini's plans.Moyes has made strengthening the defence his priority, but the opportunity to land van der Meyde has proved too good to resist.The Goodison chief is optimistic of making a number of signings before the August 31 transfer deadline thanks to Kenwright's rescue package.Paul Gregg could scupper the investment if he opposes it in the boardroom in favour of his own plan.Meanwhile, Duncan Ferguson has ruled out the possibility of a move to Wolves.Molineux boss Dave Jones was keen to take up the remaining 12 months of the striker's £37,000 a week Goodison contract, but the 32-year-old player is determined to remain with the Blues despite not being one of Moyes' first choice forwards.Both Joseph Yobo and Alan Stubbs are on course to play at Crystal Palace tomorrow. Yobo has been suffering from fluid on the knee, but the problem will not rule him out. Stubbs returned to training yesterday after overcoming a groin problem.
Critical point for Everton
Aug 20 2004 By David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
A MEMBER of Everton's divided boardroom triumvirate was allegedly heard to utter this week: "We desperately need the six points on Saturday."Whether somebody had told him tomorrow's trip to Crystal Palace was a six-pointer, and he had accepted it literally, is uncertain.But there is more concrete evidence of further baffling goings-on at Castle Goodison this week.This column understands David Moyes (pictured) landed back from his spying mission to Slovenia this week, to find a letter on his desk.The contents were astonishing.Paul Gregg apparently revealed he still plans to mount a counter-proposal to Bill Kenwright's £20m rescue package.That bid may take a little longer to put together.And if successful, much as he would like to support the manager with new players, he could not have any until after Christmas.If Everton do lose at Selhurst Park tomorrow, the crushing blow will feel like six points lost.When Palace stormed Goodison on the opening day of their last foray in the top-flight, it made no difference.They mustered only 30 more points and finished rock bottom. But that was the season Howard Kendall called on a recordequalling 34 players.The most recently published squad list contains just 26 names - amongst them Daniel Fox, Anthony Gerrard and Iain Turner.Games like tomorrow's - and next Saturday's visit of West Bromwich Albion - carry untold significance in the grand scheme of things at Goodison this season.If only to convince anxious Evertonians that Arsenal were just very, very good, rather than Everton very bad.
Reserves at low point
Aug 20 2004 By David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
EVERTON manager David Moyes thinks his senior squad is on the thin side of skeletal this season.He should swop notes with reserve team coach Andy Holden.Stretched squads appear to be a theme running throughout the club.Exactly 12 months ago, Everton kicked off their Reserve League home campaign against Newcastle United.Wayne Rooney, Tony Hibbert, David Weir, Niclas Alexandersson and Li Tie all started - their experience guiding younger talents like Craig Garside, Alan and Brian Moogan and Steven Schumacher.But that was then. On Tuesday, Everton started their latest home league campaign against West Bromwich Albion.The experience this time was provided by Peter Clarke and Nick Chadwick - with barely nine Premiership starts between them and Richard Wright.The rest of the squad was made up of teenagers - with five 17-year-olds and 16-year-old James Vaughan in the starting line-up.All played with an eagerness and an honesty which was refreshing.They were the better side on the night and deserved their draw - Newcastle put four past the Blues reserves 12 months ago - but in time, results will surely suffer.The club is already taking precautions to ensure this latest crop of young guns is not burned out before they even come of age.Pressed into reserve team action ahead of their time, they will not be asked to play youth academy football, too. The schoolboys on the club's books will enjoy that responsibility.
But Holden, delighted with his youngsters' performance on Tuesday, is putting a brave face on things."We can't ask them to play youth academy football as well, because they would be done in," he declared.."They've probably played two-and-a-half games in one tonight, compared to a Saturday morning game, because West Brom had some experience in their side, they moved the ball about well and it's a big pitch at Southport."We have to nurture them, be very careful with how we use them and rotate them when possible."Schoolboys will play in the academy, but both they and the kids in the reserves can only benefit."If you are going to be a footballer it can only benefit them playing this level of football so early."If you're not going to handle it you will fall by the wayside."There's a great saying: 'You're a footballer when you come through the gate.'"They either are footballers, or they're not. The only problem I can see is a lack of stature against some of the stronger, more physical sides."Seventeen-year-old midfielder Scott Phelan and 16- year- old striker Vaughan stood out on Tuesday, Vaughan with his never-say-die tenacity and Phelan with a busy, buzzing performance reminiscent of a young Peter Reid.But Holden is mindful of building them up too quickly."There were times last week at Blackburn when I thought we were going to get carved open," he added. "That never looked like happening because we had Peter Clarke, solid as a rock at the back and big Chaddy up front, while the two lads in midfield protected the back four very well."There have been some good performances over the last couple of games, but I don't like elevating young lads too quickly."Wise words. But those boys are going to have to sink or swim whether he likes it or not - as every tier of football at Goodison struggles to overcome depleted numbers.
Moyes planning to storm Palace
Aug 20 2004 By Scott Mcleod, Liverpool Echo
DAVID MOYES takes Everton to Crystal Palace tomorrow intent on spoiling the party for the Premiership newcomers.It will be the first time Palace have played a top-flight game at Selhurst Park since May 1998.Everton's last league visit their in January of that year provided a 3-1 victory.But Moyes is acutely aware that, while Everton are the favourites tomorrow, the Blues cannot be complacent against a side enjoying the euphoria of a return to foot-ball's top table.He said: "It would never be your choice to go to a newlypromoted side for their first Premiership home game."There will be a lot of excitement and it is a great achievement for Crystal Palace and I suppose their supporters have been looking forward to this game all summer."I have been to Palace a few times and I know it is not an easy place to go."Crystal Palace are one of the sides considered favourites for relegation because they have just come up, they don't have much in terms of resources and the top-flight is new to them. But strange things can happen."Iain Dowie did a brilliant job at Palace and Oldham last year."They are optimistic and they will be looking forward to their opening Premiership game at their own place."I wouldn't say the next two matches are the acid test, but it is the next test."Last season the Blues were about as good on the road as a Sinclair C5.The 2-1 success at Portsmouth in January was the one sliver of consolation for those hardy souls who travelled the length and breadth of the country to support Moyes and his men.Ask the manager if he wants to give those loyal followers something to smile about and his response is emphatic."Not half! The results were disappointing away from home last year but this game gives us the chance to start in a good fashion, and hopefully we will."
Crystal Palace 1, Everton 3 (D, Post)
Aug 23 2004 David Prior At Selhurst Park, Daily Post
AFTER unleashing his glorious second goal at Selhurst Park on Saturday, and before his team-mates could engage him in ecstatic mobbing, Thomas Gravesen stuck his right fist up in the air and slowly revolved on the spot. It was a celebration reminiscent of Eric Cantona, one man who certainly left his impression on this ground, but while the Frenchman's act was puffed full of regal arrogance, the Dane's seemed faintly bashful. Perhaps it was just sheer surprise at having seen his audacious 20-yard effort find its target; more likely it was the stunning realisation that Everton were on the verge of a victory away from home. David Moyes's men have rivalled Team GB's swimming team for abject displays on the road in recent times. Indeed the most obvious explanation for Everton's hopeless slump last season was the marked drop in points claimed away from home. The one-nils of the seventh-place campaign were a distant memory. Fratton Park was the only ground to offer up maximum points last season, way back in December, so at least those Evertonians keen on the long-haul trips - Selhurst Park is exceed-ingly difficult to reach - are finding their efforts rewarded. Let's hope they're not waiting another nine months for the next one. Gravesen's celebration was heart-warming for another reason: the winning feeling is clearly something he requires in abundance.
The success of the midfielder's contract talks hinge on him seeing genuine evidence of Everton's ambition, not least in the transfer market. There will have been little to allay his concern in that area in recent weeks, but with talk of a large injection of roubles as Bill Kenwright's rescue package begins to see the light of day, surely now Moyes's skeletal squad can consequently be injected with some quality. That should go some way to answering Gravesen's challenge, but then a few more days like Saturday won't hurt either. Scoring twice and setting up the third, few other games during his Goodison career have better exemplified why Moyes considers the Dane virtually indispensable, for all his infuriating afternoons. Moyes was asked afterwards if he was worth more than £4million. "Much more than £4m," was the manager's instant reply, suggesting his own valuation of the player was possibly closer to 40. The reply was indicative of the jealousness with which Moyes is prepared to guard his best play-ers at the moment. Like a squadron leader cocooned with a threadbare battalion, Moyes will not surrender any more of his prize fighters without a bloody struggle.
Palace were naive and defensively weak, but this first victory of the campaign was still impressive, if only for the circumstances it was played out against. The character shown in coming from a goal down, particularly in the light of the openingday humbling against Arsenal, bodes well for this season. As Moyes agreed: "There's a great deal of character building among them. I've been saying it for a while - all you can do is work with what you've got, prepare them the best you can. "I think we've probably had the best pre-season, certainly in my time at the club. If we do our best and the players do their best, I don't think there's an awful lot more you can ask. At the moment the players are doing really well and we're all pleased with the way things are going." They also had a degree of luck, in short supply all last season, while in Marcus Bent Everton have definitely acquired a player of skill and attacking nous. Had he converted one exquisite turn and shot in the second half, Patrik Berger would have had realistic competition for the goal of the month contest. It had taken Palace just 10 minutes to take the lead, Wayne Routledge skinning Gary Nay-smith on the right flank and delivering a fine ball that defender Mark Hudson at the far post nodded past Nigel Martyn. Bent was close to pulling the visitors back level four minutes later, but after Kilbane's long ball had been touched down by the big striker, he couldn't quite keep his follow-up shot under the crossbar.
The quarter-hour mark almost brought a second from Palace. Campbell's wayward header deep triggered a Palace move upfield that culminated in Andy Johnson in a oneon-one with Nigel Martyn. The veteran keeper stood tall, however, pushing Johnson wide and meaning the striker's eventual acute effort was cleared off the line brilliantly by a retreating Alan Stubbs. After 20 minutes came Everton's lifeline. The words 'luck' and 'Everton' have barely been mentioned on the same page, never mind the same sentence, for the past year or so but here was an equaliser that owed everything to the stuff. In a moment of clown-like idiocy that belied his sober grey exterior, Palace glovesman Julian Speroni decided he wanted to spend a bit more time on the ball, first onetwoing with a couple of defenders and then unwisely attempting to dribble round the looming Kevin Campbell. The striker challenged Speroni and was promptly hauled down, leaving Thomas Gravesen to tuck away the inevitable penalty. Quite why Speroni, clearly the last man, was then not even booked remains a mystery. Such an extraordinary moment of fortune came at a good time for the visitors, with Palace, backed by a noisy home crowd for their first home game back in the top flight, looking dangerous. Speroni's clanger succeeded in dampening their initial fire, although Johnson continued to pose a threat throughout the first half. After emerging unchanged for the second period, Everton almost took the lead courtesy of a barely credible moment of skill, at least amid the humdrum fare that had preceded it. The purveyor was Bent, who after deservedly earning a start with his sprightly substitute's display against Arsenal, delivered a stunning turn and volley after 52 minutes that needed a fully-stretched Speroni to palm aside. The moment seemed to inspire greater belief, however, and Everton began to launch attacks that invariably ended with a horribly off-beam shot. First Kilbane, then Gravesen. Such wastefulness was brought to an abrupt halt shortly after the hour, though. With Everton again on the offensive, the ball fell to Gravesen again, but this time, spotting the inviting hole left by Speroni, picked his spot with a superb, 20-yard effort that found the far corner. For a time Everton were buoyant, and could easily have added a third after 70 minutes had Bent's close-range effort not been twice blocked. But the visitors' hopes of a tranquil last quarter were short-lived. After an unnecessary pull-back from Naysmith on Wayne Routledge, his second bookable foul on the livewire winger, the Scottish international was red-carded, barely looking back to acknowledge his punishment as he marched to the dressing room. Moyes eventually brought on a defensive replacement, Osman giving way for Alessandro Pistone while Bent withdrew to a more midfield placement. The effect Naysmith's dismissal had on the game was neglible, however, although Everton were arguably fortunate to escape when Hibbert appeared to bring down Johnson in full flow in the penalty area. Everton instantly took advantage of the let-off, Gravesen releasing Bent through the centre who calmly slotted the ball underneath Speroni.
After all the doom-mongering last week, Everton's response was timely, particularly ahead of one of the most important weeks in the club's recent history, at least in financial terms. "There is a bit of momentum behind the scenes going on," Moyes hinted on Saturday. "And with a win today we're driving that on."
Whatever is going on behind the scenes, all Evertonians - not least Thomas Gravesen - await with interest. ..TEXT: CRYSTAL PALACE (4-4-2): Speroni; Boyce (Kaviedes 77), Popovic, Hudson, Granville; Routledge, Riihilati (Derry 73), Hall, Kolkka; Johnson, Freedman. Subs: Hughes, Borrowdale, Kiraly. BOOKING: Boyce.
EVERTON (4-4-2): Martyn; Hibbert, Stubbs, Yobo, Naysmith; Osman (Pistone 75), Carsley, Gravesen, Kilbane; Campbell (Ferguson 54), Bent (Watson 85). Subs: Wright, McFadden. BOOKING: Naysmith. SENDING-OFF: Naysmith.
REFEREE: M Clattenburg.
ATT: 23,666.
Keep your hands off Gravesen - Moyes
By David Prior, Daily Post
Aug 23 2004
DAVID MOYES described Thomas Gravesen as "one of the best midfielders in Europe" after the Dane had inspired victory at Selhurst Park on Saturday - and reminded potential suitors to stay away.
Gravesen put recent speculation about his Goodison future behind him with a two-goal display, first levelling with a 20th-minute penalty and then unleashing a stunning second early in the second half.
Gary Naysmith was red-carded soon after for a second bookable offence but Marcus Bent snuffed out all hope of a comeback by the Premiership new boys with a deserved late third. Gravesen has been linked with a move away from Merseyside, with Hamburg having lodged an unsuccessful bid for the 28-year-old, but Moyes insisted he had no intention of letting him go for anything less than "really big money". The manager said: "We haven't got enough players to let any more go. He's probably one of the top mid-field players in Europe. "He's important to us - why should I let him go? I don't have many players - if you were standing here as the Everton manager you would keep him.
"If any clubs think they can get him, once they come on to the manager they'll think differently - and I'll be the one who matters." Moyes added: "Hamburg have been the only one to make an offer, which would have bought a leg maybe." Moyes was again keen to stress his determination to ride the storm at Goodison, with today's board meeting set to shed further light on proposed investment into the club and an injection of funds that the Scot desperately needs to add depth and quality
to his squad. He added: "It's a fantastic job, one of the top jobs in British football, and it's one I really enjoy. I smile every morning when I come into work, and remember how lucky I was when I was picked to do the job. "I'll continue to do my best all the time. "We needed that result. We've got great support that's really behind us. I think they all know that we're all in a difficult situation."
And as to his side's first away league win for nine months, Moyes added: "I think sometimes you need to be resilient and dig deep away from home. "I want us to attack and make goals - we have got a bit of a responsibility to entertain - but maybe we have to try and tighten up a little more.
"In the first half we weren't tight and maybe away from home we need to be a little bit better than that."
Everton's bleak summer ends with shaft of sunlight
By Kirsti Adair Daily Post Staff
Aug 23 2004
WHILE most football clubs have spent the summer buying and selling players, Everton's executives have been locked in a battle for the club's future. However, the fight for boardroom control now looks to be entering its final stages. A deal which would see Everton chairman Bill Kenwright sell a 40% stake in the club to a Russian tycoon is expected to be announced today. He is thought to have brokered the deal with businessman Anton Zingarevich with the help of Geneva-based financier Chris Samuelson. Zingarevich and Samuelson have established the Fortress Sport Fund, a means to provide the £20m available to buy into the Premiership club. The group continues to look to attract further investors. Yesterday, reports in several Sunday newspapers suggested Kenwright had secured the money from St Petersburg-based Boris Zingarevich. A statement released last night by the club said the naming of Boris Zingarevich was incorrect, but added that Kenwright would reveal more details on his planned investment for the club after today's meeting. However, the Daily Post understands it is actually his son, Anton, who would finance the package and could be announced as a new member of the Everton board later today. His father is a pulp and paper tycoon, whose family has a £362m fortune. The Zingarevich family are based in St Petersburg and they have founded and built up Ilim Pulp Enterprises with annual revenues approaching one billion dollars. They are not in the same league as Chelsea's Roman Abramovich, and Everton have gone to great lengths to distance the head of the company, Boris, from any deal. That probably means that they do not want supporters to start expecting the sort of £200m-plus investment at Goodison Park that Abramovich has put into Chelsea. But they will be hopeful of seeing more than the initial £20m investment.
They are approaching £40m in debt, £30m of which is a managed loan spread over 25 years. They also have a £5m overdraft at the bank they are not allowed to breach. The debt and the overdraft are among the first things that the club need to wipe out, and that may limit the amount of money that manager David Moyes will have to spend in the short term. With the transfer deadline approaching next week, Moyes may well still only have a limited budget before then. However, the club will be hoping that a substantial injection of funds will also increase their chances of holding on to star international striker Wayne Rooney. Kenwright began his search for investors during his power struggle with major shareholder and former friend Paul Gregg, a director of Everton. The bitter battle of brinkmanship has, no doubt, soured any past relationship the two had. However, last night Gregg gave a guarded welcome to the news. Gregg said: "If it is a good investment with a change in how the club is run then I would support that. "This is a great opportunity for the revitalisation of Everton Football Club and we will just have to wait and see." The arrival of another Russian tycoon follows Roman Abramovitch's dramatic impact on Chelsea. The Russian oil magnate has spent more than £200m on new players since completing his £60m takeover of Chelsea last season. He has been in a long-running legal dispute with Boris Zingarevich centering on the ownership of two of Russia's largest pulp and paper mills.
Mystery man from St Petersburg could be club's saviour
LITTLE is known about Anton Zingarevich except that he is the son of Boris Zingarevich, who graduated from the Technological University for pulp and paper industry in St Petersburg.
In 1992, he founded Ilim Pulp Enterprise. Now he is ranked 52nd of Russia's top 100 businessmen. Although Anton's wealth is not fully known, having a father with such capital is no doubt a help when trying to acquire a large stake in an English Premier league club. Boris Zingarevich's company specializes in export sales and has annual sales of more than £1bn. The Ilim group is the 67th largest processor of timber in the world. His son began his career as a technician at Kondopoga pulp and paper mill in 1985. Four years later, he was promoted to production manager of St Petersburg cartonboard mill. In 1991, he started his own furniture business.
Gravesen salutes players' resolve
By David Prior, Daily Post
Aug 23 2004
TWO-GOAL Thomas Gravesen hailed Everton's character after their battling victory at Selhurst Park - and called for a return to the spirit of 2002-03. Gravesen was the visitors' standout player, first levelling Palace's opener before rifling Everton ahead and setting up Marcus Bent for a third.
And the Danish midfielder wants to see more of the football that propelled Everton to seventh in the Premiership two seasons ago. He said: "If I remember right two years ago, when we finished seventh, we were tagged the comeback kings, not that we want to be known as that this season. But the character we showed then is where we want to be and as a team we are pleased that we managed to play some decent football against Palace. "Personally I am delighted that it went my way but more so with the fact that we got three points in the second game of the season and an away win. "It is always nice to score goals. I am not known for scoring a lot of goals but I got the penalty and the second one I will remember." Gravesen felt his side had reacted well to Gary Naysmith's dismissal midway through the second half. He added: "We did very well today as a team. If you look around Lee Carsley has done extremely well, he closed the holes and protected the back four. "The sending-off meant that we had to work harder to keep possession of the ball and try to make chances because we knew we just couldn't defend. "The result against Palace will give us a boost. We have a really important game next Saturday against West Brom and we have to make sure that we can do the same in that one as well." Everton's penalty came as a result of a blunder from Palace keeper Julian Speroni. "We're disappointed because we didn't deserve to lose," said Speroni. "I felt we were as good as Everton. We made a lot of chances to score."
Rooney admits sex with prostitutes
Daily Post
Aug 23 2004
EVERTON and England football star Wayne Rooney has admitted he had visited massage parlours and had sex with prostitutes. The striker said he had been "young and stupid" and regretted his mistake. The 18-year-old issued the statement in response to allegations in the Sunday Mirror that he had visited a brothel in Liverpool. Rooney told the paper: "Foolish as it now seems I did on occasions visit massage parlours and prostitutes. "It was at a time when I was very young and immature and before I had settled down with Coleen. "I now regret it deeply and hope people may understand that it was the sort of mistake you make when you are young and stupid." Rooney's agent Paul Stretford confirmed the statement was correct and said the player would be making no further comment. The revelations will come as a further blow for the Euro 2004 star's fiancee, Coleen McLoughlin. Last month, the couple were reported to have split up following claims that Rooney had slept with an escort girl. Aspiring actress Coleen, also 18, and Rooney are childhood sweethearts who met in Croxteth where they grew up. The pair, who announced their engagement last year, recently moved to a £1.5m house in Formby.
Everton: Now turn the focus back on team
Daily Post Comment
Aug 23 2004
FINALLY, if all the speculation and rumour comes to something today, as solid-sounding sources are saying, good news for Everton Football Club is only just around the corner. After weeks of jockeying for position in the Goodison Park boardroom battle, chairman Bill Kenwright appears to have won his struggle with rival Paul Gregg, and should today be in a position to announce £20m of investment from a multi-millionaire Russian businessman. Anton Zingarevich may not have the riches of Chelsea saviour Roman Abramovich, but his intervention and support in the long-running Everton saga is the most hopeful sign for several months that the club can now look forward to casting aside the shadow of misery that has blighted preparations for the new Premiership season. Although manager David Moyes has made a number of prudent signings, he has lost out on many, many more, and it can only be hoped that the new injection of cash will come before the transfer window closes at the end of this month, and free up funds to bolster the team's threadbare Premiership squad.
The often turbulent squabble over the future of the club has been a period of crisis and ignominy for both the supporters and the Goodison Park hierarchy. Chief executive Trevor Birch's resignation, after only six weeks in the job, signalled the start of a tumultuous summer where the focus was on internal strife, rather than, as with most clubs, the new faces brimming with optimism for the coming season. If Bill Kenwright can deliver his new deal this week, then maybe the centre-stage can belong once again to the players, as it should do. With a 2-1 win behind them from Saturday, and hopefully new recruits soon to arrive, we must hope that they can forget the chaos of past weeks, and turn that valued investment into invaluable points.
Everton ponder double Anfield swoop
By Andy Hunter, Daily Post
Aug 23 2004
DAVID MOYES is considering a double transfer raid on neighbours Liverpool as Everton brace themselves for a £7million Newcastle move for Joseph Yobo. The Everton manager has enquired about both Djimi Traore and Steve Finnan as he looks to rebuild his defence and Liverpool are willing to sell the pair across Stanley Park. Traore, 24, is currently recuperating from a torn thigh muscle suffered on the pre-season tour of America. But the £500,000 signing from Laval, linked with moves to West Brom and Bolton earlier in the summer, could make a loan move to Goodison Park with a view to a permanent deal if Everton meet Liverpool's £1m asking price. Traore has made 75 appearances for Liverpool but is down the pecking order at Anfield and would accept the chance to revive his Premiership career at Goodison Park. Moyes, meanwhile, is also interested in Republic of Ireland defender Finnan who has also been made available by new Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez. Tottenham made attempts to sign the £3.5m full-back last week but, like Blackburn, have so far only offered Liverpool a loan deal and not the £2m permanent exit Anfield officials are looking for. Everton could afford the combined £3m deal if the proposed £20m investment package goes through this week and releases much-needed transfer funds to Moyes. His key defender Yobo, however, is reportedly on Newcastle's wanted list as they search for a replacement for Jonathan Woodgate. Newcastle, armed with £13.4m received from Real Madrid for the injury-prone centre-half, have registered an interest in the Nigerian international once before. But Moyes would be loathe to lose the £4.5m signing from Marseille if Newcastle returned with a firm offer before the transfer deadline.
No peers found at the Palace
By Miles Shackley, Daily Post
Aug 23 2004
WELL, that showed them, didn't it?
Fifteen minutes in, already a goal down, and Andy Johnson bears down on Nigel Martyn's goal. Johnson could easily have rolled the ball past the keeper but opted to go around him, allowing Alan Stubbs to get back and hook the ball clear. On such incidents are laid a season's foundations and 2-0 would have been more than likely an insurmountable deficit. As it was, Kevin Campbell's will-ingness to chase a lost cause minutes later saw him upended in the area by the chap with the hair, and Thomas Gravesen tucked away the penalty very comfortably. It was never in doubt from that stage on. Graves-en's superb curling strike early in the second half put us firmly in command and despite Naysmith's dismissal, the usual implosion and meek surrender didn't materialise. If anything, Everton looked even more composed with 10 men. Gravesen, whose signature on a new contract must surely high on David Moyes's 'To Do Today' list, continued to pull all of the strings in the middle and Joseph Yobo was in imperious mood. Marcus Bent had a good game. He took the third goal very comfortably and he'll be pleased to have opened his account so early on in the season. Palace are supposed to be our peers, one of the sides we'll be going toe-totoe with in the battle for relegation. I don't think so. As we left Selhurst Park, officially the closest Premiership stadium to the sun, it was with a feeling that we won't be back here for a league match next season. File that in the 'phrases-that-come-back-to-haunt-you' folder.
Crystal Palace 1, Everton 3 (Echo)
Aug 23 2004 Scott Mcleod At Selhurst Park
AT the final whistle David Moyes strode triumphantly onto the pitch, shaking hands with each one of his players as he headed across the turf to applaud the two thousand travelling fans. It may well have been a moment of spontaneity from the Goodison chief. But it also portrayed exactly how important this victory was to the manager and the club.
We are not yet out of August and this game was a six pointer. If the Blues are to defy the bookies and stear clear of a campaign spent fighting against the drop, they need to win games against the likes of Crystal Palace, Norwich and West Brom. They also need to put daylight between themselves and the bottom three as quickly as possible. There was confidence in the camp going into the game despite the result against Arsenal and the lack of numbers in the squad.
Pre-season went better than anyone could have hoped in terms of fitness work and, more crucially, developing a camaraderie that will be vital in the months to come. But a poor start to the season could have started to erode that confidence and optimism. And the trip to Palace was a potential banana skin. There was a niggling doubt that the Eagles would produce an upset because this was their first home game back in the top flight for six years. After all, last season Everton were about as good on the road as a Sinclair C5. It took them until December to notch up their first and only away win of the season with a squad significantly larger than the one Moyes has right now. And the wheels could so easily have come off again on Saturday. There was a party atmosphere in south London. And the Eagles got off to a dream start, taking the lead in the ninth minute through Mark Hudson. But Everton didn't buckle, not even after being reduced to 10 men following Gary Naysmith's second yellow card in the 71st minute. Guts and guile played a part. But, more importantly, it was superior quality which really made the difference. Thomas Gravesen, Joseph Yobo and Wayne Rooney would be welcomed into any other squad in the Premiership - the top three included. Rooney may be absent at the moment, but the other two demonstrated on Saturday why their presence is so important. Gravesen took the plaudits for his two goals and assist which won the game. But Yobo was equally influential, plugging the holes impressively in a defence which, at the moment, looks incapable of keeping a clean sheet. The last came in the 0-0 draw at Chelsea in April. It could be some time before we see another on current form, despite Yobo's efforts. But if the side is looking defensively frail, going forward they are crisp and incisive. And they needed to be after a jittery start left them facing an uphill struggle. Mark Hudson was unmarked at the back post to head home Wayne Routledge's centre in the ninth minute. Had it not been for a clearance off the line from Alan Stubbs six minutes later to deny Andy Johnson, the task facing the visitors could have been too great. Instead, they managed to snatch a quick equaliser. Young keeper Julian Speroni was caught out by a poor back pass from Tony Popovic and dispossessed by Kevin Campbell. As he attempted to redeem himself, Speroni hacked down the striker and Mark Clattenburg pointed to the spot. Gravesen converted with aplomb. Who said David Unsworth would be missed? Referee Clattenburg's reluctance to infuriate the home crowd further by awarding another penalty to Everton before the interval ensured two obvious fouls on Leon Osman by Tony Popovic were ignored. And with the swift counter-attacks led by Routledge and Johnson causing hearts to leap into mouths, it was a welcome relief when Gravesen popped up again to net a second.
The Dane can be as infuriating as he is mesmerising. He can wander out of position and he can give the ball away cheaply at times. But when he gets it right there are few who can match him. On Saturday his class shone, going past players with consummate ease and producing passes to cut open the defence. When he plays like that it is obvious why Moyes has fought so hard in the last three months to keep him at Goodison. He has resisted the advances of SV Hamburg despite the player now being in the final year of his current contract because he knows his value to the club over the next 10 months could be far greater than a few million quid now. Against Palace, Gravesen began to repay that faith. His curling right foot shot from the left edge of the box in the 62nd minute appeared effortless. It arched around the despairing dive of Speroni and into the top corner of the net. Twenty minutes later he put the result beyond doubt by sliding a ball into the path of Marcus Bent, who slotted his shot under the keeper. That was a key goal. Eleven minutes earlier Naysmith had been dismissed for his second bookable offence after blatantly dragging back Routledge.
It was a silly challenge and there could be few complaints. It gave the home side hope. That hope disintegrated with Bent's strike. It was apt that he got his name on the scoresheet. His pace makes him the obvious replacement for Tomasz Radzinski. He may not have the same flair as the Canadian, but he does have far greater brawn. Radzinski is a quality player. But too often he went missing in away games. I doubt it will be a similar story with Bent. A little extra brawn, a touch of class from the club's stars and the never-say-die attitude of a squad more together than ever provides cause for optimism. Add a rich Russian benefactor and the future doesn't look so bad.
Moyes: I'd hate to see Dane leave
Aug 23 2004 By Scott Mcleod, Liverpool Echo
DAVID MOYES' fierce determination to keep Thomas Gravesen at Goodison this season was rewarded on Saturday with a match-winning brace from the Danish international. And if any suitors had been watching the match with a view to making a late raid for the 28-year-old, the manager made it clear he is going nowhere. "If people want to make a bid for him then it has got to be really big money," insisted Moyes. "We have not got enough players to let anyone go. "He is probably one of the top mid-field players in Europe. He is an important player for us and why should I let him go?
"If you were standing here as Everton manager, you would keep him. People might think that they can get him because of what has happened at the club, but once they come on to the manager they soon think different, and I am the one that matters. "Hamburg is the only club to have made an offer, but it would have only bought a leg." The manager's assessment of that £2m bid from Klaus Topmoller under-lines exactly how highly he values Gravesen. By the end of this week, Gravesen could be in a position to make a similar display of faith. Contract negotiations with the midfielder have stalled because he is waiting to see if the club can match his ambition on the pitch and in the transfer market. Today's board meeting to unveil the Russian millionaire behind Bill Kenwright's £20m investment plan could convince the player the club is heading in the right direction. And if that doesn't, then the play-ers the manager brings in this week could. Liverpool's Djimi Traore and Steve Finnan have been pin-pointed. And the £3.1m it would take to secure that pairing should leave Moyes with a little cash to play with for a midfield reinforcement. But whatever happens, the manager is delighted with the spirit in his squad. Moyes explains: "There is a great deal of character building among the squad. "All you can do is work with what you've got, prepare them the best you can. We have made the best pre-season in my time at the club in terms of the trips and what we have done with the players. "If we do our best and the players do their best, there is not an awful lot anybody can ask. "At the moment we are all pleased with the way things are going." Saturday's victory was the club's first on the road since the 2-1 success at Fratton Park last December. Moyes struggles to explain why the away form has been so poor, although he suspects a little over-exuberance could be the key. "The way I want my team to play I want us to attack and make goals," he adds. "We have got a responsibility to entertain, but maybe we have to try and tighten up a little bit more. "There was a spell in the first half on Saturday where we weren't tight and it could have gone that way and it looked like Palace may score more. Maybe we need to be a little bit better at that away from home."
Gravesen: Now Blues must keep on fighting
Aug 23 2004 Liverpool Echo
THOMAS GRAVESEN hopes Saturday's fightback against Crystal Palace is a sign of things to come.
Two seasons ago, when Everton finished seventh in the table, they came back from behind more than any of other side in the division. Last season, that statistic was reversed as the Blues buckled time and again by conceding goals late in games. Which is why the Danish international has taken heart from the brave fightback from a goal down at Selhurst Park which provided David Moyes' men with their first win of the season and the first victory away from Goodison in 2004. He said: "If I remember right, two years ago when we finished seventh we were tagged the comeback kings, not that we want to be known as that this season. "But the character we showed then is where we want to be and as a team we are pleased we managed to play some decent football against Palace.
"Personally, I am delighted it went my way but more so with the fact we got three points in the second game of the season and an away win. "It is always nice to score goals. I am not known for scoring a lot of goals but I got the penalty and the second one I will remember. "We did very well as a team. If you look around Lee Carsley has done extremely well, he closed the holes and protected the back four." After the 4-1 opening day hammering against the Gunners, it was a vitally important result for the Blues. And combined with the revelation of an injection of roubles from Bill Kenwright's new Russian backer, the future looks a lot brighter. "The result against Palace will give us a boost. We have a really important game on Saturday against West Brom and we have to make sure we can do the same in that one as well."
Fans' tribute to Russia with love
Aug 23 2004 Liverpool Echo
EVERTON fans in Kremlin Drive were celebrating the Blues' Russian connection this morning. Stan Fullerton, 66, a retired builder whose Christmas grotto attracts thousands of visitors to the West Derby road every year, said: "Everton needed money from somewhere. There is a big financial gulf between Everton and Liverpool. "Maybe the £20m will give Everton the chance to bring in some big name players rather than the players they seem to be bringing in at the moment who no-one has heard of." Blues fan George Bromsgrove, 71, a retired builder, added: "I have been watching Everton for 40 years and I have never seen them in a worse financial state. "I am glad the Russian is putting in £20m. "Moyes needs to be given money to build the team."
Delay for Russian Blues bid
Aug 23 2004 By David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
EVERTON chairman Bill Kenwright was left reeling today after plans to rubber-stamp a £20m rescue plan hit a last-minute hitch. A board meeting, planned for tonight to see through the deal, was postponed by director Paul Gregg because he has not had time to inspect the proposals. No new date has been scheduled. The postponement does not spell the end of the rescue package, but the delay is another major obstacle for Kenwright to overcome. The Blues' chairman had to work frantically to overcome an 11th-hour upset caused by the story leaking out too soon, after reports yesterday revealed Kenwright's backer as Boris Zingarevich, the 75th richest man in Russia. The meeting had originally been called for tonight, but this morning came news that it had been delayed. The story, from sources in the City, surfaced despite pleas from Kenwright to delay the announcement. The Russians had demanded anonymity until an official announcement as a pre-requisite of the deal, and Kenwright spent yesterday reassuring his backers. Zingarevich's son Anton, 24 - educated in England and present at Selhurst Park on Saturday to watch Everton's 3-1 win - will be the family's representative at Goodison. Kenwright has spent the past four years scouring Europe and the USA for potential investors. He assigned renowned football agent Jerome Anderson to seek out wealthy benefactors interested in investing in Premiership football clubs. He unearthed Geneva financier Chris Samuelson, representative of Swiss-based Russian millionaire Boris Zingarevich, and together they formed the Fortress Sports Fund. The fund, which will be established in Brunei, was set up with the intention of investing in a number of sporting initiatives. But Everton will be their first, and undoubtedly most significant, client. Samuelson and Anton Zingarevich will join the Blues' board. The investment takes the form of a new share issue, with Fortress Sports Fund then owning 40% of the club. Kenwright, however, will remain as chairman and True Blue Holdings will remain the majority shareholder. True Blue Holdings owns 71.3% of Everton, with Kenwright and ally Jon Woods owning 64.3% of True Blue, which means they can outvote Paul Gregg, whose family owns 31.5%. Adding spice to the story is that the Zingarevich family are keen business rivals of Roman Abramovich. They are already locked in a legal dispute over the ownership of a paper mill in Russia, and Evertonians will hope Zingarevich is just as keen to take on Chelsea's spend-thrift owner on a Premiership playing field. The revelations represented a massive coup for Bill Kenwright.
The Blues' chairman refuses to comment until the deal is completed. But if successful, the deal would represent a crushing victory for Kenwright in his boardroom wrangle with fellow director Paul Gregg, who had demanded Kenwright's resignation after unveiling a £15m investment package.
David Moyes will benefit immediately from the investment and hopes to make additions to his squad before the transfer window closes next week. Who are Boris and Anton Zingarevich?
BORIS ZINGAREVICH is a multi-millionaire businessman worth an estimated £370m. He has made his money from the pulp and paper industry. He graduated from the technological university for the pulp and paper industry in St Petersburg, Russia, and began his professional career as a technician at Kondopoga pulp and paper mill in 1985. Four years later he was promoted to production manager of St Petersburg cardboard mill. In 1991 he started his own furniture manufacturing business with the support of friends and family, and a year later, when the Russian state no longer monopolised export sales, he founded Ilim Pulp Enterprise as a trading company specialising in export sales of pulp and paper products. During 1994 he began acquiring pulp and paper manufacturers, adding Kotlas pulp and paper mill, Bratsk Forest industry complex and St Petersburg cartonboard mill to his rapidly-growing empire. Ilim Pulp Enterprises currently employs 36,000 people and has annual sales in excess of $1bn. He stands 52nd in the list of top 100 Russian businessmen, ranked by the Russia Journal, one place behind brother Mikhail. Roman Abramovich is placed number 16. Ilim Pulp is the 67th largest processor of timber in the world today. Zingarevich's 23-year-old son Anton is the figurehead of the consortium bidding to buy a stake in Everton. Anton, said to be an avid football fan although he has no apparent connection with Everton, is currently studying at the Regents Business School in London. He established the Brunei-based Fortress Sports Fund, with Swiss financier Christopher Samuelson, which is stumping up £20m for a 40% stake in the club.
Blues chasing Reds defender Traore
Aug 23 2004 By Scott Mcleod, Liverpool Echo
EVERTON are preparing a sensational raid on Anfield as David Moyes continues his search for defensive reinforcements. The agent for French central defender Djimi Traore has confirmed the Blues have made an approach to Liverpool. Willie Mackay said: "I know Bill Kenwright has contacted Rick Parry about Djimi and an offer has been made. "Djimi wants to be playing regularly, but the problem is that Mr Benitez has not seen him play because he is injured. "The transfer deadline is coming up and Djimi wants Liverpool to decide whether or not they want to keep him. "David Moyes is a big admirer of Djimi. There have been a lot of clubs phoning me about Djimi to find out about his situation." Moyes is remaining tight-lipped on the subject but has made no secret of his desire to make vital additions to his squad before the transfer deadline, with the defence his priority.
The Blues have not kept a clean sheet in a competitive game since the trip to Chelsea in April.
However, the manager's hopes of bringing in new faces could be scuppered if there is a delay in receiving funds as part of Bill Kenwright's £20m proposal. Paul Gregg has postponed tonight's board meeting in order for his lawyers to go through the papers. The delay could hinder the club's chances of securing a loan from the bank to make new signings before the transfer deadline. A loan will only be forthcoming if the bank is given concrete assurances the £20m will be forthcoming and that it will receive approval from the board and an AGM. Without the cash, Moyes is unlikely to make new signings before next Tuesday's deadline. Despite that, the Goodison chief has dismissed suggestions Newcastle are preparing to swoop for Joseph Yobo. The Nigerian international has been outstanding for the Blues since his arrival from Marseilles in the summer of 2002. He has been tipped as a Magpies target to replace the departed Jonathan Woodgate, who switched to Real Madrid last week. Moyes added: "It is just rumour and speculation. He is just another name that has been cast out along with another half dozen because they have sold Woodgate." Moyes is expected to continue to monitor the situation with Red Star Belgrade central defender Milan Dudic, who he has watched twice in the last couple of weeks.
Car's a star in Blues' midfield
Aug 23 2004 David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
THOMAS GRAVESEN accepted the praise and the tributes from enormously relieved Evertonians on Saturday night. And rightly so. His talents have always outweighted his eccentricities. But while the Dane was basking in the afterglow of a matchwinning brace at Selhurst Park, the contribution of Everton's other follically challenged midfielder should not be undervalued. The wisdom of Lee Carsley's purchase by Walter Smith has often been questioned at Everton. Quite why, has always been beyond me. His workrate is an advert to others around him who may be contemplating a breather. He always shows a desire to get into the opposition penalty box, and his tackling is a throw-back to the snappy, opposition-discouraging style which went out of fashion at Goodison when Joe Royle's Dogs of War broke up. And he only cost £1.7m. How he wasn't booked on Saturday is beyond me, but Everton were all the better for his continued cajolings up and down the pitch. Presumably Carsley's place would be most under-threat by the return from Greece of Tim Cahill. But the Irishman, for whom the phrase honest endeavour might have been coined, has shown he can operate all across the midfield line - and at full-back in emergencies. And at present Everton appear to have an emergency on both flanks. Pistone was rightly left out for his lacklustre show last weekend, but neither Hibbert nor Naysmith have picked up the gauntlet on either side. Saturday's success has given David Moyes breathing space. But the Blues boss still has plenty to attend to.
The long summer for Blues faithful
Aug 23 2004 Liverpool Echo
THE poor performances of last season were bad enough for Everton fans - and then there were the rollercoaster events of the summer. And after last week's opening game of the season against Arsenal, talk returned to the familiar subject of relegation battles. The much-promised transformation demanded by fans at the end of last season, and the seasons before, today remains undelivered by directors locked fighting personal battles, as well as Everton's. No money (again), the Wayne Rooney contract saga, a failure to land top transfer targets, the humiliating departure of Trevor Birch and, of course, the damaging dispute between Bill Kenwright and Paul Gregg, have all led to the Everton story becoming a pantomime. Almost every promise of investment into the Blues has gone unfulfilled. The proposed Kings Dock stadium collapsed last November, with even the most optimistic supporters failing to be shocked by the news. Even attempts by government and council agencies to get Everton and Liverpool to share a stadium were doomed to failure because the Goodison board could not raise even the third of the cost of a new ground. Amid that disappointment, fans sought pride in Wayne Rooney's show-stealing performance in Portugal this summer. But that, inevitably, has led to a long contract saga which today remains unresolved, not helped by the fact that no-one, not even the board, can say who will own the club this time next week, let alone guarantee that Rooney's contract demands can and will be met. Trevor Birch's shock departure after less than six weeks showed that, in the battle of the boardroom, no-one is safe.
Reds won't go into debt for Rooney
Stuart Brennan
August 23, 2004
Manchester Evening News
UNITED will not go into debt to buy Wayne Rooney. Chief executive David Gill is refusing to get drawn into a game of brinksmanship by Everton over the future of the England sensation.
He made that plain to a meeting of Shareholders United before Saturday's game with Norwich.
The Toffees have raised the stakes in the patient game the two clubs have played over the future of the 18-year-old starlet, with chairman Bill Kenwright revealing that Russian millionaire Boris Zingarevich is about to inject '20m of much-needed cash into the club. But United, confident that Rooney wants to join them, are prepared to wait until the Merseyside club gets twitchy about losing him for a nominal fee once his contract expires in two years' time. "We could go out tomorrow and borrow the money to buy Wayne Rooney for '30-40m but it is bad business to end up with long-term debt for a short-term asset such as a player," said Gill.
January sales
United are more likely to wait until January, or even next summer, when Everton will start to fear losing their prize asset for next to nothing, and may be prepared to sell more cheaply.
The player is still out with the broken foot he sustained during the European Championships in the summer. But, with some United fans itching for the Reds to splash out more cash after the summer buys of Alan Smith and Gabriel Heinze, Gill defended his record in his first year in the Old Trafford hotseat. "We have invested quite significantly during the course of the season," he said.
"People forget we spent '12m-plus on Louis Saha in January, and then '14m on Smith and Heinze. In the last two years we have invested over '34m net, even if you include the money we got from the sales of Juan Sebastian Veron and David Beckham. "And over the last five years we have invested '50m more than Arsenal. "Can we compete with the actions Chelsea have taken? Of course we can't, and if fans want that, we will have to go private and maybe have someone who doesn't care about the fans." United have been busy freeing up money from their wage bill, selling Diego Forlan for a fee revealed to be just short of '1.3m, and moving on Michael Stewart, Danny Pugh and Luke Chadwick. But, with the August 31 transfer deadline looming, Gill says the club is cautious about last-minute buys. United are expected to clinch a place in the Champions' League, and the possible '20m revenue that goes with it, when they face Dinamo Bucharest at Old Trafford on Wednesday night, defending a 2-1 lead from the first leg. But Gill said: "We sat down with the manager in the early part of the summer and he identified Smith and Heinze as the two players he wanted in - we got them and had a squad of 25 or 26. "We assumed Ole Gunnar Solskjaer would be back at that stage, and that's why Diego Forlan would be transferred. "Now Louis Saha will be fit in a week or so and Ruud will be back next month, and of course we have Paul Scholes to play up there. The manager is happy with that situation going into the season. "We have a big squad with Liam Miller coming in and Rio Ferdinand coming back in a month.
Debate
"But if the question is whether there is discussion about certain players we might want, of course there is, and it is a healthy debate. "But our track record on last-minute purchases is not great. We can all name our favourite bad last-minute signing, and we have subsequently had problems getting rid of them." United are also moving towards contracts with built-in incentives, with Gill revealing that such devices have been included in the contracts awarded to Smith and Heinze. "Both players' wage will go up if we reach the Champions League," said Gill. "And for young players breaking through, we have to make sure that some of the money is tied to success."
Newcastle's £20m bid for Rooney rejected
Aug 24 2004 By Andy Hunter, Daily Post
EVERTON rejected an audacious attempt by Newcastle United to sign Wayne Rooney for £20m last night, but look to be losing the fight to keep their prized asset at Goodison Park. Everton officials have been braced for a firm offer for Rooney ever since his Euro 2004 exploits and it arrived in a fax from Newcastle chairman Freddy Shepherd to counterpart Bill Kenwright. But the straight cash offer, which could spark a bidding war designed to lure the 18-year-old from his boyhood club, was instantly dismissed by the Everton chairman. "I can confirm that we have received an offer of £20m for Wayne Rooney from Newcastle United. This bid has been turned down," said Everton's head of communications Ian Ross. Everton would want at least £25m before they even contemplate selling England's star at the European Championships but his reluctance to commit to a new £13m five-year contract has weakened their stance. There has been no breakthough in attempts to insert a get-out clause in the contract and Newcastle's move could ignite an auction that ends with Rooney's departure before the transfer deadline closes next Tuesday. Manchester United have been monitoring the striker's contractual situation for months. And despite chief executive David Gill's insistence at the weekend a lucrative offer for Rooney would represent "bad business" Sir Alex Ferguson may demand a response to Newcastle's bid. Rooney has less than two years remaining on his current Everton contract but has so far given no decision on the £50,000-a-week deal offered by the Goodison club on July 6. The boyhood Evertonian is thought to have been convinced his career may benefit from a move away from Merseyside following lurid revelations about his private life in recent weeks. Newcastle's surprise pursuit of Rooney will continue despite Everton's initial rejection and their offer will remain on the table. Rooney's agent Paul Stretford is a close friend of Newcastle chairman Shepherd whose son, Kenneth, works for Proactive as a business development director. The Newcastle offer came on the day Paul Gregg stalled the proposed £20m rescue package in Everton by the Bruneibased Fortress Sports Fund. The club's three remaining directors were due to meet in London last night to ratify plans for the fund to purchase a 40% stake in the club. But hopes of a deal that would give David Moyes some much-needed transfer funds were dashed when Kenwright's boardroom rival claimed he hadn't had enough time to consider the offer and vetoed the meeting. No date has been set for a rescheduled meeting, heightening the internal unrest at Goodison Park and leaving Moyes's transfer plans on hold just a week before the transfer deadline closes. The Everton manager is looking to make several acquisitions before August 31, with Liverpool pair Djimi Traore and Steve Finnan, QPR midfielder Martin Rowlands and Serbian defender Milan Dudic all possible targets. But all transfer plans are now on hold, increasing Moyes's frustration to strengthen a threadbare squad shorn of 17 players since the end of last season.
Stop delaying... take the rouble and run
By Mark Lawrenson, Daily Post
Aug 24 2004
DAVID MOYES must be nursing a giant headache this morning after yet another delay in getting some money into Everton - from banging his head against a brick wall at Bellefield.
As I seem to have been saying for most of the summer, the powers that be at Goodison Park have a responsibility to the club to sort out their differences and decide upon a future course as soon as possible. Instead they have rowed and prevaricated and even now, just a week before the transfer window closes, Paul Gregg has delayed a decision once again. This is like the Forsyte Saga - but it could go on longer.. Moyesy is a mate of mine and this must be killing him - in fact I would say he must be close to just walking away. Let me add I don't believe he will do that as he is too strong a person, but as manager there comes a point where you become tired of being forced to work in the dark and watch your transfer plans go up in smoke. I feel sorry for him. Even if this investment is sorted out today - which let's be honest it highly unlikely given the summer of inaction - then Moyes has less than a week to prepare his players to take on West Brom and Manchester United, while trying to arrange transfer deals in his spare time. I hope he doesn't like sleeping or eating, because he won't have much time to do either in the next few days. To me it is a simple situation - taking Rooney out of the equation, if this guy from Russia has money and wants to put it in, then let him put it in. That's the end of the story because only having that influx of money will help David Moyes to get some more quality into the club. And I know there is a transfer window opening in January, but I worry that by then it could be too late to act. If Everton are down among the dead men then, who will want to come and help bail them out? Still if they keep the level of performance they did against Crystal Palace at the weekend, they could do alright this season. Palace were considered to be one of Everton's rivals for the drop this time around, but they outplayed them in some style, even with the 10 men. Everton will have to improve their level of performance again on Saturday against West Brom, who are stronger than Palace in every way. With Manchester United in wait two days later, three points are absolutely vital to continue their recovery after the Arsenal humbling.
Get a move on
Icliverpool And Daily Post
Aug 24 2004
Get a move on
WITH all Everton fans waiting in anticipation of some good news coming out of Goodison Park in the shape of some vital investment, Paul Gregg has once again demonstrated disregard for the fans and the club. We now find that there is to be a delay while PG looks at the proposal and interviews those involved. He will then contact Bill. There is no sense of urgency in the boardroom. Do they not realise we need action and we need it now?
Mark Power, Liverpool
Days owing
I CAN'T understand the financial logistics of it all - £37,000 a week for Duncan Ferguson, and he doesen't work Saturdays!
Keith Davies (via e-mail)
Work together
GREAT to hear Bill Ken-wright is reportedly bringing in £20million worth of investment via a Russian businessman. Wouldn't it now benefit all if Bill and Paul Gregg were able to settle their differences and both work for the common good of Everton FC? Why can't Gregg's backers also be brought into the equation and their money brought in as well to ease the financial burden even more? On the playing side, great win on Saturday; we just need to replace Kevin Campbell with Ferguson at present and for us to get up the league. We need another Tommy Gravesen plus an out and out pacy right winger and another centre-back to play alongside Joseph Yobo.
Over to the money men!
Phil Harris, Northwich
Travel shame
I TRAVEL by train to most Tranmere away games and I'm always appalled by the behaviour of some fellow fans. Don't these morons realise the effect their yobbish shouting and bawling has on the travelling public and on Tranmere's reputation? Whenever the name of Tranmere Rovers is mentioned, many innocent travellers will only remember a bunch of drunken half-wits spoiling their journey.
M Ritchie, Rock Ferry
Signing Rooney 'bad business' for United
By Martyn Ziegler, Daily Post
Aug 24 2004
MANCHESTER UNITED chief executive David Gill has ruled out signing Wayne Rooney in the near future, insisting such a move would be "bad business" and admitting the club cannot compete with Chelsea in the transfer market. Gill says United have no intention of getting into debt just to buy a player - who was the subject of a rejected £20m bid from Newcastle last night - and they are likely to wait until the next transfer window in January at the earliest before making a move. His comments, were made to a meeting of Shareholders United. Gill said: "We could go out tomorrow and borrow the money to buy Wayne Rooney for £30-40million but it is bad business to end up with long-term debt for a short-term asset such as a player. "We have invested quite significantly during the course of the season. People forget we spent £12million-plus on Louis Saha in January, and then £14million on Alan Smith and Gabriel Heinze. In the last two years we have invested over £34million net, even if you include the money we got from the sales of Juan Sebastian Veron and David Beckham. "And over the last five years we have invested £50million more than Arsenal. "Can we compete with the actions Chelsea have taken? Of course we can't, and if fans want that, we will have to go private and maybe have someone who doesn't care about the fans." United have until August 31 to make a late move for Rooney but even if they guarantee £20million revenue by qualifying for the Champions League group stage they are unlikely to buy him or any other player.
£30m price tag on Rooney
Aug 24 2004 By David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
EVERTON have placed a £30m price tag on Wayne Rooney's head. The Blues rejected an official £20m bid from Newcastle last night and are now bracing themselves for a bidding war. But manager David Moyes has threatened to quit if the England striker is sold for anything less than £30m. The player and his boss met at Bellefield yesterday, and after lengthy talks Moyes has finally resigned himself that the youngster sees his future away from Merseyside. But unless an offer way in excess of the £20m already offered comes in, that will not be in this transfer window. Moyes may also want the player to submit a written transfer request to clear the club of any accusations of stage-managing his departure. The latest lurid revelations about Rooney's private life have exposed partner Coleen to intense public scrutiny, and the Rooney camp believe that a move away from Merseyside would ease that pressure. The player is believed to prefer a move to Manchester United, but Newcastle are the only cub to so far table a bid. Rooney's agent, Paul Stretford, is a close friend of Newcastle chairman Freddie Shepherd, whose son, Kenneth, works for Proactive as a business development director. Ironically, Rooney is stepping up his fitness work and has targeted a trip to Manchester United next Monday for his comeback. The likelihood, though, is that he will not be considered until after the international break which follows that clash - if he remains an Everton player. Blues' boss David Moyes, meanwhile, was considering his transfer options this morning while he waits for the successful resolution of the £20m investment row.
Gregg: I will help to close deal
Aug 24 2004 By Mike Hornby, Liverpool Echo
EVERTON chairman Bill Kenwright's plans for a Russian revolution at Goodison Park may have thawed the cold war with director Paul Gregg. The Everton board meeting which was to discuss the planned £20m investment - bankrolled by one of Russia's wealthiest families - was suspended yesterday to give Gregg more time to scrutinise the deal. Gregg stressed he was willing to work with Kenwright to close the deal with Anton Zingarevich's Fortress Sports Fund consortium, which is looking to buy a 40% share in the club. But as the news of the deal broke in St Petersburg, Boris Zingarevich, the Russian tycoon said to be funding it, distanced his family from the bid. "I welcome any new investment and want what's best for Everton Football Club," Gregg said. "In order to ensure that this proposed investment is in the best interests of the club, it is only right that I should examine the proposal and have an opportunity to meet those proposed as directors so I understand fully their ambitions for the club. "The paperwork only arrived yesterday and as soon as I have had a chance to look at the detail I will be in touch with Bill to reschedule the board meeting. "The fans, shareholders and everybody associated with the club recognise that change is necessary and that our manager requires urgent funds. "That is why I supported the process of due diligence last week and will continue to support any initiative that means Everton can compete at the highest level."
A spokesman for Boris Zingarevich, owner of the Ilim Pulp company and Russia's 75th richest man, said: "No member of the Zingarevich family is an investor in the Fortress Sports Fund. "We have been asked by the Zingarevich family to make this completely clear." Christopher Samuelson, an investment adviser who is Anton Zingarevich's partner in Fortress Sports Fund, said it was a "protective cell fund" and the Everton investment would probably be spread across up to 10 investors. Mr Samuelson said the money had been raised and added: "It is not just the private money of the Zingarevich family." Anoushka Tunicliffe, a British-born journalist in Moscow, said the confusion surrounding the deal is typical of the secretive way the Russians do business. She said: "Big deals such as this are kept secret until the last minute. "The Russian businessmen don't like to shout these things from the rooftops and I would imagine Anton feels he may have embarrassed his father when the negotiations leaked out. "What is clear is that Anton has met with Bill Kenwright, what isn't known is whose money they were talking about." She added: "Boris Zingarevich is an oligarch, one of a small number of businessmen who made hundreds of millions under the Yeltsin regime. "These are powerful men who were the first to succeed under capitalism and preserve their position at all cost. "But given the political situation in Russia at the moment, Zingarevich may feel now is not the right time to become linked with something as high-profile as a English Premiership club."
Reds won't rush in for Rooney
August 24, 2004
Manchester Evening News
MANCHESTER United won't be panicked into a counter bid for Wayne Rooney after Newcastle had a '20m offer for him rejected by Everton. Newcastle's move is the first major concrete business in the Rooney saga and was immediately dismissed by the Goodison club. But the Geordies' effort to land the 18-year star of Euro 2004 will not detract the Reds in their game of patience. United know that Newcastle's transfer pot has been massively boosted by the '13.4m sale of Jonathan Woodgate to Real Madrid. Added to what was already in the kitty at St James' Park - it is said that Sir Bobby Robson has '30m set aside for him by the Newcastle board for the pursuit of Rooney - United suddenly have a wealthy rival in the chase for the teenager. However, Old Trafford chief executive David Gill made it plain to a Shareholders United meeting at the weekend that borrowing '30-40m to buy Rooney is 'bad business.' The Reds appear to be hoping to hold tight until the January transfer window or even next summer and let things take their course at Goodison. Rooney's current Everton contract is ticking away, and he has yet to commit himself to the new one on the table, and the Merseysiders know that the nearer they get to his final year of a deal, the lower the price they'll get for their biggest asset. Another factor complicating matters is the attempts of Russian Boris Zingarevich to invest '20m into Goodison Park. If he fails, Everton would be more likely to cash in on Rooney. Whatever happens, United know they hold the ace card in Rooney wants to move to Old Trafford. While United refuse to spend big as the transfer deadline approaches neither are they ready to make a '5m move for Real Madrid's Luis Figo. Rumours and reports had United officials in Spain to open talks with the 31-year-old, who has one year left on his Bernabeu contract, with a view to a move to the Premiership. But Figo's agent has told sources in Spain that there was no contact and United have also dismissed the stories
Rooney on his way as Moyes issues warning
By Andy Hunter, Daily Post
Aug 25 2004
WAYNE ROONEY has told David Moyes he wants to leave Goodison - and the Everton manager could follow if the club accept under £30million for the teenage sensation. The 18-year-old has been convinced his career will benefit from a move to Newcastle following lurid revelations about his private life and the pressure that has placed upon his relationship with girlfriend Coleen McLoughlin.
Rooney informed Moyes of his desire to leave just hours before Newcastle lodged an official £20m bid for the striker on Monday. Pressure is now mounting on Rooney and advisors Proactive to publicly declare his intentions or submit a written transfer request, having given no decision on the five-year, £50,000-a-week contract offered by his boyhood club on July 6. Newcastle are ready to make an improved offer within the next few days while Manchester United are waiting in the wings despite their intention not to spend over £20m on the striker in this transfer window. Last night Sir Bobby Robson revealed: "I don't think this is all over to be honest. Everton are short of money and need to sell players and Rooney is a saleable asset. The £20m cash offer is genuine. You could buy a club for that. Rooney's not just another striker. You're talking about buying the most exciting, brilliant young player in Europe. "Whether he comes here we don't know. Manchester United, the most famous and richest club in the country can't buy Rooney. I know that Alex would love him, so why don't they make an offer?" But any successful bid would have to be around £30m as any cut-price deal will leave Moyes considering his Goodison future. The Everton manager is desperate to keep Rooney, even though he is now resigned to his departure, but is adamant the club must cushion the impact of his exit with a fee that eases their financial problems and rebuilds his squad.
Moyes is understood to be on Southampton's shortlist to replace Paul Sturrock. But Everton chairman Bill Kenwright denied this summer's endless frustraions will force the former Preston manager to quit. Kenwright said last night: "There is no more committed manager in the country and there is no stronger manager-chairman relationship than David Moyes and Bill Kenwright."
"We are a mutual support team and the question of David Moyes walking away has never even been close to our thoughts. "We talk 10 to 20 times a day and we have both got depressed by things but we support each other," he added.. "He has helped me through the difficult times." Newcastle, meanwhile, have angrily denied their interest in Rooney is part of an elaborate conspiracy to secure the teen-ager's passage to his preferred destination Manchester United. They have vehemently denied claims they tabled their original offer to spark a bidding war which will lead to United signing Rooney and John O'Shea, one of the defenders tipped as a potential replacement for Jonathan Woodgate, heading to St James' Park. Newcastle are now considering taking legal action over the matter as Rooney's future looks to be decided within the next six days. "Those allegations are offensive and absurd," a statement read. "The suggestion that Newcastle United would be helping one of its main competitors secure one of the most talented players in Europe is bizarre. "The club has already confirmed its interest in Rooney and the club has been working on the bid for a number of weeks. "He would be a tremendous asset to the club. Newcastle is taking the allegations of conspiracy very seriously and is currently seeking legal advice," it added.
It may all be decided in the next 48 hours
By Liam Christopher, Daily Post Correspondent
Aug 25 2004
EVERTON chairman Bill Kenwright is hoping to hold the meeting that will secure £20m of new investment into his club in the next 48 hours. The meeting was due to take place on Monday but boardroom rival Paul Gregg called for a postponement to allow him more time to consider the proposals. It is understood that Kenwright has now received indications from Gregg that he is prepared to allow the meeting to proceed before Friday. The Daily Post has learned that Kenwright and Everton's third director, Jon Wood, met lawyers at the theatre impresario's London offices on Monday after Gregg pulled the plug on the formal meeting, and went through the details of the contract. A Brunei-based fund, the Fortress Sports Fund, is the vehicle for delivering the investment, having been established by Geneva-based financier Chris Samuelson. It is believed that the investors in this fund have authorised the immediate advance of some of the money for Everton manager David Moyes to spend on vitally-needed new players before the transfer deadline on Tuesday. However, the money will not be forthcoming until the offer has been accepted by the Everton board.
Kenwright revealed he was "burning the midnight oil" working with lawyers and financiers to conclude the deal with the fund, which has been established to invest in a number of sporting initiatives. A source close to the deal told the Daily Post last night that Everton was the main priority of this fund. "If you could see a prospectus for the Fortress Sports Fund, you would see that its first aim is to restore Everton to its former European glory," he said. Russian pulp and paper billionaire Boris Zingarevich and his son, Anton, have been distanced from the deal but it remains to be seen just how much involvement they will have if it does go ahead. It is expected that part of the deal, which would see the Fortress Sports Fund acquire a 40% stake in Everton, would see Samuelson and another fund representative take places on the Everton board. Kenwright is set to remain as chairman. The proposed cash injection and the restructuring it would involve would still have to be cleared by an extraordinary general meeting, probably held next month. But that would not delay the transfer funds being made available. Meanwhile, Everton's rejection of a £20m bid from Newcastle United for troubled young England star Wayne Rooney is expected to provoke a bidding war before the deadline, even though Rooney is not fully fit and would be unlikely to pass a medical yet. If Manchester United, Real Madrid or Chelsea are drawn into the battle for Rooney, the price could rise to around the £30m Everton want. Such a bid would be virtually impossible for the club to turn down.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT? A marketing consultant's view
MARKETING expert Nick Hawkins says Everton's continuing problems could seriously damage the club's brand. But he believes the club's proud history and massive fan base could save it from the worst impact of its troubles. Mr Hawkins, senior lecturer in marketing at Liverpool John Moores University, is a lifelong Everton supporter. He said: "At Goodison, every game has 35,000 to 40,000 supporters. "They have got dedicated fans who love the club and a proud heritage and history. It is that which they should use to get themselves through."
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT? A financial expert's view
BY BILL GLEESON, Daily Post Business Editor
THE golden scenario for Everton's finances would be to get both the £20m from the overseas investors that Bill Kenwright is trying to line up and another £30m from the sale of Wayne Rooney - a massive injection of £50m. The worst case scenario is that neither of these things come to pass and Everton struggle to survive the first half of the season without going into administration.
James Dow, a corporate finance adviser at Dow Schofield Watts who has previously advised Everton, Barcelona and Ajax, said: "The fairy tale scenario is the Russians are for real and Rooney plays brilliantly and Everton get into Europe. That would add a significant new source of income next year.
"The worst case is Rooney goes on a free, the Russians get cold feet and poor performance on the pitch means less revenue from television and gates. As soon as you look like you'll be relegated, clubs must factor in the fact that they will have £10m less next year. " Any delay in selling Rooney ahead of the imminent transfer deadline could diminish his sale value as his current contract gets closer to expiry. Mr Dow, himself an Evertonian, added: "The bottom line is Everton can't afford relegation. "Since Kenwright and Gregg took over, they have overseen £30m going out of the club and neither of them have put any money in the club. "The average season ticket holder at Everton has put more money into the club than the major shareholders."
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT? A fan's view
BY MARK O'BRIEN
THE football as a roller coaster metaphor often gets a bit of a hammering. It's just that it happens to be so apt, especially where the Toffees are concerned. However, especially of late, Everton Football Club isn't so much a thrilling, undulating ride at Alton Towers as a rickety deathtrap operated by heavily tattooed travelling folk. It clatters along making all sorts of troubling noises and occasionally big bits fall off, much to the alarm of the nauseous punters. Things were really starting look up at the weekend too. Fresh from a hard-fought victory at Selhurst Park we had news of a Russian paper tsar ready and willing to invest his pulp pennies in our Grand Old Team. On Sunday we all then tutted and had a laugh at the tales of Pot Noodle, PVC and prostitution in the tabloids before turning to the back pages to find out just who David Moyes would be signing in the coming week. And now what? All of a sudden we're told that Wayne Rooney apparently wants away, the manager might follow him if the player's sold for less than £30m and confusion surrounds the identities of the investors in the Fortress Sport Fund, with the Russians distancing themselves from the whole deal.
Which leaves us where?
It's difficult to say, as the situation would best be described as "fluid", but for a start, if Rooney genuinely wants away then he should be sold as soon as possible. How we all long to see the kid who loves Everton like we do, strutting his stuff again and making us proud, but you have to wonder whether that kid exists any more after the events in Portugal this summer. And Everton must hold out for the fee that the manager believes is right, for the obvious financial reasons, and because the thought of Moyes leaving on a point of principle just doesn't bear thinking about.
Traore's poised to stay at Anfield
By Andy Hunter, Daily Post
Aug 31 2004
RAFAEL BENITEZ looks to have won his fight to convince Djimi Traore to stay at Anfield as Liverpool officials ruled out a move for Real Mallorca full-back David Cortes. Centre-half Traore was expected to complete a £1.5million transfer to Merseyside rivals Everton this weekend only to be included by Benitez in the squad for Sunday's defeat by Bolton. The 24-year-old was selected ahead of Stephane Henchoz for the game at The Reebok and has been told he will figure more regularly for the club this season by Benitez. Traore is keen on a move to Goodison after growing frustrated at making just 75 appearances for Liverpool since his £550,000 signing from Laval in 1999. But the new Liverpool manager is reluctant to lose any more players without making any signings and hopes to have convinced the French defender to extend his career on the red half of Merseyside. Benitez was linked with a £2m move for Mallorca right-back Cortes yesterday. But having just spent that sum on former Malaga defender Josemi, Liverpool officials distanced themselves from such a move last night. Liverpool are not expected to make any late moves before the transfer deadline, although talk of a Thai takeover at the top has reappeared again with media tycoon Paiboon Damrongchaitham insisting he has made an offer to invest in the club. Damrongchaitham, the chairman of Thai-land's largest music company GMM Grammy, revealed his interest in Liverpool in June when he supported Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's failed attempt to buy a 30% stake in the club. The GMM chairman has since set up a holding company that hopes to purchase a similar stake in Liverpool despite Steve Morgan's continuing attempts to gain majority control from David Moores at Anfield. "We have sent our proposal about rights and benefits to Liverpool. We expect to get some answer from them next month on whether there will be another discussion or not," said Damrongchaitham. "The price will be the same the Thai government proposed but the number of shares may be less or more. After the purchase, I will list shares of Liverpool Thai Holding on the Thai stock market."
Moyes hails Everton's 'best so far'
By Andy Hunter, Daily Post
Aug 31 2004
DAVID MOYES believes Everton achieved their finest result of the season yesterday as they put the Wayne Rooney saga to one side for a deserved draw against Manchester United. The goalless draw was Everton's first point at Old Trafford since a 2-2 draw in 1996 and helped end a miserable sequence of results against Sir Alex Ferguson's team. Moyes's side have now collected seven points from four games in a stirring response to those tipping them for relegation this season. And the Everton manager believes the result could have a major impact on his squad's morale and hailed it as even more important than the victories over Crystal Palace and West Bromwich Albion.
Moyes said: "I would say this is our best result of the season so far. We have won one and drawn one away from home now and we would have settled for that. "This was a great team performance. I was a bit wary of coming here after watching their game against Blackburn on Saturday. They had so many chances I feared they might take them out on us. "But we defended really well today and as a team. We were very organised and we had a few chances to have won the game ourselves.
"Apart from maybe Highbury this is the last place you want to come on a Bank Holiday Monday after playing on the Saturday. There were a few jaded legs out there at the end, but this was a great team performance and result." Moyes, who was without Joseph Yobo and Thomas Gravesen, was delighted with the debut of £2m summer signing Tim Cahill but insisted Everton's team spirit was the biggest factor in holding United. I am proud of that performance," added Moyes.. "The boys have worked really hard and shown a great spirit but the only place to show that is on the pitch and they did today. "The team has been united since we reported back for pre-season. We have had a very hard time off the pitch but it is just a case of sticking our chests out and getting on with it. "Whatever is said or happens to us, it is all about what happens over that white line. We didn't do too well over it last year and we all need to do better. All I can ask is they do their best.
"I thought Tony Hibbert did well against whoever they put in front of him and is improving and Tim Cahill had an excellent debut before he went down with cramp in the second half. We were missing Joseph Yobo who has been terrific for us this season but David Weir, who needed six stitches in his head, and Alan Stubbs showed all their experience." Everton had a strong penalty appeal turned down by referee Dermot Gallagher when Mikael Silvestre handled inside his own area just after the interval. And Moyes admitted: "I thought it was a penalty and maybe there was another for a push on Duncan. But I'm sure there are plenty of managers who have said that at this ground and got nothing."
Moyes blasts Toon over Rooney bid
Aug 25 2004 By Scott Mcleod, Liverpool Echo
EVERTON boss David Moyes has challenged Newcastle to put up or shut up over Wayne Rooney.
The Magpies had a £20m bid for the striker swiftly turned down on Monday night. But yesterday Sir Bobby Robson revealed the offer was still on the table and said he remained keen on signing the teenager. Moyes has made it clear he will not accept less than £ 30m for Rooney despite the player's desire to leave Merseyside following lurid revelations about his personal life. Moyes said: "We don't want to lose Wayne but if we do the only way is at the top price and the value we want.
"I would like to quote Bobby Robson's words 'you're are talking about buying the most exciting, brilliant young player in Europe'. "If that is what Sir Bobby thinks then he has got to pay the most exciting and brilliant price because his current valuatiuon is well short. "Didier Drogba went to Chelsea for £ 24m so Wayne's price should be well more than that. "He is English and if you want to buy English you have to pay a higher premium. "We don't want to lose Wayne but if we do the only way is at the top price and the value we want." Unconfirmed reports this morning suggested Newcastle had improved their offer by just £2m but the Blues are in no rush to lose Rooney despite the player ' s refusal to sign a new five-year contract. Rooney is coming under increasing pressure from supporters to clarify the situation. Bill Kenwright's proposed £20m cash injection is now set to be discussed by the board tomorrow and if it is given the green light a large chunk will be made available for Moyes to spend before the transfer dealine. The money would also ease the financial pressure to consider offers for Rooney. Newcastle will have to significantly improve their bid, but Manchester United could enter the bidding if they book a place in the Champions League group stage against Dynamo Bucharest tonight. Nevertheless, Newcastle are confident of getting their man following the sale of Jonathan Woodgate to Real Madrid. Robson said: "Manchester United can't buy Rooney. I know Alex Ferguson would love him, so why don't they make an offer for him?"
Meanwhile, Djimi Traore is believed to favour a move to Goodison, although the Reds £2m valuation may prove a stumbling block.
* Dermot Gallagher will referee Everton's trip to Old Trafford on Monday in place of Andy D'Urso.
Rooney on his way as Moyes issues warning
By Andy Hunter, Daily Post
Aug 25 2004
WAYNE ROONEY has told David Moyes he wants to leave Goodison - and the Everton manager could follow if the club accept under £30million for the teenage sensation. The 18-year-old has been convinced his career will benefit from a move to Newcastle following lurid revelations about his private life and the pressure that has placed upon his relationship with girlfriend Coleen McLoughlin.
Rooney informed Moyes of his desire to leave just hours before Newcastle lodged an official £20m bid for the striker on Monday. Pressure is now mounting on Rooney and advisors Proactive to publicly declare his intentions or submit a written transfer request, having given no decision on the five-year, £50,000-a-week contract offered by his boyhood club on July 6. Newcastle are ready to make an improved offer within the next few days while Manchester United are waiting in the wings despite their intention not to spend over £20m on the striker in this transfer window. Last night Sir Bobby Robson revealed: "I don't think this is all over to be honest. Everton are short of money and need to sell players and Rooney is a saleable asset. The £20m cash offer is genuine. You could buy a club for that. Rooney's not just another striker. You're talking about buying the most exciting, brilliant young player in Europe. "Whether he comes here we don't know. Manchester United, the most famous and richest club in the country can't buy Rooney. I know that Alex would love him, so why don't they make an offer?" But any successful bid would have to be around £30m as any cut-price deal will leave Moyes considering his Goodison future. The Everton manager is desperate to keep Rooney, even though he is now resigned to his departure, but is adamant the club must cushion the impact of his exit with a fee that eases their financial problems and rebuilds his squad.
Moyes is understood to be on Southampton's shortlist to replace Paul Sturrock. But Everton chairman Bill Kenwright denied this summer's endless frustraions will force the former Preston manager to quit. Kenwright said last night: "There is no more committed manager in the country and there is no stronger manager-chairman relationship than David Moyes and Bill Kenwright."
"We are a mutual support team and the question of David Moyes walking away has never even been close to our thoughts. "We talk 10 to 20 times a day and we have both got depressed by things but we support each other," he added.. "He has helped me through the difficult times." Newcastle, meanwhile, have angrily denied their interest in Rooney is part of an elaborate conspiracy to secure the teen-ager's passage to his preferred destination Manchester United. They have vehemently denied claims they tabled their original offer to spark a bidding war which will lead to United signing Rooney and John O'Shea, one of the defenders tipped as a potential replacement for Jonathan Woodgate, heading to St James' Park. Newcastle are now considering taking legal action over the matter as Rooney's future looks to be decided within the next six days. "Those allegations are offensive and absurd," a statement read. "The suggestion that Newcastle United would be helping one of its main competitors secure one of the most talented players in Europe is bizarre. "The club has already confirmed its interest in Rooney and the club has been working on the bid for a number of weeks. "He would be a tremendous asset to the club. Newcastle is taking the allegations of conspiracy very seriously and is currently seeking legal advice," it added.
It may all be decided in the next 48 hours
By Liam Christopher, Daily Post Correspondent
Aug 25 2004
EVERTON chairman Bill Kenwright is hoping to hold the meeting that will secure £20m of new investment into his club in the next 48 hours. The meeting was due to take place on Monday but boardroom rival Paul Gregg called for a postponement to allow him more time to consider the proposals. It is understood that Kenwright has now received indications from Gregg that he is prepared to allow the meeting to proceed before Friday. The Daily Post has learned that Kenwright and Everton's third director, Jon Wood, met lawyers at the theatre impresario's London offices on Monday after Gregg pulled the plug on the formal meeting, and went through the details of the contract. A Brunei-based fund, the Fortress Sports Fund, is the vehicle for delivering the investment, having been established by Geneva-based financier Chris Samuelson. It is believed that the investors in this fund have authorised the immediate advance of some of the money for Everton manager David Moyes to spend on vitally-needed new players before the transfer deadline on Tuesday. However, the money will not be forthcoming until the offer has been accepted by the Everton board.
Kenwright revealed he was "burning the midnight oil" working with lawyers and financiers to conclude the deal with the fund, which has been established to invest in a number of sporting initiatives. A source close to the deal told the Daily Post last night that Everton was the main priority of this fund. "If you could see a prospectus for the Fortress Sports Fund, you would see that its first aim is to restore Everton to its former European glory," he said. Russian pulp and paper billionaire Boris Zingarevich and his son, Anton, have been distanced from the deal but it remains to be seen just how much involvement they will have if it does go ahead. It is expected that part of the deal, which would see the Fortress Sports Fund acquire a 40% stake in Everton, would see Samuelson and another fund representative take places on the Everton board. Kenwright is set to remain as Chairman. The proposed cash injection and the restructuring it would involve would still have to be cleared by an extraordinary general meeting, probably held next month. But that would not delay the transfer funds being made available. Meanwhile, Everton's rejection of a £20m bid from Newcastle United for troubled young England star Wayne Rooney is expected to provoke a bidding war before the deadline, even though Rooney is not fully fit and would be unlikely to pass a medical yet. If Manchester United, Real Madrid or Chelsea are drawn into the battle for Rooney, the price could rise to around the £30m Everton want. Such a bid would be virtually impossible for the club to turn down.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT? A marketing consultant's view
MARKETING expert Nick Hawkins says Everton's continuing problems could seriously damage the club's brand. But he believes the club's proud history and massive fan base could save it from the worst impact of its troubles. Mr Hawkins, senior lecturer in marketing at Liverpool John Moores University, is a lifelong Everton supporter. He said: "At Goodison, every game has 35,000 to 40,000 supporters. "They have got dedicated fans who love the club and a proud heritage and history. It is that which they should use to get themselves through."
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT? A financial expert's view
BY BILL GLEESON, Daily Post Business Editor THE golden scenario for Everton's finances would be to get both the £20m from the overseas investors that Bill Kenwright is trying to line up and another £30m from the sale of Wayne Rooney - a massive injection of £50m. The worst case scenario is that neither of these things come to pass and Everton struggle to survive the first half of the season without going into administration. James Dow, a corporate finance adviser at Dow Schofield Watts who has previously advised Everton, Barcelona and Ajax, said: "The fairy tale scenario is the Russians are for real and Rooney plays brilliantly and Everton get into Europe. That would add a significant new source of income next year. "The worst case is Rooney goes on a free, the Russians get cold feet and poor performance on the pitch means less revenue from television and gates. As soon as you look like you'll be relegated, clubs must factor in the fact that they will have £10m less next year. " Any delay in selling Rooney ahead of the imminent transfer deadline could diminish his sale value as his current contract gets closer to expiry. Mr Dow, himself an Evertonian, added: "The bottom line is Everton can't afford relegation. "Since Kenwright and Gregg took over, they have overseen £30m going out of the club and neither of them have put any money in the club.
"The average season ticket holder at Everton has put more money into the club than the major shareholders."
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT? A fan's view
BY MARK O'BRIEN
THE football as a roller coaster metaphor often gets a bit of a hammering. It's just that it happens to be so apt, especially where the Toffees are concerned. However, especially of late, Everton Football Club isn't so much a thrilling, undulating ride at Alton Towers as a rickety deathtrap operated by heavily tattooed travelling folk. It clatters along making all sorts of troubling noises and occasionally big bits fall off, much to the alarm of the nauseous punters. Things were really starting look up at the weekend too. Fresh from a hard-fought victory at Selhurst Park we had news of a Russian paper tsar ready and willing to invest his pulp pennies in our Grand Old Team. On Sunday we all then tutted and had a laugh at the tales of Pot Noodle, PVC and prostitution in the tabloids before turning to the back pages to find out just who David Moyes would be signing in the coming week. And now what? All of a sudden we're told that Wayne Rooney apparently wants away, the manager might follow him if the player's sold for less than £30m and confusion surrounds the identities of the investors in the Fortress Sport Fund, with the Russians distancing themselves from the whole deal.
Which leaves us where?
It's difficult to say, as the situation would best be described as "fluid", but for a start, if Rooney genuinely wants away then he should be sold as soon as possible. How we all long to see the kid who loves Everton like we do, strutting his stuff again and making us proud, but you have to wonder whether that kid exists any more after the events in Portugal this summer. And Everton must hold out for the fee that the manager believes is right, for the obvious financial reasons, and because the thought of Moyes leaving on a point of principle just doesn't bear thinking about.
Everton told: £2m will buy Traore
By Andy Hunter, Daily Post
Aug 25 2004
EVERTON stepped up their pursuit of Djimi Traore yesterday only to be told Liverpool want £2million for the 24-year-old defender. David Moyes is pressing ahead with plans to sign the French centre-half even though his wider transfer strategy has been put on hold again by the failure to ratify a £20m investment proposal in Everton. Moyes still has an interest in Liverpool's Steve Finnan, QPR's Martin Rowlands and Red Star Belgrade's Milan Dudic but they are unlikely to proceed while Paul Gregg stalls the Fortress Sports Fund's attempts to invest in the club. The Everton manager, however, was confident of landing Traore with or without the £20m injection for a fee of between £1m-£1.5m. But a firm approach to Anfield officials yesterday was met with a demand for £2m for the £500,000 capture from Laval, who has made 75 first-team appearances for Liverpool and is currently recovering from a torn thigh muscle. Unless a compromise is reached Traore will remain out of Everton's current price bracket, although the player himself is encouraging a move across Stanley Park and that could influence Liverpool's stance. "I am very keen on a move to Everton," said Traore. "I want to be playing regularly and I don't want to be in the same situation as last season when I was in and out of the side. "I want to play as the left-sided centre back and if that is not at Liverpool maybe I will have to move on. A move to Everton would suit me as I love the city of Liverpool and I am settled there." Everton's biggest capture of the summer, meanwhile, finally checked in at Bellefield yesterday. Tim Cahill, a £2m capture from Millwall last month, reported for training with his new team-mates after Australia's interest in the Olympic Games was ended by Iraq on Saturday. There will be no immediate debut for the midfielder against West Bromwich Albion this weekend as he serves the final game of a three-match suspension from last season. But Cahill could be handed an Everton baptism on Bank Holiday Monday when Moyes's side face Manchester United at Old Trafford.
Rooney sale won't fund a new saviour
Aug 25 2004 Stuart Rayner, Liverpool Echo
WITH the end of this summer's transfer window fast approaching, Everton may have a difficult decision to make regarding Wayne Rooney. If Rooney does want to leave, it perhaps makes the decision that little bit easier - though no less painful.. No football club worthy of the name ever wants to sell its best player, but it's a sad fact of life that most end up having to. Now David Moyes and Bill Kenwright will have to decide when to sell - and how much for. But nobody connected with Everton should get carried away by talk of transfer kitties or figures of £30 or £40 million. Even if the Blues sell Rooney for more than he is worth, and even if all that money goes straight into Moyes' spending pot, Everton will not be able to buy a player anywhere near the quality of the one they lose. If you don't believe me, ask fans of Blackburn Rovers, Fulham or Charlton Athletic. In just over a year, all three have sold star players for more than £10m - Damien Duff,, Louis Saha and Scott Parker. And what have these clubs got to show for their money? Javier de Pedro, Paul Dickov, Dominic Matteo, Andy Cole, Tomasz Radzinski, Brian McBride, Dennis Rommedahl, Danny Murphy . .
You get the idea. All three clubs have managed to pick up a handful of pretty decent Premiership-standard players - but nobody who can touch Duff, Saha or Parker in terms of quality. Even in these money-driven times, a large wad of cash can't guarantee big signings. Everton have made some bold bids this summer and were – so they want us to believe - willing to make the asking price and wage demands of top players like Andy van der Meyde, Mark van Bommel and Alan Smith. None of them signed for Everton. Players of that quality are not normally short of options if they fancy a move. They want to play for big clubs, in big leagues, challenging for big honours. Everton can arguably offer the first, certainly the second, but don't have a cat in hell's chance with the third.
Just remember this: Michael Owen took a pay cut to join Real Madrid. One of Europe's most coveted strikers was prepared to accept less money to leave one of the historical giants of the game.
In Owen's eyes, Madrid was a bigger club offering a more realistic chance of winning the top honours. When you're dealing with the amounts Owen's agent does, a few grand a week here or there is a small price to pay for that. Everton are not only not in Madrid's league, they are not in their galaxy when it comes to drawing power. The sad truth is that nowadays there are very few top European clubs they can compete with. To put it bluntly, only the kind of clubs who would be interested in Marcus Bent or Tim Cahill. Selling Rooney will do nothing to change that.
United launch bid for Rooney
August 25, 2004
Manchester Evening News
Manchester United have confirmed they have made a bid for Everton striker Wayne Rooney.
The offer is believed to be '20million, which would match Newcastle's bid for the 18-year-old England striker. United are waiting for a response from their Barclays Premiership rivals, but Everton have rejected the bid after doing likewise with Newcastle's offer of the same amount.
A Manchester United spokesman said tonight: "I can confirm we have made an official bid for Wayne Rooney - and we have not had a response yet." And boss Alex Ferguson added on MUTV soon after: "We've made a bid today - he's a fabulous player, he showed that at Euro 2004 - and is a young player. "He's not the finished article yet, but we've got experience of bringing young players to the club and bringing them on." Everton have rejected the bid after doing likewise with Newcastle's offer of the same amount. The news may now prompt Newcastle to up their current offer of '20million for Rooney. Magpies chairman Freddy Shepherd had said earlier today he was willing to let time wind down as the closure of the transfer window approaches. He said: "We have made our offer to Everton Football Club and it is still on the table as far as we are concerned. "There is still plenty of time before the transfer window closes and Everton can pick up our offer any time they want to." Everton insisted today that there had been no increased bid for the player and manager David Moyes is adamant no club will get him at a reduced price, if at all. "We don't want to lose Wayne, but if we do, the only way is at the top price and the value we want," he said. "I would like to quote Bobby Robson's words: 'You're talking about buying the most exciting, brilliant young player in Europe'. "If that is what Sir Bobby thinks, then he's got to pay the most exciting and brilliant price because his current valuation is well short."
Moyes wants more for Rooney
August 25, 2004
Manchester Evening News
Everton manager David Moyes today insisted Newcastle would have to significantly increase their offer if they wanted to prise Wayne Rooney away from Goodison Park. The Merseyside club rejected a '20million offer for the England striker from the Magpies on Monday night and apparently value him nearer the '30million mark. And despite Everton's dire financial situation, Moyes made it clear to Newcastle manager Sir Bobby Robson that Rooney would not be allowed to leave on the cheap. Moyes told the Liverpool Echo: 'We don't want to lose Wayne but if we do the only way is at the top price and the value we want. 'I would like to quote Bobby Robson's words: 'you're talking about buying the most exciting, brilliant young player in Europe'. 'If that is what Sir Bobby thinks then he has got to pay the most exciting and brilliant price because his current valuation is well short. 'Didier Drogba went to Chelsea for '24million so Wayne's price should be well more than that.
'He is English and if you want to buy English you have to pay a higher premium. 'We don't want to lose Wayne but if we do the only way is at the top price and the value we want.'
Newcastle up stakes in Rooney chase
By Andy Hunter, Daily Post
Aug 26 2004
NEWCASTLE UNITED are expected to counter Manchester United's move for Wayne Rooney today with a £23.5million offer for the 18-year-old striker. United finally revealed their interest in the Everton sensation last night with an official £20m bid - the precise sum Newcastle had rejected on Monday. Newcastle chairman Freddy Shepherd had insisted his offer would remain on the table until the transfer deadline closes on August 31. But United's move - prompted by their North East rival's determination to sign the England striker and indications he is prepared to go to St James' Park - has sparked the bidding war Everton need to force Rooney's price up and Newcastle officials at last night's game with Norwich were claiming a £23.5m offer is on its way. Even that sum, however, will not tempt Everton to offload their prize asset during this transfer window. David Moyes will consider his own future at Goodison Park if Everton accept a cut-price deal and yesterday reiterated his stance the striker is worth £30m in today's market. "We don't want to lose Wayne, but if we do, the only way is at the top price and the value we want," said Moyes, who was at Old Traf-ford last night for United's Champions League qualifier against Dinamo Bucharest. "I would like to quote Bobby Robson's words: 'You're talking about buying the most exciting, brilliant young player in Europe'. "If that is what Sir Bobby thinks, then he's got to pay the most exciting and brilliant price because his current valuation is well short. "Didier Drogba went to Chelsea for £24million, so Wayne's price should be well more than that. He's English and if you want to buy English, you have to pay a higher premium. We don't want to lose Wayne, but if we do, the only way is at the top price and the value we want." Manchester United wanted to sign Rooney on a cut-price deal in January when the striker would have only 18 months left on his current Everton contract.
But they have been forced to enter the auction for Europe's brightest young talent by Newcastle's determination to land the teenager even though their initial approach - £20m spread over the course of a four-year contract - is doomed to failure. A United spokesman said last night: "I can confirm we have made an official bid for Wayne Rooney - and we have not had a response yet."
And manager Sir Alex Ferguson added: "We've made a bid today - he's a fabulous player, he showed that at Euro 2004 - and is a young player. "He's not the finished article yet, but we've got experience of bringing young players to the club and bringing them on." Bill Kenwright, meanwhile, hopes to conclude the £20m investment package in Everton at a board meeting today. That should release funds for Moyes to bolster his threadbare squad but not persuade Rooney to remain with his boyhood club.
When Everton were Mersey millionaires
Post Past With Philip J Redmond, Daily Post
Aug 26 2004
ALL the talk this week has been about the on/off Russian investment bid, the outcome of which could either herald a new beginning for Everton or indeed represent a final fatal blow to the club's standing as one of the biggest in Britain. Thirty years ago, there were no such doubts as to where Everton stood in the great scheme. True, glory had been thin on the ground for a couple of years but 1974 saw the Moores family push the boat out in an attempt to bridge the widening gap between the Toffees and that lot across the park. In 1974, Everton truly lived up to their nickname of 'The Mersey Millionaires'. Billy Bingham smashed the British transfer record to bring Bob Latchford to Goodison in a package deal involving Howard Kendall, Archie Styles and a wad of cash to Birmingham City. The deal was valued at £350,000, a then unheard-of sum. Big Bob settled in immediately and was soon on the goal trail. As the 74-75 season commenced, Bingham chose to lash out a British record cash sum of £300,000 for the services of Burnley's classy England schemer, Martin Dobson. On the last Saturday of August 1974, Dobo made his debut against Arsenal in front of an expectant 42,000 Goodison turnout. It was a tight game on a warm summer's day and the Blues edged it 2-1, with all the goals coming early in the second half. While Dobson was the man in the spotlight, it was his expensive partner Latchford who stole the show with a brace either side of a goal by Brian Kidd, a future Everton team-mate. Dobson perhaps never fulfilled his true potential for Everton and he ended up with no honours to show for his time at Goodison either, but he was undoubtedly a quality performer during an era when the club didn't have to scrape around for an overseas sugar daddy to bail them out of the mire. Hopefully, one day those days will return to L4 4EL.
Rooney should stay a Blue, says Harvey
By Richard Williamson, Daily Post Staff
Aug 26 2004
EVERTON legend Colin Harvey has urged Wayne Rooney not to rush into a hasty exit from Goodison Park. The former Everton player, manager and youth team coach was seen as a mentor to Rooney during his rise through the club's Academy ranks. And he believes the 18-year-old should further his football education with the club where he made his name rather than exit after only two seasons in the top flight. Rooney would join Newcastle United or Manchester United if either matches Everton's £30million valuation after becoming disillusioned with life on Merseyside due to revelations about his private life. But Harvey has warned that Rooney's high-profile status will attract attention wherever he goes and believes the home-town club where he is idolised offers the ideal support for his fame. "I am not in the position to tell Wayne he has got to stay, but as an Evertonian myself I would love to see him carry on and playing for an Everton side that is doing well," Harvey told the Daily Post last night. "When Everton are in town, fans want to go and see them for the chance to watch Rooney in action. "But to suggest he has got to leave Goodison to progress is not right at this stage of his career. He is still a young man, he is still learning his trade, he has plenty of time ahead of him and what better stage can he have to continue his career than his hometown club. "Everton might be struggling a bit at the moment, but things can change very quickly in football. And who knows what might happen if Everton get some new money and can bring in three or four quality players to help take some of the burden off Rooney." Suggestions that the striker should move to pastures new for a fresh start following revelations about his private life were also discounted by Harvey. "Wayne is a real superstar and wherever he goes that means he will be in the public spotlight," he added. "But staying at Everton will still allow him to grow as a player while retaining the love and affection of the supporters and the support of his family and friends, who are the salt of the earth. He has the potential to be the greatest player in the world." Harvey first saw Rooney as a 12-year-old and like many others who saw him realised Everton had an awesome prospect on their hands. And he believes the club that has guided him to Premiership and international fame still provides the best platform for his meteoric rise. "In the first game I saw him play he picked the ball up on the halfway line, beat three or four players and scored a great goal," Harvey recalled. "He was always the sort of player to do the unexpected or make things happen for players around him. I thought I had seen most things in the game, but he still managed to do things that took me by surprise. "Every now and then I would have a little chat with him and talk about staying on the straight and narrow because your time in football can be so short. It was not a case of needing to speak to him though because he was not the sort of person to step out of line.
"All he wanted to be was a footballer. I have seen players who I thought would make first-team players, but I was convinced Wayne would go on and play for England - and do so successfully.
"All along the way people at Everton have been a great help to him. Each time he has stepped higher up the ladder people have been there to help."
Now Rooney takes his place alongside the Old Masters
Daily Post
Aug 26 2004
FOOTBALLER Wayne Rooney has become the centrepiece of a piece of work by Liverpool artist Alex Corina. The man who gave us the huge Mona Lennon on the front of St George's Hall to celebrate the city's Capital of Culture success has produced a limited edition set of prints of Everton star Wayne modelled on Michelangelo's Creation of Adam from the Sistine Chapel in Rome.
The Michelangelo original signifies Adam being touched by the hand of God. Mr Corina said his latest masterpiece, God gave us Wayne, was to celebrate the star and recognise his contribution to England's Euro 2004 campaign in Portugal. "This series aims to capture the spirit of Liverpool in the run-up to the Capital of Culture in 2008."
Bristol trip for Everton
By Andy Hunter, Daily Post
Aug 26 2004
EVERTON will start their Carling Cup campaign with a long trip to Coca Cola Championship League One side Bristol City. The Robins are managed by Brian Tinnion, who as a City player scored the goal at Anfield that knocked Liverpool out of the FA Cup 10 years ago. The draw for the second round, with games set to be played in the week commencing September 20, also hands Tranmere a home tie against Premiership Portsmouth. Six of the first-round giantkillers have been rewarded with ties against Barclays Premiership opposition in round two. League One side Grimsby, who eliminated Wigan from the competition last night, are at home to Charlton while Lincoln's 3-1 comeback victory over Derby has earned them a trip to Birmingham. Prolific FA Cup giantkillers Yeovil, who knocked out Plymouth in round one, are at home to Bolton. Northampton's victory over Gillingham has set up a home tie with Southampton at Sixfields, Oldham face Tottenham at Boundary Park after dumping out Stoke and Bristol Rovers' reward for their win over Brighton is a trip to Norwich.
FULL DRAW: Burnley v Wolverhampton Coventry v Sheff Wed MK Dons v Cardiff Leicester v Mansfield/Preston Oldham v Tottenham Colchester v West Brom Reading v Watford Wrexham v Sheff Utd Notts Forest v Rotherham Norwich v Bristol Rovers Crewe v Sunderland Tranmere v Portsmouth Man City v Barnsley Birmingham v Lincoln Northampton v Southampton Blackburn v Bournemouth Grimsby v Charlton Crystal Palace v Hartlepool Boston/Luton v Fulham West Ham v Notts County Leeds v Swindon Aston Villa v QPR Doncaster v Ipswich Yeovil v Bolton Bristol City v Everton end.
Blues' plea to Rooney
Aug 26 2004 By David Prentice And Scott Mcleod, Liverpool Echo
BILL KENWRIGHT is to make a last ditch plea to Wayne Rooney and tell the young England striker: "Please Don't Go!" The Blues are now close to completing the £20m Russian rescue package, in time for David Moyes to have some spending power before next Tuesday's transfer deadline. And the Blues' chairman hopes that news will cause Rooney to think again about his future. Everton have rejected one £20m bid from Newcastle United and will do the same to a Manchester United offer made last night. Kenwright said: "We don't need to sell Wayne Rooney. "I sincerely hope he has not played his last game for Everton. There is no greater feeling in the world than when Wayne Rooney smashes the ball into the net. "If I've seen that for the last time in an Everton shirt that will be a heartbreaking moment for me, as for many other Everton fans. "I would love him to be at Everton when he's a granddad. I can't tell you if he will be at Everton next week." Rooney had a heated meeting with Moyes yesterday at the club's Bellefield training ground. One report has claimed Rooney was upset at being priced out of a move to Manchester United, but Rooney's advisors say that is not the case and the player was upset by an ECHO report saying 'personal reasons' were behind his decision to leave. Puzzled onlookers saw him smuggled out of the back of a black van at an M62 service station yesterday and jumping into agent Paul Stretford's Mercedes. Moyes remains as keen as ever on keeping the player at Goodison despite his ongoing reluctance to accept the Blues new £50,000-a-week offer - on the table since July 6. With the transfer deadline just four days away and the squad preparing for a hectic Bank Holiday weekend, it is too late for the Blues boss to make suitable additions to his squad with any money received for Rooney. What few players are still available and on the manager's wish list, could be secured using the injection of cash from Kenwright's £20m proposal. That leaves the club hoping to resist all bids for Rooney - allowing Moyes to benefit from the player's availability at least for the first half of the season.
Rooney's representatives have been shocked by Manchester United's decision to bid a sum that was turned down on Monday night with Newcastle's initial offer. The Magpies were expected to up their rejected bid to £23.5m later today and sources at Old Trafford believe United's board will then sanction a much improved offer now that Alex Ferguson has publicly confirmed his interest in Rooney. Ferguson said: "We have been quiet on the issue all summer but we have now responded to what Newcastle have done over the past couple of days. "We would like to have the boy. He is only 18 and he is not the finished article but he has got a great chance." However, the bidding war could have come too late for Newcastle and United if the Blues can persuade Rooney to remain at the club he has supported passionately since he was a young boy.
Blues' plea to Rooney
Aug 26 2004 By David Prentice And Scott Mcleod, Liverpool Echo
BILL KENWRIGHT is to make a last ditch plea to Wayne Rooney and tell the young England striker: "Please Don't Go!" The Blues are now close to completing the £20m Russian rescue package, in time for David Moyes to have some spending power before next Tuesday's transfer deadline. And the Blues' chairman hopes that news will cause Rooney to think again about his future. Everton have rejected one £20m bid from Newcastle United and will do the same to a Manchester United offer made last night. Kenwright said: "We don't need to sell Wayne Rooney. "I sincerely hope he has not played his last game for Everton. There is no greater feeling in the world than when Wayne Rooney smashes the ball into the net. "If I've seen that for the last time in an Everton shirt that will be a heartbreaking moment for me, as for many other Everton fans. "I would love him to be at Everton when he's a granddad. I can't tell you if he will be at Everton next week." Rooney had a heated meeting with Moyes yesterday at the club's Bellefield training ground. One report has claimed Rooney was upset at being priced out of a move to Manchester United, but Rooney's advisors say that is not the case and the player was upset by an ECHO report saying 'personal reasons' were behind his decision to leave. Neither the player nor his advisors have made any public comment. Indeed the player has gone to extreme lengths to avoid being photographed arriving for training this week. Puzzled onlookers saw him smuggled out of the back of a black van at an M62 service station yesterday and jumping into agent Paul Stretford's Mercedes. Moyes remains as keen as ever on keeping the player at Goodison despite his ongoing reluctance to accept the Blues new £50,000-a-week offer - on the table since July 6. With the transfer deadline just four days away and the squad preparing for a hectic Bank Holiday weekend, it is too late for the Blues boss to make suitable additions to his squad with any money received for Rooney. What few players are still available and on the manager's wish list, could be secured using the injection of cash from Kenwright's £20m proposal. That leaves the club hoping to resist all bids for Rooney - allowing Moyes to benefit from the player's availability at least for the first half of the season. Rooney's representatives have been shocked by Manchester United's decision to bid a sum that was turned down on Monday night with Newcastle's initial offer. The Magpies were expected to up their rejected bid to £23.5m later today and sources at Old Trafford believe United's board will then sanction a much improved offer now that Alex Ferguson has publicly confirmed his interest in Rooney. Ferguson said: "We have been quiet on the issue all summer but we have now responded to what Newcastle have done over the past couple of days. "We would like to have the boy. He is only 18 and he is not the finished article but he has got a great chance." However, the bidding war could have come too late for Newcastle and United if the Blues can persuade Rooney to remain at the club he has supported passionately since he was a young boy.
* What do you think? E-mail us at sport@liverpoolecho.co.uk. Or write to: Sports Desk, Liverpool Echo, PO Box 48, Old Hall Street, Liverpool, L69 3EB.
'Not the right time for Wayne to move'
Aug 26 2004 By Scott Mcleod, Liverpool Echo
COLIN HARVEY, the man who oversaw Wayne Rooney's transition from schoolboy footballer to Premiership star, has warned the teenager it is the wrong time to leave Everton. The 18-year-old made it clear to Everton on Monday that he sees his future away from Goodison. The admission from the England international came just hours before Newcastle United tabled an official £20m bid.
The Blues are in intent for holding out for £30m. And the decision of Manchester United to join the bid-ding war last night with a £20m offer, has increased the club's chances of receiving that figure.
But Harvey, who spent 40 years at Everton as player, coach and manager, is more concerned about the player than the finances. "To suggest he has got to leave Goodison to progress is not right at this stage of his career," insists Harvey, who retired last summer. "He is still a young man, he is still learning his trade, he has plenty of time ahead of him and what better stage can he have to continue his career than his hometown club? "Everton might be struggling a bit at the moment, but things can change very quickly in football. And who knows what might happen if Everton get some new money and can bring in three or four quality players to help take some of the burden off Rooney."
It has been suggested that Rooney's desire to leave is a result of the lurid revelations about his private life in last weekend's papers. The player's camp has refuted such claims, instead pointing to the state the club has been in this summer because of the boardroom upheaval and the lack of investment in the squad as the factors which have convinced the striker his future is elsewhere.
That explains why he has refused to put pen to paper on the £50,000-a-week five year deal that has been on the table since July 6. Harvey has no doubt that, wherever Rooney ends up playing his football, he will under-line the star status he has shown for Everton and England in the last two seasons. He adds: "In the first game I saw him play he picked the ball up on the halfway line, beat three or four players and scored a great goal. "He was always the sort of player to do the unexpected or make things happen for players around him. I thought I had seen most things in the game, but he still managed to do things that took me by surprise. "Every now and then I would have a little chat with him and talk about staying on the straight and narrow because your time in football can be short. "It was not a case of needing to speak to him though, because he was not the sort of person to step out of line. "All he wanted to be was a footballer. I have seen players who I thought would make first-team players, but I was convinced Wayne would go on and play for England - and do so successfully. "All along the way people at Everton have been a great help to him. Each time he has stepped up the ladder people have been there to help." Now, it seems, Wayne is ready to step off the ladder and leave Goodison for good.
Everton to respond to Reds' Rooney offer
August 26, 2004
Manchester Evening News
Everton were today expected to respond to Manchester United's offer for Wayne Rooney after the Old Trafford club joined Newcastle in the bidding war for the England striker. United have bid '20million for the 18-year-old, matching the bid by Newcastle which has already been rejected by the Goodison Park club. Newcastle's interest in Rooney has resulted in further unrest on Tyneside, with Craig Bellamy stating he would not be prepared to sit on the bench if the England striker joined the Magpies. That has provoked an angry response from Newcastle manager Sir Bobby Robson who is expected to increase his offer for Rooney to '23.5million. Old Trafford boss Sir Alex Ferguson moved into the race to sign Rooney when United faxed their bid to Everton yesterday. Ferguson said: "We will discuss the matter on Thursday. "We have made our intentions clear that we would like the boy. This is the first time we have actually said that. "Don't forget Everton have not said he is for sale. We have to wait to see what they say to be honest with you." But, with the transfer deadline next Tuesday, Everton chairman Bill Kenwright has done nothing to quell speculation over Rooney's future by admitting he could not guarantee the Euro 2004 star would be an Everton player next week. Kenwright knows manager David Moyes may be tempted to let Rooney go if a satisfactory bid is made. "Whatever happens with the sale, if it happens, it will be down to the manager," said Kenwright. "It's the manager's final decision," he told Sky Sports News. "There seems to be an inevitability about the fact that Wayne Rooney will be playing somewhere else." Kenwright is desperate to keep Rooney at Everton but remains realistic the player could be moving on. He said: "I would love him to be at Everton when he's a granddad. I can't tell you if he will be at Everton next week." Kenwright, who has been trying to bring new investment into Goodison Park, stressed the club did not need to sell Rooney. "We don't need to sell Wayne Rooney, we do not need to sell him," added Kenwright. "I sincerely hope he has not played his last game for Everton. There is no greater feeling in the world than when Wayne Rooney smashes the ball into the net.
"If I've seen that for the last time in an Everton shirt that will be a heartbreaking moment for me, as for many other Everton fans."
Comment: One way road for Rooney
Stuart Brennan
August 26, 2004
Manchester Evening News
TROUBLED old Toon, or united United, it isn't even a contest when Wayne Rooney sits down to make his choice. As the endgame approaches in a four-way chess match between the Reds, Everton, Newcastle, and Rooney's advisors, one man will have the final say, and he is the only man who has not yet directly made his feelings public. But there can only be one route for the 18-year-old Scouse sensation to take when he clears out his locker at Goodison Park, and that involves the M62, M60 and A56. United remain in the box-seat to sign the England star, but events of the last couple of days have meant the proposed transfer is now moving at a gallop, just when the Reds felt it was trotting along nicely. United chief executive David Gill and Sir Alex Ferguson had been prepared to play a patient game, until Newcastle crashed into the process.
Restless
Newcastle claim theirs is a serious bid, but they must realise that, unless Rooney has a big change of mind, they are strictly second favourites. They have lost Jonathan Woodgate, the fans are restless, fearing that manager Sir Bobby Robson is not as influential as in the past and that chairman Freddy Shepherd has taken a much bigger role. They are vehemently denying that there is discontent, but they have Kieron Dyer threatening to go on strike, Alan Shearer repeatedly showing his displeasure at being substituted while the rancour in the ranks is leading to indiscipline on the field, as Saturday's home defeat by Spurs showed. Their fans were further concerned by the sale of Woodgate, perhaps the best young English defender around, to Real Madrid. With the second-biggest crowds in the country, they can't stomach the notion that they be seen as a selling club.
So they put in a whopping '20m bid for Rooney, knowing full well that if United responded appropriately, there would only be one winner in a race for the lad's signature. No matter how much Newcastle offer, if Rooney doesn't want to move to Geordie-land, there is no deal. But simply by bidding, Shepherd and Robson are making a point to the Newcastle fans.
Catalyst
And, whatever the motivation, Newcastle's bid has been the catalyst that prompted the Reds into action. They had been relaxed about Rooney, believing he favoured a move to Old Trafford, and that it was simply a case of waiting until Everton's nerve gave way, as his contract expiry date neared and they risked losing him for a reduced compensation fee. United chief executive David Gill said last week that it was unlikely that there would be any new buys before the August 31 deadline, which was probably the case when he said it. But Newcastle's bid has forced United's hand and has shown that the Reds are actually keener to land Rooney than they have ever indicated. They could take the risk that Newcastle's bid is a smokescreen. But hints emanating from Rooney's camp that he would be prepared to move to Newcastle may have induced more doubt in the minds of United's decision-makers, even though they are probably little more than an attempt to nudge United in the direction of a bid. United would suit Rooney down to the ground. He doesn't have to move house, he already knows the likes of Gary Neville, Alan Smith and Paul Scholes from the England set-up, and if his huge potential is to be realised anywhere, it is at Old Trafford. He knows it, and his advisers, Wilmslow-based Proactive Sports, also know it, and have told Rooney so. Plan to play alongside Ruud van Nistelrooy, Cristiano Ronaldo, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, or in a team which will lose Alan Shearer and its manager in nine months' time, and is showing no signs of finding its feet. It should not require too much thought on Rooney's part. No-one should get too carried away with what Rooney did at Euro 2004, although his displays made the hairs on your neck stand on end. The next two or three years will be critical in his development, and a ravenous news media already intent on devouring the teenager's unsavoury past. He is already in storm-tossed waters with revelations about his private life, and no manager on earth is better-equipped at handling young players, and guiding them through the media minefield, than Sir Alex.
Toffees turn down Rooney bids
August 26, 2004
Manchester Evening News
Everton today turned down Manchester United's bid for Wayne Rooney and also rejected a new offer from Newcastle for the England striker. The Goodison Park club spurned Newcastle's initial offer of '20million earlier this week, which is believed to have been matched by United last night.
However, the Magpies are thought to have increased their offer to '23.5million today - and have been rejected once more. Everton's head of public relations Ian Ross told the club's official website www.evertonfc.co.uk: "Newcastle United have submitted an increased offer for Wayne Rooney - one which has been turned down. "The bid submitted by Manchester United has also been rejected."
Kenwright conjures £6m transfer kitty
By Andy Hunter, Daily Post
Aug 27 2004
BILL KENWRIGHT last night acquired £6million for David Moyes to spend before the transfer deadline after placing responsibility for the sale of Wayne Rooney firmly on his manager's shoulders.
The Everton chairman is refusing to reveal the source of the money that could see Djimi Traore complete a £1.5m move to Goodison Park today and Liverpool team-mate Steve Finnan follow.
But it has not come from the Fortress Sports Fund that has proposed a £20m rescue package for the club. Kenwright is still in negotiations with the Russian-backed FSF and confident a deal will be ratified shortly. Paul Gregg's decision to postpone Monday's board meeting put the investment on hold and stalled Moyes's transfer hopes at a critical point. But the £6m package - possibly from the club's bankers who will be repaid once FSF invest or Rooney is sold - has revived Everton's interest in the transfer market with just five days of trading remaining. Everton wasted no time in utilising the sudden cash injection - making a £1.5m move for Traore and opening talks with Finnan over a possible £2m switch across Stanley Park. Liverpool had also demanded £2m for 24-year-old Traore with Everton keen on a £1m deal. But the centre-half's determination to relaunch his career at Goodison brought the Merseyside rivals close to a compromise last night. Republic of Ireland defender Finnan would also accept a move to Everton after being told he can leave Liverpool if a firm cash offer arrives. However, the 28-year-old's personal terms are currently proving a stumbling block. Moyes could still have money to spend if he completes the double deal for Traore and Finnan. And the fresh investment means his transfer budget is not now dependent on the sale of Rooney. A club statement confirmed: "Everton Football Club is pleased to announce that it has agreed and arranged funding with an alternative party. This will not lead to a new share issue at this time but one that may follow in the future." And Kenwright said: "I am pleased that we have been able to arrange the relevant finances in order for myself and the board to work alongside David Moyes in strengthening our squad prior to the transfer deadline." While Moyes will welcome the belated investment, he will be less pleased with Kenwright's assertion Everton's manager will have the final say on whether to accept a Newcastle or Manchester United bid for Rooney. Moyes has repeatedly stated he doesn't want to sell the 18-year-old and would consider his own position if the club accepted less than £30m for the striker. But the chairman, who met Newcastle counterpart Freddy Shepherd in London on Wednesday, told Sky Sports yesterday: "Whatever happens with the sale, if it happens, it will be down to the manager. It's the manager's final decision. "There seems to be an inevitability about the fact that Wayne Rooney will be playing somewhere else. I would love him to be at Everton when he's a granddad but I can't tell you if he will be at Everton next week."
Kenwright added: "We don't need to sell Wayne Rooney, we do not need to sell him. I sincerely hope he has not played his last game for Everton. "There is no greater feeling in the world than when Wayne Rooney smashes the ball into the net. "If I've seen that for the last time in an Everton shirt that will be a heartbreaking moment for me, as for many other Everton fans."
Sell Wayne and you sell our soul
Post Soapbox Rooney Special - Icliverpool And Daily Post
Aug 27 2004
AS a loyal Everton fan I just want to say how disappointed I am with modern day footballers like Wayne Rooney. Unlike in the past, it is almost impossible to believe what they say anymore. One day they are staying with the club for life and the next they are screaming for a transfer. Greed seems to be the order of the day. Rooney like most Premier League players is already paid far too much and yet he still wants more. With the current fiasco at Everton, these are sad times for all true Blues fans. We deserve more.
Peter Leyland (via e-mail)
ON no account should Wayne Rooney leave, at least until the future ownership of the club is resolved. Any decision to sell prior to the resolution of the owner-ship club would be against the best interest of Everton Football Club. Also the role of his agent needs to be looked into. The relationship with Newcastle United is only skimming the surface.
Neil Murphy (via e-mail)
ROONEY must not be sold under any circumstances, for the sake of Everton Football Club. Paul Stretford has turned the boy - he must be investigated.
John Payne (via e-mail)
EVERTON must keep Rooney. He is a Blue. I do not believe he wants to leave. Please make sure he knows how Evertonians feel. Stretford's Proactive or Formation group are pulling all the strings here. Don't let them manipulate the local media as well as the nationals.
Andy Howard, Liverpool
AS a lifelong supporter holding four season tickets, I find the current situation at Everton deplorable.
The auction that appears to be heating up in the gutter press and on Sky Sports News is making the club, OUR club the even bigger laughing stock of the Premiership. Wayne Rooney should not be sold until a clear decision has been made with regard to the Board and True Blue Holdings. Once a Blue, eh Wayne? If you don't want to stay ask to go, ask to go now.
Rob Diamond (via e-mail)
ROONEY thinks the fans don't want him? He thinks the club doesn't want him? He thinks David Moyes doesn't want him? He thinks he is HELPING Everton financially by leaving? HE IS WRONG! Stretford has filled his head full of poisonous lies and untruths about the reality of the situation, and unfortunately, Stretford seems to be the only one that Wayne is listening to at the moment.
Someone needs to get the truth through to him!
Paul McMonnies (via e-mail)
IT is imperative that Everton rebuff all advances for Wayne Rooney. The first thing that is required is to sort out the investment packages that both Paul Gregg and Bill Ken-wright have stated they have. Once that is sorted then and only then can we sort out the future with regards to Wayne.
At the moment Everton, Wayne and even the fans are playing to the tune of Paul Stretford and his band of merry men, the only person to gain by the sale of Rooney. I appeal to all people to get the message to Wayne, Gregg or Kenwright that the fans want Wayne to remain, and to be used as the catalyst for making Everton great again.
Gareth Jones (via e-mail)
SELLING Wayne will benefit Stretford and his company, and no-one else. Probably never again will Everton have such a talent on the books. We'll certainly never be able to buy such a player - unless we keep Rooney and build a team around him.
Pete Bush (via e-mail)
THE concept of Wayne Rooney being sold prior to the issue of the proposed investment into Everton Football Club has been sorted is a mistake of the worse kind. In addition it is blatantly obvious that any proposed move has been engineered by Wayne's current agents for their benefit alone.
This move is bad for Wayne, Everton Football Club and for the city of Liverpool which is portrayed as holding the lad back.
Wayne Hughes, Liverpool
I AM just a simple lad who works long hours to afford to watch my beloved Everton all over the country and both in the USA and Austria this summer. There is something I don't understand. During Euro 2004, the price on Rooney was £50m now it's nearly half that. We are told he wants to go, but he says nothing. Wayne is what we have spent our whole life dreaming of - the world's greatest player and an Evertonian. So why has the £50m tag halved? Rooney doesn't want to go, David Moyes doesn't want him to go and his parents don't want him to go. And every last Evertonian to a man doesn't want him to go!
Philip Howard, Liverpool
THROUGH all of this shambles David Moyes represents the truest of true Blue principles: doing your best, when all around you aren't; facing every difficulty with dignity, integrity and passion; demanding that everyone else attempt to live up to your own standards and taking pride in the greatest shirt in the land. As for Mr Rooney, it's time to prove whether or not he's as big an Evertonian as the vest said.
Mark Roberts (via e-mail)
OVER the years, I have seen a few (very few!) excellent Everton teams, many very ordinary ones and all too many dire ones. Suddenly the club unearths a talent, a local lad that might justify all the last 20 years of hoping that Everton will regain its place among the elite, not just of the English football scene but Europe as well. Unfortunately, an inept board, some scurrilous agents and a national media that delights in the sordid and tawdry now appear ready to destroy the prospect of a local lad making good with the team he has grown up supporting.
David Catton (via e-mail)
THE main problem with the Wayne Rooney situation is that it is not about football. It is about agents, media, spin and manipulation. I presume Wayne did not want to move clubs on his return from Euro 2004, or he would have told his manager and been put up for sale so that we had time to spend any money received. If Wayne wants to move now it is because his agent has at best not looked after his interests and at worst orchestrated a media spin campaign to alienate supporters from Wayne and vice-versa. The national media seem to want Wayne at Old Traf-ford (ITV listing him among Manchester United's "unavailable" players on Wednesday night after one desultory bid).
There was a feeling after his impact on the European Championships that Wayne was no longer "ours" but belonged to the country. Of course it's not about owning Wayne. It's about where he belongs. It still feels like he belongs at Goodison with us. If you're going to go, Wayne, go as an Evertonian making your own choice, not as a victim of a sordid, unsubtle media campaign that everyone seems to be buying into. Give it another year, Wayne, let us persuade you to stay.
James Scott (via e-mail)
UNDER no circumstances should Rooney be sold.
If there is a price for every player, then the price for Rooney should be £100m - not a penny less.
Everton should make a statement telling the world this, instead of the shambles which is going on today. At the minute we are acting like a small-time club with absolutely no ambition - the media is having a field day with us and we are the laughing stock of the Premiership. The ongoing laughable situation with the 'boardroom battle' between Kenwright and Gregg makes things even worse. Both are using Everton as an ego trip when the honourable thing would be to stand up and say "sorry, we've got it wrong - we tried our best but it wasn't good enough". Then they should all step aside and let new people come in.
Stephen Hargreaves,
Liverpool
ROONEY has to stay at Everton. It is only the interests of his agents which are being served by this move. He must stay. We, as Evertonians, have seen a carefully engineered national press campaign designed to drive a wedge between Wayne Rooney and Everton, Wayne Rooney and the fans, Wayne Rooney and Merseyside. He is an 18-year-old boy and I hope the Press and people who have built him up for this move will be equally eager to help out when his bubble bursts. Everton will remain. We, the fans, will remain. But the memories of this debacle by Proactive and the gutter press will never go. We will not forget. And we certainly will not forgive.
Forever Everton. Gary Wheat (via e-mail)
EVERTON simply must not allow Wayne Rooney to leave. He is a once in a generation player, the likes of which we are unlikely to see again. We as a club and as supporters have been blessed to have been handed such a player. This is made all the more special by the fact he is one of us, a true Blue. If we let this unique talent head off to the corporate bullies of Man Utd or Newcastle, well then the game will have lost something for me. For once, why can't a special player remain at the club were he is really loved, irrespective of what he does? Football has to be about more than just the rich, or the game will die. Wayne Rooney in an Everton shirt embodies everything that is good about the game for me. I pray that remains the case.
Terry Delahunt (via e-mail)
I HAVE been an Everton supporter for all I can remember of my 38 years. And the current situation with Wayne Rooney is the clearest example yet of the Machiavellian exploitation of supporters.
In marketing terms, Rooney's initial branding, the Crocky boy at his hometown club, was pretty successful, self-perpetuated with the "Once a Blue..." t--shirt and talk of becoming an Everton legend. I bought it, and so did most Evertonians. And then he was elevated to stardom through his own unique ability - England honours in particular putting him into the public domain. As we contemplate his situation today, being told that he wishes to leave the club he loves but not so much as to put in a transfer request, it's hard to ignore the influence of Paul Stretford. Tens of thousands of Evertonians will have become more cynical, and have to watch that boy make his fortune in any colour other than blue. It stinks.
Simon Martindale (via e-mail)
WHAT is going on? Why have we not rejected the Man United offer out-of-hand yet? Surely Rooney does not really want to leave or believe that we want to sell him? Can he not see past Stretford's spin and plotting? This needs sorting!
Andy Gorman, Liverpool
SELL Rooney and sell our soul.
Nick Henderson (via e-mail)
FOR far too long we have had to endure dire and bleak times at our illustrious club. Along comes the brightest thing in football for years and unbelievably he's at Everton. Now our one shining light who could lift us back to the good times has had his head turned by the team down the East Lancs.
We need to do everything in our power to ensure Rooney stays. Once a Blue always a Blue, eh Wayne?
Jason Challis (via e-mail)
I AM appalled at the way in which Wayne Rooney is being forced out of Everton. I do not believe that any member of the Everton board or management team wishes him to leave, nor do I believe that the player himself wants to leave. I do believe however that his agent, Paul Stretford, has masterminded his departure through a corrupt, dirty tricks campaign aimed at his own client, in attempt to make Rooney's position at Everton untenable and force his sale. Why? Because while Rooney stays at Everton Stretford gains nothing, but with a transfer he stands to make a huge amount of money.
Phil Bowker (via e-mail)
ONE player, one Evertonian has brought everything into sharp focus and what do we know? The club is virtually bankrupt? The club is fine and we have £5million for transfers! Wayne is staying. Wayne is going. Wayne wants to stay but has to go. Wayne wants to go. Russian investors are coming? There are no Russian investors. Kenwright is the saviour? Gregg is the saviour? Agents are parasites, we all know this. But directors - they are supposed to be on our side.
Chris Shelton (via e-mail)
EVERTONIANS have had the wool pulled over there eyes for too long. For many, myself included, this Wayne Rooney situation is the last straw for us. We DON'T believe Wayne wants to leave, he is the future of this club and has been manipulated and controlled by those 'acting in his interests' to the point where the lad probably doesn't know what to think. Kenwright needs to spend more time letting him know this rather than working on another soundbite for Sky Sports News. Keep Wayne and we keep hope of a future for Everton, lose him and we'll resign ourselves to the same fate we've been heading towards for the last 10 years.
Liam Sinnott (via e-mail)
I WANT to register my disgust at the pair of so-called Evertonians, Bill Kenwright and Wayne Rooney.
If Mr Rooney wants to go then go and never come back because if he was an Evertonian like we are Evertonians, he would snap their hands off for that latest contract and play like a man possessed for the royal Blue as we would do if we had his ability. Kenwright needs to swallow his pride and step down for the good of the club.
To the pair of them, GO NOW!
Mark Warren, Liverpool
Everton stand firm over striker bids
By Andy Hunter, Daily Post
Aug 27 2004
EVERTON showed they would not be bullied into selling Wayne Rooney last night by rejecting a £23.5million bid from Newcastle - as Manchester United gamble on Goodison's resolve to keep the striker. Goodison officials dismissed both the £20m United offer plus Newcastle's improved terms as the bidding war for the 18-year-old increased. "Newcastle United have submitted an increased offer for Wayne Rooney - one which has been turned down. The bid submitted by Manchester United has also been rejected," confirmed head of communications Ian Ross. Everton are refusing to be pressured into a cut-price deal before the transfer deadline despite Rooney being involved in a heated argument with David Moyes on Wednesday. And United are currently refusing to pay above £20m despite Newcastle's determination to seal an incredible coup. Old Trafford chief executive David Gill believes United's opening offer is fair given the £12.24m they paid for Cristiano Ronaldo last summer. And they are confident Rooney's preference for Old Trafford ahead of St James' Park,, plus a resolve to leave his boyhood club, will see them capture the England star for £20m either now or in January. United may throw a fringe player such as David Bellion into the offer to tempt Everton to sell before Tuesday's transfer deadline. But unless Newcastle raise their bid beyond £25m - a fee that Everton would start to consider despite their £30m valuation - United are prepared to play a waiting game to get Rooney. Newcastle chairman Freddy Shepherd, however, is considering making a third bid to under-line the seriousness of his intentions to sign the striker. Shepherd said last night: "I went to see Bill Kenwright yesterday. Bill is a friend, but we both know that business is business. He has to do what is best for Everton Football Club, just as I have to do my best for Newcastle United. "Obviously, we don't know what is going to happen, but we certainly have not given up hope of signing Rooney just because Manchester United have come in. We are still giving it our best shot."
He's off
Aug 27 2004 By John Thompson, Liverpool Echo
WAYNE ROONEY has played his last game for Everton FC. The star today submitted a formal transfer request and spoke for the first time about his agonising decision to leave his boyhood club.
He said: "This has been one of the hardest decisions of my life but I feel the time is now right for me to move forward with my career." Rooney is the target of transfer bids from Manchester Utd and Newcastle Utd and added: "I need to be with a club that is playing in Europe every year."
Angry Everton fan Keith Sorrell, 34, of Walton, said: "Good riddance. Whatever happened to once a Blue, always a Blue?"
Roon: I want to go
Aug 27 2004 By Scott Mcleod, Liverpool Echo
WAYNE ROONEY has spoken for the first time of his desire to leave Everton. The 18-year-old handed in a written transfer request citing his desire to play for a club involved in regular European competition. It comes after a week in which a bidding war has taken place between Manchester United and Newcastle for his services. The ECHO has learned Rooney and his advisors have expressed a clear prefence to go to Newcastle - though an increased bid expected from Manchester United might still change his mind. Rooney said: This has been one of the hardest decisions of my life but I feel the time is now right for me to move forward with my career. "Euro 2004 was a fantastic experience, it made me realise I could play at the highest level. To do that I need to be at a club that is playing in Europe every year. "I hope the Everton fans can come to understand my decision and I hope that transfer fee Everton Football Club receive will help the club move forward.
"The Everton fans have always been fantastic in their support of me. I hope they respect my decision and I also hope that some day in the future I could be welcomed back to watch the team I have supported since boyhood." The player's eagerness to leave Goodison has saddened David Moyes.
He said this afternoon: "I am disappointed because he is a player we value really highly and I think we showed that by the efforts we made in offering him a new contract. "But he is still an Everton player and that is as he will remain until we receive anything like what we think is a fair valuation.
"I have suspected this has been coming for quite a few weeks because of the length of time we have had an offer on the table - an offer that is the best we could have made for the player. "That hadn't been signed, so in many ways the writing was on the wall. But even until a week ago I still thought Wayne would sign. "I have been in talks once or twice a week and I thought things were moving on.
"And maybe if Jonathan Woodgate hadn't gone to Real Madrid the money wouldn't have come into the market to start this chain of events going." Newcastle chairman Freddy Shepherd would not reveal whether the Magpies would make a new offer for Rooney. He said: "You know has much as us - but I'd hope he can still be a Newcastle player. "We've got until 3.30pm on Tuesday to do it - and I'm sure Everton will make their mind up before then."
Rooney hands in transfer request
Aug 27 2004 By Dan Kay, icLiverpool
WAYNE ROONEY has moved a step closer to leaving Everton after handing in a formal transfer request today. Manchester United and Newcastle United have had bids for the player in excess of £20m turned down this week by the Blues but are both expected to return with increased offers before the transfer window closes on Monday night (31st Aug). It has been long assumed that Manchester would be Rooney's preferred destination although Newcastle are now reported to be favourites to land the England striker. Rooney said: "I hope Everton's fans will understand my decision." "This has been one of the hardest decisions of my life but I feel the time is now right for me to move forward with my career. "The Euros were a fantastic experience for me. It made me realise I could play at the highest level. "To do that I need to be with a club that is playing in Europe every year. I hope the Everton fans can come to understand my decision and I hope the transfer fee Everton Football Club receive will help the club move forward. "The Everton fans have always been fantastic in their support of me. I hope they respect my decision and I also hope that some day in the future I could be welcomed back to watch the team I have supported since boyhood."
Roon wants Toon
Aug 27 2004 By Scott Mcleod, Liverpool Echo
WAYNE ROONEY is believed to favour a move to Newcastle if he leaves Everton. The teenager's camp is said to have expressed a preference for St James' Park this week - despite the draw of Manchester United. A new increased bid from Old Trafford could still change the mind of Rooney and his advisors, but as it stands he prefers a switch to the North East. The Blues have all but resigned themselves to losing the 18-year-old after he made it clear during a series of meetings this week that he no longer wanted to play at Goodison. David Moyes is determined not to sell the England international on the cheap. He has already turned down three bids for the player from Newcastle and Man United. However, a proposed £25 million offer which would also include a player, believed to be David Bellion, from Manchester United would receive a more positive response as it would bring the Old Trafford club to within touching distance of Moyes' £30m price tag. The stumbling block for any move to Manchester would be the players apparent preference to play for the Magpies. Bobby Robson had a £23.5m bid turned down yesterday and reports in the north east suggest Freddy Shepherd is unwilling to go much further in the bidding war. It was Newcastle that began the race for Rooney's signature with a £20m offer on Monday and, despite the promise of Champions League football in Manchester, Rooney is tempted by a move north. The whole saga is further complicated by Manchester United's insistence on making all agents fees public.
Cahill relishes his new role
Aug 27 2004 By Paul Walker, Liverpool Echo
TIM CAHILL is itching to begin his Everton career even if he is suspended for the game against West Brom at Goodison Park tomorrow. The Australian international, who joined from Millwall this summer for £2million, has returned from the Olympics to join the Blues amid the ongoing controversy over Wayne Rooney's future and the club's financial position. Cahill will be available for Monday's daunting trip to Manchester United, and he cannot wait for the action to start after the Socceroos crashed out in Athens in the quarter-finals earlier this week. Considering Everton's depleted squad and the possibility of Rooney's departure, manager David Moyes has welcomed the midfielder's arrival. Moyes said: "We have been short of players and obviously we are already beginning to get one or two people suffering from a few knocks so it will be helpful that he is around the place, albeit he's suspended for the next game." Cahill is just delighted that he has finally arrived on Merseyside after completing his switch from Millwall a month ago. He said: "I suppose it has been a long month, having signed and then going straight out to Olympics. "But I am glad that I am here now and I can't wait to get among the lads." Moyes still hopes to add to his squad before Tuesday's transfer deadline, with chairman Bill Kenwright having found the money and pledged new players can and will arrive at Goodison before the transfer deadline on Tuesday. Moyes said: "Obviously the date is closing in on us and it would be nice if we could get something done.
"I can tell everybody that we are trying really hard to get the right players in. The search does continue." With such a depleted squad, Moyes will be relieved Kevin Campbell's chances of being fit to face West Brom are now much stronger. The veteran striker was forced off after just 54 minutes of last weekend's 3-1 win at Crystal Palace with a knee problem which has required constant treat-ment since. Club physio Mick Rath-bone said: "We have had a long look at the problem and it does not look so bad now. We are anticipating that he should be there or thereabouts. "He took a knock on his knee early in the game and managed to play on for about an hour before it stiffened up and he had to come off."
Agent of Wayne's demise
Aug 27 2004 By David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
IT is with a certain irony that Wayne Rooney's next career choice appear to lie between the two Uniteds, Manchester and Newcastle. Because Alan Shearer turned down a move to one, in favour of becoming a home-town folk hero with the other. Rooney, it seems, is considering the opposite. And he could end up without either the medals Shearer turned down, or the consolation prize of hero worship. If Rooney does choose Newcastle, his trophy cabinet will end up like Shearer's. Full of caps, match-balls and individual plaudits. But bereft of winners' medals. If he chooses Manchester, his medal-winning potential will be seriously enhanced, but he will also be turning his back on a club and a set of fans who genuinely idolised him. And he will be doing it, apparently on the say-so of an agent who has shown where his priorities for his client lie with the misguided decision to sell Rooney's 'life-story' to the Sun. It made Rooney an awful lot of money. It also lost him admirers and respect in his home city. Rooney is being criticised on letters pages and message boards. He and his agent could stop that with one carefullyworded statement. A statement of intent would let everyone know where they stand. A suggestion that Rooney wants to play in the Champions League, and Evertonians could hardly quibble. A claim that Everton does not match his own ambitions could hardly be disputed. But this is the same partnership which has stopped Rooney giving a single interview to his local newspaper. The same partnership which ensured an ECHO journalist, originally invited by the Rooney family to join the coach trip to London for his England debut, was uninvited. And the same partnership which will not even allow his immediate family to speak unless cleared by his agent. It is a partnership which is clearly making Rooney an awful lot of money. It is also losing him plenty of friends on Merseyside. WAYNE ROONEY'S recent 'indiscretions' are reported to have cost him up to £30m in endorsement opportunities. But as one door closes, another opens wide. Isn't Pot Noodle's advertising slogan "It might be dirty, but I like it!"? Just a thought.
Kenwright backs boss Moyes
Aug 27 2004 By David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
BILL KENWRIGHT and David Moyes are united in their desire to keep Wayne Rooney at Goodison.
But while both may be fighting a losing battle, chairman Kenwright has reacted angrily to suggestions he has placed his manager under pressure.Moyes was told yesterday that the ultimate decision on Rooney's departure would be his.But chairman Kenwright rapped today: "There is no way at all that I would put pressure on David Moyes."My words were of support. I know David doesn't want Wayne to leave. He knows I don't want him to leave."We are mutually supportive. That's what we do."Kenwright is also disappointed that last night's announcement of fresh investment - separate from the Fortress Sports Fund - has been overshadowed by the Rooney saga.Kenwright is refusing to reveal the source of the new funds, but admits it is in excess of £6m.
The funds will be immediately handed to the manager to attract new players before Tuesday's transfer deadline."I was hoping that the troubles of the summer would be lifted by this announcement, but unfortunately the uncertainty surrounding Wayne's future has continued to put us all under a cloud," he said.."I know my position. If anyone thinks that I, Bill Kenwright as chairman or David Moyes as manager, wants to be part of Wayne Rooney, who I have always said is the greatest young talent I have ever seen in a blue shirt, leave the club, then they don't know David and they certainly don't know me."A club statement last night confirmed: "Everton Football CLub is pleased to announce that it has agreed and arranged funding with an alternative party. This will not lead to a new share issue at this time, but one that may follow in the future."Manchester United legend Peter Schmeichel, meanwhile, became the latest pundit to advise Rooney on his next career move."Wayne Rooney has a lot of ability and he needs to have something to show for that when he retires," insisted the Dane.."I think the chances are he could go to Manchester United and win championships and win the Champions League."The chances of doing that are far better than at Newcastle."On Tyneside, however, Paul Gascoigne and Peter Beardsley - who also know what it means to wear the royal blue of Everton - have been putting forward the case for Newcastle.
Blues sign up Reds defender Traore
Aug 27 2004 Liverpool Echo
EVERTON boss David Moyes is on the brink of signing Djimi Traore from Liverpool.The 23-year-old central defender is expected to sign for £1.5 million subject to a medical.He will become Everton's third major signing of the summer following the arrival of Marcus Bent and Tim Cahill.Moyes said: "We are pleased a deal to sign Djimi has been agreed subject to him passing a medical."We will pay Liverpool £1.5m over the next three years. I am hopeful he will not be the last new arrival before the deadline."The Goodison manager's transfer kitty has been bolstered by a fresh £6 million injection from chairman Bill Kenwright which is separate to the £20 million proposal currently under consideration.The windfall is a bonus for Moyes although he must now work around the clock to spend it before Tuesday's deadline with the Blues also playing two games over the bank holiday weekend.Anfield defender Steve Finnan is a target but the prospect of signing the Irish international is unlikely because he is just 12 months into a lucrative £30,000-a-week contract.Moyes could also renew his interest in Red Star Belgrade defender Milan Dudic following the club's failure to reach the Champions League group stage after their midweek defeat to PSV.
Don't feel sorry for Rooney... feel sorry for the youngsters who worship him
Aug 27 2004 By Mark O'Brien, Daily Post
AFTER a summer of speculation and procrastination, it appears that the endgame has commenced.Manchester United have finally broken cover, now that their Champions League money is secure for another season, and it's difficult to see any other outcome other than Wayne Rooney moving to Old Trafford.He won't go to Newcastle, surely, and he's reported to have indicated to David Moyes that he doesn't want to stay ay Goodison either.It's a sign of just how putrid and corrupting football is that the lad who not so long ago was the living embodiment of what it meant to be an Evertonian - the one who revealed the 'Once a Blue Always a Blue' t-shirt and meant it - can reach the point that he's at now.Granted, he's only doing what every other player does, holding out for the best deal for him and his entourage, but he doesn't have to be just any other footballer.Even if he made the bold decision to stay at Everton for another two years to play his part in trying to drag the club off its knees, he would still be unimaginably wealthy, an England regular, and still have virtually the whole of his career ahead of him.Unfortunately, though, there are too many forces at play for whom that just isn't an attractive option.Paul Stretford's the obvious one, but Rooney can't hide behind him forever. Everyone knows what agents are, opportunistic lizards whose only contribution to the sum of human endeavour is the ability to turn a buck from those more talented but less worldly than themselves, but Stretford, whose handling of Rooney's public profile has certainly left a lot to be desired, doesn't hold a gun to the player's head; the golden goose is the one who has the final say.So should we feel sorry for Rooney, a teenager who has lived through a whole lifetime of emotions in the past two years and has these huge decisions to make?Perhaps, a little bit, but not nearly as sorry as we should feel for the kids on Mersey-side who wear his name printed across their backs and worship the ground he walks on. How betrayed are they going to feel watching their standard-bearer, the player who gave them so much hope, playing for someone else?The whole thing stinks, and it hurts too, but the sooner it's resolved, one way or another, the better.
Trust Blues to deliver again
Aug 27 2004 You Bet With Adam Oldfield, Liverpool Echo
GIVEN Everton's current cash dilemma, Interpol could be forgiven for thinking Edvard Munch's stolen masterpiece 'The Scream' is being cunningly disguised as a mirror in Thomas Gravesen's Bellefield locker.Though the extent of the club's troubles hasn't quite stretched to embezzlement, the depiction of a distraught figure stood amid a flourishing red backdrop aptly sums up the Blues' boardroom plight.For all their enterprise (or lack of it), the current structure at the club hardly constitutes a work of art, despite Bill Kenwright's best efforts to imitate Rodin's 'Thinker' on the executive throne.Indeed, the Blues chairman has much to dwell on after his attempt to rush through investment from Russian tycoon Dreaminov Riches suffered a kick in the Cossacks.A process of 'due diligence' has stalled efforts to bankroll David Moyes' squad-building plans; timely then that affairs on the pitch have provided blue-blooded fans with a much-needed adrenaline boost.Thanks to a Gravesen-inspired victory over relegation candidates Crystal Palace last weekend, the picture is far less horror-stricken.Yet quotes of 11-4 (Paddy Power) for relegation, and cynics adding vociferous gunpowder to a make-believe Goodison time bomb, are hardly gestures the players can take inspiration from. But Moyes' men will once again rise above and deliver another three points at home to West Brom tomorrow.The home banker is an industry-best 21-20, though wins for Tran-mere (playing tonight), Man City, Northampton, Chester and Rochdale takes potential winnings past the £300 mark courtesy of a £5 accumulator with William Hill.
Moyes wants right price for Rooney
August 27, 2004
Manchester Evening News
David Moyes insists he will block a transfer for Wayne Rooney before the deadline if he does not get the valuation he wants. The Everton boss was reacting in the wake of Rooney's transfer request today which heightens the prospect of him joining Manchester United or Newcastle. Those clubs have had bids of '20million and '23.5million respectively turned down by Everton with the prospect now of the bidding war reaching a climax before Tuesday's deadline. Moyes claims that until a week ago he expected Rooney to sign the five-year, '50,000-a-week deal the club had offered him after Euro 2004. He said: "Wayne has confirmed by putting in a transfer request that he would like to leave the club.
Disappointment
"I am obviously disappointed, it is a player we valued very highly and I think we showed that with the effort we put into offering him a contract. "We are disappointed but at the moment he is an Everton player and he will remain that until we receive anything like what we think is a valuation.
"Until we get that valuation there will be no movement. But when you get a player who is unhappy and does not want to be around, that makes it difficult for you. "He feels he will be better to move on, but if we do not get the fee we want then we will stop him leaving before the deadline."
Rooney should choose Reds - Schmeichel
August 27, 2004
Manchester Evening News
Old Trafford legend Peter Schmeichel has urged Wayne Rooney to go for glory with Manchester United. Everton and England striker Rooney is wanted by Sir Alex Ferguson and Newcastle boss Sir Bobby Robson. Schmeichel wants Rooney to think of the medals he can collect by moving to Manchester. "Wayne Rooney has a lot of ability and he needs to have something to show for that when he retires," the Dane told Radio 5 Live. Former goalkeeper Schmeichel, now a television pundit with the BBC, added: "I think the chances are he could go to Manchester United and win championships and win the Champions League. "The chances of doing that are far better than at Newcastle." The Red Devils have had an initial bid - reported to be '20million - turned down by Everton for the 18-year-old. Newcastle's second, improved bid has also been rejected.
Superior
Schmeichel praised Newcastle, but claimed Manchester United were in a different league. "They (Newcastle) have invested a lot of money in their team and on their facilities in the last five or six years. "It is a great footballing city but it is not in the same league as Manchester United.
"It would be such a great thing for the club to go and bring a player like Wayne Rooney in.
"To have a player that can get 20 to 25 goals a season is invaluable. "You have to say `he is 18 years of age, he could be doing that for 10 years, how much are we going to get out of that in terms of results?"'
Hopeful
The 18-year-old has two years left on the contract he signed in 2003 but Everton remain hopeful he will still sign the new deal they have offered him. Ferguson moved into the race to sign Rooney when United faxed their bid to Everton - who are thought to value the player at around the '30million mark - on Wednesday. Ferguson said: "We have made our intentions clear that we would like the boy. This is the first time we have actually said that. "Don't forget Everton have not said he is for sale." But, with the transfer deadline next Tuesday, Everton chairman Bill Kenwright has done nothing to quell speculation over Rooney's future by admitting he could not guarantee the Euro 2004 star would be an Everton player next week.
Rooney hands in transfer request
August 27, 2004
Manchester Evening News
THE battle to sign England's most promising young player began in earnest today when Everton striker Wayne Rooney handed in a transfer request. The 18-year-old England international, the subject of three failed bids from Newcastle and Manchester United this week, cited his desire to join "a club that is playing in Europe every year" as the reason for his decision. It would now seem to be a straight fight between the two Uniteds to sign Rooney before next Tuesday's transfer deadline, with the Old Trafford club favourites to land the player whose rise to prominence was confirmed at Euro 2004.
'Right time'
"This has been one of the hardest decisions of my life but I feel the time is now right for me to move forward with my career," Rooney said today. "The Euros were a fantastic experience for me, it made me realise I could play at the highest level. "To do that I need to be with a club that is playing in Europe every year. I hope the Everton fans can come to understand my decision and I hope the transfer fee Everton Football Club receive will help the club move forward. "The Everton fans have always been fantastic in their support of me. I hope they respect my decision and I also hope that some day in the future I could be welcomed back to watch the team I have supported since boyhood." Newcastle were the first to fail with a '20million bid for Rooney this week. United matched that but were also turned down yesterday. Newcastle's second offer - thought to be worth '23.5million - was also dismissed by Everton yesterday. But with chairman Bill Kenwright revealing yesterday: "I can't tell you if he will be at Everton next week" it would seem the brilliant youngster, who had two years to run on the contract which he signed in 2003, is about to leave.
United manager Sir Alex Ferguson would only say today: "It is as it was yesterday. David Gill is in dialogue with Bill Kenwright."
'Only takes a second'
Asked about the timescale of a move, Ferguson said: "It only takes a second to say yes. "The difficulty is getting the medicals but at the moment it is not at the stage where we are taking about it. "We are waiting for an agreement before doing anything else." Newcastle chairman Freddy Shepherd would not reveal whether the Magpies would make a new offer for Rooney. He added: "You know has much as us - but I'd hope he can still be a Newcastle player. "We've got until 3.30pm on Tuesday to do it - and I'm sure Everton will make their mind up before then." Rooney held talks with Toffees manager David Moyes at Bellefield training ground this morning and then submitted a written transfer request.
United increase Rooney bid
August 28, 2004
Manchester Evening News
MANCHESTER United has launched a new bid to secure England striker Wayne Rooney from Everton, it has emerged. United are battling it out with Newcastle for the 18-year-old England international, who yesterday handed in a transfer request. Both clubs had an initial '20million bids turned down and Newcastle also failed with a '23.5million attempt to prise the youngster away from Goodison Park. Everton have not revealed the amount offered by United in their latest bid the club's head of PR Ian Ross said: "Manchester United have this afternoon made an offer for Wayne Rooney which is in excess of the second bid which was lodged by Newcastle United earlier this week."
Rooney is last piece of jigsaw
August 28, 2004
Manchester Evening News
WAYNE Rooney would be the final element in Manchester United's masterplan to rule Europe once again. Manager Sir Alex Ferguson believes that the signature of the teenage England sensation would give the Reds stronger attacking options than he had when they won the Treble in 1999.
That year, first-choice pair Dwight Yorke and Andy Cole plundered 53 goals between them in a total of 90 games, while "back-up" pair, Teddy Sheringham and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, netted 23 in 29 games, including a goal apiece in the European Cup final. But Rooney, if the Reds can wrap up a deal with Everton ahead of Tuesday's midnight transfer deadline, would give them an even more awesome foursome, believes Sir Alex. "I would be happy to get back to four strikers," said the United boss. "Would those four be as strong as the strikers in the Treble team? Absolutely.
"The quality would be there, as well as the numbers. It's difficult to compare the different talents of really good players. "But when we had four it wasn't easy picking two from them to play, although on occasion we would pick three with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wide on the left or right, which alleviated one problem but meant we had to leave out a midfield player. "What a fourth striker would do is give us strength and options, and it gives us the goals of four players - and you can't refuse that."
In fact, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger believes that if Rooney signs, United will be a bigger threat to his side retaining the title. "I rate Rooney and it could have a big effect on the title battle if United get him. With Ferdinand, Heinze and Ronaldo back, suddenly they will look much stronger."
After Rooney handed in a transfer request yesterday morning, there was talk that the young Scouser had decided he wanted to play for Newcastle, rather than hit the heights of Champions League football with United. Sir Alex said he had no idea what Rooney's intentions were, but hinted that Old Trafford would be a far better option than the turmoil which seems to be enveloping the Magpies. "I don't know if Wayne wants to come here. Everton have not accepted any bids so there is nothing we can say, but we feel confident about any young player coming here. "We would look forward to working with a player with Wayne's talent, and we have had players like that before."
But the United boss stressed that there was no agreement between the clubs. "There is nothing I can tell you. I know there has been dialogue between David Gill and Bill Kenwright, but nothing has changed," he said. "There is no agreement so I am just in the situation where I have to sit and wait to see what happens." England skipper David Beckham has urged Rooney to opt for United.
"Without Sir Alex Ferguson's guidance, the players at United would not have grown up like they have done," said Beckham. United have said that they had no intention of bidding for Rooney - they were prepared to play a waiting game, but Newcastle's '20m bid on Wednesday jolted them into action. That may have done Sir Alex a favour, as it looks like meaning he will get his hands on Rooney five months, or even a year, earlier than he expected "Bobby Robson only did us a favour in the sense that Everton, for the first time, were prepared to let him go," commented Sir Alex.
"If it does enable us to get the player we wanted, then fine, we will be delighted. "The deadline is an issue, but it is not insurmountable. It takes a day for a medical, and the deadline is midnight on Tuesday, so we have the whole of Tuesday, although Monday is a bank holiday, which is a problem.
"But the first thing is to get an agreement, and until we can do that everything else is irrelevant."
The broken foot which brought a premature end to Rooney's sparkling Euro 2004 campaign, and has kept him out of action for Everton so far this season, would not pose a problem at the medical, said the manager. "We have had players with that injury before - it is not a career-threatening injury," he said. With players coming back into the equation - Kleberson returned to first-team action in the midweek win over Dinamo Bucharest, and Louis Saha was expected to figure at Blackburn today - United are looking far healthier than the team which began the season with defeat at Chelsea.
And with Wes Brown back in training, Ruud van Nistelrooy due back in a fortnight and Rio Ferdinand clear to return on September 20, the numbers are adding up for Sir Alex. He says: "If everyone was here we would be quite happy."
Comment: Yes, Rooney is worth that much
Stuart Brennan
August 28, 2004
Manchester Evening News
TWENTY-ODD million quid for a freckle-faced, jug-eared teenager who has still to shed his puppy fat? On the face of it, Manchester United would appear to have lost their financial, and footballing marbles. Any deal for 18-year-old Wayne Rooney struck over the next couple of days would be the most expensive transfer since Brazilian legend and World Cup winner, Ronaldo, moved from Inter Milan to Real Madrid in 2001. The bottom we were told, has fallen out of the football transfer market, and that appeared to be confirmed by the fact that another Merseyside wonderkid, Michael Owen - with a proven goalscoring record at the highest level - left Liverpool for just '8m. Chelsea bucked the trend, splashing '24m for Didier Drogba, but money is confetti to Roman Abramovich.
It appears he would rather spend the extra few million and save himself the headache from negotiating with tiresome football chairmen and wheedling agents. But, of course, the old maxim stands firm. A player is worth whatever a club is prepared to pay for him. United have had their fingers burned before, not least over the '28m signing of Seba Veron. You just knew he was not cut out to be a United player when, asked about a defeat, he said "No-one died". Old Trafford is not used to such shoulder-shrugging acceptance of being second-best, and he was off-loaded, at half price, two years later, having barely made a ripple on the pond of Red history. Then there was Rio Ferdinand, who cost even more and has spent the past seven months twiddling his thumbs after missing a drugs test - a ban that even his manager believes cost United the title last season. So can Rooney, if he signs, prove worthy of such a hefty price tag? The answer is a resounding `Yes'. Those of us lucky enough to see him close up at Euro 2004 can attest to that.
Effect
Very rarely does a player have the effect on a tournament, and on a team, that Rooney had on England at the European Championships. The tension of the teenager bearing down on goal against Croatia, the weight of an expectant nation on those young shoulders with the game poised at 2-1, was almost unbearable. But Rooney slotted the ball home as if he was playing "three-and-in" on a croft in Croxteth to book England's quarter-final place. That kind of temperament, allied to explosive pace and God-given footballing ability, is worth a reasonable financial risk. Peter Schmeichel says Rooney could have a Cantona-style effect on United - but that kind of praise needs to be reined in a little. Cantona had already hauled Leeds United to the league title, and was a mature established international when he came to United. Rooney cannot even be sure of a place in the United team if he signs, especially with players returning from injury. He was used quite sparingly by David Moyes at Everton where his 34 league appearances included eight as substitute.
But stats-bashing misses the point of Rooney. He has the ability to lift United to another level, as has Cristiano Ronaldo, another teenager. Ronaldo has proved that talent will not be denied - he would be among the names on Sir Alex Ferguson's teamsheet if the manager was selecting his strongest XI.
And Rooney has the added advantage that he is not only English, but from the North West - no pining for the pampas from him. Twenty-five million would be more than twice what United paid for Ronaldo, and on the face of it that is ludicrous. If anything, Ronaldo has proved himself to a greater extent, by establishing himself at United and by helping Portugal to the European Championships final. But the football transfer market is not constrained by player comparisons - as illustrated by the fact that Alan Smith cost United less than Diego Forlan. The fee will not bother Rooney, nor will the pressure of playing for one of the world's biggest clubs. He has the ability, he has the temperament, and he has the credentials - now he needs a club to go with them.
Comment: No, Rooney isn't worth that much
Paul Hince August 28, 2004
Manchester Evening News
WAYNE Rooney is an exceptionally-gifted young footballer. He's got the body of a man and the mind of a teenager. By the time all his faculties have matured in four or five years time he might - just might - have developed into a genuine world-class performer. And yes, if he reaches that level of perfection he would be worth '25m of Manchester United's money...or of any other club's money, come to that. But Rooney today is nowhere near that level. In soccer terms, he's still a baby. And nobody - not even the parents - knows for sure how a baby will develop. So in my book, to pay '25m for an 18-year-old who has still only taken the first few steps on his football career, is at best a dangerous gamble and at worst an act of gross folly. Sir Alex Ferguson has clearly convinced his board of directors that Rooney will blossom into a future world-class star under his guidance at Old Trafford. And no manager in this country has a better record than Fergie for shaping the careers of promising young kids. Beckham, Giggs, Scholes ,the Neville boys... the list is endless.
And all of them are where they are today because of Ferguson's influence on their lives and careers. But all those stars of today are different from Rooney. For a start, none of them cost '25m. In fact none of them cost anything. But even more important, they were all brought up in the Old Trafford tradition. They were taught a set of values as young boys which have remained with them to this day. Rooney has not had the benefit of an Old Trafford education under headmaster Ferguson. You don't need me to remind you that he's already collected enough unwanted baggage to fill the cargo hold of a jumbo jet. And even at the tender age of 18, he may already be too old and too set in his ways to change his lifestyle. And that's another powerful reason for questioning the logic of investing '25m on a youngster who doesn't appear to appreciate the dangers of burning the candle at both ends.
Danger
Purely in a football sense, splashing out such a massive sum on Rooney at this stage of his career is also fraught with danger. There's many-a-slip between cup and lip, as they say, and soccer is littered with examples of young footballers who looked world-beaters at 18, but had all-but disappeared off the planet by the time they reached their early twenties. Remember Francis Jeffers when he burst on to the scene - ironically - at Everton while he was still a teenager? Like Rooney, he had only played a handful of senior games when Arsene Wenger paid millions to take him to Arsenal.
Look what happened to Jeffers after he arrived at Highbury to be described as Wenger's "fox-in-the-box". More like a rabbit down a hole because he disappeared out of sight completely and he's now trying to resurrect his career with Charlton Athletic in what his clearly his Last Chance saloon after being signed for a knock-down fee of '2.6m. Rooney is, without question, the most talented 18-year-old English-born footballer in this country. But there is the world of difference between the terms `promise' and `finished article.' And you've got to be either very brave or very foolish to invest '25m in promise. How can you justify a '25m outlay on a youngster who, in terms of experience, is still wet behind the ears when tried and trusted performers like Alan Smith and Michael Owen have switched clubs this summer for transfer fees of '7m and '8m respectively? Only last week, Manchester United's chief executive David Gill was quoted as saying that paying such a massive fee for Rooney was "bad business"... and I couldn't agree with him more. His age. His lack of experience. The worrying doubts about his dedication to his chosen career. His private life. All those minuses have to be weighed against the one big plus...Wayne Rooney is an exceptionally-gifted young footballer. At '5m, Rooney would be a steal. At '10m he would be a worthwile and sensible investment because of that tantalising promise of great things to come. But '25m? No thanks. Not for me. Rich businessmen have bought entire clubs for less than that. An established star whose proved his ability over a period of years at the very highest level? Now he might be worth '25m of Manchester United's money. But a Scouse kid whose career still might go one way or the other? Too risky by half... at least at that price.
Beckham backs Rooney for Reds move
August 29, 2004
Manchester Evening News
ROONEY: Would do well under Fergie, says Becks
ENGLAND captain David Beckham believes Wayne Rooney will be in "good hands" if he joins Manchester United. The 18-year-old striker handed in a formal transfer request to Everton yesterday and the Red Devils are now in a bidding war with Newcastle to sign him before the closure of the transfer window on Tuesday. Beckham insists his England team-mate could not wish for a choice of two better managers to work for than Sir Alex Ferguson and Sir Bobby Robson.
"You have two great managers who can look after any player, I think when you have two teams as big as Newcastle and Manchester United after you then it's an honour," Beckham said. "They don't come any better than the two managers who are at those teams, so he'll be in good hands wherever he goes. "(Alex Ferguson) brought me into the team and gave me the chance when others wouldn't have done so, when he just put all the youngsters in and had faith in us. "We think we helped the club win trophies and without Alex Ferguson's guidance, we wouldn't have grown up as we have done. I think when players go through a tough time, he is very strong and believes that players at his team are looked after by the manager, when you have played badly, he will criticise you to your face, but never to the media, that is what he is like," he said. The battle to sign Rooney means he is once again in the headlines, as he has been one way or another since his sensational performances in this summer's European Championships in Portugal. However, Beckham - no stranger to the front and back pages himself - believes the youngster has what it takes to live with the attention.
"There was always going to be speculation following the tournament, but it's not going to affect him with clubs like Manchester United and Newcastle being in the running for him." "That is a good thing really. I think as a young player, he has already gone through a lot. It's about coming through that and I think Wayne has the strength to do it. "I don't think about anything else when I am playing my football and hopefully that's what Wayne is like as well," said Beckham, who was counting on Rooney's off-field surroundings to help him. "He has a strong family base behind him, he seems to have and that is what will get him through it. "Transfer speculation happens all the time in football and he is tasting it for the first time now. Sometimes at 18 years old it can be tough, but everyone knows what a great player he is anyway."
Friendship will not be tested by Rooney sale
August 29, 2004
Manchester Evening News
WHETHER Wayne Rooney opts for life with Manchester United or Newcastle, it will not effect the friendship of Sir Alex Ferguson and Everton manager David Moyes. The Scots go head to head at Old Trafford tomorrow in a Bank Holiday game plucked straight from an Alfred Hitchcock script. Two clubs wrapped in a transfer wrangle play, with Sir Alex insisting events of the past week will not hammer a wedge between him and his Everton counterpart. "Not really. I have spoken to David a couple of times over the last few weeks over different matters. He came to the Vodafone tournament and was in my office having a cup of tea after the game, so I have no problems with David. He and I get on very well together," says Sir Alex. He also openly admires the way the youthful Moyes has handled things at Goodison Park. "David has to take great credit for the job he has done there. He has galvanized them in whatever way he has done it and managed to keep that appetite and enthusiasm about them." Sir Alex also admits to being surprised at the changes he has seen in Everton's status during the time he has been in charge at Old Trafford. "There has been an amazing succession of managers at Everton since Howard Kendal had that powerful team when I first came down here. The change was so sudden - it wasn't a gradual decline, just a sort of `bang' and you woke up one morning and there was financial debt, players leaving, and it just seemed to change all of a sudden. "There suddenly seemed to be financial problems and they were selling players and every manager has had to come in and work under those circumstances and that makes it difficult for them," he says. Everton have a poor record at Old Trafford having won only one point there since their last victory 12 years ago. Boosted by the return of Louis Saha, the United boss is planning to switch things around : "This will be the strongest squad I have had all season. Saha will take some part, Fletcher and Kleberson have got games behind them this week, Liam Miller is fresh and I have that freshness I can bring in on Monday," he says. Sir Alex is also hoping to add another player to his squad after next week's international break. Argentinean defender Gabriel Heinze will link up with his Old Trafford team mates for the first time since his summer move from Paris St Germain. Heinze is due to report for training with United on September 12.
A lifetime of supporting Everton in 90 minutes
By Mark O'Brien, Daily Post
Aug 30 2004
AN OFT-USED saying is 'It's never dull being an Evertonian' and the events of recent weeks have been testament to that. Few clubs have seen their fortunes fluctuate so greatly over the last 20 years as Everton, taking in league championships, a European trophy, cup final heart-aches, cup final victories, nerve-shredding relegation escapes and just about anything else that can happen to a football club. Players have come and gone - some good, some great, some not so great - as have managers, chairmen and, almost, the ground itself. Daily Post columnist and fanzine editor MARK O'BRIEN set out to capture a flavour of what it likes to be an Evertonian in his book 'What's Our Name? Everton!', a diary of the 2003/2004 season. O'Brien admits: "When I proposed 'What's Our Name?' to the publisher I thought we were going to be playing in Europe, and when we narrowly missed out it was decided that a domestic season featuring Wayne Rooney and the rest of Moyes's boys would still provide enough material worth reading about. "And it certainly did, but instead of charting our continued progress it became a record of the horrible realisation that much is still amiss at Goodison, culminating in the final-day fiasco at Manchester City and the seeds of the desperate situation that has developed over the summer. "However, believe it or not, it's not all doom and gloom, as one of the constants is the supporters' determination to see the funny side in the face of adversity. After all, the mere act of travelling around the country, spending heaps of money to watch a bunch of often-disinterested millionaires kick a ball around a field is absurd in itself. More specifically though, the lengths that you have to go for tickets, the mishaps that occur while travelling to away games, the ridiculous transfer rumours and the nervous excitement you experience during the 90 minutes on matchday never change whether you're at the top of the league or at the bottom." On the day Everton face Manchester United for the first time since last year's epic 4-3 encounter at Goodison Park, we delve into the book for a timely extract.
Saturday 7th February 2004
"I'm not staying for any more of this, I'm going to the pub, I'll watch the second half on the Norwegian." "Behave Gaz, we could be about to witness history here. If Everton lose 8-0 do you not want to be able to tell your grandkids you were there?" "No I don't. I'm going for a pint and then I'm getting the early train back to London, I'll see you at Southampton." And with that, Gaz, my angry lawyer friend, joined hundreds of other Evertonians who walked out of Goodison in disgust after watching our team produce one of the most gutless 45 minutes in living memory. Manchester United are 3-0 up at the break, but that scoreline doesn't do them justice. What's most galling is that Alex Ferguson's side haven't even had to work for their lead. They've had the complete freedom of midfield, while their defenders have faced little threat from Everton's front pairing of Duncan Ferguson and Francis Jeffers. Now I'm a massive fan of David Moyes, but his decision to play Jeffers ahead of Rooney and Radzinski, who are both on the bench, borders on disgraceful. Unlike some people, who haven't forgiven the way he left Everton or his reaction when he scored against us at Highbury, I have no axe to grind with Jeffers; I just know he isn't as good as the other two players vying for his place in the side. When we get back to our seats, ready to take our second-half whupping like men, it comes as no surprise to see that the two lads who sit in front of us have also decided to 'beat the traffic'. To our constant amazement they normally leave about five or 10 minutes before the end of every match, no matter how delicately poised it is. As a result they missed three of the highlights of last season: Radzinski's injury time clincher against Southampton and Wayne Rooney's last minute winners against Villa and Arsenal. That last one, Rooney's first senior goal, against the undefeated Gunners, to make him the youngest ever top-flight scorer, is one of the greatest Everton moments of all time. "Were you there when Rooney scored that goal against Arsenal, dad?" "Er, no son, I was just pulling out of the Vernon Sangster car park. I'll never forget seeing it that night on the Premiership though. Happy days lad, happy days." Anyway, David Moyes, unsurprisingly, makes a treble substitution. He could take any three of the outfield players off and noone would bat an eyelid. He plumps for Alessandro Pistone, Francis Jeffers and Steve Watson. On come Radzinski, Rooney and Gary Naysmith. Soon Naysmith delivers a near-post corner that Duncan Ferguson flicks on for the stooping David Unsworth to force over the line at the far post. There's some consolation anyway. We're waiting for United to reassert themselves again, but they seem to be retreating into their shells. The rain is lashing down now and Rooney's got the bit between his teeth, driving at a rattled defence who are punting the ball anywhere and then arguing among themselves. It looks as if the youngster's pulled another one back for us when he forces his way through a crowd of United players and lets fly with a dipping shot, but Tim Howard stretches out an arm and flicks it behind for another corner. Naysmith's delivery to the near post is spot on again though and O'Shea, while concentrating on trying to block Ferguson's run, heads the ball into his own net. The United supporters' first-half demands for Everton to 'bring on the fat kid' seem to be backfiring as Rooney shows just why he deserves to start playing regularly in his proper position. He tears the back out of Wes Brown and flicks a cross with the outside of his right boot that tempts both Ferguson and Kil-bane to attempt overhead kicks. They both unfortunately fail to make contact, but the incident inspires the Goodison crowd to further heights of hysteria as the atmosphere in the grand old stadium positively crackles. With 15 minutes left on the clock, Fletcher fouls Kilbane and the Blues are awarded a free-kick by the touchline, 30 yards out. Gravesen swings it to the near post, Kilbane makes a late run, the ball smacks off the Everton player's head and flashes past the helpless Howard and into the back of the net. Three-three. Unbelievable. How can one of the most abject halves of football ever witnessed be followed immediately by the most tense, rousing 30 minutes imaginable? Now at this point I wish I could say, in Warner Brothers' fashion, 'That's all folks', or in the style of French cinema, 'Fin', but this is Everton. The players are trying to summon one last push to snatch a winner, but the very act of drawing level, of feeling like we've made it off the hook, seems to have released the pressure in the stadium. That frantic edge has gone and United, like Muhammad Ali with a split glove, have cleared their heads. As we approach the final minutes Martyn makes a vital stop from a low Scholes drive, and we breathe a sigh of relief. We look set for a famous point. As if. Ronaldo, all corn-row haircut and pointless step-overs, finds space on the left edge of the Everton box and for once looks up and delivers a decent cross to the far post. Neither Alan Stubbs nor Tony Hibbert has picked up the run of van Nistelrooy and the long-faced Dutchman nods home the winner from close range. I actually find myself kicking my chair like some sort of deranged person. Imagine Basil Fawlty attacking his car with a branch and you will get the idea of the sort of impotent rage I'm trying to convey. On the pitch there's mayhem; it's difficult to tell what is exactly happening, but the stewards are all out along the front of the Paddock where Ronaldo seems to be getting involved with several less than chuffed fans. At the same time the rest of the United players are celebrating in front of the Family Enclosure, which is also in uproar. "A lifetime of supporting Everton summed up in 90 minutes," is the verdict..
* 'What's Our Name? Everton!' is available in the shops or from www.whenskiesaregrey.com or by sending a cheque for £8.50, payable to Mark O'Brien, to 'WSAG Book Offer', PO Box 226 Liverpool L69 7LE.
Moyes enjoys pressure of the hot-seat
By Ian Doyle, Daily Post Staff
Aug 30 2004
DAVID MOYES has insisted he is "thriving" on the responsibility of guiding Everton through their tumultuous start to the season. Moyes watched his side record their second successive victory of the season by beating West Bromwich Albion 2-1 at Goodison, thanks to two goals from Leon Osman. It was a welcome respite for the manager, who has struggled to bolster his squad throughout the summer due to financial constraints at the club and has been helpless to prevent Wayne Rooney demanding an exit from the club. But Moyes has reiterated he has no plans to step down as Everton manager and has saluted both supporters and players for the manner in which they have responded. "The fans have been tremendously supportive of me and the club as a whole," he said. "They can see what is happening and are supporting us. "I am lucky to be manager of Everton Football Club, and long may it continue. I enjoy the responsibility and have done since I was a player, I always wanted to be captain and then a coach and a manager. I think I thrive on responsibility."
He added: "We didn't know up until a few days ago that we'd get any money in, which has given us a chance to sign players. So we've been planning all along that we would be working with the same squad of players. "From day one when the players came back for pre-season, there has been a different feel about them, a bit of life among them. We all know what we want to do and what we want to achieve and I think they have shown that." Moyes was seen applauding Marcus Bent during the second half after the striker chased down the West Brom defence, and he explained: "What people want to see is total honesty and commitment, and I said after that game to Marcus that is the reaction you get if you work hard, because people can see it." Leon Osman, meanwhile, is hoping his first Goodison goals can help him build on his promising start to the season. "I had a few chances first half and could have had a penalty towards the end, but I was pleased with the two goals," said the 23-year-old, who has started all three of Everton's games. "I have been confident during the summer and the two goals will obviously help in that respect. I am hoping my form can keep me in the team and keep others out. "With all that is going on, all we can do is deliver a win on the Saturday and the last two Saturdays we have achieved that."
Missing prodigy casts a shadow
By Alex Wright Everton Supporter, Daily Post
Aug 30 2004
LIKE Lord Voldemort of Harry Potter fame, He Who Must Not Be Named continues to cast a dark shadow over Goodison Park - even when he is not there. The chanting may have helped ease the frustration of seeing a great wizard of the game refusing to weave his magic for us anymore, but some of the graffiti goes beyond the pale. Fortunately David Moyes is proving remarkably single-minded amid the maelstrom. More cash on the table for He Who Must Not Be Named? Who knows, I've been concentrating on the match. And quite right, too. The prospect of losing football's greatest prodigy must not distract Everton from the most important priority of all - bagging as many league points as possible. So three more in the bag, then, against the Baggies and the early season banana skin seems to have been neatly side-stepped. The legion of pundits lining up to predict relegation had forecast early season setbacks against sides still high on the adrenaline of promotion, leaving Everton down among the dead men right from the off. But first Palace and now West Brom have been despatched with the minimum of fuss and while that doesn't mean we need to dust off our passports for next season just yet, neither will we need to get the gazetteer out to find the way to Plymouth or Gillingham. So full marks, too, to the players for shrugging aside a subject that must top the daily topics of conversation at Bellefield and offering a glimmer of light for the future.
Leon Osman is shining as brightly as anyone. But please don't saddle the poor lad with any sort of comparisons with He Who Must Not Be Named. Let Osman be his own man.
Newcastle leave United alone in Rooney race
Stuart Mathieson
August 30, 2004
Manchester Evening News
MANCHESTER UNITED were today wrapping up the Wayne Rooney deal as rivals Newcastle officially quit the race for the England striker. The Geordies had put in two bids for the 18-year-old last week and sparked United into action. But Newcastle chairman Freddie Shepherd gave the Reds a clear run to land Sir Alex Ferguson's major target when he said today: "We made a genuine offer. It is better to have tried and failed than not to have tried at all." The Reds topped Newcastle's second bid of '23.5m over the weekend forcing the St James' Park club out of the auction. United and Everton officials were expected to meet at Old Trafford today when the two teams play in the Premiership to agree a fee for the player who finally put in a Goodison transfer request last Friday.
Reds' chief executive David Gill tabled United's second bid of around '25m and with no eleventh hour rival showing up to drive the price higher Everton were having to face the prospect of receiving less than the '30m they'd hoped to hold out for and will probably accept some kind of instalment payment from United. Rooney's medical should be undertaken and the deal finally concluded before tomorrow's transfer deadline.
Manchester United 0 Everton 0
August 30, 2004
Manchester Evening News
FERGUSON: Frustrated
WAYNE Rooney's future may be unclear but Manchester United could certainly do with a little bit of magic after dropping two home points today. The constant chatter around Old Trafford before this noon showdown was the Rooney transfer saga and Bobby Robson's departure from Newcastle.
The veteran manager's exit would appear to give United the edge in a bid to secure the England and Everton striker's signature before the transfer window closes tomorrow. United have made a second bid, believed to be '25million, and are awaiting a response from today's opponents.
Everton, though, had the last laugh by picking up a point their work ethic deserved. With Arsenal and Chelsea having perfect records at the start of the season, United knew a home victory was vital even this early in the campaign. However, they made heavy weather of it and have now lost ground early in the campaign. Everton began brightly and Alessandro Pistone raced forward in the fourth minute only to see his header clear the bar. Then United youngster Jonathan Spector lost possession in the middle of the park and Kevin Kilbane raced clear on goal. Goalkeeper Tim Howard was alert to the danger and raced out to get in a timely challenge on the Republic of Ireland winger.
The home side stepped up the pressure and Paul Scholes released Gary Neville inside the area.
Neville sent his effort wide of the target when Scholes was looking for his England colleague to play the ball back to him. However, Everton were looking dangerous on the counter attack and Leon Osman, who scored twice at the weekend, found space on the edge of the area. He whipped in a shot that beat Howard but went narrowly wide of the target. Tim Cahill was next to show and Howard got down quickly to block his effort as the visiting fans voiced their approval.
Kleberson found space on the left for United but his cross carried little weight and Nigel Martyn was able to make a comfortable save. The Brazilian then took his game up a gear in the 39th minute and found Louis Saha with a neat little delivery after a good run. It was a clear chance but from six yards the former Fulham striker steered a header wide of the post. Kleberson got in on the act again two minutes later when he whipped the ball in to the back post. Everton defender Tony Hibbert was perfectly placed and made the clearance under pressure from Alan Smith. This was a good spell of pressure from United before the break and the home supporters had suddenly found their voice again. Everton were looking well organised and disciplined with David Weir, Alan Stubbs and Lee Carsley doing some stout defensive work at the back and in the middle. Marcus Bent tried his luck from distance for Everton at the start of the second half only to see his effort clear the bar.
Then it was the turn of United's 18-year-old American defender Spector to have the crowd on its feet. He advanced deep into the Everton half and hammered in a shot that was only marginally wide of the target. John O'Shea lofted the ball forward in an attempt to find Saha only for Martyn to take a clean catch. Cristiano Ronaldo suddenly burst into life after 53 minutes and almost made the breakthrough for United. He jinked past two defenders and thumped in a shot that came back off the post with Martyn scrambling desperately. Everton then had strong appeals for a penalty waved away by referee Dermot Gallagher when Mikael Silvestre appeared to handle a cross from Carsley.
United retaliated and Saha got away from his marker but his shot failed to trouble Martyn.
Everton continued to look threatening when they did go forward especially in the air now Duncan Ferguson had replaced Bent. Sir Alex Ferguson rang the changes in the 63rd minute bringing on Ryan Giggs and David Bellion for Darren Fletcher and Kleberson. Certainly without Giggs, United had looked short of width with Ronaldo often forced inside. But in the space of two minutes Scholes found the side-netting and Smith rattled a shot against the post. United were stepping up the pace at a crucial stage and Smith was beginning to find an extra yard or two. He got away from his marker in the 79th minute but his header went wide of the target. Giggs was beginning to win a lot of possession and delivered some good crosses into the penalty area. Then Stubbs almost turned a header past Martyn before the veteran goalkeeper pushed a shot from Scholes onto the post.
Kenwright's show of pure genius
Aug 30 2004 By David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
BILL KENWRIGHT produced the footballing equivalent of plucking a rabbit from a hat last week.Having seen a Russian-backed takeover package slink dramatically into the shadows as a result of a page one splash in the Sunday Times, he produced an alternative £15m package inside 48 hours --and made £6m instantly available to David Moyes.As ever, the source was top secret, but it has been assumed - probably safely - that multi-millionaire pal Philip Green had something to do with the funding.Whatever the source, however, it was a coup, a masterstroke, a financial filip (no pun intended) which was sadly overshadowed by the Rooney machinations.Such was the secrecy surrounding the deal that many presumed the £6m was merely an advance from the bank on the promise of either the Rus-sian takeover or a Rooney sale.It was neither. It was fresh funding plucked from the ether and one which had Kenwright receiving pats rather than knives in the back on Saturday afternoon.
Everton 2, West Brom 1 (D, Post)
Aug 30 2004 Ian Doyle At Goodison Park, Daily Post
THE ever-swinging pendulum of football favouritism has probably never been so graphically illustrated than at Goodison Park on Saturday. Barely 24 hours earlier, the consensus among Evertonians was that Wayne Rooney must remain at the club and everything should be done to ensure the youngster continued the development of his embryonic career within the protective fold of his boyhood club. The pleas were being made to David Moyes, to the Everton boardroom and the player himself for no move to be made. The flurry of e-mails dropping into our sportsdesk bore testament to the desperation with which supporters wanted the 18-year-old to stay. One transfer request later, however, and you'd be hard pressed to find even a handful of Everton fans with such sentiment this morning. From terrace hero one day, Rooney now finds himself daubed the one thing supporters despise most of all. A Judas. "Stand up if you hate Rooney," was the one printable chant emanating from a vociferous Gwladys Street crowd towards the end of a second successive Everton victory at the weekend, the loyal followers, having urged their team towards three points, then airing their displeasure at recent events. And while the rumoured half-time walkout failed to material-ise, the 25-strong demonstration outside the ground during the interval against the striker - not to mention the unacceptable "Rooney die" graffiti which greeted people returning to the club car park after the match - was further evidence of how supporter emotion had changed over-night.
Of course, Rooney - who wisely stayed away from the ground on Saturday - hasn't gone yet but his comments in the Press yesterday clearly show his Goodison career has reached the point of no return. Some may argue that a move to Manchester United - for that is surely where Rooney is heading - represents a logical and career-enhancing transfer, but it is the manner in which the whole saga has been handled that has caused the real angst. You can't blame Rooney for wanting to play Champions League football. Instead blame him for heeding the advice of his self-interested advisors, the legion of so-called experts who believe his career can only be improved away from Goodison and the persuasive tittle-tattle from his more-decorated England team-mates. Fingers must also be pointed at the Everton board and their predecessors. It isn't every day a club produces one of the finest fledgling talents the world game has seen, yet due to the confusion that has and continues to taint this proud club, it has taken barely 25 months from Rooney to go from debut to departure.
And despite Bill Kenwright's less-than-subtle attempts to the contrary, Rooney's sale does not rest purely on the say-so of manager Moyes. In truth, there is no decision to make: a club so deep in debt would be stupid to hold on to their most valuable asset when he wants to leave and has potential suitors willing to offer £20million-plus for his services. Given Everton's seemingly eternal perilous financial state, Rooney was always going to leave at some point. But so soon? Moyes is one of many who believes the timing is all wrong. Despite all the verbals, teeth-gnashing and fist-clenching, Rooney is merely one player. Everton will live on, and in time the striker will be replaced in the fans' affections by another talismanic figure on which they can pin their hopes. And while a player of his calibre proves the exception rather than the rule from players emerging from the Everton - or indeed, any - Academy, it was heartening to witness a product of that same youth system continuing to grab his opportunity with both hands during the sideshow of the game itself. Unlike his soon-to-be former team-mate, Leon Osman was forced to bide his time before his big chance arrived. A mainstay of the Everton reserve set-up, the midfielder was farmed out on loan to Carlisle United and Derby County before being handed a first Premiership start at Wolves at the age of 22 in May.
He scored within 100 seconds and has not looked back, building on an encouraging pre-season by keeping his place on the right of midfield and on Saturday proving the matchwinner with two headed goals. His first came two seconds later than at Molineux during a surprisingly exciting start to what was an ultimately one-sided encounter. Along throw by Thomas Gravesen from the left was flicked on at the near post by Kevin Kilbane into the danger area and, ghosting in at the far post, the unmarked Osman stretched his 5ft 8ins frame to head into the opposite corner past Russell Hoult.
Home joy lasted five minutes when another set-piece drew West Brom level, slack Everton defending from Jonathan Green-ing's corner from the right allowing Scott Dobie to thump a header in from close range. That was basically the only real goal threat from the visitors who, save a 10-minute period during the first half, were always on the backfoot and often had to resort to the most agricultural of defending to repel the building Blue tide. The one shining light for West Brom was the gangly frame of Kanu, whose talent was some distance ahead of his team-mates. It does beg the question if a team as unfashionable as West Brom can attract such iconic figures, why don't Everton? Armed, you would think, with a weighty transfer kitty, hopefully Moyes can change that before the season is out. Hoult did well to parry clear a powerful Joseph Yobo header from Gravesen's corner soon after West Brom's equaliser but otherwise Osman remained the most likely threat for the home side, heading wide from a similar position to his goal, volleying over after neatly chesting down Alessandro Pistone's cross and then firing a long-range effort narrowly over. Deliveries into the box were proving Everton's most profitable route and after the lively Marcus Bent had wasted two decent headed openings either side of half-time it was no surprise to see the height of Duncan Ferguson introduced for the tiring Kevin Campbell on 62 minutes. Within seven minutes, the substitution paid dividends. Ferguson's presence around the area forced a foul from West Brom's record signing Martin Albrechtsen, and after Lee Carsley's curling free-kick seemed to be heading into the grateful arms of Hoult, Osman popped up to divert the path of the ball away from goalkeeper and head into the middle of the net. It was clever play by the midfielder, who took advantage of West Brom keeping a player on the goalline by moving into the space in front of Hoult whereas normally he would be caught off-side. The goal was just reward for a high-pressure second-half performance from Everton. Bent and Ferguson later came close with headers before Osman had a strong claim for a penalty turned down when he appeared to be felled by Darren Purse, although at the other end West Brom had their own calls for a spot-kick when Andy Johnson struck a pass against Alan Stubbs's hand. After having seen off Crystal Palace in such emphatic fashion the previous week, this defeat of another promoted side was further evidence that if the magnificent team spirit can be embellished with a few new signings before the transfer window closes in midweek, the Premiership depths should be Everton-free during the winter months.
Before that, though, is the small matter of Manchester United at Old Trafford. Intriguing is not the word.
EVERTON (4-4-2): Martyn; Hibbert, Yobo, Stubbs, Pistone; Osman, Gravesen, Carsley, Kil-bane; Bent, Campbell (Ferguson 62). Subs: Wright, Weir, Watson, McFadden.
WEST BROMWICH ALBION (4-4-2): Hoult; Scimeca, Gaardsoe (Albrechtsen 23), Purse, Robinson (Moore 64); Gera (Haas 54), Clement, Johnson, Greening; Kanu, Dobie. Subs: Kuszczak, O'Connor. BOOKING: Scimeca (foul).
REFEREE: Peter Walton. ATT: 34,510.
Everton 2, West Brom 1 (Echo)
Aug 30 2004 Scott Mcleod At Goodison Park
LIFE after Wayne Rooney didn't begin on Saturday - it began at the start of July when David Moyes' Everton squad returned for pre-season training. The teenager's broken foot meant he wasn't involved in the trips to Austria or Houston. He wasn't present for the graft on the training ground and didn't experience the bonding and morale building which has made the first few weeks of the season far more enjoyable than they should have been. Asking 'WAYNE who?' might be going a bit far. He is one of the finest talents in the country. There is no other player in the Goodison squad who can even come close in terms of ability. And if his next game in the Premiership will be in anything other than the royal blue of Everton, then it will be a sad occasion. But, far from leaving behind a club in tatters, if he does go before tomorrow's transfer deadline he will be bidding farewell to a squad which is well placed to make an impressive fight of maintaining the club's top flight status. Indeed, whisper it softly, but they could even avoid a relegation dogfight altogether.
Some astute business in the transfer market and a little luck when it comes to injuries and suspensions will be required, but there is cause for optimism or, to put it another way, hope.
After the opening day defeat to Arsenal I suggested a better barometer of what to expect this season would be the games against Palace and West Brom. A six-point haul isn't a bad response. But it is the way in which the side has picked up those victories despite very obvious limitations which has impressed. There is no doubting there are significant problems for the manager. His squad is smaller than it has ever been, older than it has ever been and possesses less genuine top quality than ever before. Those problems will not go away in a hurry. The Blues look incapable of keeping a clean sheet and are relying too greatly on hard graft. But, despite that, they are producing the goods - at least against the division's weaker sides, the sides many expect them to be alongside in the table for much of the campaign. Rooney would make a difference to any team. To the current Everton side he would be the glistening jewel - but only if he was happy to wear the shirt. On Saturday, there was no Everton player capable of making the kind of impact Rooney can make. But each of those players gave their all for the cause. All 11 demonstrated why, if Rooney were to stay, he has a lot of work to do to earn a place in the side. Leon Osman and Marcus Bent typified the spirit. Bent missed some golden opportunities but his head never went down. He chased down every loose ball and put the heat on whichever defender was in possession. He did a lot to endear himself to the fans in his first league start at Goodison. Osman matched Bent's endeavour but was able to get his name on the scoresheet. After the game Moyes admitted that the 23-year-old from Billinge is one of the most talented footballers at the club. He also conceded that the midfielder's slight frame means he has to work doubly hard to prove he can hack it in the top flight. Scoring two headed goals isn't bad for starters. Osman was a constant threat, providing good crosses and regularly exploiting what space he could find in the box. He is a player who has the unerring nack of being in the right place at the right time. His goals provided evidence, as did the three decent chances he fired over.
Last season the side was completely devoid of any real goalscoring threat from midfield. But with Osman on Saturday and Thomas Gravesen a week earlier at Palace, it has been the midfield men leading by example in front of goal. Before their visit to Goodison, Gary Megson's men had been unbeaten in their opening three games. After the events of the last few days the home side had a point to prove, starting at breakneck pace to take the lead inside two minutes via a Gravesen long throw, a Kevin Kilbane flick-on and Osman's backpost header. Scott Dobie equalised shortly after with a header from a corner. Everton can't seem to play a game without conceding at least one goal.
They are susceptible down both flanks. And whoever plays in the full-back positions seems incapable of producing 90 minutes of sound defending at t And when Osman glanced the ball beyond Russell Hoult from a Lee Carsley free-kick in the 69th minute the outcome was assured. So the crowd turned their attention to the other pressing matter - Rooney. There were a couple of choice chants, one which I couldn't possibly repeat in a family newspaper and another which suggested greed is the player's driving force. The sentiment was inevitable following Friday's written transfer request from Rooney. The player all Evertonians cherished the most has kicked them in the teeth with his admission he wants to leave. And if the couple of songs on Saturday got under his skin, he will have to wear earmuffs if he ever plays at Goodison in anything other than an Everton jersey. The crowd's real focus was the dugout. David Moyes is now the man on whom all fans' hopes are pinned. It is an expectation he thrives upon. BLUE HEAVEN: Leon Osman celebrates his early goal (main picture) and turns away after grabbing his second goal (above), while Marcus Bent challenges for possession and two fans show their feelings towards Wayne Rooney
Blues hell-Bent on bright new attitude
Aug 30 2004 David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
AN indication of Everton's approach to life after Rooney was sign-posted minutes from the end of Saturday's crucially important success.Marcus Bent chased down West Brom defender Scimeca with an intent bordering on the murderous.Alarmed, Scimeca shuffled the ball on to Darren Purse. Bent refused to give up the chase and switched his attentions. Purse played the ball on again. Undaunted Bent carried on harrying and eventually rushed the Baggies defence into giving up possession.Goodison Park reacted with a noisy standing ovation, led by clearly impressed manager David Moyes.It was the kind of attitude Everton will need by the bucket-load in the weeks and months ahead.Not even the most blue-spectacled supporter could try to suggest that Marcus Bent will offer the same kind of qualities as Wayne Rooney.But he will try to fill that huge hole in the only way he knows - by running his nuts off for the Everton cause.Where Rooney offered inspiration, Bent will provide perspiration.And the reaction from the Goodison gallery shows that they appreciate that honesty.It was a welcome change from the apathy and the disinterest which plagued the final five matches of last season.That prompted stinging criticism on these pages - and happily an angry reaction from some of those players - although perhaps notably it was the players I would consider to be the more professional at the club who reacted with the greatest hurt.Marcus Bent was not an Everton player then, but he has been part of a different mindset amongst the squad --one which has been noticed by boss David Moyes."From day one when they came back for pre-season there has been a different feel about the players," he said. "There has been a bit of life about them. We all know what we want to do and what we want to achieve and I think they have shown that."Happily that attitude appears to be infectious - although it didn't quite reach as far as the left-back berth which still seems to be immune to any out-break of enthusiasm.But the labouring Pistone apart, Everton produced a willing, workmanlike performance which did what three other clubs had already failed to do this season - and defeat West Bromwich Albion.After the trip to Old Trafford, Everton will put up their feet for 12 days - before another visit to Manchester laden with significance and symbolism.The 5-1 reverse at Eastlands in May represented the nadir of a black, black summer.How fitting if it came to represent the rebirth of a new era, one without Wayne Rooney - but with a vibrant new attitude at the club.
Total honesty and commitment the crucial key for Moyes
Aug 30 2004 By Scott Mcleod, Liverpool Echo
DAVID MOYES will make sure any new faces arriving at Goodison in the next 24 hours will be under no illusions as to the effort and work-rate required to keep pace with the current squad.The Goodison chief remains optimistic of his side's chances in this season's Premiership, despite the inevitable departure of Wayne Rooney, because of the attitude his players have shown in the last two months.The manager threw down the gauntlet to his small squad when they reported back for pre-season training in July - challenging them to make amends for last season's dismal final league position.And he believes the victories against Crystal Palace and West Bromwich Albion provided further evidence his players are equal to the challenge."From day one when they came back for pre-season there has been a different feel about the players, a bit of life about them," he said."They all know what we want to do and what we want to achieve and they are showing that."Yes, we would like more. But if we don't have more, we have got a small-knit squad to use and we will try and make the best advantage of that small squad, which can sometimes work in your favour at times as well. "What people want to see is a total honesty and commitment. I said after Saturday's game what happens when you work hard and people can see it."Two goals from Leon Osman provided the victory on Saturday and Moyes was quick to praise the fans for the very vocal backing for the team and the manager in the second half of the game.He added: "We have great supporters here. At the end of the game myself and the players wanted to show how together we are here."This is a great football club and it will go on a lot longer than any player, manager or chairman. I have said many times that this is a club for the people of Liverpool and they are showing it at the moment by giving us great support."The fans have been incredibly supportive of myself and the team. It makes me realise how lucky I am to be manager of Everton and long may it continue."I enjoy responsibility. I thrive on responsibility. My job is to get the best out of the players we have got here and at the moment the players are doing great."One player Moyes remains eager to add to his ranks is Liverpool's Djimi Traore.The Frenchman was set to complete a £1.5m move on Friday before Rafael Benitez blocked the transfer. He was used as a first half substitute against Bolton yesterday.Moyes explained: "I thought things were under way for Friday and we had a medical set up but at the last minute it was pulled."I am still hopeful something might be done but I can't say if it will or not. My understanding is that Djimi Traore wants to come to Everton and hopefully we can make that happen."
Sorrow of Blues legend
Aug 30 2004 By Tony Barrett, Liverpool Echo
EVERTON legend Alan Ball is to lift the lid on his family heartbreak in a new book.The England World Cup winner tells the story of how his wife and daughter were both diagnosed with cancer within months of each other, in his autobiography Playing Extra Time.Ball, 59, is visiting Merseyside on September 9 when he will be signing copies of his new book at Goodison Park.Literary critics have already lavished praise on Playing Extra Time for the way in which Ball takes read-ers through one of the most difficult periods in his life.Alan lost his wife, Lesley, to ovarian cancer in May this year.Lesley died at a time when the couple's daughter, Mandy, was fighting breast cancer.Mandy, 37, is responding well to treatment and is now considering having more children with her husband Dave.Alan is now ready to share his experiences with others and he can think of no better place to do it than Goodison Park which holds so many happy memories for him.He said: "Of course I can't wait to go back to Goodison. It is a special place."A spokesman for Everton FC confirmed there are still a limited number of tickets available for the event, priced £45 per person including a four-course meal and a copy of Alan's book.He added: "Everyone at Everton is looking forward to seeing Alan. He is a true legend of the club."
Wizard of Os is new Blues hero
Aug 30 2004 By Scott Mcleod, Liverpool Echo
LEON OSMAN managed to put a smile back on the faces of Evertonians on Saturday.His brace of headers provided the Blues with their first home win of the season.But the 23-year-old midfielder from Billinge remains unfazed by his newfound status as the club's new young hope.He is just intent on making sure that, now he is in the team, he can do enough to stay there."I am hoping that my form is going to keep me in the team and in the process keep others out. But with the competition we have for places you can never get too settled."On a personal level, I have been confident anyway. The two goals will make it even better and as far as the team is concerned, we have been confident all summer."All we can do is deliver a win on a Saturday."Osman's goals have taken his tally to three from six starts for the club.It is a reflection of his form in the reserves in recent seasons and while on loan at Derby last year."I don't necessarily set myself targets but I like to score as many as I can and I am disappointed if I feel that I haven't scored as many I should have."Looking at the game, I suppose I could have had a few more.I had a few half chances in the first half and maybe I could have had a penalty late in the game but I am pleased with the two goals and the win."Osman's performance was well received by David Moyes.The Goodison chief has never doubted the midfielder's natural ability. But question marks remained over his ability to make the grade in the top flight because of his size.Moyes said: "He is a good player. We have said that all along."He is a terrific little player who went out on loan and did well at Derby last year. When he came back we put him into the team, he was very good in pre-season and he is such a skilful little player that he helps make us play."But in the Premiership you have got to be big and strong as well and he is doing everything that he can to make that part of his game good as well."He has got a heart as big as anybody and that makes up for it. He knows what he has to do to be part of the side and he is doing it very well."The other side is not in question at all. As a football player, he is as good as we have. He can play in a number of positions, up front and across midfield."
Rooney to sever Everton ties today
By Andy Hunter, Daily Post
Aug 31 2004
WAYNE ROONEY will be granted his wish to leave Everton today once Bill Kenwright has thrashed out the terms of his £25million departure to Manchester United. Everton were still no closer to sanctioning the controversial sale of the 18-year-old last night despite lengthy negotiations between Ken-wright and United chief executive David Gill before and after the goalless draw between the clubs at Old Trafford. But a deal is expected to be agreed this morning - with Rooney severing ties with his boyhood club before 5pm tonight. The transfer has been held up over how Everton's asking price will be paid. United have offered £20m over the length of Rooney's contract with £5m based on ambitious targets such as winning the Champions League. But Kenwright is demanding £20m up front with an extra £10m based on more achievable targets such as Champions League qualification.
Everton's bargaining position, however, has been compromised by Rooney's determination to leave Goodison Park plus, in a further development yesterday, his refusal to consider a move to Newcastle. Freddy Shepherd still harbours hopes of luring the England international to St James' Park and is considering a third and final bid today. But Sir Bobby Robson's sacking and the ongoing unrest at the club has convinced Rooney his future lies at Old Trafford, leaving United as the only runners in the race for the striker and improving their chances of securing a deal for £25m.
Kenwright may accept the extra £5m providing it is based on more achievable targets, but will not budge on his insistence Everton receive 25% of any future sell-on fee for the former Goodison idol.
As he left Old Trafford yesterday the Everton chairman said: "I had a chat with David Gill but nothing has resulted from it. I truly don't know what is happening at the moment but Wayne Rooney is still an Everton player." And manager David Moyes admitted: "I haven't even spoken to anyone about it since Saturday so I couldn't give any indication on what will happen. I haven't thought about whether he has a future at this club. All I know is that he is a joy to work with, a real talent, and I hope he stays. Apart from that, I don't know what else to say." Kenwright and Moyes are braced for another hectic deadline day as they prepare to sell Rooney and bolster Everton's threadbare squad in the process. Thomas Gravesen and Joseph Yobo both missed yesterday's morale-boosting display against United and have been linked with moves to Aston Villa and Newcastle respectively.
Both, however, were absent through injury at Old Trafford and Everton will not entertain any deals for the pair. "I don't know anything about Thomas Gravesen going to Aston Villa. He won't be going to Aston Villa," stated Kenwright. Moyes's prospects of signing Djimi Traore have faded, but the manager and chairman are confident additions will be made today. "I would like to sign Djimi Traore if I can but I'm not sure now," said Moyes. "If there is anyone else coming in I don't think it will be a major signing, perhaps just a loan or two. "We are short of numbers and if we could have got who we wanted it would have been okay but it is a bit late in the day now. The board have been very supportive and they will keep trying right until the dead-line." The £2.5m-rated Serbian central defender Milan Dudic is a possible target after Kenwright revealed the club were seeking a work permit for a permanent transfer. He added: "Hopefully we will get a work permit for a player tomorrow and there could be a couple of players coming in on loan if David fancies it. We have been working on deals tirelessly but David will not add to his squad unless it is a genuine addition who will improve the team. He is not interested in just making up the numbers."
Traore's poised to stay at Anfield
By Andy Hunter, Daily Post
Aug 31 2004
RAFAEL BENITEZ looks to have won his fight to convince Djimi Traore to stay at Anfield as Liverpool officials ruled out a move for Real Mallorca full-back David Cortes. Centre-half Traore was expected to complete a £1.5million transfer to Merseyside rivals Everton this weekend only to be included by Benitez in the squad for Sunday's defeat by Bolton. The 24-year-old was selected ahead of Stephane Henchoz for the game at The Reebok and has been told he will figure more regularly for the club this season by Benitez. Traore is keen on a move to Goodison after growing frustrated at making just 75 appearances for Liverpool since his £550,000 signing from Laval in 1999. But the new Liverpool manager is reluctant to lose any more players without making any signings and hopes to have convinced the French defender to extend his career on the red half of Merseyside. Benitez was linked with a £2m move for Mallorca right-back Cortes yesterday. But having just spent that sum on former Malaga defender Josemi, Liverpool officials distanced themselves from such a move last night. Liverpool are not expected to make any late moves before the transfer deadline, although talk of a Thai takeover at the top has reappeared again with media tycoon Paiboon Damrongchaitham insisting he has made an offer to invest in the club. Damrongchaitham, the chairman of Thai-land's largest music company GMM Grammy, revealed his interest in Liverpool in June when he supported Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's failed attempt to buy a 30% stake in the club. The GMM chairman has since set up a holding company that hopes to purchase a similar stake in Liverpool despite Steve Morgan's continuing attempts to gain majority control from David Moores at Anfield. "We have sent our proposal about rights and benefits to Liverpool. We expect to get some answer from them next month on whether there will be another discussion or not," said Damrongchaitham. "The price will be the same the Thai government proposed but the number of shares may be less or more. After the purchase, I will list shares of Liverpool Thai Holding on the Thai stock market."
Moyes hails Everton's 'best so far'
By Andy Hunter, Daily Post
Aug 31 2004
DAVID MOYES believes Everton achieved their finest result of the season yesterday as they put the Wayne Rooney saga to one side for a deserved draw against Manchester United. The goalless draw was Everton's first point at Old Trafford since a 2-2 draw in 1996 and helped end a miserable sequence of results against Sir Alex Ferguson's team. Moyes's side have now collected seven points from four games in a stirring response to those tipping them for relegation this season. And the Everton manager believes the result could have a major impact on his squad's morale and hailed it as even more important than the victories over Crystal Palace and West Bromwich Albion. Moyes said: "I would say this is our best result of the season so far. We have won one and drawn one away from home now and we would have settled for that. "This was a great team performance. I was a bit wary of coming here after watching their game against Blackburn on Saturday. They had so many chances I feared they might take them out on us. "But we defended really well today and as a team. We were very organised and we had a few chances to have won the game ourselves. "Apart from maybe Highbury this is the last place you want to come on a Bank Holiday Monday after playing on the Saturday. There were a few jaded legs out there at the end, but this was a great team performance and result." Moyes, who was without Joseph Yobo and Thomas Gravesen, was delighted with the debut of £2m summer signing Tim Cahill but insisted Everton's team spirit was the biggest factor in holding United. "I am proud of that performance," added Moyes.. "The boys have worked really hard and shown a great spirit but the only place to show that is on the pitch and they did today. "The team has been united since we reported back for pre-season. We have had a very hard time off the pitch but it is just a case of sticking our chests out and getting on with it. "Whatever is said or happens to us, it is all about what happens over that white line. We didn't do too well over it last year and we all need to do better. All I can ask is they do their best. "I thought Tony Hibbert did well against whoever they put in front of him and is improving and Tim Cahill had an excellent debut before he went down with cramp in the second half. We were missing Joseph Yobo who has been terrific for us this season but David Weir, who needed six stitches in his head, and Alan Stubbs showed all their experience." Everton had a strong penalty appeal turned down by referee Dermot Gallagher when Mikael Silvestre handled inside his own area just after the interval. And Moyes admitted: "I thought it was a penalty and maybe there was another for a push on Duncan. But I'm sure there are plenty of managers who have said that at this ground and got nothing.
'Nothing resolved on Rooney' - Kenwright
August 31, 2004
Manchester Evening News
Everton chairman Bill Kenwright claimed last night that "nothing had been resolved" in the Wayne Rooney transfer saga. Kenwright met Manchester United chief executive David Gill for dialogue yesterday as the clubs played out a 0-0 draw at Old Trafford. United tabled a second bid, believed to be '25million, for the 18-year-old at the weekend and are still awaiting a response. With the transfer window about to close they are running out of time, especially as a medical and personal terms have to be sorted out. Kenwright told Sky Sports: "We had a chat but nothing has been resolved. "Wayne Rooney remains an Everton player." Asked if he expected anything to happen in the next 24 hours, Kenwright replied: "I don't know. I truly don't know." United were keeping quiet about the situation. Manager Sir Alex Ferguson refused media requests for interviews after the game.
Talks
And there were reports he took this stance as he was locked in talks himself with Gill about Rooney.
The youngster did not play for Everton at Old Trafford as he recovers from a foot injury. Speaking after the game Everton manager David Moyes said: "I cannot give any indication about the situation.
"We have not even spoken about it today." The Everton fans constantly taunted the absent Rooney, who handed in a transfer request last week, but Moyes said: "I have not thought about that.
"Wayne is a very good player and is a joy to work with." Moyes added: "I do not know what else I can say about the situation."
Reds reach outline agreement for Rooney
August 31, 2004
Manchester Evening News
TOUR OF THE GROUND: Wayne Rooney at Old Trafford with Sir Alex Ferguson
Manchester United have told the Stock Exchange that they have reached an 'outline agreement' for the transfer of Wayne Rooney from Everton. United's statement to the Stock Exchange read: Manchester United plc has reached an outline agreement with Everton FC for the transfer of the registration of Wayne Rooney, subject to his successful completion of a medical. 'Details of the agreement will be announced when all terms are complete.' The 18-year-old striker arrived at Manchester United's training ground for a medical this morning. It is believed the England striker is set to seal a '25million move from Everton. The Goodison Park club confirmed the player was undergoing a medical. Everton had earlier today insisted they were still seeking 'the best available deal' as Manchester United tried to complete the signing of Wayne Rooney before the transfer deadline. Everton spokesman Ian Ross said: 'I must stress that no deal has yet been done. We have always said we are looking for the best available deal for the club and supporters - and that is what we intend to do.'
Deadline
Transfers involving money or fees must be completed before 3.30pm, although players can still be signed on loan until the European deadline at midnight. The England striker arrived at the training complex with United's club doctor Mike Stone. Rooney had not been in the stands at Old Trafford when Everton drew with United yesterday but arrived in Manchester less than 24 hours later.
He hit out at Everton at the weekend for the response to his transfer request last week and said he was "gutted" at the situation at the club. Fans at Goodison jeered the absent teenager during their team's 2-1 win against Albion after he demanded a move. Newcastle had also bid for him, but United were believed to have increased their offer for the player who is yet to score 20 goals in club football. The Croxteth-born player has scored 17 goals for the Toffees since arriving in the Premiership spectacularly two years ago. Rooney's reputation - and consequently his transfer value - rocketed in the summer when he was the star of England's otherwise unremarkable Euro 2004 campaign, until breaking the fifth metatarsal bone in his right foot in the quarter-final defeat against hosts Portugal.
Everton holding out for best Rooney deal
August 31, 2004
Manchester Evening News
Everton today insisted they were still seeking "the best available deal" as Manchester United tried to complete the signing of Wayne Rooney before the transfer deadline. The 18-year-old England striker, who had also been targeted by Newcastle, was undergoing a medical at United's Carrington training complex following tests at a Manchester hospital earlier this morning. However, the two clubs have yet to officially confirm a transfer fee - United having increased their bid to '25million over the weekend. Everton spokesman Ian Ross said: "I must stress that no deal has yet been done. We have always said we are looking for the best available deal for the club and supporters - and that is what we intend to do."
Deadline
Transfers involving money or fees must be completed before 3.30pm, although players can still be signed on loan until the European deadline at midnight. Rooney is currently out of action after breaking his foot at Euro 2004. But that would not appear to have deterred United from getting their man, who arrived at the training complex with United's club doctor Mike Stone. Rooney was not in the stands at Old Trafford when Everton drew with United yesterday but arrived in Manchester less than 24 hours later.
United v Everton: Player ratings
Stuart Brennan
August 31, 2004
Manchester Evening News
HOWARD: One fine save from Cahill, and 89 minutes of tedious spectating, with the rest of us 5
G NEVILLE: Did his job defensively, but a left-foot curler aimed at the top corner was a tad ambitious 6
O'SHEA: Uncomfortable against Ferguson and guilty of some aimless use of the ball 5
SILVESTRE: Too many long punts but kept it tight at the back 6
SPECTOR: Might be the rookie in the team but a few could follow his determined example 8
FLETCHER: Looked like he has regressed after last season 4
KLEBERSON: Needs more physical commitmenty if he is to make his mark in the Premiership, but gave glimpses of his ability 5
SCHOLES: United will be glad he as a week off to re-discover the real Paul Scholes 4
RONALDO: Hit the post, a few fancy bits of dazzling footwork, but looked jaded by the second half 6
SAHA: Took a while to find an understanding with Smith and will need to do better, if Rooney is bought, in order to keep his place 6
SMITH: Rugged commitment, but his goal threat was snuffed out by a strong Everton defence 7
Substitutes
GIGGS (Kleberson 63 mins) : Gave United some attacking thrust 7
DJEMBA-DJEMBA (Fletcher 63): Made little impression 5
BELLION (Ronaldo, 81): A substitution necessitated by Ronaldo's obvious tiredness 5
BOOKINGS: Everton - Osman (40), Cahill (52)
ATTENDANCE: 67,803
REFEREE: D Gallagher
Rooney will suceed at Reds says Stubbs
August 31, 2004
Manchester Evening News
Everton defender Alan Stubbs believes Wayne Rooney will create a big impact if he seals a deadline-day transfer to Manchester United. Stubbs has seen the 18-year-old England striker grow and has nothing but admiration for him as a player and a man. "Wayne is a special player and will fit in well if he goes to United," said the former Celtic star. "If it does happen I wish him well. He is a good pal. If it does work out for him I will be delighted. "It would be a massive move for Wayne and would generate a lot of money for Everton." Stubbs is looking for closure on the saga. United made a second bid, believed to be '25million, after Rooney handed in a transfer request.
Hopeful
"Hopefully it can be sorted out and we can get on with other things," he said. "I think both parties would like that now because the situation has dragged on a bit." Rooney did not play at Old Trafford yesterday as he is still recovering from a foot injury but Everton still managed to secure a valuable point.
Rooney completes United move
August 31, 2004
Manchester Evening News
United have completed the signing of England striker Wayne Rooney from Everton. The 18-year-old is now registered as a United player after he passed a medical with the club earlier on Tuesday and all the details were finally agreed. The clubs reached "outline agreement" earlier in the day and the deal was completed with four and a half hours to go before the closure of the transfer window.
Rooney has signed a six-year contract with United, who will pay Everton a basic '20million, with half to be paid immediately and the other half due on August 1, 2005. There are contingent payments totalling up to an extra '7million dependent on the fulfilment of various clauses over the next five years. Rooney's representatives, Pro-Active Sports Management Ltd, could be paid '1.5million - depending on Rooney's loyalty to United - for their role in the acquisition of the player and the negotiation of his personal terms.
Tough
Rooney will be unveiled at a 1pm press conference on Wednesday. He said: "It was a tough decision to leave Everton, the club I've supported and played for all my life, but I'm excited to be joining a club as big as Manchester United. "I feel this can only improve my career, playing with top players in top competitions like the Champions League and I can't wait to meet up with the team."
Manager Sir Alex Ferguson is thrilled to have Rooney on board after competition for his signature from Newcastle. He said: "I am very excited, I think we have got the best young player this country has seen in the past 30 years. Everyone is delighted by this signing."
Man Utd 0, Everton 0 (D, Post)
Aug 31 2004 Andy Hunter at Old Trafford, Daily Post
ONE of the countless conspiracy theories surrounding Wayne Rooney is that Everton are the driving force behind his impending departure. Well, that suspicion is now tumbling down a grassy knoll given the contrary evidence supplied by his current/former team-mates yesterday. Everton at Old Trafford has become the greatest foregone conclusion in the history of the Premiership. Their annual defeat, for it is always thus, arrives courtesy of an embarrassing 90-minute mauling or a late sucker-punch to deflate a resilient rearguard action. The question is more about how much pride is taken back down the M62, not how many points. If this miserable trip could ever get any worse than surely it had to have been yesterday. Not only were United salivating at the prospect of three points they were besides themselves with anticipation at "saving" Rooney from the desperately sad, manufactured exit from his boyhood club. But so much for the script. At 1.48pm it was the small corner of blue at Old Trafford that was bouncing with joy, Everton who were sitting pretty in seventh place after a start that has included the last two Premiership champions and yielded as many points as United and Newcastle combined, leaving Sir Alex Ferguson staring at his worst opening to a season for 11 years. Obviously United will recover - Rooney can see to that - but after a summer of absolute torture for Everton, and a barrage of blows that still seems neverending, this was a day for the club to savour. Not only had David Moyes delivered a gameplan that worked to perfection, and which could have won the game had a strong penalty claim been awarded, but their first point since 1996 at Old Trafford was secured with a performance that suggests there is a way out of this current mess and with a sense of unity that can see them defy all the odds this season. It was a perfectly timed and executed reminder that one man doesn't make a team, let alone a club, no matter how great that talent is. The only pity was that the centre of the maelstrom wasn't here to witness Everton's first good result on this ground since he was 10 years old. Although with banners such as "Rooney is a Kopite" in the away section,, perhaps that was just as well. Rooney is the first genuine superstar Everton have been blessed with for decades. He was everything the club's fans could ever wished for as a hero figure. But deprived of that, consolation must come from players who will still give everything for their club and who can restore some much-needed pride. For all the sadness and bitterness surrounding the 18-year-old's distasteful exit, some of that arrived yesterday. From the excellent debut of summer signing Tim Cahill, the confidence flowing through Leon Osman, the revival of Tony Hibbert and Lee Carsley, and the outstanding professionalism of David Weir and Alan Stubbs, Everton showed heart and took plenty out of this result. They were helped by a United team that may have been without Roy Keane, Ruud van Nistelrooy and Rio Ferdinand and who hit the woodwork twice, but has lost its aura of invincibility nevertheless. However, reputation alone has been enough to crush Everton here in recent years and yet from the very first challenge of this contest there was never any suggestion a repeat was on its way. Only in a 10-minute spell at the end of both halves did United press and harry Everton with any serious conviction, and with the white band of Weir's head winning everything - after an early collision with Alan Smith resulting in a gaping wound and six stitches - the chances of the late-winner scenario were effectively limited.
For the rest of the contest the tale was more about Everton's work ethic, spirit and, at times, the style that could have turned a well-earned point into a wonderful three. The omens, it must be said, did not look good from the moment the team sheet arrived. The team's best performers of the season so far - Joseph Yobo and Thomas Gravesen - were out with knee and hip injuries respectively, although interest from Newcastle United in the defender plus Aston Villa and Fulham in the idfielder ahead of today's deadline did nothing to ease the more cynical view that they could be following Rooney out of Goodison too. Perish the thought. With five men strung across the middle, the headline for the mission screamed Damage Limitation Exercise. It was a policy Moyes employed without effect at Old Trafford last season, when Rooney was deployed as an attacking right-sided midfielder, and added to the pre-match pessimism. But then the game kicked off. Almost instantly Everton, with both Osman and Cahill comfortable and confident on the ball, Carsley snapping at everything that moved and Marcus Bent tireless as the lone striker, settled into their stride and stopped United getting into theirs. Every home attempt to take the play out wide was thwarted by the numbers in the visiting midfield or a stubborn defence and until United stepped up a gear around the 35th minute, Everton held the edge. Kevin Kilbane headed over from the game's first attack then beat Tim Howard in a 50-50 only for the impressive Jonathan Spector to clear the loose ball ahead of Cahill. Osman twice went close from distance before Cristiano Ronaldo tested Everton goalkeeper Nigel Martyn for the first time with a near post free-kick in the 22nd minute. Louis Saha headed United's clearest opening of the half wide just before the break as Everton were gradually forced deeper and deeper but, unlike so many other occasions, they managed to stem the tide and turn it again after the interval. Four minutes after the restart John O'Shea won the benefit of a close handball call from Dermot Gallagher. Yet while that one could have gone either way, there should have been no disputing the decision five minutes later when Mikael Silvestre clearly palmed the ball away under pressure from substitute Duncan Ferguson but again escaped. Kleberson almost turned an Alessandro Pistone cross into his own goal as the visitors continued to play with a belief and conviction that has been missing too many times against the Premiership's leading pack, but inevitably United - bouyed by the introduction of Ryan Giggs - finished the contest on the offensive and searching for that all-too-familiar late strike. Ronaldo struck Martyn's left-hand post after a fine waltz beyond two Everton defenders and the excellent Smith, the man Moyes dreamed of signing to partner Rooney at Goodison (the irony!), was also foiled by the woodwork when he beat his former Leeds team-mate with a powerful low drive. Martyn was then the equal of a Paul Scholes shot on the turn in the 87th minute as the visiting bench grew increasing twitchy with time running out. But they need not have feared. With United resorting to high balls into the box having been foiled from working their way wide by the dogged Hibbert and Pistone, Everton's centre-halves excelled and there was no way through. Just, perhaps, a way out of a dreadful summer for Everton. As has been the case following the victories over Crystal Palace and West Bromwich Albion, the feelgood factor of a positive Everton result is sure to be punctured by another development in the Rooney saga today. The boy who would be king is on his way from the boyhood home where he was worshipped. He will never recapture that. Hopefully the money received from his sale will help transform the club's standing both on and off the pitch, so that next time Everton have a rare talent they are desperate to keep they are actually in a position to tempt him to stay. Anything else out of this debacle is too frightening to contemplate. There won't be, however, another Rooney gracing Goodison for many, many years. That dream has died a horrible death, but Everton must move on.
MANCHESTER UNITED (4-4-2): Howard; G Neville, O'Shea, Silvestre, Spector; Fletcher (Giggs 62), Kleberson (Djemba Djemba 62), Scholes, Ronaldo (Bellion 81); Smith, Saha. Subs: P Neville, Carroll.
EVERTON (4-5-1): Martyn; Hibbert, Weir, Stubbs, Pistone; Osman, Watson, Carsley, Cahill (Naysmith 69), Kilbane; Bent (Ferguson 54). Subs: Wright, Campbell, McFadden. BOOKINGS: Osman and Cahill (fouls).
REFEREE: Dermot Gallagher.
ATT: 67,803.
Man Utd 0, Everton 0 (Echo)
Aug 31 2004 Scott Mcleod At Old Trafford
THE last time Everton got anything at Old Trafford Wayne Rooney was a fresh-faced 10-year-old kicking a ball around the backstreets of Croxteth and dreaming of one day playing for his beloved Blues. That 2-2 draw was back in 1996, a little over 12 months after Joe Royle's side had won the FA Cup to book a place in Europe. Eight years on, and it is the failure of Everton to match such feats which apparently convinced Rooney it was time to table a transfer request. Makes yesterday's draw something of an irony, doesn't it. The result doesn't prove the Blues are capable of challenging the elite on a weekly basis. But it does provide a timely reminder that the grass isn't always greener.
Maybe Rooney has not noticed the transformation in the mood around Bellefield this season because he has been concentrating on his recuperation and on packing his bags. But the change has revitalised things on the pitch. Gone are the lacklustre displays which made last season so frustrating, replaced by a new focus and a never-say-die attitude. This result was the reward for that endeavour and ensured the side moved to sixth in the table. And that without three star players, Rooney and the injured pairing of Joseph Yobo and Thomas Gravesen. The size of the squad and the fact the much-needed £15m cash-investment provided by Bill Kenwright has come a little too late in the day for the manager to make a significant splash in the transfer market means it is way too early to start making bold predictions. Even a top 10 finish would exceed expectations. But, for the first time in months, something seems to be going right. Which is why it is galling to know Rooney's blue blood has not persuaded him to show his club a little more patience. A display of loyalty from the teenager would have given supporters an enormous lift at a time when any shred of good news has been ravenously devoured. Instead, the player's eagerness to get away after having his head turned has saddened and angered in equal measure. The match was just 26 seconds old yesterday when the 3,000 travelling fans began their first anti-Rooney chant. The home crowd were quick to respond, taunting their guests with 'Rooney, Rooney'. But by the final whistle, the 18-year-old was the last thing on their minds. The flying starts by Chelsea and Arsenal meant this was a vital game for United, which made the final outcome all the more impressive from an Everton perspective.
That it was achieved without the rock-steady Yobo or the midfield playmaker Gravesen is outstanding. When the teamsheets were handed round the press room before the game there were a few worried faces among the Merseyside contingent. David Weir was making his first start of the season, Tim Cahill was thrown in at the deep end for his Premiership debut and Marcus Bent was ploughing a lone furrow in attack. The defence looked susceptible to speed and there wasn't much craft in midfield. It led one hack to quip: "Apparently Everton have told Alex Ferguson they will put Rooney's price tag up by £2m for every goal scored." But the doubters were soon silenced. Everton didn't just hold their own when the game got underway, for half an hour they were the better side.
Kleberson, Darren Fletcher and Cristiano Ronaldo were outmuscled in midfield by Lee Carsley, Cahill and Steve Watson, although it was a shock that the Australian's 'enthusiasm' didn't lead to a booking any earlier than the 51st minute. The other player cautioned was Leon Osman, which tells you exactly how hard everybody in the side worked for the outcome. The resilience was typified by Weir, who played much of the game with a bandage protecting a wound which later required six stitches. There was a heavy reliance on Kevin Kilbane and Osman to get forward in support of Bent when the Blues countered. Osman fulfilled the role well, with his shoot-on-sight attitude providing two sizzling efforts from the edge of the box which just sailed over the bar. But Tim Howard was only really called into action once, dashing off his line to block a Cahill effort in the opening period.
He should have been tested from 12 yards at least twice in the second half, but Dermot Gallagher was following the unwritten rule of refereeing: 'thou shalt not give a penalty to the away side at Old Trafford.' A blatant handball from Mikael Silvestre and a shove on Duncan Ferguson were both missed by the ref. And so, having failed to take what chances that were created, it was a tense end to proceedings. The Blues were in a similar position two seasons ago. On that occasion, a late blitz from United stole the points. But there was a steely resolve about the side yesterday.
The siege mentality is serving them well. They didn't buckle under the late pressure and took heart from the sight of the thousands of fans trailing out of the ground in the final 10 minutes. If this game marked the start of a new era without Rooney, then it was apt that the Blues wiped the slate clean defensively and showed a resolve that will serve them well in the months to come. If he was watching, maybe he even had a few second thoughts.
MANCHESTER UNITED (4-4-2): Howard; G Neville, O'Shea, Silvestre, Spector; Kleberson (Giggs 64), Fletcher (Djemba-Djemba 64), Scholes, Ronaldo (Bellion 82); Smith, Saha. Not used: Carroll, P Neville.
EVERTON (4-5-1): Martyn; Hibbert, Weir, Stubbs, Pistone; Osman, Watson, Carsley, Cahill(Naysmith 70), Kilbane; Bent (Ferguson 54). Not used: Wright, McFadden, Campbell.
REFEREE: Dermot Gallagher BOOKINGS: Osman, Cahill.
Once a Blue... today a Manc!
Aug 31 2004 Liverpool Echo
WAYNE Rooney is a Manchester United player.The Stock Exchange announced "an outline agreement" between the clubs, as the Blues tried to squeeze every possible penny out of Rooney's departure.No figure was published, but Everton were demanding a guaranteed £25m.The UEFA deadline for transfers is midnight tonight, but all financial details must be concluded by close of regular office hours - effectively making the deadline 5pm.Everton fans today spoke of their anger and sense of betrayal over teenage Rooney's departure.
Subscribe to The Evertonian and win VIP tickets
Aug 31 2004
HOW DO you fancy winning a pair of VIP match tickets for the Blues' forthcoming match against Middlesbrough on Sunday, September 19 (kick-off 3pm)?That is exactly what is on offer if you subscribe to the Evertonian magazine [ click here ].To mark the start of a brand new season, we have given the club's offical magazine a brand-new look. Not only does it have a different look, it is packed with a whole host of new features for you to enjoy.On top of that, this month we've spoken exclusively to new signing Tim Cahill, and chatted to old hands Richard Wright and James McFadden. We've also got exclusive interviews with Goodison legends Alex Young, Neville Southall and Jim Arnold.If you're a blue-blooded Evertonian, you'd be mad to miss out! Subscribe to the magazine by Thursday, September 16, 2004 and you will be entered into a prize draw to win two VIP tickets for the club's hugely popular Blue Brasserie, where you can enjoy a meal and drinks in style before watching the match unfold on the hallowed Goodison turf.
United sign Rooney
Aug 31 2004 By David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
WAYNE ROONEY was completing a move to Manchester United today - as Everton went to the wire to get the transfer fee they wanted for him.The Blues were still playing a multi-million pound game of bluff with United in a bid to squeeze every possible penny out of Rooney's departure.Everton were demanding a guaranteed £25m, plus a share of any sell-on which could one day take his total transfer payments towards £30m.The UEFA deadline for transfers is midnight tonight, but all financial details must be concluded by close of regular office hours - effectively making the deadline 5pm.United have offered £10m down and £10m in 12 months, but wanted the remaining £5m to be dependent on the team's achievements this season.Bill Kenwright, however, was insisting a larger chunk of the £5m be guaranteed.Rooney arrived at Manchester United's Carrington training complex this morning to begin a medical - even while 11th hour negotiations were continuing.Developments over the past few days have left Newcastle out of the frame for Rooney - even though their £23.5 million offer would have seen more money up front going to Everton and the rest following quickly. The Blues, meanwhile, hoped to bring in at least one new face today - with AC Milan's Croatian defender Dario Simic in the frame.A right-back, capable of also playing centre-half, the Croatia skipper played against England at Euro 2004 and is currently being kept out of the Milan team by Cafu. The deal would be a of the Milan team by Cafu. The deal would be a season-long loan, with a view to a permanent deal - but could only go through if Everton can push through a work permit today.Neither manager David Moyes nor chairman Kenwright would comment, but both were bracing themselves for a day of frantic activity.However, Southampton striker James Beattie will not be a deadline day acquisition.Last year Everton signed four players on transfer deadline day, Kevin Kilbane just 60 seconds before the 5pm cut-off.
'He's betrayed his fans'
Aug 31 2004 Liverpool Echo
Wayne Rooney's decision to walk away from Everton has left fans feeling let down and bitter. As the player's future away from Goodison is being thrashed out today MARY MURTAGH and JENNY WATSON discover just how deep that resentment runs.THE latest Goodison Park graffiti reads: "Could have been a god but chose to be a devil."Angry Evertonians expressing their sense of betrayal over Wayne Rooney's defection haven't spared the paint - or minced their words - at the ground..No sooner have ground staff painted over the latest anti-Rooney slogan at Goodison than a new one appears.This morning Rooney car stickers lie among the empty crisp packets in the gutter of Gwladys Street, ripped off in disgust by disappointed Evertonians.It seems yesterday's 0-0 draw against Manchester United - the club Rooney is tipped to join - did nothing to ease the pain.Staunch Blues fans watching the game at the Prince Albert pub, under the shadow of Goodison, yesterday said they have been resigned to this day for months but still feel Rooney has let them down.Warren Swale, who lives on Gwladys Street and has held a season ticket for more than 25 years, said: "If Rooney had been really after playing at the best club in the country, he would have gone to Arsenal." But he chose Man United with all the history of hatred between them and us."When we were playing them on Monday, the Man U fans were shouting 'We hate Scousers' - so how are we meant to feel about him being there having his medicals while our men were on the pitch?"The 40-year-old decorator added: "The fans didn't care about the scandals, only how he performed on the pitch."He traded on being a born and bred Blue, but only while it suited him. Now he is after the big money at a club where he can carry on living the nice life in Formby. "We won't miss him." Season ticket holder Dave Francis, 43, said: "We feel like we nurtured him only to be betrayed at the earliest opportunity."Full-time mother Liz Brennan, who lives on Neston Street, said: "How many mothers have paid £10 to put Rooney on their kids' shirts?"There were thousands of them walking to the match last week in the new kit, all with Rooney.."He has been sly waiting until the very last minute and didn't think of the fans' feelings even though it is us who paid his wages."It is greedy to want more than £50,000 a week." Wayne Rooney's decision to walk away from Everton has left fans feeling let down and bitter. As the player's future away from Goodison is being thrashed out today MARY MURTAGH and JENNY WATSON discover just how deep that resentment runs.Her five-year-old son Joel, who had Rooney's name printed on his shirt last season, said: "I don't want Wayne to go."And older fans have felt just as angry.Josephine Sloane, 75, lived around the corner from the Rooney family before they moved from their Croxteth council house.She has been an Everton fan for 65 years and she scattered her brother's ashes at Goodison to fulfil his last request.Last night from her bed in Fazakerley hospital she felt so angry she decided to phone the ECHO.She said: "We should have fought harder to keep Wayne in Everton."Liverpool is where he belongs."I am ill but all I can think about is what is happening at the club."At the official Everton Shop near Central station, drunk fans have been shouting abuse at staff as they make their way home.But workers claimed people were still buying Rooney shirts over the weekend and they have not put them on any price promotion.It is no wonder fans are frustrated according to lifelong Evertonian Keith Gadie, 47, of Crosby.He said: "I am disappointed Rooney is going but it was inevitable. I think the club and fans should have kept a dignified silence over it."I am pretty gutted over it all. I think we deserved some sort of loyalty."It has been a rollercoaster year for the 18-year-old England international.From the demi-god status he enjoyed after his performance at Euro 2004, he is now the subject of unchari-table chants from the terraces.The feeling is that the Croxteth teenager has bitten the hand that fed him.Everton was the club which discovered him.The boy from Croxteth who made good has been gracing the pages of the ECHO since 1998.The latest revelations about his private life in the tabloid press smack of a rock 'n' roll lifestyle which is a far cry from his humble and working class background.Rooney may be hot on the heels of the other Merseyside leaver Michael Owen.But his departure will haunt him for much longer.
Penalty snub the only sore point for boss
Aug 31 2004 Liverpool Echo
DAVID MOYES left Old Trafford yesterday delighted with a draw but rueing the refereeing decision which denied his side all three points.The 0-0 draw provided Everton with their first point away to Manchester United since 1996.It was also the club's first clean sheet since the trip to Chelsea last April. "I think this result is the best of the season so far," admitted Moyes.."Old Trafford is the last place you would choose to go to for the second game of a Bank Holiday weekend."I was a bit worried coming here after watching them get so many chances at Blackburn on Saturday. I thought those missed chances could start to go in here, but we defended really well as a team and actually made a few good opportunities ourselves."And I thought we should have had a penalty kick for the handball (by Mikael Silvestre midway through the second half) and I thought there was another for a push on Duncan Ferguson."But I am sure there have been a lot of managers who have come away from here saying that!"Moyes added: "I am proud because these boys have done great and are really working hard together."We have had a decent start to the season and we will try and maintain that."
'Roo will be hit at United'
Aug 31 2004 Liverpool Echo
ALAN STUBBS believes Wayne Rooney will create a big impact if he seals a deadline day transfer to Manchester United.The Blues defender has seen the 18-year-old England striker grow and has nothing but admiration for him as a player and a man."Wayne is a special player and will fit in well if he goes to United," said the former Celtic star."If it does happen I wish him well. He is a good pal. If it does work out for him I will be delighted."It would be a massive move for Wayne and would generate a lot of money for Everton."Hopefully the deal can be sorted out and we can get on with other things."
August 2004